News : International
Washington West students feel the Bahamian vibe - Mar 19, 2010 - 7:52:20 PM

Olean, NY - The photo and following text was printed in the Olean Times Herald:

Washington West Elementary students partake in a Junkanoo, a traditional, carnival-like event held in the Bahamas, March 18 at St. Bonaventure University. The children learned Bahamian dances and made special outfits as part of the elementary school's ongoing culture collaboration with a class in the Bahamas.

News : Bahamas Information Services Updates
CICTE X adopts Bahamas-drafted Declaration - Mar 19, 2010 - 6:13:20 PM

WASHINGTON, DC -- National Security Minister the Hon OAT “Tommy” Turnquest, who chaired the 10^th regular session of the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE), said at the end of the three-day conclave that discussions over the course the session underscored the validity and legitimacy to the Bahamas-proposed theme “Public/Private Partnerships In The Fight Against Terrorism”.  

Mr Turnquest, whose work as Chair of the meeting was supported by The Bahamas’ National Point of Contact for the CICTE Peter Deveaux-Isaacs and Second Secretary Charice Rolle, said he had been honoured and privileged to hold the chair.  

On the aptness of the theme, he said, “It was our intention during these deliberations...

News : Bahamas Information Services Updates
Attorney General addresses what is needed for Prosecution of a Matter in the Courts - Mar 19, 2010 - 5:41:25 PM

Nassau , Bahamas - The cooperation of several aspects of the justice system is required for prosecution of a matter in the courts. Included among them are physical facilities, judges, juries, prosecuting and defence counsel, witnesses, the accused and police and prison.

Addressing Senators on the 2009-2010 mid-year Budget Statement Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Senator the Hon John Delaney said, “Addressing the requirement of timely trials is not a matter of the Department of Public Prosecutions alone. Nonetheless, our Department, some 22 lawyers strong, plays an important role.”

A backlog of criminal matters have accumulated in the Department of Public Prosecutions over an extended period of time and are pending for prosecution. Some of the maters date back more than 10 years and many have accumulated during the past 10 years said the Attorney General...

News : Local
Bahamian experiences Chile earthquake - Mar 19, 2010 - 3:04:10 PM

Local businessman, Theo Tsavoussis was finishing a week's vacation in Chile and was only one day away  from returning to his home in The Bahamas when the devastating 8.8 earthquake hit and since displaced 1.5 million people.

Tsavoussis gives an account of his experience during the earthquake, "I was fast asleep on the second floor of a friend's house when the bed began to shake.  I sat up half asleep wondering what was going on.  All of a sudden the the entire house started to shake violently.  We were in the mountains and the sound was so loud and terrible, like thunder that wouldn't stop."

"It finally dawned on me that it was an earthquake.  I jumped up and tried to walk, but it was impossible. The house was now swaying back and forth about a foot each second.  Every time I tried to take a step my foot would land wrong...

News : Bahamas Information Services Updates
Association of International Banks and Trusts Companies Executives pay a courtesy call on the DPM - Mar 19, 2010 - 1:06:12 PM
Nassau, Bahamas -- Executives of the Association of International Banks & Trusts (AIBT) Companies in The Bahamas paid a courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon Brent Symonette at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Goodman’s Bay Corporate Centre, Friday, March 19, 2010.

They met to discuss issues facing the industry and how to best solve them.

Pictured from left: Anastacia Johnson, Fabrizio Tuletta, Bruno Roberts, Christian Coquoz, chairman, AIBT; Mr Symonette, Robert Lotmore, Ivanhoe Sands, Dominique Lefevre, and Peter Horton...

News : Bahamas Information Services Updates
Dr Hepburn leaves his post as Chairman of the AMMC to serve his term at UNESCO - Mar 19, 2010 - 12:53:43 PM

Nassau, Bahamas - Dr Davidson Hepburn, outgoing Chairman of the Antiquities, Monuments, and Museums Corporation (AMMC) has left to serve as President of the General Counsel of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris, France.     

Speaking on his last day at the Corporation on March 12, Dr Hepburn said, “I don’t like to consider myself the past Chairman of the AMMC because it was a wonderful experience here and I enjoyed every moment of it.”   

As the chairman of the AMMC, he was keen for Bahamians to become knowledgeable about the history of the country.  He also helped promote and plan the restoring of Old Nassau, which is part of the Downtown Revitalization Project... 

News : International
OAS to Host Haitian Diaspora Forum for Nation Rebuilding - Mar 19, 2010 - 9:22:07 AM

The Organization of American States (OAS) will host a forum beginning this Sunday, March 21, to Tuesday, March 23, that will bring together numerous organizations of the Haitian Diaspora in the Americas, representatives of the government of Port-au-Prince and other national governments seeking to develop recommendations for a short-term and long-term recovery plan for the country following the January 12 earthquake.

The “Haitian Diaspora Forum: Contributing to the Strategic Plan for Reconstruction and Development in Haiti” will include the participation of, among others: Jose Miguel Insulza, Albert R. Ramdin, Edwin Paraison, Hillary R. Clinton, and Yves Robert Jean...

News : Bahamas Information Services Updates
Almost six thousand pre-register for National Prescription Drug Plan - Mar 19, 2010 - 8:40:32 AM

NASSAU, The Bahamas -- Almost 6,000 Bahamians have pre-registered for Phase I of the National Prescription Drug Plan which is scheduled to be launched before Summer, 2010, Minister of Health, Dr the Hon Hubert A Minnis said Wednesday.  

The pre-registration drive is being conducted by officials of the Ministry of Health, the Department of Public Health the National Insurance Board at health clinics and NIB offices on the islands New Providence, Grand Bahama, Exuma, Abaco, Eleuthera, Andros, Long Island, San Salvador, Bimini, Inagua and Mayaguana, Cat Island, Crooked Island and Acklins “for the convenience of Bahamians everywhere.”  

Dr Minnis urged those persons who “fall in the eligible groups of persons” to continue to register for membership in The Plan “as soon as possible”...

News : New Providence
IBS and Marathon Bahamas partner for a winning website - Mar 18, 2010 - 9:00:02 PM

Nassau, Bahamas – Marathon Bahamas was the brainchild of Bahamian businessman Franklyn Wilson and the race was on for a quick launch to a superb finish in just under 5 months.   What a journey it was for the players involved and it ended on February 14^th in high glory due to the fact that it had over 500 registered participants including Grand Bahamian winner, Delroy Boothe who raced against seasoned local and international marathoners.  

Behind the scenes of the marathon was Integrated Business Solutions (Bahamas) Ltd. also known as IBS International.   This important player helped Marathon Bahamas stay in the lead with a high quality, interactive website that is on par with those of the Boston, New York, and Miami marathons.  

Donovan Moxey, PhD is the CEO of IBS International and a Bahamian who came highly recommended. ..

News : Grand Bahama
(VIDEO) Economic Injection as Circus Comes to Town - Mar 18, 2010 - 6:38:48 PM

On hand for the announcement was event organizer, David Wallace, Soft Touch Productions, along with circus co-sponsors, the Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA), the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce and representatives from beneficiary organizations.

According to GBPA’s Business Development Manager – Derek Newbold, the highly-anticipated circus has the prospect to impact local businesses.  “This project has the capacity to greatly benefit the small business community of Grand Bahama by generating economic activity locally.

News : International
(VIDEO) Earth Hour 2010: March 27 from 8:30 to 9:30pm - Mar 18, 2010 - 6:20:20 PM
 
Turn out your Light - Show Support!

In 2009 hundreds of millions of people around the world showed their support by turning off their lights for one hour.

Earth Hour 2010 will continue to be a global call to action to every individual, every business and every community. A call to stand up, to show leadership and be responsible for our future.

Pledge your support here and turn off your lights for one hour, Earth Hour, 8.30pm, Saturday 27th March 2010.

It’s Showtime! Show what can be done...

News : Grand Bahama
Michael A. Weber appointed new GM at Our Lucaya - Mar 18, 2010 - 3:50:54 PM

Lucaya, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas -  Veteran hotelier and seasoned industry professional, Michael Weber has been appointed General Manager for Our Lucaya Beach & Golf Resort in Freeport Grand Bahama.

“We are very excited about Mr. Weber’s appointment and confident that his demonstrated level of success and proven track record in the sales and marketing field, particularly at this crucial time in the tourism industry will no doubt propel the resort forward,” said Raymond Chow, Group Managing Director of Harbour Plaza Hotels & Resorts, which manages the resort.

Mr. Weber has spent more than twenty years in hospitality management serving as General Manager for upscale 4 and 5 star resorts including il Lugano Luxury Suite Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Coral Hospitality in Islamorada...

News : Bahamas Information Services Updates
The Bahamas takes the Chair at a ceremony in Washington DC - Mar 18, 2010 - 3:34:19 PM

WASHINGTON, DC -- National Security Minister the Hon Tommy Turnquest assumed the chairmanship of the 10^th Regular Session of the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE) – an arm of the Organization of American States – at a ceremony in Washington DC on Wednesday evening. It is the first time The Bahamas has chaired the Committee.  

The Bahamas was elected by acclamation to chair the committee through March 2011, after having served as Vice Chair to Mexico over the last year. Colombia nominated The Bahamas, citing among other things the country’s “widespread activity” in support of Mexico’s chairmanship as reason to support The Bahamas in the position of chairman. Canada, a major contributor to the OAS and the CICTE, seconded the nomination...

News : Bahamas Information Services Updates
West Grand Bahama’s Local Government set to honour outgoing Administrator - Mar 18, 2010 - 3:30:43 PM

EIGHT MILE ROCK, Grand Bahama -- Members of the Local Government Townships in the West Grand Bahama District and members of statutory boards will hold two events for retiring Family Island Administrator, Rufus Johnson this weekend.  

Chief Councillor for the West Bahamas District, Marjorie Darville said, “We want to first call on God’s grace and so we will be attending church as a unit on Sunday.  We will assemble at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Eight Mile Rock for the 11:00 a.m. service.

“From there, we will travel to Everlena Reception Hall in Deadman’s Reef for a special luncheon where we will pay tribute to Mr Johnson in a more tangible way,” she said.  

Minister of State for Lands and Local Government the Hon Byron Woodside will be the featured speaker at the luncheon...

News : International
Kendrick Kemp moves into Talent Finals at Mr. World - Mar 18, 2010 - 3:28:38 PM

South Korea - Mr World sports challengers faced the Muju Mountain climb in treacherous conditions. They set off early in the gondola which took them 1522m above sea level. When they got to the top of the mountain in the cable car they faced a steep climb to the peak with icy rocks and rugged terrain to navigate. The teams showed fantastic work rate to reach the top and even more to get down the slippery slopes. The hungry contestants came back for lunch before heading out again for the second stage of the Sports with the Paintball and ATV challenge.

Talent Finals took place today at Gyeongju and Kendrick performed traditional dance, whereupon the Mr. World Facebook page said, " Bahamas steps on stage performing a high energy, high tempo dance routine, and the crowd is really enjoying this.. ."

News : Ministry of Tourism Updates
Rising British Director Scoops £14,000 in 14 Islands Film Challenge - Mar 18, 2010 - 2:15:21 PM

London, England - The search for the UK’s most talented film director in Britain came to an end last night as 32 year old Robin Schmidt was announced as the most talented filmmaker in the country, winning £14,000 to launch his career.  

Held at The Princess Anne Theatre, BAFTA in London, The 14 Islands Film Challenge Awards presented four awards to the hottest filmmakers in the UK. Oscar-nominated producer Finola Dwyer and chair judge and BBC director Bharat Nalluri awarded prizes on the night, including the Armchair Critics award, voted by the public to Kevin Curtis.  

As well as taking the first prize of £14,000 Robin Schmidt also becomes the Canon Ambassador for 2010, he will be trained to be a professional video representative and brand envoy for the leading camera manufacturer. Second place went to 28 year old Nimer Rashed. He was presented with Canon camera equipment worth over £2,500 to help him create future feature films and documentaries which could be seen by millions of people in years to come...

News : Local
Western Air to Begin Direct Service to Jamaica - Mar 18, 2010 - 8:42:28 AM

San Andros, Andros – Western Air, the largest privately owned airline in The Bahamas will begin direct flights to two cities in Jamaica in April 2010. The airline has been granted schedule and charter licenses by the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation to operate daily flights to Kingston and Montego Bay from Nassau. Western Air has also been approved by the Jamaican Civil Aviation Authority for these routes.

The Nassau to Kingston flights are scheduled to commence on Monday, April 12^th, 2010. The Montego Bay route is right behind with an April 30^th start date.Initially, Western Air will fly between Nassau and Kingston daily except Saturdays, and between Nassau and Montego Bay twice weekly on Fridays and Sundays.

“There will be opportunities for employment because of these new routes,” says Western Air CEO Rex Rolle. “Here in The Bahamas, up to seven additional staff will be taken on...

News : Local
Supermodel of the Bahamas Announces 2010 Contestants - Mar 17, 2010 - 3:22:30 PM

Nassau, Bahamas - Twelve young contestants from Eleuthera, Grand Bahama, and Abaco arrived in New Providence on March 13th to join fourteen contestants from Nassau to be presented as those who will be vying for the 2010 Supermodel of the Bahamas title which will be determined on April 25th at the British Colonial Hilton Grand Ballroom.

"Our launch weekend came off as a great success and I'm looking forward to the float parade and preliminary competition which will take place on April 24 and 25th," said founder of Supermodel of the Bahamas, Mr. OilinSha Coakley.

The 36 official contestants are Peandra Knowles, Brittney Weech, Angel Rolle, Garrett Bowleg, Daniel Lages, Sonji Simmons...

News : Bahamas Information Services Updates
Architecture Students Gain Experience working on the Downtown Redevelopment Project - Mar 17, 2010 - 12:10:58 PM

Nassau , Bahamas --The Downtown Redevelopment Project is offering architecture students an opportunity to document measurements and locations of historic buildings and redraft lost blueprints for historic buildings included in the Downtown Redevelopment Project.

Five governmental partners came together to give the students a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn their history through hands on experience.

“The Downtown Redevelopment Partnership works with five partners, all gathering data about Bay Street through the Bahamas National Geographic Information Service (BNGIS), and the Antiquities, Monuments & Museums Corporation AMMC will be the repository of that information,” said Andrew Chin, Assistant Dean of Florida A&M University ...

News : International
Norwegian Cruise Line plans major overhaul of Bahamas private island, Great Stirrup Cay - Mar 17, 2010 - 10:21:54 AM
MIAMI, FL -- It's makeover time for Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas.

Norwegian Cruise Line CEO Kevin Sheehan announced today at the annual Cruise Shipping Miami convention that the line would spend $20 million on the 250-acre island's first top-to-bottom overhaul in more than two decades.

"This is very, very significant investment for our company," Sheehan said, noting  the hefty cost of the project. But "this was critical to us to improve the customer experience."

Located 120 miles east of Ft. Lauderdale, the island getaway will be getting a new marina...