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NEMA alerts, Comprehensive NHC Atlantic Cyclone activity, Caribbean infared satellite maps

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 23:33:15 PST

ALERT # 13 ON HURRICANE IKE ISSUED BY THE BAHAMAS DEPARTMENT OF

METEOROLOGY AT 9:00PM EDT. SATURDAY 06TH SEPTEMBER 2008.

…CORE OF DANGEROUS HURRICANE IKE APPROACHING THE TURK AND CAICOS ISLANDS …HIGH PRESSURE RIDGE STEERING IKE ON A COURSE BETWEEN WEST-SOUTHWEST AND WEST…

A HURRICANE WARNING IS NOW IN EFFECT FOR THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST

BAHAMAS. THIS INCLUDES; CAT ISLAND, LONG ISLAND, THE EXUMAS, SAN

SALVADOR, RUM CAY, ACKLINS, CROOKED ISLANDS, RAGGED ISLAND, LONG CAY,

MAYAGUANA AND INAGUA. HURRICANE WARNINGS ARE ALSO IN EFFECT FOR THE

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS...

Prime Minister Ingraham speaks to the nation

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 21:57:02 PST

Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham speaks to the nation during a NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency) press conference in the capital Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008 in Nassau, Bahamas. Prime Minister Ingraham urged residents in the Southern Bahamas to take advice of the authorities seriously as Hurricane Ike approached the islands. (AP Photo/Tim Aylen)

Government Agencies Make Preparations for Hurricane Ike

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 16:50:49 PST

Nassau, Bahamas – As Tropical Storm Hanna exits and the threat of Hurricane Ike approaches The Bahamas, various Government agencies in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) were already activated to meet the needs of the country’s residents and visitors.

“We must now turn our full attention to Hurricane Ike, a Category 4 storm, as it approaches The Bahamas,” NEMA Director Commander Stephen Russell said at a NEMA press briefing Friday afternoon.

Commodore Clifford Scavella of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) said the Force “stands ready” to assist NEMA with all of its undertakings in The Bahamas, with two HMBS vessels deployed at sea waiting out the storm...

Sports Minister Meets With Anti-Doping Committee

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 16:16:51 PST

Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture, the Hon. Desmond Bannister (far right) met with the Anti-Doping Committee on Thursday, September 4, 2008 to discuss amendments to the Sports Act to comply with international regulations supervised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The regulations would hold athletes criminally responsible for abusing substances and would disqualify them from participating in international competitions and maintaining international titles and medals. The Committee plans to employ a resident doctor to monitor the drug interaction habits of athletes and to advise athletes of endangering circumstances that can compromise the integrity of their Sports performance.

Also pictured from left: Basil Christie; President Special Olympic Committee and Archie Nairn; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture...

A Safe Haven for a Lousy Parent

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 14:52:34 PST

Here in The Bahamas, teenagers who are deemed unruly are usually sentenced by the courts and incarcerated for a period of time at either the male or female facility in the capital. And, like the USA, the majority of parents are not meted out any punishment for any part they may have played in their child’s behaviour.

What I find baffling is how could a parent effectively raise her child for the first 10 or 12 years, then in year 15 decide that she has had enough and doesn’t want to be bothered with this child anymore...

A Tribute to a Prince amongst Dogs.

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 14:16:03 PST

He came to us on October 19th, 1995, a mere pup, black, furry and about the size of a teacup. His impeccable white paws earned him the name “Spats”. He was a little apprehensive on that first day in our house, everything looked so big to him, even 2-year-old Scott and just turned six (the day before) year old Paul looked like giants. The house was a little quiet that day because eight-year-old Merlyn, a beautiful Bullmastiff, had lost her fight against lymphoma (cancer) the day before. We didn’t want another puppy right away, but Dr. Poad had found this little person wandering alone on the, then new, Sandy Port Bridge. We went to meet him at Dr. Poad’s home and as soon as I picked him up he snuggled into my neck, of course he came home with us. The boys we excited, he was exhausted and slept and slept for the first few days, then he realized that he was home, perked up and never looked back...

International Coastal Cleanup Day 2008 - September 20

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 13:12:39 PST

Anyone can become involved. Do your part Bahamas!

Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup is the world’s largest volunteer event of its kind. Last year, 378,000 volunteers from 76 countries cleared six million pounds of trash from oceans and waterways and recorded every piece of trash collected.

Sign up now to join this year's cleanup effort on Sept. 20, 2008, and a local coordinator will be in touch with you soon.

Tell a friend about the coastal cleanup.

Watch a video within about this important initiative....

How often should I Restart my Computer?

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 11:11:50 PST

So, have you ever wondered how often you should shut down your computer and then restart it? I don't know about all of you, but there's always been a question in my mind about how many times a week (or day or month, etc.) I should be restarting my computer. I mean, does every computer need a certain amount of rest time or are they more durable than we may think? Well, allow me to explain some of your options!

I know it’s been a while but I’m back now, and today I am offering advice about some things you can do to maintain your computer a little better so as to avoid potential problems. First, we’re going to look at a restart schedule for your computer, and then I will go into something to know about cell phones and computers...

Bahamian Snowboarder Drops in Down-Under for First World Cup

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:56:30 PST

Wanaka, New Zealand – It was a beautiful sunny day at Cardrona Resort, conjuring up images for many of warm, sandy beaches. But for Korath Wright, from a land of some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, it felt like he was right back at home on snow.

Wright, who has spent the past year finalizing all of the paperwork and criteria required to enable him to ride for his home country of The Bahamas, was finally able to get back on snow and compete in his first FIS Snowboard Halfpipe World Cup as a representative of the Island Nation.

The first event of the season felt really good for Wright, who has been training over the past year while having to sit out of competition in order to gain his FIS license for The Bahamas...

PM Ingraham: All Official Preparations for Ike in Place

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 21:42:58 PST

Nassau, Bahamas – Bahamas Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham confirmed to the nation Saturday that all official preparations for Hurricane Ike were in place, and reiterated appeals for residents in the storm’s warning and watch cones to follow and adhere to all advisories.

The Prime Minister was addressing the latest in a series of nationally televised press conferences held by the Bahamas’ National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Shelters on the south-eastern Bahama islands under a hurricane warning were to be activated Saturday, and schools that were closed due to the passage of tropical storm Hanna were scheduled to remain closed until further notice...

Bahamasair advisory on Ike

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:14:58 PST

Hurricane Ike

Bahamasair wishes to advise its loyal passengers that as a result of Hurricane Ike moving towards the Islands of the Bahamas, there have been some changes in the operation for Saturday September 6 and Sunday September 7, 2008.

Saturday September 6, 2008

All flights will operate as scheduled with Bahamasair providing one extra section to Crooked Island and one extra section to Provo.

These extra sections are intended to clear any back log of passengers who were unable to return to Nassau on their scheduled flights as a result of Tropical Storm Hanna.

Crooked Island...

A Few Good Men: Westminster College Leads The Way In Male Mentoring

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:36:00 PST

With so many young Bahamian males at the forefront of negative news, one striving school has come up with a solution to this vexing social issue by starting the semester off with seven men on staff.

At Westminster College, a primary through secondary institution on Blake Road are Acting Principal Professor Wilston Anderson, Carlos Williams, Spanish and Sciences teacher; Ian Joseph, Science teacher; Oswyn James, Music and Geography teacher and George Headley, Business, Computer and Agriculture teacher. Physical Education instructors Geno Bullard, Sr. and Stanford Dames also serve as coach and assistant coach for many of the school’s sporting programmes. In addition Bullard also teaches Family Life, a subject nearly exclusively taught by women in The Bahamas. At the helm is Dr. R. E. Cooper, who founded Westminster College several years ago and now serves as President...

Grand Bahama Power Company’s Tropical Storm Hanna Updates

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:45:43 PST

Tropical Storm Hanna Update #2

Grand Bahama Power Company has restored power to all areas, with the exception of Sweeting's Cay, that were affected due to the passing of Tropical Storm Hanna last night. As of this afternoon there were 81 reported isolated problems and it is expected that the majority of these will be addressed by the end of the day.

As a result of the inclement weather, crews have been prevented from traveling to Sweeting’s Cay. It is expected that it will be safe for travel by tomorrow morning and crews will be sent out to address all power issues...

Bahamas Prime Minister Stresses Seriousness of Hurricane Ike

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:21:54 PST

NASSAU, Bahamas – Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham told the nation Friday afternoon that Hurricane Ike is a very serious storm that must be taken seriously by The Bahamas.

Mr. Ingraham was addressing a nationally televised press conference held by The Bahamas’ National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and indicated that the press conferences are expected to be held daily through to the upcoming week and beyond as necessary.

Heads of various government agencies and Department of Meteorology also took part in the press conference, providing updates on the status of the country’s readiness ahead of Hurricane Ike...

Bahamian/American Association Gala Ball and Awards Ceremony 2008

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 02:55:35 PST

NEW YORK – September 20, 2008 – New York City, home to thousands of Bahamian Americans, will be the setting for an elegant event on Saturday, September 20th, to mark the 96^th anniversary of the founding of the Nassau Bahamas Association, now the Bahamian American Association, Inc.

The Black-tie Gala Ball and Awards Ceremony will be held at the Astoria World Manor, 22-25 Astoria Boulevard, Astoria, New York 11102, and is expected to draw over 300 guests from around the Tri-State area and also from the Bahamas. His Excellency Cornelius A. Smith, Ambassador, Commonwealth of the Bahamas in Washington, DC will be the Guest Speaker and The Honourable Carl Francis Smith, Consul General in New York will be Guest of Honour...

Prime Minister Ingraham comments on TS Hanna

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:55:52 PST

Prime Minister the Rt Hon Hubert A Ingraham expressed concern Thursday night over the impact Tropical Storm Hanna would have on The Bahamas.

At 8p.m tropical storm warnings continued for the central and northwest Bahamas this included Grand Bahama, Bimini, Abaco, New Providence, Andros, The Berry Islands, Eleuthera, Cat Island, The Exumas and its Cays, Long Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador .

The center of Tropical Storm Hanna was located near latitude 26.0˚ degrees north and longitude 76.0˚ degrees west 75 miles east-southeast of Marsh Harbour, Abaco. Residents experienced maximum sustained winds near 65 miles per hour with higher gusts...

Government Ministers tour Festival Place Welcome Centre

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:53:20 PST

Nassau, Bahamas – Ministers Neko Grant, Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace and Charles Maynard along with Public Works and Tourism officials toured the Festival Place Welcome Centre at Prince George Dock Wednesday.

The tour was in keeping with the plans by the Government to expand the Festival Place. Plans include the addition of a Junkanoo Museum to address the congestion that presently exists at the Festival Place the conversion of the former Customs Building at Prince George Dock into an Authentic Bahamian Craft Market.

The Market is intended to provide a venue for Bahamians interested in selling indigenous Bahamian foods and craft and also to serve as an informational centre for visitors...

Commonwealth Bank Shows Appreciation to Sir Durward Knowles

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:37:37 PST

Commonwealth Bank Senior Vice President Business Development, Sales & Marketing Shirley Cartwright makes a double presentation to legendary athlete and philanthropist Sir Durward Knowles. The Bahamian bank with the country’s largest shareholder base showed appreciation for Sir Durward’s decades of diligence serving others by making donations to two of his favourite causes, One Bahamas and the Association for the Physically Disabled. The donations came during the height of the Olympics, apt timing for the successful bank to add extra thanks to The Bahamas’ first gold medallist. Sir Durward won Star class sailing in 1964 along with crewmember, the late Cecil Cooke. His book, Driven by the Stars, is the story of a young man from humble beginnings who, with steely determination and the help of friends...,

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation: Guest Services update

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:19:26 PST

(September 4, 2008) -- As Tropical Storm Hanna and Hurricane Ike approach, hotels have reported that some guests have made early departures. However, there has not been an overwhelming exodus.

For guests who choose to remain in The Bahamas, the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation fully expects that hotels will execute their respective safety and security procedures to the benefit of their guests, as they have always done.

Meanwhile, some travelers have opted to remain in their home cities until the weather

GB Disaster Preparedness Committee Updates the Media

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:39:37 PST

Grand Bahama's Disaster Preparedness Committee met at the Administrator's Office, Freeport on Wednesday to update the media on preparations for Tropical Storm Hanna. Pictured from left are Lillian Quant-Forbes, Assistant Director Department of Social Services; Harvey Roberts, Assistant Administrator - Emergency Operations Centre; Stephanie Rahming, Co-Chair of the GB Disaster Preparedness Committee; Housing Minister the Hon. Kenneth Russell and Rufus Johnson, Island Administrator for West Grand Bahama...

MOE School Announcement

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:29:55 PST

The Ministry of Education wishes to advise the public that specific directives regarding school closures will be announced after obtaining specific direction from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) as to the path of Hurricane Hanna.

To be announced as soon as possible please...

NEMA advisory pertaining to Bahamasair & Glass Window Bridge

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 06:32:01 PST

Bahamasair wishes to advise its loyal passengers that flights will resume on Friday, September 5 as follows:

George Town Exuma at 6:30am and 6:30pm
San Salvador at 11:00am
Orlando at 11:00am and 6:00pm
Inagua at 9:15am
Stella Maris, Long Island at 2:00pm
Mayaguana at 9:30am
Marsh Harbour to Palm Beach at 10:35am
Miami at 12:00 noon, 3:15pm

Lou Gossett Jr. to Host BIFF Blues

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 23:19:11 PST

The Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) presents, BIFF's Blues at Luciano's of Chicago on October 19th from 4:30 to 7:30pm.

Guest Host, Lou Gossett Jr will be on hand as all enjoy the sounds of award winning Blues and Jazz guitarist T.J. Wheeler.

Click [Read more...] for further details and ticket information. This event is in support of the upcoming Bahamas International Film Festival which takes place this December 4th to 11th...

Bahamas Business Trade Show and Globalization Conference

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 23:07:53 PST

Nassau, The Bahamas - The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and the Bahamas Hotel Association have collaborated this year to jointly present the 2008 Business Trade Show and Globalization Conference October 3rd and 4th. This will bring together two signature events of the various organizations affording the Business community the opportunity to maximize their time.

Please see the enclosed flyer with details on the event as well as the registration form (attached below)for persons wishing to exhibit their products or services at the two day event.

Click [Read more..] to view the full paged flyer...

Shop City Market for grocery and hurricane supplies. Sale ends Sept 10th

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:17:00 PST

The Bahamas Weekly and City Markets are excited to announce that you can now view City Markets weekly specials right here on The Bahamas Weekly!

Click the City Markets Logo here, and on each page of The Bahamas Weekly to see what's on special at all City Market stores in the country.

You can count on City Markets to make your shopping easier.

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Industrial Tribunal Statement - Morton Salt Dispute

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:21:03 PST

The Industrial Tribunal feels constrained to respond to certain recent press statements made by Mr. Glen Bannister, the managing Director of Morton Salt, which we feel might be misleading to the general public.

A few days ago, Mr. Bannister said on the air that Morton Salt and the Union decided to refer all outstanding disputes between them to private arbitration- in this case to the Industrial Tribunal; and that they have agreed to be bound by the Decisions of the Tribunal relative thereto.

The public should be aware that the Industrial Tribunal is not an arbitration tribunal; it was established in 1996 and imbued with jurisdiction inter alia to hear and determine trade disputes between employers and employees within the meaning of the Industrial Relations Act, Chapter 321...

The Truth Hip Hop Fest 2008 - Postponed to September 12th

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:32:57 PST

Due to inclement weather as it relates to travelling plans for our 6 featured artists coming from out of town, we have decided to postpone the Truth-Hip Hop Fest Concert weekend to next week Friday, Sept. 12th, at 7 p.m. at the Rain Forest Theater. As you can see, the time and venue has not changed. We're pleased to say that our special guest artists: Ahmad & Tena Jones, from California, Demetrus from Jacksonville, Monty G and our host Jamie Thomas (from Tempo) remains the same as well and will be LIVE and in FULL EFFECT Sept. 12th!!! Our local guest artists, Manifest, Landlord, Mr. Beeds, Platinum Soldiers, Najie Dun and others will still be blazin it up! So you definitely don't wanna miss it!!!

Those attending this year’s concert can expect new surprises, especially as this year boasts the first ever Artist Music Workshop,

Click [Read more...] to view the full page flyer...

GB Power Company - We Are Ready

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:35:46 PST

Grand Bahama Power Company is proud to serve the island of Grand Bahama and it is a responsibility that we take very seriously year round. The hurricane season presents a particular challenge, one which we take extraordinary measures to be prepared for. Today we would like to share details of the preparation. We have a team of 199 well qualified, trained and committed employees, who are also customers, to carry out duties. At this time, our employees hold a genuine concern for the service, safety and protection of all our customers.

Before we begin discussing the current storm preparations, I would like to briefly address the outages of this past Thursday and Friday. On Thursday evening, Grand Bahama Power Company experienced an equipment malfunction on our largest unit, No. 13. This resulted in initial interruption to 9,000 of our customers...

Famous Bahamian descendant exposes Exuma to millions

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:25:53 PST

Weatherman Al Roker recently took NBC network viewers on an exploration of Bahamian plantation history as he retraced his Bahamian heritage to Exuma on NBC’s Today Show.

As part of the Today Show’s Discover Your Roots series, Mr. Roker traveled to Liverpool, United Kingdom to research his family history. The television segment included significant excerpts of video from his 1999 trip to Exuma for his Travels with Al Roker, which was broadcast on the Food Network.

The Today Show segment aired August 29, the day of the 45^th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr’s famous I Have a Dream speech and the day that Barak Obama accepted a nomination that made him the United States’ first major party African American nominee for president...

Stock Up and Save at Solomon's Freeport [Expires September 10th]

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:15:00 PST

Click here to see all our great BIG Savings and Super Smart Buys each week!

Solomon's where you can have it all!

For Weekly Savings you need only click our logo on each and every page of TheBahamasWeekly.com! Check the left column!

Do you want these specials to be emailed directly to you through Bahamas E Marketing? It's EASY, CONVENIENT, and COMES DIRECT to you! Sign up now for Bahamas E Marketing...

Water & Sewerage to Reduce Water Pressure to Protect Storage Levels

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:12:22 PST

Nassau, Bahamas – The Water and Sewerage Corporation has advised the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) that due to the impact of forecasted storms, it will with immediate effect reduce water pressure in New Providence to protect existing storage levels.

"With the current worsening weather conditions, the predicted effects of Hanna, and the impending effects of Tropical Storm Ike, the Corporation is concerned about the possibility of a prolonged period of deteriorated weather conditions," the Corporation said...

Shirley of Hollywood 60th Anniversary Sexy Model Search Finale

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 06:55:39 PST

Nassau, The Bahamas - The stars will be out in full force, as our three-day celebration 'Bringing Sexy Back' unfolds with a weekend full of fun festivities, culminating with a glamorous VIP opening gala party at the Marley Resort & Spa, in association with Fifth Avenue Marketing & Modeling Agency on September 26, 2008.

Meet Shirley's super model Tyran Richards, along with 30 of our top finalists in a chic Caribbean setting, plus mingle with some of the world's most famous faces, including: Hollywood celebrities, NFL stars, www.goallinefootball.com International models, Bachelor Guy's Eric Rogell, and top fashion designers.

Award Winning Mandt Bros. Production will be on hand to shoot segments for ESPN...

U.S. Embassy Authorizes Departure for American Citizens due to Storms

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 19:05:20 PST

The U.S. Department of State today officially authorized non-emergency American citizen personnel and all family members to depart post, due to the possibility of adverse weather conditions as a result of Tropical Depression Gustav, and Tropical Storms Hanna, Ike, and Josephine. The authorization takes effect immediately.

Under authorized departure, non-emergency personnel and family members are permitted to leave their post of assignment to return temporarily to the United States . The decision to depart is their choice; they cannot be compelled to leave.

The Embassy has taken this precautionary step in order to protect the welfare of American citizens and to lessen the potential demand placed on disaster relief resources in the Bahamas...

Caribbean Emergency Disaster Response Agency - Press Statement

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 19:04:16 PST

Hurricane Gustav has been downgraded to a tropical depression following its landfall in the State of Louisiana in the United States of America yesterday where considerable destruction has been reported.

Before entering the Gulf, Hurricane Gustav impacted the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Cuba, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean wreaking havoc, destroying property and taking lives. We especially regret the reports of numerous deaths resulting from the storm in the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Louisiana but welcome reports that no lives were lost in Cuba and the Cayman Islands.

In Jamaica, a Member State of the Caribbean Emergency Disaster Response Agency (CDERA), the Hurricane took several lives while thousands lost their homes and other property. Widespread damage and destruction of infrastructure has also been also reported...

Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce - Business Excellence Recognition Awards

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 18:30:13 PST

The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce will hold it’s Business Excellence Recognition Awards Ceremony on Saturday, October 18, 2008 at the Regency Theatre, commencing at with cocktails at 7:00 p.m., followed by Awards Presentations at 8:00 p.m.

During the Ceremony, which will be an exciting red carpet affair, several persons from the business community will be recognized for their commitment to excellence and the development of and contribution to our community.

Nomination forms are attached below.

The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the categories for nomination as follows...

Kenneth Cole to Receive Humanitarian Designer Award at Islands of the World Fashion Week

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 16:38:56 PST

Nassau, Bahamas - 2nd September, 2008: Owen Bethel, President of Mode Îles, Ltd., founder and organizer of Islands of the World Fashion Week, announced today that the Humanitarian Designer Award will be presented to Kenneth Cole and Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. during Islands of the World Fashion Week in November, 2008.

Mr. Bethel stated that "in keeping with the event's focus on the global issues of the education of youth on HIV/AIDS, and poverty alleviation, in line with the United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization (UNESCO), it was felt that no other fashion designer personified so explicitly the concern for these issues through their creative integration in his designs and marketing initiative than Kenneth Cole. His innovative approach to addressing and drawing attention to the issues is both outstanding and poignant...

Domestic Flights changes due to weather

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:01:27 PST

The Department Of Civil Aviation has advised the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), that airports in Acklins, Crooked Island, Mayagana and Inagua remain closed due to the impact of Hurricane Hanna, which has been since downgraded to a tropical storm.

Meanwhile, the airports in San Salvador, Exuma, Cat Island and Long Island Remain Open for domestic flights, until further notice.

NEMA would continue to notify the public on the condition of the storm and its impact on the Bahamas...

Stamp Duty Exemption in Effect

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:43:36 PST

The amendment to the Stamp Act which provides for exemption from payment of stamp duty on certain financial transactions involving licensed lending institutions became effective July 1, the Ministry of Finance has confirmed.

Application may be made for exemption from stamp duty for any of the following: purchase of a dwelling home; purchase and financing of a dwelling home and mortgage; purchase and financing of a dwelling home combined with other domestic loans and mortgages; purchase of vacant land for the construction of a dwelling home; transfer of a home mortgage; and, transfer of a home mortgage combined with other domestic loans.

In New Providence, the applications are to be made to the Financial Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Cecil Wallace-Whitfield Building, Cable Beach, or to a Family Island Administrator...

Reconstruction of Long Island Dock to Bring Comfort to Residents

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:10:05 PST

Simms, Long Island – The signing of a contract for the reconstruction of the Simms Dock in North Long Island is a confirmation of the Government’s strengthening of infrastructure for the development and continuous progress of the islands of The Bahamas, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources the Hon. Larry Cartwright said.

Minister Cartwright was addressing persons at the Simms Primary School who witnessed last Friday’s signing of the dock’s $251,325 reconstruction contract.

Minister Cartwright said it is “unfair and really shameful” that the people of North Long Island had been forced to wait so long for the dock to be repaired. He commended Works and Transport Minister the Hon. Neko Grant for his efforts to speed up the project and bring relief to the residents who rely on the services of the mail boats that once berthed at Simms Dock...

NAGB Activities for September

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 06:25:31 PST

September PACKED with events for you at the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas in New Providence. There is something for everyone!

The Global Cinema Series continues with two more shows; architect Anthony Jervis speaks in the Historic Spaces and Places series; and the next Issues Forum is on "Copyright and Creative Intellectual Property in the Age of Globalism."

Click [Read more...] to view the full information poster...

90 Days to Self-Employment is coming once again to Nassau and Freeport!

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 21:10:07 PST

Learn how to develop and start your own business in just 90 days! You are tired of working for others and have decided to start your own business. You need to know how to start it, how to grow it, and how to move it forward. As heard on Gems 105.9, and as seen on Controversy TV!

Learn from lecturer and successful businessman, Calvin Dunbar. Spaces are going fast for this informative and timely course offered in New Providence AND Grand Bahama Island. Registration forms below. Click the image to view FULL POSTER...

Cruise ships adjust schedules due to weather conditions

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 16:30:17 PST

(September 1, 2008) -- Weekend cruise arrivals went according to schedule, but some cruise berths for the Bahamas have been rescheduled through the middle of this week.

Just one of eight scheduled cruise calls was cancelled over the weekend. Carnival’s Glory cancelled her voyage to Nassau on Sunday, August 31. The Glory replaced her port call with a sea day. However, Royal Caribbean’s Majesty of the Seas and the Regal Empress kept their calls on Sunday. The day before, five ships – Norwegian Sky, Carnival’s Fascination and Triumph and Royal Caribbean’s Sovereign and Enchantment – made scheduled calls at Nassau...

Public Service Announcement

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 16:09:02 PST

The Public Hospitals Authority is in the process of upgrading our Information Systems Technology Infrastructure in order to better serve the health- care needs of our clients.

A major of this upgrade has been the completion of a State-Of-The-Art Data Centre to host all of our information technology applications and networks.

On Saturday September 6^th at 12:30 AM to Monday, September 8^th, 2008 at 10:00 AM. We shall be shutting down our Patient Information System at The Princess Margaret Hospital and the Rand Memorial Hospital, in Freeport, Grand Bahama; and the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre from (Friday September 5^th at 7:00 PM) to continue our upgrade and consolidate the databases of the three hospitals...

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) School advisary

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 15:39:29 PST

ALL SCHOOLS IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTH EAST BAHAMAS ARE CLOSED, DUE TO THE PASSAGE OF TS HANNA. THOSE ISANDS INCLUDE: CAT ISLAND, EXUMA, SAN SALVADOR, LONG ISLAND, RUM CAY, ACKLINS AND CROOKED ISLAND, RAGGED ISLAND, MAYAGUANA, and INAGUA. SCHOOLS IN THE NORTHERN BAHAMAS ARE TO OPEN AS SCHEDULE D FOR THE FALL SCHOOL YEAR UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Nearly 200 Kerzner Employees Collect Crystals

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 12:43:10 PST

Paradise Island, The Bahamas - 177 employees of Kerzner International have been recognized for their outstanding commitment to the organization and several top performers now have their names entered into the hat in a bid to win the coveted employee, manager, and leader of the year titles given out at the Annual Crystal Awards Ceremony in February 2009.

Last week, as a part of the quarterly recognition exercise, the employees filled the Grand Ballroom at Atlantis, Paradise Island as they cheered-on those stand-out employees in their departments...

Health Ministry Continues the Battle Against CNCDs

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 12:25:06 PST

Colonel Hill, Crooked Island --- Chronic, non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) such as diabetes, strokes and hypertension are accounting for almost fifty percent of the more than 1500 clinical and home visits conducted by medical personnel in the Acklins, Crooked Island and Long Cay areas, Minister of Health, Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis said.

The same can be said of Eleuthera, where health professionals there report that the two “most common” chronic, non-communicable diseases are diabetes and hypertension, which has resulted in increased demand for medicines to treat these diseases.

Dr. Minnis’ disclosure came during a recent visit to the Acklins, Crooked Island and Long Cay areas at which time the Minister, accompanied by senior health officials from the Ministry of Health and the Department of Public Health and on-island healthcare teams, toured community healthcare centres/clinics in the area...

Butch Kerzner Foundation helps Bahamian students rise to success!

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 12:13:51 PST

Paradise Island, Bahamas- Many remember the late Howard “Butch” Kerzner not only for his business acumen but also his benevolence to the people of the Bahamas , especially the youth of this country. Butch’s widow Vanessa Kerzner has pledged to see that legacy continue. She has initiated the Butch Kerzner Summit Foundation with its first programme, “Sky Climbers” now ready to reach thousands of Bahamian students, aspiring them to rise to success.

The Sky Climbers programme is designed to teach the safety and performance of rock climbing to students in grades 7 through 12. Vanessa Kerzner says the reason they chose rock climbing is because of the interest they received from it during the Michael Jordan Celebrity Golf Tournament earlier this year and also, her late husband’s interest in the sport. “Nick Sagar, Operations Consultant for the Butch Kerzner Summit Foundation, introduced Butch to climbing. He found it both physically and mentally challenging. That’s why we thought it would be good for the students...

National Youth Service Officials Meet with Grand Bahama Officials

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:45:15 PST

Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture National Youth Service - The National Youth Service Restorative Camp for Boys held its first meeting with some of the leading Ministries in Freeport on August 29 at the Administrators Office in Freeport. The meeting was held to introduce to the Grand Bahama public an overview of the camp, its registration process and details of the camp experience in Andros.
Seated from left are Janet Russell, Assistant Director of Youth; Cecil J. Thompson, Deputy Director of Education; Margaret Thompson, Camp Manager; Petty Officer Defence Force Standley Pitt, Assistant Camp Director and Andrew Albury, Senior Youth Officer. Also pictured are officials of various Government agencies, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, local churches and schools...

San Salvador - Ponder the place Columbus first came ashore

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:19:28 PST

Buzzing toward the shore of San Salvador in a dinghy, it's hard to imagine what Christopher Columbus felt when he spotted this island after 33 days of nothing but the endless blue of the Atlantic.

No doubt he saw the same turquoise water, lime green vegetation and mostly flat, scrub-covered land. But he certainly didn't climb out of an inflatable boat onto the dock of a small marina, where I now await the arrival of a tour bus that will show me around this 12-mile island.

Many visitors to the Bahamas never leave the bustling confines of places such as Nassau, where banks and designer shops cram city streets. But of the 700 islands in the Bahamas archipelago, only 50 are inhabited. And of those that are populated, some are just sleepy outposts that most tourists never see...

Bahamas Makes Snowboard Debut At LG World Cup

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 10:52:17 PST

LAKE WANAKA, New Zealand – The Bahamian Snowboard Team will make its debut on the world stage this week at the first stop of the LG FIS Snowboard World Cup Halfpipe at Cardrona Alpine Resort on September 6 and 7.

Known more for its Caribbean culture than snowboarding, the tropical nation’s snowboarding team has just one member, Korath Wright, born and bred in the Bahamas but with many years spent growing up in Whistler, Canada.

Two years ago, after taking third place in his first-ever FIS World Cup the Bahamas High Commission approached him, enquiring if he would ride for his home country. This contact has not only provided Wright with an opportunity in snowboarding,..

Simms Long Island Contract Signing

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 10:35:12 PST

The Hon. Larry Cartwright, MP for Long Island and Ragged Island and Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources (1st from left) signs a $251,325.85 contract at Simms Primary School for reconstruction of the Simms Dock in Long Island as Leo Knowles, contractor; and the Hon. Neko Grant, Minister of Public Works and Transport look on.

The Hon. Neko Grant, Minister of Public Works and Transport congratulated Leo Knowles of G and L Construction, contractor hired for the reconstruction of Simms Dock in Long Island.

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Government Expanding Home Ownership in Andros

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 10:14:36 PST

Andros - The government is expanding home ownership for Bahamians in South Andros and Mangrove Cay.

The Ministry of Housing wants to revive and expand the Money Rock community and begin occupancy of the Mangrove Cay subdivision outside Moxey Town.

The cost of packages in those subdivisions is still to be determined. Resident Androsians will be given first preference. Application forms were left with Chief Councilors...