Hansel Rolle Jr awarded Most Courteous Driver of The Quarter Award-March 2011 went to Taxi-Driver Award

Freeport, Grand Bahama – Presentation of The Most Courteous Driver of the Quarter Award - March 2011, went to Taxi-Driver Mr Hansel Rolle Jr of Holmes Rock, at The Rotary Club Of Lucaya Weekly luncheon meeting on 26th April 2011 at the Ruby Swiss Restaurant.

From left to right at the presentation is Ms Deborah Delancy, club president, Deputy Controller Road Traffic Department, Grand Bahama Basil V Rahming, recipient Hansel Rolle Jr, Superintendent Wendall Deveaux officer-in-charge Traffic Police Division, Grand Bahama and John R Fraser, co-chairman Grand Bahama Road Safety Committee.

At about 4:45pm on Tuesday 12th April 2011, a female resident of West Grand Bahama, was driving her gold Chrysler car # 40929, west along the Fishing Hole Road and upon entering the roundabout in the vicinity of the Grand Bahama Shipyard, her vehicle's engine overheated and shut down, leaving the driver and her three passengers, stranded.

Shortly afterward, Mr Hansel Rolle Jr of Holmes Rock, passed by in his white and black Taxi van # 527 and upon noticing the lady and her passengers stranded at the roadside, immediately pulled over and stopped to assist.

After ascertaining the problem, Mr Rolle was able to get the vehicle re-started and the lady and her passengers continued on their journey into West Grand Bahama.

As a result of his considerate action in assisting a fellow motorist in distress, Mr Rolle was nominated to receive the Most Courteous Driver of The Quarter Award for March 2011. He was presented with an inscribed mahogany plaque and a gift certificate for a full tank of gasoline.

Basil V Rahming

Approval granted for Grand Bahama Power Company's rate structure change

GBPC executive chairman Ray Robinson

FREEPORT, GRAND BAHAMA- THE Grand Bahama Power Company announced that approval was granted for a change to GBPC's rate structure.

"We have had extremely productive meetings with our regulator, the Grand Bahama Port Authority," said Ray Robinson, GBPC executive chairman.

"With the approval of this new structure, we now have the necessary mechanism in place to make the substantial capital investments necessary to provide our customers with reliable and cost effective generation."

The new rate structure will allow for Emera company to make the capital investments required in the new plant without an increase in rates for GBPC customers, he said.

Efficiency

The new Diesel plant is projected to be commissioned in late second quarter of 2012 and is expected to provide customers with significantly improved levels of reliability and efficiency. "In the long term we believe that the improved efficiency and reliability of the new plant will reduce costs to customers," Mr Robinson said.

Mr Robinson thanked the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) for their foresight on this issue.

"The GBPA has implemented a new rate structure that is comparable to other jurisdictions and allows us to move ahead with the $80 million generation plant," said Mr Robinson.

"We have been very pleased with the effective relationship we have with the GBPA. (President Ian) Rolle and his staff have worked with us to ensure that this new structure is a benefit to the residents of Grand Bahama. It is our expectation that this new plant will assist the island in its recovery and attraction of new investors."

GBPC also stated that they will announce more information about the new Diesel plant shortly.

Grand Bahama Port Authority seeking grant opportunities for licensees

 (Pictured L to R): Kirk Brown, Grants Administrator, Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA); Winston Rolle, President, Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation; Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director-CEDA; Charles Pratt, Commercial Manager-GBPA; Tony Bradshaw, CEDA; and Hank Ferguson, local trade economist.

Submitted by Deidre Rahming

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- Good news is on the horizon for locally based small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Representatives from The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) recently participated in the 4th Cariforum Regional Meeting of Business Support Organizations, held in Kingston, Jamaica, under the theme, ‘Sustainability for the Future’. A follow-up meeting held in Port of Spain, Trinidad, also saw GBPA participation. The second of the meetings was coordinated to assist Caribbean Private Sector Companies in ‘Doing Business with Europe’ and took as its theme, ‘How your business can benefit from the Cariforum-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)’.

GBPA representatives included Charles Pratt, Commercial Manager-GBPA and trade economist, Hank Ferguson. GBPA-President, Ian Rolle, described the Port’s first-time attendance as a ‘bold initiative’ on the part of GBPA. “This seeks to ensure that we are leveraging our uniqueness as defined by the Hawksbill Creek Agreement to exploit opportunities of EPA to the benefit of our licensees, while exposing the advantages of doing business in Freeport to the regional Caribbean market,” Rolle said.

Both meetings were designed to enlarge on the range of opportunities and services available to the private sector in the English Speaking Caribbean and the Dominican Republic, collectively known as Cariforum. According to Mr. Pratt, the Jamaica meeting, sponsored by the Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA) was able to assemble all the major donors and business support organizations in the region to first identify challenges we collectively face, including access to finance and skilled labor force, cost of energy and other factors that impede small and medium sized business development.

“Beyond the identification of the challenges, we were given the opportunity to gain insight into millions of Euros being made available for private sector development and how we might pursue some of these benefits for Grand Bahama in general and licensees of the Port Authority,” he added.

SME GRANTS – Local licensees will soon learn more about opportunities for available grants for small and medium sized enterprises thanks to GBPA’s recent participation in the 4th Cariforum Regional Meeting of Business Support Organizations, held in Kingston, Jamaica. (Pictured L to R): Charles Pratt, Commercial Manager-GBPA; Kirk Brown, Grants Administrator, Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA); Winston Rolle, President, Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation; Robert Glass, German International Cooperation Agency; and local trade economist, Hank Ferguson.EPA assistance for The Bahamas has traditionally been in the form of support of infrastructural development (airports, roads and bridges). Now, as a result of the 10th EDF Regional Private Sector Development Programme implemented by CEDA in Jamaica, Euro 165 million and supplemental funds are being made available to Cariforum members to assist in building business development programmes and to assist in taxation system reform.

Mr. Pratt further revealed that GBPA representatives were able to engage in private engagements with many foreign participants and CEDA is looking forward to visiting Freeport. “As a result of our talks, members of the Grand Bahama business community can look forward to upcoming seminars on proper procedures for grant writing applications so as to be able to access funds available for the development of SMEs.”

EU Member States traditionally have their own definition of what constitutes an SME, but now the EU has started to standardize the concept. Its current definition categorizes companies with fewer than 10 employees as "micro", those with fewer than 50 employees as "small", and those with fewer than 250 as "medium”.

Trinidad’s seminar for the Caribbean Business Community made very deliberate efforts to outline opportunities for Caribbean business expansion into Europe and potential benefits of joint venturing with EU firms. Presenters continued with a broad overview of the main provisions of the EPA agreement, concrete benefits to be derived and potential opportunities.

(Pictured L to R): Charles Pratt, Commercial Manager-GBPA; Kirk Brown, Grants Administrator, Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA); Winston Rolle, President, Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation; Robert Glass, German International Cooperation Agency; and local trade economist, Hank Ferguson.

Summing up both visits as highly fruitful, President-Rolle was optimistic about future prospects for Grand Bahama. “This engagement by GBPA makes it clear that business is not being conducted as usual and every effort is being made to bring the maximum possible benefit to our stakeholders in these challenging times,” he stated.

Agriculture key to Grand Bahama growth

Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture representative calls for a combined effort in developing agriculture in The Bahamas. Grand Bahama offers perfect opportunity for growth in the sector

The Bahamas Investor Magazine


Agriculture could deliver a much-needed boost to Grand Bahama’s economy, according to the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).

Against a backdrop of rising food prices, it is crucial that The Bahamas’ increases agricultural production, improves on self-sufficiency and enhances its competitiveness in the export market, according to IICA representative Dr Marikis Alvarez.

Agriculture accounts for just two per cent of The Bahamas’ $7.4 billion gross domestic product and, from 1997 to 2007, the country doubled its spending on vegetable imports to reach a total of $100 million.

Addressing attendees at the Grand Bahama Business Outlook conference held earlier in the year, Dr Alvarez said that Grand Bahama had two important factors–fertile soil and innovative people in the sector–which could help the island grow its economy. “Tropical items are in demand, Grand Bahama can play its part,” he said.

To take advantage of the country’s agricultural potential, the IICA, which has consulted with the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corp, as well as local producers, is advising that national policies focus on research, strengthening technology in the sector and raising awareness of the employment opportunities available.

“[The Bahamas] is at crisis level when it comes to agriculture,” said Dr Alvarez. “There are not enough people in the field. We are not injecting funds into it. We need a multi-disciplinary approach. It is hard for the farmers to do it by themselves.

“Agriculture alone has 240 professions in it. It is one of the areas that is highly researched around the world–today is a new era in agriculture.”

In 2010, the government launched its five-year strategic plan for agriculture and fisheries to address issues in production, processing, distribution and marketing of food. The plan includes a Backyard Gardening programme, which encourages families to start their own gardens.

The government has so far issued more than 4,000 backyard gardening kits to help Bahamians grow their own food, which Dr Alvarez believes could be a potential source of income for households that sell the excess to local traders.

Hundreds attend annual Coconut Festival held in Pelican Point

Easter Monday in Grand Bahama was a beautiful day and found many residents and visitors making the 30+ mile trip on the Grand Bahama highway east to the small settlement of Pelican Point for the annual Coconut Festival.
It was everything coconut, from the welcome shot of coconut rum at the entry gates to the wide array of food vendors catering to your every culinary need.
I tried out the Benny cake- a delicious coconut chunk cookie like sweet, held together with caramelized sugar- and of course a freshly cut coconut for the sweet coconut water and finally settled on the coconut shrimp with coconut rice with sweet corn for my husband and Fried Fish with coconut rice as my first option of cracked coconut lobster was completely sold out.
Amongst the visitors enjoying the holiday were local names like GB Chamber of Commerce President  Peter Turnquest, new Lucaya PLP candidate Tanisha Tynes, Pelican point native and one of the founders of the Coconut festival, Cathy Laing.
Fun games and slides provided by Nesbitts and of course fantastic live entertainment performed by the the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Dance band and entertainmer KB closed the night.

Episode 12 - Skywalkers Removal

Check out the amazing footage of the removal of Skywalkers from Grand Princess. Truly an unforgettable sight!
What happens when a ship goes into dry dock?

Sometimes, pretty dramatic stuff.

As in this week, when an iconic 160-ton chunk of the Grand Princess was sawed off and spirited away by a giant crane.

What Princess Cruises buffs know as Skywalkers Nightclub, perched high above the stern, a dizzying 18 decks over the sea, was sliced away. The structure that some people likened to a race car spoiler and others to a shopping cart handle is no more.

When the Grand Princess debuted in 1998, Skywalkers Nightclub was a curiosity, the AquaTheater or ice rink of its day. Passengers rode elevators to the ship's top deck then hopped onto a moving walkway that whisked them through a long, clear tube to reach the club.

With its floor-to-ceiling glass windows, disc jockey and throbbing music, Skywalkers was the late-night hot spot. Sitting beside the back window and gazing down at the ship's wake far, far below was a giddy experience—even without a cocktail.

But Princess decided to remove the nightclub to improve the ship's fuel efficiency. And so it came off this week, documented in a dramatic video as part of a daily journal the line is keeping of the 24-day dry dock at Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas.

It's the biggest transformation of a ship in Princess history. Apart from extracting Skywalkers, workers are adding a piazza-style atrium like that on the newer Princess vessels, a Crown Grill steak house, a sit-down pizzeria, a martini bar and seven suites.

The Grand Princess is also gaining a feature that no other ship in the fleet has: a combination library/tea lounge with a selection of 500 tea blends.

Oh, and in place of Skywalkers is the new One5 Lounge, a nightclub tucked neatly into Deck 15.

The dry dock video journal and photos are at princess.com/granddrydock.Amazing work being done at the Grand Bahama Shipyard.

The Art of Giving introduces a new island palette of home fashion gifts and designer decor

Freeport, Bahamas - One of Grand Bahama’s most-acclaimed new stores, The Art of Giving (in the front of The International Bazaar), recently introduced a distinctive new line of home fashion gifts and elegantly relaxed tropical designer fabrics, coordinating wallpapers, and interior design services.

In conjunction with licensed Interior Designer, M.M. Groves, The Art of Giving has become an inspired oasis of eye-catching and carefully selected home goods from all over the world. Fine Italian Vietri porcelain china, fresh-scented French soaps from Provence, bedding and linens hand sewn in America’s heartland, and the best from local Bahamian authors and artists with handmade paper art, cards, and glass
beaded jewelery.

The shop is also abloom with fresh floral designs that breathe new life into capturing the essence of island beauty and light. Refreshing accessories, picture frames, fabrics, stationery, candles, journal books, teas, china serving pieces, throws, gift packaging,
kitchenware, and thoughtful touches abound in the inviting environment The Art of Giving has created.

Albury offered “it is now up to us, the local residents, to be the catalyst to rejuvenate the Bazaar and make it great again. We are doing so, one store at a time and by the generous patronage of the Bahamian public.

To view the whimsy and delight of the newest island designer fabrics and home goods, you can find The Art of Giving along the front row of shops at The International Bazaar. The Art of Giving is open from 10 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Saturday.

Bahamas Committed To CARICOM

by Mike Godfrey, Tax-News.com, Washington

The Bahamas has pledged its commitment to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), seeking the exploration of avenues for closer investment, collaboration and cooperation.

The newly accredited ambassador to CARICOM, Sidney Collie, has spoken of his responsibility for maintaining positive relations between the Bahamas and the community, a relationship he says has "blossomed". The Bahamas has belonged to CARICOM since 1983, and Collie sees it as his mission to identify and put in place further mechanisms for collaboration and cooperation.


Collie acknowledged that, while CARICOM has faced substantial challenges, its maintenance of specific goals, continued unity and purpose must be appreciated. He wishes to see CARICOM engage "like-minded" countries, in order to ensure its concerns are voiced in those areas in which it is not represented.

In addition, developments in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) have been closely monitored by Bahamian officials, with Collie stressing that although the Bahamas was not yet a signatory to the CSME, it was aware of the importance of integration to the Community. As a result of its absence from the CSME, free movement of labour has not been agreed to by the Bahamas. However, Collie argued, this remains immaterial, as the Bahamas operates a long established tradition of welcoming those Caribbean nationals looking for work. In particular, those engaged in the education, accountancy and banking and finance fields are welcomed, and a niche market also exists for domestic workers and caregivers.

Furthermore, Collie made clear that the Bahamas understands the extent to which it derives the majority (60%) of its GDP from tourism. According to Collie, ministers take the issue "very seriously". As a result, Collie insisted that the Bahamas attaches great importance to sustainable development, singling out the Mauritius Strategy, which seeks further implementation of the Barbados Programme of Action for Small Island Developing States. This United Nations programme deals with key issues facing islands, and strives to achieve sustainable development goals.

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Episode 11 - The Freeport Rugby Club & Port Lucaya

Martyn ventures off Grand Princess to the Freeport Rugby Club and Port Lucaya to show you what the crew are up to during their time off during the drydock.

Award-Winning Chef Encourages National Junior Chef Winner

Listening to Chef Worly are Joel (l), Joneth Edden, Subject Coordinator; and Guidance Counselor Chervita Campbell. Photo: Yasmin Popescu

 By Yasmin Popescu, Media Unlimited
Freeport, The Bahamas - Two time award-winning chef at Sabor Restaurant in Grand Bahama, Volundur Volundarson, a.k.a. 'Chef Worly' has decided to offer inspiration to a up and coming young chef.

After reading about the Bahamas National Junior Chef winner, 13-year old Joel Prenelus of Eight Mile Rock High School recently, Chef Worly wanted to meet the young chef to impart some very important knowledge. A lunch meeting took place on April 20th, where the chefs got the opportunity to meet and talk. Joel was accompanied to the lunch at Sabor by Joneth Edden, his subject coordinator; and Miss Chervita Campbell, hisguidance counselor.

During the meeting the world-renown chef said that he was surprised at the decision of Joel, at such an early age, to become a chef, stating that at 17 years himself, and while training to be a basketball coach, he had to take a culinary class; and it was this class that became the deciding factor to change his life path, and to pursue a career in cooking instead of basketball.

Chef Worly said that he wanted to encourage Joel and to let him know that there are many areas to the field other than the immediate joy of cooking.

Chef Worly showed Joel and his companions two videos of TV cooking shows he is presently working on

Chef Worly presents an autographed copy of his book "Delicious Iceland" to National Jr. Chef winner Joel Prenelus of Eight Mile Rock. Photo: Yasmin Popescu

 Hailing from Iceland, Chef Worly has written a cookbook called “Delicious Iceland” that features recipes from his homeland. This cookbook has won two awards, one by Gourmand World Cookbook Awards as one of 100 best culinary books published in the world for the last 12 years; and the other is The Best Cookbook of 2007.

He has also written a similar cookbook for The Bahamas, having spent more than a decade here working in his field.

He is also working on his own cooking show, the first of course features Iceland and the another features cooking in The Bahamas.

Chef Worly said he has been watching the trend in the culinary field in this country and felt there was a lack of interest; and when he heard of Joel he wanted to help nurture the young man's interest.

He asked Joel to return to the restaurant for a few days in the summer so that they can show him how they work in the kitchen. Chef Worly further offered the suggestion that the two of them put on a gala evening featuring Joel’s culinary delights with the aim of starting a fund to further his education.

After winning the National Jr Chef competition just weeks ago, Joel has also been asked to take part in the College of The Bahamas' summer programme which will provide him learning for seven weeks in their culinary department.

Joel was most pleased with the meeting with Chef Worly and the collaborative ideas they discussed and is excited about pursuing his career. At the end of their lunch meeting, Chef Worly presented Joel with a copy of his award-winning hard cover cookbook “Delicious Iceland”.

Baleària to launch a new fast ferry transport service in Miami this summer sailing to Bimini and Grand Bahama

The Spanish ferry operator will offer one-day excursions to the island for $99.

The Spanish ferry operator Baleària plans to launch a new fast service from the port of Miami this summer. The line will sail to the islands of Bimini and Grand Bahama.

The company plans to operate the Miami-Bimini-Grand Bahama service on a daily basis (except Wednesdays) using the fast ferry Patricia Olivia. This vessel, which sails at a speed of 32 knots, has capacity for 450 passengers with 80 vehicles in the hold. The Patricia Olivia also offers services such as a cafe bar, duty free store, Slot Machines area (casino), first class accommodation and more.

The timetable of sailings will allow passengers to spend all day on Bimini: the ferry will leave at 9.00 am, return at 8.00 pm and the crossing will take approximately two hours. The company is offering a launch deal of excursions to the island for just $99 plus tax.



About Baleària

Baleària is one of the leading Spanish shipping lines, providing passenger and roll-on/roll-off sea transport services in the Spanish Mediterranean. The company provides regular services in the Balearic Islands (to the northwest of peninsular Spain) and in the Strait of Gibraltar (the main connection point between Europe and Africa), where it is the second-largest shipping line in terms of passenger numbers. The company operates a total of 21 lines by either ferry or fast ferry depending on the distance and the requirements of the crossing.


The company, which was created in 1998, has a workforce of 1,000 people. In 2010 Baleària handled the transportation of more than 3 million passengers and 3 million linear meters of roll-on/roll-off cargo, generating revenue of 230 million euros with a fleet of 14 vessels.

Bahamas to get forensic lab, McCartney to head project

By GENEA NOEL

The Freeport News
Freeport, Grand Bahama-Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Quinn McCartney will oversee the establishment of a DNA forensic lab in the capital, the first for The Bahamas.

McCartney, who has command of police operations in Grand Bahama, recently confirmed to The Freeport News that the project which is currently in its infancy stage will offer some benefits in tackling the escalating crime problem.

He shared that renovations are being planned for a building at the Police Headquarters in New Providence for a forensics lab which will include a DNA section.

"We are engaging an architectural firm to assist us in drawing plans and giving us a cost of what it will be to renovate the building to make it suitable for the forensic lab."

Qualified as a forensic scientist, McCartney said that he will be responsible for the project and hopes that in the future the lab can be expanded to accommodate other areas of forensic science, but the DNA section is priority.

"We are hoping that by the time we have the new budget funding would have been made available for that. We are hoping that as soon as funds are released in July construction or renovations can begin."

When asked if staffing the lab would be an issue, McCartney said that at this time adequate personnel is available for the proposed lab.

He also noted the time and money that will be saved by having a local DNA lab.

"This lab will be very significant because right now we have to send all of our DNA analysis to the U.S. for testing so this particular project involves not only establishing a DNA lab, but also training Bahamians to be certified DNA analysts, who will then be able to give evidence on DNA cases."

He expects for the project to be near completion within the next 18 months and added that the government has entered into an arrangement with a company that will assist in training and certifying staff.

"I am really excited about it because a lot of times we have cases and a lot of times we are closing cases or getting leads in cases and it may all depend on having DNA evidence.

"Now that we will have a facility in The Bahamas we should be able to get results faster. Currently now it takes us two to three months on average and maybe on a rush case we can get them in a month," he said.

"Certainly with our own facilities and experts in-house we should be able to get results within a week saving time and money. DNA helps in so many ways because it gives you good intelligence."

For example, McCartney said that if there are a number of sexual offenses like rape, officials may be able to get DNA evidence that would link one person to the scene.

"This would tell us if we are dealing with a serial rapist, or if we are looking at several persons in isolation. So it is going to do wonders for us."

$2m savings for GB Power customers

By ALISON LOWE

Tribune Business Reporter



Some 20,000 customers will collectively save $2 million over the next year following the installation of more efficient power generators by the Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC) , a company spokesperson said on Friday.

The GBPC is "very optimistic" that the newly-installed rental generators will enable the company to increase the reliability of Grand Bahama's power supply, as well as minimise price fluctuations typically felt by consumers, particularly over the summer months.

The adequacy and cost of Grand Bahama's power supply has been a major bone of contention for consumers, in particular the private sector, which has described it as a serious cost burden for business operations and profitability. The power company has 20,000 customers - around 15,000 residential and 5,000 commercial - on the island.

GBPC's corporate communications head, Philcher-Grant Farquharson, told Tribune Business that this historic unreliability and dissatisfaction factored into the company's decision to invest in the generators at this time.

"The company understands the level of reliability customers of GBPC have been experiencing is nowhere near the standard it should be at, and to stabilise the company and give customers the type of service they deserve and demand, we had to implement some short-term solutions to the power issue," said Mrs Farquharson.

GBPC has been majority-owned by Canadian power-giant, Emera, since December. The company has brought on stream a total of 54 rental units of generation, representing an additional 35 megawatts (MW) of supplemental generation, with enhancing energy efficiency the primary motive for doing so. Between eight and 10 extra workers are expected to find employment operating and maintaining the equipment.

The rental generators, which will remain in place until GBPC brings its announced new generation station on stream in the 2012 second quarter, are three times more efficient than the combustion turbines they will replace. Fuel costs tend to be more volatile with less efficient generators.

Added to the 10 MW of power brought in to supplement GPBC's generation capacity by Emera last year, the latest upgrade now provides the company with a total of 45 MW of more energy efficient generation equipment. Grand Bahama's peak power load is between 72-75 MW.

"We do not have any numbers on exactly how much supply interruptions will be reduced by, but we know these generators are more reliable than the current steam and combustion units, and more efficient given that they have better heat rate performances.

"It will bring cost stability to the customer at no additional cost, and we're very optimistic about the extent to which there will be a reduction in supply interruptions," said Mrs Grant-Farquharson.

"It's a short-term solution to improving the reliability of the company, and bringing some stabilisation and cost effectiveness until more intermediate and long-term solutions are implemented."

The spokesperson said the company will release more information regarding the new power plant in "the next several weeks".

Bahamas Wedding & Lifestyle Photographer, Lyndah Wells Launches new website

Freeport, Grand Bahama- www.lyndahwells.com The crisp, clean & modern website of Bahamas Wedding & Lifestyle photographer Lyndah Wells was launched at the end of March, 2011 and really is a true interpretation of her shooting style.
Filled a wide range of her work and also unexpected tidbits about her,  her Website becomes truly personal experience for visitors.

All images ©2010-2011 Lyndah Wells Photography

click to enlarge

"I want people to get to know me, to feel a connection between my images and themselves. Brides & grooms to be as well as families have to identify with a photographer and their style of shooting before they consider putting their trust in them and I hope that the many that have entrusted me with their most treasured moments and those that will in the future will find the images on my new website aspirational."
"I worked hard on getting the right balance of images, the styling of my site and also the music to all work in harmony to provide the most authentic experience of my work & myself.

There are many brides that are considering destination weddings in the Caribbean and specifically the Bahamas, this year alone I have photographed 7 destination weddings hosted at Pelican Bay Hotel, I'm lucky that I have been able to build a special relationship with them over the past few years. They understand and appreciate my style of photography and have commissioned me for private and promotional work, with 15 of my portraits depicting Bahamian children on permanent display in Delphines, their largest event room in their newly constructed meetings venue The Canal House.
My images can also be found on their website www.pelicanbayhotel.com

For Bahamian brides, I feel that, considering the style of traditional photography that they have been used to in the past with Bahamanian wedding photographers, my wedding photography style is new and refreshing for them.

Gone out the window are those restricted poses, they want memories that are fresh and reflective of the time and effort they put in planning this day, they understand that the photographer they book for their wedding will be the single most important service that they book.

As brides look back on the beauty of the ceremony and reception, the cake and the dinner that were so thoughtfully planned for, the menus are gone, the tuxedos and rentals are returned, and the guests have left. What remains after that day is their love for one another and the images we capture together. It is for this reason I take my role as a wedding photographer so very seriously.
I want every bride to know that the work I do does not just stop after the click of the shutter on the last image of the day but goes on into the creation of their wedding albums, which I personally design, the thank you cards & personalized site that hosts their images free for 3 months so that friends and family can access images easily. I am a member of Pictage  a wedding photographers community,
I also offer a variety of premium prints so that the images of their day can be displayed as art in their homes. 
Visit the site HERE

About Lyndah Wells

Lyndah Wells is a Wedding & Lifestyle photographer, based in Freeport, Grand Bahama in the beautiful Islands of The Bahamas. She was born in Lagos, Nigeria and raised in London, England.
“ As a photographer, I bring to my work a unique background in Fashion & Design, I explore photography fully. It is my goal to create images that are memorable and deliver exceptional photography with every press of the shutter, Photography makes me happy, it allows me to reveal myself but more importantly, It allows me capture an irreplaceable moment in time for my clients."

Picture of the day- Astronauts walking around Grand Bahama

 

Photo © Life Magazine- Astronauts walking around Grand Bahama Island, July 1961.

 Deke Slayton and Gus Grissom greeting Al Shepard on Grand Bahama Island after Shepard’s suborbital flight, May 1961.

New Generation Arrives for Grand Bahama

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama - The Grand Bahama Power Company announced today the on island arrival of what will total 54 rental units of generation. The units that were sourced from Aggreko, a global leader in generator rental, will represent an additional 35 MW of supplemental generation. When coupled with the 10MW units, added last year June, this will amount to 45 MW of supplemental generation for the island.

Company executives explained that this new generation will improve reliability for their customers. The overall efficiency and better heat rate performance of the rental units, as compared to the combustion turbines, will mean a stabilization of fuel costs that tend to be more volatile with the usage of the less efficient units. “The high level of efficiency also spells good news for customers of the Grand Bahama Power Company”, said Whitney Heastie, Vice President of Generation, “not only will they help provide reliable power service but will level out fuel costs.”

According to Ray Robinson, Executive Chairman of the Grand Bahama Power Company, the supplemental generation represents a short-term solution in Emera’s commitment to increase the overall level of reliability experienced by the customers of Grand Bahama Power. “We realize that the level of reliability that the residents of this island have been experiencing is nowhere near the standard that it should be. For those reasons, I am very pleased to put in place an interim solution that will not only provide an immediate solution for a significant reduction in customer interruptions, but will provide some economic and employment opportunities for Bahamians in operating and maintaining the additional units.”

While the rental generators will help with this summer’s demands, plans are already underway to build a new generation station on Grand Bahama for 2012. Since acquiring majority ownership of GBPC last December, Emera has been committed to improving reliability for GBPC customers and will announce information about the plant shortly.


Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information:

This release contains forward-looking information and should not be read as a guarantee of future events, performance or results, and will not necessarily be an accurate indication of whether, or the times at which, such events, performance or results will be achieved. Emera disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws.


About GBPC:


Grand Bahama Power Company Ltd. is a totally integrated utility company serving the island's 50,000 residents and commercial establishments from east to west. The company employs over 180 Bahamians and has one of the lowest electricity rates in the Caribbean. For more information about Grand Bahama Power Company please visit: www.gb-power.com


About Emera:


Emera Inc. (EMA-TSX) is a growing energy and services company with $6.3 billion in assets and revenues of $1.6 billion. The company invests in electricity generation, transmission and distribution as well as gas transmission and utility energy services. Emera’s strategy is focused on the transformation of the electricity industry to cleaner generation and the delivery of that clean energy to market. Emera operates throughout northeastern North America, in three Caribbean countries and in California. More than 80% of the company’s earnings come from regulated investments.. Emera shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol EMA. Additional information can be accessed at www.emera.com or www.sedar.com.

Freeport native wins 100 JAMZ $17,000 Secret Sound

Freeport, GRAND BAHAMA- SECRET Sound winner, Dedre Stuart, is $17,000 richer thanks to 100 Jamz. Caller number 17, Stuart guessed the mysterious sound - a hammer hitting a traffic cone - during Special K's afternoon shift on Wednesday, April 13 to become triumphant in the popular promotion that has kept listeners on tenterhooks for the past 15 weeks.

A Freeport native, Stuart phoned into the Jamz studio on the toll free line hoping for a financial miracle to help her care for her six children, including her teenage son, a cardiac patient who has had three open heart surgeries. When Special K confirmed her suspicion, a triumphant Stuart became hysterical declaring to bystanders, "I won the money!"

Stuart, an unemployed cook, listened to the radio daily contemplating the mysterious sound and satisfying her genetically unquenchable thirst for music. She is a gifted singer like her late father, Bahamian music legend, Tony Seymour.

After paying her son's medical costs, Stuart plans to use the rest of the funds to bless others who have helped her along the way and to assist with her five grandchildren.

Stuart's success follows a $9,900 Secret Sound win on December 23, 2010 by Brittney Seymour who guessed the sound before the jackpot reached the $17,000 maximum. This time though, after almost four months and close to 300 incorrect guesses of every imaginable combination, 100 Jamz had to place Secret Sound clues in The Tribune each weekday beginning April 1 to help guide listeners to the correct answer.

Magnum’s Dream Come True – Signs NBA Deal with Hawks

By Journal Sports Writer


On Monday NBA.Com reported that Grand Bahama Magnum Rolle and the Atlanta Hawks signed a contract and with that the hard work and dedication displayed by Rolle over the past six years paid off. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it is believed the two sides agreed to a two-year multi-million dollar deal. Magnum becomes only the fifth Bahamian born player to play in the NBA after Michael Thompson, Rick Fox, Dexter Cambridge, and Locksley Collie.
On Monday NBA.Com reported that Grand Bahama Magnum Rolle and the Atlanta Hawks signed a contract and with that the hard work and dedication displayed by Rolle over the past six years paid off.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it is believed the two sides agreed to a two-year multi-million dollar deal. Magnum becomes only the fifth Bahamian born player to play in the NBA after Michael Thompson, Rick Fox, Dexter Cambridge, and Locksley Collie.
Eric Gordon Jr. who plays for the LA Clippers has roots in The Bahamas as his mom is Bahamian who met his father while in college in the USA where Gordon was born.
Rolle spent training camp with the Indiana Pacers, and appeared in five preseason games before being waived on October 25, 2010. He was the 51st overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was then acquired by the Pacers in exchange for the draft rights to Ryan Reid.
The Gatorade call-up played in 15 games (seven starts) with the Maine Red Claws of the NBA Development League this season, averaging 14.1 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.5 spg, 1.3 apg and 1.2 bpg (.508 FG%, .585 FT%) in 25.9 mpg. He was the third overall pick of the D-League Draft by the Claws.
Rolle played his sophomore season at LSU, before transferring to Louisiana Tech. As a senior with the Bulldogs in 2009-10, he led the WAC in blocked shots (2.1 bpg), adding 13.9 ppg and 8.4 rpg in 34 games (33 starts). He finished his career with Louisiana Tech fourth all-time in blocks in just two seasons of action.
Magnum Rolle was born on February 23, 1986 in Freeport, Bahamas, and attended St. George’s High School in Freeport before spending a year at Laurinburg Institute in North Carolina. He will wear uniform number 25 in Atlanta.

Video- Delicious Bahamas by our friends at theBasiccookbook.com

Delicious Bahamas from TheBasicCookBook.Com on Vimeo.
I've been meaning to write a short post about the great work Chef Volli ( pronounced Worly) Had been doing at Sabor Restaurant and Bar and also to write and let everyone know about his wife's Thora's Blog, which is a foodie blog filled with delicious recipes and video tutorials by Chef Volli. They have a Facebook page which you can like HERE and of courses their site. So go ahead browse the delicious recipes and I see that they've just posted some drinks recipes, perfect timing as the weather here in Freeport, Grand Bahama, is now about 80F.

A Little bit about the Basic Cookbook

Who are we…
Well – were do I begin. First off – let me introduce my self. I´m Thora – the self proclaimed voice of The Basic Cookbook. I am a happily married mother of two – originally from Iceland. I am as culinary/domestically challenged as they come but fortunately the man of my dreams happens to be the most talented and amazing chef I´ve had the pleasure of meeting.

His name is Volli – or Volundur S. Volundarson if you prefer. Tall and handsome he captured my heart six years ago and today we are blessed with two incredible children – Baldvin, who was born in 2008 and Moey, born 2010. Life is as hectic as it can get with various projects going on. We have a restaurant where we live in the Bahamas, we also love books – and we just finished Volli´s second book – which is dedicated to fish and seafood, called Silver of the Sea. Volli´s previous book Delicious Iceland was published in 2006 (the day before our wedding!) and has since then received international awards – and was chosen by Gourmand one of the 100 best cookbooks published in the world for the past ten years (that was in 2007). We are also busy with or TV production company and our latest endeavor was Delicious Iceland – tales of unique northern cuisine where Volli traveled all over Iceland – to some strange and amazingly beautiful places and cooked delicious food as well. If you go to the Delicious Iceland site you can see clips from the show.

Conch Salad TV- Fowl Cay: The Diving Experience

Abaco’s Fowl Cay became a Bahamian National Park in 2009, 35 years after the first proposal for its protection was submitted to the Government. A later video will look at that process, this is the story of divers and their experience at Fowl Cay. The dive industry was a major factor in the Park’s creation. Diving is an important factor in the Bahamian economy and a mainstay of the ecotourism industry.



Tune in every 2 weeks for a visual exploration of real life in The Bahamas, far from the tourist scene. Conch Salad TV doesn't just give you information about The Bahamas, but instead, through videos, captures island life in its most natural state. Hope you enjoy it, leave a comment and let us know what you think.

Grand Bahama Port Authority sponsors 'Rush For Peace' Junkanoo parade

(Pictured left to right): Father Reginald Demeritte, Majestic Crusaders; Anthony ‘Huck’ Williams, Swingers; Karen Ferguson-Bain, Junkanoo Promotions; Eddie Dames, Deputy Director of Culture, Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture; Geneva Rutherford, Director of Community Relations-GBPA; Toby Austin, Saxons; Peter Turnquest, president, GBCC; Percy ‘Vola’ Francis; Saxons; and Winston ‘Gus’ Cooper, Valley Boys.

Submitted by Lashann Dames
FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- As organizers of the ‘Rush For Peace’ Junkanoo parade finalize plans for their upcoming June events, official sponsor, The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) graciously donated cash seed funds to major participating groups.
During a press conference held at GBPA headquarters, leaders of the top two New Providence and Grand Bahama groups were presented with cheques by GBPA’s Director of Community Relations, Geneva Rutherford.

“Junkanoo is an integral part of our Bahamian culture, therefore, GBPA is more than pleased to sponsor the upcoming festivities,” she said. “The theme, ‘Rush For Peace’, is so appropriate in light of today’s social climate. In harmony with the aim of the organizers and similar to our company’s mission, it is our wish that this series of events will serve as a uniting force for the island’s citizenry, and by extension, residents of The Bahamas as a whole.”

Confirming official endorsement by the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture, was Deputy Director of Culture, Eddie Dames. Drawing on the proliferation of violent crimes on a national level, Dames suggested constructive antidotes. “One of the most powerful forces that we have found to be effective enough to draw persons together and have society interwoven toward one magnificent cause is the call of Junkanoo,” he stated.

According to Karen Ferguson-Bain, Public Relations, Junkanoo Promotions, “the object of ‘Rush For Peace’ is to stimulate the economy of Grand Bahama and to promote peace, love and unity within our nation, while showcasing some of The Bahamas’ top Junkanoo groups.” A Sunday, May 29 church service, to be conducted by Kingdom Worship Center, will mark the beginning, followed by a ‘March For Peace’ parade from downtown to Independence Park, later that afternoon. A subsequent youth rally includes featured speakers, a chase and capture exhibition by the Royal Bahamas Police Force K-9 Unit and a drill display by an all female rifle platoon.



On Thursday, June 2, a cultural expo and mix & mingle street party are planned for the International Bazaar, featuring a special performance by the Legends Marching Band. The premiere event, the ‘Rush For Peace’ Junkanoo parade, will take place on Friday, June 3. Competing for a $51,000 cash prize are, the Saxons and Valley Boys out of Nassau, and the Swingers and Majestic Crusaders from Freeport. A family fun day and all Bahamian concert on Taino Beach on Saturday, June 4, will bring the week of festivities to a conclusion.


“As an official sponsor, we are very excited to see the reintroduction of a June Junkanoo festival. This falls right in line with what we’re trying to do, to create a renewed sense of pride and enthusiasm for our island, which we believe will in turn translate into greater creativity and economic activity locally,” expressed, Peter Turnquest, president, The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce.

He also encouraged businesses on Grand Bahama to position themselves to take advantage of the influx of visitors expected for an event of this magnitude. “We will be on display in terms of our island. Along with superior customer service, we want to put our best foot forward and show the rest of The Bahamas and indeed the world, what we have here in Grand Bahama to offer,” Turnquest added.

Joel Prenelus National Jr. Chef Winner

By Yasmin Popescu, Media Unlimited


Grand Bahama, The Bahamas - For the first time the Eight Mile Rock High School entered a student in the National Young Chef competition and came back the winner.

Eighth grader, Joel Prenelus emerged the National Jr. Chef after competing against 10 other students from around The Bahamas during the competition that was held at the A.F. Adderley Junior High School in Nassau, New Providence on March 16th, 2011.

Joel excitedly told of his love for cooking and his desire to one day pursue this as a career as well as three other disciplines – marine biology, basketball and carpentry saying he is said to be quite proficient in all.

His winning dish was the Island Rice Trio, which consisted of sushi rolls of wild hog, wild pigeon and lobster rice. He was also entered in the flour dish and for this he did the Island Coconut Fruit Cake, which won him third prize.

According to Hospitality teacher and coach Mr. Theo Arthur, Joel is a very confident young man and he was one of two persons to represent Grand Bahama. The other was a student from St. Georges who participated in the Sr. Chef competition.

“I am proud to be a winner, proud of his school” said Joel, who continued to say, “as I was leaving a lot of people said I would lose but now I’m the winner.”

He said he was not nervous going into the competition in Nassau after winning the competition in Grand Bahama.

As for his inspiration, he said his mother has helped and showed him how to cook the basics. Inspiration for the dishes themselves came from his teacher whom he said inspired him to think outside of the box and use ingredients from around the islands, hence the rice with lobsters from Grand Bahama waters; wild hog from Abaco and wild pigeon also from Abaco. This idea won him the first place as no other student produced items such as these, he said. He noted that the aim was to be cultural.Mr. Arthur, he said, taught him how to cook these various animals.

Joel is also looking forward to going into the seniors in two years, and winning. When asked about advice for others who may want to do the same thing, Joel said they should be confident in themselves and believe all things are possible through Christ, and to have a good teacher like he has in Mr. Arthur.

Ms. Gaylene Bain-Pinder, Education office was also quite proud of the accomplishments of Joel and was on hand for the interview commented on the confidence held by Joel whom she said was even very good at being interviewed by the media.

“We are expecting great things to come from Joel” said Mrs. Bain-Pinder, “in fact I have spoken with Superintendent Anderson and we are going to watch his career from grade eight straight through to grade 12 and we have decided to sponsor him so that he can focus on cooking and doing the things he loves.

“We are going to make sure he has all of his tools, text books, recipe books and so forth because we are looking forward to Joel’s name being a household name in Grand Bahama for cooking.”

Community organisation sets out to create ‘Safe Swim Zone’ for Grand Bahama

Shown L-R: Brad Scott and James Sarles, club members; Ken Saunders, incoming president; James Rose, past president; Wayne Russell, treasurer; Steven Dillet, assistant district governor; and Ivan Chestnut, club member. (Photo: Erik J. Russell / Keen i Media Ltd)

A local community organisation has launched a new initiative to create a ‘Safe Swim Zone’ along the south shore of Grand Bahama for the protection of visitors and residents alike.

The Rotary Club of Grand Bahama Sunrise has taken on a project that will enhance the tourist experience and make it just a little bit safer for everyone on Grand Bahama.

Members have embarked on a project to create a Safe Swim Zone all along the island’s southern coast by creating a distinct separation between boaters and jet ski operators on one side of the surf and swimmers on the other.

Over recent months, the project took Rotarians door-to-door of beachfront residences and businesses to help raise the funds required to purchase the materials and equipment needed to establish the safe swimming area. The funds will also continue the Rotary Club’s extensive year-round community support efforts.

This project has raised over $25,000 from concerned residents in the local community, and as a result, Rotarians have been able to purchase 260 polyethylene 16-inch diameter foam-filled buoys that were custom-made by Jim Buoy, in California. The next phase of this project is focused on placing them in the water.

The implementation stage will require additional donations to the Rotary Club, but for Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Grand Bahama Sunrise Jamie Rose this is a mission that is worth the effort and worthy of the continued support of the Grand Bahama community.


“The Safe Swim Zone project was brought on because there is a lot of abuse going on as far as [boaters] going in too close to the shore, and it showed a clear immediate danger for people who are going swimming off the beach,” Mr Rose said. “This was something that could really affect the community, safety-wise and tourism-wise. So, this will give an area that will show where the liability is for boaters. It gives boaters an area of responsibility,” he said.

The Safe Swim Zones will be designated at Taino Beach, Discovery Bay, Banana Bay, in front of the Coral Beach hotel, the entire stretch of the Silver Point jetty entrance, Bell Channel and past Smith’s Point, Spanish Main, and as far east as the Grand Lucayan Waterway.

Mr Rose explained: “The law states that boats have to stay 200 feet away from the high tide mark, but 200 feet away is often violated by boaters. So, for people by the water, especially in the summer, it poses a threat to their safety. Jet skiers, banana boat operators – generally, they are all operating inside 200 feet – not necessarily because they are in defiance of the law, but because there is no clear line showing them what the distance is.”

According to Mr Rose, volunteers will install the buoys, and large concrete moorings will be used to anchor the buoys in the water so that they will stay in place all year. The moorings have been specially designed to also provide a safe habitat for marine life such as crawfish and fish. He noted that this would be an ongoing maintenance project for Rotarians in Grand Bahama.

Betty Bethel, general manager of business development at the Ministry of Tourism, said the project is a timely one as the ministry is concerned about tourist safety on the beaches.

“There is a concern of creating a swim zone for guests because we do have a lot of illegal operators on the beach, primarily in the Lucaya area, and we have been aggressively addressing that along with the police department and the port director,” she said.

Mrs Bethel applauded Rotary for taking the initiative as a private organization and living up to the ministry’s slogan “tourism is everybody’s business” and for helping to improve the tourism product on Grand Bahama. She said that the ministry has been working with the Royal Bahamas Police Force — the Lucaya station in particular — to have a stronger police presence on the beach.

Mr Rose said that a key element of their efforts is to help raise awareness about the purpose and function of the Safe Swim Zone. “Part of the goal will be for us to have signage placed throughout public access points to the beaches, in the hotel lobbies and areas where the public can actually get through to the beach.” Mr Rose explained that the signs will state what the buoy line is, how it was installed, where the funding came from and informing swimmers that they should stay inside this buoy line for their own safety.

“We have been in talks with commercial operators who utilise that stretch of beach so they are aware that the project is ongoing and are fully supportive of it as well,” Rose said.

Installation of the Safe Swim Zone buoy system is expected to begin on May 7, 2011.

Miami challenges Grand Bahama container port plan

By Inderia Saunders
Guardian Business Reporter

PALM BEACH, USA -- Months after the Freeport Container Port (FCP) in The Bahamas projected multi-million-dollar investments based around it being the largest regional harbour, Florida has announced $77 million in dredging set to make the state the leading trans-shipment point in the area.

The plan is set to complicate what up until March had been pretty secure expansion plans for the Grand Bahama company.

Florida Governor Rick Scott said the dredging of the Port of Miami will make it the hub for trade for the East Coast, if not for the country.

“We are clearly going to be the shipping capital,” he said at the Palm Beach Strategic Forum on Monday. “International trade is a big opportunity for us.”

His statements were backed by several economists at the conference. The $77 million dredging project in that state is expected to create around 33,000 jobs, with Miami to be a first port of call for ships coming through an expanded Panama Canal.

Guardian Business was unsuccessful in obtaining a comment from the Freeport Container Port on the planned expansion in Florida up to press time.

Officials at the Grand Bahama company had been anticipating a “perfect economic storm” of conditions to cement negotiations with at least three of the world’s mega shipping companies.

It was all in an effort to be at the forefront of changes in the global shipping industry. FCP Chief Executive Gary Gilbert said recently that a mix of external factors will likely drive more container shipping to Grand Bahama within the next two years and grow the port’s business by 400 percent. That’s growth the company is preparing for with a major berth expansion project from 3 to 20 berths to be executed over the next ten years.

“What we have is an economically perfect storm that we believe is brewing on our behalf,” the CEO of FCP, a Hutchison Whampoa company, said earlier. “We believe transshipment in Freeport is significant… and we think [growth] will happen explosively.”

“A major shift pattern is happening now. By 2014/2015 significantly bigger ships will be coming from the Suez [Canal] into the Panama Canal. This is a significant problem for the US East Coast because none of the ports have the depth, so where do they go? They come to us. We have the depth right now.”

The shipping industry is now plowing ahead in outfitting itself with the kind of bigger vessels that will not only be more fuel efficient than the current fuel hogs, but cost about 30 percent less to build, use 35 percent less berthing space and will utilise roughly 50 percent less crew members.

That mass shift in ships from the capacity of around 4,400 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) to 12,600 TEUs has led to the current expansion plans of the Panama Canal, now increasing its vessel size capacity to 13,000 TEUs in order to accommodate the biggest of these vessels.

The Container Port, the deepest port in the region at 52 feet, was in a good position to fill the void left in the market -- that is before Florida announced its plans.

It’s now unclear what lies in store in regards to the company’s growth and the jobs that would have been created on the island.

Grand Bahama Artists Association to hold Spring Art Exhibition and Sale

Submitted by Del Foxton

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- It is easy to understand why spring is a favorite time of year for many people. In spring everything seems comes to life; more flowers in bloom, the green world becomes greener, outdoor enthusiasts are more active with home improvements, in the garden, on the trail and on the seas.

Spring is also a time of regeneration and celebration as many religions observe special holidays during this period, and, Spring means the opening of the Grand Bahama Artists Association Spring Art Exhibition and Sale at the Rand Nature Centre in the Glory Banks Art Gallery. This year is a special year for the GBAA as it celebrates its sweet sixteenth year.

As the artist of the GBAA once again present their works we reflect what the world would be without the beauty expressed through the hearts of our artists. Whether the artist is an amateur or professional, their shared vision is important to a society. It is art that will remain for centuries as nations as cultures rise and fall.

Art lovers and patrons will appreciate the works of local and international artists showing in the Gallery along with emerging artists, who have not yet shown or sold their work in commercial settings. A variety of styles and media will be displayed for viewing and purchasing pleasure.

It is often said that beauty truly is “in the eye of the beholder” and that art is completely subjective. Yet we can appreciate the arts and those who courageously share their visions with the world. One does not have to be an artist or critic to truly identify with the visual arts. Opportunities to view and experience an art form broaden, enrich and inspire.


Everyone is welcome to visit the Glory Banks Art Gallery. It is a place where anyone of any age can take that first or continuing step into the world of art – either as an artist or one who simply appreciates art. Itis important that we support the arts…it is good for our spirit.



The GBAA Spring Art Exhibition and Art Sale will be on view at the Rand Nature Centre from April 1st to April 25th. Please come and help us celebrate our sixteenth year.

For more information about the art exhibition or to become a member of the Grand Bahama Artists Association, please contact Del Foxton at 353 4333. www.delfoxton.com

Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour Invites Boaters to Head to West End with $199 Dockage / Hotel Deal

Miami, FL (PRWEB) April 6, 2011

Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour, Grand Bahama Island’s premier resort and marina, invites boaters to come back to West End. Now through July 3rd, 2011 boaters will receive a special rate of $1.99 ft dockage and a room rate of $199.00 + Tax. Guests must book both dockage and room night.

Old Bahama Bay is located in West End Village, approximately 25 miles west of the city of Freeport, Grand Bahama and only 55 nautical miles east of West Palm Beach, FL. With its 73 rooms, 2 restaurants and 72 marina slips, Old Bahama Bay has a barefoot elegance ambiance with an out-island remote feel, but with the convenience of an international airport and major destination amenities all just 26 miles away. The 72-slip marina offers on-site Bahamas Customs & Immigration clearance, 24-hour security and full list of marina services.

West End provides fishing enthusiasts with some of the finest sport fishing anywhere in the world. With its close proximity to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, the marlin, tuna, dolphin and wahoo fishing are exceptional. The shallows of the Little Bahama Bank provide over 80 square miles of flats that will test any angler’s fly-fishing skills. Reef fishing abounds with numerous varieties of snapper and grouper. West End has it all!

For more information or reservations please call 1-888-800-8959, email info@oldbahamabay.com or visit http://www.oldbahamabay.com.

Listing of the Week! Princess Isle Beachfront Estate

ARTICLE From Real Life Magazine April 2009

20 Princess Island is on the market for US$13.8 million

Take the vibe and facilities of a luxury hotel, add even more space and privacy and that imitable feeling of being at home (albeit an unspeakably glamorous one) and you have 20 Princess lsland; a property so heart stoppingly pretty that one can imagine it inhabited by angels – Victoria’s Secret angels that is. The 13,600 sq ft residence – which can be found in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island – is owned by former president of Victoria’s Secret Mail Order, David Kollat.

The revered businessman (Kollat has been listed in Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in the World since 1980) “bought the property in the spring of 2002.” While many people are thrilled to hand over the keys to a decorator, David wanted to stay closely involved: “The architect (John Mitchell), interior designer (David Berg) and I designed the house over a three year period. We began construction in June 2005 and completed in March 2008. Ilove this house so much”.

And for good reason. The estate (which has been made to Miami/Dade standards) overlooks the ocean making it the ultimate in exotic escapism. The lush landscape – coconut and Cuban palms, Gumbo-limbo and sea grape trees, oleander, hibiscus, green and silver buttonwood – combined with 1.44 acres of private beach and 0.28 acres of canal only serve to heighten this feeling further. Meanwhile the elegant façade makes you think you have stepped back in time to a far more graceful age and is very much in keeping with Kollat’s taste. He explains: “When I was in the fashion business I spent a lot of time in beautiful mansions in Newport, Rhode Island, and Palm Beach, Florida. I loved the architecture of Palm Beach, particularlythe work of Addison Misner; his work was the primary inspiration for the architectural style of the house. The architect and I used coral, hand made barrel roof tiles [made in Colombia andRL CASTLE IN THE SAND | 53 secured with stainless steel nails and cement], pecky Cyprus and so on in the style of the 1920s, but blended in modern necessities and touches like hurricane proof windows and doors.” Yet while the architectural appeal is amazing, the interior space is equally spectacular.

The downstairs consists of an entry hall and a large living room with parquet oak floors, as well as an impressive fireplace that provides a touch of welcoming warmth. There is also a majestic kitchen with a dining area and doors leading out to the loggia, as well as a more formal dining area that manages to be elegant without being intimidating. Elsewhere you will find a library complete with Cyprus panelled walls with wainscoting, a fireplace (there are 10 in total: four inside and six out) and doors opening out to the sea – the beach is no more than a 30 second walk. Other pluses? How about a prized powder room with Waterworks fixtures, Cyprus vanity with white Cararra marble top and filled coral floor or – for film afficionados – a media room from which you can enjoy not only a myriad of movies, but stunning sea views guaranteed to leave you purring with satisfaction. Truly this place has been designed for entertaining on a grand scale; not only does the palatial premise boast two outbuildings (one a housekeeper’s quarters and storage and the other a two car garage), it also houses six bedrooms including four guest bedrooms.

Here standout features include coral filled floors that give a feel for the Caribbean, doors that open onto a terrace and bathrooms boasting a bath with Waterworks fixtures and a rain shower. But the main master bedroom takes some beating equipped as it is with enough marble to rival Rome. The master suite comes complete with a closet that provides ample space to store a wardrobe worthy of Carrie Bradshaw, while the bathroom includes an oversized marble shower and special rain shower plus a double vanity with marble surface on Cyprus cabinets which enclose a bar and refrigerator. All told, the standard of work and attention to detail is exceptional. As for the décor, the colour scheme ranges from masculine deep chocolate browns to bright whites and breezy blues that create a light island mood while custom made Ralph Lauren furnishings lend an instant hit of chic. Over 100 objects d’art by celebrated artists such as Stephen Kelly, Bruce Tolman, Marcella Mumet and custom framed prints of famous work by Picasso, Warhol, Matisse, Miro, Lichenstein and the like up the ante even further.

The building also boasts every amenity an owner could desire; domestic gods and goddesses will no doubt appreciate the state of the art kitchen with its Wolfe range griddle, grill, two ovens and four burners, two Monogram dishwashers, trash compacter and Sub Zero refrigerator and freezer. Other first class facilities include a fully equipped gym, heated outdoor pool, Brunswick pool table, Baldwin grand piano, Creston music system, phone paging system, wireless internet and flat screen televisions in each room. With so much on offer, Kollat concedes that it is hard for him tosingle out a favourite spot: “I love being everywhere in the house, on the loggia and by the pool – all of which are within 100 feet of the ocean,” he says. “The beach stretches for nearly a mile each way, and several days can pass without seeing a single person walk by.

The water is seven shades of blue and the sunsets are spectacular. I feel totally relaxed, peaceful and tranquil.” It is easy to understand why; this is a tempting place to ‘chill out’. Kollat is convinced that someone else will soon fall in love with the place for this abode undoubtedly has the ‘wow’ factor. Sometimes a property is so intent on being cool that it forgets to be characterful or comfortable but 20 Princess Island is all three. As such, it is not only a great investment but one of The Bahamas’ most exclusive residences.