Jully Black delivers powerful performance in Grand Bahama

 All photos Courtesy of The Bahamas Weekly.

Freeport, The Bahamas - R & B singer/songwriter , Jully Black (pronounced ‘Julie’) delivered a powerful and passionate performance to the delight of the locals and tourists gathered at the Count Basie Square, Port Lucaya Marketplace in Grand Bahama on March 17th, 2011. This was her first performance in the Caribbean.

Ms. Black sang about 6 songs and opened with the R & B song, "Seven Day Fool" which was first recorded in 1961 by Etta James. Black re-recorded it in 2007 and it was produced by Black Eyed Peas' drummer & songwriter Keith Harris. She premiered one song which have never been heard in her native homeland Canada called, "Crown Me" which will be out later this year when she releases her new album. Each song she delivered, Black had the audience right with her, never loosing any momentum from one great song to the next.

The Juno Award winner was also in town to film segments for CTV's eTalk, Canada's most watched entertainment news program in which Ms. Black is a Celebrity Reporter.

During her concert, which was filmed for eTalk, the audience was on their feet dancing and singing, while many of the local children remained up at the foot of the stage mesmerized by her performance. Black even came down into the audience at one point and let local and visitors dance with her while she sang. After the show she took all the time needed to satisfy those that wanted to meet her and obtain her autograph.

The trip was made possible in conjunction with the Bahamas Tourist Office in Toronto and was facilitated locally by the Grand Bahama Ministry of Tourism and the Bahamas Film and Television Commission.

While on island for almost a week, Black enjoyed the many sites and cultural activities the island has to offer and was reunited with a niece who is a local school teacher.
Jully Black has collaborated with, and written for many notable Canadian, American and International artists including Nas, Missy Elliot, Saukrates, Choclair, Kardinal Offishall, Destiny's Child, and Sean Paul.

Stay tuned for a video interview with Jully Black from TheBahamasWeekly.com

Jully Black on Facebook

www.jullyblack.com

CTV's eTalk

Watch "Seven Day Fool" by Jully Back on Youtube

The Grand Bahama yachting industry could be 'turning a corner'

PHOTO:LYNDAH WELLS

By DENISE MAYCOCK
Tribune Freeport Reporter

FREEPORT - GRAND BAHAMA. Grand Bahama could be "turning a corner" in its yachting industry, already recording increased numbers of boaters from the United States and Canada during the first week of 2011.
One of the facilities experiencing a boost in business for the new year is the Port Lucaya Marina.
Ryan Knowles, co-manager of the marina, said they were extremely pleased with the number of boats that docked at the facility for the beginning of 2011.
"We were quite pleased with the number of boats we had for the new year period, considering how bad things were for the past couple of years.
"It seems we are starting to turn a corner now, and starting to see some boats coming over again," he said.
The marina, which was acquired by the Grand Bahama Yacht Club several years ago, consists of just over 105 slips. It is equipped with running water, cable television, wireless internet, showers and a fuel dock among other amenities.
Mr Knowles reported that the marina received some 60 boaters last week, recording a nearly 60 per cent occupancy.
He noted that most of the boaters brought family and friends with them and stayed in the hotels.
"Restaurants and businesses in the Lucaya area also benefitted," he added.
Mr Knowles said the Grand Bahama Yacht Club and Port Lucaya Marina participate in about three to four boat shows a year in Florida to promote the facilities in Grand Bahama.
They offer special rates during certain times of the year to attract boaters when there is a lull in business.
Mr Knowles said they also try to encourage boaters to make the marina their home port.
He said that boaters are very impressed with the staff and the condition of the marina facilities.
The yachting industry continues to be an important sector for the Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA).
The BMA is currently developing a Bahamian yacht registry, with the Law Reform and Review Commission now in the process of "tidying up" draft legislation for it.
Environment Minister Earl Deveaux said the code for the yacht registry has already been adopted and the fee schedule allows the BMA to treat these vessels differently from the heavy-duty ships on its main registry.
"We're now in a position where if someone wants to register their yacht in the Bahamas we have a code to accommodate that," the minister said. "We structured that fee to make us more competitive," he said.

New Extended Parking at the Port Lucaya Marketplace

Customers taking advantage of holiday deals being offered at the Marketplace. Store owners have also extended their operating hours to accommodate the late evening shoppers.

By GBPA

Freeport, Grand Bahama - Management at the Port Lucaya Marketplace have pulled out all of the stops to attract last minute shoppers before the Christmas holidays. From window displays decked with perfumes, jewelry and other wonderful holiday items, to sidewalk racks filled with pocket tempting deals; merchants are stocked and ready to receive and please customers.
Noting that parking at the Marketplace has been a challenge, management at the Port Lucaya Marketplace has expanded the customer parking area, to ensure that customers will have easy access and a pleasant experience when visiting the Marketplace.

Entertainment and Marketing Coordinator for the Marketplace Ms. Karen Ferguson-Bain expressed, “When you think of fine dining, shopping or family oriented entertainment, the Port Lucaya Marketplace is one of the first places that come to mind, but the issue of parking also accompanies this thought,” Ferguson-Bain commented. “As the final days before the Christmas Holiday approaches, we wanted to make coming to Port Lucaya a pleasant experience for everyone by extending parking to the far Western side of the Marketplace.

The new expanded parking area is intended to accommodate tenants and employees, so that the immediate parking facilities in the Western and Eastern lots can be utilized by customers.

This area is intended to accommodate tenants and employees, so that the immediate parking facilities in the Western and Eastern lots can be utilized by customers,” she continued. As a result of the new parking structure, customers now have ample parking facilities, with access to the Western parking area near Domino’s Pizza and to the Eastern parking area at the rear and to the right of the Oasis Drug Store.

During the final days before Christmas, store owners have extended their operating hours to accommodate the late evening shoppers. Customers are encouraged to check out the deals being offered at the Marketplace as most storeowners are hosting in-house promotions, where with a minimum purchase, customers become eligible to win prizes like matching Movado watch sets, a new 2011 vehicle, a trip for two to London and many other prizes.

Port Lucaya Prepares for “A Night of Christmas Music

Staff of the Port Lucaya Marketplace are busy decorating the Count Basie Square to host the Night of Christmas Music which be held on Friday, December 17th starting at 8:00 p.m. Hundreds of Grand Bahamians and visitors are expected to attend this grand event.

 By GBPA
Staff of the Port Lucaya Marketplace are busy decorating the Count Basie Square to host the Night of Christmas Music which be held on Friday, December 17th starting at 8:00 p.m. Hundreds of Grand Bahamians and visitors are expected to attend this grand event.

Freeport, Grand Bahama - The Christmas tree has already been lit in Count Basie Square as pine wreaths with colorful ornaments, mark each corner. Silver chandelier balls cascade across the walkways, to join a cluster of red and gold pieces, all intended to invoke the feeling of Christmas at the Port Lucaya Marketplace.

The wondrous sound of Christmas music fills the air from speakers nearby but, by Friday evening, the recorded musical numbers will fade, replaced by the sounds of live entertainment, as the Port Lucaya Marketplace hosts “A Night of Christmas Music”.

The concert will be held on Friday, December 17th at 8:00 p.m. featuring the popular crooner Wilfred Solomon and The Magnetics Band, and a special guest performance by songbird, Georgina Rigby-Ward. They will perform a variety of Christmas carols and traditional tunes made popular by the late greats: Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby and Mahalia Jackson.

Concert organizer and Entertainment and Marketing Coordinator for the Marketplace Ms. Karen Ferguson-Bain, shared, “Whenever the Christmas season comes around and you hear the music of those old time singers, it puts you in that holiday mood; it puts you in the mood of giving and sharing. As such, the owners, management, directors and staff of the Port Lucaya Marketplace wanted to give back. On Friday, the Square and the entire Port Lucaya Marketplace will be totally decked out with the lights and decorations for the concert,” she stated.

The event will climax with a Junkanoo Rush Out by the students and staff of the Beacon School.

This year, a 20 ft spruce Christmas tree was erected and Port Lucaya has gone green with the use of LED lights on the tree to conserve energy.

Trip Advisor- Port Lucaya Marketplace: Traveler Reviews

“Great Variety”
We loved spending time at the Port Lucaya Marketplace. We took advantage of almost everything it has to offer: shops, restaurants, bars, excursions and the straw market. My sister and I had a blast at the straw market. Yes, the vendors try to get you to buy their stuff, and yes, some of it is overpriced, but we never found them to be rude or aggressive. Most of the vendors are actually very friendly and willing to barter. It pays to be pleasant and not walk in with an attitude.
The arts and crafts section of the straw market had some wonderful and unique items. You must visit Shelly's shop if you are looking for beautiful handmade dolls. Of course, that is assuming that she has had time to make more dolls since my sister practically bought out her entire shop! We bought some very cool adjustable magnetic bracelets/necklaces that we gave as gifts when we got home. Everyone loved them. The first time we were there we bought them for $10 each; by the end of our trip we figured out that some vendors will sell them for 3 for $15. That is all part of the fun, and even at $10 we thought they were a good deal.

In the middle of the Marketplace there is a stage and outdoor seating area called Count Basie Square. It seemed kind of dead during the week, but on Friday and Saturday nights it came alive. It was so much fun to listen to the music and people watch. The bars are full of people, yet it is also very family friendly. We never once felt unsafe or uncomfortable.

The Marketplace has a couple of convenience stores and also a couple of liquor stores. It was nice to be able to buy a few things that we could bring back and keep in our hotel room. The prices seemed reasonable enough, all things considered. And finally, a must stop is the little fruit stand in the middle of the Marketplace. They have the best pina coladas, and you can order them with or without rum.
READ FULL REVIEW HERE

New Pirate-Themed Restaurant opens in Grand Bahama

Officially opening their Pub, owners of RED BEARD'S, Brian and and Debbie Botham, gave brief remarks to their guests. Photo courtesy of Red Beards

 Freeport, The Bahamas – Returning Grand Bahamian, Brian Botham, officially opened his dream bar and restaurant on Thursday, August 12th, in Lucaya, Grand Bahama. Red Beard’s Pub, formerly the Britannia Pub, offers affordable meals in a relaxing new venue for both locals and tourists to enjoy.

“I wanted to create a local bar for friends and visitors alike but I wanted to make it an affordable place for them to bring their families to eat too,” said Botham. Botham who grew up in Grand Bahama but moved away when he was a teen, back to his parent’s home in Canada, has always wanted to return home. “I brought my wife Debbie here and showed her the paradise I grew up in,” he tells us. “It wasn’t hard for me to convince her to make the decision to return.”

Botham, a former truck driver and safety consultant, spent the last 15 years driving all over the US and Canada before opening his own safety and consulting company along with his wife. “We’ve worked hard and been successful in our business, but at the end of the day we wanted to come and live here - we love it.”

 RED BEARD'S PUB owner, Brian Botham, officially opened his new restaurant and pub on Thursday night. Speaking to ZNS TV Anchor, Pakiesha Parker, on the deck of his Pub Botham. Photo courtesy of Red Beards

Returning home has given him the opportunity to enter into the restaurant and bar business. Red Beard’s is uniquely located on the opposite side of Port Lucaya Marketplace and is adjacent to one of the islands largest condominiums, Harbour House. “We hope our location will be a benefit to the locals in the area, and also an alternative option in Freeport for dining,” added Botham. “We have booths for small dinner parties, large rooms available for private events and a huge deck that looks over the marina as well. We really can do a lot here and I’m excited about the feedback we are getting so far.”

For the tourists, Brian and Debbie, have capitalized on a pirate theme for the bar, playing off the name. The pub is decorated in pirate colours, with pirate paraphernalia and great pirate souvenirs for guests to purchase. “I’ve always fancied myself as a bit of a pirate,” jokes the bearded Botham, “so we went with the idea and it’s working well for a fun theme!”

In the kitchen Botham has hired well-known local chef Colleen Davies, who has been working tirelessly to create simple, home cooked meals - just like a ‘proper’ pub. “We wanted good food, not overly priced, and a simple menu for guests,” noted Botham’s wife Debbie. “It’s working well so far and we’ve recently added in Sunday Roasts with all the trimmings, which has also gone over really well.”

In attendance at the official opening was Grand Bahama Chamber President, K. Peter Turnquest, who noted “…on behalf of the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce, I am extremely pleased to welcome Mr. & Mrs. Bottom to the business fraternity on Grand Bahama and we wish them every success in this new venture.” Turnquest along with other local businesspersons in attendance noted how happy they were about the Botham’s decision to return home.

 Owner of the newly opened RED BEARD'S PUB, Brian Botham, welcomes guests at his official opening of his restaurant in the Port Lucaya area of Grand Bahama. Botham (far left) is pictured with Tammi Mitchell, of Cool 96 Grand Bahama and K. Peter Turnquest, President of the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce. Photo courtesy of Red Beards

“We encourage more of our citizens scattered around the globe to emulate them by bringing their positive experiences and expertise back to this island to help diversify the services available to resident and visitors alike,” added Turnquest. “The pirates theme of the restaurant and bar "Red Beard" and the location off midshipman road, are extremely creative and well situated and I am sure that with this kind of continued creativity, consistency of service and innovation in their product, they will do well.”

Red Beard’s is currently open 7 days a week, opening weekdays at 4pm and for late lunches at 1pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. “We are beginning to work with the local tour operators on the island and are hoping to increase our weekday traffic once the winter season picks back up,” noted Botham. “Debbie and I are really excited about joining the business community here and look forward to introducing everyone to our new pub – and we promise no plank walking!

Kalik and Port Lucaya Marketplace host successful 2010 Independence Concert

The Independence Concert underway at the Port Lucaya Marketplace in Grand Bahama Island. TBW photo: Robbin Whachell

 By The Bahamas Weekly News Team

Freeport, Grand Bahama Island - Hundreds of locals and tourists came out to Port Lucaya Marketplace to enjoy the ”Bahamian Diva Kalik Independence Concert” on July 10th. The event was in support of the Bahamas’ 37th Independence.

 A lead singer from the XXtra band from Nassau performs on July 10th at Port Lucaya Marketplace TBW photo: Robbin Whachell

On stage were performances by the Deep South Island Boyz, the Port Lucaya Dancers, the XXtra Band from Nassau, Sonovia Pierre, Nita, Veronica Bishop, Simply the Best, Trez & Da Juice and Raquel Oliver. The night culminated in a fireworks display by Brad Bethel and a Junkanoo rush.

Kwasi Thompson, Member of Parliament for Pineridge and family. TBW photo: Robbin Whachell

Locals, many dressed in their country colours along with tourist enjoyed the show or danced in front of the stage. Kalik representatives handed out Kalik gift items to persons enjoying their product at the surrounding bars of Port Lucaya Marketplace.

 Minister for Housing and MP for the High Rock Constituency, the Hon A Kenneth Russell (right) and family. TBW photo: Robbin Whachell

Attending the event along with their families was the Minister for Housing and MP for the High Rock Constituency, the Hon A Kenneth Russell ; Kwasi Thompson, Member of Parliament for Pineridge; Ginger Moxey; Vice President , Grand Bahama Port Authority; Don Cornish, administrator, Office of the Prime Minister; and many others.

Two from the Kalik Team offer free gifts to a visiting tourist at Rum Runners at Port Lucaya Marketplace for trying their product. 

Port Lucaya Marina hits Memorial Day long-weekend capacity

Full to the brim with yachts! - “This weekend was one for the books,” said an ecstatic Preben Olesen, CEO of Port Lucaya Marina in Grand Bahama. Olesen was referencing the fact that his marina was full for the US Memorial Day long-weekend, (Photo by Erik J. Russell for Barefoot Marketing)

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – “This weekend was one for the books,” said an ecstatic Preben Olesen, CEO of Port Lucaya Marina in Grand Bahama. Olesen was referencing the fact that his marina was full for the US Memorial Day long-weekend, which also helped make the adjacent Port Lucaya Marketplace a vibrant and bustling entertainment hub over the weekend.

“We’ve got our staff working full time marketing our marina,” said the CEO. “They’ve been busy sending email blasts about the weekend availability to all our former clients and following them up with personal calls.” Their efforts paid off as the Port Lucaya Marina sold over 100 slips for the US Memorial Day weekend and they are already receiving re-bookings for the July 4th holiday.

Port Lucaya Marina sold out for Memorial Weekend - Thanks to hard working staff at Port Lucya Marina they sold over 100 slips for the US Memorial Day weekend and they are already receiving re-bookings for the July 4th holiday. (Photo by Erik J. Russell for Barefoot Marketing)

Olesen, who resumed control of his marina in late 2009 after a court battle, has spent a good part of the year in heavy duty maintenance work and re-advertising his property. “The closing of the Port Lucaya Resort hurt us quite a bit,” noted Olesen. “In fact, a leading Florida boating magazine reported our marina had closed along with the hotel! We own the marina slips around the hotel and so they assumed we were closed too.” To counter that mis-information Olesen and his Port Lucaya Marina staff took to the phones and emails to assure customers that they were indeed open and so too was their fuel dock. Their work paid off as last weekend saw a return of the boating traffic the marina used to enjoy in the early 2000s.

“We were very pleased to be contacted by Preben and his team this week” said General Manager of the Treasure Bay Casino, Eddie Llambias. “They gave us a ‘heads up’ on the marina traffic they expected for the holiday and allowed our marketing team to go and welcome the guests and inform them of our weekend activities – it was great synergy!”

Boaters pack out Port Lucaya in Grand Bahama. -  (Photo by Erik J. Russell for Barefoot Marketing)

In fact, the marina also notified all of the local vendors, especially the Port Lucaya restaurants, about their strong bookings. “It was wonderful to see the marina so active this weekend,” said Chef Boulet, General Manager of Lucianos and Le Med Restaurants. “It was our pleasure to serve many of the yacht owners and fantastic to be so busy.” Noting too that it was a busy weekend was CEO of Pelican Bay, Magnus Alnebeck, who stated, “it was nice to see a full marina again.”
As summer nears, the Port Lucaya Marina as well as Olesen’s adjacent property, the Grand Bahama Yacht Club, are concentrating their efforts on connecting with their clients. “We were very pleased with our success this weekend and are actively working to keep this high end clientele revisiting Grand Bahama again and again!”

(Photos) Tree Lighting- Port Lucaya marketplace, December 5th

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF DEREK CAROLL

Port Lucaya

Port Lucaya

There's always a spot in every city or town that sparkles, that attracts tourists & locals alike. Somewhere that has live entertainment, stores, restaurants, bars and various activities. In Freeport this spot is Port Lucaya.

Port Lucaya is just a short half-day trip from South Florida for most motor-cruisers. A mere 70 miles from the Florida coast. For others that are visting via air or Cruise ship, Port Lucaya is located in the Lucaya area which is South East of Freeport. There is a Marina there for docking vessels.
During the day you can lounge at numerous bars like Rum Runners, The Corner Bar & Sparky's or head to Sabor Restaurant & Bar (which is a favorite of mine) for cool cocktails whilst listening to House music- Very South beach!
East Asian Restaurant is on the 1st floor of the Pusser building & serves up delicious Asian inspired treats like sushi, sashimi & other mouthwatering dishes.
Agave Latin restaurant & Shennanigans Irish Pub are on the western side of buildings & give vistors a wide range of culinary choices.
Look out for individual reviews of the restaurants in the following weeks.