Elegance With an Attitude Rocks Grand Bahama!!!- Photos

Organisers of Elegance With an Attitude L-R: Loren Wells -Madu- Freeport Jewellers, Susan Clegg- Missick of Clegg-Missick Events, Denise V. Smith-Planner, Lyndah Wells of Lyndah Wells Photography

Full house- Guests enjoy complimentary Champagne  hors d'oeuvres whilst watching the Runway shows 

 Full house- An Elegant night filled with spectacular jewelry, fashion and hair show wowed the guests.

 

L-R: Johnny Wells, Douglas Wells, Loren Wells-Madu- Of Freeport Jewellers

Guests James Sarles with friend

Controversial lighthouse on beer label to be withdrawn

By DENISE MAYCOCK
Tribune Freeport Reporter

Photo courtesy of  Larry Myhre - Flickr

 Click for original image

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama - Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Company's owner, James Sands, announced that the controversial lighthouse image on the label of his newly launched beer will be withdrawn and replaced with a new symbol.
When Mr Sands produced and released a second beer called "High Rock" at his brewery in Freeport, he never expected it would cause a stir among some residents there.
The lighthouse in High Rock, which was built by a local pastor, was used as a symbol by the brewery in its label design.

Two weeks ago, Rev Cecil Kemp, pastor of the Lighthouse Chapel in High Rock, and his lawyer Constance McDonald, demanded a public apology from the brewery for using the image of the lighthouse without his permission. Rev Kemp stated that the lighthouse was built as a symbol of a spiritual inspiration in the High Rock community. Mrs McDonald sent a letter to the brewery indicating her client's concerns that the lighthouse symbol on the beer was damaging to the reputation of Rev Kemp and the chapel, which was dedicated to God.
During a press conference held at the Brewery on Wednesday, Mr Sands, accompanied his lawyer Fred Smith, apologised to Mr Kemp.
"When we produced High Rock I never dreamed I would cause any ruckus in the community. Regrettably it has...and I truly apologise to Mr Kemp for putting the lighthouse on the label of the High Rock beer."

"I want to let everyone know it was not my intention of offending anyone in doing so, but we always thought the lighthouse was a landmark of High Rock," he explained.
Constance McDonald accepted Mr Sands' apology on behalf of her client.
Mr Smith said that Mr Sands felt it was the right thing do. He noted that there was no monetary settlement involved in the matter.
"The brewery was prepared to defend this because we did not consider it was libel.
"We are a brewing beer industry in the community and it is Mr Sands' desire to work with the community, and we really did not wish to cause offence, and since it is not that much big of a deal to us, it was a big deal for Mr Kemp and he is part of the community so a decision was made to withdraw the symbol - that's the story," he said.
"No damages were involved, an apology was requested and I think it is fair. We are right now looking at what the new label should be," said Mr Smith.
"I believe we will find something nautical or island-like that will continue to represent the beer produced from pure Bahamian spring water of Grand Bahama."
He also indicated the High Rock beer with the lighthouse label could be considered a collector's item. Mr Sands reported that sales for the new beer are doing well.
"It is a fine quality beer and it is doing very well considering it is only sold in Grand Bahama," he said.
"I would be lying if I said I was not disappointed, but we will adjust and move on," said the brewery owner. The Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Company, $15 million investment, opened in December 2007 when it released its first beer, "Sands."
The company launched "A Name that Beer" competition to get residents involved. Sands was the winning name for the first of two beers.
In June 2006, the name "High Rock" beer was the second winning name selected. Ethel Bethel and Garnell Frith shared the cash prize $3,000 for coming up with the winning name.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE SOURCE

VIDEO- Florida Ice Dancer Calendar Shoot -Grand Bahama Island

In September 2009, The Florida Panther Ice dancers flew to Freeport, Grand Bahama to shoot their annual calender at The beautiful location of Garden of the Groves. This video by one of the photographic team shows the models and production team Flying in to Freeport International Airport, Checking in at The Pelican Bay hotel & Having a fun filled evening at Sabor restaurant & Bar. The 2010 calender is now in sale at www.floridapanthers.com
See related article
FLORIDA PANTHER CHEERLEADERS

Smith delays filing Farmers Market injunction

Although attorney Fred Smith announced last month that he intended to file an injunction in the Supreme Court to stop the construction of the new Farmer's Market proposed by the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), he said yesterday that he has not yet done so at the request of the Minister of State for Finance Zhivargo Laing.

Smith, who represents a number of persons who own land in the area of the Bazaar, said he was contacted by Laing, who said the GBPA wanted an opportunity to persuade his clients and the community that the chosen location for the market — the International Bazaar — was an appropriate one.

"They specifically asked me if I would hold off while they consider other alternatives," he said.

In the meantime, Smith is proposing that the GBPA seriously consider the open lot of land on the corner of Logwood Road and Grenville Drive as an alternative location.

"It's already paved, it's owned by the GBPA and its smack dab in the middle of all the food distributors, all the water distributors, the juice distributors, right where it should be, not in the middle of a touristic location," Smith said.

He questioned whether the GBPA had fully explored all the potentially negative effects of the Bazaar location.

"What provision are they making for sanitary control and maintenance after? ... Have any environmental impact assessments been done? The conch vendors and the fish vendors- is that where they consider the most appropriate location to be?" he asked.

Smith said in his opinion, the decision of the GBPA to build the market at the Bazaar was not well thought out.

"Why are they spending my licensee money, my service charge money, all the other income they're getting to build a farmers and fish market at the Bazaar where nobody goes anyway because it's a commercial collapse... There's no more hotel there, there's no more casino there, you can't create something out of nothing," he said.

The GBPA recently ann-ounced that they would begin busing customers from the downtown area to the Bazaar for a month. Smith said he did not think it right that the money paid to the GBPA by the residents and licensees of the city of Freeport should be used for such a service.

"Why is it that the Port Authority... is spending money busing people from downtown to the bazaar? Someone should really sue the Port Authority about how and on what basis they're using money that they should be using for developmental purposes, for these commercial purposes," he said.

"I don't pay my fees for them to support other businesses, I pay my fees for them to promote business in Freeport so that all of us can get employment and the community can grow," he said.

During a town meeting in November at the Our Lucaya Resort, Smith said his clients were concerned that having a fish market there will mean there may be potential for rodents and an odour, as well as unsanitary conditions.

"Its going to decrease property values, its going to cause traffic problems, its not going to be well maintained and they just don't think that its the right place," he had said.

Smith said he and his clients have written a total of 17 letters to the GBPA but had not received a response.
Read the rest of the article HERE

Let’s Talk Real Estate By James Sarles

Top 1o Reasons to List Your Home For Sale during the Holidays



The question that sellers always ask around this time of year is “Should I list or keep selling my home during the Holidays? Many people would say NO you should wait until after the Holiday Season because everyone is too busy thinking about Christmas and not about buying homes or property. This may be true for some BUT here are 10 reasons why you should list and keep selling your home during the Holidays. I know that many sellers are very frustrated with our soft market but remember it only takes one buyer to make a deal and your deal might be just around the corner. Wouldn’t that be the BEST Christmas present this year? Over the years we have sold many homes during the Holidays and this year could be your turn ! Here are theTop 10 Reasons a Seller Should List During the Holidays!
1. People who look for homes during the Holidays are more serious buyers!
2. Serious buyers have fewer houses to choose from during the Holidays and less competition means more money for you!
3. Since the supply of listings will dramatically increase in January, there will be less demand for your particular home! Less demand means less money for you!
4. Houses show better during the Holidays!
5. Buyers are more emotional during the Holidays, so they are more likely to pay your price!
6. Buyers have more time to look for a home during the holidays than they do during a working week!
7. Some people must buy before the end of the year for Foreign tax reasons.
8. January is traditionally the month for people to begin new jobs. Since new people cannot wait to buy, you need to be on the market during the Holidays to capture that market!
9. Even though your house will be on the market, you still have the option to restrict a showing during a time that is really inconvenient. You can always schedule around your Holiday schedule.
10. You can sell now and close in the new year which is a win win for a both parties. You can Secure the sale of a buyer not ready to close until early next year but happy that they found their dream home this year.
So if your real estate agent calls you in the middle of your Christmas preparations and says they want to show your home, instead of saying not now….Count to ten and then say YES and remember this list of 10 Reasons….. Until next week

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

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF DEREK CAROLL

Job of The Week!

The Freeport News, Grand Bahama first news paper, is seeking a Reporter.

The Preferred candidiate must have a Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent experience in Journalism.

Should also have the following:

* Good command of the English language
* Be computer literate
* Have a clean police record

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications.

All interested persons are asked to submit resumes to:

The Human Resource Department
The Freeport News
Cedar Street,
Freeport, Grand Bahama

Please note that NO phone call will be accepted.

Donjon lifts cruise ship module

Freeport, Grand Bahama- Donjon Marine, Co., Inc. recently carried out a heavy lift operation on Grand Bahama Island for Grand Bahama Shipyard Limited.

The Donjon tug Mary Alice and derrick-barge Chesapeake 1000 assisted the shipyard with the lifting, transport and placement of a 375 ton prefabricated module for the Holland America Lines cruise ship Rotterdam.

Donjon and its subcontractor, PCCI (Alexandria, VA), worked with shipyard engineers to design a custom lifting frame and rigging arrangement to reduce module deflection during the operation.

Project Manager and Donjon VP Steve Newes said, "This job involved both technical and scheduling challenges. We are quite proud of the service provided."
ORIGINAL ARTICLE SOURCE

Elegance with An Attitude- Dec 10th, Grand Bahama Yacht club

You know when the holiday season is upon you when you have about 20 invites to parties/events in the space of just a few weeks.
But if there's one event to attend, it would  be Elegance with an Attitude.
For the first time on our island, A jewellery store is shaking things up. Freeport Jewellers,  a family owned Bahamian company with branches both in the International Bazaar & The Port Lucaya MarketPlace,  are showcasing their most exclusive & Fashionable jewelery lines.
 Loren Wells-Madu, manager of Freeport Jewellers in Port Lucaya Marketplace  explains why she  created this event.  "Locals know that Freeport Jewellers is a store that has been around for a long time, and they mistakenly have a preconceived notion that  our jewllery Lines are  old, traditional & unfashionable.
What they don't realise is that we carry  many modern Fashion jewellery lines such as: Rebbeca, Casato, Mathias & Claire, Marahlago  as well as our stunning diamond and precious stone Jewelery Collections.
Visiting tourists have realised this and have been benefiting from our wonderful selections and make many repeat visits. They love our price range and our variety of styles. But the issue is that Bahamians, particularly Grand Bahmanians, don't realise this  and are effectly missing out on great deals.
So our event "Elegance with an Attitude" will allow residents to see that fashion truly starts at Freeport Jewellers. We realize that elegance is an attitude and that what we wear often determines how we feel, when you wear a piece from Freeport Jewellers it makes you definitely makes the wearer feel special."
We are working with Lyndah Wells Photography, Clegg-Missick Events, and Densie V. Smith- Planner, in making this the holiday event of the year!
 
Elegance with an Attitude, to be held at the Grand Bahama Yacht Club on Midshipman Road, on December 10th 2009, 7.30-12pm, will be the first time sophisticated Jewellery lines will be sent down the runway accompanied by  fashions from selected Local fashion retailers such as:

• Bandolera,
• Grand Bahamian Designer- Basheva Eve
• Elite Loft
• And Finally, hairshow by Kay Kay - (Labelle's Beauty Salon)

Watch the Models Rip The Runway and take the opportunity to select and win gifts for the Christmas season.

With Live film coverage on the night,  Excellent prizes & Giveaways, MC by Shelly Carey,  Performance by Dave Wallace, Music by DJ President, Event photography coverage & Special guest performances. Tickets are available at $35 regular  $50 VIP table seating- at the following locations.

• Freeport Jewellers-373 2776/ 352 2004
• Island Java-Port Lucaya
• Elite Loft
• Bandolera
• Italian Specialty Store

Mark Knowles Tennis Invitational- Video

By The Bahamas Weekly News team

Photos, Festival Noel, 2009

Freeport, Grand Bahama- Last night, Friday 4th December, dozens of people turned up at the annual Festival Noel to support The Bahamas National Trust . Festival Noel, held every year, gives Island residents the opportunity to sample Wines from Bristol Cellars, Bahamian Brewery Company and other local restaurants & caterers.
With the wine selections surpassing lasts years by far, Guests seemed pleased with the planning & organization of the highly anticipated night.
Although the night was balmy, Guests enjoyed live entertainment & delectable cuisine from restaurants such as ; Le Med, Shenanigans, Lucianos, Freeport High catering department, Social Butterfly Catering & Island Java, amongst others. Columbian Emeralds displayed stunning jewelery & other retailers dipslayed their art and other gifts, offering special discounts on purchases made on the night.

Guests had the opportunity to vote for their favorite restaurant and the winner of "Chef Noel" will be named in the next few days.

Supermodel of the Bahamas returns to GB Sunday December 13th, 2009

I first had the pleasure of meeting Oilinsha Coakley when I interviewed him at the Islands of The World Fashion Week in 2008. During the course of the interview he revealed his connections to the Fashion industry, A former model and dancer, he set up his own Talent agency Oilinsha Models

He quickly followed this up with a reality show titled- The Making of a Sumermodel- which aired Saturdays on JCN channel 14. Creator of Supermodel of The Bahamas, a model competition which is now in it's 3rd year. He held an open call casting here in Grand Bahama November 28th and 29th. Setting up in the International Bazaar, Aspiring models turned up in large numbers to see if they could meet the requirements and hopefully get a shot at being chosen to enter the competition.



Oilinsha Will be returning to Grand Bahama Sunday 13th December,where Approximately 40 persons who have been selected into the first phase of the competition will experience their first styling and photo shoot will take place.

Biking in Grand Bahama

 Photo by JDM from Geographia.com

Freeport, Grand Bahama- I came across this posting on www.Geographia.com about bike routes in Grand Bahama and thought it was really cool.
There is also a blog called Grand Bahama Bike Routes - that avoid the main traffic roads.
It's written by a guy simply called Walt , Pay the blog a visit if you're thinking about exploring bike routes, not just here in Freeport but all over Grand Bahama Island.
He has google map images of our island and goes exploring wth interested bikers.
Give his blog a visit BIKE BLOG, Tell him we said Hi!
If you do decide to go out exploring, You might need one of these from Garmin

Outdoor navigation meets touchscreen simplicity in Dakota 10. This rugged, palm-sized navigator boasts touchscreen navigation, high-sensitivity GPS with HotFix™ satellite prediction, and a worldwide basemap in one affordable, power-packed punch.

(VIDEO) Islands of the World Fashion Week Bahamas 2009 Overview By The Bahamas Weekly News Team

Nassau, Bahamas - Islands of the World Fashion Week, in its second year was nothing short of stellar in presenting fashions from 'island nations' in a three day event hosted in The Bahamas and organized by Modes Iles.

The event brought participating designers awards in Eco-Fashion and Culture Fashion; as well as Seals of Excellence awards, and the coveted Next Gen award for best upcoming designer. New this year was The Muse Model Search which presented the best male and female model also from island nations.

The Bahamas Weekly brings you this comprehensive overview VIDEO coverage where you will hear from editor of The Bahamas Weekly, Robbin Whachell; Bahamian designer Philicia Ellis; Bahamian designer Kevan Evans; Bahamian designer Sabrina Stirrup; American designer Henry Jackson who has many of his pieces worn by first lady, Michelle Obama and who was the only designer to have a plus-size model, Chanel Clark; cover girl for the Henry Jackson line, Marisa Damallie; Bahamian model Ray Harif aka 'Ray Bay Bay'; supermodel Bobby Roache who modeled as well as judged in The Muse; judge and model Kirk Brown from Barbados who is also a singer with the Strategy Band; Jamaican Heike Wollenwebber of Axes Media; and photographer from The Bahamas Weekly Lyndah Wells.

You will also see the amazing eco-fashion designs of Patrick Lafrontiere. Designs by Spice Box and K-Bobby are also featured and you will hear from K-Bobby's stylist Mauva Gacitua. Bags from Bahamian designer Harl Taylor BAG are seen throughout the show with footwear from Bani Shoes of The Bahamas. You will also meet some hardworking volunteers who assisted at the international event.

The video wraps up at an after-party at The Marley Resort in Nassau where you will hear from the resort's operations manager, Rory Shepherd.

Treasure Bay Officially Opens Today

BY VANESSA CLARKE
The Nassau guardian

Freeport, Grand, Bahama- Treasure Bay Casino will officially open its doors in Grand Bahama today, taking over operations of what is now the former Isle of Capri.

Isle of Capri announced in May that it would be pulling out of Grand Bahama.

Recently employees there expressed concerns about their future with the casino. However, they were later told of their options – either leave and take severance packages or continue employment under new operators.

It has been a week since Isle of Capri ended operations in Grand Bahama and today, tourism officials are hopeful that under the new Treasure Bay brand, the casino will become a thriving economic beacon in Grand Bahama once more.

In a telephone interview with Minister of Tourism, Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, who was on Ragged Island on Monday, he told the Journal that there is tremendous potential for Treasure Bay in Grand Bahama.

He said the casino’s principals were on the island yesterday preparing for today’s opening.

"The casino experience has always been a part of the Grand Bahama experience. So we have chosen – we think – correctly to have Treasure Bay be the new provider of casino operations at Our Lucaya. The principals are on the island and we expect the casino to open as promised (today) and we go on from there," he said.

Minister Vanderpool-Wallace said his ministry has been working arduously to ensure that more tourists are able to visit Grand Bahama, which he says, will bode well for the success of the casino.

"In addition to the marketing work that they will do themselves to bring casino patrons to their facility, their success will come primarily from a large number of people coming to Grand Bahama. That is why we have been working so hard to increase the number of flights coming into Grand Bahama," he said.

"You’ve seen us introduce WestJet for the first time in 30 plus years – coming to Grand Bahama non-stop from Toronto, and we also have additional service coming in on American Eagle. So, we see this is as part of what we need to do for the continued development of tourism in Grand Bahama, and the casino experience is very essential to that."

Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham noted that the government has had to foot operational expenses for the casino, but Mr. Vanderpool-Wallace said there are other things that the government has had to do.

"We are continuing to make sure that we have the best possible business relationship with anybody coming into the country. From the Ministry of Tourism’s perspective, we have our marketing funds that we have on a co-op basis with all of the principal partners throughout The Bahamas – in Nassau, in Paradise Island and on Grand Bahama Island," he said.

"So we will find ourselves in the same kind of partnership there (Treasure Bay) as we have elsewhere in The Bahamas."

When the economy rebounds, Minister Vanderpool-Wallace said the resort will be able to reap all the benefits

"The tourism figures are not impressive anywhere in the world, but I think whenever anybody comes and takes a look at the potential that exists for Grand Bahama, they immediately begin to see the opportunities that are there. Treasure Bay obviously subscribes to that belief," he said.

"They are now beginning to recognize that in the medium term, business will turn around, conditions will turn around, the economy will turn around and when it does, they will find themselves, we are sure, in a wonderful position to take full advantage of that."

The minister also noted that there were no challenges or hiccups with regard to the licensing of Treasure Bay with the Bahamas Hotel Corporation nor the Gaming Board, as Treasure Bay is a reputable entity.

According to its website, Foxwoods – Treasure Bay’s parent company – is the largest casino in North America with 340,000 square feet of gaming space in a complex that covers 4.7 million square feet.

Original Article Source


More than 40,000 guests visit Foxwoods each day, according to the website.

LETS TALK REAL ESTATE - FULL DISCLOSURE IS THE BEST STRATEGY

BY JAMES SARLES

Let’s say that you just listed your beautiful home in Bahamia or Lucaya for sale, and you withheld a few “little” problems from your real estate agent – the roof leaks, but only when it rains; the outlet in the back bedroom won’t spark unless something is plugged in; and there is a stain on the oak floor in the living room that is covered up by a rug. Will it be all right if you simply don’t mention these defects? Definitely not!
It is a mistake to think that your home will sell more quickly by concealing its little (or not so little) imperfections. I have seen these seemingly insignificant items escalate into major issues that have ruined sales.

Buyers have a right and must be informed not only about any structural problems, but also about any limitations imposed by a homeowner’s association. These could range from the obligation to join the homeowner’s association to a restriction on parking a truck overnight in your driveway! Homeowner’s associations can impose restrictive covenants governing use and occupancy that can include prohibitions against guesthouses or multi-family residences or the right to rent. You can see why failure to disclose could have disastrous consequences and even end up in court.

Keep in mind that any home has its quirks. If something in your home is not working properly or needs to be repaired, fix it or make sure that your agent discloses it to the prospective buyers. Be absolutely candid with your agent and buyers about the condition of the property. It is unlikely that such defects will go undetected because more and more buyers are getting home inspections and after the hurricanes are paying more attention themselves on the structural and mechanical aspects of your home. If they don’t see what you are trying to hide on the first visit they may pick it up on the second visit and when buyers remorse sets in that spells trouble with a capital T.

So instead of having sleepless nights before or after the sale its better to disclose the major and minor problems upfront to save problems later.

Until next week.

Sabor Introduces Ladies Night!!!! Free Martinis

Freeport, Grand Bahama-
On Friday November 27, 2009. Sabor Restaurant & Bar at the Pelican Bay hotel, officially launched their Ladies Night and it was a fabulous affair.
Tonight- Friday 4th Dec. Susan Clegg- Missick, Sabor's Events co-coordinator Will greet the first 25 ladies with a Smirnoff Martini- A New Custom made Martini from the Sabor Cocktail List. If you are arriving with a group of 10+ Call Sabor in advance And receive a complimentary bottle of champagne

15th Annual Festival Noel Well On The Way!‏ -Friday Dec 4th

By Ysora Waugh

Bahamian Brewery staff

Sabor Staff

Freeport, Grand Bahama - ‘Tis the season to be jolly and for the 15th year of Festival Noel, the organizers are getting in high spirits and are well on their way to making this year’s event one to remember. Serving as the only fundraiser for the Grand Bahama branch of The Bahamas National Trust, Bristol Wines and Spirits has once again hopped onboard as an official sponsor; promising an even larger quantity and quality of wines and champagnes.

Noel Clarke- Agave restaurant

Del Foxton -Artist

Last year’s Festival Noel featured twenty-two wines and champagnes, this year, Bristol Wines and Spirits have stepped it up a notch and will feature thirty-two wines and champagnes from countries such as Australia, Chile, France, Argentina and Italy which guarantees to get everyone in the Holiday spirit.

Guests enjoying the night

Agave Restaurant- Winner of Chef noel 2008

“Bristol Wines and Spirits is proud to be a part of this year’s Festival Noel along with The Bahamas National Trust. We will feature more wines from the Old World and New World than ever before. We recommend that those in attendance enjoy the wines, music and activities of the evening as this year will truly be one to remember. We will bring the magic back to the second city, “said Bristol Key Accounts Manager, Jevon Butler.
Festival Noel is set to take place on Friday, December 4th from 7- 10pm and is often referred to as the event that kicks off the holiday season in Grand Bahama. This year Festival Noel is pleased to welcome back sponsors Colombian Emeralds International, Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Co., Freeport Advertising and Printing, Parfum De Paris and Cool96. Joining them this year will be Top Notch and Furniture Plus all making a combined effort to make this year’s Festival Noel, unforgettable for all of the right reasons.

For those die hard shoppers attending Festival Noel, the event will also allow them to see the newest lines and trends for 2010. Colombian Emeralds International will add sparkle to the evening by displaying many of their emerald, sapphire and diamond pieces and the newest favorite line, Pandora.Parfum De Paris will have several new fragrances including Bebe, Viva by Juicy Couture, Idol by Lancome, and Posh by Thierry Mugler. Furniture Plus will display their newest accessory lines, helping create the final touches on homes, especially for the busy holiday season.
“The Grand Bahama Regional Branch is excited about celebrating our 15th year of Festival Noel,’ commented Karin Sanchez, Chairman of the Grand Bahama BNT branch. “This is our one big fundraiser for the year and funds raised this year will revitalize the watchable wildlife pond and help make our park more of an attraction to our visiting tourists and students. I am hopeful Grand Bahamians will continue their annual support.”

Shopping gifts

Cars on display

This year’s guest artist is Anthony Morley, known as “Big Mo”, a native to Grand Bahama who currently resides in Nassau and will display his vivid artwork in the Glory Banks Art Gallery. Joining him will be several local artists such as Alisa Robinson, Ken Heslop, Del Foxton, Janice Corkery, Rupert Watkins, Caroline Anderson, The Grand Bahama Artist Association and an Abaco artist, Raquel Russell. These artists, who have a passion for art, will display their work at the event with styles ranging from water colour to mixed media paper-collage.
And what would a wine tasting be without a tasty treat or two? This year’s participating restaurants are preparing for the annual culinary competition dubbed “Chef Noel”. This year’s Chef Noel competition will add a youthful flavor by working with the Culinary School of The College of the Bahamas, where students will compete for the participating restaurants and in essence, run the kitchen with the restaurant staff to support and cheer them on.

Restaurants’ participating this year are retuning former Chef Noel winner, Shenanigans Irish Pub as well as attendee favourite Joe Ret, aka the “pig man”. Trendy Island Java will also be at the event with new comers Social Butterfly Catering Services, Livity Vegetarian Take-Out and Juice Bar and the Catholic High School Catering Team. The committee is also excited that the well known restaurateur Chef Boulet will also be submitting a team to the competition featuring tasty treats from Luciano’s and Le Med!

Guests on the night

Live Entertainment

Ysora Waugh, Barefoot Marketing Event Coordinator, for Festival Noel noted “I am very excited to join in the organizing of Festival Noel in a year where everything is developing in order to insure a beautiful and spirited event. An event that is sure to turn some heads and leave a positive impression with many Grand Bahamians”.

During last year’s event, multiple local musicians performed during the night, which proved to be a great success. Returning soloist Erik Russell will perform classic Christmas songs for guests and this year, two new musical acts have joined in the festivities. Joe Fox and his Trio will be performing jazzy and island sounds as well as well known vocalist Susan Jensen-Sweeting.

Tickets are on sale now for $50 in advance and $45 for Bahamas National Trust Members and will be available at Bristol Wines and Spirits, Barefoot Marketing and at the Rand Nature Centre. “We want to remind guests to purchase early this year as we have limited tickets available, ” noted Waugh “especially BNT members who can only get the discount before the day of the event.” Tickets will be $55 on the day.

Live Entertainment

Guests

So come out Grand Bahama and take part in this wonderful event and contribute to your community and its many beautiful national parks!

GBPA officially welcomes fish and conch vendors at Goombay Park

By GBPA

(Left to right) Mrs. Ginger Moxey, Vice President - GBPA; Mr. Hannes Babak, Chairman – GBPA, and Mr. Ian Rolle, President - GBPA.

Freeport, Bahamas - Grand Bahama Port Authority Limited (GBPA) executives were on hand Saturday to officially welcome licenced fish and conch vendors to a temporary site at Goombay Park.

In support of the vendors’ relocation, Mr. Hannes Babak, Chairman – GBPA; Mr. Ian Rolle – President – GBPA; and Mrs. Ginger Moxey, Vice President - GBPA, prepared and served conch salad to scores of residents who turned out for complimentary samplings.

“We’re excited about the idea of a new Farmers Market here on Grand Bahama. Until plans are finalized, we’ve temporarily relocated vendors from the Grand Union parking lot to this spot, complete with running water and electricity. Now they’re all here, with upgraded amenities, to better serve the Grand Bahama community,” said Mr. Babak as he mixed the native delicacy.

The event’s success was established when all five of the vendors present declared they were completely sold out of fully-stocked supplies.

“This complimentary sampling was an excellent idea by GBPA,” said fish and conch vendor, Mr. Wilfred Douglas. “It has created a buzz in the community. People came out here in droves, even more than we expected. There were our regular customers and lots of new faces. Now everyone knows where to find us,” Mr. Douglas said whilst gesturing towards the waiting crowds.

Mrs. Ginger Moxey, Vice President – GBPA (right) distributes complimentary conch salad to scores of residents.

 Vendor, Mr. Jermaine Plakaris, concurred. “I feel strongly that this new venue is going to catch on. When you compare here with our former location, there’s no comparison. GBPA has provided running water, electricity and there’s access to the restrooms. People will always be afraid of change initially, but I think we’re going to succeed here,” Plakaris added.

Both vendors were in agreement with president Ian Rolle’s comment on the temporary site.

 Mr. Ian Rolle, President - GBPA. (centre) serves it up as relocated vendors prepare complimentary conch salad at Goombay Park

 “Through this venture, GBPA has created one central location for all of the vendors. Additionally, it provides greater convenience for consumers who no longer have to travel from spot to spot searching for fish and conch. They can now find everything here in one place,” Mr. Rolle commented.

Fish vendor Mr. Sean Johnson, was the first to register for a spot at the temporary site and eagerly awaits further information on the proposed project. “I have a vision, big plans,” he declared “and I’m just waiting to hear GBPA’s final decision on the exact location for the new Farmers Market to bring them to fruition.”