Sunday, December 16, 2012

Grand Bahama Author Marina Gottlieb Sarles introduces new novel—The Last Daughter of Prussia—at book signing this Tuesday, December 18th


Bahamian author Marina Gottlieb Sarles will launch her new novel, The Last Daughter of Prussia, with a book signing on Tuesday evening, 18 December 2012, from 5:30 – 8:30 pm at the Pelican Bay Hotel Canal House.

The Last Daughter of Prussia is a historical novel based on the family diaries of the author’s grandparents—an epic story of suspense, love, and survival centering around the largest and least known civilian mass exodus at the end of World War II. Set amidst a beautiful and vanished way of life in war-torn East Prussia, two unlikely young lovers must fight for their lives and find new heart while struggling to escape one of the most dangerous and tragic landscapes of any generation. The Last Daughter of Prussia is a fast-paced compelling tale celebrating the indomitable human spirit in the worst of times.

The book signing will also include a short reading by the author at 6 pm, and advance first-edition hardback autographed copies of the novel will be available for sale for $25.
Author Marina Gottlieb Sarles
Marina Gottlieb Sarles is also the author of Sand In My Shoes, a collection of classic island stories. Gottlieb-Sarles is the daughter of Grand Bahama’s first doctor and nurse, Dr. Ejnar  and Owanta Gottlieb, who came to the island during its Pine Ridge lumber camp pioneer days, and later relocated to Abaco where they served the surrounding communities for many years. The author is also the sister of Cay Gottlieb, founder of Grand Bahama’s first privately owned radio station (Cool 96 FM), and Frederik F. Gottlieb, attorney and former MP for Abaco.

The author has set up a blog (marinagottliebsarles.com) with the story behind writing the novel, which will be released to world markets in April 2013.  This book launch event is a special opportunity for The Bahamas to get a first look at a work by a Bahamian daughter whose roots are deeply woven into the tapestry of the islands.

The public is invited.
Author Marina Gottlieb Sarles' extensive research on her new novel, The Last Daughter of Prussia, led her to the now vanished land of her ancestors in East Prussia. Gottlieb Sarles shown here discovering the grave of her great grandmother, Magdalena, whose son (the author’s grandfather)—a leading environmentalist of his day—survived a little known
and tragic civilian mass exodus at the end of WWII.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Introducing A New Book by Author Marina Gottlieb Sarles: The Last Daughter of Prussia


Save the date and be the first to get a copy of a brand new novel by Marina Gottlieb Sarles: The Last Daughter of Prussia. Please join us on Tuesday evening, December 18, 2012 at the Pelican Bay Hotel Canal House from 5:30 to 8:30 pm.

This historical novel is based on diaries and journals of the author's grandparents and tells the story of one of the least known chapters of World War II—a time that saw both great tragedy and great strength in the indomitable spirit of love. The author writes about her inspiration and background research for the book at her blog (click here).

This is an opportunity to purchase one of the first edition hardcover books signed by the author, which will be available for $25. The novel will be released in the U.S. and worldwide in the spring of 2013.

Marina Gottlieb Sarles is also the author of a favorite classic collection of island stories: Sand In My Shoes. A Bahamian author born in Abaco and educated in Europe and the U.S., Gottlieb-Sarles makes Grand Bahama Island her home, together with her son, Nikolai, and husband, James Sarles—President of Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty.

Hope you can join us as we launch this new book on Tuesday evening, December 18th!

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Nikolai Sarles: in his father's footsteps

Nikolai Sarles and his father, James Sarles. Photo by Chanarve McBride
Following in his father’s footsteps, Nikolai Sarles recently passed the Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA) exam and will be a licensed real estate sales agent, selling properties throughout The Bahamas and working with his father, prominent broker James Sarles, President of Coldwell BankerJames Sarles Realty in Grand Bahama.

Nikolai has Freeport in his blood as the son of James and Marina Gottlieb Sarles. His mother, a Bahamian author, is the daughter of the island’s first doctor and nurse—Dr. Eijnar and Owanta Gottlieb were medical practitioners brought in to serve the Pine Ridge lumber camp residents when early Freeport was being built. They later relocated to Abaco and served the Marsh Harbour and surrounding communities for many years.

Growing up in Freeport, Nikolai attended Sunland Baptist Academy before graduating from Ridley College in Ontario, Canada, and received his B.A. degree from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

No stranger to real estate, Nikolai grew up earning his allowance helping his father put up real estate signs, and lived and breathed real estate from a young age, absorbing knowledge and insights around the dining room table.

Nikolai Sarles, son of broker James Sarles of Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty in Grand Bahama follows in his father’s footsteps, joining the firm as a specialist for first-time homeowners, commercial real estate renovation projects, and rental properties.
Photo Credit: Chanarve McBride
With his exposure to a wide range of real estate projects, Nikolai developed a keen interest in the commercial and development side of the business, and is looking forward to focusing on renovation properties, rentals, and first-home opportunities as he learns every aspect of the business.

Well-traveled and with family ties in many parts of the world, Nikolai could have chosen anywhere to live, but wanted to come back to his roots in Grand Bahama to build his future. “I am the next generation”, says Sarles, “and I would like to see the early promise of Grand Bahama renewed. As a young Bahamian, I look forward to helping other young Bahamians to get their start in real estate and home ownership.”

Nikolai Sarles is especially interested in revitalizing real estate that was part of the island’s mid-century heyday. As part of the next generation, Nikolai sees Grand Bahama’s glory days not only as history, but also as a platform on which to build a bright future for himself and his fellow Bahamians.

Nikolai’s office is at Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty, #9 Regent Centre, in Freeport. He can be contacted at nikolaisarles@gmail.com, 242.351.9081, or 242.727.8887

Moonlight Jazz


The 3rd Annual Rotary Club of Lucaya Moonlight Jazz event happens this Saturday evening, November 17, 2012, where smooth and vibrant jazz will fill The Garden of the Groves for a great cause, with part proceeds going to Columbus House for Girls & Boys, the Grand Bahama Police Crime Stoppers, and RCL's Disaster Relief Fund. 

This elegant and fun night will feature top-notch music and entertainment including: the renowned Patrick Boston Jazz Band, Marina Gottlieb Sarles, Susan Jensen Sweeting, ASP Ken Taylor, Ricardo Major, Ronald Dames, Johnny Mathieson—plus—the amazing Grand Bahama Youth Choir and First Baptist Church Youth Orchestra.

Talented local artists from the Grand Bahama Artists Association will also have their art on display and available for purchase at the event. Cigar aficionados will also be able to enjoy professionally handmade cigars from a visiting Nassau Graycliff Restaurant expert cigar roller.

The evening promises to be a don't-miss night of moonlight and music magic.  For full event information and ticket location information, click here.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

BASKET BRIGADE 2012

IT'S TIME FOR BASKET BRIGADE

Dear Friends,
It's time for James Sarles Realty's 4th Annual Basket Brigade, and so, like I have done each year for the past three years, I am asking for your financial help to continue our program. This has been an exceptionally challenging year on the island and we all must do what we can to help our fellow Grand Bahamians. The Basket Brigade is built on a simple notion:

"One small act of generosity on the part of one caring person can transform the lives of hundreds. It takes only one light to dispel the darkness, and even just one basket or a few, to bring hope!"

Each year, a few days before Christmas, our entire James Sarles Realty staff assembles food baskets so the recipients can have food over the holiday, including a Christmas Dinner. We find the most needy people on Grand Bahama through a variety of sources and acting as delivery people we anonymously deliver the beautifully prepared baskets throughout Grand Bahama Island with a simple note that says:

"This comes to you from someone who cares about you. All we ask is that you take care of yourself well enough to be able to do this for someone else someday."

If you feel called to help our program please stop in the office or mail us a check to:

James Sarles Realty
"Basket Brigade"
#9 Regent Center East
Freeport, Bahama
P.O. F-43152

We accept PayPal too. Send PayPal funds to jamessarlesrealty@gmail.com
To wire funds contact Kim Anthony at kanthony@coralwave.com

Every little bit helps.

Thanks in advance for your help and support.

Regards,

Jamie

James Sarles
Broker
Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty
P.O. Box F-43152
Grand Bahama Island, The Bahamas
Home: 242-373-9496
Office Phone: 242-351-9081
Fax: 242-351-9092
Cell: 242-727-8888
US Phone: (212) 655-5751
james@sarlesrealty.com

Thursday, November 1, 2012

After the Storm


Our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted by Hurricane Sandy —Grand Bahama residents and businesses who experienced heavy flooding at the airport, along parts of Queen's Highway, Queen’s Cove, Bahamia, Lincoln Green 1 and 2, Derby, Pine Bay, Windermere, and places along the eastern end of the island—as well as to our friends and part-time warm winter residents in the United States who felt the full brunt of the superstorm.

As of today, GB Power reports that 98% of island residents have power fully restored. Water is back on and internet/cable service has been reconnected in all but a few areas. The international airport has re-opened; the extensive damage to the domestic airport will take longer to rebuild. Landscaping clean-up efforts continue.

In a storm, everyone pitches in. The Grand Bahama Rotary Clubs worked together at their shared emergency water processing center to fill and distribute gallon jugs of water to areas hardest hit.

Rotarians and their families help out at the GB Emergency Rotary Water Plant 
Big thanks to the command centre teams of NEMA and the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), Grand Bahama Power repair crews, City Management, GBPA’s Building/Development Department, ZNS, and scores of volunteers and selfless everyday heroes.

Here’s wishing everyone affected by this exceptionally severe weather system a speedy recovery and a better-than-ever bounce back. 

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Rainy Day Smiles: Dolphin Kiss


It's an "inside" kind of day all over Grand Bahama Island, with the far outer rain bands from Hurricane Sandy having arrived.

Here's a rainy day smile from the classic IMAX movie, DOLPHINS, by MacGillivray Freeman Films, founders of the One World One Ocean campaign. Recognize that boat? Yes, our own Grand Bahama Underwater Explorer's Society and The Dolphin Experience figure prominently in the filming.

And speaking of films, tonight's Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) On Location: Grand Bahama opening ceremony and family film screening, Sammy 2: Escape from Paradise has been moved indoors to the Pelican Bay Hotel Canal House due to the weather—a great way spend a rainy evening.

Popcorn and safe wishes to everyone in the storm's path.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

On Location in Grand Bahama: Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF)

Rub shoulders with independent film fans and visiting filmmakers at the upcoming Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) on location in Grand Bahama October 25 - 28, 2012.

Celebrating local and international cinema, a full line-up of movies is in store (click here for schedule), with an opening night family film screening and ceremony at Taino Beach on Thursday, October 25th starting at 7:00 pm.

Reasonably priced All Access Passes are on sale, along with tickets to individual screenings, workshops, and the Saturday night Career Achievement Award and VIP Reception honoring actor Giancarlo Esposito.

For full details on screenings and events, click here for The Bahamas Weekly's FLIFF news.

FLIFF On Location: Grand Bahama Island is a collaboration between the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board. The event has been made possible through the generous support of the following sponsors: Pelican Bay Hotel; TheBahamasWeekly.com; Mackey Media Ltd; Bahamas Celebration Cruises; Bahamasair; Balearia Bahamas Express; Grand Bahama Port Authority and Group of Companies; Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board; FLIFF; Ministry of Tourism and SkyBahamas Airlines.




Thursday, October 18, 2012

Tourism Minister Sees Turn-Around for Grand Bahama



Freeport, Bahamas -- Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe marked a new tourism agreement that will result in the reopening of the Reef Village at Lucaya as a “new day” for Grand Bahama, and revealed that visitor arrivals for the island are already significantly improved – up 8 percent this year.
 
Prime Minister Perry Christie on Wednesday revealed that the Bahamas government, Hutchison Port Holdings, the largest resort owner in Grand Bahama, and Sunwing Travel Group, one of Canada’s largest tour operators, have signed letters of intent and memoranda of understanding forging a historic tourism partnership on Grand Bahama. Among other things, the agreements will bring 1,000 permanent jobs and hundreds of construction jobs through the re-opening of the 500-room Reef Village.

Hutchison will renovate and reopen the Reef Village, which will be leased and operated as a five-star, all-inclusive resort by Blue Diamond Hotels and Resorts, an affiliate of Sunwing Travel Group. 

For full story, click here. 

Friday, October 12, 2012

CAN THE MAGIC CITY OF FREEPORT BE REVIVED


LETS TALK REAL ESTATE 
BY JAMES SARLES
Published in Freeport News October 11, 2012



The iconic Xanadu Hotel played host to famed "Rat Pack" members
and was residence of billionaire eccentric Howard Hughes

If you talk to people around Freeport, or listen to the local news, you may think that the sky is falling when it comes to our economy and the real estate market. People feel Freeport will never get out of this slump and that the housing market will never recover.

Everyone is talking about Terry Gape's article that was released Monday. ECONOMIC CRISIS IN FREEPORT: A CALL TO ACTION. I hope that this article causes Hutchison, GBPA/DEVCO and the licensees to take action. It must be done and I believe that change will happen. It will take work but everyone wants Freeport to succeed and there is no stopping the WILL OF THE PEOPLE. I believe that if everyone steps off the sidelines and gets into the game we can bring the Magic City Back to Life. On the same day that Terry Gape’s article was released the headline of the Freeport News was MAJOR DEVELOPMENT ON THE WAY FOR GB according to the government. We are all waiting to see what that development is.  Hopefully, Freeport will finally be given the attention that has been lacking for many years.  If you believe that Freeport Real Estate will never get out of the slump nothing could be further from the truth. Here’s another way to look at it:

There are 2 important points to consider regarding our current real estate market.

One. Unlike our neighbors to the North, we never really experienced the boom market, which created the American housing bubble. In 2008 when the US housing bubble burst and many homes lost almost 50% of their value, sleepy Grand Bahama prices did not move very much— because they had never soared that much.  Now sellers are starting to lower prices and homes that are well priced are the ones that have a chance to sell.

Two. We seem to forget that real estate follows a cycle; we forget that history repeats itself.  Its like we all have amnesia and we have never seen down markets before.  There is a saying that what goes up must come down, and what is down must come up.  Real estate is no different.  There were major shifts or down real estate markets in 1979, then 1987, then 2008.  According to top economists, we are slowly (very slowly) recovering and the markets may stay flat for a while, so we are in a new paradigm—a new model for growth.



It’s All About Timing

If you wait for the markets to hit bottom or fully recover you might be waiting a long time. Prices don’t really go up or down for logical reasons. Sellers and buyers change their minds based on their confidence in the marketplace—that’s what really causes prices to go up and down. Unfortunately, no one can tell you exactly when we reach bottom, because when the market prices begin to rise, it’s only then that you realize you missed the bottom!

There is no doubt in my mind that if you are looking for motivated sellers and deals in real estate, this is the time. It’s one of those times when the aggressive people make a lot of money, and the more timid just look from the sidelines and become what I call a “Would of, Could of, Should of” seller or buyer.

If you are a potential homebuyer, condo buyer, duplex buyers, land speculator, canal homebuyer, or commercial buyer get up off your seat and look around for deals. The market is soft right now, so this is the time to get a terrific value at the right price. Listing prices have not fluctuated on paper, but the actual deals that are being made reflect reduced prices.

No one knows for sure what is in store for the world economics, or Freeport, but what we do know is that throughout history, real estate has proven to be a great long term investment. While prices are down and sellers are motivated, this may be the right time for you. If you have been thinking about real estate, this is the time to get out there and start looking.

How To Get Started

How do you begin your search? First, find a real estate professional that will help you identify and locate the features you’re looking for in a property. Ask your family, friends and business contacts for referrals of real estate professionals that they have worked with—people who helped them successfully with their real estate purchase and sale. When you find the real estate agent/broker, talk with them about your practical needs and describe the property of your dreams. Work with a realtor you feel you can trust, who communicates a clear understanding of your goals and shows you listings that match your search criteria.

Don’t procrastinate. Do it NOW. If your realtor has a property to show you, go out to look at it immediately. If you really like the home and can picture yourself living in it contentedly, consult with your realtor about making an offer right away.
Before entering into negotiations for the home, ask the seller to fully disclose any serious defects that may require repairs, particularly any that involve one of the major systems in the home.

Don’t wait for interest rates to climb – initiate your home buying process now because the future of Freeport might just surprise you. Many of us who have been around Freeport for many years know that Freeport has always been the bridesmaid—never the bride—but the time is coming that Grand Bahama may succeed in spite of itself to fulfill its potential.



Shift Happens

Freeport is a city with great potential. It will move forward. If the powers that be listen to suggestions such as ones like Terry Gape has put forth and the government actually brings Major development to the island than this sleepy island can be transformed.  If we fix things like the airlift situation, create a first class cruise port, develop medical tourism, create more jobs, attract more investors and visitors, beautify the island’s landscaping, and have all of Freeport working together, these changes will create a major shift in the economy and Freeport will be revitalized.

This will of course change the real estate landscape, and the market could change from a buyers market to a sellers market almost overnight. There are many people working towards this change and we all need to pitch in to help our community fulfill its promise. It will not be done for us. All of us in our own small way must make it happen—and it will.

It is time to bring the magic back to Freeport—a community that was once proudly dubbed The Magic City. At Coldwell Banker/James Sarles Realty, we believe in the future of Freeport.

Good Luck Buyers and Sellers.  


Thursday, September 27, 2012

Captivating Island Living

69 Roundshot Close · Listing ID 5272 · sarlesreatlty.com
Situated on a 20,000 square foot lot, with open areas covered with a thick healthy grass and accented by plants and fruit trees, the landscaping surrounding this 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath, canal-front home creates the feeling of a tropical paradise.

You enter the 3,600 square foot home through a recessed entrance porch and emerge into a beautiful foyer area leading into the living room. The sunlit living room, dining room and master bedroom look onto the patio, pool and garden which leads to the boat dock and waterfront.

Elegantly designed, this home boasts 10 foot ceilings, tiled floors, formal dining room, casual dining area, spacious master bedroom with walk in closets and modern bathroom and three luxurious guest bedrooms.

A precision dream kitchen featuring handsome granite counter tops, state of the art appliances and a prep-island ideal for casual dining.

With ICF exterior walls and all interior walls and roof trusses made with steel, this home has virtually no wood in the
construction and is well insulated. You will consistently be enjoying cool temperatures and a quiet environment provided by the use of the best construction materials.

Relax in your back garden with a spectacular view of the canal neighborhood. Just a short boat ride from the dock, you can enjoy all the pleasures of the warm Atlantic, or simply walk the white sand beaches.

Great additional features like a 2 car garage and boat dock make this an ideal island home. The dock has 50 amp service allowing for larger yachts to hook up to shore power. The usable dock, from the boat lift to the east end, is about 60 feet, and the water depth of 5’ to 6’ will also accommodate larger yachts.

Sold unfurnished, the purchase price includes a 12,500 lb capacity boat lift and double wave runner lift. There is an option to purchase furniture, car, boat and jet skis.

This captivating home has been created expressly for the enjoyment of island living. For more photos and information, click here, or call James Sarles at Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty today to arrange a showing: 242.351.9081.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Waterfront Gem

Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty Listing ID 7308
This waterfront gem sparkles with picturesque views, a large half-acre lot, and a design built for easy entertaining. This two bedroom, two bath charmer features a lovely den that could easily be turned into a third bedroom or home office. Master bedroom features His & Hers walk-in closets.

The large attractive kitchen has an open flow into the dining room and living room areas where postcard-worthy views of boaters along the canal, flowering trees, and abundant mature landscaping surrounds you with island ambiance at every turn.

A beautiful 15’ x 30 foot pool, flanked by lush landscape privacy plantings, overlooks a generous 225’ of canal frontage where large boats have room to maneuver—and a small built-in dock with ready-to-enlarge pilings has already been installed.



Situated on Roundabout Close in the upscale enclave of Fortune Bay—a neighborhood brimming with fabulous homes—this island treasure is lovingly and well maintained: an oasis of delight and a true find for anyone wanting to enjoy the relaxed waterfront joys of Grand Bahama living.

The large half-acre lot also allows lots of space to enlarge the existing home. This is an excellent opportunity for the first time buyer or second home owner looking for an ideal island residence. 

For more photos and information, click here or call Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty at 242.351.9081.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Bell Channel Beauty

Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty Listing ID 6731

Think of this enchantingly beautiful and contemporary two-bedroom, two-bath, fully furnished townhouse as your ideal home away from home in the islands. Perfectly situated in the private, lushly landscaped, and gated community of Bell Channel Club and Marina, this condominium offers some of the loveliest sweeping ocean views of the pristine southern shores of Grand Bahama Island. With a delightful outdoor patio area overlooking the Bell Channel canal, sunsets, yacht watching, morning-coffee-sipping glimpses of dolphins, and intimate waterfront barbecues are just a sampling of the delightful possibilities built into this amazing location.


 
Access to a long walk along a sugar white sandy beach and crystal clear waters is never more than a few footsteps away in this unique condominium development’s offerings. A large swimming pool at the water’s edge, tennis court, poolside amenities, and boat dockage options makes this unit an easy choice for the best of everything—a quiet retreat, yet central to all of Grand Bahama Island’s most enjoyable experiences.
 
The relaxed beauty and well-maintained ambiance of Bell Channel Club and Marina are also reflected in this town home’s light and breezy contemporary furnishings. A well-outfitted modern kitchen, washer-dryer, wiring for high-speed internet access and cable television, and easy parking complete this picture of idyllic island living—ready and waiting as an excellent home-base for your palm-fringed dreams come true.

For more photos and info, click here, or contact James Sarles at 242.351.9081 or stop by our offices at #9 Regent Centre, Freeport, Grand Bahama Island.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Olympic Gold for Team Bahamas—Congratulations!!!!


The team of Chris Brown, Demetrius Pinder, Michael Mathieu and Ramon Miller became the first Bahamian Men's 4x400 meter team to win Olympic Gold—and the first men's team to outrun the USA in this event since the 1970's.

The entire Commonwealth of The Bahamas is celebrating, and we add our congratulations to "The Golden Boys" for their historic and winning performance—wooohooo!!!!

news and photo source: The Bahamas Weekly and ZNSBahamas.com

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Olympic Gold Medalist Usain Bolt's Bahamas Paradise


Watching the lightening-flash Bolt win Olympic Gold in London is a reminder that the fastest man in the world was also quick to recognize the beauty and bliss of Rum Cay—a Bahamian island that is fast becoming a haven for top world-class athletes, entertainers, and celebrities who can choose anywhere in the world to live and choose The Bahamas. Fresh on the heels on having set a new world record for the 100 meters back in 2009, Usain Bolt invested in real estate on the very private (less than 100 inhabitants) Rum Cay—located just 345 miles southeast of Miami.

Congratulations to Usain Bolt—and to all the athletes competing in the London 2012 Olympics—and special high fives to all those who run to the clear seas and wonders of The Islands of The Bahamas every chance they get!

Sunday, August 5, 2012

The Seaview Estate at Princess Isle


Our featured property is a gorgeous Grand Bahama beachfront estate overlooking a soft sandy beach and bright turquoise sea.


The five bedroom, five bath estate in the private gated community of Princess Isle includes an adjoining l00-foot deep water draft dock that can accommodate a yacht, sports fishing boat, and abundant water toys. An elegant design, this home features a beautiful pool, 23-foot ceilings, 2 master bedroom suites, a fantastic kitchen, a media center, and sun-dappled panoramic views throughout. For more photos and information click here, or call Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty at 242.351.9081.


Sunday, July 15, 2012

UNEXSO's Shark Dive



One of the joys of living in Grand Bahama is being surrounded by lots of recreational options that many people only get to experience on vacation. We played tourist today and went on the Shark Dive with UNEXSO (The Underwater Explorers Society). That's my wife, Marina (Mikki), and me in the photo (on the far left), upclose with the sharks. The shark feeder was Cristina Zenato who performs her magic feeding the sharks. She is truly amazing and this is an exhilarating bucket list experience with a world class organization, right here in Freeport, that you must see. You will be amazed. Thanks to the UNEXSO staff for the wonderful experience. If you have not experienced this event, you'll love it. Learn to Dive with UNEXSO and if you have not scuba dived in a while they have a great refresher course in the pool to get you diving again. Mikki and I were certified many years ago at UNEXSO by Ollie Ferguson and we had not scuba dived for 25 years. What a thrill. Thanks, Cristina. Thanks, UNEXSO.

UNEXSO Dive Team Manager, Cristina Zenato, feeding one of the sharks on the dive. Her connection with these wild creatures is so loving and intelligent.




Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Grand Bahama to Get U.S. Stem Cell Clinic



The Bahamas Ministry of Health has reportedly given the green light to a US investor to open a clinic specializing in stem cell therapy in Grand Bahama.
Okyanos Heart Institute will reportedly invest $5 million on equipment and construction to bring the island's first formidable medical tourism product to life.
The clinic will spend $3 million on equipment, and a further $2 million on construction and other related costs.
Geared towards "last chance" cardiac patients, the procedure involves the extraction of stem cells from body fat.
For original article that appeared in RJR News on June 19, 2012, click here


Tuesday, July 3, 2012