Waterfront Condo Reduced for Quick Sale

This fully furnished 2 bedroom, 2 bath waterfront condo overlooks the beautiful Port Lucaya Marina with views of Bell Channel canal. With a large pool and exercise facility on site, and a fabulous bar and restaurant next door, there is not far to go for anything that you need. The unit has been reduced for a quick sale.

Make an offer today!

For more photos and information, click here, or contact Nikolai Sarles, 242.727.8887 or 242.351.9081 at

Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty: #9 Regent Centre, Grand Bahama Island.

TODAY: Rotary Club of Grand Bahama Sunrise 2nd Annual Conch Festival – March 16, 2013

On this picture-perfect Saturday morning, the Rotary Club of GB Sunrise is hosting The 2nd Annual Conch Festival & Fair—a fun family day at Taino Beach with proceeds to benefit local community service projects.  Conch, in all its various forms: cracked, steamed, curried, hoagied, and conch salad will be available, as well as Bahamian music, a Junkanoo rush out, conch-cracking demonstrations, a Kids Playground and Bouncy Castle, Segway rides, Paddle Board rentals, and handmade souvenirs.

This is a great chance to enjoy a beautiful day with friends and family while helping others. Some of the many community projects Rotary of GB Sunrise supports will also be highlighted at the fair, including their Big Brother/Big Sister Youth Mentoring Program, their Safe Swim Zone program (a buoy system on the southern shore that protects swimmers from boating traffic lanes), and their Safety Vest program (donating vests in the community that make walkers more visible along the roadways).

Enjoy!

Good News for Grand Bahama

source: The Freeport News article by Lededra Marche · 26  February 2013

Grand Bahama to Get "Memories" Five-Star All Inclusive Resort

In a matter of weeks, construction work to renovate the Lucayan Reef Village into the Memories Grand Bahama Beach and Casino Resort is expected to begin now that an agreement has been reached between Sunwing Travel and Hutchison Whampoa, Prime Minister Perry Christie said Monday.

Government has partnered with Hutchison, owner of the Lucayan Resort property and Sunwing, the world's largest tour and travel company out of Canada and Blue Diamonds Hotels and Resorts to revive the island's struggling economy with the five star all-inclusive 460 suite resort. A letter of intent was signed back in November. A memorandum of understanding has since been signed, according to Prime Minister Christie.

"It is anticipated that the construction and refurbishment will be completed for the opening of the Blue Diamond Resort later this year," the prime minister announced in Parliament yesterday. The initiative is expected to create 300 construction jobs and 1,000 permanent jobs at the resort once it is complete.

"The Blue Diamond Resort brands have been very successful in Cancún, Cuba, Dominican Republic and Jamaica," Christie said.

Sunwing, which owns and operates a fleet of 737-800 airplanes, will operate several flights per week from Canada to Freeport, bringing with it additional airlift will be brought to the island. "These added flights and Sunwing tour packages will be beneficial to all participating Grand Bahama hotels and not only Sunwing's, Blue Diamond Reef Resort," he noted.

The beach front property is set to undergo a multi-million dollar transformation, inclusive of a modern sports bar, five unique dining experiences, a teen's club, kids club with a themed aqua park, golf and a casino, according to a Blue Diamond release.

"It is anticipated that the construction and refurbishment will be completed for the opening of the Blue Diamond Resort later this year," Christie said on Monday.

Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe told The Freeport News following the Prime Minister's announcement that the whole idea behind the partnership is to get Grand Bahama back to the point where there is sustained growth.

"So we expect refurbishment to begin almost immediately and we will move toward ensuring that the Reef reopens and the employment of 1,000 jobs," he said. "We're working diligently because Grand Bahama is a prioritized area and we believe that we're going to see a magnificent turn around in Grand Bahama.

"There has to be a good brand associated with this project and we have to ensure that there is a marketing in the place." Wilchcombe also pointed out that the renovation of the project is only the first stage as staff will need to be hired and training carried out.

"Don't forget that's a brand, and that brand has certain specifics that they demand–and you're talking pretty much brand new employees who will be coming to work at the Reef together with employees who are currently with the Grand Lucayan, so you have to figure out how this is going to work," he said.

"The Grand Lucayan will not be affected by the Reef; the Reef will become a different entity and new employees are going to be brought in, so you're going to be talking about training, you've got to put all of the pieces in place."

Wilchcombe said government also has a role to play to ensure that undertaking is a success. "While all of this is taking place, we're going to be working on the marketing and getting airlift and everything in place," he said.

A date for the reopening of the resort has not yet been released. Memories Grand Bahama Beach and Casino will be leased and operated by Blue Diamond Hotels and Resorts which owns nine hotels totaling 5,025 rooms inclusive of six in the Caribbean.

In addition to its Bahamas resort, the conglomerate would have added three more this year alone with the opening of Memories White Sands in Jamaica and Memories Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

James Sarles Speaks to Business Leaders from 27 Countries: 10 Great Reasons to Invest In Real Estate in The Bahamas

At the recent Bahamas International Investment & Business Forum (BIIBF)—a conference held February 20-21, 2013 at the Grand Lucayan Resort, showcasing The Bahamas as a global investment destination of choice—James Sarles, President of Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty, presented to the assembled international investors, business leaders, Bahamas Cabinet, Ministers, and key government officials, an overview of Ten Great Reasons to Buy Real Estate in The Bahamas.

Well received, the presentation highlighted:

   • The Bahamas’ welcoming philosophy and no-red-tape approach toward international investors

   • The many tax-free advantages of no income tax, no personal tax, no sales tax, and in Grand Bahama: no property tax

   • Legal residency opportunities associated with becoming an investor of $500,000 or more in The Bahamas

   • The country’s longtime stable democracy

   • The wide variety of available and affordable real estate right now

   •  Financing opportunities and resources available in The Bahamas

   • The key geographical location and close proximity to the United States

   • The warm, welcoming people of The Bahamas

   •  Unprecedented opportunities for investing in single family homes, condominiums, and commercial real estate

   • The deep quality of life and natural abundance that the clear Bahamian waters and commitment to sustaining them holds.

Left To Right: Frank Comito, Executive VP, Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association, Magnus Alnebeck, CEO Pelican Bay, The Hon. Obediah Wilchcombe, Minister Of Tourism, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, James Sarles, Broker Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty, Stuart Bowe Senior VP, Kerzner International, at The Bahamas International Investment and Business Forum February 21, 2013, at the Grand Lucayan Resort, Freeport. Grand Bahama Island.

Other executives at the conference spoke about the potential for development of maritime and logistics industries, opportunities in banking and financial services, tourism, business services, energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and the knowledge economy.

Business leaders from 27 countries were also reminded of what a natural and state-of-the-art gateway The Bahamas offers to the Eastern Seaboard of North, South, and Central America, and to the Caribbean.

James Sarles’ leadership in The Bahamas real estate market, and experience in both global connections and the local community brought a unique personal vision and insight into the potential opportunities for investment in The Bahamas. His presentation on the panel with Minister of Tourism Obediah Wilchombe underscored The Bahamas’ ideal platform for a wide variety of domestic and international businesses—and an unmatched location for second home ownership.

Joining Forces to Introduce The Bahamas to The Hamptons

Joining forces: James Sarles, broker, and Nikolai Sarles, estate agent for Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty, along with Christine Matthäi—a U.S. sales associate with Dering Harbor Real Estate—are joining forces to introduce properties in The Bahamas that are an ideal warm-winter playground for Matthäi’s clients in Shelter Island, The Hamptons, and New York.
Photo by Adrianna Joskowiak

Shelter Island and The Hamptons residents will be discovering The Bahamas as a winter get away, thanks to a new partnership between Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty Bahamas and premier Dering Harbor Real Estate Associate, Christine Matthäi, based in Shelter Island, New York. Together with her brokers, Angelo Piccozzi and John Catrambone, they will be introducing unique properties in The Bahamas to their clientele in The Hamptons and New York.

Matthäi, a Shelter Island & New York City resident for 25 years, sees an opportunity for her clients in Shelter Island and The Hamptons to take advantage of the quick two-hour flight from New York to The Bahamas to beat the cold weather blues. Hopping aboard a jet to the clear turquoise seas of Grand Bahama Island—and the nearly 700 islands and cays of The Bahamas—is a short trip to a world where the summer fun of The Hamptons keeps spinning in a tropical winter.

Matthäi first became acquainted with Grand Bahama when she followed friends from Manhattan who made the island their home. She fell in love with both the warmth of the community and all the warm-winter charms of the island’s sunny shores, white sandy beaches, unspoiled crystal clear aqua waters, and easy travel—finding that a flight from New York’s La Guardia airport to FPO (Grand Bahama) often takes less time than the several hours that can be spent on the iconic “Hampton Jitney” bus between New York and The Hamptons on an average weekend.

“I see the relaxed elegance of The Hamptons & Shelter Island in the summer beautifully reflected in The Bahamas in the winter”, says Matthäi, who enjoys boating, snorkeling, magnificent coral reefs and underwater bounty here in Grand Bahama. “Swimming here feels like being in “God’s Pool”, enjoying these amazing waters, naturally warmed and abundant, even in the winter.”

“The community here is also such a great plus for second home buyers and seasonal renters,” says Matthäi, who finds that “ …  it is easy to make new friends and enjoy feeling at home here right away. I love meeting new people from the island and around the world.”

“We’re so pleased to be combining our longtime experience and local knowledge of Grand Bahama with Dering Harbor Real Estate, notes James Sarles, President of Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty Bahamas. Sarles will be working alongside his son, Nikolai Sarles on acquainting The Hamptons with The Bahamas.  Christine Matthäi looks forward to helping her clients find a Bahamas winter playground version of Shelter Island and The Hamptons in the winter, and to helping her clients with real estate rentals and sales in Shelter Island in the summer.

Behold: The Islands of The Bahamas

Behold: The Islands of The Bahamas

This new campaign (launched during last night's Super Bowl 2013) showcases the naturally exquisite turquoise waters, stunning beaches, friendly people, and relaxed lifestyle that compels both vacationers, warm-winter visitors,  and residents alike—including many celebrities associated with The Bahamas (who are featured in the spot)—to celebrate the glories of this diverse nation and its striking beauty.

If you are looking to find your own home in this paradise of 700 islands and cays, we'd love to help.

Contact James Sarles at Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty, 242.351.9081, or view our complete property listings at sarlesrealty.com.

"Slightly more optimistic ... it's feeling like there's business here ..."

Looking at the Grand Bahama real estate market over the past several years, as seen through the lens of the decreased amount of real estate legal work that's happened during that same time frame, was the focus of a January 31, 2013 article in The Tribune242 business section.

Acknowledging that the real estate market in Freeport was impacted significantly by the worldwide economic downturn, James Sarles, President of Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty, is quoted in the article with his impression of the current market pulse:

excerpt:

"... A slightly more optimistic picture was painted by James Sarles, president of Coldwell Banker Sarles Realty, who told Tribune Business that while “it’s not boom time, it’s feeling like there’s business here”.

#While Freeport real estate prices in general had fallen by “20 per cent or more” since the 2008 recession, Mr Sarles said buyer interest and call volumes had increased since just before end-2012 to levels not seen for three years.

#Transactions were occurring below list prices, though, with Mr Sarles disclosing that “aggressive sellers” were required to close deals.

#“The short end of it is that we are starting to get activity again,” he told Tribune Business.

#“The phones are beginning to ring. There are buyers out there, but it’s a buyers market. Prices are down, and there are very aggressive sellers looking for deals. The transactions are there, but the numbers are off.

#“It’s not a boom time, but it’s feeling like there’s a business there,” he added.

#“For the first time in a long time there’s interest. The transactions happening are markedly less than list price, as the aggressive sellers are lowering their prices to realistic market values ...”

------

For full article in The Tribune's 242 Business section, click here.

For motivated buyers and sellers who understand that there's no time like the present to maximize the real estate opportunities and investment options in Grand Bahama, contact James Sarles at 242.351.9081 or view a full selection of properties available here.

OWNING PROPERTY: A Way To Build Wealth

LET'S TALK REAL ESTATE

by James Sarles

We are already 24 days into the New Year. If one of your New Year's goals was to get involved in Real Estate on Grand Bahama Island and build wealth, then it is time to make your move. Don’t let another year slip away and be a Woulda Coulda Shoulda person, but rather make your move now.  It is an economic historical fact that home and land ownership builds wealth in spite of fluctuating economic conditions. It is all about timing, but you have to get in the game.

When there is uncertainty in the market, people start questioning whether it is a good time to buy and sell real estate. We are all aware that the world economy has been very sluggish over the last few years, and the Freeport Real Estate Market has been stagnate. Yes, prices have dropped, but as the world economy shows signs of recovery there are buyers back in the market looking to invest in Freeport.  The buyers are ready to pay fair current market value prices, and the motivated sellers are getting offers and selling their properties.

Unfortunately only a few sellers have dropped their list prices, but the actual transactions reflect a drop in price. The drop in prices are relative to the overinflated prices of what people thought their property was worth. Over the long term, the properties have appreciated in value and most sellers who have held their property for a long time are selling for a modest profit, and there are no property taxes so it has not cost them to hold the property.

People sell for many different reasons and sometimes they need to sell and are happy to sell at real market value, not waiting for the huge profit they might get over the long term. If you can find these motivated sellers its your chance to buy and hold and build wealth.  Its a win-win because the seller wants to sell and use the cash for other things, so they are happy to sell at market value because they need to sell. The true value of property is current market value—not what they dream they could sell their property for. If you own property and really want to sell, then you have to be realistic with your list prices.

So, if you are wondering: Is this the time to sell because the market is going to cool again? Or maybe it’s the wrong time to buy because you are not sure about the economy in Freeport?  If you ask yourself these questions and can’t make a decision then you are paralyzed like a deer caught in head lights. Uncertainty about economic trends can paralyze your ability to make a real estate decision.

Yet no matter what conditions exist in the marketplace, there is a fundamental rationale that makes buying a home a sensible investment.  Owning property is a way to build wealth. The longer you own a home, the more wealth you can accumulate. History has proven it time and time again.

Real estate builds wealth via equity.  Each time you make your monthly mortgage payment, you build up equity in your home as you pay down your debt. If you make even one or two extra mortgage payments per year, you also decrease the amount of mortgage interest you pay, potentially saving thousands of dollars over the term of the loan. At some point, the home will be worth more than what you owe on it.

   

Real estate builds wealth via appreciation. The return on your initial down payment investment continues to grow based on the desirability of the property. If you knew what property would be worth now 10 years ago you would have made a substantial profit on that investment, if you bought then and held the property. But if you did nothing, then you will have nothing to show for it. If you decide to stay in the home you live in and pay off the mortgage, eventually you will be able to live rent-free in a home that continues to appreciate over time.

So, do not be a Woulda Coulda Shoulda person. Make that first step and start exploring the possibilities of being a property owner.  Start saving money today for a down payment, meet with your bank, and find out about loans, and start looking at real estate websites so you can begin to understand the market.

My advice for you today is to make one step toward your goal, even if it is simply writing down your goal. Then tomorrow, start saving, and the next day start looking at property. Do anything that creates momentum is a step in the right direction, but do something today for your future.  If you want to build wealth, then Property Ownership is the answer. Until next week ...

James Sarles, President, Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty

Marina Gardens Opportunity: Drastically Reduced

Marina Gardens #2. This elegant and spacious home affords fantastic unobstructed views of shimmering canal waters. Encompassing over 3,500 sq. ft. of beautiful living space, fine finishes, and sunny patios, this 3 bedroom gem of a home also includes an ample sized office/den and private garage. Seize this affordable opportunity to have the best of both worlds, a canal front single family home in a secure gated community that takes care of everything. No worries about exterior maintenance such as lawn and pool care; come and go as you please just lock and go. 

The owner is motivated to sell and has reduced the price to $350,000 from $550,000 for a Quick Sale.

Marina Gardens is an exclusive gated enclave consisting of 8 canal front luxury homes. The enclosed grounds boast artful landscaping, sparkling swimming pool, back-up generator, and are ideally located moments restaurants, hotels, shopping, and casino. This spacious home has 90 feet of private deep water dockage. A must see.

For more photos of this home and amazing opportunity, click here or contact James Sarles at Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty, 242.351.9081, james@sarlesrealty.com, #9 Regent Centre, Freeport, Grand Bahama Island.

WEB LINK FOR MORE PHOTOS AND INFO: http://www.sarlesrealty.com/index.php?action=listingview&listingID=2405

Wonderful Launch - Book Signing Today

Many thanks to all the many family and friends who joined us to celebrate the launch of the new historical novel, The Last Daughter of Prussia, by my wife, Marina Gottlieb Sarles.  It was so wonderful to see the response to this riveting story of love and war, and to see years of writing work and research and polishing come together in a beautiful book. Thank you to all who attended. It was a pleasure to share the book here in The Bahamas first, before it is released worldwide in April 2013. Hardcover first-edition copies of the book are available now at the Garden of The Groves gift shop and Unexso gift shop. 

Marina will also be signing books today at The Garden of The Groves Garden Cafe from 12 to 3 pm if you'd like an autographed copy.

Warmest Holiday Wishes

Wishing you and yours a Very Merry Christmas, Happiest Holidays, and a Beautiful and Prosperous New Year from Everyone at Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty in Grand Bahama!

(and here's a holiday smile: the much-requested classic Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty version of Santa Baby sung by Marina Gottlieb Sarles and produced by Mackey Media ... lightheartedness: the best gift of all!)

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.

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!

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.

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

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.