June 25, 2004
Call for Entries - Second Annual Bahamas Web Awards
The Bahamas Web Awards is pleased to announce the 2004 Call for Entries for the Second Annual Bahamas Web Awards competition.
The Bahamas Web Awards is the leading national honor for the best among Bahamas Web sites. The annual competition is a year-round effort measuring the best of Bahamian Websites, both in design and functionality.
The Grand Prize: A custom designed trophy sculpture created by internationally recognized Bahamian sculptor Antonius Roberts. This one-of-a-kind piece of art, sculpted from wild Bahamian tamarind and madeira woods, is awarded to the owner of the web site selected as the Best in The Bahamas by our expert panel of judges.
The 2nd Annual, Bahamas Web Awards®
The Bahamas Web Awards help increase recognition for The Bahamas, the Bahamian web community and Bahamian companies. The highly respected Awards contest encourages quality in web design and development, promotes education on web related issues and generates substantial PR for the Bahamas and for all companies and individuals involved in the Awards process.
Bahamas Web Awards are awarded to individuals and companies for web sites or pages created for, and by, Bahamian entities. The winners will be judged on the basis of strategic and creative criteria including; content, visual design, functionality, innovation and whether the site has achieved its objectives.
Call for entries
We are now accepting nominations for the 2nd Annual Bahamas Web Awards - 2004 competition.
Nominations will be accepted until 30 July, 2004. Anyone can nominate any eligible site. Sites will be evaluated by our nominations committee to determine their eligibility for the contest.
Owners of the sites will be notified by August 15, 2004, if their sites are accepted into the contest.
June 24, 2004
More Foolishness From Bahamas Supreme Court Justices
There was a small crooked judge with a crooked little smile,
He took a crooked payment to decide a crooked trial.
He bought a crooked car and a little crooked house.
And went on to pervert justice like a crooked sucking louse.
Legal eagles have been watching certain Supreme Court justices for almost two years now. It is difficult to explain or even comprehend many of their recent decisions. It is also hard to understand where they get all the money they stuff into their offshore bank accounts.
If the Attorney General wasn't of questionable character himself, he would launch an investigation into specific Supreme Court justices, and several magistrates as well.
Instead, our esteemed AG, Alfred Sears, reminds Bahamians that: "The rule of law... is essential for an orderly society in which civil liberties guaranteed by our constitution are enforced by an independent and impartial judiciary."
Someone needs to remind Mr. Sears that "independent and impartial" would include being free from the temptation and corruption of bribes and kickbacks.
June 18, 2004
Bradley Roberts: The Man Who Cried Wolf
Rarely have people been so afraid of other people. Not during World War II, not during the 1960 assassination wave, not during Vietnam, and not during the race riots of '92. Back then, people weren't afraid of people, they were afraid of integrating cultures and whatever lied beyond either their suburban or urban boundaries. But now people are beginning to fear their fellow man. After September 11th, 2001, everyone was suspected of being a terrorist. It was almost like another Communism scare, ordinary people being accused of extraordinary crimes. Naturally, you would think the healing process from such a horrific event would not only bring the world together, but allow us all to accept diversity for the beautiful thing that it is. But every time you reflect on that, you get bombarded by idiots.
Just yesterday, Bradley Roberts, the Public Works Minister and Member of Parliament here in the Bahamas, flashed his true colours, stating Iranian businessman Mohammad Harajchi came from "a culture where you either get what you want or string together a few bombs and throw them into a crowd."
Bradley Roberts, unfortunately, seems to be from a culture where you string together a few racial slurs and over-confident remarks and throw them at unsuspecting people. Roberts made it clear in his Parliamentary speech that since The Confidential Source, Harajchi's government-bashing newspaper, wrote an article about him in a "place where he could not have his say", it was "only fair" to respond in session. Roberts also says that he doesn't encourage "recklessness or cowardice in persons when it comes to freedom of expression."
Unless those expressions are his own.
The obviously stunned Harajchi responded to Roberts' comments as if challenging Roberts to a brawl at the flag pole. "If he's (Roberts) a man of honour he should come and say the same thing outside of the Parliament," Harajchi responded. When asked for comment on this whole racial dispute, Roberts showed no remorse. "I have painstakingly and meticulously laid out what I had to say and I have no desire to answer any more questions from you on it," he told a Tribune reporter. Painstakingly? Meticulously? Each of those words mean being very careful or excessively diligent to detail. Was Roberts' statement either careful or diligent?
"... Mr. Harajchi is years removed from a culture where you either get what you want or string together a few bombs and throw them into a crowd... it seems that you can take a man out of a culture but you cannot necessarily take a culture out of a man."
Yeah, no kidding.
Roberts then turned to his most feared source throughout this whole racial dispute... the media. "If you attack me, I will surely attack you", he threatened firmly. He then forcefully blamed Harajchi's newspaper, The Confidential Source, saying that it "...knew the truth, but instead chose to publish this amateurish and devious story in an effort to bring my character as a person and Cabinet Minister into serious question." Interesting, but Roberts' character was already in serious question after accusing Eileen Carron, the editor and proprietor of The Tribune, as a "terrorist" only 8 months ago. Oddly enough, Roberts hit this whole dispute right on the nose. The fact that he IS a Cabinet Minister and STILL makes that kind of comment is not only a question of character but a question of intelligence.
Nothing slowed him down, Bradley Roberts was still on a roll continuing with, "My personal, professional and political posture has always been one that doesn't even consider muzzling or even stifling the freedom of anyone to express how they feel on any subject." So wouldn't threatening the media, harmless warriors who battle with keyboards and pencils, be an act of containing one's free speech, therefore contradicting everything he stated above?
Ironically, Bradley Roberts refers to himself as, "...a good citizen in good standing of the Bahamas (who) will not seek to destroy the innocent but focus my attack on those who are truly at fault." He then claims Harajchi's newspaper will "engage in terrorist attacks on individuals." That's funny, because terrorism is, in fact, the use of terror to intimidate. Hasn't Bradley Roberts been doing just that to the media, using the "terror" of his Parliamentary immunity to intimidate? If you reap what you sow, Bradley Roberts just harvested himself a heap of trouble.
So what makes a terrorist? It's hard to tell. It can't be race because one of the worst terrorist attacks on American soil was done by an American. Is it culture? We often hear about Palestinian suicide bombings, and Israeli retaliation which often borders on terrorism itself. Both sides are employing techniques they feel are their only key in winning the war they are fighting. Terrorism is containable, America has done it for almost three full years now. The biggest side-effect of terrorism is the "fear factor" that spreads throughout the world, even in times of peace. Let's just hope Bradley Roberts never bumps into Osama bin Laden in Rawson Square, because when Roberts cries "wolf" the hollow threat will echo throughout the Bahamas.
June 17, 2004
L.A. Confidential
On the summer night of June 15th, 2004, the world famous Los Angeles Lakers fell apart. But they didn't fall apart like an inexperienced boy band, quickly and stubbornly. Rather, they deconstructed like a well-traveled 1980's rock band making a reunion tour, gradually and maybe expectedly. Instead of forgetting lyrics, the Lakers forgot how to score. Instead of fumbling a guitar riff, the Lakers fumbled the ball. They were embarrassed, tortured even, and spend the remaining 3 minutes of their possible last season together, waiting to lose.
The Detroit Pistons, on the other hand, had played the underdog role in Oscar award winning fashion. Although the Pistons finished with the second best record in the Eastern Conference, led the NBA in attendance, and never faced elimination throughout the playoffs, they were still supposed to lose this series. The Lakers weren't just expected to sweep the Pistons, they were expected to vacuum the competition in four lopsided games. The Lakers were, in fact, involved in four very lopsided games, unfortunately they were on the wrong side. The Pistons won by 12 in Game One, by 20 in Game Three, by 8 in Game Four, and by 13 in the title-clenching Game Five. But still, despite the double digit wins in 3 of the 4 games, despite the fact that the Pistons led by 28 in the final game (against a Laker team that was practically guaranteed a victory), despite the hard work and effort fueled into the Pistons tank, and despite their will to succeed and not falter under the intense scrutiny of the Finals, where are all the celebratory Pistons fans now?
While on Bay Street, the day after the Pistons 100-87 victory over the Lakers, I saw plenty of Kobe Bryant jerseys hanging proudly in the windows, Lakers visors securely stationed at the front of every hat rack, and Rick Fox jerseys on people of all ages. I did see one Ben Wallace Pistons jersey a few times, but only because I was the one wearing it and it had a distracting black mark under the '3' which I kept looking down at.
Now, I understand that famed Laker Rick Fox is a Bahamian export and supporting the hometown hero is understandable. After all, one is supposed to support the man who represents the community, for better or worse. But what I hear about the Pistons in these parts is more questionable than understandable.
"The Pistons are cheaters."
"The Pistons don't deserve it."
"Kobe's the REAL MVP!"
All these excuses are just that... excuses, and horrible ones at that. Sure, you can blame the refs, or you can blame the coach, you can even blame the lack of L.A. support. But why then won't you blame the Lakers as a team? Phil Jackson wasn't giving the Pistons open looks. The refs weren't trying to penetrate the Pistons famous defense. And I know for a fact the fans weren't getting out hustled and ultimately outplayed. So why blame any of them? Why not blame Kobe's lack of judgment? Of course he's the best player in the NBA right now, but you have four other teammates for a very good reason. Why not blame Shaq's inadequate work ethic toward free throws? Shaquille O'Neal may be the most dominant force in all of sports, but if he can't hit a free throw, he should at least out hustle his counterparts. (For more on bad free throw shooters, who still make a difference, see Wallace, Ben). Or how about blaming the other two Hall of Famers, Karl Malone and Gary Payton, who both seemed to not show up at all on the court (Malone literally didn't show up for Game 5 thanks to a leg injury).
Lakers fans can still find many scapegoats, but they seem to ultimately dodge the most important fact... Detroit played better. They shot better, defended better, rebounded better, and were coached better. Simple as that. Four Hall of Famers don't mean anything if they can't play together and if two of them should have retired last year. Karl Malone watched glumly on the bench while Gary Payton repeatedly lost his jock strap in blockbuster fashion, after getting beaten to the rim and humiliated by Finals MVP (yes, Most VALUABLE Player) Chauncey Billups. The harsh reality of the whole Finals situation may be too "real" for Lakers fans, but believe it: The Detroit Pistons are the best basketball TEAM in the world. Period!
The Pistons campaign slogan for the past few years has been 'Goin' To Work'. This year that sentence wasn't an understatement, it was a predication. Like all of the automotive factories scattered about the city of Detroit, the Pistons used an assembly line of maneuvers and bench play, showing off their wide range of under-appreciated superstars from Chauncey Billups and Tayshaun Prince, to Elden Campbell and Corliss Williamson. The Pistons didn't just flex their muscles, they taunted the Lakers with them, then beat them into the ground. They went to work at the start of the playoffs and finally hung up their hard hats Tuesday night.
Still, despite the hard work, the catchy motto and the Cinderella story that was broadcast to tens of millions of TV viewers three times a week, down here, the Pistons are still are seen as "cheaters". I might be the only person either brave enough or proud enough to happily support the Detroit Pistons. Soon it won't be a matter of bravery or pride, it'll be a matter of intelligence. The Lakers lost, their supremacy is over. The regime has been toppled. The hard truth is beginning to sink-in. Now, where down here can I find any Pistons memorabilia? Hopefully, in a few weeks I won't be the only person asking that question, or the only one wearing a Ben Wallace jersey.
June 14, 2004
CHIC 2004 Conference
The Caribbean Hotel Association's annual June convention presents its hotel and allied members with a forum for the exchange of information and ideas, the conduct of Association business, networking, and the making of new business contacts and renewal of old acquaintances. The event is designed to inform, educate, benefit and entertain its members.
The educational component of CHIC features general sessions and workshops led by experts in many fields affecting the tourism industry. It includes mini-chat sessions and round tables for one-on-one conversations with specialists in a range of fields, such as management and administration, operations, marketing and finance.
At the 100+ booth trade expo, held in conjunction with the Conference, suppliers display the latest in products, services and technology. Hoteliers have a one-stop shopping facility where they may try new wares and negotiate their best deal for all their hotel needs.
Exciting social functions in the trade show area and the popular American Express Awards Luncheon, as well as the annual golf tournament and the live auction to benefit the Scholarship Foundation, maximize the networking opportunities and complete CHIC’s program.
MP Begins Marathon Campaign on the Web
Marathon Member of Parliament, Ron Pinder, has launched his web site, presenting his 2004 progress report to the nation. He also officially began the drive for his 2007 re-election campaign at the Humidor Restaurant recently. www.ronpinder.com was launched to raised wine glasses and cheers from supporters.
The web site, emblazoned in Bahamian colours, offers a look into Mr. Pinder the politician, the Parliamentarian and the Junior Minister of Health. It provides his speeches on topics like education, foreign policy, affordable housing, the economy and jobs.
There is a vast photo gallery, video and audio clips in the media centre.
Mr. Pinder promises to respond to people who use the "Contact Us" facility and there is also a place to sign up to keep The Bahamas "Clean, Green and Pristine".
SOURCE: Felicity Ingraham from The Tribune
June 11, 2004
Sixth Annual Andros Crab Festival
The three-day sixth annual Crab Fest opens today in Fresh Creek, Andros, which is located about 20 miles from New Providence. Tourism Minister Obie Wilchombe will be on hand to start the festivities. Many other festival goers will arrive by private boat, excursion vessels and regular and charter flights.
The festival, comprising 40 booths, serving everything crab, is jointly sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism and the Central Andros Local government.
Film Festival Fund Raiser
The Bahamas International Film Festival will host a fund raising event entitled "BIFF: Take One" this Saturday, June 12, from 7:00pm to 11:00pm at Club Med on Paradise Island.
Tickets are still available, now at a discounted price of $150 for two, or $100 for one. The evening of celebration will include a terrific menu and cocktails, a silent auction and live performances by local favourites, the G-Note All-Stars and Mozaic featuring Mizpah Bethel.
The Bahamas International Film Festival, scheduled for December 9-12, 2004, is dedicated to providing the local community and International visitors with a diverse presentation of films from around the world. In addition to offering films that might not otherwise be released theatrically in the Bahamas, BIFF will provide a unique cultural experience, educational programs, and forums for exploring the future of cinema.
Dolphin Swim Club
This year's Dolphin Swim Camp at St. John's College pool, Nassau, will be held week-days from July 5 through July 30, 2004.
Have your child enjoy the supervised pool and eck activities whilst you enjoy weekday mornings throughout July.
Hour for the Camp are from 8:30am until 12:30pm.
For applications and information contact Mrs. Meltoria Rolle at 502-1853, or President Mrs. Stella McPhee at 322-1632, or viisit the webiste at:
Dolphin Swim Club
June 10, 2004
Discovery Channel Camp at Atlantis
Fun, Science Camp in Paradise!
If you are between the ages of 4 years and 13 years, this Camp is for you. Come and experience the fun, excitement and learning of the sensational Discovery Channel Camp at Atlantis. The only Camp of its kind in the world.
Featuring: Age appropriate activities; Recreation and Fun; Computers; Field Trips; Ecological & Historical Expeditions; Dolphin, Shark and Sea Life Adventures; Science Fun; Kayaking; Swimming and much more.
DATES: June 21 - August 13, 2004.
TIME: 9:00am - 3:00pm.
Membership Also Available
To join, children must be 4 - 13 years of age.
As a Member...
Come to Camp for any half-day session for only $15.
A subscription to our Junior Explorers Newsletter.
10% discount on birthday parties - members only!
And much, much more.
Be sure to book sessions at least 48 hours in advance. Sign up at the Camp's Check-in Desk in the lower level of the Coral Towers.
Bradley Ferguson - Above and Beyond
Mr. Bradley Ferguson, from the Sears Hill Agency, has won the British Fidelity Agents Award for Top Agency Manager.
Mr. Ferguson is standing tall and has every right to be - having won the Top Award for 2003.
Bradley has shown his true merit as a leader, motivating his sales force to achieve this prestigious award for two consecutive years.
Poised for greater things, Mr. Ferguson has visions of taking the Sears Hill Agency above and beyond the rest.
You can reach Bradley Ferguson at the Sears Hill Agency at 242-356-0932.
June 09, 2004
The World's Best Golf Course
The Four Seasons Golf Course at Great Exuma has been designated "The World's Greatest Golf Course" by the Robb Report, the prestigious and upscale monthly magazine. The Bahamian resort will now be featured in the magazine's "Best of The Best" list.
This comes on the heels of The Bahamas being mentioned in last month's Conde Nast Traveler magazine's "Hot List", another prestigious designation from one of the world's top travel authorities.
Based on a Ministry of Tourism coordinated press trip to Exuma in February, Robb Report staff writer Mike Nolan nominated the Four Seasons Golf Course for inclusion in the publication's "Best of The Best" issue. After reviewing hundreds of other golf courses, the editorial staff agreed with Mr. Nolan and included the Four Season's course in this coveted issue, placing the Family islands on the map of the world's greatest golf destinations.
In his story, Mr. Nolan compared Exuma's championship 18-hole course designed by golf legend, Greg Norman, to the legendary Pebble Beach course, arguably America's most prestigious golf course.
Robb Report's 108,118 affluent readers are among the wealthiest in the United States. The "Best of The Best" issue celebrates the best automobiles, boats, aircraft, resorts, golf courses, watches and fashion that money can buy. Readers use this issue to plan trips and purchases for the coming year.
Theatre: The Courtship
A play by James Catalyn and friends.
Directed by Graham Thordarson
The Dundas Theatre
June 8th - 12th, 2004
At 8:30pm
Tickets: $15.00
Dundas Box Office: 242-393-3728
Open 9:30am - 5:00pm daily
Email: julcat61@hotmail.com
For more Bahamas events visit the Bahamas Calendar on BahamasB2B.
June 08, 2004
Montagu Ramp Hearing Seeks Internet Feedback
Independent MP Pierre Dupuch has launched a web page to garner public feedback for the improvement of the Montagu Ramp area.
The page, donated by The Bahamas Portal, invites the public to lodge complaints and suggest solutions for the enhancement of the highly trafficked ramp area.
Mr. Dupuch is chairman of a Government appointed House Select Committee formed to investigate the problems associated with the ramp.
The Montagu Ramp page can be accessed by surfing to the Home page of the BahamasB2B portal at www.bahamasb2b.com
The BahamasB2B Network is billed as the largest, most comprehensive resource for Bahamians and visitors to The Bahamas. Consisting of 7 Web sites containing over 15,000 pages of Bahamian related content including daily news, a comprehensive Bahamas Web Directory, Real Estate listings, Classified Ads, vacation travel information, online business resources, community services and essential business solutions.
Art Competition & Exhibition
The Central Bank of The Bahamas
Twenty First Annual
Art Competition & Exhibition
To be held from Wednesday, 10th November to Friday, 3rd December, 2004.
The objectives of the competition are to identify, recognise and encourage young Bahamians who demonstrate talent in the visual arts.
Participants must be citizens of the Bahamas, aged 26 or under, who are not involved in the commercial sales of artwork.
Entry forms may be obtained from the Central Bank of the Bahamas and in the Family Islands at the Administrator's Office or at the District Offices of the Ministry of Education.
June 07, 2004
2004 Conchman Triathlon on Grand Bahama Island
On the first Saturday of every November, Freeport springs into action with the annual Conchman Triathlon – an international event that pushes athletes to their limits with a 1K swim, a 25K bike and a 5K run through the paradise found on Grand Bahama Island in The Islands Of The Bahamas. Staged in Lucaya amidst wide boulevard streets and crystal waters, this year’s triathlon will be held on Saturday, November 6 on the unspoiled sands of Taino Beach. The entire community shares in this fund-raiser, from children and adult participants from around the world to volunteers from the Bahamas Triathlon Association and the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board. The friendly ambiance of the island reflects its rich culture and history, offering athletes and their family’s value, easy accessibility and a unique variety of experiences.
Past participants in this annual event believe Grand Bahama Island to be the best kept secret in triathlon competition, being a low-key, yet well run race that offers some of the best panoramas and prizes in the history of the sport. For more information on the 2004 Conchman Triathlon, visit:
www.grandbahama.bahamas.com
Source: Florida Sports
Get a Tasty Meal for Cheap
The Bahamas School of Hospitality and Tourism Studies features the Choices Training restaurant, where one can receive a delicious sampling of the culinary accomplishments of the next generation of Bahamian chefs, while allowing them to practice their skills in a real world setting. It is a "Win-Win" situation.
On Wednesday, June 9, 2004, you can experience a delightful meal between the hours of Noon and 1:30pm. The gourmet meal consists of:
Lobster Bisque soup
Spinach Salad w/ Rasberry Vinaigrette dressing
Poached Atlantic Salmon served with a Basil and Garlic Butter Sauce and Parsley Potatoes
OR
Stuffed Chicken Breast served with Duchess Potatoes
Glazed carrots
Buttered Brocoli
& Dessert!
Price is only $12.00 per person.
For reservations contact: Monique Butler at 323-5804
Former President Ronald Reagan Dies
Former United States President Ronald Reagan, credited with helping end the Cold War, has died. He was 93 years old and had long suffered from Alzheimer's disease. A family friend announced his death Saturday at his home in Los Angeles.
The White House said Saturday that President Bush has ordered flags to be flown half-staff on all federal buildings in Washington for 30 days. White House officials said Mr. Bush will attend the former president's funeral.
The late president's body will be displayed to the public at his presidential library in Simi Valley, California before being taken to Washington where it will lay in state at the Capitol. A memorial service will be held at the National Cathedral before the burial at the presidential library in California.
Source: Voice of America
June 05, 2004
Limits on Baggage During Summer Season
American Airlines: American Airlines reminds passengers about limits on baggage and boxes during the summer season.
Customers traveling on American and American Eagle to certain destinations, including The Bahamas, will not be able to check boxes during the embargo period due to heavy summer loads. This policy also applies to flights to Nassau from or through Miami and Fort Lauderdale. There is a year-round box embargo for flights from New York to all Caribbean and Latin America destinations.
Oversize, overweight and excess baggage will not be accepted for flights to the destinations covered by the bag embargo.
Passengers will be limited to a maximum of two checked bags, with each not exceeding 62 linear inches (computed by adding the length, width and height of the bag) and 70 pounds. One carry-on bag will be allowed with a maximum size of 45 linear inches and a maximum weight of 40 pounds. Sports equipment, such as golf bags, bikes and surfboards can be accepted as part of the total checked bag allowance, although additional charges may apply.
Royal Bahamas Police Force Band Salutes New York City
The internationally-renowned Royal Bahamas Police Force Band payed tribute to New York City during Caribbean Week, May 31 - June 4, 2004. The band has performed in many countries around he world, including performances for presidents and monarchies, and puts on a show-stopping drill display to the tune of Bahamian, classical and international tunes. Dressed in their crisp white tunics, high-gloss riding boots and outrider helmets with plumes of ostrich feathers, the Band's performances are a colorful display of rich Bahamian culture.
Walker Airport Closed for Repairs
Authorities at the Civil Aviation Department in New Providence have closed Walker Cay International Airport due to runway repairs and Tuesday's aircraft accident on the island.
The accident, which occurred on Tuesday, June 1, was the 11th recorded incident involving light aircraft operation in the northern Bahamas, according to Supt. Basil Rahming.
June 03, 2004
Kerzner Student Mentorship Program
Kerzner International is looking for a select few, high-potential students for its upcoming Student Mentoring Program. Visit their website and register for this excellent networking opportunity that will provide you with hands on experience to develop your leadership skills.
Deadline: June 4th, 2004
WARNING! Internet Fraud
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company Ltd. (BTC) is warning customers of a fraud associated with downloading programmes from the Internet.
It has been discovered that some users are becoming victims of fraud upon downloading a programme in order to view specific content. Actually, the programme disconnects the victim's modem, then reconnects it to a long distance phone scam. The hapless victim receives phone bills for hundreds of dollars worth of international phone calls.
BTC recommends to use care when downloading material from the Internet, use an updated version of reputable virus scanning programme and use BTC's Subscriber Activated Call Blocking feature to prevent unauthorized use of your telephone service.
New GM at Freeport's Old Bahama Bay
Robert Kramm has been appointed the new Senior Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer/General Manager of the Old Bahamas Bay Resort in Freeport, Bahamas.
Mr. Kramm brings 30 years of hospitality experience to Old Bahama Bay, including 15 years with the Marriott and Sheraton Coporations.