Welcome to Grand Bahama Island and GBI Tourism TV!

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Who said that there is little to do on Grand Bahama Island? The video that you are about to view presents a sample of the wide variety of activities available to visitors and locals alike on beautiful Grand Bahama Island. Located just 55 miles off the coast of South Florida and only 18 minutes away by air, one could arrive from South Florida and be chilling out on a gorgeous Grand Bahama beach relaxing in just 30 minutes!

 

Grand Bahama Island offers miles of pristine beaches, friendly people with a rich history, colorful culture, and glorious sunrises and sunsets and the island is equipped wide variety of accommodations from boutique sea-side inns to top resort brands over looking white sandy beaches.

 

Activities range from cave diving, horseback riding along the shoreline, swimming with dolphins, games of golf on PGA rated championship courses, parasailing, kayaking, bone fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving windsurfing and more. Or one could opt to take in an eco or heritage tour, visit a brewery or a perfume factory or play in a world-class casino.

 

Heritage events like New Year's Day Junkanoo Parade, Junkanoo Summer Festival, Conch Cracking and the Regatta happen at various times of the year. Be sure to visit Bahamas.com to book all of your travel, accommodations and activities before and during your stay.

Visitors to Grand Bahama Island and residents can learn more about Grand Bahama Island and the happenings on that island by tuning their TV sets to channel 56 or digital 800 (Gbi Tourism tv).

Salvation Army’s new Disaster Relief Mobile, GBPA bids fairwell to Morrows

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Freeport, Bahamas The Bahamas Weekly presents herewith this video presentation of the executives of The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited along with local government officials, as they present a token of appreciation to Lt. Colonel Danny Morrow and Lt. Colonel Esther Morrow for their time served here at the Grand Bahama Island branch of the Salvation Army.

Chairman of The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited, Mr. Hannes Babak was on hand to bid farewell and best wishes to the devoted Salvation Army officers and presented an engraved personalized plaque to the Morrows. Mr. Babak said of  Lt. Colonel Danny Morrow and Lt. Colonel Esther Morrow, "thank you so much for coming out of retirement and assisting the Salvation Army here on Grand Bahama Island. There was a vacancy that needed to be filled and you did it. For this we are most grateful.

The Salvation Armys new Disaster Relief Mobile aka Meals On Wheels was also parked in front of the GBPA building, affording the GBPA Execs and local government officials an opportunity to examine the new vehicle. Lt. Colonel Danny Morrow informed that, This Lt. Colonel Danny Morrow is available to the entire community of Grand Bahama Island. Wed like you to know, that not only is this the first vehicle of its kind on Grand Bahama Island and The Bahamas but also the first of its kind within the Caribbean.

In this informative video, Lt. Colonel Danny Morrow also explains how the Disaster Relief Mobile works and the value of having on Grand Bahama in the unfortunate event of a hurricane.

(VIDEO) Bahamas Real Estate Association Chief Challenges Government & GBPA

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Freeport, Grand Bahama Island - The Bahamas Weekly presents herewith an exclusive video interview with William Wong; President of The Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA) during his visit to the island September 22nd, 2009.

In this interview Mr. Wong defines BREA and he expresses BREAs frustration with Grand Bahama Islands unique circumstance being under the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA). in particular he challenges the GBPAa right to issue real estate business licenses to persons he states are not experienced, not trained as to what real estate is all about. He further states; Therefore we have these unlicensed persons selling land in Grand Bahama who dont know what theyre doing.

The BREA President emphatically cries out to the government to step in and help them with what defines as "this vexing issue""The

(VIDEO 2) The Bahamas Weekly on the Road at "Bahamians in New York"

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New York, NY - The Bahamas Weekly News Team, Dave Mackey and Robbin Whachell were on the road recently in New York to cover the Bahamian American Association event, "Bahamians in New York", a mixer organized by Anwar Rolle, a Bahamian recording artist who will be releasing his new single "Bahamian in New York" in February 2010, and his album in August of the same year.

In this video (the second in the series) you will hear from Bahamas Consul General, Carlton Francis Smith; entrepreneur and recording artist Anwar Rolle, the event organizer; and Fred Rosser, music producer.

Stay tuned for our next video in this series!

See Video 1 here

The BAAI event at the Astoria World Manor in Queens was well attended and those there were able to give a 'shout out' to family back in The Bahamas by way of The Bahamas Weekly video coverage . Many young Bahamian cadets from SUNY Maritime College were at the event to represent and support the scholarship recipient, Keia Armbrister, also a student at the school.

Entertainment for the evening was provided by the band, 2 the Limit and by DJ DC from Dragons at Atlantis. Also in attendance was Miss Teen Bahamas 2008.

President of BAAI, Mr. William Dames was on hand to provide remarks. 

The Bahamas Weekly would like to thank Bandolera Fashions and Access Ocean Jewelry for Robbin Whachell's wardrobe.

Interview with Bahamian in NY, Chris 'Kazi' Rolle of The Hip Hop Project

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Brooklyn, New York - The Bahamas Weekly was recently on the road in the Big Apple and had the opportunity to catch up with a Bahamian living in New York, Chris 'Kazi' Rolle at the Callador Cafe.  In May 2008 we had the opportunity to conduct phone interview this talented and enlightening young man. Kazi had a documentary film made about his life called The Hip Hop Project, which was produced by Queen Latifah and Bruce Willis. The film also caught the attention of Hip Hop mogul Russell Simmons who had a short part in the film.

Kazi has taken his film around the world for screenings and was also featured in the Bahamas International Film Festival a few years ago. The film was also showcased on the Sundance Channel this year. This fall marks the ten year anniversary of the film and the project, which involves social service mentoring by expressing oneself 'positively' through Rap and Hip Hop.  A tag-line in the film is, "If the whole world were listening, what would you say?" 

Kazi's current passion is delving into relationships to find out what makes them tick. He says, 'Maybe if my parents had a better relationship, ...my life would be different".  He recent hosted "Together Apart" along with ABC star Malik Yoba, which presented relationships through skit, film, and open dialogue with an audience.

In this video Kazi gives a brief rundown on how he ended up living in New York, and explains what The Hip Hop project is and upcoming plans for the anniversary. He ends with expressing his interest in relationships, and how he wants to share that interest.

We encourage you to listen to his audio interview from 2008.



Learn more about Chris 'Kazi' Rolle here:

The Hip Hop Project

More from Kazi Rolle and The Hip Hop Project

Streaming Audio Exclusive - Chris "Kazi" Rolle of The Hip Hop Project

blog: www.iamkazi.com
website:www.chriskazirolle.com
company:www.hiphopproject.com  

(VIDEO 1) The Bahamas Weekly on the Road at "Bahamians in New York"

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New York, NY - The Bahamas Weekly News Team, Dave Mackey and Robbin Whachell are on the road this week from New York.  The Team came up to the New York area to cover the Bahamian American Association event, "Bahamians in New York", a mixer organized by Anwar Rolle, a Bahamian recording artist who will be releasing his new single "Bahamian in New York" in February 2010, and his album in August of the same year.

In this video you will hear from entrepreneur and recording artist Anwar Rolle, event organizer; William Dames, President of the BAAI; Shantae Strachan, former Miss Teen Bahamas; Justice Kenneth L. Johnson, a Bahamian Supreme Court Judge; Dornell Watson, Regional Manager Bahamas Tourist Office, Philadelphia; and [4:56:22 PM] David Mackey: Dorea Rolle, BAAI Member Grand Bahamain from Pinder's Point.

The Team was graciously hosted by Grand Bahamian resident Karen Clarke and owner of Thayers® Natural Remedies, First Aid for Divas, Belters and Screamers who provides natural vocal care products to such recording artists as Sting, Queen Latifah, Justin Timberlake, Rob Thomas, Mavis Staples (Staples Singers), American Idol contestants, Motley Cru, Ozzie Osbourne, blues singer Roxy Perry, comedian Dane Clarke, singers at the Metropolitan Opera, vocal coaches world wide and many other performers.

The BAAI event at the Astoria World Manor in Queens was well attended and those there were able to give a 'shout out' to family back in The Bahamas by way of The Bahamas Weekly video coverage . Many young Bahamian cadets from SUNY Maritime College were at the event to represent and support the scholarship recipient, Keia Armbrister, also a student at the school.

DPM Brent Symonette announces positve changes at Grand Bahama Passport office

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Freeport, Grand Bahama Island Friday, September 11th, 2009 Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs The Hon. Brent Symonette met with the media on Grand Bahama Island at the passport office to announce positive changes slated to occur at the passport office that will facilitate a faster turnaround time for the delivery passports.

The passport office on Grand Bahama Island has come under tremendous fire by members of the Grand Bahama community due to what has been described as poor service, long lines, slow turnaround time and the inconvenience of having to reacquire previously submitted documents. In some instances passport turnaround times have been greater than eight months.

To address the aforementioned mentioned issues, Minister Symonette announced that The Freeport Passport office has: relocated to a larger space, hired additional staff, increased the number of phone lines, returned most of the old passports from storage back to the Freeport office, purchased two more machines to speed up the production of passports; one of which will be dedicated solely to the production of passports for Grand Bahamians. Further, The minister went on to say that the Freeport office is now able to do enrollment, data entry, third level and final level approval in Freeport without having to go through Nassau, all within a week and a half. Production of the actual passports themselves according to the minister should take approximately a week.

Also announced by Minister Symonette was the coming online of the Miami passport office September 1st, which will also have the same abilities as the Grand Bahama office.

The Bahamas Weekly invites you to view the video to get the full details of Hon Symonette remarks.

Ross University Bahamas begins 3rd Semester

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Freeport, Grand Bahama Island - On September 4th, 2009 Ross University Bahamas commenced its third semester since officially opening in January 2009.  New students were greeted with breakfast and a full day of on site orientation, where they learn about all aspects of their academic and island life including the Ross hurricane preparedness plan while in Grand Bahama.

Faculty and administration were introduced to the students. Members of the Grand Bahama Health Services and doctors from the Rand Hospital who are participating in the Clinical Education Program with Ross were also introduced. Dr. Frank Bartlett, Chief Medical Officer, Rand Memorial Hospital was on hand to speak directly to the students and introduce his team.

Ross University operates three semesters a year which begin in January, May and September. In between semesters the students have a short 10-day to two-week break, and often this time is spent moving to their next Ross University academic location which could be either Dominica, West Indies; Miami, USA; Freeport, Bahamas; or Saganaw, Michigan, USA.

In this video you will hear from Executive Administrator of the Grand Bahama academic facility, Dr. Anthony Munroe;  Dr. Frank Bartlett, Chief Medical Officer, Rand Memorial Hospital;  Dr. Michael Robinson, Assistant Dean, Curricular & Faculty Affairs;  Sharon Williams, Administrator, GB Health Services; Dr. Augustine Ohueyi, Rand Hospital; Dr. Gerhard Klassen, Rand Hospital; as well as words from some of the new students.

Ross University was founded in 1978 and is a provider of medical and veterinary education offering doctor of medicine and doctor of veterinary medicine degree programs. The School of Medicine is located in Dominica, West Indies, and the Freeport, Grand Bahama campus recently opened in January 2009. The School of Veterinary Medicine is located in St. Kitts. Ross University's administrative offices are located in North Brunswick, NJ.  Ross University has more than 9,000 alumni with M.D. and D.V.M. degrees. http://www.rossu.edu/

Bahamas International Film Festival: "Fiesta Hispana"

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Nassau, Bahamas - The Bahamas Weekly News Team attended Fiesta Hispana on August 22nd at the Balmoral Club.  This event was a fundraiser to kick off the Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) 2009, which will be held in December from the 10th to the 17th in Nassau.

The Bahamas Weekly provides herewith a glimpse into this fabulous event that attracted over 600 supporters of BIFF for an evening of Hispanic entertainment and fun. 

In this video you will hear from Founder and Executive Director of BIFF, Leslie Vanderpool; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon Brent Symonette; Bahamian film makers Kareem Mortimer and Maria Govan;  Grand Bahama's Miss Bahamas World Joanna Brown; a principal of The Balmoral, Jason Kinsale where the event was hosted;  and words, dance and song of featured entertainers, Carita Filgueiras and Flamenco Puro, Latin guitarist Cristian Puig, and Latin Singer Yulee B.

The Bahamas Weekly wishes to thank our sponsors for this on-location trip: Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort, SkyBahamas, and Bandolera Fashions and Access Ocean Jewelry.  Special thanks to photographer Vaughn Scriven .
 

View PHOTOS of the event here

About the Bahamas International Film Festival

The Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) is a nonprofit organization committed to providing the local community and International festival goers with a diverse presentation of films from The Bahamas and around the world. In addition to showcasing films that might not otherwise be released theatrically, BIFF provides unique cultural experiences, educational programs, and forums for exploring the past, present & future of cinema. BIFF aims to raise the level of filmmaking, participation and education throughout The Bahamas and the world. www.bintlfilmfest.com