Interviews at the 2011 Women's Empowerment Summit

Paradise Island, The Bahamas - The 2011 Women's Empowerment Summit was held on April 27th at Atlantis and under the theme, "Embrace Your Power" and delivered inspiration, encouragement, and hope; along with acknowledging achievements made by women in the local arena as well as the Caribbean. The Bahamas Weekly News Team was on hand to bring you interviews from women who spoke at the Summit. In this video you will hear from Ms. Portia Davis-Harrigan , Summit Director; the Hon Paula A. Cox, Premier of Bermuda; the Hon. Loretta Butler-Turner, Bahamas Minister of State for Labour and Social Development; Hon Allyson Maynard-Gibson, Senator and President of the International Women's Forum; Her Excellency Nicole E. Avant, US Ambassador to The Bahamas; and International motivational speaker and writer, Lisa Nichols. Listen as Portia Harrigan explains who participated in teh summit and how the idea came together. She also goes on to describe her friendship with world renown speaker, Lisa Nichols who co-authored such books as The Secret and Chicken Soup for the African Soul. These are only small excerpts of larger interviews coming soon to The Bahamas Weekly. This is the first time The Bahamas hosted this global business and leadership networking conference. For more information go to http://www.womensesummit.com/

Jully Black R&B Legend performs on Grand Bahama Island

Freeport, The Bahamas - On March 17th, Canadian R & B singer/songwriter , Jully Black (pronounced Julie) delivered a powerful and passionate performance to the delight of the locals and tourists gathered at the Port Lucaya Marketplace in Grand Bahama, making it her first performance in the Caribbean. The Bahamas Weekly News Team was on hand to interview the vivacious performer after she sang approximately 6 songs and opened with the R & B, "Seven Day Fool" which was first recorded in 1961 by Etta James. Black re-recorded it in 2007 and it was produced by Black Eyed Peas' drummer & songwriter Keith Harris. She premiered one song which had not yet been heard in her native homeland Canada called, "Crown Me" which will be out later this year when she releases her new album. Each song she delivered, Black had the audience right with her, never loosing any momentum from one great song to the next. The Juno Award winner was also in town to film segments for CTV's eTalk, Canada's most watched entertainment news program in which Ms. Black is a Celebrity Reporter. During her concert, which was filmed for eTalk, the audience was on their feet dancing and singing, while many of the local children remained up at the foot of the stage mesmerized by her performance. Black even came down into the audience at one point and let local and visitors dance with her while she sang. After the show she took all the time needed to satisfy those that wanted to meet her and obtain her autograph. The trip was made possible in conjunction with the Bahamas Tourist Office in Toronto and was facilitated locally by the Grand Bahama Ministry of Tourism and the Bahamas Film and Television Commission. While on island for almost a week, Black enjoyed the many sites and cultural activities the island has to offer and was reunited with a niece who is a local school teacher. Jully Black has collaborated with, and written for many notable Canadian, American and International artists including Nas, Missy Elliot, Saukrates, Choclair, Kardinal Offishall, Destiny's Child, and Sean Paul. Stay tuned for a video interview with Jully Black from TheBahamasWeekly.com See MORE PHOTOS at The Bahamas Weekly Facebook Page

Grand Bahama Goes Flash Mob Crazy at Port Lucaya

Freeport, Grand Bahama Island - The Bahamas Weekly is pleased to present herewith, the official Grand Bahama Flash Mob video, produced by Mackey Media ltd with the assistance of Lyndah Wells, Mark Winder, Rico Thompson, Lisa Davis, Nicole Leblanc, Frankie Ladéyo, Catherine Macleay, Karen Clarke, Marcus Bethel, David Mackey and Nicholas Rolle on cameras.

A group of over 100 persons from all walks of life, ranging from children to grandparents, and who had been practicing for only 4 weeks under the direction of local Grand Bahamian choreography, Julion Collie on a 3 minute dance routine starting with one person and building to the full group. Their grand performance took place Thursday, March 17th at The Port Lucaya Market Place amidst an enthusiastic crowd of on lookers some of which opted to participate.

The difficulty with any flash mob is to keep it secret, and in particular on an island - this was not an easy task! Dubbed 'the best known secret' on Grand Bahama, those that knew or found out by surprise experienced a little piece of history. The Count Basie Square was a bustling place with people starting St. Patty's day festivities and with a weigh-in going on with a local fishing derby-taking place as well.

The idea was the brainchild of LaurieTuchel, a resident of Grand Bahama and co-founder of the Grand Bahama Heritage Foundation.  Prudence Gallagher, owner of Bandelero was the event co-organizer.

Organizers wish to thank the many flash mob participants who brought a huge sense of enthusiasm and fun to the community of Grand Bahama.

The video was edited by Dave Mackey. HD copies of the video on DVD will be made available soon, email promotions@mackeymedia.com for more info.

Wind Jammers crew experiences Grand Bahama

Freeport, The Bahamas - The Bahamian feature-length family film, Wind Jammers was screened for the first time in Grand Bahama on February 12th at the new Canal House conference center of the Pelican Bay Hotel to a sold out audience. The Bahamas Weekly brings you footage of the Wind Jammers crew arriving at the Grand Bahama airport, then on to the premiere held at the Pelican Bay Hotel; and then the following day we take you to the Grand Bahama Sailing Club and out to sea. Guests arrived to Optimists vessels on display in the entrance-way and a red carpet entrance to the Delphine's room at the Canal House . Optis are small, single-handed sailing dinghy's used at the Grand Bahama Sailing Club (GBSC)... Families enjoyed complimentary popcorn provided by Pelican Bay and had a chance to meet and get autographs from the star of Wind Jammers, Justice von Maur. Both co-directors, Kareem Mortimer and Ric von Maur were in attendance along with actors Moya Thompson and Claudette 'Cookie' Allens. "I am so glad we were invited to show the movie in Grand Bahama, and everyone was so nice. I really enjoyed sailing with the kids at the Grand Bahama the day following the screening," said fifteen-year-old Justice von Maur who learned to sail when she was ten years of age. Methice Rigby sang the national anthem and guests were welcomed by Pelican Bay's general manager, Magnus Alnebeck. "Pelican Bay is happy to have sponsored this event, and Grand Bahama Sailing Club in extension. We are looking forward to seeing more young Grand Bahamians being introduced to the sport of sailing," said Alnebeck. Donna Mackey spoke on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism's Film Commission and shared her delight to have had the opportunity to work on films with director, Kareem Moritimer on various occasions over the years as he has made his way up the ladder to now being a director with a few films under his belt, in particular his multi-award winning film, Children of God which is set to be out on DVD later this year . Mortimer shared his thoughts on the screening by saying, "It was great playing the movie to another Bahamian audience. We were very pleased to see how the community supported this event and it was wonderful to have such a great turnout!"

We The People Grand Bahama Launch

Freeport, Grand Bahama Island - We the People (WTP) organizers were extremely impressed with the showing at their launch of WTP on February 26th at the Regency Theatre in Grand Bahama as a significant number of persons attended from all walks of life from Freeport community. 75 percent of those in attendance registered on the spot and others registered afterward on line. The Bahamas Weekly News Team was on hand to cover this historic event and we present herewith the entire presentations by both Mr. Ed Fields and Mr. Philip Simon for your viewing (1hr 55 minutes) . Welcoming the audience and introducing the organization was Philip Simon, WTP Executive Director. A prayer was offered by Bishop Arnold Pinder. Introducing WTP's Chairman and Atlantis senior vice president and popular radio personality , Ed Fields was Grand Bahama attorney, Veronica Grant. "The enthusiasm expressed by those that attended the Grand Bahama launched further inspires We The People to continue promoting this very important idea. We are greatly encouraged about the possibilities resultant from more and more Bahamians engaging in the process of collectively participating in the development of our Bahamas. In this regard WTP's second city launch was tremendously successful," said We The People Chairman, Ed Fields. Under the leadership of Ed Fields and a diverse group of Bahamians (called the First Thirty including Philip Simon, Leslie Sealy, John Pinder, Nancy Kelly, Neil C. Ellis, Jackson Burnside, Franklyn R. Wilson, Orjan Lindroth, and Antonio 'Toons' Butler Jr. among others), We The People Bahamas was launched in Nassau on November 16, 2010 with the singular goal of influencing positive change towards a better Bahamas. The Association for all intents and purposes is defined as an action-oriented, research and advocacy-based, non-political (without reservation or exception), not for profit and membership driven organization designed to inspire participation from the collective in bringing about a better Bahamas as defined by its people. It is a registered non-profit organization whose membership is open to students, academia, business professionals, retired public officials, other institutions and associations, the general public, and anyone who loves The Bahamas. Thanks were extended to Sue MCrea and the Regency Theatre technical staff, Christine Fields and the volunteers that registered new members, Crystal Lightbourn, Felix Bowe Jr., Danielle Chestnut, Kim Simmons, Ageria Knowles, and DeVaughn Gow; The Bahamas Weekly; the caterers for the evening, Billy Jane Ferguson and Melony Basdan; Bristol Wines and Spirits; Sands Beer; Mrs.Veronica Grant; and President of the Grand Bahama Christian Council, Bishop Arnold Pinder. For more info Click HERE or visit www.wethepeople.org

Up With People concert preview at the International Bazaar

Freeport, Bahamas - Don't miss YOUR chance to see Up With People this Thursday, February 24th at the Sir Jack Hayward High School gymnasium at 7:30pm! 

Up with Peoples all-new production is entitled A Song for the World which features the energy and talent of a cast and staff of 100 representing 21 countries.   Aside from this stop in Grand Bahama, their 2011 spring  tour will include 20 cities in the U.S., Mexico, and Europe. Up With People has performed in 4 Super Bowl halftime shows, the 2007 Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade, as well as being the opening act for the 2008 and 2011 Rose Parades in Pasadena, CA.

The Bahamas Weekly News Team went on location on Sunday, February 20th at the International Bazaar for the inaugural International Cultural Festival sparked by Up With People's visit. In this video you will get a chance to meet some of the 100 cast members representing 21 countries and see a sneak peek of their spectacular show. 
Long before American Idol began discovering and refining new talent or High School Musical tapped into the exuberance of young ensemble casts, Up with People pioneered these attributes while touring the world with their optimistic message of global cooperation and goodwill. 
Let's show Up With People we care and show our support to them after they have worked hard in our community to not only perform but provide 3 days of community work.

Proceeds of the show will support two young Bahamians from the Grand Bahama Youth Choir to travel with Up With People this year!

Up With People will put on a colourful cultural extravaganza of song and dance at a show open to the entire community of Grand Bahama. All families that hosted the traveling group were given two complimentary tickets.

Tickets for the big show are on sale at Seventeen Shop (downtown), Island Java and the Pelican Bay Hotel. Proceeds from the show will benefit two young Bahamians from the Grand Bahama Youth Choir who will have the opportunity to travel with the group.

This trip is the first time Up With People have performed in The Bahamas and it is hoped it will not be their last. The group departs on Friday, February 25th. Do not miss this opportunity to see their show!
Up with Peoples visit to Grand Bahama is sponsored by the Pelican Bay Hotel and Discovery Cruise Lines with support from their beneficiary, the Grand Bahama Youth Choir and with support by The Bahamas Weekly.

Up with People is an independent nonprofit, [501(c)(3)] organization without any religious or political affiliations.  It provides young adults an international and intercultural experience that teaches service leadership and uses the performing arts to deliver messages of hope and goodwill throughout the world.  Up with People exists today to spark people to action in meeting the needs of their communities, countries and the world while building bridges of understanding as a foundation for world peace. For more information visit www.upwithpeople.org .

Interview with Bahamas' boxing superstar, Sherman 'Tank' Williams

Freeport, The Bahamas - The Bahamas Weekly News Team brings you an enlightening and informative video interview with Bahamian boxing superstar Sherman 'Tank' Williams during his recent stay in Grand Bahama at Pelican Bay Hotel. Fresh off receiving word from the World Boxing Federation that they are making a decision to declare him the interim champion with a defense due in six months, Williams told the Nassau Guardian, God is good. I received a call from the WBF and they told me it was decided that I would be made interim champion. Im waiting on the written communication from them, said Williams after gave Holyfield quite a fight over three rounds on January 22 in a West Virginia ring which ended in a No Contest decision. In this intimate interview you will hear Tank describe in detail the night of the fight, and how The Bahamas is likely to be the next location of a repeat match with Holyfield. Proud of his heritage and upbringing, Tank takes you back to his early years on Grand Bahama Island, from his troubled school days, to mentioning key persons in his life that influenced him and guided his path to becoming known throughout the boxing industry as one of the world's current best. Tank's story is most definitely one of national pride, perseverance, all sprinkled with his deep faith in God and his own abilities. The Bahamas Weekly wishes to thank Greg Swan and the Pelican Bay Hotel and management for their assistance with this interview. Find Tank Williams on FACEBOOK Mackey Media interviewed Tank back in 2005. That interview is here below: (VIDEO) 2005 Interview with Bahamian Boxer Sherman 'The Tank' Williams

The City of Freeport District Council - Pursuing its mandate

Since the 1996 inception of local Government, The City of Freeport District Council has pursued its mandate of "Bringing Governance Closer to the People" by being Sensitive and Responsive to The Needs of our Community through the development of Community Centers, the enhancement of Transportation services, the creation of more than 15 recreational spaces, The Annual Summer Camp Program and partnerships with community leaders. The Council's commitment to the youth of Grand Bahama was honored by the renaming of the annual Jr. Junkanoo parade as The City of Freeport Council Jr. Junkanoo Parade. The City of Freeport District Council - "Sensitive and Responsive to the needs of Our Community''