Miss Universe 2009 on the Catwalk at Bahamas Fashion Showcase

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Nassau, The Bahamas - On August 12th, The Bahamas Weekly News Team attended the Miss Universe Bahamas' Fashion Showcase held at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort on Cable Beach. We are pleased to bring you this video coverage.

You will see 84 beautiful contestants parading down the catwalk wearing seductive Bahamian designs and swimwear to the music of Bahamian band, Visage. The Bahamian designs of Raquel Turnquest-Garcia of Rachel's Boutique; Basheva Eve of La Maison de Besh of Grand Bahama; and Sabrina Francis of Se'B Fashion Designing are showcased. Miss Universe 2008, Dayana Mendoza and Charles Sealy, who both emceed the show are wearing designs by Brynda Knowles.

Handbags seen in the show are by Harl Taylor.

After the show we spoke to the Minister of State for Finance, Hon. Zhivargo Laing. He gives short remarks on the benefits of hosting such a prestigious pageant.

The Bahamas National Anthem - Mattise Rigby

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On this occasion of the 36th anniversary of independence of The Bahamas, The Bahamas Weekly is proud to present this special tribute to our great nation as a gift to you. Composed by Timothy Gibson, vocals passionately performed by Matisse Rigby, dynamic musical arrangement by Mark Carey, it is The Bahamas National Anthem. This rendition was recorded at Mackeymedia and produced and engineered by Dave Mackey. Lyrics: Lift up your head to the rising sun, Bahamaland, March on to glory, your bright banners waving high, See how the world marks the manner of your bearing; Pledge to excel thro' love and unity. Pressing onward, march together, to a common loftier goal; Steady sunward tho' the weather hide the wide and treacherous shoal. Lift up your head to the rising sun, Bahamaland, 'til the road you've trod lead unto your God, March on Bahamaland. HAPPY INDEPENDENCE BAHAMAS! *To view GBI TOURISM TV - check local Channel 56

Miss Universe 2009, Royal Welcome on Grand Bahama

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Sunday August 9th 2009 is a day that Grand Bahama Island, The Bahamas and the Universe will always remember. It was certainly one of the most exciting days of news coverage for The Bahamas Weekly News Team as we traveled with the Miss Universe 2009 entourage during their fun filled day of excitement in Freeport. We are pleased to present herewith for your enjoyment, the royal welcome given to the Miss Universe 2009 contestants and their entourage as they arrived at Grand Bahama International Airport. One international photographer reportedly said that he felt filled with emotion as he walked into Grand Bahama International Airport and heard the polished musical arrangements and experienced the cultural expose put on by talented Bahamians. Grand Bahamians will feel proud of their Island after viewing this video production. Non Bahamians will want to visit Grand Bahama Island again and again. Enjoy!

Bahamas: On Location interviews with Miss Universe competitors 2009

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The Bahamas Weekly News Team is pleased to take you behind the scenes of Miss Universe 2009 for you to experience the next best thing to being with them on Grand Bahama Island in the Bahamas. In this segment we present interviews with Miss France - Chloe Mortaud, Miss Namibia - Happle Ntelamo, Miss USA - Kristen Dalton, Miss Jamaica, Carolyn Yapp, Miss Spain - Miss Argentina Estibaliz Pereira and Rabade, - Johanna Lasic. Coming up is our video coverage of the swimsuit competition segment (not a slide show, actual footage). The interviews in this segment are prefaced by a 20 second introduction by Ms. Vernice Walkine, Director General Ministry of Tourism and Aviation who provides a progress report on the tremendous high marks that the Bahamas is receiving from the administrators of The Miss Universe Organization.

Miss Bahamas, Kiara Sherman Interview in Grand Bahama

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Sunday August 9th 2009 is a day that Grand Bahama Island, The Bahamas and the Universe will remember. It was certainly one of the most exciting days of news coverage for The Bahamas Weekly News Team as we traveled with the Miss Universe 2009 entourage during their fun filled day of excitement in Freeport. We are pleased to present for your enjoyment this short interview with Miss Bahamas, the beautiful host contestant; Kiara Sherman of New Providence Island. In this interview Miss Bahamas speaks about her experience as a host contestant and how it feels to be in such a prestigious pageant. Miss Bahamas Kiara Sherman won her title on May 24th, 2009, and she is a recording artist and has performed with the Bahamian band, Visage. She went to Aquinas College and her platform was on child abuse. She volunteers at the Crisis Center.

Grand Bahama: Junkanoo Summer Festival 2009 On-location

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Grand Bahama Island The Bahamas Weekly News Team went to Taino Beach to experience first hand the Junkanoo Summer Festival 2009 grand launch ceremony July 10th Bahamas Independence Day.

Amidst the toughest economic times to date and major budgetary cuts, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism team on Grand Bahama Island, through teaming up with local entrepreneurs, have pulled off a hugely successful launch of Junkanoo Summer Festival 2009.

The event was officially opened by The Hon. Kenneth Russell, MP for High Rock (Grand Bahama Island) and Minister of Housing who echoed The Bahamas motto Forward Upwards Onwards Together!

Numerous live acts performed including; The Royal Bahamas Police Force Band, Captain Bla Blah who was the highlight of the film tour that spotlights movies filmed on Grand Bahama Island (recorded July 16th), The Seymour Dancers, Host David Wallace and lots more.

This video also features an on-location interview with Donna Mackey, Sr. Manager, The Bahamas Film Commission who explains the particulars pertaining to The Film Tour event at Junkanoo Summer Festival 2009, which also includes (for the nominal fee of $3), a boat ride to hop on-board The Ghost Ship which was featured in the German movie; Der Seewolf

Dont forget that every week until August 8th there will be numerous featured performing acts for your enjoyment.

Mary Cooper: Ross University Bahamas gets Ron Taylor Award

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Freeport, Grand Bahama Island - On July 31st Mrs. Mary Cooper, Executive Assistant to the Executive Administrator and Dean received the Ron Taylor Award from Ross University. Dr. Mary Coleman, Dean, Ross School of Medicine was on hand to present Mrs. Cooper with her award and bonus remuneration in front of fellow employees and faculty of Ross University at the Freeport campus. Mrs. Cooper is the first employee from the Bahamas campus to receive this esteemed award. The Ron Taylor Award, named after a chief executive officer of DeVry Inc, is an annual award that goes to DeVry or Ross University employees who have gone above and beyond their normal job function while still completing all required duties of their position. The award goes to those who have truly exceeded performance expectations for the year. "The Ron Taylor Award is one of DeVrys highest employee recognition awards. As our longest Bahamian employee, Mary has consistently gone above and beyond the responsibilities of her job to provide outstanding service to the entire Ross community. She is always willing to do whatever possible for the benefit of our staff and students, without having to be asked. She has also been instrumental in helping us get to know many people in this community. This is a recognition she richly deserves," said Sandi Cutler, Vice President Planning and Business Development. When asked how she felt about receiving the award, Mary Cooper had this to say , " I was totally shocked; but at the same time I was humbled and appreciative of being chosen for the award, especially now during my first year with Ross University. The experience, along with the leadership team here at Ross are second to none; and it is a good feeling to know that your hard work is appreciated by your employer. The award will actually motivate me to work harder (if that is possible). I truly enjoy working with the university and look forward to growing professionally as well as personally as the university grows.

Ross University Bahamas Announces Second Dean's List

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Freeport, Grand Bahama Island - On July 31st, 2009 the second Dean's List for students of the Ross University Medical School, Bahamas campus were acknowledged in an award ceremony with the Dean of the School of Medicine, Dr. Mary Coleman.

The Ross University Dean's lists is for students who receive all A's in their courses for two consecutive semesters and they remain on the Dean's list as long as they maintain a B average in subsequent semesters. The Deans List is posted every semester as soon as grades are available from the previous semester.

Semester 3 recipients are  Mark Floyd, and Benjamin Wayment; and in semester 4 the recipients are Dana Price, Moses Wananu, Leslie Powell, Knema Rezaei, Anas Saleh, Daphne Scaramangas, Robert Westbrook, and Stephen Smith.

"The curriculum at Ross University School of Medicine is accelerated and quite rigorous. We are proud of students who make the Deans List; they deserve recognition for the academic efforts to accomplish this level of learning, said Dr. Mary Coleman, Dean of Ross University.

The students received their certificates from Dean Coleman, assisted by Dr. Michael Robinson,  Assistant Dean, Curricular & Faculty who also offered opening remarks. En couraging words were offered by Meg Osman, Director of Student Services.   A toast and remarks was given by Dr. Harriet Myers. The students, along with a few family members and faculty celebrated with food, sparkling apple cider, and cake.

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/

Northern Bahamas National Bodybuilding Championships 2009 (highlights)

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The Bahamas Weekly is pleased provide video highlights of The Northern Bahamas National Bodybuilding Championships that took place at the Regency Theatre, Freeport, Grand Bahama Island on July 4th 2009.

Hundreds came out and packed the Regency Theatre to standing room only capacity to be amazed by the bodybuilding competitors on display . The enthusiastic audience just couldn't get enough of the show  as they made the contestants truly feel like stars.

Be sure to press the Play button to experience the next best thing to attending the competition.

"The Regency Singers" Freeport, perform Handel's "Messiah"

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Thanks to Betty Bethel, General Manager, Business Development, Ministry of Tourism Grand Bahama, The Bahamas Weekly is pleased to present herewith excerpts of Handels "Messaih" performed by The Regency Singers Under the direction of Lois DeSaulniers.

The concert took place Thursday, December 4th, 2008 at 8pm at Church Of The Ascension on West Beach Drive. Freeport, Bahama. This was an event worth attending, be sure to press the play button to enjoy the performance.

Background information on Handel

Handel wrote Messiah in twenty-four days in August 1741 and put it aside, saving it for the right moment: a concert on March 13, 1742 In Dublin in aid of two hospitals. In Handel's lifetime, he dedicated the performances of Messiah to charity and when he died, he left the Score, a set of parts, and the Proprietary or Copyright property to the Foundling Hospital in England, a charity that benefited orphaned Children. It is known today as The Thomas Coram Foundation for Children and is still Dedicated to homeless children. Messiah, to Quote the 18th Century music historian Charles Burney, fed the hungry, clothed the naked, and Fostered the orphan. It is our privilege to perform his beautiful music annually and to honor Handel by donating the proceeds to a local charity this year, the Salvation Army will benefit. We will present the Christmas section from part one of Messiah consisting of five scene intact, plus the Hallelujah chorus. We sincerely thank you for your support.

The Regency Singers,

Lois Desaulniers, Director

Messiah

Special Guests Artists
Herbreanna Pinder
Daniele Willie
Erica Weir
Teena McDonald
Sheena Moore
Joylane Russell
Georgina Prineppi
Sandy Celestin
Christopher Hart
Victor Bowe
Hewitt Martin
Gary Davis
Daniel Williams
Covena Murphy
Carla Wildgoose
Tirzah Carey
Samantha Williams
Paula Wildgoose
Suzanne Baker
David Dean
William Ratuszynski
Brian Callaghan
Vince Rolle
Jacob Cooper

Accompanists

Harpsichord/Organ:Hazel Springer

Strings: Africa Karamo, Theres Saunders, Eva Ratuszynski, Helene Peloquin

Oboe: Rasheed Robinson

Timpani: Alexander Romanenko

This video you will see excerpts of two of Handel's compositions (including Hallelujah chorus) that were performed at the concert.

This event was proudly sponsered by: Pelican Bay Hotel & Suites at Lucaya and Grand Bahama Tiles.

Actor Ving Rhames on Grand Bahama with FishTV hosts Leo Stakos & Ron James: Interviews

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Grand Bahama Island - The Grand Bahama Ministry of Tourism hosts noted actor, Ving Rhames and the crew of FishTV to authentic Bahamian food and drink at Joe's Bar and Grill on Taino Beach on November 19th.

Through the collaborative efforts of Leo Stakos of FishTV and Ambrose Morris, manager Communications Bahamas Ministry of Tourism office Ontario Canada, FishTV chose to bring the world famous actor to the destination of Grand Bahama Island to record their show.

The Bahamas Weekly News team was on hand at the reception on November 19th to interview not only Mr. Rhames, who fell in love with conch fritters, but also  FishTV hosts, Leo Stakos and Ron James who fell in love with "Gully Wash". 

Also interviewed are Ambrose Morris, Manager Communications Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Ontario Canada, and Betty Bethel, General Manager, Business Development, Ministry of Tourism Grand Bahama who highlight the process of making the FishTV shoot happen on Grand Bahama and the advantages of choosing Grand Bahama as a destination for TV and Movie production.

These lighthearted fun filled interviews are worth the watching, so click the play button and enjoy! :-)

Chopard-Versace Red Carpet Gala at BIFF 2008 (VIDEO)

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Paradise Island, The Bahamas - No question about it, the Chopard and Versace red carpet gala event on Friday, December 5th, at The Cloisters, One and Only Ocean Club was a true taste of Hollywood in The Bahamas!  The Bahamas Weekly News Team was on hand as the who's who of Bahamian society, and avid Festival supporters turned out to mingle with independent film makers from around the globe.

Guests arrived by limousine and courtesy shuttles, and were greeted with flutes of champagne as cameras flashed and rolled. After having their photos taken (everyone is treated like a star at a Chopard/Versace event!) people floated up the red carpet into Cloisters which looks like a Greek temple in the sky.  There was an endless flow of sumptuous nibbles and cocktails as the gracious hosts, the Chee-a-tow family of Chopard and Versace Bahamas, and the Bahamas International Film Festival team headed by Leslie Vanderpool, assured that everyone was well taken care of.

The highlight of the evening was the world-class Versace fashion show set against the backdrop of the bay as models glided effortlessly down the catwalk showcasing the 2009 Versace line adorned with Chopard jewelry. The look was clean, fitted, sophisticated, yet versatile. The flowing gowns were to die for!  Paul Beck (ex-husband of Donatella Versace) of Versace Milan was even in town for the event. The show went off without a hitch.

The grand finale was an explosive fireworks display that illuminated the sky.

Film, food, fashion, fun and fireworks at the 5th Annual Bahamas International Film Festival...

In this video you will hear from The Bahamas Weekly's Robbin Whachell; and also featured is Wayne Chee-a-tow of Chopard/Versace Bahamas; founder of BIFF, Leslie Vanderpool; recording artist, Terneille "TaDa" Burrows; Bahamian filmmaker Kareem Mortimer, and Onike Archer, BIFF marketing.

Another successful year for a film festival that just keeps on getting better and better!

NYC Comedy Club Humorous Highlights and Interviews

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Freeport, The Bahamas - In aid of the newly formed Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society, three dynamic Stand Up comedians traveled to Grand Bahama to perform for free at a special show, NYC Comedy Club, held on February 7th, 2009 at the Joker's Wild.

In this video you will watch hilarious excerpts of the comedy show and hear from each of the three stand-up comedians, Ricardo Aleman, Andy Pits and Kyle Grooms.

You will also hear from Dalia Feldman, founder of the performing arts society, as she shares how the idea came about, and what the society has in store for the future.

She invites Grand Bahamians to join the society also:

The success of the Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society, a fledgling organization benefiting our community, depends entirely upon you.

In addition to contributing directly to this success, Membership entitles you to Advance Notice of Events, special Members Only Events, as well as Discounts (see below).

Please join us! Complete the Form (below), and either drop it (with your cheque or cash):

1. in the Membership Box, as you leave this Event , or
2. at The Mail Drop on the Mall (Attention: Dalia Feldman).

Individual           $25

Family               $45

Sponsoring        $75 (1 Free Ticket per Season)

Patron               $100 (2 Free Tickets per Season)

Corporate          $500+ ( 25% discount for All Employee Tickets)

interview with Iyanla Vanzant, Founder of Inner Visions Institute

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Grand Bahama Island The Bahamas Weekly is pleased to present an exclusive video interview with renown author, TV personality, teacher and positive powerhouse, Dr. Rev. Iyanla Vanzant who was on island over the weekend of March 28th bringing a couple hundred persons with her for the Awakenings Conference at the Our Lucaya resort.

Ms. Vanzant, Founder/Director of  Inner Visions Institute, was in Freeport with her son Damon and their support team from the Institute as well as participants attending from around the world.   Keynote speakers at the 3-day event besides her were susan Taylor, Rev. Shakira Stevens,  and Michael Beckwith.  

In this interview Vanzant explains the mission of the Inner Visions Institute, and how their Awakenings Conference came about on Grand Bahama.

Vanzant openly invites anyone from The Bahamas, or anywhere in the world, to join her next year in March 2010 for their next conference in Grand Bahama.

Related Articles:

Iyanla Vanzant brings the Awakenings Conference to The Bahamas

Awakenings Conference with Iyanla Vanzant and Friends - March 26-29

The 4th Annual Grand Bahama Health Expo - March 29th

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Freeport, Grand Bahama - The entire community is invited to the 4th Annual Grand Bahama Health Expo at the Shiloh Seventh Day Adventist Church grounds on Sunday, March 29th from 11:30am to 6pm.

The Shiloh SDA Church Health Department is hosting the event and is joining with Ross University School of Medicine this year under the theme, "Your Health and You".  There will be something for the entire family, and it is all FREE!

Keynote speaker at the event will be hospital administrator of the Rand, Mrs. Sharon Williams and guest speakers will be Dr. Tamara Burke-Moree and Dr. Alvira Higgs.

In this video you will hear from Dr. McMillan from Shiloh, SDA; Timothy Yu, Vice President of Ross University Student Government Association; Dan Lowe, Elder of Shiloh SDA: and Aaron James, a student of Ross University Medical School; and Alexis Bell, Health Ministries Director at Shiloh Church.

There will be vegetarian dishes, blood pressure screening, blood glucose screening, dental exams, a Kids Corner, eye and ear testing, cholesterol testing, weight and health assessments.

Alexis Bell, Health Ministries Director at Shiloh Church said, We are so pleased to be working alongside Ross University students for our fourth annual health expo. We hope the community will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to learn more about their own health.

Ross University medical student and vice president of their Student Government Association, Timothy Yu said, "Community service and health education are the core reasons that inspired many of Ross students to pursue a career in medicine.  This partnership with Shiloh Seventh Day Adventist Church is the first of many opportunities for Ross University School of Medicine students to strengthen the Bahamian healthcare community.  At this health fair we are focusing on essential topics including hypertension, diabetes, eye and ear health, and breast cancer awareness.  We are very excited about this event and we encourage families and singles of all ages to come by for this fun and educational expo, as we continue to strive to build and partner with our new community."

The Shiloh church is located on Torcross Road next to the Grand Bahama Academy and close to Maurice Moore Primary School.

Miss Grand Bahama 2009 VIDEO Highlights

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Freeport, Grand Bahama Island - The new Miss Grand Bahama for 2009 was crowned on March 29th at the Hilton Outten Convention Centre and the queen who will now be representing our island is Miss Garelle Hudson.

The Bahamas Weekly, with the assistance of Reggie Farrington is pleased to bring you video highlights of all the glitz and glamour of Grand Bahama's premier beauty pageant.

In this video you will see each contestant in the Costume, Swimsuit, and Evening Gown competitions; you will from the President of the Miss Grand Bahama Beauty Pageant Foundation, Glenn Davis; and hear from 2008 queen, Miss Kerel Pinder; as well as from the panel of judges who had the difficult task of choosing only 1 from a group of 6 lovely ladies.

1st runner up was Niki Severe, 2nd runner up was Keithora Young and 3rd runner up was Rashan Albury.

Scenes in this video are from both the Hilton Outten Convention Center and Isle of Capri Casino. You will also hear from Ann Gilbert of Isle of Capri.

Related Articles:

Sabor Restaurant and Bar sponsors Miss Grand Bahama after party

Garelle Hudson crowned Miss Grand Bahama 2009

Miss Grand Bahama Pageant Photo Shoot

Miss Grand Bahama Beauty Pageant 2009/10

Isle of Capri to host Miss Grand Bahama Swimsuit/Evening Gown/Costume Competition

Miss Grand Bahama Thank You Cocktail Reception

Miss Grand Bahama Pageant Top Model & Talent segment

Miss Grand Bahama Contestants take in Ibiza Night at Sabor Restaurant (VIDEO)

Miss Grand Bahama 2009/10 Contestants Make a courtesy call to the Prime Ministers Office

Miss Grand Bahama 2009 contestants formally introduced to the community

Jay Mitchel @ Joes Junkanoo Beach Club

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Spring break 2009

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At Sea with The 2009 Grand Bahama Regatta

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Grand Bahama Island - Saturday June 20th, 2009, The Bahamas Weekly News Team had the amazing opportunity to experience Grand Bahama Regatta 2009 out at sea.

Although there was little wind and rain came down at times, nothing can compare to being out at sea with the sloops during this serene cultural event. With Captain Don Delahay and first mate Cameron Mackey at the helm, the ride was smooth and there was ample opportunity to capture great video footage, photographs and interviews with sailors in their natural environment on the water.

With copious quantities of Sands Beer on board, we traversed the calm seas along side " The Island Gal" skippered by Marty Bullard and sponsored by Grand Bahama Island based, Bahamian Brewery & Beverage Co., the creators of " Sands Beer."

Marina G Sarles - Sand in my shoes success

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Junkanoo Summer Festival 2009

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