Andros is the place to be

By KARAN MINNIS, Guardian Lifestyles Reporter, karan@nasguard.com


When most people think of Andros the words Crab Fest usually come to mind, but just as much fun as you had at Crab Fest, you can have at the upcoming All- Andros and Berry Islands Regatta in Morgan's Bluff, North Andros, over the Independence Day holiday weekend, July 10-12

The food stalls were completely renovated in readiness for the 15th annual event, according to Danny Ferguson of the Nassau committee who was actively engaged in final preparations.

"This is our committee's second year of planning the regatta, and we're excited to be staging a bigger and better event, and we invite all Androsians, people from Berry Islands, and indeed all Bahamians to support the regatta which means so much to the economic well-being of those communities."


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South Eleuthera Mission: Heritage & Cultural Fair - Sat. Jul. 12

The South Eleuthera Mission Project comprises the restoration of the Old Clinic building in Rock Sound to serve as a library, internet café, reading room and museum and provide a cultural, training and mentorship centre for South Eleutherans particularly the youth. Initially a Methodist manse built around 1830, the building was condemned at the beginning of this millennium and following a local petition, the people of South Eleuthera were granted use of the building by the Government in 2003. The restoration of the building commenced in April 2005 and as of today over $500,000.00 has been raised for that purpose. The restoration is nearly complete, and with the roof being rebuilt over the next few months, it is planned that the building will be formally open for business early next year. Its original nineteenth century architecture has already been recreated with a spacious verandah and balcony overlooking the Sound, and wood paneled rooms littered with period furniture in the libraries, reading room and museum.

Whilst the AMMC has provided a considerable amount of the funds, the largest share has been gained through various fundraising activities and the outstanding generosity of local inhabitants and visitors. The South Eleuthera Mission is soon to be registered as a non-profit company affiliated with the AMMC with the intent that the Board of Directors will be representative of all the settlements in South Eleuthera. Currently a committee of local Eleutherans under the guidance of Chandra Sands of The Market Place, Rock Sound, has spearheaded the project with Pat Rose Maclean, a second home owner from the United Kingdom, voluntarily overseeing the restoration work.

The South Eleuthera Mission which is drawing a lot of interest from both the Public and Private sector is a one the most ambitious and noteworthy enterprises coming to fruition in Eleuthera and it is clear that it will be a cultural magnet for not just South Eleutherans but for both national and international visitors. Its primary task however will be to empower the local youth to improve their vocational, personal and professional skills.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Peter Maclean (Press Liaison)
Tel.: (1242) 334 2785/2966
Cell: (1242) 455 0729
E.Mail: pjmaclean@gmail.com
Chandra Sands (President of Project Committee)
Tel: (1242) 334 2254
Cell: (1242) 359 7469
E.Mail: csands@rsp1976.com

Rushing to the beat of Junkanoo Summer

By Staff Writer, Nassau Guardian


Geno D and Avvy are just two of the performers that are expected to entertain residents and visitors to Marsh Harbour, Abaco, as the rush of Junkanoo Summer explodes on the island on Friday nights.

The Abaco Youth Marching Band, Denton's Dance Group, Abaco Drama Club, KB, Terez Hepburn, Estin Sawyer, April and Tika Cultural Skit, Impact Band, Motown Shocker Junkanoo Group, Ophie and the Web, Ancient Man, the New Wave Dancers, Lassie Doe Boys, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Marching and Pop Bands and the Central Abaco Primary Junkanoo Group round out the rest of the performers who are certain to keep fans entertained.

Bahamian entertainment and culture through the music, food, dance, and arts and craft that will be on full display at Goombay Park during the remaining period.

The Abaco Junkanoo Summer Festival is being held under the theme, "Rush to the Beat of our Culture."

The festival opened with the world-famous Royal Bahamas Police Force Marching and Pop Bands, Obeah dancer Mettellus Chipman, fire dancer Fontella Chipman, Spice, New Entry Band, April and Tika Cultural Skit, the Spring City Rockers Junkanoo Group and other festive activities that delivered an Abaco brand of the popular Bahamian festival to the hundreds in attendance.

This year's theme was the creation of Matthew Joseph Grammatico, an eighth grade student at St. Francis de Sales School, who won the Junkanoo Summer Festival theme competition.

The Abaco Tourist Office has infused with this mesmerizing and infectious beat, flavorful and colorful delights that have visitors and locals alike flocking to the festival site week-after-week.

Junkanoo in July?

By Chakara Bennett, Guardian Summer Intern

Image Source:http://bahamastings2do.com/junkanoo.html


June came, and almost went before word came from the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation that the annual Junkanoo in June celebrations had been pushed back to July, and was renamed Junkanoo Summer Festival, putting the minds of Bahamians at ease, because they finally had a definitive answer about something to get excited about.

With the move from June to July, the festival will avoid the heavy rains of June and should avoid any washouts, and take the shape of a music and heritage festival from July 12 to August 2, at Arawak Cay every Saturday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., celebrating the roots of Bahamian cultural activities.

"Those attending Junkanoo Summer Festival this year will notice a marked, down-home flavor to all the festivities," said Janet Johnson, director of Product and Events Strategy in the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation. "There will be lots of music, and we have made a concerted effort to provide an acoustic sound. While the electronic enhancements of rake 'n scrape are still popular, our visitors and residents will have a unique experience this summer, listening to the natural sounds of the saw, the scrubbing board, the tin tub, and the goatskin drum."

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Lasido Boys to defend Rake 'n' Scrape title

By STAFF WRITER, Nassau Guardian


The Lasido Boys will take a break from their usual gig at Dis We Place this weekend to defend their "King of Rake 'n Scrape" title at the Cat Island Rake 'n Scrape Festival in Arthur's Town, Friday, June 6 to Sunday, June 8.

Commissioner Charles King says Arthur's Town has been buzzing with final preparations for the festival for weeks in preparation for the upcoming event now one of the foremost cultural events in the country.

While the competition is open only to bands from Cat Island, there will be plenty of other entertainers on hand, including The Bahamas' favorite troubadour, Ronnie Butler.

Other bands performing include Andrew Jones & The Spirit House Band, The Down Home Dancers,The Falcons, RV, Terez, KB and Ancient Man.

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Grand Bahama Regatta 2008 is Raring to GO!

By The Bahamas Weekly News Team



The Grand Bahama Regatta is set for June 19 - 22nd on beautiful Taino Beach. The Regatta Committee promises to deliver the best GB Regatta ever!

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Make ready for Long Island

By KARAN MINNIS, Guardian Lifestyles Reporter, karan@nasguard.com


Calling all Long Islanders and those who are just looking for a good old party — it's time to make ready for the 41st Annual Long Island Regatta, because all is set on the home front. They're just waiting for you.

Set to take place in Salt Pond, Long Island June 5 - 7, this year's event is expected to be the biggest and best Long Island Regatta ever and all the pieces are already in place.

As far as accommodations are concerned, facilities on the island are already almost booked out, and according to reports, there is hardly an available room on the entire island for the Labour Day holiday weekend.

During the weekend over 45 sailing sloops from throughout the country are expected to compete for trophies and cash prizes, but as we all know, it won't be all about the sailing.

"As it stands now, the Long Island Sailing Association and the Long Island Sailing Club are in the final stages of preparation," says Coolidge Cartwright, the president of the Long Islanders' Association (LIA). "We have a lot of activities planned that include races, games and lots of food."

This year Salt Pond is expected to be abuzz with the many sailing and activities organized by the association. According to Cartwright the expectation is that the event will be spectacular, "filled with quality competition on the water, the usual interaction with old friends and good old-fashion fun and excitement."

"Onshore there will be dancing to indigenous 'rake 'n' scrape' music, sporting events, and local food specialties for sale that will create a carnival-like atmosphere. There will also be an opening ceremony, so we have a lot planned. That's why I'm advising all those who are interested in being in Long Island for the regatta to book accommodations early so they don't miss out on the fun."

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Bahamian Award Winning Filmmaker, Charles Allan Smith wins a Southern Lens Broadcasting Award for "Jonathan Green's Seeking"

Charleston, South Carolina - Charles Allan Smith won the award at the Charleston International Film Festival in Charleston, South Carolina. The Southern Lens Broadcasting Award is given out by South Carolina’s ETV which has public television stations throughout South Carolina. Seeking will also air in ETV’s Southern Lens television series throughout South Carolina and possibly throughout the United States.

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Prime Minister Ingraham and Minister Maynard attend 5th Annual Green Turtle Cay Island Roots Heritage Festival

© Copyright 2008 by thebahamasweekly.com


Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham and Minister of State for Culture the Hon. Charles Maynard attended the 5th Annual Green Turtle Cay Island Roots Heritage Festival on Friday, May 2, 2008. Minister Maynard brought brief remarks at the event.

Youngsters plaited the maypole, students of Amy Roberts Primary School performed the song "Give Me Green Turtle Cay", and Prime Minister Ingraham was presented with the "Conch Republic" flag by Key West native, Peter Anderson.

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Reconnect at Palmetto Point Homecoming

By KARAN MINNIS, Guardian Lifestyles Reporter


Bahamians never need an excuse to party and come May 7 - 12, the community members of Palmetto Point will be partying until the break of dawn as the Palmetto Point Homecoming event will be in full swing.

A week of activities in celebration of their heritage and culture will take place and include a beach bash on Saturday May 10, and karaoke and live rake 'n scrape on Wednesday and Thursday nights at the homecoming site.

"This event is really for any former resident to return home to spend time with their family members," says event organizer Hank Johnson. "It's all about spending time with family and friends and getting a chance to reconnect, but it's also a great event for visitors. They, the city Bahamians and foreign visitors, will get to see just what island life is like — how we live — what we do and what our life is like, and I know there's no better place to see that than in Palmetto Point."

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Island Roots Heritage Festival

The Island Roots Heritage Festival Committee is making the final plans for the 5th Annual Festival to be held on Green Turtle Cay, Abaco, May 2-4 2008. The two day festival ( A Ministry of Tourism Signature Event) will showcase Bahamian food, music, craft and culture with an ecumenical worship service on Sunday. Our booths include a Family history booth with a photo display and genealogy tracing. There will be a performance by The Royal Bahamas Police Force Band, and a Junkanoo Rush.
Visit our website www.islandrootsheritagefestival.com for the schedule of events for both Friday and Saturday.

Exuma's the place to be

By KARAN MINNIS, Guardian Lifestyles Reporter, karan@nasguard.com

Photo by Ex-Bahamas

It's time to make plans to travel to Exuma! The 55th National Family Island Regatta and Homecoming, the grandest in the country, will be staged Tuesday, Apr. 22 to Saturday, Apr. 26 in George Town, Exuma, and thousands of Bahamians and visitors alike are expected to descend on the island.

While it will be one of the biggest parties in the country this year, the event is the highlight of the regatta season as native sloops compete for bragging rights on the waters in Elizabeth Harbour. The competition is always fierce and the atmosphere is alive with excitement, according to regatta coordinator Danny Strachan, who said that in addition to the races there are a number of other events taking place which will ensure that there's something for everyone.

From a church service, to an arts exhibition, to the skipper's party, cultural show, beauty pageant, fashion show, Junkanoo rush-out, domino tournament, and with performances by the Exuma Police Youth Band, and the Royal Bahamas Police Force Marching Band, there is definitely something for you.

Since the first race held in April 1954, the National Family Island Regatta has grown in size and popularity. Today, although the race remains the main attraction, visitors are invited to participate in the countless onshore activities.

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Fox Hill Day festivities named in honor of Eric Wilmott

By STAFF WRITER,
Guardian News Desk
Image source




Eric Wilmott, a former editor at The Nassau Guardian, who recently served as the newspaper's sub-editor, is being honored by the Fox Hill Festival Committe, and as such, the annual Fox Hill Day Festival and Emancipation Day Celebrations - Friday, Aug. 1 through Tuesday Aug. 12 - has been named in his honor.

This year the Fox Hill Village and the rest of The Bahamas will be celebrating 174 years since the Emancipation of the African slaves in The Bahamas and the then British Empire.

With a full list of events for the observances, they decided to name this year's festivities in honor of Wilmott who will retire from active work with the festival.

Wilmott, a Fox Hill man, was born there 74 years ago on Apr. 6 and helped to manage the festival for at least 20 years. He is known as the historian of Fox Hill.

The journalist by profession was honoured by Her Majesty the Queen with the British Empire Medal in 2007, and this year's celebrations will be an opportunity to celebrate his accomplishments for and on behalf of the people of Fox Hill.

Emancipation is not just the celebration of freedom for people of African descent in The Bahamas. It is a celebration of the freedom of all people of The Bahamas. According to the organizers of the festival, as long as one man is slave then none of us is free, and they invite everyone to come and join them in celebration during the week-and-a-half of activities.

The festival will begin with official opening ceremonies, and close with a Junkanoo rush-out and fireworks display. They have also scheduled the National Emancipation Day celebration, on Monday, Aug. 4. It will start at 1:00 a.m. with the Emancipation Day Rush-out, headlining all of the major Junkanoo Groups. This will be followed later that day with the Ecumenical Emancipation Day Service, which Governor General Arthur D. Hanna is expected to attend along with other government officials and community leaders. The service will be followed by the annual senior citizens luncheon organized by Olive Mackey and the Committee.

On Thursday, Aug. 7, a special Emancipation Day and Fox Hill Day Town meeting will be held, where participants will talk about "Guarding our Heritage". This will be headed by a panel of guest speakers on the importance of the Emancipation Day celebrations and how it affects us culturally, environmentally and socially.

This will be followed by the Member of Parliament's annual reception, sponsored by Fred Mitchell, M.P. for Fox Hill.

Culminating the list of events, will be the Fox Hill Day celebrations on Aug. 12, which the public is invited to attend and then worship at St. Paul's, Macedonia, Mt. Carey and St. Marks Baptist churches along with the other customary Fox Hill Day festivities such as climbing the greasy pole; the plaiting of the May Pole as well as being entertained with performances by Visage.

During the week, Fox Hillians are expecting performances and drills by the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band, Her Majesty's Prison Band and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Band.

National Arts Festival Underway

By Eric Rose, BIS


NASSAU, The Bahamas – Centreville Primary school students playing their recorders during the New Providence music adjudication for the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival, on February 27, 2008, at the National Performing Arts Centre. The drama and dance adjudications were also occurring at the same time at different venues. (BIS photo: Eric Rose)

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Party in da Backyard!

By KARAN MINNIS,Guardian Lifestyles Reporter,karan@nasguard.com

The Brilanders

Party in the backyard, oh yeh ... party all night long. Rake and scrape until the morning come, gonna party 'til the break of dawn.

The Brilanders sang it best with their nationwide hit "Backyard Party". And come March 13-15, at Regatta Park, George Town, Exuma will host one of the biggest "backyard parties" ever — the Bahamian Music and Heritage Festival.

With perfomers like Avvy, KB, Ronnie Butler Elon Moxey and Funky D leading the way, the three-day event is sure to be a smashing success, and one you don't want to miss.

Pepherina Hanna, acting general manager of the Exuma Tourist Office said they really "knocked it out of the ballpark" with last year's event, and that most people would think it difficult for them to top that show, but she says they have done it with this year's line up, which she said is "even more spectacular".

Festival organizers will continue with its the gospel night concert, with endless performances from the biggest gospel acts from throughout the country. This includes all the favorites on Exuma.

"We will have all the big guns. You name them and they will be here. We have MC Mr. Wenrick Clarke, Police Youth Marching Band, Ebenezer & Mt. Sinai Praise Worship Group, Seventh Day Adventist Choir, New Uprising Group, and Al Gibson for the Gospel Concert. Ecclesia Praise & Worship Group, Bishop Lawrence Rolle, Simeon Outten, Therese Davis, Ms. Daisy, and Christian Massive will also be performing that night.

"MC Kenneth Nixon, Peaches, Musical Smitty's, The Rolleville United Band, George Whylly and the In Crowd will perform on Friday night along with The Falcons, Action Jackson the Limbo Dancer, the Long Island Rake 'n' Scrape band, Anita Ellis (Nita), Eugene Davis (Geno D), Elon Moxey, Ronnie Butler, and the Soulful Groovers."

In addition to the music, organizers say there are also plans to expand the heritage aspect.

"We had a lot last year but this year we will have even more examples of Bahamian heritage," she added. "We want to immerse our visitors and residents in the knowledge of the way things were back in the day. Some of these things our kids have never seen and we will have it all here to educate and entertain," she said.

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Happy Valentine's for Lady Eunice

By DAHALIA SMITH, NG Sports Reporter,dahalia@nasguard.com


The Valentine's Day Massacre C-class races were highly anticipated as two brothers, arguably the best skippers in New Providence, fought for the victory amongst a fleet of six sloops. The event, in honor of Hezron 'White Head' Moxey, was held at the Montagu Bay on Saturday.

In the end, older brother Lundy Robinson on the 'Lady Eunice', made a clean sweep winning all three races, while Clyde Rolle on the 'Sweet Island Gal' settled for second in all of the races. In each race, Robinson won by at least three boat lengths.

In all the races, 'H2O' skippered by Stephon Kemp was third, 'Legal Weapon' skippered by Rudolph 'Shorty' Robinson was fourth, the 'WG Thunderbird' skippered by Morris Rolle was fifth and 'Stache' skippered by Dendrick Miller finished sixth. So in the end, 'Lady Eunice' won with 18 points, 'Sweet Island Gal' was second with 15 points, 'H2O' ended up third with 12 points, 'Legal Weapon' was fourth with eighth points, 'Thunderbird' was fifth with seven points and 'Stache' was sixth with three points.

After the race, jib man on the 'Lady Eunice', Nabby Black noted: "We knew that he could not catch us. Clyde is a good sailor but Lundy has the upper hand and more experience. We were only playing with him because we knew he could not catch us."

Furthermore, Black, owner of the C-class sloop 'More Fire', said his sloop only sailed in two regattas for the year, Stanley Point and Farmer's Cay. Black added that he expects for her to sail for the first time this season in New Providence at the New Providence Challenge Cup set for March 14-15 at Montagu.

Meanwhile, Rolle explained: "The Lady Eunice has been sailing for a number of years now whereas the 'Sweet Island Gal' is a new boat and has only sailed in three races for the season thus far. I was very impressed with how she sailed and once Keith Brown (owner) finds a good skipper to sail her, I think she will be a force to reckon with this season."

The Nassau Guardian also asked Rolle about his three-race loss to his brother and he noted: "Sometimes he beats me three times and sometimes I beat him. However, I can assure you that no one else will be able to get in between us when we are racing. Either he is first or I am first."

Also following the races, regatta organizer, Eleazor 'Barber J' Johnson thanked the entire Moxey family who attended the regatta for their support, noting: "Captain Moxey taught me and trained me for the last 20-something years. I just hope that in the future this regatta would grow to be bigger and better than ever before."

Meanwhile, Moxey's daughter, Rebecca Moxey, speaking on behalf of the family, replied: "We, the family of the late Captain Hezron Moxey are indeed happy to be a part of this regatta. We have been supporting Johnson from the inception of this race. As kids, daddy always brought us out here to this race and it has been a tradition that we have tried to continue. On behalf of RBC, (Royal Bank of Canada,) we sponsored a trophy for the 'Catch Me If You Can' race."

The 'Catch Me If You Can' race was held on Sunday, however the results were unavailable up to press time.

Sailing For All The Marbles

By DAHALIA SMITH,NG Sports Reporter,dahalia@nasguard.com


An estimated $11,200 will be up for grabs at this weekend's 21st Annual Valentine's Day 'Catch Me If You Can' Regatta, which will be held in honor of the late Hezron 'White Head' Moxey at Montagu Bay.

This regatta will feature A and C-class racing only. The winner in the A-class will get $2,000, second place will get $1,500, third place gets $1,000 and the fourth through eighth place finishers will win $600 apiece. Then in the C-class, first place receives $800, second gets $600, third place will get $500 and the fourth through ninth place finishers will win $300 apiece. So far, at least 18 sloops, eight A-class and 10 C-class boats, have been confirmed to sail. Boats representing the Commonwealth Sailing Association (CSA), the Bahamas Boat Owners and Sailors Association (BBOSA) and the National Sailing Association (NSA) will all be there.

On Saturday, the C-class sloops are expected to battle in a three-race series, starting at 12 noon. Then on Sunday, the big boats will hit the waters in the much-anticipated 'Catch Me If You Can' race.

According to the regatta's founder, Eleazor 'The Sailing Barber' Johnson, the objective of the 'Catch Me If You Can Race' is to have the A-class sloops pursue the B-class Lady Nathalie, which will be given a 15-minute head start on a 10-mile course, depending on the wind.

The Lady Nathalie is the defending champion over the past two years. However, in 2005 Lundy Robinson on the Red Stripe caught her in a thrilling race, nipping the B-class sloop at the line.

In related news, the International 5.5 Meter World Championship has returned to The Bahamas, last hosted here in 199l. The Nassau Yacht Club is expected to host this event set from March 2-14 at Montagu Bay. The Championship will be presented by Lombard Odier Darrier Hentsch Private Bank & Trust, and sailed under the auspices of the Bahamas Sailing Association.

The fleet will be comprised of seven boats from around the world with three regattas planned for this event, World Championship, Scandinavian Gold Cup and the Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Cup (also used as the national championship). Three three-man teams are expected to represent The Bahamas. At the helm of these teams will be Gavin McKinney, Craig Symonette and Thierry Huguenin.

In the 2008 regatta calendar, the next major regatta on the schedule following the Valentine's Day Massacre, is the New Providence Challenge Cup to be held from March 14-15 at Montagu Bay.

March 14-15 - New Providence Challenge Cup

March 24 - RBDF Challenge Cup

April 22-26 - National Family Island Regatta

May 9-11 - Mangrove Cay Regatta

June 6-8 - Sandy Point

June 5-8 - South Andros

June 5-8 - Long Island Regatta

June 20-22 - Grand Bahama

July 10-13 - All Andros/Berry Island

July 31 - August 2 - Acklins/Crooked Island Regatta

July 31 - August 2 - Black Point

July 31 - August 2 - Rolleville

August 1-4 - Cat Island

September 19-21 - All Abaco

September 27-28 - Optimist Youth Regatta

October 10-12 - San Salvador

October 9-11 - North Eleuthera

Abaco's in for a huge 'Art War'

Hopetown Morning by James Kerr

By KARAN MINNIS, Guardian Lifestyles Reporter, karan@nasguard.com -

Art, students, talent and fun, are all the components that will make for a fabulous 11th Annual Abaco Beach Resort Art Festival and Display.

Scheduled for Saturday, February 2 and Sunday, Feb. 3 at the Abaco Beach Resort, 30 talented Bahamian artists will compete in what is now an"art war".

There will also be an opening gala event on Friday night, entitled 'The Sneak Preview' which will cater to everyone's taste, at which Butler & Sands will provide a wine-tasting of a selection of fine wines, and on Saturday the judging begins.

For the second time an island-wide student art contest was held prior to the art festival which allowed a panel of artists to vote for first through third place entrants, and they will be revealed at the festival.

The Abaco Beach Resort has also donated the first prize and encouraged the winners to display their artwork in one of the available booths for the duration of the festival.

Last year more than 30 artists were featured at the festival also held at the Abaco Beach Resort & Boat Harbor. An array of Abaco's favorite talent was exhibited, including Marjolein Scott's delightful watercolors on silk; Maureen Koepp's whimsical water-scene quilts; Jeep Byers' vivacious paintings; Timothy Higgs' eye- catching underwater photography and Andy Albury's beautiful wooden half model sailboats. Well-known artists from Grand Bahama, Nassau, and Florida were also invited to display their work.

Last year's school winners were S. Jerron Knowles a 12th grade student at St. Francis De Sales School in Marsh Harbour. The young artist's work was said to be intricately done with watercolor pencils and then perfected with Q-tips. This is a technique which contributed to impressionist Claude Monet's success in his artwork.

For more information on the art festival in Abaco, you can contact Trishka Knowles-Wiethuchter at (242) 367 2158 or log on to www.abacobeachresort.com.

Regatta in Montagu Bay

By KARAN MINNIS,Guardian Lifestyles Reporter,karan@nasguard.com

Its that time again — time for regatta, and kicking off the year will be the 2nd All for One Regatta, Saturday, Jan. 26 and Sunday, Jan. 27 in Montagu Bay. And if you haven't registered already, its already too late.

"The deadline was January 11 at 5:00 p.m.," said 'King' Eric Gibson, leader organizer of the event. "So if you haven't registered you lost out."

Some 40 sloops are expected to contest honors in Classes A, B and C, for their share of a $20,000 purse.

And as announced last week, there is already a bet between two of the most vocal and boastful sailors in town — "King" Eric Gibson and "The Sailing Barber" Eleazor Johnson.

"If I lose I can't talk or say anything — I mean talk at all for two whole months," said Gibson recently, "and if I win Eleazor can't say anything for two straight months". Now I know 'The Barber' does not want to lose because his Valentine Massacre/Catch Me If You Can Regatta is set for [February] and he will have to do a lot of talking between now and then."

A-class sloops boats expected to compete include the 2007 BahaMar Boat Of the Year Good News, the Silent Partner; Thunderbird, The Anna Nicole, The New Courageous, Pieces of Eight, Red Stripe and The Southern Cross.

The B-class sloops will see "Boat of the Year" champion Ants Nest, Eudeva, Ansbacher Queen, Heathcliff, Barbarian, Three Sisters, Cobra, the Campari Lady Nathalie (owned by Johnson), the Passion and Hummingbird battle it out.

And the C-class sloop that is likely to show up at the starting line is fairly new, Sweet Island Gal.

Races are expected to kick off at 10 a.m. on both days.

The defending champions for this year's races are the New Courageous in the A-class, Ants Nest n the B-class and Legal Weapon in the C-class. Registration deadline for boats wishing to compete is today, at 5:00 p.m.

Interested persons can contact Gilbert Kemp at the Regatta Desk of the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture at telephone (242) 502-0704 or via e-mail at regattabahamas@hotmail.com for more information.

Valley Wins With Elemental Power

By Sasha L. Lightbourne


One thing that did go as planned this year, despite rain delays and bleacher problems, was that the Junkanoo results came out at 6pm on Arawak Cay Tuesday.

And when it was all said and done, the Valley Boys – depicting the theme "Earth, Wind, Fire & Water: The Story of Nature and the Elements"- were deemed the unofficial winners of the parade.

The Valley Boys captured four overall categories, including Best Choreographed Dancers, Best Banner, Best Music and Best Shirley Street Performance.

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