BAHAMAS GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION

Girl Guides from New Providence, Exuma, Abaco and Grand Bahama along with their leadeårs and parents spent International Coastal Clean-up Day removing litter, collecting mangrove seedlings, beautifying waste bins and demonstrating good environmental stewardship from various coastal areas on the islands.  

The participation of Sunflowers,  Brownies, Guides and Rangers in environmental protection and stewardship activities  is a fundamental component of our Five Themed Programme - one of which is “Care for the Environment”.

Additionally, the girls and young women are encouraged  to demonstrate  their understanding  of  “duty to God” aspect of their Promise by  not only  living the Golden Rule; but also taking care of our beautiful world.

Parents who wish their girls to participate in an adventurous, exciting  and challenging - yet fun-filled programme are invited to call Girl Guide Headquarters at 322-4342 or email.bggassociation@ yahoo.com.

• Members of the Bahamas Girl Guides Association presented Governor General Dame Cynthia A Pratt with first cookies to officially launch Girl Guides Cookie Month, commencing October 1, during a courtesy call at Government House on September 23.    

Cancer society of the bahamas

Following the tremendous success of the 4th Annual Bahamas International Dragon Boat Festival, the Bahamas Chinese Dragon Boat Association held a press conference on Monday, September 22, where it presented a donation to the Cancer Society of The Bahamas in the amount of $8,000 and expressed its sincere gratitude for the generous support from participating teams, sponsors, and volunteers.

The event held on August 30-31, at Goodman’s Bay, saw scores of spectators who enjoyed cultural performances as teams raced across the waves in dragon boats, magnificently demonstrating the power of camaraderie and teamwork. Along with local teams, the festival drew teams from Jamaica, New Jersey, and Trinidad; who were excited to join the action and raise support for those battling cancer.

Rochelle Wilkinson, president of the Cancer Society of The Bahamas, thanked the Bahamas Chinese Dragon Boat Association for its donation and continued partnership.  As a result of the association’s support, the Cancer Society of The Bahamas can sustain its programmes and continue the expansion project of the Cancer Caring Centre, which will see ten additional rooms and, in the future, a hospice for those with cancer, Ms. Wilkinson said.

Although the 5th Annual Bahamas International Dragon Boat Festival is set for May 2-3, practice sessions will take place as early as October 4, 2025, said Dr Christine Chin, president of the Bahamas Chinese Dragon Boat Association. 

Dr Chin encouraged the general public to register for next year’s festival, as it offers numerous benefits, including fun, fitness, fellowship, and the opportunity to paddle towards a cancer-free world.

Errin Storr, administrator of the Cancer Society of The Bahamas and a breast cancer survivor, is a strong supporter of the Bahamas International Chinese Dragon Boat Association, having been a volunteer and race announcer for the past four years. 

Next year, Ms Storr hopes to see more cancer survivor’s teams participating in the races, which, she says, can help improve cardiovascular health and reduce lymphedema.  The event is for all Cancer Survivors and not just breast cancer. 

For more information on the 5th Annual Bahamas International Dragon Boat Festival, visit the Bahamas Chinese Dragon Boat Association’s website, www.bcdragonboat.com.

Evangelism Explosion

A four-day Everyday Evangelism Training Clinic will be heldTuesday, October 14–Thursday, October 16, 8am–5pm and  Friday, October 17, 8am–12.30pm.

To register, contact: Rodney Wiliams at rmw5344@gmail.com or Natasha Cunningham at Natasha@bahamasharvestchurch.org 

GHS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

The Government High School Alumni Association has announced its new executive team for the 2025–2027 term and opened nominations for the 2026 Phoenix Awards.

At the helm of the new executive is Romell Knowles, class of 1982, who steps into the presidency with a mandate to carry forward the school’s proud tradition of leadership. Supporting him is a seasoned team of alumni from the 1970s graduating classes - Doreth Dean Campbell (’78) as vice president; Carolyn Cleare (’78) as treasurer; Ruth Neily (’76) as secretary; and Pamela Bullard (’78) as assistant treasurer. 

Bringing fresh perspective to the organisation is the youngest voice at the table, Caitlyn Adamson, class of 2024, whose recent graduation gives her a unique vantage point on the needs and aspirations of the school’s newest alumni.

The executive will also benefit from the steady counsel of former alumni president Paul Fernander and vice president Vaughn Albury, who remain as advisors, while Alanna Brice takes on responsibility for special projects. Appointments for public relations officer and chaplain will be announced in the weeks ahead.

As part of the executive announcement, committee chairperson Vanessa Scott opened nominations for the 4th Annual Phoenix Awards to be held, Saturday, April 25, 2026. The awards recognise Government High’s legacy of leadership and alumni whose contributions to the country and their communities reflect the ideals instilled by Government High School.

Nominations are open to alumni who attended between 1970 and 1979 as well as former faculty and administrators. Candidates must demonstrate notable contributions in areas such as civic life, public service, religion, hospitality, sports, and the performing or visual arts. Submissions should include a biography of 800 words or less along with a photo and can be emailed to tghsalumni@gmail.com by December 31.

Kiwanis Club of Cable Beach

The Kiwanis Club of Cable Beach has concluded its administrative year with powerful outreach efforts that reflect the club’s enduring commitment to service and its heartfelt theme: “Go Light Our World.” Under the leadership of President Keishla, the club focused its efforts on timely, high-impact initiatives that touched lives and lit hope in challenging times.

This year, the president’s top charity picks centred around urgent needs in the community — and the results were both moving and meaningful.

“We knew this was a year to respond with empathy and action,” said President Keishla. “Every project we took on was a chance to serve with purpose and compassion.”

Among the highlights of the year:

A monetary donation was made to the Crisis Centre, assisting battered women and children seeking safety and support. Additionally, the club responded to  supporting a mother whose four-year-old son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. He now requires specialised treatment overseas — and the club stepped in to help pave that road.

Assistance was extended to the Autism Unit at Anatol Rodgers, supporting children with special needs in their journey toward inclusion and development.

The club presented a special donation to the Cancer Society of Grand Bahama, symbolising its theme of lighting the world — especially for those fighting silent battles.

In addition to its health and welfare outreach, the club maintained its deep commitment to education. Five deserving students — all former Key Club members — received Giles Wells Memorial Scholarships to aid in their studies at the University of The Bahamas. This scholarship programme honors the memory of Giles Wells and reinforces the club’s belief in student leadership, access to education, and national development.

“We don’t just serve youth — we believe in them,” said President Keishla. “These scholarships are investments in future leaders of The Bahamas.”

The Kiwanis Club of Cable Beach also extended heartfelt gratitude to the public and community partners: “We thank every individual, business, and supporter who stood by us in our projects this year. Together, we are building a better Bahamas.”

As the club prepares to welcome a new leadership team, the spirit of service continues. For Kiwanis Cable Beach, service is not just a slogan — it’s a way of life.

“Service is our foundation, our fuel, and our future,” Keishla concluded. “Let’s continue to light our world — one act of kindness at a time.”

Kiwanis Club of the Rising Sun

The Kiwanis Club of the Rising Sun continued its commitment to serving the community with a heartfelt donation of school supplies and toiletries to Eljhay’s Hilltop Ministries earlier this week.

Boxes of notebooks, pencils, backpacks, soap, toothpaste, and other essential items were presented to support families in need as students settle into the new academic year.

Club president Mrs. Chermeka ColeBrooke noted that the initiative is part of the Kiwanis’ mission to “improve the world one child and one community at a time”.

“We recognise that many families face challenges in providing basic resources for their children. By coming together, we can help ensure students are equipped to learn and thrive,” the president said during the presentation.

Ms Elizabeth, a representative of Eljhay’s Hilltop Ministries, expressed gratitude for the donation, emphasising the importance of partnerships between service clubs and faith-based organisations.

“These supplies will go a long way in easing the burdens families face. We are thankful to the Kiwanis Club of the Rising Sun for their generosity and continued support.” 

Pilot International

Celebrating under the theme “Inspired to Create an Impactful Journey through Friendship and Service”, the Bahamas District of Pilot International held its 20th annual installation of officers ceremony earlier this year at the Paul Farquharson Conference Centre.

Sheila D McPhee was installed as the current Governor of the Bahamas District by Immediate  Past International President, Nickola Dawkins.  Also in attendance was Pilot International Executive Committee Representative, now International President, Beverly Hager along with her husband Doug Hagar from Panama City, Florida, along with pilots, anchors and well wishers from around the district.  

Guests included a cross section of persons from Abaco, Grand Bahama and New Providence who thoroughly enjoyed the ambiance, an evening of elegance, good fellowship that was well enhanced by the melodious music provided by the Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band.

Part proceeds from the event were donated to the Police Force and Welfare Club.  On hand to receive the donation was Commissioner Shanta Knowles along with members of her executive team.