The Bahamas has extended warm wishes to the people of China on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, during a reception Wednesday night.

The gesture was an indication of the diplomatic relations shared between both countries established 12 years ago.

Guests assembled in at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort, Cable Beach were invited by the Governor-General, His Excellency Arthur Hanna, to raise their glasses and toast to “the milestone achieved” by the country with the world’s largest population.

His Excellency Hu Dingxian, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to The Bahamas, greets Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon Brent Symonette at a reception for the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, on Wednesday, September 30, at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort on Cable Beach.

Similar gestures were carried out by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon Brent Symonette, and His Excellency Hu Dingxian, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to The Bahamas.

“Our two countries are currently writing a common page in our histories, rich in encounters across wide oceans, purposeful in joint efforts to meet national, regional and international objectives,” Mr. Symonette said.

China’s history is replete with epic moments reflecting international developments and encounters with other countries, he observed.

“Over the past 60 years, China has been moving rapidly to modernize itself, both internally and in its relations with nation friends throughout the world,” said Mr Symonette.
“Among the many recent success have been the development of the world’s third largest economy, and the holding last year of the biggest and most fabulous Olympic Games ever,”

Mr. Symonette said.

He said he was sure that among China’s upcoming successes will be the holding of the World Exposition in Shanghai in 2010.

His Excellency Arthur Hanna, Governor General of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas lead a toast at a reception for the 60th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, on Wednesday, September 30, at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort on Cable Beach.

China and The Bahamas have had high-level official visits with “productive results”, which allowed for continued strengthening of bilateral relations, Mr Symonette said.

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Travelers to the Out Islands of the Bahamas can now catch an air taxi from St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport or Ft. Lauderdale International Airport with Locair.

Locair will be linking Ft. Lauderdale to the islands of Abaco and Long Island, and St. Petersburg/Clearwater to the Abacos, providing the only true nonstop service between Tampa Bay and the Bahamas, the company said. Flights from Ft. Lauderdale to Long Island in the Bahamas will be the first nonstop, regular flights between Stella Maris, Long Island and the U.S.

All flights will be operated with Fairchild Metro III turboprops, with 55-minute flights connecting Ft. Lauderdale and Treasure Cay and Marsh Harbor in the Abacos. Flights from St. Petersburg/Clearwater to the Abacos will take approximately 1 hour, 40 minutes. These flights will operate every day but Wednesday, alternating between the two Abaco airports.

Flights to Long Island will operate on Wednesdays and Sundays and take about 1 hour, 35 minutes.

Introductory fares of $139 each way from Ft. Lauderdale to Abaco and $189 each way from Tampa Bay to Abaco and Ft. Lauderdale to Long Island are available for purchase between now and Oct. 15. For more details, see the Locair website.

Source: About.com

Every grand old dame always has a younger, more vibrant rival.

Victoria has Vancouver waiting in the wings, while Quebec City has to dig deep into its amazing past to outwoo Montreal.

It’s the same story in the Bahamas, where Nassau’s charm and 400 years of history contrast with the modern pizzazz of Freeport.

Both are beautiful and beguiling but with divergent personalities. And both will turn your head.

Created by American and British entrepreneurs in 1955, Freeport, on the island of Grand Bahama 110 kilometres off the coast of Florida, is the young upstart. The Bahamian government initially granted 50,000 acres of swamp and scrubland to build a deepwater harbour and establish a city for business and tourism. And it delivers — duty-free shopping, a tax-free zone for businesses, hotels aplenty and a wide range of activities.

Freeport is the resort centre of Grand Bahama and home to one of North America’s deepest ports, always bustling with cruise ships and container vessels. Freeport’s average of 300 sunny days a year and winter temperatures hovering around 21 C make it an appealing destination, not least in the dead of the Canadian winter.

The city is modern and well organized, with luxury residential communities parcelled throughout. It’s not large — it’s home to only about 26,000 people — and outside of the tourist areas it is quiet and laid-back.

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Shakira will appear on “Ugly Betty” as herself. The singer will be the key to helping a Mode photo shoot get back on track when the magazine is on location in the Bahamas. The episode will be titled The Bahamas Triangle” and will likely air in November.

Source: Cool Web Gossip

Zelma Moss with more 40 years of service received the Bahamas Immigration Department Lifetime Achievement Award during recognition ceremonies at Government House.

The Minister’s Award went to Donnalee King-Burrows for more 30 years, and the Director’s Award went to C Loyd Pinder who has put in more than 40 years of service.

The ceremonies, October 1, were was part of the Bahamas Immigration Department’s 70th anniversary celebrations.

Governor-General, His Excellency Arthur D Hanna, underscored the importance of honouring employees who are dedicated to their profession.

“Recipients, you must feel elated that your hard work had not gone unnoticed,” he said. “The fact that you are being awarded is testimony to your continuous good service in assisting the Department to meet its goals and objectives.”

The Governor-General advised them to be ready to deal with migrating practices which will be continuous as people seek a better way of life.

“Furthermore, there is also the cultural aspect which the movement of people will generate which brings into sharp perspective the importance of the role your Department plays in this country,” he said. “True diligence in this time of constant change is key.”

He also commended the Department on doing “a very good job” of regularly informing the public of the work being done, as it seeks to carry out its mandate.

“Your leaders and staff have an onerous assignment as you are given the responsibility of overseeing and controlling the movement of non-residents, persons who are not citizens or have permanent resident status in this archipelagic nation,” he said. “Your job of oversight and control is not an easy task.”

The Bahamas Immigration Department was established by an Act of Parliament on January 1, 1939.

Source: Bahamas Weekly