The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation (MOTIA) is thrilled to announce the Inaugural West End Bootleggers and Seafood Festival, set to take place on Saturday, November 23, from 12 noon to 10:00 p.m. at Commissioner's Field in West End, Grand Bahama.

The inaugural event will showcase aspects of West End’s rich history, particularly during the US’s rum prohibition era, and its mainstays of fishing and tourism.

Nuvolari Chotoosingh, MOTIA’s General Manager in Grand Bahama, highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to bringing exciting new events to the island.  “West End is the capital of bootlegging, and also known as the seafood capital of Grand Bahama.  It is part of the Ministry of Tourism's mandate to bring new and exciting events such as this to the island, so we're doing just that,” he stated.

The festival will offer a wide range of seafood and grilling options, and rum! Junior chefs from St. George’s High School and Jack Hayward High School will showcase their culinary fusion skills preparing tantalising seafood dishes and local breweries and distilleries will be on hand, showcasing their products and offering samples of cocktails and rums.

The Bahamas Distilling Company and Caribbean Bottling Company, in particular, will be stationed at several locations on the festival grounds, near Coffees on the Bay, and next to Brother Eddie's famous Gully Wash stand, where attendants will be serving a twist on the traditional gin and coconut water drink, incorporating Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum and Vita Coco coconut water.  

Festival-goers can also check out an upscale twist on the classic Cuba Libre called the Cuba Libre 2.0, featuring Angostura premium rums, as well as specialty cocktails alongside classic mixed drinks.

Entertainment from local artists will also be a highlight of the festival with performances by crowd favourites K.B., Geno D., and Stevie S., and additional entertainment by Phase Four Band, Lil Joe, and The Trouble Band.

Kingsley Smith, Parliamentary Secretary within the Ministry for Grand Bahama and Member of Parliament for West Grand Bahama and Bimini, noted that “West End was also known as the capital for bootleggers and rum running along with the island of Bimini.”  The history adds a special touch to the festival, highlighting the unique cultural heritage of the quaint community.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Garvin Evans of the Royal Bahamas Police Force assured that police would be in full force to ensure safety throughout the event.  “We encourage all residents to come out, have fun, and enjoy themselves because it will be a safe environment,” he said.

The Ministry of Tourism invites residents to join the celebration, enjoy the entertainment, and sample the creative beverages at the West End Bootleggers and Seafood Festival on November 23 at Commissioner's Field in West End, Grand Bahama.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation (MOTIA) is thrilled to announce the Inaugural West End Bootleggers and Seafood Festival, set to take place on Saturday, November 23, from 12 noon to 10:00 p.m. at Commissioner's Field in West End, Grand Bahama. The inaugural event will showcase aspects of West End’s rich history, particularly during the US’s rum prohibition era, and its mainstays of fishing and tourism. Nuvolari Chotoosingh, MOTIA’s General Manager in Grand Bahama, highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to bringing exciting new events to the island.  “West End is the capital of bootlegging, and also known as the seafood capital of Grand Bahama.  It is part of the Ministry of Tourism's mandate to bring new and exciting events such as this to the island, so we're doing just that,” he stated. The festival will offer a wide range of seafood and grilling options, and rum! Junior chefs from St. George’s High School and Jack Hayward High School will showcase their culinary fusion skills preparing tantalising seafood dishes and local breweries and distilleries will be on hand, showcasing their products and offering samples of cocktails and rums. The Bahamas Distilling Company and Caribbean Bottling Company, in particular, will be stationed at several locations on the festival grounds, near Coffees on the Bay, and next to Brother Eddie's famous Gully Wash stand, where attendants will be serving a twist on the traditional gin and coconut water drink, incorporating Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum and Vita Coco coconut water.   Festival-goers can also check out an upscale twist on the classic Cuba Libre called the Cuba Libre 2.0, featuring Angostura premium rums, as well as specialty cocktails alongside classic mixed drinks. Entertainment from local artists will also be a highlight of the festival with performances by crowd favourites K.B., Geno D., and Stevie S., and additional entertainment by Phase Four Band, Lil Joe, and The Trouble Band. Kingsley Smith, Parliamentary Secretary within the Ministry for Grand Bahama and Member of Parliament for West Grand Bahama and Bimini, noted that “West End was also known as the capital for bootleggers and rum running along with the island of Bimini.”  The history adds a special touch to the festival, highlighting the unique cultural heritage of the quaint community. Assistant Superintendent of Police Garvin Evans of the Royal Bahamas Police Force assured that police would be in full force to ensure safety throughout the event.  “We encourage all residents to come out, have fun, and enjoy themselves because it will be a safe environment,” he said. The Ministry of Tourism invites residents to join the celebration, enjoy the entertainment, and sample the creative beverages at the West End Bootleggers and Seafood Festival on November 23 at Commissioner's Field in West End, Grand Bahama.

Today, AML Foods Limited announced that it has entered into an agreement to purchase Burrows One Stop Grocery Store in Governor’s Harbour Eleuthera. The sale is expected to be completed by December 31st 2024, at which time the store will close for two months to undergo a complete renovation.

Gavin Watchorn President & CEO at AML said in his announcement, that the new remodeled store willfollow a Solomon’s neighborhood concept, and re-open under the name Eleuthera Markets. “For overthree decades, Solomon's has been satisfying, delighting and nourishing customers, and we look forwardto expanding our operations to Eleuthera, and providing the community with a full shop experience,similar to what we have delivered to Exuma residents, thru Exuma Markets.”

“When the store re-opens in March customers can expect to see a transformation that includes a new,fully remodeled store with expanded grocery, chill, frozen, meat and fresh produce that will arrive onisland twice per week, and access to the My Solomon’s Smart Rewards Loyalty Program”, says Watchorn.“We will arrange a visit to the island early in the new year and host a community event to share our plansand speak to residents. We are extremely excited about this opportunity to serve the island of Eleuthera,and we want to assure residents that we will strive to deliver the best shopping experiences, freshproducts and great service. We would like to thank the Burrows family for entrusting their family businessto AML and we will build on their legacy within the Governor’s Harbor and Eleuthera communities”.

According to Watchorn, residents and visitors to Eleuthera have always supported AML and its brands,buying groceries in New Providence and shipping them to the island, and when this opportunity becameavailable, the island’s loyalty to their stores did not go unnoticed. “With the opening of Eleuthera Marketswe are looking forward to providing even greater convenience and value to the people of Eleuthera whileexpressing our appreciation for their support throughout the years”.

The CEO of AML also explained that AML always strives to support the communities that they operate in,and they plan to take part in local initiatives throughout the island to accomplish this.

About AML Foods Limited: AML Foods Limited was incorporated in 1989 in The Bahamas and is listed on theBahamas International Securities Exchange. The Company and its subsidiaries are primarily engaged in theoperations of retail and club stores offering dry and perishable food items and other consumer products, and theoperation of a food franchise business. AML Foods Limited’s Food Distribution includes its retail division -Solomon’s Super Center, Solomon’s Yamacraw, Solomon’s Lucaya, Solomon’s Downtown Freeport, Solomon’s FreshMarket Old Fort Bay, Solomon’s Fresh Market Harbour Bay, and Exuma Markets – and its club division - Cost RightNassau and Cost Right Freeport; the Company’s Franchise Division consists of ten Domino’s Pizza locations inNassau and Freeport. The registered office of the Company is at One Millars Court, off Shirley Street, Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas and the corporate office is at #20 University Drive, Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas, Tel:242.677.7200.

About this report: This report may include “forward-looking statements.” While AML Foods Limited believes thatthe expectations reflected in such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations willprove to be correct. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from AML Foods’expectations include external economic conditions, changes in the marketplace, changes in interest rates andoperating costs and other unforeseen events or conditions that affect the Group’s performance.

Today, AML Foods Limited announced that it has entered into an agreement to purchase Burrows One Stop Grocery Store in Governor’s Harbour Eleuthera. The sale is expected to be completed by December 31st 2024, at which time the store will close for two months to undergo a complete renovation. Gavin Watchorn President & CEO at AML said in his announcement, that the new remodeled store will follow a Solomon’s neighborhood concept, and re-open under the name Eleuthera Markets. “For over three decades, Solomon's has been satisfying, delighting and nourishing customers, and we look forward to expanding our operations to Eleuthera, and providing the community with a full shop experience, similar to what we have delivered to Exuma residents, thru Exuma Markets.” “When the store re-opens in March customers can expect to see a transformation that includes a new, fully remodeled store with expanded grocery, chill, frozen, meat and fresh produce that will arrive on island twice per week, and access to the My Solomon’s Smart Rewards Loyalty Program”, says Watchorn. “We will arrange a visit to the island early in the new year and host a community event to share our plans and speak to residents. We are extremely excited about this opportunity to serve the island of Eleuthera, and we want to assure residents that we will strive to deliver the best shopping experiences, fresh products and great service. We would like to thank the Burrows family for entrusting their family business to AML and we will build on their legacy within the Governor’s Harbor and Eleuthera communities”. According to Watchorn, residents and visitors to Eleuthera have always supported AML and its brands, buying groceries in New Providence and shipping them to the island, and when this opportunity became available, the island’s loyalty to their stores did not go unnoticed. “With the opening of Eleuthera Markets we are looking forward to providing even greater convenience and value to the people of Eleuthera while expressing our appreciation for their support throughout the years”. The CEO of AML also explained that AML always strives to support the communities that they operate in, and they plan to take part in local initiatives throughout the island to accomplish this. About AML Foods Limited: AML Foods Limited was incorporated in 1989 in The Bahamas and is listed on the Bahamas International Securities Exchange. The Company and its subsidiaries are primarily engaged in the operations of retail and club stores offering dry and perishable food items and other consumer products, and the operation of a food franchise business. AML Foods Limited’s Food Distribution includes its retail division - Solomon’s Super Center, Solomon’s Yamacraw, Solomon’s Lucaya, Solomon’s Downtown Freeport, Solomon’s Fresh Market Old Fort Bay, Solomon’s Fresh Market Harbour Bay, and Exuma Markets – and its club division - Cost Right Nassau and Cost Right Freeport; the Company’s Franchise Division consists of ten Domino’s Pizza locations in Nassau and Freeport. The registered office of the Company is at One Millars Court, off Shirley Street, Nassau, New  Providence, Bahamas and the corporate office is at #20 University Drive, Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas, Tel: 242.677.7200. About this report: This report may include “forward-looking statements.” While AML Foods Limited believes that the expectations reflected in such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from AML Foods’ expectations include external economic conditions, changes in the marketplace, changes in interest rates and operating costs and other unforeseen events or conditions that affect the Group’s performance.

Goombay Summer Festival in Exuma on Saturday was a good time for young and old at Regatta Park, filled with great food, local band performers, Kiddie Corner, cultural games like straw plaiting, watermelon eating, and onion peeling tourneys. 

Master of Ceremonies -- Stevie Bodie, welcome by Charity McKenzie, brief remarks by Administrator Earl Campbell, and special remarks by Acting Prime Minister the Hon. Chester Cooper.  From noon through the evening. 

In April, The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) celebrated their most successful Cuban Pig Roast in recent years. In total, the sold-out affair generated $162,000 towards the development of Seahorse National Park (SNP) at Sweetings Pond and Hatchet Bay Caves in Eleuthera.

The event, held at The Maillis Farm in Adelaide, invited partners, supporters, and friends of conservation together for a night of premium drinks, fine Cuban-Caribbean cuisine, and music and entertainment - all in support of this year’s selected cause, Seahorse National Park.

As the latest addition to the National Park System of The Bahamas, Seahorse National Park boasts what is believed to be the densest population of seahorses in the world. These special marine animals are just one of many unique and incredible features within this fragile ecosystem that will now be safeguarded and managed by the BNT.

“Our vision for Seahorse National Park is to create a legacy for The Bahamas - a world-class, sustainable national park that supports community, scientific, and educational initiatives while safeguarding our natural treasures,” said BNT Executive Director Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle. “We have proven that community is an essential component of effective conservation. With

continued community support, I have no doubt we will achieve great things for our Bahamaland, and for the bright future of Seahorse National Park.”

Pig Roast is the BNT’s annual flagship fundraiser, and each year it supports a different priority conservation project or initiative. Pig Roast 2023 raised more than $150,000 towards the development of a Welcome Centre at Moriah Harbour Cay National Park in Exuma; and Pig Roast 2022 raised $100,000 for flamingo conservation at the Inagua National Park. This year, the $162,000 raised at Pig Roast 2024 contributes to a $500,000 one-year fundraising goal for the initial development of Seahorse National Park.

During the event, the BNT honored past president Pericles Maillis for his unwavering commitment to the organisation and his role in making Seahorse National Park a reality by guiding the drafting of its lease agreement.

Throughout the night, attendees won exciting raffle prizes, such as luxury Graycliff chocolate, a gift certificate to Fox Hill Nursery, and a super raffle prize of an Eleuthera Park Experience vacation package for two, inclusive of a two-night stay at The Cove Eleuthera. The evening ended with a beach bonfire and dancing under the stars.

RBC Capital Markets said: “RBC is honored to collaborate with The Bahamas National Trust in their efforts to create and protect Seahorse National Park. We are committed to supporting environmental and community initiatives, and we are thrilled to be a part of this important endeavor that will create a positive impact for Eleuthera and The Bahamas as a whole.”

Edward Zouein, Executive Vice President & Managing Director of Lombard Odier & Cie (Bahamas) Limited, said: “We believe in the exceptional vision for Seahorse National Park and are thrilled to have had this unparalleled opportunity to support it at Pig Roast 2024. As a responsible corporate citizen, Lombard Odier recognizes our duty to give back in sustainable ways. We can’t think of a more worthy cause than Seahorse National Park: a national treasure that deserves to be revered and preserved, and will no doubt benefit all Bahamians with its impact.”

The BNT’s Cuban Pig Roast is inspired by the joyous gatherings of family and friends in Cuba who unite in celebration and cheer. Similarly, the BNT’s Pig Roast provides an atmosphere of camaraderie during an evening filled with delightful buffet-style dining from Events by Alexandra, premium cocktail bars, live entertainment, a fundraising auction, and a chance to win exciting raffle prizes.

Pig Roast 2024 was sponsored by: RBC Capital Markets; Callenders Realty; Summit Developers; Albany; Sandyport Development Company; Baha Mar Foundation; Marlin Capital Partners; RF Group; Simplified Lending; The Cove Eleuthera; The Paint Place; Ernst & Young; West Bay Advisors; Bristol Wines & Spirits; Sands Beer and Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits; The Security Commission of The Bahamas; Caribbean Wines & Spirits; Caribbean Bottling Company; Expressions Entertainment; and Bahamas Waste.

To learn more about the BNT's role in managing national parks, protecting wildlife, and informing environmental policy, please visit its website: www.bnt.bs and follow its various social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

In April, The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) celebrated their most successful Cuban Pig Roast in recent years. In total, the sold-out affair generated $162,000 towards the development of Seahorse National Park (SNP) at Sweetings Pond and Hatchet Bay Caves in Eleuthera. The event, held at The Maillis Farm in Adelaide, invited partners, supporters, and friends of conservation together for a night of premium drinks, fine Cuban-Caribbean cuisine, and music and entertainment - all in support of this year’s selected cause, Seahorse National Park. As the latest addition to the National Park System of The Bahamas, Seahorse National Park boasts what is believed to be the densest population of seahorses in the world. These special marine animals are just one of many unique and incredible features within this fragile ecosystem that will now be safeguarded and managed by the BNT. “Our vision for Seahorse National Park is to create a legacy for The Bahamas - a world-class, sustainable national park that supports community, scientific, and educational initiatives while safeguarding our natural treasures,” said BNT Executive Director Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle. “We have proven that community is an essential component of effective conservation. With continued community support, I have no doubt we will achieve great things for our Bahamaland, and for the bright future of Seahorse National Park.” Pig Roast is the BNT’s annual flagship fundraiser, and each year it supports a different priority conservation project or initiative. Pig Roast 2023 raised more than $150,000 towards the development of a Welcome Centre at Moriah Harbour Cay National Park in Exuma; and Pig Roast 2022 raised $100,000 for flamingo conservation at the Inagua National Park. This year, the $162,000 raised at Pig Roast 2024 contributes to a $500,000 one-year fundraising goal for the initial development of Seahorse National Park. During the event, the BNT honored past president Pericles Maillis for his unwavering commitment to the organisation and his role in making Seahorse National Park a reality by guiding the drafting of its lease agreement. Throughout the night, attendees won exciting raffle prizes, such as luxury Graycliff chocolate, a gift certificate to Fox Hill Nursery, and a super raffle prize of an Eleuthera Park Experience vacation package for two, inclusive of a two-night stay at The Cove Eleuthera. The evening ended with a beach bonfire and dancing under the stars. RBC Capital Markets said: “RBC is honored to collaborate with The Bahamas National Trust in their efforts to create and protect Seahorse National Park. We are committed to supporting environmental and community initiatives, and we are thrilled to be a part of this important endeavor that will create a positive impact for Eleuthera and The Bahamas as a whole.” Edward Zouein, Executive Vice President & Managing Director of Lombard Odier & Cie (Bahamas) Limited, said: “We believe in the exceptional vision for Seahorse National Park and are thrilled to have had this unparalleled opportunity to support it at Pig Roast 2024. As a responsible corporate citizen, Lombard Odier recognizes our duty to give back in sustainable ways. We can’t think of a more worthy cause than Seahorse National Park: a national treasure that deserves to be revered and preserved, and will no doubt benefit all Bahamians with its impact.” The BNT’s Cuban Pig Roast is inspired by the joyous gatherings of family and friends in Cuba who unite in celebration and cheer. Similarly, the BNT’s Pig Roast provides an atmosphere of camaraderie during an evening filled with delightful buffet-style dining from Events by Alexandra, premium cocktail bars, live entertainment, a fundraising auction, and a chance to win exciting raffle prizes. Pig Roast 2024 was sponsored by: RBC Capital Markets; Callenders Realty; Summit Developers; Albany; Sandyport Development Company; Baha Mar Foundation; Marlin Capital Partners; RF Group; Simplified Lending; The Cove Eleuthera; The Paint Place; Ernst & Young; West Bay Advisors; Bristol Wines & Spirits; Sands Beer and Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits; The Security Commission of The Bahamas; Caribbean Wines & Spirits; Caribbean Bottling Company; Expressions Entertainment; and Bahamas Waste. To learn more about the BNT's role in managing national parks, protecting wildlife, and informing environmental policy, please visit its website: www.bnt.bs and follow its various social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.