October 31, 2012

Grand Bahama Conchman Triathalon - Saturday Nov. 3, 2012

Registration and race packet pick-up at
The Manor House, The Grand Lucayan
Thursday Nov 1st, 6:00 to 7:00 pm
Friday Nov 2nd, 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Pre Race Meeting at 7:30 pm Friday
Pre-register online at conchman.com

Grabber's Halloween Costume Party!!!

Hurricane Sandy could not stop the FUN at Grabbers on Great Guana Cay, Abacos!!!
Don't miss the Halloween Costume Party on Saturday November 3, 2012 at 8:00pm. 

You will not want to miss it!

Halloween Captain Jack Sparrow Deluxe Teen Costume (Google Affiliate Ad)

Recovery Well Underway In Eleuthera

The Eleutheran - Eleuthera News, Sport and much more from Eleuthera - Eleuthera Images tell a Sandy Tale - Recovery well underway

October 30, 2012

BTC - 95 Percent Restored

Most of BTC’s services, with the exception of Sandy Point, Abaco and parts of Grand Bahama have been restored. The vast majority of the remaining problems are related to ongoing commercial power outages and localised outages.
The only two challenged areas were Sandy Point, Abaco and Grand Bahama.
“In Sandy Point flooding at the BTC office has made that system inoperable. Sandy Point and Moore’s Island have about 400 customers which represent about four per cent of Abaco’s total customer base. We are happy to report that the remainder of the island’s network is up and running, with only a few minor issues,” said Sawyer.
“In Grand Bahama, from initial assessments there was minimal damage done to BTC’s outside plants. Most of the outages experienced by customers were due to commercial power outages – which have affected the outdoor equipment. There are also some reports of dropped wires, which are resulting in some localised outages,” he said.
BTC reported full system restoration in the South East Islands; Bimini and the Berry Islands; Andros; Eleuthera; Exuma – with the exception of Williams Town, Farmers Cay and Musha Cay; Cat Island with the exception of the Cove and Gaitors and Long Island except Salt Pond – which was among the hardest hit islands.
Customers are advised that there are localised outages in some areas. There is also the potential for future outages over the next 3-5 days as some cables that were damaged in the storm may eventually malfunction due to erosion or stress. In cases where power outages persist, technicians will have to do another assessment once power is restored to check for further faults.
Antennas on several sites must also be realigned.

'Business as usual' for Family Island Hoteliers

'Business as usual' for Family Island hoteliers | The Tribune

FAMILY Island hoteliers said it was back to business following Hurricane Sandy, with several executives telling Tribune Business their properties had not sustained any major damage.











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October 29, 2012

Grand Bahamas Airport Is Open

Grand Bahamas airport as well as Stella Maria, The Bight and Arthur's Town are open after Hurricane Sandy.

BTC - "No Full Assessment Of Disruptions Until All Power Is Restored"

"A FULL assessment of how Hurricane Sandy contributed to the disruptions of the country’s telecommunications services cannot be completed until the Bahamas Electricity Corporation restores full electrical power, a BTC official said yesterday."

 Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) indicated yesterday that assessment teams of about 32 employees have been dispatched around the country for restoration and assessments.


The network in the Abacos appears to have received the most serious damage, however, reports are still coming in from Grand Bahama that also appears to have sustained significant damage.

Bahamas Electricity Co. Update

The Bahamas Electricity Co. (BET) reports that they are expecting power to be restored to all consumers in New Providence by Tuesday, but the same will not be the case for some Family Island Consumers.

According to BEC, electricity has been fully restored in Acklins, Andros, Bimini, Exuma, Long Cay, Rum Cay ans San Salvador.  Additionally, electricity has been restored to 80 percent of Abaco consumers, 60 percent of Cat Island consumers, 60 percent of Eleuthera consumers, 85 percent of Long Island consumers and 90 percent of Ragged Island consumers.

Grand Bahama Power Co. - Update 3

Grand Bahama Power Company has advised the public that they continued to work diligently through the night and again first thing this morning on their restoration efforts. As of 11:30 pm last night they were able to restore power to approximately 70% of their customers.

 Their Command Centre will remain open and fully staffed to address customer issues and their crews are continuing to work hard on restoring power to those still affected.

October 26, 2012

Grand Bahama Airport Closed

thebahamasweekly.com - Grand Bahama Airport closed

BTC Update After Hurricane Sandy

BTC Update After Hurricane Sandy | Nassau / Paradise Island, Bahamas | Bahamas Local News - Nassau / Paradise Island, Bahamas

THEBAHAMASWEEKLY.COM - ALERT # 26 - HURRICANE SANDY

thebahamasweekly.com - Alert # 26 - Hurricane Sandy

Cable Bahamas Public Announcment

Cable Bahamas Public Announcment | The Bahamas, Bahamas | Bahamas Local News - The Bahamas, Bahamas

RESCUE ON GRAND BAHAMA & GREEN TURTLE CAY

The Bahamas Press is reporting authorities are at this hour attempting to rescue three persons in the Eastern District from their home which is now flooded.  The road is impassable in that part of Grand Bahama and the weather is at this hour going downhill.  

Bahamas Press is also reporting that residents of Inside Town on Green Turtle Cay have homes underwater and the entire island is flooded.

Sandy takes its toll | Bahamas Local News

Sandy takes its toll | Bahamas Local News

Photos From Hurricane Sandy | Nassau / Paradise Island, Bahamas

Photos From Hurricane Sandy | Nassau / Paradise Island, Bahamas | Bahamas Local News - Nassau / Paradise Island, Bahamas

BTC HURRICANE UPDATE #7

BTC teams have also begun initial assessments in the hurricane affected Islands. Officials from the telecommunications company are already assessing the network in the South Eastern islands to see how the network may be affected. Initial reports indicate minimal disruptions and damage.

Meanwhile initial reports of outages and damage are continuing to come in due mainly to prolonged  power outages.

In Cat Island reports indicate that landline, internet and cellular services have all been affected.  Technicians are looking to have a significant amount of services restored by this afternoon.  In Knowles’ there are reports of two broken poles which have damaged a fiber cable.  Services will take some time to restore.  A team is being dispatched from New Providence to assist.

Eleuthera is experiencing an island wide commercial power outage, which has resulted in landline disruptions in Palmetto Point, Banana Beach, Rainbow Bay, Gun Point, Gaulin Cay, Princess Cay, Cape Eleuthera, Current, Current Island, Governor’s Harbour Airport, Rocksound, Windemeir Island, and Gregory Town. Cellular service throughout the island has also been affected.

All Long Island cell sites are down except in Simms, Deadman’s Cay and Clarence Town. The island is still experiencing an island wide commercial power outage which has disrupted landline service from Deadman’s Cay to Alligator Bay. Militant to Cape Santa Maria is also out of service. Landline services are available from Deadman’s Cay to Gordons.

Exuma’s Airport and surrounding areas, including Moss Town, are experiencing disruptions in landline service due to a commercial power failure.

Exuma and Ragged Island are also experiencing mobile disruptions due to a commercial power outage.

New Providence is experiencing landline and internet disruptions on East Bay Street (West of Mackey Street to Church Street) Flamingo Gardens, Miller’s Heights, Faith Gardens, Emerald Coast, Cow Pen Road, Gladstone Road, Jackaranda, Canon Pugh, Unison Road, Tropical Gardens, Royal Beach Estates, The Lakes, Sunset Park, and Faith Avenue – all due to a commercial power outage.

Cell sites in Prince William, Millennium Gardens, Perpall Tract and Blue Hill Road are down.are down.

LPIA REOPENED TODAY AT 3:00PM

Normal operations have resumed at Lynden Pindlind International Airport (LPIA) at 3:00PM this afternoon. 

LPIA's Hurricane Preparedness Team conducted inspections of the terminal buildings, airfield and surrounding area and have concluded that the airport is fit to resume normal activities.

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B.E.C. HURRICANE SANDY - UPDATE 2

The Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) have issued "Update 2" today stating that they are "continuing to monitor its systems in New Providence and the Family Islands as category 2 Hurricane Sandy impacting the archipelago."

In New Providence, "supplies have been sustained with the exception of a few areas impacted by winds and rain associated with the storm."


In The Family Islands, "adverse weather conditions have led to island wide outages in Abaco, Long Island, Cat Island, and Rum Cay. Isolated outages have also occurred in other Family Island communities."

BEC also went on to say that they "expect to begin supply restoration in the Family Islands once conditions improve."

BEC expects its Family Island and New Providence Command Centre to become active tomorrow morning (Friday, October 26, 2012).  The centre will be the central point for assessing damage and organizing restoration efforts across the country.

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ALERT #25 - SANDY MOVING SLOWLY TOWARD MARSH HARBOUR, ABACOS

At 12:00 today the Bahamas Dept. of Meteorology released Alert #25 stating that Hurricane Sandy is moving slowly Northward near Marsh Harbour, Abaco at 6 mph.

The "All Clear" has been given for all the Island of the Central Bahamas and Andros.

Tribune 242 - 8.40am HURRICANE UPDATE

8.40am HURRICANE UPDATE: LATEST MAP, POLICE REPORT DEATH AT LYFORD CAY, PMH INFO | The Tribune  (Click the link)

HURRICANE SANDY NEAR GREAT ABACO ISLAND

The National Hurricane Center just released Intermediate Advisory No. 16A advising that Sandy is near Great Abaco Island moving Northwest at 10 mph with 80 mph winds.

October 25, 2012

BEC Hurricane Preparedness Plans

The Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) is advising its customers in New Providence and the Family Islands of its preparedness for Hurricane Sandy.
"In New Providence, BEC will maintain electricity supply throughout the duration of the storm; however, there are possibilities of supply interruption due to adverse weather conditions. Customers in New Providence with supply issues should contact BEC’s emergency numbers at 323-5561 or 302-1800."
"In the Family Islands, BEC will maintain supply as long as weather permits.  However, should conditions deteriorate an island wide shutdown may become necessary to protect Corporation employees and infrastructure."
"As Hurricane Sandy exits our area, and the “all clear” is given, assessments will be carried out to begin the restoration effort immediately.  Customers are encouraged to stay tuned to their local radio and television stations for ongoing updates with regard to the Corporation’s restoration efforts."

BTC - Gearing Up For Hurricane Sandy

BTC is preparing to open its Hurricane Command Center as early as Thursday morning in order to monitor its telecommunications network around the country.

BTC’s Hurricane Preparedness Committee activated the Hurricane Preparedness Plan earlier in the week, and began preparations nationwide to try and secure its network.

The company will begin ceasing operations at various locations as early as Thursday Morning.

Offices in the South East and Central Bahamas – which includes Inagua, Mayguana, Crooked Island, Acklins and Ragged Island, as well as  Exuma, Cat Island, Rum Cay, San Salvador and Long Island.

Those locations will remain closed through Friday.

Offices and Retail stores in the North West Bahamas - which includes Grand Bahama, Bimini, Abaco, The Berry Islands, Andros, Eleuthera and New Providence - will close from Noon on Thursday October 25th and remain closed on Friday October 26th.

The contact center – CALL BTC – 225-5282 – will remain opened with an emergency staff to deal with all emergencies and reports of outages.

HURRICANE SANDY UPDATE

At 11:00am this morning Hurricane Sandy is moving between the northeast coast of Cuba and the Central Bahamas at 16 mph with Maximum Sustained Winds of 105 mph, making it a Category 2 Hurricane.  On the forecast track, the center of Sandy will move through the Central Bahamas later today and tonight and move near the Northwestern Bahamas on Friday.

October 24, 2012

HURRICANE SANDY

Sandy became a Hurricane as of the 11:00am Advisory Today.

A HURRICANE WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR THE CENTRAL & NORTHWESTERN BAHAMAS.

October 23, 2012

Albury Ferry Service Plans To Suspend Service Until T.S. Sandy Passes

Albury Ferry Service announced today that the last ferry from Marsh Harbour to Hope Town tomorrow will be the 12:15 and the last ferry from Hope Town to Marsh Harbour at 1:00.  There will be no more ferries until the storm passes because they have to pull the ferries out of the water.

October 22, 2012

Tropical Storm Sandy Could Have Affect on the Bahamas

 500 PM EDT MON OCT 22 2012 (Click for US NHC))

THE AIR FORCE HURRICANE HUNTERS FOUND A BAND OF SURFACE WINDS NEAR 35 KT OVER THE SOUTHEASTERN QUADRANT OF THE CYCLONE...SO THE SYSTEM IS BEING NAMED AT THIS TIME. THE ENVIRONMENT SHOULD BE CHARACTERIZED BY 500 PM EDT MON OCT 22 2012 WEAK SHEAR...AND THE STORM WILL BE OVER WARM WATERS...FOR THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS SO ADDITIONAL STRENGTHENING IS LIKELY. THE OFFICIAL INTENSITY FORECAST IS SIMILAR TO THE PREVIOUS FORECAST AND CLOSE TO THE MODEL CONSENSUS. THIS COULD BE CONSERVATIVE...HOWEVER...AS THE RAPID INTENSIFICATION INDEX SHOWS A SIGNIFICANT POSSIBILITY OF RAPID STRENGTHENING DURING THE NEXT DAY OR SO.
AIRCRAFT OBSERVATIONS SHOW THAT THE CENTRAL REGION OF THE STORM IS CHARACTERIZED BY A FAIRLY FLAT PRESSURE FIELD...BUT THE CENTER APPEARS TO BE LOCATED SOMEWHAT TO THE SOUTH OF THE PREVIOUS ESTIMATES. HOWEVER...LITTLE OVERALL MOTION APPEARS TO HAVE TAKEN PLACE THIS AFTERNOON. GLOBAL MODELS PREDICT THAT THE MID-TROPOSPHERIC RIDGE TO THE NORTH OF SANDY WILL GRADUALLY WEAKEN WITHIN THE NEXT DAY OR SO...WHICH SHOULD ALLOW THE TROPICAL CYCLONE TO BEGIN MOVING NORTH TO NORTH-NORTHEASTWARD SOON. THE OFFICIAL TRACK FORECAST IS SOMEWHAT TO THE WEST OF THE MODEL CONSENSUS BUT NOT AS FAR WEST AS THE LATEST ECMWF FORECAST. THIS IS ONLY A LITTLE TO THE WEST OF THE PREVIOUS OFFICIAL FORECAST TRACK.

October 20, 2012

Bluff House Beach Resort & Marina to Reopen Under New Management on October 20, 2012

Bluff House Beach Resort & Marina has been described as the "most special piece of property in Abaco." This luxury complex stretches from the Sea of Abaco to White Sound across the entire width of Green Turtle Cay, complete with its own Private Beach. Perched on the highest point of the island, this 12 acre tropical, Bahamian paradise has been attracting visitors for almost 60 years. Now under new ownership, all at Bluff House look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones.

Respectful of the nostalgia and charm attached to Bluff House, the new management is in the process of creating a "makeover" of an old classic. Eight luxury, waterfront suite renovations are now complete. The "Upper" suites are beautifully decorated with a British Colonial vibe; rich, dark mahogany furnishings are finished off with a blend of luxurious bedding and billowing, white curtains. The "Lower" suites are finished in soothing natural furnishings with a relaxed beach atmosphere. The suites' expansive decks have stunning views of the Sea of Abaco that will remain in your memory for years to come.

The new Tranquil Turtle Beach Bar, adjacent to its own private, white-sand beach on the Sea of Abaco, is currently under construction and will open late 2012. Guests can swim, lounge on the beach and enjoy island food and tropical drinks on the patio deck. As you cruise the nearby islands, tie up at their dock or dinghy in for the local music, stunning sunsets and unsurpassed hospitality.

Bluff House's Full-Service, 46-Slip Marina offers gas and fuel from its dock on White Sound and provides all the amenities you need from free high speed internet and cable TV, new laundry facilities, restrooms and showers to 30/50/100 AMP shore power, fresh water and ice.

The new management is dedicated to retaining the old charm and first class service that, over the years, guests have come to expect from Bluff House.

Old Bahama Bay is now a Guy Harvey Outpost Expedition Property:

Old Bahama Bay, like many other Bahamian resorts, has struggled to deal with the economic slowdown that began in 2008. Ginn Resorts, which acquired the property in 2007, eventually had to file for bankruptcy in 2009 when its real estate programs collapsed. Its lenders kept the lights on, but operations were scaled back and hospitality marketing came to a virtual halt. This led to uncertainty for both the vacationing public and the OBB staff.

In early 2012 a dedicated group of Old Bahama Bay property owners decided to take matters into their own hands to provide purpose and direction for the resort. With the help of the management team that managed the resort from 2001 to 2007, they formed a new company, Island Ventures Resort, & Club, Ltd. to operate the property. This became effective on August 10 th of this year.

The new team has already implemented a number of new partnerships:

1. Old Bahama Bay is now a Guy Harvey Outpost Expedition Property: Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts & Marinas is a collection of properties in unique destinations owned and staffed by people who are passionate about their time on, in, and around the water. http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com/

2. Stuart Cove now operates an award-winning scuba diving operation directly from Old Bahama Bay. Guests can dive with all kinds of fish, rays, and other exciting sea life from a high-speed dive boat. Offered 3 times a week, the all-day Tiger Beach Shark Excursion offers a truly unique way to interact with these amazing creatures. The diving off of West End includes excellent wrecks, reefs, walls and wild dolphins – all located within an easy ride from the dock. http://www.stuartcove.com/tigerbeachhome.aspx

The new management team also has plans to make the following immediate improvements:

Upgrade the resort’s activities programs including the purchase of new bicycles and water sports equipment.

Restart weekend promotional events including beachfront bonfire cookouts and live Bahamian entertainment.

Restart its very special wedding programs

Other new initiatives are in the final stages of planning and will be announced as they become available.

Contact Information:

* 1-888-800-8959

* sales@oldbahamabay.com


October 18, 2012

Find your way around Atlantis with the new Mobile App



Once you arrive at Atlantis the My Atlantis Guide is the perfect aid to keep you informed of the upcoming events and easily navigate the 141-acre resort.  

Click the link above to download for iPhone or Andriod


October 17, 2012

Balearia Ferry To Hit Bimini in November 2012

The Nassau Guardian is reporting that a new direct Ferry Service from South Florida to Bimini could bring up to 1,000 visitors daily to the small island.  Stakeholders at Bimini Bay Resort are banking on this service to support the island's new casino.

October 16, 2012

Barometer Bob

When traveling in the Abacos, the two most important weather resources to have are: BarometerBob.org and listening to the CruisersNet.org each day on VHF CH. 16 at 8:15 AM.

October 06, 2012

2013 Abaco Beach Resort Tournament Schedule Announced




Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour has announced it's 2013 Tournament Schedule.




* April 23-27 The Hatteras/Bertram Shootout

* May 15-18 Custom Shootout

* May 22-25 Boat Harbour Round Up

* June 5-8 Abaco Beach Blue Marlin Invitational

* June 9-14 Bahamas Billfish Championship




For additional information Click Here call 877-533-4799 to speak with a reservations specialist.

Staniel Cay Exumas Adventure Video