Bahamian Chris Pinder Nominated for an Emmy

Thursday, January 16, 2014

 

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ahamian Chris Pinder was recently nominated for a 2014 Emmy for Outstanding Achievement as a Director of Photography.

This veteran Director has worked with the creative service department of Georgia Public Television to bring their vision to life for their “Our GPB” television campaign of which he has been nominated. He designed creative shots by incorporating the use of a dolly and hi-hat exclusively. He was also responsible for lighting and recording audio for each talent interview.

Chris and his wife started their own media company ten years “Bluehole Pictures” which is an international full service film/HD production company located in Atlanta, GA. The company provides high definition services to the broadcast, corporate, and film industries.

"I am always trying to improve on my craft and will always be my harshest critic"
-Chris Pinder

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Travel: Grand Lucayan,Bahamas - A Caribbean Retreat

Thursday, May 23, 2013

No matter which way guests arrive, be it riding a wave by boat or by a quick direct flight from the nearby mainland, Grand Lucayan,Bahamas wants its travelers to get the most out of their journey. As the closest major Caribbean meetings resort to the United States, located just 55-miles off the coast of Florida, Grand Lucayan’s Ride the Wave Package offers exceptional amenities to groups looking for a Caribbean retreat, plus a travel credit to compensate for time spent en route.

 

Through December 2013, groups reserving at least 20 rooms per night for a minimum of three nights can take advantage of Grand Lucayan’s Ride the Wave Package. With rates starting at just $189 per person per night including taxes and fees and based on double occupancy, the package includes:

$100 per room travel credit

Ocean View Guest Room

One hour Bahama Mama Rum greeting

One upgrade to an Ocean View One Bedroom Suite

Round trip airport transfers for up to four people

One complimentary room per 25 paid

General session with one screen  and LCD projector

Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, and unlimited alcoholic beverages

Wireless internet

Resort activities including snorkel gear, Hobie Cat lessons and wake boards

Lounge chairs and towels for the pool and beach

Access to Senses Spa and Fitness Center

10% off golf and spa services

Complimentary golf transfers

Unlimited tennis

Yoga & Pilates

$10 free play in the casino daily

 

Boasting the largest meeting and events space on the island, Grand Lucayan offers flexible and modern meeting spaces, accommodating groups, corporate retreats, dinners, weddings, celebratory functions and other special events – not to mention it’s just steps away from Grand Bahama Island’s crystal clear ocean.

The sprawling conference center, equipped with cutting-edge audio-visual equipment and super-helpful staff, can easily be reconfigured and themed for formal or casual events. From the Grand Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 2,500 guests to the intimate ocean view meeting rooms in the stately Manor House, accommodating up to 287 guests, Grand Lucayan has an event space that fits every need.

For those that prefer an outdoor meeting or event, Grand Lucayan, Bahamas has over 50,000 square feet of outdoor function space, including pool decks, the beach, the Great Lawn, which accommodates up to 2,865 guests, and Chop Beach, which offers seating for 1,700 guests. Full catering service and a Business Center is also available.

For more information on Grand Lucayan’s Ride the Wave package, guests can call 1(800) 693-1413 or emailGroups@GrandLucayan.com. For information on the resort, or for reservations, guests can visitwww.grandlucayan.com or call (877) 434-2996.

 

 

About Grand Lucayan, Bahamas

Located on Grand Bahama Island, Grand Lucayan, Bahamas has 542 guestrooms and suites and is situated along an expansive 7.5-acre beach with views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Just 55 miles off the coast of Florida, GrandLucayan, Bahamas offers some of the finest amenities in the Caribbean. Guests enjoy spacious accommodations, eight restaurants, three swimming pools, non-motorized water sports activities, four tennis courts – all offeringGrand Slam surfaces, a 25,000 square-foot Senses Spa & Fitness Center, 18-hole championship golf course – The Reef Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., and 90,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space and a Las Vegas-style casino. Like us on Facebook, facebook.com/grandlucayan or follow us on Twitter, @grandlucayan.

 

Copyright 2013 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

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"Caribbean Queen" Alison Hinds Brings Birthday Bash Weekend to Grand Lucayan, Bahamas, May 31-June

Monday, May 6, 2013

Alison Hinds, Barbados’ own “Caribbean Queen,” will bring a high-energy Birthday Bash Weekend to Grand Lucayan, Bahamas May 31-June 1. Hinds’ contagious Caribbean beats will be felt throughout the resort during an eventful Caribbean birthday weekend celebration.

 

Kicking off on May 31, guests and local residents alike are invited to join Grand Lucayan in welcoming Hinds during an intimate meet-and-greet cocktail reception and dinner in its Grand Ballroom at 7 p.m. Hinds’ concert-series begins at 8 p.m. with a saxophone performance by George Wilkinson, followed by a performance by Hinds featuring the latest hits from her “Caribbean Queen” album. Tickets to the May 31 dinner and concert can be purchased at the new Aroma Café, located in Grand Lucayan’s Manor House lobby, for $120 per person.

 

Saving the best for last, the “Caribbean Queen” will celebrate her birthday with a rhythm-filled concert on June 1 at 8 p.m. featuring Caribbean ocean views and live performances by DJ Tiko T, DJ Magician, Raquel Oliver and Jah Hem. With a stage set in the resort’s infinity pool, guests can party to the Soca tunes from the beach, infinity pool, Waves Bar or the Lanai Suites. Tickets to the June 1 birthday bash are $60 per person or $75 per person for VIP seating and can be purchased at Aroma Café.

 

Guests looking to immerse themselves in the musical celebration weekend can take advantage of 45 percent off rates starting at just $115 for travel through June 15, 2013. Promotion includes free meals for children, 10 percent off spa services, 15 percent off golf and late checkout and is available for booking through May 30, 2013.

For more information or reservations visit www.grandlucayan.com or call 1(855) LUCAYAN. Event tickets can also be purchased by calling 1 (866) 870-7148.

 

About Grand Lucayan, Bahamas

Located on Grand Bahama Island, Grand Lucayan, Bahamas has 542 guestrooms and suites and is situated along an expansive 7.5-acre beach with views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Just 55 miles off the coast of Florida, Grand Lucayan, Bahamas offers some of the finest amenities in the Caribbean. Guests enjoy spacious accommodations, eight restaurants, three swimming pools, non-motorized water sports activities, four tennis courts – all offering Grand Slam surfaces, a 25,000 square-foot Senses Spa & Fitness Center, 18-hole championship golf course – The Reef Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., and 90,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space and a Las Vegas-style casino. Like us on Facebook, facebook.com/grandlucayan or follow us on Twitter, @grandlucayan.

 

Copyright 2013 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

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Bahamian Ministers honored at African Diaspora World Tourism Awards & Travel Expo

Friday, April 26, 2013

Obediah H. Wilchcombe, Minister of Tourism for The Bahamas has confirmed his attendance to the African Diaspora World Tourism Awards & Travel Expo to be held April 27, 2013 at the Marriott Airport Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. He will receive a Who’s Who Award in Tourism.

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The Bahamas Atlanta Consulate announced the decision of Minister Wilchcombe to attend the inaugural African Diaspora Awards & Travel Expo that will recognize 100 Hall of Fame honorees and numerous Who’s Who from around the world. Honorees from The Bahamas are: Perry Christie, Hon. Prime Minister; David Johnson, Director General; Obie Wilchcombe, Minister of Tourism and David Johnson, Director General. For details, visit .

Hon. Prime Minister Perry Christie 

Wilchcombe, a native of Freeport, has represented Grand Bahama and Bimini constituency since 2002 and has pledged to create more economic and educational opportunities for both islands and help drive airlift and trade. Wilchcombe replaced Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace as Minister of Tourism.


The Minister is a special VIP dignitary invited to attend the Hall of Fame Reception, participate in the Red Carpet Walk on Saturday prior to the awards ceremony at 7:00 p.m. The awards will be hosted by multi Emmy Award- winning Monica Kaufman, TV personality and assisted by Dr Julius Garvey, Jr. son of the late great Marcus Mosiah Garvey, national hero of Jamaica, West Indies.

Brief Profile:

During his first tenure as Minister of Tourism (2002 - 2007) Wilchcombe set record breaking arrivals and tourism expenditure. He introduced new Airlift services including Jet Blue, Spirit, WestJet, and Virgin Airlines. Two of the top three films in 2006 were shot in the Bahamas due to the policy of developing a film industry. He introduced Sports, Religious, and African American Tourism. Mr Wilchcombe was also responsible for obtaining favored nation status from China to advance tourism for the Chinese Country.

Kitty Pope, founder and producer and her team from the African Diaspora World Tourism Awards & Travel Expo warmly welcome the African Diaspora: dignitaries, notables, professionals and culture and travel enthusiasts to Atlanta, the venue for the staging of the “Oscars” of black culture & heritage tourism.

 

Copyright 2013 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

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Bermuda Restaurant Week will run from January 21 – February 16, 2013

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

The Bermuda second annual Restaurant Week will be held from January 21 – February 16, 2013 and restaurateurs and patrons are gearing up for this event.

Restaurant goers can choose from local Bermudian dishes or international cuisine ranging from Italian and French to Asian and American.

Prices for three-course prix fixe dinners fall into three tiers at $29, $39 or $49 per person [excluding beverages, tax and gratuity] depending on the participating restaurant. Wine pairings will also be offered at $29, $39 and $49 per bottle plus gratuities.

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Bahamas to Host Travelling Caribbean Film Showcase

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Having established itself as the premier medium for presenting the talent of local and regional filmmakers, producers, and directors, the organizers of the Travelling Caribbean Film Showcase are scheduled to launch the Fourth Edition of the event on Monday, 22nd October, with the Opening Film and Reception at Galleria 6, Thompson Boulevard.

The Showcase, which selects and spotlights over thirty shorts, animations, documentaries, and full feature films produced around the Caribbean, has a primary objective of making the local population aware of the talent and creativity existing in the region in the film industry. The Showcase is presented at different times of the year in most countries of the Caribbean. The event in The Bahamas will feature eight shorts, two documentaries, and seven full-feature films representing such countries as The Bahamas, Venezuela, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, and Trinidad & Tobago.

Owen Bethel, local organizer of the event as President of Bahamas FilmInvest International, indicated that he was pleased "with the inclusion in this edition of the film, "Rain", produced in The Bahamas by local filmmaker, Maria Govan. While the film and filmmaker may already be well-known in The Bahamas, the selection of the film as a part of the Showcase means that Ms. Govan's talent and story are now given additional exposure throughout the Caribbean. In time it is hoped that this will lead to the development of co-productions among filmmakers throughout the region, and the creation of stories on the screen that depict our common experiences and which have universal value and appeal."

The Showcase, endorsed by both UNESCO and UNICEF, is supported locally by the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, Galleria Cinemas, the Bahamas Film & Television Commission of the Ministry of Tourism, and Bahamas FilmInvest International. Due to the mandate of the Showcase all screenings are free to the public. Mr. Bethel also commended the support and initiative provided by the Bahamas Film & Plays Control Board and its Chairman, Mr. Athama Bowe.

                       

 

 

 

                                                

             

 

                       

 

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‘Nurturing Brotherhood’,exhibition on Friday, May 18th 2012 , in The Bahamas

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Last fall the Public Treasury Department celebrated the launch of its new art initiative, the Public Treasury Art Program (PTAP), which transformed the foyers of its building into gallery spaces to showcase original art by both professional and emerging artists.

After well received five-month inaugural exhibition ‘Bahama Mama’, an amalgamation of  visual and literary works from twenty-five talented Bahamian female artists and writers, PTAP will be returning this May with an exciting new exhibition, ‘Nurturing Brotherhood’. PTAP aims to build upon its reputation for empowering aspiring artists by allowing art students to take center stage of the creative arts industry.

‘Nurturing Brotherhood’ will not only exhibit work from some of the most talented men in The Bahamas, but also mark the beginning of a promising mentorship program. In an effort to unify the young male Bahamian community through the arts, PTAP has paired both professional artists and designers with high school students to produce a body of work that they will exhibit alongside each other.

PTAP invites the general public to attend the opening of the exhibition on Friday, May 18th 2012 to support these young men and their journey that serves as creative building blocks for the future of our nation’s young men/

For updates on the exhibition and participating artists visit PTAP’s blog, and facebook page!

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Islands of the World Fashion Showcase set for the Bahamas from May 11-12, 2012

Monday, April 2, 2012

The much anticipated return of Islands of the World Fashion Showcase (IWFS) is just over one month away and the organizers are extremely excited about the event. The newly rebranded showcase is set to take place May 11-12, 2012 at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort.

After a one-year hiatus, IWFS is ready to re-launch to the public, international press and fashion trade with an opening act that will arguably rival the Victoria Secret Fashion Show and highlight local musical talent.

Ten designers representing five countries will take part in the Showcase's May edition. They include Chelsea Johnson, Courtney McIntosh, David Rolle, Harl Taylor Bag, Latoya Hanna-Moxey and Theo Sealy all hailing from The Bahamas, Carol Fraser representing Guyana, Sharleen Logan from St. Lucia, Kimon Baptiste of St. Vincent and The Grenadines and Darcel de Vlugt from Trinidad & Tobago.

The showcase will also highlight the designs of the participants of the newly created Jackson Burnside III Fashion & Design presentation.

Indira Moss, IWFS production manager said she is excited about the showcase and hopes to bring attention to the event streamlining itself with the 'global fashion clock'.

"It's our hope to take IWFS to the next level in fashion and the first step is to align the showcase with the industry itself," she said. "By hosting two shows each year it gives designers the opportunity to get their designs and products on the market in a timely fashion. By putting the show on this track, we are ensuring that each designer will get the maximum exposure they need to properly produce for a potentially wider market."

Riding off a successful 2010 season, which was aired in a 30-minute segment in Florida, New York and the Caribbean, the newly rebranded event is poised to widen its international market with a one-hour television show to be aired in August on international networks throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Australia. This expansion comes courtesy of a newly formed collaboration of IWFS with Creative Entertainment Management (CEM) out of Los Angeles, California.

"I am confident that this will help thrust IWFS to where it needs to be - in competitive range with larger shows," said Moss.

Though the showcase itself will take place on May 11, fashion gurus and fashionistas alike can participate in events leading up to the show.

On May 9, bowling shoes will be the order of the evening as IWFS executives will face-off against designers, models, fashionistas and local bowling leagues in the Bowling in Fashion, extravaganza to be held at Mario's Bowling and Entertainment Palace.

The organizers will formally introduce this season's participants to the general public at the official welcome reception at Hillside House on May 10. Aptly titled 'A Toast to Fashion,' the newly renovated studio of renowned artist, Antonius Roberts, will play a major role in the ongoing promotion of the burgeoning Bahamian fashion industry.

Closing out the showcase will be a VIP dinner and reception on May 12.

Tickets for all IWFS events are now on sale online and can be purchased through the IWFS website at www.islandsfashionweek.com.

About the Show

Endorsed from its inception in 2008 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Islands of the World Fashion Showcase (formerly Islands of the World Fashion Week) has been successful in fulfilling its mandate of promoting island designers from around the world and exposing them to international media and buyers. It is also mandated to expose its audience to four underlying themes affecting small-island states today - cultural diversity, the environment and climate change, poverty alleviation and the education of youth on HIV/AIDS.

The two-day event will highlight international designers each season. The event in May highlights designer resort, sports and swim wear and accessories while November will feature designer couture, pret-a-porter and casual wear and accessories.

Designers will vie for several awards including the NextGen Designer, Sustainable Eco-Fashion, Culture & Fashion and the Seals of Excellence.

For more information about the event contact Vanessa Clarke or emailpress@Islandsfashionweek.com.

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Bahamian Recording Artists/Producers "Sammi Starr"

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Born in The Bahamas as Sammie Poitier, b.k.a Sammi Starr is one of the hottest Recording Artists/Producers and Community Activists to have ever come out of the Caribbean. Since age 6, Sammi was playing instruments and singing in church along with his father Rev. Oswald Poitier, a legend in his own time, founding the group Gospel Music Train and mother, Sebrena Poitier, a talented singer. His entire family is gifted.

As a young teenager, he became one of the most sought after record producers, producing hits for many local artists. With his clean baby face looks, rock hard physique, smoothe voice, island accent and tight dance moves, Sammi Starr quickly became popular with the ladies. He also became a local favorite as an actor in many local T.V. shows and theatre.  He has become a star as a recording artist releasing top hits like "We Winning", and more recently, the mega hit “Good To Know You”, “I’ll Never Leave” and most recently, the mega smash “Pick Me”,  which landed him on major charts in countries like Jamaica, Trinidad, Turks & Caicos and also enabled Sammi Starr to be featured at countless local shows and major events including “Reggae All-Stars 2008”, “A Night Of Love 2009 and 2010”, “Millennium Countdown” “Reggae All-Stars 2009”, “Miss Bahamas World” and most recently Sammi Starr was one of the closing acts along with Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, and Diddy at "Miami's Best of the Best 2010".

Sammi has also had many #1 songs on the popular local stations like More 94.9fm, 100jamz radio show, “Bahama Hot Ones Countdown”, and Power 104.5fm. To date, Sammi Starr has won many major talent shows including Charlotte North Carolina’s “You Got’ Vocals” and “2007 Junkanoo Song Competition” here in the Bahamas as well as starting the hot production company “Starrboy Inc”. Most recently Sammi has just started his own T.V. show “Sammi Goes To Prom” and more recently landed the cover of “Stylezine Magazine”.  

He is said to be a unique blend of Marvin Gaye, Usher, Kanye West and John Legend with an Island twist and reminds many of the legend Sir. Sidney Poitier .   Sammi Starr is a huge hit with the youth and has had to open more than 4 Facebook pages due to so many friends requests. He uses his influence to positively impact young people. He has done this by appearing at many high-schools, performing and speaking to the students about the importance of education and positive life styles. He is the President of the South Beach Association. He has also gotten involved in National Politics as an advocate for youth and community development.  He is also a strong advocate of entertainment and music as he helps the youth to develop their musical skills and achieve their goals in music, culture and entertainment.

Q and  A with the talented "Sammi Starr"

CEM: When did you know you wanted to be in the music industry? 
SS:I knew I wanted to be in the music industry when as a primary school student, I first saw Micheal Jackson in the "We Are The World" Video at my uncles house

CEM: What did your family do to encourage you?
SS:My dad bought me a drum set and a keyboard and told me to learn to play all of the demos on the keyboard and he'd give me 100 for every demo I learned. My parents would encourage me to sing in church and at different school events


CEM: Do you have siblings?
SS: I have 3 sisters and 1 brother


CEM: Since you are from a talent family , were there any talent rivalry?
SS: There wasn't really any rivalry between us, our parents made sure of that....we always did different things at different times and simply ended up just supporting one another.


CEM: Who are your musical inspirations?
SS: My musical inspirations are Mostly Old School artists, Ottis Redding, Sam Cooke, Bob Marley, Elton John and of course some new school artists, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Faith Evans, Jay Z, Kanye West, Lady Gaga, Tank and others.


CEM:  I see you have done a lot of performances both locally and internationally, but where is your dream place to perform?
SS: Oh thats an EASY one...definitely the Grammy Awards! It is my Career's Dream to perform center stage at the Grammys.


CEM: If you could go open up for any artist on tour right now who would it be?

SS: Beyonce, Jay Z, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Lady Gaga, Kanye West, Cold Play, Linkin Park, Celine Dion


CEM: Do you play any instruments?
SS: Yes. I play Piano, Drums and a little Guitar


CEM: Do you write your own lyrics and where do you draw inspiration?
SS: Yes I write all of my own lyrics as well as produce just about all of my tracks. I draw all of my inspiration from real life, my dreams, people and love


CEM: Do you have an hidden talent?
SS: LOL, actually yes, I'm really good at Arts and Crafts. I love making things out of just about any type of materials. I also draw pretty well.



CEM: Which famous musicians do you admire? Why?
SS: Arron Spears (Drummer) .  I love the drums and to hear what he does on the drums just gives me chills. I watched his career blossom and saw him grow so much but always had such insane talent.


CEM: What are some of the challenges you face as a young artiste from the Caribbean? 
SS: Definitely exposure. Now that the world wide internet exists, we all can get youtube accounts, myspace pages, facebook fan pages, tunecore, itunes, but those are free to a certain point and to gain additional exposure one would have to spend money. Most independent artists are challenged financially and that hinders their exposure.


CEM:You are a community activists, what is your platform?
SS: My Platform is definitely Youth Development and of course Entertainment and Culture. I believe that Young People shape the direction of a country and directly responsible making artists successful. Like me, Youth of a country have such talent and dreams and deserve every opportunity possible to achieve them. Also, Culture and Entertainment define a country. The Culture of a country defines that country so it has to be refined to a point as to properly represent that country.



CEM: Do you see yourself as a role model?SS: At this point, yes. It has turned out that there are alot of younger people who are aspiring to be entertainers and alot of parents that tell me how their young sons want to be just like me and they appreiciate how positive my lifestyle and music is. (I don't drink, or smoke)




CEM: What else can we expect from you?
SS:  You can expect alot more production and inter-caribbean travel a few mix tapes, videos and at least one album this year (2012).
CEM: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
SS: I see myself being a Married Father with a great family and a world wide success as an entertainer/producer and community activist
CEM: What would you like to say to your fans?SS: I would like to say THANK YOU for Loving my music and loving me as a person, a good human being. I wish that you all would love me and music forever. Give me a reason to push and make great music and a great impact on todays world

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