Coldwell Banker Islands Blog

We waited. We watched. We weren’t let down!
This morning’s Royal marriage between William and Catherine was spectacular ^ from the pomp and pageantry and stirring music to the extraordinary dignity of the British masses.
Many of us Bahamians woke up early to watch the fairy tale wedding unfold before our eyes. Today the Ministry of Tourism will host a special tea for visitors at Government House to mark the occasion. And over the weekend, some of the locals will celebrate with private teas and champagne.
Our Governor-General, Sir Arthur Foulkes, and Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham were among the wedding guests at Westminster Abbey this morning.
Britain has a special place in our hearts. As a former British Colony, many of us grew up to the strains of God Save Our Queen.
Our parliamentary democracy and judiciary are modeled after the British system ^ a big draw to investors. In fact, the Bahamas is the second oldest parliamentary democracy in the British Commonwealth, having gained Independence in 1973
As a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the Bahamas recognises Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State. Our Governor-General is Her Majesty’s representative in the Bahamas and constitutes a symbol of national unity.
Today’s Bahamas is a rich tapestry of the descendants of freed slaves, Loyalists (who fled America during the War of Independence out of Loyalty to the British Crown) and religious freedom seekers from Bermuda.

A new workshop which is open to all those who wish to learn more about making music and for those who are hoping to get a career in music will be starting on 2nd May at Ateliers 89. The workshop, which is the idea of Hans Muller, will teach people how to take objects which they use in everyday life and turn them into musical instruments.

The participants will be organized into small groups, choose the everyday objects they wish to use and see how many sounds they can get from the objects, they will learn to listen to nuances and purpose: soft and loud, pleasant and furious, flowered or plain, quick or delayed. The course is designed to open up the world of music to the group.

Once the participants have developed their instrument to make music the compositions will be recorded in a studio and each member of the orchestra will receive a CD. The workshop will end in a show in which the students will perform all of the compositions produced.

The workshop is unique and will be held there for the first time.

Source: http://www.aruba.com/news/happenings

The island of New Providence (Nassau) in the Bahamas is undergoing an unprecedented facelift and will be transformed into a new capital island.
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, in an address to the nation Easter Monday, called the island’s redevelopment “the most ambitious transformation and modernisation programme ever in Bahamian history.”
And he said upon completion, Nassau will be one of the most modern, efficient and cleanest capital cities” compared to the Caribbean.
Multi projects include major road works to ease traffic congestion, the relocation of the port terminal from downtown Nassau and the greening of the city, along with the opening of a new art and craft centre in the heart of the city.
This speaks well for the future of Nassau real estate. While prices have leveled off somewhat in recent times, real estate remains a solid investment here on the island.

11 Waterfront Court - pretty canal home set on 3/4’s of an acre, property offers plenty of privacy.
Wonderful features and solid hurricane category 4 concrete construction make this home stand out.
Built in 2008 this property is just 10 minutes from the ocean.
Click here for more info and pictures

With approx. 4 acres of rambling gardens, this 2,500 sq. ft. house is one of the last multi acre properties available on Nevis. Fig Tree Lane is an extraordinary house, built with a stunning mixture of antique cut stone, top quality woods and quality fittings. Immaculate finishing by a truly gifted decorator makes this home a must see.
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Delightful Light and Airy Villa Catches Dramatic Views and Breeze of North Sound, Virgin Gorda

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This Bahamian style home perched on a lovely elevated lot offers views of the creek. It features 2 bedrooms and 1 bath in the main residence with a great bonus space in ‘the tower’ offering spectacular sea views. End the day with dinner on the front porch as you watch amazing Abaco sunsets. Sheltered outdoor dining is an option on the back covered patio.

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Biologist Grant Johnson recently visited the Bahamas on a vacation and spotted fresh water turtles in the northern part of Cat island, the turtles are thriving in this part of the island.

Johnson said he did not know much about the freshwater turtles in the Bahamas, however suggestions are that the turtles in Cat island are from the same species as the ones which are in Bimini, ans this is where Johnson has spent ten years tagging sharks, stingrayss and smalltooth Sawfish.

Many believe that the Freshwater Turtles in Bimini is native to the Bahamas, he added that there is speculation that the Lucyans spread the turtle population around the Bahamas to use them for food.

There is a video on bahamaslocal.com, if you would like more information about the species.

Source http://www.bahamaslocal.com

Jardines del Mar is located in a cozy corner of Eagle Beach, featuring 34 luxury two & three bedroom town homes. Jardines del Mar is designed with comfort and convenience in mind, with luxury community amenities which include fully landscaped garden and pool, private gym, summer kitchens, event/social areas and concierge lounge.

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The Bookmakers and travel experts are all out in force expressing their opinions and odds on whether the soon to be newlyweds will go to the islands on their honeymoon, the odds have placed TCI second behind Africa for choice of honeymoon, and the British overseas Territory has made it into scores of print and on line top ten locations for the pair to consider.

PDM Leader, Doug Parnell who was successful in campaigning for the wedding day to be a public holiday said “Its just speculation at this stage and I am sire the same thing is happening in a number of potential destinations as we speak but its very exciting and great for TCI” He also added “Just to be considered is a wonderful honor and it speaks volumes for the merits of our beautiful by nature islands as a holiday and honeymoon destination.” and “If the Royal couple were to come here it would simply be worth millions and millions of dollars in terms of tourism.”

If TCI fails to be the choice for William and Kate, the islands may well get a second chance at hosting a royal honeymoon later this year, as Zara Phillips marries Mike Tindall on July 30 and already speculation has begun as to where they will be headed.

Source: http://tcweeklynews.com