FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- The Art of Giving, one of Freeport’s premiere boutique gift shops, has moved to #9 Seventeen Plaza, downtown.  Conveniently located immediately across from the Post Office, the shop is a licensed vendor of Starbucks coffees, teas, and iced blended drinks and carries a distinctive line of gifts and fashionable décor for the home.

“We’re excited about our new location.  We feel that Seventeen Plaza is the ideal place to be,” stated store manager, Michele Coburn.  “Now that we are strategically located in the heart of downtown, amidst stores, banks, offices, and hospital, we’re able to offer our services to a variety of customers who found it inconvenient to visit us at our previous International Bazaar location.”

The relocated business is quickly creating a buzz as established customers stop in for their favorites and a new stream of clientele are drawn to the bright orange daisies that beckon them in.  “We want to service not only the downtown area, but Grand Bahama as a whole. By combining an internationally recognized brand, Starbucks, with a collection of designer specified gifts, books and home goods The Art of Giving offers a unique experience to the island of Grand Bahama,” Coburn added.

Seven smiling employees are eager to acquaint all customers in the shop’s concept of “the art of giving.”  At the full service Starbucks Coffee Bar, baristas offers up a vast selection of choices - from delicate to lively, rich and bold, and hot or cold.  If you’re not a coffee lover, they also serve a variety of delectable teas, as well as iced blended beverages.  Treat yourself to savory beef or chicken patties, spinach & cheese pastry and calzones or satisfy your sweet tooth with a slice of freshly baked lemon loaf, apple strudel, cinnamon rolls, oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies, or danish. Indoor and outdoor covered seating, complete with Wi-Fi, is available to all patrons.

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- Assistant Commissioner of Police Emerick Seymour addresses the Closing Out Ceremony of the Constable Development Course at the Police Training College in the Grand Bahama and Northern Bahamas District.

He advised them that as The Bahamas is watching and listening they need to understand what they say and do.

(BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)

GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas -- Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Minister Daniel Johnson meets with youth leaders in West End, Grand Bahama June 1. Robert Grant is pictured left showing Minister Johnson a model of the West End landscape.  

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Dr. Daniel Johnson talks with youth leaders, June 1, in the Freeport Office of the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture.  

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- As part of the new Regulatory Framework Agreement, The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) developed performance metrics to ensure that the Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC) provides a level of service in accordance with international best practice to its customers. These standards were developed and agreed with much consultation between GBPA and GBPC.

“We have been working with GBPC to ensure that the utility is providing customers with a measurable standard of service,” said GBPA Vice Chairman, Sarah St. George. “These standards, established in the regulatory framework agreement, set a precedent for The Bahamas and provide an increased level of transparency and accountability for the residents of Grand Bahama.”

As part of the regulatory agreement, GBPC is required to report to GBPA on customer performance and efficiency standards. Beginning on June 1, in cases where the utility fails to satisfactorily meet agreed service metrics, customers will receive written communication and a subsequent credit on their account.

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- Top executives from the Grand Bahama Taxi Union paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Grand Bahama, the Honourable Dr. Michael Darville on Thursday afternoon. They used the occasion to discuss the transportation industry on Grand Bahama among other local issues.

The group is pictured with Dr. Darville. Left to right are: Edrick Russell, treasurer; Joyce Thomas, secretary; Mary Hepburn, trustee; Dr. Darville; David Jones, president; Cindy Bevans, 2nd Vice President; and Clement Pinder, Transportation Chairman.

(BIS Photo/ Vandyke Hepburn)

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- The Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC) announced Wednesday the launch of a formal customer reconnection program. Beginning Monday, June 3rd, 2013, all residential customers who have had electric services disconnected for non-payment, will be given a period of two weeks to come in to the Freeport downtown location and register for the reconnection program.  

GBPC, in conjunction with their regulators the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), is bringing back the program they offered last year in addition to the reconnection options already in place.  There are currently fewer than 2% of customers who have been disconnected.

The program requires customers to pay one month’s bill to be reconnected and the company will waive the standard reconnection fee. Customers will then be placed on a three year payment plan for the balance of the arrears. The reconnection program also requires that customers remain in good standing with their current bills while properly maintaining the terms and agreements of the payment plan.

“Grand Bahama Power Company understands the tough economic climate that our customers have been faced with due to the long lasting impact of the global recession”, said Tony Lopez, GBPC’s CFO. “The reconnection program serves as a supplement to the long-term programs we already have in place to help customers.”