NASSAU, The Bahamas -- The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology held a ceremony in the Foyer of the Ministry on Friday, Dec 14 to open its National After-School Art & Craft Enrichment Programme Annual exhibition.

Senior Education Officer in the Ministry of Education Rochelle Cox-Hill said “the art work displayed represents what it means to be great at what you do. It is safe to say that the objectives of the programme have been met. We have fostered an appreciation for art and craft as part of the defining characteristics of our culture.”

The exhibition was declared officially open by Director of Education in the Ministry of Education Mr. Lionel Sands who read the speech on behalf of the Minister of Education, Science and Technology the Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald.

He said the programme is the brainchild of Mr. Max Taylor, who should be commended for believing in the abilities of the students and thus proposing the idea to the then Minister of Education the Hon. Alfred Sears.

"I commend all of the persons who bought into his vision and made it a reality. I thank persons like Mrs. Genevieve Richards, centre manager; Timothy Nottage art instructor; Mrs. Carolyn Beckford, support staff from the centre and Mrs. Eula Gaitor and the staff of student services who work tirelessly each year to bring us joy through this exhibition," continued Mr. Sands.

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama - Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville on Monday, December 17 saluted the winners of the Miss Highs Abrave Beauty and Brains Pageant 2012.

Founder of the Pageant Ms Bethsheba Russell said the competition began five years ago and that the contestants represent a broad spectrum of young, intelligent and talented young women.

She said the event is a stepping stone for the young women to show off their beauty and talents, enhance their self-esteem and prepare them for their career paths in the future.

Contestants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or better. The competition was in three classes, Little Miss, Medi Miss and Ulti Miss. The students had to display their talents in a number of areas.

Ms Younique Farquharson, a six-year-old Grade 2 student from St. Pauls Methodist College captured the Little Miss crown. Ms. Nichana Miller of St. Mary Patricia secured the Medi Miss High Abrave title and 14-year-old Rebecca Mader, and ninth grade student from Tabernacle Baptist Christian Academy walked off with the Ulti Miss crown.

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- History in the making?

Miss Universe Bahamas Celeste Marshall had a stellar showing during the 2012 Miss Universe preliminary and costume competitions.  Was it enough for her to end the 49 year drought of Bahamian beauties competing in this pageant?  

Pageant observers worldwide believe it was.  

Celeste is considered one of the favorites to reach the Top 16 on December 19th when the pageant airs live on NBC from Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. 

You can boost her chances by continuing to vote for her at www.missuniverse.com.

Photo 1: Celeste in her national costume - a swashbuckling pirate.

NEW YORK, NY -- Happy Holidays! Below are the new dates for the Bahamian American Cultural Society, Bahamian Art Exhibition at the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building Art Gallery - 2nd Floor, Harlem, NYC.  Admission is FREE.  Call (212) 213-0562 for more information.