Merry Christmas from Bahamian Illustrated. We hope that you enjoy your holiday. Spend some time in our “What’s Going On” section (http://bahamianillustrated.com/whats-going-on/). Look out for last minute additions, upcoming articles and more! Thank you for your support through out this year. 20011 was a bit challenging for a lot of Bahamians. Electricity was pretty much disconnected on an unusually high scale. Change is here. Let’s be thankful. It is evident and we look forward to brighter days in 2012. Be encouraged. Be safe.

What can warm you up better than some nice hot coffee or tea? We are happy to share two not so known coffee places. Particularly hot spots who are serving Starbucks Coffee. Starbucks coffee has been around since 1971 and was established by Howard Schultz. It started with one little store in Seattle and today Starbucks now has more than 15,000 stores in 50 countries!

Starbucks is located in the International Bazaar

Art of Giving

Frozen passion fruit raspberry drink, caramel creamice, mango smoothie and a raspberry creamice!

Starbucks is also located in Port Lucaya Marketplace (Near the Square)

 Mermaid’s Marina Grill

For more information on Mermaid’s Marina Grill visit their website.

Venue: Golden Gates World Outreach Ministries, Nassau, Bahamas

Date: December 26th, 2011

Time: 8pm

Admission:

Adults$20 in Advance | $25 at the door

Children: $15 at the door

Our very own, Miss Grand Bahamas Keriann Stuart has been very busy since her Crowning earlier this year. She is also  getting in shape, physically and mentally at the YMCA fitness gym with her personal trainer/ committee member, Charmaine McNab. She is also in training with the Glenn Charles Modeling School, in posture and body alignment, walk movement, interpretation of garment, Composition.

Miss Grand Bahama had a chance to be a part of the Independence celebrations, thanks to the independence committee. She returned to her Alma Mata, St. Georges High School where she helps students in a reading program. Miss Grand Bahama attended: The official opening and naming of Wellington Ferguson Community Center, The opening of West Grand Bahama Community Public Library, Damask Fashion & Jewelry Showing {Charity}, Grand Bahama Freeport City Of  Council Christmas Tree Lighting  Opening  Welcome Address and One Bahamas Celebration. Miss Grand Bahama also took part in the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce Business & Excellent Award ceremony as a presenter. Miss grand Bahama also did the welcoming address for the City of Freeport Council Christmas Tree lighting. Follow Ms. Grand Bahama as she prepare for her next Pageant, Miss Coffee, right here on bahamianillustrated.com

About Miss Grand Bahama:

Keriann Stuart is the proud daughter of Ms. Karen Stuart and Mr. Ellis Stuart. This dark brown, full eyes beauty stand 5ft. 6 inches tall. Keriann plans to be a graduate from college and Universities pursuing her career in the field of health as a pediatric nurse. Her goal is to extend her platform by empowering young ladies throughout the world.

junkanoo costume during 1950's in the Bahamas

This Caribbean festival, Junkanoo was started by slaves who came to the islands during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.  The word Junkanoo derived from  a West African slave name John Canoe.

Before emancipation slaves were allowed a special holiday at Christmas time. During this time they were allowed to leave the plantation, visit relatives and the most exciting event was holding a grand dance.

The celebration by the slaves was a  tribute to the memory of John Canoe. After emancipation the freed slaves continued their festival at Christmas time. In the early twentieth century John canoe as a festival took a more progressive approach as the costumes changed from cloth to a paper fringe and parading became more organized.

Sponge Costumes were introduced in the 1930′s as a result of the thriving sponge industry. The festival flourished until 1942, the year of the famous riots when the festivities were suspended. The spirit could not be killed, and John canoe was again revived in 1947.

During the 1950’s the John canoe parade became even more organized as prize money was increased, categories introduced and masqueraders paraded in distinct groups representing various districts.

Junkanoo in the Bahamas has evolved into a national festival, but  has become obsolete in all other Caribbean Islands with the exception of  Jamaica and Bermuda where it is still celebrated but not on a large scale. Junkanoo Parade in the Bahamas is held twice a Year; 1st  on Boxing Day (December 26th) and 2nd on New Years Morning 1:00am in New Providence, 5pm in Grand Bahama and times varies in other parts of the Bahamas.

Miss Grand Bahama Keriann Stuart gave the welcome address at the 1st annual Christmas lighting. Here is what she said:

“Christmas tree, sparkling bright,

fill with bubbles, warmth and light,

Precious symbol of our affection

for Christmas time and it’s perfection.

Christmas tree, don’t let us down;

Show something special at your crown,

An angel, star, or splendid piece

to make our holiday joy increase,

An icon, pure, ideal, complete for Christmas memories fond and sweet.

Glitter and glisten, gleam and sweet.

Oh Christmas tree , we love you so much!

It is a great pleasure and privilege to welcome you this annual Christmas Tree lighting.

I hope that you have a wonderful time  as we come together to Light up Christmas spirit on Grand Bahama.

And celebrate the birth of our lord and savior Jesus Christ.”

Indeed, it was a fun full evening for  the young and the old.

Distinguished guest of the evening were Chervita  Campbell  Councillor High Rock, Margaret Jones  Councillor EMR, Bishop Ricardo Grant and Mrs Grant and Stephanie Rahming Sr. Deputy Administrator.

The legend band made a resounding performance. The Back Yard Dancers stole the floor with their traditional Bahamian dance

photos by Miss grand Bahama Beauty Pageant Organization