The Tribune

Rotary Club of GB Sunrise. - The Rotary Club of GB Sunrise is holding its sixth annual cigar night fundraiser on May 14, at the Pelican Bay Hotel.

A spokesperson for the event said: “This yearly gathering has quickly become one of Grand Bahamas’ can’t-miss events, and we expect this year to be our best yet!”

The Havana-themed party will feature a professional cigar roller, and music to keep you moving all night long.

Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com.

Rotary Clubs of The Bahamas. - Local rotarians, including area governor Karen Pinder (Bahamas East Area, Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise), Rotary Club of the Bahamas incoming secretary Karine MacVean (Rotary Club of Old Fort Bay), secretary elect Arthur Chase (Rotary Club of West Nassau) and president elect Valerie Dean (Rotary Club of Abaco) joined forces to host a group of 19 Rotarians from The Cayman Islands, Haiti, Jamaica, St Maarteen and the British Virgin Islands to an evening of Bahamian Hospitality at Montagu Gardens during the 2016 Rotary District 7020 Conference. Blaise Cloudy, first secretary to the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti (Member of Rotary Club of West Nassau), was in attendance to welcome guests as they arrived. Cocktails began with conch salad shooters, conch fritters and goombay smash punch. During the sunset cocktails, the guests were entertained by violinist Jade MacVean, daughter of Rotarian Karine MacVean.

A delicious Bahamian meal of scrumptious fish and baked chicken was served with a raved about peas and rice accompanied by delicious native side dishes. This introduced the visitors to true down home style Bahamian Cuisine while the music of Ronnie Butler played in the background.

After dinner, the guests were treated to a cultural talk and demonstration of Bahamian straw work by Keisha Pratt and Kenny Moxey of Estre’ jha Designs, complete with samples of raw straw products, a fashion show and a hands-on display. The straw work included unique pieces with innovative designs applied to luggage, shoes and clothing as well as inspired handbags & hats. Many photos and “selfies” were taken with the Live Bahamian Straw Doll.

Shortly after the dessert of guava cheesecake and guava duff with a mouthwatering rum sauce, guests were escorted back to the Atlantis resort with fond memories of a great evening filled with fantastic hospitality provided by their Rotarian hosts and the friendly staff of Montagu Gardens and all things Bahamian.