imagination :: inspiration :: innovation

We have recently had the misfortune to attend several local live events of various types; an awards presentation, dramatic stage production and a cocktail reception among them. In each of these cases, the substandard technical production severely detracted from the enjoyment and success of the event. It diminished the impact of the content and ultimately reduced the value of the event itself.

Unfortunately, it has become all too common for event organisers to choose technical production personnel who purport to be capable in the areas of sound engineering, lighting, video production and technical production. But, in reality, these marginally skilled (or, at least, misplaced) "techy types" are quickly seen to be out of their depth. In some cases. DJs are hired as sound reinforcement providers/audio engineers, "video producers" are granted the title because they own a video camera (not necessarily because they have demonstrable skill in the field!), and lighting providers are also qualified because they simply possess lighting equipment. These well-meaning but ill-prepared individuals can quickly ruin an otherwise excellent event because of their inability to deliver.

Of course, event organisers have constraints. Many of them simply cannot afford to hire the top-of-the-line technical producers, or rent high-end equipment, or pay top engineers to bring their skills to the production. These financial constraints are the very real limitations that can determine just how much can be budgeted for the technical aspects of a production.

But money is not the only factor. Ignorance (and here we mean, not knowing or understanding, which is not in any way a reflection on someone's intelligence) is another major reason why live productions can suffer from sub-standard technical production. The organiser trusts those that seem more skilled in these areas and doesn't know when they are being led astray. The event organisers simply do not know the difference between a DJ and an audio engineer, a par can and an ERS, and couldn't tell an XLR connector from a 1/4" jack. But the truth is, they don't -- and shouldn't -- have to! They just need to know who does understand these kinds of things and can work with them to deliver a high standard of excellence within their budget boundaries.

It is very easy for a semi-knowledgeable person in a particular area to mislead an unknowledgeable person in a particular field into thinking that they really do know what they are doing. If they show up with big black boxes in a truck then they must be the experts, right? Sadly, no.

One of the vital tools in a businessperson's toolchest is the business card. It makes a statement about who you are, what you do and where you work. It provides the recipient with your contact information so that you and they can continue the conversation.

But a business card is more than just information.

It invokes imagery about your status. It leaves people with an impression of who you are. And it implies trust between the giver and receiver, as you are literally handing over access to your new acquaintance.

Now, you can leave a lasting positive impression with your future contacts without hurting your pocket!

Rain -- the Bahamian film directed by Maria Govan -- is now available in Grand Bahama on DVD!

Rain premiered on Grand Bahama on October 29, 2009 at Regency Theatre to an enthusiastic crowd and is now available for the general public to own and enjoy in the privacy of their own homes.

Rain is the award-winning Bahamian film that follows the challenged life of a young local girl determined to get to know the mother who abandoned her as a young child . One of the first indigenous feature films to come out of the Bahamas, Rain, featuring Renel Brown as the title character and in her first film role, steers us away from the simplistic perception of a postcard paradise, instead taking us “over the hill” into the challenged life of a young local girl determined to get to know the mother who abandoned her as a young child.

Writer and director Govan, with this, her third motion picture, moves into the realm of narrative film, addressing the everyday social and personal conflicts that are woven into the lives of many Bahamians.

 The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce has released the names of the nominees for this year's Business Excellence Awards, which will take place on Saturday, November 20 at 7:00 p.m. at the Our Lucaya Resort.

GBCC executives say the idea for the award ceremony came about as the organization looked for ways to stimulate the community's awareness of businesspersons who offered excellent customer service and who are making progress even in the slow economic times.

Among the businesses nominated for the Company of the Year in the category for businesses with 50 employees or less are Zorba's, Atlantic Medical, Wendy's, Prestige Auto, Pelican Bay Hotel, Sunrise Medical, OBS Marine, Butler's Specialty Store, Discovery Cruise Line and Bellevue Business Depot.

In the category for the Company of the Year with 50 or more employees, Bahamian Brewery and Polymers International, Ltd. are the nominees.

Keith Rolle of Gizmos & Gadgets and the Stop N' Shop Mall; Kenth Symonette of Pizza Hut and Kentucky Fried Chicken (Mone Investments) and Magnus Alnebeck of Pelican Bay Hotel are the three finalists for the Businessperson of the Year Award, while Candy Laing of Expressions Boutique; Peter Taylor of Tyler's Express Food Market and Erik Russell of Keen I Media are in the running for the Entrepreneur of the Year award.

With the largest turnout in its history, the 24th Annual Conchman Triathlon took place Saturday, November 6, 2010 in Freeport, Grand Bahama.

The popular and friendly sports competition drew crowds of spectators as well, and participants came from numerous locations, including Grand Bahama, Nassau, the United States and Canada, among others.

A special contingent of more than 25, mostly of Grand Bahama, participated in the memory of Nicala Grant, daughter of MP Neko Grant, who had expressed her desire to take part in the Conchman prior to her death in 2009.