MIAMI, Florida -- An autobiography of the late Livingstone B. Johnson, first Bahamas Ambassador to the United States and to the United Nations will be released February 27 at a book launching ceremony to be held at the British Colonial Hilton, downtown Nassau.  According to daughters Anita Johnson-Patty and Deanne Johnson-Anderson, “this is long overdue and we are ecstatic that we are finally able to fulfill our father’s dream.”

A former Member of The Bahamas Senate, Ambassador Johnson C.B.E., D.C.L., died in Nassau, Bahamas March 5, 2009 at the age of 85.  A State recognized funeral service was held March 20 at Christ Church Cathedral, George Street in Nassau. The Ambassador is widowed by Charmaine Culmer Johnson, his wife of forty nine years.

A barrister at law (Grey’s Inn, London) L. B. Johnson was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States and to the United Nations soon after The Bahamas achieved its independence from the United Kingdom on July 10, 1973.  He presented his credentials to United States President, Richard Nixon, four months later on November 9, 1973.

Ambassador Johnson’s Memoirs titled: The Past Remembered, is a compilation of the early beginnings, development and growth of a young man born of humble means in a little village called The Hermitage, situated at Exuma Island in The Bahamas.   The Past Remembered is also an autobiography chronicling, among other experiences, his early years as the first Bahamian Envoy accredited to the United States, the United Nations as well as to several other countries where he was recognized as non-Resident Ambassador for The Bahamas.  Most importantly, however, The Past Remembered is also a ‘road map’ for young people throughout the Islands of The Bahamas to reference as a guide while reminiscing on the Ambassador’s enthusiasm for excellence.  The Past Remembered is, in his own words, ‘A Bahamian’s Long Journey Home In Pursuit of Knowledge…’

NASSAU, Bahamas -- Students from public and private schools were treated to an afternoon of entertainment recently by an Argentine pop singer, Justo Lamas.  The concert was held at the Rainforest Theatre in the Wyndham Crystal Palace Resort and Casino, Tuesday, February 2nd.   

Donnella Davis, Education Officer for Foreign Languages at the Ministry of Tourism said Mr Lamas was chosen to perform for the students because of his positive message to youth throughout Latin America.   Ms Davis said she first met Mr Lamas while attending an international education conference five years ago and since then, he has performed three times in The Bahamas.  

Singing a variety of his popular hits including “Bimi Bimi Bimi Bom Bom” and “Eres Tu”, Mr Lamas not only exposed the students to his Spanish language and culture, he also sent out a positive message to students saying that they were all leaders who should strive to always reach for the stars.   

Photo: Two students participate in a singing contest during the Justo Lamas concert at the Rainforest Theatre in the Wyndham Crystal Palace Resort and Casino.  (BIS photo/Derek Smith) 

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- The Art lovers of Grand Bahama turned out in numbers at the official opening for the month long 2010 Grand Bahama Artists Association’s Valentine Art Exhibition.  

Senator David Thompson gave words of congratulations to the artists and art patrons who gathered at the Glory Banks Art Gallery at the Rand Nature Centre. 

For the month of February, in the professional setting of Grand Bahama’s Glory Banks Art Gallery, residents and visitors will have an opportunity to view and purchase an eclectic collection of art works.  

Senator David Thompson reinforced the Government of the Bahamas’ commitment to actively promote Art and Culture in our country.  This works well with the Bahamas National Trust who actively promotes many cultural, educational and artistic exhibits for the Grand Bahama community.   

Glory Banks, herself an artist, was anxious to give Grand Bahama, her adopted home, a centre for art and entrusted the Bahamas National Trust to carry out her dream.  The BNT officially opened the Glory Banks Art Gallery in February 2008.  There are over 200 pieces in the Glory Banks Collection in the Art Gallery, some of which are on permanent exhibition.