The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net FREEPORT - The Grand Bahama Shipyard announced plans for its second annual fishing tournament on March 10 at the Grand Bahama Yacht Club. Ed Pavey, director of technical planning, said funds raised this year will benefit two schools - the Freetown and High Rock Primary Schools - in East Grand Bahama. He said the shipyard is hoping to raise some $40,000, tripling funds raised at last year's tournament. "We want to thank our corporate partners on the island that come through in a phenomenal way to make this tournament better," he said. Nagee Smith, a 3rd year apprentice welder, said they raised $13,000 last year which went towards facilitating youth sports programmes at the Eight Mile Rock High School, and in West End. He said the third and fourth year apprentices are assisting with preparation of the event at the Yacht Club on Midshipman Road. The tournament will get underway at 6am with registration at Dock B. Boaters will leave the marina at 7am, and should return no later than 5pm for weigh-in. A Family Fun Day is also planned and will start at 11am. A Fish-Fry will begin at 4pm, and an Awards ceremony will take place at 7pm. There will be some $4,000 in cash and other prizes. Mr Smith said they selected the Freetown and High Rock Primary schools because they wanted to assist institutions in less developed areas of the community. Mr Pavey said the funds raised will be used to renovate and modernise the playgrounds at the schools, purchase computers, water coolers, and other equipment desperately needed. Persons interested in participating can pick up registration forms at the Main Gate of the Shipyard, Long's Marine, Butler's Food World, Coral Reef Beach Bar & Grill, GB Yacht Club, Bahamaislandsinfo.com website as well as their Face Book event page. The organisers plan to supply each boat with five pounds of bait. First Place overall will get $1,000, second place $600 and third place $400. With the balance of prize money going for largest aggregate catch (combined weight of all qualifying fish) and individual catches. Thomas Lockhart, Dock Master at GBYC, said they are pleased to be able to assist the shipyard by hosting the tournament at their facility. "The shipyard has demonstrated true commitment to Grand Bahama Island, and to the future of this country with their apprentice programme, ensuring jobs for the youth and teaching these young people not only a trade, but also how important it is to give back to the community," he said. Eudell Roberts, Principal of High Rock Primary and Sandrea Bullard, Principal and Free Town Primary, were appreciative to the shipyard and their apprentices. They said the donation will be greatly appreciated by their students.