The Westwind II Club - Nassau, The Islands of the Bahamas

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About The Bahamas
The Islands Of The Bahamas form a 100,000-sq-mile archipelago that extends over 500 miles of the clearest water in the world. Our 700 islands, including uninhabited cays and large rocks, total an estimated land area of 5,382 sq miles, and register a highest land elevation of 206 ft. Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas, located on New Providence Island offers a variety of experiences.

History
Columbus was the first European to discover The Bahamas (and hence America) in 1492. San Salvador was his first landing place in the New World; Cockburn Town, the main settlement, is not far from the spot where Columbus is said to have landed (although other sites also claim this distinction). Columbus met the Lucayan Indians, the original inhabitants of The Bahamas.

The islands were largely ignored by the Spanish and the first European settlement was established by a group of English religious dissidents, known as the Eleutheran Adventurers, in 1647. In 1717, the islands were formally colonized by Britain.

They were briefly occupied by the Spanish in 1782, although returned to Britain the following year, under the terms of the Treaty of Paris. Thereafter, the Bahamas became a haven for freed slaves and, subsequently, a favorite holiday destination for the wealthy. The post of Governor, representing the British monarch, became a remote but pleasant sinecure. The best-known incumbent was the Duke of Windsor, who had abdicated the British crown in 1936, and, in view of his pro-Nazi sympathies, was dispatched to the territory in 1940, for the duration of World War II.

In 1964, The Bahamas were granted internal self-government, followed by independence in 1973. Post-independence politics in The Bahamas have been dominated by (later Sir) Lynden Pindling, who had first been elected to the premiership as head of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) in 1967. The PLP, with Pindling as its head, was returned to office at each of five subsequent elections, despite increasingly numerous and detailed allegations of corruption and involvement in drug trafficking against Pindling and some of his associates. All were vehemently and repeatedly denied by Pindling. Pressure from the USA (which has leased two military bases on the islands since the 1950s) forced the government to introduce more stringent measures against drug trafficking, including changes to the islands’ banking secrecy laws.

The damage to Pindling’s reputation and the islands’ poor economic performance during the early 1990s led to the PLP’s rejection by the electorate at the August 1992 polls. The new premier was the leader of the long-time opposition Free National Movement (FNM), Hubert Ingraham. Once a minister under Pindling, Ingraham had resigned in 1984. Ingraham was re-elected in 1997. However, at the most recent poll in May 2002, the PLP resumed control of the government with an overwhelming majority in the House of Assembly. The current premier is Perry Christie, another veteran Bahamanian politician and former colleague of Pindling. Pindling retired from politics after his 1992 defeat. He died in August 2000.

In late 2004, Hurricane Frances caused extensive widespread damage in The Bahamas. Hurricane Jeanne followed only weeks later. The future for The Bahamas will almost certainly involve plans to better detect such hurricanes, and better lessen their impact.

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Flora & Fauna
With over 700 islands and 2,400 cays, the Islands of The Bahamas offer an overwhelming variety of historical, cultural, and natural attractions. Although the size of The Bahamas is traditionally estimated by its land mass (about 5,400 square miles, including many tiny, uninhabited rocks and isles), these islands extend over a marine territory of about 100,000 square miles--almost twice the size of Spain and substantially larger than Great Britain. This marine territory is as important as the land mass itself, for while the land provides a place to live, the sea is a place to play and explore.

Most people come to The Bahamas for its phenomenally clear waters and its abundant and varied marine life. In fact, almost 5% of the world's coral reefs are located here, an amount surpassing even Australia's Great Barrier Reef. In addition to the unparalleled diversity of its marine life, the islands are rich in terrestrial flora and fauna. Because The Bahamas is an island nation, there are only two indigenous mammals-- the raccoon and the hutia, an endearing sort of tropical guinea-pig. Larger mammals introduced during colonization, such as wild donkeys, wild boars, and horses, do roam in less populous areas--and of course, whales and dolphins frequent the waters. Reptiles and amphibians such as the endangered Bahamian rock iguana, the Cat Island terrapin, and the Hawksbill turtle share the cays and islands of The Bahamas with the largest nesting colony of West Indian flamingoes in the world, as well as nesting colonies of the Bahama parrot. Unique among New World parrots, the Abaco parrot nests in natural limestone cavities on the ground. This nesting habit makes the parrot more vulnerable to predators, especially the wild cats of the Abaco forests.

While the islands of The Bahamas are not lush, their flora is distinctive, colorful, and varied. Among the Bahamian plants are the bull vine, whose bright red blooms attract butterflies, the wild grape, several kinds of fig, and the boldly colored and shaped bromeliad. There are also wild tamarind and pigeon plum trees, both of which produce edible fruit, and the ubiquitous casuarina pine. The various national parks encompass a wide range of environments--from hardwood forests and whiteland coppices to sand dunes and eerie, impenetrable mangrove flats. Perhaps because there's so much to conserve, Bahamians have a strong tradition of appreciating and protecting their environs. As a result, the 12 government-funded national parks of The Bahamas are exceptional. They exist on several islands, encompassing every kind of habitat that the islands possess and ranging in size from the tiny gem of Lucayan National Park to the 20,000-acre National Park on Abaco.

The Bahamas has allocated an additional 58 sites for future development as National Parks, in particular the Andros Barrier Reef, third largest living coral reef in the world, and the Athol Island/Rose Island marine environment.

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Getting Around
* By car
Rental cars, equipped for left-hand driving, are available at the airport. Renting a car is convenient way for you and group of your friends or family to explore more of the island on your own time.

Remember, when you take to the road, British rules apply, so please keep to the left.

* By bus
"Jitney" service operates daily from early morning until about 7:00 p.m. Fares vary, depending on the route, and exact change is required. Fare from Westwind II to downtown Nassau is $1.00.

* By taxi
Taxis run 24 hours a day. For service you may ask us to call one for you, or call directly at 323-5111 or 323-4555. There are always taxis at the Radisson lobby entrance as well. All taxi rates are officially published and there are no meters. Your driver has a list of all rates to all locations. It's best to establish the fare before you take the ride.

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Safety
While the Bahamas has a relatively low crime rate, visitors should exercise caution and good judgment. Although most criminal incidents take place in a part of Nassau not usually frequented by tourists (the "over-the-hill" area south of downtown), the most common approach for criminals is to offer victims a ride, either as a “personal favor” or by claiming to be a taxi, and then robbing and/or assaulting the passenger once they are in the car. Visitors should take care to ride only in licensed taxis, identifiable by their yellow license plates. When you are away from Westwind II we recommend you to lock your villa, lock your car etc. just to be on the safe side. We have a security guard on the property at all times.

Sunbathing

We advise you to avoid sunbathing between 11 am and 1:30 pm. Please remember to slap the sunscreen on every hour or so; even if it happens to be slightly overcast. The refreshing wind may fool you into believing it's not so hot, but the sun is still very strong.

Topless sunbathing and swimming in public is not legal. However those who wish to do so will find that there are certain unfrequented beaches they may go to and privately sunbathe as they prefer.

Language
English is the official language of The Islands Of The Bahamas. If you are comfortable with English, you won’t have any trouble getting around, reading street signs, ordering at restaurants, etc. However, until you become accustomed to the region’s dialect, you may have to ask some people to repeat what they say.

Bahamian English is fascinating mixture of Queen's diction, African influences, and island patois. Unfamiliar sounding words you'll hear on our streets and beaches may be survivors from early English settlement (true Shakesperian English!), echoes of Africa, or local coinages. The "h" is often dropped in daily speech ('ouse for house or t'anks for thanks). You'll find conversation easy here - the distinctive sounds of daily speech are all part of a true-true Bahamian experience.

Holidays
In addition to Christmas Day and New Year's Day, The Bahamas also celebrates other international and local holidays during which stores and public offices are closed. Good Friday and Easter Monday, Labour Day (1st Friday in June), Whit Monday (7th Monday after Easter), Independence Day (July 10), Emancipation Day (1st Monday in August), Discovery Day (October 12th), and Boxing Day (December 26th).

Money Matters
The currency is the Bahamian dollar (B$1), pegged to the U.S. dollar so that they're always equivalent. (In fact, U.S. dollars are accepted widely throughout The Bahamas.) There is no restriction on bringing foreign currency into The Bahamas. Most large hotels and stores accept traveler's checks, but you may have trouble using a personal check. It's a good idea to exchange enough money to cover airport incidentals and transportation to your hotel before you leave home.

You can change currencies at a local American Express (tel. 800/807-6233; www.americanexpress.com) or Thomas Cook (tel. 800/223-7373; www.thomascook.com) or at your bank.

Be sure to carry some small bills or loose change when traveling. Petty cash will come in handy for tipping and public transportation. Consider keeping the change separate from your larger bills, so that it's readily accessible and you'll be less of a target for theft.

The easiest way to get cash away from home is from an ATM (automated teller machine). The Cirrus (tel. 800/424-7787; www.mastercard.com) and PLUS (tel. 800/843-7587; www.visa.com) networks span the globe; look at the back of your bank card to see which network you're on, then call or check online for ATM locations at your destination. Know your personal identification number (PIN) and your daily withdrawal limit. Ask your card carrier if your current PIN works in the Bahamas, particularly in the Out Islands. Every card is different, but some need a four-digit, rather than a six-digit, PIN to withdraw cash abroad.

With 24-hour ATMs now available throughout Nassau, traveler's checks are less necessary. However, keep in mind that you will likely be charged an ATM withdrawal fee if the bank is not your own, so if you're withdrawing money every day, you might be better off with traveler's checks -- provided that you don't mind showing identification every time you want to cash one. You can get traveler's checks at almost any bank.

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Museums & Arts

Bahamas Historical Society Museum
Elizabeth Ave and Shirley St.
Tel. 242-322-4231
Visit the Bahamas Historical Society Museum to gain greater insight into the fascinating past of this island nation. Exhibits cover more than 500 years of history, through artifacts, memorabilia, art, photographs and documents.
Junkanoo Expo
Prince George Wharf, Festival Place
Tel. 242-323-3182
Junkanoo, a uniquely Bahamian spectacle, brings to mind the high energy, vibrant color and rhythmic sound of Mardi Gras.
Nassau Public Library & Museum
Shirley St, Between Bank Ln & Parliament St.
Tel. 242-322-4907
The Nassau Public Library and Museum building dates to the late 1790s when it was constructed as a jail. The octagonal design provided for eight individual cells on each of the first two floors, with each cell having the luxury of a window which allowed for cross-ventilation. Converted in 1873 to the first library on New Providence, the cells are now lined with an extensive collection of colonial documents and historic prints in addition to modern-day bestsellers. The veranda surrounding the third level cupola overlooks Nassau's business and shopping areas.
Open 7:30-12 and 1-4pm, from Monday to Friday.
Pirates of Nassau
King and George St.
Tel. 242-356-3759
Aye, matey! In the late 1600s and early 1700s, the Bahamas gained notoriety as a haven for pirates, rogues and wild women. This engaging museum captures the feel of the era through interactive exhibits, including a pirate ship complete with crew! Kids especially will be entertained, but anyone with an imagination can have fun here. Enjoy a pint of ale in the pub afterwards, and don't forget to check out the loot in the gift shop.

Grocery Stores
There are a couple of grocery stores near Cable Beach. One is within walking distance west of Westwind II on the lefthand side of the road. The other sits pretty far off of the road. It is in the same "strip mall" as the Pizza Hut about 2-3 miles west of Westwind II on Bay Street. Both of these grocery stores sell a good supply of all types of food. All prices are going to be much more expensive than what you are used to in the States. Estimate anywhere from 1 - 3 dollars more since all items are shipped by boat from the States.

Electricity
The electrical current in The Bahamas is 120 volts, 60Hz. For European guests, we recommend bringing conversion adaptors. These adaptors will allow you to plug in your 220V appliances and can transfer the output to 220V, if there's no way to switch your appliance to use 120V.

Drinking Water
The tap water is fine for drinking (however not recommended) but most folks prefer bottled water purely based on flavor. A variety of local and imported water is readily available for purchase at the resort and around the island.

Shopping
Most stores are open from 9 am. - 6 pm., Monday - Saturday. Most stores in the hotels are open Sundays as well. Some stores close for lunch between 12 noon -2 pm. When cruise ships are in port, a lot of stores downtown near the harbor area will be open in the morning hours on Sundays and holidays.

Religious Services
Visitors to The Bahamas are welcome at all houses of worship. The following religions have services on the island; Catholic, Protestant, Anglican, Greek Orthodox, Methodist, Baptist, Seventh-Day Adventist, Jewish, Baha'I Faith, Muslim, Hindu, and Rastafarian.
Times and languages of services can be checked through the front office.

Beaches

Old Fort Beach (New Providence Island)
With pristine white sands and turquoise water, this is the least developed major beach on New Providence Island, near the relatively unpopulated western tip of The Bahamas's most crowded island. Many of its biggest fans are homeowners from nearby Lyford Cay, whose homes are among the most expensive in The Bahamas. The beach is least crowded on weekdays, and windiest throughout the winter. There's great water-skiing in summer, when waters are the calmest.

Cable Beach (New Providence Island)
The glittering shoreline of Cable Beach has easy access to shops, casinos, restaurants, watersports, and bars. It's a sandy 6.5km- (4-mile-) long strip, with a great array of facilities and activities.

Cabbage Beach (Paradise Island)
Think Vegas in the tropics. It seems as if most of the sunbathers dozing on the sands here are recovering from the previous evening's partying, and it's likely to be crowded near the megahotels, but you can find a bit more solitude on the beach's isolated northwestern extension (Paradise Beach) -- which is accessible only by boat or on foot. Lined with palms, sea grapes, and casuarinas, the sands are broad and stretch for at least 3km (2 miles).

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