The Eleutheran Newspaper April/May 2020 Issue

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Volume 13, Issue 4/12, 2020

Eleuthera, Harbour Island & Spanish Wells, The Bahamas

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COVID-19: PM announces 5-phase plan to re-open the economy, and...

Harbour Island, Spanish Wells, & Eleuthera - North, Central & South BACK COVER: Damianos Sotheby’s Int’l PAGE 3: Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty PAGE 5: HG Christie

Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis today announced a measured approach to re-opening the economy in five phases and an assistance programme for renters whose income has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Prime Minister said that when it comes to reopening the economy, it will be gradual and deliberate. At each step, proper health and physical distancing protocols will be mandatory and will be enforced.

During a Communication to the House of Assembly P18 Prime Minister Hubert Minnis – House of Assembly Address - COVID-19 Update.

Eleuthera in the COVID-19 Pandemic - April 2020

Earth Day 2020

Emergency Measures Continue and Phased Openings expected.

On Monday, April 27th, during a national address in the House of Assembly, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis announced an extension of the compendium of COVID-19 Emergency Orders until May 30th, 2020 - indicating that weekly curfews and weekend lock downs would continue throughout the country for another five weeks.

This announcement was not a ADVICE:

complete surprise, following the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) national press conference on Thursday, April 23rd, where health officials indicated that they would not be recommending any further relaxation of the current emergency measures in the face of the growing number of COVID-19 cases, seen in New Providence, Grand Bahama and Bimini, with the confirmed

Expanded testing exercises were also announced by MOH on April 23rd, to include contacts of confirmed P4

14 (Ready to work on your dream?...) ; 13 (Home sweet Home...) |

(A look back) Daddy Joe’s - a hit, as new venue for this year’s Second Homeowners & Visitor’s Reception - saw an appreciative crowd of Winter Residents enjoying the event...

Continued On Page 26

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cases count in the Bahamas standing at 80, and the number of deaths at 11, on Monday, April 27th, 2020.

Opinion :

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Local Discussion Begins 34 & 42

The

NATIONAL RECORD

10 CURBING HUNGER 35/9 Crime Reports

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Pg 28 2020 Ride For Hope

A Way Forward Agreed Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) inclusive of Prime Minister Hubert Minnis agreed on a way forward in the Community’s battle against the COVID-19 Pandemic at a Special Emergency Meeting held in April, via video conference.

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Eleuthera

Chamber of Commerce

Begins Discussions on the Island’s Reopening The Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce (ECC) held their first Virtual Symposium event on Friday, April 24th, where host, ECC Executive Director Candice Turnquest welcomed special guests, the ECC board, ECC members and the public to take part in an online group discussion about accessing available government financial assistance, and the reopening of Eleuthera’s economy, and what that may look like.

Following a welcome to all by ECC president Thomas Sands, Nicholas Higgs from the Small Business Development Center’s Access Accelerator program, gave a presentation on the

government’s tax deferral program for larger businesses, and the business continuity loan for small and medium sized businesses, outlining the details of how each one worked, and fielded questions from virtual attendees listening in.

Kevan Nixon, business sales specialist with Royal Bank of Canada was also part of the digital conversation, with advice on merchant services available to enable businesses to accept payments online, digital invoicing, as well as on-the-go payment receipt capability.

Jacqueline Gibson, Manager with the Ministry of Tourism (MOT) for

Eleuthera was also invited to share insights on reinventing the Eleuthera tourism market under the COVID-19 compass. Key concepts shared by Ms. Gibson included the encouragement of local production and consumption of certain goods, and planning for a push in domestic tourism, with a focus on compelling reasons to visit Eleuthera - including the marketing of the destination as a ‘safe’ one.

The session about the re-opening of Eleuthera’s economy, led by Chamber Secretary, Ryan Austin, sparked lively discussion, with local business owners weighing in on some of the challenges and difficulties encountered since the effectual close down of the local economy.

Getting their suggestions and ideas to the people who could make a difference was of concern to a number of businesses, highlighting, the valuable role of the Eleuthera Chamber in

this area.

Coming out of the discussion, participants were in agreement that an action plan for the reopening of the Eleuthera economy, and what that could look like was a vital next step, so, the island would not be caught in one-size-fits-all Nassau centric policies. ECC Executive Director Candice Turnquest, commented, “I think it’s a great start to beginning the conversation. There was good response. People are engaged and want to have their voices heard and want Eleuthera to open in a cautious and sensible manner.” She suggested that a follow up symposium take place, with island administrators and other authorities involved, as the local business community crafted solutions for steps forward and a clear action plan in preparation for re-opening.

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Eleuthera & Covid19 Continued from Page. 1

cases - especially those with symptoms, healthcare personnel nearing the end of their quarantine period, nursing and home care personnel, and individuals calling into the COVID-19 hotline reporting concerning symptoms. With this expanded testing, MOH officials said that numbers of confirmed cases were expected to show an increase.

Studies continue online:

Major changes in the daily reality of Eleutherans and fellow Bahamians, began shortly before mid-March, when the Bahamas Government began to discourage mass gatherings, announcing that permits would no longer be issued for public events, and on Sunday, March 15th, 2020, the Bahamas Government announced the first confirmed case of COVID-19 within the country, which was a 61-year-old female resident of New Providence. The Government also announced the closure of all schools within the country until April 14th, 2020, which was then extended until further notice.

Students in Eleuthera have had to adjust to staying abreast of their school work digitally, via online classrooms set up by schools and teachers throughout the island, along with online virtual lessons made available by the Ministry of Education via their website, and by cable television - channels 295 and 296.

School administrators in Eleuthera have been working to keep students engaged. Principal Kevin

Hepburn shared that administrators and teachers at the

North Eleu(NEHS) are

thera High School making sure that their students are not being disadvantaged while out of the classroom by using online platforms like Zoom, Google Classroom, IXL, Kahoot, Edmodo as some of the tools to keep students on track with their studies in live classrooms and with posted assignments.

Challenges, Mr. Hepburn reported, are that some days as high as 90 to 100 percentage of the students are signed in and participating in a number of subjects, while on other days the percentages are very low - highlighting the issue that during this time, not all of the students have internet acess for their mobile phone or computer. Nevertheless, he said, “teachers at NEHS are doing an excellent job to remain in constant contact with their students.

In addition the Guidance Counselor has set up an on-line survey form so that students can say how they are coping in this pandemic. They can also chat with her one on one for additional help.”

At Central Eleuthera High School (CEHS), led by Principal Mrs. Marie Galanis, she expressed, “We are proud of our teachers, students and parents of First Choice during this unprecedented pandemic. For the most part, we are all coping, tweaking and adjusting attitudes, platforms for collaboration, teaching and learning.” She shared

that About 50% of her teachers started working with students on March 16th. As the extensions for physical distancing, curfews and lockdowns continued, more teachers, students and parents got on board with virtual classes. As of April 24th approximately 80% teachers were engaged with their students, she said, and in the core subjects, teachers were engaged with up to 90% of their students.

At CEHS they are taking advantage of online platforms like, Whatsapp, emails, Edmodo, Google Classroom, Zoom, and the Ministry Of Education (MOE) Virtual Classrooms. The guidance counselor has also set up a Google Classroom resource for students, and administrators and subject coordinators are reaching out, said Mrs. Galanis, to teachers, parents and students to ensure that there is engagement with as many as possible. Also, to provide encouragement and coping ideas.

Some of the successes to-date described by Mrs. Galanis was becoming more aware of their strengths and weaknesses, having become more empathetic to others’ situations, their challenges, comprehension and electronic dexterity, learning to use online platforms that were foreign to them before, and a growing appreciation for the need to collaborate with parents and each other. Some of the challenges she described included, inconsistent wifi, or limited bandwidth, some students limited to their only device being a cell phone with limited data, several children at home at different grade levels needing to use the same device, in some cases a lack of students’ discipline without face to face supervision by teachers, and outdated electronic devices. She expressed, “We are looking forward to additional engagement among our teachers, students and parents. While we embrace the new opportunities given by technology during this time, as we know that this is the new norm for the world, we are anxiously awaiting P19

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Shared Vulnerabilities

A Way Forward Agreed

at Videoconferenced Ninth Special Emergency Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community

Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis was among Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government, who agreed on a way forward in the Community’s battle against the COVID-19 Pandemic at a Special Emergency Meeting on Wednesday, April 15th, 2020, via video conference.

The Leaders received presentations from the Caribbean Public

Health Agency (CARPHA), the University of the West Indies (UWI), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and Archbishop Jason Gordon.

Dr Joy St John, Executive Director of CARPHA, indicated that the Region had done fairly well in its response to the pandemic which was a direct result of the early implementation of measures which

helped to contain the virus. She recommended a co-ordinated approach as the Region prepares for the next phase of the virus.

The CDB presented the economic implications for the Community of the pandemic and ideas for stimulating economic activity in going forward.

The UWI researchers included projections for the future of the virus in the Region in their presentation, while Archbishop Gordon spoke to the social impact of the COVID-19 as well as ideas to alleviate those challenges.

Caricom featureHeads of Gov-

ernment agreed on a collective approach to the International Financial Institutions in accessing assistance to meet the financial fiscal challenges arising from the crisis. They urged that the criterion of GDP per capita not be the sole consideration in assessing the needs of the Community and that an understanding of each country’s vulnerability is a far better measurement to determine need especially as we face multiple challenges.

They agreed that additional technical work would be undertaken in specific areas to be presented for their consideration at another meeting within two P41

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Coordinated Efforts to prevent Hunger in North Eleuthera The Covid-19 pandemic and associated lock downs have dealt a massive blow to the economy of communities in Harbour Island and North Eleuthera. In response to the crisis, many community and business leaders and homeowners became concerned about hardship facing community members. Over the past 2 weeks, these stakeholders became aware of one another and formed an unprecedented network of cooperative effort against hunger in the community. The task faced by this team is enormous. One challenge is identifying the people who are in need and the best channel to get help to them, while trying to plan for the long haul as the economy battered by the pandemic and lock down may not see any reprieve until after the hurricane season in November.

Harbour Island A large food distribution exercise took place on April 24th through the combined efforts of the com-

Staging area on the grounds of the Harbour Island All Age School, where care packages were stuffed for residents in need.

munity’s churches and schools. A multitude of volunteers from across the community assisted. The MP Honourable Howard Rick Mackey (who is in the grocery business) predicted that household budgets would begin to run low in the area and began to work with several groups trying to meet local needs.

As food assistance initiatives on Harbour Island and North Eleuthera became aware of one another, a clear need to coordinate efforts emerged and a round table committee formed. The committee includes representatives from local government, business and non profit organizations including Captain Bobs, Chief Councillor Terrance Davis, Shake Productions, Higgs construction, Ocean View Club and The Harbour Island Green School.

The food bank has been resourced by various stakeholders.

Briland Responsible (BIRD), an association of concerned residents launched a fundraising campaign for a food bank. The campaign aimed to raise $100,000 to be managed over a 10 week period to assist roughly 956 households (3,071 people) in Harbour Island and North Eleuthera (with expansion

into Gregory Town and Blackwood).

Briland Residences 4M investment group secured a weekly shipment of food to the area for a 4 week period, and project manager Michael Johnson added his knowledge and expertise to the round table committee. This committee determined it was in the best interest of the island to deliver assistance through a network of community pantries at churches and schools including: Church Of God of Prophecy, World Disciple Centre, Action Chapel, St. Johns Anglican Church, Wesley Methodist church, Lighthouse Church of God, New Alliance Church Of God, Harbour Island Green School, and Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.

Every pantry was contacted and asked to submit names of persons that they assist. After the list of names was compiled, registries of pensioners, food stamp recipients, national lunch programme students and house-holds with infants, were obtained. This information was cross referenced with the church and school pantry lists to identify a category of chronically vulnerable people P17 who would be first to

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Classified: Opportunity Opportunity

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Health Corner Heart Disease & Diabetes Heart diseases and stroke are the No. 1 causes of death and disability among people with type 2 diabetes. In fact, at least 65 percent of people with diabetes die from some form of heart disease or stroke. Adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have heart disease or a stroke than adults without diabetes.

The American Heart Association considers diabetes to be one of the seven major controllable risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Why are people with diabetes at increased risk for CVD? Diabetes is treatable, but even when glucose levels are under control it greatly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. That’s

because people with diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, often have the following conditions that contribute to their risk for developing cardiovascular disease.

• High blood pressure (hypertension) High blood pressure has long been recognized as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Studies report a positive association between hypertension and insulin resistance. When patients have both hypertension and diabetes, which is a common combination, their risk for cardiovascular disease doubles.

• Abnormal cholesterol and high triglyc-

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Prepare for a long haul: The storm is not fully formed

By Sir Ronald Sanders (The writer is Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States and the Organization of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and at Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are entirely his own)

COVID-19 is destroying the prosperity that several Caribbean countries anticipated at the beginning of 2020.

The growth projections by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) for Antigua and Barbuda of 6.5%; Dominica 4.9%, Dominican Republic, 4.7%; Grenada 4%; and St Kitts-

Nevis 3.5%, evaporated overnight as COVID-19 walloped the economies of these countries. By the end of March 2020, it was clear that all these economies would shrink significantly by the end of the first quarter of the year, and that the second and third quarters would be no better.

Guyana’s economy was on track to grow by a phenomenal 85.6% largely because of production and sales of newly discovered oil and gas resources. That growth is also unlikely to happen now as oil prices plummet amid reduced demands in a world that was largely shut down for weeks in March and April in attempts to curb COVID-19’s spread. The political situation in Guyana, where results of a March 2 general elections are still not final and verified as credible, and the contraction of the economy by the effects of COVID-19, make the huge projected growth very unlikely.

The Bahamas was already forecast to have negative growth of 0.6%, and Barbados, climbing out of a period of prolonged economic decline, was projected to grow by 1.3%. The blows delivered to these economies, from the sudden and complete closure of the tourism industry, have further set back

their prospects.

A meeting of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on April 16, rightly looked to the International Financial Institutions (IFIs), particularly the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) to access “assistance to meet the financial challenges arising from the crisis”.

In the harsh reality of significantly reduced revenues and increased emergency costs to prevent and contain the coronavirus, many of these countries will find it extremely difficult to pay pensions and wages of their public service establishments.

They all need both an injection of money to help them meet budgetary costs over the next nine months at least, and a suspension of debt service payments to other governments and private lenders from whom they have borrowed.

But it is clear that the countries that control the levers of the global economy, including the decisionmaking bodies of the IMF, the WBG, and the Paris Club, have no intention of allowing suspension of debt owed by middle-income and high-income Caribbean countries, even though, the criteria is a false measurement of development and financial capability.

G20 Finance Ministers – the representatives of the world’s richest nations – meeting on April 15, issued a communiqué that was long on words, but short on commitment to deliver on the needs of any but low-income countries. It is almost as if countries are being punished for better policies and economic performance.

The COVID-19 pandemic has once again highlighted not only inequality between nations but, more importantly, the damaging consequences of an unjust economic order. While rich nations will suffer unemployment and economic decline, they have all the resources to recover from these circumstances. Developing countries – particularly small developing states – don’t.

Globally, there is now the prospect of a serious debt crisis, and the Caribbean is engulfed in it. If the problem is not addressed, there will be more than $100 billion in capital outflows from developing economies.

That figure, calculated by reputable organisations, is nearly five times the level from 2008 when a global reces-

sion was started by the failures of major US banks.

At the end of the disastrous effects of the pandemic – whatever unpredictable shape that takes – small developing countries, for the most part, will be left poorer, highlyindebted and with little fiscal space, after debt servicing, to return to their growth projections in January 2020. COVID-19 has created a storm much worse than any brutal hurricane that the Caribbean has ever suffered.

The G20 leaders said that they will do “whatever it takes” to stop companies and households in their countries from taking a heavy loss of income. But despite declaring that “global action, solidarity and international cooperation are more than ever necessary”, they have given no such undertaking to the countries outside their own nations, except to low-income countries, which, in the Caribbean is Haiti.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) on March 30, called for a $2.5 trillion coronavirus package for developing countries. UNCTAD argued that this figure matches the sum of 0.7% of their Gross Domestic Product that developed countries had pledged to deliver over the last ten years but didn’t.

Only five of them – all in Europe – fulfilled their undertaking.

UNCTAD detailed the use of the funds in three ways: a $1 trillion liquidity injection - a kind of helicopter money drop for those being left behind; a debt jubilee for distressed economies, including an immediate debt standstill on sovereign debt payments; and a Marshall Plan for health recovery, largely in the form of grants.

While every developing country should agitate for acceptance of the UNCTAD proposal, it would meet strong resistance from the most powerful nations. Already, the IMF’s board of directors was restrained by the countries with largest voting rights from lending to Venezuela and Iran. Further, the defunding of the World Health Organisation (WHO) by the United States because of its perception that China influenced the organisation over the pandemic, indicate political considerations and not humanitarian or even financial ones.

What the response to the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated again is that the prevailing policies of the IMF and WBG are unhelpful to the majority of nations of the world, including the Caribbean, that are classified as middle or high income, disregarding the many other factors of their underdevelopment and vulnerabilities.

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A DV I cE

HOME sweet HOME IF there’s one thing living under curfew has taught us, it’s the importance of home.

I was able to carve out a workspace so I could establish a routine, separating work from my relaxation zone.

This has been an extraordinarily difficult period for all of us and I’m sure it’s made us value and cherish the freedoms we have always taken for granted.

My patio and garden provided a getaway from the tedium of being indoors.

Sitting on my patio on a beautiful Spring day, I couldn’t help but marvel that while the world seemed to be collapsing around us, homeowners were still able to find joy and satisfaction in their homes turned havens.

If it had to happen, at least it was in a period of warm sunny days with a cooling breeze in the shade and not many mosquitoes.

Some of the winter birds from the north were still hanging out, like the gorgeous painted buntings, the males dressed in their bright colours of red, yellow and blue.

I realise now more than ever how important it is to have somewhere that’s more than just a place to shut down in at the end of the day. No matter how humble, home is a sanctuary in times of turmoil.

Under curfew, home took on a whole new meaning.

Rethinking our Homes You can bet buyers are going to be looking at homes in a new light after this terrible experience.

For instance, homes with extra space for the kids will score high and so will outdoor space they can run around in.

It was dry so the bougainvillea and hibiscus splashed colour all about.

A whole lot more people will be coveting outdoor space.

My dogs were delighted by my presence as I was with theirs. I rediscovered my neighbourhood, taking walks I never had time for. I got to dress comfortably and tackle odd jobs that would never have got done under normal circumstances.

Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a lot of it, but even the tiniest bit of land can be turned into a calming retreat.

Was I happy with the situation? Heck no! Besides all the concerns about the future, I missed going to the office and to Starbucks to grab a coffee. My wings were clipped. I couldn’t take off to the islands in my plane.

At the same time, I was able to rediscover my home and my garden and enjoy a sense of security away from COVID-19 spread.

Commentary-

Who knows better than the people of Harbour Island, for example, with their beautiful outdoor sitting areas framing cottages painted in the pastels of the islands?

Bring it Indoors How can you make your indoor space more appealing in times of isolation?

Try bringing the elements you like most into your home.

For instance, green is calming so bring plants inside. Add a vase of colourful

Ronald Sanders

scheduling or forgiveness of multilateral debt or debt owed to private banks.

Caribbean countries will get loans from the IMF and WBG after going through many hoops, but the process will not be swift, and the conditions will be rough. In these circumstances, Caribbean governments, the private sector, political parties, and trade unions need to collaborate on the actions they can jointly take to weather the gathering storm that has not yet fully formed. They also must prepare for a long haul.

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(The writer is Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States and the Organisation of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and at Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are entirely his own) Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com

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By Mike Lightbourn

flowers for cheer.

Make an extra cozy area with your most comfortable furniture, throw cushions and favourite photographs.

Make inside smell great with a deep Spring clean. Wash the curtains and clean the grout. Wipe smudges from door frames and walls.

Throw open the windows and allow the fresh air to circulate. Polish those windows until they sparkle.

Take comfort in your home.

Questions or comments? Contact me at info@cbbahamas.com<mailto:info@ cbbahamas.com>.

(Mike Lightbourn is president of Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty)..

Questions or comments?

Contact me at info@cbbahamas.com Mike Lightbourn is president of Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty.

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Are You Ready To Work On Your Dream?

Teri M. Bethel

What is it that you always wanted to do but could never find the time to pursue? This seems like a common thread in conversations today; people lamenting over what they want to do but not getting around to doing it. Years pass, but the stories remain the same. You say you always wanted to make handbags, study law, bake cakes, fly a plane, but you can’t seem to find the time or the drive.

It’s quite interesting that most people find the time to watch more than four hours of television daily during the week and even more on weekends. Some people allocate a portion of their week to spend time with friends and family—just to keep in touch. That’s quite nice, isn’t it—spending time with loved ones is necessary but is so much socializing really good when you could be working towards fulfilling your goals?

The point is when you tally the time you spend socializing or being entertained by television, how much closer to fulfilling your aspirations are you? What about social media? You said you would budget your time but fifteen minutes has turned to two hours nightly. Are your habits stunting your growth or robbing you of your ability to finally make headway in life?

What Do You Want To Achieve In This Season of Your Life?

You bought a sewing machine, took a purse making course, but you are still talking about the bags you’re going to make. In fact, you’re even wearing someone else’s brand! The online certificate course you wanted to take to improve your position at work is still knocking on your door; will you answer it?

What about the book you keep promising to write? Should we talk about the garden? You know the potted plants you bought several years ago to develop a home nursery? It’s not too late to get to it. There are times we complicate our dreams by trying to implement Phase 4 before establishing Phase 1. Dream big, but start small so that you are not overwhelmed.

Too Tired To Function?

Some are legitimately too tired to think much less expend additional energy towards their goals. What can people facing this challenge do? Put on your cleats—the shoes that keep you grounded for running a swift race without losing your footing: •

Connect with God in prayer—from peace flows productivity

•

Learn to laugh—laughter is like medicine to your bones

•

Exercise—the circulation can give you that extra boost of energy

•

Always eat foods that build you up—your diet affects how you function

•

Take your vitamins/supplements—many foods are void of nutritional value

•

Speak positively—your words can influence how you feel

Your Journey Begins With The First Step This is not to shame you, but to encourage you to set aside a few minutes daily to work towards your dreams. By turning off the television for 60 minutes every day, you have added seven hours to begin working towards your goals. When you see how beneficial it is to do so, you will start streamlining your slack time for conversion to productive time.

Instead of watching others become successful, you can invest in your success.

Instead of complaining that others are advancing on the job and you aren’t, think about how you can use your free time to improve your skills. Too many people believe promotions are handed out based on the length of time they’ve spent on the job rather than the value they are bringing to the organization. Take a step towards increasing the value of your service instead of just marking time.

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Don’t Give Up On Your Dream A busy person once told me there are 24 hours in a day; you get to choose how many of them you will be productive in. I thought about it and realized that there are certain times I can work later or get up earlier to squeeze more productivity in my day. The truth is, when I need to push a project out, I could sacrifice some sleep time several days per week.

What I also realized was when our home was bustling with activity, I could delay some projects until everyone was asleep. If this meant taking a nap and working through the night, then so be it. You just have to make the opportunities if they don’t naturally present themselves. My novel, Love On Maruba Is-

A bout

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land, took years to write—many times in the wee hours of the night. I didn’t give up on my dream, and now readers are calling it a page-turner.

Waiting for God to make your dream happen for you without putting your hands to work won’t yield a smidgeon of success. You just have to jump in and get started. Don’t expect to have it all together when you do. What you can expect, though, is that you will learn how to manage your time more effectively as you move closer to achieving your goals. Instead of investing time and money into watching someone else’s story unfold, you can create your own.

So about those dreams and goals… are you ready to take that first step?

A uthor :

Teri M Bethel is a publisher and an author of relationship enrichment books, which include: Before We Say, I Do… and My Marriage Matters. She has also published romance and adventure novels, purse making, and fabric painting DVDs that seek to entertain, empower, and promote healthy lifestyles for adults and children. Her books are available where good books are sold in Eleuthera and New Providence. Additionally, Teri provides a free online directory for local authors to showcase their familyfriendly books. She and her husband have two adult sons. Visit her website, www.

BooksByBethel.com, or e-mail her at tbethel@booksbybethel.com.

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Health Corner Cont’d

erides Patients with diabetes often have unhealthy cholesterol levels including high LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, low HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and high triglycerides. This triad of poor lipid counts often occurs in patients with premature coronary heart disease. It is also characteristic of a lipid disorder associated with insulin resistance called atherogenic dyslipidemia, or diabetic dyslipidemia in those patients with diabetes.

Learn more about cholesterol abnormalities as they relate to diabetes.

• Obesity Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and has been strongly associated with insulin resistance. Weight loss can improve cardiovascular risk, decrease insulin concentration and increase insulin sensitivity. Obesity and insulin resistance also have been associated with other risk factors, including high blood pressure.

• Lack of physical activity Physical inactivity is another modifiable major risk factor for insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. Exercising and losing weight can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes, reduce blood pressure and help reduce the risk for heart attack and stroke.

It’s likely that any type of moderate and/or vigorous intensity, aerobic physical activity—whether sports, household work, gardening or work related physical activity—is simi-

larly beneficial.

• Poorly controlled blood sugars (too high) or out of normal range Diabetes can cause blood sugar to rise to dangerous levels. Medications may be needed to manage blood sugar.

• Smoking Smoking puts individuals, whether or not they have diabetes, at higher risk for heart disease and stroke. Learn how to kick the habit.

Individuals with insulin resistance or diabetes in combination with one or more of these risk factors are more likely to fall victim to heart disease or stroke. However, by controlling these risk factors, diabetes patients may avoid or delay the development of heart and blood vessel disease. Your health care provider will do periodic testing to assess whether you have developed any of these risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease.

A bout

the

A uthor : Dr. Graham

Cates, is the medical director of Family Medicine Center. Family Medicine Center encompasses a team of doctors and healthcare professionals in many unique fields of medicine and with a multitude of specializations, including cardiology, diabetes education and management, endocrinology, nutrition management and medical weight management. You can also find this article and other information online at

www.familymedicinecenter.org

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CONS ERVAT I ON CORNER

April/May, 2020

Conservation Corner -

Creating Your Own Garden By: CEI

As the country continues to be in a state of lockdown and the global community is at a standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic, one question is seeming to dominate the national conversation: Can we feed ourselves? This pandemic has highlighted how the global food production and distribution systems can be interrupted, and how vulnerable we are if there was a disruption in trade.

How can someone, especially in areas of The Bahamas that have poor soil quality, get started on a gardening project?

In The Bahamas, many people believe that the soil is infertile and unsuitable for agriculture. However, there are many productive farms on the Family Islands, and growing food at home is possible when using the right methods. While most of our soil is somewhat sandy, activities like composting and soil husbandry are important to sustainably produce crops year round. Soil husbandry is the practice of taking care of and improving and growing your soil, and our thin topsoil is easily lost to the wind or rain if land is quickly cleared. It is important to reduce unnecessary clearing around building sites, keep the bulldozer setting just above ground level, and mulch any areas you plan on using for gardening or farming with any natural material available (including brush, leaves, seaweed, or wood chips). This layer of mulch helps to keep the soil in place and will stop it from drying out as quickly in the wind and sun.

Composting is the process of turning any natural materials into soil. This can be done by simply piling up weeds, grass clippings, yard brush, animal manure or bedding, seaweed, and vegetable kitchen scraps into a pile in your yard. You do not need to include all of these materials, but any combination will work. As the pile gets rained on and as small insects and bacteria eat away at it, they slowly transform the material into soil. This process is how soil naturally forms in the bush, but we can increase the speed by collecting the natural materials into one area. After 4 months, dig into the pile and find your healthy and fertile new soil at the bottom of the pile, and use this to grow food with.

crops that grow well on Eleuthera and you can harvest soon are peppers, onions, tomatoes, corn, arugula, peas, beans, pumpkin, okra, and sweet potatoes.

Bananas, plantains, and papayas (pawpaw) all grow very well in the Bahamas and will produce fruit year round, not just in one season. These three crops produce their first crop in about one year and continue on for many seasons.

How can someone get started with container gardens?

What are the steps in creating these?

Contained gardening is simply growing plants in pots or other containers. We recommend reusing something rather than buying new pots, and things you can use are old buckets, 55gal drums cut in half, tubs or large pipes, or anything that will hold soil and has holes in the bottom to drain water. You can plant seeds or small plants directly into the container, and you may have to water it often because potted plants can dry out quickly.

Why is it important to be able to produce some of your own food?

What are the benefits?

Importing food to the Bahamas is very expensive due to the shipping costs, and makes us completely reliant on other countries for our food. As we can see during the Coronavirus crisis, many people have rushed to the stores to buy food and supplies. By growing food at home and investing in local farmers by buying their produce, we can ensure our resilience during times of global struggles.

Local food is oftentimes more nutritious and delicious, and it can reduce our greenhouse gas emissions that are contributing to climate change. Additionally, farming or gardening promotes a healthy lifestyle and encourages people to spend time outside, exercise and connect with nature which can have positive physical and mental health benefits. You might even be able to create income for yourself by selling produce to others.

While most people will not be able to grow all the food they need, it is also important to support local farmers. You can do this by attending local farmers markets and connecting with farmers to buy produce directly from them- all year round and not just during times of crisis.

If someone is starting a garden on Eleuthera, what are some things that would grow well? What can they grow right now and eat the soonest?

Local farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; knowledge or a farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s almanac are great resources to learn what grows well in your area. Some examples of

Photos show different scenes in CEIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garden

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Food packages cont’d

receive assistance. Persons not affiliated with any church or the public school PTA were assigned to the Harbour Island Green School.

North Eleuthera A similar and equally large food distribution exercise took place on April 24th on the North Eleuthera side. Council Member Vernon Neilly began coordinating with hotelier Ben Simmons from “The Other Side”. Neilly’s intimate knowledge of the area combined with Simmons’ logistical skills to make a distribution framework appears to be very effective, with over 200 food packages delivered to Lower and Upper Bogue, Blackwood, Current and Current island.

Neilly commented by quoting the scripture Galatians 6:2, which says, “Carry each other’s burden, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Mr Neilly wished to acknowledge specifically: Margarie Albury, Latoya Cornish and Quinton Cash from Lower Bogue and Madlean Pedican from the Bluff, Eleuthera. He further wishes to acknowledge BIRD and the other donors who made this assistance possible. “May God bless each and everyone one of you who made this possible. I declare Luke 6:38 into your organization, which says, ‘Give, and it shall be given unto you. Good measures, pressed down and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.’

Thank you kindly.”

Members of the public who are in need are asked to contact their church, The Harbour Island All Age school PTA, Vernon Neilly or the Harbour Island Green school to register. Anyone who wishes to donate to the initiative can do so through a gofundme page or by sending food items from the suggested list.

Shared with The Eleutheran Newspaper by Will Simmons, Principal - The Harbour Island Green School.

Coordinators, Ben Simmons of ‘The Other Side’ and North Eleuthera Councillor and Chef, Vernon Neilly stand with hundreds of packed bags for residents in need.

Below: Volunteers in Harbour Island sort and pack groceries and other household items to distribute to less fortunate families within the community, on the grounds of the Harbour Island All Age School.

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PM phased re-opening cont’d

on Monday 27 April the Prime Minister unveiled a 5-phase re-opening plan that covers economic and social aspects recommended by the National COVID-19 Coordinating Committee.

Phases 1a and 1b cover essential services and hurricane preparedness, delivery and curbside service and construction. Phase 2 covers expanding operations in the Family Islands and scaling up operations of existing services. Phase 3 allows for the introduction of non-essential operations. Phase 4 covers the re-opening of restaurants, movie theaters and cultural events and Phase 5, re-starting tourism and opening the borders.

the Prime Minister announced that qualified renters will be able to defer 40 percent of their rent over a three-month period, effective 1 April.

The programme is limited to residential rentals and is only for those whose employment or income has been affected by COVID-19.

Individuals will have to provide documentation to their landlord to qualify for this program.

During the three-month period, landlords will not be able to evict tenants who are in good standing prior to April or disconnect utilities, said Prime Minister Minnis.

The Bahamas is currently in Phase 1A. The general timing of the phased re-opening will be predicated upon metrics and guidelines by health officials, the Prime Minister emphasized.

“As in other jurisdictions, we must also have the flexibility to make changes quickly and to tighten restrictions if the numbers do not move in the right direction,” said Prime Minister Minnis.

Regarding the rental assistance programme,

At the end of the three-month period, individuals will have 12 months to pay back the deferred amount.

The Prime Minister emphasized that those who are still able to should pay their rent in full.

To qualify for this program, a renter must meet the following criteria: - They must be renting residential property inside The Bahamas;

- They must be paying a monthly rent of $2,000 per month or less; - They must be no more than one month in arrears with rent; - They must be a Bahamian citizen or legal resident; - They must be able to demonstrate that their employment or income stream has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The programme will be mandatory for all landlords for their qualifying tenants.

The revised Emergency Order that will give effect to the assistance program will be released in due course, said the Prime Minister.

“It is my hope that renters and landlords can work together through this unprecedented time to implement this program with full cooperation by both sides,” said Prime Minister Minnis.

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the chance to get back onto the campus and into the classroom because we miss the daily interaction with our Sentinel family.”

A look back at lock downs:

On March 19th, Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis announced a set of Emergency Orders activating partial nationwide shutdown which included an historic countrywide curfew from 9pm to 5am, which began on Friday evening, March 20th at 9pm - to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the country. On Monday, March 23rd, with four confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the Bahamas Prime Minister Minnis expanded emergency measures inclusive of a 24 hour curfew, which began at 9am on Tuesday morning, March 24th.

He also ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses, and all airports and seaports were also closed to visitor arrival traffic, in addition to more stringent social distancing measures. In a national address, given on Monday evening, March 23, the Prime Minister pointed to the high mortality rate being seen in more developed nations globally associated with the growing spread of the novel coronavirus, and hoped to be able to mitigate a similar situation here in the Bahamas, where resources to cope are much smaller.

The entire country was put on its’ first weekend lock down (where all stores and businesses were closed with the exception of emergency facilities) during the first weekend in April (Saturday, April 4th and Sunday, April 5th), returning to the 24hr curfew on April 6th. The lock down was again imposed, this time for five days, during the long Easter weekend, from Thursday, April 9th, until Monday, April 13th, 2020. In a national address on Monday evening, April 13th, 2020, Prime Minister Minnis confirmed that the national curfew measures would continue until April 30th, with full weekend lockdowns during the remaining weekends in the month of April.

Local productivity and creativity:

April 9th, saw an announcement by the Prime Minister banning the importation of non-medical masks, to encourage a local production industry in support of the demand created by the national requirement for everyone leaving their homes to wear a mask. A number of local seamstresses took up the opportunity to start producing masks in Eleuthera, and various stores, pharmacies, and

doctor’s offices now have them readily available.

With people stuck in their homes and yards for weeks under stay-athome orders, local fitness enthusiasts and support groups got their groove on online, encouraging residents to stay active and fit, while at home.

Grocery stores also rose to the challenge of new physical distancing requirements and shopping policies by increasing safety measures within their facilities for shoppers, while some stores fully shifted their operations to order and pickup options, to protect frontline employees.

Curfews , breaches & UPTICKS

Chief Superintendent of Police and Officer In Charge (OIC) for the Eleuthera Division, Stephen Adderley commenting on enforcing the curfew and lock down measures, with Eleuthera residents under the stayat-home orders during the months of March and April, said, “Most of the citizens have been compliant. However, we have had a few taking chances.

Those in breach of the curfew and lock down orders have been warned, reported, and their information taken with the intent of placing them before the courts once restrictions are eased and magistrate services are again available on the island.”

OIC Adderley shared that the police have been working together along with other government agencies on island, like immigration, customs, health and local administrators for seamless operations - making sure that key services are still available during this time. He gave an example of the agencies working together recently to make sure that an expectant mother was able to get into New Providence for delivery.

As a result of the curfew, said Adderley, crime has decreased drastically, however, nearing the end of April an uptick was seen in house break-ins, resulting in an increase in police street patrols, to ensure curfew regulations were being enforced.

Anyone moving about, without justification, would be reported for breach of curfew. Ch/Supt. Adderley encouraged the Eleuthera community to adhere to the curfew and lock down rules to ensure that the island remained safe and COVID-19 free.

Frontlines on the ready:

Local NGO’s and civic organizations were part of the efforts to ensure that Eleuthera’s health care facilities, staff and volunteers were ready to

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deal with any cases of COVID-19 that may have to be dealt with on the island. Minister of Health, Dr. Duane Sands, during the Ministry of Health’s April 23rd national press conference, confirmed that at least one person from Eleuthera had been tested for COVID-19, and that three people in Eleuthera were in quarantine at that time.

Local health personnel informed that they are continuously training and taking all the necessary precautions to be as prepared as possible to deal with any suspected cases of COVID-19 presenting on the island.

They advised the Eleuthera public to call the various clinics, before coming in for any kind of service, and also advised calling the COVID-19 hotline numbers at (502-7382 - 24 hr Call Center / 376-9350 - 8am to 8pm / 376-9387 - 8pm to 8am / or 1-242300-2619).

When again will we play?:

Eleuthera, although on the surface, a quiet, unassuming, laid back kind of place to live, and to visit - has a full event calendar all year round of all kinds. The homecoming sea-

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son, which would have kicked off during the Easter holiday weekend was one of the many victims of the new social and physical distancing measures being taken to mitigate the risk of uncontrolled spread of the COVID-19 virus on the island.

The Rock Sound homecoming, Lower Bogue and James’ Cistern homecomings were all set aside during the country’s second full weekend lock down as well as other events usually held in April, like the Jazz Festival - now set to take place during Spring 2021. Earth Day, usually celebrated in grand style by the One Eleuthera Foundation on the grounds at the Center for Traing and Innovation in Rock Sound - this month saw a ‘plant a feeding tree’ initiative and online webinar take the place of the regular fanfair and immersive educational experience. With the announcement by Prime Minister Hubert Minnis on Monday, April 27th of another month of curfew regulations and lock downs, Eleutherans will have to continue to adjust to playing closer to home.

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Advice The Homeschooling Parent On March 15, 2020, parents across The Bahamas were made aware of immediate school closures due to COVID 19. Without prior warning, planning, or preparation, parents entered the world of homeschooling and assumed the role of the teacher. As lessons, assignments, due dates, and other communications were sent via online platforms, parents embarked upon a new and unfamiliar style of parenting, teaching . Many parents are now balancing the demands of learning at home and working from home. One important aspect that will predict your success or failure during this homeschooling experience is the management techniques that are implemented in the home.

Your home is now a classroom, and like any traditional classroom, it requires skills in classroom management. Classroom management refers to the strategies that are used to keep students organized, attentive, on task, and academically productive. As an educator working in the capacity of a homeschool parent and teacher, there are a few management techniques that have proven to be highly effective.

Develop Structure and Routines:

Establishing solid routines saves time and increases productivity. By now, every parent should have created a schedule that outlines daily tasks. If you have not made it to this step as yet, stop, rewind and get it done. It is necessary. Scheduling is a rather simple, yet significant technique in the classroom and the homeschool environment. Your child should have a clear understanding of what he/she is expected to do each day so that they can get themselves in the right frame of mind. But, don’t be so quick to establish a routine and force it down their throats, they need to be a part of the planning process. Allow your child to choose which activities they wish to complete at different times of the day or whether they would like to transfer a task to another day. If they feel as though they had a part in creating the schedule, they will be committed to following it through.

Core subjects should be the primary focus of your schedule but ensure that there is some variation.

One daily block of the schedule should be dedicated to a choice activity. During this time, your child gets to choose whatever he/she wants to do. Examples of choice activities can be reading their favorite book, listening to music, television time, playing a sport, going for a walk, baking, painting, or just staring at the wall - it’s their choice.

Research proves that breaks improve creativity and productivity. Your child is going to require brain breaks throughout the day to temporarily shift focus before fatigue and inattentiveness kicks in. If you notice that your child is asking for frequent breaks, yawning, fidgeting, or simply expressing that they are tired or bored, it is time for a brain break. Typically, younger children require brain breaks after 10-15 minutes of doing work, whereas older children can work up to 20-30 minutes before needing a break. Don’t worry, brain breaks can be as short as three minutes and can easily be added into your daily routine. Awesome examples of brain breaks that encourage dancing, stretching, and singing can be found on sites such as GoNoodle.

Disclaimer: Teaching is unpredictable, things can change without warning - so despite trying to maintain structure by establishing routines, ensure that you are flexible and open to changes when the need arises.

Actively Engage your Child:

Interest drives learning. Make a special effort to keep your child actively engaged in the learning process. If you’re wondering how you can do this, rest assured that no teacher training is required. As a teacher, I rate the level of student engagement by measuring my own.

If I didn’t enjoy teaching it, then they didn’t enjoy learning it. The easiest way to spark engagement is to show your child how they can apply what they are learning to everyday life. It’s now your job to help them make the connections.

Here are a few examples:

a. Instead of using a worksheet to reinforce or practice a reading skill such as sequencing, consider creating a recipe card and making something together in the kitchen. b. Use pizza to demonstrate the concept of fractions. c. Play a game of Monopoly to teach money and investment. d. Use shaving cream to practice writing numbers and letters instead of pencil to paper tasks. e. Develop a better understanding of temperature by conducting an experiment such as ice-cream in a bag.

For older students, consider options that allow them to reach the same destination by taking a slightly different path: a. If they are expected to convey their thoughts or ideas on a matter,

April/May, 2020 allow them to select the mode by which they wish to deliver this information - a music video, a blog, or a research paper. b. Use animation software to teach a new skill that they are learning. c. Reinforce skills in an area of interest by taking an online course. There are loads of free courses being offered to high school students through platforms such as Coursera and Udemy.

Frequent use of Praise:

Praise is a powerful motivating tool. Praise can change student behavior and improve their attitudes toward learning. Many times, praise is used to encourage a child after they have made an accomplishment. However, praise should be used as a tool to encourage effort, support learning, and reward behavior. Your child wants to be reminded that they are doing a great job.

They want to hear that you are proud of them.

Here are some ways you can give effective praise in the home: a. Use words such as great job, good try, and I am proud of you. b. Give smiles, high fives, or thumbs up. c. Reward your child with tangible items (stickers, treats).

If you would like to receive tips, resources and activities that can be used to propel your child to the next level, send me an email with the subject, “homeschool parent” to turningpages242@gmail.com.

About the Author: Allandra Russell is an experienced educator with training in Elementary Education, Special Education, Literacy Instruction, and Educational Leadership. She is also the owner of Turning Pages Literacy Centre, which is an online business that offers courses and resources to students, teachers, and parents in the area of literacy and intervention.

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ONE ELEUTHERA CELEBRATES

EARTH DAY 2020!

April 22, 2020 marked the 50th anniversary of Earth Day at an international level. One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) has celebrated Earth Day since 2012. The celebrations have always involved a strong commitment to the environment featuring recycling, agriculture, and food preservation. This year, the OEF celebrated Earth Day 2020 and 10 years of ‘A Shared Vision’ in collaboration with Michael Singer with two events: a ‘Why Environmental Education matters more now, than ever!’ webinar; and a tree planting initiative with 100 free feeding plants available to residents of Eleuthera.

The ‘Why Environmental Education matters more now, than ever!’ webinar was hosted by Mrs. Banu Devi Nair, Director of Academic Affairs for OEF with special guest presenter Khalea Richard, Environmental Youth Advocate. The webinar was available live on Zoom on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at 3:00 p.m.

As a part of its celebrations, OEF embraced the invitation from the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) to participate in a tree planting campaign on the Island. The goal for the Caribbean is to have participating nations plant thousands of ‘trees that feed’

throughout the year; OEF agreed to coordinate tree planting in Eleuthera.

OEF invited residents of Eleuthera to come to The Farm at its campus in Rock Sound, Eleuthera, to collect guava, sour orange and sugar apple trees with the goals of encouraging tree planting for Earth Day 2020 and promoting food sustainability for the future. Plant collection began on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22 between the hours of 9am and 12pm from The Farm.

This will continue each Wednesday during the same hours once declared safe; physical distancing and masks are required.

Residents are encouraged to plant the trees they collect in a location of their choice, record a video or take photos of the process, and share it with OEF via social media with #OEFtreeplantingprogram #treesthatfeed.

The OEF is committed to enhancing agricultural growth in the island and will work with local farmers and residents to foster both individual vegetables gardens and larger farms to enhance growth and sustainability of food production.

Since September 2019, OEF expanded its on-site farm initiative and brought on the services of Mr. Mike Lightbourne and Mr. Deon Gibson, both successful farmers who

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had been working in full-time farming in Abaco prior to Hurricane Dorian. Both of these men have brought a vast amount of expertise and knowledge to The Farm.

The Farm will work in tandem with The Tea Room Restaurant to develop and grow its farm to table program. Although this is not new to The Bahamas, the country has not yet begun to thoroughly explore the possibilities of developing farms that will produce sufficient food to supply local households, restaurants and supermarkets with fresh produce that will serve as a catalyst for indigenous foods, menus and consumption.

The OEF Farm will offer programmes for residents of Eleuthera and encourage them to grow their own food and become active in the transformative nature of food sustainability for the island.

To learn more about OEF call 334-4700, email info@oneeleuthera.org, visit our website at www.oneeleuthera.org, or check us out on Facebook or Instagram.

COVID-19: The (OEF) Assists Eleutherans with a Resource Connect Programme To meet the needs of the Eleuthera communities, The One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) has launched a new phone in resource programme that will offer assistance to the people of Eleuthera during the COVID-19 impact.

The OEF Resource Connect is a phone in resource assistance programme for members of the public who may need help with connections, contacts and general help. The Resource Connect programme will offer help with filing NIB unemployment forms, direct people to food assistance programmes and assist those who may be struggling with questions about what may be available to them in this difficult time. The OEF Resource Connect call centre will operate from Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 9 pm. The phone numbers are: 242-825-4051, 242-427-5457, 242829-4054 and 242-465-6763.

For people who do not know

where to turn and for those who cannot find anyone to help, the OEF Resource Connect will aim to assist by connecting them with the right person or agency to provide the assistance they may need.

Over a decade ago, The One Eleuthera Foundation made a commitment to the people of Eleuthera and invited residents to join the organization as advocates for the sustainable development of the Island. The vision and the dream of the CEO of OEF, Mr. Shaun D. Ingraham, was interpreted in five key areas of challenge and growth for the Island. Sustainability was the key concept and motivation.

OEF saw the need for sustainable growth and development in these five areas: - Education - Health and Wellness - A sustainable Environment - Economic Development

- Cultural and Heritage Development Our programmes during the past years have centered on these five pillars in areas of growth and development in terms of human skill and potential and sustained growth and programming in the each area.

We now find ourselves, along with the entire country, where we are having to review our strategy, expand our innovative thought and create new possibilities for the sustainability of our vision in the midst of the Corona Virus. This is leading us to a new and exciting future as we focus on health and safety, food sustainability through the farm in Rock Sound and through direct contact and assistance with local farmers and an upcoming launch of our online courses and virtual education platform.

Rather than being daunted and discouraged by the social impact and challenges of COVID-19, OEF is trans-

forming our programmes to better help the people of Eleuthera and The Bahamas. Times of crisis also provide us with new opportunities. Our innovative staff are working around the clock to continue to assist in the building of community and offering assistance to those residents who are ready to grow into their future, in order for all of us, not only to survive through this crisis but to come out of it with increased viable security and better prepared to contribute to the on-going development and sustainability of our Island.

For more information, please visit www.oneeleuthera.org.

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Operating in the Time of Coronavirus By: Ryan Austin - ECC Secretary Speaking to reporters, Acting Director of Labour, John Pinder stated that “Once the rest of the world is opened up, they want to start to travel. Exuma, Eleuthera & Cat Island and those islands that don’t have any cases of coronavirus are in such a good strategic position right now to be able to take advantage of what’s going to happen in the next month or two.” He further went on to say that these islands “need to be ready, not just stay relaxed. Be ready!”

We want to be ready! But what does being ready look like? Our leadership in The Bahamas has a lot on its plate fighting the spread of Covid-19. It is quite literally all they have time for. I believe then, that it is essential for the business community of all islands to ease that burden by generating a well thought out plan for their area and begin dialogue with the government preferably through their respective chambers. We can minimize being painted with a broad brush if we present a plan of our own.

Key Points:

- We will have to learn to live with the fact that Covid-19 is out there while looking at a strategic way to open our economy.

The new reality -Social distancing will be ‘a thing’ for some time even after the economy is slowly and methodically reopened.

- Widespread testing is critical.

Both for our visitors and locals.

- Our economy must evolve to become more resilient in the time of Coronavirus, which could last many months, years.

- Together we can create a plan for Eleuthera.

Above: Ryan Austin, ECC Secretary.

Bahamas 2.0 - The Long Term If we are to combat the long term effects of Covid-19 and eventual reemergence of new coronaviruses we will need to build a new economy. One that is based on gradually reducing imports and our ability to produce world class products while aggressively pursuing tourism and foreign direct investments as we always have. This is a ‘tourism and’ strategy not a ‘tourism or’ one.

The benefit of focusing on such an approach builds up the nation’s own immunity and resilience to shock and disaster in ways no previous event has. During the 2008 recession, we saw a loss of 11.2 percent GDP. This loss placed unemployment at more than 15 percent and set in motion a course of negative or flat growth that the nation is still recovering from. More recently, hur-

ricane Dorian in 2019 swept across two key economic powerhouses and in three days wiped out an estimated $200 million in revenue. Damages caused by Dorian represented 15-20 percent of our GDP and cost $3.4 billion dollars in damage.

Some medium to long term goals are: - Building our own e-commerce platforms that can be integrated with our local banks. We will need a ‘Shopify’ like experience where Bahamian retailers and creators can get their products to the world.

- Because of the increased move to e-commerce, banks could be incentivized to offer attractive merchant discount rates.

- A focus on manufacturing. Stimulate businesses that can produce local products currently being imported.

- We have already seen this with the level of production of face masks and hand sanitizers. We may also see this in the long term with medical supplies such as scrubs or swabs necessary to perform coronavirus tests.

- Food sovereignty & security. Addressing supply chain shortfalls within the local farming and fishing industry to ensure that greater than 90 percent of the produce in the market is produced locally.

Bahamas Now - The Short Term “Be ready!”

Considering that in the next 2 to 4 weeks, governments globally will be under immense pressure to reopen their economy we must here in The Bahamas think strategically about ways to allow the flow of foreign dollars to prop up an already strained public system. In doing so, we must also harness the ethos of P32 this coronavirus climate.

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CEI Shark Research in Haiti The Cape Eleuthera Institute first had the opportunity to work with Claude Pressoir of the Haiti Ocean Project (HOP) in the summer of 2019 while on a trip to southern Haiti in search of juvenile oceanic whitetip sharks. We had two weeks to catch, sample, and tag as many of these small, critically endangered sharks as we could find. Fishermen there were reporting numerous individuals at offshore fish aggregation devices (FADs) where they were targeting mahi-mahi, rainbow runners, and other fishes from small canoes. Similar to our coastline here in Eleuthera, deep water is a short boat ride away from their settlements on land, but, unlike Eleuthera, the southwestern peninsula in Haiti is consistently calm and in the lee of strong winds coming from the east resulting in glass-like sea conditions nearly every day. This results in fishermen having incredible access to offshore resources on a daily basis, even from small vessels powered by wind or paddles.

When juvenile oceanic whitetips started to turn up in the catches there, Dr. Mark Bond at FIU took notice. Most of the animals that were brought to the dock were less than 1.5 m in total length,

making them around 0-3 years old. Mark began collaborating with Jamie Aquino, director of HOP, and her staff to collect samples from these animals in the hopes of determining how connected the population in Haiti may be to the adults that our team has been studying in Cat Island, The Bahamas, for almost ten years. An opportunity arose to assemble that same team and head to Haiti onboard OceanX’s state-of-the-art research vessel the MV Alucia.

Unfortunately, the trip didn’t go as planned. In early summer, the population of juvenile oceanic whitetips seemed to plummet compared to reports from earlier in the year. Although we were fishing hundreds of hooks a day, we caught almost nothing. In fact, the only juvenile that we tagged during our trip there was caught by a fisherman using a single hook at a FAD. This animal was tracked around Haiti for a period of two months before it was harvested on the southern coast nearly 200 miles away.

Our team has collected that tag and the data will be analyzed this year. But these data are far from what we hoped for, and much more information is needed to understand how these juvenile pelagic sharks are utilizing habitats around Haiti and how they might be related to sharks here in The Bahamas.

Thankfully, although our trip drew to a close too soon, HOP already had volunteers and a network of fishermen on the ground to continue the research on this critically endangered species. Working hand-in-hand with lifelong fishermen, HOP has since encouraged and guided the sampling and live release of over fifty oceanic whitetips and determined that catch rates are very high in the winter months.

But safely working up sharks and deploying satellite tags requires some training. So, when we got the chance to host Claude here at CEI, we quickly arranged for a three-month, full scholarship internship to support the training of

HOP’s shark coordinator. Claude is now heading home after getting certified as a Wilderness First Responder and SCUBA diver and completing three months of fisheries research training with us. The final two weeks of his time here were filled with long days searching for silky sharks across the eastern Bahamas, but Claude also got a chance to meet some adult oceanic whitetips along the way some of which may be the parents of the young sharks that Claude hopes to study and save back in Haiti. Claude will now deploy an additional seven satellite tags on juvenile oceanic whitetip sharks back home and finish the team’s data collection that began over a year ago.

Thanks to partners at OceanX, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and the Moore Charitable Foundation, as well as collaborators at Florida International University, the New England Aquarium, Microwave Telemetry, University of North Florida, and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

For more information, or to support this research, please contact Brendan Talwar at brendantalwar@ceibahamas. org

Photo by Eladio Fernandez

Follow Online Daily Ministry of Health DASHBOARD Link: http://eleutheranews.com/?p=22184 As of Monday, April 27th, 2020 the Bahamas had 80 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 11 deaths.

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Daddy Joes the setting for Local Vendors display at Tourism’s annual Winter Residents Party

Above: Second homeowners and visitors enjoy a balmy evening on the garden grounds at Daddy Joe’s.

istry of Tourism during the event with booths displaying Eleutheran goods, services, and experiences, included NUA Insurance - with local agents and giveaways highlighting their products and services; Octis Organics - with entrepreneur Calae Burrows who showcased her natural bush teas, salt body scrubs, sauces, and other gifts; Taylor Made Farms was also represented, selling a variety of farm fresh produce, including eggs, from their farm location near the Hatchet Bay caves and other dry goods and gift items; Bristol Cellars - was there with wines for tasting and specials on offer; Sherelle Wallace - a local author showcased a variety of her books,

novelettes and poetry; A number of different flavors of freshly brewed bush teas were also available to tantalize the senses; master artisan, Emily Munnings had her authentic designer straw bags and other designer crafts on display; Theresa Burrows highlighted her unique bags and t-shirt designs from the Teakettle; and The Blue Seahorse’s jewelry and souvenir gifts were also on showcase.

The High Rock Band, with lead singer, Jeremiah Sweeting serenaded the party-goers, with an eclectic mix of sweet Bahamian music and international hits. SecP27 ond homeowners, were also treated

Above: Native bush teas of all varieties for the tasting.

Daddy Joes Restaurant, near the famed Glass Window Bridge, north of Gregory Town, was a new venue chosen for this year’s Annual Second Homeowners & Visitors Reception, hosted by the Ministry of Tourism (MOT) in March (just over a week prior coronavirus emergency measures). The location was a beautiful hit with tents spread across the restaurant’s rear patio and gardens. The Reception event which began more than twenty years ago, was said to be a way to express appreciation to second homeowners for the confidence shown in their choice to invest and live in The Bahamas, with all the other choices available worldwide. Dozens of second homeowners came together to enjoy the two-hour party thrown in their honor, on Thursday afternoon, March 5th, 2020, which began at 4pm.

There was a lot to see and partake in, and treats prepared by Chef Devin at Daddy Joes Restaurant, were enjoyed by all. Vendors partnering with the Min-

Above: Mouthwatering guava duff served up with fresh fruit bites at Daddy Joe’s.

Above: Long time second home residents enjoying good food and company. Below: The NUA team with Tourism Manager (far left) Ms. Jacquie Gibson.

Above: Delicious small bites were served up with beautiful smiles during the MOT reception. Below: Hugs and greetings all around.

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to door prizes of wines, dinners out and more, as the Ministry spoiled their guests. The event was well appreciated, as old friends chatted together; partook in the chef’s delights, including calamari and macaroni bites, conch salad, tastes of local guava duff, fresh fruits, and more; shopped for local crafts, jewelry, produce and spices, and took in the ambience of the garden surroundings.

A sponsor partner, with MOT, now for the third year in support of the annual reception event, NUA Insurance, part of the Bahamas First Group, represented by Mr. Stanford Charlton, shared that they continued to welcome the opportunity to take part.

“This is our third year working with Tourism Manager, Ms. Jacqueline Gibson as a monetary sponsor of the reception event. She is a good friend of NUA... She told us about this event three years ago, saying it was a way to let persons on the island know what we offer. So, we welcomed the opportunity to come down and give back to the community, and give updates on what’s going on in our industry…”

The Eleuthera Tourism office was represented by Eleuthera Tourism Manager, Jacqueline Gibson; Training Manager, Deborah Fox; Asst. Tourism Manager, Glenda Johnson; Karen Bethel, Donnalee Miller, and Ms. Forbes as very gracious hosts.

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Above: Sampling jewelry from the Blue Sea Horse. Below: Theresa Burrows and Calae Burrows offer up delicacies and designs from Octis Organics and the Teakettle.

Above: A variety of vendors displayed their products and services during the reception.

Above: The talented Jeremiah Sweeting and the High Rock band, entertained in melodious fashion.

Above: Chef Devin of Daddy Joe’s Restaurant kept taste buds dancing. Below: Bekera Taylor (right) greets a guest as she samples books and fresh produce. Right: Standford Charlton of NUA shares a hug with renown pineapple farmer, Lady Di.

Below: Taylor Made Farm brought a sampling of fresh produce.

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April/May, 2020

Eleuthera the setting of 2020 Ride For Hope

Annual Event another success thanks to generous corporate support Cancer research institute, is NGO’s next big goal: Just before COVID-19 shut down events on the island, at least a dozen Seagillians out of Spanish Wells were up early on Saturday morning, March 14th, a large Eleuthera contingent, taking part in the 2020 Ride & Run For Hope event,

aimed at raising funds for victims of cancer in the Bahamas. The event this year began at the entrance of La Bougainvillea Resort, along the Banks Road, and would take participants as far as the Glass Window Bridge. The iconic starting and finishing line was set to see off, as well as welcome scores of participating riders and runners.

During the course of the morning ride and run event, runners and cyclists enjoyed a variety of dis-

tance options according to their ability, geared towards their fundraising goals for the cause. There were different levels of participation, each level with its own fundraising minimum and benefits.

Susan Larson, a co-founder of the Ride For Hope organization lauded the people working behind the scenes helping to make the event on the day a success, and expressed her pleasure in getting all the participants off to a good start, “We’ve

got everybody off safely and I think enthusiastically, and I think it’s going to be a great day. Like many NGO’s, we were concerned last October about whether or not hurricane Dorian was going to affect our ability to put on the event, and we made the decision back then, that we would press forward, because there are so many Bahamians that are fighting cancer and need help.”

This year, donors and partners had shown tremendous generosity,

Pictured left: Mr. Llewellyn Gardiner (center) of Governor’s Harbour stands with his colleagues from Computer Concepts in New Providence - a full team of support for the 2020 Ride and Run for Hope.

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she shared, “We’ve been so overwhelmed by the very generous corporate partnerships that have been pledged to the event this year. We actually have more corporate support this year than we’ve had in any other year. So they’ve rallied. Their role is so important, because they underwrite the cost of the event, and that enables us to devote 100% of the money that the participants raise to the treatment assistance fund, where we put cash into the hands of people who are fighting cancer, and may be struggling to make payments for their chemotherapy or their radiation.

“The other big program that is very near and dear to us is the Family Island mammogram program. We are really trying to reduce the incidence of late stage diagnoses for breast cancer. The sad fact of the matter is that late stage diagnosis is not necessary in this day and age.

So, every month, we fly in women from Family Island communities all across the length and breadth of the Bahamas to Nassau, and they get mammograms, and are also brought back if they need a follow up screening.

“So, those are two major commitments that we make.

Each program is a $150,000 financial commitment each year, and because of the enthusiastic fund raising of our participants, and the support of our corporate partners, we are able to keep doing those.”

As an organization, said Susan, they continued to look toward even bigger goals in the fight against cancer in the Bahamas, “We are also exploring the feasibility of creating a national cancer research institute, that will really be transformative for the Bahamas. That’s going to take a lot of money, but, we are in talks with the top oncologists in the country. That seems to be the next logical goal to shoot for, and we are up for the challenge. We want to take a leadership role in that. It’s going to take us a few years to put that together, but that’s a really important goal for us - to get a national P31 cancer research institute established in the Ba-

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Pictured Above and Right: The Seagillians from Spanish Wells were out in force in support of the fundraising efforts to combat cancer and support those battling with the disease as well as early detection programs throughout the Bahamas.

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NEHS 2019/2020 Christmas Term Awardees

Recognised

Principal’s List (3.50-4.00) GPA_ Kyle Collins, Ronisha Petit-Homme, Kezia Johnson,

Michaella Lockhart, Christianna Wallace, and Tashae Brown*.

Honour Roll (3.00-4.00) GPA_ Gabriella Thompson, Nyeka Tador, Aaron McCartney, Kaynia Minnis, Mahalia Lockhart, Mckayla Neely, Breonna Strachan, Don Johnson, Jamalieah Russell, Rosie Joseph, Layla Isaacs,

Lauryn McSweeney, Mark Bullard, Jaheim Porter, Farah Joseph, Julisa Johnson, Paulsen Paul, Sanchez Albury, April Neilly, Arianna Dean, Kendal Gibson, Shkiel Darrel,

Philip Carusi, Ashanti Johnson, Damari Johnson, Antanel Pinder*, Cilnus Meteze*, Sherlinda Ladresse*, Brandy Pame*, Rayven Gibson*, Sierra Farrington*, Juneka Julmiste*.

Rising Stars Principal’s List (3.50-4.00) GPA_

Ervensca Dany, Clarinique Gibson, Pedria Burrows, Witlien Ti-Paul, Shanti Hudson, Kai Bain, Mikayla Carey, Annechika Charles, Lashawnti Russell, Crystal Petit-Frere, Dayshanae Collins, Tierra Kemp,

Phylicia Williams, Sankeisha Charistal, Jauntae Brown, Richardson Pierre, Collen Wood, Lauren Green, Alissa Kemp, Hervens Pame, Nadia Alcira, Jayden McDonald, Christian Alva, Kai Collins,

Geyon Mullings, Jamari Russell, Khloe Stewart, Braneisha Neilly, Mesha Mather, Rylan Murray, Alexsandria Moss, Allyanna Henry, Dolson Emile

* Starred names are students not a part of the photos shown

Honour Roll (3.00-4.00) GPA_

On Wednesday morning, March 11th, 2020, the North Eleuthera High School (NEHS) administration and staff recognized their top students during the 2019/2020 Christmas Term, highlighting Principal’s list achievers, Honor Roll awardees, as well as Rising Stars students just a few points away from achieving the 3.0 grade point average.

Rising Stars

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The Eleutheran

RFH 2020 Cont’d

hamas. There are some brilliant Bahamian medical researchers, that aren’t here, because there aren’t research opportunities at home for them. So that’s one of our big goals.”

Thirty local high school student volunteers from the Defence Force Ranger program in North Eleuthera were also up early once again, this their third year taking part, assigned as enthusiastic bell ringers and cheerers at the start/finish line, and posted at tented rest stops all along the Ride For Hope route on the Saturday morning.

Llewellyn Gardiner a native of Governor’s Harbour, who was back on his home island of Eleuthera with 10 other participants from the company he works with in New Providence, shared that this was his 8th year taking part, after being inspired eight years earlier, when his mother was one of the women who benefitted from the free mammogram program, started by the Ride For Hope organizers.

Above: Officers with the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Eleuthera Division, strike a pose, before heading out to ensure the safety of participants during the 2020 Ride and Run for Hope.

Pictured Below and Right: Walker participants, eager to get out of the gate at the 2020 Ride and Run for Hope.

Pictured Above: Long riders get going as they begin the challenging path along Eleuthera’s rolling hills and roadways.

Pictured: The Defence Force Rangers out of North Eleuthera, along with their parent supporters and teacher coordinators, volunteering for the cause.

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Bahamas Wellness Health Systems Founder: ‘Telemedicine up 400%500% since COVID,’ Could spell the end to crowded doctors’ offices

Dr. Arlington Lightbourne used to get four or so calls a week from someone asking him to diagnose what’s wrong over the phone.

Today, he and his team in Central Eleuthera, Spanish Wells and Nassau are averaging that in a half day.

COVID-19 may be doing for telemedicine what all the attempts at persuading people to pick up a cell or tablet and dial a doctor could not – fast-tracking the case for telehealth, the practice of diagnosing much of what patients flock to a doctor’s office for without them ever having to leave their home or office.

“At least half the cases can be diagnosed by telemedicine and you can cut your office visits in half if you have a robust telemedicine platform,” said Dr. Lightbourne. From the patient’s point of view, that ‘platform’ is not complicated, though the physician’s office has to schedule efficiently and have instant access to patient records.

“Ideally, the physician should be able to see you through a visual aid such as video chat or FaceTime, take a proper history, review your records and any medications you may be on currently. If the physician needs more than that or if from what is presented, the course of action is not immediately clear then the patient can make an appointment to come in,” says Dr, Lightbourne, a wellness specialist whose clinics in Eleuthera and Nassau posted special

hours to maintain social distancing during the lockdown to control the spread of coronavirus when it was first announced. Because the Nassau clinic has a relatively small waiting area, it opened by appointment only. Eleuthera Medical Center in Palmetto Point which opened just over a year ago is far more spacious and was able to maintain scheduled appointments.

“We did not want people going to the doctor and taking a chance that they would be infected by someone sitting close to them who was asymptomatic,” he said. That’s when the phone calls started pouring in.

“Some 50-60% of the common issues presented in a doctor’s office can be addressed through telemedicine, especially if you have a population that is open to it. The problem is the Bahamian population is very traditional. Just as they will stand in line at a bank, they will wait in a doctor’s office to make sure that they get a personal visit when technology exists to allow easier facilitation. At the very least, we can use telemedicine as a screening tool,” he noted.

“There are some cases where you have to examine the patient, no question, but with the increased use of readily available technology, someone who is feeling unwell only has to pick up a phone or other smart device or sit at a computer screen. It will also save unnecessary visits to the emergency room and if a patient is diagnosed early because it is easier to do it from home and you are not putting off seeing the doctor, the chances of catching something earlier when it is more treatable successfully also increase.”

Originally introduced as a way to diagnose and treat populations in remote places, telemedicine, also known as telehealth, has expanded worldwide. According to the American Medical Association, it increased 53% between 2016 and 2017 – years ahead of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Even if it reduces one office visit an hour, it helps to eliminate crowding in doctors’ offices, put an end to long waits that people rightfully hate, especially if they are feeling unwell and it frees up medical personnel to dedicate themselves to those cases that require extreme in-person and emergency care.

The message I’d like people to remember is this: just because it is not in person does not mean it is impersonal.”

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Operating ... Cont’d

Health Minister Dr Duane Sands has stated, “we will have to be deliberate and cautious and careful in a methodical rollout of the reopening.” In this spirit we could consider a pilot to reopen the borders of coronavirus free islands like Eleuthera if: - Visitors present a certificate of testing within the week of travel - Visitors fly non-stop into Eleuthera with partner airlines.

- Temperature checks at ports of entry.

- Boating might wait until we have proven that screening measures are working.

- Whole home rentals such as AirBNB & VRBO ideal. No room or couch rentals.

- Boutique Hotels and Resorts with no elevators or casinos are also viable.

- Visitors and locals must wear masks at all times * Further supports the mask industry with new clientele. * Opportunity for businesses to merchandise masks - Home & Vehicle renters must sanitise before and prior to guest departure.

- Fine dining and sit down may need to remain closed with take out and delivery only being the order of the day.

- Bars and clubs would need to remain closed.

- Liquor stores reopen.

- A task force of civil servants are retrained and deployed to enforce these rules throughout the island. * To execute a deliberate, cautious, careful and methodical rollout this may be necessary.

- Small isolated locations such as Harbour Island are ideal for such a pilot.

In conclusion

There are questions we will need to answer if such a plan is ever considered. In Eleuthera, we currently have no cases of Covid-19, so, is reopening worth the risk of community spread? What is the risk of not planning to reopen? There are scenarios that we will need a documented plan for. I understand that we have a few wedding groups and families anxious to travel as soon as June to our safe destination - should we find a way to accommodate them? While the ideas and action steps expressed here are not exhaustive, it is my sincere hope that they are the first blocks of a plan we can all build on. From down north to up south, we are in this together.

Call to Action

We are inviting Eleuthera businesses to please share your ideas for reopening with us by emailing them to eleutherachamberbahamas@gmail.com.

About the Author: Ryan Austin serves on the board as Secretary for the Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce. He is a small business owner with businesses in Harbour Island and Nassau. His educational background is in computer science and he has spent his entire corporate career in Information Technology before becoming an entrepreneur.

Ryan enjoys planning and solving complex, technical issues and spending time on the beach with his family.

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God Laughs By: Andrew L. Burrows When man was first created and placed in the Garden of Eden, God commissioned him to ‘work’ the garden, and eventually the rest of the world. It was not very long afterward that Adam and Eve listened to the ‘Tempter’ and chose to disobey God. This act of defiance brought consequences that they did not expect; it resulted in their expulsion from the garden of Eden, and the ground was cursed by God. Life for all humans would become full of labor and pain.

Many times I have seen, heard or reasoned out things that remind me of the statement in Psalms 2:4 “The One enthroned in heaven laughs;”and it strikes me as odd that no one ever speaks of God our Great Creator as one who has a humor, yet if you take a good hard look at everything that God created, there is contrast and humor in everything. Since I was a teenager, I enjoyed reading the National Geographic magazines, and more recently, watching the televised documentaries of the many animals, people, creatures and things. Take any thing that our Great Creator has made and you will see humor.

Deep down in the depth of the

Oceans, where the light of the sun cannot reach, there are numerous creatures living near ‘Thermal’ vents, those that do not make their own form of light seem quite adjusted to life in that dark environment. Nothing is more hilarious than the mating rituals of birds, animals, creatures of all kinds, and yes us humans. And speaking of us humans, it is most amusing that so much variety of features, heights, colours and shapes all came out of two people, and even one of them was created out of the other.

You cannot begin to understand where all the languages that we speak came from, and yet there is meaning to everyone spoken. God had a good laugh when Moses complained to Him that he had a speech problem (Ex.4:10-11) and had to remind him that The Great Creator designed speech, gives sight, and teaches us to use them all. What is more amusing than to observe the development of speech in a young child? They learn in a year or two what we adults would take the rest of our lives to achieve.

God boring! Not on your life! Our God is so mysterious, awesome, and simply past finding out that it will take us all of eternity to get to know and enjoy His awesomeness It is recorded in Genesis 5:24 that “Enoch walked with God; then he was no more because God took him away”. Surely every believer must wonder just what happened to

(New analysis supports the WHO call to minimize disruptions to malaria prevention and treatment services during the COVID-19 pandemic) - 23 April 2020 Statement

Severe disruptions to insecticide-treated net campaigns and in access to antimalarial medicines could lead to a doubling in the number of malaria deaths in sub-Saharan Africa this year compared to 2018, according to a new modelling analysis released by WHO and partners ahead of World Malaria Day (25 April).

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Brother Enoch! (See also Heb.11:56) He was having such sweet fellowship with his Creator, and God with His Creation, that the two became inseparable.

There is also a greater meaning for Gods laughter in Psalms2.

He is amused by Man’s stubborn refusal to acknowledge his inability to govern correctly his own affairs, and why? Because men are not the creator, ever existent, eternal beings that we think we are, and each of us try to play god in our own lives and fail with distinction. God laughs because He, and He alone is able to make us what we were designed to be. We were created to serve…..to walk with God…..not ahead of Him. When we as individual believers can do like Jesus did, take time out to be alone with our God, and Father only then will we begin to enjoy the company of Him. Our God and Father must also laugh at our way of approaching Him with our ‘shopping list’ prayers. If God made us parents to know what our children needs, shouldn’t He also be expected to know our needs?

Then why do we ignore the way that His perfect Son taught us to pray? In Jesus’ sermon on the mountain, He instructed His followers to approach God as “Our Father” (Mat.6:9-13).

God, our Father, wants us to share in His joy, and celebrate His company, in confidence and faith. He has given us a guarantee that what we ask “in His will” is already granted. You have

SAYS - Scenario could see 769,000 deaths this year (2020)

‘WHO’ urges countries to move quickly to save lives from malaria in sub-Saharan Africa

April/May, 2020

W H O urges countries to move fast and distribute malaria prevention and treatment tools at this stage of the COVID-19 outbreak in sub-Saharan Africa, and to do their utmost to safely maintain these essential malaria control services.

The analysis considers nine scenarios for potential disruptions in access to core malaria control tools during the pandemic in 41 countries, and the resulting increases that may be seen in cases and deaths.

Under the worst-case scenario, in which all insecticide-treated net (ITN) campaigns are suspended and there is a 75% reduction in access to effective antimalarial medicines, the estimated tally of malaria deaths in sub-Saharan Africa in 2020 would reach 769 000, twice the number of deaths reported in the region in 2018. This would represent a return to malaria mortality levels last seen 20 years ago.

According to the World malaria report 2019, sub-Saharan Africa accounted for approximately 93% of all malaria cases and 94% of deaths in 2018. More than two-thirds of deaths were among children under the age of five.

andrewburrows1@gmail.com

no concept of the relief that level of faith gives to the child of God. Oh! We were talking about God’s humor, Romans 1:20 says “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities- His eternal power and divine nature- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse”. Simply put, God has not changed, we have!

Let’s get back to Him.

A window of opportunity: To date, the number of reported cases of COVID-19 in sub-Saharan Africa has represented only a small proportion of the global total, though cases are increasing every week. This means that countries across the region have a critical window of opportunity to minimize disruptions in malaria prevention and treatment and save lives at this stage of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Mass vector control campaigns should be accelerated, while ensuring that they are deployed in ways that protect health workers and communities against potential COVID-19 transmission. WHO and partners commend the leaders of Benin, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone and Chad for initiating ITN campaigns during the pandemic. Other countries are adapting their net distribution strategies to ensure households receive the nets as quickly and safely as possible.

Preventive therapies for pregnant women and children must be maintained. The provision of prompt diagnostic testing and effective antimalarial medicines are also essential to prevent a mild case of malaria from progressing to severe illness and death.

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Economic Recovery Committee Appointment Announced

By Cabinet The Bahamas Cabinet Office, on Sunday, April 26th), announced that Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis has appointed an Economic Recovery Committee.

The public-private Committee will make recommendations to the Cabinet on the longterm economic recovery of The Bahamas economy, including job-creation and stimulating small business recovery and development in response to COVID-19.

The Committee will focus on restoring the macroeconomy; restarting a competitive business environment; economic diversification; tourism and transport; financial services and labour.

The Co-Chairs of the Committee are Acting Financial Secretary Mr. Marlon Johnson and businessman Mr. Ken Kerr, CEO, Providence Advisors.

The Committee is representative of a

diversity of public and private sector entities.

In addition to the Co-Chairs, members of the Committee include: • Mr. John Rolle, Governor, Central Bank of The Bahamas • Mrs. Wendy Craigg, former Central Bank Governor; Advisor, Ministry of Finance • Ms. Christina Rolle, Executive Director, Securities Commission of The Bahamas • Mrs. Davinia Blair-Grant, Executive Director, Small Business Development Centre • Mr. John Delaney, Q.C., Senior Partner, Delaney Partners • Mrs. Khrystle Rutherford-Ferguson, Chair, Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Federation • Mr. Greg Laroda, Chair, Grand Bahama ChamP40 ber of Commerce

April/May, 2020

Crime News

April/May, 2020

Person Reported for ViolaCurfew: On Wednesday 15th April, 2020, sometime around 1:27pm, Officers reported an adult male for Violation of Curfew. He was warned of prosecution. tion of

Reports issued by the RBPF locally.

Reports are printed to keep the public informed of the incidents of crime that are reported within our communities. All reports are to be treated as allegations only.

Eleuthera Reports THREATS OF DEATH On Wednesday, 22 April 2020 sometime around 6:55am, an adult male reported at Rock Sound Police Station that sometime around 5:30pm on Tuesday, 21 April 2020, he was approached by a male known to him who was waving a cutlass and threatened to kill him.

Police action requested.

This matter is under active investigation.

House Breaking: At about 12:15pm Tuesday 21st April 2020, an adult male reported that on Saturday 21st March 2020 while staying at a friend’s house he was awoken by a noise which he went to check out . As a result he found a male known to him inside of the residence. He managed to take a picture of the suspect and talked him into leaving his residence. Police action re-quested.

This matter is under active investigation.

Violation of curfew reference the Covid 19 Emergency Order 2020.: On Sunday 19th April 2020, Officers while on mobile patrol reported six (6) adult males s as it relates to breech of the COVID19 Emergency Order 2020.

All persons were served to appear before Magistrates Court Rock Sound on Wednesday 29th April 2020 to answer said charges and warned of prosecution.

VIOLATION OF CURFEW: On Monday, April 20th, 2020, sometime around 1:06pm, Officers reported that, while on mobile patrol throughout the southern District of Eleuthera, they cited nine persons for breach of the curfew.

All of the offenders were warned of prosecution Suspect arrested ref to Violation of Curfew & Possession of Dangerous Drugs: On Saturday 18/04/2020 Officers while on mobile patrols arrested an adult male reference to violation of curfew. They reported arresting and cautioning the suspect in the ar-ea of Eleuthera Supply Store. Upon the suspect they discovered a small black sealed plastic package with the word (Hawt Grubber) which contained a small quantity of suspected Marijuana/ Indian Hemp. The Suspect was processed and charged with both offences.

SHOPBREAKING & STEALING On Friday, 17th April 2020, sometime around 10:19am, an adult male reported at Rock Sound Police Station that sometime during Sunday, 12th April 2020 and Monday 13th April 2020 some person/s unknown picked the lock on his storage room door, which

is at-tached to his business and stole 4 cases of Bud light valued at $200.00, 2 cases of Guin-ness valued at $130.00, and 6 bottles of rum valued at $140.00.

Then on Thursday, 16th April 2020 sometime around 11:00pm, his camera surveillance recorded a male known to him stealing 1 case of mix beers and 4 bottles of rum, together valued at $200.00. Police action was requested.

Officers conducted investigations into this matter and arrested two adult and recovered a number of items which were suspected to have been stolen.

They were processed and charged with those offences.

THREATS OF HARM On Friday, 17th April 2020, sometime around 10:42am, an adult male that sometime around 10:00am on Friday 17th April 2020 while at his residence, he had an argument with a male relative who threatened to split his face open. He became in fear for his life and requested police action in the matter. The suspect was later arrested, processed and charged.

VIOLATION OF CURFEW: On Saturday, April 18th, 2020, sometime around 1:15am, Officers reported two adult males for Violation of curfew per the COVID19 Emergency Powers Order No. 2, 2020. They were given notice of prosecution.

Persons Warned of Prosecution for Violation of Curfew : On Friday April 17th, 2020 at 8:24am while on mobile patrol in the area of Queen’s Highway, Palmetto Point, Eleuthera officers reported two adult males reference to violating Curfew contrary to section 6 & 9 of the Emergency Powers (Covid 19) (No. 2 Order, 2020) and Emergency Powers (Covid 19) Regulations 2020.

Arrest ref to Possession of Dangerous Drugs: At about 4:25 pm on Friday 17th April, 2020 Officers arrested three adult males reference to Possession of Dangerous and Violation of the Curfew Emergency Powers (Covid 19) No 2 Order 2020. The suspects were processed and charged SHOPBREAKING & STEALING On Tuesday, April 14th, 2020, sometime around 7:39am, an adult male contacted the Rock Sound Police Station by telephone and reported that sometime between 5:00pm on Wednesday, April 8th 2020, and 7:00am on Tuesday, April 14th, 2020, some unknown per-son/s broke into his business establishment . Entry was gained through an eastern win-dow where the culprit (s) stole four hundred and twenty dollars cash ($420.00) and the DVR for his surveillance camera system valued at four hundred dollars ($400.00).

Police action requested. Officers visited and processed this scene. Investigations are ongoing.

SHOPBREAKING & STEALING: At about 12:23pm on Monday 14th April 2020 an adult male came into the Governor’s Harbour Police Station and reported that some unknown person/s broke into his business establishment and stole a few items. Police Assistance requested. Officers visited and processed the scene. Investigations are ongoing Damage: At about 12:23pm on Monday 14th April 2020 an adult female came into the G.H.P.S and reported that sometime during 9th April 2020 and Monday 14th April 2020 some person/s would have damaged the door to a property which she care takes. Police assistance requested. Officers visited and processed this scene, investigations are ongoing.

Vehicle and Passengers Searched ref to Dangerous Drugs and Firearms: At 2:29pm on Monday April 13th 2020, Officers while on mobile patrol searched two adult males reference to dangerous drugs and firearms, the search ended with negative results.

Person Warned of Prosecution for Violating of Curfew: On Monday April 13th, 2020 at 10:58am while on mobile patrol Officers warned an adult female of prosecution reference to violating Curfew contrary to section 6 & 9 of the Emergency Powers (Covid 19) (No. 3 Order, 2020) and Emergency Powers (Covid 19) Regulations 2020, after she was observed driving in a southern direction on Queens Highway between Gregory Town and Eleuthera Island Shores without a reasonable ex-cuse for being out during the curfew order.

VIOLATION OF CURFEW: On Friday, April 10th, 2020, sometime around 10:36am, Officers on patrol reported seventeen adults (17) for violation of curfew per the COVID19 Emergency Powers Order No. 2, 2020.

Roberts was given notice of prosecution.

SUSPECT ARRESTED [BREACH OF CURFEW, POSSESSION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS, RESISTING ARREST: On Friday, April 10th, 2020, sometime around 9:00pm, Officers came into the Rock Sound Police Station with an adult male and reported that, sometime around 8:38pm, while on patrols they cited him for breach of curfew. The suspect, upon request, consented to a search of his person, which was conducted, Officers removed a silver colored foil from the waistband of the suspect’s trousers and, upon examining same in the presence of the sus-pect discovered a grassy substance believed to be marijuana. While attempting to place the handcuff on the suspect’s hands, the suspect pulled away and ran in a southern direction, resulting in a chase that ended a short distance away. The suspect was

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subdued, fur-ther cautioned, taken into custody and transported to the Rock Sound Police Station. The suspect was processed and charged with those offences.

Person Warned of Prosecution for Violation of Curfew: On Thursday April 9th, 2020 at 12:28pm while on patrols reported nine (9) of prosecu-tion reference to violating Curfew contrary to section 6 & 9 of the Emergency Powers (Covid 19) (No. 3 Order, 2020) and Emergency Powers (Covid 19) Regulations 2020.

Person Warned of Prosecution for Violating of Curfew : Between the hours of 10:52am and 11:05am on Wednesday 08th April, 2020 Officers ar-rested an adult male reference to violating Curfew contrary to section 6 & 9 of the Emer-gency Powers (Covid 19).

He was processed and charged with that offence.

Persons Warned of Prosecution for Violation of Curfew : On Tuesday April 7th, 2020 at 8:00pm Officers while conducting road checks at the cross junction of Queens Highway and Haynes Lane in Governors Harbour Eleuthera warned two adult males of prosecution reference to violating Curfew contrary to section 6 & 9 of the Emergency Powers (Covid 19) (No. 2 Order, 2020) and Emergency Powers (Covid 19) Regulations 2020, after they were observed travelling in a easterly direction on Haynes Lane in Governor’s Harbour in a silver Pontiac sedan without a reasonable excuse for being out during the curfew order.

Persons Arrest reference for Violation of curfew: On Monday 6th April, 2020 Sometime around 3:05pm while on mobile patrol Officers ob-served a silver Subaru Forester parked at the rear of a local bar. As the Police vehicle approached, the driver attempted to leave. However, he was stopped and questioned un-der caution as to his reason for being there. Both driver and passenger were not able to give a satisfactory reason for being there. S a result both were reported for breach of the Covid 19 Regulations.

Person Warned of Prosecution for Violating of Curfew: On Sunday April 5th, 2020 at 5:00pm Officers reported and adult male reference to violat-ing Curfew contrary to section 6 & 9 of the Emergency Powers (Covid 19) (No. 3 Order, 2020) and Emergency Powers (Covid 19) Regulations 2020, after he was observed walk-ing in a southern direction without a reasonable excuse for being out during the curfew order.

Persons Reported for [VIOLATION OF CURFEW}: On Sunday 5th April, 2020 between the hours of 10:00am-1:05pm, Officers while on patrol reported Four (4) adults reference to “Violation of Curfew All persons were warned of prosecution.

Persons Reported for [VIOLATION OF CURFEW}: On Saturday 4th April 2020 between the hours of 11:00am-1:30pm, Officers in South eleu-thera reported eleven (11) adults reference P36

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Crime News

April/May, 2020

Police Contact Numbers

Reports issued by the RBPF locally.

Reports are printed to keep the public informed of the incidents of crime that are reported within our communities. All reports are to be treated as allegations only.

to “Violation of CurP35 few”, All persons were warned of prosecution Person Warned of Prosecution for Violating of Curfew: On Saturday 4th April, 2020 at 6:08pm Officers in Central Eleuthera reported three (3) adults of prosecution reference to violating Curfew contrary to section 6 & 9 of the Emergency Powers (Covid 19) (No. 3 Order, 2020) and Emergency Powers (Covid 19) Regulations 2020.

BREACH OF EMERGENCY POWERS REGULATIONS 2020 CHAPTER 34. 1: At about 2:00pm on Wednesday 1st April 2020, Officers in Central Eleuthera reported five (5) adults for breach of the Emergency Powers Deregulations’ 2020 Chapter 34. without a reasonable excuse for being out beyond Curfew. They were all informed of the Offense and warned. The area was left quiet.

SUSPECT ARRESTED [VIOLATION OF CURFEW & REMOVING VEHICLE W/O OWNER’S CONSENT]: On Wednesday, April 01st, 2020, sometime around 7:00am, Officers while at Rock Sound Police Station, cautioned and arrested an adult male reference to breach of curfew which occurred on Saturday, March 28th, 2020. He was processed and charged for that offence.

HOUSE BREAKING: On Monday 3oth March 2020 at about 9:00am an adult female contacted the GHPS and reported that she is the caretaker for a home which was broken into by a unknown person/s.

Police action was requested. Officers visited and processed the scene.

This matter is under active investigation.

Arrest reference to threats of harm and stealing: On Sunday 29th March, 2020 sometime around 6:00pm an adult female contacted Police and reported that sometime around 5:00pm today’s date, she was at her residence along with a male known to her, they got into a verbal altercation. As a result this male threat-ened to shoot her and stole her cell phone. She further stated that while awaiting the ar-rival of the Police Officers at the neighbor’s house, she left her tan wallet inside the house, which contained about $138.00 dollars. After checking her wallet after the Police arrived the money was missing. She suspects this male stole the funds Police assistance requested. Officers arrested and cautioned the suspect. He was processed and charged for that offence.

Arrest reference to Possession of Dangerous Drugs: On Sunday

the 29th March 2020 at 8:05pm Officers arrested an adult male reference to possession of Dangerous Drugs. The suspect was interviewed, processed and subsequently charged.

Arrest reference to Breaching the Emergency Powers Regulations 2020 Chapter 34 On Saturday the 28th March 2020 at 9:34pm Offiers came in at the Governors Harbour Police Station with an adult male suspect under arrest reference to Breaching the Emergency Powers Regulations 2020 Chapter 34 after he was found Driving without a reasonable excuse for being out beyond curfew. The suspect was interviewed, processed and subsequently charged.

Arrest/Possession of Dangerous Drugs: On Saturday 28th March, 2020, sometime around 10:50pm, Officers came in at Rock Sound Station with an adult male Under arrest. Officers reported that he was arrested and cautioned sometime around 10:25pm while on Queens Highway, reference to Possession of Dangerous Drugs. He was interviewed under caution reference to Possession of Dangerous Drugs. He admitted to the offence. He was further cautioned and subsequently charged for the offence.

ARREST REPORT: On Thursday 26th March 2020, at about 7:50am Officers came in at the G.H.P.S with an adult male under arrest reference to Breach of the Emergency Powers Regulations (no.2) and Possession of Dangerous Drug with Intent to Supply, and reports that he was cautioned and arrested at 7:40am. The suspect was processed and Charged.

ARREST REFERENCE TO BREACH OF EMERGENCY POWER(COVID 19: Sometime around 5:41am Officers while on patrol arrested an adult male for breach of Emergency Powers (COVID 19) Regulations 2020 Chapter chapter 34. He reported arrest-ing and cautioned the suspect on Queen’s Highway, Governor’s Harbour In the area of Bets Plaza. Suspect appeared well with no complaints. The suspect was processed and charged with that offence.

ROAD CHECKS AND INSPECTION REPORT: On Wednesday 25th March, 2020 Officers conducted Traffic check points in the Hatchet Bay and Gregory Town area to re-enforce the 24hrs curfew. As a result 3 drivers were cited for 15 Traffic infractions and one male was searched reference to Possession of D/Drugs and Firearms with negative results. In addition food stores were visited to en-sure compliance with social distancing requirements.

Arrest reference to Breaching the Emergency Powers Regulations 2020 Chap-ter 34 2: On Wednesday the 25th March 2020 at 2:58am While on Patrols Officers arrested an adult male reference to Breaching the Emergency Powers

HeadQuarters (GH) Governor’s Harbour OR O/C Governor’s Harbour Gov.Harb. Airport Station Deep Creek Station Tarpum Bay Station Rock Sound Station

332-3500 332-2111 332-2117 332-2723 332-2323 334-8207 334-4033 334-2244

Regulations 2020 Chapter 34 follow-ing a brief high speed chase. The suspect was processed and charged with that of-fence.

Breach of EMERGENCY POWERS REGULATIONS, 2020 (CHAPTER 34) : At 1:20am on Tuesday March 23rd 2020 Officers reported an adult female for breaching the Emergency Powers Regulation, 2020 Chapter 34, after she was caught driving a silver vehicle L/P# EL0886 south along Queens Highway in Governors Harbour without a rea-sonable excuse for being out beyond curfew. She was informed of the offence and warned

NE & Hbr Island M.C.R. ARREST REF. POSSESSION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS AND BREACH OF THE COVID 19 CURFEW ORDER. On Thursday 02/04/20 sometime around 9:50 p.m police on mobile on South Street Spanish Wells, observed some persons acting suspiciously in the area of a fishing vessel. They were also suspected of breaching of the Covid 19 Curfew Orders. The men, seven in total, were informed that they were suspected of being in possession of dangerous drugs and firearms and for breaching the Curfew Orders and that a search was necessary. A P/C discovered three (3) packages, approximately 1pound of suspected marijuana on the boat. The men were all arrested and cautioned. The arrested included four males of Spanish Wells and three males of North Eleuthera. Police subsequently released two men of Spanish Wells from custody after warning them of prosecution in reference to breach of the Covid 19 Curfew Orders.

The other five (5) men were then masked and escorted to Spanish Wells Police Station where they were interviewed under caution.

They were charged with Possession of Dangerous Drugs contrary to section 29(6) & 29(2)b of Dangerous Drugs Act Chapter 228. One of the men was further charged with Violation of Curfew Contrary to section 6 & 9 of the Emergency Powers (Covid 19) regulation 2020 of Chapter 34.

At about 1:37 a.m. on Friday 3rd April 2020, police released all five (5) accused from custody on bail in the sum of $5,000 with one surety each. They will appear before Magistrate’s Court Spanish Wells at 9:30 a.m. on 28/4/2020.

Breach of curfew: On Friday 3/4/20 at about 9:37am Crew of Eskimo 16 consisting of Sgt 1401 Carey and Cpl 2448 Johnson reported that while on

Rock Sound Sgt. Office Rock Sound Airport Stn L. Bogue Station (Airport) Harbour Island Station O/C Harbour Island Spanish Wells Station Gregory Town Station Hatchet Bay Station

334-2212 334-2052 335-1208 333-2111 333-2327 333-4030 335-5322 335-0086

mobile patrol in the area of Bay and Pitt Street Harbour Island Sgt 1401 Carey observed a suspect known to the Police as Kevie Cambridge D.O.B 14/4/89 of Colebrooke Street Harbour Island walking in the mentioned area however upon observing the Police vehicle the suspect began to walk faster as a result Sgt 1401 Carey proceeded behind the suspect and informed him that he was in breach of curfew and Sgt 1401 Carey warned him of prosecution however after being informed the suspect ran and evaded Police in the area of a nearby structure.

Breach of Curfew: On Saturday 4th April, 2020 at about 9:35am, an adult male of New Dunmore Sub Division of Harbour Island for Breach of Curfew. The offender was informed of the violation and warned of prosecution. At about 9:43am, police reported a young adult male of New Dunmore Sub Division of Harbour Island for Breach of Curfew. The offender was informed of the violation and warned of prosecution. At about 3:50pm, police while on mobile patrol duties reported an adult male offender of Nesbitt Street, Harbour Island for Breach of Curfew. The offenders were informed of the violation and warned of prosecution.

Breach of Curfew: On Sunday 5th April, 2020 at about 4:10pm, police on mobile patrol duties reported an adult male and an adult female of Colebrooke Street, Harbour Island for Breach of Curfew. The offender was informed of the violation and warned of prosecution. At about 4:20pm, police reported the an adult male of Bay Street, Harbour Island for Breach of Curfew. At about 4:35pm, police reported an adult female of Colebrooke Alley, Harbour Island for Breach of Curfew. The offenders were informed of the violation and warned of prosecution.

Suspicious Circumstances: On Monday 6th April sometime around 9:25Am a police crew received information as it relates to a male suspect who was allegedly at his residence situated Pitt Street (Harbour Island) cutting up marijuana. As a result of the information received the unit acted and upon arrival at the residence the suspect fled in an unknown direction making good his escape. The unit conducted a search of the property and premises and discovered at the exterior of the suspect northern bedroom window a royal blue and black back pack containing a small quantity of suspected marijuana and marijuana seeds. The bag was retrieved and collected label as exhibit for evidential purposes and further investigations.

Breach of Curfew: On Tuesday 7th April, 2020 at about 5:05pm, police reported an adult male and female of Cole-

Crime News brooke Street Harbour Island for Breach of Curfew while at the rear of Wesley Methodist Church, Colebrooke Street.

The offenders were informed of the violation and warned of prosecution.

Breach of Curfew: On Tuesday 7th April, 2020 at about 5:40pm, police reported, two adult males, both of Dunmore Street, Harbour Island for Breach of Curfew while in the area of the National Insurance Board office, Bay Street. The offenders were informed of the violation and warned of prosecution.

Alarm Activation: On Friday 10th April, 2020 at about 11:12am, police while conducting mobile patrol duties responded to the sound of alarm activation at Island Luck, Bay Street, Harbour Island. Unit made checks of the exterior of the establishment. All doors and windows appear to be secured. At about 11:14pm, Assistant Manager/Key Holder care of Island Luck arrived on location and assisted officers with entry to said establishment at which time an extensive check was made of the interior with negative results to any suspicious activity. A.S.P. Rolle requested surveillance footage for the time period. At about 11:20am, Unit cleared scene. Area left quiet and in order.

Breach of curfew: On Friday 10/4/20 at about 4:15pm Crew of Eskimo 1 came in at Harbour Island Station and reported that while conducting patrols pursuant to COVID 19 Order 2020 police reported an adult male of Coconut Grove Avenue after he was found walking south of Colebrooke Street in the area of the old Administrators residence without a reasonable excuse the offender was informed that he was in breach of COVID 19 ORDER and warned of prosecution.

Breach of curfew: On Friday 10/4/20 police reported that pursuant to Emergency Powers (COVID 19) LOCKDOWN (NO 2 ORDER 2020) while on mobile patrol an adult male of Trianna Shores and an adult male of Barrack Street were asked the reason for them being on the street and could not give a satisfactory excuse. As a result they were informed of the violation and warned of prosecution.

Breach of curfew: On Sunday 12th April, 2020, police reported that pursuant to Emergency Powers (COVID 19) LOCKDOWN (NO 2 ORDER 2020) while on mobile patrol police warned an adult male of Coconut Grove Avenue of prosecution after he was asked the reason for him being on the street and could not give a satisfactory excuse. As a result he was informed of the violation and warned of prosecution.

Breach of Curfew: On Monday 13th April, 2020, at about 12:40pm, police while at Colebrooke Street reported an adult male of Colebrooke and Duncan Lane, Harbour Island in reference to Breach of Curfew while on Colebrooke Street south of Goal Lane. He was warned of prosecution for the offense committed. Area left quiet and in order Threats of Harm Report: On Tuesday 14th April, 2020 at about 8:35am, an adult female of Sapodilla Avenue, off Skyline Drive, Lower Bogue, Eleuthera came into Harbour Island Police Station and reported that a male she only knows of Lower Bogue threatened her by saying he will “@#@$ her up” while in the area

of Three Island Dock, Lower Bogue, Eleuthera. She requested that he be warned Update: Crew of Eskimo #1-9, reported that at about 9:30am while in the area of Three Island Dock, Lower Bogue, North Eleuthera, they saw and spoke with an adult male of Lower Bogue who was informed of the complaint made against him and warned him to be of good behavior towards the complainant. Area left quiet and in order.

Breach of Curfew Report: On Thursday 16th April, 2020 at around 12:30 pm police observed a white Hyundai truck registered to a business travelling north along Nesbitt Street with a shipment of alcoholic beverages. As a result, the vehicle was stopped where the occupants gave their names and stated they were employees of the business. When questioned as to where the items were being transported, they both stated that they were delivering to a client in The Narrows, HBI. Both individuals were informed that they were in Breach of the Covid-19 Emergency Order and warned of Prosecution.

Police confiscated the shipment which included an assortment of wines, gin, tequila, beers, cigarettes and other items totaling some $4,000.00 plus dollars. Two receipts were confiscated as well for evidential purposes. At about 12:50 pm police saw and spoke to a manager of the company who was informed of the seizure. Investigations are ongoing in reference to this matter….

Breach of Curfew Report: On Thursday 16th April, 2020 at around 6:48 pm a Cpl on mobile patrol along Barrack Street, reported that she observed an adult male of Colebrooke Street and an adult male of Alice Street seated on a golf cart talking with persons of that residence. Both persons were reminded of the Curfew order and advised to return to their homes. The Cpl. further reported that at 6:52 pm while on mobile patrol along Colebrooke Street, the offenders were observed at a residence talking with persons. They were warned of prosecution in reference to Breach of Curfew.

Breach of Curfew Report: On Thursday 16th April, 2020 at around 7:50 pm while on mobile patrol along Nesbitt Street, a Cpl. reported an adult male of Coconut Grove Avenue in reference to Breach of Curfew. The offender stated that he was walking by his boy to pick something up. He was warned of prosecution and advised to return to his residence.

Breach of Curfew Report: On Thursday 16th April, 2020 at around 7:52 pm while on mobile patrol along Munnings Street, a Cpl. an adult male of Pitt Street in reference to Breach of Curfew. When asked his reason for being along the street, the offender stated that he was going to pick something up. He was warned of prosecution and advised to return to his residence Breach of Curfew Report: On Thursday 16th April, 2020 at around

8:08 pm while on mobile patrol along Dunmore Street, a Cpl. observed a red Nissan Note being driven north along the street. As a result, the vehicle was brought to a stop where occupants of same gave their names as and address as both of Dunmore Street. When asked their reason for being out of their homes, an occupant stated that he went to pick up curbs from somebody along Trianna Shores. Both persons were informed that they were being reported in reference to Breach of Curfew and warned of prosecution.

Breach of Curfew Report : On Thursday 16th April, 2020 at around 8:20 pm while on mobile patrol along Dunmore Street, a Cpl. observed a white Yamaha Golf Cart being driven south along the street. As a result, the cart was brought to a stop where the driver was identified as a male of Dunmore Street. When asked his reason for being on the street, the offender stated that he just came off the boat and that the police will cause people start robbing soon. He began to become hostile stating that the Cpl. harasses him. Police sternly warned the offender of his behavior and he became cooperative. The offender was informed that he would be reported in reference to Breach of Curfew and driving a vehicle while same is unlicensed and uninsured for the current year. He was warned of prosecution.

Breach of Curfew Report: On Thursday 16th April, 2020 at around 7:38 pm while on mobile patrol along Barrack Street, police reported a male of Barrack and Chapel Street in reference to Breach of Curfew. When asked his reason for being along the street, the offender stated that he was going to pick something up from a male. He was warned of prosecution and advised to return to his residence.

Breach of Curfew Report : On Thursday 16th April, 2020 at around 8:15 pm while on mobile patrol along Munnings Street, police reported a male of Princess Street in reference to Breach of Curfew. When asked his reason for being along the street, the offender stated that he just came from his cousin’s residence and was going home. Police further reported that the offender was given a number of warnings reference to same prior. He was warned of prosecution and advised to return to his residence.

Breach of Curfew Report: On Thursday 16th April, 2020 at around 9:22 pm while on mobile patrol along Coconut Grove Avenue, police reported an adult male of Coconut Grove Avenue in reference to Breach of Curfew.

The offender was observed walking in the opposite direction of his home and upon seeing the marked police vehicle, he turned around. He was warned of prosecution and advised to return to his residence.

Breach of Curfew Report : On Thursday 16th April, 2020 at around 9:25 pm while on mobile patrol along Coconut Grove Avenue, police reported a male of Coconut Grove Avenue in reference to Breach of Curfew. The offender was observed walking in the opposite direction of his home and

April/May, 2020

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when asked his reason, he stated that he was going to buy a soda. He was warned of prosecution and advised to return to his residence.

Breach of Curfew Report : On Thursday 16th April, 2020 at around 9:32 pm while on mobile patrol along Colebrooke Alley, police reported a ma le of Barrack and Chapel Street in reference to Breach of Curfew. When asked his reason for being along the street, the offender stated that he came to get something to eat and help persons of that residence clean the yard. He was reminded of his being reported earlier on the same date and informed that he would be reported again. He was warned of prosecution and again advised to return to his residence.

Assault with a deadly weapon/Arrest: On Monday 23/3/20 a Cpl reported that while at Harbour Island Police Station he arrested and cautioned an adult male suspect of Nesbitt Street Harbour Island and reported that the suspect was arrested in reference to assault with a deadly weapon a complaint made on 14/3/20 . The suspect was detained in Police custody.

Stealing from a vessel report On Monday 23/3/20 at about 12:15pm an adult male of Colebrooke Street Harbour Island came in at the Harbour Island police Station and reported that sometime in the early part of March a 25ft Catamaran vessel with two 150hsp Yamaha outboard engines attached to the vessel was secured on his property located on Colebrooke Street in the area of Romora Bay Resort and Marina for caretaking purposes however on17/3/20 he discovered that some unknown person/s had stolen one of the propellers valued at $450 from off the left (port) engine. He observed a young man whom he knows by ‘nickname’ exiting his yard where the vessel and engine with the mentioned propeller was kept via camera surveillance. Police action requested.

Causing Harm Arrest: On Tuesday 24th March 2020, at about 8:40am an adult female of Alice Street, Harbour came to the HIPS where she was arrested and cautioned in reference to Causing Harm a complaint made by a female on 19/3/20.The accused was Interviewed and charged with Casing Harm. She was released on bail in the amount of $1000.00 with 1 suretor, to appear before Magistrate court on 25/4/2020 at 10:00am.

Drug Arrest & Breach of Curfew Order Arrest: On Wednesday 25th March 2020 the Crew of Eskimo 1 came in at the Harbour Island Police Station sometime around 5:00Pm with (1) adult male suspect of Colebrooke Street Harbour Island under arrest in reference to Possession of Dangerous Drugs. He was reportedly arrested and cautioned in the vicinity of Colebrooke Street at the vicinity of the catholic cemetery. He was further warned of prosecution reference to Breach of the Covid 19 curfew order. Police attempted to interview the suspect under caution. He was subsequently Charged in reference to Possession of Dangerous Drugs contrary to section 29(6) and 29(2) b of the Dangerous Drug Act Chapter 228.He was also charged P38 for Breach of the Emergency Powers (Covid 19) regulation

38 www. EleutheraNews . com 2020 chapter 34. Acting on instructions police granted P37 the suspect bail in the sum of $800.00 with one suretor to appear before Magistrate court on 30th April 2020 at 9:30Am. Suspect arrested reference to: Breach of Curfew order: On Thursday 26/3/20 at about 12:52am police came in at Harbour Island Police Station with a male suspect of Johnson View Road Harbour Island and reported that the suspect was arrested and cautioned while on Pitt Street Harbour Island reference to breach of Curfew suspect appeared to be well with no complaints and taken in Police custody. On Thursday 26th March 2020 sometime around 4:05Pm police reported conducting an interview with the suspect in reference to Violation of the Emergency Covid 19 Curfew order 2020 .During the interview the suspect admitted that he is aware of the national curfew order and that he didn’t realize the time, and were talking with a few friends at a residence located Pitt Street Harbour Island. Police subsequently charged the suspect in reference to Violation of Curfew contrary to section 6&9 of the Emergency powers (Covid 19) No.1 Order 2020 & Emergency Powers (Covid 19) Regulation 2020 Chapter 34. The suspect was granted bail around 6:00pm in the sum of $1,000.00 with one suretor (1) to appear before Magistrate Court on 30th April 2020.

Breach of curfew arrest: On Thursday 26/3/20 at about 11:40pm police came in at Harbour Island Police Station with suspects of Dunmore Street Harbour Island and of New Dunmore Subdivision and reported that they were arrested and cautioned after they were seen on Colebrooke Street without a valid excuse for breach of curfew order (Covid 19)#1 the suspects appeared to be well with no complaints at the time. Police interviewed one suspect under caution where she admitted to the offense. The other suspected was subsequently interviewed and he too admitted to the offense. The suspects were charged with violation of curfew contrary to section 6 & 9 of The Emergency Powers (Covid 19) # 1 order 2020 & Emergency Powers (Covid 19) Regulation 2020 Chapter 34. They were both fingerprinted and processed. Each was released on bail at the sum of $1,000 with one suretor to appear before Magistrate Court Harbour Island on 30/4/20.

Stealing Report: On Friday 27th March, 2020 at about 11:20 am a male of Colebrooke street in at the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that he is the care taker for a residence located Dunmore and Colebrooke Street.

He further reported that sometime between Monday 23.03.20 and 9:00am today’s date, some unknown person/s stole a black Garmin Gps unit value unknown from a Hydra Sport Bay boat which was docked at the residence’s private dock. Police action requested.

Actions were taken and Investigations

Crime News

are ongoing…..

Arrest reference: Arson: On Friday 27th March 2020 , police reported that while on duty at the Harbour Island Police Station on special duty patrols in the area of Barrack Street in the vicinity of Hibiscus Landscaping/ Nursery sometime around 7:35pm. He arrested and cautioned a male suspect of Colebrooke Street (Harbour Island) in reference to an outstanding Arson complaint made at the North Eleuthera Police Station. He was later transported to the Harbour Island Police Station for safe keeping and further investigations.

Breach of Curfew Arrest: On Saturday 28th March, 2020 at about 12:35 pm Police came in at Harbour Island Police Station with an adult male of Colebrooke Alley. The suspect was arrested and cautioned at 12:30 pm at his residence in reference to Violation of the Curfew Order (Covid #19), a report made at 11:18 am same date.

Police subsequently interviewed and charged the accused with Violation of Curfew contrary to section 6 & 9 of The Emergency Powers (Covid 19) # 1 order 2020 & Emergency Powers (Covid 19) Regulation 2020 Chapter 34. He was finger printed and later released on bail in the sum of $1,000.00 with one suretor to appear in Magistrate Court on 30th April, 2020 at 9:30 am.

Disorderly Behavior in a Police Station/Damage report: On Friday 27th March 2020 an officer c/o Harbour Island Police Station reported that while on duty at the said Police Station as station diarist he further cautioned a suspect who was in Police custody in reference to Disorderly Behavior in a police station after he was pulling and pushing and banging on the cell bars and shouting at an extremely loud tone of voice stating that “This aint making no sense.” As a result he was warned on several occasions to cease and desist of his behavior but he refused. Further, sometime around 9:50pm it was discovered that the suspect caused damage to the electrical wires leading to the light in the cell area causing it to go out also resulting in a malfunction to the main circuit breaker panel.

As a result of this he was warned of Prosecution in reference to Causing Damage and Disorderly Behavior in a Police Station.

The suspect was subsequently interviewed and Charged in reference to Disorderly Behavior in a Police Station Contrary to section 206(2),Damage contrary to section 154 (1) both of the penal code chapter 84.He was also charged in reference to Violation of Curfew contrary to section 6&9 of the Emergency Powers (Covid 19) (No.1 order, 2020 & Emergency powers (Covid 19) Regulation 2020 chapter 34. He was granted bail in the sum of $1,000.00 with one (1) suretor to appear before Harbour Island Magistrate court on 30th April 2020 at 9:30Am. Arrest reference:Violation of the Emergency Curfew Order - Police reported that while on mobile patrol they observed two(2) males one (1) in

a white shirt and tan pants and the other in an orange shirt walking with a limp traveling north along Dunmore Street in violation of the curfew.

Upon seeing the Police Vehicle the males fled on foot. Officers made a search of the yard and knocked at the residence where the suspect in the orange appeared to have fled with negative results. A search was made of the adjacent shed where a male who gave his name and his address as Dunmore Street. He was arrested and cautioned and taken to the Harbour Island Police Station for safe keeping and further processing.

When asked he identified the other male in question who fled, a male also of Dunmore Street (Harbour Island).

Police interviewed the suspect under caution and charged the accused \with Violation of Curfew contrary to section 6 & 9 of The Emergency Powers (Covid 19) # 1 order 2020 & Emergency Powers (Covid 19) Regulation 2020 Chapter 34.

He was fingerprinted and released on bail in the sum of $1,000.00 with one suretor to appear in Magistrate Court on 30th April, 2020 at 9:30 am.

Road Accident Report: On Monday 30th March 2020 at around 12:30 pm an adult male of Trianna Shores contacted the Harbour Island Police Station via phone and reported that a dark male driving a blue vehicle lost control of same and collided into his red Nissan Cube which was parked in his yard causing damage. Police assistance requested.

Police arrived on scene and met a blue Toyota parked in a southern western position along the north bound lane that was driven by a young adult male of Trianna Shores.

Police noted that both airbags of the vehicle were deployed and that the entire front end of the vehicle was totaled. The driver gave certain information of his collision into a blue Rubicon Jeep parked along the eastern side of the street and also into a red Nissan Cube parked in a yard parked on the western side of the street.

• Police issued the driver a police hospital form to seek medical attention. The passenger, a male of Trianna Shores, was also issued a police hospital form to seek medical attention.

• The driver was issued with a N.O.I.P form and warned of prosecution. He was also advised to produce his driver’s license and insurance to the police.

House Breaking Report: On Wednesday 15th April 2020 at 10:40am R/C 257 an adult male of Princess Street, Harbour Island came to the HIPS and reported that he owns a home about 2miles off from Three Island Dock and on Monday 6th April 2020, he left his house locked and secured. On Tuesday 14th April 2020 sometime between 2pm-3pm, he made checks of his house and discovered that some unknown person(s) had broken into it through

April/May, 2020 the kitchen door and stole a number of items. Police action requested.

House Breaking Report: On Wednesday 15th April 2020 at 12:20pm an adult female of Dunmore Street, Harbour Island came to the HIPS and reported that she is building a house on the main land which she left locked and secured along with her shed from 7th April 2020. On April 14th 2020 at about 3pm, she returned to her property to make checks after the curfew lockdown and discovered her shed door broken into with a number of tools missing.

Police action requested.

Breach of Curfew/ T.O.R.: On Saturday 11th April, 2020, at about 9:50am, police, while at Colebrooke and Clarence Street reported an adult male of Pitt Street, Harbour Island in reference to Breach of Curfew and Failing to Stop while driving a Blue 2008 Nissan Note l/p # EL2135. The mentioned vehicle was unlicensed and uninsured for the current year 2020 for which he was also reported for. The adult male could not give a satisfactory excuse for being on the road and admitted that he saw the patrolling unit pursuing him however he panicked. He was warned of prosecution for the offenses committed. Area left quiet and in order.

Unlawful Sexual Intercourse Report On Friday 17th April, 2020 at about 3:10 pm an adult female came to the Harbour Island Police Station with her juvenile daughter and reported that she had suspicions of a sexual nature and requested police action. While at S3, police interviewed the child in the presence of her mother where she gave important information. She was also taken to the Harbour Island Community Clinic. Investigations are ongoing into this matter.

Unlawful Sexual Intercourse (update): On Tuesday 21st April, 2020, at about 10:40am, police arrested and cautioned one young adult male of Harbour Island in reference to this matter. The subject was later interviewed and released pending further investigations.

Unlawful Sexual Intercourse (update): On Tuesday 21st April, 2020, at about 1:40pm, police arrested and cautioned one juvenile male of Harbour Island in reference to this matter.

The subject was later interviewed and released pending further investigations.

Breach of Lockdown Order On Saturday 18th April, 2020 at about 7:05 pm an officer while on mobile patrol along Trianna Shores, reported that he observed a male DOB 08.11.1955 of Trianna Shores at the residence of a male along Trianna Shores. When asked his reason for being out of his home he stated that he came to get pills and asked if the police had any. The offender was informed that he would be reported in reference to breach of the Emergency Covid-19 P39 Lockdown Order and

Crime News P38

warned of prosecution in reference to same.

Breach

of

Lockdown

Order On Saturday 18th April, 2020 at about 8:25 pm Cpl. 3471 Mckenzie c/o Eskimo #1-6 while on mobile patrol along Dunmore Street, reported that she observed a female travelling south along Dunmore Street in the area of the Catholic Church via golf cart. As a result, the cart was brought to a stop where the driver gave her name and her address as of Duncaan Lane.

The female informed police she was headed by a friend. In response to the question of why, she stated that it was because she wanted to. At this time, the offender was informed that she would be reported in reference to Breach of the Emergency Lockdown Order and warned of prosecution.

Breach of Curfew Order / Failing Protective Mask: On Monday 20th April, 2020 at about 6:05 pm an Insp. on mobile patrol throughout the Harbour Island community reported a male of Barrack Street in reference to Breach of Curfew and being in a public place while not wearing a protective mask. He was informed of the offences and warned of prosecution.

to wear a

Breach of Curfew Order / Failing Protective Mask: On Monday 20th April, 2020 at about 6:25 pm an Insp. while on mobile patrol throughout the Harbour Island community reported a male of Colebrooke Street in reference to Breach of Curfew and being in a public place while not wearing a protective mask. He was informed of the offences and warned of prosecution.

police reported conducting mobile patrol duties in the area of Bay and King Street, Harbour Island at which time a Sgt. reported one a female of Colebrooke Alley and a female of Dunmore Street in reference to Breach of Curfew. They were both warned of prosecution.

Arrest reference to Housebreak& Possession of an Unlicensed

ing

Firearm Location: Upper Bogue, Eleuthera Suspects Arrested: On Monday 13th April 2020, sometime around 12:45pm, police arrived in at the North Eleuthera Police Station along with a juvenile suspect, of North Eleuthera, and reported that sometime around 12:45pm on Monday 13th April 2020, while in the area of the Church of God, Upper Bogue, they arrested and cautioned the suspect reference to House breaking and Stealing.

On Monday 13th April 2020, sometime around 1:40pm, police acting on information received, preceded to Upper Bogue, Eleuthera, were they arrested and cautioned the suspect, an adult male of Upper Bogue, Eleuthera in reference to Housebreaking and Stealing.

to wear a

Breach of Curfew Order / Failing Protective Mask: On Monday 20th April, 2020 at about 6:35 pm an Insp. while on mobile patrol throughout the Harbour Island community reported a male of Trianna Shores in reference to Breach of Curfew and being in a public place while not wearing a protective mask. He was informed of the offences and warned of prosecution.

to wear a

Breach of Curfew Order / Failing Protective Mask: On Monday 20th April, 2020 at about 8:25 pm while on duty at the Harbour Island Police Station a Cpl. observed an individual run behind BTC along Colebrooke Street. As a result, enquiries were conducted and the individual was identified as a female of Barrack Street. When asked her reason for being behind the building, she stated that she saw the police jeep coming and she hid. When asked her reason for being on the street, she could not give a satisfactory reason. As a result, the Cpl. informed the offender that she would be reported in reference to Breach of Curfew and being in a public place while not wearing a protective mask. She was warned of prosecution.

to wear a

Breach of Curfew Order: On Monday 20th April, 2020 at about 7:10 pm,

Exhibits Recovered: On Monday 13th April 2020, sometime around 1:55pm, police acting on information received, proceeded to the area of Lower Bogue, along with the suspect, where he directed the officers to a two story building, still under construction, and pointed out a pile of wood, across from the said building, which the officers searched and discovered a black 12 gauge shotgun serial #B8795@@@, loaded with (1) 12 gauge shell. I Suspects Interviewed: On Monday 13th April 2020, sometime around 2:45pm, a Sgt. while at the North Eleuthera Police Station cautioned and interviewed the suspect, , who denied breaking and entering, however, he stated that a male, who he only knows took him into Lower Bogue, where he showed him a black long shotgun, which he had concealed under a pile of wood, near a house that was under construction.

The questions and answers were recorded on a record of interview form, which the suspect read and signed.

On Monday 13th April 2020, sometime around 4:00pm, a Sgt. while at the North Eleuthera Police Station, cautioned and interviewed the juvenile suspect, in the presence of R/Sgt. and an Adult relative. During the interview the suspect stated

April/May, 2020

that he acted as lookout, while the co-accused entered into the residence and later came out with a black long shotgun, which they later took to Lower Bogue, and stashed inside of bushes near a house that was still under construction. The questions and answers were recorded on a record of interview form, which the suspect declined to sign.

They were charged with all offences.

Curfew Violation Location: Upper Bogue On Monday 13th April 2020, sometime around 11:30am, a PC contacted the North Eleuthera Police Station and reported that sometime around 11:00am, on the same date, while conducting enquiries in the area of Queens Highway, Upper Bogue, he observed a male of Lower Bogue, in the area of Upper Bogue. As a result he beckoned to the suspect, who looked in his direction and ran into nearby bushes, making good his escape. He advised that he will be reporting the said individual in reference to breach of the curfew.

Curfew Violation Upper Bogue, Eleuthera On Monday 13th April 2020, sometime around 5:40pm, a Sgt. while conducting enquiries in the area of Upper Bogue, Eleuthera, observed an adult male Upper Bogue, Eleuthera, walking along the back road, and when questioned in reference to his reason for being away from his residence he stated that he was getting some bush for his mother to drink. He was informed that he is being reported reference to breach of the Emergency Covid-19 Regulations.

Gunshots Reported Location: Upper Bogue, Eleuthera On Monday 13th April 2020, sometime around 7:50pm, police left the North Eleuthera Police Station en route to the area of Upper Bogue on enquiries. On arrival they received additional information, which led them to a residence where they saw and spoke with a male, who identified himself and who reported that it was him who that was discharging shots. He stated that he fired approximately (3) three shots from his licensed shotgun to scare away some dogs that were around his residence. He was warned reference to discharging his firearm in a residential area. His license and identification was inspected and all was in order.

Curfew Violation Location: Three Island, Eleuthera On Tuesday 14th April 2020, sometime around 4:00pm, police, acting on information received, conducted a search of a black Mazda and its occupants (Four young adult males), all of Harbor Island. The occupants were questioned in reference to their reason for leaving home, and they stated that they drove to Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Harbor to sell Grubba leaf. They were informed that they were being reported for violating

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curfew, and warned of prosecution.

Road Accident Report (R.A.R.) Location: Three Island, Eleuthera On Wednesday 15th April 2020, sometime around 12:40pm, police, acting on information in reference to a traffic accident in the area of Three Island, proceeded en route to the said location on enquiries. They received information that a Dodge Ram truck, driven by an unknown male driver, collided into (2) two vehicles, which were parked in the parking area at Three Island Dock, namely; a white 2001 Chevy Truck, owned by a male of Upper Bogue, which sustained extensive damages to the hood, left front bumper, fender, and grill. The second vehicle was a gold Honda CRV license #EL6947, owned by a male of Blackwood, with extensive damages to the hood, bumper, and grill. The scene was processed and the owners were asked to come into the North Eleuthera Police Station to give a statement.

Enquires are continuing.

Curfew Violation Location: Three Island, Eleuthera On Wednesday 15th April 2020, sometime around 5:25pm, an Insp. reported that while conducting enquiries in the area Whale Point, Eleuthera he saw and spoke with Susan Cash a female and male, both of Gregory Town, Eleuthera, who were unable to give a satisfactory reason for them being in the area. As a result they were informed that they will be reported for breach of Curfew, and they were warned of prosecution.

Curfew Violation Location: Three Island, Eleuthera On Sunday 19th April 2020, sometime around 4:00pm, police, while in the area of Upper Bogue, Eleuthera, observed three known males, all of Upper Bogue, walking in the area of Cross Road, Upper Bogue. The suspects looked in the direction of the marked Police vehicle and quickly ran away, making good their escape.

Investigations are ongoing.

Curfew Violation Location: Three Island, Eleuthera On Sunday 19th April 2020, sometime around 7:30pm, police while in the area of Lower Bogue, Eleuthera, observed a white Toyota vehicle, travelling within the community. As a result the officers beckoned to the driver to stop the vehicle, with negative results.

The officers continued to follow the vehicle, which subsequently pulled into a yard. The driver exited the vehicle and was identified himself. He was questioned in reference to his reason for being out of his home, and was unable to give a satisfactory answer. He was informed that he would be reported reference to violating curfew.

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PAHO urges countries to maintain vaccination during COVID-19 pandemic On the cusp of Vaccination Week in the Americas, countries need to take innovative safety measures to strengthen flu and measles vaccination to avoid an added burden of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Washington, DC, April 24, 2020 (PAHO/ WHO) – Countries must strengthen vaccination against seasonal influenza and measles to prevent respiratory illness and vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks during the COVID-19 pandemic, say experts at the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO).

The recommendations come on the cusp of the 18th Vaccination Week in the Americas, which will take place April 25 – May 2 with the slogan “Love. Trust. Protect. #GetVax.” Since 2003, more than 806 million people of all ages have been vaccinated against a wide range of dangerous diseases under the regional initiative promoted by PAHO. “Vaccines save lives and must be maintained even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The most vulnerable should not suffer the consequences of not getting the vaccines they need,” said PAHO Director Carissa F. Etienne.

“I commend countries in this Region that have already adapted their campaigns to this ‘new reality’and are making great efforts to keep vaccinating in a safe manner.”

Vaccinating to prevent serious respiratory illness from flu and stop measles outbreaks is key to protecting people while helping health systems focus on the response to COVID-19.

Some 17 countries in the Americas have reported they are using the Vaccination Week in the Americas platform to vaccinate against influenza, and other 17 plan to vaccinate against measles.

Three countries in the Americas - Argentina, Brazil and Mexico - are currently battling measles outbreaks, as well as dealing with COVID-19 cases. PAHO has recommended that primary health care providers vaccinate against measles while taking measures to protect communities and health care workers from COVID-19.

Health workers are vaccine heroes: Immunization continues to be an essential service that must continue to keep people healthy and reduce burdens on health services so they can respond more effectively to COVID-19.

“Vaccination is key not just for our communities, but also for our health care workers,” said Cuauhtemoc Ruiz Matus, head of the Comprehensive Family Immunization program at PAHO. “We vaccinate to protect them just as much as to protect ourselves.” He added that a special focus on influenza vaccination to protect vulnerable populations is advisable this year, given the coming winter in South America and the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

New approaches to vaccinate Many countries have adapted creative solutions to continue vaccinating at-risk populations safely during the pandemic. Brazil has set a goal of vaccinating more than 60 million high-risk people – those with underlying conditions, pregnant women, children, health care workers and older adults – against influenza, and is working to meet this goal by vaccinating older adults outside of health centers so they are able to avoid contact with individuals who are sick.

The country has set up vaccination posts in schools that are empty due to COVID-19, and supermarkets and pharmacies. In addition, they are offering drive-through vaccination and vaccination at home for people who are unable to leave their houses for health reasons. Vaccination posts are open for extended hours to avoid crowds. In addition to flu vaccination, Brazil is vaccinating against measles and yellow fever in municipalities where those diseases are circulating.

El Salvador has set up influenza vaccination stations at banks, where older adults often go to get their allowances from the government, as well as in nursing homes. The country is also doing focused outreach to pregnant women.

Likewise, Chile – which has already vaccinated some 2 million people over the age of 65 - is offering drive-through vaccination. Bolivia is sending out immunization brigades to nursing homes and jails to reach at-risk groups, and setting up vaccination posts in banks. Argentina, Colombia and Paraguay are also vaccinating high-risk groups against flu, with Paraguay setting up tents outside of health centers to separate people who are seeking vaccination from ill patients.

Countries are also including messages related to COVID-19 prevention as part of their Vaccination Week campaigns, such as the importance of good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, and dispelling myths and misinformation about the disease.

Physical distancing is also affecting this year’s Vaccination Week campaigns, which usually include community activities like health fairs, parades and other community events.

With virtual launches suggested by PAHO as a safe way to celebrate vaccines, Paraguay recently held a symbolic launch of the campaign with the president and minister of health that was shared on social media.

April/May, 2020

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Economic committee cont’d

• Mrs. Suzanne Pattusch, Executive Vice-president, Bahamas Hotel & Tourism Association • Ms. Tanya McCartney, Executive Director, Bahamas Financial Services Board • Mr. Nat Beneby, former Managing Director, RBC Royal Bank • Mr. Patrick Ward, President/CEO, Bahamas First General Insurance Co. • Mr. Edison Sumner, Principal, Sumner Trading Partners • Mr. Franklyn Butler, CEO/President, Cable Bahamas Ltd. • Mr. Obie Ferguson, President, Bahamas Trade Union Congress • Mr. Matt Aubry, Executive Director, Organization for Responsible Governance “The Committee should be bold and creative in its recommendations,” said Prime Minister Minnis. “We are in a new era. We need to think and act in new ways in order to recover as quickly as possible and to build a more dynamic and diverse economy. We have to enhance the use of digital technologies and delivery services.”

The Prime Minister said that just as The Bahamas is seeing the local production of hand sanitizer, masks and other health care products, the Government will promote more domestic production, and manufacturing where possible. This includes greater food production.

“I look forward to the ideas, policies and programs the Committee will recommend to help The Bahamas to recover and to create jobs and more entrepreneurial opportunities, including for young Bahamians.” Prime Minister Minnis noted.

The Prime Minister thanked the Committee members for agreeing to serve and to help provide a way forward for the country in response to the many challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Significantly, there were no representatives from the Family Islands on the selected Economic Recovery Committee.

Source: Cabinet Office Commonwealth of The Bahamas April 26th, 2020

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A Way Forward cont’d

weeks. This would be presented after the relevant ministerial councils would have reviewed the proposals.

Proposals on a Common Public Health policy would first be presented to the Ministers of Health. This would include proposals for joint procurement, – including of pharmaceuticals and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and sourcing of additional medical personnel. The joint procurement would assist in addressing supply constraints being experienced.

There would also be consideration of a proposal for a protocol on re-opening borders which all Member States would adhere to at the same time when such a decision is taken.

Issues related to Food Security would be considered in the context of the CARICOM COVID-19 AgriFood Risk Management Framework which has been circulated to Member States following a meeting of Ministers of Agriculture last month.

This would address in particular the production and supply of food products.

The transportation of people and goods by air and sea inter-regionally would also come under scrutiny with particular reference to the opera-

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tions of the regional air carriers which have been adversely affected by the measures adopted to contain the virus.

Proposals would also be formulated for building a robust digital architecture, including governance, to facilitate digital commerce and to assist in the fight against the virus.

The Council for National Security and Law Enforcement (CONSLE), which met last Wednesday 8 April, has been considering the threats to security during the course of the pandemic. Their recommendations would also come before the Heads of Government.

Heads of Government called for the lifting of sanctions on Cuba and Venezuela on humanitarian grounds as all countries must be part of the global effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Heads of Government were of the view that it was regrettable that resources for the World Health Organisation were being threatened at a time when all must join in leading the fight against the pandemic.

All fifteen (15) Member States and the five (5) Associate Members were represented at the Meeting.

---Source: Caricom Secretariat

Malaria cont’d

WHO and partners have developed guidance to ensure that those suffering from malaria can safely receive the care they need within the package of essential health services to be delivered in COVID-19 settings. Tailoring malaria interventions in COVID-19 response includes guidance on the prevention of infection through vector control and chemoprevention, testing, treatment of cases, clinical services, supply chain and laboratory activities.

About COVID-19 COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Essential information on the COVID-19 pandemic can be found in a dedicated WHO site (https://www. who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-guidance/ health-workers).

About Malaria Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. In 2018, there were an estimated 228 million cases of malaria worldwide and 405 000 malaria-related deaths. For more on malaria, visit: www. who.int/malaria

The Eleutheran

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Customs Brokers *DHL Courier *Brokerage *Trucking; Tel: 332-3066

Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera

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Passing of the Baton, From One Police Commissioner to Another

n at i on a l ing crime in our country, including through the use of policing measures and technologies that will help to prevent crime. You must continue to instill discipline and to ensure that the values of courage, integrity and loyalty are adhered to in the senior command and ranks of the Force.

You must also continue to modernize and to reform the Force at every level.

“You assume command during a national emergency that will require great leadership, sensitivity and unity of purpose and command.

The country is looking to you and to the good men and women of the Royal Bahamas Police Force to help enforce our laws and the temporary emergency measures that will help us to combat the COVID-19 threat. I wish you well in your new command.

You have my full support and that of

April/May, 2020

the Government of the Bahamas.”

Two weeks ahead of his formal retirement and handover, outgoing Commissioner of Police, Anthony Ferguson, traveled across Eleuthera, on Wednesday, March 11th, 2020, on a one-day farewell tour, stopping in at police stations throughout the island, engaging with officers. The outgoing Commissioner was accompanied by Commissioner-Designate Paul Rolle on the tour through Eleuthera. Ferguson held a meeting with the executive team of the Royal Bahamas Police Force in Eleuthera, along with other officers, at Police Headquarters in the Worker’s House Complex in Governor’s Harbour, before continuing his tour along the island, returning to New Providence later on Wednesday afternoon.

Above: RBPF Youth band performs during the visit of former Police Commissioner Anthony Ferguson. Below: Ferguson addresses RBPF executives and officers of the Eleuthera Division during his one day visit to the island.

Above: The Governor General, left, and Police Commissioner-Designate Paul Rolle.

Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis gave keynote remarks at the Royal Bahamas Police Force Handing Over Ceremony of the Office of Commissioner of Police, held on March 30th, 2020 at Police Headquarters in New Providence.

He commended outgoing Commissioner Anthony Ferguson, who took up the leadership of the Police Force in October 2017, succeeding Ellison Greenslade, on his “extraordinary service to our country and to the Bahamian people,” adding, “During your nearly three year tenure as Commissioner you worked diligently to reduce crime and murder in our land after many years of an ever increasing crime rate. Through enhanced policing and strong command, you led the force in the reduction of crime and a more integrated and streamlined command structure. Through a range of innovative and vigorous policing measures, including various technological advances, you achieved what many thought impossible.”

The Prime Minister then introduced incoming CommissionerDesignate Paul Rolle, briefly summarizing his successful 37 year career to-date, describing, “Commissioner-Designate Paul Rolle began his tenure with the Royal Bahamas Police Force in 1983. He holds a Master of Science degree in Criminology from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom.

Incoming Commissioner Rolle knows the Force well having served in a number of capacities, including leadership within the CDU, the Police Training Academy and the AntiCorruption Unit. He established the Force’s first Cyber-crime Unit. In 2017 he was promoted to Assistant Commissioner and assigned the Anti-Corruption portfolio. Indeed, he was given the assignment of setting up and establishing the newly designated Anti-Corruption Branch. In 2018, the investigation of financial crimes was included in the remit of the Branch.”

PM Minnis then gave him a charge, saying, “Your great task is to continue the work of reduc-

Above: Handing Over Ceremony of the Office of Commissioner of Police (Rolle left, Ferguson - right).

2020,

April/May

In Remembrance Frederick G. Frost III

Frederick George Frost III of Wakefield, RI and Eleuthera, Bahamas died unexpectedly but peacefully at his home in Governor’s Harbour on April 15, 2020. He was 78.

A man of adventure and insatiable curiosity, Fred filled his personal and professional life with travel to points near and far, where he immersed himself in cultures of all kinds and made friendships that would last his lifetime. His warmth, confidence, and good humor will be missed deeply by people around the world.

Born and raised in Bronxville, NY, Fred graduated from The Lawrenceville School (NJ) and then went on to the University of Colorado Boulder, where he both earned his bachelor’s degree and met his first wife, Tina Read Frost of Wakefield, RI, who died of cancer in 1999.

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The Eleutheran

Snapshot Covid -19

As it was April 28th, 2020

For daily information visit www.EleutheraNews.com

World Data

The couple moved to RI in 1966 when Fred started his distinguished career at ATW Companies (formerly A. T. Wall Company), based in Warwick, RI. In 1970 Fred assumed the position of chairman and CEO, which he held until his retirement in 2015. Throughout his life, Fred remained devoted to a number of organizations, chiefly in RI and on Eleuthera, providing leadership as a volunteer, donor, and Board member.

Of particular note was his passion for the Haynes Library, The Island School, and (Cape Eleuthera), and South County Hospital. The Frost Family Pavilion at SCH is a testament to his devotion to the longtime Frost and Read families’ commitment to exceptional healthcare in southern Rhode Island.

In 2013, Fred married Katie Black Frost, with whom he spent wonderful years exploring the world and enjoying happiness in their loving partnership.

Fred is survived by Katie, his children and their spouses, Peter and Ande Frost (Narragansett, RI), Lucy Frost and Jim Crum (Laupahoehoe, HI), and Priscilla and Emmanuel Gimeno (Fronsac, France), and his grandchildren Chelsey, Read, Jamie, Nick, Ellie, Theo, Mac, Stella, and Esther. He also leaves behind his brother Corwin Frost (Bronxville, NY) and sister Claudia Dole (Dorset, VT). He will be most especially missed by his beloved pups Foley and Samantha. \In lieu of flowers, Fred’s family encourages gifts be made to honor his belief in the availability of quality healthcare and good food for all income levels to South County Hospital (southcountyhealth.org), the World Central Kitchen (wck.org), or a favorite charity supporting similar objectives.

(https://clustrmaps.com/)

Note: “Today” refers to April 28th, 2020

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Protect workers both now and after lockdowns ease, says ILO The International Labour Organization warns that without adequate safeguards for returning workers there could be a second wave of the virus.

GENEVA (ILO News) – As the pressure mounts on countries to ease their lockdown restrictions, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has urged Governments to take action to prevent and control COVID-19 in the workplace, with active involvement and dialogue with employers’ and workers’ organizations.

All employers need to carry out risk assessments and ensure their workplaces meet strict occupational safety and health criteria beforehand, to minimize the risk to workers of exposure to COVID-19, says the ILO. Without such controls, countries face the very real risk of a resurgence of the virus.

Putting in place the necessary measures will minimize the risk of a second wave of contagion contracted at the workplace.

“The safety and health of our entire workforce is paramount today. In the face of an infectious disease outbreak, how we

protect our workers now clearly dictates how safe our communities are, and how resilient our businesses will be, as this pandemic evolves,” said the Director-General of the ILO, Guy Ryder.

“It is only by implementing occupational safety and health measures that we can protect the lives of workers, their families and the larger communities, ensure work continuity and economic survival,” Ryder added.

In particular, risk control measures should be specifically adapted to the needs of workers at the frontline of the pandemic.

These include health workers, nurses, doctors and emergency workers, as well as those in food retail and cleaning services.

The ILO also highlighted the needs of the most vulnerable workers and businesses, in particular those in the informal economy, migrant and domestic workers. Measures to protect these workers should include among others - education and training on safe and healthy work practices, free provision of PPE as needed, access to public health services and livelihood alternatives.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for strong national

Multilateralism necessary now more than ever

By Maria Fernanda Espinosa

(The writer is a former President of the United Nations General Assembly and a former Foreign & Defence Minister of Ecuador) On April 24, 2019, representatives from across the world celebrated the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace for the first time. The occasion took place in the emblematic hall of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and came as a direct result of a Resolution approved by the 193 UN member states.

At that time, we could not possibly have imagined the scenario that is now being played out across the world and how all our lives have been impacted. In common with hundreds of thousands of people

April/May, 2020 programmes to protect the health and safety of health workers, medical professionals, emergency responders, and the many other workers risking their lives on our behalf,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “On World Day for Safety and Health at Work, I call on all countries to assure well-defined, decent and safe working conditions for all health workers.”

To ensure a safe return to work and to avoid further work disruptions, the ILO recommends: •

•

•

• •

• • • •

Mapping hazards and assessing risks of contagion in relation to all work operations, and continuing to assess them following a return to work.

Adopting risk control measures adapted to each sector and the specifics of each workplace and workforce. These may include: Reducing physical interactions between workers, contractors, customers and visitors and respecting physical distancing when any interactions occur.

Improving ventilation in the work place.

Regularly cleaning surfaces, ensuring workplaces are clean and hygienic, and providing adequate facilities for handwashing and sanitization.

Providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to workers where necessary and at no cost.

Providing arrangements for isolating suspected cases and tracing every contact.

Providing mental health support for staff.

Providing training, education and informational material about health and safety at work, including proper hygiene practices and the use of any workplace controls (including PPE).

across the globe, I have also personally experienced the terrible effects of the virus.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forever changed humanity. It has changed the way we communicate, interact, make decisions, and think about the future. Nothing will be the same again. An alarm has awakened in us all. It already has raised huge questions and should be providing global leaders with many lessons, the first being that acting alone, or unilaterally, is ultimately self defeating.

One of the key lessons is that our own life depends on the behavior of others and that human beings are integrally interdependent on one another. Each of us is fragile and vulnerable. This is a lesson to our arrogance as a species.

We need to understand that inequalities and poverty are determining factors of vulnerability and access to medical care and public services. Here, the role of the State is irreplaceable to guarantee the most basic rights, such as the right

to life. Further the State has to recognize that strong and effective public health systems are the best social investment any society can have, and act to establish them.

No one should forget, or ignore, that women represent more than 70% of the global health workforce and are essential in the COVID-19 response.

There is another stark truth; women and girls across the world are experiencing higher levels of domestic violence as a result of the pandemic.

Central to our global and individual response is the understanding that despite the efforts of each country and the decisions it makes, the only effective way to combat the COVID-19 pandemic is through coordinated global action, based on solidarity and cooperation.

And that, despite the resurgence of nationalism and xenophobia, this virus does not recognize borders or nationalities. That is why we require a strong, P45 effective multilateral

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BOC expresses support and compliance with Postponement of 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games

The Bahamas Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture, released a statement on Tuesday, March 31st, in which they affirmed the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) announced decision on March 24th, 2020, to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and confirmed the new dates announced on Monday, March 30th, for the Games of the XXXII Olympiad, in 2021. The full statement reads: “On the 24th March, 2020, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced its decision to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as a result of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Further to this announcement The Bahamas Olympic Committee (BOC) advised the Ministry of its support for and compliance with this decision.

In this regard, the Ministry endorses the decision of the relevant authorities to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. This decision is not only a wise proactive measure but a sound preventative approach as we all work to protect the gems of the global and local sporting communities, while preparing for the safest

environmental conditions that would lend itself to best performances by our athletes.

On the 30th March, 2020, Mr. Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been quoted as having said that The IOC, The International Paralympic Committee (IPC), The Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee, The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and The Government Of Japan today agreed new dates for the Games of the XXXII Olympiad, in 2021. The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 will be celebrated from 23 July to 8 August 2021.

They also agreed on new dates for the Paralympic Games, which is scheduled to be held from 24 August until 5 September 2021.

The Ministry encourages all of our athletes to keep their spirits high, continue to stay fit, stay focused and stay safe as together we overcome this obstacle before us.”

Source: Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas 31st March, 2020

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Multilateralism cont’d

system that is fit to deal with the multiple and devastating effects of the pandemic.

Ultimately, global leadership, collective action and coresponsibility that define multilateralism, are the most effective antidote for COVID-19.

Humanity needs a multilateral system that responds to this public health emergency simultaneously and at two levels. First, an immediate humanitarian response, especially for the most vulnerable, such as older adults, people with disabilities or refugees. And, second, a strategy, a coordinated action that targets the devastating economic and social consequences of the crisis.

It is time to establish a new social pact, a new common sense, that offers solutions to the massive loss of jobs, the destruction of the livelihoods of informal workers, the multiplication of hunger and the deepening of inequalities. There are dozens of initiatives, ideas and plans, ranging from debt cancellation to the creation of emergency funds – now is surely the time to bring them together and act on them.

Governments everywhere must take seriously the call of the UN Secretary General, António Guterres, for a global ceasefire, so that nations can direct their resources and efforts to confront the crisis that is the one genuine battle that humanity should now be waging.

The global community must take seriously the recent call of the UN General Assembly for; “a global response based on unity, solidarity and renewed multilateral cooperation”, and the Resolution approved this week, on the initiative of Mexico, advocating the need for all countries, especially the poorest to have access to tests, equipment and medicines, and hopefully soon to treatments and vaccines.

The creation by the United Nations of the Global Humanitarian Response Plan and the establishment of the Recovery Fund for poor and middle-income countries must be recognized and supported. The latter include almost all the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.

However, for these initiatives to work, hundreds of billions of dollars are required, alongside the committed participation and contribution of the richest nations. As can clearly be seen now, wealthy nations are not immune from the spread of disease, and in treating with it within their own borders, they must recognize that they remain vulnerable to its effects from the global neighbourhood. Trying to put out the fire in their own yard will not stop the blowing embers from the conflagration around them to reignite the fire again and again. It is the totality of the fire that has to be extinguished, not only its sparks.

Amid this crisis, governments and civil society have the opportunity to re-found, rethink and transform the nature and scope of global integration. It is time for a new social pact that must be built on the foundation of multilateralism and from its main pillar, which is the United Nations.

In this pandemic and in other global challenges such as climate change, poverty and hunger, inequalities or war, there is no room for the law of the fittest. For everyone is losing, and everyone is counting their grave losses in precious human lives and severe erosion of decades of economic gains.

The word ‘multilateralism’ is perhaps difficult for some governments to celebrate as the greatest contributor to human progress. But it is essential as it is irreplaceable.

Synonyms can be used to disguise multilateralism. It can be described, for political convenience, as solidarity, cooperation, coordination, or global governance. None of that diminishes the reality that multilateralism is certainly more necessary now than ever.

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Jamaica’s Prime Minister Expresses Regret At Untimely Passing Of Young Mother

April/May, 2020

Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, has expressed his sincere regret at the untimely passing of the 23-year-old young mother, Jodian Fearon.

Ms. Fearon died at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), about six hours after delivering her first child at the Spanish Town Hospital.

She was initially scheduled to undergo a Caesarean section at the Andrews Memorial Hospital in Kingston.

It is reported that she showed signs similar to those of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and was refused admittance.

The Government, through the Ministry of Health and Wellness, has launched an investigation into the matter.

Speaking at a digital press conference on Monday (April 27) at Jamaica House, the Prime Minister called on Jamaicans to remember their humanity in this trying time, based on what took place.

“It is truly a trying time for all of us; for the entire world, but we must never forget our humanity, and we must never forget that there is a power that will see us through all of this,” Mr. Holness said.

The Prime Minister said that the death of Ms. Fearon is personally up-

setting to him.

“Even at this early stage, from the information in the public domain so far, it appears that the duty of care owed to Jodian Fearon was not executed.

The case must be fully investigated, and already, the police have commenced their own investigation to determine if anyone was criminally negligent,” he said.

The Attorney General is expected to provide advice on the matter tomorrow (April 28).

In the meantime, the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, has also expressed his regrets.

“This represents for me, one of the saddest moments in the series of events which have seen many challenges associated with this particular threat,” Dr. Tufton said.

“I am indeed saddened by the occurrence which has led up to young Jodian Fearon’s untimely passing, and all of us in the Ministry of Health and Wellness… are understandably upset about the incident,” he added.

Source: JIS

REGIONAL DISTILLERIES JOIN IN THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19 (Press Release issued on behalf of the West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers Association (WIRSPA). For more on the Regional COVID-19 response check CARICOM: Covid-19 Dashboard) Bridgetown, Barbados – 22 April 2020: As the world continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, CARICOM rum producers have modified their production lines to play their part by producing alcohol and hand sanitiser and making donations of sanitation products. Across the Caribbean, contributions have been made to governments, institutions, and frontline healthcare workers and to support local communities impacted by the virus.

Some of the initial actions taken by WIRSPA member-producers to assist their various countries include: • Angostura in Trinidad & Tobago re-directed one of its product lines towards the creation of 70,000 bottles bulk and retail size sanitising liquid, which were donated to front line workers in the Ministry of Health and Ministry of National Security in Trinidad. A donation was also made to community-based organizations working with senior citizens and children’s homes and a shipment was sent to the prisons. The venture was part of the company’s aim to combat the spread of the virus and to assist with meeting the demand for sanitisers, which are in short supply.

• Antigua Distillery in Antigua & Barbuda has made 4,300 litres of 70% alcohol readily available to produce hand sanitiser and disinfectant. The company has further made donations to Emergency and Essential Workers in Antigua and Barbuda to include Health & Medical Personnel, EMS, the Police & National Guard, Her Majesty’s Prison, and other persons on the front line. In addition, the company has supported the Government’s

social initiative to provide care packages to the most affected in the society by providing the aforementioned sanitising products and bottled water to those in need.

• Casa Brugal in the Dominican Republic provided hospitals and public centers with 150,000 litres of 70% denatured alcohol donated through the National Health Service (SNS), for the purpose of using it as a disinfectant to protect patients and health personnel on the front line of the crisis. Another WIRSPA member, Vinícola Del Norte, partnered with Casa Brugal and packaging companies Plastidel and Nesplas to package the alcohol and provide containers and boxes so that the donation could be delivered swiftly and safely.

• Demerara Distillers in Guyana donated approximately 12,000 litres of Environ, an alcohol-based sanitising cleaner, to institutions around Guyana, such as senior citizen’s homes, orphanages, night shelters and prisons. In addition, 254 five-gallon bottles of Environ were given to the Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC), for distribution to public agencies such as health centers, public hospitals, post offices and police stations.

• Grenada Distillers produced some 1,200 cases of sanitising solution that was made available to all supermarkets and pharmacies island wide, with free distribution to various senior citizens’ and children’s homes.

In addition, in collaboration with the Government of Grenada, sanitiser was donated to the public transport / bus association, traffic department, prison and other law enforcement entities. Hand sanitisers were also provided for all GDL employees.

• J. Wray and Nephew in Jamaica donated 50,000 litres of high strength alcohol and 20,000 litres of hand sanitizers to the national health service, through the National Health Fund (NHF) to ensure that public health

facilities maintain international standards in responding to Jamaicans needs during this time. JWN also provided hand sanitizers to all staff, to first responders including police, fire brigade and vulnerable members of their communities including children’s home and infirmaries.

JWN has committed US$37,000 to the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica’s COVID-19 Jamaica Fund, which will provide support for the Jamaican Government and persons affected by COVID-19.

• Mount Gay Distilleries in Barbados donated 2,000 bottles of hand sanitiser (WHO formula) to health officials, with a further estimated total of 28,000 bottles to be handed over for community outreach. Hand sanitisers were distributed to all staff with anti-COVID-19 procedures.

• National Rums of Jamaica has ramped up production to ensure all excess capacity can be utilized to produce alcohol for denaturing, to supply to local manufacturers and the Government to make sanitization products. Just over 10,000 liters of 95% denatured alcohol was donated to the National Health Fund, for use in the national fight against COVID-19.

• Ron Barceló in the Dominican Republic has allocated a significant part of their alcohol production to donations of ethyl alcohol and sanitising hand gel to support the efforts towards reducing the risk of contagion among the Dominican population from COVID-19.

It also started a public campaign under the hashtag #juntosporrd (together for DR).

A first donation of 32,000+ litres of 75% ethyl alcohol, in 145 tanks of 220 litres were distributed to 12 hospitals across the Dominican Republic, as identified and classified by the public health authorities. The first donation was followed by another 100,000 units of sanitising hand gel, distributed among the general population as part of a program lead by a worldwide

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Distilleries cont’d

recognized non-profit organization.

Ultimately, a third donation of 100,000 bottles of sanitising hand gel is to be distributed among delivery service employees and mom and pop’s stores, some other medium and small retailers that are currently working within the rank of “strictly indispensable”, during the declared state of emergency.

• St. Lucia Distillers has produced a 70% ABV rubbing alcohol sanitiser which helped alleviate an island wide shortage of sanitiser for citizens. Some 20,000 bottles of bulk and retail sizes were donated to schools, the police and fire departments and to homes for the elderly, to help keep the most vulnerable on island safe.

St. Vincent Distillers Ltd. produced Mt. Bentick’s Hand Sanitiser, a disinfectant solution developed using the WHO’s guidelines to meet the demand for desperately needed hand sanitiser in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, A first donation, of some 13 cases, was donated to the country’s first responders, health care workers, police station, clinics and hospitals.

• Suriname Alcoholic Beverages N.V. made initial donations of up to 10,000 hand sanitisers to the Public Health Agency and other government institutions, with more donations projected in the coming days. Ready-to use disinfectant alcohol is also being sold at cost, to other local businesses active in the sale and distribution of hand sanitisers and detergents. Joint projects with local beer companies and other businesses are also underway to produce hand gels and hand sanitisers with a variety of fragrances.

• Travellers Liquors in Belize reconfigured its distillery and packaging facility into a production centre to manufacture the alcohol-based hand sanitiser according to the WHO’s formula.

Several batches were made totaling about 4800 litres in half gallon, litre and personal sizes, and donated to the public hospital, senior citizens homes, the Customs and Police Departments. Local organisations also benefited from the donations – Hope Haven Food Bank, San Pedro Polyclinic and the San Pedro Isolation/Flu Unit.

• West Indies Rum Distillery in Barbados has donated 55-gallon containers of hand sanitiser to the Barbados Government for use at fire stations, COVID isolation centers and the Customs department. It ramped up production to meet increased local demand from pharmacies, supermarkets and companies that produce retail products with surgical alcohol.

West Indies Rum has been providing staff and contractors each with disinfectant weekly for their personal and family use, for the duration of this pandemic. West Indies Rum has also been exporting alcohol to neighbouring Caribbean countries since the start of the pandemic, to satisfy much needed supplies.

• Westerhall Estate Ltd. in Grenada shifted from rum to production of hand sanitiser. Approximately 14,000 bottles of the solution, in 250ml and 1.75L quantities, were produced and donated to prisons, medical facilities, police stations and assisted living homes. The 69% proof alcohol-based sanitiser will become a permanent fixture on the product line.

WIRSPA Chairman, Komal Samaroo, “These contributions are just an early snapshot of our engagement to date, with many producers committed to further steps in the days ahead.

We are encouraging everyone to monitor their physical and mental health during this pandemic.

We are also encouraging consumers that if they choose to drink, to do so responsibly and be careful not to use alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety, especially while in isolation.”

Prime Minister Minnis tours Blanco plant Blanco Chemicals is among the latest Bahamian manufacturers that are meeting the needs of the local community to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and simultaneously expanding their product lines.

On Friday 24 April, Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis received a private tour of the Blanco plant to see firsthand how the company’s new All-Purpose Disinfectant Spray is made, packaged and tested.

“I am so pleased to see local manufacturers meeting the needs of the local community and at the same time growing their businesses and creating employment opportunities,” said Prime Minister Minnis.

“This shows what we can do right here in The Bahamas.”

Blanco currently produces a range of cleaning products and has recently started to produce an All-purpose Disinfectant spray in a move to help fill the recent demand for disinfectant products following the outbreak of COVID-19.

Health officials recommend that cleaning with a regular household disinfectant reduces the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Blanco donated the first 5,000 bottles produced to a number of government agencies including the Ministry of Health and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.

The bottles and disinfectant are manufactured on site, and local print companies produce the labels for the spray bottles.

The tour of the plant was led by Mr. Richard Perry Pinder, Blanco chief financial officer; and Mr. Roman Knowles, sales manager.

The Prime Minister is encouraging local entrepreneurs and businesses to take advantage of economic opportunities created by COVID-19, including face mask production, delivery services and hand

sanitizer, among others.

To encourage the expansion of the quickly growing face mask industry, Prime Minister Minnis recently announced a ban on the importation of non-medical masks into The Bahamas. __________ 24 April 2020 Office of the Prime Minister Commonwealth of The Bahamas Contact: opmcommunications@bahamas.gov.bs Website: www.opm.gov.bs