The Eleutheran Newspaper Nov/Dec 2020 Issue

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Volume 13, Issue 11/12, 2020

Eleuthera, Harbour Island & Spanish Wells, The Bahamas

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adherence of population to Covid-19 Regulations

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

Thirteen new Covid ambassadors were trained in Eleuthera during a two-day session on Thursday, November 26th and Friday, November 27th, 2020, via live zoom presentations by facilitators in New Providence. The group, whose responsibilities include the enforcement of current Covid-19 regulations - through the dissemination of tickets to members of the public for infractions - were hosted at the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) Headquarters in P6 Covid-19 Ambassadors tasked with enforcing Emergency Orders regulations in partnership with the Police, have been trained and posted throughout Eleuthera.

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Record Atlantic Season 07

PANDEMIC Undersea

Getting High Schoolers To Attend Virtual Classes A Challenge Says DSE Mr. Culmer offers informative interview on the Virtual Class experience for Eleuthera Schools and Plans for the New Year.

20, 21, 40 The NATIONAL 41, 43 RECORD 15

During early October 2020, students throughout Eleuthera returned to formal school instruction via virtual classrooms to begin their 2020/2021 school year, with announcements by the Ministry of Education that multiple models of instruction (virtual, hybrid or face-to-face) would be used within the country, depending on the available physical schools P2 infrastructure and the advice of health officials for different

Agriculture grants/loans

34/7 Crime Reports Pg 4

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Cape Eleuthera Reopening

ADVICE:

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The young and the young at heart were recognized in November, at the Eleuthera 2020 Annual Youth Month Awards in the areas of Academics, Entrepreneurship, Youth Leadership, Sports and others. The virtual program saw more than 200 attendees sign in to take part ...

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Opinion :

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Getting high schoolers to attend virtual classes a challenge says DSE Page. 1

islands and areas. With the exception of several areas, like Spanish Wells, public schools throughout The Eleutheras were mandated to use the virtual model.

As the end of the 2020 Christmas term approaches, new questions arise for teachers, principals, administrators and parents on a number of issues including how final examinations will be conducted - virtually or face-to-face during the week of December 7th to 11th, as well as what school instruction could look like as students return to the classrooms in January. Would full virtual instruction continue, or could Eleuthera see a hybrid or face-to-face model being adopted?

District Superintendent for Education in Eleuthera, Mr. Michael Culmer spoke with The Eleutheran at the end of November, and shared the information that he had to that date, beginning with the upcoming Christmas exams.

“The examination week (December 7th to 11th) will be predominantly virtual.

Some of the schools are still waiting to hear what the ‘Competent Authority’ (CA ) is going to say about face-toface instruction. The CA recommended that we [Eleuthera] do virtual instruction. So, we wouldn’t want persons to plan face-to-face instruction if the CA (Editor’s Note: The Competent Authority is defined as “The Prime Minister” in Covid-19 Regulations) has identified that isn’t in the best interest of preventing the spread of Covid-19. Once we know whether or not we are out of the current emergency order restrictions, schools may determine that they want to do the face-to-face examinations, and they will be adhering to all the safety protocols outlined by the Ministry of Education’s ‘Safe Reopening of Schools’ manual.”

In answer to whether face-to-face Christmas examinations would be a decision made by individual schools on the island - once restrictions were lifted, Mr. Culmer explained, “The most recent Ministry of Education circular states that they [each school] should apply. The Ministry wants to ensure that there is a

process. So, they would liaise with the District Education office to discuss the actual daily operations, of how those examinations are going to run, what the challenges are, and how those challenging would be mitigated. So, at the District level - for schools desirous of doing that, they will have to apply to the Ministry of Education, and we will work with the school through that process.

“Many factors will have to be looked at to make a final determination. First, we will have to be out of the current restrictions, and be permitted to have face-to-face instruction. Secondly, some schools are also impacted by bussing - so, they will have to consider if that is something they want to pursue.

We also have to look at the national lunch program and how that will operate. Most important will be where actual students are currently. It would not be advantageous for a school to do face-to-face examinations if a number of the students are not present within the District - for example, if they are in New Providence or other parts of The

Bahamas - and challenged with travelling. So, there are many factors to look at. It will be the individual schools and their teams looking at all those issues, then making their application to the Department of Education, based upon what’s their reality on the ground.”

DSE Culmer also highlighted that only core subject areas will be tested during Christmas term examinations, adding, “The tests will be based on the content that the students were taught beginning on October 5th, and the results will be considered an ‘interim report’.”

Mr. Culmer’s advice to parents was to stay in close contact with schools ahead of examination week to be informed about what their child’s school would be doing.

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The Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina Officially Announces December 2020 Re-opening Date During the final week in November, General Manager Chris Morris at The Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina officially announced a re-opening date of December 18th, 2020, for the property, located at the southern tip of The Eleutheran archipelago.

The Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina is typically open 365 days a year, and in a brief interview at the end of the third quarter of 2020, GM Morris expressed that they wanted nothing more than to get their incredible staff back to work and guests on property.

At that time, he shared that December was looking strong, and that from the tourist perspective, the Baha Mar and

Atlantis resorts committing to opening dates was the barometer of whether the Bahamas was open or not. Both of those mega-properties, located in New Providence have also now announced opening dates in December 2020.

When asked about The Cape’s readiness in terms of health safety measures and protocols, Morris answered, “All of these were already put in place when we first re-opened in July. We have received our Clean and Pristine Certification from the Government. We will do everything in our powers to protect our customers, employees, and neighbors to the best of our ability. Protocols are in place and we are ready to go.�

Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina, located at the southern tip of The Eleutheras.

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New group of Covid-19 Ambassadors receiving training during a two-day session on Thursday, November 26th and Friday, November 27th, 2020.

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Covid 19

‘Ambassadors’ Cont’d

Governor’s Harbour.

The newly trained ‘ambassadors’ were posted throughout the north, central and south Eleuthera districts by Tuesday, December 1st, according to Officer In Charge of The Eleutheras, Chief Superintendent Stephen Adderley. The new Covid ambassadors, he said, are all local people, selected from each community to play a part in the enforcement of Covid regulations within their various communities - and ensure that people are adhering to those regulations.

Vehicles specifically for this initiative arrived on island during late October, informed the Ch/Supt., saying, “The Prime Minister in his speech during October spoke about Covid ambassadors, and the first installment

of ambassadors were selected and trained in Nassau for New Providence, and now they are effectively doing their job. Eleuthera was promised likewise, so the last installment of vehicles [for Eleuthera] were received on Oct 29th, 2020. We now have three vehicles, and those vehicles will be distributed with one being in the north, the other in the central area, and another in the south.”

Providing further detail on how ambassadors will operate on the island, Ch/Supt. Adderley explained, “Covid ambassadors will be guided by a particular officer who is assigned to them. The vehicles are marked with ‘Covid ambassador’, so the ambassadors will be a part of the enforcement team. They are assigned to assist with enforcing the Covid-19 regulations, which include monitoring if businesses have proper physical distancing space markings, proper sanitizing stations, proper mask wearing, and the like.

“They will be allowed to give out tickets to persons who offend, and they will be enforcing quarantine rules and regulations. So, those persons that are supposed to be quarantined - ambassadors will pay periodical visits to ensure they are keeping within their quarantine mandate, and if not - they can be fined.

They can also be charged [by Police] and made to appear before the court.”

To be really clear, Adderley emphasized, “Covid ambassadors are civilian personnel working in partnership with police officers, assigned to them - for the enforcement aspect of it. Current emergency orders allow them to give out tickets for infractions of the Covid-19 regulations [not make an arrest].”

L-R: Administrator Gregory Knowles, Administrator Whelma Colebrook, Administrator-in-Training Millie Dawkins, and Chief Superintendent Stephen Adderley next to new Covid-19 Ambassador vehicle.

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CO N S E RVAT I ON COR N E R

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Pandemic Under the Sea: New Coral Disease in The Bahamas B y : C asey H arris & N atalia H urtado , C ape E leuthera I nstitute R esearch S cientists

The coronavirus pandemic has significantly impacted humans on a global scale and we’ve had to adapt our lifestyle to remain safe. We’ve all grown increasingly aware of our susceptibility to disease and the need to prioritize our health and safety. As we’re learning about the spread of illness among humans, we are also learning about disease in the ocean.

Right now, a new coral disease is threatening Bahamian reefs, along with other reefs in the Caribbean, and it’s called Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD). The disease was first reported off the coast of Miami in 2014 and since then, has impacted the entire Florida reef tract, where corals are so threatened they had to remove thousands of

Left to right: Pillar coral (Dendrogyra cylindrus – endangered coral), great star coral (Montastraea cavernosa), and symmetrical brain coral (Pseudodiploria strigosa) infected with SCTLD. Photos taken by PIMS staff.

healthy individuals from the wild into captivity to preserve remaining colonies, similar to COVID-19 quarantine protocols we are experiencing.

In late 2019, SCTLD was first documented off Grand Bahama’s southern shoreline and in June 2020, it was confirmed off New Providence’s northwest shoreline by the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS). To date, the disease has not been reported on Eleuthera’s reefs, but Cape Eleuthera Institute researchers are on the lookout, and we need more eyes in the water searching for disease outbreaks.

Why is the disease so threatening?

Stony coral tissue loss disease is proving to be much more virulent compared to other coral diseases because it spreads

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H.E. Smith completes tour of duty in Canada

(Press Release - Ministry of Foreign Affairs) The Bahamas High Commissioner to Canada,

a native of Hatchet Bay, Central Eleuthera, H.E. Alvin A. Smith, B.Sc., J.P., returned to The Bahamas on 7th November, having completed his tour of duty as The Bahamas’ Envoy to Canada.

High Commissioner Smith assumed office in December 2017, becoming the 9th High Commissioner to serve as the Head of Mission in The Bahamas High Commission, and concurrently serving as The Bahamas’ Permanent Representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Just before demitting office, High Commissioner Smith

served as Chair of the CARICOM Caucus in Canada.

He has had a long, varied and distinguished career, spanning from education as a teacher, holding managerial and leadership posts, and eventually entering politics in 1992 as a Member of the Free National Movement (FNM). He served, as Vice-President of the Senate from 1992 to 1995, and then as a Parliamentary Secretary from 1995 to 1997. His success in politics continued when he entered representational politics, winning his seat in the Constituency of North Eleuthera in 1997, 2002 and 2007 General Elections. He distinguished himself serving as the Leader of the Opposition from 2002 until 2005, and in 2007 he was given the further honour of becoming the Speaker of the House, in which capacity he served until 2012.

During his time as a Member of Parliament, Mr Smith also served as the Execu-

tive Chairman of The Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation. He obtained his Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA) Licence in 2014, and in the same year became a licensed life underwriter. This varied and successful career equipped the High Commissioner to execute his responsibilities with experience and honour as he represented The Bahamas in Canada, and at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The Minister and the Ministry extend their deepest gratitude and appreciation to the High Commissioner for his dedicated service to the nation.

Ms Chanelle Brown, the First Secretary at the Mission in Ottawa, will serve as Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., until a new High Commissioner is appointed and takes up post.

Distinguished South Eleutheran, James Oswald Ingraham, Dies at 83

Pictured from left: Sir Michael Barnett, former Chief Justice and current President of the Court of Appeal for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas; His Excellency Oswald Ingraham, former Deputy to the Governor General; and Mrs. Emily Marie Ingraham following the swearing-in of His Excellency at Government House on Friday, October 10th, 2014. One of many such occasions during the years 2012-2017.

(BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)

South Eleutheran and former Member of Parliament for Central and South Eleuthera, as well as former Speaker of the House of Assembly, and Acting Governor General, Mr. James Oswald Ingraham, passed away on Monday night, November 23rd, 2020, at the age of 83. A family member shared that he had been ill for the past two years.

Chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party, Senator Fred Mitchell, on Tuesday morning, November 24th, 2020, posted a message of condolence via his social media page, saying, “My condolences on the passing of our friend and brother former MP for Eleuthera, former Speaker, former Acting Governor General Oswald Ingraham. May he rest in peace. Our party’s leadership including Leader Philip Davis

and Mrs. Davis, Deputy Chester Cooper and Mrs. Cooper, our entire Parliamentary Team along with our members and supporters join in these expressions... Personal reflections will come from the Leader of the Party in formal condolences on the passing of this great man.”

Mr. Ingraham served the people of Central and South Eleuthera as Member of Parliament for ten years, having been first elected, at the age of 64, into the seat during the national elections of 2002. He spent his first five years as a part of the governing party in the position of Speaker of the House of Assembly and his final five years in the opposition.

Mr. Ingraham, during an interview in January of 2012, near the end of his time in office, shared that he felt he got a lot accomplished between 2002 and 2007, expressing that during his first five years in office the economy of South Eleuthera, ‘‘had improved to the point that there was almost nil unemployment and those who were unemployed didn’t want to work’’.

He specifically pointed out project construction like Cape Eleuthera, Cotton Bay, Windermere Island and SkyBeach all coming on stream during that time.

Mr. Ingraham was a late starter in politics, preferring, he said, to first see his children educated and allowed a good start for themselves. He was also heavily involved in the community, as an elder and speaker in the Assemblies of Brethren church, the Gideon’s organization, the board of Works, school committees, and President P19 of the Windermere High

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The Haitian people: sadly and badly in need of a champion

By Sir Ronald Sanders

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador 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 Massey College in the University of Toronto.

The views expressed are entirely his own) Human rights and constitutional violations in Haiti have been ignored for too long by the Organization of Ameri-

can States (OAS). The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has also avoided dealing with incendiary political issues in Haiti.

Meanwhile, more suffering is being piled on the poor people of Haiti whose body count from malnutrition and organized violence continues to grow.

Against this background, it is not surprising that Haitians are seeking every means of escape from their homeland.

In desperate situations, criminals take advantage of the vulnerable. Thus, a brisk trade has begun in trafficking young Haitians – this time into the Caribbean. Evidence of this is the discovery by police in Guyana on November 7 of 26 Haitians, including 2 boys and 5 girls who were being transported to the Brazilian border by a human trafficking ring.

Both the OAS and CARICOM are obliged under their charters and declarations to call to account member states whose governments act unconstitutionally or take actions that violate the hu-

man, civil and political rights of their people.

The two organizations were active and vocal throughout the 5-month impasse in the Guyana elections, from March to August this year, and afterwards. During that entire period, the constitutional and electoral situation in Haiti was worse. But not a word of condemnation of the Haitian Presidency was uttered by either body.

Haitian President, Jovenel Moïse, has been running the country by decree with no elected parliament since 2019, amid accusations of corruption, protests and the deployment of the military which has been accused of atrocities.

The Chair of CARICOM did publicly declare, in January 2020: “CARICOM is deeply concerned at the continuing unsettled political, economic, humanitarian and social situation in its Member State, Haiti. Indeed, we are particularly concerned about the several incidents of violence and the associated and tragic loss of life”. Since then, CARICOM said nothing more.

Yet, four months later, in its April 2020 update on Haiti, the World Food Programme said that almost four million Haitians need urgent food assistance, and that at least 1 million of those are suffering from severe hunger. President Moïse has been close-mouthed about the gangs that, according to the Miami’s Herald’s Jacqueline Charles (a Haitian expert), “have been on a rampage in poor neighbourhoods — kidnapping, raping and killing at will”.

An Editorial in the Trinidad Express Newspaper pointed out on November 25, “The US position is particularly hypocritical in the context of its backing of Haitian President, who has been ruling by decree since dismissing parliament, and who continues to preside over unending human rights abuses and the rise of Tonton Macoute-style death squads.”

It is well known in the OAS

that it is the US government that is principally behind no action on Haiti by the organization whose SecretaryGeneral, Luis Almagro, has been ardent in calling out other countries, particularly Venezuela and Nicaragua, on human rights. The US and the “Lima Group” of countries in the OAS have been dependent on Haiti’s vote to secure the bare majority needed to secure adoption for controversial resolutions against the Venezuelan and Nicaraguan governments. Hence, the suffering of the poor people of Haiti is ignored.

Whether by coincidence or cooperation, on the same day - October 29 - US Under Secretary of State, David Hale, and Secretary-General Almagro urged Moïse to hold “overdue legislative elections as soon as possible”.

Moïse has ignored them, continuing to operate with untrammelled power, including by making appointments of personal loyalists to key posts in violation of the Constitution which requires such appointments to be approved by the Senate.

Recently, he has appointed the Commander of the Armed Forces, the Head of the Police Force, the Governor of the Central Bank, and the chairman of the National Credit Bank.

The holders of these offices were all appointed without the senatorial ratifications required by the constitution.

Consequently, they are not vested with the administrative and financial independence necessary to carry out their duties as guaranteed under the Constitution. They are instruments of the President, vulnerable to his sole dictates.

Unrest and violence continue as groups demonstrate against corruption and call for elections. The Police has been active in breaking up protests, reportedly shooting dead one protestor and injuring two more on November 18.

Even within the Police force, protestors exist. A secret group called “Fantom 509” has been actively protesting poor wages and conditions.

The recently appointed Police Commissioner, Leon Charles, commanded his officers to confront and lock up colleagues who are “Fantom 509” members.

On Friday, October 30, President Moïse officially put the Constitution of Haiti “on hold”. He formed a committee, to P13 “revise” the draft of a new

A DV I c E

REAL ESTATE DURING COVID

By Mike Lightbourn Reader: Mike, what’s the worst-case scenario the COVID-19 pandemic will have on property values?

Mike: Good question. This is the harshest global crisis since World War 11, so it’s only natural people want to know how it will affect property values.

Believe it or not, there’s cause for optimism. Real estate has historically been a reliable investment. We survived the fall-out from the oil crisis in the 1970s, the Gulf War in the ‘90s, 9/11 and the housing crash in the 2000s.

I’ll say this. While the pandemic has created global instability, the upper middle/upper income market is doing a lot better than I would have expected.

Both middle income and upper income homes are selling. There’s a lot of interest in high-end real estate in some of our more popular islands. People want a haven to hole up in during the pandemic.

Reader: What about middle to upper middle-income buyers? What are they looking for?

Mike: Homes with sizeable yards.

Families want a safe place for their kids to play and for recreation. There’s a renewed interest in backyard farming and quite a few people want room for a vegetable garden as well.

Reader: What about commercial real estate?

Mike: Commercial real estate is another story.

As you know, a lot of office workers are working remotely from home, so demand is obviously down at the moment.

Business trends seem to be shifting.

Some of the businesses struggling to survive may rethink the way they function in the future. Remote work may be

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the answer for some of them if they’re having a hard time with rent and utility expenses.

Now, to drill down on your question.

The worst-case scenario is the value of your property may depreciate in the short term. You will still have a physical asset (provided you are able to service any mortgage held on the property).

Values have always bounced back and increased in desirable locations, especially where supply is lower than demand.

At some point, the demand for commercial space will increase, although perhaps not in the short term.

Generally, it seems residential real estate is the safest investment for now.

Reader: We always hear the term “Location, Location, Location.” Not everyone can afford beach front property.

Mike: You don’t have to. Choose a location that has sustainable appeal. It doesn’t need to be on the coast. Seaside living isn’t for everyone. And it’s expensive.

A desirable property may be within walking distance or a short drive from the coast. A property with a sea view is a bonus.

Avoid areas that are prone to flooding or storm surge.

Elevated property is a wise choice.

More than 80 percent of the Bahamas’ land surface is just over three feet above sea level, so demand for higher property is likely to increase.

With global warming and rising sea levels, elevated property will only improve in value.

Reader: What are the upfront property costs I should be aware of?

Mike: Mortgage lenders are understandably leerier about taking on risk and they may increase their criteria to

Commentary-

constitution, which, reportedly, was drafted by persons appointed by him.

In any event, the President has no authority to modify, reform or change the Constitution.

This unconstitutional behaviour is yet another dangerous threat to democracy and political stability in Haiti if it continues unchallenged. It violates both the Charter of the OAS and the InterAmerican Democratic Charter. It is also inconsistent with the CARICOM Charter of Civil Society. At the very least, they should rebuke Moïse for his violations of the constitution.

It is unlikely that between now and January 20, when US President-elect

Ronald Sanders

Joe Biden assumes the Presidency, that there will be any movement by the US government - by itself or in the OAS - to address the plight of the Haitian people.

Nonetheless the OAS - and CARICOM within it - should act.

The Haitian people are not a political problem; they are human beings sadly and badly in need of a champion.

Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com

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By Mike Lightbourn

minimise it.

Lenders will probably be more selective with who they give mortgages to. If you have a secure job or source of income and can offer a high deposit immediately, then you will be in a much better position to get a loan if needed.

Summary In a nutshell, residential real estate appears to offer the safest real estate investment in these times.

Make sure you buy in a desirable location if you can.

If you’re banking on a mortgage, get a list of all the upfront costs involved and see if you are able to prequalify for a loan and if so, for what amount? single line in that area. That is complicated by the fact that so many people do not cut trees in their yard,” he explained.

Questions or comments?

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

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Throw-Away Children-

Abandoned At Birth Teri M. Bethel There was disgust and public outrage when a video surfaced with the supposed discovery of an abandoned newborn baby neatly wrapped and hidden somewhere in the thick bushes of Abaco. This innocent baby who did not have the opportunity to receive a family’s love was not covered and secured for preservation like Moses was hidden in a basket in the Nile River’s bullrushes. For those unaware, Moses was an Israelite child born into slavery when the powers that be outlawed the birth of male babies. Despite the proclamation, his parents risked their lives by hiding him to preserve his life. The funny thing was that he was discovered and saved by his oppressor’s daughter and raised as an Egyptian prince. The child doomed for premature death grew to be the man who led an entire nation, the Israelites, out of Egypt’s enslavement. It makes you wonder how many world changers were left in boxes or not allowed to fulfill their destiny to safeguard someone’s comfort.

Abandoning Our Young: In Abaco, it was clear that the intent was to snuff the life of a child, whether by fear, temporary insanity, or wickedness, who had the same right to live and fulfill its destiny as we do. The infant was meticulously wrapped in a plastic bag and draped with layers of fabric that its liberator carefully untied. Some may agree that the actions could not have come from a person with all of their faculties intact. What leads a person to abandon their babies in the wild or unsafe conditions? This tragic behavior, nevertheless, is not limited to the Bahamas. In the United States, a young lady approached a stranger on a cold, barren road and asked him to take her baby. When he declined and left the area, she placed the child in the middle of the road and drove off. A newspaper worker recovered it on his early morning paper route.

Unfortunately, in many instances, animals have better nurturing instincts than some humans. Such was the case in 2015 in Saudi Arabia when a local newspaper reported a street dog had found a newborn baby with its umbilical cord intact, near a dumpster. Eyewitnesses said that the dog gingerly carried it in its mouth and deposited it on a nearby home’s doorstep. In America, a lady shared on social media how her dog grabbed her toddler and threw her across the yard. Naturally, she was upset and raced to see what was going on, only to find that the dog was protecting the child from a wild animal. He put himself in harm’s way to save the child and almost lost his life in the process. The family’s vet was able to stitch the dog back together, and the little girl’s minor scratches healed. His impulse was to protect and care for a child’s well-being — a trait many parents have lost. Another dog became a media sensation when it saved a newborn baby’s life by taking it to where she had her newly born pups. The unharmed child was rescued by someone hearing the baby’s cries. A scared 14-year-old child had discarded the infant.

Overcrowded Orphanages: In 2011 China introduced drop-off facilities or “baby hatches” as they are called in Eastern China, allowing parents to bring in their unwanted newborn babies within 72 hours of their birth—no questions asked. At one such center, a five-day period yielded 28 newborn babies. Another location reportedly received 262 within two months for placement in the state’s custody. Many impoverished parents believed they could not adequately care for their child, especially if they

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were born with an ailment or disability.

However, this program was short-lived in many areas, as orphanages became overrun with unwanted babies. Rather than choose a humane way of giving up their child, some have taken drastic measures to ensure that their baby does not survive. In a public restroom in China where waterless steel toilets lined a wall without privacy partitions, a newborn baby was found naked, with its head plunged down the drain. Video footage showed a policeman retrieving the baby from the toilet. Fortunately, they were alerted after someone heard the infant’s cries.

Discarded Babies Exceed the Population of The Bahamas:

Millions of people around the world have tried to have a child but were unable to. Many have adopted newborns as well as teenage kids. Some have adopted multiple kids and siblings into their family, yet still, orphanages are full of children wanting to have a forever family that would love them and give them a fresh start in life. A large number of orphanages around the world have couples waitlisted to adopt infants. Despite this, millions of people, some in ignorance or fear, others willfully take their unborn child’s life. In 1990, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in America reported an estimated 1.4 million babies aborted in America in one year from information received from abortion centers. Recent estimates from the same source indicate approximately 1,200 innocent babies were aborted every day in the land of the free—652,639 in 2014.

their figures reflected the estimated abortion rate at 926,200 babies, a number that almost triples our population in the Bahamas. Numbers from both entities were a little lower in 2017. One prominent Pro-Choice organization in the United States admitted under oath to selling these undesired babies’ body parts. While abortion is against the law in the Bahamas, many find their way around it, often using this service as a means of birth control.

What Good People Can Do: The question is, how many good people are there who are childless or have raised their children and have room in their homes and hearts for one or more kids? How many people can invest in caring for and providing necessities for a disadvantaged child living in a private home or an orphanage? How many people live an uneventful yet financially wealthy existence that can establish a home for homeless kids? If you can do none of the above, perhaps being a big brother or sister who can offer encouragement, mentorship, or a kind word to a hurting child may give someone hope, mend a broken heart or even redirect a life on a fast decline. Of course, some people instinctively do the kind of things suggested, but many good people live disconnected from their community and have never considered it.

Hurting children grow up to become hurting adults who have learned by example to hurt others. Perhaps if we stopped for one child, we could ensure that kids, despite their rough start, have a brighter tomorrow that begins today.

According to Wikipedia, unlike the CDC, The Guttmacher Institute does not rely on the clinics for numbers. Instead, they periodically survey abortion providers in all states to estimate the number of abortions. In the same year,

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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, as well as on Amazon.com. Additionally, Teri provides a free online directory for local authors to showcase their family-friendly 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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Nov/Dec

Ministry of Agriculture Partners with the Access Accelerator SBDC to Support Fishing and Farming Projects (BIS Press Release - Written By Llonella Gilbert) Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources the Hon. Michael Pintard, during a press conference at the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources on November 13th, 2020, stated that the Ministry is very pleased to partner with the Access Accelerator Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) to support farming and fishing projects throughout the Bahamas, saying, “This collaboration will be the first of many as my Ministry seeks to leverage various opportunities for farmers and fishers. This particular grant window is open to new and existing businesses in the agricultural and fisheries industries.”

He noted that such businesses include projects engaged in fishing for any marine resource for the purpose of subsequent sale or processing and agricultural enterprises including, forestry, horticulture and the use of land for the purpose of husbandry, the keeping or breed-

ing of livestock, poultry or bees, the cultivation or processing of fruit, vegetables and the like and the establishment of grasslands.

“We will also support the creation of new technologies that accelerate growth in our sector.”

The Minister explained that the Government now requires that all entities which import fresh and processed food must first purchase 40 per cent of these items from Bahamian producers.

“We recognize that there are gaps along the supply chain that hinder some of our producers from achieving 40 per cent sales to food stores, restaurants and hotels or providing 75 per cent of the foods purchase by government entities.

“Therefore, this collaboration and our partnership with other financial service entities would enable us to fund businesses that plug gaps along the supply chain.”

P45 He said the Ministry’s

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‘Celebrating Our Valedictorians’

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Zakiya McAndrews - Co-Valedictorian - SGP All Age In this fourth installation of our series, ‘Celebrating Our Valedictorians’, we highlight Samuel Guy Pinder All Age School’s, Zakiya McAndrews. As part of Eleuthera’s Class of 2020 high school graduates, who had to rise to the challenge of finishing up their 12th grade year using only virtual instruction with the sudden arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic, she was one who was able to keep her eye on the prize and not only celebrate the successful completion of her high school career, but to also do so as a stand-out amongst her peers, achieving the top academic results and award.

Zakiya, who graduated as Co-Valedictorian with a cumulative GPA of 3.83, and top of her class with a 4.0 in the final semester, was also selected as Head Girl at Samuel Guy Pinder All Age during her 2019-2020 12th grade school year, and was the recipient of numerous subject and special awards. As a young leader, Zakiya was also chosen as the Deputy Junior Local Government Councilor, and President of the Diamond Divas Girl’s Club. Active in both sport and extracurricular activities during her high school career, she was also a member of the basketball and volleyball teams and participated in both the school’s choir and band.

Describing some of her experience during this extraordinary final year, Zakiya shared, “The year 2020 has been the year I sometimes want to forget but will always be a year to remember. I can truly say that the end of high school was not the end I had envisioned, but nevertheless I was forced to stay focused despite the many challenges that were thrown my way. There were so many plans that I had with my peers as we were nearing the end but these were all changed suddenly. It was a struggle to continue pushing forward knowing that all our plans had to be forfeited. The challenge of ending school on a virtual platform was something I was not prepared for but had to come to grip with.

The postponement of exams, the uncertainty of a graduation ceremony, the cancellation of our class trip, were some of the disappointments I had to face, but, I still remained focused to complete my high school year.”

Having a clear goal was key, according to Zakiya. “I can say it was my passion to become a pediatrician that kept me going when I thought of giving up. I know at some point, the pandemic that caught the world by surprise will be history, but taking care of infants will still be the vision I have for myself and that kept me going.”

Junior high for Zakiya had been spent, she said, at Sherlin C. Bootle High School in Abaco, where she felt she was privileged to have gotten an excellent high school foundation and forged good friendships.

She transferred to Samuel Guy Pinder All Age at the beginning of her senior high school years. “Joining the ‘Bulldogs’ was somewhat scary at first like any change in

Miss Zakiya McAndrews, Valedictorian - Samuel Guy Pinder All Age School - Class of 2020.

life,” she recalled, “but then I met my class and from day one they made me feel welcome and comfortable. My classmates who evidently became family were the best. We laughed a lot, but we worked hard. They challenged me to work harder even when I didn’t feel like it. We had ways of cheering each other up during the down times - someone would say or do something silly and the class would erupt into laughter.

This group I will always remember. The teachers were passionate about their students and they pushed me to be the best - failure was not an option.”

The next step in Zakiya’s journey is the transition into tertiary education. With a stellar high school career neatly tucked under her belt, she has moved on in her journey towards becoming

a pediatrician, and is currently a 1st year student at the University of the Bahamas, majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry.

“My love for children has inspired my choice of study. It has been my dream from the age of 10 to one day become a children’s doctor and I am elated to have finally started on that journey,” shared Zakiya, about her career choice, and her motivation to keep going.

Asked about where she hoped to be after her undergraduate program was completed, Zakiya described, “Given my career choice, it requires many steps to officially reach the goal. After attaining my undergraduate degree, I hope to then move on to phase two which is medical school at the University of the West Indies. This would bring me one step closer to eventually becoming a pediatrician.”

She also shared some valuable advice for Eleuthera students now in high school, hoping to be successful graduates when their time comes. “I would say to students to always give yourself a chance to be the best because often times we are our own hindrance to our success. That means you must always think positive and tell yourselves you can do. There will always be battles, situations and struggles. However, life is built that way. Give yourself grace and time but do not give up. Be true to who you are and know what you want to accomplish. Finally, I would advise you to say a prayer when you feel your lowest. I have proven that God does answer prayer and I will leave my ten finger prayer with you (I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me - Philippians 4:13).”

Zakiya shared that she wouldn’t be the accomplished and motivated young woman that she was today without God’s strength and guidance.

She also lauded and thanked her parents and teachers, saying, “I would like to thank God first and foremost - without Him nothing was possible.

He took me through all the struggles, stress, and even the times I felt like giving up. Next, I would like to thank my parents, they have always and continue to be the biggest supporters of my dreams. They have provided in every which way possible to make sure that I got everything I needed.

They have always and continue to encourage me to never give up on what I want to achieve in life and to always take it one step at a time. Finally, I would like to thank all my teachers that have played a part in molding and shaping me academically and also for helping me in times of need.”

With a bright future ahead of her, and a world of possibilities, Zakiya has much to experience before knowing how Eleuthera may fit into it, however, she shared, “Truthfully, I have not concluded as to where exactly I will permanently fit in after my studies. However, Eleuthera has been an exceptional part of my formative experience. As one of my options, I would wish to come back to Eleuthera to establish a pediatric clinic, given that there isn’t any on the island. This would allow me to give back to the community, as well as provide our infants with the care that they need.”

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Coral Disease C

rapidly (around 100 meters per day in Florida), has high mortality rates (between 66-100% mortality), and more than 20 coral species are affected, including 4 endangered corals. The Bahamas Government has organized a task force to develop an action plan for this rapidly spreading disease, consisting of scientists, conservation managers, and government officials from around The Bahamas.

What does the disease look like?

SCTLD generally starts at the base of a coral with live tissue dying and a band (linear) of diseased tissue advancing across the surface; however, it can also appear on random spots (blotchy) around the coral. Below are typical characteristics of linear (left) and blotchy (right) disease progression on two different brain corals.

What can you do if you spot the disease?

The task force’s main priority is to pinpoint disease hotspots around The Bahamas and determine how to limit its spread. In Eleuthera, early disease detection is crucial to protecting our reefs. If you’re out snorkeling, diving, or spear fishing on the reef and you notice sick corals that fit the description of SCTLD, please report those sightings to

ont’d

PIMS on their website (perryinstitute.org/reportsctld - for The Bahamas only).

If you can, take photos or videos of sick corals, record disease location, and fill out a sighting submission form using the website link above.

What

can you do if you come in

contact with the disease?

Researchers have discovered that this coral disease is waterborne and can spread through direct contact or water circulation.

Therefore, if you travel from a diseased reef to a healthy reef, it’s possible to infect the healthy reef with SCTLD. If you’ve been diving, snorkeling or fishing in areas where the disease has been confirmed, the task force recommends that you decontaminate your gear and boat’s bilge water.

The task force’s recommendations for decontamination are as follows: 1. Bilge water: Release bilge water on site and treat any remaining water. Allow treated bilge water to sit for 10 minutes before discharging.

2. Scuba/snorkel/fishing gear: Allow gear to soak for 5 minutes.

3. Wetsuits: Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for detergent volume and rinse time.

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Like COVID-19, we do not have a cure or vaccine for stony coral tissue loss disease, so we must do our part to locate and stop the spread if, or when, SCTLD is found on Eleuthera’s reefs. The Cape Eleuthera Institute encourages you to spread awareness about the disease on Eleuthera and we will be calling on our networks for help. We invite you to find stony coral tissue loss disease educational resources using this link (perryinstitute.org/stony-coral-tissue-loss-disease).

----1. Healthy live coral tissue 2. Disease front: newly exposed white coral skeleton 3. Dead coral skeleton overgrown by algae

Left to right: Grooved brain coral (Diploria labyrinthiformis) and symmetrical brain coral (Pseudodiploria strigosa) infected with SCTLD. Photo by PIMS staff.

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Virtual Classes

Nov/Dec, 2020

Cont’d

Mr. Michael Culmer, Eleuthera District Superintendent of Education.

Commenting on how school’s have fared in getting registered students through the curriculum during this semester, Mr. Culmer shared, “You first want to look at the percentage of students who would have been engaged. We have children who were operating virtually, as well as children who have been using the printed ‘learning kits’ with guidance from teachers (those students without access to the internet, and students at the Center for Exceptional Learning - who were worked with exclusively). Based on feedback I received on the island of Eleuthera - last week we had 81% of our students engaged - which was up over the previous two weeks. It was 78% in the weeks before, 79% the following week, and last week 81%. So, of our 2400 registered students, we’ve been reaching just over 1900 of them. That means that there are still some significant challenges - some that we can mitigate, and others that are beyond our control. You cannot beat face-to-face - it provides that control.

However, one benefit of what the virtual is doing, is helping our children to develop an independence in learning, and we know that the successful child in life is an independent learner.

“There has also been great collaboration within our District and across the Bahamas. It has not been a perfect system, because we are also dealing with corporations (BPL, Cable Bahamas, BTC, and Aliv) - which all have their challenges. However, for the most part, we’ve made the best of the situation that we are in. It has caused us to do alot more collaboration, and the end result, is that we are in a much better place now, than we were on the 15th of March.”

With nearly 20% of registered students in the District not being engaged to date, Mr. Culmer commented on the approach that would be taken to get them on board in the new year, saying, “The Ministry of Education issued a communication at the end of November which spoke to giving those students a period of remediation when school begins in the new year. It will be important for two things to take place. Our schools are going to make sure that they know who those students are, and parents of those students will be held accountable. It is a difficult thing to accept - that there are some people who are unable to attend school because their parents or guardians cannot afford - or there are no opportunities. But, we have also personally seen the oversight, or were directly responsible for providing certain students with devices, and data access - yet

we don’t see some of those students showing up to the virtual classes. We all have a responsibility, and we want to make sure that those children who are not showing up in the classes are afforded an opportunity - and this will be just ONE opportunity next term - to do some remediation and some make-up work to get in their grades for this semester that has now passed.”

Singling out high schools in particular, and some of the challenges experienced, Mr. Culmer described, “The greatest challenge seen in the high schools have been getting our students to show up to classes... If we only did the average attendance for the primary schools, our attendance as a District would be closer to 90-91%. It is when we factor in the high schools, that the number comes down. There are other things, like some of our high school students are going to work, some others don’t have as much supervision during school time as the primary students. Parents tend to leave the high school students to do the work, and only discover when in conversation with the teacher or the principal that their student who they thought were in classes were not in attendance. To a lesser extent, with a small number of students it has to do with devices - but, the greater part of it has to do with consistent attendance - getting our high school students to consistently attend... We have had some challenges with the island internet services, as well as with the utilities - but the biggest challenge has actually been getting our high school children to attend classes.”

When asked about staffing gaps at schools within the District, and whether those gaps have been able to be filled, DSE Culmer explained, “We still have quite a few of those staffing holes that are vacant. The virtual school has made it somewhat easier to function. But when we now get back into the face-to-face environment, it’s going to pose a challenge. We had persons who were coming in... However, what I think we’ve got to do, not just as schools, but as communities and as an island we’ve got to convince our brilliant educators, who are throughout the Bahamas, to come back and contribute to Eleuthera. We are a little too dependent on others to come and make it happen for Eleuthera. So, that is another one of our biggest challenges - those gaps. We need quite a few Primary teachers. We need Science teachers. We are in desperate need of teachers within the Career and Technical Education areas, especially the building trades and the industrial arts. We are in desperate need in those areas... The Abaco situation ‘floated us last year. However, the Abaco teachers have had to return. Abaco is now in the process of reopening their schools, so those teachers who were ‘borrowed’, we had to return.” As highlighted by DSE Culmer, there are multiple opportunities currently in Eleuthera, for teachers who are interested in coming to or returning to the island.

When asked about the upcoming term in the new year, and changes parents may want to be prepared for, Mr. Culmer began by highlighting the current challenge on the island where a number of schools have student populations that would make physical distancing on campus difficult. “So, more than likely we may be working with variations of hybrid models of instruction within our larger primary, high, and all-age schools. We will still be working within the LMS, and we will still be working virtually, as well as working with our devices within the schools. Some of the smaller primary schools will possibly be face-to-face from day-one, but still

working with the network and the devices. It will all have to do with meeting the safety protocols that the Ministry of Education has outlined.”

Parents, said Mr. Culmer, would very likely be able to be given a more detailed idea of what the opening of school in January would look like for their children during the upcoming ‘Report Card Day’ scheduled for Thursday, December 17th, 2020. “ DSE Culmer expressed a special ‘Thank you’ to parents, saying that the overwhelming majority are going the extra mile, and making the sacrifice for their students in school, and making sure that their children are productive, engaged, and doing the work they need to be doing. “I want to encourage them to continue working with their children.

Now we are preparing to transition, so they need to begin to get their students ready for the classroom.

They need to begin to get those uniforms, and to get those shoes, those bags, and students will need to get back into that frame of mind that they will be going back into the classroom - and getting ready to work [With the current economy, schools will have to work with parents, knowing that they can only do what they can do. It may be a challenge for some, so schools will have to have a certain level of flexibility]. Parents also need to begin to have those conversations about safety with their children - like the proper wearing of the masks, the value of handwashing, and adhering to safety protocols. Parents are also encouraged to make sure that they are getting their information about what is happening at the schools from credible sources - getting the right information from the right people.”

With the holidays approaching, DSE Culmer expressed to parents on behalf of himself and his family, as well as the entire team at the District Office, along with all principals, teachers and support staff, the wish for them to have a safe, happy, and blessed Christmas.

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Passing of Mr. Ingraham.

School board for many years.

He shared then that what drove him into politics was his observation of nothing getting done in the constituency in the ten years preceding his tenure, saying, “We were dragging along, I took a decision that they needed someone upfront to do that driving. I felt as a businessperson who was successful and who knew how to broker deals, and realize what was a good deal and what wasn’t a good deal… I thought we needed some things in the area to sustain South Eleuthera entrepreneurs. I felt that I’d jump in wholesale and make a go at it, which is what I did. The first five years were very successful.”

Ingraham described his latter five years as an ‘uphill struggle’ as a part of the opposition, however, he expressed that he enjoyed and liked the challenge and felt that he was still successful in agitating for important upgrades in road works and water in South Eleuthera, for which he expressed thanks and gave credit to the government of the day for getting those done.

Memorable moments for Mr. Ingraham, during his time in office, included his work with local government in mediation and creating solutions, he shared, saying, “I would try to give the best advice and bring about the best solution.”

Near the end of his tenure as Member of Parliament, Mr. Ingraham was still passionate about outstanding needs on the island.

On his decision to move on from active political life, Mr. Ingraham revealed that it had not been easy, and shared with a smile, during the 2012 interview, “It was very, very, difficult, and as a matter of fact I don’t think I’ve fully made it yet. He further explained, “A number of things that I visually had on my agenda that needed to be done – the dock situation in Rock Sound, the clinic that we were promised … I felt very badly that we weren’t able to do that. It was top on my agenda, - and there were a number of other

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Snapshots

Final months as MP Central & South Eleuthera

File Photo, January 2012: (L-R) Speaker of the House of Assembly and MP or North Eleuthera, Alvin Smith; Minister of National Security, O.A.T. “Tommy” Turnquest; Rev. Kenris Carey; MP for South Eleuthera, Oswald Ingraham; Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ellison Greenslade; at an opening ceremony held for the refurbishment of the Rock Sound police station in that election year.

A biography, written by Dianne Darr Coutts, now available on Amazon.com.

things that needed to be done – the Gymnasium, and getting Princess Cruises to be more considerate of our craft people.”

Once out of active politics, Mr. Ingraham shared that he planned to continue to devote his time to family and business as well as some of his time to his two ‘weaknesses’, fishing and farming, and continuing with his activities within the Brethren church.

He also kept himself open to continuing to assist with community development.

Mr. Ingraham went on to serve as Acting Governor General on multiple occasions during 2012 through 2017.

Mr. Ingraham was married to Mrs. Emily Marie Ingraham, and the couple was blessed with six children - three boys, and three girls - Terry, Wayne, Dwight, Wendy, Velma and Jackie.

Hon. Oswald Ingraham, MP South Eleuthera, next to Mrs. Ingraham, front row, at CEHS’s Night of Music in February of 2012.

File Photo, February 2nd, 2012: Hon. Oswald Ingraham, MP South Eleuthera, at SEEP in Tarpum to welcome fire fighting officials from New Providence who accompanied the Los Angeles Fire Chief Brian Cummings on a visit to Eleuthera in February 2012.

Acting Governor General His Excellency Oswald Ingraham, hosting Bentley University at Government House in May of 2016.

n ati ona l

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Nov/Dec, 2020

PM Minnis Re-affirms the Government’s Commitment to Pre-School Education in the Family Islands (BIS Press Release - Written by Llonella Gilbert) Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis re-affirmed the Government’s commitment that any educator with pre-school knowledge and who is qualified and wants to open a preschool on a Family Island will be given the same benefits as those in New Providence.

“I want to remind the Family Islands that they are a part of The Bahamas and

they too should be given the same benefits and the same advantages as here in New Providence,” the Prime Minister said at the Access Accelerator Small Business Development Centre’s (SBDC) Presentation of Grants for Pre-School Owners at the SMDC Gladstone Road Freight Terminal, Monday, November 23, 2020.

“We have made a commitment to the Family Islands so that their pre-schoolers

File Photo, October 2020: Prime Minister, The Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis.

will also be able to take advantage of this educational grant and that pre-school education is provided.”

He explained that the Government will provide free of charge the land for any pre-school being constructed on a Family Island.

The Prime Minister also stated that the Government will remove all forms of duty and provide all of the concessions to ensure that the school is built and that Family Islanders take advantage. He said the Government will ensure that the SBDC will have sufficient funds to provide the grants to those individuals, so that they can get started.

The Prime Minister also briefly noted four other major objectives to improve learning outcomes for children and young people living in The Bahamas.

He explained that the Government is strengthening literacy by improving student learning outcomes in English at the third grade level.

“We are increasing the high school graduation rate by improving student learning outcomes for the Bahamas High School criteria.”

The Prime Minister said the Government began a digital transformation programme for the government-operated school system by upgrading the internet infrastructure and Wi-Fi connectivity in all schools and by providing digital devices for students and teachers.

He stated that the Government also launched a school modernization programme through the construction, renovation and expansion of existing schools to accommodate additional classrooms.

In addition, the Prime Minister noted

the Government’s historic and major accomplishments in education.

“Since 2018, we have expanded access to tertiary level education in both the academic and technical levels.

He said, “Qualifying students can now attend the University of The Bahamas and the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) with tuition paid for by the Government of The Bahamas.”

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Minister Thompson presents government’s digital transformation program at Latin American and Caribbean Conference

MINISTER AT VIRTUAL CONFERENCE – Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator Kwasi Thompson took part in a Latin American and Caribbean Minister’s conference on digital transformation for economic and social reactivation, on Thursday, November 19, 2020, in the conference room of the Office of the Prime Minister.

(Press Release - Bahamas Information Services - Written

by Andrew Coakley) Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator Kwasi Thompson got an opportunity to inform Latin American countries, as well as a number of Caribbean nations about the Bahamas’ strides thus far in the country’s digital transformation, as well as the plans to expand that transformation as time goes on.

Minister Thompson, who is also responsible for electronic communication and the government’s Digitization program, was one of the speakers at the 14th annual meeting of Red GEALC Sixth Ministerial Meeting of Digital Government, which was hosted by Costa Rica and held virtually. The virtual conference, held November 18-20th, brought together ICT Ministers from the Caribbean and Latin America.

During his presentation Minister Thompson pointed out that The Bahamas took on its digital journey with the overarching goal of delivering services and programs that would foster transparency, effectiveness, efficiency and cost reduction.

He noted that a focused approach – on what the user/ customer says would make their experience better, and programs that would achieve this – is the key.

“So we focused on streamlining (1) to reduce or remove the movement of paper or documents between customer and government, and agency-toagency (2) to reduce or remove the need for the public officer to review and approve where it adds no value,” said Minister Thompson. “Our challenge was to get public officers to “un-think how things are done and to “rethink” a better way for themselves and their customers.

“Our Bahamas Electronic Cabinet Management Information System (BECMIS) is a good example of our “focused” approach. It is a six-month project with releases in six-week intervals. Users, from clerks in the Cabinet Office to my cabinet colleagues, are involved from the design to testing. We are successfully battling through the elimination of steps, the rethinking process flow, and redesigning documents. When completed, there will be endto-end handling of information and proceedings electronically.

We will see digital collaboration between agencies and collaboration between cabinet colleagues.”

The Minister noted that The Bahamas is excited about its Proof of Concept Interoperability Platform which is currently in beta test mode. This platform, he added, is allowing govern-

ment services to share information from disparate data sources, securely.

“Due to built-in verifications and validations, the user provides little to no information for renewal services and in most instances, public officers will only have to review and approve requests or transactions that are an exception,” explained Minister Thompson.

“To reach this level of automation the IT agency worked closely with the service provider to streamline processes, engaging them from design to testing. The platform in its POC stage will allow for renewal of driver’s license, renewal of passport, a request for customer’s own birth certificate or marriage certificate.

“Also in pilot mode is the launch of the Sand Dollar, The Bahamas’ digital currency. The Central Bank in partnership with authorized Payment Service Providers reaches the banked and the unbanked. The government has also put forward the Digital Assets and Reg-

istered Exchanges Bill 2020 (DARE) aimed at establishing the framework for regulation of the issuance, sale and trade of digital assets in and from within The Bahamas.”

Minister Thompson said that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, agencies have accelerated their digital programs, including the Food Assistance program, the Bahamas Feeding Network, virtual school and parks and public spaces are being equipped to provide internet access.

He added that through all of these ICT initiatives there is a strong realization of the need for growing capacity in various specialized fields, in application development and IT operations, but also in business analysis, change management, procurement, and public relations.

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Work Continues At The Eleuthera Cancer Society Organization goes ahead with its 2020 ‘Walk For A Cure’ Breast Cancer Awareness

Group photo of participants, at the CSE Wellness Center where physical distancing and wearing of masks were required.

Retired Head Nurse and Cancer Society President, Mrs. Sherrin Cooper, shared that this year’s Eleuthera Cancer Society’s ‘Walk For A Cure’ event - the signature fundraiser held during the month of October, which also highlights public awareness of breast cancer in particular - despite pandemic restrictions, was still able to be held successfully on Saturday morning,

Below: Rotaract Club of Eleuthera out in support.

Left: Mrs Sydnease Gardiner and her children walked in support of her mother and their grandmother, who is a survivor.

Above (L-R): Female Winner for the North-only route was Samantha Carey. She stands with president Sherrin Cooper.

October 31st, 2020.

A dedicated group of twenty seven (27) participants including both adults and children were up bright and early on the Saturday morning for the Walk, which got started at 6:30am. The route took walkers from North Palmetto Point to Coffee Hill, and back to the Cancer Society’s Wellness Center on Queen’s Highway, Palmetto Point.

The female winner for the North only route was Samantha Carey, with the male winner spot taken

by Trequan Hanna. The female winner of the combined North and South Palmetto Point route was Cathy Davis, and police officer Sgt. Wallace claimed the place of male winner in that category.

Organizers were pleased with the number of youngsters who showed up to take part, and notably, Mr. Luther Kemp travelled all the way from Current Island with his granddaughter, Arianna Evans of Lower Bogue, to walk in memory of his late wife and her grandmother, Lorna Kemp.

Other families also took part, walking in memory of loved ones, or in support of relatives who were survivors of cancer.

The important work of the Cancer Society of Eleuthera (CSE) continues, even though getting together and sharing time has become more challenging. Survivors and those fighting with the disease on island are still in need of support and encouragement, and the need for education and awareness also continues. Donations are welcomed by CSE throughout the year for the ongoing work. People who would like to give are encouraged to call or Whatsapp President Sherrin Cooper at 359-7990. Visit their facebook page @EleutheraCancerSociety, and Email them at CancerSocietyEleuthera@live. com. Alternatively any of the board members can be contacted for further information, including; Suzette Kemp, Vice President; Karen Crean, Secretary; Sue Culmer, Treasurer; Cindy Pinder, Assistant Treasurer; Juanita Pinder, Fundraising Director; and Jacqueline Gibson, Advisor.

Organizers said they were impressed by the participation of these youngsters.

Rotary Club of Eleuthera demonstrated their support and partnership.

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Public health measures important as holiday season starts, PAHO says (Advice offered on limiting indoor gatherings, travel, and public events) Washington, D.C., November 25, 2020 (PAHO) – Holiday season gatherings and travel involve risks and people should follow guidance of national and local health authorities to make the holidays as safe as possible during the Covid-19 pandemic, Pan American Health Organization Assistant Director Jarbas Barbosa said today.

“During a pandemic, there is no such thing as a risk-free holiday season. Every gathering, every shopping trip, and every travel plan increases the chances of spreading the virus,” Barbosa told a press briefing in Washington. “It’s critical that everyone continue to practice the public health measures that we know are effective in controlling the spread of the virus,” such as wearing a mask in public, including in the presence of persons from other households and keeping a safe distance from others.

People should also avoid the 3Cs: spaces that are closed, crowded or involve close contact with others, and wash their hands often. “These measures are especially important as we enter the holiday season” when communities congregate to mark religious celebrations and generations of families come together to give thanks,” Barbosa said.

“PAHO and WHO recommend that countries experiencing widespread transmission of the virus should seriously consider postponing or reducing mass gatherings.

This is NOT the time to be hosting ANY large gatherings.

Each country, city and community should base decisions about hosting public events on the latest available data – especially data that show where the virus is spreading and whether health systems have enough capacity to keep up with cases,” he added.

Even smaller Indoor gatherings can be especially risky because they bring together groups of people, young and old, from different households, who may not all be adhering to the same infection prevention measures, Barbosa warned. “They should be held outside when possible, and participants should wear masks and maintain social distance. If held indoors, limiting group size and choosing well-ventilated areas can help reduce exposure,” he noted.

With respect to travel, people should be cautious, and the safest option is to stay home, he said. “PAHO does NOT recommend relying on laboratory tests for travelers. Yet we’ve seen countries across our region and throughout the world place testing at the heart of their travel policies. This cannot guarantee safe travel or eliminate the risks related to infected travelers, and resources can be used in other ways yielding a greater public health impact,” Barbosa said.

Reviewing the situation in the Americas, Barbosa said there have been more than 25 million cases and over 700,000 deaths, and in the last week alone there were 1.5 million cases, marking the highest weekly numbers since the start of the pandemic. “While a rapid surge of infections in the United States has been a major driver, cases are continuing to accelerate in some countries of North, Central and South America as part of a mosaic of different epidemiological patterns we’re seeing,” Barbosa said.

He noted news about the efficacy of vaccines reported by various pharmaceutical companies, adding, “Many people are understandably encouraged by recent developments in the search for an effective

COVID-19 vaccine, but we must continue to be patient and cautious because it will be months before a vaccine is widely available.”

Barbosa said, “The individual decisions we make this holiday season won’t just affect the people closest to us, they will also impact our communi-

ties.” Throughout the pandemic, countries have changed how people work, go to school and participate in civic life, “so that we can keep our friends and families as safe and healthy as possible. The holidays should be no different. People are planning virtual dinners, broadcasting virtual celebrations and opting

for smaller ceremonies, even if it means making personal sacrifices,” he added.

Links:

PAHO COVID-19 website: https://www.paho.org/en/topics/ coronavirus-infections/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-pandemic

NNWC Continues With Community Outreach

National Neighbourhood Watch Councils (NNWC) of the Rock Sound Branch and the Green Castle Branch, were both involved in the distribution of food to several families in need within their respective communities during the final week in November.

Activities began in Rock Sound on Wednesday, November 25th, 2020 with a food distribution drive. The NNWC team, accompanied by Liason Officer for South Eleuthera, W/Sgt 232 Rodgers-Bethel, visited with four families, who were all presented with a box filled with groceries. The families, said Officer in Charge (OIC) of South Eleuthera, Superintendent Frank Neilly, expressed their gratitude for the generous gesture, and thanked the Neighbourhood Watch for their assistance and support, especially during this time.

The following day, on Thursday, November 26th, 2020, the NNWC of Green Castle, led by their president, Donald Wright, met at the Urban Renewal office to prepare packages of grocery bags filled with food items for another four families in need within their community, and proceeded with delivery of the packages to those families - who also expressed to NNWC members how thankful they were for their assistance.

nea rby

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Nov/Dec, 2020

2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season takes infamous top spot for busiest on record November 10, 2020 (Press Release - US National Hurricane Center) With less than a month remaining in the Atlantic hurricane season, the formation of Subtropical Storm Theta on November 10th over the northeastern Atlantic Ocean made the 2020 season the most active on record.

Theta — the 29th named storm of the Atlantic season — breaks the record for the highest number of tropical/ subtropical storms in a single year. The previous record of 28 storms was set in 2005. Official records date to 1851.

“After the historic Atlantic hurricane season of 2005, it’s remarkable to have another season during my career that would reach this extreme level of activity,” said Louis W. Uccellini, Ph.D., director of NOAA’s (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) National Weather Service. “NOAA’s sustained investment in computer forecast models, technology, observing systems and our skilled workforce have paid off over the last 15 years, with exponentially improved hurricane forecasts.”

Uccellini explained that today, the US National Weather Service provides the advanced lead time decision makers need to evacuate vulnerable areas and stage resources ahead of landfalling storms and the impacts of strong winds, storm surge, and heavy rainfall.

“We continue to evolve to meet society’s growing needs for more weather information and better forecasts increasingly used to ensure communities are ready, responsive and resilient in the face of oncoming storms,” he said.

The Atlantic hurricane season in a nutshell: The 2020 season began early when Arthur formed on May 16. The extremely active season quickly went through the pre-determined list of 21 names, ending with Wilfred on September 18. Then for

only the second time in history, the Greek alphabet was used for the remainder of the season, with Alpha forming the same day.

The Atlantic hurricane season officially ends on November 30, but additional storms could develop beyond that date. Forecasters at NOAA’s National Hurricane Center continuously monitor the tropics for storm development and activity.

Weather Service forecasters at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center issued an outlook in May for an above-average hurricane season and later upgraded that outlook to a rare, extremelyactive season in August, ahead of the season’s peak in the fall.

---The list of named storms that have occurred during the Atlantic hurricane season as of November 9, 2020. With the formation of Theta, the 2020 Atlantic season has surpassed 2005 as the busiest on record with 29 named storms. The season ends on November 30.

A NOAA GOES East satellite image of Subtropical Storm Theta captured at 9:50 a.m. ET on November 10, 2020, as it swirled in the Atlantic Ocean, southwest of Portugal.

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Scholarship Opportunity:

The Eleutheran

Applications for the Bahamas Environmental Steward Scholarship programme begins

Bahamas Environmental Steward Scholarship (BESS) is a partnership between BREEF and the Cape Eleuthera Island School to train the next generation of environmental leaders. The programme consists of a unique year-long work and study experience endorsed by the Ministry of Education that includes an engaging internship and a full scholarship gifted by the Cape Eleuthera Island School.

The BESS programme is for motivated graduating high school students between the ages of 15-18 who are interested in learning more about the environment, conservation and sustainable systems as they transition from high school to university studies. Since its inception 50 BESS Scholars from schools throughout the country have participated. Applications will be accepted December 1st – February 15th. (Download the Application Form using this link: https://breef.org/ wp-content/uploads/2020/11/BESS-2021Application-Form-Updated-1.pdf)

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Eleuthera 2020 Youth Month Awards dished out in Ministry of Youth virtual ceremony Whelma Colebrook, also gave encouragement to the honourees, telling them that they were ambassadors, and spoke to them about being a positive change in the country. “Take the initiative to make a difference,” she charged.

Clara Young, Eleuthera representative with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, then announced the honourees for the evening, during a slide presentation of certificates and plaques. The honourees on the evening are listed: National Youth Month Awards Eleuthera (Academics/Sports/Frontline Workers/Entrepreneurship/Youth Leaders)

On Friday, November 6th, 2020, in celebration of National Youth Month, Local Government officials in each of the five districts within The Eleutheras, under the auspices of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, recognized standouts within their communities in the areas of Academics, Sports, Entrepreneurship, Frontline Workers, and Youth Leadership during a virtual Youth Month Awards Ceremony. The theme this year, “Resilient Youth, Re-engineered for Re-emergence”, spoke to the unique circumstances faced by young people and youth leaders during the Covid pandemic, and the need for resilience and creativity in the face of the oncein-a-lifetime challenge.

More than 200 attendees signed in and participated in the virtual ceremony, which was ably emceed by two accomplished students from North Eleuthera High School, Sierra Farrington and recent 2020 Valedictorian, Christianna Wallace.

At the start, Administrator for North Eleuthera, Mr. Lynton Pinder encour-

aged the young people signed in, to be the change that they wanted for the future. Administrator Gregory Knowles of the South Eleuthera district, also encouraged attendees to rise to the challenge, despite the new normal they now found themselves in.

MP for North Eleuthera, Mr. Rickey Mackey expressed his pride in the 70 plus persons from North Eleuthera who were being recognized during the evening awards. Taking the pandemic into account, he emphasized that we are a resilient people and young people have the opportunity to step forward and help to rebuild the country after going through the situation we were all now living in. “By small increments, we are able to accomplish big things. People don’t get to where they are going overnight. Take small steps, then bigger, then leap to where you need to go,” he said. He encouraged students to take in the knowledge in school, take the sound advice of adults around them, and use that ammunition to catapult forward.

Administrator for Central Eleuthera,

• • •

Warren Hudson (North Eleuthera Jr. High) Hodnee Joseph (North Eleuthera Sr. High) April Neilly (North Eleuthera Sr. High)

Frontline workers: • Sameka Johnson - Security • Tavano Kelly - Fireman • Wesley Johnson Jr. - Cashier • Pharis Cash - Fireman • Teja Joseph - Nurse Entrepreneurship: • Angelique Johnson • Michael Hudson • Miguel McDonald • La’Kishna Strachan • Stephen & Dudleta Kelly Youth Leaders: • Rev. April Miller • Vanessa Rolle • RoxAnne Williams • Margurie Albury

North Eleuthera District Council Honourees-

Spanish Wells District Council Honourees-

Academics: • Joel Kemp (Laura Anderson Primary) • Tiara Johnson (Laura Anderson Primary) • Kezia Johnson (North Eleuthera Junior High) • Aaron McCartney (North Eleuthera Junior High) • Kyle Collins (North Eleuthera Senior High) • Ronisha Petit-Homme (North Eleuthera Senior High)

Academics: • Wes Underwood - Primary • Cirstie Underwood Jr. High • Zephon McAndrew Jr. High • Chandler Mullin Sr. High • Colby Mullin Sr High

Sports: • Gawana Francique (Laura Anderson Primary) • Th’ron Petit-Frere (Laura Anderson Primary) • Trayantae Russell (North Eleuthera Jr. High)

Elite

Sports: • • • • •

Frontline Workers: • Landon Sweeting - Warehouse • Elgina Gibson - Registered Nurse • Dianthus Munroe - Police

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

Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera

Daphne Boute - Primary Sanny St. Pard - Jr High Kendal Oscar - Jr High Vedlin Pierre-Louis - Sr High Delano Armbrister - Senior High

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Entrepreneurship: • Jake Curry

Entrepreneurship: • Sharod Thompson • Avery Hall • Shantiche Taylor • Eldecia Thompson

Youth Leaders: • Landon Sweeting • Bailey Pinder • Duran Roberts • Anna-Claire Pinder • Courtney Newbold-Pinder

Frontline Workers: • Ronald Carey Jr. - BPL • Andrew Demeritte - RBPF • Ariel Knowles - Grocery Store • Krystal Knowles - Grocery Store • Latoya Williams - Grocery Store

Harbour Island District Council Honourees-

Youth Leaders: • Evelyn McKinney • Garod Allen • Kennard Mackey • Marilyn Symonette

Academics: • Lakaysha Oliver - Primary • Aaron Smith - Junior High • Amelia Grant - Senior High • Madison Wilson - Sr High

Central Eleuthera District Council Honourees-

Sports: • Jonathan Roberts - Primary • Lovely Saunders - Primary • Joshua Higgins - Sr High • Sada Oliver - Senior High Frontline Workers: • Jack Higgs - WSC • Sasha Bullard - Briland Aid Food distributor • Alexia Davis - Grocery Store • Breon Neely - Briland Aid Food distributor\ • Colton Grant - BEC Worker Entrepreneurship: • Laqueel Cleare • Patrick Lewis • Kaylee Johnson • Laterio Higgs • Tyla Thurston Youth Leaders: • Minette Kelly • Sgt. Tekenia Taylor • Tina Neely • Ali McPhee • Jaquirra Sawyer • Conesha Johnson • Hans Joseph • Terah Black

South Eleuthera District Council HonoureesAcademics (Primary): • Davanno Miller • Reneisha Brown • Tristan McKinney • Kelisha Rolle • Peter Kemp • Nacassiah Armbrister • Nahjee Symonette • Genesis Sands • Jasmine Sands • Timmico Brown Sports (Primary): • Evan Joseph • Reneisha Brown • Carde Phard • Kelisha Rolle • Khaelen Knowles • Michaela Dorsette • Brian Young • Kennissa Bethell • Jasmine Sands • Adnil Wright

Academics (Primary): • Carson Charlow • Makenna Klepper • Jermone Duncombe • Carnetta Gooding • Johnathan Thompson-Stone • Zeniya Thompson • Mitchell Wilson • Shilah Scavella Academics (High School): • Equoia Gibson • Torii Knowles • Roihyan Adderley • Carleah Culmer • Ellis Culmer • Maliha Cooper Sports (Primary): • Tino Smith • Tenia Green • Micah Bethel • Pascale Burrows • Liana Jean-Baptiste • Jeremiah Johnson • Sheila Scavella Sports (High School): • Sean Minnis • Kavanna Miller • Odrick Elusnord • Lonisha Rolle Entrepreneurship: • Jacobie Johnson • Valvin Gibson • Franisha Mayne • Kevia Knowles Frontline Workers: • Jeffery Bethel Jr. - Fireman • Patrick Ferguson - Water & Sewerage • Aaliyah Thompson - Administrator’s Office Montoya Deal - Woman Marine RBDF Youth Leader: • Shaunae Bethel • Lakeisha Wallace

Youth and People who work with Youth from across the Districts of Eleuthera (Inclusive of Harbour Island and Spanish Wells) were honoured. Pictured are a few of the many slides displaying the awardees that were a part of the online event.

The Eleutheran

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Nov/Dec, 2020

Edible Eleuthera The Papaya

By The Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve (LLNPP)

When planting, the seed should be removed from the gelatinous aril before planting. Doing so will prevent it from lying dormant. If you decide to plant, fresh seeds are best and little preparation is required.

Carica-papaya-staminate-flower

Papaya (Common Name: Papaya, “Paw paw”; Scientific name: Carica papaya; Family: Caricaceae) occurs on all island groupings within the Lucayan Archipelago but is NOT considered native. It is native to the New World and now also occurs in all old world tropical and subtropical regions of the world both cultivated and as an escapee. It’s prone to appear along roadsides, in human-altered environments and at the edges of natural areas. The papaya plant grows as a softwood tree with infrequent branching, to 10 m in height (usually smaller) and produces a slightly milky latex.

The fruit is an orange-red berry at maturity. This species grows relatively quickly, transitioning from seed to fruit in approximately twelve months. Fruits can be harvested several times a year and should be picked when they are full – otherwise they won’t ripen.

The papaya is a medicinal and nutritional powerhouse. Within the Lucayan Archipelago it is used to treat hypertension, pain, and gastrointestinal issues (indigestion, ring worm, ulcers). The seeds can be swallowed and used as a de-wormer. The seeds are also beneficial for digestion. They are loaded with digestive enzymes. The papaya is a great source of iron, magnesium, multiple B vitamins and calcium.

The milky latex (sap) can be directly applied to the skin to treat blisters. In other parts of the Caribbean region it is also used to treat colds and coughs, kidney flushing, and dermatological problems (sores and jiggers).

A Hummingbird with its bill littered by pollen, hovering on and around Papaya Flowers Photo Credit: The Eleutheran Newspaper.

Ask any Bahamian and they will guarantee that the best way to enjoy this wonderful fruit is fresh from the tree.

Slice it in half, scoop out the seeds and plough into it with a spoon. It makes a perfect breakfast fruit. It can be blended and used in smoothies.

Papaya Smoothie Recipe: • • • • •

½ medium papaya, peeled and seeded 1 cup of your preferred milk (animal or plant-based) or water 1 banana, sliced Dash of cinnamon Blend together with ice and serve immediately.

Ripe Papaya

Green Papaya

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Education And Lifestyle Are Key In The Bahamas’ Battle Against Diabetes provides self-management education programmes for persons with diabetes to reduce the risk of short-term and long-term complications. DEN also partners with members of the community to host education sessions and workshops on the prevention and management of diabetes,” said Dr. Cates.

“Over the past 18 years Dr. Cates and I, along with our medical team, have been focused on preventative healthcare. Both The Diabetes Education Network and Family Medicine Center take an all-inclusive approach to health - examining lifestyle factors and aiming to tackle chronic health issues at the root, rather than just treat symptoms,” said Nurse Cates.

Modern medicine tends to be primarily reactive and the lifestyle factor does not always receive the attention it should. However, about 80 percent of chronic disease conditions are directly attributable to lifestyle, making lifestyle one of the most important factors in medical treatment.

(Press Release - Family Medicine Center)

An alarming number of Bahamians are living with diabetes and an alarming number don’t even know they have it.

According to a report by the International Diabetes Foundation, The Bahamas had roughly 35,000 cases of people living with diabetes in 2015 - and that number did not include people who are prediabetic.

“When we look at the world overall, The Bahamas is leading in the prevalence of diabetes in the entire world,” said Dr. Graham Cates, Medical Director of Family Medicine Center and co-founder of The Diabetes Education Network (DEN) along with his wife Nurse Anita Cates.

“One in seven Bahamian adults has diabetes or is pre-diabetic, and 50 per cent of these persons do not know. The prevention of diabetes and its complications is the main focus of Diabetes Education Network,” said Dr. Cates.

Reports and studies have shown that more people die of noncommunicable chronic conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes, than anything else.

Non-communicable disease accounts for about 65% of deaths worldwide.

“Diabetes is multifactorial. We know that lifestyle is one of the leading causes of diabetes, but there is also the genetic predisposition. In The Bahamas we have a very high genetic predisposition, so you combine that with poor lifestyle choices, it’s like a time bomb. So when you talk about prevention through health

promotion and health education, these are essential tools that unfortunately a lot of Bahamians are not aware of, or are not willing to make the necessary changes required to have a positive impact on their health,” noted Dr. Cates.

After opening Family Medicine Center in 2001, Dr. Cates and Nurse Cates quickly came to the understanding that there was an overwhelming need to address diabetes in the country, as they were seeing many patients with significant complications due to uncontrolled diabetes. This was something they both knew was preventable. Hence, The Diabetes Education Network was established to address the overwhelming need in The Bahamas for diabetes awareness and the challenge of managing diabetes on a daily basis.

DEN aims to create the groundwork for diabetes education throughout The Bahamas. “We do this by using diabetes educators to get out into the community and get the message out about prevention and the management of diabetes,” said Anita Cates. “These educators are specifically trained to deliver this message. As part of our continuing development, we would like to get more diabetes educators certified, access additional funding to be able to go out into the communities, the churches, civic and noncivic organizations, and not just Nassau but the Family Islands.

The Diabetes Education Network also provides health professionals with continuing education programmes on the prevention and treatment of diabetes. “The Diabetes Education Network

“Many people don’t realize that diabetes can be controlled and managed, even reversed, with a healthy diet and lifestyle,” said Nurse Cates. “It starts with awareness, and this is why it is so important to get regular physicals, including, lab tests and blood work.

For example, if a pre-diabetic person knew their health status, they could take steps to prevent becoming diabetic.”

“Physicians have to help patients construct healthier lifestyles.

At Family Medicine Center and Diabetes Education Network, we will continue to address lifestyle - treating a patient’s overall health and wellness as opposed to isolated conditions,” said Dr. Graham Cates.

Family Medicine Center treats all ages, ranging from infants to senior citizens, and offers basic medical services as well as specialized services. Health care professionals are on the front lines of the battle against obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases and the best line of defense is to ensure that patients have the education and tools to practice healthy lifestyles.

“Prevailing practice and lifestyle medicine must work together to balance the benefits of each and to result in the best outcomes for patients. More lives can be saved, more cost effectively, if greater emphasis is placed on lifestyle rather than on traditional chronic care solutions,” said Dr. Cates.

“Good health starts with prevention. We encourage everyone to start by knowing your numbers. Numbers like your blood sugar, your cholesterol, your body mass index, etc help you to understand the state of your health. This knowledge can help you make informed decisions about preventing problems, or treating issues before they become more serious,” said Dr. Cates. “It starts with the basics, getting regular annual physicals, and knowing where your health stands. Then, we can work together to maintain or improve it.”

Going forward, Dr. Cates said the Diabetes Education Network and Family Medicine Center will continue to work in tandem to promote prevention and controlled management of diabetes, and this goal will be achieved through community-based education, selfmanagement, and continuing health education programmes.

“We are optimistic about the future of diabetes in the Bahamas and are committed to help reduce this significant burden in the country,” said Dr. Cates.

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BREEF WINS GLOBAL FILM AWARD FOR TRANSFORMING SOCIETY Eleuthera elements featured The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) captured top honours at the 9th annual Global Sustainability Film Awards in London. The GSFA recognizes outstanding films from the business, non-profit, media and creative sectors that inspire audiences with real world solutions for a more sustainable future. The 2020 awards were held online from November 16-20, in partnership with India-based Difficult Dialogues with BREEF winning first place in the Transforming Society category.

BREEF and the Rolex Perpetual Planet initiative partnered in producing the short film about the beautiful blue Bahamas. The film highlights BREEF and Eco-Schools Bahamas students and the actions they are taking within their schools and communities to combat climate change and to sustain our way of life. Students from Deep Creek Middle School, Harbour Island Green School, Eva Hilton Primary School and CI GIbson Senior High School are in the film inspiring others around the world by

using the ocean as a living classroom, and driving action to protect it.

The film prominently shares the beauty of The Bahamas with a global audience, and includes stunning footage of the island of Eleuthera where BREEF’s executive director Casuarina McKinneyLambert was born - from Lighthouse Point in the south to Harbour Island in the north. Rolex’s Perpetual Planet initiative celebrates partnerships that encourage and inspire the next generation of underwater explorers and conservationists.

The film was directed by filmmaker Fran Mendez, and features underwater footage by worldrenowned Bahamian underwater photographer Andre Musgrove.

Upon receiving the news that the BREEF’s “Preserve and Protect” film won first place, an elated Casuarina McKinney-Lambert said, “We are thrilled and are so proud of what the young people of The Bahamas are doing to protect the oceans around us and make the world a better place. We owe it to the next generation to support them.”

BREEF has been running Eco-Schools in The Ba-

hamas since 2009. Eco-Schools Bahamas is part of the international award programme developed in 1994 by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The Eco-Schools Bahamas programme promotes environmental stewardship by creating an awareness of local and global environmental challenges. Through a simple, seven-step process Eco-Schools empowers children to take action for the environment, by engaging them in fun, actionoriented learning and community outreach activities.

The global Eco-School network includes over 19.5 million children in 69 countries. Currently, BREEF’s Eco-School Bahamas network is spread over six islands and consists of 17 government and 17 private schools. While schools are operating remotely during the pandemic, BREEF educators are teaching virtual field trips and presentations to support ongoing conservation education.

Information on the award and the film can be found here: https://www.gsfa.org.uk/transformingsociety and www.breef.org For more information on the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative visit www. rolex.org The Bahamas belongs to our children and EcoSchools gives them the tools and the global reach to protect it. Schools interested in joining the EcoSchools Bahamas programme can contact BREEF at 327-9000 or email: ecoschoolsbahamas@breef. org

Created by Bahamas Reef Environment Education Foundation (BREEF) in 2014, the Sir Nicholas Nuttall Coral Reef Sculpture Garden, the Bahamas’ first underwater living art gallery, is a one-of-a-kind snorkeling and scuba diving experience for Bahamians and visitors, in waters off southwestern New Providence just behind the Clifton Heritage Park, that serves as a multipurpose hub for the marine environment including new fish and coral habitat, reef restoration activities, environmental awareness and research. It features works by international artist Jason deCaires Taylor, and local artists Willicey Tynes and Andret John. Taylor’s centerpiece ‘Ocean Atlas’ (shown below) is a massive, 60-ton sculpture that reaches from the sea floor to the surface.

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR (Massive Waste of Water at Eleuthera Island Shores - Water Company Refuses to Act) We are seniors from Canada who are winter residents with a home in Eleuthera Island Shores. Because of the pandemic, given our age, we are currently unable to travel.

We were made aware of a water leak at our home and have, for quite some time now, been trying to get the Water Company to turn off our water meter to stop the waste of this precious resource.

We have contacted the Water Company numerous times, with no success. We have also tried to find a qualified plumber to repair the leak, so far with no success.

We cannot understand the Water Company allowing the waste to continue when they could simply turn off the water meter and stop it. However, they are apparently able to read our meter but not able to turn it off. Our bill is now over $6000! This far exceeds our total expenditure for water over the past 20 years!

We continue to try to contact people at the Water Company, by phone and email, to have this senseless waste stopped. So far to no avail.

We have exhausted what we can do from here and are hoping that The Eleutheran can use their influence to prompt some action.

Regards, Winter Residents

Annual Three-Month Nassau Grouper Season Closure begins - Dec. 1st to Feb. 28th (Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources - Public Notice) During the final week in November 2020, the Ministry of Agriculture released a reminder to the public, about the annual closure of the fishing season for the Nassau Grouper. The full statement read: “The following serves to inform the General Public the Nassau Grouper Season will be closed effective 1st December 2020 until 28th February 2021.

The Public is reminded no person shall take, land, process, sell or offer for sale any fish commonly known as “the Nassau Grouper” except, where such taking or landing is carried out with the written approval of the Director of Fisheries for scientific research purposes.

Additionally, no person shall during the period 1st December 2020 to the 28th February 2021 land any fish commonly known as “grouper ”, unless its head, tail and skin are intact.

The Department of Marine Resources looks forward to the Public’s continued support as we work

together to manage this most important fish stock in a sustainable and responsible manner.

For further information on the Nassau Grouper

Season closure, the Public may contact the Department of Marine Resources at telephone nos. (242) 393-1777 or (242) 393-1014/5.”

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Crime News

Nov/Dec, 2020

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.

Reports issued by the RBPF locally.

Eleuthera Reports

Shop breaking and stealing Reported Sometime around 7:00am on the 21.11.2020 an adult female reported to the Governors Harbour police station that sometime between 3:00pm on the 20.11.2020 and 7:00am on the 21.11.2020 some unknown person(s) had broken into her establishment. The culprit(s) gained entry through a northern kitchen window. She suspected a male known to her of doing the same after she viewed her security camera footage and saw it was him. Police action was requested.

Officers visited the scene and subsequently cautioned and arrested the suspect. He was processed and charged with that offence.

Shop Breaking Report The complainant Contacted the Hatchet Bay Police station and reported that during the early morning Hours of Tuesday November 17th 2020 his surveillance Cameras picked up some unknown person Breaking and entering his establishment. He is uncertain if anything was taken however police action requested. At about 3:30pm on Thursday 19th November 2020, Officers arrested and cautioned the suspect reference to shop breaking and he was processed and later charged with that offence.

Road Accident Report: On Tuesday 10th November, 2020 sometime around 4:40pm an anonymous male caller contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station and reported that there was a traffic accident on Queen’s Highway James Cistern - damage only, no injuries involved. Police assistance requested.

Officers responded to the scene which involved a rust colored 2019 Nissan Kick registered to and driven by an adult male. He reported that while travelling north along Queen’s Highway making about 60-65 MPH he lost control of his vehicle and ended up sliding off the road onto boulders on the right side of the road causing extensive front end damages to his vehicle. N.O.I.P form was served on the driver and measurements recoded. Investigations are ongoing.

Damage Report: On Sunday 8th November, 2020 at about 9:50am an adult male came into the Governors Harbour Police Station and reported that a male known to him came into his Bar on Saturday 7th November,2020 between the hours of 10:30pm and 11:00pm and broke a lot of bottles inside of his bar and also smashed the windshield of a white Honda Fit with a rock, the property of his employee. Police action requested.

This matter is under active investigation.

Traffic Accident Reported: At about 3:30am on Saturday, 7th November 2020, The Police received reports regarding a male reportedly knocked down in Hatchet Bay. Police assistance requested.

Officers responded to the scene where he observed a 36 year old male, laying on the ground cringing with pain. He reported under caution where he was driving a pink Honda Fit north on Queens Highway around 2:40am on the 7th November, 2020, when an oncoming vehicle caused him to lose control of his vehicle. He reported where the vehicle overturned and he was ejected from the driver window and sustained injuries.

He received medical attention from Hatchet Bay Clinic. He was served with a police hospital form and notice of intended prosecution.

Traffic Accident On Friday 6th November, 2020 at about 6:40pm while on mobile patrol Officers came across a minor single car accident in the area of Trinity Trails Queens Highway Governors Harbour, Eleuthera during inclement weather involving a silver Honda Civic owned and driven by an adult male who was reportedly travelling south when the vehicle began to skid and spin around coming to a stop on the southern side of the road into a tree that produced minor damages to the trunk and rear bumper. The driver sustained no injuries N.O.I.P form was given and further inquiries into this matter continues.

ACCIDENT REPORT At about 10:35am on Tuesday 3rd November 2020 an anonymous caller contacted the G.H.P.S by telephone and reported that a vehicle had just accidently pulled down a Utility pole and wires on top of the hill in the area of Balara bay Governor’s’ Harbour Eleuthera . Police assistance requested `Officers responded to the scene just South of Balara bay where an adult male reported that he was driving a Mack Tractor head North along Queens highway with an office trailer at the back when the trailer just caught the wires causing damage to the wires. BPL, BTC and Cable Bahamas had been notified and were dealing with the situation. This matter is under active investigation.

STOLEN VESSEL On Saturday 31st October, 2020, sometime around 8:45am, an adult male reported at Rock Sound Police Station that sometime between Thursday 29th October, 2020 at about 9:00am and Friday 30th October, 2020 at about 7:30pm, some person/s unknown stole his green 16ft. Boston Whaler boat valued at $6000.00 from Wemyss Bight Beach. Also stolen with the boat were; a brand new anchor valued at $325.00, a green tool box, one bang spear, two fishing rods, two reels, fins, goggles, and other fishing items together valued at $3000.00. He has no suspects in the matter. Police action requested

SHOP BREAKING - On Friday 30th October 2020 an adult female Contacted the Harbour Police Station via phone and reported that at about 9:00am she arrived at work and discovered that the establishment was broken into. Access appeared to have been gained through a southern back door with the same being damaged but nothing appeared to be missing at this time.

Police Action requested in this matter. The scene was visited and processed. Investigations are ongoing.

SHOP BREAKING - At about 1:30pm on Friday 30th October an adult female contacted the Governors Harbour Police Station and reported that sometime around 11:45am she discovered that some person/s had broken into the establishment and stolen $1,000.00 cash. This scene was visited and processed. Investigations are ongoing.

Arrest ref to Possession of D/Drugs At about 3:10pm on Friday 30th October 2020 Officers were in at the G.H.P.S with an adult under arrest and reposted he was arrested at 3:00pm on Friday 30th October 2020, for possession of Dangerous Drugs. While at the Governors Harbour Police Station the suspect was further cautioned and Charged with Possession of Dangerous Drugs contrary to section 29(6) &29(2) (b) of the Dangerous Drug Act ch.228. He said nothing in response to the Charge.

Road Traffic Accident On Friday 30th October 2020 at about 3:40pm an adult male came into the Governors Harbour Police and reported That he was just involved in a traffic accident with another vehicle located on Queen’s Highway, Governors Harbour.

There were no injuries with minor damage. Police assistance requested.

Officers responded where they saw 2 vehicles , vehicle #1 a silver Nissan Tida with minor damage to the rear driver side bumper in the road facing in a north western direction that was registered to and driven by an adult male - vehicle #2 a silver 2017 Suzuki Swift with minor damage to the front driver side light ,bumper and fender also in the road facing a southern direction driven by an adult male. There were no injuries reported, measurements taken, N.O.I.P forms issued, statements were taken and both drivers produced the proper documents. Both vehicles were driven from the scene and the scene was left clear. Investigations into this matter are ongoing, Threats of Harm On Thursday 29th October 2020, at 6:45pm an adult male reported to the GHPS that sometime around 4:30pm a dark skinned male known to him threatened to hit him with a Guiness bottle that he had in his hand; putting him in fear of him being hurt Police Action was requested.

This matter is under active investigation.

Crime News NORTH Stealing Report : On Monday 2nd November, 2020 at about 12:35 pm a man of New Dunmore Subdivision came to the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that on July 16th, 2020 he gave a male Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) as down payment for a Civic vehicle. He reported that since this transaction, male has been giving him excuses and he has not received the vehicle or any form of a refund. He is requesting police action in this matter.

Arson Arrest (update) On Tuesday 3rd November, 2020 at about 7:15 am while along Dunmore Street, a police arrested and cautioned a male of no fixed address in reference to Arson.

On Tuesday 3rd November, 2020 at about 1:50 pm while along Crowne Street, police arrested and cautioned a male of Dunmore and Munnings Street in reference to Arson.

Trespassing report: On Thursday 5/11/20 at about 10:20am a woman of Barrack Street Harbour Island came in at Harbour Island Police Station and reported that at about 10:00am while at her residence, she heard a noise coming from the ceiling and as a result she immediately ran to the front door and saw a male known to her jump from a man hole in her ceiling - she suspects that he watched her take a bath and it is also the second time she caught him peeping on her - she further reports that the man does not live at the house and she is not sure how he got in. Police action requested.

Damage/ Remove vehicle w/o owners conOn Saturday 7th November 2020 at about 1:45am a man of Alice Street, Harbour Island contacted Harbour Island Police Station via phone and reported that he received information of some unknown person/s attempting to steal one of his golf carts that he rents which is secured near the Laundromat on Barrack Street. Upon arrival on scene, a police unit received certain information and acting on that information, located the golf cart on Coconut Grove Avenue in the area of Hill View Takeaway being driven by a male of Trianna Shores who claimed to have rented the golf cart from the complainant. Upon arrival on scene of the complainant, he informed officers that he had in fact rented a golf cart to the suspect but not that particular one. Further information is that the accused would have caused damaged to two other golf carts in the process of removing same which he had no permission to do so.

Mentioned officers, complainant and suspect returned to the scene where the damages were viewed in each other’s presence. The complainant estimated damages to be in the amount of $2,500.00. He requested an opportunity to communicate with the suspect as to resolving the matter before he decides if he wishes to make a formal complaint. All duties left quiet and in order. sent:

Hit and Run Accident Report On Saturday 7th November, 2020 at about

8:25 am, a man of Colebrooke Street came to the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that sometime between 10:00pm on Friday 6th November, 2020 and 3:20am on Saturday 7th November, 2020 some unknown person/s ran into the left rear bumper of his vehicle causing damage. He reported that the vehicle was parked in a southern direction along the western side of the street in front of his residence. Police action requested.

Disturbance Report: On Saturday 7/11/20 at about 8:50pm it was reported that there was a disturbance through Princess Street harbour Island involving two women in the area of Peter Pan Take Away. Police assistance requested. A police crew arrived on the scene and learned that there was a fight involving persons from the Restaurant.

While on the scene, another female came into the area along with some other females (5) who began acting in a disorderly manner towards persons at the scene. Others including a male also joined the disturbance. All the persons mentioned started shouting towards each other and using obscenities in the presence and to the annoyance of Officers. A Sgt warned all persons to cease from their behavior and leave the area but they refused. As a result the Officer became annoyed by their behavior and use of obscenities and informed them they will be reported for Disorderly Behavior, Obscene Language and Breach Of The Covid 19 Protocols of Not Wearing A Face Mask In Public. They were warned of prosecution.

Arrest Reference - Disorderly Behavior, ReArrest’, Obscene Language: On Sunday 8th November 2020 at around 10:50pm a police crew in at the Harbour Island Police Station with one (1) adult female of Harbour Island under arrest reference to Disorderly Behavior, Resisting Arrest and Obscene Language. A Sgt reportedly arrested and cautioned her at about 10:40pm. She appeared to be well without any complaints.

• The suspect was released to return to the Harbour Island Police Station @ 9:00Am on 9/11/20 in reference to further investigations in the matter, also in regards to an incident which occurred prior at around 10:20pm between her daughter and another female which also included several other females. An investigation is ongoing into this matter……… sisting

Arrest Reference - Disorderly Behavior, ObLanguage, Resisting Arrest: A W/Cpl arrested and cautioned suspect a woman of Alice Street Harbour Island in reference to Disorderly Behavior, Obscene Language and Resisting Arrest. She was warned of prosecution on the 8/11/20 by a Sgt. at around 10:50Pm. Police conducted an interview under caution with the suspect and charged her in reference to Disorderly Behavior contrary to section 206(1),Obscene Language contrary to section 208(2) and Resisting Arrest contrary to section 247 of the penal code all of chapter 84. She was released at 10:00Am and granted bail in the sum of $1,500.00 with one suretor to appear before Magistrate court. scene

Assault Report: On Monday 9th November 2020 sometime around 10:25Am a man of Alice Street came to the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that at around 11:30pm On Sunday 8th November 2020 while along Bay Street in the area of Beyond the Reef Night Club a male known

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to him hit him in the chest area after an altercation occurred between his wife and other females.

He further added that four of the females known to him all used obscene and insulting language towards him to his annoyance. Police action requested.

Disturbance - Causing Harm Report: On Monday at around 4:00Pm an anonymous caller contacted the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that there were persons in the area of Kays Market beating a young female about the body. Police assistance requested.

• Police arrested two (2) young adult female suspects, both of Alice Street Harbour Island, in reference to Causing Harm. Both suspects were in good physical and mental health and taken into custody pending further investigations….

Assault Report: On Monday 9th November 2020 at around 6:00pm a woman of Harbour Island came to the Harbour Island Police Station and reported for her fifteen (15) year old sister that on Saturday 7th November 2020 sometime after 7:00pm she got into an altercation with her classmate and her aunt whom she only knows pushed her and slapped her to the shoulder causing pain .Police action requested.

• A female Suspect was taken in custody pending further investigation into this matter.

Threat of Harm Report: On Monday 9th November 2020 sometime around 10:25pm an adult female of Alice Street Harbour Island came to the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that at around 4:40Pm while en route to her vehicle which was parked in the area of Harbour Island Police Station Goal Lane she was approached by a group of persons that made insulting and abusive threatening remarks towards her. She further reported that a male known to her made threats towards her stating that “where ever he see’s her he will punch her in her mouth, placing her in fear for her safety. Police action requested.

Annoying Text messages report: On Tuesday 10/11/20 at about 3:00pm a young adult female of Pitt Street Harbour Island came in at Harbour Island Police Station and reported that on Sunday 1/11/20 she received an annoying and insulting message via Snap chat from a young lady whom she knew of Harbour Island to her cellular phone.

Police action requested.

Drugs found report (unknown owner): On Tuesday 10/11/20 at about 4:30pm a Police Crew, acting on information, proceeded to a vacant lot located Princess Street Harbour Island where officers located and seized (1) black flower pot containing a Marijuana Plant approximately 1.5 ft in height Investigations continue.

Assault Report: On Tuesday 10th November 2020 sometime around 10:15pm a young adult female came to the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that on Sunday 8th November 2020 at around 10:30Pm while at Beyond the Reef Night Club she along with her aunt were attacked and beaten about the body by a group of females known to her causing pain and discomfort. Police action requested.

Threat of Harm report: An adult female came to Harbour Island Police Sta-

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Crime News

Nov/Dec, 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.

tion at around 1:05am P35 and reported that at around 12:30am on Wednesday 11th November 2020 a male known to her as her daughter’s ex-boyfriend was at her residence creating a disturbance and attempting to gain entry through a Southern back door. She further reported that he made threats towards her stating that he will jook everyone up in her house and burn it down. Police action requested.

• Police responded and sought the suspect throughout the community. At around 2:15am he was seen in the area of Colebrooke Alley and fled on foot through nearby bushes in an unknown direction. Investigations are ongoing into this matter.

Stealing From A Vessel Rpt: On Wednesday 11th November 2020 at 9:42ama man of Colebrooke Street, Harbour Island came to Harbour Island Police Station and reported that sometime between 9:30pm on the 10-11-20 and 9:30am on the 11-11-20 some unknown persons came by a residence which he is the care-taker for on Colebrooke Street, Harbour Island and stole four Rods off a White Lodge 25ft Boat. The value of the four Rods together is $240.00. Police Action Requested.

Threats of Harm Report: On Monday 19th October, 2020 at about 5:35pm, a man of Barrack Street, Harbour Island came into Harbour Island Police Station and reported that three nights earlier, a male he knows threatened to shoot him, claiming to have a firearm, after he assisted a female he knows with a ride on his golf cart. He later heard from a friend that the accused is going around saying that he will shoot him putting him in fear. Police warning requested.

Remove Vehicle w/o Owner’s Consent & Damage Report: On Tuesday 20/10/20 at about 8:00 am a man of Trianna Shores Harbour Island came in at Harbour Island Police Station and reported that sometime between Monday 19/10/20 at 9:30pm and Tuesday 20/10/20, 7:00am some unknown

person/s removed his Club Golf Cart from the parking lot of Tingum Village located Colebrooke Street Harbour Island without his consent. He suspected two young men known to him.

Police action requested.

On same date the complainant reported recovering the vehicle on Bay Street Harbour Island in the area of “Big Red convenience store. The complainant reported that he made a check of his Golf Cart and discovered his C.D Player name brand unknown at this time valued at $250 and ignition switch value unknown was also damaged however the mentioned Golf Cart was movable. Investigations continue into this matter.

At about 1:50pm while at Harbour Island Police Station, police arrested and cautioned a male suspect, of Barrack Street, Harbour Island in reference to Removing a vehicle without the owner’s consent and damage.

The suspect was interviewed and subsequently charged with Taking vehicle without owner’s consent contrary to section 55 of the Road Traffic Act Chapter 220 and Damage contrary to section 155 of the Penal Code chapter 84. He was later released from police custody on bail in the amount of $500.00 with one surety to appear before the Magistrates Court.

Threat of harm report: On Wednesday 21/10/20 at about 11:00pm a male of Duncan Lane Harbour Island came in at Harbour Island Police Station and reported that on that same date at about 10:35pm while on Barrack Street Harbour Island in the area of VIC-HUM Night Club an elderly male asked the proprietor of the Club for a knife to stab him with - He then threatened to kill him putting him in fear - Police action requested.

Stealing from a Vehicle: On Thursday 22nd October 2020 at around 8:15Am a woman of Duncan Lane East contacted the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that sometime between 7:00Am and 7:45Am on Thursday October 22nd 2020 person(s) unknown removed her black battery brand unknown valued at about $175.00 from her golf cart while it was parked in the front of her yard. She reported having no suspects at the time. Police action requested.

Stealing from a Vehicle: On Thursday 22nd October 2020 at

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

around 12:19pm a woman of Johnson View Road Harbour Island came to the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that sometime between 8:00Pm Wednesday 21st October,2020 and 11:00Am on Thursday October 22nd 2020 person(s) unknown entered her vehicle through a rear right side panel glass by pulling out same and searching her vehicle and later removed her black battery with a yellow label name brand unknown valued at $195.00.Police action requested.

Arrest Reference Threat of Harm/Arson On Thursday 22nd October 2020 sometime around 4:10pm a police crew came to the Harbour Island police station with one (1) male suspect of Duke Street Harbour Island under arrest in reference to Threats of Harm /Arson.

• Police interviewed the suspect under caution and subsequently charged the accused in reference to Threat of Harm contrary to section of the penal code chapter 84.

• He was later granted bail in the sum of $500.00 with one (1) surety to appear before Magistrate’s court.

Arrest: On Thursday 22nd October 2020 police came in at the Harbour Island Police Station with one (1) male suspect of Bay Street Harbour Island under arrest in reference to Stealing from a vehicle.

Arrest reference to Stealing from a vehicle On Friday 23/10/20 at about 3:10am a police Crew came in at the Harbour Island Police Station with a male suspect of Munnings Street Harbour Island and reported that he was arrested and cautioned while at his residence in reference to stealing from a vehicle.

Suspect Interviewed Ref: Stealing from a Vehicle On Friday 23rd October 2020 at 1:00Pm police conducted an interview with the suspect of Bay Street Harbour Island under caution reference to Stealing from a vehicle. He denied all knowledge to the offence. Sub-

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

sequently he was released pending further investigations.

• Police interviewed the suspect under caution with the other suspect of No Fixed address who denied allegations to Stealing from a vehicle. He remains in police custody Arrest Reference: Stealing from a Vehicle: On Friday 23rd October 2020 a police crew came to the Harbour Island Police Station with one (1) male suspect of No fixed address in reference to Stealing from a vehicle. He appeared to be in good health and was handed over to an officer for further investigations and safe keeping.

Causing Harm Report: On Friday 23rd October 2020 a man of Ripley Street Harbour Island came to the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that at around 8:10pm while at his residence his estranged wife of the same address attacked him by throwing a rock in his direction resulting in injuries to his right hand. Police action requested.

Causing Harm Report A female of Ripley Street Harbour Island came to the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that her estranged husband attacked her by punching her to the face and throwing her to the ground and later kicking her to her side after a verbal altercation.

She further reported that she was in pain and discomfort and needed medical assistance.

• Police issued the complainant with a hospital form to seek medical attention.

• Complainant went to the Harbour Island community Clinic and later returned to the Harbour Island Police Station at around 9:43pm .

Suspect Interviewed Reference: Stealing from a Vehicle - On Saturday 24th October 2020 sometime around 4:35pm police conducted an interview under caution with the male suspect of no fix address in reference to Stealing from a vehicle.

He denied all knowledge and allegations to the offence. The suspect was held in police custody pending further investigations.

Crime News Suspect interviewed Reference: Threat of Harm On Saturday 24th October 2020 sometime around 5:40pm police conducted an interview under caution with the suspect of No fixed address Harbour Island in reference to Threats of Harm. He denied allegations to the offence but admitted to having a knife on his person during the altercation between him and the complainant.

• Police charged the suspect in reference to Threat of Harm contrary to section 203 of the penal code chapter 84 and held in custody.

Annoying Text Messages Report: On Sunday 25th October 2020 at around 3:55pm a man came to the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that since the 18th October he has been receiving text messages and phone calls via whatsapp messenger where an unknown person is constantly sending degrading and derogatory text messages claiming to be having an affair with his wife. He added that the last text message was on that date around 11:45am when he received a message from the same number. He requested police action reference to this matter.

Damage Report: On Monday 26th October, 2020 at about 1:10pm, a man of Colebrooke Street, Harbour Island came into Harbour Island Police Station and reported that sometime between 8:00pm and 10:00pm on Saturday 24th October, 2020, some unknown person/s caused damaged to the front windshield of his employers’ flat bed truck with an unknown object. Police action requested.

Investigations continues into this matter.

Stealing from a vehicle On Monday 26th October 2020 sometime around 4:55pm a man of Dunmore Street came into the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that on 23rd October 2020 at around 7:20am he discovered that persons unknown stole the battery out a white rental 4 seater Yamaha golf cart which he is in care/of and had at the front of his brother’s residence situated Dunmore Street Harbour Island. He added that there is camera surveillance footage of the incident. Police action requested.

Threat of Harm - Throwing Missiles Report: On Monday 26th October 2020 at 6:15Pm a woman of Dunmore Street Harbour Island came to the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that she made a post on her Facebook page. She further added that as a result of her post her neighbor made insulting remarks towards

her. She further stated that in reply she asked her neighbour her reasons for the insulting remarks .However she reported that the accused Threatened to burst her with a bottle putting her in fear for her safety. In addition she also stated that about two hours later while on her neighbor’s porch, she and the accused had an exchange of words resulting in the accused throwing a bottle in her direction and threatening to burst her. Police action requested.

Arrest Reference: Stealing & Attempted Escape On Tuesday 27th October 2020 sometime around 4:15pm a police crew, acting on intelligence, proceeded to Nesbitt Street Harbour Island where they observed a male they recognized walking in an eastern direction with a box in his hand. Upon looking in the direction of the police the suspect quickly walked into a nearby yard and placed the box on a golf cart.

An officer approached this male and inspected the box in his presence and saw that it contained one (1) rocket car battery suspected of being stolen. As a result the officer arrested and cautioned this young adult male who gave his address as Dunmore Street, Harbour Island.

Search Warrant Executed Officers then proceeded to the suspect’s residence where a search warrant was executed in reference to stolen property with negative results. The suspect was then transported to the Harbour Island Police Station. However, while being processed and booked in he attempted to escape lawful custody via the court house door. As a result officers had to restrain the suspect and return him to the Police Station where he was later secured in the cell. The suspect was arrested for numerous battery thefts complaints made at the Harbour Island Police Station .Investigations continue…..

Damage by fire report Attempted Arson On Saturday 31/10/20 at about 10:35am a man of Arawak Drive Trianna Shores Harbour Island came in at Harbour Island Police Station and reported that between 8:00pm 30/10/20 and 9:30am 31/10/20 he discovered that persons unknown caused damage to his vehicle’s interior by fire. He further reported that he smelled some flammable substance from the vehicle. Police action requested MAJOR DAMAGE On 9th November, 2020 at about 12:05 pm a man of Blackwood, Eleuthera reported to Span-

ish Wells Police Station that sometime between 6:00 pm on Friday 6th November, 2020, and 5:00am on Saturday 7th November, 2020, some unknown person/s slashed the tires of his two (2) vehicles, causing major damage in the amount $920.00.

He believes the person responsible to be a male he knows also of Blackwood, Eleuthera. Police action requested. Investigations continue.

MAJOR DAMAGE On 9th November, 2020 at about 12:06pm a man of Blackwood, Eleuthera reported to Spanish Wells Police Station that sometime between 8:00 p.m. on Friday 6th November, 2020, and 6:00 a.m. on Saturday 7th November, 2020, some unknown person/s slashed a tire on his vehicle, causing damage in the amount $90.00. He believes the person responsible to be a male he knows also of Blackwood, Eleuthera.

Police action requested. Investigations continue.

Assault Location: Lower Bogue On Sunday 25th October 2020, sometime around 9:35pm a woman of Lower Bogue, Eleuthera reported on the same date sometime after 9:00pm while at her residence she was assaulted by her nephew of the same address who as a result caused injuries to her right hand.

Police Action(s) was requested.

Update: On Tuesday 27th October 2020 sometime around 12:00pm the complainant came in at the North Eleuthera Police Station and informed that she no longer wish to proceed with this matter by way of the court, and that she intends to have her nephew warned to be of good behavior and keep the peace towards her.

At about 12:30 on 27/10/20 the accused of Lower Bogue was contacted via phone and warned in relation to this complaint. No further action(s) is required into this matter.

CAUSING HARM REPORT On Saturday 7th November 2020 Sometime around 3:00am a man of Hudson St. the Bluff Eleuthera came in at the North Eleuthera Police Station and reported that around 11:30pm on Friday 6th November 2020 while at Seven Seas Bar Lower Bogue He was Approached by 2 men both of Upper Bogue and got into an altercation.

One of the men then produced a cutlass and chopped him to the left arm causing injuries. He was then taken to the Lower Bogue Clinic where he received medical assistance from the local doctor. Police action was requested - matter under

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active investigation.

Causing Harm Report On Saturday 7th November 2020 sometime around 8:50am a man of Lower Bogue came to the North Eleuthera Police Station and reported that on Friday 6.11.2020 sometime after 11:00p.m while at his Business Establishment he was assaulted by a man he knows of Lower Bogue who struck him with a cutlass to his right upper arm causing injuries after he was asked to leave the establishment due to the fact that he displayed COVID symptoms. Police Action is requested in this matter.

Actions Taken A statement was recorded from the complainant who was given a Police Hospital form to seek medical attention. An investigation into this matter is ongoing.

Police Warning Requested Location: Governor’s Harbour On Thursday 5th November 2020, sometime around 2:05pm, a young female of Queens Highway, Lower Bogue, came into the North Eleuthera Police Station and reported that sometime around 11:45pm on Wednesday 4th November 2020, while at a Bar & Restaurant, located in Governor’s Harbour, she was approached by a male who walked up behind her and touched her inappropriately. As a result a scuffle ensued, and during which a female, who was later identified as the male’s sister, struck her to the forehead with a blunt object, causing a laceration to her head. She later learned the names of the male, and his sister. She is requesting that both persons be warned as it relates to their actions.

Fight/Causing Harm On Friday 6th November 2020 sometime around 11:30pm an unknown caller contacted the North Eleuthera Police Station via phone and reported that a fight occurred in the area of Seven Seas situated at Lower Bogue, Eleuthera; where a male was injured and taken to the Lower Bogue Community Clinic for treatment for his injuries sustained. No names were given by the unknown caller. Police Assistance was requested.

At about 12:00am Officers visited the Lower Bogue Community Clinic where they saw and spoke with a young adult male complainant/victim of Lower Bogue, Eleuthera. He informed them that while in the area of “Seven Seas” situated at Lower Bogue, Eleuthera; he was assaulted by a man known to him who also caused harm to him by chopping him with a cutlass on his left arm. Investigations into this matter are ongoing.

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Entry Protocols as of Nov 1, 2020 & On island testing locations

Nov/Dec, 2020 priority of public health officials. It is important to note, however, that due to fluidity of the COVID-19 situation, both in The Bahamas and worldwide, protocols are subject to change. www.bahamas.com/day-five-covid-19-testing-sites Eleuthera: Day Five Covid-19 Testing Sites •

(Mandatory Vacation-in-Place Requirement is Replaced by COVID-19 Health Insurance, Monitoring Procedures, and On-Island Rapid Testing for Those Staying Longer Than Five Days) At the end of October, one day before the announced reopening of the Bahamas’ tourism industry on November 1st, 2020, Minister of Tourism, Dionisio D’Aguilar, in a national address, introduced a change in travel and entry protocols, removing previously announced on-arrival rapid-antigen testing, and replacing it with ‘monitoring procedures’ and rapid testing for those staying longer than five days. The full release by the Ministry of Tourism on updated travel and entry protocols reads as follows.

“The Islands of The Bahamas today announced streamlined entry protocols that will enable visitors to better and more seamlessly enjoy The Bahamas vacation experience.

Effective 1 November 2020, The Bahamas will require all travelers to: 1.

1.

•

•

2. cable): •

For the duration of the visit, complete a daily online health questionnaire for symptom tracking purposes.

In addition, beginning 14 November 2020, all visitors will be required to opt-in to mandatory COVID-19 health insurance when applying for their Health Travel Visa. The insurance will cover travellers for the duration of their stay in The Bahamas.

Specifics of the new protocols are as follows: Prior to Travel: 1.

COVID-19 RT-PCR Test

•

All persons travelling to The Bahamas must obtain a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test taken no more than five (5) days prior to the date of arrival.

•

The name and address of the lab, where the test was performed, must be clearly displayed on the test result.

•

Exemptions: - Children age ten (10) and under.

- Pilots and crew of commercial airlines who remain overnight in The Bahamas.

2.

Bahamas Health Travel Visa

•

Once in possession of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result, apply for a Bahamas Health Travel Visa at TRAVEL.GOV.BS

•

Click on the International Tab and upload test results and other required documents.

•

Fees for the Bahamas Health Travel Visa, inclusive of Day 5 Rapid Antigen Test and mandatory health insurance, are as follows:

-$40 – Visitors staying up to four nights and five days.

- $40 – Citizens and returning residents.

-$60 – Visitors staying more than four nights.

Free - Children 10 years and under

- Concierge services also available for booking, additional fees apply. Eagles Landing, Main Street, Spanish Wells, Eleuthera

Any visitor who exhibits COVID symptoms at any time during their stay will be required to take a Rapid Antigen Test and receive a negative result before being permitted to continue with their vacation.

(242) 333-4869 or (242) 359-7555 / M-F: 9:30AM - 5:30PM | Sat/Sun: By appointment only (242) 819-1167

If a person tests positive they will be required to follow up with a COVID-19 RTPCR swab test.

- Concierge services available for booking, additional fees apply

Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Testing (if appliAll persons who are staying in The Bahamas longer than four nights/five days will be required to take a rapid COVID-19 antigen test.

https://wellnessclinic.bs •

Bahamas Wellness - Palmetto Point

Church Street, North Palmetto, Eleuthera (242) 333-4869 or (242) 359-7555 / M-F: 9:30AM - 5:30PM | Sat/Sun: By appointment only (242) 819-1167 https://wellnessclinic.bs •

Briland Premier Medical Center

All visitors departing on or before five days will not be required to obtain this test.

- Concierge services available for booking, additional fees apply / Bay Street, Dunmore Town, Harbour Island

•

The rapid tests are easy, quick and will yield results in 60 minutes or less with results being provided electronically via SMS text message and email.

(242) 699-5451 / Mon-Sun: By appointment only

Hotel properties will provide relevant information on testing arrangements, while others will facilitate the required rapid test for their guests.

•

•

•

4. Take a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test on Day 5 of the visit (unless departing on day 5).

5. Always wear a mask and always social distance in public places.

Comply with Monitoring Protocols:

Bahamas Wellness - Spanish Wells

•

Obtain a COVID-19 RT PCR test five (5) days prior to arrival.

2. Apply for a Bahamas Health Travel Visa at travel.gov.bs 3.

Upon Arrival

•

All persons on yachts and other pleasure craft will be able to make arrangements for their required rapid tests at the port of entry or via the relevant website.

All other visitors, returning residents and citizens will be able to make arrangements for their required rapid tests at the port of entry or via the relevant website.

Notwithstanding any health restrictions that may be implemented from time to time, all travelers abiding by these new protocols will be permitted to move about and explore the beauty and vibrant culture of The Bahamas beyond the confines of their hotel or other accommodations.

Many hotels, resorts and local businesses throughout The Bahamas are operating and accommodating guests with enhanced cleaning and safety measures, including those on the Out Islands, ideal for travelers seeking a more socially-distanced, secluded vacation.

The destination also recently announced the Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) initiative, which allows visitors to work and study remotely across the country’s 16 islands for up to a year. The one-year residency permit is designed to allow professionals and students to work from paradise due to the shift from face-to-face to virtual as COVID-19 has brought unprecedented flexibility to the traditional work from home environment.

The Bahamas is an archipelago with more than 700 islands and cays, spread over 100,000 square miles, which means conditions and instances of the virus can be different on each of the 16 islands available to welcome visitors. Travelers should check the status of their island destination before travelling by visiting Bahamas.com/travelupdates, where they can also review entry requirements applicable to each member of their party before booking a trip.

The Bahamas has remained diligent in its efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19 throughout the islands, and these measures are imperative to ensure that remains the case. The health and wellbeing of both residents and visitors remain the number one

https://www.brilandpremier.com Family Medicine Centre - Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera - Concierge services available for booking, additional fees apply (242) 334-2500/ M-F: 8:30AM - 4:30PM | Weekends: Please book •

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PM Minnis thanks NGOs

(Press Release by the Office of the Prime Minister) On Friday, November 13th, 2020, Prime Minister Minnis visited the Lend-a-Hand, Bahamas Red Cross and Hands for Hunger feeding agencies as the NGOs prepared to start Phase 2 of the Government’s national food distribution program.

The Prime Minister visited the Bahamas Feeding Network during the previous week and on Friday completed site visits to the New Providence-based agencies working directly with the Government on the National Food Distribution Task Force.

Through the distribution of food packages and vouchers, the Task Force has been feeding thousands of Bahamian families each week who have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The National Food Distribution Task Force was created to work in tandem with the Ministry of Social Services and local NGOs in a ground-breaking partnership.

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2020/2021 National Junkanoo Parades Postponed Until it is Deemed Safe to resume

Above and Right: Vibrant young Eleutheran junkanooers in past Junkanoo parades, show off beautifully detailed costumes and pound the reverberating goatskin drums.

On Wednesday, November 18th, The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture released a statement announcing the indefinite postponement of all Junkanoo Parades on all islands within the Bahamas’ archipelago, until it was deemed safe for ‘group gatherings’. The decision was described as a difficult one, which was guided by the responsibility to ensure the health and safety of the public. Resumption of parades, it said, would be subject to the guidance of the Ministry of Health, based on the Emergency Powers Orders.

The full statement read as follows: “The Government of The Bahamas wishes to inform the general public that the National Junkanoo Parades for the 2020/2021 Season, inclusive of the New Providence Annual Boxing Day and New Year’s Day Junkanoo Parades, and all parades normally hosted on the Family Islands have been postponed for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas until or unless it is safe for ‘group gatherings’.

The advice of the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), by memorandum dated 9th October, 2020 is that the Junkanoo preparation and parades are “super spreader events” and the EOC can “neither support nor endorse” the hosting of Junkanoo events.

Due to the lingering presence of the Coronavirus throughout the islands of The Bahamas, our number of infected cases being 7,323 and death toll at 163 to date, are factors which indicate that the environment is neither safe or conducive for the preparation or hosting of the Annual Junkanoo Parades. Coronavirus cases have been reported on all the major islands including New Providence, Grand

Bahama, Abaco, Eleuthera, Andros, the Berry Islands, Bimini and Cat Cay, Exuma, Inagua, Long Island, Cat Island, Acklins, Cooked Island and Mayaguana.

The Government is working assiduously to reduce the coronavirus cases and eliminate the virus from our tranquil territory. However, this is a Pandemic, and nearly every nation of the world is taking the necessary measures to implement health protocols and safety standards to keep people safe and save lives. Hence, the decision to postpone this year’s Junkanoo Parades, is made out of an abundance of caution.

Significantly, The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture together with the Office of the Prime Minister made substantial efforts to consider viable alternatives for the hosting of the native Junkanoo Parades in alternative forms including a ‘Virtual Platform’ that would have required smaller numbers. However, due to the recent exponential increase in cases and clusters that sporadically appear throughout our islands and communities, it is evident that the Ministry of Health’s advice is based on the empirical data and made in an effort to protect the members of the public.

We recognize that the National Junkanoo Parades is the premiere cultural program and most supported national event in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. It provides for the ongoing celebration of the liberties the Bahamian people enjoy, the raw expression of their talents in music, song, the arts and dance; and is the most spirited event that unites Bahamians of all demographics, social class and backgrounds.

Additionally, the Parades have served

as a hallmark of Bahamian culture and Christmas Holiday tradition for decades, and represents an indigenous cultural display for Bahamians and tourists year around of who we are, where we came from and where we are going as a people. Moreover, the traditional gathering sends a collective message of peace, unity and hope for the upcoming year.

While the decision is a difficult one, the Government of The Baha-

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mas has an overriding responsibility to ensure the health and safety of the people of The Bahamas. Based on the Emergency Powers Orders, the resumption of parades will be subject to the guidance of the Ministry of Health.

The Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture, particularly, the Division of Cultural Affairs and by extension the Government of The Bahamas encourages all to stay safe by observing the Health and Safety Protocols.”

PM Thanks C

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In addition to the Department of Social Services, Lend-aHand Bahamas, Hands for Hunger, the Bahamas Feeding Network and the Bahamas Red Cross, Task Force members also include IDEA Relief, the Grand Bahama Food Task Force, and the One Eleuthera Foundation.

Prime Minister Minnis thanked the agencies and its volunteers who have been working with the Government since 1 July 2020 to provide emergency food assistance to those in need. The Prime Minister also congratulated them on their work.

As part of the first phase of the emergency food assistance program, the Government funded 85 per cent through a contribution of $16 million. The participating NGOs funded the remaining $2.2 million.

The Government will contribute an additional $10 million toward the second phase of the program.

“Thank you for everything that you are doing to help provide food assistance to those in need throughout The Bahamas,” said the Prime Minister. “I commend you for your contribution. This is one of the largest ever public/private social care initiatives in the history of our country.”

To coordinate outreach and food distribution, the Task Force has divided The Bahamas into zones.

Each Zone has a designated NGO leader. Zone leaders also work with supporting partners, including faithbased groups, civil society and other NGOs and other community feeding efforts.

Beginning the third week in November, the Food Task Force began Phase 2 of its emergency food assistance program which runs through the end of the year.

40 www. EleutheraNews . com

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New Drones to Assist in National Security Initiatives as part of BNUAP (BIS Press Release - Written by Eric Rose)

PHOTO CAPTIONS: BIS Photos/Eric Rose Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin H. Dames and other stakeholders take part in an informal introductory Drone Demonstration for The Bahamas National Unmanned Aerial Programme (BNUAP), on November 18, 2020, at his Ministry’s University Drive Head Office. The drones showcased at the demonstration included “The Nest”, “The Blimp”, “The Quadcopter” and “The Deep Trekker”. The event presented an opportunity for the head representatives of law enforcement agencies to speak briefly on the uses that will be made of the drone technology, with the completion of the order of the drones to be completed into the following year.

Among those present for the event included Permanent Secretary Marco Rolle; Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Commodore Dr. Raymond King; Deputy Commissioner of Police Ismella Davis-Delancy; Commissioner of Corrections Charles Murphy; Comptroller of Customs Dr. Geannine Moss; Assistant Director of Immigration, Mr. Dwight Beneby; members of the Executive Command Teams of the RBDF, RBPF, BDOCS, Customs, and Immigration; Officers and Marines of the respective agencies; Programme Manager of Swift Tactical Systems, Inc., Louie Brock and his team.

During the Introductory Drone Demonstration for The Bahamas National Unmanned Aerial Programme (BNUAP), on November 18th, 2020, Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin H. Dames noted that they were only the first of the drones that will be used as part of National Security initiatives, being implemented to assist activities in all lawenforcement agencies under the Ministry’s oversight.

“This is all a part of our Government’s collective plan, to integrate technology, and to use that integrated technology to assist the personnel out there in the field,” Minister Dames said, during the informal event, held at his Ministry’s University Drive Head Office.

Among those present for the event included Permanent Secretary Marco Rolle; Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Commodore Dr. Raymond King; Deputy Commissioner of Police Ismella Davis-Delancy; Commissioner of Corrections Charles Murphy; Comptroller of Customs Dr. Geannine Moss; Assistant Director of Immigration, Mr. Dwight Beneby; members of the Executive Command Teams of the RBDF, RBPF, BDOCS, Customs, and Immigration; Officers and Marines of the respective agencies; Programme Manager of Swift Tactical Systems, Inc., Louie Brock and his team.

“These are not your Walmart drones,” he added, referring to suggestions made by social media commentators.

“These are drones with tremendous capabilities; and we hope to integrate a lot of our technology into these drones.”

According to the Ministry the combination of short and medium range drones would serve to merge the four physical dimensions of sea, land, air, and space. The information collected in real-time would aid in increased detection; tracking and apprehension capabilities; and the monitoring of persons in custody for law enforcement agencies.

The event presented an opportunity for the head representatives of law enforcement agencies to speak briefly on the uses that will be made of the drone technology, with the completion of the order of the drones to be completed into the following year.

Minister Dames also gave the example of using the drones in association with the Shot Spotter Programme and crime fighting.

The drones showcased at the demonstration included “The Nest”, “The Blimp”, “The Quadcopter” and “The Deep Trekker”.

According to the Ministry, “The Nest” is an automated standalone Hexcopter system with a 55-minute endurance flying time. It will be linked with the Police Force’s Shot Spotter detection system; allowing for quicker response times by the Police for criminal activity, accident investigation, crowd control and large public events monitoring.

“The Blimp” is a tethered drone that will be anchored 600 feet above the ground. As its name suggests, it is shaped like a dirigible aircraft. It is 17 feet long and has an eight-hour endurance flying time. The drone will be used by the Department of Corrections and at the Detention Centre, manned by the Department of Immigration. It will allow for the daily monitoring of both facilities for persistent ground surveillance. The drone also has the potential use for the monitoring of public events and the monitoring of inbound cruise ships bound to port faciliP41 ties in Nassau and other ports of entry in the county.

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Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest Resigns Prime Minister Hubert Minnis, on Wednesday, November 25th, 2020 announced that he had accepted the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister (DPM), and Minister of Finance, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest, saying, “I thank Mr. Turnquest for his service to The Bahamas, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Prime Minister Minnis further announced that he will serve as interim Minister of Finance, “and will make a substantive appointment in due course.”

DPM Turnquest also released a statement on Wednesday, which read as follows: “PRESS STATEMENT – K. Peter Turnquest, MP – November 25, 2020: It has been my great honour and privilege to serve my country in public office. I have done so with total fidelity and adherence to the tenets of our democracy and the Westminster conventions by which we are guided.

As a consequence of all the unfounded and untrue claims that have been circulating in the mainstream press as well as in social media, to protect my family, and in the best interest of my Constituency and my Party, I have offered my resignation as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance to the Prime Minister with immediate effect.

I will continue to serve out the term of my election as the Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama for whose prayers and support I continue to be most humble and grateful.

My focus as Minister of Finance has been to deepen our democracy by enacting legislation that reformed and modernized the management of our economy and the public’s finances. I am confident in the team of young men and women at the Ministry of Finance who will continue that work.

When I met with the Prime Minister today, I informed him that while I am confident my reputation of transparency and accountability will be vindicated once the allegations against me have been fully ventilated through the courts, I did not want a private business dispute, which occurred prior to my taking public office, to become a

distraction to the Government, or to the important national work that lies ahead.

Our nation is undergoing an unprecedented time in its history. We are fighting a global pandemic, resulting in unprecedented economic challenges and a difficult road ahead to maintain stability and recovery. We must all continue to commit to doing our part.

I look forward to putting this matter behind me and continuing to encourage modernization and reform in our country to which, I remain so grateful for allowing me to serve.

At an appropriate time, I will have more formal comments to make in regards to the circumstances of the allegations made against me and the actors that have perpetuated it.”

Mr. Turnquest is the third in line of Cabinet ministers to have resigned from the current administration. Dr. Duane Sands resigned as Minister of Health in May 2020, and Brent Symonette (who also served as Deputy Prime Minister under Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham) resigned as Minister of Financial Services, Trade and Industry and Immigration in June of 2019.

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Drones C

Above: The Hon. K. Peter Turnquest.

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“The Quadcopter” is a four-propeller versatile drone capable of vertical take-off and landing.

The drone has a 45-minute endurance flying time; and, due to its size, it can be transported in law enforcement vehicles and deployed in less than five minutes. It can also be launched from a police cruiser during criminal investigations or accident reconstruction, onboard RBDF’s ships for vessel boarding search and seizure (VBSS) operations and for search and rescue (SARS) operations on land and sea.

“The Deep Trekker” is an underwater drone with an eight-hour endurance time. It will be used as a remote operated vehicle (ROV) to inspect all cruise and cargo ships for contraband when entering the port of Nassau and other entry points in the country.

It will also be used to search for lost items at depths of up to 645 feet; and it will inspect underwater pillars or infrastructure not easily assessable by other means

than from the sea.

The Ministry noted that all of the drones will be remote controlled using a ground station device.

Minister Dames also pointed to the fact that training of Bahamian officers was an integral part of the drone programme. “We are working on the establishment of an academy – a service academy, an academy of excellence – that we hope to provide training not only within The Bahamas, but throughout the region,” Minister Dames noted.

“There is a deliberate plan here, and we are committed to that plan; and with these drones and the training that our officers are receiving, this will put us at the forefront,” he said.

“We are on the cusp of some very pioneering work, and we are excited about it.”

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42 www. EleutheraNews . com

Picture this Haynes Library hosts Halloween Drive Thru The Haynes Library, in its continuing efforts to stay engaged with some of the youngest of its patrons - especially during this time of pandemic, curfews and restrictions - took the opportunity at the end of October 2020 to share a dash of fun, and some sweet treats during Halloween, with a drive-thru trick-or-treat experience.

The free event, touted as a socially distant, Covid-safe, kids Halloween event from the safety of the car, saw the front of the Haynes Library, on Saturday evening, October 31st, transformed into a spookily exciting reception area, where parents could drive up with their children and grab a treat. The event also featured a decorate-your-Halloween mask selfie photo contest, for the spookiest mask, with online voting to choose the winners.

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Bahamas Foreign Affairs Minister, Darren Henfield at the 2020 Ministerial to Advance Freedom of Religion or Belief tion of freedom of religion or belief • Statement on the interlinkages between SDGs and freedom of religion or belief • Statement on preserving freedom of religion or belief during COVID-19 pandemic • Statement on the role of literacy on religion and belief • Statement on religious actors’ contribution to the peace building

ciety must work together to speak out against acts of intolerance and violence based on religion or belief – diversity and inclusivity are paramount.

During the Statement, Minister Henfield also stressed that ongoing acts of intolerance and violence based on religion or belief against individuals, including persons belonging to religious communities and religious minorities around the world, should not be accepted by the international community.

The Ministerial took place virtually from November 16th to 17th, as a result of social distancing measures adopted across the world to collectively address the COVID-19 pandemic.

In closing, Minister Henfield thanked the Government of Poland and fellow delegations for the opportunity to speak and reiterated the need for the continued deepening of efforts to promote religious freedom and belief throughout our global community.

The Minister reiterated that government representatives and leaders in all sectors of so-

Minister Darren Henfield at the 2020 Ministerial to advance freedom of religion or belief - Nov 16th, 2020

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Release) The Honourable Darren Henfield, Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated in the 2020 virtual Ministerial Meeting to Advance Freedom of Religion or Belief hosted by the Government of Poland in mid-November, and delivered a statement on behalf of The Bahamas.

The 2020 Ministerial is the third annual Ministerial, which builds on the 2018 and 2019 conferences that were hosted by the United States of America. The conference aims to scale up the efforts of the international community to promote freedom of religion or belief and protect members of religious minorities.

Ministers from around the world discussed the challenges facing religious freedom, identified means to address religious persecution and discrimination worldwide, and promoted greater respect and preservation of religious liberty for all.

Minister Henfield highlighted the deep embedment of religious freedom into the foundation of The Bahamas, beginning with the arrival of a group of religious independents in the late 1640s who left their homes in search of a place to practice their religion

freely. The Minister further emphasized fundamental rights and freedom, inclusive of freedom of religion or belief, which are enshrined in the Constitution of The Bahamas.

In participating in the Ministerial, the Minister conveyed The Bahamas’ agreement for the adoption of the eight (8) Statements of Concern which focus on the most pressing issues of protecting freedom of religion or belief in the world. It was the intention of Poland, as the organizer of this year’s ministerial conference, to obtain the widest possible support for these Statements of Concern.

The Statements are titled as follows: • Statement on protection of minorities persecuted based on religion or belief • Statement on advancement of interreligious, interfaith and intrareligious dialogues • Freedom of Religion or Belief as a pillar of democracy • Statement on use of technology and the protec-

PAHO calls for improving diabetes control to prevent complications and severe COVID-19 (In

the

Americas,

more than

60

mil-

lion people live with diabetes, which if uncontrolled can lead to heart disease, blindness, kidney disease and amputations.

Diabetes

is also an underlying

condition that increases the risk of severe forms of

COVID-19

illness.)

On the eve of World Diabetes Day on November 14, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) urged better control of diabetes to prevent related complications as well as potentially life-threatening complications associated to COVID-19 infections. PAHO also called for continued access to primary health care services and treatment for persons living with diabetes amid the new coronavirus.

“We are doubly concerned about the risk that diabetes may pose to those living with the disease in general and during the pandemic in particular,” said PAHO Director Carissa F. Etienne.

“People with diabetes, who do not have access to health services and medications that allow adequate control, are at greater risk of developing complications such as visual impairment, kidney disease and lower extremity amputations, but are now also at greater risk of

becoming seriously ill if they contract COVID-19,” she said.

In the Americas, more than 60 million people are living with diabetes, primarily type 2, and if no action is taken, it is estimated that there will be more than 100 million adults with the disease by 2040. In addition, each year more than 340,000 people in the region die from diabetes-related complications. Meanwhile, COVID-19 has already infected more than 21 million people in the region and cases continue to rise.

COVID-19 Pandemic

and

Diabetes

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the daily routines of millions of people in the region and has made the disease more difficult to manage.

Fewer people have attended health care facilities for follow up visits due to stay-at-home measures, fear of infection by the new coronavirus, and disruptions in health care services. A recent PAHO/ WHO survey documented that more than half of the countries in the Americas reported that diabetes and diabetic

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44 www. EleutheraNews . com

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Backyard Gardening Kits Made Available On island.

(Eleuthera Backyard Gardening Push with 600 Kits Distributed) The Ministry of Agriculture facilitated the distribution of six hundred (600) free Backyard Gardening Starter kits throughout the island of Eleuthera during the month of November. The Starter kits included a simple irrigation system, along with seed tray, packets of seeds, soil promix and fertilizer. The simple irrigation system came with an irrigation line with tubing, along with setup instructions, and links to online resources for additional help.

The first batch of four hundred (400) kits arrived on island at the end of October, with the remaining two hundred (200) expected to follow within a few days. The first two hundred (200) of the Backyard Gardening setup kits were made available to the general public through the BAMSI office located in Palmetto Point and another four hundred (400) were given to the Members of Parliament, Mr. Stephen Hank Johnson (Central and South Eleuthera), and Mr. Rickey Mackey (North Eleuthera) for further dissemination throughout their constituencies.

On Thursday, October 29th, 2020, Administrators Whelma Colebrook (Central Eleuthera District), and Gregory Knowles (South Eleuthera District), along with Chief Superintendent of Police Stephen Adderley, Administrator-in-Training Millie Dawkins (Central Eleuthera District), and Rose Kirby with the Administrative Office in Central Eleuthera, gathered at the BAMSI/Ministry of Agriculture office in Palmetto Point with BAMSI representative, Mrs. Gwendolyn Patram to mark the arrival of the Backyard Gardening Starter kits on the island, and assist with dissemination to households throughout communities in Eleuthera.

Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, Michael Pintard during a national address in October 2020, highlighted the Ministry’s efforts to re-establish the national Backyard Gardening Programme to support food security at the household level, saying, “Our approach of making available to households, backyard garden starter kits inclusive of irrigation systems, seeds, seed trays, fertilizer and enriched soil, has proven to be wildly popular.”

During Phase 1 one of the national program, Minister Pintard, said the Ministry of Agriculture saw the distribution of five thousand of ten thou-

sand kits nationwide with another ten thousand to be added. He said, “Kits have been distributed in Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, Inagua and New Providence thus far. Kits are also available at the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources Headquarters [in New Providence] at a minimal cost of $10.00 each.”

“Upon completion of phase two (2),” he continued, “20,000 kits will be distributed throughout the country by years end. Members of Parliament will receive 100 kits each for distribution throughout their constituency. Churches, civic organizations and the general public have also had access to kits.”

Hundreds of Backyard Gardening Starter Kits packaged and ready to be disseminated to households throughout Eleuthera.

Mrs. Gwendolyn Patram with the BAMSI/Ministry of Agriculture office in Palmetto Point, demonstrating her setup of the simple irrigation system, included in the Backyard Gardening Starter kits.

Local Administrators Whelma Colebrook, Gregory Knowles and Millie Dawkins, with Police Chief Superintendent Stephen Adderley, Rose Kirby with the Central Eleuthera Administrative Office, Gwendolyn Patram with the BAMSI/Ministry of Agriculture Office, and Businessman (also BAMSI Office Complex Owner) Joshua Culmer, mark the arrival of free Backyard Gardening Starter Kits on island.

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Eleuthera Painted Orange by ‘Zonta Says No To Violence’ Campaign Zonta Bahamas, a Bahamian women’s advocacy group, expanded their message this year, during the United Nations’ ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence’ annual campaign, beginning on November 25th, marked each year as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women - with activities concluding on December 10th, which is International Human Rights Day. The ‘16 Days’ campaign is used as an organizing strategy by individuals and organizations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls, and this year, part of the theme was “Orange the World” - to highlight the need for a violence-free society.

Eleuthera was the first Family Island to take up the charge, with Eleuthera representative for Zonta Bahamas, Jewel Edwards, who partnered with multiple civic organizations across the island to bring awareness to the message of ‘Saying No To Violence Against Women’.

Marisa Mason-Smith, National Advocacy Chairperson with Zonta Bahamas, commenting on the purpose of Zonta Bahamas and their ongoing work, shared that the group is an international one, made up of professional women, who seek to advocate for women and girls through various initia-

Farming & Fishing Cont’d

goal is to foster Bahamian ownership and participation in the Agricultural and Fisheries sector; the program has been designed to simply give more agri-entrepreneurs and fishers access to capital and get them in business.

Page. 15

“We must accomplish our objectives and take decisive and bold steps toward food security. We will rebuild this economy and agriculture and marine resources will play a pivotal role in that rebuild. This program in the first instance, has $5 million set aside for fishing and agri-business funding.

“These funds will be in the form

tives - with regard to education, legal, religious, general advancement issues and others. “Zonta Club is in just about every country in the world, and in the Bahamas, we have had the club here for almost 45 years. We are excited about the work that we continue to do.

Zonta is the only non-government organization that has a seat at the United Nations, which gives us a right to vote on women-related issues.”

She continued, “Their are some instrinsic cultural norms that we have accepted for so long, and many have been taught that you ‘do not talk about what happens in this house’, so there has been a lot of shame associated with violence issues. The ‘16 Days of Activism’ seeks to declare that we are not accepting gender-based violence in any of its forms. Women’s rights are human rights, and we have seen violence being perpetrated across all stratas of our society - from the rich to the poor. We have seen an increase in domestic violence this past year - most recently a mother and her daughter were killed [in New Providence], and a young woman [Keva Cash of Lower Bogue] in Eleuthera was also murdered. There are so many cases that have taken place, and it engenders the spirit that we need to do something! Specifically, about educating and advancing the status of P46

of grants as follows: Micro – $10,000 and under, Small $10,001 to $25,000, and Medium $25,001 to $50,000.” He stated that large agricultural projects (over $50,000) will also be eligible for funding in the form of loans and equity financing.

Minister Pintard also noted that in addition to the funding, the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources has also compiled an expansive training curriculum to aid the applicants.

He stated that the Ministry’s team along with its partners Caribbean Agriculture Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA) have arranged access to virtual sessions on small ruminants,

poultry, good agriculture practices, composting as a business and food processing.

He added that Farmers and Fishers will also benefit from educational resources from BAMSI, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, Commonwealth of LearningCanada and other institutions.

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paho diabetes

complications management services were disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic, with limited access to essential medicines and technologies.

“Many people may not be receiving their diabetes medications or may not be accessing the care they need to manage their disease, which is very worrisome, given that those living with diabetes are at greater risk of developing severe forms of COVID-19,” said Anselm Hennis, director of PAHO’s Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health.

PAHO urged countries to ensure that diabetes care remains fully available to patients during the pandemic. This may mean offering care outside traditional settings, using digital health solutions, disseminating information and bringing care closer to the population through community health workers. Insulin must also remain accessible and affordable to those who need it.

The Organization also called on health professionals - including nurses, who are recognized this year by the World

Page. 45

Cont’d

Diabetes Day campaign for their critical support of people with diabetes - to ensure that people with diabetes understand their risk and have access to quality health services, information and tools to manage their disease. PAHO also called on those living with diabetes to control their disease by staying active, eating healthy and monitoring their condition, particularly during the pandemic.

“While many may be afraid to visit a clinic, now is not the time to skip diabetes monitoring visits,” warned PAHO Director Etienne. “People can still get the care they need and their prescriptions, but they must remember to practice physical distancing, wash their hands often, and wear masks,” Etienne noted.

Slowing the progression of diabetes Overweight and obesity, which affect more than 60% of adults in the region, are strongly linked to diabetes, a chronic progressive disease characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes - which accounts for the majority of global cases and is largely due to excessive

ZONTA: End The Violence

women, and saying no to domestic and sexual violence, and that it will not be tolerated.”

Mrs. Mason-Smith, detailing some of the initiatives being pushed by Zonta Bahamas in country described, “Zonta Club is now advocating for stiffer penalties through the gender-based legislation. We are advancing education, awareness and training to the general public - from high schools to universities, to the churches, NGO’s and communities at large. Zonta Bahamas has also been leading the UN’s ‘16 Days of Activism’ campaign in country for the past nine years, and it is not Nassau centric - it’s for the Bahamas,... and we are so pleased to have Jewel Edwards, who is a part of Zonta and who is in Eleuthera at this time, to extend this ministry to her Eleuthera community. We are grateful that Eleuthera is the first Family Island to join the ‘Orange’ campaign!”

Ms. Edwards took a foot forward approach to getting out the message of ‘Say No To Violence Against Woman’ in Eleuthera, forging solid partnerships with more than fifteen local civic groups, including the Kiwanis Club, Harbour Island Green School, One Eleuthera, National Neighbourhood Watch Council, Rotary, The Island School, Christian Council and more, during an initial virtual stakeholders meeting, hosted on Sunday, November 8th. A follow up virtual meeting took place on Sunday, November 15th to confirm planned activities and initiatives across the island.

An interactive, online Youth Explosion event was hosted on Friday, November 27th, with guest speaker, Donna Nicholls, from the Bahamas Crisis Center who facilitated an inspiring presentation and message targeted at young people on the theme, ‘Love Doesn’t Hurt’. The forum, which saw more than one

Nov/Dec, 2020

body weight, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity - is on the rise worldwide. Since 1980, the number of people with Type 2 diabetes in the region has tripled.

Diabetes complications can be prevented through improved treatment and quality of care. Diabetes can be prevented through health and fiscal policies, legislation, environmental changes and public awareness to prevent risk factors, including obesity, unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyles.

Examples of these interventions include taxes on sugary drinks, bans on the advertising of ultra-processed foods for children, front-of-package food labeling to advise consumers of high salt, sugar and fat content, and promotion of safe and accessible recreational spaces to encourage active living. A healthy diet and 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day can reduce the likelihood of children and adolescents becoming overweight.

As part of the Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases, PAHO supports countries in the region in these efforts to reduce diabetes-related complications

and premature mortality. PAHO also helps countries to purchase medicines to treat diabetes at affordable prices, reducing the costs associated with treating this chronic disease.

-------Online Links - for additional information: Diabetes (PAHO): https://www.paho.org/en/topics/diabetes Managing People with Diabetes during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Considerations for Health Providers https://www.paho.org/en/documents/ managing-people-diabetes-during-covid19-pandemic-considerations-health-providers-3-june World Diabetes Day 2020: https:// www.paho.org/en/campaigns/world-diabetes-day-2020

Cont’d

hundred (100) attendees sign in to watch, also showcased local talents, Malikah Pinder (singer and performing artist), Psalmist Hadassah Thompson, and Briland performing artist Ithalia Johnson.

During the Youth Explosion, Dr. Theresa Moxey Adderley-Smith - President of Zonta Bahamas, expressed her thanks to Jewel Edwards and the entire team of volunteers in Eleuthera for their committment in hosting the event and others throughout the ‘16 Days of Activism’ week. “Eleuthera is the blueprint for other islands,” she said, “I am excited about Eleuthera - you guys have really inspired us this year. You are the first island to have gone orange and we look forward to the entire Bahamas going orange.”

Jewel also paired up and collaborated with partner NGO’s on island to ‘Paint Eleuthera Orange’ - going into different communities throughout the island with bright orange bows posted in public spaces - to highlight the message of saying no to violence. Although the campaign was limited in what activities could be done outdoors or in groups, Ms. Edward’s passion and energy was infectious, and partner groups mirrored that energy. In Harbour Island, a shipping mix up, saw forty five cases of oranges arrive on island, said Will Simmons with the Harbour Island Green School and the Harbour Island Food Bank.

So, creatively - a free oranges giveaway during the ‘16 Days of Activism’ was used to drive the message of saying no to violence on Harbour Island - painting that island ‘Orange’.

Ms. Edwards shared that in partnership with One Eleuthera, going forward - even after the ‘16 Days of Activism’, they would be taking the message to young people - to stop the violence, to speak up, and to speak out.

Above: Zonta Eleuthera and partner groups painting Eleuthera ‘Orange’.

2020,

lo c al +plu s

Nov/Dec

Snapshot

The Eleutheran

47

Handy Tip! DIY Painting &

Covid -19

As it was November 30th, 2020

Purse Making Tips Each month, learn a bit about do-it-yourself painted designs and purse making with valuable tips and expert advice: TIP 4.

Your attitude affects your altitude even in the creative arts.

Creating a product that is lackluster and demanding that your customers take it or leave it will eventually cause your clientele to drop and your business to suffer. Choose to have a great attitude and excellent products. That way, you will not only have repeat customers but a thriving business.

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Note: “Today” refers to Dec. 1st, 2020

Lockdown and Curfew Restrictions Imposed On Eleuthera in November Relaxed By PM Minnis On Monday morning, November 30th, 2020, during an 11am ground-breaking ceremony for a Department of Housing subdivision in the Carmichael Village on New Providence, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis, near the end of his speech, announced the relaxation of weekend lockdown and weekday curfew restrictions which had been imposed on mainland Eleuthera beginning on November 8th, 2020, following a quick rise in confirmed Covid-19 cases on the island during the latter weeks of October and early November 2020.

The Prime Minister in his brief announcement, said, “I would like to announce here today that Eleuthera’s restrictive measures taken will be relaxed. Eleuthera’s curfew will now commence at 10pm, as opposed to 6pm, and all indoor and outdoor restaurants can now function. Patrons can now enter restaurants for indoor dining. I advise that everyone sticks to the mitigation protocols for Covid-19.”

The casually delivered announcement came after a weekend visit by the Bahamas Ministry of Health’s Surveillance team, who arrived in Eleuthera on Friday, November 27th, 2020 in follow-up to their three-day visit at the end of October, ahead of the imposition of weekend lockdowns and weekday 6pm curfew restrictions on mainland Eleuthera.

Above: Prime Minister Hubert Minnis.

The announcement by the Prime Minister, relaxing restrictions on the island, marks the end of a three-week period of weekend lockdowns. As of November 29th, the Ministry of Health reported 148 confirmed cases on Eleuthera, since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, nine months ago.