The Eleutheran Newspaper July/August 2021 Issue

Real Estate

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Volume 14, 07/12, July/August Issue

Eleuthera, Harbour Island & Spanish Wells, The Bahamas

Your FREE copy Harbour Island, Spanish Wells, & Eleuthera - North, Central & South

` Information. We Deliver!’’ Monthly In Print & Daily Online.

Since 2008 - ‘‘Eleuthera’s most reliable Source of News and

SUMMER SPLASH

BACK COVER: Damianos Sotheby’s Int’l P 3: Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty P 5: HG Christie

OEF’s “Learn-to-Swim” Pilot Program Kicks Off This free community program open to children and adults - aims to teach beginners basic swim and water safety skills.

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New experiences

- Page 41 ADVICE - 14 Back Hand Slap....

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Blossoming Start: One Eleuthera’s Farmer’s Market

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Pictured: Beginner swimmers learn the ABC’s of staying safe in the water.

ADVICE - 13 Spalling For Trouble...

Roll Back - PM reverses testing policy for vaccinated travellers amidst surge in Covid 19 cases...

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OPINION - 12 Black Caribbean Woman...

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Mario Carey: Interest in Eleuthera at All-time High, Double the Inquiries in a Year

Above: Mario Carey, real estate broker and businessman.

Once an island best known for its place in Bahamian history, its hilly roads and empty silos a symbol of a long-ago thriving dairy industry, Eleuthera is emerging as the Family Island real estate story of the year.

So says real estate broker Mario Carey, founder of the first international affiliate of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, BHGRE MCR Bahamas Group.

“If islands had comeback stories, Eleuthera would be the comeback of 2021,” said Carey, who has handled some $3 bil-

lion in sales in a career spanning 40 years and is known for his market watch predictions. “Judging by the number of inquiries in our office about Eleuthera, Spanish Wells and Russell Island and seeing how fast the prices are trending upward, the world is rediscovering Eleuthera,” “In our office alone, we have had double the number of inquiries about Eleuthera in the last year.”

What’s driving the interest in the mainland that runs 110 miles long and rarely more than three miles wide?

“During COVID, people began looking seriously at safe havens and where they could live with certain conveniences but without the hassle or the density of a highly populated urban area,” Carey said. “Eleuthera had it all – especially the key factors of accessibility, affordability and availability. It’s also a beautiful place with great beaches and the fact that it now has good, reliable health care with several private clinics and an urgent care facility in Palmetto Point in Central Eleuthera makes a difference because people feel a level of comfort that they may not feel on a more remote island where if there is a serious incident like a heart attack it can’t be managed unless you are flown to Nassau or the States. So everything is pointing in Eleuthera’s favour, including the airlift from Florida and the ferry service from Nassau.”

United, American and Silver Airways serve North Eleuthera from South Florida with numerous flights a day and local airlines including Bahamasair, Pineapple Air, Southern Air and Western serve one or more of the three airports on the island. Bahamas Ferries makes the two-

hour trek to Spanish Wells off the coast of North Eleuthera at least five times a week from Nassau in the early morning with a return in the afternoon and goes to Governor’s Harbour in Central Eleuthera weekly.

“What is especially interesting about this resurgence in mainland Eleuthera and Spanish Wells, which is already becoming too expensive for many, is how many Bahamians are buying or searching for property so they can build a retirement cottage or a primary home. I’ve had several clients tell me personally or one of my partners, Tim Rodland or Tim Smith, that they feel they have spent enough time in Nassau, they want a place that is peaceful and where they can enjoy life and Eleuthera has what they are looking for. From boat mechanics to partners in a few of the most prominent law firms, there is a Nassau to Eleuthera movement afoot.”

According to one of Carey’s partners, Tim Smith, who has the 80-acre Gun Point estate listed at the northern tip of Eleuthera, ideal for a master plan, mixed-use development with marina, resort and residences, climate change has contributed to the increased interest in Eleuthera.

“As buyers search for properties with elevation, Eleuthera hits that target. There are singular high spots in The Bahamas, like Mt. Alvernia in Cat Island, but there is nowhere else that has the rolling hills and general high elevation yet stunning beaches like Eleuthera,” said Smith.

“Prices are going up even as we speak but fortunately bank rates are favourable so I think we are going to continue to see an increase in interest and activity.”

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BCMC Spirit of Excellence Awards Presented in Central Eleuthera The Bahamas Conference of the Methodist Church (BCMC), Central Eleuthera Region, hosted a Spirit of Excellence Awards Service on Sunday, July 18th, 2021 at the Wesley Methodist Church in James’ Cistern.

The awards, inspired by Minister, Rev. Ricardo Burrows - were meant to showcase and recognize examples of servant leadership within the church and the Central Eleuthera community.

Five people were recognized for dedicated service within the church, with Lifetime Achievement Awards for 20 or more years of Above: Nominees for the Rev. Godfrey Bethel service in areas from Sunday School teacher award received plaques of recognition. to Communion steward. The awardees inAddison Cooper of Wesley Palmetto Point, cluded: Charles Thompson of Wesley GregBernadette Colebrooke of Wesley James’ Cisory Town, Brenda Stubbs of Wesley James tern, Rose Mitchell of St. Mark’s Hatchet Bay, Cistern, Ormond Moss of Wesley Governor’s and Sheltering Arms Ministry of Wesley GregHarbour, Marilyn Clarke-Rolle of St. Mark’s ory Town. Addison Cooper was selected as Hatchet Bay, and Kingsbury Sands of Wesley the overall awardee of the Rev. Dr. Godfrey Palmetto Point.

Bethell Leadership Award. All nominees were Another five people were nominated presented with plaques of recognition. for the Rev. Dr. Godfrey Bethell Leadership The President’s Award recognizing outAward for dedication to service within the standing community servant leadership went community. The nominees included: Paul to Mr. Shaun Ingraham and the One Eleuthera Simmons Sr. of Wesley Governor’s Harbour, Foundation.

Above (L-R): Minister Rev. Ricardo Burrows, Yolanda Pawar with the One Eleuthera Foundation, BCMC President Reverend Carla Culmer, and BCMC Vice President Audrea Scavella.

Officiating the service, with the assistance of Reverend Ricardo Burrows was BCMC President, Reverend Carla Culmer. She was also the special guest speaker, and offered her charge on serving in the spirit of excellence.

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CTI Hydroponics and Beekeeping Graduates Ready To Make An Impact

Author, RBDF Veteran and survivor of the “HMBS Flamingo Incident”, Mr. Cladwell Farrington of Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera.

(L-R) Banu Devi-Nair, CTI Academic Dean and Sharnette Kemp, CTI Registrar officially announce the $10,000 Seed-to-Succeed Winners from the 2021 Hydroponics Class.

The One Eleuthera Foundation recently hosted two Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI) graduations at the Rock Sound campus. Nineteen students in total celebrated the accomplishment of successfully completing one of two 12-week courses in Intro to Hydroponics and Apiology & Apiculture (Bee Keeping.)

The “Learn-and-Earn” Hydroponics graduation took place on June 30th, for the class of ten students, while the Apiology graduation luncheon was held two weeks later on July 14th for the nine beekeeping students.

Welcome the next generation of Hydroponics Farmers. CTI’s 2021 Graduates are ready to make their mark.

Funded through a grant from the TK Foundation, the Hydroponics cohort was afforded a weekly stipend as they pursued their studies. The course equipped students with the skills and knowledge to construct, install and maintain a basic hydro-

ponic system and effectively grow herbs and nutritious leafy crops without soil. Additionally, students

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learned the fundamental concepts in plant science and nutrition, water management, plant nutrition management and pest and disease control within the system.

Keynote speaker Dr. Michele Singh, Animal Scientist and Country Representative of the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), impressed upon the graduates the importance of putting their new skills into practice. She reminded the cohort that “more than ever our local communities need access to abundant supplies of nutritious produce and healthy, immune-boosting food.”

Hydroponic farming technology is reshaping the way we cultivate and grow food. The technique replaces the use of soil with a liquid nutrient solution answering the growing challenges of limited farming land and nutrient-deficient soil.

During the ceremony the three students who emerged as winners in the $10,000 “Seed-to-Succeed” business pitch competition held on June 9th were also recognized for their winning hydroponics-based business plans. The trio was awarded seed funding through partnerships between the One Eleuthera Foundation and the TK Foundation and The Bahamas Development Bank respectively.

Davinia Cartwright-Vanhorn, won $5,000 and firstplace for her businesses, “Da Farm Yaad,” a local farm and “Da Melting Pot,” a take-out and food catering business in Palmetto Point. Lynette Ferguson won 2nd place and $3,000 with her proposed “Ancient Native Thera-

Lo c a l peutic Solutions,” an apothecary business. Michelle Outten earned third place and $2,000 for “Hydro Fresh,” a landscaping business providing customized hydroponic systems, and seedlings to the local market.

Similarly, students completing the Apiology & Apiculture Course were equipped with valuable skills and practical training to launch and expand their local apiaries and successfully operate a commercial honeybee business.

This course was offered free of charge through a partnership with OEF, CTI and the UNDP, Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme. The goal of the course was to increase honey production on Eleuthera and to provide valuable resources and training to local beekeepers.

The curriculum catered to both beekeeping professionals and beginners covering: Introduction to beekeeping; Advanced beekeeping; and Managing honeybees for honey production and by-products. Students were also mentored in entrepreneurship and assisted in developing a business plan to expand their operations and create future income opportunities.

“The goal of these technical programs offered by CTI and the One Eleuthera Foundation is two-fold; to educate and empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to operate competitively in their fields. The second goal is to invest in developing and diversifying local industries to create financial independence and strengthen our local economy,” says Banu Devi-Nair, Academic Dean, CTI. “As an organization, we’re very

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proud of these students, and look forward to all they will accomplish as a result of their CTI training.”

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PM Minnis visits island to Officially Open refurbished Rock Sound Dock Prime Minister Hubert Minnis visited Eleuthera on Friday, July 16th, 2021 to attend a ceremony for the official opening of the refurbished Main Government Dock and Fisherman’s Dock in Rock Sound.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Works Desmond Bannister

and Mr. Hank Johnson, MP for South and Central Eleuthera also took part in Friday’s official opening ceremony.

Special guest for the ribbon-cutting during the ceremony was Rock Sound resident and proprietor of Dingle Motors, Mr. Kermit Cates.

“Both the main mail boat dock and

Above: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony as the Rock Sound Commercial Dock is officially opened.

fishing dock in Rock Sound were in very poor condition for some time,” said Prime Minister Minnis.

Mail boat docks, he added, provide a vital hub for the delivery of goods and services from New Providence and other jurisdictions, including the United States. The fishing docks provide a location where fishermen can undertake their trade and where leisure boats can safely berth. Marine docks are critical for the economic stability and the growth of local communities.

The $2.8 million Ministry of Works project was carried out by A&D Gaitor’s Equipment Rock and Sand, and was successfully completed on time and within budget, the Prime Minister noted.

The construction works undertaken were as follows: Mail Boat Dock • The demolition and removal of the deteriorated warehouse building; • Installation of 429 linear feet of sheet piles to the mailboat dock; • Reclamation of 80 foot wide by 100 foot long of seabed; • Construction of reinforced concrete slab area to the main dock area with capping beam with roll P31

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Prime Minister announces serviced-lots development for Eleuthera The Government has identified 50 acres of land for a serviced-lots development on Eleuthera, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis announced during a visit to the island on Friday, July 16th, 2021.

The development, he said, is part of the Government’s land initiative that offers ready-to-build lots for an affordable price – starting at around $15,000 on New Providence and around $10,000 on the Family Islands – and duty-free concessions on building materials.

Provisions, he added, will also be made within the development for preschools. Operators of certified preschools

will have the opportunity to apply for grants through the Small Business Development Center under the Government’s universal pre-school program, which the Prime Minister said, seeks to ensure that every Bahamian child has access to pre-school.

The serviced-lots initiative, emphasized Minnis, is part of the administration’s effort to ensure that more Bahamians, in particular, young Bahamians, have greater access to land, and by extension affordable homes.

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July/Aug, 2021

In praise of a black Caribbean woman

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) CARICOM should be proud of the success of a Caribbean woman who was at the center of the effort to manage the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Dominican born Dr Carissa Etienne, the Director of the Pan American

Health Organization (PAHO), deserves the greatest admiration and respect of all the 37 nations of Latin America and the Caribbean that she and her team piloted through the impact of the pandemic.

It was good to see her being praised, at a meeting of the OAS Permanent Council on July 21, by the SecretaryGeneral of the OAS, Luis Almagro, and many delegations that spoke at a special session of the Organization’s Permanent Council.

The meeting was called to discuss the implementation of a resolution on “The Equitable Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccines” that Antigua and Barbuda had drafted and negotiated to adoption in February 2021. It was not called to focus on the outstanding role of the Director. But, it was inevitable that she would be singled out, for without the guidance, technical expertise and provision of equipment to 37 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, COVID-19 would have infected many more than the millions that it has. It would also have killed more than the hundreds of thousands that it did.

It is not often that the competence of a woman is complemented and even more rare if the woman is black. But it happened on July 21.

In my own remarks at the meeting, I stated the countries of the Caribbean

were greatly aided by the guidance provided by PAHO experts and by the medical equipment the organization supplied.

In truth, the majority of countries in the world were ill-prepared for a pandemic of any kind, let alone one that moved with the swiftness and deadly impact of COVID-19.

The figures, given by Dr Etienne at the meeting underscored the unpreparedness of all our countries.

Seventy-five million cases in our hemisphere and 2 million deaths are frightening figures and evidences the fact that our region was one of the worst affected in the world.

While progress has undoubtedly been made in the production of several vaccines that can help to suppress and contain the virus, much of the world, including many countries in Latin America and the Caribbean remain deprived of much needed vaccines.

CARICOM countries and other developing nations ought not to have been placed in the untenable situation in which they have to beg for vaccines to save their people from the deathly coronavirus.

This point was emphasized by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda, E Paul ‘Chet’ Greene at the meeting. He said, “If this pandemic has taught the world a single salutary lesson, it is that humanity should never again experience conditions in which a few countries use their wealth to purchase almost all the vaccines produced, leaving the

majority of nations in dire straits”.

“While we are grateful that countries, such as the United States, are making quantities of their oversupply available to nations in need, the point is that this situation should not have occurred. Nations ought not to have to plead for vaccines to save the lives of their people, or to spare their economies the harmful impact of a pandemic” Developing countries are forced to beg for vaccines because of two circumstances.

First, a few rich countries purchased more than 70 per cent of the total vaccines produced by the major pharmaceutical companies. In some cases, these countries bought as much as three times the quantity of vaccines needed to vaccinate all their people. They left the rest of the world floundering.

Second, while vaccines against this lethal virus and its variants should have been a global good, available to all mankind, it became a commodity to be sold on commercial terms to the largest and richest purchasers, ignoring the needs of many citizens of our one planet. The pharmaceutical companies left people quite literally dying for vaccines.

Conscious that the populations of Caribbean countries are too small to allow them to bargain effectively for supplies of the vaccines at an affordable price, Dr Etienne and her team at PAHO have again taken up cudgels on behalf of the Caribbean and other deprived countries in Latin America.

Through its Revolving Fund for Access to Vaccines, which can buy in much larger quantities than individual countries, PAHO has engaged various manufacturers, whose COVID-19 vaccines have been approved by the World Health Organization, to negotiate supply, delivery and costs. PAHO’s success would provide more vaccines on a reliable and predictable basis to Caribbean countries.

PAHO believes that these negotiations are close to completion and vaccines could be available by the last quarter of 2021.

The Caribbean and Latin America owe much to the dedication and resourcefulness of PAHO – and particularly to the black, Caribbean woman at the center of its operations – Dr Carissa F. Etienne.

Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com

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Spalling for Trouble The catastrophic collapse of a condo tower near Miami June 24 has raised concerns about spalling, especially in homes in coastal areas.

The Surfside condo wasn’t that old it was built in 1981 - when the unimaginable happened. Part of it collapsed, burying 95 people with another 50 still missing when I submitted this column.

This is a tragedy.

A 2018 inspection found “abundant” cracking and spalling of the columns, beams and walls in the garage under the collapsed tower. The jury’s still out on what caused the calamity as multiple angles are investigated.

There are no high rises in Eleuthera so no-one needs to worry about a failure of this kind.

However, spalling is a common home maintenance problem. It can be identified and treated to maintain the integrity of a home.

What is Spalling?

A spall occurs when flakes of material break off a larger solid body. Concrete

spalling typically starts when the steel enforcing rods embedded in concrete rust.

The steel may rust for several reasons. Perhaps the sand wasn’t washed when it was used to mix the concrete.

Or the embedded steel may have been exposed to salt spray, or water and air.

Concrete is porous. If it’s not sealed, the exposure of steel to water and air can create a chemical reaction that produces rust. The rust causes the steel to expand and this, in turn, forces the surrounding concrete to expand. All of this can cause concrete to delaminate or to crack and break off.

Coastal Homes The environment plays a significant role on how well concrete holds up.

Homes in areas of high moisture, sea spray and high winds are particularly susceptible to spalling. Spalling can occur in walls, columns, beams, driveways, overhead surfaces, pool decks and patios.

Action Required If you see cracks and reddish/brown rust stains adjacent to cracked concrete or leaks in overhead concrete surfaces, it’s time for an inspection.

Other signs of spalling include rust stains leaking out of concrete, flaking concrete and bubbling, blistering paint on concrete walls.

Bulging walls may be a sign that rusting reinforced steel is forcing concrete to expand. Any cracks with signs of moisture seeping through the concrete may spell trouble.

It’s important to repair spalling sooner rather than later. The longer you wait, the more severe the problem becomes.

Hire someone who is qualified in the craft and is familiar with both the technique and the type of materials required for repairs. After all, this is your home we’re talking about.

By Mike Lightbourn Questions or comments?

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

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A Back Hand Slap is Not a Cure for a Bad Relationship Teri M. Bethel “One slap, just one slap, is all they need, and they’ll be straight!” That’s the common lingo you hear among some frustrated people who have yet to master a better form of communication with their mates. Despite its common occurrence in topsy-turvy relationships between couples, a back-hand slap is not the remedy for all that ails your mate. The number of complaints surfacing today, and if we’re honest, in yesteryears, you would think a quick touch-up was something a physician had prescribed in place of a healing tonic as a cureall. For those who may think this is the case and that it is normal to exhibit violent behavior to someone, you are misinformed. If you are abused, you should know that someone hitting or scorching you with put-downs and terribly acidic words is also unacceptable conduct.

In a 2016 article penned by Stephanie Thomson, the writer indicated that a United Nations survey revealed 81% of teenage girls in Timor Leste, an island north of Australia, believed a husband was justified in beating

his wife for at least one reason. Another high percentage of abuse against women was in Ethiopia, where 71% of women have been victims of domestic abuse. A slightly lower rate in the same country believed that intimate partner violence was acceptable in some cases.

More recent worldwide trends show that with knowledge comes change. These trends reveal more women and men coming to terms with a fair way of treating women.

For those who are still stuck in the mindset of the healing virtues of a slap, that one slap becomes a recurring hit that generally escalates to a full-blown tussle. The once demure women are no longer sitting still as they are being abused. As for the man being on the other side of a pummeling, he often forgets it’s the gentler sex dishing out the aggression.

So it goes both ways. Some men and women have been and, in many instances, are still engaged in this unfortunate behavior. People learn from what they see. Children growing up in abusive homes sometimes become abusers or accept abusive behavior from an abuser— unless, of course, they decide to change their mindset and jump off the merry-go-round like Kenton (not his real name). He decided he did

July/Aug, 2021 not want to treat his wife as his father treated his mother. On the other hand, his brother took delight in following in his father’s footsteps, wreaking havoc on his wife and children.

How it could affect the children One important consideration is not subjecting yourself to dangerous behavior while you try to make your relationship work. Jake and his wife Maggie (not their real names) had three sons. The older two were tall, weighed over 200 lbs. in high school, and hoped to play college football one day. However, their mother’s erratic behavior often caused them to spend time at their grandparents’ home, which was sometimes just as violent as their home. It was not unusual for the boys to see their enraged grandmother, Maggie’s mother, hurling a glass at her china cabinet or pummeling her aged husband with a piece of wood across his back. When Maggie was arrested for aggravated assault against her husband with a butcher’s knife, the children whose grades had already begun to decline were removed from their home and placed in foster care. So affected by the violence in their home, the boys’ trauma affected their oral and written communication, which altered their grades and led to a withdrawal of College scholarships. As the tension escalated between their parents, one of the boys admitted to attempting to take his life to release the severe emotional pain he was experiencing. Another son recounted the abuse was like a painful stain on his memory that would never go away.

In 2008, the Domestic Violence (Protection Orders) Act came into force in the Bahamas. The Act covers physical, sexual, emotional or psychological, and financial abuse. This Act also applies to people who are involved in relationships outside of marriage.

Run for the hills Leaving an abusive situation is not cowardice. It is your right to have a healthy and peaceful life. Separating does not have to mean forever. It could mean we’re putting this relationship on hold until we both find out how to have a healthy marriage. Many would say, “I’m staying for the children,” and have subjected the children to more heartache than if they were to seek shelter elsewhere. While most children would love to have their parents living together, some child survivors of domestic violence who witnessed their parent’s violent mistreatment would generally prefer an earlier separation.

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Among the reasons for not wanting to separate from their spouse are: • They believe they will eventually change their spouse’s cruel ways.

• They lack the finances to care for themselves at the level they had become accustomed to.

• They believe they are violating their marital vows to leave under any circumstance.

• They fear their child(ren) may be taken from them.

• They believe they will lose all rights to their family home.

• They don’t want to leave the property that was a gift from a parent.

• They are afraid of what the public may think of them.

• They believe that in some way, they are responsible for or deserve the treatment they are receiving.

Several of the above reasons fit Sandra’s case. She had the police on speed dial when her husband Jeff became violent towards her and the children.

Still, despite her parents, siblings, and in-laws cautioning her about staying in such a volatile situation, she decided to remain. When Jeff realized Sandra was not filing charges against him, his violence soared to new levels causing his children to become involved in the fight to protect their mother from another night of thrashing. Jeff drank heavily and had taken to dabbling in drugs.

When he was sober and with friends, he could be pretty charming, but those times became less frequent. Now that her children were teenagers, they were more vocal about their father’s behavior, asking him to cease his physical abuse of their mother. His attacks were emboldened when she stayed. Visits by the police became the norm for the family.

Without Sandra pressing charges against her husband, however, their hands were tied. Eventually, the children became resentful of their family, believing they did nothing to help ease their pain and safeguard their mother.

What love is not Love is not impatient or unkind. It does not lie, is not unfaithful, or make you go out of your way to hurt your spouse. Love is not rude, overbearing, and abusive. If any of these elements are in your marriage and you say that you love your mate, you may

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Teri M. Bethel is a publisher and author of relationship enrichment books, Bahamian inspired romance, and adventure novels for children that share our islands’ history and culture. She is also an artist and purse making instructor. Her books and DVD tutorials are available where good books are sold in Eleuthera and New Providence and on Amazon.com. Teri and her husband have two adult sons. Website: www.inspirepublishing.org

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IEFC Raffle Winners The Innovative Entrepreneurs and Farmers Co-operative (IEFC), an organization whose stated goal is to promote and stimulate local food security and economic activity on the island of Eleuthera, recently held a fundraising raffle event. The Raffle prize drawing took place on Monday, July 12th, at 3pm at The Myriad in Palmetto Point. The prize drawing was also showcased via a live Facebook feed, said organizers. The fundraising effort was said to be a success as a result of the collective efforts of members and sponsors, and part of the proceeds were donated to the Kiwanis Club of South Eleuthera for their pantry food program.

The IEFC announced the following winners of the raffle drawn on Monday, July 12th, 2021: •

1st Place Mark and Susan - Boating Adventure for 4 Donated by Denny’s Boating Adventures

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2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th

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9th Place Murieta Sweeting - $75 Grocery Certificate -

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Place Mark and Susan - Laptop Computer - Donated by EIO Place Timmilee Williams - Lawnmower - Donated By IEFC Place Almita - Wheelbarrow - Donated by Unique Hardware Place Caroline P - 43” TV - Donated by Butts Express Place Rylan Muzzad - Smart Phone - Donated by Executive Cuts Place Wendi Bishop - Tablet - Donated by EIO Place Kervin Culmer - $100 Gift Certificate -

Donated by Uncle Gene’s Restaurant Donated by Midway Cost Cutters

10th Place Bethany Forbes - 2 Bags of Compost and Worm Casting Donated by Food Post

11th Place Tevin Mckenzie - 2 Bottles of Lutra Local Sea Grape -

Donated by Tom and Liz Glucksmann

12th Place Maise Thompson - Gym Membership for 2 Donated by The Myriad Palmetto Point

13th Place Drexel Gomez - Microwave - Donated by EIO 14th Place Mary Ann Johnson - $50.00 gas Voucher Donated by Member Roberta

15th Place David Voel - $50 gas Voucher - Donated By Member Nora Smith 16th Place Hannah Eden - 2 bed side Lamps with Phone Chargers Donated by Member Warren Johnson

17th Place Arthur Bethel - Dinner for 4 - Donated by Nessa Kitchen 18th Place Patrick Tully - Standing Fan - Donated by Member Gwendolyn

Patram

19th Place Laveldo Fernander - Set of Dishes - Donated by Member Indira Rolle Eleuthera Farm Delight

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20th Place Omari Rolle - Toaster - Donated by Anonymous 21st Place Javonna Thompson - Coffee Maker -

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22nd Place Nicole Paris - Gamma Iron - Donated by Bayside Farm

Donated by Member Anthony Stubbs

The IEFC thanked all the generous sponsors who donated gifts and prizes, and everyone who purchased tickets. Congratulations were also extended to all of the winners.

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Advice

need to revisit the definition and the characteristics of love. One foundational key in having a successful relationship is respecting and loving yourself. With this in place, it becomes easy to love others as you love yourself and attract those who love you.

It’s never too late to learn to love yourself or your mate, but if your home is volatile, you may be better learning to love them at a distance until you can be treated with the tenderness you deserve.

Many relationships are challenged simply because both parties have unreasonable expectations generated by fantasies. They never thought it necessary to invest their time and resources in materi-

als to help them have a solid foundation to build their relationship. In my book, My Marriage Matters, couples learn how to take their marriages to the next level with simple, easy-to-apply steps for a fruitful, enjoyable relationship. Bahamas Faith Ministries International Fellowship’s Pastor and marriage counselor, Kersch Darville, says, “This book can not only help couples but counselors alike. It is a powerful tool to follow if you wish to see your marriage take on a fresh new dimension in God….”

Before We Say “I Do” helps prepare those considering marriage but have no clue what to expect or how to relate in a marriage. It is also a helpful guide for those scarred by past relationships and who want to know how to have a successful marriage. The old adage, “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure,” still rings true today.

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n at i on a l PS calls on public to heed the ‘absolute need’ to be prepared during hurricane season

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Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction, Mr. Carl F. Smith, called on members of the public to be aware of the “absolute need” to be prepared for the 2021 Hurricane Season, adding that involvement of the community in disaster preparedness and response is crucial.

Mr. Smith said the need to prepare for disasters such as hurricanes and emergencies “is real.” He was addressing a press briefing held Tuesday (July 20) at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Gladstone Road to announce the furthering of the partnership between the National Emergency Management Agency and Cable Bahamas Group of Companies, Above: Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction, Mr. Carl F. Smith (at podium) addressing press briefing held at the National Emergency Management Agency, Gladstone Road. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)

and the hurricane preparedness of both groupings.

He said the briefing also provided disaster management officials with the opportunity to remind the public of the absolute need to be prepared for the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which has been forecasted to be a very active one. Mr. Smith also assured members of the public that government agencies and their partners in disaster management have done, and continue to do, all that is possible within their means to prepare for the hurricane season.

Mr. Smith said the Press briefing also provided the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction, the P17 National Emergency

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Management Agency and the Disaster Reconstruction Authority (DRA) with the opportunity to: “celebrate the partnership we have had with Cable Bahamas and to thank Cable Bahamas for their service to The Bahamas in the area of disaster management.”

“Being prepared can reduce fear, anxiety and losses that accompany disasters,” Mr. Smith said. “Communities, families and individuals should know where to seek shelter during a powerful storm and what to do in the event of a fire, etcetera. They should be ready to evacuate their homes and take refuge in public shelters and know how to care for their basic medical needs. Persons can also reduce the impact of disasters (flood proofing, elevating a home) and sometimes avoid the danger completely.”

Mr. Smith said disasters disrupt lives, and that each disaster has lasting effects, both to people and property.

“If a disaster occurs in the community, government and disaster-relief organizations will try their best to assist the community. However, individuals need to be ready as well. Local responders may not be able to reach the community immediately, or they may need to focus their efforts elsewhere. Individuals should know how to respond to any disaster that could occur in their area. Individuals should also be ready to be self-sufficient for at least three days.

This may mean providing their own shelter, first aid, food, water and sanitation,” Mr.

Bahamas Signs Economic And Technical Agreement with China The government signed a $12 million economic and technical agreement with The People’s Republic of China during a signing ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, July 7, 2021.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Darren Henfield, said he was pleased to have signed the bilateral agreement on behalf of the Bahamas Government.

“This marks yet another milestone in the enduring friendship between China and The Bahamas, since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries in l997,” said Mr. Henfield. “In fact, this is one of similar agreements that have been signed between China and P21 The Bahamas since l997. This

n at io n al Smith added.

The Senior Government official also addressed the area of “correct and efficient communication,” adding that correct and efficient communication can prevent occurrence of a disaster or reduce its impact, reduce vital delays in the aftermath, and generally decide the success of disaster management efforts.

“In the aftermath of a disaster, time counts and efficient communication at all levels decides the success of all efforts,” Mr. Smith said. “Unless we have communication at its best in all of the required forms, we will not be in a position to deal with all phases of disaster management to our entire satisfaction. There are two distinct facets of communication. One is the physical where we use a variety of means via ever progressing technology. That has certainly been the case with Cable Bahamas with whom the National Emergency Management Agency has had a wonderful working relationship for the benefit of The Bahamas as a whole.

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There is no lacking of any type of high-tech means to communicate. Media (both print and electronic) also serve as credible and influential agents of communication.

“The other aspect of communication, which is equally important, is the conceptual one,” Mr. Smith continued, “it is necessary to ensure that the recipient of communication understands the contents of the message being conveyed and that he/she responds to it in the desired manner. This requires knowledge, clarity and conciseness. This is particularly important today where ‘fake news’, if not guarded against, can take root and get out of control to the detriment of us all.”

By Matt Maura

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An Eleutheran Profile: Addison Melbourne Wakefield Cooper BY elizabEth bryan

Mr. Addison Melbourne Wakefield Cooper.

Introduction: A pillar of quiet, steady strength and support is one way of describing the lifetime of contributions made by Mr. Addison Melbourne Wakefield Cooper to his community and society - from local government leadership, to corporate sponsorship of local sports, junkanoo, culture, and charities, service within civil society, along with dedication to supporting numerous ministries, amongst many others. He was recently recognized by the Bahamas Conference of the Methodist Church (BCMC) in July 2021, when he was awarded with the inaugural ‘Rev. Dr. Godfrey Bethell Community Service Leadership Award 2021’.

Earliest memories: Addison was born in Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera on November 26th, 1953, to his parents, the late Mr. Addison and Mrs. Emma Cooper.

“My early years were spent in Tarpum Bay,” he reminisced, “My maternal grandparents were there and helped to bring me up. My grandparents, James ‘Jimmy’ Carey, and Blooming Carey brought

me up at a place called, ‘The Pond’ in Tarpum Bay, and I attended the ‘Prep’ school there until the age of seven... I grew up with people like, John Norris Carey - who was in the same class with me at that school... After age seven, I came to Palmetto Point, and lived with my parents in South Palmetto Point.”

He would go on to spend three years at the Palmetto Point Primary school, completing his primary education. “I attended the Palmetto Point primary school, and my principal and my teacher then was Mr. Rolle. He was the principal, and he tutored me after school as well. Mark Thompson, from Palmetto Point, was a teacher there at the time. Chancy Bethel was also a teacher there at the time, as well as my mother, Mrs. Emma E. Cooper (The Palmetto Point Primary School was renamed in her honour in 1985)... When I came to Palmetto Point to live, I had already adopted the Tarpum Bay slang, and I was always being teased about it in school. I remember that distinctly,” smiled Addison as he looked back in time.

When asked what it was like having his mother in the school as a teacher during his upper primary years, Mr. Cooper smiled, “I had to be better than anyone, and I was used many times as an example. I had that responsibility to be better behaved than the others, to be more respectful than the others. You weren’t the ordinary kid there.”

Commenting further on his mother’s impact in his life, as well as his siblings, he shared, “My mother pushed us a lot.

She was always behind us, and was a great influence for me. One of the things she always said was ‘to never give up, and to keep on trying’. She was always prepared to assist and help in any way that she could - as long as you were prepared to continue to try and reach a certain goal. She did that.

She pushed and she assisted both me and my sisters in every way that she could. My Mom was the wind beneath our wings.”

School days: At the age of 10 years old, Addison was enrolled at Munro College, a private all-boys high school, in Jamaica.

“There were a limited number of high schools at the time, and none then on Eleuthera. If you were not an exceptional student, you didn’t get to pass the common entrance exams for these other high schools. I guess I wasn’t the exceptional student, so I was sent off to Jamaica.”

In Jamaica, he completed what was called forms 1, 2, and 3 at the time, before moving back to the Bahamas, where he was enrolled at St. Augus-

tine’s College in New Providence, and completed his final three years of high school.

“Munro College was an all-boys school on a hundred acre campus,” described Addison, “and I only left campus when I was going back to the Bahamas on term breaks. It was on the top of a mountain - the Santa Cruz mountains in Jamaica... It was quite an experience - one of the best experiences in my life. The discipline that they had there really charted the course of the rest of my life. It was a very disciplined school... I remember, we had to go to chapel every day and twice on Sunday. The whole school was guided by a bell, and we knew what each bell meant - from sunrise to late at night. It was almost like a military type school but it was a very good school.”

At the age of 13, in 1966, Addison’s father, who was an insurance agent at the time, and also made concrete blocks, passed away in a car accident in Eleuthera near Double Bay. “That was one of the things that most affected my life,” shared Addison, “As the oldest child, and a son - I had to take over responsibilities that a normal person my age wouldn’t have had to.

So, I somewhat had to takeover some leadership of the family.”

After the death of his father, he returned to the Bahamas where he completed his high school education at Saint Augustine’s College in Nassau.

“St. Augustines, was a big change for me,” said Addison. “One change was that you had females in the class,” he smiled. “The freedoms you had there, being able to leave campus when you wanted to - was something I had to get adjusted to after coming from Munro...

I played soccer (football), as I had learned it in Jamaica. So, I was a bit of a stand-out on the soccer team... I enjoyed soccer.

“Jack Hilton was a schoolmate then.

We did a lot of training together... He was in track and field, and I was in soccer. The head boy then was Fred Mitchell, and we became friends. As well as Rodney Smith, the president of the University of the Bahamas now - we were friends and classmates.”

College and Early Career: After high school, he said, “It was an exciting time in the Bahamas, and we all were looking forward to going out there and accomplishing a lot. In particular, I looked forward to returning to Eleuthera and doing whatever I could in Eleuthera, to not only build the community, but to also do what I could to help develop the island.”

However, it would be P19 a number of years after

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finishing St. Augustine’s before Addison would have the opportunity to return fulltime to his island home. After graduating high school, he worked in New Providence at the Ministry of Works for one year, before heading to Miami Dade Community College - where he studied Accounting, and also distinguished himself by becoming the first black president of the student government there. He then went on to the University of West Florida in Pensacola, where he continued his studies in Accounting and graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree.

He returned to Nassau after graduation and worked with Touche Ross Chartered Accountants firm where he was afforded the opportunity to further his studies at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. After returning to Nassau, even to a job where there were great opportunities for advancement, Addison’s desire was still to return home to assist with the building up of Eleuthera’s communities.

He finally returned home to Eleuthera in 1977, after being successful in his application for employment as Eleuthera Office Manager with the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC) in Hatchet Bay. “I worked there up until the farm ceased operation,” Addison described. “I managed the operation there for most of those years...

At that time we had the stores - the grocery store, the notions store, a service station, the Hatchet Bay Yacht Club and the Marina, the rental homes, the dairy section - with ice-cream and milk, the eggs and the broiler chicken production - all of that was still going on at that time. It was a large operation. At one point we had 180 people working there.”

While in Hatchet Bay, Mr. Cooper assisted many residents of the community with obtaining jobs to support their families as well as housing in some cases.

Family and New Ventures: It was there in Hatchet Bay, where Addison would also meet his life companion. “I met my wife (Mrs. Sherrin Cooper) while working in Hatchet Bay. She had come to Hatchet Bay as the nurse there, and I guess I was attracted to her the very first time I saw her,” he smiled. “It was about three months after we met that we made the decision to get married. This was during the last year of my time in Hatchet Bay. We were married on December 29th in 1984.”

Addison and Sherrin were blessed with one son, Khaalith.

In 1985, the operation in Hatchet Bay was turned over to another company which was supposed to have made some changes, said Addison, and they made all of the staff redundant. “I don’t think that company lasted there that

long,” he added. No longer employed, Mr. Cooper used the turn of events to follow long envisioned dreams of creating his own businesses.

“That was when we started Unique Hardware. I actually started working on the Hardware long before ending my stay at BAIC. At that time there was only one other hardware store here, and I thought it was an opportunity to get a business going, particularly in Palmetto Point. Later on, in 1992, I went to trying to start the hotel (Unique Village Resort and Restaurant). Hotels seemed to have been something that was out of the average Bahamian’s reach, and I thought that anything any foreigner can do, a Bahamian can do. I had the desire to prove to myself that it could be done. At that time it seemed like Bahamians could only go so far and no further - like we had our limits - and my thoughts were that once we have the right mindset, of being able to work together - we can accomplish anything that anybody else can... So, I’ve tried very hard to do it, and to make a success of it.

“There have been several challenges, including financial, then and now, and it has taken a lot of hard work, working seven days a week - many times night and day to keep everything going, and we are still working long hours to keep everything going.”

Community Builder: Addison’s idea of helping to build his community in Eleuthera went far beyond growing his businesses. He was appointed as a member of the local Board of Works for several years and later he was elected as a member of the Palmetto Point Township Local Government Council, followed by his election as chairman of the Palmetto Point Township Local Government Council. This position, he shared, kept him very much involved in most activities which took place in the community.

He was also the chairman for the first Palmetto Point Homecoming Committee which held its inaugural festival in North Palmetto Point along with a softball tournament, and he went on to work with the Homecoming committee for many years.

For the past twenty years, Mr. Cooper shared that he has employed summer students to work within his businesses and along with his staff, mentored these students, helping many to develop skills and to make important career choices. He co-sponsored the Palmetto Point ‘Showtime’ Junkanoo Group, and was one of the founding members for the One Eleuthera Co-operative Credit Union, serving as Treasurer for six years.

Addison freely gives assistance to individuals and organizations - unselfishly, without fanfare, expecting nothing in return. He was a donor to the Palmetto Point Care Bears until they became

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dormant, and continues to support the Eleuthera Cancer Society, the Emma E. Cooper Primary school and presently, he is the chairman of the Passing Jacks Festival Committee - an organization that was started in 2016 to assist elderly people in the Palmetto Point community who need medical support. Members of this organization, along with Unique Village restaurant, extended support to the victims of Hurricane Dorian, who relocated to Eleuthera, and participated in the feeding program at Camp Symonette, where they were being housed. He and other members of Passing Jacks Committee also assumed the role of Santa Claus, as they delivered gifts during the Christmas season to the children whose families were displaced because of Hurricane Dorian. Addison not only gave financial support, he was also there physically in support of these events.

The love of sports went far beyond high school for Mr. Cooper, and he expressed that he has always been concerned about the development of young people and the importance of them having positive influences. He sponsored the Unique Hardware Hornets men’s softball team, a young team, which won its first national championship in 1993 as well as a few more championships over the years. He co-sponsored the A&T Pines ladies’ softball team and sponsored the Unique Gems ladies’ volleyball team. He co-sponsored the Palmetto Point men’s basketball team. Addison was also president of the sporting Club and the Eleuthera Softball Association for many years and vice president of the Soft Ball Federation. In a culmination of his involvement over so many years, Mr. Cooper was officially installed to the Bahamas Softball Federation Hall of Fame in April of 2009.

As a member of Wesley Methodist Church in Palmetto Point since his childhood, and where he attends regularly, Addison is a supporter of the activities and programs put on by the various ministries, and has assisted where, and however he could - in the Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, as well as in the Community Outreach and Food Basket Ministry. His recent recognition for outstanding service to the community, and being awarded as the recipient of the first ‘Rev. Dr. Godfrey Bethell Community Service Leadership Award’ within the Central Eleuthera Region of the Methodist Church, was timely and well deserved.

Mr. Cooper, today remains active with the operation of his family businesses and continues to embrace opportunities to offer assistance.

Advice to young Entrepreneurs: When asked about what advice he had for young Eleutherans interested in starting their own business, Addison highlighted the importance of working together with others, not tearing each other down and not being afraid of failure, saying, “There is only a certain distance that we can go as an individual, but as a group we can accomplish a lot - a small company, a small partnership... In order to accomplish more as a people, we have to trust one another. I think that’s the main thing - to trust one another - in groups or financial organizations, so that we can build businesses and the like... Let’s try to stop pulling one another down... Also, not all businesses are going to be successful - some will fail, but that does not mean that you give up. I’ve had a few that have failed. The key is to keep going, and to keep trying.”

Elite

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

Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera

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pivoting: Addressing the Skills Gap and Labour Market Challenges in the Hospitality Industry

Above: Raquel Turnquest, Education Officer, Family & Consumer Science Education Unit, MOE making a presentation during the virtual webinar organized by the OAS and AHLEI. Touchless menus, QR codes, smiles now concealed by masks and changing protocols are the result of COVID-19 and among factors that are shaping the mindset shift in the hospitality and tourism industry. Raquel Turnquest, Education Officer, Family & Consumer Science Education Unit, Career & Technical Education Section, Ministry of Education (MOE), recently underscored the need for the shift in The Bahamas.

She said, “The labour force needs to adapt to the environment. When you go to a restaurant these days there are touchless menus and QR codes so the employees as well as the patrons need to be up-to-date

with technology and change. Training should be geared to address touchless technology.

“In The Bahamas, we are known for being a friendly people. You can’t really see the smile behind the masks.

We like to hug; that’s something we don’t necessarily do anymore. We have to comply with health protocols which are always changing from week to week, depending on what is actually happening in the country.”

Tourism experts touched on challenges in labor supply and staffing, post pandemic complications emerging in tourism and hospitality businesses, the importance of hospitality/ tourism specific training and how

vocational training can be helpful to grow a multi-skilled workforce during a recent panel discussion.

The virtual webinar, hosted in midJuly, 2021, and jointly organized by the Organization of American States (OAS) in partnership with American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) was designed to introduce new industry-driven and competency-based programs for vocational institutions to assist hospitality and tourism businesses and governments to address the current labour market challenges and skills gap.

Participants were: Carla Portalanza, Tourism Destination Marketing Consultant; Frank Comito, CEO and

DG, Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association; Carol Rose Brown, Director, Jamaica Center of Tourism Innovation; Dr. Shelly-Ann Whitely-Clarke, Analyst, Recruitment and Liaison Services, Jamaica Center of Tourism Innovation; Elizabeth O’Brien, AHLEI, National Restaurant Association Solutions, Academic Markets Product Manager; and Raquel Turnquest.

Richard Campbell, Chief, Office of Tourism, OAS, moderated the event.

To address the skills gap, Ms. Turnquest recommended strengthening of partnerships with the Hospitality and Tourism Studies industry and the Hospitality and Tourism Studies program.

“We need mentoring embedded into our programs, internship opportunities for high school students embedded into our programs, and scholarship opportunities for students who cannot afford to pay for international certifications.

Those students have something to bring to the table.”

Approximately 100 high school students in Hospitality and Tourism Studies received scholarships to gain ALHEI certifications through the OAS in April. “If the students are afforded the opportunity they will step up to the plate. We have scholarship opportunities for college students, internship opportunities for persons away in college, but there are also high school students who need to get constant interaction,” she said.

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How Alcohol Affects Your Kidneys -

A kidney specialist breaks down this problematic relationship

After a night of one too many cocktails or a weekend of drinking too many beers at the beach, you wake up dehydrated with a stitch in your side. Is that pang your kidneys crying “help?”

Drinking alcohol to excess is linked to several health and social problems, including liver disease and an increased risk of some cancers, not to mention risks from drunk driving, depression, alcohol addiction, domestic violence or accidental injuries while intoxicated.

Many people drink more than they realize. When experts talk about one drink, they are talking about one 12-ounce bottle of beer, one glass of wine (5 ounces), or one shot (1.5 ounces) of “hard liquor” (https:// www.kidney.org/atoz/content/alcohol). So heavy drinking is defined as: For women: More than seven drinks per week or more than three drinks in a single day.

For men: More than 14 drinks per week, or more than four drinks in a single day.

The relationship between alcohol and your kidneys is a bit nuanced. Kidney

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specialist Shane A. Bobart, MD, FASN, a nephrologist at Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital in Florida, breaks down this troublesome pairing.

Your kidneys have an important role to fill. They filter waste from your blood, regulate the balance of water and minerals in your body and produce hormones.

When you drink heavily, your kidneys have to work harder to filter out the alcohol.

Binge drinking — five or more drinks within two hours — can raise a person’s blood alcohol to dangerous levels, causing a sudden drop in kidney function called acute kidney injury. This serious condition occurs when toxins from alcohol build up in your blood so fast your kidneys can’t maintain the proper fluid balance. When this happens, dialysis is needed until a person’s kidney function returns to normal.

Acute kidney injury usually goes away in time, but in some cases, it can lead to lasting kidney damage.

Regular, heavy alcohol use can also be harmful to your kidneys over time. According to the National Kidney Foundation (USA), regular heavy drinking can double the risk of chronic kidney disease. The risk is even higher in people who drink heavily and also smoke.

Heavy drinking also has an indirect effect on kidney health. “The body is a big domino set,” says Dr. Bobart. “If you have one part of your body that’s not in balance, it can cause problems in many other parts of the body.”

Drinking heavily can increase the risk of

Bahamas/China

agreement represents a grant of 80 million RMB Yuan, the equivalent of some $12 million in today’s market. During 2019, we signed an agreement for a similar amount.”

Ambassador of China, Her Excellency Dai Qingli, said that this was a great opportunity for both countries. She said that the agreement came at an opportune time for the two countries, which, to date, have enjoyed 24 years of diplomatic relations.

“This agreement will give the Bahamas a further boost to assist in improving infrastructure in the country, including continued work on the national stadium, docks, roads and bridges,” said Ambassador Dai Qingli.

The Chinese government has also given assistance to The Bahamas in the

Above: Chinese Ambassador Her Excellency Dai Qingli stands with Bahamas Minister of Foreign Affairs Darren Henfield. aftermath of Hurricane Dorian and has continued to provide medical support and supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Betty Vedrine (BIS Photo/Kristaan Ingraham)

high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes, for example. These conditions are the most common causes of chronic kidney disease in The Bahamas.

Chronic alcohol use is also a major cause of liver disease.

When your liver isn’t functioning well, it can impair blood flow to your kidneys. “Liver disease can have significant impacts on the kidneys,” says Dr. Bobart.

What is clear is that heavy drinking takes a toll on your organs, kidneys included. “I urge

anyone who has any trouble with alcohol to seek medical help,” says Dr. Bobart. “Doing so is nothing to be ashamed of. We have a lot of avenues to help people, and there are resources out there to get people the help they need.”

Source: Cleveland Clinic Florida

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Edible Eleuthera

-

By: The Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve (LLNPP) Sea Grape Coccoloba uvifera (Common Name: Sea Grape; Scientific Name: Coccoloba uvifera; Family: Polygonaceae) grows as a low small shrub to large trees more than 55 feet tall. Their leaves are arranged alternately,with a distinctly ovate (having an oval outline) shape. The fruit is a drupe that turns reddishpurple at maturity and occurs in large, long clusters. Sea grape trees typically bear fruit in late summer and fall.

Sea grape trees grow along shorelines in coastal coppice habitats as well as Rocky Shores and Dune systems. They occur on all island groupings within the Lucayan Archipelago as well as southern Florida, the Caribbean region, and tropical and subtropical Central and South America. Sea grapes are now grown throughout the world.

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Sea Grape acidic and is used to make jams and jellies as well as wine. The sap has been used to produce a red dye and used in the tanning process. The wood has been used to make boats. Like most jellies, the standard recipe consists of ripe sea grapes, water and sugar which are boiled then reduced.

Culturally, the unique oval pattern holds inspiration for fabrics and textiles and has been seen as part of the décor in some Bahamian restaurants either as a “plate” or coaster. The next time youre driving along a coastal road and you see clusters of ripe sea grapes, its customary to pull over, and eat the juicy grapes straight from the tree.

In the Bahamas, Coccoloba uvifera has medicinal properties but is better known for its edible and cultural properties. It is used in the Bahamas to treat gastrointestinal problems. A drink made from boiling all the parts of the plant together is used to treat diarrhea. The leaves can also be used as a compress for boils. Putting the leaves on a person’s head is said to stop headaches.

The fruit is edible although slightly

Mature fruits, freshly picked

Black throated blue warbler, perched in a Sea Grape TREE - Eleuthera 2021.

Close up of clusters of grapes

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U.S. Donates Police Vehicles valued at $1.1 Million to RBPF

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Minister of National Security the Honourable Marvin Dames represented the government of The Bahamas and thanked the United States for the donation, noting that “we can’t do it alone.

Through partnerships we can do amazing things, and we’re doing it.”

Newly arrived International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Director Bridget Premont at the U.S. Embassy was on hand for the ceremony on behalf of the United States, and Police Commissioner Paul Rolle, and several Senior Executive and Division Commanders also participated in the ceremony on behalf of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Embassy officials commented that despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Embassy and the RBPF persevered to finalize the million-dollar donation, which was two years in the making. “It’s one thing to hand out cash; it’s another thing to have the bureaucratic fortitude to stick with a project and see it through to the end,” noted Chargé Pitts.

These latest vehicle donations, added Embassy officials, exemplify the strong partnership between the United States and The Bahamas and it also compliments the United States’ ongoing support for citizen and border security in the archipelago, following a donation in December 2020 of six Mercury Verado boat engines valued at over $168,000 dollars to the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) Marine Support Services Unit and Bahamas Customs Marine Unit.

(Right to Left) – U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Usha Pitts, Minister of National Security Marvin Dames, RBPF Police Commissioner Paul Rolle, and newly arrived INL Director Bridget Premont survey the 20 Police Interceptors delivered to The Bahamas | July 29, 2021 | Nassau, The Bahamas On July 29th, the United States government formally donated 20 new Ford Police Interceptor hybrid SUVs to assist the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) routine police operations throughout The Bahamas, said the US Embassy. The 20 Interceptors will be utilized in Nassau, Grand Bahama, and the Abacos, and will replenish part of the fleet that was lost during Hurricane Dorian.

These Interceptors — valued at just over $1.1 million dollars — expand on another recent donation of six police vehicles valued at approximately $300,000 dollars that were delivered in February, bringing the value of vehicle donations from the U.S. Embassy in 2021 to about $1.4 million. The 20 vehicles delivered are said to be fuel-efficient hybrid SUVs, helping to reduce fuel costs and

sustain increased police patrols in areas with high crime.

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Usha Pitts spoke on behalf of the U.S. government, noting that “these Ford Interceptors are a wonderful, small example of the friendship between the United States and The Bahamas.”

The State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) provided the funding for the donation after Hurricane Dorian destroyed approximately 100 RBPF vehicles on Grand Bahama and Abaco, significantly hampering routine police operations on those islands. The donation also included a separate package of lights and sirens package, already installed on the vehicles by the RBPF.

3,496 doses of the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccines received from Anguilla and Montserrat ing to coordinate the effort. Also pictured, Nurse The Bahamas received 3,496 doses of the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine, as the result of Ruth Bastian, National Immunization Manager, Ministry of Health; and Sr. Lt. Edward Fritz of the a donation from the British Overseas Territories of Montserrat and Anguilla, with the assistance Royal Bahamas Defence Force. of United Kingdom High Commissioner Sarah Dickson.

“The vaccines are a welcome addition to our current vaccine supplies and will be used to continue the administration of second doses. We express our deep appreciation to the governments and people of Montserrat and Anguilla and the United Kingdom for this muchneeded support,” said Dr. Merceline DahlRegis, chair of the National COVID-19 Vaccine Consultative Committee and special health adviser to the Prime Minister, who received the vaccines on Wednesday, July 21st, 2021 at Jet Nassau FBO at the Lynden Pindling InternaAbove: National COVID-19 Vaccine Consultative Comtional Airport. mittee receives vaccines. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna) Dr. Dahl-Regis also thanked the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) for help-

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Community Care: North Eleuthera Medical Team

hosts virtual Outreach Meeting.

The Ministry of Health’s North Eleuthera Medical Team hosted a virtual public safety community outreach meeting on Thursday evening, July 29th at 6pm, which saw sixty residents across Eleuthera tune in to the informative presentation.

The team took the decision to hold the COVID-19 talk, said one nurse, “to sensitize the public on the topic - due to an alarming increase in the North Eleuthera district in COVID-19 cases.”

Registered Nurse Tien Saunders was the host for the evening, and called on presenters: Bianca Edwards - Nurse-in-Charge North Eleuthera Mainland Clinics, who spoke on “What is COVID-19”; Bridgette Evans - Nurse-in-Charge Spanish Wells and North Eleuthera District talked about “Ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19”; Nicola Kelly - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Spanish Wells presented on “Coping mechanisms and mental health when dealing with COVID-19 and quarantining”; and Nigel Rolle - Asst. Superintendent of Police spoke briefly on fines associated with COVID-19.

In Nurse Evans’ presentation, she shared information on staying safe at home, while going about within the community, and also highlighted how to stay safe in certain situations like at church, at work and others. She also shared procedures for safely quarantining, and discussed incubation periods, quarantine timing policies, and reviewed recovery procedures.

Nurse Kelly, in her discussion on the mental impact of the pandemic and issues in dealing with quarantine, she also shared her own personal experience with the quarantine process. She highlighted the risk of depression and feeling isolated, and emphasized that the medical team was there to help and assist. She warned people not to over-eat, and to be aware of what they were eating, and to stay away from unbalanced, processed and sugar filled foods. She also warned against alcohol use or other drugs to battle things bothering you. She encouraged people to get plenty of rest - stressing the need to get 6-8 hours sleep at night, and to avoid coffee and other high caffeine beverages later than afternoon. In a slew of coping tips, Nurse Kelly advocated that people in quarantine stay as active as possible while at home - advising them to

establish a routine of activities - like setting goals to get organized, clear out, clean up, exercise, or reading a good book. “Take this as time for yourself,” she said. She further encouraged people to maintain a positive attitude, and to remember to reach out to the team if any kind of help was needed.

Two residents, Mrs. Theresa Cash and Arianna Evans, who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past, shared and reflected on their experiences for the benefit of the audience as well.

Dr. Leander Farrington, District Medical Officer for North Eleuthera, was on hand and answered participant questions during a comprehensive question and answer session, and also charged residents to comply with all of the recommended public health safety measures. She stressed the importance of people taking preventative action to protect their health overall by exercising, getting proper rest, having a good, healthy diet - avoiding junk and processed foods and sugars, as well as water intake.

Foods to boost the immune system were also shared, like berries, onion, garlic, ginger, lemon, and many others. During the question and answer session, many topics were discussed.

Most notably, Dr. Farrington highlighted that people being flown out to New Providence, to be hospitalized with COVID-19 had increased during the week leading up to the meeting, and significantly, she shared that her team, when communicating with colleagues in the capital, were being told to only send out the “illest of the ill”. This meant that a number of COVID-19 patients were having to be managed on-island.

When asked about the availability of medicines to treat patients on-island, Dr. Farrington informed that the team was equipped, and that the type of medicine prescribed would depend on the stage of infection and how an individual presented.

As of Thursday, July 29th, the number of people quarantined in North Eleuthera (Mainland, Harbour Island and Spanish Wells) was 208 people, and active COVID-19 cases stood at 58. Three deaths had been recorded. The youngest person to have been tested positive on the island was 8 months old, according to the medical team.

Above: Posters shared during the virtual community outreach meeting with safety advice and tips.

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Eleuthera Student with Osteogenesis Imperfecta Makes it to the Top Ten in the 2021 Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Program (Bright Mind) Tamia Knowles of Palmetto Point, Eleuthera was selected as the nominee for the Emma Cooper Primary School in the 2021 Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Awards Program, and during the national awards program, held on Sunday, July 4th, she was awarded as the 8th Place Finalist, amongst 100 primary schools students from across the country representing their primary schools.

Tamia was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta also known as Brittle Bone, in November 2009.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta is a genetic disorder of the type 1 collagen that affects the quality of bone made by the body. It causes bones to break very easily and can affect other areas of the body such as poor lung development, poor muscle development, dwarfism, bone deformity and scoliosis. Currently there is no cure for OI. She was born with two fractured tibia and a broken collar bone, all broken in the womb which was the indication of her diagnosis.

Tamia was given a prognosis of the possibility of not sitting up on her own, not walking, not being able to go to school, not developing fine motor skills and perhaps even death as many babies born with a severe type of OI don’t live past a few months. There are over 19 types of OI with varying levels of severity. After having a genetic test completed in January 2010 it was confirmed that Tamia had Osteogenesis Imperfecta type 3/4 which is on the moderate/severe side.

Tamia does experience mobility challenges due to severe deformity in her legs as a result of not only the disease which causes severe bone curvature but also having broken both tibia before birth and both femurs during her toddler years. She uses a wheelchair outside of the home to assist.

In 2019 Tamia had rodding surgery to insert metal rods in her tibia and femurs so that the defor-

Above: Tamia Knowles of Emma E. Cooper Primary School. mity in her legs could be improved. This has allowed her to improve her mobility, but the wheelchair is still the safer option at this time. She has however beaten many odds. Tamia was able to successfully attend and complete primary school at The Emma E. Cooper Primary School with the help of the Principal, teachers, support staff and students who all chipped in to ensure that she remained safe.

During her primary school years, she consistently excelled academically maintaining Principal’s List (Over 3.5 GPA) status straight through, participating in District Spelling Bees where she placed 3rd in grade 2 and won 4th and 5th grade spelling bees. She also fell in love with speech competitions, competing in the Religious Knowledge District Speech Competitions in grades 4 and 5, winning both and placing 2nd at The National Religious Knowledge Speech Competition while in 4th grade.

She also served as Treasurer for EarlyAct as well as member of the Writer’s Club, Dance Club, Girl’s Club and Science Club. Tamia always tries to inspire others by volunteering her time to Cancer Society and church events and helping her mom post inspirational content on Mia’s Miracle social media page.

She was recently featured on The Morning Edition with LeDaunne Davis and Charles Fisher which has been the highlight of her summer this year. Tamia loves NFL Football and amazingly knows stats and things about the game that most 11-year-olds and even some adults would not understand. She loves art in many forms and aspires to be an actress one day.

Tamia’s brother, Torri Knowles was also a Finalist in the 2016 Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Awards Program.

Source: Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Foundation

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‘Celebrating Excellence’ - Sharico Farquharson -

Valedictorian - Central Eleuthera High School

In a bit of a flip-flop, compared to 2020’s class, Eleuthera’s Class of 2021 high school graduates saw their first school term upended (rather than the final term) as the pandemic persisted through September and October of 2020 resulting in an all-virtual first term, and only returned to a hybrid of virtual and face-to-face classroom instruction during February of 2021. Despite the challenges, students who focused on their goals were still able to overcome and celebrate a successful 12th grade year.

Rising to the top amongst their peers this year, were the standout achievers at each of the schools, who were awarded as Valedictorians, having maintained the highest academic result in their respective classes.

This month in our ‘Celebrating Our Valedictorians’ series, we highlight Central Eleuthera High School’s, Sharico Farquharson, who in addition to maintaining the top academic position in his class and a spot on the honour roll for successive years, also tucked away 8 BJC’s in 9th grade, as well as 4 BGCSE exams under his belt in 11th grade. Sharico also demonstrated leadership as the Head Boy and finished his 12th grade year as the Top Marine Cadet Corp for the island of Eleuthera.

When asked to share a bit about his experience during this final year, Sharico highlighted that discipline and a special focus on not procrastinating was key, saying, “It was challenging at first, but as time went on, it became easier to manage. I learned to adjust to online learning by being disciplined and committing to a routine of studying and doing assignments during usual school hours. Also, pushing to complete any additional assignments as soon as possible.”

Reflecting back on his junior high and senior high school experience, Sharico shared, “The six years of high school have been a memorable experience.

The highs and lows of studies over the long school years proved to be rather difficult at times, but the rewards of getting recognized every new school year would keep me motivated to continue on a pathway of excellence.”

He continued, “In addition, the lasting friendships developed over the years made it easier as we traversed the school years together. A combination of these led to my successful conclusion.”

The next step in Sharico’s journey is the move into tertiary education. He heads to the University of the Bahamas in September, where he will study Accounting. Sharing a bit about why she had chosen his field of study, Sharico described, “Now that high school is completed I will attend the University of The Bahamas to study accounting.

I was inspired from my love in dealing with numbers and success in my studies in the business stream. I am excited to get the opportunity to spend time helping people manage their money and achieve business goals.”

Asked about where he hoped to be after his undergraduate program was completed, Sharico shared, “After the completion of my undergraduate studies I hope to further my studies to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). On completion I hope to be working as a full-time accountant.”

He also shared some invaluable advice for Eleuthera students still in high school, saying, “For the students that are up-coming I would encourage them to focus on their school work and try to complete all assignments as quickly as possible. Also, avoid getting into trouble, and not completing all your work. Always seek assistance and advice where necessary and remember the importance of always having a positive attitude. The sky is not the limit, it is only a marker.”

For the person that he is today, Sharico lauded and thanked all those who played a

Above: Sharico Farquharson, CEHS Valedictorian.

part. “There are many people that have directly contributed to my success so far. Firstly to my parents who were always my biggest supporters and ensured that I had a learning environment that ensured my success. To my teachers who believed in me and continued to push me to be focused, and encouraged me to strive for excellence. To all of my other family members, and the community at-large that gave their continuous support, I would like to ex-

press my sincere appreciation and gratitude for my accomplishments.”

Understanding the unique blessing to have grown up on Eleuthera, Sharico said that in the future, he hopes to be able to give back, “I hope that someday I can return to Eleuthera and invest in a home and possibly start a business that will contribute to the development of the island.”

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Climate Changes and Island Impacts

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by Cape Eleuthera Institute

CONSERVATION CORNER - We know it’s happening, but why so much conversation about climate change, and what does it mean for Eleuthera? You’ve probably noticed that the North Atlantic hurricane season has gotten considerably more intense since 2016. After Hurricane Matthew, there has been at least one Major Hurricane (categories 3 - 5) almost every year in The Bahamas. The proportion of Major Hurricanes in the Atlantic Hurricane Season will continue to increase because of climate change, a new area of research at The Island School’s Cape Eleuthera Institute (CEI).

Climate change is a difference in long-term global atmospheric conditions. According to earlier studies, the Earth’s climate goes through natural changes every few thousand years. Ice Ages in tropical climates were recorded and investigated in the earlier geologic record. Climate change is a direct result of global warming. Global warming is affected by greenhouse gases, such as Carbon Dioxide, Methane and Nitrous Oxide, acting as a blanket over the Earth used to trap heat in our atmosphere. The greenhouse effect is imperative for maintaining life on this planet as greenhouse gases trap heat from the Earth and re-radiate back to Earth. With this process, some of the trapped heat should escape to outer space. As more gas emissions collect in the atmosphere, more heat is trapped in the greenhouse blanket and radiated back on Earth rather than back to outer space. As a result, global temperatures increase.

With the rise in global temperatures, Bahamians can expect pivotal changes in our physical and social environments. Our oceans and fisheries are changing because as air temperatures increase, sea surface and ocean temperatures also rise. The ocean also is a sink for carbon emissions, making it more acidic as well as hot. As a result of these changes, marine life suffers: more corals are bleaching due to heat increases, and crustaceans and shellfish are affected by the acidity change of their environment. Many of us in the islands have begun to notice these changes linked to climate change. There are also instances where aquatic animals move to cooler regions with the increased temperatures or die from the heat and lack of oxygen. Additionally, with the ocean temperatures rising, the ocean’s layers also become more fixed, affecting how nutrients travel to and from different ocean basins and changing weather patterns at the surface.

With hotter oceans and air come hotter nights and longer summers on all Caribbean land.

This phenomenon is already happening and will continue into the end of the century if left unchecked. With more moisture in the atmosphere due to higher evaporation rates, we expect more droughts, more intense precipitation and more extreme hurricane formation in the Caribbean. With increasing temperatures, we expect detrimental effects on human health (more heat strokes, random diseases, etc.) and economic stability (less tourism). Sadly, we cannot stop climate change.

Annual ocean heat content compared to the 1993 average from 1993-2019 With emissions already in the atmosphere, the goal of climate scientists now is not to reverse the increase of greenhouse gases but to slow down the change in climate by limiting the number of emissions released into the atmosphere. At CEI, we study changes in large-scale environmental factors, such as sea surface temperature, that affect hurricane formation and future development.

Annual ocean heat content compared to the 1993 average from 1993-2019, based on multiple data sets: surface to depths of 700 meters (2,300 feet) in shades of red, orange, and yellow; from 700-2,000 meters (6,650 feet) in shades of green and blue; and below 6,650 feet (2,000 meters) as a gray wedge. Graph by NOAA Climate.gov, adapted from Figure 3.6 in State of the Climate in 2019.

See original figure for details about data sources and uncertainty. (https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/climate-change-ocean-heat-content) While we can’t stop climate change altogether, we can decrease our emission outputs to slow it down. Mitigation efforts work when people can live in a world that is more sustainable and adaptable, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) Shared Socioeconomic Pathway 1 (SSP1). Attaining a sustainable world would be a global and national effort to mitigate and adapt to the changing climate. So what does a more sustainable world look like for The Bahamas? According to SSP1, that calls for more land conservation and introducing environmentally inclusive development while pushing for greener technologies and renewable energy. We also invest in education and health as the world’s resources are more commonly shared. With environmental policy kept in mind, the economic policy focuses more on human wellness and inequality is addressed within and across nations.

For Bahamians, that could mean following and helping with conservation efforts, cleaning beaches to stop plastic pollution, reducing plastic consumption and finding more green alternatives. It means challenging our individual and collective consumption and

carbon footprint. It may require putting more effort into shopping and manufacturing local and sustainable products. In adaptation efforts, we must become more creative and resilient with architecture and building. It also requires constant mindfulness that extreme weather conditions are likely and to increase education on this. It will take collective global, national and community efforts to mitigate emissions and to adapt to the new challenges that we will face under climate change.

For more information, please read the brief on climate change and The Bahamas (here) published by CEI in partnership with the University of The Bahamas Climate Change Adaptation & Resilience Research Centre (CCARR).

Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas Post Dorian -Dante CarrerReuters

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Blossoming Start: One Eleuthera Farmers Market

Above and Below: Hearty selection of organic produce, freshly harvested from the CTI farm along with in-season crops by other community farmers.

One Eleuthera Foundation’s (OEF) new farmers market is off to a blossoming start. This exciting new addition to the CTI campus at Rock Sound was launched on June 12th and provides the local community with a one-stop-shop for an abundance of fresh, from-the-farm produce and many authentically made Bahamian products, food items, gifts, art and crafts.

Dubbed “We Farmers Market,” this bi-monthly event is held the second and last Saturday of every month from 8am to 4pm. It has lived up to its name attracting a steadily growing group of vendors including local farmers, entrepreneurs, product manufacturers and artisans committed to making the market a phenomenal success.

At each event you can expect to find a healthy and hearty selection of organic produce, freshly harvested from the CTI farm along with in-season crops brought to market by other community farmers. Locally grown offerings include, but are not limited to, fresh spinach and an assortment of lettuces, egg plants, hot peppers, a variety of mangoes, sugar apples, sweet pineapples, cage-free eggs by the dozen, plus more! Aromatic and flavorful, homegrown herbs like fresh basil, thyme, dill, chives, fennel, and lemon grass can also be found here.

While perusing, you’ll also find delicious des-

serts and baked goods, locally-inspired hot and cold teas, freshly squeezed fruit juices, handcrafted jewelry and straw work, hand-poured medicinal soaps and organic body products, authentic craft and straw items, original paintings, and even composted soil!

Residents and tourists alike have delighted in the pleasing array of unique products and the market’s free flowing set up. Guests are required to follow COVID-19 safety protocols but are able to move freely and comfortably between the open-air farmers market building (main area) and additional vendor stations neatly organized under tents in the surrounding outdoor space.

The farmers market is one of several OEF initiatives debuting this summer designed to support and engage the local community, providing access to the CTI campus and beneficial programming based on community needs.

To find out more about becoming a vendor at the farmers market email: cerceliathompson@ oneeleuthera.org or call 242-334-4700

Bahamas Receives Medical Supplies from China

Now Open

10am to 5pm Mon. to Fri.

On behalf of The Government of The Bahamas, the Hon. Renward Wells Minister of Health, accepted a sixth batch of medical supplies, worth $78,000 - a gift of the Chinese Government.

What was described as the “biggest and highest value” batch of medical supplies delivered by the People’s Republic of China to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas was handed over by Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas, Her Excellency Dai Qingli, during a brief ceremony on July 28th, 2021 at the Ministry of Health (MOH), Meeting Street.

Senior executives including Acting Perma-

nent Secretary Siobhan Deane of the MOH and officials of the Chinese Embassy witnessed the presentation.

The items comprised 10,000 Tuberculin syringes, 3,000 sets of coveralls of various sizes, 10,000 pairs of Nitrile gloves, 30,000 N95 facemasks, and 100,000 medical facemasks.

Minister Wells underscored that the donation was “most timely” and assured that the items would go a “very, very, very long way”, especially during the “challenging” period that the nation is presently experiencing. “Your country has been most gracious and generous to have given The Bahamas P31 such a needed supply at our most

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Rock Sound Dock

on/roll off (ro/ro) ramp; Dredging of the seabed to the area in the front of dock wall; Installation of bollards, cleats, fendering systems and solar lights in the dock area.

Fisherman Boat Dock • Construction of a new 12 foot wide by 220 foot long timber dock; • Concrete repairs to the

•

concrete approach side walls and slab surface to the timber dock; and the Construction of timber gazebo shed and fish cleaning station.

The expanded modern facility will provide the settlement of Rock Sound with a dock that will service the local community for many years to come, said Minnis, who noted that the M/V Daybreak mail boat had been unable to call on Rock Sound for more than 15 years due to

Above: Eleuthera Royal Youth Corps performing during the dock opening ceremony.

Above: Bahamas Daybreak’s Roll on Roll off vessel now able to visit the dock in Rock Sound.

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the poor state of the government dock.

“Modern infrastructure like docks, roads, airports, clinics and other facilities are vital for Family Island development,” said the Prime Minister. “This includes infrastructure that will help to boost economic growth.”

The newly formed Eleu-

thera Royal Youth Corps, also had the opportunity to showcase their sharp new uniforms, and newly acquired drilling and marching skills at the opening - after not being allowed to perform during the muted 48th Independence weekend, as a result of pandemic protocols.

China Med Supplies

vulnerable time and we are most appreciative and grateful for the kind and thoughtful gesture,” said Minister Wells.

He remarked that The Bahamas has benefitted greatly from the economic cooperation, trade, investment, cultural exchanges and bilateral support from The People’s Republic of China to The Bahamas.

“Your visit comes at a time when we are experiencing some new emerging challenges and threats brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“On Sunday, July 25th, 2021, we experienced the most cases of COVID-19 in The Bahamas, some 133 cases in a single day [this number was surpassed on Friday, July 30th, with 162 cases reported in a single day]. Moreover, as a Small Island Developing State, such surges in cases are a real challenge to a country like The Bahamas.

“Currently, The Bahamas is experiencing its third wave of COVID-19 infections. What is noteworthy about this period is that hospitalizations have increased exponentially. Due to COVID-19 exposures on six wards of our public hospital, bed spaces were closed to new admissions. The bed capacity was reduced by 96 so that only 32 beds were being used for COVID-19 patients. As a result, Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) has had to establish strict measures to deal with the increasing COVID-19 cases.

“Our nurses, doctors, emergency medical services and other essential health care workers continue to work hard.

Currently, many of our nurses, however, especially those who are trained to treat COVID-19 patients have migrated to countries that can provide them with higher compensation rates.

“With assistance from the Pan American Health Organization, we received the results of samples that were genetically sequenced from the Fiocruz Laboratory in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We were recently able to confirm the presence of the UK and Iota variants in the country. This causes further concern from the Government.”

Additionally, Minister Wells said during this period The Bahamas has seen an increased number of deaths, which has resulted in space challenges at the morgue.

He informed of the continued challenge of vaccine hesitancy in the general populace and that health care workers are not inclined to take the vaccine.

He urged citizens and residents to become vaccinated.

In response, Ambassador Dai said although both countries cannot be more different in size, population and national conditions, they have forged a “sincere” friendship over the years. She said the supplies were a “solid” demonstration of this friendship.

“The pandemic is a common enemy for all humanity. Faced with its fero-

Above: Chinese Ambassador Her Excellency Dai Qingli and Minister of Health Hon. Renward Wells cious assault, our two countries have shown each other solidarity and mutual assistance. The supplies have hopefully arrived at a timely moment.

“Affected by the global rise in cases due to the Delta variant, The Bahamas is also seeing an uptick in infections and the frontline medical workers are facing growing pressure. We know how this feels as we went through this difficult phase.

“Like their counterparts around the world, the heroism and sacrifice of frontline medical workers in The

Bahamas are truly admirable and reflect the best of this nation.”

Ambassador Dai pledged her country’s continued support and wished The Bahamas all the best in the fight of the pandemic and resumption of economic growth.

Source: Bahamas Information Services Written By Kathryn Campbell (BIS Photos/Kristaan Ingraham)

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Summer: Haynes Library hosts fun camps full of new learning experiences The Haynes Library in Governor’s Harbour, embraced the notion of school being out, and welcomed a summer of new learning experiences for children in the area by offering a variety of summer camp experiences during the month of July 2021.

The fun began with a hands-on two-day art workshop, held on July 19th and 20th, facilitated

by Margherita Matera - a trained Art Educator.

The workshop, dubbed ‘Let your colours make some noise’, welcomed children aged 7 and up, and focused on exploring materials and creating new and different types of media, experimenting with colours, lines, shapes and designs to inspire creativity.

The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) then hosted their three-day BREEF Sea Camp 2021, themed “Ocean Protectors - Safeguarding Our Oceans and Ourselves” from July 21st to 23rd at the library, welcoming children from ages 8 to 14. Over the three-day sea and beach adventure, children taking part experienced hands-on learning in the water, snorkeling and discovering the world beneath the waves, along the bay in Governor’s Harbour.

Day one saw the campers learning how to be ‘Ocean Protectors’ and good stewards of our marine environment. Activities included a beach cleanup, a practice session of throwing assist rescues, and a discussion of self-preservation and water safety. BESS - Bahamas Environmental Steward Scholars programme scholar, Tonia Ferguson, taught how to make reusable bags, and Mallory Raphael taught the children how to identify fish.

The next day campers snorkeled around Governor’s Harbour - sighting silversides, grunts, blue tangs, starfish, urchins and seagrasses. They also learned about threats to coral reefs, including changes in climate and coral bleaching. A superlong hour and a half snorkel adventure on July 23rd, which took the Sea campers from French Leave to the Haynes Library wrapped up the BREEF Eleuthera Sea Camp, and saw the young snorkelers expand their comfort zones, as well as their abilities.

Throwing assists lessons at Sea camp.

Makai and Joshua snorkeling with BREEF

Beach cleanup fun on day one of the Sea camp adventure at the Haynes with BREEF.

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Above: BREEF Sea campers embark on their snorkeling adventure.

Learning how to make your own reusable bag.

Above and Below: Art campers engage in hands-on-learning activities and projects.

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BahamaHost’s Got Heart: Virtual Graduation of 760 Participants Nationwide On Thursday,July 29th, the Ministry of Tourism & Aviation hosted a grand virtual ceremony to mark the graduation of a total of 760 tourism professionals from BahamaHost, its signature industry training program. Held under the theme, “The People’s BahamaHost: Heart, Community, Empowerment,” the ceremony was aired via Zoom and Facebook at 7 p.m. from the Ballroom of the Courtyard Marriott Hotel, West Bay Street.

BahamaHost Graduates hailed from six islands: New Providence, Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, Andros, Exuma and Long Island. The Minister of Tourism & Aviation, the Honourable Dionisio D’Aguilar, was the keynote speaker, and remarks were also brought by Captain Shonedel Pinder, Deputy Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.

During the months following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, staff of the Ministry’s Industry Training Department, which administers the Bahamahost Program, conducted a comprehensive review of the industry training program, adapting the content of the program’s modules to meet the demands of the nation’s tourism industry in recovery.

Director of Industry Training, Mr. Kirkland Pratt, said, “Hospitality and service delivery have always been key components of The Bahamas tourism product. As we seek to recover our industry from the impact of the pandemic, hospitality and service delivery will become even more critical. Training is the tool that ensures that hospitality and service delivery meet the standard of excellence.”

“Between March and June of 2021,” continued Director Pratt, “we facilitated BahamaHost training sessions across six islands, registering a broad spectrum of tourism ambassadors, from hair braiders on the beaches, to hotel boardroom executives.

We have seen an overwhelming enthusiasm among participants to go back to the industry with sharpened customer service skills.”

The graduation theme, “The People’s BahamaHost: Heart, Community, Empowerment” was selected to convey the Industry Training’s Department’s recognition of the need to empathize with and connect to the hearts of its customers.

Director Pratt noted, “In our constant desire to empower our community, we have offered a number of sessions at no cost to participants to ensure that the entire industry is prepared for the long-awaited return of our guests and the rebound of our nation’s number one industry.”

The number of graduates by island were as follows: New Providence (143 participants), Grand Bahama (266), Eleuthera (226), Andros (65), Exuma (22) and Long Island (35). The 226 Eleuthera graduates were participants from 7 different sessions held on the island, facilitated by Ministry of Tourism Trainer, Mrs. Deborah Young-Fox. The most outstanding student from each Eleu-

thera session was awarded with the ‘Lionel Elliot Award’ - for great communication skills, teamwork, leadership, integrity and passion for the tourism industry.

Eleuthera’s top seven graduates who received the ‘Lionel Elliot Award’ included: Anya Martin, Carmelita Nixon, Ellis Miller, Etta Noel, Leon Miller, Ricardo Dean Sr., and Tavaris Bonaby.

Tavaris Bonaby was also chosen to give a brief presentation on his BahamaHost experience. Notably, he highlighted that he was originally ‘on the fence’ about doing the course, however, after going through the session, he was very glad that he did, and encouraged every Bahamian to enroll.

The virtual graduation ceremony was streamed live from the ballroom at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel on July 29th at 7 pm and included a limited audience, with a virtual telecast. This was the third interisland BahamaHost Graduation Ceremony since the sessions would have started being facilitated virtually.

BahamaHost sessions typically run for 4 – 6 weeks. Sessions are now open. Tourism industry professionals from all sectors are invited to register for courses. Visit the website https://www.tourismtoday.com/industry-training or call 1(242)397-2441 for more information. You may also email dbalfour@ bahamas.com with your inquiries.

-------About Bahamahost BahamaHost is a certified course designed to establish a culture of service excellence and professionalism which results in delightful guest experiences, repeat business and global recognition. BahamaHost is a national training program facilitated by the Industry Training Department within the Industry Facilitation Division which falls under the umbrella of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation. The program was established in 1978 and has, over the past 40 plus years, graduated over 50,000 tourism professionals throughout The Bahamas.

Source: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation Industry Training Department

Above: Eleuthera’s ‘Lionel Elliot Award’ recipients.

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New health measures affect travel and adds evening curfew for Eleuthera gious facility is limited to 33 percent.

• Funeral and cremation services are prohibited indoors; funeral or burial services are permitted at the graveside only. Cremation services are permitted outdoors and are limited to one hour.

Burial and funeral services are limited to 30 people, excluding the officiant and funeral home workers.

Repasts are not permitted.

A 10pm to 5am daily curfew took effect on Monday, July 26th, 2021 for the islands of New Providence, Grand Bahama and North and South Eleuthera, including Harbour Island.

The curfew, as announced by the Office of the Prime Minister, was said to be part of a series of new health measures put in place to help slow and control the spread of COVID-19. All new health measures took effect on Monday, July 26th.

RT PCR testing is now required for travelers who are not fully vaccinated for travel from New Providence, Grand Bahama and North and South Eleuthera, including Harbour Island.

On New Providence and Grand Bahama, the following took effect: • Religious worship services are limited to one hour and must be conducted in accordance with Bahamas Christian Council health guidelines approved by the Ministry of Health. Capacity of reli-

• Weddings are limited to 30 people and may be held indoors or outdoors. Wedding receptions are permitted provided they are held outdoors and are limited to 30 people.

• As it relates to recreational and sporting actives: Exercise groups are limited to 10 people; recreational sporting activity is not permitted; professional athletes are permitted to train; groups gathering on beaches and parks are limited to 5 people; summer camps and associated activities are prohibited; and gyms and movie theaters are limited to 33 percent occupancy.

• Outdoor dining and takeaway services may continue at restaurants. Indoor dining may continue provided that all persons are fully vaccinated, and capacity of indoor area is limited to 33 percent; loitering in groups outside of restaurants and Fish Frys is prohibited. These restrictions do not apply to hotel properties.

Bahamian Fishermen Brought in

by RBDF for Fishing Violations

Bahamian fishing vessel arriving in the capital July 31, 2021, after the crew and vessel were apprehended in the Exuma chain earlier in the day for fishery violations. (RBDF Photo by Petty Officer Deon Demeritte)

• Spas are not permitted to operate, including for massages, waxing, threading and facials.

• For all islands of The Bahamas, social gatherings and persons carrying out political campaigning are limited to groups of 5 people provided that all persons are fully vaccinated.

Please note that the operation of a bar, night club and any cultural or entertainment facility remains prohibited.

Read the complete Emergency Powers (COVID 19 Pandemic) (Management and Recovery) (No.2) (Amendment) (No. 4) Order - by visiting the following link online (http://eleutheranews. com/?p=23884). Links are also available online at website: opm.gov.bs.

Source: Office of the Prime Minister, Commonwealth of The Bahamas

Updates at www.EleutheraNews.com

Four fishermen were brought into the capital after they were apprehended for a fishery violation by members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force in the Exuma cays.

While on routine patrol Saturday afternoon, July 31st, 2021, Defence Force patrol craft P-45, coxswained by Chief Petty Officer Wayde Watson, boarded and searched a Bahamian registered fishing vessel named “Lady J”, approximately one nautical mile south east of Beacon Cay. Further investigation uncovered the use of illegal fishing apparatus to obtain fishery products namely, a diving compressor, which is in contravention of the fishing regulations.

The vessel and crew were escorted into the capital late Saturday night and turned over to the relevant authorities for further investigations.

This is the third apprehension within the past month, by members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force for fisheries violations. Four American residents were brought in for questioning on July 23rd, 2021, after they were apprehended four nautical miles northwest of Bimini for fisheries violations, and on June 30th, 2021, eleven Bahamian fishermen were apprehended after being in possession of illegal fishing apparatus.

Fishermen are advised to exercise caution and adhere to the fishing regulations while on the seas. The Royal Bahamas Defence Force stated that they continue to monitor the territorial waters of The Bahamas.

Source: Royal Bahamas Defence Force

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July/Aug, 2021

Roll Back - PM reverses testing policy for vaccinated travellers amidst surge in Covid 19 cases New testing requirements for international and domestic travel The Office of the Prime Minister has advised that, effective Friday, August 6th, 2021, those persons applying for a travel health visa to enter The Bahamas or travel within The Bahamas will be subjected to the following new testing requirements: Entering The Bahamas Vaccinated Travelers All fully vaccinated travelers wishing to enter The Bahamas will now be required to obtain a COVID-19 test (Rapid Antigen Test or PCR), with a negative result, within five days of arrival in The Bahamas.

Unvaccinated Travelers There are no changes to the testing requirements for unvaccinated persons wishing to enter The Bahamas. All persons, who are 12 years and older and

who are unvaccinated, will still be required to obtain a PCR test taken within five days of arrival in The Bahamas.

(Rapid Antigen Test or PCR), with a negative result, within five days of the travel date from the following islands: New Providence, Grand Bahama, Bimini, Exuma, Abaco and North and South Eleuthera, including Harbour Island.

Children and Infants All children, between the ages of 2 and 11, wishing to enter The Bahamas will now be required to obtain a COVID-19 test (Rapid Antigen Test or PCR), Unvaccinated Travelers For unvaccinated persons with a negative result, within five days of wishing to travel within The Bahaarrival in The Bahamas. mas, all persons, who are 12 years and older and who are unvacciAll children, under the age of 2, are nated, will still be required to obtain exempt from any testing requirements. a PCR test taken within five days of the travel date. This now applies Cruise Passengers All travelers, entering The Bahamas to travel from the following islands: on a cruise ship, will be subjected to the New Providence, Grand Bahama, Bimini, Exuma, Abaco and North testing requirements mandated by the cruise line and approved by the Compe- and South Eleuthera, including Harbour Island. tent Authority.

Traveling within The Bahamas Vaccinated Travelers All fully vaccinated travelers wishing to travel within The Bahamas, will now be required to obtain a COVID-19 test

(Rapid Antigen Test or PCR), with a negative result, within five days of the travel date from the following islands: New Providence, Grand Bahama, Bimini, Exuma, Abaco and North and South Eleuthera, including Harbour Island.

All children, under the age of 2, are exempt from any testing requirements.

Domestic travel health visa fees will be waived for all Bahamians and residents traveling within The Bahamas.

Source:Office of the Prime Minister, Commonwealth of The Bahamas - August 2nd, 2021

Children and Infants All children, between the ages of 2 and 11, wishing to travel within The Bahamas will now be required to obtain a COVID-19 test

It’s alive! Soil

is much more than you think

(FAO News Release) - When we go about our daily routines, most of us are unaware that beneath our feet lies an outstandingly diverse community of plants, animals and microbes that makes up our soils. Soils are more than just “dirt” – they are a major reservoir of global biodiversity, supporting agriculture and food security, regulating greenhouse gas emissions and promoting plant, animal and human health. Without them our world would not be the same.

We have taken soils for granted for long

enough. Let us keep soil alive and protect soil biodiversity!

Here are only some of the reasons why we need to take action: Soils are a reservoir of biodiversity.

Soils house underground communities. There are more living organisms in a tablespoon of soil than there are people on Earth. Healthy, biodiverse soil includes the vertebrates,

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COVID-19 pandemic leads to major backsliding on childhood vaccinations, new WHO, UNICEF data shows (23 million children missed out on basic childhood vaccines through routine health services in 2020, the highest number since 2009 and 3.7 million more than in 2019. In the Americas, vaccination coverage continues to fall.)

23 million children missed out on basic vaccines through routine immunization services in 2020 – 3.7 million more than in 2019 - according to official data published on July 15th, 2021 by WHO and UNICEF. This latest set of comprehensive worldwide childhood immunization figures, the first official figures to reflect global service disruptions due to COVID-19, show a majority of countries last year

experienced drops in childhood vaccination rates.

Concerningly, most of these – up to 17 million children – likely did not receive a single vaccine during the year, widening already immense inequities in vaccine access. Most of these children live in communities affected by conflict, in under-served remote places, or in informal or slum settings where they face multiple deprivations including limited access to basic health and key social services.

“Even as countries clamour to get their hands on COVID-19 vaccines, we have gone backwards on other vaccinations, leaving children at risk from devastating but preventable diseases like measles, polio or meningitis,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom

Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

“Multiple disease outbreaks would be catastrophic for communities and health systems already battling COVID-19, making it more urgent than ever to invest in childhood vaccination and ensure every child is reached.”

In all regions, rising numbers of children miss vital first vaccine doses in 2020; millions more miss later vaccines Disruptions in immunization services were widespread in 2020, with the WHO Southeast Asian and Eastern Mediterranean Regions most affected. As access to health services and immunization outreach were curtailed, the number of children not receiving even their very first

vaccinations increased in all regions.

As compared with 2019, 3.5 million more children missed their first dose of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine (DTP-1) while 3 million more children missed their first measles dose.

“This evidence should be a clear warning – the COVID-19 pandemic and related disruptions cost us valuable ground we cannot afford to lose – and the consequences will be paid in the lives and wellbeing of the most vulnerable,” said Henrietta Fore, UNICEF Executive Director. “Even before the pandemic, there were worrying signs that we were beginning to lose ground in the fight to immunize children against P40 preventable child illness,

We need to keep soils healthy and diverse.

Soil biodiversity is under threat. Some unsustainable farming practices, including tillage and misuse of agro-chemicals, the effects of climate change and soil pollution are just a few of the things that can have adverse consequences for the health and biodiversity of soils.

Land use change, unsustainable soil management practices, soil sealing, pollution and increased fire frequency can damage soil biodiversity and its functions beyond repair. Some ecosystems may never recover. We need to focus on preserving our soils before it reaches this stage. invertebrates, viruses, bacteria, Page. 36 fungi and plants that provide a multitude of ecosystem functions and services that benefit everyone and everything. In fact, soils are home to more than 25 percent of our planet’s biodiversity. This diverse community of living organisms within them keep soils healthy and fertile. The whole world of creatures in the soil feed and protect plants and they, in return, nurture the soil.

Soil biodiversity is essential for our food.

Soils are essential for our food systems. In fact, it is estimated that 95 percent of our food is directly or indirectly produced in our soils.

Healthy, biodiverse soils allow us to grow a variety of vegetables and plants needed for good human nutrition. The organisms in soil make nutrients available for plants. Nutrition depends on the availability and balance of nutrients in edible parts of plants, which depends on the presence of these in the soil. Therefore, the more biodiverse the soil is, the more nutritious our food is.

Soil biodiversity is necessary for our health.

Soil biodiversity is an important source of the

chemical and genetic resources that are needed for the development of new medicines. Soil microorganisms are used to produce antibiotics. For example penicillin, one of the most used antibiotics worldwide, originally comes from a small fungus living in the soil. Research on healthy soils can help us not only better understand microorganisms’ role in the ecosystems but also how they can be used to improve food safety and keep pests and diseases under control. Studies also show that exposing children to microorganisms in healthy soils can improve their resilience to diseases and prevent health problems such as allergies, asthma, autoimmune diseases and depression.

Soil biodiversity helps us breathe and fight climate change.

Soil organisms have the ability to break down or clean up certain types of pollution. For example, they can decompose some organic pollutants and convert them into non-toxic substances.

Not only that, but soils are an essential part of the carbon cycle. Healthy soils provide the largest store of carbon on earth. They can help regulate air quality and greenhouse gas emissions through carbon sequestration, which cleans air for us to breathe.

We can help protect soil biodiversity.

Sustainable soil management, tailored to the type of soil and its use, is an integral part of protecting soil biodiversity.

Some of these practices are simple, for example, avoiding the removal of vegetation from the soil cover, maintaining crop diversity, avoiding monocultures, composting and using natural shelters, such as hedges, to help prevent the erosive effects of wind and water on large fields.

Others are more complex. Crop rotation or agroforestry, for example, can mitigate climate change by reducing emissions and storing carbon in plant biomass and soils.

We rely heavily on soils for everything we do.

They are the basis for food, feed, fuel and lie at the heart of many ecosystems. Fighting loss of soil biodiversity is key to global food security and the achievement of more than half of the Sustainable Development Goals. Soils are a highly valuable natural resource - but we must remember that they are also finite. This means that when soil degrades, it is not recoverable within a human lifespan. Sustainability is key. Let’s start making soil health and biodiversity a priority.

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Select police reports, shared by the RBPF locally Stealing Reported On Tuesday 22nd June 2021, at about 4:35pm, an adult female reported to the North Eleuthera Police S Arrest reference to Possession of Dangerous Drugs On Wednesday 21st July 2021, sometime around 12:45 pm, Officers came in at the G.H.P.S. with an adult male under arrest reference to Possession of Dangerous Drugs and reports that he was arrested and cautioned after he was observed dropping a brown cigarette which contained a small quantity of suspected marijuana. The suspect was processed and charged with Possession of Dangerous Drugs.

Shop Breaking and Stealing Reported: On Saturday 17th July 2021 at 12:10 pm, an adult female reported to Harbour Island Police that sometime on the 16-7-21 at 9:30 pm and the 17-7-21 at 11:30 am, some unknown person/persons broke into her business establishment and stole an assorted amount of Kalik Beers valued at $5.00 each. Entry and exit were on the Southside of the building facing the fisherman’s Dock she has no suspects at this time. Police Action Requested. As a result of investigations into this matter, an adult male was arrested and charged with Shop Breaking & Stealing.

Arrest (Possession of Dangerous Drugs with Intent to Supply): On Sunday the 11th July 2021, sometime around 5:00 pm, officers acting on information received, and armed with a search warrant reference to dangerous drugs and firearms, proceeded to the residence of an adult male situated in Waterford, Eleuthera.

On arrival, the officers knocked at the residence’s front door and verbally announced themselves as Police Officers. On doing so, the officers heard a loud rumbling sound coming from the inside of the home. After a number of attempts, a male was observed attempting to exit one of the two front doors. As a result, he was quickly subdued, and upon making entry, the officers observed a silver foil wrap on the bed, which contained a grassy substance suspected to be marijuana.

The suspect was arrested and cautioned in reference to Possession of Dangerous Drugs. Officers also proceeded into the ceiling, where they discovered (3) clear plastics containing a quantity of suspected marijuana and (1) clear plastic bag containing (5) silver foil wraps, each containing a quantity of suspected marijuana. The suspect was further cautioned for possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply. A further search of the residence also revealed a clear plastic bag with suspected marijuana seeds found

inside the window sill. The suspect was processed and later charged with that offence.

Arson/House Breaking On Saturday 10th July 2021, at about 8:55 pm, Officers discovered the scene of what appeared to be a structural fire situated on Queen’s Highway at a residence located in Eleuthera Island Shores.

They further informed that on arrival to the scene, they met a two (2) story concrete structure residence ablaze along with a Hyundai Sidekick Jeep L/P # EL7753. The home is believed to be that of a winter residence. An enquiry into this matter continues.

Arrest(Possession Of Dangerous Drugs): On Friday, 09/07/21, sometime around 6:30 pm, the crew Officers, while on special patrols along Queen’s Highway, Gregory Town, observed a male standing next to a Brown Jeep Cherokee Laredo. Upon seeing the officers, this male fled to the rear of the mentioned establishment and quickly returned upon the officers exiting the vehicle. A search of the suspect was conducted along with the jeep and a quantity of suspected marijuana was found in the cigarette ashtray. As a result, the suspect was arrested and cautioned for Possession of Dangerous Drugs.

The suspect was processed and charged with that offence.

Drug Arrest: At about 10:25 am on Thursday 8th July 2021, Officers came in at the Governor’s Habour Police Station with an adult male reported arresting and cautioning the suspect at about 10:10 am on the same date at Queens Highway Palmetto Point reference to Possession of Dangerous Drugs. The suspect appeared well and without complaints. The suspect was processed and charged.

Arrest: Possession Of Dangerous Drugs- On Thursday 8th July 2021, sometime around 10:10 pm, Officers, while conducting a joint operation in the area of Queens Highway, Palmetto Point, conducted a stop of a grey 2000 Honda Accord, which was being driven by a male, while speaking with the suspect the officers smelt an order suspected to be marijuana. The suspect was informed of the officer’s suspicion, and a search was conducted in reference to dangerous drugs. A search was conducted of the suspect, and while searching his front right pants pocket, the officers retrieved a Rothman cigarette pack containing a brown, partially smoked a marijuana cigarette. As a result, the suspect was arrested and cautioned reference to the possession of dangerous drugs. A search was also conducted of the suspect’s vehicle. While searching a green plastic bag, which was observed resting

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on the front passenger seat, the officers found a green and white Grabba Leaf pack, which contained a blue grinder with marijuana residue and a clear plastic baggie containing suspected marijuana. The officers also found a blue, black and yellow pipe and (2) scissors. The suspect was shown the items and taken to the Governor’s Harbor Police Station, where he was processed and charged with that offence.

Arrest Possession Of Dangerous Drugs On Thursday, 08/07/21, sometime around 2:10 pm, officers, while on enquiries in the area of Seaside Road, Hatchet Bay, reported stopping and searching an adult male reference to dangerous drugs and firearms. As a result, of the search, a quantity of suspected marijuana was found on the suspect; he was arrested and cautioned.

He was later transported to the Governor’s Harbour Police Station for further investigation, where he was processed and charged.

Stealing Report: On Thursday 8/7/21, sometime around 1:00 pm complainant an adult female to the Harbour Island Police Station that sometime between 29th June 2021 and 7th July 2021. Some unknown persons stole $6,000 in Canadian currency in hundred dollar bills, which value about $4,787 in U.S. currency. The same was moved from her suitcase, which she left under the kitchen cabinet in the apartment. Police action is requested. This matter is under active investigation.

Arrest ref. Possession of Dangerous Drugs On Tuesday 6th July 2021, sometime around 1:30 pm, Officers, while on mobile patrol on South Street Spanish Wells, observed an adult male walking east on South Street. He was then seen putting something into bushes as he sat along the side of the road. Officers were able to recover a small amount of suspected marijuana from the ground around the tree. As a result, the suspect was placed under arrest reference to possession of dangerous drugs. He was then transported to Spanish Wells Police Station, where he was processed and charged.

Police Contact Numbers

HeadQuarters (GH) 332-3500

Governor’s Harbour 332-2111 OR 332-2117 O/C Governor’s Harbour 332-2723 Gov.Harb. Airport Station 332-2323 Deep Creek Station 334-8207 Tarpum Bay Station 334-4033 Rock Sound Station 334-2244 Rock Sound Sgt. Office 334-2212 Rock Sound Airport Stn 334-2052 L. Bogue Station (Airport) 335-1208 Harbour Island Station 333-2111 O/C Harbour Island 333-2327 Spanish Wells Station 333-4030 Gregory Town Station 335-5322 Hatchet Bay Station 335-0086

Status of COVID-19 in Eleuthera (First

week in August) | Almost 300 in Quarantine Minister of Health, Renward Wells, during his presentation at a press conference hosted by the Ministry of Health hosted on Friday afternoon, July 23rd, 2021, announced a number of new measures in response to the uptick in COVID-19 hospitalizations and cases across the Bahamas during recent weeks.

While New Providence remained the epicenter of cases and hospitalizations, along with Grand Bahama, a number of Family Islands were also highlighted as being a concern for health authorities, with a close eye being kept on growing case numbers including Eleuthera.

Dr. Jillian Bartlett, Senior Medical Officer with responsibility for Family Islands, shared on August 4th, 2021, Eleuthera had a total of 90 active cases on island (2 in Spanish Wells, 13 in North Eleuthera, 34 in Harbour Island, 33 in Central Eleuthera, and 8 in South Eleuthera).

294 people in Eleuthera were said to be in quarantine (5 in Spanish Wells, 65 in North Eleuthera, 144 in Harbour Island, 20 in Central Eleuthera, and 60 in South Eleuthera).

37 people were said to be under investigation (PUI’s) - (12 in North Eleuthera, 5 in

Harbour Island, 6 in Central Eleuthera, and 14 in South Eleuthera).

Nine (9) deaths in Eleuthera, since the beginning of the pandemic have been related to COVID-19 (2 in North Eleuthera, 2 in Harbour Island, 4 in Central Eleuthera, and 1 in South Eleuthera).

Minister Wells announced the following new measures, saying, “Based on the recommendations of our health professionals, the Government of The Bahamas has decided to take the following measures which shall come into effect on Monday, 26th July, 2021, at 5:00a.m.

“For New Providence, Grand Bahama and North and South Eleuthera (including Harbour Island), a curfew will be implemented between the hours of 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.

“RT PCR Testing will be required for travel from New Providence Grand Bahama, North and South Eleuthera (including Harbour Island). This applies to persons who are NOT fully vaccinated.

“For New Providence and Grand Bahama, religious worship will be limited to 33% of the occupancy capacity of the religious facility. Services P39

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CARICOM congratulates Caribbean gold medal winners Steven Gardiner of The Bahamas, Hansle Parchment of Jamaica

“Congratulations to Steven Gardiner of The Bahamas on his victory in the 400 metres at the Olympics and to Hansle Parchment of Jamaica for his victory in the 110 metre hurdles. Our athletes continue to do our region proud!!” said CARICOM on social media.

On August 5th, Parchment won the Men’s 110m Hurdles Final in 13.04 seconds at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. Another Jamaican, Ronald Levy won the bronze medal in 13.10. American Grant Holloway won silver in 13.09.

Gardiner captured the gold in the Men’s 400m Final in 43.85 seconds. Colombian Anthony Jose

Zambrano got silver in 44.08 while Grenadian Kirani James won the bronze medal in 44.19.

Looking at other Caribbean winners in Tokyo, on August 3rd, Jamaican Elaine Thompson-Herah won Women’s 200m Final in the 21.53 seconds.

On August 2nd, Jamaican Megan Tapper won bronze in the Women’s 100m Hurdles Final in 12.55 behind gold medal winner Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico who was clocked at 12.37.

Prior to that on July 31st, Jamaica swept the podium in the Women’s 100m Final with Thompson-Herah

Snapshot Covid -19

As it was August 4th, 2021

For more information visit www.EleutheraNews.com

taking the gold in 10.61, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce the silver in 10.74 and Shericka Jackson the bronze in 10.76.

Herah set a new Olympic record breaking the previous 10.62 set by Florence Griffith Joyner in Seoul on September 14th, 1988.

The world record of 10.49 is still Griffith Joyner’s who set it in Indianapolis in the US on July 16th, 1988.

Prior to the Caribbean’s exploits in Athletics, on July 27, CARICOM had saluted Flora Duffy of Bermuda for

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winning the gold medal in the Triathlon (swimming, cycling and running) in 1 hour, 55:36 minutes.

By Rubén Morales Iglesias Source: Breaking Belize News

Note: Up to print time,

Bahamian Shaunae MillerUibo had yet to run in the women’s 400m Final.

Updates at www.EleutheraNews.com

Covid-19/ Eleuthera

are to be limited to one hour, and all safety guidelines of the Bahamas Christain Council are to be followed.

“In regards to funerals, no funerals or cremation services are permitted indoors, and funerals or burial services are to be held at the graveside only.

Cremation services will only be permitted provided that they are held outdoors. A maximum of 30 persons are allowed at funeral services. This excludes the officiant and the funeral workers at the funeral, burial or cremation services. Repasts will not be permitted at this time.

“A maximum of 30 persons will be allowed to attend a wedding indoors or outdoors. This number excludes the officiant.

“Exercise groups are limited to a maximum of 10 persons. It is recommended that there be no recreational or sporting activities at this time. Groups congregating on the beaches and parks should be no more that 5 persons. Professional athletes can continue to train. Maximum capacities as gyms and movie theatres are now set at 33%.

“As regards to restaurants, dining is restricted to outdoor and takeaways services, and it is encouraged that there be no loitering of groups outside restaurants or at fish fries. These restrictions, however, do not apply to hotel properties.

“No spas will be opened. This includes massages, waxing, threading and facials.

“For all islands of The Bahamas, private gatherings will be restricted to 5 persons provided that the individuals are vaccinated. Lastly, persons who are campaigning, must be fully vaccinated and campaigning teams are restricted to 5 persons.

“In appreciation for the sanctity of life, let us continue to adhere to the public health precautions. Wear your

masks, continually practice social distancing, avoid large gatherings and do not forget to frequently wash your hands.

“We must not let our guards down.

We must continue to take the necessary precautions. As we work to limit the spread of this deadly virus through vaccination and national vigilance.”

A dire picture was given of hospital capacity in the capital, which also serves all the Family Islands, descibed as being at its absolute maximum currently. The national COVID-19 report, on August 2nd revealed that 104 people were currently hospitalized in the country.

Morgue services, with a total capacity of 73 deceased, were also highlighted as ‘bursting at its seams’, during the final week in July, holding 225 bodies. Minister Wells urged family members to claim the remains of their loved ones, before the government was made to take legal action to manage ongoing services.

Wells highlighted a donation of 3,496 vaccines which arrived in country on Thursday, July 22nd, 2021 from UK Overseas Territories - Anguilla and Montserrat - to be used for people receiving their second dose of the vaccine. The third tranche of 33,600 vaccines originally expected to arrive from the COVAX Facility on July 26th, was delayed, but finally arrived in country on August 3rd. Other sources of vaccines, through CARICOM’s CARPHA (Caribbean Public Health Agency), and the United States - also through COVAX were said to be possible sources of additional vaccines in country during August 2021.

See the link provided, to read Minister Renward Wells’ full presentation (http://eleutheranews.com/wp-content/ uploads/2021/07/Ministry-of-HealthPress-Conference-23rd-July-2021-Hon.Renward-R.-Wells-Minister-of-HealthFINAL.pdf).

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n e a r by other vaccine-preventable diseases

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Childhood vaccinations

including with the widespread measles outbreaks two years ago. The pandemic has made a bad situation worse. With the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines at the forefront of everyone’s minds, we must remember that vaccine distribution has always been inequitable, but it does not have to be.”

The data shows that middleincome countries now account for an increasing share of unprotected children – that is, children missing out on at least some vaccine doses.

India is experiencing a particularly large drop, with DTP-3 coverage falling from 91% to 85%.

Situation in the Americas Fuelled by funding shortfalls, vaccine misinformation, instability and other factors, a troubling picture is also emerging in WHO’s Region of the Americas, where vaccination

coverage continues to fall. Just 82% of children are fully vaccinated with DTP, down from 91% in 2016.

COVID-19 restrictions on movement contributed to fewer vaccinations. In addition, many people were reluctant to go to health facilities to request vaccinations for fear of COVID-19 transmission.

“It is imperative that we close the gap that separates children from the vaccines that can protect them from dangerous diseases. The Americas has been a victim of its own success, but we must redouble our efforts to ensure that no child is left behind when it comes to the immunization schedule. We have done it before and we can do it again now,” said Carissa F. Etienne, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), WHO’s regional office for the Americas.

Countries risk resurgence of measles,

Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, global childhood vaccination rates against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles and polio had stalled for several years at around 86%. This rate is well below the 95% recommended by WHO to protect against measles –often the first disease to resurge when children are not reached with vaccines - and insufficient to stop other vaccine-preventable diseases.

With many resources and personnel diverted to support the COVID-19 response, there have been significant disruptions to immunization service provision in many parts of the world. In some countries, clinics have been closed or hours reduced, while people may have been reluctant to seek healthcare because of fear of transmission or have experienced challenges reaching services due to lockdown measures and transportation disruptions.

“These are alarming numbers, suggesting the pandemic is unravelling years of progress in routine immunization and exposing millions of children to deadly, preventable diseases”, said Dr Seth Berkley, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. “This is a wake-up call – we cannot allow a legacy of COVID-19 to be the resurgence of measles, polio and other killers. We all need to work together to help countries both defeat COVID-19, by ensuring global, equitable access to vaccines, and get routine immunization programmes back on track. The future health and wellbeing of millions of children and their communities across the globe depends on it.”

Concerns are not just for outbreak-prone diseases. Already at low rates, vaccinations against human papillomavirus (HPV) - which protect girls against cervical cancer later in life - have been highly affected by school closures. As a result, across

July/Aug, 2021

countries that have introduced HPV vaccine to date, approximately 1.6 million more girls missed out in 2020.

Globally only 13% of girls were vaccinated against HPV, falling from 15% in 2019.

Agencies call for urgent recovery and investment in routine immunization

As countries work to recover lost ground due to COVID-19 related disruptions, UNICEF, WHO and partners like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance are supporting efforts to strengthen immunization systems by: • Restoring services and vaccination campaigns so countries can safely deliver routine immunization programmes during the COVID-19 pandemic; • Helping health workers and community leaders communicate actively with caregivers to explain the importance of vaccinations; • Rectifying gaps in immunization coverage, including identifying communities and people who have been missed during the pandemic.

• Ensuring that COVID-19 vaccine delivery is independently planned for and financed and that it occurs alongside, and not at the cost of childhood vaccination services.

• Implementing country plans to prevent and respond to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, and strengthen immunization systems as part of COVID-19 recovery efforts The agencies are working with countries and partners to deliver the ambitious targets of the global Immunization Agenda 2030, which aims to achieve 90% coverage for essential childhood vaccines; halve the number of entirely unvaccinated, or ‘zero dose’ children, and increase the uptake of newer lifesaving vaccines such as rotavirus or pneumococcus in low and middle-income countries.

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OEF’s Swimming Program - A Splashing Success

Above: Instructor, Melissa Sweeting guiding the beginner swimmers on techniques of jumping and diving into the pool.

Young swimming student learning to stay safe in the water.

One Eleuthera Foundation’s “Learn-to-Swim,” pilot program is off to a splashing success at the CTI Rock Sound campus. This free community program is open to children and adults, aged four to sixty years old and aims to teach beginners basic swim and water safety skills.

Swim classes are held on campus for one hour, five days per week, including Saturdays and are taught by experienced swimming instructors.

“We recognize that many residents of Eleuthera and their children, in particular those in the South, lack this fundamental skill and access to pool facilities where they can learn to swim safely and have an extracurricular activity that they can enjoy. For this reason, launching a swimming program has become a critical piece of our overall campus and community outreach plan,” commented

Keyron Smith, Chief Project Officer, OEF. “Sadly, as we’ve seen in recent years, dangerous sea surges due to Hurricane activity can also have tragic consequences.

We want to equip our community with the necessary skills to be safe, but to also confidently enjoy our surrounding Bahamian waters.”

This first intake of the program was limited to 40 participants. In less than one hour of opening the online registration over 70 applications were submitted demonstrating the public interest and necessity. New applicants are currently being added to a waiting list for future classes which will be announced as funding is secured to expand the program.

Coaches have already seen great progress among students in the two weeks that the program has been up and running. The fledgling swimmers are becoming more confident in their swim

skills such as treading water, floating, breathing, and swimming in deeper water.

Some of the younger swimmers are even able to glide across the pool on their kickboards without assistance.

Due to a recent islandwide spike in COVID-19 cases, and changes to the National Emergency Orders, the OEF swim program has been temporarily suspended for at least two weeks. Organizers are hopeful that classes will be able to resume soon and plan to notify participants via email and social media once restrictions are lifted.

“While we are very happy to see the impact this program is having on the community especially the young kids, the safety of our students, instructors, volunteers, and guests remains a top priority,” explained Smith.

“We look forward to resuming the swim sessions and look

Taking a big splash into the pool. forward to seeing the excitement of the students upon their return to the campus, as they continue to thrive with their newfound swimming skills.”

Members of the public interested in sponsoring a class or donating to One Eleuthera’s “Learn-to-Swim” Program can email: info@oneeleuthera.org

Swimming student receiving instruction on staying afloat.

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RBPF: Top ERYC Students Pinned in

Recognition of their performances “Our aim is to take you from the television and the computer, and to bring you into the community.” OIC

Above: Shemeka Cadeaux from North Eleuthera receiving her pin of recognition from 2nd OIC Supt.

Wil Hart.

On July 8th, 2021, seven students taking part in the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) Eleuthera Division’s recently formed Eleuthera Royal Youth Corps (ERYC) program, were recognized as the top performers in the program todate. Since its creation earlier in the year, the RBPF’s ERYC operates six programs, with a male and female division in the north, central, and south areas of Eleuthera. The seven awardees on Monday represented the top male or female of each of those divisions, with two young men rising to the top in the south - bringing the number to seven.

The awardees included: V’onyce Munnings, Sidron

Johnson, and Matthias Ingraham from South Eleuthera; Janae Cooper and Michael Taylor from Central Eleuthera; as well as Nehemiah Joseph and Shemeka Cadeaux from North Eleuthera.

In a charge to the awardees during the pinning ceremony, Chief Superintendent Brian Rolle gave an overview of the program and its goals, saying, “The team and I realized that if we were going to create safer communities, one of the most important partners to take the journey with us is our youth. So, we established the Eleuthera Youth Corp. This program is a non-profit youth education and service program for boys and girls, aged 11 throughout high school. It is meant to pro-

mote participants’ mental, moral and physical development, while promoting a healthy, drug-free lifestyle and community awareness. The aim of the ERYC is to engage our youth, focusing on character building, leadership skills, self-discipline. We also want to engage them in academic activities, specialized skills development, community service projects, military drilling, and field trips.”

He continued, “The ERYC is a year-round program with activities separated by quarters. For example the first quarter is academic, apprenticeship, mentorship. The second quarter is discipline and drilling. The third quarter is boot camp, nature walks, camping and other ac-

Above (L-R): Michael Taylor, Nehemiah Joseph, Janae Cooper, Shameka Cadeaux, V’onyce Munnings, Matthias Ingraham, and Sidron Johnson.

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Above: The seven Eleuthera Royal Youth Corps awardees stand with RBPF Eleuthera Division Executive Officers, and RBPF ERYC Team Leaders. tivities. The final quarter is community awareness initiatives - reaching out to some of the most vulnerable and the elderly, and doing activities around the community.”

The many Eleuthera Division RBPF Officers and team leaders who had taken up the challenge to implement the youth outreach initiative and turn it into a reality were then lauded by the OIC, for all of the time and energy they had poured into it so far.

To the seven youth corps being recognized, he said, “They have seen in you the quality of leadership. They have seen in you the discipline to get the job done. Your parents must be proud of you, and we all stand proud of you this morning... You are the first of this program to have been pinned, and whatever this program goes on to become, you will always remain the first.”

“Our aim is to take you from the television and the computer, and to bring you into the community. A community of the television and video game is a community that is in virtual reality. The real community that you are a part of now is where we live. When you get to know that neighbour. When you get to know the most vulnerable people who live in the community among you - you are part of the community. You are not living in isolation in the front of a screen. This summer will be exciting, and I want you to go along with us for the journey. It just may be one of the best summers of your life. If not us, then who? Let’s make it happen,” he added.

After the formal pinning, several of the awardees commented on their experience in the ERYC - focus, discipline and leadership stood out as the main takeaways for the group. Sidron, a recent Class of 2021 gradu-

ate from Preston Albury High School shared, “This experience has been amazing, it taught me how to drill, it taught me the movements with the police officers - and it allowed me to become a better person, with a better attitude.”

Janae, a tenth grader from Hatchet Bay, who admitted she had a headstart with a police officer for a father, said, “It was a bit stressful, but it came along well. The program is about you being focused. You have to know what to do, and have to be together as

one. It’s great and it teaches you a lot of discipline.”

“It’s been pretty good,” said V’onyce, who heads into the twelfth grade at Preston Albury High in September, “I’ve learned how to become a leader, because normally I’m a very shy person. But since my instructors let me take over instructing my other peers while practicing, I learned to lead, and to become a better person.”

Top ERYC students and their Team Leaders parade into the Eleuthera Division Headquarters where the pinning ceremony was hosted.

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PUBLIC NOTICE - PMH Implements Measures to Manage Increase in COVID-19 Cases

Hospital administration at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH), in an urgent public notice on Wednesday, July 21st, announced the implementation of new measures to manage the institution’s already strained services as a result of a surge in COVID-19 cases presenting at the Emergency Department.

The Ministry of Health in its daily Covid-19 update on the same day, informed that Covid-19 hospitalizations in the country stood at 92 people, with 79 moderately ill, and 13 in intensive care.

The new measures, said PMH administration, “are designed to reduce the spread of the virus among patients

and staff, and to account for an increase in the number of persons having to be admitted, the overwhelming majority of whom are unvaccinated.”

The announcement continued, “The public is advised that effective immediately the Emergency Department is only accepting emergency cases. In the event of a medical emergency please call National Emergency Medical Services dispatchers at 919 or contact the PMH Emergency Department at 3267014. Persons in need of care for nonmedical emergencies should visit their doctor’s office or community clinic.

“The public is also further advised that all Elective Surgeries have been suspended and that Out-patient Laboratory Services have been suspended.

Emergency out-patient laboratory services will resume at Agape Clinic on Monday July 26th, 2021. In-person appointments at Specialty Clinics and other out-patient services have been suspended with the exception of: • Emergency Maternity cases; • Oncology Services, by appointment only; • Dialysis Services, by appointment only; • Obstetrics High Risk Clinic, by ap-

pointment ; • Radiology & Diagnostic Services, by appointment or emergency cases only; • Orthopedic Services – Fracture and Hand by appointment or emergency cases only; • Out-patient Rehabilitation Services, by appointment only; • PMH Blood Bank, by appointment only or off-site blood drive.

“Specialty Clinics will operate virtually by appointment only, allowing for consultations. Patients needing to reschedule in-person clinic appointments should contact the PMH Appointment Scheduling unit. E-mail a copy of the referral to appointments@pmh.phabahamas.org, or send a clear photo of the referral form to 808-9972 via WhatsApp or SMS. Telephone calls will not be answered.

“PMH Agape Clinic (Family Medicine Clinic) at 4th Terrace will operate at reduced hours from 8a.m. to 4p.m., Monday to Friday, mainly by appointment.

Limited walk-in patients will be accommodated.

“The Eye Care Centre P45 on Soldier Road will oper-

PMH Boosts Capacity to Care for COVID Patients with Assistance from Samaritan’s Purse with PMH Engineering Team and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) to erect the tents.

PHA Managing Director Catherine Weech and PMH Hospital Administrator Mary Lightbourne Walker expressed appreciation to Samaritan’s Purse for once again proving to be a true ally to The Bahamas in the fight against the COVID-19 pan-

demic.

It is anticipated that the additional tents will begin receiving patients Monday 2nd August 2021.

Patients requiring in-patient care for severe COVID-19 disease are treated at PMH Legacy Unit, PMH Special Pathogens Unit, South Beach Health Center and Doctors Hospital West.

Medical tents to expand patient bed capacity for COVID-19 patients on the grounds of the Princess Margaret Hospital.

The arrival of two (2) patient care tents, from Samaritan’s Purse International on Friday 30th July 30th, 2021, provided a boost to the Princess Margaret Hospital’s (PMH) capacity to provide in-patient care to COVID-19 positive patients. The Princess Margaret Hospital has seen an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases presenting at the Emergency Department, with a corresponding increase

in the numbers of cases requiring admission to COVID-19 treatment units for care.

The tents will expand the hospital’s Special Pathogens Unit by eighteen (18) beds, with nine (9) beds in each tent. An area within a tent has been designated by a divider for pediatric COVID-19 cases. Eight members of Samaritan’s Purse setup team will work

PMH Hospital Administrator, Mary Lightbourne Walker with Samaritan’s Purse personnel.

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PM’s National Address: More medical staff, more hospital beds and strengthened contact tracing key government responses to COVID surge sessed to determine if they can serve as negative air pressure tents and used in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, said the Prime Minister.

As it relates to the contact tracing program, the Ministry of Health has added an experienced epidemiologist to its team to provide support and clinical direction of the surveillance of identified cases as well as their identified contacts, said Prime Minister Minnis.

Efforts are also being made to supplement the team with an additional 40 contact tracers.

A new app is being rolled out to replace the Hubbcat system to provide a technological solution to monitoring those who remain non-compliant with quarantine and isolation requirements.

Above: Prime Minister Hubert Minnis.

The Government will spend $7.2 million to engage medical staff, and 18 hospital beds will be added to the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) inventory as part of the continued approach to combat the surge in COVID-19 cases, Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis announced on Wednesday, July 28th, 2021.

The Prime Minister was speaking in a live National Address to update the public on a series of public health measures being taken to assist with the care of COVID-19 patients, limit the spread of the virus and secure more vaccines.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the most difficult periods in our nation’s history. Even though we are all tired of the pandemic, it is not over,” said Prime Minister Minnis. “We are in fact in the middle of a surge.”

As part of a plan to engage as many trained medical professions as possible to provide healthcare to Bahamians and residents and to get shots in arms

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as quickly as possible, an additional 49 medical staff along with 111 nurses and nursing support staff will be hired shortly, said the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Minnis called on all retired nurses, doctors and pharmacists to come forward to assist in the country’s time of need.

The Prime Minister also announced that Samaritan’s Purse, an international aid organization that assisted The Bahamas in the second wave of the pandemic, will begin installation of two negative air pressure medical tents on the grounds of the Princess Margaret Hospital on Friday, July 30th.

The tents are intended to provide an additional 18 hospital beds and treatment facilities for COVID-19 patients.

The Public Health Authority (PHA) is also working with a donor who has offered to provide an additional medical tent. Medical tents previously donated by the US Government for other purposes are also being as-

Public Notice Cont’d

ate from 8a.m. to 4p.m.

“The PMH Prescription Refill Program allows prescriptions that are submitted via the refill programme to be collected directly from the hospital’s front desk once confirmation of prescription is received from the Pharmacy. Persons requiring prescription refills for chronic medications should send a message with the Rx number and the MRN (which can be found on the medication label) to 424-3642 via WhatsApp. Do not submit a photo of the prescription label.

“The hospital is also making an urgent appeal to the public for blood donations as the Blood Bank is experiencing a critical shortage of blood supply as voluntary blood donations and replacement

supply donations have been impacted by the ongoing COVID pandemic. To donate blood, please e-mail the PMH Blood Bank at pmhbloodbank@gmail. com to register for an appointment or call 502-7822 or 322-8077.

“Patients and others accessing services at PMH will be required to strictly adhere to all COVID-19 prevention protocols including social distancing, temperature checks, face masks and handwashing at the hospital main entrance.

The public is reminded that patient visitation remains suspended. Intensive Care (ICU) and Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) visitation will take place on a case-by-case basis as determined by clinicians.

The Prime Minister reported that The Bahamas has been notified by the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) that the third tranche of pre-paid vaccines, made up of 33,600 doses of AstraZeneca through the COVAX Facility, is expected to arrive in-country some time next week.

“We are also working very closely with CARICOM and the United States Government regarding a donation of vaccines from the US Government,” said Prime Minister Minnis.

“I have been in direct communication with the Secretary General of CARICOM to ensure that there is no delay in The Bahamas receiving these vaccines.”

The Prime Minister said that as soon as supplies are available, the Pfizer vaccine will be offered to 12- to 17-year-olds, only with the consent of their parents or guardians.

Since the national vaccine roll out began in midMarch of 2021, more than 100,000 Bahamians and residents throughout The Bahamas have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Source: Office of the Prime Minister Commonwealth of The Bahamas July 28th, 2021

“PMH has implemented a drop off system for patients. Items may be dropped off at the main entrance of the hospital daily from 12pm to 1pm and from 6pm to 8pm. All items must be packaged in a secure bag, clearly labeled with the patient’s name, and designated ward. Only one (1) bag per patient is allowed per drop off. Items dropped off must comply with the hospital’s policies regarding items permitted in hospital.

“Hospital management apologizes for any delays in service as a result of these adjustments. The public is further advised to follow all announcements and public advisories from the Ministry of Health and Public Hospitals Authority regarding Health and Hospital Services.”

As of Friday, July 30th, hospitalizations in the country had grown to 102

people, with 85 moderately ill, and 17 in intensive care. On the same day, ‘Samaritan’s Purse’ in partnership with the Bahamas government, began the erection of two new medical tents, with the intention of increasing the Covid-19 patient bed capacity at the Princess Margaret Hospital by 18 beds - intended to come on stream, beginning Monday, August 2nd, 2021.

Source: Public Health Authority (PHA) Corporate Communications

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New Regulations to Allow MSMEs to Participate in “Crowdfunding”

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Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance Sen. the Hon. Kwasi Thompson explained that the Economic Recovery Committee, established by the Prime Minister, provided a number of recommendations to support more and more Bahamians getting into business so that the country can have more dynamic and inclusive economic growth.

“One of those recommendations was that the government: ‘Implement legislation to facilitate and support crowd sourcing and junior stock markets to expand access to capital by Bahamian businesses,’” Sen. Thompson said at a press conference on New Crowdfunding Regulations on Wednesday, July 7th, 2021.

“I am pleased to report that the government has heeded that recommendation. As such the Cabinet of The Bahamas recently approved new regulations from the Securities Commission that establishes a legal framework to allow Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to participate in what is commonly referred to as ‘crowdfunding’.

These regulations have been gazetted, released to the public and are now in effect.”

He explained that crowdfunding is a modern form of business financing that allows small businesses to raise money from many small investors, typically using online platforms.

“These reforms represent a game changer for business ownership and entrepreneurship in our country,…with these new and innovative crowdfunding regulations, we are furthering the potential of MSMEs to raise more investment money on the private capital market. We are breaking down the walls that were once only able to be traversed by big corporate players.”

Sen. Thompson stated that a new wave of possibilities for Bahamian ownership and entrepreneurship is here.

Crowdfunding is a relatively inexpensive way to raise capital for a start-up when compared to traditional means such as bank loans or initial public offerings.

He noted that over the last decade or so, crowdfunding has gained popularity in the start-up world. Particularly after the 2008 financial crisis, the cost of borrowing funds from banks became exorbitantly expensive. Pair that with the complexities and costs of debuting a public offering, entrepreneurs were left with little option other than to source the capital they needed to make their ideas reality.

“This is where crowdfunding has been incredibly useful. Entrepreneurs can avoid the expensive and often onerous processes involved with traditional fundraising and secure debt-free capital by selling a stake in their businesses,

but yet while maintaining control of their companies.”

Sen. Thompson explained that through the advent of financial technology, or “Fintech”, crowdfunding has become even simpler. Online platforms can be developed to host businesses and investors alike and orchestrate crowdfunding with the click of a button.

He stated that the new rules are now in effect and they represent a game changer. Eligible entrepreneurs can raise up to $5 million to put towards the development of their start-ups or existing small businesses. And better, the platforms allow them to raise this money from citizens and residents across the country who are interested in investing in promising businesses.

“This administration is streamlining the bureaucracy. We are undertaking real structural reform. We are allowing Bahamian entrepreneurs and small businesses to have the same kind of opportunity to raise capital like the big businesses currently do.

Sen. Thompson said, “For example, interested individuals will not be required to file the typical prospectus with the Commission as would be needed for a public offering. Instead, they would file a streamlined ‘Crowdfund Offering Document’ or ‘COD’ prior to conducting a crowdfund distribution.”

He stated that this is a significantly less expensive process when compared to the minimum $20,000 prospectus.

This is just one way that we are breaking down the barriers for Bahamian entrepreneurs and small businesses to raise capital in The Bahamas.

Sen. Thompson said the new crowdfund rules provide an appropriate balance between access to capital for entrepreneurs and, of course, provisions to ensure protection for potential investors.

The rules also seek to minimize systemic and jurisdiction risks.

“These innovative regulations have already created space for the establishment of the nation’s first licensed equity crowdfunding platform, which goes by the name Arawak X.” He noted that The Bahamas International Stock Exchange (or BISX) has also been approved to establish its own similar platform to raise funding for Bahamian Small Businesses.

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Bahamian FDI receipts lead global counterparts despite global pandemic (UN report shows The Bahamas nearly doubling closest counterpart in investment performance during global downturn.)

The Bahamas demonstrated the strongest level of Foreign Domestic Investment (FDI) receipts among Small Island Development States (SIDS) during what has been described the worst global economic downturn in nearly 100 years. The United Nations Commission on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) released its annual World Investment Report 2021 on June 21, reporting on global and regional FDI trends for the 2020 calendar year.

During the pandemic-fueled worldwide economic downturn, foreign investment inflows among SIDS contracted by 40.3% globally, and declined for the Caribbean by 36%.

However, despite the challenging global economic circumstances, The Bahamas experienced a 47% increase in FDI receipts from $611

million in 2019 to $897 million in 2020.

Similarly, FDI inflows to neighbouring Barbados grew by 22% to $262 million and Grenada increased by 11% to $146 million. Neighbouring Caribbean countries, such as Jamaica and St. Kitts & Nevis experienced contractions in FDI receipts of 45% and 47% respectively.

The results of the UN report by the global investment study highlights the core message that despite the severe global economic downturn associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, investors maintained a strong level of confidence in the Bahamian economy. When compared to other Small Island Development States around the world, The Bahamas received the largest level of foreign investment, outpacing our closest competitor by some $500 million.

“This is perhaps strongest indicator of the enduring and sustained confidence that investors have in

New Customs processing fee temporarily suspended The Government, on July 27th, 2021, temporarily suspended the implementation of a Customs processing fee, approved during the 2021/22 budget exercise to allow for additional training and customer education.

The recent change was made to bring the procedures for air arrivals in line with all other forms of entry, where a small processing fee is charged to support the cost of operations by the Bahamas Customs and Excise Department. The $3.35 fee does not apply to individuals using their Customs exemption or filing nothing to declare. It is only applicable for individuals who declare taxable goods on a C17 or C18 form, associated with accompanied baggage declarations.

“These fees are collected by the Customs Department and deposited directly to the Public Treasury.

We are aware that some customers were charged incorrectly and are

making arrangements to issue the appropriate refunds. While the fee is being suspended we are reviewing the implementation to ensure adequate training and proper communication,” said Dr. Geannine Moss, Comptroller of Customs.

The Ministry noted that the fees would be applicable to both manual submissions and the submissions though the EXEMPT app now being trialed. Social media reports linking the app to the fee specifically and to the company, Kanoo are wholly erroneous. The app was proposed to and accepted by the Customs Department from the New Providence based company Exempt Technologies Ltd. who had prepared a proof of concept prior to approaching Customs.

Source: Central Communications Unit, the Ministry of Finance

The Bahamas. It cannot be taken for granted that during these challenging times, investments are not only continuing but increasing. This is evidence that we are headed in the right direction, and motivates us to redouble our efforts until full recovery,” said Minister J. Kwasi Thompson, Minister of State for Finance.

“As the Bahamian economy rebounds, the Government’s articulated Accelerated Bahamas Recovery Plan has placed a renewed focus on prioritizing public and private sector investment. Under this administration, The Bahamas will continue to improve its investment framework, to ensure

PUBLIC NOTICE -

Opening of the Crawfish Season The Department of Marine Resources in an announcement at the beginning of August advised the general public that the crawfish season opened on Sunday, 1st August, 2021.

It continued, “The public is reminded regarding the following:1. the legal measurement for whole crawfish is a carapace (jacket) length of 3 ¼ inches and when the tail is separated, a tail length of 5 ½ inches; 2. those persons wishing to harvest crawfish are required to have a crawfish measuring gauge in their possession at all times; 3. possession of dishwashing liquid, bleach or other noxious substance aboard any vessel while fishing is unlawful without first obtaining a permit authorizing such possession; 4. a permit is required for the use of the air compressor or crawfish traps to aid in fishing; The public is also reminded that several portions of the Fisheries Act 2020 came into force on Tuesday, 22nd June, 2021.

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that domestic and foreign investment inflows will remain healthy and strong over the medium and long term resulting in more employment opportunities for Bahamians,” said Minister Thompson For the latest news and updates on the Annual Budget, follow the Ministry of Finance on social media @FinanceBAH and subscribe to the mailing list on the budget website www.bahamasbudget.gov.bs Source: Central Communications Unit, The Ministry of Finance

Amongst those portions of the mentioned legislation that are enforceable are: 1. The requirement that all vessels being 15 ft. or larger in length that are engaged in commercial fishing to be licenced by the Department of Marine Resources to be so engaged. Application forms may be obtained at any of thedepartment’s offices in New Providence and the Family Islands. Applicants should ensure that their vessels have been licenced by the Port Department, and that they possess a valid Business Licence; and 2. The prohibition of foreign employment in any form aboard a licenced commercial fishing vessel.

The Department of Marine Resources further reminds the general populace that only those vessels owned by Bahamian citizens that are resident within the country can legally engage in commercial fishing exercises.

The cooperation of all persons engaged in fishing is requested regarding safeguarding the sustainability of our resources.”

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