health options: Specialty ClinicEndocrinology -(ad) 15 [OnePhysiotherapyonOne] -(ad) 6 ElEuthEra, harbour Island & spanIsh WElls, thE bahamas web: WWW.ELEUTHERANEWS.COM(1-242)4229350 Your FREE copy Since 2008 - ‘‘Eleuthera’s most reliable Source of News and Information. We Deliver!’’ Monthly In Print & Daily Online. BACK COVER: Damianos Sotheby’s Int’l P 3: Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty P 5: HG Christie P 7: Private Sale, Boutique Resort, Palmetto Point Volume 15, 7/12, July/Aug Issue - Page 20 Firefighters- without borders... ADVICE - 13 OPINION - 12 JUST BUG OFF! Caricom’s limit reached? Quotables - PAGE 35 ADVICE - 14 CONSErVAtION - 26 More than Books & UniformsLove is In The Water UPCOMING EVENTS 15/33 InternatIonal organIsatIon renders sIgnIFIcant assIstance to gHFr - Page 31Local real estate of the soil Chris ‘Fireman’ Brown, appointed Ambassador-At-Large for Sport in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Our People, Life, Moments, Celebrations, Efforts, Strides...224 10 Harbour Island, Spanish Wells & Eleuthera - Page 19Page 16 28
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3The Eleutheran2022, July/Aug Loca L
Shaunae Miller-Uibo, double Olympic gold medalist, added another jewel to her crown on Friday, July 22nd, 2022 by winning her first 400 metres title at the 2022 World Athletics Championships, held in Eugene, Oregon (USA).
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track star Miller-Uibo ticks all Boxes In 400m discipline P29 “she is a Bahamian - she is one of us.” PM davis
Running in lane three, she crossed the line in 49.11 seconds, nearly half of a second ahead of Dominican Republic’s Marileidy Paulino (49.60) followed by Sada Williams (49.75) of Barbados, resulting in a Caribbean podium trio.Prime Minister the Hon. Philip E. Davis QC, MP in a statement released on the same day, congratulated Shaunae on becoming the 400 metres World Outdoor Champion, saying, “This latest world championship is unique and significant not only for Mrs. Miller-Uibo but for The Bahamas because she made history tonight. Shaunae Miller-Uibo is now the only female sprinter to become World Youth Champion, World Junior Champion, Olympic Champion, World Indoor Champion, and now World Champion at 400 metres. Mrs. MillerUibo is the most accomplished female ‘quarter miler’ in athletic history. And yes, she is a Bahamian - she is one of us. “The source of national pride and inspiration Shaunae has become over a relatively short period, not only to a generation of Bahamian youth and athletes but to all Bahamians both at home and abroad, cannot be overstated. “I am personally inspired, and my government’s resolve strengthened to ensure that sports tourism as an integral component of the orange economy becomes a significant pillar of the national economy. We owe this to our youth, the cultural community and our athletes. They continue to make us proud through selfdenial, pain, personal sacrifice and patriotism, all to the advancement, benefit and development of The Bahamas.
Shaunae Miller-Uibo (center) with her husband, Maicel Uibo (left) and PM Philip Davis (right).
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“Without a National Development Plan, the government of the day has to make decisions and choices, most of which are based on short-term needs. Given our five-year electorPrime Minister the Hon. Philip Davis Qc delivering a lecture on the national Development Plan during the Government and Public Policy institute’s Meet the Policy Makers Lecture Series at the Performing arts centre at University of the Bahamas’ oakes Field campus.
www . EleutheraNews . 6com July/Aug, 2022nationa L PM Davis
Nassau, THE BAHAMAS — In his first public lecture under the auspices of the University of The Bahamas’ Government and Public Policy Institute (GPPI), Prime Minister the Hon. Philip Davis QC foreshadowed the completion of a national development plan for The Bahamas, announcing at the Meet the Policy Makers Lecture held on Tuesday, July 12th that the draft plan is to be re-examined.
A part of Prime Minister Davis’ address was an historical reflection on the evolution of The Bahamas from pre-independence to a modern nation state. He also affirmed the value of long-term planning.
DevelopmentCompletionForeshadowsofNationalPlan
7The Eleutheran2022, July/Aug nationa L al cycle, it is easy to spend money on visible outcomes which might be sufficiently impressive to inspire a few votes. But the money might be better spent on less visible outcomes, such as improving coastal defences, which would prevent long-term coastal erosion,” he “Withoutexplained.aPlan, governments would also have to start every initiative from scratch, obtaining basic data, formulating options, and consulting the public before determining a course of action. Any rigorous planning exercise, done properly and well, helps to ensure success. It does not guarantee it, but without a plan, success is likely to be far more elusive.”
He pointed out that his administration’s approach to implementing a plan for national development will be impacted by the context which has been inherited, our values and the priorities guiding his administration. He also espoused the principles of economic dignity and economic justice. “By giving everyone a chance to earn a fair, decent income, everyone will prosper. What does this mean in practice? We will work to make the system of taxation fairer. We will work towards ensuring that workers earn not just a minimum wage, but a liveable wage. Complete economic equality is an unrealistic goal. What is achievable, however, and morally compelling, is to protect that which I believe to be the common denominator of humanity: the joy of life itself,” Prime Minister Davis said. On the matter of his administration’s priorities, Mr. Davis identified education as the path to empowerment and prosperity, access to affordable and reliable healthcare, growing a strong economy, and a cultural P40
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9The Eleutheran2022, July/Aug Loca L
www . EleutheraNews . 10com July/Aug, 2022Loca L issues.“Iam closely monitoring the progress and efforts to provide resolution to the residents of Eleuthera.”Thepersistent Intermittent power outages in Eleuthera transitioned to rolling black-outs on Wednesday July 27th, as the Bahamas Power and Light Company on the island began load shedding, across the length of Eleuthera, with customers in different areas out of power for several hours at a time. Residents, businesses, vacation home guests, all dealing with high summer temperatures, encountered the disruptions with limited information being disseminated by local management.OnThursday, July 28th, 2022, as homecoming visitors began filling the island, BPL did post a notice via their social media feeds, saying, “Bahamas Power & Light Company Ltd. (BPL) advises customers in Eleuthera, that BPL will be conducting load shedding exercises due to the loss of a generating unit at the Rock Sound Power Plant. Efforts are being made to restore power to all affected areas. We do apologize for the inconvenience caused and thank you for yourHowever,patience.”it was not until a week later on Thursday, August 3rd, 2022, that BPL finally released a communication to the public with further detail on what was happening on the island with electricity services, why they had deteriorated to the level they had, and actions that were being taken to remediate the challenges being experienced by BPL. In the communication, BPL explained that the daily load shedding customers were enduring was because of a shortfall in BPL’s generation capacity as a result of the failure of two of their generation units. This shortfall, they said, began with the failure of a unit in Hatchet Bay. However, because of spare capacity in their network, they were still able to operate withMember of Parliament for Central and South Eleuthera, Minister Clay Sweeting, released a public statement on August 3rd in response to constituents reaching out to him, which said, “The Island of Eleuthera has experienced much discomfort over the past few months as it relates to intermittent power outages and in the past few days the outages have been extensive and unbearable. I have received many calls from concerned residents, the business community and second home owners who are severely impacted by these unplanned outages.
“I assure the residents of Eleuthera, that I have spoken personally with the Island Manager of BPL, Mr. Melpert Dean and has brought this to the attention of the Minister responsible for BPL, Hon. Alfred Sears. Teams have been dispatched to address the concerns and every effort is being made to remediate the
BPL eventually gives its explanation for the Power Outages rolling across the island in July
11July/Aug, 2022Loca L out any customers being impacted. The statement added, “BPL awaits the arrival of the parts for the Hatchet Bay unit by the end of the week [week ending Saturday August 6th]. Upon receipt of these parts, repair time is estimated to be completed within 24 hours.”
With Eleuthera being touted as an island, poised for growth, and increased construction - the recent failures at BPL locations and the resulting rolling blackouts experienced across Eleuthera, bring into question if the company’s generation capacity will be sufficient in the immediate and longer terms.
BPL announced in the same release on August 3rd that the company was in the process of increasing it’s generation capacity in Eleuthera to 34 MW by Fall of 2022. BPL further shared in its communication that their teams were, “working ardently to restore capacity to the island. This should relieve the bulk of the load shedding. It is anticipated that this work will be completed by Tuesday, August 9th.”
Providing an overview of their current generation capacity in Eleuthera, BPL’s statement outlined, “BPL has three power stations which it operates in Eleuthera. The Harbour Island Station, which services most of Harbour Island and the Hatchet Bay and Rock Sound stations, which are tied together, feeding the entire mainland. The Harbour Island site presently has 5 MW of rental generation installed. Hatchet Bay has 15.28 MW of generation installed, while Rock Sound has 5 MW of generation installed.”
Detailing the reason for the island’s rolling electricity blackouts, BPL stated, “On Wednesday July 27th, one of the rental units in Harbour Island was taken out of service by the rental contractor for routine service work. When those works were completed, the unit could not be returned to service.“On the same day, a unit at the Rock Sound station also experienced a mechanical failure. As a result of the loss of these additional two units, the Eleuthera Operation team began load shedding on Wednesday, July 27th.
South Eleutherans were further affected on the holiday weekend, said the company, “On Sunday, July 31st, a second unit at Rock Sound was forced offline due to mechanical issues. The Eleuthera team responded immediately to address the concern. This further reduced available capacity and resulted in a lengthy outage affecting South Eleuthera. Repairs to the unit were completed by 11:50pm on Sunday night and the area was restored.”BPL revealed that the electricity shortfall being experienced by the company was approximately 2.5 - 3 Megawatts (MW), approximately 16% of Eleuthera’s current load demand of about 19 MW.
On Saturday, August 6th, electricity service in Central Eleuthera, although tenuous, with several short outages, did not see hours of load shedding as in previous days. During his Contribution to the 2022/2023 Budget Debate in the House of Assembly, in June 2022, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Mario Bowleg noted that, as young Bahamians make the transition to adulthood, they need to be placed in arenas and spaces where they can “receive unfailing and unwavering support, quality guidance and the best opportunities to gain new skills and pertinent experiences”.“Therefore, our local youth organizations are so important,” Minister Bowleg said. “These organizations play a vital role in the overall development of young Bahamians, by providing safe spaces and positive activities. “They assist my Ministry and the Ministry of National Security by diverting young Bahamians, from a life of crime.” “The ‘way forward’ is to provide more for these organizations,” he added. “This is a caring government, a government that wants the best for all Bahamians, especially the youth. Fixed youth organizations that received an annual grant from my Ministry, were given a 10 per cent increase. I want to ensure that these various organizations, can sustain their positive, constructive models and platforms.”
Recruitment For New BeginYouth‘NationalGuard’ToInSeptember P38
Minister Bowleg said that, after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, his Ministry was very pleased to present the National Summer Employment Programme – which takes
The 2001 revised treaty provided the ways (not the means) to establish a Single Market and Economy (CSME). This revision of the treaty was hailed by the private sector as presenting the opportunity for genuine free trade in goods and services; for cross border establishment of companies; and for free movement of labour. In short, for the creation of a single economic space. The prospect of free movement of people and a single currency, also titillated the appetite of the people of CARICOM to travel freely throughout the region. By 2011, the CSME was effectively paused by CARICOM Heads of Government. At the time, a few leaders resisted that characterisation. However, little progress has been made between 2011 and now in advancing the CSME. So much so that in May 2022, a representative group of CARICOM leaders, meeting in Guyana for an Agriculture Investment Forum, declared that “trade barriers, particularly non-tariff barriers, are one of the biggest inhibitors to the development of the regional market for agricultural produce, and that removing these barriers requires political consensus and determination”. The point is that not even trade berries, particularly non-tariff barriers, have yet been overcome. By comparison, other regions that initiated integration efforts, at the same time or after CARICOM, have advanced much further. The European Union (EU) is the most telling example. It started in earnest eight months before CARICOM in 1973 and rapidly expanded, under strict criteria, to 28 member states, until Britain exited in January 2020. But not only did the EU expand its membership, with new applicants still pending, it established a single currency; tore down border barriers, allowing for a common passport and free movement of people; established a single trading machinery; and a Commission empowered to initiate and make decisions for all the countries collectively in a broad range of areas. As my friend and fellow commentator on Caribbean affairs, David Jessop, put it recently in assessing CARICOM and regional economic cooperation, “Elsewhere in the world, integration mechanisms have updated their governance, foregone aspects of national sovereignty, established procedures that ensure delivery, created measures that guarantee accountability, transparency, and core financing, and have delegated executive powers to enable outcomes”. CARICOM, on the other hand, has limped along, sometimes halting altogether, burdened by inadequate or no implementation of decisions, mistrust amongst leaders, frustration in the private sector, failure to establish binding rules, and institutional decline, including a weak and underfunded Secretariat. It is not as if the failures of CARICOM to achieve its many important goals and to satisfy many popular and practical expectations, have not been carefully and scrupulously examined by some of the best political, economic, financial, and social development thinkers in the region and beyond.In1992, at the behest of all CARICOM Governments, the West Indian Commission, produced a seminal work, “Time for Action”. Its recommendations to governments included the establishment of a Caribbean Commission (like the European Commission), answerable to Heads of Government but empowered to initiate ideas and implement decisions assigned to it. While many of the recommendations were accepted, the principal ones on governance structures, including the Caribbean Commission, went nowhere.In 2016, the Jamaica Government commissioned Bruce Golding to head a commission to “review Jamaica’s relations with CARICOM”. The Commission recommended, among many other things, that explicit provision should be made in the CARICOM Treaty, requiring governments to give effect to their rights and obligations under the treaty, and to implement decisions taken by Heads of Government within no less than six months. Again, scant regard was paid to the comprehensive report of the Commission which merited serious consideration. In March 2021, a CARICOM Commission on the Economy, reignited many ideas, including the suggestion that those member states, interested in advancing the integration project, should proceed, leaving the door open for others to join at their own speed. This report, too, has not generated the action for which its authors might have hoped. Many of the great ideals of CARICOM remain unfulfilled as its 50th anniversary approaches. But has it reached its limits of regional integration? This question will be further pursued next month.
There was good reason for the former Jamaica Prime Minister to posit the question. July 4 next year will be 50 years since the Heads of Government of the four biggest (and independent) Caribbean countries signed the Treaty of Chaguaramas (the CARICOM Treaty) that brought the Caribbean Community and Common Market into effect on August 1, 1973 - at least, on paper. Eight other Caribbean countries, which had been members of a more limited grouping, CARIFTA, that had been in existence since 1968, joined CARICOM a few months later. It was not an unreasonable expectation that the Treaty, which held out the anticipation of the integration of 12 Caribbean countries, would have produced a far better and deeper integrated region than currently exists, almost 50 years later. However, while CARICOM experienced an initial impetus, creating beneficial institutions, such as the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and making some progress in free trade in goods and services, the characteristic of its history is short periods of activity followed by long periods of inaction. The result is a suspension of confidence and faith in the CARICOM project by many sectors of the Caribbean society and the people in general.
By Sir Ronald Sanders
Part 1
Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com
By Sir Ronald Sanders (The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States of America and the Organization of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London, and Massey College in the University of Toronto) I am indebted for the title of this commentary to the Honourable Bruce Golding, a former Prime Minister of Jamaica, who has been and remains one of the foremost political minds in the Caribbean and wider afield.
Mr. Golding hosts a weekly serious discussion radio programme in Jamaica called, “Jamaica Live”. On July 25, he invited me to be one of the discussants of the topic, “Has CARICOM reached its limits of regional integration”?
Has carIcoM reached its limits of regional integration?
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Despite no real progress in establishing a Common Market – not even be coming a Custom Union – in July 2001, CARICOM leaders revised the CARICOM Treaty. A Customs Union would have been an arrangement by the member states to remove trade barriers, reduce or abolish customs duty, and eliminate quotas. In a Common Market, the states would have adopted a common external tariff on goods entering their region from outside; allowed free trade of goods and services and permitted free movement of labour and capital among themselves.
It’sseason.”“mosquito
Mosquitoes have a very strong sense of smell, which they use to source food. Concentrated scents they dislike are natural mosquito repellants, including lavender, peppermint oil, basil, cinnamon bark oil, lemon eucalyptus oil, citronella oil, catnip, rosemary and pine oil. (Lemon grass contains citronella). Make sure you seal all gaps in doors and windows and repair any tears in screens to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside. t h e d i sgusting r o ach
By Mike Lightbourn
DO YOU NEED TO REACH THE NEWSPAPER ? CALL/WHATSAPP (1-242)
13July/Aug, 2022a D V i c e
Another unwelcome rain guest is the cockroach. Cockroaches thrive in humidity, so the rainy season is prime time for these disgusting insects. Roaches like dark, damp, wet areas. And, of course, they like areas with food. The two most common rooms they’re found in are kitchens and bathrooms. They like to hide in cupboards around sinks. Water heaters, especially leaky ones, often harbour roaches. Roaches can squeeze through an outlet and into a wall. They love pipes and appliance insulation for nesting. Ditto, wet and rotting wood, yard ponds – any areas with water. roac H c ontrol Cockroaches have an incredible sense of smell. They don’t like the concentrated smell of thyme, bay leaf, citrus, basil, mint and citronella. There are various methods for controlling roaches, such as spray and fumigation. Poison roach bait traps are pet safe and effective. They contain active ingredients that slowly poison the roaches after they ingest the bait. The roaches then spread the poison to the colony. 422 9350
JU s t BU g o F F! H e l P I s a t H a nd A simple application of a safe bacterial toxin, marketed as Mosquito Bits or Mosquito Dunks, will kill mosquito larvae. It won’t harm tadpoles, frogs or frogs eggs. (Frogs eat mosquito larvae so leave those tadpoles alone!) Cooking oil spray smothers larvae.
Every year, we look forward to the summer rains to replenish the water table and nourish the land. We’ve sure had a lot of rain this year. Unfortunately, rain also means mosquitoes and nothing can turn a home owner or buyer off more than bites on the ankles. Bugs can kill a sale fast. No-one wants to buy a home that’s infested with mosquitoes. Even the whiff of a problem is enough to turn a gung-ho buyer off. Be proactive and discourage these unwanted pests. Get rid of standing water on your property and encourage your neighbours to do likewise. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. The water may be in flower vases, uncovered barrels, buckets, ponds and discarded tires – in other words, in any watertight container. Even toilets, if not flushed regularly, provide a potential breeding ground. Often overlooked, the bromeliad plant hosts mosquito larvae too. The little cup in the middle of the plant collects water and provides the perfect environment for mosquitoes to lay their eggs.
Questions or comments? Contact me at info@cbbahamas.com Mike Lightbourn is president of Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty
• I will pay attention in class to understand my schoolwork and get better grades.
• I will ask questions when I don’t understand. I will do my homework promptly. To get the full free list of declarations, visit studentthisandschoolmates?causingblethestealspersonchildoffillseethemorcom/declarations-for-success/.www.BooksByBethel.Childrenonlyknowwhattheyseewhatweteachthem.Ifwegivegoalsanddirection,theywillitasthenormandworktoful-them.Nobodywantstothinktheirchildthisway,butisyourabully?Aretheytheinsecurewhodisruptstheclassroom,moneyandlunch,andbeatupinnocent?Willtheyberesponsi-foremotionallyscarringorevensignificantphysicalharmtoWhyisthisthecase,whatisbeingdonetoeliminatebehavior?Theolovedschoolandwasagooduntilhefoughtoffbullieswith
a bout the a uthor : Teri M. Bethel is a publisher and author of relationship enrichment books, Bahamian-inspired romance, and adventure novels for children that share our island’s history and culture. Her books are available where good books are sold in Eleuthera, New Providence, and Amazon.com. Teri and her husband have two adult sons. Website: www.inspirepublishing.com
Preparing For School Is More t h an Books & Uniforms
Teri M. Bethel It’s a toss-up who’s more excited about children returning to school, the parents or the children. Other than not having to be the entertainment coordinator or the one who foots the bill for the whopping summer food bills, there are some things both parents, children, and educators could consider as the new school year rolls around. One of the major concerns for kids is feeling lost in the world they feel thrust into. Will they live up to the expectations of their parents, teachers, and fellow students, or will they fall flat? Will they have a teacher that takes the time to communicate effectively, or will they get one that is not compassionate and displays their frustration? Children are different, even if they are twins. Each has strengths that require development, and all need guidance and an understanding parental ear. Albert Einstein, a man noted for his intelligence, said, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” Sadly, that’s the position some of us find ourselves in: being a square peg hoping to fit in a round hole rather than finding the opening that best suits their shape or purpose. It’s a dilemma many children find themselves in, especially in school. Rather than being celebrated for their uniqueness, they are made to feel like an outcast by those who are different. With the approaching school term on the horizon, perhaps it’s an excellent time to sit with your children to determine where their heads and hearts are. Some children act out in school because they are fearful. Not just about the unknown, but for the known. Knowing that they will be bullied again, laughed at by peers or a teacher, feel insecure about not having new uniforms or school gear like many other students, or fear they don’t understand what is being taught and will fail again. How you can prepare the children
• I will always say no if offered drugs, alcohol, or sex before marriage.
It would be interesting to know how many parents sit with their kids to talk about school to ease them into a smooth transition. Before bellowing a list of commands, consider finding out if there are any concerns you should know about. Have you asked them what their prayer needs are so they would be strong and not fall to peer pressure? Or have you given them practical solutions to counter their fears? Quite often, children make unconscious decisions based on fear. Though we would like to think of them as strong in every area, remember that some things are new to them. Some have not mastered the art of navigating through life’s challenges, no matter how insignificant you may think their concerns are. In addition to prayer, have your children set attainable goals. Let them write their goals down and encourage them to read them daily. The list can include the following: I will prepare myself by praying daily, reading my Bible, and asking God for direction, wisdom, and protection. I will be respectful to my parents and my teachers. I will pray for my teacher and classmates so that we will have peaceful and productive days. I will prepare my uniforms the day before school to ensure I am on time, smell sweet, and look good. I will wake up early enough to bathe, clean my room, and have a healthy breakfast. I will avoid bad company and be kind to others.
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• FISH FRY is held in James’ Cistern on Saturdays only @5:30 p.m. - Until.
• Green Castle Back-to-School Jamboree (August 27th) Venue: Green Castle Primary School Grounds. Free School Supplies, Boys Hair Cuts and Girls Hair Braiding.
• Governors Harbour Farmers & Crafters Market, is held on Queen’s Highway, by the Bayfront Parkon Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
15The Eleutheran2022, July/Aug a D V i c e a cutlass, severly wounding them. He could have reported the constant taunting to his teachers, but he took matters into his own hands which got him kicked out of school at fourteen. Not having a complete education, he turned to selling drugs which landed him in prison more than seven times. Fortunately, Theo bounced back and shared his harrowing story to help other youngsters on a similar path to reconsider their options, in a soon-to-be-released anthology called Courageous Overcomers (Inspire Publishing). Then there’s Lt. Commander Delvonne Duncombe (RBDF Ranger’s Director), who shares his overcoming story to help parents and their children relate to each other better, in his recently released book, Journey to Greatness. Lt. Commander Duncombe is candid about the issues he faced early in life and how he learned to show people what they wanted to see. His parents saw the ideal son, but they did not know that while in school, he was a part of a gang and smoked marijuana under their noses. He was the class clown in school, and in church, he was the angel. But what triggered all this was a secret he was asked to keep as a young child. How many children are forced to keep secrets out of fear or obligation, which causes their lives to spiral out of control? What would you do as a parent to break the cycle and heal the hurt if you knew? Some children are in harm’s way and are on the verge of being lost to drugs, gang violence, rage, and other atrocities. Do you have open communication with your child to ensure that if irregularities were happening, they would feel comfortable talking to you about it? Or would you be the kind of parent who close their eyes and pretends nothing happened? Before the school year catches you off guard, in addition to praying with your children and having them prepare a list of goals, have a series of conversations with them to mend bridges and break down walls of miscommunication and hurt. If you’ve faltered in how you speak to them or how you have treated them in the past, apologize and show them that it takes character to admit wrongdoing and that you’re willing to make things right. Tell them they can communicate with you, the school counselor, or a teacher if something is troubling them. If you don’t have the words to say or the questions to ask, begin the conversation by getting a copy of my book
• Back-to-School - Backpack Giveaway (August 27th) Hosted by Member of Parliament, Minister Clay Sweeting. P33
WEEKLY EVENTS:
ElEuthEra CalEndar of Events 2022 Prepared by: (Mrs. Samantha Fox, Senior Officer, Eleuthera Tourist TheOffice)Eleuthera Tourist Office notes, “This information is subject to change. As we receive updated information the Eleuthera Events calendar 2022/2023 will be edited to reflect.”
• FISH FRY is currently held in the following settlements every Friday @5:30 p.m. -Until: Governor’s Harbour and Rock Sound
Courage to Overcome (available at Office General, the North Eleuthera Craft & Snack Place, and on Amazon.com). This book of short stories for kids helps to prepare children for successful living. It will teach them the importance of hygiene, how to avoid bullies, the pitfalls of teenage pregnancy, where to turn for help if they are cutting themselves, who to go to if someone is touching them inappropriately, and much more. Why wait for a problem to unfold when you can teach your children early how to be strong individuals? Let’s do our part in raising a healthy, happy, and productive generation. Our children deserve it.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
(Contact: Derece Demeritte Thompson, derecethompson@ gmail.com, (242) 559-7975)
ELEUTHERA, BAHAMAS– The Centre for Training and Innovation has successfully graduated another two cohorts of students from its Spring “Learn-and-Earn” Carpentry Course and Housekeeping ManagementHallmarkedCourse. by pride and a sense of accomplishment, friends and family gathered at the graduation ceremony at the Rock Sound Campus on July 7th to celebrate and show their support. Eleven students from South Eleuthera were awarded professional development certificates in the areas of Carpentry and Housekeeping. Graduating in the Carpentry cohort were, Perez Hilton, Rumeo Johnson, Jeffrey Knowles, Yasmine Miller, David Elliot, Camrin Rolle, Ketchina Estime, and Kevano Johnson. The Housekeeping cohort consisted of Margaret Pyfrom, Crystal Rolle, and Vanessa Brown, all employees of Cotton Bay Holdings Ltd. The courses were instructed by local experts in their field, including Graham Walker and Larry Forbes who facilitated the Carpentry course, and Tamika Rahming who led the Housekeeping Management course.
Speaking on behalf of her class, Crystal Rolle, the Housekeeping Supervisor at Cotton Bay Holdings Ltd. expressed her gratitude for the refresher course which reiterated the importance of enhancing the guest’s experience through exacting attention to details. “Your last impression of a room is your guest’s first impression,” she expressed. “It is very important to pay attention to the tiny details, from the folding of the towels to the wrinkles in the sheets. They all make a Addressingdifference.”the graduates, Daniel Zuleta, Manager of Cotton Bay Holdings Ltd. thanked both CTI and his staff for a job well done and invited all the graduates to continue pursuing the path of professional and personal development. “A couple of months ctI celebrates its 2022 carpentry and Housekeeping Management graduates
they did it! Students proudly celebrate this new stepping stone on the path to success. ago we started this initiative with the fortune of having the great work of CTI in providing their knowledge, experience, best practices, and great sense of service to successfully meet the challenge of training our staff,” he remarked. “Combined with the commitment, dedication,
www . EleutheraNews . 16com July/Aug, 2022Loca L
17The Eleutheran2022, July/Aug Loca L and effort of our staff we saw such good results in such a short time, which reflects the quality of the training at CTI, along with the personal abilities of our employees.”Thegraduates recounted how the past ten weeks of hard work, knowledge sharing and mentorship has equipped and inspired them to carry the same standard of excellence forward into their lives and respectiveReflectingworkplaces.onthemany lessons learned, David Elliot praised his Carpentry Instructors for preparing him for a career and the realities of doing business. “Without the knowledge shared by Mr. Forbes, I probably would’ve gotten swung a few times in the work field,” noted David. “Learning how to count out material and calculate my labour, how to handle the table saw, the circular saw and build cabinets…I did all that in just ten short weeks. I couldn’t get that anywhere else.”
L to r: Graham Walker and Larry Forbes, cti instructors; camrin rolle, carpentry course Graduate; Gregory Higgs, Higgs construction; and Keyron Smith, coo
CTI is the premier tertiary education and training institution in Eleuthera offering 10-12 week vocational courses and short workshops. Students have access to training in, Culinary, Hospitality and Housekeeping Management, Carpentry, Construction, Electrical Installation, Introduction to Hydroponics, Beekeeping, and a wide cotton Bay Holdings Ltd. housekeeping team member, Vanessa rolle receives her cti certificate in Housekeeping Management.
carpentry students engaged in practical training. variety of Farming and Agricultural courses. Courses are approved by the National Accreditation Equivalency Council of The Bahamas (NAECOB) and are structured to include both hands-on training with skilled practitioners and traditional classroom learning. Students find the courses to be transformative, allowing them to work alongside their peers to gain valuable knowledge and experience while exploring opportunities that may have otherwise been unavailable to CTI’sthem.signature
“Learn-and-Earn” Program, is offered exclusively via the Rock Sound campus and provides students the unique opportunity to earn a weekly stipend during their training. The CTI-Harbour Island Trade School (HITS) was established to meet the growing need for skills and technical training on Harbour Island and the surrounding settlements of North Eleuthera. CTI-HITS currently offers courses in Culinary and Carpentry. Each new cohort of students solidifies CTI’s commitment to providing greater employment, training, and entrepreneurial opportunities for young people across Eleuthera. It is the organization’s goal to empower and sustainably develop Eleuthera’s people, local communities, and economy, one student at a time. For more information on course offerings email: registrar@oneeleuthera.org or call Source:815-3800.One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF)/The Centre For Training and Innovation (CTI)
Gregory Higgs, the proprietor of Higgs Construction in North Eleuthera delivered the keynote address urging the graduates to hold to their training. He also drove home the importance of “a good attitude, good work ethics and consistency while on the job, which these days can be lacking.” Sharing his insight as a local business owner, he reminded the group that whether an owner or employee, “these things take you a long way.”
ELEUTHERA, BAHAMAS (Aug 2022) – The British High Commissioner Her Excellency Sarah Dickson, OBE made time to pay a special visit to the One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) and the Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI) ahead of her scheduled departure from office. Commissioner Dickson explored CTI’s new 1.1-acre retractable roof grow house, “The Oasis” and learned how OEF and CTI are expanding farmer training opportunities and strengthening local food security initiatives from its Rock Sound campus. Tim Hauber, CTI’s Grow House Operations Officer & Agricultural Manager and Dr. Selima Hauber, CTI’s Agricultural Education & Outreach Officer led the tour showcasing CTI’s farm, apiary and facilities. They also shared the organization’s visionary, multi-layered plans to launch a food hub with an “addedvalue” food processing and packaging plant and a research lab for producing and distributing robust seedlings to local farmers. These initiatives support small island sustainability by increasing farming production, diversifying and increasing food manufacturing on island and potentially reducing dependency on foodCommissionerimports. Dickson was impressed to learn the many ways in which OEF and CTI are strengthening Eleuthera’s farming industry through shared knowledge, access, ongoing farmer training and cutting-edge technology.“Iam very impressed with the facilities at the One Eleuthera farm.” Commissioner Dickson later tweeted, “The Modern techniques that Tim and Selima Hauber are trialing with the passionate team at OEF could lead to new ways of sustainable farming for The Bahamas. Great to hear from COO, Keyron Smith about the ambitious plans for tourism and learning. Lovely Location!” A major highlight of the tour was the Oasis Grow House. Commissioner Dickson observed the newly sifted soil beds inside which will soon flourish year-round with lettuce, carrots, beets, radishes, scallions, zucchini, squash, and kale. “They’re doing these kinds of projects in Australia and all around the globe,” she commented, “It’s truly amazing to see one right here in TheEleuthera.”revolutionary, Oasis grow house is specifically designed to increase harvest yields, facilitate uninterrupted growing and harvesting seasons, and protect crops from extreme weather and hurricane conditions. The facility provides optimum growing conditions by regulating temperatures and reducing extreme rain, wind, and sun Theexposure.Oasis will also operate as a “live lab,” for local farmers providing them with hands-on training in hydroponics, raised bed growing and other mid to low-level “reproducible” farming techniques. While exploring best practices, Tim and the farm team will also be accruing data from the Oasis that can be shared with other farmers and agricultural training institutions throughout The Bahamas and the region.Additionally, Commissioner Dickson was pleased to learn that the entire OEF/CTI 50-acre campus and its facilities are used as a “live lab” and immersive teaching space. Students of CTI receive NAECOB certified training in the areas of culinary, hospitality, housekeeping management, carpentry, many of the construction trades, agriculture, hydroponics and more. Both the theoretical and practical, experiential training is provided right on campus. In addition to the training farm, and Oasis grow house, the campus is also home to “The Retreat,” a 16-room training hotel and the “Farmer’s Table” a new farm-totable training restaurant slated to open this month.
From left to right Dr. Selima Hauber ( c ti’ s a g ricultural e d ucation and o u treach o ffi cer), t i m Hauber ( c ti’ s c r avo a g ricultural o pe rations o ffi cer), H.e Sarah Dickson (British High c o mmissioner), Keyron Smith ( c ti’ s coo ) , yo landa Pawar ( c ti’ s cco ) , and Larry Forbes ( c ti Head of tr ades)
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British High Commissioner Visits OEF’s Rock Sound Campus
Left and Below: GHF r and FWB volunteers work together to demonstrate life-saving skills and training imparted to local crews during a three-day visit to the island, including putting out a large fire and a vehicle extrication.
The Governor’s Harbour Fire Rescue (GHFR) organization is moving forward with plans to rebuild life-saving fire rescue services within the immediate area - to service both Governor’s Harbour and James’ Cistern. The group came together in the past year to plan and organize fundraising efforts to purchase fire truck equipment, to build a fire station within the township, purchase uniforms, as well as training for volunteer fire fighters and maintenance and upkeep of purchased fire truck/s and the fire station.ByFebruary of 2022, the group, led by Chief Fireman and President Ricardo Pinder, Vice President Bob Colman and Secretary Arthur Turnquest, had already raised thousands towards the purchase of a fire engine appliance, and since then have continued efforts towards the goal of raising another $200,000 to build a fire house, and the requisite maintenance and upkeep. Martin Weber, a winter resident, heads up the fundraising efforts, along with Ricardo Pinder and Bob Colman in support. On Friday, August 5th, 2022, GHFR welcomed two representatives of the Canadian non-profit organization ‘Firefighters Without Borders’ (FWB) to Eleuthera - Director of Training and Accreditation John Pannunzio, and Director of Projects Amber Rushton - specializing
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‘Firefighters Without Borders’ initiates specialised training with local GHFR P21
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Following his return to Eleuthera on July 3rd, 2022 from Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic), where he had traveled as lead coach on June 24th, with the Bahamas boys under 12 team to the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Junior Tennis tournament, Coach Hartie Johnson hosted his 22nd Annual ‘Artie’ Johnson All Eleuthera Youth Summer TennisRegistrationCamp. for children participating in the two-week camp, slated to close on Saturday, July 16th, was done courtside at the Knowles Tennis Court facilities in Palmetto Point on Monday morning, July 4th. On the first day of camp, this year themed, “Grip and Rip”, over 30 children attended, with more expected as the first week got underway. On Wednesday, during the first week, as the excited young tennis campers took a break for lunch, Inspector Alexandria Albury with the Eleuthera Division of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, visited the camp and spoke with the children as a mentor, tackling the topic of ‘bullying’. The campers were said to have responded with lots of questions and feedback. They were also visited by local Pastor, Reverend Elmena Bethell on Friday, July 8th, to close out the first week of tennis fun. The Rotary Club of Eleuthera also engaged with campers during week two, with President Mr. Maxwell Leary, along with senior member Ms. Susan Culmer visiting and presenting Coach Hartie Johnson with masks for all of the campers, and donating lunch for the final day of camp. Coach Johnson commented
10am to 5pm Mon. to Fri.Now Open
above: coach Johnson and his team with an excited group of young tennis campers at the start of youth Summer tennis camp 2022. above: inspector alexandria albury (2nd from right), was one of several community professionals who were invited to visit the camp to mentor the children. that donations since the outset of the pandemic and continuing into this year had been few, to the extent that the feeding program ‘Tennis For Hunger’ regularly paired with the summer camp could not be held, but he was very grateful for the dedicated people involved in the annual program. Key people assisting to make sure that the tennis camp was a success, included, Camp Manager Mrs. Elva Nixon, Assistant Camp Manager Parry Culmer-Sands, and Coach Carol Young.
Johnson expresses thanks to all who made the 22nd Annual All Eleuthera Youth Summer Tennis Camp a success
The 22nd Annual ‘Artie’ Johnson All Eleuthera Youth Summer Tennis Camp closed out on Saturday, July 16th with a certificate presentation at Knowles Tennis courts. Special guest visitors on closing day were Ms. Clara Young from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, and Mr. Jerome Hill, President of the Eleuthera Tennis Association, who both spoke with the children during the closingCoachceremony.Johnson expressed a special thank you to all of the youngsters attending the camp for two weeks, the parents, Coach Carol Young for her dedication to junior tennis training, camp Managers Elva Nixon and Parry Culmer-Sands, also the junior instructors, including: Johnny Tsumpas, Althea Tsumpas, Andrealle Gardiner and Raign Plakaris, as well as all of the sponsors and guest speakers. “Thanks again to everyone who helped make this 22nd Annual Summer Tennis Camp a success,” said Johnson.
21The Eleutheran2022, July/Aug Loca L in hazardous material response, emergency response planning, management and preparedness, and community risk assessment.
The purpose of the three-day Eleuthera visit said John Pannunzio, was to assist with training, and to get to know more about the area the GHFR would be servicing, so they could better assess needs going forward, and provide advice and assistance tailored to the unique circumstances of the local organization. “We got reached out to by the fire service committee here who were looking at building the fire service in Governor’s Harbour. FWB is a non-profit organization based in Canada, and we essentially work to sustain equipment and training for, not only Canadians, but for services abroad as well. GHFR reached out looking for equipment... so, we formed a partnership about a year ago, and have been speaking and meeting virtually since then. We have seven pallets of equipment now on the way, which will further equip GHFR’s fire truck that recently arrived on island, with the tools, equipment and personal protective gear required. This will allow the firefighters to safely mitigate a variety of different calls, not just firefighting, but also vehicle extrication and a few other disciplines.”
a b
Locallife’.GHF
On Sunday afternoon, August 7th, as the visitors wrapped up their time with the GHFR volunteers, a community demonstration event was hosted at 3pm near the Fishermen’s Dock
The partnership he emphasized, would be one that continued, and not just a one-time visit. “It’s going to be a five-year phased in approach, where we can build on incremental steps, take bite-size pieces and work on developing the skills of the fire service and ensure that they can maintain the trucks, the equipment and everything else. “We have a network within North America for training and equipment leads that help us sustain these projects... A lot of the equipment in North America has a ‘ten-year lifespan’, and after ten years is deemed as no-good, but this equipment is in perfect shape, and for areas that don’t have any equipment at all, or trying to build a department, it’s still very useful - and we want to make sure that they can use that.”
FireFighters without Borders & ghFr19 in Governor’s Harbour. The local fire crew, along with the FWB representatives, demonstrated the putting out of a sizeable fire, an extraction team also removed a car door from a vehicle using spreaders and a ‘jaws of life’, and for the sake of the community audience - crews also showed onlookers how to use a fire extinguisher to put out an oil fire [that might occur in one’s kitchen], and discussed other ways to neutralize the fire, without water.Local Fire Chief, Ricardo Pinder, informed that the 1,000-gallon capacity fire engine for GHFR, as a result of the group’s fundraising efforts to-date, arrived in Eleuthera in mid-July. “We thank everyone in the community for all of their efforts and the donations received,” he expressed on Sunday afternoon.Further commenting on the weekend visit, he added, “Firefighters Without Borders, they came down from Canada, and did some training with us. We knew a little bit already, but those guys are professionals and they did a marvelous job... Right now, we have a local team of eleven volunteer firefighters. But we are encouraging anyone else who wants to join, to join - ladies as well, because when there is a fire, sometimes only one or two may be available. So, we can use all volunteers.”
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The Men of Faith, who run a fire rescue service based in Palmetto Point, were also visible on Sunday, with one of their fire engines joining the GHFR demonstration. Mr. Pinder commented, “We work together with the Men of Faith. They have provided training, as well as the use of their equipment. For example, today we used their ‘jaws of life’ in the demonstration, because we are still awaiting the arrival of ours. So, we work together, and we will continue that. If they go to a fire, we will go to that fire - and if we go to a fire, they will also go to that fire. We will work together.” ove: GHF r volunteers demonstrate the removal of a vehicle door using spreaders and a ‘jaws of r fire crew putting out a staged fire by the Fishermen’s dock in Governor’s Harbour.
Amber Rushton, on her reasons for being a part of FWB, added, “I got involved with FWB because I have skillsets in fire suppression, and fire and life-safety education, and I wanted the opportunity to give back to the broader fire service communities - so this is a great way to volunteer. It has been wonderful to partner with communities like Governor’s Harbour, and to equip them with the means to be successful... We currently have six projects on the go right now, wide spread across the globe. It’s very busy, but it’s rewarding work.”
Source: BREEF and The Island School
Since 2008, 55 young Bahamians have benefitted from this educational experience, with most scholars going on to pursue related tertiary studies or being currently employed in the environmental field. The BESS Programme is a collaboration between BREEF and The Island School with over $160,000 provided in scholarships from The Island School to make the programme possible.
Environmental
Young Bahamian Stewards Begin Bess scholarship Journey
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CRFM advises fishers to be prepared and stay vigilant amid forecast for active 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season
After another year of hybrid learning, four new Bahamas Environmental Steward Scholars (BESS) are ready for in-person experiential learning through the BESS programme. Applicants from New Providence, Eleuthera, and Grand Bahama competed for coveted seats in this gap year programme offered by the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) and The Island School. Scholars for the 2022-2023 BESS Programme are Asia Butler from Harbour Island All Age School, Taye Fountain from Lucayan International School, Darielle Bullard from Bishop Michael Eldon School, and Gayle Burrows from Queen’s College. Each scholar will spend a life-changing semester at The Island School at Cape Eleuthera, in addition to a four-month paid internship at BREEF. Recognizing the growing need to solve problems in a rapidly changing world, BREEF and The Island School mentor these independent students through solutions-based learning and scientific research internships. Upon completion of the programme each scholar leaves well equipped to lead The Bahamas into a more sustainableHarbourfuture.Island’s Asia Butler, says BESS facilitators, has shown exceptional leadership as the president of the Bahamas Plastic Movement Ocean Ambassador’s Club as well as inspiring her community with her backyard gardening. “During the pandemic Bahamians were struck with fear over possible food shortages which could be prevented by encouraging agricultural jobs and making agriculture an important part of our education system, thus increasing food security and bringing us one step closer to a plastic-free community,”says Asia. Taye Fountain is a Maritime Cadet also involved with Save the Bays and Waterkeepers Bahamas. He shares, “I am an avid swimmer, spear fisherman, boater, and scuba diver. I believe I can take much of what I have learned from my environmental education and implement it to inform others of ways in which the
Belize City, Friday, 22 July 2022 (CRFM)—The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) is advising fishers and fishing communities across its seventeen (17) Member States to PREPARE and GET READY as we approach the peak of the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Early preparation and understanding risks are key to reducing loss, damage and injury to fishers and
asia Butler of Harbour island all age School. Gayle Burrrows.taye’ Fountain. Darielle Bullard. economy and country can develop without damaging our environment.”DarielleBullard is a Save the Bays and Waterkeepers Cadet and also in the Maritime Cadet Corps. She gives back to her community through Anchor Club and Interact and loves diving with sharks. “My passion is nature and marine life. I like to help clean up the beach with my friends and visit Owl Hole. I plan to major in marine biology, and BESS will show me how to make a difference in the Bahamas and have fun while I accomplish my goals,” says Darielle. Gayle Burrows participates in Green Team Eco Club, Aquaponics, and the Model UN. She says she realizes the impending doom of warming oceans and climate change and has worked with youth to shape their future. “I have always wanted to contribute to my home, The Bahamas, by preparing children in younger generations to see that they have to take care of and preserve the environment because it’s our home.”
The Ministry in its communication invited and encouraged the public to visit the national Budget Website (www.bahamasbudget.gov.bs) to view the various statistical reports available to theSource:public.Ministry of Finance
2022
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“Central Government Debt-to-GDP tapered to 85.1% ... theirFishersfamilies.and fishing communities should take steps to prepare for any disaster. One of the available tools is the Fisher Early Warning and Emergency Response (FEWER) mobile app. Fisherfolk should also stay informed and carefully follow official information from the government about severe weather systems and hurricanes (shared via our live map). Fishers should be aware of their risks and safeguard themselves from hazards such as high winds and turbulent seas, storm surge and storm tide, rip currents, heavy rainfall and flooding, and tornadoes. Fishers are also encouraged to make a family emergency plan and have an emergency kit with supplies, enough food, water, medicine and other essentials that will last them for at least two weeks. The CRFM cautions fishers against operating vessels under these conditions and urges them to act early to secure their boats and store their fishing gear and basic supplies like ropes, lines, hooks, coolers, crimps and crimpers in the event of an approaching storm. This will help to ensure that fishers can protect their livelihoods and return to fishing more quickly after the storm passes and minimize lost and abandoned fishing gear that will continue to ghost fish. A few weeks ago, the Colorado State University (CSU) updated its April 2022 prediction—from 19 named storms and 4 major hurricanes to 20 named storms and 5 major hurricanes— noting that this hurricane season will be “well above-average.” An average season has about 14 named storms and 3 major hurricanes. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2022 will mark the 7th straight year having busier-than-normal tropical cyclone activity for the Atlantic Basin and the Caribbean region.Fisherfolk are encouraged to stay vigilant by following the forecasts during this hurricane season and to contact their disaster management office or their national Fisheries Department or Division if they sustain damages to their vessels or equipment due to a storm or hurricane event. Fishers are urged to continue to work together to support and help each other to prepare during the hurricane season and to assist in the event they are impacted by severe weather systems in 2022.
It continued, “In keeping with this mandate, the June 2022 PDSB represents the fourth centralized collection of and dedicated publication on public debt statistics in The Bahamas by the DMO. As prescribed in the Act, the content of the report includes: • - the outstanding stock of all public sector debt; • the size and currency composition of the public sector debt; • the interest rate mix of the public sector debt; and • the maturity profile of the public sector “Thedebt.central Government’s debt stock increased to $10,729.8 million at end-June 2022— corresponding to gains of $857.5 million over endJune 2021 and $260.4 million from end-March 2021 (see Table 1). Reflecting the rebound in economic activity from the COVID-19 pandemic, outstanding debt tapered off to an estimated 85.1% of GDP at end-June 2022, from 87.5% at end-March 2022 and 100.9% at end-June 2021. “Debt of the public sector [central Government and Agencies and Government Business Enterprises (GBEs)] aggregated an estimated $12,131.0 million at end-June 2022. This represented a quarterly accretion of $287.8 million (2.4%) since end-March 2022, and an annual gain of $829.0 million (7.3%) relative to end-June 2021.
“Dissemination of timely, consistent, comprehensive, reliable and internationally comparable public debt statistics represents a key element of the Government’s commitment to promote accountability and transparency in debt management activities. It also contributes to informed decision making of domestic policy makers for sustainable macroeconomic growth, and is an invaluable source of information for international organizations, investors and other stakeholders who have an interest in the management of public debt in The Bahamas.”
National Debt Topped Twelve (12) Billion Dollars at end of June
The Debt Management Office in the Ministry of Finance published its Third Quarterly Statistical Report on July 29th, 2022, outlining current public debtAstatistics.summary statement about the report began, “The Debt Management Office (the “DMO”) of the Ministry of Finance is mandated under Section 61 of the Public Debt Management Act, 2021 (the “Act”), passed by Parliament in March and enacted in July, to prepare and publish public debt statistical bulletins (“PDSB”), no later than thirty calendar days after the end of each quarter of the fiscal year.”
Spawning zones for the Bahamas separated into three zones based on sunset times.
Love is in the water with coral spawning season upon us!
Researchers in the Caribbean have been witnessing mass spawning events on the reef and developing predictions for when different coral species will spawn. During the summer months when the water begins to get warmer, beginning as early as April to as late as October, the corals will use the change in water temperature as an indicator to spawn. The process is then triggered by the full moon followed by the setting of the sun. In the Bahamas, an archipelago of over 700 islands and cays spread out over 500 miles, the sunset differs depending on the island. As part of creating the spawning predictions, The Bahamas was separated into three distinct zones that are based on the time of sunset. Knowing the exact time of the sunset is crucial to determining when one can witness a coral spawn, as a ten-minute window can make all the difference, especially while diving. Depending on the species, the days following the full moon and the time around sunset, spawning could vary. For example, Mountain-
Relevant information of key Caribbean species, months and times were compiled in a booklet that contains field photographs and a table with dates and times when spawning could be observed. The booklet was created by Researchers working at the Cape Eleuthera Institute (CEI) at The Island School and the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS), as part of The Bahamas Coral Innovation Hub project. Natalia Hurtado (CEI & PIMS), Lily Haines (PIMS) and Silia Woodside (CEI), made the predictions as an educational tool to help local scientists, grassroots nonprofits, dive organizations and volunteers work together to repopulate coral reefs across the region using larval propagation techniques. See booklet in our engagementperryinstitute.org/community-website:
other coral colonies, corals have synchronized the release of their gametes in mass spawning events, where multiple colonies will all release their gametes at the same time. Because these spawning events could repeat every year and are linked to water temperature, sunset and the lunar cycle, they can then be used to predict when a coral may spawn. H ow do we know w H en corals may spawn ?
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By Silia Woodside (CEI) & Natalia Hurtado (CEI & PIMS) Every summer once the water temperature increases, several reef creatures know it is the time of the year to produce some offspring by releasing their reproductive cells or gametes (females called eggs and males called sperm) into the water column. Corals in particular are sessile animals that cannot move to find mates, so they synchronize their spawning cycles with different environmental cues like water temperature, sunset time and the moon phases. What is coral spawning? Corals have the capability to increase their size and to regenerate after breaking by reproducing asexually, but they also can develop sexual cells known as gametes. By releasing them, they can form new colonies and maintain their genetic diversity through sexual reproduction, commonly referred to as coral spawning. Sexually produced offspring can provide the coral with resistance to environmental stressors and diseases, leading to more resilient reefs in the future. Some coral species can produce eggs and sperm within the same colony and are known as Hermaphroditic broadcast spawners, they release their gametes in bundles that can vary in size and color (light pink to brown) depending on the species. When the bundles are released from the coral, they float up to the surface where the wave action breaks them apart, releasing the sperm and egg and allowing them to cross fertilize with the gametes of other colonies. Other coral species have separate sexes and are known as Gonochoric broadcast spawners, they release eggs and sperm independently, the eggs are similar to the gamete bundles, however they are much smaller. The sperm is released in bursts from the coral and looks similar to smoke rising from the coral. Once released from the colonies the sperm and egg can meet and combine in the water column. In order to increase their chances of cross fertilization with (l r): coral gametes: Brain coral with its bundles, Smooth Flower coral holding eggs in its tentacles & Great star coral sperm.
ous star coral, Orbicella faveolata, a key reef building species in the Caribbean, has been known to spawn between five to eight days after the full moon and between 210 and 270 minutes after the sunset, in the months of August and September. Another dominant reef building species is the grooved brain coral, Diploria labyrinthiformis, that has been found to release its gametes between 10 to 13 days after the full moon up to 70 minutes before sunset, the only species so far known to do so, usually all summer long starting in April.
OfficeSource:of The Prime Minister
“It’s past time to go on the offensive against the painful blows climate change has landed in the region,” he added. “But we must be united in the fight and convince the world that, for better or worse, we are in this together.”
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The conference agenda will also focus on renewable energy, energy security, climate adaptation, climate financing, loss and damage due to tropical weather systems and establishing a framework for the sale of carbon credits. Delegates attending COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland in December 2021 signed off on a global climate agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and counter global warming by limiting the temperature rise on Earth to a 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold. The global warming phenomenon has been linked to more frequent and aggressive hurricanes in the Caribbean, which have subjected the region to billions of dollars in damage and bound countries to burdensome loan commitments.According to the Assessment of the Effects and Impacts of Hurricane Dorian in The Bahamas report issued by the Inter-American Development Bank in March 2022, damage and losses from Hurricane Dorian amounted to US$3.4 billion, a quarter of the country’s GDP.
A heat wave rolling across the United States and Europe is also being attributed to rising temperatures. The UK recorded temperatures of over 40°C (104°F) for the first time in July 2022, according to local forecasters. “We know that if we reach that 1.5°C and we exceed it, everything changes for everybody. While land-locked countries and large continents like South America will experience a change, island-states will experience that change three and four-fold.”“With this meeting we will have all of those who face the same threat level sitting down together, discussing options, considering what is being suggested and how realistic this will be. For us, this is a fundamental thing that we should have been doing a long time ago,” Newbold said.
Caribbean Rising: PM to convene Regional Heads of Government Meeting in The Bahamas (Bahamas to host regional Climate Change meeting to more effectively project the concerns of Caribbean states on the global stage.) Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis, announced, on August 4th, 2022, that The Bahamas will host the first Regional Caribbean Heads of Government Meeting in preparation for COP27 in Nassau, The Bahamas on August 16th-17th, 2022 at Baha Mar Resort. The inaugural event is being introduced by the Government of The Bahamas with the aim of devising a regional position on climate change mitigation ahead of COP 27 which will take place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt November 6th-20th,Invited2022.participants include the Head of State from the following countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago and Turks and Caicos.The Government of The Bahamas intends to establish the meeting as an annual event and will seek to have it instituted as a regular meeting on calendar of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Convention (UNFCCC).“TheBahamas is introducing this conference as we seek to get results in the climate change fight,” Prime Minister Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister of The Bahamas said ahead of the talks. “The Bahamas, along with the region, has lobbied year after year, meeting after meeting, as we sought for the world to acknowledge our vulnerable position.”“Ihave said repeatedly that what happens in this region doesn’t stay in this region,” Prime Minister Davis said. “We must take the reins in ending our suffering and replace our position of vulnerability with that of power.”
“At the conclusion of the meeting, a Chair’s Summary will be made available detailing the scope of the discussions, as well as key messages and ideas that emerge. Additionally, the region plans to launch an initiative at COP27 to advance advocacy efforts on behalf of Caribbean States,” Prime Minister Davis said.
“What we’ve been lacking regionally is a strategy that would aid us in our negotiation process when we go to the conferences of the parties referred to as COPs,” says Rochelle Newbold, Special Advisor on Climate Change and Environmental Matters and Climate Tsar in the Office of the Prime Minister in The“ThisBahamas.yearwill be COP number 27 and, as a region, we have never put forward a strategy document or an intent of how we want to deal with the issues that we face within the region collectively,” Newbold added.
“This meeting will position the Caribbean region to take control of our fate and present a unified position to the world at COP27,” Prime Minister DavisTheadded.meeting is also intended to establish a Caribbean response exclusive of the conventional Latin America-Caribbean pairing in order to better reflect common geographical and geo-political issues of Caribbean states.
The Bahamas relies heavily on its natural resources to attract tourists to its shores year after year, generating its main source of income. For these natural resources, The Bahamas has coral reefs to thank. Coral reefs provide benefits to the Bahamian livelihoods, such as providing sand for our beautiful beaches as well as providing a habitat to many economically important species like the Spiny lobster and Nassau grouper. However, coral reefs have steadily been in decline over the past few decades, mainly due to effects of climate change, such as rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification, as well as overfishing and a variety of coral diseases. Nowadays many coral restoration efforts have sparked, with the hope to facilitate reef rehabilitation. In South Eleuthera, The BCIH team based at The Island School has been working with several coral restoration techniques, using their reproductive strategies to increase the abundance aiming to repopulate some populations on the reef. Larval propagation is a coral restoration technique that takes advantage of the coral’s natural sexual reproduction by collecting their gametes and rearing them into juvenile corals in a lab setting. Using this method is highly beneficial as it increases the genetic diversity of the resulting coral offspring by cross fertilizing the gametes of different coral colonies. Unfortunately, most of our projects including larval propagation are on pause due to research permit delays. Coral spawning remains difficult to predict and the information does not guarantee that spawning will occur. We are really interested in conducting more spawning observations throughout The Bahamas to advance our knowledge and restoration techniques. Collecting gametes and rearing them until they are juvenile corals, will increase their chances of survival and once they are back on the reef where they will continue to grow and produce healthy resilient coral reefs that can continue to provide ecosystem services for years to come. For more information, please contact nataliahurtado@islandschool. org
w H y is t H is information important ?
Deep Creek Middle School (DCMS) in Deep Creek, South Eleuthera was awarded its sixth prestigious Eco-Schools Green Flag Award as the 2021/2022 school year came to a close. The Green Flag Award is the highest award level that a school can achieve, and it can be awarded every two years for environmental excellence. The school campus underwent an onsite assessment by the Eco-Schools Bahamas Assessment Team, and they met all the requirements with flying colours. DCMS was also honoured to receive the first Merit Award Certificate in the BREEF EcoSchools Bahamas programme for its outstanding contribution to EcoSchoolsTheBahamas.Bahamas Reef Environmental Educational Foundation (BREEF) runs Eco-Schools in The Bahamas and Eco-Schools Bahamas is part of an international award programme developed in 1994 by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Eco-Schools, which is based on the work of student-led teams, recognizes schools for their achievements in Education for Sustainable Development and continuously improving the sustainability performance of the school as well as the wider community. Through identifying and implementing solutions for environmental challenges in their schools, students drive a spillover effect in the surroundingAboutcommunities.theimpact of being a part of the Eco-Club at DCMS, Gianni Meadows, 9th grade student and Eco-club member, said, “I feel really proud. Before I came to Deep Creek Middle School, I didn’t really feel the need to cut plastic out of my life. I have learned a lot by doing certain things differently every day.”
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Speaking about the special event, Casuarina Mckinney-Lambert, DCMS parent and BREEF’s Executive Director, said, “I’m so pleased that Deep Creek Middle School has embraced environmental education and action. DCMS students are a model for the country and the world, and they should be very proud of their achievements.”
Bahamas2021. programme, achieving six consecutive Green Flag awards, and their continued commitment towards Excellence in Environmental Education and Environmental Stewardship.”Schoolsinterested in joining the EcoSchools Bahamas programme can contact BREEF at 327-9000 or ecoschoolsbahamas@breef.orgemail:
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According to DCMS science teacher and Eco-Schools Coordinator Mr. Hadish Street, “A huge number of people have put a tremendous amount of effort into not just achieving Green Flag certification, but really upholding the values that certification represents; sustainability and environmental education which is very much the ethos of Deep Creek Middle School.”
Ms. Daenette Gardiner, principal at DCMS also commented that the school would continue to uphold and build on its’ environmental standards in anticipation of their renewal in two Duringyears.DCMS’ time of virtual and hybrid learning, students attended Eco-Club meetings virtually. When they returned to the school campus, many classes were held outdoors using covered outdoor classroom spaces. Since DCMS is part of the Cape Eleuthera Island School, students were able to experience the outdoor research and education facilities at the Island School and the Cape Eleuthera Institute during their “School Without Walls” programme. Many students also engaged in sustainability practices at home, such as conserving water and electricity, and planting a garden.BREEF expressed extreme pride in the unwavering commitment and environmental stewardship that DCMS students continue to champion, as Education Coordinator and National Operator for the Eco-Schools Bahamas Programme, Kevin Glinton stated, “We are delighted to have awarded Deep Creek Middle School with a certificate of merit for their outstanding contribution to the Eco-Schools
BREEF Awards DCMS Its Sixth (6th) eco-schools green Flag Staff and students of DcMS stand proudly with their newly awarded, 6th eco-Schools Green Flag. creditor composition (Extracted from the FY2021/22 QUARTER IV PUBLIC DEBT STATISTICAL BULLETIN)Thecreditor profile of public sector debt continued to primarily reflect the more diversified debt activities of the central Government.»Under external debt obligations, the Government’s recent bond issuance extended private capital market creditors’ share to 54.3% from 49.5% at end-March 2022 and 53.2% at end-June 2021. IDBsourced financing dominated multilateral debt which represented 21.6% of the total at end-June 2022, although waning from the 22.9% at end-March 2022 and 24.5% at end-JuneReflecting2021.scheduled loan repayments, financial institutions’ share moderated to 23.0% from 26.4% at end-March 2022, although broadening from the 20.9% posted at end-June 2021. The proportion held by the single bilateral creditor tapered progressively from 1.4% at end June 2021 to 1.2% at end-March 2022 and further to 1.1% at end- June 2022. On the domestic side, commercial banks and other financial institutions’ share moderated to 40.2% at end-June 2022 from 41.5% at end-March 2022 and 41.1% at end-June 2021. The private sector’s proportion stabilized at 38.3% at end-June 2022 relative to the year-earlier period, although settling 0.7 percentage points above the end-March 2022 share. Public corporations held 13.3% of the domestic debt at end-June 2022, positioning below the 12.3% proportion at endMarch 2022 and compared with a relatively stable 13.5% stake at end- June 2021. From 8.0% of the total at end-March 2022, the Central Bank’s proportion eased to 7.7% at end-June 2022, which corresponded to a 1.3 percentage point increment over end- June
Eighth (8th) grader and fellow Eco-club member, Finley McKinney-Lambert, added, “Along with a lot of things that we’re doing for our school, we will continue to do waste management and monitor the water and electricity that we use.”
Miller
a b ove (L to r ) : Sada Williams of Barbados, Shaunae Miller-Uibo of t h e Bahamas, and Dominican r e public’s Marileidy Paulino - a Caribbean podium trio in the 400m.
a b ove: Shaunae crosses the finish line in first place at the Athletics World Championships.
Shaunae, accompanied by her husband, Estonian decathlete Maicel Uibo and her parents, Shaun and Mabelene Miller paid a special visit to the Office of the Prime Minister on Thursday, July 28th, following the World Championships, where Prime Minister Philip Davis personally congratulated Miller-Uibo on her most recent win and commended her for her stellar journey as a career athlete. - uiBo success
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a b ove: Shaunae Miller-Uibo stands with her husband Maicel Uibo; Prime Minister Philip Davis; and supportive family, including her parents, Shaun and Mabelene Miller.
Minister of Youth, Sports & Culture, the Hon. Mario K Bowleg, commented following Shaunae’s win, “She was in a class of her own. I am honoured to have witnessed such a historical feat in-person and congratulate Miller-Uibo on her major accomplishment. She is indeed a stellar athlete and a great ambassador for our country. The Bahamas is indebted to Miller-Uibo.”
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On Wednesday, July 20th, 2022 Mrs. Davis paid a courtesy call on Dr. Darville at his ministry on Meeting Street. She was accompanied by Dr. Ruth Kattumuri, Senior Director of Economic, Youth and Sustainable Development Directorate, Commonwealth Secretariat in the UK.The push to eliminate Cervical Cancer is part and parcel of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3, of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which is to “ensure healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages”.Inthis vein, the Spouses of the CARICOM Leaders Action Network (SCLAN) of which Mrs. Davis is a member, have begun to discuss how to accelerate actions for cervical cancer elimination by 2030.Mrs. Davis recently hosted a SCLAN meeting, virtually, during which CARICOM, and Commonwealth member-
*DHL*BrokerageCourier*Trucking;
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Tel: Governor’s332-3066Harbour, Eleuthera
MOHW Supports Initiative Aimed at eliminating cervical cancer by Year 2030
NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Minister of Health and Wellness the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville has thrown his ministry’s support behind the initiative to eliminate Cervical Cancer in The Bahamas by 2030, in keeping with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).This initiative that is to evolve into a nation-wide campaign, is being championed by Mrs. Ann Marie Davis of the Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister.
the elimination of cervical cancer in the Bahamas by 2030, in keeping with the United nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), was discussed with the Minister of Health and Wellness the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville during a courtesy call at his office on Wednesday, July 20th, 2022. Pictured around the table are: Dr. Philip Swann, acting chief Medical officer; Dr. Darville; Permanent Secretary colin Higgs; Dr. cherita Moxey; Dr. ruth Kattumuri, Senior Director of economic, youth and Sustainable Development Directorate, commonwealth Secretariat in the UK; by Mrs. ann Marie Davis of the office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister; and alicia Gibson, Personal assistant, office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister. states pledged to champion this cause. She added that The Bahamas would propose an “aggressive plan” towards this Dr.end.Darville thanked her for agreeing to take the lead, and pledged the support of his team to disseminate the messages nationwide. Present were: Permanent Secretary Colin Higgs; Dr. Philip Swann, Acting Chief Medical Officer; Dr. Cherita Moxey; and Dr. Bridgette Rolle.Global medical experts have diagnosed cervical cancer as a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, play a role in causing most cervical cancers. Individuals can reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer by having screening tests and receiving a vaccine that protects against HPV infection. The target is young people from the age of 10 to get the vaccine against the virus.TheSDG 3 also aims to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio; end preventable deaths of newborns and children; end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other communicable diseases; reduce mortality from non-communicable diseases; strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse; halve the number of deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents; ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services; achieve universal health coverage; and reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and pollution. Dr. Darville said that his ministry is also focused on dealing with NonCommunicable Diseases (NCDs), HIV/AIDS, Climate Change, and Mental Health Wellness -- the latter of which he tabled the Mental Health Bill, 2022 in the House of Assembly on July 20th. It is to replace the Mental Heath Act, 1969.`
CustomsEliteBrokers
Pictured seated from left: Mrs. ann Marie Davis, Prime Minister Philip Davis, Deputy to the Governor General cynthia Pratt, and Minister of Foreign affairs and the Public Service Fred Mitchell. Standing from left are new ambassadors: Dr. Dexter Johnson, chris Brown, rick Fox, taran Spencer Mackey, Sebastian Bastian, Joseph curry, and William Wong. (BiS Photos/anthon thompson) diplomatic ambassadors commissioned to serve the country (Eleutheran, Chris “Fireman” Brown, appointed Ambassador-At-Large for Sports)
“Dr. Dexter Gregory Johnson, Ambassador- Designate to The Federative Republic of Brazil, is a son of Cat Island, and an extraordinarily accomplished doctor and surgeon -- who looks to be creating a new dynasty, as he is also the father of Princeton University’s first black valedictorian in that institution’s 274-year history,” Prime Minister Davis added. “Mr. Johnson’s appointment to The Federative Republic of Brazil is evidence of our administration’s continued commitment to our friendship with South America.”
Source: Written By: Eric Rose , BIS NASSAU, The Bahamas – During a Commissioning Ceremony of Ambassadors, on August 3rd, 2022, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis said that it had never been so important for The Bahamas to play its part on the world stage.Instruments of Appointment were issued to seven men at the ceremony. They are: Rick Fox, AmbassadorAt-Large for Sports; Chris ‘Fireman’ Brown, Ambassador-At-Large for Sports; Joseph Curry, The Holy See; Sebastian Bastian, Central America; William Wong, Kingdom of Morocco; Dr. Dexter Johnson, Republic of Brazil; and Taran Spencer Mackey, Kuwait.“Today’s appointments attest to the range, breadth and depth of our international relationships,” Prime Minister Davis said, at the ceremony held at the Baha Mar Convention Center. “They also evidence our intention and ability, as a fully sovereign nation, to promote areas of special interest and relevance to our national development.”Prime Minister Davis pointed out that, given The Bahamas’ small size in terms of geography and population, during his government’s past nearly eleven months in office, the nation had been “punching well above our weight”.Hesaid: “We are making sure that our circumstances and points of view are given consideration when important decisions are being made. We are strengthening relationships with investors, grantors and creditors. We are expanding our tourism industry, as the Bahamian brand takes on greater meaning beyond sun, sand and sea.”
Prime Minister Davis said. “He is a devoted Catholic, who ably represented our nation as a foreign service officer, and has had great success as President of ITICS, specialising in investment, business and trade consultancy.”
“As each of you goes forward to represent our Bahamas on the world stage, I am confident that you will undertake your duties faithfully and well, and serve our country with distinction,” Prime Minister Davis said to the Ambassadors.“Wewishyou Godspeed.”
seven (7)
Prime Minister Davis noted that the final two appointments he would mention would serve as Ambassadorsat-Large. “Rick Fox and Christopher Brown are both men with a long history of success carrying our country’s flag abroad -- Rick Fox as an actor and a former NBA player, and Chris ‘Fireman’ Brown as an Olympian track and field star,” he said. “No matter how far they traveled from home, they remained devoted to The Bahamas. As Ambassadors-atLarge, they will have new opportunities to represent us and make us proud.”
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The Bahamas’ Ambassadors, he added, have key roles to play in ensuring that the country’s voices are heard, and interests promoted. “When they speak for us, they will show the world what we are made of,” Prime Minister Davis said. “I am proud that our cadre of Ambassadors is drawn from the best amongst us.” He also spoke briefly on each Ambassador.“Ambassador His Excellency Mr. Joseph R. Curry will be a bridge between our nation and the Vatican,”
“His Excellency Sebastian J. Bastian is the kind of entrepreneur known as a disruptor – he didn’t just build successful new companies, he changed gaming, media and e-commerce along the way,” he added. “His love for The Bahamas is evident; he is one of the nation’s leading philanthropists. I have confidence in his ability to advance our country’s interests and deepen our relationship with CentralPrimeAmerica.”Minister Davis noted that Ambassador-Designate William Wong was born and raised in The Bahamas. “In his career, he has been a leader and a trailblazer, serving two terms as president of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce, and two terms as the president of the Bahamas Real Estate Association,” he said. “I know he will do much to advance our country’s diplomatic ties with the Kingdom of Morocco.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that Taran Spencer Mackey, Ambassador-Designate to the State of Kuwait, is a Director at the Bank of The Bahamas, specializing in trust and estate planning, with oversight and administration of over two billion dollars. “This young Bahamian is also a Director of the Bahamas Financial Services Board and CoChairman of their Immigration Sub-Committee,” he said. “I am confident our country will benefit from his talent and expertise as he represents our interest in Kuwait.”
On the r i ght: Pictured at the handover ceremony (from left), Dr. Gina Archer, Chief Pharmacist, Ministry of Health and Wellness; the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness; Nurse r u th Bastian, Immunization Coordinator; Nurse Joyanne Wilson, Immunization; Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis; Dr. Eldonna Boisson, PAHO/WHO Country r e presentative; and; Dr. Philip Swann, Acting Chief Medical Officer.
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a b ove and Below: Ms. a l bury shares her skills with children from the n o rth e l euthera community during a one-day ‘c u pcake e d ition’ baking class.
Parents paid a cover charge of $40 per child for the 22 children who took part in the class, which began at 10am and went on until 3pm. With lunch and all of the materials and ingredients covered, Ms. Albury said that she received many more enquiries after the first class. So, plans are in the works to host another session on Saturday, August 13th. This time the focus, she said, would be on pizza and pastry.“I’m hoping to make this an annual summer event, but rather than only one day, I’d like to host a summer camp for 1 or 2 weeks during which children can also learn basic sewing skills along with baking,” said Ms. Albury about her goal for the event in 2023.
Dica’s Sweet Treat’s in Lower Bogue, owned by Rudica Albury - a teacher by heart and profession, hosted a one-day children’s baking class - ‘Cupcake Edition’ for children between the ages of 4 and 16 on Thursday, July 28th at the Methodist Church Hall, Lower Bogue.“Ihave been baking for a few years but officially launched my cake business in 2020,” shared Ms. Albury. “I decided to host the event after I realized there were no summer camps or activities in the area for children and teens. I wanted to share my passion and love for baking with the younger ones in hopes of sparking their interest to seek baking as a trade.”
small shop owner offering classes in baking to children ages 4 -16
Bahamas receives coVId-19 Vaccines for children
The Bahamas received its first tranche of pediatric COVID-19 vaccines, targeted for children ages 5 to 11, as the country continues its vaccine programme . The vaccines, 24,000 Pfizer doses, arrived in country at the Lynden Pindling International Airport onboard British Airways flight from London to Nassau on Saturday, July 23, 2022. The vaccines, donated from France, were facilitated through the COVAX facility, supported by the Pan- American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). Dr. Eldonna Boisson, PAHO/WHO Country Representative, said in a statement, “Soon the country’s children will prepare to return to school...,” and encouraged parents and guardians to register their children at their preferred clinic to receive the COVID-19 vaccines, which will offer a level of protection from the virus. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness, said that the vaccines would be available for children “eligible and willing” to take it, with consent from parents and or guardians. Health officials in Eleuthera informed that pediatric vaccines would be available in Eleuthera as of Tuesday, August 9th, 2022.
(Contact: Ministry of Tourism, Harbour Island, (242) 333-2621)
On Saturday, July 30th, 2022, members of the Kiwanis Club of South Eleuthera at the Rock Sound International Airport, handed out face masks and hand sanitizers to passengers as they held a membership drive inviting persons to become a part of their organization.
• Goombay Summer Festival (August 27th) This event allows locals and visitors to enjoy a cultural experience of Eleuthera. People can enjoy mouth-watering dishes, beverages, and dance to local rake and scrape music. There are also local artists and artisans showing their handmade products.
Members of the Eleuthera Royal Youth Corps (ERYC) Southern Boys Drill Team attended church services at Hope House International Ministries, Rock Sound, Eleuthera on Sunday, July 31st, 2022. The group was warmly welcomed by Pastor Gertrude Saunders and received special prayers from Pastor Jerome Hill and Pastor Urial Usher. At the end of the service, facilitator Corporal Brown (Royal Bahamas Police Force) conducted a brief drill routine with the ERYC young boys. The group was applauded for their attendance and performance and Corporal Brown was encouraged to continue working with the youth of the community.
(Contact: Eleuthera Tourist Office, Ms. Glenda (242)gjjingraham@bahamas.com,Johnson-Ingraham,332-2868) 15 caleNdar 2022
Pictured: Members of the Kiwanis club of South eleuthera outside the rock Sound international airport.
Kiwanis club of south eleuthera holds Membership drive & donates in process
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• Wemyss (OctoberHomecomingBightFestival8th-10th)
c o rporal Brown stands with young members of the South e l euthera e ryc
(Contact: Eleuthera Tourist Office, Ms. Glenda (242)gjjingraham@bahamas.com,Johnson-Ingraham,332-2868)
• North Eleuthera and Harbour Island Regatta (October 7th - 11th) A domestic tourism event that attracts thousands for an authentic out-island experience.
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south eleuthera erYc at Hope House
Picture this...
During this time, Bahamians and visitors come together and have a fun-filled time. There are a variety of dishes, desserts, and beverages to choose from. Lots of games and entertainment for everyone.
Suspects Charged in deadly Human smuggling Operation
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis on Sunday afternoon, July 24th, 2022 at a press briefing, held at his office, following the deadly early morning incident, announced that a multiagency investigation was underway to determine the full circumstances surrounding the suspected human smuggling operation, which had resulted in the deaths of Haitian migrants.“The Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defense Force responded to reports of a boating incident seven miles off New Providence just after 1 a.m., on Sunday July 24th, 2022,” said Prime Minister Davis. “A rescue operation ensued immediately,” he added. “Rescue teams recovered, sadly, 17 bodies from the water: 15 females, one male and an infant. Twenty-five persons were rescued and were turned over to health officials for monitoring.”PrimeMinister Davis noted that preliminary investigations suggested that a twinengine speed boat left a docking facility off West Bay Street around 1 a.m. with approximately 60 people on board. It was believed that their final destination was Miami, Florida, he said. It was believed that the vessel capsized in rough seas, he added.
Five of the seventeen people, who died after the smuggling vessel - carrying an estimated sixty people capsized, were officially identified by authorities as: Mary Saimphorin, Kourtney Volmyr, Annette Mesidor, Bobley Fertilus, and AltaniceSource:Ivroy. BIS
“We take this opportunity to strongly condemn the organization of smuggling operations, which risk human life and compromise our national security,” Prime Minister Davis said. “Those found to be involved will face“Iprosecution.”understandthe situation that many of these migrants face that would encourage them to take such great risk,” he added. “We, however, appeal to those considering making such a voyage, not to do so.”
Haitian embassy charges d’affaires anthony Pierre Brutus addressing Bahamian media.
During the weekly press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister, on Friday, July 29th, Anthony Pierre Brutus, Charge d’Affaires of the Haitian Embassy commented on how Bahamas officials had managed the tragedy saying, “On behalf of my government, I say thank you for the good family of the Bahamas for the way they treated the
situation. Do you know the incident happened for a reason. We are looking for this reason - why this happened on this date. This is an opportunity to sit together and see how this can be prevented from happening. 17 people died on the sea. We have to work together to see why that happened, and stop them. We have to continue to work together...”
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On Friday, July 29th four men were charged with 18 counts of manslaughter after their vessel capsized as they attempted to smuggle Haitian migrants into the United States, leaving eighteen people dead including fifteen women, one girl toddler, one man, and a male fetus. Twenty-five people, including two Bahamian men, were rescued in waters near where the incident took place.The defendants — Donald Watson - 39, McKenzie Jerome - 53, Eulan McKinney - 49 and Wilbens Joseph - 37, a Haitian national with a work permit — appeared in a Nassau court before Chief Magistrate JoyAnn Ferguson-Pratt. Donald Watson and Eulan McKinney were also charged with reckless operation of a vessel and operating a vessel without a valid license.
During the same press briefing, Charge d’Affaires Brutus opined that there were currently about 150,000 Haitians living and working in The Bahamas.
“I would like to convey the condolences of my government and the people of The Bahamas to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragedy,” Prime Minister Davis Primesaid. Minister Davis noted that the government, from the time it came to office, had warned against “these treacherous voyages”. He also pointed out that the government had increased surveillance on land and sea and intensified patrols.
(United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, addressing delegates at a review conference of the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons, August 2022)
(Prime Minister the Hon. Philip Davis, during keynote remarks at the CANTO Annual Conference and Trade Exhibition, in Miami, Florida, on July 20th, 2022)
QUOTE: “Almost 13,000 nuclear weapons are now being held in arsenals around the world. All this, at a time when the risks of proliferation are growing and guardrails to prevent escalation are weakening. And when crises with nuclear undertones are festering - from the Middle East and the Korean Peninsula to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, and to many other factors around the world - the clouds that parted the end of the Cold War are gathering once more. We have been extraordinarily lucky so far, but luck is not a strategy. Nor is it a shield from geo-political tensions boiling over into nuclear conflicts. Today humanity is just one misunderstanding, one miscalculation away from nuclear annihilation. We need the Treaty of Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as much as ever.”
QUOTE: “By giving everyone a chance to earn a fair, decent income, everyone will prosper. What does this mean in practice? We will work to make the system of taxation fairer. We will work towards ensuring that workers earn not just a minimum wage, but a liveable wage. Complete economic equality is an unrealistic goal. What is achievable, however, and morally compelling, is to protect that which I believe to be the common denominator of humanity: the joy of life itself.”
Jeffrey Simmons, Acting Director with the Bahamas Department of Meteorology released a public advisory for Bahamian residents and visitors on summer weather hazards to be aware of and to guard against during the 2022 summer months.
Met talksummer Hazards
He continued, “Also during the summer months we have strong convective activity which can produce lightning storms. Lightning is dangerous and can be fatal if you find yourself in the wrong location. Therefore, during a lightning storm, we are asking people to please try to remain indoors, or if you are away from home, try to seek shelter in your“Activitiesvehicles.such as golfing can be dangerous in the middle of a lightning storm. Also, those of you who are on the beach are asked to be careful and to always keep an eye on your surroundings. If dark clouds are gathering - they can produce lightning storms and can be fatal. If you find yourself in the water during a lightning storm, or on a golf course - let it be known that you are a target for a lightning strike, which can be fatal.“Avoid lightning strikes at the beach.-Get out of the water -Seek shelter in vehicle -Seek shelter indoors -Avoid sheltering under trees -Avoid sheltering in partially covered“Weareasask you to be careful of these summer hazards and to be safe during our summer months.”
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(Prime Minister the Hon. Philip Davis during his first public lecture at the ‘Meet the Policy Makers Lecture’ held on Tuesday, July 12th, 2022 under the auspices of the University of The Bahamas’ Government and Public Policy Institute - GPPI)
QUOTE: “As a matter of principle, our view is that an economy will be more successful if it is fairer... It is a view which has moved beyond economists and academics, into the wider sphere of public policy and business.... I raise it in order to encourage you to join us in this approach when planning your individual roles in the Digital Revolution... The ruthless, relentless pursuit of profit may bring short-term gain, but greater, more stable, more enduring profitability is likely to come when Corporate Social Responsibilities are factored in... Together, let’s create a different and better future for the Caribbean... Slavish attention to the maximization of profits for shareholders will detract from that better future for the Caribbean... Broadband penetration in our region is only 50 percent. Let us commit to expanding the penetration of broadband in our region as a matter of social priority. This will assist in true diversification of our economies as many thousands of new good paying jobs could be created with the deployment of affordable reliable broadband. My challenge to all of you is: work with us -- work with policy-makers -- to make broadband universal, affordable and reliable for all of our region’s people. Impress upon the decisionmakers in your companies the urgency of reducing the digital divide... We should be inspired daily by the imagination, tenacity and vision that created our present, and know that we have that same capacity to create, to innovate and to revolutionise. A Digital Transformation in the Caribbean, where Knowledge, Ingenuity and Investment produce the best little countries in the world? Now that would be Revolutionary.”
Quotables
He began, “Now that we are in the thick of summer, it will not be unusual to be experiencing temperatures in the mid to upper 90’s almost on a daily basis. Therefore, we are asking people, during this period, to make sure that you are hydrated and to avoid being out in direct sunlight for a long period of time. This is a way that you can expose yourself to suffering from a heatstroke. Heatstrokes are known to come upon you quickly and before you know what is happening you may find yourself in an unconscious state as a result of the“Threeheatstroke.KeyEffects of Heatstroke: -Can require emergency treatment.-Untreated heatstroke can quickly damage the brain, heart, kidneys and-Damagemuscles. worsens the longer treatment is delayed, increasing risk of serious complications/death.”
Source: BIS, MeteorologicalBahamasOfficeand NEMA
4. Arrest reference to Posses sion of DAngerous Drugs: On Saturday 2nd July, 2022, officers reported conducting a search of an adult male reference to Dangerous Drugs and Firearm. During same, a quantity of suspected marijuana was found on his person. As a result, the suspect was cautioned and arrested reference to same. The suspect was processed and charged with that offence.
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1. Arrest reference to Posses sion of DAngerous Drugs with intent to suPPly: On Friday 1st July 2022, sometime around 9:10pm, Officers while conducting mobile patrols on Cupids Cay, noticed a dark male standing on the driver’s side of a dark gray Jeep. The officers then observed when the suspect looked in the direction of the Police vehicle and suddenly ran into a nearby building. As a result the officers became suspicious and approached the jeep, which was occupied by a male, whom they recognized. The officers ordered the suspect out of the vehicle and informed him that they suspect him to be in possession of dangerous drugs and firearms. A search was then conducted of the suspect’s person, with negative results. However, while conducting a search of the inside of the vehicle, the officers discovered a green plastic bag inside the center console. The bag was examined and found to contain (1) clear plastic baggie containing (26) silver foil wraps, each containing suspected marijuana, (4) clear plastic zip lock bags, each containing suspected marijuana and (1) clear plastic baggie, also containing a quantity of suspected marijuana. Immediately upon the discovery the suspect ran from the area and made good his escape. Also found inside of the vehicle was the sum of $41.00, which was seized as proceeds from the sales of dangerous drugs. The suspect was supply.ouswithapprehendedsubsequentlyandchargedPossessionofDanger-drugswithintentto
8. Possession of DAngerous Drugs Arrest: At 2:30pm on Sunday 10th July, 2022 Officers received information from a concern home owner who reported that he has been away from his property since 2020. However, upon his return, he discovered what appeared to be suspected marijuana in his water drums. He also stated that he had no idea how it got there. Ch/Supt S. Knowles, led a team of Officers to the area where they met with the property owner who directed them to the location of the water drums. The officers confirmed the discovery of seventy (72) packages of suspected marijuana. The drugs were confiscated and this matter is under active investigation.
3. Arrest reference to Posses sion of DAngerous Drugs: On Saturday 2nd July 2022 sometime around 8:05pm, Officers came in at the Harbour Island Police Station with and adult male suspect under arrest reference to Possession of Dangerous Drugs. The suspect was processed and subsequently charged with that offence.
1. house
6. Arrest ref Possession of DAngerous Drugs: On Monday 4th July 2022 Officers came in at the Harbour Island Police Station with an adult male under arrest reference to Possession of Dangerous Drugs reporting that he was reportedly arrested and cautioned him while in the area of Barrack Street. The suspect was processed and charged with that offence.
9. Arrest ref Possession of DAngerous Drugs with intent to suPPly: On Friday 15th July 2022 sometime around 9:27pm Officers came in at the Harbour Island Police Station with an adult male under arrest reference to Possession of Dangerous Drugs with Intent to Supply. They reportedly arrested and cautioned him at his residence around 9:20pm after he was found in possession of One (1) transparent baggie containing suspected powder cocaine, One (1) transparent baggie containing suspected marijuana and 4 brown paper packets with suspected rock cocaine ,and one (1) transparent baggie containing suspected marijuana. The suspect was processed and charged with that offence.
rePort : On Sunday 10th July, Police c o ntact n u mbers HeadQuarters (GH) 1.332-3500Governor’s Harbour 332-2111 OR 332-2117 O/C Governor’s Harbour Gov.Harb.332-2723 Airport Station Deep332-2323Creek Station T334-8207arpumBay Station Rock334-4033Sound Station Rock334-2244Sound Sgt. Office Rock334-2212Sound Airport Stn L.334-2052Bogue Station (Airport) Harbour335-1208Island Station O/C333-2111Harbour Island Spanish333-2327Wells Station Gregory333-4030Town Station Hatchet335-5322Bay Station 2022335-0086atabout
7. Arrest ref Possession of DAngerous Drugs: On Tuesday 5th July 2022 sometime around 5:45pm Officers came in at the Harbour Island Police Station with an adult male under arrest reference to Possession of Dangerous Drugs and reported that he was arrested at his residence. The suspect was processed and charged with that offence.
10. Arrests reference to Possession of DAngerous Drug: Sometime around 10:30pm on 29.07.22 Officers while on foot patrol in the area of Bay Front Park when after smelling suspected marijuana coming from a group of people. A search was conducted of the handbag of a female suspect and a small quantity of suspected marijuana was discovered. In addition, an adult male was found to be smoking a homemade marijuana cigarette. Both suspects were arrested and escorted to the Hatchet Bay Police Station where they were processed and charged with that offence. arrest reFereNce to house BreakiNg & stealiNg Police on the Island of Eleuthera have taken into custody a number of persons in separate incidents for House breaking and stealing. In addition, Officers were able to recover approximately Sixteen Thousand Dollars ($16,000.00) worth of assorted items. breAking 12:50p.m an adult male reported to the Police that sometime after 12:00p.m while checking a home he care takes. He discovered that some person(s) unknown had broken into the same via a window facing the beach side. Inside was searched and ransacked. They unable to say at this time what had been stolen, however it as if persons there a few days.
5. founD Drugs: At about 4:00pm on Sunday 3rd July 2022 Officers while on mobile patrol traveling North on Queens Highway, Governor’s Harbour, observed a Sedan with no rear license plate turned right through an unnamed road. As a result the officers followed the vehicle which rapidly accelerated. The officers gave chase and the occupant/s of the vehicle threw a red bag out of the left front window. Officers continued the chase however, the vehicle eluded the Officers on the rough terrain. The officers returned to the scene and collected the red bag. The same was examined and found to contain one yellow/ red circular plastic package and one rectangle plastic package both containing suspected marijuana. Estimated weigh of both packages (10 pounds) Investigaselect Police rePorts, shared By the rBPF locally tions continue into this matter.
www . EleutheraNews . 36com July/Aug, 2022 arrest reFereNce to PossessioN oF daNgerous drugs Police on the Island of Eleuthera have taken into custody a number of persons in separate incidents for possession of dangerous drugs, during the month of July 2022.
2. Arrest reference to Posses sion of DAngerous Drugs: On Saturday 2nd July 2022 sometime around 7:00pm Officers armed with a search warrant reference to Dangerous Drugs and Firearms executed the same at the residence of an adult male. During the search they found an adult male with three small foil packages containing suspected marijuana. As a result, the male was arrested for possession of Dangerous Drugs. He was subsequently processed and charged with that offence.
4. house breAking rePort: On Sunday 10th July, 2022 at about 5:55pm an adult male of Whale’s Point, Lower Bogue Eleuthera reported to Police that some unknown person/s broke into his residence. He further stated that he does not know how they gained entry. He went on to say that he can see that two (2) televisions, one (1) generator and one (1) mini refrigerator were stolen. Police action requested.
10. house breAking: On Saturday 30th July 2022 an adult female of Queens Highway Current reported to the Police that between Wednesday 13th July 2022 and 5:30pm on Thursday 28th July 2022 some unknown person(s) broke and entered the home she care takes located Current Ridge As a result of investigations into these matters, Officers arrested two adult males and one juvenile male, they led officers to the recovery of a number of items suspected to have been stolen from these residences.
Eleuthera Police Investigate Shooting Incident (RBPF New Providence) Police are questioning a 23-year-old male of Eleuthera Island Shores in connection with a shooting incident that has left a 38-year-old male in hospital. The incident reportedly occurred shortly before 4:00 am on Monday, 01st August 2022. Preliminary reports indicate that a couple had retired for the evening at their residence when the suspect, a family member, shot the adult male. The adult male was taken to the local clinic for medical assistance and later airlifted to New Providence where his condition was unknown (as of August 2nd). Police recovered a handgun along with a quantity of ammunition. Investigations continue.
3. house breAking rePort: On Sunday 10th July, 2022 at about 5:55pm an adult female of Whale’s Point, Lower Bogue Eleuthera reported to the Police that some unknown person/s broke into her residence. She further stated that there is damage to the front and rear door of the home. Further, that there was extensive damage to her safe and some three thousand dollars ($3000.00) would have been removed. Police action requested.
5. house breAking rePort: On Sunday 10th July, 2022 at about 5:55pm an adult male of Whales Point contacted the Police at North Eleuthera and reported some unknown person/s broke into his residence. He further stated that he does not know how they gained entry. He went on to say that he is unsure of what was taken if anything. Police action requested.
ELEUTHERA MEN ARRESTED REFERENCE TO GRIEVOUS HARM (RBPF New Providence) - Three males, ages 45, 31, and 19 years old were taken into police custody for allegedly attacking a male and female while on the island of EleuPreliminarythera. reports indicate that shortly before 2:00 am on Tuesday 2nd August 2022 the victims were at a local nightclub in Eleuthera when they got into an altercation with a group of men. It is reported the altercation escalated to a fight, which resulted in the victims, a 24-year-old male, and a 40-year-old female being injured. Both victims were seen at the local clinic in Eleuthera and later airlifted to the capital where they were treated and discharged. Police investigations continue.
Pictured: Police in eleuthera, collecting recovered stolen items in Whale Point.
6. house breAking rePorteD: On Tuesday 12th July 2022 at about 6:45pm an adult male of Whales Point reported to the Police that sometime between April 2021 and July 12th 2022, upon his return some person/s break in and entered his home through a window and took the keys to this 1998 white Mitsubishi Montero Jeep, However, his neighbors were able to stop the culprit. Nothing in the home was reported stolen.
37July/Aug, 2022
7. house breAking uPDAte (exhibits recovereD): On Friday 15th July 2022 at around 12:20pm Officers arrested and cautioned an adult male suspect in relation to all of the aforementioned items. As a result of investigations into these matters. The suspect led officers to two (2) abandon buildings where a quantity of suspected stolen properties were discovered. The items were photographed and transported to the Harbour Island Police Station pending further investigations. Estimated value of recovered properties is $16,000.00. Two adult males were subsequently charged with all of those matters.
2. house breAking rePort: On Sunday 10th July, 2022 at about 5:55pm an adult male reported to the Police that some unknown person/s broke into his residence located at Whale Point. He further stated that He believes that they gained entry through an eastern glass sliding door that was damaged by large rock. Police action requested.
8. housebreAking rePort: On Wednesday 27th July 2022 sometime around 4:25pm, an adult male of Lower Bogue, Eleuthera reported to North Eleuthera Police Station that a house located on Queen’s Highway, Current Ridge, Eleuthera which he is the care-taker of was broken into and that he observed a male exit out of the front door and left a red bicycle behind 9. housebreAking rePort: On Wednesday 27th July 2022 sometime around 6:30 pm an adult male of Current Ridge, Eleuthera reported to Police that the house which he care takes on Queen’s Highway Current Ridge, Eleuthera was broken into. The culprit/s gained entry through a western upstairs door.
2. Eliminated duty on motor parts inclusive of outboard motor parts
“May God bless you and keep you safe!”
“We will train 100 young people in the first year which will include recruits coming from the Family Islands,” he added. “Participants will benefit from stipends, insurance and a child care benefit.”Minister Bowleg said that it would be done in the following four phases:
Source: BIS Written by Eric Rose NatioNal youth guard ove: c l ay Sweeting, Minister of a g riculture, Marine r e sources and Family i s land a ff airs.
Just ahead of the reopening of the lobster fishing season on August 1st, 2022, the Hon. Clay Sweeting, Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs published an open letter to Bahamian Fishermen, wishing them a safe and prosperous season and highlighting what his ministry has done to support the industry to-date. He began, “My Dear Bahamian Fishermen: Here we are, just a few days from the start of the 2022/2023 crawfish season. As a former fisherman, I always feel nostalgic around this time of year - reminiscing on the excitement of what the new season would bring. The fishermen of our country work hard during the off-season to repair and prepare their equipment and vessels in hopes of reaping a bountiful harvest. They must plan and be prepared for all possible outcomes. Fishermen must be businessmen, self-reliant, strong and adventurous.Hecontinued, “The crawfish industry is vital to the fishing sector and to many Family Islands. Therefore, we must continue to protect and enhance the industry. “The Department of Marine Resources and I would like to wish all fishermen of The Bahamas a prosperous and safe crawfish season. We recognize the importance of this industry to thousands of Bahamians throughout our archipelago including Spanish Wells, Eleuthera, Abaco, Long Island, Exuma, Andros and many others. “I once shared the statement below from an article and it still resonates today! “Fishing is certainly not a life for everyone. Long hours, hard work and bad weather are enough to keep most people on land. But if you ask commercial fishermen about fishing for a living, they will tell a different story. They will tell you about the breathtaking beauty of the open ocean, about the great excitement of a good catch of fish and about the personal satisfaction of a hard day’s work.“While many fishermen admit that fishing can exact a physical and emotional toll, it is a small price to pay for a way of life that keeps them coming back season after season to earn a living from the sea.”Headded, “Our Blueprint for change provided a framework on how we can enhance and continue to protect the fishing sector. We, as a government, have made much progress in such a short time to continue to develop and protect the sector.
“The Division of Youth facilitates five separate components for the National Summer Employment Programme,” Minister Bowleg said. “These components include our Summer Camps, Apprentice Programmes, Corporate Bahamas Placement, Private Summer Grants and Family IslandHeGrants.”noted that, over the years, the programme had proven to be beneficial to its participants as well as the community at“Theselarge. benefits include a greater understanding of financial management, real-world experience, improved interpersonal and communication skills, career and trade choice assistance, positive role models and mentorship and connections for future opportunities,” Minister Bowleg said. “The Ministry’s budget allocation of $1,000,000 will assist in facilitating this all-important programme,” he added. Minister Bowleg noted that storms were more intense and destructive, and, while his Government cannot stop hurricanes, it can educate persons about the deadly“So,storms.thisDavis led administration has taken steps towards ensuring Bahamians, especially our youth, are better suited to respond to national emergencies,” he said. “The first program that will be taken from the Blue Print for change, for my Ministry, is the National Youth“LiftedGuard.”from our Blue Print for Change, the National Guard Program is designed to teach young people the skills needed, to assist the nation during a disaster or emergency,” he added. Minister Bowleg pointed out that the four-phase program, with a 27 month cycle, will become an employment feeder for private and public agencies. “It will also instill participants with technical skills such as CERT certification, boat captain license training, risk assessment, disaster management, conservation training, soft skills and physical training,” he said.
www . EleutheraNews . 38com July/Aug, 2022L o ca L + plus
Minister clay sweeting’s Message to Bahamian Fishermen as season opens
• Phase /Component 4: Quarterly training sessions (weekend) four times a year “My Ministry intends to start recruitment and promotion, with public education campaigns, in September,” he said. “The program is expected to launch in January, 2023. The estimated cost is $1.5 “Wemillion.”cannot transform this country for the better, if we don’t invest in our youth,” Minister Bowleg added. “Invest and develop their skills. This is vital and the only ‘way forward’.”
3. Continued Marine patrols along the southern most boarder of the Great Bahama Bank & Cay Sal Bank.
• Phase/Component 2 - internship (3 months) -- On job training • Phase/Component 3: On-call/ reserve (2yr) – On-call or asneeded service in case of emergencies
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4. Initiated the establishment of Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network (BahWEN) We will continue to work diligently as a government to engage the fishermen and persons invested in the industry to help create policies and initiatives to strengthen the industry.
• Phase/Component 1: training (3 months) --Specialty expert training
“We have: 1. Digitalized the license and permit process for the fishing sector
place for four weeks during the summer months -- with that year’s instalment slated for July 4th to 29th.He pointed out that the purpose of the programme was to positively engage youth during the summer break, by providing a safe and positive environment, targeting personal interests, skill development, and healthy social interaction.
Deputy Prime Minister (acting PM at the time the photo was taken) chester cooper speaking on the extent of the incident.
Dr. rihanna neilly, Director, environmental Planning and Protection (DePP) at the site of the spill. Assessments of the impact to the immediate and nearshore environments and the possible effect on wildlife will continue.”According to Neely-Murphy, while speaking at a weekly press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister, as of Thursday, night, July 21st, 95% of the fuel was believed to have been removed. She informed that the beach would remain pending an August 10th re-assessment. She added that the government is now looking into its options regarding holding Sun Oil Limited responsible for clean-up efforts and other“Thisliabilities.isnow the beginning - we expect this monitoring and remedial work to continue up to a year... We are looking into the government’s options with respect to damages and liability. Once those investigations have been completed, the advice will be to pursue damages. According to the legislation, there are options for illegal discharge. There are fines. Sun Oil and the companies involved would have to pay for any and all remediation activities the government has paid for and into the future. We would be looking to go to court.”Source: (BIS) a b ove: More than 30,000 gallons of diesel fuel spilled in waters off of a beach in e x uma.
Dr Rhianna Neely-Murphy, Director, Environmental planning and Protection (DEPP), also weighed in on actions being taken to contain the spill and investigations into the incident, saying, “A fuel spill occurred during the night in Georgetown, Exuma. We are confirming initial estimates of the amount of diesel that may have been leaked. Officials have in custody the hose that was breached. “At this point a second boom has been installed to continue to contain the fuel. This is an extreme situation, but it occurred in a location that makes it easier than most to contain. Officers were on site from late this morning (Wednesday, July 20th) and will return in the morning to continue the rapid assessment. “The pumping exercise will continue throughout the evening
39The Eleutheran2022, July/Aug nationa L
Acting Prime Minister Chester Cooper advised in the House of Assembly on Wednesday, July 20th that approximately 30,000 gallons of diesel fuel spilled in Exuma waters between Tuesday evening, July 19th, 2022 and the following morning. As of that Wednesday morning, he said mitigation efforts had commenced.“Myinformation is that sometime last night between 5 p.m. and 4 a.m. a vessel, The Arabian, contracted for Sun Oil was offloading fuel to BPL in the area of the Old Navy Base, in George Town, and this morning it was confirmed that there was a significant spill to the tune of 30,000 gallons,” Minister Cooper said.“We are advised at the moment that the oil is contained in the bay in the area of the Exuma Sailing Club.“I’ve spoken to the relevant ministers… and I am… advised that all of the agencies of government are deployed to mitigate the matter.” He said he also spoke with executives of Sun Oil, who were said to be cooperating. Minister Cooper during his announcement assured that the government was working to “ensure that the matter is mitigated as best as possible in the shortest possible time.”
DPM Cooper visited Exuma, accompanied by the Hon. Alfred Sears, Minister of Works & Utilities, the Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis, Minister of Transport & Housing, the Hon. Vaughn Miller, Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources, BK Bonamy Jr., Assistant Commissioner of Police for Family Islands, and other government officials later in the day on
Up to a year of remedial work needed after 30,000 Gallon Diesel Spill in Exuma Waters Wednesday to inspect the scope of the oil spill.
PUBLIC NOTICE:Ministry Informs Public on the Process of applying for doH Homes
“In addition to completing the online application at www.mothbahamas.com. applicants must provide the following minimum information:
PM oN NatioNal PlaNPage. 7 The Ministry of Transport and Housing, on August 3rd, 2022 released a statement, informing the general public on the process of applying for homes with the ministry. The statement read: “The Ministry of Transport and Housing wishes to advise members of the public of the process for applying for homes under the Department of Housing (DOH). In early January 2022, the DOH underwent a transformative re-organization to improve transparency, promote efficiency and enhance customer serviceItdelivery.”continued, “Two critical components of the re-organization exercise were the design and implementation of a modern, interactive website - www.mothbahamas.com and the establishment of a dedicated Customer Service team focused on relationship building. All applications must be channeled through the website.
cPI
The Bahamas National Statistical Institute released the country’s Consumer Price Index Report as at the end of June 2022. “The Monthly Inflation Rate in The Bahamas,” said the report, “represents the overall change in prices. It measures price change, by comparing, over time, costs of certain goods and services. For the month of June 2022, monthly inflation for the All Items Index increased by 0.5% when compared to May 2022. This June 2022 rate followed a 0.8% increase between the months of April 2022 and May“The2022.All Items Index for June 2022 recorded a surge of 6.2% year over year following a 5.5% gain in May 2022. This increase, which was the largest change recorded for The Bahamas in recent years, is being felt globally as many other countries also grapple with rising prices. “The monthly increase (0.5%) for the month of June 2022 was due to the Transportation Index. The Transportation Index, which included fuel commodities, rose 7.9 % month over month, and was the largest contributor to the all items increase. “On a year-over-year basis, consumers paid 33.5% more for gasoline, while diesel saw a 32.1% increase, contributing significantly to consumer inflation in The Bahamas. Additionally, the categories of Restaurants and Hotels and Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages also showed increases of 13.8% and 13.6%, respectively for the sameBahamasSource:period.”
1) Passport, 2) National Insurance Board (NIB) Card - with photo, 3) Voters Card or recent utility bill bearing street address, 4) Job Letter - not older than 30 days from date of application, 5) Recent pay-stubs - full month, 6) Savings Account Statement - not older than 30 days from date of application, 7) Statement of existing loans, credit cards, etc. - showing balance, payment due date, and monthly payment amount, and 8) Prequalification letter from preferred Bank or other financial“Self-employedinstitution. applicants must provide information concerning their business, such as business license and/or incorporation documents (Certificate of Good Standing, Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum and Articles of Association, Annual Return), Business financials, and Business account statements will be required. “Applicants must upload all the necessary documents and the pre-qualification letter from their preferred financial institution to www.mothbahamas.com for processing and approval by the DOH.“The Ministry of Transport and Housing and the Department of Housing remain committed to expanding the path to homeownership for Bahamians.Source: Ministry of Transport & Housing
National Statistical Institute (B.N.S.I) Consumer Price Index (C.P.I) Section
MoreIndicatesreportthan 6% Increaseaoverallnnual at Mid-Year
www . EleutheraNews . 40com July/Aug, 2022nationa L and social paradigm shift. The Blueprint for Change outlines a substantial number of policies to recover, rebuild and revolutionize The Bahamas, he said.According to the prime minister, his administration has considered the limits and possibilities of a National Development Plan and reviewed the approaches of previous governments.Inhisremarks, GPPI Executive Director and Senior Policy Fellow Mr. Zhivargo Laing said the prime minister’s address was on a topic of seminal national importance. “On the cusp of our nation’s 50th anniversary of independence, it is our honor to host this important national forum, one which we believe provides excellent dialogue for national policy education,” said Mr. Laing. “We are even more privileged to have for the first time the Prime Minister of our country to present a public policy lecture on a topic critical to our national development.” A comprehensive process that engaged the feedback and insights of a wide crosssection of the Bahamian society led to the development of a first draft of a national development plan that was unveiled in 2016. A final document has not been completed. Entitled, Vision2040, the draft focuses on four main policy pillars: the economy, governance, social policy and the natural and built environment.
On Wednesday, June 15th, 2022 excited and well-groomed students of James’ Cistern Primary School took their pictures with their honor roll trophies, wearing a smile. For the students leaving kindergarten going into grade 1, they are pictured with their completion of kindergarten trophies. Among those students are Khalia Cartwright, Malakai Saunders, and Faith Brice. The students leaving grade six (6) to go into the 7th grade are also pictured with their completion of primary school trophies. Those students include Aryannah Gustave, Delano Souffrance, and Tyler Duncombe. Students that made the honor roll with a 3.00 – 4.00 G.P.A. are as folGradelows: 1 – Keandre Bethel and Alexia GradeBethel 2 – Lemuel George, Perez Williams, and Malachi Bethel Grade 3 – Aiden Moxey Grade 4 – Jamar Isaacs, Arianna Brave and Mo’nae Wildgoose Grade 5 – Angel Gilbert and Ashton GradeRolle 6 – Aryannah Gustave There were students who did exceptionally well out of all of their classmates, said Mrs. Walker, “We celebrate them as the top achievers for each class.” From grade one there was Alexia Bethel. In grade two, Perez Williams finished on top. Grade three’s top achiever was Aiden Moxey. In grade four the top achiever was Mo’nae Wildgoose. In grade five Angel Gilbert finished on top and in grade six Aryannah Gustave finished top of her “Theseclass.students have worked extremely hard all year long. They deserve the accolades awarded to them. We encourage them to always put their best foot forward and for their parents to continually guide them in their educational journey throughout school and life. We are proud of our students and want them to reach for sky so when they fall they would fall among the STARS for the next school year. Most importantly, we want them to enjoy their summer break and come back rejuvenated for another school year,” lauded Principal Walker.
41The Eleutheran2022, July/Aug e D U c ation beat
James’ Cistern Primary School Celebrates Its High Achievers
“Our team at James’ Cistern Primary are very happy about the way students have succeeded and those who managed to make the honor roll, principal’s list and top of the class. At James’ Cistern Primary School we pride ourselves in our motto, ‘There is no success without effort’. The team here have put forward much effort to ensure the success of the school and the students. We also celebrate the kindergarten unit and grade 6 who will be moving on to new beginnings for the new school year.”
Malachi Bethel - Grade 2 Perez Williams - Grade 2Lemuel George - Grade 2 Lannea Johnson - Grade 2Mo’nae Wildgoose - Grade 4a r ianna Brave - Grade 4Jamar i s aacs - Grade 4 a i den Moxey - Grade 3 Keandre Bethel - Grade 1a l exia Bethel - Grade 1Malakai Saunders - Grade KKhalia c a rtwright - Grade K a r yannah Gustave - Grade 6a s hton r o lle - Grade 5Delano Souffrance - Grade 6a n gel Gilbert - Grade 5
As James Cistern Primary School’s Principal, Mrs. Michelle Walker, reflected back on the past year, she said it had been a trying, but also a prosperous one. “This year brought a new way of doing things and we have had to adapt - teachers, students, parents and guardians. From the start of the 2021 -2022 school year, parents and students alike buckled down; despite the Covid 19 protocols which resulted in school being started virtually once again.”Parents and students, she said, worked diligently throughout the school year ensuring that assignments met the standards needed to reflect success. “Although teaching virtually was a bit of a challenge for some, there were students who excelled despite of and teachers who were able to reach out to students despite their situations,” described PrincipalParents,Walker. she added, played a pivotal role in ensuring that their child’s school work got done, which deserved special commendation.
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The first item off was the small canvas sack of mail passed by many hands to the waiting policeman who carried it the three blocks to the post office. Then the confusion began as cartons of freight were heaved up from the hold to waiting hands on deck.”
(Brief History of Spanish Wells Mailboat - ‘Air Swift’) - Written by Fred Braman bright white, and she leaned against the dock like a tired old horse. Despite the fact that the main cargo was building materials and food supplies, and maybe a few trees, she was just called “the mail.”
www . EleutheraNews . 42com July/Aug, 2022L o ca L + plus
Former military boats were popular as mailboats for a time. Built of wood in 1943 in Long Island, New York, “Air Swift” began life as USS SC 1340, a WW II era SC-497 Class Submarine Chaser. Nothing much is recorded about her service, but she must have found some use for her 40mm gun mount, two .50 caliber machine guns, two depth charge projector “Y Guns,” and two depth charge war, she became USCGC WAVR 471 Air Swift for a few years. As in her submarine chaser days, her USCG service is equally fuzzy. While her military service seems nondescript, following her purchase in 1948 for the mailboat trade, Air Swift became the well-known mainstay on the Spanish Wells to Nassau route for the next twenty-five years. She was replaced eventually by the Bahamas Daybreak, a mailboat of today.
There was much excitement on Thursdays when the mail boat arrived from Nassau. The weekly arrival, ‘done reach’ in Bahamian, in Eleuthera ports of Spanish Wells and Harbour Island, were both commercial as well as cultural happenings. People from around the island gathered to collect their freight, while others came to meet and gossip and share news. The mailboat in question bore the name Air Swift. Her hull was dark blue, her deckhouse
Randy Curry Paints MailBoats
Residents would pick up their freight, bearing only the address “Randy - Spanish Wells!” It was a weekly miracle that items were not lost in this frenetic muddle. Like many mailboats, Air Swift went on to other service. Maritime historian Eric Wiberg reports that in the 1970s the ship’s New York builder was attracted to an aging freighter while on vacation in The Bahamas. He verified her identity by scraping away at an old metal placard buried in a hull location only the builder would know about. Air Swift met her eventual demise by being beaten to death against a rock in Nassau Harbour where she sank. She was later cut up and destroyed by the Bahamian government. It was a sad and dubious end to a great and historic boat. Captain Fred Braman, USN (ret), lives in Fleming Island, Florida, with his wife Louise. Fred has been a frequent visitor to The Bahamas for decades, and is the author of two Bahamas cruising books including, Cruising by MailBoat: History, Culture and Adventure in the Bahama Islands, where four historic mailboats painted by Abaco’s Randy Curry are featured. See www.FredBramanWrites.com for details. Randy’s varied art work can be seen at www.yessy.com/randycurry. Wiberg’s extensive writings, including Mailboats of The Bahamas, can be found on Amazon www.ericwiberg.com.and ii era Sc-497 class Submarine chaser. Similar to air Swift in military mode. (Public domain photo) air Swift as MailBoat passing through Spanish Wells, eleuthera. (Painting by randy curry. randy’s Spanish Wells relatives remember air Swift well and provided details for the painting. original model photo courtesy of Dave Gayle of abaco, Bahamas.) www.PaintWithTexture.com
Author Roy Schmidt, in his Living the Harbour Island Dream, describes a typical mailboat arrival: “The scene on government dock was pandemonium, with about fifty excited Bahamians and a dozen old cars and trucks parked with no thought to how they might get off the dock with their freight. No one seemed in charge.
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Asked about what his experience has been like so far on the high seas, Ricardo Jr. shared, “Working in the maritime industry is rewarding. This industry affords the opportunity to see all corners of the world and meet people from all walks of life. It also gives you the sense of accomplishment knowing that you’re providing services that are, in most cases, essential and in my case, put smiles on the faces of thousands of guests. On the other hand, it can be challenging being away from home, family, and friends for extended periods of time. However, the sense of accomplishment and achieving personal goals far outweighs the small drawbacks.”
The Ministry of Economic Affairs hosted the inaugural meeting of the Trade Commission at Balmoral Club on Wednesday, July 6, 2022. The newly appointed body includes a crosssection of professionals, who represent both New Providence and the Family Islands. Pictured from left: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Donella Bodie; Ian Cargill; D’Krizia Bartlett; Deputy Chair/Trade Commission and Deputy Chief Negotiator Senator Barry N. Griffin; Chair of the Trade Commission and Chief Negotiator, Philip Galanis; Senator Darron Pickstock; Japhier Gardiner; and Director of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Brickell Pinder. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna) “In order to increase public confidence, the Commission will be challenged to identify the extent to which the public is faced with market access limitations while trading internationally; as well as share its recommendations to the government during trade negotiations. The work of the Commission is wide ranging and you have a heavy responsibility to engage widely and frankly on trade issues, and to be innovative in your approaches.”
New Second Officer with Royal Caribbean International’s Grandeur of the Seas, 25-yearold Eleutheran, Ricardo Lancaster Dean Jr., of Hatchet Bay, Central Eleuthera - 3 months into his first contract as a maritime officer, shared a little of his journey beyond senior high and his foray into a newIncareer.2016, after graduating from Central Eleuthera High School, Ricardo Jr. relocated to Canada’s eastern coast of St. John’s, Newfoundland, where he studied Nautical Science for four years and obtained a Diploma at the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland. With his Nautical Science Diploma in hand, he was able to then sit and pass the Bahamas Maritime Authority’s Officers in Charge of the Navigational Watch oral exam. After securing his Navigational license, he returned to university for an additional year where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Studies - Maritime Management.
Picture this...
Second Officer Ricardo Jr - Maritime Dreams
Minister of Economic Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Halkitis,
Looking forward to his future, he said, “I strive to one day be a Captain of a cruise ship. This is something that I’ve dreamed of since I was a child, and I am actively working towards that goal. I’m motivated to be my best in my current role, as I know that it’s helping to accelerate me to becoming a Captain.”Hisdreams go well beyond just captaining an international vessel, with sights still set on being able to spend more time in the beautiful waters of The Bahamas and contributing to maritime development at home, stated young Ricardo. “I do plan on returning to my home. As the saying goes, home is where the heart is. I couldn’t be where I am today without the support of my family so I can’t wait for the day that I am able to spend more time with them and enjoy the fruits of my labour. I believe that the opportunities at home are endless. The Bahamas is a developing country with a plethora of small islands and cays, many of which need constant supplies of good and services. It is my hope to one day be able to be the link between these islands and cays by providing both cargo and ferry operations.”Commenting on young people interested in following a maritime career path, Ricardo Jr. advised, “To any young Eleutherans who may be interested in the maritime industry, or any industry for that matter, it’s important to follow your dreams. I know it sounds cliché, but if you can dream it, you can do it. Leaving my home to live in another country to study was definitely the most terrifying thing I’ve ever done, but it has put me in the position to be where I am today. If you are willing to sacrifice, take risks, and work hard, there’s nothing that you can’t achieve.”Headded that supporting young women in maritime was also important, saying, “I would also like to encourage more young women take the leap and pursue a maritime career. Although currently a male dominated industry, it’s inspiring to see women pursuing these careers, despite being under-represented in the industry. It’s vital to have female representation across all industries and I will continue to advocate for and support women in maritime-related careers.”
43The Eleutheran2022, July/Aug L o ca L + plus
August 2022: Back to the
www . EleutheraNews . 44com July/Aug, 2022iSL a n D “B U z z”
Crowds in South Eleuthera flocked ‘Back to the Bay’, to the delight of vendors, who had been forced into a two-year hiatus (2020-2021) during the pandemic and performances from entertainers Mello-D, limbo dancer Sweet Boy Leroy, the Backyard Boys band, local DJs, and other cultural segments filled the weekend evenings.Denward Rankine, a vendor at Back to the Bay for more than two decades, at his gaming stall, shared, “This has been my 24th year here, with just the twoyear break because of the Above : Limbo dancer Sweet Boy Leroy challenges participants from the ta rpum Bay crowd to see how low they could go - Leroy won; e n tertainer, Mello-D performing on -stage Saturday night. Left : Well dressed and ready with a smile. Below : c r owds returned to t h e Bay to the delight of organizers and vendors. Bay Festivals Welcomed by Vendors &
Resumption
Following up the Independence celebrations across the island in mid-July, the August Monday holiday weekend in Eleuthera played host to the “Back to the Bay” homecoming in Tarpum Bay, South Eleuthera as well as the “BayFest 2022” in Hatchet Bay, Central Eleuthera from July 26th to August 1st.
Attendees
“Hats off to an awesome weekend! Although not on a large scale as usual, natives from Eleuthera were able to come home and enjoy our 28th annual festival,” said Shakera Gardiner, a key organizer on the Tarpum Bay homecoming committee. She continued, “I want to say congratulations to the entire team for getting together to pull off yet another Back to The Bay! I know there were plenty of challenges [lack of sponsorship, little fundraising, etc.], but there was unity and willingness to get the job done. It was special to see our community come together to make sure the weekend was awesome. Of course, there were some complaints, but there were also many compliments! I’m looking forward to seeing what the team will look like to begin On This Page: Vendors and organizers in both ta rpum Bay and Hatchet Bay, pleased with the turnout from locals, and homecoming visitors during the August Monday holiday weekend at ‘Back to the Bay’ and ‘BayFest 2022’. P46
45The Eleutheran2022, July/Aug iSL a n D “B U z z”
Covid. But it’s a pleasure to be back. People were ready to get back out, and it’s turning over really well. All the nights, even Thursday night was pretty nice. So, they [the vendors] were doing pretty well - exceeding some people’s expectations. They are doing well. You look at the people out tonight [Saturday], and you can see people are wanting to get out.” At Nique’s Games stall, with activities for all ages, vendor Danielle commented, “I’ve been doing the Back to the Bay every year they’ve come out, but you know it was down for two years. We are now back in swing. We do the hoopla and other games, like punchboard, bean bag, connect 4 and more. It has been very good this year - Tarpum Bay is the place to be. We are back in swing now.”
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Crowds in Central Eleuthera also descended on Hatchet Bay during the holiday weekend, with both organizers and vendors, pleased with being able to make the event happen for the community. “It’s great being back. The excitement is still here and people are still enthused about it. We have had quite a number of visitors who came through, and last night [Saturday] the crowd was really, really thick. Folks made some monies and we are grateful that we were able to pull it off again this year,” said Audrea Scavella - a former chairperson of the BayFest committee, when it first began - 32 years ago, in August of 1990. Hatchet Bay was not short of entertainment this year. A small gate charge gave access to a variety of vendors, with food, drinks, baked good and other delicacies like Kennedy’s Conch Delights to tickle the palate - plus local cultural performances of song, dance, and fashion. Live entertainment included heavy hitters on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, beginning with the melodious Fanshawn on Friday, followed by the classic - Veronica Bishop on Saturday, and beloved crooner - Geno D on Sunday, all backed up by the Prison Pop band throughout the weekend.
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planning for Back to The Bay 2023.”
47The Eleutheran2022, July/Aug iSL a n D “B U z z”
on this page and the facing page : ‘BayFest 2022’ in Hatchet Bay in full swing on Sunday evening as Geno D and the Prison Pop Band entertained. Crowds filled the park, and the audience engaged with the performers, fully enjoying the show.
