The Eleutheran Newspaper September/October 2022 Issue

glass Window

Above: Cotton Bay Holdings Team

Cotton Bay Announces Lead designers for ritz-Carlton reserve in eleuthera

(Mexico-based ABAX Architects to Design Luxury Resort and Residences)

“After an intense and comprehensive search of the world’s best design and architectural firms, we have selected ABAX Architects, an award-winning design firm, headquartered in Mexico City, as the lead designers for our project,” announced Daniel Zuleta, Company Manager for Cotton Bay Holdings Ltd.

Zuleta added, “Over the last few months, we undertook a rigorous process with Marriott International and our partners to identify and secure a team of world class designers to craft the vision for this highly immersive luxury resort and residential development. This announcement marks a significant milestone for this project, and we are excited to be working alongside ABAX to move this venture forward.”

In December 2021, Cotton Bay Holdings Ltd. announced its agreement with Marriott International, Inc. to bring the exclusive Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand to The Bahamas. The resort and residential development will be located on the pristine island of Eleuthera. Planned as an open-air development, it

is expected to feature 90 guest rooms and 60 RitzCarlton Reserve branded residences, designed to include a mixture of two to five-bedroom villas.

Emilio Perez, Senior Continent Leader, Global Design at Marriott International commented: “We are thrilled to kick off the design process for this highly-anticipated project with Cotton Bay Holdings and ABAX. The iconic Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand will undoubtedly add a new level of luxury to Eleuthera and The Bahamas.”

Noting that the core values of Cotton Bay Holdings closely align with those of ABAX Architects, Mr. Zuleta added “We are committed to designing a world class development that will capture the beauty and magic of South Eleuthera. We were taken by ABAX’s promise to design with a sense of place and full of integration into the context, culture, and history of a location. This is especially important to us; the essence of Cotton Bay will be embodied in the architecture of the resort.”

With 40 years of design experience, ABAX Architects were also selected because of the sensitivity of their design – it is contemporary, luxurious, and deeply connected to the location of the projects they have crafted. Additionally, having worked with Marriott International to create Zadún, a Ritz-

Carlton Reserve in Los Cabos, Mexico, they are very familiar with the brand’s standards and what is expected from a Reserve property.”

The Cotton Bay team recently led a site visit to the development’s 400-acre location in South Eleuthera to officially kick-off the planning and design phase for the $100-million project. In addition to representatives from ABAX Architects, the team was also joined by executives from Cotton Bay Holdings Ltd., Construcciones Planificadas S.A. with their in-house Design Management Team, and Marriott International.

Fernando de Haro, Managing Director for ABAX Architects, explained, “For ABAX, starting a new project is always a great challenge and a very stimulating experience. We are excited to have the opportunity to visit the property and get to know the island and its amazing people, its customs and culture; and to discover the magic that surrounds Cotton Bay. This in-depth understanding will position us to create a beautiful Reserve.

We are grateful that Cotton Bay Holdings has placed their trust in ABAX to be the Lead Architects for the design of this Ritz-Carlton Reserve. We commit to our clients complete professionalism and the vast ex-

Farmer’s Table Restaurant Opens With rave reviews from new Customers

ELEUTHERA, BAHAMAS – Farmer’s Table restaurant at the Centre for Training and Innovation’s Rock Sound Campus is tantalizing tastebuds and creating “foodie fans” across the length and breadth of Eleuthera. Since its soft launch on September 6th, customers have been traveling across the island to get a taste of Eleuthera’s new and revitalizing, farm-to-table restaurant concept.

Farmer’s Table is open from 8:30pm to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday serving breakfast and lunch daily. Over the last month, the restaurant has been steadily gaining popularity and attracting repeat customers looking to enjoy flavourful and healthier meal alternatives at a fair price. Although the menu changes regularly to reflect the availability and integration of the island’s choicest produce and best locally sourced ingredients, there is a solid selection of delicious staples offered that are proving to be crowd pleasers.

The daily menu features savory dishes including grilled Atlantic Salmon, 100% Angus Beef burgers, blackened Mahi-Mahi burgers, veggie flatbreads and assorted wraps, Begian waffles, and breakfast burritos. Fresh, grilled vegetables, baked “island-stuffed” sweet potatoes, sumptuous soups, Jasmine Rice, and fruit-infused bush teas are some of the additional pairings to be enjoyed.

Setting the Farmer’s Table cuisine apart is a selection of signature, made-

ElEuthEra CalEndar of Events 2022

Prepared by: (Mrs. Samantha Fox, Senior Officer, Eleuthera Tourist Office)

The 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.”

WEEKLY EVENTS:

•

FISH FRY is currently held in the following settlements every Friday @5:30 p.m. -Until: Governor’s Harbour and Rock Sound

•

FISH FRY is held in James’ Cistern on Saturdays only @5:30 p.m. - Until.

• Governors Harbour Farmers & Crafters Market, is held on Queen’s Highway, by the Bayfront Park - on Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• October (TBD) Spanish Wells Day

This event will bring locals and visitors together for one day to enjoy great food and entertainment.

(Contact: Mr. Franklyn Burrows - (242) 457-3983) P47

P29

Delicious pastries with an island-twist are baked fresh daily.

New glass Window Bridge design Revealed In Public Town Hall

A new bridge design that incorporates opportunities for Eleutheran entrepreneurs was presented at a Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, September 22nd, 2022 at St. Patrick’s Lodge Hall, Hatchet Bay.

During the livestreamed event the Minister of Works and Utilities, the Hon. Alfred Sears; the Hon. Clay Sweeting, Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs; island administrators, representatives of the Ministry of Works, Town Planning Board, the Bridge Authority, Local Government, Lambert Knowles and other consultants, and residents of Eleuthera discussed plans for the proposed replacement of the Glass Window Bridge (GWB) in North Eleuthera.

Minister Sears termed the meeting a very “successful” consultation and attendance by local stakeholders and virtual participants.

He said lead engineer and consultant, Mr. Lambert Knowles has assembled a worldclass team of bridge designers who have put

together a design that will turn the GWB “into a symbol of resilience, sustainability and also a place of entertainment and relaxation where Bahamian businesses can come and share in the wonderful goods of Eleuthera to the international travelling public as well as the residents in Eleuthera.

“We’re speaking now with Caribbean Development Bank with respect to funding; the design is now completed, there is also interest in PPP’s. Within the next two months we should have a funding pathway and then of course we will move on the procurement. Once the funding is in place we will announce a date.”

“It is not only a look out point, we are approaching this project as an enterprise where the people who live in North and Central Eleuthera would have the same opportunities that the people in South Eleuthera would have as the Disney Project would have, but it would be more significant than Disney because this

Architectural design concepts for the New Glass Window Bridge were presented during the Town Hall meeting in Hatchet Bay.

project would be owned by Bahamian people -- entrepreneurs, performers and culinary artists.

“Eleuthera is one of the places in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas where development is taking place very rap-

idly. It is one of the most unique communities in our country; it is the fifth largest economy within the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. We have some of the wealthiest industrialists with homes in Eleuthera; we also have booming Bahamian business resorts throughout Eleuthera.”

The GWB represents a place where we “can build opportunities for Bahamian businesses, Bahamian entrepreneurs to showcase the imagination of the Bahamian crafts persons, also to showcase the culinary skills as well as the extraordinary culinary dishes of Bahamian cuisine,” he said.

Although “spectacular” Minister Sears said the current one-lane bridge is “dangerous” and unable to facilitate the transport of freight from the north to the south of the island because its carrying capacity is only 12 tonnes -- anything over 12 tonnes cannot be transported over the bridge.

He noted other challenges as well and informed that the bridge is not fulfilling the potential that it has for the development of Eleuthera.

Using a Power Point presentation, Mr. Lambert Knowles introduced the design team, technical aspects of the built design and various options considered for the new bridge.

He said the proposed bridge, designed to be ‘operational at all times’, with a 60 to 70 ft. offset from the current bridge, and elevated at about 16 ft. higher, will be unique; a picture opportunity and a venue to host an event. It will have side shoulders for pedestrian traffic, a park, security, rest rooms, parking, a location for food trucks to sell crafts and food; and topography with different elevation look-outs.

During the question and answer segment, Minister Sears said a decision has not yet been made regarding a bridge toll on the major undertaking.

“It is a project which multilateral bodies and private sector investors have expressed an interest in participating in the funding. It is a project that once we have the community by-in the government is committed to building a world class production at

this location.”

Construction is expected to take place on the proposed bridge from 2023-2026 at an estimated cost of $50-$60 million.

The Glass Window Bridge provides the only vehicular link between North and South Eleuthera.

Source: BIS

By Kathryn Campbell

Above: Members of the Eleuthera community listen attentively as plans for the Glass Window Bridge are unveiled at a Town Hall meeting held in Hatchet Bay on September 22nd, 2022.

By Sir Ronald Sanders

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States of America and the Organisation 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)

So far in this attempt to answer the question, “Has CARICOM reached its limits of regional integration”, it has been established that, after almost 50 years, the regional project has failed to deliver the commitments expected from the 1973 Treaty of Chaguaramas and its Revision in 2001.

In summary, while the 2001 revision of the CARICOM Treaty laid the framework

Commentary

has CAriCoM reached its limits of regional integration? Part 3

for a single economic space (the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), the attempts at regional integration have made very little progress. Not even a Custom Union, let alone a Common Market has been established.

The ‘Sovereignty’ of individual states continues to be the dominant characteristic of decision making, resulting in inadequate or no implementation of regional decisions. The Secretariat, having started off brilliantly under William Demas and Alister McIntyre (two widely respected Caribbean figures), and with enthusiastic support from the then member governments, has drifted into paralysis and bureaucratic management, in addition to being poorly funded.

Additionally, CARICOM expanded prematurely instead of focussing on deepening its integration. The admission of Haiti in 2002 has caused problems for trade and economic integration – one that is un likely to be solved in the foreseeable future. Further, successive governments of Haiti have breached the 1997 CARICOM Charter of Civil Society in relation to free and fair elections, good governance, and civil and political rights. The Bahamas is not a member of the common market aspects of

CARICOM. While it has participated beneficially in some aspects of “functional cooperation”, its governments have been inconsistent in the coordination of foreign policy with other CARICOM states.

Jamaica has continuously questioned the benefits of its own participation in CARICOM, focussing issues on its trade with Trinidad and Tobago only and ignoring the fact that it enjoys a large trade surplus with all other CARICOM states, especially those that are also members of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Also depending on which political party holds office, Jamaican governments have chosen to do very little coordination of its foreign policy positions.

The 2017 Jamaica Commission, headed by former Prime Minister, Bruce Golding, which reviewed Jamaica’s relations with CARICOM, recommended that, if fundamental changes were not made to CARICOM’s processes, Jamaica should “withdraw from the CSME” but retain membership “similar to that of The Bahamas”. The latter event would put Jamaica in the same semi-detached position as The Bahamas, weakening the Organization even more. Note should be taken, however, that there were many valid observations and remarks in the Golding Report, regarding reform of CARICOM, especially regarding implementation of its decisions.

In 2003, fourteen years before the Golding report, another Jamaican Prime Minister, P.J. Patterson, a committed regionalist, proposed to a CARICOM Heads of Government meeting, a mechanism to facilitate the deepening of the regional integration. Seemingly convinced, the leaders adopted “The Rose Hall Declaration”. However, even then, there were signs of reticence and reluctance with one Prime Minister insisting on accepting the Rose Hall Declaration “in principle”, not in practice. The Declaration was never executed.

This caused Sir Shridath Ramphal, the elder Caribbean Statesman who chaired the 1992 West Indian Commission, to observe, in 2014, that nothing came of the Declaration because it offered “a regionalism which, for all its checks and balances against supranationality, was still too much for the cloistered immaturity of a political culture fixated by the obsessive compulsions of local control”. Sir Shridath also remarked with poignant resonance today, that had regional leaders implemented the mechanism proposed by

P.J. Patterson, “many of our countries would not be experiencing the extent of the terrible economic misfortune and uncertainty they now endure”.

Realistically, the challenges faced by CARICOM countries, including Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Suriname with their present-day riches of oil and gas, is that none of them, individually, enjoys sustainable economic independence. Each of them is dependent on aid for social and economic development and security in all its dimensions. Consequently, this dependence deprives each of them of genuine political independence. As the late Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Lester Bird, put it in 1992, “No small state, severely limited in its natural, human and financial resources, can operate as if it were a large country [-] It is an unrealistic approach to problem-solving and decision-making in a world which has embraced economic alliances, merges and the creation of single regional markets as ways to survive”.

Given all this, CARICOM has not reached its limits of regional integration; indeed, CARICOM has barely scratched the surface of the economic and political benefits of integration.

The region’s current leaders must navigate their countries through the maelstrom of high debt, continuing poor terms of trade, inadequate access to concessional financing for development, imported high costs for food and energy, inadequate technological infrastructure and the impact of Climate Change. While some of them, with oil and gas especially, may weather this storm for now, the underlying weaknesses of individual small economies will persist. A committed approach to the deepening of regional integration with effective machinery for implementation is the only answer.

The adherence to a “Caribbean Community of Sovereign States” is unlikely to change. But its leaders should, at least recognize that “sovereignty” is only beneficial if it has force in dealing with an international community. Many of the member states of the international community are fed-up with the constant demands on their taxpayers’ money from individual small and powerless states. They have themselves pursued integration as their salvation as for instance, in the European Union, the federation of the United States of America, the federation of Canada, the federation of Mexico and the federation of Brazil.

While Federation is a contemplation now too im-

K no W S AFETY – no FI RE

tive measures.

Cooking fires:

Cooking fires are the major cause of home blazes and injuries. The greatest number of cooking fires start when ingredients ignite, especially when frying.

t o help prevent stove fires:

Don’t wear loose-fitting clothes around the stove. Keep the stovetop clear of dish towels and paper products and stay in the kitchen when cooking. Turn the flame off if you leave the room.

NEVER use water to extinguish a cooking oil fire. Smother small grease flames by sliding a lid over the pan, turn off the burner and leave the lid on until the pan cools.

By Mike Lightbourn

Questions or comments?

Contact me at info@cbbahamas.com

Mike Lightbourn is president of Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty

September was Fire Prevention Month in the Bahamas. The U.S. observes it in October. It’s a reminder to make sure smoke detector batteries and fire extinguishers are in working order.

These easy, inexpensive measures save lives.

Another simple life saving measure is having an escape plan - a home can become fully engulfed in flames in as few as five minutes.

Many fires can be avoided. It all comes down to knowing the major causes and following proven preventa-

In the event of an oven fire, turn the heat off and close the kitchen door, if there is one. If you’re in doubt, get out of the home. Never take unnecessary risks.

Kerosene lamps:

Some people still rely on kerosene lamps for light at night. Kerosene poses a significant fire hazard. A lamp knocked over could result in the destruction of an entire home and neighbouring homes. The vapor on kerosene is highly flammable and can cause an explosion. As established above, throwing water on an oil fire is counterproductive.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says every year millions of people suffer from burns because of using kerosene lamps. If you know anyone who relies on a kerosene lamp, encour-

age them to switch to alternative lighting, such as solar or battery-operated lamps. Consider donating one (or more) if they need help.

Check r eg ularly:

The U.S. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends testing smoke alarms monthly and changing batteries twice a year.

Fire extinguishers are important, but you need to use the right one. There are five distinct types of fire extinguishers with each designed to combat a different fire. Consult a professional or research using a reputable online source.

t wo minutes:

You may have as little as two minutes to escape from your home safely once an alarm sounds, according to the NFPA.

The best chance of getting out is to have a planned escape route, two if possible, and for all members of the household to take part in escape drills.

s to p, drop and roll:

Go over the simple Stop Drop Roll fire safety technique with your children. This teaches them how to put out fire on clothing or hair and helps to avoid panic. Never leave young children home alone.

bued with fear, at least deeper integration must be high on the priorities and commitment of leaders as the 60th anniversary of CARICOM approaches. Leaders might usefully consider adapting one of the Golding Commission’s recommendations, “to appoint an oversight body of three to five eminent CARICOM nationals to review CARICOM’s performance and, in particular, the compliance of member states…”. The review could be considered in July 2023 and delivered to the public. There is no shortage of solid, authoritative work that would aid the review.

As Dr Eric Williams, a renowned Carib-

bean historian, who led his country, Trinidad and Tobago, to independence in the wake of the break-up of the West Indies Federation, advised with compelling prescience in 1962: “Separation and fragmentation were the policy of colonialism and rival colonialisms. Association and integration must be the policy of independence”.

Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com

Teri M. Bethel

September was an exciting month for educators, students, librarians, and book lovers. It was heartening to see the effort made by the Rotary Club of Eleuthera to donate books across our schools in Eleuthera and the zeal of the principals and teachers in receiving them. As a recent guest speaker at the Rotary Club’s celebration of literacy month, I shared a few thoughts with the audience regarding the importance of literacy and Bahamian authors in our country.

One of them was if we groom our

Literacy As A Lifestyle Celebrating Bahamian Authors in Classrooms

children to become nonreaders stimulated by flashing lights, television, and all things except a life-building book, it will affect their performance in school and later in their careers. We will also be grooming a generation of people who won’t read, think or analyze the laws or policies that govern our land. Instead, we could develop lazy minds that accept what foreigners or leaders with corrupt agendas have to offer.

There seems to be a trend that has been brewing for many years. That is, wealth to the masses is determined by the things you have. Some people refer to them as tingsy folk. As a designer some years ago in Nassau, I recall visiting clients’ homes from morning to evening. I noticed a stark contrast between the habits of the wealthy and the wanna-be wealthy or the tingsy folk. The wealthy had books in their homes, encouraged studying, visited museums, and placed their emphasis on higher education. The wanna-be’s had a television in every room, blasting go-nowhere entertainment all hours of the day. Rather than education or mu-

seums, they boasted about the latest gadgets and borrowed money to travel to Walmart. If we are serious about a better future for our children, we will have to adopt and develop healthy learning habits that will become a strong foundation for us to build upon as a people. Or we will become a dried-up nation waiting for handouts and hand-me-downs from people with a hidden agenda.

in the Classroom

One of my fondest memories of being in a classroom as a youngster in Nassau was when our teacher shared Bahamian history. It was at that point our country came alive as she imparted the information with excitement, a lure to students like me who learned by having pictures painted across the canvas of our imagination. I left the Bahamas to study abroad when I was eleven. One thing was evident as I traveled to other countries; they did the same but being older, they shared their history, geography, and lifestyle on a grander scale. When in England, it didn’t matter where we originated. At their schools, we were taught about their country from books written by their people for the most part. We learned how to speak the Queen’s English as a standard means of communication before adding the history and languages of surrounding and world cultures.

Four years later, it was a similar template when I transferred to the United States. Though happy that we learned about other histories and cultures, they ensured that while in their school, the country we learned about was the United States of America. In each country, not only was the subject matter home-based, but so was the authorship of the majority, if not all, of their books. In the Bahamas, the Ministry of Education has made incredible strides in teaching our children the same way others do but can raise the bar by including more relevant and appropriate books published by Bahamian authors. This is a part of the economy we need to develop rather than that of foreign lands.

Bahamian Books A priority

This does not mean that all books written by Bahamians should be placed before our children. It simply means that curriculum-strong books and books that help to form our children’s characters that are appropriate, well-presented, and written by Bahamians should be given priority over books by foreigners. Today, in the Bahamas, we have books written by many teachers and non-teachers that are ready for consideration for placement in our schools. With the progressive publishing platforms, the beauty is that books can be printed on demand and

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

adjusted to follow given criteria if they fall a little short.

As it stands now, many of the books that have served us well for decades should be allowed to bow out gracefully as we usher in culturally relevant books that will help to forge the way ahead for our young minds. If we embrace the narrative that great readers make great thinkers and writers, we will have to inspire the children with positive, exciting materials to which they can relate. This applies across the board to private as well as public schools. It may be hard to swallow, but each culture has good

and negative aspects. Most people don’t need to be taught negative attributes; those need to be untaught if we are going to advance. Therefore, content is vital if we are to undo much of the negative and frightening information that has freely poured through televisions and other programming that are now affecting our children and their academic and social performance.

Some books available by Bahamian authors for today’s schools include Chemistry, History, Mathematics, English Language and Literature, French Language, Religious Knowledge, Family Life, and more. Though they may not cover all

grade levels, it’s good that we’ve gotten the ball rolling, and the placement of such books in the classroom would inspire teachers or those skilled disciplines to fill the gaps with new books. What we do need are educators who are willing to embrace the books and choose to use them over traditional books if they satisfy the curriculum’s needs. We also need parents and the community to support the children and the authors by sponsoring the placement of these books in our schools, especially where there may be financial constraints. All free things Are not good

There are quite a number of well-intended individuals who donate books to our children, whether in school, at home, or in libraries. But we should be mindful that not all gifts or free items are good for us. We need to know what to accept and what to reject. Items slipping through the cracks are not necessarily what we want to embrace for our country. Sometimes we need to know when to say thank you, but no thank you. Though not our intention to offend, it’s better to temporarily upset a few to save the lives of many. So, it’s important to read, and even more important to read books that will positively develop our children and our nation.

Refund Policies a Top Concern, Says Consumer Protection CommissionMerchants and r et ailers p ut on n ot ice About Consumer r ig hts

As part of the launch of a new ‘Refund and Receipt’ campaign to educate Bahamian consumers about their consumer rights while shopping, the Bahamas’ Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) released a statement on Tuesday, September 27th, 2022, detailing their role in the country and key concerns, saying, “The primary role and function of the Consumer Protection Commission is complaint resolution, and enforcing the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act (2006), Chapter 337C of the Statute Law of The Bahamas, it’s enabling legislation.

“Redress is therefore the core function of the Commission; of all the basic consumer rights, this one speaks to the mantra of CPC, to resolve consumer complaints that are brought before it in a timely and efficient manner.

“Cognizant of the Government of The Bahamas’ stated policy objective to rescue the most

vulnerable and discouraged in our society, the Commission is concerned over the high incidence of consumer complaints lodged over the past year concerning refunds, and the inability to obtain a cash refund from majority local retailers due to posted store policies.

“When retailers deny consumers cash refunds, insisting instead on a store credit, it is not only illegal but exacerbates the challenges faced by the poor and vulnerable, and also results in the deprivation and denial of the protections and rights afforded them under the Act.

“The Commission puts all merchants and retailers on notice that to the extent that a store’s policy is ultra vires or contravenes the Consumer Protection Act, it is illegal and unenforceable in law, and will do everything within the powers afforded it to ensure that all consumers, throughout the length and breadth of The Bahamas, receives and are af-

forded the rights and protections that the Act intends and provides.

“Determined to address this matter, the Commission has conceptualized and designed a Refund and Receipt Campaign for an October 2022 launch. The issuance of a receipt is the second component of this campaign, as it is a proof of purchase, and without it a consumer cannot bring a refund request to the Commission. Registered businesses opting not to issue receipts for any and all sales, are breaking the law.”

(Contact - Tel: (242) 393-7795/6/7 or (242)3577898 Fax: (242) 393-7798 E-mail: info@cpcbahamas.gov.bs)

Source: Education, Research and Training Department Consumer Protection Commission

Sameer Bhatti appointed CEO of BTC

BTC announced during September 2022 the appointment of Sameer Bhatti to the position of Chief Executive Officer.

Bhatti, a Bahamian national, joined the company from Comcast where he spent the past ten years as an executive in commercial and channel development roles. Prior to that, he held senior positions at Juniper Networks and Verizon in the United States.

In his new role at BTC, Sameer will have overall responsibility for the company’s commercial operations across The Bahamas.

“Sameer is an experienced telecommunications executive with demonstrated success in driving segment growth and developing market channels. He is a visionary and analytical leader who possesses an unwavering commitment to building teams with integrity and excellence. We are happy to welcome him to BTC and we wish him much success,” said Inge Smidts, BTC’s Board Chair, and Chief Executive Officer, C&W Communications, the operator of the BTC

brand.

Deputy Chairman, Attorney Valentine Grimes, who leads the Government nominated team of Directors, spoke on behalf of the Government of the Bahamas, saying, “I am so pleased that after conducting an international search C&W was able to identify a Bahamian of Sameer’s talent and experience for the position of CEO. I am confident that Sameer is the right person at this time to

lead BTC and I’m happy that he has agreed to return home to assist in the future development of our country’s telecommunications sector.”

Sameer has enjoyed a distinguished career that spans three decades, with extensive experience across sales, marketing, product management, private equity and consulting, strategic planning, channel development, performance analytics, go-to-market strategy, and customer

engagement.

“This is such an exciting time for our industry and for The Bahamas and I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to lead BTC,” said Sameer Bhatti. “The technological advances that we are pursuing as a company will provide multiple avenues for growth and development across the country. I look forward to rising to the challenge and working with such a dedicated team.”

Bhatti holds a bachelor’s degree in Management Science and Statistics from the University of Maryland and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Duke University. He studied at St. Anne’s High School and Queen’s College High School before going on to graduate from The College of the Bahamas.

He is the current Treasurer of the One Eleuthera Foundation, which has a mission to empower Family Island communities, thereby transforming them into thriving self-sufficient ecosystems through sustainable social and economic empowerment and development.

Sameer Bhatti.

opinion: Pres. Putin’s actions are jeopardizing economic peace & growth: the world should say “no more”

By Sir Ronald Sanders

“Every bullet, every bomb, every shell that hits a target in Ukraine, hits our pockets and our economies in Africa.” Those were the words of the President of Ghana, Akufo-Addo, at the UN General Assembly on September 21.

The Ghanaian President was referring to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which aggravated an already difficult worldwide economic, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

While he spoke as an African, Akufo-Addo could have been speaking for every developing region of the world, including the Caribbean.

Several African countries now have inflation rates, surging three to four times higher than they were just two years ago. The situation is no different in the Caribbean region.

If the world was turned upside down because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is damaging it still further. And, with no

end in sight.

No region of the world, or any person within regions, has escaped the consequences of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ill-advised invasion of Ukraine, clearly aimed at seizure of large tracts of Ukrainian land and strategic access to the sea and global commerce.

In July, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said “global growth is projected to slow from an estimated 6.1 percent in 2021 to 3.6 percent in 2022 and 2023. This is 0.8 and 0.2 percentage points lower for 2022 and 2023 than projected in January”.

The IMF emphasized that the economic costs of the Russian war against Ukraine “are expected to spread farther afield through commodity markets, trade, and—to a lesser extent— financial interlinkages. Fuel and food price rises are already having a global impact, with vulnerable populations— particularly in low-income countries— most affected”.

Therefore, the troubling economic

and financial situation should completely dispel the illusion, held by some in the developing world that the war has nothing to do with us. In fact, the entire world has a vested interested in encouraging its immediate end.

The leaders of the two most important developing countries, Xi Jinping of China and Narendra Modi of India recently indicated their concerns about the war. Significantly Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the President of Turkey, has called for an end to the war in Ukraine “as soon as possible through diplomatic channels.”

As in all unpopular wars – and this one certainly is – Russian military forces have been losing ground to the more committed Ukrainian troops. The former are soldiers, carrying out orders; the latter are men and women determined to protect their homeland with their lives. Despite the superior Russian military firepower, especially missiles launched from areas bordering Ukraine, the Ukrainians, armed with improved weaponry - gifted by sym-

pathetic nations - and fortified by a patriotic resoluteness, have pushed Russian troops out of Ukrainian territory that they had earlier seized.

This has caused President Putin to announce conscription of reservists and other civilians. But his plan has met resistance. More than 800 Russians were arrested in anti-war demonstrations in 37 cities, including Moscow and St. Petersburg, according to the independent Russian human rights group OVD-Info. The number of men fleeing the country has increased as has widespread protests by Russian citizens.

The protestors have been assaulted with military force and hundreds have been detained. Journalists in Moscow, with the international news agency, Associated Press, reported that they witnessed at least a dozen arrests in the first 15 minutes of a night-time protest in the capital, with police in heavy body armour tackling demonstrators and , hauling some away as they chanted, “No to war!”

Fighting a war, which relies on

reluctant conscripts, is unlikely to bring the success that Putin told the Russian people was imminent. Instead, the Ukrainians have recaptured vast swathes of Russian-occupied territory. In addition to sinking confidence in any achievement, resulting from the war, the Russia economy is also suffering.

Despite all this, and in a departure from reality, President Putin is planning to hold referenda “on joining Russia” in areas of the Ukraine that Russian troops occupy.

Referenda in the middle of a war, and with the populating living under the guns of occupying forces, would hardly be credible to any nation in the global community. However, the decision to hold them clearly shows Putin’s intention to annex the areas to Russia. Consequently, the war will escalate further, as the Ukrainians intensify their resistance.

The referenda are scheduled to start on September 23 and to continue for 5 days, after which Russia will no doubt announce that the people of the areas have voted in favour, and they have opted to join Russia. In his quest to re-establish the Soviet Union, President Putin is doing so by seizing the territory of a neighbouring state and balkanizing it. This is a grave violation of the international legal order, which Russia was party to establishing, and which has been applied by the UN Security Council since 1945.

But, in the way of powerful nations, rules and laws are discarded when it does not suit the ambitions of their governments.

Every government, at the United Nations General Assembly this month, at the General Assembly of the Organization of American States next month, and in every international meeting, should make it very clear to President Putin that the war against Ukraine is not only unpopular, but it is fast becoming a war against global economic peace and growth, which are vital conditions for economic progress in developing countries.

Developing countries, especially, small states, depend on adherence to international law; they also need global peace that facilitates travel for tourism, aid money being spent on development and not on arms, and competitive commerce that reduces high prices for food and other goods.

President Putin has jeopardized all that. Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com

10am to 5pm Mon. to Fri.

Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation remembers junior Minister, taliah Cooper

both locally and globally, on various initiatives and projects throughout 2014-2015.

Cooper’s ambassadorship and passion for tourism transcended her stint as Junior Minister, as evidenced by her continued active involvement in the flagship ambassador programme. She assisted with the administration of the Junior Minister of Tourism Programme and selection of new Junior Ministers between 2015 – 2020.

The Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (MOTIA) was saddened by the passing of 2014 Junior Minister Taliah A. Cooper, the first Family Island student to hold the title of Junior Minister of Tourism for The Bahamas. Cooper passed away on August 18th and was laid to rest in Rock Sound, Eleuthera, on Saturday, September 10th, 2022.

Taliah was born in picturesque Rock Sound, Eleuthera and attended Preston H. Albury High School. In 2014 after becoming the Junior Minister of Tourism, she proudly represented the Islands of The Bahamas at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Youth Congress for that year held in St. Thomas, USVI.

In her role as Junior Minister of Tourism, Cooper promoted the importance of education and its impact for the development of future generations. Moreover, she collaborated with the Ministry

Cooper was described by her close colleagues as a gifted writer and communicator, and one who was always optimistic, charismatic, vivacious, determined and a role model for all. She was also described as the personification of grace in the face of a disabling illness.

“As her mentor, Taliah taught me to persevere no matter what the situation or circumstance was, and to make each moment memorable. Her tenacity, uplifting personality, kind and nurturing spirit were an inspiration to many,” said Samantha Cartwright, Manager of Schools Unit (MOTIA) and Coordinator, Ministry’s Junior Minister of Tourism Programme.

She added “I am comforted by 1 Timothy 4:12 ESV - Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity. These words speak to the essence of our fallen 2014 Junior Minister of Tourism.”

The Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation extends heartfelt condolences to Cooper’s family, friends and loved ones. May her soul rest in peace.

(Cooper as a student of Preston H. Albury High School in Rock Sound, was the First Family Island Student to Capture National Junior Minister of Tourism Title)

Taliah A. Cooper.

Above: Taliah Cooper with the late Melinda Pratt, as she celebrated her Eleuthera Junior Minister of Tourism win in 2014.

Mrs. Pratt, who was a key organizer of the competition that year, was an Education Officer as well as a Reserve Police Officer.

passed away in a traffic accident in Eleuthera in August of 2020.

Gov’t approves Substantial Rate increases for BPL customers

Customers of Bahamas Power and Light can expect to see multiple phased-in increases in their electricity bills during the course of the next 18 months, beginning in October, with the first increase being reflected in the November billing cycle. Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis made the announcement during a press conference on October 4th, 2022 at the Office of the Prime Minister.

He said the decision to proceed with the hikes came after months of deliberation given the current economic situation in the country and globally. Also in attendance at the Press con-

ference were: Minister of Works and Public Utilities, the Hon. Alfred Sears and Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, the Hon. Myles Laroda.

“Today, BPL is announcing an increase in the monthly fuel charge,” said Prime Minister Davis. “For a large majority of BPL customers, who consume less than 800 kWh (kilowatt-hours), the fuel charge is increasing by 2 cents per kWh, which will result in an increase this quarter of less than $20 per month. If your current monthly bill is $182 or less, you fall in this category. For those who consume more than 800 kWh, the increase will be 4.3 cents per kWh.”

He noted, that the government has also raised the VAT ceiling on electricity bills from $300 to $400, therefore, there will be no VAT due on electricity bills under $400.

He said: “The increases in the rate will be phased over a period of time in order to meet the rising and fluctuating costs in fuel. BPL will provide additional details of these changes, which phase in over time. The bottom line is that monthly bills will go up over the next several quarters, before they be-

Riding a wave into an innovative future

According to the latest report from HAP (Harness All Possibilities), released in early October, their work in the blockchain, Web3 and the future of work, space have impacted thousands, since starting six years ago. This small non-profit has a vested interest in The Bahamas where its founder, Rhonda McDeigan-Eldridge hails.

In 2022, the proportion of youth learners in HAP programs increased by 60% with just over 1300 youth who have attended Digital Inclusion and Web3 events and 350 who attended Crypto learning sessions. Conferences and workshops are local and international and cover four key areas of learning. Those areas include the Future of Work, Blockchain Business

School (2019), Crypto and Web3, and Policy and Regulation.

The expediential learning continues and one of the attendees will soon attend DevCon in Bogota, Columbia. Some adult and youth learners are finishing their ConsenSys developer’s certificate and others are eagerly awaiting more events that are in the pipeline.

HAP’s celebrated Blockchain Business School (BBS) Conference and Pitchathon in August 2022 had local and international speakers, and corporate, individual and community partners, fostering a community-building mind-set, and approach to accelerate 21st-century learning. More than sixty youths along with

Pitchathon Judges 2022 from L-R are: Antoinette Russell, Maran Global, Zoe Gibson-Bowleg, FTX Digital Markets, Ryan Austin (back), Bytes Bahamas, Michael Clare, Liongate Bahamas Ltd., Kelly Banks, Digital and Innovations Professional, and Sandra Unwatege-Hart, Pitchathon facilitator for Blockchain/Web3 Innovations in Humanitarian Action & Emerging Markets. Photo by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry.

hundreds of people online, participated with experts from the technology industry, education, regulators, service providers and social entrepreneurs.

The biggest takeaway at BBS 2022 revealed that meeting the youth where they were and allowing them the opportunity to expand their minds and problemsolve, not only prepares them to conquer issues but reminds everyone to also have an open mind.

The judges were impressed with their solutions which included how to make better use of crown land and vacant land for social good, using solar power, teaching seniors in the Family Islands how to adapt to using the Sand Dollar digital currency, and use of a health dollar – all through adapting and using blockchain technology.

“Technology innovation is accelerating at an unprecedented pace. We’re

all grappling with how to keep up, so it’s important for us to start students off earlier and for us to adopt a mindset of always learning - so we call it an exponential mindset,” said Rhonda McDeiganEldridge.

Attendee fifteen-year-old Justin Clarke, shares, “I started thinking about what I want to do with my future in terms of gaming, making games, and making money. The BBS camp really helped me to learn more. So, it’s much easier for me to find all these contacts, and all the people I’ve made friends with, who can help me in the future.”

Clarke and his brother, eight-year-old Jacob, have participated in BBS since its first event in 2019. They participated in the coding workshop that was spearheaded by thirteen-year-old Phelton Petit-Frère and seventeen-year-old Rodgeno Albury who were joined

Blockchain Business School students with HAP founder, Rhonda McDeigan-Eldridge. From L-R: Rhonda McDeigan-Eldridge (back row), Sara Anderson, Philemon Petite-Frère, Kathryn Corkish, Rodgeno Albury and Phelton Petite-Frère. Photo by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry

BPL APPROVED RATE HIKES

gin to come down, in 12 to 18 months.” (see full schedule of rate increases at the end of this article)

Prime Minister Davis said that he knows that the rate increase announcement is not welcome news for Bahamians.

“I know that these short term increases are very unwelcome news. And I know that these increases are coming at a time when a great many families are already struggling. As you know all too well, our country has for several years, been in a very serious economic and fiscal crisis. We’ve come a long way over the last year. We have started our recovery in a very meaningful way: a lot more Bahamians are working and we are reducing the nation’s debt burden and we have stabilized our finances.”

He said that the country has been challenged especially due to Hurricane Dorian, the pandemic, supply chain issues and the rising costs of fuel and food items due to the war in Ukraine.

Pr ime Minister Davis said there was discussion in February about

by seventeen-year-old Kathryn Corkish of the Cayman Islands.

Hailing from Eleuthera, PetitFrère and Albury were students of the many summer programs offered by Bytes Bahamas. Both young men earned their developers’ certificates from the ConsenSys Academy, through a partnership offered by HAP. Corkish who has been sponsored by PwC Cayman and HAP to attend the August event has completed hers. She stated that the information was “mind-blowing.”

BBS also collaborated with FemSTEM Bahamas and BETACamp to bring an array of learning opportunities to youth. These female-driven organizations are helping to close the gaps that are caused by the fast pace of technology growth.

Speaker, Joe Santos, an impactioneer and a social entrepreneur, spoke from his office in Portugal about the importance of social good. He works with persons on the autism spectrum and has reached 70,000plus over the past seven years. “The secret of social impact is touching one person at a time, but teaching them for change, and how to see the world, and they, in turn, will impact others.”

Anthony Stubbs of Infinox Capital, a FinTech company in The Bahamas, was a first-time donor and judge. “The Pitchathon opened my mind that these youth were pitching and doing it well. They were sharp

increasing the cost of fuel, however, a decision was made to postpone the increase. That is, until now.

“We made the decision to postpone the increase and keep the charge [as] low as possible, gi ven the hardship Bahamian households were facing after so many difficult years in a row, and given other inflationary pressures. Our economy is growing, adding new jobs every month, and I wanted to see more Bahamians working before we asked families to pay a higher light bill. When times are tough, coming up with an extra $20 a month isn’t a small thing.”

The Prime Minister ended his statement by saying: “I wanted to be the one to tell you. And I ask you to hang in there just a little longer -our country is finally on a path to a very different energy future.”

Chief Executive Officer of Bahamas Power and Light, Shevonn Cambridge, said that BPL will continue to work with its customers. It has created a customer service line to answer inquiries and to make payment arrangements for those accounts in arrears.

and I was blown away. They examined their cases and were problemsolving,” he said. “The lingo and technical jargon may take some time to adapt but I am quite sure they are aware of what is going on.”

Stubbs added, “We must own our country’s future and stop thinking that we have to meet the kids where they are.” He also advised, “Those who may not be able to afford a tertiary education might be a first-round pick for a blockchain company that may be able to sponsor them.”

Educator Sharleen Hanson who runs Boost Academy in New Providence was one of seven educators participating in HAP’s Teach-TheTeacher 2021-2022 Program. “We need to see more events like Blockchain Business School. The founder of this conference understands the importance of keeping up with new technologies, and the key role that education plays in this. She has created an opportunity for young people and educators to ride a wave into an innovative future - not only through attendance at the conference but also via training programs, such as ConsenSys Academy’s Blockchain Essentials course, of which I was recently a part. This course provided a sufficient background for me and others in my cohort not only to understand the material but also to put together a framework for training others.”

The new line is: 225-5275.

The new fuel charge rates for consumption of less than 800 kWh per month:

Oct. 1 - Nov, 30, 2022, new charges : 12.5 cents /kWh

Dec. 1 - Feb. 28, 2023, new charges: 14.5 cents /kWh

Mar. 1 - May 31, 2023, new charges: 16.5 cents /kWh

June 1 - Aug. 31, 2023, new charges: 18.5 cents /kWh

Sept. 1 - Nov. 30, 2023 new charges : 18.5 cents /kWh

Dec.1 - Feb. 2024 new charges - 17 cents /kWh

The new fuel charge rates for 800 kWh or greater per month:

Oct.1 - Nov. 30, 2022, new charges : 14.8 cents /kWh

Dec. 1 - Feb. 28, 2023, new charges: 19.1 cents /kWh

Mar. 1 - May 31, 2023, new charges: 23.3 cents /kWh

June 1 - Aug. 31, 2023, new charges: 27.6 cents /kWh

Sept. 1 - Nov. 30, 2023, new charges: 25 cents /kWh

Dec. 1 - Feb. 2024, new charges: 18 cents /kWh

OUR CORALS ARE DYING: A NEW CORAL DISEASE MADE ITS WAY TO ELEUTHERA

By Natalia Hurtado (CEIS/PIMS), Alice Daeschler (CEIS), Nicholas Nonnenmacher (CEIS) & Lucia Yannuzzi (CEIS)

After experiencing the coronavirus pandemic, we all learned how a disease can spread and completely change our daily life. At the same time, awareness was raised worldwide to prioritize our health and safety. Precautions had to be taken and we have had to adapt our lifestyle to remain safe. However, human beings are not the only ones exposed to diseases, they can also affect animals and plants and in a matter of years can devastate entire populations.

In the ocean it is also possible to encounter diseases. Beginning in the 1980s, the Caribbean experienced a severe disease called White Band Disease, which killed around 97 percent of staghorn and elkhorn corals, making them critically endangered species. Unfortunately, diseases and threats have been increasing in the past years. As coral reefs around the world suffer from the worsening effects of climate change, corals in the Bahamas face yet another threat. Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) is a new disease that is quickly infecting and killing stony corals (corals that build hard skeletons).

Why is the coral disease so threatening?

The new disease SCTLD is one of the biggest threats to coral reefs because it is highly lethal and progresses rapidly (around 100 meters per day in Florida), spreading through basic water circulation. Unlike other coral diseases, this disease is killing these important reef-building corals off way quicker than others have in the past. Capable of killing a coral in a couple of weeks, SCTLD is highly contagious and affects over 20 different coral species throughout the Caribbean, including 4 endangered species.

ing the presence of the disease in Eleuthera. Unfortunately, in December 2020, the disease was observed and reported in Harbour Island. Early this year, SCTLD was observed in Governors Harbour and most recently, it was observed in South Eleuthera.

how can i identify the coral disease?

SCTLD generally starts with live tissue dying and a band of diseased tissue advancing across the surface. The disease can affect multiple species of stony corals, commonly found on brain corals, pillar corals, encrusting and boulder corals. These lesions leave the coral white and can spread in circular, radial, or irregular patterns. After SCTLD has run its course, the coral will no longer have any

color and will just be the bare white skeleton.

What can you do if you see the coral disease?

While this disease cannot harm humans, it is deadly for coral reefs, and it is on us to stop the spread. If you are snorkeling, diving or spear fishing on the reef and you notice sick corals, it is very important to disinfect everything that was in the water with you to stop the spread. This includes: dive mask, fins, snorkel, and wetsuit.

The Cape Eleuthera Island School encourages you to spread awareness about the disease and help us to protect our reefs. More information and educational resources can be found in perryinstitute.org

Sequence of photos of the same brain coral over the span of two months. Coral infected with the new coral disease SCTLD (left), 70% of the coral died one month after (middle), after two months the coral is completely dead and the coral next to it got infected (above).

Where did the coral disease come from?

While the exact cause of the disease is still unknown, researchers believe it to be caused by bacteria that can be easily transmitted through the water column. The disease was first reported in Miami in 2014 and has impacted the entire Florida reef tract. It is presumed that commercial ships coming from Florida introduced SCTLD to the Bahamian waters. Its trail of destruction throughout the Caribbean is clear and the disease has already spread to 20 countries. In late 2019, SCTLD was spotted in Grand Bahama and a couple of months later was seen in New Providence. Since the disease started to spread in The Bahamas, researchers from The Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS) and The Cape Eleuthera Institute - Island School (CEIS) have been check-

These two images show different instances of SCTLD and how it spreads. Brain coral (top), Great star coral (bottom)

The Church Girl And The Priest -

New Book Release by Teri M. Bethel

When a religious tradition of blind trust propelled Sandy Robinson into a questionable relationship against her better judgment, she yielded to the haunting voice of her grandmother to obey her priest. But would this act of obedience derail a girl searching for meaning amid the swells of loneliness and rejection? In Teri M. Bethel’s latest novella, The Church Girl And The Priest (Inspire Publishing 2022), readers watch an all-too-common saga unfold where blind trust and misinformation take a young woman on a journey of a lifetime against her better judgment. Will Sandy listen to her conscience when her priest insists she is a pure offering for him, or will she listen to her grandmother?

The author of numerous fiction and nonfictional family-related books, Mrs. Bethel has penned yet another book that keeps readers glued to the pages while addressing common misconceptions that affect the misinformed. A mother of three and youth leader, Mrs. Lisa D. Bastian, said once she started reading The Church Girl And The Priest, she didn’t want to put it down. “I was completely drawn into the story,” she said. “This book was honest in capturing relatable characters, events, family, and church dynamics, and it brought clarity and understanding to a few areas I had questions about.” Ms. Colleen Aitken says she has read most books this author has written, and true to form, it is believable, relatable, and redemptive. “Teri Bethel has a way of addressing uncomfortable truths without being distasteful and presenting hope and redemption without sounding religious. I was unprepared for the shocking turn of events in this story. I didn’t see it coming from miles away!” Ms. Aitken said. Shelly Ann Bain says she is an avid reader, but this was her first fiction book. She sat through the night reading the book with her

bag of chips until she completed the last page. “This book has made a fiction reader out of me,” she wrote, “I couldn’t put it down…I can’t wait for the sequel. There has to be a payback!”

A former youth, women’s, and marriage ministry leader, Mrs. Bethel believes the book will open eyes and help parents make wise decisions in being candid with their children about life and navigating through it successfully. Whether in the home, school, church, or workplace, children need to be informed so that they are not duped by people they are expected to trust. “As indicated in the storyline,” Mrs. Bethel states, “not all priests or pastors are morally corrupt, but there are some who slip through. The same applies to parents, teachers, politicians… you can’t just put them all in one basket, but neither can we ignore the trail of broken lives left behind by those who are taking advantage of easy prey.” Mrs. Bethel believes her novels are another way to equip, inspire and entertain people in a wholesome manner.

The Church Girl And The Priest is available in Nassau at Logos Bookstore, in Eleuthera at Office General and The North Eleuthera Craft & Snack Place in paperback and on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle formats.

Quotables

QUOTE:

“I am grateful to have the opportunity to talk to people from all walks of life. It is impossible not to be struck by the tragedies involving so many of our boys and young men. The crime statistics portray a stark picture of violence, gang-related activity and general criminality, which has become the fate of many hundreds. Low attainment levels by boys and young men at all stages of education, is a serious cause for concern. In families and communities, I hear the stories and I see the pain caused by a range of social, psychological, and economic issues. In conversation with some of my fellow leaders in the region, they also have detected similar worrying signs in their countries. I raise the point here to say that this is a matter around which the government will explore a number of policy options, which may or may not require legislative action to implement. I also raise the point to invite Honourable Members to consider issues specific to boys and young men in their constituencies, and to share any findings of note with the government, that we might come to solutions which are best for the whole country. We are in danger of losing a generation, and it is incumbent upon us all to ensure that that does not happen.”

(Prime Minister, the Honourable Philip Davis during a speech in the House of Assembly on Wednesday, September 28th, 2022, on the first anniversary of the government being elected to serve.)

Eleuthera Clean-Up Efforts Surpass 13,000 pounds

US State of Florida’s Department of Health Issues Guidance Against Males Aged 18 to 39 Receiving mRNA Vaccines

On Friday, October 7th, 2022, Florida’s State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo announced new guidance regarding mRNA vaccines.

The Florida Department of Health (Department) conducted an analysis through a self-controlled case series, which is a technique originally developed to evaluate vaccine safety. This studied mortality risk following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination.

Eric Wallace, Executive Director with Clean Beaches Eleuthera and scores of volunteers celebrated the milestone during September 2022 of having surpassed the 13,000 pounds mark in the amount of trash that had been cleaned up across the island.

On Saturday, September 17th, a small team of six adults and four children made their way to Navy Beach in Governor’s Harbour in honour of International Coastal Clean Up Day. The team was able to successfully remove nearly 1,000 pounds of trash and marine debris from the beach, including car parts that had been dumped there.

The group were also made aware of a garbage receptacle at Twin Coves Beach (Governor’s Harbour) that was overflowing, so a part of the team was deployed, and successfully bagged and removed just over 300 pounds of trash from there. “This brings our total haul to 1,300 pounds - the second largest clean up we have done to date! We now stand at a whopping 13,540 pounds of trash that we have removed in just 15 months of volunteer service,” informed Mr. Wallace.

He continued, thanking volun-

teers for their support and partnership, and added, “Our final three clean ups for the year will take place on October 15th, October 30th, and November 19th, 2022. The October 15th clean up will take place at the Savannah Sound beach, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. I will also share information in the coming weeks

about our calendar of clean ups for 2023... I can’t wait to see the further impact we will be able to make, one beach at a time.”

The announcement stated, “This analysis found that there is an 84% increase in the relative incidence of cardiac-related death among males 18-39 years old within 28 days following mRNA vaccination. With a high level of global immunity to COVID-19, the benefit of vaccination is likely outweighed by this abnormally high risk of cardiac-related death among men in this age group. Non-mRNA vaccines were not found to have these increased risks.”

It continued, “As such, the State Surgeon General recommends against males aged 18 to 39 from receiving mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Those with preexisting cardiac conditions, such as myocarditis and pericarditis, should take particular caution when making this decision.”

“Studying the safety and efficacy of any medications, including vaccines, is an important component of public health,” said Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo. “Far less attention has been paid to safety and the concerns of many individuals have been dismissed –these are important findings that should be communicated to Floridians.”

The new guidance emphasized individual patient evaluation, saying, “Florida continues to emphasize that health care providers review all data to evaluate risks and benefits unique to each patient when determining any health care services to provide, including the administration of COVID-19 vac-

Youngest member of the volunteer clean up team getting in on the action in September.

FARmER’S TABLE RESTAuRAnT OPEnS

fromscratch dressings, marinades and robust sauces. Each provides an islandinspired, farm-to-table twist to amplify and complement natural flavors. Patrons can also anticipate a rotating selection of enticing, pastries baked and served fresh daily.

The restaurant’s relaxing café ambience beckons you to slow down and take a moment to savor every bite alongside the calming effect of being removed from the hustle and bustle of a busy schedule. The staff are warm and generous in their efforts to make every guest feel welcomed and appreciated whether they’re dining indoors to ambient music or enjoying the shaded, openair terrace with a magnificent view of The Retreat Hotel’s 25-meter salt water pool.

With The Bahamas leading the region in noncommunicable, diet-related diseases like Diabetes and Hypertension, and very few healthy dining options available locally, CTI’s Farmer’s Table is filling a void. Meals are all prepared using baking or light grilling techniques rather than frying. As the farm’s growing season takes off and the harvest variety and yield increases, even more fresh produce will be incorporated into the menu allowing diners to transition to a diet that includes more delicious and nutritious, plant-based dishes.

“Knowing what we eat matters – not only for the sake of nourishing our bodies, but as conscious consumers caring for our local ecosystems and the planet. Farm-to-table establishments like ours allow us to learn about the food we eat, while engaging with local chefs, farmers and the community. We are excited to see how our new restaurant will make an impact on people’s health and eating choices moving forward,” notes Yolanda Pawar, Chief Communications Officer. “We are also pleased to have increased our staffing by providing employment to a talented team of four who are currently running the restaurant’s operations.”

This latest addition to the CTI training campus will also assist the organization in expanding its footprint as

the island’s premier tertiary, vocational training institute. Farmer’s Table, will provide the necessary facilities for students in South Eleuthera enrolled in CTI’s Culinary and Hospitality training programs to gain valuable, hands-on, practical experience in a real world setting.

As a social enterprise powered by the One Eleuthera Foundation, revenue generated from the restaurant will be used to sustainably support its staffing and operational expenses. Farmer’s Table will also reinforce the One Eleuthera Foundation’s and CTI’s commitment to support local farmers by purchasing ingredients and produce from other local farms and growers in Eleuthera.

We’re happy to serve you at Farmer’s Table. L to R: Nakeisha Carey – Cook, Santeesha Brown – Prep Cook, Jasmine Jones, Head Chef, Kendy Thompson - Hostess.

A healthy spin on a Bahamian staple: Herbbaked chicken wings, smashed sweet potato & crisp, steamed veggies.A light bite: Grilled Salmon in an herb-butter sauce with seasoned veggies

cines containing Messenger RNA (mRNA) which both the Pfizer-BioNTech and the Moderna vaccines utilize.”

The guidance issued went on to say, “Based on currently available data, patients should be informed of the possible cardiac complications that can arise after receiving a mRNA COVID-19 vaccine...

“Individuals and health care providers should also be aware that this analysis found:

• Males over the age of 60 had a 10% in creased risk of cardiac-related death within 28 days of mRNA vaccination.

• Non-mRNA vaccines were not found to have these increased risks among any population.

“Floridians are encouraged to discuss all the potential benefits and risks of receiving mRNA COVID-19 vaccines with their health care pro-

vider. The risk associated with mRNA vaccination should be weighed against the risk associated with COVID-19 infection.

“The Department continues to stand by its Guidance for Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccines issued

March 2022, which recommends against use in healthy children and adolescents 5 years old to 17 years old. This now includes recommendations against COVID-19 vaccination among infants and children under 5 years old, which has since been issued under Emergency Use Authorization.”

Source: The Florida Department of Health Links: Self controlled case series: (https://www. bmj.com/content/354/bmj.i4515?)

Analysis: (https://floridahealthcovid19. gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/20221007guidance-mrna-covid19-vaccines-analysis. pdf?)

MOE Special Services Team, Says Serious Need for Special Education Resources in Eleuthera

District Superintendent of Education for Eleuthera, Mr. Michael Culmer and his team, hosted the Ministry of Education’s Special Services Unit in Eleuthera for a week-long evaluation and assessment visit, arriving on island Sunday, September 25th, 2022.

The visiting team was comprised of ten people - eight psychologists, and two speech pathologists. Psychologists included: Antoinette Lewis-Deveaux (supervisor for the School Psychological Unit), Attia WildgooseBrown (psychologist assigned to Eleuthera), Raquel Hutchinson, Deangela Knowles, Nikita Woodside, Laneice Rolle, Lauren Smith, and Courtney Thompson. The two speech pathologists were: Keva Ferguson and Vivian Bullard.

According to island lead and supervising school psychologist,

Mrs. Antoinette Lewis-Deveaux, the main objective of the visit was to perform face-to-face assessments of students referred to their unit, and to determine if there were any other underlying issues, aside from what had been reported, and determine how best to address those issues for each individual student.

Mrs. Lewis-Deveaux, in an interview at the Ministry of Education’s Resource Center, in Savannah Sound during a post-assessment presentation to school principals from across Eleuthera on Saturday morning, October 1st, 2022, shared that it had been a busy week for the visiting group of specialists who had received referrals for more than 140 students, from both primary and high schools throughout the island. Cases being assessed and evaluated in

face-to-face sessions were for both academic and behavioural concerns, with a number of other issues also coming to light during the course of the week.

Commenting on some of what had been seen during the assessments, she said, “There is a serious need for special education. That is from the primary to the senior high. We’ve also seen a number of students who possibly fit into certain categories, like autism, ADHD, intellectual deficiency, learning disabilities, as well as speech challenges. We’ve also seen behavioural issues and concerns - and those could be as an extension of the academics as well. Those issues are more prevalant in the high schools.”

and I would like to emphasize the importance of completing these subjective forms sent to both parents and teachers, because it gives us a better profile of the child. As we see them for such a short period of time, as compared to the people who have observed them over the year or the parent who fully knows their child - the forms may seem like a lot, but it’s important to take your time and complete it thoroughly and truthfully. We can then, with more confidence, say ‘this is what is going on with the child, and this is the intervention we can recommend, or here is what needs to be done’.”

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She continued, “Students have been out of the classroom for two and a half years. Some may not have had the devices or the ability otherwise to access education virtually, so as an example, someone in the eighth may still be academically in the sixth grade, or even at the end of the fifth grade. So, those factors and circumstances have to be taken into consideration. Teachers need to look at this as well - teaching the curriculum, but cognizant of where there may be gaps.”

One of the challenges experienced by the visiting team, said Mrs. Lewis-Deveaux was limited information being provided on many of the subjective referral forms filled out by teachers and parents as part of the referral process. “Forms were sent ahead,

Despite having some of those limited information hurdles, exacerbated by the short length of time they had with each student, she was pleased with what the group had been able to do, saying, “Because of the length of time we had on the island, we had two teams, Mrs. WildgooseBrown headed one team, and Mrs. Hutchinson (assistant supervisor) headed another. That is how we were able to within one week get to see all the schools that referred their students.” The two speech pathologists visited eight primary schools, and two high schools on Eleuthera, while the school psychologists visited nine of the primary schools and four of the high schools on island.

Mrs. Lewis-Deveaux said she had noted the very limited special services resources throughout Eleuthera, and that when their report

Speech pathologist, keva Ferguson presenting her findings while on island to primary and high school principals at the Ministry of Education’s resource Center in Savannah Sound.

was presented to the Minister of Education, she expected to fully apprise her of those limitations, and what the ministry and the country needed to do going forward.

Supervising speech pathologist, Keva Ferguson, shared, “For the Speech Therapy Unit, we came here after we were given a list of referrals, and on the referrals teachers would have identified what they thought the problem or challenge was [with each student]. We came and verified using specific protocols and tests. For example, if the teacher said the child was having a stuttering issue - we have a test for assessment. After arriving, we realized that in some cases, the issue may have been described as articulation, but it was actually a language [barrier] issue.”

She continued, “After the assessments, we find that there is a great need for a speech therapist on the island, as well as special needs classrooms. We’ve also found children presenting with signs and symptoms within the autistic spectrum, and in those cases people around them not being aware of what was going on. So, that is a great need as well, for people to become more aware, because it is only that these children learn differently, and we have to know how to deal with them. If people don’t know how to deal with them, it’s a struggle - not only for the parent - they are frustrated, but the child is frustrated as he or she can’t effectively tell the parent

what is going on. In those cases, we encourage the parents to accept and let’s work with the child. It is not a death sentence, as many go on to learn and adapt. Once the intervention is in place they can cope and adapt, and not limit the individual. However, the need is great and it needs to be addressed. The more people are aware, the better they can deal with the situation.”

Assistant supervisor, Raquel Hutchinson, describing what she had come away from the assessments with, shared, “The children need the fundamentals in academics. That is vitally important. Without that, they are lost. Our children learning what they need to learn, in the way that they should learn. Some of them have learning disabilities, and they have the setbacks that would alter them from getting or maximizing their full potential. We need to get to the island what is needed and necessary for them to get what they need to get, to be where they need to be. There were many literacy and other issues, and some classroom management. There is a need for special education - a need for a specialist to come on a regular basis to assess what is being seen by the teachers ... and working with the guidance counsellors who are here ... with that assistance we can probably alter a lot of what we are now encountering.”

Attia Wildgoose-Brown, psychologist assigned to Eleuthera, highlighted the lack of counselling resources within schools in

Eleuthera, saying, “We see the need for guidance counsellors on the island. We need one in every school, or at least in every other school, because as indicated, as we, the specialists, are not here on the island, the guidance counsellors are our eyes and ears, as to concerns with the students, parents and the school itself. With that assistance, that would give us a better idea as to what we need to be doing once we are here, and how to go forward and address them.

Hitting home the lack of structured special education, she added, “Another thing that we saw was definitely a special education need, and that was a big thing across the board in every school. We also need to incorporate an ‘English As A Second Language’ program. That is a deficit seen not only on this island, but in New Providence as well. It would assist us in identifying the real concerns. So, in conjunction with speech, the concern is not only a language program, but the difference in terms if there is a stutter or if it’s a language issue.

“What we saw that is really concerning is the social and emotional aspects of it. With some students, coming out of COVID there is a lot of grief, and a lot of anger, and it’s hard to address those baselines - and we know that there are underlying concerns that would affect a student’s academic progress. So, it’s important that we have the specialists on island, or who are able to visit as frequently as possible to address

those concerns - so we are able to see continued academic success across the board.”

The Special Services Unit within the Ministry of Education is looking to recruit additional personnel in both the areas of speech therapy and psychology, said supervisor Lewis-Deveaux. Two speech pathologists with the Unit, she pointed out, service the entire Bahamas. “There are not a large number of us within School Psychological Services, and we service the entire country. The hub is in New Providence, and our only link to the Family Island schools is through the school counsellors. They are overwhelmed, because most of the primary schools don’t have school counsellors - so, that is yet another area where we need people who are willing to counsel and to come to the Family Islands. If you are from this island and have an interest, think of coming back here - not to New Providence or the US and you stay there. We are hoping that we have people who are interested, and will come back... We hope that your 12th graders will read and understand the importance and the need for us to have people who are interested in this field. They can reach out directly to us within the Special Services Unit.”

Above: District Superintendent of Education for Eleuthera, Mr. Michael Culmer (back row far left) stands with his team of school principals from across Eleuthera, and a visiting group of psychologists and speech pathologists from the Special Services Unit of the Ministry of Education in New Providence.

PAHO supports health authorities in Haiti in the response to the reemergence of cholera

that cholera cases are likely to be higher in the country. PAHO emphasized that the social-political and conflict conditions could greatly impact the dynamics of cholera resurgence and the severity of the disease in patients suffering from acute diarrhea.

PAHO recommended that countries in the region strengthen their surveillance systems for the early detection of cholera and acute diarrheal disease and update their preparedness and response plans. The Organization also called on Member States to continue efforts and reinforce actions to improve water and sanitation quality and conditions.

Between October 2010 and February 2019, a sustained outbreak caused more than 820,000 cholera cases and almost 10,000 deaths in Haiti. In February of this year, Haiti marked three years without cholera and was preparing to submit its case for cholera-free status certification at the end of 2022.

Cholera is spread through water and food contaminated by feces and causes acute diarrhea within hours. Safe water and sanitation are critical to prevent and control cholera transmission, which can be a challenge in poor communities and in situations of conflict. The disease is treatable with rehydration measures and antibiotics.

Washington, DC, 6 October, 2022 (PAHO) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is working closely with Haitian public health authorities and international partners to support the country’s response to the recent cholera outbreak.

After more than three years without reported cases, Haiti first confirmed on 2 October two cases of Vibrio cholerae O1. In an update on 5 October, national authorities confirmed 11 cases, including two deaths, and a total 111 cases under investigation in various communes around Port-au-Prince.

As an initial immediate response, PAHO donated two tons of medical supplies and materials for case management and disinfection from its emergency stockpile in Port-Au-Prince to Doctors Without Borders (MSF), who is facilitating the health response in the affected area.

PAHO also provided tents to MSF and the Ministry of Health to set up four cholera treatment centers capable of accommodating 50 patients each. In addition, the Organization is procuring cholera kits and other essential supplies

to treat patients and to prevent the further spread of the disease.

Haiti is currently facing a complex humanitarian crisis, including socio-political unrest and fuel blockages that significantly constrain the operation of health services and hinder the provision of humanitarian assistance by international organizations and partners.

Access to affected communities is extremely challenging and has worsened in the past weeks due to fuel shortages, protest marches, lootings and general strikes. Health facilities are beginning to close their doors and healthcare workers are unable to commute to work. Patients encounter the same difficulties due to lack of transportation and roadblocks around the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area. Power supply issues affect the population’s access to water, which can aggravate the already precarious situation.

In an epidemiological alert issued on 2 October, PAHO warned that the worsening violence affects the timely assessment of the epidemiological situation, and

Photos: Scenes during a nine-year long cholera outbreak in Haiti that killed close to 10,000 people, following a UN Peacekeeping mission in 2010.

MINUSTAH - Mission des Nations Unies pour la stabilisation en Haiti.

PM Davis’ Address to the UNGA Tackles Climate Justice, Financial Fairness, and Regional Challenges

them - small and vulnerable and former colonies of European states?

We find it astounding that the $2 - 3 trillion estimated to be laundered each year through the developed countries are never flagged as causes for concern. And yet my country, which is widely recognized as one of the best-regulated countries in the world and other countries like The Bahamas are singled out for such reputational attacks?

The evidence is mounting that the considerations behind these decisions have less to do with compliance and more to do with darker issues of pre-judged, discriminatory perceptions. Blackgoverned countries also matter.”

The Prime Minister said The Bahamas supports the call for reforms in the global financial system to make it more relevant to the day’s needs. He submitted that the community of international financial institutions is in a position to forgive the debt incurred by the economic shutdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Prime Minister also reiterated The Bahamas’ opposition to the embargo and sanctions on Cuba and called attention to the political vacuum left after the assassination of the President of Haiti more than one year ago, which has led to more violence within the country and created a regional threat.

The Prime Minister also lamented the proliferation of guns into The Bahamas, which he says can be connected to criminal activity within days of landing. “We believe more manageable and effective efforts can be made at the source to ensure that a right to bear arms does not so quickly and easily translate into a right to traffic arms.”

The Prime Minister congratulated the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for his leadership and for achieving an agreement with Ukraine, Russia and Turkey to restore trade in the Black Sea, noting the importance of stabilizing world food markets.

Prime Minister Hon. Philip Davis addressed the 77th United National General Assembly in New York City on Saturday, September 24th, 2022, urging delegates of the upcoming COP 27 set for Cairo, Egypt, to “write the cheque.”

Continuing his campaign for global action on the issue of climate change, Prime Minister Davis called for action regarding climate justice and fairness, also insisting that the self-interest of many of the world’s most developed countries is at stake.

“Taking action is not just in the interest of those of us who are particularly vulnerable. It is in the interest of every country. And it is the ‘enlightened self-interest’ that should motivate action. The good news is that there are also positive incentives - transitioning to clean energy will create jobs, increase efficiencies and improve living standards. Again, don’t do it for us. Do it for yourselves.”

The Prime Minister also detailed the impact of climate change on The Bahamas and the region, pointing to billions of dollars in climate debt and the need for funding to transition to renewable energy infrastructures. The Prime Minister also noted that The Bahamas has taken on initiatives, including installing solar micro-grids across our islands, but that scaling up will require additional funding.

Prime Minister Davis also addressed the threat to the financial services industry, calling it “profoundly unfair”, a statement issued Friday, September 23rd, 2022 by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) placing The Bahamas on its blacklist.

“Why is it that European states that operate frameworks akin to that of high-risk or blacklisted countries are not even eligible for inclusion on these lists? Why are all countries targeted - all of

The Prime Minister also encouraged the Assembly to support the candidature of Steven Bereaux for the seat of Director of the Telecommunications Development Bureau of the International Telecommunications Union for the term running 2023- 2026.

Source: Office of the Prime Minister Commonwealth of The Bahamas September 24, 2022

Bahamas Prime Minister, the Hon. Philip Davis.

Department of Housing’s rent-to-own initiative to expand path to home ownership

NASSAU, The Bahamas -- The Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis, Minister of Transport and Housing, announced ‘A Place To Call Home’ rent-to-own initiative as part of the government’s promise of new opportunities during her communication to the House of Assembly, October 5th, 2022.

“In our party’s Blueprint for Change, we committed to the implementation of a Rent-To-Own initiative to expand the path to home ownership for Bahamians,” said Minister Coleby-Davis.

The Department of Housing is currently reviewing over 1,200 active applications for housing. Each customer service representative at the department is currently managing over 350 applications. These applications are from all segments of society and include teachers, nurses, police officers, hospitality workers and bankers to name a few.

Over the past few months, she said, her team at the Ministry of Transport and Housing has been working diligently on a viable and sustainable Rent-To-Own structure.

“I am pleased and humbled,” she said, to advise

pertise acquired from our extensive experiences, which include being the architects for Zadún, a RitzCarlton Reserve in Los Cabos, Mexico. I believe that working together we will create a successful project which our client will feel deeply proud of.”

Committed to deepening its relationships in Eleuthera and working alongside the community to enhance the island’s overall tourism product, while on island the team also took the opportunity to visit local resort properties and met with Carlton Russell, General Manager at The Cove and Tom Marazza, owner of La Bougainvillea.

Zuleta concluded, “Now that we have selected our lead design partners, we are well on our way to moving forward with our plans to bring this project to fruition. We remain on schedule and are now positioned to finalize agreements with a number of highly skilled local service providers and consultants. We will also be engaging Bahamian architectural and engineering firms to work alongside ABAX and will be announcing details in the coming weeks.”

The world-class Cotton Bay resort will add to the exclusive portfolio of only five Ritz-Carlton Reserve estates globally to the shores of The Bahamas. Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers highly personalized, transformative experiences in the most exceptional corners of the world, with guests enjoying unexpected adventures and a deep immersion into the destination and local culture. In addition to first-class luxury ameni-

Pictured during the recent site tour are representatives of ABAX Architects, Marriott International, Construcciones Planificadas S.A. and Cotton Bay Holdings Ltd. including principal Dr. Luis Carlos Sarmiento (centre).

ties and services, a signature 18-hole golf course, luxurious spa, swimming pools and restaurants are planned for the island retreat.

Source: COTTON BAY HOLDINGS LTD.

COTTOn BAy

Minister of Tranport and Housing JoBeth Coleby-Davis

of the launch of Phase I of ‘A Place To Call Home,’ a Rent-To-Own initiative of the Department of Housing.

The Minister stated:

“A Place To Call Home is being launched under the Housing Act which empowers the Department of Housing to:

• Construct dwelling houses upon land owned by the Government or to be acquired for such purposes;

• Acquire dwelling houses, land or housing projects by way of purchase, lease or otherwise;

• Sell, lease, exchange or otherwise dispose of real of personal property acquired pursuant to this Act;

“As I have indicated in this chamber on numerous occasions the Davis administration believes ‘wholeheartedly in empowering hardworking Bahamians through home ownership.’ We believe, in a balanced development that puts Bahamians at the center of the evolution of our communities and our country.

“One of the recommendations of the internal report is the implementation of a viable and sustainable Rent-To-Own programme. It is my belief that ‘A Place To Call Home’ is that initiative.

“The mission statement of ‘A Place To Call Home’ is to provide a sustainable path to home ownership, to empower, to create value and to make a difference in the lives of Bahamians.”

She continued: “A Place To Call Home will be built on integrity. We will be transparent, honest, and accountable with the Bahamian people. A Place To Call Home will be innovative. We will use technology and proven best practices from RentTo-Own initiatives from New Zealand, Singapore,

and the United Kingdom. A Place To Call Home will have impact. We will use data analysis and employ delivery solutions to ensure that we deliver value for the Bahamian people.

“A Place To Call Home is designed for working Bahamians. It is a multi-island, sustainable, financially viable housing solution administered by the Department of Housing with oversight provided by an Advisory Committee – comprised of qualified and experienced Bahamian professionals from the public and private sectors.

“Phase 1 of A Place To Call Home will be rolled out in very short order on the island of Abaco and will initially include 5 housing units. The homes will be in Spring City, the Minister noted, this Abaco rollout of A Place To Call Home is a partnership with the Bahamas Mortgage Corporate (BMC).

“We are starting A Place To Call Home, in Abaco, because this administration understands that the need for housing on the island is great. We also understand that the cost of rent on the island is significant – so this RTO initiative will assist in lowering the cost of housing.

“I said in my address to the Abaco Business Outlook that we will not abandon Abaconians. My ministry will deliver on that promise. At the Department of Housing, we understand that housing must complement national development and assist in regenerating our Family Islands. Therefore, A Place To Call Home will be multi-island. For example, the people of San Salvador – where there is major employment with the Club Med Resort – will be hearing about our plans shortly. In Bimini and North Eleuthera, where we seeing strong tourism numbers, A Place To Call Home will be launched. In Cat Island, Exuma, and North Andros, we will offer our Rent-To-Own initiative. Bahamians across our country will have a viable path to home ownership through A Place To Call Home and other

housing solutions that the Department of Housing is working on.

“Deputy Speaker, an important component of A Place To Call Home will be to expand economic opportunities to licensed small contractors on our islands with a proven and verified track-record of quality performance and excellence. We understand that economic benefits must trickle down, Deputy Speaker, so I say to small contractors, very simply – get ready!

“A number of housing models will be used in A Place To Call Home. The models will range from a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom model, to a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom model.

“A Place To Call Home, Deputy Speaker, gives Bahamians the opportunity to save up for their first dream home while living in it at the same time. Over an agreed fixed period, rent will be paid to the Department of Housing. A portion of the rent will go towards a down payment for the mortgage, property maintenance, and insurance costs.

A reservation deposit is required to enroll in A Place To Call Home. Successful applicants will be required to attend a home ownership education course through the Department of Housing and agree to financial coaching. In short order a public invitation will be extended for interested applicants to register at www.mothbahamas.com. Bahamians are encouraged to follow the Ministry of Transport and Housing’s social media pages and to listen out for further information on radio and television.”

Minister Coleby-Davis said: “I understand that many Bahamians would like an example of how ‘A Place To Call Home’ will work. Therefore, let me give an analogy and explain. Mary Johnson is a teacher. She is interested in enrolling in ‘A Place To Call Home.’ Mary registers online with the Department of Housing and is advised of the cost of a 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home. She selects the housing solution to lease for 12 months with the purchase option. Mary then indicates that her preferred financial institution is The Bahamas Mortgage Corporation (BMC).”

Source: Bahamas Information Services

By STIRLING STRACHAN (BIS Photos/Anthon Thompson)

SELECT POLICE REPORTS, SHARED By THE RBPF LOCALLy

POLICE In ELEuTHERA COnDuCT ROAD CHECKAuguST 9TH

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 September, 2022.

Arrest reference to Possession of DAngerous Drugs

On Wednesday 28th September, 2022 about 6:39 am Officers while on Pinder’s Lane, Governors Harbour stopped and searched an adult male. While searching his right pants pocket officers discovered one suspected homemade marijuana cigarette. As a result he was arrested and cautioned with reference to the same. The suspect was processed and charged for Possession of Dangerous Drugs.

Arrest reference to Possession of DAngerous Drugs & Ammunition

On Wednesday 28th September, 2022 about 3:35am Officers executed a search warrant on a residence located Gregory Town. Present during the search were two adult males and an adult female. While searching the front room officers discovered one green/ brass 12 gauge shotgun shell. As a result all occupants were arrested and cautioned for possession of ammunition while not being the holder of a Gun License. Additionally, a search of a 2015 Nissan Litio owned by the occupants Officers found one clear plastic wrapping containing suspected Marijuana. As a result all persons were further cautioned. All suspects were subsequently processed and charged for those offences.

Arrest: reference to Possession of DAngerous Drugs with the intent to suPPly

On Wednesday 28th September, 2022 about 4:05 am the Operations team executed a search warrant on the residence of an adult male of Hatchet Bay. During the search Officers recovered one clear plastic bag from the right hand of the suspect after a struggle. Same

RBPF Reports

was found to contain a quantity of suspected cocaine. Further, a search of a grinder in the bedroom resulted in the discovery of a quantity of suspected marijauna. Additionally, a search of a wooden shed housing a beauty salon resulted in the discovery of a quantiy of suspected marijuana. As a result an adult male and an adult female were arrested and further cautioned. Both persons were subsequently processed and charged.

Arrest: to Possession of DAnger ous Drugs

On Wednesday 28th September, 2022 about 5:17 am the Operations team while on Queens Highway James Cistern stopped and searched an adult male. While searching he right sock of the suspect the officers discovered a plastic bag consting suspect marijuana. As a result he was arrested and caution reference to the same.

Arrest: to Possession of DAnger ous Drugs with the intent to suPPly

On Friday 23rd September, 2022 at about 8:25pm, Officers from the Harbour Island Police Station were conducting foot patrols when they observed a golf cart with two male occupants reversing for an extended distance along Colebrooke Street, Harbour Island in the area of Harbour Island Day Nursery. Officers conducted a stop and search of the two occupants. While conducting a search of an adult, Officers found (1) foil wrap containing suspected marijuana and (1) homemade marijuana cigarette in his front left pants pocket. As a result he was arrested and cautioned reference to possession of dangerous drugs. He was subsequently processed and charged with that offence.

Arrest: to Possession of DAnger ous Drugs with the intent to suPPly

At about 4:30 pm on Thursday 22/09/22 Officers while on 8th Street Spanish Wells, searched the residence of an adult male where they discovered an unlabeled pill container containing two different types of medication. The same was examined and found to be Clonazepam 2mg (18 3/4 tablets). The

suspect admitted that he did not have a prescription for the medication. He was further cautioned referenced to the Possession of Dangerous Drugs. The suspect was processed and charged for that offence.

Possession of DAngerous Drugs Arrest

On Friday 23rd September, 2022 at about 10:00pm, Officers while conducting mobile patrols along Bay Street, Harbour Island in the area of Princess Restaurant searched three adult males for dangerous drugs. While searching the suspects, (1) home-made marijuana cigarette and (2) clear plastic containing suspect marijuana was found. All suspects were arrested reference to Possession of Dangerous Drugs and transported along with exhibits to Harbour Island Police Station for safekeeping and further processing. They were subsequently processed and charged with that offence.

Arrest for Possession of DAngerous Drugs

On Wednesday 21st September 2022, sometime around 12:30pm, Officers while on mobile patrol stopped and searched two adult males who were sitting inside a light blue Nissan Cube acting in a suspicious manner. As a result officers approached this vehicle identifying themselves as officers and informed the males of their suspicion. Both suspects were searched, the driver was found to be in possession of a plastic baggie containing suspect marijuana, he was placed under arrest and cautioned in reference to possession of dangerous drugs. He was later processed and charged with that offence.

Arrest for Possession of DAngerous Drugs

On Monday 19th September 2022, sometime around 5:20pm, Officers while conducting a Traffic Check in the area of Oleander Gardens Gregory Town arrested an adult male of Palmetto Point in reference to possession of dangerous drugs. He was arrested and cautioned then taken to the Governor’s Harbour Police Station. The suspect was subsequently charged with the offence.

Arrest for Possession of DAngerous Drugs

On Monday 19th September 2022, sometime around 4:40pm, Officers while in the area Oleander Gardens Gregory Town, arrested an adult male of Lower Bouge in reference to possession of dangerous drugs. He was subsequently processed and charged with that offence.

Arrest for Possession of DAngerous Drugs

On Monday 19th September 2022, sometime around 8:25pm, Officers while in the area Queens Highway Governor’s Harbour arrested an adult male reference to possession of dangerous drugs after he was found in possession of plastic baggie containing suspected marijuana. He was subsequently processed and charged with that offence.

Arrest for Possession of DAngerous Drugs with intent to suPPly

Sometime around 6:00am on Wednesday 7th September 2022 acting on intelligence, Officers

Police c ontact n um bers

HeadQuarters (GH) 332-3500

1. Governor’s Harbour 332-2111 OR 332-2117

O/C Governor’s Harbour 332-2723

Gov.Harb. Airport Station 332-2323

Deep Creek Station 334-8207

Tarpum Bay Station 334-4033

Rock Sound Station 334-2244

Rock Sound Sgt. Office 334-2212

Rock Sound Airport Stn 334-2052

L. Bogue Station (Airport) 335-1208

Harbour Island Station 333-2111

O/C Harbour Island 333-2327

Spanish Wells Station 333-4030

Gregory Town Station 335-5322

Hatchet Bay Station 335-0086

executed a Search Warrant on the residence of an adult male of North Palmetto Point in reference to Dangerous Drugs. During the search Officers discovered (3) small foil wraps in the kitchen along with a quantity of loose suspected marijuana in the ceiling. As a result, two males were arrested and cautioned for Possession of Dangerous Drugs with intent to supply. They were subsequently processed and charged with that offence.

Arrest for Possession of DAnger ous Drugs

On Wednesday the 7th September 2022, sometime around 7:40am, Officers while conducting road checks arrested and cautioned an adult male in reference to Possession of Dangerous Drugs after a search of his person revealed a quantity of suspected Marijuana. He was transported to the Governors Harbour Police Station where he was processed and charged with that offence.

Eleuthera Reports via New Providence Police

three PeoPle chArgeD in connection with An eleuther A fireArm seizure:

Three men were found by authorities with a black and silver Springfield Smith & Wesson handgun on Saturday, September 24th at Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera. During their arrest, 12 rounds of .40mm ammunition were also discovered. The incident reportedly occurred shortly before 5:00 p.m.

According to initial reports, officers while conducting a road check in the area of Balara Bay, Governors Harbor discovered the weapon and a quantity of ammunition in nearby bushes after observing three (3)

male occupants of a Ford SUV throwing an object into the bush. Two of the men arrested were reported to be from New Providence, and the other from Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera.

All three men were granted bail on September 27th, 2022, by Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Deveaux, after they were charged in court with possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition. The three men all pleaded not guilty to the charges. Magistrate Turnquest-Deveaux granted each of the accused men $7,500 bail with two sureties.

Electronic monitoring devices and sign in conditions were imposed as conditions of bail. November 30th, 2022 was the date set for the beginning of their trial.

**STOLEn gOODS RECOVERED: SuS PECT ARRESTED**

Police on the island of Eleuthera are questioning a 23 year old male of Alice Street after he was found in possession of a number of watches, reportedly stolen from a business establishment on Dunmore Street, Harbour Island.

Preliminary reports indicate that around 12:00 noon on Wednesday 5th October, 2022 after receiving a complaint of a shop breaking, of-

ficers executed a search warrant on the suspect’s residence, where the items were located. Active police investigations continue.

**SuSPECT ARRESTED REFEREnCE TO SuSPECTED mARIJuAnA**

Officers on the island of Eleuthera arrested a 38-year-old Jamaican national after he was found in possession of a quantity of dangerous drugs on Friday, 23rd September 2022.

Preliminary reports indicate that

sometime around 1:30 p.m. a team of officers while conducting routine road checks in the area of Queen’s Highway, Tarpum Bay stopped a male occupant of a gray Honda vehicle.

The suspect, upon seeing the police began acting suspiciously, prompting officers to execute a search.

During the search of his vehicle, officers discovered a small quantity of suspected marijuana. Police investigations continue.

Bahamas’ Mask Mandate Relaxed on October 1st

The Bahamas Ministry of Health and Wellness on Wednesday, September 21st, 2022, announced that the country’s mask mandate would be relaxed as of October 1st, 2022, with members of the public no longer required to wear a mask in most settings.

The Hon. Dr. Michael R. Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness, in his announcement detailed, “...the wearing of face masks will continue to be required in the following settings or by the following persons: 1. All persons accessing a health care facility for any reason (workers, patients, visitors, vendors, et al); 2. In any indoor classroom setting in an educational institution, except where Rule 27 (20 of the Health Services Rules (Covid 19) Prevention and Management of Community Spread) (2021); or 3. Any non-resident worker of a long-term care residential facility.”

Explaining when the ministry had taken the decision and urging respect for those who would continue to make use of masks, he continued, “The adjustments to the mask mandate were recommended by

the Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Health & Wellness following a meeting today. Some Bahamians will continue to prefer to wear a mask for protection from COVID; their choice to do so should be respected by all. The MOHW will continue to distribute free medical-grade masks in schools.”

Minister Darville added, “The Ministry of Health & Wellness continues to advise persons to adhere to the safety protocols as it relates to handwashing/sanitizing, physical distancing, and personal responsibility. Persons experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested. The Ministry also reminds that free testing and free vaccinations continue to be available to members of the public.”

Source: Ministry of Health & Wellness

‘Illegal building construction in Blackwood will not be tolerated’ says Works and Utilities Minister

to cease any further construction; failing which we will have no choice but to actively enforce the law.

“We would like to go through a process of notice which the law requires before any demolition. We would like to engage because children are involved [and] we need to ascertain who the people are. We want to have everybody come forth and for us to see if it is possible to get people regularized but we cannot afford and we would not tolerate unpermitted construction of this magnitude because the people in the community are at risk. We saw what happened in The Mudd and we saw what happened in Pigeon Pea. We cannot allow a situation to become a mass disaster; plus we have to be compliant with the law.”

Minister Sears informed that the Building Control Unit has already submitted a report and Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and the Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) will be asked to do likewise.

“We are in the middle of a hurricane season so it’s a matter of extreme urgency because this community is at risk. Also, we have to make sure we are apprised of all of the relevant factors so that an effective and humane solution can be implemented.”

Works and Utilities Minister the Hon. Alfred Sears is appealing to persons responsible for unregulated construction of buildings in the Blackwood community of north Eleuthera to cease.

Minister Sears, whose purview includes infrastructure, building control and town planning, along with a team of officials from his Ministry, toured the community on Thursday, September 22nd, 2022 during an infrastructural assessment visit to North Eleuthera. Also on the walking tour were: island administrators, representatives of the Commonage Committee, Local Government representatives, members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and other government agencies.

Said Minister Sears, “We have toured the area and will be having our Building Control, with other government agencies, work closely with the Commonage Committee of Spanish wells, the owner of that area, and meet with stakeholders so we can address the issue and ensure first of all that we will put a stop to any further unregulated construction and regularize the construction that has been done. We will be meeting with the Commonage Committee and will be announcing shortly the way forward.

“Those homes would have been built without building control, town planning and without any inspection to ensure compliance with the building code.

“In light of what has happened in Grand Ba-

hama and Abaco during Hurricane Dorian in 2019, we are fearful on a number of grounds. We have spoken with the Commonage Committee; they have not given permission to build on the property and our Building Control officers have indicated that no applications were made, no inspections were made. We see electrical connections which appear to be irregular and therefore it is incumbent upon me as the minister responsible under the Building Control Regulation and the Planning and Subdivision Act to ensure that a proper and full investigation is done.”

Minister Sears thanked George Sweeting, Chairman of the Spanish Wells Commonage Committee and Chief Councilor Robert Roberts, who led the tour; and he expressed emphatically that throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas the government will not tolerate unregulated construction.

“It is a danger to the people themselves, to the community and of course we have to uphold the rule of law. As we build we have to build with resilience because we saw what happened in Abaco and East Grand Bahama.

“We will call for a meeting with all of the stakeholders and we will resolve this matter in accordance with the law. We recognize that we are dealing with communities. These issues require a multidimensional response, which we will do.

“I am asking all of the persons in Blackwood

Chairman Sweeting said, “When we reformed the Commonage Committee in 2018 we met the problem. From 2019 to the present it has exploded. From 2019 we have documented photographic evidence of 168 either new additions or new homes being built - all without any permission of the Commonage Committee. The total amount of photographic evidence from 2018 to present is almost 400. We have reports of them starting a home at 2 o’clock in the morning and moving in 6 o’clock in the afternoon.”

Town Planning Committee Chairman Keenan Johnson said, “It’s up for us to go to the discussion table and make a decision that’s based on the law and based on a humane approach. It’s about helping them as well - it’s not just about enforcing laws; it’s about helping the people here to ensure they are safe and these structures that are being built illegally are not safe.”

Minister Sears was primarily in Eleuthera to view public infrastructure and participate in a Town Meeting to discuss and address planning issues related to the proposed replacement of the Glass Window Bridge on the island.

Source: Bahamas Information Services

By Kathryn Campbell (BIS Photos/Ulric Woodside)

Minister Alfred Sears, along with his technical team, and local community leaders, inspect unregulated home construction in Blackwood, North Eleuthera.

Nearby

Thirtieth (30th) pan American sanitary Conference ends with regional agreements to improve pandemic preparedness and recover progress towards SDGs

The Pan American Health Organization’s (PAHO) 30th Pan American Sanitary Conference ended on Friday, September 30th, 2022, following a week of discussions by ministers of health and other delegates on health priorities in the region. The conference approved thirteen resolutions, including a commitment to recover equitable progress toward the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and a strategy to keep the Americas free of polio.

As the Region turns a corner on the “devastating COVID-19 pandemic”, there are yet “formidable challenges ahead,” the PAHO Director Dr. Carissa Etienne said.

“You have recognized that interactions at the human, animal, and environmental interfaces can trigger major crises and you have restated your support for the One Health comprehensive multisectoral, multi-stakeholder approach.”

The new regional initiatives approved by health leaders from throughout the Americas this week include those that seek to:

-Recover progress toward the sustainable development goals with equity though action on the social determinants of health and intersectoral work

-Promote increased investment in equitable and comprehensive community-based mental health care

-Strengthen the capacity of national health authorities to lead and manage system-wide transformations for integrated care

-Strengthen national regulatory systems for medicines and other health technologies

-Contribute to the expansion and consolidation of a regional genomic surveillance network

-Develop and implement a prioritized and targeted polio mitigation plan

On Wednesday, 28 September, the Conference also elected the next PAHO Director. The Director-Elect, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa da Silva Jr is a national of Brazil, and will begin his five-year term on 1 February 2023, succeeding Dr. Carissa F. Etienne of Dominica, who has led PAHO since 2012.

During the Conference, Dr. Etienne presented her 2018-2022 Quinquennial Report, the final of her tenure. The report encapsulates the Organization’s work over the past five years and highlights the impact that COVID-19 has had on magnifying existing inequities in the Americas.

And as PAHO approaches its 120th Anniversary this December, an interactive exhibit celebrated the Organization’s milestones and crucial work ensuring the health of those throughout the Region of the Americas.

“If we ever doubted it, the pandemic has demonstrated yet again that the creation of PAHO 120 years ago was an act of incredible foresight,” the

PAHO Director added.

Side events included the presentation of ‘Americas Health Corps’, a United States/PAHO initiative to address the deficit of health care workers in the Americas through the training of 500,000 public health professionals over the next five years.

Regarding monkeypox, PAHO called on countries to prioritize detection, surveillance and community engagement to reduce new cases and put an end to the outbreak in the region.

During an update on COVID-19, the Organization also warned that the pandemic is still not over and called on countries to continue surveillance, testing and increasing vaccination coverage to avoid the emergence of new COVID-19 variants and a prolonged emergency.

Michael Pearson, Branch Head, Office of International Affairs for the Health Portfolio, Public Health Agency of Canada, served as President of the Pan American Sanitary Conference following his election by Ministers and delegates from the 38 PAHO Member States and Participating States.

“As I prepare to lower the curtain on my tenure as Director of PAHO and hand over leadership reins to my successor, I am encouraged to observe a new generation of leaders emerging across the region,” concluded Dr. Etienne.

“You give me optimism about the future of PAHO and health for all in the Americas.”

‘Americas Health Corp’ to address the deficit of health care workers in the region.

Dr. Jarbas Barbosa da Silva Jr elected the next PAHO Director.

Ministry of Finance Launches eProcurement Portal described as “new and improved”

(new platform said to promote increased transparency and ease in Bidding on government procurement opportunities)

The Bahamas Ministry of Finance announced during September 2022, the launch of its ‘new and improved’ eProcurement portal, with the aim, “...to allow Government to fulfill its commitment of transparency and ease of access to

procurement opportunities as required under the Public Procurement Act, 2021.”

The new platform, designed and built by GoBonfire, said the ministry, expands on the legacy procurement platform, allowing vendors the ability, among other things, to:

- Receive procurement opportunity notices for which the vendor is eligible and that may interest the vendor;

- Search procurement opportunities across all Government agencies; and

- Download and receive instant access to all Government procurement opportunities.

Unique to the new eProcurement platform, according to the announcement, is the ease in ability of vendors to not only see the list of recipients of Government procurement opportunities, but also to obtain details of the contract decision making process.

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis officially launched the ‘GoBonfire eProcurement Platform’ at Margaritaville Beach Resort on Monday, October 3rd, 2022.

“I am very pleased to be here to launch GoBonfire, the eProcurement platform through which goods and services for all government and quasi-government will be sourced,” the prime minister said.

“Procurement is the basis of democracy, nation building, and strong, well-functioning economies; and it is often said that perception is reality,” said the prime minister. “This is because an impression of something defines how it is seen, regardless of the truth.”

He noted that his government’s Blueprint for Change “includes our Economic Plan to bring relief and dignity to Bahamians by creating more dynamic and inclusive solutions to kick-start the economy.”

The prime minister shared that in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) of Transparency International for 2021, The Bahamas ranked 30th out of 183 countries with a score of 64 out of 100. And, particularly, firms in the United States of America identified corruption as an obstacle to the foreign direct investment (FDI) approvals process, and reported perceived corruption in government procurement.

“That is why we committed to fiscal consolidation and the modernisation of infrastructure to justify and procure public goods and services in an efficient, transparent, and accountable manner,” he said. “This New Day Government is solidly resolved in its ideals of good governance, integrity, and accountability. A new Public Procurement Bill will soon be publicised for consultation.”

Observing that GoBonfire is a necessary change, the prime minister also said that the retiring platform was launched in 2005, well before the passage of the Public Procurement Act, 2021. Unfortunately, its age limited its function.

“Our Blueprint for Change speaks directly to digital transformation and, specifically, the Government Procurement Platform. GoBonfire aligns with our Ease-of-Doing-Business approach to rescue the economy. From anywhere, a business entity can submit proposals for procurement opportunities with government and quasi-government agencies,” the prime minister said.

For fiscal year 2022/2023, approximately $795 million has been allocated for recurrent and capital expenditure. And according to the prime minister, that represents vast procurement opportunities for goods and services, and for construction services.

“The focal activities of the GoBonfire eProcurement Platform embrace our governance ideals and provide the requisite solution to facilitate our objective,” the prime minister said.

He added, “From GoBonfire, we will assist Government by enhancing our ability to gather accurate, real-time data to inform decision-making, to ensure that obligations (including payments) are being met on time, and to monitor the life cycle of the project.”

The prime minister explained that the fallout from Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic left many suppliers struggling to meet their business obligations because of lockdowns and

business uncertainty.

He noted the merits of competitive procurement processes and added, legislation would ensure that small businesses, Family Island vendors, and women are afforded access to and opportunities for participation in the economy. He also committed to allocating five percent of all government procurement contracts to businesses owned by young Bahamians.

Small businesses, Family Island businesses, businesses owned by women, and businesses owned by young Bahamians will be monitored as key performance indicators (KPIs) for this Administration.

“However, for the sake of clarity, let me say this. Nobody should be deprived of opportunities to contribute to national development through procurement,” the prime minister said.

Vendors and the general public were also invited to attend a free informational session on that Monday, October 3rd, 2022 at the Margaritaville Beach Resort, where participants had an opportunity to ask questions of the resource persons managing the Government’s procurement site and experience the new platform. The event was also streamed live on the Office of the Prime Minister and Ministry of Finance Facebook pages to allow participation from people not able to attend in person or who may have been located in one of the Family Islands.

Vendors are encouraged to visit the eProcurement website (www.mofvendors.gov.bs) to register to take part in future procurement opportunities. The Ministry invites and encourages the public to visit the national Budget Website (www. bahamasbudget.gov.bs) to stay aware of any updates.

Source: The Bahamas Ministry of Finance

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon Philip Davis.

In Preparation for COP27 Ministers of Agriculture and Senior Officials from 30 Countries of the Americas Convened at IICA Headquarters in Costa Rica

San Jose, 21 September 2022 (IICA) - Ministers, secretaries and senior officials of the ministries of Agriculture of 30 countries of the Americas; as well as representatives of multilateral credit agencies and global climate funds met in Costa Rica to discuss the strategic role of the region’s agriculture sector in addressing climate change, ahead of the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP27) in November.

The meeting, which took place on September 22 and 23 in San Jose, was entitled “Challenges for agriculture in the Americas to address the climate crisis”.

Organized by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the ministerial meeting served as a regional coordination forum in preparation for COP27, in which the 197 countries that are signatories to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will participate and in which agriculture will play a leading role.

At the meeting in Costa Rica, the agricultural authorities of the Americas, representatives of multilateral credit agencies and IICA sought to identify priority areas for climate action. In doing so, they took into account the unique role of regional agriculture in leading global efforts in this area, as well

as potential benefits with respect to food and nutritional security, poverty reduction, sustainability, and water conservation and management, among others.

The meeting was opened by 2020 World Food Prize winner Rattan Lal, IICA’s Special Envoy to COP 27 and a leading authority on soil science; Manuel Otero, Director General of IICA; and Costa Rican government authorities.

In addition to the ministers and secretaries, the Vice President of the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF), Christian Asinelli, and a representative of the government of Egypt, the host country of COP 27, were also in attendance.

Ministerial discussions focused on the challenges and opportunities for regional agriculture within the current context. The Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), in turn, presented their multilateral financial perspectives. Participants also discussed how the financial mechanisms of the UNFCCC relate to agriculture, as well as reviewed their objectives.

Background:

The meeting “Challenges for agriculture in the Americas to address the climate crisis” was convened as a follow-up to a decision

by the Ministers and Secretaries of Agriculture of the Americas, who, last May, identified the need to raise the profile of the agriculture sector in global discussions on climate change, and instructed IICA to coordinate this process.

They also requested that IICA prepare messages to be presented in the lead-up to COP27, based on the regional consensus reached in preparation for the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit.

On that occasion, the continent presented a unified position — developed through an extensive debate process coordinated by IICA — which underscored the idea that agricultural producers and other food systems workers are an essential and central link in the food system, and that, without agricultural production, there would be no raw material to transform into food.

The Bahamas was represented by The Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources & Family Island Affairs. The Honourable Parliamentary Secretary Leonardo Lightbourne Member of Parliament served as Head of Delegation.

Leonardo Lightbourne, Parliamentary Secretary in the Bahamas Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources & Family Island Affairs.

Picture this... Young Tennis Players in Freeport Tourney; Appeal For Resurfacing

During the month of September 2022, Coach Hartie Johnson accompanied a small team of young tennis players (Andrielle, Rickai, and Ayia) from Eleuthera to a tournament hosted in Freeport, Grand Bahama. They all played well, reported Coach Johnson, but came up just short of the finals. Johnson also highlighted that the tennis court (Knowles Courts) in Palmetto Point, used for teaching and training, as well as summer tennis camp and volunteer sessions with local children, is in need of resurfacing. He is appealing for donations from interested members of the public to assist. Donors are asked to contact him or any member of the Eleuthera Tennis Association for further information.

Eleuthera Royal Youth Corps (ERYC) Southern Boys Drill Team Staying Active

Police Corporal Renardo Brown met with some of the young boys of the Eleuthera Royal Youth Corps (ERYC) Southern Boys Drill Team at the Catholic School Grounds in Rock Sound on Saturday, September 10th, 2022. He used the opportunity to discuss interests, goals and future plans with the young men and provided them with meaningful advice on remaining focused to achieve their goals. This was reinforced the following day on Sunday, September 11th, 2022 by attendance at the Rock Sound Church of God with Bishop Bradley Ferguson who gave an encouraging message and prayed for the the young men. Cpl. Brown continues to regularly engage the young men in meaningful activities. Both parents and the young men, he said, are excited and appreciative of these sessions which keep the young men away from anti-social behaviour.

Coach Hartie Johnson stands with young trainee tennis players, Andrielle, rickai and Ayai.

Police Corporal Brown shares his insights with the Southern Boys Drill team of the ErYC

Life Skills Workshop Hosted by Kiwanis and Key Club Picture this...

Observing an increase in antisocial behaviour in the schools, the Kiwanis Club of South Eleuthera, in partnership with the Preston H. Albury Key Club, hosted a workshop in Rock Sound on Saturday, September 17th, 2022, inviting two special guest speakers to engage with children from the Youth Corp, Key Club, local church and schools within the south and central Eleuthera community, about key life skills, future goals, cell phone and social media responsibility, as well as peer pressure.

The workshop, which began at noon and went on up until 4p.m., saw parents and children listening to presentations by Ean Munra from the SURE Program (A Ministry of Education program for at-risk boys - “Success Ultimately Reassures Everybody”), based in New Providence, and Pastor

Diallo Ingraham from First Ministry, based in south Eleuthera. Ingraham and Munra were both said to have a wealth of information on the topics discussed, as well as a passion for sharing their time and knowledge with the younger generation.

Ean Munra from the SUrE program in New Providence presenting during a work shop hosted by the kiwanis and key Clubs of South Eleuthera on critical life skills.

kiwanis and key Club organizers of a life skills work shop, stand with presenters, along with participating parents and children, on Saturday, Sept. 17th, 2022.

Two Hundred (200) Bahamians recognized as nation Builders, thanked by Prime Minister Davis during National Honours Investiture

His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Cornelius A. Smith, Governor General and Chancellor of the Societies of Honour, conducted an Investiture of National Honours, applauding many deserving Bahamians in a National Honours Award Ceremony at Baha Mar Resort, Cable Beach, on Monday, October 10th, 2022. Prime Minister Philip Davis delivered the Keynote Address. A few of the persons receiving the awards were Philip Bethel (Order of The Bahamas), Neko Grant (Order of Distinction), Sybil Curtis (Order of Distinction), and Pastor Dave Burrows (Order of Merit). (BIS Photos/Letisha Henderson)

NASSAU, The Bahamas – Many Bahamians were applauded on National Heroes Day – for notable service to country. His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Cornelius A. Smith, Governor General and Chancellor of the Societies of Honour, conducted an Investiture and Presentation of National Honours to some 200 individuals in a ceremony held at Baha

Mar Convention Centre, Monday, October 10th, 2022.

The Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, delivered the keynote address. He also spoke at a second ceremony, held Monday evening due to the large number of honourees.

“On behalf of the government and people of The

Philip Bethel, receiving his ‘Order of The Bahamas’ National Honour on Monday, October 10th, 2022 from Governor General the Most Hon. Cornelius A. Smith.

Bahamas, I have accepted this invitation from the Governor General to pay special tribute to the recipients of the 2022 National Honours during this series of investiture ceremonies,” said the prime minister before scores of high level government officials, family members and well wishers.

“I am indeed humbled and grateful to bring remarks on this most auspicious occasion as we celebrate these outstanding Bahamians whose work and contributions to national development have helped shape The Bahamas,” the prime minister said.

Receiving the highest honour – The Order of The Bahamas were: the Hon. Philip Bethel, Companion; Dr. Gail Saunders, Companion; the Rev. Dr. Michael Symonette, Officer; Rupert Roberts Jr., Officer; George Myers, Member; and the Hon. Mr. Justice Joseph Strachan (Retired), Member. There were 11 who were awarded The Order of The Bahamas, posthumously. Other categories of awards presented were: The Order of Distinction and The Order of Merit.

The prime minister observed that each of these honourees has a unique and important story that is interwoven in the fabric of Bahamiain history.

“It is in peering into the past that we recognize our own strength and draw courage to press forward into an ever-uncertain future.

“Our story is the story of Pompey, an enslaved man, who in 1830 rallied his fellow men in a valorous display against an oppressive power. Thirty-nine lashes and one hundred and ninety-two years later, we sit here, free, and sovereign,” he said.

The prime minister then noted some of the defining moments in Bahamian history and the names of trailblazers who helped shape and develop this country. There was the Burma Road Riot of June 1, 1942 –demanding fair and equal pay; and “heroes” such as Sir Lynden Pindling, Dame Doris Johnson, Robert Love, Sir Randol Fawkes, Stephen Dillet, Dame Ivy Dumont, Dame Janet Bostwick, Sadie Curtis, Dr. Keva Bethel, Cleveland Eneas, Kimbo Slice, Tony Mckay, Joseph Spence, Amos Ferguson, Thelma Gibson, Sister Annie Thompson, and Anatol Rodgers, among others.

“These are our heroes,” the prime minister stated. “These 200 Bahamians honoured today represent but a small fraction of those who’ve lent their strength to the building of this great nation. These women and men truly embody the

good, the righteous, and the worthy. Some of them, like the four brave Marines who lost their lives working in defense of the fledgling Bahamas forty-two years ago, serve as enduring reminders of the courage, tenacity and fortitude that make a hero. These honourees stand as stalwart pillars of our community—and today, we lift them up in the highest gesture of gratitude.”

The prime minister commended the efforts of the Minister

of Foreign Affairs the Hon. Fred Mitchell, Loretta Butler-Turner, Freddie Munnings, Father Sebastian Campbell, Athama Bowe, the late Terence Bethel, and all those whose efforts he deemed indispensable in making this event possible.

In this vein, he also recognized the honours committee in San Salvador who organized and executed the Wall of Honour ceremony and banquet this past weekend. “This, we should

replicate across The Bahamas,” he said.

“My government is grateful for their leadership, vision, and hard work,” added the prime minister.

Source: BIS

By: Lindsay Thompson

Family Island Administrators got first-hand view of NEMA in action as visit coincided with the Agency’s National Emergency Operations Centre being in Partial Activation mode

of the Family Island Administrator, and the National Emergency Management Agency, in the country’s Comprehensive Disaster Risk Management Strategy.

The Island Administrators got a first-hand view of NEMA in action as the visit coincided with the Agency’s National Emergency Operations Centre being in Partial Activation mode in anticipation of potential impacts of Tropical Storm-Force conditions from Hurricane Ian on the northwest Bahamas – particularly Grand Bahama and the Biminis.

Director of NEMA, Captain Stephen Russell said the Agency looks forward to all opportunities to dialogue with the various Island Administrators as to their roles in the country’s Comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Strategy, in addition to NEMA’s role in that process.

Captain Russell said the collaboration also assists the Agency in building institutional capacity across the Family Islands. Teamwork, Captain Russell said, is essential in disaster risk management.

(BIS Photos/Mark Ford)

NASSAU, The Bahamas -- Officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) hosted incoming Family Island Administrators, in addition to officials from the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and the United States Forestry Service to a series of meetings at the Agency’s headquarters located Gladstone Road and NEMA’s Way.

The visit with the Family Island Administrators, on September 28th, 2022 was part of a long, and ongoing collaboration between NEMA and the Department of Local Government to bring incoming Administrators up to speed on the role

Above: New Eleutheran administrators, Mrs. Bridgette Farquharson-knowles

(far left), Mrs. Gwendolyn Patram (center photo at back), and Mr. kenwood Cartwright (center photo in yellow), are pictured with other administrators and NEMA officials.

Above: NEMA Director, Captain Stephen russell.

Students play their part in honour of National HeroesPicture this...

On Tuesday, October 11th, 2022, the Central Eleuthera High School (CEHS) held its National Heroes Day Assembly, where eight of Eleuthera’s national heroes were recognized and honoured. Honourees included: Reserve Assistant Superintendent of Police, Emily G. Petty; Hon. Philip M. Bethel J.P.; Mr. Joshua Culmer J.P., MO, MBE; The Late Dr. Percy A. Gibson; Mr. Cladwell Farrington; Mr. Lawrence Griffin; Mr. Austin Knowles Sr.; and former principal Mr. Kirkwood Cleare. Attending honourees and their supporting family members were welcomed on campus with a serenade from the CEHS band ensemble, and throughout the special assembly they were celebrated with song, dance, poetry, and recital.

diY Painting & Purse Making Tips

tip 10

OCtOBEr 29th

2nd annual BEaCh Walk (FrEnCh lEavE BEaCh)

Join the Cancer Society of The Bahamas Eleuthera Branch on a healthy and fun beach walk to encourage healthy habits.

(Contact: Ms. Susan Culmer - (242) 3597969; (242) 332-1804; onesue28@hotmail. com; cancersocietyeleuthera@live.com)

nOvEMBEr 6th Briland ClEanup CaMpaign

THE COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER TO CLEAN UP THE ISLAND

(Contact: MINISTRY OF TOURISM HARBOUR ISLAND - 333-2621)

• NOVEMBER 2nd - 6th

Governor’s Harbour Homecoming

This event is organized by the Governor’s Harbour Development Association. Funds raised assist with helping the community, projects, and senior citizens. There will be live entertainment, cultural activities, down-home food and beverages.

(Contact: Mr. Kevin Pinder (242) 823-6824; kevin.pinder@bealiv.com)

• NOVEMBER 24TH - 27TH James Cistern Heritage

This event encourages descendants, residents, and visitors to come out during the Thanksgiving holiday and enjoy the company of good friends, and great food. There will be live entertainment and games for the entire family.

(Contact: Mr. Denario Evans; denario_evans@yahoo.com; (242) 4256136)

• DECEMBER 3rd Music in The Garden

Join the Cancer Society of The Bahamas Eleuthera Branch (Headquarters) as they bring in the joys of the holiday season.

(Contact: Ms. Susan Culmer (242) 359-7969; onesue28@hotmail.com; cancersocietyeleuthera@live.com)

• DECEMBER 30TH - JANUARY 1ST 2023

Mini Bayfest Hatchet Bay

This is a great way to end the year 2022! A fun-filled time down in Alice Town Hatchet Bay. There will be performances by Bahamian Artists, live entertainment, good Bahamian eats & drinks for locals and visitors to enjoy.

(Contact: Ms. Melissa Dean (242) 551-0538; melissadean36@hotmail.com)