The Eleutheran Newspaper March/April 2024 Issue

Pictured above (L-R): Arthur Turnquest, Bob Colman, Teddy Petty, Anya Ferguson, Emily Petty, Mark Weber, and Sophie Turnquest.

GHFR Receives Donation from ABFFA toward Fire Station & Emergency Shelter

Members of the Governor’s Harbour Fire Rescue (GHFR) and the Anchor Bay Fish Fry Association (ABFFA), got together on Thursday, April 11th in front of an area adjacent to the maintenance lot, opposite the French Leave Resort in Governor’s Harbour to mark the giving of the first tranche of $2,500 of a $10,000 pledge by the ABFFA to the GHFR over the next four years, towards the goals and the work of the emergency services civic organization.

The check was presented to founding member of the GHFR, Mark Weber by Arthur Turnquest, representing the ABFFA, on the day. The significance of the location where the group met, was that it was on the site of a 0.43 acres

plot of land, which had also been recently donated to the GHFR by a local developer for the purpose of building their next project - a fire station, and emergency hurricane shelter, to properly house the GHFR Fire Truck, and to serve as an emergency community shelter facility.

Members of the GHFR have now set their sights on the goal of raising approximately $650,000 for the construction of the fire station, with a hurricane shelter component, as well as a water cistern and electric systems for self-sufficiency of the site.

According to Mark Weber, who along with GHFR member Michele Johnson, focus on fundrais-

ing efforts, they aim to secure funding, especially now with the necessary land in hand, immediately to begin construction, with an optimistic 15 to 24 months for completion of the project build.

Weber, outlining further detail of the vision for the facility, said, “It will be a fire station for our equipment, for our practices, for our community to get a room if they have to have meetings, but the main part is that it is also going to be a hurricane shelter, and we want to be entirely selfsufficient. We want to have a huge cistern, so we have the water available. We want to have solar power with back-up generator in case things happen - and during a hurricane we will be open. That’s the idea.”

He continued, “It is unbelievable our little journey in three years - three guys meeting in Bob Colman’s house - myself, Ricardo Pinder, and Bob Colman. We came from that meeting. We had a plan, and executed everything. Ricardo is in charge of running the day-to-day, as well as the training and practices. Then we have Bob and myself, in planning and administration. We have Deon Johnson now on the board, who is instrumental in that as well. And of course, Arthur Turnquest, who has been a supporter from day one.”

The vision said Mark, once the GHFR has a home, and the community has a hurricane shelter - is to expand the fire department with more peo-

ple. Fire Fighters Without Borders, out of Canada, who have partnered with the GHFR in a number initiatives, including initial training, equipment, summer outreach camps on island, and more, described Mark - has further equipment ready to send - but until they have a proper place to store it, the GHFR must hold off on receipt.

He added, “The big vision also down the road is that we would like to have a youth fire brigade. We want to give the local youth a worthwhile activity, with a purpose. It’s a great cause to be a firefighter, so we hope to inspire youth as well to become volunteer firefighters.”

Above: Bob Colman, GHFR founding member, accepts a $2,500 donation from Teddy Petty, ABFFA president.

Ayla Isaacs Unveils Transformative Guide Amidst Challenging Times

Bahamian author Ayla Isaacs is making an impactful debut in the literary world with her book, “Achieving Optimum Spiritual Health—Transforming Your Wellbeing With Diet, Exercise, and Rest.” As crime rates surge and the aftermath of the pandemic leaving many grappling with

hopelessness and a sense of abandonment, Isaacs’ guide offers a beacon of hope and a roadmap for personal transformation, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing spiritual resilience in navigating adversity.

Long-time Bahamian physician Dr. Horizal Simmons says, “Ms. Isaacs not only states the spiritual ingredient that we should use for our therapy, but she also explains how it works in our spiritual system and the beneficial changes that will bring the desired transformation or spiritual health benefits.” Applauding the soundness of the book and paralleling it to physical wellness, Dr. Simmons said he highly recommends it to anyone serious about their spiritual well-being and health.

Isaacs is a highly experienced Project Manager who draws from her background in Civil and Environmental Engineering, International Business, and Christian ministry, whether a physical structure or the wellbeing of an individual’s life. Her published work shows that she strongly believes in building with structural integrity. Isaacs provides readers with

a holistic approach to welfare beyond traditional self-help. She explores the transformative power of simple spiritual practices integrated into daily life. Isaacs believes that prioritizing spiritual health can help individuals find inner fulfillment and a sense of purpose, which she believes are essential in combating the prevailing hopelessness.

Coach Gregory Cash, who has spent decades helping to develop great athletes and leaders in the country, believes the unique perspective shared, especially relating to spiritual exercise, can touch the hearts of so many. Wendy Fernander, PhD., a licensed clinical psychologist and president of the Bahamas Psychological Association, noted that too

Strong Sisterhood (SASS) and the creative mind behind A.I. Paper, a gift-wrapping paper and bag company that celebrates the islands of The Bahamas. Isaacs believes that investing in spiritual wellbeing is pivotal for personal growth and resilience. A conference speaker who is actively involved in church ministries and affiliated with several civic organizations, Isaacs firmly believes in the balance between personal and community wellbeing.

“Achieving Optimum Spiritual Health” is now available on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com in paperback and eBook form and locally at Oasis Bookstore in Nassau. Isaacs encourages readers to embark on a transformative journey and be architects of their spiritual wellbeing. In times of uncertainty, “Achieving Optimum Spiritual Health” offers a guide and a message of hope and empowerment for individuals seeking personal and communal transformation.

few of us think about our spiritual diet, which results in our spiritual wellbeing. When asked about the book, Dr. Fernander said, “This book will provoke you to do serious soul searching.”

Amid the challenges communities face, Isaacs encourages readers to initiate a positive “me” movement—a focus on self-improvement that, when embraced collectively, can lead to stronger families, churches, and nations. According to Isaacs, strengthened individuals become catalysts for positive change within their immediate circles, creating a ripple effect that extends to broader communities.

Ayla Isaacs, whose roots go back to South Eleuthera, is a founding member of the Smart and

Pictured: Bahamian author, Ayla Isaacs.

All That Jazz Returns - to the island in grand fashion

The Eleuthera... All That Jazz Festival, which in years past, overtook the Governor’s Harbour scene, was relaunched in grand fashion, as the Jazz & Reggae Festival during the first week in April, with exciting line-ups at a trio of events - which began this year in Harbour Island, with the first set of performances on Thursday, April 4th, 2024, at The Dunmore Hotel. The classic hopping good time atmosphere at the Anchor Bay Fish Fry, along the

bayfront in Governor’s Harbour, followed on Friday evening - topped by the final setting, along the stunning pool pavilion amongst the lush gardens of the luxurious new Potlatch property - heralding its soft opening, on Saturday evening, April 6th.

Capacity audiences during the weekend were treated to a plethora of musical talent, including the return of renown headliner, Myra Maud, with

Above: Eleuthera All That Jazz founder, Patricia Oakes Leigh-Wood. Right: Pool side at the new Potlatch property during the final evening of Eleuthera... All That Jazz.

By Mike Lightbourn

PRICE! PRICE! PRICE!

Why isn’t my home selling?

This is a common question and one that will elicit various answers from friends and family. It’s not unusual to blame the real estate agent for the listing’s poor performance. The truth is, there are usually three sound reasons why a home won’t sell. They are Price, Presentation and Location.

PRICE

If the market isn’t responding with an offer, nine times out of 10, it means the home is overpriced. Even in a soft market, if the home isn’t getting the desired response for a long period of time and it’s been presented properly, then you probably have an overpriced list-

ing.

It’s essential to listen to your BREA agent in this regard. BREA agents can objectively compare your listing to the competition in order to price a home properly, so it can be sold as quickly as possible. Sometimes owners provide all sorts of reasons and excuses as to why their home isn’t selling, but in all my experience I can honestly say it usually boils down to the price and proper exposure to the market.

Don’t defend an overpriced listing. Price a home for what it’s worth, not what you would like to sell it for.

PRESENTATION

What if you are convinced your home is priced correctly, but it’s not selling.

A home needs to be presented properly. This means it must be showcased using high quality photos in a polished E-marketing and print media campaign with professionally designed flyers and website pages.

Do the photos accurately por-

tray the home, so they strike an emotional chord with the buyer? Are they presented in the right sequence? Is the listing getting the exposure it deserves? Has your agent introduced it to the BREA network and placed it on the MLS? If the answer is yes, then it’s time to reexamine the price.

LOCATION

Location is extremely important in the sales process.

You may have a lovely, wellmaintained home with a nice garden that was built when the population was a lot smaller. Alas, that quiet street it fronted is now a busy street. Commercial businesses have sprouted on the street, taking away that sense of community. If the listing has been properly presented, then the home may be overpriced based on the location. Don’t let your emotions get in the way. Price your home properly. Listen to your BREA agent.

Mike Lightbourn is president of Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty.

An Eleutheran Profile:

Percival Johnson Jr.

BY elizaBeth BrYan

Born July 8th, 1943

Sitting under a shady tree, near the front of the former Johnson’s Grocery Store building, perched in a comfortable chair, with a warm cup of tea in hand, Mr. Percival Johnson Jr., chatted comfortably with The Eleutheran. He shared some of his life’s experiences, growing up in Harbour Island, and going on to work in New Providence and Grand Bahama during the pre-independence period, witnessing the social, economic and cultural shifts and changes experienced by himself and his fellow Bahamians. His story is one of finding favour, with the different people who would serve as mentors and provide guidance early in his life, equipping him with the tools to return home and build a successful business, along with his wife and family in his hometown of Harbour Island.

Early yEars - There were some rough days...

When Mr. Percival Johnson Jr. came into the world on July 8th, 1943, war was raging on the global scene, and the social divide between Bahamians of African and European descent was, according to

Johnson, almost as wide as it was 90 years earlier, before ‘emancipation’. “I was born right here in Harbour Island on Barrack Street. My mother’s name was Ivy Johnson, and my father was Percival Kip Johnson. There are so many memories... as a little boy, my old lady had eighteen children. Things were so bad on Harbour Island in those days, sometimes we could hardly find food to eat. The war was over, but the island was still undeveloped. There were some rough days. Sometimes, my old man would get drunk and come home, and we would have to jump out of the window - and sometimes we had to sleep on the open floor. Some days we would go to school having eaten only a sapodilly and johnny cake. My mom didn’t work outside of the home, and my ‘old man’ [father] used to go fishing - he would use fishpots, and he would do farming. He was a good fisherman, but he used to drink - sometimes pretty hard... In those days my ‘old lady’ [mother] also had to cook out in the yard...”

Percival was the sixth child of the family, with nine brothers and five sisters. Three of his brothers, he shared - with sadness that seemed close despite the decades - passed away as very young children, so fifteen would grow up to reach adulthood.

The 1950’s would define Mr. John-

son’s boyhood experiences in his island home, with school playing a role in moulding his social character, and equipping him with the foundational knowledge he would take with him into his young adult years.

Recalling some of those early school memories, Mr. Johnson shared, “We went to school up until the age of twelve. Going to school, some days we had to go barefooted, through this same dirt road here. We would go get a ripe ‘dilly’ [sapodilla] and a piece of bread and go to school. Come back out of school [at lunchtime] and have the same thing - no food, just dilly and bread, and go back to school ‘til three o’clock... We use to go to the Catholic school..., then we went to the government school. We had a teacher named Ms. Marilyn, and a teacher called Brenda Higgs - and they were really strict teachers. They have now passed on... I was in grade four when we left the Catholic school to go to the government school - and there when you turned twelve, you had to get out [leave].”

With no high school on Harbour Island then [mid ‘50’s], said Mr. Johnson, the only alternative for young boys leaving school, was to find some way to earn a living. “We had to go and work, trying to find money to help the old lady and

Mr. Percival Johnson Jr.

keep things going there.”

His first experience in the world of work, he said, was close to home. “When I finished school, some ‘white people’, called The Russells, who lived on Bay Street - they took me in. I then had a different lifestyle. They would buy me all my clothes, and they would feed me. My mother had dealt with them before, as they would bring stuff for her. The lady’s name was Mrs. Gladys Russell - a very nice woman. Her and my mother were pretty close - and she would bring stuff and give her clothes and food. They took me in [to work], and I had nothing else to worry about. I would go by them in the morning - early, and sleep home at night. They would sell, like, dillies, oranges, tangerines, grapefruits, fresh turtle meat... - and I would go around selling those to the ‘white’ people. The Russells had a farm and would also go fishing.”

During his time working with this family, Mr. Johnson, would not escape from the reality of the social prejudices and segregation permeating the island society at that time, despite being nearly a century on from the inhuman exploits and divisions of the chattel slavery economy which shaped the population’s collective character. He described, sitting at the Russell family’s dinner table, where he had meals with them, when a ‘white lady’ stopped by their residence, and commented, asking the family why they had a ‘black’ man sitting at the table and eating with them. He recalled Mr. Russell getting up, and saying that it was his house, and that he would do what he wanted to do, before asking the woman what she had come for. Mr. Russell then served her and let her go about her business, said Mr. Johnson.

In wry reminisce, he continued, “That’s how segregation was in Harbour Island. You had to be very careful... But, I got a good experience with The Russells. However, the bakery just across the road here, back then was called, the ‘Ruminella’ [phonetic spelling]. They sold groceries there, and they had a counter not too far from the door. The ‘blacks’ had to stay in the front of the counter, while the ‘whites’ could go in and do what they wanted, but the ‘colored’ people could go no further.” He recalled the woman serving then, a Ms. Sweeting, who would ‘throw’ your money to you, supposedly not wanting her hand to touch a colored person’s hand. “Everyone of them [white owned stores] had a counter, where coloreds could go no further. You had to stay in place, and they would serve you,” said Mr. Johnson.

Early carEEr - Off island adventure...

He would, however, go on to continue experiencing bright spots through his struggles of growing up during that time as a young teen of color. “After the Russells passed on, I went off [the island]. I went with a Mr. Glen Rogers. They took me to Nassau with them. They had a glass company in Nassau, also a grocery

store, a drygoods place, and a hardware. He put me in the grocery store.” It was here, said Mr. Johnson, where he would be given the know how and training that would allow him to be able to run his own business in the future.

Johnson described how he and a colleague, Mr. McPhee, while still in Harbour Island, working part time, faced a test by Mr. Rogers, who also had a hardware and drygoods store in Harbour Island then, which would solidify the owner’s level of trust in his character, and set the impetus to invest in training him to be a valued part of his businesses. “Do you know what the man did? - He took three pennies out of the cash register, and when we were getting ready to close, and started to get things totaled up, it was short of three pennies. That man walked around, and saw how we were looking all about, and checking the books and looking things over - and then he said, ‘Hold on, hold on, I was just testing you all out to see how you were handling my business - and how serious you are about my business.’ Then he handed us the three pennies,” recounted Mr. Johnson, laughing.

It was after this, that Mr. Rogers offered young Percival, who was still in his teens, the opportunity to join his stores in Nassau. “I spent a lot of time in Nassau with him. It was a good experience, and I was in Nassau for about four years,” said Mr. Johnson.

Family - and Family business...

After returning home to Harbour Island for another couple of years, Mr. Johnson continued to work in a hardware store, but said he met with trouble. “You know when you are young... I got into problems with some young girls here.” Mr. Johnson’s first set of progeny would result from these early problems, but he admitted he was not mature enough at that time to face his responsibilities, and absconded to Grand Bahama for the next three years. “When I first went, I worked with the cutting of some of the roads,... in High Rock and in West End. Then I left and worked with some people doing building/construction of hotels - checking times there, as a timekeeper. As the men would come to work every morning at 6:30 a.m., I would be there to check all the times - going in and going out.”

Young Percival, would in time have to face what he had run away from, and shared, “I met a bishop from Harbour Island who was having a ‘Revival Service’ in Grand Bahama. When he met me, he said, ‘I finally found you. Do me a favour. Go back to Harbour Island, and clean up some of that dirt. You are a nice young man, but you made some mistakes. Please go back...’ That put it straight in my mind. So, I worked and made good money. I bought a piece of land in Freeport. I got a piece of land on Duke St. [Harbour Island] - where my house is now. So, I came back home [I was about 29 years-old], and told my future wife,

Curtlin Rebecca, that I was very sorry for what I had done, and asked her if she wanted to get married.”

When asked why he had chosen to propose to Curtlin Rebecca, as his spouse and partner in life, Percival said, “The Lord sometimes guides you into the right spot. So, I took a shot...” The future Mrs. Johnson was willing, so Mr. Johnson, recalling the arrangements, said, “I only had six weeks, before I had to go back to work [in Grand Bahama]... My brother, Stanley, was a pastor down by Church of God of Prophecy. He got us hooked up with a bishop in Nassau, who came and brought the marriage license, and we got married.”

Percival would then return to Grand Bahama, where he finished off his job commitment for the next six months, before heading back to Harbour Island, where he settled into married life, and taking care of his family. Young married life was still a struggle, he described, with little money, and basic necessities being a challenge. But the couple would work together. “I found the right woman,” said Johnson.

Tapping into the experience he had gotten, while working in the grocery store in Nassau, Mr. Johnson embarked into the world of entrepreneurship. “I started a little business - a grocery store. See that little place over there. I started there,” shared Mr. Johnson, pointing a little ways down the road to a corner lot.

“That is where I started from. I had one hundred dollars in the bank up the road there, and I took ninety-five and left five dollars. Everything I made in a week I took to the bank [on advice he received from the bank manager at the time, he said],” and Johnson’s Grocery Store took on life.

Commenting on how things began to change in his home town, during his early years in business, he shared, “Harbour Island started to develop, with a lot of people coming in, and where my store was, we sold everything, including a drug store section, which did well. And the business just started to grow... I made sure to put all the children in the business, and my wife was also involved.”

He continued, “The business got really good. It grew big... So, I bought more land, for about $7,000 at the time.” He went on to build a new ‘Johnson’s Grocery Store’, outfitting it with modern storage and cooling equipment. Mr. Johnson recounted traveling to Florida to source his goods, which he had shipped to the island. “The store business got really good. I had a lot of native and foreign customers... It went to the sky... We had such a good name in business, and our customers were king. We had a way of treating our customers.” Another breakthrough during the years that contributed to even further growth, said

Dear Editor Eleuthera Waste

For years a group of environmentalists have discussed the ongoing concerns with the current waste disposal methodologies on Eleuthera, Harbour Island and Spanish Wells.

In an effort to address these concerns, the group under the guidance of the Eleuthera Sustainability Council and in partnership with Virginia “Ginny” McKinney, CEO of Wastenot Bahamas Limited and Cans for Kids, is pleased to announce a proposed waste management project that aims to significantly enhance the quality of life on the island through implementing integrated waste management initially at the Palmetto Point Landfill but eventually projected to address all active “dumps” in these constituencies.

The team has secured funding, identified equipment and is currently in communication with the

Bahamian government for authorization to implement the proposed plan. This project seeks to address several critical aspects of waste management, including recycling, waste reduction initiatives, community education programs and ending open waste burning at the landfills.

By implementing this project, we aim to achieve the following objectives:

Community Education and Engagement: Through the Eleuthera Waste Education and Awareness platform, we have already launched various educational initiatives to inform and empower members of our community to make environmentally conscious choices regarding waste disposal and resource consumption.

Mechanized Processing Sys-

tems: Through the use of machinery and new unloading and processing methodologies, we will streamline the landfill, implement recycling and revolutionize waste reduction and transform the current waste management system.

Partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and communities: Tackling waste management requires an “all hands-on deck” approach. Our goal is to work with all stakeholders as collaboration is essential for the success of the project.

Recently the Government’s initiative, the ‘Island wide cleanup’, which sees waste bins being provided in each settlement throughout Eleuthera, has garnered notable success. Allowing residents to easily dump their unwanted waste that has sometimes been accumulating in their yards for years, saving them the expense of having to personally truck it to the dump sites.

Also, the drive to have the Queen’s Highway verges cleaned of trash is a huge visual statement to both Island residents & our tourism product alike.

Our “dump” make-over and waste management proposal will further these initiatives, by properly managing the waste being collected now and, in the future, eventually eliminating the historic ‘Pit-Burning & Push’ method.

The equipment we have chosen will facilitate recycling, which will assist in removing unburnable waste, will eliminate liquid toxins leaching into the water table & toxic gases being exhausted into the atmosphere.

Most importantly this approach is a practical step in Eleuthera doing its part in the global effort to tackle climate change.

In recognizing the importance of community input in shaping the future of our waste management on Eleuthera, we invite all members of the community to provide feedback, suggestions, and support to our email (eleutherawaste@ gmail.com) as we continue to develop the initiative; and please join us for a virtual introduction session on May 3rd, 2024, on a ZOOM call- More information on FB- EleutheraWasteEducation or email - Eleutherawaste@gmail.com.

Together, we can make a significant difference and protect our beautiful environment and by extension our livelihoods.

Source: Eleuthera Sustainability Council Cooperative Society & Cans4Kids

Contact: Eleuthera Waste Education and Awareness - eleutherawaste@gmail.com

An Eleutheran Profile:

Johnson, was the introduction of concierge grocery services - with customers able to preorder online before arriving on island, and other delivery services, from internet requests.

He continued to invest in property on Harbour Island, as well as on mainland Eleuthera. “Land is one of the greatest investments in life, and the bible speaks on that,” said Mr. Johnson. He shared his desire to leave a legacy for his children, and expressed how thankful he was for being blessed with both the opportunity and the timing, to do so.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson had four children together, one daughter and three sons. All of them he proudly shared, received a good education - some degreed, and had secured good jobs, lauding one son who had done accounts, and another who provided air condition and refrigeration services. Mr. Johnson was proud also of his two childen outside of marriage, his eldest son - involved in his own business and another daughter in hospitality. Altogether, Mr. Johnson fathered six children - two daughters and four sons.

Retirement - and Letting go...

Johnson’s Grocery Store would eventually be closed. Mr. Johnson shared that his plan was to essentially retire at about 65 years old, with the option of his children taking it over, or letting it go, and to then enjoy life. His sons had other plans at that time, said Johnson, so he let it go, and closed up shop. Other challenges that factored in to him taking that decision at the time, said Mr. Johnson, was a family medical emergency, which required airlift into Florida for treatment, and many weeks spent by Mrs. Johnson accompanying the family member in the hospital.

Although Johnson’s Grocery Store is now closed, Mr. Johnson shared that it is still bringing him an income, with the space leased out monthly as storage for different clientele. He had also built

a multi-unit building next to the grocery store, which he still leases out to different business operations.

Mr. Johnson’s wife, Curtlin, passed away in August of 2019, at the age of 75, after a battle with cancer. He expressed how much he missed his life partner of more than fifty years, and commented that although he was aware of how involved his wife was in the church and community, the outpouring after her passing still surprised him, saying, “I don’t know where all the people came from, but you don’t know a person’s reach ‘til they pass on. When I came back home, I found out more about the woman I married, and how many people she had touched in her life... People were calling from all around, from Nassau, other places throughout the Bahamas, the United States, and as far as England.”

A bit of advice - Land and such...

Now at 80 years-old, and having had the experiences both on and off the island, as he has - in answer to what advice he would have for today’s generation of young men and boys, he offered, “I talk a lot with young people... I tell them that I talk to them to put them on the right track, so one day they can do the same as I am doing. But you have to go to school, to get a good education. Then you will know where you have to go. The sky is the limit. So, get the full education that you need, and ask God to guide you... Keep your eyes open. Keep on praying to God to guide you, and try not to do anything foolish. Keep yourself out of the hands of the law. The Lord will carry you where you want to go... Get a good education in school, that is really important!”

Mr. Johnson emphasized education, he said, because although the challenges were a little different today, young people still had serious struggles to overcome. One of the hurdles he pointed out that youth would face on Harbour Island

was the lack of access to land ownership. “Because, the island now, that I see, it’s not good. All the land is gone. You can’t find anymore land on the island. You can’t buy it, because it is too expensive - it’s gone to the millions. They [foreigners] have the land now. The rich has bought all the land up, and the price they are asking for now, you can’t believe it... I have been approached to sell many times, with some saying, ‘name your price’. But right now, I have nothing to talk about,” he stated.

In answer to how he feels about his life now and what he is looking forward to, Mr. Johnson quipped, “I am trying to enjoy life - trying to get stress from my head. I talk with my children and grandchildren, and try to advise and train them - to keep their eyes open, and to take care of what they have.”

Mr. Johnson, said he is thankful for each and every day, and shared, “The doctor said, don’t stay home. When you get upeat, get out and socialize.” Following this good advice, his days have taken on a certain routine, he says, with a bit of exercise, like a walk, or a bit of sweeping, following breakfast - then on to socializing. “I meet and talk to a lot

of people - I have fun, and try to get ideas about life. In the afternoon, I go home, eat and then relax. And I thank God for all that he has done for me. The only thing I am missing is my wife.”

Disney Cruise Line Collaborates with The Bahamas Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point

ELEUTHERA, The Bahamas (April 3, 2024) – Disney Cruise Line recently collaborated with The Bahamas Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources on conservation initiatives taking place at the cruise line’s new destination in Eleuthera, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Disney invited The Government’s Forestry Unit to participate in a project deploying tracking tags on birds, continuing a pilot program Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team first launched in 2023. Among several other initiatives, Disney conservationists have been expertly placing tags on a variety of animals on the site to collect data and help establish best practices in conserving important species, including Bahama Mockingbirds, Black-Whiskered Vireos and Black Land Crabs. The goal of this collaboration is for Disney to share its findings with The Government to benefit the greater Bahamian community. Learn more about Disney’s conservation efforts at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and its commitment to protecting and preserving the natural beauty of The Bahamas by visiting LighthousePointBahamas.com.

From Left: Morgan Belle, Disney; Pachancia Knowles, Disney; Justin White, Forestry Unit; Lauren Puishys, Disney; Wavell Hanna, Forestry Unit; Zak Gezon, Disney; Bradley Watson, Disney; Kirk Cunningham, Forestry Unit; and Jason Fischer, Disney.

Art In Bloom Relaunched at the Levy Preserve

‘Art In Bloom’, formerly called ‘Art In the Park’ before the pandemic put on the brakes, was relaunched at the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve on Sunday, March 24th, 2024. The late afternoon event saw a variety of talented artists and artisans from throughout The Eleutheras, as well as some New Providence-based, come together to display and sell their creations in a plethora of different mediums.

The types of art on display were of every kind, making for a very enjoyable experience, with vivid paintings, designer straw craft and one-of-a-kind handbags, applique quilts, fine handmade jewelry, unique crocheted collectibles, driftwood creations, luxurious soaps and skincare, locally made herbal teas, spices and sauces, bedazzled drinkware as well as artfully done drinks.

Art In Bloom, which was originally scheduled to take place a day earlier on the Saturday, saw plans change to

Sunday, as a result of rainy weather. As these things sometimes go, the relaxed Sunday afternoon setting, which was sunny and clear, was said by organizers to have garnered the favour of a number of the artists and artisanshinting at the possibility of a deliberate switch in the chosen day in 2025.

A fair flow of patrons filtered through the colourful displays, along the tented gardens, leading into the open pavilion, enjoying music, good food, and the array of talent on show. “Today was an amazing turnout. We have twenty-two vendors altogether, with one or two who didn’t show, but it was overall a great day so far... We wanted to make sure that we had a wide variety of different types of artists and food vendors as well,” said Preserve Manager, Lakeisha Wallace.

Commenting on the event’s date change, she shared, “Initially, the event was supposed to

P21

Pictured above: Sheila Thompson, creator and designer at TriGems Gift Shop, shows off her unique crochet collectibles. Her collection displayed at ‘Art In Bloom’ featured a myriad of colourful animal characters, from turtles to jellyfish.

20th Annual Alvin Adderley Road Relays held at GHB

Young athletes from throughout Eleuthera came together on Friday, March 15th, 2024 for the 20th Annual Alvin Adderley road race event. The race this year found itself competing with a number of other events held at schools, including special ‘Peace’ assemblies, mandated by the Ministry of Education, to be held at each of the primary and high schools on the island - in tandem with a large, public schools ‘peace rally’ and march held in New Providence on the same morning - in response to the spate of violent incidents in the country since the beginning of the new year. A number of schools, however, still took the time to send teams of students, just not in the numbers seen in previous years.

The road race, first held in 2005, and each year afterward in remembrance of former Eleuthera educator, Mr. Alvin Adderley, who died as a re-

sult of cancer, is organized by close colleague and friend of the late Mr. Adderley - Mr. Tony Crean. Daughter of Mr. Adderley, Carla Adderley, along with her aunt Ruth, was in attendance on Friday morning, representing her mother Mrs. Lula Adderley, and her siblings, who in years past always took the time to attend in support of the memorial race.

Staged at the Bayfront Park in Governor’s Harbour, registration for the race began at 10am, as schools from further afield arrived on site.

Prior to race time, as organizers geared up for the start, Carla Adderley commented on how she felt about this year’s race, and the family’s appreciation of the memorial event, saying, “I feel honoured. It’s a blessing, and it speaks to the person that Dad was. Because, there are things that start, and before there is a second opportunity to have that, they are can-

celled. So, to have had this 20 years, that’s a long time - and we are grateful and thankful to everyone that shows up. Especially, Mr. Crean for organizing. So, it is a privilege.”

Three of Eleuthera’s High Schools and four Primary Schools participated in the relay event. In the Primary School division, mixed boys and girls teams competed in half mile legs passing on the baton to teammates at the designated spot within Bayfront Park.

The High Schools competed in four divisions; under 20 boys, under 20 girls, under 17 boys, and under 15 boys - with ten-member relay teams, but a longer leg distance of one mile, which took each competitor from BayFront Park, south to the forked junction at Governor’s Harbour’s southern approach, then back, running north along the Queen’s Highway back into BayFront Park.

Commenting on the competition this year, coach Crean said, “It wasn’t what we had hoped, but we had three high schools take part, and we had four primary schools.” High schools represented included; North Eleuthera High, Central Eleuthera High, and Preston H. Al-

Above: Students and teachers warm up, before start time at the Alvin Adderley Road Relays.

Pictured above: Carla Adderley (standing center front in blue jean jacket), daughter of Mr. Alvin Adderley, for whom the relays were originally created in honour of, after his passing twenty years ago, stands with members of the North Eleuthera High School girls under 20 relay team.

P18

bury High School. North Eleuthera High, fielded an under 20 division girls team; Central Eleuthera High, had teams in all four divisions (U20 girls, U20/U17/U15 boys), while Preston H. Albury faced off in two divisions. “That was disappointing,” said Crean, “But, you know, there are a lot of things going on. Too much.”

Primary schools taking part, shared Mr. Crean, were Gregory Town Primary, Emily G. Petty Primary, Emma E. Cooper Primary, and Laura L. Anderson Primary. Between the four participating schools, which began the day’s racesEmma E. Cooper Primary would finish ahead of all their peers, followed by Emily

G. Petty Primary in second place, and Laura L. Anderson came in at third.

Commenting on the overall race, Mr. Crean said that it was good, but that some major changes would likely take place, if they were to host the races again next year - hinting at the possibility of an invitational format, extending the event to off-island schools, and likely a greater focus on primary divisions. Official Results:

Division 1. Emma E. Cooper Primary -

High School Division

U20 Girls

North Eleuthera High - 1st (Uncontested)

U20 Boys / U17 Boys / U15 Boys

Central Eleuthera High - 1st ---END

2. Emily G. Petty Primary - 2nd

3. Laura L. Anderson Primary

Local junior surfers stand out at ESA Surfer’s Beach Classic

Near perfect 3-to-5-foot conditions greeted competitors at the First Annual Fun Foremost EIO Surfer’s Beach Classic presented by Island Made Gift Shop on Saturday April 6.

The contest was the brainchild of Tom Glucksmann, a native of New Providence and Eleuthera resident since 2005.

“Having traveled as coach with the Bahamas team to last month’s ISA World Surfing Games I came back home with a renewed vigor to get some of our junior surfers in the mix for some future travel teams,” said Glucksmann, 52. “The wave gods sent us absolute dream conditions and we got amazing support from our local surf families.”

While Eleuthera’s growing expatriate community turned out in usual strong numbers Glucksmann proudly noted that the majority of surfers entered were Bahamian, including 16-and-Under Shortboard Champion Finley McKinney-Lambert.

“My strategy for going into the first surfing competition was just to make sure I didn’t really think about the competition but just think about having fun …and I think that worked out very well for me” said Finley, 14.

Finley’s sister Taryn, surfing a 9-foot6-inch longboard, also tallied one of the event’s highest scores.

“I was surprised,” said Taryn, 13. “I honestly just went there to have fun and to just hang out with the surfing community of Eleuthera and I was really surprised by my second place.”

Nathan Higgs of Gregory Town learned the sport last summer and was surfing in his first-ever contest.

“I think it was amazing because it is fun to meet new friends,” said Nathan, 15,

via a WhatsApp text. “I cannot wait ‘til the next surf contest … I really enjoyed it alot.”

The format guaranteed entrants two surfs with twelve surfers advancing to a third round Expression Session. Prizes donated by Island Made Gift Shop and Eleuthera Island Organics were presented to the top heat totals in shortboard and longboard divisions, with specialty awards for surfer having the most fun (Alton Whylly, Nathan Higgs) and best switchfoot (Lele Tsoumpas).

Eliza Denning, a New Providence resident, qualified for the third round with a 6.8 heat score.

“I decided to travel from Nassau a couple weeks before the contest,” said Eliza, 15, who’s also a top-ranked junior sailor. “I [hadn’t] surfed in a while and it seemed really fun.”

Famous Surfer’s Beach local George ‘Ratdog’ Robinson, 72, last surfed in a contest in 1999 and his 10.3 heat total was highest on the day.

“The highlight of the contest was seeing everybody out there having so much fun together being with each other and supportive of each other in a highly positive unity,” said Robinson, “particularly the young people experiencing this for their first time.”

A three-person, mixed gender judging panel provided impartial and official scoring with experienced local surfers and newly E-certified judges volunteering their time.

Angel Knowles, a New Providence native who recently relocated to Eleuthera after living a lot of her life in the United Kingdom took the E-judges course as part of the Bahamas Surfing Association’s initiative to qualify more judges and coaches.

“What stood out for me from the judges table on Saturday was the en-

On the page: Left - Surveying the wave action. Above - Participants in the ESA’s first annual Surfer’s Beach Classic gather for a fun group photo. Below - In competition on the water.

ergy everybody brought and how confident each contestant was considering all of them had never been in a competition before and also some of them it was their first time surfing this particular break,” said Knowles, 25. “Everyone really brought the confidence and energy that you’d expect from veterans of competing which was really amazing to see.”

D’Andro Thompson, 12, of Gregory Town was one of the youngest surfers who paddled out at the famous Surfer’s Beach break two miles south of his

hometown.

“The vibe was nice,” said D’Andro, who began the sport late last year as part of the reborn Eleuthera Surf Club, a non-profit program helping introduce the sport to Bahamians. “Everybody was excited for the contest, everybody catching the waves, everybody was having fun.”

Photo Credits: Cocomo Collective/ Francesca Dunham

Source: Tom Glucksmann

Page. 17

Art in Bloom at Levy Preserve

be held on Saturday, March 23rd, but considering the weather, we postponed it, which was a great idea. All of the vendors were able to make it, and considered the Sunday to be even better. So, we are now thinking about having the event on the Sunday... Next year, we look forward to ‘Art In Bloom’ being even bigger, with more vendors and artisans, and possibly bringing in a local bahamian artist as well to perform. So, a lot of ideas for 2025.”

Designer handbag artisan, Charlene Carey, talking about her one of a kind handbags on display at Art In Bloom, with branding “Natural Chic”, said the making of them took her to her ‘zen’ place. “What makes my work special is that they are one of a kind. You will never see another one like it again. I use each one as an opportunity to put my different crafting skills together. I can paint. I love to work with fabric,” and pointing at one of her eye-catching pieces, described, “So, for example, with the collage octopus - you will see it has four different fabrics to create the colours - so that is a fabric art collage process, as well as applique and the straw work. There is hand painting as well, with the handpainted turtle over there... My goal is to try to do something different. To look at straw and what movement we can get, doing 3d things - also with shapes, knots and twists. This is my zen, my hobby that keeps me in a good mental space.”

Chauncey Rolle, of Bannerman Town, a young man who grew up on the is-

land, and returned home about six years ago to settle back in to life in Eleuthera, showcased vibrant paintings combining portraiture types with Bahamian themes of junkanoo, and underwater marine life, and others with portions of different Bahamian landscapes meshed onto one canvas. “I grew up loving art... But I only started to take it seriously during the pandemic. I dabbled here and there before, but during the pandemic I started seeing my pieces getting sold, and that inspired me to do more. After a while, the money was not as important, it was more about putting ideas on canvas or whatever I could paint on,” shared the artist. He now paints full-time, while assisting with his family’s stall outlet at Princess Cays. Now in the process of building his home in Bannerman Town, he also envisions a studio location in the future, where he can display his work.

From Rock Sound, Monique Cates, had on display a variety of handmade goods, with beautifully crafted quilts, applique kitchen towels, postcards, and other special fabrics. About why she takes the time to fashion her unique pieces, she explained smiling, “It’s just something that I like to do, and it makes me happy. It also feeds my creativity, as I’m a very creative person, So, this is my niche for that.”

Mixing up flavourful drink combinations for thirsty patrons, Kelly Sweeting with Coco Jo, a local mobile bartending company, was also on hand. “We can make cocktails to go, and bring them to you at home, or we can have a beautiful bar setup with a customized menu catering to our clients needs and wants... What makes us special is that we look at the

Shown in photos: (On the Left) - Fine artist, Nick Guiullaume mixes it up with paintings on both tiles and canvas. (Above) - South Eleutheran artist, Chauncey Rolle, showcases one of his landscape pieces with a mesh of locales portrayed.

Pictured above: Mrs. Charlene Carey, designer handbag artisan, highlights her selection of one-of-a-kind creations.

Boosting Ecotourism - CTI Partners with the EOC to Launch Outdoor Guide Training Programs

The One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) and Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI) have teamed up with the Eleuthera Outdoor Center (EOC) to roll out a series of free Outdoor Guide Training Programs aimed at equipping locals with the necessary skills to excel as tour guides in Eleuthera’s burgeoning ecotourism sector.

These programs are geared towards enhancing capacity within the industry and cater to both newcomers and seasoned professionals looking to increase their knowledge and experience levels. The weekend workshops include kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, and land-based tours. Hosted at the CTI Campus in Rock Sound, each training consists of two half-day sessions where students learn theory on the first day and then embark on an exciting in-

field, practical training session on the second. The first of three workshops, kayaking and paddle boarding was held on March 16th and 17th.

The next session, scheduled for May 4th and 5th, will focus on kayaking, paddleboarding, and landbased tours, while the subsequent sessions on May 25th and 26th will focus on training for boating tours. Additionally, students completing one or more of the Tour Guide Workshops will be eligible to continue with Lifeguard, CPR, and First-Aid training, which will also be offered for free at CTI in May with the Tourism Development Corporation. This crucial next step will ensure students are certified and fully prepared to enter the field upon completion.

CTI’s “Guide Training for Water and Land-based Activity” workshop series is open to anyone sixteen

years and older interested in working part-time or full-time in the field or looking to launch their own tour operator business. It is an excellent opportunity for recent high school graduates to start a rewarding and lucrative career. It is equally beneficial for existing tour guides to expand their portfolio of local tours and services.

Sharon French of Eleuthera Outdoor Center is the workshop facilitator and has partnered with CTI to create a training experience that embodies hospitality, highlights safety, and ensures a professional and memorable experience for each guest. Located in Tarpum Bay, the Eleuthera Outdoor Center is known for its commitment to providing exceptional outdoor experiences guided by local experts. The EOC offers a diverse range of activities, including snorkeling tours, boat excursions, and land-based adventures.

Keyron Smith, CEO and President of the One Eleuthera Foundation, notes, “We are constantly evolving CTI’s courses and workshops to prepare Eleutherans for emerging oppor-

tunities. Ecotourism is not just a passing trend but a sustainable path that aligns with our goals of fostering sustainable development while creating inclusivity and economic empowerment for people in our communities.”

Registration is now open, and prospective participants can secure a seat by calling 242-821-6797 or emailing registrar@oneeleuthera.org. The workshop training is free; however, there is a nominal fifty-dollar registration fee. These programs empower locals with the skills to become knowledgeable guides, enriching ecotourism offerings and fostering sustainable development on the island.

With the island experiencing expansion in the tourism and hospitality sectors, there is a growing need for local guest activities and qualified tour guides to lead expeditions showcasing Eleuthera’s natural beauty, flora, fauna, marine life, and flourishing biodiversity. The partnership between EOC and the CTI School promises ongoing collaboration, with plans being made to offer additional courses.

Above: Students participating in CTI’s exciting “Guide Training for Water and Land-based Activity” workshop series, facilitated in partnership with the Eleuthera Outdoor Center in Tarpum Bay.

details. We have cocktails, and whatever is in that cocktail, the garnish matches. So, today we have cucumber-lemongrass, and what we love is that a lot of our ingredients are grown on the island - local is the best,” she said - while whipping up a gorgeous non-alcoholic brew, adorned with wisps of fevergrass and cuts of cucumber.

Nick Guiullaume, another artist showcasing his paintings, out of New Providence, described his work as acrylic medium, and driftwood. “I work with all

surfaces, including canvas and tile, as well as straw and rope to give it its framing.” Nick’s painting subjects drew on natural landscapes and scenery. “I love the Bahamian waters and coast, as well as the streets and buildings, but mostly the sea,” he shared.

To reach out to any of the artists and vendors from Art In Bloom, contact Preserve Manager, Lakeisha Wallace at 332-3831 or email - lwallace@bnt.bs.

*DHL Courier

*Brokerage

*Trucking;

Tel: 332-3066

Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera

Above: Preserve Manager, Lakeisha Wallace (on right), all smiles as she stands with her team member at the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve, during Art In Bloom.

Above: Jewelry designer, Olivia Persaud (center background), engages with avid customers.

Pictured: Mrs. Monique Cates enjoying the afternoon at the Levy as she showcases her beautiful handmade quilts, and home goods.

Above: Calae Burrows and Joevone Simmons of Octis Organics.

Shown above: The team from Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits serve it up.

Homecomings 2024 kick off with big crowds and lots of energy

Eleuthera kickstarted its annual season of homecomings and festivals during the Easter holiday weekend on the final weekend in March solidifying its claim to the title of ‘Island of Festivals’. With multiple homecomings and events hosted across the island during each public holiday through the upcoming year, as well as added dates in between, 2024 is poised to see holiday festivals continue to grow.

The week of March 25th to April 1st, saw homecoming events hosted in Lower Bogue in the north, James’ Cistern in Central Eleuthera, as well as in the township of Rock Sound, located in Eleuthera’s south. Several of the sights and scenes, during the Saturday evening, along the waterfront strip in Rock Sound, which hosts the homecoming site, are featured on pages 26 to 28.

As residents and visitors crowded along the thoroughfare enjoying the items on offer by vendor booths lining the street, an even thicker mass of revelers surrounded the central bar service, melding into the entertainment area, where on stage was Caribbean crooner, and reggae star Courtney Melody, backed up by local band, New Vision.

Main organizer with the Rock Sound homecoming committee, Mrs. Lashonda Leary, commenting on the weekend, described an

action packed festival, saying, “It has been awesome. We had a good turnout, and we are thankful that it was peaceful, and the weather was beautiful, down here. We started out the week on Palm Sunday with a church service, followed by whist and domino tournaments on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday we had our formal opening, and gospel concert, and had a blast...

“On Thursday, the party boat came in through Governor’s Harbour, which led in to our Friday beach bash, right here on the homecoming site, with a soca themed entertainment night on the Friday, with Shine242 and McKenzie. Guest artist Courtney Melody performed on Saturday evening’s reggae night, and Sunday we are set to host a boat cruise in the Rock Sound harbour,

before heading back to the site for a performance by the Bahamas Police Force Marching Band to wrap up the week’s activities.”

She commented that a large number of people had returned to the island to take part in homecoming celebrations this year, quipping, “Rock Sound was the place to be this Easter!... It’s now back to the drawing board for the planning committee”, she added, “to ensure an even bigger event in 2025.”

As May and June approaches, Eleuthera residents get ready for the upcoming Palmetto Point Homecoming in Central Eleuthera during the Whit Monday holiday weekend, along with Conch Fest in South Eleuthera’s Deep Creek, as well as the Ministry of Tourism’s signature Pineapple Festival

Shown above: Reggae artist, Courtney Melody, backed up by New Vision band at the Rock Sound Homecoming. Below - Saturday night’s audience filled the homecoming site.

The Crowd, mood, style & smiles - People @ Reggae night, Rock Sound

held

to take place from

is scheduled over five days - from June 5th to June 9th, with the Pineapple Festival happening over the two-day period of Friday, June 7th (Labour Day), and Saturday, June 8th, 2024.

in Gregory Town, Central Eleuthera during the Sir Randol Fawkes Labour Day holiday weekend.

Palmetto Point’s Fest is set

May 15th to May 20th. Deep Creek’s Conch Fest

P26

The Crowd, mood, style & smiles - People @ Reggae night, Rock Sound

Pictured above: Travis (center) and Destiny (right), lead singers with the Eleuthera based, New Vision band.

Above: Longtime friends, all smiles, at the Rock Sound Homecoming reggae night.

Pictured: Members of the Rock Sound Homecoming committee, including Lashonda Leary (left) and Sybil Forbes (right).

Gregory Town Fire Destroys Home

Police in Governor’s Harbour were made aware of a home on fire in the area of Sugar Hill in Gregory Town, moments before 5pm on Saturday afternoon, April 6th, 2024, when Mrs. Dina Johnson, local government council chairman, called in to inform authorities about an active house fire in the township.

Officers reported that a team responded to the scene, along with fire volunteers from North Eleuthera, Gregory Town, Governor’s Harbour and Palmetto Point. According to police, when they arrived, a split level - half stone - half wooden structure was on fire. Information received by the officers from the two men who occupied the home - seventy-five year old, Mr. Philip Thompson Sr. and his son Mr. Philip Thompson Jr. - was that they were home when the fire started in an eastern bedroom, where they stored batteries for a solar panel system.

Despite the efforts of the volunteers, the home was totally destroyed, along with all of its contents, and one of the men who occupied the home, said police, received minor injury to his hand. This matter, according to police, remains under active investigation, at this time.

During an interview, several days after the fire, Mr.

2024 Eleuthera Energy

Packed Jr. Junkanoo

Part 2 - Primary Schools Shine !

Philip Thompson Sr., recalling the events that demolished his home within moments during the late afternoon on Saturday, described, “I was sitting right up there [pointing to steps where the front of his home formerly was] where that box is, and he [Philip Jr.] was here on that machine there [pointing at a bulldozer], leveling the yard down - when I heard an explosion. We have a solar system here, and lithium batteries. I heard something exploded and I looked around, but I didn’t see anything. He continued, “But there was a second explosion, then I saw the smoke coming from the southeast side. I stopped him [Philip Jr] and tried to get him, because I have a bad knee and can’t move as fast as he does. He jumped off and ran up, and we had a fire extinguisher in the room here [pointing to the lower stone portion of the building]. So, he actually took that up and just as he opened the door to go in that side, the flame and smoke pushed us back out.”

When asked if he and his son had been able to save anything, Mr. Thompson Sr. stated, “I didn’t get a sheet of paper out. ‘Cause first thing we did, we tried to do there [pointing to where they would have been

Following the fantastic showing in 2023, the 2024 Eleuthera Junior Junkanoo parade hosted in Governor’s Harbour did not disappoint, with all schools showcasing, creative themes, colourful costuming, and strong music sections - keeping the overflowing crowds which turned out on Saturday, March 2nd, for the cultural spectacle, well entertained.

The primary school division of the parade, showcased in this ‘Part 2’ Junior Junkanoo photo feature, highlights four schools, including, Emma E. Cooper primary (EECP), Tarpum Bay primary (TBPS), Rock Sound primary (RSPS), and Gregory Town primary school (GTPS).

These schools showcased their work and effort of many weeks, with colourful lead banners, toe-thumping brass and drum lines, costumes of all kinds, a variety of choreographed dance lines, and themes that ranged, from Tarpum Bay Primary’s winning ‘Natural Treasures’, to Emma Cooper Primary’s ‘Majestic Africa’, as well as concepts like, ‘It’s a Bahamian Thing’, with Rock Sound Primary, and Gregory Town Primary’s ‘All the Flowers’.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Mario Bowleg, was in attendance, in support of the junior event, accompanied by the Hon. Clay Sweeting, Member of Parliament for Central and South Eleuthera, along with Kishlane Smith - Deputy Co-Chair of the National Junkanoo Committee (NJC), as well as other officials.

The parade which got underway on time at about 5:00pm, continued until well after 10pm, as each school showed off their creativity, and bur-

geoning passion for the art of junkanoo in two sets of laps.

NJC Deputy Co-Chair Kishlane Smith, after witnessing the full spectacle of the first lap of the junior junkanoo, lauded the quality she had seen, saying, “I am so privileged to see that Eleuthera has junkanoo live and vibrant. And I am happy to see that it is not New Providence-centric. I am happy to see that we have a very disciplined school grouping, and the potential of the authenticity of junkanoo on Eleuthera. What is even more joyous is that you can clearly see that the students did the work. That is something that is lacking on some of the other islands, and I’m so happy to see it. You can see that these schools took the time.”

A special tally team, set up at the Emily G. Petty Primary school, near the parade site, readied the results as the junior junkanoo parade came to a close. Category titles in the primary division for best banner, costume and best music, best choreography and theme portrayal were all taken by Tarpum Bay primary. One bright spot for the other primary schools on the night, however, was that the score spreads were not huge - keeping doors wide open for a comeback win in 2025 by anyone of the competing primary schools.

Overall 2024 Junior Junkanoo Parade winners announced in the primary division was: Tarpum Bay Primary School with 711 points.

Corporate sponsorship in support of this year’s junior junkanoo was once again taken on by Disney Cruise Line (DCL), which for the 2024 parade, increased its funding of Junior Junkanoo Eleuthera by

Tarpum Bay Primary School - Winners @

Jr. Junkanoo 2024!

Eleuthera

Tarpum Bay Primary School swept each of the competitive categories during the 2024 Eleuthera Junior Junkanoo parade, in the execution of their theme, Exploring Our Treasures!

50%, totaling $75,000, to fund costumes, materials, cash prizes for each participating school and travel costs for the winning Eleuthera team to compete at the national level.

See Official Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture Primary Division Results in the 2024 Eleuthera Junior Junkanoo Parade Competition below:

B DIVISION (UNCONTESTED) GREGORY TOWN PRIMARY Page. 29

BEST BANNER: TBPS - 77 PTS, RSPS - 70 PTS, & EEC PS - 67 PTS

BEST MUSIC: TBPS - 129 PTS, RSPS - 101 PTS, & EECPS - 89 PTS

BEST OVERALL GROUP PERFORMANCE TBPS - 125 PTS, RSPS - 112 PTS, & EECPS - 109 PTS

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY: TBPS - 71 PTS, RSPS - 66 PTS & EECPS - 66 PTS

BEST PORTRAYAL OF THEME: TBPS - 78 PTS, RSPS - 73 PTS, & 3RD EECPS - 65 PTS

BEST COSTUME: TBPS - 230 PTS, RSPS -188 PTS & EECPS -183 PTS

OVERALL PRIMARY SCHOOL WINNER TBPS - 711 PTS, RSPS - 610 PTS, & EECPS - 579 PTS

CEHS Careers Fair, Opening Eyes to Opportunities

Central Eleuthera High School (CEHS) hosted its Annual Careers Day and Fair on the front grounds of the school’s campus, on Wednesday morning, April 10th, from 11am to 1pm, with a bevy of businesses, government agencies and community organizations, taking part. Representatives from the various companies and agencies, were set up at table booths under several tents, and as classes of students from the senior high school, comprised of grades 10, 11 and 12, visited the fair area in waves of different groups, touring through each booth, representatives presented information about their organizations. Students, in response, asked questions, and gathered further details - as part of their preparation to transition from their secondary education experience to the world of work and tertiary education opportunities.

Mrs. Dellareese Bethel, guidance counsellor at CEHS, and key organizer of the Careers Fair, was delighted at the level of engagement and interaction she saw, as well as the quality of participation from the community, saying, “I am just so impressed with the commitment from the community to partner with our school, to ensure that when these children leave our gates, that they would have something in mind that they would like to pursue. We have BAMSI out here, the Department of Social Services.

We also have the Ministry of Tourism; Water and Sewerage is represented; the Bahamas Customs Department. We have our Police Officers representing, and we have Bahamas Wellness.”

She continued, “We also have a nurse from our Public Clinic. Artisan, Emily Munnings is here with her designer straw bags - teaching students about manufacturing and how to be entrepreneurs. We also have Octis Organics, Ms. Calae Burrows with all of her seasonings and other products - also a well known manufacturer on the island; and the Kupcake Lady, along with Mr. Knowles the Electrician, and his wife representing Kindah Health. The Cancer Society is here, for informational purposes - to let the young people know about certain kinds of cancer, and to avoid certain things.

“We have a variety of people here today. We also have the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), with all of the programs they are going to be offering right here on Eleuthera, which is awesome news for students wanting to take up that opportunity. I am just so excited and pleased to see the dedication from our community partners.”

Mrs. Bethel explained that the Careers Fair was taking place in the overall context of the Ministry of Education’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) month, during March. Every

year during CTE month, she said, the school would host activities geared towards promoting and sharing information about the vocational and technical options that exist as career paths following high school, in addition to students furthering their academic studies.

The week of the Careers Fair at CEHS, was also designated as Senior’s Week, with the 12th grade class participating in a wide variety of other activities - both on and off campus, to bond, grow and create memories as a graduating class.

Earlier on Wednesday morning, a Careers Seminar was hosted at the school, where students were taught by retired teacher, Ms. Caroline Rolle, about resumes, interview skills, and other information that would make applying for jobs, easier for them. The seniors were also introduced to college-readiness. Mrs. Rolle, former Family Life teacher at CEHS, before she retired in 2023, had been the key organizer of Careers Day for the past decade, beginning in 2013. So, it was an event close to her heart. About Ms. Rolle returning, to facilitate the seminar, Mrs. Bethel lauded, “She volunteered her services just to be with the students today, so it speaks volumes of the commitment and dedication.” Deacon Elmena Bethell, from the Bahamas Conference of the Methodist Church in Palmetto Point also joined the seminar, to offer words

Above: 12th graders engage with medical personnel from the Palmetto Point clinic (foreground), as well as with representatives from the Royal Bahamas Police Force (background), during the CEHS Careers Fair.

Above: Electrician Thurman Knowles explains his craft to a listening student.

Pictured: Entrepreneur, Calae Burrows of Octis Organics explains her process of making teas to 12th graders.

Above: Team members from BPL well represented at the Fair. Right: Student engages with a team member from the Ministry of Tourism.

Calendar Event Markers!

Important

Note: All event dates and information are subject to change. Please communicate with the contact person provided for updated information before the actual event.

February to December - Bush Tea Tours - This activity, at the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve, located on the Banks Road, Governor’s Harbour, is great for people who enjoy learning about the various medicinal plants in The Bahamas. It is also a great way to ensure that the generations to come will still be able to experience ‘Bush Teas’ as natural healing remedies.

(Contact: Ms. Lakeisha Wallace, The Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve(242) 332-3831, lwallace@bnt.bs)

April 18th - April 19th - Eleuthera and Harbour Island BUSINESS OUTLOOK - Join TCL Events as they discuss plans for the future of

of advice to the senior students, and to pray with them.

Commenting on the day, Mrs Bethel said, “I am pleased, and the students seem to be engaged. So, I am telling them that even if they already have a career in mind that they want to do - sometimes, when speaking with people, you may never have dreamed of speaking to, you may be introduced to another interest, see an opportunity to get into an apprenticeship program, or a to get a summer job. So, it doesn’t hurt to come out and ask questions.”

All students attending the

Eleuthera and Harbour Island and how the islands are branding our national identity. Day 1 - April 18th, 2024 - to be hosted at the Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce, Rock Sound, Eleuthera. Day 2 - April 19th, 2024 - to be hosted at the Valentines Resort and Marina, Harbour Island.

(Contact: TCL Events - (242) 3221000/7505, info@tclbahamas.com)

April 20TH, 2024 - National Park Day

April 27th - Softball Invitational (In Honour of Oritha Brizillia ‘Buck’ Kelly) - This event will be hosted by the Savannah Sound Development Association at the Longley Newberry Park in Savannah Sound. Interested teams are asked to contact Alicia Culmer at 242-553-6073. Participation fee is $100 per team. Deadline for registration is April 5th, 2024.

(Contact : Alicia Culmer - (242) 553-

Careers Fair were supplied with an interactive worksheet to help them be a little more engaged in the process. They were tasked with taking it around with them as they listened to and spoke with the different organization representatives. “At the end of the day, we will discuss the questions on the worksheet, and the information they gathered. We will also have further talks during the school term about careers. Just trying to expand their minds a bit,” said Mrs. Bethel.

6073)

May 4th, 2024 - 11th Annual Catch Jerry Chile Road RaceThis event is held in James Cistern Eleuthera annually. Funds raised are donated to the Health Association of Central Eleuthera (H.A.C.E).

(Contact : Mr. Miska Clarke - (242) 359-7995, jacedo@batelnet.bs)

May 15th - 20th, 2024 - Palmetto Point Homecoming - This event is held during the Whit Monday holiday and brings together locals from all over the island to enjoy dynamic Bahamian entertainment as well as delicious food, fun and games. The Palmetto Point Homecoming is known for its renowned floating bar.

(Contact: Ms. Laura Culmer - (242) 813-7484, culmerlaura66@gmail. com)

June 6th - 9th , 2024 Annual Deep Creek Conch Festival Deep Creek Locals and visitors get the opportunity to enjoy a variety of dishes prepared using conch. This is also an enjoyable time for the locals and visitors to come out and enjoy the festivities.

(Contact: Ms. Jessica Burrows, (242)556-1365, jessicaseymourburrows@hotmail.com)

June 7th - 8th, 2024 - 35th Annual Pineapple Festival - Gregory Town, Eleuthera is the birthplace of the sweetest pineapples in The Bahamas. Each year it is celebrated as an event to bring out the local farmers, artisans, and vendors to display their locally crafted pineapple dishes, drinks, and desserts.

(Contact: Mrs. Glenda Johnson-Ingraham, (242) 332-3868, gjjingraham@ bahamas.com)

On this page: Above - Students interact with local police officers. Below left - The team from the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) inform students about upcoming courses that will be available at their new Green Castle campus location on the island. Below - Bahamas Wellness representatives share insights about their careers.

Select police reportS, Shared by the rbpF locally

Police on the Island of Eleuthera continue to enforce our laws in an effort to curtail the use of dangerous drugs and offences related thereto and to reinforce the message of safe driving. During the month of March, Officers conducted Three (3) traffic checks which resulted in motorist being cited for approximately twenty eight (28) traffic offences. In addition, a number of special operations were conducted; as a result, Officers have taken into custody forty two (42) persons in separate incidents for various criminal offences.

Drug Arrests

• On Tuesday 26th March, 2024 sometime around 1:30p.m officers while on patrol in the Cupid’s Cay area, observed a young male acting in a suspicious manner. As a result, they stopped and informed the male that due to his suspicion he would be searched in reference to dangerous drugs and firearms. During the search, officers found in the male’s possession a pink baggy with a green grassy substance suspected to be marijuana and later found a flip knife. He was cautioned and arrested and later booked in at the Governors Harbour Police Station in reference to same. The suspect was processed and charged.

• On Tuesday, 19th March 2024 sometime around 5:00am, Officers acting on intelligence commenced a surveillance operation at the Rock Sound Government Dock. Sometime around 9:00am, officers observed a male approach a pallet. This male then had the pallet loaded on to his white 2004 Chevy Silverado pick-up truck. Officers stopped the vehicle and conducted a search which resulted in the discovery of large quantity of suspect marijuana. The 23yr old male was arrested and transported to the rock Sound Police Station along with the exhibit. He was subsequently processed and charged.

• On Monday 18th March, 2024 at about 11:45 pm officers came at Spanish Wells Police Station with a 27yr old male under arrest reference Possession of Dangerous Drugs. They reported arresting him while in the area of Spanish Wells Public dock on the vessel Day break. The suspect was processed and charged with Possession of Dangerous Drugs.

• On Thursday 14th March, 2024 at about 3:20pm officers while on a road check on Queen’s Highway in area of Burrows Pond Governor’s Harbour they observed a White colored Jeep travelling north along the aforementioned road with three (3) male occupants acting in a suspicious manner upon seeing the police. As a result the vehicle was stopped and all occupants searched reference to Dangerous and Firearm. While searching the 33yr old male driver, officers found a quantity of suspected marijuana in his front right pants pocket. As a result he was cautioned and arrested reference to being in possession of dangerous drugs. The suspect along with the exhibit was transported to the Governor’s Harbour Police Station for further investigations where he was processed and charged.

• On Friday 8th March 2024 sometime around 1:48 pm Officers came in at the Rock Sound Police Station with a 34yr old male and a 28yr old male both of Lighthouse Point, Bannerman Town along with a quantity of suspect dangerous drugs. They reported that the suspects were arrested and cautioned reference to Possession of Dangerous Drugs with Intent to Supply at 11:45 am while at Lighthouse Point, Bannerman Town. The suspects were processed and charged for that offence.

• Drug & Firearm Arrest On Wednesday, 6th March 2024 sometime around 11:18am, Officers came in at Rock Sound Police Station with four males ages 31yrs, 38yrs, 26yrs and 33yrs all of Green Castle and reported that they were arrested and cautioned reference to possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply at 9:30am after executing a search warrant on their premises and finding a white sack containing 30 foil wraps of suspected marijuana. While searching, officers also found ammunition along with a .223 Omni Hybrid Multi Caliber rifle with twelve .223 round in a magazine. All suspects were processed and charged with.

• On Saturday 2nd March, 2024 officers came in at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station with a 20yr old male under arrest. They reported having arrested and cautioned

the suspect sometime around 4:30pm while in the area of Governors Harbour after he was found in possession of Dangerous Drugs. The suspect was processed and charged.

• Stealing Report: On Saturday 30th, March, 2024 at 2:15pm, a 65yr old female came to Harbour Island Police Station and reported that sometime between the 29-3-24 and 9:30am on the 30-3-24 some unknown person/persons stole her planter which was in front of her yard. The value of the planter is $300.00. Police Action Requested, this matter is under active investigation.

• Stealing by Reason of Service: On Wednesday 27th March 2024 at about 2:50pm the 23yr old Complainant came to the Governors Harbour Police Station and reported that the earlier part of this month she wired transferred $2,200.00 dollars to a lady for the purchase of a 2010 Nissan Note to two different accounts online at C.I.B.C. bearing two separate names. To date she has not received this vehicle that was said to be shipped from Andros and since then she has not been able to reconnect with the female. Police action Requested. This matter is under active investigation.

• 10. House Breaking Report: On Monday 25th March 2024 sometime around 3:23 pm the 52yr old complainant reported that between the Hours of 9:00am and 3:00pm Friday 22ND March 2024 some unknown persons broke into his cottage located Cambridge street Hatchet bay and stole a number of his tools namely a Honda generator valued $2500 dollars,4 Milwaukee nail gun valued $350 each ,6 extra batteries valued $100 each , 1 charger valued $200, 1 red Compressor valued $800 2 set of Milwaukee drill sets valued $450 each Milwaukee reciprocating saw valued $260 4 hammers and two shingle nail guns valued $250 each he gave no one permission to move these items and can’t say who broke into the cottage he request police action in this matter. In the course of the investigation, Officers found all of the reported stolen items in nearby bushes. Investigations are ongoing.

• Stealing Report : On Thursday 21st March, 2024 at about 2:45pm Officers came in at the Governors Harbour Police Station with 74yr old female in custody they reported arresting her on the same date around 2:30pm while at a local food store for Stealing after she was found to have left the store with a number of items not having paid for them. The suspect was processed and charged with Stealing.

• Stealing (Livestock): On Saturday 16th March 2024 at about 5:00 p.m., a 59yr old male Road reported to Spanish Wells Police Station that sometime between the hours of 5:00 p.m. on 15/03/24 and 11:00 a.m. on 16/03/24, some unknown person/s entered Currie Sound Cay and stole his five (5) pigs, which he uses for his swimming pig business. He further stated that the value of each pig is about 2,000 dollars. Police action was requested. This matter is under active investigation.

The Eleuthera Division of the Royal Bahamas police Force continues to make its presence felt throughout the community as we seek to execute the Commissioner’s Policing Plan. These operations as well as community policing initiatives will continue throughout the Island as Officers seek to heighten police visibility, reduce the fear of crime, reduce the number of serious traffic accidents and discourage criminal behavior in our communities.

Np reportS oN iNcideNtS iN eleuthera

• **Shop Breaking - March 16th

On Saturday 16th March, 2024 at about 2:45pm an adult female contacted Governors Harbour Police Station and reported that there was a Break-In at the Omni Office located Queen’s Highway, Governors Harbour. She requested Police Action in this matter. Officers responded to the scene and confirmed the report. It appeared that entry was effected through a western window. $20.00 cash was stolen. This matter is under active investigation.

• ** POLICE INVESTIGATE BOATING ACCIDENT**

Police are actively investigating a boating accident that has resulted in the death of a 67-year-old male visitor from Montero, U.S.A. The incident reportedly occurred around 4:25 p.m. on Wednesday 20th March, 2024 in waters near Winding Bay, Eleuthera. Initial reports indicate the male was participating in a diving excursion along with family members when he was reportedly struck by a vessel in the immediate area. The male was severely injured to the upper body and was retrieved from the water, where Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was administered until the arrival of the doctor, who examined the victim and confirmed no signs of life. Investigations into this matter continues.

• **JUVENILE SUSPECT IN CUSTODY AFTER FATAL STABBING INCIDENT **

Police arrested a 15-year-old male on Thursday 21st March, 2024, after he fatally stabbed a male sibling in Upper Bogue-Eleuthera. Preliminary reports indicate that shortly after 8:00 p.m., the suspect and the 25-year-old victim, while driving, were involved in an altercation. It is reported that on arrival at their destination, the teen produced a sharp instrument and stabbed the victim in the upper body. The victim reportedly exited the vehicle and collapsed a short distance away. He was examined by the local doctor on scene, who confirmed no signs of life. The juvenile was taken into police custody while on scene, and the instrument believed to be utilized was seized. Investigations continue into this matter.

• **POLICE INVESTIGATE DEATHS ON CRUISE LINE**

Police on the island of Eleuthera are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding an incident that has left two (2) crew members of a cruise line dead. The incident reportedly occurred on Friday 22nd March, 2024 while the vessel was moored at Half Moon Cay, in the Eleuthera district. Preliminary reports indicate that sometime around 9:30 a.m., the captain was alerted via its automatic fire alarm system to a malfunction in the ship’s engine room. Subsequently, the vessel’s fire response team was activated, and on arrival to the engine room, they encountered sweltering condensation as a result of a steam leak, which was (reported to have been) immediately rectified. A check was made for the crew members; however, they were found unresponsive with severe burns. Both victims were examined by the District Medical Doctor and subsequently pronounced dead. Investigations continue.

• **ADULT MALE ARRESTED IN FIREARM SEIZURE**

A 38-year-old male is in police custody after he was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm, a quantity ammunition and suspected marijuana. The incident reportedly occurred around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday 30th March, 2024 at a local nightclub situated on Harbour Island. According to initial reports, officers from the Harbour Island Police Station acting on information proceeded to the business establishment, where they observed a male who, upon seeing them, fled; he was pursued, apprehended, and searched, and they found him to be in possession of the items that they subsequently confiscated. Investigations continue into this matter.

Resilience Amidst Devastation: Coral Bleaching Event Leaves Some Hopeful Survivors

Written by: Silia Woodside

& Natalia Hurtado, MSc.1,2

Coral reefs are teeming with marine life. In fact, they provide a home to more than one-quarter of all marine species. So what happens when these habitats are threatened?

The summer of 2023 saw recordbreaking temperatures that created sweltering conditions, both on land and in the water. As temperatures soared, so did the ocean’s temperature, which subjected its inhabitants to hot tub-like conditions and caused major distress to coral reefs.

Corals, which are actually animals themselves, play a pivotal role in reef construction by secreting calcium carbonate skeletons. When these tiny animals become distressed (in such instances as unusual temperatures), they expel their zooxanthellae, the algae that lives with them and provides the majority of their nutritional needs and gives them their vibrant color. This creates a phenomenon called “coral bleaching,” as the corals begin to lose their color and turn white as if they’d been bleached.

If conditions do not improve, the corals cannot regain their zooxanthellae and, in turn, they lose their main source of energy and die.

Last summer’s intense heatwave triggered a widespread bleaching event, transforming the once-vibrant Bahamian coral reefs—and those across the Caribbean—into stark white land-

scapes as countless corals bleached seemingly overnight.

And, for some, the water is just right!

Unfortunately, coral reefs in South Eleuthera were not spared, and many species of corals on the reef have bleached bright white. But there is hope.

Despite the mass bleaching event, some of South Eleuthera’s corals remain unfazed, and there are others that were only partially bleached, appearing less vibrant, but not fully white. These corals were able to endure the high temperatures and continue to thrive, showing

little to no signs of stress.

Like humans, individuals of the same species of coral—despite belonging to the same group— have slightly different genetic makeups. These genetic differences explain why some people have shellfish allergies while others don’t. As it relates to corals, these genetic differences allow for some corals to withstand the heat better than others, making them more resistant simply because they were born that way.

But why was it so hot?

Global warming is characterized by the gradual increase in Earth’s average temperature. This is primarily due to the rising levels of greenhouse gasses like CO2 in our atmosphere produced by human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation. The accumulation of these gasses in the atmosphere causes a greenhouse effect. While this effect is vital for maintaining the Earth’s warmth, the excessive release of greenhouse gasses has intensified this natural process, resulting in an ongoing elevation of global temperatures—a condition we know as global warming.

Hope for the Future

As the summer drew to a close and cooler temperatures rolled in, the oncewarm waters cooled down. But, as with all natural disasters, a trail of destruction was left behind. To gauge the impact of the summer’s heatwave, researchers from The Bahamas Coral Innovation Hub based at The Cape Eleuthera Institute have been visiting various reefs in South Eleuthera.

A reef at the Schooner Cays, located offshore of Cape Eleuthera, has an abundance of staghorn coral—a vital yet critically endangered species that forms complex structures on the reef providing habitat for diverse marine life. Devastatingly, a mass die-off in the 1980s decimated up to 90% of this coral’s populations, making thriving reefs such as this a rare sight. The team’s recent visit to the Schooner Cays revealed a somber scene—a field of dead coral that had succumbed to the bleaching event overwhelmed by algae; their whiteness replaced by a green fuzz. Yet, amidst the loss, some corals were still alive and thriving, showing remarkable thermal resilience and offering a beacon of hope for the future of coral reefs.

The researchers observed various fish species still frequenting the reef, utilizing the staghorn coral’s skeleton as shelter, proving that even in the aftermath of global warming’s devastation, life finds a way.

The Battle may be won, but the war is not over

Another summer is drawing near and we must brace ourselves for the onslaught of even hotter temperatures to come. The ongoing rise in human activities is expected to escalate the emission of greenhouse gasses, further intensifying the Earth’s temperatures due to the effects of climate change. Reducing our carbon footprint is crucial in mitigating the effects of climate change, as it directly decreases the amount of greenhouse gasses re-

leased into the atmosphere. By adopting lifestyle changes such as using sustainable means of transportation, like biking and walking and limiting the amount of waste we produce, we can significantly lower CO2 emissions. These actions can help slow the rise in global temperatures and reduce the frequency of extreme weather events, like storms and hurricanes. Ultimately, each step towards a smaller carbon footprint contributes to a healthier planet and a more sustainable future for all above and below sea.

Various fish swimming among the coral skeletons utilizing the reef for habitat

A reef in South Eleuthera during the bleaching event, showing some corals bleached while some resilient corals retain traces of their color

1

(1 Cape Eleuthera Institute, 2 Perry Institute for Marine Science)

Rock Sound Primary School

Rock Sound Primary School focused on all things Bahamian during the 2024 Eleuthera Junior Junkanoo parade, bringing to life the flora, fruits, straw craft and other aspects of Bahamian culture.

Town Primary School

Gregory Town Primary School, although small, brought fabulous colour and energy to their depiction of ‘All The Flowers’ at the 2024 Eleuthera Junior Junkanoo parade!

GTPS

Emma E. Cooper Primary School Junkanoo (lOOk Back)

Emma E. Cooper Primary School’s execution of their theme ‘Majestic Africa’ was truly royal, with costumes crafted to depict the rich cultures of the past, during the 2024 Eleuthera Junior Junkanoo parade!

Gregory Town Home Fire

pushed back by flames and smoke], and then he [Philip Jr.] went around to the southeast side - where there is a faucet and a pump there, and he tried to push it through the window. That had no effect.”

Trying to make sense of how quickly his home was taken, Mr. Thompson Sr. shared, “What happened with the metal roof, the fire couldn’t get out through the roof, so then it just stayed down low and it burned very hot. We lost everything... I’ve got fifty years in there... and I got fifty years of memories gone down the drain.”

According to town council chairman, Mrs. Dina Johnson, nearly 24 hours later, just before 2pm on Sunday, April 7th, fire volunteers from Gregory Town were still on the scene with the township’s, selfmade set of water trailers, trying to finish the putting out of the fire, which was still burning in very hot spots. “There was still a blaze at around 1am this [Sunday] morning, and then it had another blaze. Then on the opposite side had a blaze. I just came from up there again,” she informed, after leaving the scene later on Sunday afternoon. Mrs. Johnson added that both the Social Services department and the administrator for Central Eleuthera had been informed of the Thompson family’s plight.

Philip Jr.’s daughter, who visits the home on weekends, was said by her

Pictured: Charred remains of the Thompson family home, in Gregory Town, Central Eleuthera, as a local fire volunteer with a water trailer looks on.

grandfather to have just a short time before the incident been taken from the area, “She was here, but her mother just moved her about fifteen/twenty minutes before that. That was a God blessed thing.”

Now living temporarily with family, Mr. Thompson Sr. shared, “We are going to try to rebuild as soon as we can. We are going to dig around outside and go up with fully blocks. It was half block and half wood before. So, this time it will be concrete straight through.”

Part of Gregory Town’s legendary heritage of pineapple

farming, Mr. Thompson Sr., has been a farmer for more than half a century. “Over fifty years, I’ve been planting pineapple,” he said, having just returned from his farm, after hosting students there from The Island Schoolwho, according to him, wanted to learn more about it. People who are interested in reaching out and assisting the Thompson family, can reach Mr. Thompson Sr. at 1 (242) 8080088 or Mr. Thompson Jr. at 1 (242) 422-9299. “We will try and thank anybody for any little they can help us with,” said Mr. Thompson Sr.

The Kai-La’s Kindness Project: “Croc Pins for the Cause”

Eight-year old Kai-La Imlach’s Kindness Project ‘Croc Pins for the Cause’ was said by her Mom, Ceila Imlach, to be born out of her determination and eagerness to assist the Cancer Society, Eleuthera. Telling Kai-La’s story, Ceila shared, “On her way home from church with us, on a Sunday afternoon in October 2023, Kai-La asked me about ‘Wear Pink Fridays’. She wanted to know more about her school’s request for students to wear pink every Friday in that month. I informed her about the Cancer Society, an organization that seeks to assist people affected with cancer. I told Kai-La that the proceeds from the school’s ‘Pink Friday Dress Up’ would be donated to this great organization.” Ceila described Kai-La’s response, “Oh, I need to help them too!” And it was then, she said, that the idea of selling croc pins came about.

Kai-La, said Ceila, was sure that she would get the pins sold, as many people wear crocs, including children like her. “She knows that kids love their crocs to ‘pop with pins’. To top it off, since pink was the color for Fridays, Kai-La chose to sell pink croc pins.”

Kai-La, said her Mom, took this initiative seriously. “When her order of pins arrived, she wanted to make as much money as possible for the Cancer Society. She refused to take one pin for herself. She even rehearsed what she would say to people, to encourage them to purchase the pins. She was heard at home reciting her lines for the customers she anticipated. Kai-La excitedly sold pins to her classmates and other students at Laura L. Anderson Primary School, her gymnastics team-mates, her church’s dance team members, and her community. Kai-La even sold pins to her brother, Kai. She meant business!”

Ceila continued, “This exercise has made it evident that Kai-La is not only kind and caring, but very responsible. She would come home from school every day and count what she made for that day. One evening she found a metal, liddedcontainer, that she used to keep her proceeds, until she presented it to the Cancer Society. All that she made from the pins, went into this ‘special’ container. Following the sales, Kai-La took time to design a special envelope with pink glittered hearts that she would put the money in for presentation to the Society. On Saturday March 9th, at the Hope

Ball in Palmetto Point, Kai-La presented the envelope of hope, love and kindness to Cancer Society Eleuthera’s President, Susan Culmer. Kai-La was happy!” Kai-La, said her Mom, thanks all who supported her effort to raise funds, and she looks forward to continued assistance to the Cancer Society Eleuthera.

Above: Mr. Philip Thompson Sr.

Above: Kai-La (center) presents her collected funds to Cancer Society president Susan Culmer (left), and treasurer Cindy Pinder (right).

Above: Kai-La Imlach

All That Jazz

her captivating melody and spirit. Performing artists included Bahamian vocalists Mya Curry and Osano Neely, with a cameo appearance by Eleutheran songstress Brendalee Petty, as well as musicians; Tino Richardson on saxophone; Adrian D’Aguilar - bass; and Giveton Gelin on trumpet; with Giveson Gelin on drums. International artists, included; Steve Koven, piano and vocals; Mathis Picard, piano; guest reggae artist Mishka, vocalist-guitarist; Indio Hardwick, guitar-percussion; Ryan Wilson, vocals-bass; and Johnny Schutten, piano, and musical director.

This year’s Eleuthera... All That Jazz partnered with the ‘Bahamas Jazz Project’, a non-

profit organization lead by Adrian D’Aguilar and Giveton Gelin. The Bahamas Jazz Project - explained All That Jazz founder, Patricia Oakes Leigh-Wood - aims to identify, inspire, encourage and educate particularly talented young Bahamian musicians.

Having worked with Adrian D’Aguilar, a fixture of Bahamian jazz, over many years, Patricia highlighted the story between he and his protege Giveton, and the power of mentorship, saying, “This year’s Jazz Fest is in aid of The Bahamas Jazz Project, which is the baby of Adrian D’Aguilar and Giveton Gelin. Adrian has been involved with jazz in The Bahamas for years and years. He trained in the U.S. originally, and he mentored Giveton from about the age of twelve straight through. He then took him to New York - got him an interview, and an audition at Juilliard. Then introduced

him to Wynton Marsalis, who rang up Juilliard, and said ‘you take this kid’ - this is the best guy you have auditioned for a long time.”

She continued, “So he got a full scholarship, and he raised money every summer to be able to continue his studies. He graduated two or three years ago. He now wants to give back in any way he can to other young kids, who maybe don’t have a focus, love music, don’t know how to move forward with it, and have nobody to mentor them and train them.”

For more information, E-mail eleutheraallthatjazz@ gmail.com, or visit their Website: www.eleutheraallthatjazz.com.

Above: Vocalist Myra Maud at the Fish Fry.

Pictured: Crowd at the Friday Fish Fry, fully enjoying Myra Maud, headliner.

Above: Exciting energy in the crowds during Jazz at Anchor Bay.

Pictured: Bahamian musician, Tino Richardson (front right) performing a solo on the saxophone.

Pictured: Vocalist, Osano Neely, performing during the Jazz finale at Potlatch.

Pictured: Poolside at Potlatch, as Giveton Gelin, Tino Richardson and Giveson Gelin serve up smooth jazz, on drums, saxophone and trumpet.