The Eleutheran Newspaper August/September Issue 2019

Volume 12, Issue 08 /12, 2019 web: WWW.ELEUTHERANEWS.COM

(1-242) 422 9350 2019 Performing Arts Day Camp

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Back Spared Dorian’s Power Schools in Eleuthera To resume a week late l o o Changes: New District SuperintenSch

dent, Re-amalgamated district, New Principals in some schools, and classmates from devastated islands to our north.

An Eleutheran Profile: 14

Monday, September 9th, 2019, one full week after the original opening date for public schools to begin the 2019/2020 school year, children in the unaffected islands across the Bahamas returned to the classrooms.

The passage of catastrophic Hurricane Dorian through the northwest Bahamas at the beginning of September, left within its destructive wake, unimaginable devastation with still unconfirmed final numbers of lives lost, up to print time, the loss characterized as ‘staggering’ by government leaders, in the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama, which were both directly impacted by the historic category five

Continued On Page 6 ADVICE:

15 (Treat Me Like A Lady) ; 13 (One On One With Ginger) |

Opinion:

GIBSON REPLACEs DARLING As new OIC Immigration Mr. Montello Gibson, Senior Immigration Officer, and new Officer In Charge (OIC) of Immigration for the island of Eleuthera took up his

new post on island on June 17th, 2019.

A native of Eleuthera, Mr. Gibson was born in Rock Sound with his family from Savan-

nah Sound, however, he shared in a brief interview on September 9th, 2019, that this posting

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Shocking Killing; No Major Developments

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Bahamian Artists at SPACES

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Multiple Morning Fires being Investigated

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Eleuthera SPARED; Volunteers Mobilize

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Eleuthera Man Still Missing

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Preacher’s Cave Gets A Facelift

Continued On Page 4 For the Record: Hurricane Dorian -

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Spanish Wells, Harbour Island,

Eleuthera

BACK COVER: Damianos Sotheby’s International PAGE 3: Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty PAGE 5: HG Christie

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oic ‘immigration’ Continued from Page. 1 was his first time serving on the isle of his birth. “I’m home,” he smiled.

Mr. Gibson, whose last posting was in Grand Bahama and having served with the Department of Immigration during the past 29 years, commented that Eleuthera had real challenges with illegal immigration.

The public should be reminded that there is a process for employing non-Bahamians or permanent residents without the right to work, he pointed out. Mr. Gibson encouraged people to come in and talk with Immigration to get information on the procedures to do so. As the Agency which grants permissions to work and reside in the country, Mr. Gibson said that members of the public should feel free to stop into their offices at any time.

He emphasized that the laws are being enforced by the Department of Immigration, and that people found working outside the scope

New Officer In Charge (OIC) of Immigration for the Eleuthera District, Montello Gibson.

of their permits (like a person who received a permit as a ‘farm labourer’ now doing construction), could receive significant fines for that, and people found to be here illegally Continued On Page 29

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Back To School Continued from Page. 1 storm (Strongest Hurricane on record to hit The Bahamas at 185mph maximum sustained winds) .

With the educational infrastructure drastically impacted on both islands, which together held a combined population of about 70,000 people, the need for unaffected islands to absorb displaced students as the school year started, was evident.

On Monday morning, during the first assembly of students at the Central Eleuthera High School (CEHS), Principal Galanis in her address to the student body, implored them to be supportive, thoughtful, caring and empathetic toward the new displaced students, who would begin to arrive at the school during the first week, and possibly for weeks to come, said Mrs. Galanis.

The different grade levels were encouraged to each come up with their plan for how they were going to meaningfully contribute to the new students needs, with an example given of one class, which had already presented its idea to create teenage essentials care packages.

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New District Superintendent of Education for Eleuthera, Mr. Michael Culmer, was also present at the Monday morning assembly at CEHS. During his brief talk with the students he challenged them to have a purpose for coming to school everyday, emphasizing that there was no room for students who were not putting in the effort and trying. “You are not only going to maintain excellence. You are going to be excellence and beyond.

You are going to be the best students that this school has seen, because you are going to make those choices that will make you great. Big dreams and purpose are your key words this year.” He also addressed the sizeable number of parents who had joined the staff and students at the assembly event, asking them to be committed to their children and their educational journey.

“This year I want my children to stay focused,” shared an engaged and interested parent present, Mrs. Tammy Weinburger, at the assembly on Monday. “Wadainya, my daughter is in the 12th grade - so, she needs to start strong and she needs to finish strong. Also, my son Wayne is now a senior in grade 10, so, he needs to be more responsible and to begin to take the lead, because he will be left here on his own as his sister leaves.

Aug/Sept, 2019

Pictured: CEHS Principal Marie Galanis encouraged students on the first day to warmly welcome students displaced by the storm.

He is a bit more relaxed, so, I would like to see him accomplish even more, and finish his final three

years strong as well. Those are the main goals this year.”

Pictured: DSE Michael Culmer encouraged parents present to be committed to their children and their educational journey.

Coldwell Banker New Realtor Joins Eleuthera Team Coldwell Banker Lightbourne Realty recently announced a new realtor joining their team in Eleuthera, saying: “We are thrilled to announce that Shannon Knowles has joined our Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty team in Eleuthera.

Shannon has worked as a licensed realtor for 15 years in The Bahamas and Boston, Massachusetts. She was raised in Nassau and is familiar with most of the islands of The Bahamas. We look forward to tremendous success with Shannon.”

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“We were in waters up to our necks” An Eleutheran in Abaco - His harrowing hurricane survival story With the first evacuee boats arriving in North Eleuthera on Friday, September 6th, 2019, hundreds of Hurricane Dorian victims have either transited through the island on their way to New Providence, or have been taken in by family and friends in Eleuthera after being evacuated from the townships hardest hit by what was the strongest hurricane to have ever impacted land in the Atlantic basin.

Andre Gierzewski, a native of Governor’s Harbour, who had been living in Murphy Town, Abaco, for the past 22 years with his wife, two sons, one daughter, and a one-yearold grandchild, recounted a harrowing story of survival, encountered by him and his family as Hurricane Dorian pounded the now devastated island with 185 mph winds and gusts of more than 200 mph, as well as deadly sea surge.

“We were in water up to our

necks, in our house. All the windows were already battened down. My son tried to create an exit by removing an aircondition unit, but was unsuccessful. The water was so high, so, my daughter and everyone were panicking. Finally, we took a hatchet, and chopped out the glass window from the door, and everybody got out. We all went onto the roof, and after the winds and waters died down a bit, during the eye of the storm, we went over to my brother-in-law’s house.

“But all of his roof started to drop in, so, we all ran to the next house, and another house, and we kept running. Then my brother-in-law and I, we had to put our wives and children in a vehicle, then together we stood outside for about 10 hours in the full force of the storm, as there was no space for us to get into the car.

The car was just rocking, and where my body was getting so wet, I was Article Continued Page 21

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leads but no major developments

for police in Shocking Killing by gunshot in James Cistern

BY The eleutheran news team

In the first-ever incident of its kind on Eleuthera, confirmed Chief Superintendent of Police, Stephen Adderley, a man was shot dead in James’ Cistern, Central Eleuthera on Saturday evening, August 24th, 2019.

Hibiscus Street, James’ Cistern was the scene of the shocking killing, said police reports, which described a man who was sitting on the front wall of his residence, conversing with friends, when they were approached by a masked man brandishing a firearm, shortly after 9pm.

In a scene played out in Capital, New Providence, too often but not here, the masked man was said to have discharged several shots in the direction of the people sitting on the

Shooting victim Dwayne Rolle Jr.

wall, before running away. One of the men was reported to have been struck multiple times about the body. The gunshot victim was reported by police to have succumbed to his injuries on the scene.

The young man, who was shot and killed was identified as Dwayne Rolle Jr. who had been in his late twenties.

“It has left the community in a state of shock,” said one community member, about the deadly shooting, adding, “Since the incident, people are afraid to come out at nights. James’ Cistern has always been a quiet community and for this type of crime to have taken place is very surprising.”

At print time, Police said that investigations are ongoing, with the assistance of officers from the Central Detective Unit (CDU) in New Providence who visited the island shortly after the violent shooting. ( See Eleutheranews.com for post print updates)

The family of Dwayne Jr. are still reeling from the shock of what happened.

Mrs. Aretha Rolle, Dwayne’s mother, shared in disbelief, nearly two weeks after her son’s life was taken away, “It’s very difficult. We are shocked also, wondering if this is reality. I’ve felt depressed, but I’m getting stronger as I see and talk with people.”

She described Dwayne, saying, “He was a giving person blunt and straight up, also helpful, and he reached out to people. He was this person who didn’t have many words, but he was a good person, and a no-nonsense person.” Dwayne, said Mrs. Rolle, was a fishermen by profession.

He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Aretha Rolle, his father, Article Continued Page 11

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For more information: Call 829-4541.

shocking Continued from Page. 10

Dwayne Rolle Sr., and his three sisters - Marcia Williams, Chevette Cooper, and Dwaynae Rolle.

Up to print time, Dwayne Jr. had yet to be laid to rest, as his body was still being held by authorities, after being sent for autopsy. The family was tentatively planning a funeral service for September 28th with some level

‘crime’ of uncertainty about the authorities releasing the body back to the family in time for that date.

Authorities are appealing to members of the public who may have any information that can assist with the investigation to contact the CDU at 1-242502-9991/2, Crime Stoppers at 1-242-328-TIPS (8477) or their local police station.

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co mmenta ry

Contempt of Haitians is shameful the region. Many alarmist remarks were made and reported in the media; among them that the Haitians would spread HIV/Aids and the practice of voodoo.

Those who so glibly claimed that the Haitian would spread HIV/Aids obviously failed to recognise that the disease is not non-communicable. HIV is spread primarily by unprotected sex (including anal and oral sex), contaminated blood transfusions, hypodermic needles, and from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding. HIV is not spread by air or water, mosquitoes, ticks or other insects, saliva, tears, or sweat that is not mixed with the blood of a person with HIV, shaking hands, sharBy Sir Ronald Sanders ing toilets, sharing dishes, silverware, or (The writer is Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda drinking glasses. Therefore, to contract to the United States and the Organisation of Ameri- HIV, there must be sexual relations with can States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Instian infected person. tute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of The scaremongers, who make the London and at Massey College in the University of claim about Haitians spreading HIV/ Toronto. The views expressed are entirely his own) Aids, are either ignorant of how the disease is spread, or simply regarded The response to Haitians arriving in facts as an obstacle to their objectives.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Regarding the practice of voodoo, countries has been lamentable at best despite denigrating it, the purveyors and contemptible at worst. They have appear to accord it greater powers than been treated, for the most part, as their own religions and practices. Yet pariahs particularly by the ignorant and there is no evidence, except in books of bigoted. fiction and fanciful stories, that supports Recently, in Guyana, the arrival of the capability of voodoo.

Again, those Haitians has been greeted with a hyswho repeat these avowals are either teria that was evident in other parts of

ignorant of the facts or conveniently discard them in pursuit of their own purposes.

Beyond the science of these matters, the scaremongering about Haitians assumes that those who arrive in Caribbean countries fit into the narrative of disease-infected, devil-worshippers. The reality is that they are no more than persons who are fleeing very difficult economic circumstances in Haiti in search of opportunities.

Caribbean people from all countries should understand that motivation. At times of economic decline in their own countries, nationals of every Caribbean country, without exception, have sought economic refuge in the United States, Canada, Europe and even nearby Latin American and Caribbean countries. Guyanese particularly should empathise with prejudices against them because they suffered them for years in the Caribbean. For close to five decades, until recently when Guyana’s wealth in oil and gas was unearthed, Guyanese were treated as unwelcome scoundrels with the worse possible labels ascribed to them, regardless of gender or race.

In any event, the only member state of CARICOM that should have a serious and legitimate concern about Haitian refugees is The Bahamas which has been the recipient of boatloads of Haitians, trying to escape conditions in their own country. Incidentally, this observation about The Bahamas in relation to Haitians should not obscure the fact that, while today it has to manage the Haitian refugee situation very carefully because it places a severe strain on its financial capacity and its economy, it has absorbed Haitians over many years -some of whom founded families that are now leading Bahamians.

Further, although it is a member of the Caribbean Community, the Bahamas, like Montserrat, was granted the right to opt out of certain of the requirements of the CARICOM Treaty, including freedom of movement of people.

In this sense, the Bahamas is not a full member of CARICOM and has no treaty obligation to allow freedom of entry of CARICOM nationals in any category Therefore, CARICOM countries, other than The Bahamas and Montserrat but including Guyana, are legally bound to grant CARI-

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open holidays

COM nationals the right to remain for a period of six months provided they are not a security risk and they can demonstrate the ability not to become a charge upon the State during their stay. In principle, this right applies to Haitian nationals as well.

However, it should be noted that the governments of two CARICOM countries, Antigua and Barbuda and St Kitts-Nevis were allowed to reserve their positions because, over the last four decades, they have been the recipients of a disproportionately large number of CARICOM nationals and would be hard-pressed to accept any more who attempt to stay in the country illegally.

But to be clear, the right given to CARICOM nationals, including Haitians, to enter and remain for six months in another CARICOM country is not an unfettered right as explained earlier. It is also not a right to remain in the country illegally. Therefore, Haitians, like all other CARICOM nationals, who stay beyond the six-month period are liable for deportation.

Regrettably, unscrupulous persons in Haiti and elsewhere have deliberately twisted the rights accorded by the CARICOM Treaty, as adjudicated Article Continued Page 41

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one On One with GINGER DOUGLAS Ginger Douglas is a mortgage specialist with Royal Bank of Canada.

Ginger: Before looking for a home definitely get prequalified by a mortgage specialist. RBC has an online, industryleading mortgage prequalification tool where clients can enter a few details such as planned purchase price, down-payment, income and debt to get a sense of how much they can afford in as little as 60 seconds.

Mike: Ginger, what advice would you give to someone who wants to get approved for a mortgage?

Also, after using the tool an RBC mortgage specialist will call you within 24 hours. You don’t want to start looking for a home before knowing what price range you are pre-approved for.

Ginger: We generally require persons to

Mike: What documents would you require

be fully employed for at least two years.

They must have the required down-payment in savings or property equity. Our required down payment is usually between five to 10 percent. It is a benefit to have good credit history and for your assets to outweigh your debts (positive net worth).

Additionally, I would advise anyone not to take out large unsecured loans with high interest rates. Borrow responsibly and invest in property. If you are self-employed always deposit your earnings to your business account and also pay yourself a salary to your personal bank account.

Mike: What steps should a person take in buying a home?

for prequalification?

Ginger: Two valid forms of identification, a current letter confirming your employment, your most recent pay slips and financial statements. If you are self-employed we require these statements for the last three years. You need to show proof of down payment for property, confirmation of any external debts via print out of the loan balance or a credit reference letter.

Mike: What mortgage promotions does RBC have at the moment?

Ginger: RBC is committed to making it easier and more convenient to do busi-

ness. We are excited to announce enhancements to our residential mortgage offerings that can help clients open the doors to their new home sooner.

RBC is now offering residential mortgages, with a 10% down payment and a term of up to 25 years for persons who are working in the Bahamas on a work permit. We are also accepting a five percent down payment for residential mortgages in certain geographical locations.

Our interest rates are the most competitive rates on the market.

By Mike Lightbourn Mike: How can borrowers save on the cost of a mortgage?

Ginger: Borrowers can save by making a larger down payment or making one extra payment a year.

Questions or comments?

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

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An Eleutheran Profile:

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Mr. Ednol Cash (81 yrs.)

BY Godfrey Albert Kelly

Reggie Pinder who Everald Young, in her book, ‘Eleuthera Isle of Freedom’, called the uncrowned King of Spanish Wells. The others farmers Ednol worked with were Garvin Pinder, and Earl Pinder. These farms produced fruits and vegetables as well as some pineapples. Some of the farming was done at a place called ‘Dixie’ on Eleuthera, and some at ‘Muddy Hole’. He stayed with these farmers for the first fifteen (15) years of his work life.

After working for others in farming, on the cusp of his thirties, he went into farming for himself, and had a measure of success in selling the fruits of his labour. He then went on to work for ‘Sea Raiders’ Cottages in the settlement of The Current. Errol Symonette, one of his former teachers, was the manager there at the time, and the operation was owned by a Mr. Lawrence Fowler out of Minnesota. Ednol was caretaker as well as handyman at the property, which had nine apartments.

His next venture would take him to the United States in 1956, when he joined the ‘Contract’, signing up at the Labour Office in Oakesfield, New Providence. The ‘Contract’ or ‘Project’ was the labour project whereby workers from the Bahamas were recruited to work on American farms, beginning during World War II. This program carried on into the late 1950’s. Mr. Cash worked in a number of locations there, including Orlando, Leesburg, Fort Pierce, and Zelwood, Florida. He lived in camps provided for the workers, who were mostly Bahamian.

File photo (2009) An Eleutheran Profile: Mr. Ednol Cash

Standing tall amongst his colleagues in the taxi industry and his peers in ministry, 81-year-old, Mr Ednol Cash of North Eleuthera, with his regal, yet humble and warm bearing, was born on February 22nd, 1938 in Lower Bogue, North Eleuthera to Leid Cash and Earline Cash (nee Albury).

Early Days:

His education took place at the All Age school in his home town. He remembers several of his standout teachers as being; Charlie Dorsett of The Bluff; Errol Symonette of The Current; and Sugman Moss of Upper Bogue. Some of the core

subjects he recalled studying were, English, Mathematics, Geography and History. One of the highlights of school life during that time for young Ednol, was the 24th of May, Queen Victoria’s Birthday, also known as Empire Day. On this occasion, the students would receive various treats, and there also were games, with it being a generally festive day.

Career and Family:

At the age of 14, Ednol had to exit school, as was the requirement at the time. It was at this age that he went to work in Spanish Wells on various farms. One of the farmers he worked for was

The work week while he was on the ‘Contract’ was mostly Monday through Friday, and he and other workers would go into the nearby towns when they were off duty. Interestingly, he said he didn’t encounter any racial discrimination during his time there. Describing how they were paid, Mr. Cash shared that 25% of workers’ salaries was withheld each payday. Of that amount 23% was sent home to workers’ families, and 2% went to a ‘licensed agent’.

When Mr. Cash returned home to Eleuthera two years later, he went to work at the Current Club, putting up electricity poles. He recalled that Dan Lewis was the first owner, and the manager then was a J.B. Bartlett. This stint putting up poles, lasted only two months. So, following this, he went back into farming for himself in an area of North Eleuthera called ‘Bamboo

Point’. Ednol then entered what was to be his final career move, when he purchased a Pontiac, and took on his new taxi business.

Tourism was, at that time, was just beginning to take off. There was an increasing number of people arriving at the North Eleuthera Airport who needed to get to their final destinations in North Eleuthera, and Three Island Dock – the launching point for travel to Harbour Island’s budding resorts.

The Airport terminal, he said, is located in the very same spot today, but the original building has had extensions added on to it over time. Ednol joined a group of people who became legendary in the taxi trade in North Eleuthera, he described, calling out, J. Brindley Barry, James Eldon (also known as – ‘Doobie’), and Joe B. Pinder of Spanish Wells.

Church Life:

Ednol grew up in the Charles Wesley Methodist Church of Lower Bogue, working in service with people like Cyril Blatch, Wellington Albury, Perkiss Bain, Brindley Johnson, Preston Neilly, and Mulgrave Cash, he said.

He also recalled some of the Methodist Ministers during his time in the church, including; Harrold Ward, John Perkins, William Makepeace, James Day, and John Bilverstone. He especially remembered Reverend Perkins, who presided over his marriage to his wife, Emerald Neilly.

(As a point of interest, the Reverend William Makepeace referenced also served as Chairman of the Bahamas District – all Methodist Churches in the Bahamas – during the time that Queen’s College was integrated.)

Mr. Cash served as a Sunday School teacher, local preacher and pastor at Charles Wesley Methodist in Lower Bogue, as well as having a stint as treasurer, and his various duties took him to all the Methodist churches within the North Eleuthera Circuit.

Family Life:

Ednol and his wife Emerald were blessed with five children, including; Pauline Cash (deceased), Elaine Cash Ferguson (wife of the present Commissioner of Police) who spent 25 years as a reporter and announcer for ZNS radio and television, Pamela Cash Culmer and Ednol Cash Jr. (both living in Nassau), and Shanel Cash (who works with Valentines in Harbour Island).

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RELATIONSHIPS: Treat Me Like A Lady

By Teri M. Bethel

The Collins Dictionary says that when you suggest a woman is a lady, you mean that she behaves in a polite, dignified, and graceful way.

You see, being a lady is much more than having a series of female body parts. Like beauty, it goes deeper than the surface of your skin. It’s a part of you that unapologetically embraces your value and invites others to do the same.

Being treated like a lady is not a headlock kind of thing where you make demands of every male you encounter to treat you like a princess. It is more about conducting yourself in a manner where you are celebrated and not tolerated; respectfully embraced and not effaced. In other words, being treated like a lady is something you command by enlightened behavior, not demand with aggression.

Is Chivalry Dead? In an age where chivalry seems to be dying, many

women still want to be treated like a lady. But do we conduct ourselves as ladies, or is it just something we feel we are entitled to as females? Women, in general, want to be admired, respected, cherished, and cared for. Of course, some believe that chivalry died with the knights of the round table, but that’s not so. For a female to be a lady is a matter of choice; a decision. For someone to treat her as one, is also a decision, generally based on how a woman carries herself and how a man is brought up.

The fact is, even tough women want to be treated with dignity. Their mouths may be hard and their countenance severe, but when consistently treated like the precious jewel that they are, you will undoubtedly see that icy surface melt. Some women say that they don’t need a man to open the door for them as though that is the full extent of being a lady.

So What Does Being A Lady Look Like? Here are a few characteristics. A lady is a woman of substance, she: • Treats herself with respect • Avoids vulgar communication • Sees herself as a person of value

• Is not promiscuous • Knows her true identity • Is tough-minded yet, tenderhearted • Is polite and has poise • Gives proper attention to her hygiene and grooming • Dresses with dignity • Surrounds herself with people who celebrate her • Is particular about the environments she visits • Builds people and communities Shine From The Inside Out Before anyone can treat you like a lady, you must first become a lady.

If something is not valued, it is usually not given much attention; without attention, there is decay. You are valued and of great value. Start by seeing yourself through the eyes of the Creator. Ask him to show you how and begin to give yourself the attention you need to refine yourself.

While you may have an aha moment overnight, becoming a lady is a lifestyle that will require you to renew your thinking. Like tossing old thoughts and habits to replace them with acceptable behavior that will help to propel you in the right area. Queen Esther went through a time of purification before she could spend time with the King. It was a time of training that went beyond beauty treatments. It wasn’t a one-shot deal to impress the King, it was a regimen that was meant to equip her for a lifestyle of living as a regal lady.

Small Steps To Take You may not have the budget afforded Queen Esther, but you can begin your journey to becoming a lady with small steps. Start by being polite; being gracious is an attribute that society is in great need of. Do you walk like the incredible hulk with a scowl on your face? Consider walking with your legs closer together, using smaller steps and

a pleasant smile. Walk with purpose, shoulders back and chin up; it shows confidence and strength.

Be gracious—even when you don’t feel like it. Loud, raucous conversations in public with a beer bottle in hand, and your northern extremities pouring from your blouse paints a negative image of you. Control what you say and how you say it—speak clearly so you could be understood. Real ladies use clean language to express themselves and not bar-room broth.

Changing Your Mindset Will Change Your Behavior Read empowering books to improve your communication and behavior. A good etiquette book can teach you good manners, show you how to eat and which utensils to use when dining as well as why you shouldn’t talk with food in your mouth. By reading, you can learn what polite conversation looks like; how to sit and other considerations relating to a lady’s deportment.

Your not being groomed as a lady during childhood is no reason to remain in that state. Presenting yourself as a lady does more than impact the way you regard yourself. In addition to feeling better about yourself, however, you are more inclined to receive the respect you deserve. Now if the people in your circle don’t treat ladies with respect, then maybe it’s time to step out of your circle and into a better one.

About the Author: Teri M. Bethel is an artist, handbag designer, and publisher.

She is also the author of relationship enrichment books which include: Before We Say, I Do… and My Marriage Matters. Teri has also published romance and adventure novels, purse making and fabric painting DVDs which seek to entertain, empower, and promote healthy lifestyles for adults and children. Additionally, Teri provides a free online directory for local authors to showcase their family-friendly books.

She and her husband have two adult sons.

Visit her website, www.BooksByBethel. com, or e-mail her at tbethel@booksbybethel.com.

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Aug/Sept, 2019

BAHAMIAn artists & artisans took time this summer to share their time and talents at the inaugural SPACES camp.

SPACES – Eleuthera, The Summer Program of Arts and Crafts in memory of Eunice Sands held its opening ceremony on Tuesday August 6th and for the next nine days, 43 students between the ages of 8 and 16 were introduced to several different art and craft forms. The program, which was held at the Wesley Methodist Church in Palmetto Point each weekday from 9am until 2pm, was widely embraced by the community.

SPACES Eleuthera Director Gina Rodgers-

Sealy said “the committee is very pleased with the quality of the recent event, how well it was received by the community and how many students we were able to reach. We plan on making it an annual event and have already began finalizing details for the SPACES Art Exhibition and Silent Auction which will be held on Saturday December 7th to raise funds for next year’s summer camp.”

The camp which was 100% free to the students, included daily lunches and a trip to the

Local businessman, Mr. Elliott Rolle, encouraged the young campers to dream big at the opening of SPACES camp.

Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve. The children were introduced to a wide array of arts and crafts from three spectacular Bahamian artisans.

Owner of Plantation Hill and the Pasion Tea and Coffee company, Julie Hoffer kicked off the program teaching the children how to make authentically Bahamian products which included creating bath sea salts and scrubs with essential oils and infusing them with local tea leaves, herbs and spices. In addition to creating the products, the children were also taught the importance of naming, packaging and marketing their products effectively.

Eleuthera artisan Shorlette FrancisCartwright also presented fascinating classes in artwork with recycled glass in which children chose a theme and the interpretation of their artwork. They then worked in groups before presenting their themed masterpieces to the class. Students also got a chance to work on individual pieces of recycled artwork as well.

Artist and ceramicist Imogene Walkine taught the students the importance of using complementary colors and they surprised even themselves at the quality of the work they produced under Walkine’s guidance. Walkine’s classes took place on the last three days of the summer program.

A closing ceremony was held on August 16th during which time parents could come and view all the work produced during the summer

Bottled essential oils infused with local herbs, just one of the creative projects during SPACES Arts camp in August.

camp and students were presented with Certificates of Achievement.

The SPACES Eleuthera committee says that they are extremely grateful to all of the corporate sponsors who came forth to support the event including: Bahama Grill, Burrows Food Store, Chelsea’s Choice, Esso Highway Service Station, Lutra Pure, One Eleuthera Foundation, Pineapple Fields, The Cancer Society, The French Leave, The Leon Levy Preserve, Tippy’s’ Restaurant and Bar, Unique Village Resort, Wesley Methodist Church and a host of private individuals.

Committee members include Gina Rodgers-Sealy, Karen Crean, Jennifer Hadland, Kishlane Smith, Article Continued Page 17

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Multiple Early Morning Hatchet Bay Fires Still under investigation Police in Eleuthera on Monday, August 19th, 2019, responded to the scene of multiple fires during the early morning in Hatchet Bay, Central Eleuthera. The incidents were reported by an anonymous female at about 2:50am who reported via telephone that there

was an abandoned house on fire in the area of the clinic and an abandoned vehicle on fire opposite the ‘Spot Bar’ within the community of Hatchet Bay. When police arrived they discovered that there were three (3) fires, which appeared to have been intentionally set, in three areas of the community.

The first fire was of an abandoned vehicle located at Main Street.

The fire was confined to the vehicle and authorities said it posed no immediate threat to any nearby structures.

An abandoned vehicle on fire within the community of Hatchet Bay during the early morning hours of Monday, August 19th, 2019.

artists

& kids

Continued from Page. 16 Sara Brie and Ericka Bethel. Camp Director Gina Rodgers-Sealy says that if you want to get involved with the program in any way, please

spaces feel free to contact a committee member.

Above: One of the groups of young campers who took part in the 2019 SPACES camp - all smiles. Below: Artisan Shorlette Francis shares her techniques in creating crushed glass masterpieces.

The second fire was noted in an abandoned/unoccupied house located at Baby Johnson Street. The structure was completely consumed prior to the arrival of the police and was only smouldering. This fire had been extinguished by members of the community.

The third fire was noted at Park Street where three (3) abandoned vehicles had been set ablaze. These were also eventually extinguished by members of the community.

Police officers were said to have contacted the Men of Faith fire volunteers and were informed that the fire truck was not operational at the time. Efforts, they said, were also made to contact the fire volunteers from North Eleuthera without success, and the Hatchet Bay fire truck was also found to be not operational.

Up to print time, investigations by Police were continuing.

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Eleuthera Spared Island used as Transition ,

Point for Hundreds of Evacuees Out of Abaco. volunteers mobilise to help

(Eleuthera, The Bahamas) Low lying areas across the island of Eleuthera experienced relatively minor flooding as a result of Hurricane Dorian, whose eye passed well to the north, but peppered the island with tropical storm force winds - which attenuated from north to south. There was no significant damage reported in the aftermath of the storm on Eleuthera, unlike the devastation seen in islands to our immediate north, Abaco and Grand Bahama.

For several days, a team of NGO’s working along with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), had been prepar-

ing to receive people being evacuated from Abaco to Eleuthera, following the passage of deadly Hurricane Dorian through the northwest Bahamas.

On Friday afternoon, September 6th, 2019, the first boat with evacuees from Abaco arrived at Three Island Dock, with approximately 68 people on board. NGO organizers on-site commented that as many as ten additional vessels would arrive on this first day with at least 300 people expected to be received, documented and transited.

North Eleuthera, confirmed Member of Parliament, Mr. Howard Rickey Mackey, was being used as a ‘first stop’ transition point, where evacuees were being brought, before either joining family members on Eleuthera, or being further transported to Nassau.

“We’re transporting people out of Abaco, and we are anticipating bringing out 300 persons per day. The plan is to bring them into Three Island Dock, process them - docuEleuthera saw brief coastal flooding in low-lying areas.

Residents in some areas were quick to mobilise clearing streets of debris washed on by Dorian’s, surge forces.

Article Continued Page 33

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20 www. EleutheraNews . com

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ELEUTHERA MAN STILL MISSING - burnt car found by

family; Police say investigations continue

BY The eleutheran news team

On Sunday, July 28th, 2019, 39-year-old Mr. Calvin Johnson, a resident of Wemyss Bight, South Eleuthera, was reported missing by family members from Lower Bogue, North Eleuthera, who had last heard from him on the morning of Friday, July 26th, 2019, and had not heard from him since that time.

They believed him to be missing, and requested Police assis-

tance, according to reports.

More than a week later, with no leads reported by Police, family and community members formed a search party. On Sunday, August 4th, 2019, family members of the missing Mr. Calvin Johnson, reported to Police, that sometime around 9:30am, while searching the area near the abandoned airport at Cape Eleuthera, they discovered a burned out vehicle in bushes.

Officers were reported to have visited the scene, where they confirmed that the vehicle appeared to be the one in which the missing Mr. Johnson was said to have been last seen.

On September 10th, 2019, a month and a bit, since Mr. Johnson’s burned out vehicle was found near Cape Eleuthera, a close associate of his expressed resignation with what in their opinion, was either a lack of progress

Burned out vehicle, identified as the car being driven by Mr. Calvin Johnson when he was last seen, found at the abandoned Cape Eleuthera airport on Sunday, August 4th, 2019. The search for the missing 39-year-old continues.

or a lack of information sharing in regards to the investigation into the disappearance of Mr. Calvin Johnson.

“I’ve never heard of or witnessed any investigation of this manner,” they said, “but, who am I to say whether they are doing their jobs or not,” Up to press time, Police said that investigations into the case were ongoing.

Circulated Police Missing Person Report

2019

chilling experience Continued from Page. 7 shivering and shaking.

“It got so bad, that I started to get frightened myself - I’ve never seen it like that in my whole life. What I experienced, man... it was very... just so much, so much. That’s the most scared I have ever been in my life,” shared Andre, shaking his head as he recalled the trauma.

After the storm, Andre described the chaos and desperation, as the full scope of the devastation and loss began to register. “After all of that, the places started to stink, and started to smell very bad. You had dead bodies that had been on the ground for several days, all about Marsh Harbour, some were in Murphy Town, and Dundas Town. It’s devastated... it’s all messed up and broken up. It will take a long time before it’s fixed again.”

Getting off the island to safe haven, was the next immediate goal for Andre and his family, he said.

“On Tuesday, when the storm had lessened enough for us to get out of Murphy Town, we were taken into shelters. My wife was taken to a different shelter, as she and my daughter were taken out on a bus, and the men

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were placed on trucks. So, I did not see my wife that night. My two sons, however, were with me. We reunited at the Government complex structure in Dundas Town.

“There at the complex, after two days, the garbage began piling up, and the place really smelled bad. So, we headed to the airport in Marsh Harbour to try to get out on one of the planes, but the airport was on lockdown. There was so much chaos, it was really bad. So, we had to go on to Sandypoint to try and catch a flight.

But it was so much,... so much. We finally got out on Friday morning into North Eleuthera. Boy, it’s bad over there. Everything I had, I lost.”

Andre and his family now look to settle down in Eleuthera after escaping the immediate aftermath chaos back home in Abaco. His wife who was part of the custodial staff at a school in Abaco, hoped to be able to rejoin the Ministry of Education in the Eleuthera district. Andre who worked for himself in Abaco, in the construction industry hopes to do the same, now that he is back home. “My wife originally wanted to go to Nassau, but I told her that it would be better if we came to Eleuthera - it would be better and safer.

Pictured: 22 years in Abaco, Andre Gierzewski, an Eleuthera native shares his harrowing story.

Statement on the passing of John “Chippie” Chipman Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis on September 9th released the following statement on the passing of Mr. John “Chippie” Chipman: The Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas is saddened at news of the death of cultural icon John “Chippie” Chipman, who has passed away at the age of 90.

On behalf of the Government and people of The Bahamas, and on my own behalf and that of my wife Patricia, I offer condolences to the entire Chipman family on the death of John “Chippie” Chipman.

The legendary drummer and entertainer was an ambassador of

Bahamian music and culture. He travelled the world in promotion of his beloved Bahamas, always proud of his people and their traditions.

John Chipman loved performing for Bahamian and foreign audiences. Listeners were often entranced by the rhythmic sounds of the master drummer.

John Chipman passed on his love of music, Junkanoo and Bahamian culture to his family and countless younger Bahamians. He was an outstanding Bahamian.

John Chipman may have passed on, but his gift of music will live on to inspire us all.

May he rest in peace.

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30 Day trip around the world For Haynes Library Campers The Haynes Library summer camp program for 8 to 15-year-old kids, now in its eighteenth year in Governor’s Harbour, launched its six-week summer camp on Monday, June 24th, 2019, running each week through the summer, until August 9th.

Back in Eleuthera for a second year, volunteering as supervisors with the 2019 Haynes Library Summer Camp Series, were, Marissa Conover (2017 teacher intern), Hannah Cunliffe (2015 teacher intern), and Brianna Donnelly (2016 teacher intern). The young women were all former teacher interns from West Chester University in the U.S., who spent seven and a half weeks, fulfilling a portion of their final year of

teaching practice in primary schools here in Eleuthera, as part of a partnership with West Chester University and the Ministry of Education, and are all now full time teachers back home in Philadelphia.

“We are in love with Eleuthera, and in love with Governor’s Harbour. I think when we all came down and did our student teaching practice here, we got to know the people and the students, and we all really feel like it’s our passion. We want to come back and be a part of the community, and we want to give back and start something great,” said Marissa, who discovered the island during her internship in 2017.

She continued, “We wanted to give the kids something educational to do over the summer.

Something that is beneficial to them. This year we did ‘Around the World in 30 Days’. We exposed them to different cultures. So, ev-

ery day we flew to a new country. Each child had a passport, and we stamped their passports. One week it was all African countries. We went to Kenya, and then to Egypt, where they learned about traditional dances, and did crafts of traditional necklaces from that country, and compared cultures with their everyday life here. Another week we traveled to different countries in Asia.”

The camp this year was again sponsored by the proceeds of the Eleuthera All That Jazz Festival, which was held during April 2019, as well as other community partners. As in the past, the Eleuthera All That Jazz Festival, and the Friends of the Library Committee demonstrated their commitment to giving funds to the library for special programs and events, including the summer camp series, and other events held throughout the year with the children of the community - also, recently re-outfitting the upstairs computer lab at the library with a completely new set of computers.

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‘through SEPT. 2019 highlights in SEPT/Oct 2019 SCHOOL REGISTRATION FOR DISPLACED ABACO AND GRAND BAHAMA STUDENTS The general public is advised that due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Dorian on residents of Grand Bahama and Abaco, parents and guardians of displaced students, ages 4-19, are invited to seek enrolment at one of the government schools in New Providence, or in any of the unaffected family islands.

All public school students formerly enrolled in schools in Abaco and Grand Bahama are expected to participate in this process, whether or not they are residing in government shelters. Persons not residing in the shelters are requested to contact the Ministry of Education at 502-3779 and 5028319, to receive details regarding the scheduling of their registration.

29th North Eleuthera Regatta Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019 to Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 Friday Night: Skipper’s Party 6pm-8pm at Valentines Resort Official opening of Regatta site at 8pm, 123 band, Performers (Fanshawn & Blaudy) Saturday: Block Party 11am-1pm, Mixology competition, Conch Cracking Competition, RBPF Marching Band 6pm, 123 Band, Performer (Stileet) Sunday: Pool Party at Valentines 2pm -8pm, Closing Ceremony/Prize giving 8pm, Performers (Dmax & Wendy/ Dyson Monday: Beach Party Location: Harbour Island Bahamas Contact Information: Ricardo Penn 242-467-2481

Take a LOOK:

School Events: Mid- Term Break - October 25th and 28th,

Holidays and Observance Days: Monday, October 14th - National Heroes Day (public holiday)

2019

Professional Development Days - October 23rd and 24th, 2019 September 2nd, 2019.

VISIT THE LEON LEVY NATIVE PLANT PRESERVE : The Levy Preserve protects 25 acres of coppice and mangrove forest, conserving indigenous species and researching Bahamian bush medicine. Guests can explore Medicinal and Endemic plant beds, tour the Mangrove Wetlands, walk through the Edible History garden and enjoy the Coppice Trails, home to an abundance of birds and other fauna that call the Preserve home. Guided tours by appointment. For information call 332-3831

Community Events: Church of God South Eleuthera District - 91st Convention September 25th to 29th 7:30 pm Nightly Theme: ‘Rise Up and Walk’ Locations: Rock Sound Church of God/Ingraham’s Beach Inn

Community Events: SUPERNATURAL & PROPHETIC LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM BAHAMAS 2019 MATT CHAPTER 28:V-19-20

3 NIGHTS OF PROPHETIC RELEASE AND IMPARTATION EXPLOSIVE HOT POWER TOPICS QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSIONSDYNAMIC PANELISTS KEYNOTE GUEST PANELISTPROPHET ELISHA FIRE ESHO PANELISTS: PASTORS CLARICE & ORLANDO THOMPSON, PASTOR KEVIN PINDER, PASTOR JJ HEPBURN, EVANGELIST SHIRLEY BURROWS, PASTOR PHILIP BETHEL, PASTOR LEE CARL SANDS, PASTOR DWIGHT CAMBRIDGE, PROPHETESS SHANETTE & MARTIN KEMP PROPHETIC & PERSONAL MINISTRY GIFT IMPARTATION & CONGREGATIONAL IMPARTATION Tuesday Sept. 17th – Wednesday Sept. 18th, 2019 7:30PM NIGHTLY ST PATRICKS ANGLICAN CHURCH HALL GOVERNORS HARBOUR ELEUTHERA BAHAMAS 1-242-442-6127

The Eleuthera Softball Association Fast Pitch

Season Officially started on Sunday, July 21st, 2019. It kicked off with games hosted at the Dougie Smith Softball Park in Rock Sound, with Rock Sound New Vision, Deep Creek, Rock Sound Angels and the Wemyss Bight Disturbers competing.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS TUESDAY EVENINGS : 6:00pm - 7:00pm Alcoholics Anonymous support group began regular meetings recently in Lower Bogue at IPAD International Praying Ministries, opposite Johnson’s Gas Station. Meetings are held every Tuesday evening from 6pm to 7pm..

The new group is made up currently of combined members from Lower Bogue, Spanish Wells and Harbour Island.

CONTACT

The Eleutheran Newspaper at 422-9350 or send email to services@theeleutheran.com, to have your community notices and events listed.

26 www. EleutheraNews . com

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RCE and Community Partners give needed facelift to Preacher’s Cave Area

Civic Organisations and members of the community join hands in upgrading key island landmark.

BY The eleutheran news team

The area surrounding Preacher’s Cave got a $5,000 upgrade during the month of August, as community members and local civic organizations came together to construct durable seating throughout the landmark site.

The place was abuzz on Saturday, August 17th as members of the local government district council in North Eleuthera, came together with the Rotary Club of Eleuthera (RCE), Ministry of Tourism and visiting Rotary clubs out of New Providence from Old Fort Bay and East Nassau, and at the end of the day five bench seating areas had been created and strategically placed.

Current RCE president, Susan Culmer, a lead on the Preacher’s Cave seating project, explained that the club had been approached by the Chairman of the local government district council in North Eleuthera, Mr. Desmond Johnson, expressing that they wanted to create benched seating at the historic site. In response, she shared, “Our service project Chair, Mr. Audley Meadows and I got together and with Mr. Johnson, went down to look at the area, and we got the dimensions, and measured out what was wanted.”

Commenting on the seating created on Saturday and the vision for its use, Ms. Culmer described, “We completed five benches at Preacher’s Cave. The ones nearest the Cave, we built around the trees to discourage the possibility of them being taken away. It also works well if you want to have an outside classroom or have a seminar - as the seating can accommodate about 20 people. So, there were benches done by the Cave, and at the backside - therefore, if you are

doing a seminar, students can be at the back and the presenter on the front side. There is another seating area by the beachfront, overlooking the water, so, one can sit down and watch the water in tranquility and soothe the mind.”

A follow up to the work on August 17th, was now putting protective finishing on the furniture created, she added, explaining, “The only thing we didn’t get done was the painting or sealing of the benches, and we will reach out to Mr. Johnson as to which one they want to do. If another group wants to come in, we will go ahead and help take care of the sealing of it.

Once you put some water sealant on the wood, it will last quite a long time, instead of water over time seeping into the wood and rotting it.”

The club’s activity in the area is not limited to Preacher’s Cave, added, president Culmer, saying that Sapphire Hole was also being looked at. “...That will be like a phase 2 for us.

We would like to build some benches around Sapphire Hole. When we looked at the area, we also saw the need for a picket fence- like structure, so, if people got too close they wouldn’t fall off the edge. We understand that people have jumped off into Sapphire Hole and gotten scratched by the rock edge, so, we wanted to also build a small extension, that would make jumping in a little safer. A stair structure has also been already purchased by the local governemtn council, and they got a quote for installation of about $5,000, so, with them having that already in hand, we will look at doing that as Article Continued Page 27

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Capturing a live giant squid on cameras for the first-time in US waters

By CEI On June 18, the Cape Eleuthera Institute helped to make a historical discovery. Dr. Nathan Robinson, CEI’s Assistant Director, and Dr. Edie Widder of Team ORCA captured the firstever footage of a live giant squid in US waters. This animal, which has inspired countless myths as the “Kraken of the deep,” has only been seen in the wild once before and this was in the waters of Japan.

We have known that the giant squid exists for centuries as once or twice a year a dead carcass of one of these animals will be caught and brought to the surface in a deep-sea fishing net or found stranded on a beach somewhere around the world. However, seeing these animals alive in their natural habitats has proven to be one of the biggest ecological challenges of our time. This is largely because giant squid live hundreds of meters below the water’s surface in the deep ocean.

Furthermore, to explore these depths, we commonly use cameras with bright lights to pierce the inky darkness of the deep. Yet herein lies the problem.

Giant squid appear to be highly visual predators that likely see our lights long before we see them. Not knowing whether these lights represent a potential threat or not, they probably

upLift

dimmest of lights. For illuminators, the MEDUSA uses low-power LEDs that shine only in red, a colour that many deep-sea organisms cannot see. Lastly, the MEDUSA is fitted with an optical lure, called an eJelly, that mimics the bioluminescent display of a deep-sea jellyfish.

Nathan and Edie deployed this device a

total of 6 times in the Gulf of Mexico, recording about 144 hours of footage, before they finally caught a glimpse of the giant squid. This footage is already helping to reveal countless mysteries about the behaviours of one the largest, yet least known, animals on this planet.

Point Sur Sunset, 14 June 2019,

avoid them and uncaptured by our cameras.

To address this issue, Edie Widder, developed a unique camera system that would be perfect to recording giant squid, undisturbed in their natural habitat. The camera system, called the MEDUSA, is fitted with a low-light camera that is capable of functions under the

preacher’s cave

Continued from Page. 26 another Rotary project as well.

So, we are looking at the installation of the stairs on their behalf as well.”Timing for work at Sapphire Hole was originally being looked at for October, however, with the passage of Hurricane Dorian, activities and priorities shifted to relief efforts, said Ms. Culmer. “We are fully involved in the relief efforts and dealing with evacuees - we had Rotarians in both Freeport and Abaco and we were trying to get them sorted out. In Eleuthera, Rotarians have been involved with the screening and welcoming of evacuees. Rotaractors have been there as well helping with the screening process.

“Along with the Cancer Society, we’ve also been organizing donations coming in. We originally had them labeled and boxed, because we were anticipating sending everything over to Abaco. But, we put the brakes on that, because when evacuees started coming here to Eleuthera, many were coming with nothing. So, whatever we’ve

received we’ve offered and invited people to come in and take a selection of what we have. We’ve had a number of evacuees take advantage, and they’ve been so thankful, to be able to pick out, even if it was a week’s supply of clothing, towels - that kind of stuff. Evacuees joining family members here in Eleuthera have also been able to take advantage - once they are evacuees they are free to access what they need there.”

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Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI) Expands to Harbour Island press release

Cutting of the Ribbon for the Official Opening of CTI HITS

The evening of Monday, July 22nd, 2019 saw the soft opening of Centre for Training and Innovation’s Harbour Island Trade School (CTI HITS), the first satellite campus of CTI. Located in Harbour Island next to the Rock House, the campus focuses primarily on the delivery of culinary and electrical trade skills, both of which are in demand on the island. One of the main goals of the campus, as noted by the CEO Shaun Ingraham, is the delivery of world class culinary instruction which will help to cement Harbour Island’s position as a food Mecca in The Bahamas.

The opening of CTI HITS is a great milestone for the One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) as it underscores OEF’s and CTI’s commitment to offer training and services to all Eleutherans and provides a physical presence in the north. This campus is the culmination of two years of discussions between OEF, members of the Friends of Sir George W. K. Roberts Library, and other winter residents who came together to form Friends of Harbour Island Trade School (FHITS), OEF’s partner in this venture. Back in July 2017, some of the members of the then recently formed FHITS visited CTI’s campus in Rock Sound to better understand the model and the classes offered at CTI. It was felt that the model had the potential to revolutionize trade education in Eleuthera and that Harbour Island would benefit from its implementation there.

FHITS is the fundraising partner

for the school and over the course of the last 10 months, led by its president Catherine Millard, the Board of FHITS and OEF worked steadily to finalize the details for the school.

The project also benefited from the input of a number of key stakeholders within the Harbour Island community, inclusive of second homeowners, local donors, local businesses, local government, volunteers, OEF and CTI staff, and members of the Harbour Island community. Notwithstanding the generous contributions from all persons involved in the project, special mention must be made of the Donner Foundation who, through Curt and Anita Winsor-Edwards, gave the initial grant to the project. This grant was matched by OEF and together they provided the seed capital necessary for the work to begin. Other key contributors include Rick and Lisa Anderson who designed and funded the kitchen installation, Runaway Hill (Mark Messier and Jennifer Messier), Joan Barrett, and Chris Mahoney.

Special mention must also be made of the very generous donors who continue to support the program.

OEF CEO Shaun Ingraham was brimming with joy as he spoke to those gathered for the opening ceremony. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “I want to challenge Harbour Island to see this as a place where people come and train.” Ingraham pointed out that the Culinary training would help to solidify Harbour Island’s food as part of its “amazing tour-

ism product.” He thanked FHITS, the partners, donors, and Harbour Island community for allowing OEF and CTI the opportunity to expand to the area and for the support of the so many businesses and individuals that helped to make this vision a reality.

Among the distinguished speakers for the evening was Member of Parliament for North Eleuthera Rickey Mackey. “This school and what it represents means that what we now have, we will be able to perfect.

[Harbour Island] is known all over the world for the food we provide here so it’s only fitting that this trade school will pick up the mantle and take it to the next level.” He highlighted the impact of the recent tourism and construction booms the islands are experiencing. “With this growth and development comes responsibilities of persons in the construction field to be able to supply the trade and the skills for these current developments. … This program brings education to where the people are.”

Deputy Chief Councilor for Harbour Island J.J. Percentie was dynamic and impassioned in his remarks. “Something good is happening and we are truly blessed. To be able to be in this room with other Bahamians who are also so dynamic and are setting an example is truly a blessing,” he began. “When you empower our young people and they start to build that confidence, it starts

Culinary students in session at CTI HITS

from a room like this. … Understand what you are doing.

You are creating another future that I get to retire in,” he remarked brightly, “because everybody is going to be independent, strong, forward thinkers, they are going to never feel like they are in a box. On behalf of my council, thank you for helping us with our job of helping Harbour Islanders help themselves.”

CTI HITS classes began the week of July 29th, 2019 and are scheduled to end in October.

To learn more about CTI and its programs, call 334-4711 or email cti@ oneeleuthera.org.

Catherine Millard (FHITS President) and Jennifer Messier (FHITS Board Member) speak to guests about the formation of CTI HITS

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immigration

they would be apprehended and placed before the courts.

Additionally, he reminded that employers of permit holders were not allowed to ‘loan’ out those workers, and that permit holders, under the law, were only allowed to be employed with the person or business through which they applied for their work permit. If any changes were necessary, permit holders were asked to visit the Immigration Office where they could be advised on the proper procedures to make those changes.

Illegal migrants who are in Eleuthera, also need to go into the Immigration Office, said Mr. Gibson, to have their status regularized, in accordance with the law. “We have a website that they can go to and get all the forms that they need (immigration.gov.bs), or they can come to the office and get the forms.

They can also give us a call, and we will be more than happy to advise them of what they should do and how it ought to be done.

“We just want people to know that we are here to advise them on the right way to do immigration in our community. Come in and see us. Any concern they have regarding people who are non-Bahamian or permanent residents, come and see us at Immigration, this is what we are here for. Come and ask the questions,” he added.

“What I would like to see done in Eleuthera, is people beginning to appreciate that there is no need to employ illegal migrants, like they have been doing in the past. We must not seek to harbour illegal migrants, and those that are undocumented, because that is against the law,” said Mr. Gibson.

For more detailed information, the new OIC advised interested individuals to go on the Bahamas government website (bahamas. gov.bs), to read the Immigration Act, and

to see what it says. He strongly urged those people who had been born in the Bahamas of foreign parents, to come and see them at Immigration, so they could advise them about what they needed to do. He emphasized that before they turned 19, they should come see Immigration, because they have a guarantee of citizenship.

“Don’t wait until you turn 19, and you lose that guarantee. Come to us. Don’t be afraid to come, thinking you will get locked up.

That makes no sense - particularly young people. Come see Immigration. We would love to tell you what you need to do - like getting your documents authenticated.

Let’s get you in the system, and working on your application for citizenship, or whatever it is you want to apply for.”

With the new online application system, Mr. Gibson pointed out that the process was much more efficient, explaining that once an application was com-

ILO: Persistent gender gaps at work make it necessary to

adopt transformative measures in Latin America and the Caribbean Women earn 17 per cent less than men per hour worked, and despite their increased participation in the labour force, they are still far from equal. The International Labour Organization (ILO) announced a new Report today that features proposals to address the challenges of achieving equity in the future of work in the region.

27 August 2019 (Lima, Peru) – Persistent gender gaps and evidence that achieving equality between men and women at work is taking longer than expected, require Latin American and Caribbean countries to adopt a series of transformative measures, says a new ILO Thematic Labour Overview Report released today in the

Peruvian capital.

The Report contends that these new measures should focus on addressing challenges to labour market policies such as “invisible” factors that include stereotypes, behaviours and social norms.

The Report, which is titled “Women in the world of work: ongoing challenges to effective equity in Latin America and the Caribbean”, finds that for every hour worked, women receive labour income that is on average 17 per cent lower than men with the same age, education level, number of children in their homes, condition of rurality and type of work.

The latest indicators featured in the Report show that while female labour participation rose signifi-

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pleted, original documents were returned right away, additionally, applicants could always call or come into the Immigration Office, where the status of their application, whether it was approved, still pending, or refused, could be checked online in real time.

“We just want people to abide by the law, because the law applies to the Bahamian, and the non-Bahamian as well. All of us must keep the laws of the land,” said Gibson.

cantly until 2000, it has since slowed down and has now reached 50.3 per cent -- 25 percentage points below men.

“While it is true that there have been very important advances to integrate women into the labour force, the road to equality is still long, and sometimes steep,” said Juan Hunt, Regional Director (ad interim) of the ILO Office for Latin America and the Caribbean during his presentation of the Report, which highlights various dimensions of an “occupational segregation”.

“The Report we are presenting warns that gender differences constitute one of the most unjustifiable forms of inequality today. And it is clearly a fact that prevents against the possibility of building more prosperous, fair and cohesive societies,” added Hunt.

The new ILO Thematic Article Continued Page 34

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Aug/Sept, 2019

Labour Day Weekend 2019, in Gregory Town at

the 32nd Eleuthera Pineapple Festival

BY The eleutheran news team

The 32nd Annual Pineapple Festival, hosted this year in Gregory Town during the Sir Randol Fawkes Labour Day holiday weekend, over the course of four days, from Thursday evening, June 6th, 2019 until Sunday, June 9th, 2019, was enjoyed by locals and visitors to the newly renamed ‘Pineapple Festival Park’, just north of the main Settlement, with an exciting lineup of activities and entertainment for the eager attendees.

A signature ‘Summer Festivals’ event by the Ministry of Tourism in Eleuthera, the Pineapple Fest saw several changes this year, including an expansion from a two-day to a fourday event, as well as the addition of an entrance fee to festival goers. Since its venue change four years ago from the bayfront to the park, the Fest has continued to grow. This year, a bit of weather, along with the new entrance fee, may have attributed to a slower start, however, by Saturday the evening crowds approached 2018 numbers.

Festival Park, sported four main areas in the comfortably grassed and enclosed site space, encompassing a ‘kid’s world’, where children’s games, snacks stands, bouncing castles and the like were placed together for children to enjoy throughout the weekend.

The entertainment

Food and drinks vendors, including those selling fresh pineapples and pineapple inspired dishes could be found in another section, with liquors and other spirits available altogether in another area of the park. A large tented spot with seating and picnic benches was again strategically placed in the center of the Festival site, with a clear view of the entertainment stage, and all other surrounding areas, to comfortably enjoy food and drinks while taking in

Article Continued Page 31

& The Entertained!

I sl a nd “B u z z ”

2019

Aug/Sept

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Hoops & Hoopla

Hand crafted, matted, blended and painted Charles Strachan of South Eleuthera.

Mavis Emily Munnings Contact: 1-242-553-5394

sweet

Sue Culmer shares sips of local decoctions (teas)

‘Pinefest’

native soaps and salt scrubs, could also be found for an Continued from Page. 30 authentic Bahamian shopping experience. Bush tea tasting, glass art works, and straw work demonstrations were also a feature, underneath the stone cabana on site.

A large, professional stage and lighting set up was the focal point for this year’s music entertainment by the Blue Waters band, and a bevy of Bahamian performing artists, including; The Rahming Brothers (on Thursday’s Gospel Night) followed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening by headliners Stevie S., Fanshawn, Veronica Bishop, Julien Believe, D-Mac, and Puzzle. Crowds also enjoyed performances by the Eleuthera Freedom Marching band, Junkanoo rush-outs, fire the Fest’s ongoing evening activities and dancing, on stage painting demo - by Jaon-stage entertainment. Near the Festival entrance, a group of local vendors showcas- maal Rolle, culinary competition by local students, bridal show, pineapple pole plaiting native crafts and cottage lines, from ing, petting zoo/agricultural expo, rock creative straw-works, shell crafts, jewelry oven baking, pineapple eating contests and and paintings, to bush teas and luxurious much more.

Talented Artisan Shorlette Francis.

style n’ smiles

Eleuthera Pineapple Fest

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Isl a nd “B u z z ”

Pine Fest Style n Smiles

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Aug/Sept, 2019

Lo c a l

2019

Dorian Continued from Page. 18

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eleuthera spared and transformed to a transhipment point for evacuees

menting everybody that comes.

We would then transfer them to the airport, where we created a waiting station for them and then they are flown into Nassau. Those people that have family members here were invited to stay with their family members. Those who don’t were sent into New Providence,” explained MP Mackey.

In an update on September 8th NEMA reiterated that there was no mandatory evacuation order for Abaco and that all evacuations were strictly voluntary.

The total number of evacuees to Nassau at that time was approximately 3,500 and The number of persons presenting themselves for evacuations was diminishing.

In Eleuthera, one of the first places looked at to serve as temporary housing for some of the evacuees arriving on island from Abaco, said Mr. Mackey, was the Methodist Habitat’s Camp Symonette location in James’ Cistern.

Of the several hundred hurricane victims who arrived in Eleuthera on Friday, Sept. 6th, approximately 32 people were housed at Camp Symonette on Friday evening, with most of them expecting to be transited to New Providence after spending the night, confirmed a Methodist Habitat representative. Eleutherans who were interested in donating food, and other items for this location, which has the capacity to house approximately 70 people, were asked to drop those items off at the Social Services office in Governor’s Harbour.

Volunteers mobilized by the Hurricane Relief Committee brought together by MP for Central and South Eleuthera, Mr. Hank Johnson, - dubbed the ‘Dorian Relief Freedom Team’, also set up a receiving and sorting site at the Worker’s House Ballroom, where donations to assist transiting hurricane victims, evacuees overnighting at the Methodist Habitat’s Camp Symonette, as well as evacuees joining friends and family in Eleuthera, could be received as well. Another donation drop off site operated by volunteers from the Cancer Soci-

ety, was at the Society’s Wellness Center in Palmetto Point, where donations were also being sorted and made available to evacuees and their families - waiting in transit, or staying on island.

Additional assistance to help with the evacuee documentation and transiting process was also received, shared North Eleuthera’s MP, “We have a team of Defence Force Officers, Police Officers, and some logistics people who came in - about 30 of them.

They assisted in the process, so that we could have security, and a smooth transition.”

He further explained that the transition point in Eleuthera was critical to the process of identifying possible ‘missing’ family members, saying, “The documenting process would assist with the problem we have where many people don’t know where their family members are - so, in doing this processing and filing these names, the information was sent to NEMA’s database. That information would go out, so, family members or friends could determine whether or not their family was accounted for or missing.”

Giving further detail on some of the groups involved in the combined effort, Mr. Mackey outlined, “Wednesday morning, there was a meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office between NGO’s and some other strategic partners. The government enlisted the assistance of some of these NGO’s. What’s happening here in North Eleuthera is a collaboration between NEMA, HeadKnowles, One Eleuthera and others, including the North Eleuthera Council, the Harbour Island Council, as well as myself as the Member of Parliament. We came together as a comprehensive team to execute what we are trying to accomplish.”

Eleuthera individuals, groups and organizations pooling resources to best assist the Hurricane victims in need. Representatives are pictured here at a meeting held in South Eleuthera on Friday, September 6th, 2019.

Bus awaits hurricane victim evacuees from the Abacos to transport them to the North Eleuthera airport.

Hurricane victims out of Abaco arriving in Eleuthera via boat.

-------Pictured:Hurricane victims out of Abaco arriving in Eleuthera via boat. On arrival, hurricane victims out of Abaco were processed for identity before being transferred to the North Eleuthera airport by bus.

On arrival, hurricane victims out of Abaco were processed for identity before being transferred to the North Eleuthera airport.

34 www. EleutheraNews . com

ilo ‘gender gaps’ Continued from Page. 29

Labour Overview calls for a renewal of policy instruments, and emphasizes the need to recognize that “an important part of the limitations of women’s progress resides in households”, in particular because the distribution by household gender is still overwhelmingly uneven. It finds that women are responsible for 80 per cent of household chores, which restricts their effective participation in the world of work.

The Report also recognizes that the persistence of wage gaps occurs despite long-term trends showing significant changes, for example in the case of education, where the number of women with tertiary studies exceeds that of men. Among those born in 1990, 40 per cent of working women have tertiary education, compared to 25 per cent of men.

Based on the identified differences in labour income, the publication explores several dimensions of the gender gap, in order to identify the greatest vulnerabilities and information that should also be used to guide

n at i on a l

the design policies and strategies for intervention.

“Active labour market policies are needed to support female labour integration, information and guidance services that meet the specific needs of women, training and education programs to improve their employability, as well as targeted programs that focus on meeting the requirements of women affected by inequality such as migrants, youth, rural women and agricultural workers,” said ILO regional economist Hugo Ñopo.

The data analysis carried out within the framework of this Report, which was coordinated by Ñopo, indicates where the income gap is greater, by highlighting the “differentiated patterns”. Inequality, for example, is more pronounced among 20 per cent ​​of lower-income workers, or among rural self-employed.

A wide salary gap was also detected around minimum wage, which is attributed to a high level of informality and generates high levels of noncompliance in remuneration.

“The gender gap problem is also associated with the issue of poverty,” said Ñopo. Ñopo stressed that in order to

Paying tribute to Dr. Jacques Diouf, a

visionary in the global fight against hunger Former FAO Director-General was instrumental in helping to prioritize food security and agricultural development in the Caribbean The world recently lost a key advocate in the fight against poverty, hunger and malnutrition.

Dr Jacques Diouf, former DirectorGeneral of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), died in Paris on Saturday 17 August 2019. Dr Diouf served as Director General of the FAO for three consecutive terms, from 1994 to 2011.

Prior to his tenure at FAO he had an illustrious career, serving his home country of Senegal, as well as regionally in Africa and internationally as a diplomat representing his country at the United Nations in New York in matters related to agricultural development.

He was considered an impor-

tant contributor to reducing hunger in the world. “Dr Diouf understood and fiercely advocated for and acted on behalf of the disadvantaged and vulnerable,” remarked Winston Rudder, a former FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Caribbean.

Rudder recalled that Dr Diouf’s tenure as FAO Director-General will be characterized by his commitment to democratize the Organization in three significant ways: i. Increased Gender representation at all levels, especially Professional staff and senior management; ii. More equitable geographic representation of Professional staff within the Organization; iii. Decentralization of functions, operations and authority by creating and empowering outreach arrangements through the Sub-Regional system.

Rudder added that Dr Diouf

accelerate the changes that lead to equality, it will be necessary to deal with “the invisible factors behind gender pay gaps and differentiated treatment with respect to women in Latin America and the Caribbean.”

Among these factors the Report mentions: • Stereotypes: the presence of various types of cognitive biases and discrimination; • Behaviours: the aspirations, negotiation skills and risk aversion; • Social norms: the sexual division of labour and new family arrangements.

The publication also refers to the issue of unpaid care and labour participation. “The bulk of care work worldwide is performed by unpaid caregivers and caregivers, mostly women and girls belonging to socially disadvantaged groups,” explained Ñopo. “This forces women to seek flexibility in their work arrangements, and they are more likely than men to take jobs in inferior conditions and with less bargaining power.”

The new Report, published by the

demonstrated his commitment to the Caribbean by regularly attending Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government Meetings, where he advocated robustly and sought to influence Government leaders to act more purposefully on matters related for food and nutrition security and agricultural and rural development. “In practical terms, he ensured, tangible support to donor-funded initiatives in these areas,” explained Rudder. “His attendance of these meetings also strengthened relations between FAO and the CARICOM Secretariat.”

Dr Diouf also ensured that regional professionals had an opportunity to be considered for employment in the Organization. The most significant demonstration of his commitment to the Caribbean, is exemplified by the opening of the FAO Subregional Office for the Caribbean in Barbados in 1998. This Office tangibly showed FAO’s response to the request from the Governments of the Subregion, for a differentiated strategy to address the challenges related to food and nutrition security and agricultural development of Small Island Developing States. The establishment of the Subregional Office was also accompanied by the creation of the Technical Multidisciplinary Team that served the Ministries responsible for agriculture, farmers, fisherfolk and foresters by significantly improving the level of delivery of FAO’s technical assistance in all 15 member countries.

Among the global achievements

Aug/Sept, 2019 ILO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, is themed to the ILO Centenary and revises a series of ILO Conventions and Recommendations adopted since 1919 to promote gender equality.

At the same time, it includes a chapter on the future of work, and the challenges and prospects posed by the profound changes and opportunities offered. The Report warns that if appropriate measures are not taken, the risk of growing gender gaps will continue.

The Report closes with a series of ILO conclusions and recommendations on how to address the challenge of accelerating gender equality in labour markets. The publication highlights that “improving the distribution of household chores is probably the most important cultural change that is required for progress in equal opportunities.”

The “Women in the world of work: ongoing challenges to effective equity in Latin America and the Caribbean” Thematic Labour Overview Report can be downloaded on the ILO Office for Latin America and Caribbean website.

during Dr Diouf’s tenure at FAO were the hosting of the The World Food Summit in Rome, Italy in 1996 and 2002 and the implementation of the Special Programme of Food Security.

The 1996 Summit resulted in the adoption of the Rome Declaration on World Food Security in which member states pledged their political will and common and national “commitment to achieving food security for all and to an ongoing effort to eradicate hunger in all countries, with an immediate view to reducing the number of undernourished people to half their present level no later than 2015.” This pledge was the precursor to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 – Eradicating Hunger and Malnutrition.

The World Food Summit of 2002 led, inter alia, to the Government of Italy pledging USD 10 million to support the Special Programme on Food Security (SPFS) in the Caribbean.

The Programme, which would have not been possible without Dr Diouf’s leadership at the Summit, resulted in the establishment of over 200 demonstrations of improved technologies for increasing agricultural production and productivity in CARICOM and CARIFORUM member states.

“The project was innovative because it did not use a one-size-fitsall approach to solving the problems Article Continued Page 35

opinio n

Time to Smile at every door and window, pushing to get a view of the activity inside.

I had never gone to court before, I have never broken the law and was never arrested, or maybe I did break some laws but was never caught, so just being here was very strange to me.

“All rise” the officer instructed, as the judge entered and took his seat at the desk near the wall, it was elevated on a platform so that all in the room could see and hear what he said. All in the room became silent as he motioned for those able to sit to be seated, however most were left standing, so the court clerk instructed the officer to prevent all other persons from entering the crowded room. “Good morning ladies and gentlemen. We are here today to hear the case of the missing birthday” the judge said as he welcomed the people of the town to his court. “This is a most unusual case we are dealing with today, and I must ask all of you to remain absolutely quiet while this hearing is in session, my officer will remove anyone who makes a sound”. The court clerk motioned to the officer to bring in the persons whose case was being heard.

With much pushing and a little shoving Mr. and Mrs. Cole slowly made their way through the crowded room to the spot where people

By: Andrew L. Burrows andrewburrows1@gmail.com

THE CASE OF THE MISSING BIRTHDAY The court house was buzzing with activity as the town folk gathered around to be the first to hear the judge’s verdict on the case that has gotten the attention of all. Until today the court house was considered to be adequate for all reasons, but now there is no standing room and people are

Aug/Sept, 2019

stand to speak to the judge. “You are George Cole and your wife Lucy Cole”? “Yes Sir” they both answered. “And your son’s name is Jack Cole”? They again answered “yes Sir”. The judge could see that they were both very shy and spoke to them to put them at ease; it was obvious to all that Mr. and Mrs. Cole had never before attended a court hearing and were embarrassed by all the curiosity. He told them that their case was an unusual one and that there was no reason for them to feel afraid. He went on to instruct the court on the nature of the case and the procedure required by the law to reach a just verdict.

“On the morning of Thursday, February the 29th nineteen eighty four at eight thirty in the morning you Mrs. Cole gave birth to a male child at the Levy Medical Clinic in Governor’s Harbour, is that correct”? “Yes Sir” Mrs.Lucy Cole answered, and went on to answer a slew of other questions asked by the judge to confirm the information lodged with the court related to the case at hand.

Hours went by and finally the judge finished his inquiry. “It is my duty to advise this court that I have reached a verdict in the case of the missing birthday”.

“Here is my finding: A male child was born to Mr. and Mrs. George Cole on the morning of

35

Thursday, February 29th nineteen hundred and eighty four at Levy Medical Clinic and was named Jack Cole as evidenced by this certificate of birth, duly registered at the Registry of Births in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

“I am fully convinced that due to a fault in the makeup of the calendar in use, has resulted in the denial of Mr. and Mrs. George Cole from celebrating the duly recorded birth day of their son Jack Cole. And it is my determination, that due to the unchangeable nature of the calendar in use, there will be no celebration of birthdays for the three years between Leap Years. It is also my determination that Jack Cole will abide by the calendar in use and celebrate the date of his birth every fourth year.”

As the court was dismissed the town folk were all talking at the same time as they pushed to get out of the little court room. “Boy that is one smart judge”! They all said “He should be the chief fer the Bahamas”.

And that folks is the story of The Case of the Missing Birthday.

Short Story by ALB.

‘Dr. Jacques Diouf’ Continued from Page. 34 of agricultural production in the countries. Each country identified the main constraints and agreed on the technologies that were best suited to their specific needs,” recalled Gregg Rawlins, Consultant Programme Manager of the Italianfunded project.

Some examples of the technologies that were used in the demonstrations included irrigation and drainage systems in Belize, the use of mulching in intensive crop production systems in St Kitts and Nevis and farmer field schools involving rice and fish production in Suriname.

The first phase of the SPFS also had a regional component which addressed trade policy issues related to food and nutrition security and showed the nexus between trade and food and nutrition security.

The second phase of the SPFS laid the groundwork for FAO’s current work on developing and

implementing regional and national food and nutrition security policies for the Caribbean.

Another important focal area of phase two was value chains for sustainable food production which has also paved the way for FAO’s current flagship projects on the development of value chains for roots and tubers (such as cassava) in the region.

Dr Diouf will be remembered for his commitment to improving food security, nutrition and agricultural development in the Caribbean and the world. Staff who worked with him will also remember his humility, integrity, honesty and caring manner and the respect that he showed for everyone.

We would like to express our condolences to his wife and family.

May he rest in peace.

Dr Lystra Fletcher-Paul, former FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Caribbean

Phone | WHATSAPP | TEXT

1 (242) 422-9350 email / website services@TheEleutheran.com editor@TheEleutheran.com www.EleutheraNews.com

fax/landline

1 (242) 332-2993 The Eleutheran, P. O. Box EL-25166, Governor’s Harbour Eleuthera, The Bahamas.

A SPICE MEDIA GROUP (SMG) PUBLICATION Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, The Bahamas. pages: 48 Stamped: September 11, 2019 9:39 PM

36 www. EleutheraNews . com

Crime News

Aug/Sept, 2019

Police Contact Numbers

Reports issued by the RBPF locally.

Reports are printed to keep the public informed of the incidents of crime that are reported within our communities. All reports are to be treated as allegations only.

ence to immigration purposes.

Eleuthera Reports Attempted Stealing Report - On Monday 2nd September, 2019, sometime around 10:15pm, an adult female came into Rock Sound Police Station and reported that she along with her boyfriend stopped some unknown male from stealing gas at a Local Service Station a few moments earlier. Police assistance requested.

Officers visited the scene where they observed four (4) large gas containers around a fuel pump. The fuel pump was attached to a PVC pipe which was placed inside the service station main fuel tank in the ground.

One of the fuel containers that the suspect had in his possession was already ¾ filled with fuel before he was seen by bystanders and made good his escape leaving same on the scene. The store owner was informed and he secured the premises. Investigations are ongoing.

Obscene Language and Disorderly Behavior - On Monday 2nd September, 2019, sometime around 10:30pm Officers observed a male inside a yellow Passo vehicle with no license plates lurking in the area.

As a result of this the officer became suspicious. The male drove past the scene a few times before coming to a stop at the front of a gas station area that the officer had secured. They walked to the vehicle to try and identify the male and it was this time the male appeared to be recording the scene with his cellular phone.

Officers asked the male to remove himself from an active crime scene. He then shouting loudly while acting belligerently and using obscene language.

The male was then cautioned and arrested reference to same.

He continued shouting and throwing his arms in the air while acting belligerent. He also continued using more profanities towards the officers. He was further cautioned reference to his behavior. Investigations will continue into this matter.

Arrest reference to Breech of Immigration Act: On Monday 26th August, 2019 at 7:39pm Senior Immigration Officers came in at the GHPS with three (3) adult Haitian Nationals under arrest in refer-

Arrest Reference to Breech of immigration Act : Sometime around 11:45am on Friday 23rd August, 2019, acting on information, Officers proceeded to a residence known to be frequented by illegal immigrants located on Queen’s Highway Governor’s Harbour. Officers met an adult male on the outside of the premises who is known to be a Legal Resident. He indicated that he does not live at the property and that the occupants fled when the Police vehicle pulled into the yard. He pointed out the opened sliding door and invited officers to check for themselves.

As Officers were checking the premises they came upon a male and female who upon seeing the Police attempted to flee into nearby bushes. Officers were able capture the adult male. He admitted that he does not have a Permit to be in the Bahamas, as a result he was arrested and Sr. Immigration Officer Gibson was informed POLICE ASSISTANCE REQUESTED: At about 1:55pm on Tuesday 20th August 2019 an adult female contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station via telephone and reported that a worker on the roof of the establishment had fallen and Ambulance assistance is requested.

Officers responded and reported that a male construction worker had fallen from the rooftop; He was conscious and was able to provide his name and date of birth.

The victim suffered from injuries to the head and left arm. He was transported to the Palmetto Point Clinic by EMS for treatments by Dr. Allen Cho District Medical Officer and will be referred to the Princess Margaret Hospital New Providence for further Medical Care House Breaking, Stealing and Receiving Report: On Saturday 17th August, 2019 at about 9:56pm Officers came in at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station with an adult male under arrest and reported that he was cautioned and arrested while in the area of Banks Road North Palmetto Point reference to House Breaking, Stealing and Receiving.

Persons arrested Reference to Immigration Purposes Senior Immigration Officer Gibson and a team of other immigration officers came in at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station at about 6:15am on the 16.8.19 with four (4)

HeadQuarters (GH) Governor’s Harbour OR O/C Governor’s Harbour Gov.Harb. Airport Station Deep Creek Station Tarpum Bay Station Rock Sound Station

332-3500 332-2111 332-2117 332-2723 332-2323 334-8207 334-4033 334-2244

adult Haitian Nationals of Governor’s Harbour and reported that they were arrested at about 5:55am same date.

Persons arrested Reference to Immigration Purposes Senior Immigration Officer and a team of other immigration officers came in at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station at about 8:20am on the 16.8.19 with four (4) adult Haitian Nationals under arrest in reference to breach of the Immigration Act, and reported that they were arrested sometime around 8:20am on the same date.

Arrest reference to Possession of Dangerous Drugs Sometime around 6:15am on Friday 16th August 2019 Officers acting on information executed a search warrant on the residence of an adult male of Governor’s Harbour in reference to possession of dangerous drugs, firearms and illegal immigrants. Also present was an adult female, during the search Officers immediately observed a foil wrap on a night stand the male reportedly said “that’s my weed, I does smoke”.

As a result, both persons were arrested for possession of dangerous drugs. A further search of a bedroom pillow revealed one orange Ovaltine Bottle containing (25) individually wrapped foil packages each containing a quantity of suspected marijuana.

As a result both persons were further warned of prosecution for possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply. Also seized from the residence were $56.00 and other drug paraphernalia. The suspects were transported to the Governor’s Harbour Police Station along with the seized items for further investigations.

Arrests reference to Breach of Immigration Act: On Monday, 12th August 2019 Senior Immigration Officer M. Gibson and a team of Immigration Officers came in at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station with ten (10) adult Haitian Nationals arrested for Breaching the Immigration Act. Arrests reference to Breach of Immigration Act. At 10:05am on Monday, 12th August 2019 Officers came in at the

Rock Sound Sgt. Office Rock Sound Airport Stn L. Bogue Station (Airport) Harbour Island Station O/C Harbour Island Spanish Wells Station Gregory Town Station Hatchet Bay Station

334-2212 334-2052 335-1208 333-2111 333-2327 333-4030 335-5322 335-0086

Governor’s Harbour Police Station with two (2) adult Haitian Nationals for Breaching the Immigration Act. All of the persons were processed and later appeared before the Magistrate Court where they were fined and ordered deported.

House Breaking/Stealing Report: On Sunday 11th August, 2019, at about 6:35pm, an adult male contacted the GHPS and reported that some unknown person/s entered his residence while unoccupied, then searched and stole property. Police action requested.

Officers visited the scene, saw and spoke with the complainant who pointed out a southeastern side door as the point of entry. However there were no signs of forced entry and it is suspected that the door may have been left unlocked by persons who were hired to install striker plates on the locks of all external doors of the residence. The complainant also pointed out the cut screen of a rear southwestern living room window however entry was not gained through the window. The scene was photographed and processed for latent finger print impressions with negative results, however other items left behind were collected for further processing.

Investigations are to continue.

House Breaking and Stealing Report At 2:45pm Friday August 9th 2019 an adult male visitor reported to the Governor’s Harbour Police Station that sometime between 12:00am and 9:00am on Friday August 9th 2019, some unknown person/s broke and entered their residence and stole at total of $975.00 cash in mostly USD from his bedroom.

He suspects that entry was gained through a north western sliding door, Police action is requested. This matter is under investigation.

Stealing Report: On Thursday 08th July, 2019 at about 11:57am an adult male contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station via telephone and reported that while coming from the beach he was approached by two (2) unknown males who punched him in the face and snatched his chain off his neck. Police Assistance Requested.

Officers arrived at the scene and reported that they saw and spoke with the complainant who stated that after opening his business establishment he decided to go for a swim and

Crime News while there he observed two dark males running towards him with white T-shirts tied around there heads, and that one of them punched him in the face while the other grabbed his 17kt gold chain with a gold sand dollar charm with a scorpion in front which is valued at about four thousand dollars ($4,000) off his neck and ran off.

This matter is under active investigation.

Arrests ref. to Breach of Immigration Act: At 5:24pm Monday August 5th 2019, Immigration Officers came in at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station with two (2) adult Haitian Nationals under arrest reference to Breach of the Immigration Act. Officer’s reported arresting both suspects at 3:45pm 05/08/2019 while in Lower Bogue Eleuthera.

House Breaking and Stealing Reported: On Sunday 4th August, 2019 at 7:28pm an adult female contacted the Governors Harbour Police Station and reported that sometime between Thursday 01/08/2019 and Sunday 04/08/2019 some unknown person broke and entered her house by breaking the bathroom window and stole and assortment of coins, Police assistance is requested.

Stealing Report: On Saturday 03rd July, 2019 at about 1:30pm an adult male came into the Governor’s Harbour Police Station and reported that someone stole one (1) door and seven (7) windows from the house that he is building . Officers visited the scene. Investigations are ongoing.

Causing Harm Report: On Tuesday 30th July, 2019 at 4:30pm an adult male came into the GHPS and reported that on 28/7/19 sometime around 12:50am and 1:00am after walking out of a Hall from his brother’s Wedding reception after an exchange of word he was approached by a group of male’s unknown to him who beat him about the body and stabbed him (3) times to his chest, police action requested.

Causing Harm Report: At about 10:00am on the 30/7/19 an adult male came in at Hatchet Bay Police Station and reported where sometime around 10:00pm on the 27th July 2019 while in his yard he was attacked by two males who he knows and three other men who he does not know. Who beat him about the head and body, immediate police action requested. Investigations continue

H.I. & N.E. Reports Causing Harm Report - On Tuesday 30th July 2019 at 11:40am an adult female of a Villa Bay Street, Harbour Island came to the HIPS and

reported that she has a daughter of the same address who came to her and told her that on Thursday 18th July 2019 at about 3am whiles headed home on the back of her boyfriend moped, a male she knows ran his 6 seater golf cart into the rear of them causing her to receive back pains. Police action requested.

Threats of Harm Report On Wednesday 24th July 2019 at 4:20Pm an adult female of Gregory Town North Eleuthera came to the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that on July 24th 2019 at around 4:00Pm while at the Harbour Island Public dock her teen daughter’s father approached her and said insulting and offensive words towards her which resulted in a verbal dispute that later led to him attempting to push her over board into the sea. However she further stated that she had to jump on a ferry boat to resist his attack. As a result a complainant was file at the North Eleuthera Police Station. On Today’s date around 4:00Pm while driving with a male she knows On Dunmore Street she observed her baby’s father driving in the opposite direction where he pointed his finger at her stating in aloud tone of voice “you don’t #%#% ya know” placing her in instant fear for her safety.

Police Action requested.

Investigations are continuing into the matter…………

Stealing Report - On Thursday 1st August, 2019 at about 2:15 pm an adult female of Princess Street came to the Harbour Island Station and reported that sometime between Monday 29th July, 2019 and Tuesday 30th July, 2019 some unknown person/s entered her home and stole about $2,390.00 from the wallets and handbags of her family members.

Police action requested.

Interfering with a prisoner Arrest - On Thursday 1st August, 2019 at about 3:40 pm ca police crew came in at S3 with an adult male of Dunmore Street.

The suspect was reportedly arrested and cautioned while in the Dunmore Street area in reference to Interfering with a prisoner. The suspect was later released pending further investigations.

Threats of Harm/Damage Report - An adult male of Dunmore St Harbour Island came to the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that while at his business establishment located Love Lane Harbour Island a male he knows who appeared to be under the influence of Dangerous Drugs or alcohol threatened to gun butt him after causing damages to the pickup glass window at his establishment. He added that this male was creating a disturbance over him not wanting to wait the

Aug/Sept, 2019

regular wait period for an order of wings valued at $5.00 which was nearly completed in the fryer. Police action requested. .....

Arrest reference to Damage: On Friday 2nd August 2019 at 11:59am a SGT came in at S-3 with a male suspect of Dunmore Street, Harbour Island in reference to Damage and Threats of Harm - a complaint made on 1/8/19. He was arrested and cautioned while in the area of Dunmore and York Street. On the same date the complainant came in at Harbour Island Police Station where he withdrew his complaint against the suspect and as a result the suspect was released from Police custody. ed

Police Warning Request-

Location: Lower Bogue, Eleuthera On Saturday 3rd August 2019, sometime around 10:15am, an adult male of Queens Highway, Lower Bogue, contacted the North Eleuthera Police Station and reported that at about 9:15pm on Friday 2nd August 2019, while at his establishment, his godson, came onto his property asking to borrow a car jack. He refused to lend him the jack, and that’s when he started to use obscene language and began behaving in a disorderly manner.

As a result he does not wish for his godson to return to his premises anymore for any personal business reasons. He requested a Police warning.

Warning Executed: On Saturday 3rd August 2019, sometime around 2:20pm, police, while at a business establishment, saw and spoke with the suspect. He was informed of the complaint made against him, and warned to not go onto the business or residential premises of the complainant.

Rape Reported Location: Lower Bogue, Eleuthera On Saturday 3rd August 2019, sometime around 5:20pm, an adult female of Queens Highway, Lower Bogue, came into the North Eleuthera Police Station along with a young adult female of Queens Highway, Lower Bogue, who reported that sometime between 10:30pm on Friday 2nd August 2019 and 2:20am on Saturday 3rd August 2019, while at her residence, a male whom she knows held her down, took off her clothes, and had sexual intercourse with her against her will. Police action requested.

Police at the North Eleuthera Police Station recorded a written statement from the victim. On Saturday 3rd August 2019, sometime around 10:05pm, the victim was taken to Harbor Island Clinic, where she was examined by Dr. B. Gaitor, in the presence of WPC 3471 McKenzie and Nurse Henfield. A sexual offence kit was completed

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for evidential purposes. Investigations are continuing into this matter.

Police Warning Requested Location: Lower Bogue, Eleuthera On Saturday 3rd August 2019, sometime around 6:02pm, an adult female of Lower Bogue, Eleuthera, came to the North Eleuthera Police Station and requested that her husband’s fiancée, be warned to stop talking about her, and asking questions about her and her husband’s divorce proceedings.

On Saturday 3rd August 2019, sometime around 6:10pm, while at the North Eleuthera Police Station, police saw and spoke with the accused.

She was informed of the complaint made against her, and warned to be of good behavior towards the complainant.

Assault with a dangerous instrument report - On Sunday 4/8/19 at about 12:15am an adult male of Coconut Grove Avenue Harbour Island contacted Harbour island Police Station and reported that while at his residence he was attacked by his baby’s mother with a black pocket knife causing a cut to his left middle finger a bump to his forehead after she struck him with the knife after demanding that he pays her the $2000 he owes her. Police warning requested.

On same date police saw and spoke with the accused female of Alice Street Harbour Island while at Coconut Grove Avenue. She was sternly warned in the presence of the complainant in reference to her behavior.

She stated that the complainant has $2000 that belongs to her and refuses to pay her. Both parties were advised civilly. The area was left quiet.

Assault Report - On Monday 5th August, 2019 at about 8:30 pm a young adult female of Coconut Grove Avenue came to the Harbour Island Station and reported that sometime around 8:15 pm while travelling north along Trianna Shores a female known to her slapped her to the face and beat her about the body causing pain. Police action requested.

Arrest Ref: Assault Report On Tuesday 6th August 2019 at 12:45pm an adult female of Dunmore Street, Harbour Island came in at S-3. Police reported arresting and cautioning the suspect on Tuesday 6th August 2019 at 12:50pm whiles at the HIPS reference to Assault. Police while at the HIPS conducted a record of interview with the suspect under caution, which she admitted to the offence. Police charged the suspect with Assault contrary to section 133 of the Penal Code Chapter 84.

Assault Report On Thursday 8th August 2019 at 12:00Am an adult female complainant of Colebrooke Street Harbour Island Came to the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that on Wednesday 7th August 2019 while at her

38 www. EleutheraNews . com Continued from Page. 37 friend’s residence a female situated Alice Street was attacked by her boyfriend who punched her to the face causing pain and injuries to her lip after a verbal altercation.

Police action requested.

Action Taken -Police viewed the complainant’s lip where there were visible signs of injuries what appeared to be apparent lacerations to both her top and bottom lip.

They recorded a written statement from the complainant reference to the matter. The complainant was issued with an official Police hospital form to submit at the Harbour Island Health Center to be examined.

Arrest reference to: Assault w/a/dangerous instrument & Threat of harm - On Thursday 8/8/19 at about 3:20pm a police officer reported that while at Harbour Island Police Station he arrested and cautioned the an adult male suspect of Coconut Grove Avenue Harbour Island in reference to an Assault with a dangerous instrument and threat of harm - a complaint made on 4/8/19. Police interviewed the suspect under caution and he denied all allegations.

He was released pending further investigations.

Arrest reference to As:sault: On Thursday 8/8/19 at about 4:05pm a police officer reported that while at Harbour Island Police Station he arrested and cautioned the an adult male suspect of Sugar Hill Street Gregory Town Eleuthera in reference to assault - a complaint made on 6/8/19 Police conducted an interview under caution of the accused where he denied all allegations.

He was subsequently released the accused pending further investigations.

Arrest reference to Assault w/a dangerous instrument & Damage Case & Causing Harm Case: On Thursday 8/8/19 at about 4:05pm a police officer reported that while at Harbour Island Police Station he arrested and cautioned the a young adult male suspect of Princess Street Harbour Island in reference to assault with a dangerous instrument and damage a complaint made on 27/7/19 and Causing harm a complaint made on 30/7/19. The suspect appeared to be well and was taken in Police custody.

Stolen property report On Friday 9/8/19 at about 2:50pm an adult male of New Dunmore Subdivision came in at Harbour Island Police Station and reported that sometime between late May 2019 and Thursday 8/8/19 some unknown person stole his front license plate #EL 4424 value unknown from his Olive Green 2006

Crime News

Mazda 6 while same was parked on Bay Street Harbour Island. He had no suspects in the matter Police action requested.

Threats of Arson/ Unlawfully Carrying Arms Report On Sunday 11th August 2019 at 9:45pm an adult male of New Dunmore Subdivision, Harbour Island came to the HIPS and reported that while at his residence he observed his grandson and his stepson involved in a verbal altercation which turned physical. After the altercation, his stepson threatened to burn the house down whileoutside with a spear in his hand.

Police assistance requested.

Suspect Arrest - A police crew came in at S-3 with the adult male suspect of New Dunmore Subdivision in reference to Unlawfully Carrying Arms. Police reported that he was arrested and cautioned on Sunday 11th August 2019 at 9:53pm whiles in the area of New Dunmore Subdivision.

Stealing report(major) On Monday 12/8/19 at about 7:00pm an adult male Uruguay and c/o a rental home located Gaol lane Harbour Island came in at Harbour Island Police Station and reported that sometime between Tuesday 6/8/19 8:00am & Sunday 11/8/19 7:30pm some unknown person/s entered his rental home and went into his western bedroom and stole his son’s Gold chain and crucifix charm valued at $1,000 and his Silver stainless steel Rolex GMT Master 2 black dial watch valued at $18,000 from out his super dry back pack which was on his room floor near the closet. He had no suspects in this matter and point of entry and exit is unknown as there was no signs of forced entry and all the doors and windows were kept properly locked and secured at all times Police action requested.

Police visited the rental residence of the complainant where a check was made of all windows and doors at that location and there were no signs of tampering or forced entry at the time. Investigation continues.

Assault Arrest - On Tuesday 13th August, 2019 at about 11:25 am an adult female of The Bluff, North Eleuthera came to the Harbour Island Station where she was arrested and cautioned in reference to Assault. Police interviewed the suspect under caution and later charged her with Assault C/S 133 of the Penal Code Chapter 84. She was released on bail in the sum of $1,000.00 to appear in Magistrate Court on 16.09.19.

Stealing Arrest - On Tuesday 13th August, 2019 at about 11:30 am an adult female

of Colebrooke Street and The Bluff, North Eleuthera came to the Harbour Island Station where he was arrested and cautioned in reference to Stealing. Police interviewed the suspect under caution where he denied the offence. He was later released from police custody pending further investigations.

Causing Damage, Attempted Escape and Assaulting a Police Officer Report - On Wednesday 14th August, 2019 a Sgt. reported that while on duty at the Harbour Island Police Station making checks of the cell block area he observed a heavy stream of water coming from the cell that housed an adult male suspect of The Bluff, North Eleuthera which also has a toilet.

Further checks revealed that the suspect broke the pipe line for the toilet resulting in the overflow of water. While attempting to remove the suspect from that cell a struggle ensued resulting in the Sgt. receiving injuries to his right ring finger.

Further, checks of the cell revealed that the suspect dug a hole about 10” in the ceiling of the cell. He was further cautioned in reference to Two (2) counts of Damage, Attempted Escape and Assaulting a Police Officer.

Arson Report - At about 2:20am on the Friday the 16th August 2019, police c/o Governor’s Harbour Police Station contacted a Sgt via telephone and reported that there was a structural fire located at Ingraham’s Bar and Grill, located on Bay Street, Lower Bogue, Eleuthera. Police assistance was requested into the matter. At about 2:40am, same date, police arrived on scene where they met the proprietor, making use of a garden hose to extinguish the flames on the interior of the establishment. The unit assisted until they got the fire under control and it was out. The proprietor reported that sometime around 12:00am on Friday the 16th August 2019, he closed his establishment leaving the building locked and secured. He was awakened by his neighbor who alerted him of the situation. He suspected his live in girlfriend, was responsible, because prior to the incident, they had a physical altercation at home and she was not there when he was awaken. He requested police action in the matter.

Result - At about 10:10am on the same date, a police crew while along Queens Highway, Upper Bogue, saw the accused. She was informed of the complaint and arrested and cautioned in reference to Arson. She gave her DOB and was subsequently booked in at the North Eleuthera Police Station.

Police later interviewed the suspect under caution and she admitted to the offence. The suspect was later released from police custody pending further investigations as direct-

Aug/Sept, 2019

ed by A.S.P N Rolle; she appeared to be of good health. Investigations are ongoing Causing Damage Location: Bluff, Eleuthera On Monday 19th August 2019, sometime around 2:00pm, an adult female of Bluff, Eleuthera, came into the North Eleuthera Police Station and reported that sometime between Thursday 15th August 2019 and Sunday 18th August 2019, she parked her black 2007 Nissan Wingroad l/p # unknown, in front of her neighbor’s apartment. On Sunday 18th August 2019 her vehicle would not drive as usual. When she checked her vehicle she discovered that some unknown person/s had pried open her gas tank and put some whitish/yellow substance in it.

She suspects her neighbor because she sought Police action against him. The estimated cost of the damages is unknown. Police action is requested.

Removing a vehicle without the Owner’s Consent Report - On Tuesday 20th August, 2019 at about 2:30pm, an adult female of Gregory Town Eleuthera, reported that sometime between 4:00pm on Saturday 17th August 2019 and 9:15am on Tuesday 20th August 2019 some unknown person stole the company’s white Yamaha golf cart valued at $5,000, police action requested in this matter.

Stealing by Reason of Service Report - On Friday 23rd August 2019 at 4:49pm a female came to the HIPS and reported that she gave $130.00 to a male she knows of South Beach on August 5th 2019 through Island luck in exchange for some items namely clothes, make-up and a pair of shoes. However he has not sent items as yet and is continuously ignoring her calls and messages.

Police assistance requested.

Assault Report - An adult male of Barrack Street Harbour Island came in at the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that while standing on the southern side outside of the Vichum Night Club under a shade from the rain at around 10:20Pm on 23/8/19, he was approached by a male whom he knows who pulled a knife on him threatening and attempting to cause bodily harm to him. He further stated that Dudley later threw a cup of what he suspects to be hot sauce in his face causing severe pain and discomfort to both of his eyes and face. Police action requested. Police viewed the complainant eyes where he observed redness and what appeared to be runny nose symptoms. There was also hot sauce stain on the front section of his shirt .As a result photos were collected for further investigation purposes. He was issued with a hospital form to be examined at the Harbour Island Health Center.

Crime News Investigations remains active.

Shop Breaking Report On Monday 26th August 2019, Principle c/o HIAAS, contacted the H.I.P.S and reported that while making checks of the school campus she discovered that the computer classroom door was open as if someone had broken into same. Checks were made and notice that some unknown persons had cause damage to the safe where the computers are kept. Police action requested.

Damage Report - On Monday 26/8/19 an adult male of Colebrook Street, Harbour Island came to the H.I.P.S and reported that sometime around 3:50am a young man whom he knows of Harbour Island broke into his work stall and caused damage to the door and stole conch and curbs all together valued at $400.00. Police action requested.

Found Drugs - On Monday 26th August 2019 Insp K. Farquharson came to the HIPS and reported that while patrolling on King Street, a male who wishes to remain anonymous handed over to him one transparent bag containing a quantity of plant like material suspected of being marijuana. The male reported finding the same on King Street in the area of Piggly Wiggly Food Store. Same was confiscated and secured pending further investigation.

Suspect Arrest Ref: Assault Report - On Monday 26th August 2019 at about 6:230pm an adult male of Ripley Street in at the HIPS was arrested and cautioned in reference to Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Causing Harm. He was subsequently charged with Assault contrary to section 133 of the Penal Code Chapter 84. He was later then processed and given bail to appear before Magistrate court Harbour Island on 16/9/19 Suspect in Custody - Police arrested an adult male suspect of Current Eleuthera in reference to a W.O.A. He stated he was well.

Entry by Night Arrest On Tuesday 27th August 2019 at about 10:15 am a Sgt. arrested and cautioned an adult male of Colebrooke Street in reference to Entry

by Night, a complaint made on Thursday 22nd August, 2019. Police interviewed the suspect under caution and later released him pending further investigations.

Removing Vehicle without Owner’s Consent - On Tuesday 27th August, 2019 at around 10:30 am an adult male of Colebrooke Street c/o Briland On The Go Rentals came to the Harbour Island Station and reported that sometime between 10:00 pm on 26.08.19 and 7:00 am on 27.08.19

some unknown person/s stole rental cart #418 a white Yamaha Golf Cart from along Bay Street in front of Valentine’s Resort. Police action requested.

An officer later came in at S3 with a white Yamaha golf cart #SD418 with Briland- On-The- Go logo on same. He reported observing four males on same one of which he identified as “gorgeous” whom all ran upon him noticing them.

• A young adult male of Barrack Street was arrested and cautioned by police in reference to this matter.

• Two juveniles were arrested and cautioned in reference to this matter.

• A young adult male of princess Street was arrested and cautioned in reference to this matter.

Removing Vehicle without Owner’s Consent Arrest On Wednesday 28th August, 2019 at around 9 young adult male of Princess Street came to the Harbour Island Station where he was arrested and cautioned by police in reference to Removing a Vehicle without the Owner’s Consent. Police interviewed the suspect under caution and later charged him with the offence. The suspect was released on bail to appear in Magistrate Court on September 16th, 2019.

Damage Arrest - On Tuesday 3rd September, 2019 at about 11:42 am a Sgt. came into Harbour Island Police Station with an adult male of New Dunmore Subdivision.

The suspect was reportedly arrested and cautioned at 11:35 am while in the Duke Street area in Reference to Damage.

Stealing and Causing Harm Arrest - On Tuesday 3rd September, 2019 at about 1:05 pm an adult male of Duncan Lane was arrested and cautioned by police in reference to Causing Harm and Stealing, a complaint previously made on 31.08.19. Police interviewed the suspect under caution where he denied the allegations. He was released from police custody pending further investigations.

Shop Breaking and Causing Damage Arrest - Removing Vehicle Without the Owner’s Consent - Police came in at S-3 with an adult male suspect of New Dunmore Subdivision in reference to Damage and Stealing. He was reportedly arrested and cautioned suspect on Tuesday 3rd September 2019 at 11:40am whiles in the area of Duke Street. Police conducted an interview with the suspect under caution in reference to the mentioned offences where he admitted to Removing Vehicle without the owner’s consent and denied allegations of Shop Breaking. Suspect was taken in custody pending further investigation into the

Aug/Sept, 2019

shop breaking matter. Police later released the accused male on Bail in the amount of $700.00 reference to Shop Breaking and Stealing and $500.00 reference to Removing a Vehicle without the Owner’s Consent with one suretor to appear before the Magistrate court on the 16/9/19 at 9:30pm Arrest - Police reported that while at the Harbour Island Police Station at around 2:05Pm on 3/9/19 he arrested and Cautioned suspect a male in reference to Assault with a Dangerous Instrument - a complaint made by another male on 1/9/19. Police conducted an interview with the suspect of Coconut Grove Ave Harbour Island around 6:30Pm on 3/9/19 reference to Assault with a Dangerous Instrument where he admitted to the offence.

At about 7:40pm police released the suspect on Bail in the sum of $1,000.00 with one surety to appear before court on 16/9/19.

Threats of Death Report On Wednesday 4th September, 2019 at about 9:12pm an adult female of Colebrook Street, Harbour Island came to the HIPS and reported that on Wednesday 4th Sept 2019 at about 2:00pm while riding on a golf cart through Trianna Shores along with a friend, her ex-boyfriend threatened to kill her putting her in fear for her life.

Police action requested.

Threats of Harm Arrest On Thursday 5th September, 2019 at about 9:50 am an adult male of Lower Bogue, North Eleuthera came to the Harbour Island Police Station where he was arrested and cautioned in reference to Threats of Harm. Police reported that while at Harbour Island Police Station the suspect was interviewed under caution where he was asked a series of questions however he denied all allegations. Police Johnson released the suspect Jeremy Pinder from Police custody.

Removing Vehicle without Owner’s Consent Arrest - On Thursday 5th September, 2019 at about 10:45 am Sgt. 234 Taylor came to the Harbour Island Police Station with a juvenile male suspect. The suspect was reportedly arrested and cautioned area in reference to Removing a Vehicle without Owner’s Consent.

On same date P/C 3541 police interviewed the suspect under caution in the presence of another officer and his aunt, where he admitted to the allegations. Police charged the male with removing a vehicle without the owner’s consent contrary to section 55(1) of the road traffic act chapter 220.

The suspect was later then fingerprinted processed and released on Police bail at the sum of $700 one

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surety to appear before Magistrate court Harbour Island.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon - An adult female of Harbour Island came to the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that on 5/9/19 at around 8:50Pm while walking along Barrack Street a female known to her attempted to knock her down in the area of Jj’s Bar. She further reported that she was cornered as a result of the attack where the accused later made threats towards her stating that she should kill her.

The v/c added that on 6/9/19 the accused came at her house at around 11:45am and made threats towards her stating that where ever she sees her she will &*&^ her up and she better stay running. Police action requested.

Stealing from a vehicle/ Damage report - On Friday 6/9/19 at about 2:15pm an adult male of Queens Highway Governors Harbour came in at Harbour Island Police Station and reported that sometime between 2:00pm Tuesday 3/9/19 and 9:30am Friday 6/9/19 he left his 1999 Ford F450 white box van properly locked and secured with merchandise belonging to the company that he runs parked on Harbour Island Ball field located Barrack Street Harbour Island to return to discover that some unknown person had broken the left driver glass window to the door to gain access in the vehicle and also stole Five cases of Blue bird Juice valued at $25, a case three carton of Grabber Cigars valued at $65, a carton eight cases of Bud light beers valued at $45, a case 0 in reference to Causing Harm and Stealing. The suspect was interviewed under caution where he denied the allegations and later released pending further investigations.

Stealing Report - On Saturday 31st August, 2019 at about 12:50 pm an adult male of Colebrooke Street came to the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that sometime between Thursday 29th August, 2019 and 12:20 pm August 31st, 2019, date some unknown person/s stole two white speakers and a cd player make, model and value unknown from his 21 feet Cobia boat which was docked at the Government Dock, Bay Street. He further reported that at about 12:30 pm while in the area of Tiki Hut, Colebrooke Street he observed a male known to him with his speakers. Police action requested.

40 www. EleutheraNews . com

Lo c a l

Aug/Sept, 2019

Performing Arts Day Camp - Spring Arts - Hosts Exciting Finale Play at the end of their 2019 summer session Malikah Pinder, an amazingly talented vocalist, and also a professional educator, continues to immerse herself in activities she really enjoys, while impacting the younger generation, helping to hone their innate skills and talents.

During the week of July 29th to Aug. 3rd, 20179, Ms. Pinder hosted the 4th Annual Spring Arts Performing Arts Day Camp. “I’m always watching plays, and seeing adults do it (drama). But, I know that there are children, just as passionate, and who are just as capable of doing it. I feel that I have some skills, and it is a passion of mine to pass those on. So, this is what I enjoy doing. I also have a love for kids, as I’m an educator by profession. So I combined my passions, and its been going really well,” she shared.

This year, in a new twist, the Day Camp had all girls, with no boys signed up to take part. This posed a curious challenge when it came to the big annual end-of-week Finale Production, held at the Parish Hall on Saturday evening, August 3rd at 7pm, for the wider community, which called for a number of male roles. “One of the big challenges this year was the lack of any boys at the camp this year,” smiled Malikah. “So, the roles calling for males in the play had to be reworked, with the one male role that could not be changed having to be done by one of the girls - who did an excellent job in the role, showing off her skills garnered during the one-week camp event.”

The finale play, held during the final evening each year, saw a full house of community members out to support the

Above: Standing center in red is talented vocalist and educator, Ms. Malikah Pinder, leader at the Springs Arts Performing Arts Day camp, with her budding performance artists.

Young actresses in the musical finale play, ‘The Diary of The Maid’, held on Saturday, August 3rd at the Parish Hall in Governor’s Harbour.

4-Year-Old Escapes Near Drowning Sometime around 5:40pm on Sunday, August 4th, 2019, medical officers and personnel from the Governor’s Harbour/Palmetto Point Clinic were able to resuscitate a 4-year-old boy, who had been retrieved from a swimming pool.

Police at the Governor’s Harbour Station had been contacted a short time earlier by a local restaurant, with a report of a child having fallen into the swimming pool at the establishment.

After the successful resuscitation of the young boy with the assistance of visitors to the restaurant, he was transported by medical personnel, according to authorities, to the Palmetto Point Clinic, accompanied by his mother in stable condition, for further medical attention.

In an interview, prior to the incident, Chief Superintendent Stephen Adderley, Officer In Charge of the Eleuthera Division, encouraged the public to be extra cautious with children at beaches and around swimming areas, saying, “We implore the public to keep a close eye on the kids, ensuring that they are monitored while swimming and on the beaches - taking special care for rip currents, strong tides, as well as in shallow waters.”

During mid-July, the Hatchet Bay community, in Central Eleuthera, witnessed the loss of a young teenager, when on Tuesday, July 16th, 18-year-old Dustin Ranger, passed away, after a drowning accident, off Seaside beach in Hatchet Bay.

budding performance artists. Called, “The Diary of The Maid”, the drama’s story line, while funny at times, still dealt with important moral lessons, like being truthful, God providing in times of need, as well as issues like substance abuse

and its consequences. The finale production, which included both dramatic and musical aspects, was the culmination of what the campers had been doing all week, said Malikah.

loc a l +p lu s

2019

Picture This

Minister of Financial Services, Trade, Industry and Immigration the Hon. Elsworth Johnson received the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, His Excellency Huang Qinguo, in a courtesy call at his office on Thursday, August 22, 2019. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)

Aug/Sept

41

shameful‘contempt of haitians’ Continued from Page. 12

by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), to lure Haitians into believing that they can arrive in and remain in CARICOM countries to live and work.

In this connection, Barbados became a target of this illegal operation after its government, in what clearly it thought was fair-mindedness, chose to remove the necessity for Haitians to apply to enter Barbados. After reported incidents of abuse, the government announced that it “was compelled” to reinstitute the requirement for Haitians to have visas.

The Haitian people are vulnerable. They cannot be blamed for their shameless exploitation by bandits. They certainly do not deserve the prejudiced epithets that have been used to describe them by other Caribbean people.

The reality is that small CARICOM countries, already confronted with major economic challenges, cannot afford unchecked Haitian entry as refugees or to seek employment. After all, the unemployed of Haiti is estimated to be larger than the entire populations of all CARICOM countries combined.

It is against that reality that the entry of Haitians should be measured; it should not be judged by branding Haitians with false and unfair characterisations they do not deserve. Anyone who knows Haiti would know that the Haitians are a talented and creative people who struggle and survive despite terrible odds.

Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com 8 August 2019 Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com

airport fire truck damaged While fighting raging bush fire in NE

On Tuesday 6th August 2019, sometime around 8:45pm, Sgt. 2806 Hield and R/Sgt. 897 Leary, while on mobile patrol in the area of Queens Highway, Lower Bogue, discovered a large fire burning in bushes on the southern side of the said road. The fire appeared to be travelling in a western direction, and moving towards a number of residential buildings. A short time later, volunteers from the North

Eleuthera Volunteer Fire Department arrived on scene along with the North Eleuthera water truck.

The volunteers were subsequently assisted by members of the Airport Authority Fire Department, who arrived on scene along with the North Eleuthera Airport Fire Truck.

Sometime around 1:15am on Wednesday 7th August 2019, the fire was extinguished, with the assistance of members of the com-

munity. However, during the fire fight the airport fire truck, a green Oshkosh T-1500 fire truck, while being maneuvered around a residential building, sped out of control and collided into the said building, causing extensive damage to the right front wheel.

Airport Manager, Mr. Patrick Kemp confirmed that the damaged fire truck had been repaired since the incident, and while it was down, a replacement truck had been brought in. Both trucks are currently in working order at the North Eleuthera airport facility.

42 www. EleutheraNews . com

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Aug/Sept, 2019

Mr. Michael Culmer New DSE For The

Eleuthera District, Which Once Again Includes North, Central and South

BY The eleutheran news team

New District Superintendent of Education (DSE), Mr. Michael Culmer, to work closely with DSE, Mrs. Myrtle McPhee, as she phases into retirement in 2020.

“The Ministry of Education’s theme this year speaks to the concept of unity - ‘Effective Leadership, One Team, One Goal’, and that is what we are all about,” said New District Superintendent of Education (DSE) for the Eleuthera District, Mr. Michael Culmer, in an interview at his office located at the Ministry of Education’s Resource Center in Savannah Sound, on Monday, September 9th, 2019.

The Eleuthera Education District, which in 2017 was broken up into the two education districts - with the schools in North and Central Eleuthera, separated from the schools in South Eleuthera, saw run on effects such as - the dismantling of unified academic and sporting events on the island, affecting the level of competition on Eleuthera, - the creation of a duplication of annual events, and - fragmented administrative leadership.

Mr. Culmer’s appoint-

ment as DSE for the entire island of Eleuthera, including schools in the north, central, and south, returns the district to one, cohesive body.

At the District Education Office, Mrs. Myrtle McPhee (who served as DSE for Central and North Eleuthera since 2017) stays on as a District Superintendent, assisting Mr. Culmer in his new role, during her final months with the Ministry, before she retires in 2020. Also working along with Mr. Culmer is District Education Officer (DEO), Mr. Kirkwood Cleare; as well as Mrs. Fontella Knowles (former Principal of Preston Albury High School), who joined the District Office in September as a new DEO. “Although we are four individuals, we will be functioning as one team, putting our students and their needs ahead of everything else,” stated the island’s new DSE. With the promotions of Mr. Culmer and Mrs. Knowles, both former Highschool Principals, changes have been made in the leadership of the five pub-

lic High Schools/All Age Schools within the district.

Mr. Tracey Mckenzie has been given the helm at the Preston H. Albury High School in Rock Sound. Mrs. Marie Galanis continues to head Central Eleuthera High School in Palmetto Point as principal. Mr. Kevin Hepburn, who was the principal at Harbour Island All Age School, has been transferred to the North Eleuthera High School, replacing Mr. Culmer. Mrs. Chardel Brown-Gibson stays on as principal at the Spanish Wells All Age School, and the district office is awaiting the Director of Education to name the person who will be replacing Mr. Hepburn in Harbour Island, explained Mr. Culmer.

Primary schools in the district have seen no changes in leadership for the beginning of the 2019/2020 school year, he also confirmed.

With the passage of Hurricane Dorian through the northwest Bahamas at the beginning of September, the opening of public schools was not only delayed by a full week throughout the archipelago, but islands that were unaffected will now see an amalgamation of displaced students from the affected islands within their different schools, and the same goes for Eleuthera.

As displaced families settle in with friends and family across Eleuthera, the district office, said Mr. Culmer, will have these new students coordinated though their office into the different schools, so they can be fully aware of the numbers of students coming into the district, which schools are affected and to what degree, so that the Ministry of Education can plan properly for their accommodation within the schools. “Also we may have teachers who may be relocating to the Eleuthera district, and again this has to go through the proper channels,... and the determination will be made as to which schools those teachers will be working from,” added Mr. Culmer.

An overarching goal within the district, as the administration team works as one, shared DSE Culmer, was the aim to change the current graduation statistics. “When we look at our student perfomances in grade one, very few students are non-readers with reader percentages in the high 90’s. By the time we get to grade three, we see the first falling off. In grade six and

grade nine we see even further fall offs. These are the grades with the national GLAT (General Level Assessment Test) and BJC (Bahamas Junior Certificate) examinations, providing standardized testing and benchmarking for analysis.

“What we are also finding is that students who may have obtained A’s across the board at the BJC level may not necessarily be as motivated to work towards their BGCSE (Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education) examinations... So, we’ve been trying to take it on as a school, with the teachers, but as ‘One Team, One Goal’, we are going to have to get more parents engaged and involved... Also, our students don’t need just one-off ‘touch and go’ programs, that needs to change.

Our boys need mentors, our parents need support - systematic programs where we are continually developing them.”

The goal, said Culmer, was that by 2030, for 85% of students to be obtaining their national high school diploma, saying that was not an impossible goal, and could actually be done in the next five years.

“What it’s going to take is the buy-in of our parents. If the parents don’t see a value in education, why would the students? Education is about participation. If you are not prepared to participate in your child’s education, be prepared to watch your child fail. That support is necessary, and it does not end at grade six. I’ve seen parents adamant and involved in grade six, then when students get to grade seven it trickles off and continues to trickle off until you get to grade 12, and there are just a couple of involved parents. So my message is - participation for success!”

In the coming year, DSE Culmer shared that he was looking forward to collaboration, adding, “A meaningful collaboration with our schools, our parents, our civic organizations and our community leaders - not just lip service.” He lauded programs like the Defence Force Rangers, and Junior Achievement, and expressed how important he thought that arts and crafts were to the educational experience. He said he was dissatisfied with the way they have Article Continued Page 43

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‘New DSE’ Continued from Page. 42 been doing sports on the island as well, “We’ve done sports to benefit coaches - so, we’ve got to find a way to collaborate with parents and coaches for sports to again benefit students.”

Culmer also expressed his passion for Junkanoo, and asked the question, “What can we do to make Junior Junkanoo relevant, affordable, and an event that will be complementary to teaching and learning, rather than eating the resources of schools?... Somehow we’ve lost sight of what Junior Junkanoo is really supposed to be about, so, again we need to collaborate, and scrap the old idea of what Junior Junkanoo is about, and make it a part of our curriculum - so, a choice does not have to be made between Junkanoo and school.”

Last posted as Principal at the North Eleuthera High School, Mr. Culmer, a son of the Savannah Sound soil has seen himself go full circle. As a young boy, he began his primary education at the Savannah Sound All Age School, growing up under the modeling of legendary leaders in education from his hometown, whom his parents took inspiration from - and etched within

his being the importance of taking advantage of every educational opportunity given. From an early age, said Mr. Culmer, his parents encouraged him to excel in his primary and secondary work, with the goal of obtaining a scholarship for tertiary studies.

In this he was successful, earning a Junior Achievement award as the most distinguished achiever in 1990 which afforded him the opportunity to study at the College of the Bahamas (now University of the Bahamas), where he obtained his Associate Degree in Education and Teaching Certificate - with a focus on General Sciences. He returned to Eleuthera in 1995 as a young teacher, posted first at the Central Eleuthera High School (CEHS). Driven to stay cutting edge, he returned to the College of the Bahamas in 2001, beginning with courses on the island and completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. On his return to the island he was posted at the Preston Albury High School (PAHS), where he got involved with subject coordination and assisting with extracurricular programs at the campus.

In 2004, Mr. Culmer married his wife Mrs. Portia Culmer, and with the sad sudden passing of Mr. Walter Bethel, legendary Art teacher and Senior Master at CEHS, Culmer was given the opportunity to transfer to CEHS as the new Senior Master,

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closer to where his wife worked in Governor’s Harbour. This was his first stint in an administrative role.

In 2007, Mr. Culmer was promoted to vice principal at CEHS, followed closely by a promotion in the next year to principal at the Harbour Island All Age School (HIAAS), as an opportunity opened there.

He spent two years at HIAAS, crediting his success there to the wholehearted support of the community and parents. He also began, while in Harbour Island, his training with the Institution of Educational Leadership, a two year internal Ministry of Education leadership certificate program. His next posting was as the principal at his old stomping ground of CEHS, followed by his principal posting at the North Eleuthera High School (NEHS) in 2012.

In 2015, Mr. Culmer, while at NEHS, began his Master’s Degree in Management and Educational Leadership with the University of the West Indies, studying during the evenings and late into the nights to successfully complete his Master’s in 2018. NEHS was Mr. Culmer’s final posting, before his current assignment as District Superintendent for the island of Eleuthera ahead of the 2019/2020 school year.

Expressing his gratitude to the many educators and people that played critical roles in him getting

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to where he finds himself today, Mr. Culmer expressed, “Lots of people in positions of leadership have poured into me, so, because so much has been given to me, I am now obligated to give even more back. That is the impetus of my passion.”

Building Fire Report: On Sunday 11th August 2019 at about 4:00pm 6:20pm Insp. Dorsette c/o S.W.A.T contacted N.E.P.S and reported a building fire located at a home in Upper Bogue, North Eleuthera and Police Assistance was needed.

Action taken: PC.3044 Lockhart responded to the scene in Eskimo19. Upon arrival he met the home owner and the fire was in the smoldering stage confined to the Eastern front room roof. The fire was brought under control and later extinguished.

The aftermath left the Eastern Roof and Front room extensively damaged by fire.

The remainder of the house sustained extensive soot and smoke damages. No other information was ascertained.

Investigations revealed that the fire originated in the Eastern section of the house, which was used as a front room area. The area of fire was traced to a melted fan wire which showed signs of arcing; meaning high electricity current took place that cause a shortage in the roof and also a spark to ignite the chair. The fire then spread in the entire roof section leavening a lot of heat and smoke damages. This fire was caused by an apparent Electrical shortage.

Arson is not suspected in this matter.

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for the record: Strongest Hurricane on record to make landfall in The Bahamas CAUSES CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE IN The Abacos and Grand Bahama Hurricane Dorian - The Impact: Unprecedented in the Bahamas in wind force, which reached 185 mph sustained winds with gusts of 220 mph (an extremely strong category 5 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale), as well as super sea surges invading, covering and decimating homes, the tragedy of Hurricane Dorian was exacerbated by its initial slow and deadly crawl across Abaco Island during Sunday, September 1st, 2019, and then stalling over Grand Bahama for over 24 hours.

It would be recorded as the strongest hurricane to ever impact land in the Atlantic basin.

Dorian which gradually weakened to a Category 2 storm on Tuesday, September 3rd, as it crept northwest at 1, 2,..6, 8mph... through the day, still continued to push dangerous winds and life-threatening storm surge onto Grand Bahama even as it had begun lashing the Florida coast from offshore, according to the National Hurricane Center. These conditions in Grand Bahama waned overnight, and officials gave the All-Clear in the Bahamas at 5:00am on Wednesday morning, September 4th.

Calls for help being relayed on national radio, during the onslaught, were chilling at times, bringing home the reality of the dangerous, trying and sometimes deadly circumstances being experienced by Bahamians and residents in these two islands who were coming to grips with an unimaginable reality.

Subsequent survivor stories across national and international networks have been heart wrenching, and immensely sad.

The Prime Minister in his second national press conference held after the storm (4th since its arrival), on the Tuesday evening, soberly announced a preliminary death toll of 7 in the country from the catastrophic category five hurricane, adding that more deaths were expected. Up to Press time Dorian’s death toll was at 50 people according to the Royal Bahamas Police Force ( The count changes almost daily and is updated online www.

EleutheraNews.com).

On Sunday, September 8th, 2019, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) announced the commencement of a 50-member recovery team to do a systematic sweep of Abaco for survivors, any bodies that needed to be recovered as well as hazardous materials, using a grid system with each section being checked.

PM Minnis, along with US Officials, had conducted an initial aerial tour of The Abacos earlier on Tuesday, Sept. 4th aboard a US Coastguard in an initial assessment and reconnaissance mission, and the he described parts of Abaco as decimated.

In his description of the destruction on Abaco, PM Minnis said there was severe flooding and catastrophic damage to homes, businesses and other

infrastructure, with an estimated 60% of homes in Marsh Harbour damaged.

The Mudd, an immigrant township in Abaco, was described as completely destroyed. The international airport in Marsh Harbour was said to be under water, including the runway, and the surrounding area was like a lake, said the PM. The Treasure Cay airport was reported as still functional, however, the main access road was under water. Cooper’s Town was described as having damage, but less than Marsh Harbour. Southern Abaco was also said to have suffered less damage than areas in the north.

During the aerial tour, the Prime Minister relayed seeing a group of 30 people trapped within their community, waving yellow flags to get their attention, and assured the nation that rescue units had been dispatched before they left The Abacos to those individuals. He emphasized that the priority of the Bahamas government at this time was search, rescue and recovery - with the urgent task of providing food, water, shelter, safety and security to the victims of Hurricane Dorian.

The first of those relief missions took place on Tuesday night, with a Royal Navy vessel delivering food to Abaco, followed by NEMA with a planned delivery of food on Wednesday.

Hurricane Dorian at 5pm on Tuesday, September 3rd was a weaker but expanded storm with 110mph max, hurricane-force winds extending outward up to 60 miles (95 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extending outward up to 175 miles (280 km). It would go on to impact parts of the Carolina coasts in the US, as well as Nova Scotia in Canada’s maritime provinces.

Cabinet Meeting Following a Cabinet meeting held during the evening of Friday, September 6th, 2019, Prime Minister released the following statement:

“As a result of Hurricane Dorian the official death count in The Bahamas is 43 – 35 in Abaco and 8 in Grand Bahama. We acknowledge that there are many missing and that the number of deaths is expected to significantly increase. This is one of the stark realities we are facing in this hour of darkness. The loss of life we are experiencing is catastrophic and devastating. The grief we will bear as a country begins with the families who have lost loved ones. We will meet them in this time of sorrow with open arms and walk by their sides every step of the way. To those who have lost loved ones, I know there is absolutely nothing we can say that will lessen your pain and loss.

We offer you our shoulders to cry on, our prayers of comfort and our promise that your loved ones will never be forgotten. I ask the media and the country to respect the loss of life. The families need to grieve.

We will provide accurate, timely information on the loss of life as it is available. We will first and foremost put the priority on notifying families and giving them the help they need to grieve. I ask the Bahamian people to join me in grieving this horrible loss. Let us pray for the dead and their families.”

Prime Minister Minnis arrived in Grand Bahama on Saturday, September 7, 2019 for a firsthand view of the destruction caused by Hurricane Dorian.

He announced he would call for a National Day of Mourning.

He said that a national day of mourning must be held in order to properly mourn those who have passed as a result of Hurricane Dorian. The Prime Minister’s announcement came during a visit to Grand Bahama, where he held a press briefing and was updated by all of the relevant agencies on Grand Bahama as they continued the relief effort on the island, which was severely impacted by Category 5 Hurricane Dorian as it passed through Abaco and Grand Bahama on Sunday, September 1, 2019. “I will be making a National Address, during which time I will ask for a National Day of mourning and for flags to be flown at half-mast in honor of those individuals who have died during this devastation,” said Prime Minister Minnis. “I want to extend condolences to those individuals who have lost loved ones.” The Prime Minister acknowledged nobody could have predicted exactly what kind of devastation Hurricane Dorian would have left behind once it passed over the islands: “But what I can say is that the entire international community is with us.

“They have been assisting us from day one. They have made commitments that they will assist us in rebuilding our country.” He noted that not only was the United States there to lend their support to The

n at i on a l Bahamas, but the entire CARICOM community also reached out and offered assistance in the form of monetary assistance, man-power and advice.

Addressing the complaints by many about the decision to close the country’s air space (particularly over Grand Bahama and Abaco), Prime Minister Minnis said that in spite of the criticism, he holds firm to the decision, calling it the right one in the face of the circumstances. “We wanted to limit the amount of aircraft flying over these islands to humanitarian aircraft only,” said Prime Minister Minnis.

“There would have been a lot of negativity regarding that and a lot of people have complained. But we did that because we felt that there would have been too much people using the opportunity to fly over these islands just for sightseeing purposes.

“If that happened, it would first of all, hinder the work of those humanitarian aircraft coming in to assist and deliver aid. Secondly, because the towers at both Abaco and Grand Bahama are down, having so many aircraft fly over at the same time could have possibly result in midair collision, which would have been another disaster on our hands.” Recalling a personal experience recently, Prime Minister Minnis said that during a trip to Abaco to view the devastation there, the airplane (which was carrying Prime Minister Minnis, the Prime Minister of St. Lucia, Prime Minister of Barbados, Chairman and Secretary General of CARICOM, the Bahamian Commissioner of Police and others) had to suddenly drop its altitude because another aircraft was on a collision course with their aircraft and the plane was not responding to the Bahamasair pilot. “That’s the perfect example of why we had to make the deci-

Above: St. Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, and CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque being greeted upon arrival; and welcomed by Prime Minister Hubert Minnis

sion to close the airspace to aircraft not involved in Humanitarian aid,” said Prime Minister Minnis. During the press briefing, the Prime Minister was given a rundown on the efforts being made by various agencies in the restoration process. He also heard from Island Administrators for all of the constituencies in Grand Bahama and how the storm affected their respective communities and the people within them.

“I want to thank you all for the excellent work that you’re doing, because without your support, confidence and ability in the aftermath of this terrible event, the death toll could have been much higher,” said Prime Minister Minnis.

Accompanying the Prime Minister on his fact-finding trip to Grand Bahama were Minister of Health, the Hon. Dr. Duane Sands; Minister of Education, the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd; Minister of Transport, the Hon. Renward Wells and Minister of Labour, the Hon. Dion Foulkes.

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NEMA Briefing - (September 10th, 2019) On Monday, September 10th, NEMA, in addition to giving its’ regular update, also introduced several local non-government agency (NGO) partners, who they said were providing critical resources and supplies to support the national relief effort.

NEMA emphasized its slogan, “We have one voice, one response, but many moving parts.”

Regular updates:

1. Education Update - School Registration: Parents will be relieved to know that all children displaced

by Hurricane Dorian who are now in New Providence will be placed in schools by the Ministry of Education. We are committed to minimizing the

disruption to their academic studies and giving them back a sense of normalcy.On Thursday of this week (September 12), there will be a registration exercise at the T A Robinson National Stadium.This includes all students, teachers, janitors, school administrators and other employees who have evacuated to New Providence. Students and employees will be reassigned to new schools in New Providence.

Assistance will be provided for uniforms, school supplies and transportation. UNICEF, the UN body responsible for children and education is on the ground and meeting with the Ministry of Education today (September 10) to offer further support. Transportation will be provided from the shelters to the National Stadium on Thursday for the registration of students and employees. Details on the logistics of transportation and other arrangements will be provided by the Ministry of Education. NEMA will also share this information.We will also ensure students who remain in Grand Bahama and Abaco will have access to education. We will keep you updated on these developments.

2. Registration of Displaced Persons: There is no registration of displaced persons at NEMA. We have had a number of individuals visiting the office, so we want to spread the word that there is no registration of displaced persons at NEMA. The Department of Social Services handles the registration of persons affected by the Hurricane who have left Abaco or Grand Bahama.

Individuals are either registered at Odyssey Aviation, an Official Shelter or the Department of Rehabilitative Welfare Services on University Boulevard 3. Temporary Shelters in New Providence: There are currently 2,043 people registered in New Providence shelters. Three Children’s Homes were activated to accommodate 45 displaced children from a children’s home in Grand Bahama. As at 10 am (September 10), these are the shelters being used in New Providence:The Kendal Isaacs Gym, including the two tented areas: (1,357 people); Fox Hill Community Shelter (239 people); Calvary Haitian Baptist Church Shelter (85 people); Salvation Army Mackey Street (27 people); Pilgrim Baptist Church in St James Road (64 people); Bahamas Academy Gym (226 people). The Department of Social Services is managing the missing persons hotline. They recently added additional numbers. The full list is available on NEMA-Bahamas Facebook page. For donations of supplies the public is invited to please contact the Department of Social Services, NEMA, or the cluster of local NGOs providing

Above: Ministers of government engaged recently with International NGO’s to discuss offers of assistance for the Hurricane Dorian disaster zones -- namely provision of heavy vehicles, air transportation and medical support.

relief supplies to shelters.

5. Update on Equinor oil facility The Department of Environmental Health Services conducted an assessment of the Equinor Oil Facility in Grand Bahama. Based on this assessment there is no concern for public health. The tanks themselves appear to be structurally intact, and there is no evidence at this time of an ongoing leak.

During the storm the two domes on top of the tanks were blown off by the wind causing oil from inside the tanks to spill out. Since the storm, there is no continuous impact to the marine environment. An active clean-up crew from Equinor USA is arriving today (10 Sep) to manage this spill.

NGOs, introduced as national partners with NEMA, who made presentations at the September 10th Briefing were: • Gina Knowles, Founder, HeadKnowles Foundation • Kendria Ferguson, Executive Director Hands for Hunger • Dr Graham Cates, New Providence Community Church • Gerson Major, President, Bahamas Gaming House Association • Barry Rassin, Past President, Rotary International and Rotary Bahamas • Sadye Francis, Director, One Eleuthera Foundation • Suzanne Pattaush, Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association In an update two days earlier NEMA had indicated that there was no mandatory evacuation order for Abaco and that all evacuations were strictly voluntary. The total number of evacuees to Nassau at that time was approximately 3,500 and The number of persons presenting themselves for evacuations is diminishing. The number of partners running evacuations that day , included Bahamasair, Delta Airlines, Western Air, Trans Island Air, Air Bridge and other private partners. The Bahamas Fast Ferries and private boaters also executed sea evacuations. NEMA reminded all relevant parties that all evacuations should be free of charge. The public was instructed to report any aircraft that were charging fees and told that Bahamas Civil Article Continued Page 46

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water and tarps to residents in Copper’s Town and North Abaco World Food Programme and Samaritan’s Purse distributing 12,000 The Meal, Ready-to-Eat – commonly known as the MRE to 1,000 families in Marsh Harbour

Assistance from nations and international organizations across the world, including our neighbours from the United States and Canada, and CARICOM countries have poured into the Bahamas in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian. Updates, briefings and further information can be found on (www.

EleutheraNews.com).

120 security personnel from the Jamaican Defence Force, as part of a CARICOM force, arrived in The Bahamas on Saturday (7 September) evening. The team was met at the airport by Minister of National SecurityHon. Marvin Dames and RBDF Commodore Tellis Bethel. As part of the same CARICOM force, 100As part of the same CARICOM force, 100 security personnel from Trinidad and Tobago arrive in The Bahamas on September 8th .

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Aviation Authority would be revoking authorizations for those aircraft.

On September 11th NEMA in their update announced that limited commercial flights would resume in Abaco to approved carriers.

A plan was also announced to provide temporary housing in Abaco and Grand Bahama to assist those persons who wish to stay on the island.

SAFETY AND SECURITY Royal Bahamas Defense Force announced that they were confident there was adequate security coverage on both islands as of September 8th to address safety and security issues. They said that On Grand Bahama, there were 666 Royal Bahamas Police Force and Royal Bahamas Defence Force officers. These figures include police reserves. In Abaco, there are 274 Royal Bahamas Police Force and Royal Bahamas Defence Force officers. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) responding to a request for support had 33 Jamaican Defence Force Officers assisting in securing operations On Abaco. According to the RBDF 122 officers from Trinidad and Tobago were also to bephased into Grand Bahama during the week.

Pictured are a contingent of Trinidad and Tobago’s soldiers who arrived in Nassau on 8th September, 2019.

Additionally, large numbers of security forces from the United States of America and the United Kingdom were present on the affected islands involved in search, rescue and recovery efforts.

FOOD AND WATER SUPPLIES As at 5pm September 8, 2019, NEMA announced the following arrangements had been put in place for: • Royal Caribbean to provide between 10,000 -20,000 hot meals per day to persons in Grand Bahama. NEMA is augmenting these hot meals with non-perishable relief supplies.

• The Island Administrator is to receive food and water for approximately 500 persons who are on Moore’s Island • Hands for Hunger and World Central Kitchen will distribute 2,000 hot meals to persons in Little Abaco starting September 9, 2019 • Royal Bahamas Defence Force is delivering food,

Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis and Leader of the Opposition the Hon. Philip Davis, and delegation, were accompanied on an official aerial tour of Abaco by US Embassy Charge d’Affaires Stephanie Bowers, September 3, 2019 in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian. They are pictured upon the return to Nassau. The initial assessment will provide critical information for search, rescue, and recovery efforts

(left to right): Royal Bahamas Defence Force Commodore Tellis Bethel, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Stephanie Bowers, U.S. Northern Command Commander General O’Shaughnessy, and Bahamian Minister of National Defense Marvin Dames, walk down the tarmac to discuss relief efforts in the affected areas of the Northern Bahamas, on September 6, 2019.

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Stephanie Bowers (center) talks with U.S. Northern Command Commander General O’Shaughnessy, U.S. Coast Guard District 7 Commander Rear Admiral Eric Jones, along with Bahamian Minister of National Security Marvin Dames and Royal Bahamas Defence Force Commodore Tellis Bethel, before visiting areas affected by Hurricane Dorian in the Northern Bahamas on September 6, 2019.

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