The Eleutheran Newspaper Christmas 2019 Issue

web: WWW.ELEUTHERANEWS.COM

(1-242) 422 9350

Volume 12, Issue 12/12, 2019

Eleuthera, Harbour Island & Spanish Wells, The Bahamas

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

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

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

Fire, Style, Junkanoo plus more at Tourism’s debut season opener

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

See Story On Page 21 ADVICE:

14 (...Sticks & Stones) ; 13 (Searching For Old Treasures...) |

Opinion & ADVICE:

12 & 35 | 04

JUNKANOO KICKS OFF 07

CYBERSPACE INTENT 34 & 46

The

NATIONAL RECORD

15 23 What’s Happening 35

36/8 Crime Reports

Hurricanes

41

20

42

46

Christmas GENEROSITY

Cape EIeuthera IS and Min. Of Education Partnership Formally Launched The purpose of the initiative is to enrich the national standard of education throughout The Bahamas through the implementation of evidence-based best practices in curriculum design, instruction, and assessment within a place-based educational model.

Continued On Page 27

22

2

www. EleutheraNews . com

Lo c a l

Christmas, 2019

2019,

Christmas

Lo c a l

The Eleutheran

3

4

www. EleutheraNews . com

Lo c a l

Christmas, 2019

Junkanoo Kicks Off Christmas Day The Eleuthera Christmas Day Junkanoo Parade 2019, being held this year on Wednesday, December 25th, in honour of longtime Junkanoo artisan, Mr. Daniel Decosta, will kick off the month long season of Junkanoo in The Eleutheras, and is slated to be held this year in Tarpum Bay, kicking off at 12 noon, with the parade starting at 7pm, where several groups – including the Tarpum Bay United, Gregory Town Cowboys, and the Hatchet Bay Village Boys are expected to come together to compete for the Christmas Parade title.

The Parade did not disappoint the crowds on Christmas evening 2018 in Hatchet Bay, entertaining with a colourful spectacle of creative lead banners, costumes and off the shoulder pieces, as well as choreographed dance troupe routines, combined with heart pounding and foot tapping Junkanoo music, and

they look to do the same this Christmas.

The beautiful cultural expression and celebration will continue on Boxing Day evening (Dec. 26th) at 7pm in Harbour Island with an energetic and colourful, friendly face off between the Zulu and the Barracks Hill Warriors, who entertain visitors that swell the island population during the holiday weekend.

Junkanoo festivities will continue in The Eleutheras on New Year’s Day (Jan. 1st) with rush-outs in Deep Creek, and another performance in Harbour Island, beginning at 8pm and 7pm, respectively.

The 5th installment of the highly successful Eleuthera Junkanoo Festival is also set to take place in Governor’s Harbour on Thursday, JanuP20

2019,

Christmas

Lo c a l

The Eleutheran

5

6

www. EleutheraNews . com

Lo c a l

Christmas, 2019

2019,

n at i o n al

Christmas

Cyberspace

INTENT: At Least 200 Government

Services to move online within 5 Years.

MINISTER J KWASI THOMPSON highlights bahamas’ ongoing moves to the cyberworld & security in speech

CYBERSECURITY CONFERENCE DECEMBER 11TH & 12TH, 2019 given at

It is predicted that 38.6 billion devices 2025, and 50 billion by 2030. In 2019, the number of devices will be connected by

connected is more than twice the size of the world population.

Let this sink in.

Good morning ‌ The numbers are staggering from phones to wearables to vehicles to appliances, our lives are connected to the internet whether we realize the extent or not.

The interoperable Internet has spurred innovation and has transformed more than the banking and retail industries, it has advanced the way in which critical services like healthcare and education are delivered. Cyberspace on the bright side spurs economic growth, enables cultural and societal expansion, and provides access to information. On the dark side, the misuse of the Internet and devices poses a real and present threat.

We as individuals are the first line of defence in cybersecurity.

Basic security should not be ignored : updates, upgrades, weak credentials (passwords), privacy settings. Just as in the real world with crime, Cybercrime prevention begins with you.

Cybersecurity has even more relevance as we embark upon our e-government digital transformation project.

We intend to put at least 200 government services online within five years, a move which will make it easier and cheaper for Bahamians to access government services.

A few days ago, we introduced the first phase of the online passport application service which allows citizens to apply for their passports online. Citizens can now complete applications online, upload documents and complete the process by paying for the service.

Online payments will be made possible by the Cashless Platform project which is currently underway and is at an advanced stage. This platform will allow for online payments via credit and debits and enables online receipting.

We have plans afoot to conduct a pilot involving the application of drivers license, P35 Renewal of e-passports and

The Eleutheran

7

8

www. EleutheraNews . com

Lo c a l

Christmas, 2019

2019,

Christmas

Lo c a l

The Eleutheran

9

10

www. EleutheraNews . com

Lo c a l

Christmas, 2019

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

Signs MOU with

ONE ELEUTHERA FOUNDATION &

Centre for Training & Innovation

As the relevance of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) are accentuated globally, The Government of The Bahamas has committed to developing alliances which seek to augment this critical area nationally. It is against this backdrop that the Ministry of Education (MOE) has partnered with the One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) and the Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI) for the enhancement of TVET - signing a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Essentially, this critical partnership will advance technical and vocational education and training specifically on the island of Eleuthera; thus enabling an increased number of youth to acquire skills for employment, and to explore entrepreneurial opportunities. It is anticipated that large numbers of Eleuthera residents will ultimately benefit from this public-private collaboration, which is also projected to minimize the migration of family island students to New Providence.

In its quest to expand technical edu-

cation in The Bahamas, the MOE continues to revamp its curriculum to meet the demands necessitated by international standards. The enhanced curriculum is designed to prepare high school students pursuing studies in Career and Technical Education (CTE), for multiple international certifications, including City & Guilds, Pitman, AP Examinations, and the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute. CTE students have been targeted and engaged in the American College Test (ACT) training in preparation for transition to tertiary institutions, and are trained in exam techniques and strategies for success. Pupils have also been engaged in dual enrolment programs at varying intervals with the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) as well as with the University of The Bahamas, earning college credits while in high school.

Additionally, the MOE has engaged in a number of partnerships which created opportunities for local professional development of its technical teachers. As such alliances are highly beneficial, the Min-

istry of Education is now elated to join forces with the OEF to benefit individuals pursuing careers in the technical field. Minister of Education the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd noted that this collaboration with the One Eleuthera Foundation in the delivery of crucial vo-tech disciplines on the island of Eleuthera is timely. “Partnerships with suitably qualified private players are critical for any nation. The Ministry congratulates OEF for its unselfish contributions over the years to the development and advancement of our young people.� Minister Lloyd said.

In 2015, OEF established CTI, the only tertiary institution on the island of Eleuthera. Since its inception, its central

objective has been to provide training in core academic areas, soft skills foundation, and in the introduction to trades for individuals who have not completed high school. Additionally, CTI has offered professional development courses to workers in pursuit of skills upgrading.

Over the past seven years, OEF has injected more than $15 million into the economy of South Eleuthera. According to OEF Board Chairman, Alfred Sears, this investment was made possible by donations, assistance from philanthropic organisations, technical expertise,

P43

Lo c a l

Classified: FOR SALE

BY OWNER:

PROPERTY FOR SALE - BY OWNER.

18.5 acres, located on the Banks Road, Governor’s Harbour.

Serious enquiries, contact 470-9106.

Gunshot Victim Airlifted During the early morning hours of Saturday November 30th, 2019, a Police Officer contacted the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that he had received information about a suspicious man who appeared to be suffering from unconfirmed injuries in the area of Colebrooke Street in Harbour Island.

Shortly before 4am on Saturday, Police left the Station to locate the alleged victim, who was receiving treatment at the Harbour Island Community Clinic. After arrival at the Clinic, medical personnel led Police to a man who appeared to be suffering from wounds about the face. The doctor on duty, stated that the injury appeared to be a gunshot wound, and that the victim was in serious, but stable condition, and had to be airlifted to New Providence. The victim was identified by Police as an adult male resident of Current Island

and formerly of Kemp Road, New Providence.

The victim, according to reports, stated that he did not know the person/s who shot him.

Shortly after 8am on Saturday morning, acting on information, Police visited a residence on Colebrooke Street, and on inspection, found suspected blood both inside and outside of the residence. The location was contained and processed by Police.

The victim was subsequently airflifted to New Providence via Air Ambulance for further medical attention.

Investigations are said to be ongoing.

-----

Christmas, 2019

11

12

www. EleutheraNews . com

co m m e n ta ry

Christmas, 2019

Foreign and local investment: fairness for all

By Sir Ronald Sanders (The writer is Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States and the Organization of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and at Massey College in the University of Toronto.

The views expressed are entirely his own)

There has always been tension between encouraging foreign investment and promoting local entrepreneurship. In many countries, local businesses are expected to pay a range of domestic taxes while governments exempt foreign investors from obligation for the same taxes in order to attract their money, knowledge and, in some cases their technological skills.

Where foreign investors do bring their own money, have greater knowledge and possess technological skills, granting them tax holidays for prescribed periods of time is utterly fair. But granting such tax holidays on a perennial basis, as many investors have come to expect in small countries, is unfair and the practice should be re-examined.

The purpose of granting a tax holiday is three-fold: to provide an investor with a fair return on investment, to allow a business to establish, and to transfer technological skills to the local population. However, unless the business model is flawed and its success is predicated on a subsidy from the government (which is what continuous tax waivers would be), the investment should be reviewed.

An example of how tax holidays could be justified is coming into sharp focus in relation to the ‘Blue Economy’ – a shorthand term for developing the resources of the sea which form part of the territory or the exclusive economic zone of a country. In Guyana, for instance, where large reserves of oil and gas have been discovered within the country’s territorial waters, those resources would have remained in the sea-bed for centuries longer than they already have, if investors with the money, knowledge and technological skills had not sought to develop them. And, Guyana

would not today be looking forward to the immediate financial gains and long-term economic benefits that are expected to result from the investment.

The benefits of this investment in Guyana is worth the government entering fair, co-operative and predictable arrangements with the investors. All sides would be rewarded, particularly if Guyanese companies participate in the industry through the provision of goods and services, and Guyanese are trained to assume positions in all aspects of the business.

However, in other instances where investors, local and foreign, enter a market in competition with existing businesses, they should not expect, or be granted, any tax or other concessions that are not enjoyed by the current operators.

Investors, entering an industry where other companies are already established, bring no new knowledge or skills.

If they choose to compete with new money, they should do so on terms no better than those applicable to established businesses. Should they be granted additional concessions, existing business would rightly demand a level playing field. They will demand the same concessions, resulting in government giving away much needed revenues. In the end, government’s revenues suffer and so too does human and economic development on which government must spend.

The tourism industry, in all its aspects, has become an area where governments grant tax concessions that should be significantly reduced. After more than 50 years of existence, tourism is a mature industry in the region. Governments should not still be granting decades of tax concessions to hotels – established or new - nor should they be accepting the minimalist passenger head tax that cruise ship companies pay to many of them.

Cost-benefit analyses that have been conducted of the cruise industry, have revealed that far greater benefits are reaped by the cruise ship companies than accrue to the government and the country.

This reality is especially glaring when consideration is given to the cost to governments of building, maintaining and expanding port facilities, and complying with environmental requirements.

Each of the governments in the Caribbean is trapped by the other

in relation to tax and other concessions in the tourism industry. Governments have been unable to fashion a common approach to the fees that they should charge cruise ships. They have also not been able to agree a regime for tax concessions to the hotel and yachting businesses. They hurt themselves still further by competing with each other to

open holidays

lure business by lowering their fees for cruise tourism, and by granting bigger tax concessions to hoteliers and yachting companies.

It should be noted that some hotels and yacht businesses pay their taxes.

They should be used as the example for others.

It is fair enough that the cruise ship companies, the hotel owners and the yacht companies should earn profits.

After all, they are putting their money into a business which employs people, buys goods and services, and trains employees. Additionally, their investors are entitled to a return on their money.

However, the return should be fair and equitable on all sides. To get there, governments in the region should first agree on minimum standards beyond

Article Continued Page 13

A DVI cE SEARCHING FOR OLD TREASURES Did you know there are treasures tucked away in some of our older residential areas?

I’m not talking about cannons or pieces of eight; I’m referring to the graceful homes of yesteryear sprinkled throughout various neighbourhoods.

With their covered porches, high ceilings and solid walls, these homes were built to conform with the environment in an era when modern comforts, such as air conditioning and even electricity, weren’t around.

Large windows were carefully positioned to capture the cooling prevailing winds, so relevant in this day of global warming, high BPL bills and load shedding.

Building standards were high and strictly enforced. It was a time when builders took great pride in their craft.

Unfortunately, many of these old beauties have been bulldozed or lie in a state of disrepair; however, others have been lovingly maintained or restored.

Some of them still have the elegant wooden tongue and groove ceilings and window frames and valances fashioned from termite resistant Abaco pine.

If you search hard enough, you will still find homes with the original cement glazed tiles crafted by the Gomez family’s Nassau Tile, or even imported mosaic ceramics from Valencia, Spain.

older home should be examined thoroughly for foundational and structural damage that may have occurred over time.

Cracks or unevenness in the foundation can create moisture damage and corrosion. It’s possible for a foundation to shift. If there’s anything to indicate structural damage, ask a licensed structural engineer to inspect the foundation or hire one anyway just to make sure.

Both the interior and exterior walls should be examined for spalling, which occurs as a result of rusting steel supports.

Fire & Water It’s possible you may find an older home with its original cast iron plumbing and wiring.

While it’s unlikely you’ll find this in a wellmaintained home, it’s conceivable that a portion of the old system still exists.

Old pipes can cause leaks or low water pressure from rust and debris build-up.

Old electrical systems can cause fires.

Get the facts and/or consult with qualified plumbing and electrical professionals.

Toxic Materials Make sure all toxic materials, such as asbestos and lead, have been removed.

Paint applied before 1978 and plumbing installed before 1985 may contain lead.

Asbestos can be found in roofing and insulation that was installed before 1980.

Old Cooling Systems

Some people buy old homes because they love the charm of buildings from a more gracious era. Others may opt for an old home if it seems more affordable.

Outdated cooling systems need to be inspected for mould. Mould spores are easily inhaled and are linked to serious health issues.

Regardless of price, if you’re buying an old home, a professional inspection may be in order.

Older systems may have fan issues, refrigerant leaks and electrical problems.

They probably aren’t compatible with the R410A or Puron refrigerants, which replace ozone depleting Freon.

Bottom First If it hasn’t been properly maintained, an

Commentary-

Ronald Sanders

Continued from Page. 12

which none of them will fall. Further, they should establish machinery for enforcing the minimum standards with penalties if they themselves break it. A gentleman’s agreement will not do; such agreements are respected more in breach than in compliance.

Perhaps a law, justiciable under the Caribbean Court of Justice, is required under the terms of the CARICOM Treaty. One thing is for sure, if the business continues as is now usual, the Caribbean will be consigned to the role of hewers of wood and carriers of water; a seat at the feasting table will evade the region.

Wrapped up in all this is the refrain that to question the terms of foreign investment is somehow to be “hostile to foreign investment”. That refrain is short-sighted.

It is an excuse for those who would do nothing to remedy inequities or to balance relationships more fairly. Every investor, local or foreign, deserves fairness, cooperation and the right to benefit from their investment. So, too, does a country and its people.

That is why governments and investors should seek to maximise fairness and proportionality in the arrangements they make.

Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com

Christmas, 2019

By Mike Lightbourn Who wants an old system anyway?

They’re energy hogs compared to the newer energy star certified systems.

A Real Bug How can a creature as tiny as a termite be so destructive? Termites eat wood for the cellulose and nutrients they need to survive.

Termites can literally “suck” everything out of a wooden floor, ceiling or door, leaving nothing but a hollow shell. That’s why termite resistant Abaco pine features are such a great selling point.

A Treasure If you’re into the old architecture and you find something in good condition at the right price and in a desirable area, consider yourself fortunate. These classic old homes offer ambience that’s difficult to duplicate.

Questions or comments?

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

13

14

Op i n i o n

www. EleutheraNews . com

Sticks and Stones

By Teri M. Bethel

—

The Harmful Effect of Words

Can We Change Our Ways?

We are a nation that has gone through a horrendous tragedy. Everyone is calling for prayers or for God to fix the problem. As humans, we are keen to express ourselves; we want to dictate change for others but not participate in change for ourselves. We tell our children that there are consequences to their actions, yet we don’t believe that there are any for ours. We demand that God fixes our problems, but we are not willing to follow His guidelines to ensure that we truly are safeguarded in times of peril.

Words are one of the chief weapons used for destroying relationships— whether between couples, siblings, friends, casual acquaintances, or even leaders. You’ve likely heard people say words are dead—they can’t hurt you— but those on the other end who have not learned how to detonate the assaults will disagree. As a matter of fact, as kids, many of us have chanted, “Sticks and stones may hurt my bones, but words can never harm me!” Despite the pain, anguish and torment words have brought to people, we still cling to that errant mindset. We think that simply believing that misconception would make it the truth. If words couldn’t bring harm, then why waste the effort to wield them as hand grenades?

Despite dropping word bombs that could potentially derail others for days, years, or even a lifetime, many people lack the character to correct the damage their words have wrought. Michael Hyatt, former chairman and CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, best selling author and CEO of a leadership development company, says the most difficult words for people to say after an offense are: I’m sorry.

I was wrong. ·Will you please forgive me?

The Power

of

The Spoken Word

From the beginning of the world, words had power—nothing has changed. Pastors love to share the nine times in Genesis chapter one those highlighted words: …and God said… and it was so. It is to illustrate the point that whatever God said became what He spoke. Another scripture that confirms this is Proverbs 18:21: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…”

Our words can be used to uplift, encourage, and give life, or to bring discomfort and destroy. While for some it is intentional, many others have simply embraced a negative mindset, allowing their mouths to become a bilge conduit. In doing so they have been conditioned to condemn themselves, their loved ones, and our people. The point is, words have life; whether we care to believe it or not, there are repercussions to whatever we say.

What we have yet to learn is that every thought need not be given permission to escape the lips. It’s okay to talk back to yourself and say, “No, perhaps that’s how I feel or think, but should I allow a little tongue that is not even onetenth the size of my body, to negatively influence me and potentially disrupt someone’s life?”

If we truly love this country of ours, if we really want to see our people prosper and be in health, then it’s time to dismount the soapbox, take our brother’s hand and let him know that we are in this battle together. Our war is not against others. Our fight is against anything that has come to our land to influence us to live lives where our focus is strictly on ourselves and not God or our neighbors.

No Longer Slaves

to

Fear

All too often, the negative impact of words affects us from childhood.

Though it may start out as jest, referring to a child as wicked, stupid, dumb, ugly, a player, or the like, eventually takes root in them. Because children want to be loved and appreciated by the family or adults, they generally accept what is said as fact and feel compelled to conform to the words, even though they hate the words spoken over them. Each time they, or even an adult, is ridiculed, if they don’t know how to deflect or counter it with positive thoughts of who they really are, it’s as though an elephant has crushed their heart.

This could stir up fear, insecurities, self-hatred, low self-esteem, and anything else that can derail them from fulfilling their potential and being a productive contributor to our society. The result is angry, bitter people who hurt, and in turn, hurt others; the cycle repeats itself. The extreme is that they are now having to prove themselves by proving their worth. To feel good, they believe they must make others feel bad. To look good, they have to make others look bad. The insecurities are like a wielded blade, cutting down anyone who may be an easy target, especially those who naturally shine. Unfortunately, this gives a false sense of power to those hoping to sabotage someone’s destiny.

Tips •

on

Christmas, 2019

Getting Free

One of the first things you must do is to stop believing a lie. This is lib-

erating.

•

Replace lies with truth; believe who your Creator says you are.

•

·Change your way of thinking; adopt positive, life-giving thoughts.

•

·Treat others with the same respect with which you wish to be treated.

•

·Use your mouth to build up people and our country.

•

·Distance yourself from individuals who don’t celebrate you.

•

·Know that those who put you down are threatened by the greatness they see in you.

•

You can’t claim to love God whom you don’t see while mistreating your

A bout

the

brother whom you do see. If we are to see healing in our homes and in our nation, we must begin to value life and treat each other with respect, regardless of age, gender, color or position in society. Perhaps as we take the time to mourn our loss as a nation, we can reflect on the error of our own ways. Instead of looking to oust Jonah from the boat when the storm rages, let us instead look inward—evaluate our own heart, do an introspection of our life to ensure that everyone does their part towards the making of a better life, community and country.

A uthor :

Teri M Bethel is a publisher and an author of relationship enrichment books which include: Before We Say, I Do… and My Marriage Matters. She 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.

2019,

Lo c a l

Christmas

The Harbour Island Green School is Here says Director & Principal ”... \

Above: Students at The Green School in Harbour Island, all smiles, after making their project presentations.

This December saw the completion of the first term for the ‘Harbour Island Green School’ and ‘Space to Create Community Center’ which officially opened to students on September 9th, 2019.

Director and Principal of the new school, Will Simmons recently hosted parents and other community members, at their first Thanksgiving assembly, where he stated with enthusiasm, “We are here. We are ready to partner, and excited to be a part of the Eleuthera District. We are working with the Ministry of Education and the Superintendent’s Office. The Green School is here, and

hopefully it’s not going anywhere for a very long time.”

Mr. Simmons, a former art teacher, served in the public system during the last five years, most recently at North Eleuthera High School and before that in the private sector, with the Deep Creek Middle School and the Island School.

During a recent interview, he explained how establishment of The Green School in Harbour Island, was an opportunity that had come up, just by chance as a

P28

The Eleutheran

15

16

Lo c a l

www. EleutheraNews . com

‘So it is Christmas!’

Christmas, 2019

a sense of celebration across The Eleutheras Districts and communities North and South across the length and waters of The Eleutheras, welcomed the 2019 Christmas season with official tree lighting ceremonies and less official but equally meaningful gatherings.

Of the several celebrations The Eleutheran was able to experience a fantastic smattering in South at Rock Sound, Central at Governor’s Harbour and a bit further north at Gregory Town.

Eleuthera’s Districts ushered in the 2019 Christmas season in style, with celebrations across the island this year, lighting communal Christmas trees and coming together for services of worship, highlighting the meaning of the season which celebrates the birth of the Christ.

South Eleuthera’s official tree lighting took place on Saturday, December 7th, where members of the communities gathered in Rock Sound at Freedom Park. The service, themed, “Believe in the Magic of Christmas”, saw all ages out to celebrate together. Melodious band

music was provided by the Preston H. Albury High School Band, and Ms. Eldecia Thompson kept the audience on their toes as the mistress of ceremonies - asking trivia questions at each interlude, or challenging an audience member to complete a task - which to the delight of onlookers gave them the opportunity to retrieve a gift as prizes throughout the event.

During the service, audience members sang songs of praise, and were treated to renditions of dance, and song. Mr. Tracy McKenzie, Principal of Preston H. Albury High School, delivered the night’s message, and spoke about reverencing the real meaning of Christmas, encouraging those listening to put Christ back into Christmas, minimizing the commercialization of the season. Long serving local government practitioner, Mr. Cleveland Knowles, was the night’s special honouree, who did the honours of formally lighting the communal Christmas tree, before Santa arrived to the delight of P40

On this page: (Top photo) Shows MC, Ms. Eldecia with poThompson, dium guests, along with the speaker for the evening, Mr. Tracy McKenzie (far right), Administrator Gregory Knowles and Mrs. Knowles (center), and other local government representatives. (Photo 2) The Preston Albury High School choir serenaded the audience. (Other photos) Christmas smiles all around.

2019,

Christmas

Lo c a l

CTI Harbour Island Trade School (HITS)

Graduates first Cohort On Wednesday October 30th, 2019, at the Wesley Methodist Church in Harbour Island, the Centre for Training and Innovation Harbour Island Trade School (CTI HITS) hosted its first graduation ceremony. This pioneer class was composed of 20 graduates walking away with training in the areas of Electrical Installation and Culinary Arts.

There was palpable jubilation in the air as both graduates and their supporters celebrated the historical occasion; this is the first time that tertiary level education has been offered on Harbour Island. Students, staff, and supporters alike seemed to glow with excitement and pride as the ceremony took place.

Above: Lisa Scolatti- HITS Board Member.

Launched in July 2019, CTI HITS is the initiative of One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) and Friends of Harbour Island Trade School (FHITS). It was always believed that CTI’s model as implemented

by OEF, has the potential to revolutionize trade education in Eleuthera so the expansion to Harbour Island seemed like a natural progression.

From the beginning, the courses were off to an impressive start. Students showed rapid progress as they quickly grasped the fundamentals of the hands-on training.

Steve Galanis, instructor of the Electrical program remarked that his students were “thoroughly engaged, they came motivated and remained motivated.” He expressed satisfaction that all have gained 100% passes on every exam.

The culinary students were equally remarkable as they honed their skills under the diligent instruction of Chef Katiusia Johnson, one of the chefs attached to The Tearoom at CTI and Chef Susan Neff, an executive chef in Harbour Island and who once operated her own culinary school, The Trusty Servant in Ohio.

Beaming with pride at the success of their students, Chef Johnson remarked that they were “always full of life and very eager to learn”. She further noted that three of her students have received promotions on their jobs as a result of their HITS training.

Will Simmons, Principal of Harbour Island Green School, and guest speaker for the event called CTI HITS “a wonderful addition to Harbour Island”. He remarked that the graduation was “a beautiful moment as it marks the beginning of something that will enrich and empower the community”. He further added “It is incredibly moving to watch people make the move to better themselves and it is equally encouraging to know they have a platform to do so through the work of One Eleuthera and CTI HITS”.

Above: Will Simmons, Guest Speaker

Graduating student Marvens Mesidor reflected that the culinary arts program “was beneficial and taught me things I didn’t know in my career. It is the basic principles that one would apply when entering the field of culinary arts”. Karis Johnson, one of two females in the electrical program noted that she “wanted something different from what is expected of women”. Though she entered the program late, she credited the patience of Mr. Galanis and his meticulous approach to teaching for ensuring that she not only caught up with the rest of the class but excelled.

CEO of OEF, Shaun Ingraham remarked that he is pleased with the accomplishments of HITS and its students. He reiterated that OEF remains “committed to the process of seeing more people on Harbour Island acP29 complish their goals of

The Eleutheran

17

18

www. EleutheraNews . com

loc al +p lu s

Prevalence of adult obesity

in Latin America and the Caribbean

which has tripled since 1975

UN calls for urgent action to curb the rise in hunger and obesity in region Source: FAO of the UN

November 12, 2019, Santiago de Chile - The prevalence of adult obesity in Latin America and the Caribbean has tripled since 1975, affecting one in four adults in a region where hunger has grown once again, reaching 42.5 million people, according to a new United Nations report issued today, the Pan-

orama of Food and Nutritional Security 2019.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO / WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Food Program (WFP), called for countries in

the region to develop urgent actions to address the increase in malnutrition.

The document highlights the need to promote healthier food environments through taxes and incentives that favor healthy food, social protection systems, school feeding programs and the regulation of food advertising and marketing. The agencies also stress the importance of improving food labeling with frontal nutritional warning systems, ensuring the safety and quality of food sold on the street, and reformulating the composition of certain products to ensure their nutritional contribution.

According to the Panorama report, the most significant increase in adult obesity in the region was observed in the Caribbean, where the percentage quadrupled, rising from 6 percent in 1975 to 25 percent, an increase in absolute terms from 760,000 to 6.6 million people.

“The explosive increase in obesity –which affects 24 percent of the regional population, about 105 million people, almost double the global level of 13.2 percent– not only has huge economic costs, but also threatens the lives of hundreds of thousands”, explained the FAO’s Regional Representative, Julio Berdegué.

According to the Panorama, every year 600,000 people die in Latin America and the Caribbean due to diseases related to poor diets, such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Inadequate diets are associated with more deaths than any other risk factor, something that threatens our future generations, since the rates of both childhood and adolescent obesity have tripled between 1990 and 2016.

“We must act now to reverse this trend and prevent children from suffering the consequences of poor diets on their health and their future quality of life,” said PAHO/WHO Director Carissa F. Etienne. “To achieve this, we need the commitment of the whole society and public policies that regulate unhealthy food products, create environments conducive to physical activity and promote healthy eating at school and at the family table,” he added.

The publication highlights that the region is worse than the rest of the world in the majority of malnutrition indicators related to excessive calorie intake: overweight has doubled since the 1970s, and today affects 59.5 percent of adults in the region, 262 million people, while globally the rate is 20 percentage points lower: 39.1 percent In contrast, the region has lower undernourishment rates than the world (6.5 percent for the region versus 10.8

Christmas, 2019 worldwide), stunting (9 percent versus 21.9), and much lower rates of wasting (1.3 percent, versus 7.3for the world).

However, the agencies warn of the worrying increase in hunger, which has grown again by 4.5 million people since 2014 – an increase of 11 percent– reaching 42.5 million in 2018, its highest point of the last decade.

Changes in the food environment The Panorama makes a detailed analysis of how the food environment of the region has changed, understood as the space of interaction between people and the physical, economic, political and socio-cultural conditions that influence the way they acquire, prepare and consume food.

Sales of ultra-processed food products are the fastest growing in Latin America and they increase the population’s exposure to excessive amounts of sugar, sodium and fat. Between 2000 and 2013, the consumption of ultra-processed products grew by more than 25 percent, and fast food consumption grew almost 40 percent.

“In Latin America and the Caribbean, too many children eat too little healthy food and too much processed food,” said Bernt Aasen, UNICEF Regional Director (a.i.) for Latin America and the Caribbean.

“Almost 1 in 5 children under 5 are malnourished or overweight, which prevents them from growing well. It is everyone’s task to ensure healthy food is available and affordable for all families, especially the most vulnerable. ” The expansion of supermarket chains and the preponderance of large food processing industries is another major change in the regional food environment, one which has made ultra-processed products available everywhere, and at lower prices than nutritious food. Poor people have been hardest hit by these changes, since for this population group it is often easier and cheaper to access unhealthy rather than healthy food.

Regional responses to promote healthier food environments The region has reacted to the rise in malnutrition through a series of public policies. Countries such as Chile, Ecuador, Peru and Uruguay have implemented food labeling laws, which allow consumers to make better decisions.

Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Panama and Uruguay have improved regulation on food advertising, and at least 13 countries in the region have adopted fiscal and social measures that seek to favor adequate food. The Panorama report stresses that social protection and school feeding programs, public food supply and marketing systems and policies that promote food safety and quality are essential to improve nutrition.

“If we expand social protection programs in our region, we would better face the double burden that hunger and obesity represent for communities and families,” said WFP Regional Director Miguel Barreto. “These are the two faces of malnutrition.” Social protection programs today cover more than 200 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean, including 85 million schoolchildren who receive breakfast, snacks or lunch.

2019,

Christmas

Lo c a l

The Eleutheran

19

Cancer Society Hosts 7th Annual Music in the Garden and Tree Lighting Fundraiser 2019 The Cancer Society, Eleuthera Branch, once again rang in the Christmas Season on Saturday evening, December 7th, 2019, with their 7th Annual Music in the Garden and Tree Lighting fundraiser event, which saw a healthy crowd fill the garden seating. People came out to enjoy the spectacle of music and song and to give back to their brothers and sisters across Eleuthera suffering with cancer.

Following the welcome address by the Eleuthera Branch of the Cancer Society President, Mrs. Sherrin Cooper - cancer survivor, Ms. Millie Johnson was invited to light the ceremonial evergreen tree on the front grounds of the Cancer Society’s Wellness Center to formally begin the evening.

On the program were an enjoyable variety of selections, with the talented Freedom Marching Band causing toes to tap, along with a variety of selections and presentations from young students from schools throughout Central Eleuthera. Some of the program items included, a singing trio of littles ones from Kids ‘R’ Us Pre-school, as well as presentations from children at James Cistern Primary, Emily G. Petty Primary, and Emma E. Cooper Primary, along with Tamia Knowles, Winner for the Eleuthera District Religious Studies Speech Competition in both 2018 and 2019, who presented her recent winning speech, ‘Together We Can’.

Teenage Songstress, Wallecia Allen, also took to the stage, stilling the crowd with her melodious voice - and Maya Rolle and Hadassah Thompson of Global Outreach Ministries, also touched the audience with a beautiful duet.

President Cooper, commenting on the night’s event, said that it had gone well, and revealed, “We changed the strategy a little this year, to get more youth involved.” Pulling on the contacts and network of the Society’s Secretary, former school principal, Mrs. Karen Crean - Mrs. Cooper shared that they had been able to coordinate with a number of the Central Eleuthera schools to have students take part. “I’m pleased with the program this year,” she continued, “The Freedom Marching band is always a hit, and I like the fact that we have the young people celebrat-

Above: Maya Rolle and Hadassah Thompson, with Global Outreach Ministries, performing a lovely duet for the enjoyment of the audience.

Above: Wallecia Allen of Central Eleuthera High School, belting out a beautiful rendition of “Mary, did you know, that your baby boy...”.

may not have been here tonight, with their pledges.” She added, “These funds will be used to assist cancer survivors, as many of them are still going through treatment. As well as people who have been referred to Nassau, and may need our assistance. All of the funds raised at events like this go towards cancer education, and cancer survivors.”

Above: Cancer Society Board Members (L-R), Cindy Pinder, Asst. Treasurer; Susan Culmer, Treasurer; and Karen Crean, Secretary.

ing in this way. Over the years, they tend to stray or get involved with so many other things, but doing something like this is good and coming together as a community - and they are giving back - because they are assisting us with the fundraising.

We are trying to get them into giving back and into volunteering. So, that’s something very positive.”

As one of the Cancer Society’s major fundraisers for the year - another change made said Mrs. Cooper was making several stalls available to vendors for sale during the evening.

“This is the first time we’ve invited vendors and decided to sell the stalls... We didn’t have as many stalls as last year - we decided to do just one food, one pastry stall, and the Cancer Society dealt with the drinks.

So, the sold stalls were a sure set of funds from the evening, along with the donations and pledges.”

The main source of funds during the evening were still the donations and pledges said Mrs. Cooper, “We are hoping to get pledges, as every time we do this, the pledges do come in. They may not be paid immediately, but we do get it, and people also come afterwards, who

20 www. EleutheraNews . com

Lo c a l

Christmas, 2019

Generous Community Sponsorship Displayed

at 6th Annual Hailshams Christmas Luncheon

Special children from the School for Exceptional Learners in Governor’s Harbour, as well as displaced youngsters from Abaco, and specially invited children through Social Services from Savannah Sound to Hatchet Bay and in between, were thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of the 6th Annual Hailshams Christmas luncheon, this year hosted at Unique’s Restaurant in Palmetto Point, from 11am to 2pm, on Friday, December 6th, 2019.

“We’ve always been moved, having opened our firm in Eleuthera, to give back to the community that so kindly give to us,” said Mrs. Agatha Bethel, key principal, with Hailshams. The law firm, along with Mrs. Bethel’s Sophisticated U apparel store, reaches out into the community to other corporate entities, who have been more than willing to give unselfishly of their time, money and gifts to the children, she expressed.

Mrs. Bethel continued, “This year we wanted to make it even more special, because, we recognize that we have persons on the island from Abaco, so, they are also included in this year’s event... We have a teacher from the primary school here today as well, Mrs. Pratt, who is also from Abaco and has been displaced - she joined us for lunch today.”

40 plus children, would be touched by the generous partnership program of giving back, coordinated by Hailshams this year, and would receive multiple Christmas gifts, donated by corporate Eleuthera, to brighten their Christmas. Just about a dozen of them got to take part in the lunch at Unique’s, “Unfortunately for many of the students, with the time they would be out of school, they were not able to attend, but, we have their gifts and all the treats to distribute to them,” said Mrs. Bethel.

Having done the event a little differently than it had been done in previous years, Mrs. Bethel explained, “We usually host them to a fun day, but in particular this year, we wanted them to enjoy a sit down lunch, which we did... We want to give them different environments from time to time - so, rather than the bouncy castle, the swings and running about this year, we thought to bring them into a more controlled environment, for a change in atmosphere - to change it up a bit... We have to also say thank you to Unique’s Restaurant, who prepared a wonderful sit down meal for them. They had peas n’ rice, ham, turkey, coleslaw, stuffing, the works - and beautiful cupcakes made right here by the manager herself, Mrs. Pauline Johnson, which she donated to the luncheon. So, we would like to extend a special thank you to them.”

Mrs. Bethel, also highlighted her invaluable staff, and the people from throughout the community who came to help out and support the event, expressing her deep gratitude, emphasizing that the children were always very appreciative. Santa - an annual visitor to the fun, also read to them during the lunch at Unique’s, delighting them with, ‘Twas the night before Christmas’. The children were also excited to take their individual photos with Santa. “We recognize that not everyone is as fortunate as other persons are. So once we identify within the community those children who we could make their Christmas just as bright as ours - we try to come together and do it,” said Mrs. Bethel.

Above: Standing in the middle of the second row from top, Mrs. Agatha Bethel next to her husband, Lorenzo Bethel, are surrounded by supporters and beneficiaries of Hailshams annual Christmas Luncheon and gift giving.

Top Left: Some of the gifts gathered with the support of the wider business community

JUNKANOO Season Continued from Page. 4 ary 9th to Sunday, January 12th, with the main parade, featuring Junkanoo groups from throughout The Eleutheras scheduled for Saturday evening, January 11th, to begin at 7pm. The Festival, themed, “Still Standing, 242 Bahamas Strong”, officially opens on the Thursday evening. Friday will be a family fun day, says organizers, with Friday night dubbed an ‘All Bahamian Night’. On Saturday evening, the Junkanoo showdown will take place along the main thoroughfare, and Sunday winds down

the holiday weekend with a closing and prize giving ceremony.

Junkanoo season on island wraps up with the Eleuthera Junior Junkanoo Parade, which will take place during February 2020. (a confirmed date is yet to be announced).

2019,

Christmas

Lo c a l

The Eleutheran

21

Fire, Style and Junkanoo

entertain as Vendors, Artists & Artisans Present Goods at Tourism’s first Annual

Thanksgiving Crafters & Cultural Festival

Above: Staff from the Ministry of Tourism all smiles with the Island Flavor Band in the background.

Above: Junkanoo dancers ahead of the cultural rush, climaxed the entertaining evening.

The 1st Annual Thanksgiving Crafters and Cultural Festival, hosted by the Ministry of Tourism (MOT) - held at Bayfront Park in the heart of Governor’s Harbour, brought together local artisans, showcasing a plethora of early Christmas shopping options, as well as an impressive show of home grown produce, preserves and teas, along with cultural entertainment. The family friendly festival, set against the beautiful backdrop of the bayfront in the island’s capital saw scores of locals and visitors turn out to enjoy the unique event.

Vendors, like Janet Hunt of Tarpum Bay brought a selection of creative quilted items, with mug rugs and clutches, tree ornaments and quilted throws, as well as other gift items from the Eleuthera Pineapple Quilters in

Above: Taking in local art by Thearon Johnson at the Thanksgiving Crafters & Cultural Fest.

South Eleuthera. Delroy Sweeting, all the way from the Ponderosa Gift Shop in Spanish Wells was laden with imaginative souvenirs, highlighting the township’s imagery and sea life. Wemyss Bight’s Charlie Strachan, had his island made offering of straw bags, hats, mats and more on display. Shoppers were also treated to a display of the master straw craftsmanship of Emily Mun-

nings with her current line of high fashion straw bags, totes, clutches and jewelry.

Bekera Taylor, from her farm in Hatchet Bay, showcased a delicious variety of local produce with fresh roast corn available for purchase.

An array of pepper sauces, spices, teas, as well as a new jewelry P30 and souvenir

Above: The hoopla stall, by Mrs. Shauna Nairn, was a popular feature with kids and adults at the Festival.

Lo c a l

22 www. EleutheraNews . com

Christmas, 2019

Concert - I’ll Be Home For Christmas - Shows Off PHAHS Band Talent

Above: Saxophone section of the Preston Albury High School Band in action.

The 24 member Preston H. Albury High School Band, led by dedicated Music teacher, Mrs. Portia M. Kemp, hosted a special musical performance, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” at 7pm on Thursday evening, December 12th at Fountain of Life Kingdom Ministries in Rock Sound. The concert, an important fundraiser for the school band, was also an opportunity for members to showcase their honed skills in front of proud parents, friends and community members out to hear the students perform after their months of practice and preparation.

As community members from South Eleuthera filtered in before the start of the night’s music presentation, the band members gathered together on stage, all smartly dressed and ready to perform. After a congregational song, “O Come All Ye Faithful”, an opening prayer, and a welcome by two members, the band began the evening with strains of the evening’s theme, ‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas’.

The band went on to perform three sets of selections over the course of the evening for the appreciative audience, which included all the holiday season favorites - from ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ to ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ - eleven songs in all, and between each set guest performers provided additional entertainment in song, dance, and solo instrument.

“The students have been preparing for this since October, so, we have been putting in a lot of extra practice time,” shared Mrs. Kemp at the end of the evening. “They worked tonight, they worked... I really appreciate the kids. I know I give them a rough time, but they were able to pull it off tonight - and they did an awesome job. I am very proud of them,” she said, smiling.

Commenting on the main reasons for the now annual event hosted by the band, Mrs. Kemp explained, “It’s a way

Above: Gia Morley with the St. Luke’s dancers in a twirl.

of showing off their talents, and what they have been working on all year, and also this is our only fundraiser for the year - for things like getting instruments repaired, buying oil, buying reeds - buying that stuff is expensive, so, funds raised help in purchasing those needed supplies.”

During her vote of thanks, Mrs. Kemp singled out Pastor Bradley Ferguson, for his help to the band, and she lauded his consistent contributions to music events within the Rock Sound and South Eleuthera community, commenting that there was no music concert that happened in the area, where Pastor Bradley would not be seen in attendance or directly involved in. “He is a staple for any concert or program that happens - everybody has to have Pastor Brad, and he is always ready whenever you call on him.”

She also thanked Nurse Gina Ingraham, who was the gracious mistress of ceremoP44

2019,

loc a l +p lu s

Christmas

The Eleutheran

‘through JAN. 2020 highlights in DEC ‘19/jan ‘20

Community EVENTS HARBOUR ISLAND JUNKANOO PARADES

CHRISTMAS DAY JUNKANOO PARADE: December 25th, 2019 The Eleuthera Christmas Day Junkanoo Parade 2019, being held this year on Wednesday, December 25th, in honour of longtime Junkanoo artisan, Mr. Daniel Decosta, will kick off the month long season of Junkanoo in The Eleutheras, and is slated to be held this year in Tarpum Bay, kicking off at 12 noon, with the parade starting at 7pm, where several groups – including the Tarpum Bay United, Gregory Town Cowboys, and the Hatchet Bay Village Boys will come together to compete for the Christmas Parade title.

December 26th, 2019 AND January 1st, 2020 The beautiful cultural expression and celebration of Junkanoo will continue on Boxing Day evening (Dec. 26th) at 7pm in Harbour Island with an energetic and colourful, friendly face off between the Zulu and the Barracks Hill Warriors, who entertain visitors that swell the island population during the holiday weekend. Junkanoo festivities will continue on New Year’s Day (Jan. 1st) with another performance in Harbour Island, beginning at 7pm.

ELEUTHERA JUNKANOO FESTIVAL

Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve

Thursday, JANUARY 9th to Sunday, JANUARY 12th, 2020 -

Happening in December

The 5th installment of the highly successful Eleuthera Junkanoo Festival is set to take place in Governor’s Harbour on Thursday, January 9th to Sunday, January 12th, with the main parade, featuring Junkanoo groups from throughout The Eleutheras scheduled for Saturday evening, January 11th, to begin at 7pm. The Festival, themed, “Still Standing, 242 Bahamas Strong”, officially opens on the Thursday evening. Friday will be a family fun day, says organizers, with Friday night dubbed an ‘All Bahamian Night’. On Saturday evening, the Junkanoo showdown will take place along the main thoroughfare, and Sunday winds down the holiday weekend with a closing and prize giving ceremony.

Sunday, December 22nd , 2019 SANTA’S ENCHANTED FOREST 2:00 - 5:00PM Celebrate the season with fine holiday fun at the Preserve, including crafts, games, treats, face painting, and a visit from Santa Claus himself. FREE.

Happening in January Monday, January 20th, 2020 Levy Preserve Spring Lecture Series presents A talk by Andrea P. Major of the Bahamas Historical Society, Nassau Topic: “The Derivation of Names of Islands, Cays and Places Throughout The Bahamas” Monday, January 20, 2020 at 6pm Haynes Library, Governor’s Harbour

23

Holidays and Observance Days:

Music in the Garden NEW WEEKLY MEETINGS: & Tree Lighting Affair: YOUTH MONTH

Wednesday, December 25th Christmas Day

To be hosted Cancer Society of Friends ofNational Billby W,the weEvents: have new weekly Eleuthera the Cancer Society’s at meetings on at Mondays and Thursdays National YouthinAwards, Atlantis Wellness Palmetto Point Methon 6pm, in the Center lower hall at the Wesley October 23, 2019 at 7pm Saturday, December 7th, 2019.

For more odist Church on Cupid’s Cay, Governors Youth in Parliament, House of Society Assembly information contact the Cancer of Harbour.

If you have any questions, October 25, 2019 at 9am Eleuthera at (242) 332-1804. kindly call Shannon at 427-0977.

Thursday, December 26th Boxing Day Wednesday, January 1st New Year’s Day Friday, January 10th Majority Rule Day

School EVENTS Q1-2020:

************

Monday, January 6th, 2020 -School Reopens - Easter Term

Turbulence Track Club

Friday, January 17th, 2020 -Alvin Adderley Road Race, Bayfront Park Governor’s Harbour Wednesday, January 22nd, 2020 -Eleuthera District Spelling Bee Resource Center, Savannah Sound Friday, January 24th, 2020 -Eleuthera District Young Chef Competition (Junior and Senior ) Wednesday, January 29th, 2020 -MOE College Fair - Grades 11 and 12 Resource Center, Savannah Sound

4th Annual Odd Distance Meet Date: January 25th, 2020 Time: 12pm, Venue: Preston H. Albury High School (Track) Entrance Fee: $5

CONTACT The Eleutheran Newspaper at 422-9350 or send email to services@theeleutheran.com,

to have your community notices and events listed.

Eleu. Island Shores Home Owner Teams Up With Local Contractor to Donate to Bahamas Red Cross Theodore Young, from Pittsburgh, USA, (Left in photo) who is also a second home owner in Eleuthera Island Shores, and John Norris Carey, principal at Carey’s Construction based in Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera, forged a friendship over the course of almost 40 years.

On December 9th, 2019, Theodore, during one of his trips to the island, presented John with approximately 55 cheques of varying amounts - totalling $13,000 - all made out to The Bahamas Red Cross, to assist with hurricane relief in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, which ravaged the northern Bahamas early in September.

John, as he accepted the cheques from Theodore, gave a bit of the backstory behind their efforts, saying, “I’ve known Ted for thirty something years, and I do work for him, take care of his place, and take care of him as well, and do the best I can. Since this hurricane came, as well as past hurricanes, Ted would raise some money, and we would buy materi-

als for victims who lost their homes or received damage.

“This time, I told him to try a little something different, and he was going to aim for $5,000. But, I said, no, let’s do a little better. So, we got it to $10,000, and now its at $13,000 in cheque donations. And who knows, during the next trip when he comes down again, it may be a bit more.

“I figured that if we give it to the Red Cross, the Red Cross helps in the aftermath of hurricanes, and this is a time when help is needed now. Not tomorrow! So, this should go a long way with what they do... I thought the best thing to do, was to put it in their hands. The Red Cross also helps all year-round as well.”

Theodore, sharing, a bit about his history with the island, described, “I came to Eleuthera about 39 years ago. Met John a year or so later. I have a home in Eleuthera Island Shores, and we hook up everytime I’m down here, and I’m down five or six times a year. After

the Hurricane, I called John, and asked him what I could do, and he said to get some money for the Bahamas Red Cross. So, that’s what we’ve done. For hurricane relief.”

The donations collected, said Theodore were given by other second home

owners, and people who had come down with him to Eleuthera over the years, as well as business associates, and friends - some from as far as California - he said.

Above: Second homeowner, Theodore Young, with local contractor, John Norris Carey.

26 www. EleutheraNews . com

Lo c a l

Christmas, 2019

Family Medicine Center Rock Sound Is Open

The new Family Medicine Center clinic in Rock Sound Eleuthera

The Family Medicine Center team in Eleuthera, with one of the first patients.

(L-R) Sidnell Wilmore - pharmacist; Makeda Sands; Dr. Zenna Friend - attending physician; Frankie Horton - one of the first patients at the new clinic; Carrita Butler; Jai Leal - paramedic.

Family Medicine Center’s new clinic in Rock Sound, Eleuthera, is open and welcoming patients.

“The doors at our Rock Sound clinic officially opened on Monday December 9th. We are excited to bring our healthcare services to Eleuthera and we aim to be an integral and valuable part of the community,” said Dr. Graham Cates, family physician and founder of Family

Medicine Center.

“A lot of thought and planning went into making the Rock Sound facility right for the community it serves, and already, the response from the public to this new clinic has been overwhelming and very positive,” said Dr. Cates.

Frank Horton, one of the patients visiting the clinic on opening day, said, “I am so proud to have Dr. Cates, Dr.

The sign in front of the new clinic on Queen’s Highway

The view at the new clinic

Friend and the team of healthcare professionals here in Eleuthera. The service is comprehensive and professional.”

Another patient, Joey Lewless said, “It is amazing to have a world class clinic right here at home. I can save a lot of money having access to great healthcare without having to travel into Nassau.”

The new clinic provides comprehensive healthcare for the whole family. Services include primary care; urgent care; outpatient services; and diabetes care; the clinic also features a full-service onsite pharmacy, X-ray and ultrasound.

Specialty services provided at Family Medicine Center’s primary facility headquartered in Nassau, will also be made available at the Rock Sound location.

“I’m excited to welcome patients here,” said Dr. Zenna Friend - the primary attending physician at Family Medicine Center Rock Sound.

Dr. Friend, who is from Wemyss Bight, Eleuthera will be working alongside Jai Leal, a paramedic based in Eleuthera since early 2013.

“I’m really happy to be in Eleuthera,” Dr. Friend said. “It’s a privilege to be able to serve the community by providing quality healthcare and helping people get healthy and stay healthy.”

The new clinic, located on Queen’s Highway, just south of the Rock Sound Homecoming site, will be open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. For more information visit www.familymedicinecenter.org/eleuthera or call (242) 334-2500.

2019,

Lo c a l

Christmas

The Eleutheran

27

CEIS and MOE Partnership

Formally Launched Lauded as an innovative initiative, and a true partnership between the Ministry of Education and the Cape Eleuthera Island School (CEIS), the Deep Creek Lab School (DCLS) has formally opened its doors in Deep Creek, Eleuthera, and is educating 48 school students, ages three to twelve.

While the lab school saw a soft launch at the beginning of the school year, today the Hon. Jeffrey L. Lloyd, Minister of Education, and Mr. Chris Maxey, CEIS Founder, signed into action an Agreement between the Ministry of Education and CEIS that expands the demonstrated success of Deep Creek Middle School (DCMS).

The purpose of this initiative is to enrich the national standard of education throughout The Bahamas through the implementation of evidence-based best practices in curriculum design, instruction, and assessment within a placebased educational model. The expectation is that the model is transferable and will be successful in other schools and will set a precedent for additional schools to transition into place-based, experiential education utilizing high-impact strategies in alignment with the Bahamian national curriculum.

“The intended outcomes include an increase in student

achievement and investment of students, teachers and parents in the future of the next generation of leaders in The Bahamas,” said Minister Lloyd. “My Ministry is proud to partner with The Island School.”

The partnership began in earnest this summer with Ministry leadership collaborating with CEIS to create a model that can help inform best practices in education.

Minister Lloyd expects that this effort with proven success can be transferred to schools across the nation.

“The ultimate goal of CEIS is to build models that support positive change for South Eleuthera and The Bahamas and the world at large,” Maxey stated.

Under the banner of CEIS, Deep Creek Middle School (DCMS) was launched nearly 20 years ago with the goal of increasing access to high-caliber, alternative education methods for families. DCMS is an independent school for Bahamian students in grades seven (7) through nine (9) located on the southern end of Eleuthera. DCMS offers an experiential approach to the Bahamian curriculum that challenges students to think critically and apply their learning in meaningful ways. DCMS is dedicated to providing an inspirational, innovative, and engaging learning environment focused on environmental and global issues. DCMS

is fully endorsed and recognized by the Ministry of Education, and receives annual funding from Cape Eleuthera Foundation, a non-profit organization, whose mission is to provide place-based education, scientific research, and community leadership in order to create a more liveable future on Eleuthera and throughout the world.

Additionally, DCMS graduates have been able to secure over $7 million in scholarships to continue their education abroad and at home. Graduates of DCMS have pursued secondary school and university studies in The Bahamas, the United States and Canada. A generation of graduates has returned to Deep Creek to contribute to the settlement’s successful growth.

UB President, Dr. Rodney Smith, was also in attendance at the signing as the

UB School of Education is supporting teacher practicums at this new Deep Creek partnership effort. This fall, three UB practicum teachers completed their teacher training working at the Deep Creek Lab School, and will remain as full-time employees having been recently hired.

CEIS, inclusive of The Island School, Deep Creek Middle School, Cape Eleuthera Institute, Centre for Sustainable Development and Island School Outreach, is a non-profit organization committed to education, research, conservation and sustainability to promote leadership effecting change and demonstrate models to live well. For more information, please visit http://www.islandschool.org.

CEIS and MOE officials pose with agreement in hand. Centre are Hon. Jeffrey L. Lloyd, Minister of Education, and Mr. Chris Maxey, CEIS Founde.

28 www. EleutheraNews . com

Edu c at i o n B e at

Christmas, 2019

GREEN School Continued from Page. 15

BRILAND

result of a void created by the closure of the ‘The Dunmore Academy’.

“Initially I wasn’t interested,” he said, primarily because of a strong sense of comittment to public education . Adding, “but, when I really considered the opportunity it would be to create something innovative, and to create a school that wasn’t restricted by the same weight as the public system - I decided that I had to give it a try.”

“Next was making it all happen, so, I got together with community partners here in Harbour Island - like my brother, Ben Simmons (shown left in the photo of three on page) - who runs a business here, and we charted out a vision. We contacted Crystal Ambrose, and I looked at my network of youth workers - people who wanted to take a different approach, and it was a wide network, including One Eleuthera. There was so much support, and people saying, ‘whatever you need’. So, we took

Above and Below right: Invaluable community partners in the process of getting The Green School opened in Harbour Island were recognized by principal Will Simmons (far right).

a stab at it, and created a school. I’ve used a lot of the things I’ve learned while working with the government, and at The Island School.”

Will, added that with the move to open The Green School, he tried to bring some of the ethos of environmental education, place-based education, and more creative approaches to education into that system. The challenge, he further explained was not only to create a school with a clear mission, but, a school that meets needs within the community, saying, “We have 30 students, between the ages of three and fourteen. They are in four divisions the pre-k division; the lower primary - which is grades one to three; the upper primary - which is grades four, five and six; and the home school division. We have a number of students who are in secondary school that are in home school programs and they would use our community center space to do their home school work, and they are supported by a facilitator (Mrs. Margherita Matera), who helps them to keep on track or clarifies any issues they are having with their program. So, much of the work looks like a regular school. We follow the national curriculum.

We do GLAT in grade three and we do GLAT in grade six, and we really push a solid academic foundation.”

The day before each weekend is where the school really does it differently, described Simmons, “Every Friday we break down the walls of different subjects, and we do something called Green Friday. That’s where Crystal Ambrose our Scientist-in-Residence leads instruction.

They take a real world issue, in today’s case - marine litter - but, we want to hit other issues like - biodiversity, fisheries, food production - as we evolve. The students tackle and engage with those real world problems at their level. So, for example, one Friday we did worm composting. The kids learned about worms, they drew worms. In Biology they were doing the life cycle of a worm, and in pre-k they were doing the letter ‘W’. So, it’s just this holistic approach to education, and what we find, doing this experience-based education - when you go back into the Language classroom, and back into the Math classroom, you have a context for the work. They can connect it to an experience they have had. It’s not abstract. They are young leaders, and they come alive.”

The overall goal and vision for The Harbour Island Green School, said Will, was one that provides a relevant education. “The idea P29 is to teach kids not just about reading and

Shown right: The engaged audience of parents, and community members, out to witness the student project presentations and take part in The Green School’s first Thanksgiving Assembly.

2019,

e duc at i o n b e at

Christmas

Above: A welcoming entrance and beautiful smiles at Harbour Island’s new Green School.

GREEN School Continued from Page. 28

BRILAND

math, but the idea that they are a part of a community, and that education you receive can impact the community around you. We want our school to make a contribution to the wider community, and we want our kids to learn from their environment and the wider community. So, we break down the walls of the classroom, reach out and let people reach in. That way you are really going to transform lives and communities through partnerships, through creative approaches and thinking outside the box. That’s really the vision of the school.”

Will added that at the Green School, they want to innovate solutions to the problems that are facing education in the Bahamas, saying, “I unfortunately just didn’t feel that I could do that in the public system, because there is so much going on. It’s heavy and weighted down with challenges. Stepping out, we have a platform to create something new, and we want it to spread and we want to work with people.”

A very important stance for them, said Sim-

mons, was that the school’s partners wanted to move away from any form or perception of elitism. “So, we have a community center, where we offer after-school programs, every day of the week except for Thursday, for anyone in the community. The programs include: reading and math, we also partnered with Ryan Austin with the ‘bytes’ program here on Wednesdays. We also do art.”

Although setting up a school, with the student/teacher ratio they currently have, takes a sizeable investment, the tuition of the school, explained Will, is subsidized through generous partners working with them. “Tuition for Bahamian students is subsidized at half the cost.

It would cost $10,000, and the starting rate for Bahamian students is $555 per month or $5,000 for the year. We also have financial aid mechanisms, so, any student’s family who wants their kid to engage in this kind of education and is willing to work with us - we will find a way for them to attend. That’s our commitment. Yes, it’s a challenge, but with more support from Corporate Bahamas and

The Eleutheran

other stakeholders, we can do it.”

The Harbour Island Green School, shared Will, has a dynamic roster of teachers and staff. Simmons, in addition to his role as principal, co-teaches the upper primary with Cielo Melanaro. “Ms. Allie Everette teaches the lower primary, and she is assisted

by Lucy Wilson - who is a former student of mine at Space to Create. We have Ms. Laura Lowe, who is an evacuee from Abaco. She was a pre-school teacher there, and has done an amazing job here, and we are very happy to have her here with us. Our programs are all coordinated by Johnathan Kelly, who is a man of many talents - he is a firefighter, ambulance driver, paramedic, also a junkanooer - he coordinates programs, and he was a student at Space to Create as well.

“Our community center is coordinated by Christina Darvila. Her job is to find people who would want to do a program - tell them that the space

29

is available, and find out what they need to make it possible.

We have Jermaine Thompson, who is our handyman, and we have Ms. Shirley Adderley, who is our Janitress. Everybody plays a role in the students’ lives. We are all here to support learning and growth of our kids. So, our support staff and our teachers, they play a role, just like a family,” described Will.

The school, coordinated

by Crystal Ambrose, said Simmons, has been doing monthly cleanups and other extra-curricular activities as well, “We want people to know they can bring their recyclable cans to the school, and we will send them into Nassau. We collect beach plastic, and we are going to use some to participate in Junior Junkanoo. We want to do it all, because that’s how the kids find their passion, through exposure to a lot of different things.”

Above: Students present information about their project work, pointing out several do-it-yourself products made from natural ingredients, including a tasty lip balm.

cti hits graduation Continued from Page. 17 adult education and career development”.

Registration is currently open for 2020 courses.

Successful candidates will receive a 90% scholarship towards their tuition, lessening the total cost for students to $275 for Electrical Installation and $325 for Culinary Arts. Classes are set to commence on January 13th. Please call CTI at 815-3800 if you would like information on future classes.

Above: Graduating CTI HITS Class with Instructors and Organizers.

Lo c a l

30 www. EleutheraNews . com

Christmas, 2019

B urst of Culture C ,S F ! raft

tyle and

un

Continued from Page. 21 line by Calae Burrows’ Octis Organics saw locals and visitors stopping by for gifts and a taste of the spicy sauces. Eleutheran artist, Theoron Johnson, brought a selection of island-themed prints and paintings for interested collectors, and ALIV manned a booth with giveaway goodie bags for adults and backpacks stuffed with school supplies for children. The offerings for patrons went on, with food and pastry vendors, fresh plants and pet birds, daiquiris, hoopla, toys, drinks, fresh herbal teas and more.

As afternoon of the final day in November, turned into evening, the cultural show began, with the renown Eleutheran pineapple farmer, Lady Di, cooking up a batch of her pineapple jam - for all to see and taste afterwards. Local seamstress and designer, ‘Empress Verda’, followed with a showcase of her latest goombay themed fashions with a bevy of beautiful local models - from the tiny tot to adult female ensembles. Corey Hield and Bodine Johnson went on to entertain the crowd with Bahamian favourites, backed up by the Blue Waters band. Venus, a talented fire dancer - then stole the show, heating up the evening as she played with flames.

The evening’s entertainment climaxed with a Junkanoo rush-out led by young junkanoo dancers out of Hatchet Bay. MOT Manager, Jacqueline Gibson, ahead of the event, commented that international concern and misinformation about which islands were affected by Hurricane Dorian were still issues that were being tackled head on by her Ministry, as calls were still coming in from people asking if the beaches were okay and what was happening with the island of Eleuthera. The Festival, said Ms. Gibson, showcased that Eleuthera was open for business!

Holiday Smiles: Janet Hunt of Tarpum Bay brought a selection of creative quilted items, with mug rugs and clutches, tree ornaments and quilted throws, as well as other gift items from the Eleuthera Pineapple Quilters in South Eleuthera.

Seated: Delroy Sweeting, all the way from the Ponderosa Gift Shop in Spanish Wells.

Below: Bekera Taylor, from her farm in Hatchet Bay. Some of the visitors to her stall included Elliott Rolle of Tippy’s and MP Hank Johnson with his wife Shelly.

Above: Artist Thearon Johnson presents a print to Manager of Tourism, Jacquie Gibson (left). Also, Manager at Aliv, Suzanne Bethel presents a free giveaway to 5th grader, Sohan Bryan.

Above: MP Johnson sharing a healthy laugh with Lady Di, in the sunsetting light as the day transitioned to the event packed evening.

Above: Horatio Alexander, proprietor of DaPerk visiting the stall of pepper sauces, spices, teas, as well as a new jewelry and souvenir line by Calae Burrows’ of Octis Organics

2019,

Christmas

Lo c a l

The Eleutheran

31

Clockwise from bottom left: Sherelle Wallace, Author and Artisan who is also a contributing profile writer with The Eleutheran; Charles Strachan, a well known straw work craftsman; Susan Culmer dispenses one of her local teas, as lady Di looks on; Host and native of Hatchet Bay, Ricardo Dean, during one of his live interviews with vendors, in this instance, Mr. Tripoli Burrows.

Sitting in for a moment at Auntie’s Stall!

The afternoon’s event was a family friendly affair and an awesome way to kick off the preChristmas festivities.

Spontaneous Dance surrounded by smiles, Island Style.

Pastor and Mrs. Simms stop for a moment during their time out on the park

More from this new season festival

P32

32 www. EleutheraNews . com

Lo c a l

Christmas, 2019

Fire Dancer, Venus, out of New Providence was a big hit with the crowd out to take in the evening entertainment at the 1st Annual Thanksgiving Crafters and Cultural Festival on November 30th, which was held at the Bay Front Park in Governor’s Harbour. Her fire play, which involved rhythmic dance, and blowing out sky high flames, as well as enticing some in the audience to feel the real heat of the fire, thrilled the onlookers.

Also, topping the list of favorites on the program was Empress Verda’s (talented local seamstress and designer) bevy of local models, of both girls and ladies, showing off her Bahamian themed creations, including dresses, skirts, pant suits, shorts, minis and more, which incorporated local fabrics of Androsia, crocus bag, and straw work. All this was backed up by the visiting Blue Waters band, keeping the toes of the standing audience tapping, as Bahamian star singers, Bodine Johnson, and Corey Hield performed for Eleutherans and visitors enjoying the Festival.

2019,

Christmas

Lo c a l

The Eleutheran

33

34 www. EleutheraNews . com

n at i o n a l

Christmas, 2019

InThe House Prime Minister

Minnis outlines Gov’t view of

accomplishments

since 2017

Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis highlighted the accomplishments of his administration since coming to office in May 2017 in a communication to the House of Assembly on Wednesday 11 December.

The Prime Minister pointed to advancements in education, stabilizing the economy, billions of dollars in international investments, reducing crime and creating thousands of jobs, among other achievements.

He was speaking following an overwhelming vote in favor of a Counter-Resolution of Confidence.

“We are creating economic opportunities for Bahamians through job creation, through greater ownership and entrepreneurship opportunities, and by enhancing the shareholder society.”

Before Hurricane Dorian devastated the second and third most populated islands and economic centres, the country was growing by just over two percent and unemployment was falling, said Prime Minister Minnis.

The Prime Minister pointed out that this administration has attracted $8.6 billion international investments, with more to come.

“We have created 14,000 jobs (net) since May 2017.

We stabilized the economy, stopped downgrades by international agencies after the five-year nightmare of the Christie/Davis years,” said Prime Minister Minnis.

A number of Family Islands are on track for investments, including new airports which will help to accelerate their development, he said.

Prime Minister Minnis also highlighted the success of the Small Business Development Centre, including the Over-the-Hill Initiative branch of the SBDC. The Minnis administration is also transforming the education and training system for Bahamians from age three to 22.

“We have advanced or are advancing universal preschool, free education for qualified UB and BTVI students; technology upgrades for school and new schools and physical upgrades to existing schools,” said Prime Minister Minnis.

“We have improved GLAT language arts scores by five percent, and distributed hundreds of tablets, which are also being used in the Ministry of Education’s virtual classrooms to accommodate those affected by Hurricane Dorian.”

The Prime Minister said his administration is also making communities safer and more secure.

“Crime is trending down, though there has been some increase in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian,” said Prime Minister Minnis.

“There is a new coastal radar in Inagua to help protect our borders, with more radars to come on other islands.”

The Prime Minister noted that now there are more

Above: Prime Minister Hubert Minnis (front right) with Cabinet HOA Members.

CCTVs. A contract is soon to be signed for body cams for police officers and funds have been allocated for drone technology to further reduce crime.

The Government is moving aggressively to remove shantytowns throughout the country, and modernizing and transforming the country and government, he said.

“We are digitizing government services; improving the ease of doing business; demonstrating fiscal responsibility and transparency; promoting anti-corruption measures; engaged in wide

scale infrastructure upgrades; promoting energy reform and renewable energy; and expanding Crown Land reform,” said the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister asked the Opposition if it would support a revision of minimum wage and pensions renumeration, the extension of tax free zones, paid paternity leave and improvement of child support renumeration.

“We are focused on improving the lives of Bahamians and making our nation the best little country in the world,” said Prime Minister Minnis.

Source: OPM

Courtesy

Political Affairs David Hale, US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs (left), paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis, on Thursday December 5, 2019 at the Cabinet Office, Churchill Building. (BIS Photo/Yontalay Bowe )

opinion

Hurricanes Never before has the Bahamas experienced a destructive killer storm like the one we just witnessed named DORIAN! Not only was Dorian the most powerful storm, it also slowed down and stalled over Abaco and Grand Bahama for days at the peak of its intensity, leaving death and destruction in its path.

So, what is the purpose of a Hurricane, and why are we in the most targeted area? To get a simple understanding of a very complicated subject we must first have an understanding of what causes the development and track of such storms. The first thing we must know is that the Earth is a rotating globe that is moving from West to East and that is why the Sun rises in the East and sets in the West. Next, it has a Northern and a Southern “Hemisphere” and they have opposite seasonal changes, so when it is summer in the North, it is winter in the South.

In the Northern Hemisphere where we are, Tropical Storms are most active in the month of September and that is when they are most intense. North Atlantic storms generally begin to form at the Western coast of North Africa and move west toward the Caribbean; the reason they do is because the ocean temperature is highest at or near the ‘Equator’ and warm water is what feeds a Hurricane, that is why they are called ‘Tropical Storms’! The winds in the Atlantic Ocean generally blow from East to West during the Spring and Summer

CYBERSPACE Continued from Page. 7 application of birth certificate by middle of 2020, as well as add another 30 services to our online platform within the next year. The sharing of personal data, over the internet has its own vulnerabilities and we must address this reality in a proactive manner.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Cybersecurity requires multi-stakeholder involvement and collaboration for success these include government, private sector, academia, civil society, tech groups and industry, religious groups.

Stakeholders must be dedicated, available, and accessible; and actions of the collective should be consensus driven; and last but not least there must be transparency and accountability.

The Government of Bahamas is committed to Cybersecurity, adapting international standards, engaging stakeholders, and fostering collaborations on multiple levels. The Royal Bahamas Police Force has formed the Digital Forensic and Investigative Unit to deal with present cybercrime and threats. We also through our IT partners and government service providers have access to indus-

By: Andrew L. Burrows

months and they are referred to as the Westerly Trade Winds. Warm air flows off of the Sahara Desert in North Africa across the ocean and are generally carried north as they approach the Caribbean, steered by the Gulf Stream.

The first indication of a potential storm formation is the growth of large rain clouds being fed by warm Ocean waters. As the rain clouds grow larger, they form a low pressure and begin to rotate counter clock around a center point which we call an ‘eye’. When fully formed a Tropical Storm will likely intensify as long as it is over very warm ocean waters. The air pressure intensifies as the storm winds grow stronger and when wind speeds reach seventy-five miles per hour it is called a Hurricane. The summer times allow the ocean surface temperature to rise to a high level which in turn causes water evaporation to intensify. The purpose of storms is to transfer the excess heat from the ocean into the upper atmosphere where it is dispersed into the cooler air, much like an air conditioner.

All storms are different, and their effect on us depends on their strength, direction of movement, and the speed of forward movement. Because they are fed by the heat in the surface water, they tend to form and move in areas where

Christmas, 2019

35

that heat is most intense, and quickly dissipate once over land or cooler ocean waters.

We in Eleuthera have had our share of destructive storms but in the last five years all of the major storms have passed close but not over us; so, we wait to see what the future will bring! There is nothing abnormal taking place, storms have always been, and will continue to be; they serve the purpose for which God intended them to serve!

Even though they are very destructive, they serve a very vital purpose in keeping the temperature of this Earth livable for all God’s creatures.

Our response to what we have experienced is very important, we must build our homes in conformity with a new Bahamian standard, not with a hand-me-down code borrowed from other countries that are not subject to experiencing hurricanes! The Bahamas is a low altitude group of islands and are greatly affected by weather generated by the Atlantic Ocean. The very meaning of our name Bahamas means “shallow waters”. There are those who would use our most recent experience to cause us to panic and buy into the present-day fear tactic known as ‘global warming, and climate change’ without making an effort to learn the natural design of our home, This EARTH! There is a time and reason for everything under the sun!

try leading cyber security infrastructure. In 2003, The Bahamas enacted the Computer Misuse Act, which provides criminalization of and procedural law for cyberattacks and related malicious acts. Parliament also passed the Data Protection Act (2003) and Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (2006) which safeguard the rights of citizens on the web and establish regulations for ecommerce and other online services.

Through the government’s digitization project we will be taking the following additional steps: • Developing a Cybersecurity and Cybercrime strategy and Action Plan for both the Government and Nationally. The Bahamas currently has a Draft Cybersecurity Strategy based on the CARICOM model.

• Building capacity through training and expert knowledge transfer activities.

This will include policy-makers and legislators; criminal justice and law enforcement personnel; central and local authorities. The Department of Transformation and Digitization has a security section and has engaged in a number of workshops and training internationally and regionally.

• A National Cybersecurity Committee will be formed that is multi-stakeholder in composition.

• Developing infrastructure focused Cyber Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) as well as a National CERT • Working toward acceding to Buda-

andrewburrows1@gmail.com

This world we call home was created by a wise God who controls all things and allows what happens to happen. Our duty is to live in conformity to His will and take care of this Earth as we were commissioned to do. Not to pretend we are in control, because we are not. As long as the need remains, hurricanes will continue to develop and move as God has designed and intend them to. When building you must choose the best design that would withstand anything yet to come. Build wisely, and while you are at it, also build your life on the solid rock of God and you will smile at the storm!

pest Convention on Cybersecurity • Adopting best practices and embark on legislative reform (using Budapest Convention as a guide) • Most importantly engaging in an extensive Cybersecurity awareness and education programme The Global Cybersecurity Index by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) measures the commitment of countries to cybersecurity. The Bahamas has recently entered discussions with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) directly with a view

to performing a National Cyber Security and CERT readiness assessment within the next 6 months, facilitating the National Strategy and Plan within 9 months and Implementation of a full CERT within.

At this conference you will hear from the experts in Cybersecurity and will get a look at where the regions stands in terms of Cybersecurity readiness. We thank the IDB for sponsoring this timely and important conference.

36 www. EleutheraNews . com

Crime News

Christmas, 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.

Eleuthera Reports

Arrest ref to Shop Breaking and Stealing At 1:00pm 13/1`2/2019 Officers came in at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station with an adult male under arrest ref to shop breaking and stealing a matter reported on 12/12/2019. They reported arresting and cautioning the suspect at 12:55pm while on Queens Highway in Governor’s Harbour in the area of Emily Petty Primary School. The suspect was later released suspect pending further investigations.

Arrest reference to Possession of Drugs - On Friday 13th December, 2019, at 5:08pm Officers came in at the G.H.P.S. with an adult male under arrest reference to Possession of Dangerous Drugs, Shopbreaking and Stealing and an adult male under arrest reference to Shopbreaking and Stealing, and reports that they were both cautioned and arrested while in the area of Haynes Avenue East, Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, same date at 5:00pm.

The suspect was processed and charged with Possession of Dangerous Drugs contrary to section 29(6) and 29(2) b of the Dangerous Drugs Act. FOUND SUSPECTED HUMAN BONES - On Friday, December 13th, 2019, sometime around 3:45pm, an employee c/o Jack’s Bay, contacted the Rock Sound Police Station and reported that, sometime around 3:30pm, a team of landscaping employees were clearing out a cave located at Jack’s Bay when they discovered what appeared to be human remains resulting in them discontinuing their duties. Police action requested.

Officers responded to the scene where they were shown a small cave on the property. Officers saw and spoke with landscaping supervisor who stated that, sometime around 3:30pm, he along with other staff were cleaning up the cave to be showcased as a tourist attraction when, while raking the grounds, they discovered what appeared to human bone fragments. He further stated that they immediately stopped their work and reported the matter. Officers where shown the bone fragments which were placed in a clear plastic bag. More bones that were discovered at the scene were collected and placed in the

bag. Investigations continue into this matter.

ARREST/POSSESSION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS On Wednesday, December 11th, 2019, sometime around 8:59am, Officers came in at the Rock Sound Police Station with suspect an adult male under arrest. Officers reported that he was arrested sometime around 7:00am while at Queen’s Highway, Bannerman Town, reference to possession of dangerous drugs. The suspect was further cautioned and charged with possession of dangerous drugs contrary to Section 29(a) and 29(2)(b) of the Dangerous Drugs Act, Chapter 228. He was released on bail.

ARREST/POSSESSION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS - On Wednesday, December 11th, 2019, sometime around 8:59am, came in at the Rock Sound Police Station with three adult male suspects, Officers reported that they were arrested sometime around 7:45am reference to possession of dangerous drugs. The suspects were further cautioned and charged with possession of dangerous drugs contrary to Section 29(a) and 29(2)(b) of the Dangerous Drugs Act, Chapter 228.

They were released on bail.

THREATS OF HARM - On Saturday, December 07th, 2019, sometime around 7:38pm, an adult female came into the Rock Sound Police Station and reported that, sometime around 6:50pm, while walking going to the residence of her sister, a male she knows made insulting and threatening remarks toward her. She requested police action in this matter. This matter is under active investigation.

Arrest Reference to Breech of Immigration Act- At about 8:05pm Officers from the Dept. of Immigration came in at Governor’s Harbour Police Station with 5 Suspects Detained reference to breech of the Immigration Act they were PROCESSED AND TRANSPORTED TO New Providence.

Traffic Accident Report - At about 9:22pm Officers received a Report of a traffic Accident in the area of Gregory Town Police Assistance requested.

Officers responded and Observed a Black 2007 Honda Stream Plate driven by an adult male Facing north east along Biscuit Street with Minor Damages to entire right side also a Black and Gray John way 150cc Owned and driven by an adult male Parked facing South western along Biscuit St with Minor Damages to front left side. Both Drivers were served N.O.I.P forms for this accident Measurements were taken in the presence of both drivers Investi-

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

gations is ongoing in this matter.

Traffic Offence Report -At about 10:15pm 5/12/19 Officers reported an adult male for driving a Black and Gray John way 150cc Scooter that is unlicensed and uninspected for the year owner and driver was warned of prosecution.

Arrest ref. Possession of Dangerous Drugs - At 9:38am Tuesday December 3rd 2019,the Officers came into the G.H.P.S. with an adult male under arrest ref. to Possession of Dangerous Drugs. He was reportedly arrested and cautioned at 7:05am 03/12/2019 while on Windermere Road, Savannah Sound.

The suspect was processed and charged with one count of possession of dangerous drugs contrary to section 29 (6) & 29 (2) b of the Dangerous Drugs Act Chapter 228. The accused was processed and released on bail in the sum of $500.00 with one surety. To appear before the Magistrate Court in Governor’s Harbour on 07/02/2020.

Police Assistance - At 9:50am on Sunday 1st December, 2019, an adult female contacted Governor’s Harbour Police Station via telephone and reported that one of her guest residing at their vacation rental residence reported that their residence was broken into, Police assistance is requested.

Officers responded to the scene where they saw and spoke to the complainant he reported that sometime between the hours of 1:00am and 6:00am Sunday 01/12/2019 some unknown person/s broke and entered the residence and stole $175.00 cash from the kitchen counter belonging to his son-in-law. Entry was effected through a north eastern kitchen window by ripping it’s screen to gaining access. Police assistance requested.

Arrest ref to Possession of D/ Drugs - At about 5:55pm on Friday the 29th November 2019, Officers while conducting road checks along Queen Highway, Gregory Town, arrested and caution an adult male suspect for Possession of Dangerous Drugs, namely Marijuana. The suspect was taken to the Hatchet Bay Police Station where he was booked in, later interviewed and charged for the offence. He was subsequently released on bail to appear before Magistrates Court in Governor’s Harbor.

Traffic Offence Report - At 8:25pm

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

on Friday 29th November, 2019 Officers while on mobile patrol reported an adult male for driving a blue Honda Civic south along Banks Road while same was unlicensed, uninspected and uninsured for the current year 2019. He was also reported for driving a motor vehicle while not in possession of a valid driver’s license and was informed of the offences and warned of prosecution.

Road Accident with injury Reported On Tuesday 26th November 2019, Police received information of a two car collision on Queens Highway, in the area of Hatchet Bay. Officers responded to the scene of the accident Hatchet bay Dump area saw and spoke to the drivers of a Green and White freightliner Dump truck, and the other a White Nissan with extensive vehicle damages a hospital form was completed at the hatchet bay clinic for the driver of the Serena. Both drivers were taken to the scene and measurements taken both drivers were then cautioned and gave a verbal account as to how the accident occurred they both were issued a N.O.I.P form for this accident investigations are ongoing.

Arrest Reference to Possession of Dangerous Drugs - At 2:30pm, Tuesday 26th November 2019, Officers came in at Governor’s Harbour Police Station with two adult male suspects reporting arresting them in the area of the Glass Window Bridge at 11:40am 26/11/19 reference to Possession of Dangerous Drugs / suspected marijuana. Both were processed and charged with Possession of Dangerous Drugs with Intent to Supply.

UNLAWFUL ENTRY AND STEALING REPORTED - On Tuesday 26th November, 2019, sometime around 6:49pm an adult female contacted the G.H.P.S. via telephone and reported that she received information from guest staying at a home she care takes , that they had just arrived home and discovered a male going through their belongings. After seeing them he fled the scene on foot.

A check was made of the house their jewelry was discovered missing. Police action was requested.

Offciers responded where thye saw and spoke to the complainant who reported that she left home with her boyfriend and friends around 3:00pm and returned around 5:30pm and discovered that some unknown person/s had stolen

Crime News (3) three silver rings from a table in the cottage, while they were out. She placed the value of the rings at $2,000.00. Entry was gained thru an unlocked western facing door. Investigations are ongoing.

Arrest reference to House Breaking At 9:01am Monday November 25th 2019, Officers reported that while at Governor’s Harbour Police Station they arrested and caution an adult male suspect reference to House Breaking, a matter reported at the GHPS on Sunday 24/11/2019. The suspect was processed and released pending further investigation.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT REPORT On Monday, September 25th, 2019, sometime around 1:05pm, Officers from the Rock Sound Police Station received information that there is a two-vehicle collision on Queen’s Highway, Tarpum Bay, and persons from both vehicles appear to be injured. Police assistance requested.

Officers responded to the scene where they observed a white Dodge Truck, parked on the western side of the street on its right side completely off the tar road. The driver, an adult male , was observed on the scene with an injury to the left side of his head. The mentioned officers also observed a second vehicle, a green Nissan Cube, parked in an eastern traffic lane facing in a north eastern direction. The driver,an adult male who reported experiencing chest pains, was also on scene. Both drivers were spoken to under caution and issued with completed NOIP forms, and measurements were taken of the scene.

In addition to the drivers, three adult males were also transported to the clinic to received medical attention.

Road Accident with injury Report At about 12:25pm on Sunday,24th November 2019, an anonymous caller, contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station via telephone and reported that there was an accident in the area of Banana Beach, Governor’s Harbour, and involving injuries. Police assistance was requested.

Officers responded to the scene where they reported that they observed a white Jeep off road on the eastern side of Queen’s Highway facing in a eastern direction with extensive damages to the front end and the entire left side and also met nurse C/O Levy medical Centre rendering assistance to a female who was driving the white Honda CRV, Measurements were recorded along with a police hospital form and NOIP, a short time later local EMS arrived on scene and transported the driver to Palmetto Point Clinic for further medical attention, investigation continues into this matter.

Housebreaking Report: At about 9:15 am on Saturday 23rd November 2019, an adult female contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station via telephone and reported that sometime between 9:15 pm on Friday 22nd November 2019 and 9:00 am on Saturday

23rd November 2019, some unknown person/s entered their vacation home and stole her husband’s I-phone 6 and his I-Pad. She is requesting Police Action in this matter.

Officer responded to the scene saw and spoke with the complainant, a written statement was recorded.

Investigations are ongoing.

Operation Crossing Borders - In accordance with the Commissioner of Police policing plan for 2019, on Thursday 12th December 2019 The Officer in Charge South Eleuthera in collaboration with the Officer in Charge Central Eleuthera commenced operation “Crossing Borders” within the Southern and Central district of Eleuthera.

The primary focus on the operation included • Disruption of criminal activities • Aggressive stop and search • Targeted road checks • Targeting prolific offenders • Illegal immigrant apprehension.

The operation was dubbed a success and yielded the following results: 1 drug arrest 1 found drugs 2 illegal immigrants arrested 23 persons searched 4 vehicles searched 2 vehicles cited for 4 traffic infractions.

Operation Opening Act - On Saturday 14/12/2019 at 7:30pm the Officer in Charge of Central Eleuthera led a team of officers. In an Operation called “Operation Opening Act” The Operation targeted persons enroute to the Dexter Daps concert on Cupids Cay. The objection of the operation was to: • Disrupt potential criminal activities • Conduct aggressive stop and search • Conduct targeted traffic checks Results 15 Traffic offences reported 33 persons searched 3 drug arrest 9 vehicles searched

H.I. & N.E. Reports Sudden Death Report : On Sunday 1st December 2019 at 11am Dr. L. Farrington c/o Harbour Island Community Clinic contacted the HIPS and reported a sudden death with a male by the name of Kevin Thompson who passed away while at the clinic.

The deceased had a long medical history. DR. Farrington pronounced time of death being 10:35am on Sun-

day 1st December 2019.

Vessel Capsized Report - The Manager South Bar contacted the HIPS and reported that one of his guests reported to him a vessel that capsized about 300ft from the shore line on the eastern ocean side. Police assistance requested.

Shop Breaking Report - An adult female came to the Harbour Island Police Station on 5th December 2019 at around 1:28pm and reported that she received information from her father that sometime between 12:00am and 8:30am on 5/12/19, he discovered that persons unknown gained entry to his Convenience Store situated on Bay Street and stole about $3,000.00 in assorted currency that he had in a room he sleeps in at the establishment.

Police assistance requested.

Police visited the Convenience Food Store Bay Street Harbour Island at 3:55pm where the complainant pointed out a door at the establishment as the point of entry. Police observed a steel exterior door and an inner wooden plexy glass door where the complete bottom section was damaged and removed, also the door frame was chipped and pried in the area of the dead bolt lock with a sharp jagged object. The complainant pointed out where he discovered the bottom plexy glass panel for the inner door of his establishment and a silver blade black handle kitchen knife about 8 inches long As a result police collected both items as evidence to be further processing and finger prints.

Stealing report - On Sunday 8/12/19 at about 2:30pm an adult male of Trianna Shores Harbour Island came to the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that on Monday 2nd December 2019 between 8:00Am and 9:00Am he received information from his Gardener “that one of the rabbits was missing out their cage.

He further reported that he suspects that a male whom he knows whom he had employed at his residence for stealing the rabbit. Police assistance requested reference to locating the stolen rabbit white with black spots and is pregnant and about to give birth to a litter of kits. Police in North Eleuthera proceeded to a residence related to the suspect to make enquiries into the matter. He subsequently reported that officers were invited into the home and an inspection was carried out that revealed one gray rabbit and was negative to the rabbit in question. A female at the residence reportedly stated to officers that she had a black and white rabbit before but it ran away. As a result investigations continue into this matter.

Police Visit Report - On Monday 9th December 2019 a police crew left the Harbour Island Police Station at about 6:40pm out on routine mobile

Christmas, 2019

37

patrol throughout the community. Between the hours of 6:45pm the said crew made checks of Bay Street proper and the Public Dock, Dunmore Street and Temperance Square where there were a large volume of persons gathered for a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.

Further checks of the community were made of all local bars and clubs and other public entertainment establishment hotels and marinas, Inclusive of the area of Trianna Shores,Pitt and Barrack Street and Coconut Grove Ave. There were no incidents and traffic offenders reported throughout the community at the time. All areas checked were left normal and in order.

Assault report - On Wednesday 11th December 2019, at about 2:50pm an adult male of Pitt Street came to the HIPS and reported that while at home he was assaulted by his nephew with a rock. Police assistance requested.

Police Assistance -On Wednesday 11th December 2019, at about 3:30pm an adult female of Trianna Shores, contacted the HIPS and reported that sometime between 4:00pm on 10/12/19 and 8:00am on 11/12/19 some persons unknown entered her class room and stole approximately $80.00 in cash from her desk the funds were collected from students for their Christmas party.

At about 4:30pm on 11/12/19 , police on enquires arrested and cautioned a male. A search was made of his person and $20.00 was found in his front pants pocket. When questioned about the matter the suspect admitted to stealing the funds and he also directed officers to an abandon vehicle where some additional $50.00 were retrieved and handed same over to the officers.

Enquires continue..

Traffic Checks - On Thursday 12th December 2019, a team of officers went on a Traffic check throughout the community of Harbour Island with the following results: 5 Persons were reported for various Traffic infractions and 20 Vehicles were stopped and inspected.

The operation concluded without incident.

Fire report - On Saturday 14/12/19 at about 2:30am police reported observing a small fire to the roof of a single story building, while on mobile patrol on Dunmore Street Harbour Island in the area of Wesley Methodist Church.

At about 2:38am police along with a volunteer firefighter and other volunteers arrived at the scene with a Fire Truck and were able to extinguish the fire to the roof of the mentioned structure at the time there was no visible damage to the exterior of the building and the cause of the fire is unknown.

On Saturday 14/12/19 at about 3:15am the owner of the mentioned building arrived at the scene where along with police she made a check of the interior of the building which as also negative to any damage. The cause of

38 www. EleutheraNews . com Continued from Page. 37 the fire is unknown at this time. Investigation continues.

Stealing Report -An adult female came to the Harbour Island Police Station at around 12:15Am on the 26th November 2019 and reported that she discovered that person(s) unknown stole her green crochet hand bag after closing her business establishment she occupies situated Colebrooke Street Harbour Island. She further reported that her bag contained about $1500.00 in cash, her passport along with her son’s passport and her royal bank of debit card and other personal documents and items. Police action requested.

Police visited the scene where the complainant pointed out where she last secured her. As an officer made a check of the rear north eastern side of the property in nearby bushes between a fence where he recovered 2 Bahamian passports - the complainant and her son passport.

1 royal bank of Canada debit card.1 envelope containing personal court documents. An assortment of makeup items lipsticks and face powder 1 sun glasses 1 cloth clutch bag emptied. All of the items recovered were handed over to the complainant she positively identified all of the properties as hers.

House Breaking Report - On Tuesday 26th November, 2019 at about 10:20 am the owner of a vacation property contacted the Harbour Island Police Station via phone and reported that he received information from two of his guests that sometime between 9:00am and 10:00 am some unknown person/s entered their cottage and stole their luggage. Police assistance requested.

• Police visited the scene where they saw and spoke to an adult male of New York City. He reported that sometime between 9:00 am and 10:00 am today’s date some unknown person/s entered the cottage that he shares with another male and stole their luggage’s which contained both of their passports, a silver Apple Mac book laptop valued at $1,200.000, a silver Dell laptop valued at $1,000.00, a pair of brown Gucci loafers valued at $700.00 and other personal items value unknown. Same was reported as police information. See statement attached to file.

Arrest reference to Stealing On Tuesday 26/11/19 at about 5:00pm police reported that while at Harbour Island Police Station he arrested and cautioned an adult male of Colebrooke Street Harbour Island in reference to stealing a matter reported by an adult female on 26/11/19.

Police interviewed the suspect and he was subsequently released from Police custody.

Crime News

Causing Harm Report -On Tuesday 26/11/19 at about 11:55 p.m. an adult female of Barrack Street, Harbour Island, reported to the Harbour Island Police Station that while in the area of The Vichum Nightclub, her boyfriend attacked her. She reported that he stabbed her with a sharp object causing injuries to her left arm.

Police action was requested.

Police recorded a written statement from the complainant. She had visible injuries to her left arm, as a result she was issued with a Police Hospital Form to seek medical attention for her injuries.

Drug Arrest Report - A police crew came in to the HIPS with two young males of Hollywood, Florida, a young adult male of Alice Street, Harbour Island and a male of Dunmore Street, Harbour Island in reference to Possession of Dangerous Drugs with the intent to supply.

Operation Support Unit - A police crew conducted an operation through the Harbour Island Community where a number of suspects were arrested in reference to Attempted Murder are as follows: • A young male of #35 Prison lane, Nassau • A male of Duncan Lane, Harbour Island • A young male of Bay Street, Harbour Island • A young male of Alice Street, Harbour Island • An male of Munnings Street, Harbour Island • A male of Dunmore Street, Harbour Island Arrest reference to: Assault An officer reported that while at Harbour Island Police Station he arrested and cautioned an adult male of Chapel Street Harbour Island in reference to assault a complaint made by a male on 4/11/19. Police interviewed the accused and he was subsequently charged the with assault contrary to section 133 of the Penal code chapter 84. The suspect was later then fingerprinted processed and given bail at the sum of $1,000 with one suretor to appear before Magistrate Court Harbour Island.

Community Policing initiative - On Friday 22nd November 2019 between the hours of 3:30pm and 5:10pm, ASP Rolle and Sgt 241 Leary left Harbour Island Police Station on foot patrol on Bay Street in Dunmore Town, Harbour Island in the down town area where they made checks of the business establishments along the said area and also spoke with pedestrians and motorists who was pleased to see the Police presence about the area.

Police Information Stealing Report - On Monday 2nd December 2019, sometime

around 9:45am, an adult male of Gregory Town, came to the North Eleuthera Police Station and reported that sometime between September 2019 and 22nd November 2019 an unknown person stole the rear and front license plates from his 2005 Ford Explorer license #EL7468. Police assistance requested.

Traffic Accident Report - On Friday 6th December 2019, sometime around an adult male contacted the North Eleuthera Police Station and reported that he was just involved in a traffic accident in the area of Queens Highway, Lower Bogue. Police assistance requested.

Sometime around 7:00pm, police arrived on the scene, where they saw and spoke with an adult male of Spanish Wells, who stated that while travelling north along Queens Highway, Lower Bogue inside of his black vehicle, a Blue vehicle, collided into the left side of vehicle, causing damages to his right side mirror. The officers also spoke with the driver of the Blue vehicle, who identified himself as an adult male of Upper Bogue, who stated that while travelling south along on Queens Highway he observed when the black car came into his lane and collided into the right side mirror of his vehicle. Both driver’s were served with a Notice of Intended Prosecution Form, and warned of prosecution.

Christmas, 2019

NE STATION INITIATIVES In accordance with Priority #1 of the Commissioner’s Policing Plan 2019, as it relates to Crime Prevention and Reduction, on Wednesday 4th December 2019, between the hours of 6:30pm to 8:00pm, the Sgt. 2806 Hield and R/Sgt. 897 Leary, visited various business establishments throughout the community of Lower Bogue and Bluff, where they spoke with the proprietors and handed out flyers containing safety tips for the holiday season.

On Friday 29th November 2019, between the hours of 7:00pm to 8:00pm, Insp. A. McCartney and Sgt. 2806 Hield, held a Crime Prevention meeting with the residents of Current, Eleuthera. During the meeting the officers updated the residence on ongoing initiatives within the community, and presented them with information on Safety Tips for the holidays. They also spoke with them as it relates to the Ministry of National Security’s National Neighborhood Watch Program, and presented them with applications for the training.

2019,

Christmas

n e a r by

The Eleutheran

39

Bahamas Tourism Global Sales Meeting in S.Florida

Shown is a group shot of the Global Sales Meeting participants and other staff members. Seated from left to right is Andre Miller, Director, Global Communications; Betty Bethel, Director Sales, Florida; Ian Ferguson, Executive Director, Administrative Operations; Mia Lange, Executive Director, Global Communications; Joy Jibrilu, Director General; Ellison “Tommy” Thompson, Deputy Director General; Bridgette King, Executive Director, Global Sales & Marketing; Eldece Clarke, Director Sports Tourism Development; and Greg Rolle, Senior Director, Private Aviation.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - December 4, 2019- At a recent Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Global Sales and Marketing meeting, the top executives of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism met with the emerging leaders of their tourism team to discuss and prepare them for the future of the tourism industry. The Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Mrs. Joy Jibrilu, and the Deputy Director General, Mr. Ellison “Tommy” Thompson, joined Executive Director of Global Sales, Mrs. Bridgette King, for the three-day gathering that

brought together the first cadre of talented young professionals that will help propel the Ministry of Tourism into the future.

The Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Mrs. Joy Jibrilu, expressed her pleasure at the opportunity to meet with members of the team, some of whom are based in the Ministry of Tourism headquartered in Nassau, as well as the tourism offices around the world.

The global team representing many of the top origin markets for The Bahamas included New York, Atlanta, Florida, Houston, Toronto, Europe and Latin America as well as the departments of Sports, Groups, Weddings & Honeymoons and Communications. In sharing the long- term objectives of the Ministry of Tourism, the Director General said that “the tourism industry must be driven by initiative, innovation, and creativity”. She added that the role of the Ministry of Tourism is to “inspire vacationers to come to The Bahamas,” and further expressed that “this was also an incredible opportunity to expose our young sales leaders to cutting edge trends in the travel space.”

The Executive Director of Global Sales and Marketing, Mrs. Bridgette King, who coordinated and spearheaded the global meeting, said that “the sessions were intended to invoke discussions around the future of travel and the disruptions that are reshaping the travel industry. At a time when new technologies are emerging constantly and decoding travelers’ booking behavior has gotten so much harder to predict, our young leaders must be prepared for a

future that is dynamic and volatile.

So, we brought in some of the best in various travel categories like Airbnb, TripAdvisor, Travel Zoo, Trip Tuner and Association of Travel Advisors (ASTA) to share their expertise on the future of travel, the big data question, consumer booking funnels and the evolving travel industry”.

Other senior tourism executives who led a few of the training sessions were Executive Director of Administration/Operations, Mr. Ian Ferguson; Executive Director of Global Communications, Mia Lange and Director

- Digital, Andre Miller.

The 3-day meeting culminated with highly competitive team presentations to solve a number of critical challenges facing The Bahamas.

The winningteam received prizes courtesy of the Margaritaville Resort, Nassau. Mr. Larry Magor, General Manager of the resort, was a sponsor along with the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board.

Deputy Director General, Tommy Thompson, described the gathering as “a huge success and a model for future meetings”.

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: December 17, 2019 9:37 PM

Lo c a l

40 www. EleutheraNews . com

Christmas, 2019

So it is Christmas!

Continued from Page. 16

young ones in the audience. The serving of refreshments, as the sounds of a Junkanoo rushout filled the night air, wrapped up the South Eleuthera community gathering.

-----

Equoia Gibson and Wadainya Weinburger of Central Eleuthera High School sang a lovely duet.

Global Outreach Ministries choir, a melodious crowd pleaser every time.

A fabulous display of Christmas lights on the Administrative grounds in Governor’s Harbour.

On the evening of Wednesday, December 11th, the Central Eleuthera District Tree Lighting ceremony, rang in the holiday season in the island’s capital. The tall, stately casuarinas lining the Governor’s Harbour bay front stood proudly past dusk, showing off the Christmas lights strung around their gnarled and aged trunks, leading up to the Administrative Complex where the ceremony was hosted. This year, the complex was resplendent in Christmas decorations, and multiple Christmas trees graced the spiffed up grounds.

New Administrator for Central Eleuthera, Whelma Colebrook, along with her team of Public Service agencies worked together to pull together the beautiful event.

Mrs. Vonnia Pearce, moderated the evening’s celebration, which saw several song selections performed by local area churches, including groups from the Wesley Methodist and Global Outreach Ministries.

The Eleuthera Freedom marching band, also performed a number of holiday tunes, and the audience enjoyed a solo selection by young teenager, Ms. Shawnae Bethel, and a duet with high school seniors

- Equoia Gibson, and Wadainya Weinburger.

Associate Pastor Clarice Thompson, of Global Outreach Ministries, was the main speaker for the evening, and her message exhorted those present to remember the real message of Christmas; the precious gift of Jesus Christ that God has given for us all. Administrator Colebrook, then did the honour of lighting the multiple Christmas trees lining the walkways of the Administrative complex. The beautiful evening wrapped up with refreshments for all.

----The community of Gregory Town, also joined in celebrations of the season on Friday evening, December 13th, at the community square in the center of town, where multiple Christmas trees were adorned in lights, courtesy of the Local Government Council.

Students from the Gregory Town Primary school, presented several selections of poetry and song, and a local dance troupe of P41

Above and opp. page: Young dance troupe from North Eleuthera, performing at the Gregory Town tree lighting.

2019,

Christmas

Lo c a l

The Eleutheran

41

‘Youth Explosion’

@ Fountain of Life Kingdom Ministries Rock Sound

On Sunday, December 8th, 2019, Fountain of Life Kingdom Ministries in Rock Sound, South Eleuthera, hosted a Youth Explosion event, under the theme, ‘Keep Watching’, featuring singing, dancing, skits, poetry, and corale performances, by talented young people from Central and South Eleuthera.

The exciting evening, would kickstart the fundraising efforts of the youth program at the church, to travel to a youth conference during the summer of 2020, as well as to offset transportation costs to similar events at different locations in Eleuthera, where they might minister, as other youth did with them during the evening of the youth talent explosion.

The inspiration for the evenings’s theme, explained Associate Pastor Jerome Hill, a main organizer of the event, was a

passage of scripture - Psalms 127, which spoke to the vanity of work without God, ‘Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.’ “So that’s why we say to ‘keep watching’. It’s about God watching over our lives.”

Pastor Juan Symonette, standing with Associate Pastor Jerome Hill, following the evening program, commented that what they had seen that evening was a successful event. In addition to the sharing and ministering to each other done by the participating youth groups, an altar call, inviting young people in the audience to give their lives to Christ saw a majority of the young people in the audience join hands in prayer at the end of the evening. “This is what it’s all about,’ said Pastor Hill, adding, “we are after souls.”

Associate Pastor Jerome Hill (above) and Pastor Juan Symonette (below) speaking with some of the young people at the Youth Explosion.

pre-teens performed to the delight of the audience. The opening of a children’s play area, sponsored by a local area resort, was also celebrated with a brief ribbon cutting, before children out to celebrate the evening with their parents, streamed into the play area, which had been outfitted with a large jungle gym and slides, as well as swings.

Council Chairwoman for Gregory Town, Mrs. Dina Johnson, as mistress of ceremony, welcomed Monsignor John Johnson of St. Gregory’s Catholic Church to pray for the safe use of the new play area, just ahead of the ribbon cutting, and to light up the Christmas trees within the square. The evening’s celebrations climaxed with refreshments of hot chicken souse, fruit cake and other Christmas desserts made available to all.

Above: Cutting the ribbon to a new play area in the Gregory Town square, with children enjoying it right away.

42 www. EleutheraNews . com

Edu c at i o n B e at

Christmas, 2019

Bahamahost Training - New Graduates, North & South

Above: Bahamahost graduates of Session 024 in Tarpum Bay, South Eleuthera at their commencement ceremony, with Ministry of Tourism and Education Officials.

The Ministry of Tourism hosted commencement ceremonies for two new crops of Bahamahost graduates on Saturday, December 7th, 2019, at Wesley Methodist Church in Lower Bogue, and on Sunday, December 8th, 2019, at the Ebenezer Gospel Chapel in Tarpum Bay, under the theme, “Reimagine, Reignite, Recommit.”

Executive Director - Product Quality & Support in the Ministry of Tourism, Dr. Kenneth Romer, was keynote speaker for the proud occasions. He exhorted the newly certified service professionals to be standout beacons within the Bahamas’ vital tourism industry.

Deborah Young-Fox, Trainer for the Bahama Host program on Eleuthera, commented that she was very proud of the diverse group of graduates, adding that the friendships formed through the sessions would persist beyond commencement.

The two groups of graduates recognized, dubbed Sessions 023 and 024, included:

Right: Bahamahost graduates of Session 023 in Lower Bogue, North Eleuthera at their commencement ceremony, with Ministry of Tourism Officials.

(023 - North Eleuthera) Aldred Albury, Edward Carey, Ednol Cash, Ezra Cash, Lyman Cash, Gayle Colebrook, Raymond Colebrook, Larry Dean, Daniel Ferguson, Amos Johnson, Dominique Johnson, Doney Kelly, Jason Kelly, Kendron Lightbourn, Fredrick Neely, Sonega Neely,

Vernon Neilly, Wilton Neilly, Denise Newbold, Natalie Newbold, Calvin Pinder, Gurney Pinder, Sheldon Pinder, Derick Rahming, Darrin Sands, Grawill Sands, Latoya Saunders, Dinero Sweeting, Elliott Seymour, Henry Stuart, Royal Williams, Livingstone Wilson, and Gary Young.

Phillip Kemp, Coulton McCartney, Ann Allen-Morley, Timothy Morley, Shonnorae Denise Newbold, John Pinder, Themica Pinder, Spence Pinder, Dudley Richards, Zyria Sands, V. Wallace Sands, Lewis Smith, Emma Turnquest, and Vaughn Woodside.

(024 - South Eleuthera) Vatrell Brown, Hervis Cartwright, Stanton Cooper Sr., Stanton Stanron Cooper, Susan Cooper, Precious Deal, Edmund Delancy, James Ferguson, John Francis, Jeron Gaitor, Marvin Gibson, Sidney Hanna, Tamara Johnson, Following the keynote Cleveland Knowles, addresses, both sets of Portia Kemp,

2019,

e duc at i o n b e at

Christmas

The Eleutheran

43

OEF & MOE Continued from Page. 10 and the provision of education and jobs. Currently OEF and CTI employ 65 individuals, and have the ability to engage in contracts with numerous tutors in different disciplines.

“It is our view that this presents an opportunity for us to work collaboratively with the Ministry of Education, to ensure that, together, we can provide quality vocational education to the people in Eleuthera and surrounding islands.” Mr. Sears said.

The formalized agreement makes provisions for CTI to facilitate an introductory vocational programme for grades 11 and 12 students; to develop an accelerated industry certification programme; to develop training courses for stakeholders; the deployment of qualified instructors into selected high schools; the maintenance of the woodwork and home economic facilities at the Preston H. Albury High School; and the upgrade of relevant facilities and equipment. Additionally, MOE will permit CTI access to Preston H. Albury and Central Eleuthera High Schools to conduct classes and relevant meetings.

Among the officials present for the signing from the Ministry and Department of Education, the OEF and CTI and the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) were the Minister of Education, the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd; Mr. Shaun Ingraham Chief Executive Officer, OEF and CTI, Mr. Jim Richard, Chief Operating Officer for the OEF and CTI, Dr. Reginald Eldon, Consultant for Education and Leadership De-

velopment, OEF and CTI, Permanent Secretary Mrs. Lorraine Armbrister, Director of Education, Mr. Marcellus Taylor, BTVI Board Chairman Mr. Kevin Basden, Dr. Robert Robertson, President, BTVI, Mr. Leroy Sumner, BTVI, and Chairman of the Board for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Deputy Director of Education Ms. Sharon Poitier; Assistant Director of Education for Technical and Vocational Education and Training Ms. Keyshan Bastian; and other staff members from the Ministry and Department of Education and BTVI.

Bahamahost Training Continued from Page. 42 sharply dressed graduates were pinned and presented with their Bahamahost certificates, as family members and friends in the audience looked on. A special award was also presented to the most outstanding graduate of each session, called the ‘Lionel Elliot Excellence Award’, after an employee at the Ministry of Tourism, who during his tenure exemplified high standards and exceptional work.

This Award of Excellence was presented to Mr. Marvin Gibson in session 024, and to Mrs. Denise Newbold in session 023.

The two-week Bahamahost Certification Programme, where the participants met during four hour sessions for five evenings each week, places emphasis on superior customer service, in recognition of it being essential to the Bahamas’ service based economy. The programme, which is aimed at equipping the Bahamian workforce, especially those in the tourism sector, with the essential product knowledge, customer service skills and leadership competencies required for success in

the tourism and hospitality sector, is open to everyone.

Mrs. Young-Fox shared that all one has to do is call in to or visit the Ministry of Tourism offices in Governor’s Harbour or Harbour Island to apply to join the next session, the dates of which would be confirmed once 10-25 applicants are in place (dependent on location). Interested businesses are also encouraged to call Mrs. Young-Fox, who says that the program can be specially tailored for a specific group of employees, with the option of a five (5) day compacted presentation.

Jacqueline Gibson, General Manager - Ministry of Tourism, Eleuthera; Michael Culmer, District Superintendent of Education - Eleuthera District; Dr. Kenneth Romer, Executive Director - Product Quality & Support in the Ministry of Tourism; Glenda Ingraham - Ministry of Tourism, Eleuthera; and Deborah Young-Fox, Trainer - Ministry of Tourism, Eleuthera were on hand to participate in the graduation events.

Above: Dr. Reginald

Eldon (Consultant for Education and Leadership Development, OEF and CTI); Ms. Keyshan Bastian (Asst. Dir.of Education for Technical and Vocational Education and Training); Mr. Jim Richard (Chief Operating Officer for the OEF and CTI); Mr. Shaun Ingraham (Chief Executive Officer, OEF and CTI); The Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd (Minister of Education); Mrs. Lorraine Armbrister (Permanent Secretary); Ms. Sharon Poitier (Deputy Director of Education); Mr. Kevin Basden ( BTVI Board Chairman); Dr. Robert Robertson (President of BTVI); Mr. Marcellus Taylor (Director of Education)

Preparations underway

JAN 2020 PLEDGE CONFERENCE TO MOBILIZE RECOVERY FINANCING IN THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE DORIAN NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Government of The Bahamas and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with support from the Governments of the United States and the United Kingdom will stage a pledge conference on 13 January 2020 in Nassau to mobilize financial and technical support for recovery efforts in The Bahamas, following the passage of Hurricane Dorian.

Dorian, a Category 5 hurricane hit the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama in September 2019 and left widespread devastation estimated at $3.4 billion, according to assessments conducted by the Inter-American Development Bank and the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.

The pledge conference will be held on New Providence and aims to galvanize support from the private sector, high-networth individuals, other Governments and donors who have expressed interest in assisting with the recovery.

The Bahamas Government’s recovery priorities will be outlined during a press conference scheduled for 11 December.

“Parts of Abaco and Grand Bahama were decimated by Hurricane Dorian. To date, the official death count stands at 70 with more missing. Thousands of residents have been displaced. We are a resilient people and the Government of The Bahamas welcomes all initiatives that will

help us move along the path of recovery.

Support from the private sector and from persons who consider The Bahamas a second home will help to augment our efforts to build back better and stronger and with more resilience,” said Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis.

UNDP Resident Representative to The Bahamas, Ms. Denise Antonio explained, “The high-income classification for The Bahamas means that the Government will have to mobilize private sector or other donor financing to pay for its short and medium-term recovery needs.”

She said the UNDP is committed to supporting the Government of The Bahamas to mobilize recovery financing because the country has limited access to overseas development assistance and concessional financing due to its classification as a high-income country.

Companies and donors interested in participating in the pledge conference can visit The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce’s website at https://www.thebahamaschamber.com or the Government’s website at www.bahamas.gov.bs to access registration information.

2 Dec. 2019, Ministry of Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction Commonwealth of The Bahamas

44 www. EleutheraNews . com

Lo c a l

Christmas, 2019

PHAHS CONCERT Continued from Page. 22 nies for the concert, as well as their guest performers and recognized their contributions, saying, “The St. Luke’s dancers, they are always waiting and ready to perform for us. We also had Pastor Hill and Mrs. Hill, who recently came back to Eleuthera, and they performed an awesome duet tonight. Anthonique, our solo dancer, she is always willing and able and always ready, along with Micquel Cartwright, one of our band members - she did a wonderful solo rendition. As well as Alisha and Alicia Albury for their performance. All in all, I was very pleased with tonight!”

Highlighting the important role that band plays at the high school level, Mrs. Kemp, said to the audience, “Music can take you around the world. Some people may look at the kids and say, ‘Oh, they are just playing a bunch of instruments’, but I would challenge you to take up a sheet of music and try to read and play the music.

They read the music. They don’t just sit there and write letters. They read music, and I’m very proud of them.

“We have a number of students who were former band members, and they are now attending colleges and universities in the US on band scholarships. So, you see that we are doing something in Band. Because they were able to read music, as that is a requirement they were able to go from Preston Albury High School’s small band - which some people may think is not so important - to go and fit right in to the big marching bands in the colleges. So, I’m very proud of them all, and their successes.”

Former band members, home for the Christmas, who had joined their former schoolmates for the concert, including Avery Hall, Kristen Saunders, Jag Kemp and Simone Kemp, were thanked for taking part. Mrs. Kemp also singled out the group of senior 12th grade members of the band, asking them to stand for the audience, and thanked them for sticking it out, many of them, since grade 7, as freshman in junior high.

The Preston H. Albury High School Band members, who took part in the Christmas concert, included: (Trumpet Section) G’Ann Morley, Nathan Mcintosh, Carmello Knowles, Sidron Johnson, Alvardo Rolle, Joshua Cooper, Natalia Johnson, (Saxophone Section) Alisha Albury, Sarah Carey, Howard Cunningham, Bernard Hield, Yasmine Brown, (Clarinet Section) Kayleaser Burrows, Gia Morley, Nathalia Saunders, Valentino Stubbs, Azaria Brown, Saraii Lafrance, Micquel Cartwright, Selena Ingraham, Alicia Albury, (Percussion/Sousaphone Section) Candon Farrington, Gregg Johnson, and Darren Thompson.

Pictured: (Top) Young singer and band member, Micquel Cartwright performing. (Center) Mrs. Kemp conducting the band as they play. (Bottom) The clarinet section taking center stage.

2019,

Christmas

Lo c a l

Pictured: (From top) Former band members on the trumpet. St. Luke’s dancers. Pastor Brad singing. Mrs. Kemp embraces son, Jag. MC Nurse Gina Ingraham on the mike. Student on the drums. Pastor and Mrs. Hill sing a duet. Clarinets and trumpets on display. St. Luke’s youth show off dance talent. Carols by the band - instrumental style. Solo dancer, Anthonique.

The Eleutheran

45

46 www. EleutheraNews . com

loc al +p lu s

Christmas, 2019

Eleutheran Music Artist - Drops New Mixed Tape FOR THE FANS 34-year-old Mecose Clayton Johnson, an Eleutheran music artist - with his own music label, and dozens of original songs released during the past four years within the local market - has recently released a new tape, which he says is just for the fans.

The Eleutheran sat and talked with the young artist early in December to learn more about who he was and the music he was so passionate about creating.

What’s new from Mecose Johnson?

I just put out a full mixed tape.

I’ve been dropping music for the past

year and a half, using my own label, Cruz Control Music. There is now a new mixed tape that I just dropped, about three weeks ago, called ‘Gutters and Palm Trees’. I came up with that, because, you know we have both spectrums here in the Bahamas.

We have some people who are living kinda hard, and we’ve got some people that’s living kinda easy, and chillin’.

How would you describe your music?

It’s hard to describe, because I can’t really put it in a box. I go from rap, to afro-beat music, to rake and scrape. So, I kinda dabble in a bunch of different genres. It’s eclectic.

Immigration Matters Apprehension: Coral

Harbour Base, (RBDF): A joint maritime operation between the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Police Force, Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos Islands (OPBAT), and the United States Coast Guard on Saturday December 7th, 2019, resulted in the apprehension of 39 Haitian nationals in the southern Bahamas.

The migrants (A subsequent released listed the total as 38)

were spotted on an isolated cay off the south eastern coast of Great Inagua earlier in the week. Because of the rocky terrain, efforts to reach the migrants by land and sea proved difficult. However, a US helo was dispatched to assist in removing the migrants.

The migrants were eventually removed from the cay and turned over to Immigration

officials in Inagua for further processing.

This is the second group of migrants to be caught in Bahamian waters within the past month. On November 8th, a total of 58 undocumented Haitian migrants were apprehended near Deadman’s Cay, Long Island aboard a 40-ft sloop. They have since been charged before the courts and repatriated.

The state of the art Kelvin Hughes long range coastal radar installed at the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Base in Inagua has proven to be effective in the fight against illicit activities. There has also been an increased maritime presence by Defence Force assets with the support from the USCG Aerial reconnaissance.

Also In The News: 113 HAITIAN MIGRANTS REPATRIATED FROM GREAT INAGUA On Thursday, December 12, 2019, a joint team of Law Enforcement Officers departed Inagua International Airport at 10:10 AM en-route to Port-au-Prince, Haiti with a total of (113)) Haitian nationals under Deportation Order onboard a Bahamasair flight.

The initial group onboard this flight from New Providence included (54) Males and (17) Females and (4) minors. They were joined by (26) Males, (11) Females and (1) minor who boarded in Matthew Town, Inagua. The latter group was apprehended on December 7, 2019, by the combined efforts of The Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Royal Bahamas Police Force, Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos Islands (OPBAT), and the United States Coast Guard in waters off south of Inagua.

Can you tell us more about the mixed tape?

I’ve been working on it over the last year, and finally got a chance to drop it. I wanted to drop it before the year was out. It has 9 new tracks on it. The full mixed tape has 24 tracks on it, which includes some of the older music I released earlier during the year. It’s a mixture of hip hop and afro-beat music. I didn’t get a chance to put any rake and scrape music on there, but I did release some rake and scrape music in 2018, with rake and scrape artist, Q’Pid. It’s on YouTube.

We did it with the Sky Juice Band.

They had a trilogy series they were doing that we shot some videos for.

MOT testing

Customs & Immigration

preclearance of flights in

Florida

The establishment of Bahamas Customs and Immigration preclearance of flights in Florida is being tested by the Ministry of Tourism to improve access to Family Island destinations and diversify tourism centres across The Bahamas, Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis said today.

The preclearance system was initially put in place by the Ministry of Finance and Bahamas Customs to facilitate the delivery of relief supplies to Abaco and Grand Bahama after Hurricane Dorian.

On seeing the efficiency of such a system, the Minister of Tourism persuaded two Florida airports to keep the system in place on a test basis, which was approved by the Minister of Finance and immediately embraced by those airport operators, said Prime Minister Minnis.

“Florida has the largest number of private pilots in the United States and the third largest number of registered aircraft,” the Prime Minister told members of the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), which held its Annual General Meeting at the Atlantis resort on Friday 6 December.

“The Florida airport operators are now telling us that many private pilots hesitate when contemplating to fly to a foreign country. But if their approvals can be given before they take off from Florida, the operators are convinced that the traffic may substantially increase.”

The Prime Minister said a major reason for the continuation of the preclearance test was the recognition that it also opens up many more islands in The Bahamas for nonstop flights without having to travel first to an official port of entry, clear Bahamas Customs and Immigration, then travel on to their desired destination.

Do you perform live?

Yes, I do live shows. Right here in Eleuthera. My last performance was in August. It was a private party in Rock Sound. I perform at more private events, and adult events. I’m trying to expand my repertoire now, where I would be able to do shows for kids and homecomings. That would mean releasing more rake and scrape to do that. However, I did perform at the Eleuthera Junkanoo Festival during January of 2019, and that was pretty cool.

P47

The opportunity to facilitate and track air travel direct to one’s desired destination saves substantial time and costs, said Prime Minister Minnis.

“It is also likely to result in much more traffic into those Family Island destinations that are not nearby official designated ports of entry,” said the Prime Minister.

“If this test is successful, this is likely to be an important plank in our plans to diversify the tourism centres across The Bahamas.”

The Ministry of Tourism is also being approached to put the same kind of preclearance facility in place for seagoing vessels, said Prime Minister Minnis.

In his address to the BHTA, the Prime Minister took the opportunity to commend the Ministry of Tourism for immediately launching a new marketing campaign to let the world know that not all of the islands of The Bahamas were impacted by Hurricane Dorian.

The Prime Minister also noted the Ministry’s presentation at the World Routes Conference in September, which included aspects of the new marketing campaign and channeling the market message of “14 Islands Still Open for Business.”

“I am told that after the Ministry’s presentation of its marketing plan aviation representatives were so confident and optimistic about our destinations that some airlines have even added additional service, including United Airlines with a direct flight from Denver, Colorado to Nassau,” said Prime Minister Minnis.

Additionally, British Airways will be adding one additional frequency per week for its Summer schedule, going from four flights per week to five flights per week, effective end of March 2020.

In the very near term, the Ministry of Tourism plans to unveil Phase Three of its post-Dorian campaign under the theme “Still Rockin”.

“The campaign highlights the resiliency of Bahamians by utilizing Bahamians to show the world that we are rebounding,” said the Prime Minister.

2019,

Christmas

How long have you been involved in music?

I’ve actually been doing music since about 14. I started in the the Baptist church on Cupid’s Cay. My Mom is a singer, and my aunt was the choir director. At about 14 myself, and my friends Chris (C-Dash) and Manjaro - we started a gospel rap group, called J-Squad.

Starting off, we did pretty well. We even moved to the US a few years after, trying to get signed to some record labels over there. We did Zomba, and visited Epic Records, but none worked out. After I turned 18, I left the music alone then for more than 10 years - just sitting on my talent - which I probably shouldn’t have done, as I may have been further ahead by now. At about 30 I got back into music, so it has been about four years now.

How many original songs have you created in those four years?

I have so many songs - probably more than 120, but I’ve only released about 32 of those. I’m recording basically every other day, but everything doesn’t make it. I have tons music I haven’t released yet.

With your own label, Cruz Control Music, do you record here on island?

I actually do record right here. Most of my music, I record at Circle of Trust Records, with Jay Sands, who

Lo c a l

The Eleutheran

has a studio here in Governor’s Harbour. He gives a good price, and I like to support my hometown people, who support me. If I have a really big song to record, I would jump into Nassau - as they have everything you need in studio. I have ties with FAM Records, that’s Mark Cartwright and Nahjee Dunn. They are big in the gospel arena. They are kinda like my mentors, so I use their studio if I need to as well.

What are your goals for the mixed tape?

This one is for free - building my fan base is what I’m doing right now. So, this one is basically for the fans. I have hard copies that I’m giving away free, but fans that follow me on YouTube and on my website at ReverbNation.com/ cruzcontrol8, they can download my music directly to their mobile phones, computers and other devices. I’m on SoundCloud. com/cruzcontrol as well. I’m also on Facebook and Instagram.

Instagram is: Cruz_controllers and Facebook is Mecose Cruz Johnson. I would definitely like for people to visit and subscribe to my YouTube page, and follow me on Facebook and Instagram.

Keep up with what I am doing, because I have some big plans for 2020!

My main focus for the mixed tape was to motivate people. I call it Gutters and Palm Trees, but if you take a listen, it has a lot to say - about coming up having to deal with adversity - people looking at you like you don’t know what you are doing, but if you really love it you have to keep on going. There is something for everybody on the mixed tape. I’ve put my money, sweat and tears into this one. I’ve gotten some good feedback so far, so this one is for the fans!

Pictured: Mecose Clayton Johnson.

Elite

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

Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera

47