The Eleutheran Newspaper - Feb/March Issue 2019

Volume 12, Issue 02 /12, 2019 web: WWW.ELEUTHERANEWS.COM

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Eleuthera, Harbour Island & Spanish Wells, The Bahamas

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Men’s/Boys’ Health - Timely topics

explored at male only seminars Dr. Robin Roberts discusses a wide range of topics relevant to the audiences of secondary school males and men.

During the month of February, the Cancer Society of Eleuthera invited renowned Urologist, Dr. Robin Roberts, also Chairman of the National Health Insurance Authority Board, and Lecturer with the University of the West Indies, to host two educational events for men and boys on the island.

The first was a morning seminar/ lecture to seventy one (71) senior high school boys (from grades 10, 11 and 12), who gathered at the Cancer Society’s Wellness Center in Palmetto Point on Monday morning, February 18th, 2019,

Dr. Robin Roberts, presenting on Men’s Health.

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RBDF publishes strategy for addressing Human Smuggling in the BAHAMAS

The maritime borders of The Bahamas are challenged by illicit activities that often occur at the same time within different geographical locations around The Bahamas. To effectively respond to multiple threats including drug, human and weapons smuggling, as well as poaching and natural disasters, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force has been steadily unfolding a comprehensive program to decentralize its operations using a multi-layered security approach within a collaborative framework throughout our family of islands.

Short term maritime security measures alone will not work in solving challenges that confront The Bahamas in these changing times. Currently, most of the Defence Force patrol operations originate out of New Providence in the north-central Bahamas. The multi-pronged decentralization program in which the Defence Force is engaged calls for the

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Surrounded by supporters and an attentive audience, the graduates of CTI’s learn and earn programme confidently present their entrepreneurial ideas Page: 40 CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE

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The Overspill of Haiti’s Persistent Problems

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REAL ESTATE upgrades that might hurt

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Royal Sound Marching Band impacting youth in Briland & Eleuthera

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Impressive National Achievements of Local Top Students

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Two-day teacher training to support literacy growth

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SW streets bright with color thanks to SGPAA parade

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Surf Camp Scholarship, See Calendar Guide

20 Eight Awarded for Youth Leadership

Spanish Wells, Harbour Island,

Eleuthera

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

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Men’s Issues Continued from Page. 1

from Central Eleuthera High School, Preston H. Albury High School, and Windermere High School, accompanied by several male teachers and chaperones.

The second was a ‘men only’ town meeting styled presentation, with an emphasis on information about prostate cancer and men’s health later that same evening.

Retired Nurse and president of the Cancer Society of Eleuthera, Mrs. Sherrin Cooper, commented on the timely topics covered by Dr. Roberts, for the school boys, saying, “Originally when Dr. Roberts was contacted, he was asked to come and speak about Men’s Health, and to put some emphasis on prostate cancer. However, for the younger boys, he advised that it was better to talk about dating, reproductive health, sex and violence, and we felt that would be really appropriate. One of the main focuses of the Eleuthera Cancer Society is prevention and early detection. In order to prevent, and detect, you need to be educated about what is going on with your body.

“Young men, in particular school boys, with all the hormones - with what he discussed with them this morning,

I am sure it will assist them in dealing with their bodies. Also it’s important for young boys to know about violence and abuse, abuse of their girlfriends being wrong - they need to know about these things when they talk about dating. Some of them are at the stage now where they probably would be dating in another year or so, if they are not dating

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Long Awaited Road Works ongoing

Erosion abatement at bridge and repair work throughout Central.

BY The eleutheran news team

Patching and remedial repair of roads are currently taking place in Central Eleuthera, as a result of two contracts awarded recently.

The first contract for repair works at the Glass Window Bridge was awarded to Triple-A Marine. The scope of the project, according to sub-contractor, Mr. Stefan Knowles and his crew who began work at the

MP for North Eleuthera, Mr. Rickey Mackey

Pictured: Subcontractor, Stefan Knowles, pointing out areas being worked on and other areas needing work along the Glass Window Bridge.

bridge on January 14th, included the construction of a revetment wall along a select portion of the Glass Window bridge road to protect a critical area of roadway from further erosion.

Briefly describing some of the steps taken in constructing the concrete revetment, Mr. Knowles, on Tuesday, February 26th, explained that the crew had excavated footing into the bedrock alongside the road, before pouring the new wall, which would rise 16 inches above the road level.

He added, also highlighting some of the additional works contracted, saying, “ It’s now all back filled, and we just have to compact it properly. We are going to put down a six inch slab with reinforcement, and that would complete this portion of the project. We are also doing some minor road repairs at some of the areas of the road that were deteriorated, we are fixing those as well. We also have some asphalt patching to do at the top of the hill and some striping along the bridge corridor.”

Mr. Knowles, scanning some of the older revetment work done along the bridge, shared that he came across a time stamp etched in the concrete, with the year 1964, suggesting previous revetment work carried out more than half a century ago. He also pointed out another section of bridge roadway, not included in the current scope of works, showing signs of erosion, which he commented, could be a future cause for concern, “They say a chain is only as strong as its weakest link… With this part now fortified, that section may be the weakest. If the erosion continues, they may have to take this wall further along towards the bridge.”

The current works at the bridge were expected to be completed by mid-March.

A second contract for patching and remedial road repairs, covered a much longer distance within Central Eleuthera, and was awarded to Quick Fix Construction, out of Rock Sound. Representative of Continued On Page 7

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Above: Triple A Marine subcontractors working on repair of roadway surrounding the Glass Window Bridge.

road works Continued from Page. 6

Quick Fix, Mr. Juan Symonette, commented that they had started road repair works in mid-February, beginning at the Glass Window Bridge. “We continue south, as far as Palmetto Point, and around past I-95, then down through the back road going to Governor’s, and doing that section there for now. We are also going to do some repair on the north side of the bridge, on some of the sides, going straight to the airport. That’s basically the scope of

works that we are doing - patching and also sealing some of the really bad areas outside of Gregory Town,” he explained.

When asked about their anticipated time to have the scope of works completed, Mr. Symonette answered, “We are hoping, at least with the patching part of it, because they are also taking into consideration the Ride For Hope event, taking place next weekend - we are trying to get the patching done by that time. The sealing and other works will be done after the patching, so, we are looking at early April to be completed.”

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AIMING TO UPGRADE LEVY MEDICAL CLINIC

“Catch Jerry Chile 2019”on May 4th wants to help achieve a much needed Eleuthera community upgrade - time or resources welcomed

BY The eleutheran news team

Co-chairman of the ‘Catch Jerry Chile’ association, Mr. Miska Clarke (Jerry’s Chile, and a marathon runner) has revealed that a major initiative of the association in 2019 will be to assist the Local Government Committee in Governor’s Harbour to do as much as they could with the Levy Medical Clinic. “We looked around and what we want to do is make sure that we have attainable goals. So, we wrote down a list of the items that are concerns at the clinic, and we are aiming to get together with the Ministry of Works to come up with a plan together, as to how we can do it step by step. The scope of what can be accomplished will depend on how much the association can raise through its annual event which is scheduled for the first Saturday in the month of May. “We will try to do it one room at a time; hopefully we will get it all done… I know with most things like this, because so many people use it, when you start, other people get on board. So, we want to try and do something,” said Mr. Clarke.

‘Catch Jerry Chile’, the annual fun/ run/walk charity fundraiser event held in James’ Cistern, during the past six years has raised funds for a wide variety of com-

munity initiatives, including life-saving medical equipment for local clinics and a portable jaws-of-life donated to local police for use in accident rescue.

This year, the association has set its sights on the larger project, and are encouraging more people, visitors and residents, to participate in the event, with the overall aim of increasing donations, both in cash and in kind, while having good, healthy fun in support of this very worthy cause.

“The interior of the building needs a number of repairs… Every year when we do ‘Catch Jerry Chile’, we raise money and put it towards different community projects. We like clinics - as our co-chairman is a nurse (Nurse Bernadette Colebrook), and that is really close to her heart, and since we first started, she was all excited to be able to assist the clinics. You know if you go to a wellness center, it should be as beautiful as possible. So, we want to see what we can do to assist with that.

“We want to try and beat the fundraising goal that we’ve had in the past few years, because, I think we are going to need a little bit more than what we’ve been collecting in those years. We really would like to see this clinic fully done, and of course the way the monies we collect are stretched

Above: 2018 participants/supporters of the Catch Jerry Chile event.

- the way it is done is through volunteerism.

Whichever room we start with, let’s say we have to change the tiles - a tile layer can come in and donate a day we buy the tiles and they change out and re-grout - or paint, we buy it, and someone can volunteer their time to come in and paint. That’s the way we do it, and that’s how Local Government will really come in. They are on the ground, and

can assist us a lot,” explained Mr. Clarke.

The ‘Catch Jerry Chile’ association is looking for people to partner with them to achieve this goal, so that money raised from the event can be focused on sourcing materials. Professionals are encouraged to volunteer for the good of the

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Shifting EU Goalposts

Demand Unified Regional Response Press Release: (CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) In the face of shifting goalposts and the deleterious effects of blacklisting of CARICOM Member States by the European Union, CARICOM is moving to intensify lobbying efforts and outreach to craft a credible process that is sensitive to the challenges they face.

EU Blacklisting was one of the matters on which CARICOM Heads of Government had intensive discussions during their two-day Intersessional Meeting which was concluded in Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, on Wednesday, 27 February 2019.

Chairman of CARICOM, Dr. the Hon Timothy Harris, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, and CARICOM Secretary-General, Amb. Irwin LaRocque addressed the matter at the end-of-Meeting press conference.

They both pointed out that the stance by the EU was causing negative impacts including reputational damage, infringement of sovereignty and an assault on the economies of Member States.

Prime Minister Harris said that Heads of Government have asked the EU to cease blacklisting of CARICOM Member States that have already made commitments to reform their tax structures. He added that concern was expressed that there was an element of “irregular behaviour” in the process by which any country could be blacklisted under the EU system.

“We do not think that it has the appeal of a democratic process or a consensual process and we take exception to that matter.

Each time there is one problem [and] that problem is addressed, by the next time the EU comes around there is a second and third problem. So the goal post keeps shift-

ing in a way that makes management of the industry difficult and creates uncertainty,” Prime Minister Harris said.

CARICOM Secretary-General said Member States were “not simply going to be dictated to every time” and warned of recourse to other options.

“There comes a point when you have to say to them ‘if you’re not going to have some meaningful dialogue, if you are not going to have some understanding on the circumstances in which we are, then we’ll have to have recourse to other things. We have 14 Member States that collectively, when we act together, which is not infrequent, can have a voice internationally. We’ve done it before and we are seeking to see how we can do this again,” he told representatives of the media.

The Secretary-General pointed out that the EU had “set certain criteria which go above and beyond criteria set by the OECD [Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development], which is recognized as the international body that looks at matters of tax and good governance.”

“In particular, we are extremely concerned that opportunity for dialogue with Member States who are so blacklisted or greylisted is almost non-existent. We feel that it is a significant overreach into the sovereignty of Member States and we go so far as to consider it, especially for those Member States whose economies rely heavily on the international business sector, an assault on the economic economies of these countries,” the Secretary-General said.

A CARICOM delegation had trav-

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The Thirtieth Intersessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was held at Frigate Bay, St Kitts and Nevis 26-27, February 2019. Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr the Honourable Timothy Harris, chaired the proceedings.

Other Members of the Conference in attendance were: Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Honourable Gaston Browne; Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Honourable Dr. Hubert Minnis (4th from left); Prime Minister of Barbados, Honourable Mia Mottley; Prime Minister of Dominica, Honourable Roosevelt Skerritt; Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr. the Rt. Honourable Keith Mitchell; Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness; Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Honourable Allen Chastanet; Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. the Honourable Ralph Gonsalves; and Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley.

Belize was represented by the Attorney General Honourable Michael Peyrefritte; Guyana was represented by His Excellency Second Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge; Haiti was represented by Foreign Minister, Honourable Bocchit Edmond; and Suriname was represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Yidiz Pollack-Beighle.

Associate Members in attendance were: Bermuda represented

by Deputy Premier and Minister of Home Affairs, Honourable Walter Roban; and the Turks and Caicos Islands, represented by Deputy Premier, Honourable Sean Astwood.

Caricom’s Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque is pictured 4th from right.

“A more assertive EU in a volatile world” Article by

European External Action Service

Secretary General Helga Schmid

The predictions made last year with regard to the growing importance of great power rivalries still rings in our ears.

What is more, our strategic environment grows ever more unpredictable. Today,

major powers openly challenge the rules based international order and seek to promote alternative visions of a world divided into spheres of influence. Geopolitical rivalry stokes tensions and raise the alarm bell of a new “proliferation age” that risk escalating into inadvertent military confrontation.

Climate change is becoming an existential threat while cyberspace and disinformation campaigns are the new weapons of the 21st century For the European Union, the answer is clear: these challenges can only be tackled through a multilateral approach. Together we have the tools and the political weight to shape the future global order if we stay united. This is why instead of retreating from international cooperation and global partnerships, the EU is stepping up its commitment to address global challenges together with its partners: this is true for the

Paris agreement on climate change, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on non-proliferation, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the EU’s strategy for connectivity between Asia and Europe or the reform of the WTO. While these agreements are – in essence – hard to reach, we are convinced they are the best way to ensure a more peaceful, prosperous and secure world environment.

Even more so when it is clear that no single country can address these challenges alone. I am convinced this approach is the right one and the fact that demand for European action from our partners has never been so high speaks for itself.

At every given opportunity, the need to define common answers to com-

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An Eleutheran Profile: Introduction…

Affectionately known by many as ‘Mama Bethel’, Mrs. Sylvia Bethel, originally from New Providence, a resident of James’ Cistern for most of her life, now living in Florida; - and an entrepreneur extraordinaire in partnership with her husband for many decades, took the time to relax and chat with The Eleutheran this month, sharing some of her life and times...

Early days…

Sylvia was born in New Providence to her father Sylvanus Brice, whom she was named after, and her mother Carolyn Brice on March 30th, 1940, on the cusp of World War II. Her father Sylvanus had come to Nassau from Exuma, and her mother had come from Andros, both looking to the opportunity promised in the capital city. Young Sylvia was the firstborn of twelve siblings, and as she shared, it was not easy growing up as the eldest with such a large number of brothers and sisters. Inevitably, she bore the re-

sponsibility of helping her mother with the care of the younger children. “I am the first of the twelve - six of us are still here, and six now gone,” she shared.

The opportunity came for her to attend what was called Southern Senior School back then. “We had teachers off and on… One I remember was Mr. Garth Nash and another was Mr. Carlton Francis… The school was one big room, and students were split into class groups. Sometimes we had to go outside to have lessons as we didn’t have separate classrooms. They had a lot of trees in the yards, which were not paved like they are today. We went outside and sat under the trees to learn,” she reminisced, adding, “You carried to school one book and a slate, and chalk. If it was a subject the teacher wanted you to memorize, you would write it in the book. If it was something to catch on quickly you would write it on the slate… It was so different from today - those days you had a book and you had to learn, because you wouldn’t be in school forever.”

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Mrs. Sylvia Bethel BY elizabeth bryan Juggling her home life responsibilities and school life, Sylvia said she remembered going to school, and trying to get the most that she could out of it, before returning home to baby sit and the like. She would stay in school until the age of 14, as she pointed out, the reality was, “If your parents could not afford to pay for you to go on to the next level, you had to come out.”

Career and family…

The family home in New Providence was on John’s Street, off Farm Road, where Sylvia’s mother, Carolyn ran a little store nearby.

‘Jimmy Glico company’ was a highlight of experience for her just out of school. It was a company that operated restaurants with ice-cream parlours and as a teenager, just 15, she joined their Elbow Room location on East Hill Street, opposite Strachan’s Corner and began making ice-cream. In time, she moved to their Shell Room on Bay Street, then from their Bay Street location to their airport location at what was then the JFK airport.

“I was working in the catering section, where we supplied food for Trans Air airlines” recalled Sylvia.

When she wasn’t at work at ‘Jimmys’ , she would be helping out in her mother’s store on Farm Road, where they cooked, baked and sold little eats.

“He met me there in the store” she smiled, recalling how she first met her life partner and husband of sixtyone years, Mr. Bernard Bethel.

“Those days were not like today… He had to speak with my mother and father, and he had to write a letter to the house.

“He then brought an engagement ring and gave it not to me, but to my mother, and had a meeting with my parents in the living room .... then later, my mother gave me the ring,” said Sylvia with warmth in her voice.

Commenting on the practice, now largely gone away from popular Bahamian culture, she added, “I think that was the right way. If you go back to the Bible that’s what they did back then. You had to consult the parents before marriage and express your intentions.”

The young couple, who were 17 - Sylvia turned 18 the following month and 19, still both in their teens, were married in February of 1958.

The move to Eleuthera A move from Jimmy Glico’s to Wong’s Grocery and the passage of seven years, preceded the fated decision by the young couple to leave the capital and head back to Mr. Bethel’s home town of James Cistern, Eleuthera.

The move came in 1965, and back on the island they started out by opening their own little grocery store.

“It didn’t do so well back then… Doing business on the island was kind of hard and it was slow, money wasn’t easy to come by,” shared Sylvia.

To make ends meet, the couple had to do multiple things to get by. “ I decided to go on the road and sell out of my car. I went from settlement to settlement selling whatever I could put my hands on - clothes, shoes, fish, tapes and spiritual records, produce from our farm and so on… I sold on the road from the car to survive and make a living, and did that for a while.”

Sylvia, who would have been in her mid-twenties when she moved to Eleuthera, said that although the island at the time did not offer much to do, if you just sat down, that was more dangerous, so, she decided to do her best, but had early coping methods as well.

“It was so bad, I would go back to Nassau every two or three weeks, with all the children - at that time I had three of them and would take all of them over on Bahamas Airways or on the boat, because there was nothing.

That’s the reason why I had to take everything in my car and ride from one settlement to the next, and later it was a truck. It was funny looking, a woman driving a truck.

People must have thought I was crazy”, she smiled.

The Bethel’s also started a club called The King’s Inn in James Cistern. “The building was owned by an elderly gentleman, Herbert Johnson, who people called ‘Money King’. We rented his building (where KelD’s

is now located), when we first moved to Eleuthera. A gentleman would come out of Nassau, Charles Carter, with the ‘Bahamian Show’ to Eleuthera”...referring to renowned Bahamian broadcaster Sir Charles Carter who was knighted in 2016.

“So, we used to have shows on that night when he was coming in... One time we had Smokey 007,” recalled Sylvia, “and didn’t have enough room. This was one night per month, and we would house them. We ran it for about three or four years, then we gave it up.”

“I drove the big Tom’s Snacks bus.”

While selling from settlement to settlement, at one point the couple added snacks from Tom’s Wholesale in New Providence. These snacks sold well, and they began to represent the company’s products on the island, with a bus, labeled with Tom’s Snacks, that they would go up and down the long Eleuthera road. “My husband did most of the driving on the road with the bus,” she highlighted.

Sylvia chuckled, as we continued to chat, saying that sometimes, she would reminisce with her son Tony (who now runs the Big Rock Grocery Store just north of James’ Cistern), rolling back the curtain of time, and talk about how back then, they would fill up the car with produce from their family farm and take them from the farm to the packing house. “At the packing house they would take the very best of the produce, and then you would have to wait....sit down for months and months and wait to get paid. You really had to be determined to stay with it… It was not easy… You had to do more than one thing to survive.”

Over the years, Sylvia and Bernard were blessed with eight children - five boys and three girls (Three sons have passed away - remaining are two sons, Angelo and Tony, and three girls, Bernadette, Carolyn, and Cindy).

JC Phones During the late 1960’s Sylvia shared that there was a big fire incident in James’ Cistern. However, because there were no phones at all in the settlement, no one could call to alert a fire engine. This really disturbed her, she said, so, she determined to lobby with the then Member of Parliament (MP) for Central Eleuthera, Mr. George Thompson, to have a telephone service in James’ Cistern. Each time she encountered him, she would ask why the township did not have a telephone.

The lobbying worked and when the telephone finally came through, Sylvia was asked by the MP to have it placed in her house, which was on the Queen’s Highway in James’ Cistern.

She received remuneration for hosting the community telephone, and also received training in its use and operation. “So, they put the phone in my house. When someone had a phone call, no matter the time, I had to go and get the people for their call,” explained Sylvia.

After a time, the telephone service was moved to a new location within the James’ Cistern Clinic building, and Sylvia was still responsible for the daily operation of the service. Before the township was electrified, there was a gas-powered generator located on the outside of the building, which was connected, to a battery on the inside of the building, that powered the telephone. Sylvia described having to fill the generator with gas each morning, so that it could run and charge the battery on the inside for half of an hour before any calls could be made or received on the telephone/telegraph system.

The morning routine of filling the generator with gas was not one she liked, said Sylvia, especially then having to crank it up, and start it.

Within a few years, the electrification of the township under Eleuthera Power and Light did away with the need for the generator, and further changes saw the Bahamas Telecommunications Corporation take over telecommunications services.

Sylvia went on to work with BATELCO for many years, manning the James’ Cistern telephone office,

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An Eleutheran Profile: MRS. SYLVIA BETHEL

from about 1967 until her retirement from the company in 1999. Several years, after the move from her home to the office in the James’ Cistern Clinic, the company considered the situation with her as just one person running the office, with no time off, she said, and hired another person to assist. Elsie Johnson, also from James’ Cistern, was brought in to work along with her, and later on they were joined by Rosemary Thompson of James’ Cistern at the office.

While she was working with BATELCO, Sylvia and her husband, Bernard, got involved with running the Hatchet Bay Yacht Club, from 1975 until the early 1980’s, as well as the liquor store, located in the former shopping center near the club - where they employed a number of people from both Gregory Town and Hatchet Bay. During the early 1980’s the couple also went on to construct the current grocery building complex at Big Rock, as well as two apartment buildings in Rainbow Bay. Later years…

Following her retirement from BATELCO, Sylvia moved to Florida in 2000, and lived there with one of her sons, Torrey. Her husband Bernard, she said, frequently traveled back and forth, between Florida and Eleuthera, buying for the businesses at home, and in later years traveled for treatment for a medical condition that he had battled for some time.

While in Florida, Sylvia did not go quietly into retirement mode, in fact, she did just the opposite, going back to school to learn first aid, before getting a position with ‘Coast to Coast’ as a nurse’s aide. She went on to work with them for the next thirteen years, before finally deciding to embrace a more relaxed lifestyle.

Tragedy struck her family in October 2015, when her son Torrey, who she had been living with in Opa-Locka, Florida, was killed in a car accident. Her husband Bernard, she shared, was still fighting illness, and was actually in hospital in Florida at that time. Sadly, Bernard passed away the following year, in 2016.

Now fully retired, Sylvia says she stills helps her son Tony with buying for the business at home, however, her days are no longer taken up with work. Having grown up in the Methodist church since she was a child, worshiping first at Wesley Methodist in Grant’s Town and then at

Wesley Methodist in James’ Cistern, Eleuthera, Sylvia is still a dedicated follower, now a member of St. Mary’s Methodist in Miami, Florida.

Back in 1994/95 she remembered a visiting minister at the Methodist church in James’ Cistern calling her and two other members out as lay ministers, the other two being Mr. Warren Johnson, and Mrs. Clarice Thompson (now a Pastor with Global Outreach Ministries), however, Sylvia said that teaching from the pulpit was not to be her ministry, but ministering with the sick. With her experience as a nurse’s aide, she now spends time visiting members of her church who are sick in hospital, praying and talking with them, and sometimes just sitting “Sometimes it takes someone just listening to their story to help them heal and get better,” she explained.

When asked about what advice she might have for younger members of the Eleuthera community, Sylvia offered, “Love God, love yourself and love others. And whatever you put your mind to do - you can do it. If you start a building, you want to see that building complete, so, keep pushing and pushing until you see the end. When you are at the top of that building you will see the value in keeping on.”

Reflecting back on her life and family, Sylvia reminisced, saying, “I had to come out of school early because of having a large family and things were really hard, and I had to help take care of my brothers and sisters. Then when I got married, I thought it was an escape when this young man came along…. We grew together, so when you saw Bernard you saw me - we were inseparable. We stayed together, had children, until he departed. I had a good life - a hard life, because I had to work hard, but we really accomplished a lot, because when we moved from Nassau to Eleuthera, after opening the store and it going downhill, we stayed and fought. I had to throw away my pride and started to work, selling fish, bananas, and we went from place to place, the two of us. And we worked. When we made a dollar, I set aside 50 cents to invest and whatever we got we were willing to share with the community of James’ Cistern… I thank God for every moment. Remember God and put him first and thank him for the good and bad.”

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P e rsp ec ti v e

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The overspill of Haiti’s persistent problems

By Sir Ronald Sanders (The writer is Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States and the Organisation 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) This commentary, being written on Thursday February 21, is about troubling developments in Haiti and the constraints upon the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries that

prohibit them from playing a meaningful role in averting further violence.

Since the time of writing, the feared escalation might have occurred.

The 13 independent states that, along with Haiti, comprise CARICOM, have a vested interest in events in that country. Not least amongst these interests is the right that CARICOM membership bestows on Haitian nationals to enter CARICOM countries without visas.

Already, several CARICOM countries have experienced Haitians remaining illegally after their allowable six-month stay has expired. If economic conditions in Haiti worsen as a consequence of deadly protests that have been continuous since 7 February, Haitians will continue to seek refuge everywhere.

Of the CARICOM countries, given its nearness to Haiti, The Bahamas will be the first and biggest destination for Haitian refugees, placing a further strain on that country’s capacity to cope with what is now an ongoing and mounting problem. In the aftermath of the present wave of violent street protests, as a humanitarian gesture, and to its credit, the Bahamas government implemented a temporary halt on all Haitian deportations.

But, Foreign Minister, Darren Henfield, has stressed that the halt is only temporary, and he suggested that CARICOM will need to discuss how, as a region, it can help Haiti with its economic calamities and population migration (Deportations resumed on February 22, 2019).

Of course, the challenges that Haiti poses for CARICOM countries relate not only to economic decay and refugees; they are also directly connected to resolving the conflicts within the country and the process of governance. Once good governance is not institutionalized in a transparent manner, conflict will continue and so too will economic decline and migration.

The economic crisis is worsening by the day. Inflation reached 15% in January amid the depreciating Haitian currency against the US dollar. On February 16, in an effort to stem the rising tide of mass discontent of people whose per capita income is the lowest in the region at US$789, Prime Minister Jean Henry Céant announced nine measures, including: a 30% reduction in the price of rice; a 30% reduction in the budget of the prime minister’s office; abolition of “unnecessary privileges” of senior state officials; and promises to discuss improving the minimum wage.

It is left to be seen whether these measures will lower the political temperature and cool the heat of the mass protests. Few believe they will.

CARICOM cannot sit-by if confrontation and violence escalate in Haiti. It has a responsibility to the Haitian people and a duty to the people of its own countries and those of the wider hemisphere to offer its good offices to mediate difficulties.

Further, if CARICOM does not act, none of its member states, nor Haiti, can justifiably complain if other nations seek to intervene, particularly as several such states have had to carry the burden both of peace-keeping and delivering humanitarian assistance for decades.

Conscious of this obligation to Haiti and to the hemisphere, CARICOM, as a group, has clearly indicated its concerns to the Haitian government at several levels, and expressed its readiness to be helpful. The current

open holidays

Chair of the CARICOM Heads of Government, Prime Minister Timothy Harris of St Kitts-Nevis, published a statement on February 12 in which he stressed that: “The Community calls for calm and a cessation of the violence, appealing to all involved to engage in constructive dialogue and to respect the Constitution, the rule of law and democratic processes so that issues can be resolved in a peaceful atmosphere and allow for the return to a state of normalcy”.

But, CARICOM efforts to engage Haiti have not yielded a positive response, and neither CARICOM, as an organization, nor any of its member states can do more that to make the Haitian authorities aware of their willingness to help; they cannot impose themselves upon Haiti, especially as they strictly adhere to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of states.

In part, the lack of response to CARICOM’s approaches, originates in the prejudiced view of Haiti’s political elite and business class that CARICOM countries are a group of small states without the economic resources or political clout to matter.

Haitian authorities are investing their attention on bigger nations, particularly the United States and France, and to a lesser extent, Canada. These latter three countries, along with the Special RepreContinued On Page 38

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REAL ESTATE: UPDATES THAT MIGHT HURT

By Mike Lightbourn Did you know some home improvements can lower the resale value of your property?

What do I mean?

Sometimes home owners go overboard thinking they’ll increase their property value by “investing” in upgrades when, in fact, they will not recover the project costs.

Worse, they may turn potential buyers away.

Let’s take swimming pools.

That’s right.

OK, so I can hear you now.

We live in the Bahamas, for Pete’s sake!

A swimming pool will add value to a home.

That depends if the buyer likes to swim, among other things.

Swimming pools, especially in a middle to upper middle-income area, have a low return on investment (ROI).

Pools are expensive to put in and expensive to maintain. And guess what? Not everybody’s interested in owning a pool.

Parents of small children may shy away from a house with a pool for safety reasons. Ditto with people who plan to have children.

Typically, parents who have children in an older age range will be more likely to welcome a pool.

Bedroom No No Don’t combine two bedrooms to make up a large master unless you have a lot of bedrooms. Buyers like to have a spare bedroom.

Reducing the number of bedrooms from four to three, or three to two, could hurt the value of the home.

Closet Space Closet and storage space help to sell homes. Don’t eliminate either in the name of making a home “improvement,” unless perhaps the home only has one bathroom.

Kitchen Overkill Kitchen upgrades can pay off - up to a point. Sure, buyers love new appliances and fancy countertops.

However, it’s unlikely they’ll pay for high end improvements in a home in a middle or upper middleclass neighbourhood.

Don’t make the mistake of installing granite countertops in a Formica countertop neighbourhood. A good cleaning, paint and new hardware and fixtures may do the trick.

Luxury Bathroom Forget the HGTV shows featuring spa like bathrooms.

The typical buyer is looking for a clean and functional bathroom and isn’t interested in paying for Jacuzzi tubs and custom-built glass showers.

Who spends a lot of time bathing in a warm climate anyway?

Consider retiling and new faucets and light fixtures if necessary. Maybe the tiles are fine, but the grout needs a good cleaning and sealing.

Bahama Room Bahama Rooms are great, especially if you enjoy the outdoors. However, room additions are expensive and there will be quite a few buyers who aren’t interested in paying extra for a room they may or may not use.

Besides, not everyone’s into the outdoors.

You probably will not come close to recovering the amount you spend on this project.

Unconventional Colours You may love turquoise because it reminds you of the sea, but not everyone will share your passion for this colour.

The buyer will start to do mental maths “I wonder how much it will cost to paint this house?”

The same goes for other bold colours.

Stick to neutrals.

Painting is one improvement that offers

a solid return on investment - provided the colour’s not unconventional.

Trim It Don’t get dazzled by redecorating magazines. Wall trim should be painted in white. Painting trim takes time and money. Most people will be thrown by anything other than white trim. End of story.

No Textures Do not texture your walls and ceilings. Just because you like it does not mean it will appeal to all buyers. Again, they’ll wonder how much it will cost to remove the texturing.

Carpeting Carpeting’s so out, it’s not funny. Go for neutral tiles and hardwood. Avoid laminate wood flooring.

Far out Tiling Nothing can kill a showing like ugly or way out tiles. Stick to the neutrals. Use swatches of fabric, throw cushions and paintings and so on for colour pop.

bedrooms and bathrooms to suit their needs.

Do your homework and confirm that those upgrades you’ve been thinking of will add value to your home before embarking on an expensive project.

Remember Buyers have their own preferences and they may not be the same as yours.

Most buyers are looking for a well-maintained home in a nice area with enough

Questions or comments?

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

Lo c a l “Royal Sound” IN ELEUTHERA AND hARBOUR ISLAND 16

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February/March, 2019

Looking to Impact Young Lives

BY The eleutheran news team

The Royal Sound Marching Band is one of two brand new music programs administered by the Eleuthera Division of the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) - Royal Sound being based in Savannah Sound, and the other in Harbour Island.

During the month of February, as practice was taking place on a Thursday afternoon, Chairman of the Royal Sound Marching Band, Mr. Claudius Culmer, spoke briefly about how the new band and the music program got started. The Royal Sound Marching Band, he explained, got its start after the advent of the Lucayans Junkanoo Community Organization, which formed as a result of participation in the Eleuthera Junkanoo Festival three years ago. “Every junkanoo group wants brass, and in Savannah Sound, we didn’t have brass. So, what happened was we looked for avenues where we could let the kids within the community learn to play brass instruments… One day I took it upon myself to write the Commissioner of Police to ask for assistance. As a result, he sent Officer Rovan Carey to us.

“Officer Carey was sent by the Commissioner to assist with our musical program…

When he came it changed a bit, because I first thought that Junkanoo was the whole idea. However, he came with more of a military, urban renewal perspective, similar to the All Star Marching Band in New Providence. That’s what the focus is now, and it opened the door for other communities. It’s not just focused on Savannah Sound, so, we are trying to get as many children involved as possible. The program is now a mixture of discipline, music theory, and music practical. Currently we have 40 children participating and registered, from Tarpum Bay, Rock Sound, Palmetto Point, Governor’s Harbour and Savannah Sound. The Lucayans bought the first set of instruments for the program, and several other partners and donors stepped in to purchase more instruments, resulting in about 75% of the instruments used being provided to the children, and the remaining 25% use their own instruments,” said Mr. Culmer.

Band practice, which officially started during November 2018, is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4pm to 6pm.

During the first hour, the children take part in drilling and marching, then move into music theory and practice during the second hour. “We are now gearing up for Independence, and aim to have the children march along with the uniformed agencies in the March pass, during Independence celebrations. We want the Police to be marching to our music, so, that’s what we are shooting for,” he explained.

Constable Rovan Carey, now Musical

Pictured: Children participating in the Royal Sound Marching Band program stand with Officer Rovan Carey (center), and Chairman, Claudius Culmer (far left). Below: Drill practice held on the grounds of the Methodist Church in Savannah Sound.

Coordinator for the Eleuthera Division, who moved to the island in response to Commissioner Ferguson’s request, was an experienced trombone and trumpet player as well as a lead vocalist in the Royal Bahamas Police Force Marching Band and Pop Bands, respectively, and his musical pedigree is generational, as the son of the renowned musician and entertainer, Ira Storr (Ira Storr & the Spank Band).

Talking about his move to Eleuthera, and his purpose on the island, Constable Carey described, “In September of 2018 the Commissioner of Police gave me some directives to come to Eleuthera to lead the

music program here… Savannah Sound is at the core, but the Commissioner’s mandate is for the whole Eleuthera Division, through his policing initiative of ‘youth interaction’. He is very adamant about this program… I arrived on island in October 2018, and identified various programs that were needed. Since then I’ve worked with the program here in Savannah Sound, and also in Harbour Island, where we have 60 children taking part.”

Officer Carey expressed that he looked forward to opening the world of music to the children involved, with monthly workshops by his colleagues in the Police Band,

URCA Launches

Family Island Outreach Campaign in Eleuthera

BY The eleutheran news team Stephen Bereaux, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with the Utilities Regulation & Competition Authority (URCA) was in Eleuthera on February 6th and 7th with a full team, including Shavon Cambridge, Director of Utilities and Energy; Carlton Smith, Director of Electronic Communications; Mavis Johnson-Collie, Manager of Corporate and Consumer Relations; and Georgia Morton-Simms, Manager of Human Resources and Administration, as part of their 2019 Family Island Outreach Campaign. The team presented at a town meeting held on Wednesday evening, February 6th, at the Cancer Society’s Wellness Center in Palmetto Point, and hosted a Popup office at the same location during the day on Thursday, February 7th, for anyone who wanted to ask about licensing, competition, billing or complaints, in either the energy or electricity sectors currently regulated by URCA.

a solid base in theory to allow them to be able to sit the various levels of the Royal School of Music exam as they progress, as well as participation in competitive events - like the battle of the bands. Constable Carey encouraged the Eleuthera community to support the band initiatives - highlighting that the program in Harbour Island was especially short on instruments. “We have a committee over their working on raising funds… So, whatever help that we can get is appreciated… People are going to see productivity, and I’m not going to fail the Commissioner of Police, and by extension, the people of Eleuthera.”

In an interview during the town meeting event on Thursday, CEO Bereaux commented on the purpose of the visit, saying, “This is the launch of our Family Island Campaign for 2019.

Our focus is very much on energy efficiency and some of the work that we are doing in energy regulation throughout the Bahamas. In previous years we have been around the islands mostly focused on our electronic communications role. So, we are trying to highlight the electricity work that we do… We feel that we have a responsibility to promote energy conservation, and energy efficiency. So, it’s a trip to educate consumers about how they can be more efficient, and to help to drive that message, because the regulation of the electricity sector and developing a better electricity sector requires not only that we fix the utility side - BPL and other companies, but also that we fix the other side. So, this is the energy conservation and efficiency side, and separately through our regulatory role, we look at the production side and the licensees we regulate… “ Bereaux added, “We plan to do at least three family islands this year - we still have some work to do in figuring out which ones and when, and obviously we have work as well to do in

Continued On Page 39

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impressive achievements for Eleuthera’s Best Five nationwide Top “A” results earned in 2018 National Exams

BY The eleutheran news team

The island of Eleuthera, made its presence felt at the Annual National Exam Awards held in New Providence on Monday, February 4th, where top students nationwide who sat the 2018 national BJC and BGCSE examinations were recognized for their achievements.

Jana McCardy, former Head Girl at the Central Eleuthera High School (CEHS), who during the National Awards ceremony captured the Marjorie Davis Award for the

Best Overall Performance in the 2018 BGCSE Examinations Government Schools with 9 A’s, 1 B, and 3 C’s in one sitting, had also been specially invited to be the moderator for the day’s Awards event.

Three (3) of the national top A result BJC subject awards were achieved by students from Eleuthera. Colby Mullin of Samuel Guy Pinder All Age School received the top A result in both Mathematics and Social Studies; and Chandler Mullin of Samuel Guy Pinder All Age School received the national top A

result in General Science.

Two (2) of the national top A result BGCSE subject awards were also presented to Eleuthera students, including Antoniqua Collins of Central Eleuthera High School who received the national top A result in Physics; and Jana McCardy of Central Eleuthera High School who received the top A result in Art & Design - Craft.

Jana McCardy of CEHS earned the Best BGCSE 2018 results for the island of Eleuthera, having achieved 9 A’s, 1 B, and 3 C’s in one sitting.

Colby Mullin of Samuel Guy Pinder All Age School earned the Best BJC 2018 results for Eleuthera, with 9 A’s in one sitting.

An individual Eleuthera school was also recognized for their national performance. Harbour Island All Age nabbed the 3rd place award for Most Improved GPA in Government Schools (BGCSE - Category C: 1 100 student entries) All students across the nation, who sat the 2018 National Exams and passed with five (5) or more A’s received an honorable mention certificate for their tremendous achievement.

Eleuthera students who were awarded with the honor for their overall performance in the BJC Exams included; Colby Mullin of Samuel Guy Pinder

All Age School (9 A’s); Chandler Mullin of Samuel Guy Pinder All Age School (8 A’s, 1 B); Dianthe Anderson of Samuel Guy Pinder All Age School (6 A’s, 1 B), Damari Johnson of North Eleuthera High School (5 A’s, 2 B’s, 1 C); Kyle Collins of North Eleuthera High School (5 A’s, 2 B’s, 1 C); and Torii Knowles of Central Eleuthera High School (5 A’s).

One Eleuthera student made this achievement at the BGCSE level - Jana McCardy of Central Eleuthera High School (9 A’s, 1 B, 3 C’s).

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2019

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North Eleuthera High To Be Included In Ministry of Education’s Pilot Virtual Classroom Initiative Distance education cited as a critical component

By Betty Vedrine The Ministry of Education signed a $3.3 million contract with Walker’s Industries Ltd., February 13, 2019. The signing of the contract is part of its ‘One Network’ project and marks the final of four contracts to execute the full digitization of the public school system. The Ministry previously signed contracts with BTC, Cable Bahamas and Sam’s Business Machines.

During a Ministry of Education press conference and contract signing ceremony, Minister of Education, the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd said that this contract facilitates the creation of wireless internet connectivity in the school system, laying the groundwork for the realization of tech-smart campuses throughout the country. Walker’s is partnering with USbased technology giant, Cisco Systems in order to facilitate the project.

Minister Lloyd said that the system will be very beneficial to students.

“One significant benefit, among many others, of such a smart-system would be the provision of distance education ca-

pability for our now deprived students wherever they may be – and there are many.”

The Minister said that within the overall objectives of the contract is a pilot initiative scheduled to be completed over a three-month period. The initiative will feature four schools, which will be utilized to target distance learning education via a virtual classroom platform. The schools are Anatol Rodgers High, Old Bight High, Moore’s Island Comprehensive and North Eleuthera High.

Minister Lloyd said that with this virtual classroom platform, students throughout the country will be able to access education in a more equitable way.

“In the Bahamian context, some of our students, particularly those in the far flung family islands, have suffered the ignoble perennial deprivation of specialists teachers in subjects areas such as Maths, Science and Technology,” said Minister Lloyd. “When we consid-

er that education is a fundamental right, and the surest path to sustainable development for any society, any deprivation being experienced by our students or teachers, cannot be accepted. This is why digitization of the Bahamas school system is one of the pre-eminent mandates of this government.

A critical component of the pilot project by Walker’s and Cisco will be distance education. In the instance where a school such as Old Bight High may be short for a Math, Science or Language teacher, those students could be connected through an on-line platform to a class at Anatol Rodgers High, where that subject is being taught and receive real time, interactive instructions. And since the platform would be in a video format, students would be able to access the session as needed. Teacher shortage, therefore, becomes a thing of the past.

“We are aware of the need to be accountable when dealing with our most important resource – our children – so we want to ensure that we put in place a

programme that will be effective in producing reliable results sustained over the long term. For this reason, we have chosen to initially carry out this online programme on the aforementioned schools.

Also in attendance at the contract signing were: Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Lorraine Armbrister, who delivered brief remarks and Senior members of the Ministry’s Executive team, including: Acting Director, Marcellus Taylor, who discussed some of the issues the technology would address; Deputy Director of Technology, Julian Anderson, who gave an overview of how the technology would be utilized and the representatives from Walker’s Industries -- Hilliard Walker and Jonathan Ford who explained how the work would be carried out.

20 www. EleutheraNews . com

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Eight Accept honours from Eleuthera Youth Council at the Annual Youth Leaders Banquet

BY The eleutheran news team

Eight local youth leaders accepted awards as special honourees at a fabulously decked out gala banquet held at the Worker’s House ballroom on the evening of Saturday, February 23rd, 2019. The dressy affair was planned and hosted by the Central Eleuthera Youth Council to honour the youth leaders for standing out amongst their peers on the island, recognizing them for their accomplishments and contributions within their communities.

Mrs. Chardel Brown-Gibson, Principal at Samuel Guy Pinder All Age School was mistress of ceremonies for the evening, and guests were serenaded throughout the night by the sounds of the island renown, High Rock Band. Along with the smooth sounds of the band, attendees were also treated to dance performances by young members of the Gregory Town Dance Troupe, led by Laurie Wilchcombe, and were serenaded with a solo piece

by Mr. Clement Penn, while enjoying the evening’s buffet styled banquet.

Mr. Keenan Johnson, a young attorney and 2004 Valedictorian graduate from Central Eleuthera High School, was the special guest speaker for the evening.

During his presentation, Mr. Johnson shared valuable tips for success; telling the audience to look at their current circumstances, if not ideal, as a testimony for the future, and not as an excuse to not accomplish their goals. He Awardees pictured (L-R): Arthero Nixon, Dina Johnson, Laquisha Roberts, Anishka Fernander-George, Vershard Rahming, Sharon Smith-Carey, Mitzy Sweeting, and Daniel Smith.

also encouraged those listening to make sure that as they moved up towards their goals and success, to hold the hand of someone else, to take them up as well. Mr. Johnson conveyed a personal story as an example of how he had been lifted, and the importance of being ready for opportunity. He shared that he was about to begin his undergraduate education, when he met with an established attorney and had made sure to have his resume with him at the time. During his meeting with the attorney he was asked to send in his resume, and was able to produce it there and then. He was later offered a summer position with the firm, which continued throughout his Continued On Page 21

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Youth leaders honoured Continued from Page. 20

studies, and resulted in countless further opportunities. He acknowledged the impact that one hand up had in his life, and encouraged the audience to follow suit, bringing to life the evening’s theme of ‘Ignite A Small Flame Can Start A Movement’.

The following honourees were recognized at the climax of the evening: Anishka Fernander-George

of Governor’s Harbour, Arthero Nixon of Palmetto Point, Vershard Rahming of Hatchet Bay, Laquisha Latoya Roberts of Gregory Town, Daniel Smith of Wemyss Bight, Sharon Smith-Carey of Rock Sound, Dina Delarice Johnson of Gregory Town, and Mitzy Lashan Sweeting of Waterford.

Pictured: Frozen moments of poise and gestures during the individual dance routines performed and shown on the left is a section of the audience made up of primarily of honorees and their supports.

Pictured (clockwise from top): Soloist Clement Penn, Audience enjoying the evening’s entertainment, Awardee - Anishka Fernander-George flanked by Administrator Gilbert Kemp on the right and Demetrius Johnson on the left, the High Rock band serenading supportive family and friends, special guest speaker Mr. Keenan Johnson, and vibrant young dancers with the Gregory Town Dance Troupe (also on facing page, bottom right collage).

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DEFENCE FORCE STRATEGY Continued from Page. 1 establishment of bases for a sustained presence at strategic choke points throughout our islands.

The program therefore involves the acquisition of ships, dredging of harbours, construction of quaywalls and jetties, expansion and/or construction of bases, the acquisition of detection and tracking technologies, and the strengthening of security cooperation with local and regional partners over the next five years.

In essence, decentralization’ is a long term, sustainable solution that facilitates the implementation of short term measures by the Defence Force in rolling back a diverse number of illicit activities. Additionally, this approach allows the Defence Force to provide necessary assistance to civilian authorities such as police, customs, immigration, the Department of Correctional Services, the National Emergency Management Agency and others.

PAST ACTIVITIES Despite changes in the manner in which illicit activities are carried out on the maritime front, the Defence Force’s anti-migrant smuggling operations have unilaterally and in association with local and regional partners have apprehended almost 1,200 Haitian nationals last year. Also last year, approximately 200 Dominicans were apprehended by the Defence Force aboard 5 motherships resulting in the

award of jail time and approximately $8 million dollars in fines by the courts.

The Defence Force had also deployed a number of its Marines to work with the Royal Bahamas Police Force in its crime reduction efforts on our streets throughout the year. The joint effort, which is still underway, yielded a noted reduction in the nation’s murder rate--the lowest in a decade. This collaboration also included two major operations in the Family Islands, resulting in arrests of persons wanted by Police or found in possession of weapons, drugs, and other contraband.

In addition to extensive disaster relief operations that were carried out at home and abroad (including an overseas mission to the Commonwealth of Dominica) during the period 2015 through 2017, Defence Force troops have provided fulltime security support for the residents of Ragged Island since that island was left devastated by Hurricane Irma in 2017.

CHANGING TRENDS AND PATTERNS Smuggling of undocumented migrants is a major threat to The Bahamas. Needless to say, times and technologies have changed, so too have trends and patterns that are associated with the age-old problems of human, gun and drug smuggling, along with increased potential for terroristrelated activities. Weather patterns have also changed with an increase in frequency of tropical storms and hur-

Conceptual representation of an envisioned Multi-Layered Security Approach ricanes in the region.

In the case of smuggling of undocumented migrants, there have been noticeable changes with the type of vessels being used and the maritime routes taken by smugglers to enter The Bahamas.

In addition to using traditional sailing sloops, smugglers are now using conventional sailing yachts, as well as motorized boats that make it more difficult to detect them (Photos 3- Haitian Vessels). To improve their chances of evading authorities, smugglers are also networking with locals in the islands.

The thing that has not changed over many years is the improvement of border controls at the source country (the Republic of Haiti), which itself is challenged by a vast coastline and limited national resources to secure it. Thus, smugglers are able to operate freely at home, while placing more security demands on neighboring countries or territories such as The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

As the Defence Force makes headway in shutting down main smuggling routes, human smugglers naturally shift to new or alternative routes. With this balloon effect in play, common smuggling routes or access points now include the traditional northward passage, as well as additional maritime corridors in the southern Bahamas.

These access points exist from as far east as the Turks and Caicos Islands to as far west as Cay Lobos (on the ocean’s edge south of Andros Island). This southern gateway spans a distance of over 300 nautical miles (nm) making it possible for smugglers to by-pass Defence Force and US law enforcement assets operating in the south.

CLASSIC EXAMPLES A classic example of how trends and patterns have changed over the years is seen in the matter involving the vessel that recently sank in waters off central Abaco on Saturday 2 February 2019.

This tragic incident resulted in the loss of over 30 Haitian nationals. Their vessel struck a reef six miles off mainland Abaco and sank. It was not one of the traditional

wooden sloops normally used for smuggling, but rather a modern 40-foot sailing yacht commonly used by hundreds of visitors to The Bahamas making it difficult for authorities to distinguish it as a human smuggling vessel. Additionally, the passage taken by this vessel could have very well been an irregular one off the eastern coast of our islands in the Atlantic Ocean.

Another example of changing trends is the influx of undocumented migrants being smuggled into the Turks and Caicos Islands. This British Overseas Territory at the southeastern end of The Bahama Island chain is extremely challenged by smugglers of Haitian nationals. With a tiny population of over 30,000 people, landings of undocumented migrants on these islands have been occurring more frequently with smugglers using traditional sloops, as well as motorized vessels with outboard engines.

Also, in January of this year, Cuban authorities intercepted a Haitian sloop with over 90 persons on board. This vessel was more than likely making its way westward along the Cuban coast with the hope of avoiding detection by Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) helicopters based in Inagua, US Coast Guard vessels patrolling the Windward Passage area near Haiti, and Defence Force patrol craft stationed in the south before heading northward anywhere along the extensive maritime boundary line between The Bahamas and Cuba.

OPERATION DECENTRALIZATION Although the Defence Force conducts patrols on short rotations in the southern Bahamas as part of its short term strategy, the organization is simultaneously unfolding its decentralization program through a multi-layered security approach with a collaborative approach for a sustaines and more effective effort.

Presently, most Defence Force operations originate out of Coral Harbour Base in New Providence. Located in the northcentral Bahamas, this base is over 300 nm from Inagua in the south and approximately 150 nm from the top of the Abaco chain in the north. New Providencecentric operations are time-consuming,

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‘through MARCH 2019 Surf Camp Scholarship... highlights in MARCH 2019 Police Month activities commence March 1st (full list provided below): March 1st Breakfast Souse out - All Areas March 2nd Fun-Run-walk /Health Fair & Souse out - GH March 3rd Church Service - Harvest Time Tabernacle/Hatchet Bay March 4th Commissioner’s Commendation March 5th Debate Championships - GH Police Station March 7th Volley ball Tournament - Spanish Wells Police Station March 8th National Tee Shirt Day - Entire Eleuthera Division March 9th Basketball Tournament - Harbour Island Police Station March 16th Soft ball Tournament - Governor’s Harbour March 20th National Civilian Recognition Day Police Headquarters - three (3) persons from each District.

March 21st National Debate Championship - GH Police Station March 26th Track & Field competition - GH Police station March 29th Eleuthera Div. Luncheon Party - Police Headquarters

March 7 - Annual Second Homeowner’s Reception, to be hosted by the Ministry of Tourism at Buccaneer Restaurant, Governor’s Harbour on Thursday, March 7th, 2019 beginning at 4pm until 6pm.

March 9 - 12th Annual Ride & Run for Hope at Cocodimama, Governor’s Harbour.

March 30 - “Art

In The Park” at the Levy Preserve (See Ad on Page 7) National Health Insurance Town Meetings, tentatively rescheduled for March 27th-29th (locations to be announced)

The Farm at CTI is producing tomatoes, cucumbers, greens and cabbages for sale. The support from the community has been outstanding and we invite you to enjoy a farm to table experience of your own. In the upcoming weeks The Farm at CTI will be launching exciting events and programmes. There will be a weekly farmers market, agricultural courses, workshops and training, backyard farming consultation, beehive extraction as well as a citrus nursery. For more information on what’s to come and what produce is available contact The Farm at CTI (242)-825-4049.

March 30 - Friends of Special Olympics Eleuthera, 2nd Annual ‘Dinner with Friends’ event on Saturday, March 30th, 2019 at Bahama Breeze, Palmetto Point.

Holidays and Observance Days: Sunday, March 10th - Daylight Saving Time Starts

APRIL 18 - 22 HOMECOMINGS

- James’ Cistern Heritage Affair, - Lower Bogue Homecoming, - and the Rock Sound Homecoming April 27 - National Park Day - celebrated on Eleuthera by the Bahamas National Trust at the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve

School EVENTS Still to be announced - Eleuthera

District High School Track and Field Championships said to be a failure on the part of relevant parties in both School Districts to agree on a date. New Providence is expected to Assist.

Bahamas Out Island Adventures 14th Annual Surf Camp Scholarship. One full scholarship to the outdoor-centric camp based near Gregory Town’s Surfer’s Beach is being offered for Teen Week, beginning June 24. Candidates should be between the ages of 13-17, possess a desire to learn to surf or surf more, love the ocean and be a decent swimmer. This scholarship can be used for the day or overnight camp. Now in its 14th year BOA’s Surf Camp will feature its usual activity-packed days including: surfing, boogie boarding, bodysurfing, beach clean ups, beach soccer, basketball, snorkeling, caving, cliffjumping, musical performance, arts and crafts, gardening and backgammon! Interested persons please do reach out to Tom G. at 1242 809 4653 or tom@bahamasadventures. com

CONTACT

GG’s Visit Governor General, Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, had a 2 day visit in Eleuthera February 27th,/28th 2019 with another 2 day visit in March planned. More on this online and in the upcoming March/ April print

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

to have your community notices and events listed.

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defence force lays out strategy Continued from Page. 22 ineffective and create much unnecessary wear and tear on ships and personnel for operations in the southern or northern Bahamas. The Defence Force’s decentralization program, therefore, requires the establishment of regional commands with fully operational bases at strategic locations in these areas over the next five years.

The decentralization program is designed to sustain the Defence Force’s presence at strategic locations throughout The Bahamas. The program will also reduce maintenance requirements on Defence Force ships and machinery, as well as limit undue stress on ships’ personnel when on 24/7 patrol assignments.

The nine ships that were acquired and the three major harbours that were dredged under the $232 million dollar Sandy Bottom Project during the period 2014 - 2017 constituted the first phase of the Defence Force’s decentralization program. The second and third phases of the decentralization program consists of the establishment of bases and the acquisition of detection and tracking technologies for the effective and efficient policing of Bahamian borders. These bases are needed to sustain the operations of ships and aircraft at strategic locations such as Inagua and Ragged Islands in the south, while detection technologies are installed to enhance the efficiency of these operations.

A VAST MARITIME DOMAIN Unlike land patrols that have clearly defined boundaries with limited options for escape by criminals, the open sea has no limits. The vastness of The Bahamas maritime domain is severely underestimated by many (Photo 7 - Map of The Bahamas and the Eastern Caribbean). Take for example, how small the area just south of New Providence looks on a map. Often plied by Haitian sloops, this north-central area of the Great Bahama Bank is bounded by the Exuma Chain to the east, the Tongue of the Ocean to the west, and Green Cay near the southern end of the Tongue of the Ocean (Photo 8 - Map of Area of Tongue of the Ocean). In reality, this area alone covers over 9,000 square nautical miles of water. Compared to the 21-by-7-mile-wide New Providence Island where more than 70 percent of the nation’s population resides, this very small portion of the Great Bahama Bank is about 100 larger in size.

The average distance at which a low lying vessel, and in particular, a Haitian sloop can be seen on a clear day is approximately 3 to 7 miles with the naked eye during daylight hours. (Even regular marine radars are limited in detecting wooden Haitian sloops from a distance). In a very general sense, it would take several ships to maintain an effective watch over the 300 nm stretch of water between the Turks and Caicos Islands and Cay Lobos. Patrol effectiveness are all the more diminished during nighttime operations when smugglers travel most.

A recent example of the difficulty in detecting and tracking a human smuggling vessel is found when a patrol craft, a US Coast Guard Cutter, an OPBAT aircraft, and a police aircraft were deployed over several days to find a Haitian sloop that was initially sighted almost 200 nm southeast of New Providence. In the end, the sloop was spotted by an OPBAT aircraft and intercepted by a Defence Force patrol craft on Sunday 16 February 2019 approximately 40 nm south of New Providence on the Great Bahama Bank.

The absence of adequate bases and patrol craft aided by appropriate detection and tracking technologies paints the picture of looking for a needle in the proverbial ‘haystack’ when searching for targets of interest. Without such technologies, more ships and personnel will be needed to keep a coastal watch on land and at sea with increased wear and tear on assets and personnel.

ACQUISITION OF REQUISITE TECHNOLOGIES No single asset or detection equipment is going to solve today’s challenges.

Each asset or equipment has its strengths and limitations; yet, their contributions are complementary to the success of effective border security. For example, the suspect vessel that a radar might fail to detect, might be located by a drone or an aircraft. The use of detection and tracking equipment is not a cure-all’; however, when used in a multi-layered approach, such technologies would enhance the chances of detecting and tracking illicit activities within The Bahamas’ maritime domain.

An effective decentralization program should therefore incorporate a multi-layered security approach consisting of ships, aircraft, radars, drones, Automated Identification Systems (AIS), Forward Looking Infra-Red Cameras, CCTVs, space satellites, and other detection equipment to enhance operational effectiveness.

Already, a coastal radar has been installed in Inagua inclusive of AIS equipment.

It is the first in a series of coastal radars to be installed along our chain of islands with the financial support of the United States government. The US government has also funded a multi-million dollar communications equipment package that is being installed to improve Defence Force air, land and sea communications. Additionally, proposals have been received by the Ministry of Finance for the implementation of a multi-agency drone program that will consist of long and short-range drones to be managed by the Ministry of National Security.

INTERAGENCY AND REGIONAL COOPERATION Furthermore, no single agency can roll back the tide of illicit activities. Interagency cooperation has been the mantra of the Minister of National Security, the Honourable Marvin Dames, ever since taking office in 2017. In further strengthening its resolve to prevent, monitor, detect, deter and/or apprehend those who violate our maritime laws, the RBDF continues to engage in collaborative efforts with its regional partners--the US, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Republic of Cuba, and Jamaica--in the areas of information sharing and security cooperation with favourable results. The Defence Force also looks forward to engaging in security cooperation dialogue with its coun-

terparts in the Republic of Haiti and the Dominican Republic through the office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

THE WAY AHEAD Undoubtedly, the way ahead requires significant investment, which is being addressed. In view of multiple maritime challenges confronting The Bahamas, the Defence Force is shifting from a reactionary approach towards the phased implementation of its decentralization program for the effective policing of borders of The Bahamas.

In the interim, the dedicated, hard-working men and women of the Defence Force will continue to adjust and adapt their mode of operating to overcome human smuggling and other illegal activities in collaboration with local and regional partners while the goal of decentralization is being realized.

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Graduates Solidify Professional Development Commitment in Eleuthera

CTI 2019 Graduates with OEF and CTI staff. Photo by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry.

Eleuthera, Bahamas - There was something extra special about the 2019 graduates who received their professional development certificates and awards from the Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI) on Friday, February 22, 2019. CTI, a strategic partner of the One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF), is the first and only tertiary education facility in Eleuthera.

Hallmarked by pride and excitement, the graduation ceremony included 15 young men and women who celebrated with their family, friends, and the community. The Learn and Earn program was launched in 2016, and two years later it has become a positive catalyst for change. “CTI, in my view, transformed Dariana’s life,” said Noelle Nicolls, guardian of Dariana Michel.

“She took a chance coming over here [from Nassau] because she wanted a better opportunity for herself. Over the course of the year she’s learned new skills, blossomed, made new friends, opened her mind to all sorts of possibilities. It just really has been completely transformative.”

Chairman of the OEF board, Alfred Sears, expressed his pleasure that developments like these help to strengthen and connect families and communities, which is a mission of OEF. He reminded the graduates that they are a part of the dream and the process of strengthening Eleuthera by creating a private educational institution to prepare individuals for a better life. He went on to say, “Today is the manifestation of that dream and we have seen that with and through OEF, a community has established a tertiary center. This is revolutionary to The Bahamas [. . .] the people of Eleuthera said that we can build from the ground an institution to train our young people. With the tools that they have acquired and the socialization skills they have acquired [. . .] they will be entrepreneurs, innovators, and they will be architects of the sustainable future development on the island of

Eleuthera.”

CTI’s programs are approved by the National Accreditation and Equivalency Council of The Bahamas (NAECOB). The Learn and Earn 2018/2019 cohort - partially funded by a grant from the TK Foundation - received training in the areas of Hospitality and Service, Carpentry, and Electrical Installation. Applied Math and Applied English courses, Personal Development, and Entrepreneurship were a part of the curriculum along with certification training in CPR and First Aid, BahamaHost, and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration).

The graduates also made history being the first to engage in job internships through partnerships between CTI and local businesses. Several students received employment offers from their internships.

Furthermore, students had regular access to a counsellor. CTI also partnered with volunteers from the community who provided mentorship to the students.

Some notable achievements include graduate Breandra Whylly receiving the Lionel Elliott Excellence Award for her performance during the BahamaHost training. In addition, at the start of the program 40% of students had a bank account, by the end there was 100% participation in the One Eleuthera Cooperative Credit Union.

Impressively, a total of 536 volunteer hours were accumulated for time given to the development of communities in Eleuthera.

In their student reflection, Kendy Thompson, Hospitality and Service graduate said, “Enrolling in CTI’s Learn and Earn program was an incredible opportunity for all of us. It gave us the opportunity to learn new skills and enhance existing ones through classroom and hands-on training in Carpentry, Electrical Installation, and Hospitality and Service, while earning a stipend.” CEO of One Eleuthera, Shaun Ingraham thanked the OEF and CTI staff

and instructors, donors, and the local and US boards. Ingraham reminded the graduates that, “You have to be the captain of your own soul and the master of your own life.” He announced that CTI’s professional development program will be expanded to North Eleuthera and Harbour Island in early 2019 in order to meet training needs in that area. The expansion is as a result of requests

from local businesses and has met with strong support from the community.

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

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The Island School hosts two-days of teacher training to support Literacy growth in South Eleuthera.

Press Release The Island School welcomed 34 primary school teachers of South Eleuthera to campus for a two-day workshop running February 20-21st.

Participating schools included Deep Creek, Wemyss Bight, Green Castle, Rock Sound, and Tarpum Bay primary. The focus of the workshop encompassed early literacy development and student growth through targeted instruction and ongoing support of fundamental reading skills.

In a recently published study of more than 9 million students in grades K-12 across the United States, it was found that being a strong reader is fundamental to academic success across all subjects. Dr. Laura Macart-

ney, principal of Deep Creek Middle School, led South Eleuthera primary school teachers through various strategies and techniques to support literacy growth in Bahamian classrooms.

A primary literacy expert, Laura comes to Eleuthera with a diverse background of 19 years experience in education as a classroom teacher and literacy specialist, working with struggling readers and English as a second language learners.

There are five essential elements of successful reading instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and reading comprehension. Phonemic awareness and phonics refer to the relationship between oral sounds and corresponding letter combinations. These are Pictured: South Eleuthera primary school teachers grades K through 3 participated in day one of the literacy workshop

Pictured: On day two The Island School welcomed South Eleuthera primary school teachers from grades 4 through 6

the foundation blocks for students to understand that letters and combinations of letters have distinct sounds and form words, and those words are arranged into sentences used to make sense of the world. There are over 150 letter combinations, making up 44 different sounds in the English language. Comparatively, Spanish has 26 letters comprising 24 different sounds. Considering the complexity of the English language, it’s not surprising that some students struggle when learning to read.

Once a student has strong phonemic awareness and phonics skills, fluency develops. Fluency is an individual’s ability to use proper phrasing and intonation, to read at a good pace, and to read with expression. Put simply-- fluency is the ability to read as one speaks, rather than reading like a robot.

Fluent readers are able to focus on the content of what they are reading rather than the individual sounds or words, thereby deepening their reading comprehension and expanding their vocabulary knowledge. The development of vocabulary comes with more time spent reading, and “vocabulary

plays a critical role in reading achievement” (Renaissance 2018). Reading 30 minutes or more per day exposes students to 12 million more words than students who read for 15 minutes or less per day. Early literacy development is crucial to academic vitality and students reaching graduation (Renaissance 2018). In mastering all of these skills, students are able to transition from ‘learning to read’ to ‘reading to learn’.

Island School faculty working in partnership with local teachers allows for better communication and shared resources to support the students of South Eleuthera. Academic achievement is dependent on literacy and we collectively get better when we work together. Shared resources benefit everyone involved because it allows for shared ideas creating a network of people invested in better serving the students of The Bahamas. We look forward to the opportunity to grow together at the next workshop.

Renaissance Learning Inc. (March 2018).

Education Leader’s Guide to Reading Growth.

Retrieved from https://www.renaissance.com/ed-leader-guide-reading-growth

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A 90-Year-Old ‘Tabitha’ in Tarpum Bay Priscilla Clarke

This morning, I spent so much time relishing in the Word that I did not have time to go to the Word for today. By the time I was finished, I had to make ready to leave the house, so it was not until I got back that I read today’s Our Daily Bread.

As I stood in the kitchen, waiting for my pot “to done”, a pot that I really prepared for me and Esther until the “real Chef” returns, I read Acts 9:32-42. I asked the Lord, “Now Lord, what nugget can I extract from this passage?” I read this passage three times, and when I moved away from it, I reflected on Tabitha’s life.

Tabitha was a devoted disciple, and that word devoted denotes that she gave of her resources to meet the needs of others. Further, she was one of those women whom we would say, “talked the talk and walked the walk,” for she was devoted in word and deed. Her devotion however did not exempt her from death, suggesting that although we are devoted, there are going to be some painful things that we must go through. It was through her death that I saw the impact of her life upon people, and how the church came together to respond to her need when she could not. Look at the church people. They gave attention to the ceremonial protocol of her body and moved that body away from human traffic to the upper room.

Clearly, Tabitha was attached to people who cared for her and were of similar faith, for the disciples, believing in the miracle working power of Jesus Christ, sent for Peter to address her most urgent need; death. I dare to suggest that her life’s work... her testimony pushed the disciples to operate vicariously on her behalf by calling for Peter to come right away. What a tremendous effort made on their part to ensure that, just as she took care of people in life, they took care of her in death!

In response to their effort, Peter, without

getting the details, just the demand to come right away, went to Joppa. He was greeted by emotionally distraught widows who were crying; obviously they were hurt over her passing. At the same time, they shared how Tabitha had impacted their lives by providing clothing for them. Note that Tabitha’s impact reached beyond the church folks, for the text reads that Peter called the saints and the widows, clearly making a distinction between the two, for me that is. I do not know if you see it the same way.

Peter excused all of them from the resurrection miracle

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that was about to take place, and he went in solo. But he came out with the resurrected Tabitha in hand, no doubt prepared to continue in the work of the Lord. The vicarious faith of the believers was not mentioned, but their actions said it all!

My reflection caused me to begin counting the number of Tabitha’s in my life, and I needed all of my fingers and toes to help me with this activity. I am attached to women who are disciples, devoted to good works, acts of charity, whose lives command the care and attention given to Tabitha, and whose acts of service speak volumes about the love they have for GOD and by extension, people. I cannot begin to call their names, for there are so many in my life, and truth be told, for those of you who know me, you know the Tabitha’s that are attached to me. Their work speaks for them, as Tabitha’s work was spoken of through the actions of the men and words of the widows.

There is one Tabitha however that I must single out in this devotion, and her name is Priscilla Clarke. I speak about Priscilla Clarke because I sincerely believe that at 90, with a sound mind and “sharp mouth”, four generations under her belt, she needs to be lauded as “A Tabitha in Tarpum Bay.” Three years ago, I was assigned a preaching appointment in Eleuthera, and I was also instructed by Sister Judy Higgs to go and look for a lady who is commonly referred to by her relatives as, “Ma Scilla.” I went looking for “Ma Scilla”, and it was as if I had known Ma Scilla all my life. She greeted me in that strong Eleuthera accent and as if we were old friends from way back when, “Gal, what ya saying fer yerself?” We talked and talked and talked and talked, and from that day to this, every time I visit Eleuthera, I go to The Bottom to see Ma. I love visiting Ma Scilla, and I do not love visiting Ma Scilla. That sounds contradictory right? Well, let me explain.

I returned home from Andros in 2013 at 289lbs,47 waist and 60/62 hips, but today, those numbers have really dwindled. It is my intent to get them lower than that, but if I stay around Ma Scilla, I will add to the original numbers. “Gal, what yer ger eat. Man, you only does live once; so you better enjoy yourself.” If that was not enough, Ma is always sending you somewhere to look for something for you to take with you, be it tomatoes, peanut, soda, water etc. Further, it is hard to resist, for Ma Scilla does not stop until she is satisfied that you have gotten all that she has to offer, especially food.

My ensuing encounters with Ma Scilla made me realise that everyone was special, and everyone left with a “little something” in their hands. Sitting in Ma Scilla’s house has given me the opportunity to see A Tarpum Bay Tabitha in action, for the dialogue is repeated with different goodies being dished out to visitors. “Gal, look in that fridge and get him Continued On Page 31

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celebrating excellence - SGPAAS

2018/2019 Christmas Term Awardees Recognized

On Monday, February 18th, 2019, the Samuel Guy Pinder All Age School (SGPAAS) recognized their top students during the 2018/2019 Christmas Term at an Awards Ceremony held at the People’s Church, Spanish Well, beginning at 1pm. Special Guest Speaker was Freedom to Read’s Susy Siel, who illustrated how important it was in this digital age to continue to pick up and read a good book, to spark the imagination, and to allow the reader to experience, near and far. The church was filled to capacity with proud parents and other members of the Spanish Wells community who came out to support the achieving students.

HONOR ROLL (3.00-4.00 GPA) Junior High School:

Pictured: SGPAAS primary school students who attained an Honor Roll and Principal’s List grade point average standard for the 2018/2019 Christmas Term stand with their top achieving classmates.

Pictured: SGPAAS junior and senior high school students who attained an Honor Roll and Principal’s List grade point average standard for the 2018/2019 Christmas Term stand proudly with their peers.

Pictured: Freedom to Read’s Susy Siel,pictured here with two senior students of th SGPAA School, was the Guest Speaker for the Award Ceremony.

Roodly Agenor 3.00, Nehemiah Joseph 3.27, Olgens Blanc 3.27, Marissa Morgan 3.18, Patrice Noel 3.00, Brettesha Sands 3.64, Imelda Saintilus 3.27, Silas Bennett 3.27, Nash Pinder 3.45, Reagan Sands 3.09, Cloe Dunnam 3.27, Shekira Lubin 3.00, Jasmin Pinder 3.82, Cirstie Underwood 4.00, Zephon McAndrew 3.91, Darrianna Bethel 3.00, Shavez Gilbert 3.00, Jacob Cates 3.20, Aiden Newbold 3.70, Conner Pinder 3.90, Roan Ricks 3.50, Darcie Grace Morgan 3.40, Courtney Noel 3.20, Ava Underwood 3.50, Madison Kane 3.40, Sarah Baptiste 3.30, and Shantal Oscar 3.00.

Senior High School: Colby Mullin 4.00, Chandler Mullin 3.91, Delano Armbrister 3.64, Cody Sweeting 3.36, Cherish Carey 3.09, Delaney Pinder 3.64, Dianthe Anderson 3.64, Amanda Kemp 3.00, Basil McGee 3.36, Eric Pinder 3.09, Toby Pinder 3.27, Duran Roberts 3.73, Talliah Neilly 3.45, Alexa Pinder 3.00, Emily Underwood 3.73, Zakiya McAndrew 3.82, William Saintilus 3.20, Daunte Bethel 3.30, Jada Albury 3.20, Madison McGee 3.44, Allie Pinder 4.00, Anna Pinder 4.00, Merrick Underwood 4.00, and Hannah Eldon 3.11.

Primary School: Kenson Pinder 3.87, Bella Morgan 3.47, Paulina Blenman 3.73, Kadence Pinder 3.60, Khandi Brown 3.80, Noah Pinder 3.12, Tevin Raymon 3.35, Raylie Pinder 3.82, Bria Curry 3.88, Kye Higgs 4.00, Neveah Brancaccio 3.41, Jorden Brown 3.76, Damien Russell 3.71, Brayden Newbold 3.76, Karys Anderson 3.94, Kate Albury 3.82, Emma Pinder 3.65, Jenny Pinder 3.94, Gabriel Higgs 3.59, Taya Dela-Providencia 3.35, Marissa Lubin 3.29, Aurora Knowles 3.94, Madden Horne 3.29, Isabella Weech 3.47, Mya Johnson 3.73, Ella Pinder 3.33, Myla Pinder 3.07, Ariel Underwood 3.53, Lacey Higgs 3.67, Natalie Higgs 3.67, Ryder Pinder 3.60, Josiah Cates 3.53, Channing Pinder 3.73, Leo Pinder 3.57, Kemel Scott 3.27, Shamal Woodside 3.27, Broody Pinder 3.40, John Jameel 3.67, Daymon Pinder 3.73, Wes Underwood 4.00, Autumn Higgs 3.67, Liam Kane 3.61, Felicity Curry 3.72, Britney Noel 3.47, Kia Russell 3.06, Violet Russell 3.83, Kya-Bre Roberts 3.06, Arianna McIntosh 3.72, Brianna McIntosh 3.00, Angelina McKenzie 3.94, Starla Neilly 3.11, Lexie Pinder 3.28, Syesha Sweeting 3.33, Darian Underwood 3.28, Paris Newbold 3.44, Kristianna Underwood 3.56, and Aliah Roberts 3.33.

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Stiff competition at the recently convened Eleuthera G5 spelling bee competition in Savannah Sound.

Above: Twenty three young participants in the recent Grade 5 Spelling Bee, all excited ahead of the start of the competition.

Twenty three (23) young fifth graders participated in the Central and North Eleuthera District Grade Five Spelling Bee competition hosted at the Resource Center in Savannah Sound on Friday, February 15th. 2019 is now the seventh year of the expanded Spelling Bee program on the island, which introduced an annual competition at every grade level in the primary schools, in addition to the traditional grade six competition, from which winners go on to compete at

the national level. The expanded program was envisioned by former District Superintendent of Education, Mrs. Helen Simmons-Johnson, whose aim it was to afford primary students on the island the opportunity to be exposed to competitive spelling at each grade level, increasing their competency as well as their chance of success at the national level. The expanded program saw ultimate success in 2018 when then eighth grader, Johnathan Randall of Central Eleuthera

High School, a student who had been part of the inaugural program expansion in 2012, when he was in grade three, and each year onward, won the National Spelling Bee title on Sunday, March 18th, 2018.

This year’s Grade Five winners were: Lebron Neymour of Emma Cooper Primary in third place; Aiden Saunders, also from Emma E. Cooper Primary in second place; and Carson Charlow of Governor’s Harbour Primary who claimed first place.

Pictured below: Senior high male students from Preston Albury High, Windermere High, and Central Eleuthera High, participated in a boys’ health seminar, facilitated by Dr. Robin Roberts.

Men’s Health Continued from Page. 4

already - and it is important that they know that it’s not okay to hit a girl or hit someone - that it is not acceptable. They may have seen it happening in the home, but they need to know that is not right, and we don’t want that to become the norm. So, that was one of the topics covered, violence. He also spoke about sexual health. They are at the age where they need to know what to do as their bodies are going through changes, and to know what to do when these changes occur - so, he covered that as well.”

The evening session with the men

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Tabitha Continued from Page. 29 some of that food Thelma left there. Babbit, what you going to eat. Give them children some soda. Toya, how was the ribs I cooked for you?” If that was not enough, Ma Scilla, who has “bad legs” would get up and serve you herself.

Tarpum Bay’s Tabitha has a philosophy embedded in the tenet that I saw in Acts 9, “May the life I live, speak for me.”

Clearly, Ma Scilla, Tarpum Bay’s Tabitha holds fast to several principles: 1. Feed the hungry 2. Clothe the naked 3. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you 4. Let your light shine so that men may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven 5. Love your neighbour as yourself 6. Be your brother’s keeper 7. Only what is done for Christ will last 8. By your fruits they will know you are Christian 9. In as much as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me Unlike Tabitha, whose death resulted in the testimonies of the widows and immediate care of the disciples, the off springs of Tarpum Bay’s Tabitha showcased the impact her life has had upon her family, friends, church, community and country, under the theme: “Since 1929: Ma Scilla, 90, and She Still Gat It.” Gathering in Tarpum Bay from Thursday, February 7th, the date of the 90th birthday to Sunday, February 10th, Ma Scilla’s life was on display as the youngest and oldest, those visiting and living in Tarpum Bay, men and women...all sang her praises as the widows sang the praises of Tabitha in Acts 9. Ma’s 90 years spoke thunderously, for they said that she is devoted to human kind in word and deed. Today, I can attest that the theme for her birthday is true to this text and Ma’s life as a Tabitha. And She Still Gat It.” She still gat that love for people... She still gat that love for people for church... She still gat that love for people for community ... She still gat that love for people for country...

She still gat that devotion in word and deed.

If you do not believe, I invite you to visit The Bottom, in Tarpum Bay, which is not too far from The Juck or the War Wagon, and just ask for “Ma Scilla.”

All I say is that when you get peanuts, tomatoes, peas, sweets, soda...whatever, make sure you bring some for me too.

I am encouraged by the life of Tarpum Bay’s Tabitha and the Tabitha of Acts 9, and their lives inspire me to be more devoted in word and deed.

From the Files of Curry Jus’ Sayin’ On the Word was also an important one, according to Mrs. Cooper, “Tonight he dealt with the men and the reproductive system, and discussed prostate cancer as well... In Eleuthera we have so many men with prostate cancer, or who would have high a high PSA test, who are being followed up with in an effort to prevent cancer. So, his visit is really significant, as something needs to be done. Alot of men are not being tested. With Dr. Roberts coming and speaking with them, I’m hoping that more men, would go in to be tested.”

Ed u c ati on B e at Active, Engaging Literacy Week 2019 Spanish Wells 32 www. EleutheraNews . com

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Street Character Parade, Chief Justice Visit, Speech Competitions and more...

BY The eleutheran news team “Jam packed with activities” is how Principal Chardel Brown-Gibson described Literacy Month at the Samuel Guy Pinder All Age School (SGPAAS) which began on Friday, February 1st, with a Door design competition, under the theme, “Turning Pages, Shaping Lives”. Grade six ran away with the big win.

A fun ‘Show and Tell’ followed by grades one through six on Tuesday, February 5th. Then on Thursday, February 7th primary school students had the opportunity to take part in an essay competition.

Rounding out the first week, Chief Justice, Michael Barnett, was invited to visit the school and speak with students from both Samuel Guy Pinder All Age, as well as invited students from Laura L. Anderson Primary about the role of the Judiciary on Friday, February 8th. “His visit was very informative, “ commented Principal Brown-Gibson, adding, “He told us about his experience as a young boy growing up, and his decision to go away to

college to become a lawyer - because, he had a job in a bank, and was one day asked if he was going to stay in that job or go away to school, and he decided to go away to study. The bank where he was employed in turn gave him a full scholarship and changed his life... I think his story made quite an impact on the children.

He also talked about what the law is - how it’s not easy to make decisions, and how you have to look at all aspects of the case before you can actually make a judgement. So, I think the children were excited, and they loved it.”

Inter-house competitions took place throughout the month, between the “Turtles”, “Swordfish” and “Stingrays”, beginning with inter-house spelling bees, for grades one through six (primary) and grades seven through nine (junior high), which took place on Wednesday, February 13th. Wes Underwood from grade four won the primary division, and Jayden Knowles from grade seven won the junior high division.

A senior high inter-house speech contest followed on Friday, February 15th, with competitors from each grade (10th, 11th and 12th) representing their respective houses. Chandler Mullin from the ‘Stingrays’ was the overall winner on the day, with Dianthe’ Anderson from the ‘Turtles’ in second, and Anna Pinder from the ‘Swordfish’ taking third. The speech contest was immediately followed by a school wide character parade and banner competition, which saw each grade level design a poster illustrating a chosen storybook, and students from those classes, dressing up in costume representing characters from the stories. The colorful parade took students from the school towards 1st Street, then back along the waterfront in a circuit leading back to the school, showing off to onlooking townspeople along the way.

On Tuesday, February 19th, the month of activities climaxed with the school hosting their much-anticipated Literacy Book Fair, where hundreds of books for all ages were on sale at very affordable prices. Other highlights of the day for the children were face painting, a bouncing castle, as well as fun games like hoop-la, three-point shoot-out, and on-the-spot raffle.

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I sl a nd “B u z z ”

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Harbour Island dethroned by Warriors at 3rd Annual Eleuthera Island Jam Basketball Tournament head. Harbour Island dominated during the past two ‘Jams’ taking home the overall win back to back.

So, the other teams knew who they had to beat to take the title. After an exciting round of match-ups on Friday and Saturday, it came down to the final two teams - Harbour Island and the 7/11 Warriors.

In a nail biting finish of 65 to 62, the Warriors, coached by Sylvanus Petty, claimed their spot as the new champions of the Eleuthera Island Jam. Tournament MVP was awarded to player, Kobe Johnson.

The inspiration for the tournament came from a visiting coach and president of Kanakuk Link Year

The 3rd Annual Eleuthera Island Jam Basketball tournament was hosted by the Eleuthera Bible Training Center (EBTC) in James’ Cistern on Friday and Saturday, February 15th and 16th, where six local basketball teams competed for the trophy and cash prize, as well as bragging rights. Teams from Harbour Island, Governor’s Harbour, Palmetto Point, 7/11 Warriors, Lower Bogue, and Blackwood went head to

school, Adam Donyes, who in 2016 after visiting the Eleuthera Bible Training Center with a voluntourist team from his school in Missouri, had an interest in looking for basketball talent to attend his one year gap program school, before possibly transitioning into basketball programs in colleges in the US. He and his school, which now sponsors the annual tournament, upgraded the court at the EBTC with new baskets, lights, bleachers, score tables and the like.

Donyes and members of his school’s basketball team have also conducted basketball clinics with students on the island.

n ati on a l Bahamas Signs $12 Million Bilateral Agreement With China for Economic and Technical Cooperation

34 www. EleutheraNews . com

By Betty Vedrine (BIS) NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Government of The Bahamas, via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has signed a $12 million bilateral agreement with the Government of the People’s Republic of China. The Signing Ceremony took place on Thursday, February 21, 2019 at the Ministry, and is a commitment from China to provide funds for development projects in the country.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Darren Henfield thanked the Chinese Government for their commitment and said that the funds would be used for upgrades to the National Stadium and other Bahamian development projects.

“It is important to note that this agreement is the second such offer to The Bahamas in recent years, and, in total, the Chinese Government has donated approximately US$24 million in grants for Bahamian development projects,” said Minister Henfield.

Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas, His Excellency Huang Qinguo said that today was a ‘good’ day for the two countries. He said he was pleased to sign the agreement on behalf of the Chinese Government, and that partnerships such as these meet one of the Chinese people’s objective of assisting other developing nations.

“We hope that this new assistance provided

by China can be used for projects to improve the livelihood and infrastructure for the people of The Bahamas,” he said. “China has proactively promoted international development and cooperation with other countries for con-

Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jack Thompson and Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Public Works, Antoinette

Thompson.

Mr. Fan Jinke, Chief of Economic and Commercial Affairs at the Chinese Embassy in Nassau, accompanied Ambassador Huang.

In The Photo: The Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas signed a $12 million bilateral agreement with the Government of the People’s Republic of China on Thursday, February 21, 2019 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Pictured: Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Darren Henfield (right) and the Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas, His Excellency Huang Qinguo. (BIS Photos/Kristaan Ingraham)

struction projects.”

During the signing ceremony, Ambassador Huang Qinguo advised that, as the largest developing country, China was interested in “providing assistance to the best of its ability to other developing countries within the framework of South-South cooperation,” and anticipated that the projects emanating from the grant would promote economic and social development in The Bahamas and improve the livelihood of Bahamians.

“The Bahamas Government looks forward to working closely with the Government of China as we continue to forge partnerships that are of mutual benefit to our two countries, and continue to build upon already robust relations,” said Minister Henfield.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were:

A MORE ASSERTIVE EU Continued from Page. 11

mon problems is not only highlighted but translated into action. The European Union is therefore investing in broader international cooperation and partnerships above all with NATO, the UN, and regional organisations such as the African Union and ASEAN. Our trilateral EU-AU-UN cooperation on common challenges such as migration illustrates how multilateral solutions can contribute to greater safety, stability and prosperity.

For instance, as the UN IPCC Special Report on Global Warming warned us recently, there is an urgent need to act on climate change. This is the logic for the EU’s tireless efforts to reach a successful outcome at COP 24 in Katowice. The EU will lead by example by turning its own ambitious commitments for 2030 into concrete action. This was made clear at the high level event on Climate and Security hosted by the EU last June.

In the security sector, the European Union continues to assert its role as a security provider. Not only it is working internally to intensify joint efforts to effectively fight terrorism, hatred and violent extremism, the Union is engaged on the ground with 16 crisis management missions i.e. nearly 4.000 men and women. From building capacities in Mali, Niger and Central African Repub-

February/March, 2019

lic, to supporting security sector reform in Iraq, fighting piracy off the coast of Somalia or preventing a resurgence of violence in Georgia, the Union continues to strengthen international security in its neighbourhood and beyond. This is complemented by continued engagement in more than 40 mediation activities across the world, from Colombia to Yemen and Philippines, and underpinned by financial assistance as the EU remains the lead donor for development and humanitarian aid.

As Europe is taking more responsibility for its own security, the debate on European strategic autonomy has moved to the fore and not without controversy. However, at its heart is a simple reasoning: when needed, Europeans need to be able to protect and defend European interests and values and have the capacity to act. We want to be able to cooperate with third countries on our own terms.

In this respect, we stepped up the development of joint military capabilities through our ‘Permanent Structured Cooperation’ (PESCO), we will increase joint investments through the European Defence Fund, we are streamlining military command structures (MPCC), and we agreed a Compact to strengthen our civilian crisis management.

EU Goal Posts Continued from Page. 11

elled to Romania – which currently holds the chairmanship of the EU and its financial council – and Brussels earlier in the year.

The EU blacklisting was also discussed when Heads of Government met Estonia President, Kersti Kaljulaid, who was their special guest at the Intersessional Meeting.

“We laid out certain strategies going forward… We are going to continue in our efforts at reaching out to the European Union and to friendly countries and to countries outside of the European Union to build a case for this matter…,” the SecreAs such these initiatives also contribute to strengthen NATO’s European pillar and contribution to collective defence.

Greater responsibility also includes beefing up our own resilience and capacity in energy, space, infrastructure and other critical sectors. We Europeans cannot accept interference and destabilisation through hybrid and cyber-attacks, hence our on-going focus on reinforcing cybersecurity capacities, improving the protection of data and containing disinformation through the recently adopted Action Plan on Disinformation.

We also need to be extra vigilant to preserve achievements on non-proliferation, such as the INF treaty or the nuclear deal with Iran, as the stakes for our own security are simply too high. The starting point cannot be to dismantle the current architecture and start from scratch. We Europeans are working at all levels to promote the universalisation and implementation of existing agreements, such as the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty or the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation. We are also pushing for the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty to come into force which could play an important role as we work towards a complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of the DPRK. Taking greater responsibility does not stop at defence issues. Security today is also about economic security. This notion includes the strategic importance of the Euro and the need to ensure that the single currency can play its full role on the international scene. Promoting the Euro’s international role

tary-General said.

Prime Minister Harris added that there was “something capricious and irregular” about the process and questioned the jurisdiction of the EU to take the kind of punitive measures against Member States. Heads of Government, he said, have signalled that they found it unacceptable and have called for “a change of action”.

“We will through our lobbying efforts and outreach attempt to reach reasonable minds in the EU community and to ask them to share solidarity in doing the right thing, and to find a process that could stand the test of time, that is credible, and which is sensitive to our own challenges at this particular moment in time,” the CARICOM Chair said.

is part of Europe’s commitment to an open, multilateral and rules-based global economy.

The extra-territorial effects of sanctions also challenge the Union’s capacity to follow through on our own political commitments. In this context we are developing mechanisms that will assist, protect and reassure economic actors to pursue legitimate business abroad.

As Europeans we cannot afford to waste time or to be less innovative than others. We need to modernise our approaches and engage more actively with new actors at the intersection of technology and foreign and security policy. This is why the High Representative launched the Global Tech panel, with the CEO of major Tech companies, in order to help ensure that international ethics and rules can keep pace with human ingenuity. To harness these opportunities, we also must take the security implications seriously, hence the recent European Commission Communication on Artificial Intelligence.

All in all, supporting rules based multilateralism and greater European strategic autonomy are not contradictory objectives.

If we strengthen our resilience in the face of new risks, the European Union will play its part in reinvigorating the multilateral order and be reckoned as an assertive actor in a volatile world.

This article originally appeared in the newspaper “The Security Times”

opinio n

obeah

By: Andrew L. Burrows andrewburrows1@gmail.com When we were children growing up the popular belief and practices of many persons were in what we know

today as Voodoo, but we called it Obeah.

We also were taught science in school and much of it made sense, but other parts in my opinion were pure trash.

Today, much of what we are told to believe is presented in the form of repetition. Concepts are repeated over and over by many who have not taken the time to verify information to free it of any misleading errors they otherwise propagate.

Topics such as Global Warming, Climate Change and Sea level Rise are the most recent addition to the list of popular doctrines.

The people who placed their hopes in a person who did a few strange rituals, muttered some weird statements and demanded their money lived to realize that they were foolish to put their trust in such persons. The Bible warns us that the ‘love of money is the root of all evil’ and behind all the deceptive noise the motive is how to get more of yours!

When we are being educated, it is very important that we are taught ‘how to learn’ so that we go on learning for the rest of our lives, because no institution teaches you everything; a diploma only confirms your completion of the lessons as taught.

God has gifted each one of us with human intelligence and our individual life experience teaches us how to apply that ability. Learning is an ongoing process and as we all know from experience much

of what we think we know could be found to be incorrect or false, so the process is ongoing. The 19th Psalm reminds us that God has surrounded us with evidence of His Glory and Majesty. We are individually responsible to seek the truth and to accept only what is correct, regardless of the source - as we live in a world of deception.

I learned very early in school that it was not in my best interest to ‘copy’ from others, and the cure for that is to learn what you need to know for yourself. We live in a busy world, with little time to spend learning what we need to know, and remembering what we have forgotten. However, knowledge is power, it is extremely important that we take the time needed to learn what is true, so that we will not be misled by what is not!

What is Global Warming, Climate Change or Sea level rise? Research and find the answers rather than only repeating the narrative.

We all know that the SUN that rises each day is God’s source of light and heat for this planet. However, there are numerous contributing factors that regulate the seasons that moderate the extremes; that is why man can live anywhere on this Earth.

Climate is not a fixed condition, it is a general condition for a region, and all regions of the Earth experience both winter and summer, with all of the modify-

Catch Jerry Chile Seeking support with the aim of Continued from Page. 10

upgrades to Levy Medical Clinic

Above: 2018 participants/supporters of the Catch Jerry Chile event.

community clinic. Catch Jerry Chile association, with Local Government, said Mr. Clarke, would complete a plan for what needed to be done at the clinic, followed by a plan of action.

This way, they would know the volunteer services that they would need to get it done.

To participate in the upcoming 7th Annual ‘Catch Jerry Chile’ Fun Run/ Walk fundraiser event this year, which will take place on Saturday, May 4th, 2019, interested persons may collect a registration form from JC Discount, as well as a number of locations in Governor’s Harbour. The normal registra-

tion fee, which includes a t-shirt is $20 - and this year, participants are invited to add as much as they would like to that fee - in light of the need for increased fundraising in line with this year’s larger target project.

Mr. Clarke expressed, “It’s a good feeling to assist… This is our association’s way of giving ‘flowers’ to the people living now in the communities within the Central Eleuthera area, and of course ‘good luck’ to anybody in the race who wants to challenge me,” he quipped with a smile.

February/March, 2019

35

ing weather conditions. It is all about the money folks! It is all a scam to get you to abandon much of the present systems and replace them with all of the latest that are unproven and very, very expensive.You must know what is real and what is hoax!

The levels of change in the Sea are affected by a number of fixed factors and varying conditions, and multiple factors combined. The daily low and high tides are the result of the Moon’s gravitational effect with the rotation of the Earth. The first variant is the change of seasons, from winter to summer and back again. Next there is severe weather such as winter Cold Fronts and summer Tropical Storms that cause water levels to increase in the direction they are moving. With these conditions producing so many variables, is it possible to say with certainty what is extreme?

Earthquakes and Volcanos can also generate tsunami waves that can travel great distances and cause major coastal destruction.

So who controls all the causes of change in this world? While we all contribute to our environment in numerous ways we must confess that just as God questioned Job about what part he played in Creation, (Job 38) God can direct those same questions to us.

This thing goes with sense, not with Obeah!

Response to the Travel Advisory Issued by the US State Department on The Bahamas The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas takes note of the travel advisory issued today, 26 February 2019, obligatorily by the United States Department of State on The Bahamas, which includes cautions regarding the inconsistent regulation of the commercial recreational watercraft industry, including water tours.

The Ministry takes note that the travel advisory from the Department of State no longer warns Americans to avoid the areas known as “Over-the-Hill” (south of Shirley Street) and the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay in Nassau, but, rather, notifies Americans to “exercise caution” in those areas. The Ministry provides the following for the information of the general public: a) Overall, the guidance of the US Department of State to its citizens remains at Level Two, which recommends caution but not actually urging delay or cancellation of travel plans to the islands of The Bahamas, falls in line with Bahamian recommendations to travellers to any destination to maintain awareness of their surroundings

and exercise basic precautions, as they likely would in their home cities and when not on holiday; b) The reality is that the vast majority of the six (6) million visitors who come to The Bahamas – by air, sea, and cruises – vacation in our islands without any incident whatsoever, but, notwithstanding, The Bahamas takes the safety of residents and visitors very seriously and will continue to work in keeping the safety and security of all visitors to our shores priority; c) The efforts of law enforcement authorities, along with significant investments by the Government of The Bahamas in human capital and information technology to fight crime, have made significant progress in reducing serious crimes like murder (-25%), armed robbery (-18%), attempted robbery (-19%) and shopbreaking (-23%). These efforts are commended by the Administration and people of The Bahamas; and d) There has been and continues to be collaboration between the Ministries of Tourism and Aviation and Transport and Local Government with the Port Department to address needed changes in regulation and enforcement to ensure safe and responsible operation of commercial recreational watersport and excursion tour companies.

The Ministry reiterates to the Bahamian public at large and to visitors alike that the Government of The Bahamas takes all recommendations to travellers to any destination very seriously, not only to ensure their safety and security, but to ensure their enjoyment of wonderful, meaningful, fun-filled and memorable experiences in The Bahamas. By Ministry of Foreign Affairs

36 www. EleutheraNews . com

Crime News

February/March, 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 POLICE ASSISTANCE REQUESTED At about 3:10pm on Wednesday 20th February 2019,an adult female visitor C/O Ten Bay Savannah Sound Eleuthera and the USA contacted the G.H.P.S. and reported that she along with her eleven year old daughter and a friend were on the beach and her daughter was in the water on a paddle board she believe that the winds were too strong for her and she was pulled out. There was an unknown man in the water who she called to assist and it seems that he has disappeared into the water as well Police assistance requested Officers responded along with a local fisherman and reported that the child was safe and back on shore. The area was left quiet.

Traffic Offence Report On Wednesday 20th February 2019 at 1:10pm Officers while on mobile patrol Sgt.2746 reported an adult female for driving a gold 20005 Honda Accord north on Queen’s Highway Hatchet Bay not license and Inspected for the current year 2019. She was warned of Prosecution Road Traffic Accident An adult male reported to the Hatchet Bay Police Station that on Wednesday 20th February 2019 about 11:00am while driving a black 2008 Honda Stream Wagon north on Queen’s Highway Hatchet Bay when a black and white Cow ran into the Road and he collided with same Police Action Requested. Officers responded to the scene where measurements were recorded and N.O.I.Ps were served.

Causing Harm & Threats of Death Report Sometime around 12:08am on the 16.2.19 two adult females reported to the Governor’s Harbour Police Station that an adult male known to her accused her of stealing his money. They drove to an unknown where he made them get out of the vehicle.

He then walked both females on to the sea rocks. He then punched one of the complainants in her face, accusing her of stealing his money, then hit her several times in her face causing injuries.

As he was doing this she saw the police vehicle approaching he hugged her and told her he was sorry and ran off down the beach.

An adult male was subsequently arrested in this matter, he was Charged with Causing Harm:- Contrary to sec-

tion 266 and two (2) Counts of Threats of Death:- Contrary to section 418, all offences punishable under the Penal Code, Chapter 84. He said nothing in response to these charges and was further cautioned.

House Breaking Report On Sunday 17th February 2019 at about 8:20am an adult male contacted the Governor’s Harbour police station via phone and reported that he just arrived to the Island today after 6 months and noticed that his residence was broken into by some unknown persons. Police action requested.

Officers responded saw and spoke to the complainant and recorded a written statement from him where he reported that person(s) unknown caused damage to a storm frame window and door and stole a black 60’” LG television value at $900.00, a black 32” LG television value at $700.00, a black Magnavox television value at $700 and a one hundred piece Craftsman tool box value at $200.00. Investigations are ongoing.

Arrest reference to Immigration purposes On Friday 15th February 2019 at about 1:05pm Police Offices assisted the Department of Immigration in conducting checks for Illegal Immigrants. As a result Nine (9) Illegal Immigrants were apprehended.

Road Accident Report At about 6:45 pm on Wednesday 13th February, 2019 while on Mobile patrol in the Hatchet Bay area Officers noticed a vehicle over turned on the western side of the road A closer inspection revealed a silver Mitsubishi Lancer turned on its side on the western side of the road with extensive damages all over. Officers approached the mentioned vehicle and saw the driver, an adult female who was still inside of the vehicle. The Officers was along with two (2) by standers pulled the driver out of the vehicle.

She appeared to have a lump and some scrapes on her forehead and her left knee was also bleeding from being scraped up. At the time she did not know where she was and appeared to be disoriented at the time.

The driver was transported to the Hatchet Bay Clinic . While at the Clinic she stated that at about 6:40pm she was travelling in a southern direction just outside of Hatchet Bay from work making about 35MPH when a vehicle travelling towards her appeared to have been avoiding a pothole in the road and came on her side of the road. She then swerved to avoid hitting the oncoming vehicle and ended up losing control of her vehicle on the wet road resulting in her over turning. There were no other passengers on the vehicle, N.O.I.P form was served, Hospital form was issued, and measurements were taken. The driver also produced a valid driver’s license. At about 8:09pm the vehicle

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

was removed from the scene. Investigations are ongoing.

House Breaking Report Update: On 12/02/19 at 10:50pm an adult male contacted the Rock Sound Police Station via telephone and reported that there is a housebreaking at a residence in Tarpum Bay. Police Action Requested.

Officers responded to the scene, conducted enquiries in the community of Tarpum Bay in search of the suspect reference to this matter. The Officers while in communication with the monitoring center were able to track the suspect to a residence located Lord Street Tarpum Bay. He was then cautioned and arrested reference to House Breaking. As a result of additional information one another male was also Cautioned and arrested reference to Housebreaking. Both suspects were later processed and charged.

Road Checks Conducted On Tuesday 12th February, 2019 Officers from the Governor’s Harbour Police Station conducted traffic checks in the area of the Glass Window Bridge, Gregory Town, Hatchet Bay and James Cistern with the following results: Fourteen (14) adult males were searched reference to Possession of Dangerous Drugs and Firearms with negative results along with Four (4) vehicles. Eleven (11) traffic Offences were observed and reported.

One adult male was arrested reference to House Breaking.

Suspicious Substance Found At about 10:48am on Tuesday 12th February 2019, an adult male visitor came to the Governor’s Harbour Police Station and handed over a clear plastic package with loosely package white powdery substance. He informed that he was suspicious of the package and suspected that it may be some type of dangerous Drug. The same was found on the Hatchet Bay Beach on the Atlantic Coast. Further test will have to be completed at the Forensic Science Section New Providence to positively identify the substance investigations continues.

Arrest ref: Possession of Dangerous Drugs On Monday 11th February, 2019 at about 1:20pm, Officers came in at the GHPS with a juvenile male and reported arresting him at about 12:15pm while in the area of Queens Highway, Eleuthera Island Shores for Possession of Dangerous Drugs The suspect was interviewed under caution and he admitted to the offence for

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

which he was arrested. He was later charged with that offence.

Road Traffic Accident Report An adult male of Governor’s Harbour Eleuthera contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station by telephone and stated that whilst traveling north on Queen’s High Way Governor’s Harbour along with his wife in his car they suffered a tire blowout resulting in an accident. Police Action was requested Officers responded and observed a blue color vehicle facing in northern direction off road in bushes on the eastern side laying on the left side. The driver identified himself and stated that whilst traveling north on Queen’s High Way Governor’s Harbour along with his wife he began to experience problems with controlling his vehicle resulting in him losing control and flipping over. Officers recorded measurements of the scene and served the driver with NOIP form, the passenger complain about a burn to her left leg after exiting out of the vehicle and was served with a Police Hospital form Investigations continues into this matter.

Assault and Damages An adult female came to G.H.P.S and reported that her Ex-Boyfriend assaulted her and caused damages to her car’s rear windshield, hood and right driver door. He also caused damages to her I Phone 7 Plus Valued at $800.00 police action requested.

Officers viewed the damages and later arrested the suspect. Who was interviewed under caution, Investigations into this matter are ongoing.

House Breaking On Saturday 9th February 2019 at about 5:20am an adult male contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station via phone and reported that he and his wife were awakened by a noise inside of his residence at about 5:10am and he got up out of his bed to make a check of his home. While walking towards the kitchen he saw a male about 5’6” wearing what appeared to be a gray hooded jacket, gray shorts and flip flops. He stated that when the person saw him he ran outside through the front door into the nearby bushes.

Nothing appeared to be missing at the time the report was made. He further stated that entry was gained through the same front door.

Police assistance requested. This matter is under active investigation.

Arrest Reference to Rape Sometime around 3:34pm on 7/02/19 an adult male of Hatchet Bay came into the Governor’s Harbour Police Station, where Officers then informed him, that he was suspected of a complaint of rape which occurred

Crime News between the 1st and 2nd and was cautioned and arrested, reference to the same. The suspect was later transported to C.D.U Nassau for processing.

Housebreaking Report/Arrest At 7:55am Monday February 4th 2019 an adult male contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station via telephone and reported that a guest of a home he care takes told him that His rental home was broken into on 3rd February 2019 sometime between the hours of 12:00am and 4:00am , Police assistance requested.

Officers visited the scene and confirmed the information as reported.

At 11:25am Monday February 4th 2019, Officers came in at the Governor’s Harbour Station with two adult male suspects under arrest reference to Housebreaking and Stealing .

SEARCH WARRANT EXECUTED: At bout 10:27am on Tuesday 5th February 2019, Officers executed a search warrant on the premises of an adult male in James Cistern Eleuthera. As a result of the search (1) Blue and black size large Neosport wet suit (1) Pair of black sport goggles were found. They were collected and suspected of being the proceeds of stealing.

SEARCH WARRANT EXECUTED: At bout 10:41am on Tuesday 5th February 2019, Officers executed a search warrant on the premises of an adult male in James Cistern Eleuthera in the presence of his Father of same address. As a result of the search the male lead the officer to a garbage container, where a white and silver fossil wrist watch was found. It was collected and secured as it was suspected of being stolen.

Both suspects were processed and charged for House Breaking, Stealing and Receiving.

Boating Accident At 8:15pm on Sunday 3rd February, 2019 an adult male contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station via phone and reported that there is a boating accident in the area of Laughing Bird Cay Governor’s Harbour. Police assistance requested.

Officers responded to the scene located in the area of fishing ramp opposite the Catholic church in Governor’s Harbour and found five males all of Governor’s Harbour who reported that they were heading in to land when their fishing boat collided into Laughing Bird Cay and snapped in half sinking shortly thereafter. They were all thrown from the boat. As a result both of the males complained of pain about their bodies and were transported to the Levy Medical Centre via ambulance. All persons were stabilized

by Dr. Cho along with his Nursing staff and will be airlifted to New Providence for further medical treatment and x-rays. Investigation are ongoing.

Stealing Report At about 4:30pm on Monday 28th January 2019 an adult male reported to the Governor’s Harbour Police Station that sometime between the month of October 2018 and 28th January 2019 someone entered his property and stole two small orange gen-

erators still in its brown box and others unknown items. The mention items were on a wrapped pallet along with other building materials that he was safekeeping for a friend from New Providence.

Police Action was requested.

Officers responded to the scene where they saw and spoke with the complainant. He pointed out to the Officers the location from which the mentioned items were stolen. He gave a written statement requesting Police Action. Investigations continue into this matter.

Arrest ref. to Possession of D/ Drugs, Disorderly Behaviour and Resisting Arrest At about 7:15pm on Friday 25th January, 2019, an Officer came in at the G.H.P.S. with an adult male of James Cistern, Eleuthera, under arrest in reference to Possession of Dangerous Drugs, Disorderly Behaviour and Resisting Arrest . They reported that he was arrested at 6:45pm on Friday 25th January, 2019, while in the area of Kel-D’s Restaurant & Bar, Queens Highway, James, Eleuthera.

He was processed and charged with those offences.

House Breaking At 8:40am an adult male Contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station and reported that he is the care taker for a home . He further reported that guest who are staying in the House reported that sometime between 12:00am & 8:00am some unknown person/s broke and entered the residence stealing cash. Police action requested.

Officers responded and recorded a statement from the complainant. He reported that a black female bag was stolen from the house kitchen counter containing 1000.00 Euros and $250.00 in Bahamian Currency. Entry was gained via an unlocked sliding glass door.

Attempted House Breaking At 11:00 am an adult male Contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station and reported that he is the care taker for a home in Rainbow Bay. At 8:50am he received a phone call from the home owner who informed him that she checked The home Surveillance system and discovered that about 3:00am an unknown male was seen at the rear of the home attempting to open the windows and rear door. Police Action Requested.

Arrest for House breaking & Stealing At about 2:17pm on Friday 25th January 2019, Officers came in at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station with an adult male of Hatchet Bay Eleuthera under arrest. They reported that he arrested and cautioned while on Hustler’s Way Governor’s Harbour in reference to a complaint of Housebreaking and Stealing reported on Thursday 24th January 2019.

He was processed and later charged with that offence.

Harbour Island Reports Arrested and Charged An officer reported that while at the HIPS they arrested and cautioned a young adult male of Alice Street in reference to Causing Harm, he was interviewed and later Charged and given bail in the amount of $1000 with 1(one) suretor and to appear before court later in the month.

Stealing Report Police Action requested On Monday 4th February 2019, a young adult male of Alice Street Harbour Island came to the HIPS and reported that sometime in early January 2019, he place his black Tommy Hilfiger jacket on top of his bag on the Harbour Island Basket Ball court after playing ball he discovered that some unknown person stole his jacket.

Police action requested.

Stealing/Damage On Monday 4th February 2019, an adult male of Dunmore Street Harbour Island, came to the HIPS and reported that sometime around 11:00pm on Sunday 3rd February 2019, and Monday 4th February 2019, at 7:00am some unknown person stole his white 2004 Yamaha golf cart # 92 from in front of the royal Palm Hotel, and ran it over board into the sea at the former airport strip. Police action requested Stealing Arrest On Tuesday 5/2/19 at about 12:32pm an officer came in at Harbour Island Police Station with an adult male suspect of Queen’s Highway Harbour Island and reported that the suspect was arrested and cautioned while at his residence in reference to stealing a complaint made by an adult male on 4/2/19. The suspect was interviewed and denied the offence. He was later released pending further investigation Stealing Arrest On Tuesday an officer reported that while at Harbour Island Police Station he arrested and cautioned an adult male suspect of Dunmore Street Harbour Island in reference to stealing, a complaint made by an adult male on 4/2/19. The suspect was interviewed and denied the offence.

He was later released pending further investigation Threats of Harm Report Police Warning Requested On Wednesday 6th February 2019 Guidance Councilor c/o H.I.A.A.S contacted police and reported that three male students reported that a male grade 5 student threatened to get a gun and assault an adult female at the school. Police assistance requested. Police met with the accused minor and his Guardian in the presence of the Guidance Councilor and Social Services. The juvenile was sternly warned of his behavior and a recommendation was made for him to be referred to the Adolescent health Center, New Providence for evaluation and counseling.

Stolen vessel Report Police Assistance Requested On Tuesday 5th February 2019 at 11:55am

February/March, 2019

37

an adult male of Spanish Wells contacted the SWPS and reported that 2am on Tuesday 5th February 2019, some unknown person(s) stole a yellow 22ft Panga boat reg# EX065PBI, with a silver 200 HP Yamaha Engine from Ship Channel Cay, Exuma which is equipped with a GPS tracking to Current Island. Police Assistance Requested.

Suspects Interviewed On Wednesday 6th February 2019 an officer while on duty at the HIPS recorded an interview of an adult male under caution.

He denied the offence. He was later released pending further investigation.

Harassment Report Police Warning Requested On Saturday 16th February 2019 at 9:10am an adult male of Nassau, Bahamas c/o of a business located Coconut Grove Harbour Island, Eleuthera came to the HIPS and reported that a male he knows did some carpentry work for him sometime last year.

Based on the agreement they made, the male was paid, however he is now harassing him (the complainant) for more money. He requested that the male be warned.

An Officer visited the office of the complainant where he saw and spoke to the accused male of Barrack Street, Harbour Island who was informed of the complaint made against him. He was sternly warned of his behavior and told to remain off the property. He was further advised civil action in this matter.

Assault Report Police Action Requested On Wednesday 20th February 2019 at 8:26am an adult female of Bluff, North Eleuthera came to the HIPS and reported that sometime around 12:30am on Sunday 10th February 2019 while at her residence she got into an argument with her boyfriend of the same address which got physical where he choked her and beat her about the body. Visible marks could be seen on her body. Police action requested.

Damage Report Police Warning Requested On Wednesday 20th February 2019 at 4:50pm an adult female of Johnson Road, Harbour Island came to the HIPS and reported that she rents to her tenant - an adult female on Barrack Street, and the tenant has a boyfriend unknown to her, however on two occasions he destroyed a box that was built around the meter to protect it and she request that he be warned to stop damaging her property.

An officer saw and spoke to the tenant, who was informed of the complaint made against her and her boyfriend. The boyfriend was not present at the residence. The tenant was sternly warned in reference to damage and properly advised for future occurrences.

Harassment Report Police Warning Requested On Wednesday 20th February 2019 at about 5:33pm an adult female of Princess Street, Harbour island came to the HIPS and reported that while on the line waiting for her items to be cashed up at a local store, a male known to her said some insulting remarks towards her. She request that he be warned of his actions.

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Early morning car accident

claims the life of Wemyss Bight man Early on Friday morning, February 22nd, 2019, sometime around 5:00am, officers at the Rock Sound Police Station received reports of a traffic accident on Queen’s Highway in the area of the Rock Sound Airport.

Responding officers encountered a grey 2007 Nissan Note which had collided into a tree off the eastern edge of the highway with extensive damage to the front right end. There were two occupants of the vehicle who were both residents of Eleuthera - the driver, a 57 year old man was unresponsive, and the front seat passenger, a woman who was conscious, suffering from reported chest pains and lacerations to both legs.

According to reports, initial investigations and witness accounts suggest the vehicle was being driven in a southern direction travelling around a bend on the roadway when, the vehicle swerved suddenly leaving the thoroughfare in an eastern direction colliding into a casaurina tree. The passenger informed officers that after the collision a passing motorist provided assistance.

At 5:30am, while at the Rock Sound

Clinic, Dr. Sidney Smith pronounced the driver, Mr. Reginald Johnson of Wemyss Bight, deceased. The Eleuthera RBPF Traffic Section on scene following the accident were coordinating investigations into this incident.

Stamped: March 4, 2019 8:55 PM

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‘HAITI OVERSPILL’ Continued from Page. 14 sentative of the United Nations Secretary General, Brazil, Germany, Spain, the European Union, and the Special Representative of the Organization of American States, comprise what is called “the core group” – a group that has been active in Haitian internal affairs, albeit to the irritation of political parties.

This group has also called on “Haitian society actors, and primarily the country’s leaders, to engage in a constructive and inclusive dialogue in order to identify and implement realistic and lasting solutions to the political and economic crisis facing Haiti”.

Essentially, in this statement, they have said nothing different from CARICOM, but they have also called for all electoral laws, including a Budget, to be adopted to facilitate elections that are constitutionally due in October 2020.

No one would quarrel with the importance of elections which

are more easily achievable (though not easy) than another equally significant observation by the core group. That observation is: “The Government (must) accelerate its structural reforms aimed at promoting better management of the State’s resources, improve the living conditions of the most vulnerable, fight inequalities, and foster a conducive investment climate to stimulate the productive sectors – essential to catalyzing the country’s economic growth”.

That is much more easily said than done. For Haiti has demonstrated a pattern of both internal political conflict and resistance to external intervention in its affairs.

Helping it, therefore, is no simple task. Helping it to implement the reforms, outlined by the core group, is a mammoth undertaking.

Despite all this, CARICOM must continue to offer its hand to Haiti to help resolve its internal disorder. CARICOM countries owe that effort as much to the history of black liberation, as to creating conditions that would stem the flow of Haitian refugees.

Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com

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South Eleuthera Urban Renewal & Police Host Event of

Appreciation for Seniors For the second year in a row, a number of senior citizens from various communities in South Eleuthera were honored and had tribute paid to them for their tireless contribution to their society.

The Green Castle Urban Renewal Center, located on Queens Highway in Green Castle, partnered with the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF), to host the Second Annual Senior Citizens Pre-Valentines Prayer and Praise breakfast under the theme, ‘It’s a Love Affair’, on Wednesday, February 13th, 2019 from 10:00am until 12:30pm.

Along with senior citizens, in attendance were representatives from several government agencies, as well as local pastors and musicians.

W/Sgt. 232 Rodgers-Bethel along with PC.1311 Brown represented the Rock Sound Police Station.

W/Sgt Rodgers-Bethel brought remarks during a brief

program, thanking the seniors present for being trailblazers, prayer warriors and the backbone of their communities.

She also reminded them that they were special, well-loved and greatly appreciated.

Following the short program, the seniors were treated to breakfast.

urca outreach Continued from Page. 16 New Providence and Grand Bahama, which we treat separately because of the size. However, Eleuthera particularly in the energy space is an interesting island, because not only does it have BPL which provides service throughout Eleuthera itself, but Eleuthera also is an island where there is a significant, very effective franchisee in Spanish Wells, through St. George’s Power, and a number of interesting initiatives in the renewable and green space, like the Island School and others. So, we thought that looking at this issue in particular, Eleuthera was a very good island to start with.”

Part of the evening’s presentation highlighted where the Bahamas was currently in energy production, both traditional and smart energy and where URCA envisioned it could be, with the introduction of different technologies and supporting regulation. The audience also received information about how to use

energy more efficiently, renewable energy generation and smart energy options available to consumers in the Bahamas, examples of what some individuals and businesses are now doing with renewable generation, and how they tie into the current commercial providers, like Bahamas Power and Light (BPL). Material with tips on reducing energy consumption were disseminated, and those present were encouraged to contact URCA with any questions they had, as well as with any complaints.

During the question and answer session which followed, a number of questions were asked about private renewable generation, current regulations and how the private system worked with tying into the commercial electricity grid, also the question of complaints and the process for consumers was explored, particularly, with BPL. A number of people in the audience expressed frustration with the process of making a claim for appliances or other electrical items destroyed as a result of power surges or low voltage incidences. In reply, URCA representatives explained how the current process of making a complaint through the provider, was structured to weed out as many complainants as possible.

“People don’t like to complain,” commented CEO Bereaux, adding, “And we understand that it’s a hassle. Internally, we are doing some things to make the complaint process a little easier. We have somebody on the team (URCA) now that we are training up, to help you complain - that’s one of the things we are working on… This is an economic gain for the provider. They have a limited amount of money to do a particular amount of work. So, as an example, if 1,000 people in the country, suffer $10,000,000 worth of damage, and 1,000 of them complain to BPL. Let’s say, along the way BPL gives you a hard time, as they will, because they are not paid to spend money on things they don’t have to spend money on.

So, throughout the BPL process, you wither away 950 of those 1,000 people. So, BPL pays out in the end, say $500,000 instead of the $10,000,000 in damage that was done - BPL will continue to provide poor service, because it’s cheaper to provide the poor service, than it is to fix the service. If you don’t make them pay, they won’t fix.

“That’s not a bad decision on their part.

It’s a perfectly sensible financial decision for a business to make… It is our job to make them

spend the money if it is due. So it doesn’t help to say that one million people were hurt

by BPL last month. It helps to say that 1,000 people were hurt by BPL and BPL spent $10,000,000 to fix the problem. That helps, and that would fix the problem… We (URCA) often refer to ourselves as economic regulators, because that’s what we deal with… the economics… If we don’t, it doesn’t make sense - these are businesses… SO, We need to complain! We need to do it. Our complaints team is underworked, they do not get complaints.

When we count our complaint numbers every year, they are in double digits. We have a country of almost 400,000 people, and people say we have bad services, but we don’t hear about them. The biggest regret we have as an organization is not getting more complaints, so, that is one of the most significant things we need to fix. We need to get more people to complain. As bad as that sounds, that’s the biggest need we have as a regulator, because if you don’t complain… We will not know when your fridge is not working - unless you tell us.”

Complaints to URCA can be sent via telephone (242) 393-0263, email (infor@urcabahamas.bs) or online at www.urcabahamas.bs.

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Budding Entrepreneurs present at CTI’s Learn and

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February/March, 2019

evant. “What is going on [at CTI] is definitely needed, especially in the Family Islands,” he remarked.

The Learn and Earn students, who went on to graduate a week later on February 22nd, expressed their eagerness - looking forward to their plans beyond the Learn and Earn programme and taking their place as members of the working and business community.

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

Pictured: Professional table setting learned in Hospitality shown off by Learn and Earn students .

All Smiles: Proud Learn and Earn students took part in an open house event demonstrating their achievements during the past year of instruction.

On the evening of Wednesday, February 13th, 2019, the Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI) held an Open House and Student Showcase that gave their Learn and Earn students the opportunity to introduce themselves and their ideas to the business community.

Students showcased their skills with displays depicting work they completed over the course of their year in the programme. Hospitality students presented a beautiful dining table setting, with towel art, and worked with their instructors, Mrs. Tamika Rahming and Ms. Charvette Strachan to produce an array of refreshments for the event. Led by practical instructor Mr. Lyle Hall, the Carpentry students’ booth included models of stairs, a cabinet, and a model home showing their roofing skills. Electrical Installation students, under the guidance of instructor Mr. Stephen Galanis, lit up the night with their powered switchboard display.

“They deserve all these people’s attention,” said Carpentry Theory instructor, Mr. Graham Walker. “They stuck with it for 12 months and it’s interesting now what they’ve managed to achieve.”

The highlight of the evening was the Entrepreneurship Development competition in which six students presented their business ideas to the attendees. Three judges were chosen from the audience: Mrs. Myrtle McPhee, District Superintendent of Education for Central and North Eleuthera, Mr. Ivan Ferguson, Island Administrator for North Eleuthera, and Father Bradley Miller, who also served as emcee.

Administrator Ferguson congratulated OEF and CTI on “impacting the community in a very positive way” and hoped that the business ideas presented by the students would become a reality.

The top three presenters of the competition were Mr. Anthony Anderson placing third with his 24-hour electrical services business, Ms. Breandra Whylly placing second with her wood engravings business, and the winner of the competition, Mr. Edrick Munroe, wowed the crowd with speaker prototypes he built himself from recycled materials for his business idea, Speaker City.

“I’m proud of myself and proud of Edrick,” said Ms.

Whylly. “I feel good. I was nervous.” Mr. Munroe was smiling ear to ear. When he heard the announcement he said, “my heart just dropped”. Winning students will have access to a range of prizes including assistance with obtaining their business licenses, mentorship and assistance preparing a formal business plan, and $3,000-$5,000 seed capital in return for equity.

“I am a proud mother,” Entrepreneurship instructor Denise Hinds-Jordan said with tears of joy at the accomplishments of her students. Mr. Munroe’s mother, Florence Walkes, couldn’t hold back her excitement at the announcement that caused the room to erupt into loud cheers and shouts.

She expressed deep pride and overwhelming gratitude to CTI for taking on her son, who has dyslexia and dyscalculia.

“I am very proud of CTI for what they have done for Edrick.

If it had not been for CTI and God’s grace, I don’t know where Edrick would have been,” Ms. Walkes expressed. “I am very excited. This is only the beginning.”

Mr. Shaun Ingraham, CEO of the One Eleuthera Foundation committed his expertise to the students who presented their business ideas saying, “I’m pledging my support – my personal support – to any of you that presented tonight that want to start your own business. I will sit with you and commit personal time with you to help you get your business plan going.”

Father Miller encouraged everyone present to invest in the students’ business ideas not only by word of mouth but by patronizing their businesses when they start. The students themselves received an overwhelmingly positive reception from the audience. The word “impressed” was used several times by many of the attendees when commenting on the event.

“I’m hoping to see them a couple years from now just to track them and see where they go,” remarked Derrick Elliott, a student mentor. “With just some guidance and some folks who are willing to buy into this dream, we can go great places,” he continued. Oscar Knowles, who worked with some of the students during their internship at the Island School believed that the students’ business ideas were rel-

Above: Learn and Earn programme students talked about what they had learned and showed off samples of their work.

Pictured: Instructors (Mr. Graham Walker on the mic) introduced themselves and the courses they facilitated to the audience at CTI.

Above: Edrick Munroe stood with his very proud Mom, after he was declared the winner of the entrepreneurship development competition.

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PM Commissions New Boeing 737 Bahamasair Carrier -

Seats 138 passengers, Flight range over 5hrs loaded NASSAU, The Bahamas – Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis said that the new Boeing 737-790NG acquired by Bahamasair will play an important role in the expansion of the national flag carrier’s international service.

He delivered the keynote address at the Commissioning Ceremony of Bahamasair’s latest aircraft, held Thursday, February 14, 2019 at Bahamasair’s Hangar at Lynden Pindling International Airport.

Also present were Cabinet Ministers, and Bahamasair’s Board of Directors, Executive Management, Industry Partners and other invited

guests.

Underscoring the importance of Bahamasair in linking the islands, the Prime Minister said, “The arrival of this aircraft is a sign of our nation’s sustained growth and economic expansion as we continue to see strong numbers from our tourism sector.”

Additionally, Bahamasair will continue to do as their vision statement suggests, which is “to connect the islands of The Bahamas to the world,” the Prime Minister said.

The $11 million investment of the new aircraft will bring Bahamasair’s fleet count to nine: four jets and five turbo props.

REPATRIATION Resumes

On February 22nd 2019, The Department of Immigration resumed all repatriation activities to Port-Au-Prince, Haiti with a total of (112) Haitian nationals escorted by a team of joint Law Enforcement Officers on board a Bahamasair chartered flight.

This repatriation convoy left the Carmichael Road Detention Center at 6:30AM en route to Lynden Pindling International Airport by Immigration Officials and Officers of The Royal Bahamas Police Force.

This group consisted of (99) Haitian Males, (12) Haitian Females and (1) minor. Overseeing the seamless process of this exercise was Officer-in-Charge of Operations, Assistant Director of Immigration Mr. Dwight Beneby.

This was the first scheduled repatriation flight into Haiti since the country has experienced recent unrest.

Consul General Neilly in Washington D.C.

Gets a special visit from fellow Eleutherans of Tarpum Bay Primary WASHINGTON D.C.: Students from Tarpum Bay Primary School paid a courtesy call upon Theo Neilly (Back row center), Consul General on 22 February, 2019.

Twenty-two students and parents travelled from Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera as part of their sixth-grade trip and to celebrate their consistent and remarkable success in the Junior Junkanoo Competition.

“It was truly a pleasure meeting these amazing kids” said the Consul General, a product of both Tarpum Bay and Current settlements and former MP for north Eleuthera who was appointed to his position in Washington D.C. in October 2017.

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celebrating excellence too - CEHS

2018/19 Christmas Term Awardees Recognized On Friday, February 8th, 2019, the Central Eleuthera High School (CEHS) recognized their best and brightest during the 2018/2019 Christmas Term at an Awards Ceremony held on the grounds of the school, beginning at 9:30am, under the theme, “Excellence is Our Goal!”

Special Guest Speaker for the occasion was Mr. Quarindo Davis, of CIBC First Caribbean, who placed emphasis on encouraging the student body to continue their pursuit of excellence in their studies.

Of particular note was the impressive size of the term’s honor roll, which had 63 students attaining that academic standard in their work.

Along with awards, student leaders were pinned, including; Head Boy - Lamar Sineus, Head Girl - Kayneisha Cooper, Deputy Head Boy - Donovan Seymour, and Deputy Head Girl - Natisha Johnson. In addition CEHS student, Wayne Knowles was specially recognized with the ‘Sentinel of the Year’ Award for his indomitable spirit, quality of character, and can do attitude - with improvements in his performance each term.

Special guests attending, included one of the school’s founding fathers, Mr. Joshua Culmer (Snr. JP, MO, MBE); and District Superintendent of Education for the Central and North Eleuthera District, Mrs. Myrtle McPhee, accompanied

by Mrs. Francis Friend from the Ministry of Education’s District Office. The grounds were also filled with proud parents, family, and other members of the Central Eleuthera community who came out to support the achieving students.

HONOR ROLL 2018/2019 Grades 7-12 PRINCIPAL’S LIST (3.5-4.00 GPA)

Above: Wayne Knowles Jr. being supported by fellow students and staff of CEHS.

PICTURED HERE: CEHS 2018/2019 Sentinel of the Year Award presented to Wayne Knowles. Pictured (L-R): Wayne Knowles Sr. (father), Shauna Knowles (mother), Edith Rolle (maternal grandmother), Wayne Knowles Jr. (2018/2019 Sentinel of the Year), Mrs. Marie Galanis (CEHS Principal), Andre Butler (Wayne’s supervisor during his job experience at the GHB Airport), and Felease Knowles (paternal grandmother).

Equoia Gibson 3.82; Torii Knowles 3.73; Jahzara Taylor 3.64; Lamar Sineus 3.60; Ellis Culmer 3.55; Vonzell Fox 3.50; and Sharico Farquharson 3.50.

Top of the School Juniors: Male - Torii Knowles; Female - Jahzara Taylor Seniors: Male - Lamar Sineus; Female - Equoia Gibson HONOR ROLL (3.00-3.49 GPA) Seniors: Medwick Rolle, Taija Major, Matthew Thompson, Tamari Gibson, Caleb Bethel, Shekinah Gaitor, Danaj Lundy, Kenron Collins, Daniella Pierre, Kayneisha Cooper, Jason Thompson, Donovan Seymour, Kiara Roberts, Joshua Jolly, Andreon Gardiner, Elshauna Gibson, Kristman Moss, Kyla Sands, Neva Dorvilus, Malika Williams, Trequan Hanna, Roihyan Adderley, Natisha Johnson, Nichayda Joseph, Genesis Thompson, Lonneisha Rolle, Jaheim Hunt, Kamesha Carey, Marcia Calixte, Wayne Rolle, and Alia Albury.

HONOR ROLL (3.00-3.49 GPA) Juniors: Cianna Scavella, Caiden Spence, Jamaal Isaacs, Amerie Fernander, Covanna Johnson, Samuel Hanna, Kiara Farquharson, Rosemellie Clofa, Ricardo Belle, Vanessa Joseph, Aretha Culmer, Jarrelle Stubbs, Cameron Moss, Waldina Alcime, Britney Sineus, Philena Culmer, Johnathan Randall, Nikita Deal, Kyra Courtemarche, Omarrion Dean, Kamia Darville, Terrinique Sands, Amari Pinder, Brady Sineus, and Wallace Sineus.

Above: CEHS students who attained an Honor Roll and Principal’s List grade point average standard for the 2018/2019 Christmas Term stand proudly with their Principal Mrs. Marie Galanis (front row far left), and District Superintendent for Education, Mrs. Myrtle McPhee (front row far right).

Right: Head Boy - Lamar Sineus, Head Girl - Kayneisha Cooper, Deputy Head Boy - Donovan Seymour, and Deputy Head Girl - Natisha Johnson.

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PICTURED HERE and on following page: Sixty three (63) Honor roll (GPA of 3.00 and above), and Principal’s List (GPA of 3.50 and above) students celebrated during the Christmas Term awards ceremony at Central Eleuthera High School.

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PICTURED HERE: Sixty three (63) Honor roll (GPA of 3.00 and above), and Principal’s List (GPA of 3.50 and above) students celebrated during the Christmas Term awards ceremony at Central Eleuthera High School.

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second laps rained out - 2019 Jr. Junkanoo a vibrant display of four schools.

Rain sends crowd scrambling after the first round.

Participating schools in this year’s 2019 Eleuthera Junior Junkanoo parade event hosted in Rock Sound, South Eleuthera by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture on Saturday, February 2nd, were all winners, as each division had just one school represented, resulting in more of an exhibition event rather than a competitive one. However, the four schools featured in this year’s parade put on a creative show of artistry and musical talent for an enthusiastic audience. Participating schools, included; Governor’s Harbour Primary - in primary division A, which Min. of Youth, Sports and Culture brought to life the splendidly the Hon. Lanisha Rolle. (BIS colorful theme “Toys R Us”; Photo) Green Castle Primary - in primary division B portrayed with great fun “Peter Pan and the Neverland Pirates”; Deep Creek Middle School - in the junior division went “Out of this World” with astronauts and the like in regalia; and Central Eleuthera High School - in the senior division executed the theme, “Our Legacy”. The School for Exceptional Learners also took part, merging with the group from the Governor’s Harbour Primary School.

Rain showers which began in the north of the island, travelling slowly south throughout the late afternoon, and into the evening allowed for an uninterrupted first lap from all of the groups. However, just as Governor’s Harbour Primary took to the street to begin the encore showing, showers hit the township, requiring the onlooking crowds to disperse, and the performing group to finally take shelter. National Coordinator of Junior Junkanoo, Henry Higgins with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, who had played the role of announcer and narrator for the event, announced moments later the cancelation of the remaining laps, due to the weather.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Lanisha Rolle officially opened the festivities earlier in the evening with a warm and energetic welcome stressing the importance of showing support to the children during the cultural season. She was also joined

by Co-Chair of the National Junkanoo Committee, Kishlane O’Brien, and Chief Clerk with the Ministry of Youth in Eleuthera, Clara Young.

Photos above by Mrs. Theresa Burrows.

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PICTURED HERE: Deep Creek Middle School bringing to life their, “Out of this World”, theme at the 2019 Junior Junkanoo parade, held in Rock Sound on Saturday, February 2nd. Photos by Mrs. Elizabeth Bryan.

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Healthier Quality of Life through Healthier Habits

P.A.Gibson’s PTA making a difference.

P.A.Gibson Primary School’s PTA with the best performers in the fund-raising efforts of the student body.

P.A.Gibson Primary School’s PTA: Vice President, Devenor Seymour; Assistant Treasurer, Shanell Ferguson; Chaplain, Lavette Fowler; and Secretary - Kaytell Johnson.

Sharlene McPheeJohnson, a parent at the P.A. Gibson Primary School and current president of the Parent/Teachers Association (PTA) at the school, along with her team on the PTA, spearheaded efforts to provide the classrooms at the school with water cooler/dispenser machines, to support initiatives at the school which now

encourage students to drink more water and less sugary drinks, during the school week, to promote healthier lifestyles and life habits.

On Tuesday, February 19th, the PTA presented two water coolers to the school, to be placed in first the pre-school (K4) classroom, and in grade one (1). By the end of March 2019, the PTA anticipated outfitting every classroom in the school, with its very own water cooler/dispenser. “At the beginning of the year, the students were informed that they were going to have ‘Water Wednesdays’ and ‘Thirsty Thursdays’,”

explained Mrs. Johnson, and continued, “So, the PTA’s initiative was to allow every classroom to have water, so that each child would be able to participate in these ‘water days’.

“We saw a very great need for the water, as alot of children complained that they didn’t have it, or were unable to purchase - so our main goal was to make sure that we had a healthier school - with healthier minds, bodies and souls. We were so happy when the first one was donated by a parent, followed by the second, from yet another guardian at the school. We are so happy

now to be able to say that every classroom will have one by the end of March, so that the initiative can go on... We have a dynamic and powerful PTA team here, because we work together as much as we can.”

The PTA board includes; President, Sharlene McPhee-Johnson; Vice President, Devenor Seymour; Assistant Treasurer, Shanell Ferguson; Chaplain, Lavette Fowler; Secretary - Kaytell Johnson; Treasurer, Shanice Major; and Lauren Trollip, Assistant Secretary.

Dead Sperm Whale on Windermere Island Beach

On Friday morning, February 22nd, 2019, the Department of Fisheries in Eleuthera were alerted to the presence of a dead stranded sperm whale at a beach on Windermere Island. A Fisheries officer was reported to have arrived at the scene of the stranding by midday on Friday. The officer took measurements and photos of the whale, and the mammal was described as ‘an emaciated

adult/subadult sperm whale’. A team from the Cape Eleuthera Institute offered to collect samples for pathology and forensics to help determine the cause of death. These samples were to be sent off for analysis in part to attempt to determine the cause of death of the animal.

Source: Bahamas Marine Mammal Stranding Network