The Eleutheran Newspaper July/August Issue 2019

Volume 12, Issue 07 /12, 2019 web: WWW.ELEUTHERANEWS.COM

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Eleuthera, Harbour Island & Spanish Wells, The Bahamas

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

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Obstetrician/Gynecologist - candidly discusses Cancer in the bahamas with an attentive local audience

Dr. Homer N. Bloomfield, an obstetrician and gynecologist, was the special guest speaker at the Eleuthera Cancer Society’s monthly community meeting held at the Wellness Center in Palmetto Point on Wednesday, June 26th, 2019.

A current volunteer, longtime partner and former board member with the Cancer Society of the Bahamas, having traveled for many years throughout the Family Islands educating, screening and caring for patients with cancer, Dr. Bloomfield spoke candidly with the audience of mainly women about his experience with cancer in the Bahamas as both a physician for many years, and since his own recent diagnosis of prostate cancer.

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Dr. Bloomfield speaking to an attentive audience during the ECS monthly community meeting.

ADVICE:

22 (Is Arguing Really Necessary?) ; 13 (Keeping It Cool) |

Opinion:

12 & 35 | 41

Re-elected PLP Chairman Mitchell talks: Economy, Education, In-

come Distribution, Tax Policy and Sovereignty - on preconvention visit to Eleuthera

Senator Fred Mitchell, newly reelected Chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), was on island during the month of July, ahead of the 53rd National PLP Convention held in New Providence on Thursday, July 25th and Friday, July 26th, 2019, where voting took place for leader-

ship positions within the party.

He was in Eleuthera on Tuesday, July 23rd, securing support for his position as Chairman of the PLP, which was being contested during the Convention. Unofficial results from

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Bridge Contract Signed for SW

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Mid-Year Crime Brief

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Chris Brown Promoted to Head Coach

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Tragic Drowning in Hatchet Bay

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Police Camp: Daring to Prepare

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46th Independence Anniv. Celebrations

An Eleutheran Memory: 14 Dance Academy Showcase -

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Spanish Wells, Harbour Island,

Eleuthera

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

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loc al +p lu s comments

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‘Chairman Mitchell’

Continued from Page. 1 the party on Friday evening after voting ended showed that Mitchell was successful in his efforts by a commanding margin, over contesting candidate, former Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe.

Philip ‘Brave’ Davis and I Chester Cooper were both returned as leader and deputy leader, respectively, of the Progressive Liberal Party after being nominated unopposed.

In an interview during his visit on island, Chairman Mitchell commented, “I think people ought to look closely at the fact that there is change - new people, new ideas, and a plan for moving the party forward over the next ten years. I have said that I would like the party to commit to: 1. Having a headquarters for each party branch in the constituency, that is fixed abode, that is a fee simple - in other words, they actually own the land, it’s not leased or anything of that kind, and 2. I think the party ought to build a brand new headquarters, with a convention center for the use of the party, so we don’t have to go back to hotels.

The party is 65 years old, and it has been meeting in public schools for 65 years.

Chairman of The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), Senator Fred Mitchell.

I think it’s time for us to have a permanent home for branches to meet, and also for us to have decent accommodations which we control for the Convention.” income disparity

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Dr. Bloomfield Continued from Page. 1 He expressed particular concern with the number of patients still presenting with late stage cervical cancers in the Bahamas, and discussed the many options available to assist with early diagnosis and targeted prevention. Much more work still needs to be done, he opined, in the area of statistics on island - identifying who has cancer, with names, and contact numbers as well as possible commonalities in cases, so that possible root causes may be identified.

Sharing some annual national statistics on cancer in the country, Dr. Bloomfield, highlighted that almost 500 people die from cancer, with generally, more women presenting with cancer than men. Some of the numerous and varied known causes of cancer, he shared, included: tobacco, viruses, toxic chemicals, obesity, as well as UV light, and more.

Vital to making a difference in the fight against cancer, said Dr. Homer, was access to testing, screening, and education about the disease.

Commenting on his volunteer work in cancer education and screening, Dr. Bloomfield shared, “I have always been willing, because I realize that through knowledge, people gain strength. To avoid disease conditions, if people understand the reality of what they need to know, then they do a lot better… I try not to turn down any opportunity to share. I truly believe that there is a lot of improvement that needs to be made to the system, and personnel, but I think if you begin to properly educate and

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encourage people, then it may make a difference…” He smiled, saying, “It’s been a wonderful journey,” adding, that he had come to the Bahamas from his home country of Jamaica for one year back in 1981, and was still here.

Following Dr. Bloomfield’s presentation, the floor was opened to questions, and the audience took full advantage, asking about a wide variety of topics and issues with cancer, from taking hormones during menopause, to the differences and effectiveness of certain procedures, like a colonoscopy and an endoscopy, and the importance of support systems after a positive diagnosis.

Pictured: Dr. Bloomfield accepting a gift of thanks from former principal Mrs. Karen Crean of the Cancer Society of Eleuthera.

Contract Signed to replace Spanish

Wells / Russell Island Bridge - Minister Updates on New and Ongoing Works in NE The Hon. Desmond Bannister, Minister of Public Works accompanied by colleagues within his Ministry, were in Spanish Wells, North Eleuthera on Monday morning, July 22nd, 2019, for the signing of a $2.8 million contract, awarded to Waugh Construction (Bahamas), for the replacement of the Roderick Newton Higgs

bridge.

The bridge connects the island of St. Georges Cay, which holds the community of Spanish Wells, to Russell Island - which has accommodated the growth and expansion of Spanish Wells in recent years.

Russell Island, confirmed Chief Local Government Councilor, Mr. Robert Roberts, currently has 200 homes and businesses, and also hosts the St. George’s Cay Power Company, as well as the community’s landfill site. “Without Russell Island, we would have no growth,” stated Mr. Roberts during the contract ceremony, and he expressed appreciation and thanks on behalf of the community for the government bringing the replacement bridge project to fruition.

The current bridge was installed 27 years ago, in 1992, as a temporary fixture to replace the one destroyed after the passage of hurricane Andrew, so, Councilor Roberts stated, that although it had been a long time in coming, it was a happy day for residents of Spanish Wells and Russell Island. “This strengthens infrastructure, and prepares us for future growth in tourism, construction, land sales - there’s no better time for the installation of a new bridge, to sustain us and for future growth.”

Member of Parliament for the North Eleuthera constituency, the Hon. Howard Rickey Mackey, was also in attendance, and gave remarks. He thanked Minister Bannister for his efforts in ensuring that North Eleuthera received the necessary infrastructure for its continued growth and development, and agreed that the replacement of the Roderick Newton Higgs bridge was vital for future growth in Spanish Wells and Russell Island.

Mackey also noted the presence of his colleague, the Hon. Hank Johnson,

Member of Parliament for Central and South Eleuthera, commenting that it demonstrated their relationship of camaraderie and togetherness, and their unity of purpose in moving the entire island of Eleuthera in the right direction.

Taking the opportunity to highlight other needs and challenges, Mr. Mackey, said, “I want to be mindful that we are still challenged in the things that we would like to see delivered for North Eleuthera, and Eleuthera . With those challenges, we cannot always get what we want, but all I seek of our government, and I’m sure this is your sentiment as well - is that those essential things that we need can move forward. So, we as a community and as a people can receive those on a timely basis. The Minister has been very forthcoming in assisting us - within six months, we have had two major signings (Spanish Wells road works and Spanish Wells bridge replacement).

Mackey, also provided a brief update on the ongoing $2 million RO Plant currently under construction in North Eleuthera, saying, “I visit the site frequently, and I can assure you that Spanish Wells and the rest of North Eleuthera will see that happen in very short order. The Plant is very close to completion. They are now basically tying in the infrastructure, so that the fresh flowing water will be able to pass through into the pipes that we have, with an expected completion date at the end of July 2019.”

Minister Bannister, ahead of the formal signing segment of the Spanish Wells bridge replacement ceremony, brought brief remarks, also making several announcements pertinent to Eleuthera. In addition to highlighting projects at difArticle Continued Page 17

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New Rotary President Shares Vision 2020 Members of the Rotary Club of Eleuthera (RCE) held their Changeover celebration on Friday evening, June 28th, 2019 at the Correne Sands Hall, within the Eleuthera Cancer Society’s Wellness Center in Palmetto Point. Outgoing President Sandra Ingraham, along with her fellow club members celebrated the end of a successful Rotary year as she officially handed over the gavel to Incoming President, Susan Culmer.

President Culmer, who joined the RCE in 2012, is the 10th President since the club was chartered in April of 2009. When asked about her vision for the upcoming 2019/2020 Rotary year, there was no hesitation, as she had already taken a number of concrete steps towards accomplishing a variety of her goals as leader of the club during the next 12 months.

Sharing some of her aims, Susan began with one encouraged by the Regional leadership, saying, “Our District Governor in Rotary has challenged clubs to focus on the issue of Diabetes during the upcoming year, so I’ve already submitted a grant for $3,000 to do targeted outreach. We will focus on screening, prevention, and for those with the disease - how to manage it. Within the schools we will focus on education, with health fairs, and setup popup outreach locations by well-trafficked stores - all leading up to World Diabetes Day in November. We want to get an early start, and we also plan to measure the impact with information to

Pictured: New Rotary President, Ms. Susan Culmer (left) with District Governor, Mr. Patrick Adizua, during the Rotary Changeover event held on June 28th, 2019.

show numbers screened, and changes/progress over the three month period leading up to November. The outreach will also involve encouraging people to change their eating habits - getting rid of some of the sugar,

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RBPF Commissioner Releases Mid-Year Crime Stats, Supt. Adderley Brings It Home For Eleuthera

BY The eleutheran news team

Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) Commissioner Anthony Ferguson held a Mid-Year Briefing in New Providence on Thursday, July 18th, 2019, where local media from all over the country were invited to take part, as he presented on the challenges remaining and the successes garnered during the first six months of 2019 in their daily efforts to mitigate incidences of crime within the Bahamas.

Leadership in the Eleuthera Division of the RBPF, including Chief Superintendent, Stephen Adderley; Superintendent Frederick Sands; Asst.

Superintendent Franklyn Neely; and Asst. Superintendent Nigel Rolle, along with invited local media were

File Photo (Jan. 2019) RBPF Executive Team (L-R): Inspector Joseph Oldham, Inspector Kelsey Farquharson, inspector Julian Newbold, OIC Chief Superintendent Stephen Adderley, Assistant Superintendent Nigel Rolle, Assistant Superintendent Lawrence Adderley, and Assistant Superintendent Franklyn Neely.

present at Police Headquarters in Governor’s Harbour for the conferenced Briefing.

According to Commissioner Ferguson, since 2017, the country has seen an overall downward trend in crime figures, he further commented that the first half of 2019 was no exception. Preliminary figures for the first half of 2019 across the entire Bahamas, he said, indicated a decrease by 17%, when compared to 2018. Violent crime, he added, decreased by 14%, while property crimes decreased by 18%. Crime figures across New Providence, said the Commissioner went down by 16%, with a 6% decrease seen in Grand Bahama. The Family Islands showed the largest decrease in overall crime of 29%, he shared.

The overall incidence of murder across the country, decreased by 17%, with 45 incidents during the first two quarters of 2019, compared to 54 incidents during the same period in 2018. Overall rape figures, he said, decreased by 37%, with 24 incidents reported for the period, compared to 38 incidences reported in 2018.

Armed robberies nationally saw a decrease of 6%, with 215 incidents, compared to 229 incidents during the first half of last year. With reference to crimes against property, the Commissioner informed that nationally, house break-ins saw a decrease of 21%, while stolen vehicle incidents decreased by 37%, and stealing activity saw a decrease of 9%. Traffic related deaths recorded for the year stood at 28, a decrease of 33% nationwide compared to 42 in the same period last year.

Despite the downward trend, the fear of crime was still an issue of concern, stated Commissioner Ferguson, and described actions being Article Continued Page 18

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co mmenta ry

Boris Johnson’s can of worms ests alone were supreme. For an older generation of the English, the lyrics of the British patriotic song, “Rule Britannia”, written in the 18th Century but still lustily sang today, epitomizes how they regard themselves: “When Britain first, at Heaven’s command Arose from out the azure main; This was the charter of the land, And guardian angels sang this strain: ‘Rule, Britannia! rule the waves: Britons never will be slaves.’”.

This idea of a superior Britain – a nation upon whose Empire “the sun never sets” – in large part contributed to the slim majority of 51.9 percent that carried the referendum vote to leave the European Union (EU) in 2016. The older generation – and those who linger in the notion of an England raised up “at heaven’s command” longed for a return of Britain,

By Sir Ronald Sanders unshackled from links to its former European (The writer is Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda foes and free to traverse the world in the exto the United States and the Organisation of Ameri- pectation of trade and other arrangements that can States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Instisuit Britain and maintain its exceptionalism. tute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of It is from the ranks of such thinking that Mr. London and at Massey College in the University of Johnson emerged to become Prime Minister Toronto. The views expressed are entirely his own) of Britain. He has proven himself to be an astute politician, helping to topple two Prime There were echoes of US President Donald Ministers of his own Conservative party – Trump’s famous campaign slogan, “Make David Cameron and Theresa May. He has also America great again”, in the first parliamentary outfoxed former allies in the campaign to leave statement of Britain’s new Prime Minister, the EU who also harboured ambitions to be Boris Johnson. “Our mission”, Mr. Johnson Prime Minister. His impish schoolboy persona declared is “making this country the greatest hides his capacity for political machinations place on earth”. without which few leaders achieve their high As with President Trump’s slogan, Prime office.

Minister Johnson’s catchphrase is designed to In his campaign to become Prime Minister, appeal to a certain section of the population Mr. Johnson talked much about the urgency who long for a bygone time when their inter-

of BREXIT – the shorthand term for Britain leaving the EU. But, immediately upon assuming office, his longer-term ambitions were made clear. He is in the game for the long haul, including a general election that would give him the national authority, as Prime Minister, that he does not now enjoy.

In his first statement in the House of Commons, he laid out the framework of his manifesto for a general election. This included: changing tax rules; providing funding for frontline public services, “to deliver better healthcare, better education and more police on the streets”; making sure the National Health Service receives funds to pay for 20 hospital upgrades and winterreadiness; providing proposals for drastically reducing waiting times at hospitals and for appointments with doctors; increasing the minimum level of per pupil funding in primary and secondary schools and returning education funding to previous levels; investing in infrastructure, fibre rollout, transport and housing that can improve people’s quality of life and fuel economic growth and provide opportunity.

In echoes of President Trump, Mr. Johnson, in more coded language, also addressed immigration – one of the core issues that influenced the pro-Brexit vote among those opposed to migrants – by saying: “No-one believes more strongly than me in the benefits of migration to our country. But I am clear that our immigration system must change. I will ask the Migration Advisory Committee to conduct a review of that system as the first step in a radical rewriting of our immigration system”.

And, he promised that “we will look back on this period, this extraordinary period, as the beginning of a new golden age for our United Kingdom”.

The problem Mr. Johnson faces is that he has taken over a Kingdom that is far from united. More than 48 percent of the British people did not vote for BREXIT, and many have since voted with their feet, migrating where they could to other European countries, including neighbouring Republic of Ireland which remains staunchly in the EU. Additionally, business, particularly in the key financial services sector, have shifted their operations from London into other capitals in Europe to maintain their access to the much larger EU market that could disappear without a BREXIT deal favourable to Britain.

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open holidays

So, in his parliamentary statement, he began the process of preparing the British public for no deal with the EU. Mr. Johnson declared that “the UK is better prepared for that (no deal) situation than many believe. In the 98 days that remain to us we must turbocharge our preparations to make sure that there is as little disruption as possible to our national life. I believe that is possible with the kind of national effort that the British people have made before and will make again”.

Deal or no deal, Mr. Johnson is living on tenuous grounds. He has inherited a minority government and any three defectors could abruptly and swiftly end his political life. He, therefore, urgently needs legitimacy as Prime Minister. He knows that his best chance of achieving that goal is an election contest with a Labour Party led by Jeremy Corbyn in whom there is insufficient national confidence.

Shortly after October 31, Britain will have another general election at which politicians will be punished or rewarded for BREXIT. Either way, the UK economy which slowed to 1.4 per cent in 2018, the slowest rate since 2012, will require astute management, much of it dependent on Britain concluding benThe chances of Mr. Johnson being able eficial trade agreements and new investment in financial services and manufacturing – a to improve on the deal, negotiated by Theresa May and rejected by the British daunting prospect since the UK will be negoParliament, are pretty remote. He knows tiating from a position of weakness with the that despite the brave face he puts on it. bigger economies - US, China and India.

Mr. Johnson has now opened the can of Come October 31, he will either have to accept the May deal or walk away from worms he helped to create.

Responses and previous commentaries: Europe with no deal. Politically, he www.sirronaldsanders.com could not accept the May deal.

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KEEPING IT COOL WITHOUT POWER Now that we’re well into summer, we can expect more tropical systems to develop and an increase in weather-related power outages.

If you don’t have a back-up source of power or the back-up source has failed, you may find yourself without power for prolonged periods.

Besides dealing with the heat, there’s the risk that perishables will spoil.

Here are some tips to help keep your food from going off during a blackout. * Turn your refrigerator into an ice chest. Place gallon jugs of frozen water in the fridge for an ice chest effect. Remember, water expands when it freezes, so don’t fill the jugs all the way to the top.

Leave a couple of inches for the ice to expand. Keep the jugs in the freezer when the power’s on. * Make sure you have lots of ice in your freezer. * Consider investing in a chest freezer. This will give you lots of space to hold jugs of frozen water. Chest freezers are invaluable during prolonged storm power outages. Cold air falls so the chest freezers stay cold longer than side by sides. * Group food together in the freezer. This helps it stay cold longer than if the contents were spread out. * If you have a side by side refrigerator, move items to the bottom of the freezer side. Heat rises, so the bottom of the freezer will be the coldest. * Ditto with the refrigerator side.

* Keep a thermometer in your freezer. This will pinpoint the temperature of the food when power is restored and you open the freezer for the first time. The freezer should be set to 0 °F. If the temperature is 40 degrees or lower, food will still be cold. * Freeze any items you may not need to use, such as milk or cold cuts. Put them in the fridge a few hours before you plan to use them. * A refrigerator will keep your food cold for about four hours if it is unopened, but it will stay colder for significantly longer with a couple of gallons of frozen water In it. * A freezer will stay cold 24 - 48 hours if left unopened, but will stay colder for a lot longer with lots of ice and a jug of frozen water. * Know where everything is in the fridge to avoid opening the door for longer than necessary and allowing the cool air to escape. * Instead of opening the fridge several times during a prolonged outage, place whatever you’ll need for the next few hours in an ice chest with one of the frozen jugs of water. * Invest in a generator or investigate solar options. It’s a GREAT selling feature.

STAYING COOL * Open all the windows * Stay in the coolest room in the house * Wear thin, loose fitting clothes,

preferably cotton * Stay hydrated! This may be obvious, but sometimes we forget just how important hydration is to body temperature. * Drink cold water, if possible, to bring your body heat down. * Don’t eat hot food or drink anything hot * Take a cold shower or bath. Stay in the water until you are cold. * Sit under a shade tree to “catch the cool” in the day and avoid sunlight.

Don’t forget the insect repellant. * Draw shades if the sun is beating through the windows * Try the old trick of wetting a cool cloth for the back of your neck. This is great for heat headaches. * Another old trick: Wet and wring out a sheet and hang it across a window.

The breeze (if there is a breeze) will turn cool from the sheet’s moisture. Or spray your curtains with water for the same effect. * Invest in a generator or look into solar options. I can’t overemphasise that

By Mike Lightbourn it’s a great selling point.

Questions or comments?

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

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An Eleutheran Memory:

fe at u re Laura L. Anderson

July/Aug, 2019

(died July 13th 2019 at age 101 years.)

BY elizabeth bryan

In a brief interview following the 100th birthday service, Mrs. Anderson, who had taught at the primary school for many years before retiring, expressed how she felt about the school taking time out to celebrate with her, saying, “I feel so wonderful! I said, how could they think I’m so important, but God is good. I’ve done my best, and tried to help the school in all the years that I was there. I was happy to see one of my students still there teaching … I still feel pretty good, with just a bit of arthritis in my right leg. It was bothering me, and I recently fell on the same knee which made it worse - so I can’t walk as good as I used to, but I was able to walk around well today. God is so good. I give Him thanks every day, because He has been so good to me. My memory has not failed. I was good at Math, and I haven’t forgotten any of it. So, I thank God for that. I’ve given Him my heart, my everything. So, whatever comes my way, He is taking care of me - so I don’t have to worry.”

In late November 2015, Mrs. Anderson was invited as the guest of honour at the opening ceremony of the then new library and computer centre in Bluff, to officially cut the ribbon - marking the historic re-opening. One of her many contributions to The Bluff community was also serving for 28 years, as the town librarian.

-- Below is an excerpt of a Profile Article published in 2016 just before Mrs. Anderson’s 98th birthday:

An Eleutheran Memory: Mrs. Laura L. Anderson

in memoriam: Mrs. Laura Anderson, one of the sharpest centenarians you would have ever met, at the age of 101, passed away at her home on July 13th 2019, with her daughter, Joan Gibson, by her side.

Mrs. Anderson, was officially the oldest woman living in the township of The Bluff in North Eleuthera, and was nothing short of amazing. She was also the sister of the oldest man to have lived in The Bluff, in modern times, Mr. Samuel Vincent Neely, who passed away just a few weeks earlier, at the age of 106, on June 20th, 2019.

Mrs. Anderson, who had always seemed to enjoy amazing health for her blessed age, was diagnosed with heart failure earlier in 2019, confirmed a family member, and grew weaker until her passing in July. Mrs. Anderson’s life and times were celebrated during her funeral service, which was held on Sunday, July 28th, 2019 at 11am at the New Vision Church of God in The Bluff.

During Febuary of 2018, Mrs. Anderson, a longstanding educator, and businesswoman who also served her community in a myriad of other ways, celebrated a full century of life, and chose to spend part of her very special day, with students and staff of the local primary school, which was renamed in

her honour during March of 2017. The special guest speaker during her 100th birthday celebration service, Pastor Manessah Simms of the Seventh Day Adventist church in The Bluff, where Mrs. Anderson was an active member, described Mrs. Anderson as the epitome of a ‘virtuous woman’, one who was always prepared, also wise as well as kind - one who deserved praise and lauded her life’s witness for God. After being showered with love, gifts of fruit, which she said she was delighted to receive, since she really enjoyed eating fresh fruits, and a 100th birthday cake, which at the time she was able to stand and cut the first piece, before presenting it to a former student nearby - She gave a response to all present, in a clear and resounding voice, which gave testament to her strength, saying, “I want to say a very special thank you to everyone who is here. Not only the teachers, the principal, and the pastors, but to all the parents and all the children as well. I want to thank you for being so kind and showing your love to me.

I appreciate this, and I am praying that God will bless you all, from the oldest to the youngest, and that the young children will grow up in the spirit of the Lord, living a godly life. So, when Jesus comes, we will all be ready to go with him. Amen!”

An Eleutheran Profile: Mrs. Laura Louise Anderson

Early Days: Laura Louise Anderson, was born in the settlement of The Bluff in North Eleuthera, on February 13th in 1918, on the cusp of the roaring twenties in the U.S., and at the tail end of World War I. For her though, life in Eleuthera at the time as she explained, was much simpler, “All we did was play around, go to school, go back home, do your chores. I grew up with my grandparents [William and Susan Eldon], because my mother went away when I was two years old, and before she came back, I used to write letters to her. She came back when I was 10 years old, so I grew up with my grandparents. My grandmother taught me to do a little sewing and a little straw work, and when I wasn’t doing that, I was climbing the trees and picking the fruits for her. We had a big yard filled with fruit trees - dilly trees, guava trees, plum trees, sugar apple trees, all kinds of fruit trees, and I did all the climbing, and picked the fruits for her.”

School Days: School was a central part of life when Laura was a young girl growing up in The Bluff, and it would go on to play a major role in her life throughout the years. “I went to the same school that’s here right now, when I was five years old. It was an all age school when I went to it, because there was no high school in the area. We had class 1, 2, and 3, then grades 1 to 6.

“I was a standout student… When the school was having BJC’s given, I just went and put my name down for five - Bible Study, Language, Math, Needlework and Literature and I came out with my five A’s.” When the time came to take my GCE’s at the All Age School, there were two English teachers here who I studied with in the eve-

ning, and I had to go to Nassau to write them, and I did five of them - the same five subjects. I started teaching when I was 12 years old, as a monitress at that time, and taught until I was 21. My Principal then was Mr. Mervin W. Gibson, from Savannah Sound, and he started me off in teaching,” shared Mrs. Anderson.

She also recalled when the structure of the school in Bluff changed, and explained, “When they built the high school in the 60’s [in Palmetto Point] it became a primary school and all the area here - Lower Bogue, Upper Bogue, The Current, Current Island, Gregory Town - the primary aged children came here. Those in the upper grades went first to the high school in Palmetto Point, because there was still none down this way.”

Family and Change: As young people do, Laura got married, and the rhythm of her life changed. “At 21, in 1939, I got married [to Horner Egbert Anderson, now deceased], and had my baby and had to stay home to mind [take care of] my baby. My husband was the local police at the time. Afterwards, I didn’t go back to teaching, and was asked to be the librarian, as they had recently opened a library here. I kept the library for 28 years.” During her 28 years as town librarian, Mrs. Anderson attended the library three times a week for two hours in the afternoon on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. “I used to help the children with their homework when they came up to the library and I invited them to come so that I could help to teach them to read the books, and also how to be careful with the books.

Children would come up and enjoy the time, and I also had a few adults who had joined the library as well. We had religious, history, geography, science, dictionaries, encyclopedias as well as children’s books with all kinds of stories… When I started with the library in the 1940’s it was the first one to be opened in The Bluff, and it was done by the government. There was a little fee to become a member of the library, and at the end of each month that little fee I had to send in to the Commissioner at Harbour Island.”

In 1967, life shifted once again for Mrs. Anderson, she shared, “While I was still keeping the library, they asked me to come back to school, saying they wanted a specialist needlework teacher.

I used to do dressmaking, so they asked me to come back. When I went back, I had to do not just needlework and dressmaking, but everything else, because it was an All Age School, I had to teach for the BJC’s and all kinds of things. C. W. Sawyer [with a school named in his honour in New Providence] was my Principal then.”

After Mrs. Anderson went back to teaching, she was told that she would have to go back to school as well, because she had been a monitress when she last taught, and it was then required that she become a trained teacher. So, in 1972 at the age of 54, she attended the Teacher’s College - the first six weeks in San Salvador, and the remaining time in New Providence. “Because I had my BJC’s and GCE’s with A’s and all that I only had to do two years,” she explained. In 1974 she returned home.

At the age of 65, Mrs. Anderson disclosed that the Ministry of Education wrote her a letter informing her that it was time for her to resign, however, they also communicated that since she had been out of the teaching service for an extended length of time, and was still needed at the school, she was invited to remain for another ten years. The catch, however, was that from that point on she was on

feat u re An Eleutheran MEMORY Continued from pg. 14 a month to month contract. So, when she finally retired in 1994, having taught with the Ministry for about 35 years, she was tidily informed that she was ineligible for a pension - receiving, as she put it, “not one cent”, after retirement. “My Principal then was Mr. Daniel Davis. He wrote and asked why. The Ministry wrote back and said I had broken service, so they gave me nothing,” she said with a wry chuckle.

Passions, Skills and Talents: “I had a school friend whose mother did dressmaking, and I would visit her in the afternoon sometimes, and watch her mother sew. I didn’t have a father at home, he lived in the United States and I didn’t know him, and my mother was again away, and living with my grandmother, I had to do all the shopping. So, when I had time, I would go and visit and watch this lady sewing - that’s how I learned to sew. I didn’t go to sewing school, but I kept watching and learned”, said Mrs. Anderson, who later made an entrepreneurial career out of this skill, which she groomed from an early age.

“After I started to teach, I bought a machine and started sewing with my own wisdom. I got my tape measurement and learned to measure people when they wanted me to make a dress. I had to learn it on my own. I did dressmaking while I was on my own at home, before I returned to teaching.

I did blouses and dresses, but I did not usually sew for men. If they wanted something altered - if their pants were too long or wanted a sleeve off, I would do that, but I didn’t generally sew for men. I sewed for girls and women”, said Mrs. Anderson about her early forays in dressmaking.

The level of Mrs. Anderson’s talent was such that she had no need for style patterns to create the desired look for her clients. She could create the dress by just looking at the picture of the style.

“People are always saying to me, things like ‘remember when you put me in this style or when you did this or that’. But I don’t sew anymore. For my styles, I had books that I had ordered from National and Sears. People would look in the books and choose the style they wanted, and I would copy the look, write their measurements in my book and go to work and cut after they brought the material.”

Mr. and Mrs. Anderson also got involved in the grocery business later in their marriage, and Mrs. Anderson who is still involved in running her store, described how it all got started, saying, “In 1968 we [she and her husband] built the store and our house at the same time. I had lived with my in-laws right at the end of this property (where Anderson’s grocery store is located) in a two-story building, and my husband and I lived upstairs. My in-laws had a little wooden store right here where they used to sell cake, all sorts of cakes they used to bake. After they got older and didn’t want to bother anymore, my husband knocked down the little store and he built this one and we said we would sell food and other stuffs, like rice and peas and beef. That’s how we started this.”

Straw plaiting is another passion for Mrs. Anderson. Her grandmother, she said, taught her straw work, and used to say, she reminisced, “Don’t sit down with your hands in your lap, find something to do.” So, Mrs. Anderson says she always has to be doing something, be it needlework, embroidery, or straw work. Today, she creates a wide variety of different straw plait designs including the - eleven string, binding plaits, seven string, lace (insertion, twisted pearl, three pearls, and plain), Jacob’s ladder, silver tops (black & brown), peas and rice, and coconut straw. She buys the raw cut tops and does the entire preparation process for the different plait

designs herself, including stripping them and having them dry out in the sun and curing them.

Currently, she has reams and reams of various meticulously handcrafted straw plait in stock, and welcomes interested buyers.

Mrs. Anderson is also currently a local elder in the Bluff Seventh Day Adventist Church, and over the years she was very active in ministry. “I’ve done everything in the church,” she shared with an emotional smile, “I was the sabbath school leader, organist, lay preacher, visiting sick and shut ins, and whatever the Lord asked me to do.”

Secret to Longevity: Mrs. Anderson was asked what the secret was to her health and longevity, and she smiled, saying, “Well, when I was young, I would climb every tree and play hopscotch. I also had to walk quite a distance to go to the shop and to visit my school friends. I’ve lived a very active life, doing everything, running, jumping, hopping, climbing, skipping - everything a child could do, and the way we ate was mostly fruits and vegetables, fish - no alcohol, I don’t know what it tastes like, and no smoking. Also, becoming an Adventist, you follow what the bible says - so that’s the important thing about how you live - doing what the Lord says… Being temperate in everything… Now my mother didn’t make fifty, she died at 49 years old, but my brother and I are the two oldest people in Bluff.”

Advice to Youth: Having lived the length of time that she has, Mrs. Anderson had invaluable advice for today’s young people. “I give the children advice every day when they come around to the shop - how to be honest in their dealings, to be willing to learn when their parents and teachers try to teach them, so they can grow into wise and sensible adults. Your attitude means a lot and it helps you. I try to help them to know how to behave, how to be truthful, how to be kind and to be obedient and helpful to their parents, and in school to learn all they can, because this is their time. When they leave school, they are finished. If you are ready for a job or further study, then you’ve done your best to be prepared, and that’s what you are supposed to do, and that’s what I try to teach them”, she shared.

Obituary: Mrs. Laura Anderson is survived by her daughter, Joan Anderson Gibson; adopted daughter, Miriam Knowles; grandchildren: Phil and Ian, Kim, Kay and Kent; Great grandchildren: Laura, Phil Jr., Kendrick, Donoran, Corey and twins; very special family members: Michelle Anderson, the Late Samuel Neely (deceased brother) and children.

The Seventh Day Adventist Church Bluff Eleuthera, Special Inspirational Singers, David Astrel, Emmanuel Victor, Elder Selondier St. Tillman and Paul Derviste; All Friends and family members from the United States of America, including the Bluff, Eleuthera Island, Current, Spanish Wells, Bogue, Harbour Island and Nassau; All the Pastors and member of the Seventh Day Adventist Churches in the Bahamas working with Elder L. Anderson; The Schools that worked with her, particularly the Laura L. Anderson Primary School, named in her honour.

In The Photos: From the top - (1) Mrs. Anderson chats with Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling during her visit to Eleuthera in March of 2019.

(2) Mrs. Laura Anderson cutting the ribbon to officially re-open the library in her hometown of The Bluff in November 2015, where she served as librarian for 28 years. (3)/(4) Mrs. Anderson being recognized as the primary school in The Bluff was renamed in her honour during March of 2017, with Prime Minister Perry Christie and Minister of Education Jerome Fitzgerald..

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Chris ‘FIREMAN’ Brown Promoted to head Coach of Clayton State University in Atlanta Georgia.

Clayton State’s Director of Athletics, Ryan Erlacher, announced on Thursday, July 11th, 2019 that they would see new leadership of it’s men’s and women’s track & field program for the first time in its’ program history as as four-time Olympic medalist Chris “Fireman” Brown would assume those duties with long-time head coach Mike Mead being promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities and Alumni Engagement.

“With Coach Brown’s background and experience, he

will make significant strides forward for our programs. He has an exciting vision for our track and field programs and I have no doubt he will do an exceptional job. Our studentathletes, campus community, and alumni will all benefit greatly from these promotions.”

Brown, who joined the program as an assistant coach prior to this past season, brings instant credibility to a program that has seen success at the national level throughout its 22 years under Mead’s leadership. A native of the Bahamas, “Fireman” as he is known has been a fixture on the international stage since the age of 20 when he competed in the first of five consecutive Olympic Games.

As part of the 4x400-meter relay at the Sydney Olympics he helped the squad earn a Bronze medal before earning Silver eight years later in Beijing. In 2012 in London he was given the honor of serving as his country’s flagbearer and would be part of a group that would reach the apex of the running world as he was a key part of the Gold medal winning 4x400-meter relay.

That performance earned he and his teammates the

moniker “The Golden Knights” as it was the first men’s gold in the history of the Bahamas, a national record time (2:56.72) and the third fastest time in Olympic history.

He would add a fourth medal, this time a Bronze, at the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Games to go with fourth place finishes in the 400-meters in 2008 and 2012.

This past season he helped guide the Lakers to three individual Peach Belt Conference Champions, recording those in the 400-meters and 4x400-meter relay on the men’s side and the 200-meters for the women, and was heavily involved in the training and recovery regimen. He also contributed to a record-setting year for the women’s track & field program.

“It is an honor to receive this amazing opportunity,” said Brown. “Being named head track & field coach with big shoes to fill, following the legacy Coach Mead has built, is a new journey that I am excited to embrace. I look forward to contributing to Clayton State in this new role by continuing to build strong student-athletes and add to the program’s success. Let the journey begin!”

Source: ClaytonStateSports.com

PM Urges Credit Unions to Empower the Poor

By Lindsay Thompson

ATLANTIS, Paradise Island, The Bahamas - Commending credit unions on tremendous growth over the years, Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis urged the organization to put the demands of the poor at the forefront.

He was addressing the World Council of Credit Unions and Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions Conference at Atlantis Ballroom, Paradise Island on Sunday, July 28, 2019.

The Prime Minister said he was pleased that the organizations have chosen, once again, The Bahamas to stage their joint conferences, which attracted over 2,300 delegates from approximately 60 countries.

In his keynote address, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of credit unions in developing countries, and encouraged far-reaching solutions to the challenges facing the poor and underprivileged.

He advised that careful attention must be paid to the increasing regulatory requirements associated with credit union operations, including: fiscal responsibility, antimoney laundering and countering terrorist financing.

“Of urgency is the grave and existential threat posed by a heating climate, which will have devastating consequences on the poorest in our countries.

“No matter the topics you discuss, may you always put at the forefront the demands of social justice and human dignity, including the needs of the disadvantaged and the poor.

“Further, the fight for universal equality, especially for women and ethnic and other minorities are also the cause of those who

love justice and who promote peace,” the Prime Minister said.

The worldwide credit union movement is seen as a formidable force with approximately 89,000 credit unions in 117 Countries across six continents. Additionally, the movement boasts 260 million members and approximately two trillion dollars in assets.

“I note that the hosts of this conference, the World Council of Credit Unions and the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions are partners in various development projects,” the Prime Minister said “Indeed, in addition to providing technical and advocacy services, the World Council of Credit Unions is involved in a variety of development programs in less-developed communities,” the Prime Minister said.

He referenced the mission of the regional host, the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions that “seeks to strengthen, unite and promote sustainable growth and development for co-operatives in the Caribbean, as a vehicle for socio-economic development.”

Statistics show that as at December 2018, the regional CU Sector comprised an estimated 289 credit unions, serving approximately 2.6 million members, with estimates of US$6.2 billion in savings, US$4.9 billion in loans, US$733 million in reserves and, US$7.6 billion in assets.

Given this potential, especially among smaller-sized countries, the Prime Minister observed that credit unions can play an outsized role in national development, especially in rural and less developed areas globally and

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ferent stages, including; the North Eleuthera Airport, the Harbour Island Government Dock, the ongoing Roadworks in Spanish Wells and its’ community Cemetery, the Glass Window Bridge, and planned Roadworks in Central and South Eleuthera, he also announced that a new Area Engineer had been hired to specifically oversee both public and private works, ongoing and upcoming in Eleuthera - who would be based on island.

“On my last visit to Spanish Wells, I promised you that I would be back, so, here I am... We have big plans for Eleuthera. This year, it is critical that we ensure we have the technical leadership in Eleu-

the capital resources allocated to Family Island roadworks, of which he said, “Central and South Eleuthera is a priority.”

Concerning the Spanish Wells cemetery, Minister Bannister, stated, “I would also like to announce that this past Friday, I signed a notice of intended acquisition for the land for your cemetery. The Prime Minister and I are working with the Attorney General to ensure the legal work is done as soon as possible, and I look forward to Chief Councilor Roberts inviting me back when the time comes to ‘turn the dirt’ in the cemetery.”

He also updated the audience on the ongoing roadworks in Spanish Wells, saying, “In December 2018 the Spanish Wells

Pictured: Current state of disrepair at the Roderick Newton Higgs bridge, which connects the community of Spanish Wells to Russell Island. (Photo Courtesy of Mr. Aldred Albury)

hoped that the new Glass Window Bridge will become as iconic as the ‘Golden Gate Bridge’ in San Francisco, and continue to draw visitors from the Bahamas and around the world.”

The government dock in Harbour Island was also referenced briefly, with the Minister saying, “The decision will shortly be made on the award of a contract for the upgrade and extension of the government dock in Harbour Island.

Sharing some detail on the current status of the North Eleuthera Airport process, Minister Bannister outlined, “The project implementation unit of the InterAmerican Development Bank has been established

Pictured (L-R): Mr Godfrey Waugh - Waugh Construction (Bahamas) Ltd.; Mrs. Nicole Campbell - Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Works; and Hon. Desmond Bannister - Minister of Public Works. (Photo Courtesy of Mr. Aldred Albury)

thera to ensure that all the work done here is done to the highest standards - So, I am pleased to announce that an Area Engineer has been hired for the island of Eleuthera.

Eleuthera will be the first island in recent years to have an Island Engineer, and with the many proposed private and government developments for Eleuthera, Harbour Island and Spanish Wells - it is imperative that we have on island presence of a qualified Engineer, to closely monitor and supervise the various works,” said Minister Bannister.

He then introduced to the audience present, Mr. Scott Sawyer, from North Carolina, U.S.A., who officially commenced work on July 15th, with a week’s orientation in New Providence. “Today is his first day of work in Eleuthera. His specialty is GeoTechnical Engineering - and we look forward to him making a difference in the effective operation of the Ministry of Public Works offices in Eleuthera,” Bannister added.

In reference to roadworks in Central and South Eleuthera, he informed that the Director of Public Works - Melanie Roach, and Senior Family Island Engineer - David Cox, would spend the next several days touring Eleuthera, to determine how best to spend

roadworks contract, valued at $687,691.20 was awarded to Nu View Construction from Eleuthera. Work started on January 24th, 2019 for a contract period of six months.

The contracted work is progressing satisfactorily and over 90% of the work is completed to date. There will be some concrete work along the main road and the dock edge, that was not scoped in the original contract, but will be covered in the contingency allowance that we have in the funds. Expected completion of the job is in mid-August of 2019.”

Announcing what he described as, “Exciting plans in the works for North Eleuthera,” Minister Bannister revealed, “My Ministry has received proposals from three eminently qualified Engineering firms for the design of the ‘New’ Glass Window Bridge. The proposals are currently under review, and it is anticipated that by the final quarter of this year, a firm will be selected, with preliminary studies and testing to commence early in 2020. The area of the Glass Window Bridge is one of the natural wonders of the world, and the successful firm will have to produce a design which complements the magnificence of the site. It is

in my Ministry, and they are working on completing the airside and landside design for the Exuma International Airport - this design of the terminal and crash/fire rescue building will be tailored for reuse at the North Eleuthera Airport. The government is in the process of acquiring the requisite amount of land required to construct a new runway, terminal building, crash/fire rescue building and other ancillary infrastructure at the North Eleuthera Airport... We anticipate spending close to 40 million on the airport project to ensure that North Eleuthera Article Continued Page 19

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BY The eleutheran news team

taken, saying, “The police are working assiduously to decrease this fear by increasing their visibility within the communities, and conducting ongoing, intelligence led operations.” 30 major intelligence led operations throughout the country, he said, had been conducted so far in 2019, with a number of people arrested, charged, and put before the courts, as a result. The Commissioner went on to share his team’s successes in a number of illegal drug seizures (mainly marijuana and prescription drugs), and reemphasized his focus on the prevention and reduction of crime throughout the Bahamas, as well as the importance of community policing and their partnership with members of the public.

In an interview following the Briefing by Commissioner Ferguson, Chief Superintendent Stephen Adderley, Officer In Charge of the Eleuthera Division, spoke to some of the challenges with crime, specific to Eleuthera, and summed up with general advice for the public during the summer months, and going forward into the remainder of 2019.

In response to being asked about policing challenges in Eleuthera during the first half of the year, C/Supt. Adderley, shared, “We have had our challenges, however, I don’t think our challenges were as great as last year (2018). This year we have had a lot of initiatives/operations ongoing. We had the weapon that was discharged in North Eleuthera

Lo c a l - that was first. So, we had a number of matters that were kind of firsts for us, and shocking. So, the culprit was confronted, and shot by the Police Officer, and he later died. We recovered an AK47.

So, we’ve had our challenges in that aspect, but, overall crime in its reporting, has not been, as great as last year.”

He continued, “Now we are looking at some trends as it relates to crime. We’ve had a number of persons moving into the Eleuthera district with criminal backgrounds, so, we are watching them very closely and monitoring them. We notice now that there is a group organizing, a small group, including females, that are prone to doing house break-ins. So, we are looking into and addressing those issues. They are looking for the most vulnerable within the communities - people who take vacation, and leave their homes unoccupied or unsecured, business persons who have not barred up their places, etc.

“You know Eleuthera is a very quiet place, and we expect it to be so, but, the trend is now - because of the pressure being placed on other areas, like New Providence and Grand Bahama, criminals are now fanning out to Family Islands, and hoping to find more lucrative grounds to perpetrate their crime. So, we’ve been advising businesses particularly, to be very careful, and to pay attention to their surroundings - to put in the necessary infrastructure to prevent or to frustrate those persons who are bent on breaking into your business, your homes, and the like. We don’t advise carrying large amounts of cash, thinking that Eleuthera is relatively safe. It’s now local accomplices who are looking and observing, then calling their friends in New Providence to come over and perpetrate these crimes along with them. Then they move back

July/Aug, 2019 into the city with these stolen goods. So, these are some of the issues we are facing and looking at now. We are well aware, and now monitoring and keeping abreast of these activities - to ensure that they don’t escalate into making Eleuthera anywhere like Abaco, or the Biminis, or New Providence and Grand Bahama,” said C/Supt. Adderley Emphasizing the importance of the police and communities working together, OIC Adderley stated, “We want to maintain the kind of tranquil environment that we live in right now. It takes all of us, inclusive of locals and community members to make Eleuthera safe. We [the Police] are as strong as the community is - and if the community is criminally minded, then of course criminality will be pervasive. So, quite naturally, we know that there are many more good people in this community than bad. It’s a small number of bad apples.

If we collectively get together and focus to ensure Eleuthera remains crime free - we will keep it that way. So, we depend very heavily on the Eleuthera community, who has been assisting us very well, and we hope to continue that relationship going forward for the rest of the year - keeping the crime as it is right now.”

Responding to a question on hotspots for the break-in activity he had described, C/Supt. Adderley explained, “For the island right now it’s been fairly quiet. In Governor’s Harbour we’ve had a number of petty thefts going on, and we are working to bring those to resolution. These have been along the Banks Road and going into Palmetto Point, but we are following some good leads, and Article Continued Page 47

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Continued from Page. 17 has an appropriate airport for your developing future.”

Rounding out his remarks, and bringing the topic back to the ceremony taking place, Minister Bannister explained that

the construction work on the new Spanish Wells/Russell Island bridge had a contract period of 16 weeks, and had been awarded to Waugh Construction (Bahamas) at a value of $2,803,102.40. Then quipped smilingly, as he concluded, “I look forward to returning in 16 weeks to celebrate the grand opening of the new bridge between Spanish Wells and Russell Island.”

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Miss World Bahamas 2019-2020 Visits Eleuthera as part of her “Beauty With a Purpose” Tour

BY The eleutheran news team

Pictured: Miss World Bahamas, Nyah Bandelier, with young police camper at SEEP, Tarpum Bay.

Youth from the South Eleuthera Police Camp, supervised by Sgt. 1773 Mavis Knowles, who pioneered and started the Police camp location 21 years ago, were out in numbers on Friday, July 19th at the South Eleuthera Emergency Partners (SEEP)

site in Tarpum Bay in anticipation of the arrival of Miss World Bahamas 2019/2020, Ms. Nyah Bandelier, who made a special trip to Eleuthera in mid-July, as part of her “Beauty With A Purpose” tour. The visit was organized by the One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) and allowed Ms. Bandelier and her entourage to tour OEF, CTI, SEEP and various heritage sites throughout the island.

The children on Friday morning were decked out in Junkanoo headdress costuming, created during their time at camp, with Junkanoo Legend Hall of Famer, Alvin Johnson, from Tarpum Bay, facilitating their creations, to give a special rush-out welcome to Miss World Bahamas.

Following her arrival, and the live Junkanoo, Ms. Bandelier commented, “I felt so welcome, my heart was full.

It feels so good to have this reception from the island that I represented and have roots from.” Miss World Bahamas, as a descendant of North Palmetto Point, represented the island of Eleuthera during the pageant held in New Providence on May 26th, 2019.

Above & right: South Eleuthera Police Camp students and supervisors put on a colorful Junkanoo rushout to welcome Miss World Bahamas.

Her platform, which focused on the reduction of plastic pollution, was fully in line with a variety of programs and initiatives taking place in Eleuthera, explained Ms. Bandelier, “With the Bahamas Plastic Movement having been founded here, and the recycling programs established here by One Eleuthera, I have always wanted to get involved. So today’s visit I’m looking forward to seeing some of the work being done here, with recycling, and to talk with the kids who welcomed me here, and to gain further

understanding of the efforts taking place here in Eleuthera. I would really like to see the program here branching out to New Providence and other islands as well, to see a safer Article Continued Page 43

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Continued from Page. 7 and with the children in schools, encouraging them to drink more water and the like.”

Ms. Culmer commented that another aim of hers during her year would be to discourage redundancy in their efforts by partnering with groups who were already doing certain things, and to tap into areas of need not being addressed. As an example, she described, “At the beginning of the school year, everybody does schoolbooks, pencils, backpacks and so on. Alternatively, I challenged the club to go with hygiene this year, instead. After speaking with counselors in the schools, many children, especially young girls, come to school without necessary personal toiletries. So we would like to get personal care packages, more so into the high schools, so when those students present themselves with the need to counselors, there is something there for them.”

Another goal for 2019/2020, said Susan, was to partner with the Salvation Army to assist them with their ‘kettling’ drive during the holiday season near the end of the year. “I want to encourage our board to assist, so the outreach can be further expanded into South Eleuthera, as well as into North Eleuthera, and beyond Governor’s Harbour. The care packages distributed by the Salvation Army during the Christmas normally cover from Hatchet Bay to Bannerman Town, so I feel that if we can raise more funds, the impact and reach can be even greater, touching more people.”

“Our first project during this year we hope to be at Preacher’s Cave, where we intend to build some benches,” added Susan.

“Several of the Rotary Clubs out of Nassau are

also interested in partnering with us and assisting. This year, the Presidents of the Rotary Clubs within the Bahamas are focused more on partnership rather than being competitive with one another, so it makes it easier to get more accomplished.”

When asked about changes she wanted to make this year, Ms. Culmer was enthusiastic, “A lot of our members, in speaking with them, they would like to do more ‘hands on’, and be more visible. It’s fine to have a meeting and bring in a speaker, but I also want to put our face out there more, where we are touching this and touching that. Also, where ever possible I’m encouraging the Rotaractors to come on board with what we are doing, and doing it jointly. If we are the parent, we should be raising our children the same way, so I’m encouraging them with whatever we do, to be a part of it.”

When asked about membership and growth of the community organization, Susan expressed, “As they say, ‘Let the life I live, speak for me’, so, I want when we are out there, that we are ‘speaking’ to people through our actions. So, I don’t have to come and say, ‘Can I encourage you to join Rotary’, and so forth. I figure once people see what is going on they will say, ‘How can I be a part of what you all have going on. So, that’s what I want to do.”

Incoming Board Members, who will work along with Incoming President, Susan Culmer during the 2019/2020 year include: Audrey Carey (Secretary and Club Administration), Brian Carey (Treasurer), PP Colin Moss (Sgt. at Arms), PP Juanita Pinder (Public Relations), Audley Meadows (Service Projects and Disaster), PP Sherrin Cooper (Foundation), PP Jacqueline Gibson (Membership), Glenda Ingraham (Youth).

Tragic Drowning in Hatchet Bay part of larger loss for New Providence School

BY The eleutheran news team

Above: Young Dustin Ranger, who lost his life in a tragic drowning accident on July 16th, 2019.

18-Year-Old Dustin Ranger, a part of the Hatchet Bay wider community, (resident and nonresident) visiting the island from New Providence, lost his life, in a tragic drowning accident on Tuesday, July 16th, 2019, in the area of Seaside Beach, Hatchet Bay. According to police reports, shortly before 6:00pm, a group of young men were walking along the sea rocks near the water’s edge in the area of Seaside Beach, Hatchet Bay, when they decided to jump into the water. Dustin, when he jumped in, it was said that he immediately came to the surface, holding his arm up and requesting assistance to get out of the water.

His friends, said reports, were not able to pull him up to the rocks, and he slipped away from their hands and became submerged a second time.

Several men arrived shortly afterward and assisted in pulling the young man

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from the water, and transported him to the community clinic in Hatchet Bay. Medical staff attempted to revive him, but they were not successful, and he was pronounced dead shortly after 7pm.

Messages of disbelief and condolences to the Ranger family poured out via social media, following the tragic incident. An older sibling of Dustin, on social media, expressed later on that evening, “I am absolutely heart broken. I can’t find words to describe what’s going on in my heart. I love you. I’m happy I was able to tell you that many times while you were still alive.”

Later during the same week, on Friday, July 19th, 2019, administrators, students and teachers of Anatol Rodgers Senior High School along with family and representatives of the neighbouring religious community remembered three former students of the school - who had all lost their lives within the past three weeks - during a special Memorial Service held in their honour.

Dustin Ranger, a member of the school’s graduating Class of 2018, was one of those three lives lost. The two other students were Leo Dorcely, a ninth grader, who had been killed in a hit and run accident, and Cornell Edwards, a tenth grader, who had allegedly committed suicide.

The service was held in the foyer of the school located on Faith Avenue, South. Harcourt McCoy, principal of Anatol Rodgers, extended condolences to the families of the victims. “ We are deeply moved by what has happened. As a close knit family we share in the burden of their families,” said Mr. McCoy. Theophilus Claridge, District Superintendent, extended sympathy to the families on behalf of the District, the Department of Education and the Ministry of Education. The school made a presentation to a representative of the family of one of the victims who was present. None of the other students were represented by family at the service, however, it is the intention of the school to also make presentations to them.

Prayers were raised for the families of the victims and students.

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RELATIONSHIPS: Is Arguing Really Necessary in a Relationship?

By Teri M. Bethel

If two or more people come together in life, there will be differences of opinions. Those differences often lead to arguments.

But they don’t have to. We act the way we do because of the information we’ve received.

Our actions generally shift when there is a change of information.

Have you noticed that some adults have double standards when it comes to arguing? It’s acceptable behaviour for them, but wrong for their children who are told not to argue. Instead, they are encouraged to work their issues out amicably. Many have heard their parents say, “don’t do what I do, do what I tell you to do!”

Kids, however, learn to resolve conflicts just as they see the adults doing. So, they raise their voices in anger, spew harsh words, have temper tantrums, and wield objects without restraint. The cycle then continues into adulthood, which affects marriages as

well as other relationships.

Love Doesn’t Leave Emotional Dents Pretty often it’s not the problem that’s the problem, but how you choose to address the issue that makes the difference. Some couples claim to have a short fuse or that they’re passionate.

They raise their voices and flail their arms when communicating. Non-confrontational spouses take the abuse quietly while nursing their heartache from their overbearing partner.

Other couples claim that it’s important to fight fair as though their relationship is an authorised wrestling match. Did you know it’s possible not to fight or argue at all? In fact, disagreements do not have to turn in to arguments. Both people involved in the relationship have a right to express their opinions without being bullied. In any event, having ground rules for your disagreements before they happen would be helpful. That way, you are less likely to do and say things to your spouse that would leave emotional dents.

No Big Rocks!

It’s not like when you were kids, and you had a rock war with your

neighbours. Remember, you would set the terms of engagement like this: “Okay, no big rocks!” But on the way back across the street to tell your team how the negotiations went, you got whacked in your back with a big rock. For your marriage or any other relationship to survive, you’ve got to have standards. Set communication guidelines and stick with it regardless of how high your passion rises. Call it establishing healthy rules of engagement.

Everyone is entitled to an opinion. A wise man once said that opinions are like noses, most of them have at least two holes. Take the time to listen to your spouse before trying to put forth your point of view. Perhaps if there was twice as much listening as there was talking there would be less agitation. While you’re at it, practice good body language. Being two inches from your spouses face with a finger on the verge of entering their nostril is disrespectful and does not provide an atmosphere for a friendly conversation.

Can Public Shaming Help Your Situation?

When you honour your spouse, that honour is not just when you feel like it; it should be constant. When you become annoyed, defuse that anger before it spirals out of control. It may require walking away from the conversation in a polite manner before you can speak calmly. This way, you can navigate through the sensitive issues with a clear head and a respectful disposition.

Whether intentional or not, some couples wield their rocks in a public forum; they do so at family events, church, on social media or in office chatter, hoping to shame or discredit their spouse. This public shaming, however, says more about the character deficiency of the exposer than the exposed.

Keep Private Disagreements Private

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Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera

If you have children, how does this play out for them—are you by your example conditioning your children to be disrespectful to you and your mate, or their mates? Are you burdening them with too much information by drawing them into conversations that should be kept behind closed doors? Could your behaviour be what is affecting your children’s behaviour at school or in their relationships?

As adults, our behaviour has a trickle-down effect that affects all levels of society. What we are behind closed doors will somehow show up despite all efforts to suppress them.

We can sugar-coat our deficiencies, or we can look them squarely in the eyes and address them. No-one has it all together so having to fix an area in our lives should be considered a routine course of action, and not a judgmental slap in the face. That’s just one way we can begin to stem the flow of abuse in our relationships.

But I’m Not Patient!

I’ve heard some people say, “But I’m not patient!” Yet they claim to love their spouse. Well, which one is it? Are you impatient, or do you love them? You see the Bible tells us that, “love is patient”. So rather than letting a pesky little devil get between the two of you, why not learn how to stand together as one and drive it away from both of you. That way, you can focus on having the best relationship yet. One that is free from constant bickering—one that causes you to build each other up rather than breaking yourselves down. You can learn to communicate lovingly if you really want to. Don’t you think it’s about time you begin to celebrate each other in this way?

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‘through AUG. 2019 highlights in AUGUST 2019

Eleuthera’s Summer of Festivals: 27th Annual Back to The Bay (Tarpum Bay)

Wed., July. 31, 2019 to Monday, Aug. 5, 2019.

Weekend Entertainment include: live band performances featuring the 123 Band. Beer Drinking Contest, Hat Show, Plaiting of the Maypole, Performance by Blaudy (Friday night); Fashion Show, Junkanoo Rushout and Competition begin at 9pm - cash prizes and trophies (Saturday night); Gospel Concert at 7pm (Sunday night); Beach Bash - 10am to 10pm (Monday). Music by: Jeffery Hype, Alexander Da Great, DJ Pressure & PopStyle, also: Native food, drinks and games. Location: Homecoming Site, Queen’s Highway, Tarpum Bay, South Eleuthera. Contact Information: Mr. Ronald Carey Jr - (242) 553-6351

Bay Fest (Hatchet Bay)

Wed., July. 31, 2019 to Monday, Aug. 5, 2019 Entertainment this year include: live band performances featuring the RBPF Police Band (Fri thru Sunday), Comedy Show and Fashion Show (Friday night), Blaudie (Saturday night), Fanshawn Evans (Sunday night). DJ sounds: Fadda Chippy, DJ Hype, hosted by King Cloud, also: Native food, drinks and games. Proceeds will go towards community projects.Contact Information: Melissa Dean (Chairperson) - (242) 551-0538

Governor’s Harbour Goombay Summer Fest

Saturday, August 31st, 2019 6:00pm - 12:00am Entertainment: Fire Dancer - Venus, Blue Waters Entertainment (live band), with Headliners: Blaudy & Fanshawn Evans. Activities: Bush Tea demo and tasting, Crafts, Games, and Junkanoo Rushout. Location: Bayfront Park, Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, Bahamas. Contact Information: Governor’s Harbour Tourist Office - 242-332-2142

Take a LOOK: SPACES CAMP - Eleuthera Summer Program of Arts and Crafts in memory of Eunice Sands

August 6th - 16th

Wesley Methodist Church Hall (Palmetto Point) Ages 8-16.

Contact: Karen Crean (242-557-7075) or (242332-2924)

Jehovah’s Witnesses Convention “Love Never Fails” August 2nd to August 4th, 2019

LOCATION: Harbour Island Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses Convention Program Highlights: “The Friday program will address how love can help people surmount obstacles such as a troubled upbringing, chronic illness, or poverty. Saturday’s program will consider how Bible principles help husbands, wives, and children to show love for one another. Sunday’s program will include a public Bible discourse entitled “True Love in a Hate-Filled World—Where?” that will address overcoming prejudice and hatred.”

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

Holidays and Observance Days: Monday, August 5th - Emancipation Day/ August Monday (public holiday)

School Events: Public Schools Reopen on September 2nd, 2019.

Community Events: Cardboard 2 Culture: Junkanoo Workshop 2019 Presented by the Governor’s Harbour Cultural and Community Organization

August 31st and September 1st, 2019

Friday - 12pm to 5pm, and Saturday 9am to 5pm.

Content will focus on structuring a Junkanoo program from start to finish (Costume building, Advanced Engineering & Rod bending.

All Schools, Junkanoo Groups, Community Helpers, Entrepreneurs & Crafters - You are All welcomed to participate. To Register, contact us at ghcco@hotmail. com or call 242-464-0267, 332-2559, 242-467-5137 or 332-3764. FEE: $75 (Includes all workshop materials).

Spring ARTS Performing Arts Day Camp Musical Drama Finale Will be hosted on Saturday, August 3rd @ 7pm.

LOCATION: St. Patrick’s Parish Hall, Governor’s Harbour, Central Eleuthera.

The Eleuthera Softball Association Fast Pitch

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

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

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

CONTACT

The Eleutheran Newspaper at 422-9350 or

send email to services@theeleutheran.com, to have your community notices and events listed.

26 www. EleutheraNews . com

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dare to prepare: 2019 eleuthera Police camp hosts over 200 youth across islands

The five camps in the Police Summer Program came to together at Worker’s House on Friday, July 26th in a closing out ceremony after four full weeks of fun-filled activities.

BY The eleutheran news team

More than two hundred children this summer spent the month of July in the company of dedicated men and women of the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF), at five summer youth program camp locations spread across the Eleutheras.

Children participating, with a theme of ‘Dare to Prepare’, were involved in daily activities, including lectures given by various community and civic leaders on pertinent topics - like health and wellbeing, conflict resolution, dangerous drugs, and the role of police. They were treated to numerous field trips - including forays to different beaches, ambulance tours, movie outings and other adventures across the island.

At the camp location in Governor’s Harbour, camp leader, Reserve Inspector Emily Petty, during the month, hosted the Health Association of Central Eleuthera (HACE) ambulance, with Mr. Jason Thompson, who gave excited campers guided tours of the ambulance, both up front from the drivers perspective, including a test run of the loud siren and flashing lights, as well as a look inside the rear, where emergency volunteers and medical personnel, treat emergency patients and save lives.

Officer in Charge of the Eleuthera District, Chief Supt. Stephen Adderley, commenting on the purpose and spirit of the 2019 Police Summer Camp program, stated, “Last year, camp was a little larger. There are a number of other little camps also operating, they provide a bit of competition, so people had to have been selective about which camp they would go to, based on what their interests are. We wanted to provide a safe environment where we could keep them from getting into mischief. The whole idea is to keep kids focused and keep them supervised over these three short months, while they are on summer break, and at the same time provide them with

information conducive for their development within the community. We would have spoken with them about conflict resolution, and exposed them to people within different professional careers giving them role models they could look up to and to aspire to. It’s not about babysitting, but about helping to positively mold the minds of these young people - to be good, productive citizens.

That is what we are hoping to achieve.”

Police Camp Fun day at the Anchor Bay/Fish Fry site on Wednesday, July 17th, saw the more than 200 campers get together in Governor’s Harbour for a day of fun on the beach at the Bayfront and delicious food at the Fish Fry area.

Police shut down one of the roadways to ensure the safety of the many youngsters having fun on the day, and thirty community volunteers were also out, said Chief Superintendent Adderley, assisting the Police Camp supervisors with monitoring and keeping everyone safe.

“They truly enjoyed themselves. We had a grill set up, so, there was lots of food, and lots of drinks - we kept them hydrated, and they also enjoyed themselves in the water. We picked that location, because the water is very shallow. It’s something that we look forward to every year, bringing all the campers together, and enjoying the time with them.”

At the closing ceremony, held within the Worker’s House Ballroom in Governor’s Harbour on Friday, July 26th, delegations of children from all five of the Police summer camp locations came together in one large group to wind up another summer program.

Chief Supt. Stephen Adderley, remarking at the closing ceremony, praised the sacrifice of the police officers who unselfishly gave of their time to Article Continued Page 28

2019

CO N S E RVAT I O N CO R N E R

Shark Conservation

By CEI This summer marks the fourth collaboration between the Cape Eleuthera Institute and OceanX. At the end of June, the M/V Alucia returned to the Exuma Sound, where our work in the deep waters between Deal’s Point and Tommy Sound continued.

Our main objective of this mission was to build upon previous missions and successfully deploy a satellite tag on a bluntnose sixgill shark from a submersible, something we’ve attempted on two unsuccessful previous missions. On the first, we were unable to safely deploy a tag, as the shark that passed in front of the sub was too high. On the second, we had multiple opportunities to release a tag, but the tagging devices failed to fire. On our most recent mission, we had four attempts to tag a bluntnose sixgill shark. After three unsuccessful dives, the fourth night made history: for the first time, a deep water shark was tagged, at depth, from a submersible. Now, we anxiously await the satellite tag to transmit information that will give us insights into the lives of deep Stacy Pinder, a BESS Scholar, joined CEI on water sharks. the mission, where he learned first-hand about Following this tagging mission in the Exshark research and conservation. uma Sound, the M/V Alucia and some of our CEI researchers headed to Haiti, where they studied oceanic whitetip sharks, a species that inform future conservation efforts in both Haiti is critically endangered and experiencing global and The Bahamas, as these animals are known to decline. During this mission, the team tagged 7 navigate these waters as adults. sharks and gathered more than 150 blood and tissue samples to study the health of these animals.

The tags deployed on this mission will track juvenile oceanic whitetip sharks and will help to

Above: A bluntnose sixgill shark swims past a submersible in the Exuma Sound.

Right: An oceanic whitetip shark off the coast of Haiti.

This shark was measured, tagged, and released.

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28 www. EleutheraNews . com

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BAHAMAS NATIONAL TRUST CELEBRATES 60 YEARS Celebrations held through the archipelago including Eleuthera

BY The eleutheran news team

The cabana on the grounds of the administrative complex in Governor’s Harbour, was the scene of a celebration on Friday evening, July 12th, 2019, as representatives of the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) welcomed members of the Eleuthera community to help them mark the 60th anniversary of the organization, which has worked to protect thousands of acres of natural land and marine resources and the eco-systems within them for generations of Bahamians to come, and for Bahamians today to enjoy and cherish responsibly.

The official anniversary date was Saturday, July 13th, 2019, however, all of the parks thought it fitting to come together on the Friday, July 12th, to host various ceremonies throughout the different islands to commemorate the occasion, said Heidi Johnson, Manager with the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve, Eleuthera’s only national park.

“We went all out,” shared Ms. Johnson, adding, “60 years is no small feat, so, we wanted to make sure that we commemorated it properly - with a 60th anniversary cake of course, we also had some hors d’oeuvres, and bush teas, which are always a great cultural component to any of our offerings that we have.”

She continued, “The anniversary itself is very meaningful for many reasons in that the BNT has had its share of challenges. It has grown from a 10-member organization in 1959, to almost seventy persons now working in various areas, from parks to development, education, science and conservation. So, while we may not be as visible to the public, we are always working behind the scenes, and you see the fruits of the work we are doing, because we now have so many areas that are protected, healthy, vibrant and sustainable as a result of that work. So, we thought it fit to share this today with our residents and with our members, and partners.

“We brought it into the community, because we wanted to make it accessible for everyone to come out, and to just share a little bit of what it is that we do, and to learn essentially about some of the work that’s done, not just on Eleuthera, but throughout the other islands as well, “ said Ms. Johnson.

During the celebration, organizers shared two strikingly beautiful video clips, which highlighted scenes from national parks and protected areas throughout the Bahamas. “Most of us may not get to see those parks in our lifetime, that’s a reality, but through

rbpf camp Continued from Page. 26

Pictured on this page: The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) celebrated their 60th Anniversary with the community and their partners on Friday, July 12th, with cake and drinks, under the cabana on the grounds of the administrative complex in Governor’s Harbour. Videos were also shared showcasing the spectacular natural treasures abounding throughout the archipelago being protected by their ongoing work.

the video you get to see exactly what the work entails and what’s being protected,” said Heidi. The videos showcased scenes from places like the Inagua national park, with arrays of flamingoes, and highlight-

ed species like the Bahama parrot, which was endangered, but with numbers now rebounding well, according to Manager Johnson.

lead and facilitate at the different locations. W/Sgt. Mavis Knowles who has been a leader in the program for the past 20 years in South Eleuthera, served as facilitator at the South Eleuthera camp site located at the Rock Sound Primary School with her team of officers. R/Insp. Emily Petty headed up the Central Eleuthera camp site at the Governor’s Harbour Primary School. W/Sgt. Yvette Cash led the North Eleuthera camp at the North Eleuthera Primary School located in The Bluff.

Harbour Island camp facilitator was W/ Sgt. Tekenia Taylor along with her team at the Harbour Island Primary School, and for the fifth year since beginning the camp location in 2015, the RBPF hosted a camp location in Spanish Wells at the Samuel Guy Pinder All Age School, facilitated by W/Sgt. Nadia Brancaccio and her team.

The business community was a crucial partner this year explained OIC Adderley, “to feed, and to also find meaningful interactions and activities for 200 plus children during the four week course of the Police Camp month is costly, so, our partnership with the business community and members of the public in donating to and sponsoring the summer program - making the camps possible - is highly appreciated. Without their help, the Police camp in Eleuthera would not have been able to last this long. That’s why we’re successful - because of the partnership we have in our communities. I thank them, and encourage them to continue to partner with us.”

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PLP Chairman Continued from Page. 4 Comments

or not if there is an adjustment downward in the VAT, whether that would stimulate greater spending and expenditure by consumers.

“I also think that clearly, public education has to be improved, soft

When asked about his vision for the direction the country should be going in, the Chairman, replied, “The main problem is economic empowerment, as far as I see it. There has been a significant cut back in infrastructural development and capital expenditure. There have been cutbacks in employment in the public service, and all of these things drive the economy, so, even though the administration is boasting about the fact that there is going to be 1.6% growth, and I think that’s not even certain - the growth has really been anemic, and we should be doing better than we are.

“One of the things that I think is of interest to all of us is the question of income distribution. It appears that as we have this ‘growth’, the growth we are getting is actually being stacked up at one end, and it’s not at the end where ordinary people, who are at minimum wage are getting the benefits of this economy. That we would like to correct.”

Responding to the question of how they would go about correcting the disparity in income distribution, Mitchell expounded, “Well, one of the things we are looking at is tax policy. We will see how tax policy can be adjusted. The government made a mistake by hiking the value added tax (VAT) to the levels that it did, and I think the metrics have to be looked at to see whether

skills in particular, which in a service economy are highly desirable - and it appears today that kids don’t come out of high school or university with those soft skills - or a sense of the history of the place in which they live.

All of that, I think we have to help to resolve. Parents also have a very difficult time paying for education, and we have to figure out how to resolve that problem as well.”

Sovereignty Considering the significant international pressures being experienced currently by smaller and developing nations worldwide, Chairman Mitchell, commenting on the viability of protecting the sovereignty of the country, said, “The main thing I think in terms of whether the country can stand up for its’ independence is with the young kids. It’s how they are trained and whether they believe in a Bahamas, or whether they believe the country has to be supplicant to a greater country.

“The former Governor General,

New ILO data analysis shows just 10 % of workers receive nearly half (~50%) of global pay GENEVA (ILO News) – Ten per cent of workers receive 48.9 per cent of total global pay, while the lowestpaid 50 per cent of workers receive just 6.4 per cent, a new ILO dataset reveals.

What’s more, the lowest 20 per cent of income earners – around 650 million workers – earn less than 1 per cent of global labour income, a figure that has hardly changed in 13 years.

The new dataset shows that overall global labour income inequality has fallen since 2004. However, this is not due to reductions in inequality within countries – at the national level, pay inequality is actually increasing. Rather, it is because of increasing prosperity in large emerging economies, namely China and India.

Overall, the findings say, income inequality remains pervasive in the world of work.

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Arthur Hanna once said, that a South Korean ambassador was presenting his credentials, and said that South Korea and the Bahamas had something in common - they were both nestled next to giants, and are only as independent as the giants allow.

South Korea is next to China, and we are next to the United States, and that’s a truism. However, even with that fact, there is space enough for us to act within our own interest. I think you have to teach the younger people, that that is possible.

“People still think that if you can’t go to the States, you are actually in jail, and you know there are many, many more alternatives. In fact, the country itself is 500 miles from north to south and I’m betting many people haven’t been even to Freeport, Grand Bahama from New Providence. So, there is a lot of work to be done in that direction.”

Pictured on page: PLP Chairman, Senator Fred Mitchell (right), with Ms. Danielle Gibson (center), along with Chairman Mitchell’s Aide (left).

The Labour Income Share and Distribution dataset, developed by the ILO Department of Statistics, contains data from 189 countries and is drawn from the world’s largest collection of harmonized labour force survey data. It offers two new indicators for major trends in the world of work, at national, regional and global levels.

One provides the first internationally comparable figures of the share of GDP that goes to workers – rather than capital – through wages and earnings. The second looks at how labour income is distributed.

Article Continued Page 34

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I s l an d “B u z z ”

July/Aug, 2019

Island Dance Academy and Gymnastics Club Showcase Young Talent in Spanish Wells Early on Saturday evening, July 20th, 2019, just ahead of the first band performance’s kickoff, the Island Dance Academy staged a surprise flash dance segment, to the delight of the crowd gathered to enjoy the entertainment at Fishermen’s Fest 2019. The young dancers showed of skills learned during the past twelve months, which has been filled with activities throughout the 2018/2019 year.

The Island Dance Academy was founded by Ms. Ashley-aria Knowles who moved to Spanish Wells 4 years ago, who said she realized that there was room for something stimulating and exciting for the children on the island to do. Ms. Knowles shared, “Growing up in Nassau, I had every opportunity under the sun and I am happy to be able to share everything that I did with the children here on this island, both residents and visitors.”

Back in May 2019, the Island Dance Academy, based in Spanish Wells, held its 3rd annual Spring Dance Recital

under the theme, “Please Don’t Stop The Music”, which was deemed a resounding success, with proud parents and the community out to support the dance students.

The Dance Academy and gymnastic club currently has 30 plus students involved in the progam, and hosted their very first gymnastics meet this year as well, in April with coach Trevor Ramsey out of New Providence, with Nassau Nastics. Some of the young gymnasts are also planning to enter the Atlantis Crown Invitational taking place later in 2019, revealed Ashley, adding, “We use every opportunity to showcase these children in an effort to build good sportsmanship, talent and skills that will enhance their academic profile.”

The Academy is now registering for the 2019-2020 dance and gymnastics year.

(Photos on this and facing page all Courtesy of Alexander Symonette Photography, Spanish Wells)

Young dancers sporting national colors as they open with the national anthem.

Parents and the wider community were out to support as the youngsters displayed their dance and gymnastic skills learned during the 2018/2019 year.

Talent was on showcase as the young dancers and gymnasts demonstrated handstands, flips, twists, flexibility, timing, and grace.

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Above: Beautiful costumes and creative choreography marked the 3rd Annual Spring Dance Recital 2018.

Above: MC, Officer Brancaccio kept the audience of parents and community members fully engaged.

Above: Smiles highlighting the enjoyment in showing their moves.

Below: Parents were not to be outdone, as they got in on the action, demonstrating the strength in supporting each other - with MC, Officer Brancaccio.

Above: Skilfully jumping through hoops.

Above, left, right: Strength and flexibility on show demonstrating the work put in by the young dancers/gymnasts.

32 www. EleutheraNews . com

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STAFFED & now OPEN FULL TIME

The Tea Room Restaurant at CTI in Rock Sound holds Grand Opening Ceremony press release

The evening of Friday, July 19th, 2019 saw the grand opening of the training restaurant, The Tea Room @ CTI. A short and sweet ceremony introduced the Tea Room to the community with a skilled and dedicated team of staff ready and able to serve delicious, quality food in the welcoming space with a smile.

The staff, of whom all but one hail from the soil of Eleuthera, include Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI) instructors and graduates along with experienced chefs who delighted the palettes of the crowd with scrumptious hors d’oeuvres and refreshing drinks as the ceremony took place.

“This is a school, a training center,” One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) CEO Shaun Ingraham said in his remarks, emphasizing that CTI is a place for anyone who has an interest in “supporting people, young people especially, in growing into a vibrant career here on Eleuthera.” He encouraged everyone to support CTI hotel, farm, and restaurant knowing that all the money they spend goes toward furthering tertiary level education on the island.

The Tea Room was initially opened at the end of 2018 during the second Learn and Earn Program cohort’s second term, where it was run by Hospitality students as part of their Culinary training. Charvette Strachan, one of the Culinary instructors at that time, expressed great joy in seeing the restaurant now officially staffed and opened full-time to the public. “I’m so proud to see it all come together like this,” she said. “It was a lot of

In The Photos ( Clockwise from top) 1: Miss World Bahamas 2019-2020 Nyah Bandelier and OEF CEO Shaun Ingraham cut the ribbon, officially opening the Tea Room to the public; 2: Miss World Bahamas 2019-2020 Nyah Bandelier, Charvette Strachan, OEF CEO Shaun Ingraham; 3: Staff of the Tea Room @ CTI

hard work to get to this point.”

The official ribbon cutting was performed

by Ingraham and Miss World Bahamas 20192020 Nyah Bandelier, who was visiting OEF and partners in keeping with her platform of the environment and sustainability. The doors were officially opened for business with that ceremonial act, a proud moment for everyone involved. Dinner service began right away, and attendees were able to dine in at beautifully set tables or take their delicious food to go.

“The entire Tea Room staff was overwhelmed with joy to know that so many people wanted to purchase food and drinks right away without hesitation!” said Katiusia Johnson, one of the cooks. “The support from our fellow Bahamians was truly appreciated and didn’t go unnoticed. The Tea Room staff thanks you.”

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

Local children catch a wave or two at annual surf camp press release

You’ve always got to catch a wave or two rang the refrain at Surf Camp XIV and local Eleutheran youths Schneider Dorelus and Malik Johnson did just that!

Schneider, 13, of Hatchet Bay won the Connect Four Tournament during Teen Week and in his first week of surfing managed some stand up rides opting for a 7-and-a-halffoot fun shape board.

Bahamas Out Island Adventure’s Fourteenth Annual Surf Camp offered two full scholarships this year and

Malik Johnson, 12, of Tarpum Bay was awarded his through Deep Creek Middle School. Another first-timer Malik scored some waves and showed some moves during pickup basketball games.

Some 45 youths ranging from 6 to 17 years old passed through BOA’s camp held June 23-July 13 and based near Gregory Town, Eleuthera. Camp directors Tom and Liz Glucksmann gave thanks to the Wave Gods who provided above average swell and encourage submissions for camp scholarships in 2020.

Malik rides down the face of a set wave during Tween Week at BOA’s SC XIV (1)

Schneider snags a stand up at BOA’s SC XIV

33 Loc al Professional Basketballer, Jaraun Keno Burrows Returns to Haynes Camp Series after Season 11 2019

July/Aug

BY The eleutheran news team

33-year-old, Jaraun Keno Burrows, professional basketball player, and a descendant of Cupid’s Cay, Governor’s Harbour said he now looks forward with anticipation, each summer, to return to and give back once again to the community where he garnered so many good memories while growing up.

This year’s basketball camp in Governor’s Harbour began on Monday, July 22nd and plans were to continue until Thursday, July 25th. During the four-day basketball camp at the Haynes Library, the children took part in a variety of activities, starting with the basics, and working up to actual game play.

“A lot of the kids I know from past camps,” shared Jaraun, and continued, “and there are always new faces.

You can tell who has been here. They already know the basics, and with the new kids, we just try to incorporate them as soon as possible with their, lay ups, shooting, passing, ball handling, defense, and also just discipline. We teach the children a number of different things that they need to repeat, and things to work on their focus. Also, team building and playing with other children, because the social integration is very important. All in all, we have a good time.”

During his summer off-season Jaraun also hosts a basketball camp in New Providence, and holds ‘Over the

Hill’ initiatives, with basketball events for the children in those areas, doing pizza, games, and giveaways - as a way of giving back, and letting them know that he is out there and cares about them, and to teach them a little bit about basketball, as well as keeping an eye out for raw talents out there that are possible future professionals, said Keno.

Assisting Coach Burrows this year were two of his colleagues out of New Providence, former basketball player, 31-year-old Coach Jeffery Henfield, and new talent scouted by Burrows, who just started playing in France in 2018, 18-year-old Coach Dominic Bridgewater.

When asked about his season last year, and his return to training and pro-play in August, Jaraun shared, “After camp last year, I went back to Marseilles, France, and played with FOS Provence Basket, in the top French Division. I had a good season, but it ended prematurely. I had to have surgery on my ankle in January, so, that was a big blow to my season, but, while recovering it gave me a chance to focus on some of the other things I wanted to do. Planning the ‘Elite’ summer program we hold in Nassau, and to continue building on my other Family Island camps, like this one, and I want to do even more. Now, I’m just happy to be home.

“I look forward to this the most

all year - to see my family here, to see the kids, the library. My grandparents are buried right here at St. Patrick’s and I get to visit their graves, and the old house on the Cay. It’s a wonderful experience!”

Jaraun returns to France in August to begin training for the new 2019/2020 season.

Pictured: Eager Young campers excited to take part in the basketball instruction segment of the Haynes Library Camp with Jaraun Keno Burrows (back row center).

Picture This LLNPP Education Officer, Courtney Kemp, (far left), stands with Volunteer Supervisor, Keanna Imani Dean (far right), student volunteers and campers at the Levy Safari Summer Camp 2019. Keanna, a former 2018 Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve intern, returned as a volunteer for the Levy Safari Summer Camp 2019 hosted by the Preserve during the final week of June, and described her week with the campers.

“We had a very full week of fun activities. We did nature walks, discovering the different species of plants here at the Plant Preserve.

The campers also went on field trips beyond the park - visiting places like The

Island School, where they learned about their sustainability programs and projects. They also had the opportunity to visit Sweeting’s Pond outside of Hatchet Bay, where they got to see the seahorses and the caves, and learned about why areas like that should be protected and the significance of the species. On Friday, the final day of camp, which began on June 24th and continued until June 28th, 2019, the campers participated in an ‘upcycling’ craft, using plastic and styrofoam cups used during the week, and turned them into planters - jazzing them up with coconut thatch and lots of color,” smiled Keanna.

34 www. EleutheraNews . com

n ationa l

July/Aug, 2019

pm ‘Credit Unions’ Continued from Page. 16

throughout the Caribbean.

“This includes areas like some of our Family Island communities, which are less developed than urban centers such as New Providence and Freeport,” he said.

The Prime Minister outlined to visitors the archipelagic make-up of The Bahamas with over 700 islands, thousands of cays, a land area of approximately 5,382 square miles and approximately 2,200 miles of coastline.

And, while most Caribbean countries are a single land mass or have a few islands, The Bahamas is a far-flung island-chain with rising sea levels and “more intense storms which threaten economic and national survival,” he said.

The Bahamas is also challenged with having to replicate the same essentials services on many islands, he added. “Within this context, credit unions can play an essential role, especially in the many under banked communities we have in the Family Islands,” the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister applauded the sector for already offering services on quite a number of Family Islands.

“The local movement has impacted the

ilo

‘global pay’

Continued from Page. 29

The Key Findings show that, globally, the share of national income going to workers is falling, from 53.7 per cent in 2004 to 51.4 per cent in 2017.

“The data show that in relative terms, increases in the top labour incomes are associated with losses for everyone else, with both middle class and lower-income workers seeing their share of income decline.”

- Steven Kapsos, Head of the ILO’s Data Production and Analysis Unit.

Looking at the average pay distribution across countries, it finds that the share going to the middle class (the middle 60 per cent of workers) declined between 2004 and 2017, from 44.8 per cent to 43 per cent. At the same time, the share earned by the top 20 per cent of earners increased, from 51.3 per cent to 53.5 per cent. Countries where these top earners saw their share of national pay rise by at least one percentage point include Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Pakistan, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The data show that in relative terms, increases in the top labour incomes are associated with losses for everyone else, with both middle class and lower-income workers seeing their share of income decline,” said Steven Kapsos, Head of the ILO’s Data Production and Analysis Unit. “However, when the labour income shares of the middle or lower income workers increase, the gains tend to be widespread, favouring everyone except the top earners.”

Poorer countries tend to have much higher levels of pay inequality, something that exacerbates the hardships of vulnerable populations. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the

lives of their members in many meaningful ways, including in: home ownership, higher education, small business development and favorable investment opportunities,” he said.

“Indeed, credit unions offer some of the more competitive interest rates on savings in the country.”

The Prime Minister noted that the Teachers & Salaried Workers Co-operative Credit Union, the largest such entity in the country started with less than $100 dollars. Today, this Union has more than 17,000 members with over $214 million dollars in assets.

“We commend the credit union sector for collaborating with the Department of Co-

bottom 50 per cent of workers earn only 3.3 per cent of labour income, compared to the European Union, where the same group receives 22.9 per cent of the total income paid to workers.

Roger Gomis, Economist in the ILO Department of Statistics, said: “The majority of the global workforce endures strikingly low pay and for many having a job does not mean having enough to live on. The aver-

age pay of the bottom half of the world’s workers is just 198 dollars per month and the poorest 10 per cent would need to work more than three centuries to earn the same as the richest 10 per cent do in one year.”

The release of the new dataset follows a recommendation in the report of the ILO Global Commission on the Future of Work , which highlighted the need for new indicators to more accurately track progress on well-being, environmental sustainability, equality and a human-centred development agenda. The new dataset will also be used to monitor progress towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Source: ILO News

operative Development by investing in our young people in the development of the School Co-operatives programme,” he said.

Through this programme, high school students learn about co-operative principles, financial literacy and how to develop their own small business enterprises. Such schools are C.R. Walker and the C. C. Sweeting High School Co-operatives Program.

Harbour Island Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses to

Host 2019 “Love Never Fails” press release

Beginning in May 2019, Jehovah’s Witnesses hosted a global series of three-day conventions featuring the theme “Love Never Fails,” and on August 2nd - 4th, 2019, this convention series will be hosted locally by the Harbour Island Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

The program in Harbour Island, says Robert Arthur, a local representative for Jehovah’s Witnesses, will be tied into one of seven larger international conventions held in the United States.

These larger international conventions, he says, will be hosting a total of 35,000 foreign delegates coming from 105 countries.

“Worldwide there are 22 major cities in 18 countries that have been selected to host international convention events. In total, as many as 140,000 delegates will be traveling from numerous countries to attend these larger gatherings. These events will illustrate the positive influence that love can have to bring people together from diverse backgrounds,” says Mr. Arthur. “Local

Jehovah’s Witnesses get an opportunity to meet and enjoy association with their fellow Witnesses, and the community here in Harbour Island is happy to accommodate the visitors at the local cafés, restaurants, and shops.”

Convention Program Highlights, he shares, are as follows: “The convention program will examine how Bible principles help people in practical ways. The Friday program will address how love can help people surmount obstacles such as a troubled upbringing, chronic illness, or poverty. Saturday’s program will consider how Bible principles help husbands, wives, and children to show love for one another. Sunday’s program will include a public Bible discourse entitled “True Love in a Hate-Filled World—Where?” that will address overcoming prejudice and hatred.”

Conventions of Jehovah’s Witness are free to the public, says Mr. Arthur, and no collections are taken.

opinion

What If?

By: Andrew L. Burrows andrewburrows1@gmail.com

An airplane flying itself, or a car with no driver, possible? Yes! But there will be more than that. The rapid increase in knowledge experienced in this generation will not stop or slow down for you to catch up. The rapid expansion of the electronic me-

dia has accelerated the pace of information production and delivery that will soon make the need for humans obsolete. Scary! Yes! Genesis 6:5 gives us a brief glimpse into the past when God had to intervene in the destiny of the Human race because they had corrupted much of the natural and normal processes which resulted in both Man and Animals becoming violent. The present generation of people are being prepared for a similar experience. Only the return of Our Lord Jesus to this earth will destroy the works of demonic influenced conditions.

Technology is good, but can be used for unlimited evil! Every successive generation must learn from the previous ones, accepting what is good and rejecting what is destructive, however, the pressure is on to remove all restraints. Before we can accept any human logic we must settle the question of ownership! This world was created along with all of the universe by GOD. Man was created by GOD to care for the Earth and maintain it for HIM. Man has stolen this world and is claiming it as his own, as he is being manipulated

by Satan.

Passing Out Parade (POP) For New Entry 56 & Woman Entry 25

- The Royal Bahamas Defence Force has once again increased its manpower this Friday past after 107 recruits successfully graduated from New Entry Training at the Coral Harbour Base.

With loved ones there to support, the squad of 98 males and 9 females is the latest group of entrants to join the Defence Force after 17 weeks of rigorous basic military training.

Minister of National Security, the Honourable Marvin Dames, carried out an inspection of the parade, accompanied by the Commander De-

fence Force, Commodore Tellis Bethel. The Hon. Minister also delivered the keynote address. He commended the Defence Force’s newest members on their decision to become protectors of our country and also challenged them to remain focused while serving their country.

Contributing to the excitement, the recruits put on performances which included: precision military foot drills, weapons drills, a physical fitness display

July/Aug, 2019

35

We must now ask the serious question… ”How much further can we go”? ...God will intervene just as He did at the time of the flood because if He does not man will completely destroy this world and himself. Have you considered what the end results would be if all the Military weapons available today was to be unleashed? No one thinks the leaders of the countries that hold the ‘red’ buttons are stupid enough to push them, but they will. Revelation 16:16 We are witnessing the gradual disconnect from human interaction to electronic media impersonal control.

Obsession with your ‘smart’ phone is shutting off your ability to interact with your neighbor. Driving your car or truck and using this intrusive media is extremely dangerous, and when did you last have a conversation face-to-face, or have a good night rest without being disturbed?

Do you remember how you felt after being hit by a hurricane that left all forms of electrical media out of service? Now imagine all the services you require now being provided through the Internet, destroyed or seriously interrupted, and you are left with no other alternatives! History has ways of repeating itself, and the Bible reminds us that there is nothing ‘new under the sun’. What happened in the past will be

repeated, because humans do not learn from the past; ……they repeat it!

You have an excellent paying job, but there is coming soon media run appliances to eliminate the need for your skills; the only thing to keep you employed is WAR. There were two world wars and many smaller conflicts in the last century; they all served two purposes: transfer wealth, and reduce large populations. You will not be told this in a history class because it is something you have to learn on your own, as you think and reason for yourself.

With so much uncertainty looming over us, it is no wonder that so many are involved in the publishing of gloom and doom, and why there is an ever increasing demand for more and more forms of distractions and entertainment. Our Lord Jesus reminded us of the people who were destroyed by the flood; they were totally distracted by partying and entertainment, sporting and competition, that the entire populace ignored the warnings given through Noah.

What if the numerous warnings given to us in the Bible are totally ignored? Can we expect a different result? We are living in the time of the end when the rule of man on this earth is reaching its’ climax. God will intervene and establish His kingdom on this Earth. “Even so come Lord Jesus”!

and also an infantry exercise display. This new entry was one of the first to receive the newly instituted 3-phase approach, which consisted of the Militarization, Maritime and Infantry phases.

The recruit training programme also covered a diverse selection of training modules, inclusive of some twenty-one professional disciplines such as Navigation, Seamanship, Weapons Handling, Defence Act and Regulations, Military Martial Arts, Firefighting and Communications.

Receiving the award for Best Female Recruit was Shonique Thompson, who was also awarded with the Female Swimming Award and Female Infantry Award. The award for Best Male Recruit went to Shaquan Porter, who was also awarded with the Training Officer’s Award and Male Infantry Award.

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains committed to safeguarding the territorial boundaries of The Bahamas.

(Photos Courtesy of RBDF Public Relations Section)

36 www. EleutheraNews . com

Crime News

July/Aug, 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 HOUSE BREAKING/ STEALING REPORT: On Friday 26th July, 2019 at about 7:17pm an adult female of Palmetto Point and also a care-taker of a vacation home/residence, contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station via telephone and reported that she received a call about 7:05pm on Friday 26th July, 2019 from one of the guest of that some unknown person/s broke and entered into the house and stole a considerable amount of cash from their property. She is requested Police Action.

SUSPECT CHARGED WITH DAMAGED & STEALING: Police while at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station on Thursday 25th July 2019. Informed two males separately, that they were each charged with Damage Contrary to Section 328(1) and Stealing Contrary to Section 345 of the Penal Code Chapter 84. They said nothing in reply Stolen Gas Tank: At about 1:10pm on Thursday 25th January 2019, an adult female of James Cistern Eleuthera contacted by telephone the G.H.P.S and reported that sometime on that date someone had stolen her gas tank out of her yard. She requested Police assistance in this matter. A police crew was dispatched to the mentioned location for further investigations.

Arrest Reference to Shop Breaking and Stealing: On Thursday 25th July,2019 at 3:43pm police came in at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station with an adult male of Savannah Sound under arrest and reported arresting him at his residence in reference to stealing. At about 5:05pm police released the suspect pending further investigation.

Stealing by Reason of Fraud: At 4:30pm on 24th July, 2019, an adult female of Hatchet Bay Eleuthera, reported to the Governors Harbour Police Station that on the 23/04/2019 she ordered online a bundle of tables and chairs through an a male c/o Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood California after she was made to believe that he was an associate of a reputable company out of Miami Florida. Between 24/04/2019 and 25/04/2019 she transferred a significant sum of money via bank transfer to the individual who kept the money and failed to ship her order. She reported the incident to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center who instructed her to report the matter to local authorities. She requested Police action in this matter. Investigations continues.

HOUSEBREAKING AND STEALING: At about 9:12am on Tuesday 23rd July, 2019, an adult female of Palmetto Point, Eleuthera, contacted the G.H.P.S. vi a telephone and reported on behalf of occupants of a cottage on Banks Road, Palmetto Point, that sometime during the night, some unknown person/s had entered their cottage and stole an unknown amount of cash from a wallet. Police action was requested. Police visited the scene and recorded a written statement from the complainant. The scene was also processed. Investigation continues.

Arrest reference to Housebreaking and Stealing : At about 9:50am on 23rd July, 2019, police came in at the G.H.P.S. with an adult male of Cupids Cay, Governors Harbour, under arrest in reference to Housebreaking and Stealing and reported arresting him at 9:45am on the same date, while at his residence. Complaint made on Sunday 14th July, 2019. He was taken into police custody. Investigations are ongoing.

Arrest reference to Stealing from a vehicle: At about 3:30pm on 23rd July, 2019, the a police crew came in at the G.H.P.S. with two males of Hatchet Bay, under arrest in reference to Stealing from a vehicle and reported arresting them at 2:00pm on the same date while in the Gregory Town area. They both were taken into police custody. Investigations are ongoing Attempted Burglary: A male staying on North Shore Road Governors Harbour contacted the Governors Harbour Police Station at about 1:45am on the 24.7.19 and reported that someone was attempting to get in their villa. Police action was requested. Police responded to the scene however, the culprit left prior to their arrival, a statement was taken from the complainant requesting police action.

Police came in at the Governors Harbour Police station with a young adult male suspect of North Palmetto Point under arrest and reported that he was arrested at about 4:00am at his residence, in connection with this matter.

HOUSEBREAKING AND STEALING REPORTED: At about 12:45pm on Monday 22nd July, 2019, an adult female, came into the G.H.P.S. and reported that sometime between Sunday 14th July, 2019, and Sunday 21st July, 2019, some unknown person/s break and entered her home in Rainbow Bay, Eleuthera and stole a black 32” Haier Television valued at $400.00. Police action was requested.

Police recorded a written statement from the complainant. Investigations are ongoing.

STEALING REPORTED: At about 1:30pm on Monday 22nd July, 2019, an adult male of Gregory Town, Eleuthera, came into the G.H.P.S. and reported that sometime between Tuesday 16th July, 2019, and Sunday 21st July, 2019, some unknown person/s entered onto his 25’ Pacemaker Cabin Cruiser which was moored at southern side of the Government Dock in Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera, and stole the Steering Head for his boat. Value

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

of the stolen part is unknown. Police action was requested. Investigations are ongoing Arrest reference to House breaking: At 1:50pm on Monday 22nd July, 2019, a police crew came in at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station with an adult female of, Rock Sound, Eleuthera, under arrest in reference to Housebreaking and reported that she was cautioned and arrested while at her residence. The suspect was interviewed under caution. She was subsequently released pending further investigations.

Arrest reference to Housebreaking: At 3:00pm on Monday 22nd July, 2019, a police crew came in at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station with an adult male of, Rock Sound, Eleuthera, under arrest in reference to Housebreaking and reported that he was cautioned and arrested at 12:20pm, while at his residence. The suspect was interviewed under caution. He was subsequently released pending further investigations.

Housebreaking: At 1:05am on 23rd July, 2019 an adult male of Banks Road, Palmetto Point Contacted the Governors Harbour Police Station via telephone and reported that sometime around 12:50am while in bed sleeping along with his wife, were awakened by a noise in their room. When they woke up they saw an average height male light skin male wearing a light colored baseball cap, light colored shirt and light colored shorts standing in their room. The person then ran out of the house. He further stated that they may have left the back door unlocked, which is where entry was gained. Nothing appeared to be missing at the moment. Police visited the scene and recorded a statement from the complainant.

Arrest reference to Housebreaking and Stealing: At 4:20pm on Sunday 21st July, 2019, a police crew came in at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station with an adult male of Betsy Village, Governors Harbour, , under arrest in reference to Housebreaking and Stealing and reported cautioning and arresting him while in the area of the St. Paul’s Church, Governors Harbour at 4:18pm same date.

Complaint made on Sunday 14th July, 2019. He was taken in to police custody at this time.

Search Warrant Executed/ Stolen Items Recovered: At about 1:00pm on Saturday 20th July 2019 a police crew acting on information proceeded to a location in James Cistern where they observed a vehicle in the care of a male of Rainbow Bay parked. Officers produced a search warrant in reference to Possession of Stolen Property and proceeded to search the mentioned vehicle where they

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

recovered the following tools: (1) Dewalt Drywall Scrugun, (1) Dewalt 4- tool kit tough system, (1) 1/2 “ Drill/Driver Impact Driver Combo Kit, (1) Dewalt 3 1/4 Hand Planner and (2) Metabo 1” Rotary Hammers. This recovery is in relation to a House Breaking and Stealing matter reported on 14/07/2019. Two persons of interest in being sort in connection to this matter.

Investigations continue.

Arrest reference to Housebreaking and Stealing: At 2:10pm on Saturday 20th July, 2019, police while at the G.H.P.S. cautioned and arrested an adult male of Rainbow Bay, Eleuthera, in reference to Housebreaking and Stealing.

Complaint made on Sunday 14th July, 2019. He was taken in to police custody .

Road Accident Report: At about 10:30pm an adult female of Rainbow Bay, came to Cpl 1774 Johnson while at Bay Front Park Hatchet Bay and reported that she was involved in a traffic accident in Gregory Town a short time ago, where a vehicle ran into the rear of her vehicle causing damages to the right side of the bumper.

The driver refused to give any information and sped off. She was able to ascertain the plate number of the other vehicle and the person claims that vehicle belonged to a another male. Police assistance requested.

Search Warrant Executed: At about 2:15 pm on Thursday 18th July 2019 police acting on information executed a search warrant on the residence of a female in Rock Sound in reference to stolen property. She was not home at the time, however present was the homeowner. The search ended with negative results.

House Breaking and Stealing On Thursday 18th July 2019 sometime around 2:30pm an adult male of a villa, Banks Road, Palmetto Point, contacted the Governors Harbour Police Station and reported that he and his wife had just returned from the beach which is just below their rental home only to discover that $250.00 was missing out of his wife’s wallet and $140.00 missing out of his wallet.

He stated that when they walked down to the beach they left all the doors unlocked.

Police assistance requested. At 3:05 pm police visited the residence and recorded a written statement from the complainant. He is requested Police Action. Investigations are ongoing.

Arrest Reference to Immigration Purposes: On Wednesday 17th July 2019 at about 12:21am a police crew came in at the Governors Harbour Police Station with an adult male of Banks Road, Governors Harbour C/O Port De Paix, Haiti under arrest in reference to Immigration purposes. It was reported that he was arrested while in the area of the a property, Banks Road, Governors Harbour.

Crime News PRISONER RELEASED TO IMMIGRATION CUSTODY: At about 2:00pm on Wednesday 17th July 2019, Immigration Officer was handed over a a male suspect of Port –au- Paix Haiti , who was arrested for Breach of Immigration Act. He was given his possessions Cash in the amount of $100.00.

ASSAULTED BY MENTAL PATIENT: At about 1:45 pm, Tuesday 16th July 2019, an adult female Palmetto Point Eleuthera came into the G.H.P.S. and reported that around 7:00am, while she was hanging clothes on the line a female (known mental patient) attacked her by hitting her about the body to which she said nothing.

Again around 10:00am on same date she came a second time and hit her on the area of her back giving her much pain and she then walked to the Palmetto Point Clinic where she was seen by the Nurse.

She stated that she had been attacked by the same female many times and she also threatened to kill her. She is afraid and wished to seek Police action in this matter.

Stealing from a Vessel Report: An adult male of Switzerland came to the Governors Harbour police station and reported that, on the 11th of July 2019, he rented a sailing 41ft sailing vessel from a company in New Providence.

Along with the sailing came a small semi heart tender with 15hp Yamaha 2 stroke out board engine attached, to the stern and a small four to five gallon fuel attached.

On the 15th of July 2019, at about 11:30am, he and his family arrived on the island of Eleuthera and anchored in the area of the Glass window bridge north Eleuthera, after anchoring he took the tender and went to the beach with his family leaving the tender pulled up on the beach tied to a tree. They went in the area of the Glass window bridge and took some pictures. In one of the pictures the tender was in it with the engine attached still, this was after about 30 minutes of being at the location. Sometime around 2:00pm, they were going to leave, and discovered that some persons had removed the engine and the fuel tank from the tender and took it.

Police action in this matter was requested.

Damage to vehicle Report An adult male of New Providence and c/o a Vacation House Governors Harbour came to the Governors Harbour Police station and reported that sometime on the 11.7.19 he rented a white Honda self Drive car. On Monday the 15th of July 2019, at about 11:00am he along with nine other persons, went in the vicinity of the Queens Bath, at the glass window bridge and parked next to the road going to it. Sometime around 4:00pm as they were leaving and went back to the car and discovered that someone had smashed the rear passenger door glass. Nothing was stolen. He contacted the owner and she told him to report it to the police. Police action in this matter was requested.

House Breaking and Stealing: At about 1:15pm on Sunday 14th July, 2019, an adult male of Governors Harbour contacted the Governors Harbour Police Station and reported that sometime between Friday 12th July 2019 and sometime around 1:00pm Sunday 14th July 2019 some unknown person/s broke and entered into their residence located Governors Harbour and stole jewelry valued at about $5,000.00 and some DeWalt tools valued around $2,000.00. Entry was gained through a western window. Police action requested.

Traffic offence report: An officer reported that sometime around 7:37pm on the 13.7.19 he reported a young adult female, for driving a white vehicle¬ in an southerly direction on Church Street Palmetto Point in the vicinity Emma Cooper Primary School while she was not the holder of a valid driver’s license, while the said vehicle was unlicensed, uninspected and uninsured against third party insurance.

Traffic offence report: An officer reported that sometime around 8:150m on the 13.7.19 he reported an adult female of Queens Highway Palmetto Point for driving a white truck in a southern direction in the vicinity of Midway Cost Cutter Food Store Savannah Sound while she was not the holder of a valid driver’s license, while the said vehicle was unlicensed, uninspected and uninsured against third party insurance.

Road Accident Report: At 1:25pm Friday July 12th 2019, an adult male of Rock Sound contacted the Governors Harbour Police Station and reported that he was just involved in a road traffic accident where he got hit from the behind by another vehicle and nobody appeared to be Injured. Police assistance requested. Police visited the scene where they saw and spoke to a male of Rock Sound driver of vehicle #1 a gray vehicle, male of of Current driver of vehicle #2 a black vehicle and a male of Deep Creek driver of vehicle #3 a Olive vehicle in the presence of each other. Measurements were taken; both Vehicle numbers 1 and 2 received extensive damages. There were no injuries involved. The scene was photographed and scene was cleared. While at the Governors Harbour Police Station police recorded statements from the parties involved and also issued them with N.O.I.P forms. Investigations are still ongoing into this matter.

Damage Report: At about 7:35am on Wednesday 10th July 2019, an adult male of Banks Road Palmetto Point, came to the Governor’s Harbour Police Station and reported that sometime between 9:00 pm Tuesday 9th July, 2019 and 7:15 am Wednesday 10th July, 2019 some unknown person/s caused damage to the eastern double glass door to his vacant building on Queen’s Highway Palmetto Point.

Police Action Requested. Police visited, processed and photograph the scene.

Investigations are ongoing.

Arrest ref to Causing Harm/Suspect Processed: At about 10:45am on Tuesday 9th July 2019, a young adult male, of Hatchet Bay Eleuthera came into the Governor’s Harbour Police Station where he was cautioned and arrested in reference to Causing Harm. At about 3:30pm police charged the arrested man with Causing Harm contrary to section 135(1) of the penal code chapter 84. He was subsequently released on bail in the amount of $800.00 to appear to court at 9:30am on 18th September, 2019.

Suspect Processed: At about 4:45pm on Tuesday 9th July, 2019 police charged an adult male of Hatchet Bay with Causing Harm contrary to section 135(1) of the penal code chapter 84. He was subsequently released on bail in the amount of $800.00 to appear to court at 9:30am on 18th September,

2019.

Arrest ref to House Breaking, Stealing and Damage: At 1:28am on Wednesday 10th July, 2019 the a police crew came in at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station with one an adult male of Rainbow Bay under arrest and reported that he was arrested and cautioned at 1:24am on 10/7/19 in reference to House Breaking, Stealing and Damage. He appeared to be in good health.

Shop Breaking: On Monday 08th July, 2019 7:05am an adult male of Governor’s Harbour a business in Palmetto Point contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station and reported that sometime around 7:00am he discovered that some unknown person(s) had broke into the business establishment. Police action requested.

Arrest Report: On Monday 08th July, 2019 at about 9:30pm police came in at the Governors Harbour Police Station with an adult male of Hatchet Bay under arrest. He was reportedly arrested sometime around 9:00pm while in the area of the Hatchet Bay Police Station. He was arrested and cautioned in reference to causing harm and threats of death in reference to a complaint made on 7/7/2019.

July/Aug, 2019

37

SUSPECT CHARGED: On Sunday, July 07th, 2019, sometime around 9:30pm, police while at the Rock Sound Police Station, cautioned and charged an adult male suspect with the following offenses: Disorderly Behavior, contrary to Section 206(1) of the Penal Code, Chapter 84; Resisting Arrest contrary to Section 247 of the Penal Code, Chapter 84; Threats of Death contrary to section 418 of the Penal Code, Chapter 84; and Intoxicated Person contrary to Section 200(1) of the Penal Code, Chapter 84. He did not respond to the charge.

Disorderly Behavior, Resisting Arrest and Obscene Language Report: On Saturday 06th July, 2019 at about 2:44pm a police crew came in at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station with an adult male of James Cistern, under arrest and reported arresting him at his residence in reference to Disorderly Behavior, Obscene Language and Resisting Arrest. On Sunday 7th July, 2019 at about 11:13am police interviewed the suspect under caution. At about 12:40pm police further cautioned and charged the suspect with Resisting Arrest Contrary to Section 247 , Obscene Language Contrary to section 208(2) and Disorderly Behavior contrary to Section 206(1) all of the Penal Code Chapter 84. He said nothing in reply to the charges.

ROAD TRAFFIC OFFENSE REPORT: On Monday, July 08th, 2019, sometime around 5:10pm, police, reported a young adult female traffic offender, of Rock Sound, for driving a brown colored vehicle north along while the mentioned vehicle was not licensed for the current year. The driver was instructed to produce her license to the nearest police station within 24 hours, and she was warned of prosecution.

DAMAGE REPORT: On Sunday 7th July, 2019 at about 10:05am an adult male of Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera came to the Governor’s Harbour Police Station and reported that he suspected that his girl-friend slashed the tires for his vehicle. He is requesting Police action in this matter. Police recorded a written statement from the complainant while at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station. At 4:35pm on 7/7/19 officers made a check of Hatchet Bay for the accused with negative results.

ROAD TRAFFIC OFFENSE REPORT: On Monday, July 08th, 2019, sometime around 5:30pm, police reported an adult male traffic offender of Queen’s Highway, Tarpum Bay, for driving a green colored vehicle, north while it was not licensed for the current year.

The driver was instructed to produce his driver’s license and the insurance for the vehicle to the nearest police station with 24 hours, and he was warned of prosecution.

ASSAULT REPORT: On Sunday 07th July, 2019 at about 1:10pm an adult male of Hatchet Bay Eleuthera contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station via telephone and reported that at about 10:30am while at the residence of his girlfriend located Hatchet Bay, he was struck to the head with a rock and kicked in the back by two males known to him, both of Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera. Police action requested in this matter.

ROAD TRAFFIC OFFENSE REPORT: On Monday, July 08th, 2019, sometime around 5:45pm while on Dark End Street, Tarpum Bay, police reported an adult male traffic offender, of Queen’s Highway, Tarpum Bay, for driving a white colored vehicle west while the vehicle was not licensed for the current year. He was instructed to produce his driver’s license to the nearest police station, and he was warned of prosecution.

ROAD TRAFFIC OFFENSE REPORT: On Monday, July 08th, 2019, sometime around 6:09pm, police while on Queen’s Highway, Rock Sound, Eleuthera, police reported an adult male traffic offender, of Rock Sound, for driving a white colored vehicle north along same while the vehicle was not licensed for the current year or covered under third party risk of insurance. The driver was instructed to produce his driver’s license to the nearest police station within 24 hours, and he was warned of prosecution.

House Breaking Report: On Sunday 07th July 2019 at about 8:30pm an adult female of Rainbow Bay/ Orlando Florida, contacted the Governors harbour Police Station and reported that she along with her daughter and grandkids took a walk to the beach around 7:30pm today leaving their rental home doors unlocked.

They returned home around 8:15pm and discovered that some unknown person(s) had broken into the home and stole (3) three backpacks containing driver’s licenses, credit and debit cards, an insurance card, a dell lap top ,$915.00 in US currency, and their (4 ) US passports. Police action requested. Police made several attempts to contact the complainant via telephone to visit the scene with negative results.

Obscene Language, Disorderly Behavior, Resisting Arrest, Threats of Death: On Saturday 06th July 2019 sometime around 4:00am an adult female of Bannerman Town contacted The Rock Sound Police Stn and reported that a man known to her is at her residence causing a disturbance, refusing to leave ,police assistance

38 www. EleutheraNews . com Continued from Page. 37 requested.

Sometime around 5:20am police arrived on scene where a red vehicle with no license plate attached was directed in a northern bearing across both east-west lanes of Eleuthera Main Rd .the rear windshield was broken out and a bright skinned male was standing on the outside of the driver’s door cursing at a group of persons who had gathered. He stated , reportedly proceeded to use obscene language to the group and appeared to be under the influence of a substance at the time. Police made attempts to communicate with the male who responded with the use of obscene language. As a result police cautioned and arrested the man in reference to obscene language. The suspect then pulled away attempting to remove the hand from his shoulder while refusing all instructions given. Officers then subdued the suspect who continued using abusive and offensive language towards officers. The suspect was then transported to The Rock Sound Police Stn where he gave his name as of no fixed address Palmetto Point. The Vehicle was removed by Sammy’s Crane Rental and the area left quiet. The suspect was taken in custody and investigations are continuing.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENTs REPORTED: At about 9;09am on Friday 5th July 2019, an adult female, of Palmetto Point Eleuthera contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station via phone and reported that there is a Traffic Accident on the intersection of Church Street and Seaview Drive involving two vehicles Police assistance requested At about 10:48am on Friday 5th July 2019, A concerned Citizen came into the Governor’s Harbour Police Station and reported that there is an Traffic Accident in the area of the Administrators Building located Governor’s Harbour Eleuthera Police assistance requested.

Police C/O Western Police Station New Providence contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station via phone and reported that there is a Traffic Accident involving two vehicles in the area of Big Rock James Cistern. Police assistance requested CAUSING HARM & THREATS OF DEATH: At about 7:36am On Wednesday, 3rd July 2019, an adult male, of Rock Sound contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station via cell phone and reported that he was assaulted by a male known to him of Savannah Sound Eleuthera sometime around 7:30am while standing near a gas station. Police action was requested.

Also: At about 8:55am On Wednesday, 3rd July 2019, an adult male of Queens Highway Savannah Sound Eleuthera reported to the Governor’s Harbour Police Station that sometime before 4:00pm on Tuesday 2nd July while in the Rainbow bay area on his job he was punched about his face and also in both eyes by his Co-Worker, an adult male of Rock Sound. Police assistance requested. Police, while at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station, recorded a statement from the complainant in reference to this matter. Investigations are ongoing.

Crime News

Traffic Offence Report At about 6:54pm on the 2nd July 2019 police reported an adult male offender of Palmetto Point for driving Burgundy vehicle in a southern direction on Queens Highway in Palmetto Point while the said vehicle was unlicensed, uninspected and uninsured.

He was informed of the offences and warned of prosecution.

Search reference to possession of dangerous drugs and firearms: At about 7:00pm on the 2nd July, 2019 police conducted a search on the person of the driver and another male both of palmetto Point while on Queens Highway in Palmetto point in reference to possession of dangerous drugs and firearms with negative results.

R.A.R/ Code 4-3: On Tuesday 2nd July, 2019 sometime around 5:50pm, an adult male, contacted Rock Sound Police Station via telephone, and reported that his daughter was just involved in a traffic accident on Queens Highway, Wemyss Bight. Police assistance was requested.

On Tuesday 2nd July, 2019 sometime around 7:30pm, police visited the scene located on Queens Highway, Wemyss Bight. Upon arrival saw a black vehicle stationary with front end damages and a deployed front left airbag. They saw and spoke with the female driver of Green Castle driver, along with the driver from Bannerman Town, of a champagne - both under caution who gave a verbal account of the accident. Measurements were recorded, N.O.I.P forms issued and caution statements were taken from both drivers. Investigations continues.

Arrest/ Causing Harm Report: On Monday 1st July, 2019 sometime around 7:42pm, an adult male of Tarpum Bay, came in at Rock Sound Police Station where he was informed of a complaint of Causing Harm made against him on 25.5.19. As a result, he was arrested and cautioned.

SHOPBREAKING AND STEALING: At about 10:05am on Monday, 1st July 2019, a nurse C/O Hatchet Bay Government Clinic contacted to the Governor’s Harbour Police Station via telephone and reported that sometime between 3:00pm Saturday 29th June 2019, and 10:20am Monday 1st July 2019, she discovered that some unknown person/s had broken into the Hatchet Bay Clinic entering the Pharmacy section and damaged a cupboard door gaining access to dangerous drugs. Police action requested.

Police visited the scene and recorded a statement from the complainant while at the Government Clinic in Hatchet Bay Eleuthera

H.I. & N.E. Reports Housebreaking & Stealing Location: Bluff, Eleuthera On Friday 5th July 2019, sometime around 7:03pm, an adult male of Bluff, Eleuthera contacted the N.E.P.S. and reported that someone had broken into his home and stole a number of items.

He requested Police action in this matter. Items reported stolen included; (1) silver color Pandora braclet with (4) charms that spell out the word “LIAM”, valued at $320.00, (1) purple Aliv

Bluetooth speaker, valued at $50.00, (1) Fire Note Pad with a blue protective cover, valued at $200.00, and approximately $300.00 in US currency and coins.

Assault: On Thursday 25th July 2019 between 12:40pm an adult male of Current came into the N.E.P.S and reported that while home a male of Lower Bogue came to him arguing for some motorcycle parts he knew nothing about.

The male then took a piece of wood and hit him in the mouth, which resulted in him losing a tooth. Police Action Requested. Police obtained a statement from the complainant and issued him with a hospital form to seek further medical attention.

At 7:50pm police arrested the accused male of Lower Bogue for this matter. He was cautioned, interviewed and Charged.

Stealing Report: Police Action Requested - On Monday 1st July 2019 at 5:40pm the General Manager of a resort in Harbour Island, contacted the HIPS and reported that an adult male guest of Florida, USA, staying in one of the villas contacted the front desk reporting a stealing in their room of $1,750.00.

Police action requested.

Police recorded a written statement from an adult female of Florida USA, who reported discovering the money missing.

Assault report, Domestic dispute: Police warning requested On Saturday 6/7/19 at about 2:32am an adult female of Colebrook Alley Harbour Island came in at Harbour Island Station and reported that at about 2:00am same date while at home her husband punched to the right side of her face in the temple area causing pain while she was laying down in the bed after an exchange of words Police warning requested. Police recorded a written statement from the complainant and she was further advised civil action in this matter.

Assault Report: Police Action Requested - On Saturday 6th July 2019 at 8:35am an adult male of Colebrook Street, Harbour island came to the HIPS and reported that at about 8:30am while entering Kay Market food store located Munnings Street, he was attacked by his brother, who beat him about the body and tore up his clothing. Police action requested.

Police issued the complainant with a hospital form and recorded a written statement from him under caution.

Police also recorded a witness statement the accused and other potential witnesses. Police saw and spoke to an employee at Kay Market who declined to give a statement, however he stated that about 8:40am or there about he was taking water out for a male customer who was walking behind him when a white bus came around the corner as they were crossing the road. He further stated that he continued on and placed the water in the customer’s car and when he turned around the customer and the driver of the van were scuffling and punching one another. He also stated that the driver of the van struck the customer with one of their store signs. They were later separated by persons and left.

Threats of Death Report On Sunday 7th July, 2019 at around 7:50 pm an adult male accused previously of assault of Clarence Street came

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to the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that at around 6:00 pm on Saturday 6th July, 2019 while sitting in the area of Mario’s Bar, Clarence Street, his brother made threats of death towards him placing him in fear for his life. Police action requested. Police recorded a written statement from the complainant.

Fighting in Public Arrest: On Wednesday 17th July, 2019 at around 1:45 pm police arrested and cautioned an adult male of Colebrooke Street in reference to Fighting in Public and Disturbing the Public Peace. The suspect was charged and released on bail to appear in Magistrate Court #2, Nassau.

Causing Harm Report: Police Action Requested - On Sunday 7th July 2019 at 5:30am an adult male of Trianna Shores Harbour Island came in at S3 and reported that while going through Trianna Shores H. Island in the area of a residence he was approached by four young on a golf cart – he gave names /nicknames of three of the boys. He stated that there was a previous altercation between them that resulted in a fight however one of them while at that location took a cutlass and struck him to the right side of his face causing a wound. One of the boys whose name he doesn’t know kicked him causing him to fall for no reason. Police action requested.

Police recorded a written statement from complainant and issued a hospital to complainant.

Police arrested and cautioned a young adult male suspect while at his residence in reference to Causing Harm and Fighting. He appeared well with no complaints.

Assault Report: Police Action Requested - On Sunday 7th July 2019 at about 11:30pm a young adult female of Dunmore Street Harbour Island came to the HIPS and reported that while at Driftwood, Lower Bogue Eleuthera she was pulled and choked for no reason by her ‘baby daddy’. Police action requested.

Causing Harm Arrest - On Monday 15th July 2019 at 10:25am, police reported arresting a young adult male of Barrack Street. The suspect was reportedly arrested and cautioned while in the Alice Street area in reference to Causing Harm. He was charged with the offence.

Stealing Report: On Wednesday 17th July,2019 at about 6:00 pm an adult male of Trianna Shores came to the Harbour Island Station and reported that sometime between 9:30 pm on 16.07.19 and 7:30 am he parked a white Yamaha golf cart which he care takes across the street from his residence. He further reported that some unknown person/s stole the windshield valued at $70.00 and the battery valued at $150.00 from the cart.

Same reported as police information.

Causing Harm report: Police Action requested - On Thursday 18/7/19 at about 8:40pm an adult female of Colebrooke Alley Harbour Island came in at Harbour Island Station and reported that on same date while at Harry O’S Restaurant located Bay Street Harbour Island she was struck to the back of her head and to her left eye causing swelling by a woman whom she knows only by a first name.

Police action requested. Police recorded a written statement from the complainant under caution. He was also issued with a Police Hospital Form to seek medical attention from Harbour Island Community

Crime News Clinic. Investigations ongoing.

Causing Harm report: Police Action requested - On Friday 19th July 2019 at about 6:21pm an adult female of Dunmore Street, Harbour Island came in at S3 and reported on behalf of a young adult female of Lower Bogue, Eleuthera who has a mental condition that while she was at her residence a young man whom she knows of Harbour Island whom is suspected to be in a relationship with young adult female , slapped and punched her to the face causing injury to her lower and upper lip and swelling to her face. Police assistance requested.

Police recorded a written statement from the complainant under caution.

Police issued the complainant with one Police Hospital Form to seek medical attention from Harbour Island Community Clinic. Investigations ongoing.

Threats of Death Report” Police Information Only - On Friday 19th July 2019 at 10:30pm an adult female of Nesbitt Street, Harbour Island came to the HIPS and reported that at 10:15pm today’s date while in the area of Peter Pan Princess Street, her children’s grandfather took them away from her without her permission and made threatening remarks saying “come let me kill you’ll”. She further stated that it wasn’t until she picked up a rock and threaten to him with it was when he released her kids to her. She is reporting this matter for police information only.

Assault Report: Police Action Requested - On Saturday 20th July 2019 at 1: 20am a young adult female of Nassau/Harbour Island came to the HIPS and reported that whiles at Sammies Bar located Bay Street, she was attacked by three females. Her assumption is that it was about a male she knows. Police recorded a written statement from complainant, and issued her with a hospital form.

Fighting in Public Arrest On Friday 26th July, 2019 police arrested and cautioned a young adult female of Nassau/Harbour Island, and two young adult females of Pitt Street, Harbour Island in reference to fighting in a public place and disturbance the public peace. One of the Harbour Island females was further cautioned in reference to threats of harm. Police charged and released all suspects on bail to appear in Magistrate Court on 16th September, 2019.

Damage Report: Police Action Requested - On Saturday 20th July 2019 at about 3:20am an adult male of Barrack Street, Harbour Island came to the HIPS and reported that while in the area of BIG Red located Bay Street at about 1am, a female he knows a caused damage to his front door by damaging one of the panels on the door leaving access to his residence. Police action requested.

Entry by Night Report: Police Action requested - On Saturday 20th July 2019 at 1pm the adult male property manager of a house on Harbour Island contacted the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that his guests reported to him that sometime during the Night, their rental home was entered by person(s) unknown who gained entrance through a western window and stole about $600.00 in cash from her wallet from the Kitchen counter. Police action requested.

Police visited the residence, conducted interviews and processed the scene.

Drug Arrest Report On Sunday 21st July 2019 at 2:30am a police Crew came in at S-3 with suspect a young adult male of Hibiscus Hill, Harbour Island under arrest in reference to Possession of Dangerous Drugs. He was arrested and cautioned at about 2:20am on Sunday 21st July 2019 whiles at Beyond The Reef located Bay Street after a search of his person which revealed (2) two foil wrappings containing grassy like substance suspected to be marijuana and a partially smoked marijuana cigarette.

Stealing Report: Police Assistance Requested - On Wednesday 24th July 2019 at about 2:30pm a young adult female of Grant Street, Harbour Island came to the HIPS and reported that on Saturday 15th June 2019 sometime during the night while in the front of Queen Conch located Bay Street, her white face rose gold I - phone 7+ valued at $800.00 was rest on the front seat of a golf cart and a male unknown to her removed it without her permission. Police assistance requested.

Arrest Report: Ref Stealing On Thursday 25th July 2019 at 3:30pm a police crew came in at S-3 with three young adult male suspects, two of Princess Street, and one of Nesbit Street in reference to Stealing. The suspect had been arrested and cautioned on at 3:25pm while in the area of Princess Street.

Suspect Arrest: On Thursday 25th July 2019 at 4:15pm a young adult male of Nesbit Street, Harbour Island came in to the HIPS. Whiles at the HIPS, he was arrested and cautioned in reference to Stealing.

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1 (242) 332-2993

1 (242) 422-9350

The Eleutheran, P. O. Box EL-25166, Governor’s Harbour Eleuthera, The Bahamas.

email / website services@TheEleutheran.com editor@TheEleutheran.com www.EleutheraNews.com

A SPICE MEDIA GROUP (SMG) PUBLICATION Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, The Bahamas. pages: 48 Stamped: July 31, 2019 6:04 PM

boy he knows while on the Harbour Island Softball field whom struck him about the body with a metal pipe. Police action requested. Police record a written statement under caution in the presence of his mother and issued him with a hospital form to seek medical attention at Harbour Island Community Clinic.

Assault with a Dangerous Instrument/Damage Report Particulars: On Saturday 27th July, 2019 at about 4:45 am a young adult male of Hibiscus Hill, HBI came to the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that at about 3:30 am while in the area of Beyond the Reef Bar, Bay Street, a male known to him swung a cutlass at him but missed. This male and two others then chased him down the street placing him in fear of harm. He further reported that he received information that when he ran away, a male rode off on his black scooter which he later found in the area of Duke Street completely vandalized.

Police action requested.

Causing Harm Report: Police Assistance Requested - On Sunday 30th June 2019 at 6:30pm police reported receiving a call concerning a fight that is taking place at that moment on the softball field.

Police went to scene but discovered that persons left prior to the arrival of the police.

At about 645pm an adult female of Johnson View Road, Harbour Island came in at S-3 and reported on behalf of her juvenile son that he was assaulted by a

fax/landline

Phone | WHATSAPP | TEXT

Suspect in Custody Police c/o NEPS in came at S-3 with an adult male of Lower Bogue in reference to Causing Harm.

Assault Report: Police Action Requested - On Sunday 30th June 2019, an adult female of Colebrook Street came to the HIPS and reported that while at home she was attacked by her cousin who hit her to the left side of her eye causing injuries and pain police action requested.

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NEWS On Thursday 6th June 2019, sometime around 5:45am, Sgt. 2806 Hield, PC 3044 Lockhart, along with Immigration Officers Lutos and Taylor, conducted a sweep of the Haitian Community of Blackwood. The aim of this combined initiative was to root out illegal immigrants, drugs, and firearms. Although no arrests were recorded during this sweep, the law enforcement presence was felt, as officers stopped and conducted enquiries with a number of persons throughout the community.

Sudden Death ReportHarbour Island Rodney Lynn Crouch D.O.B 18/3/63, Melbourne Florida On Tuesday 2/7/19 at about 9:45pm the General Manager c/o Coral Sands Hotel contacted Harbour Island Police Station and reported that one of the male guest staying at “Villa Carissa” a cottage which is a part of the Hotel was having trouble breathing Police assistance requested. Police reported visiting Coral Sands “Villa Carissa” located Chapel Street Harbour Island where officers met Doctor Farrington D.M.O for North Eleuthera performing C.P.R on a Caucasian male. The procedure was done for a while however she was unsuccessful in resuscitating the mentioned male and as a result she pronounced him dead at 10:40pm. An autopsy was requested in this matter to aid in determination of the official cause of death.

Police recorded a statement from the wife of the deceased who provided some historical medical information on her husband. She further stated that at about 9:30pm her husband was complaining of chest pains and having trouble breathing as a result she asked for assistance. Police examined the body and discovered no signs of unnatural bruising or lacerations. There were no evidence from the scene to refute the attending Doctor’s findings.

Accorded to an obituary posted online, Mr. Crouch was survived by his wife and five adoring children – four sons and one daughter, his parents, sister and other extended family. A visitation and celebration of his life was held on July20th in Florida.

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Local and International Groups join efforts in Launching StopDisney.com –

Last Chance for Lighthouse Point campaign “NASSAU — Waterkeeper Alliance (for more information, please visit waterkeeper.org.) announced on July 15th the launch of a new digital campaign to persuade Disney to drop what they termed as “its controversial plans to build a massive cruise ship port at Lighthouse Point, the southernmost tip of the island of Eleuthera in The Bahamas.”

The group published as its focal points of the new campaign, a new website, StopDisney.com, The press release issued read in part: -StartThe Alliance joins its partners Waterkeepers Bahamas and Save the Bays, along with the Bahamas Reef Environment Education Foundation, EARTHCARE, and reEarth, in inviting people to join the campaign to save this unique natural site of extraordinary beauty treasured by generations of Bahamians and visitors from the U.S. and worldwide.

CNN Travel recently named Lighthouse Point (LHP) as one of Eleuthera’s handful of “showstopping sights” on that 100-mile-long island roughly 250 miles southeast of Miami. The surrounding waters are so biologically rich that 18,000 acres adjacent to the Point have been officially proposed as a Marine Protected Area (MPA)— home to endangered corals, seagrass beds, and concentrations of sharks, fish, and other marine life.

Last year, Disney Cruise Lines and the Government of The Bahamas cut off the discussion of economic alternatives for the South Eleuthera communities closest to the point. The Government chose to ignore a funded, sustainable alternative developed by Bahamian groups and strong public opposition to Disney’s plans. In October 2018, the Government gave preliminary approval to Disney to purchase LHP for the construction of a private cruise ship port.

On March 7, 2019, the Government of the Bahamas secretly signed a Heads of Agreement (HoA) with Disney Cruise Lines Island Development, Ltd (DCL), but the full text of the HoA was not released until March 20th. The Bahamian environmental groups described the HoA—that sets out the framework for further negotiations and approvals— “a realization of our worst environmental, economic, and societal fears.”

The HoA revealed a project much more massive than anticipated with much less clear economic benefits.

The HoA gives DCL rights to secure a 50-year-lease on the seabed to build a $250 million 0.6 mile long pier and onshore entertainment facilities to handle up to 20,000 passengers a week. The groups called upon Disney to prepare a world-class Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) that includes consideration of alternative sites, economic analyses, and full public consultation.

On May 2, 2019, the environmental groups sent a detailed letter to the chief sustainability officer at Disney, setting out a list of data, studies, and analyses that would be essential in such an EIA. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President of Waterkeeper Alliance, who had visited The Bahamas in April, then transmitted the letter to Disney. Kennedy indicated the strong support of the Alliance for the groups’ demands and willingness to work with Disney. To date, Disney has been dismissive of the groups’ concern and their offer of cooperation.

Marc Yaggi, Executive Director of Waterkeeper Alliance, stated: “We are pleased to join with our Bahamian partners to launch this campaign against Disney’s current plans for Lighthouse Point that would degrade a treasured natural site and proposed marine protected area. Disney needs to do more than just rush through a minimal government process in The Bahamas -- it needs to seriously consider the environmental, economic, and social costs of this proposed cruise port. We’re calling on Disney to commit to preserv-

ing Lighthouse Point for current and future generations by finding a more suitable alternative site for its cruise ships.”

Joe Darville, Executive Director of Save the Bays, added: “It is alarming to hear that Disney is moving forward with qualifying contractors for construction work at Lighthouse Point before the EIA is even completed. A comprehensive review of the environmental and economic effects of this massive port project must be done before any final decision is made on the future of one of the most majestically beautiful spots left on Earth. We urge Disney to choose a different site for its port and to work with citizen groups on alternatives that would provide sustainable

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economic benefits for South Eleuthera.”

Sam Duncombe, Executive Director of reEarth, also stated: “Bahamians are increasingly questioning the benefits of the cruise ship industry to the country after so many failed promises of jobs and economic opportunities. Cruise ship passengers comprise 75% of the tourists visiting The Bahamas, yet they only contribute 10% of the annual tourism GDP. There are better, more sustainable development options for South Eleuthera than Disney’s proposed cruise ship port at Lighthouse Point.”

Phoebe Shaw, Last Chance for Lighthouse Point campaign director, added:“This is the last chance we have to save Lighthouse Point - a special place for thousands of people across the world who have been fortunate to experience its unique beauty.

The point and the surrounding seas deserved to be protected for future generations. Lighthouse Point represents an opportunity for Disney to show that it really is a leader in sustainable development and the protection of our oceans and planet.” -End-

Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce issues statement on renewed “Stop Disney” campaign

by ECC President, Thomas Sands.

We, at the Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce, are aware of the ongoing debate regarding Disney’s proposed Lighthouse development.

We believe that all groups should be allowed to voice their opinions in a productive manner and we would not attempt to discredit or disparage any of the views being expressed in the public sphere.

The primary concern of the Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce is to promote the continued and much needed growth and development of the economy of Eleuthera.

The Disney development, which is located in the Southern part of the island, is projected to result in, I believe $200-400 million dollars in investment.

The South Eleuthera economy has been in recession for decades and an investment like this could have a tremendous impact on communities, especially in the South. If these communities are going to survive to see another generation have a place to return to, major developments, like the Disney development, must take place and must succeed.

We understand and note the environmental concerns being communicated and agree that any development happening on our island should seek to protect the island’s ecology as much as possible. With that in mind,

we support the Government’s requirement to have an environmental impact assessment completed prior to the project being fully approved, and we continue to wait on the findings of that assessment. If it is favorable, I do not see any reason why the business community would not support the Disney development, as we do all developments that seek to positively impact our economy.

The Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce continues to focus on supporting new and existing businesses. It is our hope that our members will be in a position to take full advantage of the opportunities that will result from all approved developments. Therefore we continue to lobby the Government for improved infrastructure and incentives that will encourage business development and empowerment of Bahamians in commerce.

It is my personal hope that the attention being garnered through Disney’s interest in the island will also draw other investment as well as attention to the need for further improvements to our airports, healthcare system, policing, energy challenges, and water production issues.

Best regards, Thomas A. Sands Jr.

2019

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Picture These

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (BIS) - Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon. Darren Henfield met with U. S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Friday, July 19, 2019. During the meeting, the two discussed bilateral security cooperation through Operation Bahamas, Turks & Caicos and the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. The Secretary expressed appreciation for the role The Bahamas has played in making the Caribbean safer. He also thanked the Foreign Minister for the strong leadership of The Bahamas in preserving democracy in the region, particularly in Venezuela and Nicaragua.

RBPF Award of Medals -

Governor General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Cornelius A. Smith hosted the Royal Bahamas Police Force Award of Medals Presentation, on Wednesday, July 24th and Thursday, July 25th, 2019 at Government House in ceremonies for Gallantry, Meritorious Long Service and Good Conduct. Eleven Royal Bahamas Police Force Officers, from within the Eleuthera Division, were honored with medals during the presentations. Those officers included: ASP Franklyn Neely, ASP Nigel Rolle, Inspector Joseph Oldham, Inspector Julian Newbold, Inspector Kelsey

NASSAU, Bahamas(BIS)- Governor General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Cornelius A. Smith (L) attended the 90th birthday celebration for former Governor General and former Parliamentarian, the Most Hon. Sir Orville Turnquest (Center) at his home, Friday, July 19, 2019. Also in attendance were Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis (back L); former Governor General, the Most Hon. Sir Arthur Foulkes (Front R); former Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham (back R) and Bahamasair Chairman, former Member of Parliament and son of Sir Orville, O. A. ‘Tommy’ Turnquest (not pictured). (BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna)

Farquharson, Sergeant Sharico Farquharson, Sergeant Surdino Sands, Woman Sergeant Tekenia Taylor, Corporal Claudius Bethel, Corporal Valentino Johnson, and Constable Javon Frazier.

Pictured in the group photo, front row -- the Governor General is at centre; Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin Dames, centre right; and Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson, centre left. (BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna)

42 www. EleutheraNews . com

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Goombay Summer Festival 2019 launches in Harbour Island and will climax in Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera

BY The eleutheran news team

Residents and visitors to Harbour Island got an opportunity to celebrate all things Bahamian at the Ministry of Tourism’s annual Goombay Summer Festival on Friday, July 5th and Saturday, July 6th, 2019.

Working in collaboration with industry partners in Harbour Island to extend the itinerary of festivities beginning with the American Independence celebrations, Ministry of Tourism

representatives capitalized on a major opportunity to showcase Bahamian music, food and culture all uniquely packaged to show what Harbour Island has to offer.

“The event has grown exponentially in Harbour Island”, said Ministry of Tourism Harbour Island Manager, June Dean. “Last year we attracted more than 400 visitors and we expect to double those numbers this year.”

Above: Harbour Island Island Tourist Office Manager, June Dean (second from left), with her team members and visiting tourism officials during the July 5th and 6th Goombay Fest in Harbour Island. Below: Festival Goers entertained by Fire Dancer Kieasha Poitier.

The Goombay Summer Festival showcases various cultural delights like traditional Goombay Dancers, Ring Play, Rake n’ Scrape Bands, Limbo and Fire Dancers, food demonstrations, Androsia Fashion, a Kids’ Corner, Magic Man, Face Painters, People to People Booth, a thrilling Junkanoo Rush Out and a live concert featuring popular local performers.

“Highlighting elements of Bahamian culture is always cause for celebration and this festival is no exception to that”, said Ministry of Tourism Senior Manager of Communications, Rissie Demeritte. “It gives Bahamians a reason to come together and allows for visitors to indulge in elements that make the Bahamian culture truly unique.”

Goombay Summer Festival will be held throughout various Islands of the Bahamas including the Berry Islands, San Salvador, Bimini as well as on the mainland in Eleuthera from now until the end of August. Goombay Summer Festival’s ultimate event will take place in Governor’s Harbour, Central Eleuthera on August 31st at Bayfront Park, with headliners, Blaudy and Fanshawn

July/Aug, 2019 Below: A visitor taking on the Obeah man.

Evans performing with Blue Waters Entertainment (live band), along with Fire Dancer ‘Venus’, a Junkanoo rushout, other local entertainment, as well as cultural games and activities.

Above: Dancing for the crowd at Harbour Island’s Goombay Summer Fest.

Above: Visitors Enjoying Goombay Summer Festival

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Above and below: Space to Create campers performing in their finale dance and drama production at Goombay Summer Festival in Harbour Island.

Left: Bahamian performer entertains the crowd of onlookers at Goombay Fest 2019.

visit

‘Ms World Bah’

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and cleaner environment. I’m really happy to be here, and to see this phenomenal program at work.”

A small ceremony followed at SEEP, where CEO and staff of OEF, campers of the South Eleuthera Police Camp, ASP in charge of South Eleuthera District, Franklyn Neely and the Bahamas Plastic Movement, were all present. A presentation on the environment was given by Tyrin Culmer from the Bahamas Plastic Movement, OEF CEO Shaun Ingraham also gave remarks about the recycling program at SEEP, and their new partnership with Miss World Bahamas to heighten the profile of the program even further, and ASP Neely presented to the children about taking advantage of the opportunities being presented to them, using an analogy of a sharpened pencil, ready to go - prepared.

Ms. Bandelier also spoke to the campers on her platform and encouraged them to embrace a more sustainable way of life. While there she also participated in a glass crushing exercise on-site facilitated by Mrs. Shorlette Cartwright of Artists Oasis.

In The Photos: Miss World Bahamas, Nyah Bandelier, helping to crush glass at the recycling facility on the grounds at SEEP; greeting young campers who came out to meet and welcome her to Eleuthera; receiving gifts of appreciation for her visit from the One Eleuthera Foundation.

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July/Aug, 2019

The Bahamas Celebrates 46th Independence Anniversary

By Betty Vedrine

NASSAU, The Bahamas – Scores of Bahamians gathered on Clifford Park on Tuesday evening, July 9th, to attend a three-part ceremony commemorating the nation’s 46th Independence Anniversary.

In attendance, and enjoying the excitement-charged atmosphere, were: Governor General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Cornelius A. Smith and Mrs. Smith; Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis and Mrs. Minnis; the Hon. Mr. Justice Brian Moree, Chief Justice of The Bahamas, and Mrs. Moree; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Peter Turnquest; several Cabinet Ministers and their spouses, Senators, Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson, Commander of the Defence Force, Commodore Tellis A. Bethel and Mrs. Bethel; senior government officials and the diplomatic corps.

Kicking off the night was an Ecumenical service with clergy representing a cross-section of Christian churches.

Delivering the sermon was President of the Bahamas Christian Council, Bishop Delton Fernander. A cultural production featuring a skit was staged, and through music, song, and dance a compelling narrative of the Bahamian experience was conveyed to the audience.

The evening culminated with a series of performances by the uniformed branches, followed by a parade inspection by the Governor General. At midnight, A Flag Raising Ceremony topped off the evening at Clifford Park. The People’s Love and Unity Rush Junkanoo parade celebrated the dawn of Independence morning, July 10, 2019.

(Clifford Park Photos by BIS Photographer Derek Smith)

Some of the moments captured by BIS of the Independence Anniversary celebrations at Clifford Park on the evening of July 9th, 2019.

Raising the flag in Governor’s Harbour Left: Inspector Joseph Oldham conducts a drill with uniformed officers ahead of the official inspection by Chief Supt. Stephen Adderley in Governor’s Harbour.

Above Left: Chief Supt. Stephen Adderley hands over the national flag to the Color Party, before they march formally to the flagpole to raise the flag, just moments before midnight on July 9th, 2019, in the island’s capital.

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Below: Some of the moments captured in Governor’s Harbour, during celebration of the country’s 46th anniversary of Independence.

BY The eleutheran news team

In The Eleutheras In South Eleuthera, the communities began celebration on Friday, July 5th, with a Flag Day Service at the Ocean Hole Park at 10am, followed up by a talent show later that evening in Green Castle at the primary school. On Sunday, July 7th, a church service was hosted at the St. Luke’s Anglican Church in Rock Sound at 11am that morning, followed on Monday, July 8th with a Speech and Graphic Design competition hosted at Freedom Park in Rock Sound, at 7pm in the evening.

Celebrations in the South culminated on Tuesday, July 9th, beginning at 8pm with an ecumenical service, cultural show, and police drill, followed by a flag raising, topped off with fireworks and junkanoo - at the homecoming site in Rock Sound.

Further in the north, on St. George’s Cay in Spanish Wells, on Friday, July 5th, National Pride Day was observed with a selfie/usie competition, with prizes given for the most patriotic photo, and on Tuesday, July 9th, the community came together for an Independence motorcade, where the best decorated vehicle won a prize. The Independence Day holiday was celebrated in the morning on Wednesday July 10th, with a community Slippery Article Continued Page 46

Right: Some of the moments captured by Photographer Donna Whitfield Decosta in Harbour Island as Bahamians went about celebrating the country’s 46th anniversary of the achievement of Independence from British Colonial Rule.

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July/Aug, 2019

Continued from Page. 45 Pole competition, where different age levels, from the very young to young adults tried to be the first to reach the end of a long pole extended over the public harbour - with most competitors taking a dunk before ever reaching the end, but it made for loads of water splashing fun.

The morning also saw children competing in a hula hoop competition, as well as a sticky donut eating contest. Later in the evening on Independence Day, the community celebrated at the ballpark with their 11th Annual Independence Bash, which got started at about 7:30pm.

People wore their national colours and enjoyed live entertainment, teen and adult competitions and fireworks.

Central Eleuthera also began celebrations on Friday, July 5th, with a National Pride t-shirt day, judging of decorated business places, and food stalls were available at the administrative complex. At 4pm, a Flag Raising ceremony was also hosted on the grounds of the administrative building.

On Tuesday, July 9th in Governor’s Harbour, Independence Eve events mirrored those held in the north and south districts, which began with remarks and greetings from community leaders. An ecumenical gospel segment followed the opening cultural ceremony, which then led into a march pass by the Royal Bahamas Police Force, shortly before midnight, joined by other uniformed services, then an inspection of the Force by Chief Superintendent Stephen Adderley, and Administrator for Central and North Eleuthera Gilbert Kemp, before the flag raising ceremony, along with fireworks and a junkanoo rush-out. Spotty rain, on Tuesday evening interrupted several segments of the evening programming, but as soon as skies cleared, the 46th Annual Independence celebrations continued.

Hoopla was just one of a number of fun activiities on the morning.

Space permitting more highlights of celebrations dock side in Spanish Wells will be feautured in Auigust/Sept issue.

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Adderley comments on crime in eleuthera’

Continued from Page. 18

File Photo (January 2019): Local Top Brass of the RBPF, with Chief Supt. Stephen Adderley (far left), along with Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Clarence Reckley, with responsibility for Family Islands (front left) and ACP Theophilus Cunningham.

look to resolve those shortly. Governor’s Harbour is one of the hotspots, with a number of our repeat offenders. A number of them had been convicted and sent to jail. However, some sentences are up, and many of them have been released and sent back home within the communities this summer. We always understand when they’ve been released, we see an up-

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tick in crime, and it’s usually the same people.”

He continued, “The problem is the law only allows a certain amount of punishment. There may be a year for the first offense, and the second time, two years, and the magistrate can only give up to five years. The magistrate is also mindful of only punishing the person for the crime committed,

and giving them an opportunity to rehabilitate. However, some of our perpetrators are bent on doing what they are doing. So, they keep us ‘employed’. The good thing is that in most cases, we are able to find them very quickly and take them off of the streets. We hope this does not escalate into something greater, to cause harm to members of the public. Until our laws are changed, the best we can do is find them, arrest them, and put them before the courts - as we have been doing.

“We have these repeat offenders in the north, central and south.

When they come out of prison, we look out for them doing some things.

Once it’s done, we are able to pick them up, and put them before the courts, and away for a time. We’ve been doing that rather regularly.

There are some new players in, so, we are now looking at those players.

Some of them we have charged already, and some of them are on bail - and still committing crime. So, we look to wrap them up for the new crimes committed, and have them remanded by the magistrate, so, they can be taken off the streets for a while. So, we’ll have quiet communities in Eleuthera. We have it in hand. We know who our players are, and we know what they are doing.

We are paying attention,” assured C/ Supt. Adderley.

OIC Adderley also expressed his and his team’s gratitude to the Eleuthera community for working with them, “I want to thank the members of the Eleuthera community for the assistance they have given over the course of the first six months of the year, and we look forward to their continued partnership in matters of

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crime and the public interest.”

He also had words of advice, with tips for staying within the law and safe during the second half of 2019, “I wish to advise the public against traffic infractions, particularly the excessive speeds that we are seeing on the highway - the overtaking on the curves and verges and hills, the unlicensed and unregistered vehicles that we have been finding on the streets. So, we implore the public to adhere to the traffic laws. Have those vehicles licensed, ensure that your headlights are working - not just one, but both, and adhere to the speed limits within the communities.

“Also, we advise businesspersons not to convey large amounts of cash unsupervised. If they need assistance, they can reach out to us here at headquarters. They must write directly to myself, the Officer In Charge or to the Commissioner of Police. Do not approach an officer directly for those services - as they would find themselves before the courts. It must be lawfully done, with permissions garnered from the Commissioner. It is a criminal offence to harbour an officer on duty to do things that they are not authorized to do.

“For the remainder of the summer, we implore the public to keep a close eye on the kids, ensuring that they are monitored while swimming on the beaches - taking special care for rip currents, strong tides, as well as in shallow waters.

“We look forward to the remainder of the year having as minimal a level of crime that we can make happen,” he concluded.

Urban Renewal Summer Campers In South Eleuthera During the month of July 2019, from July 1st to July 26th, the Ministry of Urban Services, Development and Renewal based in Green Castle, South Eleuthera, hosted “Summer Camp 2019” for young people in the South Eleuthera communities, from Rock Sound to Bannerman. 75 campers participated in this year’s Urban Renewal Summer Camp and ranged in age from 5 yrs. to 15 yrs. old. The young campers took part in a variety of activities including; art and craft, jewelry making and straw craft, sewing, sports, music, interpretive dance and more during the month, with breakfast and lunch provided each day. In the photo above, some of the campers are seen with Urban Renewal organizers, RBPF Officer 1311 Brown and volunteer helpers on the grounds of the Green Castle primary school.