Volume 11, Issue 11, December 2018
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‘Water Fix, New Airport, Accountability’among the issues discussed at PM meetings in Spanish Wells and Lower Bogue Prime Minister, Hubert Minnis was back in The Eleutheras on Friday, November 9th, to continue his tour of town meetings across the country, this time in North Eleuthera, and in Spanish Wells. He was accompanied on this visit by Minister of State for Legal Affairs, Mr. Elsworth Johnson; as well as Member of Parliament for North Eleuthera, Mr. Rickey Mackey; Member of Parliament for Central and South Eleuthera, Mr. Hank Johnson; and Administrator for North Eleuthera, Mr. Ivan Fernander. In Spanish Wells, where the meeting got underway at about 4pm on the Friday afternoon, MP Rickey Mackey began the presentations, commenting on the water quality challenges in North Eleuthera, announcing to the audience that the is-
Continued On Page 4 Above: Prime Minister Hubert Minnis addressing audience of community members in Spanish Wells during his November 9th visit to North Eleuthera.
Honour Roll Students Awarded
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Ms & Little Ms
NE youth on the move in Briland
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pg: 8 pg: 27
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pg: 35 & 36 South & Central
pg:38 North
Profile: Prince Petty Jr. Harbour Island, Spanish Wells, Eleuthera
BACK COVER: Damianos Sotheby’s International PAGE 3: Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty PAGE 5: HG Christie
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Front Page: PM in North Eleuthera Continued from pg. 1 sue was currently being worked on and that by March of 2019 they would be receiving significantly improved, potable water delivered through their taps. He also highlighted that the government was working to fix some of the vexing issues being experienced by industry fishermen. Following MP Mackey was Minister Johnson, who began with presenting a sordid picture of the state of government contract corruption when the present government first came into office in 2017, and steps taken by the government led by Prime Minister Minnis to reverse that trend, including the ongoing audits of each government ministry to improve efficiencies across the board, and steps taken to introduce the concept of e-government as well as deeper accountability by government representatives through the Proceeds of Crime Act. Land reform, and the move to create a land registry for the entire country was also announced - with the caveat of that process being one that would take quite a number of years to complete. Johnson spoke briefly also on the new Fiscal Responsibility Act, now requiring the government to consistently publicly report on how government funds are spent. As he was in Spanish Wells, Minister Johnson announced that they would soon be sinking the commercial vessels confiscated from illegal fishers, removing the possibility of them once again being used in a foreign
fishing fleet. He also announced the intention of the Minister of National Security to introduce a drone use program within the country, as well as the Prime Minister’s initiative to increase the use of information technology by placing an iPad/tablet in the hands of every student over a period of time. Prime Minister Hubert Minnis followed Minister Johnson and in addressing the audience first announced his intention to visit Spanish Wells at least twice per year to bring similar reports of the government’s activities and initiatives. He then provided an overview of the economy’s growth trend since their election in 2017. The PM reiterated several points already in the public domain prior to the night’s meeting including; that North Eleuthera would be getting a new airport, however, no timeline was given for the completion; that in September of 2018 BTVI had been made free of charge to Bahamian students; that as of September 2019, the University of the Bahamas would also be free to all Bahamian students - to enhance access to tertiary education; and that every Bahamian student from the Family Islands attending the University of the Bahamas would be given $500 per month to assist them with accommodations. Specific to Spanish Wells, PM Minnis, announced that he had just signed a contract for road repairs on the island. He also said that a space had been identified for an additional graveyard facility in Spanish Wells, and that a contract to commence construction of the facility would be signed off shortly. A
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Bahamas DPM:
Imbalance of Pressure From International Regulatory Framework, #1 External Concern By Llonella Gilbert NASSAU, Bahamas -- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest said the number one external concern faced by the financial services sector in virtually all of the jurisdictions in the Caribbean appears to be the imbalance of pressure and scrutiny from the international regulatory framework. “Regardless of the progress made, no matter the commitment, the goal posts seem to keep moving,” DPM Turnquest explained at the Caribbean Association of Banks Inc. 45th Annual General Meeting and Conference held on Wednesday, October 31, 2018. He added, “Countries in the region continue to be discredited due to negative perceptions that do not accurately reflect the current strength of their local regulatory regimes.” The DPM said the consequences that black and grey lists have on access to correspondent banking at the micro level, and economic stability at the macro level needs to be quantified and rationalized. He explained that earlier in October, he called on the International Monetary Fund to take a more active role in developing objective data on (Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) reforms in Caribbean jurisdictions in two specific areas: Independently quantifying the economic and fiscal costs posed by international financial services regimes in the region particularly to the European Union and countries in the OECD; Quantifying how the returns to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and EU from their emphasis on jurisdictions in the Caribbean line up with the costs they continue to impose on Caribbean nations relative to the tax base and financial crimes base which they seek to impact. The DPM said, “We must increase our collective efforts to challenge the system that disproportionately costs the region, undermining our efforts to attract foreign
investments, to promote economic diversity and resilience and development for our people.” He explained that the latest knock to the region came from the inclusion of The Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago on a UK watch list for money laundering. The DPM said, “This was a direct consequence of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) list of jurisdictions that it deemed as having strategically deficient anti-money laundering measures.” He said governments in the region are not blind to the needs for enhanced enforcement when it comes to AML/CFT, and all of the countries standards of enforcement must reinforce the no-tolerance stance of their governments and the quality of their domestic regulatory regimes. DPM Turnquest said, “While there is clearly room for improvement, we cannot let the perception stand that our financial regulatory agencies and the financial intelligence units somehow lack competence or quality; that they are failing to produce any results. “Speaking for The Bahamas, we have
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The Eleutheran | 11/12 2018
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Minister offers assurances of protecting the leading industry
driving Spanish Wells.
Outlines Gov’t Initiatives in Fisheries
BY The eleutheran news team
Below: Minister Michael Pintard at podium next to Phedra Rahming, Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources.
Above: SW fishermen listening to Minister Pintard’s update on gov’t iniatives. Above right: Minister Michael Pintard addressing Spanish Wells’ fishermen at meeting held on November 2nd, 2019.
Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, Mr. Michael Pintard during November visited Spanish Wells to meet with community members involved in the fishing industry. Pintard explained that the visit was a direct response to invitations by the community to directly communicate with him and his colleagues, saying, “The focus was to talk about some of the challenges faced by the fishing community in general and Spanish Wells in particular. We are responding to an invitation by the fishermen here on the island. A very important stakeholder in terms of making sure that we protect the livelihood that has driven this community for years. We came over to candidly answer the various questions that they have been raising. We are also here on the insistence of the Member of Parliament, who has been very diligent in highlighting the “ Dominican challenges faced by the poachers in fishermen - in terms of the southwest, poaching, unregulated ... fishing and harvesting, American unsafe practices carried out by foreigners as sports well as Bahamians. So fishermen in we wanted to systematithe north.” cally address the issue of how we are dealing with, primarily, Dominican poachers in the southwest, how we are dealing with American sports fishermen in the north, what the plans are with respect to amending the Fisheries Act, our intentions in terms of how we dispose of the catch as well as the vessels that have been engaged in illegal activities in our waters, what will be our position going forward in addressing permanent residents who are from elsewhere, but on Bahamian fishing vessels - those with spousal permits and those with work permits.” He continued, “And we wanted to make
sure that everybody understands that the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry with responsibility for Immigration, the Ministry responsible for Marine Resources are on the same page in making sure that we have a discussion before giving a labour certificate to a foreigner which is to be on a Bahamian vessel or giving an Immigration permit for them to be in the jurisdiction in the fisheries sector. Because, we believe it is possible to dramatically increase the number of Bahamians that are on Bahamian vessels, working in the fisheries sector. Far too many unsafe activities are occurring and practices are being utilized and it is decimating the marine resources in this country. So, we are very sympathetic and committed to assisting our fishing communities throughout the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and we intend to visit them, hear their concerns, and address the concerns in a way that they can measure the progress over time on the issues that they have raised with us.” A number of issues raised in the meeting held on Friday, November 2nd, were already being considered in the ongoing amendment to the Fisheries Act process, said Minister Pintard. He outlined where government currently was in that process, saying, “With the respect to the Fisheries Act, the process is this. Stakeholders will make their recommendations, as they have been doing since about May - meeting every week - giving their input on the adjustments they believe ought to be made. The next step is - and that’s where we are now - the draft has gone to the Attorney General. It has been there for several weeks. That draft will come back for comments to myself. I would then prepare a Cabinet paper, and take it to Cabinet for Cabinet’s approval. So, we have been benefitting from input from the various stakeholders. The penalties will be dramatically increased - presently it’s up to $50,000, and the reality is that universally Continued On Page 12
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FEAT U RE
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An Eleutheran Profile:
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Prince Alfred Petty Jr. (82)
BY Elizabeth A. Bryan
Introduction… Mr. Prince Alfred Petty Jr., chosen as an honouree in this year’s Nation Builders Award, has literally had a hand in constructing homes and other buildings along the length and breadth of The Eleutheras from Harbour Island to Cape Eleuthera during his longstanding career as a mason in construction. Volunteering his skills for the good of community has also been a hallmark of his career. The Eleutheran caught up with Mr. Petty at his home in James’ Cistern where he shared some of his life experiences from the shade of his front porch perched on a hilly alcove above the seaside township. Early days… “I was born up in a place called Colebrookedale, in Governor’s Harbour on May 6th, 1936,” reminisced 82-year-old Prince Jr. with a smile. “Thank God for life, because I realized that God has been good to me, to see where he actually brought me from. My father was Prince Petty Sr. and my mother was Elizabeth Petty and they were both born in Governor’s Harbour. My mother had many children, and about ten survived. Governor’s Harbour had big families then, and we lived well with each other. My mother was a cook, and my father was a farmer, and he also used to do other things about, like working on the government roads, and a bit of construction at times.” Comparing today to his yesteryear, he described, “We grew up to be mannerly and obedient to our parents. We went through certain things, but we had to watch out because our parents were very strict. If we were to try and do anything, like row… they wouldn’t only train you up, they would put it on you. When I was growing up, I respected everyone, whether
they were older than me, or younger than me. With the old people, anyone could teach us. If they said to ‘move from there’, we would move. When they called us to come, we would go. It didn’t matter where we were going. Sometimes your parents sent you out, and you would end up going out for your parents, but an older person would meet you, and ask for you to go to the store for them - and you had to go. If you didn’t go, when you got back home, they would have told your parents that you were unmannerly. So, we couldn’t behave like some of the children today. We had to try and go and please that one, especially if they were older - then go back home. Because when they go to our daddy and say, ‘that little no manners fellow’… He would have said, ‘you should have gone’ - and you would find yourself getting a beating (spanking).” School days… Mr. Petty recounted a defining experience as a young student, “When I was little boy, I went to school, and there were a lot of us in school. The place used to be full, from the very small children to big children. Learning then wasn’t like these days, and I had it kind of a little funny because, I had to go for the teachers’ lunches. They picked me out to do that from when Principal Mr. Major first came. I had to walk from the Governor’s Harbour All Age school up to where they have BATELCO now, on the hill. You know that was too far, and it was for four-or-five people’s lunches. I used to have to do that, and when they sent me, I would go. It was hard to do that, but by being mannerly, that’s what I had to do, and that was every day. “So, instead of me being in school trying to learn what I should have been there to learn, at that time, I was on the road go-
ing up and down. When I was fourteen, the time generally to leave school, I was saying to myself - ‘well I wear myself out spending all those hours going back and forth for the lunches, I will get a chance to stay on a little longer to make up what was missed.’ When Principal Major called the names for the roll to leave school, I was figuring he would think ‘well Prince used to go for my lunch’, and would consider that and let me stay on a little longer. But, when he called the list, I was about the first one he called to leave. That taught me a real lesson. From there I went on to work.” Career… Work for Prince Jr. would take him throughout the island, from Harbour Island in the north to Cape Eleuthera in the south. What made it possible was the culture of skilled men at that time, passing on their knowledge to the younger generation following them. “When I first went to trade (to be an apprentice), I worked with Mr. Richard Rolle doing construction. He was my boss. The first place I went to was a Dr. Bain’s house, through the road called Lover’s Hill, past Wykee’s. I helped with work on the one hundred and twenty plus steps that run down the banks from that house. Mr. Rolle was a very nice man to us. He was doing work for Jack Sweeting, and we were all working there together. He had about four of us that went to learn the trade with him at the same time - four young men. We worked with four or five masons there. I tried my best to learn the mason work well, but also, I tried to learn most of everything, some plumbing, some electrical. With every little job I could get, I would try and do my best and tried to learn as much as I could. So, when the time came, I could do this and that and the next.” Like many other young men back then, the promise of economic return enticed Mr. Petty to take up the mass offer of employment in the U.S., “In 1956, at the age of 20, I went to Florida to work on ‘The Contract’. I had been trying to work and help my parents, but work then was funny. So, I left home, and went to Florida, and worked over there for six or seven months. While there I picked tomatoes and worked on the farm, picked potatoes, and planted them as well. I also worked in the Packing House, where they bagged up the potatoes. I had a good job in there. They had me as an
inspector of the product as they were going through the machines, and also walking through making sure no one else had any problems. I would jump in and help fix the bags if there was a problem, and I was looked on favorably. They then took me from there and placed me in the tomatoes Packing House. All of the bosses liked me, men and ladies. God was with me, and they didn’t want me to come out, but, being obedient to parents, I left there and came back home. They wanted me to come back, but my mother was not doing well, so, I didn’t want to go back and leave her.” Following his brief ‘Contract’ hiatus in the U.S., Prince Jr. returned to Eleuthera and continued where he had left off, “When I came out, I went back to working construction with Mr. Rolle, and the first project after I returned was at the Barclays Bank in Rock Sound, working on the pretty molding at the front. I worked many other places during my career in construction - in Rock Sound, Cape Eleuthera, in Harbour Island, many private homes, all about. I also worked with Mr. Rolle in building his cottages opposite his house, and worked with his sons. Mr. Rolle was very nice to me, and I worked with him all about, for much of my career. Anytime he had work for me to do, and called me, I would do it. I did work on my own as well, all over the island. “After we left working with him, there were four or five of us. Some went this way, and some went the other way. I also did some work on Camp Symonette here, working with two foremen from Governor’s Harbour at first, then me and my brother Frankie stayed working there and finished it off. I’ve built houses and worked in Palmetto Point, in Savannah Sound with the Rankines, also in Rock Sound and Cape Eleuthera, in James’ Cistern at the Methodist Church I was the head mason there. I also did work on the Eleuthera Bible Training Center, and worked on the Methodist church in Hatchet Bay - and also did the finish work on the church tower there. I’ve worked on homes in Gregory Town, and worked putting down the tennis courts at the resort out of town there. I worked down to the Glass Window bridge as well. I can remember we were pouring the concrete away from the bridge, not on the main section, going down along the sides. The contractor was a Mr. Cargill out of Nassau and it was dangerous work.” Mr. Petty never shied away from helping out or volunteering his talent throughContinued On Page 9
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An Eleutheran Profile Continued from pg. 8 out his career, “I went to Abaco twice and worked there on a small church, when I was working along with my brother, Bishop Petty who was an overseer then of the national churches. I’ve also built a number of the tombs at the graveyard here in James’ Cistern and in Governor’s Harbour. Everywhere I knew people were doing something, I would always go and help them. I’ve worked all about, and helped all kinds of people. I’ve also helped here with the school, and also did work in the James’ Cistern Clinic for free. I went and worked, because I’m living in the community. I slowed down a lot with work after that.” During his younger days, Mr. Petty shared that he was once a part of several local calypso bands. “I had a band that I used to go about playing in called the Merry Makers. They had a band in Nassau called the Mighty Makers. We didn’t want to take their name, so we called ours the Merry Makers - to make people merry. That was started back around 1957. I did that for a good little while, playing with musicians like Charles Cooper, and many others. We used to play all about, at parties, at a place called the King’s Inn that was here in James’ Cistern, which was a very popular club then. All of the boys from Nassau used to come and play there. We played at a place they called Cool & Clear in Governor’s Harbour, and also at the Buccaneer Club, the Windermere Club, all about. I learned to play the guitar from a man they used to call, ‘Smitty’. He used to be out on the Cay. He was a fellow from Nassau and he used to play guitar. We would go to him, and he would show us different chords. There was also another band, called King Gordon & His Knights the Sands boys, and I used to play bass with them. We had nice times together, then I had my own band, the Merry Makers.” In later years, with a change of heart, and deeper desire to walk his Christian faith, Mr. Petty disbanded his secular group, “After a while, I said ‘I’ve done enough of that, and I’m not going to play anything like that anymore. I’m going to go and play for God. From then I eased that down, and then went about playing and singing, or doing whatever I could for God. I never went back to that.” Family life… After returning home from The Contract, Mr. Petty got married to his first wife, Mrs. Olive Petty (nee Kelly). “I met my first wife - I used to see her, and she was a very nice woman. We got married around 1958, and were married for many years, and had a good-many-children - five girls and four boys.” After many years, the couple separated, and Mr. Petty, said they continued to have an amicable relationship. “You know how things are in life, and things happen, so I ended up coming this way (to James’ Cistern).” A number of years later, in 1993, Mrs. Olive Petty passed away. Several
Above: Mr. Prince Petty Jr. strumming his guitar.
years later, Mr. Petty married his second wife, Mrs. Lillian Petty (nee Rolle), with whom he’d had five children - three girls and two boys, along with a stepson. Faith and Study… Mr. Petty shared that nowadays he reads and studies his Bible all the time. “I’m a member of Global Outreach Ministries. I’m one of the musicians there that play the guitar, and I used to play the guitar too in Bishop Petty’s church, and a good many of the churches. I go around to churches doing what I can do, I would play and help sing. I go to all the churches at different times. Anything I see people doing for the Lord, I would help with it too. I now put my time into seeking the Word of God. I have my testament right here, and tote it everywhere I go. I also have a good friend, my spiritual buddy, Mr. Bill Burrows. We talk on the phone almost every day about the scriptures. He encourages me to go on.” The Baptist church on Cupid’s Cay, with Reverend Samuel Pinder was where Mr. Petty was raised, he described, “Mr. Pinder trained me. I grew up as a young boy, going to Sunday school, but we used to visit all of them. We would go to Sunday school at the Baptist, the Methodist and the Anglican - all of them. Then we would go back to the Baptist for the night service. We had to go to church like three times that day. Reverend Pinder taught us a lot, and as I got older there were four other fellows and I that kept the church going at that time. It was nice and I had some good Christian men friends.” After moving to James’ Cistern, Mr. Petty attended the Methodist church he said, then joined Global Outreach when it was formed by young Pastors Orlando and
Clarice Thompson. Nowadays, he said he visits with all the local churches. One of his little delights, said Mr. Petty, that he really enjoys, is when people ask him questions about the Bible. “That’s why I like to keep reading and going through it. When people ask me different questions, I can say, well no that doesn’t go like that, or it goes like this. So, I try to learn as much as I could. Life for me has been good, and is still good. I as a person, I don’t forget my friends, and with helping people, I try to do as much of that as I could. I think what we need to do now is keep praying.” National Honour… On Monday, October 29th, 2018, during ‘Older Persons’ month, Mr. Petty was one of ten Bahamians chosen to be honoured with this year’s Nation Builder Award. The experience, he said was one-of-a-kind. “I was happy. Those people were very nice to me. After they told me about it, I wasn’t convinced at first, but I went along with several of my children, on the plane to Nassau. When we got to Government House, I looked around, and said to myself, ‘well, I’m in the Government House’. I saw all the other ‘old’ people, but you know they were young, just like me,” chuckled Prince Jr. with a plucky smile. “Age is only a number… I was escorted to the front seat. I looked and as people say, ‘getting your flowers while you are living’, that’s how I felt. A 97-year-old woman sat next to me, and when she was called up to receive her award, and she walked up there so brisk, I said to myself, ‘Well! I’m half her age’. So, I said, ‘If they are going up there so good, I am going up walking so neat’,” said Mr. Petty. Meeting Governor General Mrs. Pindling, as well as Minister Campbell,
who presented him with his award - Mr. Petty expressed that it was an experience he would not soon forget.
Local EleutheraNews Emma E. Cooper primary and Deep Creek primary claim top spots in separate 2018 RK Speech Competitions 10
Nov/Dec 2018
A popular item on the primary school calendar in Eleuthera, the annual Religious Knowledge Speech Competition, took place for the second year in two different locations, since the split up of the Eleuthera School District into North and Central (from Savannah Sound going north) as one separate school district, and South Eleuthera (Tarpum Bay going south) as another, in 2017. In the Central and North Eleuthera school district, eight young students (one from each primary school) from grades 4, 5, or 6 in their respective schools, competed in the Speech Competition, battling it out to be named as the top primary orator. The young speakers spoke on the theme, “The Missing Peace”, at the Methodist church in Gregory Town, on the morning of Friday, November 9th, 2018. Competitors included; Tamia Knowles of Emma E. Cooper primary school, Lavaal Fernander of Governor’s Harbour primary, Tamia Major of Gregory Town primary, Alexia Oliver of Harbour Island All Age primary, Kaynia Minnis of Laura L. Anderson primary, Kourtney Bethel of James’ Cistern primary, Kya-Bre Roberts of Samuel Guy Pinder All Age primary, and Neikeelah Johnson of P.A. Gibson
primary. One audience member, taking in the well-prepared speeches, commented that all of the entrants were great, and could empathize with the judges having a tough time. In the end, just two points separated third and first place. Tamia Knowles of Emma E. Cooper primary, whose performance was described as fantastic - with a strong voice, confident delivery and perfect grammar - was rewarded for her talent, tenacity and courage, just beating out her competitors to take the 2018 win with 285 points. Lavaal Fernander of Governor’s Harbour primary kept her school near the top, coming in an extremely close second place, with 284 points, and Neikeelah Johnson of P.A. Gibson primary, hot on the trail, took the third top spot of the morning competition, with 283 points. Held on the same day, the Religious Knowledge Speech Competition hosted in the South Eleuthera school district, at Fountain of Life Ministries in Rock Sound, had a slightly different format, with two to three students from each of the five South Eleuthera primary schools taking part - 14 competitors in total, this year. This was to give the widest
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Above: RK Speech Competition Winner, 4th Grader, Tamia Knowles, enjoying an outing with family.
opportunity for exposure to the children in the competing schools, explained District Superintendent (DS) Mrs. Gibson. Final results from the sizeable pool of competing students saw Tarpum Bay take second and third positions, with Gianni Meadows of Tarpum Bay primary in third place. Javanna Rankine also of Tarpum Bay primary,
finished once again in second place, repeating her excellent 2017 performance. Jayda Burrows of Deep Creek primary school, who placed third in 2017, was awarded the top finish on the day as the overall South Eleuthera winner for 2018.
Beautification Committee at SGPAAS handover $10,000 donation in books and learning materials
The past year was a busy one for the Beautification Committee at Samuel Guy Pinder All Age School. Created in 2018, and spearheaded by the husband and wife Police Officer team of WPC 3341 Nadia Brancaccio and PC 3531 Gonzalo Brancaccio, the group has taken on a number of projects and needs at the school. Most recently, on Monday morning, October 22nd, the committee formally handed over to the Principal of the school, Mrs. Gibson, $10,000 worth of books and supplies donated through a partnership
with the Ben Gamla Palm Beach School in Florida. Officer Nadia Brancaccio, following the morning presentation explained, “We wanted to not just beautify the area, but open the children’s minds with books that can take them all over the world, so, we started to work with Ben Gamla Palm Beach School in Florida. They committed to donating $10,000 worth
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$10,000 worth donated to school Continued from pg. 10 of books and reading materials and supplies to SGPAAS. We just had to make sure that they got here safely, and to formally hand them over to the school. Principal Gibson was fully on board at the school here. The Chief Councilor, Robert Roberts, was able to handle the shipping costs for us. The books and supplies are now here, and they are very good. This morning they were formally handed over to the school by the Beautification Committee.” She went on to describe some of the work taken on at the school by the committee during the year, saying, “We started with fully renovating the primary girls and boys bathrooms, which had not been upgraded within the past ten years. So, we did tiling, toilets, sinks, hand dryers, soap dispensers, paint - the full works. Then we moved to working at the front of the school, landscaping - starting with the laying of the grass. The children had no playground equipment out here, so we did the slide, the merry-goround was donated, as well as a shaded seating area with sun sails. The front area of the school is still a work in process, but we are trying to get it fully completed. Hopefully we continue to gather more donations, with the community coming together.” The Brancaccios, who were joined that morning by committee members, Bea and Amanda Pinder, along with Principal Mrs. Gibson, shared that the community of
Spanish Wells had helped tremendously in the efforts at the school, saying, “We could not have done it with just our bake sales. We had to ask for donations from various persons and churches. So people like Robert Roberts, the Fishermen’s Fest Committee, Triple A Marine, the PTA at the school, Anonymous donors, Ms. Sherry Smith, Members of the Haitian Baptist Church, and Monique Pinder at Food Fair donated very generously. That’s how we were able to get things done. The community pitched in.” Already looking forward to future projects for the committee, Mrs. Brancaccio shared some of the upcoming goals of the group, saying, “There is an issue with traffic in this area in front of the school, so, we wanted to erect some signs for traffic safety. We were also looking at doing a few murals around the school to get the students to come together more, and we want to deal with the sanitation issue of waste removal. As further needs arise, we will also continue to go ahead and push for them to get done.” Members of the Beautification Committee include; Nadia Brancaccio, Bereness Pinder, Gonzalo Brancaccio, Ryan Pinder, Amy Pinder, Gino Russell, Chardonnay Roberts, Sacha Hadland, Candice Pinder, Hopia McIntosh, Racheal Wood, Simone Carey and Leandra Pinder.
Home destroyed by fire in Hatchet Bay - No Lives Lost
On Sunday morning, November 18th, 2018, sometime around 10:40 am, Police responded to reports of a house fire on Princess Street in the township of Hatchet Bay. On their arrival, Police reported that they discovered a single story stone house fully engulfed in flames. Neighbours at that time were
attempting to control the flames, however, the fire rapidly destroyed the home, said Police. Volunteer fire services also responded, and were on scene assisting with extinguishing the home fire. Reports confirmed that no one was within the home at the time of the fire. Police are investigating the cause of the blaze.
The Eleutheran | 11/12 2018
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FISHERS Continued from pg. 7
the view is that we should begin the discussion at $100,000 on the low end, and some recommendations on the high end - up to a million dollars in terms of fines. What is quite remarkable is the court in advance of the Fisheries Act being amended, has already sent a signal to those that would come into Bahamian waters, that this is an intolerable act. That is demonstrated in the penalties both in terms of fines and imprisonment for those that have been illegally fishing in our waters.” During the meeting, Pintard was joined by several key personnel in other Departments and Ministries relevant to fisheries, who spoke on other actions being taken to protect and strengthen the industry. Highlighting them, he commented, “We are encouraged by what is happening in terms of the work being done by the Defence Force, and we are appreciative that on this trip that we have a senior member of the Defence Force, Mr. Moxey, with us, who has done a remarkable job in explaining the project that is going on now with the Defence Force, in terms of increasing the number of vessels in the fleet, introducing in the southern Bahamas a radar system, the imminent introduction of drones - so, the stepped up patrolling of our borders. We also had with us the Department of La-
Above: Minister Michael Pintard, accompanied by a team from the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources as well as representatives from the Department of Labour, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the Bahamas Development Bank, addressed Spanish Wells’ fishermen.
bour, Ms. Thurston under the direction of the Minister, to explain what the process has been in the past, with respect to labour certificates, and we all acknowledge that there are loopholes that people are exploiting - in terms of making the point that they were unable to find Bahamians to work on these vessels. We ourselves in the Department of Marine Resources, along with the National Training Agency, the Defence Force and BTVI are putting in place a national training program for divers in order to reduce the need for persons to consider going outside the country. The modules are all completed
- we are looking to begin before the end of this year. We are also happy to have Mr. Rutherford from the Bahamas Development Bank and we applaud them for the work they are doing, attempting to get resources in the hands of Bahamian agriculturalists, the handicraft industry, and the fisheries sector. Also, it is unacceptable that we have been unable to help our farmers and fishers adequately, in successive governments, in the aftermath of a hurricane. There is a need for us to find insurance that can assist them.” A key point brought up in the afternoon meeting was the question of WTO (the Bahamas joining the World Trade Organization), with fishermen expressing fear at the prospect. Pintard responded to the concern, saying, “Fisheries is not a part of the WTO discussion. Even in agriculture, we have been able to carve out the areas that we will protect for Bahamian farmers, so it is a non-issue with respect to fisheries.” Robert Roberts, Chief Councilor for the Spanish Wells District, commented following the meeting, saying that he thought it was fairly productive, “One, that Minister Pintard took the time to come here - even with being
in his position for such a short period. Two, I think he tried his best and did a pretty good job of addressing and at least outlining the issues that he knows we have, and he spoke to most of those. He spoke towards the poaching - foreign poaching. He spoke towards the foreigners working on Bahamian vessels. I would say that the majority of those in attendance came out of there - I don’t know that the word satisfied would describe it, but I think they feel better knowing that he is at least listening.” Concerning the government’s actions to date, Chief Councilor Roberts stated, “The Defence Force has stepped up their role in fisheries, and under his (Minister Pintard’s) leadership they will impose greater fines for foreigners. So, I think they’ve done that portion of it. Now what we need to do, and would like to do, is to see any commercial foreign boat that is convicted for poaching in our waters, be repurposed as artificial reef, so they can’t enter the fishing fleet in any capacity. He is actually in favor, as best I know for that… Going forward, it is still a fight. We haven’t necessarily corrected foreign poaching, mostly by Dominicans at the southern end. The other things that really aggravate us are other Bahamians having foreigners on their boats, going out and decimating the conchs here during the summer months. We still have people diving grouper, turtle - so it’s a work in progress. But, overall, I do think that we are moving in the right direction, and I’ve felt like that for the past 16 to 18 months.” According to Roberts, fishermen in Spanish Wells were not yet where they would like to be, but were hopeful, “Last year was a good year. This year, by the time the boys got out there, a lot of the bank had already been poached, whether it be foreigners or Bahamians. A lot of the boats managed to do alright. So, we are still on the bottom of the shelf. We haven’t reached the top shelf yet, and we are working towards that.”
Tragic Driveway Fatality
Businesswoman Mrs. Norma Johnson dies Sometime around 5:00pm on Monday evening, November 19th, 2018, Police in Governor’s Harbour received a report of an accidental death victim at the Governor’s Harbour Clinic. Officers responded and spoke with Dr. Cho, Medical Officer for Central Eleuthera, and were informed that an adult female had suffered injuries after an apparent accident in her driveway. She was brought to the Clinic where she succumbed to her injuries. The victim was identified as Mrs. Norma Johnson,
proprietress of Norma’s Gift Shop in Governor’s Harbour. Investigations thus far, said Police, suggest that Mrs. Johnson had arrived at her residence on Buccaneer Hill and had parked her vehicle in the drive way which has a slope. After exiting the vehicle, the vehicle apparently rolled back, striking the victim. Investigations are ongoing at this time.
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Community mourns loss after 5-year-old boy perishes in Green Castle house fire Young victim was one of two young children at home when the fire occurred. On Monday evening, November 5th, 2018, sometime around 9:00pm, officers from the Rock Sound Police Station were alerted to the house fire in the settlement of Green Castle, South Eleuthera. The first officer on the scene reported that the fire was located within a single story, concrete, one room structure, which was completely engulfed in flames. The officer was informed that there was also the possibility of a child being on the inside of the burning building. Police reported that attempts were made by officers and local citizens on the scene to rescue the young child, to no avail. Fire units were said to have responded, and eventually extinguished the blaze. In the aftermath of the blaze, the lifeless body of a young boy, identified as John Dorsette, was found in the southeastern corner of the destroyed residence, burnt beyond recognition, on what officers believed to have been a bed. John’s 10-year-old sister, a fifth grader at Green Castle primary was also in the home at the time of the fire. Her Above: 5-yr.-old fire victim, John Dorsette. account as reported by Police was that she was awoken by crackling sounds, Five year old John Dorsette, a and looking up, saw that the curtain in student of Green Castle Primary School the home was on fire. She attempted to was killed when the small home where he wake her brother, without success, and lived was gutted by flames. escaped the home to alert others. Nearby
community members, were said to have attempted to douse the fire, unsuccessfully. The two young children were at home alone at the time of the incident, according to authorities. Police Fire Investigators were on scene on Wednesday, November 7th, examining the details of the tragic incident, with no cause of the fire confirmed before print. Principal Katrina Mckinney at the Green Castle primary school, where John was a grade one student, shared, “When I heard the news, my heart just dropped, and I couldn’t believe it… He was a very quiet little boy.” On Tuesday, November 6th, following the tragic fire, the principal invited a number of key people within the South Eleuthera community to visit with the children at the school. Father Bradley Miller was said to have visited to speak with the children, as well as personnel from the Urban Renewal Office in Green Castle, who spoke with and prayed with the victim’s classmates and school peers. “He was just really a quiet, little nice, little boy… We visited the school, and you could see the questions in their eyes. We offered a prayer to encourage them, and
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Calendar Guide highlights in DECEMBER 2018 BAHAMA HOST Graduation Event Saturday, December 1st, 2018
Venue: Revival Baptist Church, Palmetto Point Begins at 4pm
Fun Day, GRAND Raffle & Music In The Garden
To be hosted by the Cancer Society of Eleuthera at the Cancer Society’s Wellness Center in Palmetto Point on Saturday, December 1st, 2018, from 12 noon to 9pm. Lunch sales will begin at noon. Games for the whole family @ 3pm and Music in the Garden @ 6pm, featuring the Freedom Marching Band. There will be dancing, poetry readings and live music performances in addition to the lighting of the Christmas tree. The evening ends with the Grand Raffle! Contact: Jacqueline Gibson @ (242) 332-1804 Begins at 6:30pm
Harbour Island’s Fresh Picks Farmers Market & Artisan Showcase
Fresh Picks Farmers Market & Artisan Showcase at Valentines Resort & Marina on Harbour Island, Bahamas started again on November 21st for Season 3 after completing its 2nd season with huge success. The 4th of July weekend was its best yet with over 24 vendors! The Fresh Picks Farmers Market will be held at Valentines every Wednesday from 10am to 3pm starting the day before Thanksgiving – just in time to pick up the absolutely freshest ingredients for your holiday dinner. Fresh Picks will continue to showcase the best farmers, chefs and artisans from Eleuthera and Harbour Island. The event has developed into a great happening for attendees to access farm-to-table vegetables, herbs, greens, baked goods and more. Both locals and visitors have come to enjoy this weekly event. The market will run weekly through July 24th, 2019!
Daily Tour at the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve, Governor’s Harbour The Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve, protects 25 acres of coppice and mangrove forest, with the goal of conserving indigenous species and researching Bahamian bush medicine. Visitors can explore the traditional uses of native trees and shrubs on the Medicinal Plant Trail, which groups plants according to the ailments they treat. The Mangrove Boardwalk will take you through an otherwise inaccessible wetland ecosystem. Birders will enjoy the Coppice Trail through a Bahamian hardwood forest where birds abound. The Preserve features a Welcome Centre and gift shop, as well as an open-air Education Pavilion. For more information, please contact Ms. Heidi Johnson at (242) 332-3831.
RAINBOW Inn Grand Re-Opening Party Thursday, December 6th, 2018 Enjoy wood fired Pizza, Drinks and Live Music! Begins at 6pm Whatsapp: 703-201-5885 Tel: 242-335-0294 Email: pgbookings@yahoo.com
FREE - Quilting Classes (Weekly) Pineapple Quilters Thursday from 10am -1pm For more information, Contact Stirlene Morley Tel: 334-4287/470-3694!
Above: Young John with his older brother, Adam.
Eleuthera Junkanoo Festival 2019
Holidays and Observance Days: Tuesday, December 25th Christmas Day Wednesday, December 26th Boxing Day
Farmer’s Market
Location: Tarpum Bay Homecoming Site Hosted by E.M.M.A. Every Saturday - 10am to 3pm UNTIL December 15th, 2018 For more information, Call: Gwendolyn Patram Tel: (242) 554-5307 / 477-2165 Email: emmael1896@gmail.com “Buy It, Make It, Grow It” BUY LOCAL
January 10th - 13th, 2019 This Annual Event is organized by the Governors Harbour Cultural & Community Organization /Harbour Boys Junkanoo Group and will be hosted along the Queen’s Highway in Governor’s Harbour, Central Eleuthera. Enjoy a familyfriendly, fun-filled weekend with music, food, and junkanoo parades, where Junkanoo groups compete for the grand prize. For more information, contact Mr. Demetrius Johnson @ (242) 332-3764.
School SPORTS Q1-2019:
CONTACT
The Eleutheran Newspaper at
Annual Alvin Adderley Road Relay Friday, January 11th , 2019. Begins promptly at 10 am. Location: Bayfront park, Governor’s Harbour - High Schools and Primary Schools divisions.
Pre- season Tony Crean Basketball Invitational Tournament. High Schools Divisions:
Senior Boys, Junior Boys, Open Girls. Friday, January 18th and Saturday, January 19th, 2019. Location: Governor’s Harbour basketball court.
Friends of Special Olympics - Eleuthera 2nd Annual Dinner with Friends
Saturday, March 30th, 2019. (venue to be decided).
422-9350 or send email to
services@theeleutheran.com,
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“The Tassel is Worth the Hassle”, OEF and CTI Sponsor College Boot Camp for PHAHS & Windermere High Students Pictured: 11th and 12th grade students from PHAHS and WHS with organizers and presenters at College Boot Camp.
press release
On Thursday November 8th, 2018, Preston H. Albury High School (PHAHS) hosted a college boot camp at Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI), Rock Sound. The event was jointly sponsored by One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) and CTI. The event, under the
theme “The Tassel is Worth the Hassle” was attended by over seventy (70) 11th and 12th graders from PHAHS and Windermere High School (WHS), and was the brainchild of Mrs. Fontella Knowles, principal of Preston H. Albury High. Featured speakers included college representatives from Eleuthera and Nassau. The event began with a brief devotional by
PHAHS students, Alicia, Alisha, Valentino, and Nathalia. The students led the group in various songs and recited a powerful poem, “And Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou. Principal Knowles gave the charge and reminded students about the importance of this event and why “The Tassel is Worth the Hassle.” The first presenter of the day was Clara Turnquest from CR2 Society and College Ready Bahamas who conducted her presentation virtually from her office located in Nassau. Mrs. Turnquest walked students through the entire process of applying to college and highlighted the timeline each student should follow. Deborah Cartwright, Guidance Counselor at PHAHS and a key coordinator, commented, “The event was organized for our students because we know how difficult it is to navigate the whole process of choosing a college, the application process, and especially paying for college. We wanted to do something that would get students to focus seriously on the process.” Out of Nassau was Willamae Johnson who represented LJM Maritime Academy whose theme is, “Anchoring Dreams and Piloting Careers.” Ms. Johnson listed the programs that are available at LJM and outlined the requirements for each program. She urged students to work hard, prepare and enjoy learning and exploring. She further stated, “We wanted to participate in this boot camp because LJM Academy is a fairly new academy and we wanted to make sure students know about the options for this career. LJM recognizes that there is a shortage of seafarers in the world, not just here in The Bahamas.” Representing the Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute (BTVI) was Irina Key. Ms. Key talked to the students about all of the diverse programs that BTVI has to offer and the differences between BTVI’s certificate courses and professional development courses. She outlined the application steps
as well as tuition for each course. Ms. Key wanted students to know that “BTVI encourages students from the Family Islands to review their many options and apply.” She emphasized “Not only is BTVI located in Nassau, we have other locations in Abaco, Freeport, and Andros.” Gwendolyn Patram served as a local representative from the Bahamas Agriculture & Marine Science Institute (BAMSI). Mrs. Patram spoke about what BAMSI has to offer and the opportunities available locally on Eleuthera. She took this time to also recognize two former PHAHS students who would be attending BAMSI in the near future. Wrapping up the presentations for the day was Derrinique Elliott from CTI. Ms. Elliott spoke about the professional development courses that CTI currently offers, their Learn and Earn Program, and future courses soon to come on stream. She placed emphasis on sparking students’ interest in solar panel installation training and the benefits of going solar. Accompanying Ms. Elliott were current students of the CTI’s Learn and Earn Program - Edrick Munroe (Carpentry) and Peaches Sweeting (Hospitality). The two students talked about their experience with the program and proudly displayed examples of the skills they’d developed. Munroe displayed his miniature model of a house and Sweeting demonstrated her skills in dining table setting for students to observe. “CTI is happy to host such a forward-thinking event on our campus,” remarked Ms. Elliott. “It’s a delight to teach students about higher education pursuits in soft skills, trade skills, and the many other options available to them here at home with emphasis on the process of pursuing whatever form of higher education best suits them.” A number of students who attended the event commented afterward about their experi-
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‘Ole Days’ fun on stage Fundraiser hosted by Palmetto Point’s Passing Jacks
The young and the young at heart, had an enjoyable evening out on Saturday, November 17th, 2018 at the ‘Going Back To Da Ole Days’ programme, hosted by the Passing Jacks Committee, at the Methodist church hall in Palmetto Point, which began at 7pm. The community audience were treated to dances, comedic skits, poetry, fashion displays, as well as other selections, resulting in many laughs and bawl out fun. The event was hosted by the Passing Jacks Committee to help raise funds to continue to help the needy and the elderly within the local Palmetto Point community. Committee Chairman, Mr. Addison Cooper, following the show, shared that the group’s efforts since the Committee’s formation in 2016, in addition to helping the needy and elderly in the community, also allowed them to assist with hurricane relief, donating a significant amount of relief materials. Elderly community members, especially those over the age of 65, were also targeted by the com-
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mittee, with a focus on assisting them with monetary donations when they have to travel into Nassau. Saturday night’s programme, was a ‘first installment’, said Mr. Cooper, with a repeat show to come. “Those who participated and those who came out, I’m sure they had a great treat tonight, and there is going to be a repeat. This was so good tonight, we are going to have to do this a second time. There were a lot of laughs and a great cast of players. It was very good, and I’m proud of it,” smiled Mr. Cooper.
Above & Below: Passing Jack Committee members put a memorable show at ‘Ole Days’ fundraiser.
Dance!
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Freedom to Read Outfits
Local Libraries and Schools with ninety six (96) Computers BY The eleutheran news team
During the past six years, Freedom to Read, Inc., a non-profit organization based in Wisconsin, U.S.A., has been active throughout Eleuthera, promoting literacy and assisting with the opening of fully stocked library facilities across the island. Headed by Executive Director, Susy Siel, the organization and its team of literacy advocates have partnered with local leaders in eleven (11) settlements to establish modern public libraries. In addition to providing extensive book collections, Freedom to Read, Inc. has taken the step to introduce additional computer technology to the libraries. On Thursday, November 1st, 2018, the organization, in partnership with ComputerReach (Pittsburgh, PA) and Bahamas Methodist Habitat (BMH in James Cistern), began the task of distributing and setting up ninety-six (96) computers at thirteen locations in Eleuthera. Recipients included: Wemyss Bight Public Library, Tarpum Bay Public Library, Palmetto Point Public Library, Central Eleuthera High School, James Cistern Public Library, Bahamas Methodist Habitat, Hatchet Bay Public Library, Lower Bogue Public Library, Current Public Library, North Eleuthera High School, Charles
Wesley Methodist Church, Lower Bogue Bluff Public Library, and the Exceptional Education Outreach Resource Room at Harbour Island All-Age School. “Our team is incredibly grateful to be able to provide this boost in technology to the public libraries and schools on Eleuthera,” Siel said. “We are only able to do this work through Public/Private Partnerships here.” The group assisting with the distribution and setting up of the new computers, included two ComputerReach volunteers (coordinated by Dave Sevick, Executive Director), two Apple Store volunteers from Pittsburgh, U.S.A., and two BMH volunteers (managed by Stephanie Gottschalk, Executive Director). Additional assistance and support was provided by The Honorable Howard Rickey Mackey (North Eleuthera MP) and Ivan Ferguson (North Eleuthera Administrator). Lunches for the volunteer team were provided by Kells in Wemyss Bight (Clara and Kelsey Williams), North Eleuthera High School (Michael Culmer, Principal), Central Eleuthera High School (Marie Galanis, Principal), and Exceptional Education Outreach (Lang Hudepohl, Executive Director).
Pictured: Susy Siel, Executive Director of Freedom to Read, Inc. with her volunteer team outfitting schools and libraries throughout Eleuthera with new laptop computers 96 in all!
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Deadly Fire Continued from pg. 13 spoke with them about what happened to John, and comforted and reassured them,” shared Mrs. Sweeting with Urban Renewal. Teachers and staff took the entire day on Tuesday to counsel and fellowship with the students at the school. “We had a whole session on Tuesday, with no school work. “We were in one room, where we prayed, and sang, and the children were encouraged to draw about their feelings, and how they felt about John. “They wrote poems and little stories
about him, and expressed themselves. It was really touching. They needed that… It feels like he’s still just absent from school right now. It’s really sad,” said Principal Mckinney. A memorial service at Deliverance Revival Center in Green Castle and balloon release at the primary school was planned for Thursday, November 15th in remembrance of young John. ASP Frank Neely, based at the Rock Sound Police station in South Eleuthera, expressed his sympathy for the community and urged families in Eleuthera to be mindful of fire safety at all times. He emphasized that children should always be accompanied by adults, also any matches or flammable items should be properly secured in the home.
Above: Home completely destroyed by fire, where 5-yr.-old, John perished.
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‘Katching’ Up With Kaynia Kaynia Minnis of The Bluff, North Eleuthera, was one of seven young ladies who flew to San Antonio, Texas to represent the Bahamas at the 2018 International Junior Miss Pageant which took place from July 2nd, through July 8th, 2018. Included in the team was Kaniesha Minnis, her mom, who was appointed their first ever ‘Ms. Bahamas’ title by the pageant in honour of their 10th Year Anniversary. It was a week of fun-filled events where more than 300 females ages 4-25 and 21-45 traveled from as far as Australia, and enjoyed regular pageant activities along with orientation, a full night of pajama parties, ‘80’s day’ and ‘blue day.’ Kaynia competed in the pre-teen division, ages 10-12 years, with 66 girls in her division. “It was truly an experience of a lifetime that I wish I can do every year!” said Kaynia, who is now in the 6th grade at Laura L. Anderson Primary, in North Eleuthera. She was also recently installed as prefect for a second year and voted class president in a mock election at the school and is hoping to represent and serve as promised to the best of her ability. Quite active in school events, she captured first place in the school’s Religious Knowledge Speech Competition recently as well, with the theme, ‘The Missing Peace’. She also represented her school at the district competition.
Beauty: Kaynia Minnis with mom, Kaniesha Minnis at Int’l Junior Miss Pageant 2018 in San Antonio, Texas.
At the IJM Pageant 2018 awards, Kaynia was able to bring home three trophies and a memorable plaque. Out of a group of 66 young ladies, she was able to attain a Spirit Award, 4th Runnerup in the Talent Competition, 2nd Runner-up in the Spokesmodel (Speech) Competition and a plaque for Outstanding Participation. Her mom also placed, bringing home a Spokesmodel Competition trophy in her division. Other Bahamas team members won a number of awards in their divisions as well. The IJM Bahamas Pageant held in Freeport, Grand Bahama takes place once again in February 2019.
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COLLEGE
Continued from pg. 14
ence. “I think this event is very helpful to students who don’t have a lot of information about college. I was able to gain a lot of knowledge about the college process, especially the timeline leading up to going away to college,” said Randino Yee, PHAHS Grade 12 student. “I thought the event was very interesting. I learned a lot of key points that will help me finish off my applications to college. My advice for 11th graders is that they should be more organized with their process and take the SAT as soon as the opportunity is given,” recommended Giltavia Goodman, PHAHS 12th grade student. Charline Dort, a PHAHS Grade 11 student, added, “I thought the program was very enlightening for students who are not aware of the college process or where to start. A major thing I learned is how to strategize my college and scholarship applications.” Guidance Counselor, Deborah Cartwright,
Pictured: Interactive session with the students during College Boot Camp, where invaluable information to prepare for College was shared.
following the event, shared, “It’s our hope that the information presented by other professionals in a different environment would have a greater im-
pact on our students. We hope that the students will have what they need to prepare, apply, get in, and pay for the college of their choice.” (L-R): Irina Key, Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute; Deborah Cartwright, Guidance Counselor at PHAHS and a key coordinator; Gwendolyn Patram, Bahamas Agriculture & Marine Science Institute; and Willamae Johnson, LJM Maritime Academy.
Young Fisherman missing at Sea Off Central Eleuthera A young fisherman, 23-year-old, Joshua Knowles of Tarpum Bay, went missing during a fishing trip earlier in November, while he was working with a crew of four men, and the captain of the Eleuthera fishing vessel ‘Double Eagle’, in waters off the area of the Governor’s Harbour airport. Up to print date, no further signs had been found of Joshua, and he was still officially missing at sea. According to Police, the search mounted for Joshua, beginning on Friday evening, November 9th, which continued on Saturday morning, was suspended on the evening of Saturday, November 10th. The search turned up only items of clothing found in the sea. Active shore line searches for the missing fisherman along the coast of James’ Cistern which continued into Monday, November 12th, with area locals also assisting, were also suspended later in the week, confirmed Police. Details of the incident, as reported by authorities, were that on Friday, November 9th, 2018, at approximately 5:45 pm, an adult male contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station by telephone. He communicated that he was at that time out at sea on a fishing trip in the area of the Governor’s Harbour airport and that one of the crew, a ‘deck hand’ had apparently fallen overboard. He added that he was presently making checks of the area, but so far, without success. Officers responded and made their way to the area where reports said they found the vessel anchored approximately two (2) miles west of the settlement of James’ Cistern. The captain indicated that his crew was comprised of five (5) men. Police reported that the account given was that they were setting and collecting Stone Crab traps and as they were completed, they noticed that one of the crew – 23-yr-old Joshua Knowles,
was not on the boat. He was last seen, they said, on the port side of the vessel, near the winch, as they were pulling up traps. At the time he was described as wearing a bright orange fishing pant and white rubber boots. According to reports, checks of the area proved fruitless due to darkness. As a result, searches were scheduled to continue on Saturday, November 10th, 2018. The all-day search mounted on Saturday included Police, Royal Bahamas Defence Force patrol craft, US Coast Guard helicopter, Bahamas Air Search and Rescue and a Royal Bahamas Police Force aircraft, as well as other local fishing vessels.
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#1 External Concern Continued from pg. 6 had quantifiable progress since 2015.” He said, “Between 2016 and 2017 there was a 46 per cent increase in the number of suspicious transactions received and a 69 per cent increase in the number of cases sent to the Royal Bahamas Police Force; we opened 115 more cases in 2017 than we did in 2016. That is a 131 per cent increase in the number of cases that were under active analysis. DPM Turnquest noted that finally, between 2015 and 2017, suspicious transactions that were analysed and reported closed by the country’s financial intelligence unit represented between 35 per
cent and 60 per cent of all cases received. “In one complex case, involving $3 Million Euros worth of laundered money, the Government of Argentina publicly commended The Bahamas for the effectiveness of its international cooperation. News reports stated: ‘The case demonstrates an excellent example of international legal cooperation between the Republic of Argentina and The Commonwealth of The Bahamas as well as their commitment to effectively tackle transnational money laundering and corruption, in line with international conventions and standards.’”
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Pageant Fever in GHB with Miss & Little Miss Junkanoo 2018
Below: Pageant Night
BY The eleutheran news team As part of the fundraising efforts by the Governor’s Harbour Cultural and Community Organization (GHCCO) to host a revamped Governor’s Harbour Homecoming in 2019, the GHCCO hosted a Miss and Little Miss Junkanoo Pageant 2018 on Saturday evening, November 10th, 2018. The Pageant, which began at about 7pm at the Worker’s House Ballroom, was held one week ahead of the Governor’s Harbour Homecoming Fundraiser weekend event hosted at Anchor Bay, Governor’s Harbour, on Friday and Saturday, November 16th and 17th. One week before Pageant night, the organising committee unveiled a beaming young group of girls to the local community on Saturday, November 3rd, 2018 - who would go on to participate in two separate categories for Miss and Little Miss Junkanoo 2018 titles - during a motorcade, where the young girls were each seated on the back of decorated pickup trucks taking them through the Palmetto Point and Governor’s Harbour communities. The staging ground was the Cupid’s Cay dock and it all took place - just as a near picture perfect blue sky, bright sunshine day, was transitioning into an overcast late afternoon, but nothing could dull the smiles and poise of the girls. Contestants in the Little Miss Junkanoo competition included eight little girls: Andrielle Gardiner, Danitra Johnson, Reg-
Smile
Pictured: Miss Junkanoo 2018, Kamesha Carey; and Little Miss Junkanoo 2018, Shandera Sands.
Above & Below: On Parade.
Pageant night
Left to Right: Marcia Calixte, Neva Dorvilus, Diana Dorvilus, Addis Johnson, Kethia Joseph, and Kamesha Carey.
r Above: Winning moments.
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Online at www.EleutheraNews.com gia Bodie, Cartier Johnson, Laila Bethel, Shandera Sands, Mariah Burrows, and Shavonne Taylor. Six young ladies competed in the Miss Junkanoo category, including: Addis Johnson, Diana Dorvilus, Kamesha Carey, Kethia Joseph, Neva Dorvilus, and Marcia Calixte. On Pageant night, the beautiful, young contestants kicked off with opening group dance performances, followed by an Introduction segment, a Casual Wear showcase, and finally an Evening Gown segment, where the girls also got to show off both their personalities and intelligence in a question and answer presentation. The appreciative audience, which overflowed the seating capacity of the ballroom area designated for the show, waited with baited breath as the judges tallied the final scores. As the constestants lined up once again on stage to hear the outcome of their efforts that evening, Mistress of Ceremonies, Mrs. Flavia Deleveaux (Little Miss Eleuthera 1992) began with the presentation of Miss photogenic and Miss Amity awards in both categories, then began to announce the final results. In the Little Miss Junkanoo category; Andrielle Gardiner claimed 2nd runner up position, Cartier Johnson clinched 1st runner up, and the new 2018 Little Miss Junkanoo title went to Shandera Sands. Miss Junkanoo category finalists were; Addis Johnson - 2nd runner up, Marcia Calixte - 1st runner up, and walking away with the crown and title of Miss Junkanoo 2018, was Kamesha Carey.
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Photos: http://eleutheranews.com/?p=17817
Above: Little Miss Junkanoo contestants awaiting the final results with baited breath. Left to Right: Cartier Johnson, Shavonne Taylor, Reggia Bodie, Mariah Burrows, Andrielle Gardiner, Shandera Sands, Laila Bethel, and Danitra Johnson.
Worker’s House Audience
Above Left: Anishka George with GHCCO welcomed all. Above Right: Mrs. Stephanie Bethe (l) l being honoured by GHCCO Pageant Committee for her years of contribution to pageantry.
Little Ms. Eleu. ‘92. Flavia Deleveaux served as Mistress of Ceremony for the event.
Above: A very appreciative audience enjoying the show of poise and beauty.
Cupid’s Cay Dock - motorcade day
Key organizer, Deshon Johnson, resplendent in red.
Local EleutheraNews Gender-Based Violence a topic of discussion with local students visited by Mrs. Minnis 26
Nov/Dec 2018
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Right: Mrs. Minnis learning hip new dance moves from students at CEHS.
Above: First Lady, Mrs. Patricia Minnis stands with students and administration at CEHS.
Spouse of the Prime Minister, Mrs. Patricia Minnis visited several schools in Eleuthera speaking to both male and female students about gender-based violence, on Tuesday, November 6th, 2018. When asked about the inspiration for her school tour, which would take Mrs. Minnis to schools throughout the country, she explained, “I’ve mentored a group of young ladies out of Gambier, which is my community, for the past six years, and it is such a beautiful experience, and very rewarding for me. So I started looking at the possibility of coming into the schools in September to inspire and motivate, with a positive message for girls about themselves...I’ve visited Abaco and Long Island, and now today I’m in Eleuthera.” Mrs. Minnis continued, highlighting the significance of her message, saying, “I am speaking to young women, to let them know to stop the violence now - to say what you see, and what you hear. So they are to ‘speak up, and speak out’ and have the violence stop, because gender-based violence is normally kept secret. Families don’t want to bring it out, because they think it’s a shame for them, and the victim remains in silence. It stops them from being the best that they are - these young women... We want our girls to be young women who are rocking the world and rocking the Bahamas.” She began her tour in South Eleuthera, at the Preston H. Albury High School, with Principal Fontella Knowles and faculty members who joined with the students in welcoming her, along with District Superintendent for North and Central Eleuthera, Mrytle McPhee and colleagues who accompanied Mrs. Minnis from New Providence. Among topics she addressed for students at the school in Rock Sound, Eleuthera, were physical violence, inappropriate touching, and bullying. Mrs. Minnis also prayed for the students and teachers and took time out to talk with a number of them, interacting also with a young Junkanoo ensemble. Mrs. Minnis continued her tour, heading next to Palmetto Point in Central Eleuthera, where she visited students at Central Eleuthera
High School. Principal Marie Galanis, her staff and the student body welcomed her warmly. Students who were members of the Bahamas Maritime Cadet Corps formed a receiving line for her when she arrived, and band members played a fanfare in her honour. During her presentation to the student body she continued on the topic of gender-based violence. She appealed to the male students to be especially courteous in their interaction with female students, and to not resort to any form of hitting or name-calling. She also prayed with students and teachers, and took time out to talk with a number of youngsters, even learning a few dance moves. Her final stop, also in Palmetto Point, Central Eleuthera was at the Emma E. Cooper Primary School, where she was met by Principal Terrie Butler and her staff. There she spoke to 5th and 6th grade students in an interactive setting. In her talk with the students she tackled issues of name-calling, bullying, and spoke with them about letting a responsible adult know about any issue that made them uncomfortable. Mrs. Minnis also presented a signed display on gender-based violence to the school, and took time out to talk with a number of students.
All Smiles: CEHS Principal Marie Galanis and her staff with Mrs. Minnis.
Also See: http://eleutheranews.com/?p=17977
Above: ‘Phenomenal Woman’ poetry reading during Mrs. Minnis’ visit. Left: CEHS band performs as Mrs. Minnis arrives. Below: First Lady Minnis, interacting with young students who performed in the Phenomenal Woman poetry reading.
Perspective
Online at www.EleutheraNews.com
The Eleutheran | 11/12 2018
BUYING ON THE WATERFRONT
By Mike Lightbourn Living on the waterfront is an amazing experience. The sound of the sea, being able to slip into the water, sunsets and moon rises - there’s nothing like it. Waterfront property is highly prized. It doesn’t come without its challenges though, the most obvious being the potential for water damage from storm surge. If you’re considering buying property on the water, keep the following points in mind. * The Right Agent It all starts with the right agent. Find an agent who is experienced in selling waterfront property. The agent should be familiar with the history of the property in hurricane conditions if this was ever the case. * Elevations Is the property elevated or is the foundation elevated to protect against flooding?
* Breakwater and Bulkheads Waterfront property may have stone or rock barriers to provide protection from the waves, especially if it’s exposed or close to deep water. By exposed, I mean property that isn’t protected by headlands or satellite islands, rocks or cays. Government approval is required to install breakwater barriers and this can be a long, drawn out process. Also, bulkheading and breakwater barriers are costly. Breakwaters can shift during bad storms. Before buying, consult someone who specialises in this type of work. What is the cost? What about upkeep? * Insurance Catastrophic insurance is expensive. I’m going to be blunt. If you can’t afford hurricane insurance, you should think long and hard before buying waterfront property. Avoid “price shock” by getting a few estimates and exploring your options before you make a commitment to buy. * Real Property Tax Property taxes on waterfront homes are typically higher obviously depending on their market values. It’s a case of supply and demand. The demand for waterfront homes raises home values which means higher taxes. However, Bahamians don’t pay property tax on property in the Family Islands. Do your homework before you buy.
* Understand the Shoreline This is very important. Shorelines shift with the constant flow of water, rising tides, storms and erosion. The risk associated with storm surge increases with the water depth and exposure of a property. The best way to learn about the shoreline is to talk to adjacent neighbors who owned their property during major hurricanes. What, if any, changes have they seen in the shoreline? How high has the water risen? Is there a high turnover of homes in the area? * Coastal Regulations Property alterations can have farranging effects on the delicate ecosystem. We have learned over the years that mangrove wetlands not only act as nurseries for marine life, they are storm buffer zones. Land reclamation has altered our coastlines. If you are contemplating marine construction, find out about the regulations. * Salt Water Damage Glass doors and windows get coated in salt and require a lot of
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cleaning. Things like barbeques and iron furniture rust quickly in a salty environment. * Privacy Property below the high-water mark is public. That means if you have a waterfront home, the public is free to enjoy the beach or walk along the rocks below the high-water mark. However, they cannot traverse your property. * The Mortgage As I mentioned earlier, waterfront homes cost more to buy and maintain. If necessary, pre-qualify to see how much of a mortgage you can afford. Start mortgage shopping early so you know where you stand. Are You Ready to Buy? Waterfront living is amazing, especially for families. The beauty, tranquility and recreation can’t be matched. Consider the above carefully to determine if waterfront living is for you. Questions or comments? Contact me at info@cbbahamas.com (Mike Lightbourn is president of Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty)
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Perspective
Nov/Dec 2018
OP-ED By Sir Ronald Sanders www.sirronaldsanders.com
(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the U.S. and the OAS and Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and at Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are his own)
Demands of the rich man’s club, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), have once again created disarray in the Caribbean. It is a disarray to which Caribbean countries have contributed by their lack of a common and strong political response to the many impositions by the OECD on the global financial sector since 1998 when the Organisation first launched what it called its “harmful tax competition initiative”. For two decades, the OECD has been systematically and resolutely, forcing Caribbean countries and other developing states, to dismantle their tax structures and international business regimes, some of which, as in the case of Barbados, have been in place for over 40 years. These international business regimes allowed International Business Corporations (IBCs) to pay low or no tax, which the OECD claimed deprived them of tax revenues. Instead of lowering their tax rates to compete; they chose to eliminate the competition. However, IBCs brought crucial revenues in foreign currencies to Caribbean governments. In the case of
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Coping with the OECD reality Barbados, Prime Minister Mia Mottley revealed that “for every one dollar in corporation taxes paid by domestic companies” the Barbados government “received almost two dollars of corporation taxes from international companies”. In other Caribbean jurisdictions, with the possible exception of the Bahamas, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands, the Barbados story is not dissimilar except for two factors. First, Barbados has more IBCs that many Caribbean countries, apart from the four jurisdictions just named; and second, over the last two decades, OECD imposed rules have eroded both the number of IBC’s and the revenues they have generated in countries such as Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada and St Lucia. The latest OECD salvo is its ‘Base Erosion and Profit Shifting’ (BEPS) scheme which, in a nutshell, on pain of sanctions, stops jurisdictions from providing IBCs with low or no tax regimes and requires that all companies, domestic and international, pay the same rate of tax. The BEPS initiative was launched in November 2015, and countries that are not in compliance by the end of 2018 will be blacklisted and punished unless, in special circumstances, they have been given a grace period in which to conform. Hence, Ms Mottley, whose government is in the midst of a massive operation to salvage a wrecked economy that it inherited just six months ago, has announced that by January 1st, 2019, Barbados will converge its local and international tax rates. Significantly, the Barbados government has decided to converge to the lower tax rate. Effectively, this means that domestic companies that paid corporation taxes of up to 25 percent will now join IBCs by paying between 1 and 5.5 per cent. In making this announcement, Ms Mottley made two statements that have significance for the wider Caribbean.
First, she pointed out that it was the previous government’s decision to commit to the OECD demands and to overhaul the tax system by year-end, something done “in the dead of night without debate and discourse and even worse, without any plan as to how they were going to achieve it”. Second, in stating that her government recognised that, without sufficient time to negotiate any change to the commitment given by the previous government, it was compelled to comply, it was doing so although “the pressure from the OECD may be hypocritical, bullying, and an affront to natural justice”. Of course, making commitments to the OECD on a bilateral basis and without discourse with relevant parties within their own countries prior to such commitments, is not unique to Barbados. There has also not been a collective and unified Caribbean engagement with the OECD, at a high political level. Individual governments have simply signed-up to OECD requirements and their Ministers
have presented their acquiescence to Caribbean publics as a “victory”, imaginary and misleading though such assertions were.
So, all the Caribbean countries now have to confront the reality that Ms Mottley and her government faced. Adherence to the OECD’s BEPS scheme is less than a month away when IBCs and domestic companies will have to pay the same rate of tax. No one can blame the Barbados government for setting this new tax standard in order to remain competitive because of the circumstances occasioned by the OECD. But the consequences for other Caribbean countries will be serious. By choosing the lower tax rate “to remain globally competitive”, the Barbados government has set a bar for other Caribbean jurisdictions that compete with Barbados as well as globally. Can they now opt to set their corpora-
tion tax at the present domestic rate – an average of 30 per cent – or should they adopt the Barbados standard of between 1 and 5.5 per cent? For some governments, applying the new Barbados standard would cripple their economies. Over the last 20 years, the number of their IBCs has been decimated by OECD demands. Today, revenues from IBCs do not match the income generated from domestic companies. Therefore, these governments will have to converge their local and international tax at the domestic rate. But, the effect will drive away even more IBCs. It may also cause some Caribbean companies to shift operations to Barbados. Other Caribbean countries, that have a greater dependence on IBCs than on domestic companies, have a choice of matching the Barbados standard or converging their tax rates even lower. A race to the bottom could be triggered. The success of the Barbados standard of a converged, low tax rate for IBC and domestic companies will be tested in the coming years. There is a risk that revenues to the government might decline. However, the expectation is that: first, the IBC business will increase; and second, the fiscal space that domestic companies will enjoy from much lower taxes will encourage them to invest in expanding their business and employing more people, rather than pocketing bigger profits. Dealing with these disruptive circumstances, because of external factors, cries out for collective regional action which, had it been taken in a timely manner, would have better placed every country to cope with them. Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com 22 November 2018
Policy Statement: The Perspective, Conservation Corner,’ Op-ED and Letters section of The Eleutheran newspaper is a medium we provide for writers to express their views and opinions on issues that directly or indirectly affect any part of our society. These views do not in anyway reflect the views of this newspaper. While we aim to publish all letters sent to us, please note The Letter to the Editor section is not a vehicle for people to air personal gri pes against another person and letters may be refused on the basis of ethics, which includes, but is not limited to, personal vendettas or attacks.
National
Online at www.EleutheraNews.com
Ministers meet with EU and OECD to discuss ending tax watchlists for The Bahamas
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest, led a delegation to Brussels and Paris recently, for frank discussions with high ranking officials within the European Commission and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on The Bahamas’ compliance with international standards on tax governance. Accompanying the Deputy Prime Minister was the Minister of Financial Services, Trade & Industry and Immigration, the Hon. T. Brent Symonette; the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Sen. the Hon. Carl W. Bethel QC; and a senior advisor from each of their respective ministries. In Brussels, the delegation had a series of bilateral meetings with the Code of Conduct Group, the Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Unions and other representatives of the
European Commission. In Paris, the delegation met with the Deputy Secretary General of the OECD, the Deputy Director of the OECD Center for Tax Policy and Administration,and the Head of the Secretariat of the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes. The meetings centered around the high-level commitments that the Government has made with respect to the EU’s criteria on economic substance and transparency and the OECD’s antiBase Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) minimum standards. Deputy Prime Minister Turnquest provided an update of The Bahamas’ efforts to fulfil its commitments and reinforced that while The Bahamas will meet the December 31st 2018 deadline, some consideration should be given to the challenges jurisdictions face implementing such extensive reform within such a short time frame. He further stressed that the constant threat of black or grey listing is a major constraint to economic development and has repercussions that are felt well beyond the financial services industry. The EU and OECD officials were presented with draft copies of the Commercial Entities
The Eleutheran | 11/12 2018
(Substance Requirements) Bill, the Removal of Preferential Exemptions Bill, the Register of Beneficial Ownership Bill and the Non-Profit Organizations Bill. These bills will be enacted by the end of this month, reinforcing the Government’s intent to take all necessary steps to safeguard the financial sector and ensure the removal of The Bahamas from all watch lists in the shortest time-frame possible. According to Deputy Prime Minister Turnquest, “The meet-
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ings were very productive and we feel that the Europeans now have a greater understanding that The Bahamas has always been focused, at the highest political level, on protecting the integrity of the Bahamian financial system from abuse. Our approach has been to take a holistic view of the challenges that confront us and pragmatically do what promotes the long term viability of our financial services industry.”
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Crime News
Nov/Dec 2018
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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. Reports issued by the RBPF locally.
Eleuthera REPORTS
ROAD ACCIDENT REPORT: On Friday, November 16th, 2018, sometime around 5:50pm, an adult female contacted the Rock Sound Police Station and reported that, sometime around 5:45pm on today’s date, the driver of a red truck, that was traveling south on the mentioned road collided into the stone wall that is the perimeter of her home. She reported that the driver of the truck stopped and shortly afterwards drove off without saying anything to her. She inspected her wall and noticed that the same was damaged during the accident. She reported that the front license plate of the vehicle was detached from the vehicle and left on the scene and she took possession of same. She is requesting police action in this matter. Officers responded to the scene and viewed the damage and collected the License Plate. Investigations are ongoing. CAUSING HARM: On Saturday, November 17th, 2018, sometime around 1:19am, an anonymous caller contacted the Rock Sound Police Station and reported that a stabbing incident had occurred at a local Restaurant & Bar. Police assistance requested. Sometime around 1:22am, an adult male came into the Rock Sound Police Station and reported that while at the Restaurant & Bar, he had been involved in an altercation with a male. He stated that he “clocked” the male “one quick one” and all the persons who were present watched the male attack him. Officers proceeded to the Government Clinic where they say an adult male Dr. Smith reported that the male had received several stab wounds all over his body and these appeared to be life threatening. He said the victim would have to be airlifted to New Providence for further medical attention. As a result, Officers arrested the first male who visited the station reference to Causing Grievous Harm. The Victim was later airlifted to New Providence in serious condition. Traffic Accident Report (Damage Only): On Friday 16th November, 2018 at 12:42pm an adult male of Governor’s Harbour contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station by telephone and reported that there was a traffic accident in the area of Queens Highway in Governor’s Harbour Police assistance requested. Officers visited the scene and observed two vehicles facing in a southern direction on the eastern side of the road. Driver 1 a red 2003 Toyota Paso registered and driven by an adult male with visible damages to the rear end and Driver 2 a white Nissan NP 300 Frontier driven by an adult male with visible damages to the front end; verbal statements were recorded under caution
from both parties - in their presence measurements were taken and NOIP forms served on both parties. They were cautioned and warned of prosecution - investigations continue. Shop breaking & Stealing Reported: Sometime around 8:30am on 14/11/18 an adult female reported to Police that sometime between 4:15pm on Tuesday 13/11/18 and 8:30am on 14/11/18 some person/s broke and entered her office at the school and stole $349.00 in Cash, (4) Playstar Tablets value unknown at this time , (1) case spicy chips valued at $20.00, (1) case Hawaiian Punch juice valued at $11.80. Entry was gained by removing five metal louvers from eastern office window. Police action was requested. Officers visited and processed the scene. Suspect Arrested: Sometime around 4:00pm Officers arrested an adult male for Shop Breaking & Stealing. They reported that he was arrested by Police at 4:00pm 14/11/18 while on the Dock at Hatchet Bay. Investigations are ongoing. ROAD ACCIDENT REPORT: At about 6:30pm an adult male came to the G.H.P.S along with his wife and reported that they were at a stop at the intersection of Haynes Ave and Queens Highway GHB in a white Grand Vitara rental vehicle when their vehicle was hit from behind by a silver Chevy pickup driven by a male, causing damages to the rear of the vehicle. Officers viewed the damages to the vehicle and took a verbal caution statement. Investigations continue in this matter. Disorderly Behavior Reported: On Thursday 8th November 2018 at 1:18pm Officers reported that whilst conducting traffic duties on Queen’s High Way Rock Sound in the area of The Rock Sound Club they warned an adult male of prosecution reference to Disorderly Behavior. Traffic Offences Report: On 8/11/18 Officers from the Traffic Unit conducted Traffic inspections on Queens Highway Rock Sound. During the check some (12) persons were reported for various traffic offences. Traffic Offences Reported: On 6/11/18 Officers from the Traffic Unit conducted a speed check on Queens Highway in Governor’s Harbor during which (13) persons were reported for exceeding the speed limit. Road Accident Report/4-4: On Monday 5th November, 2018, sometime around 12:40pm, an adult female contacted the Rock Sound Police Station via telephone and reported that while travelling in the area of , Rock Sound Eleuthera she observed a black truck flipped over in the road and a male she knows appeared to be trapped in same. Police Assistance Requested.
Police Contact Numbers
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
the vehicle spun around, he was ejected out of the vehicle. An NOIP form was served on him. The passenger was referred to New Providence for medical assistance. Stealing by reason of Employment: Sometime around 5:20pm on Monday 5th November, 2018, an adult female came to the Governors Harbour Police Station and reported that on Sunday 04th November 2018 at 10:00pm a cashier at a local establishment closed out and shorted the company’s $2,000.00 float by $260.00 and refused to come into the company to return the missing funds. Police Action requested. This matter is under active investigation. Assault Report: On Saturday 3rd November, 2018 sometime around 1:25am an adult female came to the Governor’s Harbour Police Station and reported that on Saturday 3rd November, 2018 sometime around 12:35am while home at her residence she was punched several times to her right thigh by her ex-boyfriend. Police action requested. The suspect was subsequently arrested and charged with causing harm. House Breaking: On Saturday 3rd November, 2018 sometime around 1:40am an adult female came to the Governor’s Harbour Police Station and reported that sometime around 12:35am on Saturday 3rd November, 2018 a male she knows broke and entered her residence. Police action requested. The Suspect was later arrested and charged. Causing harm Report: On Wednesday 31st October 2018 sometime around 7:03pm an adult male came to the Rock Sound Police Station and reported that sometime around 5:00pm today’s date he was slapped in the face by a male known to him . He was seen by Dr. Sidney Smith chief medical officer southern district who described his injuries as tenderness associated with ruptured left eardrum. Investigations are ongoing as it relates to this matter. Traffic Offence Report: On 31/10/18 Officers conducting Traffic Checks on Queens Highway , Rainbow Bay reported six (6) Drivers for exceeding the speed limit. They were warned of prosecution. Offence Report: At 2:35am on Thursday November 1st 2018, Officers reported that while on mobile patrol they Officers responded to the scene where one vehicle was involved, a black witnessed an adult male who was driving a blue Lexus sedan south along Sea Gull GMC truck was discovered turned over in a southern direction. The adult male driver who Drive Governors Harbour while same was stated he was experiencing pain to the left leg, not licensed, not inspected and not insured for the current year, in addition driving same also a passenger who was observed on the with no licensed plate attached, the driver ground with the truck on his right left. The was informed of the offence and warned of passenger was extricated and transported to prosecution. the Government Clinic. The Driver reported Stealing From a Vehicle and under caution while he was traveling north on Eleuthera main Road to Rock Sound in his Damage: On Tuesday 30th October 2018 truck it was raining very hard and he applied at about 3:30pm an adult female contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station via brakes which caused him to lose control of telephone and reported that at about 3:25 pm the vehicle, nearly hitting a utility pole. As
Rock Sound Sgt. Office Rock Sound Airport Station Lower 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
today’s date she noticed that some unknown person(s) damaged the rear windshield and left rear glass to a gray Honda Fit vehicle and stole an engine valued $550.00 from the back trunk, also a large tire wrench and engine coils - also missing from the hood was the battery value unknown. Police Action requested. Officers responded to the scene, recorded a statement from the complainant in which she stated that she had a 2004 Honda Fit which she discovered with the windshield broken out, left rear side glass broken out engine valued at $5,500.00, tire wrench valued at $350.00, 6 to 8 engine coils valued at $60.00 each also with two tires. Investigations Continue.
Harbour Island REPORTS Illegal Landing Report: On Thursday 25th October 2018 at 5:20pm, Crew of Immigration Officers at S-3 with suspect Jean David DOB 21-5-91 of Cape Haiti. They reported arresting the suspect on the 25th October 2018 at 5:10pm through Barrack Street, Harbour Island reference to illegal landing. Domestic dispute report Police assistance requested: On Friday 26/10/18 at about 12:32pm an adult female Harbour Island came in at Harbour Island Police Station and reported that at about 7:35am, while at her residence she became involved in an argument with her husband concerning their finances at home and his drinking problems; she further stated that this is not the first time that they have argued over such things and she is presently frustrated at his behavior towards her. Police assistance requested. On same date her husband and the complainant came in at Harbour Island Police Station where a Sgt saw and spoke with both persons concerned and sternly advised them as it relates to conflict resolution they were also advised civilly. Lost Property Report- Police Information: On Friday 26th October 2018 at 1:58pm an adult male of Alabama, USA came to the H.I.P.S and reported that sometime around 7pm on 25th October 2018, while driving his golf cart, he lost his black and orange Go-Pro camera valued $800.00. He is not sure if it fell off the cart or it was accidently left somewhere. Police information only. Threats of Harm Report: Police Warning _ An adult male of New Dunmore Subdivision came in at the Harbour Island Police Station at about 2:40am and reported that on Saturday 27th October 2018 sometime around 2:30am while in the area of Island Luck Web Café Situated Bay Street Harbour
Crime News
Online at www.EleutheraNews.com Island a male whom he knows approached him in a hostile manner after being involved in an altercation with a male he also knows stating that “he ready to put 30 grand on his head putting him in fear for his safety. Police Warning requested. Officers left the Harbour Island Police Station in reference to the matter. Upon arriving in the area of Bay Street at about 2:55Am the unit saw a large crowd of Persons in the area of Beyond the Reef Night Club and what appeared to be a commotion. As a result the unit disbursed the large crowd of persons and later saw and spoke to the accused male who was later transported to the Harbour Island Police Station to further assist with enquiries into the alleged altercation that occurred prior to the Police Arrival on scene. Drug Arrest Report: On Saturday 27th October 2018 at 8:30pm police c/o N.E.P.S in at S-3 with an adult male suspect of Bluff, Eleuthera who police reported arresting and cautioning on Saturday 27th October 2018 at 6:10pm in Bluff reference to possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply and resisting arrest. Housebreaking Report: On Sunday 28/10/18 at about 9:50am an adult female of New York reported that sometime between 2:30pm and 11:30pm 27/10/18 she left her Givenchy purse containing her leather Chanel wallet valued at $800 containing $1000 in U.S Currency in $100 notes also inside her purse was her Credit card holder which she had $500 in an assortment of currencies in her Eastern Bedroom on the drawer leaving all doors closed but unlocked to return to discover that some unknown person/s entered the mentioned room and stole her wallet containing the $1000 and also stole the cash out of the credit card holder she suspects the mentioned person/s may have entered through one of the unlocked doors and stole her monies - she has no suspects in this matter. Police action requested. Investigation continues. Causing Harm Report : On Monday 29th October, 2018 at around 1:20 am an adult male of Johnson Road came to the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that at about 1:10 am while on Bay Street a male known to him approached him and they got into a physical altercation. He further reported that he was punched to the face several times and also hit to the forehead with a stone resulting in pain and injuries. Police action requested. • Police recorded a statement under caution from the complainant.. • Police issued a police hospital form to the complainant. • Police contacted Nurse Woodside c/o H.I.C.C in reference to the complainant’s head injuries. She advised that he come to the clinic around 9:00 am to seek medical attention. Damage and Assault Report: On Monday 29th October, 2018 at around 1:25 am an adult male of Chapel Street came to the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that at about 1:10 am while on Bay Street a male known to him approached him and shoved him to the chest resulting in his gold Cuban link chain being damaged. He further reported that he and this male got into a physical altercation. He requested that he be warned to stay away from him. Police attempted to issue the complainant with a police hospital form, however he refused it. Assault with a Deadly Weapon Arrest: On Monday 29th October 2018 at 6:15pm an adult male of Coconut Grove Avenue came to the Harbour Island
Police Station where police reported arresting and cautioning him at 6:20pm in reference to Assault with a deadly weapon. The suspect was interviewed under caution and subsequently released pending further investigations. Police Assistance Report: On Tuesday 30th October, 2018 at 2:20 pm police assisted an adult male in reference to collecting his daughter from her grandmother’s house. While at the residence of an adult female. Due to a verbal argument that took place on scene, both parties were warned of further prosecution. The adult female came to S-3 requesting the police assistance in having her children returned to her from the father . Police assisted the complainant in collecting her daughter, however her son wanted to stay with his father, no further action requested. Causing Harm Report: On Tuesday 30th October 2018 an adult female of Bluff Eleuthera came to the H.I.P.S and reported that while at her place of employment her boyfriend attacked her and beat her about the body causing injuries. Police Action requested. Police issued the complainant with a hospital form and recorded a written statement. Police Assistance Requested On Tuesday 30th October 2018 at 7:20pm an adult female of Chapel Street, Harbour Island came to the H.I.P.S and reported that her daughter is very disrespectful towards her, using degrading words and is requesting police assistance in getting her to pack her things and get out of her house. Threats of Harm Report- Police Warning Requested: An adult female of Dunmore Street, South Street Harbour Island came to the Harbour Island Police Station sometime around 8:15pm on 31st October 2018 and reported that her juvenile informed her that a male she knows is constantly saying hurtful and abusive words towards her where ever he sees her. She reported being annoyed and request that he be warned. Police reported that at about 8:45pm on the same date he saw and spoke to the accused male in reference to the matter where he denied the allegations. As a result he were subsequently warned of prosecution and advised not to have communication with the complainant, also admonished to keep the peace. Assault with a Dangerous Instrument Report - Police Warning requested: An adult male of Trianna Shores Harbour Island came to the Harbour Island Police Station sometime around 8:45pm on Wednesday 31st October 2018 and reported that his girlfriend pulled a knife on him and made several attempts to stab him regarding a physical altercation she and her sister had. Police warning requested. An officer reported that at about 8:50pm the scene was at the residence of the complainant where they saw and spoke to the accused female of same address in reference to the matter and was she warned of her behavior. All was left in order. Threats of Harm Report - Police Warning requested: An adult male of Coconut Grove Ave Harbour Island came in at the Harbour Island Police Station at about 10:55Pm and reported that at about 10:45Pm on Wednesday 31st 2018 while working a private party as a security a male whom he knows threatened him after being involved in a verbal altercation over him breaching policies not having an invitation to come onto the property later stating to him “if he had his knife on him at the time he would
The Eleutheran | 11/12 2018
jook him” placing him in fear for his safety at the time. Police Warning requested. An officer reported that while in the area of Bay Street Harbour Island on mobile patrol at 11:05Pm on the same date he observed the suspect in question. As a result he was informed of the complaint made against him where he stated that he had spoken to the general manager of the property and it seemed ok for him to stay and partake in the party. He added that the complainant approached him in a very hostile and aggressive manner pushing him to come off the premises stating that he’s not invited. He was subsequently warned of his behavior and remarks towards the complainant. He was further advised to keep the peace and informed of future prosecution in reference to Threats of Harm. Police Assistance Reported Police Warning Requested: On Tuesday 6th November 2018 at 7:30am an adult male of Lower Bogue, Eleuthera came to the H.I.P.S and reported that a female not known to him, posted his picture on Facebook spreading lies accusing him of telling other people that he had sex with her. Police warning requested. Police reported seeing and speaking to the accused who was informed of the complaint made against her. She was advised to remove the post she made on Facebook and warned of further prosecution. Police Warning Report - Police Warning Requested: On Friday 2nd November 2018 an adult male of Barrack Street reported to police that his son is having problems with another boy and on the day prior, sometime during the evening, this boy came into his yard looking for his son. He is requesting that he be warned to keep the peace and to stay out of his yard. Police while at the H.I.P.S saw and spoke to the accused of Colebrooke Street. He was informed of the complaint made against him and was warned to keep the peace. He also was warned of further prosecution in reference to trespassing. Domestic dispute - Police assistance requested: On Monday 5/11/18 at about 2:21am an adult male of Chapel Street Harbour Island came in at Harbour Island Police Station and reported that at about 1:32am while in front of his residence speaking with his wife, his stepson made threatening remarks towards him saying ‘watch and see don’t be here when I come back’. He further stated that this is not the first time he was confronted by this young man. He stated that about a month ago he came at him with a cutlass threatening him. Police assistance requested. The complainant was advised to return to Harbour Island police Station along with his wife and his stepson at 4:30pm 5/11/18 which he agreed to do he further stated that he is not sleeping in the same house as his wife and stepson further that he has another residence and will be staying there until this matter is resolved. Police information: On Monday 5/11/18 at about 3:00am an adult male of Barrack Street Harbour Island contacted Harbour Island police Station and reported that his Ex-Girlfriend whom is also his baby’s mother, an adult female of Harbour Island, attempted to knock him and his present girlfriend down while they were walking on the street. .Reported as Police information. Domestic dispute - Police warning requested: On Monday 5/11/18 at about 1:40pm an adult female of Johnson View Road Harbour Island came in at Harbour Island Police Station and reported that her Ex-Boyfriend and daughter’s father has been
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sending obscene text messages to her phone also he threw a bottle at her vehicle hitting it but not causing any damage Police warning requested. On the same date at about 1:50pm an officer reported that while at Harbour Island Police Station she saw and spoke with the accused male of Barrack Street Harbour Island and the complainant. Both were warned of their actions and admonished to be of good behavior towards each other. Both parties stated that they would not bother each other anymore. No further assistance requested. Harassment report - Police warning requested: On Monday 5/11/18 at about 10:00pm a young adult female of Colebrooke Street Harbour Island came in at Harbour Island Police Station and reported that a young lady whom she only knows put up some harassing lies and insulting language on Facebook about her. She requested that she be warned to take them down. Police warning requested. Police spoke with the accused who was warned as requested by the complainant to take down whatever post she has on Facebook regarding the complainant and also to be of good behavior towards her. Threat of harm report - Police action requested: On Monday 5/11/18 at about 11:15pm an adult female (accused of Harrassment) of Colebrooke Street Harbour Island came in at Harbour Island police Station and reported that she is receiving text messages via Whatsapp from a young lady whom she only knows stating “I am going to $%$# you up” putting her in fear Police action requested. Arrest reference to: Removing A vehicle w/o owners consent/damage: On Monday 5/11/18 at about 4:20pm an adult male of Munnings Street Harbour Island in at the Harbour Island Police Station where he was arrested and cautioned in reference to removing a vehicle without owner’s consent and Damage a complaint made on 1/11/18. He said yeah that’s me in reply. Police while at the Harbour Island Police Station conducted an interview under caution with the accused. He admitted to removing the complainant’s vehicle and also causing damage to the windshield of the mentioned vehicle. He was charged with Removing of the Owner Vehicle without consent and Damage. He was later then fingerprinted processed and given Police bail to attend Magistrate Court Harbour Island later during the month. Stealing Report: On Wednesday 7th November 2018 at 1:15pm an adult female of Dunmore Street, Harbour Island came to the H.I.P.S and reported that sometime between 12:30pm on Tuesday November 6th 2018 and 12:40pm on Wednesday 7th November 2018, some unknown person(s) may have stolen $7,500.00 cash from a room in her establishment. She further reported that the safe was met open. She suspects that a staff member on the evening or night shift may be responsible. Police action requested. Child Abuse Report: On Wednesday 7th November 2018 at 6:50 pm an adult female of South and Dunmore Street, Harbour Island came to the Harbour Island Police Station with her ten (10) year old grandson and reported that at around 6:30 pm while at her residence he came running to her gate alone and reported that his mother took a hot pan off the stove and threw a boiling hot liquid towards him. She further reported that the liquid went onto a door that the boy stood behind before run-
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ning to her residence so he was not injured. The complainant reported being in fear for her grandson’s safety as this is not the first incident of mistreatment towards him from his mother. Police action requested. Police recorded a written statement from the boy in the presence of his grandmother. They also recorded a written statement from the complainant. Instructions were given that the minor remained with his grandmother for the remainder of the night. Harassment Report - Police Warning Requested: An adult male of Coconut Grove Ave Harbour Island came to the Harbour Island Police Station sometime around 12:30Am on 8/11/18 and reported that while at his residence his sister’s husband confronted him in a violent manner and is continuously ordering him around every time he comes home. He added that it is an ongoing tension between he and his sister’s husband since they both re-located from New Providence to Harbour Island about (2) months ago. Police Warning requested. An officer reported that at about 1:05am he saw and spoke to an adult male of the same address who stated that his mother in law was not feeling good at the time the complainant arrived home and he began to create a disturbance and make a nuisance of himself walking in and out her bedroom. He added that he told the complainant to lie down and rest and not to go in the room anymore. In addition he added that he and the complainant sleeps at the same residence every night since he has relocated from New Providence. He further stated that he will not tolerate him creating a disturbance and stressing out his mother. Both parties came to a mutual understanding going forward as to keeping the peace. The area was left quiet. Stealing Report: On Thursday 8th November, 2018 at around 7:30 am an adult female of Trianna Shores, Harbor Island contacted the Harbour Island Police Station via phone and reported that at around 5:00 am while onboard the M/V
Daybreak mail boat, a male unknown to her removed her cellular phone from her bag and was refusing to return it. Police warning requested. While onboard the mail boat, an officer saw and spoke to the complainant who informed that upon her return to her cabin she noticed that her belongings were thrown onto the ground. She then noticed that a strange male who later gave his name was hiding under the bed. She reported that after several attempts of retrieval the suspect finally returned her cell phone to her. The officer sternly warned the suspect after conducting a name check with negative results. Domestic Dispute Report: On Thursday 8th November, 2018 at around 5:30 pm an adult female of South and Colebrooke Street contacted the Harbour Island Police Station via phone and reported that her ex-husband was outside of her home pouring gasoline around the house. Police assistance requested. Officers were dispatched to the scene. Stealing Report - Police Assistance: An adult female of the USA came to the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that sometime between 6:30Am On Thursday 8th November 2018 and 6:30Am On Friday 9th November 2018, some unknown person(s) went into her room at a local resort and stole $2,300.00 in Bahamian currency. Police action requested. An officer reported visiting the scene where there were no visible signs of forced entry - all windows and doors were fully secured. The officer arrested and recorded a written statement under caution from a male suspect c/o House Keeping at the Hotel who stated that he cleaned the room but didn’t move anything from it. An investigation continues into the matter Arrests Ref: Stealing: Police reported arresting an adult male suspect of Coconut Grove Ave Harbour Island sometime around 11:45Am on 9/11/18, an adult male of Alice Street Harbor Island at about 9:45Am, an adult female of Love Lane Harbour Island at 9:45Am, an adult female of Bay Street Harbour Island at 11:45Am, an
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adult male of Duke Street Harbour Island at about 9:45Am and an adult female of South Street Harbour Island at about 9:45Am. All in reference to Stealing. An officer reported interviewing all of the above mentioned suspects under caution in regards to Stealing where all persons denied allegations. All suspects were released pending completion of an interview under caution. Investigations continue into the matter. Threats of Death Report: On Friday 9th November, 2018 at around 3:00 pm an adult female of Nesbitt Street came to the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that at about 2:50 pm while traveling along Pitt Street in the area of Broadway a mental patient known to her stopped her and told her that she wants to kill her. Police warning requested. Suspicious Circumstances Report - Police Information: An adult male of Alice Street Harbour Island came to the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that on Friday 9th November 2018 around 7:30pm he secured his golf cart at his residence and on Saturday 10th November 2018 at about 6:00am he discovered that it was tampered with and was not parked in the same position he left it in. Same was recorded as police information. Threats of Harm Report - Police Warning: An adult male of Coconut Grove Ave came in at the Harbour Island Police Station on Saturday 10/11/18 sometime around 5:15pm and reported that while at the intersection of Coconut Grove Ave and Dunmore Street at about 5:10pm on the same date he was approached by his ex-girlfriend who stated that “when she sees him later watch what she will do to him”, placing him in fear for his safety. Police Warning requested. Police reported making checks for the suspect at her residence with negative results. Additional checks were made throughout the community with negative results in locating her. Warning remains pending. Dog Attack - Police Assistance Requested: On Tuesday 13th November
2018, an adult female of Coconut Grove, Harbour Island came to the HIPS and reported that on Monday November 12th at about 5:00pm while walking through a track road that leads to her house she was attacked and bitten by a black pot cake dog owned by a female she knows. Police action requested. An officer while at the HIPS was shown (2) bandaged injuries to the complainants left and right lower thigh area. She stated she was seen by Doctor at H.I.C.C and released with medication - a police Hospital form was filled out to be submitted. Disturbance report - Police warning requested: On Thursday 14/11/18 at about 10:11am Audrey Curry D.O.B 24/11/70 of Nesbitt Street Harbour Island came to Harbour Island Police Station and reported that while on Harbour Island Government Dock a man whom she only knows used obscene language to her annoyance. Police warning requested. Stealing report - Police information: On Thursday 14/11/18 at about 1:08pm an adult male came in at Harbour Island Police Station and reported that sometime between Monday 12/11/18 4:00pm and Thursday 15/11/18 8:00am some unknown person gained access into his unlocked home and stole his black Apple I-Pad valued at $1,000 s/n unknown from a southern upstairs bedroom in his briefcase left there. Same reported as Police information. On the same date police left Harbour Island Police Station along with the complainant on enquiries. The mentioned crew reported visiting the residence of the complainant where all doors and windows were properly locked and secured at the time with no signs of forced entry - further the complainant pointed out a southern upstairs bedroom where he stated that he left his briefcase with his Apple I-Pad and other personal effects. A further check was made of the area and there were no signs of forced entry. The complainant further stated that he left his home unlocked and leaves his home open.
Police reach out to males at PHAHS campus
On Friday, November 9th, 2018, at 9:00am, Cpl. 44 Anderson, based at the Rock Sound Police Station, visited Preston H. Albury High School where he spoke to the entire male population of the school on the vital topic of “Leadership” - in line with the Commissioner’s Policing Plan 2018, priority three (3) where it speaks to “Interaction with the Youth and Young Adults”. This was a reactive approach to a rise in the number of school fights among the young boys on the school campus. The one hundred and nineteen (119) male student body was attentive as the message was delivered by Cpl. Anderson, who raised points that resounded with the young minds in the audience. The message was delivered by powerpoint presentation with music, videos and other illustrations to drive the point of “Leadership” home. In the end the presentation was evaluated by a question and answer period to ensure that the message was received by the male student body.
The attentive young men, who seemed very enthusiastic about the leadership presentation were able to retain the information given and relay examples from their school community. All the young men in the room were given charge by Cpl. Anderson to become, if they weren’t already, positive leaders in their school, communities, and personal life by using what they learned during the session and applying it to their everyday lives.
Above: Corporal Anderson engaged with the young male student audience at PHAHS, after a rise in fights on campus.
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The Eleutheran | 11/12 2018
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Above: PM Minnis addressing North Eleuthera community members during the town meeting.
Prime Minister in North Eleu. Continued from pg. 4 new entrepreneurship support and encouragement program was also announced, where the PM outlined that $5million had been set aside annually during the next five years for grants and small loans. PM Minnis also announced that government owned land had been identified in the South Eleuthera constituency area, which would be developed with the necessary subdivision infrastructure (lights, water, roads etc…), and lots made available for sale to young people and residents of Eleuthera for less than $15,000, to alleviate the shortage of affordable land for home development. The floor was then opened by the Prime Minister for audience questions, which ranged from value added tax exemptions, to the need for a resident doctor, a decentralized passport renewal service and driver’s license renewal service, concerns about fishing condo registration and many others. Following the afternoon meeting in Spanish Wells, the Prime Minister, then headed to Lower Bogue, North Eleuthera for the second town meeting which began at 7pm at the North Eleuthera High School. The upstairs classroom meeting area filled up quickly, and once again, MP Mackey opened the presentation segment of the meeting with his remarks. In addition to what had been spoken in Spanish Wells he told the Lower Bogue audience that they would see movement on the airport as early as mid-2019. Minister Johnson made a similar presentation as in Spanish Wells. In Lower Bogue he also reminded the audience of the government’s intention to reform the public service following an audit process now ongoing. Prime Minister Minnis, also made a similar presentation on the economy and policy decisions, as in the earlier town meeting, with additional information, perhaps sparked by wider public discussions nationally, about the recent agreement made to use the Town Center Mall as the new location of the Main Post Office in New Providence, because of the poor state of the current building a move cited by the Chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party Senator Fred Mitchell as “a shameful naked conflict of interest” because the Mall is owned by a group which includes Immigration Minister Brent Symonette. The PM defended his government’s decision, stating that they had negotiated a better deal compared to the former government for moving the Post Office, and outlined the process allowed in Parliament to avoid a conflict of interest. He then opened the floor to questions and concerns from the North
Above: PM Minnis, accompanied by Minister Johnson and MP Mackey, visit with local Spanish Wells entrepreneurs at new pre-school facility.
Eleuthera audience. Many in the audience came prepared with a variety of questions and concerns for the Prime Minister and his delegation. These included; • Several farmers raised issues of poor water quality coming in to their farms, as well as exorbitant water bills. • Another resident inquired as to when duty free concessions like those now available through the OverThe-Hill initiative in New Providence, might become available in Eleuthera. • The president of the PTA of the Gregory Town primary school brought attention to the suffering of the students and teachers in the extremely small temporary location where they have been placed for the past six years (since 2012) and asked about the status of the new school, which was promised by the Minister of Education in 2017. • Another young teacher brought attention to Bahamian heritage, highlighting the desire to preserve the historic commissioner’s residence in Harbour Island. He also articulated a passionate plea for land use policy concerning Eleuthera’s heritage locations, to avert further travesties, such as dredging or a mega-hotel at Preacher’s Cave, or expropriation of the Glass Window bridge, should it suit the fancy of some foreign investor. • A young entrepreneur highlighted the level of beaurocracy and red tape still involved in doing business in
the Bahamas and especially the Family Islands. The safety of the Glass Window bridge and the need to replace it was brought up, as well as the need for better medical facilities in Lower Bogue. The need for an ambulance was also highlighted with current emergency victims transferred to clinic facilities on the back of trucks. A range of other issues were raised as well, including the need for a dedicated hurricane shelter in North Eleuthera, the lack of banks on mainland, North Eleuthera, and poor public service across the board at government agencies in North Eleuthera. Immediately following the meeting in Lower Bogue, which wrapped up at about 9pm, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis gave brief comment on his visit, saying, that he thought both meetings were very productive. In reference to the questions and concerns raised he added, “I’ve asked them to enumerate (itemize or detail) the issues and have them forwarded to the Administrator, so that we can address them, one at a time.” Notably the meetings in North Eleuthera had a much different atmosphere to the one held in October at the School in Green Castle which was dominated by the issue of Lighthouse Point.
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Perspective
Nov/Dec 2018
remember
By: Andrew L. Burrows andrewburrows1@gmail.com Germany! We live in a new generation that is like what the Bible says about the people of Egypt, “There arose a new Pharaoh who did not know Joseph”. This
generation has seen the most dramatic increase in knowledge and technology, just as the Bible predicted there would be. But with all of the new forms of information are we being made smarter, well informed and intelligent? Or are we being made dumber by it? Remember Germany! I was born five years after the Second World War ended, and had the opportunity to view many war news reels because my dad owned and operated the only movie theater in this area in the 1950’s. Dad served in the British Air Force and used his knowledge to secure documented reports of war time events. We watched and learned by viewing those news reels over and over again, and my interest developed and enabled me to seek to understand what caused those two wars. Following the defeat of Germany in 1918 the League of Nations placed many restrictions on the Germans to prevent them from again becoming a threat. All their efforts failed for whatever reasons, and the Germans who were already very technically advanced, continued to rebuild and expand their military capabilities. The Germans also gained absolute control of the individual lives of all citizens of the country, and went to the greatest extreme of enslaving and killing
Statement Ref: Allegation of Haitian Nationals Repatriated or Deported Being Returned to The Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 November 2018 Nassau, Bahamas The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas wishes to inform the general public that it has been made aware of information circulating on social media - in this instance, the posting of a photograph of an unnamed man - alleging that the Haitian Government is denying entry to Haitian nationals repatriated or deported from The Bahamas and returning them to The Bahamas. The Ministry advises that this information is a complete fabrication and without merit, as the Haitian Embassy in The Bahamas and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs work together at all times, and in a coordinated manner, to ensure the smooth and respectful course of ac-
tion required in this sensitive process. Moreover, the Ministry has confirmed that the Haitian Government has never denied entry to any Haitian nationals repatriated or deported from The Bahamas who are born to Haitian parents.The Ministry reminds that The Bahamas is committed to abiding by all international laws with respect to the return of foreign nationals to their countries of origin. The Ministry further cautions the public to be responsible with their postings on social media that falsely implicate on government-to-government relations and strongly requests that parties involved refrain from spreading such false information, which is a punishable offence.
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any and all suspected citizens. The Nazi government confiscated (legally stole) the lives and wealth of all who they were not absolutely sure could be trusted to support it. To control animals, a farmer will ‘brand’ each one with his ownership mark, and similarly if you enlist in your country’s military you are also assigned a number that indicates you are now the property of the government. For many years we have heard of the coming ‘One World Government’ that is above and different from just being a member of the ‘United Nations’. The New world Order has as its intention to completely dictate to every person on Earth; morally, religiously, and socially. The way that is being accomplished is through economic compliance. You think you are a free country?! You may pay your own way in the world, and celebrate your false independence, but you answer to the Masters, who also answer to the one secretive master in the shadows. We are warned by Our Lord Jesus to remain alert, so that what is foretold does not come on us by surprise. When the Germans were confident that their enemies were complacent and wanting peace at all cost, they struck! All Europe, Russia, Britain, and the Americas were surprised and unprepared. We are being rocked to sleep by the moral enemies of God, who
warned us in His word that it will be as it was at the time of the FLOOD, and like when Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed. Christian believers are warned to not be conformed to this present ‘age’. To conform is to not acknowledge that your enemy intends to destroy you and you willingly submit as though you are in a trance. One of the biggest and one of the most successful tricks the devil is using on this generation is keeping people, especially young people engrossed in sports and entertainment. As much as physical activity is beneficial to maintaining good health, the emphasis is placed on entertainment; so much of your youthful energy is wasted in competitive activity that produces nothing. Adults are no better, sports and entertainment eats up much of your time also, while more important family and community activities that are beneficial are ignored. What is a trophy, medal, or plaque? What is a diploma worth to you, it is only a receipt that you complied with the dictates of the system, but if you have no personal ambition and skills all you hold is a meaningless receipt. Life is your greatest teacher and the Bible is God’s gift to you. To know God is the beginning of ‘true’ wisdom. Do not be deceived.
CEHS Awards it’s Best for 2017/2018
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE On Monday, October 5th, 2018, the Central Eleuthera High School (CEHS) recognized their best and brightest during the 2017/2018 school year at an awards ceremony held at the school, which began at 9:30am, under the theme, “No Excuses… Just Do It!” This theme had been continued into the new 2018/2019 year said Principal, Mrs. Marie Galanis, following the awards, as they had seen a significant impact at Central Eleuthera High School in student performance, during the 2017/2018 year. This was especially noted in the percentage of the school population making it on to the honour roll, in tandem with the rising stars program, which recognized students achieving a grade point average near the 3.0, between 2.75 and 2.99 with teachers and administration encouraging them to aim for the next level. Special Guest Speaker was Pastor, Mrs. Clarice Thompson, also a former graduate of CEHS, who encouraged the student body to continue doing their very best. 58 students at CEHS were recognized for achieving a 3.0 or above grade point average, with six (6) of those students achieving the Principal’s List - which recognizes students with a 3.5 grade point average or higher. The
school hall on Monday morning was filled to capacity with students, proud parents and other members of the Central Eleuthera community who came out to support the achieving honourees.
PRINCIPAL’S LIST (=>3.5 ) Wallace Sineus 3.55 (Grade 8); Torii Knowles 3.64 (Grade 8); Brady Sineus 3.67 (Grade 7); Lamar Sineus 3.64 (Grade 11); Equoia Gibson 3.73 (Grade 10); Omarrion Dean 3.75 (Summer Term - Grade 7). TOP OF THE SCHOOL Awardees
Top Sr. Boy: Lamar Sineus 3.64 (G 11) Top Sr. Girl: Equoia Gibson 3.73 (Grd 10) Top Junior Boy: Omarrion Dean 3.75 (Gr7) Top Junior Girl: Vonzell Fox 3.45 (Grd 8)
Grades 7-9 (Junior High) HONOR ROLL (=>3.0 GPA ) Waldina Alcime 3.42, Kamia Darville 3.33, Johnathan Randall 3.27, Jahzara Taylor 3.27, Aniuqe Edwards 3.18, Dominic Collins 3.17, Ishmael Exantus 3.17, Amerie Fernander 3.17, Cameron Moss 3.17, Sharico Farquharson Continued On Page 35
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Above: One of CEHS’s founding fathers, Mr. Joshua Culmer proudly stands with Principal Marie Galanis and CEHS Honour Roll students for the 2018 Summer Term.
Continued from pg. 34 3.09, Andreon Gardiner 3.09, Medwick Rolle 3.09, Kyla Sands 3.09, Ricardo Belle 3.09, Kethia Joseph 3.08, Bthiah Rahming 3.00, Kiara Farquharson 3.00, Samuel Hanna 3.00, Romeo Cash 3.00, Leante Albury 3.00, Jamaal Isaacs 3.00, Corshera Johnson 3.00, and Asia Jonassaint 3.00. Grades 10-12 (Senior High) HONOR ROLL (3.0 GPA and Above) Joshua Jolly 3.36, Jason Thompson 3.36, Trequan Hanna 3.36, Wayne
Rolle 3.36, Kenron Collins 3.27, Kimberly Pierre 3.27, Kiara Roberts 3.27, Donovan Seymour 3.27, Shekinah Gaitor 3.18, Danaj Lundy 3.18, Malika Williams 3.18, Tamari Gibson 3.18, Herodiane Ficien 3.09, Printassia Hanna 3.09, Mattheo Albury 3.09, Ashanti Heastie 3.09, Nichayda Joseph 3.09, Hadassah Rankine 3.09, Caleb Bethel 3.09, Kristman Moss 3.09, Jaheim Hunt 3.09, Natisha Johnson 3.00, Shawayne Knowles 3.00, Daniella Pierre 3.00, Ternarkis Sands 3.00, Marcia Calixte 3.00, Elshauna Gibson 3.00, and Matthew Thompson 3.00.
Struggle
| 11/12 2018
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Nov/Dec 2018
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Preston H. Albury High School 2017/2018 School Year Awardees Recognized On Friday, November 2nd, 2018, Preston H. Albury High School (PHAHS) recognized their top performing students during the 2017/2018 school year and pinned their student leaders for the new school year at an awards and prefect installation ceremony held at the school grounds on the courtyard facing the newly opened school block, which began at 9:30am, under the theme, “Determined to Succeed, Excellence without Excuse - We’ve come this far by Faith.” Special Guest Speaker on Friday morning was Mr. Christopher Cates, who, using the Bible story of Joseph in Egypt, encouraged the student body to continue doing their very best, despite all obstacles, and without excuses. 32 students at PHAHS were recognized for achieving a 3.0 or above grade point average, with five (5) of those students achieving the Principal’s List - which recognizes students with a 3.5 grade point average or higher. The school grounds were filled to capacity with students, proud parents and other members of the South Eleuthera community who came out to support the achieving honourees. As part of Preston H. Albury High School’s 45th Anniversary celebrations, a number of former teachers and principals of the school were honoured and given recognition during the Awards ceremony as well.
Above: Honour Roll students, and newly installed Prefects, with Principal Fontella Knowles and Officer Brown, of the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Below: Parents proudly do the honour of pinning new student leaders.
Summer Term 2018 HONOUR ROLL PRINCIPAL’S LIST (3.5 GPA and Above) G’Ann Morley, Khiara Knowles, Jayden Miller, Sarah Carey, and Geordante’ Neely. HONOUR ROLL
Students (3.0 GPA and Above) Alisha Albury, Kayleaser Burrows, Petra Butler, Joshua Claridge, Jauje’ Evans, Petra Kemp, Shicara Knowles, Charma Morley, Solina Russell, Sarai LaFrance, Alicia Albury, Valencia Bain, Brianna Hall, Jasmine Hall, Johnnecia Pinder, Xzavier Rolle, Carlissa Seymour, Geordia Neely, Jubilee Roger, Tanai Sands, Nathalia Brown, Traliyah Carey, Valentino Stubbs, Joshua Cooper, Shauntae Hall, Tinnicia Bain, and Oriana Carey.
Above: Honour Roll students with Principal Fontella Knowles and Teacher, Ms. Scott.
SCHOOL Prefects Geordante Neely - Head Boy , Donovan McKinney - Deputy Head Boy, Oriana Carey - Head Girl, Charma Morley - Deputy Head Girl, Traliyah Carey, Glendira Francis, Denica Rolle, Glitavia Goodman, Jessica Jean, Sheena Sands, Kamia Thompson, Johnnecia Pinder, Alene McKinney, Precious Rolle, Joshua Claridge, Rekenly Preneus, Valentino Stubbs, Alicia Albury, Alisha Albury, Tinnicia Bain, Natalya Brown, Yasmine Brown, Kayleaser Burrows, Sarah Carey, Glenyce Cartwright, Anthonique Cartwright, Petra Kemp, Khiara Knowles, G’Ann Morley, Solina Russell, Carlissa Seymour, Timmesha Wilson, X’zavier Rolle, and Sharmaine Deveaux.
45th Anniversary Honourees
Former Principals were: Mr. Ephriam Boston Morley, Mrs. Althea Nixon-Gibson, Mrs. Desiree Forbes, Mr. Kirkwood Cleare, and Mr. Robert Deal. Former Teachers were: Mrs. Vyona Mackey, Mrs. Flarida Guina, Mrs. Sybiline Taylor, Mr. George Caesar, Mrs. Vaulda Caesar, Mr. Walcot Lewis-Friend, Mrs. Frances Thompson-Friend, Mrs. Rosetta Gibson, and Mrs. Anna Horton.
Above: 45th Anniversary honourees at the student awards ceremony: Mrs. Vaulda Caesar, Mrs. Sybiline Taylor, Mrs. Rosetta Gibson, Mrs. Flarida Guina, Mrs. Anna Horton, and first PHAHS Head Girl, Mrs. Eureka Sands.
E d u c a t i o n B ea t Supporting Excellence!
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Pictured:
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Proud parents and siblings celebrate with awardees and prefects.
Moment: Proud mom, Gigi Morley, pins G’Ann Morley, who was also awarded for achieving the Principal’s List. Above: Administrator Gregory Knowles, Bishop Sweeting and Officer Brown shown inspecting the new student leaders.
Above: Officer Brown, RBPF, puts new Prefects through their drill paces for the awards ceremony audience. Moment: Principal Knowles proudly inspects her new student leaders.
Photos: http://eleutheranews.com/?p=18080
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Island “Buzz”
Nov/Dec 2018
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Outstanding Youth/Youth Leaders Awards Hosted in Harbour Island
A number of youth organizations came together on Sunday, November 18th, 2018 in Harbour Island to celebrate both outstanding youth and youth leaders within the North Eleuthera communities. Celebrations began at about 2:30 pm, with members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Rangers leading the lively parade, which began at the Harbour Island dock, and wended its way through several streets, ending at the newly refurbished Wesley Methodist Church, where a special awards service got underway at 3pm. The service, themed with, “Youth at the forefront of change”, was filled with entertaining selections of vibrant song, and dance by the various youth groups, and keynote speaker on the afternoon was Pastor Henry Knowles. Both Member of Parliament for North Eleuthera, Mr. Rickey Mackey, along with Administrator for North Eleuthera, Mr. Ivan Ferguson were present for the late afternoon celebrations. National Youth Month Awards, in a variety of disciplines were presented to the day’s honourees, and the North Eleuthera District Council also took the opportunity to present their youth district awards in honour of National Youth Month. The following honourees were recognized with a National Youth Month Award: Academics: Mr. Ernie Kelly Upper - Bogue, Miss. Yasmeen Munroe - Current Island, Miss. Tineisha Saunders - Bluff, Miss. Sierra Colebrook - Current, Mr. Duran Roberts - Spanish Wells, Miss. Allie Pinder - Spanish Wells, Mr.
Tyriek Higgs - Harbour Island, and Dayonna Brown - Harbour Island. Arts & Culture: Mr. Edney Higgs Jr. Lower Bogue, Mr. Leandre Johnson - Lower Bogue, and Miss. Regina Johnson - Current. Leadership: Mr. Dante Albury - Lower Bogue, Mr. Rodney Greene Jr. - Bluff, Miss Devita Sawyer - Harbour Island, Mr. Terrance Davis - Harbour Island, and Mr. Duke Bennett - Spanish Wells. Religious Leader: Miss. Sierra Farrington Lower Bogue, Miss. Rosie Dorestin - Bluff, and Miss. Alyssa Kemp - Bluff. Sports: Mr. Juantae Brown - Current Island,
Mr. Peter Heastie Jr. - Bluff, Miss. Otia Kemp - Bluff, Miss. Celeste Pinder - Current, Mr. Trent Pinder - Spanish Wells and Miss. Brandi Sweeting - Spanish Wells.
Entrepreneurship: Mr. Darino Bethel Lower Bogue, Miss. Janicia Gibson - Bluff, Mr. Aldred Albury - Current, Miss. Brynette Sawyer - Harbour Island, Mr. Matthew Morris - Harbour Island, Mr. Thomas Pinder - Spanish Wells, Miss. Danica Sands - Spanish Wells.
Most Outstanding Primary School Graduate (Rose Neilly-Green Award) - Miss Michaella Lockhart Primary School Division Honouree - Mr. Geyon Mullings 1st Runner Up - Mr. Alexander Johnson
2nd Runner Up - Miss. Farah Joseph 3rd Runner Up - Mr. Kai Collins High School Division
Honouree - Mr. Ernie Kelly Jr. 1st Runner Up - Miss. Wendez Bullard 2nd Runner Up - Miss. Kelly-Ann McKenzie 3rd Runner Up - Miss. Mona Toussaint
Personal Triumph Award: Mr. Ranuard Bethel - Lower Bogue, Mr. Collen Woods Upper Bogue, Mr. Ignatius Kemp - Bluff, and Miss. Teja Joseph - Bluff. Youth Organization Award: Royal Bahamas Defense Force Rangers - North Eleuthera - Lower Bogue, Harbour Island Sailing Club - Harbour Island and the Harbour Island Marching Band - Harbour Island. Volunteerism: Mr. Phillip Carusi - Current Community Service: Mr. Brandon Newbold - Spanish Wells, Miss. Sasha Bullard - Harbour Island, Mr. Harrison Cleare - Harbour Island, and Miss. Quianna Pinder - Spanish Wells. The following honourees were recognized with a National Youth Month - North Eleuthera District Award: Most Outstanding High School Graduate (Osbourne Weech Award) - Miss. Jose Imbert
Above & Below: RBDF Rangers on parade ahead of the Youth Awards Service.
Island “Buzz�
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Eleuthera Smiles
Above & Below: A wide variety of youth groups and organizations came out to take part in first the parade, followed by the Youth Awards service held at the newly refurbished, Wesley Methodist Church in Harbour Island. Students and group leaders were all smiles as they marched from the Harbour Island dock to the church, to the delight of onlookers.
Photos: http://eleutheranews.com/?p=18078