The Eleutheran Newspaper October/November 2023 Issue by The Eleutheran

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Volume 16, 10/12, October/November Issue

Eleuthera, Harbour Island & Spanish Wells, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas

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

DCL offers support to Agricultural Programs in Schools in Eleuthera & Abaco

Preston H. Albury High Principal Kenneth Roberts, at the kickoff of the Micro Garden and School Farming Project on October 23rd, 2023.

ADVICE (13)

• Selling A Fixer-Upper

OPINION (12)

• A Dangerous Referendum in Venezuela

ADVICE (14)

• Vendettas and Writing Books

Conservation (26)

Stone Crab Research Also: Regenerative Agriculture A “Win-Win”

3D mammography testing now available in Rock Sound - at Family Medicine Center

Highlights • Great Support for cse Fun/Run/Walk for a Cure - (18) • 2023 Eleuthera Youth Awards (30) featured:

Our People, Life, Moments, Celebrations, Efforts, Strides...

Caricom and United States discuss Trade... 6 Agro-Industrial Fest Upcoming - Nov. 17-18th 43

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16 Cyber-security.

• Reducing Food Imports 25% by 2025 11 22

Upcoming 32 Events

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DCL offers support to Agricultural Programs in Schools in Eleuthera & Abaco On Monday morning, October 23rd, 2023, representatives from Disney Cruise Line (DCL), the Agricultural Development Organization (ADO) - [a non-profit launched early in 2022, focused on building up The Bahamas’ food security], and the One Eleuthera Foundation’s Center for Training and Innovation (OEF/CTI), were at Preston H. Albury High School (PHAHS) in Rock Sound, South Eleuthera - to kickoff the beginning of a partnership between DCL and the ADO to positively impact the agricultural programs at four schools in Eleuthera and one school in Abaco, through a Micro Gardens and

Gaskins, Disney Cruise Line’s Public Affairs Director for The Bahamas and Caribbean. “We’ve done a similar project at the Ranfurly Home in Nassau, which was actually our first at this. We believe that schools are an important place where Bahamian young people can be successful ... So, we can create diverse opportunities for them to experience different things - especially things that align with our four pillars of corporate social responsibility - culture, conservation, community and economic opportunity, then we are doing the right thing.”

School Farming Project. The project is a continuation of work being done by the ADO in schools across The Bahamas. In this most recent partnership, DCL donated nearly $100,000 to support the Eleuthera and Abaco schools initiative, and OEF/CTI will bring its technical expertise and guidance in hydroponics and other farming methods to the program. “This is the kick off event - at the first of five schools that we are partnering with, along with the Agricultural Development Organization (ADO) to bring farming and agricultural education to higher heights in our schools,” said Joey

ADO Executive Chairman Philip Smith at the kickoff of the Micro Garden and School Farming Project at Preston Albury High on October 23rd, 2023.

When asked about the details of the DCL agricultural partnership, Mr. Gaskins explained, “This year we have given just about $100,000. We asked the schools, ‘What is it that you need to make your agricultural programs better?’, and we supplied those tools... and infrastructure, but we will also ensure that the schools have resource officers and the human resources to help these young people understand and learn about agriculture... At the end of the day we are funders. We know that the experts are in schools, and they are at the Agricultural Development Organization. So, our job is to facilitate getting those experts and the resources that our schools need to the people who need them.” P15

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Nearby

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CARICOM & United States hold the ninth meeting of the Trade & Investment Council (TIC) (CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana - ): On October 13th, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the United States held the Ninth Meeting of the Trade and Investment Council (TIC) under the CARICOM-United States Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). Dominica’s Ambassador to CARICOM Felix Gregoire chaired the meeting for CARICOM and Deputy United States Trade Representative Jayme White chaired the meeting for the United States.

The delegations agreed that engagement under the TIFA is an important opportunity to grow their economic relationship even further, including by expanding and diversifying exports and growing investments.

During the meeting, the delegations from CARICOM and the United States reaffirmed the importance of the bilateral trade and economic relationship and highlighted that two-way trade and investment have recovered strongly since the pandemic.

The delegations underscored the importance of the CBI trade preference programs to the CARICOM-U.S. economic relationship. Both sides agreed to jointly explore ways to increase utilization of the CBI programs – and thereby ex-

During the meeting, the delegations highlighted the following conclusions and next steps: CARICOM and the United States committed to working together to support durable and resilient supply chains in their shared region.

2023, Oct/Nov pand regional trade – by exchanging data, analysis, and methodologies related to utilization of the programs. CARICOM conveyed the continued interest of certain CARICOM member countries in being designated beneficiaries of CBI trade preferences. The delegations discussed agricultural sustainability and food security, areas where CARICOM and the United States share common interests and objectives. CARICOM and the United States also discussed agricultural biotechnology and specific trade concerns. During the meeting, CARICOM raised the matter of trade in rum with the United States. Each side agreed to keep the other informed about third-party agreements that may have an impact on CARICOM-U.S. agricultural trade. Both sides agreed on the importance of protecting workers’ rights and reaffirmed their commitment to internationally recognized core labor standards. The United States highlighted its worker-centered trade policy and recent U.S. efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor and eradicate forced labor in global supply chains. The United States and CARICOM discussed how transparency and good regulatory practices (GRP) can facilitate trade and investment and ongoing activities related to the Declaration on Good Regulatory Practices announced in 2022. CARICOM and the United States acknowledged that trade in services represent

Nearby a large and growing share of their economies and agreed to advance their collaboration on trade in services by establishing a joint work program on services. Both sides will organize a first scoping meeting to clarify and confirm areas for collaboration. CARICOM and the United States discussed intellectual property protection and enforcement in CARICOM Member States, including related to signal piracy and the WIPO Internet Treaties, and agreed to continue to work together to address these issues. The delegations highlighted the importance of trade facilitation to supporting food security and underscored that the full implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) is critical for expediting trade and reducing costs. CARICOM welcomed the support of the U.S. Agency for International Development to provide training and technical assistance for customsrelated reforms. CARICOM and the United States committed to consider the sharing of information and best practices on export promotion and facilitation of business-to-business engagement among CARICOM and U.S. firms. The delegations agreed to reinvigorate the TIC and to more regular engagements, including intersessional engagements. Both sides agreed to discuss an agenda on how to continue to advance technical cooperation.

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3D Mammography Now Available in Rock Sound, S. Eleu. (Family Medicine Center Introduces Advanced Genius 3D Mammography in Rock Sound, Eleuthera) Family Medicine Center announced in October the availability of state-of-the-art Genius 3D Mammography in Rock Sound, Eleuthera. The release further stated, “This innovative digital technology marks a significant advancement in breast cancer detection and prevention, offering women in Eleuthera easy access to superior breast imaging services. “Breast cancer is a pressing concern for women worldwide, and the Bahamas is no exception. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women in The Bahamas, with an estimated 300500 new cases each year. “Additionally, it is being diagnosed at younger ages in The Ba-

hamas as compared to other parts of the world. About 48% of women diagnosed with breast cancer in The Bahamas are under the age of 50. The average age of diagnosis in The Bahamas is 42, compared to 62 in the United States.” According to Dr. Zenna Friend, Family Physician at Family Medicine Center in Rock Sound, “Breast cancer continues to disproportionately affect Bahamian women, making early detection and timely screening critically important. With the introduction of the Genius 3D Mammogram, we are taking a significant step towards reducing breast cancer mortality rates in our community.” The Genius 3D Mammography exam provides multiple highly detailed images of the breast tissue from a range of angles, creating an interactive 3D cross-section of the breast. This advanced tech-

nology allows radiologists to examine breast tissue layer by layer, making it possible to detect abnormalities, including small tumors that could be hidden in a 2D mammogram. This is especially beneficial for women with dense breast tissue. Increased accuracy means earlier detection, and a greater chance for treatment to be successful. “Our goal is to provide the Bahamian community with the highest standards of healthcare. The Genius 3D Mammography exams are state of the art technology and are a useful tool for Bahamian women. We have been providing this service at our primary facility on Blake

Road, Nassau for several years and are pleased to now introduce 3D mammography at our clinic in Rock Sound, Eleuthera,” said Dr. Graham Cates, Family Physician and Medical Director. Why is 3D mammography better? Dr. Tonya Roker-Davis, Family Physician at Family Medicine Center explained with the simple analogy of a book. “If you look at a book from above, you are able to see the cover but not the actual pages. This describes standard mammography. However, if you were P37 to open the book you

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Reducing food import, 25% by 2025 - the focus of Agriculture forum The 17th Caribbean Week of Agriculture officially wrapped up after a week of activities. The event was held at SuperClubs Breezes Resort and Spa. It officially opened October 10th, 2023. Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis and Minister of Agriculture & Marine Resources, the Hon. Jomo Campbell addressed the conclave which featured delegates from throughout the Caribbean. Prime Minister Davis welcomed the delegates and said that meetings such as these provided a great opportunity for The Bahamas

in its quest to reach food security. “Food security is a very important focus for my government as we try to find ways to be more self-sustainable. So I welcome forums such as these, which provide an opportunity for discussions to be held on how we can find innovative and creative ways to meet this objective,” said Mr. Davis. Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Jomo Campbell also welcomed the delegates and said that he was ‘honored’ to address the gathering.

“Welcome to my brothers and sisters throughout the Caribbean to discuss a central issue to us all -- food security,” said Minister Campbell. “Your presence signals that you are committed to making our region more food secure and have intentions on building upon our successes while also coming up with new strategies

on how to achieve this loftier goal.” Minister Campbell said that it was ‘significant’ that the conference was being held during the country’s 50th independence anniversary and the 50th anniversary of the P37 establishment of CARICOM.

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Commentary

Oct/Nov, 2023

Venezuela’s Dangerous Referendum: Threatening Peace and International Law

By Sir Ronald Sanders (The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS. The views expressed are his own) Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com For sixty years, from their entry into school, Venezuelans have been trained into believing that the Essequibo region of Guyana belongs to Venezuela. Consequently, regardless of the facts, this belief is ingrained in the Venezuelan psyche.

This is why, the only matter on which the contending political factions in Venezuela can agree is that Essequibo is Venezuelan. It has long been a political tactic that, when there is domestic discord, a common enemy should be created, in an attempt to gain political support generally. Hence, the periodic but persistent proclamations from Venezuela, claiming Essequibo. The latest attempt to validate the acquisition of the Essequibo region is evident in the questions posed to the Venezuelan electorate in a forthcoming referendum with a predetermined outcome. The contrived referendum, prejudicially titled, “in defence of Guayana Esequiba”, will be held on 3rd December 2023. Among its deliberately leading questions, designed to get a desired positive answer, is the following: “Do you

agree with the creation of the Guayana Esequiba state and the development of an accelerated plan for the comprehensive care of the current and future population of that territory that includes,

among others, the granting of citizenship and Venezuelan identity card in accordance with the Geneva Agreement and international law, consequently incorporating said state on the map of Venezuelan territory?”.

Given that for over 60 years, successive governments of Venezuela have carried out a propaganda policy of brainwashing their people to adopt the claim that Essequibo belongs to Venezuela in defiance of an 1899 International Arbitral Award, the question is framed to secure the electorate’s support as validation of the annexation of Essequibo. Significantly, the questions for the referendum ignore entirely that there is an existing arbitral award since 1899 that establishes the boundaries between Venezuela and Guyana. Similarly, the questions ignore the historical evidence that Venezuela proclaimed the arbitral award and ratified it in their congress. The referendum also makes no mention of the fact that, since 2018, there is a case before the highest legal court in the world, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), to settle the validity of the 1899 award.

The only reference to these proceedings is contained in question 3 of the referendum, which, prejudicially, poses the loaded question: “Do you agree with

the historic position of Venezuela not to recognise the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice to resolve the controversy over the territory of Guayana Essequiba?”.

The Venezuelan authorities neglect to advise their electorate of Articles 92 and 93 of the Charter of the United Nations. Article 92 states, “The International Court of Justice shall be the principal judicial organ of the United Nations” and Article 93 declares, “All Members of the United Nations are ipso facto parties to the Statute of the International Court of Justice.” Not to recognise the jurisdiction of the ICJ is tantamount to a repudiation of the UN Charter. Moreover, the ICJ has already twice decided that it has jurisdiction to determine the validity of the 1899 award and the related land boundary between Venezuela and Guyana. The placing of the question in the referendum, in the manner in

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Advice

Selling a FixerUpper

By Mike Lightbourn Questions or comments? Contact me at info@cbbahamas.com Mike Lightbourn is president of Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty.

Thinking about selling a fixerupper?: It’s a good time to sell with the real estate market in Eleuthera still being strong. The buyer’s pool for fixer-uppers is smaller. Typically, buyers for this type of property are comprised of two groups: • Traditional buyers on a tight budget who will improve on the property as funds permit, • Investors and builders looking to turn a profit. To many, the term “fixer-upper” implies a property being offered at a bargain-basement price due to its physical condition. While this is often the case, location has a lot to do with the value of a property. Some fixer-uppers are habitable, while others need to be renovated before someone can safely move in. It’s important to price the property right the first time so it doesn’t grow stale on the market.

To do this, a brutal assessment of the condition of the home is necessary. Does it need major renovations, such as a new roof, a new electrical system or plumbing? Is it termite infested? Or is it just a question of cosmetics, something some minor wall work and a good paint job will take care of? A reputable building contractor can inspect the building and provide the answers and a cost estimate. Remember, this will only be an estimate. Old and/or neglected buildings are full of surprises. Armed with an estimate, an experienced BREA-licensed agent will look at neighbourhood data, including recent sales, to pin a realistic price on the property. Expect a serious buyer to get someone to inspect the property, too. This is assuming the buyer intends to rehabilitate the home and isn’t just after the land. To Repair or Not: Whether you should attempt to repair the home really depends on its condition. If it’s habitable, it may be a good idea to take on any minor repairs you can do yourself. For example, fix leaky faucets, clean mildew off the boxing and replace broken cabinet hinges. Clean the home until it sparkles. Declutter. Get rid of any broken furniture and junk. Clean outdoors, mow the

Oct/Nov, 2023

grass and trim back overgrown vegetation. Small things make a big difference and help buyers see the potential in a property. Unless you are a builder, you will be better off leaving significant upgrades and repairs to the buyer. You may have a good builder who can help with the necessary repairs. However, the amount of time, effort and money – not to mention stress – involved may not pay off. You might end up losing. Before making upgrades, ask yourself the following: Will I end up making more from the improvements or will I make less when I sell? Is it worth my time and effort? Play up any advantages. It could be the location, termite resistant hardwood floors, or solid walls, etc. Fire Safety: October is recognised as Fire Safety Month. It’s a reminder to make sure smoke detectors and fire extinguishers work and to run evacuation drills. Practice the simple Stop, Drop and Roll fire safety technique with children. Teach them about the danger of playing with matches and fire and never leave small children home alone. You may have as little as two minutes to escape from a house fire once the alarm is sounded.

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Advice

Oct/Nov, 2023

Vendetta: Not a Good Reason to Write a Book

Teri M. Bethel A bout the A uthor : Teri M. Bethel is a publisher and author of relationship enrichment books, Bahamian-inspired romance, and adventure novels for children that share our island’s history and culture. Her books are available where good books are sold in Eleuthera, New Providence, and Amazon. com. Teri and her husband have two adult sons. Website: www.inspirepublishing.com I have previously written an article on book publishing. However, due to the increasing number of requests for guidance on the subject, I believe it’s a good time to revisit it. Everyone has a story; however, whether or not it should be published is a different matter altogether. As a publisher, I’ve had to ask a few questions of prospective clients, such as: •

What is your core message?

•

What is your goal in publishing it?

•

Is there anything redemptive in your story?

•

How can readers benefit from your book?

•

Is this a revenge or vendetta project?

While many are hurting over how they were unjustly treated, they see publicizing their side of the story as a means for hearty

revenge. Most of the time, people say that they feel a strong urge to write their story for peace of mind. I’ve published several books that tell harrowing stories, but they were told in a balanced way. Three of those books are Courageous Overcomers (an anthology), Against the Odds (Agatha Bethel), and Loving Life, Embracing Your Healing Journey (Dr. Celeste Williams). Writing can be therapeutic, especially if you are going to tell a fair and honest account and not biased towards your perspective. A reputable publisher is mindful of avoiding the potential legal implications of publishing a one-sided story. Why You Should Write As stated earlier, you should write. Venting privately may be a great pressure release valve for you. When you have regurgitated the thing that weighs heavily on you, you may breathe a sigh of relief and destroy it. This may sound harsh, but it could steer you clear of even more hardships.

one else, your insights, if balanced, might be able to help others who are going down the same path. Still, you must be completely honest and have helpful, useable advice the public would be willing to pay to read. So, how would you begin your story? I would strongly suggest doing some research on best-selling books in your area of interest. That may mean doing some research on amazon.com. Check the table of contents to see what topics are being covered and what the reviewers are saying, if there are any. Sadly, not many people write reviews, but they will tell you covertly that your book blessed them. As an aside, if you’re a reader, then be sure to send in helpful reviews to the author and or the platform you might have purchased from. Writing Preparation

It’s worth noting that many requests from women seeking how to write a book are from those who are presently or have previously experienced difficult marriages or relationships. When emotions run high, some of these women may feel compelled to share publicly the private details of their lives. However, the reality is that while some will be intrigued with new morsels of gossip, most readers prefer to invest in books that can empower them, as they are also trying to put out fires in their lives.

Writing about your life’s events can be a traumatic experience. You must consider the emotional toll of revisiting your trauma and exposing it to the world. Do you now have a significant other or children who may be impacted by your story? In addition to weighing these considerations, you may need to consider seeking the support of a professional counselor to stand with you through the process. You may also need to consider how deeply you wish to share. While being transparent is essential, every personal detail is not recommended and can cause unnecessary problems with long-lasting scars.

Crafting A Narrative

Who is Your Audience?

Can you craft a manuscript that truthfully reflects your story without portraying you as an innocent victim without hiding your role in the ordeal? Will your book provide valuable insights for others to learn from your mistakes? If you can, then you might have a book that may be beneficial to readers and worth publishing. For instance, as this is the case with many experiencing relationship challenges, you saw the signs or were warned about them but chose to ignore them. Were you, for example, advised against dating a thug, a known woman abuser, an addict, a married man, an insecure or jobless man, etc., but went ahead because you were lonely, in an identity crisis, desperate, broke, or believed that you could change a man because you’re special, and beautiful and can have anyone you want as some say? Then, if you finally see the light and can truthfully share your story without casting aspersions on some-

An author has a specific audience they need to target. You will have to decide who yours is rather than having a scatter-bullet effect. Do books sell in that genre? You can write one, but are there any buyers? Knowing who you are writing for will help you write directly to that demographic. Where to Start One way to start is to reflect on your experiences and let your readers know what you have learned along the way. This self-reflection can help you to identify and unfold the message you want to share. Create an Outline If you are new to writing, you may have to create a rough outline for your work. You’ll have a beginning, middle, and end to

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DCL supports agro programs

PHAHS Principal Kenneth Roberts (center) stands with students, and teachers, along with guests from Disney Cruise Line, One Eleuthera Foundation/Center for Training and Innovation, and the Agricultural Development Organization during the kickoff of the Micro Garden and School Farming Project at the school. The five schools to benefit from the program include, Preston H. Albury High, Central Eleuthera High, North Eleuthera High and Harbour Island AllAge School, in Eleuthera, and Patrick J. Bethel High School in Abaco. When asked about ADO’s role in the partnership with DCL, Philip Smith, Executive Chairman with the ADO, stat-

ed, “We are very excited about partnering with Disney to make this initiative come through... We spoke with Mr. Armaly [PHAHS agriculture teacher] and all the other agriculture teachers from the other schools, and we asked them what is it that they need for their program. Whatever they said they needed, that is what we got for them. This was

thanks to Disney’s generous donation... We purchased those materials, and we shipped them over... They would have received those supplies two weeks ago... I hope going forward we can get Disney to continue with the partnership. I think, in order to take it to the next level there will probably be some other things that we should do.”

Commenting on the overall importance of the micro-garden project, Chairman Smith added, “There are four pillars - school farming, community farming, backyard farming, and then of course, commercial farming. I think that what you see in The Bahamas now are most of P45 the farmers being over 60

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National

Oct/Nov, 2023

Minister speaks on Cybersecurity in The Bahamas’ National Strategy Minister of Economic Affairs Sen. the Hon. Michael Halkitis said cybersecurity plays a pivotal role in The Bahamas’ national strategy and is crucial for advancing the nation’s utilization of information and communications technology and managing cyber risks-particularly from an economic,

Above: Minister of Economic Affairs Sen. the Hon. Michael Halkitis brings remarks during the opening ceremony for the Organization of American States (OAS) Cybersecurity Symposium 2023 held at Baha Mar Resort on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. Pictured seated is Principal Assistant Executive Secretary for the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, US, Jennifer Bachus. (BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna)

but also from a national security perspective. “This is an area of significant interest to our administration and its ‘Digital Transformation to Strengthen Competitiveness’ project,” Minister Halkitis said during the opening ceremony for the Organization of American States (OAS) Cybersecurity Symposium 2023 held at Baha Mar Resort on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. This is the ninth edition of the OAS Cybersecurity Symposium, which seeks to provide training, exchange of information, as well as raise awareness about cybersecurity in the region. It is aimed at cybersecurity professionals, decision makers and cyber incident specialists. This symposium featured cybersecurity leading experts from public and private sectors, universities and representatives of other OAS agencies. The Economic Affairs Minister explained that The Bahamas’ citizens continue to experience first-hand how technology facilitates ease of access to working with the Government and essential services, drives education and capacity building and connects people worldwide. “In effect, technology can allow us to achieve a better future.” He said, “Therefore, digital transformation must be appropriately balanced with compre-

hensive national cybersecurity strategies and resilience plans to achieve our national security goals.” Minister Halkitis said The Bahamas has dedicated itself to advancing the cybersecurity posture in The Bahamas. “This has materialized in part through the establishment of the National Computer Incident Response Team (CIRT), set to officially launch and begin offering an introductory set of services compliant with national laws and regulations, industry standards and best practices this December.” He noted that as CIRT-BS strengthens its international partnerships, it will serve as the country’s focal point for cybersecurity incident response to cyber-attacks and will provide proactive and reactive services to public and private organizations. The Minister said by championing the cybersecurity maturity model assessment and drafting the National Cybersecurity Strategy, The Bahamas is one step closer to its goal of becoming a cybersecurity leader in the region. He explained that the agenda over the following two days aimed to navigate the complexities of the cybersecurity landscape, human rights and

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National emerging technologies. Minister Halkitis said, “Our keynote addresses will touch on innovations in artificial intelligence, perspectives on gender and cybersecurity from the US Department of Defense and risks in the ‘fin-tech’ world.”

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Also bringing remarks at the opening were Executive Secretary of the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism, OAS Alison Treppel and Principal Assistant Executive Secretary for the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, US, Jennifer Bachus.

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Local

Oct/Nov, 2023

ECS Breast Cancer Awareness Month Wraps-up in ‘Fun-Run-Walk’

Above: Solombra Ingram (center), from women’s empowerment organization ‘I’m every woman’ supported by her colleagues from the Links International Group back home in California, brought with her $7,000 in funds raised by the international group to support the local ECS, which was presented to president Susan Culmer (center right) on Saturday morning - in the presence of ECS members, volunteers and Fun-Run-Walk participants. The Eleuthera Cancer Society (ECS) aimed to turn the island ‘Pink’ during the month of October in their campaign to heighten the public’s awareness of breast cancer, and to raise funds towards their efforts to support those on the island battling with the disease, as well as their push to encourage early detection and diagnosis through access to testing and diagnostics. The Society’s activities across Eleuthera in October included showing solidarity with survivors and those battling cancer, with ‘Pink Fridays’ - where community members were asked to wear something pink, and share photos. Many businesses and even schools got into the mix - some with a twist - holding a pink socks Friday event, with funds going towards the Cancer Society.

Other events included community forums in Palmetto Point and in Rock Sound, where local medical service providers introduced community members to newly available mammography equipment and services at the Family Medicine Center in Rock Sound, and at Bahamas Wellness in Palmetto Point, along with a ‘Bedazzle Your Bra’ night, where ladies who came out engaged in crafty fun. “So, we are happy to announce that, we have been fighting for a long time to get one machine [mammogram] here, and now to get two. We have so many women on the island that need to get their mammogram, so we are now more than happy that they [mammogram machines] are here, “said ECS president Susan Culmer. She added, “This way it’s not just a once a year thing - it is something

Mrs. Melinda Wallace presents a donation to the ECS on behalf of MP Clay Sweeting to President Culmer.

that will now be ongoing. The Cancer Society is committed, and now when we look at it - for the price of one mammogram when we sent women to Nassau, we are now able to get three mammograms done. So, we are able to triple our efforts of getting people tested. I think more people are now forthcoming in getting their mammograms, and realizing the importance of being tested - and early detection, as we say, saves lives. It is not a death sentence anymore, as long as you are tested early and it is caught and treated, many are able to make it through.” The October activities culminated in the ECS’s Annual Fun-RunWalk on the morning of Saturday, October 28th - which had been

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Local

Oct/Nov, 2023

Kiwanis Club of South Eleuthera Gets New President

A new slate of leaders were made official on Thursday, October 19th, 2023, during an ‘Installation of Officers and Directors’ ceremony, held by the Kiwanis Club of South Eleuthera. The event, which was hosted at the Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce’s Business Hub in Rock Sound, saw national leaders within the Kiwanis organization, join their colleagues in Eleuthera for the auspicious occasion. Special guests who flew in from the nation’s capital included; The Bahamas Kiwanis (Division 22) Lieutenant Governor Anastasia Johnson; District Trustee L. Sandra Butler; along with Division 22 Secretary Janelle Pickering.

Pictured: Newly installed South Eleuthera Kiwanis Club President Meredith Atwood (front center right of podium), stands with Kiwanis Division 22 Lieutenant Governor Anastasia Johnson (front center left of podium), along with South Eleuthera Kiwanis Club members, and with visiting guests.

Newly elected President for the Kiwanis Club of South Eleuthera, Meredith Atwood, along with her Club Officers and Directors, were all installed on the day by Lieutenant Governor Johnson. The new Kiwanis leadership taking up the baton of service were: President, Meridith Atwood; President Elect, Vernica Clayton-Russell; Immediate Past President, Melinda Wallace; Secretary, Margaritta Culmer; and Treasurer, Kristy Ferguson. The new directors for

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the Club were - Lincoln Young, L. Sandra Butler, Shirley Krezel, Carl Knowles, and Sheilamae Sands. New President Atwood, was described during the ceremony as ‘young and dynamic’, and one ‘who truly believes in service and her community’. During her installation, President Meredith, in her remarks, promised to work closely with the community and schools, with a special focus on children with physical challenges. She said, her passion came from her family, as while growing up as a child, she saw her parents and family helping the needy and those who desired support and hope. The act of their generosity, she said, has engraved in

her the importance of kindness and lending a helping hand to the less fortunate in her community. She also thanked the club for its Past Presidents and Leaders who have served over the many years, since it was formally established on December 18th, in 1970. The Kiwanis Club of South Eleuthera is the fourth oldest Kiwanis club in The Bahamas. With the club theme for the upcoming administrative year being, ‘Making A Difference Through Ser-

Shown Above (L-R): PHAHS Deputy Head Girl Bernette Leary, Kiwanis President Meredith Atwood, and PHAHS Principal Kenneth Roberts.

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vice’, efforts are already underway. The first community project spearheaded by President Atwood was a partnership with civic organization the Dignified Girls, led by Tammy Hendfield, where the partners presented the Preston H. Albury High School (PHAHS) with a sanitary napkin dispenser. President Atwood commented, “Based on our partnership, we are committed to ensuring that this dispenser is refilled on a monthly basis for at least one year.”

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Education Beat

Oct/Nov, 2023

Excellence: Academic Achievements

Celebrated and Student Leaders Formalized

Above : Students recognized for achieving the Honour Roll (having earned a GPA of 3.0 or above) during the 2022-2023 school year at Preston H. Albury High School.

PHAHS Awards and Prefect Installation On Monday morning, October 23rd, 2023, students, parents and community well-wishers at the Preston H. Albury High School (PHAHS), gathered on the front grounds to celebrate with those who would be recognized for their academic and leadership achievements. Notably, the massive tree which once crowned the front grounds, providing shade to the entire school body at like events in years past, had been fully removed (Because of the impact the gigantic roots were having on nearby buildings - according to the school’s administration). As a result, everyone gathered sat under prepared white tents, facing the customary assembly area. During the ceremony, ahead of the awards and installation of prefects, principal Kenneth Roberts congratulated the achieving students - affirming that they had earned their awards, and for those chosen as prefects - he assured that they had been selected as a result of their leadership

qualities, and challenged them to be the best student leaders the school had ever seen. Guest speaker, District Education Officer Mrs. Fontella Knowles (also former principal at Preston H. Albury High), encouraged students to consider their personal legacies, and what they wanted to achieve during high school, in keeping with the event’s theme, ‘Our Year of Jubilee, Maintaining a Legacy of Excellence’. Awards and prefect installations then followed. Students throughout the grade levels were recognized for achieving the principal’s list, the honour roll, as well as ‘rising stars’, and other special awards.

Principal’s List Achievers (3.5 to 4.0 GPA) Grade 7

Simmia Lafleur, Zavion McCoy and Quinton Carey

Grade 8

De’Anntae Hepburn

Above: Head Boy Roshawn Munroe, receives his certificate for achieving the Honour Roll during the 2022-2023 school year.

Education Beat

2023, Oct/Nov

The Eleutheran

Page. 12

Commentary: Dangerous Referendum

Above : Students recognized for achieving the Principal’s List (having earned a GPA of 3.5 or above) during the 2022-2023 school year at Preston H. Albury High School.

Above: Students recognized as‘Rising Stars’ during the 2022-2023 school year at PHAHS.

Pictured: Newly appointed prefects, pinned and ready with their leaders in the front row.

Grade 8: Michaela Dorsett & Grade 9: Kelisha Rolle Grade 10: Davonte John- Tashae McDonald Grade 9: Amia Mackey, Mison & Salihah Forbes Grade 11: Taequanna Curry, chaela Carey, Carmille Bain Gia Morley, Bernette Leary & Nathalia Saunders

& Delena Rolle

Grade 10: T’Coya Morley,

Honour Roll Achievers (3.0 to 3.49 GPA)

Clinique Rolle, Jaliyah Hepburn, Yarsha Calcinot, Jayda Burrows, Drenyah Richards & Christen Horton

LaFrance

Cherica Jean- Baptiste, Na-

Grade 7: Jada Moxey & Frank Grade 11: Carmelo Knowles,

veah Sweeting. Tyreka Smith, Bernette Leary Tianna Cash, Courtliyah Whylly, Senior Female Prefect Roshawn Munroe, Rhandesha Gia Morley Mackey, Jaydawn Goodman, Head Boy Delores Cooper, Fredica Mor- Roshawn Munroe ley, Jatonia Bethel, Shontavia Deputy Head Boy Cash & Tamiya Johnson Caleb Carey Deputy Head Girl Jaydawn Goodman

New Student Leaders: Head Girl Nathalia Saunders Deputy Head Girl

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which it is framed, is a flagrant disregard for international law, the UN Charter and the ICJ. It is clear that this contrived referendum is designed to lead the Venezuelan electorate into giving cover for the government decision to ignore the ICJ proceedings and, instead, to take unilateral action to “incorporate” Essequibo into “the territory of Venezuela”. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) rightly responded to this situation by noting that “two of the questions approved to be posed in the Referendum, if answered in the affirmative, would authorise the government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to embark on the annexation of territory, which constitutes part of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, and to create a state within Venezuela known as Guyana Essequibo”. Further, CARICOM reaffirmed that “international law strictly prohibits the government of one State from unilaterally seizing, annexing or incorporating the territory of another state. An affirmative vote as aforesaid opens the door to the possible violation of this fundamental tenet of international law.” Against this background, it seems that the Venezuelan government is convinced that its chances of a favourable decision from the ICJ of its claims are very slim. Therefore, it is moving to annexation, a blatant violation of the Charters of the UN and the Organization of American States. Venezuela has reached this point after many efforts to scuttle the ICJ process, by asserting that the controversy with Guyana could be settled by dialogue and negotiation between the two states. In making this assertion, Venezuela ignores the 50 years of joint commissions, direct negotiations, and UN good offices mediation which all failed. It also ignores that the present ICJ process, which flowed directly from the 1966 Geneva Agreement in which both Venezuela and Guyana agreed, under Article IV (1), that the UN Secretary-General shall make the decision concerning “one of the means of settlement provided in Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations”. The Secretary-General decided on the ICJ. And, Venezuela had every opportunity to participate actively in the proceedings even after it lost its legal arguments objecting to the Court’s jurisdiction. Therefore, Venezuela’s call for dialogue and negotiation is another gambit to avoid the judicial means of settlement. International law and the ICJ process are the legitimate and peaceful pathways to a definitive settlement of the land boundary. Any attempt to unilaterally incorporate Essequibo into Venezuela as is promoted by the planned referendum, or any subsequent military action in furtherance of such a contrived referendum, will rightly be met by international odium, condemnation and action.

26 www. EleutheraNews . com

Conservation Corner

Oct/Nov, 2023

Stone Crab Research and Conservation in The Bahamas By Eric Schneider PhD, Cape Eleuthera Institute at The Island School

The stone crab fishery represents an emerging fishery in The Bahamas and poses exciting opportunities for fishers and researchers alike. With any new fishery, a critical aspect of the responsible management of the resource is collecting data on the biology of the target species, fishing effort, catch rates, and bycatch, as these data are needed to ensure that fishing practices and regulations adequately balance fishery productivity with environmental protection. The stone crab fishery is unique in that it is a claw-only fishery, meaning fishers take only the claws and release the crab after harvest, rather than retaining the whole animal. This means there are a unique set of challenges for understanding the full impact of the fishery and many of the potential indirect impacts have received little scientific attention. It is widely assumed that harvested crabs are more vulnerable to predation, but this has not been previ-

ously studied. Researchers at The Island School’s Cape Eleuthera Institute, in collaboration with stone crabbers, are currently conducting experiments aimed at determining how claw loss affects stone crabs’ behavioral response to predators. The results of these studies should give a clearer indication of whether crabs are more likely to be predated upon as a result of the fishery activity, which will help managers understand the effectiveness of current regulations and practices. Over the last two years, the research team and several commercial crabbers have worked to assess the feasibility of an alternative claw removal technique, formally called induced autotomy. By ‘sticking’ the soft membrane midway down the crab’s claw, the crab can release the claw to avoid further injury. This method of claw harvest results in an increased survival rate of har-

vested crabs by nearly 30% over the traditional method of cracking or “clipping” the claw off. Work is still underway to understand the feasi-

bility and effects of this alternative harvest strategy. To test it out yourself, remember“Don’t clip the biter, stick it!”

Regenerative Agriculture – A Win-Win Situation By Tim Hauber, One Eleuthera Foundation/Center For Training and Innovation

Tim Hauber in the Oasis Grow House at OEF/CTI. In our day and age, we look around the world and see so many environmental problems, many of which seem unsolvable. It is rare to find a solution as simple and as impactful as the practice of Regenerative Agriculture. The practice of Regenerative Agriculture brings positive change to our communities and our globe by reducing pollution, reducing poverty, reducing global freshwater use and even stopping or reversing climate

change. Before I delve into what Regenerative Agriculture practices are, which are not complicated, let’s take a quick look at our current agricultural practices and how they are impacting the world. Globally, most of our food is currently produced by cutting down forests or grasslands, plowing the soil several times a year, adding fertilizer, water, and pesticides to crops, and once harvested, leaving the field

empty until the following growing season. This is how most of our food has been produced since the introduction of agrichemicals after the Second World War, and it has caused vast environmental damage. The agricultural sector is one of the largest polluters in the world, causing soil degradation, groundwater pollution, loss of biodiversity, deforestation, pesticide buildup, and greenhouse gas emissions, just to name a few of the many problems caused. There is no doubt that the current model of agricultural production is not sustainable and that we will soon run into significant challenges in feeding the world’s population as we diminish essential resources like soil and fresh water. The problems are vast and complex, but the good news is that regenerative farming practices can stop and even reverse many of these problems. Regenerative Agriculture is the practice of growing food in a holistic manner that takes into consideration the longterm soil health and fertility. It turns out that soil is a very complex substance that is full of life and biodiversity, something that we have not been taking into consideration over the past 70 years of adding fertilizer and pesticides to our soil. Farmers and scientists have been focus-

ing on the minerals in soil with very little understanding of soil microbiology. We did not realize that a very important part of healthy soil is the microbes, fungi and bacteria that live in the soil. Our practices of plowing and adding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides have been slowly killing off these important microbes. As it turns out, soil microbes play many vital roles in soil health, such as water absorption, nutrient availability, disease resistance, and resistance to erosion. All regenerative farming practices take soil health and ecology into consideration. There are many farming practices that are considered regenerative, such as no-till farming, composting, crop rotation, cover cropping, reducing pesticides, proper livestock grazing, and agroforestry. Currently, we import 95% percent of our food. As we seek to rebuild the agricultural sector in The Bahamas and once again produce more of our own food, we are in a great position to develop our farming practices in a more sustainable manner than we would have even 20 years ago. This is possible now that we have a better understanding o f regenerative agriculture. We can ensure that moving forward, our growing practices, whether on

Local

2023, Oct/Nov

The Eleutheran

New Equipment Facilitates Basketball Camp Return to Governor’s Hbr. Court

Coach Sharon Storr (3rd from left), is shown with young participants in the Crean-Storr Basketball Camp during the midterm break. Carrying on a long-serving tradition of supporting and encouraging young people through sport, retired educator, Mr. Anthony Crean hosted his 7th Annual Basketball Camp in Governor’s Harbour in partnership with veteran basketball coach, Mr. Sharon Storr, during the school mid-term break, from Thursday, October 26th through Monday, October 30th, 2023. The basketball court venue in Governor’s Harbour, according to Crean has been in a dilapidated and broken down state for the past three years, to the point where both the 2021 and 2022 installation of the basketball camp had to be hosted at a different location. During the week ahead of the start of this year’s camp, the post, board and rim facilities at the court were finally completely replaced, and the old items removed, said Mr. Crean. He explained, “This week the MP

(member of parliament) donated the equipment, and then Mr. Fernander took the responsibility of taking out the old stuff. He is now chopping up the old one. It’s amazing because the very first night they [the new basketball boards, posts and rims] were up, I didn’t realize, and it was like a jamboree there were so many people out here.” He continued, “Yesterday morning [Thursday, October 26th] I came here and there were nine boys on the court in the rain, that’s how desperate they were to have it. These boards have been down for three years. We had to move it [the basketball camp] the last two years to Emma Cooper.” The new equipment said Crean, which he hoped would now last for some time, came as a result of he and others having spoken about the court facility’s dilapidated state with both the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture,

a large or small scale, take soil health into consideration, enabling us to not only feed ourselves but future generations as well. At The Farm at CTI (Center for Training and Innovation) in Rock Sound, Eleuthera, we are transitioning many aspects of our farm to more regenerative practices. We have seen improvements in our yields as a result of cover cropping, composting, no/low till, mulching, and the elimination of broad-spectrum pesticides. We are actively developing almost half of our acreage into a regenerative agri-forest system that will serve as a learning model for other farmers throughout the country. The following simple regenerative farming practices have proven beneficial in promoting soil health and produced vibrant, resilient crops on our farm. Cover Cropping: When our vegetable crops are finished for the season, we immediately plant cover crops such as Sunn Hemp or Sudex Grass to protect and improve soil health over the hot summer months. Composting: All of our green waste and landscaping trimmings are composted in a variety of

and the member of parliament for Central and South Eleuthera. On Friday morning, October 27th, as the basketball camp got underway, the weather to begin the first day, was perfect agreed Crean - “Not too hot, not to cool, and it’s not raining.” During the three-day camp, the junior and senior high boys taking part, he described, would be taught a wide variety of basketball skills by the very knowledgable and experienced coach Storr. Skills, he said, like dribbling, passing and shooting, multiple types of shots, offense and defense - the full gamut. When asked about what continues to motivate him to get involved in organizing events like the annual camp, Mr. Crean shared his concern about the growing sedentary lifestyle in today’s children, as well as the need for maintained sporting facilities on the island, saying, “One of the things that

compost systems. Composting is a powerful way of enriching your soil with healthy soil microbes as organic matter breaks down. Mulching: By adding organic matter such as leaves and branches around the base of trees, we increase the water retention and soil quality for the tree’s root zone. Crop rotation: We are careful not to plant the same crop in the same area year after year. We try to mix in different crops in the same field whenever possible to replenish the soil. There is little doubt in my mind that the future of sustainable farming in The Bahamas can be achieved by following the basic principles of Regenerative Agriculture. These techniques are not complicated or expensive and are often a return to the more ‘old fashioned’ ways of farming that our ancestors practiced for millennia. For more information on these farming techniques, feel free to reach out to us here at One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) and Center for Training and Innovation (CTI) at ctifarm@oneeleuthera. org

upsets and bothers me is that you don’t see any kids out. I drive through Governor’s Harbour every day. I don’t see children on the softball field, and I definitely don’t see them out here anymore, but the reason was that with the boards gone, this court was unplayable for three years. This one was broken, and that one got hit by one of the casuarinas that fell down and hit the back board. So, you have got to put some basic facilities in.” He added, “It’s about keeping kids interested in being active and taking part in sport. You need to get out and get some sunshine. Also, you can find some good players. Sports affects so many lives - it did mine. I ended up in The Bahamas because of basketball. It was basketball that got me here. I got the bug in high school, and made my first international travel to play in a tournament - and it changed my life.”

Composting at OEF/CTI.

28 www. EleutheraNews . com Page. 23

Education Beat

Celebrating Excellence

results, sports and performing CEHS Awards and Prefect tion arts. Installation Celebrated The campus green at the center of the grounds at Central Eleuthera High School (CEHS) was encamped along its sides by classes of students and teachers, taking advantage of the morning shadows cast by surrounding buildings against an already very warm and bright sun, as the organizing committee of teachers, led by Mrs. Davia Cooper-Smith, readied to begin their Awards and Prefect Installation, celebrated on Wednesday morning, October 11th, 2023. The ceremony preceding the installation of prefects and presentation of academic awards was peppered with messages of congratulations for the awardees and encouragement for those not being awarded on the day to first aspire to achieve higher, and to not lose hope. Remarks were given by school principal, Mr. Kevin Hepburn; and Acting Assistant Director of Education, Mr. Michael Culmer - who challenged students to always give their best in whatever they do, and to live up to their talents. Pastor Clarice Thompson of Global Outreach Ministries, as the special guest speaker, took hold of the day’s theme, “A Call For Action, Ready...Set...Go!”, with a provocative message to push students at every level of initiative to keep moving towards their goals, and to take action. Students throughout the grade levels were recognized for achieving the principal’s list, the honour roll, as well as ‘rising stars’, national examina-

Prenesha Cooper Daniellah Gierszewski Oneillia Levy Toni Collie Charity Knowles

Grade 8

Principal’s List Achievers (3.5 to 4.0 GPA)

David Cooper Christina Lesbott Max Bien-Aime Cailen Albury

Grade 7

Grade 9

Christie Cadet & Eckward Ferguson Jr.

Grade 9

Tamia Knowles Sohan V.J. Burrows Bryan

Grade 10

Britania Britton Maliha Cooper D’Sean Homer Orlandria Pinder Marcia Bien-Aime Rosa’ngela Ibarra Lorenzo Antoinae Allen Tamar Denton Gabriel Ajul

Matteo Albury Carson Charlow Jadon Culmer Carnetta Gooding

Grade 10

Tamia Major Alicia Rolle Lanceeno Bullard Ava Morehouse Ashton Suttup Neikeeleah Johnson

Oct/Nov, 2023 Florie Saint-Luc Andrielle Gardiner Shemar Walker Branae Panza Benesha Mecidor Mikalah Bethel Hermane Exament

Rose Mary Ibarra Lorenzo Sidnia Bethel Janae Cooper Shaunia McCardy Brittney Sineus

Grade 11

New Student Leaders:

Faith Knowles Weshante Moss Aquaysha Cornish Nadia Brown Prekano McPhee D’Aundra Sands Austina Smith Ciara Cash Vanessa Joseph Demetra Delancy Jordan Whylly Kylin Pinder Gino Francois Cyrinique Williams Crache’ Major

Head Girl - Aretha Culmer Deputy Head Girl -

Terrinique Sands

Female Prefect Captain -

Nikita Deal Head Boy Ellis Culmer

Deputy Head Boy -

Prekano McPhee Male Prefect Captain -

Delva Develus

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Grade 11

Aretha Culmer Develus Delva Ellis Culmer Nikita Deal Terrinique Sands Kyra Courtemanche Jade Thompson

Honour Roll Achievers (3.0 to 3.49 GPA) Grade 7

Isabella Taylor Lashon Bullard Adrian Chamber Almitra Rolle-Meeres

Pictured: Proud 10th grade Honour Roll student achievers (L-R): Shemar Walker, Ashton Sturrup, and Lanceeno Bullard.

Above: Students recognized for achieving the Honour Roll during the 2022-2023 school year at Central Eleuthera High School.

2023, Oct/Nov

Education Beat

The Eleutheran

Page. 14

Advice: Vendettas

and Book Writing

consider. Focus on the significant events and the emotions you wish to convey. Avoid going into mundane aspects of your early life that may not have any relevance to the story. Deciding on the Narrative Awards Organizing Committee Members Christina Thompson-Toney, Parry Sands-Culmer, Anola King, Lekeria Rolle-Walker, Sophia Smith, Kristovia Sweeting, Davia Cooper-Smith, & Dellareese Bethel-Cooper.

Decide which person you will tell your story in. Will it be in the first person (I) or the third person (she or he)? Choose one or the other, not both, to keep the reader connected and not confused. At this point, it is important to understand that your work should be written in standard English, and while it can have some dialect in quotes or conversations, a serious editor and publisher will not be interested in combing through a minefield of gee, mussee, I even ean, dat, whatsomeva, tings and other broken English words. If this is an issue for you, you can consider hiring a ghostwriter to help you write the manuscript. The Actual Writing Process A compelling story starts with a hook. Your opening needs to grab the reader’s attention. You will then set the scene to provide the background information to help your reader understand where you are going with the story. Begin to introduce your traumatic experience. This is where sensory details play a part in recreating an atmosphere. Your sensory details are what you saw, smelled, tasted, felt, and heard that triggered your emotions. This will help to draw the reader into your experience.

Students recognized as the ‘Rising Stars’ during the 20222023 school year at Central Eleuthera High School.

Be honest in detailing the emotional impact and coping mechanisms you used during and after experiencing the trauma. If you have not recovered or grown through the trauma, then up to now, your book should be considered more of a diary or reflection. If you have coped and grown through the trauma, you can share your healing process and what helped to bring you to the other side of victory. And lastly, you can wrap up with your message and resolution of the matter. What are the lessons you want to convey to the reader? Consider providing hope and inspiration to the reader if they too, are going through a similar challenge to what you experienced. Editing and Publishing Your Work After you’ve poured out your all, it’s important to stop and let it settle. This is only your first draft. Process what you have written and heal, as the writing can dig up old wounds. When you are ready, you can revise with a fresh mind. Engage someone who is honest but not brutal for their confidential feedback on what you have written. Find out if your message is clear, where it may need more clarity, and so forth. If it is a strong piece of work and you wish to pursue publishing, then you will have to ensure that it is professionally edited.

Above: Students recognized for achieving the Principal’s List during the 2022-2023 school year at Central Eleuthera High School.

When it comes to publishing, there are several avenues you can consider. These are books, anthologies, blogs, and magazines. When your writing includes the privacy of others, you may have to consider changing names to avoid lawsuits. Check with a lawyer before proceeding because vendetta writing usually has all the elements for a lawsuit.

30 www. EleutheraNews . com

Local

Oct/Nov, 2023

2023 National Youth Awards (Eleuthera) During the month of October, which is recognized and celebrated annually across The Bahamas as ‘Youth Month’, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture in Eleuthera, took the opportunity to spotlight the achievements and accomplishments of both students and young adults throughout the communities on the island. This recognition was touted and celebrated on Sunday evening, October 22nd, 2023, during an ‘Awards Night’ event, hosted at the Workers House Ballroom in Governor’s Harbour. ‘YES... Youth Excellence is the Standard’, the national theme chosen for this year’s youth month, was meant to embody the character and spirit of the more than one hundred selected awardees honoured on Sunday. Young people and those who work with youth were recognized in the areas of Academics (Primary, Junior High, Senior High and College), Religion, Sports, Agriculture, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, The Environment, Art and Culture, Personal Triumph, Governance, Volunteerism, Youth Organizations, and Youth Ally. Welcoming the ‘full house’ of awardees, along with their supportive family, friends and community members, were moderators for the evening, Anishka Fernander-George (Eleuthera Youth Council member) along with

her six-year-old daughter Arianna Fernander (a fearless grade 2 student at Emily Petty Primary school). In addition to the special awards presentations, the audience enjoyed a national anthem instrumental performance by CEHS band members, Aretha and Ellis Culmer, as well as an impromptu drill presentation by the South Eleuthera Royal Youth Corp headed by Officer Renardo Brown, and a junkanoo rushout by the Governor’s Harbour Cultural Community Organization’s (GHCCO) Showtime Junkanoo group. Offering words of congratulations, encouragement and support to the night’s honourees - were, District Education Officer, Mrs. Fontella Knowles; South Eleuthera Administrator Florence Pratt-Meyers; Central Eleuthera Administrator Rochelle Anderson; as well as North Eleuthera’s Asst. Administrator Audrey Burrows - all brought remarks ahead of the evening’s special guest speaker, Pastor Clarice Thompson of Global Outreach Ministries - who further charged the young audience to continue to embrace excellence. Mrs. Fernander-George in her role as a member of the Eleuthera Youth Council, which assisted the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture’s team with the coordination of the Youth Awards Night, commented on the evening, say-

ing, “Tonight went well. We were so excited to see all the kids come out. Most of them were well represented here by their families, and it shows that people are really getting involved. I like that part - even when it came to those outside of the academic arena - like youth in leadership, agriculture, entrepreneurship, youth and environment - it was so good... We are just looking to see more and more people get their hands involved with our youth. All is not lost, and that is what we are vying for all is not lost.” 2023 National Youth Awardees for Eleuthera included: Academics - Primary (South Eleuthera District): Camren Carey - TBPS, Quinae Carey - TBPS, Paris Symonette - RSPS, Rachel Pata - RSPS, Tayshawn Brown - DCPS, Marvin Gibson Jr. - DCPS, Tamia Whylly GCPS, Teran Mackey Jr. - WBPS, J’Mari Kemp - WBPS (Central Eleuthera District): Sirena Carey - EECPS, Eva Ajul - EECPS, Bea Cooper - EPPS, Gabriel Fox - EPPS, Gabrielle Gray - PAGPS, Janoa Penn PAGPS, Taylin Minnis - GTPS & Surdanio Sands - GTPS

Kaa’sim Roberts - HIAAS, Journee Roberts - HIAAS, Kye Higgs - SGPAA, Raylie Pinder - SGPAA Academics - Junior High: De’Anntae Hepburn - PHAHS, Rotayvia Butler - DCMS, Jonathan Thompson-Stone - DCMS, Tamia Knowles - CEHS, Eckward Ferguson - CEHS, Alyssa Stuart - HIAAS, Kelsey Farquharson - HIAAS, Josiah Cartwright - HIAAS, Tiara Johnson - NEHS, Violet Russell - SGPAA, Wes Underwood - SGPAA Academics - Senior High: Nathalia Saunders - PHAHS, Gabriel Ajul - CEHS, Kezia Johnson - NEHS, Joel Kemp - NEHS, Jaiell Winder - HIAAS, Ryan Bosfield -HIAAS, Brettesha Sands SGPAA & Nehemiah Joseph - SGPAA Academics - Outstanding Students at the College Level: Johnnecia Pinder, Tanai Sands, Santee Johnson Youth in Religion: Lavardo Cooper - NE, Ricardo Penn - NE, Colby Pinder - NE, Christopher Darling - CE, Donavon Rolle - SE Youth in Sports: Delano Armbrister - NE, Juvens Jonnasaint - NE, Bailey Pinder - NE, Jazae Johnson -

(North Eleuthera District): Khyien Johnson - LAPS, Katelyn Neely - LAPS,

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Photos by: Eric Wallace, Glass Window Studios.

Tayshawn Brown

Rachel Pata

Janoah Penn

Paris Symonette

Marvin Gibson Jr.

Bea Cooper

Quinae Carey

Taylin Minnis

Sirena Carey

Camren Carey

Katelyn Neely

For: Kye Higgs

J’Mari Kemp

Tamia Whylly

Teran Mackey Jr.

Local

2023, Oct/Nov

The Eleutheran

Gabriel Fox

Kelsey Farquharson

Jaiell Winder

Kaa’sim Roberts

Surdanio Sands

Gabrielle Gray

Eva Ajul

Ryan Bosfield

For: Journee Roberts

The Young Life Club

De’Anntae Hepburn

Khyien Johnson

Johnnecia Pinder

Tamia Knowles

For: Eleu. Music Masters

Levardo Cooper

Danero Connolly

Philicia Sands

Nyeka Tador

Mariah Pinder

Christopher Darling

Ricardo Penn

Sharado Sweeting

Jazae Johnson

Jarelle Stubbs

Josiah Cartwright

Tiara Johnson

Kezia Johnson

Tanai Sands

For: Santee Johnson Jr.

32 www. EleutheraNews . com

Local

Calendar Event Markers! November 2nd - Alcoholics Anonymous - (Starting November 2nd) Meetings to be held weekly on Thursdays at 6pm - at Wesley Methodist Church, Mission House Hall, Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera. Under the direction of Mr. Jack Percentie, coordinator for Alcoholics Anonymous in Harbour Island. All who are interested in assistance with the journey to recovery from alcoholism are invited to attend. (Contact: Mr. Jack Percentie, (242) 470-8554, (242) 422-3238, www. bahamasaa.org) November 17th - 18th - Eleuthera AGRO Industrial Festival - This two-day event will be hosted by the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation at the Bayfront Park in Governor’s Harbour. (Contact: (242) 396-3782, agrofest@ baic.gov.bs - Governor’s Harbour) December 2nd - Music In the Garden - Join the Cancer Society of The Bahamas Eleuthera Branch (Headquarters located Queen’s Highway, Palmetto Point) as they bring in the joys of the holiday season.

(Contact: Ms. Susan Culmer, (242) 359-7969, (242) 332-1804, onesue28@hotmail.com, cancersocietyeleuthera@live.com - Palmetto Point) December 23rd - All Eleuthera Christmas Junkanoo Parade -

The iconic Bahamian cultural annual Junkanoo event will be hosted by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture this year in the township of Hatchet Bay. (Contact: (242) 396-3782, agrofest@ baic.gov.bs - Governor’s Harbour)

Preview: Next month’s issue will feature scenes from the Governor’s Harbour Homecoming which attracted big crowds on November 1st-5th!

Oct/Nov, 2023

CIBC FirstCaribbean 12th Walk for the Cure (WFTC) Cancer survivors, corporate and individual supporters recently painted the country pink and purple as they ran, jogged and walked for the cure. Bringing together hundreds of participants for a time of fitness and fellowship, CIBC FirstCaribbean’s flagship fundraiser, Walk for the Cure (WFTC), was held in Eleuthera and other islands including New Providence, Grand Bahama and Abaco. The nationwide event kicked off at sunrise with warm-up activities and concluded with a mini health fair, bringing together supporters of various ages. CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Managing

Page. 30

Director, Dr. Jacqui Bend, thanked sponsors, participants and volunteers for their part in making the event a success. “During Walk for the Cure, we celebrate the survivors among us, remember those who have fought a good battle and passed on, and recognize the reason for WFTC- to raise funds for the awareness, education, care and support of those fighting the deadly disease called cancer.” The funds raised from WFTC are primarily used to assist with the purchase and maintenance of equipment used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. They are also used to provide assisP34

National Youth Awards

CE; Danero Connolly - CE, Sharado Sweeting - SE Youth in Agriculture: Phillicia Sands - SE, Nyeka Tador - NE, Ellenia Johnson NE, Mariah Pinder - NR Youth in Leadership: Edranique Thompson - SE, Tyreka Smith - SE, Antrea Coakley -SE, Jarelle Stubbs - CE, Travis Newbold - NE, Zakiya Gibson - NE, Damari Johnson - NE Youth in Entrepreneurship: Shannon McKinney - SE, Delores Cooper - SE, Jada Burrows - SE (Rising Star in Entrepreneurship), Jameka Isaacs - CE, Christina Lesbott - CE (Rising Star in Entrepreneurship), Rhashad Albury - NE, Aloa Higgs - NE, Keisha Sands - NE Youth in Environment: Eric Wallace - CE, Lexandre Charite - NE, Kathlyn Cambridge - NE Youth in Art & Culture: Faith Knowles - CE, Roshawn Munroe - SE, Brett Knowles - NE, Canaan Curtis - NE, Angelica Sawyer - NE Youth in Governance: McGregor Young - SE, Carleah Culmer - CE, Dahlia Sturrup - NE, Jacquirra Sawyer - NE, Junette Albury - NE Youth Personal Triumph: Tamia Knowles - CEHS, Tinisha Miller -NE, Alisha Johnson - NE, Sonja Pinder - NE Youth in Community Volunteerism: Luciano Cash - NE, Breon Neely - NE, Kayston Pinder - NE, Andrenique McKinney - SE, Marcellus Pyfrom - SE (Rising Star in Commu-

nity Volunteerism) Youth Organization Award: Preston Albury High School Band (led by Mrs. Portia Kemp) - SE, Eleuthera Royal Youth Corp (led by Corporal Renardo Brown) - SE, Governor’s Harbour Cultural and Community Organization (GHCCO) Central Eleuthera, The Young Life Club - NE, Hbr Island Sailing Club - NE, Brittany Newbold - NE Youth Ally Award: Olive Sterling-Johnson NE, Mayzina Higgs - NE, Brandon Newbold - NE

Local

2023, Oct/Nov

Shannon McKinney

Philicia Sands

Lexandria Charite

The Eleutheran

For: Carleah Culmer

For: Arenique McKinney

National Youth Award recipients Photos by: Eric Wallace, Glass Window Studios.

Zakiya Gibson

Keisha Sands

Roshawn Munroe

For: Junette Albury

Luciano Cash

Eric Wallace

Faith Knowles

Marcellus Pyfrom

Breon Neely

For: Jameka Isaacs

For: Aloa Higgs

Alisha Johnson

For: Jacquirra Sawyer

For: PHAHS Band

Nathalia Saunders

Gabriel Ajul

For: Youth in Agriculture

Jayda Burrows

Harbour Island Sailing Club

Alyssa Stuart

Eckward Ferguson

Tyreka Smith

For: Mayzina Higgs

Olive Sterling-Johnson

34 www. EleutheraNews . com

Picture this: Police Family Fun Day with Slow

Page. 32

Local CIBC WFTC Eleuthera

Oct/Nov, 2023

Pitch Softball Match-ups

Police in Eleuthera celebrated a relaxed day of family-oriented fun at the Twin City Softball Park in Palmetto Point on Saturday, October 28th, 2023, where community softball teams from across the island came together in a day of exhibition game play. Chief Superintendent Jeremy Henfield, Officer-In-Charge of the Eleuthera division of the Bahamas Police Force, commenting on the event, described, “As we are now near the end of the year, we decided to have a little fun time - relax time for the officers - to come out and enjoy themselves with a family fun day. So, we joined forces with North and South Eleuthera communities to do a slow pitch softball jamboree.” He continued, “All of the police officers formed a combined team, and played with Harbour Island, Blackwood, Wemyss Bight, and a number of other community teams that participated.” OIC Henfield shared that former Eleuthera OIC Chief Superintendent Shanta Knowles had initiated a similar event in 2022, and that he and his team of colleagues wanted to keep it going. He expressed that his team of police were hoping to be able to make the softball jamboree, which the entire Eleuthera community was welcomed to come out and enjoy or take part in, an annual event.

Walk for the Cure (WFTC) Eleuthera participants eager to start from the recently relocated branch at Charlow’s Plaza in Governor’s Harbour. tance, care and counselling to patients and their families as well as to raise awareness, and stress the importance of early detection, through education campaigns across the region. Gandize Reckley, with the goal of claiming the “best dressed” title for the third year in a row, decided to participate in New Providence’s WFTC again in recognition of being a 16-year breast cancer survivor. She was joined by 59-year-old Z. Eve Maycock Dorssett, a member of Just Run Bahamas and Early Birds Run Club, who has participated in WFTC since its inception, and Ranay Roberts, an employee of WFTC bronze sponsor, Oriental Cleaners, who participated for the first time this year with her 7-year-old daughter, Janay Roberts,

and plans to come out again in 2024. The Abaco WFTC event had a crowd spanning all age groups with a record number of young participants. Numerous Grand Bahama participants came dressed in creative outfits including wigs and feather boas, as Eleuthera eagerly launched its walk from the recently relocated branch at Charlow’s Plaza in Governor’s Harbour. Last year’s walk generated $51,000 for cancer care organizations across The Bahamas including the Cancer Society of Abaco, Cancer Society of Eleuthera and Cancer Society of Grand Bahama. Since the walk’s inception in 2011, CIBC FirstCaribbean has raised over 3.5 million dollars across the region for the fight against cancer.

The Pink Diamonds out of Harbour Island and the Pine City Ladies teams faced off during the Saturday slow pitch softball jamboree.

A men’s combined team of police officers tested their talents against the Blackwood men’s community softball team.

Local

Eleuthera Girl Guides Club Active and Looking to Branch Out

Oct/Nov, 2023

Badge Award ceremony held at the Eleuthera Arts and Cultural Center (EACC) facility in Tarpum Bay. The Eleuthera Girl Guides meet every Monday at the Tarpum Bay Primary School, informed Mrs. Carey-Knowles, and Girl Guides units are also present in Harbour Island, as well as in Spanish Wells. She added that Guides leaders on the island were currently trying to get more units up and running in other settlements before the end of 2023. Leaders for the Tarpum Bay unit of the Girl Guides include; Brown Owl Audrey Culmer, District Commissioner for Eleuthera and Brownie leader; Sunbeam Beryl CareyKnowles, Assistant Commissioner for Eleuthera and Sunflower leader; along with Kiasha Ferguson, Assistant helper with the Sunflower section. Above: Beryl Carey-Knowles, Girl Guides Leader, with her Sunflower and Brownies members cleaning up the Tarpum Bay beach front in October.

Left: Brownies Girl Guides receive their ‘challenge badges’ at an awards ceremony held in October.

The local Eleuthera branches of the Girl Guides Association, including both Sunflowers and Brownies sections, recently took part in a coastal beach cleanup of the Tarpum Bay township beach front as part of their community service set of activities. Beryl Carey-Knowles, Assistant Commissioner for Eleuthera and leader of the Sunflowers section shared, “Our aim is to provide opportunities for the development of girls and young women - to build self-esteem, to develop positive attitudes and to assist them in becoming contributing citizens, both nationally and internationally.”

Other recent activities the young guides have been involved with, since school reopened, said Mrs. CareyKnowles, was the installation of a food pantry box within the settlement of Tarpum Bay - with the aim that no one would go hungry in the community. With The Bahamas celebrating 50 years of Independence in 2023, to commemorate this milestone, the Bahamas Girl Guides Association encouraged all sections within the association to work on a ‘challenge badge’. So, both Sunflowers and Brownies sections also recently recognized their young guides’ achievements at a 50th Independence Anniversary Challenge

Pictured: Sunflowers Girl Guides receive their ‘challenge badges’ at a special awards ceremony held in October.

36 www. EleutheraNews . com Select police reports, shared by the RBPF locally Police on the Island of Eleuthera continue to enforce our laws in an effort to curtail the use of dangerous drugs and offences related thereto and to reinforce the message of safe driving. During the month of October, Officers conducted (5) traffic checks which resulted in motorists being cited for approximately (56) traffic offences. In addition, a number of special operations were conducted; as a result, Officers have taken into custody (18) persons in separate incidents for various criminal offences. Drugs Arrest Report : On 5/10/ 23 Officers came in to the Harbour Island Police Station with an adult male. They reported arresting the suspect while at Queens Highway after he was found in possession of dangerous drugs. The suspect was processed and charged.. Drug Arrest Report: On Monday 9/10/23 at about 7:50am Officers came into Harbour Island Police Station with an adult male and reported that the suspect was arrested and cautioned at about 7:30am 9/10/23, while on Bay Street Harbour Island for Possession of Dangerous Drugs With Intent to Supply, after he was found in possession of a brown paper bag containing two (2) taped packages of suspected Marijuana. The suspect was transported Harbour Island Police Station where a secondary search of his person was carried out and an additional two (2) packages of suspected Marijuana was found. He was further cautioned. Additionally four hundred sixty three dollars cash ($463.00) was also confiscated as proceeds of crime. The suspect was processed and charged for that offence. Drug Arrest Report: On Monday 9th October, 2023 sometime around 9am Officers from the Rock Sound Police Station received information from the Island Manager for Half Moon Cay that he received Information that the security officers on board a cruise ship which is docked of Half Moon Cay caught two men with suspected marijuana and also marijuana gummies edibles. Police assistance requested.

On Monday 09th October, 2023 sometime around 1:08pm Officers while at the Princess Cays marina Officers met with security personnel where they collected two brown envelopes containing suspected marijuana and handed over two adult males both of United States of America. They were both arrested and cautioned reference to possession of dangerous drugs namely marijuana. They were processed and charged for that offence. Stealing Report: On Tuesday 10th October 2023 sometime around 7:35 pm an adult female reported to the Police that her live-in boyfriend stole $500 from her and was refusing to return it. Police Action Requested. As a result of this report, Officers subsequently arrested and cautioned an adult male for this complaint. He was subsequently processed and charged for that offence. Drug Arrest Report: On Tuesday 10th, October, 2023, sometime around 9:00am, Officers came in at Rock Sound Police Station with an adult male and a quantity of suspected marijuana. They reported arresting the suspect after a search warrant was executed on his residence and the item was found. The suspect was subsequently processed and charged. Drug Arrest Report: On 13.10.23 Officers at the Rock Sound Police Station received information from the Island Manager at Half Moon Cay that three guests on board were found in possession of dangerous drugs, namely Marijuana. Police assistance requested. On 14.10.23 Officers while at Half Moon Cay arrested and cautioned an adult male and collected an envelope containing a handmade cigarette containing suspected dangerous drugs namely; marijuana. They suspect was processed and charged with that offence. Drug Arrest Report: On 14.10.23 Officers while at Half Moon Cay Police Station

RBPF Reports National

arrested and cautioned an adult female for possession of dangerous drugs after she was found in possession of a quantity of suspected marijuana. The suspect was processed and charged for that offence.

Drug Arrest report: On 14.10.23 Officers while at Half Moon Cay Police Station arrested and cautioned an adult male after he was found in Possession of a quantity of suspected marijuana. He was subsequently processed and charged with that offence. Traffic Accident With Injury: Sometime around 6:33pm on 12/10/23 Officers visited the scene of a traffic accident With Injury which occurred on Queens Highway, Eleuthera Island Shores. The accident involved a Grey Kia Sportage Jeep driven by an adult female. The driver was pinned behind the steering wheel as a result of damages to the right front driver side of the vehicle. She was conscious and was being attended by medical personnel C/O Hatchet Bay Clinic. Initial reports indicate that the vehicle was traveling north along Queens Highway when the driver lost control. The vehicle then slid sideways into a lamppost. The driver was subsequently extricated from the vehicle by fire volunteers. She was then transported to the Eleuthera Wellness Center fro further Medical Attention. Traffic Accident: On Friday 20thOctober, 2023 sometime around 6:45am Officers received reports that there is a traffic accident on Queen’s Highway, Rock Sound in the vicinity of the welcome to Rock Sound sign with apparent damages and injuries involved. Police assistance requested. Officers responded to the scene where it was raining heavily, they met a blue 2013 Nissan Bluebird parked on the western side of the road facing north with extensive damages. Enquiries were made for the driver with negative results. At about 7:10am Officers arrived at the Rock Sound Clinic where they saw and spoke to an adult male C/O Bannerman Town. He was cautioned reference to the accident and he stated that he was travelling south along Queen’s Highway, Rock Sound on the wet road surface and when he got to the curve in the area of the welcome to Rock Sound sign he lost control of his vehicle and over turned on the

western side of the road, extensively damaging his vehicle. He complained of pain to his back and right side. He was issued with a hospital and N.O.I.P form. The adult female front seat passenger complained of pain to her left side and face. She was also issued with a hospital form. At 1:10pm emergency flight Flamingo Air tail# CBFLX arrived at the Rock Sound Airport to collect the injured driver to be airlifted to New Providence for further medical treatment. Investigations are ongoing into this matter. Traffic Accident Serious Injury: Sometime around 5:45pm on Saturday, 21st October 2023, Officer’s arrived at the scene of a Traffic Accident involving two (2) vehicles in the area of Sunset Ville, situated at Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera. On arrival to the scene the Officers observed a white colored 2004 Honda Accord vehicle on the left side of the road in the east bound lane with its front facing south. The same was driven by an adult male Damages were noted to both the front left and right side of the vehicle. The driver had sustained injuries to his face which appeared to be bleeding at the time and also to his left arm that was suspected of being broken. Vehicle # 2 being a black colored 2011 Nissan Skyline was also observed at the scene, both driven and owned by an adult male . The same was noted on the right side of the road in the west bound lane with no license plate affixed. Its front was facing south, with damages to the front right side of the vehicle. The driver of vehicle # 2 appeared to be uninjured and alleged that he was traveling at a high rate of speed when he somehow he lost control of his vehicle and collided with vehicle # 1 and further into trees in the nearby area before coming to a stop. Both drivers were transported to the Palmetto Point Clinic where they were evaluated. Driver of vehicle #1 was referred to New Providence for further evaluation, as a result arraignments were made to have him airlifted. Driver of vehicle #2 was treated and discharged. Drug Arrest: On Monday, 23rd October 2023 sometime around 9:54am the, Port Manager at Princess Cays Cruise Port, reported that the Cruise ship’s security Informed her that a male passenger on board was found

Oct/Nov, 2023 with 2grams of Marijuana. Police Action Requested. Officers responded to the scene where they arrested and cautioned an adult male, He was processed and charged with possession of Dangerous Drugs. Drug arrest: On Tuesday 24th October, 2023, sometime around 12:45pm, Officers reported that while at the Preston Albury High School they saw and spoke to school security who stated to them that they were on patrol in the area of the Preston Albury School track and field area when they smelt the aroma of suspected marijuana emanating from behind the track and field storage house. Upon making checks of the area, they discovered two male students one 17yrs old and the other 16yrs old smoking a homemade marijuana cigarette. Suspects were handed over along with the exhibit. Both suspects were processed and charged with possession of dangerous drugs. Stealing Report: On Monday 23/10/23 sometime around 5:20 pm an adult male came In at Spanish Wells Police Station and reported that he discovered several missing filled alcohol bottles from his kitchen cabinet between Thursday, October 19, 2023, and Monday, October 23, 2023. The missing bottles include( 1) Bacardi Anejo 40oz valued $30, (1) Original Crown Royale 40oz valued $70, 1)Gordon s Gin 40oz Valued $30,(1) bottle of Captain Morgan valued $30, and (1) Tito s Vodka 40oz valued $25.00. The complainant provided the name of a suspect. As a result of investigations, Officers arrested the suspect who admitted to the offence and was subsequently charged with Stealing. The Eleuthera Division of the Royal Bahamas police Force continues to make its presence felt throughout the community as we seek to execute the Commissioner’s Policing Plan. These operations as well as community policing initiatives will continue throughout the Island as Officers seek to heighten police visibility, reduce the fear of crime, reduce the number of serious traffic accidents and discourage criminal behavior in our communities. Our projection for the final quarter of 2023 will result in increased Initiatives as it relates to higher Police visibility led by Senior Officers, continual operations to disrupt criminality, and special visits to our precious Pearl’s in our communities.

National Reducing food import, 25% by 2025

2023, Oct/Nov Page. 11

“There’s no denying that we face numerous challenges. Climate change continues to be a crucial threat to the world’s agriculture sector and unpredictable financial conditions are often passed down to consumers, however, the theme for this year’s Caribbean week of Agriculture, ‘Accelerating Vision 25 by 2025’ cultivates hope that we can and will overcome these obstacles together. I believe that a common goal that we must share is a sustainable strategy to empower our farmers to grow more food. Through our efforts, it is possible to make real and steady progress to reduce our imports by 25 percent by 2025.” He said that ‘Vision 25 by 2025’ sets forth a comprehensive roadmap for transforming Caribbean Agriculture into a thriving, innovative and resilient industry. “It envisions a future where our food systems are not only able to withstand external shocks but also contribute to economic growth, social development and environmental sustainability of our nations.” He said that one of the key pillars of Vision 25 by 2025 is the promotion of sustainable farming practices. “There’s no denying that we’re seeing more severe storms and more extreme high temperatures. And so we must prepare today for tomorrow’s threats. We are in need of new, outof-the-box thinking and solutions. It will take unprecedented efforts on our part. But together, we can brainstorm sustainable strategies to transform our food systems. We can utilize strategies such as precision agriculture techniques, remote sensing technologies and data analytics so that we can optimize resource utilization and improve crop yield, all while minimizing environmental impact. Embracing these innovations will not only

Page. 10

The Eleutheran

increase our productivity but also position our farmers as leaders in the global marketplace.” The Minister said, however, that in order to meet the objectives of Vision 25, the pressing issue of reducing dependence on imports is critical. “The Bahamas’ import bill continues to hover around 90 percent -- a challenge shared by many Caribbean countries, however, by diversifying our agricultural production and promoting the cultivation of nutritious, locally-grown crops, we can enhance our food security, improve public health and stimulate economic growth within our region.” Mr. Campbell said that the youth should also be provided with opportunities to contribute to and improve the nation with diverse and fresh perspectives to assist in meeting objectives. “The Caribbean holds immense potential in agriculture. This is why it is crucial that we harness this potential and explore innovative ways to ensure sustainable growth in our sector,” he said. “This week provides us with a unique opportunity to collaborate, share knowledge and best practices that will contribute to the advancement of agriculture in our region.” On Thursday, a panel discussion on Cannabis was held. Speakers included the Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, Hon. Jomo Campbell; Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour, St. Vincent and Grenadines, Hon. Sabato Caesar; Mr. Deon Gibson, Consultant in the Department of Agriculture; and Ms. Daenia Ashpole.

3D Mammography available in Rock Sound

can go through the entire book... page by page to see every layer between the covers. This is how 3D mammography works.” Benefits of the Genius 3D Mammography exam include: 1. Enhanced Early Detection: The 3D imaging technology offers improved visibility of breast tissue, making it easier to spot potential abnormalities at an earlier stage. The Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exam finds 20-65% more invasive breast cancers compared to 2D alone, an average increase of 41%. 2. Reduced False Positives: 3D mammograms help reduce the to 2D alone. chances of false-positive results, 4. Greater Comfort: 90% of patients surveyed have indicated that minimizing the anxiety and stress the Genius 3D Mammography exam is more comfortable. The new associated with unnecessary fol- SmartCurve® system is designed to respond to the shape of a womlow-up tests. an’s breasts adds a new level of comfort. October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Family Medi3. Only the Genius™ 3D Mammogra- cine Center encouraged women to get a mammogram through a sophy™ exam is FDA approved as superior cial media campaign with the hashtag #checkyabubbies. for women with dense breasts compared “Throughout October we were offering a special rate of $100

(before VAT) at both our Family Medicine Center clinics - in Nassau and Eleuthera. Plus those who came in for mammograms received a gift box filled with goodies (while supplies lasted) and additionally everyone was entered into a raffle which was drawn at the end of the month,” said Dr. Cates. Dr. Friend emphasized, “All women aged 40 and over are advised to take advantage of this potentially life-saving technology. Generally speaking, screening should begin at age 40, however, depending on your risk factors, your doctor may recommend starting at an earlier age. Routine breast cancer screening can make a profound difference. Our commitment to providing the best healthcare possible in The Bahamas is unwavering, and we are thrilled to bring this cutting-edge technology to Eleuthera.” To schedule a Genius 3D Mammography exam or learn more about breast cancer screening at Family Medicine Center in Rock Sound, Eleuthera, please call (242) 334-2500 or visit our website at www.familymedicinecenter.org.

Local Page. 18 CSE Breast Cancer Month Culminates...

38 www. EleutheraNews . com

Oct/Nov, 2023

Above: An impressive cross-section of Eleuthera community members were out to support the Cancer Society’s Fun-Run-Walk early on the morning of Saturday, October 28th, 2023. changed to a beach location event during the past several years. However, the weather this year, which was marked by very rough surf on French Leave’s Atlantic-side beach earlier during the week, left the location, according to ECS vice president, Ms. Jacqueline Gibson, “hampered with washed up ocean debris”. As a result, one day ahead of the annual walk, the Society crafted a ‘plan B’, and took the decision to hold the Fun-Run-Walk at its legacy location within the Eleuthera Supply complex in the center of Governor’s Harbour. The morning’s updated route would take walkers and runners, not along the French Leave beach as earlier planned, but through the township, and along the picturesque west coast of Governor’s Harbour onto Cupid’s Cay, then on to the challenging climb of Batelco Hill, before returning to the Eleuthera Supply complex, to be greeted by a group of cheering volunteers.

The ECS Fun-Run-Walk again had a large turnout this year, with physical support from multiple entities on the island - from other civic organizations, like ‘Catch Jerry Chile’ - which also gave the ECS a considerably sized donation - from their fundraising efforts earlier in 2023, to a number of businesses and agencies, like the Royal Bahamas Police - who brought a team of participants in support. It was said by ECS president Susan Culmer, once again, to have been one of the largest turnouts in a number of years with nearly one hundred people registered to take part, and a large portion of that number actually showing up on Saturday morning to participate. ECS vice president Jacqueline Gibson welcomed Fun-Run-Walkers at 7am, with instructions and directions for the morning jaunt, along with, president Susan Culmer, who thanked everyone for taking the time to come out and be a part of the cause to as-

Pictured: Members of the South Eleuthera community out at the Breast Cancer Awareness Forum hosted at Fountain of Life Church in Rock Sound, on Tuesday, October 17th, 2023.

sist those dealing with cancer and cancer survivors in Eleuthera. As the sun rose, Police Superintendent Franklyn Neely from the Eleuthera Division led the warm-up session before the beginning of the Run-Walk, with a series of stretches, getting everyone ready to safely enjoy their chosen brisk or leisurely walk through the town and along the Governor’s Harbour coast. The local police force was well-represented on Saturday, led by current Chief Superintendent Jeremy Henfield, with a number of his colleagues on hand. This year, several special guests and donors also once again traveled to Eleuthera to support the Eleuthera Cancer Society for a third time. Solombra Ingram, from women’s empowerment organization ‘I’m every woman’ supported by her colleagues from the Links International Group back home in California, brought with her $7,000 in funds raised by the international group to support the local ECS, which was presented to president Culmer on Saturday morning. She commented following the presentation, “I think we had a very successful walk. I was surprised to see the numbers that came out considering all the other events going on on the island today, like funerals and prayer breakfasts. But, despite what else was going on, we appreciate people making the sacrifice to come out and support the cause, because you know that cancer is an expensive disease to fight. My mom is a breast cancer survivor - and prior to coming on the board, that was not so. But that just makes me even more determined to fight - when you know that people very close to you are fighting this disease - and knowing first-hand what the effects are. Watching people go through it - the pain, the burden and the support.”

President Culmer also commented that it was good to have Ms. Maisy Thompson back with them on the ECS team as administrator, “She has done a tremendous job in helping us, now that she is back on board with us fulltime.” During the morning event, a personal check in the amount of $500 was presented to The Eleuthera Cancer Society from member of parliament for Central and South Eleuthera, Minister Clay Sweeting as well. Administrator Thompson, describing the generosity of community businesses, schools - both primary and high schools, as well as civic organizations, from across Eleuthera, said that there had been ‘lots of support this year’! The work of the ECS continues said president Culmer, “Awareness, awareness, awareness - every month, there is a focus on cancer. Next month is men’s health, with a focus on prostate cancer. You know the men don’t like to come out to be tested. Next week (during the first week in November) there will be free clinics. So, we are encouraging people to do that, as there will be testing for cervical cancer as well.” Ms. Culmer added, “December will be our family time, with the ‘Music In the Garden’ event - which is our big fundraiser (To be hosted at the Cancer Society’s Wellness Center in Palmetto Point on Saturday, December 3rd, 2023). In January we recognize and focus on awareness of cervical cancer. So, we encourage our ladies to get their pap smears. We have been in touch with both clinics, so we will be able say - persons that need assistance can come into the clinic. The clinics will then bill us, and we will be able to pay for those services. We want to make sure that everybody has access to testing.”

2023, Oct/Nov

Local

The Eleutheran

Romalia’s Townhouse continue their

scholarship tradition in Harbour Island initiatives’. Her teachers said, “She has continuously excelled yearly in her studies, successfully attaining the honour roll, principal’s list, and top student. She has 8 BJC’s, passing 5 with B’s and 3 with A’s and currently serves as a prefect at her school.” An all-rounder student, Jaiell was also said to have participated in The Generation Esther’s group, Harbour Island Sailing Club, Dance with Tamara, HI Tech Kids summer camp & Cans for Hunger Tennis camp. More recently, she helped with a Preschoolers summer camp with Mrs. Lowe, at The Harbour Island Green School. She is a member of the new Lignum Vitae Concert & Marching Band of Harbour Left to Right: Quinell Albury – Mother of 2023 RT Scholarship Recipient, Marlon Soudatt – Romalia’s Townhouse, Jaiell Winder – 2023 RT Scholarship Recipient, Sharon Scott – Principal HIAAS, Princess Ferguson - 2022 RT Scholarship Recipient, Deatrice Tucker – Head Mistress HIAAS, Lorette Nixon Soudatt – Romalia’s Townhouse, Terrance Davis, Chief Counsellor Local Government.

On Friday, October 6th, 2023, Romalia’s Townhouse in Harbour Island presented its Seventh Annual Legacy Scholarship Award in memory of Romalia V. Albury (who was a teacher from the age of 14 on the island) as well as an HP Laptop to Ms. Jaiell Winder. Ms. Winder, the top grade 11 student at the Harbour Island All Age School (HIAAS) was selected by the principal and teachers to receive these special awards. The Townhouse also presented Ms. Winder with its First Annual Legacy Scholarship Award in memory of Regina Nixon Johnson and Sr. Cecilia Albury OSB of St. Martin’s Monastery, the daughters of Romalia - who prior to their demise in 2019 and 2020 assisted with presenting the scholarship and schoolbags in memory of their mother. Moments before the presentation, Mrs. Lorette Nixon Soudatt, owner of Romalia’s

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Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera

Townhouse was surprised to discover that Ms. Winder was the great granddaughter of her uncle Delsworth Albury. Mrs. Nixon Soudatt and her husband Marlon Soudatt, congratulated Ms. Winder on her accomplishments and encouraged her to continue to strive for educational excellence. Mrs. Nixon Soudatt said during the presentation to Jaiell, “My heart is full because I know my grandmother Romalia, grandfather George, mother Regina, aunt Sr. Cecilia and uncle Delsworth would be beaming with pride if they were still alive and that they would be extremely proud of you.” She added, “This year’s awards presentation is extra special as it brings the family legacy full circle,” and she thanked Ms. Winder for helping to keep the family legacy alive through her accomplishments. Awardee, Jaiell, a 15-year-old student, was described as, ‘goal oriented, one who enjoys studying and exploring community

Island, a member of Girl Guides, Nursing Cadets and also a new member of the Teachers Cadet program. Every Summer and sometimes after school hours and during the weekends, she gains work experience in real estate and accounts in the office of Dunmore Realty. Mrs. Nixon Soudatt extended a special thank you to the principal of HIAAS, Ms. Sharon Scott; head misstress Deatrice Tucker; and HIAAS administrator Cassandra Moss, for assistance with selecting the scholarship recipient and participating in the presentation of the Romalia’s Townhouse Legacy Awards.

40 www. EleutheraNews . com Page. 28

Education Beat

Oct/Nov, 2023

Celebrating Excellence

NEHS Awards and Prefect Installation Early on Tuesday morning, October 24th, 2023, students, administrators, along with parents and community supporters were assembled in front of the main classroom block of the North Eleuthera High School, to recognize and salute the achievements of the school’s student body during the previous 2022/2023 academic year. With a theme of, “Raising the Bar Through Excellence”, principal Mrs. Chardel Gibson, in brief remarks, congratulated those children who had worked to achieve their awards on the day, and exhorted the entire student body to take on a mind-set of excellence, in all that they would do during this 2023/2024 school year. The installation of prefects at NEHS was actually held earlier in the month, on Friday, October 6th at the Methodist church in Lower Bogue, where the charge to the prefects was given by Ms. Keziah Knowles, Senior Mistress at the school. At that time, she outlined the qualities that a leader should possess and warned the new prefects of challenges that they as leaders would encounter along their journey, and how to overcome them. While she

said they were not expected to be perfect, she admonished them to take pride in their roles and lead with integrity while exhibiting the spirit of excellence. During the awards presentation on the Tuesday morning, students in all grade levels were recognized for achieving the principal’s list, the honour roll, as well as ‘rising stars’.

Principal’s List Achievers (3.5 to 4.0 GPA) Grade 10

Farah Joseph

Above: Principal’s List students - Amari Pinder, Kezia Johnson and Farah Joseph, stand with Principal Mrs. Chardel Gibson (left end), Vice Principal Mrs. Shanna Johnson (2nd from right), and Senior Mistress Ms. Keziah Knowles (right end).

Grade 11

Nyeka Tador Kezia Johnson Tashae Brown Amari Pinder

Honour Roll Achievers 3.0 to 3.49 GPA) Grade 7

Zion Albury Janiyah Armbrister Josiah Cartwright Neveah Russell Bravae Roxbury Neveah Bedford

Grade 8

Neveah Atkinso Lexandrea Charite

Pictured: ‘Top of the Class’ students - Amari Pinder, Neveah Bedford, Ferlandes Brazela, Tiara Johnson, Kelson Ferguson, Joel Kemp, Farah Joseph, Troynell Higgs and Jevonnae Fothergill, stand with Principal Mrs. Chardel Gibson (left end), Vice Principal Mrs. Shanna Johnson (3rd from right), and Senior Mistress Ms. Keziah Knowles (right end).

Above: Principal Chardel Gibson (front left end), stands with students recognized as ‘Rising Stars’ during the 2022-2023 school year at North Eleuthera High School.

Education Beat

2023, Oct/Nov

The Eleutheran

Above: Principal Chardel Gibson (front left end), stands with students recognized for achieving the Honour Roll during the 2022-2023 school year at North Eleuthera High School. Danya Lewis Lebron Leary Dorvensney Emile Tiara Johnson Tayah Minnis Azariah Moss Shantara Joseph

Grade 9

Kelson Ferguson Samanka Dorlus Joel Kemp

Grade 10

Kai Collins Algericko Hanna Farah Joseph McKayla Knowles Travon Mackey Kaynia Minnis Alexsandria Moss Rylan Murray Makayla Neely Rihden Pinder Khloe Stewart Ferlandes Brazela Troynell Higgs

Grade 11

Tashae Brown Darius Deveaux Dolsen Emile Adrian Ferguson Algericka Hanna Jadah-Marie Kitson Cloyd Leary Sobrina Louima Amari Pinder Kanaysha Reckley Jakire Stubbs Stravensky Louis Kendal Rolle

Pictured: The NEHS grade eleven (11) Chime Choir performs the melody of “God is so Good.” Denver Woods

New Student Leaders: Head Girl Kezia Johnson Deputy Head Girl Tashae Brown Female Prefect Captain -

Nyeka Tador Head Boy

Amari Pinder Deputy Head Boy

Jarvis Thompson

Senior Male Prefect Captain

- Luciano Cash

Above: Officials with the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, and Ministry of Works stand with DPM Chester Cooper (center), NE MP Sylvanus Petty (second Pictured: The from new nine-membered Junior Local Stephen Government Council at North Eleuthera High School stand right) and NE Administrator with school administrators andend). teacher liaisons - (students - Michaela Wood and Kaynia Minnis not shown). Wilson (on right Student Council L-R (starting 3rd from left): Sobrina Louima (gr.12), Neveah Bedford (gr.8), Shila Scavella (gr.9), Ferlandes Brazela (gr.11), Keishawn Rolle (gr.10), Samanka Dorlus (gr.10), and Tashae Brown (gr.12).

42 www. EleutheraNews . com

Education Beat

Oct/Nov, 2023

2023 Eleuthera Young Chef Competition; Winners Prepare for Nationals Weeks of preparation and training were rewarded with results on Thursday, October 26th, during the Annual Eleuthera District Young Chef competition 2023 which took place on the grounds of the Preston H. Albury High School, at their cooking classroom facility, where six students competed in both junior (grades 7 to 9) and senior (grades 10 to 12) divisions. Junior division competitors included; Simmia LaFleur - an 8th grader at Preston H. Albury High School (PHAHS); Christina Lesbott - a 9th grader at the Central Eleuthera High School (CEHS); and 9th grader Darren Woodside from North Eleuthera High School (NEHS). Senior division competitors were; 12th grader, Tashae Brown of North Eleuthera High School; Perkano McPhee, also in grade 12 at Central Eleuthera High School; and Nahjee Symonette, 10th grader at Preston H. Albury High School. It was hot in the kitchens during the cooking fray, with a mixture of experienced efficiency, a dash of young nerves getting the better of a few newbies, and a bit of a noisy scuffle of pots and pans by oth-

Above: Executive Chef Rolle presented with a gift of appreciation by competitor Nahjee Symonette, on behalf of the National Young Chef district competition organizers. ers - but as the flour settled, some impressive dish creations were presented on nicely trimmed tables. Executive Chef Gerald Rolle, Chief Judge with the National Young Chef competition, and main invigilator during the morning’s culinary showdown, following the cooking, critiqued each student’s dishes - with a one-on-one session, where students were asked to describe their creations, and talk about their inspirations and the process of preparation. Students were also asked about the originality of their ingredients, as well as their aspirations in the food industry, while their teacher coaches were probed about how their students were progressing. During the critique interviews, Chef Rolle encouraged the aspiring chefs and challenged them to hold on to their dreams and not allow anyone to discourage them from their goals. Students in the competition were required to prepare two original dishes - one a rice based dish, and the other a flour dish. While names and descriptions of original dishes were embargoed ahead of the upcoming national Young Chef competition scheduled for mid-November in New Providence, the Eleuthera students chose a wide variety of Bahamian inspired

Pictured (L-R): Christina Lesbott (Junior Winner), Perkano McPhee, Nahjee Symonette (Senior Winner), Simmia LaFleur, Tashae Brown, Darren Woodside, and Executive Chef Gerald Rolle (Chief Judge). meats, fruits and vegetables as part of their creations - like coconut, pumpkin, okra, guava, papaya, lobster, snapper and many more. Chef Rolle commenting on the quality of the day’s competition, said, “Today, the students executed beautifully designed and created dishes by themselves and their teachers. The products that they used, indigenous to The Bahamas were spot on. The confidence and skill levels in the kitchen, their knife skills, sanitation skills - all of them were excellent. I guess it was based on some students who had entered the competition before - they got the opportunity to experience it before, so when they came back again, they knew exactly what to do and executed on point. Especially the juniors - they did an excellent job - seniors as well, but I was really impressed by the juniors today. Four of the six students competing on Thursday earned the opportunity to travel into New Providence to compete in the national and final round of the Young Chef Competition - the top two juniors, as well as the top two seniors. After Chief Judge Chef Rolle tasted the different dishes, and deliberated each student’s performance - parents and teacher coaches, along with the competing students gathered to hear final comments about the day’s performances, and the announcement of the winners in each category. Students were evaluated for both their flour and their rice dishes separately, and the points tallied for the overall winners. Emerging as Eleuthera’s top Junior High Young Chef was Christina Lesbott of CEHS (193.80 points), followed by Simmia Lafleur of PHAHS in a second (177.80 points), with Darren Woodside of NEHS finishing in third (112.50 points). A complete newbie to the vocation, having just joined culinary class for the first time in grade 10 but clearly impressing the judging chef, Nahjee Symonette of PHAHS, took the top position in the Senior High Young Chef division (174 points). He was followed in second by Tashae Brown of NEHS(152.50

points), and Perkano McPhee of CEHS in third (115 points). Christina Lesbott, celebrating her second winning title in the Eleuthera Young Chef competition - having also won the juniors locally as well as a second place national finish in 2022, said, “I feel great, because I came first again, and I actually feel really good going to the nationals to get to compete again, and to have different teaching, like we did the last time - where I got to learn more.” Ecstatic about his win, and excited for the opportunity to compete nationally, Nahjee Symonette shared, “This is my first competition. I’m really proud of myself, to know how far I came, and the things that I did, because I really had only four weeks to prepare. This was my first time ever being in a cooking competition - and in cooking overall. I was pretty surprised when I won, but I’m excited for the nationals.” Tashae Brown, an experienced competitor, having won both locally, and nationally during her 8th grade junior high school year, said that she was pleased to have the opportunity once again to compete in New Providence as she prepares for graduation and her next steps after high school. “I am back again now to defend my title. It’s my last year of school, and the school that they (the National Young Chef competition) give the scholarship for is a prestigious college, and I would be lucky if I could get that scholarship, but I’m happy that I am able to make it to the finals... I would like to become a pastry chef. Even if I don’t win nationally, it is good to have the experience and the exposure.” To the four students heading into New Providence for the National Young Chef competition, Chef Rolle advised, “Whatever you have executed today, go back and think about the critiques, and work on what I recommended, and you should come out on top.”

2023, Oct/Nov

Education Beat

Picture these!

The Eleutheran

The first-ever

Eleuthera Agro-Industrial Festival to be

held Nov 17th - 18th

Above: Principal Mrs. Chardel Gibson (left end), and Vice Principal Mrs. Shanna Johnson (right end), stand with the student leaders body at North Eleuthera High School, including Prefects, Prefect Captains, and Head Boy - Amari Pinder (front center left) and Head Girl - Kezia Johnson (front center right).

Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, Hon. Jomo Campbell recently announced the launch of the first-ever Eleuthera AgroIndustrial Festival. The festival is scheduled for November 17th - 18th, 2023 in Governor’s Harbour. The event is hosted by the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC), and sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources. “This event is a wonderful platform to showcase the agricultural and industrial achievements of entrepreneurs, creatives, farmers and industry professionals throughout the nation,” said Minister Campbell. “It is little wonder why Eleuthera was chosen as the location for this dynamic festival. This island has a rich history in agriculture with its fertile soil -- just right for growing its famous ‘Sugar Loaf’ -- the best pineapple in the world.” He said that the island is also ‘ripe’ with potential for industrial development. “This festival provides a unique opportunity for farmers to promote high-quality crops, livestock, industrial and technology equipment, support small and medium businesses and provide exposure for creative entrepreneurs within the orange economy. Additionally, we are hoping to highlight tourism and culture through exhibitions, technical sessions, entertainment, competition and award recognition as we celebrate the remarkable work being done in these fields.”

Above: The junior girls volleyball team at the North Eleuthera High School, pictured above, were the winners in the female juniors division at the Eleuthera inter-school Volleyball Championships during October.

The Minister said that the festival will also provide a platform for knowledge-sharing and collaboration opportunities. “We believe that this festival will provide a melting pot of ideas, technologies and best practices that will help to propel our green and orange economies forward. Moreover, the festival places a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental stewardship. “It is our hope that attendees of this event gain valuable insights into the latest advancement and use what is learnt to foster growth in the agriculture and creative sectors. “The festival will feature 49 local vendors from 13 different settlements in Eleuthera,” said Mr. Campbell. “It will feature a farmer, artisan and horticultural market, food processing demos, agri-business seminars and and educational exhibits from the Agricultural Development Organization, The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute, Cape Eleuthera Institute, The Island School, The Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Financial Services and One Eleuthera Foundation.”

Pictured: The new nine-membered Junior Local Government Council at Preston Albury High School ready to serve. L-R: David Whylly (gr.9), Shekinah Rolle (gr.8), Shontavia Cash (gr.12), Delores Cooper (gr.12), Jayda Burrows (gr.11), Clinique Rolle (gr.11), Michaela Carey (gr.10), Delena Rolle (gr.10), and Marvin Storr (gr.7).

The Minister said that the festival will also include livestock and small ruminants, a food court, a Kiddie corner, a Farm King and Queen competition and a Farm-to-Table Chef Competition.

44 www. EleutheraNews . com

Local Buzz

Oct/Nov, 2023

Wemyss Bight Homecoming Back Bigger and Hoping to Attract ... With refurbishments to the homecoming site in Wemyss Bight done, as a result of the homecoming committee’s efforts in 2022, the location was fully ready to host the full-fledged return of Wemyss Bight Homecoming 2023 held during the Heroes Day holiday weekend from October 5th through 9th, said organizers. The township, which is seeing increased economic activity in the area, with its close proximity to a number of ongoing projects [including both Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, as well as Cotton Bay], is looking to encourage the return of as many community members as possible, who may have left home for economic opportunity elsewhere, said community leader and committee member, Ms. Danielle Gibson. Events like ‘homecoming’, she shared, was an opportunity for people visiting home at that time, to see the new possibilities in Wemyss Bight. “We are very excited as a community, and we hope that in the years coming that this event will bring more people back to Wemyss Bight which is so close to all of the economic activity in South Eleuthera. So, we want to bring

people back home, so that they can see that this is a viable place for them to invest.” Describing the success of the comeback of homecoming in 2023, Ms. Gibson said, “Last year we were back after the pandemic, but because it was after the pandemic we did not have a lot of sponsors, because a lot of people were feeling the economic crunch. So, we were not able to have as big an entertainment as we did this year. But we are very excited that we could host this homecoming this year!” She added, “We started

On This Page: Wemyss Bight Homecoming 2023 saw large crowds of patrons from South Eleuthera flocking to the site to enjoy the entertainment and socialize until the late evening during the Heroes Day holiday weekend.

Local

2023, Oct/Nov Page. 15

The Eleutheran

DCL OFFERS SUPPORT TO AGRICULTURE IN SCHOOLS we are going, and how we are getting started... We got some soil, seedlings and tools, and for our next step we will start on hydroponics and drip irrigation... Once upon a time The Bahamas was basically able to feed itself, nowadays we are net importers of food. Food security should be high on our agenda. So, it is something we are working towards, and hopefully we can get some students in the program who would consider agriculture as a career.”

Local DCL Public Affairs Manager Bernadette Sweeting-Miller, shown assisting a student with preparing a seed tray, during the Micro Garden Project kickoff at PHAHS. years old. So, it’s very important, to make this sustainable - to have young people getting involved and becoming interested in farming.” Principal Kenneth Roberts at PHAHS, welcomed the partnership of DCL and ADO with the school, saying, “Disney will be sponsoring our agricultural program, and they are here today to see how

The Agriculture Science teacher at PHAHS, Mr. Perez Armaly, who began work on the school’s farm and garden area when he arrived three years ago, said that getting funding during that time for the school farm program has been challenging. He expressed his elation and gratitude for DCL’s generous support. Explaining what he hoped his students would gain from a robust farming program, Mr. Armaly said, “First, I want them to recognize the need for the country to be able to feed itself. Secondly, I need them to know the importance of discipline and hard work, because we are preparing the students for life. And by implementing more business activities, such as engaging in the One Eleuthera Farmer’s Market - they will see the exchange, and how hard work pays off.” The visitors to the Preston Albury High School, along with students in the

off debt free and we were able to make everything happen, and also bring in artists. We had Fanshawn on Friday, and Blaudy on Saturday - they were backed by the New Vision band from Eleuthera - and of course DJ Pop Style of Conchstyle Entertainment to do the deejaying for the entire weekend, and also the staging and lighting.” She

Agriculture teacher at Preston Albury High, Mr. Perez Armaly (left), stands with ADO Executive Chairman, Mr. Philip Smith (right). agriculture program, on the Monday, engaged in three different activities, including the preparation of seed trays, to begin the germination of some of the newly acquired seeds; the building of two raised seed beds - advantageous, said Armaly, in containing and retain-

Pictured: Beautiful smiles, as friends enjoy each others company, catch up on the latest, and enjoy the spectacle at the Wemyss Bight Homecoming,

ing nutient rich soil for their plants like beets and onions, along with providing ample root depth to grow; and finally, planting four trees, including coconut, and mango - to demonstrate the proper method of transplanting fruit trees for the benefit of the students.

continued, “On Sunday it’s an old school Sunday, and on Monday we are bringing the beach picnic back. So we will be on Wemyss Bight beach.”

46 www. EleutheraNews . com

Local

Oct/Nov, 2023

Spooktacular at The Levy - Trails, Scares and Fun Children of all ages and sizes, predominantly from Central and South Eleuthera were out at the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve on Saturday night, October 28th, 2023 for Spooktacular 2023, sporting a number of costumed ensembles, from the fairy tales to the frightening. The annual event, making a comeback after the years of pandemic, saw new Preserve Manager, Lakeisha Wallace, partner with volunteers from The Island School to present a night of scary adventure along an imaginatively- decorated fright trail, a kids costume fashion face-off and delicious treats. Describing the evening of spooky fun and thrills, at the national park, Ms. Wallace commented, saying, “Tonight was fantastic! There were a lot of screams, a lot of scares - the dance, and everyone is happy, so it went excellently. We expected about 100 kids, and we had closer to

150. We had volunteers that helped make it all happened, including The Island School that helped out - also some of our community members, and of course our staff. We had our haunted trail, a kiddies costume competition, our first-ever Spooktacular dance, also a photo booth, and a 360-spin. A lot of fun for the kids tonight.” The kiddies costume competition was ajudged via the loudest cheering and hand-clapping of the seated audience, beneath the outdoor pavilion at The Preserve - which decided the top costumes in both the boys and girls categories, with a special prize for each winner. Many parents were also at the event this year, who sat back and relaxed, as their excited off-spring experienced the night of family-friendly, spooky fun.

Creatively creepy costume makeup standing out in the crowd.

Volunteers and staff at The Preserve all pitched in to create a spooky night trail - with zombies, frightful ghosts, hidden faces, and scary sounds.

Above: Winners of the male (left) and female (right) costume competitions show off their prizes.

2023, Oct/Nov

Many of the children out to enjoy the Spooktacular at The Levy came well prepared in elaborate and colourful costumes.

There were tricks along the trail, but also lots of goodies to enjoy.

Local

The Eleutheran

It was an evening of fun for the entire family at The Preserve.

Volunteers provided frightful scares and screams along the haunted trail.

Scores of children lined up in anticipation of going through the haunted trail experience at The Levy Preserve’s Spooktacular event.

The Eleutheran | Oct/Nov 2021

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