The Eleutheran Newspaper May/June 2023 Issue

RBPF Eleuthera Division Welcomes New OIC

The top position within the Eleuthera District of the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) saw a change in the month of April, with the transfer out of Chief Superintendent Shanta Knowles, and the arrival of Jeremy Henfield, Chief Superintendent of Police, the new Officer in Charge (OIC) of the Eleuthera District.

OIC Henfield, who has been serving with the RBPF for the last thirty-five years, was most recently posted at Eight Mile Rock, on Grand Bahama and formally took up his posting in Eleuthera, on April 17th, 2023.

Originally from the island of New Providence, Chief Superintendent Henfield began his career with the Force in 1988, and started his service at the Southern Police Station, moving a short time later to The Grove. His first Family Island posting was in Andros, where he spent one year, before returning to Southern Police Station, then to the Police Control Room as a Controller. Following his time there, he joined the Carmichael Road Police Station, before joining an operation called ‘Sweep’ - tackling crime directly on the streets of the capital.

After ‘Sweep’, in 1994, Henfield transferred to Grand Bahama, where

he started at the West End Police Station, moving on to Eight Mile Rock, and then to the Traffic Police Station, as a motorcyclist. In 2003, Officer Henfield received his first promotion, after fifteen years of service, moving from the rank of Constable to Corporal. His stint at Traffic continued for a number of years until 2006 - when he was promoted for the second time to the rank of Sergeant.

He was then transferred to the island of Abaco, to assist with opening an independent Traffic Department there. At that time, said Henfield, outside of New Providence and Grand Bahama, there were no other traffic stations working independently outside of the main station. Henfield continued in Abaco for a number of years, until 2012, when he was promoted to the rank of Inspector. He then moved to the main Police Station in Marsh Harbour as a Divisional Inspector.

In 2014 he was sent back ‘home’ to Grand Bahama, where he served as a Divisional Inspector in the Central Division. Later that year, he was again promoted to Assistant Superintendent, and transferred to the Airport Division in Grand Bahama. In 2017 he again climbed the ranks to Superintendent, and returned to the Traffic Division where he led the team there.

In December of 2021 he was promoted to Chief Superintendent and transferred to the Eight Mile Rock Division, where he would spend sixteen months, before receiving his posting to take up the OIC position within the Eleuthera Division in April 2023.

Before arriving in Eleuthera, as the new OIC, Henfield shared that he had two short previous vacation experiences visiting the island, once in South Eleuthera, and another trip into Governor’s Harbour, P37

Chief Superintendent of Police, Jeremy Henfield.

PM Says new CONSUMER PROTECTION BILL addresses rapidly evolving consumer needs in Digital Era

his hard-earned money in a new home appliance,” he said, in the House of Assembly on May 24th, 2023.

“Our individual households, our communities, and our economy depend on the integrity and fairness of trade,” he added. “Over the years, the Consumer Protection Act, Chapter 337C, has served as a firm foundation in ensuring fairness in our markets. However, in an era of digital transactions, global markets, and rapidly evolving consumer needs and products, it’s time for us to strengthen our laws, to adapt and to better protect the interests of Bahamian consumers.”

and ensures customer satisfaction,”

Prime Minister Davis stated. “At the heart of this new Consumer Protection Bill is a commitment to restructuring and reorganizing the existing provisions for better clarity and comprehension.”

“The Bill aims to expand definitions, refine the functions of the Consumer Commission, and modernize the ways in which the Commission operates,” he added. “These changes are driven by a commitment to transparency and by aligning our policies with best international practices.”

vironment in which all players, big and small, could operate, grow and prosper in a manner that was regulated and fair.

He added that his Government was also enhancing the ways consumers can lodge complaints.

NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his Communication on the Consumer Protection Bill of 2023, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis termed it a “significant piece of legislation” designed to enhance the rights of consumers across The Bahamas.

“This Bill is for all Bahamians, from the young mother budgeting for her family’s groceries, to the retiree investing

Prime Minister Davis pointed out that the proposed amendments directly correspond with his Government’s “Blueprint for Change” and “Economic Plan”, and reflected its belief that consumer protections were critical to economic development, poverty reduction, and social well-being.

“Our economic growth depends upon a market which encourages healthy competition, drives innovation,

Prime Minister Davis noted that his Government’s focus on transparency supported a market en-

“Under the new Bill, consumers can make complaints even while outside The Bahamas, and we are expanding the list of who can make a complaint on behalf of the complainant,” Prime Minister Davis said. “These changes reflect our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that all Bahamians have a voice and can seek redress when necessary.” P35

Prime Minister Philip Davis.

Bahamas Tourism Officials Attend 41st Caribbean Travel Marketplace (Eleuthera wins CHTA Destination Resilience Category B Award)

During the week of May 9th, delegates from The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA), led by Director General Mrs. Latia Duncombe, attended the 41st edition of Caribbean Travel Marketplace, the Caribbean’s largest tourism marketing event.

The meeting was hosted by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) in Bridgetown, Barbados May 9th-11th, 2023.

The Hon. Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, opened the conference on Tuesday, May 9th addressing over 700 representatives inclusive of Tourism Ministers, executives, tour operators, suppliers and more. Keynote addresses continued highlighting the state of the industry by Nicola Madden-Greig, President of CHTA; Olivier Ponti, Vice President of Insights for ForwardKeys; the Hon. Kenneth Bryan, Tourism Minister for the Cayman Islands and Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO); and Charlie Osmond,

Co-founder, Triptease.

CHTA 2023 Destination Resilience Awards were also announced on the opening Tuesday, with Eleuthera Island in The Bahamas being named as the winner in Category B – destinations with total stopover arrivals under 500,000.

The Destination Resilience Awards were introduced during the Covid -19 pandemic and recognises destinations that used innovative and timely responses to the global pandemic that led to the island’s tourism recovery. Eleuthera demonstrated a commitment to a more sustainable future with initiatives undertaken by entities such as the Island School, Cape Eleuthera Institute, and the Eleuthera Sustainability Council Cooperative Society and the Centre for Training Institute.

“I am pleased to see the efforts to promote sustainability in The Bahamas and notably Eleuthera, recognised by the Caribbean

CTI Graduates Two Cohorts of Certified Eleutherans in Basic Culinary and Carpentry

ELEUTHERA, BAHAMAS – The One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) and the Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI) are celebrating another successful graduation of Basic Culinary and Carpentry students from the CTI-HITS training program on Harbour Island. On May 31st, sixteen talented Eleutherans were awarded professional development certificates in exchange for their dedication and hard work over the past ten weeks. The much-anticipated CTI-HITS graduation marks the 13th cohort of triumphant graduates and continues OEF and CTI’s mission of providing meaningful educational advancement on the island while bridging the local skills gap.

The graduation ceremony took place at the Wesley Methodist Church on Harbour Island. Representatives of the OEF and CTI families and wellwishers were on hand to cheer on the graduates as they embarked on this new chapter with newfound skills and confidence. The courses were instructed by local experts, including Terishka Ellis, Katusia Johnson, and Janet Wilson, teaching Basic Culinary and Dining Room services, and Mr. Elroy Arthur in Carpentry and Woodwork.

The event’s keynote speaker was Henry Rolle, owner of The Rock House restaurant on Harbour Is-

land. Rolle encouraged the graduates to recognize their worth and value to the hospitality industry and to continue climbing the ladder of success through education and industry experience.

He recounted his own early struggles and how

shifting gears and investing in the training needed to cultivate his vision of becoming a successful restaurateur has paid off. “The expectation for me was low,” he relayed, “So I understand the drive and the hunger that you’re feeling, and I

Pictured: Most recent graduates were all smiles after receiving their professional development certifications in Basic Culinary and Carpentry.

also understand the reward that comes with hard work!”

He further expressed his support of CTI-HITS by reiterating his commitment to providing jobs to culinary students who excel in the program. The Rock House is one of several upstanding local businesses that have pledged to provide advancement opportunities for certified graduates.

At the ceremony, Stephan Moss, a student in the Culinary Cohort, shared his dream of opening his own eatery in the future, “I want to open my own restaurant and bring nice Bahamian cuisine to the island. I want to do it for myself and for my hometown!”

Completing a CTI course is a strategic first step for students in Eleuthera who are looking to improve their employability and build their livelihoods by learning an in-

demand trade,” remarked Yolanda Pawar, OEF’s Chief Communications Officer. “In many instances, we’ve seen our alumni surpass their own expectations by attaining workplace promotions and, in several cases, successfully launching out into entrepreneurship in a relatively short time following graduation.”

To date, CTI-HITS has trained upwards of 137 students with an amazing 90% graduation rate. 95% of CTI’s alumni are employed, with 85% of them gainfully employed in a field related to their course of study. The upliftment cycle of student education, personal empowerment, and economic strengthening, say CTI/OEF, remains a top priority for CTI and One Eleuthera Foundation as both organizations continue in their collective goal of building resilient people and uplifting Eleuthera’s communities.

PM Davis Lauds the Strengthening of Ties between the Republic of Ghana & The Bahamas

NASSAU, The Bahamas – Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis said, on May 17th, 2023, that he was “truly delighted” to attend the Ghana-Bahamas Business Summit, held under the fitting and timely theme of “Building Stronger Ties”, at the University of The Bahamas.

“Today is a special day,” Prime Minister Davis said. “Today we build new relationships, while fortifying old ones.”

“Today we forge a promising, mutually beneficial future for the Republic of Ghana and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas,” he added. “The work of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in this region is a clear testament to the power of collaboration between our two nations.

Our partnership, built on a shared history and common aspirations, only

stands to grow stronger through forums like this very summit.”

Among those in attendance were Minister for Grand Bahama the Hon. Ginger Moxey; the Republic of Ghana’s Minister of Information, the Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah; Deputy Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration the Hon. Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong; and other Ghanaian representatives; Ambassador Designate of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Andrew A.D. Wilson; the Office of the Spouse’s Ann Marie Davis; senior Government officials; other stakeholders; and interested persons.

Prime Minister Davis noted that, in the current era of interdependence, no nation can truly prosper in isolation. Building stronger

Chief Operations Officer, OEF & CTI, Keyron Smith, Friends of HITS President, Lisa Anderson, Carpentry Graduate Kervens Victor, Keynote Speaker, Henry Rolle of The Rock House restaurant, and Chief Communications Officer, OEF Yolanda Pawar.

Autonomous weapons –a real and urgent danger to people

deeply troubled by the increase in violence in their societies, including the escalation of homicides, caused by the expanded number of conventional weapons being brought into their territories by organized criminals.

other treaties, would be unlikely to take account of the circumstances of small states.

By Sir Ronald Sanders

As if small states, with limited financial and human resources to safeguard their societies, do not confront enough grave challenges, along comes the phenomenon of “autonomous weapons” – probably the most frightening technological development that has yet been created.

Why should small states be concerned? They should already be

There is now hardly any country that is not experiencing gangs, gang violence, armed robberies, rapes, drive-by shootings and murder. In almost every case, illegal guns are used.

Autonomous weapons in the hands of organized criminals would raise the problem of murders, assassinations, and even targeted destruction to new and frightening heights. For instance, it is now possible to enter facial recognition into a drone equipped to shoot to kill. The drone can then sift images of persons over whom it flies, select a body it believes matches the face, and shoot the person, flying away undetected. These autonomous weapons are not restricted to drones. They come in a variety of forms including robots, programmed for warfare. They can also be devices which are planted in built up areas, for instance, and programmed to detonate from great distances.

Imagining the use to which such autonomous weapons could be put by criminals, or even by mentally troubled persons, should terrify everyone, especially law enforcement agencies such as the Police, and agencies concerned with fighting drug trafficking, people trafficking and other forms of crime.

All this is good reason why small states in the Caribbean and everywhere should immediately join the growing international movement to prohibit and regulate autonomous weapons systems.

But, given their own peculiar circumstances of small size, limited human and financial resources, escalating crime and the fearful prospect of autonomous weapons in the hands of criminals, small states should consider banning such weapons now, even ahead of any international convention which will take years to negotiate and agree, and which, like many

The government of Costa Rica, in Central America, should be congratulated for the leadership it is providing in alerting nations and their law enforcement agencies to the real and present danger of autonomous weapons. Last February, the government of Costa Rica and a local non-governmental organization, convened a Conference which was attended by many countries from Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as officials from 13 other nations, including France, Germany, Japan, Nigeria, Russia, and the United States.

From this conference, a Communiqué was issued, calling for collaboration to promote the urgent negotiation of an international legally binding instrument, with prohibitions and regulations governing autonomous weapons, and which would take account of International Humanitarian Law, and ethical perspectives, as well as the prevention of the social and humanitarian impact that autonomy in weapons systems entail.

The adoption of this Communiqué was an important first step, but it lacked sufficient high-level political participation. Consequently, the political decision makers and legislators are not yet adequately informed of the enormous dangers posed by autonomous weapons. In this regard, the media has a role to play in researching, analyzing and reporting on the urgency of this issue, helping to in-

form decision makers and the general public in their countries.

Several governments, around the world, are heavily investing in the military applications of autonomous weapons, which are part of the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. Among these countries are China, India, Iran, Israel, Russia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Indeed, weapons systems with autonomous functions are already being used in Ukraine and other conflicts.

These countries are unlikely to stop their use of these weapons, and like most other weapons developed for military use, they will be bought and abused by criminals and others for criminal purposes, beyond the capacity of law enforcement agencies.

So far, the pleas of many significant international figures to legislate against these weapons have been ignored. Among these persons are the Pope; Ban-Ki-Moon, the former UN Secretary-General, and the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary, or arbitrary executions.

Perhaps the pre-eminent group to which the world should be listening is a group of engineers, AI and robotics experts, and other scientists and researchers from thirty-seven countries. They have issued the “Scientists’ Call to Ban Autonomous Lethal Robots”, in which they insist that “decisions about the application of violent force must not be delegated to machines.”

Groups arguing

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are entirely his own)

By Mike Lightbourn

Questions or comments? Contact me at info@cbbahamas.com

Mike Lightbourn is president of Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty.

Hindsight is 20/20

In hindsight, things are obvious that were not before.

We’re able to look at past decisions about a home we bought or didn’t buy with clarity.

Buyers often look back on their choice with a sense of satisfaction. However, sometimes they have regrets in hindsight. Regrets may include:

Why didn’t I buy the vacant lot next to our home?

We enjoyed our privacy and undisturbed view for so long, now someone is building a big home right on top of us.

Mike: “If only we’d…” But you didn’t. This may also happen when neighbours extend an existing home.

We got caught up with the cosmetics.

We were bamboozled by the fancy kitchen and super high cathedral ceilings, even though the location isn’t the best fit for us.

Mike: Guess what? Fads come and fads go. Today’s designer kitchen

will be outdated tomorrow. Location! Location! Location!

We waited for prices to return to normal.

Mike: Don’t hold your breath. Real estate prices are based on supply and demand. Eleuthera has gone through an extraordinary property boom and inventory is tight. Don’t expect prices to fall in the short term.

We didn’t buy a second home. We kept meaning to, but we just kept putting it off.

Vacation homes are more expensive now. Had we been more proactive, we’d have a second home and we could have rented it on Airbnb. It would have been a great investment.

Mike: I couldn’t have said it better.

We paid more than we intended. We could have bought a nice home inland, but we wanted sea views, so we bought at the top end of our budget.

In retrospect, maybe we shouldn’t have. The view’s wonderful, but we can always visit the beach.

Mike: Draw up a list of pros and cons to guide you in the decisionmaking process.

THE SELLERS TURn

Sellers can have regrets too.

We moved to be near our children. But our kids have a life of their own now and we don’t see them as often as we thought we would. We miss our friends and our community.

Mike: Sit down and have a heart to heart with your children before relocating. What are your expectations and how do they feel?

Turning down an offer.

We had an offer for almost full price a couple of weeks after our home went on the market, but we turned it down, thinking we’d get full price if we held on. It turns out the first offer was the best offer. We should have listened to our real estate agent.

Mike: Yes, you should have. Regrets are a waste of time. Before buying or selling a home, do the homework.

Make sure you are assisted by a reputable lawyer and BREAlicensed agent for a happy home buying and selling experience.

DANGER AutoNomous WEApoNs

for legally binding instruments to maintain human control over these weapons, have stressed that “a fundamental condition of international humanitarian law, requires that some person must be held responsible for civilian deaths. Any weapon or other means of war that makes it impossible to identify responsibility for the casualties it causes does not meet the requirements of jus in bello (the right conduct in war) and, therefore, should not be employed in war.”

If, in war, there is a limitation on accountability and who could be brought to justice, in the day to day lives of ordinary citizens, the use of such weapons to kill or destroy, is even worse. Anonymity of the person, responsible for death or de-

struction though the use of autonomous weapons, could put them beyond the reach of the justice system and fling the doors wide open to anarchy.

Nearly 70 countries now openly support a new legal framework to govern and regulate autonomy in weapons systems. But waiting for international treaties to be negotiated does not stop small states from acting within their own jurisdictions to adopt laws, prohibiting the importation and use of autonomous weapons and applying stiff penalties for violations.

The issue is real, and it is now.

Responses and previous commentaries: www. sirronaldsanders.com

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Is Modesty A Thing Of The Past, Or Is There Still Hope Of Reclaiming It?

are a blessing to our people, those who celebrate us and have the mindset of adding value and not corrupting our values. So many of these good people have been vital to our community and national development, and we are immensely grateful. But should we as a nation be quick to embrace or keep silent in the face of the outpouring of what appears to be a slop bucket culture on our people because some claim to butter our bread? Today, there is an erosion, a shaking of our foundations while we are being lulled to sleep by the lapping of the waves and the clinking of a few meagre coins to sell our nation to low bidders.

with children everywhere, was distasteful. Sadly, this is also a growing trend with female tourists on scooters as well. Travelers to Dubai and other Muslim countries have guidelines setting out acceptable dress codes. Should they forget, signs at the entrances to malls and hotels remind visitors of the rules, particularly the covering of shoulders and knees, which goes for both men and women except when on hotel property. Beach clothes are acceptable at the beach or pool. Interestingly, tourists in these Arab nations tend to respect the culture and the rules even if they disagree.

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

There’s so much we must be grateful for as a country, and it is good to celebrate benevolence and accomplishments. A great number of foreigners

The Indecency of Exposure

Several recent encounters have spurred this line of thought of late, so I thought it might be a good idea to share them with you. Not too long ago, the day after Carnival hit the streets of Nassau, I drove through Bay Street near the Hilton Hotel. This area is known for heavy tourist traffic as it is near the cruise port, so it was no surprise to see tourists in droves, walking in swimsuits, many of whom wore cover-ups. On this day, a full-figured tourist strolled on our street in a lace cover-up that made it to her mid-back. Her swimsuit of choice was a thong. Whether large or small in size, it is offensive to parade around publicly displaying nudity. The fact that she was comfortable making others uncomfortable by exposing herself in public, especially

Understandably, the police in the area may have been confused about whether the semi-clad woman should have been cautioned or arrested for indecent exposure, having watched many in our nation engage in a similar activity the day before. But this didn’t just happen. This flaunting and blatant disrespect has been going on for years despite cruise liners informing their passengers of acceptable dress codes in town. All too often, we sit quietly when cultural intrusions hit our shores. We don’t want to offend our visitors, so we sit back like a frog in a pot of boiling water, not noticing how we are slowly being cooked by external influences. The old saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” no longer holds sway in our country. Our values have been diluted and sadly frowned upon by those who have forgotten who we are, whether local or foreign. Those who remember the ear-

lier days of The Bahamas would note how we took pride in our surroundings. We took pride in how we dressed and carried ourselves. People visiting our lands conformed to our kindness, innocence, and purity.

Those of us of African descent may know how our people roamed the African continent in loincloths, as some tribes still do today. That was the primary culture of the day. When the Western civilizations invaded the land, they brought cover-ups—clothing for those they called uncivilized. Ironically, the tables have turned, and mission fields are now clothed, and the ones who dressed us are promoting nakedness and influencing the masses to join the meat fest.

Is This What An Identity Crisis Looks Like?

The outcry is now, “It’s fashion.” It’s fashion for a woman to bare her buttocks on the street. Whether old or young, single or married, Christian or unbeliever, it’s fashion for her to have her breasts pour out her garment; it’s even fashion for men to walk with the waist of their pants almost to their thighs to expose their underwear, which is often almost halfway down their butt. Since our identity crisis has hit an alltime low, this nudity has slipped into churches and the workplace. Two places that were once applauded for having higher standards. There was a time, and some of you would remember the days when you traveled, went to church, or even went to the movie theatre; we took pride in what we wore. An elderly traveler standing behind a lady who climbed the stairs to an aircraft was traumatized by the sight when a gust of wind blew the young lady’s dress up, baring her uncovered bottom. All of this is while there is public outrage (and there should be) regarding sexual

harassment, rape, incest, and spousal rape. Ladies, where is our sense of dignity? Have we no one better to emulate than the fashion corrupt? Who is training our children? Have we thought about what their future would look like if we remained on this downhill trend?

I was heartened to read a letter to the editor in the Nassau Guardian (May 22, 2023) from a gentleman outraged by a tourist being allowed to shop in a grocery store wearing a thong. The security guard did nothing to stop her. In addition to the signage on many businesses today, no hats, no shirt, no service! Perhaps we should add no panties/no pants to the list. Thankfully, there are still some men who honor women without having them expose themselves. What’s Fueling The Trends?

Trends seem to take longer to hit the islands, but we should remember that not everything we see people wearing or doing is for us. Our identity as a people is being shaken at the core. While people have the liberty of dressing and conducting themselves as they wish in the privacy of their homes, it becomes an issue when their freedoms overflow into and affects the public space. Sadly, many people don’t know the difference between decent or indecent exposure. Some men today see a female’s immodest dressing as an invitation or a license to crawl over broken-down walls. This is not to say all victims of sexual abuse, harassment, or disrespect were a result of scantily clad women, but it does send a message to many that all women are alike and do not need to be respected. You pick this up in conversations—how men speak to or in front of a lady. There was a time when men apologized for using foul language—those boundaries have mostly gone as many of us have forgotten what the term “lady” means. Alas, in some circles, the word lady has been replaced by the word *itch, and that was not spelt with a “w”. Whether we like or support the British Royal Family, one thing is certain, they exude grace and poise because of the modesty protocols they maintain. Years before her passing, it is said that Queen Elizabeth

and her advisors set the guidelines of what acceptable dress codes were for the Royal Family. I wonder what it would look like if people in our country had self-imposed guidelines that reflect values and expectations of dignity and self-worth. This doesn’t mean we must wear our Sunday best to the grocery store, but we should dress decently. Some considerations for modest attire would be the length of a dress—one that does not ride the thigh, a modest neckline—one that does not give away what you have or lack, fabrics that are not sheer enough to reveal underwear or the lack thereof, and the tightness of clothing that shows every lump and bump and leaves nothing to the imagination.

In short, ladies, modesty protocols are one of the secrets to true beauty, elegance and respect. You’ll be amazed at how you will begin to view yourself and, even more so, the regard you garner from others as you dress and conduct yourself like the beautiful lady you were born to be.

Eleutheran joins Disney Cruise Line public affairs team, based in The Bahamas

ELEUTHERA, The Bahamas (June 4, 2023) - Disney Cruise Line (DCL) has hired South Eleuthera-native Bernadette Sweeting-Miller to join the company’s public affairs team, based in Eleuthera, The Bahamas. With more than 20 years of administrative experience in a variety of roles supporting government and local non-profit organizations, Sweeting-Miller will manage Disney Cruise Line’s local office in Eleuthera and will be the primary contact for those interested in learning more about DCL’s new island destination in Eleuthera.

“I’m pleased to welcome Bernadette Sweeting-Miller to the Disney Cruise Line family,” said Joey Gaskins, regional public affairs director, Disney Cruise Line. “In addition to many years of work experience, she brings invaluable community relationships, a deep understanding of our community and rich culture and a genuine commitment to her home of Eleuthera,” Gaskins added.

In this newly created role as DCL’s public affairs manager, Sweeting-Miller will serve as the liaison for community members in Eleuthera, Bahamians who would like to join the DCL team or

local businesses interested in providing goods and services to support the operation of the cruise line’s second island destination. SweetingMiller will also lead community engagement initiatives, special events and Disney VoluntEARS programs in Eleuthera.

“It means so much to me to join a company that is committed to making an impact in the community that I have called home ever since I was a child,” said Sweeting-Miller. “I’m looking forward to working on behalf of Disney Cruise Line to support local businesses and involve Bahamians in the development and operations of the new island destination at Lighthouse Point,” said Sweeting-Miller.

Disney says it is creating a new experience in Eleuthera at Lighthouse Point, adding, “The destination will create sustainable economic opportunities for Bahamians, protect the natural beauty of the site, celebrate the Bahamian culture and help strengthen the community in Eleuthera. This new island destination at Lighthouse Point will open for guests in summer 2024.

“DCL has long been committed to The

Disney Cruise Line - Public Affairs Manager, Bernadette Sweeting-Miller.

Bahamas. Since its maiden voyage 25 years ago, Disney has introduced countless families to the beauty and spirit of The Bahamas and has provided significant economic impact while demonstrating a strong commitment to the environment and the community. Approximately 75 percent of the cruises offered by Disney have at least one stop in The Bahamas, all five of its ships are registered in The Bahamas and it is estimated that DCL operations currently contribute more than $70 million toward the Bahamas gross domestic product annually.

“DCL has also committed to filling all positions on Castaway Cay with Bahamians across a range of disciplines with opportunities for training and advancement. Disney has received all the necessary approvals from the Government of the Bahamas and has begun work at Lighthouse Point, which is expected to create more than 300 construction-related roles – more than doubling the number of jobs

DCL committed to in its Heads of Agreement.”

Those interested in being involved in the construction work should contact American Bridge, the design-builder for the project at Lighthouse Point, by emailing LHPjobs@americanbridge.net. Vendors and suppliers interested in providing goods and services may contact: dcl.bahamas@disney.com.

CHtA DEstiNAtioN REsiliENCE/ElEutHERA

community and rewarded with the Destination Resilience Award,” said Latia Duncombe, Director General, BMOTIA.

BMOTIA representatives participated in over 40 meetings with prospective priority partners and media outlets to discuss new developments and the future of travel to The Bahamas.

“There’s been a keen interest in our destination from European and Latin American representatives,” said Duncombe, “Our meetings with them have given way to new and strengthened strategic partnerships.”

Said Duncombe, “CHTA Marketplace has presented an unparalleled opportunity to engage in insightful discussions on the optimal use of Artificial Intelligence in capitalising on travel consumer behaviours. Such intelligence is invaluable to our overarching promotional strategy.”

“We continuously see the value of the destination’s attendance at Caribbean Travel Marketplace,” she added.

Source: BMOTIA

Eleuthera, Bahamas wins CHTA Destination Resilience Category B Award. L-R: Nicola Madden-Greig President of The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association; Latia Duncombe, Director General, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation and Vanessa Ledesma Acting CEO & Director General of The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association.

MOU on Agricultural Cooperation Signed Between the Bahamas Ministry of Agriculture and the Chinese Embassy

The Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs signed an agreement with The Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Hunan Province (China) to initiate agricultural cooperation in ceremonies at the Ministry on Friday, May 19, 2023. Minister Clay Sweeting was in attenance. He said this agreement will continue to advance the government’s agenda to achieve food security.

“We will implement a two-year agreement where two Chinese experts will reside in The Bahamas and provide technical support to construct a number of greenhouses on an acre of land at the Gladstone Road Agricultural Centre (GRAC),” said the Minister.

“China has been working assiduously to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions from crop and livestock farming, increase soil carbon sinks, improve biodiversity protection, facilitate the restoration of agricultural ecosystems, and support local govern-

ments to integrate environmental and decarbonization goals in rural revitalization plans and investment projects.”

He said work is also being done in multiple fields, to provide farmers and members of cooperatives with training and agricultural extension services, and encourage farmers and food processors to adopt climate-intelligent agricultural technologies and good agricultural practices.

The Minister noted, given that Hunan is also home to the Hunan Agricultural University (HUNAU) with a total of 27,570 full-time undergraduate students and 5,044 graduate students, they have an impressive track record that makes them especially suitable to assist the Bahamas.

“We understand that HUNAU has won 27 national scientific and technological achievement awards, with more than 300 new varieties approved and 1,400 patents granted, which include

varieties of rapeseed, rice, corn, potatoes, peanuts, teas, grapes, cotton, citrus, tobacco, vegetables and other practical products, which have been widely promoted throughout China.”

Minister Sweeting said that China’s efforts mirror those of The Bahamas as the government promotes climate smart farming and agri-technological advances in several Family Islands -- with the establishment of a digital village in Eleuthera. Similar projects will also be duplicated in other islands. He added that efforts are also being made to strengthen the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI).

“We are also enhancing our own institution, the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute with programmes such as the newly launched Egg-Academy, which will tie into the Golden Yolk programme in partnership with the

Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation.”

Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas, Her Excellency Ms. Dai Qingli said that this was a great partnership for both The Bahamas and China. She said that China was excited to be able to assist The Bahamas in this way, given the current issues with food security throughout the world.

The Chinese experts are expected to arrive shortly; and while here they will provide a technical manual for vegetable planting in The Bahamas through six test reports on various vegetables. They will also assist with the construction of three steel-frame vegetable greenhouses; and hold two training events on vegetables suited to household and commercial farming. In addition, Bahamians will be hired to assist with the construction of the greenhouses: they will be trained in greenhouse construction and operations.

Handshake upon signing, by Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs Permanent Secretary, David Cates and Chinese Embassy Chief of Economic and Commercial Affairs, Fan Jinke.

Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Affairs, the Hon. Clay Sweeting speaks during the signing ceremony. Also pictured: Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas, Ms. Dai Qingli.

Picture This! - Long-time Visitor to the Island Gifts Local Police Force, Safety Gear

Lynn Parlett, a longtime visitor to island, along with her husband, who recently passed away, met with team members of the Eleuthera Division of the Royal Bahamas Police Force at their headquarters within the Workers House Complex in Governor’s Harbour on Monday, May 22nd, 2023, to present a collection of safety gear, including reflective safety vests, flashlights, traffic wands, solar strobe warning lights and more. The need for the items was communicated to Mrs. Parlett, by the Eleuthera Sustainability Council, and she was joined on Monday morning, by ESC member, Kristal Anderson, as she presented the donation to Police. Mrs. Parlett, expressed that her husband and other family members had been first responders, and said, “So, this is very important to me... We just want everyone to go home safely... and we want to wish everyone the best.” Police Superintendent Franklyn Neely, formally accepted the gifted items, on behalf of the Eleuthera Division, and thanked Mrs. Parlett for her thoughfulness.

Above: Lynn Parlett, (center), joined by family, as well as ESC member, Kristal Anderson, shakes hands with Police Supt. Franklyn Neely (fourth from left), surrounded by his colleagues in the RBPF Eleuthera Division.

National Trade Policy to Boost Economy Says Trade Commission Chairman

“With the launch of the National Trade Policy, The Bahamas now has a comprehensive framework for trade that the government intends to use to lower the trade deficit by empowering more local businesses to tap into export markets.” Speaking at a press conference held on Thursday, May 25th, 2023 to announce the launch of the nation’s first-ever National Trade Policy, Bahamas Trade Commission Chairman, Philip Galanis, added, that trade is expected to play a big role in the Bahamian economy as the nation continues its post-pandemic recovery.

“Prior to the pandemic, the export of services, particularly tourism related services, served as a counterbalance to our food and goods

trade deficit. However, moving forward we are seeking to expand existing areas of strength and diversify into new areas to create new trade opportunities for local businesses and more resilient national economy.”

With the launch of the National Trade Policy, Chairman Galanis indicated that country finally has a coherent approach to the development of trade in alignment with wider national development plans. He stated that the policy is “comprehensive and with broad impacts on the Bahamian economy.”

“This Policy speaks to more effective management of imports through reviewing our tariff structure, the need for competition laws, domestic preferences, and improved

incentive schemes. It addresses how we will expand existing exports through our trade promotion efforts and development programmes, a full review of the existing tax regime, the

embracing of digital technology, and the development of free trade zones.”

“Through this Policy, The Bahamas will diversify its exports in target

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Courtesy Personified

I have had the immense pleasure and privilege, of meeting and interacting with one of the most courteous, pleasant and professional Bahamian Police Officers that I have ever encountered in my life.

Mr. Carlton Gardiner, Reserve Police Inspector, in Governor’s Harbour Eleuthera, is such a person.

Mr. Gardiner is the Crossing Guard and Traffic Monitor at the Emily G. Petty Primary School, which is also located In Governor’s Harbour.

This Inspector is always courteous, friendly, waving and smiling daily, no matter how many times you drive, or walk by the school.

We sometimes overlook and take for granted

the pleasantries, friendliness and goodwill some persons extend toward us, especially those who do so consistently, as Mr. Gardiner does.

I say, Eleuthera and Governor’s Harbour are very fortunate, to have this fine Gentleman who is always bearing a smile, in service to the community, and he is to be appreciated and acknowledged, for the fantastic job he is doing.

Sincerely,

Mr. Stone McEwan

(Photo by Mr. McEwan)

Police Reserve Inspector Carlton Gardiner.

Defence Force Rangers Program (22/23) in Eleuthera Culminate with Passing Out Parade

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) Rangers, Eleuthera Company, held a Passing Out Parade on the grounds of the North Eleuthera High School, in Lower Bogue, North Eleuthera on Saturday, May 20th, 2023, where young Rangers from four high schools on the island came together to show off the skills they had learned throughout the 2022-2023 school year, while involved in the program.

A crowd of proud parents and family members were in attendance at the ceremony, which began at 10:00 a.m., in support of their children, who had successfully completed the year in the Rangers Program, which had as its theme, “Discipline, Dedication, and Determination.”

As the ceremony began, Rangers clad in smart uniforms, performed a ‘March On’ in front of the gathered audience, and following the national anthem and opening prayer, were inspected by Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs, the Hon. Clay Sweeting, before his keynote address, where he expressed his pride in their achievements, and encouraged them to continue on

the path of discipline and determination. Further drill displays preceded a presentation of Special Awards, including the Minister of National Security Award, given to cadets who best displayed Exemplary Character and Leadership; also the Rangers Director Award - given to those chosen by the Director as the cadets who most exemplified the principles of military discipline and the RBDF Core Values; along with the Academic Achievement Award presented to the cadets who achieved a 3.00 to a 3.49 grade point average. (See list of awardees at the end of the article.)

Charity Knowles, a 7th grader at Central Eleuthera High School, and recipient of both the Academic Achievement Award as well as the Minister of National Security Award during the Passing Out ceremony, commented afterwards, “I was shocked that I got the award, because I thought the older kids would get it.” She said that during her time in the program she had tried her very best to be as cooperative with the instructors as possible and to quickly learn what was being taught.

Lyric Johnson, an 8th grade student at Central Eleuthera High School, was singled out during the ceremony as a recipient of the ‘Rangers Director Award. Following the ceremony, she shared, “It felt good to know that all my preparation and study paid off for the hike that we went on. It’s good to know that I did a good job, and that I’ll be a cadet one day.” Lyric said that she hopes to formally join the Royal Bahamas Defence Force after high school, and be installed as an officer.

In an interview with Chief Petty Officer Dwight Rolle, Director of the Ranger Program, after the ceremony, he shared some of the highlights of the morning, and details about the program, saying, “Today we installed 24 Rangers from Central Eleuthera High. They started the program in September (2022). ‘Down here’ in North Eleuthera, there were 55 Rangers we installed - a combination of students from North Eleuthera High School, Samuel Guy Pinder All Age in Spanish Wells and from Harbour Island All Age School. Today is a culmination of hard work since September of last year.”

Earth Heroes Recognized at HIGS Earth Day Celebrations

The Harbour Island Green School (HIGS) on Harbour Island, Eleuthera held a 2023 Earth Day celebration to inspire and raise awareness about the importance of protecting the planet. They joined a global community celebrating Earth Day as an annual event on April 22nd to demonstrate support for environmental protection.

The event featured various activities and messages that aimed to promote sustainability and conservation. Students wore blue and green to represent the colours of the earth and show their commitment to the cause.

HIGS Principal, William Simmons, commented, “Harbour Island is a small island in The Bahamas with a fragile and unique environment that is vulnerable to climate

change. The event highlighted both the importance of protecting the environment and preserving the island’s natural resources for future generations.”

One of the highlights of the celebration was the recognition of local community earth heroes, who were honoured for their tireless efforts to preserve the earth’s natural resources. The honourees all gave remarks, encouraging the children to take action and to do their part in protecting the earth.

The event also featured student dances arranged by youth dance leader Junette Deveaux, skits by teacher Mrs. Jacklyn Roberts, and a marching band performance directed by Mr. Jonathan Kelly. The students used their creativity and talent to spread the message of en-

vironmental stewardship to the entire school community.

Another impressive feature of the celebration, said Mr. Simmons, was a 6ft diameter painted cardboard sculpture of the earth created by the artist Kevin Ti - Paul. The artwork, he said, served as a powerful reminder of the beauty and fragility of our planet, and as a focal point for the entire event.

The honourees on the day were selected from amongst three categories: food security superstars, climate change heroes, and earth angels. The recognition of these individuals, said Mr. Simmons, demonstrated the importance of community action and the impact that even one person can have on the world.

He explained why it was important to highlight people’s actions for the planet, whether big or small. “It’s important to highlight and celebrate the work of people who are making a difference in their communities and in the world. By recognizing their efforts, we inspire others to take action and create a ripple effect of positive change.”

Overall, the Harbour Island Green School’s Earth Day celebration was said to be an inspiring display of community spirit and dedication to the planet. The event, said Mr. Simmons, showcased the power of education and creativity in inspiring future generations to protect the environment and promote sustainability.

The list of Earth Heroes recognized included: Food Post Farm - a family-owned small farm in North Eleuthera that collects kitchen scraps and leaves to make compost, which they distribute to gardens and farms in the community. They also have chickens and rabbits, and prioritize environmental sustainability. Peter Neely who is a local farmer from Harbour Island who grows high-quality

fruits and vegetables sold at Tip Top General Store. He promotes sustainable agriculture practices and educates young people about farming to preserve the island’s rich agricultural heritage.

Also, Driftwood Farms - a vegetable farm that contributes to local food security by supplying fresh produce to multiple stores and restaurants in the area. They prioritize sustainability and have been thriving since their inception in 2020. The Other Side Hotel, founded by entrepreneur Ben Simmons in 2018, - a unique and sustainable hotel on Eleuthera Island powered by renewable energy and funds local environmental education through the Green School.

Bluwatur Bakery, founded by Maddison Saunders sources its ingredients from local farmers and operates sustainably with solar power and a rainwater collection system.

The list continued with, the Sweet Spot Cafe which offers delicious plant-based meals made from locally sourced produce, positively impacting the environment and inspiring others to embrace plantbased living. Briland Animal Rescue - a non-profit organization on Harbour Island that provides medical care, food, shelter, and education to animals in need, and has successfully implemented programs like a spay and neuter

program to reduce the number of stray animals on the island. Individuals recognized included: James Munroe - a dedicated community member who collaborates with local council and school groups to keep North Eleuthera clean, organizing clean-up campaigns and educating students on the importance of a clean environment. Justin Higgs, a resident of Harbour Island, who started “Justin’s All Stars” with a group of school boys to regularly organize clean-up campaigns and inspire others to take action in the community. Christina Darville - a coral technician at the Perry Institute for Marine Science, who focuses on stopping the spread of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease and uses her research to make better decisions for the ocean.

Earth Heroes Recognized and Celebrated.

Students playing their part

Students perform a dance, arranged by youth dance leader, Junette Deveaux.

Crawfish Aquaculture comes to Eleuthera

By CEI

Scientists from The Island School’s Cape Eleuthera Institute are working to set up a new nursery facility for growing crawfish in South Eleuthera, and they want members of the community to get involved. If this sparks your interest then read on. While the crawfish fishery in The Bahamas is relatively healthy right now, the species continues to be heavily fished and stocks may not be able to support further growth in the fishery. Crawfish aquaculture can both protect the species and open up new ways of diversifying the ‘blue economy’.

up in the safety of the crawfish nursery.

This is very different from taking an undersized juvenile crawfish, which is illegal. Once a crawfish reaches about 3 inches long the survival rate goes up dramatically and that crawfish has a good chance of surviving to join the reproductive population. So these should be left to grow and reproduce. “We are essentially taking the ones that would have died in the wild anyway”, says Dr Higgs, “so it is not the same as taking a larger crawfish that might go on to adulthood”.

Is this model economical?

Dr Higgs is optimistic that this can be done economically too. In contrast to big predator fish like tuna and salmon that need a high protein diet, crawfish feed lower down in the food chain and have a varied diet. This means that it should be easier to feed them, which has been a big barrier to most aquaculture operations. The project will also be replicated with partners at the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) in Andros to see how similar supply chains can be established across the Bahamian islands.

If you are interested in working

How do you raise crawfish in an aquaculture environment?

Our Crawfish Aquaculture process begins with collecting the baby crawfish (the seed stock) when they first settle to the seabed after spending months drifting around in the open ocean currents. These little lobsters are only as long as the first joint of your pinky finger. They like to live on seaweeds for protection in the early stages of their lives, and this is the secret to collecting them. The collector devices, made by the research team, are covered in fibres that mimic the seaweeds, so the baby crawfish settle on them for shelter. They can then be easily harvested from the collectors.

From here, the baby crawfish are taken back to the aquarium facilities at the Cape Eleuthera Institute to grow up in protected conditions. Researchers are currently experimenting with different grow-out setups, including sea cages designed by partners from the UK’s National Lobster Hatchery. The grow-out, crawfish cultivation setups are being studied by CEI Visiting Scientist Michael Bowleg, a Bahamian PhD student working on the project with the University of Exeter. Once the crawfish reach the juvenile stage at about 5 inches in length, they can either be released to restock fishing grounds or kept on for continued grow-out for the aquaculture industry.

“The vision is that, once established, we can scale this model and take the community with us. We want to engage craft workers to make the equipment for us from locally sourced materials and work with fishers, putting out the collectors and selling the baby crawfish back to us”, says CEI Director of Research and Innovation Dr. Nick Higgs, who is also a native of Spanish Wells, the home of crawfish fishing in The Bahamas. The big question is whether this can be sustainable, both environmentally and economically.

Is it OK to collect baby crawfish?

On the environmental side people might be concerned about taking baby crawfish from the wild for seed stock. The key is taking them at the earliest stage of life, when they are an inch or less long and very abundant. Being so small, the baby crawfish are very likely to be eaten by bigger animals. In fact, scientists think that over 97% of these baby lobsters don’t survive into adulthood. Since so many of these baby lobsters die in the wild at this early stage, taking a few hundred will not have an impact on recruitment to the wild stocks. Instead they are taken to grow

with the Cape Eleuthera Institute, please get in touch by emailing research@islandschool.org or you can WhatsApp 242 823-8393, with your name and contact details. We are looking to work with someone to build the collectors for us, ideally with experience in weaving, and particularly experience with sisal work. We are also interested in training people to use the collectors and buying the baby lobsters from them.

CEI staff and local fishers examine crawfish collectors for baby crawfish.

CEI Staff check on crawfish collectors that have been stationed in the sea.

Deep Creek Middle School students learn about crawfish being raised in the CEI lab from research staff.

Michael Bowleg teaches Deep Creek Middle School students about the crawfish aquaculture project.

South Eleuthera Nurses say ‘thank you for your trust’ through a Give Back during Nurses Month

Plans for the marking of Nurses Month in South Eleuthera took a bit of a turn in 2023. Nurse Angela Thompson, the visionary for this year’s initiatives, said that as she was pondering how she and the medical team, based at the Wemyss Bight Clinic would approach the month, she thought about the novel idea of Nurses celebrating their community, by giving back to the schools and the elderly.

“I woke up on the morning of May 1st, and had the thought of rather than looking to receive something for Nurses month, to instead give back... I went to work that morning, and spoke with Nurse Anderson and Nurse Rolle - told them about the idea, and said let’s come together as nurses and staff at Wemyss Bight - then ran the idea across Nurse Green - and everyone just hopped on to it... What we wanted to do is, instead of us waiting for them to say, thank you for taking care of us. We wanted to say to the community, the school and teachers, thank you, for trusting your health in our care - so giving back as we celebrate Nurses Month 2023.”

Plans came together for the medical team in South Eleuthera to treat and feed both teachers and students, at three of the primary schools in South Eleuthera, over the course of three days, beginning

in Green Castle, on Tuesday, May 23rd. Wemyss Bight would follow on the Thursday, and the big giveback culminated that week at Deep Creek Primary on the Friday. The elderly in South Eleuthera, would also have their day in the spotlight on May 31st.

On Tuesday afternoon, at Green Castle primary, just before lunch was being served, clinic administrator, Mrs. Laverne Armbrister, who assisted with coordinating the feeding of the students, shared more details, saying, “The nurses from the Wemyss Bight Clinic - which serves South Eleuthera, including Nurse Green, Nurse Anderson, Nurse Rolle and Nurse Thompson - they came up with this idea that they would feed all of the teachers and students at Green Castle Primary, Wemyss Bight Primary, as well as Deep Creek Primary this week, and on May 31st to feed all of the elderly from Green Castle to Bannerman Town at a luncheon on the grounds of the clinic in Wemyss Bight. The elderly that come out would be able to sit and eat, play somes games, get their blood pressure checked and so on. And, this giveaway continues - We are here today (Tuesday, May 23rd) at Green Castle Primary. On Thursday, the nurses will be at Wemyss Bight Primary, and on Friday at the primary school in Deep Creek.

We are excited, both the nurses and the teachers and children.”

The Eleuthera Police division also got in on the action in Green Castle, with an initiative to recognize and express appreciation to the teachers on that Wednesday, so for that one day, they partnered with the nurses, adding even further to the day of giving.

Police Superintendent Franklyn Neely, with the Eleuthera Division of the RBPF, commented during the appreciation event, saying, “Today, we decided as a police department to come together with the nurses in our community, and just show the teachers our appreciation, because you know the teachers are the first line of defense. They see the kids from grade one to grade twelve, so it is important that we show them how much we appreciate them, because without them being in there, supporting our children and all of us, there would be an issue. So, this is their day, a very special day for them, and an opportunity for us to show our love and appreciation, along with our partners in the Ministry of Health.”

One of the teachers at Green Castle Primary, Mrs. Laura McKinney-Horton,

The South Eleuthera Medical team (on right), stand with partners from the police (on left), along with appreciative teachers, staff, and students from the Green Castle Primary School, as well as visiting school band members and instructor from the Preston H. Albury High School.

ON THIS PAGE: Top photo shows Green Castle Primary teachers showered with gifts from the police and nurses. Left stands the medical team serving South Eleuthera. Below left, the Preston H. Albury band is seen performing during the Teacher’s Appreciation event. In the bottom photo stands the policing team serving South Eleuthera.

in response to the outpouring, said, “We feel so special that the community of Green Castle partnered with both the nurses and the police. We really feel special today and appreciated.”

Before lunch, a brief assembly was held, where the police and nurses gave brief remarks, expressing their appreciation to the teachers, and letting the children in on the fact that a fun lunch event had been planned for them. The school band from the Preston H. Albury High School, with their instructor, Mrs. Kemp, were also in attendance, and performed for the students, teachers and visiting guests at the school.

The following week, on May 31st, during the luncheon event hosted for the elderley, the nurses also facilitated a presentation by ‘American Bridge’ of about 100 care packages for the elderly and other people in need in the South Eleuthera communities.

Memorial Service Held in Hatchet Bay on 43rd Anniversary of the HMBS Flamingo Incident

Survivor of the May 10th, 1980 attack on and ultimate sinking of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force vessel HMBS Flamingo by Cuban fighter jets, Former Able Seaman, Mr. Cladwell Farrington of Hatchet Bay, Central Eleuthera, is a man on a mission. His mission - to keep the memory alive of the crew members, who gave their lives in service, as well as the survivors, who doggedly completed their mission, to defend the sovereignty of The Bahamas’ territory.

Since retiring and returning to his hometown of Hatchet Bay to live, Mr. Farrington has worked tirelessly to first, engrave the story of the incident, through his perspective as a crew member, into the annals of recorded history, by writing his book, titled, “Because of May 10th, 1980: The Flamingo Incident”, which he successfully published in 2021 - and is now working to have a physical memorial monument site constructed - honouring the men who gave their lives, along with the remaining fifteen survivors, and highlighting the men involved who hailed from this ‘Isle of Freedom’.

A formal groundbreaking ceremony was held at the memorial site near the entrance of the Hatchet Bay township during January 2023, which saw pledges of assistance given from politicians and other influential community members. The Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC), also provided the land, now known as Flamingo Park, where the HMBS Flamingo Memorial Monument is currently being constructed.

On May 10th, 2023, on the 43rd anniversary of the HMBS Flamingo’s sinking, Mr. Farrington and his committee of dedicated volunteers for the cause, organized a memorial service at Flamingo Park in Hatchet Bay, with the telling theme of, “Never Forget Them.” Key community members from throughout Eleuthera made the effort to be there, with pastors and community leaders from Harbour Island, Lower Bogue, Hatchet Bay, James’ Cistern, Governor’s Harbour, Palmetto Point, Wemyss Bight and others, taking part.

Former Petty Officer Mr. Lorenzo Carey, gave reflections on his many years of life as a marine in the Defence Force, and family members of survivors now passed on, shared their thoughts and tributes, including the family of Mr. Dencil Clarke of Hatchet Bay. Mrs. Stella Randall, friend of passed on survivor, Mr. Leo Kirby - who had moved to Eleuthera with his wife Rose in his retirement before he died, shared a reflection of ‘As I Knew Them’.

Students from the P.A. Gibson primary school in Hatchet Bay also got involved with a special selection. And the Baymen trio rang out their acapella rendition of, “Who Is Going To Fill Those Shoes,” to the appreciative audience. The memorial ceremony was rounded out by the laying of wreaths within the memorial monument site, by former RBDF officer, Roscoe Thompson of Wemyss Bight, and Mrs. Teri Bethel, the wife of former Com-

Below: Members of the Eleuthera community from North to South, out to commemorate the memory of the crew who bravely survived the HMBS Flamingo event, and those who gave their lives.

mander of the Defence Force, Commodore Tellis Bethel.

Mr. Farrington, following the ceremony, and while standing within the partially constructed HMBS Flamingo memorial monument, said the feelings he had were hard to express, “I knew this was going to happen, right. I never doubted it, but to see it actually happening - and the kind of support. I mean, some of the major, key players on the island are here... This is unbelievable.”

He further shared that there is currently a memorial monument in New Providence at the Coral Harbour Base, but he expressed that it was for the fallen of-

ficers only, and did not encompass the survivors of the incident - and was also not easily accessible. “This will be something, where anybody can come here. The one at the Base, you need special permission to view it. It is not a public memorial. So, this will be the first public memorial.”

On the same day, a special service also took place in New Providence, at the RBDF base in Coral Harbour, in memory of the pivotal event in Bahamian history, where Prime Minister Philip Davis gave an address honouring the HMBS Flamingo crew.

Cladwell Farrington with Teri Bethel, and Roscoe Thompson.

Students from P. A. Gibson Primary School take part in the memorial ceremony.

43RD REmEmbRANCE of tHE flAmiNGo iNCiDENt - livEs lost

Minister of Labour and Immigration, the Hon. Keith Bell, in a resolution presented in the House of Assembly - also on May 10th 2023, to honour the bravery of the crew of the HMBS Flamingo in memorial of the attack on The Bahamas, commented, “...Today it is almost impossible for this generation to fathom the events which took place in May, 1980 when our peaceful country was the victim of an unprovoked horrific attack. To place the attack in its context, The Bahamas was less than a decade old and the Pindling administration saw the need for a Defence Force. This move proved controversial in some quarters. However, the administration pressed on. Some of our finest sons were recruited to form this new Force and in spite of all the challenges, the Defence Force was created.”

Recounting some of the events on that date, Minister Bell continued, “The events of May 10th, 1980 took place within weeks of the Force’s creation. This attack was not an accidental sinking but a horrific unacceptable incursion on our sovereignty... the records show that: In the first attack, two Cuban military MiG fighter jets buzzed HMBS Flamingo firing their machine guns to the side and directly in front of HMBS Flamingo. About forty five minutes later, the jets returned and began a second assault of rockets and machine gun fire hitting the ship. Whilst our men desperately sought to escape the vessel, the jets returned, shelling the surrounding waters with machine gun fire and tearing apart the two lifeboats.

“After the MiG fighter jets disappeared, a military helicopter remained in the area until the Flamingo was completely sunk. The attack continued the following day when Cuban jet fighters along with a large long range transport aircraft and a helicopter carried out simulated attacks and landed in Duncan Town terrorizing the community for over

three hours... It was only when US fighter jets were sent to the area that the attack ended. These were truly scary times.”

“...It is important for the record that we acknowledge that this was no ordinary event and Able Seaman Fenrick Sturrup; Marine Seaman David Tucker; Marine Seaman Edward Williams; and Marine Seaman Austin Smith (the four fallen officers) were no ordinary men. Nor were their colleagues. Indeed, the bravery of the survivors in the aftermath of the tragedy demonstrated that those who lived, proved themselves worthy of their dead... What is notable ..., is that even though they were attacked, their vessels destroyed, their colleagues killed, the surviving members of the Flamingo’s crew did not abort their mission and returned to Ragged Island with the prisoners.

He concluded, “Bahamians were and remain united in our resolve to protect and preserve the territorial integrity of The Bahamas. The bravery of the crew of the Flamingo was inspirational... Today a grateful nation salutes and honours 19 of its finest sons. The bravery of the Flamingo’s captain, crew and the ultimate sacrifice of the fallen are a foundational symbol of our nation’s story. The attack and valiant response of our marines are a seminal moment in our history whose importance cannot be understated.”

In his presentation, Minister Bell went on to question the level of support and care provided to officers, saying, “In sending our forces out, we must continue to ensure that should any of them pay the ultimate price, or otherwise suffers physical or mental trauma, the officers and/or their families are adequately cared for. .. There are past failures that must be made right and this government is committed to doing all it can to support our uniformed forces. We will be measured by our actions and not our words.”

Mrs. Teri Bethel, wife of retired Commodore of the RBDF Mr. Tellis Bethel, lays a wreath at the HMBS Flamingo Memorial Monument site.

Minister of Labour and Immigration, the Hon. Keith Bell.

Mr. Ricardo Dean, stands with the monument site’s visionary, and HMBS Flamingo survivor, Mr. Cladwell Farrington - both from Hatchet Bay.

REp. of GHANA & tHE bAHAmAs

ties between Africa and the Caribbean was about more than harking back to a joint past, he added.

“It is about constructing a shared future and executing a common vision for mutual growth and opportunities,” Prime Minister Davis said.

He added: “South-south cooperation remains essential if our nations are to cultivate just, prosperous, and citizen-centric societies. The African Export-Import Bank’s role in enhancing economic cooperation is a shining example of the fruit successful international partnerships can yield. It reminds us that collaboration has accomplished much before and can accomplish even more in the years to come.”

Prime Minister Davis pointed out that, considering the bank’s impact, and the “auspicious” summit in which they found ourselves at that time, they should all take the opportunity to commit themselves to open and transparent dialogue on the issues which matter most.

“Let us work together to tackle rising inflation, to expand new opportunities for trade, and to chart fresh paths for foreign direct investment,” he said.

“Ghana and The Bahamas may be relatively young nations, with an even younger bilateral relationship, but that does not

On This Page: Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis attends the GhanaBahamas Business Summit, on May 17, 2023, at the University of The Bahamas. Among those in attendance were Minister for Grand Bahama the Hon. Ginger Moxey; the Republic of Ghana’s Minister of Information the Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah; Deputy Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration the Hon. Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong; and other Ghanaian representatives; Ambassador Designate of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Andrew A.D. Wilson; the Office of the Spouse’s Ann Marie Davis; senior Government officials; other stakeholders; and interested persons. (BIS Photos/Eric Rose)

mean our countries cannot become a beacon for international cooperation.”

Prime Minister Davis noted that, the year before, The Bahamas signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Afreximbank, which has paved the way for the multilateral trade finance bnk to establish a Caribbean Exim Bank.

“This development promises to fill existing gaps in the region, particularly as it relates to private-sector businesses seeking international funding, while offering a range of key services – such as Trade and Project Financing, Export Development, Guarantees and Trade Information, as well as Advisory Services,” he said.

“The Bank has also indicated that, following the opening of the regional office, it envisions committing an investment of US $700 million in the Caribbean Development Bank.”

Prime Minister Davis stated that such a significant capital inflow promised to unlock “crucial socioeconomic benefits” for the region, especially as it recovers from “the pandemic, grapples with an environmental emergency, and addresses the cost-of-living crisis.”

“It goes without saying that Ghana and The Bahamas, when it comes to cooperative ventures, do have a track record of success,” he said.

“From as early as 2011, The Bahamas has been assisting Ghana in building capacity for its tourism and hospitality industry; and Ghana has stood by The Bahamas in international affairs by supporting its application for full accession to the World Trade Organisation,” Prime Minister Davis noted.

“Moving forward, it only makes sense that we strengthen our ties as we tap into new avenues for investment,” he added. “From tourism to technology, to agriculture and energy, there are a myriad of sectors ripe for mutual investments.”

Prime Minister Davis pointed out that The Baha-

mas was seeking to achieve 30% renewable energy production by 2030. That, he added, was “certainly a lofty and ambitious goal”, and one for which the nation was seeking “any and all support”.

“Without dreaming big, we won’t achieve big, and so I especially welcome conversations on sustainable energy transition over the course of this summit and beyond,” he said.

Prime Minister Davis added that the investment potential of Ghana and The Bahamas was “certainly staggering”, and the two governments stood ready to facilitate and support investors inspired by the success of the Afreximbank partnership.

“I am a man of faith, and because I am a man of faith, optimism comes easy to me,” he said. “Today, however, I find myself especially optimistic.”

“The future, I have no doubt, is bright for The Bahamas and Ghana.”

Prime Minister Davis stated that their relations were deepening, and with the strengthening of such ties, they drew ever closer to their goals of shared growth and prosperity.

“Our governments are already working on several initiatives, alongside institutions like the African Export-Import Bank, to bring this vision to life,” he said. “But for our societies to truly flourish, every business, every investor, and every citizen must recognise their role in shaping the way forward.”

Prime Minister Davis stated that a stronger Ghana-Bahamas relationship benefited both countries by opening up new avenues for growth and collaboration.

“I extend my sincerest thanks to the team from Ghana, and to all of you, for your contributions to this burgeoning partnership,” he said.

“My friends, with hope in our hearts and unity in our actions, we can surely anticipate a flourishing future for both our nations.”

Source: BIS

Groundbreak

-

ing Caribbean/

Bahamian TV Series ‘This Is Paradise’ Lands Distribution Deal With Chicken Soup For The Soul Entertainment’s Free Streaming Service,

Crackle, In the

USA

(‘This Is Paradise’, a ground-breaking show by award-winning filmmaker Kareem Mortimer secures a distribution deal with Chicken Soup For The Soul Entertainment’s free streaming service, Crackle, in the USA.)

This is Paradise, the first Bahamian television series to secure a distribution deal with a major American streaming service, is officially on Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment’s free streaming service Crackle. The show premiered on May 30, 2023. The six-episode series was produced and directed by award-winning pioneering Bahamian filmmaker Kareem Mortimer and can be accessed for free through Roku, Samsung TVs, and numerous other devices.

Prime Minister

Minister of Finance

a delegation from the Republic of Ghana, for a courtesy call at the the Office of the Prime Minister, on May 15th, 2023. The delegation was in The Bahamas for high-level meetings and a Ghana-Bahamas Business Summit. Among those in attendance were Minister for Grand Bahama the Hon. Ginger Moxey; Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Disaster Risk Management and Emergency Response, the Hon. Myles LaRoda; Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister David Davis; the Republic of Ghana’s Minister of Information, the Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah; Deputy Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration the Hon. Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong; and other Ghanaian representatives; Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister Leon Lundy; Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Affairs Wayde Watson; Senior Advisor in the Office of the Prime Minister Kevin Simmons; Ambassador Designate of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Andrew A.D. Wilson; and other Government officials and stakeholders.

Source: BIS, Photos/Eric Rose

The series is a triumph for the Bahamian entertainment industry and Caribbean television as a whole. With an all-Bahamian/Caribbean cast, crew, and production team, This is Paradise is a representation and cultural authenticity pioneer. Filmed on the picturesque island of Eleuthera, the production created employment opportunities for Eleutherans as cast members, crew, caterers, and more.

This is Paradise tells the captivating story of two contrasting women who discover their shared heritage as half-sisters after the sudden passing of their father. United by this revelation, they must come together to rescue their father’s dilapidated hotel in The Bahamas. With six

and

the Hon. Philip Davis receives

Applaud This! Eleutheran Graduates with Distinction from the Nursing Program at UB

In 2019, Shapreka Clarke, a native of Deep Creek, Eleuthera, left the island to attend nursing school at the University of the Bahamas (UB). On May 25th, 2023 Shapreka graduated, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, with distinction.

This degree for Shapreka, she said, was 20+ years in the making.

She knew from about the age 10 years-old that she wanted to be in the health care field. Of course, as a child, she assumed that meant being a doc-

tor. So, she pursued that path. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with hopes of attending medical school, but then, she shared, life happened. She was unable to attend medical school; and instead, she had to return home to Eleuthera and work.

She got a job working for a non-profit organization in Eleuthera, but said that she never forgot her dream. While working for that NGO, she began working with and developed close relationships with nurses on Eleuthera and that, she said, was her light-bulb moment. She realized that nursing was for her.

This was the field she was actually destined to be part of - and although her journey had a lot of twists and turns, she finally got there.

This degree, for her, she said, was a testament that you should never give up on your dreams. “With determination, resilience, and commitment, you can accomplish anything.”

Shapreka shared that her time at UB was fulfilling and she was involved with many different clubs and organizations. She volunteered with the Rotaract Club of the University of the Bahamas (2019-2020). She was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success, an international leadership and honour society (2020). She joined the Student Government and served as both the Deputy Secretary General (20202021) and Secretary General (2021-2022). She was the Student Trustee on the University of the Bahamas Board of Trustees (2022-2023), and she was the Vice President of the Graduating Class Council (2022-2023).

Shapreka definitely left her mark at the University of the Bahamas and the lessons she learned at UB, she said, will have a lasting impact on her life.

UB Student Government Association Board Members 2021-2022.

Shapreka Clarke, BS in Nursing with Distinction (Wearing the Board of Trustee Regalia).

Shapreka with Board of Trustee Members and Members of Parliament and the Senate.

Prime Minister Davis pointed out that, in a world that was increasingly digital, his Government recognized the need to streamline processes and make it easier for consumers to give evidence. To that end, he said, the Bill included provisions to allow for virtual testimony, which will expedite investigations and support convenience for consumers.

“The proposed legislation also empowers the Consumer Commission to issue Advisory Notices in situations where harmful practices to consumers are identified,” he added. “We believe these notices will serve as a valuable tool in preventing harmful business practices and educating consumers about potential risks.”

Prime Minister Davis noted that a significant change under the new Bill was the mandatory licensing and registration of providers. Failure to comply will result in penalties, encouraging businesses to operate within the boundaries of law and promoting a culture of accountability, he added.

“The Bill includes stringent provisions against misleading and deceptive conduct, harassment, and coercion,” he said. “We want to create a marketplace where consumers can engage with confidence and without fear.”

“A critical aspect of the Bill is the restriction of pyramid selling and the obligation for businesses to state the full costs of goods or services,” he added. “These measures will help ensure that consumers are not exploited or deceived.”

Prime Minister Davis stated that the Bill seek to repeal sections that no longer serve their purpose, including those on approved and non-approved services and businesses offering repair services. Updating the laws to respond to changed conditions, he added, allowed his Government to ensure the people were served effectively.

“As we continue to usher The Bahamas into the digital age, this Bill also enhances our ability to oversee distance selling and payment arrangements,” Prime Minister Davis said. “With the growth of online commerce, it’s vital that we maintain robust checks and balances, ensuring that every transaction is fair and transparent.”

“Additionally, the Bill expands on the powers of the Minister to make necessary regulations to protect consumers effectively,” he added. “This is crucial as it provides us with the flexibility to adapt and respond swiftly to emerging challenges and opportunities in the marketplace.”

The enactment of the Bill signaled a “significant shift” in his Government’s approach to consumer protection, Prime Minister Davis said. He added that they were aiming for an inclusive economy where everyone had access to safe, quality goods and services at a fair price.

“The Bill goes beyond enhancing the rights of consumers; it is about improving the lives of Bahamians,” Prime Minister Davis said. “It’s about ensuring that when a young Bahamian entrepreneur sets up his first business, he does so in a marketplace that values fairness and transparency.”

“It is about ensuring that when a Bahamian family invests in a new home, they do so with the

confidence that their rights as consumers will be respected and protected,” he added. “It’s about creating an environment where businesses thrive on the principles of fair competition and customer satisfaction.

Prime Minister Davis noted that consumer protection was not just about trade, it was about people.

“It is about building a nation where everyone, regardless of their social or economic standing, can confidently participate in the marketplace,” he said.

“In a broader sense, it’s about the kind of country we want to be,” he added. “A country where trust is the cornerstone of our marketplace, where businesses and consumers interact with mutual respect and understanding. A country that values and upholds the rights and dignity of every individual.”

Prime Minister Davis said that, through that Bill, his Government aimed to empower consumers to make informed decisions, to assert their rights, and to seek redress when those rights are violated. That, in turn, will encourage businesses to uphold the highest standards of integrity, fostering a vibrant and fair economy, he added.

“The Consumer Protection Bill is about building a Bahamas where consumers are informed, businesses are accountable, and the marketplace is a space of fairness and trust,” Prime Minister Davis said. “It’s about creating a culture of consumer rights and responsibilities, where every transaction is an opportunity to demonstrate respect and fairness.”

“This bill is more than just legislation — it is a testament to our commitment to the Bahamian people,” he added. “It is about ensuring our nation’s prosperity and our people’s well-being.”

“It is about creating an economy that values and protects its consumers, a resilient, inclusive, and fair economy.”

Prime Minister Davis said that, in tabling the Consumer Protection Bill 2023, his Government was making a strong statement about the future it envisioned for The Bahamas.

“As we discuss and debate this bill, let us keep at the forefront of our minds the people we serve –the Bahamian people,” he said. “Let us remember that this Bill is not just about rules and regulations, it is about their lives, their rights, and their future.”

“I am proud to present this Bill, confident that it will set the stage for a more secure, equitable, and prosperous Bahamas.”

Source: By ERIC ROSE, BIS - (BIS Photos/Ulric Woodside)

Calendar Event Markers!

• July 7th - 10th - Deep Creek Haulers Fishing Festival - Deep Creek Haulers Fishing Festival - This event is an annual tradition of hauling Jack fish by a net as a team initiative. Activities include games, live entertainment, and local bands. (Contact: Mr. Selvin Richards, (242) 558-3418)

• July 7th - 11th - Savannah Sound Homecoming - Locals and visitors enjoy time together as family and friends in the community. Down-home food, beverages, and live entertainment that what will keep everyone moving! (Contact: Ms. Philippa Kelly, (242) 447-5939)

• July 7th - 11th - The Bluff Homecoming - The Bluff Homecoming Development Committee is celebrating 28 years. This is a way to welcome back descendants, and visitors to the island. Funds raised assist with further developments within the settlement.

(Contact: Ms. Simone Neily, (242) 4316220, thebluffdevelopmentcommittee@ gmail.com)

• July 9th - 10th - 50th Bahamas Independence Celebrations - Bahamians everywhere will come together on their various islands to demonstrate pride for their nation and enjoy a night of fellowship and enjoyment. (Contact: Administrator’s Office, (242) 332-2112 Governors Harbour)

• July 28th - 29th - Bannerman Town Festival - This event is a way to bring descendants back home to enjoy good times with families and friends. Locals and visitors enjoy live entertainment, activities, and real downhome food. (Contact: Mr. George Bullard, (242) 470-2177 Bannerman Town)

Novel products, misleading information threaten to undo decades of gains against tobacco use Says PAHO

Washington, DC, May 29, 2023 (PAHO)- While the percentage of the population using tobacco in the Americas declined from 28% to 16.3% between 2000 and 2020, novel products and misleading information from the tobacco industry, especially targeting young people, threaten to undo those gains. On the eve of World No Tobacco Day (31 May), the Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, called for effective policies to protect young people.

“The tobacco industry and its allies do not rest. Currently, they spread a lot of misleading information that promotes, especially among young people, the use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products,” Dr. Barbosa said. “Although eight countries in the region have banned the marketing of e-cigarettes and four of heated tobacco products, we are concerned that 14 countries have not yet taken any regulatory action in this regard,” he added.

E-cigarettes are the most common form of electronic nicotine delivery. Their emissions contain nicotine and other toxic substances that are harmful to both users and those exposed to them.

To address the growing health threat posed by these products, the PAHO Director called on countries to implement policies to prevent their use, especially among young people, as they can become the gateway to regular tobacco consumption.

Tobacco use kills one million people per year in the Americas, one every 34 seconds. In addition, 15% of cardiovascular disease deaths, 24% deaths from cancer and 45% of deaths from chronic respiratory diseases are attributable to tobacco use. In the region, 11% of young people use tobacco.

Progress in Tobacco Control in the Americas:

Since the entry into force of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2005, the region has made great strides in tobacco prevention and control. Currently, 96% of the population in 35 countries in the region is protected by at least one of the six recommended tobacco control measures.

In 2020, South America became the first 100% smoke-free sub-region –where there is a total ban on smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces,

and on public transport. Mexico also adopted the 100% smoke-free environment policy by the end of 2021 and banned all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. As a result, 63% of the population of the Americas – or more than 600 million people – are now protected from exposure to tobacco smoke.

In addition, in 2022, Paraguay ratified the Protocol to Eliminate the Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, which will boost regional efforts in this area.

“These achievements allow us to be confident that the region of the Americas will reach the target of a 30% reduction in the prevalence of tobacco use in those over 15 years of age by 2025, established in the WHO’s Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases,” Dr. Barbosa said.

But to expedite progress, the PAHO Director considered it “urgent to accelerate efforts to implement key measures that have fallen behind, including tax increases, a total ban on the advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco-products, and the adoption of mechanisms to manage conflicts of interest,”

World No Tobacco Day 2023:

World No Tobacco Day was created by WHO Member States in 1987 and is commemorated every 31 May. The aim is to raise

awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke. The theme of this year’s World No Tobacco Day is Grow Food, Not Tobacco.

“I call on all PAHO Member States to accelerate the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, including to support economically viable alternative activities to tobacco cultivation and environmental protection,” Dr. Barbosa said.

NAtioNAl tRADE poliCy

areas within the blue, green, and orange economies, while strengthening our domestic competitiveness through the creation of more service-oriented, faster processes combined with greater education and support for local businesses.”

Chairman Galanis credited the extensive consultation process done over the past two years with local businesses, trade experts, and other stakeholders for the comprehensiveness of the Policy. “We have held numerous formal and informal sessions with local businesses of all sizes and in all relevant industries, securing vital stakeholder input that played a big role in the crafting of the policy. The document we have today reflects that input, as well as the inclusion of input from top local and international experts. As a result, we have developed a trade framework that addresses local needs and is responsive to global demand.”

Moving forward, Mr. Galanis encouraged all local businesses who are interested in participating in international trade or expanding the extent of their trade activity to reach out to the Trade Commission

to learn more about the Policy and upcoming opportunities for enrichment. He also welcomed all industry stakeholders to continue to work collaboratively with the government as the policy is rolled out, so that all initiatives continue to reflect the needs and input of Bahamian businesses.

“Most trade is conducted by businesses, not the Government, and affects the lives of the Bahamian people, so it will take the joint efforts of both the Government, as well as the private sector, to truly encourage economic diversification in the country. I encourage you all to take an interest in trade and to learn more about the importance of trade to helping us building a stronger economy.”

Those who wish to learn more about the National Trade Policy can download a copy of the policy at https://moea.gov.bs/the-bahamas-national-trade-policy.

Source: Bahamas Ministry of Economic Affairs

Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

NEW oiC of tHE Rbpf iN ElEutHERA

both many years ago. After taking up his post in mid-April, he had to return to Grand Bahama for two weeks. So, at the time of the interview, he had spent just three-weeks on island, and had yet to complete a full familiarization tour of his new hundred-mile-long division.

Sharing several of the issues and challenges for policing that he had observed since joining the team here, OIC Henfield said, “One of the biggest challenges that I see here, with my years of experience in traffic, is speeding. Speed is a major problem for the island. Licensing of vehicles is another issue to pay attention to. Those two stood out immediately - having been in traffic for so long.”

With several internal accidents during the past several years, the depletion of transportation resources, resulting in a divisional fleet deficit of at least four vehicles, was another challenge noted, and one that highlighted the need to first set the example, as police, for safe driving, and to take care of current resources.

Concerning the recent shootings on the island, beginning with the murder in Hatchet Bay on April 10th, 2023, which took the life of Leroy Bethel, OIC Henfield commented that two men, also of Hatchet Bay, were arraigned and charged for the murder on April 14th. Another shooting in Hatchet Bay on April 27th, 2023, which resulted in a 32 year-old man being shot about his lower body, was said to be still under investigation up to print time. Yet another shooting on Sunday, May 14th in the James’ Cistern area, resulting in a 22 year-old man from Governor’s Harbour being injured to his lower body, while riding his motorcycle, was also still under investigation at print time. In Harbour Island, following a fourth shooting incident, two people

were also charged in May for ‘wantonly discharging a firearm’.

When asked about the RBPF’s relationship with Immigration on the island, in light of the illegal immigration challenges being experienced, OIC Henfield commented, “There are some challenges that we have, and one of the priorities in the Policing Plan is to work with our counterparts, so that we can combat these issues. I have had an opportunity to meet all the government agency department heads, so, now it’s just getting settled in. Immigration has been working with us. We have had several operations so far, where they have partnered with us.”

Commenting on the incidents of house breakins on island, OIC Henfield informed that since he had taken office, there had been very few incidences. He expressed his awareness that there had been challanges in the Banks Road area in the past, but more recently, those incidents were much lower. In the case of drugs, Ch/Supt Henfield said his team had been hitting the road for a number of weeks, and on average were recording as many as six arrests weekly for possession of drugs, and some arrests for the ‘intent to supply’. “We know that the drugs are here, so, it is a matter of keeping officers on the street, because we don’t want people to believe that you can ride from Rock Sound in the south to north Eleuthera, and you are not going to encounter the police. That is the only way that we can discourage it,” said Henfield.

As he goes forward in his new position, OIC Henfield, commented that he would like to revitalize a number of the programs that faltered on the island during the pandemic, including the likes of the Eleuthera Royal Youth Corps, as well as the

robust Marching Band program. Officer Pratt, who has been assigned to work between Central and South Eleuthera with the bands, he said, is doing an awesome job. “It is now just a matter of time, before we can get the band in the north back up and running,” he added.

Another goal, said OIC Henfield is supplementing the resource gap on the island with technology that can assist. “No island ever has enough resources, like manpower, to do the things that you want to do. I think Eleuthera is at the point where it can take a CC TV program, which assists in areas strategically where we cannot have police... Take the shooting that happened in Hatchet Bay, which is pretty much, a one road in and one road out. If we had a camera in Hatchet Bay, we would be able to see what type of vehicle went in, and possibly even make out the plate. And we would have known the direction they would have gone. So, it gives the police an advantage. I think Eleuthera can take the technology, because it is a developing community.”

Henfield stated that his team is also taking a keen interest in monitoring the mailboats, and everything that comes in. With heightened economic activity on Eleuthera, he commented that more people were coming on to the island from other areas, and they needed to stay on top of those movements.

To the Eleuthera community, the new OIC expressed that former OIC Shanta Knowles had done an excellent job during her tenure, and that there were a number of things that she had left in place that he would look to build on. So, he expressed his thanks to her for a smooth transition.

Minister of Transport & Housing urges greater caution on the roadways

The Minister of Transport & Housing, Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis, in a statement released on May 30th, 2023, expressed deep concern about the reported rise in traffic accident fatalities in The Bahamas.

During the first five months of 2021, the number of traffic fatalities was 13. In 2022, the number of traffic fatalities rose to 19. So far for 2023, the number of fatalities stand at 22. This, she says, is a worrying trend.

Of the reported fatalities so far for 2023, most of the victims were the driver of a vehicle and 59 percent were under the age of 35. Approximately, 78 percent of the fatal traffic accidents occurred between the hours of 4:00pm to 8:00am, with the majority occurring on the streets of New Providence and Grand Bahama.

The number of females that died in traffic accidents so far for 2023 is 8. This is a dramatic increase to the 3 fatalities in 2022 and the 1 female

fatality in 2021.

Considering the reported fatalities, Minister of Transport & Housing as well as the Road Traffic Department are urging members of the public to exercise extreme caution on the roadways.

Eleuthera stats:

Eleuthera has not been immune to this dangerous trend. Royal Bahamas Police Force Traffic Division Commander - Chief Superintendent David Lockhart was in Eleuthera during January of 2023 to sound the alarm to residents. Traffic fatality statistics jumped from one person in 2021 to 7 people dying on the roads in Eleuthera during 2022. The number of traffic crashes, with much higher figures, also saw a tremendous jump year-on-year.

In 2022, on Eleuthera there were a combined 207 traffic crashes (including, as they are categorized: crashes only, accidents with injuries and serious accidents).

Most of these crashes, said Commander Lockhart, should not have happened. “They happened because somebody was doing something other than paying attention to driving their vehicle, when they should have been paying attention to the road.”

Members of the public are urged to always drive within the speed limit, wear seatbelts and obey all traffic laws. Do not drive a vehicle if you are under the influence of alcohol. Do not use mobile devices while driving. Slow down. Drive safe to arrive alive.

Source: Ministry of Transport & Housing

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. The Month of May was deemed Safer Communities month. During the month, a number of special operations and road checks were conducted, as a result, approximately seven hundred (700) vehicles were inspected, Motorist were cited for sixty (60) traffic infractions. Officers have arrested Twenty three (23) persons in separate incidents for possession of dangerous drugs and other Offences.

Drug Arrests

• On Monday 1st May 2023 at 6:50pm whilst at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station Officers arrested and caution an adult male suspect reference to possession of dangerous drugs, he was processed and charged with that offence.

• On Tuesday 2nd May, 2023 at about 1:20pm, Officers were on patrol in the area of South Street, Harbour Island, when they found a small clear plastic bag containing suspected marijuana. This incident remains under investigation.

• On Friday 5th May, 2023 at about 10:50pm, Officers reported arresting an adult male after he was found in possession of a quantity of suspected Marijuana. He was transported to the Harbour Island Police Station where he was processed and charged.

• On Friday 5th May, 2023 at about 10:05pm Officers arrested and cautioned an adult female after she was found in possession of a quantity of suspected marijuana . She was transported to the Governor’s Harbour Police Station where she was processed and charged for that offence.

• On Tuesday 9th May, 2023 at about 6:05am Officers executed a search warrant on the residence of an adult male of Cupids Cay

Governors Harbour. As a result, two adult males were arrested for possession of suspected marijuana. They were later processed and charged with that offence.

• On Wednesday, 10th May 2023 sometime around 7:20am, Officers came in at Rock Sound Police Station with an adult male and reported he was arrested and cautioned while on Queen’s Highway, Rock Sound reference to possession of dangerous drugs. He appeared to be in good health.

• On Wednesday, 10th May 2023 sometime around 7:20am, Officers came in at Rock Sound Police Station with an adult male and reported he was arrested and cautioned while on Queen’s Highway, Rock Sound after he was found in possession of suspected marijuana. He was subsequently processed and charged for that offence.

• On Wednesday, 10th May 2023 sometime around 10:23am, Officers came in at Rock Sound Police Station with an adult male and reported he was arrested and cautioned while on Queen’s Highway, Green Castle after he was found in possession of a quantity of suspected marijuana.

• On Friday 12th May 2023 sometime around 11:30pm, Officers came in at Rock Sound Police Station with an adult male and reported he was arrested and cautioned while on Queen’s Highway, Waterford reference to possession of dangerous drugs. The suspect was subsequently processed and charged with that offence.

• On Friday 12thMay, 2023 sometime around 11:50pm, Officers came in at Rock Sound Police Station with adult male and reported he was arrested and cautioned while on Queen’s Highway, Waterford after he was found in possession of a quantity of suspected marijuana. The suspect was subsequently processed and

RBPF Reports

charged with that offence.

• On Friday 12th May, 2023 sometime around 10:23am, Officers came in at Rock Sound Police Station with an adult male and reported that he was arrested and cautioned while on Queen’s Highway, Green Castle after he was found in possession of a quantity of suspected marijuana. The suspect was later processed and charged with that offence.

• Sometime around 5:05pm on Monday the 15th May 2023, Officers came in at the Governors Harbour Police Station with an adult male under arrest. They reported that the suspect was arrested and cautioned while in the area of the Government Dock, Governor’s Harbour, after he was found in possession of suspected marijuana. The suspect was later processed and charged.

• On Wednesday 17th May 2023 at about 7:48pm, Officers came in at the Governors Harbour Police Station with an adult male under arrest. They reported that the suspect was arrested and cautioned while in the area of the Cupids Cay, Governor’s Harbour, after he was found in possession of quantity of suspected marijuana.

• Sometime around 7:55pm on Friday the 19th May 2023, Officers came in at the Governors Harbour Police Station with an adult male and an adult female they reported that both persons were arrested and cautioned at about 7:05pm same date while at Queens Highway, Hatchet Bay after they were found in possession of a quantity of suspected marijuana. Both suspects have been processed and charged.

• On Friday 19th May, 2023 at 3:50pm, Officers executed a search warrant on the residence of an adult male during the search, officers recovered several packages of suspected marijuana in the residence. As a result, two adult males were arrested and cautioned for possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply. Both suspects were later processed and charged with that offence.

• On Saturday 20th May, 2023 Officers came in at the Governors Harbour Police Station with an adult male reporting that he was arrested in the area of Cupids Cay after he was found in possession

of a quantity of suspected marijuana. The suspect was processed and charged with that offence.

• On Saturday 20th May 2023, sometime around 8:25pm, Officers arrested and cautioned an adult male while in the area of Queens Highway, Green Castle, after he was found in possession of a quantity of suspected marijuana. The suspect was later processed and charged with that offence.

• On Saturday 20th May 2023, sometime around 8:25pm, Officers came in at Rock Sound Police Station with an adult male under arrest. Officers reported that while conducting road traffic checks reference to “Operation Safer Communities in the area of Queens Highway, Waterford, they arrested and cautioned the suspect after he was found in possession of a quantity of suspected marijuana. The suspect was later processed and charged with that offence.

• On Saturday 20th May 2023, sometime around 8:25pm, Officers came in at Rock Sound Police Station with an adult male under arrest. Officers reported that while conducting road traffic checks reference to “Operation Safer Communities”, the suspect was arrested and cautioned sometime around 8:00pm, while on Queens Highway, Waterford, after he was found in possession of a quantity of suspected marijuana. He was later processed and charged with that offence.

• Sometime around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday 25/5/23, Officers came in at Spanish Wells Police Station with an adult male suspect. They reported executing a search warrant on his residence where a quantity of suspected marijuana was recovered. The suspect was later charged with that offence.

Firearm Arrest

On Saturday 20th May 2023, sometime around 8:25pm, Officers came in at Governor’s Harbour Police Station with an adult male and an adult female under arrest. Officers reported that while conducting road traffic checks reference to “Operation Safer Communities”, they were arrested and cautioned sometime around 1:00am, while on Queens Highway, Palmetto Point, after they was found in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

They were later processed and charged with that offence.

These operations will continue throughout the Island as Officers seek to heighten police visibility, reduce the number of serious traffic accidents and discourage criminal behaviour in our communities.

Eleuthera Police Reports

Provided by RBPF New Providence----------------

** FIREARM AND DANGEROUS DRUGS CONFISCATED: SUSPECT ARRESTED**

Police on the island of Eleuthera have arrested a 59 year old male, for Possession of Dangerous Drugs along with an Unlicensed Firearm and Ammunition. The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday May 6th 2023. According to information received, sometime around 2:45.a.m. officers attached to the Harbour Island Division, executed a search warrant on a residence located in the area of Dunmore and Munnings Street. While doing so, a

P O l i C e C O NTACT

N U MB e R S

Head Quarters (GH) 332-3500

Governor’s Harbour 332-2111 OR 332-2117

O/C Governor’s Harbour 332-2723

Gov.Harb. Airport Station 332-2323

Deep Creek Station 334-8207

Tarpum Bay Station 334-4033

Rock Sound Station 334-2244

Rock Sound Sgt. Office 334-2212

Rock Sound Airport Stn 334-2052

L. Bogue Station (Airport) 335-1208

Harbour Island Station 333-2111

O/C Harbour Island 333-2327

Spanish Wells Station 333-4030

Gregory Town Station 335-5322

Hatchet Bay Station 335-0086

Community Building Appreciate This !

The Prince Hall Affiliate (PHA) District 2 and 3, brothers and sisters, came together recently to assist with a playground sanding project at the P.A. Gibson Primary School in Hatchet Bay. The group, led by District Deputy Grand Master (DDGM) Javarro “JJ” Kemp, along with Fredrick Jolly and Jatinda Butler, is a global, non-profit organization, with the aim, says Mr. Kemp, of aiding and assisting the community where they can. The group, spearheaded by Junior Wardens, Denario Evans and Garon “Big G” Brown, said they plan to continue to go into a number of Eleuthera communities to help the people within them.

quantity of suspected marijuana along with a high powered weapon and ammunition were discovered. Subsequently, a male residents was arrested and taken into police custody. Investigations continue into this matter.

* *POLICE ADVISORY ON COUNTERFEIT NOTES **

Police would like to advise members of the public, that the island of Eleuthera is experiencing an influx of counterfeit $50.00 and $100.00 notes. This nefarious action by persons is happening in the Central district of Eleuthera. Such actions, has caused economic loss to many small businesses on the island. For this reason, officers attached to the Eleuthera Division are urging members of the public to be vigilant when handling paper cash. If there is doubt, business owners are advised to contact the police as soon as practicable. Anyone with information that can assist the police in arresting the person/s involved can contact 332-2117 or 332-3500.

**POLICE INVESTIGATE SHOOTING INCIDENT**

Police on the island of Eleuthera, seeks the public’s assistance in locating suspects believed to be responsible for a shooting, which has resulted in a 22 year old male resident of Governors Harbour being injured. The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday May 14th 2023. According to information received, sometime around 10:28.p.m the victim was riding his motorcycle in the settlement of James Cistern. While doing so, occupants of a white truck opened fire on him, which resulted in the victim receiving injuries to the lower body. The suspects then sped off in a southern direction making good their escape. Subsequently, the victim was examined at the local clinic and then air lifted to the capital for further treatment at PMH. Investigations continue into this matter.

Police are appealing to members of the public who may have any information as it pertains to this incident or any other matter, to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 502-9991-3 or 919.

**POLICE CONFISCATE DANGEROUS DRUGS: SUSPECT

ARRESTED**

Police on the island of Eleuthera have arrested a 45 year old male resident of Gregory Town for Possession of Dangerous Drugs. The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday May 18th 2023. Preliminary information revealed, that sometime around 9:50.p.m officers attached to Operation Safer Communities, conducted saturation patrols throughout the island. During this time, the driver of a silver Japanese vehicle was stopped and searched. While doing so, packages of suspected marijuana and cocaine were discovered. As a result, the male was arrested and taken into police custody. The marijuana weighed in at 3lbs with an estimated street value of $3,000 and the cocaine weighed 15 ounces. Police investigations continue into this matter.

POLICE CONFISCATE FIREARM & AMMUNITION: SUSPECTS ARRESTED**

Officers from the Eleuthera Division arrested an adult male and female after they were found in possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition on Sunday, 28th May, 2023. Preliminary

reports indicated that shortly after midnight, officers while in the area of Queens Highway and Church Street, conducted a search of a Black Kia Forte, occupied by the suspects, where they discovered the firearm. Active police investigations continue.

**SUSPECT ARRESTED FOR DANGEROUS DRUGS**

Police on Harbour Island arrested a 46-year-old male after a quantity of dangerous drugs was discovered in his home on Sunday, 28th May 2023. Initial reports indicated that shortly after 2:00 a.m., officers acting on intelligence executed a search warrant on a residence located Chapel and Barrack Streets when they made the discovery; the adult male was taken into police custody and is assisting police with this investigation. The drugs weighed an estimated three (3) pounds with an estimated street value of $3,000.00. Active police investigations continue.

Prince Hall Affiliate, District 2 and 3, brothers and sisters at P. A. Gibson Primary in Hatchet Bay.

RbDf RANGERs iN ElEutHERA

About the program and what the students would have experienced this past year, CPO Rolle said, “First and foremost, discipline. We focus on discipline as the end result we want is to produce caring, and productive citizens of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas - somebody who has respect for law and order, and authority. The training is comprised of a number of core values, as well as learning about knots, bends and hitches, pledges and mottos - they went on field trips and camping.” He added, “Some of these kids had never been camping before. It wasn’t all fun, as they had to walk about 12 miles to get to one point, and even further to get to another point. And at the end of it they had to do a qualifying swim. It was a survival swim with a life jacket, after jumping over board.”

Core people who were instrumental in ensuring the success of the program in the different schools, highlighted Rolle, were “Mrs. Bullard in North Eleuthera - she is top of the list. I have no hesitation in saying that. She has been doing a stellar job here in North Eleuthera. She coordinates Spanish Wells, Harbour Island and North Eleuthera, and I know she is tired. So, we do need more people to step up who can assist and fill some of the gaps for her. She can’t continue to

do it all by herself - even though she has done it so far.”

Rolle also highlighted a few of the principals and school advisors whose cooperation the program could not have done without during the past year - all contributing to its success and turning possibility into reality for the Rangers in Eleuthera. They included, principal Mrs. Chardel Brown-Gibson of North Eleuthera High School, principal Mr. Kevin Hepburn of Central Eleuthera High School, school advisor Mrs. Gail Mullins of Samuel Guy Pinder All Age school in Spanish Wells, and a number of other people - key to the Rangers program. “All of them, they need more support.” Key to the continued success of the program in North Eleuthera, and particularly in Harbour Island, emphasized Officer Rolle, would be the growth of both parental and school volunteers, willing to assist. “The school needs to step in and support the program more.”

The Rangers program, was also set to expand in the new school year, beginning in September 2023, said CPO Rolle. “We are expanding to Rock Sound, Eleuthera, come September. They have asked us to facilitate the program at the Preston Albury High School. So, we are spreading our wings.” This expansion, he acknowledged would see the Rangers

Program involved in all the public high schools on Eleuthera.

Petty Officer Marco King, originally from Savannah Sound, was in charge of the instruction team for the Rangers Program within the Eleuthera District, informed CPO Rolle. King, he added, along with a wider team of fifteen officers were instrumental in seeing the program to a successful conclusion this year. Able Woman Marine Phylicia Sargent, was also a lead instructor, for the Eleuthera program, and she, along with the other officers from New Providence, rotated onto the island throughout the year. They worked with all four of the schools, with officers traveling to the island every other week. Instructors would assist at Central Eleuthera High on Thursday, Friday and Saturday - every two weeks, and in North Eleuthera, visiting instructors every second week would be in Harbour Island on a Wednesday, in Spanish Wells on the Thursday, at North Eleuthera High on the Friday - then a joint practice with all three schools took place on Saturdays.

Speaking directly to parents throughout Eleuthera CPO Rolle challenged, “As we know, the devil finds work for idle hands. If you are looking for a wholesome program for your child. I suggest you enroll them into the Rangers program.”

Special Award Recipients:

Minister of National Security Award (Awarded to the cadet who best displays Exemplary Character

and Leadership.):

• Kanaysha Reckley (North Eleuthera High School); and Charity Knowles (Central Eleuthera High School).

Rangers Director Award (Chosen by the Director as the cadet who most exemplifies the principles of military discipline and the RBDF Core Values):

• Cameron Pinder (Samuel Guy Pinder All Age School); and Lyric Johnson (Central Eleuthera High School)

Academic Achievement Award (Awarded to the cadets who achieve 3.00 to a 3.49 grade point average):

Samuel Guy Pinder All Age School

• Lovelline Joseph (3.00),

• Sanny St. Phard (3.00),

• Cardinal Roberts (3.10), and

• Isabella Weech (3.22).

North Eleuthera High School -

• Josiah Cartwright (3.27),

• Tayah Minnis (3.06), and

• Dayna Lewis (3.24).

Harbour Island All Age School -

• Andrea James (3.17)

Central Eleuthera High School

• Shemar Walker (3.13),

• Camilo Cooper (3.21),

• Charity Knowles (3.33), and

• Eckward Ferguson (3.45).

Above: 2022-2023 Class of RBDF Rangers from Samuel Guy Pinder All Age, Harbour Island All Age, North Eleuthera High, and Central Eleuthera High, stand with RBDF Officials and Instructors, joined by representatives from Local Government, the Ministry of Education, and MP for Central and South Eleuthera, the Hon. Clay Sweeting (center front).

Bahamian Environmental Stewards receive Scholarship Opportunity of a lifetime

After a rigorous application process the newly selected Bahamas Environmental Steward Scholars are selected and ready for hands-on research and in-person learning through the Bahamas Environmental Stewards Scholars (BESS) programme.

Applicants from around The Bahamas competed for coveted seats in this gap year programme offered in partnership by the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) and The Island School.

The two scholars for the 2023-2024 BESS Programme are Maya Lindeman from Windsor School and Christian Clarke from Loganville High School in Georgia. Fully funded by The Island School, each scholar will participate in a life-changing experiential Semester on the Island School’s Eleuthera campus and a four-month paid internship with BREEF.

While interning at BREEF the scholars will participate in work experience with organizations including; Bahamas Marine Mammal Research Organisation, IDEA Relief and Blue Lagoon.

Sharing a bit of his fascination with how environment works, ahead of his internship, Christian, commented, “The environment is a captivating and intricate system that never ceases to amaze me. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the environment is its interconnectivity - everything within it is intertwined in some way. For example, plants and animals depend on each other for survival, and any modifications to a single component of the environment can trigger a chain reaction that echoes throughout the entire ecosystem.”

Maya, expressing her hopes for her upcoming experience and the future, said, “I have always harbored a deep passion and appreciation for the natural environment and the bountiful beauty it graces us with. Currently, we are facing a potential environmental collapse, therefore I have made it a priority and a personal goal to help people alter their perspective on the protection of our natural habitats. So often, we take nature’s plentiful resources for granted, hence I think that it is vital to have conversations around our impact on the Earth and bring awareness towards the impending climate crisis, an issue many are not aware of. Right now, I am able to look out of my window and see my beautiful Bahama land. I love these islands, and I want future generations to be able to look out of their windows 50 years from today and enjoy the same pristine waters and lush greenery that we enjoy now. I want to be a voice of change in this space.”

Recognizing the growing need to problem solve in a rapidly changing world, BREEF and The Island School said they mentor these independent students through solutions-based learning and scientific research internships. Upon comple-

tion of the programme, each scholar, said BREEF, will be well equipped to lead The Bahamas into a more sustainable future.

Since 2008, 61 young Bahamians have benefitted from this educational experience, with most scholars going on to pursue related tertiary studies or being currently employed in the environmental field.

2022-2023 BESS Scholars Graduate from programme:

Asia Butler and Gayle Burrows recently graduated from the BESS programme. Throughout their time on the BREEF internship they gained valuable knowledge and skills and said that they truly enjoyed immersing themselves into the marine environment and creating active change in the community through the BESS programme.

“The BESS experience has opened so many doors for me in the marine conservation path. If I could, I would do it all over again because I would have not made it this far without the people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had along the way,” said Gayle about her time spent in the programme. Asia also shared, “The BESS scholarship program is a unique experience. It showed me what it takes and the importance of being an environmental educator. My knowledge about the environment has also expanded in many ways that I will carry with me for years to come.”

New BESS Scholar - Maya Lindeman

Graduate BESS Scholar - Asia Butler

Graduate BESS Scholar - Gayle Burrows

New BESS Scholar - Christian Clarke

North Eleuthera Nurses Month Initiatives emphasizing compassion, empathy & love

Nurse Bianca Edwards, and her nursing colleagues who serve on mainland, North Eleuthera organized a number of activities during the month of May, recognized globally as Nurses Month, to celebrate their relationship with the community, and to highlight the awareness of their goals for health services in the area.

Commenting on the nurses in general and the service they perform daily on the island, Nurse Edwards expressed, “Nursing is about compassion, empathy, and love. Nursing is having integrity and going above the call of duty. We are the gatekeepers of health. Family island nursing is unique. We have to improvise most times, but we get the job done either way. Tireless nights and days, yet we still push. We are God’s earthly angels here on Earth to guide and protect His people.”

Along with a clean-up campaign, and a walkabout done to reach out to community members in North Eleuthera, the nursing team also hosted prayer sessions via Zoom, each Monday in the month. The sessions, which were open to all nurses and residents were said to have been very motivational and inspirational. The speakers who took time to lead these sessions each week, included; Rev. Helena Bethel, Pastor Brenda Johnson, Rev. April Miller, Pastor Clarice Thompson, and Dr. Apostle Sandra Smith.

Another initiative kickstarted by the medical team of North Eleuthera mainland in May was the launch of its first Community Health Advisory Committee. Forming the committee, said Nurse Edwards, has been a vision for the past two years. She shared, “I am thankful to God for allowing us to launch it. I hope the committee is implemented throughout Eleuthera and acts as a blueprint/ model for others to follow. It is imperative that the

health team collaborate and create innovative partnerships among people within the community. The committee will focus on meeting the vast health concerns affecting our community, by implementing activities and strategies to address factors influencing the community’s health. The committee will focus on some of the social determinants of health, defining a “healthier North Mainland” that includes: a healthy environment and housing, healthy food through the implementation of backyard gardening, improved safety, mental health, and quality healthcare, among other health aspects.”

Nurse Edwards said that the Health Advisory Committee will look to partner with schools, churches, Social Services, local government, businesses, the Disabled Association, as well as other clinics.

The Committee, formally launched on May 5th, has as its members; Chairperson, Rochelle Deveaux; Deputy Chair, Trevor Johnson; Secretary, Agnes Deveaux; Asst Secretary, Gaby Hudson; Treasurer, Michelle Cash; Asst Treasurer, Bradeisha Wallace; Chaplain, Josette IllanJoseph; Public Relations/Communications, Aldred Albury, and Health Coordinators, Dr. Russell and Nurse Edwards.

The clean-up campaign, which was held in The Bluff, took place on May 13th, and was deemed a huge success by the medical team, who expressed their thanks to everyone that came out and supported the effort. On May 18th, the medical team conducted a walk-about through several of the settlements in North Eleuthera mainland, and the nurses expressed

that it was refreshing to be outside the four walls of the clinic setting. Key targets of the walk-about included both the elderly population, as well as the school population.

For making the month of initiatives a success, the medical team thanked a variety of people and entities, including; the Hon. Sylvanus Petty MP; Administrator Stephen Wilson; North Eleuthera Local Government; Nurses, Pastor W. Higgs (Pastor, Charles Wesley Methodist Church), Dr. Russell, Dr. Martin Kemp (Clinic Administrator, North District); the newly elected board members and all governmental, non-governmental and other stakeholders involved. Nurse Agnes Deveaux was also singled out for coordinating the events this year.

New Community Health Advisory Committee launched in North Eleuthera during the month of May.

Medical team in North Eleuthera visiting homes in their area.

Nurses walk-about communities in North Eleuthera.

South Eleuthera All Stars Compete in GB Slow Pitch Tourney

The South Eleuthera All Stars are managed by Mr. Keishawn Morley. Coaches are Andrew Demeritte and Eddie Morley. Players include: Andrey Gardiner Jr., Torreno Thurston, Timothy Cleare Jr., Rekenley Preneus, Montez Horton, Larry McSweeney, Kyrone Morley, Kevaugn Burrows, Hughie Sean Rolle, Ezra Petty Jr., Eugene Bain, Donovan Hall Jr., Donovan Hall Sr., Dillion Ingraham, Daniel Tansey, Cranston Curry, Clement Thompson Jr., Brian “Ninja” Neely, and Alvanno Winder.

Men’s softball team, the ‘South Eleuthera AllStars’ were excited to be able to take part in the Paul “Dingus” Thompson Men & Co-Ed Slow Pitch Invitational Softball Tournament hosted in Grand Bahama during the final week in May, from the 25th to the 28th, 2023.

Traveling with a delegation of about 24 people, which included players from throughout South Eleuthera, as well as managers and coaches, the South Eleuthera All-Stars made their presence known.

Seven teams competed during the weekend of play, with games held at the Grand Bahama Sporting Complex Softball Field in Freeport. Four teams were on their home turf, hailing from Grand Bahama. Two teams participated from the island of New Providence, along with the South Eleuthera All Stars.

Grand Bahama was said to have dominated during the four-day tourney, with Grand Bahamian team, ‘Pat’s Uniform’, winning the top titles in both the Men’s as well as the Co-Ed divisions.

The South Eleuthera All Stars finished with a stat of 3-3, winning three of their match-ups, and conceding the other three.

Although the All Stars were unsuccessful in winning the tournament, they were said to have put in their all and were excited about games to come. The team plans to learn from this experience and continue to develop their skills for the next tournament which team managers said should take place in August.

The South Eleuthera All-Stars’ managers, coaches and players expressed their sincere thanks to the organizers of the Paul Thompson Slow Pitch Invitational tournament held in Grand Bahama - Softball Love (Friends for Life).

Sponsors for the team’s Grand Bahama experience, without whose help the trip would not have been possible, included: One Eleuthera Foundation, Rock Sound Township-Local Government, the Hon. Clay Sweeting MP, Central & South Eleuthera, Marco Carey JP, Ed’s Takeaway and Lounge, the Green Castle Hauler’s Festival, Dove Construction and Juaniko Sands. To these generous individuals, businesses and organizations, the team expressed heartfelt thanks, saying, “We are grateful for your support and look forward to making you proud at our next meet.”

Golden Jubilee ‘Flag Relay’ kicks off on Eleuthera

The National Independence Secretariat marked 50 Days to Independence with a ‘Golden Jubilee Flag Relay’ making its start on Sunday, May 21st, 2023 on the Island of Eleuthera.

A Flag-Raising Ceremony was held at Governor’s Harbour International Airport, led by Family Island Administrator for Central Eleuthera, Earl Campbell.

The National Independence Secretariat Golden Jubilee Flag Relay will take place across the Islands of The Bahamas, where that same Flag will be hoisted in ceremony. It will finally be hoisted in New Providence on July 9th in the celebration and Tattoo event at Clifford Park, ushering in Independence Day on July 10th.

At the start of the relay in Eleuthera: The Opening Prayer for “a thankful nation” was said by Reverend Orlando Thompson.

Hoisting of the National Flag followed, performed by a four-member Colour Guard and band ensemble comprising the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force to the song ‘One God. One People. One Bahamas.’-

Once the Flag was hoisted, students of James’ Cistern Primary School and Central Eleuthera High School led the singing of the National Anthem, ‘March On Bahamaland,’ and the reciting of The Pledge.

Reverend Martin Gaitor delivered the Benediction.

Community leaders who came

Left and Below: Members of the South Eleuthera All Stars Softball team, as they ready to travel to Grand Bahama for the ‘Paul Thompson Slow Pitch Invitational Tournament’.

Community members out to celebrate the Jubilee Flag Relay’s start in Eleuthera on May 21st, 2023.

The Palmetto Point Homecoming Makes A Comeback, Focus On Community Improvement

of the billboard was held on Thursday, May 25th, with Association officials, Ministry of Tourism representatives, and family members of the deceased honourees in attendance.

The remaining nine community honourees were singled out during the official opening ceremony of the Homecoming

Austin Knowles Sr, Barry Culmer, Members of the volunteer HACE EMT Team (Randy Stuart, Jason Thompson, and Neville Sands), Hank Johnson (Founder), Millard Bethel, Addison Cooper, and Cebric “Seabreeze” Bethel.

“This will be an annual thing. Every year we will be honouring at least ten people,” said president, Laura

Palmetto Point Association officials stand with family members of four community honourees, being recognized, posthumously, on May 25th, 2023.

The Palmetto Point Association, which organizes the Palmetto Point Homecoming event, led by president, Laura Culmer, made a comeback this year, with five days of activities, geared at breathing new life into the annual event, last held in 2019.

“During the year of COVID, we had all our plans, but COVID came and it was scratched. So, last year, I called a few people, saying we need to get the Palmetto Point Homecoming back. We had no money, and at that time, no plans - we just wanted to get it off the ground,” said Ms. Culmer.

The first set of support for the return came from afar, said Laura, during a couples gathering fundraiser hosted by a Palmetto Point native in San Diego, USA. The event saw thirty-seven couples take part. “That is how it got started. We got our first set of monies.” Following that, she said, individuals began donating, and the Association also produced a booklet with supporting ads from the community. Major sponsors then came on board for 2023, including; Disney/DCL and Paradise Games - followed by a number of other businesses, she added.

The Homecoming, held at the traditional site on the beach in South Palmetto Point, during the Whit Monday holiday weekend, began on the preceding Wednesday evening, May 24th with prayers for the ground. On Thursday, a bonfire event was held, mainly for families with children, with Mr. Emmett Farrington

from Hatchet Bay performing, and on Friday evening, the ‘Just Us Band’ got the entertainment started, followed by a solo performance by Bahamian artist, Wendi, ahead of performer, Julien Believe.

On Saturday, the iconic floating bar made a come back, along with crazy sports and other activities. Performing on Saturday evening was Nishe LS, known for her local hit song, ‘Loose Me’. Planned activities on Sunday and the Whit Monday holiday, included a Golden Oldies themed Sunday afternoon, with a paid wine and cheese tasting event, and a Family oriented beach day on Monday.

The Palmetto Point Association, has plans to continue to stay active within the community during the upcoming year, stated Ms. Culmer. The vision of the Association, she said, is to improve the community. Some of the plans include a kid’s program, a monthly soup kitchen, adding street lighting to dark areas, assisting with sports facilities, and a whole lot more, she described.

This year, as part of the Homecoming event, the Palmetto Point Association also honoured thirteen people from the Palmetto Point community. Four of the honourees were deceased community stalwarts, including: Muriel Cooper, Bradford Ingraham Sr., Edmund Thompson, and Emma E. Cooper. A special billboard was erected ahead of the Homecoming weekend at the four-way junction in Palmetto Point, featuring these four honourees. A special ceremony to mark the erection

Beginning in July, on every second and fourth Saturday, the Association also plans to begin holding fundraisers at the Homecoming Site. “We want to bring Palmetto Point back to what it used to be,” said Laura.

Above and Below: Crowds out to enjoy the entertainment at the Palmetto Point Homecoming held during the 2023 Whit Monday holiday weekend.

Minister of State in Education: “Career and Technical Education - the Building Block of Successful Countries”

NASSAU, The Bahamas -- Minister of State in the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training the Hon. Zane Lightbourne explained that it is often said that Career and Technical Education is the building block of successful countries.

It is essential that students learn, develop, and master skills that are required in a developing nation, the Minister of State said at the Department of Education’s National Technical Honor Society (NTHS), Bahamas Chapter 4999 Induction Ceremony at National Training Agency on Tuesday, May 23, 2023.

“Therefore, the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training is committed to developing the Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs to ensure that students are ready and able to meet the demand for skilled labor. Effective CTE Programs bridge the gap between high school and the job market.”

He explained that CTE programs (combining academic and technical knowledge with practical workplace skills) ensure that students are also college ready by introducing them to the basics of their preferred career.

The Scholarship Division has secured relationships with more than 45 international colleges and universities that have all committed to offering tuition waivers and discounts to any Bahamian student who has been accepted to attend.

The division also offers The National Technical Scholarship which is awarded to Bahamian students who wish to pursue a course in the technical and vocational field.

The Minister of State said the historic occasion being celebrated was yet another major step in the journey toward advancing career and technical education in The Bahamas.

He said, “The establishment of the Department of Education’s National Honor Society for Career and Technical Education will provide students with over $300,000 in scholarships annually, among other opportunities which will connect education and industry.

“I wish to congratulate the student and teacher honorees of this very first Career and Technical Education Honor Society Induction! Students, use this opportunity as a stepping stone to

improve yourselves and your country.”

The Minister of State noted that the inclusion of “technical and vocational training” in the Ministry’s name is intentional. “We are committed to the advancement of career and technical education by focusing on The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) as the first option for Bahamian students to obtain applied learning and strategic workforce development.

“We are also committed to nationwide access to applied learning by establishing BTVI campuses on more islands. Most recently, myself and other officials from the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training and BTVI held a contract signing in Abaco to renovate the former Dundas Town Primary School to house the new

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flAG RElAy

out in support of the historic event represented a cross-section of the government, the church

BTVI campus. Eleuthera and Exuma are also expected to have fully operational BTVI campuses soon.”

The NTHS is an honour society dedicated to recognizing excellence in career and technical education. The organization serves over 4,000 schools, including high schools, career tech centres, community colleges and private institutions. The NTHS has chapters in all 50 States in the United States, Guam, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and The Bahamas.

The induction ceremony included 190 students. There are 18 schools participating including eight in the Family Islands and incorporates private and public schools. The islands include: New Providence, Grand Bahama, Andros, Eleuthera and Exuma.

and schools, the various adjoining districts, and the National Independence Secretariat in New Providence.

One hundred and ninety students from 18 schools across the country were inducted into the Department of Education’s National Technical Honor Society, Bahamas Chapter 4999, at the National Training Agency, Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023. Minister of State in the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training the Hon. Zane Lightbourne brought remarks. (BIS Photos/Patrice Johnson, Written By LLONELLA GILBERT)

Students of James’ Cistern Primary School and Central Eleuthera High School participated in the Flag Raising ceremony.

episodes, This is Paradise presents a heartwarming narrative set against the stunning tropical backdrop of the island.

Mortimer, the visionary creator of the series, is the executive producer, infusing the project with his unique perspective and creative prowess. Joining him are executive producer Julia Woolley Chatwin, producer Henrietta Edgecombe, and producers Nicole Sylvester and Trevite Willis. The series features an exceptional ensemble cast, including Dana Deveaux, Julia Woolley Chatwin, Michael Olodeye, Timico Sawyer, and Z’haneo Newbold. The dynamic directing team consists of Kareem Mortimer, Henrietta Edgecombe, and Lavado Stubbs, while the enchanting scripts are penned by Tim Papciak, Stephen Hanna, and Kerel Pinder.

“Highlighting and advocating for the diversity of Black cinema has been a core focus throughout my career,” said Gregory Maurice, senior director of global acquisitions & coproductions at Crackle. “This is Paradise showcases a fun and refreshing portrayal of Black people that breaks away from stereotypes. Kareem and his team have made history, and it is an honor for us to be part of this groundbreaking series by presenting it on our platform.”

The premiere of This is Paradise coincides with Caribbean Heritage Month in the United States which is celebrated in June. As streaming platforms increasingly embrace authentic African films and shows, the series presents The Bahamas in its true light, featuring genuine accents and locations outside of Nassau, New Providence. Filming took place on the island of Eleuthera, the first colonized Bahamian island known for its un-

spoiled natural beauty and celebrity residents that included Mariah Carey, the British royal family, and local favorite Lenny Kravitz. It was also the film location of Tyler Perry’s

“Why Did I Get Married, Too?”.

Zhane’o Newbold, a Caribbean social media sensation and comedian known for his Sarge character, described working on the project as incredibly thrilling.

“I was surrounded by a multitude of talented creatives and professionals operating on a grander scale,” said Newbold who plays Walcott in “This Is Paradise”. “Moreover, I am immensely honored to share a slice of this Bahamian history. My hope is that the viewers will have the opportunity to witness the remarkable and varied talent that thrives in the Bahamas, brilliantly expressed through this captivating endeavor.”

Newbold said he wants to establish a profound connection with his audience and enable them to truly engage with the rich essence of Bahamian culture.

“Showcasing our talent on an international platform is an immense opportunity,” added Newbold. “The Bahamas requires greater global visibility, allowing us to establish our unique identity and consistently demonstrate our exceptional abilities. I firmly believe that this is just the start of a remarkable journey towards even greater achievements. My devoted fans have always wished for my triumphs and eagerly anticipate witnessing my expansion into international territories. Their excitement stems from witnessing my growth from humble beginnings to reaching new pinnacles of success.”

Deveaux, who landed the lead role of Kiesha, agrees that being a part of the project is nothing short of amazing.

“There was something very special about working on authentic Baha-

Leading lady of ‘This Is Paradise’ Dana Deveaux films a scene on one of the famous beaches of Eleuthera, Bahamas. Show created by Kareem Mortimer.

Cast members of Kareem Mortimer’s ‘This Is Paradise’ television show on location in Eleuthera, Bahamas. The show has secured a deal with Chicken Soup For The Soul Entertainment’s free streaming service, Crackle, in the USA.

Bahamian comedian Tamico ‘Sawyerboy’ Sawyer and executive producer/actress Julia Woolley Chatwin filming scenes for ‘This Is Paradise’ by Kareem Mortimer.

Award-winning Bahamian filmmaker Kareem Mortimer on location in Eleuthera.

Page.

WHO Director-General Meets with The Bahamas Delegation at WHA

Dr. Tedros thanked The Bahamas for its continued partnership and agreed that it was time to take the WHO partnership with The Bahamas to the next level.

Director-General of the World Health Assembly Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday, May 29th, 2023, commended The Bahamas on completing an ambitious agenda at the 76th World Health Assembly held in Geneva, Switzerland during May 18th – 30th. Dr. Tedros who entertained a courtesy call meeting with the Minister of Health & Wellness Dr. the Honourable Michael R. Darville and select members of the Bahamas delegation described the meeting as “excellent”.

He expressed his positive interest in the Bahamas’ commitment to ‘beating NCD’s’ through taxing sugary products and eliminating trans fats. The Director-General was also keen to learn more about the recruitment of nurses and other healthcare workers by larger, more financially resourced countries and its impact on the delivery of health care in the country. He agreed that more resources need to be earmarked for in-

vesting in training health workforces to address the global shortage.

For his part, Minister Darville also apprised the Director-General on the path for the full implementation of a digital health system in The Bahamas and reiterated the need for SIDS (Small Island Developing States) to have greater access to funding as they balance the realities of significant migration of healthcare workers; many of whom are being reaped even more as a result of the pandemic.

Dr. Tedros thanked The Bahamas for its continued partnership and agreed that it was time to take the WHO partnership with The Bahamas to the next level. He recalled that The Bahamas was one of the last countries he visited before the global COVID-19 pandemic resulted in travel restrictions. He commented on the devastation of Hurricane Dorian contrasted with the beauty of

mian material while utilizing the breathtaking landscape of the island of Eleuthera, which is also a character in the show,” said Deveaux. “It gives viewers a chance to experience the Bahamas in a completely new light, and I think this fresh take is only the beginning of the type of artistic work viewers can expect from Bahamian creatives. There is bigger and better to come - this is just the beginning!”

Deveaux plays one of two women who discover their shared heritage as half-sisters after the sudden passing of their father. United by this revelation, they must come together to rescue their father’s dilapidated hotel in The Bahamas.

“Securing a deal to reach millions of viewers in the United States has been

the country. Dr. Tedros offered that he was looking forward to meeting with and having further discussions with Minister Darville and his team during the upcoming SIDS and NCDs meeting scheduled for mid-June 2023 in Bridgetown, Barbados.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Minister of Health & Wellness pinned Dr. Tedros with a Bahamas’ 50th Anniversary of Independence pin and presented him other Bahamas Independence memorabilia. Dr. Tedros called it a wonderful, shared moment as the WHO is also celebrating its 75th Anniversary.

Joining Minister Darville was Dr. Pearl McMillan, Chief Medical Officer – Ministry of Health & Wellness, Dr. Aubynette Rolle, Managing Director, Public Hospitals Authority and Dr. Phillip Swann, Registrar - Ministry of Health & Wellness.

a long time coming, and we are tremendously grateful,” said Kareem Mortimer, executive producer, and creator. “Joining the Crackle family, associated with Redbox and Chicken Soup For The Soul, surpasses our expectations. This achievement demonstrates that perseverance is worthwhile. I am delighted to work with this incredible team and, as we say, take 242 to the world.”

Source: By Arthia Nixon, The Ambassador Agency

Bahamas delegation, led by Dr. the Hon. Michael R. Darville at the World Health Assembly, meet with Dr. Tedros, Director-General of the World Health Organization.