The Eleutheran Newspaper November/December 2023 Issue

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Volume 16, 11/12, November/December (CHRISTMAS 2023) Issue

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

Harbour Island, Spanish Wells & Eleuthera

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Since 2008 - ‘‘Eleuthera’s most reliable Source of News and Information. We Deliver!’’ Monthly In Print & Daily Online.

BACK COVER: Damianos Sotheby’s Int’l P 3: Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty P 5: HG Christie P 7: Home For Sale By Owner

‘Tis The Season! Generous Cash Gift for Junior Junkanoo in Eleuthera

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Airport Updates and Upgrades in Preparation for Increased Airlift Expected in 2024.

6 ADVICE (13)

• The Sloppy Deal Killer

OPINION (12)

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Breaking The OECD hold on Global Tax Governance

Highlights •

Business Hours at Daddy Joes for the Holidays

Concerns over 35 Marina Proposal Upcoming 32 Events

(14 & 15) Collaborative effort in Hatchet Bay 27 30

Skills for the Game & For Life 28

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

Tiffany Bain assumes role of Dean at CTI. 14

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District Christmas Carol Service 42

Conditional Release Bill: How will you be affected by the proposed changes?

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• Governor’s Harbour Homecoming 20, 44-46

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CSE MUSIC...

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Conditional Release of Offenders Bill:

Meetings held to discuss Community

Impacts of pending changes Minister of National Security, the Hon. Wayne Munroe, along with Mr. Paul Jones, Chief Consul at the Ministry of National Security, and Mr. Don Cleare, Acting Commissioner of Corrections, as well as other officers and officials from the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDOCS), were in Eleuthera on Thursday and Friday, Nov 30th and Dec 1st, 2023.

Minister of National Security, the Hon. Wayne Munroe addressing the room at Workers House on December 1st, 2023.

While on the island, the group hosted two community meetings.

The first was held in the Rock Sound township at the Preston H. Albury High School on Thursday evening, followed by a second

meeting in Governor’s Harbour on Friday evening, at the Worker’s House complex. Under discussion during the meetings was the proposed Conditional Release of Offenders Bill, 2023, and its impact to local communities when persons were released on probation, suspended sentence or parole. The importance of community members understanding the proposed reforms to the current parole system in the country, was also emphasized as was their role in its success.

Minister Munroe, commenting on his visit to Eleuthera, shared, “The purpose of coming on the island was to consult the local community about the proposed Conditional Release of Offenders Bill, and to get their views - bearing in mind that it is a community thing. Released offenders come back to communities. Offenders who are conditionally released, without going to the prison facility, come back to the community - so it is important that we get the communities’ view on what we propose.”

As communicated, two main focuses of the Bill were, to:

He continued, “I am pleased to say at the meeting in Rock Sound, and again at the meeting in Governor’s Harbour, points were made that will cause us to adjust some of the provisions in the bill. Points about the local participation, and points, for instance, about how the industries run. So, this is why we came, and we are finding everywhere we go that people are participating and it is improving the product.”

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update the current parole system to provide an alternative to short prison sentences - where outcomes were generally shown to be detrimental to both the offender, and the country in the long run.

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to add more accountability.

The visit, described as a ‘listening tour’, also saw the group traversing through several Central and South Eleuthera townships during the two days, directly engaging members of the public about the bill, and garnering additional feedback.

When asked about the intended timeline for tabling the new bill, Minister Munroe provided, “In fact, this new parole bill features in the ‘speech from the throne’ and we hope, if at all possible, to get it finished and tabled before the P15 end of the first quarter of next

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Eleuthera Junior Junkanoo Receives

$75,000 Cash Injection Joey Gaskins, Regional Public Affairs Director with Disney Cruise Line (DCL), on Friday, November 17th, 2023, during a press conference held at the Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce’s Business Innovation Hub, in Rock Sound, presented a cash donation of $75,000 to officials from the National Junkanoo Committee (NJC), and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, specifically to assist with funding for the upcoming Eleuthera Junior Junkanoo parade, slated to take place on March 2nd of 2024.

Commenting on the sizeable donation, Mr Gaskins, said, “This year as a symbol of our continued investment in junior junkanoo, we have enhanced our support by $25,000, a 50% increase.

We are increasing our support to $75,000 this year, and that is in combination with the supplies, costumes and other materials that we sent to the

schools to enhance their costumes and help them in the parades... And we are so proud of that.”

Shedding light on the decision to up this year’s funding, Director Gaskins shared, “The increase in support comes from a place of us really wanting to invest more into junior junkanoo here. We have heard the cry of some of the school administrators and teachers, who said that they could use more resources. We were able to make the internal argument for it, and Disney will hopefully meet the needs of these schools where they are... The funding goes to schools being able to buy equipment, instruments, costuming to prepare themselves for the parade, as well as sponsorship for the winning teams to go to Nassau [to represent the island]... That was actually our first way of engaging with junior junkanoo several years

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2023, Nov/Dec ago - sponsoring the winning school to go to Nassau... So, this is our way of meeting the needs of the schools.”

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Speaking further about the inspiration behind the funding support, he added, “...Culture for us is very important. At Disney, we are storytellers, and culture tells a story of a place and a people... junkanoo is our primary cultural expression. It is recognizable globally, and it is something that we are very excited about... In order for us to carry on the cultural work that defines who we are as Bahamians, it is important for young people to have access, to be supported in, and to be guided by that culture... And that is why our support for junior junkanoo is so important... We believe that the future of storytelling lies within each young person.”

Beyond cash funding, support from DCL also included mentoring, explained Director Gaskins, saying, “Last year, instead of just writing a $50,000 check, we did something else - we also connected young people with our Disney live entertainment team - and these young people on Eleuthera were able to teach the Disney team about the traditions of junkanoo, and at the same time, our live entertainment mentors who were costumers, makeup artists,

hair dressers and the like, were able to mentor young people in their schools as a part of this program... It was not Disney coming in to say, let me tell you how to do junkanoo, it was an exchange between the young people who participated, and the teachers who help them - and the Disney live entertainment folks who do the work that we do.”

He continued, “More importantly, it exposed young people to the opportunities that creativity can create. Oftentimes we look at our cultural expression in The Bahamas as a hobby, something you do after work - something that is not a career you can pursue. But, if there is any example of how creativity can create opportunity - it is at Disney. So, it is key for us to connect that with the people who take the very same talents they use to do junkanoo and create the characters, the stories, the movies that we all love to watch, and the parks that we love to visit.”

When asked about the amount DCL is involved in the thematic aspects of the presentations put on by the schools, Mr. Gaskins explained, “We don’t get involved in the theming. We are appreciative when schools feel that we can inspire their performance in P31 the parade. For us though, our involve-

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Local Airports Readying For Increased Airlift With Updates / Upgrades

Eleuthera Regional Director, Bahamas Airport Authority, Mrs. Dornell Cooper.

In anticipation of increased traffic flows at the Governor’s Harbour Airport early in 2024, as commercial international airlift returns, with American Airlines commencing direct flights once again, beginning on February 3rd - construction has begun to expand and upgrade the main terminal building which services both international and domestic departures, as well as domestic arrivals.

During an interview on December 6th, 2023, Mrs. Dornell Cooper, Eleuthera Regional Director with the Bahamas Airport Authority, based at Governor’s Harbour, said she was excited to inform about the recent and ongoing upgrades at the airport facility. She confirmed that the entire roof of the departures terminal had been replaced several months earlier, during the month of August 2023 - which corrected legacy issues with leaking.

Ongoing construction at the Governor’s Harbour International Airport (GHB), expected to be completed in January 2024.

She described further, saying, “We are putting an extension on to the main terminal in Governor’s Harbour, so we are looking at extending about 60 feet going south [of the current structure], and about 15 to 20 feet going north, which will hold extended check in areas, as well as office spaces, and more seating to accommodate people departing - new

seating, as well as concessions...

Some upgrades will also be done at the customs and immigration terminal where international arrivals are handled.”

It was expected, said Mrs. Cooper, that contruction works in Governor’s Harbour would be completed during the month of January 2024.

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2023, Nov/Dec She stated that in addition to American Airlines in February, Silver Airways, which had suspended operations during the slower late summer/early fall period, would also be returning with flights to Governor’s Harbour, beginning in January 2024.

Director Cooper highlighted that private international charter flights were also on the rise, with services like Aztec Airways, and Odyssey private charters in operation, augmenting the vital domestic carriers that are consistent air transportation providers throughout the year - like Bahamasair, Pineapple Air and Southern Air. The airport in North Eleuthera witnessed the arrival of the Deputy Prime Minister’s promised temporary facility to house an extended departure lounge, during the month of October.

Mrs. Cooper confirmed that work is continuing to ready the tempoP10

rary facility for use. She shared, “Right now, for safety reasons, and then also to give the traveling passenger some comfort, due to the space on the porch, and other inconveniences - you would have seen the temporary facility that we are installing. That is intended to host departure passengers.”

She continued, “I cannot give a time frame on when that will be operational. I am hoping that it might be ready before the end of this year, or shortly thereafter. It is in the process of completion, but I don’t have a time frame. The plumbing is already in, the electricity is in there. The floor is down and it is spacious.

They are working right now on the walkway - so once passengers are on stream and in the terminal, they will have a walkway path. Passengers will be in the new space until they board their flight.”

Earlier in the year, fifty new

seats, said Director Cooper, placed in different areas of the terminal, both on the airside and landside were brought in to replace and augment seating capacity, as well as two new 24 BTU air conditioning units for inside the terminal at the North Eleuthera airport.

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“I am am happy to see that some upgrades are being done. It is not what we really wanted, because you know North Eleuthera has long outgrown its space. Hopefully, in 2026 we can look forward to a new airport,” said Mrs. Cooper.

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Commentary

Nov/Dec, 2023

Breaking the OECD hold on Global Tax Governance

By Sir Ronald Sanders (The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS. The views expressed are his own) Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com “The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is nothing less than a Club of the world’s wealthiest countries which is determined to bend powerless countries to its will”. I wrote that statement in 2002 after four years of negotiations with the OECD against its unilateral imposition of a regime to counter what it called the ‘Harmful Tax Competition Initiative (HTCI)”, launched in 1998.

Unfortunately, in 2001, it suc-

ceeded in imposing its arbitrary HTCI, which killed the provision of global financial services by developing nations, including in the Caribbean, by threatening and imposing sanctions on countries that tried to stand up for their sovereign right to set their own tax levels. It was aided in this unjust action to establish itself as the only global rule maker on taxation, by the absence of a strong, united resistance from developing countries.

Since then, there has been no end to the OECD’s relentless – some may say, ruthless – efforts to control and dictate tax levels for the rest of the world. Today, the OECD, comprising of 38 of the world’s 180 nations are still blacklisting countries that do not comply with the so-called “standards” that it sets, using a mechanism, euphemistically named, “The Global Tax Forum”, in which many developing states have become complicit in their own loss of autonomy on tax matters.

The 27 member states of the European Union (EU) are a powerful and important bloc in the OECD, outnumbering other countries by 11 votes. Among the other 11

members are the US, Canada, Japan, Australia and, sadly, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Mexico from Latin America. When the EU does not succeed in securing OECD endorsement of any of its ambitions, it implements its own.

In September 2000, Sir Lester Bird, the late Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, whose country had battled courageously against the dictates of the OECD, declared in the UN General Assembly (UNGA) that OECD action on global taxation was contrary to international law. In this regard, he called on the OECD “to resolve to halt its insidious process and place any discussion on tax issues in this multilateral forum (the UN) where it rightly belongs”.

His call went unheeded. And, over the following 23 years, the OECD alone has dictated rules, regarding taxation.

In the course of it, the financial services sector in developing states was decimated at a high cost, which continues to mount as the OECD instigates selfserving global directives.

Then, in 2022, fifty-four African nations, led by Nigeria, frustrated by the OECD’s stranglehold, successfully

brought a resolution to the UNGA, recommending that the UN Secretary-General produce a report on “the promotion of inclusive and effective international tax cooperation at the United Nations”.

Encouraged by the admission in the report that the UN has a role to play and its identification of three options that could be followed, the Africans submitted another Resolution, seeking to wrest control from the OECD. The Resolution, entitled “Promotion of inclusive and effective international cooperation at the United Nations, was adopted on 22 November 2023 by a vote of 125 in favour, 48 against and 9 abstentions. Ten countries, surprisingly including Dominica and Venezuela, absented themselves.

Naturally, all 27 of the EU states voted against the Resolution. They were joined by the US, the UK, Japan and other countries with strong dependent, economic or military links to the OECD nations. However, it is notable that Mexico and Costa Rica – both OECD members – abstained from the vote.

The question is what happens now? One cerP26 tainty is that the powerful states of the OECD

The Sloppy Deal Killer

By Mike Lightbourn Questions or comments?

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

Advice

Nothing can turn a buyer or visitor off more than a sloppy home.

Even if the price is right and you’ve got a great location, the average buyer isn’t going to see beyond the neglect and mess. And so, the home will sit on the market for longer than necessary, perhaps with no offers or lowball offers.

Often, simple DIY fixes are all that’s required to get things in shape. And with Christmas fast approaching, you’re going to want your home to be inviting, so why not spruce it up for the holiday season, if nothing else?

Here are some of the things that put people off.

Dirty grout – Grimy, discoloured, or moldy tile grout is downright nasty.

Clean, sanitise and seal grout surfac-

es. All you need is some muscle.

Rust and grime build-up - Nothing shouts ”Neglect” more than rust in the tub or toilet and lime build-up on bathroom fixtures. This is just plain icky. Deal with it!

Stains on doorframes and walls – Handprints and stains really make walls and doors look shabby. Mix warm water with a mild detergent or soap and apply them to a rag or sponge. Rub firmly but not too hard so you don’t damage the paint. Apply a fresh coat of paint if necessary for an instant facelift.

Wood floor scratches – Gleaming hardwood floors are a great selling feature if they’ll in good condition. If there are lots of scratches, stains, or marks, sand and refinish the floors.

Dirty carpet – Not many people carpet their homes on the islands anymore, but for those who do, dirty rugs are just gross.

Pet Smells – You may not realise your home reeks of pet smells because you’ve grown accustomed to them.

However, buyers will notice them. One of the best tools to eliminate pet odor may be in your pantry. Baking soda is a natural odor-absorber. Sprinkle the powder over floors, rugs and furniture.

Let sit overnight and vacuum it up 24 hours later. Wash curtains and clean the blades of ceiling fans and blinds with a soapy cloth. Fur ends up everywhere.

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Pets and Litter Boxes - Pets should not be present at showings. No matter how adorable, dogs that bark and get underfoot are a distraction. And that goes for a neighbour’s dog too. Litter boxes must be removed from inside the home.

Drawers and Closets - Buyers are naturally going to want to open drawers and cabinets to see if they are in good working order. They’re going to check out closet space, too. Messy, cluttered drawers and closets are a turn off and they make the space look cramped.

Clean and tidy the drawers or box stuff and store it somewhere else. Buyers want space.

Clutter - I can’t say it enough. Declutter your home! This will create a more harmonious feeling and sense of free flow. Rooms will seem bigger and more open, allowing buyers to visualise what they can do with them. Less clutter leads to a heightened sense of well-being.

Sad Curb Appeal - Overgrown foliage, broken or rusty gates, dirty front walls and brown patches of grass make for bad first impressions. Really, if the outside of the home is neglected, buyers are obviously going to wonder how well the home has been maintained. It’s a no brainer.

Happy Holidays. Wishing all my readers a Happy Holiday and peace in ‘24.

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Tiffany Bain assumes role as Dean of CTI,

Bringing Extensive Expertise in Education and Community Development training institution providing students with the opportunity to gain valuable skills and learn at home. As One Eleuthera Foundation’s (OEF) education arm, CTI’s mission is to develop students through education and technical training, empowering them to build a strong foundation and pathway to personal success. Students are able to qualify for scholarships and complete NAECOBaccredited programs to gain employment, advance their careers, and launch into entrepreneurship.

Tiffany Bain, Dean of Continuing Education and Workforce Development at the Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI) The Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI) is proud to announce the appointment of Tiffany Bain as the new Dean of Continuing Education and Workforce Development. This fall, Ms. Bain joined the CTI team and has been on the ground in Eleuthera, spearheading CTI’s program expansion and student development and acquisition plans.

CTI is Eleuthera’s first and only postsecondary, non-profit education and

Joining the team, Ms. Bain brings a wealth of expertise. Her educational background is both diverse and comprehensive. She is a distinguished alumna with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Affairs from Bethune-Cookman University, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, Curriculum, and Pedagogy from the University of Southern Queensland, and a Master of Science in Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management and Youth Development from the University of NebraskaLincoln.

Commenting on her appointment, Keyron Smith, President and CEO of One Eleuthera Foundation cites, “Ms. Bain’s extensive background in education, combined with her academic accomplishments and passion for reaching and uplifting communities through education, makes her the ideal candidate for

this role and seamlessly aligns with CTI’s mission to educate, elevate and empower Eleutherans. She is a strong addition to the team and is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education at CTI and on the island.”

Reflecting on her decision to join CTI, Ms. Bain explains, “In a country where many of the people look the same, we can often take for granted the need for diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in education. I am excited to be working for a Bahamian-centred community development organization where I can contribute to developing education programming that meets the needs of students and our current demographic.”

She further cites, “Technical and vocational training can provide social and economic advancement, allowing young people from underserved communities to leverage greater opportunities.

With 42 students currently enrolled, Tiffany sees exponential growth in CTI’s near future, “Our current goal is four courses per semester across two campuses. I am incredibly excited about this semester’s courses because they feel like my babies. I am proud to say that we are running our projected number of classes, with each class meeting its enrollment quota.

On Harbour Island (north) we are running QuickBooks I and a special Entrepreneurship course specifically designed for CTI alum. At the Rock Sound campus in the south, we are running two Learn and Earn programs - Basic Culinary and Carpentry, which are progressing very well.

Statistically, CTI maintains a higher-than-average student retention and course completion rate than traditional tertiary institutions. The mean graduation rate is 96%, largely due to the strategic development and delivery of the school’s in-demand courses. Ms. Bain plans to spend the next few months canvassing communities across Eleuthera to reach and retain new students and gain a clear understanding of their career aspirations. Simultaneously, she will also glean insight into local businesses’ needs and the existing skills gaps, ensuring that CTI’s programs remain relevant, mutually beneficial and impactful.

“Before accepting my new role with CTI, I worked with organizations and within school partnerships, as I wanted to understand more deeply what charter schools could look like

Recent graduates of the Quickbooks course are all smiles after receiving their professional certification. in The Bahamas. That journey has led me to both appreciate and commit to an educational model centred around the Bahamian culture and economy with the genuine goal of advancing people. This remains my professional philosophy in how I design, facilitate, and develop programming here at CTI,” she explains.

Technical and vocational training serves as a cornerstone for uplifting communities, building industries, and driving economic development in the country. Since 2015, CTI has trained over 300 students on Eleuthera, most of whom would not have had access to any level of post-secondary education. By tailoring courses to the specific labour needs on the island, CTI has been a driving force in fostering economic growth while empowering students to meaningfully contribute to their households, communities and the local economy. As communities become hubs of skilled professionals and thriving enterprises, there is a cascading effect on economic development. As the new Dean, CTI looks forward to Ms. Bain enriching its educational programs and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to diversity, equity, and innovation in local education.

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Conditional Release Bill: How will it affect you? year.”

Commenting on several of the main features of the bill and its intended purpose, Minister Munroe explained, “The ethos behind the Conditional Release of Offenders bill is the concept that if somebody behaves for extended periods, that they will continue to do it, and it will become a habit. So, with probation, where you don’t go to prison, that will be where you will have to behave.

Suspended sentences, where you are sentenced to prison, but it is suspended - you will have to behave if you do not want to go to prison.”

“The conditional release, where you have been in prison, and you are released you will have to behave or you will go back to serve the balance of your sentence. Whereas now, the system has no accountability - once you get the time off your sentence, you can do whatever you like, whenever you like, when you come out - on parole, and reoffending without consequences. The final part of it, which would be conditional release after serving a sentence as part of the initial sentence - is to deal with truly dangerous criminals, so that they can be dealt with after they have been released,” he added.

At the beginning of his presentation to audiences at the meetings, Minister Munroe, brought up the issue of the average young first-time offender, or non-major offender, who would normally get a relatively short prison sentence, in the range of two years or less - getting no net-benefit from incarceration, but rather a multiplied set of losses.

“We always hear about this ‘short, sharp, shock’ of sending people to prison for short periods, but when you do that - young men who may make a mistake, who were moving forward, who may have had a job and other prospects - in a short sentence, they will lose all of that.

“They will be sent to prison, but where the sentence is short, no attempts will be made to rehabilitate them, or to advance them. They will come into contact with people who may recruit them to more serious crimes. So, to avoid that - and as a lawyer, I have witnessed young men going in for relatively simple things and come out - traffickers, shooters, and sometimes gang leaders.

So to avoid that, we should try at least, these other conditional releases. If they don’t behave, you always have the second option. If they ‘don’t hear, they can always feel’.”

Pictured are: Minister of National Security, the Hon. Wayne Munroe (center, blue jacket), with Acting Commissioner of Corrections, Mr. Don Cleare (center left), along with local officials, community members, and a cadre of police officers.

Mr. Don Cleare, Acting Commissioner of Corrections, during the meetings, preceeded the minister’s presentations with his own remarks about the ongoing work at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, to transform the agency’s role from a purely punitive one, to one with its focus on rehabilitation. He spoke about some of the tailored programs that had been put in place during the transitional process, with the aim of helping prisoners to improve themselves, rather than to become worse offenders.

Inmates, he said, were now assessed, and a plan set, giving them access to relevant programs, including educational classes, job assistance, socialization programs, access to medications as well as mental health professionals, and pre-release preparation programs, to name a few. “We are now taking a new approach, a different approach to crime management... If we are doing corrections, we have to try and fix the ‘whole man’... It is our task now to change their mindsets and get them well prepared to rejoin society - by putting them into programs that work... Our job is to try and get them in the best position possible to stand on their own two feet.” To this end, he mentioned one of their new programs to assist inmates about to rejoin society with acquiring necessary documenta-

tion, like passports, driver’s licenses, and voter’s cards.

About the proposed bill, Commissioner Cleare added, “This bill will change the way we do our work at BDOCS and the way people are prepared to leave prison... We think parole, probation and suspended sentences will assist the fight against crime in this country..., and we are trying to get this enacted as soon as possible.”

The Ministry of National Security’s Chief Consul, Paul Jones, in his presenta-

tion during the meetings, expounded on the current proposed details of the bill, including the proposed Parole Unit, operating within the correctional system, as well as the proposed Parole Board, and its makeup of members.

According to Minister Munroe, he and his team will continue the ‘listening tour’ in Grand Bahama, and Andros, as well as another stop in North Eleuthera, before wrapping up this ‘fine-tuning’ phase of the proposed Conditional Release of Offenders Bill.

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Nov/Dec, 2023

BTVI Signs Contract for Campus Facility in South Eleuthera renovation construction works of BTVI’s chosen campus building facility located in Green Castle [The old Green Castle Primary School site], ahead of an anticipated commencement of BTVI course offerings during the first quarter of 2024.

BTVI Director and former Director of Education with the Bahamas Ministry of Education Mr. Lionel Sands (center), also a native of South Eleuthera, signs as a witness for the BTVI site renovation contract. To the left is BTVI Director Warren Berry, and on the right is BTVI Interim President Dr. Linda Davis.

On Friday, December 8th, 2023, BTVI officials, including; Interim President Dr. Linda Davis, Board Director Mr. Lionel Sands (South Eleuthera native and former Director of Education with the Bahamas Ministry of Education), Board Director Warren Berry,

and Associate Vice President Veronica Collie were in Eleuthera with member of parliament for Central and South Eleuthera, Minister Clay Sweeting, to formally execute a contract signing with local South Eleuthera contractor, Mr. L. Woodrow Hall, for the completion of

are out of school involved - and we were really, really impressed with the interest that we have had so far. “

President Davis, commenting before the signing began, said, “As we contract with a son of the soil to do some further enhancements to our proposed BTVI site at Green Castle... we are proceeding with this initiative to bring this site at Green Castle to completion, so that we can call a place here in Eleuthera, ours... This is only a beginning.

We envision a much bigger presence here in Eleuthera, as we try to address the skills gap needs in this island that is just bursting with possibilities.”

Recalling how the initiative began, and expressing the pleasure of seeing it close to fruition, Minister Sweeting said, “As Minister of Agriculture, we met a year or so ago to speak about this initiative, so, for me it is always exciting to see things come together... I want to thank the team at BTVI for holding to their commitment, that if we provided the location, you would come through with making sure to construct and build a BTVI site in Eleuthera. This partnership speaks to what it means to have people in these communities who can find work through vocational and technical studies.”

BTVI’s Associate VP, Veronica Collie who has responsibility for both Grand Bahama and the Family Islands, also remarked, saying, “It is a pleasure to be part of this contract signing today... I am responsible for all of the Family Islands, and Eleuthera is one of those. We have started work already. We were here several weeks ago, during the month of October, recruiting. We visited all of the high schools. So, our intention is to get high schoolers, along with people who

He added that he looked forward to further expansion by the institution into Central as well as North Eleuthera. Sweeting continued, “Eleuthera is poised for growth... This year, Eleuthera’s economy has grown by 8%, when most communities grow around 1% to 2%. So, Eleuthera’s growth in one year speaks to the opportunities becoming available to Eleutherans, and they just have to be ready for it. That is why it is important

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that we prepare the people on the ground through institutions such as BTVI.”

Sweeting also spotlighted the new bidding website resource, called BONFIRE [an E-procurement System], now being used by the government to manage the tendering and bidding process for projects throughout the country, saying, “I want to encourage every Eleutheran contractor to continue to be a part of this initiative.

Mr. Hall, I want to congratulate him, as he went onto the BONFIRE system, he bid - and you know sometimes our Family Island people don’t want to go through that kind of process. I want to

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encourage publicly our contractors in Eleuthera to get on to the BONFIRE system, to be a part of this transformation on how we award contracts - in the Family Islands or in New Providence, because the opportunities are there. You just have to take advantage of them... These contracts are not just direct awarded anymore. You have to go on, sign up and ensure that you are part of the process.” The website, he added, is for all contractors and entrepreneurs to sign up and get notified for all opportunities on Eleuthera and throughout the Bahamas.

To the contractor, Mr. Sweeting challenged saying, “I want to congratulate Mr. Hall again. I look forward to the swift, excellent work that he will do at the BTVI site, to get it open.” The timeline that he expected to have the works completed from the day of commencement, said Mr. Hall, was eight weeks. In his response, he added, “I want to thank the minister and the board for giving me the opportunity to shine... I am excited to get the project finished, and also excited to get people into the training here in South Eleuthera, because it is needed.”

Above (L-R): BTVI Director Warren Berry, BTVI Director Lionel Sands, DEO Fontella Knowles, BTVI Interim President Dr. Linda Davis, Minister Clay Sweeting, Contractor Woodrow Hall, BTVI Associate VP Veronica Collie, and South Eleuthera Administrator Florence Pratt-Myer.

Minister Sweeting then quipped, “When I spoke during the budget, I spoke of former politicians who would do big ground breaking ceremonies. What we do in Eleuthera, is we do ‘ribbon-cutting’. So, in eight weeks, we want to cut another ribbon in South Eleuthera, and when we have that ceremony, we want to open it right away.”

Longtime educator and former principal, Andrea Carey, serves as the coordinator for BTVI Eleuthera.

18 www. EleutheraNews . com

Local

Nov/Dec, 2023

ECS Kicks off the Season with their Annual Music and Live Auction Fundraiser The Eleuthera Cancer Society (ECS), was one of the first out of the gate, ringing in the season of Christmas, at their Annual Music and Live Auction fundraiser on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023.

This year’s program actually took place inside the Cancer Society’s Wellness Center, rather than in the garden, as in previous years, with a focus on the live auction - where in between sets of local performances of solos, instrumentals, and poetry, audience members - both in person, and those following along online, via livestream, were encouraged to contribute to the work of the Eleuthera Cancer Society by pledging direct donations, or bidding on the numerous items up for auction. There were also door prizes aplenty, interspersed throughout the evening, which got started at 6:30 p.m.

A healthy turnout of volunteers, and community supporters both young and young at heart contributed to a warm, fun-filled

Pictured above: The Governor’s Harbour Methodist choir sing a lively medley of Christmas favorites. Below: MC Sophia Smith conducts a sing-off with two brave student volunteers as co-moderator Kevin Pinder looks on.

Ellis Culmer and Aretha Culmer of Central Eleuthera High School perform on the trumpet and the trombone.

Pictured: Above Left, Eldecia Thompson and Lachara Knowles, volunteers for the evening, with beautiful smiles. Also shown (L-R): Students, Gabriel Ajul, Gabriel Fox, and Tabitha Decosta - lend their talents in playing piano and solo singing for a good cause.

2023, Nov/Dec

P18 evening, nicely captained by mister and mistress of ceremony, ECS treasurer Kevin Pinder, and English Language and Performing Arts teacher Ms. Sophia Smith, respectively.

Highlights of the evening’s talent on display included, instrumentals by playing pair, Ellis and Aretha Culmer - both senior high students, as well as Tia Johnson on the saxophone, and student Gabriel Ajul on the piano. Praise and worship medley’s by the Methodist church choir led by Johnny Gaitor and the Governor’s Harbour community choir - led by songstress Brendalee Petty, had audience toes tapping, and people singing along with the melodious renditions. Solo pieces by siblings Janae and Maliha Cooper as well as by talented young primary schooler Gabriel Fox, and a lively rendition of ‘Gee Whiz, It’s Christmas’ by Tabitha

Local

Decosta, were also fully enjoyed by all in attendance. Poetry was on the entertainment table as well with a thoughtful piece by Stephanie Cecchi, and a local retelling of the Christmas story by poetess and author Anna Lewis.

Following the end of the entertainment and live auction at about 9pm, ECS public relations and fundraising chair, Mrs. Juanita Pinder gave the vote of thanks before audience members streamed outside, onto the grounds in front of the ECS Wellness Center, where the festively dressed live evergreen Christmas tree growing on the front lawn of the Wellness Center was lit up for all to enjoy - in the cool night air of early December.

Board members with the Eleuthera Cancer Society, Cindy Pinder and Juanita Pinder during the live auction.

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Pictured: Above Left, Tia Johnson belts out on the saxophone. Left, Siblings Janae and Maliha Cooper treat the audience to a duet. Above, The appreciative audience enjoys the evening’s performances. Top Center, The Governor’s Harbour community choir, led by Brendalee Petty performs. Top Right, Martin Gaitor, provides expert accompaniment on the keyboard.

20 www. EleutheraNews . com

Local

Nov/Dec, 2023

In case you missed it: Governor’s Harbour Homecoming

2023 - Big Crowds, Entertainment & More...

The Governor’s Harbour Homecoming event, hosted during the weekend of November 3rd through 5th, 2023, had large crowds amassed each evening within the homecoming site, with its stalls and staging area located this year on the green space along the main highway, opposite the Globe Princess Theater facility.

Kevin Pinder, key organizer with the Governor’s Harbour Development Association (GHDA), which hosts the event characterized the overall turnout as very good at the 2023 Governor’s Harbour Homecoming. “I think we had a very good turnout. We had even more vendors, with four more stalls this year than last year. We also had more entertainers this year compared to last year... Last year, we only had D-Mac, but this year we had D-Mac, we had Nishe L.S. as well as entertainer Shine 242, all backed up by

local group, the New Vision Band.”

Vendors had expressed their delight as well, he added, sharing, “There was very positive feedback from the vendors this year, the food vendors, the game vendors... We actually had one game vendor in particular, who said that this was the first time they came to a homecoming and sold out of all of their items.

So, all of our vendors did very, very well.”

Sponsorship, rather unexpectedly, said Mr. Pinder, was less forthcoming for 2023, “Surprisingly, this year we had more challenges with sponsors. Last year, we had a lot more persons who came on board and sponsored - and I’m talking substantial sponsorships. This year, for some reason, and it threw us for a bit of a curve, because we were thinkP46 ing, persons coming out of the pandemic

Performer, Nishe L. S. lit up the stage at the Governor’s Harbour homecoming with her melodious vocals.

See More Photos on Pages 44-46

2023, Nov/Dec

Nearby

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2023 Atlantic hurricane season ranks 4th for most-named storms in a year (NOAA advances modeling and observation capabilities during the season) November 28, 2023 - The abovenormal 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, which officially ended on Nov. 30, was characterized by record-warm Atlantic sea surface temperatures and a strong El Nino.

The Atlantic basin saw 20 named storms in 2023, which ranks fourth for the most-named storms in a year since 1950. Seven storms were hurricanes and three intensified to major hurricanes. An average season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes.

Hurricane Idalia was the only U.S. landfalling hurricane in 2023. It made

landfall as a category-3 hurricane on Aug. 30 near Keaton Beach, Florida, causing storm surge inundation of 7 to 12 feet and widespread rainfall flooding in Florida and throughout the southeast.

Tropical Storm Ophelia made landfall as a strong tropical storm with 70 mph winds on Emerald Isle, North Carolina, on Sept. 23 causing widespread heavy rainfall, gusty winds and significant river and storm surge flooding in portions of eastern North Carolina.

Hurricane Lee made landfall as a post-tropical cyclone in Nova Scotia, Canada, on Sept. 16. Swells gener-

The Atlantic basin saw 20 named storms in 2023, ranking 4th for most-named storms in a year. Tropical cyclone names are selected by the World Meteorological Organization. (Image credit: NOAA) ated by Lee caused dangerous surf and rip currents along the entire U.S. Atlantic coast. Strong winds with hurricane‑force gusts from Lee caused extensive power outages in Maine and in parts of Canada.

The 2023 Atlantic seasonal activity fell within the NOAA Climate Prediction Center’s predicted ranges for named storms and hurricanes in the August updated outlook.

“The Atlantic basin produced the most named storms of any El Nino influenced year in the modern record,” said Matthew Rosencrans, lead hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center — a division of NOAA’s National Weather Service. “The record-warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic provided a strong counterbalance to the traditional El Nino impacts.”

The eastern Pacific basin hurri-

cane season was also above normal with 17 named storms, of which 10 were hurricanes and eight of those major hurricanes. From Aug. 16 to 21, Tropical Storm Hilary brought widespread heavy rainfall and flooding to Southern California, with some areas receiving up to 600% of their normal August rainfall. Hilary resulted in the first ever issuance of Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings for the Southern California coastline by NOAA’s National Hurricane Center. In addition, the Center distributed key hazard focused messages for Hilary in Spanish through the agency’s new language translation project.

Hurricane Otis made landfall near Acapulco, Mexico, on Oct. 25 as a category-5 hurricane with sustained winds of 165 P33

22 www. EleutheraNews . com

Education Beat

Nov/Dec, 2023

Excellence: HIAAS Achievements

Celebrated and Student Leaders Formalized On Thursday morning, November 23rd, 2023, students, parents and community well-wishers at the Harbour Island All Age School (HIAAS), gathered on the front grounds of the school, under the covered pavilion to celebrate with those who would be recognized for their academic and leadership achievements.

The public school, which services children on the island from grades pre-school to 12, presented awards to students and recognized student leaders at both the primary and high school levels.

After welcomes, pledges, prayers, and worship in song, the school choir serenaded the audience with a lively selection.

During the ceremony, ahead of

the awards and installation of prefects, school principal Ms. Sharon Scott congratulated the achieving students - as well as the young leaders chosen as prefects. She encouraged those students who had not yet met the standard for awards, to continue to push to achieve, and said that she looked forward to seeing all of them cross the stage during the next awards event. She also committed that she and her staff would continue to aim to ‘sow seeds of excellence’ in the classrooms, during the remainder of the school year.

Guest speaker on Thursday morning, and a teacher at the school, Mr. Cordero Johnson, delivered the ‘charge’ to the incoming student leaders. He

Above: Voices raised in song during the Awards and Prefect Installation ceremony at HIAAS. With Microphones in hand are Nakari Roberts and Kaylia Bartley

Nursing Cadet and Teacher Cadet students are shown with the programs coordinator in the two photos (L-R). The first two students in both pictures are Jayden Young and Jaiell Winder. The other nursing cadets are Religious Neely and Kelsey Farquharson The third student in the Teacher Cadet grouping is Princess Ferguson.

Nursing Cadets

Above: New prefect leaders at HIAAS stand with school administrators - (L-R) - Senior Mistress Deatrice Tucker, Deputy Head Girl - Kaylia Bartley, Head Girl Savannah Moss, Deputy Head Girl - Zakiya Gibson, and Principal Sharon Scott.

Teacher Cadets

Above: Principal’s List Achievers, beaming from ear-to-ear include (L-R) - Kaylia Bartley, Jaiell Winder, Jayden Young and Joriam Louis.

Education Beat

2023, Nov/Dec

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Pictured above: Very proud honour roll achievers at HIAAS show off their certificates, as they stand with principal Sharon Scott.

expressed his pride in those chosen to lead their peers and highlighted to them that this experience would be their unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on their school community. “Leadership is not merely a position, it is a commitment to service, and a dedication to fostering positive change...,” he encouraged.

Prefect installations and awards then followed. Students throughout the grade levels were recognized for achieving the principal’s list, the honour roll, as well as ‘rising stars’, and other special awards.

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PRINCIPAL’S LIST Achievers - 3.50 to 4.00 GPA (CHRISTMAS TERM 2022 and SUMMER TERM 2023)

Grade 10A

Jayden Young & Jaiell Winder

Grade 11A

Kaylia Bartley, Joriam Louis (Summer 2023)

HONOUR ROLL Achievers 3.00 to 3.49 GPA

(CHRISTMAS TERM 2022 and SUMMER TERM 2023)

GRADE 7A

Angel Dean (Christmas 2022), Camyra Curtis, Unique Cash, Alyssa Stuart, Angel Joseph & Saniana JeanBaptiste

GRADE 8A Regein Neely

GRADE 9

Kelsey Farquharson, Amber Barr & Alisha Carey (Summer 2023)

GRADE 10A

Alexia Oliver, Richea Paul, Lavender Goodman, Ani Roberts, Andrea James, Kayshia Mackey (Summer ‘23), Keianna Dieque (Summer ‘23), Janiqua Roberts (Summer ’23)

GRADE 10B

Lovelie Petit-Bois (Christmas 2022), Kymia Mackey, Shakina Hamilton (Summer 2023)

GRADE 11A

Savannah Moss, Joriam Louis (Christmas 2022), Lashanna Lightbourne, Vanessa Delien, Zakiya Gibson, Mya Ferguson (Christmas 2022),

Cindy Turene, Princess Ferguson & Alyisha Johnson

Johnnesha Roberts, Aniah Butler, Empress Roberts & Joshua Johnson

GRADE 11B

RISING STARS 2.50 to 2.99 GPA

Achliene Delcine & Antoine Barry

GRADE 7A

• • •

(CHRISTMAS TERM 2022 and SUMMER TERM 2023)

Omegah Ferguson, Aaron Barry & Alexion Oliver

GRADE 8A

Shekinah Roberts, Nakari Roberts & Ayai Bethel

GRADE 9

Alisha Carey

GRADE 10A

Keianna Dieque, Logan Major, Breanna Johnson & Kayshia Mackey

GRADE 10B

Myiesha Carey, Shakina Hamilton & Shakira Joseph

GRADE 11A

Hannah Major, Kelis Johnson,

NEW STUDENT LEADERS High School:

Head Girl - Savanah Moss Deputy Head Girl - Zakiya Gibson Deputy Head Girl - Kaylia Bartley

Primary School: • • • •

Head Boy - Timothy Kemp Deputy Head Boy - Milton Johnson Head Girl - Ryley Alcenat Deputy Head Girl - Jerniah Clarke

High School Prefects:

Grade 11: Lavender Goodman, Richea

Paul, Jaiell Winder, Jaquay Brown, Shakina Hamilton, Keianna Dieque, Alexia Oliver, Ani Roberts, Jayden Young,, Breanna Johnson, Janiquea Roberts, Shamarr Rahming & Kelis Johnson

Grade 12: Achliene Delcine, Joriam Loius, Cindy Turene, Ryan Bosfield, Abraham Andre, Antoine Barry, Vanessa Delien, Aniah Butler, Mya Ferguson, Princess Ferguson, Alyisha Johnson, Lashanna Lightbourne, Hannah Major, Religious Neely & Johnnesha Roberts Primary School Prefects:

Grade 5: Takai Thompson, Chance

Braynen, Judah Oliver, Grace Grant, Chazay Higgs, Divine Smith, Jaqualin Brown, Tavia Bullard

Grade 6

Purisma Ferguson, Meekens Voltaire, Janice Cleare, Sha’Donna Hamilton, Shadia McCartney, Sarayah Thurston

Pictured : The HIAAS student choir performs during the Awards and Prefect Installation ceremony held at the school on November 23rd, 2023.

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26 www. EleutheraNews . com Page. 23

Education Beat

Celebrating Excellence

Page. 12

OECD Global Tax Governance

Upper primary prefects and prefect leaders at HIAAS with their prefects coordinator.

Newly installed 11th and 12th grade prefects at the Harbour Island All Age School with school administrators and teachers.

NE Crowned Eleuthera Debate Champions On Tuesday, November 8th, 2023, the Eleuthera Finals of the annual debate tournament series took place in Palmetto Point at the Wesley Methodist Church Hall, in a three-way battle. The three schools involved in the final show-

down, included; Preston H. Albury High School (PHAHS), Central Eleuthera High School (CEHS), and North Eleuthera High School (NEHS).

On this finals day of matching wits, clarity and effectiveness of communica-

Debate teams from CEHS (Green), NEHS (Red), and PHAHS (Blue) went head to head in the Eleuthera Finals. In Red, Kaynia Minnis (front row), Tae Major & Kezia Johnson (back) were the overall winners.

Nov/Dec, 2023

tion, the three speakers on each student debate team were proponents or opponents of the moot, “The abolition of standardized testing is necessary because students are not standard.”

After the dust of the competitive morning had settled, the results were in.

Preston H. Albury High School took third, with an overall score of 999 points. Central Eleuthera High School bested them, ever so slightly with 1,011 points, to nab the second position. And, with 1,104 points, the North Eleuthera High School were the winners in the eyes of the judges and nabbed the championship title, as they did a year earlier in 2022 holding on to their district debate champions title.

Eleuthera Debate Series Champions, the North Eleuthera High School team, including; Kezia

will not allow international taxation to be taken from their control, by placing it in the UNGA. Even before the resolution was adopted on November 22, the big OECD countries had been working against it. That work will continue in their accustomed way – through coercion and inducements to break the resolve of the developing countries that so overwhelmingly voted for the Resolution.

The powerful states of the OECD have until Augst 2024 to once again divide and rule developing countries. By that time, an ad-hoc working group will have the responsibility to draft terms of reference for a UN framework convention on international tax cooperation. Undoubtedly, the big OECD countries will field their toughest negotiators; developing countries, including the Caribbean, need to do the same.

The large OECD countries are the principal advocates of the merits of competition in the provision of goods and services in the world because their industrial and agricultural capacity has reached the point where they need unrestricted entry to global markets to meet their expanding and increasing domestic financial challenges. But while they promote competition in the areas of their competitive advantage, they decry it in taxation which is the last frontier of autonomy for developing countries.

Already the big OECD countries are disparaging the Resolution, desperate to make it fail when it is considered by the UNGA in 2024. The language being used is remarkably deceptive. For instance, a UK representative is reported to have said, “If we’re to deliver an improved tax system through the UN community, there must be the broadest possible buy-in from the start”. Regrettably, that edict did not apply to the OECD’s rules and standards, which its members developed by themselves and which they now pressure developing nations to accept.

The pursuit of a fair, just, and equitable international tax system is paramount.

This system should reflect the needs, priorities, and capacities of all countries, considering the unique challenges faced by regions like Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.

Hopefully, this time – the countries of the global south, including the Caribbean, will not sacrifice their long-term interest for short term crumbs. The OECD of 38 nations should not dictate terms for the other 142 states in the world community.

That undertaking should rightly reside in the UN.

Johnson, Kaynia Minnis, and Tae Major - will now go on to represent the island of Eleuthera and compete in the National Debate Series Competion, which begins early in 2024.

Education Beat

2023, Nov/Dec

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Collaborative Effort in Hatchet Bay to Celebrate World Children’s Day this happen. We are from Hatchet Bay, and we love our town, so we are just giving back to the little kids.”

Speaking for the nurses who had gathered with the children at the start of the meal event, Nurse Natasha Pennerman, explained, “The nurses along with the community of Hatchet Bay decided to celebrate with P.A. Gibson, in honour of World Children’s Day, which was celebrated on the 20th of November. So, we got together and decided to provide not only lunch, but also a healthy alternative of fruits, to encourage the children to eat healthy, make good food choices, and also to show them that they are Principal, Mrs. Minnis, stands center front in red, with P. A. Gibson Primary teachers and the actually appreciated. You have Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and visiting medical team from the Hatchet Bay clinic. even though every day is A tasty collaboration between the assorted bags of fruits to the meals. children’s day, we medical team at the Hatchet Bay clinic, About his inspiration, Mr. Cleare shared, actually wanted and a group of parents and other community “This idea came to my head, as we are always to take this members, resulted in an afternoon of delicious doing something for the grownups, but we time out food, and fruits for all of the students at the don’t do anything for the children. So, I deP.A. Gibson primary school in Hatchet Bay, on cided to reach out to some of my partners, like Friday afternoon, November 24th - during the Butch Scavella, Jovarro ‘JJ’ Kemp, Cranston week of ‘World Children’s Day’ - celebrated Scavella - and we came together and made globally on November 20th, and the american Thanksgiving holiday observed this year on November 23rd, 2023.

to just show our appreciation to them, for being the awesome little people that they are.”

Principal at P.A. Gibson primary, Margaret Minnis, also shared, “On May 20th every year, it is World Children’s Day, and it is the tradition of the school that parents would feed the children.

So, Mr. Cleare and some of the nurses got together - and since it was so close to Thanksgiving, we did like a post-Thanksgiving combo. So, they got together and we organized this. We are grateful to them for all of their efforts.

We work very well together - the clinic [across the road] and us [the school]. We are happy that the parents are coming back on board, and being a part of what is happening in the life of the school.”

Parent at the school, Mr. Johnny Cleare, who is also the caretaker at P.A. Gibson primary teamed up with other community members and parents to spearhead the event, and the nurses who work closely with the school contributed healthy additions of

The student body at P. A. Gibson Primary surrounds principal Mrs. Minnis sitting front and center, along with teachers, the visiting medical team, and parents.

28 www. EleutheraNews . com

Local

Nov/Dec, 2023

Skills for the Game and for Life, the focus of a recently conducted Basketball Camp - for youth across the island!

Retired NBA player, Alex English was in Eleuthera during November for a second year, cohosting a basketball camp experience for young male students, at the Eleuthera Bible Training Center facility in James’ Cistern, in partnership with frequent visitor to the island, Solombra Ingram, and her non-profit organization, ‘I’m Every Woman’, which also was a major donor at the Eleuthera Cancer Society’s Fun-Run-Walk fundraiser held a month earlier in October.

Solombra, hailing from the U.S. west coast, with a number of friends in Eleuthera - as part of her extended stay on the island during this last quarter of 2023 - has partnered with various civic movements during her time here. Sharing a bit about how the basketball camp came to be in 2022, Ms. Ingram shared, “Last year my nonprofit organization wanted to do something with some of the kids here in Eleuthera. So, we did a ‘pop-up’ event.

My cousin who happens to be a retired NBA player, Alex English - I asked for his assistance, and he decided to come down with me. It was not an overnight camp like this time, and we had at least 30 kids last year. This year we expanded the planned number to forty, but we exceeded that number of children. It was a lot of kids. We did get the parent’s signatures and their consent for the participating kids to spend the night.”

Sharing some of the inspiration behind having the camp, and the efforts to include children from throughout Eleuthera in this year’s event, she explained, “For me it was more about bringing in someone who was a professional, and I also wanted to make sure that there was someone here on the island - which was Mr. Dexter Cambridge, who was also a former NBA player. So, the whole thing was getting these kids together and making sure that it was a team effort, where it was physical, some mental things - like staying positive, staying focused - also teachable moments, along with skills, drills and fun things with basketball that these kids could do.

That’s the reason why I wanted to do it.”

Solombra continued, “This year, my cousin Alex, actually called me and said, ‘Hey, are we doing the camp again this year?’, and I was like, ‘Oh, Okay!’. So, then it was figuring out how to get it all together. Ms. Maisy Thompson of James’ Cistern helped me to get Pastor Diallo Ingraham on board, and he helped solicit more

children. We did not have any kids from further south last time. So, this time we had the south represented by Pastor Diallo, Ms. Maisy represented central, and Dexter represented north. That’s how we all came together this year, so that we could make a difference.”

Commenting on the focus of the weekend camp, Ms. Ingram said, “The focus of this weekend was the talk, and the theme was ‘Never Giving Up’. On that theme, we wanted them to focus on never giving up, in terms of their dreams, their goals - and that even if they experienced a failure, it does not matter - just to keep pushing forward. Having persistence and perseverance while being mindful that when you feel that you have failed - you have not failed - as long as you can continue.

Keep moving forward. Also, it was to give them another perspective - that basketball was not the only thing that you could do... To succeed in anything, you have to be serious about it; you have to be able to listen, and to be disciplined.”

Describing the format of the overnight Friday to Saturday event, Ms. Ingram outlined, “The boys participating in the camp began arriving on Friday evening at about 6pm, followed by a prayer and dinner at 7:30pm.

Then we started a session, where Pastor Diallo Ingraham spoke about - passing the ball, and taking the shot - then the two former NBA players shared more on the discipline of basketball, and what that means. Then teams of boys got the opportunity to face off in group play in demonstrations of teamwork on the court, before ending the evening... On Saturday morning, the boys got up, got ready for the day, and had breakfast before taking part in a morning session of drills and skills. They broke for lunch, and headed back on to the court taking part in further skill sessions and games, before a trophy presentation later on Saturday afternoon. Each camper received trophies, but some campers were highlighted for showcasing the best talent in things like, the best defense player, three on three players, most teachable player, best free throw player and the like.”

In a brief interview on Saturday afternoon, as the students practiced free throws court side, Mr. Alex English, who played in the NBA from 1976 to 1990, playing for teams in Milwaukee, Indiana, Denver, and Dallas - spoke about why he had decided to assist with the

camp in Eleuthera and his experience with the students while on the island. “Being in Eleuthera was Solombra’s idea, it’s her foundation putting on the camp, and she has been an inspiration as far as helping people, and wanting to do something for the young people on the island. We’ve had a great camp, and we also had a great camp last year, and it’s been good. It got better this year. The Eleuthera Bible Training Center gave us this facility to use, and it has been awesome. We’ve had a lady from the community assisting with food, so we’ve had three meals. We slept overnight, and I don’t know if these kids have ever had this kind of basketball camp experience. I think it has been wonderful for them - the comaraderie, learning to play as a team - all of those things are important. Also, coach Dexter Cambridge has been a big help as well.”

Asked about what he felt he had sewn into the lives of the students taking part, Alex answered, “There are a few things that we really focused on, when talking with them - one is listening, and being able to take what you hear out to the basketball court, and that is with life too.

Listening, hear what you hear, and know that you are hearing what you hear - and not make something up.

Just paying attention, and paying attention to the person that is speaking to you. But also getting them to play together as a team, and them just enjoying the physical activity and camaraderie with each other. It’s very important.”

As the event began to wrap up on the Saturday afternoon, Mr. English, sharing what he thought the students would take away with them after the weekend, said, “They will take away a sense of discipline. We had coach Diallo talk about how important discipline is, as well as how important it is to be grateful, and having that belief in what you can do. I think there are a lot of things they would have learned. Getting the opportunity to just hang out with each other, and getting that camp experience - even if it was just for the day. I know that this was something when I was a young kid in the States, getting the opportunity to go to a basketball camp and hangout, eat, and think about nothing but basketball - that was an awesome opportunity. So, I think that is something that they appreciate.”

Basketball campers stand with organizers, coaches and volunteers at the Eleuthera Bible Training Center facility in James’ Cistern.

2023, Nov/Dec

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K-Kids Giving Back in James Cistern (Kids club birthed by New Central Eleuthera Branch of Kiwanis)

Above: K-Kids Club giving back to handicapped members within their community of James’ Cistern, accompanied by school administrators and Kiwanis director, Mrs. Wallace.

At the James’ Cistern Primary School, an excited group of students involved in a new club at the school, called the ‘K-Kids’ club, prepared on Wednesday, December 6th, 2023 to spread Christmas cheer in an experience of giving back, and making a difference in the lives of some of their community members.

Ms. Christine Brown, principal at James’ Cistern Primary School, explaining the initiative, said, “The inspiration for the primary school club came after Mrs. Melinda Wallace decided to establish the Kiwanis Club in Central Eleuthera, and K-Kids was birthed from that. We have 20 students participating, who are eager to serve. The children decided to do ‘trick o’ canning’ instead of ‘trick o’ treating’ in October... and collected three boxes full of groceries.”

She continued, “Three persons who are handicapped within the James’ Cistern community were chosen to be the recipients of those efforts by the newly formed K-Kids club at the school... It’s a lot of groceries, and we hope it will be impactful for those who are not able to provide for themselves.”

Mrs. Melinda Wallace, a coach and director with the new Kiwanis Club of Central Eleuthera (KCCE), talking about the very new organization, shared, “Last year I was president with the Kiwanis Club of South Eleuthera, and we sponsored a club in Central Eleuthera, because a lot of people wanted to join Kiwanis, but the distance to travel south is long. So, we established a club in Central Eleuthera, and there was a good response. We have a whole lot of people who are interested in the com-

Pictured: K-Kids Club members with James’ Cistern Primary School principal, Christine Brown (back row, 4th from right), along with teacher advisors, Ms. Stuart and Ms. Adderley (right end), with Kiwanis director, Mrs. Melinda Wallace (left end). munity service. Principal, Ms. Christine Brown is also part of the Central Eleuthera Kiwanis Club. The ‘K-Kids’ Club is the first level of Kiwanis for the primary school. In junior high you have the ‘Builder’s’ Club, and in senior high school from grades 10 to 12, there is the ‘Key’ Club. There is also a branch at the college level called ‘Circle K’, and when you finish college you can find a Kiwanis Club to join.”

She added, “Service is our passion, and so we have a lot of things planned for Central Eleuthera, in the different communities. Our main service project will focus on the concept of no child without a playground. Many children nowadays stay inside, so we want to work with the primary schools in Central Eleuthera, and try to help them get their playgrounds established or re-established.”

The Kiwanis Club of Central Eleuthera, said Mrs. Wallace, was formally

recognized in August 2023. “So, we are just a couple of months old, led by president of the KCCE, Mr. Auldrin Barr.

We started out with fifteen members, and have added twelve new members to our Club team, so we are currently first in our district of more than 380 clubs for bringing in new members. We also have many more people who are interested.”

Teacher advisor, Ms. Vernae Stuart, with the K-Kids Club at the James’ Cistern Primary School, with principal Ms. Christine Brown, along with Mrs. Melinda Wallace and Mrs. Avis Bethel, accompanied the K-Kids clubbers as they delivered the large boxes of grocery items following their lunch break period on Wednesday afternoon.

Local

30 www. EleutheraNews . com

Nov/Dec, 2023

NE Public Service Officers Recognized During National Public Service Week ‘23 Twenty public service officers throughout North Eleuthera were recognized and honoured for their dedication during a special church service at the Charles Wesley Methodist Church, in Lower Bogue on Sunday, October 29th, 2023, as part of National Public Service Week celebrations.

The week, celebrated under the theme, “One Nation. One People. Our Public Service” was observed from October 29th until November 4th.

Public Officers across the various government agencies and platforms attended the service. Special guest speaker, who delivered the charge to the officers on the topic, ‘Love in Action’, was Rev. Dr. Marie Neely.

Agriculture - 35 Years

Officers recognized on the day included:

(Public Officers are listed with their name, public agency, and number of years within the Public Service)

•

Mrs. Raquel Albury - Water & Sewer-

•

Mr. Ricardo Belle - Ministry of Works

age Corporation - 21 Years

- 41 Years

•

Mrs. Laurel Bullard - Post Office

•

Mrs. Lucy Butler - Department of Lo-

• •

Department - 39 Years

cal Government - 36 Years Mr. Kevin Cambridge - Bahamas Power & Light - 42 Years Mr. Arlington Cash Jr. - Ministry of

• • • • • • • •

Mrs. Marguerite Cash - Dept. of

Environmental Health Services 35 Years Mrs. Maefield Cash-Martinez - Ministry of Education - 37 Years Mrs. Gayle Colebrooke - Ministry of Education - 29 Years Mrs. Deborah Young-Fox - Ministry of Tourism - 40+ Years Ms. Barbara Johnson - Road Traffic Department - 37 Years Mr. Martin Kemp - Ministry of Health & Wellness - 31 Years Mr. Seth Mather - Port Department - 34 Years Ms. Dorothy Moss - Department of Environmental Health Services -

35 Years

•

Mrs. Sonega Neely - Bahamas Air Navigation Services Authority - 19 Years

•

Ms. Philippa Brown-Papadopoulo -

•

Ms. Margaret Pinder - Ministry of

•

Mrs. Nickal Symonette - Ministry of

• •

Ministry of Education - 22 Years

Health & Wellness - 29+ Years

Social Services & Urban Development - 33 Years Administrator Stephen Wilson - Department of Local Government - 26 Years Mrs. Kayla Davis-Dean - Department of Local Government - 15 Years

Mrs. Kayla Davis-Dean

Admin. Stephen Wilson

Mrs. Nickal Symonette

Mrs. Margaret Pinder

Mr. Martin Kemp

Mr. Seth Mather

Mrs. Philippa Papadopoulo

Ms. Dorothy Moss

Mrs. Sonega Neely

Mrs. Deborah Young-Fox

Mrs. Maefield Cash-Martinez

Mrs. Gayle Colebrooke

Mrs. Marguerite Cash

Mr. Arlington Cash Jr.

Ms. Barbara Johnson

Mr. Kevin Cambridge

Mrs. Lucy Butler

Mrs. Laurel Bullard

Mr. Ricardo Belle

Mrs. Raquel Albury

2023, Nov/Dec Page. 7

Local

Major Cash Donation to Junior Junkanoo

ment extends to us bringing in our Disney live entertainment team - and partnering with the schools in mentoring these young Bahamian creatives, by those who have made a career out of being creative.

“We continue to deepen this relationship with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, and the National Junkanoo Committee, beyond junkanoo.

As we design our entertainment offerings at Lighthouse Point, and we continue to figure out exactly what we are going to do there - we have always said that the site itself, the design of it, and the offerings on that site will be rooted in the history and culture inherent to The Bahamas.

“So, we have been very proud to collaborate very closely with the NJC and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, as advisors as we continue to build out that program. We are so looking forward, and are very excited to bring those options to the local community, because we believe that there are going to be some interesting opportunities for the creative community here in Eleuthera to take advantage of in the very near future.

“We will also be looking at ways to support senior junkanoo here on the island - to continue that tradition, to strengthen the work that you do here, and to support the offerings that we have at Lighthouse Point as well.

Kishlane Smith, Deputy Co-Chair with the National Junkanoo Committee, responding to Disney’s announcement of increased support for junior junkanoo in Eleuthera, said, “Junkanoo is very important. For far too long, junkanoo historically [national support for - and the proceeds from any corporate sponsorship], was only centered around New Providence. We are changing that whole mindset. And we are changing the corporate derivatives to ensure that all of the Islands of The Bahamas are somewhat showcased - and that all the islands recognize that we see them, and we will assist them however possible. So, we are extemely appreciative to Disney for this venture,... as their efforts solidify our particular goal of making sure funding takes place not only on New Providence,

but throughout the Family Islands.”

Ms. Smith expressed her excitement that Director Gaskins had voiced the intention that there would also be some level of funding for senior junkanoo in Eleuthera in 2024. She also revealed the adoption of a more efficient tabulation system of scoring, which had been introduced to junior junkanoo parades in New Providence several years ago. She confirmed that this system would be used in the upcoming junior junkanoo parade event in Eleuthera, to allow for the announcement of parade winners within a short time, following the parade, on the same evening.

“So far, I am hearing that all of the schools in the various settlements and districts have committed to participating in the junior junkanoo parade, so that is a wonderful effort. We were here earlier this year for the 2023 junior junkanoo parade, and some of the schools did not participate because of the lack of funding, so that was an impetus behind our drive,” said the NJC Co-Chair.

Mr. Ellory Deveaux, Senior Cultural Administrative Coordinator at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, brought brief remarks on behalf of the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Mario Bowleg, saying, “I would like to thank Disney Cruise Line for their donation and sponsorship towards junkanoo on Eleuthera. It is important to encourage the private sector to help develop junkanoo which is part of the orange economy. This year marks 35 of junior junkanoo. It is the embryo for senior junkanoo, and it is vital for its future. Junkanoo encompasses arts and crafts, music, dance, choreography - and this is an important investment in our kids. So, once again we would like to say thank you to Disney Cruise Line for making such a remarkable donation. We also thank the NJC for bringing this negotiation deal to completion, as we move forward in bringing junkanoo to the world.”

The famed leaders of the two largest rival senior junkanoo groups out of New Providence and legendary junkanooers, Mr. Eddison Dames [Senior Consultant with the NJC and leader of ‘The Valley Boys’], and Mr. Percy Vola Francis [Cultural Con-

The Eleutheran

31

sultant with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and leader of the ‘Shell Saxons Superstars’], were both part of the delegation of junkanoo officials in Eleuthera for the donation presentation.

Mr. Francis, dubbed as the ‘Father of junior junkanoo’, recalled his visit to the island of Trinidad in 1987, where he relayed seeing a man in a school yard. Asking him what he was doing, the man shared that he was getting ready for what they called ‘kiddies carnival’. He invited Mr. Francis to see it two days later. The experience of the large downtown parade, which Mr. Francis said he recalled sixty-four (64) schools taking part in - and all the schools, teachers, children and parents coming out in support, was an inspiration he said - which made him think that an event of that type would also be good for The Bahamas. “That is when we began our Junior Junkanoo program. Thirty-five years ago when I planted that seed with the National Junkanoo Committee, and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture to make this all possible. So, today we can boast that we have a ‘farm’ system whereby our children can be developed in a way like none other. Not just through junkanoo, but also in so many other ways... Junior junkanoo is the futuristic lifeblood of our development as a country and a nation... We want to thank Disney for this massive contribution.”

Mr. Eddison Dames, also remarking on the journey of junior junkanoo, and Eleuthera’s strong part in its history, shared, “Percy and I have been working feverishly together, since the inception of this program to make sure that wherever junior junkanoo or senior parades are, we had a presence in helping to develop it. When we started out these parades, it was difficult in many of the Family Islands to get those seeds watered and the harvest to the point where it is today. However, junior junkanoo has always been very much alive here in Eleuthera. I must say Eleuthera has always represented the island in a fantastic way. I say that because Eleuthera has proven itself, from here in Tarpum Bay, and over in Spanish Wells, we also saw North Eleuthera High coming into New Providence and beating up the schools in New Providence.

So, we are pleased to see this reignited, especially after the pandemic. We would now like to see again the winners of parades in the Family Islands coming into New Providence to participate in the Junior Junkanoo parade there. Hopefully, next year we will be able to take some of the winners from Eleuthera into New Providence to come and defend some of their titles which they hold.”

Retired Educators Club Celebrates Christmas with a Luncheon at Uniques

Picture This !

The Eleuthera branch of the Retired Educators Club (REC), which was formed in 2018, celebrated the beginning of the holiday season together, on Thursday, December 7th, 2023, with a warm Christmas luncheon on the cool day, at Uniques Restaurant in Palmetto Point. Members of the retirement group with its motto - “Mobilize, organize, recruit and engage” - continue to stay active within their different communities on the island by volunteering to participate in school spelling bees, essay competitions, debates and the district spelling bees, as well as assisting with school and community libraries. After retirement, the colleagues and friends over many years, enjoy meeting throughout the year. The group stays connected with each other through an active WhatsApp group, and invites all retired educators to join. Members include: Levada Ingraham, Karen Crean, Emily Petty, Theresa Burrows, Evelyn Deal, Alverne Sands, Althea Roberts, Frances Russell, Rose Neilly, Alluria Thompson, Susan Hannah and Coral Pinder.

32 www. EleutheraNews . com

Local

Calendar Event Markers!

December 20th - Kids Movie Night at Haynes Library - Presented by Governor’s Harbour Audio Visual, in conjunction with the Haynes Library. Fun and prizes included. (Organizers say - “Feel free to wear holiday pajamas and bring your own lawn chair or blanket to the movie.) Begins at 7:00 p.m.

(Contact: Althea Willie - Haynes Library (242) 332-2877, - Governor’s Harbour) December 22nd-23rd - 2nd Annual Christmas Cheer Train - Hosted

by MP Clay Sweeting - Enjoy Food, Drinks, Gifts, and Christmas Fun! Friday, December 22nd, 2023 - Beginning at 9:00 a.m. (Savannah Sound to Bannerman Town). Saturday, December 23rd, 2023 - Beginning at 9:00 a.m. (Hatchet Bay to Palmetto Point).

December 23rd - Leon Levy Na-

tive Plant Preserve CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY - Bring your kids

to The Levy Preserve for a festive afternoon filled with Christmas Crafts and Games, Face Painting, Live Music, and a Special Photo Session with Santa. Light refreshments will

be served. Hosted from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Banks Road, Governor’s Harbour (Contact: Lakeisha Wallace - Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve (242) 3323831, - Governor’s Harbour) December 23rd - All Eleuthera Christmas Junkanoo Parade The iconic Bahamian cultural annual Junkanoo event will be hosted by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, and the National Junkanoo Committee this year in the township of Hatchet Bay. Parade begins at 9 p.m.

(Contact: Clara Young - Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture (242) 3344650, - Tarpum Bay)

PUBLIC HOLIDAY DATES (December 2023 and January 2024) -

December 25th - Christmas Day (Monday) December 26th - Boxing Day (Tuesday) January 1st - New Year’s Day (Monday) January 10th - Majority Rule Day (Wednesday)

January 2nd - Public Schools Reopen for the Easter Term .

Nov/Dec, 2023

Training Workshops Held for Local Junkanoo Judges

Pictured above: Kishlane Smith, CoChair of the National Junkanoo Committee.

Legend and pioneer in the cultural art form of junkanoo, Mr. Eddison Dames, now serving as a Senior Consultant with the National Junkanoo Committee (NJC), conducted judge training workshop sessions in Eleuthera on Friday and Saturday, November 17th and 18th, along with Kishlane Smith, Deputy Co-Chair of the National Junkanoo Committee (NJC) and other officials.

While interacting with the judges-in-training and key personnel from local junkanoo groups on the ground, NJC officials were able to hammer out details for the upcoming senior junkanoo parade, to be held just ahead of the Christmas holiday in Eleuthera, and fine-tune rules for the junior junkanoo parade slated to take place early in March of 2024. “We had a great time in Eleuthera,” said Mr. Dames, about the sessions.

Senior Consultant Dames continued, “We had a great turnout at the junior junkanoo judges workshop... Out of that we were able to revise a number of rules. We were also able to confirm that there will be a parade on the 23rd of December, with senior junkanoo groups...

And we had some discussions in there because there are four groups available for participation in the parade - two A groups and two B groups.

“Initially, one of the A groups had a problem with the date of the 23rd, because they just got a shack [on the day we were down there]. So, we were back and forth for about an hour and a half - trying to ensure that we were able to get that group confirmed, that they will be there on the 23rd. Ultimately, all of the groups confirmed, and we will have a parade with those

four groups [two in the A division and two in the B division]. I believe that we are all geared up now for a fantastic parade on the 23rd which will be held in Hatchet Bay. We also had a chance to look at the venue in Hatchet Bay, and all preparations are now ongoing, so, we anticipate a smooth running of that parade.

“The judges, I believe, are adequately trained to judge whatever comes their way. We were able to solidify a number of persons who volunteered to be judges. When we initially got in Eleuthera, we were struggling to see if we could actually get the numbers that were required.

But, we ended up with the numbers required for both of the parades [the senior parade in December 2023 - and the junior parade in March 2024], in terms of the judges. So, I think we are well on the way.”

Kishlane Smith, commenting briefly on her experience during the workshop, shared, “I am very excited. As you know, I am an Eleutheran - and we have been talking about the potential that we see on Eleuthera from the senior level, and importantly, from the junior level. So, we look forward to a successful parade, and we are always willing and able to assist however possible.”

Nearby

2023, Nov/Dec Page. 21

The Eleutheran

33

2023 Hurricane Season Ends

mph. Otis holds the record as the strongest landfalling hurricane in the eastern Pacific after undergoing rapid intensification in which wind speeds increased by 115 mph in 24 hours.

The central Pacific basin had a near-normal season with four tropical systems traversing the basin. Hurricane Dora, a category-4 storm, passed south of Hawaii in early August, marking the first major hurricane in the central Pacific basin since 2020. The strong gradient between a high pressure system to the north and Dora to the south was a contributing factor to the wind-driven, fast-moving wildfires in Hawaii.

Hurricane season activity for the eastern Pacific and central Pacific fell within predicted ranges.

“Another active hurricane season comes to a close where hazards from the storms extended well inland from the landfall location,” said NOAA National Hurricane Center Director Michael Brennan, Ph.D. “This underscores the importance of having a plan to stay safe whether you’re at the coast or inland.”

NOAA’s new Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System helped National Hurricane Center forecasters improve intensity predictions this season. NOAA’s intensity forecasts showed Hurricane Idalia as a major hurricane impacting the coast of Florida as early as Aug. 28. This lead time gave those in threatened areas more time to prepare and respond, and there were no storm surge fatalities from Idalia despite storm surge inundation of as much as 12 feet above ground level in some areas. Further, extending the National Hurricane Center’s tropical weather outlook product from five to seven days, this season provided emergency managers more time to prepare and stage resources before a storm.

NOAA’s hurricane research and response This season, NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft flew 468 mission hours to collect atmospheric data that is critical to hurricane forecasting and research, passing through the eye of a hurricane 120 times and deploying over 1,400 scientific instruments. Since 2020 through this 2023 season, NOAA’s two Lockheed WP-3D Orion have flown 40% more hurricane mission flights than the preceding four years (2016-2019).

NOAA celebrated the first operational launch of a Black Swift drone from a NOAA WP-3D Orion to gather atmospheric data in and around Hurricane Tammy. Further, the first successful coordination of a low-flying drone (Anduril’s Altius 600), atmospheric profilers (dropsondes), and ocean profilers (bathythermographs) also launched from a NOAA WP-3D Orion. Observations and information from these deployments are being evaluated to determine the feasibility of using the data to help with hurricane forecasting in the future.

NOAA’s Beechcraft King Air flew 28 mission hours to collect aerial imagery used for emergency response after Hurricanes Idalia and Lee. Following Hurricane Idalia, NOAA’s National Ocean Service provided support to enable safe maritime navigation, gathering survey data for 36.8 linear nautical miles and identifying 29 potential obstructions along Florida’s coastal waterways.

NOAA also worked to identify hazards caused by capsized vessels, damaged docks and piers, parts of homes and other types of marine debris, and shared findings with Florida’s debris task force following Hurricane Idalia.

NOAA’s geostationary and polar-orbiting weather satellites provided vital information for monitoring and forecasting the hurricanes and tropical weather that threatened our

NOAA’s GOES-16 satellite captured Hurricane Idalia approaching the western coast of Florida while Hurricane Franklin churned in the Atlantic Ocean at 5:01 p.m. EDT on August 29, 2023. (Image credit: NOAA Satellites ) lives and property this season. Forecasters used one-minute geostationary satellite imagery to assess structure changes during the rapid intensity of storms such as Idalia, Lee and Otis.

NOAA’s polar-orbiting satellites orbit the Earth from pole to pole 14 times a day, providing full global coverage twice daily. Throughout the hurricane season, these satellites made sophisticated and precise observations of the atmosphere, ocean and land, which were critical to developing daily and 3-5 day forecasts.

The National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center Tropical Cyclone Reports for 2023, including

synoptic history, meteorological statistics, casualties and damages, and the post-analysis best track, will be published on the 2023 Tropical Cyclone Report site in March 2024.

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service, will issue its 2024 hurricane seasonal outlook in May 2024. The hurricane season officially begins on June 1.

Source: (NOAA) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; U.S. Department of Commerce

34 www. EleutheraNews . com

Education Beat

Nov/Dec, 2023

Ardent presentations and stiff competition at the Eleuthera Education District Religious Studies Speech Finals

Pictured: After a well-fought contest, Cordesha Pierre of Wellington Prep, earned the top spot. She stands with Eleuthera DEO Mrs. Fontella Knowles.

sioned speech presentations on the topic chosen for the day, “Christian values are still important.”

The fourteen competitors pictured above, included: (1st Row L-R): Cordesha Pierre - Wellington Preparatory (Spanish Wells), Jamar Isaacs - James’ Cistern Primary, Clinae Rolle - Green Castle Primary and Emerie Storr - Rock Sound Primary. (2nd Row L-R): Altone Adderley - Wemyss Bight Primary, Katelyn Neely - Laura Anderson Primary, Benjanikah Delancy - P.A. Gibson Primary, Sade Grace Pinder - Samuel Guy Pinder All Age (Spanish Wells), Tayshawn Brown - Deep Creek Primary and Ryley Alcenet - Harbour Island All Age. (Back Row L-R), Cay’mani Kikivarakis - Emily G. Petty Primary, Nyemma Brown - Harbour Island Green School, Tyesha Wilson - Tarpum Bay Primary, and Tiara Fowler - Emma E. Cooper Primary.

Young students representing upper primary grades 4, 5, and 6 from public schools across the entire Eleuthera District took part in the Ministry of Education’s Religious Knowledge Speech Competition, hosted on Monday morning, November 20th, 2023 at the St. Patrick’s Anglican Church Parish Hall in Governor’s Harbour.

Fourteen eager and creative young primary schoolers, sat expectantly on stage, behind the podium area - as their young peers each took a turn to present their prepared speeches to the panel of judges, lined off in front of them. Chief Judge on the morning, was Ms. Sharon Singh - a teacher at the North Eleuthera High School and experienced debate coach. She was accompanied by Assistant Judge, Mrs. Carletta CulmerTurnquest; Third Judge, Ms. Lavette Strachan; Ballot Counter, Mrs. Karen Crean; and Time Keeper, Mrs. Alvene Sands.

The primary competitors had come together to bid for an opportunity to represent the island of Eleuthera in the National Religious Studies Speech Competition, slated to take place in the

nation’s capital early in 2024. Once the dust of the morning competition had settled, three students would be chosen as the overall top presenters on the island, with first place, moving on to compete in New Providence.

Each individual student brought their distinctive personalities and a refreshing variety of impas-

While some competitors concentrated on what those Christian values were and how they were still relevant in today’s society, some others took it a step further, adding unique storytelling and moving beyond just reading a speech to delivering well memorized presentations - differentiating themselves from the group.

As the final presentation ended, and judges stepped away for deliberations, amidst the handclapping, discussions on this presentation and the other, amongst the healthy crowd of spectating students, coaches, parents and community members could be heard. A hush fell over the audience as judges returned with the awaited results.

Chief judge, Sharon Singh, announcing the results, first gave a critique and analysis of the quality of the presentations witnessed that morning. She added that it had been a challenging task for the judges because so many of the students had made such high quality presentations, resulting in very small margins between the scores.

Following a hiccup, where apparently the

The audience at the speech competition hung on every word, as talented students made their presentations.

Local

2023, Nov/Dec

The Eleutheran

Resident raises Concern about several facets of meeting held to discuss proposed marina in Gov. HBr. “This proposed development

would involve relocating the Queen’s Highway inland and away from the coast.”

A “Letter to The Editor” written by a concerned resident of Governor’s Harbour stated the following: “There has been considerable interest in the proposed Sunset Estates Development and the town meeting was not organised in a way to effectively share much-needed information with the public. I attended the town meeting and here are some notes … all of the content that I included was from the meeting and the Environmental Impact Assessment (I pasted the link below).

Their assessment of the content of the meeting is as follows: “Locals voiced objections to a proposed development at the north entrance to Governors Harbour at a town meeting that was held on 22nd November at St. Patrick’s Parish Hall in Governors Harbour. The proponents of the Sunset Estates & Marina are requesting a Certificate of Environmental Clearance to build a marina on the waterfront, extending 1.6 acres into the bay between French Leave Resort and the Levy Medical Centre, and a residential subdivision including condominiums within an area of 30.63 acres of a 137.65 acre tract of land in Governor’s Harbour.

This proposed development would involve

wrong student was announced in third place - judges quickly reconvened, and after confirming the results announced the winners as: Sade Grace Pinder of Samuel Guy Pinder All Age in third place; Jamar Isaacs of James’ Cistern Primary in second place; and Eleuthera’s top Religious Studies Speech Competition winner in first place - Cordesha Pierre of Wellington Preparatory.

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Loud applause was heard during the winner announcements, as well as protest from some - disappointed with the result after the stiff competition. However, the decision coming from the deliberation of the judges was final.

Chief Judge Singh, in comments after the speeches - praised the competitors for the quality of the presentations they had made - in

relocating the Queen’s Highway inland and away from the coast. Locals were concerned about numerous impacts to the environment as well as damage to and loss of access to the traditional fishing areas on the rocks along the shoreline, and the proposed blocking of the view into Governor’s Harbour when driving into the settlement.

Seasoned fishers and boaters from Governor’s Harbour also pointed out that the site in question has no protection from wind and storms blowing from the northwest, and it would be a dangerous place to keep boats as the wind regularly blows from that direction, especially during the winter months.

Public participation in the meeting was hampered by the fact that many people were not aware that the meeting was taking take place (there was no readily accessible posted information about the meeting ahead of time), and that the zoom link was listed incorrectly on the flyer. The new Environmental Impact Assessment can be viewed here: (https://barefootluxuryba-

hamas.com/sunset-estates-marina/) and the

public was requested by representatives from the Department of Environmental Planning & Protection to submit comments regarding the environmental impact to cec@depp.gov.bs and eleuthera@depp.gov.bs before the 21st December.” their research preparation, content, as well as their deliveries. “From my perspective, I think the students did really, really well! We could only choose three, but they are all winners...

The scores were very close... The research was excellent. Many, if not all of them used biblical quotes, which was really relevant doing the religious studies speech competition as, they must quote from the bible.”

She continued, “Many had some very good attention grabbers, which were excellent. Their mannerisms, gesticulations, props - everything was on point. So, it was a bit difficult to pick the top three, but the concensus lies with the judges. That is what we had to do - and we chose the top three. Some persons might not be pleased, but that is how it is. Only three could be the winners, and only one could be first place.”

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36 www. EleutheraNews . com Select police reports, shared by the RBPF locally Police on the Island of Eleuthera continue to enforce our laws in an effort to curtail the use of dangerous drugs and offences related thereto and to reinforce the message of safe driving. During the month of November, Officers conducted four (4) traffic checks during which officers inspected several hundred vehicles. This resulted in motorists being cited for approximately twenty four (24) traffic offences. In addition, a number of special operations were conducted; as a result, Officers have taken into custody forty seven (47) persons in separate incidents for various criminal offences.

•

Drug Arrest On Friday 10th November, 2023 at 5:00 am, Officers from the Governor’s Harbour Police Station including acting on information Officers executed a search warrant on the residence of a 31yr old male of Palmetto Point, Eleuthera where a quantity of suspected marijuana and a marijuana plant was found. As a result, the suspect was arrested for Possession of Dangerous Drugs and transported to Governor’s Harbour Police Station where he was processed and charged for that offence.

• Drug Arrest On Thursday 23rd November, 2023 at 5:20pm officers came in at the Rock Sound Police Station with a 23yr old female of Rock Sound and reported that she was arrested and cautioned at 5:00pm on 23.11.2023 while in Rock Sound after she was found to be in Possession of a small quantity of suspect marijuana.

The suspect was transported to the Rock Sound Police Station where she was processed and charged.

Drug Arrest • On Thursday 23rd November 2023 at about 3:35pm officers came in at the Governors Harbour Police Station with a 22yr old male and a 28yr old male both of Governors Harbour. They reported arresting the suspects after they were found in possession of suspected marijuana during a routine traffic check.

Both males were transported to Governor’s Harbour Police Station where they were processed and charged for that offence.

Drug arrest • On Thursday 23rd November, 2023 sometime around

7:03pm officers came in at the Rock Sound Police Station with a 42yr old male of Freeport Grand Bahama and C/O Bannerman Town, Eleuthera.

They reported that he was arrested and cautioned at 6:55pm on Queen’s Highway Rock Sound after being found in possession of a quantity of suspect marijuana. The suspect was transported to the Rock Sound Police Station where he was processed and charged • Drug Arrest On Friday 24th November 2023 sometime around 10:00 am Officers cautioned and arrested a 35yr old male of Gregory Town. After he was found to be in possession of a quantity of suspect marijuana.

The suspect was transported to Governor’s Harbour Police Station where he was processed and charged for that offence.

• Drug Arrest On Friday 24th November 2023 sometime around 10:00 am Officers arrested and cautioned a 40yr old male of Hatchet Bay after he was found in possession of suspect marijuana. The suspect was transported to Governor’s Harbour Police Station where he was processed and charged for that offence.

• Drug Arrest On Friday 24th November 2023 sometime around 12:02 pm Officers while conducting a routine traffic inspection at queens Highway Hatchet Bay, arrested and cautioned a 51yr old female of Gregory Town after she was found to be in possession of a quantity of suspect marijuana. The suspect was transported to Governor’s Harbour Police Station where he was processed and charged for that offence.

Drug Arrest • On Friday November 24th 2023 sometime around 8:00pm Officers while conducting a routine traffic inspection in the area of Chris Brown Highway, Wemyss Bight arrested and cautioned a 32yr old male of Bannerman Town after he was found in possession of a quantity of suspect marijuana. The suspect was transported to the Rock Sound Police Station where she was processed and charged.

Drug Arrest • On Friday November 24th

RBPF Reports National

2023 sometime around 5:50 pm Officers while conducting a routine traffic inspection in the area of Chris Brown Highway Wemyss Bight, arrested and cautioned a 38yr old male of Deep Creek after he was found in possession of a quantity of suspected marijuana.

The suspect was transported to the Rock Sound Police Station where she was processed and charged.

• Drug Arrest On Friday November 24th 2023 sometime around 5:55 pm officers while conducting a routine traffic inspection in the area of Chris Brown highway Wemyss Bight arrested and cautioned a 48yr old male of Bannerman Town after he was found in possession of a quantity of suspect marijuana. The suspect was transported to the Rock Sound Police Station where she was processed and charged

• Drug Arrest On Friday November 24th 2023 sometime around 6:00pm, Officers while conducting a routine traffic inspection in the area of Chris Brown Highway, Wemyss Bight arrested and cautioned a 46yr old male of Bannerman Town after he was found in possession of a quantity of suspect marijuana with Intent to supply. The suspect was transported to the Rock Sound Police Station where she was processed and charged.

Officers also received reports of several incidents of theft which are actively being investigated.

• Stealing On Monday 6th November 2023 sometime around 2:10 pm a44yr old adult male contacted the Governors Harbour Police Station and reported that some person/s had stolen cash out of his bag which was left on Ten Bay Beach.

Officers responded to the scene where they saw and spoke with the complainant who provided further information. This matter is under active investigations.

Shop Breaking • On Monday 20th November 2023 sometime around 8:15 am the Principal of a local Primary School contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station and reported that while inspecting the outside of the classrooms she noticed that some unknown person (s) attempted to enter classroom 4 through the window. Checks was made of her office window where she noticed someone attempted to enter through the window damaging the window pane. A jar containing an assortment of coins totaling $200.00 were stolen. Officers visited and processed the scene. This matter is under active investigation.

Shop Breaking Report • On Wednesday 23rd November

2023 at about 7:15am the District Education Officer for Eleuthera reported to the Governors Harbour Police Station that Between 4:16pm 22/11/23 and 6:34am 23/11/23 some unknown person(s) broke into the Ministry of Education District office located Savannah Sound. Nothing of value was noticed missing and police action was requested. Officers responded to the scene where the suspected point of entry was pointed out. The scene was processed. Investigations are ongoing.

• Housebreaking On Sunday 26-11-23 at 10:55am a 19yr old male of Bay Street, Harbour Island came to Harbour Island Police Station and reported that sometime between 11:00 p.m. On Saturday November 25th, 2023 and 9:00 a.m. on Sunday November 26th, 2023, some unknown person(s) entered his bedroom through a southern window. The culprits stole his PS4 Game Console with controller valued at $460.00, his black I- Pad in a black case with keyboard attached valued at $1500.00; and his Bahamian Passport. Police action was requested. Officers visited the scene and commenced active investigations into this matter.

The Eleuthera Division of the Royal Bahamas Police Force continues to make its presence felt throughout the community as we seek to execute the Commissioner’s Policing Plan. These operations as well as community policing initiatives will continue throughout the Island as Officers seek to heighten police visibility, reduce the fear of crime, reduce the number of serious traffic accidents and discourage criminal behavior in our communities.

------** SAFETY TIPS** The Royal Bahamas Police Force encourage members of the public to be safe as we approach the holiday season and thereafter. DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE! It is a very dangerous to do so and it can result in serious injuries or possible death to you or somebody else. Here are a few safety tips to help you have a safe weekend: • If you plan on having strong drinks, assign a competent designated driver.

• If you have been drinking, call a taxi or a loved one to assist with getting you home safely.

Stay Alive, Don’t Drink and Drive!! **OPERATION “SAFE STREETS” YIELDS POSITIVE RESULTS** In their commitment to reducing criminal activity in Eleuthera, Officers conducted operation

Nov/Dec, 2023 “Safe Streets”. On Thursday 23rd November, 2023, from the hours of 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., the operation targeted prolific offenders and motorists that failed to adhere to the traffic laws and regulations.

The joint operation yielded great results, with the arrest of seven (7) individuals for various criminal offences and the issuing of forty-one (41) traffic citations. The public is urged to fully comply with all laws governing the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, as failure to do so will result in individuals being brought before The Magistrate’s Court. **OPERATION RESULTS IN ELEUTHERA** In their commitment to minimizing and preventing criminal activity in Eleuthera, officers executed operation “Safer Communities” on Friday 24th November, 2023.

This initiative targeted prolific offenders and motorists who disregard traffic laws and regulations. It was an overall success, resulting in the arrest of eight (8) individuals for various criminal offences and the issuance of traffic citations to eight (8) individuals. Additionally, officers conducted sixteen (16) profile checks and inspected two hundred (200) vehicles. The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to emphasize that Operation Secure remains an ongoing effort. The public is encouraged to adhere to all laws governing the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, as any violations will lead to individuals being placed before The Magistrate’s Court.

Police Contact Numbers •

HeadQuarters (GH)

332-3500

•

Governor’s Harbour OR 332-2117

332-2111

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O/C Governor’s Harbour 332-2723

•

Gov.Harb. Airport Station 332-2323

•

Deep Creek Station 334-8207

•

Tarpum Bay Station 334-4033

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Rock Sound Station 334-2244

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Rock Sound Sgt. Office 334-2212

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Rock Sound Airport Stn 334-2052

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L. Bogue (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

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2023, Nov/Dec

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It’s That Time Of Year Again Prizes Up For Grabs At JC Discount Superstores

Agatha Deveaux, James’ Cistern Winner.

Brent Stubbs, Gregory Town Winner.

JC Discount Superstores, with store locations in both James’ Cistern and Gregory Town, held their first holiday promotion drawing on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023 - with the lucky winners selected from their Gregory Town and James’ Cistern store locations. The December 2nd drawing winners were Brent Stubbs in Gregory Town, and Agnes Deveaux at James’ Cistern. Throughout the month of December, JC Discount Superstores are encouraging their customers to spend $20 or more in either store, for an opportunity to ‘enter to win’ one of four special prizes! Prize drawings will take place every Saturday in December.

Kiwanis Club of SE and Occupational Therapist, Join Forces to Support Primary School (Collaborative Effort Aims to Enhance Fine Motor Skills and Sensory Processing for Students) students. “We understand the importance of these aspects, and we want all of our students to grow and be successful. If an occupational therapist can help bridge the gap, then we are very grateful for that assistance,” Mrs. Walker remarked.

Above: Kiwanis president Atwood stands (center right) with OT Allen (center left) surrounded by Kiwanis Club members and educators at the Rock Sound Primary School.

In a renewed commitment to community well-being, Meredith Atwood, president of the Kiwanis Club of South Eleuthera (KCSE), recently spearheaded a partnership with Sheila Allen, an occupational therapist (OT) with 40-plus years of experience specializing in young children.

The collaborative effort made its first stop at Rock Sound Primary

School, where Principal Mrs. Mechelle Walker expressed gratitude for the support received from president Atwood, and Ms. Allen.

During the visit to Rock Sound Primary School, Mrs. Walker commended the joint initiative, highlighting the importance of addressing fine motor skills, sensory processing, and attention span development in young

The collaboration involves the pair, Atwood and Allen, working closely with teachers, aiming to provide them with the tools and knowledge to enhance the learning experience for their students. Recognizing the crucial role that teachers play in the lives of children, especially in their formative years, OT Allen was said to be passionate about supporting educators in fostering optimal growth and development.

A meeting, attended by eight teachers and several KCSE members, served as the platform to introduce Sheila Allen and discuss the collaborative efforts underway.

Ms. Allen shared insights into her extensive experience working with children and expressed enthusiasm for an upcoming pilot program developed in conjunction with the Kiwanis Club.

The pilot program is set to support teachers and aid in both public and private

preschools across central and south Eleuthera. “I know the important role teachers play in the lives of children and their families. Working primarily with children, I’ve seen firsthand the successes and how teachers of young children make such a difference in their growth and development because they spend so much time with their students,” Ms. Allen stated, underlining her commitment to the well-being of young learners.

Ms. Atwood, reiterated the KCSE’s commitment to supporting local schools and fostering an environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive. “Collaborating with experts like Sheila allows us to make a meaningful impact on the lives of these young students. We believe in the power of community-driven initiatives for the betterment of education,” she remarked, and added, “This program reflects our shared vision, with emphasis on the significance of early intervention and specialized support in a child’s educational journey, fostering an environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive.”

38 www. EleutheraNews . com

Local

Nov/Dec, 2023

Eleuthera Agro-Industrial Festival Successful event dodges weather bullet

Many visitors to the AgroFest took the time to walk through and engage with the artisans under the special ‘creatives’ tent which hosted booths of handcrafted jewelry, fine art, straw works, and other crafts of all sorts by local entrepreneurs.

The Eleuthera Agro-Industrial Festival, hosted over a two-day period on Friday, November 17th and Saturday, November 18th, 2023, had a delayed start on Friday, due to weather challenges, however, organizers and participants would breathe a collective sigh of relief as further inclement weather stayed away from the Governor’s Harbour area after the morning hours on Friday, and would hold well into the Saturday evening hours - as residents and visitors came out to the Bayfront park to experience the variety of food, produce, crafts, and entertainment on showcase during the event.

Sonia Sands, Deputy Chairman at the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC), with responsibility for Eleuthera, commented on how plans for the Agro Fest had come together, saying, “This whole festival is a rebirth of the previous festival, that would have been held in the past, which was an agricultural showcase. When the administration came in, one of the main objectives was feeding ourselves - and becoming self-sufficient through food security. That agenda has been hammered into all of us.

“At the beginning, the minister appointed happened to be the member of parliament for Central and South Eleuthera, who wanted us to reintroduce the festival. My team and I traveled from BAIC to a festival in Jamaica called the Denbigh Agricultural Industrial and Food Show. It was their 68th year, so they had been doing it for a very long time, and we saw what they were able to do. That is who we used as a blueprint - for showcasing everything that is associ-

Mrs. Juanita Pinder engages with customers purchasing produce from her ‘Mama Anita’s’ farm.

ated with the agricultural sector, as well as making it into a fun event. That is how we started, putting together a team from both the BAIC office here in Eleuthera, and our Nassau office. We have been working with assistance from the Ministry of Tourism, as well as the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), as well as other supporting bodies, when it comes to homecomings and festivals.”

Talking about the weather factor and its impact, Ms. Sands said, “Initially, we were not too threatened by it, because it was forecasted to be concluded by Thursday. That changed, and it was raining well into Thursday. It did give us a delay in start, and when we should have been into the full festival mode, we are still in preparation mode, but nevertheless we are grateful. And if the showers do pass, we still anticipate success, and look forward to all day tomorrow as well.”

Mrs. Sands proffered that this time of year was chosen for the festival, as it was later in the hurricane season, and even with the possibility of rain - cooler temperatures were an added benefit, as opposed to scorching summer climes, along with the tourist season reopening. “So, we decided to go with this time of the year based on the weather - we didn’t anticipate this rain now, but it’s a very good time for Eleuthera because it is now the opening of the new tourist season with many visitors now on island. And we wanted this to be something that they too could participate in and enjoy. A part of us advertising it was also to the hotels and private homes, and places that they would normally fre-

Mrs. Menishca Barr, showcases her deliciously scented handmade soaps and bath salts.

Pictured above, ALIV manager, Mrs. Suzanne Bethel (on left) with her colleague at the ALIV booth, all smiles.

2023, Nov/Dec

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quent.”

indicated, “Tomorrow we will have a highlight of the Fest, our Farm King and Queen pageant, at 6pm. We have four finalists... and with the evening ambience, what better back drop than the sea at the Governor’s Harbour bay front.” Live entertainment was also on the schedule for those coming out later in the evening on Saturday - with talented headlining Bahamian entertainer, Fanshawn.

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Organizers also reached out to the younger population on the island, shared Sands, to expose them to the agricultural showcase.

“We sent invitations to all of the primary schools on the island, and we were able to bus the children. We had a total of more than two hundred students who came out on Friday morning, who were able to see some of the exhibits... The children were able to speak with some of the vendors and the food processors - like Ms. Burrows at Octis Organics, where she spoke about how she made her teas and her ‘white gold’ salt - taking the pond salt and processing it. So, the children were excited, and they were also treated to lunch. We had one school in particular - Deep Creek primary school, where we were overwhelmed with children who said they had never been to Governor’s Harbour. So, we feel pretty good they were able to have the experience.”

The opening ceremony for the Agro-Industrial Festival was held at 6pm on the Friday evening - where ministry officials and supporting agency heads were in attendance.

Describing what local patrons could enjoy over the two days of the Agro-Industrial Festival, Mrs. Sands

Deputy Chairman Sands continued, “This is also our first ‘jollification’ for the holiday season, and we are hoping this does well. We do have the music and entertainment... Also, we have a whole kiddie corner, which has a lot for the children to do. So, the Fest is a whole family event.

“We also have the game bus with us, and the VIP tent and adult area and a bar, manned and operated by the Rock Sound homecoming committee... We also have forty vendors, coming together from thirteen different settlements throughout Eleuthera. So, we’ve gotten people from all around the island participating. It was important for us to have only Eleuthera vendors and to not import vendors, with the idea being that the economic boost would be felt and recycled throughout the local communities.

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“We have a food court area, with six food booths.

We also have food processor vendors, along with Ms. Tanja Burrows, acting manager at the food processing department of BAIC in New Providence - who would be showcasing the process of making different jams and jellies and other food demonstrations. Whenever the island hosts food processing classes by BAIC, she is the person who facilitates. So, with processors who are still working from home, we want to get them registered and connect them with her, as well as others from the team at BAIC.” She added, “We have the handicraft area, which is always a big seller - with a total of ten vendors, showcasing their jewelry, straw craft, arts and many other items. Also, we have a farmer’s market tent. Produce stands were built, with the assistance of the One Eleuthera Foundation. Vendors were able to register and could come out, and get their produce stand to display and sell. This was not just a showcase - the vendors had a variety of goods and produce for sale.

“At the other end of the bay front park we have tents housing stalls with BAMSI representatives who were showcasing their grow boxes and seedlings, along with the Ministry of

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The lead-in photo on the cover shows, Farm Queen, Jade Thompson, with Emily Mavis Munnings, the designer of her lovely dress for the competition.

Above: Lakeisha Wallace, Manager at the Leon Levy Native Preserve (on left end), with colleagues at the Levy Preserve/Bahamas National Trust (BNT) booth.

Above: New AgroFest Farm Queen, Jade Thompson (center right), stands with excited family members, including her sister, her aunt Carlita Turnquest (left end), and her mom, Carlene Thompson (right end).

Pictured are the four Farm King and Queen contestants at the AgroFest on the Saturday evening, with their trophies, standing with BAIC Deputy Chairman, Mrs. Sonia Sands (standing center), flanked by the competition’s judges as well as local government officials. Winner and Farm Queen, Jade Thompson stands 4th from left.

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Nov/Dec, 2023

Eleuthera Agro-Industrial Festival

Agriculture and the Fish and Farm store... We wanted the exhibits to be a one-stop-shop, where when you come to the Festival knowing nothing about how to grow - you could watch an exhibit, seeing how to plant - along with the products one would need, and seeing what could happen. As well as the processing options one might have.”

Sharing further information on the event’s goal of impacting the younger generation - especially through the Farm King and Queen competition, Mrs. Sands explained, “We have to change the dynamics and the face of agriculture. I think the previous minister did an extremely good job in a relatively short period of time. All of our lives, we’ve thought of farmers and farming as retired older men, and older women - in their 50’s, 60’s and above, and now we have many more children being aware of the opportunities in farming. So, if we can get just a handful of students leaving school at 16, 17 starting to farm, and being interested in joining the industry, we would have gotten closer to our goals.

Allen of Central Eleuthera High, Jade Thompson of Central Eleuthera High, and Frank LaFrance of Preston H. Albury High School. The finalists were dressed in national colours and costuming, with judges on hand tabulating points for their personal dress presentation on Saturday evening along with their scores on their essays and interviews to select a final overall winner.

In the end, Jade Thompson, dressed in a fabulous gown creation by local crafter and designer Emily Mavis Munnings, was crowned the new Eleuthera Agro-Industrial Festival Farm Queen. In response to her win, Jade shared, “We had to write about our agricultural experiences, and although I am not part of the agricultural club, I have a lot of agricultural experience. Especially during the pandemic, my family really got into farming, and now we have a farm in Savannah Sound, where we grow a bunch of different kinds of produce - like watermelons, pomegranates, pigeon peas etc... I feel great about winning tonight. I really was not expecting this, but I would like to thank everybody who supported me.”

Above: Dorlan Curtis, with Food Post Farm, located in North Eleuthera, showcasing a selection of their locally produced honey, beeswax, compost and other items available.

Above: Tourists on island visited the Agro-Industrial Fest throughout the day on Saturday. Below, Mrs. Adjuah Cleare, manning the Octis Organics booth, and three friends taking in the offerings at the farmers’ produce tent.

Early on Saturday evening, the four finalists (three potential queens and one king) in the Farm King and Queen competition, who had all submitted a 250-word essay, and passed an interview session in front of four judges, before receiving a call to say that they had made it to the final, were: Bernette Leary of Preston H. Albury High, Antoinette

CARICOM Statement on Venezuela-Guyana Border Controversy (December 8th, 2023) - CARICOM Heads of Government met in caucus on Friday December 8 to discuss the situation with regard to the Venezuela Guyana border controversy and agreed to issue the following statement:

the conservatory measures determined by the ICJ in its recent ruling until a final resolution.

CARICOM firmly supports Guyana in pursuance of the resolution of its border controversy with Venezuela through the process of the ICJ.

Accordingly, CARICOM calls for a de-escalation of the conflict and for appropriate dialogue between the leaders of Venezuela and Guyana to ensure peaceful coexistence, the ap-

Further, CARICOM urges Venezuela to respect

CARICOM reiterates its commitment to the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace and the maintenance of international law.

plication and respect for international law and the avoidance of the use or threats of force.

-ENDNote: Guyana and Venezuela’s presidents agreed to have a face-to-face meeting on Thursday, 14th December, 2023 in St. Vincent.

2023, Nov/Dec

Local

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Year Ends with roads in a Potted State, as Pits keep Popping Up tentioned, saw multiple contracts awarded, purportedly to fill the potholes across Eleuthera. This has been occurring in part with varied standards in the quality of execution.

To members of the motoring public, as 2023 nears its end, it is boldly apparent that the main road (‘Queens Highway’) running from the north to the south of Eleuthera, following the relatively rainy months of September, October and November - is once again pockmarked with burgeoning legions of potholes.

Motorists will also recall that in 2021, after a highly touted yet incomplete upgrade, the road had been converted to a patchwork quilt of older sand-sealed stretches, and 11 plus miles of cherrypicked, discontinuous sweet spots of asphalt roadway.

A temporary road repair exercise, announced during early summer of 2023, while likely well-in-

Plans by the current government to overhaul the road network on the island with asphalt upgrades from Bannerman Town to Hatchet Bay in a two-year phase-one road project, were said by the member of parliament for Central and South Eleuthera, Minister Clay Sweeting, to have been delayed from the original September/October start period to the beginning of 2024, as the contracted company spearheading the works, Bahamas Striping Group of Companies (BSGC), finalized the logistics and build out of an asphalt plant in the south of the island.

General Manager with BSGC, Melanie Roach, in a comment about the status of the upcoming road project during the final week of November 2024, said that she did not have an update on starting dates for the Eleuthera public at that time, however, she did state, “We are in discussions with the government and once outstanding issues are resolved we can update our plans for commencement. I can tell you that the new asphalt plant has been manufactured and will be shipped from the factory in early December.”

ther deterioration along the main roadway was exampled, when on Saturday, November 25th, 2023, the northern lane of the Queens Highway in the vicinity of the Rock Sound International Airport was closed for three hours, beginning at 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. in the afternoon, to allow for emergency repairs to that area of the roadway due to a culvert failure - which had resulted in the formation of a large hole.

The motoring public were asked to ex-

On the first Tuesday in October, I paid a visit to Harbour Island. On my return while boarding, I misjudged the distance between the boat and the dock, and wound up in the sea. Got some mild bruises. I was rescued by persons nearby and a kind man, Mr. Minns, was my angel of mercy. He took me to the clinic in Harbour Island where the excellent nurses took great care of me. My profound thanks to all concerned. Godfrey Albert Kelly

On Friday, December 8th, crews could be seen working at the site of the culvert failure, which involved - based on information shared - changing the pipes beneath the road and shoring up retention walls. The main road remained open to traffic as the work took place.

Crews at work, repairing the roadway where a culvert failed near the Rock Sound airport in South Eleuthera.

In addition to the potholes, fur-

Dear Editor,

ercise caution while using the road in that area.

Elite

Customs Brokers *DHL Courier *Brokerage *Trucking; Tel: 332-3066

Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera

42 www. EleutheraNews . com

Education Beat

Nov/Dec, 2023

Eleuthera Schools convene for a combined Christmas Carol Service

Above: Eleuthera District Education Officer, Mrs. Fontella Knowles, giving remarks during the Carol Service.

To mark the beginning of the holiday season, as students prepared to go into their final week of examinations, before public schools closed for the Christmas holiday - teachers and administrators within the Eleuthera District, gathered together select students from each of the primary, all age and high schools, to take part in a districtwide Eleuthera Schools Christmas Carol Service, hosted at the Wesley Methodist Church in James’ Cistern.

to celebrate the birth and life of Jesus Christ.

“Yes, our parents may cook up a storm, and we have lots of sweets and treats on that day - and the excitement of Christmas Eve when we see all of the gifts. But, I want you,

Above: Smartly attired audience of students, teachers, parents and others pause for a word of prayer. Also seen on this page are students of Emma E. Cooper Primary, Central Eleuthera High, Harbour Island All Age and Preston Albury High, performing in dance, poetry and band selections,

For the special occasion, a combined band, which included students from Samuel Guy Pinder All Age, North Eleuthera High School, Central Eleuthera High School, and Preston H. Albury High School, performed a number of selections together - throughout the program, including traditional favorites like; ‘Silent Night’, and ‘Oh, Beautiful Star of Bethlehem’. Students from the different schools presented renditions of poetry, dances, plays, drum and song combos, as well as group song selections, all focused on the theme, “A Night In Bethlehem”.

even today as you perform, I want you to listen to some of the words being said, as to why we are celebrating.” She also encouraged the children in the audience to think of some way during this season that they could give to some one else, in service or otherwise - reminding them that is was ‘better to give, than to receive’.

Eleuthera District Education Officer, Mrs. Fontella Knowles, emphasizing the intention to foster unity amongst the schools within the district, expressed her delight that the carol service had representative administration and students from each of the sixteen public schools in the district, with talent and creativity being display by each of those schools during the special program.

Administrator Mrs. Burrows from North Eleuthera, along with Administrator Ms. Anderson from Central Eleuthera were also both in attendance, and brought Christmas greetings and remarks to the body of students, teachers, and supportive family members present.

In her address during the service, Mrs. Knowles challenged the audience of young and older to stay focused on the real meaning of Christmas, and to not get caught up in the activities of the festive season without appreciating the reason for the celebration. “We say that Jesus is the reason for the season. In all of our busy-ness - decorating and shopping, I want to remind us all not to lose focus, and to understand why we actually set aside a day on the calendar

2023, Nov/Dec

Education Beat

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B A

On This Page: Above, (A) School Resource Police Officer, Sgt. Rudolph Pratt, who works with school bands, is shown directing the combined band ensemble at the District Carol Service. (B), speaking, is North Eleuthera Administrator Mrs. Burrows. Also seen here are students from Emily G. Petty Primary, P.A. Gibson Primary, Tarpum Bay Primary, and Deep Creek Primary, giving renditions of recitation, song and dance. Top of the page (right) are the two bright young moderators from Emily G. Petty Primary - Cay’mani Kikivarakis, and Gabriel Fox.

44 www. EleutheraNews . com

Local Buzz

Nov/Dec, 2023

GHB Homecoming 2023 Beautiful energy and people

Entertainers were ready to go at the Governor’s Harbour Homecoming, which saw crowds flock to the site along Queen’s Highway. On Friday evening, Nishe L.S., Shine 242, and the young talents from local band New Vision are shown on this and the facing page - along with beautiful smiles from people enjoying the event.

2023, Nov/Dec

Local Buzz

The Eleutheran

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46 www. EleutheraNews . com

would Page. 20 have had more restraints on finances.

But it seems this year, a lot of persons were saying that they could not do it because of financial constraints. So, it was a bit more challenging to get it off the ground and going, but we were able to get it going.”

Now it was time to get financial reports in order for the organization, to share in the New Year, said Pinder.

“Right now we are in the process of getting in our final billings from different persons that we would have gotten supplies from, and we are hoping to have that completed and finalize our financial report, which we look

All For the Cure Raising awareness for the cause of breast cancer another year, Khyien Johnson, Head Boy at Laura L. Anderson and his younger brother Kamelo Gibson, presented funds raised to Eleuthera Cancer Society’s member, Ms. Suzette Kemp. The funds were raised from the selling of lapel pins, silicone wristbands, keychains and writing pens to support this cause, during October 2023.

Local

forward to being able to present to the township in a community meeting during the month of January 2024.”

Talking about plans for 2024 for the GHDA and Homecoming, Mr. Pinder stated, “We are going to be looking to put on another homecoming event again next year. We will be working to get some stuff done within the community that we can share with our sponsors to say that these are things that we would have done and accomplished in the community. And hopefully through that it would bring on more persons as sponsors for next year.

Nov/Dec, 2023

On display, at the Governor’s Harbour Homecoming, were beautiful smiles, trendy fashion, relaxed camaraderie and singing with the entertainers.

2023, Nov/Dec

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The Eleutheran | Oct/Nov 2021

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