The Eleutheran Newspaper - April/May 2018 Issue

Eleuthera, Harbour Island & Spanish Wells

Harbour Island Spanish Wells Eleuthera

Volume 11, Issue 4, May 2018

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‘‘Eleuthera’s most reliable Source of News and Information. We Deliver!’’ Monthly In Print & Daily on the Web

REAL ESTATE DEALS

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

full house for sixth (6th) annual

Eleuthera Business Outlook pg: 12&36

pg: 12,38,39

pg: 8

pg:13

The 6th Annual Eleuthera, Harbour Island and Spanish Wells Business Outlook was hosted this year in Harbour Island, on Thursday, April 26th, 2018. The event, described by organizers, The Counsellors Limited (TCL Group), as a forum for the business community to gather into one space to discuss economic topics specific to the Eleuthera community, brought together a cross-section of speakers.

Areas presented on included Bahamas Power and Light’s (BPL’s) energy network on island and planned upgrades and investments, opportunities with the IDB, new developments in South Eleuthera and Harbour Island, successful local business models, the evolution of the commercial fishing industry in Spanish Continued On Page 7

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Local “Plus”

Apr/May 2018

Ultrasound Diagnostic Machine

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For Rent

generously given to local organizations

BY THE ELEUTHERAN NEWS TEAM

The Cancer Society of Eleuthera, and the Rotary Club of Eleuthera (RCE) in partnership with the One Eleuthera Foundation are the recipients of a $10,000 Ultrasound Machine, generously donated to the local organizations by visitors to the island.

The visiting couple, fellow Rotarians and doctors from Germany, had first visited Eleuthera in October 2016 on a diving vacation, and returned on Easter Monday 2018 with the much needed diagnostic imaging machinery.

In a brief handover ceremony held in front of the Cancer Society’s Wellness Center in Palmetto Point on Monday, April 2nd, Rotary Past President Colin Moss opened with a prayer. He was accompanied by Cancer Society President Jacqueline Gibson, Rotary International Service Chairman Shaun Ingraham, Rotary President Sherrin Cooper, Head Nurse Freda Cooper, Cancer So-

ciety Treasurer Sue Culmer and visiting couple Dr. Michael Schulte along with his wife, and visionary of the ultrasound machine project, Dr. Viola Stender-Schulte.

Retelling the story of how everything got started, Dr. Viola Stender-Schulte shared that while vacationing in 2016, she and her husband who had both been presidents of their respective Rotary Clubs in Germany (Rotary Clubs Luedenscheid and LuedenscheidZeppelin), found out that there was a Rotary Club on island and decided to pay them a visit. After fellowshipping and sharing their stories, Viola, said once they returned home she was inspired to find a way to assist RCE’s efforts.

“I had the idea of doing something for the island to protect and save lives, so while the mammogram would have been too big, we decided to buy the ultrasonic maContinued On Page 6

Large, Ideal Business Rental Space & 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath apt available, in Gregory Town, Eleuthera. New bedroom set, New dining room table set, New patio furniture, A/C, ceiling fans, stove, fridge, microwave, large backup water supply tank, full tank of gas, washer & dryer, parking. $1,250 monthly. Call 427-1590.

Above: Rotary Club of Eleuthera members and Public Health Officials along with Dr. Stender Schulte were present during the brief handover ceremony.

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Ultrasound Machine Continued from pg. 4

chine.

“I started thinking about how we could get the money for the machine, and so we did a concert in June 2017. It was the warmest day that summer, and it was a classical concert. Three Rotary friends played at a very old castle near our home town. So we got the money, along with the district grant. My friend Julia communicated with the Rotary Club of Eleuthera and managed all of the paper work.

I decided to travel with the machine and bring it, because I didn’t just want to send it - I wanted to be here in person to give this to you like this. I hope many lives can be saved,” smiled Viola.

Rotary International Service Chairman Shaun Ingraham, also commented during the handover, in response to the couple’s generosity, with some background, saying,

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“We appreciate this. It’s part of an ongoing process that we’ve had here. When the Rotary Club of Eleuthera was chartered it was done here in this building, and we decided then to adopt the Cancer Society of Eleuthera as our primary project. Today we’ve put thousands of dollars into the program. BRCA is a challenge for us, and many women have to go into Nassau for mammograms, and ultrasounds if they have to go back. So this brings us one step closer to achieving that goal of making this place into a Wellness Center.”

He added, “I’m also part of the One Eleuthera Foundation, and every year we try to invest into making the program a reality. I think this is going to be the year that we are going to do it, and finish the project. We are working towards having the full facility open as a Wellness Center with the ultrasound and the mammogram equipment. As International Service Chairman, this is one of the biggest (in value) gifts we’ve received so far. We’ve also gotten a commitment from the US Embassy here in the Bahamas that they would provide a mammogram machine, once the building has been retrofitted. So you can see we’ve been doing some work to the building, and I hope in the next several months, we can finish the work. Our role now is to get the building renovations completed.”

Cancer Society President Jacqueline Gibson, pointed out that the ultrasound machine was multifunctional, going beyond women’s health and could be used for many other purposes. Head Nurse Freda Cooper with Public Health also expressed gratitude for the new equipment, saying, “We cannot thank you enough. It’s something that was needed, hoped for and prayed for. I guarantee you that it will save lives, and we will use it to the fullest extent possible. Thank you so much for partnering with us here in Eleuthera.”

Rotary President Sherrin Cooper, who also recently retired as Head Nurse on the island empha-

(L-R): Dr. Viola Stender-Schulte, with Ms. Jacquelyn Gibson at the handover.

sized that proper training in the use of the new equipment would be a priority, stating, “We really appreciate something that is so badly needed on island. We are probably one of the first family islands to have this kind of equipment. We will do our best to have training done in the use of the machine, and get guidance from the best people. It will be used, so thank you so much, we really appreciate this gesture, as well as you coming all the way here. Your presence here tells us of your love for the island.”

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Business Outlook Continued from pg. 1 Wells, telecommunications, as well as workshops hosted by representatives from the Ministry of Finance, focusing on the new online business license registration process.

Keynote speaker during the event was Minister of Works, the Hon. Desmond Bannister, who spoke about his Ministry’s plans to tackle a number of infrastructure projects in The Eleutheras, including the North Eleuthera airport, the Glass Window bridge, and the new Reverse Osmosis plant in North Eleuthera.

“We have some amazing plans for infrastructural works in Eleuthera, Spanish Wells and Harbour Island. We understand that our role is to facilitate the growth and development of business. So while we

are going to work on the infrastructure, at the airport, at the Glass Window bridge and so many other areas, we want to encourage Bahamians and residents to also look out for the investment opportunities that they are going to provide. It’s one thing for us to upgrade the infrastructure, but there are also going to be some amazing opportunities for Bahamians to participate in the development themselves, and I think that’s an important message,” stated Minister Bannister.

Member of Parliament for North Eleuthera, Mr. Rickey Mackey commented following the Minister ’s presentation, saying, “There are alot of things we need to get accomplished in Eleuthera, and in North Eleuthera in particular. The Minister outlined some of the Government’s plans and programs for moving forward. They all lend to a quicker and better development of our area, because infrastructure is

one of the main catalysts that drives a community and a country forward.

Based on what we’ve heard, it’s a step in the right direction.”

Adrian Gibson, Member of Parliament for Long Island and Executive Chairman of the Water and Sewerage Corportation, commented that the Reverse Osmosis Plant project in North Eleuthera, which was expected to relieve the brackish water challenges in a number of North Eleuthera communities, including Harbour Island and Spanish Wells, was well on the way to a completed build out during the next year.

With the site already cleared and compacted, he stated that contractual negotiations was the next step to complete before moving forward with construction. Other works related to Water services were also ongoing he said, including resolution of leakage issues by replacing affected distribution lines, as well as upgrading generation systems to

Young woman dies tragically

after car crashes and overturns in bushes

Twenty nine (29) year old Gazel Petty of Gregory Town, lost her life tragically in a single car traffic accident along the stretch of road south of Upper Bogue, North Eleuthera, on Tuesday evening, April 17th, 2018, Reports of the accident came in to police via an anonymous caller who reported seeing an overturned vehicle through the bushes at an accident scene.

Police arrived at the scene shortly after 6pm, where a Silver Chevrolet Cobalt with license plate number EL0742 was found 180 feet into bushes on the western side of Queens Highway, overturned on its roof. It is believed that shortly before 6:00pm, the woman was driving south on Queens Highway, when she lost control of the vehicle and crashed into bushes before overturning.

Medical Personnel were called to

the scene and attempts were made to revive the victim, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, however, they were unsuccessful. She was pronounced dead at the scene, then transferred to morgue facilities in Spanish Wells.

Gazel was the mother of a 10 year old girl and an employee of Coral Sands hotel in Harbour Island.

Describing his daughter, Mr. George Petty of Governor’s Harbour, shared, “She was well liked and always tried to

The Eleutheran | 04/05 2018

help people.” Her funeral service, he confirmed, would be held at St. Agnes Anglican church in Gregory Town on Saturday, May 5th, 2018.

This accident is the second traffic fatality to have taken place in Eleuthera in 2018. On February 12th, an 82 year old man from The Bluff, North Eleuthera, Mr. Reneo Doristen, was struck down in the area of the Rubis Service Station, Lower Bogue, on Queen’s Highway.

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ensure uninterrupted operation during power outages.

During his mid-term budget debate contribution in the House of Assembly during March 2018 Minister Bannister announced the following projects in Eleuthera, as being included on the list of shortlisted priorities: - Corrective works for the bridge in Spanish Wells.

- Engineering studies on the Glass Window Bridge in order to commence plans for the building of a new bridge in Eleuthera.

- Construction of an airport in North Eleuthera - Begin the process for building a school in Gregory Town, Eleuthera.

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F EAT U R E

Apr/May 2018

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An Eleutheran Profile:

Mr. Oral Roosevelt Pinder Sr. (82) BY sherelle wallace

Early Life and School: Mr. Oral Roosevelt Pinder Sr., is the epitome of an entrepreneur. He started his first business when he was fourteen years old, and he has worn several hats through-out his ongoing sixty-eight-year career. Today, at eighty-two years old, he’s managing his empire with a great sense of humor, enthusiasm, and a genuine love for everyone, and life on Eleuthera.

Born on 13th May, 1935 in Deep Creek, Eleuthera, Oral, never met his father, Richard Pinder, who died when his mother, Bernice, was a few months pregnant. Sadly, his mother also died when Oral was three years old. His earliest memory was being held in a family member’s arms, looking down at his mother’s closed coffin. In those days the final resting place was made of 1 X 12 plywood and coated with a varnish finish. Whenever locals smelled the distinctive scent, they knew a funeral was about to be held.

Oral attended school in Deep Creek, being raised by his grandparents, who were elderly, but worked their own farm.

After the mandatory leaving of school at fourteen, he used a small shed to operate his first business. His opening inventory included a box of Mortimer candy and a case of soda. When he became older he ran a bootleg rum business, cutting out some of the established rum merchants through the cunning tactic of stashing his inventory in bushes and selling at a lower price.

But being quite knowledgeable about farming, he soon took to that trade.

There were three packing houses at the time, and in Deep Creek he grew peas, onions, tomatoes, and every other crop in demand. During his farming career he employed local Bahamians to work

for him. The Haitian workforce was very small in those days. For farmers in Deep Creek, plots of land were leased from foreign owners at Cape Eleuthera at an average price of one pound per acre, per year. Today, that would be equivalent to about twenty to thirty dollars. Tensions grew when local farmers decided they shouldn’t have to pay foreigners to farm land that should have been their inheritance. Plots of farm land were cut inconspicuously away from the main road, visible only from the air.

When he became a farmer, and around the age of twenty, Oral married Geneva Anderson. They have been married for more than sixty years.

Later in his life, Mr. Pinder would farm for Mr. George Baker at Baker Farms.

However when the packing houses stopped exporting locally grown tomatoes to America, the establishments closed. Farming, and the economy, became a depressed body. So, Oral migrated to New Providence where he was employed by the government in Water Works. But his stint there was short lived and he joined the hordes of Bahamian men in America on The Contract. In winter he was stationed in Florida and during the warmer months was transferred to Minneapolis and New York where he farmed potatoes, cherries, apples and other products demanded by the American populace.

Oral, with a young wife and two children at home in Deep Creek, was adamant about saving his salary and sending it home to his family. At the end of the work day he went back to his lodgings to rest; no drinking, no smoking, no partying. He didn’t stay with The Contract for very long, and despite his manager trying to blackmail him to take his next assignment, Oral insisted on returning to Deep Creek to his young family.

Returning to Deep Creek drove him into the fishing business. He bought a sailboat with a total crew of five men.

Mr. Oral Roosevelt Pinder Sr.

They fished the edge of the ocean at Powell Point, sometimes going up the point into Rock Sound. Fish pots, baited with conch and crawfish, was the main catch method. Back in those days there were no closed grouper or crawfish seasons. Today, however, Mr. Pinder fully supports the closed season for both these Bahamian staples. Groupers were their biggest harvest at the time.

When comparing the fishing and farming business, Mr. Pinder stated that the fishing business proved more rewarding for him as it was immediate profits for hard work. On the other hand, not skilled at navigating his own boat meant he had to hire a captain, and sometimes he would want to go fishing while the captain thought otherwise, and the captain made that decision. Among his crew, the captain also handled the financial aspects of the operation. Farming, although he was in full control, proved very hard work, with yield that depended on several outside factors, and sometimes crops were destroyed by the environment.

There was also produce that was rejected by packing houses in the South and Central Eleuthera areas, although a good portion of that was used for home or extended family use.

During the 1960’s through 1980’s, not only was the economy of South Eleuthera thriving, politics also became an outlet for change and prosperity. Mr. Pinder was passionately active on the local political scene; although he did switch party alliance at one point. It was during Mr. Lynden Pindling’s reign that Mr. Pinder was appointed Justice of the Peace, a position he has held for the past fortyeight years. At one point he was offered

the authority of presiding over court cases and deciding an offender’s fate. But, as the communities were close knit and most people considered like family, Mr. Pinder didn’t want the burden of executing justice. He didn’t have the heart to do it. Locals did come to him with personal disputes which he intervened on privately.

Continued On Page 10

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Profile: Mr. Oral Pinder Continued from pg. 8 Mr. Pinder spoke about the effects of foreign investment in South Eleuthera, comparing what was known as The Boom, to the economy today. The following three paragraphs are unofficial yet educated approximates and statistics.

During the 1950’s until the late 1980’s, foreign investment, said Mr. Pinder, although few, had a major impact on South Eleuthera because of the small scale of population. Here are a few of the investors he talked about. Arthur Vining Davis: an industrialist and philanthropist originally from Massachusetts, started Three Bays Farm. In the early 1940’s he made it possible for the old Methodist manse to become a government clinic. He bought thousands of acres of land on Eleuthera, and built the Rock Sound Club, which was later bought by Juan Trippe. Juan Trippe: founder of Pan American Airways, expanded and upgraded the Rock Sound International Airport, built The Cotton Bay Club in the late 1950’s and Cape Eleuthera Resort at Powell Point in the early 1970’s.

Austin Levy: opened a dairy and poultry farm in Hatchet Bay. Today, there are still only a few foreign investments impacting the South

Eleuthera economy. Princess Cays, opened in 1991, currently employing about eighty-five locals.

The same company operates Half Moon Cay, with close to the same number of local employees operating a similar day cruise excursion, where water sports and land tours are offered.

The Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina employs approximately thirty locals.

Cotton Bay Holdings employs approximately thirty-five locals. And among the near two dozen private homes on The Ridge at Cotton Bay there are as many maids and gardeners employed. Many of these homes serve as year-round rentals to tourists. The tourism industry in South Eleuthera is also complimented by the re-opened Rock Sound Club by a local social enterprise non-profit group, One Eleuthera Foundation, that has added a farm and training facility to their hotel portfolio, and employs about 75 locals. Another locally-owned resort, under construction, employs some fifteen South Eleutherans year-round.

Mr. Pinder contended that despite the amount of people currently employed in foreign-owned investments and the locally-owned hospitality industry, South Eleuthera was better off economically during the boom era. He suspected this was mainly due to inflation and the high

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cost of living today. He felt that people have to work harder in modern times, their dollar doesn’t stretch as far, and a lot of what is consumed is more of a struggle to obtain, compared to when growing your own food and catching from the seas was the staple of local diet.

For an even briefer period than the boom in South and Central Eleuthera, there was an international airport at Cape Eleuthera, and Mr. Pinder also did a stint as a taxi driver. He remembered fondly his trips carrying passengers up and down long, bumpy roads, especially making trips between the Rock Sound International Airport and The Potlatch Club in Central Eleuthera.

Outside of the tourism industry, and in addition to owning a hardware store, Mr. Pinder was a mobile salesman of clothing, groceries, and numerous other items.

Mr. Oral Pinder and his wife, Geneva, currently attend Zion Baptist Church in Deep Creek. Five years ago the congregation ordained him a deacon, and three years later he was ordained as a minister, a position he continues to hold.

Mr. Pinder has certainly created a local empire of his own, and he is a man regarded with respect and love by his community. When it was pointed out that the last name PINDER was one of the most prominent on Eleuthera, he

was quite proud of that. He informed, however, that although he was not sure where the large population of ‘Pinders’ on Spanish Wells originated from, the Pinders of South Eleuthera, he said, migrated from Grand Bahama.

Mr. Oral Pinder’s empire today includes a number of real estate holdings.

He owns a home in the town of his birth as well as three rental apartments. Additionally, he is co-owner of two other apartment buildings, which he shares with two of his sons. Mr. Pinder also owns two businesses, one of which he shares with a business partner. He is the father of twenty-one children, seventyfive grandchildren, and a plethora of great-grandchildren. Surprisingly, he shared that he was a bit disappointed at the number of his grandchildren. His sights were set on having a grand total of at least eighty.

Realistically, if one takes into account the number of middle aged people whom Mr. Pinder has branded as his adopted children, their children could also be claimed as his adopted grandchildren; so he may be able to boast a much larger number than eighty.

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More illegal Migrants Charged and Deported - Two people prosecuted for Harbouring.

A total of 20 Haitian migrants were apprehended during a joint effort with the United States Operations Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Police and Immigration after their vessel ‘Sea Sprite’ made an illegal landing in South Eleuthera.

After Defence Force and OPBAT officials received information of a vessel with migrants in the area, a search for the vessel was immediately launched.

The sailing yacht was found on a beach in Bannerman town, South Eleuthera, early on Wednesday morning, April 11th, 2018.

Ten (10) migrants were discovered in the bushes near the landing area on Wednesday morning and handed over to Immigration officials for further processing. After the apprehensions a Royal Bahamas Defence Force patrol craft continued to patrol and monitor the area, while Police and Immigration continued the search on land. The extended search led to an additional 10 illegal migrants from the vessel being taken into custody - some of whom were found being harboured by a local Bahamian man, and a Haitian man who was in possession of a legal work permit.

On Monday, April 16th, 2018, the 20 illegal migrants apprehended, which included 4 women, 15 men and 1 minor boy, were charged with ‘Illegal landing’ before the magistrate’s court in Governor’s Harbour, presided by magistrate Deveaux-Turnquest. All 20 illegal migrants pled guilty and were turned over to Immigration for processing and deportation. They were all deported to Haiti on Tuesday morning, April 17th, via the Rock Sound airport on Bahamasair.

The local Eleutheran man found

harbouring several of the illegal migrants was also charged before the magistrate on Monday, April 16th with ‘harbouring’. He pled guilty to the charge, and was sentenced with a $3,000 fine or one year in prison. The Haitian man found harbouring, who was in possession of a legal work permit, was also charged before the magistrate’s court with ‘harbouring’. He pled guilty to the charge and was also fined $3,000 or one year in prison. His work permit was then revoked

by Immigration authorities, and after paying the fine levied, he was deported.

Immigration authorities, said as many as 32 people were suspected to have been onboard the ‘Sea Sprite’ vessel. Chief Immigration Officer In Charge of the Eleuthera District, Mrs. Shema Darling warned, “Anybody harbouring, or anyone assisting, we are coming after them, so they should take note if they know of any information about where people are, and report it to the proper authorities - so we can take those illegal migrants still at-large into custody, rather than those harbouring having to go through the court process to face fines or imprisonment, or both.”

According to the Defence Force, this was the second group of migrants to be caught in Bahamian waters during early April. On Friday 7th April, 50 migrants were apprehended after a US Coast Guard vessel and a Defence Force vessel were deployed to intercept their sloop.

The sloop was eventually apprehended

by USCG RELIANCE approximately 60 nautical miles west of Inagua. They were deported to Haiti immediately by the US Coast Guard.

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Eleuthera All That Jazz 2018 – …

Entertaining and Educational

BY THE ELEUTHERAN NEWS TEAM

www. EleutheraNews . com

250th Anniversary of St. Johns in Harbour Island - A Banquet or

Honor for Service

BY THE ELEUTHERAN NEWS TEAM

Above: Jazz artists interacted with the children at the Governor’s Harbour Primary school, teaching them about instruments and vocals.

The 6th annual Eleuthera… All That Jazz 2018 took the island by storm on the weekend of Wednesday, April 11th to Sunday, April 15th, with a series of exciting jazz performances at locations throughout Eleuthera, from mesmerizing beach fronts, to the hopping good time atmosphere at the Governor’s Harbour fish fry, amazing ocean fronts, to jazz vespers at the historic St. Patrick’s Anglican church and the signature Saturday evening concert under the pavilion at the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve on the Banks Road.

Capacity audiences were treated to fantastic performances, and wowed once again this year by renown headliner, Myra Maud’s captivating melody and spirit. The incredibly talented lineup included a number of Bahamian artists, including: vocalists, Osana Neely

Pictured: Steve Koven who led the educational session at the Governor’s Harbour primary school, shows off his mouthpiece to the students who were fully engaged with the presentation.

and Mya Curry, as well as musicians; Kevin Dean, Tino Richardson, Lamont Gibson, and Adrian d’Aguilar and The Jazz Cats. International artists, included; Italian saxophonist, Tommaso Starace; composer, arranger, and pianist, Massimo Colombo, also of Italy; The Steve Koven trio, with artists, Steve Koven, Rob Clutton, and Anthony Michelli; along with young jazz sensation Solomon Hicks.

The jazz performers took time out on Saturday morning, April 14th, during the education segment of the Jazz festival weekend, to meet with groups of young Eleutheran students, at the Haynes Library, to introduce them to their favorite instruments as well as vocals. Along with new performance locations, a new education outreach segment was added to the line-up of activities. On Thursday morning, April 12, students at the Governor’s Harbour Primary school were treated to a music education session, led by musician and

educator, Steve Koven, along with several of the performing jazz artists.

All students at the school were gathered together and watched and listened as the artists spoke with them about music, instruments, and vocals, and took them through interactive sessions learning about different concepts of music and communication and sounds. Following the unique session, Steve Koven, commented, saying, “It was a total success. These are beautiful kids. They were very engaging and interactive and appreciative. We should be doing this more on this island. The youth of the island need to be exposed to creativity and new ways of thinking…

This is my second time in the Eleuthera, All That Jazz Festival. We were here last year with my trio, the Steve Koven Trio from Canada. I’m an educator, and I teach at York University in Toronto, and education is essential, because it gives us inspiration and goals in life to become better people.”

St. John’s Anglican Parish in Harbour Island honoured a number of longstanding members within the North Eleuthera group of Anglican churches, including St. Paul’s in The Bluff, and St. Joseph’s in Upper Bogue, as part of their 250th Anniversary celebrations at St. John’s, during a lavish banquet event, hosted at the Romora Bay Resort in Harbour Island, overlooking the waterfront.

The Rt. Reverend Bishop Laish Boyd (Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos) and Mrs. Boyd were the distinguished patrons of the special affair, and attended the sunset dinner, personally presenting the awards and gifts to each honouree highlighted during the evening.

Performances by local bands, The Brilanders, and Rocky & Ersley, a visiting men’s choir from Cat Island, the Dynamic Features, and dramatist, Patrice Saunders delighted family members, friends and guests, who had come out to support the honourees during their special time.

Bishop Boyd, who brought the message following the dinner service, just before the presentation of awards, congratulated the honourees on being recognized for their long years of service within their respective churches, and commended them for all they had done. “This is an extremely significant celebration, because as St. John’s celebrates 250 years, we recognize that St. John’s has been around for most of the development of the Anglican church in this Diocese. There are only two parishes that are older than St. John’s Parish, Christ Church Cathedral and St. Ann’s Parish in Nassau. So St. John’s is the third oldest parish.

“What that tells us is St. John’s was here long before the Bahamas looked the way it looks now, and was present for many of the significant developments over the years. It was even here before the emancipation of slaves. An institution that has been around so long, stands for men and women and boys and girls throughout the ages serving God in their way and in their time. The people whom we honour tonight symbolize and typify the kind of service that has been going on for 250 years.”

Honourees during the evening were recognized in three different categories: Courageous Eagles, Majestic Eagles, and Faithful Eagles. The Faithful Eagles included honourees: Lola Verna SawyerContinued On Page 38

Principal, Mrs. Tanya Pinder, said that the event would act as a further push to formalize a music program at the school, “This was awesome. We’ve been trying to get a music program at Governor’s Harbour Primary. Just having the Continued On Page 36

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The Eleutheran | 04/05 2018

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“Plastic Free Paradise” the theme of 7th Annual Earth Day Fest

Above: Plastic Warriors with the Bahamas Plastic Movement from Preston H Albury High School fully enjoying Earth Day, held on the grounds of The Retreat at CTI, with Principal Fontella Knowles and Teacher Will Simmons.

BY THE ELEUTHERAN NEWS TEAM

Above: Shapreka Clarke strutting along the catwalk during the Empress Verda fashion showcase at Earth Day Fest 2018.

On Saturday, April 21st, 2018, the Center for Training and Innovation (CTI) at the site of the former Rock Sound Club, now The Retreat at CTI, was this year’s venue for the 7th Annual Earth Day Fest, themed, “Plastic Free Paradise”; hosted by the One Eleuthera Foundation which also celebrated its 6th year anniversary on the same day. The entrance of the Center’s grounds was transformed into a cozy, family atmosphere. Delicious foods

and drinks and goodies were all available, and earth friendly demonstrations and activities were scheduled during the afternoon for purposes of education and bringing awareness to the importance of environmental protection.

There were aquaponics demonstrations and information by a team from the Cape Eleuthera Institute; information on plastic pollution and recycling by the Bahamas Plastic Movement’s plastic warriors; nature displays by the Leon Levy Preserve, including a handling demonstration of a native boa

constrictor; the One Eleuthera Cooperative Credit Union was on hand with information on saving and investing, and a wide variety of natural straw work and shell crafts were also on display for sale by a number of talented artisans, including: Emily Munnings, Gigi Morley, Kim Higgs, Charlie Strachan, and .

Shaun Ingraham, One Eleuthera’s CEO, addressed a growing evening Continued On Page 14

Holidays and Observance Days:

Sunday, May 13th - MOTHER’S DAY observed Monday, May 21st - WHIT MONDAY public holiday Friday, June 1st - Randol Fawkes LABOUR DAY public holiday

highlights in MAY 2018 6th ANNUAL CATCH JERRY CHILE 2018 Saturday, May 5th, 2018 A five (5) mile Fun Run/Walk will be held starting at 7:00 a.m. from the cork tree in James Cistern to the Governor’s Harbour International Airport runway and back. Proceeds will go towards healthy lifestyle promotions, through health seminars, nutritional counseling and fitness training. We will also continue our community projects with assisting cancer patients. This event is sponsored by Pineapple Fields, J.C. Suites & J.C. Discount Superstores. Registration fee is $20 which include a t-shirt. Invest in your future. SEE YOU THERE !! Contact Information: Mr. Miska Clarke at (242) 3356049 or (242) 225-9157.

PALMETTO POINT HOMECOMING WHIT MONDAY WEEKEND: May 17th to 21st, 2018 7:00pm - 12:00am This annual festival celebrates the culture and heritage of Palmetto Point. Activities include live band performances, fashion and cultural shows, an art competition, and games. Location: Southside Beach, Palmetto Point, Central Eleuthera. Contact Information: Mr. Keno Thompson at (242) 433-7865.

DEEP CREEK CONCH FEST LABOUR DAY WEEKEND: May 30th to June 3rd, 2018 7:00pm - 12:00am This event was designed to promote the Deep Creek settlement and to share its cultural heritage with the younger members of the community, descendants and visitors. It offers down home cooking, Rake and Scrape music, talent shows, arts and craft. Location: Homecoming Site, Deep Creek, South Eleuthera. Contact Information: Ms. Mekell Anderson at (242) 422-9597.

VISIT THE LEON LEVY NATIVE PLANT PRESERVE: The Levy Preserve protects 25 acres of coppice and mangrove forest, conserving indigenous species and researching Bahamian bush medicine.

Guests can explore Medicinal and Endemic plant beds, tour the Mangrove Wetlands, walk through the Edible History garden and enjoy the Coppice Trails, home to an abundance of birds and other fauna that call the Preserve home. Guided tours by appointment.

For information call 332-3831

31st Annual PINEAPPLE FEST LABOUR DAY WEEKEND: May 31ST to June 2nd, 2018 First introduced in 1988, this annual festival is a celebration of the tradition of pineapple farming in Eleuthera, and honors the pineapple farmers for their outstanding contributions to the community. It is designed around the harvesting of pineapples, to create awareness of this once lucrative and important agricultural heritage. Bahamians and visitors from all walks of life come together to enjoy and participate in pineapple-themed activities, such as a pineapple eating contest, pineapple cooking contest, old time pineapple crazy sports, 40-mile pineapple cycling classic, a triathlon, plaiting of the pineapple pole, non-stop pineapple party time with live entertainment, beverage treats, and much more. Location: Gregory Town. Contact Information: Eleuthera Tourist Office at (242) 332-2142.

School Events 2018 Scripps Spelling Bee

Johnathan Randall, an eighth grader at the Central Eleuthera High School (CEHS), on Sunday, March 18th, 2018, competing in the National Spelling Bee, representing the island of Eleuthera, won the national championship, becoming the first young Eleutheran in recent times to earn the National Spelling Bee Champion title. He will represent The Bahamas on May 31st at the Scripps National Spelling Bee 2018. The 91st Scripps National Spelling Bee 2018 will be held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland from May 29–31, 2018, with the Finals occurring at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 31.

“Bee Week”, including additional speller events, will run from May 27 to June 1.

Teacher’s Appreciation Week: May 22nd - 25th, 2018 GLAT Examinations/District Examinations May 7th - 11th, 2018 BJC and BGCSE Examinations Begin May 2018

Bahamas National Diploma Graduation Ceremony (Eleuthera District): June 11th - Methodist Church, James’ Cistern

Schools Close (Summer Break For Students) June 15th, 2018 Schools Close (Summer Break For Teachers) June 22nd, 2018

other Notices: HAITIAN FLAG DAY CELEBRATIONS Blackwood, North Eleuthera Sunday, May 20th Activities begin at 2pm.

CONTACT The Eleutheran Newspaper at 422-9350 or send email to services@theeleutheran.com, to have your community notices and events listed.

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Earth Day Celebrations Continued from pg. 13 crowd at the opening ceremony, which began at 6pm, giving a brief history of the organization since it’s official inception and a synopsis of the many projects they had successfully completed during that time through vibrant partnerships and generous donors, as well as their ongoing efforts. Also bringing remarks and words of encouragement for the growing social enterprise, was Administrator for South Eleuthera, Mr. Gregory Knowles. New Chairman of the One Eleuthera Foundation board, Alfred Sears, was also in attendance and gave remarks, lauding the accomplishments to date of the innovative social enterprise organization, now one of the largest employers in South Eleuthera with 75 employees, dubbing the concept as the third sector of the Bahamian economy, and a model for others to follow. “People in Eleuthera are saying to the Commonwealth of the Bahamas that we don’t have to rely only on the government, or a foreign investor to come and change our fortunes, but that we have the capacity right here within ourselves, citizens and friends, to come together and

Local

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Apr/May 2018 create a platform, based on social entrepreneurship. It is that vision that has created CTI, the Center for Training and Innovation.”

Jacquelyn Gibson, Tourism Manager for Eleuthera, as well as President of the Eleuthera Cancer Society, emceed the evening entertainment program which showcased the talented Freedom marching band, an earth friendly fashion show by local seamstress Empress Verda, Tarpum Bay Primary school’s national winners Junkanoo group, and a rhythmic Junkanoo drumline performance by the ‘Rake & Scrape Boys’ from Preston Albury High. Awards were also presented during the program for the top three recycled art pieces submitted by students from local primary schools in recognition of Earth Day. Winners were: Natalia Sands from Rock Sound Primary (3rd place), Gia Morley from Rock Sound Primary (2nd place), and Brandon Smith from Tarpum Bay Primary (1st place Winner). The Eleuthera Darts Association, hosted a competition during the afternoon at the Fest as well, and presented trophies for first through fourth place winners, who were: Rosemary Burrows - 4th place, Carlton Gibson - 3rd place, Ryan Culmer 2nd place, and Denny Rankine - 1st place Winner.

Pictured: Dart competition winners, Rosemary Burrows, Carlton Gibson and Denny Rankine with their trophies, presented

by Alfred Sears (left) and Addison Cooper (right).

Pictured: One Eleuthera Board Chairman, Alfred Sears addressing the audience at the opening program on Earth Day.

SEE MORE ON PAGE 22

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Apr/May 2018

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Eleuthera Athletes Medal At 2018 CARIFTA GamES hosted

at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium The Bahamas hosted the CARIFTA Games for the eighth (8th) time on March 30th to April 2nd 2018.The Games brought together 500 athletes and 150 team officials from 26 countries, all among the best track and field athletes in the Caribbean.

The Bahamas team of Carifta athletes finished second overall in the medal standings with 35 total medals (6 gold, 14 silver, and 15 bronze). Jamaica topped out the standings with 82 overall medals. Trinidad and Tobago followed the Bahamas finishing third overall with 17 medals, Barbados took fourth place with 13 medals and the

Virgin Islands rounded out the top five countries with 2 gold medal finishes.

Notably, the two Eleuthera athletes who participated in the Carifta Games, Doneisha Anderson and Hughie Sean Rolle, both from South Eleuthera families, medaled in the Easter weekend event. Doneisha Anderson picked up the gold in the girls under 20, 400 meter dash, in a time of 53.58 seconds, while Hughie Sean Rolle came away with the bronze medal in the under 20 boys javelin throw, with a throw distance of 62.44 meters.

NO COUNTRY G S B 1 JAM 44 27 11 82 2 BAH 6 14 15 35 3 TTO 4 6 7 17 4 BAR 3 5 5 13 5 VIN 2 0 0 2

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North Eleuthera Shopping Center

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Apr/May 2018

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Earth Day Continued from pg. 14

Below: The Freedom Marching band put on quite the show for crowds gathered.

Pictured: Mrs. Janice Hall, Art and Design teacher at Rock Sound Primary and Tarpum Bay Primary schools assisted with coordinating the recycled art entries, which also included entries from Emma E. Cooper Primary.

Pictured: Kim, Kirsten and Kanesha Higgs, took part in Earth Day activities, bringing their shell craft for sale, all the way from Spanish Wells

Artisans Emily Munnings and Gigi Morley.

Pictured: Mrs. Rahming showcases her straw-work.

Pictured: Art Teacher, Mr. Mullin exhibits a number of personal pieces.

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Sustainably fashion forward at Earth Day by Empress Verda.

Smiles all around at Earth Day Fest.

Right: Gia Morley receiving her winning art entry prize.

Junkanoo fun at Earth Day Fest.

Pictured: The Rake and Scrape Boys from Preston Albury High performing at Earth Day Fest. The group included, Jared Knowles, Dominic Brown, Keano Butler, Lowell Roberts, and Teshon Hall.

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Local

Apr/May 2018

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Local Cancer Survivors Honoured at Society’s Annual Survivor’s Ball This year’s Eleuthera Cancer Society Hope Ball, a key annual fundraiser event on the organization’s calendar, was held on Saturday, April 7th at the Wellness Center in Palmetto Point.

Although attendance was not what organizers anticipated, the dedicated group continues to stay focused on their goal of assisting those struggling with the scourge of cancer. Five brave women and one young student survivor were in attendance

at the head table of honour during the Hope Ball - cancer survivors, who face their condition each day with hope and a strong will to carry on and inspire others. The group included: young survivor Roshad Burrows, Shantel Neilly, Marionette Hall, Suzzette Kemp, Orlean Brown, and Vandora Johnson.

The venue was well appointed, with a delicious menu, catered and served by Chef Sophie Louis, and a team of student

Dr. Arlington Lightbourne introducing the concept of ECHI in Eleuthera.

Outgoing Cancer Society President, Jacqueline Gibson.

Above: Honouree Cancer Survivors were celebrated and highlighted at the Hope Ball.

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| 04/05 2018

volunteers, who gave of their time to contribute to the worthy cause. Those who took time to contribute and attend the dress-up affair were guided through the evening by Master and Mistress of Ceremony, Mr. John Gaitor, and Mrs Vernita Bethel, and beautifully entertained by soloist, Kiara Nixon, and saxophonist, Latia Johnson.

A little over $5,000 was raised to go towards ongoing efforts of the Cancer Society of Eleuthera during 2018, which was down from last year.

Organizers, however, were most appreciative to everyone who took part in making the event happen, and are now looking to plans for 2019, saying, “We are always and forever grateful for the support that we received from our hard working volunteers and all persons, too many to mention, that played a part in making the event a success.

As it is our premier recognition event for our survivors, it was a milestone to have had celebrated them in this way through our 5th Annual Hope Ball. It was a great night, filled with laughter and fellowship. It is hoped that next year, the event will be bigger, attracting more attendees, as the needs on the island continue to grow.�

Smiles all around at the Cancer Society Hope Ball Gala.

Student volunteers with Chef Sophie Louis helped make the evening happen.

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Local “Plus”

Apr/May 2018

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Professional Basketball Player Assesses Eleuthera Talent Mahershal Simonet, an American professional basketball player who has played in 15 countries around the world, and lays claim to Bahamian ancestry, was in Eleuthera during the month of April, interacting with young basketball hopefuls through partnerships with leaders in the Eleuthera Basketball Association (EBA), spearheaded by President Dina Johnson.

Simonet hosted a one day camp for children and young adults aged 6 through 27, on Saturday, April 21st at the court in Governor’s Harbour, where young participants played in a 3 on 3 tournament, a jumping competition, and took part in drills and exercises in basketball fundamentals, like ball handling, defense and passing.

Dozens of young people from Harbour Island to Palmetto Point showed up to take part in the event, which also promised an opportunity for talent to be recognized and scouted for a chance to attend college and play basketball in the US, through Simonet’s network of contacts.

Simonet, said he had recently finished a two and a half year stint of playing in China, and was now on vacation until August 2018, and would spend most of his summer in the Bahamas, before heading back to the U.S. to begin training again in Orlando. “While I’m on vacation, I want to help,” he explained. A second camp event was planned for Saturday, April 28th at the court in Wemyss Bight, with bus transportation provided from North Eleuthera, all the way south, shared Mrs. Johnson. A number of coaches, she said, were expected to be present, to scout for local talent in the sport. Simonet commented that as he looked for talent that he could refer to scouts and coaches, he was also looking for young people who had a humble attitude, and good grades to go along with that talent.

Young basketball players from North and Central Eleuthera participated in a one day camp, hosted by professional basketball player, Mahershal Simonet (far right), who was assisted by EBA leaders to make it happen.

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The Eleutheran | 04/05 2018

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Report child abuse says Social Services Minister

Pictured: The Hon. Lanisha Rolle, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development greets Bishop Arnold Josey, Chairman of the National Child Protection Council.

Pictured: The String City Violinists

By Kathryn Campbell NASSAU, The Bahamas – As the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development recognizes Child Protection Month, the Hon. Lanisha Rolle, Minister, sounded an appeal to the public to report incidents of child abuse.

“We should all be self-proclaimed advocates.

We have all stood in the place that our children now stand and we were likewise dependent. There is no excuse to turn a blind eye to what is, or appears to be abuse of a child. One child abused is one child too many. If we see it, we ought to say it and if

we hear it we have a duty to tell it,” said Minister Rolle.

She addressed a church service at Commonwealth Baptist Church, Elizabeth Estates, in observance of Child Protection Month, Thursday, April 26. The service was organized by the Ministry in conjunction with the National Child Protection Council and the Suspected Child Abuse Neglect Unit. The theme for the month is ‘We Care. We Share – Prevent Child Abuse’. It was attended by Cora Bain-Colebrooke, acting permanent secretary; acting director, Lillian Quant-Forbes, senior government officials, representatives of the Scans Unit, Child Protection Council and school students.

Minister Rolle said children are susceptible to emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse through assault, molestation, incest and rape, and all too commonly suffer from neglect both physically and emotionally.

She affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to doing all within its power to ensure the government allocates the resources necessary to protect the rights of every child and to preventing, detecting, eliminating and eradicating “all” forms of abuse against children.

“Abuse in any form is unacceptable. Child mistreatment, sexual abuse of children with disabilities, incest, child pornography, child labour, child prostitution, child neglect and abandonment are all offences recognized under the law, and I am committed to strengthening our Investigations arm of Child Protection Services to identify and initiate the prosecution of such offenders to the fullest extent of the law.”

She said in addition to community programs sponsored by Social Services, the Urban Development programs run by the Government and partnering stakeholders, church programs and other reputable organizations create the environment necessary for the protection and sustainable development of children and the country’s social fabric.

Minister Rolle reported that child neglect is the most common form of abuse and accounts for 40 per cent of reported abuse cases in The Bahamas.

“Under section 31 of the Child Protection Act (CPA) parents and guardians have a duty to maintain their children.

“It is our duty as parents, advocates, community partners, government and a society to ensure the future of our children is safe and secure through the protection of our children and their rights – the right to life, the right to protection of property, protection from forced labour and unlawful detention, protection from arbitrary arrest, from violence and unlawful abuse and protection from unlawful arrest are fundamental rights and freedoms for the individual under the constitution.

“Our children deserve equal protection under the law. We care, we share. We must enforce the law to prevent and respond to child abuse.”

Minister Rolle admonished parents and guardians not to allow children on the Family Islands, in the urban and suburban communities to “suffer” in silence. She said according to section 63 of the CPA every individual has a duty to report child suffering.

“An adult engaging in relationships with a child under 18, a minor under the law and whose mind and thought processes are not fully mature, is engaging in child abuse. Such acts of selfish adults must be reported as these instances destroy the lives of girls and boys. Adults should date adults.

“Children are depending on us to ensure they are educated. Under section 2007 of the CPA, every child has a right to education. A parent or guardian cannot decide without good reason to keep their child away from school and deny the child an opportunity to learn.

“Parents and guardians do not have the right to use children to pay their bills or beg alms on their behalf. Where we find this occurring the Department of Social Services, under section 30 of the CPA, has a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and to mediate in any situation where the rights of a child are infringed. According to section 80 of the CPA, the state has a duty to investigate and initiate prosecution of those who violate the rights of the child,” said Minister Rolle.

In his sermon, Bishop Arnold Josey, Pastor of Commonwealth Baptist Church and Chairman of the National Child Protection Council, said the nation has a responsibility to ensure that everyone, inclusive of children, live and thrive in a safe, stable, nurturing environment for all.

“The reality is, in the midst of it all we have mounting adverse childhood experiences that we must tackle,” he said.

“The mental and physical struggles of our children are multiple and multi-faceted. We need to get back to being a caring and concerned people.”

The church service is one of the activities of Child Protection Month. Other activities included a Fun Day for children and a Poetry Competition, which was won by Michaella Lockhart.

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Perspective

Apr/May 2018

OP-ED

By Sir Ronald Sanders www.sirronaldsanders.com

For a change: Welcome World Bank advice increased taxation regimes seldom enlarges. Additionally, confronted with higher taxes, businesses invariably do two things: they lay-off workers, and they increase prices to the consumer.

It seems, at last, that in dealing with developing countries, particularly small ones, the penny has finally dropped in World Bank officialdom that economic theory, applicable in large economies, is simply not transferable to small ones. Experience has now taught them that the economies of small states are too minuscule and undiversified to withstand shock adjustments that are employed in larger countries.

By Sir Ronald Sanders (The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are his own) Attending a World Bank meeting on April 16, I was shocked to hear a senior official of the organization say that, in addressing fiscal deficits, Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries should not make “shock adjustments”.

This advice is contrary to the traditional prescriptions handed out by the twin international Financial Institutions, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to developing countries that run-up fiscal deficits, namely the difference between total revenue and total expenditure. The traditional guidance is to cut government spending and increase taxes rapidly – in other words, “shock adjustments”.

Wherever that prescription has been applied, the less well-off have suffered the most because social welfare programmes have been the first to be chopped. The result has always been an increase in poverty, reduced health and education facilities and, eventually, an escalation in crime.

When the other element of a “shock adjustment” is applied, alongside cuts on government spending, it has contributed to worsening a country’s economic performance. The other element is applying higher taxes. This again burdens the poor much more than the rich because businesses and rich individuals employ stratagems to avoid paying increased taxes, so the revenue yield to governments from

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So, the worthy World Bank official cautioned LAC countries to employ “gradual adjustment” by which he meant cutting government spending on “unproductive” projects and increasing taxation only where the overall tax regime is low. Importantly, the World Bank now recognizes that social transfers should not be cut for the elderly, low-income households or to those with low incomes. It also now emphasizes that government spending on infrastructure and income-generating projects are good for medium to long term development and, therefore, should be maintained.

All this good advice is contained in the Semi-annual report of the World Bank’s Regional Chief Economist. It is entitled: “Fiscal Adjustment in Latin America and the Caribbean: ShortRun Pain, Long-Run Gain?”. Note the question mark. The title is not declared as a statement; it is cast as a question, almost demonstrating a lack of conviction by those in authority about the conclusions of the Report.

Be that as it may, the report breaks important new ground in urging “gradual” as against “shock” adjustment for countries with significant fiscal deficits, particularly where the economies of such countries are small and undiversified, and they lack safety nets for the poor and vulnerable.

So, how do Caribbean countries put this advice to good use?. All but one of the 15 Caribbean countries, (14 CARICOM countries plus the Dominican Republic), have fiscal deficits.

The lone exception is Grenada. All of them, to varying degrees, need to begin a serious programme of gradual adjustment. In the worst cases, the prospect of ending-up in an IMF programme with all its strictures, including laying-off public sector workers and raising taxes, looms large.

The IMF spectre is heightened by the substantial debt of governments that already face big fiscal deficits. The debt to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio is well above 60 per cent in all

Policy Statement: The Perspective, Conservation Corner,’ Op-ED and Letters section of The Eleutheran newspaper is a medium we provide for writers to express their views and opinions on issues that directly or indirectly affect any part of our society. These views do not in anyway reflect the views of this newspaper. While we aim to publish all letters sent to us, please note The Letter to the Editor section is not a vehicle for people to air personal gri pes against another person and letters may be refused on the basis of ethics, which includes, but is not limited to, personal vendettas or attacks.

Caribbean countries except, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago. It is especially high in Jamaica, Barbados and Belize. In the case of Antigua and Barbuda, it is still relatively high though, over the last three years, it has declined from 102 per cent to 79 per cent.

Getting the fiscal deficit down in many Caribbean countries should be a priority within the framework of “gradual adjustment”. While Grenada has been outstanding in this regard, Jamaica has also done exceedingly well to reduce its fiscal deficit almost to the point of balance. However, both countries achieved that performance after years of exercising stringency in the clasp of IMF programmes.

To improve their situation without the iron hand of the IMF, Caribbean countries have to adopt a prescription of reducing borrowings, except for productive projects and needed infrastructure; growing their economies; increasing revenues and reducing fiscal deficits.

The present global situation offers Caribbean countries an environment in which they could implement gradual adjustment programmes that are beneficial. But, the environment is fragile.

Already, exposed to the harmful effects of Climate Change, and punishing incursions into their financial services sector that has cost them revenues and jobs, they now face two worrying developments – a creeping rise in oil prices (up to US$76 a barrel as this commentary is written) and a slowdown in global economic growth that,

in 2017, was driven principally by two countries – China and the United States of America.

The present trade war between these two giants could adversely reduce significantly last year’s global economic growth of 3.8 per cent. Roberto Azevedo, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, has warned: “This important progress could be quickly undermined if governments resort to restrictive trade policies, especially in a tit-for-tat process that could lead to an unmanageable escalation. A cycle of retaliation is the last thing the world economy needs.”

The realization of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy – the dream of 1992 – would go a very long way to helping all Caribbean countries to achieve fiscal adjustment and to answering the World Bank’s question as to whether it would be ‘shortrun pain, long-term gain’?. But that is wishful thinking. Sadly, it may no longer be even “a work in progress” as the CARICOM Secretary-General Irwin LaRocque, dutifully and optimistically stated.

If it is that Caribbean countries will pursue economic stability and growth individually, then there is something in the World Bank’s new “gradual adjustment” advice. Policy makers should heed it.

Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com

Perspective

Online at www.EleutheraNews.com

FALLING INTO THE DEBT TRAP

By Mike Lightbourn Civil servants are currently allowed to sign away 75 percent of their payroll to salary deductions.

If you own a home or hope to own a home one day, this is a terrible idea.

In fact, it’s a recipe for financial disaster.

Let’s keep this simple. Say you earn $1,000 a month and you commit 75 % to payroll deductions. That leaves you $250 a month to live on.

Unless you’re in the big league, it will be almost impossible to live off 25 % of your monthly income while satisfying your debt requirements.

If you have a mortgage, it will probably just be a matter of time before you default on your payments and the bank has to foreclose on your property.

And there’s no way a bank will agree to provide a mortgage if the applicant has hit the 75% payroll deduction ceiling.

THE PROBLEM In fact, the bank ceiling for

customer loan debt service ratio typically varies from 40 to 45 percent.

This means that if a person earns $1,000 a month, the bank will take no more than $400 or $450 a month for monthly loan repayments.

This will leave the person with $550-$600 a month to buy food, pay for gas and transportation, utilities, medical, clothes and so on.

There is a huge difference between a debt service ratio of 40-45 percent and 75 percent!

If a person overextends himself or herself, he will have trouble servicing his/her mortgage obligations, particularly if something unexpected, such as job loss or illness, happens.

The problem is that people have often been less than truthful with the bank about what they owe when they apply for a loan and sometimes the bank is unable to locate these “hidden” obligations.

The consumer credit problem is driving a lot of the defaults in the banking mortgage portfolio.

THE WORKING POOR Consumer binging is so bad the Ministry of Finance has been inundated with requests to increase the payroll deduction ceiling above 75%. The ministry has declined, barring in cases of medical emergency.

Marlon Johnson, the acting financial secretary, says the ministry is reinforcing the threshold to prevent civil servants from reckless overspending and becoming the “working poor.”

Johnson says some people were taking home $50 a month after deductions because of the credit trap.

Next time you think about buying something, ask yourself: Do I need it?

If you dream of owning a home one day or if you are struggling to meet your mortgage payments, don’t

The Eleutheran | 04/05 2018

spend money you don’t have.

Discipline yourself and aspire to home ownership. Real estate represents one of the greatest sources of security available.

SAVE! SAVE! SAVE! Bahamians must curb their insatiable appetite for consumer goods if they want to own a home.

In my column last week, I outlined several ways to save money for a down payment on a home.

This included sharing rental expenses, living with parents if possible

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and paying off any credit card debt while using a rewards card for every day expense to accumulate cash, as well as limiting cable packages.

Not everyone will be able to own a home, but with determination and discipline, more people will be able to own their own home.

Home ownership today remains the most important investment most people will make in a lifetime.

(Mike Lightbourn is president of

Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty).

US Charge d’Affaires Paid Courtesy Call on Commander RBDF Ms. Stephanie Bowers, US Chargé d’Affaires on a tour onboard one of the Defence Force’s Legendary Class patrol craft, HMBS Leon Livingstone Smith.

From left: Lieutenant Commander Stephen Rolle, Commanding Officer, HMBS Loen Livingstone Smith, Commodore Bethel, Sub Lieutenant Themo Berkley, and Commander Patrick Davis, Chief Defence Attache.

A SPICE MEDIA GROUP (SMG) PUBLICATION Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, The Bahamas.

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Crime News

Apr/May 2018

www. EleutheraNews . com

Reports are printed to keep the public informed of the incidents of crime that are reported within our communities. All reports are to be treated as allegations only.

Reports issued by the RBPF locally.

Eleuthera REPORTS Stealing Report At about 1:30pm on Saturday 24th March 2018, a female staying at a local resort reported to the Governor’ s Harbour Police Station that sometime between 11:00am and 11:40am on Saturday 24th March 2018 while at a beach, some unknown person/s stole a backpack with several valuable items including cash along with other personal effects. Police action requested.

The complainants and Police were able to track the stolen property to the area of a residence in Betsy Village, Governor’s Harbour.

Suspect Arrested For Stealing At about 4:11pm on Saturday 24th March 2018 the a crew of a Sgt. and Cpl. came in at the Governors Harbour Police Station with a male suspect of Betsy Village, under arrest and reported that he was arrested at about 4:10pm while in the area of 700 Wines Governor’s Harbour in reference to stealing. He appeared to be well.

Escape Report At about 5:07pm a crew of a Sgt. and Cpl. came in at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station and reported that while conducting a search warrant at the property of the suspect, the suspect who was present and handcuffed became anxious and pulled away and ran into bushes. He was pursued - the suspect however, he was able to make good his escape from lawful custody.

Suspect Re Arrested At about 9:40pm on Saturday 24th March 2018 two females came in at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station with the male suspect.

They reported that they saw him walking in the area of their residence and picked him up because they heard the police were looking for him. He was further cautioned and re- arrested in reference to stealing and escape . He appeared to be well.

At about 4:50pm on Sunday 25th March 2018 acting on information received police went to a bushy area at the rear of BPL Compound Governors Harbour where they recovered items reported stolen.

TRESPASSING At about 9:50am a resident of Eleuthera Islands Shores reported to the G.H.P.S. that sometime on Saturday evening 24th March 2018 she left her house and sometime on 25th March 2018 while viewing her camera footage she saw a man she knows of Gregory Town, Eleuthera sneaking up to her residence with long sleeve clothing and black gloves peeping through her front door. She requested Police Action.

A Sgt. recorded a written statement from the complainant. Investigations are on-going.

TRESPASSING UPDATE At about 6:56 am The crew of an Insp., Sgts., W/Cpl and PC while in the area of Commonages Road Gregory Town arrested a male suspect of Commonage Road Gregory Town in reference to Trespassing. The suspect was subsequently charged with the offence and released on bail to appear before the Governor’s Harbour Magistrate’s Court.

Police Contact Numbers

Rock Sound Sgt. Office 334-2212 HeadQuarters (GH) 332-3500 Arrest Reference to Dangerous Rock Sound Airport Station 334-2052 Governor’s Harbour 332-2111 Drugs Lower Bogue Station (Airport) 335-1208 OR 332-2117 At about 1:27pm on Thursday March 29th Harbour Island Station 333-2111 O/C Governor’s Harbour 332-2723 2018 a Crew of SGTs and P/C reported arresting O/C Harbour Island 333-2327 332-2323 Gov.Harb.

Airport Station a male of PALMETTO POINT in reference to posSpanish Wells Station 333-4030 Deep Creek Station 334-8207 session of dangerous drugs.

Gregory Town Station 335-5322 Tarpum Bay Station 334-4033 The male was charged with Possession of Hatchet Bay Station 335-0086 334-2244 Dangerous Drugs contrary to section 29(6) & 29(2) Rock Sound Station b of the Dangerous Drugs Act, Chapter 228. On Tuesday 3rd April 2018 the defendant appeared before Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Deveaux at the Harbour Island Magistrate’s Court. He pleaded processed the scene, there were no signs of a break plants ranging from six inches to 3ft in height. As a in, further inquiries into this matter are ongoing. result the suspect was further cautioned for Cultivaguilty and was fined $400.00. tion. All exhibits were photographed by a Cpl. and Causing Harm Reported collected. Both suspects were transported to the House Breaking and Stealing A male of Governors Harbour, came to the Governor’s Harbour Police Station for processing.

At about 8:50am on Thursday March 29th Governors Harbour Police Station at about 9:40pm On Friday 13th April, 2018, at about 1:30pm 2018 a male residing in Governor’s Harbour on the 6.4.17 and reported that sometime around a Cpl. while at the G.H.P.S., Police charged the contacted the Governors Harbour Police Station female, with Possession of Dangerous Drugs, convia telephone and reported that sometime between 8:30 am same date while walking home from trary to section 29(6) and 29(2) b of the Dangerous 11:30pm on 28/3/18 and 8:20am on 29/3/18 some Cupid’s Cay he was accosted by a young man from Cupid’s Cay who pushed him down causing Drugs Act, chapter 220.. unknown person/s entered an unlocked door of injuries to his lip. Police Action was requested.

On Friday 13th April, 2018, at about 3:22pm the vacation home he was staying in and stole a Cpl. while at the G.H.P.S., Police charged the an Apple IPhone 6 valued at $600.00. Police asDamage Reported male of Skyline Drive, Eleuthera Island Shores, sistance requested.

At about 4:47pm on the 7.4.18 a female from with Cultivation of Dangerous Drugs contrary to The Crew of a Sgt. , Cpl and D/Cpl visited the Palmetto Point at a store located on Queens High- section 29 (1)e and 29 (2)b of the Dangerous Drugs scene. The same was processed and a statement way, Governors Harbour, contacted the Governors Act contrary to section 29(6) and 29(2) b of the was taken from the complainant.

Harbour Police station and reported that a female Dangerous Drugs Act, chapter 228.

At about 1:15pm on 29/3/2018 a male of On Monday 16th April 2018, the defendants PALMETTO POINT was arrested in reference to this was at the establishment causing a disturbance and caused damage to several shoe displays, appeared before Magistrate Kara Turnquestmatter. The suspect was subsequently cautioned value at the time was unknown. Police action was Deveaux at the Governors Harbour Magistrate’s and charged with the offence.

Court. They both pleaded guilty to each charge On Tuesday 3rd April 2018 the defendant ap- requested.

Action Taken and were fined sums of $1,300 and $1,000 respecpeared before Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Deveaux A Sgt visited the scene saw and spoke with the tively. at the Harbour Island Magistrate’s Court. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to the Bahamas complainant at about 5:00pm who pointed out the damages to him, however the suspect had already ARREST REFERENCE TO HARBOURING Department of Corrections. left the scene. & ASSISTING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS The complainant later visited the Governor’s At about 7:05 p.m. on 11th April 2018, a House Breaking and Stealing Harbour Police station, where Police recorded a Police Crew came in at G.H.P.S with a male of At about 8:50am on Thursday March 29th written statement from her. Investigations into this South Palmetto Point under arrest and reported 2018 a male of Palmetto Point contacted the that he was arrested around 6:45 p.m. while at his Governor Harbour Police Station and reported that matter are ongoing.

SEARCH WARRANT residence in reference to Harbouring Illegal Immihe is the caretaker of a winter home on the Banks At about 5:58 am on Wednesday April 11th grants. He appeared to be in good health.

Road, Governors Harbour and that the guests stayAt 5:30 p.m. on Thursday 12/04/2018 a crew ing at the mentioned house had their passports and 2018 the Crew of an Inspector, Sgts., Cpl, W/Cpl & Pc executed a search warrant in reference to of a Supt. and Sgt were in at the GHPS with a male some cash stolen during the early morning of the Firearms and Dangerous Drugs on the residence of of Port-De-Paix Haiti and also South Palmetto Point 29/3/2018. Police action requested.

The Crew of a Sgt. and Cpl visited the scene a male of Commonage Gregory Town with nega- under arrest, and reported that he was arrested around 5:12 p.m. in reference to assisting in Landwhere they saw and spoke to a guest who reported tive results.

While at the mentioned residence a male of ing and Harbouring undocumented Immigrants; he that sometime between 12:00am and 4:00am Commonage Gregory Town Eleuthera was arrested appeared to be in good health. on 29/3/18 some unknown person/s entered a in reference to Obscene Language and Disorderly Suspects Charged northern bedroom that was unlocked and stole Behaviour. The suspect was later Charged with On Friday 13th April, 2018, at about a $200.00 case and a Cannon camera valued at the Offences and granted bail to appear before the 12:55pm Police charged one of the males of Pal$600.00. A statement was also taken.

Governor’s Harbour Magistrate’s Count. metto Point, Eleuthera, with (3) counts of Assisting At about 1:15pm on 29/3/2018 a male of in Illegal Landing contrary to section 19 (1) and (2) PALMETTO POINT was arrested in reference to AMERICAN CITIZENS ARRESTED FOR of the Immigration Act Chapter 191 of the statute this matter.

POSSESSION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS Laws if the Bahamas 2000; and Harbouring an IlleThe suspect was subsequently further cauWITH INTENT TO SUPPLY AND CULTIVAgal Person contrary to section 47(1) A and punishtioned and charged with the offence. able under section 47 (a) 2 of the Immigration Act On Tuesday 3rd April 2018 the defendant ap- TION OF MARIJUANA As a result of information received an Insp.

Chapter 191 of the statute laws of the Bahamas. peared before Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Deveaux lead a team of officers Comprised of a Sgt. and Defendant was released from Police Custody. at the Harbour Island Magistrate’s Court. He On Friday 13th April, 2018, at about pleaded guilty and was sentenced to the Bahamas Cpls. to the residence of a female of the USA and c/o a residence in Eleuthera Island Shores where 12:55pm A Sgt while at the G.H.P.S. Police Department of Corrections.. armed with a search warrant they searched and charged the other male from South Palmetto Point, discovered 4 assorted containers of suspected mari- Eleuthera and formerly of Port de Paix, Haiti with House Breaking and Stealing juana, 9 containers of suspected marijuana seeds (3) counts of Assisting in Illegal Landing contrary Reported and 9 live marijuana plants which were about six to section 19 (1) and (2) of the Immigration Act A male of James Cistern, contacted the Governors Harbour Police station at about 11:18am on inches high. Also present at the time of the search Chapter 191 of the statute Laws if the Bahamas was a male of Skyline Rd Eleuthera Island Shores. 2000; and Harbouring an Illegal Person contrary the 4.4.18 and reported that sometime between Both persons were arrested and cautioned for Pos- to section 47(1) A and punishable under section 7.3.18 and 4.4.18 some unknown person(s) entered the garage to his residence while he was in session of Dangerous Drugs with Intent to Supply 47 (a) 2 of the Immigration Act Chapter 191 of the and Cultivation of Dangerous Drugs. statute laws of the Bahamas. the USA and stole (1) Generac Centurion 5000w Sometime around 2:28pm the team proceedOn Monday 16th April 2018 the defendants generator valued at $2000:00. Police action was ed to the residence of the male at Skyline Drive, appeared before Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Derequested.

Eleuthera Island Shores and nothing illegal was veaux at the Governors Harbour Magistrate’s Court Action Taken found inside the house. However, while searching and pleaded guilty to the Offences. They were A Sgt and D/Cpl visited the scene at about 2:15pm on the 4.4.18 , spoke with the complainant the property approximately 25ft north of the house, both fined the sum of $3000.00. and recorded a written statement from him. D/Cpl Officers discovered approximately 15 marijuana

Crime News

Online at www.EleutheraNews.com Arrest Reference to: Assaulting a Police Officer, Disorderly Behavior and Resisting Arrest Report At about 1:25am a Cpl. contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station via telephone and requested assistance to have a suspect transported to the Governor’s Harbour Police Station from Cupid’s Cay. The crew of a Sgt.1, Cpl. and P/C came in at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station with a male of Palmetto Point Eleuthera under arrest in reference to Assaulting a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest and Disorderly Behavior.

Suspect Charged At about 3:45pm on Saturday 14th April 2018 a PC while at Rock Sound Police Station cell block informed the suspect that he was charged with Disorderly Behavior contrary to section 206 (1) of the Penal Code Chapter 84, Resisting Arrest contrary to section 247 of the Penal Code Chapter 84 and (2) counts of Assaulting a Police Officer contrary to section 247 of the Penal Code, Chapter 84. He was further cautioned and said nothing in response to the charges.

On Monday 16th April 2018, the defendant appeared before Magistrate Kara TurnquestDeveaux at the Governors Harbour Magistrate’s Court. He pleaded guilty to each count. He was convicted and fined.

Housebreaking and Stealing On Thursday 19th April, 2018, at about 10:05am, a male of Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera came into the G.H.P.S. and reported that sometime between Thursday 5th April, 2018, and Wednesday 18th April, 2018, some unknown person/s break and entered a storage garage area at the bottom of a two story home and stole an orange and black portable Rigid generator, and a (2) scuba tanks. Value of the stolen items are unknown at this time. Entry was gained through a western facing locked door. Police action was requested. The crew of a Sgt and P/C visited the scene of the incident. Police investigations are ongoing.

Harbour Island Reports Police Assistance A parent came in to Harbour Island Police Station and reported that her juvenile son bought an I-phone 7 in the month of March 2018 from a male of Harbour Island for $500.00 without her permission and about a week later after the purchase he discovered that the phone stopped working. Police assistance requested reference to matter. Civil action advised.

Ferocious Dog Report On Thursday 12th April 2018, At about 10:50am a female of Trianna Shores, Harbour Island, came to the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that, On Wednesday 11th April, 2018 while riding her bicycle in the area of a residence on Clarence street, two dogs ran out at her and one of the dogs - brown and white in color, bit her on the left ankle causing injuries and pain.

Police action requested.

Suspect arrested reference to: Ferocious Dog Report On Friday 13/4/18 a PC reported that while at the Harbour Island Police Station he arrested and cautioned a male in reference to a Ferocious Dog Attack. He appeared well and stated to be in good health. While at the Harbour Island Police Station the PC reported that sometime around 10:42am he interviewed the suspect under caution. He admitted to being the owner of the dogs and further admitted that the dogs are not contained within his premises and are free to roam the streets. On the same date the suspect was charged with Ferocious Dog Attack contrary to section 163 of the Penal code chapter 84. He was later released on bail in the sum of $500.00 with one surety to appear before court on 17th May 2018.

Causing Harm Report: Police ac-

tion requested On Thursday 12th April 2018, at about 3:30pm a female of Colebrooke Street and c/o Current Island came to the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that her friend beat her about the body causing injuries and pain. Police action requested. A PC recorded a written statement from the complainant. She was issued with a RBPF hospital form to seek medical attention at Harbour Island Community Clinic. Sometime around 7.10pm on Thursday 12/4/18 the male suspect of no fixed place of abode, came to Harbour Island Police Station and was arrested and cautioned by a Cpl in reference to this matter. While at the Harbour Island Police Station he interviewed the male suspect who admitted to biting a female complainant on her left cheek and her neck but denied allegations of beating her about the body.

He was charged with Causing Harm contrary to section 135 (1) of the penal code chapter 84.

Suspect was later released on bail in the sum of $1000.00 with one suretor to appear before court on 17th May 2018.

Assault Report: Police Warning Sometime around 8.05pm on Friday 13/4/18. A male of Trianna Shores Harbour Island came to the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that sometime around 7:45pm Friday 13/4/18 while at a food store located at Bay Street Harbour Island. He was approached in a hostile manner by a man he knows who assaulted him by pointing his finger in his face and accused him of telling lies on his girlfriend which the complainant claims as untrue. Police warning requested in this matter.

A Cpl saw and spoke with the male suspect of Bay Street Harbour Island while at his business place and informed him of the complaint made against him. He denied pointing his finger in the complainants face but admitted to having an argument with him. He was warned in reference to his behavior towards the complainant. The area was left quiet.

Police Assistance A female of Bay and York Street contacted the Harbour Island Police Station sometime around 10:15am and reported that her neighbor has recently constructed a residence near the Eastern side of her property. However they both share a fence that runs north and south between their boundaries. She also received information that plans were being made for the fence to be replaced soon and she requested Police assistance in the matter. A PC saw and spoke to both parties.

They stated that the person who was repairing the fence was very rude and hostile towards them. In addition the neighbour added that he is not taking the fence down and was only putting privacy slats on same. He also produced a letter of agreement stating that if any damages are caused to the fence they share at any time he will be responsible for fixing it. The two parties agreed and came to a mutual understanding regarding the matter. Civil action was also advised.

Assault w/a dangerous instrument report: Police action requested On Saturday 14/4/18 at about 4:40pm a male of Nesbitt Street Harbour Island came in at Harbour Island Police Station and reported that sometime around 4:20pm while at a shop located Pitt Street Harbour Island he was assaulted by a man he only knows by face who produced a black switch blade knife and attempted to attack him . Police action requested. A Cpl recorded a written statement from the complainant. On the same date a crew of a Cpl and R/Cpl reported that while in the Pitt Street area the R/Cpl arrested and cautioned a male suspect of Gregory Town Eleuthera in reference to Assault with a deadly weapon. Suspect remains in Police custody. Investigations ongoing.

Arrest reference to: Disorderly

The Eleutheran | 04/05 2018

behavior On Sunday 15/4/18 at about 2:30am a crew consisting of a Cpl and PC came in at Harbour Island Police Station with a suspect of Colebrooke Street Harbour Island and reported that at about 2:25pm while on Barrack Street Harbour Island in the area of the Vic-hum Night Club the Cpl arrested and cautioned the suspect in reference to disorderly behavior. The suspect was taken into Police custody.

Harassment report: Police Warning On Thursday 12th April 2018, at about 9:45am a female of North Eleuthera, came to the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that she is employed at a business and a senior manager constantly makes sexual advances towards her with his body unnecessarily whenever he passes. Police warning requested.

Threats of Harm Report A Male of no fixed address came in at the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that on Tuesday 10th April 2018 sometime around 5:40pm a male whom he knows made threatening remarks towards him while sitting under the PLP tent, stating that he will chop him up with his cutlass and that he’s ready to kill him. The complainant reported being in fear for his life and safety. Police action requested. A PC, on Wednesday 11th of April 2018, arrested and cautioned the suspect of Bay Street Harbour Island while at his residence in reference to Threats of Harm. The accused was interviewed under caution where he was asked a series of questions to which he admitted. He was later charged for the offence of Threats of Harm contrary to section 203 of the penal code Chapter 84.

Stealing report : Police action requested On Monday 8/4/18 at about 9:23am a male of Bay Street Harbour Island came in at Harbour Island Police Station and reported that on Sunday 8/4/18 at about 10:30pm as a result of information received he proceeded to Bay Street Harbour Island where he discovered a man whom he knows of Harbour Island stealing plywood from him. He further stated that he was able to get the plywood that he caught the man with back, however he suspects he may have stolen an additional four sheets of plywood valued at $58 per sheet from where he has them stored on Bay Street by the building he is remodeling. Police action requested. The suspect was arrested and cautioned while at his residence in reference to Stealing. On Tuesday 10th April 2018 the accused was interviewed in reference to Stealing. He was asked a series of questions where denied the offence. He was then later charged for the offence. The accused was granted bail in the amount of $1,000.00 with one (1) suretor.

Stealing Report Sometime around 12.10pm on Saturday 7/4/18. A female of California c/o a holiday resort on Harbour Island came in at the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that on Thursday 5/4/18 sometime between 6:45Pm and 10:00Pm some unknown person(s) entered her unlocked room and stole $500 in Bahamian $50.00 denomination from her wallet on the kitchen counter and $300.00 also in Bahamian currency from her husband’s Money clip that was on a night stand beside the bed. Police action requested.

Arrest Crew of ASP , Inspector and PC reported arresting a young male suspect of Nesbitt Street Harbour Island in reference to Stealing while at his residence.

Assault Report: Annoying Phone calls report On Tuesday 3rd April 2018 a juvenile female of Munnings Street Harbour Island came to the H.I.P.S and reported that on Monday 2nd April 2018 sometime after 11pm while with her friend a female known to him attempted to physically

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assault her with a rock then she spat on her. Police assistance requested.

Damage report On Tuesday 3rd April 2018 a female of Bay and Pitt Street Harbour Island came to the H.I.P.S and reported that at about 12:15pm while at Hibiscus located Nesbitt Street, a female known to her used two razors and scraped the side of her vehicle causing damage to it.

Attempted breaking report On Tuesday 3/4/18 at about 8:15pm a female of Ft Lauderdale reported that at about 7:50pm while at her rental home situated Johnson Road East, Harbour Island she saw an unknown dark skinned slim male average height attempting to pick the lock to the Eastern Patio door. She further stated that she observed a black bag clutched under his arm, however when he saw her he ran.

Stealing report: Police Information.

On Saturday 31st March 2018, at about 5:12pm a female of Lower Bogue, Eleuthera, contacted the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that someone entered the room of guests who had recently arrived and stole $7,000.00 in cash out of a bag which was inside of their room, Police assistance requested. A PC saw and spoke with a male guest who stated that someone had stolen $6,800.00 out of his room and that he didn’t want to make a complaint, he just wanted to report the matter as police information, because he had a flight to catch. A female stated that she would fax a report when she got back home.

Police Information Report On Friday 20th April 2018 at about 9:30pm a female of Paris Lane Harbour Island employed locally, reported to H.I.P.S that on today’s date at about 9:20pm some tourists who appeared to be intoxicated driving a golf cart, drove the golf cart straight through the front door of Tropic Hut. However, no damages were made, then they immediately sped off almost knocking down customers. This information is recorded for police information.

FIRE DESTROYS BUILDING IN LOWER BOGUE At about 4:15pm on Monday, April 16th, 2018, officers from the North Eleuthera Police Station received information on a structural fire in Lower Bogue.

Upon arrival on the scene, officers discovered a single story peach and burgundy tri-plex, engulfed in fire. Information received is that two of the units were occupied and the occupants of those units were all accounted for.

Police and volunteers were reported to have made all efforts to extinguish the flames to no avail. The structure was completed destroyed.

The owners of the building are resident in New Providence .

Early indications point to the cause of the fire as being electrical, however police say investigations continue.

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Crime News

Apr/May 2018

www. EleutheraNews . com

On The Move: Toastmasters In North Eleuthera Officially Chartered Keyshna Kemp. Chartered Members also include: Kanisha Louis, Kevin Rolle, Zenovia Pinder, Anishka Dorsett, Franchesca Sears, Aneaka Miller, Jerreth Miller, Shandiara Smith, Andrew Smith, Julian Campbell, Jaidei Pinder, Patrilee Hield, Aldred Albury, Mychalla Higgs, and Tameica Lightbourne.

The club invites any member of the public interested in becoming a competent leader or communicator at their church, workplace, civil organization, or just in general, to be their guest at one of their weekly meetings held every Thursday evening at North Eleuthera High School, Room No. 4, beginning promptly at 6:00pm.

For more information follow the club on: Facebook | Youtube | LinkedIn | Twitter B.U.T NORTH ELEUTHERA SHAKERS CLUB, Email: butnesc@gmail.com, or call

The B.U.T North Eleuthera Shakers Club 6742900, which was founded on October 7th, 2017, by Belinda Wilson, became an officially chartered club of Toastmasters International on March 4th, 2018.

“The mission of Toastmasters Inter-

national is to provide a positive learning environment where every individual member has the opportunity to improve their oral communication and leadership skills, which in turn fosters self-confidence and personal growth,” said members of the North Eleuthera based club.

Economy set to grow by 2.5% this year Says PM Minnis BY mATT mURRA, bis NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Bahamian economy is set to grow by about 2.5 per cent during the course of the year, representing what could perhaps signal its best growth in ten years.

“This may be he best growth since the Great Recession of 2008,” Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis said while addressing the Opening Session of the CEO Network Conference Monday night at Melia Nassau Beach resort.

“Tourism is doing very well. Both Atlantis, Paradise Island, and Baha Mar, are doing exceptionally well. Our economic prospects are improving, but we must do more to boost jobs and opportunity. The wanton corruption of the last five years has ended but we must continue to reform our laws in order to confront a culture of corruption. Our public finances are improving though we are not out of the woods “Still, amidst our challenges, The Bahamas is much better off than it was just a year ago when we were headed into an abyss from which we would not have easily recovered. The recovery of our national prospects and our economy has begun and has taken hold.”

Prime Minister Minnis said the Administration also has a number of exciting tourism and

investment projects slated for Grand Bahama.

“We continue to promote investment opportunities in the Islands of The Bahamas. It bears repeating: the restoration of the economy of Grand Bahama is critical for the economic recovery of The Bahamas.”

Prime Minister Minnis told the gathering that his Administration has an ambitious infrastructure programme slated for a number of the islands of The Bahamas.

Capital Development and infrastructure, Prime Minister Minnis continued, are “vital” for the growth of tourism in the Family Islands. A number of key infrastructure projects will be announced during the upcoming Budget Debate.

Prime Minister Minnis said a number of “very promising investment prospects” are on the horizon that will boost economic growth and jobs. These, he said, will be announced in due course.

That news, coupled with the fact that crime is down in New Providence, could paint an even brighter outlook for the Bahamian economy.

“Let me note that while we have to see what happens over the longer term, crime is down in New Providence,” Prime Minister Minnis said.

“While this is a positive development, we must

The seven member executive team, Tel: (242) 456-2662 or (242) 433-3756 led by President Christopher Rolle, includes: VP of Education Shandira Colebrooke, VP of Membership Mario Tinker, VP of Public Relations Jerreth Albury, Treasurer Colette Ferguson, Secretary Shanell Mitchell, and Sergeant At Arms continue to improve policing and the criminal justice system, while promoting social intervention to help tackle some of the causes of crime.

“Through the Citizen Safety and Justice Programme, we are providing education and training, intervention measures and job opportunities for former offenders and at-risk youth.”

Prime Minister Minnis said his Administration is committed to political, social and economic reform and transformation.

“Each of these areas of national life, are pillars of our nation. Political, economic and

social reform must work in tandem. By example, economic development requires reform in education and training. Reforming government, an ongoing process, will better help to unleash the potential of businesses and entrepreneurs.

“Economic transformation requires us to combat corruption at all levels of Government because corruption retards economic growth and poses a tremendous burden on Government finances,” Prime Minister Minnis added.

Local

Online at www.EleutheraNews.com

Resistance to regulatory changes is futile for small, independent nations

The Eleutheran | 04/05 2018

By Llonella Gilbert NASSAU, The Bahamas -- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest said that when it comes to regulatory best practice, the only constant has been change.

Against this tide of change, resistance has been futile, particularly for international financial centres operating in small, independent nations, DPM Turnquest said at the Securities Commission of The Bahamas’ Financial and Corporate Service Providers Act, 2000 Industry Briefing, British Colonial Hilton, Thursday, April 26, 2018.

“Such jurisdictions are left with one option: To adapt!

Adaptation is necessary to take advantage of the new realities, to compete globally, and to have a chance at prosperity.”

He said, “This jurisdiction is adapting. There is a burgeoning renaissance in our financial services industry, and much of it is being led by financial services regulators.”

The DPM explained that it is the regulators who must keep one finger firmly pressed on the pulse of global regulatory best practice, and another pressed on the pulse of the industries they oversee.

“In the broad industry, there are developments such as the Financial Transactions Reporting Act, 2018, which was passed in the House of Assembly on the 18th April 2018.

“You also would have received for consultation the Guidance Notes on Managing Financial Crime Risk and Proliferation Financing, produced by the Group of Financial Services Regulators. The Group, in case you are not

Picture This:

Pictured: The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest brings opening remarks at the Securities Commission of The Bahamas’ Financial and Corporate Service Providers Act, 2000 Industry Briefing.

aware, consists of agencies including the Securities Commission of The Bahamas, The Central Bank of The Bahamas, the Insurance Commission of The Bahamas and the Compliance Commission of The Bahamas.”

He said the Securities Commission has been doing some transformative work in the securities industry with regard to overhauling the investment funds legislative framework.

DPM Turnquest highlighted the work being done to introduce a fresh robust, modern legislative framework for the industry.

He said the Commission circulated the draft Financial and Corporate Services Providers Bill, 2018 for public consultation last year July, along with the Money Lenders Rules and the Fees Rules.

“Of course, the draft Financial and Corporate Service Providers (General) Regulations, 2018; the draft Financial and Corporate Service Providers (Application) Regulations, 2018; and an amended draft Financial and Corporate Service Providers (Fees) Rules, 2018 have recently completed consultation and are now on their way for review by the Cabinet.”

Speaking broadly on the proposed Legislation and how

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it fits into a holistic view of financial services in the jurisdiction, DPM Turnquest said the proposed legislation is robust, considerably more so than the prevailing Act, and seeks to close regulatory gaps identified by various global organisations and standards setters including the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.

He said the new framework will improve the regulator’s understanding of all the activities taking place in the industry to be able to make more informed assessments of risk within the industry, which will also bolster its riskbased supervision of the industry.

“The legislation is structured to provide for Rules to govern specific financial services activity. Importantly, the legislation will facilitate strengthening and oversight of critical financial services activities that are currently operating from within the jurisdiction.”

The DPM said its flexible structure also means that as other activities are identified which should be captured, Rules may be introduced to govern them.

He said the Anti-Money Laundering/Countering Financing of Terrorism regime, or “AML/CFT regime for financial and corporate service providers” will be fortified under the new legislation, with greater specificity provided for AML/CFT administrative penalties and breaches.

“Reporting requirements have also been introduced which will, among other things, assist the jurisdiction in demonstrating its effectiveness at providing current, accurate beneficial ownership information and accounting records.

“This is vital to demonstrate to the international community our intentions to be participants in protecting the financial system from abuse, to participate with the global community to protect sovereign tax bases, and to honour our commitments to the world in this regard.”

The DPM said with the implementation of the proposed legislation, the Government looks to a more harmonized financial services sector operating under and recognized for best practices and world-class regulation.

Newly Elected Eleuthera Cancer Society Board

On Wednesday, March 28th, during the regular monthly meeting of the Eleuthera Cancer Society, a new board was elected, who will take up their new offices on May 1st, 2018. The new board members include: Sherrin Cooper, President; Suzette Kemp, Vice President; Karen Crean, Secretary; Sue Culmer, Treasurer; Cindy Pinder, Assistant Treasurer; Juanita Pinder, Fundraising Director; and Jacqueline Gibson, Advisor. Chinnici Johnson continues as the Administrator for the Cancer Society of Eleuthera. Individual committees are expected to be appointed by new President Sherrin Cooper shortly.

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Perspective

Apr/May 2018

debt

By: Andrew L. Burrows andrewburrows1@gmail.com

Mr. Treasurer, can you pay off a debt by borrowing? From where did we get this horrific lie? Debt refinancing is economic voodoo, if you cannot repay what is owed as agreed, how can you justify more borrowing?. Having formerly been employed in banking I have firsthand experience in what re-

sults from a person using the services of a financial institution to extend the impossible. When you borrow money there is an immediate increase in the amount that you now owe; interest, commissions, fees. You may have temporary relief but you now have a greater burden to carry.

Who decided that the government of a country is responsible for the personal wellbeing of every one of its citizens, to the point that you must guarantee every individual maximum services? At what point does an individual take full responsibility for their own affairs? If the state takes away from the individual his right to be responsible for his own affairs, and promises to bear any and all his expenses, the individual has become a dependent of the system, and no longer a free citizen with responsibility for his own wellbeing! A welfare state is what you have! In an attempt to appear to be helping the less fortunate you have simply made the industrious carry the burden of the lazy!

When will government stop attempting to fix everyone’s problems? We have an education system, inadequate as it is, attempting to take full responsibility for the training and upbringing of all our children! At what stage do we as

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parents bear personal responsibility for our children? As more cries are raised for government to fix everything, we surrender our individual responsibility away to the state! We want to have fun, celebrate our ‘freedom’ only to wake up next day from our drunken stupor to find that our problems did not go away, they compounded!

Big government is the downfall of any society! If you build a huge military, the time must come when you are obliged to use it to justify the tremendous expense of maintaining it. If you have a large policing force you have to make more laws to create more offences to justify the exuberant costs of maintaining that force! In government nothing is “FREE”, we all bear the cost by paying more and more tax; and what does that do to inflation and the devaluation of your money?

It is high time that we Bahamians wake up from our dreaming and face the reality of life…….. there is no ‘free lunch’.

We want retirement pay, national insurance, national health. How foolhardy can a people get? Every demand that is made must be funded! Who considers the real cost? Oh! You can always borrow. Oh yeah!? In the Bible we are advised to go and observe the behavior of the insects so that we may gain wisdom.

Ants don’t take vacations, go on trips, or

spend their time playing pointless games.

There is purpose and reason for all their activities!

Once again I may sound anti and negative, but we as a people must learn to examine ourselves, to see if what we are doing is truly to our benefit. God did not make Man (Humans) to simply sit around and be entertained, we were made to work and be productive! Humans are the caretakers of this world, and God holds us responsible for the space we occupy during the short time that we live here. There is no time to waste; we need to be responsible, up and doing, fulfilling the purpose for our existence.

I do not expect the Government of The Bahamas to feed, clothe and entertain me. God has given each of us wisdom and intelligence, and with that made us responsible for our own wellbeing!

What we do as individuals will have consequences, and we must make sensible choices and live with the results. We are constantly being told to expect more, and more. Our Lord Jesus said “Give! And it shall be given to you, good measure, pressed down and shaken together shall others return to you”.

“It is more blessed to ‘give’ than to ‘receive’!

Stop borrowing and begin to save for the things you need! You will make better choices when you spend your own.

Team Bahamas Congratulated Following performance at XXI Commonwealth Games

The Bahamas Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture released a statement on Tuesday, April 17th, following the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (also known as the XXI Commonwealth Games), which took place in Australia from April 4th to April 15th, congratulating Team Bahamas on their achievements.

More than 6,600 athletes and team officials from 71 Commonwealth nations and territories took part in the 2018 Games, which featured the largest integrated sports program in Commonwealth Games history, comprising 18 sports and seven para-sports.

The statement read as follows: On behalf of a proud Commonwealth of The Bahamas, The Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture extends congratulations to Team Bahamas on its achievements at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast Australia.

Our athletes again demonstrated our ability to continue to rise to the top and we especially congratulate our medal winners: Shaunae Miller-Uibo -- 400m gold Jeffrey Gibson -- 400m hurdles silver Jamal Wilson -- High Jump silver Men’s Relay -- 4 x 400 silver (Ojay Ferguson, Teray Sweeting, Stephen Newbold,

Alonzo Russell, Michael Mathieu and Ramon Miller) The valiant efforts of our swimmers -- Joanna Evans who barely missed the medal podium and the record-breaking swim of Izaak Bastian, even after his outstanding contribution at Carifta in Jamaica -- have not gone unnoticed. Further, we welcome the first time appearances by athletes Cameron Roach and Adrian Rollins on their international debut in their respective sports of Triathlon and Table Tennis, opening doors for others to follow.

Congratulations again to the entire Commonwealth Games Team inclusive of athletes, coaches and officials for their representation of The Bahamas in a manner that demonstrates the discipline, commitment and skills required for success.

C O N S E RVAT I O N C O R N E R

| Apr/May 2018

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Pass On Parrotfish

BY CEI

This year, Deep Creek Middle School students chose ‘Parrotfish Protectors’ as their Junkanoo theme. They have been working in collaboration with the Cape Eleuthera Institute and ISER-Caribe on a variety of advocacy projects to highlight the important role parrotfish play in the marine ecosystem.

Parrotfish are an important family of fish in The Bahamas because they help keep coral reefs healthy by eating algae. Algae can overgrow or outcompete corals if there are not enough herbivorous grazing animals to keep them in check. When corals die, the space on the reef they leave behind is often occupied by seaweed called macro-algae. Removal of macro-algae by grazing is needed to clear space for coral larvae to settle and to prevent new corals from getting overgrown and killed.

The most dominant grazers on Bahamian reefs are adult parrotfish.

Parrotfish have beak-like mouths that allow them to scrape off algae that grows on coral. During this scraping while foraging for algae, parrotfish often ingest chunks of coral.

They grind up the hard coral, pass it through their digestive tract and poop it out as white sand. The sand that is produced by parrotfish helps form the beautiful beaches in The Baha-

mas and can provide habitat for smaller creatures like crabs.

Over the past year and a half, Deep Creek Middle School students have been learning about the important ecological role parrotfish play in Bahamian waters. They have observed parrotfish eating algae off the coral reefs during snorkel trips and performed skits, created artwork and even made a music video sharing the message for people to “pass on parrotfish”.

The Middle School’s Junkanoo rush depicted the different life stages of the commonly sighted stoplight parrotfish. Dancers performed traditional Junkanoo choreography and encircled other dancers who were dressed as algae. The boys beat line represented the ocean and coral reefs that rely on parrotfish to eat algae.

During South Eleuthera Junior Junkanoo, conversations amongst onlookers were heard discussing parrotfish. One Junkanoo spectator remarked, “I didn’t realise parrotfish were important. I have a whole freezer full, it’s my favorite fish, it is delicious. I am going to eat less now”. One parent commented, “Parrotfish are the best fish I have ever tasted, but once I started to learn more about the parrotfish from my child that attends DCMS, I realized that I need to reduce my intake. I still have it every

now and again but have been trying to abstain from buying them from fisherman”.

Over the past year, a team of scientists and anthropologists from the Cape Eleuthera Institute and ISERCaribe have been working on a project to better understand the historical parrotfish fishery and examine the perceptions and behaviors of local communities and fishers. The information is being used to help guide efforts to promote sustainable management of the parrotfish fishery.

Social surveys and interviews were conducted to understand the perceptions, economic obstacles, and behaviors of local stakeholders to identify communication strategies to increase sustainable fishing practices.

Results: Fisher interviews in South Eleuthera · 45% of respondents eat parrotfish · 14% of fishers target parrotfish · 23% catch parrotfish as by-catch

· 55% of fisher respondents knew the ecological role of parrotfish Consumer interviews in South Eleuthera · 19% of people surveyed eat parrotfish · 22% knew the ecological function and importance of parrotfish

Although populations of large parrotfish species are thought to be relatively healthy throughout The Bahamas, these species are frequently taken as by-catch. In recent years, a parrotfish fishery has started to emerge in some parts of The Bahamas. This new data can be used to help guide sustainable fisheries decision making in the future.

Visit DCMSBahamas Youtube channel to view the students’ catchy songs encouraging sustainable management of the parrotfish fishery.

Support Deep Creek Middle School students and pass on parrotfish!

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Island “Buzz”

Apr/May 2018

www. EleutheraNews . com

All That Jazz Continued from pg. 12 children interact - music sets the tone, and widens their thinking. I’m a big fan of music in the schools.” Mya Curry, Bahamian vocalist out of New Providence, also enjoyed her experience, saying, “It was awesome. I was a bit nervous because I wasn’t too sure what to expect from the children, but I should never have doubted. The kids were great, and I would totally come back, they wouldn’t even have to ask me. I will be back here. My passion is music and singing, which I started at a very young age, and with the help of the Jazz Cats, I was able to experience and learn even more.”

Tino Richardson, a Bahamian saxophonist and full-time musician who regularly plays with the ‘Tingum Dem’ band, the Jazz Cats and others, raved about his experience, “This is my sixth time with the Jazz Fest, which I’ve taken part in since the beginning, but it’s my first time at this school. I felt that this was more intimate with the kids. This is what we need, rather than children at home listening to negative music, listen to some jazz and learn some-

Jazz performing artists enjoying a short beach break.

Dancing up a storm at the Fish Fry to the rhythms of Solomon Hicks.

Myra Maud at Leon Levy.

Island “Buzz”

Online at www.EleutheraNews.com

| 04/05 2018

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Enjoying Jazz at The Other Side.

Headliner, Myra Maud performing on the beach.

Professional football player, Jesse James (center) with friends, along with girlfriend, Alex Lauth (left) next to her father, Eddie Lauth.

thing. We need to do this sort of interaction with children throughout the islands. We have a bunch of hungry, talented kids that just need the right kind of attention.” Anthony Michelli, on drums with the Steve Koven Trio, also appreciated his time with the young students, “The children were attentive and interested and just fun, with a great spirit, so it was a pleasure to bring our music to the school here.”

Patricia Oakes Leigh-Wood founder and chairperson of the Jazz Fest also came away from the interactive school session with a very positive view of the new activity, “We’ve been doing the educational

sessions by the Haynes Library on the Saturday mornings, and it’s the first time we’ve come to the Governor’s Harbour Primary school.

They invited us and we said yes, if you guys can get the kids together, we’ll do it. There was a little bit of a challenge today, because of the power outage, which meant that we couldn’t have any instruments that needed power. But, Steve Koven, who ran this, he said, it doesn’t matter - we will make music with everything we possibly can - our feet, our hands, everything. That teaches the kids also that you don’t have to have an expensive instrument. Where did rake and scrape

D’Aguilar of the Jazz Cats on Bass.

coming from? I think it was great - I loved it. The kids clearly loved it, and Steve loved doing it. Mya from Nassau did the vocals, and she loved the kids. It was just wonderful, and I was really pleased.”

Direct proceeds from the Jazz Fest event supports the Haynes Library, while the wider impact supports others throughout the Eleuthera community. For more information, E-mail: eleutheraallthatjazz@gmail.com, Website: www.eleutheraallthatjazz.com or reach out to the Haynes Library at 242-332-2877.

Steve Koven of the Steve Koven Trio.

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Local

www. EleutheraNews . com

Apr/May 2018

St. John’s 250th Continued from pg. 12 Major-Saunders, Rosalie Barry Stewart, Sheila Francis, Rosetta Hudson, Denise Paulette Sands, Irma Davis, Kingdon Higgs, Almetheia Elaine Roberts, Rose Barry-Green, Henry Patrick Pedican, Harrison Leon Barry, Jean Newry, Margaret Saunders, Carolyn Moss, Errol Alington Ward, and Susan Cleare.

The Majestic Eagles included honourees: Sherol Johnson, Minette Kelly, Joy Higgs, Deborah Johnson, Pauline Johnson Young Saunders, Edith Roberts, Eleanor Cleare, Portia Rena Barry Lewis, and Ralph Sawyer. The Courageous Eagles honourees included: Cheryl Darville, Mr. Paul and Mrs. Sharon Farquharson, Judith and Peter Stanton, Kathryn Woodard, and Robin Oppman.

Bishop Boyd and Father Campbell stand with Administrators, MP Rickey Mackey, and Committee Chair Martin Lee Grant.

Honouree, Jean Newry.

Honouree, Rose Barry-Green and loved ones.

Honouree, Pauline Johnson Young Saunders.

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Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera

Local

Online at www.EleutheraNews.com

| 04/05 2018

Pictured: Below and on the opposite page are featured some of the special honourees who were recognized for their longstanding service within the three Anglican Parishes throughout North Eleuthera, including St. John’s in Harbour Island, St. Paul’s in The Bluff, and St. Joseph’s in Upper Bogue. The Honourees are shown with Bishop Boyd and Mrs. Boyd, and Father E. Julian Campbell, along with supportive family and friends celebrating the evening with them.

Honourees, Paul and Sharon Farquharson

Honouree, Sherol Johnson.

Honouree, Rosalie Barry Stewart.

Honouree, Robin Oppman.

Honouree, Sheila Francis.

Honouree, Harrison Leon Barry.

Honouree, Denise Paulette Sands.

Honourees, Judith and Peter Stanton.

Honouree, Minette Kelly.

Honouree, Rosetta Hudson.

Honouree, Ralph Sawyer.

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