Temay2017w

Eleuthera, Harbour Island & Spanish Wells

Harbour Island Spanish Wells Eleuthera

Volume 10, Issue 5, June 2017

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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

People: Almost 200 Migrants apprehended in South Eleuthera, after boat landings - one boat painted in the colors of Haiti’s Flag Pg 10

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What’s Happening: Pg 11 for listing of events.

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Eleuthera’s Tourism Staff Shine at National Awards

Pictured: Dedicated ladies with the Ministry of Tourism Office based in Governor’s Harbour. (L-R) Donnalee Miller, Jacqueline Gibson, Karen Rolle, Deborah Young-Fox, and Glenda Johnson.

Members of the Ministry of Tourism’s (MOT) Staff based in Eleuthera shone at the Ministry’s Staff Incentive Awards, which were hosted at the Hilton in New Providence on Thursday, April 27th, 2017.

Tourism Manager, Ms. Jacqueline Gibson, based in Governor’s Harbour, nominated four members of her staff of dedicated women, and was ecstatic when all four nominees were announced as fi-

nalists in their categories, and quite beside herself when three of them won!

Karen Rolle was a finalist for the ‘Behind the Scene Award’ for the third quarter of 2016. Glenda Johnson was a finalist, as well as the winner for the ‘Above & Beyond the Call of Duty Award’ for the third quarter. Deborah Young-Fox was a finalist and also took the win for the ‘Employee of the Quarter Award’ for the third quarter. Donnalee Miller rounded out the

awards for the Eleuthera team, as a finalist, as well as the overall winner for the ‘Above & Beyond the Call of Duty Award’ for the fourth quarter.

“The staff of the Eleuthera Tourism Office are Shining Hospitality Stars!” smiled Ms. Gibson, as she expressed how proud she was of her team.

Below are excerpts from their nominations, highlighting what makes the Eleuthera team at the Ministry of Tourism so special.

Glenda J. Johnson won the Above & Beyond the Call of Duty Award for the third quarter of 2016. She goes beyond measure, and sees to it that the goals and mission of the Ministry of Tourism are her benchmark, as she continues to apply these principles to her daily duties.

Glenda is the Assistant Manager at the Governor’s Harbour Tourist Office. She has been employed for 25 years and is responsible for Hotel Licensing on Island, Travel Writers/Tour Operators, Events, networking with Industry partners for further growth and development. She loves what she does and she goes above and beyond the call of duty when dealing with the visitors.

Ms. Johnson is also a coordinaContinued On Page 9

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Dr. Yvette Mesidor-Thimothee, new resident doctor settling into the unique demands of the island job; A “fulfilling” transition from A&E at PMH was looking for,” said Dr. Mesidor-Thimothee.

She also has a young 19 month old daughter, Zhivannah, who is enjoying the Family Island transition with her.

As the physician in charge of all the clinics in Central Eleuthera, including Savannah Sound, Palmetto Point, Governor’s Harbour, James’ Cistern, Hatchet Bay and Gregory Town, she said she has been kept quite busy since her arrival, sharing, “I expected a lot of work, because I knew I would be covering a large area. I’m coming from Nassau, which is small in comparison - a settlement is pretty much the breadth of Nassau,” she chuckled.

“To get from one end to the other is less than half an hour - whereas, here you drive for an hour and you’re still not there. So I’m not quite used to the distance as yet, but I’m beginning to get there - It’s a lot of mileage you have to put in, in terms of coverage… and it’s a very busy area, especially Governor’s Harbour.”

Commenting on some of the key challenges experienced on island since her arrival, Dr. Mesidor-Thimothee explained that in New Providence, at PMH, where she served most Continued On Page 7

Pictured: Dr. Yvette Mesidor-Thimothee engaging with the Eleuthera community, (left) at the recent ‘Mommy and Me’, Methodist Church Tea Party, and (right) at the Flag Day festivities in Central Eleuthera.

BY THE ELEUTHERAN NEWS TEAM

The final vacant resident doctor posting in the District - in Central Eleuthera, which remained unfilled since September of 2016, is now resolved, with the arrival of Dr. Yvette Mesidor-Thimothee in early April to take up the responsibility of providing general practitioner medical services for Central Eleuthera residents from Savannah Sound to Gregory Town.

The public health network on island, now has three permanent medical doctors, with Dr. Farrington in North Eleuthera, Dr. Mesidor-Thimothee in Central Eleuthera, and Dr. Smith in South Eleuthera (who for several months during the latter half of 2016 was the only medical doctor available to service the entire Eleuthera district).

Dr. Mesidor-Thimothee, a vibrant 35 year

old, in an interview with The Eleutheran, conveyed that she was ready to meet the challenges of providing medical services in the Family Islands, head on. When asked what went in to her decision to come to Eleuthera, she shared, “I wanted a change. I had never worked in a Family Island before, and I like family medicine - which is a little bit of everything, and public health is an aspect.

So I decided to come and get my feet wet in the public health realm on the Family Islands - to see how it is and how it’s set up, so that I could be more well-rounded.”

Having spent the past seven years in the ‘Accident and Emergency’ department at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) in New Providence, where patients are seen for a short time, the transition to community/family medicine is a fulfilling one. “I like it here.

It’s very tranquil and quiet, which is what I

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New Doctor Continued from pg. 6 recently, doctors are able to stabilize and manage their patients and refer them to specialist care as needed with professional services in fairly close proximity and on one island. The distances in Eleuthera pose a particular challenge and affect patient management, she expressed, conveying a recent experience with a patient in Central Eleuthera who had to be stabilized then transported an hour away to North Eleuthera, then further transported to New Providence by emergency flight, with all the requisite delays before receiving specialist or surgical care. On her wish list, she said, would be a dedicated government flight service to transport patients out of the Family Islands - citing the frequent long waits for private flight services as well as the prohibitive cost. Dr. Mesidor-Thimothee stated that the incidences of having to send patients off the island for specialist care are frequent. Describing a typical week since her arrival - in a one week period during the month of May 2017, in the Central Eleuthera area, five people had to

be transported off island for specialist care.

Remarking on the promised mini-hospital healthcare facility in Palmetto Point, Dr. Mesidor-Thimothee, said that it would be most welcomed, with the modern equipment and facilities allowing the presence of specialists, even for intermittent periods to alleviate the frequent off island referrals. Bed facilities allowing patients to be admitted would also be welcome, she noted, especially with accident and emergency at PMH in New Providence already bursting at the seams, where Family Island patients have to deal with major delays in being seen even after arrival at the hospital.

Dr. Mesidor-Thimothee has also already gotten her feet wet in Eleuthera’s vibrant civic life, as the guest speaker at the recent Mother’s Day weekend tea party hosted by the Wesley Methodist Church in Governor’s Harbour, giving a talk on bone cancer to the audience who were celebrating the life of a community member currently battling the disease.

Declaration Notice I, Douglas Cash, of Lower Bogue, Eleuthera, Bahamas, am applying for a permit for my spouse. Phone: 551-1009.

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2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins June 1st On May 20th, the following communication was sent out by Captain Stephen Russell, Director of NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency), urging Family Island leaders to make early plans in preparation for the upcoming 2017 Hurricane Season, which begins on June 1st. “Good afternoon colleagues. Those of you who are a part of your local Island Disaster Consultative Committees, we are now 11 days before the start of the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season. This season calls for 11 named storms, 4 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes. I am well aware that in many of our communities, we are still recovering from the impact of Hurricanes Joaquin and Matthew, however, it is essential that we place some focus on the state of preparedness of our homes, properties, and businesses as we wait to see what this season brings. I am urging Administrators to commence meetings of your planning teams, and conduct the inspections of current shelters, and identify new ones as necessary. Please let’s start now to be prepared.”

US Scientist Says, Odds of Hurricane Formation May Increase In early April, Colorado State University’s Tropical Meteorology Project had made the slightly below average prediction cited by Captain Russell - historical annual averages are for 12 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes. At a news conference in West Palm Beach, held on Friday, May 19th, Phil Klotzbach, a research scientist with Colorado State University, stated that Weaker-than-expected El Nino weather conditions may cause the odds of hurricanes forming this year in the Atlantic basin to increase .

“At this point, perhaps we’re thinking we may be increasing the forecast a little bit due to a couple of reasons. In our early April outlook, we thought a weak to potentially moderate El Niño was coming. That’s warmer-than-normal water in the eastern and central tropical Pacific,” Klotzbach said.

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“When that occurs, it tends to increase upper-level winds that tear apart storms trying to form in the Atlantic. At this point, it’s looking like maybe that El Nino is going to be weaker, or perhaps not even come at all.

“So it shouldn’t have as detrimental an impact on the hurricane season. So the conditions should be more conducive for hurricane formation.

“The Atlantic is looking a little more conducive than it was in early April. So I think those two conditions, in combination, potentially warrant an increase in the seasonal forecast,” Klotzbach said.

The CSU researchers will release their next forecast June 1, the first day of hurricane season.

U.S. Department of Commerce, National Hurricane Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is expected to release its predictions on May 25th.

NOAA’s website offers this general advice: How great is the danger?

For 1970-2010, the average numbers per year for the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean or Gulf of Mexico were: 11 tropical storms, 6 of which became hurricanes.

While hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and property, tropical storms and depressions also can be devastating.

Floods from heavy rains and severe weather, such as tornadoes, can cause extensive damage and loss of life. Tropical cyclones forming between 5 and 30 degrees North latitude typically move toward the west. Sometimes the winds in the middle and upper levels of the atmosphere change and steer the cyclone toward the north and northwest. When tropical cyclones reach latitudes near 30 degrees North, they often move northeast. The Atlantic and Caribbean Hurricane season and its peak is as follows: June 1st to November 30th with peak mid-August to late October.

Understanding the Terminology: A tropical cyclone is a rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over tropical or subtropical waters and has a closed low-level circulation. Tropical

cyclones rotate counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.

Tropical Depression—A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 38 mph (33 knots) or less.

Tropical Storm— A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph (34 to 63 knots).

Hurricane—A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher.

Major Hurricane—A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 111 mph (96 knots) or higher, corresponding to a Category 3, 4 or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

A Post-Tropical Cyclone is a system that no lon-

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Online at www.EleutheraNews.com ger possesses sufficient tropical characteristics to be considered a tropical cyclone. Post-tropical cyclones can still bring heavy rain and high winds.

Planning Tips - Are You Ready?

Before the Hurricane Season: Determine safe evacuation routes inland.

Learn locations of official shelters.

Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, generators and batterypowered equipment such as cell phones and your radio receiver.

Buy food that will keep and store drinking water.

Buy plywood or other material to protect your home if you don’t already have it.

Trim trees and shrubbery so branches don’t fly into your home.

Clear clogged rain gutters and downspouts.

Decide where to move your boat.

Review your insurance policy.

When in a Watch Area: Frequently listen to radio, or TV for official bulletins of the storm’s progress.

(Note: Also visit www.EleutheraNews.com for updates) Fuel and service family vehicles.

Inspect and secure mobile home tie downs.

Ensure you have extra cash on hand.

Prepare to cover all windows and doors with shutters or other shielding materials.

Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water and medications.

Bring in light-weight objects such as garbage cans, garden tools, toys and lawn furniture.

When in a Warning Area: Closely monitor radio, and TV for official bulletins. (Note: You may also check The Eleutheran Newspaper online at www.EleutheraNews.com) Close storm shutters.

Follow instructions issued by local officials. Leave immediately if ordered!

Stay with friends or relatives at a low-rise inland hotel or at a designated public shelter outside the flood zone.

Notify neighbors and a family member outside of the warned area of your evacuation plans.

Take pets with you if possible, but remember, most public shelters do not allow pets other than those used by people with disabilities.

During the Storm Plan to Leave if You: Live on the coastline, an offshore island or in/near a flood zone.

Live in a high rise building. Hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.

What to Bring to a Shelter: REMINDER: If you are told to leave your home, do so immediately!

First-aid kit Medicine, prescriptions Baby food and diapers Games, books, music players with headphones Toiletries Battery-powered radio and cell phone Flashlights Extra batteries A blanket or sleeping bag for each person Identification Copies of key papers such as insurance policies Cash, credit card If Staying at Home: Turn refrigerator to maximum cold and keep it closed.

Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities.

Turn off propane tanks.

Unplug small appliances.

Fill bathtub and large containers with water in case clean tap water is unavailable.

Use water in bathtubs for cleaning and flushing only. Do NOT drink it.

If Winds Become Strong: Stay away from windows and doors, even if they are covered.

Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway.

Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors.

If you are in a two-story house, go to an interior first floor room.

If you are in a multi-story building and away from water, go to the 1st or 2nd floor and stay in the halls or other interior rooms away from windows.

Lie on the floor under a table or other sturdy object.

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Be Alert For: Tornadoes—they are often spawned by hurricanes.

The calm “eye” of the storm—it may seem like the storm is over, but after the eye passes, the winds will change direction and quickly return to hurricane force.

After the Storm: Keep listening to radio, TV. Wait until an area is declared safe before entering.

Watch for closed roads. If you come upon a barricade or a flooded road, Turn Around.

Don’t Drown! Stay on firm, dry ground. Moving water only 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet.

Standing water may be electrically charged from power lines.

Never use a generator indoors.

Avoid washed out roads.

Once home, check gas, water and electrical and appliances for damage.

Use a flashlight to inspect damage. Never use candles and other open flames indoors.

Wear proper shoes to prevent cutting feet on sharp debris.

Do not drink or prepare food with tap water until officials say it is safe.

Avoid electrocution by not walking in areas with downed power lines.

MOT Staff Shine Continued from pg. 4 tor of the Annual Pineapple Festival which takes place in Gregory Town the first weekend in June (Labor day). Countless hours are put into the planning of this event.

Also, every November Ms. Johnson leads a delegation of 40 - 50 persons (Junkanoo Group/ Artisans/Live Band) to the Jensen Beach, Florida for their Annual Pineapple Festival. Throughout this trip, Ms. Johnson sometimes has to spend personal funds to ensure the Bahamian contingent is impressive on the international scene.

Glenda continues to make a positive difference within the Eleuthera Tourist Office.

She can be called upon at any time without hesitation to assist with any task given. She is able to manage the office well and has excellent planning and organizing skills.

Donnalee Miller also received the Above & Beyond the Call of Duty Award for the fourth quarter of 2016. Mrs. Miller has gone the extra mile in performing her duties at Princess Cay, where she serves as supervisor of the MOT Craft Centre. She is willing to do whatever it takes not only to cater to the visitor experience, but to assure that the local vendors are positioned to showcase their ware at the Craft Center.

Donnalee makes it her business to leave home extra early on ship days in order to transport vendors without transportation, who are unable to car pool with others. Once she has completed her tasks at the end of the day, she hangs around until these vendors have packed up and closed their booths after the departure of the ship. On many days, this can add an additional 2-3 hours, as well as the extra gas that she has to use.

Additionally, Donnalee does all that she can to keep morale among vendors up, especially on days when cruise passenger spending is low.

On many occasions, the passengers disembark the ship without cash, as they are advised that they can use their cruise card for shopping in the Princess Cruises Gift shops.

Donnalee is able to convince many to return to the ship to get cash to spend with our vendors.

Deborah Young-Fox was crowned Employee of the Quarter for the third quarter.

She embraces the mission and goals of the Ministry and consistently applies them within the training Department and whatever area of responsibility.

Deborah has been a valued employee in the Ministry of Tourism for the past eight years and is currently responsible for Training at the Eleuthera Tourist office.

In six short months since her official relaunch of the program, she truly hit the ground running! Deborah has made history by recruiting well over 200 participants to sign up for the Bahamahost Program. In doing so, some 200 plus persons are now Bahamahost Graduates from 7 sessions that she ably arranged!

The companies of The Cove & CTI are both close to being 100% Bahamahost certified, the first in the history of training in Eleuthera!

Ms. Young is an individual whose outstanding performance demonstrates her commitment to the vision of the Ministry of Tourism. She makes the most of her time and consistently produces great work. She exhibits the traits of productivity, motivation, dedication and self-reliance. She focuses on the task before her. Her work is consistently of acceptable to excellent quality.

She is reliable and meets deadlines and production goals. Dedication and focus makes Deborah an asset to the Ministry. She is ethically motivated to provide an honest day’s work and takes pride in her abilities.

Congratulations also to Karen Rolle on her Behind the Scenes nomination. Karen Rolle is a skillful, dedicated, trustworthy employee who continues to go far beyond the call of duty. She does her job cheerfully and is always willing to go out of her way to assist her fellow colleagues in any way possible.

She ensures that ALL of our websites are kept current and updated, and does all that she can to assist our local vendors to bring their business up to website standards, including going the extra mile to assist many of these persons personally that don’t have the ways and means and exudes electronic savvy.

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border stress...

Nearly 200 people from neighbouring Haiti apprehended in South Eleuthera - Two landings in one week

BY THE ELEUTHERAN NEWS TEAM Immigration, Police and Defence Force personnel in Eleuthera have had to ramp up activity this month in response to two groups of illegal migrants that came ashore in South Eleuthera and then scattered causing an intense several day search to ensue.

Areas of South Eleuthera near Cape Eleuthera and Deep Creek were actively searched on Saturday, May 13th, 2017, and up to 2:30pm that afternoon, sixty three (63) illegal migrants had been apprehended. Sadly, one deceased person was also discovered on a rocky coast near Cape Eleuthera. The migrants, of Haitian origin, are believed to have been on board a vessel that may have landed near the Cape Eleuthera area, but was never found.

The Defence Force personnel assisting in the search were from a Defence Force vessel which happened to be near south Eleuthera at the time of the incident. Authorities received a call at about 3:00am on Saturday morning, and the landing is suspected to have taken place around 8pm on Friday evening, May 12th, 2017. An Immigration team out of New Providence arrived on Eleuthera at 11am on the Saturday morning, to assist

with local and Defence Force teams already on the ground.

The search for migrants from the landed party, continued through the weekend and on Tuesday, May 16th, 2017, authorities confirmed that the final number of illegal migrants taken into custody during the intensive three-day search was 88 (not including 1 deceased person). They included: 73 men (including 1 minor boy) and 15 women, all of Haitian nationality. They were transported from South Eleuthera to New Providence, with the final group of people leaving on Monday evening, along with the returning Immigration team out of New Providence who had assisted the local officers on island.

Chief Immigration Officer in Charge of the Eleuthera District, Mrs. Shema Darling, commented that local teams would continue conducting spot checks across Eleuthera.

The public was also warned against harbouring any illegal migrants, with fines up to $10,000, and prison terms up to five years, possible if convicted by a court­­. The Immigration Department also extended thanks to the community of Deep Creek, which assisted in multiple ways during the search operation, including transportation resources, and reporting. OIC Darling added that recom-

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mendations for a “Mini-Base” to be established in South Eleuthera were being communicated to New Providence, because of the sheer number of illegal landing incidents being experienced.

Second Landing A second landing of illegal migrants of Haitian origin was reported on Wednesday morning, May 17th, 2017 in the same end of the island, this time near Bannerman Town.

Local Police and Immigration in Eleuthera, along with Defence Force personnel, who were still near the vicinity, initiated a search of the area and by 1:00pm, Twenty six (26) illegal migrants (24 men and 2 women) had been

found. The vessel involved in this second illegal landing, painted in the red and blue colors of the historic Haitian flag, was recovered near the coast of Lighthouse beach.

By Saturday evening, May 20th, authorities had apprehended 92 illegal migrants, bringing the total to 180 people who in less than one week attempted to blend into Eleuthera’s populace, but were stopped. Authorities expressed thanks to the residents of Bannerman town for the assistance rendered in assisting their apprehension efforts. The vast majority of the migrants were male.

http://eleutheranews.com/?p=12797 (‘As- it-happened’ report)

BERMUDA TRIANGLE mystery?

Mother, Two Children and Pilot go missing, after plane disappears from radar just east of Eleuthera On Monday 15th May 2017, an MU-2B airplane, flying from Borinquen, Puerto Rico, around 11:00 a.m., en route to Titusville, Florida, with two adults and two children, was reported missing at 2:10 p.m., when it was lost from radar and radio contact. The plane’s last known position was at 24,000 ft. with a speed of 300 knots approximately 37 miles east of Eleuthera, The Bahamas (25, 36N and N75, 65W), where Ms. Paula Roberts, based at the Governor’s Harbour Airport in Central Eleuthera, reported having received a distress call. This area of sea, being part of the “Bermuda Triangle” peaked interest across news wires and social media.

On Tuesday 16th May 2017, several vessels and aircraft were actively out searching the area where the plane was last known to have been. Superintendent Christopher Wright along with several officers and local fisherman scoured the area, along with five U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Aircraft. More than 11,140 square miles were covered in over 75 hours by the aforementioned personnel.

Although the plane was not fully recovered, nor the bodies of those lost on the aircraft, a fuel sheen and a debris field were located by a Coast Guard Aircraft,

15 miles east of Eleuthera. Officers of the Eleuthera Marine Support Services were alerted of this find on Wednesday 17th May 2017, and several pieces identified as being from the MU-2B airplane were brought into the Governor’s Harbour Police Station.

The search for the missing airplane was suspended by the U.S. Coast Guard at 8:45pm on Thursday, 18th May 2017, however, investigations are still ongoing by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, to determine the possible cause of the accident.

Still missing are Jennifer Blumin, 40, from New York City, Nathan Ulrich, 52, from Lee, New Hampshire, and Blumin’s 3-year-old and 4-year-old sons.

“This was a swift and significant loss and its impact has reverberated through everyone that participated in the search,” said Christopher Eddy, Coast Guard search and rescue mission coordinator.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to all of the families involved.”

Sources: United States Coast Guard; Royal Bahamas Police Force, Eleuthera Division

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Eleuthera junior baseball- Youngsters take to the field

to showcase talent ahead of selection for the nationals.

Junior baseball teams from Central and South Eleuthera met to duke it out in the island’s first Junior Baseball all-star match up on Saturday, May 6th, 2017, with play starting shortly after 1pm at the Rock Sound primary school ball park.

Six chosen players from the teams in Palmetto Point and Tarpum Bay amalgam-

ated to form the Central lineup (dubbed the ‘North’ All Stars), and the South lineup comprised chosen players from teams in Rock Sound and Green Castle (‘South’ All Stars).

The children, who were all boys with the exception of one plucky girl, were from the 9-12 years old division, and they clashed in a seven innings game to dem-

onstrate who the better individual players were in the local Eleuthera Junior Baseball league. Performances during the afternoon of play would determine who would make the cut for the All Eleuthera 9-12 division team, set to compete in the National Junior Baseball Tournament, taking place in Freeport, during mid-June.

“This gives us an idea of the pool of player talent that we have, and we will

start making a selection from these players to take an All-Star team to the Nationals,” explained Mr. Larry Forbes, President of The Eleuthera Junior Baseball League of Rock Sound. He added, “It was a very good turnout. We see that we’ve got some talent on both sides, so we are going to work with that and see how best we can Continued On Page 17

Friday, June 2nd - Randol Fawkes Labour Day Monday, June 5th - Whit Monday Sunday, June 18th - FATHER’S DAY Monday, July 10th - INDEPENDENCE DAY

PALMETTO POINT HOMECOMING

highlights in June/july With the Friday, June 2nd Randol Fawkes Labour Day holiday and the Monday, June 5th Whit Monday holiday around the corner, Eleuthera is gearing up for an exciting weekend of festivals – in Gregory Town with the Pineapple Festival which runs from June 1st to June 4th, and in Deep Creek, South Eleuthera at the annual Conch Fest which runs from May 31st to June 5th.

PINEAPPLE FESTIVAL Thursday, June 1st to Sunday, June 4th, 2017 Eleuthera’s Pineapple themed events, held on the Randol Fawkes Labour Day weekend are hot ones on the calendar. They take place in Gregory Town and attract locals and visitors alike. Along with creative cultural activities, and palate pleasing pineapple treats, star headliners to entertain the crowds during the weekend, include; Geno D, Veronica Bishop, Stevie S., Bodene, Avvy, and the Spank Band!

deep creek conch fest Wednesday, May 31st to Monday, June 5th, 2017 Organizers for the Deep Creek Conch Fest has a full slate of cultural activities planned for the upcoming holiday weekend, along with entertainment by the Visage Band, Rake N’ Scrape, Dyson Knight, Wendi, Najie Dunn, Christian Massive, and Lyrically Blessed!

Monday, June 5th, 2017 - One Day Event The Palmetto Point township, which usually hosts their homecoming event during the Whit Monday holiday weekend, will hold a scaled down one day event this year.

On Monday, June 5th, they will host a “Family Fun Day & Beach Bash” at the homecoming site, beginning at 10am – until. Organizers also announced, starting June 24th, the homecoming committee will hold a Fish Fry event every Saturday evening going forward, from 4pm – until (with floating bar). Call 464-0506 for more information.

National Events:

community Events: Local Government Elections Scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 21st, 2017 Nomination Day - up to press time - was yet to be announced.

School Events: Bahamas National Diploma Graduation Ceremony (Eleuthera District): June 13th Methodist Church, James’ Cistern:

Friday, June 16th School closes (students) Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Awards Saturday, May 27th, 2017 Venue: Golden Gates World Outreach Ministries, Carmichael Road Note: 13 Eleuthera Students are represented at this year’s Awards. Congratulations!

11th Annual Tim’s Refrigeration Doubles Tennis Tournament Location: Knowles Court, Palmetto Point Time: Begins at 9am New Date: Saturday, May 27th, 2017

Thursday, June 22nd National Report Card Day Friday, June 23rd School closes (teachers)

Briland Summer Junkanoo Festival Friday, July 7th and Saturday, July 8th, 2017 This cultural festival will feature local cuisine, authentic crafts, entertainment and Junkanoo performances. One of the highlights is the “Pink Sand” castle building contest.

Location: Bay Street, Dunmore Town, Harbour Island Contact Information: Harbour Island Tourist Office (242) 333-2621, (242) 333-3104

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An Eleutheran Profile:

Mrs. Mary Sweeting By sherelle wallace Introduction: ‘Eleuthera is not for everyone’ is a well-known caveat that accompanies our welcome. It proves true for many, despite the fact that the pineapple, the universal symbol for Welcome, is also Eleuthera’s official symbol. Yet, for one Asian transplant, Eleuthera has become her home, and there is nowhere else on earth she’d rather live and raise her children.

Mary Sweeting, daughter of Mercy and Arceo Mendoza, was born in Bulacan, Metro Manila, The Philippines in 1970. She married Joseph Stanford Sweeting in The Philippines when she was nineteen years old. She then took her first plane trip, traveling alone some 9,500 miles to begin a new life in The Bahamas, where she has resided for the last twenty-eight years.

Childhood life for Mary was one of freedom and leisure. She could roam around her neighbourhood anytime she wished, return home whenever she wished, eat as much as she desired, and sleep whenever she felt like it. During her college studies in The Philippines she intended to become a school teacher or a singer, focusing on the Christian message of God’s love. Mary became a Christian on December 31st, 1981, when she was just eleven years old. That New Year’s Eve, someone had shared the Gospel and God’s love with her family, and she accepted it.

The Move: Prior to the marriage and relocation proposal from a Bahamian man, Mary had never heard of The Bahamas. Then she began to perceive it as paradise and as close to heaven on earth as one could get. She envisioned a world where there were no flies, rats, roaches, or mosquitoes. Without a computer to do research it was truly the perception of: The grass is always greener on the other side. Ironically, Mary eventually made her permanent dwelling in Green Castle, South Eleuthera. But by this time, her eyes had been opened to the truth of what the world was really like. There was simply no way to totally predict her future when she said good-bye to her family and set off to paradise. And getting to paradise in itself was quite daunting. Mary had never even imagined she would fly on a plane in her lifetime. Flying on a plane seemed to be something only rich people did. And she shared that in her frightened awe she asked her seatmate how the plane would land.

Family Life: Settling in and fully adjusting to life on a different continent took about two years, at which point her first of six children, was on the way. In comparison, although both are island nations, The Bahamas comprises some 700 islands and cays and The Philippines

comprises over 7,000 islands. The Bahamas had a population of less than 300,000 and The Philippines had some 90 million. Fortunately, the adjustment to food and time difference took only about four months, said Mary. She slept all day and stayed up all night. She had never seen macaroni and cheese before, never knew what peas n’ rice was. Eating grapes, she said, was a pleasure. At the same time she was sad that her Filipino family were not with her. The Bahamian family Mary married into, she said, were very warm and accepting of her and taught her how to cook, how to cut chicken the right way, to bake; as she had been her mother’s spoiled daughter and never had to do these things in her home.

After living on New Providence and Grand Bahama, Mary and her family settled permanently in Green Castle, South Eleuthera.

Assumption: “I did not like it at first. I did not like the quietness. It was so deafening! I thought it was a death sentence to me. I missed the noise. The Mall, the movie theater, the zoo, the museum, the amusement parks and the crowd.”

Assimilation: “But I have learned to adapt to my environment. And I came

to realize that we can’t win all. And we have to lose some, in order for us to gain some. And I started to look at the brighter side of it and there I go! I learned to focus on the beauty and capitalize on what Eleuthera had to offer.”

Appreciation: “It’s a beautiful, quiet place where I can find solitude for my soul. The friendly accommodating residents. A safe place to raise my kids. Less influence and peer pressure.

A good place for all parents who have lots of kids to take care of. A place of freedom to be whatever a person wants to be! A place where I discovered my

weaknesses and strengths.”

Acclamation: “The reason why I love living here is that South Eleuthera has the rhythm of life. They have time

for everything. Time to sing and dance, homecoming, to sleep, to wake up. Time for business and church time. I came from a place that has non-stop traffic and noise.

In South Eleuthera, there are humming birds, chickens crowing, fresh air, cool breeze blowing, pretty colors of the sea.

And soft texture of sand; soft as flour. This is a place where we can live without fear.”

When asked what it’s like for her as the only Asian person (her children being Bahamian-Asian) living in a community of some four hundred Bahamians, a handful of Haitians and a couple of Jamaicans,

Mary reflected: “Race and class have no distinction to me. Although we are living in a very material world. All are special in their own special way. Whatever happens in the believer’s life, bad or good, it will lead to something good; as Romans 8:28 says. God has a perfect and eternal plan for it all.” What has been a challenge is when her children are called Chinese. As their heritage is Filipino, they feel offended that they are addressed as something they are not.

Home Away and Career: As a South Eleutheran for two decades, Mary shared what she would like to see changed on her island: “I would like South Eleuthera to have better roads, more activities for the young people to keep them away from drugs and alcohol, and better ministries that reach out to people in communities that need support. I want Eleuthera to have daily Bible studies to help the communities to have a changed mind.”

As a legal citizen of The Bahamas, Mary had the option to work in any career she wished, and she chose self-employment in order to devote more time to raising her children.

HELLO, IT’S YOUR AVON LADY! Mary became an Avon representative in 2004 and said she loves her work, and has been successful in it. One of the benefits as an independent saleswoman is that she receives discounts on all manner of necessary items for her children and household as bonus points rewards. She

Continued On Page 13

F EAT URE

Online at www.EleutheraNews.com

An Eleutheran Profile Continued from pg. 12

has stuck with the company because of the freedom it gives her to make it what she wants to make it; setting her own hours and allowing her personality to push her products. Being self-employed in various MLM (Multi-level Marketing) companies expands her circle and brings her more friends and connections to network with. The best sellers from Avon are the skin care products and fragrances she shared. Mary says her success is amplified when she sees the smile on her customer’s face and how excited they are about the products she provides.

As Avon is her main source of income to provide for her family, Mary was hit hard when Avon ceased its operations in many Caribbean countries, including The Bahamas, in 2015. But, being the savvy entrepreneur that she is, Mary collaborated with a US based company as a middleman and continued her Avon business.

Faith: Mary also uses her career as an opportunity to share the Good News of the gospel, and to motivate healthier lifestyles. “My Christian faith is awesomely beautiful. I’ve been involved in a radio ministry since 1994 and I would say without being plugged into this ministry, I would have been a repeated regular casualty. I’ve been born again and again. Sanctification is the key to my Christian growth. A daily dose of God’s word. I have to want it and to pay close attention to the salvation that the word offers.”

Mary admonished those who would accept: “Be a receiver of Christ’s salvation that he offers for all. Believe in his name. Acknowledge your sin, confess and receive him as your savior, and his forgiveness. This is where it all begins. Only through Christ can someone have life. For He alone is life, truth and the way to the Father. We all need freedom from sin. Maybe it’s porn, drugs, alcohol, a bad marriage, jealousy, insecurity, financial problems and on and on, but I found the way to freedom is to learn to depend on God. When we learn to depend on Him we can be independent from these things. A true saying is: Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. And when you know the truth, it will set you free!”

And she encouraged: “Find your purpose. Ask and you will get answers.

Prosper where you are planted. Be ready to accept your purpose. Stay faithful where you belong and to whom you belong. Be the best in what you do. Be consistent to your routine. Be patient and don’t get tired of it. Remember, it’s not the big things that make a difference but it’s the small things. And success for sure will hunt you down. You can’t miss it!”

Mary is very open about her life and struggles: “Jesus Christ inspires me. I found life in Him. He gives me the true meaning of life. A joy beyond what the eyes can see. His love takes away my fears. Doing things for Him gives me great joy. It’s beyond the outward things. I learn how to forgive, let go and let God - free from anger, bitterness and anxiety. There was a time that I thought I would die; when things of business came to a full stop. I did not know where to turn or what to do. I gave up and I thought that would be the end of my life. No business, no money. I thought that God was using my business to keep me alive. Not knowing that God himself is keeping me alive. Not my business, not my effort but He himself is keeping me. I came to the end of me. It was a frightening moment of my life. Then I learned to let go of the situation; putting it in God’s hand. I have found His powerful comforting word, Isaiah 41:10 that says: ‘Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.’

At that moment I was transformed. My perspective in life was changed.

I no longer looked at situations but I constantly focused on Jesus. When things seem to be going wrong, I’m no longer alarmed because I realize that it’s Him that controls all things. It’s an awesome life! An amazing life! I proved Him faithful and I know He will continue to be faithful to me. My motto is: God is faithful.

I Thessalonians 5: 24 says: ‘Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it.’

“After I have passed on I would like to be remembered for my work as an evangelist: A person that created good change in her time, initiated and edified others, led others to stay on a narrow, right road, helped families to stay together, and inspired young and old.”

Reflection: Mary, who had aspirations to one day become a singer, never saw that achieved. Yet, in what seems almost destined, her beautiful singing voice has been passed down and fully utilized through her two eldest children: Melody and Jeremiah Sweeting.

Mary keeps in constant contact with her family back in The Philippines through Facebook. Unfortunately, due to cost and distance, Mary has only traveled back to The Philippines once since she relocated. Her father had passed on, her mother was much older, and many things had changed in her country. Having two other Filipino women marry into her Bahamian family has brought some solace to her, she shared. She added that, communicating with these women and their children, who are the only cousins that her children share a heritage bond with, has kept her cognizant of her heritage while her definition of ‘family’ and ‘home’ has been redefined.

Mary is indeed a living testament that we should prosper where we are planted. Or in her case, transplanted!

The Eleutheran | May/Jun 2017

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May/Jun 2017

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Kayaking Trouble - Police come to the rescue of kayakers offshore in windy conditions.

By the eleutheran news team

Three Tourists Rescued In Central Eleuthera Police Officers rescued three tourists during the afternoon on Wednesday, May 3rd, 2017, who were kayaking off shore in the Central Eleuthera area.

The visitors, who were all from Pennsylvania, U.S.A., were said to have been in distress at sea along Eleuthera’s west coast, off Queen’s Highway, south of James’ Cistern. “The tourists were kayaking about 500 feet from shore, and were unable to get back in, due to heavy winds”, stated authorities.

Sometime around 2pm, a team of police including; Inspector Oldham, Sergeant Farquharson, Reserve Inspector Sands, and Sergeant Cooper, responding to information received about the situation, proceeded to the area where the three tourists - Jack and Elizabeth Bowser, and Wayne Mason, were struggling in their kayak off shore.

According to reports, Sergeant Cooper dove in the water and assisted all three people ashore.

Once back on land, the team of officers then escorted the rescued visitors to the Hatchet Bay clinic for medical attention.

MOE Statement on STUDENT KILLED IN NEW PROVIDENCE May 23, 2017: The Ministry of Education can confirm that a 10th grade male student from R.M. Bailey High School was fatally shot today. As a police investigation is still ongoing, we have very few details to share with the public at this time. Nonetheless, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the young man.

The events surrounding this tragic incident point to a need for continued reform in our education system and I plead with the country to assist us in our efforts to implement the necessary reforms to reDesmond Bannister Sworn In as Minister of Works

The Hon. Desmond Bannister was sworn in as Minister of Works by Governor General Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling at Government House on Monday, May 22, 2017. (BIS Photos/Letisha Henderson)

duce the amount of criminality and violence in our young men.

During this time, as the school community processes the tragic news and copes with grief, the Ministry of Education will offer counselling and bereavement support services to the students and staff affected.

We once again convey our deepest sympathy and profound condolences. We hope that time will lessen the burden of the sorrow of those affected.

May the soul of the dearly departed rest in eternal peace STATEMENT BY THE SG of CARICOM, AMBASSADOR IRWIN LAROCQUE ON THE MANCHESTER BOMBING The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) strongly condemns the vicious terrorist attack perpetrated in Manchester, United Kingdom, on Monday evening (May 22, 2017) The fact that the majority of the victims were children and young people makes this vile action even more heartrending. The compassionate and helpful reaction by the citizens of Manchester to those in distress after the carnage, exemplifies the qualities of empathy and resilience of the people of the United Kingdom.CARICOM extends its deepest sympathy to the families who lost loved ones and wishes a full and speedy recovery to the injured. The Community stands in solidarity with the Government and People of the UK as they confront this latest assault on their nation.

Online at www.EleutheraNews.com

| May/Jun 2017 15

“The strength of our integration movement gives us a solid platform upon which to build our resilience,” SAYS CARICOM’ SG. LaRocque stated.

However, he noted that the Community had begun to see the value of acting in concert. That has become evident as the Community prepares for the upcoming high-level UN Conference on Oceans, on the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources, to be held in New York 5-9 June, 2017.

“The Community has brought together the negotiating skills of its Permanent Representatives to the UN, the guidance of their capitals, and the inputs of technical experts from UWI and CARICOM specialized institutions to maximize the effectiveness of our participation,” the CARICOM SecretaryGeneral said.

: COFCOR Official photo (front row, from left) Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica; Hon. Senator Francine Baron, Minister of Foreign Affairs and CARICOM Affairs of Dominica; Senator the Hon Maxine Mclean, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Barbados and Chair of COFCOR; Hon. Yldiz D Pollack-Beighle, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Suriname; Her Excellency Elma Gene Isaac, Ambassador to CARICOM and OECS representing Saint Lucia; Ms. Sharon Haylock, DirectorGeneral, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration representing The Bahamas.

(Back row, from left) - Hon. H. Charles Fernandez, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Antigua and Barbuda; Hon. Carl Greenidge, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guyana; Hon. Nicolas Skeete, Minister of Health, Social Security and International Business of Grenada; Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, CARICOM Secretary-General; The Hon. Mark Brantley, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Aviation of St Kitts and Nevis; His Excellency Peterson Noel, Ambassador to CARICOM representing Haiti; Hon. Wilfred Peter Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Attorney-General of Belize; Senator Dennis Moses, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade, Commerce and Regional Integration of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The strength of the regional integration movement provides a solid platform upon which the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) can build its resilience within a global environment constantly in flux.

That sentiment was expressed by the Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, on Thursday 18th May 2017, when he addressed the opening of the 20th Meeting of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR). Barbados is host of the two-day meeting, being chaired by Hon. Maxine McClean, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Barbados.

Ambassador LaRocque said COFCOR was meeting at a time when international order was in greater flux than usual. As the balance of power shifted and voids became evident in international leadership on matters of great global import, such as climate change, new and assertive actors were beginning to fill those voids, he added.

“Globalization and multilateralism, characterised by open borders, the institutionalization of economic and political cooperation, and shared sovereignty are unravelling, increasingly challenged by the rise of populism, protectionism and isolationism,” the CARICOM Secretary-General told the gathering of the Region’s Foreign Ministers.

Some international developments had far-reaching implications for the Community’s well-being, the Secretary-General noted, highlighting the commencement of the Brexit process and a new US administration whose policy positions towards the Region were not yet clear. The uncertainty that potential policy reversals in the US brought to a number of critical global issues was also crucial to CARICOM. Brexit, he said, involved parties that

were among the Region’s major trading and development partners, making it important for the Community to maintain the strong relationships with both.

Imminent negotiations on the post-Cotonou arrangements which would define the future relationship between the ACP Group of Countries and the EU; the discussion on the revitalisation of the ACP itself, a construct which had been useful in bringing three regions together in common cause; and the ever-present existential threat of climate change were among the other issues he highlighted that had far-reaching implications for CARICOM. The Secretary-General said CARICOM was adapting to change and building the resilience, even as it sought new opportunities for advancement and a strengthened Community.

“The Caribbean Community has a complex and formidable task at hand. With change, comes uncertainty but also the potential for opportunities. I believe, as I have said in another forum, that “the strength of our integration movement gives us a solid platform upon which to build our resilience,” Mr. LaRocque said.

He noted that CARICOM had been pursuing engagements with Third Countries to address the issues including graduation from access to concessional development financing, with some success; engaging relevant authorities in foreign capitals to address the withdrawal of correspondent banking services; and confronting in an aggressive manner, those nations that persist in labelling some CARICOM Member States as non-cooperative tax jurisdictions.

“The unilateral black listing of our Member States by countries who we think of as our traditional friends, is unwarranted, unhelpful and indeed harmful to our economies,” Mr.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Statement on Manchester, England attack (via the Bahamas Information Services)

The Bahamas High Commission, London, has reported that all staff of the High Commission, Bahamas Tourist Office and Bahamas Maritime Office are safe following the 22 May suspected terrorist attack at a pop concert in Manchester, England, reportedly resulting in

He added: “In a world where the shared rules and principles that legitimize international action are repeatedly flouted and weakened, CARICOM, as small states, must rely more than ever on focused and coordinated diplomacy, bolster its relations with like-minded states, and continue to advocate for multilateralism and a strengthened United Nations.

The meeting of the COFCOR in Barbados will feature an engagement with representatives from Belgium and Japan as CARICOM pursues strategic alliances to strengthen and broaden its global outreach.

the death of twenty two persons and injuries to many others.

The Bahamas High Commission has also indicated that there are no Bahamians in the UK who have been impacted.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Government and people of the United Kingdom at this difficult time. A Diplomatic Note has been sent to the Government of the United Kingdom.

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Local “Plus”

May/Jun 2017

Celebrating Success

www. EleutheraNews . com

DCMS Student Awards Term 2, 2017

The faculty, staff and families of DCMS would like to congratulate the following students for exceptional performance during their end of term reports. These students are examples amongst their peers.

They exhibit true qualities of future leaders in our community and The Bahamas.

From all of us at DCMS, CONGRATULATIONS! Keep up the good work!!

HONOR ROLL (3.30 and above) Christina Pratt (Deep Creek) Grade 7 Iesha Fitzgerald (Rock Sound) Grade 7 Keniesha Deveaux (Wemyss Bight) Grade 7 K’Tonya Johnson (GHB) Grade 7 Shanti Carey (Tarpum Bay) Grade 7 Sheanna Hall (Wemyss Bight) Grade 7 Summer Smith (Deep Creek) Grade 7 Tearra Davis (Rock Sound) Grade 7

Bahamas Roaming RATES Causes Ruckus for Trinidad politician

ity where it was available.

However, when presented with the TSTT bill which covered the period in question, I was surprised and concerned as the charges appeared to be abnormally high. I requested that the Ministry launch an immediate investigation with TSTT, which is still ongoing.

The charges being examined are as follows: Call usage -$ 1,111.06 $164.23)

A Trinidadian $59,059 dollar TSTT (Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago) telephone bill - the bulk of which were roaming data charges incurred while Tourism Minister, Shamfa Cudjoe was attending the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace in the Bahamas - was said to have “shocked” other Ministers, as details of the astonishing phone bill was disclosed in the Senate during debate on the country’s mid-term budget review.

Tourism Minister Shamfa Cudjoe on Tuesday, May 16th, 2017 confirmed the fourday $59,000 phone bill (USD $8,732.89), which covered calls for the period January 29th to February 3rd, with an explanation that only $1,100 of the bill represented actual calls. The rest were roaming fees and VAT. She was quoted as saying, “I attended the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace in the Bahamas in my capacity as Minister of Tourism during the period January 29 to February 3, 2017. At the time of the trip, the Ministry was dealing with several issues which required my attention and therefore necessitated that I remain accessible. During this period, as is common while travelling on official government business, my mobile telephone was placed on roaming. However, at every reasonable opportunity, I also made use of the Wi-Fi facil-

TTD (USD

Roaming Data usage - $50,616.61 TTD (USD $7,479.22) and Value added tax - $6,562.13 TTD (USD $969.64).”

According to Cudjoe, TSTT also indicated that the company had no control over the charges imposed by regional and international carriers and explained that this would apply to roaming rates incurred while in the Bahamas.

Finance Minister Colm Imbert said the roaming charges accumulated in the Bahamas, were ten times more than other Caricom countries. Public Ad­minis­tration and Com­munica­tions Minister Maxie Cuffie said Caricom Mi­nisters dealing with information and communi­cations technology (ICT) held a virtual meeting to talk about ICT and roaming rates in the region, adding however, that the Bahamas was not signatory to this and, therefore, their high roaming costs could not be addressed.

Alia Albury (Tarpum Bay) Grade 8 Christiano Knowles (Green Castle) Grade 8 Harniqua Bodie (Rock Sound) Grade 8 Tarryn Johnson (Tarpum Bay) Grade 8 Thomas Sands III (Rock Sound) Grade 8 Alisha Albury (Water Ford) Grade 9 Alicia Albury (Water Ford) Grade 9 Forrest Schmitt (Cape Eleuthera) Grade 9 Jade Knowles (Tarpum Bay) Grade 9 Khiara Knowles (Rock Sound) Grade 9 Petra Kemp (Rock Sound) Grade 9 Rekenley Preneus (Rock Sound) Grade 9

Toriano Scott (Water Ford) Grade 9 Wisdom Thompson (Deep Creek) Grade 9 HIGH HONOR ROLL (4.0 and above) Tiara McKinney (Rock Sound) Grade 9 Tiia McKinney (Rock Sound) Grade 9

Local

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Eleuthera Jr. Baseball All Stars Continued from pg. 11

Pictured, Above: All Star players and coaches with the Eleuthera Junior Baseball League. Below: Good sportsmanship shown by the youngsters in the All Star 9-12 Division.

represent at the tournament.”

At the end of the afternoon’s play, the ‘North’ All Stars had given the ‘South’ All Stars quite a trouncing at 27 to 10.

The League could not function without the investment of both time and energy by local volunteer coaches. Six of them were out at the All Star Game, encouraging their young proteges, including; Coach Donald Wright - Green Castle Dragons, Coach Marco Bethel - Rock Sound Stingrays, Coaches Wilson Cooper and Eline Sineus - Palmetto Point, and Coaches Stephen Moss and Maurice Carey of Tarpum Bay. Regular season play continued on the weekends of May 13th (in Tarpum Bay) and 20th (in Palmetto Point), beginning at noon each Saturday. The Eleuthera Junior Baseball League Playoffs were also set to start shortly after, and to run until the second week in June.

| May/Jun 2017 17

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May/Jun 2017

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Hatchet Bay Clinic the focus for benefits from this year’s 5th Annual “CATCH JERRY CHILE” Fundraiser - organisers hoping community labour will join in effort By the eleutheran news team

Mr. Miska Clarke (Jerry’s Chile), visionary of the “Catch Jerry Chile” event, who challenges participants in the run category to catch him each year, had a spectacular showing on Saturday morning, May 6th 2017, which meant much more than just coming in first place.

“This year is very special to us! It’s special in that, I won! This means that the first place cash prize of $500 got to go back into the kitty towards this year’s community project, and that’s very important,” explained Mr. Clarke.

He continued, “As usual we try to help the community and this year we see a need to assist with the Hatchet Bay Clinic. It needs serious renovations, and what we in-

tend to do is to host a healthy life- Pictured, Above: All smiles after the 5 mile walk/run at the 2017 ‘Catch Jerry Chile’ event. styles seminar on May 26th and 27th, and whatever money is re- maining, we will leave a minimum amount in their Clinic. That’s important, because the the bank, and we intend to buy supplies and funds wouldn’t go far if we had to pay for lamaterials. We are really hoping for Hatchet bour also.”

Bay people especially to put in the labour, for This year’s 5th Annual “Catch Jerry Chile”

Local

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| May/Jun 2017 19

which was one of the goals in 2016, is currently on Island updated Mr. Clarke, saying, “It’s just a matter of us putting it together. We have everything, so it’s up to us now. The batting cage is a go. We have the frame, which needs to be put together, including the corners that tie it in, as well as the net for the top, and of course the pitching machine. We expect it to be fully assembled shortly… What makes it so fantastic as well, is that it can serve as a professional batting trainer, but is also suitable for use with primary age children.” The chosen location for the set-up of the batting cage is the James’ Cistern park.

Pictured, Above: Students from the Governor’s Harbour and James’ Cistern Primary Schools competed for cool prizes.

Pictured, Above: Dedicated members of the ‘Catch Jerry Chile’ organization, celebrating Miska Clarke’s (Jerry’s Chile) win, allowing them to return the $500 top cash prize back into the kitty.

5 mile walk/run competition saw 30 walkers and runners rise early on Saturday morning, to participate in the community fundraiser, held beneath the Cork Tree in James’ Cistern.

There were three divisions of competition - a primary group, with a friendly rivalry between James’ Cistern Primary and Governor’s Harbour Primary students; an open walk, and an open run, where participants started at the Cork Tree, and raced to the Governor’s Harbour Airport and back, all in good fun to stay healthy, to give back to the community, and possibly pick up one of the exciting prizes up for grabs.

Coming in second in the Open Run category, after Mr. Clarke was Jude Vilma (2nd $250); and Devon Hebburn (3rd - $100). The Open Walk category saw Principal Michael Culmer in 1st - $200; Ross Bethel in 2nd $100; and Dwight Pinder in 3rd - $75. Also, in the primary children’s category, Edsonn Meme was 1st from James’ Cistern Primary (iPad); with Salathiel Lewis in 2nd from Governor’s Harbour Primary (Smart watch); and

Regnisha Pierre in 3rd from Governor’s Harbour Primary (mobile phone). Cool electronics prizes, rather than cash, were given in the primary division.

The prize money which totaled just under $1,300, said Mr. Clarke, came from the sale of the t-shirts for the event, which he bought personally as his annual contribution to the Walk/ Run each year. Approximately 120 to 150 TShirts were sold for $20 each, and the remainder were held for the participants, yielding approximately $3,000. All other donations to the cause are said to go directly to the chosen community initiative each year.

During the past four events, the Catch Jerry Chile committee has successfully delivered medical equipment, including a portable defibrillator in 2014. All proceeds benefited the Cancer Society of Eleuthera in 2013, and in 2015 a portable jaws of life was gifted to the Royal Bahamas Police Force in Eleuthera, headquartered in Governor’s Harbour. A community batting cage and pitching machine,

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Local

May/Jun 2017

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Exciting Pilot Science Extravaganza Hosted at NEHS By the eleutheran news team

Louise Barry, Senior Education Officer (SEO), with responsibility for high school sciences at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology was at the North Eleuthera High School on Friday, April 28th, 2017, facilitating an Eleuthera District Science Extravaganza event.

Five junior high teams from Preston Albury High School, Samuel Guy Pinder All Age School, Harbour Island All Age School, Central Eleuthera High School and the hosts, North Eleuthera High School took part in the Extravaganza, which consisted of two main segments. Beginning at 11:30am, action got underway, with teams asked to build a model, literally “out-of-thebox”. Given the scenario of having

been castaway on a deserted island, each team was provided with a box of waste items made of plastic, foam and other materials (mock debris on the island), and were asked to create a 3D model of either, 1) a raft to escape from the island, 2) a shelter to aid survival on the island, 3) or a bridge to cross a creek possibly leading to food sources - within a limited time period. Some specifications teams were given for the model, was that it had to be roughly about 50 cm in size. Students had to first decide on what they would build, come up with a plan, then decide what they would need out of their box - and go for it!

SEO Barry described how the build out linked to current trends in science education, saying, “This activity taps into their creativity, and it comes from what is now a growing trend in science ‘STEM’ education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). So they have the math in terms of the proportions, they have the technology in terms of their innovation, the engineering is the building part of it, and the science behind it is the basis of it all. This is a STEM project, and I was interested in seeing how they would do having not watched or been a part of it before.”

All five teams were asked to make a short presentation about what they had built and why, and also fielded questions from SEO Barry about the science behind their unique creations - like why they had chosen a particular material for their shelter, and how it related to insulation, or the shape and proportion of a sail on their raft, and the impact it had on the ability to harness the wind and control balance and speed of their vessel. Medals were given to all the teams who participated in the ‘Build-out-of-thebox’ round.

The second segment of the Science Extravaganza was a science quiz competition, along the lines of the popular ‘Jeopardy’ quiz show. Questions came directly from the General Science curriculum targeting five categories, including; Living Things, Matter, Energy and Forces, Ecology, and the Human Body. Seventeen questions were prepared in each category, and each team were given the opportunity to answer three questions from each category, leaving two questions per category as potential tiebreakers. Direct correct answers yielded 10 points, while referral answers were 5 points each.

Science teachers from the various high schools who accompanied their teams of students thought the Extravaganza was a great event, with a positive impact on their students. Some commented, saying, “It’s good in a number of ways. The students get to interact with each other, and get to see where they are with their knowledge of science compared with their peers. It’s like a motivation for all of us, so it’s pretty good!... It will get them more excited about science, and get their feet wet for the BJC’s!”

During the quiz, the Harbour Island All Age team, with three male students, got an early advantage over the other teams, getting a number of their direct questions correct and picking up additional referrals. Other teams made up some ground as the quiz moved along, but Harbour Island All Age prevailed at the end with ??? points in total.

Science Extravaganza’s like this one have been held in New Providence since 2003, according to SEO Barry. This year, because of the interest of teachers in Eleuthera, the event was piloted on the island, with junior high teams, at the North Eleuthera High School, piggybacking on their junior and senior high inter-house science and mathematics competitions being held on the same day.

Science teacher and Head of the Natural Science department at the North Eleuthera High School, Marcita Sawyer, shared that the inspiration for the day’s multiple science and mathematics activities sprang from an expectation to launch new initiatives in each department during the year - and this one resulted from the desire to see what was happening in math and science at the school and to determine how well the students were learning, “It seems they are doing quite well,” she stated.

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Passion for Fashion 2 - Empress Verda outfits and Emily Munnings bags on display On Saturday, May 13th, the audience attending the 2nd Annual “A Passion For Fashion” event hosted at the Eleuthera Cancer Society’s Wellness Center in Palmetto Point, were treated to a lovely evening of inspired fashions, sewn by Empress Verda Gardiner.

The fashions were modeled by a bevy of beautiful Eleutheran ladies, who had smartly dressed escorts to lead them out.

Fashion categories for the evening began with the models showcasing Bahamian Print outfits, worn with beautiful handmade straw bags by Mrs. Mavis ‘Emily’ Munnings. The second category of outfits worn by the models were African Tea and Cocktail fashions designed by Empress Verda. They featured various African prints, and truly made for unique pieces. African Wedding and Formal fashions were also modeled for those in attendance,

and loud cheers and words of admiration were heard as the modeling ladies wore their dresses with style.

The final category, which served as a tribute to the weekend’s Mother’s Day theme, saw mother and daughter outfits modeled by three sets of ladies and their young daughters.

Several raffle gifts and door prizes were given out throughout the night, including designer eye shades, a gorgeous hand crafted designer straw bag by Mavis ‘Emily’ Munnings as well as a mobile phone as the grand prize. Refreshments were also served during the fashion show, making for quite the enjoyable evening for those who came out to support; as a portion of the funds were being given to support the important work being done throughout the Eleuthera community by the Eleuthera Cancer Society.

Empress Verda Gardiner, based in Governor’s Harbour, the talented inspiration behind the event dubbed as “Passion For Fashion 2”, shared that in addition to supporting the Cancer Society, remaining proceeds would go to assist her sewing program, teaching others to create unique fashions, from introductory sewing to intermediate - both children and adults. “My passion right now is to put this talent towards someone else and to make a contribution to the community. I want to see somebody else take my place, as I’ve been doing this over 25 years. Training someone else, who has the same passion - I would be grateful,” said Mrs. Gardiner. Currently, she offers sewing classes, alterations, group pieces for weddings and funerals as well as other special occasions.

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Local “Plus”

May/Jun 2017

Two New Governing Members of Parliament For Eleuthera In an unprecedented outcome, the General Elections on May 10th, resulted in two new Members of Parliament for the island of Eleuthera, representing the Free National Movement (FNM), which won the government in landslide fashion, conceding only 4 of the 39 seats in the House of Assembly.

In a brief interview, shortly before press time, Mr. Rickey Mackey, new Member of Parliament for the North Eleuthera constituency, stated that although he had not as yet been informed of his appointment within the FNM governing party, his preference was for a role that would allow him to continue to reside within his home town of Harbour Island.

Mr. Mackey shared that there were many upcoming plans for the different townships within his constituency of North Eleuthera, and that once they were executed, he was confident they would serve the best interests of the people within those communities.

Six Females Among Government Senate Appointments Including Positions of President and Vice-President

Governor-General, Her Excellency, Dame Marguerite Pindling (centre) and Prime Minister the Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis with the newly appointed Government Senators at Government House, May 22, 2017. Pictured (from left) are: Senator, the Hon. Dwight Sawyer; Senator, the Hon. Jennifer (Jenny) Isaacs-Dotson; Senator, the Hon. Juanianne Dorsett; Senator, the Hon. Katherine (Kay) Forbes-Smith (Senate President); Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert Alexander Minnis; Her Excellency, Dame Marguerite Pindling; Senator, the Hon. Dr. Mildred Hall (Senate Vice-President); Senator, the Hon. Sharon Annafaye Ferguson-Knowles; Senator, the Hon. Jasmine Turner-Dareus; Senator, the Hon. Ranard Henfield and Senator, the Hon. Jamal Moss. (BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)

By Matt Maura Bahamas Information Services GOVERNMENT HOUSE, Mount Fitzwilliam – Six females have been named to fill Government Senate Appointments in the Upper Chamber including Mrs. Kathleen (Kay) Forbes-Smith and Dr. Mildred Hall, who will serve as President and Vice-President of the Upper Chamber respectively.

Prime Minister, the Hon. Dr. Hubert Alexander Minnis said the Government Senate Appointments “reflect the diversity of our Commonwealth.”

Monday’s appointment to the Senate will serve as Mrs. Forbes-Smith’s third stint in the Upper Chamber beginning in 2001 with her first appointment. Prime Minister Minnis said that first appointment in 2001 “was part of the historic advancement of gender equity in the makeup of the Senate.”

A former Diplomat and Parliamen-

tary Secretary, Senator, Mrs. Forbes-Smith served a second stint in the Senate in 2007.

Mrs. Forbes-Smith also served as the first Consul-General for The Bahamas in Atlanta and was the Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister prior to that posting.

Prime Minister Minnis said Dr. Hall will help to exemplify the spirit of community service and volunteerism that are a major theme of his government. He said both women are of enormous talents and diverse experiences who will bring many fine qualities to the Upper Chamber.

“The Hon. Vice-President of the Senate exemplifies this spirit of service. Her community service is impressive. She has served with the Zonta Club of Nassau, the Nassau Chapter of Links Inc., the Bahamas Family Planning Association, the AIDS Foundation of The Bahamas, the AIDS Secretariat of The Bahamas, the PACE Foundation, the National Association of Child Birthing Centers, The Bahamas National Trust, The Bahamas Red Cross and internationally, has served on the Board of the Howard University College of Medicine.

“I have known and respected Dr. Hall for many years as a medical colleague and I am happy to serve with her as a colleague in government. I will call on the Hon. Dr. Mildred Hall and other community-minded individuals to inspire in others the spirit of community service,” Prime Minister Minnis added.

Other Senate appointments included the Hon. Juanianne Dorsett; the Hon. Jasmine Turner-Dareus; the Hon. Jennifer IsaacsDotson; the Hon. Sharon Annafaye FergusonKnowles; the Hon. Jamal Moss; the Hon. Ranard Henfield and the Hon. Dwight Sawyer.

Prime Minister Minnis also announced that the Hon. Carl Bethel, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, will serve as Government Leader in the Senate. Minister of Labour, the Hon. Dion Foulkes and Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of the Prime Minister, the Hon. Kwasi Thompson will also serve in the Senate.

www. EleutheraNews . com New Member of Parliament for the Central and South Eleuthera constituency, Mr. Hank Johnson, following the General Election, shared that one of his first official activities would be to tour all of the various government departments throughout the Central and South Eleuthera districts to take a firsthand look at the current conditions. He further commented, saying, “This has been a long journey to get here…

Eleuthera is one island that has been able to deliver the twins, and now sits at the helm of decision making throughout our country, so Eleuthera should now be recognized at all levels… I will begin to meet with my advisors in moving Eleuthera forward, and from there on we will liaise with the government to see where we go from there. We rejoice and give God thanks for the victory, and Eleutherans can rest assured that good quality representation and the leadership that we have lacked for so long will now come in to effect… I intend to be a proactive Member of Parliament, and to make sure that the affairs of my people are looked after. It’s the People’s time.”

THE VOTE: Central and South Eleuthera Tarpum Bay had arguably the most obvious impact on the outcome of the election in the Central and South Eleuthera constituency. Firstly, the votes cast in 2017 were 500, compared to 428 in 2012. Of these, the Free National Movement’s support increased from 56% in 2012 to 66% in 2017, resulting in 162 more votes for Johnson over Scavella. The DNA which captured 31 votes in Tarpum Bay in 2012 saw them dissipate to less than a handful at 4.

Gains for the FNM in Rock Sound and Tarpum Bay were propped up by Waterford, Deep Creek and Savannah Sound. In the latter two, majority support switched from the PLP in 2012 to the FNM in 2017.

Hatchet Bay, James’ Cistern, Governor’s Harbour, Palmetto Point, Bannerman Town, Wemyss Bight and Green Castle all gave majority support to the PLP. When all the votes in all the towns excluding Tarpum Bay were tallied, the PLP had a 101 vote lead, however, in Tarpum Bay the 162 vote lead outweighed it, resulting in Johnson being elected by 61 votes.

North Eleuthera In Harbour Island, 999 votes were cast compared to 924 in 2012. Of the votes cast, the Free National Movement’s support registered 51% compared to 38% in 2012.

This manifested in 512 votes for Mackey compared to 350 for Theo Neilly in 2012. The PLP’s Clay Sweeting who had gotten 556 votes in 2012 lost support on the island and had to settle for 478, some 34 behind his opponent.

In Spanish Wells, his home town the story was no brighter for Sweeting. In 2017, his 290 votes were 46 less than what had been tallied in his favour in 2012. Mr. Mackey won a whopping 68% of the 938 votes cast in total, with 638 in his corner.

With Harbour Island and Spanish Wells counted, Mackey had a 348 vote lead which increased to 356 when the others, Current Island to Gregory town were included.

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National politics

Summary Commentary EXCERPTS OF THIS WEEK IN THE BAHAMAS (15 – 19 MAY 2017)

BY ELCOTT G. COLEBY Thirteen substantive and three State Ministers sworn in As Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis continues the process of assembling his cabinet, sixteen substantive and state ministers were sworn in at Government House on the evening of Monday, 15th May 2017 by Her Excellency Dame Maguerite Pindling, Governor General.

Prime Minister Minnis was sworn in as Prime Minister without ministerial portfolio on Thursday, 11th May and Ministers Turnquest and Bethel were sworn in on Friday, 12th May.

tion Leader at Government House. In accepting his instruments of appointment, Mr. Davis wished the new Minnis government well and pledged the opposition’s full parliamentary support where both sides find “common ground” on policy and legislation.

Mr. Davis however warned that the opposition will not allow the new government to “misrepresent or distort our (the PLP government’s) record of achievement in government,” “compromise our sovereignty as a nation,” nor will the opposition “acquiesce if they (the FNM government) pursue policies or practices that hurt vulnerable Bahamians.”

Listed below are the ministers and their portfolios in the order of their cabinet seniority: K. Peter Turnquest, - DPM and Min. of Finance Carl W. Bethel, Q.C., - Attorney General and Min. of Legal Affairs.

Theodore Brent Symonette, - Min. of Financial Services, Trade and Industry and Immigration Desmond Thomas Bannister, Min. of Works Renward Ricardo Wells, Min. of Agriculture and Marine Resources Dr. Duane Ernest Sands, Min. of Health Marvin Hanlon Dames, Min. of National Security Lanisha Tamar Rolle, Min. of Social Services and Urban Development Frankie Alfred Campbell, Min. of Transport and Local Government Jeffrey Leonard Lloyd, Min. of Education Romauld Sotario Ferreira, Min. of Environment and Housing Dion Alexander Foulkes, Min. of Labour Darren Allen Henfield, Min. of Foreign Affairs Michael Cliston Pintard, Min. of Youth, Sports and Culture Dionisio James D’Aguilar, Min. of Tourism, Aviation and Bahamasair Brensil Dennis Rolle, Min. of State for Public Service and National Insurance, Office of the Prime Minister James Kwasi Malik Thompson, Min. of State for Grand Bahama, Office of the Prime Minister Ellsworth Nathaniel Johnson, Min. of State for Legal Affairs, Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs Prime Minister Minnis said that Mr. Bannister, who was out of the country, would be sworn in at a later date.

Former Prime Minister Christie resigns; Davis new opposition leader While Prime Minister Minnis was busy assembling his new government, the Progressive Liberal Party was in transition with party leader and former Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie resigning as party leader and appointed Deputy Leader the Hon. Philip Brave Davis as interim leader until such time as the party can convene a convention.

He resigned as party leader at a special call meeting of the party’s National General Council on Monday evening at the party’s headquarters.

The address was aired live on radio.

In resigning and retiring from frontline politics, Mr. Christie accepted full responsibility for his party’s electoral defeat.

“As your leader, I accept full responsibility for our party’s defeat in the general elections of May 10, 2017.

“I also accept without reservation that in the best traditions of our democracy, no less, the impulses of my own conscience and value system, that I resign as the leader of our party.

“This is the correct and only thing for me to do from both a political and moral perspective.

“Accordingly, I hereby resign as the leader of the Progressive Liberal Party with immediate effect.”

On Friday morning, the party’s interim leader was sworn in as Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposi-

Prime Minister Minnis promises new hospital wing

Prime Minister, the Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis toured the Maternity Ward, associated areas, and the Food Services Department of the Princess Margaret Hospital, Monday afternoon, May 15 where he promised that his government would construct a new and modern wing at the Princess Margaret Hospital.

Dr. Minnis was sworn in as Prime Minister

The Eleutheran | May/Jun 2017

of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas on Thursday, May 11, 2017 by Governor General Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling in ceremonies at Government House. In an interview with the media following the tour Mr. Minnis said that his visit was the fulfillment of a promise he made to the staff at the country’s tertiary healthcare facility which is to visit with them regularly.

Prime Minister Minnis was accompanied by senior officials of the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Health, Department of Public Health, and the Princess Margaret Hospital.

Veteran Broadcast Journalist named as Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Mr. Anthony Newbold, a twenty-two year veteran of broadcast journalism was named this week as Press Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister this week.

According to a Cabinet statement, Mr. Newbold “will be the official spokesman for Prime Minister Minnis and his government. He will conduct media briefings on Cabinet decisions after Cabinet meeting and coordinate media appearances and press conferences for the prime minister among other duties.”

Mr. Newbold is a former news director for radio and television at the state-owned Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas (BCB) and most recently held the post of director of the Parliamentary Channel at the Corporation. He is the President of the Bahamas Press Club, a founding member of the ACP Press Clubs Federation and hosted the award-winning television show Legends, The Untold Story.

Thompson: Grand Bahama to be represented at the “highest level” State Minister for Grand Bahama affairs the Hon. Kwasi Thompson gave the assurance this week that Grand Bahama will enjoy the highest level of representation and would be a top priority of the newly elected governing Free National Movement government.

He addressed the media at a press conference at the former Ministry of Grand Bahama on Wednesday.

Mr. Thompson, who was sworn in on Monday, May 15, 2017 as Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of the Prime Minister, spoke of the new structure and function of the former Grand Bahama Ministry and his ministerial portfolio.

“The Ministry for Grand Bahama has now been incorporated into the Office of the Prime Minister. This is intentional and is more beneficial to the work performed in Grand Bahama. First, Grand Bahama is very important to the Prime Minister who decided that he would be the substantive Minister for Grand Bahama and I would be responsible for

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the day-to-day running of the office in Grand Bahama. It is also important and a fulfillment of our campaign promise to ensure a smoother and more effective processing of investments for Grand Bahama. However, at all times, the Prime Minister has oversight of Grand Bahama.”

As for his portfolio, Minister Thompson said he will have full control of day-to-day operations of the former Ministry for Grand Bahama, inclusive of oversight of Urban Renewal, and hurricane restoration & repairs in Grand Bahama.

DPM Turnquest: Government “fully committed” to success of BOB In a statement released on Tuesday by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Peter K. Turnquest, the Finance Minister promised to address the bank’s challenges and return it to “sustained profitability.”

“The Government of The Bahamas acknowledges that the Bank of The Bahamas is a systemically important financial institution and as such is fully committed to its success.

“The Government further acknowledges the concerns of the various stakeholders with respect to the Bank’s: capital, liquidity and governance. In its role as the majority shareholder, the Government is committed to working with the Board, Management and Regulators in comprehensively addressing all of these issues and returning the Bank to sustained profitability.”

Albury: CARICOM gives Bahamas “high marks” for general election The Parliamentary Registration Department is in receipt of the preliminary report from the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) Election Observer Mission and that body has given The Bahamas high marks for the conduct of the 2017 General Election.

On visiting 223 Polling Stations throughout The Bahamas, observers reported that the majority of polling stations opened on time; were fully staffed; were conveniently located and were easily accessible by voters with disabilities.

Further, most of the stations were fully staffed; security was adequate; public officers were focused and conducted themselves professionally; and operating materials and supplies were sufficient.

With 88% of the 181,543 registered voters casting their ballots during the May 10th general elections, the Free National Movement secured 35 of the 39 seats contested to form a new government.

An Advanced Poll was held May 3, 2017.

Voter turnout was down by two percent compared to the 2012 general election.

Acting Parliamentary Commissioner Charles

Continued On Page 35

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Perspective

May/Jun 2017

OP-ED

By Sir Ronald Sanders www.sirronaldsanders.com

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

There is a real prospect that, in dealing with unsustainable debt, 11 of 13 Caribbean small states will have lost the first three decades of the twenty-first century, and foregone opportunities for poverty reduction, transformation and growth.

That judgement has been made by a leading development-economist who has studied and worked on small economies. Cyrus Rustomjee is a South African-born, former head of the Economic Affairs Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat. In that position, he produced well-considered papers for the G20 on the development challenges confronting developing countries. His recent study,

Policy Statement: The Perspective, Out There, Op-ED and Letters section of The Eleutheran newspaper is a medium we provide for the members of the Eleuthera community 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.

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Debt strangling a Caribbean generation “Pathways through the silent crisis: Innovations to Resolve Unsustainable Caribbean Public Debt”, was commissioned by the Centre for International Governance, an independent think-tank located in Canada.

64.6% and Trinidad and Tobago 61%. Troublingly, six of these countries experienced an increase in their debt to GDP ratios over their 2015 performance. Those countries are: Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, St Lucia, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.

The causes of the high debt to GDP ratios in Caribbean countries are many; poor policy choices by some governments are among them. But, it is important to note that in seven of the largest debtor countries, Rustomjee’s study shows that debt rose due to the following things: infrastructure reconstruction after natural disasters; reduction in aid; little or no access to concessional financing, forcing governments to borrow on tough Promoting development by rais- commercial terms; erosion of European Union trade preferences since ing loans has been a useful tool the early 1990s; and the impact on for many countries throughout tourism of the global economic crisis history. Judicious levels of debt have contributed to growth through which began in 2008. He might have added the region’s large antheir investment in productive enterprises that produced revenue nual trade deficit with the United States, its largest trading partner, streams to repay borrowings. But when debt is used to pay for recur- that reached US$5.2 billion in 2016 rent expenditures from which there with a serious decline in Caribbean is no return, the level rises with no exports, including under the dutyfree provisions for some goods of the means of repayment.

Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act. The cost of debt service has become so high that it severely Indeed, were it not for low-cost constrains the spending capacity loans and grants particularly from of governments to provide goods China and Venezuela, and also from and services immediately needed Taiwan in respect of three of them, by their people, and to invest in the circumstances of these countries projects for economic growth. would have been much worse.

Losing “the first three decades of the twenty-first century” is a grim prospect. That’s practically an entire generation of Caribbean people. As Rustomjee points out, the problem is not that debt accumulation and debt servicing pose an intrinsic threat to poverty reduction, growth and development; but unsustainable high debt and debt servicing levels do.

Both the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have suggested that a debt to GDP ratio above 60 percent is dangerous, since debt servicing would absorb such a high portion of revenues that governments would be left with little to provide the goods and services their people expect.

And that is precisely the problem that many Caribbean governments face.

Projections are that, on its present course, by 2020, debt will remain unsustainable in 11 Caribbean small states, and there will be no change in 2030 when the UN’s Agenda for Sustainable Development will have run its course.

Unless the international community responds appropriately to this grave problem, these countries will not only lose the first three decades As the situation stands, at the end of the 21st Century, thereby witnessof 2016, only 2 of the 14 indepen- ing a reversal in the advances they dent Caribbean Community (CARI- have made, but poverty and unemployment will increase and opporCOM) countries had debt to GDP tunities for economic growth will ratios under 60% - Guyana and by-pass them.

Haiti. The 12 with ratios over 60 percent were: Antigua and Barbuda Other countries in the region 92.1%, Bahamas 66.9%, Barbados will not be immune from the con107.9%, Belize 98.6%, Dominica sequences.

All reside in the same 81%, Grenada 84.4%, Jamaica neighbourhood, and none can pick115.2%, St Kitts-Nevis 65.8%, St up itself to move to a more desirable Lucia 82.6%, St Vincent and The location. The adverse consequences Grenadines 79.2%, Suriname

in one will spill over into the others, in the form of economic refugees, job seekers and crime. This trend has already begun.

As bad as it may seem, the problem of high debt to GDP ratios is not insurmountable. But, it requires creative thinking and commitment from governments and the international community, including reopening concessional financing from international financial institutions; external creditors, agreeing to writeoff or reduce their loans; governments setting an annual cap on borrowing; and swapping debt for climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Caribbean countries with high debt to GDP ratios are not without sound argument to encourage international responsiveness to their plight. These countries did not create Climate Change; they are the victims of the profligacy of the industrialised nations but they have to pay for reconstruction by incurring debt. Further, they are markets for the goods and services of others with little compensation.

And, some of the debt they acquired was used to fight drug trafficking that contributed to the well-being of others.

Regrettably, there has been no promotion of such international cooperation, largely because, so far, Caribbean countries have soldiered-on, maintaining political and social stability and avoiding economic calamity.

And the region itself has done little to place the issue on the international agenda and argue it forcefully.

The contention will be made that CARICOM countries must first show themselves willing to reduce their debt. Well 6 countries did so in 2016: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St Kitts-Nevis and St Vincent and the Grenadines reduced their debt from the previous years. Their effort has shown what is possible, and as the catalyst for encouraging an international response, it has to be replicated across the region particularly by the 6 whose debt to GDP ratios increased.

The alternative is to strangle a generation. /Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com

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BAMSI ERECTS GREENHOUSE IN HATCHET BAY, ELEUTHERA The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) through its programme to establish greenhouses throughout the Southeastern Bahamas has erected a greenhouse in Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera at the site of the packing house.

The greenhouse on Eleuthera commences the setup of the greenhouse network in order to bring new technologies and husbandry practices to the farming communities of the Southeastern Bahamas region. The production system in this region has been centered around pot-hole farming, an indigenous system of food production which is labor intensive.

The high cost of farm labor in The Bahamas has negatively impacted the competitiveness of food production in that region of The Bahamas. The greenhouse network will provide farmers with vegetable seedlings and orchard crop planting materials via technologies like tissue culture thereby substantially reducing the cost of planting material to the farmer or agribusiness.

The initial stock of planting material for the Hatchet Bay greenhouse will be banana meristems which are being shipped to Eleuthera from the BAMSI nursery stock in North Andros. The meristems will be headed and distributed free of charge to Eleutheran farmers as suckers.

In recent years, banana production on Eleuthera has been dramatically reduced.

This introduction will revive production. In conjunction with the introduction of planting material, new banana husbandry practices will be introduced through the Institute’s Associated Farmers Programme (AFP) and the banana expert stationed in North Andros.

These new technologies will lift banana output from a subsistence/small farmer cash crop level to a commercialized level whereby Eleutheran grown bananas will compete with the imported banana brands like Chiquita and Dole.

The next locale for banana distribution is Long Island, another traditional banana producing area in our archipelago that has experienced a serious decline in output, particularly sugar bananas.

This new infusion of banana suckers into Long Island will ignite production. Climate Change has had a retarding effect on banana production in Andros. Cold winter nights and unseasonable rainfall in conjunction with Hurricane Matthew have almost wiped out production. This has made it essential to reestablish banana production in the Southeastern Bahamas region, so as to ensure a continuous national supply of bananas throughout the year, by encouraging production from the different regions in our country. The greenhouse network will enhance production not only of bananas but also a range of fruits and vegetables.

The Eleutheran | May/Jun 2017

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Leader of The Opposition Hon. Philip Davis Sworn In by HE Dame Marguerite Pindling

Pictured, l-r: Leader of the Opposition the Hon. Philip Davis and Mrs. Ann Marie Davis, Governor General Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, and Former Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie.

By bis: betty vedrine

NASSAU, The Bahamas – Former Deputy Prime Minister in the Progressive Liberal Party Government, the Hon. Philip “Brave” Davis is now officially the Leader of Her Majesty’s Opposition party. Mr. Davis was presented his Letters of Appointment during a swearing-in ceremony held at Government House on Friday, May 19, 2017.

After expressing gratitude to his family, friends and the country, Mr. Davis paid homage to the former Prime Minister, the Right Hon. Perry G. Christie for his service and contributions to the country.

“I wish to take a moment to thank Mr. Christie for his hard work and dedication over these past 40 plus years,” said Mr. Davis. “He has exemplified what a true statesman is in his love for his country, and for his fellow man. He may not have been perfect, but he loves this country and did his best to help the Bahamian people.”

Mr. Davis said that following the ‘crushing’ defeat of the Progressive Liberal Party on May 10, his party would regroup with the objective of responding to where the country is, and what the electorate want in the leadership of the country.

“The Progressive Liberal Party has been the party for the people in an independent Bahamas since Majority Rule,” he said. “We cannot and will not fail the people of The Bahamas.”

Mr. Davis, representative for Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador, said that measures would be taken over the upcoming weeks to strengthen the party. He will lead the PLP in the House of Assembly when Parliament officially opens on Wednesday, May 24. The other three members of Parliament for the PLP are the Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin (Englerston), the Hon. Picewell Forbes (Mangrove Cay and South Andros) and the Hon. Chester Cooper (Exumas and Ragged Island).

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

CONSULTING EDITOR

MAN. DIR. / CO-Pub

Dr. V. J. Bryan, PhD,

Theresa Burrows

(Research/Write) vbryan@smgbusiness.com

Columnists

Andrew Burrows, Ronald Sanders

Man. Editor / Co-Pub

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1 (242) 332-2993 The Eleutheran, P. O. Box EL-25166, Governor’s Harbour Eleuthera, The Bahamas.

Elizabeth Bryan, BBA (Photo/Writer) editor@TheEleutheran.com asst copy editor

Saiydah Bryan

contributing writers

Sherelle Wallace

In-house Writers - articles written and edited by The Eleutheran Team.

These may be investigative, informational, Sports, Education, Business etc.

Current Issue May/June 2017 Size: 40 Pages; ==

Stamped: May 23, 2017 8:47 PM

We appreciate members of the community reaching out to us daily and invite you to contact us at 422-9350. A Proud Supporter of: Community, Business, Young Entrepreneurs, Builders, Bahamas Public Schools, Community Organizations..Eleuthera

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National

May/Jun 2017

www. EleutheraNews . com

AT THE HELM OF NEW GOVERNANCE Inaugural Cabinet Meeting of FNM Government

PM Paying visits to NIB and Ministry of Works

Prime Minister the Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis visited the National Insurance Board Friday morning, May 19, where, accompanied by the Minister of State for Public Service and National Insurance in the Office of the Prime Minister, the Hon. Brensil Rolle, Office of the Prime Minister Permanent Secretary Jack Thompson, and National Insurance Board Director Patricia Hermanns, he greeted and met with NIB management and staff.

(BIS Photos/Peter Ramsay).

NASSAU, The Bahamas -- Prime Minister the Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis paid a visit to the Ministry of Works on May 18, 2017 and chatted with the employees. Pictured is the Prime Minister being greeted at the door, and in a conference room meeting, centre right, with Permanent Secretary/Office of the Prime Minister Jack Thompson seated next to him, third right, Permanent Secretary/Ministry of Works Colin Higgs, first right, and employees in attendance. Prime Minister Minnis took on the duties of the Minister for works until such time as appointee the Hon. Desmond Bannister could be sworn in as the statute Minister. Mr. Bannister had to leave the country shortly after the general elections. Minister of Works the Hon. Desmond Bannister was sworn in on Monday, May 22. (BIS Photos/Peter Ramsay)

NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Inaugural Cabinet Meeting of the Free National Movement Government was held at the Office of the Prime Minister on May 16, 2017. In photo taken at the meeting, Prime Minister the Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis is seated fourth left, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, K. Peter Turnquest, fifth left. Also seated, l-r: Minister of State for the Public Service and National Insurance Brensil Rolle; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Carl Bethel, Q.C.; Secretary to the Cabinet Camille Johnson; Minister of Financial Services, Trade and Industry and Immigration T. Brent Symonette (sixth left); Minister of Health Duane Sands; and Minister of Foreign Affairs Darren Henfield. Standing, l-r: Minister of State for Legal Affairs Ellsworth Johnson; Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Renward Wells; Minister of State for Grand Bahama J. Kwasi Thompson; Minister of Tourism, Aviation and Bahamasair Dionisio D’Aguilar; Minister of Education Jeffrey Lloyd; Minister of Labour Dion Foulkes; Minister of National Security Marvin Dames; Minister of Social Services and Urban Development Lanisha Rolle; Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Michael Pintard; Minister of Transport and Local Government Frankie Campbell; and Minister of the Environment and Housing Romauld Ferreira. (BIS Photo/Peter Ramsay)

NASSAU, The Bahamas -- Prime Minister the Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis said at Government House that as the formation of the ‘People’s Government’ continued that day, May 15, 2017, the Bahamian people deserved a government that respected time and proper functioning of government.

“My administration will be marked by order and punctuality,” Prime Minister Minnis said at the Swearing-In Ceremony of Free National Movement Cabinet Ministers that day by Governor General Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling. “We will strive to be an organized government. The Bahamian people want less talk and more action,” he added. “Brevity is not the enemy of effective communication.”

Prime Minister Minnis noted that the remainder of his Cabinet was sworn in at that ceremony; and the first Cabinet meeting of his Government would take place, God willing, the following day.

“Preparation for the Speech from the Throne, setting out my government’s vision and agenda for change, will now begin in earnest,” he pointed out.

“In due course I will advise other appointments, including to the Senate and diplomatic service,” he added. “The reassignment of senior officers in the Public Service will also be announced at the appropriate times after consultation with ministerial colleagues; and we will begin the process of identifying individuals to serve on government boards and councils.

“The People’s Government is ready to do the people’s business.”

Prime Minister Minnis said that, in keeping with a commitment he previously made, he would not hold another substantive ministry although some items may remain in the portfolio of the Office of the Prime Minister.

“I made this decision in order to per-

form my primary constitutional duty as prime minister,” he said. “This primary constitutional duty is the coordination and oversight of the Cabinet of The Bahamas.

“And as I have repeatedly noted, my government will be one of collegiality, collective responsibility and collaboration. I pledge also collaboration and regular consultation with parliamentary colleagues.”

Prime Minister Minnis said, as he noted previously, in order to best serve the Bahamian people, his Cabinet will blend experience with new talent and faces in government.

“The most successful enterprises, whether business, civic, religious or governmental, are characterized by continuity and change,” he stated. “Innovation and transformation are rooted in building on what works and changing what does not work.

“The most cohesive and more enduring families are those that combine the continuity, the experience and the wisdom of the elders alongside the energy and dynamism of new blood ready for change.”

Prime Minister Minnis related that when he was growing up in Bain Town, his mother would remind him that in order to avoid ‘bucking his toe’, he should get the advice of elders and of people with experience when making a decision.

Like strong families and successful enterprises, good governance requires continuity and change, he noted.

“I have lived long enough to know that you first have to understand whichever organization or system you are working in before you can bring about effective change,” Prime Minister Minnis said. “Because I want effective and meaningful change and

Perspective

Online at www.EleutheraNews.com

THE MARK By: Andrew L. Burrows andrewburrows1@gmail.com

they asked Him why he spoke to the people in parables, that even though they hear what he said they were not to understand, because they would not believe. Today we have the opportunity to be living at the very time that much of what was foretold is being fulfilled.

Over the past nineteen hundred years believers have been reading the scriptures and wondering just what all the prophecies mean; and why it is that the word of God is written in a way that what it means is a mystery to us. It is just as Jesus explained to his disciples when

We are living in the end times and the Bible is full of prophetic information to warn us of the evil that is against the plan of God. Jesus told the disciples that they were privileged to know the truth and to understand the mysteries of His coming and kingdom. Many have attempted to understand and explain Biblical prophecy and if you are not guided by the Spirit of God, you cannot fully interpret His word.

There has been very intelligent and smart people in every generation, but in the

last century there has been an explosion of knowledge and invention, and this was as the Bible has predicted it would be; the technology we now have is the dynamite that will bring the world together in a way that will duplicate Babel. The sad truth is that we know that Babel was in total rebellion against God, and what we are experiencing is Man attempting to totally remove God our Creator out of his conscience.

Our Glorified Lord Jesus gave to John the revelation of the future and in chapter thirteen we read of a first and second Beast rising to take full control of the world.

One after another we hear prominent leaders of today speaking of “A new world order” but little or no attention is given to understanding what this is supposed to mean. What is happening today is much like the ‘frog in the pot’, we are steadily being conditioned to accept without question the limiting of our freedoms while being made to believe that it is all for our good.

The Eleutheran | May/Jun 2017

With the development of the electronic media and the ever increasing demand for instant and total accounting came the introduction of the ‘Bar Code’. Every commercial product sold in our stores is now required to have this stamp which is scanned into the sales record. Every transaction is recorded and traceable.

Authority and compliance is the order of the day!

Revelation 13:16-17 says “It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of it’s name.” And the Bible goes on to instruct those who have insight to calculate the number of the beast because it is the number of man.

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worthy about it is that the first two bars, the two center bars and the last two bars are identical and to the computer they read 6,6,6. This calls for wisdom, the scripture warns us that the world authority that is against God is gradually making us use to the systems that will be used shortly to totally control the people of all countries.

It is said that if you forget or fail to learn from history you are bound to repeat it.

All the signs are screaming out to us to take warning and be aware of what is taking place all around us. “Even so come Lord Jesus”. “He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead and crushing the rulers of the whole earth.” Psalm 110:6

The bar code shown at the beginning of this article is a common design which is presently required on products being sold; what is note

US Charge d’Affaires Pays Courtesy Call on the Minister of National Security

NASSAU, The Bahamas -- Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin Dames (left) greets Charge d’Affaires ad interim of the Chinese Embassy in The Bahamas, Mr. Wang Qingjun, during a courtesy call at the Ministry of National Security, on May 19, 2017.

(BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)

Chinese Embassy Official Pays Courtesy Call on Minister of National Security Marvin Dames

NASSAU, The Bahamas -- United States Charge d’Affaires Lisa Johnson paid a Courtesy Call on Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin Dames, May 19, 2017 at the offices of the Ministry of National Security. Ms. Johnson was accompanied by staff of the U.S. Embassy, Nassau, while Mr. Dames was accompanied by Carl F. Smith, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of National Security; Karen Rigby, Under Secretary, Ministry of National Security; and staff of the Ministry of National Security. A meeting followed the Courtesy Call. (BIS Photos/ Patrick Hanna)

The United States Embassy Charge d’Affaires Lisa Johnson also paid a Courtesy Call on Prime Minister the Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis on Friday, May 19, 2017 at the Office of the Prime Minister.

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Crime News

May/Jun 2017

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.

Traffic Offence Report At about 10:58am on Sunday 21st May, 2017, the Officers while on Mobile Patrol reported an adult male for driving a Blue 2006 Mitsubishi Colt, north on Queens Highway, while the mentioned vehicle was Unlicensed and Uninspected for the current year, and while not covered against third party risk Insurance. He was informed of the offences and told to produce his driver’s license to the Hatchet Bay Police Station within 48 hours. He was warned of further prosecution.

Traffic Offence Report At 6:35pm on Sunday 21st May, 2017, Officers at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station reported that at 5:25pm on 21/05/2017, an adult was driving a green 2003 Ford Windstar minivan north along Eleuthera Main Road in James’ Cistern while same had no registration disc attached. She was informed of the offense and warned of prosecution; she was further instructed to produce her driver’s license and the vehicle’s insurance certificate to the Governor’s Harbour Police Station for inspection and warned of further prosecution for failing to do so within 48 hours.

Arrest/Illegal Landing On Saturday 20th May 2017 sometime around 9:15am, a concerned citizen came in at Rock Sound Police Station with one Haitian national. As a result he was arrested and cautioned by Officers and appeared to be in good health.

Arrest/Illegal Landing & Harboring Illegal Immigrant On Saturday 20th May 2017 sometime around 1:15pm, Officers on Mobile Patrol at the Rock Sound Police Station came in with an adult male under arrest for illegal landing and an adult male under arrest for harboring illegal immigrants. They were both arrested at about 1:05pm while in Rock Sound and appeared to be in good health.

Arrest/Illegal Immigrant On Saturday 20th May 2017 sometime around 1:35pm, Officers on Mobile Patrol at Rock Sound Police Station with an adult male under arrest, reported that he was arrested and cautioned after checking his documents same of which had expired. He appeared to be in good health.

Arrest Illegal Landing On Saturday 20th May 2017 sometime around 2:50pm, Officers on Mobile Patrol at Rock Sound Police Station with three adult males all of Haitian nationality under arrest, reported that they were arrested and cautioned sometime around 2:35pm while in Green Castle.

Unlawful Entry/ Assault With a Dangerous Instrument/ Threats of Death An adult female contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police station at about 9:10am on 20.5.17 and reported that her tenant had just came into her residence

with a knife and a cutlass threatening her. Police action was requested. Officers responded to the scene and reported speaking with the complainant who stated that around 9:00am she was at home when she heard a knock on her door, she looked outside and saw her tenant with an adult male whose name she couldn’t recall, along with an adult female and her husband at the door, she went and got dressed and opened the door.

After opening the door, her tenant pushed his way pass charging at her with a long black handle silver blade knife shouting to her, “I ga Kill you”, repeatedly. He was tackled to the ground and pinned against the door, he then threw the knife at her saying that he was going to kill her putting her in fear for her life, he then got away and went outside and got a cutlass and came back into her house threatening her. It wasn’t until his boss came to the scene that they were able to restrain him using an electrical wire from the porch.

Officers saw the suspect lying on the porch with both hands and feet tied together on the complainant’s porch shouting “I was humble, for months they keep fucking with me”, repeatedly. He appeared to be in a mentally challenged state.

Suspect was transported to the Governor’s Harbour station where he was seen by the Doctor who stated that he was not fit to be interviewed at the time by the police due to his mental state and recommended that he be transported to PMH and SRC for medical evaluation.

Officers departed Governor’s Harbour Airport on board Pineapple Air 2:30pm on 20.5.17 en route to New Providence with the suspect.

Stealing Report Assistance Requested At 5:25pm on Saturday 20th of May 2017, An adult male reported to the Governor’s Harbour Police Station that sometime around 5:00pm on 20/05/2017, he had accidently left his black LG K10 cell phone valued $140.00 in the bathroom at his place of work and when he returned to collect his phone he observed a young man exiting same. Upon checking the bathroom he discovered that his cell phone was missing. He suspected a known male of moving his cell phone since he was the only person that used the bathroom after him. Police assistance was requested in retrieving his cell phone.

Road Accident Report with Injuries At 8:54 pm on Saturday 20/05/2017, an anonymous caller contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station and reported that a traffic accident had occurred in the area of the Governor’s Harbour Airport involving a single vehicle, it also appears that someone was injured, Police assistance is requested.

At 8:58pm on 20/05/2017, Officers were dispatched from the Governor’s Harbour Police Station on inquiries. At about 9:20pm on the 20/5/17 Officers visited the scene of a traffic accident on Queen’s Highway, Governor’s Harbour in the area of the Governor’s Harbour airport involving a white ford Escort and at the time driven north along the mentioned road by an adult male who collided into a Casuarina tree on the eastern side of the street causing extensive damage to the right side of the vehicle, also causing injury to his face and

Police Contact Numbers

HeadQuarters (GH) Governor’s Harbour OR O/C Governor’s Harbour Gov.Harb. Airport Station Deep Creek Station Tarpum Bay Station Rock Sound Station

332-3500 332-2111 332-2117 332-2723 332-2323 334-8207 334-4033 334-2244

neck. His passenger who was seated in the back seat suffered injuries to the right arm and left leg. Both driver and passengers were taken to the James’ Cistern clinic to receive medical attention. Notice of intended prosecution was served on the driver. Investigations in this matter are ongoing.

Plane Crash Report: At about 8:00am on Wednesday, 17th May 2017, Officers c/o the Eleuthera Marine Support Services reported that he had received information from the United States Coast Guard that there was debris sited on the north Eastern shoreline on the beach area between Cotton Bay and Wemyss Beach. Police assistance was requested.

Summary: Missing Aircraft Report INITIAL INFORMATION Sometime around 11:30am, Supt. Wright reported that he had received an email report from the US Embassy New Providence that there was a missing aircraft off the coast of Central Eleuthera travelling from Puerto Rico to Titusville Florida, with two adults and two children.

Ms. Paula Roberts c/o Civil Aviation Governor’s Harbour was contacted and reported that the last known position of the said aircraft was 25, 36N and N75.65W at the time of a distress call.

Sometime around 1:40pm, 16.5.17 Superintendent Christopher Wright, A.S.P Nigel Rolle, Cpl 1819 O. Pinder c/o Eleuthera Marine Support Services left Savannah Sound onboard a private boat assisted by local operators en route to the mentioned location.

The mentioned officers and crew arrived at the location at about 3:00pm on the said date which is approximately 30 Nautical miles east of Savannah Sound joined by local fishermen in two additional vessels. A search was conducted of the general area; nothing was found.

Also observed conducting a search of the area were (1) C-130 Coast Guard aircraft (1) US military Dash 8 (2) coast guard helicopters.

Further checks near a flare and a coast guard diver, dropped by the coast guard helicopter where several pieces of airplane debris suspected to have come from the aircraft.

Same was photographed by A.S.P Rolle and brought to the Governor’s Harbour Station.

House Breaking and Stealing: On Tuesday 16th May 2017, at about 11:20 am, an adult female reported to the Hatchet Bay Police Station that sometime on May 15th & May 16th 2017; some person/s stole a silver Omega Quartz watch valued at $2,000.00, and a silver necklace and earrings, valued at $530.00, from her residence. Police Assistance requested. Officers responded to the scene; investigations are ongoing.

Rock Sound Sgt. Office Rock Sound Airport Station Lower Bogue Station (Airport) Harbour Island Station O/C Harbour Island Spanish Wells Station Gregory Town Station Hatchet Bay Station

334-2212 334-2052 335-1208 333-2111 333-2327 333-4030 335-5322 335-0086

Arrest/Threats of Death Damage & AssaultW/Deadly Instrument On Monday 15th May 2017, sometime around 1:51pm, Officers came in at Rock Sound Police Station with an adult male under arrest, and reported that he was arrested and cautioned at about 9: 00am 15.5.17 by officers while at his residence in reference to threats of death, damage and assault w/deadly instrument. He appeared to be in good health.

The suspect was interviewed under caution and was subsequently charged with (2) counts of threats of death, (2) counts of assault w/deadly instrument, damage and ferocious dog at large and made no response. He remains in police custody.

Armed Robbery On Sunday 14th May, 2017, at about 10:10am, an adult male contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station and reported that sometime around 9:40am, while at his residence, he was approached by a lone gunman who was clad in a khaki shirt, a dark colored pants and a cloth tired around his face so it could not be seen. The unknown person while pointing what appeared to be a handgun at him demanded cash. As a result he gave this person $43.00 that he got from his gardener.

The gunman then fled the area on a white beach cruiser bicycle. A statement was taken from the complainant. Four adult males were arrested in reference to this matter by Officers.

Investigations are still ongoing in this matter.

Arrest Reference to Illegal Immigrants On 14/5/17 at 2:00pm Officers came in at the Rock Sound Police Station with 5 adult males all of Haitian decent under arrest – suspected illegal immigrants. They were reportedly arrested in the area near the Cape Eleuthera airport site.

Arrest Possession Dangerous Drugs/Causing Harm On Sunday 14th May 2017 sometime around 6:50pm, Officers while on duty at Rock Sound Police Station were alerted to a loud commotion coming from the outside of the station. Upon making checks of the same, officers observed just up the street from the station an adult male who was seen choking a female. As a result officers went to assist and were able to separate both parties. A female officer at this time observed a green plastic container with a purple lid on the floor next to the door. Same was collected and checked in the presence of both parties and a small quantity of suspected marijuana was discovered. As a result, both persons were arrested and cautioned and transported to Rock Sound Police Station for further processing.

Threats of Death/Assault w/ Deadly Instrument On Sunday 14th May 2017 sometime around 11:48pm, an adult Female, came in

Crime News

Online at www.EleutheraNews.com at Rock Sound Police Station along with her daughter and reported on her behalf that sometime around 10:48pm, while at her residence, a male known to her husband who was allowed to sleep in the guest bedroom, grabbed her by the throat and pulled a cutlass on her saying he is going to kill her. As a result, the husband ran and got the neighbor and they were able to take the cutlass away from him. He later left the area. Police action was requested.

Threats of Death/Assault w Deadly Instrument On Sunday 14th May 2017 sometime around 11:50pm, An adult male, came in at Rock Sound Police Station and reported that sometime around 11:00pm while at his residence, a male known to him who he allowed to sleep there from earlier, came in the kitchen, grabbed a scissors and started to poke him with it and told him he would kill him. As a result he pushed the scissors away and ran outside to call his neighbor. Upon their return, he saw the adult male holding his daughter with a cutlass to her throat telling her that he would kill her. He was able to pull the cutlass out of his hand who then left the area. Police action was requested.

Haitian Sloop Boat Landing and Suspicious Death At about 3:30 am on Saturday 13th May 2017 while on duty at the Rock Sound Police Station Officers received information from, Dock Master of Cape Eleuthera, that he suspects that a Haitian vessel had landed and some of these nationals had been detained. He requested police assistance.

Upon arrival at the scene Supt. C. Wright, Supt. J. Miller and a team of, Immigration Officers along with R.B.D.F Officers saw and detained the suspected illegal immigrants. Upon further enquires of High Rock, Cape Eleuthera the above mentioned crew saw a dark male partially naked lying on the ground who appeared to be unresponsive. He is also suspected of being a Haitian national. Checks were made to identify the male but negative at this time.

Sometime around 10:45 am, Dr. Sidney Smith of the Rock Sound Clinic arrived on the scene where he made checks of the body and pronounced the male deceased.

He also recommends a Post Mortem reference to this matter.

Causing Harm (minor) On Saturday 13th May, 2017 sometime around 8:46pm, an adult male came into RSPS and reported that sometime around 6:00pm he was on the dock in Tarpum Bay where they clean fish when a male known to him approached him and said that he heard that he was saying things about his mother and pushed him and he pushed him back. The male then went into the bush and got a bottle and charged him. At that same time another male held his hand and the suspect hit him in the head with the bottle causing injury, he continued to fight him and then bit him on his chest. Police action requested in this matter.

The suspect was later apprehended and charged with that offence.

Arrest Reference to illegal landing On Sunday 14Th May 2017 sometime around 1:45am, Officers while in the Deep Creek community received information in reference to illegal migrants located just west of the deep creek community park. As a result of this information, officers made checks that resulted in three suspects being cautioned via an interpreter and arrested in

reference to illegal landing. They did not respond and were taken to Rock Sound for safe keeping.

Traffic Accident Report On Saturday 13th May, 2017, at about 3:25pm an unknown caller contacted the G.H.P.S. via phone and reported that there was a traffic accident in the area of Palm Tree Chill and Grill, Balara Bay, Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera. Police assistance was requested.

At about 4:00pm the crew of Officers arrived at the scene saw and spoke to an adult male the driver of a 2004 Black Nissan Teanna, who reported that he was travelling south on Queen’s Highway, Governor’s Harbour, when he signaled to turn into Palm Tree Grill when the driver of a white 1997 Nissan Sunny an adult male, who was travelling south on Queen’s Highway at a speed of about 45mph observed a black vehicle stop suddenly in front of him without signaling. He applied brakes, but still ended up colliding into the back of the vehicle.

Both vehicles received minor damages.

There were no injuries. Measurements were taken; N.O.I.P. served and both drivers were asked to produce their driver’s license and insurance to the nearest police station within 48hrs. Investigations are ongoing.

Causing Harm Reported and Arrest On Friday 12th May, 2017 at 10:26am an adult female came into the Governor’s Harbour Police Station and reported that sometime around 8:30am while at her place of residence she got into a verbal altercation with her boyfriend which turned physical in him beating her about the body, police action requested.

Officers recorded a written statement from the complainant and issued her with a police hospital form. Investigation continues.

At about 4:35pm on Friday, 12th May 2017, Officers came in at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station with the boyfriend under arrest in reference to Causing Harm and reported that he was arrested at 4:25pm in the area of the Levy Preserve, Banks Road, Eleuthera. The suspect remains in custody at this time.

House Breaking and Stealing Report and Arrest At about 1:00pm on Friday 12th May 2017 an adult male of Sugar Hill Road, Gregory Town reported to the Hatchet Bay Police Station that he made checks of a house of which he is the caretaker in Gregory Town and discovered that some unknown person/s had broken into it through a northwestern back door. He was also unable to determine what all had been stolen at the time, however he suspected a man he knew by name. Police action was requested.

At about 11:27pm on Friday 12th May 2017 Cpl.1819 Pinder came in at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station with an adult male of Gregory Town under arrest and reported that he was arrested at about 9:30pm while at Tire Umpire, Gregory Town. The suspect remains in custody at this time.

Police Assistance Requested An anonymous female caller contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station via telephone and reported that a young man she knows is at George Bar I-95 creating a disturbance and breaking up the place.

Police assistance was requested. Officers responded to the scene.

Officers visited the scene and arrested the suspect, an adult male in reference to disorderly behavior, resisting arrest, assault-

The Eleutheran | May/Jun 2017

ing a police officer and damage.

Housebreaking Report On Wednesday, 10th May 2017, sometime around 1:10pm, an adult male, came in at the Rock Sound Police Station and reported that sometime between the hours of 9:00am on 25.4.17 and 5:00pm on 28.4.17, some unknown person(s) broke and entered his dwelling home and stole cash, jewelry and other items totaling $2,600.00.

Entry was gained through a southern back door. He suspected a male known to him, of Deep Creek, may have knowledge of the incident. Police action was requested.

Damage Report with Arrest On Sunday, May 7, 2017 an adult male came in to the Hatchet Bay Police Station and reported that he is a Leader of the Hatchet Bay Community and a Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) associate; as such he assists with various maintenance for said party.

He also stated that at 7:35am on the above mentioned date, his neighbor informed him of damages made to the property of the PLP which he suspects were committed by persons unknown. Damages entailed plants surrounding Mr. Clifford Scavella’s PLP Campaign poster situated Julius and Main Street, Hatchet Bay valued at $20.00. In addition, damages were made to Government stop and speed bump signs throughout the said community, PLP campaign posters in the area of the Bay Fest Park and the main Queen’s Highway, valued at $1,000.00.

Police action requested.

Shop Breaking and Stealing Report On Monday, May 8, 2017 at 10:54am an adult female contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station and reported that sometime between Tuesday 02/05/2017 and 9:00am on 08/05/2017, some unknown person/s broke and entered the Cancer Society building on Queen’s Highway, Palmetto Point and stole cash from the Office. Police action requested.

Officers visited and processed the scene; Investigations are ongoing.

Vehicle Fire At about 9:13pm on Monday 8th May 2017 an adult female contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police station and reported that there was a white bus on fire in the area of Lord Byron’s Hard Ware Store located Queen’s Highway, Governor’s Harbour. Police assistance requested. Officers responded to the scene and saw a white Dodge van engulfed in flames. The vehicle was registered to Global Outreach Ministry.

Road Accident Report On Saturday 6th May, 2017 at 7:40am, Officers reported investigating a traffic accident which occurred on Queens Highway, James Cistern in the area of the Vacation Bible Training Centre. Involving a white F450 Ford Utility Work truck registered to a utility company and driven by an adult male who reported that he was travelling south along Queen’s Highway, James Cistern after midnight on 6/5/17 and fell asleep running off the road, ending up on the beach on the western side of the road, resulting in the vehicle receiving minor damages. No injuries involved, measurements recorded and N.OI.P form served. Investigations are ongoing.

HIT & RUN Accident At about 4:55pm on Friday, 5th May 2017, an adult female came into the Governor’s Harbour Police Station and Reported that sometime around 4:50pm on Friday, 5th May 2017, while travelling south along Queen’s Highway, Governor’s Harbour in

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the area of Boiling Hole Road, she noticed a small silver car travelling towards her on her Side of the road. As this vehicle got closer she swerved and avoided colliding into this vehicle. She further stated that the vehicle also swerved, and as a result collided into a utility pole on the eastern side of the road.

After seeing this, she drove to the Governor’s Harbour Police Station and reported the same.

Officers visited the area of the reported accident but there were no sign of the mentioned silver vehicle that reportedly collided into the utility pole.

Police Assistance Requested: At about 9:40am on Thursday 4th May 2017, Hank Johnson, FNM candidate for Central and South Eleuthera contacted Supt.

C. Wright via telephone and reported that some unknown person/s were ripping down his political posters, with further suspect that PLP supporter were responsible. Police assistance was requested with regards to same.

At about 10:40am on same date 04/05/17 Supt. C. Wright invited Hank Johnson, and other members of the FNM along with members of the PLP to his office and spoke at length as it relates to the complaint in an attempt to bring a sense of peace and clarity to this matter of damage to election posters. At the conclusion of the meeting all parties left appearing to be satisfied.

Arrest reference to Shop Breaking On Thursday, 4th May 2017, sometime around 8: 00 p.m. Officers came in at the station with an adult male suspect in reference to Shop Breaking. The suspect was arrested at his residence at about 6:50 pm while at his residence. The suspect was processed and released pending further investigation.

Traffic Offence Report At 4:40pm on Wednesday 3rd May, 2017, Officers reported an adult male driving a red Nissan Frontier truck north along Queen’s Highway, James’ Cistern while same was unlicensed, uninspected and uninsured for the current year 2017. He was informed of the offences and warned of prosecution.

Credit Card Fraud On Tuesday, 2nd May, 2017 sometime around 4:45pm, an adult female came into the Rock Sound Police Station and reported that on Friday, 28th April, 2017 while in George Town Exuma she used her First Caribbean Bank Visa Debit Card to rent a vehicle, for four days in the amount of $136.50. At which time no other charges were asked of or explained to her. She reported that on Monday 1st May, 2017 she returned to Nassau and went to use her card and discovered that her funds were on hold, after making enquires she discovered that the rental company had used her card and charged additional charges of $40.00 and $63.00 without her permission of knowledge, Police Action requested. Enquiries continue in this matter.

Damage to Vehicle Report An anonymous caller contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police station at about 10:20am on the 30.4.17 and reported that there was a gold Chevy Cavalier with FNM flags in the bushes on the three mile stretch near to Ten Bay with damages to the windows and windshield. Same was reported for police information. Officers visited the scene the same date, saw the said vehicle #

Continued On Page 34

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Crime News

May/Jun 2017

Crime Reports Continued from pg. 33 1458 with damages to the doors, windows and windshield. No owner was identified.

Shop Breaking and Stealing At about 7:30am on Sunday, 23rd April, 2017, an adult male came in at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station and reported that sometime between the hours of 2:00am on 22/04/17 and 6:30am on 23/04/17 some unknown person/s broke and entered the Governor’s Harbour Development Association Fish Fry Building located at Anchor Bay, Governor’s Harbour and stole two (2) half 40oz bottles of Hennessey Cognac valued at $42.00 each. Police action was requested.

Vehicle and Occupants Searched At about 7:00pm on Sunday 23rd April, Officers while at the Sea Shore Road, Governor’s Harbour, conducted the search of a grey 2006 Toyota Passo driven south by an adult male along with his passenger, also an adult male, in reference to dangerous drugs and firearms with negative results.

Stealing from a Vehicle At about 4:40pm on Sunday, 23rd April, 2017 an adult male came in at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station and reported that sometime between 8:00am on 21/04/17 and 4:00pm on Sunday, 23rd April, 2017 some unknown person(s) stole a black battery valued at $170.00 from his grey 2005 Toyota Corolla while same was left parked and unattended at the Governor’s Harbour Airport. Police action was requested.

Investigations are ongoing.

Traffic Offence Report At about 9:00am on the 25/4/17, Officers reported an adult male driving a silver 1999 Nissan Cifero, in a southern direction, on Queen’s Highway in Hatchet Bay, while the said vehicle was unlicensed, uninspected and uninsured. He was informed of the offences and warned of prosecution.

Traffic Offence Report At about 9:30am on the 25/4/17’ Officers reported an adult male driving a gold 1999 Chevy Cavalier, in an eastern direction, on the Back Road in Hatchet Bay, while the said vehicle was unlicensed, uninspected and uninsured. He was informed of the offences and warned of prosecution.

Traffic Offence Report At about 12:45pm on the 25/4/17, Officers reported an adult male driving a green 2005 Suzuki Vitara, in a southern direction on Queen’s Highway, south of Gregory Town, while not secured by a seat belt. He was informed of the offence and warned of prosecution.

Arrest reference to possession of Dangerous Drugs At about 12:11pm on the 25/4/17, Officers conducted a search of an adult male while in Gregory Town, in reference to possession of dangerous drugs and firearms.

A search was also conducted of a blue 1995 Honda Accord in his presence where a white piece of paper wrapped around a greenish grassy substance suspected of being marijuana was found on the interior of his vehicle. He was cautioned and arrested in reference to Possession of Dangerous drugs.

Failing to Stop At about 1:15pm on the 25/4/17, while conducting a traffic check in the vicinity of Oleander Gardens north of Gregory Town, officers reported signaling for a black Ford Ranger truck License plate # T-2467 with two unknown dark male occupants to stop, the

driver of the vehicle failed to stop and sped past the said officers. The officers gave chase and found the said vehicle parked unattended through a road near Gaulding Cay beach. Checks were made for the occupants of the vehicle with negative results attained.

Investigations are ongoing in this.

Drug Search Report: On Wednesday 26th April 2017, at about 12:15pm, Officers reported while on mobile patrols they observed a group of young men acting nervous as the Police Unit approached causing the Officers to become suspicious. As a result, the five males were all searched in reference to possession of Dangerous Drugs and Firearms. Other than two scissors with suspected marijuana residue found on their person, nothing illegal was found.

Drug Search Report: At about 12:45pm on the 26/4/17 Officers while on Queens Highway Gregory Town observed a young man quickly putting his hands in his pockets and pulling out a black plastic bag as the officers approached thus making them suspicious. As a result the male was searched in reference to possession of dangerous drugs and firearms. Nothing illegal was found.

Drug Search and Loitering Warning Report: At about 4:00pm on the 26/4/17 Officers searched seven (7) adult males in reference of Dangerous Drugs and Firearms, nothing illegal was found. These males were warned of Loitering. All persons left the area quietly, without incident.

Stealing Report: On Thursday 27th April 2017, at about 12:15pm, A Supervisor C/O Bahamas Customs, Governor’s Harbour contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station and reported that on 23/3/2014 a white ten (10) feet Mobile Home arrived by boat from the United States on the Public Dock located on Cupid’s Cay, Governor’s Harbour. The importer was informed that it was not allowed in the Bahamas. Sometime between Wednesday 26/4/17 and Thursday 27/4/17 some unknown person/s stole the mentioned mobile home from the mentioned dock. It was last seen at about 4:00pm on 26/4/17 and was discovered missing at about 9:05am on 27/4/17. Police action was requested in this matter. Investigations are ongoing at this time.

Arrest Ref. Stealing by Reason of Employment: At about 12:45pm on the 27/4/17, Officers came in at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station with an adult female under arrest. They reported that she was cautioned and arrested while at her residence in reference to stealing by reason of employment, a complaint made by a business in Rock Sound on Wednesday 26th April 2017. This matter is under active investigation.

Causing Damage At about 10:10am on Friday 28th April 2017 an adult female contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station via telephone and reported that some unknown person/s came onto her property and caused damage to her vehicle which was parked in her yard.

Police action requested. Officers visited the scene and processed the vehicles. Investigation are ongoing.

Dog Attack Report

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On Friday, 28th April 2017 sometime around 9:30am, an adult male contacted Rock Sound Police Station via telephone and reported that a Canadian tourist, renting a villa in Tarpum Bay, was attacked by a dog and bitten on his leg; and that he is presently at Tarpum Bay Clinic receiving medical attention. Police action was requested.

Officers visited the Clinic where they spoke with an adult male of Ontario, Canada.

He reported that sometime around 9:00am, same date, while at a timeshare house located in Tarpum Bay, he and his family were on the beach when he was attacked by a brown colored dog with a black mouth area, which came from a southern direction and bit him on the right thigh area, causing injury. He was able to fend the dog off and seek medical attention at Tarpum Bay Clinic where he was treated and discharged. A written statement was recorded from him. The complainant along with officers revisited the scene where they saw and spoke with a male who identified the alleged dog involved as owned by a male of Tarpum Bay. A written statement was recorded from him.

Suspect arrested 28.4.17 at 12:10pm: Officers arrested and cautioned an adult male in reference to permitting a Ferocious Dog to be at large. He was interviewed under caution, subsequently charged and was released on his own recognizance on bail in the sum of $1000.00 to attend Magistrates Court, Rock Sound on 18th May 2017 at 9:30am. He was also instructed to secure the said animal.

Suspect Charged On Monday 24th April 2017, sometime around 1:30pm, while at the Rock Sound Police Station, Officers charged an adult male with Major Causing Harm contrary to section 266 of the Penal Code Chapter 84. Suspect did not reply when charged.

Suspects charged On Monday, 24th April 2017, sometime around 6:30pm while at the Rock Sound Police Station, Officers charged two adult male suspects with Causing Harm contrary to section 135 (1) of the Penal Code Chapter 84.

Suspects did not reply when charged.

Suspects on bail On Monday 2017, sometime around 6 45pm while at the Rock Sound Police Station, Cpl 2479 Ferguson released the suspects.

Causing harm report On Sunday, 23rd April 2017 sometime around 11:55am, an adult male came to the Rock Sound Police Station and reported that at about 11:20am, same date, he went to his brothers residence across the street to give him a message, when his two nephews confronted him saying that he called the police on them earlier that day during another incident. As a result of this, these men told him that they were going to ‘ #@ him up’ and then proceeded to beat him about the body.

They then used a lawn mower and began to hit him across the body with it as he tried to protect himself from the blows. Causing severe injuries to his right side and head; After which he was able to escape and both men then made threats of death towards him saying they would kill him if he ever came back on their property, placing him in fear. Police action requested.

Officers saw and spoke to the complainant where a written statement was recorded and hospital form issued. Both suspects were arrested and charged.

Arrest reference to causing harm

While on enquiries, Officers cautioned and arrested an adult male suspect while at his residence in reference to a causing harm complaint made on Sunday 02 April 2017.

He was processed and charged with that offence.

Stealing from a Vehicle At about 9.40 am on Saturday April 22nd, 2107, an adult male reported to the Governor’s Harbour Police Station that sometime between 7:00pm on the 21.4.17 and 22.4.17 6:00am some unknown person(s) went into his 2003 black Honda odyssey car, while the same was parked at the Governor’s Harbour Airport parking lot, and stole the battery valued at $160.00. Police action was requested.

Enquiries into this matter are ongoing.

Attempted Shop Breaking Reported An adult male contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police station at about 10:15am on 22.4.17 and reported that some unknown persons sometime between 8:30pm on the 21.4.17 and 7:00am on the 22.4.17 attempted to break into Savannah Sound Liquors and Ice by prying around a southern window and caused damage to a western window. Police action was requested.

Officers responded to the scene; investigations are ongoing.

Traffic Accident Report On Saturday April 22nd 2107 at 11:50pm, Officers reported arriving at the scene of a traffic accident on Queen’s Highway, Eleuthera Island Shores, involving a White 2001 Chevy Lumina LP, unknown, driven in a southern direction by an adult male, who ran off the road on the eastern side colliding with a BTC pole, causing the same to break. The vehicle sustained major damages - measurements were taken. The driver was taken to the Hatchet Bay clinic for medical attention and was later airlifted to New Providence for further medical attention.

His injuries were listed as serious but non-life threatening; investigations ongoing.

Stolen Vehicle Reported On Friday 21st April 2017, at about 8:55am, an adult male came into the G.H.P.S. and reported on Monday 8th May, 2011, he had reported that some unknown person/s had stolen his black 1997 Honda Accord L/P # 164061, while it was parked in the parking lot on Arawak Cay, New Providence. He reported that on Thursday 20th April, 2017, sometime around 10:00pm he saw the same said vehicle in Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera, and stated that the said vehicle was purchased by his nephew from a lady in New Providence. Police action was requested.

Officers located the vehicle as reported.

Investigations are ongoing.

Traffic Accident Reported At about 2:15pm an anonymous caller contacted the G.H.P.S. and reported that there was a traffic accident in the area of Levy Medical Center. Police assistance was requested.

Officers visited the scene and observed a silver 2002 Honda CRV parked in a southern direction on the eastern side of the road.

The driver of the said vehicle, stated that he was travelling south on Queen’s Highway, Governor’s Harbour, when a black S.U.V. that was travelling north at a high rate of speed, almost ran him off the road, and collided with his vehicle, causing damage to the right-side mirror and shattering the driver’s door glass.

As a result, he received injuries to his right hand. Investigations are ongoing.

National

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Political Commentary Continued from pg. 27

Albury told the media on Wednesday that the observer group offered some recommendations to improve the electoral process.

“The Mission also pointed out that most of the pre-poll activities including the late publication of the advanced poll register; voters’ inability to confirm beforehand whether or not their names appeared on the Advanced Poll Register; and the incorrect polling station numbers being written onto the Voters Cards are among several issues that can be addressed with the introduction of modern technology into the voter registration process,” Commissioner Albury said.

According to Mr. Albury, the Observer Group felt that modern technology would “facilitate a more timely extraction and publication of the Voter Register as well as provide voters with the ability to carry out online verification to determine if their names appear either on the Advanced Poll Register or the Election Day Register.”

A full report is expected in due course.

In Passing…

Prime Minister Minnis publicly warned his Ministers against “unsavory” and “unethical” requests to the permanent secretary for example,

indicating that if he “discovers or find this out, (the minister) will be immediately fired.” He was speaking at the swearing in ceremony of his Ministers at Government House on Monday, 15th May. Philip Davis encouraged the FNM government to follow through on the Heads of Terms for an energy reform deal recommended to the Christie government by the National Economic Council and currently before the cabinet. The document sets out the objectives of the Bahamas government in its negotiations with the preferred private sector partner for the production of cheaper electricity and alternative forms of energy.

Flowers FML Group CEO Craig urged the Minnis Government to revisit some of the policies and regulations governing the webshop gaming industry. Among the policies Flowers wanted revisited was the ten year web shop moratorium put in place by the Christie administration. Flowers is of the view that this policy “makes no sense.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Peter K. Turnquest said that while he is sensitive to the political nature of governance, his primary concern is “cutting back on the excess” as the country enters a new era of conser-

New Cabinet Inaugural Meeting Continued from pg. 30 a strong team, it is essential that my Cabinet include a new generation of leaders as well as ministers with experience in government.”

In this regard, Prime Minister Minnis noted that five members of Cabinet, including himself, previously served in Cabinet and 14 were serving in the Cabinet for the first time.

“A number of ministers previously served in Parliament, either as Senator or as a Member of Parliament,” he said. “However, the majority of the Cabinet are new to Parliament.”

The Members of Cabinet and their posts are as follows: K. Peter Turnquest, Deputy Prime and Minister of Finance; Carl Bethel, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs; Brent Symonette, Minister of Financial Services, Trade and Industry and Immigration; Desmond Bannister, Minister of Works; Renward Wells, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources; Dr. Duane Sands, Minister of Health; Marvin Dames, Minister of National Security; Lanisha Rolle, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development; Frankie Campbell, Minister of Transport and Local Government; Jeffery Lloyd, Minister of Education; Romauld Ferreira, Minister of Environment and Housing; Dion Foulkes, Minister of Labour; Darren Allen Henfield, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Michael Pintard, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture; and Dionisio D’Aguilar, Minister of Tourism, Aviation and Bahamasair.

“Brensil Rolle will serve as Minister of State for the Public Service and National Insurance in the Office of the Prime Minister; Kwasi Thompson will serve as Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of the Prime Minister; and Ellsworth Johnson will serve as Minister of State for Legal Affairs in the Office of the Attorney General and Minis-

try of Legal Affairs,” Prime Minister Minnis added.

“I note that in the interest of ongoing reform in the Public Service, there is a Minister of State for the Public Service in the Office of the Prime Minister,” Prime Minister Minnis continued. “As the previous Ministry for Grand Bahama had little statutory power, I advised the appointment of a State Minister for Grand Bahama in the Office of the Prime Minister, where he will have more effective power.”

Prime Minister Minnis said that he believed Bahamians would be “proud” of the new “change team”.

“It is a dynamic team representing a diversity of talent, ideas, as well as life and professional experience,” he said. “The diversity of professional experience includes finance and business, medicine, civil society, national security and the law, among other fields.”

Prime Minister Minnis pointed out that, as he stated the week before, community service and volunteerism will be a major theme of his government. In that spirit, he noted that many members of Cabinet have lent considerable time, talent and treasure in community service.

To harness and hone the talents of the members of the new People’s Government, Prime Minister Minnis said that his Cabinet and parliamentary colleagues would have the benefit of an orientation program conducted

by Bahamian and international experts.

“This orientation will include information on the Constitution; our parliamentary system of government; public finance; the proper working of Cabinet government; a code of ethics and other relevant areas of government,” Prime Minister Minnis said. “My colleagues should remember that their role as Cabinet ministers is to set policy and to make

The Eleutheran | May/Jun 2017

35

vative fiscal measures and a move away from the culture of public overspending.

US President Donald Trump has nominated 74 year old industrialist Doug Manchester for the post of Ambassador to The Bahamas. The post has been vacant since 2011 when Ambassador Avante bid The Bahamas farewell. President Obama’s nominee, Cassandra Butts, died suddenly last May before her Senate confirmation.

Co-Chairs of the Urban Renewal Commission Algernon Allen and Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt revealed this week that they resigned their posts the day following the general elections. When questioned about the announced audit of the social intervention program, Mr. Allen said that he was not concerned as their roles were largely “ornamental” and both he and Mrs. Pratt did not play a major role in the decision making process of the program.

Acting Parliamentary Commissioner Charles Albury confirmed that the promised report about what went wrong during the Advanced Polls on 3rd May is complete and forwarded to the Office of the Prime Minister. More than 8,000 persons showed up to vote at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium, the sole voting precinct that many believed was inadequate for that purpose. A decision was made not to use the western grandstand of the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium after both locations were published in the gazette. In the aftermath, Parliamentary Commissioner Sherlyn Hall was removed and Permanent Secretary in the

Ministry of National Security Carlton Smith resigned as Returning Officer.

Prime Minister Minnis has taken on the duties of the Minister for works until such time as appointee the Hon. Desmond Bannister can be sworn in as the statute Minister. Mr. Bannister had to leave the country shortly after the general elections.

Tourism Minister the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar recently said that the primary objective of his ministry is the growth of the Bahamian tourism product. “It’s all about growing the number of visitors that come to our country” said Minister D’Aguilar.

Nine persons including the Executive Chairman of BAIC were taken into police custody at CDU this week for questioning in connection with reports of theft at that public corporation allegedly on the night of the general elections, 10th May. All persons have been released without charge pending the outcome of the investigation. The Chairman, Dion Smith, was detained overnight by police.

With summer fast approaching, BPL expressed confidence this week that its power generation capacity will be more than sufficient to cope with increased power demands. BPL said it expects the summer power demands to peak at 225 megawatts and their power generation availability of more than 345 megawatts is more than sufficient to meet this peak demand.

sure that policy is carried out, not to act as administrators.”

To his Cabinet Colleagues, Prime Minister Minnis repeated the charge he made the prior week at the swearing-in of two of them: Fidelity to the oath you swore today is essential in order to provide the Bahamian people with a government of integrity.

“Good and open government demands transparency and accountability,” he said.

“Good governance demands being responsible for our actions.

“Accordingly, I will hold my minsters to the highest standards of ethical conduct in the performance of their public duties.”

Prime Minister Minnis warned his Ministers that if they engage in unsavory or unethical requests to the Permanent Secretary and he discovers or finds out, they would immediately be fired.

“And, I say to the Permanent Secretary, should you not report such behaviour and allow it to fester, you too will be fired,” he said.

“It’s now the ‘People’s Time’.”

Prime Minister Minnis told his fellow Cabinet Ministers that he looked forward to working with them in a spirit of collegiality and collaboration, in a government that adheres to collective responsibility.

“In congratulating you on your appointments, I commend to you the values of honesty, hard work, sacrifice and an abiding commitment to the dignity of the Bahamian people,” he said.

We must never forget that we serve as the People’s Government, and that means all the people. The spirit of democracy must be our constant companion and guiding light.”

Each day, Prime Minister Minnis stated, they must work to maintain the confidence and trust of the

people who voted for a new day. Every decision they make must be with the intention of improving the lives of our people, he added.

“If they see us working hard; if they see us using public funds wisely; if they see us doing their business with integrity and humility, then, and only then will we have truly earned their fuller trust,” Prime Minister Minnis said.

“Let us now look to this new day with confidence and courage, as we embark on a new era of transformation,” he added.

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Island “Buzz”

May/Jun 2017

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Community Outreach: 4th Annual Pink Party Eleuthera, Bahamas — ing the event. Members of One Eleuthera Foundation’s the Rotaract Club of EleuBreast Cancer Outreach thera also volunteered at the Program (BCOP) hosted event.

Read More online at their fourth Annual “Pink Tea Party” event on Sunday this address: April 30th, 2017, under the http://eleutheranews.com/?p=12659 theme “Saving our Sisters, Strengthening Families”.

Women and girls from the surrounding communities came together at the Top: Attendees gather for a group shot on the porch Eleuthera Arts and Cultural of the Eleuthera Arts and Center (EACC) in Tarpum Cultural Center. Left: Bay to support the event “Mommy and Me”- Nurse and BCOP’s efforts towards Douglas and her daughbreast cancer awareness. Deters enjoying the event.

Right: Men of the Unity licious teas and pastries were served and the evening was Builders that served at the event. filled with fun, laughter and education.

The men of Unity Builders, a local softball team, volunteered their time and served the ladies attend-

Eleuthera’s top primary students off to New Providence for 2017 Ceremony Representing the island at this year’s Awards are top primary students: Touraj Curtis from Wemyss Bight Primary; Surdania Sands from Gregory Town Primary; Alexandria Culmer from Governor’s Harbour Primary; Andrea Seddembe from Harbour Island All Age; Nash Pinder from Samuel Guy Pinder All Age; Precious Brown from Deep Creek Primary;

20th Annual PSTOY Awards Nathan Sweeting from Green Castle Primary.

Carleah Culmer from Emma E. Cooper Primary; Clinton Bartley, Jr. from Laura L. Anderson Primary; Koa Clarke from James Cistern Primary; Lynetta Farrington from Rock Sound Primary; Hannah Nottage from P. A. Gibson Primary; Georgia Birkwieser from Tarpum Bay Primary;

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Community Outreach: Mommy & Me 2017, a celebration of life

On the beautiful afternoon of Saturday, May 13th, 2017, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Harbour on Cupid’s Cay, Wesley Methodist Church Ladies of Governor’s Harbour celebrated their 6th annual ‘Mommy and Me’ Tea Party.

Ladies of all ages, several visiting from other churches, came decked out in their brightest colors to celebrate with their mothers, or motherly figures within the community. Everyone was treated to a variety of eats and sweets throughout the after-

noon, and many door prizes were given out during the tea party. The grand prize, a BTC mobile phone, was given to the winner of an impromptu dance competition, which saw several ladies energetically vying for the prize.

The event, started by former Methodist Pastor, Reverend Kenya Lovell, since its inception, has always honoured someone from the church, the community, and from the region, however, this year it was done differently. Moderator during the

BY THE ELEUTHERAN NEWS TEAM

Student Nominees along with their family and friends are gearing up for the 20th Anniversary 2017 Bahamas Primary School Student of The Year Awards, being held in New Providence on Saturday, May 27th. Thirteen sixth graders from Eleuthera have been nominated to represent their schools at the prestigious event, which each year, since 1997, highlights the most outstanding, and well-rounded sixth grade students in the country.

A proud mother of one of the students ex-

afternoon’s festivities, Ms. Valencia Sands, shared, “This year we decided we were going to concentrate on sister Natalie Petty, who is battling bone cancer. So we are celebrating her life this year, instead of having several honourees.”

The new resident doctor for Central Eleuthera, servicing from Savannah Sound to Gregory Town, Dr. Yvette Thimothee, was invited as the guest speaker for the event, and gave a very informative talk on cancer with emphasis on the occur-

pressed how proud she was of daughter’s nomination, adding that she thought each and every one of The Eleuthera student nominees deserved accolades for their outstanding accomplishments thus far.

CEO and Director of the Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Awards Foundation, Ricardo P. Deaveaux, commented on this year’s event, saying that the Foundation’s members are truly excited about this year’s program, now in its 20th year, considering where they began back in

rences of bone and breast cancer. She encouraged the ladies to stay in tuned with their bodies, and to visit her at the clinic if anything seemed off - before it was too late. She also stressed the importance of a healthy lifestyle, with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and exercise, to foster prevention rather than cure.

1997, and to see how the program has grown exponentially during the past 20 years. He shared that they began in 1997 with 31 students, representing only schools located in New Providence, and in 2017, 121 students from 14 of the islands throughout the Bahamas would be taking part.

This year, he said, despite being a difficult one for raising funds, would see the highest amount of scholarship funds distributed in one year to date at $133,000 - $10,000 more than in 2016, which he shared was also a challenging year for fundraising. In the 20 years of hosting the program, including 2017, the Foundation has awarded $1.2 million in scholarships to hundreds of outstanding primary school students towards their high school studies here in The Bahamas.

Mr. Deveaux expressed the Foundation’s profound gratitude to the spon-

sors who made it possible to recognize so many student nominees, adding that their goal is to eventually be able to award each and every student nominee, who represent the best and brightest in the country, with a scholarship award, in addition to the certificates, medals and trophies now given to all participants.

He was very pleased to announce, however, that this year’s $133,000 in scholarship funds would see 82 of the 121 2017 student nominees awarded with a minimum $1,000 scholarship.

This year’s Awards Ceremony was hosted at 6pm on Saturday, May 27th, 2017 at Golden Gates World Outreach Ministries, Carmichael Road.

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Celebration

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The Haitian Diaspora, Haitian Bahamians and others joined in the annual Haitian Flag Day celebrations held in Savannah Sound and Blackwood on May 20th and May 21st Respectively. See photos and read about this online at: http://eleutheranews.com/?p=12833

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