The Eleutheran Newspaper December/January 2025 Issue

2025 LOC A L E LEC t i O n s

Results of the recently completed vote

Minister Sweeting touched down on island briefly in his tour across several Family Islands

Minister of Family island affairs with responsibility for Local Government, the Hon. clay sweeting, was on eleuthera during the afternoon of thursday, January 23rd, as one of several stops made across the country that day, on several of the Family islands, as Local Government elections were underway.

commenting on how the elections were going overall, Minister sweeting relayed that they were fairly quiet and smooth. He added that some islands had

more vigorous campaigning than others, with almost a general election air and robust competition in several of them, highlighting islands like Grand Bahama, Harbour island and abaco.

Minister sweeting, accompanied by Minister Leon Lundy and other ministry officials visited Bimini, south andros, and central eleuthera, rounding up in spanish Wells later on the thursday, where Minister sweeting cast his vote. across the eleutheras, two delays in voting were reported

during the local elections. the first, an act of mother nature, as heavy morning fog delayed the delivery of ballot boxes to polling stations in north eleuthera Mainland and spanish Wells - from Harbour island by about an hour. as a result, those polls opened at 9:00 am rather than 8:00 am, and also closed one hour later - at 7:00 pm on thursday evening, instead of the regular poll closing time of 6:00 pm. Harbour island had an on time poll opening at 8:00am on thursday morning. in Governor’s Harbour, officials realized as ballots were received early morning on thursday, that a number of candidate names were not included. as a result, ballots had to be reprinted with the correct list of candidates by the parliamentary registration department in new Providence, and chartered by air to Governor’s Harbour, before voting could begin. During his visit to central eleuthera,

Minister sweeting commented briefly on the incident. “ the polls here opened kind of late. they had some issues from parliamentary, who

At th E h E L m

Eleutheran s hanta Emily Knowles takes Over Reigns as Police Commissioner

pM hails Commissioner Knowles’ vision, strength and determination, among other admirable qualities

eleutheran shanta Knowles, originally of rock sound, south eleuthera, was appointed by Prime Minister Philip Davis as the Bahamas’ new commissioner of Police during the final weeks of 2024, and her appointment was formalized on January 3rd, 2025. Police commissioner Knowles now claims the title as the 1st female commissioner, as well as the 10th Bahamian commissioner appointed under an independent commonwealth of the Bahamas

During her 34 year career within the Police Force, eleuthera was privileged to have her for a time at the helm on the island, as chief superintendent and o fficer-in-charge of the eleuthera Division from 2021 until april of 2023.

During his remarks at the o f-

ficial Handover ceremony of the o ffice of the commissioner of Police, on January 3, 2025, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis said that commissioner-Designate shanta Knowles was “a leader uniquely equipped to take on the enormous challenges our nation faces”.

“commissioner-Designate Knowles, your appointment comes at a critical time when the royal Bahamas Police Force must rise to confront the pressing issues of crime and public safety, while rebuilding the trust of the Bahamian people,” Prime Minister Davis said at the ceremony held at the Police Headquarters on east street.

among those present included Governor General Her excellen-

cy the Most Hon. Dame cynthia Pratt; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of tourism, investments and aviation the Hon. chester cooper; Minister of national security the Hon. Wayne Munroe; and other cabinet Members; chief Justice of the Bahamas sir ian Winder and other members of the Judiciary; outgoing commissioner of Police clayton Fernander; all three living former Prime Ministers of the Bahamas; commander of the royal Bahamas Defence Force commodore raymond King; commissioner at the Bahamas Department of correctional ser vices Doan cleare; and other senior Government o fficials

Prime Minister Davis stated: “From your early days in rock sound, eleuthera, to becoming the first female commissioner of Police in the history of our nation, your journey reflects the power of hard work and the strength of character. i t has not been an easy road for you, but you have walked it with grace, courage, and a steadfast belief in the values that define this noble institution.”

“You have spent your career preparing for this moment, proving time and again that you possess the vision, strength, and determination needed to lead,” he added. “You have not just broken barriers; you have excelled in every role you’ve taken on, earning the respect of your peers and the confidence of this nation.”

Prime Minister Davis noted that it was a pivotal moment for the Bahamas, and they needed a leader “who understands that fighting crime is about more than enforcement – it is about engagement, rebuilding communities, and restoring faith in our institutions”.

“commissioner-Designate Knowles, i am confi-

dent that you are that leader,” he stated.

“Your ability to combine strategic thinking with a deep understanding of the realities our communities face makes you the right person to steer the Force into this new era,” Prime Minister Davis added. “Your leadership will be defined by actions that rebuild trust – trust between the police and the public, trust in our institutions, and trust in the idea that justice will always prevail.”

Prime Minister Davis pointed out that the Bahamian people needed to know that their safety was

her highest priority, and that he had no doubt that she would “meet this challenge head-on with integrity and unwavering resolve”.

Commissioner of Police shanta Knowles.

Kirtland’s Warbler 2025 Young Artists’ Calendar Contest now Open

( the Huron-Manistee national Forests Mio ranger District will accept contest entries until February 28th, 2025, for the annual Kirtland’s warbler 15-month calendar.)

the Huron-Manistee national Forests (HMnFs) began accepting entries for the 2025 Kirtland’s Warbler Young ar tists’ calendar contest from kindergarten thru eighth grades, on January 1st, 2025. a 15-month calendar showcases the top 18 entries on its october 2025 through December 2026 pages, a profile of the Kirtland’s warbler history, and thumbnails of the Honourable Mentions’ artwork.

in 2024, nakiah, a student from eleuthera, the Bahamas, won first place again, making her the first student to garner consecutive first-place wins. the contest runs January 1st through February 28th, 2025.

since 2003, the contest has always been a popular activity. “i t ’s amazing to see the impression this contest is having on students here and in the Bahamas,” said Mio District Wildlife Biologist Dana Meder. “some students participate for multiple years, submitting inspiring artwork every time.” Meder noted that a community panel of judges reviews each entry of original, submitted artwork.

From its discovery in 1851 to locating its Great Lakes breeding grounds in 1903, the Kirtland’s warbler, also known as the jack pine warbler, has long been in the spotting scopes of ornithologists and avid birders. early history of the bird’s breeding grounds involved ornithologist norman a. Wood, from the University of Michigan, traveling by

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2025-2026 Kirtland’s Warbler Young ar tists’ calendar contest cover winner nakiah, an eighth grader from eleuthera, the Bahamas nakiah is the first young artist in contest history with consecutive wins.

CAt E R i n G t O E t hi O P i A n R OYAL s

Eleutheran Chef Claudine mcQueen

proprietor of pauline’s Catering

In-demand Eleutheran

Chef, Mrs. Claudine McQueen, of Pauline’s Catering has seen her business grow exponentially in the past year. Recommended by stars, and chosen to please the palates of royalty, hers is a story of honouring legacy and growing passion.

Sharing how she got started in catering holds both the sadness of losing an inspirational parent, as well as the courage to carry on, and to grow in strength. “This catering business was my mom’sPauline Bethel,” said Claudine as she described the beginning of her personal foray in to entrepreneurship. “She passed away in 2021 due to complications surrounding Covid. We buried her that Saturday and on

that Monday of the following week I was faced with reality. Clients were booked and needed services, some having made down payments etc... Without thinking I knew I needed to

keep her reputation and honour her paid bookings. I never had plans to carry on the business - however, it

became my new love and passion... I’m honoured to carry on her legacy and to take her baby to a whole new level. I know she is proud of how we’ve taken great care of her previous guests and they are now our extended family. Every time I get a chance to provide the experience for my clients, they hold me to that high esteem and standard, it’s expected.”

2024 was a red letter year for talented Chef McQueen, who had the opportunity to rub elbows with Ethiopian royals at a special hosting event in August. The connections leading up to the experience began the previous year, said Claudine. “In November of 2023, I was interviewed and selected from the top chefs of Eleuthera to cater for 14

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Meals prepared by Mrs. claudine Mcqueen.

Chef Claudine mcQueen, in her element as she gets set to prepare mouth-watering creations in the kitchen.

By Mike Lightbourn

Preserving the Past

so, you want to restore a historic island home to its former glory. Great idea!

eleuthera wouldn’t be the same without the beautiful old gems sprinkled across the mainland, Harbour island and spanish Wells. Many are proudly maintained and fine examples of colonial architecture. Painted in the soft pastels of the islands, they resemble new england homes with their dormers, verandas, decorative trims and tidy flowering gardens. the homes are designed to capture the island breezes and brave the elements. and they highlight the best in craftmanship with the highest attention to detail.

While many are in tip-top shape, some need tLc, particularly those that can be bought at more affordable prices. restoring an old home involves a lot of research and planning. a project may involve architects, artisans, builders, electricians, plumbers, or a combination.

Before making a commitment, ask yourself the following:

Do you want to restore a home, or Do you want to keep the traditional look, but update the structure?

What is your budget?

You won’t know the answers without the assistance of a reputable contractor, architect or a professional home inspection. Use a reputable, qualified inspector or contractor to determine if the foundation and architectural framework is intact and what’s involved.

HGtv shows often give the impression that it’s easy to take down interior walls. While this may be the case with sheetrock, the original walls in these old island homes were solid, perhaps loadbearing. electrical wire and plumbing may now run through them. Local knowledge is critical.

a seasoned local architect will be familiar with building restrictions and regulations and the permit process. He or she will understand the environment. this means knowing the best materials to use in a salty environment, how tides and wave action may affect a waterfront property, the best way to position doors and windows to capture light and breezes and so on.

Local architects and contractors are in a better position to identify, manage and coordinate reliable tradesmen and women, which can be challenging.

on a final note, if you plan to restore as opposed to update a home, it may be possible to add it to the national register of Historical Buildings. Buildings on the register may be eligible for exemption from real property tax and building materials. However, exemptions are not automatic and may be subject to conditions and restrictions.

Mike Lightbourn is president of Coldwell Banker Lightbourn realty.

Requires more than Words sA f E G u A R d in G h u m A n Ri G h ts

Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com)

i n the councils of the o r ganization of a m erican s t ates ( o as ) a nd at least two of its associate institutions – the i n ter- a m erican c o mmission on Human r i ghts ( i ac H r ) and the i n ter- a m erican c o urt of Human rights ( i ac t H r ) –much is spoken about the importance of human rights. But the words are not backed by financial support.

t h e bedrock of every demo-

cratic society is the dignity and worth of the human person, which can only be respected and upheld by safeguarding their human rights.

Yet, it is remarkable that the two main institutions responsible for protecting these human rights—institutions to which states assert their commitment— are hopelessly underfunded and under-resourced. c o nsequently, they struggle to carry out the critical tasks assigned to them by the very governments that created them.

What is worse is that both the i ac H r and i ac t H r now depend on financial assistance from e u ropean nations to fulfil their obligation to the peoples of the a m ericas. i n other words, the countries of the a m ericas, from c a nada and the U. s in the n o rth to a r gentina in the s o uth, with the c a ribbean in between, now rely on e u ropean states, including former colonial powers, to fund the protection of human rights within their own region. t h e inappropriateness of that situation is absurd.

But worse yet, this state of dependency raises serious questions about how truly committed the governments of o as member

states are to upholding human rights in all countries, including their own. i t is no longer enough to voice support for human rights in resolutions. Financial commitment must match rhetoric.

t h e case of the i ac t H r is instructive. t h e c o urt was established by the a m erican c o nvention on Human r i ghts, which entered into force in 1978, and it began functioning in 1979 from its headquarters in c o sta r i ca. However, like the i ac H r , the c o urt has always struggled financially. a s early as 1992, one of its judges, s o nia Picado s o tela of c o sta r i ca, declared, “ t h e c o urt has very little money, and one of these cases is very expensive.” s h e went on to state that “the i n ter- a m erican system is in an economic crisis as well as a crisis of credibility. i think the o as s t ates is not in its strongest moment.” Unfortunately, the situation has worsened since that statement was made, as many governments continue to decline providing adequate funding.

Yet, the i ac t H r provides the ultimate legal protection for victims of human rights abuses. Without adequate funding, the c o urt will be unable to deliver that protection, leaving victims—and poten-

tial victims—exposed to violations. t h is is not just a hypothetical risk; it is a real and pressing concern for millions across the a m ericas.

a survey of other international human rights courts and arbitral bodies demonstrates the sheer disparity in funding. i n 2023, the i act H r operated on a budget of just U s $ 7.04 million. By comparison, the e u ropean c o urt of Justice had an annual budget of U s $ 81 million, and the a f rican c o urt of Justice operated with approximately U s $ 50 million. a l armingly, 30 percent of the i ac t H r ’s budget is funded by e u ropean countries, including the e u ropean Union.

i t is high time the governments of the a m ericas, especially the wealthier ones, asked themselves if it is acceptable that, after fighting for political and economic independence from e u ropean nations, they are now content for the legal protection of human rights in their “sovereign” states to be propped up by e u ropean funds?

Both the i ac H r and the i ac t H r are vital institutions for the protection and advancement of human rights throughout the a m ericas. n e ither governments, political parties, nor civil society should be satisfied with weak human rights institutions. Politicians, including current leaders, have depended on these bodies to protect them from political persecution. For example, the present President of c o lombia, Gustavo Petro, acknowledges that he benefited from a 2014 decision by the i ac H r that overturned a 15-year ban on him holding public office.

For the c a ribbean, the i ac H r and i ac t H r also provide important avenues for justice. While c a ribbean countries have access to the c a ribbean c o urt of Justice ( cc J ) and, in some cases, the Judicial c o mmittee of the British Privy c o uncil, the i ac H r offers further scope for human rights protection. t h ose c a ribbean countries that are signatories to the i act H r can also seek justice directly from the

By Sir Ronald Sanders

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS. The views expressed are entirely his own.

c o urt. But whether or not a c a ribbean country is a formal member of the c o urt, as a member of the o as , it still has access to the c o urt’s “advisory jurisdiction,” which allows for interpretation of the a m erican c o nvention and other human rights instruments at the request of o as member states.

a compelling example of the importance of the i ac t H r ’s role is the ongoing proceedings brought by c o lombia and c h ile , seeking an advisory opinion on the effects of climate change on human rights. s e veral c a ribbean countries, including a n tigua and Barbuda, s t . Kitts and n e vis, s a int Lucia, and s t . v i ncent and the Grenadines, gave testimony through their joint organization, the c o mmission for s m all i s land s t ates and i n ternational Law ( cos is ) a favorable advisory opinion from the i ac t H r , building on a strong opinion already delivered by the i n ternational tr ibunal for the Law of the s e a ( i t Lo s ) , would significantly bolster the legal ar-

guments for c a ribbean s t ates seeking compensation for the loss and damage caused by the world’s largest contributors to global warming and sea level rise.

Given the rising importance of such issues, it is deeply troubling that these vital institutions, tasked with defending the human rights of the peoples of the a m ericas, are left in such precarious financial situations. Without secure funding, they cannot plan for the future or handle the increasing number of cases, including those concerning climate justice.

t h e protection of human rights in the a m ericas demands more than speeches and resolutions; it requires concrete financial action. Governments must move beyond declarations and allocate the necessary resources to these institutions. t h eir commitment must be demonstrated not just in words, but in their willingness to invest in the future of human rights for all the peoples of the a m ericas.

C h A n G i n G L A n ds C APE

the s tory of Burrows One s top Grocery

In the central location of the growing town of Governor’s Harbour

For nearly three decades, the Burrows one-stop Grocery store, located along Queen’s Highway, has been a part of the community fabric of Governor’s Harbour in central eleuthera, as well as the surrounding townships.

straddling the main thoroughfare, in the center of the island’s capital, the store - which had become a household name in eleuthera, since it first opened 28 years ago, back in 1996 - closed its doors on December 30th, 2024, after being sold to aML Foods Limited, which finalized the purchase for $2.5 million during December 2024. new owners, aML Foods Limited, which announced an additional spend of $1.6 million on renovations to the location, intend to reopen in March of 2025 as ‘eleuthera Markets’.

the late Mr. sidney Burrows, along with his wife, Kathy Burrows, and their eldest daughter, susan charlow - were the key principals who opened the family business in 1996. the eleutheran, in January 2025, sat and chatted with susan, about the family business - looking back at its early days, its growth, its legacy, and the impetus behind finally moving on.

EARLY dAYs:

Before 1996, a gentleman by the name of Mr. Leclain Burrows (uncle of sidney Burrows) owned and operated Leclain’s Food center, a small food store, at a location adjacent to the old Levy

Medical clinic, along the bayfront road of Governor’s Harbour. this store was eventually closed, and sat dormant for several years, when Mr. sidney Burrows saw the opportunity to revive the store, while creating an opportunity for his family to diversify their business.

“But I was not going to tell my family I am not going to be there for you ...So I totally changed my direction”

a big part of the inspiration, shared susan, was to create an opportunity for her mother, who had been teaching for many years, to move into business. “He brought the idea to her, and you know we always had the store, where we sold all kinds of meats and seafood, right by our house. We already had that established, and when Uncle Leclain closed his store, Daddy came up with the idea of reopening that store, and getting Mommy out of teaching.”

a young woman, at that time, susan, had her own plans, but would ultimately opt to support her parents in the new endeavour, saying, “she told him that she would do it - only if i stayed and helped her, because i was actually about to move

to orlando for good... i was on a path of moving out of the country when they decided to open the store. so, i sort of had to change direction. i had also just graduated from cosmetology school. so, i was not even focused on the grocery business. But i was not going to tell my family, ‘no, i am not going to be there for you all’. so, i totally changed my direction.”

the Burrows family reopened Leclain’s Food center in august of 1996, at its original location along the waterfront, with its original name in place. From the very beginning, said susan, community members supported and

patronized the business, and when an opportunity arose in 1998 to expand further, the family was poised to do so.

“evan Gibson from rock sound, owner of sawyer’s Food store, was the person who approached us, and said they were closing out, and if we wanted to buy the store from them. they had a rock sound, a Governor’s Harbour, a Hatchet Bay, and Harbour island locations at the time. they were closing the Governor’s Harbour location,” she explained.

the Burrows family, in 1998, moved from the small store location along the waterfront, to the larger mid-town location, where the former sawyer’s Food store had been situated. With the move came the name change, and Burrows one-stop Grocery was born.

GROW th:

the store would have steady growth over the next 26 years, said susan, with no major issues of note. the township enjoyed reliable shipping and sourcing routes for a consistent flow of supplies, and community support and patronage was strong. a focus on customer service, and anticipation of local market needs was a strategy that would endear clients, and keep them engaged with growing their offerings in the store, she explained. “You know when you start out with a food store, you start with basic items. But, as we went along, people would ask - ‘could you bring in this - could you bring in that’. also, with me being the younger person, i was always on the look-

Above: Mrs. susan charlow stands (back row 2nd from right) with several long-standing employees of Burrows one-stop Grocery - including Mrs. inez cooper (back row right end), Mr. Jerry seymour (back row 2nd from left), Mrs. nancy Lynn Gaitor (on left end), and Mrs. elaine cooper (front center).

P14 out for how we could expand and bring in new items - and have things that no one else had. so, we expanded in that way. We didn’t only do grocery, but also household items, and we tried to bring in things that people were looking for.”

satisfying their customers, and having available what they wanted, was how they operated, she shared. “as the trends and the diets changed, we always tried to change along with it - to bring in the items that people were looking for at the time. For example, when people started looking for gluten free items, and they started looking for healthier items - stuff you don’t normally find on the islands. that’s what we did. We tried to find all these things that people now needed, that they never used to look for before... People would say, ‘You know what you should bring? - You should bring this item in - or i saw this item on television’. so, i got to the point where i would try to beat them. Whenever i saw something new i tried to source it, so when customers walked in to the store they would say, ‘oh, you got this new item today’.”

susan’s dad, Mr. sidney Burrows, opened Burrows Liquor store at its Haynes avenue location in later years, and she shared that he always wanted to relocate it on to the main highway, to get better exposure. that is when, said susan, the Burrows one stop Food store building was expanded on one side to accommodate the additional liquor business.

LEGACY:

People from throughout eleuthera would recall Mr. sidney Burrows, at the store bright and early - cashing up the first customers of the day, and later, sitting by the entrance, as the morning sun eased its way west. reminiscing about her dad, the visionary of the business, susan shared, “i can tell you that a lot of customers, since he passed away in 2020, they would always come to the store and say, ‘we miss Mr. Burrows sitting at the door, greeting us as we come in, in the morning’. Mr. Burrows was also a favorite with the young ones in the community, she added, saying, “any child in Governor’s Harbour who had a birthday - that was $5. it was like the kids would look forward to telling Mr. Burrows - ‘it’s my birthday today’. Because they knew he was going to give them that $5.”

Mr. Burrows also had a thriving farm, with local seasonal fruits sold in store, and surplus yields often shared with community members. “People would always say, ‘boy we miss Mr. Burrows, because when it was mango season, i know i was going to get my box of mangoes’, or whatever type of produce was in season. He was always giving away. that was a part of his legacy - to always give back. i remember one hurricane passed through and he always had rainwater tanks at home. so, he would fill up his truck with containers of water and go around Governor’s Harbour just giving

out water - to be a help to the community,” susan described.

Mrs. Kathy Burrows was always integrally involved, the veritable heartbeat of the store. When asked about how her mom felt about her time spent running Burrows one-stop Grocery and the move to retirement, susan commented, “Well, for her, you know it kept her very busy. she did all of the accounting and the book work. any type of office work - that was her thing, along with helping with the orders... i can say for her that it was something that kept her very busy. and she was one hundred percent dedi-

cated to that. about retirement, she has mixed feelings, because for her it was something she had gotten so used tofor 28 years. and the grocery store business is an everyday thing. it is a commitment that you think about 24/7. even if you are not at work, you are still thinking about all the different things that you have to do and whatnot. For her, i think the biggest change is not being as busy. But, at the same time, she is 81 now, so, it is time now for her to be able to relax - and be able to get back into her hobbies, and stuff she really enjoys doing.” about her own experience during

the past 28 years at Burrows one-stop, susan said, “For me it was enjoyable because i love organizing and putting together things. i love doing the ordering, the customer service, and all the different aspects that come with a grocery store. and i also love to be busy... the fast pace, always thinking about it - always having something to do - that’s something i enjoy. it’s a constant 24 hour thing - you never turn it off.”

throughout the life of Burrows one-stop Grocery there were a myriad of people who were pivotal to the success of the store, including other family » continued, p G. 17

Bethel releases book Empowering Church Women for modest d ressing n E W BOOK RELEA s E

te ri M. Bethel, the acclaimed author of t h e c h urch Girl a n d t h e Priest, has released her newest book, “Don’t ad vertise What You’re n o t s e lling! a c h urch Girl’s Guide to Modest Dressing”. t h is insightful guide empowers women and young ladies to make informed wardrobe choices that align with their faith and values while stemming the surging tide of sexual harassment.

a s revealing clothing becomes increasingly normalized in church communities, Bethel tackles this significant issue to promote dignity and self-worth among women. Her approach emphasizes that modest dressing is not about restriction but about empowerment.

“Fashion trends have drastically shifted, often pressuring women to conform to styles that may not align with their values,” Bethel explains. “ t h is book

is about reclaiming our identity and reflecting our worth in how we present ourselves.”

tw o-time author and Bible teacher Kaynell Gould says Bethel’s book is powerfully true. i t addresses an often-taboo subject with clarity and respect. a n other multipublished author, n u rse s h aniqua s m ith, agrees it is a crucial message for today’s world, especially where the line between church and secular values is blurred.

While primarily aimed at women of faith, Don’t ad vertise What You’re n o t s e lling also offers valuable insights for men. i t encourages respectful support for modesty and provides practical tips for expressing individual style without compromising faith. t h e book also addresses issues like workplace dressing and navigating sexual harassment.

Bethel also underscores the importance of teaching dress standards within the c h urch community. “We must be taught or at least model appropriate attire for all occasions,” she asserts.

Don’t ad vertise What You’re n o t s e lling is now available in paperback and eBook formats on a m azon. com, at Logos Bookstore in n a ssau, and at o f fice General in e l euthera. t h is guide is essential for anyone looking to redefine their fashion approach or support a loved one on their faith journey.

te ri M. Bethel is a Bahamian author who addresses challenging topics with practical wisdom. Her work empowers readers to reflect on their faith and values in daily life.

Author: mrs. teri m. Bethel.

« PG, 15

Changing Landscape

members and dedicated long-standing employees. Mrs. inez cooper (sister of Mr. sidney Burrows), was the most longstanding employee, having worked with the business for 26 years, ever since its reopening as the Burrows one-stop Grocery store in 1998. Mrs. nancy (Lynn) Gaitor, and Mr. Jerry seymour, both began at the store at the same time, and have been with the family’s business for 19 years.

a number of other dedicated employees said susan, had been with the business for 12 years, and 10 years. remarking on the vital impact it had on the store to have so many long-standing people as part of its staff, susan shared, “We had long time staff, and it was like a family unit. they also brought appeal to the store, so when people came, they were familiar. they were able to ask questions, and when they came in to the store they felt at home. so, i just wanted to make special mention of the long term staff, that also made the store what it was.” susan’s two eldest children, chloe rolle, and Kennedy christian rolle (Kc - who sadly passed away early in 2024), grew up assisting in the store, and both also continued working in the business as young adults.

mOVinG On:

January 2015, marked the beginning of a turning point in the store for the family business - the year everything changed - not so much for customers, with the exception of some modernization perks with the introduction of the point-of-sale system, and scanning of goods at the check-out counter. However, the former simplicity of doing business was adversely affected by the impact of the new vat taxation, according to Mrs. charlow. Price control regulations, she explained, already required food stores to be ‘on top’ of when changes were made - to have the correct pricing on everything, and to carefully follow the rules. she added, “after that came inland revenue with the vat (value-added tax), and with the vat - you know back then, most grocery stores on the island did not have Pos (point of sale) systems. We did everything on the old-fashioned cash register. so, we had to implement the Pos system, and had to enter every single item in the store, which was over 10,000 items at that time (to get it set up to be taxed).”

susan described the ups and down with the new taxation system in the years that followed, with the back-andforth adjustments needed for each tax relief initiative, and the subsequent changes in the vat amount from 7.5% to 12%, and back down to 10%. “every time they made a change, we had to take all the prices off of every item in the store -

go into the system - change every single item. then remember the bread basket items used to be vat free. so, at the time they changed those to be the same as everything else, we had to do all the changes for that. it was a roller coaster of changes coming from the government... it made work a major headache. also, getting everything ready for the accountant, getting your business license renewed, then having to do inspections. it just takes all the fun out of it.”

in 2023, Mrs. charlow, ready to enter a new phase of life in business, approached aML Foods Limited with the family’s interest in selling the store. “ that one conversation led us into getting into talks with them, and everything just rolled right along. it was about 15 months from start to finish,” she shared. susan added that she and her husband teddy charlow - who managed the liquor side of the business - would now move on to semi-retirement, with plans to still venture in to other businesses.

notably, susan informed that new owners, aML Foods Limited, had given the employees of Burrows one-stop Grocery the opportunity to continue to work in the new establishment, saying, “every single staff person, who wanted to work, was rehired. interviews were done, and they vetted them, and hired every employee back, that wished to be hired back. i think it’s a total of 11 employees they rehired.”

GRAtitudE:

over the 28-year history of the Burrows one-stop Grocery store, the Burrows family acknowledged that none of the experience, the successes, and the good memories would have been possible without their patrons. susan shared, “We want to express our deep gratitude to the Governor’s Harbour community and to the eleuthera community at large for being so supportive all those years. From the day that we opened the store in 1996, people always came to the store... We never had to do anything but be there. and the service that we offered, they appreciated it and kept coming back. customers have told me throughout the years, that because of the way we interacted with them, and us trying to keep the prices as low as possible - and being there and having everything they needed - is what kept them always wanting to come back. so, we want to express gratitude to our customers, and we just appreciate them always supporting us.”

O m munit Y

Rotary Launches Education and Awareness Project on hyper tension

a public meeting, hosted by the rotar y club of eleuthera, on thursday evening, January 16th, 2025, at the Wellness center in Palmetto Point, marked the launch of an education and awareness Project on Hypertension (‘High Blood Pressure’) - said to be one of the most prevalent non-communi-

cable diseases within the Bahamian population. the project, made possible through a rotar y international grant, is being held in collaboration with several other civil society and stakeholder partners, including rotaract, the cancer society of eleuthera, Bahamas Wellness, Mama anita’s Farm, Family Medicine

center, seeP, and Da Medicine Place.

colebrook from Bahamas Wellness, and retired nurse sherrin cooper were both guest speakers and panelists who gave information and answered questions from the audience, on the risks, symptoms, and complications that could arise from having ‘high blood pressure’. nurses colebrook and cooper also gave details about the sample population testing segment of the hypertension project - encouraging community members to register to take part. attendees were able to have their blood pressures taken, following the presentation, and to sign up for the sample population testing.

a second public meeting was held on thursday evening, January 23rd, 2025, at the anglican church Hall in rock sound, where Dr. thimothee

turner from Family Medicine center was the special guest speaker - providing information on hypertension. Free blood pressure monitoring devices were also made available there for people who were interested in taking part in the sample population testing.

President Gibson encouraged everyone in the eleuthera community to reach out to her via email at blessedjacquie@hotmail.com, or to past president sherrin cooper at sherrinc235@hotmail.com for more information, and with any questions on how they could take part, get information, or work together to ‘save lives’ from what she termed the ‘silent killer’ known as hypertension (‘high blood pressure’).

the overall aim of the project, said rotar y club of eleuthera president, Jacqueline Gibson, was to, “educate the public on the risk of ‘high blood pressure’, proper management of the disease and to carry out testing in a sample population of between 50 - 100 participants in central and south eleuthera.” the program is set to run, she informed, from January through May of 2025, with education, health screenings, and distribution of blood pressure monitors to people at risk or suffering from hypertension. Members of the public from ages 18 years and over, she said, were invited to participate. the launch meeting on thursday evening, was the initial opportunity to create awareness and educate those in attendance about the risk of hypertension. nurse Bernadette

Blood Pressure checks followed the information session on thursday evening, January 16th, 2025.

nurse Bernadette Colebrook provided information about hypertension, as well as the newly launched sample population testing program.

Catering to Ethiopian Royals

days at a private home for the BrimDeforest Family. Earlier that year I catered for Lauren Hill - American rapper and singer. It was her agent who recommended me as one of the top chefs on the island to the Brim-Deforest Family.”

The Brim-Deforest family in 2024, would go on to receive and host Ethiopian royals, HIH Prince Ermias Sahle Selassie (grandson of Emporor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia) and his wife Princess Saba Kebede. Claudine’s presence was requested as the executive chef for the special dinner, hosted in Northport, Maine, USA.

Describing the amazing opportunity, Claudine said, “The experience was breathtaking. At first I was afraid and a little timid. I asked myself, ‘Why me’? The dinner event was set for August 14th, and I decided to travel there prior - to get a feel of the place. The Brim-Deforest Family hosted my children and I at The Oak Hall for ten days in preparation for the event. Afterwards, on August 15th, I was treated to a fivehour dining experience at Natalie’s in Camden, Maine and had the pleasure of dining with HIH Prince Ermias and his wife Princess Saba, along with their two assistants and the Brim-Deforest family, our hosts. We were able to talk one-on-one

about The Bahamas and their future visit to the island of Eleuthera. I’m still excited and so proud that I’ve had the opportunity to meet and provide my services for such amazing and wonderful people.”

When asked about the growth of Pauline’s Catering, and her vision for the business going forward, Claudine excitedly shared, “My catering has now gone to a whole new level. My passion for it has changed. It’s no longer just food but an experience. With bookings flooding in for this year and even up to 2027, my team of six including my daughter Ragia and my son Malik, are ready to go to the next level. I’m also looking forward to bringing on a few additional team players.”

She continued, “I’ve been getting referrals left, right and center, finding it hard to keep up

with where and whom they are coming from. However, I’m embracing them all. With plans in place to expand - we first want to get our feet wet at home. We cater large and small events, serving over 200 plus and we’re set to cater to an even greater number... We have also sent out a few overseas proposals and expect to travel and provide our dining experience internationally in the near future as well... My plan is to continue to exceed expectations and to go beyond in my level of service, leaving a lasting impression with every client.”

Commendation Letter

i t is with profound joy that i report to you the performance of one of your elite officers.

Last night, there was an older man by the name of te rry Gilbert (he drives a red mustang) who was parked at c l ub s p ace and as he sat in his vehicle, he suffered a stroke. a s i drove by, i noticed that there was quite a bit of people up at this venue and i also saw the red mustang, but i didn’t take the time to realize that someone was in it and had fallen ill.

n o w, i don’t know how o f ficer Gibson was made aware of the situation, but i was told that he met Mr. Gilbert in the car disoriented, slurring in speech, etc. When the word got out in the various communities that Mr. Gilbert had fallen with a stroke, o f ficer Gibson had already driven Mr. Gilbert to Wemyss Bight clinic and had left him in the nurse’s care. t h e o f ficer had also reached out to Mr. Gilbert’s relatives.

officer’s action commended by member of the public Officer Gibson.

i t warmed my heart to hear such acts by o f ficer Gibson and he MU s t be applauded for his swift ac-

tion to assist Mr. Gilbert. i just had to inform you. i am very grateful for the choice that was made to place such an o f ficer in my settlement.

e l diqua t h ompson r e sident of Green c a stle

The President of the crown council of ethiopia, H.i.H. Prince ermias sahle selassie (grandson of emporor Haile selassie of ethiopia) & his wife Princess saba Kebede

Meal prepared by Mrs. claudine Mcqueen.

COLLABORAt i O n

OEf Connects with GB Port Authority

To Gift and Lift Spirits for Students in South Eleuthera

eleuthera, Bahamas – January 2025 – the Grand Bahama Port authority recently joined forces with the Live and Love Foundation and one eleuthera Foundation (oeF) to gift and lift the spirits of hundreds of children from K3 to Grade 6 throughout south eleuthera. on Wednesday, January 15th, 2025, members of the executive team from both oeF and GBPa spent the day distributing nearly 500 toys and inspiring the students and faculty at tarpum Bay, rock sound, Wemyss Bight, Greencastle, and Deep creek Primary schools

sharing gifts of gratitude and words of motivation, the team encouraged each student to embrace the new year with a renewed focus on their studies and the determination to be kind, demonstrate good character, and do their personal best. this heartwarming initiative was part of a more extensive program that delivered over 50,000 gifts to families in Grand Bahama, abaco, eleuthera, new Providence, and the exuma islands over the holidays.

Derek newbold, chief investment o fficer of GBPa, and shamine Johnson, Business Development o fficer of GBPa, traveled to eleuthera specifi-

cally to participate in this community-driven event. the pair joined Keyron smith, President and ceo of one eleuthera Foundation, and members of the oeF executive team,

who organized the days’ events, ensuring that each visit ran smoothly and left a meaningful impact on all involved.

Derek Newbold, chief investment officer at GBPa, is greeted with an ocean of hugs from overjoyed students at Deep creek Primary.

the toy drive was more than just a new Year’s giveaway—it was an opportunity to strengthen community bonds, inspire the students, and emphasize the importance of education. “ today, we’re not only giving out toys; we’re giving a message of hope, encouragement, and motivation for the year ahead,” said Derek newbold. “We want the children to understand that they are valued, that their dreams matter and that they have a community that believes

in them.”

the team started in tarpum Bay and traveled south, spreading cheer, giving hugs and words of encouragement, and ensuring every student received a gift. the excitement on the children’s faces was palpable as they eagerly received their presents while teachers and staff looked on with smiles of appreciation for the thoughtful gesture.

“events like these

remind us of the strength of coming together as a community to uplift and inspire the next generation. this initiative would not have been possible without the support of dedicated partners like the Grand Bahama Port authority and the Live and Love initiative. When we join forces, we can create opportunities that ignite the potential of our young people, strengthen our communities, and inspire positive action,” explained Keyron smith, President and ceo of oeF and cti.

as the students of south eleuthera head into the new year, it is hoped that the impact of this initiative will stand as a reminder that they are loved, supported, and capable of achieving great things in their schools and communities.

Tire Empire

Tarpum Bay primar y - (L to r): Bringing Joy to the Bay: shamine Johnson, Business Development officer, GBPa; Derek newbold, chief investment officer, GBPa; Yolanda Pawar, chief communications officer, oeF; shawna Mccar tney, community relations and special events officer, oeF; Mrs. Knowles, Grade 1 teacher at tarpum Bay Primary.

Wemyss Bight primar y - (L to r): Giving Back - Keyron smith, President and ceo of oeF; Diane Bowe-Pindling, oeF Board Director and former student of Wemyss Bight Primary.

E n t R EPRE n E u R s hi P 101

C ti-hits and Wake forest university team up for Entrepreneurship Program for Local s tudents

in January 2025, students enrolled in the entrepreneurship 101: Doing Business in the Bahamas course at the centre for training and innovation’s Harbour island trade school (c ti-Hits) joined forces with undergraduate entrepreneurship students and faculty from Wake Forest University (WFU) for an innovative and immersive experience designed to enhance the students’ entrepreneurial and business development skills.

For the second consecutive year, this extraordinary program aligned a diverse group of twelve entrepreneurship students from north eleuthera with twelve students from the Us in a collaborative exercise where they gleaned invaluable perspectives from each other. Partnered together, over a week, the students mapped out strategies for business success while exploring local and global market dynamics and best practices in business ideation and planning.

the WFU students assisted the c tiHits cohort in developing and refining their business plans and preparing a pitch for the program’s final assignment. this culminated on January 11th with a special Business Pitch event in front of potential investors and the Harbour island community.

Led by WFU’s Whitaker executive Director and Professor of entrepreneurship, Dan cohen, and c ti’s Dean of continuing education and Workforce Development, cordero Johnson, and local c ti instructors riccara Dean and Peter Mitchell, this year’s program once again showcased north eleuthera’s entrepreneurial talent and emerging businesses. areas covered included evaluating a business idea, marketing, budgeting, preparing a business plan, conducting market research, and getting your business licensed and launched. students demonstrated the confidence and business acumen nurtured during the previous ten weeks of the c ti-Hits entrepreneurship course.

“We thought last year was exceptional, but we managed to top last year! the c ti-Hits students were well prepared over the fall, which allowed us to progress faster, and i think the proof is in the pudding; we had a spectacular pitch day,” expressed Professor cohen. “ the Wake Forest students have expressed to me that this experience was off the charts in terms of experiential learning.

i think the best way to learn something is to teach it, and they gained a lot of respect for the profession of entrepreneurship in this consultative role and, ultimately, grew through teaching other entrepreneurs about this discipline.”

Key activities from the week’s intensive included insightful presentations and workshops from industry experts on entrepreneurship, one-on-one mentorship sessions, and networking opportunities. over the week, the students were treated to a daily master class with international and local business leaders who shared personal stories of the triumphs, setbacks, and breakthroughs

that contributed to their success. Presenters included Henry rolle, the proprietor and Manager of rock House; Will simmons of the Harbour island Green school; Lawrence Dawson of Beacon Hill estate and the proprietor of several successful medical supply businesses; Ben simmons of the o ther side Hotel, ocean view club, and the Farm and Pierre Morrissette, founder of Morrissette institute for entrepreneurship and the Weather network.

Last year’s program graduates were also on hand during the week to show support and offer encouragement. some graduates would’ve received ad-

ditional assistance through direct funding, grants, and business mentorship, which has produced tangible growth and helped them expand their businesses and flourish.

Program graduate chelsea cleare, better known as the “Hot Dog Lady” and purveyor of Briland’s exquisite, loaded gourmet hotdogs, encouraged this year’s cohort to “take full advantage of the learning opportunities and to soak up the ideas and information presented.” chelsea was able to secure funding for her food truck following the 2024 pitch event, thanks to a generous Harbour island resident and loyal supporter of the school. Her food business has been soaring ever since, and other similar success stories exist.

commenting on the success of this year’s entrepreneurship program, Keyron smith, ceo and President of one eleuthera Foundation (oeF) and the centre for training and innovation (c ti), shared, “We are so grateful to our students, instructors, donors, Professor Dan and Wake Forest University for partnering with us on this monumental program. c ti will continue to expand and invest in programs like these to benefit our students and elevate our communities and economy. We know that there is power in community and there is empowerment when these kinds of opportunities are created for our students. We can and will solve problems and address some of our island’s challenges through education and entrepreneurship. this year, we were pleased to welcome the Deputy executive Director of the sBDc, Phyllice Bethel, and the team Lead for Family island Programs, Deborah Gibbs. We look forward to developing synergies, welcoming new partners, and expanding this program and its benefits for our students.”

since 2015, c ti has trained over 500 students on eleuthera, most of whom would not have had access to any level of post-secondary education. Powered by oeF, c ti has fostered economic growth while empowering students to meaningfully contribute to their households, communities, and the local economy. as communities become hubs of skilled professionals and thriving enterprises, people prosper, and eleuthera experiences positive economic growth and a rising tide effect.

For a second consecutive year, the Friends of Harbour island trade

Cti-hits’ Entrepreneurship 101: student Lana cash passionately presents her business, “island events & Designs.”

Latiera Johnson makes an iconic pitch for her business, “iconic Designs.”

it’s standing room only as the community gathers to support the cti-Hits students as they present during the Pitch Day event on Harbour island.

teamwork makes the dream work. FHits Board Members, oeF Leadership and Wake Forest, and cti-Hits students, faculty, and supporters gather for a photo.

new Year’s Gala At the Vichum 2.0 Celebrates Rebirth

verandah, the main bar which is the traditional bar, and then we had the Grey Goose bar at the crown bar which is at the rear.

at midnight on December 31st, 2024 - the place to be in Harbour island for revelers celebrating the birth of the new Year 2025, was the reenvisioned vicHum 2.0 nightclub.

new owners, JosephJohn ‘JJ’ Humphrey William rober ts Percentie, J.P. (aka Prince of Dunmore) and his brother elvis Percentie, both grandsons of the late Mrs. ruby Percentie, M.B.e., took on the task of refurbishing and re-envisioning the future of the famed Harbour island vicHum club, which for the past 70 years has been the quintessential scene of nightlife on the island since it was first opened in 1955 by JJ’s grandparents, Humphrey sr. and ruby Percentie and Humphrey’s brother victor Percentie ( vic-Hum).

the theme of this year’s new Year’s gala was, ‘ the Briland Met Gala, an awakening of a sleeping Giant’. When asked what was special about this year’s new Year event at the vicHum, JJ explained, “ the vicHum became not a desired place for such a long time. and when my brother, elvis and i took it over on november 7th, and we relaunched, December 22nd, 2023 - we were just trying. i t was very hard. the drugs, leaking roofs, crumbling walls, non-working toilets. i t was very hard, but we stuck with it, and we have not closed one day since we reopened. i t ’s the consistency of the vicHum. My brother and i felt this was something that was imperative for our family heritage. this is what we know.”

the Party:

about new Year’s eve 2024 JJ described, “i t may not have been the Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum, but it was the Met Gala at the vicHum. and the names that we had and the people that we had and the way that we produced... i would really like to highlight one individual, claire Percentie, a young lady who is a part of this family. she has been dedicated to our vision... When we produced, we produced in such a way that i think people will talk about this party for a very long time.”

He continued, describing the new Year’s eve scene at the vicHum, “When you arrived, you were greeted by two Percenties who escorted you in. i t was sponsored by Grey Goose, Bollinger as well as Bristol cellars then we had a red carpet, with a beautiful backdrop. Blaire Percentie designed these huge inflatable balloons that we got from china that took us nine weeks to get. i t went all over the roof. i t was something that when people arrived - the entrance of this event made you feel like you were - at an event. on the inside, there were tassels billowing from all around the roof. We had a fantastic DJ - DJ Hans and selector ian - who is also a part of the Percentie clan. We had three bars. one bar on the

school (FHits) graciously organized and facilitated the WFU program, student accommodations, and related events. the organization continues to support c ti’s mission to empower local students. to benefit c ti-Hits, it will host a gala din-

ner, live auction, and fundraising event on Monday, February 10th, at the rock House restaurant on Harbour island. Proceeds will provide scholarships for students in north eleuthera. to support with a donation or to buy tickets, please visit oneeleutheraus.org.

“at midnight i was physically on the roof throwing down a balloon drop, it was just amazing. We couldn’t do a ball drop like time square - but we had promised a balloon drop. and we had predone all of these beautiful silver balloons. When they came out, the crowd was just so excited... We only charged $25, as we know that Harbour island is already so expensive for your new Year’s dinner, and we wanted everyone to feel welcomed. We wanted the entire island to be welcomed. and it will remain at $25 for next year’s event. the idea is that the vicHum belongs to the people. i t belongs to Harbour island.

“after the balloons, we then transitioned to a live band on the outside, which was the Black swan band and the beautiful Bahamian performer nishe L.s she was amazing. What she was able to do was to bring the authentic Bahamian sound. You know our grandfather (Humphrey Percentie sr.) did three records in the 1950’s with Bahamas calypso, with Mr. allen Malcolm at Pink sands. He recorded three proper vinyl albums. and the reason behind the vicHum’s importance, was because it was a place for everybody to perform. so, when we brought that back, it felt very natural. that this was the performance that vicHum was about - people coming to show their talent. and did they perform! they did so well, and did such a great job. Looking at the positivity of the people, it was also the fact that the tourists felt like - ‘this is what i came to Harbour island for’. What i paid for is what i got. We got authentic Harbour island, Bahamian nightlife! Positivity!”

the new Year’s eve party of the year at the vicHum 2.0, said JJ, pulled in many of the Who’s Who visiting the island for the holiday, including HrH Prince constantine of Greece and HrH Princess olympia of Greece, india Hicks god daughter to King charles of england, also James de Givenchy jewelry designer, Kirsty Bertarelli, as well as singers Kaya and lndya stewart daughters of Dave stewart - where some

» continued, p G. 46

the Countdown at the vicHum 2.0 Briland Met Gala on new Year’s eve. (Photo by Sophia Taylor Photography)

Party scenes on new Year’s eve at the vicHum 2.0. (Photo by Sophia Taylor Photography)

A m A RC h f O R J E s us

Believers in Christianity, of all ages marched in song and praise

Men, women, boys and girls were part of the group of christian believers who took to the streets of Governor’s Harbour on saturday morning, January 11th, 2025, in an energetic march through the township, singing songs of praise and raising signs and placards with messages of hope and love and calls for eleutherans to return to God.

the ‘March For Jesus’ event, spearheaded by Governor’s Harbour native, stac y Petty-rodgers of ‘Glory carriers for christ street Ministry’ (a feeding ministry), who now resides in new Providence, brought together students from the student christian Movement group at central eleuthera High school, with church members and pastors from several area churches, in a public proclamation of faith.

Mrs. Petty-rodgers expressed that the theme of the ‘March For Jesus’ event was, “setting apart our first fruits: a heartfelt offering of worship to God.” the overall purpose she said, was to share in the good news of Jesus, and to publicly offer up praise and worship. she smiled and shared that early morning had threatened with overcast skies, but looking up and noting the perfectly cloudless blue sky, she expressed her thankfulness for the beautiful weather during the morning’s activity.

Mentioning briefly, some of the church leaders who had taken part, stacy acknowledged Pastor Kipling Johnson from ebenezer Baptist church, Pastor Joanne cambridge from oasis of Love, as well as rev. Dr. ena culmer,

from Full Gospel House of God temple in north Palmetto Point, who closed out the morning march with prayer. Members from a number of other local churches had also come out, said stac y, representing their places of worship in the march.

Mrs. Petty-rodgers was especially pleased with the presence of the young people who had taken part, saying, “We have the scM from central eleuthera High school the teacher reached out to me, and she said that some of the students had heard about it, and wanted to partake. they said they had a banner they had never used, and i said this was the perfect opportunity to share it for the name of Jesus. and they came out. i am so grateful for the students. they came out in abundance, dressed in their school scM uniform to lift up the name of Jesus christ.”

the month of February would mark four years for the ‘Glory carriers for christ street Ministry’, said stac y, and plans were already underway for their next feeding event, which would take place in new Providence on February 15th. about the success of the morning in eleuthera, she shared, “We made it through - the donations, and the help on the ground here in eleuthera - it has been tremendous... i believe that it went very well. there were a lot of people who showed up, that i was not even expecting - and the response - but the Lord says that it is by His will, and He made a way.”

several students from the scM,

students with the student christian Movement club of central eleuthera High school, all smiles, following the March For Jesus. above (L-r): car tier Johnson, Jaedawn Fritz, noel Wilson, and Baldeisha Johnson.

Photos on right show scenes of the March For Jesus as the group traversed the streets of Governor’s Harbour, and moments of praise following the march.

Bahamas s o theby’s i n ternational Realty Recognizes to p ta lent and u n paralleled Excellence in 2024

nassaU, the Bahamas (Jan. 21, 2025) – Bahamas sotheby’s international realty is proud to announce its standout performers of 2024, highlighting a year marked by extraordinary accomplishments and solidifying its status as the leader in the Bahamas’ luxury real estate market. these achievements reflect not only the dedication and expertise of our team but also the trust and confidence of our esteemed clients. With remarkable achievements across the board, the company is poised for continued success in 2025.

Bahamas sotheby’s international realty is honored to recognize its top Producers and top Listing agents, whose unparalleled expertise and dedication contributed to the company’s outstanding year. Mark Hussey achieved the prestigious titles of company top Producer and top Listing agent, demonstrating exceptional leadership and success. christopher albury earned recognition as the abaco top Producer, while Mitzi Pearce distinguished herself as abaco top Listing agent. in Baha Mar, Bianca aranha excelled as the top Producer, and colleen carey stood out in eleuthera as both top Producer and top Listing agent.

commented on their experience and how it felt to be a part of the march - with one young lady, car tier Johnson, saying, “i t felt good, and it felt energized to be a part of something like this, where you are creating a better place. the pastor was talking about how eleuthera needs to change, and i agree that a lot of stuff happening now needs to be changed. God is coming back, so we have to be better for our community.” next to her, Jaedawn Fritz, another young scM member added, “i was very happy participating in it, because i felt like i was spreading joy to everyone, and it was really a good feeling.” Young noel Wilson, also spoke up, saying, “i felt brand new - like the march had rejuvenated me. i feel closer to christ now.”

Following the march, a free breakfast was distributed from the grounds of the administrative complex under the cabana, along the bay front.

this year’s top tier circle of excellence honorees, Mark Hussey and nick Damianos, were recognized for their extraordinary contributions, exemplifying the pinnacle of success at Bahamas sotheby’s international realty. additional members of the circle of excellence include christopher ansell and vanessa ansell of the ansell Group, colleen carey, samira coleby, Mack altidor, stan sawyer, craig Pinder, Jacqueline Lightbourn, christina cunningham, angelika Bacchus, and ashley treco.

in recognition of outstanding achievements in sales, professional excellence, and personal development as estate agents, special recognition is extended to sarah chemaly and Jane Patterson who were honored as this year’s agents of influence. their unwavering support and leadership exemplify the spirit of collaboration and excellence that defines our team.

Bahamas sotheby’s international realty achieved unparalleled success in 2024, setting industry benchmarks that further cement its leadership in the luxury real estate market. these accomplishments would not have been possible without the exceptional contributions of the company’s support team.

From Marketing and operations to the accounting Department, their seamless collaboration and commitment to excellence ensured every listing and transaction was handled with precision and care, enabling agents to perform at their best.

reflecting on the past year’s achievements, ceo George Damianos expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments: “our 2024 performance underscores the exceptional talent and dedication of our agents and support team. as we look to 2025, we remain committed to elevating the standard of luxury real estate here in the Bahamas.”

chief Brokerage officer Lana rademaker echoed this sentiment, add-

ing, “our success is a testament to the strength and global marketing prowess of the sotheby’s international realty brand and the unmatched expertise of our agents. With a strong foundation and new opportunities on the horizon, we are excited for what 2025 will bring.” 2025 also marks a significant milestone for Bahamas sotheby’s international realty as the company proudly celebrates 80 years of service. established in 1945, the company has continuously set the standard for excellence in the Bahamas’ luxury real estate market. this historic anniversary reflects decades of dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to clients.

P26

Organizer Mrs. stac y Petty-rodgers (front left end), stands with members of the student christian Movement club of central eleuthera High school, along with teacher, Ms. americka Missick (2nd from right), and rev. Dr. ena culmer (on right end).

Upcoming Events!

FebruarytoDecemberBush

scHooL Dates:

February 17th and 18th - eleuthera High schools District track and Field Meet

February 19th and 20thteacher ’s Professional Days (no school for students)

February 21st to 24thMiDterM Break (no school for both students and teachers

February 1st - Ministry oF tourisM’s annual Food and craFt Festival - the event is scheduled to be hosted at the one eleuthera Foundation (Hotel c ti Grounds) in rock sound this event features local artisans as well as food vendors offering local dishes. i t brings together locals and visitors to one area to enjoy a grand cultural celebration.

(Contact: Eleuthera Tourist Office, Ms. Glenda Johnson-Ingraham, gjingraham@bahamas.com, (242) 332-2868)

February 9th - GloBal o utreacH Ministries 23rd pastoral and cHurcH anniversary - the anniversary ser vice with founding Pastors orlando and clarice thompson takes place on sunday, February 9th, 2025, beginning at 3:00 pm. (speaker: Pastor rickeno Moncur)

February 9th - Junior acHieveMent all eleutHera speecH Finals - Will be hosted on sunday, February 9th, 2025 at Worker’s House in Governor’s Harbour at 3pm. this year’s winner will go on to represent eleuthera in Grand Bahama on Feb 20th to 23rd - at the Bahamas Jac (Junior Achievement Conference).

February 10th to 14th - e. cleMent BetHel national arts Festival will be adjudicated in eleuthera from February 10th to 14th, 2025. For detailed information: email - nationalartsfest@gmail.com or call242-502-0601, 242-502-0744

February 17th and 18th - tHe 2025 eleutHera district HiGH s cHool track and Field sports Meet is scheduled to take place on Monday, February 17th and tuesday, February 18th Dates.

Tea Tours - this activity, at the Leon Levy native Plant Preserve, located on the Banks road, Governor’s Harbour, is great for people who enjoy learning about the various medicinal plants in the Bahamas (contact: Ms. LakeishaWallace, the Leon Levy native Plant Preserve - (242)332-3831, lwallace@bnt.bs)

see contact below for further details.

(Contact: DEO Mrs. Fontella Knowles, Ministry of Education - Eleuthera District Office, (242) 332-6211)

March 6th - Winter residents receptionto be held at the Leon Levy native Plant Preserve, located on the Banks road in Governor’s Harbour. this is an annual event that is held to show appreciation to those who chose eleuthera as their second home. the event features live entertainment, a display of local crafts and souvenirs as well as Bahamian eats and drinks.

(Contact: Ms. Glenda Johnson-Ingraham, (242)470-2777, gjingraham@bahamas.com)

Public notice

Friday evenings - Fish Fry @ Anchor BAy - Gov- ernor’s Harbour - From 5:30 p.m. Until. spAnish Wells ArtisAns & FArm- ers mArkets: Every 2nd & 4th Saturday of each month 9:30am- 2:30pm (october to august). (Contact: (242) 470-4751)

March 15th - cancer s ociety Hope Ballthe cancer society of eleuthera is set to host its 2025 Hope Ball at the correne sands Hall/Wellness center on Queen’s Highway in Palmetto Point, central eleuthera on saturday, March 15th, 2025. to purchase tickets - see contact information below:

(Contact: The Cancer Society of Eleuthera, (242) 332-1804)

March 29th - eleutHera Junior Junkanoo parade - the 2025 eleuthera Junior Junkanoo Parade is scheduled to be held on saturday, March 29th, 2025 by the Ministry of Youth, sports and culture. this year’s parade will take place in

Identification protocol for Immigration officers

the Department of immigration wishes to remind the general public of our ongoing commitment to transparency, professionalism, and public safety during all field operations conducted by our officers. to ensure clarity and maintain trust, we emphasize the following guidelines that our officers strictly adhere to during official exercises or operations:

1. Presentation of valid identification: all immigration o fficers are required to carry and present official Department of immigration identification cards, which include their name, photograph, and position.

2. appropriate attire: o fficers will either be in uniform or dressed in Department-approved attire, as deemed appropriate for the nature of the operation.

3. senior o fficer availability: a senior officer or supervisor will be present during all operations. if you feel the need to speak with a senior officer for reassurance, you may request to do so at any time.

4. Marked operational vehicles: all vehicles used by our officers during operations will be clearly marked to distinguish them as official Department vehicles.

Further, any concerns or if you wish to verify the occurrence of an operation, you can contact the carmichael road Detention centre at (242) 604-0170 or (242) 604-0183. the Department of immigration remains committed to maintaining a safe and transparent environment for all members of the public.

Source: Department of Immigration

importAnt note: events details are subject to change. contact organisers as needed.

shAre your event viA 1 (242) 422 - 9350 editor@theEleutheran.com

Governor’s Harbour, with a planned start time of 4:00 pm.

(Contact: Clara Young, Ministry of Youth, (242) 334-4650)

Holidays and oBservance days - FeBruary 2025:

February 14th - Valentines Day - observed (Friday)

March 9th - Daylight Savings Time (DST) - clocks move forward by one hour at 2am on sunday morning.

Local ingredients Pave the Way for s ustainable food Production in the Bahamas

the Bahamas, like the rest of the caribbean region, faces a challenge in achieving food security, with over 90% of its food supply imported annually. this heavy reliance on imports leaves the nation vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions, as evidenced during the coviD-19 pandemic. as a result, the Bahamian government has acknowledged the urgent need to increase local food production and has committed to prioritizing food security initiatives. this shift has opened new avenues for agricultural and aquacultural innovation, emphasizing sustainable practices and local resource utilization.

aquaculture has emerged as a promising solution to addressing food production in the Bahamas. However, one of the key obstacles to its expansion, much like all livestock farming, is the high cost and limited availability of quality feed. to address this issue, researchers at the cape eleuthera institute have initiated a groundbreaking project aimed at developing homemade fish feed from locally-sourced ingredients. the study focused on producing feed for nile tilapia using alternative ingredients such as fish discards, spiny lobster discards, black soldier fly larvae, moringa, cassava, brewers spent grain, and even sweet potato leaves. these ingredients were chosen for their nutrient profiles and local availability, with the aim of reducing dependency on imported feed while promoting sustainability. the ingredient selection process was a key element of the project. Fish and spiny lobster discards, often considered waste products, were repurposed as valuable sources of protein and essential fatty acids. Black soldier fly larvae, widely recognized for their high protein content and rapid growth cycle, were cultivated locally to provide a sustainable alternative to traditional fishmeal. Plant-based ingredients, including moringa, cassava, and sweet potato leaves, offered additional sources of vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates. Brewers spent grain, a by-product of the brewing industry, was incorporated as a cost-effective and readily available ingredient rich in fiber and protein. this grain was obtained from the commonwealth Brewery in nassau.

Formulating the feed involved grinding these and other ingredients into a fine powder, mixing them into a balanced blend, and pelletizing the mixture. this process ensured uniformity in the feed composition, improving its water stability and ease of consumption by the fish. the team also conducted proximate analyses to determine the nutritional content of the feed, ensuring it met the dietary requirements of nile tilapia.

the team is happy to report that, when compared to the commercial feed currently used in aquaculture, the homemade feed recorded comparable growth rates and the fish showed positive health parameters—suggesting that the homemade feed would be a suitable replacement for the imported commercial feed when available.

the environmental benefits of using locally-sourced ingredients are significant. incorporating fishery discards, brewers spent grain, and other agricultural by-products into the feed aligns with the principles of a circular economy. this approach reduces organic waste that would otherwise contribute to environmental degradation, such as marine pollution or greenhouse gas emissions from landfills. additionally, by creating a demand for these byproducts, the project fosters economic opportunities for local industries and communities.

From an economic perspective, the initial production cost of the homemade feed was slightly higher than the commercial diet due to the small-scale nature of the trial. However, researchers believe that scaling up production and optimizing ingredient sourcing could significantly reduce costs. Local production has the potential to pro-

Source: CEI

tect farmers from price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions associated with imported feeds, thereby increasing the resilience of the aquaculture sector in the Bahamas.

the implications of this research extend beyond aquaculture. the approach of utilizing locally-available resources for feed formulation can be applied to other forms of farming on eleuthera, where the high cost and overall unreliable supply of imported feeds also affects the viability of livestock farming. researchers at the cape eleuthera institute are exploring ways to develop feeds for other livestock such as chickens and rabbits using similar principles. By leveraging agricultural by-products, fishery discards, and other local resources, these efforts aim to support more sustainable and selfsufficient farming practices on the island.

this integrated approach has the potential to revolutionize farming in eleuthera, potentially reducing costs for farmers, minimizing waste, and creating new economic opportunities. For instance, chicken farmers could benefit from feed made with brewers’ spent grain and black soldier fly larvae, while rabbit farmers could utilize plant-based ingredients like cassava and moringa. these initiatives align with the broader goals of promoting food security and reducing reliance on costly imports, which is especially critical for island communities.

Despite its promising outcomes, the project faced several challenges. ensuring the consistent availability and quality of local ingredients remains a critical concern. seasonal variations in the supply of certain ingredients, such as agricultural by-products, could affect feed production. additionally, the scalability of black soldier fly larvae cultivation and the logistics of collecting fishery discards require further exploration. Future research will focus on refining feed formulations to enhance their nutritional value and cost-effectiveness. investigating the potential of fermenting plant-based ingredients, such as cassava and moringa, to improve nutrient bioavailability is a key area of interest.

While challenges remain, the findings underscore the potential for locally produced feeds to drive economic, environmental, and social benefits. With continued research to help address the challenges, this research showcases how sustainable practices in aquaculture can help to boost the entire local agricultural landscape. the successful implementation of these strategies could position eleuthera as a model for integrated farming systems in the caribbean, with benefits that ripple across local economies and ecosystems.

some of the ingredients used in the local fish feed formulation.

commercial fish feed (left) compared to homemade fish feed (right).

Police on the island of eleuthera continue to enforce our laws in an effort to curtail the use of dangerous drugs and offences related thereto and to reinforce the message of safe driving. During the month of october, o fficers conducted seven (7) traffic checks which resulted in motorist being cited for approximately forty-two (42) traffic offences. in addition, a number of special operations were conducted; as a result, o fficers have taken into custody forty-four (44) persons in separate incidents for various criminal offences. o f that number, forty (40) of those persons were charged with different offences including (assault, threats of Harm, Poss. D/ Drugs, Poss. D/Drugs with intent, Damage, Disorderly Behavior, causing Harm, threats of Death, and removing a vehicle without owner’s consent). o fficers made daily special visits to fourteen (14) school campuses and hosted four (4) youth related activities or other special initiatives.

d rug Arrests

1. on saturday 30th november 2024 at 11:30 p.m. o fficers while on mobile patrol cautioned and arrested a 21yr old male of Palmetto Point eleuthera after he was found in Possession of a quantity of suspected marijuana. He was processed and charged with that offence.

2. on Friday 6th December, 2024 at about 8:27pm officers while on Mobile Patrol in the area of cupid’s cay cautioned and arrested a 36yr old male of James cistern for Possession of Dangerous Drugs suspected Marijuana. He was processed and charged with that offence.

3. on saturday 7thDecember, 2024 at about 9:25pm o fficers while on Mobile Patrol in the area of Queen’s Highway and church street stopped conducted a search of a vehicle and its occupants. During the search, they reported finding four clear plastic bags of suspected Marijuana. as a result, two males ages 42 and 31yrs of rock sound were arrested. they were processed and charged with that offence.

4. on saturday 7th December, 2024 at about 11:10pm o fficers executed a search warrant on the residence of a 24yr old male of Palmetto Point. During the search, they reported finding eight (8) foil wrappings of suspected Marijuana as a result the suspect was arrested and cautioned. He was processed and charged with that offence.

5. on Monday 9/12/24 at about 10:00am, o fficers while on Patrol arrested a 48yr old male of rock sound for possession of Dangerous Drugs, after he was found in possession of a quantity of suspected marijuana. He was processed and charged with that offence.

6. on tuesday 17th December, 2024 at 9:00am o fficers while on Patrol in Palmetto Point arrested a 24yr old male of Palmetto Point after he was found in possession of a quantity of suspected marijuana. He was processed and charged with that offence.

7. on 17/12/24 at 7:25am o fficers executed a search warrant on a residence located at tar-

Select police reportS, Shared by the rbpF locally

pum Bay. During the search, officers discovered a quantity of suspected marijuana. as a result, the two male occupants aged 35 and 33yrs were arrested. Both suspects were processed and charged with that offence

drug & Ammunition Arrest

on thursday 19th December 2024, o fficers executed a search warrant around 3:00 p.m. on a residence at Hatchet Bay. During the search, officers discovered a quantity of suspected dangerous drugs and several rounds of ammunition. as a result, the 31yr old male occupant was arrested and cautioned. He was processed and charged with that offence. the estimated weight and street value of the drugs are currently unknown. investigations continue.

s hopbreaking ring dismantled

1. on 8/12/24 at 10:00am o fficers from the rock sound Police station received a report of a shop breaking at a local restaurant which occurred between saturday 7th and sunday 8th December. o fficers visited the scene where the 67yr old male proprietor pointed out where he discovered that person/s unknown broke and entered his establishment and stole $10.00 in coins along with other items. He requested police action.

2. on tuesday, 10th December 2024 sometime around 7:54am, the 67yr old proprietor of a restaurant reported to the rock sound Police station reported that his business place, was broken into and an assortment of alcohol, soft drinks, seasoned wings, ribs and conch fritter batter valued together at $873.00 were stolen. Police action requested, o fficers responded to the scene and commenced investigations.

3. on tuesday, 10th December 2024 sometime around 8:11am, the Principal at tarpum Bay Primary school reported to the rock sound Police station that some person/s unknown broke into and entered the sixth-grade class and stole a 42” insignia Fire television, valued at $250.00. o fficers visited the scene and commenced investigations.

4. on tuesday, 10th December 2024 sometime around 8:58am, the Principal at rock sound Primary school reported that some person/s broke and entered the office area at that school. Police action was requested.

as a result of enquiries into these complaints, officers arrested seven suspects, including two juvenile males, three adult males and two adult females. all persons were subsequently charged after the suspects led officers to the recovery of a number of reported stolen items.

the eleuthera Division of the royal Bahamas Police Force continues to make its presence felt throughout the communities as we seek to execute the commissioner’s Policing Plan. these operations, as well as community policing initiatives will continue throughout the island. o fficers seek to heighten police visibility, reduce

the fear of crime, reduce the number of serious traffic accidents and discourage criminal behavior in our communities.

Police Reports provided by new Providence RBPf

** ELEuthERA: mAn ARREstEd fOR fiREARm And dRuG POssEssiOn ** Police in eleuthera arrested a 26-year-old male on Wednesday, 11th December, 2024, after seizing a firearm and suspected drugs in the Bluff settlement. according to preliminary reports, sometime around 5:40 p.m., officers, acting on information, executed a search warrant at a restaurant. Upon the officers’ arrival, a male seated outside attempted to flee but was quickly subdued. a search of his person revealed a loaded firearm, leading to his arrest. additionally, a quantity of suspected marijuana was found in the area where he was seated. investigations are ongoing.

** ELEuthERA: POLiCE COnfisCAtE AmmunitiOn ** Police in eleuthera confiscated a quantity of ammunition from a residence in Harbour island on tuesday, 24th December 2024, sometime around 5:00 p.m. according to initial reports, officers executed a search warrant at a home on Duncan Lane and discovered a quantity of ammunition inside the residence. the lone occupant, a 47-year-old male suspect who was initially arrested in reference to a prior complaint was further cautioned. investigation continues.

** ELEuthERA: mAn, ARREstEd REfEREnCE tO dAnGEROus dRuGs on Wednesday, 31st December, 2024, police in eleuthera seized a quantity of suspected dangerous drugs and arrested an adult male aged 38 while conducting a special operation in central eleuthera. initial reports indicate that sometime around 3:00

Poli C E C o N TACT N umb E RS

• HeadQuarters (GH) 332-3500

• Governor’s Harbour 332-2111 OR 332-2117

• O/C Governor’s Harbour 332-2723

• Gov.Harb. Airport Station 332-2323

• Deep Creek Station 334-8207

• Tarpum Bay Station 334-4033

• Rock Sound Station 334-2244

• Rock Sound Sgt. Office 334-2212

• Rock Sound Airport Stn 334-2052

• L. Bogue (Airport) 335-1208

• Harbour Island Station 333-2111

• O/C Harbour Island 333-2327

• Spanish Wells Station 333-4030

• Gregory Town Station 335-5322 Hatchet Bay Station 335-0086

G E n d E R GAP i n C A R i B BEA n E duC At i O n

Boys need targeted mentorship, inclusive Engagement, s kills training to help C lose Gender Gap s ay Experts

BriDGetoWn, Barbados - experts have called for targeted mentorship for boys, more inclusive teaching, skills, and entrepreneurship training, and encouraged stronger home-school partnerships to address the widening education gap in the caribbean, where boys are twice as likely as girls to repeat grades or drop out at primary and secondary levels.

Boys in the region face disproportionate challenges at all stages of education. according to data from Unesco, at the tertiary level, there are 124 women enrolled for every 100 men in Latin america and the caribbean. this compared to the global average of 113 women for every 100 men.

an urgent call for action to help shift the dynamics came during the keynote session education for all: creating inclusive, Gender-responsive and Learnercentred systems in education at the regional sympo-

p.m., officers conducted a routine stop-and-search of the suspect, who was observed walking in a bushy area near a beach. a quantity of suspected marijuana was found in his possession, resulting in his arrest. the estimated weight and street value of the quantity of suspected marijuana is not known at this time. investigations continue.

** POLiCE inVEstiGAtE tRAffiC fAtALit Y ** on January 9th, 2025, at approximately 8:45 aM, o fficers from the rock sound Police station responded to an overturned vehicle incident on the south side of Queens Highway in tarpum Bay, eleuthera. they found a white four-door nissan Blue Bird vehicle overturned with no occupants inside. i t was reported that medical personnel had transported a lone

sium and Policy Dialogue on transforming education, held in the cayman islands during the final quarter of 2024. Panel experts identified various barriers that contribute to boys’ disengagement, such as traditional teaching methods that fail to engage them, a shortage of male teachers and role models, and social pressures for young men to become prematurely breadwinners due to absent fathers.

Dr verna Knight, coordinator B.ed Programme, and coordinator eastern caribbean Joint Board of teacher education, the University of the West indies cave Hill, highlighted critical insights for achieving inclusive, gender-responsive, education, emphasising that while essential, access to education alone does not ensure academic success.

“in today’s 21st century educational era we have learned that educational access cannot be assumed to mean educational success for every child. in many classrooms across developing countries one third of our students are known to be physically present but disengaged from learning. they are in school but achieving no greater academic success than the child who is out of school,” Dr. Knight said.

Mr. Lanre chin, Mentorship o fficer at the Jamaica teaching council ( Jtc ), used Jamaica as a case study, pointing out that while approximately 20% of the national budget is spent on education, disengagement particularly among boys has resulted in high levels of incarceration.

“instead of solely focusing on academic performance, the system can pivot towards more practical skills. We are in an environment with several needs. the system should be creating entrepreneurs not workers, so the mindset of the boys needs to be shifted. this is why they’re not being engaged,” Mr. chin said.

male occupant, identified as 51yr-old Mr. Jason West of Hatchet Bay, to the rock sound clinic. o fficers visited the driver at the clinic where he was being evaluated by medical personnel. they indicated that the driver had a medical history and was complaining of chest pains following the accident. a tentative diagnosis indicated that the driver needed further medical attention and an air ambulance was called to airlift him to new Providence. However, sometime around 11:48am the driver passed away. the exact circumstances surrounding this accident are unclear at this time. investigations are ongoing.

** t WO ARREstEd in dRuG sEiZuRE ** on Friday, 17th January 2025, police in eleuthera confiscated a quantity

He added that to help increase engagement among boys and help them build practical skills, the Jtc has employed methods such as building mentorship networks, skills training, extracurricular activities, and income-generating activities to help them build practical skills.

the panel of experts also recommended strengthened learning supports across pre-primary, primary, and secondary levels, universal screening at key entry points for early identification of learning needs, providing teachers with data from continuous assessments to help them design and implement customised in-class support, guided by Universal Design for Learning, and building strong partnerships between schools and families to support learning outside the classroom.

o ther recommendations include public campaigns to promote active parental involvement, mandatory mentorship programmes for new teachers and ongoing professional development for teachers to address the diverse needs of learners, and national data collection to allow education trends to be tracked over time to guide policymakers to make evidencebased policy reforms.

the regional symposium and Policy Dialogue on transforming education brought together experts and policymakers to shape the future of caribbean education and develop actionable steps to achieve sustainable, gender-responsive, and learner-centered educational reform. organised in partnership with the caribbean Development Bank in collaboration with the caricoM secretariat, oecs commission, the University of the West indies, and the Ministry of education in the cayman islands.

of suspected drugs, resulting in the arrests of two individuals. according to initial reports, officers executed a search warrant at a residence in cupid’s cay, where a quantity of suspected marijuana was discovered. the two male occupants, aged 69 and 25, were taken into custody and are assisting with the investigation. the suspected drugs weighed one (1) pound and five (5) ounces. Further, the estimated street value is unknown at this time. investigation continues.

** AdVisORY: PhishinG sCAm **

the Financial crimes Branch of the royal Bahamas Police Force on January 20th, 2025 alerted members of the public to a phishing scam in which fraudsters are impersonating legitimate financial institutions, saying, “ these

scammers are sending sMs messages and notifications that appear to be from local banks, urging recipients to download a link and enter their personal banking information. the public is strongly urged to exercise extreme vigilance and refrain from clicking on any links from unknown or suspicious sources. engaging with these fraudulent messages can lead to compromised bank accounts and financial loss. if individuals receive any notification prompting them to update or alter their banking details, they should immediately contact their financial institution by calling the official customer service number or visiting their local branch. the royal Bahamas Police Force remains committed to protecting citizens from financial fraud and urges the public to report any suspicious activity.”

Lanre chin, Mentorship officer at the Jamaica teaching council, alice Dalrymple, Kalinago Development officer Dominica, Dr Maria Zielger, cDB Gender specialist, Dr verna Knight, coordinator B.ed Programme, and coordinator eastern caribbean Joint Board of teacher education, the University of the West indies cave Hill, and Barbadian senator, andwele Boyce.

Jun K A n O O

RCAP

tarpum Bay streets alive for the holidays

the 2024 all-eleuthera senior Junkanoo parade, hosted annually by the Ministry of Youth, sports & culture in conjunction with the national Junkanoo committee during christmas festivities, kicked off junkanoo season in eleuthera with vibrance, spectacular colour, and the irresistible rhythm of the goat skin drum and brass music performances. the senior Junkanoo Parade was held on the evening of saturday, December 21st, hosted along the expansive main Queen’s Highway road, near the homecoming site in tarpum Bay. the mainland spectacle saw a sizeable crowd of local resident families, along with scores of visitors to the island, out to enjoy the cultural display, who lined both sides of the closed off roadway, and spilled into the homecoming site during the evening - patronizing local vendors providing food, drinks, games and other goodies.

the Junkanoo parade this year, which started at 8:30 p.m. on the saturday, featured two a division groups performing with splendidly colourful displays of creative off-the-shoulder, dance line, free dancers, and brass and drum sections - the “Johnson superstars/Karizma” group out of tarpum Bay, showcasing a ‘celebrations of the Year’ theme, and “ the village Boys” of Hatchet Bay in a presentation themed - ‘Mythical creatures’. a smaller B division group, from tarpum Bay - with a lead piece showcasing ‘Pineapples and sun’, along with a rhythmically energetic drum section, rounded out the evening’s junkanoo offerings.

“ the village Boys” from Hatchet Bay took the first place title in the a Division with more than 2,000 points overall, followed by the “Johnson superstars/Karizma” with , after the judges had tallied the scores. While the “Pineapples and sun” B Division Group performed uncontested in their category.

Kishlane smith, Deputy co-chair of the national Junkanoo committee (nJc), commenting on the all-eleuthera senior Junkanoo Parade, held on the saturday evening before christmas, said, “Firstly, let me say i am so pleased and so proud of the eleuthera junkanoo groups, because they took the baton. they began the junkanoo season with much vigour and much excitement. the kaleidescope of colours were vibrant. the actual authenticity of junkanoo in the in-depth

Pineapple and sun smiles

Pineapple and Sun - Small in number but with a lasting presence....

Mythical Creatures...

under the titled theme, the ever-present Hatchet bay Junkanooers - the young and the experienced, put on a wonderful display.

the village Boys of Hatchet Bay

hatchet Bay ‘Village Boys’- Mythical Creatures...

The ever consistent participant in the Eleuthera Holiday Junkanoo, the Village Boys group out of Hatchet Bay, like their counterparts from South Eleuthera, did not disappoint in the splendour and vibrancy of the costuming, intensity of the music, or creativity of their designs, in the Senior Junkanoo parade on the streets of Tarpum Bay a few days before the mid-week Christmas Day 2024.

A colourful variety of free dancers and off the shoulder costuming were on display by the Village boys during the Eleuthera Senior Junkanoo parade in Tarpum bay, on Saturday evening, December 21st, 2024.

Winners in the dance/ choreography category - the dance line of the group from Hatchet Bay captivated both the crowd and the judges, with colourful costuming, beautiful smiles and rhythmic energy.

Eleuthera Junkanoo Recap Christmas ‘24

It’s Party Time...

Hatchet Bay ‘ village Boys’

the Johnson’s superstars / Karizma of tarpum Bay

tarpum Bay ‘Johnson’s s uperstars / K ARiZmA’

- It’s Party Time...

Costumed to the essence of their theme, the junkanooers of South Eleuthera, beat the drums and displayed their might - with even the smallest amongst them fully captivated by the spirit of the event. Pictures offer a glimpse, and the faces reflect the mood of the night, with onlookers fully engrossed.

KARiZmA Free Dancers, brass, and drum line perform for the crowds during the senior Junk anoo parade.

Eleuthera Junkanoo Recap Christmas ‘24

dazzling dance Line Group with Johnson’s superstars / Karizma, gives a peppermint candy coated pose as they ready for the second lap during the eleuthera senior Junk anoo parade on saturday, December 21st, 2024.

RBPf on duty at the all-eleuthera Junkanoo 2024 parade.

Junkanoo Recap in tarpum Bay

pasting and fringing were very prevalent, and extremely visible. i appreciated the fact that it was a community-based, environmentally safe, energetic, exciting parade - where we saw families in attendance.”

she continued, “We saw whole groups showing the exhibition of their theme. We saw wonderful tourists celebrating and enjoying our country’s foremost cultural expression - junkanoo. i appreciate the royal Bahamas Police Force and their assistance with the safety. and kudos to the Ministry of Youth, sports and culture’s staff - Ms. clara Young and her staff for truly participating in an administrative fashion - where the parade ran smoothly, and there were no issues. the police also praised the participants and the organizing committee - for the fact that there were no incidences and everything ran smoothly.

“i also wish to congratulate the actual junkanoo participants. they themselves exhibited a wonderful festival in and of itself, and showcased junkanoo to the world. We were able to see themes being showcased - from the beginning as you open a book - seeing the full cover of the book to the end. i want to congratulate the actual artists that are on eleuthera - who were very instrumental in preparing the costumes.

“We were able to see a whole consortium of ranging costume exhibitions of the artistry, and most important - the agility of the costumes. the fact that the costumes were able to parade two laps, and there were no issues. the costumes withstood the elements of the evening, and the costumes were vibrantly pasted, coloured and decorated, so, all in all, eleuthera began the 2024/25 Junkanoon season with a bang. thank you, eleuthera.”

Harbour island also hosted their customary twin Junkanoo Festivals on both Boxing Day and new Year’s Day, also supported by the national Junkanoo committee. stay tuned for the full-featured display of Harbour island Boxing Day Junkanoo in the next issue of the eleutheran newspaper.

(Photo credits: eleuthera senior Junkanoo Parade - elizabeth Bryan/the eleutheran newspaper)

Official Results (ministry of Youth, sports & Culture; national Junkanoo Committee)

A Division:

1st Place (2,003 total points) - The Village BoysHatchet Bay “Mythical Creatures”

Execution of Theme: 97 points

Music: 517 points

Overall Group Costume: 962 points

Overall Performance: 427 points

2nd Place (1,821 total points) - Johnsons Superstars/ Karizma - Tarpum Bay “Celebrations of the Year - It’s Party Time”

Execution of Theme: 88 points

Music: 476 points

Overall Group Costume: 870 points

Overall Performance: 387 points

other Categories

Best Lead Costume: Village Boys (A-5, 253 points)

Best Off the Shoulder: Village Boys (A-2, 244 points)

Best Step Down: Village Boys (A-6, 260 points)

Best Choreography: Village Boys (E-2, 217 points)

Best Banner: Village Boys (A-7, 210 points)

B Division:

1st Place (Uncontested) - Tarpum Bay “Pineapples and Sun”

of the

Briland was back, bold and vibrant - Featured next issue

the Pictorial recap

year’s end eleuthera Junkanoo ends here, E L E u T

BACK AND BEATING

shown left are the trusted judges charged with evaluating each group according to the traditional criteria of Junkanoo, such as the quality of costuming, banners, choreography, music and adherence to stated themes among others.

tion”.

“commissioner-Designate Knowles, the road ahead will not be easy, but i am confident that you are ready for it,” he said. “ this nation believes in you, and i know you will inspire your team to deliver on the promise of a safer, stronger Bahamas.”

“as you take on this mantle of leadership, know that you have the support of this government, the royal Bahamas Police Force, and the people of the Bahamas,” Prime Minister Davis added. “ this is your time to lead, to inspire, and to deliver the change our country needs.

“We believe in you, commissionerDesignate Knowles, and we look forward to the brighter days your leadership will help us achieve.”

Prime Minister Davis noted that the issue of crime was not one that can be solved by the police alone, nor can it be addressed solely by Government policies. He added that it was a reflection of “something far deeper – a collective challenge that requires the attention, action, and commitment of every Bahamian”.

He said: “crime is not just about laws broken; it is about the erosion of the values that bind us together as a society. When families fracture, when communities turn inward, and when wrongdoing is tolerated because of familiarity or convenience, we all lose a piece of who we are.”

Prime Minister Davis added: “ this is not a problem of policing alone; it is a problem that calls on us to reflect as a nation. What do we stand for? What do we wish to pass on to future generations? these are not questions for the Police Force alone – they are questions

“You are the backbone of our nation’s safety, and i want you to know that better days are ahead,” he said. “ this Force will rise stronger, more united, and more committed to justice and integrity than ever before.”

“ to the people of the Bahamas, i know trust is earned, and your Police

Force is ready to earn it,” Prime Minister Davis added. “With your support and with their dedication, we will rebuild confidence and create a future where every community feels secure and safe.

“congratulations again commissioner-Designate Knowles. May the Lord continue to bless you and our beloved Bahamaland, and, of course, bless the royal Bahamas Police Force.”

Public notice

star ting Line Program Returns

Member of Parliament for central and south eleuthera, Minister clay sweeting announced in January the return of the “star ting Line” Program, commenting, “ this innovative program has assisted thousands of constituents by offering free convenient classes in core subjects inclusive of Math, english and science to prepare them to successfully participate in the upcoming BJc and BGcse examinations.

sume for increased opportunities, sign up for the star ting Line. Last year, we broke our record by registering over 350 participants. so, don’t miss this opportunity. You can’t finish strong if you don’t PrePare to race on the startinG Line!”

the free BGcse and BJc classes begin on January 27th, and will run daily, from 6pm to 8pm, until april 25th, 2025 - a duration of 12 weeks. the program is open to all ages, and are conducted via Zoom.

for every parent, teacher, leader, and citizen who calls this country home.”

He noted that the fight against crime required a whole-of-society response.

“i t begins with parents who teach their children respect and responsibility,” Prime Minister Davis said. “it continues with community leaders who foster unity and cooperation. i t demands a government that listens, adapts, and supports solutions that address the root causes of violence and lawlessness.”

He added: “We must all play our part. crime does not affect one community, one family, or one person – it affects us all. and so, the solution must come from all of us. i t will require not only enforcement but engagement. not only justice but fairness. not only leadership but shared responsibility.”

Prime Minister Davis said that society could not allow crime to “define us or to dictate the narrative of who we are”.

“ this is a moment to reclaim our sense of unity, to strengthen our communities, and to rebuild the trust that allows us to stand together as one people,” he said.

“Let us confront this challenge not with blame, but with determination. not with division, but with unity,” Prime Minister Davis added. “For the fight against crime is, at its heart, a fight for the soul of our nation. and it is a fight that we must face together.

to the men and women of the royal Bahamas Police Force, Prime Minister Davis said that that day marked the start of a “new era for this proud organizaAt

“Whether you are a student or an adult that wants to upgrade your re-

PG, 09

to register, members of the public should visit the following link: (https:// forms.gle/45cnxfZcrYBMmnx79). For further information, contact (242) 8195592 or email (teamsweeting2022@gmail.com).

Kirtland’s Warbler Young Artist Contest

train and then rowboat to locate the breeding grounds in northern Lower Michigan.

entries to the Kirtland’s Warbler 2025 Young ar tists’ calendar contest must demonstrate an understanding of the Kirtland’s warbler or any other creatures that live in the Great Lakes region’s unique jack pine forests, or its winter habitat in the Bahamas. “ they must be original pieces,” Meder said, noting students can submit their entries and submission forms via email.

“ this contest was originally started to engage students in Michigan and the Bahamas and help them understand that many wildlife species, like the Kirtland’s warbler, need help from human conservation efforts,” Meder said. “one way humans help wildlife is by creating and restoring habitat for them to raise young. so, this contest is a fun way to teach students how humans are helping the Kirtland’s warbler. some k ids really take it to heart and will draw in tractors, people planting trees, putting out wildfires and animals saying ‘ thank you,’” said Meder.

contest entry forms, rules, deadlines, submission instructions and judging criteria can be found on

the Kirtland’s Warbler 2025 Young ar tists’ calendar contest webpage linked on the Forests’ Website at fs.usda.gov/detail/hmnf/newsevents/?cid=FsePrD1219784. additional resources for researching the Kirtland’s warbler’s habitat and behavior are also located there. students, teachers and other interested artists should monitor the HMnFs’ Facebook page for updated links to the contest rules and forms starting Feb. 1.

the contest is a collaboration of the HMnFs, student conser vation association, american Bird conser vancy, the eastern national Forest interpretive association, and the Bahamas national trust the contest’s intent is to teach children about the rare Kirtland’s warbler and its habitat. Donations given for the calendars directly support the Us Forest ser vice Kirtland’s warbler educational efforts and this contest. all entries must be submitted no later than Feb. 28, to the Mio ranger District o ffice. ar twork entries become the property of the UsDa Forest service and will not be returned. For more information, contact Dana Meder or alison staelgraeve at 989-826-3252.

source: UsDa Forest ser vice

Royal Bahamas Police force Official handover Ceremony, office of the commissioner of Police, Friday, January 3rd, 2025, rose Garden, Police Headquarters. (Bis Photos/Patrick Hanna)

Local Election Results

has oversight of elections, whether local government or general elections. they got those ironed out, so the polls finally opened at 2:30 pm.” the time period allotted for voting at each poll is ten hours, so the polls in Governor’s Harbour did not officially close until 12:30 am on Friday morning.

remarking on some of the changes made to the recently amended Local Government act that would affect how town and district councils would operate going forward, Minister sweeting supplied, “With the new Local Government act, local council members will be able to raise funds, and be able to really do a lot more within their communities, and these new councils will now be a part of that. i think this may cause others to become more involved in the next local government elections, because now it is not just government subvention - because many people say that the money budgeted was not enough to do what they needed to do. But with councils able to now raise funding, they will have unlimited opportunity.”

He continued, “some of the other significant changes are that the councils now must follow the same procurement processes as central government. so, the days when you could just give a contract out without proper tender reports - that is no more. also, there is a portion where they can apply for rebates from central government if there is some funding that they felt should have come from taxes incurred, such as road traffic or that sort. they could apply for a rebate in that regard. there is also now a fixed date for local government elections going forward, which is the first time ever... the election date is now moved to be in line with the budgetary cycle, and will be held on the 3rd thursday in June.”

Unofficial results from all polling

stations across eleuthera were made available to the public on Friday, January 24th, 2025. in Governor’s Harbour, results for central eleuthera town councils were physically posted on the community notice board, located at the administrative complex. see the unofficial Local Government election results for eleuthera, Harbour island and spanish Wells, below:

Local Government election results:

Current island: Walter Munroe

Current: Bonnie-ann sawyer

Lower Bogue: Domonic Johnson

James Munroe

Damari Johnson

upper Bogue: rickey ricardo Belle

the Bluff : arnold Hasty

spanish Wells: esdale-Kemuel Underwood

Kole-Martin Pinder

rober t rober ts

Dean albur y Dahlia Mae sturrup

Hurbert-Wilson albur y Jonathan Higgs

harbour island:

Mario Grant

Mayzina Higgs

Justine Higgs

chanella Percentie

Harvey rober ts

Joseph John H.W. rober ts-Percentie

Jacquirria sawyer

Gregory town: (4 to be appointed) cordero rolle

hatchet Bay: (3 to be appointed)

Patricia Bain carol Pinder sheretha sands

James ’ Cistern: Windsor Bethel Jr. Frederick Decosta

Denario evans rose Kirby

anthon thompson

Governor’s harbour: andre Butler

carol Davis

samantha Gierszewski

shauna nairn

Kevin Pinder

Deon Johnson

Margaret seymour

Palmetto Point: sabria K. Bain

reginald Bodie

Gerrard coak ley

sais cooper

stanton cooper

suzanne nelus

Davia K. smith

s avannah sound: alva culmer

William Hilton

Philippa Kelly

shonique Kelly

natasha Wallace

tarpum Bay: Lawrence carey

ronald L. carey

Jaden Johnson

shawna Mccar tney

cranston Patram

Melinda Pelecanos

Barbara taylor

Rock sound:

Margaritta culmer

Margarita Hill

Lashonda Leary

Maxwell Leary

Danielle Maynard

carla symonette

Margaret Ward

Green Castle: (3 to be appointed)

Lillian richard-Petty

Donald Wright

Wemyss Bight:

craig collins

teran Mackey

terika Miller

clement thompson

McGregor Young deep Creek: (1 to be appointed)

shanelle Delancy

Jackson Jolly

Julius Kemp

Franceta Miller

Lower Bogue Community

on December 14th 2024, in a show of love, unity, and the spirit of Jesus christ, four impactful ministries — new vision Women’s inner circle, Joshua Generation, La’cacia’s Help from the Heart charity, and neveah Bedford Lend-a-Hand Foundation — joined forces to host a heartwarming community give-back event. With one powerful mission in mind, “Freely we have received, therefore freely we will give,” this collaboration was a testament to faith in action.

Held in the picturesque settlement of Lower Bogue, eleuthera, the event catered to over 200 residents, offering a range of support and joy. Families were blessed with free medical screenings, clothing, footwear, toys, books, and accessories. the celebration also featured mouth-watering local dishes, including souse, coconut Johnny cake, yellow grits, steamed mackerel, sausage, and tuna salad, alongside native teas

brewed from lemon grass, pear leaf, spice leaf, and rum leaf — a true taste of the islands!

organizers commented, “i t was more than just giving back; it was a moment of joy, peace, and unity as attendees danced, socialized, and enjoyed clean, wholesome fun. seeing lives touched, hearts uplifted, and the community come alive in fellowship was a powerful reminder of what “being the change” looks like. this event was a blessing to everyone involved, and we look forward to continuing to spread hope, love, and transformation in our communities. together, we shine the light of christ!”

the four partner ministries extended an invitation to others interested in being a part of future initiatives. For more details or partnership inquiries, contact (242) 470-1428/429-6860 or email (Joshuacentre242@gmail.com).

Officials (L-r): asst supt. Julian newbold; Family island administrator Lynton Pinder; Family island administrator therese Bootle; Permanent secretary anya symonette; Parliamentary secretary Kingsley smith; Minister the Hon. clay sweeting; Minister the Hon. Leon Lundy; acting Director Local Govt. Donald rolle; and chief supt. Frederick neely.

Vichum night Club 2.0

danced the night away under the stars and palm trees - feeling safe.

“We have created an environment of safety at the vicHum. 70 years our Percentie family have had this - and we are - in addition to attracting locals everyday, who come and give us all the good gossip, we have also attracted world class leaders and contributors. they didn’t choose to go to the fancy hotels on new Year’s eve. they chose to come to an authentic Bahamian

Public notice

Road traffic Act Amended

the amendment to the road traffic act passed in Parliament in June 2024 was made to ensure that only licenced and insured vehicles are allowed on our streets. according to the royal Bahamas Police Force, in 2024, more than 4,000 traffic tickets were issued for unlicenced and uninsured vehicles. the presence of unlicenced and uninsured vehicles on the road compromises public safety, and places road users at greater risk of loss. the road traffic (amendment) act, 2024 gives the royal Bahamas Police Force clear authority to act against unlicenced and uninsured vehicles and provides a platform for greater cooperation among key stakeholders, namely the road traffic Department, the royal Bahamas Police Force, and insurance companies.

i t is the firm position of the Government of the Bahamas that unlicenced and/or uninsured vehicles should not be on our streets. once a valid insurance policy is presented to the road traffic Department, your vehicle will be inspected and licenced. For 2025 renew-

owned institution.” JJ described himself and his brother elvis as ‘hard working men, and the future of Harbour island’. “We are from here, both of our parents are from here, and we are giving what we’ve got. and that is what Bahamians have got to begin doing.”

Rebirth of the Vichum 2.0:

recalling some of the work he and his brother did in 2023 to bring the vicHum, which had totally closed during the years of the pandemic, back to its former glory, JJ smiled and described, “on november 7th, 2023, my brother and i set a $20,000 budget. We started to take off the roof and several other things, and what we realized was that if we were going to do it - we were going to have to just spend every dollar we had. We created a stage, we cleaned it up - it took us a whole two weeks just to clean it up - and then we realized the marketing part of it was also imperative, as the vicHum had such a stain on the name. But we got at the bathrooms, and redid the bathrooms. We kept one portion of the club, and kept its authenticity. We got a new pool table and ping pong table. We replaced the basketball court. We built a stage,

als only, the road traffic Department will accept an existing, unexpired insurance policy. However, upon the expiration of the existing policy, the owner must ensure that they possess a valid insurance policy bearing a minimum coverage of 6 months.

all road users should ensure that confirmation of valid insurance coverage is always kept in their vehicles or easily available for presentation to the police at any time.

the Ministry of energy and transport, Ministry of Finance, road traffic Department, royal Bahamas Police Force, insurance commission of the Bahamas, and the Bahamas insurance association are continuing to dialogue to ensure that there is a full understanding of the amendment.

the insurance commission of the Bahamas has published proposed guidelines on its website, www.icb.gov.bs. these guidelines should be reviewed.

Members of the public are also encouraged to reach out to their insurance provider with any questions that they may have.

the Ministry of energy and transport and the road traffic Department remains committed to working with all stakeholders to keep our streets safe.

and then we added a verandah - at the front, which had been all dead space. so, now you are able to sit outside, which is my favorite spot.

He continued, “one of the other things we also did was we became a part of the business association. We’ve developed a back road business association. the idea for us is not for the vicHum 2.0 to just be a nightclub that does promotions, but to also be a pillar in this community. there are fourteen businesses that start from the top of the hill going straight to the church of God going east to the coral sands, and going west to Broader Way. now its not just a club, its a forum. i t ’s the Briland Forum. the fourteen businesses are all Bahamian, like Higgs construction, Kay’s Market, Ms. renee with her cakes, Mr. Darrel Johnson with 3D’s, the thompson’s family with plumbing, Peter Higgs who has come up so well with landscaping, Mr. Michael Higgs with his laundromat, Ms. Patrice Davis the convenience store, Mr. Matthew Morris also with a convenience store and others - these are all us, all Bahamian. We have hosted with the Harbour island all age school, ‘Briland Got talent’, a Lobster Head Fest - and that’s something we are going to do annually.... the holistic purpose of the association is protecting and supporting each other, and creating a neighbourhood of love for us, Brilanders.”

Going for ward:

about 2025, and the continued vision for vicHum 2.0, JJ shared, “With the renaming as vicHum 2.0, i just thought it was catchy - and we wanted to make sure everybody understood that it was under new management. We do not allow any drugs, or dope smoking. there is strict security... i t ’s now a community forum for all of us. i t ’s not just a business. this is a representation of what Bahamian families can do, and generational wealth being built. this is ours. We look forward now to opening up ‘conch town’ this year, a small kitchen - and look to continue maintaining our high standard. We will be open during the day into the late night, and hope to offer things like rotisserie chicken, wraps, tacos, wings and fries and the like.

“i will also be going back to work, doing weddings, and taking on clients for the 2026 season - doing bigger weddings and bigger productions.

i will work along with every other wedding planner, with the idea of some aspect of the wedding experience being at the vicHum - your bachelorette party, your after-party, your cocktail party - should all be done at the vicHum. i t ’s authentic.”

He added, “My vision for next year’s gala is also big. the way that i feel about it is that everybody who is a part of this team did their job... i t came together well, and it will echo into something bigger. We worked extremely hard, and will continue the work.”

Proprietor JJ Percentie stands with a welcomed guest during Gala night at vicHum 2.0. (Photo by Sophia Taylor Photography)

After the Balloon Drop, the crowd enjoys live music under the stars during Gala night at the vicHum 2.0. (Photo by Sophia Taylor Photography)

All of Harbour island were welcome on new Year’s eve at the vicHum 2.0. new owner JJ Percentie stands on right. (Photo by Sophia Taylor Photography)

Appreciate this

As a retired educator and former primary school principal, Mrs. Karen Crean, each year presents a selection of reading books for classroom libraries to several kindergarten and primary schools during the Christmas term. This year, presentations were made to Agape Pre-School and Nursery, Kids ‘R’

Picture this

Us Pre-School and Nursery, Emily G. Petty Primary School, and the Emma E. Cooper Primary School. Her goal and objective, says Mrs. Crean, “is to encourage and motivate students to read for enjoyment, improve literacy skills and foster an appreciation for fictional and nonfictional literature.”

Qu I NAE C A r E S Br E AKFAST G I v E AWAy

Quinae Carey, a 9 year-old from Tarpum Bay, organized a free breakfast event for her community. With a big heart and an even bigger smile, she worked to bring people together over a

warm meal and a shared sense of connection.

The breakfast, held on Saturday morning, December 28th, 2024 at Barbies Takeaway, a local eatery in Tarpum Bay, featured a delicious spread of tuna salad, steamed sausage and water for a drink, all served with care. Quinae was involved every step of the way, from planning the menu to helping serve the food.

When asked why she decided to host the event, Quinae said, “I just wanted everyone to have a good morning and feel happy. Riding with my mom in her jeep and giving to all the seniors was the highlight of my giveback.”

The event brought together friends, and families, reminding everyone of the power of small acts of

kindness. Many attendees expressed their gratitude, noting how such gestures strengthen the bonds within the community.

Quinae’s efforts are a good example of how even the youngest among us can make a big difference. The heartwarming breakfast not only filled plates but also hearts, inspiring others to give back in their own unique ways.

Young Quinae expressed, “I want to say thanks to my mom, Chenara Carey, my dad, Quinton Carey, Mrs. Keva Varence and Mrs. Beryl Carey Knowles for helping me pull the event off and Mr. Marco Bethel in Rock Sound.”

A promise made by Quinae was to host more community events in the future.

Quinae carey

Presentation to children at Kids r Us preschool in Governor’s Harbour.

All smiles with children at the emily G. Petty Primary school.

mrs. Karen Crean presenting a selection of books to students at emma e cooper Primary school in Palmetto Point.