Theeleutherannewspaper sept2017

Eleuthera, Harbour Island & Spanish Wells

Harbour Island Spanish Wells Eleuthera

Volume 10, Issue 9, October 2017

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

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RBPF: New OIC Eleuthera District takes over as Supt. Wright moves on. pg:26

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RBPF Ceremony Welcomes New OIC Chief Supt.

Stephen Adderley; Says Goodbye to Supt. Christopher Wright

BY THE ELEUTHERAN NEWS TEAM

the occasion. Members of the executive team within the RBPF Eleuthera Division from Harbour Island, ASP Nigel Rolle; South Eleuthera, ASP Neely; North Eleuthera, ASP Lawrence Adderley; and the Police Reserves, ASP Carl Pinder - all took time to bring remarks and comment on their individual experiences, working with, and leading with Superintendent Wright, during his OIC tenure.

Pictured: (L-R) Supt. Christopher Wright hands over the reigns to Chief Supt. Stephen Adderley

On Wednesday morning, September 20th, 2017, the entire Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) within the Eleuthera Division, came together at the Worker’s House Complex in Governor’s Harbour to attend a handover ceremony, which saw Superintendent Wright, RBPF OIC for Eleuthera since 2014, formally handover the post to

incoming Chief Superintendent Stephen Adderley, new OIC for the Eleuthera Division.

The ceremony which got underway at about 11am was opened with an invocation by Priest Warden for the St. Patrick’s Anglican Church, Mr. Arthur Turnquest. Incredible vocal talent, Ms. Malikah Pinder, also serenaded the RBPF team members gathered together for

Many of the remarks were heartfelt, with several of the men stopping midway to hold sway over their emotions, lest a tear would fall. Wright was described as firm, fair and on time, with a favorite phrase, “ You don’t have to like me, but do your job. Many of them also thanked him for allowing them to improve themselves, professionally. Wright was dubbed as a big brother, and someone they emulated, saying, “The only way

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RBPF Handover Continued from pg. 4

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NOTICE: Youth Month Activities

Pictured: Newly installed OIC Eleuthera District Stephen Adderley

to do it was the ‘right’ way - this is one Force.”

Superintendent Wright then took the opportunity to respond to his Eleuthera colleagues, and urged them to hold the fort down in Eleuthera, and to not let any criminal elements get out of hand. He admonished them to keep up with community patrols, and being visible. Superintendent Wright commented that he had done his best while in Eleuthera, giving ‘service above self’, and asked the team gathered to continue to keep Eleuthera safe.

He then handed the podium over to incoming OIC Chief Superintendent Stephen Adderley to deliver his very first charge to the Eleuthera Division RBPF team.

OIC Adderley addressed the officers gathered, telling them that he had high expectations of them, and was very proud of what he had seen during the three day handover process, where he had accompanied Wright to every Police Station throughout Eleuthera, Harbour Island and Spanish Wells to meet the team members and inspect the physical plant.

He assured his new colleagues that they would continue to build on the foundation built by OIC Wright, and that he looked forward to working with each of them.

A 34 year veteran of the RBPF, having begun his career with the Force in 1983, Chief Superintendent Adderley is no stranger to Eleuthera, or working within the Family Island setting. 16 years of his career were spent on various Family Islands, including 4 years in Spanish Wells, as well as a stint in Gregory Town, Eleuthera. OIC Adderley has accumulated a wide variety of experiences during his stellar career, moving from Constable up through the ranks to Chief Superintendent. In addition to his years spent in the Family Islands, he also spent time in Prosecutions, was an Executive Assistant to the Police Commissioner, attended the F.B.I. College, spent time at The National Defense University in Washington D.C, U.S.A., and as Commandant at the Police Training College in New Providence. His last posting before transferring in

New Administrator for Central Eleuthera, Mr. Gilbert Kemp recently spearheaded the formation of the Central Eleuthera Youth Council, responsible for organizing activities within the district for October’s Youth Month activities, as well as future initiatives. In cooperation with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture a number of events have been planned; including, an ALL ELEUTHERA Youth March and Rally on October 29th, as well as a Central Eleuthera Youth Awards Banquet on November 18th, 2017. North Eleuthera and South Eleuthera will also host Youth Awards Ceremonies in October. Dates to be announced. Pictured are the members of the Central Eleuthera, Youth Council. Demetrius Johnson, Anishka George, Nigel Sands, Camille Campbell, Jasmine Ferguson, Gilbert Kemp (Administrator) and Clara Young (Ministry of Youth, Eleuthera). as the new OIC in Eleuthera was in the Southern Division in New Providence, where Superintendent Wright takes up his post in October.

New OIC Adderley commented on his immediate outlook for the island, saying, “I look forward to building on the beautiful foundation that Supt.

Wright has left, including community involvement and interaction, and ensuring that we have a… I can’t say crime free, because you always have crime, but that we reduce the level of crime within the Eleuthera district.”

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National Exam Results Report 2017:

Eleuthera’s Top Achievers At the end of August 2017, the Ministry of Education released a detailed report of the results of the 2017 Bahamas Junior Certificate (BJC) and the Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) examinations.

The statement by the Ministry of Education below preceded the details of the report:

“As usual some students have achieved excellent results this year, some have experienced positive growth and some have not done as well as expected. It is pleasing to note that there have been increases in several subjects inclusive of BJC mathematics which could have a direct influence on the number of students meeting the requirement for the award of the Bahamas

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High School Diploma. However, in an effort to address deficiencies in the educational system, the Ministry along with teachers, parents and students must come together if we are to achieve the level of success we desire.”

An excerpt from the report follows: “BAHAMAS JUNIOR CERTIFICATE (BJC) EXAMINATION 2017 REPORT: The year 2017 marks the twenty-fourth sitting of the Bahamas Junior Certificate examinations since its re-introduction in 1994.

Approximately twelve thousand one hundred twenty (12,120) candidates from a total of one hundred twenty centers were registered to sit examinations for the thirteen subjects offered.

The candidates came from sixty-seven (67) independent/private centers and fifty–three (53) government schools. This represents a 3.48% increase over 2016. The total number of grades awarded in 2017 was 44,358 as compared to

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2016 which was 41,957. This represents an increase of 5.723%. Again this year, Mathematics and Language Arts were the two most heavily subscribed subjects. Three subjects improved this year. They are Mathematics, Religious Studies and English Language.

CENTERS IN ELEUTHERA THAT IMPROVED IN GRADE POINT AVERAGE WHEN COMPARED TO 2016: Central Eleuthera High Deep Creek Middle School Eleuthera Private Harbour Island All Age North Eleuthera High Preston Albury High Samuel Guy Pinder All Age Windermere High In 2017, a total of one thousand four hun-

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IMMIGRATION Chief provides update and outlines actions being taken to curtail illegal activity.

BY THE ELEUTHERAN NEWS TEAM

Chief Immigration Officer for Eleuthera, Mrs. Shema Darling, stated that the Immigration Department on island had upgraded their ‘intelligence’ capabilities, and were now even better equipped to carry out their duties.

Between January and September of 2017, approximately 400 immigrants were apprehended throughout Eleuthera, either residing in or attempting to enter the Bahamas illegally, with what was described by Immigration officials as very limited manpower. The summer months of 2017 was said to have had a surge of illegal sloop landings on Eleuthera, with Immigration responding to seven of them, and reports of at least three others that may have possibly made landfall undetected. Special thanks was conveyed to the Royal Bahamas Police Force for their continued support given to the Immigration team on island.

In addition to illegal immigrants apprehended during the year, several people were placed before the courts in Eleuthera. One American national was charged and found guilty for possession

of dangerous drugs. The individual was fined with a conditional discharge. Two Haitian nationals were charged with aiding in illegal landing and found guilty.

Work permits were revoked and the two individuals were deported. Another Haitian national was charged with harbouring illegal migrants. She was deported along with her husband, who was found guilty of aiding in illegal landing, and their three children. Residents were reminded that any person found engaging in illegal activities would be charged and could face fines and/or imprisonment.

Mrs. Darling stated that the government is presently working on several amendments to legislation, making provisions for the arrest and prosecution of people found to be involved in the practice of renting to illegal migrants, as well as those purporting marriages of convenience. Also table, she said, were increases in the penalties regarding the various infractions, which could range from 3 to 5 years imprisonment and fines up to $10,000.

A main current concern are people working outside of the scope of their permit, as it pertains to either their job description or their employer, expressed Mrs. Darling. “There will be a ma-

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jor crackdown on that,” she said. Also, she shared that many documented immigrant parents came in during the summer months to regularize their children. They were encouraged to continue to do so. “This is a continuous effort, so it’s not too late. They can still come in.” She did however, emphasize that the parents must have legal status.

Regarding work permit renewals, Mrs. Darling advised that they should be submitted at least one month prior to the expiration date.

Also, when submitting a renewal application, all required documents would now have to be presented at one time, and that incomplete applications were no longer being accepted.

All documents in a foreign language must be submitted with translations and apostilled (verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

All translations must also have the $10 postal stamp affixed. A reminder was also given to ensure that all permit renewal applications included an NIB (National Insurance Board) letter of good standing. (A complete list of required supporting documents is included below.)

People who have submitted renewal applications, and wish to travel, were advised that travel letters are no longer issued from the local offices in Eleuthera. Requests for travel letters could still be submitted through Eleuthera Immigration offices, however, Mrs.

Darling advised those travelers to submit their request at least two weeks before their travel dates, to give ample time for their request to be facilitated through New Providence. Processed travel letters, clarified Mrs. Darling, could be collected through the Eleuthera offices, or from the airport in New Providence.

Mrs. Darling advised, that all employers seeking to employ a foreign national, must have that person provide documents stamped from their homeland and must show proof that they are not presently in the country. The department, she said, will not consider any first time applications of people who are in the Bahamas at the time of application. She advised that employers with first time applications already submitted, have the potential employee leave the Bahamas and provide proof of departure, submit those documents and have them wait in their homeland until approval is granted.

She explained, “Those people must leave and return to their homeland to be verified at the Bahamian embassy or consulate office.

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PM Minnis Outlines Plans to Revitalize Family Island Economies

By Matt Maura, BIS

ConTACT NUMBER 1-242-422-9350 The Eleutheran

NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Minnis Administration is committed to providing Crown Land grants to Bahamians – especially descendants of the various Family Islands -- for a variety of economic projects including tourism, niche agriculture, aquaculture and other areas as incentives for the sustainable economic development of the Family Islands.

This includes providing incentives for the development of small, environmentally friendly boutique hotels, bonefish lodges and other small, quality resorts through marketing and promotional support.

A major objective of the plan is to empower descendants of the various Family Islands to return to their place of birth as part of an overarching plan to revitalize and rejuvenate Family Island economies.

“The key to the sustain-

able economic growth of The Bahamas includes (the) untapped potential of the Family Islands,” Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis said Monday.

“We want to help empower descendants of these islands to return to their place of birth to revive, rejuvenate and invest in their communities.”

Delivering the keynote address at the Official Opening Ceremony of the Department of Local Government’s Leadership Training Conference, which opened Monday evening (September 25, 2017) at Melia Nassau Beach resort, Cable Beach, Prime Minister Minnis said, for its part, the government has a responsibility to ensure that the Family Islands are platforms for development by investing in infrastructure such as airports, health centres, roads, potable water and other public facilities

and amenities.

“Local Government should also be strengthened to help make crucial decisions related to the overall economic growth, development and governance of our islands. Toward this end, we hope to explore possibilities for you as Local Government officials, to raise capital for specific, pre-approved, strategic projects for advancing your island’s economic development,” Prime Minister Minnis added.

Prime Minister Minnis said the development of heritage sites and related activities, will help to “preserve and protect” the natural environment and create cultural sites that can be showcased for Bahamians and tourists alike.

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Immigration Continued from pg. 9 was submitted would suffice, and the interview can be conducted. Failure to do this would further delay the approval process.”

She warned that failure to adhere to the verification policy by both employer and employee could lead to them being arrested and charged for illegal hiring and working without a valid work permit.

Another important policy Mrs. Darling wanted the public to be aware of was the policy instituted by the Bahamas Government requiring all residents of the Bahamas to have a government issued passport of their homeland. This policy requires all people born in the Bahamas to foreign parents to obtain a passport of their parents’ homeland. “This does not prevent one from obtaining Bahamian Citizenship, rather it makes the process easier when applying for citizenship as documents required would have already been gathered,” she explained.

Further to this policy, she added, all people in the Bahamas are required to have some form of legal status, whether it be citizenship, naturalization, permanent residency, belonger’s permit, work permit, permit to reside or as a visitor.

Any person not having any of the aforementioned status documents would face arrest, prosecution and deportation. “Let me take this opportunity to remind people born in the Bahamas, that the period for applying for citizenship in the Bahamas is one year, from the eighteenth to the nineteenth birthday. After that period one can still be naturalized,” added Mrs. Darling.

“In keeping with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, and the Director of Immigration’s mandate, we are not only continuing but we are increasing our efforts to apprehend all people residing in Eleuthera, and the Bahamas illegally,” said Mrs. Darling, adding, “Here in Eleuthera we are continuing with random patrols of communities and known hotbeds of illegal activity. We will continue our surveillance of the major transportation hubs, including the ferry docks and airports as well as conducting checks of all domestic and international aircraft and boats entering our district.

“We will remain vigilant in executing our three mandated duties of facilitating and regulating the movement of people throughout the Bahamas; timely processing of applications for permits, residency and citizenship; and last, but not least, protecting our borders for future generations.”

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Three Seriously Injured In Boating Accident In North Eleuthera

BY THE ELEUTHERAN NEWS TEAM On Saturday, August 26th, 2017, two speedboats manned by both Bahamian and Haitian nationals, all employees of a Harbour Island winter resident of U.K. nationality and owner of both vessels, went out on a day long fishing expedition, accompanied by an unconfirmed number of visitors. On their return to Harbour Island near dusk on Saturday, one of the speedboats were reported to have collided into Royal Island Cay.

Pictured: Damaged vessel up against the rocks.

All four men on the speedboat were said to have been ejected from the vessel as a result of the impact. They were assisted

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Boat Accident Continued from pg. 10 by occupants within the second speedboat, and taken to nearby Spanish Wells, where the four men were seen by local medical personnel at the Spanish Wells Clinic.

Three of the men received serious injuries, and were airlifted into New Providence for further treatment. Two of the seriously injured men, one Bahamian (William Higgs of Harbour Island), and one Haitian national (Harold Cadichon of Harbour Island), were listed as stable, according to local authorities. The third seriously injured man, a visitor of Spanish nationality (Montesdeoca Perez), received critical head injuries, and as of Monday, August 28th, 2017 was still under observation after surgery on Sunday, August 27th, 2017, in New Providence, said officials. Perez was later said to have been transported to Spain for further medical treatment.

The fourth man involved in the incident, a Haitian national (Raymond BienAime) was reported to have been released after being seen by medical personnel in Spanish Wells.

Pictured: Damaged vessel

The scene was revisited on Sunday morning, August 28th, 2017, by local Police, and the vessel involved in the incident was towed to Spanish Wells, where it is currently being kept for safekeeping. The incident remains an open investigation by the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

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Pictured: (L-R) Mr. Teddy Petty, Principal Tanya Pinder and Mr. Arthur Turnquest

GHDA Gives Generous Donation to the GH

Primary School O n M o n d a y m o r n i ng, Septem b e r 2 5 t h , 2 0 1 7 , t h e Governor ’s H a r b o u r D e v e l o p m ent Associat i o n ( G H D A ) , r e p resented by P r e s i d e n t , M r. Te d dy Petty and Tr e a s u r e r, M r. A rthur Turnq u e s t , p r e s e n t e d a generous do n a t i o n o f $ 5 , 0 0 0 t o the Govern o r ’s H a r b o u r P r i mary School, w h i c h w a s a c c e p t e d by Princip a l , M r s . P i n d e r.

M r. Tu r n q u e s t commented d u r i n g t h e p r e s e n tation, sayi n g , “ I t ’s a p r i v i l e ge for both m y s e l f a n d Te d d y to be here w i t h y o u t h i s m o r n ing, and we a r e d e l i g h t e d t o b e here to make t h i s p r e s e n t a t i o n . We were here l a s t w e e k v i s i t i n g with Princip a l P i n d e r, a n d s h e showed us a r o u n d , a n d w e s a w some of the c h a l l e n g e s t h a t y o u have here at

the primary school. So we made it our business to do something to bring about some change, so that you can enjoy yourselves, and learn in an environment that is safe and conducive. As a result of that visit, we are here this morning, and we hope it will go a long way.”

Mrs. Pinder, graciously accepted the donation from the community group, and the children of the school, who were all gathered for the morning assembly, expressed a very resounding thank you to the representatives of the GHDA. Principal Pinder shared that the funds would go to a number of needed projects around the school’s campus.

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WSC Disappointed In Release of Customer Private Information.

Nassau, New Providence – The Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) was disappointed to see the headlines in today’s papers, detailing the alleged outstanding bills of its customers. This list was neither officially nor formally released by the corporation and WSC will not comment on the integrity of the information nor on their clients’ accounts publically.

“We take very seriously the release of customers’ information to the public,” said General Manager of Water and Sewerage Corporation, Glen Laville “Those responsible for illegal disclosure of private records to the media will be dealt with

severely once found. This action does not reflect the values of our organization or our commitment to our clients. We sincerely apologize to our valued customers and assure them that this is not a practice that WSC engages in.”

The Water and Sewerage Corporation services many thousands of clients through-out The Bahamas.

As a matter of courtesy, we employ a number of methods to contact our customers about outstanding balances. We do not have a ‘no disconnect’ list.

National Heroes Day

Monday, Oct. 9, 2017 The second Monday in October, formerly known as “Discovery Day” or “Columbus Day,” has now been dedicated to honoring Bahamian national heroes Breast since 2013. An official National Heroes Day ceremony is held with a keynote speech by the Prime Cancer Minister, and heroes from a cross-section of civil Awareness Month society are celebrated with a week of activities.

Many people enjoy the day with family gatherings The One Eleuthera Foundaand beach picnics. tion and Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Outreach Program have partnered to highlights in Sept/oct 2017 organize a full slate of activities during the month of October, in recognition of Breast North Eleuthera Sailing Regatta Cancer Awareness Month.

Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017 to Monday, Oct. 9, 2017 Activities begin on October This is a major event within the islands. Class A, B, 1st at the Ebenezer Baptist and C sailing sloops are invited for competition.

Church in Governor’s HarThe onshore activities include live band perforbour at 11am, at the launch of mances, cultural shows, native music, food and the month’s packed program. drinks.

For more information, conLocation: Homecoming Site tact: 334-2714 or visit www.

Dunmore Town,Harbour Island oneeleuthera.org.

Contact Information: Mrs. Lucy Johnson (242) 333-3031 Leon Levy Nature Pre-

serve Halloween Party Wemyss Bight Homecoming Festival Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017 to Monday, Oct. 9, 2017 7:00pm - 12:00am This festival was designed to bring nationals and visitors to Wemyss Bight to celebrate and reminisce about bygone days. It features talent shows, Bahamian food and drinks, live band performances, and local crafts.

Location: Homecoming Site, Wemyss Bight CE Contact Information: Mr. Mackery Nixon (242) 467-5441

The Leon Levy Preserve in partnership with the Rotoract Club of Eleuthera, will host their 2017 Annual Halloween Party, under the theme, “Do you see what I see!”, on Saturday, October 28th, 2017 at 6pm. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids.

Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes (both adults and kids).

Business Highlights: end of summer- SPECIALS !!

North Eleuthera Shopping Center (The Bluff - 335-1880 or 225-0964) - Page 20/21 Your Friendly Store (Tarpum Bay - 334-4600) - Page 9 Sophisticated U (Palmetto Point - 332-0099) - Page 4 Eleuthera Supply (Governor’s Harbour - 332-2728) - Page 12 JC Discount Superstore (James’ Cistern - 335-6049/Gregory Town 335-5672) - Page 27 Midway Cost Cutter (Savannah Sound - 332-6066) - Page 8 The Shoe Village (Order Online - www.TheShoeVillage.com) Page 7 The Market Supermarket (Rock Sound) - Page 17 Miden’s Wholesale (Lower Bogue) - Page 11

School Events:

Mid Term Break: School’s break for the Fall Midterm on October 26th and 27th, 2017.

Youth Month Activities New Administrator for Central Eleuthera, Mr. Gilbert Kemp recently spearheaded the formation of the Central Eleuthera Youth Council, responsible for organizing activities within the district for October’s Youth Month activities, as well as future initiatives. In cooperation with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture a number of events have been planned; including, an ALL ELEUTHERA Youth March and Rally on October 29th, as well as a Central Eleuthera Youth Awards Banquet on November 18th, 2017.

North Eleuthera and South Eleuthera will also host Youth Awards Ceremonies in October. Dates to be announced.

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GHB airport undergoing important changes: FUEL AVAILABILITY

AND A RELOCATION OF DEPARTURES AMONG THEM

BY THE ELEUTHERAN NEWS TEAM

It’s not an overhauling Central Government project, but significant changes and upgrades are being actioned at the Governor’s Harbour airport facility by Assistant Airport Manager, Holly Pearce-Barrett, who joined the team there in July 2017.

Additionally, local general aviation services company, Earco Elite, began offering fuel services at the Governor’s Harbour airport, after many years of unavailability, on Monday, Sep-

tember 18th, 2017, with both A1 Jet fuel, as well as, AV Gas now available, for both private and commercial aircraft. Plans for a grand opening during the month of October are also underway.

“I came on in July, with my training and some fresh eyes, and background of working on Half Moon Cay with Carnival, and saw some things that we could improve on,” said Holly, adding, “I looked at the people going through our airport as guests, and wanted them to enjoy being with us, not just showing up ten minutes before a flight, because of not wanting to spend

ROCK SOUND MAN DIES IN SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT ALONG QUEEN’S HIGHWAY

BY THE ELEUTHERAN NEWS TEAM

Very early on Sunday morning, September 3rd, 2017, shortly after 4am, Police Officers at the Rock Sound station received a report of a traffic accident on Queen’s Highway in Rock Sound, Eleuthera.

The Officers who responded discovered a black 2003 Suzuki Vitara jeep which had been traveling south along Queen’s Highway and driven by an adult male, accompanied by three male passengers, which had collided into a casuarina tree on the western side of the highway.

An adult male front seat passenger, 22 year old, Kazim Brown of Rock Sound, was reported to have been trapped in the vehicle and succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The driver, along with the two remaining passengers were all transported to the Rock Sound Clinic in serious condition. Police say that investigations are ongoing into the fatal incident, which is now under review with the Traffic Division in New Providence.

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any time in the airport - as well as for International travelers, and the visit to the airport being more of an extension of their vacation… Making a lasting impression when they arrive, and completing their positive experience as they leave.”

To this end, Holly, observing that the security and screening equipment needed for both international and domestic flights was currently located in the international terminal - in consultation with her team at the airport, took the decision to repurpose the current buildings on site.

The former international terminal, will now house all departures, both international and domestic, as well as domestic arrivals. The former domestic terminal will service international arrivals, and house offices for Bahamas Immigration, as well as Bahamas Customs, in addition to airline offices, and air traffic service offices.

“The possibilities will be endless. If we prepare ourselves, upgrade our services, and upgrade the experience, we will attract both more commercial and private traffic. So we have to rise to the challenge and prepare in advance,” said Holly. “We are the best island in the Bahamas, with the best people, the best beaches - we have everything here, so I would like to see some of that reflected here at the airport.”

Repainting and polishing up the outside presentation of the terminals have already begun, and the new manager stated that the team at the Governor’s Harbour Airport was partnering with the Ministry of Works to provide the manpower for the restructuring.

Plans are to move current retail offerings into the all-departures terminal as well, with expanded choices for the traveling public. Initial terminal changes, said Holly, are expected to be seen by midOctober.

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Bold encroachments on public beach access sparks action

BY THE ELEUTHERAN NEWS TEAM

The public access road to Twin Coves beach on the Atlantic coast of Governor’s Harbour, which local residents have watched grow smaller and smaller during the past several decades, was about to receive its final death knell, as new property owners along its southern border had a wall erected, and small coconut palms boldly planted along the middle of the access way, in addition to brush and debris deposited on another section of the already narrowed path.

The recent obstructions were discovered by locals trying to access the

beach during the month of September 2017.

Reaction was quick, with an appeal made to Local Government leaders in the Central Eleuthera area to rectify the situation, which brought to a head, a ticklish issue festering just below the surface, as a result of foreign development of the Eleuthera coastline continuing to grow over the years with little oversight and little protection for public access.

After confirming with the original property owners that a ten foot public access road was indeed part of the area, local leaders proceeded to clear away the recently erected obstruc-

tions to the access path, with plans to properly clear and signpost the location.

One of the issues, pointed out Member of Parliament, Mr. Hank Johnson, who had the opportunity to speak with new property owners in the Twin Coves area, as well as concerned local residents, may be with buyers not being clearly informed about the public nature of beaches in the country and public accesses near their properties.

Additionally, traditional public access ways have not always been properly deeded, especially in instances when large swathes of land have been purchased by developers from or through the government, as is the case with French Leave, highlighted, Mr. Roderick Pinder, Chief Councilor with the

Central Eleuthera District Council, revealing that public access roads there have been a topic of conversation and negotiation for a number of years.

“Twin Coves is just one among many of the beach accesses on the northern shores, that we need to deal with,” said Mr. Pinder, “It’s not a new problem… but we are doing everything we can at this level to solve the problem. We have an idea where they are, but most of the foreign homeowners are holding documents from lands and surveys, which say their property is here and here.

We cannot dispute that... So we have to de-

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Triple Book Release By Pastor Clarice Thompson

Beach Access Continued from pg. 16

termine where the beach accesses are located, how wide they are - and where we can go and clear. That’s the question we need answered… So one of the first problems we need to solve is to properly identify them.”

Mr. Pinder acknowledged that the Local Council was limited in its means to tackle the first hurdle, saying, “A problem we have at the Local Council level are the resources to get it done, so we are working with Mr. Johnson, the Member of Parliament, who had beach access as a part of his platform, and is determined… He would have the resources and the connections with the governing authorities, to follow the correct protocols. He is the representative, and we have the concern at the local level - we identified it as an issue within the community. He represents the community, and is the one to interface with these people to get the job done. I have taken the matter as far as I can.”

However, determined to see progress on this issue this time, Mr. Pinder declared, “We intend to fight to make sure that the public maintains the little access that it has to those shores…

If nothing happens, we will have to continue to agitate through media - that’s step two.”

Three known public access points along the Banks Road that Local Government has been aware of for some time, said Mr. Pinder, but without the resources to properly clear them are the Twin Coves access, an access opposite the Levy Preserve, and another in the area of Tippy’s restaurant parking lot.

Pastor Clarice Thompson, of Global Outreach Ministries in James’ Cistern, Central Eleuthera hosted a 3-in-1 book launch on the evening of Monday, September 25th, 2017 at the church, which began at 7pm.

She released three publications.

The first, “911, Wounded But Not Dead… Fight to the Finish”, which she was inspired to write, after a violent encounter in January 2017, shares the struggles and challenges she’s faced during the course of her life, revealing God’s healing strength and marvelous purpose. “It will bless and tell you how I’ve overcome my wounds, challenges & adversities,” described Clarice.

The second, called, “Helpful Nuggets For Singles”, is filled with thoughtful tips and advice for those who have not yet tied the knot, and the third book released was, “Inspirational Quotes For Everyday Living”.

Above: Pastor Clarice

Thompson shares collage with her books covers.

Pastor Clarice Thompson is married to Pastor Orlando Thompson, and they are blessed with one daughter, Hadassah.

All three books are now available at Global Outreach Ministries, and on Amazon. com (search for: Clarice Thompson).

For further information, contact Global Outreach Ministries at (242) 335-6360.

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Local

Sep/Oct 2017

EDUCATION: New District Supt.

takes up post on island. mRS. hELEN sIMMONS-JOHNSON MOVES ON.

gust 21st and Tuesday, August 22nd, Mrs. Simmons-Johnson commented that there were othBY THE ELEUTHERAN NEWS TEAM er changes in staffing occurring within the Eleuthera district as well.

New District Superintendent District Superintendent (DS) for Education in Eleuthera, Mrs. Hel- for Education in Eleuthera, Mrs. en Simmons-Johnson, confirmed Myrtle Y. McPhee, an educator in late August that she had been for 43 years, arrived during the transferred from her post in Eleu- final week in August from her thera. She served as Education last posting as Principal with the DS on island for five years, hav- Anatol Rodgers High School in ing taken up her post in August of the Southwestern district of New 2012, in place of outgoing DS, Mr. Providence. Still very new to the Harcourt Davis, who had served in island, Mrs. McPhee, stated in Pictured: New District Superintendent an interview on September 22nd, Eleuthera for one year. for Education in Eleuthera, Mrs. Myrtle Y. In a brief interview during the that her vision for the education McPhee recent National Public School system on the island was in alignAdministrators’ Conclave held in ment with the Ministry of Educaschool year, “Understand the Whole PicNew Providence on Monday, Au- tion’s theme for the 2017/2018 ture, and Image the Finished Product.”

“That is, understanding what education is all about, and beginning with the end in mind - where you will be taking the stu-

Ministry of Education STATEMENT STEPHEN DILLET / DEATH OF STUDENTS

It is with profound sadness that we write to inform the public that one of our students, Eugene Woodside of Albury Sayle Primary School, was the unfortunate victim of a stray bullet from a shooting that occurred on Monday, September 25th.

We also regret to inform the public of the untimely passing of 16 year old Aaliyah Mackey of Stapledon School, who passed away in hospital earlier this morning.

It has been brought to our attention that both students were well loved and touched the lives of many. Our sincere condolences and thoughts go out to the family and friends of our students and the wider Albury Sayle Primary School and the Stapledon School Community.

During this time, as the school communities process the tragic news and cope with grief, the Ministry of Education has activated its counseling and bereavement support services to the students, staff and families affected. Five additional school counselors have been deployed to Albury Sayle Primary School today to assist with grief counseling. Psychological services are also being offered for those students in need.

To the Albury Sayle and Stapledon family and community, once again we convey our deepest sympathy and profound condolences. We hope that time and the memories will lessen the burden of your sorrow, and that you may draw some measure of comfort knowing that others care and share in your loss.

May the souls of the dearly departed rest in eternal peace. For more information regarding the grief counseling services provided by theMinistry of Education please contact Senior Education Officer Zoe Powell, at: 502 - 2700

www. EleutheraNews . com dents,” Mrs. McPhee explained.

She added, “Our goal for this year is to improve students’ overall performance, in terms of the Bahamas High School Diploma, with the long term goal of increasing the number of graduates from 50% to 85% by 2030. I also met a vision already in place here in Eleuthera, for all the schools to be top performing schools, with top performing students.”

The Eleuthera district, presently, has five public high schools/all age schools, and twelve primary schools.

To parents on island, Mrs. McPhee, commented, “It’s really important for parents to understand the role that they play in supporting their children and ensuring that they are doing the necessary things to help their children to be good students. Also, that they are following the rules and regulations relative to the schools. Parents should also support their principals and teachers.”

The new school year did bring changes in the administration of several of the schools on island, confirmed Mrs. McPhee. Within the primary schools, Mrs. Karen Crean, longstanding educator and Principal of the Emma E. Cooper Primary school in Palmetto Point, formally retired at the end of the 2016/2017 school year after more than 40 years of service in education. Her post was filled by Terrie Butler, who served most recently at the Tarpum Bay Primary school. Rupert Anderson, former Principal at Deep Creek Primary, also retired after a longserving career. His post was taken up by Principal Charmaine Alday. Vernessa Scott Johnson is also now the new Principal at James’ Cistern Primary, following the transfer of the former Principal to P. A. Gibson Primary in Hatchet Bay. No changes were seen in the Principal positions within the public High schools in the Eleuthera District for the upcoming year. They remain as follows: Samuel Guy Pinder All Age - Mrs. Chardel Brown-Gibson; Harbour Island All Age - Mr. Kevin Hepburn; North Eleuthera High - Mr. Michael Culmer; Central Eleuthera High - Mrs. Marie Galanis; and Preston Albury High - Mrs. Fontella Knowles.

National

Online at www.EleutheraNews.com

Picture This: Evacuees Going back home

By Sydnei L. Isaacs Bahamas Information Services

NASSAU, The Bahamas-- The remaining evacuees of Hurricane Irma from Acklins were transported from the Kendal G.L. Isaacs Gymnasium to the Lynden Pindling International Airport on Monday, September 25, 2017 -- a few days after the ‘All Clear’ was given for Hurricane Maria. The evacuees were men, women, children and infants of all ages. The airlines used were Bahamasair, which carried 68 residents, and Flamingo Air, which carried 11 residents; all to return to Acklins.

PM Vows to ‘Transform’ Ragged Island Into Model for Sustainable Community

By Matt Maura, BIS NASSAU, The Bahamas – Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis has vowed to transform Ragged Island into a model for sustainable community by rebuilding it into the first “fully green island in the region.”

The Prime Minister, in the House of Assembly, September 13, 2017 said the Government of The Bahamas will accomplish this objective through the use renewable energy and smart technologies from solar energy, to sustainable water purification systems.

Ragged Island sustained the brunt of the destruction caused by Hurricane Irma in The Bahamas. Most of the homes there were destroyed or severely damaged. Power lines are down. Utilities are non-functioning. Public buildings, including the governmentoperated school, the clinic and other public facilities are severely damaged or destroyed.

Prime Minister Minnis said Ragged Island can emerge from the destruction and devastation caused

by Hurricane Irma as a new model for sustainable communities throughout the region and The Bahamas.

“Out of the devastation and the destruction, a new Ragged Island will emerge including stronger building codes, improved zoning, and strategies to mitigate against Climate Change and rising sea levels,” Prime Minister Minnis pledged.

“I assure the wonderful people of Ragged Island that their island will be rebuilt. We will work with private institutions, international agencies and foreign partners to create a more sustainable island-community at Ragged Island.

“We know by faith and the experience of history that out of tragedy, can often come new life. (That) Despair can be transformed into hope.”

Prime Minister Minnis said Hurricane Irma “destroyed” Ragged Island. Dr. Minnis further said the fact that the country was spared the loss of life of “Bahamian brothers and sisters, especially from Ragged

Island,” was but for the Grace of God, and the result of taking emergency action to “evacuate the residents of our most south-eastern islands.”

“This is the first time in the modern history of The Bahamas that an entire island has witnessed the wholesale destruction of its infrastructure, both public and private,” Prime Minister Minnis said.

“Most homes are destroyed or severely damaged.

Power lines are down. Utilities are non-functioning.

Public buildings, including the government-operated school, the clinic and other public facilities are severely damaged or destroyed. The numbers of dead animals pose a serious health risk.

“One civil servant, who has visited our islands after various hurricanes, including in 1992 after Hurricane Andrew, expressed that this is the worst destruction he has seen in The Bahamas after a major hurricane,” Prime Minister Minnis added.

Hurricane Andrew was a Category 5 Storm that struck The Bahamas and the States of Florida and Louisiana, United States of America, in mid-August, 1992. Effects of the Hurricane were felt in other

U.S. States such as Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi.

At its conclusion, Andrew was responsible for the destruction of more than 65,000 houses while damaging 124,000 others. Sixty-five persons lost their lives as a result of the Hurricane, which left a $26.5 billion bill in its wake.

Prime Minister Minnis said Ragged Island will have to be rebuilt through a combination of public and private efforts.

The Prime Minister said a number of Ragged Islanders from throughout The Bahamas have already offered their assistance with regards to recovery and rebuilding.

“I wish to offer a general note of gratitude to all of those who assisted the country in preparation for, and in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Irma,” Prime Minister Minnis said.

“We are fortunate to have been spared greater harm and damage, so let us give thanks to the Lord of Life for our many blessings.”

The Eleutheran | Sep/Oct 2017

19

Eleuthera’s Best

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22

Local “Plus” PM at Island School

Sep/Oct 2017

Picture This:

www. EleutheraNews . com

Above: Prime Minister Minnis and his colleagues get a tour of the Island School campus.

Left: Michael Cortina, Director of the Center for Sustainable Development (CSD), speaks with Prime Minister Minnis about their biodiesel program.

BLOG POST BY THE ISLAND SCHOOL Sept 25th.

This past weekend (Sat, Sept 23rd), friends and family of The Island School had the distinct pleasure of welcoming Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis to our campus. Joining him was Minister Desmond Bannister (Works), Minister Frankie Campbell (Transport & Local Government), and Minister Jeff Lloyd (Education). The Prime Minister and his staff are the guests of our loyal board members, Stephen and Alessandra Holowesko, son Teo, and Stephen’s mother Lynn Holowesko.

Day’s after Hurricane Irma devastated Ragged Island, rendering it “unlivable” for the Island’s 80 residents, Prime Minister Minnis announced the government’s intention to rebuild Ragged Island as a model “green” island; the first of it’s kind in the region. The Prime Minister and his staff will be looking to the Island School and CEI campuses for inspiration on what sustainability initiatives can be incorporated in the redevelopment of Ragged Island. How can our community model of “Living Well in a Place” be scaled to the size of an island?

This was a tremendous opportunity to showcase the good work we do here on the Cape to the Nation’s leaders. It has long been a key tenant of our mission to model resiliency, self-sufficiency, sustainability, and conservation, with the intent that the ideas employed on campus will be adopted elsewhere for the betterment of our host country. Our visitors were particularly impressed by the breadth of projects we have underway, as well as by our commitment to involving students in each and every one of them. Our educational model incentivizes our students to work together to find solutions that impact the way we live in this place. It has been extremely exciting for our students, staff, faculty and extended Island School family to share these solutions with the wider Bahamian community. We look forward to working together in the future!

Education Beat

Online at www.EleutheraNews.com

Exam Results Continued from pg. 7

dred eighty-four (1484) candidates received a grade of C or higher in five or more subjects.

This represents a decrease of 1.98% over 2016 which had a total of one thousand five hundred fourteen (1514) candidates. There were one thousand four hundred eighty-five (1485) candidates in 2015; one thousand four hundred (1400) candidates in 2014 and one thousand one hundred eighty-six (1186) candidates in 2013.

Overall, the percentage of candidates achieving grades A – D decreased this year when compared to last year.

Above: North Eleuthera High School’s Best.

Above: Central Eleuthera High School’s Best.

Above: Preston H. Albury

High School’s Best

BAHAMAS GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF SECONDARY EDUCATION (BGCSE) EXAMINATION 2017 REPORT: The year 2017 marks the twenty-fifth sitting of the BGCSE examination since its first administration in 1993. The examination is designed to show what students know, understand and can do after having completed a prescribed course of study, which normally lasts for three years. Subsequently, the grades awarded to students are indicators of their achievements and their potential, and not the sum total of their worth. It is to be noted, that there are other factors that have an impact on how candidates perform on the examination. The factors both internal and external to the system of schooling mitigate against good performance, and ought to be given some consideration when results are being reviewed. The grades awarded show students’ learning outcomes, which are measured in a variety of different ways, because of the different requirements in individual subjects.

Six thousand six hundred ninety-two (6692) candidates from one hundred nine (109) centers were registered to sit the examination.

Sixty-eight (68) centers were independent/ private while forty-one (41) were government schools. This number represents an increase of 3.95% when compared to 2016 which had a total of six thousand four hundred thirty-eight (6438) candidates from one hundred four (104) centers.

Continued On Page 34

Above: Samuel G. Pinder

All Age School’s Best

| 09/10 2017

23

24

Local

Sep/Oct 2017

www. EleutheraNews . com

“It’s Going to be Hard to Say Good-Bye” Supt. Christopher Wright reflects on his stint as OIC in ELeuthera

BY THE ELEUTHERAN NEWS TEAM

The 50 personnel strong Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) team within The Eleutheras saw a shift in leadership in September, when current Officer In Charge (OIC) for the Eleuthera Division, Superintendent Christopher Wright, formally handed over to incoming OIC, Chief Superintendent Stephen Adderley, coming out of New Providence. Superintendent Wright was transferred to the Southern Division in New Providence, where he planned take up his new post during the first week in October 2017.

In an interview with The Eleutheran before taking his formal leave, Superintendent Wright reflected on his time while on island. He arrived in The Eleutheras during August of 2012 as an Assistant Superintendent to lead the RBPF team in Harbour Island, where he spent just over two years serving as OIC there. In No-

vember of 2014, Wright was elevated to Superintendent and became the OIC for the entire Eleuthera Division, as former Eleuthera OIC, Superintendent Ismella Davis moved on to Grand Bahama.

“The Royal Bahamas Police Force is now going through a restructuring phase, with the new government coming into office. There are many new initiatives they wish to implement and we are presently at the heels of an incoming new Police Commissioner, who will have a number of plans he wishes to address,” shared Wright.

He continued, “With that in mind, there are many transfers currently being effected within the organization. I fall into the category of transfers and restructuring taking place, and I’ve been transferred back to New Providence, where I will take up the responsibility as OIC of the Continued On Page 25

Local

Online at www.EleutheraNews.com

| 09/10 2017

25

OIC’s Reflection Continued from pg. 24

Southern Division located on Market and Quakoo Sts.” “I must say that my experience in Eleuthera has been very fulfilling, and I have no regrets,” said Superintendent Wright, when asked about his experience during his time on the island. “If I had the opportunity, I would do it again. I met many, many new friends and great law-abiding citizens. I’m actually in love with Eleuthera, and the thought is still in my mind that I should make Eleuthera my second home.

So I will be back from time to time when I just want to relax.”

He shared that his experience in Eleuthera had been nothing short of great, saying, “The people here have been very nice to me, and I say thank you. I also say thank you to my staff here, who supported me 110%. I tried my very best to lead from the front and by example, and to keep Eleuthera as safe as possible.”

Although very happy with what he was able to do while leading the Eleuthera division, road safety was still a concern, said Wright. “I leave with one objective that I still want to be achieved and that is less road traffic accidents, particularly serious accidents, resulting in serious injuries and deaths. I will no doubt pass that on to my successor, for us to continue in that vein, to educate the motoring public as to what is happening with these serious accidents taking place in Eleuthera.”

Commenting on some of the aspects of the position he found either challenging or concerning, Wright said, “The distance you have to cover on a weekly basis, moving about from Spanish Wells to Harbour Island, to South Eleuthera and Bannerman Town - that was a bit of a challenge and taxing on the body. A concern he expressed was for incidences of break-ins of vacation rentals, explaining that the tourism industry was one that needed to be protected, and that he had done his best to keep those incidences to a minimum.”

It was not all work while on island for Superintendent Wright during his time here, he shared. “A very rewarding experience while on Eleuthera was becoming a part of the Rotary Club… I intend to join one of the Rotary Clubs in New Providence to continue offering ‘service above self’, the organization’s mantra. Being a part of the Club while here has been very fulfilling.”

Concerning advice for his colleague taking up the position, Wright proffered, “My advice would be to listen to members of the public, as they would come and share information. What I have learned is that information is always useful, and with the Police Force policy always being - whatever is said to the Police shall remain confidential. They will gain much respect, and be given all possible support the public can give.”

When asked what he would miss most, Superintendent Wright blurted out right away with a smile, “The people… It’s going to be hard to say goodbye.”

Bahamas Congratulates Germany on Successful Elections BIS: The Bahamas has sent a formal Note of congratulation to the Federal Republic of Germany on Sunday’s successful elections for its Bundestag, or Federal Parliament, and the election of Mrs. Angela Merkel as Chancellor for a fourth term. The Bahamas and Germany have successfully maintained cordial diplomatic relations since 1980.

Over the years, The Bahamas has benefitted, among other things,

from visa-free access for Bahamians to the Schengen States of which Germany is a member; technical assistance in diplomatic training and other areas; and the general benefits of the Latin American and Caribbean/European Union Summit process, and the Cotonou Agreement and Economic Partnership Agreement trade mechanisms of which both The Bahamas and Germany are a part.

In addition, there is a signifi-

cant German business, tourism and second-home presence in The Bahamas, on Long Island in particular, which is a source of ongoing and positive connection between the two countries.

The Bahamas welcomes the opportunity to continue its cordial, beneficial and longstanding relationship with the Federal Republic of Germany.

26

Local

Sep/Oct 2017

Island School

&

Local Schools Program 2017 - 2018 press release

Educators and students of all grades are invited to join us at The Island School campus to access resources to support their curriculum using place-based education. We would like to connect the work that our scientists and engineers do at The Island School with the work that teachers are doing in their classrooms.

The program seeks to build education capacity for student-centered learning using environmental education as an entry point. Our objectives are to: 1. Develop environmental education resources that are locally relevant.

2. Share lesson plans and host field trips, which align with the curricular objectives, outlined in the Primary Science Curriculum, General Science Curriculum Grades 7 – 9, High School Biology Curriculum Grades 10 -12, and BJC conservation social studies.

3. Facilitate opportunities for students to develop, test and apply new ideas and new knowledge.

Overview of programs offered: · · · · ·

Coral reef ecology Animals & plants Mangrove ecology & restoration Biodiversity Ecosystems

· Climate change · Invasive species: Lionfish · Fisheries management · Renewable energy · Pollution & small island sustainability · Key species: Queen conch, Nassau grouper, crawfish, turtles and sharks Meals: lunch provided for students and chaperones Transportation: Included for schools located in South Eleuthera - Tarpum Bay, Rock Sound, Green Castle, Wemyss Bight, and Deep Creek. For schools north of Tarpum Bay, please contact us about programs where we come to you or ways to bring larger groups.

Classes and students: We recom-

Elite Customs Brokers We offer: *Brokerage Services *Trucking

mend bringing classes separately for a more intimate experience. Due to transportation restrictions, the maximum number of individuals per group is 15, students & teachers included. For larger groups, we may provide another vehicle for a maximum number of 25 students.

*DHL Courier

Cost: A donation of $5 per student is encouraged for programs staying for lunch

Tel: 332-3066

For more information please call 334 8552 or email outreach@islandschool.org

Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera

www. EleutheraNews . com

National traffic safety proposal - Greeted as “timely” by Minister of Transport and Local Government Frankie Campbell Online at www.EleutheraNews.com

The Eleutheran | Sep/Oct 2017

Pictured: A proposal to bring improved safety and law and order enforcement to our roads was presented to the Honourable Frankie A. Campbell, MP Minister of Transport and Local Government, (seated). Present were senior members of his Ministry, the Road Safety Committee and the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Donavan Paul CEO of IntelEnforce proposed the Traffic Public Safety System, saying its implementation would be an essential part of the Road Traffic Departments modernization started last October.

L-R: Italia Cartwright, IntelEnforce Legal Officer; Michael Arteaga, IntelEnforce Chief Information Technology Officer; Donavan Paul, IntelEnforce CEO; Lorraine Symonette-Armbrister, Ministry Permanent Secretary; Felecia Bazard-Boyle, IntelEnforce Chief Financial Officer; Chief Superintendent Craig Stubbs, Royal Bahamas Police Force. Photo: Serena Williams Public Relations.

dpa media release

Following the presentation of a proposed new Traffic Public Safety System for the Bahamas to reduce vehicular accidents, injuries, death and property damage, the Minister of Transport and Local Government the Honorable Frankie Campbell said that the proposal was, “timely, and a serious initiative that deserves discussion to weigh the benefits to society.”

The proposal by Bahamian company Intelligent Enforcement (IntelEnforce) followed on the heels of a Press Briefing by Minister Campbell on July 26 where he announced alarming statistics for road traffic accidents and deaths for the year to date.

“Some of our brightest and best have perished in accidents, or suffered life altering injuries which have devastated their families and diminished our nation’s capacity to be at its very best,” said the Minister at that briefing.

Donavan Paul CEO of IntelEnforce who proposed the new Traffic Public Safety System to the Minister, senior members of the Ministry of Transport and Local Government, the Road Safety Committee, and the Royal Bahamas Police Force, said the system would become an essential part of the Road Traffic Departments modernization started in October, 2016.

“This modern Traffic Public Safety System will deter traffic violators through computerizing and automating traffic enforcement, adding to the government’s public safety initiatives. With almost 1,000 traffic fatalities since 2000, and a staggering 1,000 hit and run consecutive annual

reports, topped by reports of thousands of traffic accidents annually causing lifetime bodily injuries, inconveniences and significant property damage, we agree with the Minister that law and order and public safety is needed on our roads,” said Mr. Paul.

Mr. Arteaga IntelEnforce IT Chief explained the digital surveillance camerabased system.

“This road traffic safety system not only records the speed of a vehicle per lane, but also records video of the entire scene, taking two still pictures, just seconds apart.

Based on the offence, the offender may receive an electronic traffic violation ticket.”

Records show that vehicle accidents killed 23 people so far this year and 66 people were seriously injured; hit and run accidents number 644 and damage to property and vehicles stands at 4,533.

IntelEnforce CEO Donavan Paul pointed out that while many of the positive effects of automating traffic enforcement are anecdotal, it can’t be denied that the awareness that there might be cameras on any given roadway tracking speed, tends to affect the psychology of many drivers.

“Motorists who would otherwise not be cautious tend to think twice about speeding, especially in urban areas and school zones.

Fewer accidents reduces the strain on our already overtaxed societal infrastructure including hospitals, clinics, our blood bank, relatives, employment, emergency and social services, and the cost of insurance.”

Mr Paul said that the proposal calls for a Public, Private Partnership (PPP) and would alleviate the government of expected high upfront costs.

27

“The most successful implementations to date for this type of initiative are established through Public Private Partnerships. In this case government would make a small initial commitment, and the bulk cost is initially covered by the private sector and then returned before both share in the responsibility and returns going forward. During a recent month-long test period our computerized records recorded $1.2 million dollars of road misdemeanours on just one of our roads. As a PPP, revenue from offenders’ tickets is split 50-50 with the government,” explained Mr. Paul “Considering the revenue projections attached to the one-month pilot test we did on one stretch of road near our office in central New Providence, we believe the government could recover any initial stake or investment in about a year and garner an immediate effect on the public safety on the roads of New Providence without having to worry about management costs or hardware expansion.”

IntelEnforce operates as an authorized local Infrastructure management and service provider delivering industry security standards to their installations.

Their expertise and work enables law enforcers to get on with their mandated jobs, relieved of such burdens as service and management of the automated systems that assist them. They benefit directly from the efficiency and effectiveness of the automated technology which increases their ability to serve the nation.

28

Perspective

09/10 2017

OP-ED

By Sir Ronald Sanders www.sirronaldsanders.com

By Sir Ronald Sanders (The Writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the OAS. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are his own) This week I was asked to provide an answer to a question posed by an influential Washington-based publication regarding the future of tourism in the Caribbean in the wake of the damage wreaked, in quick succession, by two Category 5 hurricanes.

The question was disturbing. Its inference was that tourism in the Caribbean could be fatally affected by the recent storms and by more frequent and intense storms in the future, and, further, tourists would now have to consider alternative destinations.

I did not regard the question as idle speculation and I pondered whose interests would be served by spreading the notion that tourism to the Caribbean has become dangerous.

I provided an answer to the question for the publication. I reproduce

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

www. EleutheraNews . com

Caribbean bowed but far from beaten below both the question and the answer that I gave.

The question was: “How have recent events (the massive earthquake that toppled buildings and killed many in Mexico City) affected the outlook for tourism in Mexico and elsewhere in the region? How badly damaged is the Caribbean basin’s tourism infrastructure, and how long will it take to recover? Will some countries of the region, spared from damage be able to accommodate more visitors, or will trends see tourists choose entirely different parts of the world to vacation altogether?”

The answer I gave was as follows: “I am unable to speak for Mexico in this matter, but I would imagine that both the Mexican government and the private sector will act swiftly to correct any impression that the earthquake prohibits the country from welcoming tourists. Tourism to Mexico is not to Mexico City alone.

With regard to the Caribbean, while the tourism infrastructure in some countries in the Caribbean has been damaged by the recent hurricanes, this is not true of the entire area. Many destinations for both air and sea arrivals are open and functioning normally. The countries that were not impacted by the hurricanes recognize that there will be greater demand and they have taken measures to accommodate this development, such as earlier opening of resorts that had closed for the summer. Some of them, such as Antigua and Barbuda, have already entered agreements with airlines, cruise ship liners and yachting companies for more calls at their ports. Several cruise ship lines, such as Royal Caribbean and MSC cruises have organised their schedules to allow their clients to proceed seamlessly with Caribbean cruises by increasing the number of their berthings at non-affected ports.

Both Caribbean countries and the airlines and cruise ship companies have a vested interest in preserving and promoting the Caribbean. They are already adjusting their marketing campaigns to reflect that reality.

Tourists have the entire world from which to choose for their holidays, but the Caribbean has a special appeal whose lustre has not been lost because of the damage caused to a few destinations. The damage is not permanent and the Caribbean has a record of swift recovery”.

It is important to note that while territories, such as the British and US Virgin Islands, Anguilla, French/ Dutch St Martin/St Maarten, Puerto Rico and Dominica, were damaged as well as the small island of Barbuda (the other island of the State of

Antigua and Barbuda), other Caribbean not have to be beaten. destinations weathered the storm and Responses and previous comare operating normally. These include mentaries: www.sirronaldsanders. the Bahamas, Jamaica, St Kitts-Nevis, com Antigua, St Lucia, Grenada, St Vincent ronaldsanders.com and the Grenadines, Barbados and Tobago.

The unimpeded operations of these countries and the readiness of their ports and resorts to welcome visitors are messages that their tourism authorities should be broadcasting in the tourist markets loudly and clearly.

In tourism competition, as in all forms of competition, underhand propaganda that hurts contestants is par for the course. The undermining by challengers of contenders for the same prize is subtle, but widespread.

The international media coverage of the awful damage done by hurricanes Irma and Maria help unconscionable contestants to try to grab as much business from the Caribbean as possible. In their quest to increase their market share

By Matt Maura and to benefit at the Caribbean’s exBahamas Information Services pense, few would be privately troubled.

Of course, the region wants the inNASSAU, The Bahamas – The ternational community to recognise the Minnis Administration is committed enormous damage that has been done to introducing some form of Local to the gravely affected islands and their Government to New Providence, peoples. Rebuilding in these countries Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Hubert will require an international response in A. Minnis said Monday. many ways. But, at the same time, the region must also let the world know that Prime Minister Minnis said damage to some islands has not closed preliminary studies have already the area, and the damage is not permabegun to assess the feasibility of nent or irreparable. introducing some form of municipal Tourism now accounts for at least sixty governance in New Providence. The percent of the Gross Domestic Product preliminary studies were conducted of the Caribbean. Retaining the region’s through an Inter-American Developshare of world tourism is vital to ecoment Bank (IDB)-sponsored project. nomic growth and development and the well-being of the Caribbean people.

A number of public and private We must tell the world that the afagencies have already been engaged fected countries – especially those that in the exercise with additional are not dependencies of the US, Britain, public engagement scheduled for France and the Netherlands – need “sometime in October.” international help. But, we must also let the world know that the Caribbean is Prime Minister Minnis also anresilient and determined, and remains a nounced that sub-offices of the little bit of paradise on a planet troubled Office of the Prime Minister will by terrorism, conflicts and disease. be established in Eleuthera, Andros After Hurricanes Irma and Maria and Exuma to better coordinate and ripped through parts of the Caribbean, improve the functioning of Governfollowing basically the same path, there ment. were whispered suggestions that life on these islands was becoming unsustainThe Prime Minister said Local able, and it might be prudent to abanGovernment Boards will also be don them. That fatalistic notion must consulted on major projects under never be an option for Caribbean societconsideration by the Central Govies. Caribbean civilization must not be ernment and that the Central Govmade extinct – not even partly. ernment will review the budgets of Recognizing the increased frequency Local District Councils and where and intensity of hurricanes, Caribbean possible, increase funds for District countries must rebuild damaged infraCouncils. structure and property - and construct new ones - at much more resilient stan“We will review the effectiveness dards. Modern day building materials of Local Boards including those of make the achievement of such standards Road Traffic, Hotel Licensing, the possible.

Town Planning Board and others.

The region may be bowed, but it does Consideration will also be given to the creation of local tourism devel-

Studies Undertaken Towards Local Government for New Providence

National

Online at www.EleutheraNews.com

The Eleutheran | Sep/Oct 2017

29

PM Welcomes IDB Climate Change and Sustainability Specialists NASSAU, The Bahamas-- NASSAU, The Bahamas – Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis gave welcome remarks at a meeting of Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) officials at the Island House, September 26, 2017.

Pictured from left: Yuri Chakalall, Senior Sector Specialist, Natural Disaster and Risk Management; Pedro Martel, Division Chief, Climate Change and Sustainable Development; Florencia Attademo-Hirt, Country Representative Bahamas; Prime Minister Minnis; Therese TurnerJones, Country Representative Jamaica and General Manager, Caribbean Division; Annette Kilmer, Senior Operations Advisor, Climate Change and Sustainable Development Division; and Michele Lemay, Senior Specialist, Climate Change and Sustainability Division. (BIS Photo/Peter Ramsay).

Local Gov’t in New Providence opment boards which will make recommendations on the tourism project on each island as well as on marketing and other areas,” Prime Minister Minnis added.

Delivering the keynote address at the Official Opening Ceremony of the Department of Local Government’s Leadership Training Conference at Melia Nassau Beach resort, Cable Beach, Prime Minister Minnis said his Administration will continue to strengthen the Department of Local Government “so that your needs can be met in a more

Continued from pg. 28

efficient manner and the work of the people can be better served.”

“The Central Government has high expectations of you. We will need your strong, leadership skills, creativity and resourcefulness to bring about the transition and transformation of our Family Islands.

“I am keenly aware of the tremendous sacrifice you make in the performance of your duties. I am also aware of the challenge you face in carrying out your duties and responsibilities.

May I encourage you to not just point

out the challenges you face, but also to accompany them with suggestions, remedies and workable solutions,” Prime Minister Minnis added.

Local Government was established in the Family Islands in 1996 as a means of devolving authority from the Central Government.

It represents a deepening of democracy that is intended to bring government closer to the people. It is further intended to empower the people in the governance of their communities.

Local Government Councils are responsible for the general health and sanitation of the communities they manage; street cleaning, maintenance of road verges and ditches; collection

and removal of refuse from public places; upkeep, maintenance and establishment of monuments, cemeteries, children’s playgrounds, recreation grounds, parks, public gardens, open spaces, beaches and sport, cultural and other leisure centres.

Their areas of responsibility also include: the maintenance of proper road signs and road markings; establishment and maintenance of pedestrian and parking areas; protection of school children in the vicinity of schools; naming and renaming of streets; upkeep and maintenance of public buildings, local ports, docks, harbours, wharfs and jetties.

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

CONSULTING EDITOR

MAN. DIR. / CO-Pub

Dr. V. J. Bryan, PhD,

Theresa Burrows

(Research/Write) vbryan@smgbusiness.com

Columnists

Andrew Burrows, Ronald Sanders

Man. Editor / Co-Pub

Phone | WHATSAPP | TEXT

1 (242) 422-9350 email / website services@TheEleutheran.com editor@TheEleutheran.com www.EleutheraNews.com

fax/landline

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

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

Safyha Bryan

contributing writers

Sherelle Wallace

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

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

Current Issue Sept/Oct. 2017 Size: 40 Pages; ==

Stamped: September 26, 2017 8:57 PM

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

30

Local

www. EleutheraNews . com

09/10 2017

Ongoing Hurricane Season Jose Lee

Hurricane Irma:

* formed: Wed-30-Aug-2017 @ 11am * max. winds = 185mph (Cat-5) * Affected: St. Maarten, Saba, St. Eustatius, Anguilla, St. Barths, Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, Guadeloupe, St. Lucia, Barbados, USVI, BVI, Puerto Rico, Haiti & Dominican Republic, Cuba, Turks & Caicos Islands, The Bahamas, Florida, Georgia * Last Official NHC Advisory: Mon.11.Sep.2017 @ 11pm

Hurricane Jose:

* formed: Tue-05-Sep-2017 @ 11am * max. winds-to-date = 155mph (Cat-4) * Affected: Bermuda, North Carolina, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey * Last Official NHC Advisory: 500 PM AST Fri Sep 22 2017

Hurricane Katia:

* formed: Wed-06-Sep-2017 @ 5am * max. winds = 105mph (Cat-2) * Affected: Mexico

* Last Official NHC Advisory: Sat.09.Sep.2017 @ 11am

Hurricane Lee:

* formed: Sat-16-Sep-2017 @ 11am..

Currently expected to become a major hurricane in the North Atlantic. No Effects on Land

Hurricane Maria:

* formed: Sat-16-Sep-2017 @ 5pm * max. winds = 185mph (Cat-5) * Affected: SSS Islands (St. Maarten-Saba-St. Eustatius), St. Barths, St. Kitts & Nevis, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Lucia, Barbados, USVI, Puerto Rico, Haiti & Dominican Republic and The Turks and Caicos * Currently a Tropical Storm off the coast of NE USA Much of this info sourced from Eye4weather

Perspective

Online at www.EleutheraNews.com

The Eleutheran | Sep/Oct 2017

sense or?

especially because the common theme is “It’s the Peoples Time”. One thing we as a people must be cautious of is that the structure of governance is steeped in tradition and laws that were made to remain in effect until someone takes the initiative to change them. One of the greatest hindrances to real and lasting improvements is that decisions are made for the wrong motives which result in faulty and expensive results; all made at the ‘Peoples’ expense.

Example #1: Road improvements and striping was done in South Eleuthera which greatly reduces the possibility of accidents occurring at corners in the highway where a visitor is easily reminded of By: Andrew L. Burrows the correct side of the road to andrewburrows1@gmail.com be driving on, and reflectors that make the markings visible The citizens of any coun- at night are excellent. So what try are blessed by all the good is bad about such a good thing? things that are done or estab- Well, only a small percentage lished for them by the govern- of the Eleuthera main road is ment through its many min- done. Why was the decision istries. Since the change of made to improve the areas that government in our country as a are done while the greater porresult of the May 10th general tion of the main road remains election, many of us Bahami- undone! It is the peoples time, ans feel a sense of freedom, and the people are tired of be-

ing taken advantage of, let’s get it right this time! Stripe and Reflect the entire Eleuthera Main road.

Example #2: Placing speed bumps throughout the ‘Main Road’ in every settlement of Eleuthera was the height of engineering ignorance. There is no coordinated consistency in the location and height of the bumps that are in place at present. Dumping trash to discourage any attempt to bypass these horrific obstructions is another level of idiocy, to force the taxpaying road user to comply.

There is no consistent height of the bumps, and it is no wonder there are so many squeaking vehicles around as a result. It is obvious that no thought was given to the variety of vehicles that use the public roadways. If it is deemed necessary to discourage the use of excessive speed by placing ‘bumps’ in the road they should be: I) Placed at the entrance of the settlement, on the left side only. 2) At both ends of a ‘School’ entrance. 3) All bumps should be painted and ‘striped’ to make them clearly visible with night time reflectors, and the height

should only be three inches maximum!

Example #3: The general public is required to drive with ‘Seat belts’ in use, but there are some exceptions. It is an insult to the intelligence of most educated Bahamians to require by law that you must be belted to your vehicle at all times. Certainly the requirement for toddlers and small children makes sense, but that is as far as the law should go!

It has been my experience having been licensed to drive for the last fifty years, that emphasis always appears to be put on things instead of skills.

If our system focused on improving driving skills which would require periodic upgrades and retesting, that would eliminate the horrific waste of Police time conducting street blocks. The archaic maximum and minimum speed limits applied throughout the Bahamas certainly is long overdue for an upgrade. It is high time that the ‘peoples’ government correct the patchwork, piecemeal, obsolete driving conditions that we tolerate.

Example #4: I am

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ashamed of the condition of the streets in the settlement of Governor’s Harbour. I must acknowledge the recent effort made to restore the ‘Bay Front’ coastal road, and I do hope that it will endure the potential stress it will receive from rough seas. But there are other streets that need equal attention and expert solutions to minimize the need to repeat the expensive and recurring inconveniences caused. It appears to me that no one appears to have sole responsibility for these things.

Local Government must be given the responsibility to coordinate the many functions and services required to maintain the continued upgrade of our towns in a consistent way.

The problem is that Central Government in Nassau, with its many ‘Ministries’ sees Local Government as a ‘duplication’ instead of an ‘extension’. It makes good sense to plan long term rather than doing things piecemeal. It is time we get it right!

Picture This Chairman of the Supervisory Board of EXIM Bank of China, Mr. Yu Xuejun (third left) accompanied by the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to The Bahamas HE Huang Qinguo (second left), officials of the Chinese Embassy, and executives of EXIM Bank, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis (third right), September 25, 2017 at the Office of the Prime Minister. (Photo/Yontalay Bowe, OPM Media Services)

32

Crime News

09/10 2017

www. EleutheraNews . com

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

Reports issued by the RBPF locally. will kill him putting him in fear for his life.

Complainant further stated that he and his wife are currently pursuing a legal separation with the courts and that ever since then, his wife has continuously made threatening remarks towards him. Police action requested.

Investigations continue into this matter.

Dangerous Drugs and Firearms search: At 12:30pm on 24.08.2017 Officers while on mobile patrol in the vicinity of Governor’s Harbour Public Dock conducted a search of three adult males, all of The Bluff Eleuthera in reference to possession of dangerous drugs and firearms with negative results.

Dangerous Drugs and Firearms search At 12:45pm on 24.08.2017 Officers while on mobile patrol in the vicinity of Queen’s Highway and Pinder’s Lane Governor’s Harbour conducted a search of an adult Male of Hatchet Bay Eleuthera in reference to possession of dangerous drugs and firearms with negative results.

Dangerous Drugs and Firearms search At 1:00pm on 24.08.2017 Officers while on mobile patrol in the vicinity of Queen’s Highway and Seagull Drive, Governor’s Harbour conducted a search of two adult males of Palmetto Point, Eleuthera Bahamas in reference to possession of Dangerous Drugs and Firearms with negative results.

House Breaking: At 1:35pm on 24.08.2017 an adult male visitor reported to the Governor’s Harbour Police Station that on Wednesday 23rd August 2017 around 11:00pm he along with his wife and four children went to bed and at about 6:00am on Thursday 24th August 2017 he got up but it was not until around 10:00am when his wife discovered that monies from both their wallets were missing from his rental home. US dollars in the amount of $600.00 was taken. Police action requested in this matter.

Investigations continue into this matter.

Arrest In reference to Stolen Vehicle At about 3:40pm on the 25.8.17 Officers in at the Governor’s Harbour Police station with a juvenile male of James Cistern under arrest and reported that he was arrested at about 3:28pm same date in the vicinity of Global outreach ministries in reference to suspected stolen vehicle.

The suspect was processed and Charged with unlawful Possession. He was later released on Bail pending Trial.

Threats of Death Report: On Saturday 26th August, sometime around 8:15am, an adult male reported to the Governor’s Harbour Police Station that on todays’ date sometime around 7:00am, upon returning home located Palmetto Point Eleuthera, he and his wife got into an argument during which time it is alleged by the complainant that his wife made threats of death towards him, by telling him she

Suspect Charged Ref: Disorderly Bahaviour/ Obscene language Sometime around 1:25pm Officers conducted an official Police record of interview with an Adult Male of Green Castle Eleuthera in in reference to Disorderly Bahaviour, and Obscene language. The interview concluded sometime around 1:50pm. Sometime around 2:45pm Officers, further cautioned and charged the accused with: Disorderly Bahaviour contrary to section 206(2) of The Penal Code Chapter 84 and Obscene Language contrary to section 208(2) of The Penal code chapter 84. No response was given to the above charge.

The accused was finger printed by Officer, and released on bail to appear before Magistrates Court, Rock Sound Eleuthera.

Road Traffic Accident 4-4: At 2:17pm an anonymous female caller contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police station via phone and reported that there was a road traffic accident in the area of Queen’s High way Palmetto Point at the North and South Point T junction involving a Government vehicle registered to The Bahamas Customs Department and a private vehicle also one of the person’s involved may have been injured. Police action requested.

Officers conducted investigations into this matter. The injured person was treated at the local clinic and discharged.

Vehicle Searched In reference to Dangerous Drugs and Firearms At 12:00am on Sunday August 28th 2017, Officers reported that while on Queen’s Highway in front of the Governor’s Harbour Police Station they stopped and searched a vehicle driven by an adult male of Palmetto Point in reference to dangerous drugs and firearms, the search ended with negative results.

Arrest ref to Breach of Bail Condition On Monday 28th August, 2017 at 6:35pm Officers while at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station arrested and cautioned an Adult Male of Savannah Sound, Eleuthera in reference to breach of bail conditions. The suspect appeared to be in good health and remained in Police custody. The suspect was later charged with Damage and transported to the New Providence where he is presently on Remand awaiting Trial.

Traffic Accident Code 4/4 At 12:34am on 30/08/2017 Officers in at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station and reported that they investigated a traffic accident that occurred on Queen’s Highway; Rainbow Bay; north of Sleepy Shore Drive involving a black vehicle driven by an adult of James Cistern Eleuthera. It was reported that sometime after 11:30pm on 29/08/17 while travelling south, he lost control of his vehicle and collided into a tree off the western shoul-

Police Contact Numbers

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

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

der of Queen’s Highway. The vehicle received extensive front end damages as a result. The driver suffered injuries and was transported to the Levy Medical Center; in Governor’s Harbour and was referred to PMH for further medical care. Investigations ongoing.

Suspected Stolen Vessel At about 11:10pm on the 31st of August 2017 Officers in at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station and reported conducting Marine patrols onboard police boat 12 in waters in the vicinity of the Palmetto Point homecoming site and observed a 22 feet blue and white Contender registration with a 300hp outboard engine attached anchored in waters about 200 feet offshore, the T-Top was missing along with the electronics appeared to be stolen. The vessel was transported to the Governor’s Harbour Police Station for further investigation At about 4:15pm on the 31.8.17 an adult male of Palmetto Point came to station and produced a hand written bill of sale where he stated that he had purchased the said vessel. After further investigations the vessel was released to the owner.

Damage Report Sometime around 10:25pm on the 31/8/17 An adult female of Upper Bogue North Eleuthera came in at the Hatchet Bay police station and reported that sometime around 10:15pm on the 31/8/17 while in White Town Hatchet Bay dropping off a co-worker to their residence a male who she knows as an adult male of White town Hatchet Bay came to her vehicle with an object in his hand. She reported where the male proceeded to strike the front left driver side window of her car with the object and caused the said window to shatter. Estimate of damage unknown at this time. Immediate police action requested in this matter.

Sometime around 11:30pm on the 31/8/17 Officers in at the Hatchet Bay police station with the adult male of Hatchet Bay under arrest and reported where he was cautioned and arrested while at his residence at about 11:26pm in reference to causing damage.

Road Accident Report At 12:20am on Sunday September 2017 Officers C/O Rock Sound Police Station contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station via telephone and reported that he received information that a traffic accident had occurred south of Windermere High School involving a single vehicle. Police assistance requested At 12:48am on the 3/09/2017 reported investigating a traffic accident involving one motor vehicle located Queen’s High Way Savannah Sound involving an adult male of Betsy Village Governor’s Harbour vehicle sustained major damages, investigation continues.

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

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

Traffic Accident Report An anonymous caller contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police station at about 8:39pm on the 3.8.17 and reported that there was a traffic accident in the vicinity of the Glass Window Bridge involving a white Honda Civic driven by a friend of hers, who was ran off the road by another vehicle, the caller refused to give her name or say who the driver of the vehicle which was in the accident.

An adult male of Lower Bogue came to the Governor’s Harbour Police Station at about 9:32pm same date and reported that sometime between after 7:00pm he was travelling in a northerly direction in the vicinity of the glass window bridge when a vehicle came over the hill over taking a jeep, as a result he had to run into the nearby bushes his vehicle sustained two front wheel damages also damage to the front and rear `bumper. Investigations continue.

ARRESTED FOR STEALING; At about 9;45 am on Monday September 4th 2017, an adult male of Big Hill James Cistern Eleuthera Bahamas came in at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station and was arrested in reference to stealing . This in relation to a complaint which was filed against him He appeared in good health.

After investigations the male was released from custody pending further enquiries.

House Breaking and Stealing At about 6:00pm on the 5/9/17 an adult of James Cistern Eleuthera came in at Hatchet Bay police station and reported where sometime the 30/8/17 and 5:30pm on the 4/9/17 some unknown persons broke and entered a residence situated in Rainbow Bay of which he is the care taker. Entry suspected being gained through a western bedroom window.

He reported that a black 14 inch Magnavox television valued at about $150 was stolen from a north western living room. Immediate police action is requested in this matter. The Police visited the scene, Investigations are ongoing in this matter.

POLICE INFORMATION On 06/09/2017 sometime around 4:30am, an adult male of Governor’s Harbour reported to the GHPS that, he received information from a Water & Sewage worker, that a generator had caught a fire. Complainant reported that the generator is valued at $100,000.00 (One hundred thousand dollars) Police assistance requested. The scene was visited by the Fire Investigator and Scenes of Crime Officer. Investigations continues.

Shopbreaking & Stealing At about 9:18am on Monday 11th September, 2017, an adult of Savannah Sound contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station and reported that someone had broken into the tuck shop of a Government School in

Crime News

Online at www.EleutheraNews.com Central Eleuthera by breaking a padlock on the door and causing damage to the doors deadlock. Police action was requested.

On Monday 11th September, 2017, at about 9:32pm, Officers visited the school and confirmed the report. Further they discovered that the culprit also broke into the “Woodwork” room just south of the Tuck shop, by breaking the last four ‘louvres” of the window next to the door. Nothing was reported stolen from the Tuck Shop at the time. Investigations are ongoing.

Stealing from a vehicle At about 10:15am on Monday 11th September, 2017, an adult male of Palmetto Point, Eleuthera, contacted the G.H.P.S. via phone and reported, that sometime between Friday 9th September, 2017, and Monday 11th September, 2017, some unknown person/s stole a black and red 500kw gas generator which was at the time being kept in a vehicle off Church Street. Police action was requested.

On Monday 11th September, 2017, at about 1:35pm Officers visited the scene.

Investigations are ongoing.

Stealing Report On Tuesday 12th September, 2017 at about 10:15am an adult Female of Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, reported to the Governor’s Harbour Police Station that sometime around 4:20pm on Monday 11th September, 2017, while in the area of the cabana at Ocean Hole Park, Rock Sound, someone stole her Black Samsung cell phone. She stated that several young males and females were in the area at the time. She requested Police assistance in having the same located.

House Breaking An adult female of North Carolina contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police station and reported that sometime between 12:00am and 101:15am13/09/17 some unknown person/s broke and entered their Governor’s Harbour vacation residence and stole cash from a number of persons staying in the home bags totaling about $6000.00, Police action requested.

Three adult males of Palmetto Point Eleuthera and one adult male of Savannah Sound Eleuthera were arrested in reference to this matter. On completion of the investigation one adult male of Savannah Sound and an adult male of Palmetto Point were charged in reference to this matter.

They were transported to New Providence where they were formally arraigned before the Magistrate’s Court. Both defendants pled guilty and were sentenced to sixteen months at Bahamas Department of Corrections, New Providence.

Arrest in reference to possession of dangerous drugs, Unlawful Possession On Friday 15th September, 2017 at 10:52am Officers in at Governor’s Harbour Police Station with an adult male of James Cistern under arrest and reported where he was arrested at about 9:20am on the 15/9/17 while at his residence in reference to possession of dangerous drugs.

The suspect was later charged and released on bail pending trial.

Arrest in reference to Possession of dangerous drugs On Friday 15th September, 2017 at 10:52am Officers in at Governor’s Harbour Police Station with an adult male of Cupid’s

Cay Governor’s Harbour under arrest and reported where he was arrested while at his residence at about 11:20am on the 15/9/17 in reference to possession of dangerous drugs.

The suspect was later charged and released on bail pending trial.

Arrest in reference to Possession of dangerous drugs On Friday 15th September, 2017 at 9:55am Officers in at Hatchet Bay police station with an adult male of Gregory Town under arrest and reported where he was arrested at about 9:14am on the 15/9/17 while on Queen’s Highway in Gregory Town in reference to possession of dangerous drugs after a search was conducted of his person which resulted in the finding of a black plastic wrapping containing a greenish grassy substance believed to be marijuana in his left front pants pocket. At the time of his arrest he had in his possession a black case containing a gray craftsman power drill, when questioned as to how he came to possess the drill he could not afford a satisfactory reason and was subsequently cautioned in reference to unlawful possession and the drill was confiscated.

Suspect arrested in reference to rape On Tuesday 23rd August, 2017 sometime around 4:37pm, an adult male of Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera came to the Rock Sound Police Station where he was arrested and cautioned in regards to a rape matter that was reported on Monday 21st April, 2017.

Assault with a Dangerous Instrument and Causing Harm On Tuesday 23rd August, 2017, sometime around 4:00pm, an adult male of Tarpum Bay reported to the Rock Sound Police Station an adult male known to him from Tarpum Bay chopped him with a cutlass while at his residence. Police assistance was requested. Officers visited the complainant’s residence located on Lord Street, Tarpum Bay and assisted the complainant to Rock Sound Police Station. The victim while at Rock Sound Police Station reported to Officers that the suspect had spanked him with a cutlass causing swelling to the left side of his body. He requested police action. Hospital form was issued.

At 5:00pm same date the suspect an adult Male of Tarpum Bay came in at Rock Sound Police Station where he was arrested and cautioned for the offences. He gave a written caution statement and admitted to spanking the complainant on his back once. He was subsequently charged for the offences of Assault w/ Dangerous Instrument and Causing Harm. He was later released on bail pending trial.

SUSPECTED STOLEN VEHICLE On Friday, August 25th, 2017, at 6:53pm, Officers in at Rock Sound Police Station had under arrest an adult male. He was arrested, in reference to a suspected stolen vehicle. The vehicle, was confiscated and placed in the parking lot of the Rock Sound Police Station.

The suspect was taken to the Governor’s Harbour Police Station where he was interviewed in relation to this matter. On completion he was charged and released on Bail Pending Arraignment.

The Eleutheran | Sep/Oct 2017

POSSESSION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS (Half Moon Cay) On Friday, August 25th, 2017, at 7:20pm, Officers while stationed at Half Moon Cay, received from a report that the Security of the cruise ship, Sunshine, reported that three young males were being held on board in reference to possession of dangerous drugs namely Indian Hemp.

Officer interviewed the suspect who denied any knowledge of the allegations made.

On completion they were released pending further investigations.

Drug Arrest On 7th September 2017, Officers while on Eleuthera Main Rd Deep Creek cautioned and arrested an adult male of Green Castle who was searched in reference to possession of Dangerous Drugs and found with substances believe to be Marijuana in his underwear. Suspect attempted to eat same but was unsuccessful suspect was taken to Rock Sound Police Station along with suspected marijuana for further investigations.

The suspect was later interviewed and charged in reference tod to Possession of Dangerous Drugs. He was later release from Police Custody on Bail pending trial.

Shop-breaking and stealing On 13/09/17 sometime around 7:49am The Principal of a Primary School in the Southern District reported that there was a suspected break in at the Government school. Police assistance requested.

Officers reported visiting the mentioned location and reported that they observed the suspect(s) gained entry by forcing open a northern window to classroom K4 and stole one(1) portable speaker valued at $50.00,(1) DVD player valued at $35.00 and (1) black grocery bag with assorted items value unknown at the time. Statement recorded.

Investigations continue.

Road Traffic Accident A concerned citizen contacted Rock Sound Police Station and reported that there was a traffic accident in the area of Chris Brown Blvd. Police assistance requested.

Officers in at Rock Sound Police Station and reported Investigating a traffic accident which occurred along Eleuthera main road involving a registered to and driven by an adult Female of Waterford Eleuthera who stated when interviewed under caution that while she was traveling south along the said road she blacked out, and when she came to the vehicle was upside down and she was able to crawl out of the vehicle. The vehicle received extensive damages. The driver was also taken to the clinic along with a police hospital form for medical attention. Investigation continues.

Assault Reported At 11:15am an adult Female, of, Rock Sound, came into Rock Sound Police Station and reported that, while at a friend’s residence in Roc Sound, a slim, bright, tall male known to her came and attacked her, punching her about the head and slammed her to the ground causing pain to her head.

Police action requested.

At 11:45am Officers proceeded on enquiries in reference to this incident. At 2:45pm they returned to the Rock Sound Police Station with suspect, an adult male, a mental patient, of Rock Sound, under arrest in reference to causing harm. The officers reported arresting him at his residence and subsequently transporting him to the Rock Sound Clinic as a result of his mental state

33

where he was seen by a local Doctor for medical attention.

The suspect was later interviewed and charged with one count of Causing Harm.

He was subsequently released on bail pending trial.

Shop Breaking Reported At 3:30pm an adult Female, of Rock Sound c/o Preston Albury High School, contacted the Rock Sound Police Station via telephone and reported that sometime between 4:30pm on Friday, September 15th, 2017, and 3:25pm on Saturday, September 16th, 2017, some unknown person/s broke into the Administration building of Preston Albury High School by means of a handsaw entering the roof area. Police action requested.

Investigation continue into this matter.

Traffic Accident At 2:21am An adult Male , came into the station and reported that while traveling south in the vicinity of the dump site in Rock Sound he had been involved in a traffic accident. He reported that the vehicle was damaged and he was experiencing pain in the area of his left shoulder and neck.

The male was taken to the Rock Sound Clinic where he was treated for his injuries and released.

Officers visited the scene of the accident, with the driver, where we observed a white vehicle with the front end in the bushes in the southwest and the tail end in the public road in northeast direct with the emergency lights on, damages to both sides of the vehicle including (3) of the (4) doors, the muffler in the road just to the side of the vehicle and the front left wheel appeared to be broken from the axle.

The Driver explained that he was driving along in a southerly direction at a reasonable rate of speed when he felt the vehicle start to swerve in the bushes resulting in him trying to correct and subsequently losing control of same.

Traffic Accident On Tuesday 19th September 2017 sometime around 8:50am an Adult Female of Bristor’s Road, Rock Sound contacted the Rock Sound Police Station and reported that an accident had occurred involving one vehicle, the driver another adult Female of Rock Sound is presently injured. Police action requested in this matter.

Officers commenced investigations of the scene and observations were as follows: a black vehicle directed in a western direction off the North side Bristors Road which had collided into a large Poinciana tree having sustained extensive damages to the entire front section of the jeep including bumper, fenders and hood. Measurements were recorded. The driver who was cautioned and interviewed while on scene. She stated that she had just left her residence when she looked down for a moment when the vehicle hit the tree . After which she was transported to the Rock Sound Clinic via ambulance for further medical attention. N.O.I.P served and a hospital form was issued to be completed by attending physician. Investigations are continuing.

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Education Beat

09/10 2017

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Exam Results: Island’s Best Continued from pg. 23

The total number of subjects offered is twenty-even (27). English Language, Biology, Mathematics and Religious Studies continue to remain the subjects of choice for the vast majority of candidates. Art & Design Scheme C, Auto Mechanics and Clothing Construction remain the least subscribed subjects. It is also to be noted that even with the more heavily subscribed subjects like Mathematics, English Language, Biology and Religious Studies none had a one hundred percent subscription rate. This is partially due in part to some schools entering tenth and eleventh grade students to sit the subjects a year or two in advance of graduation.

Of the twenty-seven subjects tested, improved performance was noted in twelve subjects. They are Literature, Bookkeeping & Accounts, Economics, Office Procedures, Biology, Combined Science, Graphical Communication, History, Religious Studies, Carpentry & Joinery, Music and French.

CENTERS IN ELEUTHERA THAT HAVE AN INCREASE IN OVERALL GRADE POINT AVERAGE WHEN COMPARED TO 2016: Central Eleuthera High Harbour Island All Age North Eleuthera High Preston Albury High Samuel Guy Pinder All Age A total of eight hundred eighty (880) candidates received at least grade ‘C’ in five or more subjects in 2017 compared to nine hundred three (903) candidates in 2016. This represents a decrease of 2.55%. There were nine hundred sixty-one (961) candidates in 2015; nine hundred twenty-two (922) candidates in 2014 and nine hundred ninety-six (996) in 2013.

The BGCSE examination is designed to cater to at least eighty (80%) percent of students in grade twelve. It is anticipated that at least eighty percent of the candidates sitting the examinations would achieve grades between A – G. It is interesting to note that again this year, more than eighty (80%) percent of the grades awarded continue to range between A – E. The cumulative percentage of grades awarded at A – C decreased when compared to last year.

The highest percentage of grades awarded continues to be at grade ’C’.

ELEUTHERA Top Achievers Students in Eleuthera who achieved the most passes of C grade or higher, are outlined below for five of the public high schools in the Eleuthera District.

At Central Eleuthera High School (CEHS) the students with top results in the BJC exams included: Equoia Gibson - 6 A’s, 1 B, 1 C; Kristman Moss - 5 A’s, 2 B’S, 1 C; Trequan Hanna - 4 A’s, 2 B’s, 2C’s; Wayne Rolle - 4 A’s, 2 B’S, 2C’s; Jaheim Hunt - 2 A’s, 3 B’s, 1C; Tamari Gibson - 1 A, 3 B’s, 2 C’S; Matthew Thompson - 1A, 2 B’s, 4 C’s; Elshauna Gibson - 3 B’s, 4 C’s; Franchesca Hanna - 1 B, 3 C’s; Roihyan Adderley - 2 B’s, 1C; Caleb Bethel - 1 B, 2 C’s; Shomara Pinder - 1 B, 2 C’s; Robinique Wilson - 1 B, 2 C’s; Christopher Johnson - 1 A, 3 C’s; Bernard Bethel - 1 A, 2 C’s; Adonis Turnquest - 1 B. 2 C’s; Janus Shepherd - 2 B’s, 2 C’s; Gervante Cartwright - 4 C’s; Reshae Sands - 3 C’s.

12th grade students with top BGCSE results were: Saiydah Bryan - 5 A’s, 1 B, 1C; Malia Carroll - 2 A’s, 4 B’s;Sharron Culmer - 1A, 2 B’s, 3 C’s; Omar Sineus - 1 A, 1 B, 3 C’s; Symone Neymour - 1 A, 4 C’s; Lanesha Barriel Cadet - 2 B’s 2 C’s; Goshen Rahming - 2 B’s, 2 C’s; Kristianne Thompson - 2 B’s, 2 C’s; Latalia McDonald - 1 B, 5 C’s; Naomi Petty - 1 B, 3 C’s; Bendreaka Roberts - 4 C’s; Ruth Janvier - 4 C’s; Krystallann Thompson - 3 C’s.

At North Eleuthera High School (NEHS) the students with top results in the BJC exams included: Sanchez Albury - 5 A’s, 2 B’s, 1 C; Philip Carusi - 4 A’s, 2 B’s; Sierra Farrington - 4 A’s, 3 B’s; Ashanti Hudson - 2 A’s, 2 B’s, 2 C’s; Julisa Johnson - 1 A, 4 C’s; Juneka Julmiste 2 A’s, 3 B’s, 2 C’s; Ronisha Petit-Homme - 1 A, 3 B’s, 1 C; Dante Simmons - 1 A, 5 B’s; Breonna Strachan - 1 A, 3 B’s, 3 C’s; Christianna Wallace - 7 A’s, 1 B; Collen Wood - 5 A’s, 2 B’s.

11th grade students with top BGCSE results were: Jose M. Imbert - 1 B, 2 C’s. 12th grade students with top BGCSE results were: Genanta Laguerre - 2 A’s, 2 B’s, 2 C’s; Love Tanis - 1 A, 2 B’s, 3 C’s.

At Preston H. Albury High School (PHAHS) the students with top results in the BJC exams included: Nathalia Bown - 1 B, 4 C’s; Kayleaser Burrows - 3 B’s 3 C’s; Sarah Carey - 3 A’s, 2 B’s, 1 C; Joshua Claridge - 1 A, 2 B’s, 2 C’s; Brianna Hall - 1 A, 5 B’s, 2 C’s; Jasmine Hall - 1 A, 4 B’s, 3 C’s; Jayden Miller - 3 A’s, 3 B’s, 2 C’s; Carlissa Seymour - 6 B’s; Valentino Stubbs - 4 B’s, 1 C; Kelvano Rolle - 1 A; Jadon Knowles - 4 C’s.

12th grade student with top BGCSE results were: Waldisha Gibson - 2 B’s, 3 C’s; Hannah Ingraham - 1 B, 6 C’s; Tiara Jones - 2 A’s, 3 B’s, 1 C; Fransisca Louis - 2 B’s, 3 C’s; Marrissica Louis - 6 C’s; Garnitra Pinder - 1 B, 4 C’s.

At Harbour Island All Age School (HIAAS) the students with top results in the BJC exams included: Caseia Greene - 1 A, 5 B’s; Stephon Miller - 4 A’s, 2 B’s, 1 C; Amauri Roberts - 1 A, 3 B’s, 1 C; Lonisha Role - 1 A, 1 B, 3 C’s.

12th grade students with top BGCSE results were: Lachante’ Johnson - 1 A, 3 B’s, 1 C;

Azaria Knowles - 5 C’s; Cheala Major - 4 C’s, 1 D. At Samuel Guy Pinder All Age School (SGPAAS) the students with top results in the BJC exams included: Liam Higgs - 1 A, 3 B’s; Basil McGee - 3 A’s, 1 B, 2 C’s; Talliah Neilly - 4 B’s, 3 C’s; Alexa Pinder - 1 A, 1 B, 2 C’s; Eric Pinder - 1 A, 4 B’s, 2 C’s; Toby Pinder - 3 A’s, 1 B, 4 C’s; Duran Roberts - 4 A’s, 2 B’s, 2 C’s; Emily Underwood - 2 A’s, 4 B’s, 2 C’s.

12th grade students with top BGCSE results were: Ashmed Forbes - 2 A’s, 1 B, 3 C’s; Leah Key - 5 A’s, 1 C; Erin Mullin - 5 A’s, 3 B’s; Carson Pinder - 5 A’s, 1 B, 1 C; Jason Pinder - 4 A’s, 1 B, 1 C; Charlton Roberts - 5 A’s, 1 B, 1 C.

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Back to School

Jamboree 2017 for the kids in Deep Creek On September 2nd, 2017, Deep Creek resident, Mrs. Derece Thompson hosted an exciting 3rd Annual Back to School Jamboree on the Deep Creek Park, and gave away essential school supplies. The weekend event was a fun-filled one with other exciting giveaways, games and performances for the whole family.

Generous donors, including: Main Sponsor - Aliv, MP Hon. Hank Johnson, Rochique’s Boutique, John Pinder, Robert Pinder, Yvette Strachan, Ruthamae Mackey, Nell Thompson Sr., Big G’s, Rotary Club of Eleuthera, Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Half Moon Cay and many others, made the day possible, said Derece.

Jamboree hostess for the day, was the colourful Eulease Thompson, and the event also had stylists and barbers on hand to get the children looking snappy for their first day back at school.

Mrs. Thompson shared that the inspiration for the event three years ago came from God. “It’s a vision He gave me and I set out to do it, trusting His process. He never failed me.” She was assisted this year, she said, by Shavonne Pinder, a dear friend.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force also joined the festivities this year, represented by Inspector Neely who partnered to assist.

With main sponsor, Aliv already agreeing to support the event again in 2018, Mrs. Thompson looks forward to it continuing to be an ongoing annual event. Plans are to host it at the Wemyss Bight Park in 2018.

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Regional

Sep/Oct 2017

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CATASTROPHIC Hurricanes of 2017 Islands battered and broken, by Nature’s Fury.

UN OCHA, September 2017

Hurricane Irma, an Eastern Atlantic Storm, had developed into a destructive Category 5 storm, with winds of 185mph by the time it was positioned east of Antigua on Tuesday September 5th, 2017. At 2:00am on Wednesday September 6th, residents of the isle of Barbuda were experiencing a respite from the ferocious winds as the eye passed overhead.

According to survivor accounts it was a night of horror for many on the island as the winds ripped off roofs off of homes and people scrabbled to save their lives.

Completely unaware of the extent of devastation on Barbuda, the

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne gave an early morning press statement, as the hurricane moving at 15mph was well on its way to the northern most Leeward Islands. “ It is clear that Antigua and Barbuda has stood up to a mighty test. Our preparedness led to impressive resilience” the PM said. Later in the day, when the magnitude of the destruction on Barbuda became clear, the tones had changed.

On September 8th, with Hurricane Jose threatening the islands, a mandatory evacuation was ordered, and the government commenced the temporary depopulation of the approximately 1800 residents from the island.

One person, a baby, died during the hurricane.

Over the next 24h, moving WNW at about 15mph and with sustained winds of 185mpg and gusts in excess of 200mph, the hurricane’s worst

winds, passed directly over Barbuda, St. Barthélemy, St.Maarten/St.Martin, Anguilla and the British Virgen Islands (Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda) bringing an intensity that islands have not in living memory, seen. Neighbouring islands in the northeastern Caribbean like St. Thomas, St. Kitts & Nevis, Monsterrat, Saba, St. Eustatius, Antigua, Dominica, Guadeloupe and Martinique were also impacted by the winds, but to a lesser extent with some home damages, downed poles and battered vegetation.

CDEMA analysis of the destruction, looked like this on the map they published on September 18th, 2017: As if, living a nightmare, islanders were once again placed on alert a few days later as Hurricane Jose threatened to come ashore but passed east of them headed north. Lurking behind Jose, however

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was another Catastrophic Atlantic Storm which was taking aim at the Leeward Islands. Hurricane Maria, the 13th named storm of the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season, became a category 5 hurricane near the Leeward Islands on Monday September 18th, 2017. Hurricane Maria directly impacted Dominica at approximately 9:35pm on September 18th as an extremely strong hurricane with wind speeds of 155 mph. As a Category 5 storm it approached St. Croix in the US virgin islands with winds of 175mph during the early morning on September 19th and passed over Puerto Rico with winds of 150mph during the day It then went along off the north coast of the Dominican Republic. On Friday with winds of 125mph Maria’s center passed close to the Turks and Caicos as it headed to the Northwest, on their eastern side.

The stories and pictures that emerged from the islands impacted by both storms were heart wrenching.

Initial reports of fatalities: At least 15 people were killed in Dominica and 1 died in Anguilla. Reports place the number dead in St. Maarten/St. Martin at about one dozen. A baby was killed as the storm passed over Barbuda. A surfer died in Barbados as IRMA passed well to its north. At least 6 were reportedly killed in Puerto Rico, but with severe flooding and isolated communities in some hard

| 09/10 2017

to reach areas officials cautioned against treating the numbers of fatalities as final.

At least five were killed in the BVI according to I-witness New and reports are at least 10 dead in Cuba. Three also died on Haiti, two on Guadeloupe, and one in the Dominican Republic as a result of Maria. For the hard hit islands, there is nothing speedy about the road ahead.

Windows were blown in Doors ripped off Shutters torn off Roofs stripped Some homes flattened Electrical poles broken and uprooted Cars overturned Flood waters raged The hardest hit islands electricity distribution networks are months away from full restoration. Locals in all the islands hit, sounded a familiar cord; ‘Nothing like this before’,’Winds were so strong’ “so much noise” “hiding in closets’ ‘water coming in’ .....The recovery will be long and the costs in lives and material are still mounting

A small look at some of the extensive damage in St. Maarten/St. Martin. Promised aid was slow to come from Holland and France and looting was a serious problem in the days following the passage of the hurricane.

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Regional

Sep/Oct 2017

UK assistance landing in the UK territory of Anguilla

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Tortola in the BVI suffered severe damage to homes, communication, electricity grid, etc. Adding to the misery in the aftermath was the escape of 120 prisoners from the islands’ jail. The British Military has played an important part in their recapture.

The pictureshows flooding in Gustavia Saint BarthĂŠlemy on the left.

About 33% of the homes on the island suffered serious damage according to Sateliite images.

The HMS Oceanheaded to Anguilla after its first stop in the British Virgin Islands. Both neighbouring territories were ravaged by the destructive forces of Hurricane Irma two weeks earlier.

Dominica

Above: Raging water, mud slides, high winds and heavy rains wreaked havoc in Dominica.

Ragged Island.

Left: The southern islands of The Bahamas, The Turks and Caicos and Cuba sustained damage from Hurricane Irma.

Cuba

Turks and Caicos

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in addition to helicopter services, reflected much of the following list circulated by Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA): 14,000 Tarpaulins Water 4,813 cases per day \(24 (0.5l) bottles Clearing of roadways Reconstruction of bridges Reestablishment of communication networks To minimise suffering, he said, “We need Water, baby supplies, and tarpaulins.

Seas were rough on Thursday, impacting the ability of boats to get to some villages and it is in this light that air services could be of tremendous assistance immediately.”

Dominica is going to need all the help the world can offer - as small or big as it is, was a sentiment shared by the leader.

He described the recovery as, “A very long and difficult journey,” but said that he was confident that if the island or people remain united it will bounce back - but it will take some time.

The mountainous Island of Dominica with its vulnerable landscape was left in complete devastation by Hurricane Maria with its Category 5 winds. Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit shed Tears For His Island as he spoke of the devastation of Maria. Just one week earlier as part of an OECS organisation, Skerrit has pledged his support in helping the islands to his north who were impacted by Irma.

In an interview carried live by ABS television/radio in Antigua, at 12;30pm on Thursday, September 21st, 2017, a visibly emotional Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit, described utter devastation in his country, with isolated communities, and an official death toll that is expected to rise, as officials are yet to get to some hard-hit areas. Helicopter services are needed said the Prime Minister, to airlift supplies, critical patients and because villages at this time are only accessible via sea or by air. The island’s hospital is without electricity and because of flooding the use of a generator has not been possible to-date.

“Everyone has been impacted,” said the Prime Minister describing it as, “almost complete devastation.”

There is no electricity, telecommunications are limited, many homes are damaged, including that of the Prime Minister who lost his roof during the storm. Reliving that moment briefly during the interview, the Prime Minister, described the sounds of the wind and the noises of the storm all in complete darkness. His preoccupation at that time, he said, was with

people in more vulnerable communities, because he knew if his roof was gone, it would be worse elsewhere. He described the winds as “merciless” and like others, the basement was the place of immediate refuge, although at that level flooding became an issue to contend with.

He said, so far about 15 people have been buried, and a larger number are reported missing, with a likelihood of many deaths being recorded when the assessment is complete. People in the communities he said are burying the dead because of health concerns. “It’s a miracle there was not hundreds of deaths,” he said, based on the magnitude of the devastation in the country.

In his battered home, during the storm, a mattress was used to protect lives against projectiles and falling debris. “Everywhere in Dominica received a serious beating,” he said, adding that fury was delivered by wind and the water of rivers.

According to him, the majority of the vulnerable population went into shelters and many of the shelters with concrete roofs survived intact, even if water ingress was an issue. In his words, there were “No Classes” as far as the hurricane was concerned, as the impact was felt by upper, middle and working-class people.

“We are resilient people,” he said, as he outlined that currently people were in shelters, some by neighbours, but was forced to wipe tears from his eyes as he added, “many who do not know where to sleep at night.”

He listed off immediate needs which

“I remain committed to the country,” he said, as he outlined his plans to travel to the United Nations (UN) to address the UN and to outline the situation. He said he will not leave any stone unturned. To the Dominican diaspora he said, “If there has ever been a time that Dominica needs its people it is now.”

Several countries have reached out at this point, including, members of CARICOM, OECS, OAS, France, United Kingdom, and he was expected to speak to Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau on Thursday afternoon.

For people overseas hoping to find information on the island, the Prime Minister said the Missions in London and Washington would be setup to provide assistance. Additionally, he said, Digicel and Flow were working to restore some level of communication on the island.

At the United Nations: Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday, September 23rd calling on members to lend “rescue and rebuilding equipment” to his decimated country which he said, “reflects a zone of war”.

“I come to you straight from the front line of the war on climate change” the leader said as he began his 17 minute address.

He expressed condolences to “brothers and sisters” in Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Cuba, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, the British Virgin Islands, the Turks and Caicos islands, Puerto Rico and the Do-

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minican Republic and also to those who have suffered losses in our host country, the United States - in Texas and Florida.

“And to our brothers and sisters in Mexico we stand in prayerful solidarity after the catastrophic earthquake this past week.”

“Mr. President warmer air and sea temperatures have permanently altered the climate between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.

“Heat is the fuel that takes ordinary storms - storms we could normally master in our sleep - and supercharges them into a devastating force,” he said.

“With physical and emotional difficulty, I have left my bleeding nation to be with you here today because these are the moments for which the United Nations exists,” Skerrit said in an address which he used to shed light on what he considers to be the challenges faced by Caribbean countries as a result of climate change. He also appealed specifically for help to rebuild his country which is home to 72,000 people.

“In the case of Dominica, it has been only two years since we lost lives and endured substantial physical and infrastructural damage from the ravages of the floods and mud slides of Tropical Storm Erika,” he said.

“To deny climate change is to procrastinate while the earth sinks; it is to deny a truth we have just lived.

“It is to mock thousands of my compatriots who in a few hours, without a roof over their heads, will watch the night descend on Dominica in fear of sudden mud slides and what the next hurricane may bring,” Skerrit added.

He highlighted the Caribbean did not start nor provoke this war against nature, but the war had come to them.

“There is little time left for action.” he told his audience.