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The Abaconian June 1, 2013
Church News Prayer meetings held at Brown’s Bay Beach, CAPS
Hearts on Fire focuses on changing society, leading youth to God By Canishka Alexander The Hearts on Fire Youth Conference held on May 17-18 at Change Ministries International was organized by a committee of youths from churches all over Abaco under the leadership of Chairman Naason Sands, and Jaynell Cornish-Mitchell, cochairman. The two organizers are both young adults under the age of 25. Equipped with a theme of: Youths in Pursuit of God’s Glory; and their Scriptural text found in Ecclesiastes 12:1, CornishMitchell expressed that as young people themselves, they saw the need for a change in society realizing that change needed to go back to God fully – with their whole hearts on fire for Him. “This event was organized because we saw the need for young people to be led to an alternative from drugs, alcohol, sex outside of marriage and the like,” she explained. “[This] generation is dying and going to a Christless Hell daily, and we need to get the message out through a different avenue. We set out to win the lost at any cost.” She said that the sanctuary at Change Ministries was packed during the event with speakers Prophet-Elect Guido Rolle, 24, out of Bimini on Fridayevening, and on Saturday, Pastor Valentine Johnson from Nassau addressing the audience. “Both men tore down the house with
Touching hearts. Above: a speaker at the Hearts on Fire Youth Conference speaks directly to a young woman. dynamic, timely words for the young people,” Cornish-Mitchell wistfully recalled. “We had a conference praise team/choir, dance team, and drama team all made up of youths from churches as far south as Sandy Point and as far north as Treasure Cay. Envisioning the Hearts on Fire Youth Conference as an annual event going forward, Cornish-Mitchell said that they will go as God leads them and only where He leads them. The committee will host other events throughout the year to keep young people active and involved in the things of Christ. “The world is always giving them things to do, and we seek to counteract that,” she declared. “I was impacted simply by seeing the youths that were impacted. I watched children cry out to God
on both nights because they want more of Him, and only needed someone to care enough to bring it down to their level. My life will never be the same after Hearts on Fire.” Meantime, her colleague Naason Sands resorted to Facebook to thank two of the local pastors and their contributions who gave them their full support. He thanked Pastor Silbert Mills for being his pastor and spiritual leader, and for being a man after God's own heart with a passion to see lost souls saved. Sands also commended Pastor Samuel Cornish and First Lady Carmen Cornish for their unwavering support in the organization of the event, and for supporting him even when he was away in college.
By Canishka Alexander Throughout the first two weeks of April, Sister Paula Ferguson visited with the people of Abaco. Beginning each meeting with prayer, a Scripture reading, and the singing of “Ride Out the Storm,” she wasted no time fulfilling her mandate. A mighty woman of God, she has dedicated her life to staying divinely connected to God in prayer to bring deliverance to His people. As a crowd of people surrounded her at noon each day at Brown’s Bay Beach in Dundas Town, she would point to a person and ask them to step forward. As she anointed their hands and foreheads with olive oil, she would began to speak a revelation that in many instances brought people to tears, or led them to acknowledge that what she said was true. In the evenings, at 7 p.m., she would travel to Central Abaco Primary School to continue her prayerful and prophetic sessions. No one was turned away including those who could not understand English. There were sufficient people who were available to translate on their behalf. Others she did not have to touch, but simply stood before them and declared what God had revealed to her about them. Some Please see
ABACO REAL EST
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The Abaconian June 1, 2013
School & Youth News ECC: Forming a Community
living skills and most importantly character development and pre-vocational employment skills. However, the ratio of students to teacher although much smaller than in a regular classroom was still higher than most effective for children with special needs. Qualified teachers were difficult to find at the salaries the school could afford. By 2007, there were 98 students at ECC. Lyn recalls wondering each year if they would have the resources to continue. Somehow they always did. It seemed that whenever she felt ready to give up, contributions and help would come.
Editor’s note: this is an ongoing story about the founding of the Every Child Counts School. See the May 15 issue for the previous installment. By Ruth Harkin ECC finally had a home on the grounds of the former St. Francis Convent. Classes began in September 2003 with 22 students and a staff of 8. Archbishop Burke had actually offered two locations earlier in the year. One was to raise funds for a new building on the grounds of the St. Francis School where they began or the grounds of the former convent. Lyn asked the students which location they preferred. They thought about it and decided they wanted to move to the new location. Their reasoning was that they wished to establish their own safe learning environment where each one of their learning styles would be respected and they were free to learn at their own pace and in their own way. Although they figured they would probably be labeled as attending a “retarded school” they felt it would be easier to deal with that later and be comfortable all day. Learning was the key. They would deal with the misperceptions later. Good judgment and pretty smart after all. Some of the students also asked if they could leave some of the more obviously disabled kids behind. Lyn talked
Above: The first Every Child Counts class with Prime Minister Christie in 2004 about sticking together and in the end they decided that if they went, they went together. By the end of the first year Lyn knew they had made the right choice. One of the local high schools invited ECC to come over for a sports day. As the ECC kids were getting off the bus, some other students began to jeer and tease the more challenged kids. Lyn was watching. It was a big, tense moment. The kids from ECC who were less disabled had a choice and opportunity to walk off and leave their classmates behind. Instead each took the hand of the more challenged and held on. They spent the day protecting and shielding their classmates from remarks. It was a proud moment. Already, they had developed a sense of community. Lyn says, “The emergence of our students as unified and compassionate was the big-
gest thing that kept me going”. The stories of parents and guardians who brought their children with similar hurtful experiences seemed endless. There was a great need to address that problem because the emotional suffering of the children was so obvious a factor to their overall development. The need for community education, awareness, and acceptance was and is a big challenge. This sense of community began with the children, but it was also most important for the parents and caregivers who felt isolated from the larger community because as Lyn says, “We didn’t know where our kids fit.” Comfort was found in facing the challenges together and the closeness of the children brought a sense of community and healing to all of them. Meanwhile, the school was growing. Seydel Hall was built in 2004 through the gift of a private donor who asked the cost of building and wrote a check for $70,000. Members of the group Youth on a Mission were constructing the building when Prime Minister Perry Christie came for a visit. He stayed 45 minutes longer than planned. Local business persons stepped forward to assist by providing carpentry, electrical, exterminating services for free and funds. The Endover Foundation, the Mary Rice Foundation, and the Lyford Cay Foundation all contributed. Then there were lesson plans, finding teachers with the right training and skill sets to deal with the children. In those first years, curriculum was centered as it is today on functional academics, independent
Students learn about careers of the future By Samantha Evans The Guidance Department of Central Abaco Primary School hosted its sixth annual “Hot Careers of the Future Series” intended to educate their grade six students about careers that will be most in demand in the future. Preparing for a career is serious business and for a long time it was initiated when students entered high school. Now with the changes globally, statistics has shown that it is vital that students are educated about careers beginning at the elementary school level. Therefore, the Guidance Counselor, Samantha V. Evans, has made it an annual series for their seniors. The grade six students were asked to identify those careers that interested them the most and from their responses, some of those hot careers of the future were included. Speakers were invited to speak on careers including catering, journalism and writing, hospitality, entrepreneurship, event planning, construction, alternative energy, marine biology, handicraft industry, education, and computer information technology. Each presenter was asked to speak for 15-20 minutes about their field. Included in their talk was a description of what they do, qualifications required for this job, years of study required and the like. The students also received handouts by many of the speakers. The series began May 15 and will end June 6, 2013.
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Church News Prayer
From Page 2
were made more aware of God’s protection over their lives even to the point of keeping them from death. Healing also took place for two women, who were battling cancer. For the children and adults who appeared, she spoke blessings over their lives. Indeed, there was breakthrough after breakthrough, but humbly Sister Paula said that she is only a vessel, and that it is not her doing, but God’s. She commented that she is not overwhelmed by the gift, but is happy that she has been given the opportunity to work for Him. At all meetings, she emphasized the importance of staying focused on God. Sister Ferguson explained that she has paid a great sacrifice for her gift, and warned the audience that she was not to be taken lightly. She has been subjected to ridicule, and has come under attack by those who do not believe or accept her message, yet still she presses on. Her intent was not to reveal personal information about those in attendance, but to reveal to them what God is doing in their lives, and in this season. As one of her last prayer meetings began to wind down close to midnight on April 19, she shared a simple, but powerful message. It was the message of love prompting believers to have love one for another.
Sandy Point Baptists raise money at fair By Jennifer Hudson Members of the Mount Zion Baptist Church, Sandy Point, held a Whit Monday fair on the church grounds. All of the usual favourite Bahamian goodies were on sale including succulent barbequed steaks. While some supporters bought their meals and took them home, many stayed to enjoy the socialization with friends and games for children. The young ones enjoyed letting off their energy in the bouncy castle while others tried their skill at the hoopla or their luck with the ‘pick a straw.’ The church pastor, Reverend Napoleon Roberts was at a conference in Nassau but his son, Jason, who is Pastor Elect and his wife Oiesha, were busy assisting the hard working group of church members. Funds raised from the fair will go towards the ongoing upgrade of the church building. A new metal roof has already been installed and further upgrades will include painting, new air conditioning, a new 32 channel mixer board for the sound system and musical instruments. Reverend Napoleon Roberts has served as Pastor of the Mount Zion Baptist Church in Sandy Point for over 40 years and will soon be handing over to his son, Jason. “I feel a sense of déjà vu that this is my destiny,” says Pastor Elect, Jason Roberts. “I feel that my life’s work is in the church and that I have been steered towards this position all my life. My aim is to reach out to the community at large and consequently have a global ministry.” Please see
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Far right is Pastor Elect, Jason Roberts and his wife, Oeisha, at the Zion Baptist Church Fair in Sandy Point.
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School & Youth News Bahamas Crisis Center speaks to teens By Timothy Roberts Representatives of The Bahamas Crisis Centre traveled to Abaco to bring their Healthy Relationships Campaign here, speaking with students at several high schools. Deran Thompson Sr., a volunteer at the Centre said that he visited SC Bootle High School, Abaco Central High and Moors Island and found the students largely receptive. He said the Healthy Relationships Campaign addresses a wide variety of topics including sexually transmitted diseases, effective communication, violence within relationships and many more issues that affect relationships and in particular Teen Relationships. “We at The Bahamas Crisis Centre firmly believe that if we as a country do a better job at educating and making our children and teens aware of the realities of what is happening out there, we will begin to see less and less reports of Domestic and Sexual Violence.” He said the talks also addresses topics such as signs of a toxic relationship, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, older men preying on young females and many more issues that affect teens in relationships. He said “we will take this campaign to every single school, on every single island and every year we will do it again. We will not cease in our quest to rid this country of domestic and sexual violence.”
One on One to merge with Myriadminds By Vernique Russell One on One Academy is proud to announce its merger with Myraidminds Academy. The institution will still provide Abaco with the personalized style of teaching for both part time and full time students. Offering programs from both Skill Tutors and Sylvan Learning Center merged with the local curriculum of the Ministry of Education, the institution intends to provide the best in education. The school is proud to announce the hosting of a town meeting on June 3 at 7pm. The venue for the meeting is at the school new building in the old Sawyer’s Market next door to the police traffic division. All persons interested in enrolling their child/children, or for general inquiries are invited to attend the meeting. Registration will also be conducted at that time. They are also advising the public that the seating capacity for the school year is 15 for the primary area and 12 for the high school session. They are operating on a first come, first served method. For further information, kindly contact 458-6314.
FRIENDS welcomes new education officer
Above: Cassandra Abraham, Friends of the Environment’s new Education Officer.
By Canishka Alexander Friends of the Environment welcomed Education Officer – Cassandra Abraham – as their newest staff member on May 1. Originally from Grand Cay, Cassandra expressed her love for the environment particularly the marine environment while on Green Turtle Cay during the Island Roots Heritage Festival on May 3. She was accompanied by Kristin Williams, executive director, at FRIENDS’ informative talk on Conservation in Abaco: People Making a Difference. Although she was most recently employed in the financial arena, Cassandra was once a scuba diver, and an open-water diver where she swam with and fed sharks. She attended St. Mary’s University in Canada earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Psychology. She said: “I am now in my field, and it’s something I love. It’s not a job because it relates to water and the environment, and water is my passion. I did a lot of conservation efforts in Canada, so I am knowledgeable about what needs to be done in The Bahamas.” Cassandra noted that her responsibilities at FRIENDS include educating the public, and school students about the environment, and helping them become more conscious about decisions they make and how those decisions impact and benefit them. She will also lead outdoor field trips, and assist with FRIENDS’ upcoming Abaco Research Center (ARC), which will host high school and university programs, conduct field courses, and extend opportunities to partner with scientists on longterm research projects. Cassandra Abraham can be contacted at: cassandra@friendsoftheenvironment. org.
Agape Christian School wins Grade One Spelling Bee By Samantha Evans It was the final Spelling Bee for the 2012-2013 school year and the hall of St. Andrews Methodist Church was packed to capacity, as expected, as twenty-four Grade One students came prepared to compete for the winning trophy. The competition began at 10am and was a very good event from start to finish. Once the students had exhausted the Seen List words, eleven of them were successful in advancing to the Unseen List rounds of spelling. At the end of those rounds, the top three finishers were as follows: in third place was Keira Albury of Man-O-War School, in second place was Taylor Nesbitt of Angels Academy and the winner was Destiny Sawyer of Agape Christian School. These students were given trophies and all participants received certificates. The judges and pronouncer were also presented with certificates of appreciation by Eunice Mills; organizer of this spelling bee.
Police appeal to students to learn conflict resolution techniques By Samantha Evans With murder and criminal activities on the rise in the Capital, the police are appealing to young people to learn positive ways to resolve conflicts so that schools do not become war zones. Sergeant 2483 Jocelyn Smith of the Urban Renewal 2.0 office is one of the officers that goes into the schools to speak to students on this topic and noted that many young people choose unlawful ways to handle conflicts which can result in them being locked up or having a tarnished record. She wants students to realize that as they plan their lives, they must realize that everything they do from they are in primary school to adulthood remains on their record which can come back to haunt them when they try to obtain a police record to attend college or travel abroad. She is appealing to students to find peaceful solutions to social conflicts. Some of their recommendations are: to remain calm, allow the other person to be heard while they listen, consider the other person’s point of view, validate the
words spoken by the other person, quickly defuse verbally abusive situations by leaving or asking the person to leave, if you are wrongly quickly admit it so that you can move on, and use the power of visualization; which means to see the person as a loving spiritual being. If these techniques are not sufficient, resolution can be sought by way of a professional counselor, pastor or police officer.
Five Central Abaco Primary School students win division at Inter-School Track Meet By Samantha Evans During the month of March, the Interschool Primary Sports Meet was held at the Murphy Town Park. It was at this time that all primary schools, public and private, were able to take part to showcase the athletic talents of their students. The students who won their divisions were recognized over those two days but were not presented with their official plaques until they arrived from Nassau. Five students of Central Abaco Primary School won their division so during a special assembly held on Monday May 27, 2013 to usher in this school’s Teacher Appreciation Week, they received their plaques. The students are: in the D Division (under 7) Iesha Green –female and Daelyn Delancy – male; both won the 75 M and 100M. In the C Division (under nine) Shavante Roberts – female and James Delia – male; both won the 100M, 200M and long jump. The B Division (under 11) was Maranda Walker – female who won the 400M and the 1200M. This event was organized by the Abaco School Sports Association led by member Vogel Williams and sponsored by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. All of these students travelled to Nassau May 22-25 to take part in the Frank Rahming Primary School Championship and two of them medaled in their division: Shanvante Roberts won the 200M and placed third in Long Jump, and James Delia got a bronze medal in the long jump. These two athletes have tremendous talent and based on Coach Jeffrey Victor’s assessment, they are poised for the Olympics.
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The following persons are notified to come and collect their repaired items: JEWELRY Tonya Armstrong Avery Lightbourn Donita Russell Eban Hanna
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Mrs. Walker Shevalo Roberts Darlene Desinor GLASSES Barbra Williams
WATCHES David Laing John Nesbit Melissa Green Mary Dames
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School & Youth News Creative Studio Boutique holds dance recital
plan to lobby for better terms and conditions for their members and help the leaders of this nation usher our schools into 21st century world-class quality public education institutions. He presented them with their hardcopy of the Blueprint for rebuilding and told them that they can go on their Facebook page and give feedback and suggestions on the way forward. He noted that even though these 12 persons are a part of the alliance, they do not have all of the answers so they are very much so depending on the members to give their valuable input on all aspects of the B.U.T.
Teachers appreciated during the month of May Above: young dancers impress parents and family. By Jennifer Hudson Stacey Bethel-Adderley, Director of the Creative Studio Boutique, and twenty of her young dance students presented their first annual recital on May 25 at 11 a.m. The recital was the result of a year’s dedication and hard work by the students and volunteers and what a delightfully happy hour it was for all of the proud family members and friends of the little performers. Ms. Adderley is not only a talented dancer but also a very talented artist and she had done a tremendous job of transforming one of the rooms at New Vision Ministries for the occasion. Upon entering the darkened atmosphere one immediately felt transported to a mini theatre. A nicely framed stage had been set up in front of rows of seats and the simple black backdrop showed off the attractive collage of lollipops which was the theme for the show ‘Candy Land; The Great Lollipop Adventure’. The young dancers were organized into four categories according to age. The ‘Little Ballerinas’ aged 4-6 years, performed to ‘Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies and Lollipop.’ The ‘Dancin’Divas’ aged 6-8 years performed to ’Raining Gum Drops and My Boy Lollipop’ while the ‘Show Stoppers’ aged 9 and up performed to ‘I Want Candy and Chewy, Chewy’. All joined for a finale of ‘Candy Man’. The two little ‘Dancin Darlings’ in the 2-3 year category were, unfortunately but understandably, overcome with stage fright for this their first public performance. One little ‘Darling’ declined to come onstage at all while 2 year old Chloe Fox made an admirable effort to overcome her shyness by performing a few steps clinging to the comforting hand of her teacher. Not only had Ms. Adderely designed and prepared the décor she had also made all of the dancers’ costumes which ranged from tutus for the more classical first half of the show to sweet little appropriately candy striped outfits for the contemporary section following the intermission. Ms. Adderley expressed her thanks to all the volunteers who had assisted her. Rebekah Higgs did a competent job on sound and lights. Ms. Adderley also runs art classes and sewing workshops on weekday afternoons after school and Saturday mornings. For more information visit the Creative
Studio Boutique Facebook page. During the Easter holidays an Art Camp was offered by the Creative Studio Boutique. Sixteen children between the ages of 3 and 11 attended the camp. Activities included painting, drawing and crafts and all of the themes were ‘Spring’ based which included flowers and gardens, baby animals, eggs and on a more serious note, The Crucifixion. The campers also enjoyed games, movement and stories. A sewing workshop was attended by mothers and daughters during which they made some very nice bags together. Firstly, the students chose and purchased their fabric at ‘Home Fabrics’ then they learned how to create a pattern, cut it out and how to use a sewing machine. Ms. Adderley states, “We are all born creative but if we neglect to develop and strengthen these skills our creativity becomes inhibited. Creative Studio believes in capturing children at any age to introduce them to the art world through various channels and mechanisms. By assisting and encouraging a child’s creativity you set the stage for endless opportunities for that child’s imagination.” She has a very exciting 4th annual Summer Camp planned from July 1-26.
Stephen McPhee and Restoration Alliance visit government schools By Samantha Evans On Tuesday, May 21, Stephen McPhee and the Restoration Alliance were on Abaco to speak with Bahamas Union of Teachers (B.U.T.) members about their plans for the union once they win the upcoming election scheduled for June 11, 2013. They intend to rebuild the B.U.T. and restore leadership with integrity. Mr. Mcphee has been a part of the B.U.T. since 1996 and has held several positions including Secretary General and Executive Member. He proudly introduced his team to the teachers he spoke with stating that all they ask is for one more vote. He noted that the teachers that are running as a part of his team are all experienced unionists and are familiar with how the B.U.T. operates. He stated that they are all displeased with the way the union is being ran so they
By Samantha Evans The month of May is set aside for students and parents to recognize and celebrate the wonderful job their teachers do every day to help groom and teach their children. This is the time when students purchase gift baskets, fruit baskets, cards, straw bags, and lunch for their teachers. This is also the time when students leave a special apple or mug on their teacher’s desk filled with candies and other goodies. Special assemblies were held and teachers presented with flowers and luncheons staged to allow the teachers an opportunity to relax, play games, and just unwind before exams begin. Simone Bowe was the guest speaker at the Teacher Appreciation Assembly held at Central Abaco Primary School to begin the week of recognition. She told teachers that their job is a calling as they have the power to make or break the students they encounter from day to day; year to year. She spoke to them on the theme: “Teachers, Building Bridges to the Future as the Journey Continues.” She gave the students three points to show them how teachers connect them to their future. Firstly, they share knowledge and information which connects them to the world of possibilities. Secondly, they share their love for learning with them. She stated that lessons should never be boring but exciting, creative, and filled with adventure. Finally, teachers connect them to the future by inspiring them and teaching them tough lessons which are reinforced in the form of homework and class work.
Hence, teachers help them find their place in life. She told the teachers to continue to teach with passion, love and pride.
Friends of the Environment 2013 initiatives proved very successful By Samantha Evans This year, the educational outreach for Friends of the Environment has included 1,084 students from Abaco, New Providence, and Grand Bahama. These opportunities have included: field trips to experience rocky shore, mangroves and coppice habitats, caves and blue holes. They have also hosted school groups at their education center for visits to their nature trail to learn about coppice habitat and native plants as well as their green house where students learned about plant biology. Presentations on Native and Invasive Plants, Ecosystems of Abaco, Marine Ecosystems and Marine Mammals were also given. They also raised awareness on the three areas in Abaco currently proposed for protection: East Abaco Creeks, South Abaco Blue Holes, and Cross Harbour through the showing of a film they produced called "Beautiful Places." Finally, the after- school Discovery Club badge program was started again this school year. Topics this year have been "Shells," "Caves” and “Blue Holes" (The caves and blue holes badge is very new so this group is testing the curriculum, which will then be shared with the Bahamas National Trust so that Discovery Club chapters all over The Bahamas may use it). The participating schools to date for Discovery Club are: St. Francis de Sales, Agape Christian School, Sister Mary Patricia (Grand Bahama), Hope Town Primary, St. Andrew's (Nassau), Amy Roberts Primary, and Central Abaco Primary. Discovery Club is open to students from various schools and communities. FRIENDS also held a Teacher's Workshop at Moore's Island All Age School for 12 teachers in March. Topics covered included Litter Awareness, Ecosystems, and Native Plants and Gardening. The Program Coordinator is Olivia Patterson of Friends of the Environment.
Angels Academy Teaching Vacancy
Angels Academy invites applications from qualified teachers for the following positions:
Pre-Kindergarten - Grade 6. Applicants must:
1. Have a valid Teacher's Certificate or Diploma. 2. Have at least two years of teaching experience in Primary Education. 3. Have at least a Bachelor's Degree in Education from a recognized College or University. 4. Be willing to participate in extra-curricular programmes. 5. Be a person of personal and professional integrity.
The deadline for applications is June 30, 2013. All applicants can submit their resumes via email to angelsacademy@angelsacademyabaco.com
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HG CHRISTIE