The Eleutheran Newspaper November/December 2022 Issue

The Christmas Day Eleuthera Junkanoo Parade Returns

After two years without the traditional Christmas Day Eleuthera Junkanoo Parade taking place in Eleuthera - the colourful and exciting cultural competition is set to return. Taking place this year in Gregory Town, Central Eleuthera, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture will once again host the Annual Senior Junkanoo Parade on Sunday evening, December 25th, 2022, beginning at 8pm.

Five groups are slated to compete in this year’s parade along “Pine City’s” thoroughfare, including: The Cowboys - Gregory Town; The Village BoysHatchet Bay; Johnsons Superstars- Tarpum Bay; The Invaders - Tarpum Bay; and Grandma’s Goodies - Rock Sound.

Clara Young, with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, encouraging the Eleuthera public to enjoy the cultural extravaganza on Christmas evening, commented on the upcoming Junkanoo parade, saying, “We want all to come out and experience Junkanoo in Pine City once again. Families can feel safe because security will be strictly enforced by The Royal Bahamas Police Force, and there will be lots of food and drinks on sale... Junkanoo is bigger and better...”

Sam Bankman-Fried

(Disgraced ex CEO of FTX)

Arrested in New Providence

The arrest came almost a month to the November 11th bankruptcy filing by FTX, which confirmed for the world that this Bahamas based Cryptocurrency Exchange (3rd Largest in the World, with over 1 million users) had undergone a rapid collapse

Attorney General of The Bahamas Sen. Ryan Pinder KC, released a statement on Monday evening, December 12th, 2022, on new actions taken by the Bahamas government in the case of former CEO of FTX, Sam BankmanFried, which said:

“On 12 December 2022, the Office of the Attorney General of The Bahamas is announcing the arrest by The Royal Bahamas Police Force of Sam Bankman-Fried (“SBF”), former CEO of FTX. SBF’s arrest followed receipt of formal notification from the United States that it has filed criminal charges against SBF and is likely to request his extradition.

“As a result of the notification received and the material provided therewith, it was deemed appropriate for the Attorney General to seek SBF’s arrest and hold him in custody pursu-

ant to our nation’s Extradition Act.

“At such time as a formal request for extradition is made, The Bahamas intends to process it promptly, pursuant to Bahamian law and its treaty obligations with the United States.”

Responding to SBF’s arrest, Prime Minister Davis stated, “The Bahamas and the United States have a shared interest in holding accountable all individuals associated with FTX who may have betrayed the public trust and broken the law. While the United States is pursuing criminal charges against SBF individually, The Bahamas will continue its own regulatory and criminal investigations into the collapse of FTX, with the continued cooperation of its law enforcement and regulatory partners in the United States and elsewhere.”

Five days after the November 11th bankruptcy filing by FTX, confirmed for the world, that this Bahamas based Cryptocurrency Exchange (3rd Largest in the World, with over 1 million users) had undergone a rapid collapse, Prime Minister Davis Addresses the issue in the House of Assembly:

NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his Communication to Parliament Concerning FTX, in the House of Assembly, on November 16, 2022, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis noted that the FTX group had one entity that was regulated in The Bahamas, FTX Digital Markets Limited.

“This entity’s registration has been suspended and it was put in provisional liquidation,” Prime Minister Davis said. “The FTX group and affiliates all now appear to be subject to insolvency proceedings pending in Nassau and in the United States.”

“There are reports that FTX has mismanaged customer assets, and numerous investigations have begun into the reported actions and actors in several countries, including by our own Securities Commission and the Financial Crimes Investigation Branch of the Royal Bahamas Police Force,” he added. “I note that The Bahamas did not have sole oversight of FTX’s worldwide operation.

“I have given directions that these proceedings and investigations are to be of the highest order and given precedence, given the amounts involved and because committed and rigorous oversight is of national importance,” Prime Minister Davis announced. “We will be coordinating these efforts with duly appointed authorities in other jurisdictions.”

“A key priority for us, of course, is the full and absolute protection of the rights and remedies of The Bahamas and our citizens, to minimize losses and to mitigate the overall impact caused by any misconduct,” he

added.

Prime Minister Davis pointed out that there had been both boom and bust in the world of crypto, and the year had been a significant bust, with total market capitalization falling from $3 trillion to $800 million or lower. The steep sell-offs and declining volumes had led analysts to describe this time as a “crypto winter”, he said.

He also noted that Meta and Amazon, not crypto companies, of course, but tech companies – have laid off thousands, and also shed significant market capital.

“I believe, as do many others, that block-chain technology and smart contracts will continue to play an important and growing role in the world’s financial architecture, and further, I have every confidence that The Bahamas will emerge from the proceedings involving FTX – proceedings taking place here as well as in other jurisdictions – with an enhanced reputation as a solid digital assets jurisdiction,” Prime Minister Davis said.

“Based on the analysis and understanding of the FTX liquidity crisis to date, we have not identified any deficiencies in our regulatory framework that could have avoided this,” he added. “In fact, it was be-

cause The Bahamas already had in place a regulatory framework for digital assets and digital asset businesses, that the regulator was able to take immediate steps in order to protect the interests of clients, creditors, and other stakeholders globally.”

Prime Minister Davis noted that The Bahamas was already on track to update the regulatory framework, before that year’s end, to address lessons learned.

“No doubt, as the various jurisdictions involved unravel the actions that led to this moment, we will be among the first jurisdictions to gain and put to use valuable insights, allowing us to further strengthen our framework,” he said.

Prime Minister Davis added: “What I would ask, is for all those who care about our country’s reputation, to tread carefully when they speak about matters that are very complex and still unfolding. There is a reason that The Bahamas won international praise for the approach we have taken to date on digital assets, and there is plenty of room to have a healthy debate about the industry, but this is a story that has the world’s attention, and those who use it to mislead and score cheap political points are no patriots.”

Water a growing problem? : Extended Disruption Alleviated, Production and Storage Capacity Still Critical

Eleuthera’s Members of Parliament, along with Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) officials were on island on Thursday, December 8th, 2022, where they inspected the reverse osmosis plant facility for Central Eleuthera, located at the former Naval Base in Governor’s Harbour.

Following the site visit, MP for North Eleuthera and WSC Chairman, Mr. Sylvanus Petty, with MP for Central and South Eleuthera, Mr. Clay Sweeting, and WSC officials, including Acting General Manager, Mr. Robert Deal, and Acting Assistant General Manager for Family Islands, Mr. Gregory Stubbs, gave an update on the status of the extended water supply disruption that hit residents in Eleuthera during the final week in November and continued for many residents for more than seven days - into the week of December 5th.

According to Acting GM of WSC, Mr. Robert Deal, as of Monday, December 5th, 2022, the reverse osmosis plant located at the former Naval Base in Governor’s Harbour was back to normal production. He informed that WSC staff were canvassing the affected communities to confirm that all customers were indeed receiving water. “We still have reports of a few customers who are receiv-

ing very low pressure, so we are working to see what we can do to boost their pressure at the moment - that’s currently active, and that is primarily customers at high elevations,” he said on Thurday afternoon.

With regular production at the Naval Base reverse osmosis plant restored, Mr. Deal revealed that the challenge faced in supplying water to their customers in Eleuthera went further. He explained that the current demand for water matched the current production at the site, leaving no opportunity to build storage in the event of a disruption. Additionally, he stated that storage capacity at the site was very limited, so both production capacity and storage capacity were critically lacking.

“We have moved a portable desalination plant into position [a 250,000 gallon per day reverse osmosis plant], and we are working to get that, hopefully connected and electrified in very short order to improve the production capacity at this facility. Right now the production capacity is around 450 to 500 thousand gallons per day, but that is also the system demand, so what it means is that every drop of water we currently produce is being used by the system. We have to get the production capacity

above that, so that we would have spare capacity to build storage, but also to be able to take off some of the existing desalination trains, as we call them - take them offline one by one to also carry out required maintenance works,” said, Mr. Deal.

He continued, “We also have works to put in place additional storage. When we increase the capacity here, we also have to increase the volume of water that can be stored. We have limited storage on site at this time. What that means is that - in the event of a water interruption at the plant - in very short order the community is impacted. If we can increase the storage on the site - what will happen is we will have water in storage - and normally we should have 3-5 days of water in storage. Right now, we have less than one day, so that means as soon as the plant goes off, the communities are impacted.”

A temporary 500,000 gallon storage tank is now being constructed at the former naval base site confirmed Acting WSC GM Deal. “That’s an interim measure - we are going to keep it in place - and we have also ordered a permanent million gallon storage tank that is presently being manufactured

At the beginning of July 2022, Maxwell Leary - a procurement specialist from South Eleuthera, having served for 25 years as a supervisor with Bahamas Power and Light (BPL)/(BEC) before retiring in 2021 - took up the presidency of the Rotary Club of Eleuthera during the annual handover.

Maxwell joined the Rotary Club of Eleuthera (RCE) thirteen years ago in 2009, just a few short months after it was founded, while Shaun Ingraham was the charter president. Early in December 2022, in an interview with The Eleutheran, he shared what his first five months as president have been like and he and his leadership team’s vision for the remainder of the Rotary year.

Describing what the Rotary Club in Eleuthera is all about, Max explained, “Rotary is one of the largest non-profit organizations in the world... Here in Eleuthera, it’s all about community service, and helping out those with needs in the community. One of our

main partners on the island is the Cancer Society, which we work with to assist and help out. Anywhere else there is a need in the community, and Rotary can help out - we go above and beyond to try and help.”

Asked about what guides the focus of the club during the year, he shared, “We plan our objectives ahead of the beginning of the Rotary year, which begins in July. Rotary International would announce their goals (this year’s theme - ‘Imagine Rotary’), and regional District Governors state their objectives and themes, which act as guidelines for local clubs and

directs our focus for the upcoming year.”

He continued, “Our vision in the Rotary Club of Eleuthera stems from the overall Rotary International theme based on the word ‘Imagine’ - which encourages us to focus not just on one thing, but to go out there and do bigger and better things in Rotary. We are trying to make that happen here in Eleuthera - we have a lot of young people, and that is the major focus for my Rotary year - the youth. Any youth organization that is having anything, we try to get involved with.

“Several weeks ago - the STOP the Violence campaign held by the Nurses Association and the Zonta Club - we contributed to that by volunteering our time, and assisting with the refreshments during the lock-in event.”

Describing some of the functions and roles of this year’s RCE board members, Maxwell outlined, “I am the current president, and we also have chairpersons on the local club board who focus on specific goals for the year. Past president Jacquie Gibson is our membership chair, our foundation chair is past president Susan Culmer, service projects chair is rotarian Audley Meadows, youth service chair is rotarian Sybil Forbes, environmental chair is past president Elburt Ferguson, public image chair is rotarian Kenwood Cartwright, fundraising chair is past president Julian Carey, Sergeant-at-arms, administrator and current president-elect is rotarian Brian Major.

Mr. Leary shared that there were a number of projects he and his board were working on within the Eleuthera community, in line with their focus on young people on the island, saying, “One of

Protecting school children and ending gang violence: no time to waste

throughout the Caribbean.

Recent reports of school children being attacked by hooded gangs with knives and cutlasses and suffering serious injuries, have alarmed parents in Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago. Especially troubling, is an observation, made in November 2021, by the Commissioner of Police of St Lucia, Milton Desir, that criminals have been targeting school children for recruitment into gangs and a life of crime.

By Sir Ronald Sanders

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the u n ited States of America and the Organization of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto)

Gang violence, particularly in schools, and directed at school children, is fast becoming a grave concern

In The Bahamas, concerns heightened about school safety earlier this year, following several stabbings and violent encounters between students at public schools. This led to the Education Minister, Glenys Hanna-Martin, telling Parliament that there will be “zero tolerance” for school violence.

In Barbados, after 2 years of incidents at schools, including stabbings, and several violent crimes that resulted in many deaths, the popular on-line publication, Barbados Today, in an Editorial on October 14, warned that if “authorities do not get in front of this issue it will fester and grow”.

The Ministry of Social Transforma-

tion in Antigua and Barbuda is clearly so anxious about the emergence of gangs and violence against school children, that one of the remedial actions it proposed in late November, is “developing legislation that makes gang membership and [gang]activity illegal”.

There are strong reasons for this anxiety, and good cause for a national consultation on how the issue of gang violence should be handled, involving all stakeholders in the society. The problem won’t be solved by governments alone, though they must organise national consultations.

Gang violence in school is not only a threat to the safety of children, it has the potential to grievously disrupt the education system, and, also, to feed the development of gangs, which foment criminal activities that terrorizes societies and stunts economic growth.

Haiti is a deeply disturbing example of how armed gangs have taken control of large parts of the country, confronting police, kidnapping persons for ransom, “barbecuing” people they regard as enemies, and completely disregarding any form of the rule of law.

Of course, the dastardly and awful conditions of Haiti, which have consigned the majority of its population to abject poverty, and little opportunity for social and economic improvement while a small elite profits, are at the root of the emergence of gangs. But Haiti’s disorder is also a warning to other Caribbean countries that social, political, and economic circumstances should not deteriorate to the point where remedying them become a mammoth, costly and difficult task.

The illegal entry of weapons into Caribbean countries, in support

of drug trafficking and other criminal activity, is growing. If this trend continues, along with an increase in gangs which recruit and groom school children, the implications for peaceful and sustained stability and growth are worrying.

Just four months ago, the U.S. Department for Homeland Security (DHS) disclosed that they had found a substantial increase in the number of weapons being illegally trafficked to the Caribbean. A spokesman for the DHS said, “In the wrong hands, these weapons could cause mass casualties”, adding that “guns trafficked from the U.S. have been linked to a surge of gang-related and reprisal murders in The Bahamas this year”.

The problem of school violence, therefore, has two dimensions. The first is the safety of children and the impact on the education system. The second is the looming prospect that gangs would become so emboldened, that they would seek to control countries, challenging law enforcement bodies in the process.

Apart from Haiti, developments in two Central American countries –El Salvador and Honduras – should be closely studied by Caribbean authorities, such as the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security, for the lessons they present.

In El Salvador, between March 25 and 27, eighty-seven people were murdered in violence that Salvadoran authorities blamed on two of the country’s most notorious criminal gangs – both of them had migrated from Los Angeles in the U.S. The victims varied widely demographically and most of them had no known connection to any gangs.

In response, the government declared a thirty-day

The impact isn’t limited to the property in question. The value of surrounding homes and even entire communities is affected by trash.

The following stats from a Keep America Beautiful survey provide an insight into

Litter Hurts Property Values

how litter lowers property values.

• 93% of homeowners said a littered neighborhood would decrease their assessment of a home’s value and influences their decision to purchase a property.

And 40% estimated that litter would reduce a home’s value by 10% to 24%.

• 36% of business development officials said that litter impacts a decision to locate to a community.

• 55% of realtors thought that litter reduces property values by about 9%.

• 60% of property appraisers would reduce a home’s value if it was littered.

Retards Development

Litter hinders development and translates into lost tourism revenue.

Why would an investor open a boutique hotel in an area with a litter problem?

How can you rent an Airbnb in a dirty environment to visitors? The reviews, which drive bookings, would be unfavourable.

Visitors prefer to explore and patronise restaurants and shops in clean surroundings.

Taking Control

Homeowners can take matters into their own hands by beautifying their homes and surroundings.

Beautification projects not only im-

prove property values, they bring neighbours together.

Clean public green spaces are also important. They encourage exercise, which improves health. And they provide a place for children to play, and for neighbours to relax and socialise, boosting mental health.

A clean environment is a sign of community pride. It means people have high self-esteem and an appreciation for the beauty we have been blessed with.

When people litter, they either choose to do so or they’re careless about handling waste.

There is no excuse for littering or roadside dumping, no matter how humble a home or community.

A Job Well Done

Earlier in the year, the civic group Clean Beaches Eleuthera (CBE) spearheaded the collection of over one ton of trash from roadsides and mangroves.

The clean-up involved various groups and volunteers, who went the extra mile to get rid of other people’s litter.

“This is only a drop in the bucket compared to what we had to leave behind, and what continues to exist along the length of our island. However, we are so proud to have stepped in to do our part,” executive director Eric Wallace said at the time.

Great job!

state of emergency that curtailed several constitutional rights, including freedom of assembly and the right to legal counsel. The President of the country also authorized the national police to conduct warrantless raids and mass arrests; as of April 26, more than seventeen thousand suspected gang members had reportedly been arrested. Almost 60,000 suspected gang members have been arrested since March.

The Salvadorian government was criticised for its methods by international human rights bodies. However, the government’s actions resulted in a considerable drop in homicides, and a significant easing of fear in the society.

In neighbouring Honduras, the government, also faced the criminal activities of gangs that held sway over businesses in the capital, Tegucigalpa, and the northern hub of San Pedro Sula. Taking a leaf from the El Salvador playbook, on December 5, the Honduras government imposed a ‘state of exception’ suspending some constitutional rights to help fight street gangs. A former Police Commissioner said, “The

intent is to penetrate these criminal structures to get to the leaders, noting that it would also be important to go after lesser criminals, as well as repeat offenders”.

Armed gangs are already an unwelcome phenomenon in Caribbean countries. This is not a problem that can afford delays.

The approach of the governments of El Salvador and Honduras came after the activities of gangs were so grave that they could not be ignored. Consequently, draconian measures were introduced which encroached on civil liberties. Those governments would argue that, in fulfilment of their duty to keep their populations safe, they had no choice.

Caribbean countries, except Haiti, still have time to address this growing problem within the rule of law. Dealing with it, based on national consultations and consensus, is urgent.

Reponses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders

Did you know litter and junk drag down property values?

By Mike Lightbourn

Questions or comments?

Contact me at info@cbbahamas.com

Mike Lightbourn is president of Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty

Teri M. Bethel

It’s not uncommon for me to come across people on the island of Eleuthera who are interested in writing books. It’s really not surprising. The surrounding of the isle of “Freedom” is enough to inspire a collection of books. Ernest Hemmingway practiced coming to the Bahamas to pen his novels, so there must be something in our idyllic surroundings that inspired his writings. Common questions I get from people with a book idea is, “How do I start? Where do I begin?” Those are valid questions, but it does not have a one-size-fits-all answer. The answer depends on what you are writing. Some write topical books that do not require an ordered sequence, like short stories and poems. Those can be knit together once all the stories are written. If you are writing a book that does need to follow a particular order, then begin with a table of contents; use it as a guide as you write. There are textbooks for school that should follow a specific sequence, so a course curriculum guides those. Then there are selfhelp books which may require building a foundation and adding substance to create your book’s content. You can familiarize yourself with bestselling books in the same genre to get an idea of how you can do that. A quick search on Amazon.com can help you. A memoir can be a little trickier. Although a good editor will help to weed out non-essentials to keep the reader glued to the page, you will have to determine what aspect of your life you wish to share. Is it about your childhood, or are you addressing aspects of your career, ministry, and so forth? You may want to have a little of every area, but here’s the clincher; whatever the content, you want to ensure it is engaging and beneficial to the reader. For those who already have a story but feel that their writing is not compelling enough, you may need a deep edit or a ghostwriter to put the pieces together.

The tell-all books

Some would like to write a tell-all book. If you are considering doing that,

The book In YouSteps to Publishing It

you should be responsible for how you handle this, as what you write may adversely affect innocent people. In that vein, you can change names and blur specifics that may come back to haunt you. Not all tell-all books are bitter, but some are written as a payback for the loss or hurt experienced. Bitterness is never a good platform for book publishing. The same story can be written from a place of freedom with the desire to help others. The energy behind the two can bring dramatically different outcomes. So, if you are in a bad relationship and want to get back at the person, your best bet is to vent on paper and destroy it. A reputable publisher will not be interested in publishing it as it could lead to legal battles or worse. A survival story that does not seek to destroy an individual but is redemptive is a viable book. A book we recently published that fits that billet quite nicely is that of a lawyer in Eleuthera, Mrs. Agatha Bethel. Her captivating book Against the Odds (InspirePublishing.org) is a tragedy-totriumph story that shares her harrowing account of the loss of her two sons with great transparency.

Kinds of publishers

There are three main types of publishers: traditional, vanity press, and selfpublishing. The traditional publisher gives you an advance to publish and market your book without you having to come up with any money. Unless you are an internationally known figure or an experienced first-class writer, getting your feet in the door is pretty challenging. Typically, with traditional publishers, you give up some of your rights as an author, and delivery of your book could be around two years. Most authors use a vanity press or self-publish to avoid frustration and multiple rejections. There are benefits to using a vanity press, but newbie authors find the costs too heavy to bear with very little return as they dip into an author’s royalties and charge annual fees to maintain your book title. Any marketing will be an additional service charge. Delivery of a vanity press book could be six months or more. Those self-publishing publishers that level the playing field are those who allow authors to have 100% of their royalties, a quick turn-around in the publishing process, no added fees, and the ability to maintain their publishing rights. Some self-publishing companies provide authors with marketing tools to give their books a more robust pres-

ence—this is a separate fee. The turnaround time is less than two months.

What will the publisher require of your manuscript?

First, find out if the publisher covers the type of book you are interested in publishing. You will rarely find one that covers all genres. If your book is not a good fit for that company, it’s not personal. When you find a publisher willing to look at your manuscript, submit it in digital format. That means it must be saved in a format such as a Word doc and emailed to the publisher if they request to see it. Your manuscript should be single-spaced on a letter size page in a standard font like Times New Roman, no larger than 12pt. It should not have excessive capitalization, highlighting, fanciful text, clipart, and over-the-top punctuation marks like this!!!! Formatting the work is the publisher’s job. PDF files are not an acceptable form for submission. A professional editor should edit your manuscript. Although no editor sees every error, a professional follow guidelines beyond spell check. Many first-time authors rely on family members, school teachers, or journalists only to find their work rejected by the publisher.

Here are a few pointers from a seasoned editor:

• Know your topic well. Know your audience. Present clearly

• Present as if in conversation. Keep your sentences short and to the point.

Read it over carefully before submission. It’s not usually a work of art on the first go.

Remember that audiences today are global. Standard English will travel anywhere.

Do not plagiarize.

• Writers need to be thickskinned to keep going at it, even after being rejected sometimes.

a bout the a uthor :

• Usually, you have to know the rules of writing well before you can break them respectfully.

What about copyrights?

There are several ways you can copyright your document. You can do so at the local Registrar’s Office. However, this will only protect your work in the Bahamas. For your peace of mind and proof that the original document is yours, you can also print and mail it to yourself. The key is not to open it; save that for when you need proof that the work is yours and the postmark indicates the date you sought to protect it. The Library of Congress’ Copyright Department also accepts online submissions for copyrighting your manuscript. Still, this would only prove the work is yours in the U.S.A. The good news is that if you publish your work on Amazon.com and there is a concern about plagiarism or stolen content, the book is withdrawn from the platform.

What about the size of your book?

Regarding the size of your book, bigger is not always better. A reader’s attention span is not as long as it used to be. Many people want quick reads—a well-written book that packs a punch. From a marketing perspective, if you have lots of content, you may consider breaking the book into two, three, or even four parts to create a series. Another reason it’s not such a great idea to publish thick books is the cost of freight to bring them in and the actual cost of a book. Unless you have a ready-made niche market, most readers will consider buying a $15 book before a $50.00 read.

Although we’ve covered some good ground in this article, there is more you should know. You can get your copy of Are You Ready to Publish? by Teri M. Bethel today from Office General in Governor’s Harbour, the North Eleuthera Snack & Craft Place, or download a copy from Amazon.com.

Teri M. Bethel is a publisher and author of relationship enrichment books, Bahamian-inspired romance, and adventure novels for children that share our island’s history and culture. Her books are available where good books are sold in Eleuthera, New Providence, and Amazon.com. Teri and her husband have two adult sons. Website: www.inspirepublishing.com

in Europe - and we expect the components for that to be here early next year, and that should take 3-4 months to be constructed. Once that is constructed we are expected to have well in excess of 1.5 million gallons of storage on the site. So overall, there are two things we are focusing on to improve the reliability of supply here in Central Eleuthera. One - increasing the production capacity and secondly, increasing the storage capacity... Once we are able to increase the storage capacity, it will mean that even if the plant has a disruption, communities would not be impacted right away.”

Member of Parliament for North Eleuthera and Chairman of the WSC, Mr. Sylvanus Petty, when asked about why the government would continue to use a company [Aqua Design], seemingly not capable of supplying the island with a reliable water supply, MP Petty replied, “Four days before the election, there was a contract signed for ten years - so, that is one of the legal challenges we have right now. But, we have the Minister of Works, who is an astute lawyer. The prime minister is also looking into their contract. So, we are not pleased. I’m telling you, we are not pleased. We met on Tuesday [Dec. 6th] with the stakeholders [Aqua Design], and they promised us they were going to fix a number of issues that we have been having here.”

Chairman Petty continued, “One of the issues that we have with them, is that they never have their technicians on ground - they never have anyone at the plants. So, it is up to Water and Sewerage staff to check these plants when the machines

are down. Right now in North Eleuthera, we are operating at 50%, so, this may happen in North Eleuthera any minute now. As a matter of fact, it is not if, but when. So, these are some of the challenges we are having with them and their contract. But hopefully, we can get this resolved.”

Minister Sweeting was asked about Aqua Design not being able to keep up, in light of Eleuthera’s growth boom, and he responded, “I want to thank the Chairman, and the GM and his team here who took the necessary corrective actions to be here today. My responsibility before being a minister is to my constituents. After a year, two years, three years, four years of consecutive interruptions with water, and over the one week during Thanksgiving, it is just to the point now where the citizens in Central and South as well as parts of the constituency in the North were agitating heavily because they have not been able to get proper water supply, and at times the water was salty.

“I must commend the team at Water and Sewerage for taking the necessary action to bring the container [with the portable reverse osmosis plant] here to try to correct the issue. This has been a longstanding issue. When we were in opposition, as a senator, I spoke heavily against this issue. At one point, they [Aqua Design] turned off the water in Central and South Eleuthera during the pandemic - so, it’s been an ongoing issue. What I would like to see is just corrective necessary action. I have full confidence in the minister - that they are going to do what they need to do - hell or high water - to make sure that the people in this constituency and throughout Eleuthera have potable water.”

Pictured: Member of Parliament for North Eleuthera, and Chairman of the Water and Sewerage Corporation, the Hon. Sylvanus Petty, distributing water to an elderly community member, during the extended water disruption in Central Eleuthera in early December.

Global Bodies: The Bahamas ratifies two ILO Conventions

The country has ratified 37 ILO Conventions (26 of which

On November 30th, 2022, The Bahamas deposited the instruments of ratification for two ILO Conventions: Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention, 1983 (No. 159) and Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190) By submitting the instruments of ratification, The Bahamas becomes the 85th country globally to ratify Convention No. 159 and the 23rd to ratify Convention No. 190.

By ratifying these The Bahamas strengthens its action towards more inclusive and safer workplaces as both Conventions deal with issues critical in modern-day workplaces.

In depositing the instruments of ratification, the Honourable Keith Ricardo Bell, Minister of Labour and Immigration stated, “The ratification of ILO C159, along with the other international instruments available to our social partners will promote opportunities for persons with disabilities to gain a living through decent work in the Bahamian labour market.”

With respect to Convention No. 190, Minister Bell added, “The Government of The Bahamas publicly commits to recognizing the right of everyone in the world of work to be free from violence and harassment... It also recognizes that violence and harassment are threats to equal opportunities and are unacceptable and incompatible with decent work… It further recognizes the importance of a work culture based on mutual respect and dignity of the human being to prevent violence and harassment.”

In welcoming the ratification, Mr. Dennis Zulu, Director of the ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean said, “I am glad that even during this period of uncertainty with COVID-19 still

are in force)

being around, necessary consultations and processes have taken place, which resulted in these ratifications. Ratifications of Conventions are always good news to the ILO, but these Conventions are particularly relevant as Convention No. 159 deals with persons with disabilities, a group of workers who tend to be marginalized. Convention No. 190 addresses another matter of worldwide concern which is the increased incidence of harassment and violence in the workplace as the Minister had previously noted. The ILO therefore looks forward to working with the employers’ and workers’ organizations and the Government of The Bahamas in implementing these very important instruments.”

Convention No. 159 aims at implanting a national policy on vocational rehabilitation to enable disabled persons to secure, retain and advance in suitable employment. Such policies would also promote their integration into society. The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Recommendation, 1983 (No. 168), which was adopted at the same time, provides practical suggestions for the implementation of the Convention.

Convention No. 190 is the first international instrument to address violence and harassment in the world of work, and was adopted at the International Labour Conference, which is the general assembly of the ILO, in 2019. A coupling instrument, the Violence and Harassment Recommendation, 2019 (No. 206), was also adopted.

To date, The Bahamas has ratified 37 Conventions (26 of which are in force).

Pictured: Keith Ricardo Bell, Minister of Labour and Immigration (on right) stands with Dennis Zulu, Director of the ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean (center), and Zane Lightbourn, Minister of State for Education (on left).

Picture This - Prizes Up For Grabs At JC Discount Superstores

JC Discount Superstores, with store locations in both James’ Cistern and Gregory Town, held their first holiday promotion drawing on Friday, December 2nd, 2022 - with three winners selected from their Gregory Town store location.

The three winners include: 1st prize - Chloe Scavella; 2nd prize - Nevaeh Bedford, and 3rd prize - Daley Fritz.

Throughout the month of December, JC Discount Superstores are encouraging their customers to spend $20 or more in either store, for an opportunity to ‘enter to win’!

Pictured above: 1st Prize Winner - Chloe Scavella.

Retired Educators Club Celebrates Christmas Luncheon

The Eleuthera branch of the Retired Educators Club (REC), which was formed in 2018, rang in the holiday season together, on Friday, December 9th, 2022, with a colorful Christmas luncheon. Members of the retirement group with its motto - “Mobilize, organize, recruit and engage” - stay fully active within their different communities on the island by participating in school spelling bees, essay competitions, debates and the district spelling bees, as well as assisting with school and community libraries. Some members also assist with supplying text books and other school materials. “After retirement we felt the need to keep active and offer our services by volunteering in the schools and the community, and we enjoy meeting through out the year,” shared Mrs. Theresa Burrows, a member of the REC. The group stays connected with each other through an active WhatsApp group, and invites all retired educators to join. Current members include: Levada Ingraham, Karen Crean, Emily Petty, Theresa Burrows, Evelyn Deal, Alvene Sands, Althea Roberts, Frances Russell, Rose Neilly, Alluria Thompson, Susan Hannah and Coral Pinder.

Pictured on right (L-R): Front Row - Evelyn Deal, Karen Crean. Second Row - Theresa Burrows, Althea Roberts, Alverne Sands, Frances Russell and Emily Petty. Back row - Paulette Sands (guest of Rose Neilly,) Levada Ingraham and Rose Neilly.

Fishing for Climate Resilience:

Sixth Grader Aims High Through Volunteerism and Participation

(EbA).

A sixth grade student at the Harbour Island All Age School is doing positive things as well as volunteering her time as a library helper within her community.

Essence Bryan, head girl at her school, started a pencil drive this school term, and distributed the collected pencils to her fellow students, lessening the need for students to use their lunch money to purchase this essential writing tool.

Essence, says her mom, Paula, also has a passion for creative writing and public speaking, and aspires to be a nation leader who does impactful and positive activities within her community.

During the month of November 2022, Essence took steps towards her goal, participating in the All Eleuthera District Religious Studies ‘Voices of Hope’ speech competition, hosted by the Ministry of Education at the Resource Center in Savannah Sound, where she emerged as the overall winner. She will now go on to represent Eleuthera in the national Religious Studies speech competition in 2023.

Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs (MOAMRFIA), Clay Sweeting MP, Central & South Eleuthera attended the Resilience Hub’s Rare, Global Island Partnership (GLISPA) while at COP 27. The event showcased the positive impact nature-based solutions (NbS) in coastal ecosystems have on vulnerable coastal communities and small-scale fishers, as well as government strategies at all levels to implement and scale adaptation strategies with NbS and Ecosystem-based Adaptation

Local champions and international stakeholders involved in the Fishing for Climate Resilience project shared their journeys. Minister Sweeting is pictured above at the event.

Unlocking the collective potential of vulnerable coastal communities for climate action

Above (L-R): DEO Mrs. Fontella Knowles, Religious Studies speech competition winner, Essence Bryan of Harbour Island All Age, and DSE Mr. Michael Culmer.

‘STOP the Violence’ campaign’

Nurses and Zonta Club Partner to raise awareness

The Nurses Association of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (NACB) Eleuthera branch, in conjunction with the Zonta Club of New Providence, partnered this year to raise awareness of gender-based violence throughout the island of Eleuthera.

The initiative was spearheaded by NACB Eleuthera Chairperson of Education and Research, Mrs. Bianca Edwards. The Nurses Association Eleuthera branch and its members joined the international campaign to assist in the education, support, and prevention of gender-based violence. The sixteen (16) Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign commemorated each year from November 25th to December 10th.

The targeted grouping was geared towards children, young people, and at-risk groups by identifying early precursors and signs of violence through navigating and enhancing support systems throughout the island.

support systems that are in place to assist victims of abuse.

This year’s campaign encompassed north, central, and south Eleuthera. The lock-ins were held simultaneously in both North mainland and Central and South Eleuthera. The school grades that were targeted were children in grades 4-12.

The lock-in opening ceremonies commenced at two locations on Friday, November 25th at 6pm - in the north at the Mission Church of God in Upper Bogue and in central at the Police Force headquarters in Governor’s Harbour.

There were many stakeholders involved. The guest speakers spoke on and discussed various topics, such as: What is Abuse? Good Touch, Bad Touch, What are your private parts on the body and how they should not be violated, Self-Esteem, CyberCrime/Cyber Bullying, Bullying, among other topics. There was also a reflection segment where the children reflected on identifying who they are and where they would like to be. There was also talk therapy for the children with issues within their homes and schools.

‘Lock-in’ events with school-aged children were hosted as part of the Eleuthera initiative on Friday, November 25th, and walk-a-thons were held on the morning of Saturday, November 26th, 2022 at 6 a.m. NACB Eleuthera branch also launched an educational video where several stakeholders raised awareness against gender-based violence. The video was aired and continues to be shared, expressing that violence should not be tolerated while explaining the 10am to 5pm Mon. to Fri.

Presenters for the North district, were Pastor Henderson Kelly and his P42

Above and below: Volunteers, speakers, mentors and students from the North Eleuthera (above) and Central and South Eleuthera (below) cohorts of the STOP the Violence initiative partnership between the Eleuthera branch of the Nurses Association, and the Zonta Club, during the Saturday, November 26th, 2022 morning walk-a-thons.

PM Davis Defends Minimum Wage Increase and Price Controls in Efforts to Relieve Cost-of-Living Pressures

While making his contribution on the Minimum Wage Increase 2022 in the House of Assembly, on November 2nd, 2022, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis noted that, although his Government cannot prevent global events from having a local impact, it can “stand in the gap” and ease the burdens of the Bahamian people.

“It has been clear for a long time, to anyone paying attention, that the minimum wage was far too low,” Prime Minister Davis said. “When we came to office, we immediately started planning and negotiating to raise the minimum wage.

“We did not hesitate,” he added. “And we did not let the fiscal and economic crises we inherited stand in our way.”

Prime Minister Davis pointed out that, with the passage of that Bill, the minimum wage would increase from $210 to $260 per week. In the public sector, he added, the raise was retroactive, going back to the past July. In the private sector, the increase would begin in January, with the extra months allowing businesses to plan

and prepare.

“Fifty dollars more each week will not eliminate the economic strain on families; but it is something -- $200 more a month towards food, or school fees, or rent, or peace of mind,” he said.

“It is progress on the path to a livable wage,” Prime Minister Davis added. “It’s been a long time since the minimum wage was last raised -- seven years ago, in fact, in 2015.”

He noted that his Government was “very careful” to negotiate a minimum wage that would not slow down job growth; and were “very mindful” of pressures facing Bahamian businesses.

“Similarly, when we added diapers and more food items to our price control list, we are signaling to businesses that we expect the savings from reduced customs duties to be passed on to Bahamians,” Prime Minister Davis said. “Business owners will still make a profit, just a little less than they would otherwise.”

“We have listened to their concerns, and we have been flexible about some of

the details,” he added. “We will continue to review the impact of price controls on both consumers and businesses.

“But the bottom line is, the costs of this global inflation crisis must be a shared burden, not one that falls primarily on Bahamian families working to get by.”

Prime Minister Davis said that the new price controls on medications were in effect, pharmacies would remain open, and his Government expected pharmacies to come into full compliance “in the coming days”.

“In raising the minimum wage and expanding price controls, my Government is holding firm in protecting the interests of the Bahamian people,” he said.

Prime Minister Davis said that his Government believed that the increase in the minimum wage would provide some measure of relief for working Bahamians, while a growing economy would allow businesses to adjust successfully.

He said: “The minimum wage increase is part of a larger set of policies intended to relieve cost-of-living pressures, including: reduced or eliminated customs duties on key items such as food, solar supplies, and building supplies; additional price control inspectors; free WiFi in parks across the coun-

The CTI Campus is Buzzing With Holiday Activity

This holiday season, the Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI) campus in Rock Sound is teeming with action and life. From community outreach workshops to exciting graduations, CTI is fulfilling its mission to drive sustainability and innovation in an education and training environment that empow-

ers people through skills development, leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development. If you are looking to improve your diet and health with lifestyle changes, further your education, and employability, or just learn to farm in the comfort of your own backyard, the CTI campus and One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) has the resources to help you succeed.

The Honey Shack Officially Opens

Local beekeepers are buzzing about the solar-powered, “Honey Shack” at CTI which was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on December 2nd, 2022. In attendance was Deon Stewart, the National Coordinator of the GEF Small Grants Programme, which provided CTI with the necessary funding to make this project possible. The ultimate goals of this partnership were to raise awareness around saving and protecting bee populations through education and beekeeper training and increasing the island’s honey production. This was accomplished with the training of twenty beekeepers, the launch of a social media campaign to

Mixology - A refreshing Pomegranate-Grapefruit-Mint Cocktail made by Brenae Williams (student) during the Bartending and Mixology Workshop showcase.

The Honey Shack Opens - Mrs. Marie Galanis cuts the ribbon to the Honey Shack surrounded by Keyron Smith Chief Operating Officer One Eleuthera Foundation (to her right), Deon Stewart, the National Coordinator of the GEF Small Grants Programme (far left), and other students from the Apiary course.

educate the public on the importance of bees, and the establishment of CTI’s new honey processing facility, offered as a free resource for beekeepers on Eleuthera.

The Honey Shack is fully furnished with the honey processing and extraction tools and equipment needed to make the process smooth and efficient for beekeepers. It also houses a weather station which allows CTI’s farming team to be one step ahead in weather forecasting and planning for maximum productivity. The building’s external walls celebrate the planet’s mighty little pollinators with a beautifully painted 3-D mural depicting bees in action on the honeycomb. Painted by local artist Chauncey Rolle, it has become one of the attractions on CTI’s campus and apiary tours. To date, upwards of fifteen gallons of honey have been produced from the apiary and sold at the on-campus Farmers Market.

Attending the ceremony were some of the students that completed a twoday Beekeeping Workshop that was conducted in partnership with the InterAmerican Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), and a more extensive 12-Week Apiology Course & Training that was held in the spring of 2021. One of the graduates, Mrs. Marie Galanis cut the ribbon, officially opening the Honey Shack. Speaking about her learning experience, she expressed how the knowledge and support provided has proven beneficial in helping her to care for her own hives, over a year later.

Mixology and Bartending Workshop a success

CTI’s first Mixology and Bartending workshop ended with a vibrant display of newfound skills and confidence as students prepared a selection of exotic cocktails and mocktails in a friendly competition.

The two-day intensive workshop was instructed by Laurent Rolle on November 28th and 29th. He exposed the group of ten to his passion for creating balanced and bold, flavorful fusions, and the art of orchestrating an unforgettable customer experience from start to finish. The workshop included staff from Jack’s Bay Club and Resort Community and local South Eleuthera restaurants including Wild Orchid and CTI’s Farmer’s Table. It provided participants with the opportunity to enhance their professional skills and hone their craft.

This class is slated to run again in the new year, this time as an extended course. It is part of a portfolio of new classes slated for 2023 and CTI’s continuing commitment to provide professional development opportunities for individuals and the local business community to thrive.

The Farmer’s Market Returns

With the Oasis Growhouse producing its first round of harvest crops, CTI

is thrilled to announce the return of the Farmers Market to the Rock Sound Campus on Saturday, December 17th. Previously, this community event attracted a steadily growing group of vendors including local farmers, entrepreneurs, product manufacturers, and artisans committed to making the market a phenomenal success. At each event, patrons could expect to find a vibrant and hearty selection of homegrown produce, freshly harvested from the CTI farm, along with inseason crops brought to market by other community farmers. Health and wellness is one of the five key focus areas of OEF and CTI and providing consistent access to fresh and nutritious, immune-boosting foods is one practical way to help our community maintain a healthier lifestyle while supporting local farmers and entrepreneurs.

New Technology on the Farm at CTI

The Oasis Growhouse is expanding and growing! The first set of assorted vegetables; carrots, beets, radishes, scallions, zucchini, squash, and kale are flourishing. The CTI farm is also increasing its capacity, thanks to the addition of several technological upgrades in the Oasis Growhouse. Tim Hauber, CTI’s Cravo Agricultural Operations Officer, praises the new Deep-water Hydro Pool System and Nano Bubbler that have made hydroponics more efficient and attractive as a means of producing in-demand leafy greens like lettuce. Nanobubbles produced by a specialized pump and system placed in the Hydro Pool increase dissolved oxygen levels in the water, which in turn reduces harmful pathogens, algae, and biofilm that have access to the plant’s roots. Typically, there is a significant increase in all growth variables, such as stem diameter and plant height, weight, and size, with more leaves produced in comparison to plants given conventional water. Most notably, this kind of water system promotes enhanced nutrient absorption by plant roots and produces larger, more aesthetically pleasing crops. This new feature demonstrates another way that the CTI farm is pioneering new techniques and technology to enhance local farming, as well as introducing shared learning opportunities for local farmers to adopt and benefit from.

Upcoming Graduations

Just in time for the holidays, CTI is set to graduate several cohorts of certified local Eleutherans in the areas of Massage Therapy, Basic Culinary and Carpentry.

On December 16th, graduation for the South Eleuthera participants will be held at the Rock Sound campus. In the north at the CTI Harbour Island Trade School (CTI-HITS), graduation will be celebrated

in January.

CTI-HITS operates on Harbour Island as a satellite school for CTI facilitating programming and catering to students in communities located on Harbour Island and in the northern settlements of Eleuthera. The CTI Campus in Rock Sound, is the training hub catering to students from the Central and South Eleuthera communities.

We are proud of our newest graduates and look forward to the continuation of their success journeys. Stay tuned for updates on the exciting 2023 courses and workshops being launched by CTI in the new year. All of CTI’s extended courses are approved by the National Accreditation and Equivalency Council (NAECOB). For more information email: registrar@oneeleuthera.org

Farm tours - Farmer Tim explains hydroponics technology to a visiting group from Jamaica who are preparing to launch their own Hydroponic Farm.

Mixology - Instructor of the workshop, Laurent Rolle presents the winner, Jasmine Jones, with her medal.

Spate of Deadly Traffic Fatalities; Robbery Have Police on Alert

The third person to lose his life on Eleuthera’s roads, was a man reported to have been a passenger in a Honda Stream vehicle being driven by a woman at about 3:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, December 11th. The vehicle was said to have been travelling south on Queen’s Highway, when it collided with a wall and a tree, in an area north of Governor’s Harbour. The woman driving was reported to have received minor injuries.

with due care and attention, and to drive responsibly - within the speed limits. The importance of making sure that your vehicle is road worthy was also emphasized by OIC Knowles, as this can also be a major risk factor for accidents.

Chief Superintendent of Police, Officer-In-Charge (OIC) of the Eleuthera Division, Ms. Shanta Knowles, expressed concern, following a tragic spate of deadly accidents on the island within a three-week period between Sunday, November 20th and Sunday, December 11th, 2022.

Three men and one woman, passed away in four separate traffic accidents.

The first victim, a woman, was reported to have succumbed to her injuries on the scene after the Nissan Note

she was in as a passenger on Sunday, November 20th, collided into a casuarina tree, north of Gregory Town. The man driving was airlifted to New Providence in serious condition.

On Monday, November 28th, the second traffic fatality victim, a man, said to have been driving a bus on Queen’s Highway in the area of Big Rock Grocery Store, north of James’ Cistern, was reported to have been seen by witnesses, running off of the road and colliding with a casuarina tree.

On the same day, shortly before noon, a 30 year-old man from Hatchet Bay lost his life after being thrown from a truck, where he was a passenger on the back of the truck, as it overtook another vehicle on Queen’s Highway in the area of the Gregory Town Commonage.

In addition to two traffic fatalities reported by police earlier in 2022, these four deaths bring the toll of lives lost on the roads in Eleuthera during 2022 to six people.

According to police, the number of road traffic accidents which took place in Eleuthera during 2021, totalled 171 incidents, however, they reported no fatalities. Statistics for the number of road accidents to-date in Eleuthera during 2022 were not made available by police before print time.

Commenting on the fatalities that occurred in November, OIC Knowles stated that both of those incidents involved just one vehicle, and she indicated that speed was a likely factor. Anecdotal accounts of local drivers experiencing near run-ins with visitors driving rental vehicles in recent weeks, raise a further concern. However, OIC Knowles expressed that police had no evidence of this being a factor in November’s fatal incidents. She did, however, remind rental car operators to ensure the required ‘Drive Left’ decals were properly affixed within their rental vehicles, and customers were informed.

Random road checks, in different parts of the island, said OIC Knowles have been ongoing for some time. The purpose of those, she informed, was to encourage safe driving, driving within the right speed limits (45mph on the highway, and 15mph within the townships), and to educate, not to inconvenience the motoring publicas well as to inspect for proper condition/road-worthiness, licensing, and insured status, as required by law.

She appealed to the public to drive

Following an armed robbery incident, which took place in Lower Bogue, on Friday, November 25th, 2022, where $16,000 in cash was robbed from a business establishment by two men [still-at-large], OIC Knowles, warned both businesses and individuals in Eleuthera to be aware of their safety during this time.

She commented that residents should not panic, saying that Eleuthera was still a beautiful and safe island, but that it was prudent to be conscious of safety, and to be aware of one’s surroundings.

In advice to all business people on the island, OIC Knowles warned that owners and managers should be aware of everyone coming in to their business, and that police were encouraging the use of surveillance cameras, as well as good safety practices, like making frequent deposits, making use of the armoured vehicle services now available on-island, and keeping as little cash as possible on premises.

She emphasized that Eleuthera was a major Family Island with many visitors, and that it was important for everyone to be aware of their surroundings, especially while attending functions. She also encouraged residents to make sure that their homes were secured. Although there is an open door culture, residents, she said should still take precautions. She highlighted that people were coming in and out of the island, and in some cases to scan for opportunities - so, she emphasized safety and awareness.

Police presence on the streets in each community would be increased, and even more so nearing the holiday, described OIC Knowles, saying, “The local stations will be cleared.”

Above: Honda Stream vehicle involved in the early Sunday morning (December 11th) traffic fatality, north of Governor’s Harbour, where the driver collided with a wall, while traveling south on Queen’s Highway.

2022 Eleuthera District Debate Winners

NEHS team comes out on top!

On Thursday, November 17th, 2022, the Eleuthera Finals of the annual debate tournament series took place in Savannah Sound at the Ministry of Education’s Resource Center, in a never before held three-way battle, between the session winners of the first round of Eleuthera district debates held several weeks earlier on November 2nd, 2022.

The three schools involved in the final showdown, included; Preston H. Albury High School (PHAHS), Central Eleuthera High School (CEHS), and North Eleuthera High School (NEHS). On this final day of matching wits, clarity and effectiveness of communication, the three speakers on each student debate team were proponents or opponents of the moot, “Too many extracurricular activities in our schools result in poor performance among our students.”

Teams were well prepared and presented strong arguments on each side. As the final speaker from the three teams presented their conclusion, judges deliberated on the presentations as teams readied for their rebuttals. The debate teams formed deep huddles at their tables as they worked together to clarify their final pointsintent on using the five minutes given to solidify their final push to be the winning side.

Terrinique Sands of CEHS delivered the opposition rebuttal to start, tearing into a number of the proponent’s points, concluding that the competition’s claims were ‘baseless and falacious’. Lynette Farrington of PHAHS in her rebuttal in support of the moot, reiterated the team’s thesis and oneby-one rebuilt a clear and well-articulated support of the points taken on by

the opposition. Rebuttal speaker for NEHS, Keziah Johnson, also supporting the moot, delivered a clear case for her team’s earlier argument.

The experienced judges who volunteered their time and expertise for the finals tournament were: Chief Judge, Mrs. Anna Horton; Assistant Judges - Mrs. Karen Crean, Mrs. Carletta Turnquest, Mrs. Sybil Forbes, and Mrs. Jacqueline Gibson; Scorekeeper, Ms. Rashida Murray; and Timekeeper, Mrs. Natasha Gibson.

School coaches who were dedicated to the growth and development of their students, honing their skills in debate and communication, included: Alieth Adderley, Alexia Mackey, Bouvana Daonarine, and Yuwonka Lafrance from PHAHS; Sharon Singh and Olive Sterling-Johnson from NEHS; and Doria Scavella and Davia Smith of Central Eleuthera High School.

As judges returned from deliberations, and a break for lunch, competing students and coaches sat in anticipation of the results about to be announced. Head judge, Mrs. Anna Horton made the announcement of results, beginning with the best speakers for each team, who were: Tay Taylor for North Eleuthera High School (NEHS), Faith Knowles of Central Eleuthera High School (CEHS), and Lynette Farrington for Preston H. Albury High School (PHAHS).

Then, the results all teams, coaches and the audience were waiting to hear were delivered. Preston H. Albury High School took third, with an overall score of 1,460 points. Central Eleuthera High School bested them, ever so slightly with 1,494 points, to nab

the second position. However, with 1,631 points, the North Eleuthera High School were the clear winners in the eyes of the judges and swept the championship title.

DEO Mrs. Fontella Knowles, key organizer and moderator for the day’s debate commented following the competition, “I am very pleased with the result here today, and with the level of effort that went into the finals, even though we were doing a three-way run for it - we did well.”

Explaining the new format adopted for the Eleuthera district debate finals, Mrs. Knowles said, “We did what we call a three-way competition. This is now going to be adopted in New Providence, so,

we are following suit, because the Eleuthera winners - and we wish them all the best - as they move on in the various zones, we are hoping that the school representing the Eleuthera district would move on to the national finals, and they would have already had that experience in the three-way competition.”

Eleuthera Debate Series Champions, the North Eleuthera High School team, including; Keziah Johnson, Kaynia Minnis, and Tay Taylor - will now go on to represent the island of Eleuthera and compete in the National Debate Series Competion, which begins early in 2023.

Above: Winning members of the North Eleuthera High School debate team. (L-R) - Keziah Johnson, Tay Taylor, and Kaynia Minnis.

Above: The Eleuthera District Debate Finals were conducted as a three-way competition between the top schools from the first round. These included: Central Eleuthera High School (left), Preston H. Albury High School (center), and North Eleuthera High School (right). Teams are pictured with their coaches along with DEO Mrs. Fontella Knowles (second from right - front row).

Awareness of Bullying highlighted to RSPS in recognition of Universal Children’s Day

Universal Children’s Day was observed on November 20th, 2022, and in recognition of this day, the Rock Sound Primary School decided to bring an awareness to bullying on school campuses and bullying in general.

“It is so important for children at an early age to learn about the prevention of bullying and to be taught about kindness, acceptance and inclusion. It is also important for them to learn about the devastating consequences of bullying from school fights, which can be fatal, as well as incidents of school shootings, and committing suicide,” commented, Mrs. Michelle Walker, principal at Rock Sound Primary School.

On November 18th, 2022, a special assembly was held at Rock Sound Primary School, where students were dressed smartly in their t-shirts, which sported a bullying awareness slogan. Guest speaker during the morning event was Inspector Dale Clarke from the Eleuthera Division of the Police Force. He brought a very important message to the students, shared Mrs. Walker, about the negative effects of bullying - highlighting an old cliche, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words cannot hurt me.” Inspector Clarke, she said, reminded the students that there is no truth to the cliche, and that words do hurt. The students were encouraged, she added, to speak words of kindness, for in reality - words do hurt.

Also in attendance were the Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources

and Family Island Affairs, and Member of Parliament for Central and South Eleuthera, Mr. Clay Sweeting; as well as Island Administrator for South Eleuthera, Mr. Harvey Roberts. Each guest spoke to the students about their personal experiences of being bullied as a child and how it made them feel. “All of us have been bullied at times...and bullies can come in all different ways - it is important that you speak to your teachers, and not take it into your own hands,” advised Minister Sweeting in his remarks.

Principal, Mrs. Walker, following the assembly, commented, “It is our hope in the future that all schools in the Eleuthera District and community will stand with Rock Sound Primary School and commemorate Universal Children’s Day by wearing ‘Stop Bullying’ t-shirts.”

Minister Sweeting was said to have provided the specially captioned t-shirts for all teachers, students and staff of Rock Sound Primary School, which read, ‘Stop Bullying - #Kindnessisfree - Rock Sound Primary School’.

Above: Mrs. Michelle Walker, Rock Sound Primary Principal; Minister and MP for Central and South Eleuthera, the Hon. Clay Sweeting; South Eleuthera Administrator, Mr. Harvey Roberts; Police Inspector, Mr. Dale Clarke; and Rock Sound Primary School Board Chair, Mrs. Tina Munnings.

Principal Mrs. Walker with the Teachers of Rock Sound Primary.

Pictured: Minister and MP for Central and South Eleuthera, the Hon. Clay Sweeting taking a selfie with students of Rock Sound primary school, where he attended a special assembly focused on bringing awareness to bullying on school campuses.

Celebrating excellence: NEHS Celebrates Academic Awards and Hall of Fame Induction

The North Eleuthera High School (NEHS), on Wednesday, November 23rd, 2022 hosted a special morning assembly where students were recognized and awarded for their academic achievements during the 2021/2022

school year. High performing students in the national examinations of the Bahamas Junior Certificate (BJC) and the Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) were also singled out for their achievements,

and added to the school’s academic Hall of Fame.

Two teachers - Mr. Brian Williams, for consistently motivating and guiding his students to achieve stellar BJC and BGCSE results from

1999 at the school to the present, and Ms. Mertalia Farrington - as the ‘Teacher of the Year’ from 2019 to 2022 and professional development and service to the North Eleuthera High School and the educational system from 2013 to 2022, were also highlighted and inducted into the NEHS Hall of Fame.

On hand to celebrate

the special day with students along with NEHS Principal Mrs. Chardel Brown-Gibson, Vice-Principal Mrs. Shanna Johnson, Senior Mistress Ms. Keziah Knowles, and very proud teachers and parents, were District Superintendent of Education, Mr. Michael Culmer, and standing in for her husband, Mrs. Ocilia Petty, wife of Member of Parlia-

Shown in the Photos Below: High Achievers at North Eleuthera High School. Top Photo: Honour Roll students who achieved a 3.0 GPA and above during the 2021-2022 school year. Bottom Left Photo: Rising Star students who achieved a 2.7 to 2.99 GPA.

ment for North Eleuthera, Mr. Sylvanus Petty.

Students inducted into the NEHS Hall of Fame for BJC or BGCSE results included:

Kai Collins

Mckayla Knowles

Makayla Neely Farah Joseph Antenal Pinder Jamari Russell Khloe Stewart

Student recognized for achieving the Principal’s List (GPA of 3.50 to 4.00)

Grade 10: Keziah Johnson

Students recognized for achieving the Honour Roll (GPA of 3.00 to 3.49)

Grade 7:

Lexandrea Charite Tayah Minnis Dayna Lewis Azariah Moss Tiara Johnson

Grade 8: Saniyah Knowles

Samanka Dorlu7s Joel Kemp

Grade 9:

Kai Imlach Khloe Stewart Farah Joseph Kaynia Minnis Makayla Neely Kai Collins

Grade 10: Sabrina Louima Cloyd Leary Darius Deveaux Amari Pinder Nyeka Tador Tashae Brown Kezia Johnson

Grade 11: Neldjina Revol Layla Isaacs Ronika Petit-Homme Love Djina Revol Jamalieah Russell

Students recognized for achieving the Rising Stars (GPA of 2.70 to 2.99)

Shantia Johnson Sherlestina Denave Javaughn Evans Gwarna Francique

Alexsandria Moss

Bramdin Louima

Mesha Mather

Jadah-Marie Kitson Malik Isaac

Lebron Leary

Dolson Emile Preston Gibson Kevin Albury

Tyrus Baillou Mark Bullard Rihden Pinder

Above: Khloe Stewart, new Hall of Fame inductee stands with her proud mom.

Above and below: Enthusiastic and excited students from North Eleuthera High School, pose with their teacher (above), and their principal, Mrs. Chardel Brown-Gibson (below).

Shown in the photo above: Principal’s List student, Keziah Johnson, who achieved a GPA of 3.50 or above, with principal Mrs. Chardel Brown-Gibson. Shown in the photo on the right: Vice Principal, Mrs. Shanna Johnson with veteran teacher, Brian Williams, who was inducted into the North Eleuthera Hall of Fame for the stellar national exam results he inspired his students to achieve over many years.

Above: Education and school officials with students, and Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Mertalia Farrington (in blue dress), who were inducted into the North Eleuthera High School’s academic Hall of Fame, for achieving stellar results in the BJC and BGCSE examinations.

Many rise early for ‘Road to 50’ Races in Eleuthera as part of the country’s Golden Jubilee Independence Celebration

People from throughout the communities of North, Central and South Eleuthera got up early on Saturday, December 3rd, 2022, to take part in ‘Road to 50’ races hosted by each district’s Island Administrator as The Bahamas launched its Golden Jubilee Independence Celebrations.

The country will celebrate 50 years of Independence on July 10th, 2023 and the road race was aimed at galvanizing The Bahamas towards unity, leading to this milestone in the country post British Imperialism.

In Central Eleuthera, where Administrator Earl Campbell and his team had worked tirelessly to pull off a successful showing, scores of community members showed up before 6:00 a.m. to help kick off The Bahamas’ 50th Independence celebrations.

Each island held individual routes for the race. Participants signed up as runners or walkers, and each participant received a commemorative 50th medal at the finish line.

Participants in the morning road race in Central Eleuthera were resplendent in their aquamarine shirts, as they lined up to complete their registration before hitting the road on a journey that would take them from the administrave complex in Governor’s Harbour to the Worker’s House facility, and back, before crossing the finish line.

Administrator Campbell, commenting on the results of all the planning and the morning’s turnout, said, “I was given the responsibility of taking care of the ‘Road to 50’ Race in Central Eleuthera. The importance of this whole event is our 50th Independence celebrations which

will take place on July 10th, next year - This is the kickoff event - the first initiative, and there will be others that will come between now and July 2023. As they come along, we will let the residents of Eleuthera know exactly what is happening. The same ‘Road to 50’ event took place not only in North and South Eleuthera simultaneously, but throughout the whole Bahamas... I am happy for the support we received here this morning - it was really great, and I appreciate all the people who came out today.”

Participants, after crossing the finish line in front of the administrative complex, were presented with, first, second and third place ribbons and trophies, for the top finishers in a number of different age categories.

Above: Early risers enthusiastic and full of energy at 6:00 a.m. ahead of their participation in the “Road to 50” Race on Saturday morning, December 3rd, 2022 in Governor’s Harbour - a national kickoff of the Bahamas’ 50th Independence celebrations. Similar races took place in both North and South Eleuthera, and in every other island in The Bahamas.

Above: Volunteers ensure that healthy refreshments await returning walkers and runners.

Pictured: Mother and son take part in the historic walk together.

Above: Cenize claims the first prize in her age category.

The trash-full tally nears 15,000 lbs as volunteer beach clean ups continue

The Clean Beaches Eleuthera (CBE) group of volunteers, held their final clean up of the year on Saturday, November 26th, 2022 at Wemyss Bight’s Skel’ton Beach. Executive Director, Eric Wallace, commenting on the continued support, shared, “Some of our very committed v olunteers drove all the way from Rainbow Bay and Governor’s Harbour to join in our clean up efforts. We also had representatives from Urban Renewal that showed up to support.” The Eleuthera Youth Corps (ERYC) led by Corporal Renardo Brown also took part during the final 2022 clean up as part of a continued partnership.

Efforts on this final Saturday resulted in another 500 plus pounds of trash collected, said Eric. “Together, we collected a total of 505 pounds of trash from the beach - all the result of littering and illegal dumping. This brings our cumulative total to 14,895 pounds of trash collected by Clean Beaches Eleuthera. The community of Wemyss Bight is grateful for the support of those that showed up, donated and continue to support these initiatives.”

Mr. Wallace continued, “As we take a break to refuel and prepare for 2023, we would like to express our gratitude to all of those who have taken the time to volunteer with us. Since we started in

April of 2021, we have had 449 volunteers who have served a total of 1,120 hours with our organization - all in an effort to keep the beaches, parks and roadways of Eleuthera clean. We did that together, and I cannot say thank you enough!

“Stay tuned for our end of year video recap, and make plans to join us next year as we clean up Eleuthera’s beaches... one beach at a time!”

Above: Savannah Sound brought a full contingent of participants from their community.

Above: The young men were not to be left out in the “Road to 50” race, leaving everyone else in the dust. They arrived first at the Worker’s House turnaround location, and were first to return to the administrative complex in Governor’s Harbour.

Pictured: Carleah Culmer and Amerie Fernander all smiles as they reach the halfway point.

Above: Jason Petty, Demetrius Johnson and Anishka George, volunteers setting up the tents where road racers would return to recover.

Pictured: Clean Beaches Eleuthera (CBE) Executive Director, Eric Wallace (far left), stand with community volunteers, out to assist with the final clean up for 2022 at the Wemyss Bight beach.

Mrs. Rosemary Thompson Honoured as a Trailblazing Lay Preacher

On Sunday, November 20th, 2022 the Bahamas Conference of the Methodist Church (BCMC) Lay Preachers Association [LPA - Central Eleuthera] organized a surprise honouree service at the Wesley Methodist Church in Palmetto Point for Mrs. Rosemary Thompson - former president of the LPA.

Current LPA president, and key organizer of the honouree service, Ms. Emily Petty, commenting on the inspiration for singling out Mrs. Thompson, said, “Sister Rosie Thompson was the first elected president [founding president of the Lay Preachers Association], because she went on the floor of the Conference and she rallied for regulations regarding the lay preachers. She was determined to get lay preachers accredited and recognized for their work in the Conference.”

“This was our way of saying thanks. Mrs. Rosie Thompson knew nothing about what was happening, so it was a surprise. Her husband knew and her son came up for ‘a visit’. BCMC president, Reverend Carla Culmer was invited to come and make the presentations to Mrs. Thompson... All the lay preachers were informed and invited to meet that Sunday in Palmetto Point. So, Mrs. Rosie Thompson was the only lay preacher, preaching in her church that Sunday morning. We had this thing down pat,” smiled Ms. Petty, who had thoroughly enjoyed crafting the surprise, and went on to describe the delight she and her colleagues had in pulling together the honouree service.

Mrs. Thompson’s sermon, which all tied in with the theme of thankfulness, was an excellent one, she laudedand the honouree of the day was said to have only begun to catch a whiff of what may have been going on when Ms. Petty asked her to come to the front, during the latter part of the service.

Mrs. Thompson was presented with a plethora of gifts by her lay preacher colleagues, as president Ms. Emily Petty, gave remarks on why they were honouring the founding president and highlighted a number of her accomplishments while in the leadership role of the Lay Preachers Association.

“Some ten or so years ago, we formed the Lay Preacher’s Association [Central Eleuthera], encompassing all Lay Preachers, to look out for their interests and concerns. These are the local people who preach. There are five churches - in Gregory Town, Hatchet Bay, James’ Cistern, Governor’s Harbour and Palmetto Point... Lay preachers play a pivotal role, because every Sunday we are in a church, preaching. The Bahamas Conference of the Methodist Church (BCMC), headed by Reverend Carla Culmer, via the constitution gives local preachers or lay persons, the right to form themselves into an association, and to move the work forward. Sister Rosemary (Rosie) Thompson, and the late Reverend Charles Sweeting initiated the work for the formation of the Lay Preachers Association a number of years ago.”

She continued, describing how Mrs. Thompson had seen to it that lay preachers were accredited, or given the right to preach anywhere there is a Methodist Church,

in the world. “There were ten of us [lay preachers], but you must have served for ten years or more - including the late Freddie Ferguson, and the late Vernita Bethel... Sister Rosie Thompson also ensured that lay preachers had relevant materials to enhance their preaching... She bought tablets to assist the lay preachers with their work, and also she had Saturday seminars, inviting ministers from New Providence to come and train... She got it all started, and she encouraged us to stay and to preach. Some days, you know you get discouraged and you feel like ‘this is not for me’, and too many problems... but Sister Rosie said no, “He who called you and began this work in you can take it to completion... She served without looking for any returns.”

Expressing the association’s best wishes for Mrs. Thompson, Ms. Petty shared, “She is a very gifted and creative lady. We wish her all the best - long life, and good health as she continues to take us, the lay preachers to the next level of our development. We are grateful to God.”

In response to the shower of gifts and accolades, Mrs. Thompson was said to have shared that she had been truly blessed and expressed her appreciation and happiness in receiving such an honour from her colleagues. Following the service, a special cake, was shared all around.

Mrs. Rosemary Thompson, who has served for more than fifteen years in the BCMC as a lay preacher, said Ms. Petty, continues to serve currently as the secretary of the Lay Preachers Association [Central Eleuthera].

Above: Mrs. Rosemary Thompson stands center (in peach), flanked by her husband, Mr. Thompson on the right, and BCMC president Reverend Carla Culmer on the left. They are surrounded by guest lay preachers and members of the Palmetto Point Wesley Methodist Church.

Above: Honouree Mrs. Thompson receiving one of several presentations made to her on the special day. Pictured are (L-R) Rev. Carla Culmer, Mrs. Rosemary Thompson, Mr. Warren Johnson, and Ms. Emily Petty.

Higher cost of living demands competent governments

By Sir Ronald Sanders

Throughout the world, people and their governments and Central Banks are worrying about inflation, or the rate of increase in the cost of living. In many countries, this concern about the cost of living has become a prime consideration in general elections because electorates want competent governments in whose hands they commit their expectations.

Two questions arise: what is responsible for the cost of living, and can governments in small, developing countries, such as those in the Caribbean, take actions that would address the issue satisfactorily?

In the mid-term elections in the United States of America (U.S.) last month, inflation (roughly translated as ‘the Economy’) was an issue that surfaced in early campaigning, although it waned toward the end. The main concern in the U.S. was the high cost of oil that followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the consequent efforts in Europe and North America to boycott Russian oil, or at least to minimize dependence on it.

The refusal of the big oil producing countries to increase their output to compensate for shortages created by the isolation of Russia, increased oil prices globally. In turn, this caused the Biden administration in the U.S. to release oil supplies from its strategic stock, reducing gasoline and diesel prices. Because of Biden’s action, by the time the mid-term elections were held, the value of this issue, in political terms, dropped to 38% amongst the electorate.

However, the oil issue persisted in Europe which had developed a dependence on Russian oil and gas. Europe will barely manage to keep prices down this winter only because European nations will utilize Russian supplies that they had stockpiled prior to the Russian war on Ukraine.

Both for the US and Europe, heating and its attendant costs to consumers will be a problem this winter. But next year will be worse if the isolation of Russian oil and gas from the world market continues. Stocks will be depleted if not exhausted, causing prices to soar.

All this could cause serious social unrest in Europe. There have already been protests in Greece, Belgium, Germany, France, Spain, Austria and the Czech Republic - the latter of which has seen household energy bills surge tenfold.

The world is also still experiencing the residual impact of the COVID-19 pandemic that severely disrupted supply chains for food, medicines, and commodities for construction and agriculture. Costs of construction material increased by as much as 90% since the start of the pandemic.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries, particularly the six smaller nations that comprise the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), have little control over the cost of living being experienced in their respective countries. As the Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), Timothy Antoine, put it in July, “We

import inflation, principally from the US and also from Europe our major trading partners”.

In the specific case of The Bahamas, largely because of geographic proximity, it conducts 85% of its trade with the U.S., importing almost $3 billion in goods in 2021 and giving the U.S. a balance of trade surplus of $2.5 billion. Therefore, the Bahamas is very vulnerable to the impact of inflation in the U.S.

As small states, with limited capacity for the production of goods, Caribbean countries import from the U.S. and Europe, bringing to their shores the high costs in those countries. Belize, Guyana and Suriname have some capacity to dull the impact of importing agricultural products because they are less reliant on such imports due to their relatively larger agricultural sectors. But even these three states still confront both the shortages and high prices for agricultural inputs, such as urea and ammonia.

In a sentence, the current rise in the cost of living is not due to policies of Caribbean governments; it is caused by external factors beyond the control of governments.

To be fair, all Caribbean governments, to one extent or another, have taken steps to cushion the effects of inflation on their populations, especially the poor and vulnerable. Many governments have introduced measures to subsidise the prices of basic foods. In the case of Antigua and Barbuda and St Lucia, for instance, the governments subsidise the costs of oil and gas. Furthermore, in Antigua and Barbuda, the government has written off arrears owed for electricity, water and property taxes, as further measures to ease the impact of imported inflation on the population.

A major consequence of these actions is that government revenues are diminishing, and their ability to service the demands of every sector of their society is considerably strained.

As is presently happening in Antigua and Barbuda and in Guyana, Caribbean governments will also have to increase wages and salaries, including the minimum wage, so that the general population can cope with increased prices. Overall, this will lead to higher per capita incomes, resulting in disqualification by international financial institutions from access to low-cost borrowing, precisely when Caribbean countries need it most.

In Antigua and Barbuda, the Government and the private sector managed to agree on an increased minimum wage, recognizing that cost of living increases had to be met to maintain social and economic stability.

The big question that remains for the region is: when will the global economic disruption caused

by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and consequent retaliation by the US, Canada and the European Union end? Right now, it looks set to drag on into next year.

Caribbean countries, therefore, should be working feverishly to implement the many plans, which they have agreed to increase trade in goods and services among themselves; to establish joint ventures for the manufacturing and agricultural production; and for air and sea transportation. They also have to enhance the Caribbean Development Bank and consider new ways of investing Caribbean savings and profits by investing them within the region, rather than abroad.

In other words, the Caribbean has to become more self-sufficient and less vulnerable to external factors.

Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com

PM on MiniMuM Wage Page. 21

try; an emphasis on affordable housing; and an historic investment in home-grown food.”

Prime Minister Davis added that, at the heart of all of his Government’s policies was the belief that every Bahamian deserved economic dignity and security.

“That is why we prioritized public service promotions and regularisations, and labour agreements with unions, including teachers and nurses,” he said. “That’s why we’ve provided relief grants to those who were particularly hit hard by the lockdowns.

“That’s why we’re investing in small businesses, and in expanding education and training,” he added. “That’s why we’re diversifying the economy, to broaden and deepen opportunities.”

Prime Minister Davis pointed out that his Government’s goal for the Bahamian economy went beyond recovery.

“I don’t want to turn back the clock – because, let’s be honest – there’s never been a time when our economy created enough opportunities for Bahamian advancement and ownership,” he said. “Returning to the past economy isn’t the goal.

“Creating a new, more inclusive economy is the goal.”

“Many Bahamians have achieved remarkable success, but thousands more can and should join them,” Prime Minister Davis added. “It is my fervent prayer that we all find common ground in a shared commitment to lifting up Bahamians and building a stronger and more resilient Bahamas.”

Source: BIS By Eric Rose

(BIS Photo/Ulric Woodside)

Select Police rePortS, Shared by the rbPF locally

(1) Housebreaking and Stealing Report: On Thursday the 17th November 2022, sometime around 1:50 pm an adult female came to the Governors Harbour Police Station and reported that between 5:00pm on the 16/11/22 and 1:40pm on the 17/11/22, some unknown person broke and entered into the home she care takes, and stole a 32” Television set. The home is owned by persons who was not on the island at the time. Enquires continue in to this matter.

(2) Stabbing Incident Report: On Saturday 19th November 2022, sometime around 12:22am a male contacted the Governors Harbour Police station and reported that there was a group of young men believed to be from the South Eleuthera area in the vicinity of the basketball court opposite the Administrative office fighting - one of whom appeared to be suffering from stab wounds. Police action was requested. An adult male was subsequently arrested and charged for this incident.

(3) Arrest reference to Possession of Dangerous Drugs: On Wednesday 23rd November 2022 sometime around 7:00am a team of officers conducted a joint operation, in the southern Eleuthera area. While in south Eleuthera a male was searched where a quantity of suspected marijuana was found. The male was then arrested and taken to the Rock Sound Police Station where he was processed and charged with Possession of Dangerous Drugs.

(4) Traffic Fatality Report: On Sunday the 20th November 2022 at about 9:28pm, an anonymous female caller contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station via telephone and reported that a traffic accident had occurred on Queens Highway south of Daddy Joes Restaurant where a single vehicle, a silver Nissan Note, had collided into a casuarina tree. Further, the occupants - two (2) people, a male and female, appeared to be seriously

eleuthera rePort S via rbPF (neW Providence)

TRAFFIC INFRACTIONS -**ELEUTHERA MOTORISTS CITED FOR VARIOUS TRAFFIC INFRACTIONS**

An island-wide operation by officers on the island of Eleuthera has resulted in two hundred and five (205) vehicles being searched and twelve (12) drivers being cited for various traffic infractions and an adult Haitian male being arrested reference to illegal landing.

The operation took place on Friday 28th October 2022 between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Police wish to inform members of the public that they will remain resolute in enforcing ALL LAWS that govern The Commonwealth of The Bahamas in an effort to create safer communities.

ARMED ROBBERY - **ELEUTHERA: POLICE SEEK ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECTS**

Officers on the island of Eleuthera are seeking the public’s assistance in locating two (2) males responsible for robbing a business establishment of an estimated sixteen thousand ($16, 000.00) dollars in cash.

The incident reportedly occurred shortly before 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 25th, 2022. Preliminary reports indicate that two (2) males, both of whom were allegedly armed with handguns entered the establishment, located in Lower Bogue, and demanded cash.

The culprits, one of whom was clad in a red hooded jacket and the other, a tan jacket, black COVID mask and jeans pants, reportedly robbed the establishment of an undetermined amount of cash and fled the area on foot in a northerly direction.

Police are aggressively investigating and appealing to members of the public who may have information that can assist police with their investigation to contact police at 911/919, the Criminal Investigation Department at 5029991/2 or the Governors Harbour Police Station @ 332-2117.

RBPF Reports

hurt. Police and urgent medical assistance was requested.

Officers and medical personnel from the Hatchet Bay clinic responded to the scene where an unidentified female succumbed to her injuries on scene and was pronounced dead as a result of injuries received. The adult male driver of the vehicle was airlifted to New Providence for further medical treatment and is detained in hospital in serious condition. Police are actively investigating this matter and are appealing to members of the public to be extremely vigilant and careful while driving.

(5) Road Accident Fatality Report: On Monday the 28th November 2022 at about 1:30 pm an anonymous male caller contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station via telephone and reported that an accident had occurred on Queens Highway in the area of Big Rock Grocery Store where a bus had over turned and it appears that the occupant may be lifeless. Urgent medical and Police assistance was requested. Officers and the medical team from Hatchet Bay Clinic responded to the scene where the Caucasian male driver of the vehicle was pronounced dead. Witnesses reported that the driver ran off the road and collided into a casuarina tree. This matter is under active investigation.

**ELEUTHERA: TRAFFIC FATALITIES**

Police on the island of Eleuthera along with officers from the Traffic Division, New Providence are investigating two (2) separate traffic accidents, which have resulted in the death of two (2) males, on Sunday 11th December 2022.

The first accident reportedly occurred shortly after 3:00 a.m. on Queens Highway, near a business establishment in Governors Harbour Eleuthera.

Preliminary reports revealed that a black Honda Stream, driven by a female and occupied by a male passenger, was traveling south along Queens Highway, in the area of a business establishment, when the driver collided with a wall and

tree.

The female received minor injuries and was treated and discharged by the local doctor; however, the male passenger received serious injuries and succumbed to injuries on scene.

The second incident reportedly occurred shortly before 12:00 noon and resulted in the death of a 30 year old male of Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera.

Preliminary reports revealed that the deceased was a passenger on the back of 2006 Chevy Silverado 250 truck that was traveling north along Queens Highway, when he accidently fell from the truck, as the driver overtook a vehicle.

Police are investigating these incidents and, are appealing to members of the public to drive with due care and attention, obey the speed limit, never drive while intoxicated or tired, and when driving and always wear your seatbelt.

Additionally, police wish to remind road users that pickup trucks are designed to carry goods/ cargo and not people; however, if you must give an individual a ride ensure that they are seated flat in the truck.

Police c o ntact n u mbers

DRUG POSSESSION -**ELEUTHERA: AMERICAN VISITORS ARRESTED FOR DRUG POSSESSION **

In two (2) separate incidents on Tuesday, November 29th, 2022 officers of the Eleuthera Division arrested three (3) Americans, after they were found in possession of a quantity of suspected Marijuana.

In the first incident, officers arrested a 23 year old male of Orlando, Florida, around 2:00 p.m. after he was found in possession of a quantity of suspected Marijuana while on board a cruise ship docked at Princess Cays, Eleuthera.

In the second incident, officers arrested a 24 year old male of Winter Haven, Florida along with a 33 year old male of Lakes Wales, Florida around 3:30 p.m. after they were found in possession of a quantity of suspected Marijuana, while on board a cruise ship at Princess Cays.

The drugs collectively have an estimated street value of two hundred and thirty-five ($235.00) dollars. Police investigations continue

FIREARMS - **ELEUTHERA: SUSPECT ARRESTED, FIREARM CONFISCATED**

A suspect is in police custody after officers attached to the Eleuthera Division discovered a handgun and a quantity of ammunition in his possession.

Preliminary reports indicate that sometime around 4:30 p.m. on Monday, December 5th, 2022, officers, while executing a search warrant at a residence in Green Castle, discovered the items. As a result, the male was arrested and is assisting with their investigation.

New Providence Police CRIME TIPS:

November 25th, 2022 - Police wish to advise merchants and patrons throughout the Bahamas to exercise extreme caution while shopping and conducting business during this Yuletide season. Be aware of your surroundings especially when going in and out of your vehicles. Remember to conceal your purchases to not fall victim to criminal acts. Remaining safe is a priority for all of us. Join us as we continue

• HeadQuarters (GH) 332-3500

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

• O/C Governor’s Harbour 332-2723

• Gov.Harb. Airport Station 3322323

• Deep Creek Station 334-8207

• Tarpum Bay Station 334-4033

• Rock Sound Station 334-2244

• Rock Sound Sgt. Office 334-2212

• Rock Sound Airport Stn 334-2052

• L. Bogue (Airport) 335-1208

• Harbour Island Station 333-2111

• O/C Harbour Island 333-2327

• Spanish Wells Station 333-4030

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

to create safer communities.

December 3rd, 2022 - The Royal Bahamas Police Force is appealing to members of the public particularly parents to examine and pay close attention to where your children are, where they go and the foods they consume as the police have noticed an increase in edible marijuana confections and treats.

December 7th, 2022 - The Royal Bahamas Police Force encourages every citizen to work together and RECLAIM OUR BAHAMAS. Encourage your family and friends to be outstanding citizens by resolving conflicts through effective communication and not acts of violence. Report criminal activities and abide by all laws.

Climate Advocacy Leads to Historic Progress, Says PM Davis

yet the geopolitics of the moment — a war in Eastern Europe, a global inflation crisis, and an energy crunch -- make progress difficult. Although the moral case for action is unambiguous, I believe it’s also crucial to persuade political and business leaders that progress is in their own interests as well. A future of climate upheaval is a future of tremendous instability, one that threatens everyone.

ures to curb emissions. When I chaired a Caribbean Regional Heads of Government conference here in August, we worked together to build consensus so we could stand up for our countries with a stronger voice at COP27. Building more effective coalitions is an important part of our work.

Following the final week of negotiations at the United Nation’s global climate conference, hosted during the month of November 2022, from the 7th to the 18th, in Sharm ElSheikh, Egypt - the Bahamas Office of the Prime Minister released a statement from Prime Minister Philip Davis, on the long debated establishment of a “loss and damage” fund.

His statement began: “The idea of a “loss and damage” fund has been around for decades; finally, this year, at the UN’s 27th global climate conference (COP27), history was made, with an agreement to establish a fund to compensate countries for the losses and damages suffered as a result of the climate change caused by high carbon emissions by the world’s wealthiest polluters.”

It continued, “This is an important, long overdue step in the right direction in the fight for climate justice. The moral case for such a fund is undeniable: the world’s wealthiest countries industrialized and became rich by burning fossil fuels; the emissions from those fuels are causing our planet to warm, leading to more extreme weather. The countries who have contribut-

ed the least to global warming are on the frontlines of climate change, with small island nation states in particular facing existential danger. Many thought the establishment of such a fund was impossible — the victory is an important achievement for climate activists around the world who refused to give up.

“There is no time to rest, though — ensuring that significant funding is committed and creating a fair, transparent mechanism for compensating developing nations will require much more work still. And we cannot postpone action on other fronts.

“The purpose of the loss and damage fund is to compensate developing nations from harms caused by climate change. I have been very clear that the biggest polluters need to do so much more to prevent future harms as well — the world needs to dramatically reduce emissions to prevent the worst-case scenarios, while simultaneously recognizing that we are already entering a new climate era, one that requires all nations and peoples to adapt.

“Mitigation and adaptation have never been more urgent,

“Innovative financing solutions for the transition to clean energy are in their interests as much as they are in ours.

“Bahamians understand the urgency of the climate fight. We know we need to get stronger in the face of more powerful and more frequent hurricanes. We know we need to make food security a priority, so we don’t import so much of what we eat. And we feel deeply how unfair it is that each hurricane leaves us many millions more in debt, and even as we put our fiscal house in order, our vulnerability to future climate shocks — the risk of future hurricanes — is being priced into the interest rates we pay. We are quite literally paying for other countries’ fail-

“Another key aspect of our climate advocacy is our effort to become the first country in the world to sell blue carbon credits — so that we are compensated for protecting and restoring our mangroves and seagrasses, which play a critical role in removing carbon from the atmosphere.

“It was important to me last week to be accompanied by the Minister of Agriculture, Clay Sweeting, who met with counterparts, scientists, and nonprofits to bring home innovative ideas for investing in agriculture and fishing during these challenging times.

“Likewise, I was inspired by the young Bahamian activists who joined me. This fight belongs to all of us.”

Source: Office of the Prime Minister

Community Honours: Celebrating Contributions to growth & unity in NE

• Wade Higgs

• Aaron Cash

On Sunday, November 27th, 2022, during a ‘Service of Honour & Recognition’, emphasizing unity, the North Eleuthera District Council honoured more than one hundred people from throughout the communities in North Eleuthera, for the contributions they have made, and continue to make towards the betterment, growth and unity of their communities.

Brenda Johnson, a spiritual leader in North Eleuthera, moderated the event, with its attendance at capacity, which was hosted at the Trinity ‘City of Praise’ in Lower Bogue on the Sunday afternoon.

The awards and presentations segment of the service was preceded by praise and worship, welcomes, prayers and songs, as well as brief remarks brought by invited local dignitaries, including Island Administrators - Stephen Wilson (North Eleuthera), Earl Campbell (Central Eleuthera), and Harvey Roberts (South Eleuthera), who all lauded the inspiration of the North Eleuthera District Council in hosting the awards service, and the honourees and awardees for their dedication to their communities.

Guest speaker during the late afternoon service was Mrs. Clarice Thompson, of Global Outreach Ministries in James’ Cistern, who delivered a powerful message - reminding those present about the behaviours and practices the Bible warns about, that can be divisive and destructive within communities. ‘A scheming heart, feet quick to rush into evil, false witnesses who pour out lies, and those who stir up conflict’ - were just a few tackled by Pastor Thompson - in her ‘no nonsense’ message. She also highlighted the Bible warning of ‘do nothing out of selfish ambition’ - encouraging the audience to do what they do in humility, wisdom, and genuineness.

• Desmond Johnson

• Dominic Johnson

• Ernie Kelly Sr.

• Martin Kemp

• Winifred Munroe

• Patrick Pedican (Posthumously)

• Simeon Stuart

• Tekenia Taylor

• Jennifer Ward

For Community Investment:

• Burchinald Gibson

• Wesley Johnson Sr.

• Benjamin Simmons Receiving Certificates of Recognition:

• Dominick Cash

• Edward Cash

• Omar Cash

• Cyril Ingraham

• Demerro Lightbourne

• Warren Neilly

• Patrick Turnquest

Receiving Community Service Awards:

• Charlton Cash

• Dorothy Cash • Orean Cash • Pharis Cash Sr. • Quintin Cash • Twanna Cash • Vernecia Cash • Dwayne Cornish • Latoya Cornish

• Sonia Dean

• Chris Embury • Arianna Evans

• Travaughn Evans

• Florie Ferguson

• Tracey Neely

• Bianca Neilly

• Clarice Neilly

• Fredrick Neilly

• Vernae Neilly

• Vernice Neilly

• North Eleuthera High School

• Madline Pedican

• Sonny Pierre

• Fresnel Revol

• Margaret Saunders

• Cherise Smith

• Darlene Smith

• Frederick Wallace

• Julieth Wallace

Awards and presentations after the message honoured the following North Eleuthera community members:

For Essence of Leadership:

• Cedric Albury

• Gordon Cash

• Yvette Cash

• Derek Elden

• Derek Glico •

• Kevin Albury • Margurie Albury • Paula Albury • Rodger Albury • Thomas Albury • Wildear Albury • Barbara Bain • Elvis Bain • Erica Bain • Gabaniel Baptiste • Michelle Barry • Emerald Bastian • Denise Belle • Garnel Bethel • Helena Bethel • Alidieu Brazela • Darrien Brown • Orlean Brown • Paulette Brown • Marisha Bullard • Ena Cameus • Nellie Cartwright

• Geaner Fleurimar • Orean Frazier • Marilyn Gibson • Cherene Green • Rodney Greene • Harbour Island Green School • Marie Heastie • Delroy Higgs • Euliemae Higgs • Terrin Higgs • Ezra Hudson • Rosetta Hudson • Donald Hudson • Derek Ingraham • Brenda Johnson • Davonia Johnson • Devon Johnson • Franklyn Johnson • Keno Johnson • Maurice Johnson • Michelle Johnson • Trevor Johnson • Claudina Kelly

• Elston Kelly Sr. • Kaniesha Kelly • Jermaine Kemp

• Laura L. Anderson Primary School • Eldora Lindsay

• Tanya Lord • Robed Louis • Daron McDonald • Indera McDonald • Mekal McDonald • Maxwell Moss • Stephan Moss

• Ocelia Williams

• Robert Williams

• Valentio Willams

• Royanna Woodside

Receiving Certificates of Appreciation:

• Jerreth Albury

• Damon Bethel

• Laurel Bullard

• Marcia Cash

• Pharcina Cash • Remourn Cash • Deandrea Kelly

• Syretha Neilly • Monique Saunders

• Trinity City of Praise

• Latiesha Williams

Receiving “Cause For Applause” Awards: • Chrisfield Johnson

• Anthony McCartney

• Stephen Wilson

Margurie Albury

Paula Albury

Barbara Bain

Michelle Barry Gabaniel Baptiste Emerald Bastian

Denise Bell

Garnell

Bethel

Helena Bethel

Alidieu Brazela Darrien Brown Orlean Brown

Paulette Brown

Marisha Bullard

Orean Cash

Twanna Cash Vernecia Cash

Dwayne Cornish

North Eleuthera District Council members present a special honour to Administrator Stephen Wilson for his service to the North Eleuthera community.

Latoya Cornish

Sonia Dean

Arianna Evans

Orene Frazier

Rodney Greene Ezra Hudson

Rosetta Hudson

Tanya Lord

Robed Louis

Brenda Johnson

Devon Johnson Franklyn Johnson

Stephen Moss

Maxwell Moss

Fredrick Neely

Fresnel Revol

Frederick Wallace

Julieth Wallace

Michelle Johnson

Maurice Johnson

Claudina Kelly

Elston Kelly Indera McDonald and Daron McDonald

Ocelia Williams

Valentino Williams

Robert Williams

Royanna Woodside

Malia Williams for LLA Primary

North Eleu. High

Harbour Island Green School Deandrea Kelly Monique Saunders Latiesha Williams Winifred Munroe

Laurel Bullard

Marcia Cash

Cedric Albury Derek Elden Yvette Cash

Rose Green Derek Glico

Therisa Johnson Warren Neilly

Supt. Franklyn Neely Ernie Kelly Jr. Nevaeh Bedford Jarvis Thompson

Wade Higgs

Jennifer Ward Ernie Kelly Sr. Simeon Stuart

Tekenia Taylor Omar Cash

Mark Bullard

Leanna

Johnson

NE District Council thanks Pastor Clarice Thompson for her powerful message.

StoP the violence caMPaign

wife, Madyln O Kelly, Prophetess Sharnette Kemp, Mr. Martin Kemp (North Eleuthera District Clinic Administrator), Psychiatric Mental Health and Nursing Supervisor for Spanish Wells Clinic Nurse Nicola Kelly, Chief Welfare Officer Mrs. Nickal Symonette in charge of Social Services Department, and Seargent Rolle from the Royal Bahamas Police Force attached to the North Eleuthera Police Station.

During the lock-in, the boys were mentored by Pastor Henderson Kelly, Pastor Randolph Kelly, and Brother Swain Neilly. “It was an excellent opportunity for men to step up to the bar to mentor and show the young males what it is to be men free from violence. The boys were also educated on Godly principles and what God desires for them when leading,” said Nurse Edwards. There was a total of thirty-seven (37) students. The represented schools were Laura L. Anderson Primary, North Eleuthera High School, Wemyss Bight Primary School, and the Harbour Island Green School.

NACB Eleuthera thanked Raeden Pinder and Kezia Johnson, two nursing cadets who also assisted in the program, along with the Charles Wesley Methodist dancers and Brother Swain and Sister Alisha Neilly for the dance selections they did. The moderator Nurse Agnes Deveaux apologized as ASP K. Farquharson could not make it due to work obligations. Pastor Henderson Kelly also prayed for the communities and abused victims during the ceremony.

The walkathon in the north on Saturday morning started at the Wendal Bullard Community Park Skyline Drive Lower Bogue and ended at the Ambulance Shed Lower Bogue. The children were fed breakfast and were then collected by their parents.

A special thanks was expressed to all the chaperones in the north; as without them, said Nurse Edwards, it would not have been a success. The chaperones were Mrs. Arianna Evans (and sponsor), Mrs. Tasha Munroe, Mrs. Anternicia Nordelus, Mr. and Mrs. Leonardo Johnson, Mrs. Latisha Cash, Ms. Bradeisha Wallace, Nurse Agnes Deveaux (moderator of the opening ceremony as well), Nurse Kuanda Collie (also a presenter), Sister Alisha Neilly, Pastor Randolph Kelly, Brother Swain Neilly, Mrs. Ocelia Williams (and sponsor) and the Chairperson

for Education and research Mrs. Bianca Edwards (also a presenter). Thanks also went to Mr. Trevor Johnson, who drove the ambulance, and the Royal Bahamas Police Force for ensuring all walkers were safe during the walk.

The Stop the Violence Campaign was an allEleuthera event, and the same initiatives were held in Central and South Eleuthera. Twenty-six (26) students from the primary and high schools within the South and Central District attended the lock-in and walkathon.

Chairperson of the NACB Eleuthera branch, Nurse Cornell Johnson, stated, “Violence against women and girls continues to be an issue about which, global awareness should be raised via campaigns, educational conferences, and youth sessions as initiatives to combat this growing concern.” Nurse Johnson also expressed that The NACB Eleuthera Branch partnering with the Zonta Club of New Providence, was an excellent opportunity for nurse leaders and community partners on the island of Eleuthera to raise awareness about genderbased violence.

She commented that at the Police Headquarters in Governor’s Harbour, an esteemed grouping of nurse leaders, community leaders, physicians, and social workers came together to hold open discussions, educate, and mentor the participants from the Central and South Eleuthera Districts on the various topics. The children participated in a number of activities, games, group discussions, and question-and-answer periods throughout the session.

The Central and South Eleuthera lock-in wrapped up with a Saturday morning walk-a-thon dubbed “Paint the street orange” walk from Workers House to 1648 Restaurant. Keynote speakers at the Police Headquarters on Friday evening were Senior Nursing Officer Freda Cooper; Dr. Zenna Friend, MD Family Medicine Center; Pastor Lincoln Young; Ms. Celesia Williams - Case Aide Worker; and Maxwell Leary, President Rotary Club of Eleuthera. Clinic Administrator Laverne Armbrister; Mental Health Nurse Kenria Cargill, District Medical Officer McHardy, and NACB-EB Chairperson Cornell Johnson also brought remarks during the opening ceremony.

Special thanks went out from the NACB Eleu-

thera branch to Officer In Charge of the Eleuthera Division, Police Chief Superintendent Shanta Knowles and her team of officers, Eric Wallace (Glass Windows Studio) for recording, Rosyn St. Surin, Tonesh Morley, Sabrina Accius, Felicity Rolle, Rotarian Eldecia Thompson, Donita Knowles, Timanique Knowles, Donnay Hall, Makeba Griffin, Kendal and A. Johnson, Elaine McKinney of the Health Association of Central Eleuthera (HACE), Dr. Sidney Smith and Dr. Caryn Salvant for partnering to make the lock-in a success.

Other persons in attendance were: Deshan Mortimer, Secretary NACB-EB, Pastor Jason Thompson, Laurinda Griffin RN, Malik Williams RN, Moderator Nacassiah Armbrister, and Demari Mortimer.

Mrs. Bianca Edwards commenting on the STOP the Violence campaign, said, “We intend to make this initiative ongoing and hope to follow up with all risk groupings within three to six months... We thank all the students and parents for attending the initiatives. We also thank the District Education Office, Principals, and Guidance Counselors for making this initiative a success. It is my hope that we can establish a Family Island hotline, safe house, and funding to assist people at risk and those experiencing abuse (male and female).

“The children were very excited and open to this campaign. This initiative is tasked with being an ongoing one to establish rapport and mentorship with our youths. The outcome of which will positively impact our communities.”

Nurse Edwards added, “If you are experiencing abuse, please visit one of our support systems. Contact the Bahamas Crisis Center’s 24-hour hotline at 328-0922 or 565-9633, any of your local clinics, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Social Services, teachers, guidance counselors, and pastors of the Gospel... Together, we can make a difference.”

Key sponsors included the MP for Central and South Eleuthera, the Hon. Minister Clay Sweeting, One Eleuthera Foundation, Tarpum Bay Shopping Center, Halls Grocery Store, Uncle Tommy Bakery, Nurse Louise Cartwright-Joseph, Zonta Club of New Providence, Mr. & Mrs. Fred Wallace, Healthy Choice Restaurant, Lady D’s, Edwards Tech Services, Restore Your Health, and Mrs. Sandy Johnson. The NACB Eleuthera also thanked everyone else who donated and participated in the STOP the Violence campaign.

Above: Nurse organizers, speakers, chaperones, and mentors at the opening ceremony of the lock-in event hosted in Central Eleuthera - part of the STOP the Violence campaign, and partnership between the Eleuthera branch of the Nurses Association and the Zonta Club.

Wemyss Bight Homecoming Site

“Makeover for 25 Plus 1” in 2023

The township of Wemyss Bight in South Eleuthera, traditionally hosts its Annual Homecoming during the October Heroes Day weekend. 2022 celebrations were smaller and quieter this year, as the island emerged from event restrictions. However, the Wemyss Bight homecoming committee, led by president, Danielle Gibson, has a vision for taking the homecoming site to new levels of economic contribution and growth by 2023, and they have gotten started.

On Saturday, November 19th, 2022, Danielle, along with a number of the homecoming committee members and other volunteers, were at the Wemyss Bight homecoming site, beginning work on a renovation initiative. “This is Wemyss Bight’s [Homecoming] 25th year in existence... However, because of the pandemic, there were so many changes, we were not able to celebrate the 25th year how we would have wanted. Next year is going to be our 25 plus 1, so, we are going to celebrate then,” said Ms. Gibson.

Sharing some of the committee’s plans and how they have been able to get going, she described, “This year, although we had very little to start with, we did pretty good, and we were able to get a donation in-kind from American Bridge through Disney, and they were able to provide us with the building material that you see here at the site - so that we can refurbish our stalls.

“These stalls have been here for about 20 years, and this is the first time that they are being refurbished. So, this is a good effort. One of the things that we are planning on doing in the community is making Wemyss Bight a ‘Rest-Stop’. So we are petitioning to get WIFI on our park here at the homecoming site.

She continued, “We are changing the layout a little bit. We are going to build out a platform here and put down benches, and extend the roof. Because during October, it’s normally rainy, so

we want to be able to accommodate our visitors here, even if it rains. Even if we have a shower, we won’t be washed out. Because we are not going to change our homecoming date. So, we will adapt. If that’s the issue, we will work around that issue. If we build out, and put on the siding to stop the rain from coming in, then we can protect our patrons. So this is a great step.”

The committee, said Danielle, sees the area being able to be used to its full potential by the community with their efforts, rather than just a onetime event. She explained, “One of the other things that we want to do in making this a rest-stop, our restrooms are going to be open full time and we want to have vendors out here full time, and we want to have the bar open every weekend.

“So, this is a really great time to try and build the economy of South Eleuthera. It has been underserved for a long time, and I am very pleased that we have a committee of young people - many of whom have lived abroad for a while and have returned home, and they want to make a contribution to Wemyss Bight - and this is a great opportunity.

“We are hoping that we have engendered the

trust of the community, in that this homecoming committee has done a job, starting out with nothing and now we are actually getting something done that is a considerable effort in our community - and which can perpetuate into jobs and into growing our economy here in Wemyss Bight.”

The township’s beautiful beach resource is also one the homecoming committee will tap into, said Ms. Gibson. “So, we are refurbishing the stalls here and then hopefully we can also refurbish our stall that is on the Wemyss Bight beach - because Wemyss Bight beach is ‘the’ beach most people want to have cookouts on, but right now the facility is not there. We want to refurbish that as well, and have that as an alternate option for growing our economy here.

“So, we are really happy that American Bridge and Disney have benevolently donated, they have also donated the electrical supplies for us, so that we could upgrade the electrical infrastructure here at the homecoming site.

In addition to the new ‘rest-stop’ status at the Wemyss Bight homecoming site, the adjoining park shared Danielle is popular for many other pasttimes. “Wemyss Bight is ‘the’ spot for slow pitch softball, so on Sundays during the season, out here has hundreds of people that come out. Once we get this up and running, it can boost that community past-time as well.

“So we are excited about it, all of the members of the homecoming committee are enthused about serving for one more year on the committee, and just moving forward.”

The Wemyss Bight Homecoming Committee includes: Danielle Gibson - president, Dexter Hall - vice president, Clara Young - secretary, Grace Rolle - treasurer, Kayshela Collins - assistant secretary, Kayshela Rolle - assistant treasurer. Many other people have also helped out tremendously, said Ms. Gibson - including Macgregor Young, Jeremy Patton, Simone Thompson, Crystal Smith, Malvin Brown and Monique Smith. Local Wemyss Bight contractors, Woodrow Hall and Jermaine Deveaux also generously rendered their in-kind time and expertise in full support of the community project.

Above: Young people from Wemyss Bight assisting in the refurbishment efforts at the community’s homecoming site.

Above: Local contractors from Wemyss Bight in partnership with homecoming committee members to get things done for the community.

viSion 2023 rotary PreSident

the projects we have in mind is partnering with the junior baseball league program in Eleuthera. There are many children involved who don’t necessarily have the means to get the equipment they need. So we have applied for a grant through Rotary International to assist with bringing in equipment that can be given to the managers and coaches of the different teams for their young players.”

He continued, “We have five EarlyAct clubs on the island of Eleuthera within five schools, including: P.A. Gibson primary school in Hatchet Bay, the James’ Cistern primary school, Emily G. Petty primary school in Governor’s Harbour, Emma E. Cooper primary in Palmetto Point, and the Deep Creek Middle School. The Rotary Club of Eleuthera presented these schools and others in September, during our ‘basic education and literacy month’, with a number of reading books, including Laura L. Anderson primary school in North Eleuthera, along with Tarpum Bay primary, Rock Sound primary and Wemyss

Bight primary schools.

“Another project focus is assisting with clean ups. This is actually the first year that we have had an environmental chair, past president Mr. Elburt Ferguson. We have been working with the Lion’s Club out of Nassau, who came up in September and we did a clean up along the road sides in Rock Sound. We also assisted with a clean up in Savannah Sound and at French Leave beach with the Cancer Society in October.

Mr. Leary also mentioned an ongoing partnership initiative with the island’s police in the schools, called the ‘road to peace’, as well as RCE’s annual food voucher program, where they distribute food vouchers for some of the underprivileged in Eleuthera communities.

No presidency comes without its challenges, and Maxwell agreed, sharing that he has faced the hurdle of weaning members away from the virtual world. “Most of our challenges have been with membership. During the pandemic, everybody became so laid back with meetings via Zoom. So, now we are trying to pick it [face-to-face attendance at meetings] back up, and it’s coming along slowly but surely. Eventually we will get there. Members are starting to come out now. It is still not where we want it to be, but it is getting there. We still have a good contingent who would now come out to face-

to-face meetings - as we continue to stream for other members.”

Although, just five months into his leading role, Mr. Leary commented that he has already picked up some valuable tips for his successor, saying, “Communication. It is important to continuously reach out to members. Also, to believe in your board of directors, because they are ones who keep both you, and the entire club running. Without your board, there is no Rotary.”

When asked about the future of Rotary in Eleuthera, he was enthusiastic, “I see Rotary growing and being even bigger and better than we are now. We currently have 30 active members, and we have other people interested, with 3 new members being inducted before the end of this Rotary year. They are very excited and can’t wait to join. That was our membership goal for this year, to bring in three new members. I believe that Rotary on this island will take off, and will be so big that even other service clubs will want to join [he said smiling].”

An important message for the Eleuthera public about the Rotary Club, said Max, is that their members are regular, local people - who may not have a lot of financial resources, but who work with Rotary International to access grants for select, targeted initiatives during the year. However, with community as its prime focus, members, he said, are willing to go above and beyond to help, volunteering their time, participation and expertise to many local programs and initiatives. “We are community minded, and any way that we can help, we are here to help.”

Breakfast Outreach During Thanksgiving

On Saturday, November 26th, 2022, Trayvon Dean, a sixth grade student at Tarpum Bay Primary school, hosted a free breakfast giveaway, with the help of his mom, Lateiya Dean, in the community of Tarpum Bay.

Trayvon, says Lateiya, wanted to end his yearlong drive-a-thons on a high note. “One of his favorite sayings is - ‘It’s better to give than to receive.’ Throughout the year he hosted several drives, including a book drive and a food drive aimed at helping those in need within his community... He looks forward to an even bigger and better year in 2023.”

Pictured: Trayvon Dean with his mom Lateiya.

‘Tis The Season: ECS Music in the Garden Holiday Celebration

The Eleuthera Cancer Society (ECS), rang in the season of Christmas during their Annual Music in The Garden and Tree Lighting fundraiser on Saturday, December 3rd, 2022.

Festivities began earlier in the day on Saturday, with a Fun Day on the grounds of the Cancer Society’s Wellness Center in Palmetto Point, Central Eleuthera, where food, games, drinks, and local gifts were all on offer by various vendors.

At 6:30 p.m. activities transitioned to the inside of the Wellness Center facility, where church groups - including youth from the Savannah Sound AME Church and Global Outreach Ministries and individuals - like the gifted soloist, Kristy Ferguson - contributed their talents in music, dance, song and poetry, during the evening. The program, was aptly moderated by Mrs. Lacharah Knowles, who in tandem with ECS fundraising director, Mrs. Juanita Pinder, kept the audience on their toes.

Members of the public who came out in support of the fundraiser enjoyed the entertainment, and they also competed for the wide selection of donated prizes up for bid in the ECS’s simultaneous silent auction. The auction event was coordinated by volunteers between live and online bidding, and by the evening’s end, the silent auction in combination with offering donations given during the program by the live audience had raised more than $2,000 for the Eleuthera Cancer Society and their ongoing work within Eleuthera.

Following

end of the

at 9pm, ECS vice president,

of

audience members streamed outside, onto the grounds in front of the ECS Wellness Center, where Island Administrator for Central Eleuthera, Mr. Earl Campbell, did the honours of connecting the plug, to light up the festively dressed evergreen Christmas tree growing

Event patrons then turned their attention once again to the variety of foods, drinks, treats, games and locally crafted gifts on sale by vendors, as they chatted and socialized under the Christmas lights - enjoying the cool night air of early December.

the

silent auction

Ms. Jacqueline Gibson gave the vote

thanks before

live on the Wellness Center’s front lawn.

Above: Talented soloist, Ms. Kristy Ferguson, delights the audience. Above right: Savannah Sound AME Church youth in a graceful dance.

Pictured: Global Outreach Ministries dance group gives a powerful performance.

Above: The audience who came out to enjoy ‘Music in the Garden’ would not be disappointed.

District Volleyball Championship Sr & Jr. High

Students from High schools across the island took part in the Eleuthera District Volleyball Championships, hosted on Friday, November 18th, 2022 at the Longley-Newberry park in Savannah Sound. Notwithstanding being somewhat rusty owing in part to the prolonged Pandemic related schools sports disruption, the Junior boys and girls, as well as senior boys and girls teams eagerly competed for bragging rights.

After a number of continuous rounds of match ups, where schools from the Harbour Island Green School, Windermere High School, North Eleuthera High School, Central Eleuthera High School, and Preston H. Albury High School duked it out - four championship titles would be awarded.

MP for Central and South Eleuthera, Minister Clay Sweeting, stopped in during the tournament and commented while there, saying, “Today, we are here to celebrate the young people of Eleuthera, who are participating in an [island-wide] volleyball tournament. When I was in school, I used to look forward to thesenot just for getting off from school, but just being able to meet and mix and mingle with other people and children on the island. So, I’m just here to show support, and hopefully Central and South comes along with the win.” Minister Sweeting added as he smiled, “I can be a little biased.”

After the dust of play had settled, Central Eleuthera High School claimed the overall win in the Junior Boys division. North Eleuthera High School won in the Senior Boys division. Preston H. Albury High School were the champions in the Senior Girls division, and Central Eleuthera High School celebrated twice, taking home a double win - nabbing the championship title in the Junior Girls Division as well.

Above: The North Eleuthera Lions all smiles during the District Volleyball championships.

Above: Central Eleuthera High School Junior Sentinels would sweep both the Junior girls and the Junior boys divisions. Below: The Senior Sentinels team didn’t have as much success, but enjoyed the experience.

Boys Club and Youth Corps Share Thanksgiving Cheer

The Eleuthera Royal Youth Corps (ERYC) Southern Boys, chaperoned by their mentor, Police Corporal Renardo Brown, visited with Pastor Lincoln Young of the Rock Sound Church of Christ, at his residence in Rock Sound, South Eleuthera on Thursday evening, November 24th, 2022. They didn’t go empty handed, but with a collection of donated canned goods and other dry goods, which they had collected for the church.

Pastor Young was said to have expressed his immense gratitude for both the visit by the young boys, as well as for their generous and thoughtful donation. Pastor Young also gave Corporal Brown and the young men encouraging words to stay focused and to continue on the path that the Lord had placed before them.

He also commended them for being their brother’s keeper and making such a sacrifice. To conclude the visit Pastor Young prayed for the young men and left them with a scripture verse to remember - Philippians 1:13 - “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. The visit was meant to reinforce selflessness, kindness and community service.

Earlier on the same Thursday afternoon, Corporal Brown, along with eighteen young boys of the Deep Creek Primary School Boys Club, as well as principal at Deep Creek Primary, Mrs. Charmaine Alday, visited the oldest person within the community of Deep Creek, Ms. Ellen Smith, and presented her with a grocery bag, filled with canned and dry goods. She thanked the young boys for the items and the visit.

Principal Alday and Officer Brown shared that it was hoped that the visit would plant the seeds for a positive future - in keeping with the Boys Club’s mission - to engage the boys in positive activities and discourage antisocial behaviour. Refreshments at Sheryl’s restaurant in Deep Creek followed, to the delight of the youngsters.

PUBLIC NOTICE - Changes to COVID-19

Dashboard and Vaccination Tracker

The Ministry of Health & Wellness advises that the COVID-19 Report dashboard will no longer be published weekly Monday through Friday. Instead, effective immediately (as of Friday, December 2nd, 2022), the COVID-19 Report will be merged with the Bahamas COVID-19 Vaccination Tracker to form one report. This report will be published one week after the end of each month. The Ministry of Health and Wellness will inform the public of any further changes to the COVID-19 reporting system.

The public is encouraged to follow the preventative measures such as proper handwashing, mask wearing (optional) and physical distancing that help to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

ElEuthEra CalEndar of Events 2022

Prepared by: (Mrs. Samantha Fox, Senior Officer, Eleuthera Tourist Office)

The Eleuthera Tourist Office notes, “This information is subject to change. As we receive updated information the Eleuthera Events calendar 2022/2023 will be edited to reflect.”

WEEKLY EVENTS:

• Fish Fry is currently held in Governor’s Harbour every Friday @ 5:30 p.m.-until (Contact: Mr. Arthur Turnquest at 242332-2467)

• Governors Harbour Farmers & Crafters Market, is held on Queen’s Highway by the Bayfront Park - on Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Contact: Ms. Calae Burrows at 242-808-1736)

• Spanish Wells Farmers Market (tbd) (Contact: Mr. Franklyn Burrows at 242457-3983)

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• DECEMBER 25th @ 8pm

Christmas Day Junkanoo Parade (Senior)

Come on down to Gregory Town to join in the drum beating, cowbell shaking, and whistle blowing as five groups from various areas showcase their junkanoo talents.

(Contact: Ms. Clara Young, Ministry of Youth Sports & Culture at 242-470-4081 or email clarayoung9215@gmail.com)

• DECEMBER 26th @ 8:40 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Spanish Wells Holiday Activities in the Park

Celebrate the Boxing Day holiday after sunset with the folks on Spanish Wells as they send fireworks to light up the sky, render their voices and entertain the young and old.

(Contact: Mr. Franklyn Burrows at 242-4573983 or email fburrows82@gmail.com)

• DECEMBER 30TH - JANUARY 1ST 2023

Mini Bayfest Hatchet Bay

This is a great way to end the year 2022! A fun-filled time down in Alice Town Hatchet Bay. There will be performances by Bahamian Artists, live entertainment, good Bahamian eats & drinks for locals and visitors to enjoy.

(Contact: Ms. Melissa Dean (242) 551-0538; melissadean36@hotmail.com)

Above: South Eleuthera Youth Corps visit with Pastor Lincoln Young, accompanied by their mentor, Officer Renardo Brown.