The Eleutheran Newspaper November/December 2021 Issue

Real Estate

web: WWW.ELEUTHERANEWS.COM

(1-242) 422 9350

Volume 14, 11/12, November/December Issue

Eleuthera, Harbour Island & Spanish Wells, The Bahamas

Your FREE copy

Harbour Island, Spanish Wells, & Eleuthera - North, Central & South

` Information. We Deliver!’’ Monthly In Print & Daily Online.

Since 2008 - ‘‘Eleuthera’s most reliable Source of News and

ASSESSING HOUSING

BACK COVER: Damianos Sotheby’s Int’l P 3: Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty P 5: HG Christie

Housing minister inspects eleuthera Subdivision Prospects Housing Minister Jobeth Coleby-Davis toured Central and South Eleuthera, looking at crown land acreages in Rock Sound, Governor’s Harbour and Hatchet Bay, with plans for new subdivisions.

Say No to Violence

- Page 44 -

- Page 4 ADVICE - 14

ADVICE - 13

Surviving Christmas...

Down Payment Dilemma...

Local Awardees

17

- Page 42 -

New ESCCS to Host Launch Event.

OPINION - 12

Sports Hall of Fame Induction

Wake up & Smell the Chow Mein...

Inside

26

22

Page 23

RBDF Marine of the Quarter Page 34

28

18

2

www. EleutheraNews . com

Lo c a l

Nov/Dec, 2021

2021,

Nov/Dec

Lo c a l

The Eleutheran

3

4

www. EleutheraNews . com

loc al +p lu s

Nov/Dec, 2021

Housing Minister Tours Eleuthera Sites Earmarked For New Subdivisions Minister of Housing, Jobeth Coleby-Davis paid a visit to the island of Eleuthera on Saturday, November 13th, 2021, to take a first-hand look at the land areas being considered for development by the Ministry of Housing.

Member of Parliament for Central and South Eleuthera, and Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources & Local Government, Clay Sweeting joined her during the island tour, which began in South Eleuthera in the Rock Sound township and continued into Governor’s Harbour and Hatchet Bay. Minister Jobeth Coleby-Davis was also accompanied by the Chairman of the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation, Mrs. Barbara Cartwright and a team of officials from the Ministry of Housing.

In an interview, during her stop to view the acreage in Governor’s Harbour, Minister Coleby-Davis outlined her purpose in personally visiting the land development locations on the island, and upcoming opportunities for Eleutherans interested in investing in a home, saying, “Today I came down with the MP for South and Central Eleuthera, and he is taking me to a few of the properties that you have available here that is crown land. My technical team and I came to take a look at the infrastructure needs, where the land lay, and to see how best we can assist with putting affordable homes on the property. So, we stopped at Rock Sound first to look at property there,

and there is quite a bit of beautiful land there that we can start with.

“When we go back, we will sit down to discuss how best to go about acquiring the properties. It is crown land, so it is already owned by the government, but the Ministry of Housing will still have to acquire the property to do subdivisions, so we will go through that process. In Governor’s Harbour, the property here is a very nice piece of land as well, with a view - it seems all the properties come with a view.

We are looking to do turn-key homes here at the Governor’s Harbour location as well, and assist as many people we can in Eleuthera to become homeowners.

That’s a priority. There will be infrastructure work that has to be done. Once that is completed, then you will begin to see the homes go up, and people interested can begin to make sure that they get approved or pre-approvals for their homes.”

When asked about the planned timeline for the upcoming Housing program in Eleuthera, Minister Coleby-Davis, explained, “There is a process to get to the point where we begin the infrastructure work - that comes with acquiring the property under the Department of Housing, as well as making sure that I go through the Cabinet process of approving the in-

See Housing Minister

P41

Pictured: Housing Minister Jobeth Coleby-Davis (left) with Minister Clay Sweeting reviewing land survey documents while in Hatchet Bay.

2021,

Nov/Dec

Lo c a l

The Eleutheran

5

6

www. EleutheraNews . com

loc al +p lu s

Nov/Dec, 2021

Minister Seeks to Revamp the Packing Houses Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs the Hon. Clay Sweeting said the ministry is looking to revamp Packing Houses throughout The Bahamas to make them more efficient.

His comments came after the Minister recently led a delegation to Packing Houses in Green Castle and Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera.

The delegation included Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry, Leonardo Lightbourne, Executive Chairman of Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC) Leroy Major, Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) Executive Chairman Senator the Hon. Tyrel Young, Permanent Secretary Joel Lewis and other officials.

“We noticed a lot of minor issues such as a government truck not being licensed and insured and things that can be addressed very quickly. We are also looking at ways to encourage farmers where they are able to sell their products at the Packing House in Green Castle and become more involved. We want to engage them so they realize that they have a friend in the ministry and BAIC,” Minister Sweeting said.

P31 “I wanted both chairmen to realize what po-

Pictured: Minister Sweeting with staff at the Department of Fisheries and the BAMSI satellite office in Palmetto Point.

2021,

Lo c a l

Nov/Dec

Eleuthera Sailing Academy Triumph at Cecil G. Cooke Memorial Championship

“Our open sailing lessons on Saturday mornings are free for every Bahamian age 8 to 13 and the only requirement is that they know how to swim” With winds in excess of 13 knots and occasional driving rain, the eight-member sailing team of the Eleuthera Sailing Academy (ESA) rigged their boats in preparation for the Eighth Annual Cecil G. Cooke Memorial Championship hosted by the Nassau Yacht Club on November 6th and 7th in Montague Bay. Led by Coach Martin Manrique, the team of nine- to twelve-year-olds won three top-three finishes despite conditions that were a far cry from the quiet, protected Savannah Sound that is the Academy’s home.

Ten-year-old Taryn McKinney Lambert, who has been sailing in the Optimist class for three years, won first place in the Silver Fleet. ‘It was really fun to sail and there was a lot of competition’ Taryn said of the weekend. The other top three finishes were garnered by elevenyear-olds Javien Rankine who took third place in the Silver Fleet and Lorenzo Laramore who took third place in the Green Fleet. ‘This is unexpected. I didn’t expect to come third’ said Laramore, who has only

See Eleuthera Sailing Academy

P16

The Eleutheran

7

8

www. EleutheraNews . com

Lo c a l

Nov/Dec, 2021

2021,

Nov/Dec

Lo c a l

The Eleutheran

9

10

www. EleutheraNews . com

Lo c a l

COVID-19 Eleuthera : Active Cases Decline, Deaths Recorded, Health Minister Cautions Public On Recent Global Pandemic Developments Active COVID-19 case activity in Eleuthera declined significantly during the month of November, according to the Ministry of Health, with the 45 active cases reported on October 27th falling to 4 active cases for the entire Eleutheras - North, Central and South - as of Wednesday, December 1st, 2021.

However, there were 4 new COVID-19 deaths reported on the island during the same period, increasing the death toll in Eleuthera to 34 people lost to the pandemic.

Across Eleuthera, including Harbour Island and Spanish Wells, as of December 1st, there were a total of 4 active COVID-19 cases reported (0 in Harbour Island, 0 in Spanish Wells, 0 in North Eleuthera, 4 in Central Eleu-

thera and 0 in South Eleuthera), with 1 person under investigation (0 in Harbour Island, 0 in Spanish Wells, 0 in North Eleuthera, 0 in Central Eleuthera and 1 in South Eleuthera).

Compared with a month earlier, at the end of October, when 134 people were in quarantine across Eleuthera - on December 1st, a notably smaller group of 12 people were reported to be in quarantine (0 in Harbour Island, 0 in Spanish Wells, 0 in North Eleuthera, 10 in Central Eleuthera and 2 in South Eleuthera), and no people from Eleuthera were said to be currently hospitalized.

A cumulative total of 34 Eleutheran deaths have been reported P11

Nov/Dec, 2021

loc a l +p lu s Page. 10

covid

19

since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020 (6 in Harbour Island, 1 in Spanish Wells, 10 in North Eleuthera, 7 in Central Eleuthera and 10 in South Eleuthera). During the four week period between October 27th and November 24th, the 4 additional deaths reported in Eleuthera were in Spanish Wells, Harbour Island, North Eleuthera mainland and Central Eleuthera.

(Recent Global Developments in COVID Could Bring a New Surge to The Bahamas, Says MOH - Important to Prepare Now) Bahamas Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, on Friday, November 26th, 2021, released a statement, with a message of caution for the Bahamian public about global developments in the COVID-19 pandemic and what should be done to stay vigilant, saying, “In recent weeks, we have seen a substantial and very welcome decrease in the number of COVID-19 infections in The Bahamas.

“However, several developments internationally threaten our progress, and require all of us to act with urgency to prepare for another potential surge in cases.

“In the last several weeks, there has

been a very significant and sustained increase in cases in both Europe and the United States. We have seen that in our highly connected world, surges in other regions have tended to lead to a surge in our country a few weeks later.

“In addition, today (Friday, November 26th, 2021) the World Health Organization identified a new Variant of Concern, which they have labelled the Omicron variant.

We have heard about many new variants in the last few months, and many of them have disappeared without significant impact. However, there are several reasons to be particularly vigilant when it comes to this new variant.

“It has taken off in South Africa, where it was first identified, and it appears to be out-competing other variants. In less than two weeks, it has become the dominant variant in that country. A variant significantly more transmissible than Delta would be a very serious threat indeed.

“We will learn more in the coming days and weeks, but we cannot wait for more information to act with urgency.

“The most important steps that Bahamians can take to decrease their risks of contracting COVID, and reduce their risk of spreading the virus to family, friends and co-workers are as follows: 1.

Get vaccinated. Vaccination protects you from severe disease and reduces transmission in your community. It is important to highlight the fact that the preliminary data indicates an increased risk of reinfection with this

2.

3.

4.

Nov/Dec, 2021 variant. For Bahamians who have had COVID in the past, but have not been vaccinated, please understand: you cannot count on your prior infection providing you with sufficient immune protection. Please get vaccinated.

Avoid crowded, indoor spaces.

Wear your mask correctly, fitted tightly over your mouth and nose. Wearing two masks can help, too, when you need to spend time indoors, as in the supermarket, church, or in an office.

Pay attention to ventilation.

Aerosol particles of the virus can hang in the air for many hours after being expelled by an infected individual. Opening windows and doors can push particles out more quickly, so that you are breathing cleaner air.

11

“We are taking the recent surges in Europe and the United States, and the news of the Omicron variant, very seriously, and will be providing regular updates about our policies and progress.

“On a final note, we are grateful to the scientists, doctors, and policymakers in South Africa; they have done an excellent job identifying and sequencing the new variant and have shared data transparently in a way that should be a model for the rest of the world.”

Vaccination campaigns continued throughout November in Eleuthera. As of November 22nd, 2021 - 10,294 vaccine doses had been administered, and 5,172 Eleutherans had been fully vaccinated.

12

www. EleutheraNews . com

co mme n ta ry

Wake up and smell the Chow Mein

By Sir Ronald Sanders

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the U.S. and the OAS. He is also a senior fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and at Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are entirely his own) A television interviewer asked me if I thought Caribbean countries, and other developing territories, would benefit from the ‘war for influence’ that the European Union (EU) has launched against the People’s Republic of China.

He was referring to the announcement by the EU Commission President,

Ursula von der Leyen, that the EU will launch “Global Gateway”, a scheme to compete with China’s “Belt and Road Initiative” (BRI) that has been in place since the end of 2013.

The Commission President did not try to hide that the EU’s Global Gateway is aimed at trying to stop China’s spread around the world, and its growing influence as the major creditor to more than 60 developing countries on every continent.

“We want to create links and not dependence”, she said – an allusion to the claim by the G7 countries (the rich nations of the West), that China is indebting developing countries so as to control them.

What is striking about this new rivalry to lend money to developing countries is that it has arisen not in response to the needs of these countries for economic advancement and social improvement, but from big power rivalry for influence in their own interest.

Nonetheless, should the contest, between richer countries, result in the availability of more money to fund growth and prosperity in developing nations, it should be welcomed. Not only would it produce a larger global pot of money, but it will allow developing nations to accept loans from the rival providers that offer the best terms.

The EU has started late in this race, and the sums that it is suggesting are less than half of the $1.2 trillion that China has already put on the table for 13,000 projects in 63 countries. The EU Commission said it will “seek” to mobilize $340 billion by 2027 (six years from now) and from a combination of public investment and, as yet unsecured, private investment. What the EU appears to be sure of is $40 billion in export guarantees to European private investors and around $18 billion in grants.

The EU has pointed out that it has been providing “grants” while China has been providing “loans”.

But in truth the repayment terms of the Chinese loans are concessionary and affordable. Further, they are used mostly for infrastructure projects that developing countries need, whereas EU grants are highly conditional and take very long to disburse.

Added to all this, while the EU’s “Global Gateway” was launched with much fanfare, its draft plan does not contain a list of projects it will undertake immediately. Nor does it say to which countries.

Significantly, absent also, is any indication of if the EU will drop its criterion of low per capita income as a qualifier for access to the “Global Gateway”. So-called middle-income and high-income countries have long been disqualified for access to grants and concessionary loans from the EU, except in disastrous situations.

The development of many Caribbean countries is measured by this flawed criterion.

Perhaps at some point that EU will actually have a serious discussion

Nov/Dec, 2021

with regional groups of developing countries about their real needs and how best the EU can help – particularly as several of its members have a sad legacy of underdevelopment across every continent. Among the EU members are France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Belgium and Germany.

The UK is omitted from this list since “Global Gateway” is a EU project and the UK is no longer a EU member.

The bottom line is that, if this EUChina rivalry, coupled with the G7’s “Build Back Better World” – also an effort to compete with China and halt what is seen as its global influence produces more money for developing nations, including the Caribbean, it would signal the start of a new world. That would be especially so, if developing countries can choose the options best suited to them, and not to the lenders. In this way, they could retain their autonomy from all lenders, spreading their exposure and seeking the best terms possible.

However, right now – especially as the global financial institutions such as the IMF and World Bank – still reflect the policies of G7 countries, China remains the lender of choice.

The G7 and leading members of the EU who built their economies on the backs of developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean should wake up and smell the Chow Mein. It is everywhere.

Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com

DEAR EDITOR.

I’ve been coming to Eleuthera for about 5 years, own property and like to get a feel for the culture. After reading several editions of the Eleutheran, I’m quite put out by “Sir Ronald Sanders.” His editorials are fraught with socialism and “give me, give me” synopsis of world events . His editorial on climate change is inaccurate and to us Americans, ludicrous. The UN agency (IPCC) he quotes and his love for “Green Peace” is the same old attitude- we need money from developed countries under the guise of climate change.

Many Americans greatly dislike these agencies as useful idiots for the ill-informed and poorly government run countries. Looking back at the climate change hoax, predictions indicated we should already be either freezing to death or baking to death by 2020- it didn’t happen. There has always been cycles of heat and cold even in Biblical times; however, the mean temperatures that fluctuated a 1000 years ago was not the result of America, or cars or flatulent cows. It’s just normal. It’s cyclical. His attempts to blame other countries, even though fraudulent, should be addressed to the nations who are the worse perpetrators of smog and pollution- China and Russia.

His solution are more laws that like “exocide,” want money from other nations. His statements that global warming has wreaked havoc on small Islands in the Caribbean are without merit. He fear mongers for his socialist agendas. He has swallowed the climate change narrative for one purpose - money. He is a typical socialist bureaucrat with a solution in search of a problem. He comes across as an expert without the data to back up his warped beliefs. ( ex- meaning former, and spert- a drip under pressure).

As the scripture says in Genesis 8:22 “as long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter and day and night shall not cease.” I believe God, NOT Sir Ronald Sanders!

David Agema Former Michigan State Representative, Republican National Committeeman , retired airline captain, military officer and fighter pilot with a BA in Economics and a Masters Degree in Busn Mgmt.

A DV I cE

THE DOWN PAYMENT DILEMMA For many, the biggest barrier towards home ownership is the down payment.

Down payments are typically calculated as a percentage of the purchase price. It can be as low as five percent, but conventional mortgages are generally around 20 percent. Aim for a 20% down payment. By reducing the amount borrowed, you will shorten the life of the loan and pay less in interest. This means the total mortgage payments will be significantly less.

Conversely, if you can make a large down payment, you may be able to buy a bigger or more expensive house

because the cost of the mortgage is less. Large down payments may mean smaller monthly mortgage payments.

Banks require down payments because it helps reduce their risk if the borrower is unable to meet their monthly payments.

Larger down payments work in the buyer’s favour since they reduce the overall cost of the mortgage. The biggest problem is coming up with the down payment.

Be Creative I want to speak directly to young people. And I’m going to be brutally honest.

If you don’t have savings and an adequate, steady income, home ownership will be challenging. We are living in difficult times. Therefore, it is important to have a plan.

If you have an adequate and steady source of income, you may well be able to save for a down payment. The question is, are you prepared to make the sacrifices necessary to do so?

Nov/Dec, 2021

13

It’s all about priorities and discipline.

Are you prepared to do without so you can save? For example, are you prepared to share a cheap rental with friends or live with your parents, if possible, while you save? Are you prepared to get a second job, if available, or create another source of income for yourself?

Will you reduce your lifestyle expenses?

I’m not suggesting you do the same, but some people have gone to great extremes to successfully save. For instance, A Google employee lived in a 128-square-foot truck in the company parking lot and saved 90 percent of his income to get a head start.

Some people buy inexpensive fixer uppers so they can peck away at improvements as their income permits.

By Mike Lightbourn Questions or comments?

Contact me at info@cbbahamas.com Mike Lightbourn is president of Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty.

Plan and be patient as you work towards your goal. Remember, slow but steady wins the race.

14

www. EleutheraNews . com

A DV ICE

Surviving Christmas without

Going Broke Teri M. Bethel There is something about the Christmas season that makes many people want to give. Is it the sweetness of the cool breeze or the mellowing of heart as the big day approaches? This time of year can quickly turn into a nightmare for those who focus on gift-giving or gift-receiving. Not that either one is wrong, as there is so much joy in giving when it’s done from the heart, and if your love language is receiving gifts, then you’re probably swelling at the prospect of what you may receive over the jolly holidays. Which, by the way, was originally “Holy-days.” That somehow got tossed to the side in some circles as the emphasis became more Santarized rather than appreciating the real gift of Christ-mas. But that’s not exactly what this writing is about. It’s about surviving Christmas when your finances don’t match your desire to give. Incidentally, despite joblessness and an increase in food and other necessities in the US and around the world, Statista.com predicts retail sales in the US are expected to climb over the Christmas holidays. How does that happen, and will you be among the millions who will regret their overspending in January?

Nov/Dec, 2021

How to survive Christmas For many, the pressure to spend is high. If it were just you to consider, then the solution is easier to deal with. But when kids are involved, and they’ve grown accustomed to unwrapping tons of gifts on Christmas day, how do you deprogram them without crushing their expectations? What will the kids tell their friends when they return to school?

Will they be the laughing stock of the classroom because their essay on what they received for Christmas was a brand new pack of underwear and a ping pong ball? Will the pressure to spend more than you have, affect the relationship with your spouse, and how long will the tension last? If you decide to secure a loan to buy gifts, how will you pay it back with your budget already teetering on overload?

In preparing for the holidays, we must remember those who did not make it to Christmas because of the pandemic. Their survivors would probably prefer to have their loved ones sit with them one more time rather than focusing on things. This puts life into perspective for some of us. What becomes more evident with each passing day is appreciating those we have and those we had. Still, in this fast-changing economy where prices are skyrocketing for one reason or another, it just makes sense to think about how you and your family will choose to spend Christmas and the quality of life you expect to have after Christmas. It’s not unusual in our culture to pull out all the stops for one day.

The refrigerator and the freezer are emptied as family and friends congregate for mealtime and fellowship.

These are the best times for many children who may not have seen their cousins for the entire year. But if you were in dire straits financially for the past year, does it make sense to empty the pantry for one day?

Should you scale down your menu and use this as an opportunity to focus on really cherishing the family you have—without the thought of gifts and a ginormous meal.

If you’ve lived in the Bahamas for any time, you would know that Sundays and Christmas are days

A bout

the

when all the stops are pulled out.

A typical Christmas meal may consist of ham, turkey, fish, conch and crawfish, and several hefty sides that generally include peas n rice, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, candied potatoes, and coleslaw, fried plantain, beets, tossed salad, and a few other family favorites. I dare not get into the desserts, but you get the picture, I’m sure. There is no shame in being able to afford a sumptuous meal or being extravagant with gifts if you can afford it. In fact, it helps to keep the economy going, and you should support local businesses.

However, if you have to take out a loan to buy gifts that won’t last or may not be appreciated or blow your food budget for the month on a meal for one day, you might want to stop and think it through. Especially if that same loan could have been used to help you develop a business idea that would make your family’s future a lot more comfortable.

Rather than surprising the kids with the rewrapped presents from last year, it may be an excellent time to have a little chitchat with the family to explain the need to cut back on the spending. Don’t wait until Christmas Eve to do this. Prepare them now so that the news doesn’t come as an unwelcome surprise.

Sometimes, not having what you would like to have makes you more creative and grateful for what you already have. This temporary deficit is a great opportunity to think of ways to express your love for each other, rather than wishing you had said something to them when they were around. That way, when the rent or mortgage and school fees become due or utilities need to be paid and groceries placed on the table in January, there’s no, “sorry, I’m a little short” speech to be made, but everyone’s love tank is full.

Creative ways to show you care One way we can teach our children the real meaning of Christmas P15

A uthor :

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

2021

A DV I cE

Nov/Dec, 2021

Page. 14

Advice

is to look outside of themselves.

How can they be a gift? While some may be able to make cards, bottle jellies, and sauces, another way you may want to show love is by cutting the lawn of an elderly person in the community. Instead of buying three different types of meat for your family’s consumption on one day, how about preparing a meal or a care package for someone in the community you know has come upon hard times.

By getting youngsters involved at an early age, you’ll be helping to develop a community-minded individual. One who doesn’t just think about themselves, but as they climb the ladder of life, they scan the horizon to see who among their brothers and sisters would need a helping hand to get back on their feet.

How can you manage your spending in practical terms?

1.

Establish a budget. Do this

15

before shopping. Be mindful of how much disposable money you have to spend. How much of it will be spent on gifts, home improvements or decorations, food, and travel?

Be realistic with self-gift2. ing. Set a limit on how much you will spend on yourself.

Establish gifting rules for 3. the family. If they’ve changed from previous years, let them know in advance.

Limit the extras like costly 4. meals and other treats while shopping unless it’s been factored into the budget.

Research and book travel 5. opportunities early. Include living accommodations, ground transportation, food, and gratuities while traveling.

Keep a running tally of 6. your spending. Maintaining a budget is hard work, but at the end of the day, your sleep will probably be a lot better, knowing that you haven’t lost your shirt this holiday season. Merry Christmas!

16

www. EleutheraNews . com

Page. 7

Lo c a l

Nov/Dec, 2021

Eleuthera Sailing Academy

been sailing for ten months. Rankine, who has been sailing for one year said proudly ‘I only came here for the experience, and I came third’.

The podium finishes weren’t the only remarkable accomplishments by the team. Advanced sailor Finley McKinney Lambert who won four of the seven races, narrowly missed third place in the Championship Fleet by a single point. Johan Hauber (age 12), Alethea Tsoumpas (age 11) and Makayla Hauber (age 9) all finished in the top ten in the Green Fleet out of twenty-four competitors from around the country. These accomplishments are notable in themselves. Add to the fact that Tsoumpas has been sailing on-and-off for about a year and the Haubers have been sailing for only three weeks at the time of the race, and the achievement is clearly even more outstanding.

Nine-year-old Yemaya Hauber had a significant personal achievement in the menacing weather conditions. “The wind was so strong and there were so many big boats moving around” said Yemaya who did not enter the race on the final day because of the intimidating winds.

“The conditions were very rough -wind, rain, lots of boats- and everyone, including the youngest ones who only sailed for a couple of weeks, got to sail at

their very best, worked super hard, and enjoyed it!” coach Manrique added.

Yemaya’s courage to face her fears and sail her twin-sister’s Opti back to the Nassau Yacht Club after Manrique picked her up as she watched the race from Montague Beach, is a testament to Manrique’s coaching style that not only develops proficient sailors, but also builds confidence and inspires a love for the sport. “At this stage, and especially having such a young group, I don’t look at the results but at the personal development of each one of the kids who participates” Manrique emphasized.

With COVID-19 restrictions eased, the Sailing Academy is now actively extending its reach into the community.

“Our main drive is to bring more kids into sailing because we truly believe that it is a great thing for kids to learn.” Saturday mornings are a buzz with activity at the academy with instructor Carlien Pels, Manrique’s wife, directing the kids to rig boats for the weekly learn-to-sail lesson.

“Our open sailing lessons on Saturday mornings are free for every Bahamian age 8 to 13 and the only requirement is that they know how to swim” Manrique said. The programming at the ESA also invites adults to participate in stand-up paddle board, windsurfing, kayaking or

Above: Coach Manrique with some of the team. Young sailors (L to R) - Taryn McKinney Lambert, Alethea Tsoumpas, Makayla Hauber, Javien Rankine, Yemaya Hauber, Finley McKinney Lambert, (Craig Ferguson of Bahamas National Sailing School), and Johan Hauber. (Photo credit Michael Tsoumpas)

Pictured: Instructor Carlien Pels with beginner sailors during a Saturday morning lesson. (Photo credit Martin Manrique) kiteboarding. If you’re not inclined to venture out onto the water, there are other ways one can contribute to the burgeoning success of the ESA. “We need volunteers for the beginner sailing lessons. We need help with equipment that are constantly in disrepair and of course, we need help with funding to be able to give this experience to the ones who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity” Manrique pleaded.

For the upcoming months, the coaches will focus on achieving competition goals for the sailing team. “We want to have a big team participate in The National Championships in late January in Nassau. This will be a huge event with many international sailors from US, Mexico, Cayman Islands, etc. We also dream of organising our first regatta here in Savannah Sound, which we think would be a huge event bringing many families to the settlement and our School!”. Manrique and Pels are also thrilled about

a monumental event in the Optimist Class that will be hosted by the Nassau Yacht Club in 2022. “The North American Optimist Championship is next year, and I dream of having a team of Eleuthera kids representing The Bahamas.” The North American Championship attracts sailors from continental North America and the Caribbean.

With the success of the Cecile G. Cooke Championship motivating them, the ESA team is training hard to improve on their performance and prepare for the upcoming races. “We work together to become stronger and more confident, and that’s exactly what we did in Nassau!”. The opportunities that await Eleuthera youth at ESA are priceless. “We have the best location I can possibly imagine for a sailing school and coaches who are eager to share what they love the most and preach by example: hard work. We dream big, the limit is the sky!”.

2021,

Nov/Dec

Lo c a l

The Eleutheran

17

New Sustainability centered Cooperative Society Set to Host Launch Event [ESCCS] During the month of November 2021, one of Eleuthera’s newest organizations was officially registered as a cooperative, ESCCS (Eleuthera Sustainability Council Cooperative Society). The cooperative aims to work collectively with local communities, organizations and tourism stakeholders throughout Eleuthera to promote the sustainability of Eleuthera as a destination for the benefit of both residents and tourists visiting the island.

Three projects are being targeted for the upcoming year, said new Chairman of ESCCS, Mrs. Bekera Taylor, including, proper street lighting, remediation of problematic dumpsites and reclamation of the Hatchet Bay caves as a maintained heritage site.

The initial board of the new cooperative include, Chairman, Bekera Taylor; Vice-Chairman, Jennifer Hadland; Secretary, Kristel Anderson; and Treasurer, Erma Carey.

On Sunday, November 21st, the board welcomed Cheryl Bowe-Moss, Director of Societies, on island, who conducted a comprehensive training session with the Above: New ESCCS Cooperative Board Members. L to R - Vice Chairman, Jennifer Hadland; Secretary, Kristel Anderson; Chairman, Bekera Taylor; and Treasurer, Erma Carey.

See Sustainability (ESCCS)

P29

18

f e at u r e

www. EleutheraNews . com

An Eleutheran Tribute Written In Tribute By: Dr. Reginald W. Eldon, J.P.

Nov/Dec, 2021

Ms. Rosetta ‘Rosie’ Gibson

-

A Giant of a Woman Once Lived in Savannah Sound

for the Bahamian Flag and good manners. She demanded respect from students and youth members. Respect was central to her life and it followed her careers with the Bahamian Government and The Methodist Church.

Rosie’s career in education spanned over a half-century of influencing the minds and hearts of students in New Providence and Eleuthera. In Eleuthera, she championed Bahamian culture, insisting that students know the latest Bahamian songs and dances; she believed strongly that our Bahamian culture had something worth preserving and worth passing on to future generations.

In school, and in church, her students and youth group members learned to plait the maypole, sing every song Eddie Minnis composed and produced and learned Rake and Scrape music.

She was shy about getting on the dance floor herself but when it had to be done, she would get in front of her students and show them how ‘Naughty Johnny’ was supposed to dance and how to twist and dance, run and hide in ‘shotgun wedding.’

Rosie had a keen interest in children. She never married and she never birthed children of her own but I cannot even estimate today how many children she brought up by way of nurture, financial support and parental-type guidance and love.

Rosie had many nieces and nephews and, with extension in the later years, even more

Ms. Rosetta ‘Rosie’ Gibson We sometimes think Giants are always male but that is far from the truth!

Edna Rosetta Gibson, a patriotic Bahamian, was a giant of a woman who once lived in Savannah Sound.

She spent the majority of her life in that small settlement in Eleuthera. The settlement that produced a number of Bahamian cultural icons like the late Timothy Gibson, C.I. Gibson, Thelma Gibson, R.N. Sawyer and C.W. Sawyer, some of the most accomplished Bahamian men and women, in Education. E. Rosetta (Rosie) Gibson is one of them. She died, peacefully, gracefully and without fuss on Wednesday, September 22nd, 2021 at her family home in Savannah Sound.

I met Rosie first in 1970 and then again in October 1975. I had just returned from four years in England where I studied Youth and Community Work in Birmingham. My first appointment as Youth Director with The Bahamas District of The Methodist Church was in Tarpum Bay. Rosie Gibson was the first youth leader I met on my return to the island.

From that first meeting until her death, at the age of 84 years, we worked together and supported each other in the development of full-time Youth Ministry and Christian Camping in The Bahamas. Rosie had already pioneered youth work in Eleuthera a long time before I began my ministry in 1975. She hosted scores of young people to three weeks of camping at the Gibson homestead in Savannah Sound during the summer months.

Many of the tributes we have received have designated Rosie Gibson as a Nation Builder, and she was. She championed Bahamian culture, respect

grandnieces and grandnephews. Rosie helped them all. She was instrumental in many of her nephews and nieces, who resided in Eleuthera, studying at Windermere High School. Lest I forget, I need to say that Rosie Gibson was instrumental in the founding of Windermere High School on the island of Eleuthera in 1967. She was one of the catalysts in the settlement, supporting the USA Gospel Missionary Union in building the boarding school on the pristine hilltop property on the outskirts of the settlement.

The establishment of this school in Savannah Sound changed the profile of the settlement forever and reshaped its future. Students from North Eleuthera, including many from Harbour Island, and settlements in the south, made the long bus ride on Friday and Sunday evenings every week for the privilege of studying at Windermere High.

Miss Gibson’s interest was in development.

She devoted her life to the development of people and institutions. Her influence extended throughout the entire length and breadth of Eleuthera.

She was an educator by profession, beginning her 63-year career as a monitor in the school at Savannah Sound. She taught in Nassau at Western Junior School during the years 1959-1964 and Southern Junior School during the years 1964-1967. During the years 1967-1973, she taught at P19 Tarpum Bay All Age School and

2021,

Nov/Dec

Page. 18

Tribute

in 1973-1975 at Preston Albury High School in Rock Sound. She was appointed principal in 1975 and served in that capacity to a number of Ministry of Education Schools in Eleuthera: Savannah Sound Primary 1975-1981; Deep Creek Primary 1981; Emma E. Cooper Primary, Palmetto Point 19811982; P.A. Gibson All Age School, Hatchet Bay 1983-1987 and Tarpum Bay All Age School 1987-1997.

It made no difference the settlement, her high energy and studentcentered leadership changed negative situations to positive ones and transformed hopelessness to hope.

She improved the lives of teachers as well as students. Her wide embrace and generous spirit included all.

From 1967, until the day she died, Rosie claimed a deep love and commitment to Windermere High School.

In the early days of the Methodist Camping Ministry, beginning in 1976, Rosie was instrumental in building the bridge that allowed the Methodist Youth Department to begin its camping ministry at the Windermere High School campus. After retiring from the Ministry of Education, in 1998, Rosie served as principal of Windermere High School until 2017.

Rosie Gibson worked tirelessly. She worked day and night. She worked all through the summer until it was time to change hats from camp director back to principal. She would close school for the summer and the next day she would turn up at Camp at either Windermere High School or Camp Symonette in James’ Cistern.

Her energy was boundless. She could manage the dorms, prepare the menus and deal with discipline issues all at once. She was adept at moving human-made mountains and pushing her way through blocked passageways when necessary. She stood as a bridge between the church and the camps; she stood as a bridge between

fe at u r e parents and their children; she stood as a bridge between politics and religion. In this, she was a genius. She never saw defeat as a possibility and because her stature was so big and strong, she always fronted for many of us and fought on our behalf.

At The Methodist Church in Savannah Sound, Rosie never became a Lay Preacher but she did everything else that fell under lay leadership in Methodist churches. She was the chief supporter of Methodist Ministers stationed in the South Eleuthera Circuit/Region.

She knew the needs of the members and was a trusted liaison and link between members and minister. She directed programmes, planned refreshments, hosted the ministers to lunch, organized concerts, hosted successful fundraisers and played the organ!

The era of Rosie Gibson’s influence on institutions on Eleuthera, and in the lives of the men and women of Eleuthera, is marked by some of the most philanthropic, dedicated and effective leaders and teachers of a half century of our history. Her reach of influence included Youth Ministry partners: Mrs. Janette Cates and Ms. Janice Knowles of Rock Sound, Ms. Emily Petty of Governors Harbour; Mrs. Levada Scavella-Ingraham and Deacon Audrea Clarke of Hatchet Bay, Mr. Henry T. Allen, Mr. and Mrs. Tim Bert Carey and Ms. Jewel Edwards of Tarpum Bay, the late Pastor Henry Whyte, Mr. Robert Johnson and Mr. Freddie Ferguson of James’ Cistern. I can name another 50 or more key community and youth leaders who trained and served under Rosie Gibson’s leadership.

The Eleutheran

19

giant in the middle of the room or on the ball field or in the classroom.

She was gentle, determined and empathetic.

She was a giant because she was an effective leader. She got things done. She never gave up. On those days when the weariness and fatigue settled over her tired physical frame, she would get up, and keep going. A leader is effective when those around them do not mind working and going the extra mile because it is not a chore, but rather a delight for people to work alongside a leader who is in the middle of the project with them. The giant Rosie was in the middle of the battle, always ready to reprimand, love, include, correct or train. Sometimes, like the good and effective spiritual director that she was, she simply walked by our sides and shared our journey.

Eleuthera has lost one of its most gentle female giants. A woman has died who had a heart of gold and arms as wide as the length and breadth of the island. A friend to hundreds, she has left the print of her generous spirit, not only in our memories, but also in our souls.

Rosie was a giant of a woman who lived among us. She welcomed young men and women who were poor, disconnected and moving along deadend streets; those who lived on the periphery and occupied the position of standing on the outside, looking in.

She took charge of their education. Her modus operandi was, ‘everyone’…as simple as that. Children and teenagers who were incapable or unable of pulling themselves up by their bootstraps discovered that Miss Gibson would help pull on their bootstraps with them.

Maybe in heaven, E. Rosetta Gibson will meet another female giant who gave her life to education and helping children and young people in the United States of America: Mary McCloud Bethune…the humble African-American woman who founded BethuneCookman University. I know they will recognize each other. Why? Because their mission and purpose on earth seems to me to be very similar. Both Mary McCloud Bethune and E. Rosetta Gibson gave their lives in the service of educating children and young people.

I join with hundreds of men and women in saluting a giant of a woman, the late E. Rosetta Gibson: The Commonwealth of The Bahamas owes you a debt of gratitude. The people of Eleuthera have been blessed by your life.

The Methodist Church grew in its witness because you. The souls that you touched…we will never forget you!

Appreciate this!

Do giants come male and female?

They certainly do. E. Rosetta Gibson was one of our best loved female giants in Eleuthera’s history. She was a giant because of her stature. She stood tall wherever she went and whatever she did. She stood tall in her ethics, her compassion and in her leadership. Leaders can never be spectators if they want to be effective. Rosie was never a spectator. She was always the

Pastor Elmena Bethell, recently profiled in the Sept/Oct Issue of The Eleutheran Newspaper, is pictured delivering her powerfully inspirational message of joy and celebration, as the special guest speaker at the 2021 Central Eleuthera District Christmas Tree lighting ceremony, dubbed “Celebration Under the Stars”, held on the grounds of the Administrative complex at the Bay Front Park cabana on December 3rd in Governor’s Harbour. The ceremony was the first of what is expected to be several to be held across the island, this holiday season.

20 www. EleutheraNews . com

Lo c a l

Nov/Dec, 2021

Cape Eleuthera Institute Recovers Sea Glider Gathering Essential Data from Atlantic On November 12, 2021, research scientists from the Cape Eleuthera Institute (CEI) at The Island School recovered an underwater sea glider from the Atlantic Ocean. The sea glider is a torpedo-shaped autonomous drone that measures upper ocean characteristics, such as temperature and salinity levels. This data is to improve forecasting for tropical storms and hurricanes in the North Atlantic Ocean. Sea surface temperature and upper ocean heat content are fuel for hurricane intensity and development. Low levels of sea surface salinity also strengthen hurricanes. The glider dives down to 1000 metres to monitor the movement of different ocean masses that have unique temperatures and salinity levels as time goes by. The ultimate goal is to take measurements of the changes in the ocean masses and characteristics as tropical storms and hurricanes travel over the glider.

CEI deployed the glider off the east coast of Eleuthera during the most active period of hurricane season. For months, the glider took observational data travelling along the Atlantic Ocean while diving with instructions sent over satellite from the team in Miami. As the 2021 hurricane season came to a close, the team returned to the deployment site to recover the sea glider. The drone will be inspected for damage and repaired before scientists redeploy the glider for the 2022 hurricane season, which begins on June 1.

The Cape Eleuthera Institute is one of the institutions throughout the Caribbean and North America collaborating with NOAA and the University of Miami on this regional project. The glider deployment with CEI is the first in The Bahamas. This project is important because The Bahamas is one of the most hurricane-prone countries in the North Atlantic due to its location and proximity to Florida. This nation is one of the few to be historically affected by the four different hurricane types which develop in different areas in the North Atlantic basin.

As the global climate continues to warm, small island developing states like The Bahamas, are more susceptible to drastic changes in sea level and extreme weather events. With recent negotiations at COP26 to lower global warming to 2.4ºC (rather than 1.5ºC), we will experience more intense hurricanes, which show signs of quick intensification, similar to Hurricane Dorian in 2019. With this long-term project, CEI hopes to improve hurricane warnings for Bahamians and residents in the future.

The CEI team returned to the deployment site to recover the sea glider.

Picture This !

His Excellency Zvi Tal, Ambassador of the State of Israel to The Bahamas paid a Courtesy Call on the Minister of Health and Wellness the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville at the ministry on Monday, November 22, 2021. Pictured left to right are: Philip Swann, acting Chief Medical Officer; Colin Higgs, Permanent Secretary; Ambassador Tal; Dr. Darville; and Israel’s Honorary Consul in The Bahamas, Arthur Seligman. (BIS Photo Ulric Woodside). The Bahamas and Israel are seeking to forge closer ties in areas such as medical technology and infrastructure, should there be a fourth wave of COVID-19 to impact this country. This was discussed during a Courtesy Call by His Excellency Zvi Tal, Ambassador of the State of Israel to The Bahamas with the Minister of Health and Wellness the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville at the ministry on Monday, November 22, 2021.

2021,

Lo c a l

Nov/Dec

The Eleutheran

21

First GGYA Program since Covid Closures kickstarted with community service clean up

Above and Left: GGYA Coordinators in Eleuthera with forty high school students from three public schools on the island, participating in their first activity for the 2021/2022 school year. twenty-five can participate, said Mrs. Longley.

Facilitators of the GGYA program in Eleuthera, include Mrs. Lucy Longley, coordinator for the North Eleuthera district and Mr. Hillary Richards, coordinator for the South Eleuthera district.

“The Governor General’s Youth Award (GGYA) program here in Eleuthera has been on a hiatus during the pandemic,” said Mrs. Lucy Longley, Vice Principal at the Harbour Island All Age School and GGYA program coordinator for the North Eleuthera district, who was in Governor’s Harbour on Saturday, November 13th, 2021, with a sizeable group of high school students from three public high schools on the island, all eagerly taking part in the first in-person activity held by the GGYA program on Eleuthera since the beginning of the pandemic, which closed schools and upended extracurricular programs.

The bayfront coastline of the capital township got the clean up treatment, with the forty-strong group of students. “We’ve just come out to start our first coastal clean up. The GGYA clean up event took place in the area of the Fish Fry and all along the beach front shore line in the Cupid’s Cay area. We’ve brought students in from Preston Albury

High - as far as Deep Ceek in the south and Harbour Island All Age and North Eleuthera High in the north,” explained Mrs. Longley.

The day’s gathering was also taken as an opportunity to register the student participants for the upcoming school year, and to get things going again with GGYA on Eleuthera, she said.

In terms of plans for the upcoming year, coordinator Longley outlined the components of GGYA, saying, “We have community service, skillsets, and physical recreation - so we will be working with those.” The Saturday clean up, which fell under the tenet of community service, would be added to activities like hiking for physical recreation, and the students would be encouraged to learn a variety of skills - like playing music, sewing, cooking and others - during a three-month period.

The three-year GGYA program with its three stages of bronze, silver and gold levels, begins with 14-year-olds, and young people up to the age of

Lo c a l

22 www. EleutheraNews . com

Nov/Dec, 2021

Local Nurses Host Exhibition Commemorating World Diabetes Day On Saturday, November 20th, the Eleuthera Branch of the Nurses Association hosted a ‘World Diabetes - Health Exhibition (Eleuthera Edition) at the Cancer Society’s Wellness Center in Palmetto Point, from 10am until 2pm. Eleuthera Branch president, Nurse Cornell Johnson explained, “World Diabetes Day is held every year on the 14th of November. So, this event today was put on in part by the Nurses Association, Eleuthera Branch in commemoration of World Diabetes Day - under the three-year theme, “Access to Diabetes Care - If Not Now, When?”

She continued, “I think the goal, particularly with diabetes

is to ensure that persons living with diabetes have access to the care that is needed. Diabetes in itself is a pandemic or epidemic that poses challenges for people around the world, even here on the island and this is now coupled with the Covid pandemic, which has affected access to medication, and access to health screenings that would have normally been done during clinic hours.”

The Saturday morning event which ran from mid-morning to mid-afternoon brought together a number of local stakeholders, said Nurse Johnson - vendors like MASA (emergency flight services), along with support organizations - including Rotary,

Pictured above (L-R): Bianca Edwards, NIC North Eleuthera Mainland; Semaj Bunch, PR Officer; Cornell Johnson, Chairperson; Behanker Rolle, Treasurer; Deshan Mortimer, Asst. Treasurer; and Kenria Cargill, Secretary.

CTI and the Cancer Society as well as service providers, like the Family Medicine Center with Dr. Zenna Friend. “We had a nurse with her blended herbal teas, also Nurse Edwards with ‘Restore Your Health’ who facilitated the healthy meal that we had,” she added.

Nurses onsite on Saturday at the health booth offered free health screenings for blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, as well as foot examinations and vision screening. “People coming in,” highlighted president Johnson, “were able to go to each area and see what those entities had to offer. We had a really good turnout, and we give thanks - we had

the Cancer Society who were on board and they helped us to host this event.”

Nurse Johnson emphasized, “The goal is to let people know that the care is out there, and it is much needed. A lot of it is overlooked, as simple as eye-screening, cholesterol screenings, even foot care - you know sometimes you have persons that injure themselves unknowingly. We want people to know that the care is there, and the goal is to ensure that they come out, know what is available, and know that they can, whether it is a government clinic or a private facility they should have regular checks.”

The High Prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases in the Caribbean is Exacerbating the Pandemic’s Impact and Hindering the Subregion’s Progress Towards Sustainable Development (Alicia Bárcena, Executive Secretary of ECLAC, and Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Information Technology of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, led a seminar on this issue prior to the 20th meeting of the Monitoring Committee of the Caribbean Development and Cooperation Committee.)

The high prevalence of non-communicable diseases in the Caribbean – such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer – is exacerbating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and hindering the subregion’s progress towards achieving sustainable development due to their multiple health, economic and social consequences, according to the authorities, representatives of international organizations and specialists participating in a November 4th, 2021 virtual Seminar event organized by

“In each Caribbean country, more than half of all deaths annually can be attributed to non-communicable diseases,” the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) prior to the Twentieth meeting of the Monitoring Committee of the Caribbean Development and Cooperation Committee (CDCC), held on Friday, November 5th.

The Seminar on non-communicable diseases and their impact on sustainable development in the Caribbean was P46 inaugurated by Alicia Bárcena, Ex-

2021,

loc a l +p lu s

Nov/Dec

The Eleutheran

23

Local Tennis Coach, Hartie Johnson, Inducted into the National Sports Hall of Fame - Class of 2021 ways, and a big thank you.”

Among those present at the ceremony, held under the Governor-General’s patronage, were Minister of Transport and Housing the Hon. Jobeth Coleby-Davis, Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Economic Affairs Wayde Watson, Head of the Ministry’s Youth Division Mrs. Sandena Neely, Director of Culture Mrs. Dereka DeleveauxGrant, Bahamas Olympic Committee President Romell Knowles, Ministry officials, sports stakeholders and well-wishers.

Coach Johnson is still actively involved in tennis on the island of Eleuthera today, where he heads up an ongoing after-school tennis Above (L-R): Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Mario Bowleg, Governor-General His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Cornelius A. Smith and Coach Hartie Johnson.

Eleutheran Tennis Coach, Mr. Hartie Johnson of James’ Cistern was honoured for his years of dedication to the sport with his induction into the National Sports Hall of Fame - Class of 2021 during the month of November. He along with a number of other outstanding Bahamians in sport were recognized at a formal National Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, held at Baha Mar Resort, on Friday, November 19th, 2021 - for the Classes of both 2020 and 2021. Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Mario Bowleg joined Governor-General His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Cornelius A. Smith, and Director of Sports Timothy Munnings at the event, celebrating some of the nation’s greats in sport.

Making up the Class of 2021 of The Bahamas’ National Sports Hall of Fame were as follows: Hartie

Now Open

10am to 5pm Mon. to Fri.

Johnson from Eleuthera (Tennis); Laverne Eve (Athletics); Rev. Dr. William Thompson (Softball/Baseball); Stella Knowles (Basketball/Softball); Apostle Charles W. Thompson (Basketball); Gena Mackey (Bodybuilding and Fitness); Sheila Culmer (Administration of Disability in Sports); Oral Hudson (Volleyball); Joseph Demeritte (Volleyball); Nell Wildgoose-Russell from Grand Bahama (Softball); Barbara Thompson (Gymnastics) – posthumously; and Bert Bell (Aquatics) – posthumously.

The Class of 2020 consisted of: Allan Ingraham (American Football); Andre ‘Star’ Wood (Baseball); Ernestine Butler-Stubbs (Softball); Joseph Smith (Volleyball); Cora Hepburn (Volleyball); William Elliott (Baseball) – posthumously; and Colin ‘Troppy’ Knowles (Softball/Baseball) – posthumously.

In response to an outpouring of congratulations on the significant honour bestowed in recognition of his contributions, Mr. Hartie Johnson commented, “Friends and family, thank you very much for the congratulations on my induction into the Bahamas National Sports Hall of Fame on the 19th of November. This award is not only for me, but for all of the kids that were and still are a part of the tennis program, the kids that I coached internationally and their parents, the BLTA’s presidents past and present, the sponsors that made it possible for us to host tennis tournaments and camps, the volunteers who assisted me with these events, and the community for their support.

I pray God’s blessings on you al-

program in Central Eleuthera on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and teaches tennis on Harbour Island on Friday and Saturdays. He is also the resident tennis pro on Windermere Island. Coach Johnson has also hosted an annual summer tennis camp since 2002 called the Artie Johnson All Eleuthera Youth Summer Tennis camp, as well as an annual Doubles Tournament, called the Tim’s Refrigeration Eleuthera Doubles tournament for the past 14 years.

26 www. EleutheraNews . com

Ed uc at ion B e at

Nov/Dec, 2021

Hall of Fame Induction: School Celebrates Academic Achievements in the BJC & BGCSE Examinations

Above : District Superintendent of Education, Michael Culmer (far left); Vice Principal, Shanna Johnson (second from left); and Principal, Chardel BrownGibson (far right), stand with new NEHS Academic Hall of Fame Inductees.

The North Eleuthera High School (NEHS), found a creative way in November to honour and motivate their achievers during the past several years (2017 - 2021) in the Bahamas Junior Certificate (BJC) and Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) national examinations.

Twenty-three (23) students were inducted into the North Eleuthera Hall of Fame for BJC and/or BGCSE results on Thursday, November 25th, 2021, during a drive-up ceremony on the grounds of the school.

District Superintendent of Education, Mr. Michael Culmer, ASP Anthony McCartney of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and other special guests, joined Principal Mrs. Chardel Brown-Gibson and Vice-Principal Mrs. Shanna Johnson for the special event. The presentation of the Hall of Fame honours included trophies and certificates, which each student honouree accepted with fanfare, as their vehicles pulled up and they alighted to receive their awards.

“The North Eleuthera High School Hall of Fame was created to celebrate our students’ successes in the BJC and BGCSE examinations... and also to moti-

vate our present student body to aspire and work towards excellent results. We are endeavouring to not only ensure the smooth organization and administration of the national exams, but also to inspire our students to raise their level of successes in these examinations,” shared Vice-Principal Johnson.

The NEHS Hall of Fame student honourees included: For the BGCSE National Exams: 2021 • Kyle Collins (Head Boy, Valedictorian) - 5A’s, 1B • Damari Johnson (Deputy Head Boy) - 2A’s, 4C’s • Shkeil Darrel - 2A’s, 2C’s • Paulsen Paul - 2A’s, 2C’s, 1D 2020 • Christianna Wallace - (Head Girl) - 1A, 3B’s, 2C’s For the BJC National Exams: 2021 • Amari Pinder - 8A’s, 1A • Kezia Johnson - 6A’s, 3B’s • Tashae Brown - 6A’s, 3B’s, 1C

• Aaron McCartney - 4A’s, 3B’s • Philemon Petit-Frere - 2A’s, 2B’s, 3C’s • Nyeka Tador - 3B’s, 3C’s, 1D 2020 • Jarvis Thompson - 5B’s, 1C • Mark Bullard - 3A’s, 2B’s, 2C’s • Allyanna Henry - 7B’s, 1C, 1D • Layla Isaacs - 5B’s, 2C’s • Lauryn McSweeney - 2A’s, 5B’s, 2C’s • Jamalieah Russell - 1A, 5B’s 2019 • Cilnus Meteze - 3A’s, 4B’s

• Kendal Gibson - 3A’s, 2B’s, 2C’s • Don Johnson - 2A’s, 3B’s, 2C’s • Arianna Dean - 1A, 1B, 5C’s 2018 • Kyle Collins - 5A’s, 2B’s, 1C • Damari Johnson - 5A’s, 2B’s, 1C • Paulsen Paul - 3A’s, 2B’s, 1C, 1D • Gabrielle Thompson - 2A’s, 3B’s, 1C, 1D • Witlien Ti-Paul - 4B’s, 1C, 2D’s 2017 • Christianna Wallace - 7A’s, 1B

2021,

Nov/Dec

Lo c a l

Tips for an Eco-Friendly Holiday season As we enter the holiday season, full of family gatherings, parties, and time to celebrate, our conservation and sustainability minded team from the Cape Eleuthera Institute at The Island School is sharing tips for a more eco-friendly holiday season. A few simple adjustments to our typical routines can have a big impact on our communities, environment and the world around us.

Plan Your Menu: Millions of pounds of food are landfilled every holiday season. When food waste is sent to a landfill, it decomposes and releases methane, a greenhouse gas much more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2) which contributes to climate change events such as rising sea-levels and intense hurricanes. By planning your menu in advance, you can estimate how much food you really need and reduce the amount generated as waste. Only make what you will need and make sure to save leftovers and compost your food scraps! If having friends or family over for meals, encourage them to bring their own plate, tupperware or mugs to reduce the amount of disposable foodware that ends up in our waste stream.

When hosting holiday events, opt for disposable/compostable paperware as biodegradable/compostable plasticware often requires industrial processing to fully break down.

Think Greens: Sides are the best part of a holiday meal, and vegetables require much less water, land, and energy to produce and transport. Meat production is a large driver of climate change, and eating less meat and incorporating more vegetables into your menu is one of the more impactful personal choices individuals can make to reduce their carbon footprint.

Shop Organic: Shop organic when you can! Organic farming practices have many benefits for human and environmental health such as conserving water, reducing soil erosion, recycling of nutrients back into the soil and increasing soil fertility with composting. Organic food production systems are also better for nearby ecosystems as they use less petrochemical inputs such as pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers which can pollute our soils, groundwater and surrounding marine environment.

The Eleutheran

27

Think Local: Head to a local farmers market or get to know a local food producer! Purchasing locally grown foods helps to support the local economy, and produces less greenhouse gases associated with transportation, refrigeration and storage. When possible, opt to buy seasonal produce as they are grown closer to market and usually are fresher with more nutritional value.

Travel Smart: We all want to see our family and friends, however carpooling or hosting virtual holiday activities are ways to reduce carbon emissions. These options could also save you time, money, and stress. If you are traveling over the holidays, you might also consider offsetting your carbon emissions by planting a native tree or supporting projects that will remove or prevent carbon emissions.

Consume Consciously: There is a lot of pressure to shop around the Holidays.

The more stuff you buy, the more you contribute to carbon emissions from manufacturing and shipping, and inevitably waste sent to landfills in the form of product packaging. Consider alternatives to material gifts and show loved ones you care by planning a special activity together, writing a card, crafting something by hand, or purchasing something gently used instead of new from a thrift store.

CEI - Conservation Corner

Lights & Songs!

Christmas Tree Lightings across the island of Eleuthera kicked off with the Central Eleuthera District’s “Christmas Celebrations Under the Stars” in Governor’s Harbour on Friday evening, December 3rd, 2021, which began at 6pm. The grounds of the Administration building had been transformed with festive lights, and topped with a Christmas tree at the upper level balcony of the complex.

The ceremony which was dotted with solos, seasonal poetry and musical selections was also made available to audiences at home through live-streaming. New Member of Parliament for Central and South Eleuthera, Mr. Clay Sweeting who attended along with his wife, in brief remarks, greeted constituents and encouraged people to be beacons of hope for others during this holiday season - embracing the spirit of generosity, especially with the challenges many still face, due to the effects of the pandemic. He also thanked everyone for giving him the opportunity to represent the island. “I am humbled and I am grateful for the privilege to serve you and all Bahamians throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas...

We will continue to work to make the lives better of the people that I represent...,” said Sweeting.

Before the lighting of the tree, Pastor Elmena Bethell, as special guest speaker, brought a message of celebration and worship, relating the wonder of Jesus’ birth, and the first Christmas. Following her message, Minister Sweeting switched on the lights, showcasing the lit up Christmas tree and surrounding light show for all to enjoy.

Pictured above: Ebenezer Baptist music ministry with voices raised in song during the Central Eleuthera District tree lighting ceremony on December 3rd, 2021, and the Administrative complex in Governor’s Harbour alight with Christmas decorations.

28 www. EleutheraNews . com

Lo c a l

Nov/Dec, 2021

The Great Eleuthera Clean Up - Ongoing Clean Beaches Eleuthera continued their activities throughout the months of October and November, with four additional beach cleanup events and a park cleanup.

On Tuesday, October 5th, 2021 - 50 volunteers in partnership with the Deep Creek Middle School, the Early Learning Center and the Cape Eleuthera Island School removed 395 pounds of garbage from Cotton Bay in the Wemyss Bight area.

The cleanup continued at Paw Paw Bay in Green Castle on Saturday, October 16th, 2021, where in partnership with the Kiwanis Club of South Eleuthera, the Eleuthera Royal Youth Corp, the Green Castle Primary School, and the Green Castle Local Government Council, 1,170 pounds of garbage was removed by 38 volunteers from the local beach.

Clean Beaches Eleuthera also assisted the Kiwanis Club of South Eleuthera on Saturday, October 23rd, 2021 during the Kiwanis Club of South Eleuthera’s (KCSE) annual One Day community project, engaging in a park clean up and beautification project. Members of the Kiwanis Club along with Eric Wallace from Clean Beaches Eleuthera and other volunteers cleaned the Kiwanis Park in Rock Sound, South Eleuthera, hauling away pounds of trash and debris. The KCSE also installed two benches for the benefit of the community thanks to a generous donation by the Island School.

Another 250 pounds of trash were taken up in Palmetto Point at Poponi Beach on Sunday, October 31st, 2021, when 8 volunteers came together to clean the area.

Eric Wallace, with Clean Beaches Eleuthera shared that the trash build up around the Three Island Dock was so prolific that another cleanup was necessary. “We barely scratched the surface and had to leave a few large areas undone,” he commented, after 12 volunteers got together on Saturday, November 27th, 2021, and removed 630 pounds of garbage from the North Eleuthera dock.

The young organization plans to continue the work with another cleanup event at the Three Island Dock planned for Saturday, January 8th, 2022, in partnership with Bahamas Plastic Movement, and the North Eleuthera Administrative Office. “We will need the public’s support in removing trash from the Parking Lot and Mangrove area, and we are also looking for Garbage Bins / large dumpsters to be donated and strategically placed in the area (as there are none visible at the moment),” said Wallace.

He continued, “We would like to thank the public, our volunteers, partners and donors for their support over the past 7 months. Our clean up total now stands at 6,620 pounds...

Follow our Facebook Page (Clean Beaches Eleuthera) for updates on our 2022 schedule, volunteer at a cleanup, and please - let us all work together to take care of our environment.”

Above and right: Volunteers at the ThreeIsland Dock clean up on Saturday, November 27th, 2021. Below: Trash littering the Three-Island Dock area.

Above: Volunteers with the Kiwanis Club of South Eleuthera clean up the park in Rock Sound on Saturday, October 23rd, 2021.

2021,

Lo c a l

Nov/Dec

Page. 17

Sustainabiity (ESCCS)

The Eleutheran

launch event planned by the ESCCS is set to take place on Saturday, December 18th, 2021 at LeoRose Sunset Bar and Grill located in James’ Cistern on the highway, from 12 noon to 5pm. The launch event, which will include an online silent auction will have ven-

29

dors on site, with Bahamian arts and crafts, as well as food, drinks and musical entertainment. The new cooperative encourages the public to donate, bid online, and support, by coming out to the launch event.

Government Announces Travel Restrictions as a Result of Covid-19 Variant ‘Omicron’

Above: ESCCS board members stand with Director of Societies, Mrs. Cheryl Bowe-Moss (center), and Tourism Manager, Jacqueline Gibson (far right). new cooperative board at the Resource Center in Savannah Sound, readying them to take on the goals of the new sustainability council.

“It is an honour to have been entrusted as the Chairman of the newly incorporated ESCCS, said Mrs. Bekera Taylor following the training session, “as it is part of a global organization the GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council). I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with various Councils within the Bahamas and learn about the international ones. We (our cooperative) are a group of stakeholders in Eleuthera who will collaborate with other advocates to improve our island and the cultural mindset of our people.”

She continued, “We (the new board) all love Eleuthera and want to see the very best for it. We are looking forward to a variety of people within

our communities and the wider Bahamas connecting with our cooperative. We’ve registered it officially as a cooperative business entity, so that funds raised can assist with the projects we are about to embark on - to make Eleuthera number one throughout The Bahamas.”

Taylor shared that she moved to the island five years ago through inheritance, and discovered that all of her roots are here in Eleuthera, and also learned more about the historic value that the island possesses. “My vision as Chairman is to be able to ignite a love and passion for the history and all the natural mysteries of this island within locals and tourists alike - so, we could all become more proud, protective and appreciative of what we have here in Eleuthera. This island is a blessing and a jewel.”

The first fund-raising

The Ministry of Health & Wellness advises the public that as a consequence of the identification of a new COVID-19 Variant of Concern (VOC) – Omicron (B1.1.529), the Government of The Bahamas has imposed travel restrictions on travellers from the following countries with effect from midnight of 29th November 2021: Botswana; Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) Lesotho; Malawi; Mozambique; Namibia; Zimbabwe; and South Africa.

Individuals not ordinarily resident in The Bahamas who have travelled to, through, or from these countries within the last fourteen (14) days WILL NOT be allowed entry into The Bahamas at this time.

Individuals who are ordinarily resident (citizens, permanent residents, individuals with work permits) may be

permitted to enter The Bahamas, but will be subject to mandatory quarantine for fourteen (14) days at their own expense and will undergo screening as mandated by the Ministry of Health & Wellness.

This advisory applies to individuals who are vaccinated or unvaccinated.

All other existing entry requirements, as outlined in the COVID Health Services Rules (2021), must be adhered to.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness strongly advises against travel to the countries listed above at this time. For additional information, call the Ministry of Health and Wellness at (242) 5024700.

Paw Paw Beach

Above: The Island School, Deep Creek Middle School and the Early Learning Center volunteers clean up at Cotton Bay in the Wemyss Bight area on October 5th, 2021.

Above: Kiwanis Club cleans up at the park in Rock Sound.

Kiwanis, Eleuthera Royal Youth Corp., Green Castle Primary School, and the Green Castle Local Govt. Council, team up to clean up Paw Paw Beach on October 16th, 2021.

f e at u r e

30 www. EleutheraNews . com

Edible Eleuthera

-

Nov/Dec, 2021

The Mango

By: The Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve (LLNPP)

Ripe fruit ready to eat Unripe fruit hanging on the tree

Mangifera indica (Common Name: Mango; Scientific Name: Mangifera indica, Family: Anacardiaceae) grows as a tree to 65 feet tall with a diameter to 1 meter. The fruit turns red or yellow when ripe. Mangoes are not native to the Lucayan Archipelago but grow throughout the island groupings. They are native to India but are widely grown as a fruit tree in tropical and subtropical zones. The species occurs in Human Altered environments (yards, gardens, and farms) and persists in abandoned fields and yards for decades.

Mangifera indica is a highly desired cultivated species for its extremely tasty fruits. As it is related to species such as Poison Ivy and Poison Wood, the fruit may cause dermatitis in some individuals when eaten. Reactions can vary. Some individuals can not eat mangoes at all, while oth-

ers can eat it if the fruit is peeled, whereas others have no reaction of any kind. Mangifera indica is not known to be used medicinally in the Lucayan Archipelago.

In the Bahamas there are various species of mangoes, with descriptive common names such as “peach” and “stringy”. Ask any Bahamian that enjoys these juicy fruits to select their favourite type/species and you’ll get a range of answers. Mangoes are traditionally summer fruits and during the season are in abundance everywhere. Individual trees can have hundreds of “blossoms” and those with many blossoms are historically thought to be associated with significant weather events, particularly during the hurricane season.

As with all other Bahamian fruits mangoes are enjoyed best straight from the tree and the

only utensil needed for peeling are one’s teeth. Other methods of preparation are as purees for daiquiris and other sweet drinks or cocktails, as a fruit variant in the traditional “duff”, a steamed dough dessert; or diced and added to conch salad or “tropical salad”. Mangoes are also added to cheesecakes, rum cakes and used in a variety of salsas and chutneys. They are especially refreshing in ice creams and gelatos. There really is no limit to its versatility. When summertime rolls around again, make sure to get your hands on a ripe, sun-kissed, delicious, “Bahamian” mango.

A ripened mango sliced and ready to eat

2021,

loc a l +p lu s

Nov/Dec

The Eleutheran

31

Picture This !

Women Parliamentarians in the House of Assembly with DPM Cooper

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Investments & Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper is pictured, centre, with his female Cabinet colleagues and the Speaker of the House of Assembly, November 4th, 2021 in the House of Assembly --

Page. 6

(L-R): Minister of Transport and Housing the Hon. Jobeth Coleby-Davis; Minister of Education and Technical & Vocational Training the Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin; Ambassador to CARICOM H.E. Leslia Miller-Brice; Speaker of the House of Assembly the Hon. Patricia Deveaux; Minister of State for the Public Service the Hon. Pia Glover-Rolle; Minister of State for Social Services & Urban Development the Hon. Lisa Rahming; and Minister for Grand Bahama the Hon. Ginger Moxey. (BIS Photo/Kemuel Stubbs)

Packing Houses

tential lies in Eleuthera; what they are able to accomplish and I am excited that they were able to see it too. Immediately, they were filled with excitement and plans to really bring effective change to the satellite offices of BAMSI in the Family Islands.”

There are satellite offices in Long Island, Eleuthera and other Family Islands.

“The problem that we have is that they really do not have any influence in the communities and they haven’t been invested in. So we are looking at using them and engaging with the farmers, livestock producers as well as using some of our pilot projects in the Family Islands such as poultry farming and finding ways to expand the economy and in order for us to really accomplish this, we must be serious about this,” Minister Sweeting said.

The Hatchet Bay Packing House has been closed over the last four and a half years, according to officials.

It is currently being remodeled and officials expect construction to be completed by December 2021.

The minister said he expects the Packing Houses to have a full complement of staff so that farmers in Central Eleuthera would be able to sell their products.

“While we encourage private sector involvement, we are also mandated to assist farmers where we can. The Packing Houses were meant to be a place where they can get seeds and fertilizer. Without a full complement of Packing Houses and distribution sites throughout this country, the farmers are then left with a sense of not being able to be involved and not being able to get the supplies they need to really be successful,” Minister Sweeting said.

Minister Sweeting also wants to create simpler processes between BAMSI and BAIC. “We want BAIC and BAMSI to work together to streamline their processes. There is a lot of overlapping and constraints that we would like to remove so that we could really be focus driven and have a way that BAMSI’s mandate is accomplished, BAIC’s mandate is accomplished as well as this Ministry,” he said.

“I am a team player and I think

that it is important to keep people involved so that their ideas, along with what the Prime Minister has mandated us to do becomes accomplished and that we look at setting goals. I don’t take this job lightly and none of my colleagues do either. That’s why we are excited about what we need to do and I think BAMSI will play an instrumental role and we will work together as a team.”

While in Eleuthera, the delegation also visited local government offices in Rock Sound and Governor’s Harbour.

“We were able to hear their issues, sit and discuss how we can re-

Elite

Customs Brokers *DHL Courier *Brokerage *Trucking; Tel: 332-3066

Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera

solve them and ways to really move the community forward and the constituency. They haven’t really seen representatives from the ministry to discuss issues at their level. I think that as we move forward and as this ministry involves Family Islands, the persons that feel neglected with Nassau-centric governance, will now realize that this ministry will be very involved, engage persons in the Family Islands and bring resolutions to small issues that have plagued them for generations,” Minister Sweeting said.

32 www. EleutheraNews . com

n at i on a l

Nov/Dec, 2021

U.S. Coast Guard District 7 Commander

Visits Bahamas; U.S. Delivers $200K Boat to RBDF On November 30th, 2021, Admiral Brendan McPherson, Seventh District Commander based in Miami, made his first official visit to The Bahamas, “to strengthen the bilateral maritime law enforcement partnership with the government of The Bahamas,” said the U.S. Embassy.

While on New Providence, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Usha Pitts, accompanied by Admiral McPherson, officially delivered a 30ft. Contender boat valued at approximately $200,000 to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and the Government of The Bahamas, during an official dedication ceremony at the Coral Harbour base in Nassau. The U.S. officials were warmly received at Coral Harbour Base by Minister of National Security, the Honourable Wayne Munroe, and Commodore Defence Force, Dr. Raymond King.

The donated vessel has a fascinating backstory, shared the U.S. Embassy, “In May of 2020, the U.S. Coast Guard, working with other law enforcement agencies and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association (NOAA), stopped and boarded a 39-foot vessel off the Florida Keys. During the investigation, it was discovered that the owner had illegally poached hundreds of pounds of fish in Bahamian waters. Needless to say, he was in violation of numerous fishing laws and his catch was seized and transferred to NOAA representatives. Eventually, the accused pleaded guilty, and part of his sentencing was to donate his vessel to the RBDF to help stop future illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in Bahamas waters.

“This case highlights just one facet of the remarkable partnership between the United States and The Bahamas. The interdiction further illustrates the need for us to continue to improve our interoperability to uphold our laws, protect our environment, and to stop illegal fishing in our shared and international waters.”

Upon delivery of the vessel, Admiral McPherson remarked, “It is my pleasure to dedicate this Contender to the Defence Force on behalf of the United States. I know this asset will be well-utilized toward future law enforcement interdictions and for search and rescue operations.”

In her remarks, Chargé Pitts emphasized how valuable the partnership between the United States and The Bahamas is, noting that it is one of the closest bilateral relationships she’s encountered in her entire diplomatic career.

Upon accepting the vessel on behalf of The Bahamas, Minister of National Security, the Honourable Wayne Monroe, expressed his gratitude for the boat and for the many other forms of assistance the United States has given and continues to give. Minister Monroe also met with the Admiral at his offices at the Ministry of National Security earlier in the day to discuss the bilateral security relationship.

Admiral McPherson (far left) discusses the U.S.-Bahamas security partnership with Commodore King (second from left) and other officials at Coral Harbour base| November 30, 2021 | Nassau, The Bahamas

Admiral McPherson meets with Acting Prime Minister, the Honourable Glenys Hanna-Martin, in Nassau | November 30, 2021 | Nassau, The Bahamas The Admiral also met with Acting Prime Minister the Honourable Glenys Hanna-Martin first thing in the morning, to discuss the many areas of common interest and shared values between the United States and The Bahamas.

Admiral McPherson and Chargé Pitts, continued on to the Turks and Caicos Islands to further strengthen the unique OPBAT (Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos) security partnership, said the U.S. Embassy, adding, “OPBAT is a cooperative multi-agency international

operation supporting The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands to stop illicit drug smuggling through the region. It serves as an example of international cooperation at its best.”

------Photographs credited to U.S. Embassy Nassau:

2021,

e duc at i on b e at

Nov/Dec

The Eleutheran

33

Disney Cruise Line Welcomes LJM Maritime Academy Cadets Aboard Disney Dream PORT CANAVERAL, FLA. – LJM Maritime Academy Cadets Christina Adderley, from Eleuthera, and Emily Bain, from New Providence, met with Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro along with other Disney Cruise Line executives aboard the Disney Dream on Monday, November 8th, 2021. Adderley and Bain recently joined the vessel as part of the Disney Cruise Line maritime scholarship program, which included two years of study at LJM Maritime Academy in Nassau and one year of service aboard a Disney ship. Adderley and Bain will spend approximately 12

months onboard various Disney Cruise Line vessels, gaining onboard experience and working toward their maritime certifications. The Disney scholarship program, announced in 2019 in partnership with LJM Maritime Academy, is part of a larger collection of initiatives Disney Cruise Line has implemented to inspire future maritime professionals and support communities across The Bahamas.

For more information on Disney Cruise Line’s commitment to the Bahamas, visit DCLLighthousePoint.com.

Above (L-R): Christina Adderley, Emily Bain, and Josh D’Amaro.

NEHS Victorious in the 2021-2022 local High School Debate Series November 2021 saw the hosting of the annual Eleuthera District High School Debate Series at the Ministry of Education’s Resource Center in Savannah Sound.

The battle of words began on November 5th, 2021 with teams from Central Eleuthera High School (CEHS - with Terrinique Sands, Faith Knowles, Nikita Deal and Kamia Darville as an alternate), North Eleuthera High School (NEHS - with Kezia Johnson, Kendall Gibson, Don Johnson and Tashae Brown as an alternate), Harbour Island All Age School (HIAAS - with Savannah Moss, Vanessa Delien and Asia Butler), and Windermere High School (WHS - with Cameron Rolle, Breonna Accius and Xavier Knowles), coming together in the runoffs, to debate the moot, “Be it resolved that virtual school is ineffective and should be abolished.”

In the first session, which began at 10am, CEHS faced off against NEHS, and after a fairly evenly matched debate in the eyes of the judges, North Eleuthera just edged over Central, with 876 overall points to their 826 points total. In the second session matchup between HIAAS and WHS, which started shortly after noon on

Above: Victorious North Eleuthera High School debate team. (L-R) Kendall Gibson, Cilnus Meteze, Tashae Brown, Kezia Johnson, and Don Johnson. the Friday, the point spread was a bit more decisive, with Harbour Island besting the Windermere team - 788 points to 649. As a result, the Harbour Island All Age team, and the team from North Eleuthera High School made it into the Final Debate Session, set for the following week on November 11th, 2021.

The Finals of the Eleuthera District High School Debate Series, which began on Thursday morning, November 11th, also hosted at the Resource Center in Savannah Sound, had NEHS and HIAAS teams squaring off with the contentious moot, “Be it resolved that the COVID-19

vaccination should be made mandatory in The Bahamas.” After a lively debate session, the North Eleuthera High School team were the favorites in the eyes of the judges on the day beating out the Harbour Island team, with a score of 953 to 780. Don Johnson, on the winning NEHS team was singled out as the Best Speaker.

Community members giving of their time as judges and officiants during the debate series include, Mrs. Bekera Taylor as chief judge, Mrs. Sharnette Kemp as a judge, Mrs. Sybil Forbes as a judge, Mrs. Andrea Carey as time keeper, and Mrs. Rashida Murray as score keeper.

34 www. EleutheraNews . com

Lo c a l

Nov/Dec, 2021

Defence Force ‘Marine of the Quarter’ Awarded to Eleutheran, Abrian Rankine Defence Force Officer, Leading Mechanic, Abrian Rankine, a descendant of Savannah Sound, Central Eleuthera was honoured and recognized on November 25th, 2021, as the Marine of the Quarter in the Southern Command of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. The award recognized his maintaining high standards of military bearing, discipline and work ethics within the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and Southern Command as well as outstanding dedication and loyalty to duty.

Abrian is the son of Lillymae Rolle Rankine and deceased Sidney Rankine. He joined the Royal Bahamas Defence Force in 2003 as an Electronic Technician, and after successfully passing training became an engineer on the Force. Most of his time within the Defence Force has been spent sailing, said Abrian.

He shared that he was part of the initial Bahamas National Intelligence Agency members, and counts himself blessed to have travelled throughout the Bahama Island, the U.S., Europe as well as Africa. During his eighteen year career, he also took a twoyear sabbatical and spent time exploring his artistic talent while living in Eleuthera.

Above: Abrian Rankine, Leading Mechanic (center left) accepting his Marine of the Quarter award.

“I give thanks to God and then my family for raising me to be God fearing, hardworking, dedicated and professional which is at the core of my work ethics. Receiving the Marine of the Quarter award for Southern Command was an honour, completely unexpected and greatly appreciated. I will continue to do my endeavour best to serve my country,” said Abrian after the award presentation.

Home in The Bluff Destroyed by Fire On Thursday morning, November 24th, 2021, sometime around 9am, police received reports of a building on fire at the ‘Reef’ situated in The Bluff township.

Officers were said to have responded, and on arrival they observed a stone two-story home fully engulfed in flames.

Volunteer firefighters who had been dispatched, arrived a short time later to extinguish the blaze, along with people from the community who helped to fight the fire.

One of the occupants of the home reported to officers on the scene that shortly after 7:45am, she had left the home and on her return, she observed smoke coming from the upstairs room of the house. All the occupants were said to have been rushed out of the house to safety. Reports estimated the number of residents in the home to be more than a dozen people.

According to police, there were no injuries, however the home was totally destroyed.

Above: Two-storey home in The Bluff on fire, Thursday morning, November 24th, 2021.

n e a r by (Hunger rose more sharply than in any other region between 2019 and 2020, reaching 59.7 million people, its highest point since 2000. Food insecurity affects 267 million people and 106 million adults present obesity.)

Washington, DC, November 30, 2021 – Hunger in Latin America and the Caribbean is at its highest point since 2000, after a 30 percent increase in the number of people suffering hunger from 2019 to 2020, says a new UN report.

According to the Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2021, in just one year, and in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people living with hunger increased by 13.8 million, reaching a total of 59.7 million people.

The prevalence of hunger in Latin America and the Caribbean now stands at 9.1 percent, the highest it has been in the last 15 years, although slightly below the world average of 9.9 percent. Just between 2019 and 2020, the prevalence of hunger increased by 2 percentage points.

“We must say it loud and clear: Latin America and the Caribbean is facing a critical situation in terms of food security.

There has been an almost 79 percent hike in the number of people living in hunger from 2014 to 2020”, said Julio Berdegué, FAO’s Regional Representative.

“Although the pandemic has exacerbated the situation, hunger has been on the rise since 2014. We must fix deep vulnerabilities in our food systems, make them more inclusive and sustainable and ensure they deliver wellbeing for the people that feed our societies,” said Rossana Polastri, IFAD’s Director for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Between 2019 and 2020, Mesoamerica experienced the largest increase––2.5 percentage points––reaching its highest value in the last 20 years: 10.6 percent, or 19 million people. The overall highest prevalence occurs in the Caribbean (16.1 percent, 7 million people) while in South America hunger affects 33,7 million people, or 7.8 percent of the population.

The Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2021 is a joint publication of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/ WHO), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Food insecurity affects 41 percent of the population:

Four out of every ten people in the region––267 million–– experienced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2020, 60

Nov/Dec, 2021

35

New UN report: Hunger in Latin America and the Caribbean rose by 13.8 million people in just one year

million more than in 2019, an increase of 9 percentage points, the most pronounced rise in relation to other world regions.

In South America the prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity increased by 20.5 percentage points between 2014 and 2020, while in Mesoamerica there was an increase of 7.3 percentage points during the same period.

Even worse, in the region the prevalence of severe food insecurity –that is people who had run out of food or had gone a day or more without eating– reached 14 percent in 2020, a total of 92.8 million people, up from 47.6 million people in 2014.

Food insecurity did not affect men and women equally: in 2020, 41.8 percent of women in the region experienced moderate or severe food security, compared with 32.2 percent of men. This disparity has been rising in the last 6 years and it increased sharply from 6.4 percent in 2019 to 9.6 percent in 2020.

“This report shows us the stark reality that we must face squarely to mitigate the situation for the most vulnerable population. By expanding national social protection systems, for example, governments can reach those most in need with assistance to help them get through these difficult times”, said Lola Castro, WFP Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Overweight & obesity continue to rise:

The Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition warns that the region is also losing the battle against other forms of malnutrition: 106 million people—one in every four adults—suffers from obesity in Latin America and the Caribbean.

There were significant increases in the prevalence of obesity between 2000 and

2016: a hike of 9.5 percentage points in the Caribbean, 8.2 percentage points and Mesoamerica, and 7.2 percentage points in South America.

“We continue losing the battle against all forms of malnutrition, and we are far from being able to guarantee healthy nutrition for the whole population,” said Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, Director of PAHO/WHO. “If we want to end hunger and provide wellbeing and healthy lives for people in the Americas, we have to transform our agricultural and food systems to provide healthy diets for everyone and to leave no one behind.”

Overweight in children has also been on the rise for 20 years in the region, and in 2020, 3.9 million children—7.5 percent of those under five years of age— were overweight, almost 2 percentage points above the world average. South America shows the highest prevalence of overweight in children (8.2 percent), followed by the Caribbean with 6.6 percent, and Mesoamerica with 6.3 percent.

Although Latin America and the Caribbean has shown important progress in reducing stunting in children, having reduced its prevalence from 18 percent to 11.3 percent in 20 years, between 2012 and 2020, the rate of decrease slowed down. The regional prevalence of wasting in children stands at 1.3 percent, significantly lower than the world average of 6.7 percent.

“In Latin America and the Caribbean, COVID-19 has made a pre-existing malnutrition crisis worse. With services disrupted and livelihoods devastated, families are finding it harder to put healthy food on the table, leaving many children hungry and others overweight. For children to grow up healthy, we need to ensure all families access affordable, nutritious food”, said Jean Gough, UNICEF Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean.

The joint UN report calls for urgent actions to arrest the rise in hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition in all its forms, urging countries in the region to quickly take action to transform their agri-food systems and make them more efficient, resilient, inclusive and sustainable, to provide healthy diets for everyone.

36 www. EleutheraNews . com

Crime News

Select police reports, shared by the RBPF locally vember 2021, Officers while conducting enquiries in the area of the Bluff, observed a dark blue Police on the Island of EleuChevy Malibu with (2) male octhera have taken into custody a cupants. While approaching the number of persons in separate incisaid vehicle the officers noticed dents for possession of dangerous the front seat passenger apdrugs, during the month of Novempeared to have reached under ber, 2021. his seat. A search was conducted reference to dangerous drugs • (1) On Tuesday 23rd Novemand firearms and while searchber 2021, Officers acting on ining under the front passenger’s formation received, and armed seat the officers discovered a with a search warrant reference Backwood package, containto dangerous drugs and firearms, ing (3) Backwood cigars and a preceded to the residence of an quantity of suspected marijuana. adult male. The search resulted Both persons were arrested and in the discovery of a small quansubsequently charged. tity of suspected marijuana, as a • (6) On Tuesday 9th November result the suspect was arrested 2021, Officers while on patrol in and subsequently charged.

Governor’s Harbour, observed • (2) On Sunday 21st November a group of young people as2021, Officers while conducting sembled at the rear of an esfoot patrols along Barrack Street, tablishment. As the officers apHarbour Island. The officers then proached the group they noticed noticed a male sitting behind a when one of the males stood up wooden building, smoking what and threw an object. As a result appeared to be a marijuana the suspect was detained and cigarette. As a result the officers the object was collected, which quickly approached the suspect, was examined and found to be identified themselves as Police a tobacco leaf package, which Officers, and retrieved the suscontained (7) silver foil wraps, pected marijuana cigarette from each containing a quantity of the suspect’s right hand. The suspected marijuana. The offisuspect was arrested and caucers also found (1) brown hometioned reference to possession made marijuana cigarette. As a of dangerous drugs. He was latresult the suspect was arrested er processed and charged with and cautioned reference to posthat offence. session of dangerous drugs with • (3) On Friday 12th November intent to supply. The suspect 2021, Officers while conducting was processed and charged enquiries along Queens Highwith that offence. way, Rock Sound arrested and • (7) On Tuesday 9th November, cautioned an adult male refer2021 Officers while on the Govence to a Causing Harm comernment Dock, Harbour Island plaint which was outstanding at conducted a search of an adult the Rock Sound Police Station. male during which a homemade Upon conducting a secondary marijuana cigarette was found search of his person, a clear in his left rear pocket. He was plastic bag which contained (4) further cautioned reference to brown paper bags that each had Possession of Dangerous Drugs. a quantity of suspected Cocaine He was subsequently processed was found in his underwear. As and charged with that offence. a result of this, the suspect was • (8) On Friday 5/11/21 Officers shown the exhibits and further acting on information received, cautioned reference to Possesproceeded to the public dock sion of Dangerous Drugs.

Spanish Wells where they saw • (4) On Friday 12th November an adult male who immediately 2021, while at Rock Sound Police pushed his hand in his pocket Station conducting a secondary and pulled out package/s of search of an adult male suspect, suspected marijuana. As the offiofficers saw a clear plastic bag cers rushed to hold on to him, he containing four (4) small brown jumped into the sea and started paper wraps fall from his person to swim across the channel. A onto the floor. The item was repackage of marijuana surfaced, trieved and, shown to the suswhich the suspect retrieved and pect and examined in his presdestroyed. The subject was colence. It was discovered that lected from the sea. Further each package contained sussearch was conducted in the pected cocaine. As a result, he boat where he had been, and a was further cautioned reference large package of marijuana was to Possession of Dangerous recovered from the stern of the Drugs with Intent to Supply. boat. As a result the suspect was • (5) On Wednesday 10th Noarrested and cautioned. He was

Arrest reference to Possession of Dangerous Drugs

subsequently processed and charged.

• (9) At about 8:35am on the 4/11/21 Officers while conducting a traffic check on Queens Highway in the area of the Glass Window Bridge, conducted a search on the person of a male reference to possession of dangerous drugs and firearms. A search was conducted of his vehicle a black 2009 Honda Accord which resulted in the discovery of a white grabber leaf packet which contained 2 foil wrappings which contained grassy greenish substance suspected of being marijuana. Subsequently both he and his female companion were cautioned and arrested reference to possession of dangerous drugs. They were processed and charged.

MURDER REPORT On Sunday 28th November 2021, sometime around 2:30am, the Police received a report that a male appeared to have been shot and was lying in the street along Three Island Road.

Officers responded and discovered an adult male lying in the street who appeared to be lifeless.

As a result of investigations into this matter on Sunday 28/11/21 an adult male and an adult female were arrested and are assisting police in this matter.

House Breaking Report On Tuesday 2nd November 2021 an adult male reported to the Governors Harbour Police Station that sometime around 3:50am on the 02/11/2021 while at his rented place of residence, he was awoken by a suspicious sound inside his residence. As a result, upon enquiring into the sound he observed a slim dark male inside of his residence that upon seeing him he fled. Police assistance was requested. Officers responded to this scene which was processed.

Investigations are ongoing.

Structural Fire Reports During this month Officers assisted Volunteer Firefighters as they responded to a number of structural fire reports.

(1) At about 9:00am on Thursday 25th November 2021, Officers at the North Eleuthera Police Station received reports that there was a house fire on Spring Street, The Bluff, Eleuthera. Police assistant was requested. Officers responded to the scene along with Fire Volunteers. They saw and spoke with an adult female who reported that at 7:45am on Thursday 25th November 2021, she left home for work leaving her mother, son and home in a twostory stone structure house. At about 9:20am on the same date, she went back home to check on her kids and mother when she was informed that the house was on fire. She then observed smoke coming from a far back bedroom upstairs which is occupied by her son. She was able to get her mother and kids out along with everyone else which totaled some thirty people. The entire house which had thirteen (13) rooms was totally destroyed by fire and there were no reported injuries or fatalities. The building is not insured, and the fire was extinguished by volunteer fire fighters. The value of the building is not known at this time. Investigation continues.

(2) On Friday 26.11.21 at about 1:50am an anonymous caller contacted Harbour Island Police Station phone and reported that there was a fire at a residence on Queens Highway in the area of Harbour Marina. Police assistance was requested. Officers along with Fire Volunteers responded to the scene where an adult male occupant directed them to an Eastern upstairs living and dining room area where it appeared that a couch caught fire from what appeared to be an electrical lighting fixture in the floor underneath the couch. There was major damage to the couch, the floor, the southern wall and the ceiling of the area where the couch was positioned.

However, the fire was extinguished prior to the arrival of Fire Fighters. Further Police assistance was rendered to ensure same was extinguished properly.

Nov/Dec, 2021

Police Contact Numbers

HeadQuarters (GH) 332-3500

Governor’s Harbour 332-2111 OR 332-2117 O/C Governor’s Harbour 332-2723 Gov.Harb. Airport Station 332-2323 Deep Creek Station 334-8207 Tarpum Bay Station 334-4033 Rock Sound Station 334-2244 Rock Sound Sgt. Office 334-2212 Rock Sound Airport Stn 334-2052 L. Bogue Station (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

Checks were made throughout the home and all appeared to be in order. Investigations ongoing.

(3) On Tuesday 30th November, 2021 sometime around 1:35am an anonymous caller contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station via phone and reported that there was a structural fire in the vicinity of Dornell’s Snacks, North Palmetto Point, no injuries involved. Officers and Volunteer fire Fighters from the Men of Faith Brigade responded to the scene where they discovered a pink wooden structure building engulfed in flames. There was a small stone structure next to that which also began to burn. An adult male was the sole occupant of the wooden structure and an adult female was the sole occupant of the stone structure. The wooden structure was completely destroyed by the fire and the stone structure was partially damaged. Investigations are ongoing.

n at i on a l

Nov/Dec, 2021

37

Minister Glover-Rolle Announces Plans for the Public Service

Above: Minister of State for the Public Service, Pia Glover-Rolle (second from left), meets with department heads in Grand Bahama.

Public servants who have been waiting to be confirmed will be, said Minister of State for the Public Service, the Hon. Pia Glover-Rolle on Friday, November 12th, 2021. This will happen, she stressed, only if there are no adverse reports on file.

Minister Glover-Rolle hosted department heads to a meeting which was held at the Harold DeGregory Building, which houses the Ministry for Grand Bahama.

Supporting Minister Glover-Rolle were colleagues Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey; Minister of Housing and Transport, the Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis and Senator Kirkland Russell.

Minister Rolle noted that Grand Bahama is an island that needs hiring and residents wanting jobs, so it is important that she came to start the process as

quickly as possible. She commented on the recent promotions that have happened in New Providence and said, “I don’t want you to think that we are going to be Nassau-centric in any way.”

The plans and projects, she continued, must reach all islands as will the promotions in the Public Service. “We are making assessments, that’s why I’m here, as to persons who would have had long standing issues. Whether that is of promotions, reclassifications and in some instances confirmations.”

Acknowledging that by profession she is a Human Resource executive, Minister Glover-Rolle said many of the issues being faced are unacceptable.

“The greatest asset to any operation is the human resources – the people. You can not expect productivity, performance, efficiency, integrity if you don’t value and

reward your employees.”

Promotions, she added, should be based on performance and not tenure or social promotion.

With both parents public servants, growing up she said, it was an area in which she wanted to be employed. Today, however, it is not the same because people look at it as a job and not a career. The goal is to change this.

What is needed in the public, said the Minister, is that career paths are established early. “It’s now time for us to build. Its time for us to attract the best and the brightest. Many have left; there are many in the service, but many have left and it’s because we haven’t been paying them, we haven’t been promoting them, we haven’t been recognizing them.”

For too long, she continued, civil servants have not felt rewarded.

For people to perform, said the Minister, they should also be in a comfortable working environment, and this is also something they are looking into.

There is currently a promotional exercise ongoing which is service-wide.

“We are going to look at a blanket Permanent and Pen-

sionable exercise where we set a date, and in our heads we’re thinking 2016 backwards, that everybody will be made permanent and pensionable unless you have adverse reports.

“We have to do that. We have to make sure that our human resources can survive and live.”

The issue has existed in the public service for decades and needs to be dealt with.

When looking at new hires, the Minister said, a contributory pension is being explored as the pension plan with the government cannot take on more and survive.

“We’re looking at confirming, and I’m going to stress this, anyone that needs confirming and does not have adverse reports. You can’t work in the private sector and you’re late, absent, showing up and performing at a low level and be engaged. This is not a dumping ground.”

Systems will be put in place so that people know when they join the public service, they know the direction they will be moving. “It is no longer acceptable to come in at an entry level and stay there for 30 years.”

Young Man Shot Dead in North Eleuthera - Suspect Charged A twenty-eight year-old man, Kristen Francis of Harbour Island, was charged in Magistrate’s Court in New Providence on Thursday, December 2nd, 2021 with murder, in connection with the Three Island Road homicide which occurred in North Eleuthera at the end of November.

According to local police reports, on Sunday morning, November 28th, 2021, sometime around 2:30am, police received reports that a man had been shot and was unresponsive in North Eleuthera in the vicinity of the Three Island Dock.

Officers responded, and on arrival at the scene, they were directed to where the body

was discovered. Police found the man lying in the street, and confirmed that he was unresponsive, with visible injuries to his body. The officers assessed the body and found injuries consistent with gunshots wounds. The medical doctor from Harbour Island also visited the scene and confirmed that the man was deceased.

The deceased man is said to be a resident of Lower Bogue, Eleuthera. Local resident accounts identified the victim as twenty-six yearold, Drew Storr, who lived on Three Island Road.

According to authorities, investigators from New Providence were on Eleuthera later that Sunday morning assisting with this investigation.

On Tuesday, November 30th, 2021, Police in Eleuthera reported that a 28-year-old man from Harbour Island had been taken into custody in connection with Sunday morning’s homicide in North Eleuthera.

Kristen Francis was not required to enter a plea during his court appearance and his matter was adjourned to 2022 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment. He was denied bail and remanded to the Bahamas Department of Corrections, with the right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail.

38 www. EleutheraNews . com

n e a r by

Nov/Dec, 2021

‘ AUD ‘ PAHO launches “Pahola,” a digital health worker who can help risky drinkers decrease their alcohol consumption

(Reliant on artificial intelligence, Pahola can also provide information on alcohol’s impact on health and on treatment resources in the Americas.)

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) on November 19th, 2021 launched Pahola, the world’s first digital health worker to specialize in alcohol and health, in an effort to help countries in the region reduce increasing rates of harmful drinking.

“Alcohol is the leading risk factor for premature mortality and disability among people aged between 15 and 49 years, so any and every tool that can help people to reduce their risk and lead a healthier life is welcome,” Dr. Tedros Adhanom

Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), said in a video message at the webinar launch of Pahola.

“New technologies, including artificial intelligence, are powerful tools for expanding access to information and care, and we hope Pahola will be very successful in the Americas and around the world.”

Designed to be empathetic and free of judgement, Pahola can provide general information about the risks of drinking and communicate interactively and confidentially with people. She can help assess users’ alcoholrelated risks using a series of questions. If people then decide to cut down on drinking, Pahola can help them create a plan that includes identifying triggers and figuring out how to cope with them. Available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, she can also refer people to alcohol treatment services.

“PAHO’s goal with Pahola is to help people better understand the harms caused by alcohol consumption, increase access to reliable information, facilitate self-assessment of alcohol-related risks and take concrete steps to decrease alcohol use,” PAHO Assistant Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa said. He added that Pahola is not intended to replace direct contact with health professionals

but aims to encourage people to seek help.

Alcohol consumption takes a heavy toll in the Americas, leading to about 379,000 deaths annually from related diseases, injuries, intoxication, and poisoning. Regular alcohol consumption also increases the risk for liver cirrhosis and some major forms of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Between 8% and 10% of the over-18 population in the Americas has an alcohol use disorder (AUD), defined as harmful use of alcohol or alcohol dependence. But about 80% of people who need treatment for AUD do not get it because services are poorly developed or unavailable. During the COVID-19 pandemic, AUD services have been further disrupted, while alcohol consumption increased in several countries, aided by online sales and home deliveries.

Dr. Anselm Hennis, Director of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health at PAHO emphasized Pahola’s capacity to meet health needs in the Americas. “Pahola can simultaneously talk with millions of people who wish to assess the health risks of their drinking. She can significantly increase the delivery of alcohol education in settings where we simply don’t have enough health professionals to provide free or low-cost information and support. Many people can reduce their drinking with simple yet effective advice.”

Pahola complements other PAHO efforts to reduce risky drinking in the region. These include helping countries strengthen public policies such as effective taxation of alcohol, comprehensive restrictions on alcohol sales and marketing, and improving treatment interventions.

This week, PAHO also launched the “Live Better, Drink Less” public education campaign to raise awareness about the harmful effects of alcohol in the Americas.

Pahola was created in collaboration with autonomous animation company Soul Machines and PAHO’s creative partner, Rooftop. The second digital person designed to combat preventable health issues, Pahola follows Florence, who was launched in July 2020 by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) quit tobacco initiative.

Links: Pahola in English - (https://www.paho.org/en/alcohol/pahola) Live Better, Drink Less - (https://www.paho.org/en/alcohol-andhealth-fact-sheets-series)

2021,

Lo c a l

Nov/Dec

RBPF Engages Community The Eleuthera Division of the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) were active in their community outreach efforts in November, partnering with civic groups, like Zonta Bahamas in their ‘16 Days of Activism’ - Say No To Violence campaign, which ran from November 25th to December 10th, 2021, as well as direct engagement with community members, with youth mentorship sessions and a fraud prevention workshop. Saturday, November 27th, saw RBPF officers take part in a 1.8 mile walk in Governor’s Harbour, dubbed “Walk a mile in her dress” to heighten awareness of gender-based violence, and on Thursday, November 18th, Assistant Superintendent (ASP) Rolle, and Inspector K. Farquharson in Harbour Island, met with community leader, Mr. Melvin Higgins and three young people as part of his mentorship program. Some of the topics discussed, included, policing in Harbour Island, and enforcement of the COVID-19 protocols. On the same afternoon, ASP Rolle joined ASP A. McCartney and Inspector K. Farquharson in a seminar with several members of the business community on Harbour Island to make them aware of ways to prevent business fraud, as well and counterfeit currency detection, ahead of the busier holiday season.

Above: RBPF participants in the ‘Walk a mile in her dress’ outreach. Right: Officers Rolle and K. Farquharson meet with young people and community leader in mentorship session. Below: Officers McCartney and K. Farquharson host fraud seminar.

PUBLIC NOTICE - Grouper Season Closure The following serves to inform the General Public the Nassau Grouper Season will be closed effective 1st December 2021 until 28th February 2022.

The Public is reminded no person shall take, land, process, sell or offer for sale any fish commonly known as the “Nassau Grouper” except, where such taking or landing is carried out with the written approval of the Director of Marine Resources for scientific research or educational purposes.

Additionally, no person shall during the period 1st December 2021 - 28th February 2022 land any fish commonly known as “Grouper”, unless its head, tail and skin are intact.

Further, all fishers and processors are requested to submit reports of their Nassau Grouper inventories

at the close of the season, and are also reminded a request for a permit to sell the resource during the closed season would have to be made to the Department of Marine Resources.

The Department of Marine Resources looks forward to the Public’s continued support as we work together to manage this most important fish stock in a sustainable and responsible manner.

For further information on the Nassau Grouper Season closure, the Public may contact the Department of Marine Resources at telephone nos. (242) 393-1777 or (242) 393-1014/5.

Source: Bahamas Department of Marine Resources

The Eleutheran

39

loc al +p lu s

40 www. EleutheraNews . com

Nov/Dec, 2021

Former Immigration Head in eleuthera Shemah Darling, advances to Superintendent Rank During the recent promotion exercise in the Bahamas Department of Immigration, former Head of Immigration on Eleuthera, Mrs. Shemah Darling was promoted to the rank of Superintendent. Her new posting now holds responsibility for the Family Islands and Public Relations, with offices located on the 4th Floor of the Department of Immigration’s Hawkins Hill Complex in New Providence. Mrs. Darling served in the Department of Immigration on Eleuthera for thirteen (13) years from 2006 until 2019.

Above: Superintendent, Mrs. Shemah Darling.

CARICOM Salutes Barbados as the country embarks on new path The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has congratulated the Government and People of Barbados on the country’s FiftyFifth Anniversary of Independence (marked on Tuesday, November 30th) and its transition to Republican status.

CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett’s congratulatory message to Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley said the theme for the Celebration “Rebuilding A Nation, Embracing Our Heritage” was most apt given that Barbados has chosen this moment in its history to shift its trajectory and become a Republic.

“This opens a new chapter in the country’s development,” the Secretary-General’s message said.

“Barbadians can face the future with renewed pride as this transition closes the circle of independence,” it added.

Dr Barnett noted that Barbados’ progress in the 55 years of nationhood has been most impressive and its citizens have made the country proud in a variety of areas globally including politics, diplomacy, academia, the arts and sport.

“The Community is highly appreciative of Barbados leadership which begun as an original signatory to the Treaty establishing CARICOM, and continues with its responsibility for the CARICOM Single Market and Economy within the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet” the Secretary-General said.

“The Community salutes and encourages the Government and people of Barbados as the country embarks on this new path.

As you celebrate this milestone please accept my best wishes and my commitment and that of the Secretariat to assist Barbados in achieving its development goals,” Dr Barnett stated.

“We do this to seize the full substance of our sovereignty,” said Former Governor General, Sandra Mason, during the ceremony marking the transition of Barbados to a Republic. She was sworn in as the island nation’s first President.

Source: CARICOM Secretariat

2021,

Nov/Dec

Lo c a l

The Eleutheran

41

Page. 4

Housing Minister’s Visit frastructure work, because the government bears the cost of the infrastructure. Once that is done we will get the work started. It take’s about three to four months for the infrastructure to be put in place, and then you will begin to see the homes go up.

We hope to have the first homes popping up in the summer of 2022.”

She continued, “Also, we are going to do it simultaneously. So, it will not be just one area getting attention. We will try to start them all at once. That is why I have been doing my rounds. I just came from Grand Bahama, and I’m trying to see as many Family Islands as I can, so I can put my team to work.”

In Governor’s Harbour the acreage being acquired by the Ministry of Housing said Minister Coleby-Davis is more than 50 acres, with the land area in Rock Sound quite sizeable as well, however, this first phase of land development she clarified will look to ready 10 acres in each township with the necessary infrastructure for this initial offering of homes - which would encompass approximately 20 to 30 home lots each.

Chairman of the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation, Mrs. Cartwright, also took time to outline some of the options available through the Corporation for

Above: Minister Coleby-Davis with Minister Sweeting during the Eleuthera tour.

aspiring homeowners, saying, “The government believes in home ownership, particularly for young people, who can use it as a first home, even if they are not married - it can be a stepping stone... A home is one of the largest investments a person will ever make, so we encourage people - that as soon as they get employment to try to put money into an investment. The best investment choice you can make is in land or home ownership. The Bahamas Mortgage Corporation not only does homes, but also land mortgages. So, young people can also access loans for land investment. We encourage young people, instead of buying the fancy cars and all the other things, to instead invest in land or home ownership, and you never know where it can go from there.”

Above: Minister of Housing Coleby-Davis (center) and Minister Sweeting (center right), with Housing Ministry team, as well as Bahamas Mortgage Corporation Chairman, Barbara Cartwright (far right), and local leader Demetrious Johnson (second from left) in Governor’s Harbour.

Some of the preparatory steps Mrs. Cartwright advised young people interested in moving towards land or home ownership were - first, as soon as they got a job, to speak to a financial advisor to get an idea on how they should go about planning to save, as they built up a history of consistent earnings.

Two years of working and saving, was then the recommended time by Mrs. Cartwright before coming into the Mortgage Corporation to be assessed.

Once a potential to pay the required monthly fee was demonstrated, then a person could qualify to be approved for a mortgage she explained further. “Some homes are as low as $120,000, and on up to about $237,000, and they can be assessed to meet some range, once they come in. So, we are asking young people to not waste money and to try and save. The pandemic made it clear that housing was one of the greatest needs in New Providence.

I’m not as sure about the Family Islands, but we know that in New Providence it was really hard, because many people were paying rent and couldn’t afford to pay it. If you at least had a home, you could negotiate with your financial institution, but when you don’t own the home - it’s much harder for you to negotiate. So, we ask young people to come in and make a proper investment in things that matter - which is shelter - a very important investment.”

When asked about whether the process of acquiring a mortgage was more difficult for a self-employed person, Mrs. Cartwright detailed, “It is a little more stringent, but once they have some savings, and they can show their banking statements, with a history of income and savings - then it becomes easy. Once they can produce what they make, and they have the ability to pay the loan, then it won’t be an issue. We encourage home ownership, so we really want to see Bahamians in their own homes.”

Minister Jobeth Coleby-Davis, while broaching the same question about access by young self-employed Eleutherans to the new subdivision offerings in Rock Sound and Governor’s Harbour during the site tours, described a new ‘rent to own’ program which the Ministry of Housing planned to pilot in the Family Islands to help more people to become homeowners, saying, “There is a process - you have to be able to be in a financial position to qualify for a home - we look at what you presently make in salary, what comes out of it, and how you would be able to sustain a mortgage... Self-employed people normally have to show a history of income on a consistent basis - which can be used to be qualified -

so, self-employed people are not out the door - but they do need some history of consistent income for at least 18 months. Sometimes it’s a little more difficult for the self-employed - so we are working internally to try and make the process less stressful which is why we are also looking at the ‘rent to own’ initiative - which will assist more people to get into a home if you don’t have that financial history. As a self-employed person, you can build that history through the rental. The ‘rent to own’ allows you to pay consistently monthly over a period - and once you have stuck to that period consistently you can transition to a mortgage - and that may work better for self-employed people.”

Above: Housing Minister engaging with young professionals about upcoming Housing opportunities.

Above: Minister Sweeting locating available acreage in Hatchet Bay for development.

42 www. EleutheraNews . com

Lo c a l

Nov/Dec, 2021

‘16 Days of Activism’ to End Gender-based Violence Launched in Eleuthera The ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence’ is an annual international campaign that kicks off on November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until December 10th, Human Rights Day. It is used as an organizing strategy by individuals and organizations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls, and this year, the theme is “Orange the world: End violence against women now!”

Zonta Bahamas, a 45 year-old Bahamian women’s advocacy group, based in New Providence, leads the charge in spreading the message of non-violence throughout the Bahamas. Eleuthera Zonta Club representative, Jewel Edwards, first introduced the ‘16 Days of Activism’ to the island in November 2020, painting the island orange, with activities and symbolic orange bows placed throughout local communities to spread the message of eliminating violence against women. This year, local civic groups, along with the Eleuthera Police Division again partnered with the Zonta Club to ‘Say No To Violence’ with activities throughout the 16 day campaign.

Friday, November 26th, saw the ‘16 Days of Activism’ on Eleuthera launched in Spanish Wells at the North Side Beach, where members of the community were encouraged to come out in a show of support. They lined the beach holding orange balloons, in solidarity with the message of saying no to violence, and Eleuthera members of parliament, Clay Sweeting and Sylvanus Petty erected the first symbolic orange bows, which would be followed by many others going up across Eleuthera by different partner organizations and groups.

On Saturday, November 27th, the Eleuthera Division of the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF), led by Chief Superintendent Shanta Knowles, spearheaded an awareness initiative in support of the ‘Say No To Violence’ campaign, called - ‘Walk a mile in her dress’.

Lead organizing officers were W/Cpl 3341 Brancaccio and Cpl 3531 Brancaccio in conjunction with the Zonta Club of The Bahamas.

A group of officers and civilians signed up for the 1.8 mile walk, run event which spanned from the Governor’s Harbour Police Station to the Eleuthera Division Police Headquarters at the Workers House Complex.

A small group of people also signed up and engaged virtually (online), adorned with Zonta shirts, masks and tutus as they participated in support of the cause. Superintendent Frank Neely completed a warm up aerobic session with the group, getting everyone enthused, before they started out at 7:30am sharp strutting their stuff in support of anyone who may have suffered mental, physical or emotional gender-based violence.

On Wednesday, December

P43

Above and below: Students at the Harbour Island Green School, participating in a ‘Say No to Violence’ event, as part of the ‘16 Days of Activism’ campaign, which ran from Nov. 25th to Dec. 10th.

2021,

Nov/Dec

Page. 42

Lo c a l

The Eleutheran

43

Gender Based Violence

1st, the RBPF Eleuthera Division again took the lead, partnering with Zonta, and walked the communities of Governor’s Harbour, Rock Sound, Harbour Island and Palmetto Point, giving out fresh oranges and information pamphlets throughout the communities to educate and sensitize the public about the effects of gender-based violence on the family and the community.

The hope was to encourage those who are victims, and all who know of victims of domestic violence to speak up and get help. The Green School in Harbour Island, as well, actively took part in imparting the message of nonviolence to youth in the community, using fresh oranges in their outreach.

Community members in James’ Cistern were also on board on Wednesday, December 1st, as residents painted the town orange with bows - with members of local government, Rotary, churches, and businesses taking part in the outreach to say no to violence against women and children.

A number of other activities were set for the remaining days of activism, including a virtual ‘Stop the violence’ townhall and awareness session on December 2nd, hosting local guest speakers in health, social services and law.

A drive-in youth explosion concert was also planned for Saturday, December 11th, at the Lower Bogue Playground Park, with the message of ‘Stop the Violence’.

Zonta Bahamas president Marisa Mason-Smith lauded the energy and passion of the campaign in Eleuthera, saying, “Congratulations Eleuthera, this is powerful. You are truly a community that has embraced and understand what ‘No to Violence’ mean... You got the message... I’m so proud of your work... I celebrate Zontian Jewel on her leadership and her powerful and committed team. To Chief Superintendent Shanta Knowles - that is what policing looks like - you are the epitome of what professionalism, service and leadership looks like in community.

Thank you team for your efforts in heightening the awareness to accountability and action!”

MP’s Petty and Sweeting with their wives in support of ‘16 Days of Activism’.

Ch/Supt. Shanta Knowles (center left) and her team stand with Jewel Edwards, Zonta rep.

Zonta representative Jewel Edwards (right) with W/Cpl. Brancaccio.

Community members lining North Side Beach in Spanish Wells on Friday, November 26th at the ‘16 Days of Activism’ Launch event in Eleuthera.

44 www. EleutheraNews . com

Lo c a l

Nov/Dec, 2021

‘Celebrating Excellence’ - Kyle Collins -

Valedictorian - North Eleuthera High School This month in our series, ‘Celebrating Our Valedictorians’, we highlight North Eleuthera High School’s, Valedictorian, Kyle Collins.

He and his Eleuthera’s Class of 2021 high school graduate colleagues, all rose to the challenge of completing their 12th grade year during the difficulties of the pandemic - and stayed focused by setting goals and envisioning the end result. Kyle celebrated the successful completion of his high school career, and did so, as the cream of the crop, amongst his peers, achieving top academic results and awards.

Kyle graduated as Valedictorian, with high achievements - earning (5A’s, 2B’s, and 1C) in his BJC national exams at the end of junior high, and six (6) BGCSE’s with 5A’s and 1B during senior high. He was chosen to lead as Head Boy at North Eleuthera High School during his 2020-2021 12th grade school year, and also served as Deputy Chief Councilor in the Local Government Junior Council. He took part in Junior Achievement, the Governor General’s Youth Award program, as well as the Debate and Math Clubs.

An avid athlete during high school, Kyle was active in both Track and Field and the Sailing Club. He was also recognized for both academics and character at his 2021 commencement, receiving both the Senior Mistress Award and the Good Character Award.

Describing some of his experience during his final year, Kyle shared that it had definitely had its share of stress, especially with some of the inconsistencies of the learning methods, “The greatest fear that weighed on the back of my mind was the thought of whether my hard work would be worth it. The fact was, the covid-19 pandemic was a crisis unfamiliar to students and teachers alike. The school was only able to make choices that they felt were the right ones based on the information known to them. Even though the school was doing the very best they could, alternating from virtual, to face-to-face, then back to virtual was a struggle. Students taking advantage of technology, and teachers’ skepticism of students taking advantage, were all situations we experienced for the first time. As a result, there were times when many students were not awarded for their hard work, because of the uncertainty that many more students would be rewarded for their dishonesty. In the second semester of grade eleven,

all of the virtual assignments post the country’s lockdown were not counted toward our g.p.a. Another instance was my first semester of grade twelve. The 4.0 gpa I strove to achieve ever since I arrived at North Eleuthera High School, was finally attained, yet taken away when the average of the two semesters was calculated instead. Moments like those really discouraged me, and I am sure it did to many other hardworking students as well. To stay focused, I established what my goals were and I envisioned the end result.

Additionally, seeing teachers like Mister Robinson go the extra mile and encourage us, really motivated me to go the extra mile as well. The feeling of collectiveness reminded me that I was not alone in my struggles, and so I persevered!”

Reflecting on his six-year journey at North Eleuthera High School, Kyle shared that the relationships nurtured were priceless, “One thing I will most definitely take away from my high school experience is my friends and classmates. For me, my classmates were more than classmates since the majority of them were with me ever since K-4. We knew each other for so long that the tendencies we had that would normally get under the other’s skin, eventually grew on us. The experiences I had with them give a nostalgic feeling even now after only a few months have passed since we parted ways. Every track and field day; every trip to Rock Sound; every class with Mister Robinson; every JPR in religious studies; every detention in grade seven; every lunch time out of our classrooms; every argument; every laugh. It all feels so surreal now!

Another huge thing for me was the change in times with every grade.

In grade seven, the aura my older brother, Aaron, and his classmates emitted, was an energy that could not be replicated by the following grade. Of course, there is always the chance that I only felt that way because he’s my older brother. Even so, with every class, a different kind of maturity and energy was released.

From Ajay to Elna, to Trevor, to Celeste, to Collen, to myself. Every class was different. The North Eleuthera High School 2021 is nowhere near the same as the North Eleuthera High School 2016. Times have truly changed, and I imagine that it will continue to! Every teacher who taught me will also forever impact my life! This includes but is not limited to Miss Swayven who encour-

Kyle Collins - Valedictorian, North Eleuthera High School 2021 aged me to be a track and field sprinter in grade seven long before I considered it; Mrs Russell who sacrificed her 2020 summer to prepare Damari and I for the math BGCSE; and Mister Robinson who gave away every lunch time and every after school for Graphical Communications and Carpentry & Joinery coursework, as well as exam preparation!”

Kyle has now moved on into the next chapter of his education journey, studying Actuarial Science at the tertiary level. “I study at Hastings College, Nebraska towards a degree in Actuarial Science. I chose actuarial science because it involves mathematics which I am adept in, and risk management which I find fascinating. Additionally, Actuarial Science is heavily needed in the Bahamas. I believe that pursuing a degree in this area will further support the country,” he shared.

Asked about where he hoped to be after his undergraduate program was completed, an eventual return home to The Bahamas was the plan, described Kyle, “After completing my undergraduate’s degree, I hope to pass as many of the actuarial exams as possible before I return. My end goal is to work in the Bahamas so that I can support the country in the best way I can! To do that, I intend to prepare the best I can by becoming a certified actuary.”

He also shared some priceless insights, for young students now following in his footsteps, saying, “Advice I would give to upcoming students is to seize every opportunity possible that is available to them. Joining clubs and organizations really does pave a way

See Kyle Collins

P45

2021,

n at io n al

Nov/Dec

The Eleutheran

Plans Announced for Authentically Bahamian Trade Show and persons in the food industry to display their products and services.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Bahamians, including those on the Family Islands, to participate in a forum that will allow them to display their goods and services, whether it is straw works, crafts or culinary offerings,” said Minister Sweeting. “It is also an opportunity for tourists to purchase locally made products and get a taste of authentic Bahamian items.”

Executive Chairman, Leroy Major, said he was delighted that BAIC is a partner in this event. “I am delighted to lend my support to this event, which is being hosted by Nassau Cruise Port,” he said. “A wide variety of Bahamian-made products will be showcased at this fair, putting Bahamian artisans, artists and

Samples of products to be displayed and offered at the trade show, scheduled to be held December 11-12 at the Grand Ballroom in the Atlantis convention Centre. (BIS photo/Raymond Bethel).

The Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC) in conjunction with Nassau Cruise Port Limited announced plans for staging of the Authentically Bahamian Trade Show 2021. The two-day event is scheduled for December 11-12 at the Grand Ballroom of Atlantis Convention Centre on Paradise Island. A press conference announcing the

event was held on Wednesday, 17th November at BAIC on Old Trail Road.

In attendance was Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs, the Hon. Clay Sweeting. He commended both BAIC and the Cruise Port for collaborating to bring the event into fruition. He said this is a perfect opportunity for artists, artisans

Picture This !

Prime Minister the Hon. Philip E. Davis led a ministerial delegation to Alice Town, North Bimini on Thursday, November 18th, 2021 to officially open the government complex there, the George W. Weech Compex, named after the former Member of Parliament for that Island and community leader, George W. Weech. Government agencies and departments to be located in this new complex include Local Government, Road Traffic, the Port Department, Environment & Natural Resources, and Urban Renewal.

Page. 44

45

craftsman, on stage.”

Amanda Friedman, a committee member representing Cruise Port Limited, gave an overview on the details of the upcoming trade show and said that they have received an ‘overwhelming’ response in applications from vendors who wish to participate. She said that the fair will feature 50 small retail spaces, which will offer food, beverages and retail items. Chef Simeon Hall, Jr. will also work with the team for the event.

“Nassau Cruise Port is focused on building a destination, where tourists will be exposed to Bahamian food and products,” she said. “This fair will help us to find those goods and services, which are offered locally.”

Kyle Collins

for you further down the road. I would also advise students that it is never too early to begin researching. The majority of great things accomplished are planned ahead of time, then effectively executed. At the same time, it is perfectly okay to not have a clear idea on what it is you want to do. Follow your passions, no matter how unrealistic it may seem. The Olympics, NBA, doctor, architect, all of it is really possible!

Nothing is impossible, some things just require more work than others to achieve. The question to ask yourself is whether your passion is worth the work. Above all else, I believe it is important to never give up on yourself. Some setbacks are unavoidable, and even the setbacks that are avoidable can be compensated for. It is wrong to deliberately make mistakes, but it is also wrong to allow a mistake to rule the rest of your life!”

Kyle, recognizing a few of the many special people who had impacted and helped shaped him into the person who he is today, shared, “I honestly do appreciate each and every one of the North Eleuthera High School teachers and staff members! It really is amazing when your teachers are able to be more than just teachers in your life. I would like to especially thank my parents who made everything possible, and also my amazing guidance counselor, Miss Williams! Every high school deserves to have a Miss Williams in its life, and I am so glad that my high school was the fortunate one! I also would like to thank Mister Melvin Higgins and the Harbour Island Sailing Club. Lastly, thank you to Coach Anne Bullard who prepared me for every track meet and supported me for all of my accomplishments!”

As a young adult, now making his way in the world, away from home, Kyle was not sure if and when he would be back home to stay, but he was sure that the island would continue to be a part of his life and his efforts, “Eleuthera is one of the places that I want to help first because this is where I’m from.

I’m not sure if I will stay here but I definitely want to help develop it. Family islands like Eleuthera don’t see as much development as the big cities, so I want to help expand what Eleuthera can offer and give back to the island that I grew up in.”

46 www. EleutheraNews . com

Page. 22

NCDs impact on death

ecutive Secretary of ECLAC, and Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Information Technology of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The moderator was Diane Quarless, Director of ECLAC’s Subregional Headquarters for the Caribbean, located in Port-of-Spain.

“Not only does the COVID-19 pandemic continue to rage in the Caribbean,” Alicia Bárcena affirmed upon emphasizing that it is “one of the subregions of the world with the highest prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).”

Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that NCDs are the main cause of death in the subregion’s countries, ranging from 57% in Haiti to 83% in Barbados, she stated. In each Caribbean country, more than half of all deaths annually can be attributed to non-communicable diseases, which also contribute significantly to disability, ECLAC’s Executive Secretary warned.

The pandemic has aggravated the risks that people with non-communicable diseases face: not only do they continue to be at greater risk of dying or suffering severe illness from COVID-19 infection, they also

Handy Tip! DIY Painting & Purse Making Tips Each month, learn a bit about do-it-yourself painted designs and purse making with valuable tips and expert advice: TIP 2.

If your bags are twisted, it’s because your pattern is wonky.

Take the time to watch a few free pattern making videos on www.paintwithtexture.com to help you solve your problem quickly.

Visit us online at: www.PaintWithTexture.com and Watch Our Free Video Tutorials.

n e a r by have been affected by interruptions in health care due to services being overburdened, Bárcena explained.

In this context, the high-level United Nations representative called for accelerating vaccination efforts. The rate of full vaccination in the Caribbean amounts to 35.2%, with great heterogeneity between countries. This percentage, she indicated, is below the global rate (39.0%) and that of Latin America (47.5%).

“The entire region of Latin America and the Caribbean should strengthen production, distribution and access to medicines and vaccines. To achieve this, on September 18th, ECLAC presented the Plan for self-sufficiency in health matters requested by the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). We are moving from design to implementation of the plan, with focal points in all the countries and various meetings planned for the coming months. We hope the Caribbean will join us,” Bárcena stated.

In his remarks, Minister Camillo Gonsalves of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines expressed appreciation for the opportunity to address the problem of non-communicable diseases at a time when all Caribbean countries are fighting the pandemic and many of their ministers and leaders are talking about climate change and the subregion’s future in the framework of the 26th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 26).

“Non-communicable diseases are responsible for 6 of the 10 main causes of death in the subregion” and they entail a heavy economic cost for governments, due to high health expenditures, as well as for people, Minister Gonsalves said. NCDs have a disproportionate impact on people living in poverty, which means that addressing them constitutes a development challenge for the Caribbean, which is also true for other phenomena such as climate change, he noted.

“Non-communicable diseases are within our control, they are preventable,” the Minister acknowledged, affirming that current policies are not effective because they are not sufficiently focused on prevention, nor do they include cross-sector and coordinated approaches.

The seminar’s first panel featured remarks by Kenneth George, Chief Medical Officer of Barbados; Fitzroy Henry, Professor at the College of Health Sciences of the University of Technology of Jamaica; Kavita Singh, Senior Research Scientist at the Public Health Foundation of India; and Francis Morey, Deputy Director of Health Services of Belize; while Simon Anderson, Professor and Director of the George Alleyne Chronic Disease Research Center at The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus Barbados, acted as moderator. Subsequently, Joy St. John, Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency, led a discussion.

Participating in the second and final panel were Anselm Hennis, Director of the

Nov/Dec, 2021

Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO); Rachel Nugent, Vice President of Global Noncommunicable Diseases at RTI International; Stanley Lalta, from the Centre for Health Economics of The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago; and Rosa Sandoval, Coordinator of the Economics of NCDs Team at PAHO. Acting as moderator was Abdullahi Abdulkadri, an official at ECLAC’s Subregional Headquarters for the Caribbean.

The specialists called on governments to invest in a comprehensive approach to NCDs, with a focus on strengthening primary care and preventing risk factors such as an unsuitable diet, physical inactivity and tobacco and alcohol abuse. They also urged for taking growing mental health problems into consideration.

At the close of the event, Alicia Bárcena summed up what had been discussed, delivering 10 messages. First, she said, COVID-19 was a wake-up call about the importance of addressing non-communicable diseases. Because care and treatment for NCDs were reduced during the pandemic, it is urgently necessary to support the efforts of health services with innovations in telemedicine and other solutions, she sustained. She also posed the need to utilize all available tools to foster healthy lifestyles, strengthen primary health care and community-based programs, and promote food security, nutrition-sensitive social protection and support for farmers.

Bárcena further contended that it is critical to achieve greater equity in access to essential medicines, reduced waiting times and reduced out-of-pocket payment burdens for people, while also expanding partnerships with academic institutions in the Caribbean and reinforcing inter-agency collaboration. The idea of using taxes on unhealthy products is also generating interest and should be carefully weighed using a sound socioeconomic analysis, she added.

To procure a resilient post-pandemic recovery, Caribbean countries need a healthy and productive workforce, the Commission’s Executive Secretary stressed. The GDP of the Caribbean dropped by 7.7% in 2020 as a result of the pandemic, compounding the high rates of indebtedness faced by the subregion’s countries. ECLAC estimates that in 2021, the Caribbean’s GDP will only grow by 4.1%.

“By taking an economic approach to the analysis of the NCD problem, we hope that policies aimed at promoting health and preventing disease will not only be costeffective but that they may also be costsaving, thereby making government health expenditures more effective,” Bárcena emphasized. This is a problem for society as a whole, which must be addressed beyond the health field. “Interventions on non-communicable diseases are within our reach. You can count on ECLAC.”

2021,

Nov/Dec

n at io n al

Education Ministry Announces School Closure/Opening Dates, Urges Public to Help Students Succeed, Postpones Christmas Examinations The Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin, Minister of Education and Technical Vocation & Training has called on all Bahamians to assist in ensuring that students do not fail as a result of their absence from virtual school.

“Every effort must be made by every single one of us; public and private sector, parents and civil society, the church, every one of us to ensure that our children do not fall through the ‘cracks.’ We cannot and must not let that happen,” said Minister Hanna-Martin.

“Almost two years since the first COVID-19 case in The Bahamas, there have been tremendous disruptions in our children’s education and significant gaps in learning have occurred. The effect of this is serious and can be long lasting. We in The Bahamas will do all that we can to counter the negative effects of this experience on our children. We must therefore collaborate and cooperate for the greater good of our nation.

“We must all join hands, principals, administrators, teachers, support staff, parents and the wider community; and the ministries of Education, Health and Wellness, Social Development and Urban Renewal, to get our children not only back in the classroom, but back on track.”

She said the Ministry expects collaboration with these and other ministries to implement testing and remediation programs to achieve this objective.

Phone | WHATSAPP | TEXT

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

Minister Hanna-Martin announced on November 8th, 2021 that with the guidance of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, public schools throughout the Commonwealth will reopen during the second week of January 2022 for hybrid instruction which will gradually lead to in-classroom lessons.

Minister Hanna-Martin also informed that the Ministry is engaged in a number of initiatives to lead to medium to long term qualitative improvement and higher student performance outcomes.

Students will be assessed and diagnosed based on 3 categories: children who require critical need of intervention, moderate need, and those who are currently at grade level and do not need intense intervention. Through the Ministry’s ‘responses to intervention’ initiative, district superintendents and principals are implementing plans for the return of students.

On Friday, December 3rd, Director of Education, Marcellus Taylor, updated the public on the plans for End of Year school closures, and end of term examinations, saying, “Having engaged in consultation with stakeholders, the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training wishes to inform you of the following: “1. The final day for students to receive instruction for the Christmas Term 2021 is Friday, 10th December, 2021. The usual end of term examinations will not be held.

“2. The National Report Card Day, orig-

fax/landline

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

The Eleutheran

47

inally scheduled for Thursday, 16th December 2021 has been postponed.

“3. The last working day for teachers for the Christmas Term will be Friday, 17th December, 2021 with dismissal at noon.

“4. Teachers will return to work on Tuesday, 4th January, 2022.

“It is anticipated that students will be engaged in hybrid learning commencing Tuesday, 11th January, 2022, subject to approval by the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Further details related to the engagement of students in hybrid learning, the conduct of student assessment and new dates for the National Report Card Day will be provided at a later date.”

Source: BIS

Picture These !

“I was happy to see the glow of excitement on these vendors who are so appreciative of the fact that they can now restart their lives”, said Prime Minister Davis, as he was warmly welcomed by straw market vendors. Several vendors shared their gratitude to the Prime Minister for prioritizing the reopening following a near 20-month stretch of unemployment, due to the COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the former government. The official reopening of the Nassau Straw Market happened Monday, November 22nd, 2021, Prime Minister Hon. Philip Davis participated in a tour of the facility on Wednesday, November 24th.

Her Excellency Emina Tudakovic, High Commissioner of Canada to Jamaica and The Bahamas (pictured left) paid a Courtesy Call on the Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville (pictured right) at the ministry on Friday, November 12th, 2021. (BIS Photo/Raymond Bethel). She also presented the minister with medical supplies donated by Canada, faciliated by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Dr. Eldonna Boisson, PAHO/WHO Country Representative (not pictured) was on hand for the presentation.

The donation represented a million dollars worth of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from the Canadian Government.