Eleutheran the newspaper 0817

Eleuthera, Harbour Island & Spanish Wells

Harbour Island Spanish Wells Eleuthera

Volume 10, Issue 8, September 2017

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‘‘Eleuthera’s most reliable Source of News and Information. We Deliver!’’ Monthly In Print & Daily on the Web

REAL ESTATE DEALS

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

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BAMSI distributes Banana Plantlets to FARMERS to boost local production

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What’s Happening: Pg 13 for listing of events.

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Cardboard 2 Culture Junkanoo Summer Camp A Hands On Approach To Preserving National Art Expression

BY THE ELEUTHERAN NEWS TEAM

Pictured: Coordinator, Mrs. Anishka Fernander-George, with Rory Brennen from the “Spray’ team, along with the excited groupd of Junkanoo campers at the Parish Hall, Governor’s Harbour.

Now in its 3rd year, the Cardboard 2 Culture Junkanoo Summer Camp, hosted by the Governor’s Harbour Community and Cultural Organization (GHCCO), began its 2017 program of activities on Monday, August 21st to run for five funfilled, educational days until Friday, August 25th.

Key organizer, Anishka Fernander-George, in a brief interview, shared that 22 children began the program on Monday at noon with those numbers expected to increase as the week long camp progressed.

Each day the children would take part in all things Junkanoo, from 12 pm to 5 pm.

Some of the veterans of the camp, having attended both years one and two, would take part in learning the more intricate art of building shoulder pieces, incorporating the skills of rod bending, tie wiring, the use of con-

tact cement and the like, while younger participants and newbies to the program would start with pasting and the basics of Junkanoo costuming.

The ultimate aim, said Mrs. George, is to increase the skill capacity of the children involved, so that they would eventually be able to make a real, significant contribution to constructing their own creations for Junkanoo competitions, like the annual inter-school Junior Junkanoo event held on the island, as well as fostering a sustained interest in the country’s national art expression - to preserve this unique facet of our culture. So it’s hoped that each summer, the children would continue to learn and build on their Junkanoo creation skills.

Next year, organizers hope to bring back drum-making as well as cowbell making sessions for the children, with

skilled artisans brought in to share their knowledge with them. This year, Junkanoo design specialist, Rory Brennen from the Spray Team out of New Providence, was brought in to share his talents.

Special thanks were expressed to all donors who helped to make the week possible.

Food sponsors who helped to provide lunch for the group each day, included, Burrows Food Store, Eleuthera Supply, Globe Princess Theatre, 1648, Governor’s Harbour Bakery, The Country Café, and David and Iva’s.

Celestine Bethel, Paula Bethel, Demetrius Johnson, Rory Brennen (from the Spray Team in New Providence), Sandra Saunders-Young, and Kenrick Davis all assisted in different areas with the youngsters during the course of the week’s Junkanoo camp.

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Haynes LiBRARY CAMP Taps Professional BasketBaller with local roots

BY THE ELEUTHERAN NEWS TEAM

31 year old, Jaraun Kino Burrows, a professional basketball player in Europe, and a descendant of Cupid’s Cay, Governor’s Harbour was excited to be able to give back to the community where he had garnered so many good memories while growing up.

Relating just how he had ended up in Eleuthera this summer, Jaraun shared that his trainer received a call from a client who was looking for someone who could come down and help to run the basketball program at the Project Cay camp - a one week segment of the Haynes Library summer program, run by young Daisy

Pictured:Professional Basketball player Jaraun Kino Burrows

Crone (a high-school graduate who walked the length of Eleuthera in 2016 to raise funds for the now three year old Project Cay camp).

Jaraun, who is a nephew of well-known Evangelist Shirley Burrows of Governor’s Harbour, ran the basketball segment of the camp, from 9am to 12pm each morning - from the Monday to the Wednesday. “In the mornings, we would do a lot of drills - ball handling, shooting, working on their lay ups, their footwork, their passing. Then after their break at 10:30am we would play games - 5 on 5 until lunch at 12pm,” Continued On Page 7

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Campers inspired Continued from pg. 6 said Jaraun, describing his activities with the youngsters each morning.

During an interview on his final day with the children, the 6’ 8” tall athlete, now going into his tenth season, spoke a little about his professional career, and his hopes for continuing to impact young people, coming up in the game.

“I’m still currently playing… I’ve

played for teams in Sweden, Slovakia, Switzerland, Finland, Israel, and finished of my 2017 playoff season in France. I’m signed to a team in Marseilles (FOS Provence Basket), in the French ProB league… So I play in Europe, and come home during summers, and help out with camps.”

He continued, “I’ve worked with Jeff Rodgers. Recently we worked with the Diamond Elite camp on Blake Road. So that’s what I’m looking to do, to give back to the youth. It’s all about the kids now. We are getting old and washed up,” Jaraun smiled.

“We’d like to see a lot more of them follow in our footsteps. If I had someone like me when I was growing up, it would have been a lot easier and I would have made smarter choices. So I try to give back what I’ve learned, and pass that on to the youth. My summers are real short, but as soon as I am done playing, and I get more time

- it’s a big dream of mine to come to Eleuthera and start programs on these parks in Governor’s Harbour. I want to do camps in settlements all over Eleuthera, so I feel that this camp and this opportunity opened big doors…

It’s great to be home,” said Jaraun still with a big smile.

When asked how much longer he was looking forward to playing professionally, Jauran answered, “I’m still healthy, so I’d like to try and play until I’m about 34-35. I’m also still currently playing on the Bahamas national team, and I feel good. As long as I’m healthy, I’ll continue to hopefully make a good living playing ball.”

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An Eleutheran Profile:

Mr. Bradley Thomas Symonette Jr.

By Sherelle Wallace

Everyone has a story to tell. But have you ever looked at someone whom you might not know well and wonder: What’s his/her story? There’s an aura surrounding certain people; ‘uniques’ within countless close-knit towns, where only those who dive deeper than the surface find gems among sand. This summer, sitting in a seaside pavilion near an historic church in Rock Sound, I was enraptured as one man told HIS story. Here’s a compressed version of what he consented I share.

Bradfield Thomas Symonette Jr. was born on March 4th, 1949 in Rock Sound, Eleuthera. His father, Bradfield Thomas Symonette Sr., was never present in Junior’s life, and his mother Clara Viola Edwards (of Tarpum Bay) relocated to New Providence with him and some of his siblings when Junior was just nine months old. It would be more than sixty years later that he returned to Rock Sound and remained as a resident. Junior’s earliest memories are at four years old, jumping a wall to get to the schoolyard, and also crossing the street to play at the park.

Even before he started school, he remembers reading The Bible by lamplight to his mother.

Academics and discipline didn’t hold Junior’s attention much. Since early education at Southern Preparatory (Now

Stephen Dillet), he spent most of his time daydreaming about adventures outdoors.

Throughout his secondary education at Southern Junior (Now Columbus Primary), outdoor lessons and activities held his attention most. He considers his childhood a Huckleberry Finn tale of running away from home and living free by the sweat of his brow. At nine he was hanging with hoodlums, playing hooky. At one point he didn’t attend school for six months. When his mother returned him to the premises and to early morning assembly, he disappeared again as soon as her back was turned.

After much time spent in the principal’s office, Junior’s mother enrolled him at The Boys Industrial School (Later Simpson Penn). Ironically, this was where Junior had full access to all the books he could read. He was in charge of the library and during his five years at the institution, read almost every book at the facility; including the encyclopedias. His favorite books were The Hardy Boys Series, as he thrived off adventure.

Among the thousands of books, magazines and periodicals, it was a copy of a TIME magazine that fell to the floor, landing opened to a particular page; that set the course of Junior’s life. A solider bearing a chest plate, helmet, and parachute strapped to his back with the invitation:

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‘Join the 82nd Airborne Division. Be a Paratrooper. Be all that you can be’, inspired Junior to declare: “I want to be that.” He knew he would become a soldier. He had uncovered his place in the world.

In The Bahamas the only military arms available were as a Police Officer or as a Fireman, neither of which Junior was interested in. He relocated to America and enrolled at RETS, majoring in electronic technology. Shortly afterwards be applied to and joined the US Military as a volunteer to protect that country’s interest, one of which was the nation of The Bahamas. Although during his entire time in the US military he was the only Bahamian, to his knowledge, to serve in his unit. Along with some three hundred applicants, throughout concessive rounds, Junior was tested and evaluated by the NSA, the CIA, the ASA, and the FBI. As the men who moved on to the next round of testing dwindled, with just two men left, Junior was shocked to be offered the position of an officer after passing a final test, Defense Language Aptitude Test. This meant that he could encode messages and his evaluators informed him that he had surpassed men with years of college and university education; his results were outstanding considering he hadn’t completed secondary school.

Junior turned down the offered position. He didn’t want to work in administration and intelligence. He wanted to be on the ground. He wanted to be a paratrooper. And throughout his career in the military he executed four hundred and thirty-seven jumps.

He remembers his first jump, at Fort Benning, Georgia. It was preceded by the first week of training where no walking, only running was allowed. Sit-ups, push-ups, running backwards, as well as jumping from a two hundred and fifty foot tower were all part of training.

Back in those days, men had to physically discharge and steer their own parachute, which included a thirty-six foot canopy which had to be maneuvered for safe landing. Their gear also included a back-up parachute strapped to the chest. Junior’s duties also included being a mechanist and running field house for basketball, squash, and swimming.

Not surprisingly, he didn’t always escape unharmed or unaffected from his jumps during his fourteen years in service. War wounds include: Being shot twice, having two broken ribs within six months, neck injuries, having to have a knee rebuilt after a bad landing, being skewered by bamboo stalks when he fell through a booby trap, and suffering from asthmatic bronchitis. Junior also spent thirteen days in intensive care with internal bleeding. It was as a result of his many injuries that he was discharged from military service in 1983.

When asked if during his life in the military he became ‘All that he could be’ he responds: “I fulfilled a fervent desire, which was to become a soldier. And, like many other things in life, once you’ve accomplished your goal, you realize it wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.” Yet with retrospective conviction his baritone voice softens as he confirms: “I was proud to wear the uniform. I would do it again.”

Junior left his small nation of The Bahamas and traveled the world through the US military, with stints in North Carolina, Georgia, Alaska, Hawaii, England, Columbia, Germany, and a four year service in Panama.

He continued to live in America after service.

He’s married twice, has five children, and seventeen grandchildren, with two more on

Above: Bradfield Thomas Symonette Jr.

the way.

Life after the military involved doing construction work, being an estimator, and working with his son to build a studio from the ground up. And finally, after many decades of jotting down thoughts in notebooks, ‘My Three Cents’ was published in 2010. The book was originally registered with The Library of Congress under the title ‘Analytical Thoughts’ feeding off The Thinking Frenchman, then evolved to its Amazon publication.

It’s extremely difficult to select what to share as each piece is so phenomenally thought-provoking, but here’s a peek into the book: Journeyman: A good crook leaves few clues. Thankful: For the sun that fills the daytime sky; For the moon and stars in the heavens high. For grace and mercy that money can’t buy; Thank God and let us unto Him draw nigh. Resolution: In my life-time/ I seek never/ To tire of your face/ Or/ Of being around you/ To relish in your grace;/ Though there’s known/ To be for all/ A time and a place;/ My desire is to be/ Lashed to you/ In life’s three legged race. Injustice: If Lady Justice’s blindfold was removed she’d be appalled at the way her scales are manipulated. Paradox: Eve is of Adam./ All other than Adam are of Eve./ Jesus is of Eve./ Jesus is God./ God made Adam. Reputation: The foot prints of a person’s life. Truce: I’m tired, if you are. Destiny: A shot in the dark hits what’s in line. Leech: One who feeds their greed on another’s need! Admiration: Today, I saw a gorgeous blooming rose that on an impulse wanted to be mine. I envisioned how it would look stuck in the lapel of my jacket and how people would look upon it and gasp at its beauty, exuding ooohs and aaahs and other bubbly gushing. This will last for a short time then its petals wilt and later it will be tossed.

I let it be… it’s a gorgeous blooming rose still! Resonance: When I pray I don’t close my eyes, I want to look into His; whatever I see is Him. Theory: Was the ‘big bang’ the

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Eleutheran Profile Continued from pg. 8 voice of God? There’s an interesting story behind so many of his quips and prose, yet Junior is a compressive writer. He explains: “My book is an invitation into MY head. I’m not trying to see into the reader’s head and express myself from their perspective. If you don’t get my words, then you don’t get me.” Ironically, these days Junior’s mantra is: I GOT THIS! His motto, however, is borrowed from William Shakespeare: ‘All’s well that ends well.’

Intriguing aspects of Junior’s faith and family loyalty are undeniable in ‘My Three Cents’. His Symonette family has long since been very prominent in the Rock Sound community; his father regarded as a mayor by locals. Not only is he anchored by being given his father’s name, Junior has passed that name on to his son, who will carry the bloodline. Despite not having the love and attention every man desires from his father (figure), this name means something to Junior. It’s evident in his storytelling as we gaze over at the seaside church and he shares that his father worked on the iconic bell tower. His love and devotion to his mother is also woven into the fabric of his work. As is his reverence to his creator. Junior appreciates the spiritual over organized religion, and goes against the grain. Now, outside of the rigorous discipline of military life, he lives his life on his terms, which only he defines.

Junior’s life now is by the seashore, watching the tide change, occasionally plucking diamonds from the shore while thoughts and reminisces tumble around his head. Looking out over the ocean as the sun dances across sometimes placid, sometimes turbulent waves, his mind travels to the places he’s been, things he’s seen. He has time to process everything now; which he does with a constant companion near his pocket; as the much anticipated three score and ten looms.

Writing, like every other form of art, is the most affordable therapy.

If used correctly, it’s cathartic. Joy is expressed in the most vivid terms and emotions that leave one orally lost for words often flow eloquently over a page.

Writers, through words, tucked between pages, sometimes allow their demons to hide, and sometimes lay them to rest. Junior was a poetic soldier; the thrill of the adventure quenched after recording his emotions and observations. And his ferocious reading as a teenager taught him an appreciation for words and knowledge, as well as expanding his world before he could see it with his eyes.

When asked who’s the person, whether he has met them or not, that has had the most significant impact on his life, Junior responds: “Jesus Christ.”

A final quip from his book sums it all up: Native: I’m where I’m from. My mother and father and I were born here. I left and came back!

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Alfred Sears Shares his Powerful Story During a Book Tour on Eleuthera

PRESS RELEASE

Pictured: Attorney, Alfred M. Sears, former Parliamentarian and Cabinet Minister in Rock Sound at the South Eleuthera Mission - as part of his book tour, “A Community Life”

Eleuthera, Bahamas--On Saturday, August 12th, Eleuthera served as the second stop for Mr. Alfred Sears’ nationwide book tour. The book signing event which drew a moderate and, enthusiastic crowd was held on the picturesque patio of The South Eleuthera Mission.

Alfred Sears shared his story, penned in a book titled “A Community Life”. He read and recounted defining moments of trials, trauma and ultimate triumph in his life while instilling a spark of hope, inspiration, and renewed love for self and others. Attendees were moved by his openness and honesty, as

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Book Tour Continued from pg. 10 available for borrowing to the public.

“Mr. Sears’ book about his life is a great inspiration to us all. His journey has equipped him with the unique ability to love and forgive and embrace all of humanity. This makes him uniquely gifted to lead debate on our national development”, said Shaun Ingraham, CEO of One Eleuthera Foundation.

We strongly encourage everyone, young and old, to read one of our own incredible and inspiring journeys and, as Mr. Sears emphasized, “…write your own story. Leave what you know for your young ones.” As Mrs. Maud McKinney, long-time acquaintance of Mr. Sears and resident of South Eleuthera stressed, “There is too much knowledge in the graveyard.”

“The event was very edifying and informative. I learned that when bad things happen in life, it cannot be reversed but we must learn to let go, and move on; for better things await those who forgive and Mr. AlPictured: Attorney, Alfred M. Sear presents fred Sears is a living testimony of that truth”, a copy of his book to One Eleuthera’s CEO, stated Mary Sweeting, resident of Eleuthera.

Shaun Ingraham.

Mr. Sears and his team were thanked for choosing to partner with The South Eleuevidenced by the strongly positive testimonials of those who commented at the end of the thera Mission and One Eleuthera Foundation presentation. People had their copies signed for the event. The South Eleuthera Mission by the author with the words “We can make encouraged the public to read, “A Community the change we want!” as he shared smiles and Life”, to be encouraged and inspired, to then go out and make the change in their commuwords of encouragement.

A copy of the book was presented to CEO nity. To learn more about The South Eleuthera of the One Eleuthera Foundation, Shaun Ingra- Mission and its programs visit https://www. ham, and another to the library of The South facebook.com/TheSouthEleutheraMission/ Eleuthera Mission. The Mission’s copy is

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4 mile fun/run/walk

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Outreach in partnership with Community O n S a t u r d a y A u g u st 5th, 2017 t h e O n e E l e u t h e r a Foundation a n d S u s a n G . K o men Breast C a n c e r O u t r e a c h P r ogram along w i t h t h e Ta r p u m B a y Homecomi n g A s s o c i a t i o n , h o sted a Fun/ R u n / Wa l k . T h e e v e n t which beg a n a t 6 a m c o n s i s t e d of people o f v a r i o u s a g e s . I t s tarted at the Ta r p u m B a y H o m e coming Site a n d p a r t i c i p a n t s h e a ded south on Q u e e n ’s H i g h w a y t o South Eleut h e r a E m e rg e n c y P a r t ners (SEEP) a n d e n d e d b a c k a t t h e Homecoming Site.

O rg a n i z e r s c o m m e nted, saying, “ T h e 4 m i l e s r o u n d - t rip walk was a g r e a t w a y t o s t a r t t he morning.

It’s important to make healthy life style choices. At least 30 minutes of walking each day can make a difference.” Participants who took the time to get up early and come out were thanked, and the public was invited to join the organizers during the event planned for 2018.

Partners in the Fun/Run/Walk were also thanked, including the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Ministry of Health, the South Eleuthera Emergency Partners, and the Rotaract Club of Eleuthera, for being there and taking part.

Local man loses his life

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Attempting to cut down a tree on the shoreline at gaulding’s cay, gregory town.

BY THE ELEUTHERAN NEWS TEAM

Police are investigating the death of an American male, part-time resident of Eleuthera, who appeared to have died after having been struck by a tree.

Reports indicate that police in North Eleuthera were first notified of the incident sometime around 11:49am on Sunday, July 30th, 2017, when the man was brought to the North Eleuthera Clinic with injuries. The victim was identified as 61 year old, Robert Scott Devenny, a native of Delaware, U.S.A. Officers visited the Clinic where they saw and spoke with an adult Bahamian male who identified himself as the caretaker for the property of the injured American male.

According to the caretak-

er, sometime around 9:00am they were cutting down some trees along the shore line at his property at Gaulding Cay. While attempting to cut a 20ft Casuarina tree they had some difficulty. His boss then attempted to push the tree which fell striking him in the head.

He also suffered a broken leg.

After several unsuccessful attempts to revive the victim, he was pronounced dead by the medical officer for North Eleuthera.

An autopsy was to be performed to determine the exact cause of death.

National Heroes Day

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

Many people enjoy the day with family gatherings and beach picnics.

Business Highlights:

highlights in Sept/oct 2017

back to school JAMBOREE (deep creeK HARVEST TIME)

North Eleuthera Sailing Regatta

September 2, 2017

Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017 to Monday, Oct. 9, 2017 This is a major event within the islands. Class A, B, and C sailing sloops are invited for competition.

The onshore activities include live band performances, cultural shows, native music, food and drinks.

Location: Homecoming Site Dunmore Town,Harbour Island Contact Information: Mrs. Lucy Johnson (242) 333-3031

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

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

Time: 1 pm

BACK TO SCHOOL - SPECIALS !!

North Eleuthera Shopping Center (The Bluff - 335-1880 or 225-0964) - Page 20/21

Sophisticated U (Palmetto Point - 332-0099) - Page 4 Eleuthera Supply (Governor’s Harbour - 332-2728) - Page 12

School Supplies & Performances:

JC Discount Superstore (James’ Cistern - 335-6049/Gregory Town 335-5672) - Page 27

LOTS OF GIVEAWAYS, GAMES AND SO MUCH MORE!!

Public Schools Reopen on:

Your Friendly Store (Tarpum Bay - 334-4600) - Page 9

Free Admission!!

Featuring DJ Nave, Christian Massive, Ma’ Less, Miguel.

Also: Hairstylist, Barber.

Moderator: Eulease Thompson

School Events:

September 4th, 2017 -

Orientation for grades 7, 10 and new students (high school) September 5th, 2017 -

All students return

Midway Cost Cutter (Savannah Sound - 332-6066) - Page 8 The Shoe Village (Order Online - www.TheShoeVillage.com) Page 7 Omni Flash Cash (Governor’s Harbour - 332-3664) - Page 16 The Market Supermarket (Rock Sound) - Page 17 Miden’s Wholesale (Lower Bogue) - Page 11

School’s in !!

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ROTARY CLUB OF ELEUTHERA

Partners with BAHAMAS STRIPING

BY THE ELEUTHERAN NEWS TEAM Mr. Atario Mitchell, President of Bahamas Striping, on Monday, August 15th, 2017, presented Rotary Club of Eleuthera President, Sherrin Cooper, with a supply of back packs to be presented to students in preparation for a Back to School drive.

Mr. Mitchell and his team were on the island to replace a number of existing cats eyes with a more modern, solar powered version. The company was in South Eleuthera during March and April of 2016 to complete a contract awarded by the Ministry of Works, covering 13 miles of road way in South Eleuthera, from Tarpum Bay to Green Castle, where thermoplastic center line striping, cats eyes and glass reflective beads were applied.

President Cooper told Mr. Mitchell that she was delighted for the partnerAbove: Sherrin Cooper, Rotary President, assists with placing a Cats Eye.

ship and admired Bahamas Striping for continually giving back to communities all over the Bahamas. She was happy to assist with the cats eyes placement in the area called Charlotte’s Bend.

Also on hand for the occasion, were Rotarians Past President Jacqueline Gibson, President Elect Sandra Ingraham, Club Secretary Susan Culmer, and Membership Chair Glenda Johnson.

Above: Jacqueline Gibson, Glenda Johnson, Sandra Ingraham, Sherrin Cooper, Susan Culmer, and Atario Mitchell

Eleuthera Police Summer Camp Program 2017 Ends On High Note On Friday, July 28th, four full weeks after the start, the Eleuthera Division of the 2017 Police Summer Camp Program officially closed out another successful summer of positively impacting youth across The Eleutheras. The campers got together from all over the islands once again, this time at the Globe Princess Theatre in Governor’s Harbour, where they were treated to a movie, eats, drinks and special gifts. Every camper received a gift bag from ALIV as well as gifts from Oasis of Love ministries pastored by Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Cambridge. Superintendent Christopher Wright celebrated the summer closing, expressing, “It was a fun filled day and a joy to see the smiles on the kid’s faces. To God be the glory for the things he has done.” The Globe Princess Theatre management also commented, saying, “It was great hosting the campers this summer !! Special thanks to the fantastic team of RBPF officers and volunteers for their hard work and dedication.”

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Banana Plantlets Distributed to Farmers in Eleuthera by BAMSI

BY THE ELEUTHERAN NEWS TEAM

Nearly 5,000 banana plantlets were distributed to a select group of farmers in Eleuthera by BAMSI (Bahamas Agriculture & Marine Science Institute) on Friday, July 28th, 2017. Marilyn Nixon La-Fleur, BAMSI’s Agricultural Development/Extension Officer, based in Central Eleuthera, explained that the project was taken on by BAMSI to assist the farmers, and to help increase the numbers of banana plants on the island, considering the damage done during the last hurricane. The plantlets were a special hybrid of com-

mercial grade, that grew to about 8 to 10 feet high. She described them as a sturdy stock, better able to withstand high winds, compared to other species.

Twenty-five local farmers received the new stocks of plantlets - 7 of whom were part of the BAMSI Associate Farmers program, receiving approximately 300 plantlets each, and another 18 farmers who would receive advice and assistance to the get their plants well set, who received approximately 150 plantlets each. “This banana plantlet is from a tissue culture, done in the lab, so it’s very important

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that each farmer receiving these banana plants today has irrigation on their farms. Water is very important, you have to have a water source, so as not to compromise the growth, as well as the production potential of the plantlets. We know that there are some farmers who have not done their irrigation systems as yet, but I will be working with them very closely on that,” said Mrs. La-Fleur.

Alaasis Braynen, General Manager with BAMSI was also in Eleuthera for the occasion, and commented, “It’s an exciting time,

Above: Local farmers with BAMSI, BAIC and Dept. Of Agriculture Officials at the Packing House in Hatchet Bay.

and it’s one of the reasons BAMSI is in existence, to increase the capacity of food production in the Bahamas. We do experimentation in Andros at our research farm, however, it all happens here in the field - in the islands and the settlements of the Bahamas, where we transfer that technology and knowledge to the farmers to increase capacity. Eleuthera was the first island; we also have the same number in Long Island to be distributed in the next two Continued On Page 17

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Rotary Club of Eleuthera Celebrates Its Members

Above: Rotary

Club members celebrated with gifts at their launch of membership month.

The Rotary Club of Eleuthera on Thursday evening, August 3rd, 2017 launched membership month. In the spirit of fellowship, Rotary members were recognized and honored with special gifts from current President Sherrin Cooper, which she had garnered during her attendance at Rotary International as well as Regional District conferences.

President Cooper formed teams within the Club with the aim of impacting the local

BAMSI distributes Banana Plantlets: Continued from pg. 16

weeks. We also have a shade house in Exuma, where we intend to transfer another 6,000 banana plantlets. And it will go on and on until we complete the archipelago.”

Mr. Braynen continued, “We have a plan to introduce various varieties of vegetables, which Mrs. La Fleur as well as the other Extension Officers in Exuma and Long Island will germinate and take care of until those seedlings become a certain size. At that point, we would transfer those seedlings like we are doing here with the banana plants to vegetable farmers and we are also increasing production like that.”

He further explained that while the initiative had been led by BAMSI’s research, the distribution segment had been a partnership between BAMSI, the Department of Agriculture, and BAIC (Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation), saying, “They worked with us diligently to make sure this whole project was a success.”

Eleuthera community in several ways; to mentor youth, to raise awareness of Rotary in general as well as its vision to end polio, to achieve district and international Rotary goals of each Club making a significant difference within their communities and globally, and also to support more community projects by increasing partnerships with other local organizations.

In the area of youth mentorship, engagement and membership, shared former President,

Jacqueline Gibson, the Rotary Club of Eleuthera has overseen the creation of active Earlyact clubs in Palmetto Point at the Emma E. Cooper Primary school and in Deep Creek at the Middle School. There is also intention to form an Earlyact club at the Governor’s Harbour Primary school and to provide continued support for the Interact club at the Central Eleuthera High School. All this with the goal of helping young people to become leaders and

to value ‘Service above Self’ one of Rotary’s official mottoes - for both community and the globe at large.

Although 100% of funds raised within the community by the Rotary Club of Eleuthera are used for supporting community initiatives, in celebration of their members, the Club also began an in-house benevolent fund, geared to helping members in need.

18

Local

Aug/Sep 2017

www. EleutheraNews . com

ADMINISTRATORS pass the

baton in South Eleuthera.

Also: Central Eleuthera Administrator headed to North Andros The Local Administrative Office in Rock Sound welcomed a new Administrator to the South Eleuthera District post at the beginning of August 2017.

Administrator Glenn Lightbourn who had been with the district for just one year was transferred to Fresh Creek, Central Andros, where he was expected to assume the new posting during the first week in August. He officially handed over his duties in South Eleuthera to incoming Administrator, Mr. Gregory Knowles, on August 1st and 2nd, 2017, who was transferred in from South An-

dros.

Administrator Knowles, who began his Administrative career in 2009, spent time in South Eleuthera assisting Mr. Charles King in 2012. He’s now returned to the post in South Eleuthera and commented during the handover, saying, “With cooperation, we will be able to get things done. There are some things that we can do, and after meeting with the District Council, we’ll see what’s happening.”

Administrator Knowles noted on his arrival that there was work to be done at the Rock Sound International Airport, concerning the runway, as well as the surrounding

Pictured: Administrators Glenn Lightbourn and Gregory Knowles handover in South Eleuthera, as Knowles takes up the post in Eleuthera, and Lightbourn heads to Central Andros. Also shown are staff at the Local Government Administrative Office in Rock Sound, South Eleuthera.

district going forward - and presenting a unified landscape. He also remarked that it would voice to central government. be advantageous for the five district counIn Central Eleuthera, Administrator Joseph Fercils along with the three Administrators guson, confirmed that he has been transferred to within The Eleutheras to come together to North Andros. Mr. Gilbert Kemp, originally of discuss issues affecting the entire Eleuthera Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera, will be filling the position as Administrator for Central Eleuthera. Mr. Ferguson is set to demit office on September 5th, 2017.

Mr. Ivan Ferguson, coming in from North Andros, took up the position as Administrator in the North Eleuthera District during August, replacing Interim Administrator, Julita Ingraham.

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Announces Major Reorganization

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Statement August 2, 2017 The Ministry of Tourism is currently undergoing a reorganization and strategic planning exercise to rationalize its activities and plans moving forward.

After careful analysis of the budget for fiscal 2017/2018 and review of the organizational structure it is critical that we implement cost-cutting strategies within the Ministry of Tourism as in this reorganizational phase, it is imperative that costs are reduced and efficiencies increased given that seventy-five percent of our budget is fixed costs with few dollars left for marketing, promotion and sales.

Unfortunately, a component of this plan is a workforce reduction strategy that must be executed as we strive towards creating a leaner and more streamlined and efficient organization. This difficult process includes inter alia, reassignments, dissolution of certain departments, repatriations, retirement and terminations.

The decision to right size the organization is a challenging one as we are cognizant of the fact that it impacts the lives of fellow Bahamians. It would have been fiscally irresponsible and counterproductive to continue with operational costs outweighing the available marketing budget, to execute our primary mandates, which are to grow our tourism industry, improve our product and increase visitor arrivals.

Local

Online at www.EleutheraNews.com

| 08/09 2017

19

Local Government Leaders in Central Eleuthera Finally Chosen After Post Election Delay Mrs. Dina Johnson from the Gregory Town Council, and as Chief Councilor, Mr. Roderick Pinder of the Governor’s Harbour Town Council. Mr. Pinder expressed his thanks to the other members of the District Council for having confidence in him.

A decision is yet to be taken on the process by which the 5th Council member position within the James’ Cistern Town Council will be filled.

A bi-election, is a viable option, along with others now under discussion.

On September 25th to 28th, a local Government Leaders Conference is set to take place in New Providence, where, Administrators, Town Council Chairpersons, Deputy Chief and Chief District Councilors will convene.

Pictured: Administrator Joseph Ferguson (front left), pictured with new Deputy Chief Councilor, Dina Johnson, and Chief Councilor, Roderick Pinder, for the Central Eleuthera District Council, accompanied by the complement of Council members.

After experiencing a delay in the selection of a Chief and Deputy Chief Councilor for the Central Eleuthera District Council, because of a challenge to the eligibility status of one of the elected members within the James’ Cistern Town Council, the date of Wednesday, August 3rd, was finally chosen to formally fill those District Council positions, and to hold a training and familiarization session with the District Council members - introducing them to the details of their allotted budget and the functions of the Council.

Before proceeding, Administrator Joseph Ferguson, explained to all present the reason for the delay, citing the 2014 Amendment to the Local Government Act, which outlined that anyone who has spent 12 months or more in prison is ineligible to run for local government. This provision in the 2014 Amendment, was verified be-

fore the action was taken to remove the elected individual in question from the membership of the James’ Cistern local Town Council. Four Council members remained for James’ Cistern after the removal, and an election to choose the Town Council’s Chairperson took place. Aretha Rolle, who was chosen for the position, then went on to represent the James’ Cistern township at the District Council.

Ahead of choosing new leadership within the District Council, Administrator Ferguson advised that the persons accepting those positions should be interested in the job, with a determination and motivation to be purposeful, to get things done in the Central Eleuthera District. He also advised them to put Central Eleuthera first, before personal preferences.

A thorough budget briefing followed, before the election of the new Deputy Chief Councilor,

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22

Local “Plus”

Aug/Sep 2017

ALIV OFFICIALLY OPENS IN BIMINI Company expects more launches in the next month

www. EleutheraNews . com

On Friday, August 18, ALIV officially held its grand opening for its newest store in Bimini. On hand for the official ribbon cutting was Island Administrator, Oscar Munroe, Chief ALIV Officer Damian Blackburn, Chief ALIV Champion, Johnny Ingle among other local council members and members

of the public. Pastor Colin Saunders did the opening prayer followed by Mr. Blackburn who gave brief remarks. “It is a wonderful day to be ALIV as we continue our journey to bringing the entire Bahamas ALIV,” Mr. Blackburn told those gathered for the formal ceremony. He added that feedback from the people of Bimini has been good and the company was proud to deliver on its promise.

Island Administrator Munroe was also delighted

by ALIV’s presence noting that Bimini was the fastest growing island economy in the country.

ALIV is currently now in New Providence, Grand Bahama, Eleuthera Abaco and Bimini with 146 network sites. Mr. Blackburn has confirmed that ALIV will launch next in Andros and Exuma by the end of the month.

Local

Online at www.EleutheraNews.com

| 08/09 2017

23

24

National

08/09 2017

Arlington Lightbourne, M.D., has successfully reversed the symptoms of Diabetes 2 in a patient without insulin.

By Diane Phillips For patients suffering from Type-2 Diabetes, the daily prick is as predictable as the changing of the tides. But the wave of wellness that is sweeping the medical industry may just be changing the way doctors treat diabetes. And one local expert who treated hundreds of patients in emergency rooms at PMH and the private hospital in New Providence before dedicating his practice to preventative medicine and healthy lifestyles has already reversed the symptoms in a patient who is now insulin-free.

“It has been estimated that there are nearly 40,000 people living with diabetes in The Bahamas and another 30,000-plus who present with pre-diabetic conditions,” said Dr. Arlington Lightbourne, founder of the Wellness Clinic, Collins Avenue. “Type 2 Diabetes simply means that there is too much sugar in the blood because the cells are not sensitive to the insulin which opens them up to let the sugar in. This is called insulin resistance, meaning the insulin that the pancreas pro-

www. EleutheraNews . com

duces is not working, and for years, the treatment has been to either inject or increase the stimulation of insulin.

However, evidence suggests that the more insulin you have, the greater the severity of insulin resistance, which means ultimately the more diabetic you are.

“The number one cause of insulin resistance is insulin.”

Dr. Lightbourne compares the increasing reliance on insulin for the diabetic patient to a repeated delivery of a product the recipient already has.

“Let’s say I delivered a 5-gallon bottle of water to your door. The first time I deliver it, you are grateful because you were out of water and thirsty so it was great,” said Dr. Lightbourne.

“But if I come back the next day and the day after and I keep offering water, you are going to send me away. It is the same with insulin. The pancreas has no problem making insulin; the problem is that it’s not working.

Dr. Lightbourne states that the evidence shows that that the key is to decrease insulin (and cortisol) in the body by removing the stimulus for insulin production using nutritional and lifestyle interventions.

“This results in increased sensitivity by the cell to available insulin and that process begins to reverse insulin resistance,” he said. “It just takes information and commitment on the part of the patient. And what patient suffering from diabetes 2 would not want to get better naturally?”

Dr. Lightbourne has reversed the symptoms in a patient whose diabetes was life-threatening.

“This was a 67-year-old man with extremely high blood pressure,” said Dr. Lightbourne. “Normal A1C (glucose measurement) should be below 5.7. His was 11. Most physicians, sensing the danger, would immediately put him on insulin.”

Instead, Dr. Lightbourne and sup-

port staff, including a wellness coach, got the patient to agree to a structured program including changing his dietary habits, increasing exercise and reducing stress. He was never treated with insulin. The changes in lifestyle were initially dramatic, but the patient adapted well and the results were outstanding. Today, said the wellness expert, the patient’s A1C count is 5.4 and his blood pressure is well controlled.

Another patient, one in his early 30s, suffered from clearly identifiable lifestyle-related issues.

“He had a very stressful job that often kept him at work until late. He would go home tired and hungry and eat a whole pizza before falling asleep,” said Dr. Lightbourne. “So here he was, highly intelligent, very productive and extremely responsible to the company he worked for, but he was killing himself. Not even 35 yet, he weighed in the high 280s, had very high blood pressure and type-2 diabetes. We worked with him on a daily basis, a lot of coaching. He has lost more than 40 pounds, his diabetes is almost gone, and his blood pressure is now well controlled. He feels like a new person, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy diet. He looks great and feels great.”

“Everyone can do it, everyone can improve their health and well-being if they really want to,” he said. “People think healthy food is expensive. The cost of a piece of fruit instead of a bag of chips is negligible by comparison to the cost of poor health in terms of morbidity and quality of life.

Once you start on the journey of living well, you will never want to go back.

And the beauty is that when you are on that journey, it’s perfectly okay to ‘cheat’ once in a while and treat yourself to something really special.”

Minister Dames Announces Crime Fighting Initiatives

By Eric Rose Bahamas Information Services NASSAU, The Bahamas -- During a press conference on the Execution of Crime Fighting Initiatives of the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF), on August 19, 2017, at the Paul Farquharson Conference Center, Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin H. Dames dispatched a stern message to criminals operating in The Bahamas.

“I would like to send a warning out to all those persons who continue to live a life of crime -- moving forward we intend to make your life very uncomfortable,” Minister Dames said. “We will use every resource at our disposal to ensure that you are made to account for your wrongdoings.

“This is a promise.”

Minister Dames stated that, after getting the news of another murder that morning, he decided to convene a meeting with RBPF Commissioner Ellison Greenslade, along with his executive team and divisional commanders to review their current strategy.

He said that, after hearing from them and knowing what we are up against, he requested of them the need to redouble their efforts.

As a result of the meeting, Minister Dames said, they had decided to execute a number of initiatives.

“While efforts in tackling crime are static in many ways they are also fluid as our approach is based on what is occurring,” Minister Dames said. “Towards this end, they are further enhancing senior command

Continued On Page 25

National

Online at www.EleutheraNews.com

The Eleutheran | Aug/Sep 2017

25

Crime Fighting Continued from pg. 24 at a divisional level on a 24hour basis.”

Minister Dames pointed out that they will be taking a more aggressive approach to handling drug peddling and shutting down drug houses in communities throughout New Providence, Grand Bahama and across the Family Islands, as they are the source of many of the crime problems that exist.

“They will be increasing their intelligence and operational efforts to identify and disrupt gang activities, wherever they may exist,” he said.

“From an intelligence perspective, there will be an increased focus on firearm traffickers with a view to bringing them to justice.”

Minister Dames said that RBPF officials informed that they have conducted a review of persons on bail who are not complying with their bail conditions.

Further, he said, they had discovered that more than 50 persons were not in compliance and that they had already arrested a number of those persons and subsequently their bail was revoked.

“At present, there are 268 persons currently being monitored for various offences,” he noted. “Out of that number, 70 are being monitored for homicides, 18 for attempted murders, 102 for armed robberies and 59 for firearm offenses.”

Police intelligence has also revealed, Minister Dames added, that the murders have occurred in what we term, ‘hot spots’ -- Pinewood, Kemp Road, Bain Town, Yellow Elder and Carmichael Road communities. Police will increase vehicle and foot patrols and will be using all of the technology available to them including increased monitoring of CCTV and all of their resources to curtail these violent crimes, he stated.

“The efforts of police have yielded some results but as I have explained there is more that we should be doing; but there is a need to improve technology and build capacity,” Minister Dames said.

“As we have promised in our Manifesto, we will immediately commence with the establishment of the National Crime Prevention and Neighbourhood Watch Council to grow community involvement in the fight against crime,” he added. “We have identified Senior Assistant Commissioner Stephen Dean to lead that effort.”

That council, Minister Dames said, will establish

crime watch groups in every community and these groups will endeavour to establish commonality and examine community prevention measures. The council will study the feasibility of citizen patrols working with police to improve relationships and prevent crime, he added. Additionally, the council will collaborate with multi government agencies and non-governmental agencies.

Minister Dames noted that the Government will review the establishment of the Royal Bahamas Police Force as we feel that this is one of those areas that if we get right, should go a long way in reducing high levels of crime in our communities.

This review will determine what is the requisite number of officers at any Division which has not yet been established,” Minister Dames said. “I suspect that shortly we will run a pilot programme in terms of addressing this issue to determine its level of effectiveness.”

“We will also move to decentralize, once again, the central detective units,” he added.

“The purpose of de-centralization is to have detectives at stations to readily respond to serious matters on a timely basis.”

Minister Dames pointed out that the detective units were dismantled under the last administration.

“I want to use this opportunity to personally and publicly thank the fine men and women of the Royal Bahamas Police Force for their tireless efforts to keep the people of this country safe,” Minister Dames said. “Yours is a job that is accountable to the Bahamian people; but one that is often without thanks.”

He said that it should be noted that the job of law enforcement officers is the prevention and detection of crime and the apprehension of offenders.

“The government intends to produce very shortly its legislative agenda which will have a number of Crime Prevention Bills, including the National Anti-Corruption Agency and the establishment of the National Intelligence Agency -- among others,” Minister Dames said.

“We are more determined than ever and stronger in our resolve to keeping this Bahamas safe for all citizens.”

Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin Dames (centre) speaks during a press conference on the Execution of Crime Fighting Initiatives of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, on August 19, 2017, at the Paul Farquharson Conference Center. Also pictured are Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson (left) and Permanent Secretary Carl Smith. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)

26 | Aug/Sep 2017

C O N S E RVAT I O N C O R N E R

Research sheds light on invasive lionfish and how to stop them S. Clay Steell

Over a decade ago a beautiful yet menacing fish was introduced to Bahamian waters. Invasive lionfish threaten Eleuthera’s reefs with their voracious appetite, decimating populations of small fish and other reef life that depends on them. Bahamian reefs have never faced a threat quite like them, but a growing body of research—including ongoing work here on Eleuthera—is helping us understand how these invaders impact local reefs and how they can be mitigated.

Lionfish came to the western Atlantic from half a world away, originating in the western Pacific Ocean. Popular in the aquarium trade, they were introduced off the coast of Florida through the 1990s, likely from an unknowing pet owner that wanted to get rid of their fish. Once established in Florida, their eggs dispersed across the Gulf Stream to the western Bahamas in 2004. The Bahamas became ground-zero for their invasion throughout

the rest of the Caribbean, spreading rapidly to Cuba, the Upper and Lower Antilles, Central America, and most recently to Brazil. The first lionfish sighting in Eleuthera was reported in 2005, and since then the fish have become ubiquitous on local reefs from 5 to 500 feet. Scientists fear lionfish may completely overhunt herbivorous fish, causing reef algae to overtake corals and lead to an irreversible ecosystem collapse.

With stomachs that can expand 30 times and hold prey almost half their size, lionfish eat their way through Bahamian reefs. They can remove 65% to 97% of fish from a reef in just two months, outcompeting native predators like groupers and snappers—straining important fisheries and the livelihoods they support. By 2010 lionfish made up 40% of the predators on many Bahamian reefs, with densities 5 times higher than they occur in their native Pacific range. They’re able to do this because native fish don’t recognize them as a threat like they do for native predators, and

native apex predators like sharks generally aren’t attracted to them as a potential meal.

Recent research suggests lionfish trick their prey into thinking they’re not a fish at all, but scientists are still unsure how they actually accomplish this.

While scientists were quick to recognize these invaders as a threat to Western Atlantic reefs, lionfish remained understudied until relatively recently, averaging only 6 or 7 published studies a year before 2010. Lionfish science has become an active area of research since then, including work done right here in Eleuthera.

Scientists working at the Cape Eleuthera Institute were among the first to study how severely lionfish were impacting invaded reefs, making critical discoveries on what, how much, and how often they ate. This year they’ve investigated how lionfish behave in mangroves—where they’ve been found but haven’t been well studied—as well as how their physiology might enable them to be such successful predators.

Through all the research done here and the rest of the Caribbean one thing is clear: you’ve got to eat them to beat them.

A common misconception is that lionfish are poisonous. While their defensive spines contain venom, their meat is harmless—and increasingly becoming a delicacy. Fishmongers and distributors specializing in lionfish have sprung up throughout the invaded range, and constantly seek local fishermen to catch the fish. The Cape Eleuthera Institute offers that service locally, paying $11 per pound of fileted lionfish when dropped off at its kitchen. Once a lionfish’s spines are carefully removed with scissors while holding the fish the by the mouth, they can be fileted like a normal fish, and compared to locally caught fish are far easier to spear due to their lack of fear for humans.

Local BPL Power Challenges - Island Manager explains major disruptions experienced & capacity upgrade Online at www.EleutheraNews.com

The Eleutheran | Aug/Sep 2017

27

Pictured: Mr. Robert Hall, BPL Manager, Eleuthera.

BY THE ELEUTHERAN NEWS TEAM

A lightning storm on Sunday evening, July 30th, 2017, affecting multiple areas on Eleuthera, proved to be a challenge for Bahamas Power & Light (BPL), with major outages centralized south of the Hatchet Bay plant. The prolonged outage, which began at 9:35pm on Sunday evening was initiated by two damaged power lines in that area, according to BPL’s Eleuthera Manager, Mr. Robert Hall. Challenges experienced by BPL teams on Sunday evening had more to do with the persistence of the lightning storm until about 4am, so safety of the BPL team had to be taken into consideration, which lengthened the outage time. Once those lines were repaired, a secondary problem was discovered, said Mr. Hall, however, power was restored to the settlements of Governor’s Harbour and Palmetto Point fairly quickly once teams were mobilized.

A similar challenge was once again experienced on Monday evening, July 31st, because of damages to a power line, which was resolved quickly. At 1am on Tuesday morning, BPL experienced another challenge which took longer to resolve, with the final set of customers being restored some six hours later, around 7am. Most of the challenges were weather related shared Mr. Hall, but, he stressed that with lightning strikes in particular, not all problems show up right away. So after the initial strikes, further problems would generally reveal themselves in the days to follow.

“What we are doing to address that is beefing up our generation capacity in the South. We had teams completing repairs on two generators on Monday, which were having challenges. We were being proac-

tive in repairing them, but we had to rush that to completion.”

He also said that the company hoped to have increased generation capacity in the South, operational by middle of that week which would minimize the need to depend so much on Hatchet Bay. “Even though that’s our Central Plant, we still have resources in the South and in the North that we can call on. However, at the time the outages happened, we were repairing two engines in Rock Sound” explained Mr. Hall.

He added, “It’s not common for us to have outages over two hours. Normally, it’s a few minutes then it’s back up, unless there is extensive damage. Unfortunately, in this case, it was a challenge because of the lightning strikes, and the residual effects following those… These are some of the challenges with an overhead distribution network. With the increased generation, we would be able to segment the network in the event of further challenges, with Hatchet Bay serving Central on its own, Harbour Island on its own, and South Eleuthera on its own. So the faults that happen can be separated, and not as much of the island would be affected.”

“We are really grateful to our customers who have been patient. We know it was very hot, very challenging, and very unpredictable, and there were two long outages, one after the other.”

Current generation capacity is 16 megawatts in Hatchet Bay, 6 megawatts in Harbour Island, and 11 megawatts in Rock Sound. According to Mr. Hall, the average peak load throughout the island at the highest usage time of the year is about 14 megawatts (usually during the July 4th weekend).

Mr. Hall also mentioned that BPL teams in Eleuthera have been focused on being prepared for their response readiness in

the event of challenges as a result of storms and hurricanes during this 2017 hurricane season.

28

Perspective

08/09 2017

OP-ED

By Sir Ronald Sanders www.sirronaldsanders.com

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the OAS. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto) On August 14 and 15, Pakistan and India, respectively, celebrated the 70th anniversary of their Independence from Britain, a country whose policies, as an occupier, fomented - and then bequeathed to them - the hostile communalism that led to their partition and their continuing antagonism. Religious dissimilarity, as Muslim and Hindu, proved more defining and more divisive than common ethnicity, common culture, common foods and shared history.

The invented notion that Muslims and Hindus were two distinct communities and that they rivalled each other for access to economic resources, social development and domination, was deliberately promoted by the British colonial power to divide and rule the two groups. It was the only way that a small, foreign occupying force could control a vast country and a huge population. As Muslims and Hindus set against each other,

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

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Lessons from India’s partition and Charlottesville’s strife the British thrived on their disunity, transferring wealth that enriched Britain and impoverished India for almost two centuries. This phenomenon could not have occurred if the people of India had remained cohesive.

Of course, except for Mahatma Gandhi, who was assassinated by a Hindu for being too accommodating of Muslims, the local politicians stoked the fire of communal rivalry for their own narrow political purpose.

None more so than Muhammad Ali Jinnah whose political ambition drove his battle for partition and the creation of Pakistan. In accentuating that difference, Jinnah on the one hand, and Hindu nationalists on the other, let loose demons of violence that wounded their communities so deeply that, 70 years later, the scars still evoke enmity and a refusal to confront the manipulation to which they were – and are – victims.

The progress of India and Pakistan has been retarded by the enormous resources each spends on defence from the other. These are resources that could have been expended on education and health for people who still live on less than two dollars a day.

Forty-seven years later, another leader – this time from Africa – who had suffered at the hands of a minority group of exploiters, using race to subjugate a majority, observed that: “No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion”.

That man was Nelson Mandela, who despite his own agony in apartheid South Africa, recognised that hate is not a natural condition. Hate, whether racial or religious, has to be taught, encouraged and engendered.

And when it is taught, the process is usually for the profit of those who manipulate it, not for the benefit of those who are its targets.

Another 23 years later, yet another leader – this time from the United States – invoked Mandela’s words in response to violence resulting from a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, just days before the 70th anniversary of India’s partition into Muslim Pakistan and Hindu India. That man was Barack Obama, the first black President of the US. Like many other right-thinking Americans, he was alarmed at the intent of a rally of white supremacists and the violence it provoked.

Under the banner of the so-called ‘alt-right’, more than 700 white supremacists invaded the city, calling for

“Unite the Right”. They were an intimidat- religious bigotry. ing group of militia, racists, and neo-Nazis chanting Nazi slogans; some openly carrying rifles. The hate was palpable.

Responses and previous commenAnd, the worst of it was the untimely and taries: www.sirronaldsanders.com unnecessary death of Heather Heyer, a young white woman mowed down by a van hurtled into a crowd by a 20-year old self-avowed white supremacist.

This racist communalism, long a feature of American history, is one that most Americans want eliminated from their reality. Those Americans found voice not only in Obama but in others, such as Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Paul Ryan, who said: “We must be clear. White supremacy is repulsive. This bigotry is counter to all this country stands for. There can be no moral ambiguity”.

Yet, as in India and Pakistan – 70 years ago – there are still those in the US who encourage and engender communal hate and hostility for political purposes. As no good came from such communalism in the past of the United States, in the partition of India, in ethnic cleansing in Rwanda and in Bosnia, or in racial conflicts in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, no good can come from encouraging hate such as was experienced in Charlottesville. That is why in America – as in India and Pakistan and elsewhere, including in the Caribbean – the teaching of Mandela has to be instilled into these societies by their leaders. In making the point that no one is born hating another person because of race or religion and that people learn to hate, Mandela also observed that “if people can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” And that is the task of leaders in all parts of society if the world – and the states within it – are to enjoy peace and prosperity.

Race loathing and religious hatred have been created, fostered and provoked for the political and economic advantage of a few over the many. In the Caribbean - in both Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago first the British colonialists, and then the post-colonial local politicians, promoted racial communalism for their own advantage. Both countries struggle with that unpleasant and unproductive legacy today.

It will only be overcome when all political and religious leaders preach against it and practice what they preach.

Communal divisions – in race or religion – should not be allowed to blossom and grow, for they can shatter a country however rich. Appeasing racists and religious bigots by silence or tacit approval of strife for political gain, comes at the high price of death and destruction, as history – and recent events - have shown. Great leaders should be unhesitant in speaking out fiercely against all acts of racial and

BACK TO SCHOOL Imagination is the source of innovation that takes us beyond where we are, fosters creativity and is a necessary component of growth.

This submission from Georgia Birkweiser, a junior in South Eleuthera, highlights her imaginative spirit, and is especially relevant as school bells get set to ring, bringing an end to summer.

The Dream World: The Lake, The Sky, The Barrier The sensation of falling helplessly in the air surrounded me. I was scared, terrified, petrified. I closed my eyes, hoping it would go away and it would all be over. Suddenly, I felt as if there was a giant marshmallow and I was sitting inside it because the ground felt soft and moist. I struggled to open my eyes. I feared to wake up in the belly of a monster like the Gob Wobber. Slowly but surely I opened my eyes. It took me a bit to get used to the dim night time glow but I did. And I concluded in my head I wasn’t in anyone’s stomach. I looked to the sky to see what made that beautiful glow. I was shocked and awed to see a beautiful sky.

In one area you could see a beautiful galaxy view. It was like I could see every star, planet and comet in the universe. On the other side you could see millions of stars and clouds hanging over the view like a thin canopy, misty but artfully crafted. For a second I saw a shooting star race a comet to the unknown lengths of the sky. Right in the center was a beautiful shining moon.

The moon looked like something from a painting. It was a perfect crescent, and it looked as though a painter had used glitter markers to color it; It had ever so slight traces of diamond dust.

The moon wasn’t alone up there however because silver and gold

Education Beat

Online at www.EleutheraNews.com

THE DREAM WORLD:

stars danced around it like choreographed dancers, I swear I saw one hop over the moon in a pirouette like a skilled ballet dancer.

I stared at the nighttime sky in awe for what felt like hours, but was only a matter of two minutes when my hand felt a piece of silk instead of grass twist around my finger. In shock I looked down to see that it was, in-fact grass. I felt again the texture of this grass. It felt like silk and it made me wonder how safe it would be to sleep out in this silk-grass. I picked several pieces of grass and did what the majority of kids would do while sitting in the grass, I played with it. I tried to tear it and found it tore like normal grass but it looked like torn fabric afterwards. Then I braided and knotted it. I was amazed and

astonished because it joined together when I did this. I decided to look around, but I secured my discovery in my pants pocket. The grass brushed my bare feet and the cool moist air blew tiredly against my face.

I looked east, or directly ahead of me because I was facing east, and gaped at a mystifying sight. The lake I saw was not a normal lake, but, like most of the enchanting things I saw, a beautiful, lake that, like the sky reminded me of a painting. The lake looked as if depth didn’t apply completely to it because it looked like if I were to throw something in it I would never find it because of how deep and limitless it was.

It looked like a bottomless pit that was filled with water. There was so much water you could supply enough for all the people of the world and no one will ever go thirsty again. The water itself was its own mystery. The water shone a sapphire color at lightest but in majority was shades of deep blue from Royal Blue to Navy Blue. It may have been crystal clear if not for the deep colors and depth it consisted of. The water looked like it was filled of hope and dreams, lost and new. And filled me with curiosity to see it. It felt peaceful and hopeful to be around it. I sat on a patch of Silk-Grass not to far away from the mystical waters when something on the other side of the lake caught my eyes.

Something golden, something silver… ‘Where did it go?’ I started wondering. I got to my feet slowly when all of a sudden …… “Oh… my…good golly gosh … is that a stag?” It wasn’t just any stag, I observed. It had gold fur and deco-

The Eleutheran | Aug/Sep 2017

29

Continued from pg. 28

rative platinum decorations on the fur. Its antlers were bronze and it had silver dust all over its fur. Its tail was gold with a silver tip. As it moved it left a trail of gold and silver dust floating slowly to the ground. Was it magic? I slowly stepped backwards. I was doing fine until I tripped over myself and fell back onto the mattress soft ground. I sprung up to watch as the stag ran around the edge of the lake ever so gracefully. Barely making a sound. It stopped for a second and ate some grass.

“Wow” I said a bit too loudly.

The stag looked up its ears perked and saw me sitting at least five feet in front of it. It took me in as if I were a roadside view and nodded as if it were talking to itself and agreeing with something. I watched this magnificent creature as it came a few inches closer, leaned forward and stared me directly in the eyes… and I stared at it, and it stared at me, and I stared at it, and it stared at me. This cycle lasted for like thirty five seconds. I was about to try to pet it or break the weird staring competition when it stood up straight, shook gold dust on me, and left… leaving a trail of glitter behind in the grass. I watched it run of into the distance when I noticed just where it ran…into a splendid forest.

The magnificently, mystifying forest. This forest was again something out of a story book or painting. The trees were tall and cast shadows out into the grass. However, they were beautiful and they were yet another thing to gape at in amazement. There were spider webs that hung from the trees in silver and gold and platinum webbing like tinsel, and dewdrops sat on the

leaves like crystals and sapphires.

There was a line of flower patches lined perfectly around the outside of the forest. Perfectly grown. It was almost as if my neighbor Ms. Penelope grew them. The trees seemed the let of a faint glow in the moon and starlight that seemed to call me towards it.

No matter how much I wanted to go the darkness inside the forest and unknown quantity inside of it seemed to draw caution to my brain.

My legs and heart pulled me closer to it while my brain screamed discouraging words. I walked nearer and nearer and nearer still to the forest just before the flower line.

My brain yelled at me ‘DON’T GO IN! YOU WILL GET HURT OR EATEN AND YOU’LL BE LEFT STRANDED OUT HERE TO DIE! DON’T DO IT!’ I couldn’t help myself. I put my hand out to enter and closed my eyes… but I couldn’t do it.

No, literally, there was some sort of invisible barrier blocking me. I tried over and over very cautiously but I couldn’t get in. I thought about the situation… What could I do? Hmm. Oh Forget it! I thrust my hand in. I did it! Okay. I have to be very cautious. I slowly moved my foot towards the inside of the barrier. The barrier threw me straight across the grass. I was screaming for a bit until I saw a shadow cross over the sky… a big shadow… a shadow that looked like the Gob Wobber… Fear arose in me.

I sat up, bruised on the wet silky grass. What would happen now…

And then… I woke up. ~Georgia Birkwieser

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

CONSULTING EDITOR

MAN. DIR. / CO-Pub

Dr. V. J. Bryan, PhD,

Theresa Burrows

(Research/Write) vbryan@smgbusiness.com

Columnists

Andrew Burrows, Ronald Sanders

Man. Editor / Co-Pub

Phone | WHATSAPP | TEXT

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

fax/landline

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

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

Safyha Bryan

contributing writers

Sherelle Wallace

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

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

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

Stamped: August 22, 2017 9:15 PM

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

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Local

08/09 2017

www. EleutheraNews . com

Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI), Expedition Interns participate in Business Simulation Workshop

pating their next move and taking calculated risks. Therefore, we priced and bid accordingly in the market. I would definitely recommend this workshop to individuals and organizations”, Charlotte concluded.

“I learned so much in this workshop and it was really fun. The workshop was great because it broke accounting down and made it very simple. My team didn’t win because we expanded too early and didn’t bid high enough”, stated Jenielle Rhone, CTI’s Expedition Intern.

There are plans to offer the workshop later again this year. Stay posted through CTI’s Facebook page or by emailing CTI@oneeleuthera.org.

Pictured: Participants and trainer from the workshop.

Below: Participants eagerly engaged in the workshop.

Pictured: Members of the winning group.

L-R-Lionel Fernander, Josiah Joseph and Charlotte Rajkumar.

On Wednesday August 2nd – 3rd, CTI’s Expedition Interns who are students from the University of the West Indies and a couple of local business owners, participated in a Business Simulation Workshop held in the Tea Room at Centre for Training and Innovation. The workshop was facilitated by the simulation’s developers, the founders of Andromeda Simulations Robin Helweg-Larsen and his wife Eliza.

Andromeda Simulations has been running workshops for over 25 years. The workshop was a partnership between One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF), Centre for Training and Innovation (OEF), and Andromeda Simulations.

“For OEF and CTI, this workshop fits into our goals which is to the build capacity of organizations and potential and existing businesses by providing them with resources. In this case that resource was knowledge, delivered in the innovative style presented

by Andromeda Simulations”, said Gacintha

Gordon, Registrar and Grants Manager for CTI. “Finance is the language of business.

You need to understand and speak the language if you want to be successful in business”, stated Robin Helweg-Larsen, Facilitator of the workshop.

Participants were divided into small teams, and each team ran a simulated business at their own table on their own game board, which modelled the activities of the business, the employees, the cash flow and profits, and the financial statements.

The teams competed head-to-head against each other to try to win customers and make the most profitable sales in a growing market. At the end of each round they completed their Income Statement and Balance Sheet, and then teams were compared to see who made the most money, and why. Coming out on top were participants Josiah Joseph, Charlotte Rajkumar and Lionel Fernander with their business 2 in 1 Innovations.

“At first winning wasn’t the goal for me, I was just excited about the learning process. It was a fun and exciting way of learning and being exposed to real life business operations. It helped us engage our theory with practical thinking”, said Charlotte Rajkumar, CTI’s Expedition Intern.

“Our strategy for winning involved thinking about current decisions and how it would impact the business in the future.

Also knowing our competitors and antici-

Perspective

Online at www.EleutheraNews.com

The Eleutheran | Aug/Sep 2017

RISING TIDE

that the world is now our own to run! We have been told that a vast percentage of ‘climate scientists’ agree and are convinced that the climate is changing. It is said to be getting hotter, with the ice at both the north and south poles melting, and as a result the oceans are rising and low coastal lands are flooding.

They also say that the oceans are becoming more acidic and it is all being caused by our use of oil and coal. Evidence? None!

First we must understand that there are natural cycles of rising and lowering tides that occur once every twelve hours.

As the earth rotates each day from west to east, it reacts to the gravity of the moon and to a lesser degree to the sun. BeBy: Andrew L. Burrows cause the moon orbits the earth andrewburrows1@gmail.com once every twenty eight days (4 weeks) there is a peak in In an effort to create fear in the rate of tidal rise every two the minds of those of you who weeks, one when the moon and have not taken time to know, so sun are together (new moon), that the products they want to and the other when they are on cause you to purchase become opposite sides of the earth (full ‘in demand’, some business-po- moon). There are other factors litical people have successfully and conditions that determine convinced much of the world the extent of the rise of the that God does not exist, and sea. Ocean storms and summer

Of Note: Saying Goodbye

NASSAU, The Bahamas -- Ambassador of the Republic of Haiti to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, His Excellency Jean Victor Geneus paid a Farewell Courtesy Call on Governor General Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling at Government House, August 16, 2017.

(BIS Photo/Derek Smith)

‘Trade winds’ effect the extent of rise because they concentrate ocean waves along with excessive rains, and all this with no help from me or you!

Have you taken a walk along the rocky coast recently and noticed any abnormal changes in the height of the sea? I am sure that you have not noticed anything unusual, because there is nothing unusual about the tides! Those who seek to scare you into believing that something strange is taking place in the ocean often refer to two places as evidence; one is the Mississippi Delta where that river enters the Gulf of Mexico, and the next is the very large Delta in Bangladesh where several large rivers drain into the Indian Ocean. They say that the water levels are rising but give no explanation why it is believed to be happening.

They only refer to the places mentioned because they are river deltas and the coastal lands are not solid rock, the mud flats and marsh lands that form from silt washed down into the sea by the many rivers. That land is unstable and cannot be used

as a gauge to determine unusual increase in the level of ocean water rise. In fact the ocean is not rising, the unstable silt and mud that makes up these shores are sinking.

Icebergs from both the North Pole and the South Pole fall into the oceans on a consistent basis throughout the year as each polar region experiences it’s summer season, so what do you have? A steady adjustment in the amount of water in the oceans. There is no catastrophic change in the level of ocean water. So what is happening to cause the wide fluctuation in the weather patterns?

The answer is right above your head; the SUN. All of the planets orbit around the sun which affects the temperature and everything else! The Earth orbits around the Sun and is affected by changes in the energy output and the changes in the distance it is away from us.

The same people who without credible reasons would have you believe that God has failed to keep His oath, would also try to convince you that changes are taking place in

Diplomacy:

The following is a Statement issued by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Bahamas, in response to the chatter stirred by the comment of the US Ambassador nominee Mr. Douglas Manchaster during hearings, held in his country, where he referred to The Bahamas as ‘a protectorate’ (Merriam-Webster definition: the relationship of superior authority assumed by one power or state over a dependent one) of the United States of America.

STATEMENT: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and The Bahamas Embassy in Washington have been observing the confirmation hearing for the United States Ambassador nominee to The Bahamas, Mr. Douglas Manchester. During the hearing before the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations held on 2 August 2017 a number of views were expressed some of which may be perceived in a negative way.

Having observed many Senate hearings in the past, the Ministry understands and appreciates that this is part of an internal process and the comments made do not necessarily reflect the views of the Government of the United States. Another part of the process will be a full briefing by the Department of State with the successful nominee before taking up the assignment, which will bring a fuller understanding of the relationship between the two countries.

Just recently on 4 July the US marked 241 years of independence and on 10 July the Bahamas

31

the oceans. You cannot base everything you find out of the ordinary on a single unscientific cause! For every effect there must be a cause, and there are many causes that produce equally as many effects. I have fished and dived around Eleuthera many times, and from experience other fishermen would also agree, that you can dive in one area today and see volumes of fish and other sea creatures, and go to those same locations the next day and see little or nothing.

People make up stories because they have funding for a special cause and must therefore create results to satisfy the theme of their special causes!

You cannot conduct a dive in a single location and establish a conclusion that something unusual is taking place in the entire ocean. To establish a condition you must have accurate records of compatible causes and effects that span a credible period of time. Bogus research helps no one! Before you repeat the ‘hype’ please learn the truth, which honors God.

celebrated 44 years of independence. Indeed, this independence is a mutual and shared pillar in the strong and enduring relationship between the two countries. While our interests often align, The Bahamas as a sovereign country pursues its own interests independently.

The Bahamas looks forward to welcoming the new Ambassador who will represent the views and aspirations of the United States in the continuing development of the powerful and mutually beneficial ties between our two countries.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nassau, The Bahamas.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Darren Henfield

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Crime News

08/09 2017

www. EleutheraNews . com

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

Reports issued by the RBPF locally. reported that he was arrested and cautioned at 1:00am on 14/8/2017 reference to Deceit of Public Officer.

Arrest Reference to Child Neglect: On Tuesday 15th August 2017 at 6:25pm an adult female came into the Governor’s Harbour Police Station where she was arrested and cautioned reference to Child Neglect a complaint made by Social Services. She was processed and later charged with (3) counts of Cruelty to Children contrary to section 62 (1) of the child protection act chapter 132. Suspect was granted police bail and released from police custody in the sum of 5,000 dollars and 1 surety to appear before magistrate court Governor’s Harbour on the 15/9/17.

STEALING REPORT At about 1:50 pm on Monday, August 14th, 2017 an adult male came into the Governor’s Harbour Police Station and reported that sometime on the 12th August 2017, while travelling from New York to Eleuthera on board American Airlines some persons unknown stole one go pro Hero 4 camera and a UE Boon speaker from his luggage. Police action requested.

Armed Robbery/ Vehicle Fire Report - On Sunday 13th August, 2017 at 10:44pm an adult male contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station via phone and reported that sometime around 10:40pm on same date while he was just outside Savannah Sound headed in a northern direction he pulled over and got out of his white 2001 Ford Taurus to relieve himself. While relieving himself he was held at gunpoint and robbed of his vehicle. The suspects left the scene headed south along Queen’s Highway. Police action requested.

Officers responded to the scene where they met the Complainant . He further reported that while travelling south in the mentioned area in his white 2001 Ford Taurus sedan when he stopped on the side of the road to relieve himself when he was approached from behind by an unidentified male who shouted “free up”. He reported that because the area was dark he was unable to get a description of the male, he just ran into bushes for a while until he realized it was safe. He then began walking towards Savannah Sound when he remembered that he had his cell phone in his pocket and he called the Police and reported the matter.

While making a check of the area about a mile away the Officers discovered the mentioned vehicle which appeared to have ran off the roadway and collided into bushes. At the time the front end of the vehicle was on fire, however the fire quickly spread and engulfed the vehicle.

Volunteer Firefighter c/o S.E.E.P arrived on the scene and assisted the Officers with extinguishing the fire. The vehicle was completely destroyed.

Arrest ref to Deceit of a Public Officer On Monday 14th August 2017 Officers came in at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station with the complainant in the aforementioned matter under arrest and

Traffic Accident Report: Officers reported that while on mobile patrol on Parliament Street, Cupids Cay, they observed a silver vehicle reverse from the parking lot of Ronnie’s Hi-D-Way and collided into the rear of a black SUV. The vehicle which was driven by a male then sped off from the scene. The black 2003 Ford Expedition registered to Big E rental and driven at the time by a male visitor was parked facing south with the rear protruding about three feet into the west bound lane received damages to the bumper. Investigations continue into this matter.

Warrant of Arrest Executed At about 11:05 am Officers came in at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station with an adult male under arrest and reported arresting him at 10:35 am on Thursday August 10th 2017 while at his residence reference to Warrant of Arrest.

On Thursday August 10th, 2017 while at the Governor Harbour Police Station the defendant paid his Court fines at the Magistrate Court in full for Civil Matter. He was released reference to both matters; he appeared in good health.

Traffic Offences Reported and Searches for Firearms & Dangerous Drugs: At about 7:00am on today’s date August 10th, 2017 Officers came in at the Governor’s Harbour Police Station and reported that at about 7:am on 10/8/2107 while on Traffic check along with Supt C. Wright ,ASP N. Rolle, ASP L. Adderley and Immigration Officers they stopped and searched 13 persons reference to Dangerous Drugs. Same ended with negative results . 5 drivers were reported for various traffic offences.

Arrest ref to Breach of the Business License Act and Breach of the Liquor License Act At about 8.43am on 09/08/2017 an adult female came in at Governor’s Harbour Police Station and was arrested reference to Breach of the Business License Act and Breach of the Liquor License Act. This matter is under active investigation.

Fire Reported: On Wednesday 9th August 2017 1:45pm An Unknown male caller contacted the Governor’s Harbour Police Station via telephone and reported that Sweet Dreams Restaurant located North Palmetto Point was on fire.

Officers responded to the scene of the reported fire where they saw and spoke with the owner . It was said that the fire was believed to have been started as a result of an electrical shortage in the roof of the building. However the fire was later extinguished by voluntary fire fighters namely men of faith; investigation continues into this matter.

Road Accident Report On Wednesday 9th August 2017 at 9:50pm, an adult male contacted the Governors Harbour Police Station via telephone and reported that he was involved in a traffic accident on North Shore Drive in the area of the Old Club Med Resort in Governors Harbour.

Police assistance requested.

Officers responded and reported investigating a traffic accident involving two motor vehicles located Banks Road Governor’s

Police Contact Numbers

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

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

Harbour. A red 2016 Kia Sorento registered to and driven by an adult male and a Red 2009 Ford Taurus Self Drive vehicle driven by an adult male visitor . Both vehicles sustained major damages, measurement were recorded, N.O.I.P Damage report At about 9:45am on Tuesday 8th August 2017,an adult male came to the North Eleuthera Police Station and reported that his Gray Mitsubishi Lancer car front windshield was damaged. He stated that sometime between Monday 7th August 2017 at about 4:30pm and Tuesday 8th August 2017 at about 2:00am while his vehicle was park in the area of Drift Wood Three Island, he discovered that some unknown person had broken the front windshield to his car. He further stated that a fight had broken out between a male and female and he suspected that his windshield was damaged. He has no suspects and he does not know the cost to replace his windshield. He is requesting police action. This matter is under active investigation.

Obscene Language report Officers reported that at about 7:00pm on Tuesday 8th August 2017, while at the North Eleuthera Airport Police Station they reported an adult male for making use of obscene language to his annoyance. He was warned of prosecution.

Assault Report: At 11:45pm on Sunday 6th August, 2017 an adult male came into Governors Harbour Police Station and reported that he was assaulted by a male known to him, sometime around 9:20pm on 6/08/2017 while at the Tarpum Bay’s Home Coming Site. He complained of pain to his face and requested Police Action.

The complainant was referred to the Governor’s Harbour Clinic . He returned to Governors Harbour Police Station and informed that the doctor at the Governors Harbour Government Clinic referred him to Nassau for an X-ray of his jaw and facial area and gave him some medication reference to his pain.

Arrest reference Causing Harm At about 10.50.am on 07/08/2017 an adult male came in at G.H.P.S and was arrested reference to Causing Harm this is in relation to complaint made on 06/08/2017 at 11.45.pm.

Arrest reference Causing Harm At about 11.40.pm on 07/08/2017 an adult male came in at G.H.P.S and was arrested reference to Causing Harm this is in relation to complaint made on 06/08/2017 .

T.O.R report At about 2:30pm on Friday 4th August

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

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

2017, Supt. Miller contacted the North Eleuthera Police Station via telephone and reported a vehicle causing obstruction at Genes Bay Road. Police assistance is requested.

At about 3:00pm ASP Adderley responded and found a 2009 Blue Wrangler Jeep parked in the middle of the road Genes Bay. As a result a tow truck was summoned and the mentioned vehicle was towed to the North Eleuthera Police station. At about 4:15pm on the same date, Officers saw the owner and he was told of the offence of causing obstruction and warned of prosecution. He was further reported driving the mentioned vehicle while not licensed, inspected and having no insurance for 2017. He was further warned of prosecution. The vehicle was returned after he paid the towing fee .

Traffic Accident Report An adult male contacted the Governors Harbour station at about 10:34pm on the 5.8.17 and reported that he was just involved in a traffic accident in the vicinity of Burrows Pond Police assistance was requested.

Officers visited this scene saw and spoke with the driver , who stated that sometime around 10:30pm on the said date he was travelling in a southern direction on Queens Highway near Burrows Pond in blue 2007 Nissan Teanna when he fell asleep, as a result he collided with a BPL utility pole and overturned. He did not receive any injuries. The said vehicle was extensively damaged. NOIP form was served.

Traffic offence Report Cpl 1819 Pinder reported that sometime around 5:30pm on the 2.8.17 he reported one Jansen Sands dob 15th October 1997 of North Shore Road Palmetto Point for driving a blue Chevy Lumina # AGO322 in a northerly direction on Queens Highway Palmetto Point while not being the holder of a valid Drivers Licence, whilst not covered by third party risk insurance, and for failing to transfer ownership of the said vehicle to himself. He was informed of the offences and warned of prosecution.

Traffic Accident Report At 8:55 p.m. on Wednesday 2nd August, 2017 an adult male contacted the GHPS via telephone and reported that sometime around 8:50pm he was travelling in a northern direction on Queens Highway south of Hatchet Bay in his 1997 Nissan Precea when a cow ran into the road colliding with his vehicle causing extensive damages to the hood. Police assistance was requested.

Officers responded and verified the accident. Investigations continue.

Search Reference to Dangerous Drugs & Firearms: Officers reported to the Governors Harbour Police Station that while on mobile patrols on Queens Highway, Gregory Town; in

Crime News

Online at www.EleutheraNews.com the area of the “Cabana”, they smelt a strong aroma of burnt marijuana. As a result 10 young men were stopped and searched. The search ended with negative results. However, a black Tippman paintball gun, with the serial numbers erased was found in the area and the same is believed to have been stolen. Investigations continues into this matter.

Arrest Report: At 10:25 am on Monday 31/07/17 Officers arrested an adult female and two adult males while at the Governors Harbour Police Station reference to an Assault complaint made on 22/07/2017.

At 10:50 am on Monday 31/07/17 Officers charged the suspects with Assault contrary to section 133 of the Penal code Chapter 84 while at the Governors Harbour Police Station. At 11:00am on Monday 31/07/17 they were released on bail in the amount of $800.00 with one surety namely, to appear before Magistrate’s Court Governors Harbour on 15th September, 2017 Search Reference to Possession of Dangerous Drugs/Firearms At about 4:30pm on 31/07/2017 Officers reported to the Governors Harbour Police Station (GHPS) that sometime around 12:45pm today’s date, they while in the area of James Cistern, Eleuthera, acting on information stopped and searched a black 2006 Honda Civic driven at the time by an adult male along with an adult male passenger.

Nothing illegal was found.

Arrest reference House Breaking, Stealing and Receiving: At about 12:10.pm on 29/07/2017 Officers while at Governors Harbour Police Station arrested an adult male in reference to House Breaking, Stealing and Receiving.

Reported Assault At about 8.10.pm on Saturday 29/07/2017 an adult male came in at G.H.P.S. and reported that sometime around 6.30.pm on 29/07/2017 while visiting his two children, at their mother’s residence , he was assaulted by a male known to him who slapped him in his face. He requested police action in this matter.

Dangerous Drugs/Firearms Search At about 11:15 am on Friday 28th July 2017 the Officers while on routine patrol on Queens Highway, Gregory Town searched 12 persons reference to Dangerous Drugs and Firearms. The search ended with negative results. Two drivers were reported for traffic infractions.

Arrest reference to Dangerous Drugs: On Friday, 28th July 2017, at about 8:33 am, Officers came in at the Hatchet Bay Police Station with an adult male under arrest and reported arresting him at 8:30 am on Queens Highway, Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera after a search was conducted and a grassy like substance was found on the prisoner in a foil which is suspected to be that of Marijuana. He was processed and later charged with Possession of Dangerous Drugs.

Search Warrant Executed: On Friday 28th July 2017, at about 9:20 am, Officers executed a search warrant on the premises of an adult male with reference

to Dangerous Drugs and Firearms with negative results.

Arrest reference to Dangerous Drugs: On Friday, 28th July 2017, at about 9:56 am, Officers came in at the Hatchet Bay Police Station with an adult male suspect under arrest and reported arresting him at 9:40 am after he was found in possession of a small quantity of Dangerous Drugs.

Arrest Reference to House Breaking: On Friday, 28th July 2017, at about 1:00 pm, Officers came in at the Hatchet Bay Police Station with an adult male under arrest and reported to have arrested him in the area of the Glass Window Bridge with reference to Housebreaking and Stealing.

The suspect was processed and later released pending further investigation.

House Breaking and Stealing: On Friday, 28th July 2017, at about 3:30 pm, an adult male came in at the Hatchet Bay Police Station and reported that sometime between Wednesday 19th July 2017 and Friday 28th July 2017, some person/s entered his home and stole his gold and silver Rolex watch, with a black face, serial, valued at $2,300.00. Entry seemed to have been through the front door. Police Action Requested.

Arrest reference to House Breaking and Stealing: On Thursday 27th July 2017 Officers came in at the Governor’s Harbour with an adult male under arrest reference to House Breaking and Stealing. They reported arresting the suspect at 12:40pm while at his residence.

Arrest ref Unlawful entry: At 12:50 p.m. on Wednesday 2607-2017, Officers came in at Governor’s Harbour Police Station, with an adult male under arrest reference to a complaint of unlawful entry and stealing made on 2607-2017, they reported arresting the suspect while in James Cistern.

The suspect was processed and later charged with those offences.

Search Warrant Executed At about 2:15pm on the 26th of July 2017, Officers acting on information executed a search warrant on the residence of an adult male reference to Possession of D/Drugs and Firearms. Present during the search was his wife . Nothing illegal was found.

Search Warrant Executed At about 5:45pm on the 26.7.17 Officers acting on information executed a search on the residence of an adult male reference to possession of D/Drugs and Firearms. None was found.

Road Traffic Accident Police Information On Tuesday July 25th 2017 at 1:30pm an adult female reported to the Governors Harbour Police Station that sometime around 1:25pm on Tuesday 25/07/2017 while travelling north on Queens Highway in her green 2007 Ford F150 truck in Area of Wykee Estates when a peach colored Cube type vehicle Travelling south in the opposite direction side swiped her truck damaging the right head lamp and forcing her off the

The Eleutheran | Aug/Sep 2017

road, however the vehicle did not stop. She suspects that the driver might be a woman known to her . Assistance is requested.

Officers while at Parliament Street, Cupids Cay Governors Harbour saw and spoke with the driver a green 2007 Ford F-150 truck who reported being involved in an accident in the area of Wykee Estates Governors Harbour with another vehicle which failed to stop causing minor damage to the right front head light which got cracked. The officers while on Cupids Cay saw and spoke to an adult male the driver of a peach 2006 Nissan Note who reported that while travelling north in the area of Wykee Estates he accidentally struck the headlight with the right mirror of the car he was driving breaking off same and cracking the headlight of the truck, further that he has since returned to resolve the matter and they came to an agreement for repairs.

Disturbance Report/ Disorderly Behavior in a police Station/ Damage and Damage to Government Property An Anonymous Caller contacted the Governors Harbour Police at about 12:20am on the 26.7.17 and reported that there was a disturbance in Betsy Village, Police assistance was requested.

Officers responded and came in at the Governors Harbour Station at about 12:40am on the 26.7.17 and reported visiting the scene and arrested an adult female for Threats of Death complaint made by an adult female complainant.

Results The suspect after entering the Governors Harbour Station began acting in a disorderly manner and threw an object at the complainant hitting her gold IPhone 6plus valued at $499.00 shouting obscenities. While the officers were attempting to restrain her she kicked a hole in the door to the Sgt.’s Office at the said station. As a result she was further cautioned.

Stop and Search Executed: On Tuesday July 25th 2017, Officers while on mobile Patrol stopped and searched seven adult males with reference to Drugs and Firearms with negative results.

Search Warrant Executed: On Tuesday July 25th 2017, Officers executed three search warrants on residences in Hatchet Bay and Gregory Town with negative results.

Housebreaking and Stealing: On Tuesday July 25th 2017 at about 7:31 pm, Officers arrested an adult male with reference to Housebreaking and Stealing.

Traffic Offence Reported: On Tuesday July 25th 2017, at about 7:50 pm, Officers while conducting mobile patrol, reporting an adult male for driving a gold 2001 Chevy S-10 in a Northern direction on Big Bay Road, Hatchet Bay while the said vehicle was unlicensed, uninspected and uninsured. He was warned of prosecution.

Stop and Search Executed: On Tuesday July 2017, at about 9:15 pm, Officers on routine Patrol conducted a search of a White 2015 Buick Regal and its driver while in the area of Gregory Town Eleuthera with reference to Dangerous Drugs and Fire Arms with negative results.

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Stop and Search with reference to Dangerous Drugs and Firearms: On Tuesday July 25th 2017, at about 9:31 pm, Officers while on routine road checks, Queen’s Highway, Gregory Town, near Pineapple Fest Park brought to a stop a green 2008 Toyota Thundra Truck, During a visual inspection of the vehicle a black shotgun was observed in plain view on the back seat.

As a result, the driver and lone occupant an adult male was informed that he was suspected of being in possession of Dangerous Drugs and Firearms.

The shotgun was seized along with 79 shot gun shells. Officers while searching the vehicle, found under the dashboard near the fire wall a ziploc bag containing a clear plastic bag of a quantity of grey-like substance, suspected of being marijuana. As a result, the suspect was arrested and cautioned reference to Possession of suspected Marijuana, shotgun and ammunition and his vehicle pounded at the Hatchet Bay Police Station.

Stop and Search Executed: On Tuesday July 2017, at about 10:00 pm, Officers while on routine patrol conducted a search of two adult males while on Queen’s Highway, Gregory Town, with reference to Dangerous Drugs and Firearms.

Further checks were conducted on a Silver 2004, Honda Accord with negative results.

Stop and Search Executed: On Tuesday July 2017, at about 9:15 pm, Officers while on routine patrol,came in at the Hatchet Bay Police Station with an adult male under arrest for possession of Dangerous Drugs.

He was arrested at about 9:15 pm, while on Queen’s Highway, Gregory Town near the Pineapple Fest Park while on routine traffic check they observed the occupants of a white Buick Lacrosse acting suspiciously as they approached the check point.

As a result of same, the vehicle was stopped and the occupants were stopped and searched with reference to Dangerous Drugs and Firearms. While searching the front right pocket of the suspect pants pocket, a plastic containing a quantity of suspected Marijuana was found. He was subsequently arrested for Possession of Dangerous Drugs and transported to the Hatchet Bay Police Station with exhibit for processing.

House Breaking and Stealing At 6:41am on Monday July 24th 2017 an adult male contacted the G.H.P.S. and reported that sometime during the night some unknown person/s entered their residence through a rear screen door and stole all his money from his wallet that was left on the table. Police action was requested. . Investigations are ongoing.

Traffic Offence Report 2 At 12:53pm on Monday July 24th 2017, Officers reported two persons for traffic infractions on Queens Highway north of Governors Harbour . They were informed of the offenses and warned of prosecution.

Housing Breaking and Stealing: At 6:00pm on Sunday 23rd July 2017 an adult male Came into the Governors Harbour Police Station and reported that

Continued On Page 34

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Crime News

08/09 2017

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Crime Reports Continued from pg. 33 sometime between the 1st July 2017 and the 23rd July 2017 some unknown person/s broken into a main house, a cottage and two sheds on the same property that he care takes for located between Savannah Sound and Double Bay. After making checks he discovered that 2 red generators, a wheel barrel, 2 mattresses and an assortment of tools were stolen. Police action requested, this matter is under active investigation.

On same date Cpl 2448 Johnson arrived at the scene where the complainant pointed out the room. A check was made and there were no signs of forced entry. A further check was made of the other rooms and their entrances downstairs however negative to any signs of forced entry.

On same date Cpl 2448 Johnson recorded a written statement from the complainant. Investigations continue.

Road Accident Report: At 4:15pm on Sunday 23rd July 2017 an adult female contacted Governors Harbour, Police Station via telephone and reported that there is a traffic accident on Queens Highway, Governors Harbour where someone just ran off the Road in bushes off the southern side of the street. Police assistance requested.

Officers responded finding a dark complexion male namely trapped inside the front passenger seat of a gold 2002 Honda Accord Sedan. However, with the assistance of person in the vicinity, he was taken out of the rear passenger door. He appeared to be disoriented and suffering from various injuries to his head, face and both knee area. Medical assistance was rendered via EMS operators, and thereafter taken to Governors Harbour Clinic for further medical assistance. While there he was issued a hospital form as well as a NOIP form. However, because of his head injury, he was not able to remember how the accident fully occured or who was in the car with him. Hence he was instructed to come in at S-1 to give an official report upon his return.

Threats of Death On Thursday 17/8/17 around 10:00am a female of Harbour Island came into the Harbour Island Police station and reported that while at home her son, of the same address, came out on the porch and started to move a dryer and an air condition unit that she had there. She stated that she told him to stop moving the things around and he got irate and made derogatory statements toward her and made threats saying he is going to kill her when he is finish with his court cases. Police action requested.

Officers while at the complainant’s residence arrested the suspect in reference to threats of Death. He was interviewed and admitted threatening to harm his mother but denied threatening to kill her. He was asked to read over the interview and sign which he did.

POLICING ACTIVITIES HARBOUR ISLAND, Domestic Dispute Police warning requested: On Saturday 19/8/17 at about 3:55pm a female of Harbour Island came in at Harbour Island Police Station and reported that she just completed paying mortgage of her marital home. She stated that since completion her husband has become aggressive towards her also beating her about the body with a PVC Pipe.

Police warning requested. On same date the accused male of the same address came in at Harbour Island Police Station where he was informed of the complaint made against him by his wife he stated that he wanted to know where the Land papers were for the house - reason being that it was not where they agreed to leave it. He was advised of his actions and warned to be of good behavior towards his wife.

Burglary report Police action requested On Saturday 19/8/17 at about 5:08am a female of the US and c/o a rental home located Trianna Shores, Harbour Island contacted Harbour Island Police Station and reported that while lying down in her upstairs third story southern room she observed a dark skinned short male clad in a white T. Shirt standing in the Bathroom section of her room and as a result she screamed ‘get out’ and the unknown male jumped off the balcony to make good his escape. She informed the other seven females that were staying with her and a check was made of their properties however nothing was observed to be stolen at the time. Police action requested.

Police Warning Sometime around 7.30pm on Thursday 17th August, 2017 a female of Harbour Island came to Harbour Island Police Station and reported that sometime around 7.00pm on Thursday 17th August, 2017, while at her residence she got into an argument with her co-occupant a man she knows by name after he used obscene language towards her cousin (3yrs) after she knocked on the bathroom door which all of the tenants of the residence share, while the suspect was using same. Police warning requested.

Road Accident Report Sometime around 6.30pm on Wednesday 16th August, 2017 a male of the USA contacted the Harbour Island Police Station via phone and reported that sometime around 9.00am on Wednesday 16/8/17, he along with his family left Harbour Island and went over to Eleuthera for a trip leaving his rental white golf cart L/P SD13 which is owned by Johnson Rental, parked on Bay Street in front of the Landing Hotel. They returned to the island around 6.30pm to discover a purple golf cart L/P SD13 lodged against the right front section and major damages to that area.

There was no driver or information pertaining to the incident left at the scene. Police action requested.

Sometime around 6.45pm officers left Harbour Island Police Station on enquiries and reported upon arrival at the scene speaking with the complainant who gave a statement and pointed out the vehicles involved.

A series of photographs of the scene were taken and a written statement was recorded from the complainant. This matter is under investigation.

Annoying Telephone Calls On Tuesday 15/817 sometime around 10.16am a female of Freeport, Grand Bahama, contacted the Harbour Island Police Station and reported that her daughter of the same address who has a mental defect has

been communicating with a young man of Harbour Island. Her daughter doesn’t have the mental capacity to engage in a relationship and she told the young man to stop contacting her daughter. As a result, he has been sending text messages and leaving voicemails to her phone constantly from August 14th, 2017 to present. Police Warning Requested.

An officer made a check at the residence of the man with negative results. Enquiries continue.

Causing Harm Report Particulars: On Tuesday 15/8/17 sometime around 10.50am a female of Dunmore Street, Harbour Island came to Harbour Island Police Station and reported that on same date around 9:00am while at a female friend’s residence she was attacked and beaten about the body by her boyfriend who also threatened to kill her putting her in fear for her life.. Police action requested.

An Officer recorded a written statement from the complainant. She was offered a Police Hospital form to seek medical attention which she accepted. A witness statement was also recorded from the female friend.

11.25am a female of Colebrooke Street, Harbour Island came to Harbour Island Police Station and reported that she is being harassed by a woman she knows. She stated that the last incident was on Monday 14/8/17 sometime after 8:00pm while leaving the area of the park.

The accused, singled her out to a passerby and informed them that she does not have a driver’s license, which is not true as she has a valid driver’s license set to expire August 31st 2018. Police Warning Requested.

An officer contacted Marva Higgs via telephone where she was informed of the complaint made against her. She was advised as to her actions and warned to be of good behavior towards the complainant.

Arrest reference to: Immigration violation Particulars: On Wednesday 16/8/17 Crew of police and immigration officers came in at Harbour Island Police Station with eleven Illegal Immigrants and reported that they were arrested and cautioned in reference to Immigration violation. All suspects appeared to be in good health at the time and remain in Police custody.

Harassment Report On Tuesday 15/8/17 sometime around

PM, DPM Lead Verification Process for Cabinet Ministers Prime Minister Minnis and Deputy Prime Minister Turnquest were two of 15 Cabinet Ministers to take advantage of the opportunity provided by officials from the Public Treasury Department who were on hand at the Cecil V. Wallace-Whitfield Centre to conduct the verification process for public service employees there.

Other Cabinet Ministers undergoing the verification process included: the Hon. T. Brent Symonette, Senator, the Hon. Carl W. Bethel, the Hon. Desmond T. Bannister, the Hon. Jeffrey L. Lloyd, the Hon. Marvin H. Dames, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell, the Hon. Dionisio J. D’Aguilar, the Hon. Michael C. Pintard, the Hon. Darren A. Henfield, Senator, the Hon. Dion A. Foulkes, Senator, the Hon. James Kwasi Thompson and the Hon. Elsworth N. Johnson.

Cabinet Ministers, the Hon. Romauld S. Ferreira, the Hon. Lanisha T. Rolle and the Hon. Brensil D. Rolle are off island. Health Minister, Dr. the Hon. Duane E.L. Sands had already completed the verification process.

The verification of the Cabinet Ministers/ Members of Parliament is part of an ongoing national verification exercise for Government Monthly and Weekly Employees and Senators and Members of Parliament.

Verification Centres were established at Ministry of Education schools in New Providence and at Government/Administrator’s Offices in Grand Bahama and the Family Islands since the process began on Tuesday, August 8, 2017. Verification ends Thursday, August 31, 2017.

The five Verification Centres in New Providence -- H.O. Nash High School, T.A. Thompson Junior High School, C.C. Sweeting High School, C.R. Walker High School and Doris Johnson High School – will cease operations as of the close of business onFriday, August 18, 2017 in preparation for the upcoming school year. Operations will be relocated to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium.

Treasury officials say Public Officers who are assigned to the Ministry of Foreign and the Ministry of Tourism overseas offices, are expected to verify at their respective locations, “following the procedures that have been forwarded directly to them by the Treasury Department.”

Persons who fail to present themselves to be verified will have their salaries interrupted – not ceased -- beginning September, 2017, until such time as they comply with the verification and reinstatement process.

Treasury officials further say the 2017 Verification Process is not new in Government, as “some form of the process has been undertaken by all serving Treasurers.”

“The verification process actually protects the public service employee because in addition to ensuring that they are legitimate public service employees, it also ensures that we have the correct data on each employee.”

Officials say not having up-to-date data can, for example, affect employees’ current and future National Insurance benefits and also their Treasury Pensions.

Allowances have been made for public service employees on vacation within and outside of The Bahamas. Those traveling outside of the country whose return date will not allow them to return to The Bahamas ahead of the August 31 deadline, can verify at any Bahamas Tourist Office (BTO) or Foreign Affairs Mission abroad while those within The Bahamas can verify at the Administrator’s Office in any Family Island, along with the Public Treasury (Central Abaco and Freeport, Grand Bahama).

By Matt Maura Bahamas Information Services

Local “Plus”

Online at www.EleutheraNews.com

| 08/09 2017

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bahamas aids foundation - hosts adherence/ Management Workshop - HIV / AIDS 101 On Saturday, August 19th the Bahamas AIDS Foundation hosted an Adherence Management seminar which included HIV/ AIDS 101 on the island of Eleuthera.

The initiative is an ongoing project by the AIDS Foundation and is being funded by a grant from CARICOM. Conducting the seminar were Mrs. Carlyn Smith – McKenzie, Lead Facilitator, Public Health Educator and Grant Administrator and Ms. Tracey Rahming, Social Worker. The theme of the series of workshops is Working Together For A Healthier ‘WE’. During the Seminar, the ladies thoroughly explained to the participants what is HIV/ AIDS and covered an overview of adherence practices. This included symptoms, testing, treatment, and healthy living. They also led a discussion on the psychosocial component which is another important aspect of any illness including HIV/ AIDS. Overall, participants were given general information on how persons living with HIV/ AIDS can have an improved quality of life by simply following strict medical adherence. The slide presentation showed some Bahamian statistics relating to the disease. The duo shared very valuable information on how The Bahamas AIDS Foundation has and can assist anyone affected by HIV/ AIDS. Assisting the Bahamas AIDS Foundation with logistics to host the seminar locally was The One Eleuthera Foundation.

Also partnering to make this forum available to Eleutherans was the Cancer Society of Eleuthera. The workshop took place in Palmetto Point at The Cancer Society Wellness Center. The audience comprised of over 20 persons who commuted from South Eleuthera thru to North Eleuthera.

Attending were Community leaders, Rotarians, nurses, a school principal, social worker, members from the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Police Reserve Officers.

A very lively and informative exchange took place between the facilitators and the attendees. Each attendee claimed to have learned new facts on the topics and were very grateful to have attended the Saturday morning session.

Registered Nurse and Midwife, Nurse Bianca Edwards stated, “I am glad for the information and the partnership with the foundations. Hopefully we can join forces to eradicate the stigma that people have on AIDS / HIV through role play and workshops throughout Eleuthera. Hopefully we can have more of lay persons from the communities”.

Another attendee was Mr. Andrew Hall, Plant Mechanic with BPL. Mr. Hall said, “The seminar was very informative and offered a lot more than I knew before.

The persons who led the seminar were very informative and accommodating to questions.” He concluded, “There’s a lot that

Pictured: Participants at the workshop.

Mayaguana, Cat Island and Abaco. Mrs. Smith McKenzie determined, “It is hoped that through these seminars, that public policies with regards to adherence management is implemented by the National

community leaders still need to do to get the numbers to zero.”

Mrs. Smith- McKenzie and Ms. Rahming, seminar facilitators both indicated that they were pleased with the way the session proceeded. The current campaign has hosted sessions in New Providence where they have shared the information with both audiences of adults and audiences of adolescents. They have shared with Community leaders, Church leaders, Urban Renewal, Social Workers, Caregivers of those affected with HIV/ AIDS and Police and Defense Force Officers. The team has plans to take their campaign to Central Andros,

Authorities and there is more collaboration with the National AIDS program to educate the community and the wider Bahamas.”

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National

08/09 2017

www. EleutheraNews . com

Bahamas and China Celebrate Twenty (20) Years of Strong Diplomatic Relations

NASSAU, The Bahamas (BIS) -- After 20 years of establishing diplomatic relations with China, The Bahamas continues to expand its cultural influence internationally through promoting diversity, building people-to-people friendships, and establishing sister city relationships through Sino-Bahamian expressions of mutual respect.

“There have been many exchanges of high-level delegations between our two countries as we deepened and strengthened our knowledge, understanding and appreciation of one another’s cultures, priorities, commitments and needs,” said the Hon. Darren Henfield, Bahamas Foreign Affairs Minister.

“To be sure, much has happened between us. It is the people-to-people exchanges that have demonstrated to us the face of the relationship, and which help to provide mutual benefits and understanding.”

Minister Henfield presented his remarks at the 20th Anniversary celebration of The Bahamas’ establishment of Diplomatic Relations with the People’s Republic of China at ceremonies on August 11, 2017 at the British Colonial Hilton.

“Official bilateral relations between our two countries were established on the 23rd of May, 1997. As two member-states of the United Nations, we have been able to develop a mutually respectful and beneficial relationship in the twenty years since,” said Minister Henfield.

“Ours has been a particularly harmonious relationship that has been guided and solidified, in the first instance, through the will and effort of our two nations to develop that relationship into a friendship. So, Ambassador Huang, we welcome this opportunity to share this evening with you to acknowledge and celebrate the

achievements reached between The Bahamas and China in those twenty years.”

Minister Henfield pointed out that the international relationship has introduced The Bahamas to the appointments of eight Chinese Ambassadors to The Bahamas and three Bahamian Ambassadors to China, as “the immediate and official link between our two Governments... to facilitate the communication, planning and implementation needed to realise our common aims and goals.”

Both countries have agreed upon the longterm goal of establishing a qualifying academic environment, comfortable for both Bahamian and Chinese students to choose The University of The Bahamas as an eminent educational institution for higher learning, research, and earning their academic degrees.

Minister Henfield added: “The Bahamas has been fortunate with the envoys who have been appointed to represent China in our country. You and your predecessors had a keen understanding of our common goals and aspirations, and the passion and commitment to move towards attainment of the same.”

Some of the notable diplomatic accomplishments over the last 20 years that Bahamians have witnessed emerging from the relationship between The Bahamas and China are construction of the Airport Corridor, the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, the Baha Mar resort complex, and The Pointe resort.

They also include the infrastructural developments to help buttress local coastlines against the ravages of sea-level rise, and the port developments in Grand Bahama and Abaco, along with the renewable energy endeavours.

“Modern diplomacy is built on a multitude of experiences and realities of different people,

which allows them to co-exist peacefully in this shrinking world of ours. The ideals for which we are striving cannot happen unless we come together, meet each other and commit to work side by side,” said Minister Henfield.

“Respect for the sovereignty of nations, the promotion and advancement of the socio-economic and sustainable development agendas, urban and rural development, the protection of the environment and human rights, capacity building, and the quest for peace take place when, collectively, we combine our efforts.”

Bahamians also enjoy the mutual support for international candidacies, visa-free travel to China, natural disaster relief assistance, as well as the dialogues engendered

and arrangements agreed at the national, regional and hemispheric levels.

“All contribute to a strong and mutually beneficial relationship, just to mention a few,” said Minister Henfield.

“China has proven to be a good friend and development partner to the people of The Bahamas. To this end, my Government will do its utmost to maintain and promote Sino-Bahamian relations through on-going dialogue between our capitals, and our business and cultural communities, for the benefit of both our nations and our peoples.”

By Gena Gibbs Bahamas Information Services

Elite Customs Brokers We offer: *Brokerage Services *Trucking *DHL Courier

Tel: 332-3066

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| 08/09 2017

By Malia Carroll

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Island “Buzz”

Aug/Sep 2017

Out n’ About

Ronnie Butler, D-Mac, Bodine, Sean, Funky D, Fanshawn Taylor, Qpid, Dyson Knight - Fantastic Lineup of Entertainers on island for the Emancipation Weekend BAY FESTS

The August Monday/Emancipation Day holiday weekend in Eleuthera was a star studded one with an impressive lineup of popular Bahamian entertainers, who enthralled the crowds at the twin Bay Fests held in Tarpum Bay, South Eleuthera, and in Hatchet Bay, Central Eleuthera during the long weekend.

Bahamian talent, the likes of Sean

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from Visage, rising star Fanshawn Taylor, seasoned artists Qpid, Funky D, and Bodine - lit up the stage in Tarpum Bay on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening, backed up by the Blue Connection band.

Meanwhile, in Hatchet Bay, the Synergy band set the stage for Bahamian artists, Dyson Knight and DMac (Dillon Mckenzie) on Friday and Sunday.

Above: Legendary Bahamian Entertainer, Ronnie Butler, now in a wheelchair, remains a stellar performer and fully engaged his Hatchet Bay audience.

Above: D-Mac interacting with his Hatchet Bay audience.

Above: U

On Saturday evening in Hatchet Bay, a special treat for the Eleuthera audience was featured entertainer, the legendary Ronnie Butler, who captivated the festival crowd with his golden, one-of-a-kind voice.

Island “Buzz”

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| 08/09 2017

Celebrating Emancipation Weekend

Hatchet and Tarpum (BAYS)

Above: Fanshawn Taylor interacting with the crowd in Tarpum Bay

Above: Multi talented Sean interacting with the crowd in Tarpum Bay

Above: Bodine on stage in Tarpum Bay.

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