North Andros students explore new horizons or Bridging
Bush res spark concern of only one re truck in GB
Several residents reported seeing an airport fre truck assisting the local fre crew in battling the fames.
By BARBARA WALKIN barbara@barefootmarketing.net
RESIDENTS and business owners expressed concern earlier this week after fast-moving bush fres burned near a local farm, grocery store, and several other businesses, raising renewed questions about emergency response capabilities on Grand Bahama, where it is alleged that only one fre truck is currently operational. The blaze, fuelled by strong winds, spread rapidly from the Freeport Ridge area to East Mall Drive, threatening nearby properties.
By BARBARA WALKIN barbara@barefootmarketing.net
THE growing partnership between IDB Lab and the University of The Bahamas’ UB Ignite programme brought together entrepreneurs, business support organisations and development partners on Thursday, June 11 at the University of The Bahamas North Campus for “Ecosystem Connect: The Roadshow,” a one-day forum focused on innovation, entrepreneurship and small business growth.
The event highlighted the increasing interest of the Inter-American Development Bank Group in strengthening The Bahamas’ entrepreneurial ecosystem and ensuring that micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) have greater access to capital, training and support services.
Opening remarks were delivered by IDB Country Representative Shirley Gayle, University of The Bahamas North Vice President Denise Barnes, and UB President Dr. Robert Blaine.
The forum featured local and international experts, including Gayle, Global ESO
“I was relieved when I saw the airport fre truck arrive,” Andre Pinder, who was leaving Cost Rite at the time of the fre, told Around da Island. “The fre was moving so quickly, and with all the talk about there being only one working fre truck on the island, it was reassuring to see additional help.”
Sherry Major, who witnessed the frefghting eforts said the assistance of the airport unit likely prevented the fre from spreading further.
Around da Island reached out to Grand Bahama and Northern Bahamas Fire Chief
IDB Lab and UB Ignite strengthen partnership
Assistant Superintendent of police (ASP) Richards for comment regarding the response and available frefghting resources but received no response up to press time.
However, Inspector Doron Russell, Second Ofcer in Charge for the Grand Bahama and Northern District, confrmed that assistance was requested from the airport fre department.
“An additional assistance was contacted from the airport fre department where the fre was contained, along with other residents using a backhoe to prevent the spread of fre to other nearby neighborhoods,” Inspector Russell said.
roundtable discussion examining what Grand Bahama needs to do to scale up its entrepreneurial sector.
Mrs Higgs, who co-coordinated the initiative with IDB Lab, said the event was designed to address longstanding disconnects among organizations supporting entrepreneurship in The Bahamas.
She explained that Ecosystem Support Organizations (ESOs), entities that provide funding, mentorship, training and other services to entrepreneurs, often work independently despite sharing common goals.
As part of that efort, UB Ignite announced the launch of a new digital ecosystem platform that will allow entrepreneurs to access information on grants, training opportunities, mentorship programmes and support services from multiple organizations through a single online hub.
He noted that strong wind conditions played a major role in the rapid spread of the blaze. Investigators have not yet determined the exact origin of the fre, though Inspector Russell indicated that heat and other environmental factors may have contributed to the outbreak.
In light of the recent fre, ofcials are once again urging residents to take preventative measures around their properties.
Meanwhile, there has been no update on when new fre trucks will arrive on the island.
Last year, Commissioner of Police Shanta Knowles revealed that she requested $12 million worth of frefghting equipment, including 21 fre trucks, to boost frefghting eforts by the Royal Bahamas Police Force Fire Services Branch.
At the time Commissioner Knowles did not give a timeline for the arrival of the fre equipment.
programmes, micro-grants and the expansion of support services across the country.
She noted that participation in UB Ignite programmes has expanded beyond Grand Bahama, with entrepreneurs from New Providence, Exuma, Eleuthera, Andros and other islands benefting from training and grant opportunities.
The university is also nearing completion of new entrepreneurship facilities that will include shared workspaces and business incubation areas, further strengthening support for startup companies and growing businesses.
Wel’Andra Francis-Rolle, Private Sector Development Consultant with IDB Lab in The Bahamas, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to supporting ecosystem builders such as UB Ignite.
Consultant Damian McIntyre, Maria Vallejo Martelo of IDB Invest, Julian Martinez of Suricata Labs, Keturah Babb Higgs, Executive Director of UB Ignite, and Wel’Andra Francis-Rolle of IDB Lab.
Discussions focused on understanding emerging
entrepreneurial ecosystems, access to capital, MSME growth and digital transformation, and the introduction of a new ecosystem platform designed to connect entrepreneurs with resources and support organizations. Participants also engaged in a
A major focus of the event was the ongoing partnership between IDB Lab and UB Ignite.
According to Mrs Higgs, IDB Lab provided $500,000 in funding, matched by the University of The Bahamas, to support entrepreneurship development initiatives. The partnership has already resulted in training
She noted that the UB Ignite project represents a combined investment of approximately $1 million when both IDB Lab funding and university contributions are considered.
Mrs Francis-Rolle described the initiative as a key component of eforts to strengthen the national entrepreneurial ecosystem and said she was pleased with the programme’s progress over the past three years.
IDB Lab and the University of The Bahamas’ UB Ignite programme brought together entrepreneurs, business support organisations and development partners on Thursday, June 11 at the University of The Bahamas North Campus for “Ecosystem Connect: The Roadshow,” a one-day forum focused on innovation, entrepreneurship and small business growth.
Photo: BARBARA WALKIN
WITH only one fire truck operational in Grand Bahama, residents are expressing concern as it appears that bush fires have already begun due to the heat index.
Photo: BARBARA WALKIN
Welcome…
… to Around da Islands, our weekly supplement, free with Friday’s Tribune.
This week we are delighted to have partnered with Bahamasair for the chance for a lucky reader to win TWO FREE RETURN TICKETS to any one of the airline’s Family Islands destinations. See Page 11 for details.
In this week’s supplement, we reveal how creativity, environmental stewardship and community pride were on display as students from across Grand Bahama were celebrated at the inaugural “From Waste, We Create” Award Ceremony and Eco-Art Exhibition held at MOSAIC Art Hub.
The competition challenged students to transform discarded materials collected from beaches, neighbourhoods, and communities into original works of art inspired by this year’s theme, Bahamian Pride – with some amazing results.
Every week, Around da Islands, having partnered with Grand Bahama 242, highlights news, features, and developments from Grand Bahama and the Family Islands, o!ering a broader national perspective beyond Nassau.
And don’t forget, this is your supplement too! Send us your story ideas, features and tips- we can’t run them all, but we’re committed to strong, fair representation from across the islands.
So come along for the ride! From all of us here at The Tribune – The People’s Paper.
Pgs 4 & 5 — Young artists turn beach waste into works of art
Pgs 6 & 7 — Jersey retired, legacy cemented: Jonquel Jones honoured by franchise she helped de ne
Pgs 8 & 9 — From North Andros to Ohio, decade-long mission of opportunity and connection
13 — You are ART in motion
Pg 14 — Jimmy’s returns as Platinum Sponsor of Regattas in e Abacos
Young artists turn beach waste into works of art
By BARBARA WALKIN barbara@barefootmarketing.net
CREATIVITY, environmental stewardship and community pride were on display Friday evening as students from across Grand Bahama were celebrated at the inaugural “From Waste, We Create” Award Ceremony and Eco-Art Exhibition held at MOSAIC Art Hub.
The competition challenged students to transform discarded materials collected from beaches, neighbourhoods, and communities into original works of art inspired by this year’s theme,
Bahamian Pride. The event also recognised participants in the Grand Bahama School Clean-Up Challenge, which encouraged schools to organise cleanups and compete for a $1,000 donation to their Eco Club, Art or Science department.
The initiative was organised by the Bahamas Environmental Recycling Initiative (BERI), a newly formed environmental organisation established earlier this year by Brittany Baldwin, owner and operator of Lucayan Adventure Tours, and Merilyn Ritchie, marketing and communication professional.
Ms Baldwin, BERI’s co-founder and president, explained that the six-month competition ofcially launched in January 2026 and concluded on June 1.
“From Waste, We Create consisted of individual student artists going out into their community and onto their beaches
and hosting their own personal beach cleanups and inland cleanups to gather materials that they would be using for their art pieces,” Ms Baldwin told Around da Islands. “It was six months of these individuals going out and cleaning up for the medium they would be using in the competition.”
Alongside the art contest, the Grand Bahama School Clean-Up Challenge motivated students and eco-clubs to take direct action in protecting the environment.
“A lot of the local schools and their eco-clubs came on board for it,” Ms Baldwin said, noting that schools across the island, including homeschool groups, participated in cleanup eforts. One homeschool group removed approximately 75 pounds of waste from the Dover Sound area using small infatable boats, she said.
The exhibition showcased the top student submissions selected from 25 entries received island-wide. Judges included internationally acclaimed marine artist Kerry Chen, who cast his vote remotely while travelling abroad. For organisers, the competition was about much more than creating artwork.
“It was very cool to see what their minds conceived from just collecting junk and then making it art,” Ms Baldwin said.
“The pieces make such a statement. It tells a story on its own, removing the trash out of the environment but turning it into something beautiful through the lens of the students.”
TOP - Aiden Rahming's (second right) artfully designed Turtle won the Bahamas Environmental Recycling Initiative (BERI) “From Waste, We Create” Student Challenge. Pictured are Brittany Baldwin (left), BERI’s co-founder and president; Linda Rahming (second left), Aiden's mother, and Merilyn Ritchie (right), BERI’s co-founder and vice president.
Photo: COURTESY OF BERI
AIDEN Rahming is pictured with the turtle that won him BERI's “From Waste, We Create” student Challenge.
Photo: BARBARA WALKIN
particularly challenging.
Photo: BARBARA WALKIN
MS Ritchie, BERI’s co-founder and vice president, emphasised the long-term impact the organisation hopes to achieve through youth engagement.
“Students and children and the younger generation are going to make the diference,” she said.
She added that instilling environmental responsibility in young people today will help ensure a cleaner and healthier Bahamas for future generations.
Community leaders attending the event praised the initiative for combining environmental action with artistic expression.
Nakira Wilchcombe, chair of the Keep Grand Bahama Clean Committee, said the competition provided a unique opportunity for students to turn their cleanup eforts into creative works.
She added, “It is unfortunate that they are garbage pieces or litter pieces, but it shows their creativity and how
they’re thinking. I applaud it, and I pray that this particular competition can grow.”
One of the evening’s highlights was the announcement of the grand prize winner, young artist Aiden Rahming, whose work, a massive, artfully designed Turtle, impressed judges with its creativity and environmental message.
His mother, Linda Rahming, said the project became a labour of love for her son.
“Aiden enjoyed the journey of the contest and poured his heart and soul into creating something meaningful from garbage collected from various beaches on Grand Bahama,” she said.
Mrs Rahming noted that her son’s passion for marine life inspired his work.
In the School Clean Up Challenge, Bishop Michael Edlon School (BMES) was named the winner. The organisers made special mention of BMES student Makaylah Wilchcombe, whose piece, along with Aiden’s,
made the judging process particularly challenging.
Building on the success of its frst year, BERI plans to launch the next “From Waste, We Create” competition this summer. The ofcial start date will be September 1, with the competition running for six months before culminating in an awards ceremony in February 2027.
Organisers also announced plans to expand the initiative by introducing an adult category after receiving signifcant interest from community members.
The expansion will allow residents of all ages to create art from recycled and recovered materials while continuing to promote environmental awareness and community cleanup eforts.
Ms Ritchie said: “For BERI, and our amazing sponsors, the goal remains simple but powerful: inspire a culture where protecting the environment becomes second nature, one cleanup and one piece of art at a time.”
THE ORGANISERS made special mention of BMES student Makaylah Wilchcombe, whose piece, along with Aiden’s, made the judging process
JERSEY RETIRED, LEGACY CEMENTED: JONQUEL JONES HONOURED BY FRANCHISE SHE HELPED DEFINE
BARBARA WALKIN barbara@barefootmarketing.net
left Connecticut for New York, won a championship, and now, Jonquel Jones has something else, her number hanging from the rafters of a franchise she helped defne.
The Connecticut Sun retired Ms Jones’ No. 35 jersey on Monday, June 8, just before the Sun hosted the New York Liberty, the very team Jones now calls home.
It was a full-circle moment for the Bahamian-born forward, one she described with the sense of gratitude
that comes from someone who never took the journey for granted.
“The Sun is a team that drafted me,” Ms Jones, who is a former pupil of Hugh Campbell Primary, in Freeport told Around da Islands in an interview following the ceremony Wednesday. “I did a lot of amazing things while I was there for the six years that I played. I was able to be multiple-year All-Stars, Most Improved, Sixth Woman of the Year, MVP, and all that good stuf. It felt nice to know that they felt that I was special, because the Sun organisation was very special to me. It felt good to know that they felt the same way.”
Ms Jones’ path to Connecticut is a story unto itself. Selected in the 2016 draft, she was technically chosen by the Los Angeles Sparks, but Connecticut had already worked a deal behind the scenes, acquiring her rights that same draft night in exchange for Chelsea Gray. It was a trade that worked out for both franchises, with Gray becoming a cornerstone in Los Angeles while Ms Jones blossomed
into one of the most decorated players in Sun history.
“They already had plans for LA,” Ms Jones explained with a smile. “They basically picked me because they knew how the trade was going on in Connecticut behind the scenes. So essentially, Connecticut drafted me.”
After six seasons with the Sun, Jones made the move to New York in 2023, and the decision paid dividends almost immediately, she earned a WNBA championship ring with the Liberty. Yet even in victory with a new team, the honour from her former home hit diferently.
There was also an added layer of signifcance to the timing. The Sun are relocating to Houston, making this retirement ceremony part of a broader efort by the organisation to celebrate its legacy before the move.
Ms Jones is one of several Sun legends being recognised as the franchise prepares for its next chapter. Former players Jasmine Thomas, Alyssa Thomas and Tina Charles, along with coaches Curt Miller and Mike Thibault, are also set to be honoured by the organisation.
“So, they wanted to make sure they get all of their former players and their former legends. It felt good that they thought about doing that before ultimately moving the team to Houston,” she said.
Beyond the banner and the ceremony, Ms Jones took a moment to speak directly to the next generation of young Bahamian girls, especially those in Grand Bahama who might be watching and wondering if a path like hers is possible.
Her message was honest.
“Being a professional athlete doesn’t have to be the end-all, be-all,” she said. “There are so many opportunities that being in sports or using sports as an avenue, can bring you through education. But there’s also so many other career opportunities in sports that most people don’t really know about. The front ofce, coaching, hiring, all these diferent sports companies. So many avenues.”
She also pushed back gently against the idea that success arrives in a straight line.
“People see me now as the player that I am and all the things I’ve accomplished, and I think they think that the journey is linear,” she said. “Like, you just go from The Bahamas, go to the States, and all of a sudden, you’re playing all these minutes. There are so many things that happened within my story where I didn’t know if I was going to get on the court. I didn’t know if colleges would be interested in me when I frst moved over from The Bahamas.”
What kept her going, she said, was simple: show up, work, and control what you can.
“I just decided to work every day and focus on what I could control. And then things started to fall in place. If you’re passionate about it and you show up with that level of passion every day and you work hard, the opportunities will come.”
For Ms Jones, those opportunities led her from the islands to the States, from Connecticut to New York, from prospect to MVP, from player to legend, with a jersey on the rafters to prove it.
JONQUEL Jones is welcomed to her former primary school, Hugh Campbell Primary, following the WNBA championship win in 2024.
BIS Photo
From North Andros to Ohio, a decade-long mission of opportunity and connection
By LEIGH LIGHTBOURN
As six students from North Andros prepare to spend eight days in Ohio this summer, they will be taking part in far more than a sightseeing trip. The exchange programme is the latest chapter in a decade-long partnership built on friendship, service, and a deep connection between a small Bahamian community and supporters thousands of miles away.
Friends of North Andros (FoNA), an Ohio-based non-proft organisation with strong Bahamian roots, was established in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew in 2016. What began as an efort to provide relief supplies to North Andros has evolved into a broad range of programmes designed to support communities, encourage personal growth, and create opportunities for young Bahamians.
At the heart of the organisation is a commitment to North Andros and its people. While headquartered in Ohio, FoNA's leadership includes Bahamians with deep ties to the island, including co-founder Maxwell Cartwright, who was raised in Nicholl's Town, and board member
Kortney Cartwright, a graduate of North Andros High School. Their perspectives, combined with years of involvement in the community, help shape FoNA's direction.
FoNA President Jennifer Cartwright told Around da Islands that the connection infuences every aspect of the group's work.
"The Bahamian connection is rooted in all of FoNA's operations," she said. "Whether it's disaster relief following a storm, hosting the Androsian Summer Students, or organising the summer camp for the residents of the Grand Bahama Children's Home, understanding the obvious opportunities or the more culturally nuanced opportunities is critical."
Cartwright herself lived in North Andros for seven years and has maintained close ties to the island ever since.
projects, Vacation Bible School programmes, career and life skills seminars, youth development initiatives and student exchanges. Yet according to Cartwright, the organisation's greatest success cannot be measured in supplies delivered or programmes completed. She said many families have shared stories about how service
experiences have changed the way young participants view the world.
"Many parents whose children have travelled on the impact trips to Andros and Grand Bahama have shared things like, 'You changed my child's life lens. They have become less focused on themselves and sought ways to support others.'"
Another participant, she noted, refected that, "I don't focus on material items as much when I know others fnd happiness and fulflment in fnding creative ways to reach their goals."
This year's Summer Student Exchange continues that emphasis on broadening perspectives and creating meaningful connections. The six students from North Andros, accompanied by a chaperone, will participate in a packed itinerary designed to expose them to new experiences while building confdence and life skills.
During their visit, students will take part in an art class, tour a fre department, visit the nationally ranked Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, enjoy Zoombezi Bay water park, explore the Centre of Science and Industry in Columbus, tour an equestrian facility, observe a working sawmill, and participate in workshops covering artifcial intelligence, digital currency platforms, fnancial literacy, personal goal setting and social-emotional regulation.
reward academic achievement, refecting the organisation's broader goal of nurturing curiosity and expanding horizons.
"The application does not ask or consider GPA in the selection process,” Cartwright explained.
“While many FoNA Summer Student participants have gone on to enjoy collegiate academic and athletic success, our focus is always to cultivate their curiosity and desire to strive to meet any goals they set for themselves.”
The exchange is also a reminder that cultural learning fows in both directions.
As FoNA approaches its second decade, the organisa-
The educational opportunities are only part of the experience.
"Having lived there myself for seven years and raising three Bahamian children as my own has also solidifed my lens of both potential benefts and barriers of any given decision or programme implementation," she said.
FoNA's frst major initiative came shortly after Hurricane Matthew when volunteers worked to send a single pallet of relief supplies to North Andros and community support exceeded expectations, resulting in six pallets being shipped. Since then, the organisation has sent a total of 18 pallets containing clothing, household goods, educational materials and other essential items.
The group's work has since expanded to include impact
Each evening, students will spend time with local host families who will introduce them to daily life in Ohio.
"The families will share familiar and unfamiliar cuisine with them as well as evening programming: campfre, s'mores and songs, yard games, pool parties, and fun," Cartwright said. "We are so very excited to welcome the six Androsian students and their chaperone to Ohio.”
One of the most signifcant moments of the trip will come when the students address supporters at the Presbyterian Church of Johnstown.
Interestingly, FoNA's selection process is designed to identify students who will beneft from the experience rather than simply
tion is already planning new initiatives.
Cartwright said the group intends to strengthen its partnership with the Grand Bahama Children's Home while expanding programmes and support.
"FoNA has many exciting plans for the next decade," she said. "We plan to further develop our partnership with the Grand Bahama Children's Home with expanded programming and giving."
She also hinted at a major announcement concerning the organisation's future direction.
"We'll have an exciting announcement at our annual fundraiser, An Evening in the Tropics, on October 3, 2026, regarding a far-reaching pivot for our youth development initiatives in North Andros."
For Cartwright, the continued generosity of supporters in Ohio and the enduring relationships built with Bahamian communities remain the foundation of everything FoNA does.
As another group of North Andros students prepares to board a fight to Ohio, the programme stands as a testament to what is possible when communities separated by geography remain connected by friendship, opportunity and a shared commitment to investing in the next generation.
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FRIENDS of North Andros
YE Old Mill: Velvet Ice Cream Company UTICA, OH
THE GOOD Cookie Club Bakery- Shelby Abbott has traveled to Andros and GBCH for
EQUIPMENT- Garrabrant Farms ALEXANDRIA, OH
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MICRO CROSSWORD
CHALLENGER
By CARA HUNT
Tribune Features Writer cbrennen@tribunemedia.net
ACLASSIC Bahamian folktale will be reimagined in a new classical Indian Dance called the Chickcharney which reminds everyone to embrace who they truly are.
The show which was choreographed by Keven Lega Jeff is the end result of a three-day cultural exchange residency for the Shirley Hall Bass Foundation and Legacy Project. The foundation is a nonprofit advancing performing arts education and heritage preservation across The Bahamas and Chicago.
It recently completed a landmark three-day cultural-ex change residency and open rehearsal for Chickcharney, an original dance theatre work that reimagines a powerful Bahamian folktale through the artistry of classical Indian dance.
The residency brought Bahamian choreographer Carlito Cata lano together with celebrated American cho reographer Kevin Iega Jeff, who lent his consult ing expertise to develop the work’s distinctive move ment vocabulary in Chicago at the Sammy Dyer School of the Theatre. Channeling the rigour and
emotional depth of classical Indian dance — its gesture (mudra) and expression (abhinaya) — the collaboration fuses two great cultural traditions into a single, universal language of movement.
Chickcharney tells the story of a flamboyant young Bahamian boy, scolded by his father for shining too brightly, who flees into the Andros wilderness and forgets the oldest warning of the islands: never laugh at the chickcharney.
meditation on the irreversible consequences of refusing to accept those we love as they truly are.
When he mocks one of the legendary curse-bearing birds, he is transformed forever —
“Chickcharney embodies everything our Foundation stands for — honouring Bahamian cultural memory while building bridges across artistic traditions,” said Cristin Carole, Founder, President, and Executive Director of the Shirley Hall Bass Foundation and Legacy Project. “To see this story rise through the meeting of classical Indian dance and Bahamian
folklore, in the presence of Antonius Roberts’s extraordinary sculpture, is to witness heritage and innovation taking flight together.”
The world premiere of the Chickcharney will take place Thursday, October 8, at the ICE Gallery in Nassau, hosted by renowned Bahamian visual artist Antonius Roberts. The performance will unfold in the presence of Roberts’s own monumental sculpture, also titled Chickcharney — the folkloric bird rendered in carved wood — uniting visual and performing arts in a singular Bahamian setting. A second performance follows Saturday, October 10, at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.
Both performances anchor the Shirley Hall Bass Foundation Biennial Benefit Weekend (October 8–11, 2026), a four-day celebration of Bahamian and diasporic artistry in Nassau, with proceeds supporting the Foundation’s mission across The Bahamas and Chicago.
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Jimmy’s returns as Platinum Sponsor of Regattas in The Abacos
FOR the fourth consecutive year, Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits (JWS) is proud to return as Platinum Sponsor of Regattas in The Abacos (RITA), continuing its long-standing commitment to Bahamian sailing culture, community celebration, and one of the country's most beloved maritime traditions.
Taking place June 20-28, RITA 2026 will once again transform the Sea of Abaco into a vibrant showcase of competitive sailing, island hospitality, and community spirit. The week-long event features fve racing days, two lay days, and a closing celebration, with activities spanning four islands: Green Turtle Cay, Great Guana Cay, Mainland Abaco, and Elbow Cay.
As part of its sponsorship, JWS will activate through three of its fagship brands: Sands Beer, Mount Gay Rum, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka, while operating complimentary Sailor Bars at every awards ceremony and lay day gathering throughout the regatta.
For Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits, the annual return to Abaco has become about much more than sponsorship. Blas Ingraham, Marketing Assistant for Bahamian Brewery. “The greatest takeaway from this event is the strong sense of camaraderie and fellowship shared between the Abaconians
and the sailors, along with the excitement and energy of the races. It is truly a celebration of community, tradition, and the spirit of sailing.”
That sense of connection is part of what makes the event unique. Unlike many regattas that remain in a single harbour, RITA carries competitors and spectators from cay to cay throughout the week, allowing participants to experience the distinct character of each community while enjoying some of the most spectacular sailing conditions in the world.
For local organisers, partnerships with sponsors such as Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits help ensure the continued success of the event and the communities it touches.
Beyond the racing itself, the regatta delivers signifcant benefts to local businesses, restaurants, bars, marinas, and accommodations throughout Abaco. Each stop along the route creates opportunities for residents and visitors to gather, celebrate, and support the local economy while enjoying the excitement on and of the water.
For the JWS team, returning each year has become an opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces, support valued business partners, and participate in an event that showcases some of the very best aspects of Bahamian life.
PICTURED at one of the Abaco Jimmy’s Wine and Spirits stores are (left to right): Josefina Adderley-Curry, RiTA Committee, Anva Butler, JWS Salesperson and RiTA Commodore, Dwayne Wallas.
Photo: courtesy of JWS for Barefoot Marketing
Duane – an 11-year-old leader with big dreams
By CARA HUNT
Tribune Features Writer
cbrennen@tribunemedia.net
THE island of Bimini is a little place with big dreamers and one of them, 11-year -old Duane Archer, was recently inducted into The Neil C Ellis Circle of Excellence.
Bishop Ellis founded the civic organisation after he stepped down as the senior pastor of Mount Tabor Church- a position he had held for 63 years.
He was also just 11 when he was invited to give a speech to welcome the then premier Lynden Pindling to his school. He has described the event as one of the most transformational moments of his life, shaping his outlook, aspirations, and future
BISHOP
Neil C. Ellis and 11-year -old Duane
Place with Big Dreamers. Five outstanding childrenthree girls and two boys were selected by their respective schools to participate for the top honour. They were assessed based on the Circle of Excellence's standardised assessment of aptitude, academic achievement, leadership ability, and exemplary deportment.
Bishop Ellis personally met with each of the fnalists ahead of the fnal competition.
Duane who attends Bimini Primary School emerged victorious after impressing the judges and capturing the hearts of attendees and won the People’s choice vote.
He explained that he was selected by his school because of his reputation of having leadership qualities.
“I was chosen because most people say that I am a good speaker. I actually was the moderator at my school’s graduation last year and I recently became student of the year at my school.”
Duane has a passion for airplanes and says that he would love to become an aero-space engineer one day.
I was overwhelmed and very emotional during the actual ceremony, because the scores to determine the winner were so close. But he worked very hard to put his best foot forward during this entire process and in writing his essay and I am so proud especially being single mom,” he said.
The competition came down to a razor thin margin with just a few points between the top two students.
The People’s Choice Award is the way that the organisation can break a potential tie. It allows persons who are attending the actual fnal competition to vote for their favourite student. Winning the People’s Choice award gave Duane, the boost he needed to claim the overall title securing his place in the Circle of Excellence.
personal dimension to the celebration and underscored the family's continued connection to the island and its people.
A solemn moment of silence was observed in memory of the competition's former Chief Judge, Andrew Albury, who passed away earlier this year during the planning stages of the 2026 event. The tribute served as a reminder of his invaluable contributions to the success, credibility, and integrity of the Circle of Excellence program.
Bishop Ellis expressed his delight at reaching the program's halfway milestone and reafrmed his commitment to sponsorship, scholarship, mentorship, and partnership with Bimini's youth.
accomplishments throughout his fve-decade journey.
Bishop Ellis created the Circle of Excellence with the hope that it will provide a similar life changing experience for youth on the island.
This year’s ceremony held under the "Bimini: A Little
In the meantime, he says that he would like to start a study group with his fellow students and launch a clean-up campaign to beautify the island.
His proud mother Thelya Archer told The Tribune that this is just another honour in her son’s already impressive resume.
“I was so proud that once again he has been chosen to be honoured.
As the 2026 inductee, Duane received a six-year scholarship to Gateway Christian Academy; a visit to Nassau for ofcial meetings with Bishop Ellis, the Prime Minister of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, and the Minister of Education; round-trip travel aboard Balearia Caribbean; a Samsung tablet; the Award of Excellence Trophy; a commemorative medal bearing the Circle's insignia; the Ofcial Circle of Excellence Regalia; and a cash prize.
Among those in attendance were, Administrator Evak Arthur and the newly elected Member of Parliament for Bimini, Randy Rolle, both of whom brought brief remarks to the gathering. The event was moderated by Parliamentary Secretary Jack Thompson. Also present were Bishop Ellis' siblings, whose attendance added a deeply
He further announced an expanded partnership with Louise McDonald High School and revealed plans to establish a debate competition program at the institution later this year as an annex to the Circle of Excellence.
The initiative represents yet again his continued commitment to sponsorship, scholarship, mentorship, and partnership between Bishop Neil Ellis and the youth of island of his birth; a visionary undertaking which is expected to create additional opportunities for students to develop critical thinking, public speaking, leadership skills, and academic exposure akin to the one aforded him by Sir Lynden.
Bishop Ellis also expressed his gratitude to Resorts World Bimini, Western Air, BTC, Verizon Media, Tycoon Management, Pia Glover-Rolle, Randy Rolle, Parliamentary Secretary, Mount Tabor Church, Sheltering Tree Consultants, and Tameka Pinder of BAF for partnering with the vision and investing in the future of Bimini's youth.
Planning is already underway for next year's event and for 2028, when the highly anticipated induction of the Circle's sixth member will conclude the Circle's foundational phase and mark the beginning of "Phase Two" in its evolution of continued service to the youth of Bimini and the wider Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
(L-R) Thelya Archer, Bishop Neil C. Ellis, 11-year -old Duane Archer and Member of Parliament for Bimini, Randy Rolle
