|
Thursday,
July 15, 2004 Navigate Back To main page To Report News and Daily Information on
this Website send Email to: [email protected]
A house at Governors Harbour, Eleuthera- Painting By Eleuthera Artist Kevin Cooper Tuesday, July 13, 2004 News, Articles, and Poetry: Remember that our Back To The Bay homecoming is about to begin here in Tarpum Bay at the end of the month leading into the beginning of August. If your looking to experience one of the best homecomings on the island annually make this a pilgrimage along with the other thousands of Bay men who converge on our tiny sea side village each year around this time. It is going to be a spectacular event beginning with a church on Wednesday night and going through till that following Monday night when it will end. Lots of great events are planned this year including such things as our annual fire works display, our fashion show, Skits, the annual dance and many other events. If you are a fan of this village come and meet the others as we celebrate in our grand Bahamian style. Hatchet Bay will also be holding their annual homecoming at this time as well. The entire island will be abuzz with events. Article: One thing I remember from 1983. The fear and isolation I felt while in the middle of New York City, alone. Roaming around the city while on a day tour out of the curiosity of seeing what the city of New York had to offer. Gripped with isolation and fear, I did not sleep the whole night. Though I got to see some of the great sites the city had to offer like central park, St. Georges Cathedral, Madison Square Gardens, 42nd Street, Broad Way, the Rockets, The Carnegie Deli, The Central Park Hotel and Time Square among many other memorable sights I did not relax and enjoy them for their intrinsic value. Meeting a New Yorker was an impossibility, Cab drivers, passers by and others busy with their day did not spend the time to smile, wave or ask how my day was going. I compare that with the life I have found again in my native island, Eleuthera, Bahamas. Today here I’ve found certain peace, tranquility and a definite security that makes all the difference in life. The abundance of local friends and people concerned with the welfare of all people they know. The kindness to hail, speak and inquire directly as to the day one is having is one of the treasures anyone would find should they visit our village or island. Those little things mean so much and make the difference in the daily lives of all those touched by such human amenities. The well being of the human being is still the center of attention and paramount among our citizens. For twelve years now I have made this seaside village my home again and my daily experience has become the most important find in my busy life. I have experienced and found exactly what I have sought after for so many years while working after college and contemplating which city of the world would be my home. The peacefulness, security and tranquility have allowed me to find the inspiration I sought after to become a Novelist. I was afforded the time and concentration needed to gather ones thoughts and author more than six novels and lately now three screen plays. In short, I would not trade this experience with any other I’ve had in life and I found it almost by mistake by taking the chance I took to find this place I love so much in life. That truly is a find. The one place on earth where I found the solace and security I needed to call home. To find myself among the people I love is an experience I will treasure for a lifetime. Although challenged with day-to-day commitments the overall experience of this seaside village is above all I have found on my worldwide travels during my years of insecurity, searching and experimentation. It was here all the while; I just had to discover it. Discovering paradise in a place among people is the greatest treasure of my life. Without being too personal I wish that more people were able to discover similar stability in a place in the world whether in a city or on an island. I wish this great personal experience for you. Sitting under the gazebo tonight with some friends I peered out over the calm seas and saw the distant golden streams of light emanating from the distant street lights across the water. The waterfront filled with people out for the evening, all searching for some place to feel the coolness of the night air and forget the stirring heat and stresses of the day. Voices drifted in from distant people discussing and joking about the days events and other news. The immense tranquility, security and peacefulness of the moment reminded me of the search I had earlier in life to find a home. Why I had to go abroad on my own and leave behind such peacefulness and security are still a mystery but a necessary travel undertaken by so many of my fellow islanders that it seemed the natural progression of the time. In order to appreciate what you have, lose it for a moment and imagine what you have lost compared to what you have found. Tonight I reminisced and realized what I have found in finding a home in this little village by the sea. The enormity of what we have socially and personally dawned on me tonight in the cool night air of the seashore and I knew that I had to share it with you. Aside from the security of home summers seaside village has so much to offer. One day soon I’ll leave for some short vacation or some trip abroad and once again realize the enormity of the offerings summers seaside village that is our home in Eleuthera and Tarpum Bay. Paradise is a place within. Paradise is a place I longed for and found. Days like today remind me of my search for meaning and as close to absolute security on earth as I have found in my return home. Fishing Report: Fishermen are preparing for the upcoming lobster season to begin August 1st. That’s the single largest event for Bahamian fishing annually. Smack fishing boats from several ports around the Bahamas can realize as much as 1 million dollars income in a single months trip out to sea. The potential is enormous and a must for lovers of the sea. Lobster sells locally for around $11.00 per pound according to the last lobster season. Get your delicious lobster at the docks in
Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera soon. More daily news from Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera,
Bahamas tomorrow. Monday,
July 12, 2004 Weather: Warm weather today in Eleuthera. The high today soared up to 92 degrees Fahrenheit. Cloudy skies with little chance of rain has been the trend for some time now. The drought continues into the summer. It has rained only about ten short times this year since January. Farmers are distraught. Most days are great for tanning in the sun and enjoying the outdoor beach and fishing scene. Enjoy
our Eleuthera weather today. News,
Articles and Poetry: In Eleuthera today marks the end of the Independence holiday which began on Wednesday of last week. On the island of Eleuthera we had two major celebrations, homecomings in the settlements of Bluff and Savannah Sound. In addition there were four major celebrations celebrating our 31st independence this year. The home comings went great and attracted many people from abroad and from Nassau, Bahamas. On their own these homecomings draw more than six thousand people to the island. This year there were fashion shows, live music featuring Nehemiah Hyled who sang at one point for Bahamen. Other entertainers were the fire dancers, several local Eleuthera bands and a number of other entertainers from the island. There was one unfortunate fight that took place at Savannah Sound but over all the events went well. Tonight closing out the holiday, independence celebrations will be a church service at Rock Sound, Eleuthera Methodist Church following that event will be a massive fireworks display on the shores of Rock Sound. This year has been a fabulous 31st Independence celebration. Come to Eleuthera and see what Independence celebratrions are about each year at July 10th. In other news last week saw the sad passing of one of its residents, Mr. Micheal Cooper. Micheal was a hard working, well loved member of the community of Tarpum Bay. His industrious, witty nature will be missed among his friends in Tarpum Bay. Micheal will be laid to rest next week in Nassau, Bahamas, his home. Mr. Garfield McCartney was laid to rest last Sunday 27th of June. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends in Tarpum Bay and other regions of the Bahamas. Mr. McCartney is best known for the Royal Castle in Tarpum Bay when in the hey days of his life he was a well known, highly decorated diving guide and a deep sea fisherman. His successful career spanned more than fifty years where he taught and mentored many divers, snorkelers and fisherman at home and abroad. Poetry:
The
Heat of Summer Have you ever seen Our village on a summer day? Winter dreams have passed away Noon times desire is to be cool The purish heat Of summer rules Like a tyrant of ancient times Boys at sea and girls at play Like firestorms have passed Our way and summers blight Has retarded the rain What will we do When years go by And summer sun Lights up the sky? Impossible dreams for The lost of summer village go by Tourist flock down for the sun Days of beach and nights of fun Kalik and rum for those who come To our seaside village by the Bay Done your best to toil the fields Fisherman pull traps and reels Lobster, grouper for those who feel To sample paradises delectable feast Villagers dream of jasmine nights Clutching pillows, holding tight To dream of tomorrow Dipping bodies in clear blue seas Have you seen a beach so pure Leaves you forever wanting more Seaside village has the cure for what ails you today Come on down and join the fun Have some punch enjoy the sun Send your desires on the run In seaside village by the sea Saturday, July 10, 2004 Poetry: Dark,
Dark Night Dark is the eternal night Shadows never burn so bright Wishing all the day be bright I did not sleep this hour Dark the thoughts are in my head Frightened by the thought of dead Come the hours I do dread Darkened hours of night Separated by design Lonely hours mount and climb Thoughts of danger cross my mind Sleep evades its master Finally in morning hours As if by magic or by powers Overcome with as it towers Sleep may finally come As if excited by the world As if unburdened by the girl As if the flags of life unfurl The deep, deep sleep of the dawn Then shortly morning does arrive How gently manhood releases stride Awakened by the first light plied The
magic of morning begins Friday,
July 09, 2004 Weather: Dry, warm weather has marked Eleuthera for the past few weeks. Summer is upon us in full swing and there is no end to the heat of day. Nights are cool and pleasant and are no comparison for the harshness of the mid-afternoon. In fact the coolness of the late night makes the experience seem worth the while. Summers drafty air mixed with the delightful breezes of summer combine to create a memorable evening experience. Sit out by the water at night and feel the coolness of summer as opposed to the arid heat of mid-day. Glance at the open skies filled with the twinkling starry formations. Outdoors at night in Eleuthera is a wonderful experience. The secure, tranquil feeling is unsurpassed. Cool,
quiet Eleuthera nights are something to remember. Enjoy our Eleuthera weather
today. News,
Articles and Poetry, In the news today are a few things that have genuinely touched the community of Tarpum Bay over the past several weeks. The pouring out of support for the local government candidate who has launched the largest interest in local government elections since the process began were the topic of discussion buzzing through the community for the last several weeks. The cries from all corners,”Vote for the man with the plan,” was cried out by many who had the interest of our little town at heart along with its currently elected new protector, Mr. Rat Knowles. He arose out of nowhere to become the candidate of the people. A man with a keen interest in peoples affairs and a genuine interest to get something done at every corner of our little community. Mr. Knowles Ten Point Plan topped the agenda as he moved through the community in stealth and determination to wallop his apponent and he did. Mr. Knowles predicted that out of 425 voters he would, by his estimates allow only error for her 36 votes. And do you know that he was almost precisely right. Rats opponent won only 37 votes to his 106. Mr. Knowles and campaigning crew won an overwhelming majority and had the good time to celebrate the evening after the election. Reportedly his opponent carried her sodas and macaroni home for future belabored consumption. Some times are great in a small village when components and people are pulled together in order to defeat the misconcepted. Strenght and outpouring at such times makes life a great satisfaction to savor at the time of victory. If only, he was told by supporters that if he could only pull of such a meaningful campaign in a general election he could move into great power as the representative of the people of South Eleuthera, the one which the people so badly need. Rat exhibited great strength and character in his election campaign and though there was little materially to gain it was his sacrifice for the people that counted most. It’s the little things that count. Now we rest from the confusion, fun and turmoil to savor the victory and move on to the peoples business. Life can be great in a little village by the sea. If only sustained by a few memorable moments of cohesiveness and sense of purpose in candidates and people as brought out by this election. Hats of to the Rat. “Vote for the man with the ten point plan,” now echoes in the ears of the local commeners of Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera. Beautiful words wished to be heard once more. Poetry: Mothers Best When I was but a little boy My mother used to say Careful how your playing boy You might grow up that way Now I am an older man No longer short and proud And mother does her best today Not to think out loud Fishing Report: With not more than three weeks to go fishermen are getting excited. Lobster season begins in less than 21 days. The delicious delicacy, too expensive and now out of reach to most locals, is the favorite of many visitors to our shores and is along with the Nassau grouper one of the most sought after seafood delicacies on our menus. The expensive delicacy is becoming extinct to a large degree however. Right now scientist cannot predict whether or not our coming generation will be able to enjoy the rich seafood as we do today. Scientist can only predict and conserve by closing the lobster season from January to August each year. After all the major issue is the prolonged survival of the species that matters most. Whether future generations and we we may be able to enjoy this delicious commodity so sought after and enjoyed by so many around the world. Our fishermen do an excellent job of harvesting the jeweled crustaceans. The ability to earn a little more money than usual drives many fishermen to cheat by abusing and destroying some of the declining habitat of the Bahamian Lobster by the illegal use of chemicals and other unordinary means. Collectively we must police this enterprise in seafood we have. It is up to all of locals, visitors and us alike to be vigilant and caring enough for future generations and for the species as a whole for it holds such value and meaning to us. Our best conservation methods are imperative in this fight for the continual survival of the Lobster and other delicate seafood species in the Bahamas and around the world. Get your supplies of fish today at the docks in Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera. Return to top of page Return to start/home page For
more news visit Tarpum Bay today tomorrow Sunday,
July 04, 2004 Weather: Cool breezy weather tonight. Clear skies with occasional clouds. Some chance of rain expected tonight. The low tonight will be between 80 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Enjoy
our cool Eleuthera nights when you have the opportunity. News,
Articles and poetry: Some days are better than others. Some days we wake up in the middle of our sleep and realize that we have found something that really matters to us, something we really love. We find the masterpiece of our lives and actually at times feel the passion we need to complete the work. Today was one of those days for me. I have found a renewed passion to work and write as much as I can about the island of Eleuthera, its people and its relation to the country of the Bahamas. We live in different worlds. Its evident through the attitudes of people we meet and their opinions of our local society. Everyone says we’re nice, friendly people after spending a week among us. Their surface view is a continual asset we depend on as an indicator in our tourism trade but it goes deeper than that. There is much more these people do not know about us. They do not know our lives intricately. They know only a surface view, a birds eye view, a spiders view, a simple peek into the complicated lives we live in paradise. We are burdened at times with this view. How do we explain that paradise exists only in the minds of the beholder, like beauty it evades us at times and plays tricks on our minds. Our leaders use this elusive description of paradise to influence us that we are actually living envied lives that people take for the valuable elevated lives they wish to live if given the opportunity. If so, if they are correct then why do we have these nagging miseries that drive us to all manner of undesirable existence. These undesirable existences manifest themselves mainly externally through the most visible undesirable practices. The abuse of Alchohol, the abuse of drugs like Marijuana and Cocaine are other manifestations of our illnesses. Our dependence on unregulated government employment is another of these to which the majority of Eleutherians, in fact Bahamians subscribe. Life is a splendor. Life is a mysterical experience, which should be experienced and lived with utmost attention to creativity and productivity. We must find something in life which we love to do and do it well. We must find a definition of mastery along our travel in life and grow from infancy in existence to grow by leaps and bounds realizing accomplishments beyond our wildest dreams. This is civilized life. The unfettered ability environmentally, socially and economically to dream our most eccentric, pleasant dreams. We must have the freedom of choice to explore our ideas and interest with a fascination that has the ability to motivate our curiosity and satisfy our desires, as do the astronauts who travel beyond the stars. Our day-to-day existence while exploring these necessities is menial. Whether we’re rich or poor is secondary and should not be the primary focus. Whether we accomplish our masterwork of art in our existence is unconditional. We must aspire to greatness in literature, art, business and science. We all know that our potential is limitless. That we can accomplish almost any goal we set out to achieve. Each of us has a need to experience this mastery in life. Why political organizations corrupt this basic premise of their conditional relationship with its citizens is at the heart of whether we live in paradise or not. Paradise is a state of mind, less likely a place. Yet they flock here by the thousands to experience some measure of paradise on earth. As they trample among our garbage, excuse our jagged manners and travel along our lonely shores we grant them some measure of paradise. Paradise
is a conditional state of mind. Have you felt the exhilaration derived from
your elusive masterwork? Have you experienced paradise? Fishing
Report: Fishing continues. Fishermen are preparing and looking forward to the upcoming Lobster season beginning on the 1st of July. It’s the largest economic opportunity for many Bahamian Fishermen. In addition many species of frying fish, favored by the locals is being sold. Get
your fish supplies at the docks at Tarpum Bay today. Back to top of page Back to home/start
page Tuesday,
June 29, 2004 Weather Another warm sunny day expected today. We’ll have clear skies with occasional cloudiness by late afternoon. No rain is expected today. Today the high of 90 degrees Fahrenheit is expected. The low tonight of 82 is expected. Enjoy our Eleuthera weather today. News, Articles, and Poetry In the news today, last night there was a massive fire at the home of Mrs. Margaret Cox. The entire two story home was lost due to the lack of a fire truck. There is a great need for a fire truck in our community since we experience much loss by fire. This year especially we have lost more than three houses by fire. Coming to the rescue were Mr. David Morley with his water towing truck, Mr. Cleveland Knowles with the community fire engine, Mr. Peter Carey with his truck. The local police also played a big part in spraying the house down with water to avoid the surrounding bushes from catching and causing the fire to spread to other homes in the area. The house was a total loss. Many other local people assisted with the eradication of this fire. The fire truck from the Airport in Rock Sound played a big part in outing the fire but came on the scene too late due to having to get authorization from Nassau for use. The local MP, Mr. Oswald Ingraham was also on the scene. Hopefully the intense need for a fire truck locally will be noted and fulfilled by his attendance at the fire. There is a great need for a fire truck and volunteer crew locally. In other news the upcoming local government elections are drawing near. There is some controversy over the legitimacy of one of the two candidates. Whether or not a civil servant, in this case a policewoman is eligible to run in a local government election. The local commissioner has sanctioned the lady to run however some still don’t know if it’s constitutional according to the rules of local government. The other candidate, Mr. Rat, Glen Knowles has been campaigning hard for a longer time than his opponent and hopes to come out with a land slide victory for his efforts. He is seen by many to be the man of the people in the community and that fact may go a long way for him on Election Day. The post is a volunteer position on the local government board in Tarpum Bay, which is mandated with the annual budget and upkeep of the settlement of Tarpum Bay. Each settlement on the island has its own board. Fishing:
Fishing continues daily with the sale of Frying Fish, Netted Jacks and snapper and conch. Some grouper is available as well on a daily basis. Lobster
season opens on the 1St of august. Fishermen are getting ready for
this day when they can return with lobster. Lobster is a big favorite among
our visitors and many locals. The lobster will cost above $11.00 per pound
this year. Back to top of page Back to
home/start page Sunday,
June 20, 2004 Weather:
Sunny and bright today. Open skies with little cloud cover and little chance of rain today. It’s a wonderful day for the outdoors. Its warm and clear. High today of 90. Make your way to the beach to enjoy our Bahamian weather. News,
Articles and Poetry: “Vote for the Man with the plan,” is the latest new slogan in the village today. Rat, the local government candidate made his debut on Friday morning at the commissioners office in Rock Sound with an entourage of Tarpum Bay men beating drums and cowbells to sign as a candidate in the next open elections at Local Government. Rat, also known as Glen Knowles is actively seeking the nomination for the local government vacant seat. Glen is running on a ten-point plan, which he expects to carry out for the people of Tarpum Bay once elected. Glen says he will change things for the better and improve conditions for the local people. He says he’ll make the difference and do better than the others have done to improve life in the local village. This several week campaign marks the first time a local government candidate has shown this much interest in the office and has gone so far to demonstrate his intentions to the local people. Many commend Rat for his efforts and say that he definitely has their vote. Rat has wide support in the community and would go in unopposed with a sweeping victory were it not for the controversial candidate Laverne Scrivens who is said not to be eligible for office since she is a Public Servant working for government as both a police and a health officer. The Commissioner could not answer whether or not she is eligible on Friday but promised to look into the matter by calling Registrar officials in Nassau for an answer on the situation. More elaborate celebrations are promised by the Rat once he is elected. He promises a win fall for the people of Tarpum Bay and is carried along as a candidate with a plan and ideas beyond the other already elected candidates. More news is expected to come in on the matter as it progresses toward the election. Friday, June 18, 2004 Poem: Rising Sun In the east the morning fury Lights the sky of day. Gene has risen hence For morning meetings to begin. Comes alive this glorious village. To the masters call and more divine. Dummy has snagged a shark. Who’s carcass rots in the sea and wind. She streaks her golden beams Over fair, light waters As she rises in the sky. Who would not have this day Is lame. Its challenges bring forth Almighty power. Gone are the days of sleep and slumber. The modern craft enters in. We’ll bring forth many in Our golden age. The
seaside village sleeps no more. Thursday, June 17, 2004 Weather: Mostly Sunny and bright today with rain this evening. The temperature rose to a high of 89 degrees with a light breeze over the landscape. The evening will be cool with a nice breeze and a low of around 79 degrees. Enjoy our nice Eleuthera weather today. News, Articles and Poetry Summer officially begins the 21st of this month and school kids will be out of school to enjoy the summer holiday. Tarpum Bay Local Government is planning a summer after school schedule for the kids of Tarpum Bay in order to use some of their free time constructively and keep them in a learning environment. A Computer training program is being scheduled for the students and anyone else who would like to get involved. The international good will group Eleuthera Relief has already donated over 100 computers to the local schools and community cybercafe’s in several settlements over the South Eleuthera area. More than 100 additional computers are scheduled to arrive in Eleuthera from that organization by August. These additional computers will be put to good use by community organizations interested in investing time in computer use and computer training by opening cybercafe related institutions. This is a commendable effort headed by Mr. and Mrs. Lisa Krupp and family from Chicago, Illinios. The family has been doing great things for the local economy of Tarpum Bay and South Eleuthera for many years now and this new initiative is in keeping with their development interest in the area. Much like the philanthropic efforts of the
Harbour Island group who supplied computers for more than five internet
training centers in North Eleuthera the good will goes on. Fishing Report: Fish at the dock is available daily for your purchase. In a discussion with some of the local fishermen prices were discussed and are as follows: Whole grouper $3.75per pound Filet Grouper: $6.00per pound Pan Frying fish: $1.00-$2.00per pound depending on size. Packages of pan frying fish Fish-$5.00 More news from Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera
tomorrow Back to top of page Back to
home/start page Weather: Today the weather is quite pleasant. Sunny and bright skies with occasional clouds and little chance of rain. The breeze is blowing at about 5-8 knots. Its cool this morning. The temperature is expected to rise into the upper eighghties by late afternoon then cool down to a low of around 78 degrees overnight. That makes for quite a pleasant day for Eleutherians. Its summer now. Enjoy our Eleuthera weather today. News, Articles, Poetry: In todays news, Eleuthera roads getting an entire new surfacing from The Glass Window Bridge straight on up to Bannerman Town. The minister responsible for the upkeep of the roads in the Bahamas announced the awarding of a major multi-million dollar contract to a local contracting company, Symonettes Enterprise out of Rock Sound, Eleuthera. This major contract paves the way for Eleuthera’s road ways to meet the standards expected by its visitors. Mainly for the purpose of upgrading the road surfaces for tourists and locals this major contract was awarded. In other news Bahamians are launching a major protest against the Governments protectionist policies of the nations only monopolistic telephone company, Batelco. These protectionist measures they say are outright illegal in a free market economy like the Bahamas where government protects the interest of the few managers and companies awarded contracts as a result of doing business with the company. It is alleged that this basic right to freedom through free speech is being impeded by the government of the Bahamas. In an online article the author made comparisons to the rates offered by todays international Voice Over Internet Protocol(VOIP) services and the protected rates offered by Batelco. The VOIP operators like Vonage and Net2Phone are able to offer through the internet telephone rates of .02-.05cents per minute while Batelco offers to Bahamians the unbelievably inflated rate of .99cents for the same minute. This horrendous practice by the Government of the Bahamas is seen by the author as down right illegal in the Bahamas’s free market system. The government said the article should be upholding and protecting the rights of Bahamian citizens and not disenfranchising them by this long-term, historic practice of protecting government owned corporations and not allowing free market forces drive these industries. In this he said that the government of the Bahamas is shortsighted and not immune to this factor backfiring on them during an election process. The author further states that Bahamians are entitled to these free speech initiatives like telephone communications and other government protected practices by the government of the Bahamas. More news is expected to come from this
source. Fishing Report: Fishing resumes today with sales of local varieties of fish products available for sale on the docks at Tarpum Bay and several other villages in Eleuthera. Come get your fresh fish supplies today after 3pm at the docks in Tarpum Bay. Tell em I sent ya. Hehe Have a great day. Back to top of page Back to
home page Tuesday, June 15, 2004 Weather: Sunny day today without rain. The skies were clear and bright. Cool delightful evening with much cool breeze. The high today was 89 degrees Fahrenheit; the low tonight is expected to be around 75 degrees. Some chance of rain expected in the near future. Enjoy our Bahamian weather and landscape today. Warm days and cool nights are reminiscent of our typical summer days. News, Articles, Poetry Some initiatives are delightful. When the magical forgiving spirit rises to the height of philanthropy through religious conviction some great things can happen among men. One of the great things happening right here in our little community of Tarpum Bay is that the group called Habitat for Humanities is present among us. For several years now through the organization and in collaboration with the Bahamas United Methodist Church this group has been sponsoring their generous activities by spending a few weeks doing good works in the communities of Eleuthera. Some of their projects have been the refurbishment and upkeep of the Methodist mission house where they are housed. Painting, carpentry, plumbing and other skills are available among the capable hands of the participants coming in from the United States. Other generous projects are planned and are being carried out by this joint organization. As a part of their benefit for their services the groups of mainly young people and some middle-aged chaperones get to enjoy the delightful Bahamian environment and people during their stay. They are constantly interacting with their hosts and ministering through the gospel through songs, music and church services. The people of our community are grateful for this activity and always welcome others willing to do good and lend a hand to our development. Our time come when a lending hand is needed and we reciprocate in the ways that we can to meet this responsibility. As we grow our commitment to good will among our communities and abroad will top our agenda and we will through our willing heart be able to lend a hand to the needy an d minister much in the way that habitat for the humanities is doing for us today. The Good will and generosity of our hearts goes on. Weather: Sunny, bright skies with ocassionally scattered clouds. Recent rain activity welcomed to Eleuthera after a six month drought brought smiles and well wishes to the faces of the local people all of whom have some need for rain. Farmers were especially ecstatic about the recent rain activity. Hopefully this trend will continue to turn around the dead plantlife and farm conditions. There is not much chance of rain today. The temperature is a warm 85 degrees at this time with an increase expected at the early afternoon hours. Enjoy our Eleuthera weather today. News, Articles and Poetry Announcement: This News service discontinued coverage in an anticipated attempt of the economic turn around in the local economy. However the negativity continues without the proposed economic assistances. This reporting is warranted further and will continue to the best of our ability as we monitor social/economic conditions in this beautiful, tropical area of the globe. In the news today, while still tropical and primarily delightful the economy of the island of Eleuthera is worse off economically than its ever been since modern development took place in the sixties. Eleutherian are in an understandable state of shock over recent economic events. Despite the numerous announcements of development by the National government Eleuthera is No better off than it has been for the past twenty five years. There is still only a handful of people and businesses loyal to the present government who have benefitted economically from political developments and announcements in Eleutheras entire history. These few politically charged companies control the slight economic activity on the Island with an iron fist. Eleutherians and others know exactly who those are. Their favored political economic status is historic in Bahamian politics and their prominence has blossomed in the local economy in recent times since the government appearantly seeks to bolster its position and presence on the island at this time. Financial support to oppostition business establishments by either government is non existant and is in line with historic political patronage of its supporters. Despite efforts to get the economy of the island jump started again by both the FNM and the PLP governments there has been no meaningful economic activity in the last twenty years other than the failed Club Venta and The demolishing and resale of Club Med, due to hurricane damage. Other small local business initiative have tried to take the place of larger capital ventures in the island with minimal effect. They just don't have the audience, the capital or the expertise to impact the local economy in a meaningful manner. Eleutherians are faced with rising Electrical rates, the high strain of the disadvantaged monopoly of Batelco, the current trend by government to personally in most cases insist on the direct payment and maintanence of liscensing obligations despite the prospect of a grossly down turned economy. We have waited and waited for changes to the economic plight of the great island of Eleuthera primarily from our governments without any meaningful answers other than their rhetoric and recurrent announcements of some proposed $300 million dollars just waiting to drop into our local economy. While we are wishful and hope these announcements are true it has been more than twelve years since the many announcements by the former government that have yet to become reality under the new PLP administration. Eleutherians are dissapointed with governmental action on their behalf. How other Bahamian Out Islands have gotten a fresh financial start and the reason Eleuthera has to the present been left out of the loop only to be granted promises of hope is illuminating. Promises do not buy bread. Eleutherians have witnessed the influx of major international development companies awaiting the payment of their established contacts wait out their time on the island only to be dissapointed by the fact that there is another delay in the development process. These companies have all left the island and returned to their places of origin to wait out the waiting process of approved contracts being granted. It is not known where the delays lie whether in our government or in the financial ability of the companies doing business with our government is at issue. In any case there is much lacking in the way of good faith business since the government has already made the announcements and set a proposed date on these multi million dollar developments. All of which have not taken place. The mis announcements have now totalled more than one billion dollars. Despite the announcements Eleutherians may not see a penny of those already announced development dollars. For example: one proposed development project of $75,000,000.00 on Windermere Island works with a minimal skeleton crew of 14 workers. That development was announced to employ hundreds of out of work locals but now only quietly goes along with this skeleton crew. Is that the proposed economic boost announced by government? Fourteen construction workers? It is a welcome help but not the proposed economic activity needed to turn around a busted economy. Lets be serious. The business of economics in the modern world is serious. We do not wish to encourage illegal activit like Numbers and Drug dealing which have been a direct result of a down turned local Bahamian economy. We want to be productive and ingenious like the remainder of the modern industrialized world. This can't be done with promises and political favoritism. Should this trend continue out of norm economic trends will take place and effect local social policy just as it is taking place now in Eleutheras local economy. Favouritism and poverty, biggitry and neglect exist at a rate not before seen in the local economy of Eleuthera. These changes are self evident and will continue to erode the wonderful social structure which existed in Eleuthera at one point so many years in its history. The atmosphere has changed and has effected negatively our attractiveness in tourism. We have some hope. Our local physical climate and tropical settings have not yet changes. Government has not yet been able to effect that policy to its favor and benefit. Let us pray that day does not come. The sun may set early in the west for some then later in the east for others yet on that same day all Eleutherians will need food, clothing and shelter not to mention electricity and entertainment. There is still some hope for the future. Come see the sunset in Eleuthera while it lasts. Hopefully political and economic power will not change it all. Poem: This Journey’s too sweet to miss
Think of archeapelago Discover what you’ll find An easy peaceful feeling And a peace of mind A dream brought into fruition These obvious delights The warm and down home feeling To whet your appetites Discover this here homeland How weary you may be Its what our challenge is to bear Its what has made us free The warm delightful feeling Of people on the move With God and grace and feeling You’ve got to feel this groove The move to Junkanoo music The obvious golden sun The magicalness in people Come down and have some fun Its bound to make your heart beat Some tropical delight And warm your hearnest notion The jasmine breeze at night And if you’ve found a treasure You’ll easily pick it too The fruit with warmness And pleasure, The Bahamas is for you. Fishing Report: Fishing continues in Eleuthera. The summer Jack season is in. Fishermen continue to mine the summer jack population in the Caribbean sea at this time daily. Summer is a difficult economic time for local fishermen because of the closed more financial lobster fishing closing. Fishermen look forward and prepare for August when the Lobster season reopens again for this year. Currently fish like Jack fish, conch, snapper and grouper can be purchased in quantities.
|
