Daily Archives: April 13, 2021

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Murders for the first quarter of 2021 rose sharply compared to the same period in 2020, according to an analysis of Eyewitness News records.

There were 28 murders in The Bahamas up to March 31 24 on New Providence, two on Abaco, one on Grand Bahama and one on Eleuthera.

A total of 18 murders were recorded between January 1, 2020 and March 31, 2020.

There were nine murders in January, 10 in February and nine murders last month.

Last year, there were six murders in January, seven killings in February and five in March.

This represents increases month-on-month of 50 percent, 43 percent and 80 percent respectively.

Murders are also up 47 percent over the 19 murders recorded up to March 31, 2019; and eight percent over the 26 murders recorded up to March 31, 2018.

There was a total of 73 murders in 2020 the lowest on record in 15 years.

There were 95 murders in 2019, a four percent increase over the 91 murders in 2018 the lowest in almost a decade at that point.

Minister of National Security Marvin Dames has acknowledged that the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which resulted in months of closures, curfews and lockdowns last year, impacted criminal activity.

The latest killing in The Bahamas occurred on Friday.

This marked the 29th murder for 2020.

A man was shot dead on Kemp Road around 1pm.

Police yesterday identified him as Jahfine Osias, 30.

According to police, Osias was driving a Nissan Cube when the driver of another vehicle stopped in front of him, exited and shot him multiple times.

Assistant Superintendent Audley Peters said there was no indication the shooting was gang-related.

He said police were following positive leads on the matter and hope to bring the matter to a close as soon as possible.

In addition to 2015, when there were 146 murders the highest recorded there have been murder records in 2007 (78), 2009 (85), 2010 (94) and 2011 (127).

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KILLINGS ON THE RISE: Murders up 56 percent in Q1 - EyeWitness News

DALLAS (AP) Wayne LaPierre flies exclusively on private jets, he sailed around the Bahamas for security and he never sends emails or texts in the course of his work running the nations most politically influential gun-rights group.

LaPierres testimony this week during the National Rifle Associations high-stakes bankruptcy trial offered a rare window into the work and habits of the notoriously secretive titan of the American firearms movement.

Seldom seen in public outside choreographed speeches and TV appearances, the 71-year-old was blunt and occasionally combative under lawyers questioning. He took the virtual witness stand in a federal case over whether the NRA should be allowed to incorporate in Texas instead of New York, where the state is suing in a separate effort to disband the group over alleged financial abuses.

LaPierres testimony revealed him to be an embattled executive defending his leadership and punching back against what he characterized as a political attack by New York Attorney General Letitia James. But he also tried to acknowledge enough mistakes and course corrections to avoid having the NRAs reins handed to a court-appointed overseer a move he said would be a death blow to the 150-year-old group that claims 5 million members.

The NRA declared bankruptcy in January, five months after James office sued seeking its dissolution over allegations that executives illegally diverted tens of millions of dollars for lavish personal trips, no-show contracts and other questionable expenditures.

The NRA contends that its Chapter 11 filing is a legitimate maneuver to facilitate a move to a more gun-friendly state, Texas, and was made necessary by a Democratic politician who has weaponized her states government. Lawyers for James office, meanwhile, say its an attempt by NRA leadership to escape accountability for using the groups coffers as their piggybank.

LaPierre appeared on camera before a court in Dallas on Wednesday and Thursday and was grilled by lawyers for New York and Ackerman McQueen, an Oklahoma City-based advertising agency that says the NRA owes it more than $1 million.

The questioning has focused on LaPierres management of the NRA and the legitimacy of his filing for bankruptcy without first informing most of the groups top executives and its board.

On Wednesday, a lawyer for New York asked why the states investigation had turned up no emails or text messages from LaPierre.

Im old fashioned, he replied. I havent sent any emails or texts.

The allegations of financial abuses and mismanagement have roiled the NRA and threatened LaPierres grip on power. Political infighting spilled out in public during the NRAs 2019 annual meeting, where its then-president Oliver North was denied a second term. Tensions also eventually led to the departure of a man whod been seen as LaPierres likely successor, Chris Cox, who headed the groups lobbying arm.

To be sure, its not unusual for chief executives of organizations the size of the NRA to travel by private plane or live lifestyles beyond the means of most people. But LaPierres alleged misspending of NRA membership dues came even as the group was urging supporters to donate so that it would have enough cash to battle gun control efforts.

Board members and former NRA leaders who support LaPierre didnt respond to requests for comment or referred questions to the NRA. Others who are skeptical of LaPierres leadership said the trial has only reaffirmed their concerns.

Im looking for the next Wayne, said Phillip Journey, a board member and Kansas judge who is set to testify during the trial next week. This cant go on forever.

LaPierre said Thursday that he kept the bankruptcy secret from the full board because he was worried that someone on it would leak the plan. We were very concerned, he testified.

He also said he was within his authority to file for bankruptcy with only the assent of the boards three-member special litigation committee, he attacked James and New Yorks financial regulator as corrupt, and he repeatedly strayed beyond the bounds of yes or no questioning to defend his record.

LaPierres efforts to explain his actions led to opposing lawyers moving to strike from the record much of what he said after nearly every question. He occasionally raised his voice and his expansive answers drew repeated warnings from his own attorneys and the judge.

Can you answer the questions that are asked and do you understand that Ive said that to you more than a dozen times in the last two days? Judge Harlin Hale asked LaPierre on Thursday.

I understand your honor, he replied. I apologize if Ive gone too long.

LaPierre also, however, showed moments of regret and referred repeatedly to the NRAs self-correction.

For instance, he defended summer sailing in the Bahamas on a large yacht he borrowed from a Hollywood producer who has done business with the NRA. LaPierre said the family trips were a security retreat, noting that some came as he was facing threats months after mass shootings.

But he acknowledged that not mentioning the voyages on conflict-of-interest forms which New Yorks lawsuit contends violated NRA policy was an oversight.

I believe now that it should have been disclosed, he testified. Its one of the mistakes Ive made. ___

Associated Press writer Lisa Marie Pane in Boise, Idaho, contributed to this story.

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NRA trial opens window on secretive leader's life and work - The Associated Press

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

YOUTH, Sports, and Culture Minister Iram Lewis officially opened The Job Ready Programme in Grand Bahama on Friday.

The programme will provide jobs and skills training to more than 130 young persons who have not been able to find employment since the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the opening ceremony held at the St Pauls Methodist Church Hall, Minister Lewis told participants that they will be equipped with the tools needed to build lifelong careers.

Job Ready is a 7-week course for youth between the ages of 17 and 25 who have not been able to secure or sustain employment.

Mr Lewis said the programme provides opportunities for our youth to realign themselves and get on the right track through our soft skills development and on-the-job training.

This cohort is a special one, as this will be the first since the start of the pandemic and among other issues, this group will have to persevere through COVID-19 restrictions as we strive to create our new normal, he said.

In the Bahamas typically, the youth are presented with a variety of social issues such as crime, poverty, and social inequalities just to name a few. My Ministry understands the importance of our young people overcoming these issues on the road to a successful life.

Therefore, this programme provides opportunities for our youth to realign themselves and get on the right track through our soft skills development and on-the-job training.

Through acquiring these skills from our Job Ready Programme many young men and women have equipped themselves with the tools needed to build lifelong careers.

Mr Lewis was pleased with the overwhelming response to the programme, which has received 130 applications submitted from youth throughout the island.

As a result of this, he indicated that two cohorts were created, one in Freeport, and a second in Eight Mile Rock to expand their reach throughout the island.

The programme encompasses Bahama Host, Food Safety & Handling, Health & Safety Protocols Training, Hands-on Activities, Lively & Interactive Presentations, and Webinars to ensure the students receive a wealth of knowledge and the skills to succeed.

Mr Lewis encouraged participants to take full advantage of the opportunities made available to them. I implore you to stay closely connected with our team at the Ministry of Youth via social media, on Facebook, and on Instagram. We are committed to assisting you through mentorship, guidance, and networking to equip you for the workplace, he said.

Deon McKinney, Junior Youth Parliamentarian for East Grand Bahama, also encouraged participants to continue to reach deep within and let their light shine.

He told the participants the challenges he had to overcome in his life, from being a failing student through his formative years in school to losing his both parents and the financial struggles of getting a college education. He told them how he was able to turn his circumstances around by finding value deep within himself. McKinney said: I told myself: I am valuable because God doesnt make junk.

Carla Roker-Brown is the youth coordinator. The theme is "Resilient Youth: Ready for the Workplace!"

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Lewis opens Job Ready Programme in Grand Bahama - Bahamas Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahamian quarter-miler Brianne Bethel is hoping that she can help the Bahamas get a womens 4 x 400 metre relay team on the global stage again.

The University of Houstons red shirt junior showed that shes back in fine form after a two-year break to deal with a series of injuries as she posted a pair of victories for the Cougars over the weekend at the Houston Alumni Invitational.

The 22-year-old twin sister to Brittni clocked the 11th fastest time in NCAA this season in 52.98 seconds to erase the meet record of 54.18 in the womens 400 metres.

She came back and posted the 14th fastest NCAA time of 23.18 to shatter her second record in the womens 200m. The previous mark was 23.89.

Bethel ran the second leg on the Cougars womens 4 x 400m relay that included Camille Rutherford on pop off with Cecilia Tamayo-Garza and Tristan Evelyn on third and fourth legs as they won in a meet record time of 3:49.01 to replace the previous mark of 3:49.79.

Earlier in the meet the same quartet in that same order won the womens 4 x 100m relay in 43.68 for the third-fastest time in the NCAA; matched the third-fastest time in Houstons program and erased the meet record of 44.39.

I dont have any goals time wise, but I want to be a collegiate record holder and I want to qualify for the Olympics and make the finals, Bethel proclaimed.

I really dont have any times in mind. I just want to run whatever time it takes to get those goals.

And while she would like to book her ticket to Tokyo, Japan in July for the Olympics in an individual event, Bethel said shes hoping her name could be added to the pool for the womens 4 x 400m relay team.

I feel if the Bahamas could come together and realize that we have this coming 4 x 4 team, we could go crazy in the Olympics, said Bethel of running with such athletes as Shaunae Miller-Uibo, Megan Moss and Doneisha Anderson, just to name a few.

We just have to get everyone to come together and everyone just being humble and just seeing that we have a good team. I know a lot of athletes just want to run their individual races. Thats why we dont do too well in the relay.

But if everyone could come together and realize that the Bahamas could win this 4 x 4, we could win. For real. We have the talent to do it.

Right now, Bethel said there are also two of her team mates at Houston, who could also contribute to the team as well as the 4 x 100m relay, if they are selected.

She was referring to Jaszmin and Camille Rutherford, the daughters of Chad and Frank Rutherford. She said they could have the Bahamas to redevelop its status as a force to reckon with on the international stage.

Bethel said she would have liked to have her sister join her in the journey, but having graduated last year from Houston, shes back in Grand Bahama.

However, Brittni returns to Houston from time to time and was there along with their parents, Claudette and Brian Bethel, along with her niece Abby in the stands for moral support at the meet over the weekend as she bounced back from her brief break on the track.

In 2019, Bethel had to red shirt her outdoor season after she messed up her knee. It carried over to 2020 when she developed Plantar Fasciitis and had to wear a boot on her foot.

She ran indoors in 2020, clocking 23.9 in the 200m, but of course the coronavirus pandemic ruined the remainder of the collegiate campaign.

Now shes back healthy and looking forward to the future.

I dont have any injuries right now, so Im really about that, she stated. I am looking forward to the end of my collegiate season and hopefully getting on this Olympic team and running in the relay.

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Brianne: 'Bahamas could win this 4 x 4, we could win' - Bahamas Tribune

By KHRISNA RUSSELL

Tribune Chief Reporter

krussell@tribunemedia.net

RESIDENTS of The Farm shanty town in Abaco have hit out at what they claimed were heavy-handed tactics carried out during a raid on their community.

Their claims - which the The Tribune has not been able to independently corroborate - cast a shadow over the governments attempts to stop the spread of unauthorised developments.

Several residents claimed that during the pre-dawn raid last Thursday officers at some point drew their sidearms.

One witness, speaking anonymously to The Tribune, claimed this was in response to him trying to record the raid on his cell phone.

This resident said he ran for his life after the officers threatening told him to put his phone away.

Last weeks raid saw law enforcement agencies descending on the shanty town in a joint sting operation, confiscating generators, food supplies, personal items, illegal contraband and arresting several residents for various alleged infractions.

The officers handed out notices of eviction and as the sun began to rise, a 40ft container, flatbed trucks and forklifts moved in.

Yesterday, one woman who only spoke Creole, told The Tribune through her English-speaking young daughter that having received an eviction notice, she has no idea what is next for her family because she has nowhere to go.

She claimed her generator and money were removed from the place she calls home.

Asked about some of the allegations, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works Desmond Bannister said he would speak about the operation in Parliament today.

The young male shanty town resident said the community has been left scrambling after last weeks raid.

I know the Haitians they built on land that there was no permission given to building on, but we still humans, he said.

Thursday I would say there were as many as 60 officers. There were just so much of them. When they came, they didnt come professional like, asking questions or anything, they came with force, pulling weapons and stuff, ransacking things, he alleged.

... I ran away for my life I would say because I was trying to record them doing this injustice to people who have nowhere else to go.

The man said he was born in The Bahamas and has status here, but he lives at The Farm like many Haitians of Bahamian descent.

On Thursday these people were just digging in our houses and if you were not at home or at work they were going by force in these people house.

The things that the Red Cross and Samaritans Purse gave them and some that they bought on their own like freezers and generators, these people took them away even though the people was providing their receipts for some of the things that they had.

He insisted there was a better way to deal with the situation, adding that residents would have cooperated.

Another man told The Tribune he viewed the entire ordeal as inhumane.

They chased us for our phones, they broke in people house what wasnt even home. This is wrong, he claimed.

In early February, Mr Bannister along with other government officials toured some parts of The Farm. He said it would not be an overnight fix but pledged to Abaconians that the government would take the necessary action to deal with unregulated developments on the island.

Aerial surveillance, released by Abaconians earlier that month, showed new construction taking place, with buildings being built more strategically and sturdier than what was seen in the irregular communities pre-Hurricane Dorian.

Following this, the Ministry of Public Works along with other authorities carried out the operation last week.

The Ministry of Public Works co-ordinated a multi-agency operation, with the assistance and advice of the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF); the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF); Bahamas Customs Department; the Bahamas Department of Immigration; Bahamas Power and Light (BPL); and private sector partners in the unregulated community known as The Farm near to Treasure Cay, Abaco, a statement issued last week noted.

The operation resulted in the arrest of illegal immigrants and other persons who are suspected of being involved in various criminal offences; the seizure of suspected stolen goods; and the disconnection of a large quantity of illegally operated generators and gas tanks.

The illegally constructed access roadways were closed; and signs written in English and Creole were erected. Signs were also posted on illegally erected buildings. The signs warn inhabitants of the legal prohibition of any new construction, and of the intention of the government to demolish all of the illegally constructed buildings.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force and Royal Bahamas Defence Force will maintain a presence in the area to enforce these notices as officers of the Ministry of Public Works carry out their legal mandate during the upcoming weeks.

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'WE'RE HUMAN TOO': Shanty town residents hit out at authorities on tactics employed in raid - Bahamas Tribune

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The majority of Bahamians who participated in a recent survey on cannabis supported the use of the plant for religious purposes, Eyewitness News can reveal.

The survey was conducted by Bahamian market and opinion research firm Public Domain between November 24, 2020 and December 14, 2020.

A total of 1,000 residents, identified by random telephone number selection throughout The Bahamas, were interviewed. All respondents were screened to ensure they were over the age of 18.

While 45 percent of participants agreed that cannabis should be made legal for religions that utilize the plant for sacramental purposes, 40 percent were against its use for that purpose and another 15 percent either did not know or were unsure.

However, a further look at the demographics of respondents showed support for cannabis legalization for religious use was greater among men and those between ages 18 and 34.

Among men, 51 percent of participants support the legalization of cannabis for religious use compared to 40 percent among women.

And when looking at participants responses per each age group, 51 percent of those between 18 and 34 said yes, compared to 44 percent among those between 35 and 54, and 35 percent support among those 55 and over.

The survey also asked whether restrictions on usage should be introduced if cannabis was legalized for religious purpose.

A whopping 74 percent of all participants agreed that use of the plant in these circumstances should be restricted.

There was relative consensus on this question across the demographics broken down by sex, age and income level.

For example, 71 percent of men and 77 percent of women said restrictions of usage should be in place if cannabis was legalized for religious use.

Similarly, 78 percent of participants aged 18 to 34 agreed.

Meanwhile, 72 percent of respondents aged 35 to 54 agreed and 69 percent of those 55 and older agreed with restricting use.

Respondents also widely agreed that there should be restrictions on the locations in which cannabis could be used if it were to be legalized for religious purposes.

On the question of whether religious members should be allowed to grow cannabis for religious purposes, there was some divergence, with 44 percent of participants supporting the religious community growing the plant and 47 percent against it.

A closer look at the responses via demographic showed that 49 percent of men agreed with religious members growing the plant, while only 39 percent of women who participated in the survey supported this.

Younger participants had greater support of religious members growing the plant than their older counterparts, with 49 percent of those between 18 and 34 answering yes; 44 percent of those between 35 and 54 supporting; and only 31 percent of those 55 and older supporting.

Lower-income earners also supported religious members growing cannabis in greater numbers than high-income earners.

Participants who earn under $30,000 per year were equally for and against religious members growing cannabis, with 46 percent saying yes and 46 percent saying no.

Another eight percent either did not know or were unsure.

For those who earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, 44 percent agreed and 51 percent disagreed.

Only 36 percent of those who earn over $60,000 annually supported religious members growing the plant, and 50 percent were against the idea.

The vast majority of respondents supported restrictions of types and amounts of cannabis grown for religious purposes if it were allowed, such as limited to small amounts being grown.

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TENTATIVE APPROVAL: Survey shows support for cannabis use for religious purposes, but with restrictions - EyeWitness News

Eleuthera students get sick after eating marijuana-laced cookies shipped from NPFormer health minister: Discussion on decriminalization of marijuana does not apply to minors

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Following another incident of students ingesting marijuana edibles on Thursday, education officials said they are closely monitoring what may be a new trend.

Police said several students on Eleuthera fell sick on Thursday after reportedly eating marijuana-laced cookies.

Reports indicated that the edibles were shipped from New Providence via a mailboat to Rock Sound.

Although the students attended Preston Albury High School, the matter did not occur on the schools premises.

Education Director Marcellus Taylor told Eyewitness News that while the latest matter did not occur on a school campus, education officials have taken steps to address the serious concern surrounding the use of drugs with students.

The only concern we have is the fact that young people are engaging in unhealthy practices and we have a curriculum that teaches Health and Family Life and Christian education, like Religious Studies, to try to cause people to have discipline and to know what is right and wrong.

Taylor insisted that the parents and relatives of students must take responsibility.

Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) Officer in Charge Chief Superintendent Roberto Goodman said that while police have seen the trend across the country, possession and consumption of the drug is still illegal.

We have this edible marijuana now throughout the various communities. Weve seen it in Grand Bahama; weve seen it here in New Providence; weve seen it now in Eleuthera. We just want to sensitize parents, guardians, schools and these civic groups that persons who continue to consume this marijuana or sell marijuana, it is illegal.

Last month, seven students from S C McPherson Junior High School were taken to the hospital after consuming marijuana edibles brought to school by another student.

A 14-year-old student was arrested and charged in connection with the issue.

Taylor noted that the impacted students were provided with drug counseling to sensitize them to the issue.

He added that teachers will also undergo similar training and counseling in order to be equipped to respond to the matter.

Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) President Belinda Wilson said the latest events are not isolated incidents, indicating that the Ministry of Education has not been forthcoming with the very serious and troubling matters.

Wilson said a similar incident occurred recently at North Long Island High School.

It seems as though a trend is starting and in this early stages, I urge the Ministry of Education to address this matter forthwith, she said.

I also impress upon parents to get more involved in the day-to-day activities of your children. Talk to your children about drugs and alcohol and their possible negative impact.

I am supporting the police in their endeavors to investigate these matters fully and bring the culprits to account so that they can be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. We must protect our children at all cost.

Wilson urged teachers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior.

The Bahamas Union of Teachers is prepared to work with the Ministry of Education, the police and school security and other stakeholders to devise plans on how to combat this serious issue.

Police have advised that they are investigating new trends of edible marijuana being used and sold in The Bahamas.

The trends also emerge as the government determines its position on the decriminalization of marijuana in the country.

However, former Health Minister Dr Duane Sands said the fact that the illegal substance has made it into the hands of minors speaks to a threat and a risk.

At many different levels, this is a problem, he said.

We need to focus on the fact that we are talking about school students who should not be even having any access to any type of drugs and the conversation about marijuana doesnt even start.

This is a problem that is unacceptable and Im hoping once the investigations are done and whoever is responsible is brought before the courts and dealt with appropriately.

Sands added that while it is not a new problem, it is a perennial problem that needs to be addressed through proper education.

Lets not inflate the discussion of discrimination and legalization of marijuana; when we talk about minors, it doesnt arise.

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VERY SERIOUS AND TROUBLING MATTER: Officials hone in on trend of marijuana edibles in schools - EyeWitness News

Crystal Symphony will return to sailing with a series of 15, 10-night Luxury Caribbean Escapes round-trip from St. Johns, becoming the first ship ever to homeport in Antigua.

Beginning Aug. 5 through December, including a holiday sailing on Dec. 23,Crystal Symphony will visit Barbados, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Maarten, and the British Virgin Islands. The itinerary spends overnights in St. Johns, Bridgetown, and Phillipsburg, with sunset-sail-aways in Tobago, Castries, and Tortola.

Crystal said that as more islands in the Caribbean begin to open, it may add additional ports to the itinerary and will inform its guests and travel partners of any changes

The Honorable Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism and Investment for Antigua and Barbuda, said the announcement marks an important milestone in reinvigorating tourism here, as well as deeper support of our island communities economies as Crystal becomes the first cruise line to homeport on a scheduled basis in St. Johns.

Crystal Symphonys return to sailing marks the resumption of service for 97% of Crystals oceangoing fleet in the summer of 2021. Crystal Serenity will operate Bahamas cruises, while the new Crystal Endeavors luxury expedition ship will operate an Iceland season.

Crystal announced in February that guests must be fully inoculated with a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to boarding any Crystal ship. This new requirement is in addition to existing Crystal Clean+ measures, including negative COVID-19 tests for both guests and crew, reduced capacity, social distancing, mask requirements, and health screening questionnaires.

Crystal Symphonywill return to sailing with reduced capacity.Reservations for the newLuxury Caribbean Escapesopen on April 20, 2021.

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Crystal Symphony Will Be the First Ship to Ever Homeport in Antigua & Barbuda - Travel Market Report

When it comes to pets, humans can be a downright mess. Even those of us who love our Bellas, Fluffys and Fidos and smugly think we are spoiling them, are doing them wrong.

We say pets are family, yet we call ourselves pet owners. We own a refrigerator, but we dont own family, otherwise we would refer to ourselves as children owners.

So why do we refer to ourselves as owners of living, breathing animals that love us unconditionally, that patiently wait for us by the front door, living for the moment when we walk through at the end of a long day and give them a quick pat or, if they are lucky, take them out for a walk?

Fortunately, they have no idea we consider ourselves their owner lumping that adorable scruffy-haired, long-eared, wide-eyed four-legged pal of ours in with a fridge as things we own.

What difference does it make if we think of ourselves as pet owners rather than pet parents? Why make such a fuss about a word so long as we feed and care for those living, breathing parts of our family? Heres why. The pandemic is not just affecting us pet owners. its impacting our pets.

So long as we think of ourselves as pet owners instead of pet parents, we will feel no shame in dropping off a litter we no longer want to own or feed at the Bahamas Humane Society where there are now more than 300 homeless dogs and cats. So long as we think of ourselves as owners instead of parents, we can slough off the responsibility that goes along with parenting when times are tough. So long as we think of ourselves as owners instead of parents, we dont have to take charge of spaying and neutering and making sure the pet population does not get out of control as it is today in New Providence. So long as we think of ourselves as owners instead of parents, we may not heed the words of experts or the Washington, DC-based Pet Food Institute that spends tens of thousands of dollars every year educating people about the importance of proper feeding and avoidance of potential dangers like cooked bones that splinter in an animals insides or foods like chocolate, onions, garlic and grapes that can even kill.

So long as we think of ourselves as owners instead of parents, some of us would let male dogs abuse a poor female in heat whereas we would never allow our sons to gang rape a neighbourhood female.

And even if we dont change to pet parenting instead of pet ownership, there are thousands of hungry pets, each of whom is a reason to get onboard with a responsible parenting spay and neuter regimen. We understand that BAARK is enlisting the support of local vets in such an exercise that will take place at the Bahamas Humane Society across several Sundays, Its a great move and deserves cash and volunteer support.

Across the world, there are some 470 million dogs, 370 million cats and countless birds and fish and other domesticated animals and species. You can own yours if you want. I am going to parent mine.

In another continuing story, the lady who was about to give birth and sleep on the floor with her newborn is sending prayers and thanks to all who came forward to help.

Mama and baby are doing fine and thanks to a man who fixed her car, she has transportation, and another who repaired her stove, she has a way to cook and Social Services got her a new stove after all.

Other donations large and small came in, food and diapers from her Fox Hill constituency office and friends she did not know she had. Her BahaMar family found out about the situation and lent a hand. She is excited about returning to the resort where she worked for seven years before the pandemic shut it down and nearly took away everything she had worked hard to preserve.

She sends a very special thank you to the anonymous angel who paid her rent for March and April, hoping that the call back to work will come in May. Life is good, says the new mama, so good.

July will make three years since I wrote the first column about officially naming sailing the national sport so no one is more surprised thanme that I am still receiving calls, notes and the occasional comment about the subject which has been touched on a few times since.

Not everyone agrees, including Mike Sands, whose opinion anyone in the sports world would be foolish to ignore. Former 400 metre national record holder and BAAA PR officer among other titles, Sands picked up the phone and called personally to share his disagreement. Even when Mike Sands disagrees with you on something, its good to hear from him.

Why, why would you not want sailing, I asked. Because, he said, the national sport should be something that everyone can play or participate in. Sands, who is the recently-elected first Bahamian to head the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) Athletic Federation (IAAF) area representative, has a point, but heres the counterpoint. Theres a lot more water than there is land in these Bahamas and it would take little to make sailing part of every school curriculum at some point.

Sailing is part of Bahamian heritage, its how folks discovered and later settled the islands, how Bahamians of old transported goods and people, and native sloop sailing is something unique to The Bahamas.

There have been a few, including Dallas Knowles from Exuma, a sailor himself, who have argued that competitive sloop racing is disorganized, that races start late (absolutely true), that boats say they are going to participate, then dont show up at all. Yes, Dallas, you are right about that but sailing is far more comprehensive than racing and once something becomes a national sport the attention it gets raises it to new levels. But no one will argue with the faults you point out.

One of the most interesting letters supporting sailing as the national sport came from a junior sailing programme in Abaco. Its a copy of a letter they wrote and presented to then Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr Danny Johnson.

Dear Sir: This message is addressed to you, with the hope that you will agree that the Sport of Sailing should be the National Sport of The Bahamas.

A National Sport should be part of the intrinsic history of a nation, as well as a current sport enjoyed by all. Sailing holds a unique spot in the countrys history, since as an Island Nation, it was a skill required for daily life. Not only did everyone originally arrive by sailboat, but sailing was the way people traveled, communicated, and sustained themselves.

As always happens, sailing also became competitive. The most important race originally was getting fish and other cargo to market faster than the other boat. The sloop racing was an outcome of that competition.

Sloop racing has become a tradition which is being handed down to youngsters. In Hope Town, for instance, the Abaco Rage Syndicate regularly hosts the Junior Sailors who want to learn about sloop racing. The Hope Town Junior Sailing Programme is one of many youth programmes across The Bahamas with the goal of giving every child an opportunity to learn to sail, affording a whole generation the chance to take part in the historical tradition. I am glad to volunteer with this programme, and there are many other volunteers who are passionate about sailing.

One of the best things about sailing as a sport is that it can be competitive, or it can be recreational. This makes the sport appropriate for both mediocre sailors and skilled racers. It is a sport that can be enjoyed by all ages and all skills. One can sail solo, or with a group. It promotes love of the environment, cooperation, responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment.

The Bahamas Sloop Sailing Federation will be a great step towards continuing the tradition of sailing into the future. The many youth sailing programmes around The Bahamas will ensure that the skill is passed on to the next generation. It seems that the Sport of Sailing would be a natural and unique National Sport, for a country that was built on sailing. I very much hope that it can become a reality.

Sue Holloway, Hope Town Junior Sailing Secretary-Treasurer

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DIANE PHILLIPS: Man's best friend - then it's time we started treating them properly - Bahamas Tribune

While cruise lines wait for approval from the CDC to resume sailings from the U.S. this year, a number of cruise ships will be offering some pretty incredible voyages in different parts of the world.

If you want to take a cruise this summer, here are some of the best options that you have to choose from.

Vikings Cruises Around Iceland Viking, rated the #1 Ocean Cruise Line in the world for the past several years, is offering week long cruises around Iceland. These roundtrip voyages from Reykjavik visit a port on every day of the cruise allowing you to discover Icelands majestic shoes and coastal towns. From waterfalls to fjords, follow in the footsteps of explorer Leif Erifsson.

Included in all cruise fares are WiFi, drinks during meals, one shore excursion in each port, all restaurants, and spa access.

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Royal Caribbeans Cruises from The Bahamas Royal Caribbean is returning to the Bahamas and Caribbean this June when Adventure of the Seas sails from Nassau, Bahamas. What makes these cruises so special? They will all spend two days at the cruise lines private island in the Bahamas, CocoCay.

The cruise line calls stops at CocoCay The Perfect Day and you will get to spend back to back days enjoying a slice of paradise.

Celebrity Cruises Southern Caribbean Celebrity Cruises will be the first cruise line to return to the Caribbean with sailings out of the popular port of St. Maarten. The cruise line is offering two different itineraries to the Southern Caribbean on Celebrity Millennium.

Celebritys new ship, Celebrity Apex, will also make her debut this summer with cruises out of Athens, Greece that will visit different Greek Isles, Cyprus, and Israel.

Virgins Debut Virgin Voyages will finally have their long awaited debut when their first cruise ship, Scarlet Lady, sails out of the UK. The ship will sail three and four night cruises to nowhere in August and will be the first revenue sailings for the new adults only cruise line.

Norwegians Cruises Out of Jamaica Norwegian Cruise Line will offer cruises from Jamaica for the first time this summer on Norwegian Joy. Each port stop in the Caribbean will range from 10-11 hours in length giving you ample time to visit each destination.

National Geographics to Alaska For those looking for a small ship experience, Lindblad Expeditions is sailing to Alaska on their 100 passenger ships, National Geographic Quest and National Geographic Venture.

You will get to head deep into the wide-open spaces, into the far reaches of straits and waterwaysto where bears, glaciers, eagles and whales will be guests only companions.

Why are these ships allowed to sail to Alaska? Because the CDCs Conditional Sail Order only applies to vessels carrying more than 250 passengers/crew.

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Best Cruises You Can Take This Summer - Cruise Fever