The reemergence of Carl Bethel

Dear Editor,

Now that the former member of Parliament for the Golden Isles constituency and former minister of youth, sports and culture in the Ingraham regime, Charles Maynard, has passed away, the opposition Free National Movement (FNM) must now decide who it wants to be its new national chairman.
The FNM, it seems, has gotten over the sudden and tragic passing of Maynard. Now the official opposition party must regroup if it hopes to hold onto the North Abaco seat in the upcoming by-election. Maynard's passing has left a huge, gaping void in the opposition. But the party must now find a replacement who would be able to fill the giant shoes that were left by the late FNM chairman. Contrary to what the deputy chairman of the FNM, Dr. Duane Sands, recently said to The Tribune about it being too soon to select a successor to Maynard, I believe the party must immediately find a replacement. Maynard's passing was tragic. But life goes on. I was surprised after reading a report in one of the Nassau dailies that FNM Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis is in favor of former FNM Chairman Carl Bethel being selected to the vacant chairmanship post. I wholeheartedly agree with the FNM leader when he told the press that Bethel has a lot to offer. He is one of the most consummate politicians in The Bahamas. Even though many of his political detractors have been very critical of the former member of Parliament for the Sea Breeze constituency, he has maintained his composure, patience and dignity.
I have never seen a Bahamian politician who is more diplomatic than Bethel. Rather than stoop to the level of his critics, Bethel has remained steadfast in his professionalism, even after suffering a crushing defeat at the polls on May 7 at the hands of an individual who had never been a member of Parliament.
Bethel is a true statesman. Despite what the critics say, I still believe that there is a future for him in frontline politics, especially in the FNM. Perhaps few were surprised that Bethel had lost his contest. It was the second election loss for him in as many as 10 years. In 2002, he lost his seat to a political novice. Many so-called political analysts were predicting that Bethel would go down again in defeat in 2012, and they were right. His last election defeat was another unfortunate setback in his celebrated political career. But I don't really fault him for his loss. What happened on May 7 was a wholesale rejection of the FNM by fed up Bahamians. Bethel lost his seat because he just so happens to be an FNM. I don't think it had anything to do with his individual performance in Sea Breeze. While he was the minister of education, he had taken a lot of flack for several child abuse allegations in the public school system.
His critics were adamant that that was one of the reasons for his removal from that ministry. They have chosen to interpret his removal from that post as a firing. However, FNMs saw it as a much needed restructuring for the betterment of the party. Be that as it may, no one can deny that Bethel is a quintessential FNM who worked himself up through the ranks of the party. During the disappointing eighties when the FNM was so accustomed to losing to the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling, Bethel was there. He is no johnny-come-lately to the FNM. The current leadership of the FNM should not discard him or second generation FNMs like Tommy Turnquest to the political bone yard.
The last five years have not been easy for the former FNM parliamentarian. Not only was he removed from the Ministry of Education under the former Ingraham administration, he also had failed to hold on to the chairmanship post of the FNM in May. What's more, he was the sitting chairman of the governing party that was nearly wiped out of Parliament. But now it looks like he is about to make a comeback to frontline politics. Minnis was dead-on when he told the press that Bethel has "institutional knowledge" that he would not ignore. He is a walking political history book. I think one example of Bethel's erudition will suffice.
I was glad to hear the former FNM chairman, Michael Foulkes and Janet Bostwick defend the record of the FNM on the Wendell Jones radio program, "Issues of the Day", on Love 97.5 FM, some months before the May 7 general election. As I listened to Bethel on the program, I came to the conclusion that he is very knowledgeable on Bahamian history. The trio reminded the host and the listening audience of what The Bahamas was like during the 1970s and 1980s. During that interesting period in Bahamian history, few understood what true democracy was. I was astounded to learn that a Cabinet official wanted the government to rusticate its political opponents to the island of their births. This was nothing short of dictatorship. I am equally amazed that The Bahamian people stood idly by and allowed the then administration to get away with such a dangerous proposal. That the Bahamian people would even allow such a dangerous proposal to even be entertained in the modern Bahamas tells me that they were so afraid of the then opposition FNM and elements of the defunct United Bahamian Party (UBP), who had joined up with Cecil Wallace-Whitfield and his fledgling political organization in the early 1970s, that they were willing to tolerate almost anything from the hierarchy of the then government.
I am glad that this plan never saw the light of day. Obviously somebody within the then government had put a stop to it. The FNM is now, for all intents and purposes, in a rebuilding mode. It has two new leaders, Dr. Minnis and Loretta Butler-Turner. Moving forward, however, the party must see to it that veteran FNMs such as Bethel and Turnquest have a meaningful role to play in the party. The two still have a future in frontline politics. And the FNM needs them.

- Kevin Evans

read more »

Men's clothing in demand at Red Cross, Grand Bahama

The Freeport News - Men's clothing and shoes are among the biggest
demands from the public at The Bahamas Red Cross Society Grand Bahama
Centre, according to administrator Mary Culmer.

"A lot of men seem to always need clothing. Shoes are in demand for men. That happens to be a demand constantly," she said.

Culmer noted that recently there has been a steady growth in the
donations being given to the Red Cross, top among those items include
clothing and shoes...

read more »

PM declares Friday May 10 World Lupus Day in The Bahamas

Local support group urges Bahamians to P.O.P. (Put On Purple) for Lupus on Friday.
NASSAU, Bahamas -- The Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, has declared Friday May 10, 2013 World Lupus Day in The Bahamas. The official proclamation came as a result of efforts from local support group Lupus 242 to raise awareness in the country.
On Friday, Bahamians will join others around the world as they recognize the impact the chronic autoimmune disease has on those living with lupus. An estimated 5.5 million persons globally live with the disease brought on by genetics, environment and hormonal imbalances in the body. Common symptoms include debilitating pain, fatigue and unexplained flare-ups impacting random parts of the body especially internal organs.
Lupus 242 is urging Bahamians to P.O.P (Put On Purple) on Friday May 10, to raise awareness.
"Putting on purple is a simple way to show support for this cause. Whether it's a tie, a blouse or even purple shoes, we want to appeal to the general public, corporate Bahamas and schools to participate in this exercise on May 10," said Shonalee Johnson, group Vice President and Public Relations Officer.  "On behalf of Lupus 242, I would like to thank the government of The Bahamas for making this official declaration. This is a global exercise and we want to do our part locally to stop and recognize the impact that lupus has on lives here in The Bahamas."

read more »

Social Services hit by scam

The Department of Social Services has been hit by a back-to-school scam, with fraudsters pretending to be in need, then selling government vouchers and pocketing cash, Minister of Social Services Melanie Griffin revealed yesterday.
"Once the client is known to Social Services, of course it dispenses [assistance] right away without the home inspection and that heavy assessment process because they're known, and we have their record already," said Griffin, who appeared as a guest on "Darold Miller Live" on Guardian Radio 96.9 FM.
"We have put in place a purchase order so the social worker no longer has to go, do a home assessment and then go and purchase the uniforms and the shoes for the client."
Griffin said there are approved vendors who people can take their purchase orders to and buy the uniforms directly, but people have found loopholes in the process.
"They are trying to sell it for cash," she said.
"If you go in the store with your purchase order and another customer is in the store, who is buying with cash, you try to get that customer to use your purchase order and give you the cash.
"In one situation, the person indicated to the vendor 'you know I already went away and got my child's stuff and now I need to pay my child's school fees'."
Although she did not detail how many cases of fraud have been perpetrated or the amount of money lost, the minister said up to $110 can be provided per child for primary school students and $135 for high schools students.
Social Services provides many forms of assistance, including food, temporary living accommodations, rent, and utility bills, among others.
However, to accommodate the increased demand for uniform assistance, Griffin said her ministry took steps to make the process simpler this year.
She said her ministry is reviewing and implementing new measures that will help protect the department against fraud.
Uniform assistance is normally grouped with other assistance programs in the government's annual budget with a provision of $250,000 to $260,000.
Griffin said the program was given its own line item in the 2012/2013 budget and its provision is now closer to $360,000.
She appealed to those who don't truly need the assistance to be mindful that there are many who do and warned fraudsters that they will be found and prosecuted.
"I know people don't like to be assessed, but [this is why] we really have to do the assessments because there are some persons out there who will always try to scam the system," she said.

read more »

CamperDown Riding Club

Monday 20th June 2011  9:00 AM

CAMP DATES: Week 1. June 20th - 24th Week 2. July 4th – 8th Week 3. *July 12th – 15th Week 4. July 18th – 22nd The cost per week is $ 185.00. * These weeks have a reduced rate of $148.00 per week as the Monday is a holiday and there will be no summer camp. Camp starts at 9am and ends at 3pm. Contact 324-2065, Monday to Friday for more information or camperdownrc@gmail.com. Campers are required to wear long pants and a shoe with a low box heel or tennis shoes as the campers will be riding first thing in the morning. Campers are also required to bring the following: oChange of cloths (shorts and t-shirt) oTennis shoes oLarge thermos of water oBathing suit and towel oHat and sun block oLarge healthy lunch with snacks oFriday FUN DAY (lunch included) Click HERE to download Camp flyer. Click HERE to download Camp Sign Up form.

Pedicure pointers for diabetics

It's almost summer and most women are looking forward to getting a pedicure and showing off those pretty toenails, but as diabetics, before you kick off your shoes, consider the potential downsides of pedicures.
People with diabetes are at high risk for a number of complications including infections, ulcers and amputations. If there is a break in the skin, it can lead to a leg or life-threatening infection. As podiatrists, we recommend that individuals with diabetes do not receive a pedicure because of the often questionable sanitary conditions of the beauty salon, the skills of the individual performing the pedicure and the cleanliness of the instruments used.
Regardless, many women (and, yes, even men) with diabetes are still heading to salons and spas. Aside from being a relaxing way to spend an afternoon, pedicures can ensure that feet are clean and moisturized, which is important when you have diabetes with dry skin. The reality is that women are going to get pedicures whether they are diabetics or not. If people with diabetes choose to have pedicures. they must be aware of the risk and follow these tips to keep their feet safe.

Know when to skip it: If you are healthy, with your diabetes under control and without complications, getting a pedicure may not pose as great a threat as it does for people with diabetic foot complications. If you have decreased feeling in the feet (neuropathy), an infection or an ulcer, don't book an appointment. An open wound will allow in any bacteria that may be hiding in the foot basin, the water or on the instruments. Further, because of the nerve damage you may not be able to tell if you've been cut or burned if the water is too hot.

Check out the salon: Before scheduling a pedicure at just any nail salon, it is wise to look into the cleanliness of the salon and its practices. It is important to look into all the salon's sanitation practices, the technician's training (make sure he/she is licensed), how the tools are cleaned and how the basin is cleaned. If the salon looks clean, but you're still not sure, don't be afraid to ask them how they clean their basins and instruments.
Foot baths and instruments should be cleaned with a hospital-grade, EPA-registered disinfectant after every client. If the salon or spa does not clean often enough or with the proper chemicals, don't take a chance on going there. There are so many things you can catch at a salon that is not clean including fungus or bacteria. It is recommended that you visit and check out the salon or get a manicure first before getting a pedicure.

Examine the foot bath: Foot baths provide a pool of warm, bubbly water that is relaxing. But they can also be filled with bacteria that can come from the water or from the basin not being cleaned properly after the last client. It is recommended that basins are thoroughly cleansed between each client.

Inspect the tools: Before you let a pedicurist touch your feet, find out how her tools are sanitized. All nail instruments should be cleaned after each use. Dirty instruments used on past customers or soaked in unchanged sterilizing fluid or open containers are very dangerous and can be the source of an infection. Pick a salon that uses stainless steel instruments, which are easier to clean rather than wooden sticks or porous files. To prevent the spread of infection, emery boards and nail buffers should be used once and given to the client or thrown out after each client. To ensure instruments are clean and safe, some people take their own tools to the nail salon. At the end you would take the tools home and clean them yourself.

Give instructions: If you have diabetes it is best to tell the nail technician you have diabetes. Give clear guidelines on how you want them to take care of your feet safely. Tell them that you cannot have your feet soaked in hot water. Request that the technician not clip your cuticles or file your heels or calluses with a blade.

Make sure the water is warm, not hot, and that your toenails are cut straight across. Moisturizing lotions or creams should be massaged into your feet, but not between the toes. Insist that the pedicurist avoid a credo blade or razor on your feet.

Consider the alternatives: These measures may seem a bit excessive, but consider the alternative. Unsterilized instruments can pass bacteria and infections between clients. The first thing to understand when it comes to diabetics is that pedicure risks in healthy people are multiplied in diabetics.
The first thing that a diabetic should do is to consult their podiatrist and ask them if they can have a pedicure. Sometimes patients with controlled diabetes can enjoy pedicures without much more risk than normal healthy people. However, nail technicians must remember that instruments should be cleaned before use and that diabetics are at increased risk for complication and that their skin should never be broken.
In the unfortunate situation that the skin of a diabetic is broken, or if there is pain or soreness you must take immediate steps to clean the wound and place a dressing on the wound. You should see a podiatrist as soon as possible if symptoms persist. When you have diabetes, any injury to your feet is a major concern even if it is caused by the manicurist. An injury is an open invitation for an infection. An infection can lead to higher blood sugars and higher blood sugars can interfere with healing, which can lead to ulcers and potential amputation.
When it comes to pedicures, persons with diabetes must ask themselves if it is worth the risk? People with diabetes should be seen by a podiatrist on a regular basis for routine foot care. It is best to see the podiatrist, regularly so any problem or potential foot complications can be dealt with early.

o For more information, email me at foothealth242@gmail.com or visit www.apma.org or pedicuretip.org. To see a podiatrist visit Bahamas Foot Centre on Rosetta Street or call 325-2996 or Bahamas Surgical Associates on Albury Lane or call 394-5820.

read more »

A Poem for Hon Paul Lawrence Adderley

Enclosed is a Poem for the late Hon. Paul Lawrence Adderley,  by Bahamian poet, Obediah Michael Smith:

my Jesus,

Paul Adderley's passed away

what a day

what a force this is that has ended

oh, my God,

who among us will replace such giants

who among us

able to fit- able to fill such shoes...

read more »

NEW COLUMN: The Wedding Guru - Steps to planning a fairy tale wedding

Planning a fairy tale wedding on a shoe string budget can be a stress filled experience for anyone. For the bride and groom it is the first true test of how you and your spouse will handle a lifetime of money matters. Here are a few tips to start the process of planning the fairy tale wedding for you and your guest.

Talk about money - Most couples embarking on this wedding planning adventure are afraid to simply talk money. Other than a house, this is one of the biggest spending sprees you will share. If a parent, or future in-law has agreed to foot the bill, sit together and talk about it. Start with a list of wedding day wishes and wedding day must haves and work together from there.
Create a budget - The choices are no longer limited for couples.There are unlimited tools to assist you in creating a realistic wedding day budget.  For those do it yourself brides you can search the net for a wedding planning guide. We highly suggest hiring a certified wedding consultant to assist with your pre-budget planning.  Here is a big question; Would you allow a car mechanic to operate on you? Never! You would consult a specialist. Hire a specialist. Think not of it as  extra money spent, but of money and time due to expert advise received.
Location - All other aspects of wedding planning should be based on your confirmation of venue for the ceremony and reception. Venue charges vary, and your selection should be based on your estimated number of attendees. Some venues give discounts on middle of the week weddings, while some offer free reception room charge based on catering menu selected. For the discerning bride that likes to start a trend rather then follow the trends, there are numerous locations available. Think out of the box, be a trend-setter.
Vendor selection - Weddings today are quite affordable if a wee bit of creativity and research is used when planning. Make a list of all vendors from photographer to pastry chef, to entertainment and floral designer. Use of family members and friends as vendors should be carefully thought out as this is not a always a good remedy to save cost. Many friendships have ceased due to work not received, completed and not up to brides expectations. Research all vendors, confirm credentials, certification and community credibility. Written contracts should be made, no matter what the relation for all vendors for your security and assurance of a successful event.

read more »

Going to meet the man

Dear Editor,

Dr. Hubert A. Minnis (FNM-Killarney), the leader of the official opposition, has his work cut out for him. He has some big political shoes to fill as he seeks to reconstruct and mold the shell-shocked Free National Movement (FNM) in his own image. The ever pervasive shadow and hologram of Hubert A. Ingraham (FNM-North Abaco) loom large over his shoulders.
I have long predicted that Dr. Minnis would emerge as de facto leader of the FNM, even if, for the time being, the former leader is, in fact, the de jure leader of that defunct party. So said, so done. At a recent press conference or was it a one man, as usual, diatribe, Ingraham demonstrated that he is still of the bogus and mistaken view that he is still relevant in Bahamian politics.
The biggest single reason why the FNM went down in flames in the general election is Ingraham and his abrasive style of leadership. Yes, he used to be relevant, bold and fresh. Today, he is irrelevant, timid and stale, with all due respect. His shelf life has expired but he continues to act and believe that Bahamians still want to purchase a rancid loaf of bread.
Dr. Minnis, however, has what it takes to become prime minister of this nation. Some misguided persons think that it is all about being bombastic. Others, just as deluded, believe that a leader must wear his or her mantle on their shoulders like some big and bad bully.
The days of such leaders are over in The Bahamas. What we want today is a mixture of both where compassion is combined with laser-like focus on the issues and concerns which impact ordinary Bahamians on a daily basis. Political insecurity and one-man band scenarios have plagued our country for too long and we must move beyond them. Who is Dr. Minnis the man and is he up to the task of unseating the now resurgent Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) administration?
I am not a PLP and I would not even talk about the FNM. What I am, however, is a true born Bahamian who has an unequalled passion for my country and the orderly advancement of all who call this nation home, bar none. Political tribalism will be the death blow to the hoped for success of the PLP. Far too many so called PLPs believe that God Himself bestowed this nation upon them and to hell with the rest of us who may not belong to their tribe.
Already one is witnessing the return to positions of influence of the "old guard" within the PLP and already one is able to cringe when one sees how contracts and other governmental favors and perks are being handed out, like candy, to those who bow at the altar of Perry Christie and the boneless sycophants who worship the rest of them.
Mind you, don't get me wrong, in politics this is the way it is. I submit, however, that there must be several slices of the collective loaf of bread available for other Bahamians regardless of political affiliation. It is morally wrong and politically unacceptable for the whole hog to be shared amongst only those who belong to a governing party.
This is the difference which Dr. Minnis will bring to the table. He is a self-made man whose means have very little to do with his political posture or the virtue of his being in the House of Assembly. Whatever he might have he earned it the old fashioned way by hard work, focusing on an agenda and by prudent investments with his own income.
Lynden Pindling, Christie and Ingraham, by contrast, never had to really work hard in their natural lives. None of them, God bless them all, has ever had to work "hard" in the private sector for too long.
Dr. Minnis came from relatively humble beginnings and had to go out to work early in his life. Yes, his father may have been able to do something for him, but basically he came up the rough side of the mountain. He has a tenacity and attention to detail that few frontline politicians seem to possess or have the ability to display. His speaking style is adequate to the task at hand and he is a sharp debater in the House of Assembly. His feathers are not ruffled easily.
In going to meet the man called Dr. Hubert A. Minnis, I am of the firm view that he is more than capable and able to stand his ground in any and all circumstances. I am also aware that some of my PLP friends and enemies (and I have a load of them both) will question why I seek to praise and embellish the abilities of the leader of the opposition but I call a spade a spade. I serve at the altar of no tin gods, iron men or Fruit of the Loom women.
"Going to meet the Man" is the title of a book written some years ago by the now deceased, celebrated black American writer James Baldwin. The sentiments expressed therein by Baldwin are applicable, in today's context, to the leader of the opposition. Dr. Minnis, eventually, will reconstruct and mold the now shell-shocked FNM into a force to be respected by its detractors.
If the PLP fails to deliver on its big gold dream, the average Bahamian will be merciless in his/her treatment of that party come the next general election. The immediate task at hand for Dr. Minnis, however, may well be a hopeless one. The upcoming by-election in North Abaco, in my submission, will be lost, big time by the FNM unless they immediately put certain measures in place.
In going to meet the man, Dr. Minnis must rise to the occasion. If he fails to do so, and I am of the view that he is being set up to so do, his leadership momentum will be subjected to severe challenges. Do I know how they in the FNM would be able to retain North Abaco? Absolutely. Will I so advise them?
To God then, in all things, be the glory.

- Ortland H. Bodie Jr.

read more »

Bahamian designer debuts Minka swimwear line at Miami Fashion Week

Back over Versace, Bahamian fashion designer
Latoya Hanna-Moxey is making her way down the catwalk this week,
debuting her line of Minka swimwear at Miami Fashion Week.

The Miami Beach International Fashion Week is
said to be the fifth largest event on the fashion calendar and from
March 21 to 24, the Caribbean is being represented in a big way.

Hanna-Moxey has been invited to showcase a minimum of 20 pieces in her collection this week, with accessories and shoes to boot.

read more »