Dear Editor,

I am a 70-year-old Cecil Wallace-Whitfield original FNM, and as such, I am as qualified as any to comment on the state of affairs within the Free National Movement.

What I see happening now in my party saddens me. The FNM seems to be on a clear road to self-destruction.

What we have in the party are grown men (and maybe some women) with fragile egos behaving like children (no apologies) and if the party does not right itself, then I am afraid the damage might be irreparable by the next general election which is just over three years away.

Some party faithfuls pride themselves in saying that the party was born out of controversy. That is true, and was applicable back in 1971, but that line of argument has run its course and is used as a face-saving measure to make controversies appear less damaging and more palatable.

Differences of opinion or dissent are healthy for any democratic organization and are a safeguard against autocracy, but this is open warfare.

What we have is chaos wrapped in controversy and steeped in bitterness and anger. Nothing less.

The FNM spent 20 years in the political wilderness before 1992, and at this rate, another 10 years out of office seems like a certainty.

No? Then show me differently.

I am not interested in name calling or finger pointing. They serve no useful purpose at this time other than to further inflame already heightened passions. When will this stop?

So, whether you are a victim or villain, fish or fowl, whether your anger is legitimate or manufactured, we in the silent majority employ you to replace that anger and malice with harmony and goodwill.

Put aside your bruised egos, swallow your wounded pride, bury the political hatchet, and put party above self for goodness sake.

And no, the party will not come out of this stronger as long as there are actors with less than noble intentions who are deeply embedded in the upper echelons of the party, continuously parading across the political stage.

I am disillusioned and disappointed.

Whomever the cap fits.

— Zephaniah Burrows

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Over 100 tennis matches were played by approximately 70 players in what is being regarded as an epic junior tournament at the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association's (BLTA) National Tennis Center this past weekend.

The BLTA's Spring Classic Tennis Tournament was deemed to be a tremendous success. The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Bahamas Ltd. was the title sponsor of this junior tennis event and after the completion of the 100-plus matches, champions were crowned in the various divisions.

In the under-12 boys division, Chase Newbold prevailed as the champion, taking out Cory Conyers in the championship match. Caitlyn Pratt is the champion in the under-12 girls division, prevailing over Danielle Saunders.

Patrick Mactaggart prevailed as the winner in the under-14 boys division, beating Reeves Mahelis. Tatyana Madu emerged victorious in the under-14 girls division, winning over Briana Houlgrave.

Jackson Mactaggart outlasted Patrick Mactaggart to take the under-16 boys division title while Saphirre Ferguson defeated Tatyana Madu to win the under-16 girls division title.

In the under-18 boys division, Dentry Mortimer Jr. emerged victorious, taking out Sharano Hanna. Saphirre Ferguson won the under-18 girls division title, defeating Caila Bowe.

The BLTA congratulates all the winners and runners-up of the 2023 RBC Spring Classic. On hand to present the winners with their trophies were BLTA President Perry Newton and BLTA Vice President Chilean Burrows.

Double crown winner Saphirre Ferguson, who captured the under-16 and under-18 titles, was recognized for her outstanding tournament performances. She did not drop a set in either final, a tremendous feat.

The BLTA thanks the tournament director Tara Mactaggart, tournament referee Esther Newton and tournament officials for the good governance throughout the event. The BLTA also thanks the tournament participants and parents who continue to develop their children.

"We are witnessing a steady increase and interest in tennis; we had several newcomers to the tennis scene including Ethan Butler, Spencer Taylor, Jordan Storr, Taiden Culmer, Daliyah Culmer, Theo Weir, Drew Roker and others," said a BLTA spokesperson through a press release. Both Butler and Taylor advanced to the round of 16, and Storr and both Culmers played in the quarterfinal rounds. "This is very positive tennis growth. We welcome the new faces of tennis," the spokesperson added.

The Sportsmanship Female trophy was awarded to Victoria Sandi-Aguilar and the male trophy went to Cailan Bowe. They continue to display a great attitude.

"We are thankful to God for the safe and successful close of the RBC Spring Classic Tournament. Continue to display a great attitude and you will continue to excel," the release continued.

Individual match results can be found at the link: https://www.blta.net/blta-spring-classic-tournament/.

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The post BLTA's Spring Classic deemed a tremendous success appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

Funeral service for the late Igramson Toussaint age 23 years of Balfour Avenue will be held on Friday, March 31st, 2023 at 11:00am at New Bethany Baptist Church, Key West Street. Officiating will be Bishop Victor S. Cooper Jr., JP assisted by Rev. Deno Cartwright, Prophetess Tennielle Cooper and Pastor Lukins Saintil. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Gardens, Soldier Road.

Fond and Precious Memories will linger in the hearts of his parents: Duramant Toussaint and Norcillia Joseph; His Stepfather: Clarisnet Estil; His Sister: Kendra Estil; Brothers: James and Andy Rosney (deceased), Grandparents: Julienne Jean and Nercius Joseph Adopted Sisters: Mandy Seymour, Corrine and Tazmane Adderley & Shania Agenor; Adopted Brothers: Rico Sweeting, Arrol Petit, Danagz Sawyer, Kenson Deronoi, Alex Joseph Girl Friend: Kyshon Lightfoot Aunts: Ciccelose, Celidia, Cirillia, Marimathe, Marisiene, Normizia, Selavie and Marguerite Joseph, Uncles: Iliera and Elcius Joseph andDieunousa Dorestin, Cousins: Desiline, Malidia, Lionel, and Nelta Jean Louis, Chimika Louis, Jean-Eli Joseph, Elvie, Berry and Abdias Joseph, Widlene , Dadune, Kerby and Enock Philistin, Guilene Rismon, Richardlen Mondesi, Jeanrony and Claersine Fene`, Keithra Duncombe, Widny Emmanuel, Marierose Sylvester, Medilia, Ronald, Jenny, Wordly and Keno Dorestin, Adeline and Charma Santidor, Ermana Joseph, Esther and Isanal Jean, Marken Mondezie, Doresin Dorcley, Edoi Bocage, Saunders andBrunette Fleuranvil,Enise Dalusma, Clercine Dorcely, Stonya Duprena, Guerlande Solomon Godparents: Nelcia and Johnny Joseph, Godchildren: Kenson Deronoi Jr, Taliyah & Alex Joseph Jr. A Host of Other Relatives and Friends: Pastor Lukins and Mrs. Tribulia Saintil and New Maranatha Baptist Church Family, Gladys Lightfoot and Family, Christine Rolle and Family, Colina Rolle and Family, Stanley Coissy, Ken Sirrolen, Demico Dorsette and Family, Nelson, Kendae & Max Fragilus, Morvin & Marvin Davin, Perez Rolle, Dessy Bien-Aime`, Shanney, Rachel Petit, Bebe, Andrenique, Patrick Rolle, Joe, Jamal, Kjay, Rodney, Adderley And Lubin Petit, Cameron Levarity, Lavaughn and Lavontae Newbold, Dante, Muggy, Spy, Denzel, Nardo, Heads, Ron, Shirley Adderley and Family, Ricky Nabbie, Deangelo Dawkins, Quonny, Marvin, Jordan, Jeff, Melila and Family, Harvey & Miracle Delights/ Carwash Family, Prezzy, Lexus, Petrona Powell and Family, Prophetess Tennielle and Pastor Mark Cooper and The Gathering of the Eagles Ministry, Daisys Sporting Lounge and Family, Goodman's Bay Beach Family, Cabbage Beach Family, Bay Street & Straw Market Family, Salt Life Family and many others too numerous to mention.

THERE WILL BE NO PUBLIC VIEWING.

Tambearly International School students jumpstarted their Easter celebrations early with students in grades Pre-K through 12 putting their creative talents to work to create dioramas using blown eggs as the characters of their settings.

Each grade level was tasked with selecting and designing a theme using recycled materials to create the settings and egg shells as the characters. Themes reflected concepts studied in all subject areas including novels and works of pop culture studied in literature class, science concepts, events from history studies, musical productions performed through the music classes, Tambearly students' favorite sports game, fashion and design, and gaming/ technology.

According to Christina Chandler, vice principal at Tambearly, the students did an "egg-cellent" job working together to create their displays.

"The 'egg-stravaganza' event was an important part of our students' learning process as it helped all grade level students develop problem-solving, listening, leadership, and creative thinking skills. Students had the opportunity to strengthen relationships working collaboratively to create products that demonstrated their knowledge and skills learned as well as celebrate the upcoming season. This allowed students to connect authentically with their peers to articulate their ideas for a common goal. Through this project students also developed a sense of self-pride in successfully meeting objectives with each individual having an important role in its completion," said Chandler.

"The excitement and joy in all grade levels was realized with the dedication each student had in planning, preparing, and implementing their team's plan."

Pre-K students, ages three and four, learned about the life cycle of a chicken through their barnyard display of a colorful and bright chicken coop.

Montessori students, ages three through five, shared a prehistoric display depicting herbivores and carnivores in the swamps and forest of 150 million years ago.

Kindergarten students created a display reflecting on character traits of power and strength used to help others. Each student created an egg character of their favorite fictional superhero.

Grades one and three students focused on science studies creating works that reveal elements of outer space.

The first-grade students' diorama, a model representing a scene with three-dimensional figures - either in miniature or as a large-scale museum exhibit, was a representation of all planets in the universe being navigated by grade one students as "egg-aliens" in their unidentified flying objects (UFO).

Grades two and four students' egg characters were both set in a lovely spring day. The second-grade students' offerings represented creatures great and small, while grade four egg characters were in a competitive game on the sports field.

According to Chandler, their third-grade students have been excited about space and space travel following NASA's SpaceX Crew-6 mission which launched on March 2, 2023. Their display showcased Crew 6 egg characters heading to the launch pad readying themselves for flight through space.

Fifth-grade students' dioramas depicted historical events - the Battle of Hastings (1066) and Norsemen eggs rowing their Viking ship into battle at Stamford Bridge (1066) reviewed in class and a fashion show of lovely young eggs strutting in style.

While the sixth-grade students' displays represented settings in literary works. The sonnet The Kraken, by Alfred Tennyson (1930) showed egg characters fiercely trying to steer their ship away from the slumbering tentacles of the Kraken. Fairy tales Rapunzel and Rumpelstiltskin were represented in a display comparing and contrasting the works.

Grade seven students shared various topics - a representation of "Cats" the musical, gladiators at a Roman amphitheater, and passengers on Bahamas egg ways taking flight for the holiday break.

Eighth-grade students created a scene from "The Stranger Things," a science fiction work, showcasing the alternate dimension of "The Upside Down".

While the grade nine students shared an intense soccer match between minion eggs. Grades 10 through 12 students created scenes from favorite novels studied this year, "A&P" by John Updike, "The Lord of The Flies" by William Golding, and "The Diamond Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant. Their interactive dioramas were a hit with parents as they provided QR scan codes linking to the excerpts from the novels represented in their scenes.

Adding extra incentive to earn merit points for house teams, families were invited to visit the displays during the school's parent-teacher conferences and shared details learned about students' studies through autumn and winter term from the "eggstravaganza" display.