Mind-Blowing

I can’t put it any more plainly than this – I’m a fan of Katsuya, again!

Not only has the restaurant reopened in a COVID-19 environment, but it’s done so with the purpose of grabbing the attention of its fans who may have fallen by the wayside. And I speak from experience, because I don’t think there was a bigger Katsuya fan than me. When this restaurant made its debut at Baha Mar in 2017, the offerings that translated Japanese flavors for the Western palate were absolutely phenomenal. But as it grew in popularity and over time, somewhere along the way – with the change in chefs and every new person coming in putting their own stamp on some things – the food offerings began to lag for me and I found myself enticed away. Now, with the reopening of the SLS Baha Mar coming out of 2020, the Katsuya team has returned with a vengeance to win back fans like myself with refreshed menu items coexisting with signature staples.

And they’ve pulled it off, presenting a feast for the senses!

Two months after Katsuya reopened its doors, I visited with an agenda that I promised myself I would stick to, and that was to absolutely not order any of my tried and true favorites, and that I would leave myself open to the experience.

I have a couple of favorite servers at Katsuya, one of them is Rashad Moss (Chase was off), who has been with the restaurant since day one. We chatted about the menu and he was excited to lead me on my exploratory adventure which began with a selection of starters – beef tataki (lightly seared with garlic ponzu), salmon tataki (thinly sliced, with yuzu miso and jalapeno salsa), salmon tacos (with spicy miso and jalapeno salsa) and lobster tacos (with butter garlic, avocado and tofu aioli). On a point of order, I had occasion to taste the salmon tacos prior to Katsuya’s reopening and it was one of those gorgeous items that you will return for time and again. Honestly, it was such a beautiful thing that I simply could not resist – a crunchy taco houses silky salmon tossed in a spicy miso sauce, topped with guacamole aioli for a creamy texture and caviar. Juicy and flavorful.

Toro jalapeno – seared otoro sashimi, Russian Osetra caviar and onion ponzu.

And trust me on this one, order the salmon tataki with yuzu miso. Buttery salmon sits in a dressing that provides a burst of flavor making your tastebuds zing. You won’t want to share this one.

The lobster tacos with butter garlic, avocado and tofu aioli, actually give the salmon tacos a run for their money.

The beef tataki is one step away from raw. The thinly sliced beef is lightly seared and made with the garlic ponzu sauce.

Robata grill offerings aren’t to be missed, and the beef short ribs with barbecue sauce are a thing of beauty. The short ribs as expected were fork tender, but were made something special by Katsuya’s barbecue sauce; you will want to lap up every bit of it.

King crab with chive butter.

The king crab with chive butter that also comes from the robata grill is a definite treat. Sweet king crab is paired with chive butter for an absolutely luscious experience.

With the goal uppermost in mind to only have new experiences (except for that one lapse with the salmon tacos) I went with the toro jalapeno – seared Otoro sashimi, Russian caviar, and onion ponzu.

Where do I begin with this dish that’s an absolute luxury that features an exceptional piece of fish and is worth every penny? Let me just say you get the most excellent part of the bluefin tuna, so it’s soft and creamy and literally melts in the mouth. The tuna is topped with a decadent dollop of Russian Osetra caviar and served with a refreshing onion style ponzu and thinly sliced cucumbers for a little crunch, and finished beautifully with edible gold flakes for a touch of elegance.

Cowboy steak – a 24-ounce American Wagyu ribeye.

I vacillated with my mains, intrigued by the thought of a ramen, but ultimately went with the Chilean seabass roasted with ginger soy and coriander. When you find Chilean seabass on a menu, don’t overlook it. When properly cooked, this white flaky fish has a smooth and buttery feel and taste and paired well with the ginger soy and coriander.

Dining with my hubby, I nabbed a bite of his cowboy steak, a 24-ounce American Wagyu ribeye that was cooked to a perfect medium rare temperature, which he paired with sweet corn with shichimi citrus butter and asparagus with yuzu aioli from the robata grill.

Katsuya’s chefs have definitely brought the new and exciting to tried and true staples to “blow your mind”.

My mind is blown!

Chilean seabass with ginger soy and coriander.

As an aside, there are a few menu items I’ve set my sights on exploring that I haven’t had before, which include the eggplant with miso glaze; king crab tempura with amazu (Japanese sweet and sour sauce), red onion, serrano chili and cilantro; the Wagyu gyoza with pickled cabbage and black garlic ponzu; the shoyu ramen (broth with beef tenderloin and a marinated egg); and a sushi roll or two, with some sashimi pieces thrown in, but after the otoro sashimi, I’m spoiled – for life!

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Willis Roots: Lift your head to the ‘Rising Sun’

Willis “Roots” Knowles refers to himself as an ambassador of good vibes and he is spreading these good vibes into the atmosphere with the release of his new single, “Rising Sun” – an uplifting anthem.

“Rising Sun” channels the feeling of encouragement and reminds people to lift their heads high and hold on to the true simplistic values of life.

“With the world facing all of the negative effects of the coronavirus outbreak, empowering humanity was the focus of this song,” said Willis Roots.

Lines from the tune like “lift up your heads to the rising sun” taken from the Bahamas National Anthem evoke the sense that there’s something beyond the trials people face, and “share more love” tells people that no matter how the road gets tough, that they can all use more of this great gift in these times.

It’s a song Willis Roots says is important at this time with everyone affected by the downturn and the pandemic.

“[The single] was inspired from a personal place for me, because I’m not the only one experiencing this thing. And music is therapy and an outlet for us musicians and artists. I feel when you express these things through music it helps others as well.”

“Rising Sun” he said, goes back to the imagery of going to sleep and having life the next day, which he said is a beautiful thing.

The single is a feel-good type song from Willis Roots, who is known for his more serious writing and rock n’ roll edgy sounds.

“I’m used to writing more serious … rock ‘n roll edgy. It was a challenge in that sense and really important in that sense”.

The process to the final product that is “Rising Sun” took about a month.

“We mulled on it for a while,” said Willis Roots. “We didn’t want it to come from a negative place…Shaun Adderley and Darien Francis, they’re my writing team…it took us about a month to put it together.”

Tony Williams, Star 106 Hits programming director, said “Rising Sun” shows Willis Roots’ versatility.

“His conscious lyrics of hope and encouragement appeal to all of us and is something we can all appreciate at this time,” said Williams.

Abiyah Woodside, who is more of a neo-soul artist provided backing vocals on the track, and Judah the Lion provided the whistling melodies.

Willis collaborated with reggae producer Jason Farmer of J-Vibe Productions and Preston Stuart of Cyclone Music Group. Farmer and Stuart sent Willis Roots the rhythm.

The “Rising Sun” single is available for digital download and streaming on all major platforms.

The only downside in the song’s release he said, is that he is unable to promote it the way he normally would, pre-COVID.

“It’s so much harder to promote because you’re not performing it for your fan base, and you’re not on the circuit,” said Willis.

While he’s released his first single in a minute, Willis is putting the wraps on another single that he hopes to release soon, with the goal to release four song this year. Like “Rising Sun”, the new singles will take him out of his comfort zone.

“I’m trying to be a little out of the box with the sound,” said Willis Roots. “I’m messing with Junkanoo flare and Afro beat, which is trendy in the world right now. Trying to be edgy and out of my comfort zone so when it’s played its fresh and still different.”

But he said his fan base will not have a problem with the new sound he puts out.

With the release of his singles, Willis Roots said he’s paying attention to nurturing himself as a solo artist, outside of the band Willis and the Illest.

“I took a bit of time for me to work on the studio [DuncanTown Studios] project and bring more of an environment and atmosphere to work with talent and musicians, now I’m to the point where I’m at the point where I want to release a string of singles.

In 2018, Willis established the recording studio facility which gave the group the flexibility to work on an array of production projects and collaborations with other artists in a comfortable, creative atmosphere.

Willis is the lead vocalist and frontman of Willis & The Illest Reggae Band, a group of dynamic roots conscious Bahamian musicians which he founded in 2008.

The band held its first public performance in June of that year and has grown exponentially since. The current members include Mandisa Smith (supporting vocals), Hashaun Adderley (guitar/bass), Darien Francis (keys and supporting vocals), and Aaron Seymour (drums).

In 2011, the band released a self-titled album, which included the hit single “Hey” and a music video for the catch love ballad.

In 2013, the band released another hit single and video for “Lion In The Jungle” which feature “Pressure Busspipe”; the music video for the song at that tune garnered over 30,000-plus YouTube views and a feature on MTV’s website.

Over the years, Willis and the band continues to pen meaningful and uplifting songs, blending the creativity of each band member’s musical touch.

In 2017, Willis released “Better Days”, a conscious chant crossed with a “trap reggae” riddim, produced by Stuart and Farmer.

The song was inspired by the realities of the Bahamian and world economies, high unemployment rate, crime, wars, and political corruption.

Willis penned lyrics depicting a world at peace with displaced Africans reconnected to Ethiopia, finally being freed from the bondage of mental slavery. The song’s message conveys that people should continue to hope, love one another, and look ahead to the better days to come.

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Ayton’s double double not enough as Suns fall

Bahamian professional basketball player DeAndre Ayton notched a double double, but it was not enough to help the Phoenix Suns (20-11) overcome the visiting Charlotte Hornets (15-16) as they fell 124-121 on Wednesday night. The National Basketball Association (NBA) game was played at the Phoenix Suns Arena in Phoenix, Arizona.

Ayton finished the game with 16 points and 10 boards. Like he has been doing all season, the big man was efficient from the field on Wednesday night, going 5-for-8 to shoot 62.5 percent. He took eight shots from the free throw line, connecting on six shots to finish the night at a high 75 percent clip.

On the rebounding front, he was able to finish with six defensive boards and four offensive boards. He also had one assist and a block.

The Suns lost for the second time in 11 games and had their three-game winning streak snapped.

The Bahamian had a hot start in the first quarter, going 3-for-4 from the field. His first bucket came on a Frank Kaminsky missed shot that he cleaned up for a put back layup at the 7:11 mark. He put his team up 18-16 at that point. The center finished the quarter with six points as his team led 38-34 after 12 minutes.

In the second quarter, he did not attempt any field goals, but made two free throws to end the half with eight points as they led 67-66. At the 6:02 mark in the second quarter, the Suns led 57-40 before the Hornets went on a run to turn it into a close game.

In the second half, the 2018 number one NBA Draft pick went 2-for-4 from the field to finish the half with eight points.

The Hornets used a huge 31-24 advantage in the third quarter to help them get the win. The Suns did manage to tie the game at 110 on a Devin Booker slam dunk with 3:39 remaining in the game. However, a mini 7-0 run by the Hornets turned out to be enough to help get them the win. Mikal Bridges did bring the Suns within two points when he split a pair of free-throws with 6.9 seconds remaining to cut into the Hornets’ lead, 122-120.

Booker finished with a game high 33 points for the Suns. Malik Monk led the Hornets with 29 points.

The Suns shot the ball better with a 50.6 percent clip while the Hornets shot 48.9 percent. Both teams shot 27 free-throws but the Hornets made 25 of them while the Suns sank 19 free-throws. Aside from the made free-throws difference, the game was an even one.

Ayton and the Suns return to action tonight when they head to the Windy City of Chicago to play the Chicago Bulls (15-16) at the United Center. The game gets underway at 8 p.m.

The other Bahamian in the NBA, Chavano ‘Buddy’ Hield and his Sacramento Kings (12-19), came into last night’s game against the New York Knicks (15-17) at the Madison Square Garden in New York, New York, on an eight-game losing streak. No score was available at press time.

In his last game on Tuesday night against a surging Brooklyn Nets on the road, Hield struggled from the field to score 11 points on 3-for-9 shooting from the field. He went 3-for-6 from the field and 2-for-2 from the charity stripe. He pulled in five rebounds and four assists. He was able to get one steal and a block. 

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‘The Little Things’ feels like a film I’ve watched before – or something awfully similar

 “The Little Things” (US Rated R)

B Denzel Washington, Jared Leto, Rami Malek

Genre: Crime/Thriller

Where to watch: HBO Max

Dwight’s Rating:

When you’ve got something boiling in a pot on a stove, generally, at least three things could happen: whatever you’re preparing will eventually end up done to your satisfaction; the liquid will get hot and bubble up and begin to boil over; or, after much initial intensity, all the liquid will evaporate, resulting in what’s left in the pot turning to mush or getting burned and essentially ruined.

The latter, sadly, perfectly sums up the new film “The Little Things”. This crime/thriller starts off like a 100-meter sprinter out the blocks. But this ain’t no sprint race. And as we go along in this marathon, our runner seems to run out of steam, with about a mile or two to go to the finish line.

It wasn’t supposed to be this way. Not with such a promising start. And not with a cast of three Oscar winners! Rami Malek (“Bohemian Rhapsody”) and Jared Leto (“Dallas Buyers Club”) each have one, and Denzel Washington (“Glory” and “Training Day”) has two, for goodness’ sake!

So, what happened?

Washington plays Deputy Sheriff Joe “Deke” Deacon. He joins forces with Sgt. Jim Baxter (Malek) to search for a serial killer who’s terrorizing Los Angeles. As they track the culprit, Baxter is unaware that the investigation is dredging up echoes of Deke’s past, uncovering disturbing secrets that could threaten more than his case.

Part of the problem is that this could be the plot from any number of police crime thrillers over the past 50 years. Any hundred or 1,000 of them!

For me, it brings back memories of being a kid in the 1980s, when my dad would rent VHS copies of incredibly dark 1970s crime thrillers starring tough guys like Charles Bronson or Clint Eastwood. I wasn’t supposed to be watching. But I’d be hiding behind his armchair or across the room sneaking peaks every few minutes, and hearing every minute of the cheesy dialogue.

There were always lots of women getting slaughtered by sickos in those ridiculous flicks. And the cops always seemed to talk and act the exact same way. (Shockingly, we’ve got much less nudity and far less “cussin” today than in those ‘70s and ‘80s films.)

Compared to those pictures, the dialogue in “The Little Things” isn’t corny, and the acting quality is on a much higher plane, but I do feel like I’ve watched this before – or something awfully similar. It’s truly a throwback to a bygone era, and not just because it’s set in 1990. Unfortunately, there is no appreciable update here.

Again, it squanders what could have been something quite special. For at least the first hour, the anticipation of something great is ever present. There’s the ongoing mystery of Washington’s character’s back story, and throughout the film, the actor maintains his usual, solid, dependable, reliable Denzel Washington self.

There’s also the remarkable creepiness of Malek’s police detective character. From beginning to end, you wonder if he truly is one of the good guys, or is that just his face?

And then there’s Leto, whose arrival on the screen promises to ratchet things up several more notches. His chilling performance is arguably the strongest one here. He has clearly put a whole lot of thought into every single aspect of his bizarre character’s life. (Leto is up for the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor this Sunday.)

So, just as you’re on the edge of your seat expecting big things to happen, “The Little Things” begins to run out of fuel, and there’s nothing left in the pot. The only conclusion we can come to is that the draw here all along was solely that we’d get to see three acclaimed actors all together for the first time.

But as any cook in any kitchen can tell you, no matter how good the quality of your ingredients, if you don’t have the right recipe and the right seasonings, the end result won’t necessarily be tasty or satisfying. And worse yet, it may leave an unpleasant aftertaste.

• Dwight Strachan is the host/producer of “Morning Blend” on Guardian Radio and station manager. He is a television producer and writer, and an avid TV history and film buff. Email dwight@nasguard.com and follow him on twitter @morningblend969.

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Clarke and Donaldson in action

Bahamian collegiate tennis players, Sydney Clarke and Sierra Donaldson, were in action on Wednesday for their respective schools on the court in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) action.

Clarke and her University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers (3-5) got a win over the Samford University Bulldogs (4-5) 5-2 at the Samford Tennis Center in Birmingham, Alabama in NCAA Division I play. This was their first road win of the season after losing four straight road duels.

Clarke helped the Blazers go up 2-0 when she comfortably won her singles match against Cindy Oest in two straight sets, 6-1, 6-1. This is coming off an unfinished game on Sunday when the match was stopped just before she served on match point.

Over on the doubles side, she was not so fortunate. She and her partner Alexandra da Silva fell 6-3 to Natalia De Ugarte and Oest. The Blazers still went on to win the doubles play.

This is a great confidence boost for the Blazers, who came off a 4-1 loss to the University of South Alabama Jaguars on last Sunday.

Clarke will be back in action on Sunday when her team heads home to George Ward Park in Birmingham, Alabama to play the Murray State University Racers (1-3).

Sierra Donaldson was not as fortunate as Clarke over in NCAA Division II action. Her Lee University Flames (2-2) team lost a nail-biter home duel 4-3 to the Carson-Newman University Eagles (3-1) at the DeVos Tennis Center in Cleveland, Tennessee.

After the Flames and the Eagles split the first two doubles matches, it was up to Donaldson and doubles partner Hayden Smith to give the team the win in the doubles. They played against Julia Speiser and Summer Reeves and fell in a grueling match, 7-6 (7-5).

In the singles, Donaldson had a tough time against Reeves. The Bahamian fell in two sets 6-2 and 6-3.

After starting the season 2-0, the Flames have now dropped two straight games. They will have this weekend off. Their next game is a Gulf Southern Conference (GSC) matchup against the University of West Georgia Wolves on Friday, March 5. That duel will be played at Sunset Hills Country Club in Carrollton, Georgia.

In action today will be Bahamian Abigail Simms as her team, the Indian Tech Warriors (5-0), goes up against the Bowling Green State University Falcons (2-2) at the Perrysburg Tennis Center in Bowling Green, Ohio.

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More CARIFTA qualifiers on final day of BSC meet

Bahamian junior swimmers continue to excel in the water this season, as even more were able to qualify for CARIFTA on the second day of the 9th Annual Leno Barracuda Swim Club Invitational, at the Betty Kelly-Kenning National Swim Complex on Sunday.

The new date for the 2021 CARIFTA Aquatics Championships has not been set as yet. It was set for Easter Weekend, April 3-6, in Wildey, Barbados. A date will be confirmed early next month.

The Barracuda Swim Club saw its very own Grace Farrington powering her way to meet the CARIFTA standards when she clocked 2:41.14 to win the 15-17 girls 200 meters (m) breaststroke. Alpha Aquatics Club’s Mikayla Blacquiere was the only other competitor in the race. She finished that race in 3:05.11.

The Barracuda Swim Club’s Rhanishka Gibbs continued her good swims on the weekend, when she powered her way to dip under the CARIFTA qualifying time in the 13-14 girls 50m breast. She clocked 35.89 seconds to win that event. Also going under the CARIFTA qualifying time was Alpha’s Maria Fox, who clocked 38.41 seconds to finish second. Mako Aquatics Club’s Tia-Isabella Adderley finished third in 38.97 seconds.

In the long-distance race, 14-year-old Barracuda swimmer Kyana Higgs was spectacular in the 13-14 girls 400m individual medley (IM). She was able to go under the CARIFTA qualifying time as she swam her way to touch the wall first in 5:44.91. Her teammate, Khalilah Barr finished behind her with a time of 6:19.15.

Alpha Aquatics Club’s Zaylie-Elizabeth Thompson won the 15-17 girls 200m freestyle when she swam 2:17.58 to meet the CARIFTA qualifying standard. Second place was won by Lyford Swim Club’s Delaney Mizell, who touched the wall in 2:21.01. Mia Sastre, who swam unattached, was third when she posted 2:23.79.

There were awards given out to the high-point achiever for both the boys and the girls in every age category. The winners were chosen according to who racked up the most points.

There was a tie in the 15 and over men age category as two Barracuda swimmers, Msanaa Bosland and Emmanuel Gadson, tied for 32 points. Over on the women’s side in that age category, it was Grace Farrington who scored 36 points to win the high-point trophy.

The 13-14 boys saw a narrow finish as Turks and Caicos Aquatics swimmer Tajhari Williams won with 41 points. For the 13-14 girls, it was Kyana Higgs who walked away with the high-point trophy when she was able to rake in 52 points. She had a 20-point advantage on her closest competitor.

Blue Waves Swim Club swimmer Dijon Simmons swam away with the high-point trophy in the 11-12 boys category. He scored 49 points. The Barracuda Swim Club’s Trinity Pratt convincingly won the 11-12 girls high-point trophy when she finished with a nine-point advantage. She scored 51 points.

In the 9-10 boys age category, the Barracuda Swim Club’s David Singh scored 54 points to win the high-point award. His teammate, Christin-Alyssa Clarke won the 9-10 girls age group with 42 points.

It was eight-year-old Kriston Rolle, who swam under the Blue Waves Swim Club,  who came away with the 8-and-under boys high-point award when he finished with 46 points. On the girls’ side it was Mako Aquatics Club’s eight-year old Taylen Nicholls winning the high-point trophy when she scored 41 points.

Next on the swimming calendar will be the Bahamas Aquatics Federation’s Last Chance Meet 2021, slated for March 5-6. It will be a FINA (International Swimming Federation) sanctioned 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games and 2021 FINA Short Course Worlds meet.

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Residential mortgage commitments the lowest in a decade

Last year saw the lowest number of residential mortgage commitments in almost a decade, according to the latest data released by The Central Bank of The Bahamas.

There were 773 mortgage commitments in 2020 – 641 single dwelling and 132 duplex and row – valued at just more than $150 million, according to the bank’s Quarterly Statistical Digest for 2021.

The volume is a notable decrease from the nearly 1,000 commitments made in 2019.

The bulk of commitments were for existing single dwellings, at 328, with new construction amounting to 276.

There were 34 commercial mortgage commitments, 22 for new construction and 11 for existing structures, at a value of $25.9 million.

While the value of commercial mortgages was down in 2020 compared to the $28.2 million in 2019, the volume was higher than the 14 reported in 2019.

Average monthly loan repayments declined from $1,845 in 2019 to $1,571 last year for residential mortgages; and from $2,707 in 2019 to $2,612 in 2020.

The decline in mortgage commitments reflects the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on consumer spending, coupled with the tough lending stance commercial banks have taken due to the economic fallout.

Along this same vein, there was also a decline in credit card activity among domestic banks.

The number of credit cards issued under the $5,000 limit dropped from 62,406 in 2019 to 58,327 last year, the lowest in nearly a decade.

Total payments also dropped from $1.15 billion in 2019 to just over $800 million last year. The value of outstanding credit in the under $5,000 limit category dropped from $101 million to $92 million.

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Advocates note pitfalls to avoid in potential marijuana industry

As the government pushes ahead with finalizing draft legislation to legalize medical marijuana, an advocacy group said it’s important The Bahamas does not allow the importation of cannabis plants if it wants to see a thriving industry.

Valentino Elliott, president of the organization Marijuana Bahamas, said he doesn’t believe the industry should allow the importation of marijuana and The Bahamas should develop, grow and then distribute its own unique strains to set its industry apart from others around the world.

“What we have to realize is that we’re coming into a relatively new market. Yes, the market has revenue generation potential, but we have to be mindful as to what we’re putting down. Our closest partner would maybe be Jamaica. Jamaica made the mistake to firstly inquire about importing most of its medicinal product, meaning they are at a huge disadvantage. But I saw this as a means of The Bahamas actually getting into that particular market. As we have islands that are separated, geographically we are set up in a better position, because if we’re growing various strains we need to be a particular distance from another strain. Once we have proper zoning in place, we can grow more strains than they can and the options are wider,” he told Guardian Business.

“I don’t see any reason why we would have to import, only if we wanted to rush the industry I can see them saying we’re going to start with importing. But once you start how will you stop?”

Jamaica’s Cannabis Licensing Authority does not currently allow the importation of marijuana plants. The country currently only allows licensee holders to import marijuana tinctures and extracts.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis said the government was in the process of completing legislation to legalize medicinal marijuana, allowing it to be grown by Bahamians, utilized and exported.

The National Marijuana Commission has said that if it is decriminalized, a marijuana industry should be 51 percent owned by Bahamians.

However, Elliott said Bahamian ownership should be more.

“That’s my personal opinion. But I have to err on the side of being more business minded,” he said when asked if he believed the industry should be made exclusive to Bahamians.

“You’re going to have foreign persons interested and you’re going to want to attract them to your economy. So that’s another driving factor that we can actually have. But if we could have a majority owned Bahamian industry – say 75 or 80 percent – I would love to see that much owned by Bahamians or even more. I have no problem having a foreign company come in because it will increase our quality in a sense. We have a lot of persons here who want to get into the industry, but they lack the training for it. Those who have the training externally, they are going to have a particular standard. What I think the government should do is have a regulatory body that has a set standard and once that standard is kept you only can get better.”

Marijuana Bahamas founder Renaldo Cartwright met with Attorney General Carl Bethel this week to discuss the legislation.

“We just basically gave them an overview of some of the recommendations that we have on the table now as the organization Marijuana Bahamas. We haven’t released a full document as yet, it’s just a basic overview. But we wanted to engage them because this was actually the first formal meeting with any government official since we’ve been requesting, since 2018,” Elliott said.

“We were trying to engage them on talks of Marijuana Bahamas either becoming a consultant or consulting on the new legislation that they plan to put forward. We were assured that once the draft has been completed, the government would seek out us and other public stakeholders in the industry that it might affect; and they would give us first preference in viewing the document so that they can have a finalized, revised document before they release it.”

The cannabis advocate said what the organization wants the most is for the government to be innovative about creating a new medical marijuana industry.

“I’m hoping that the government really does consider every aspect of what it means to open up this industry to Bahamians, because we can benefit so much. I’m not just talking about us locally, we can benefit in so many different ways,” he said.

“It would give us a stable enough income for the next 50 to 100 years based on the projections that I have and the studies that I have done. I see it as a doorway opening to innovation, not just this industry but so many more things. It’s not just the medical and the recreational part of it, you have manufacturing aspects, construction aspects. I would like to see our government be more innovative because the marijuana industry is just the tip of the iceberg.”

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Tourism Development Corp. answering call for more tourist experiences

Carnival Corporation’s assertion that cruise visitors are not finding things to do in Nassau has spurred the Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) to kick its committees and training modules into high gear, to ready tourism stakeholders for when visitors return en masse, whether by cruise ship or plane.

TDC Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Janet Johnson told Guardian Business yesterday that her organization’s cruise committee is tasked with finding ways to improve the perception expressed recently by Carnival’s Senior Vice President of Global Port & Destination Development Giora Israel.

Israel, in interviews with local media, explained that one-third of cruise visitors never book a tour when visiting Nassau. He suggested that many cruise visitors have visited Nassau before and have grown bored with the offerings that currently exist.

According to Israel, the destination needs to “renew itself”.

“There is very little product in Nassau for people who come back again and again and again,” Israel said.

His suggestion was that the government facilitate the development of new products by supporting business development.

The government is currently funding many startup businesses, some in the tourism space.

Meantime, Johnson said those businesses that are available now have to re-evaluate their offerings during this down time.

The TDC, she said, will soon offer varying training sessions and modules to ready tourism sector businesses for a resurge in visitor arrivals. 

“We need to do some sessions to talk to Bahamians about refreshing, re-evaluating, updating their product, and sort of teach them how to do that, so that we’re not opening up with the same old, same old,” said Johnson.

“We’re working on some stuff and we will be going to market with it and hosting some webinars. We have written some modules for the Festival Place vendors, working with the Nassau Cruise Port. So we developed these modules to speak to customer service, branding and safety elements, weaving in the Safe Travel Stamp.”

She added that Bahamas Experience is helping the Cruise Committee and newly launched Agritourism Committee to develop the kinds of excursions guests might want to experience in Nassau. 

“They know what is new and fresh and being offered in other destinations,” Johnson said. 

“The pandemic has forced us to look at what we have, enhance it and look at some things differently. We realize that this is an opportunity to refresh our product and to encourage those who are in the market to do things different.

“Expect that the visitor is a discerning visitor and they want value for money.”

Johnson added that the TDC is taking a second look at Airbnb’s experiences platform to renew and enhance those experiential tours on the island.

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Eeden Farms growing 15 acres of crops in three shipping containers

Eeden Farms produces 15 acres worth of crops within three 40-foot shipping containers, uses solar power for their grow lights and expends 99 percent less water than a traditional farm, according to its principals, who said yesterday that hydroponic container farming is the future of sustainable leafy green crop development.

Eeden is the brainchild of entrepreneur Lincoln Deal, along with his partners Delphino Cassar and the owners of Bron Limited, Scott Blacquiere and Carlos Palacious. 

Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis officially opened the containerized hydroponics operation located at Bron Business Centre yesterday, and said in his remarks that the country has failed to sustainably grow food locally. He remarked, though, that there have been varying degrees of success in farming over the years.

“I hail with great enthusiasm the efforts of the principals of Eeden farms for the role they intend to play in producing more agricultural products,” said Minnis.

“We all know the value of having access to fresh, high quality food, especially if it is organic.”

The company is being described as a technology firm that grows greens, given that the grow operation can be controlled through a mobile phone app and it uses the latest in hydroponic technology. 

Vegetables are grown vertically in containers and subjected to a climate-controlled environment.

According to Deal, Eeden can grow about 500 different leafy greens, herbs, small fruits, flowers and specialty crops that might need specific growing conditions, all year round.

Palacious said the company is the authorized distributor for Freight Farms – the developers of the container farms – in The Bahamas.

And while the company will eventually sell the containers as a retail product, Deal said for now, they are selling their organic greens wholesale to hotels and restaurants such as Manuelo’s, Lois & Steen’s and Cafe Channing Noelle.

“We are looking at the retail market,” said Deal.

“We do have retail packaging called Junkanoo Mix, however, our main focus is the wholesale market.

“In the near future we also want to provide opportunities for Bahamians to utilize the technology as well, especially the more remote islands… the Biminis, the Inaguas and the other islands that may have an interest in these containerized systems.”

Deal explained that while there is an interest by hotels in Eeden’s container farms, the company is waiting for the tourism industry to stabilize before going full steam ahead.

“With the tourism industry a bit unstable right now, we’re waiting for when they’re ready,” Deal said.

“But we have been approached by a few of them and there is a keen interest in the technology, so we hope that once the business picks up in the tourism sector that we would continue those conversations, and of course execute.”

Farm Manager Latesha Gibson said there was a bit of a learning curve with the Freight Farm technology, but explained that the company has a wealth of information and excellent client services. 

She added that Eeden was the first in the world to receive the newest generation of Freight Farm’s container technology and the greens that have been grown so far are tastier and more vibrant than imported greens.

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Bethel and Darville wish Ingraham a speedy recovery

Following news that former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham is hospitalized with COVID-19, Attorney General Carl Bethel and Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Senator Dr. Michael Darville yesterday wished him a speedy recovery.

Bethel described Ingraham as a valuable resource to The Bahamas.

“We were deeply saddened to see the banner headlines in the paper today, and we do wish him every success, a quick, speedy and full recovery,” he said in the Senate.

“And [we hope] that his family similarly would soon have the benefit of having him come back home the right way, where he can continue his service to the Bahamian people, because even though former prime ministers, you may think they are not doing anything, one thing they always try to do is advise current prime ministers. They play a very valuable role.

“They are valuable resource items. And so, may God continue to richly bless the right honorable Hubert A. Ingraham and bring him through this travail.”

Ingraham, 74, was hospitalized following complications from COVID-19 on Tuesday, 10 days after he tested positive.

One of his doctors, Dr. Duane Sands, said on Wednesday night that Ingraham is “clinically stable” and is in a critical care area at Doctors Hospital east.

“He had complications of COVID and he is now recovering with treatment,” Sands said.

Speaking with The Nassau Guardian from the hospital, Ingraham said on Wednesday night that he felt fine.

He also confirmed that his wife, Delores, and two members of his law office staff also tested positive, but said he was the only one who required hospitalization.

Darville, who contracted COVID-19 last year, yesterday also wished Ingraham the best in his recovery.

“I also would like to extend well wishes and get well soon wishes to the former prime minister, the right honorable Hubert Ingraham,” he said.

“It is my understanding, only from the print media, that he was admitted to the hospital with COVID. I understand what that means because I’ve been there and I have experienced it.

“I pray that he gets the necessary care that is essential and he does recover and will be able to contribute to the growth and development of the country.”

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A long and difficult road ahead

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic response, experts postulated that the virus’ economic impact would eclipse that of its substantial impact on public health.

We need look no further than long-term repercussions for gross domestic product (GDP), debt and deficit levels, unemployment and social stability in The Bahamas to recognize the validity of that hypothesis.

In its October 2020 World Economic Outlook, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which indicated that global recovery “is not assured while the pandemic continues to spread”, said economic ascent “will likely be long, uneven, and uncertain.”

The IMF advised: “With renewed upticks in COVID-19 infections in places that had reduced local transmission to low levels, reopenings have paused, and targeted shutdowns are being reinstated. Economies everywhere face difficult paths back to pre-pandemic activity levels.”

In its annual Article IV assessment, the IMF forecasts lukewarm economic growth for The Bahamas in 2021, noting that it will take at least four years before the country returns to its pre-COVID levels.

Those levels included a 10.36 percent unemployment rate, and a worsening deficit position due to Hurricane Dorian which devastated the country’s second and third largest economies of Grand Bahama and Abaco.

Pre-pandemic levels also saw thousands who were left homeless and unemployed in Dorian’s aftermath — many of whom remain displaced and jobless — with a rate of economic growth insufficient to absorb thousands of school leavers and job-hopefuls in the labor force.

Long lines at the crack of dawn for private sector feeding initiatives during the course of the pandemic were a stark indication of the struggle of Bahamians to feed their families, notwithstanding millions in social and unemployment assistance due to COVID-19.

COVID-19 has slowed the pace of recovery on both Abaco and Grand Bahama, the latter of which having been sent a foreboding economic sign via public statements by the chairman of the board managing the Grand Lucayan resort property, who described a renegotiated sale agreement between government and the Holistica Group as a “bad deal”.

In his mid-year budget communication in the House of Assembly on Wednesday, the prime minister reported the dire state of public finances, noting that overall tax revenue collection contracted by $425 million in the first half of the current fiscal year, with the government collecting $568.5 million in taxes.

Unlike government, which benefits from the expertise of public sector technocrats and private sector consultants in the development of its fiscal and debt strategies, the average Bahamian armed with little to no personal financial guidance, must struggle to make heads or tails of his or her pandemic-induced circumstances.

And unlike government, which has a variety of options at its disposal to raise immediate cash to meet its needs, high debt-service ratios coupled with record unemployment, underemployment and interminable cost of living increases leave many Bahamians at a dead end fenced with financial insecurity.

The IMF’s world economic outlook noted that, “Preventing further setbacks will require that policy support is not prematurely withdrawn. The path ahead will require skillful domestic policies that manage trade-offs between lifting near-term activity and addressing medium-term challenges.”

The formulation of such skillful policies will require collaborative focus on the part of government, and leadership that demonstrates both a firm grasp of the challenges, and competence essential to inspiring domestic and foreign investor confidence necessary for economic recovery.

What the economy does not need at this most critical juncture is the prime minister’s performance as finance minister following the cabinet departure of Peter Turnquest last November, to be in any way reminiscent of his performance as Minister of Health following the departure of Dr. Duane Sands.

That performance was marked by an insular and evasive ministerial approach, which ultimately failed to engender confidence that the COVID-19 fight was headed in the right direction.

COVID-19 has claimed over 2.5 million lives worldwide.

Exceptional governance is required to limit additional loss of life, and to chart an economic ascent that secures quality of life.

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Lack of female representation in Cabinet worrying

Caribbean Women in Leadership Bahamas Chapter (CIWiL) and its executives and membership are very concerned about the resignation of Lanisha Rolle from Cabinet and the subsequent replacement by a male parliamentarian.

CIWiL is a non-partisan and independent nongovernmental organization, established to monitor and strengthen the work of increasing women’s political participation in the region through advocacy, networking, research and capacity building.

CIWiL, in partnership with the Department of Gender and Family Affairs and other non-governmental organizations, led a Women in Parliament Session on December 11, 2020.

More than 30 women, representing civil society, non-governmental organizations and the government sector, maximized the opportunity to present a resolution to increase women’s representation in Parliament.

Hence, the recent Cabinet appointment of a man, to fill the vacancy emanating from the resignation of Lanisha Rolle, gives rise to grave concerns.

Women face great challenges and barriers in political life and often must make more sacrifices than their male counterparts to continue their work of national service.

We applaud women who accept the mandate for public service. We wish Mrs. Rolle all the very best as she continues to represent the people of the Seabreeze constituency in the House of Assembly.

CIWiL is extremely disappointed that the government did not ensure that the small percentage of women representation in Parliament and Cabinet, being 13 percent and six percent respectively, was further deteriorated.

By not replacing former Minister Rolle with another woman, the Cabinet of The Bahamas is without representation of fully one half of the electorate.

This is extremely unbalanced and concerning, especially in these times of enlightenment when it is not only clear world-wide but also mandated by the many international conventions to which the government is a party, that equality in leadership is necessary for good governance and to ensure that women and girls are fully and properly represented.

In this regard, we urge the prime minister to assess and monitor his party’s obligation, commitment and promise to the Bahamian people to increase the representation of women in parliamentary and Cabinet leadership.

We also draw the attention of all political parties to these same obligations in light of the pending general election.

We urge compliance with the commitments made under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, as well as other relevant United Nations summits and conferences, including the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and its Programme of Action, international frameworks and conventions such as the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG5): to achieve gender equality and to empower all women and girls.

CIWiL calls on the government of The Bahamas to not further disenfranchise the women and girls of The Bahamas by lessening our representation to naught, at the highest seat of decision making in the country.

We absolutely have earned and deserve a place at the table.

— Caribbean Women in Leadership Bahamas Chapter

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Greed and double-dipping hurting our tourism industry

Dear Editor,

Last week, my friends came to visit me from the USA for a week of fun in The Bahamas.

They took their COVID tests before traveling here at $120 each ($360); they filled in their travel visas and paid the government $60 each ($180).

They were here for five days and left on the sixth day. As they left very early on a Monday, we had them take their antigen tests on Friday, so that it was completed and so they could use it to return to the USA.

Sadly though, both medical testing sites in Grand Bahama would not give my guests a copy of their antigen test.

They said they would have to pay $50 for rapid tests and results ($150).

I thought this was not right and called the COVID-19 tourism hotline, I was on hold for an hour and a bit, but finally got a nice young man who said that the medical centers should charge them $20 for a printout of the test, and confirmed it was the same test Americans need to go home.

I was fine with the $20, called both places again and told them what the hotline attendant said. Both said they had not been told that, and promised to call and check with tourism.

When I called back the next day they both said that they had nothing in writing and my guests would have to pay $50 each for the testing — even though they knew they had paid $60 for the tourism visa test.

Oh, and they would not print the test out for them either. (For those of you thinking they could use the email tourism sends you, nope you can’t – as it just says you are negative; it has to show testing results).

What made it even worse for me, was that when I took my friends to take the tests the lab we chose actually only gave them ONE test, even though they scanned in the travel visa forms’ QR codes, that means tourism will pay them for the test, and charged them $50 each for the emailed test results.

So, they blatantly double-dipped on testing procedures. The worst part was, they did not care, and said, “sorry, nothing we can do”.

Though our country relies on tourism as 85 percent of our nation’s income, these medical centers were fine with making guests visiting our country pay more money – total COVID-19 expenses were $690, on top of flights, which also meant that there was less money that these tourists might have spent on a tour, a dinner, or on souvenirs.

I have reached out to the Ministry of Tourism, ministers, and tagged a Facebook post to both offices of the prime minister and still no response or change to this situation here.

If we are to get our tourism numbers to come back, we cannot rip off those wishing to visit our shores.

This double-dipping makes it twice as expensive to get here — especially in Freeport it seems!

— Sarah Kirkby

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James Albury was overwhelmed in Central and South Abaco

Dear Editor,

In a recent Facebook post, prominent Abaco businessman Roscoe Thompson III announced his intentions to run as an independent candidate for the Central and South Abaco constituency, an area currently represented by the Free National Movement’s (FNM) James Albury, who is only 27 years old.

When Albury recently announced that he will not be seeking a renomination for that area, due to personal matters, mischief-makers began spreading propaganda on Facebook and other social media platforms that the Central and South Abaco incumbent was being dumped by the FNM.

Critics have alleged that Albury has been ineffective as an MP. I think this is a highly emotive and unfair assessment, considering the unusual circumstances Abaco has undergone over the past two years with that northern island being flattened by Hurricane Dorian in September 2019 and the insurmountable challenges to rebuilding, due to the complete standstill to the Bahamian economy subsequent to the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020.

Abaco probably needs upwards of $1 billion to rebuild — funds the central government obviously lacks.

Judging from the many anti-FNM comments on Mr. Thompson’s Facebook page, I am beginning to sense that the FNM has no clear path to victory in Central and South Abaco.

Unfortunately for North Abaco MP Darren Henfield, the same can be said for his constituency as well, judging by the heckling he received by irate Abaconians in May 2020 while attending the funeral of the 55 Hurricane Dorian victims in Central Pines, Abaco.

Albury obviously sees the handwriting on the wall for the FNM in Abaco, and made the wise decision to remove himself from an untenable situation.

Thompson and many Abaconians are displeased with the current pace of reconstruction in Abaco, taking aim at the Disaster Reconstruction Authority (DRA) and the Hurricane Dorian Small Homes Repair Programme.

In late 2020, there were rumors of DRA vouchers being rejected by vendors.

According to the (now former) Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction Iram Lewis, the delays in payments were due to an influx of applicants to the DRA program, which was approaching 5,000.

With Bahamians who were impacted by Hurricane Dorian being allowed to access up to $10,000 in government assistance, the government could easily be saddled with a $50 million bill, which is only a drop in the bucket.

According to a January 18 article posted on Eyewitness News’ webpage, over 1,000 homeowners have successfully received 100 percent of the assistance they had applied for through the DRA, which is good news in an otherwise stressful situation.

Still, Thompson views the DRA as a complete waste of taxpayers’ money, arguing that the $4 million to $6 million used to fund it should instead be given to Abaconians who are struggling to rebuild.

Thompson and his commenters also took aim at the Minnis administration’s apparent lack of urgency in addressing the matter of chronic looting on Abaco last year, in addition to the current state of the Leonard M. Thompson International Airport.

Both Thompson and Albury are descendants of the British who fled the United States following the American Revolution to settle in the Abaco islands, not wanting to lose their British citizenship.

With the push for independence by the Pindling government in 1973, Abaconians formed the so-called Abaco Independence Movement, which was aimed at ensuring that Abaco remained a colony of Great Britain, while severing ties with The Bahamas.

Subsequent to this failed rebellion, Abaconians, through sheer hard work and determination, built a vibrant economy that overtook the economy in Freeport.

Decades of hard work were completely undone by Hurricane Dorian in a mere matter of hours.

One can then appreciate the frustration of Mr. Thompson, who in a fit of emotion in his Facebook page, accused Dr. Hubert Minnis of being the “worst PM The Bahamas has ever seen.”

With this anti-FNM mood being as strong as it is in Abaco, Albury’s decision makes practical sense.

Thompson rightly stated that no matter who the FNM fields in Central and South Abaco, they will lose. And I agree.

However, in the event Thompson wins the Central and South Abaco seat in the upcoming election, he would be hit hard by the reality of the budgetary constraints the current government has had to face.

It would then be interesting to see if the independent MP would tone down his rhetoric in the halls of Parliament.

I am not making any excuses for the current Central and South Abaco MP, but I do believe that James Albury is simply overwhelmed by the unprecedented challenges facing his constituency.

— Kevin Evans

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Thompson says govt still working, despite speculation of snap election

Minister of State for Finance Kwasi Thompson yesterday told Bahamians not to allow election talk to distract from the ongoing work of the Minnis-led government.

His comments come amid widespread speculation that an early election is on the horizon.

“We have done a lot in these last four years,” Thompson said in the Senate.

“We’ve done a tremendous amount of work in these last four years and in the face of historically disastrous odds. We on this side, will not stop until we have continued to press and we have continued to achieve all that the people have elected us to achieve.

“So, people may get excited about election talk. People may get excited because candidates are being ratified and people are now starting to get on the ground and that’s fine. That’s our process. That’s good. We will meet in that arena.

“But I don’t want people to believe that that has in any way stopped the passion and stopped the progress that this government continues to make because we will continue to work.”

While the next general election isn’t due until May 2022, in recent weeks, many, including members of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), have speculated that Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis is gearing up to call an early election.

Minnis has shrugged off questions about whether or not he will call an early election.

However, both the Free National Movement (FNM) and PLP are quickly moving to ratify candidates. The FNM has so far ratified 25 candidates and the PLP has ratified 18.

PLP Leader Philip Brave Davis said last week that it is clear that the government intends to call an early election “before the high taxes and layoffs in the budget become public”.

Englerston MP Glenys Hanna-Martin also said it appears that an election is near when she spoke in the House of Assembly last week. No government MP responded to her assertion at the time.

Candidates from both parties have also spent the weekends canvassing their various constituencies and political ads from both parties seem to be omnipresent online. 

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Bahamas has opportunity to benefit from large methane deposits, AG says

Attorney General Carl Bethel said yesterday that methane deposits beneath the seafloor could be a valuable natural resource to The Bahamas if environmentalists “would give us the opportunity”. 

“One thing that was drawn to my attention recently is that The Bahamas has been scientifically determined to be one of the areas where there are methane deposits. They are so deep down in the water that the methane is frozen,” Bethel said in the Senate yesterday.

“…The difficulty is, I’m not sure if the technology is there right now because as you raise it up, the temperature of the water rises and so there has to be a way to capture it.

“Basically, underneath the surface of the ocean in certain areas they have determined that there are large blocks of methane that has, because of the pressure and the cold, turned into ice.

“And as soon as the technology comes, there is the potential…that is a resource that The Bahamas has access to if the environmental community would give us the opportunity.” 

He made the comments as senators passed the Biological Resources and Traditional Knowledge Bill, 2021, which paves the way for The Bahamas to gain financially through benefit-sharing agreements with large, international companies that have made discoveries in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals from marine life in Bahamian waters.

Bethel’s comments come weeks after Bahamas Petroleum Company announced that its first exploratory well in Bahamian waters did not produce evidence of oil in commercial quantities.

The news came amid months of controversy surrounding the project, which was vehemently opposed by environmentalist groups and many members of the public.

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Lewis ready to get to work

Two-time Olympian sprinter, Iram Lewis, who was appointed the minister of youth, sports and culture on Tuesday, wasted no time as he released a statement yesterday stating that he is ready to get to work.

He first thanked the Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis for showing confidence in him by appointing him as the minister. He then went on to thank the former minister, Lanisha Rolle, for the work she did at the ministry. Rolle, who served as the first female to hold that portfolio, resigned on Tuesday morning.

Lewis served as the minister of state for the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction from September 2019 up to this ministerial appointment.

Lewis expressed his excitement to work in this ministry that encompasses three key components of the Bahamian society.

“As a former athlete, a constant supporter of our young people and their potential, and as someone committed to our creative cultural communities, I am excited to take on this responsibility,” Lewis stated.

He continued, “I look forward to engaging with the cultural and creative arts community in the ongoing development and promotion of Bahamian arts, culture and heritage. Because the development of our young people is at the heart of national development, I will be a champion for Bahamian youth and young adults. I also understand the vital role that sports plays in the holistic development of young people and our communities.”

Lewis is looking forward to the reintroduction of the Bahamas Games that started in 1989 and ended in 2001. The Bahamas Games featured several sporting disciplines such as track and field, baseball and basketball. Athletes represented their respective island and competed against other islands. In some cases, some diamonds in the rough were discovered. If reintroduced, it would be a step in the right direction for Lewis and his team.

“The Bahamas is a great little country. Our people have so much talent. My focus will be on helping nurture that talent in a spirit of unity and togetherness,” Lewis stated.

He continued, “I pledge to work in a spirit of respect and courtesy with those in my ministry and the various youth, sports and cultural groups with whom we engage. I will listen to advice. I will work to bring people together to advance causes that help our athletes, young people and cultural groups.”

The member of Parliament for Central Grand Bahama was a strong sprinter in his heyday, running personal best times of 10.20 seconds in the 100 meters (m), and 20.64 seconds in the 200m. He also has under his belt a windy sub-10 seconds 100m (9.95). Lewis participated in the 1996 and 2000 Summer Olympics as a member of The Bahamas’ men’s 4x100m relay team, and is a former relay national record holder.

Lewis will serve as the country’s third minister of sports under the current FNM administration.

A communication sent out by the Cabinet Office on Tuesday stated: “Certain matters have been brought to the attention of the prime minister and are under investigation,” in regard to Rolle. The prime minister thanked Rolle for her service.

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Saequan Miller happy to be back in pool

The last time Bahamian collegiate water polo player Saequan Miller was in action was in November 2019. This past weekend, that drought ended as he played three games over the weekend for his Salem University Tigers in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II action.

The Tigers lost all three games but Miller, who was happy to be back playing the sport he loves, was able to come away with five goals and two steals.

He scored one goal on Friday in an 18-10 loss to Mount Saint Mary’s University Mountaineers. On Saturday afternoon, he scored two goals in a 15-7 loss to the Gannon University Golden Knights. Miller went on to score his remaining two goals against Mercyhurst University Lakers in a 20-7 loss Saturday evening.

“For all three games, I noticed the lack of chemistry and stagnant performance,” Miller said. “The endurance level of my teammates and myself is not where it needs to be. The flow of the games did not work in our favor. We used it to the best of our abilities, and everyone gave their best until the end. The result that came was only a test result for us to have a game plan and to go back in the pool and work on it.”

Miller returned to school in January and was only able to participate in five practices. This is due to him playing during the COVID-19 pandemic that saw him play under the “new norm” for sports.

“Coming back in January and having to quarantine on arrival for five days resulted in me missing practices. I also had to do some medical stuff with the trainers before getting back in the pool, so that also took time. It was also a bit weird because we also took three COVID-19 tests each week and it is a lot for one’s nose. It also messes with us mentally because if a person on the team gets infected, we would all have to quarantine for two weeks and having to receive food through our doors. We had to stay in our rooms and missed practices. It just was not good for athletes,” Miller said.

In those three games, his head coach, Robert Bullion, was not available for in-person instructions for these three games due to coming in close contact with a COVID-19-positive case. Bullion coached virtually during timeouts and at the intermission. He texted game plans to a medical staff who was at the game.

In addition to playing without a physical coach, the Tigers were also shorthanded in the water. Playing shorthand helped their endurance according to Miller.

“Although we were shorthanded, I still felt like it helped us because we all built our endurance level,” Miller said. “We do not normally play a water polo game missing a player or not getting a substitute. Playing four quarters is not ideal. We are normally able to rotate players and regroup. We were not able to do that but, in our benefit, it helped each player that played to have a better endurance level for the next game.”

Although the human resources management major is back on campus, he is still doing classes online in the dorms. The online classes is something that he has gotten used to.

Miller was home during the heart of the pandemic. He said he even picked up a skill he didn’t know he had – baking. His cake business became bigger than he thought it would have been, which was tough for him to leave behind as he returned to school. He was also a personal trainer and also helped out the junior national water polo team with coach Laszlo “Coach Lotty” Borbely.

This weekend is championship weekend for Salem. According to Miller, he wanted to get in at least three games, which they did and will use as a gauge for this weekend. They are ready to play any seed and put their best foot forward.

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Giving your all

People can talk about reigniting true worship on Earth all they want, but until each individual makes a choice in their own lives, nothing’s happening, according Anglican bishop Reverend Laish Boyd.

Boyd, who closed out the fourth and final night of the Anglican Diocese of The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands Lenten Mission, challenged people to “hear” the power with which the Scriptures speak to them through the four well-known biblical characters – Jonah, Gideon, Simon Peter and the Apostle Paul – whose stories he referenced throughout his sermon as examples of giving all to Jesus.

“Do you identify with any of them?

“Do any of their stories challenge you?

“Do you see where you can do better?

“Can you imagine what God has in store for you, if you would allow yourself to give your all?

“These are serious questions because we can speak about reigniting true worship here on Earth all we want, said Boyd whose message centered around the topic ‘True Worship Demands My All’ – but, until as individuals we make a choice and until we follow that choice with actions in our lives that support that choice, then it’s just a waste of time – it’s just words. We can talk about reigniting true worship here on Earth all we want, but, until as individuals we make a choice in our own lives, nothing’s happening.”

During the virtual Lenten Mission, Boyd challenged Anglicans to “hear” the power with which the Scriptures speak to them through the four lives.

“I challenge us to receive God’s help so freely offered in our journey in him. Laying aside what is behind and straining forward to what God has in store for us.”

The theme of this year’s Mission held after the 2020 cancellation due to the pandemic was “Reigniting True Worship Here on Earth” in keeping with the 2021 Diocesan theme, “Reigniting True Worship”.

“During 2020, the church and the wider community of our two countries – The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands – experienced great disruption: curfews, lockdowns, times when in-person gathering was not allowed; this affected our regular corporate worship life, and many parish and fellowship activities.”

At the same token, the bishop said 2020 allowed them to be creative and taught them many new things for which they are grateful. And that it did not separate people from God because he said God is still God, and they are still the church. But he admitted that it was a challenge.

“What it did though was challenge us to focus on and practice what really matters. To get down to the bedrock of our faith, which is our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Though the numbers were less and ministry activities fewer, we are called to worship God in spirit and in truth – to give him our all and to be more serious about our worship of God than ever before. There is a need to get excited and re-excited about God, personal devotion, corporate worship and involvement in ministry – thus the call to reignite true worship here on Earth, the theme of this Lenten Mission.”

On night one, Canon Mark Kendall spoke on “The God of New Beginnings” in which he spoke to it never being too late for a person to recommit, get back on track, and reignite that flame of worship, because God is full of new beginnings and opportunities for new beginnings.

On night two, The Reverend Willish Johnson presented on the topic, “The God Who Commissions and Empowers Me” focusing on God giving his people the strength to serve him as they should in their everyday lives.

Night three, Father Kirkland Russell spoke on “The God Who Gives Himself Invites Me to Give Myself” – and as Jesus gave himself, he invites his people to do the same.

After the first three nights, Boyd said the sermons drove home the urgency for people into their personal lives, and he tied it all together with the topic – “True Worship Demands My All” – as he also encouraged people to forget what lies behind them and strain forward.

“God did not waste any part of Paul – his background, his training, his citizenship, his mind, or even his weaknesses. Are you willing to let God do the same for you? You will never know all he can do with you, until you allow him to have all that you are,” said the bishop.

He reminded people that the Bible is a wonderful book that continues to speak to every age and circumstance, with a timelessness that he described as mind-boggling.

“Some of the greatest lessons of the Scriptures come to us in the epistles in the New Testament.”

He said Paul advocates joy and rejoicing – an emotion of great delight and happiness, caused by something good and lasting.

“Joy is the quiet confidence and assurance of God working in our lives – no matter what. So, it is not tied to what we have or who we have. It depends on Christ.”

Boyd reminded Anglicans that Paul chose to serve Jesus and at the same time faced many challenges and painful experiences, including being imprisoned, but that he emphasized that nothing compared to the joy of serving Christ, and that he was still pressing on to what God had in store for him.

“He was committed to putting the past behind him, his former life and his sufferings since conversion, and he was pressing on to the call to which Jesus had called him. God was demanding from him, more than Paul had already given, because Paul was capable of more. God was calling and Paul was prepared to give his all. True worship demands my all.”

The Anglican bishop said a demand is an insistent, pressing request with no room for the one who is demanded to reconsider, or not do what is asked.

“True worship does not give us a choice – it demands. True worship demands this all – that’s very clear. But what is my all?”

Boyd said a person giving his all involves pushing to overcome great odds sometimes.

“Giving your all sometimes involves fighting against our human nature, our weaknesses, and our bad habits. Sometimes, giving your all involves making the ultimate sacrifice. It may not be death, but something big for you.”

He questioned whether they as believers are giving their all and pushing to overcome great odds. Or whether they are fighting against their human nature, weaknesses and bad habits, or looking at a colossal sacrifice.

Like Jonah, he said sometimes people hear God calling, but they run in the opposite direction, or they hear God asking them to do something, and they ignore him.

“Like Jonah, we need to stop running, stop ignoring and turn back to God’s call if we are going to give God the all that he demands.”

He questioned whether their running or ignoring was getting in the way of them giving their all.

Or whether they need assurances, like Gideon.

“Sometimes when God calls us, we are unsure and we doubt ourselves. We see ourselves in terms of our weaknesses, our shortcomings, our past, what the people say about us – some which is true mind you. We see everything except that God is calling us and that God knows what we are capable of. At those times, like Gideon, we may need reassurance, nothing wrong with that, it’s only human. Like Gideon, don’t be afraid to ask for a sign in your life, or some reassurance, some confirmation. That is why we have to talk to each other and listen to each other and counsel each other, because sometimes God’s reassurance or confirmation to a friend or a schoolmate or a coworker comes through us”

If they need a sign, reassurance, more confidence, or encouragement, he said God would give it to them.

Simon Peter’s story of walking on the water Boyd said is a lesson for people with respect to their commitment.

“When we are called to give our all, sometimes we do get scared. We start off okay, but when the wind and waves begin to pick up, they spook us; they unnerve us, and we falter. But if you make that commitment to Jesus, Jesus will help you. He will catch you when you stumble.”

Boyd said sometimes people do let fear stop them from giving their all, because of fear of the unknown, fear of what could happen, fear of what will happen, fear of what happened before – but he said the God who demands sends Jesus to catch his people when they start to sink.

“That is why we have to be there for each other, because sometimes Jesus uses us to catch that sinking brother or sister.

The Anglican bishop said Saint Paul demonstrates that people giving God their all sometimes demands a total shift, a complete turnaround, an about face, forgetting what is behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.

“Many of us are afraid to answer God’s call, and to give our all because we think that we cannot change. We think that we cannot change bit by bit overtime. We feel that people won’t accept us, that even God cannot do anything with us anymore, and nothing could be further from the truth.”

He said believers should be encouraging and affirming the change they’re trying to make.

“Sometimes we don’t encourage people enough. We don’t affirm them enough; and God uses us to touch other people, so where do we get off at by putting someone else down? Because we know what God has done for us in terms of forgiveness, and we know that God is still putting up with so much from us.”

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‘Women in White’ recognized

The women of Zion Yamacraw Baptist Church were encouraged to continue to be evangelists, intercessors, counselors, helpers and servants in winning souls for the kingdom as the church recently honored the members of the Women’s Ministry, and the Women in White, in particular.

Reverend Patricia Smith in delivering her sermon during the recent celebration told her peers that their light should be shining brightly as they live a life of holiness, which she said is the likeness of God.

Smith told them that as they build, they will encounter obstacles, but that they should position themselves and lean on God in the face of trials.

“He will give us strength. He has given us the authority to overcome,” said Smith.

“As we build God’s kingdom, be a teacher of good things. When you open your mouth, let words of encouragement be spoken, not backbiting your sister, lying, spreading gossip, jealousy, keeping hatred and malice in your heart. As we build God’s kingdom, speak of the goodness of God in your life – telling others how they can have this joy too that only God can give.”

She urged them to be wary of negative people who always see the worst in others, and are always complaining.

“Misery loves company,” said Smith. “Women in White, you are empowered to build God’s kingdom. Stay focused! Be a good influence for the younger women, tell them in love when you see them going wrong. Let them know you’ve been there and done that. Don’t take that path. Be an example. Be willing to forgive. It is the gift of a second chance. Forgiveness is beneficial to the one giving it as it is to the one receiving it – that goes for men too.”

Smith reminded the women to be cognizant of what they are letting into their minds, urging them to keep their focus on God and his word.

“As we build God’s kingdom, he is saying to us, I need more action and less faction.”

She spoke to them about “splinter groups” that exist in church where one woman would refuse to work on a project if a certain female is in charge, or who only work for a position in the church. She told them God simply wants workers to get the job done.

“Women we need to spend less time looking around to see who’s doing what. Spend more time looking up. We are all about passing on Christ-like virtues, honoring God and upholding the standard, for the grace of God is the motivating power for this Christian journey. You want to be available to say yes to God’s call on your life.”

Smith told the women their “tongue” should be testifying the goodness of God as opposed to being used as a “weapon of mass destruction”. She said their eyes should be “lifted up to the hills” from where their help comes, and that their ears should be attentive to hear what the Lord says. Their hands she said, should be clean and helpful and their minds should stay on God.

The Women in White service was held under the theme “Celebrating and Empowering Women As We Build God’s Kingdom” – and the women were reminded that they needed to be acceptable to God in all that they do, approved by him because he has given them authority, and complete in him by learning his attributes, qualities and character.

“The more we know him, not just about him, the more we understand what it takes to please him.”

Smith reminded them that fully pleasing God is not because of their works, but by their faith that strengthens, hope that delivers, and love that forgives.

“The Holy Spirit empowers us women of Zion to reach the goal for which we were created, called, gifted to participate in one body – the body of Christ.”

She told the women their spiritual makeup is empowerment.

“We are empowered with spiritual wisdom [to] understand God’s character, for his ways are not our ways. We are empowered with spiritual guidance in how to bring glory to God. We are empowered with spiritual transformation – there is a complete turnaround in our lives, change in our attitude, in our interest, our behavior, our emotions; the Spirit gives us power to forgive our enemies and love them.”

Being empowered with purpose she said, meant he is calling women to a ministry that is bigger than they are and that he equips them for their role.

“You may feel that you have little to offer in service of the Lord, [but] you have the authority, you have a gift – stir up that gift that is within you, avail yourself to the Holy Spirit, and say here I am Lord, send me, use me.”

The vision of Women in White started with honoring and recognizing women for their roles in the family, church, community and being their sisters’ keeper. The organization’s goal is to honor and uplift each other to live an exemplary life in their church and community as they work to fulfill the work that God has assigned to the church.

During the recent service, women of the church, 70 years and older, were recognized for their endurance and fortitude.

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Principles and politics

The year is 2021 – The Bahamas is in the throes of a pandemic – but pandemic or not, we have elections coming up. Every five years, according to our Constitution, these elections must take place. The people must decide who will represent them. We live in a democracy, so in democracies citizens vote on who they want to govern for the next five years. This seems pretty straightforward, but every election cycle it seems to get more complicated and perplexing.

What is the problem you may ask?

The problem is that everyone we elect has the same issues that we have and the same dilemmas we face, and we have been hard-pressed to find a tangible difference between the opposing parties.

It seems every election cycle, it comes down to the same thing. Both parties promise to put principles over personal benefit, to be open, honest and transparent and yet it feels inevitable that we are disappointed that what was promised did not materialize. The parties point fingers at each other. They argue about who is the most deviant or corrupt, and we are left wondering when will we ever see parties operate by the principles they all agree are the right and best principles. This is an ongoing saga and ongoing dilemma. Unfortunately, I cannot give you a simple solution, but I know what the solution is.

The solution is exactly what all parties promise and few deliver on – putting principles above personal benefit, personal comfort or personal aggrandizement. Some of us take the posture that we are finished with politics and political parties. Some say there is no hope. Others say the people must rise up and take over. The only problem is that even the people who are advocating for change and a new accountability, if they ever get elected, it is very likely that they will do what their predecessors have done.

So, what is the solution?

I believe the solution is that we should expect from our politicians what we expect from ourselves.

Do we live by the principles we espouse?

Do we conduct ourselves honorably and put principle about personal profit?

Are we any different than them – and if we replace them, will we do anything differently?

These are questions we really want to avoid because it holds up a mirror we don’t want to look into. Could it be that they are just like us and the simple solution is that we must eat what we serve? Indeed, it is. If we want a government that lives by righteous principles, then we have to live by righteous principles. We must demand that they live by the same principles we are willing to live by. Some of the people vying for office believe that they will suddenly live differently and govern differently than their personal lives now reflect. Principles are no respecter of person or political party. The Bible tells us that, “Whatever a man sows he will reap”. It also says, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks”. These are principles that cannot be avoided. Just like the laws of nature, like gravity and the weather, they will be the same no matter who agrees or disagrees or tries to avoid.

A principled government will come from people who live by the principle’s truth, honesty, accountability, righteousness and love. If the people running for office do not currently live by these principles, then what we will get is a recurrence of what we have always gotten.

Make no mistake about it, living righteously is hard. Very hard. It is also the best and most profitable way to live in the long run. The problem is that we are human, and we tend to look out for ourselves before anyone else. It is hard but possible – and until our politicians subscribe to this possibility, the endless cycle will continue. You, Mr. Businessman, you Mr. Preacher, you Ms. Teacher, you Ms. Doctor or Lawyer, you have to live it privately for it to show up publicly.

If you think you can separate yourself from “politics” you, too, are mistaken. Politics comes from the Greek word: politikos, and means “of, for, or relating to citizens”. It is the process of making uniformed decisions applying to all members of a group. It also involves the use of power by one person to affect the behavior of another person. More narrowly, it refers to achieving and exercising positions of governance – organized control over a human community, particularly a state. Furthermore, politics is the study or practice of the distribution of power and resources within a given community (a usually hierarchically organized population) as well as the interrelationship(s) between communities. We are all politicians. We may not run for office, but politics is “of, for or relating to citizens”. That means we are political. The question then is are we principled politicians or of the category of those who are politicians for personal benefit and enrichment?

I know I am not close to perfection, but I do believe I can say with some assurance that I live a life of principles to the point where I can demand of others what I demand of myself. Every election cycle, I face the same dilemma, and at the end of the day make my decisions based upon the same principles. When it comes to politics, I will never support a specific party because my primary allegiance is to a philosophy that has shaped my life and who I have become. I am issue-based and philosophy-based and support entities that share that philosophy. When they differ, I have to support my philosophy first. My government is based on the philosophy of what we refer to as the kingdom of God, which was presented to the world by Jesus Christ. It was this philosophy that transformed my life and brought me success, so it forever shapes my decisions and choices.

As we enter this season, I look not for public pronouncements but character and reputation of the personal lives of the ones who are shouting from the rooftops, “elect me”. If you are not already doing it, I don’t expect you to turn on a switch when you enter the halls of Parliament. It is now or never. Show me your principles before I accept your politics.

• Pastor Dave Burrows is senior pastor at Bahamas Faith Ministries International. Feel free to email comments, whether you agree or disagree, to pastordaveburrows@hotmail.com. I appreciate your input and dialogue. We become better when we discuss, examine and exchange.

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