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Private Graveside Services LADY ROWENA FRANCES FINLAYSON, 76 of Hillview Court, will be held on Thursday, 24th December 2020 at Lakeview Memorial Gardens & Mausoleum, JFK Drive. Officiating will be Archdeacon Keith Cartwright. Due to current Government regulations in respect of Covid-19, attendance is limited. Left to cherish her memories are her Husband: Sir Garet Finlayson; Family: Eula Johnson & family, Maria John, Mark and Najah Finlayson, Rae and Nicole Finlayson, Tanya Finlayson, Nikki Boeuf, Drs James and Renee Iferenta, Richard and Sylvia Iferenta, Marjahn Finlayson, Jhanee Finlayson, Desiree Finlayson, Radiyah Finlayson, Rahim Finlayson, Ochea Finlayson, Garet Finlayson, Matthieu Boeuf, Eric Boeuf, Aisha Finlayson-Paul, Alex Iferenta, Alyssa Iferenta, Andrew Iferenta, Dame Marguerite Pindling, Sherry John, Christopher John, Kimlyn Finlayson, Michael and Barbara Hepburn, Albert Hepburn, Leo and Ainsa Hepburn, Paul and Barbara Hepburn, Andrea and Leroy Fountain, Terry and Terence Hepburn, Lilian Rolle, Wayne and Deval Rolle, Dr. Nicholas Hepburn & Family, Dr. Richard Knowles & Family, Basil and Cheryl Albury and family, Roosevelt and Iris Finlayson, Alpheus and Dawn Finlayson, Spence Finlayson and other family members; Friends including: Sir Franklyn and Lady Wilson, Hartlyn Roberts, Monte Braithwaite, Dwight Sawyer, Gerald and Barbara Sawyer, Sean and Cyprianna McWeeney, Pat Mortimer and Stan Davis, Sydney Godet, Carleton and Katherina Williams, Elaine Pinder, Dr. Tony and Ella Davis, Samuel “Bookie” & Inez Johnson, James Smith, Valentine and Thelma Grimes, Mae Morton-Curry, Sir Orville Turnquest, The Rt. Hon. Hubert and Delores Ingraham, The Rt. Hon. Perry Christie and Bernadette Christie, Hon. Brave and Ann Marie Davis, Hon. Fred Mitchell, Max and Allyson Gibson, Neko and Barbara Grant, Ambassador Sidney Williams and Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Willie and Gloria Gary, Lorenzo and Jovita Williams, Chan Abney, Gorman and Elizabeth Bannister, Marguerite Jackson, Winston and Betty Varence & Family, Dr. Daniel Johnson, Andrew Jackson, Jerome Fitzgerald, Kyron Strachan, LeRoy and Joy Archer, Dr. Earl and Cheryl Cash & Family , Steven Seymour, Salathiel Dames, Janet Tudor, Rolando and Maricel Jore, Alpha Saunders, Theodile Sylvester, Robert Smith, Colin Rolle, Michael Symonette, Dr.
Adrian Dean, Dr. Graham Cates and other friends too numerous to mention here. May her soul Rest in Peace!
THERESA ZEALINE POITIER, 76 of Baldwin Avenue, will be held on Tuesday, 29th December 2020 at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church Cemetery, Boyd Road. Officiating will be Monsignor Alfred Culmer. Due to current Government regulations in respect of Covid-19, attendance is limited. Left to cherish her memories are her Daughters: Patrice Poitier, Sheri Rolle and Andra Poitier-Coleby; Sons-In-Law: Steve Rolle, Kendrick Coleby; DaughtersIn-Law: Sharlene Poitier, Andrea Johnson; Grandchildren: Terea, Terese, Jamie, Adrienne, James, Sheldon, Andrew, Stefano,Tajh, Petra, Ariel, Alexis, Joachim; Great Grandchildren: Tyree, Kamori, Amaree, Raygan, Alani; Sisters-In-Law: Betty Woodside, Navandus Lampley and Hilda McDonald; Nieces: Gertrude, Maria, Judith, Linda, Melony, Joanne, Dawn, Dianne, Carol, Esther, Avis, Frances, Verna, Vernie, Christine, Shanna; Nephews: Clyde, Joseph, Paul, Edmund, Bradley, Dario, Roderick, Antonio, Kevin; Other Relatives and Friends: Elsworth Poitier, Julia Thompson, Therese Thompson, Flora Foulkes-Gelsey, Margaret Innis, Jennie Mae Neely, Elsie Mae Cleare, Mary Rolle, Vanrea Woodside, Villan Johnson, Althea Knowles, Sheila Knowles, Baldwin Avenue Family, J.S. Johnson Family, St. Joseph’s Church Family & The Ladies Guild and St. Matthew’s Day Care Centre. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Mathews Church Day Care Center in the name of Theresa Poitier. May her soul Rest in Peace! Friends may pay their last respects at Bethel Brothers Morticians & Crematorium, #44 Nassau Street (TODAY) Thursday 24th, December, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
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A Private Graveside Service for MAXWELL JOHN THOMPSON, 68 of Belsnow Close, Belair Estates, will be held on Wednesday, December 30th 2020 at Lakeview Memorial Gardens & Mausoleum, JFK Drive. Officiating will be Monsignor Alfred Culmer, assisted by other members of the Clergy. Due to current Government regulations in respect of Covid-19, attendance is limited. Maxwell, affectionately known as “John” will be lovingly remembered by his Wife of 45 years Brenda Thompson; Children: Jonice (Janatha) Withanachchi, Theandra Thompson, Carlos (Emily) Humes; Grand Children: Ryan Humes, Khristin Humes, Nia Withanachchi, Carter Withanachchi; Siblings: Christine (Brazil) McDonald, Ruth (Robert) Lightbourne, Lorraine Joseph, Catherine (Adam) Mackey, Howard (Esther) Thompson, Eldridge Sr. (Mavis), Ricardo (Hazel) Thompson, Avis and Sharon Thompson; Aunt: Shirley Scavella; Mother-in-law: Myrelda Cargill; In-laws: Linda (Javas) Jones, Brendalee (Robert) Cornell, Myrtle Thompson and Nellie Thompson; Nieces and Nephews: Erin Cornell, Aiden Cornell, Errington (Phyllis) Thompson, Marlene (Charles) Barton, Ann Pinder, Edvern, Patrick, Edwin Bruce (Timolin) Thompson, Chizelle (Perry) Whymms, Dr. Nina and Jeffrey Thompson, Dexter (Brendamae), Dr. Melony Thompson, Edwin Bruce (Paula) Thompson, Kayla (Lionel) Johnson, Kamatha (Darrell) Martin, Christa, Bruce, Della, Michael, Dwight (Pam), and Judith Thompson; Terry (Ward) Olgreen, Julie Swaby, Kevin (Josephine) Thompson, Kenney (Joy)Thompson, Dr. Therese (Gaetano) Bonamy, Keith Thompson, Cordell Leech, Jhan, Kennis (Shantell) Thompson, Karen (James) Mebane, Brian (Patrice)Evans, Eve Evans, Ian (Marion) Evans, Anne (Daryl) McKinney; Cynthia (Alfred) Lightbourne Sr., Craig Sr., Ivan, Robert (Dorsey) Thompson, Arlene (Wellington) Albury Sr.; Gina (Glen)Curry, Daron (Marie) Thompson, Wallace II (Katherine) Thompson; Lisa and Christine Thompson, Carol (Brinton) Bodie, Wallace “Tommy” (Marva) Thompson Charisma (Ulysses) Hinsey Sr., Vanessa Thompson, Rhonda (Koji) Wright, Ryan, Robert II (Christina) Lightbourne, Robin Lightbourne; Arnold Mackey, Athena (Vito) Russell, Alvin Mackey, Apostle Dr. Kateryann Johnson, Howanell (Thomas) Mackey, Maryann (Tameko) Evans, Lavern, Arnette, Shavern,
Howard, Indera, Byron, Lawrence, Riccaino, Howania, Savannah and Caleb Thompson, Desiree Burrows; Elaine Thompson, Eldridge II, Vernisha, Eldreko, Eldiqua, Elshekia, Eldecia, Elrick Thompson; Rickeith (Marika) Thompson, Lanardo (Donna) Thompson, Joanne (Conway) Smith and Valerie Bazil; Other Relatives and Friends including: Latoya Cargill, Felicia Knowles, Wellington (Debbie) Gibson, Reverly Saunders and family, Everly Gregory and family, Christine Longley and family, Quincey Fisher, Iris Sherman, Laverne Major, Roderick and Rose Rolle, Phillip Roker and family, Pastor Helen McPhee, Marion Strachan and family, Luther Johnson and family, Msgr. Alfred Culmer, St. Joseph Men’s Group and parish family, RBC family, Dr. Christine Chin, Dr. Duane Sands, Dr. DuVaughn Curling and Oncology staff, NIB family, and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention. May His Soul Rest in Peace! Friends may pay their last respects at Bethel Brothers Morticians & Crematorium, #44 Nassau Street on Tuesday, December 29th from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.
Death Notice CLYDE JULIAN ROSE, 58 of Millennium Gardens, died at the Princess Margaret Hospital on Friday, December 18th, 2020. He is survived by his Wife: Sandra Rose; Daughters: Jasmine Scott, Shaniqua & Celeste Rose; Step Daughter: Demtria Armbrister; 4 Grand Children: Dimaggio Lightbourne, Safari Hanna, Jai Leigh Scott and Cenae Rose; Sisters: Wendy Rose, Delores Rose-Francis, Monique Williams Smith and Anastasia Mackey; Brothers: Randy Rose, Dwayne & Ricardo Rose and Elihu Mackey; Sisters-in-law: Carla Rose and Patrice Mackey; Numerous Aunts and Uncles, and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral will be announced at a later date.
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Death Notices for ELDER REGINALD ROBERT WALKINE, 81 of Mermaid Boulevard East, died at his residence on Wednesday, December 16th, 2020. He is survived by his Wife of 58 years: Elder Elva Walkine; Daughters: Judy Davis, Suzette Nairn, Hedy Walkine, and Paulette Crick; Son: Dion Walkine Sr.; Sonsin-law: Michael Nairn, Philip Davis and Brian Crick; Daughter-in-law: Kishgia Walkine; 2 Sisters: Irma Walkine-Thompson and Christabel Griffin; 11 Grandchildren: Deangelo and Devin Nairn, Racquel (Marcello) McKenzie, Darren (Edda) Davis, Rashan (Giovanni) Davis, Mekell (Christan) Turnquest, Renique Davis, Shade & Dion Walkine, Rory & Colm Crick; 4 Great grandsons: Cadden & Christon Turnquest; Jayquan Taylor and Macario McKenzie; And a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral will be announced at a later date.
NATHAN ANDREW PRATT, 9 died at the Princess Margaret Hospital on Sunday, 20th December. He is survived by his parents, Earthlyn Pratt and LeKendra Rahming; brother, Lynkin Pratt; and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
Death Notice For Ms. Ruth Patricia Brown Dorsett, 57
a resident of Bougainvillea Boulevard, South Beach Estate, died at the Princess Margaret Hospital on Thursday, December 17th, 2020. She is survived by her sister: Stephanie Lightbourne Garland, Eloise and Carolyn Lightbourne; brother: Michael Brown; numerous nieces, nephews; aunts: Paulette Bain; uncle: Ernest Bain, other relatives including: Trevor Meadows. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
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Thursday, December 24, 2020 ● PAGE 7
Private Services For Private Graveside Service For
Nicola Cooper, 68
a resident of Freetown, Grand Bahama, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 30th December, 2020 at The Freetown Public Cemetery, Freetown, Grand Bahama. Officiating will be Rev. Preston Cooper Jr. Left to cherish her memories are her children: Andy (Stacie), Wendy and Anthony; grandchildren: Ebony (Kadarro) Grant, Sasha, Darrion, and Shiloh; great-grandchildren: Kailin and Nailah; sisters including: Coral Pratt, Patricia Hamilton, and Pandora (Alvin) Greenslade; adopted sisters: Barbara Laing, Sylvia Cooper, Mavis (Clyde) Bullard; brothers: George (Cecelia) Cooper and Robert (Beatrice) Gilbert; adopted brothers: Joseph (Shapel)and Jenson (Helena) Cooper, Barry Pinder, and Kenneth (Katherine)Nash; aunts: Mary Laing, Reverend Elsada Cooper, Victoria Laing, and Violet Roberts; aunt-in-law: Eudene Hield; grand-aunt: Anna Russell; grand-uncle: William Cooper; nieces: Dellerese and Vernick Pratt, Amanda (Ricardo) Johnson, Anna Ashley Fernander, Tamandra and Vanna Cooper, and Carra Gilbert; nephews: Omeko Hamilton, Morgun Fernander, George Jr., Concepcion, Germal, and Gerron Cooper; and Cardinal, Robert Jr., and Nardo Gilbert; grandnieces: Tianna and Enam; grandnephews: Tristan, Rashad and Antoine; godchildren: Sandra McIntosh, Orietta Cooper and Nurse Olive Armbrister; special friend: Mrs. Myrtle Carroll; and a host of other relatives and friends including: Reverend Preston and Mother Carol Cooper, Rev. Marcus Cooper, Rev. Preston Cooper Sr. and family, Rev. Rufus Cooper and family, Jella Mader, Frederick and Gloria Carey, Thelma Cooper, Joanne Stuart, Jessie Williams, Tex Cooper, Glenroy and Patrice Cooper, Maggie Heild, Marilee Woodside, Melinda Pinder, Naomi Acosta, Benjamin Butterfield, Cilla Aylen, Judy Pratt, Eleanor Stuart, Leroy, Maylene and Helen Hield, Corene Mader, Dwight and Pearl Mitchell, Vernell Wedderburn, Clifton Laing and Family, Nurse Christine Marshall and family, Rosemary (Joy) McIntosh, Teacher Caleb Lightbourne, Alphaeus Russell, Washington Carey, Marsha Cooper and family, Kirkland and Shufel Russell, Denny and Royanne McIntosh, Elijah and Jeline Laing, Agnes Carey, Julita Ingraham, Jenny Laing, Sheila Pearce, Scott Smith, Princeton Rolle and Family, Mildred Colebrooke, Valerie Feaster, Thomas Albury, Clarence Hield, George McIntosh, Beverley and Olease Cooper, Joy McIntosh, the staff of Kindercare Learning Center, Joseph Kohler (a.k.a. Mr. Sharkebite), Maria Roberts, Betty and Alfreeda Roberts, the Free Town All-Age/Primary school alumni, the St. Cleveland Baptist Church family, Mr. Bren and the Lucayan Presbyterian Church Cross-Reach Ministry, and the East Grand Bahama communities.
Private Funeral Service For
Captain Harold Alexander Bridgewater, 99 a resident of #15 Oasis Drive, Adelaide Road and formerly of Duncan Town, Ragged Island, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 at Lakeview Memorial Gardens, John F. Kennedy Drive and Gladstone Road. Officiating will be Rev. Clinton Minnis assisted by other ministers of the Gospel. Left to cherish precious memories are his sons: Harold E. (Patricia) and Frederick (Dianne) Bridgewater, Herman Munroe; daughters: Pricilla Johnson, Merlene (Denver) Dames, Fredrica Schult (Germany), Nicola Hanna, Trancinell Bridgewater; grandsons: Talbot (Alamanda) and Dr. Derwin (Ingrid) Johnson; Dr. Kiko Bridgewater, Marnico Hanna, Delano and Carlos (Cindy) Dames, Garvin, Kharis (Latisha) Munroe, Kieron (Bianca) Munroe; granddaughters: Kiva Bridgewater, Indira (Tito I) Collie, Cristal and Ava Schult (Germany), Latera, Shantol, Fredrica, Sarah, Sasha Bridgewater, Cherika (Bertram) Cooper, Soraya Hanna, Juanita (Rev. Robert) Gardiner, Zanovia (Andy) Ferguson, Chantelle Colebrooke, Jody Munroe; thirtythree great- grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; sister: Willamae Bridgewater; numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and nephews; uncles: Simon (Gertrude) Bridgewater (Hampton, Georgia,) Elvin (Mae) Bridgewater (Miami, Florida); children of the late: Roland Bridgewater, Iva ‘Blooming’ Wilson, Ena ’Etta’ Hanna, Inez Williams, John & Verva Wallace, Berthan & Harriett Munroe, James & Evelyn Wallace, Philip Wallace, Ethel Dinah Wallace, Nathan Munroe and their families; other relative and special friends including: Mr. Cleare, Cephas Maycock, Glen Hepburn, Rev. Ignatius Wallace, Emmette Munroe, Bishop Joseph A. Zonicle The Providence Baptist Church family, Rev. Stainville Thompson ant the Carmichael Bible Church family, Entire Communities of Ragged Island and Oasis Drive and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention. Relatives and friends may pay their respects at Cedar Crest Funeral Home and Crematorium Ltd, Robinson and Baillou Hill Roads on Tuesday from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.
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Private Funeral Services For
Mario Rolle-Johnson, 42
a resident of Meadows Boulevard, Winton Meadows, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 at the Southern Cemetery, Cowpen and Spikenard Roads. Officiating will be Rev. Charles Rolle. He was predeceased by his mother: Daphane Johnson-Knowles.
Zimene Pierre-Louis, 66 a resident of #33 Sisal Road East and formerly of St. Louis Du Nord, Haiti, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 27th, 2020 at Woodlawn Gardens, Soldier Road. Officiating will be Pastor Michael Toote assisted by other ministers of the Gospel.
Mario is survived by his father: Granik Rolle; step mother: Eulamae Rolle; grand father: Alfred Johnson; sisters: Janet Johnson, Anishka Cunningham, Lakesa Ferguson, Diana Forbes, Greneka and Nakesha Rolle; brother: Jamal Rolle-Johnson; sister-in-law: Racqual Johnson; brothers-inlaw: Mark Cunningham Sr., Owen Forbes and Anthanio Ferguson Sr.; nieces: Tonisha, Latonia, Antonie and Gabrielle; nephews: Mark Jr. (Anya), Andre Cunningham, Joseph Forbes, Alexander Forbes, Anthanio Ferguson Jr. and Marco Barnette Jr.; aunts: Cora Johnson of Atlanta, Georgia, Barbara Jones of Grand Bahama, Leoletta Outten, Charlean Kemp of Grand Bahama and Marsha Colyers; uncles: Kenneth Christie, Philip and Raynard Johnson, David, Patrick, Brian, Lynden, Anderson, Anthony and Nelson Rolle; other relatives and friends including: Ishmel Johnson of Atlanta, Georgia, Shean Taylor, Osqin Charles, Latario Butler, Patricia Johnson, Kemnisha, Kenva, Kenneth, and Kenton Christie, Maydora, Noah Camron and Reginal Kemp, Novdia Miller, Devante, Philip Johnson, Domenic Dean, Kirkland Jr., Crystal Outten, Latavia Anderson, Alex Anderson, Sherrie Elliott, Colleen Rose, Gloria Rose and Family, Dorothy Gardiner and family, Lionel, Robert and Wellington Gardiner, Deloris Frith of West End, Grand Bahama, Queenie and Charles Barry, Lily Blatch and family, Elizabeth Rodger, Naomi Deleveaux and Family, Esther Green and family Annamae Archer and family, Rev. George Clarke and family, Anthony and Edward Clarke of Mangrove Cay, Andros, Roslyn Green, Sandra Perry, Diana Green, Martha Jones, Dwayne and Nurse Andrea Deveaux, Philip Charles Major, Christine Nelly, Selva Ann Thompson, Franklyn Gibson, Raynard Rigby and family, Barnette Greene of Lakeland, Florida, Fred Green and Family, William Green and Family, Dame Ivy Dumont and Family, Lofton Dames of High Rock, South Andros, the Kemp Road Community, the Mangrove Cay Community, and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
Left to cherish her precious memories are her husband: Rochenel Pierre-Louis; sons: John, Lionel and Aniel PierreLouis; daughters: Marcia and Ginette Pierre-Louis; grandchildren: Ashanti, John (Jr.), Jonathan, Ania, Amari, Amariah and Lionel (Jr.) Pierre-Louis; daughter-in-law: Mia Pierre-Louis; son-inlaw: Marc Moise; sisters: Delaide, Merrelie, Merrelise, Claricia, Odilia, Prisile, Celabelle and Zilie Petit-Bois; brothers: St. Tilien, Monegzan, Safaite, Presandieu and Silvener Petite Bois; nieces: Magda, Micheline, Adline, Simone, Elvie, Evena, Alcintane, Mimose, Rosemane, Mamoune, Cadilia, Leonis, Nadege and Dayana Petit-Bois, Phida Telusma, Mme Wilfride, Missie, Sadilia Decius Guerlande Petite-Homme and numerous others nephews: Dieumene, Sadieu Telusma, Wendy, St. Talez, Fedly, Dieufait, Jumeau, Jn Roler, Tipa, Wilner, Odrick, Calins, Sonker, Ronald Petit-Bois, Sidney Similien, Sadius, Johnny Decius and numerous others; cousins: Cardella Pierre, Melie Dorcely, Wilna Delinor and numerous others; grand cousin: Gladys Lully, Janee, Linejuicar and Rodianna Giffrard, Avis, Watson, Ashly Delinor and numerous other; great grand cousins: Schaton, Hyler, and Delano Lully and numerous other; other relatives: Sainphar, Ashlyn, Rodley and Wilben Seraphin, Christoff Johnson, and Mathew Vilneus, Precious Smith, Shanay Larrimore, Andrea McKenzie, Shankia Smith, and numerous others; close friends: Bernish Petite-Frere and Icilia Polycarpe; other family and friends including: The Sisal Road East family, East Street family, Hillview Seventh Day Adventist Church family, Calvary Haitian Baptist Church Family, Our Lady’s Catholic Church Family, and many more too numerous to mention.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects at Cedar Crest Funeral Home and Crematorium Ltd, Robinson and Baillou Hill Roads on Tuesday from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects at Cedar Crest Funeral Home and Crematorium Ltd, Robinson and Baillou Hill Roads on Saturday from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.
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Death Notice For
Leon Rooster Taylor, 79
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Death Notice for DEACONESS ANISHKA LEWIS, 50
of #23 Cotton Wood Street, Pinewood Gardens, died at the Princess Margaret Hospital on Wednesday, December 16th, 2020.
of Cox Street, Fox Hill and formerly of Simms, Long Island died at the Princess Maragreat Hospital on Monday, December 21, 2020. He is survived by his loving wife: Annamae Taylor; children: Pastor Shane (Juliet) Taylor, Karen (Lester) Bain, Christine (Marcus) Gardiner, Shande, Pastor Moniquel, Kenyatta (Lisa) Taylor, Travanta (Tamika) and Nadia Taylor; and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention .
She is survived by her Husband: Denton Lewis; Daughters: Krista and Dentonique Lewis; Granddaughter: Anyiah Spencer; Mother: Melvina Veronica Williams; Sisters: Raquel Johnson, Nakoya Mackey, Tamica Fowler and Nadia Mackey; Brothers: Craig Cummings, Antonio and Renaldo Williams; Numerous Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews and a host of other Relatives and Friends including: Petra Malcolm and Rose Garland-Scott.
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later. Mt. Royal Avenue & Talbot Street • Tel.: 676-5933/ 676-5934 • 24 Hour Emergency • Cell: 395-8960 • Email: Vaughnojonesmemorial@gmail.com
#183 Baillou Hill Road & Cordeaux Avenue, P.O. Box CB-12248, Nassau, Bahamas Telephone: (242) 323-EAST (3278), 326-4209 Email: eastsunrise@batelnet.bs
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We are pleased to advise our valued customers we have relocated to #4 Village and Parkgate Roads, our numbers remain the same.
Death Notices for
THEZEL WRIGHT, 82
(Exuma)
ENID DORGIVILLE, 65
of Carmichael Road and formerly of Green Castle, Eleuthera, died on Friday, of George Town, Exuma, died on Sunday, December 18th, 2020 at her residence. December 20th, 2020. She is survived by her Children: Donald, H. Christopher and Averil Wright, She is survived by her Husband: Florenda, Monique and Tina Wright Callius Dorgiville; Children: Smith Pier and Coralyn Wright Mitchell; Siblings: Louis and Renald Eugene Jr., Tristan Dorringon Poitier and Florine Bain; Brown, Dorothy Dorgerville and Numerous Grands, Nieces, Nephews and Antonia Lowe; A host of other relatives other relatives and friends who will be and friends who will be listed at a later time. listed at a later time.
WHITNEY DAVIS, 73
of Tonique Williams Darling Highway and Bozine Drive, died at Princess Margaret Hospital on Tuesday, 22nd December, 2020. He is survived by his wife: Jayann Davis; three sons: Lynden Davis, Jeffery Davis and Enero Davis; one brother: Raymond Davis; two sisters: Dorothy Davis and Lenora Saunders and a host of other relatives and friends who will be listed at a later time.
Funeral Arrangement has been entrusted Funeral Arrangement has been entrusted Funeral Arrangement has been entrusted to Evergreen Mortuary located on to Evergreen Mortuary located in to Evergreen Mortuary located on Hooper’s Bay, Exuma. Village & Parkgate Roads. Village & Parkgate Roads.
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Death Notices For GELENA “Lena” PRATT, 69
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Death Notice For
Kendal Williams, 43
of Bellot Road, died on Friday, December 4th, 2020. She is survived by her mother, Joycelyn Smith; father, Alton Pratt; daughters, Theresa Deveaux and Aretha Franklin; brothers, Theodore, Carl, Brian, Basil, Edward; sisters, Delence, Miriam, Sylvia, Althea, Angie and Alice; grandchildren: Nathan, Deangelo, Keisha, Ashton and Rekio; and a host of other relatives and friends who will be listed at a later time. Funeral Arrangement has been entrusted to Evergreen Mortuary located on Village & Parkgate Roads.
MIN. MALCOLM LAVARITY, 61 of Pinewood Gardens, died on Thursday, December 10th, 2020 at his residence. He is survived by his wife: Janice Lavarity; and a host of other relatives and friends who will be listed at a later time. Funeral Arrangement has been entrusted to Evergreen Mortuary located on Village & Parkgate Roads.
of Farrington Road died at the Princess Margaret Hospital on Tuesday, December 15th, 2020. Cherished memories are held by his father: Bradshaw Williams; step mother: Shanrose Williams; brothers: Kevin Williams, Bradshaw Williams (deceased) Charles Maycock; sisters: Nadia Williams, Chandace Williams, Nynoka Grant, Kayla Woodside, LaShawn and Micheal Brown of Palm Beach, FL, Shantel Strachan; cousins: Kenisha, Noel, Kaylisia, Shavez; nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends including his uncles and aunts, grand aunts and uncles. Service with a Touch of Dignity
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Thursday, December 24, 2020 ● PAGE 13
Funeral Service For
Fredrick John King, 76 affectionately called “Charlie”
of Stapledon Gardens, will be held on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at 10:00 am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Cemetery, Boyd Road. Officiating will be Monsignor Alfred C. Culmer. He is survived by his wife: Priscilla King; 3 daughters: Charlene KingKirlew (Michael), Portia King; and Denise King (Kevin Rolle); 1 son: Frederick King Jr.; grandchildren: Ariel, Michael Jr., Mya and Aiden Kirlew, Keva Levarity (Antonio), Dinae Johnson (Earlin Russell), Antonia Miller (Jabal), Christopher Ash Jr., Ricardo McPhee and Oniel King; great grandchildren: Kayla Armaly and Antonio Levarity Jr., Anthony, Alyssa, Alex and Alvin Russell, Hailey Kaili and Ricky Fowler, Jessica Janice and Jane Miller; nephews: Lamarison Rolle, Parris Richemond and Christopher Metayer; nieces: Otherine Humes, Doreen Humes-Campbell, Sophia HumesFerguson, Laforina Rolle, Chrisnell and Donnell Metayer; grand nephews and nieces: Alexander Russell, Randy and Logan Campbell, Keon and Denero Joseph, Alvin Sands Parris Richemond Jr., Dennis and Keno Harris, Skyler Brown, Dianna Mackey, Alexandria Russell, Kenisha Joseph, Randera and Dorrie Campbell, D’anne Metayer; sister: Alfreda Kelly of New York; brothers: Allen King of New York and Sidney Cooper; aunt: Isabella Wright; sistersin-law: Rowena McCartney, Brenda Carey and Constance Ferguson; brothers-in-law: Henry Jean (Matilda) McCartney, Kenneth (Sade) McCartney, Frederick McCartney and Kirk (Mahalia) McCartney; cousins: Octavia Johnson, Gladys Sands of New York, Ruth Outten, Paul King, Dora Bethel, Husen King of Florida, John King, Vanria Davis of Florida, Brenda Bruno-Gaston of Florida, Dorothy Miller, Arthur King Jr., Bradley King, Ernestine King, Sandra Storr of Florida, Coral Bonamy, Fr. Etienne Bowleg, Leslie Bowleg, Thelma Bowleg Rolle, Stephanie Bowleg McKenzie, Derek Bowleg, Bernadette Johnson, Michelle Adderley of New York, Arther Wright of Miami Florida, Earl Wright, Allen Wright, Trevor Wright of Virginia, Corey Wright, Keith
Moss of Miami, Florida, Jonell Paul of Miami, Florida and Monsignor Alferd Culmer; and a host of other relatives and Friends including: Arnette Dean, Denise Gibson, Petula McCartney, Yvette Bailey, Shantel McCartney, Nakia Dean, Alexandria, Ashton; Addrianna Ferguson, Ashanti Moxey, Kirknell McCartney, Perry Dean, Randy McCartney, Ronald McCartney jr., Kendrick McCartney, Kirk McCartney Jr., Martin McCartney, Charles Hanna, Colton McCartney, Alexander Ferguson, Dewit Johnson, The Base Road Crew, George Robinson, Greg Robinson, Carlton Robinson, Phillippa Johnson, George Petty, Hensel Pennerman, Philip Hannah, Phillippa Gomez, Tetly, Debbie Symmonette, Bradley Cash, Larry Jacques, D’Asmine Rolle, Philicity Rolle, Jaleel Bastian, Tion Brown, Tyrese Rolle, Micky Thurston, Caty Thurston, George Johnson and D.N.C. Crew, Big Daddy, The McDonalds Morning Crew, The Edgecombe family, The Cox Family, The Borrows family, The Humes family and many others too numerous to mention. The body will repose in the Blessed Redeemer Chapel at Ferguson’s Funeral Directors, 7th Terrace Collins Avenue on Monday from 2pm -5pm.
Death Notice For Frank Antonio Dixon Jr., 84 of 72 Brighton Avenue, East Orange, New Jersery and formerly of New Providence, The Bahamas, died on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at St. Barnabas Hospital, Livingston, New Jersery. He is survived by his wife: Elomi Powell-Dixon; children; sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews; numerous first cousins and cousins in Jamaica; and a host of relatives and friends. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
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OBITUARIES
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Funeral Service For Stephanie Philomen Virginia Serrette-Sakr, 61 of King Fish Drive, West Winds, who died at her residence on Saturday, December 19th, 2020 will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 26th, 2020 at The Gravesite of Woodlawn Gardens, Soldier Road. Officiating will be Father Kendrick Forbes assisted by Father Jay Cartwright. She is survived by her parents: Bessie Serrette & Stephen Serrette Sr. (deceased); spouse: Roger Sakr (deceased); daughters: Nadia Lewis & Nathalie Knowles; son: Joseph Sakr; sons-in-law: Shayne Lewis & Brenric Knowles; grandchildren: Blake & Bella Knowles; sisters: Shelley Oloumou, Patricia Bouvil (Pierre Marcel Bouvil Sr.) & Audrey Symonette (Geoffrey Symonette); brothers: Stephen Serrette III, Shawn Serrette, Sherwin Serrette & Shelton Serrette; sisters-in-law: Rhonda Serrette, Janet Serrette, Bridgette Serrette (deceased); nieces and nephews: Sasha Taylor (Julian), Shawn Serrette II, Bennett Johnson, Benisha Johnson, Shanel Serrette, Benet Johnson, Stephen Serrette IV, Brandon Oloumou, St. Clair Serrette, Eric Cox, Ryan, Renaldo (Randeika) Cartwright, Marcel Bouvil, Darion & Jamaal Symonette, Charmaine Higgs, Pierre Marcel Jr., Akeem & Andre Bouvil; grand nieces and nephews: Tajah Taylor, Julian Taylor II, Lailah Johnson, Summer Taylor & Sarai Taylor; uncles: Carlvon Serrette and Adrian Serrette (deceased), Allan Gibson (deceased), Ellerson Gibson, Franklyn Lightbourne; aunts: Sheila Serrette, Monica DeCastro, Ada Johnson, Gerri Serrette, Gertrude Lightbourne (deceased) & Joan Serrette (deceased), Anika Gibson & Family, Mrs. Peggy Gibson & Family & Mrs. Eloise Gibson; cousins: Desiree Charles, Genevieve Serrette, Marie Johnson, Raynor Serrette, Andre Serrette, Rene Serrette, Theresa DeCastro Morris, Johann DeCastro, Stephen DeCastro, Elizabeth Johnson, Jenny DeCastro, Tara Serrette, Cheryl Hamilton, Carole Hamilton, Joseph Carter, John Carter, Sandra Dean, Sharon and Carla Johnson, Joanne Thompson, Deborah Thompson, Albertha Jackson, Margaret Small, Rev. Winifred Williams, Madge Culmer, Ursula Gibson, Gizelle GibsonFarrington, Delores Cartwright, Brenda, Debra, Althea Gibson,
Donna Brown, Gena Gibson, Gigi Davis, Tracey, Elisa, Yvette and Clothilda Gibson, Jay Samuel, Charles and Derek Johnson, Kenneth Jr., Terry, Craig, Shad, Garvin Anthony, Ellerson Jr., and Edward Gibson, Franklyn Jr., Franzel, Fabian Lightbourne, Jarell, Johniqua Coakley, Tyronia and Tyneisha Thompson; and a host of other relatives and friends: Eileen Hoffman and Family, The children of the late Geoffrey Serrette, the entire Gibson Family, Mr. Roosevelt & Gussie Howard, Dr. Porsha Brown Jordan, Aurellius & the entire Brown family, Marcel Forbes and the entire Lewis family, Brenda Knowles, Dr. Dianza & Pastor Edris Cunningham, Father Jay Cartwright, Deacon D’Arcy Rahming & The Holy Family Catholic Church Parishioners, Father Kenny Forbes, Pastor Mario Moxey & the Assimilation & Harvest Generation team of Bahamas Harvest Church, Nurse Nyoka Sweeting, Patricia Burke & family, Mary Davis & family, Yvette Prince & Family, Mrs. Maddie Ledard, Mrs. Dahlia Murdock, Mrs. Polly Bharath, The Stapleton Gardens community: The Watkins family, The Tucker family, The Ward family, The Solomon family, The Durham family, The Smith family, The Pinder family, The Sweeting family, The Bastian family, The Carroll Family, Brendan & Rosalie Foulkes, Lorna Turnquest Thompson, Vernae Mills, Cassandra Brown, Matthew, Jennifer Miller Ferguson, Debbie Beneby, Velma Thompson, Margaret Thompson, Michelle Miller, Philip & Nikki Bowe, Brian & Brenda Jones, Shirlen & Rhchetta Godet, the entire staff of Julius Baer Bank Bahamas, the entire staff at Dudley’s Cosmetics, Monique Sweeting, Christine Paul, Brittany Morris, Adranique Edgecombe, Dwaynell Smith, Naila Jones, Tristan King, Terea Sweeting, Theodore Sweeting Jr., Saequan Miller, Kimiesha Robinson, Dominique Virgi, Oncology Consultants, Dr. Duvaughn Curling, Dr. Theodore Turnquest, PMH Oncology staff, Dr. Gregory Tynes, Nurse Jannah Khalfani, Nurse Concepcion Ramirez (Coni), Nurse Earl Vera, Nurse Karlos Barcelona, Nurse Sylvia Novella, Nurse Judith Demeritte, Nurse Nakia Smith, Mrs. Foster, Dr. Margo Munroe. NO DARK COLORS ARE TO BE WORN at the graves-site. Stephanie was a jovial person who loved colors. Let’s represent that by wearing bright beautiful colors. Relatives and friends may pay their last respects at THE CHAPEL OF MEMORIES THE NEW COMMONWEALTH FUNERAL HOME, INDEPENDENCE DRIVE (TODAY) Thursday from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
The management & staff of Commonwealth Funeral Home would like to wish all our valued patrons Happy Holidays and all the best for the New Year. May your Yuletide Season be filled with Love, Joy and Laughter. May you find the true meaning of Christmas which is Compassion, Encouragement, Hope, Generosity and most of all his Peace.
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OBITUARIES
Thursday, December 24, 2020 ● PAGE 15
Death Notices of Gems Rev. Elect Lady Leonie Wallace, 65 Nicolette Alexandria Nottage, 25
of Butler’s Way, off Carmichael Road died at the Princess of #64 Eastern Alexandria Boulevard, Nassau Village, Margaret Hospital on Monday, December 21, 2020. completed her earthly walk of life in Tallahassee, Florida on Friday, December 11, 2020. Rev. Elect Lady Leonie is preceded in death by her: Father: Isaac Curtis; Nicolette is preceded in death by her: Mother: Euphila Curtis; Father: Luther Alexander Nottage; The Radiance of this “Amethyst of A Gem” will always glow in the hearts of her: Husband: Chief Apostle Bishop Rev. Dr. Leon Wallace; Sons: Edlin, Glen, Tero, Evaton, Granville,Ryan, Sabastian, Sean and Dwight; Daughters: Lara, Marsha, Elaine, Obren, Lisa, Nathalie, Marcellous, Kay, Linda, Ann, Nishka, Sheniqua, Takaici, Shatavia, Godboit, Odette, Bagrave and Sherry; Numerous: Grandsons and Granddaughters; Great Granddaughters: Gianna and Neveah Taylor; Brother: Orald Curtis; Sisters: Cynthia Hanna, Rowena Young and Mother Virnette Sands; Uncle: Reuben Curtis; Aunts: Winifred and Rita Morley, Eulimae Bodie and Grace Hepburn; Other Loving Family and Friends Including. Celebration of A Gem Service, will be announced when completed. Check our website for updates.
The Radiance of this “Bloodstone of A Gem” will always glow in the hearts of her: Mother: Maryann S. Nottage; Three Brothers: Lamar, Darren and Delano Nottage; One Sister: Letha Nottage; One Grandmother: Carolyn Moss; Five Uncles: Sherman and Keith Moss, Christopher Nottage, Charles Lloyd and William Johnson; Five Aunts: Mildred Fox, Rita and Eltoy Moss, Gwendolyn Johnson and Patsy Joseph; Other Loving Family and Friends Including. Celebration of A Gem Service, will be announced when completed. Check our website for updates.
PAGE 16 ● Thursday, December 24, 2020
TREVOR PRESCOTT MACKEY, 51
of Pastel Gardens (formerly of Imperial Park), died at Doctors Hospital on Thursday, December 17th, 2020. He is survived by his wife: Sherika; son: Liam Mackey; stepchildren: Ricazia Demeritte and Austin Byer; father: Lionel Mackey; mother: Jeslyn Mackey; brother: Troy Mackey; sister: Terah Bowe; brotherin-law: Larry Bowe; niece: Jasmine Bowe; nephew: Jaron Bowe; aunts: Shirley Cunningham and Angela Cartwright; and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
OBITUARIES
Death Notices For (Cat Island)
ANTHONY “Lampy” SMITH, 61
a resident of Bamboo Town & formerly of Port Howe, Cat Island, died at his residence on Thursday, December 17, 2020. Predeceased by his Parents: Viola Wilson and Vivian Smith. He is survived by his Wife: Christina Bethel-Smith; Son: Antoine Smith; Daughters: Lakiesha Forbes and Brianna Symonette; Step Children: Ottessa and Jasonelle Smith, Aldon Culmer; Sisters: Rosilee Greene, Cynthia Dean-Buyer, Shanell Smith, Vivian Wilkerson, Denise Fox, Yvonne Fawkes, Victoria Storr; Brothers: Princey Pinder, Wayde Rolle, Jeffrey and Howard Smith, Dwight Fox, Hansel Forbes, Perez, Arlington and Charles Storr.
THE TRIBUNE
EULAMAE SWEETING, 78
a resident of Thompson Ward, Sandilands, died on Sunday, December 13, 2020. She is survived by her daughters: Katie Newbold-Morrison, Laurene NewboldVilfrard, Ethlyn Newbold-Ferguson & Raquel Smith; 2 sons: Alvin & Ricardo Newbold; 1 brother: Anthony Sweeting; 1 sister: Mildred; 2 sons-in-law: Alpheus Morrison & Pierreson Vilfrard; 1 daughterin-law: Gene Newbold; 2 brothers-in-law: Carl & Jonathan Newbold; 2 sisters-in-law: Agnes Barr & Lillian Newbold; numerous grandchildren, nieces & nephews & a host of other relatives & friends including: Alexis Dames, Angie Hanna, Peggy Taylor.
OBITUARIES
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Thursday, December 24, 2020 ● PAGE 17
Death Notices For James Preston Pratt, 78
Charles Rosevelt Brown, 67
Carlos Spencer, 61
affectionately called
“Ken”
of Stapleton Gardens died at his residence on Monday, 21st December, 2020.
of Sunset Park formerly of Deep Creek, Eleuthera died at his daughter’s residence on Tuesday, December 22nd, 2020. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
died at his residence on December 18, Funeral arrangements to be announced at a later date. 2020. He is survived by 4 sons: Kenyan, Kendrick, Deon and Charles Brown Jr.; 1 daughter: Melinda Brown; 2 step children: Katherina Williams and Renardo Sweeting; 10 brothers: Wendell, Nelson, Tyrone, Morland, Roland, Emith, Ezra, Jerome, Ally and Douglas Brown; 3 sisters: Monica Miller, Veronica Ferguson, Netlean Goodermont; 1 aunt: Nola Rolle; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
PAGE 18 ● Thursday, December 24, 2020
OBITUARIES
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A Graveside Funeral Service for
A Graveside Funeral Service for
Urban Augustus Knowles, 81
Gladys Rosette Darville, 78
affectionately known as “Strawberry” of Johnson Road Estates, Nassau, The Bahamas and formerly of McKenzie’s, Long Island, The Bahamas, who died at the Princess Margaret Hospital, Shirley Street, Nassau, on Monday, 16th December, 2020, will be held at Woodlawn Gardens Cemetery, Soldier Road, Nassau, on Wednesday, 30th December, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. He is survived by his Daughter: Kristen Pratt, Son: Brian Knowles, Daughter-in-law: Latoya Knowles, Son-in-law: Anthon Pratt; Grandchildren: A’Kailah & Kai Pratt; Sisters: Ella & Pearl Cartwright, Rosie Knowles and Predensa “Denny” Haley; Brother: Samuel Knowles. Brothers-in-law: John Knowles & Ronnie Roberts; Sisters-in-law: Vernice “Jenny” Knowles & Pauline Roberts. Nieces: Joyce Wells, Remona, Deon, Prudence, Hermie & Mary Cartwright, Helen Villi, Patrice Smith, Heather Taylor, Susan Lockhart, Samantha Pratt, Vanessa Benjamin, Arlene and Herdessa Knowles, Karen Betschart, Tonya Russell, Deidre Wong, Melanie Malone, Gail, Hailee, Vanessa and Michelle Roberts, Natasha Andrews, Julie Kelly; Nephews: Derrick, Chris, Clyde, Keith, Edwin Jr (Eddie), Jason, Gareth, Ashwood (AJ) and Ashland Knowles, Elvis, Neil, Ryan and Pedro Cartwright, Henrico and Hendrew Haley, Andrew ”Andy”, Victor, George, Aaron, Kevin and Keith Roberts; Grandnieces: Carla Burrows, Indira and Brianna Smith, Brianna Pratt, Ambria Taylor, Paige Ferguson, Kristy Lockhart, Hailey Benjamin, Courtney, Tiffany, Lateira, Jessica, Darcy, Macy, Mia, Abariana, Lynsey, Caroline, Alexis, Savannah, Zoey and Daliah Knowles, Delaina Tucker, Cheree and Lian Andrews, Caralee Harding, Taylor, Elliana and Yumecka Roberts, Kayla and Isabella Wong. Grandnephews: Anthony Wells, Marco and Meko Villi, Rico and Randy Smith, Nicholas Alex and Lucas Betschart, Brett and Samuel III Knowle, Vincenzo Lockhart, Kayde Ferguson, Jeriad Jr. and Julian Taylor, Raihan & Rhys Woods, Tyler Woods, Khalil Roberts, Andrew Roberts Jr., Ashton Cartwright, Anderson and Alexander Benjamin; several Great Grand Nieces and Nephews; Cousins: Keith, Kevin, Susan, Frank, Elgin, Andy, Lawrence, Myrtis, Beryl, Shan, Chris (Tookie) Andy Cartwright, Agnes Wright, Agatha Simms, Cindy Armbrister, Dorothy and Olga Fox, Helen Thompson, Hildred Knowles, Violet Wirth, Addina Viken, Diana Matsas, Erskine Knowles, Lisa Albury, Danzela Trask, Keith and Karen Albury, Denise and Raymond Cartwright, Lance Cartwright, Maxine (Toy) Darville, Angela Robinson, Clarence Harrison, Donald Darville, Ozzie Cartwright, Jimmy and Archie Knowles, Millie Adderley, Patrice, Rosie Cartwright, Cindy Key, Maxwell Darville, Ricardo Stubbs, Kavan Rolle, George and Rosalind Cartwright and many other Relatives and friends: Joe & Berlin family, Management and Staff of City Market, Seagrape, Management and staff of the following: City Market, Super Value & Quality Markets, AML Foods, Budget/Xtra Value/Buy for Less, Maxwells, Sids, John Chea, Bahama Subs, J&J Seafood, Centerville Food store, Meat Max, Kenneth Carey and Parkgate Food stores, D’albenas Agency, Island Wholesale, Waterloo, Eddison “Mickey” Cartwright, Mrs. Leslieann Burrows, Richard Sands, Cable Beach and Johnson Road family. Relatives and friends may pay their respects at Kemp’s Funeral Home Limited, 19 Palmdale Avenue, Palmdale, on Tuesday, 29th December, 2020, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
of Eastern Road, Nassau, The Bahamas, who died at her residence on Friday, 18th December, 2020, will be held at St. Anne’s Anglican Church Cemetery, Fox Hill Road, Nassau, on Tuesday, 29th December, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Father Anselm Russell will officiate. Cremation was held. She is survived by her Son: Kevin Eddison Darville; Granddaughter: Ava Mhay Darville; Sister: Arlene Marino; Daughter-in-law: Rachel Rafael Darville; Brothers-in-law(s): Thomas Marino; Christopher Darville (Jennifer); Sistersin-law(s): Beatrice (Beadie) Newbold (Giles); Lady Naomi Wallace-Whitfield; Sandra Burkhart; Katrina Darville; Niece(s): Tracey Major (Tom); Michelle (Missy) Priore (Paul); Canine Family: Twiggy & Shorty; Goddaughter(s): Helena Curry; Tracey Major; Other Relatives & Close Friends: The Family of the late Gilmore (Junior) Darville; The Family of the late Esther Darville; Hope Curry; Robert & Elizabeth (Lizzie) Carron; Eileen Carron; Pamela Taylor & Family; Meranes Celestin & Family; Andrew & Gina Knowles & Family; Anthony Darville; Adam Darville; David & Roxanne Nelson & Family; Honourable Dr. Duane Sands & Family; Dr. Basil Sands; Margret Johnson; David Dorsette; Errol & Margaret McKinney & Family; George Myers; Tony & Jennifer Knowles; Ian Bethel; Steve Sawyer; Stefan Knowles; Vanessa Kerzner; Sophie Fowler & Family; Dorian Vinderine & Family; J. Barrie Farrington & Family; Rose Thompson; Pat Cates; Khalil Curry; Sonnia Darville; Jason Johnson & Family; Carol Fox; Sandra Eneas; Angela Hinsey; Cleomie Parker; Karen Culmer; Giselle Pyfrom; Dale Hipsh; Sharon Gibson; Brendon Kerzner; Howard Karawan; Paul O’Neil; Atlantis Family; Father Anselm Russell; Sacred Heart Church Family; & many other relatives and close friends. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make a donation to The Bahamas Humane Society may do so by visiting their website at bahamashumanesociety.com and selecting “Donate Now” in memory of Mrs. Gladys R. Darville. Funeral Service can be viewed via live stream at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday 29th December, 2020 by visiting the following link – youtube/OQpZFBO8MJQ. Arrangements by Kemp’s Funeral Home Limited.
OBITUARIES
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, December 24, 2020 ● PAGE 19
Death Notices For Mr. James Alexander Smith, 72 Bradley Antoinio Taylor, 52 affectionately called “Batz” of #407 Nansen Avenue, Freeport, Grand Bahama and formerly of Nassau, New Providence died at his residence on Wednesday, December 9th, 2020.
He is survived by his wife: Evelyne Smith; daughter: Shantara Smith; sisters: Felicia Smith, Dorothy Rolle, Priscilla Jennings, Majorie Ingraham, Verinta Folk; brothers: Donald Smith, John Smith, Joseph Smith, Edward Smith, Phillip Smith; nieces: Linda Grant, Natasha Rolle, Kerline Smith, Britney Smith, Margarita Smith, Teren Smith; nephews: Leonard Smith, William Smith, Tammy Smith, Andrew Smith, Lil’ Christopher Smith, Nathan Dames, Phillip Smith Jr. Leonard Smith, Roberto Carter; cousins: Walter Swann, Audley Swann, Magaret Bonaby Arrangements for the funeral service are being finalized and details will be announced at a later date.
Jeffery Allan Edgecombe, 56 of Bacardi Road died at his residence on Saturday, 19th December, 2020 He is survived by his father & step mother: Wilbert & Ulamae Edgecombe; step father: Roberto Rene; son: Jeffery Edgecombe Jr. and Jason Edgecombe; daughters: Shekinah Edgecombe, Kiara Forbes & Kendra Rolle; fiancé: Collen Smith; eight brothers, nine sisters, six grandchildren, numerous nephews & nieces and a host of other relatives and friend to numerous to mention.
of Bernard Road died at Princes Margaret Hospital on Wednesday, December 16th, 2020. He is survived by his mother: Maria Ferguson; sons: Bradley Taylor Jr. & Brian Taylor; daughter: Brianna Taylor; sisters: Deborah & Ingrid Storr and Donell Symonette; brothers: Kirkwood & Clifford Storr and a host of other relatives and friends. Arrangements for the funeral service are being finalized and details will be announced at a future date.
James Eugene Morley, 84 of #56 Grace Avenue, Marathon Road died at The Princess Margaret Hospital On Friday, December 18th, 2020. He is survived by his daughters: Nell Ferguson, Deborah (Robert) McKenzie & Kara (Ricardo) Neely; sons: Horace Rolle Sr. & Julian “Bobby” Morley; sisters: Jacqueline Hart, Rose Culmer, Sonya Bowe, Kimberley (His Excellency Ellison) Greenslade &Tanya Manos; brothers: Robert Rose & Ricky Morley; sister-in-law: Joyce Fowler, numerous grandchildren, nieces & nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. Arrangements for the funeral service are being finalized and details will be announced at a future date.
Arrangements for the funeral service are being finalized and details will be announced at a future date. MISSION STATEMENT: To provide consistent, sympathetic, caring and professional, “Service with Excellence” serving the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and worldwide, with the highest level of consideration to the personal desires and financial comfort to our client families.
PAGE 20 ● Thursday, December 24, 2020
OBITUARIES
Death Notice
SHEFFIELD SAMUEL WALLACE, 35
affectionately called “Cool Breeze”
of Boatswain Hill, Carmichael Road, died at Princess Margaret Hospital on Sunday, December 20th, 2020. He is survived by his Daughters: Shania & Symphony Wallace; Father: Wesley Wallace Sr.; Grandparents: Vernalsha & Leanna Moss; Brothers: Wesley Jr. & Vincent Wallace; Sister: Toni Ingraham; Uncles: Junior Sands, Lloyd, Henry & Cecil Humes, Phillip Hanna, Harrison Moss, Dwight Dean, Harry, Noel & Elvardo Moss; Aunts: Margaret Humes, Evangelist Ann DavisJoseph, Rose Wallace, Diannia Davis, Sybil Hanna, Jacqueline Smith, Charlene Hanna, Miriam Dean, Veronica Moss and Linda Rolle(Sidney); Cousins: Julia Sands, Elsa Ferguson, Sterling Dean, Margarette Dean, Brian Davis, Ethel Joseph, Vanashain Joseph, Kendal Joseph Jr., Frank Wallace, Shantell, Rashard, Kendria, Jerry Wallace, Fredrick, Nakeisha Smith and Kimberly Hanna; Special Friend: Kendera Charlton and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cornish Memorial Mortuary located #41 Tonique Williams Darling Highway.
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RELIGION SECTION C
RELIGIOUS NEWS, STORIES AND CHURCH EVENTS
PAGE 22 ● Thursday, December 24, 2020
RELIGION
THE TRIBUNE
Vatican: OK to get virus vaccines using abortion cell lines VATICAN CITY Associated Press THE Vatican on Monday declared that it is “morally acceptable” for Roman Catholics to receive COVID-19 vaccines based on research that used cells derived from aborted fetuses, guidance that came after some churchmen in the United States argued that such products were immoral. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican’s watchdog office for doctrinal orthodoxy, said it had received several requests for “guidance” during recent months. The doctrinal office pointed out that bishops, Catholic groups and experts have offered “diverse and sometimes conflicting pronouncements” on the matter. Drawing on Vatican pronouncements in past years about developing vaccines prepared from cells derived from aborted fetuses, the watchdog office’s statement was examined by Pope Francis, who ordered it to be made public. The Catholic Church’s teaching says that abortion is a grave sin. The Vatican concluded that “it is morally acceptable to receive COVID-19 vaccines that have used cell lines from aborted fetuses” in the research and production process when “ethically irreproachable” vaccines aren’t available to the public. But it stressed that the “licit” uses of such vaccines “does not and should not in any way imply that there is a moral endorsement of the use of cell lines proceeding from aborted fetuses.” The Vatican didn’t name any of the COVID-19 vaccines already being given to people in some countries or authorised to be used soon. In its statement, the Vatican explained that obtaining vaccines that do not pose an ethical dilemma is not always possible. It cited circumstances
A VACCINE being administered to patient. in countries “where vaccines without ethical problems are not made available to physicians and patients” or where special storage or transport conditions make their distribution more difficult. Much of the Vatican’s pronouncement had echoes in a statement last week by officials of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. The US conference officials said that “in view of the gravity of the current pandemic and the lack of availability of alternative vaccines”, receiving the vaccines being distributed in the United States is justified “despite their remote connection to morally compromised cell lines”. Getting vaccinated against the coronavirus “ought to be understood as an act of charity
toward the other members of our community,” the US bishops conference officials said. Weeks earlier, two US bishops, one in Texas and one in California, had denounced vaccines using cell lines from the tissue of aborted fetuses as immorally produced. One of the bishops said he refused to receive such a vaccine and encouraged rank-and-file Catholics to follow his lead. The Vatican, in reassuring faithful Catholics that getting a COVID-19 vaccine would not violate the church’s moral teaching, noted that “health authorities do not allow citizens to choose the vaccine with which to be inoculated”. Given such circumstances, it is morally acceptable to receive vaccines that have used cell lines from
aborted fetuses, the Vatican said. The Vatican said the COVID19 vaccines that are getting rolled out or are expected to be soon used cell lines “drawn from tissue obtained from two abortions that occurred in the last century”. The Vatican hasn’t said if and when Francis would be vaccinated against the coronavirus. The 84-year-old pontiff has a pilgrimage to Iraq planned for early March, and it’s widely expected that he and the aides accompanying him would get vaccinated ahead of travel abroad. The Roman Catholic church’s doctrinal orthodoxy office said “vaccination is not, as a rule, a moral obligation” and must be voluntary. Still, it said, from an ethical point of view, “the
morality of vaccination depends not only on the duty to protect one’s own health but also on the duty to pursue the common good”. Those for reasons of conscience opting not to receive vaccinations produced by cell lines from aborted fetuses, “must do their utmost to avoid”, by appropriate behavior and preventive means, becoming “vehicles” for transmission, the congregation said. In any case, there is also a “moral imperative” for the pharmaceutical industry, governments and international organizations to ensure that safe, effective and “ethically acceptable” vaccines are accessible to the poorest countries and not too costly for them, the Vatican’s doctrinal office said.
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RELIGION
Best Christmas ever BY REV ANGELA C BOSFIELD PALACIOUS your whole world this Christmas. May we remember that the birth of your Son is indeed the reason for the season. May we spread your love wherever we go. We pray all of this in the name of Jesus Christ, Saviour and Lord. Amen. • Rev Angela Palacious, a motivational speaker and author of several devotional books, is an Anglican priest. She may be contacted at 393-9000 or by e-mail at angelapalacious@gmail.com.
Start today to make this Christmas and this coming year the best ever. CHRISTMAS is a reminder we are a loved people who lose our way and need a Saviour to rescue us. We find ourselves in darkness and need a guiding Light. Let us give ourselves the gift of a radical makeover by allowing the Holy Spirit to enlighten us: I. Looking back 1. What did you learn from 2020? What did you get right? What did you get wrong? 2. Whom do you need to forgive including yourself, and for what? 3. How did you keep from becoming angry? 4. How did you recover when you were angry? 5. Count your blessings this year by making a list. II. Looking forward 1. What are your hopes, dreams and wishes for: next year, the next five years, the next ten years? 2. Write in a journal the things you want to accomplish in the next five years. 3. Visualise yourself in the situations. 4. What do you have to do to take the first step? III. Starting from today Start today to make this Christmas and this coming year the best ever. Set your mind on the things of God and not merely the things “of the earth”. Worship the Lord with a grateful heart, share love wherever you can and prepare for your tomorrow by your attitude and actions today: 1. Determine what you want and how to go about it. 2. Create a vision and mission
statement to articulate these goals. 3. Improve your relationships: • Romantic Relationships—Read, discuss be counselled, if necessary. • Children--Improve your parenting skills by reading, being mentored, and praying. Consider your greatest challenges as a parent, and discover who has met the challenge well, then “buddy up” with that person. • Older Parents: Show respect, be firm yet loving if you are the caregiver, and pray for wisdom to be patient, and compassionate. • Siblings and members of the extended family, and in-laws –do what you can to be at peace with them. • Colleagues—consider your expectations, work ethic, and sources of frustration. Let finding joy on the job be the goal. 4. Manage your money more efficiently. 5. Manage your time more effectively, by balancing what you have to do and what you like to do). 6. Draw closer to God, by reflecting on the following: • What works well now? • What God has brought you through? • Working out a new plan to grow in grace. • Prayer alone, with partner, and possibly a small group. Let us pray: Gracious and Holy God, we give you praise for who you are, and we give you thanks for what you have done, are doing, and will do in the future. Please bless us, our families, our nation and
Thursday, December 24, 2020 ● PAGE 23
PAGE 24 ● Thursday, December 24, 2020
RELIGION
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ELEVEN YEAR OLD To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394 DONATES TO THE GREAT COMMISSION MINISTRIES
INDYA JOSEPH AND VASHTI COX JOSEPH A SIXTH grade student at Xavier’s Lower School, 11-year-old Indya Joseph, has been playing her part in helping Bahamians in need. After passing the Great Commission Ministries on Wulff Road on an outing with her mother, and seeing such a large crowd gathered, she inquired as to what was going on. When she learned that people go there on a weekly basis to receive a hot plate of food, she decided she had to help in some way, once again. Indya took it upon herself to write to various wholesale groups, with the permission of her parents, to solicit donations to present to the feeding organisation. She was able to receive many boxes of food supplies, thanks to The d’Albenas Agency, Discount Distributors, Caribbean Bottling Company, (Bahamas) Limited and Rose Fowler-Coleby. Mrs Bethel of the Great Commission Ministries
exclaimed that they were so delighted that a child as young as Indya, felt the need to step-up and help their organisation. She also expressed their gratitude for the large donation, especially during this holiday season, where so many have found it difficult to make ends meet. Known for her other philanthropic efforts, including “Pennies for Covid”, amoung others, Indya, a soft spoken child, exclaimed that when she thinks of others not being able to eat, her heart hurts. She also said that as long as God gives her the ideas, she will do her best to execute them. Indya said her Christian principles have taught her to abide by the golden rule, “do unto others, as you would have them do unto you”. Her parents, Andrew and Vashti Joseph, are extremely proud of their daughter, and are happy to support her in her philanthropic endeavours.
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Thursday, December 24, 2020 ● PAGE 25
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PAGE 26 ● Thursday, December 24, 2020
Was Jesus really born in Bethlehem? Why the Gospels disagree over the circumstances of Christ’s birth By RODOLFO GALVAN ESTRADA III Fuller Theological Seminary EVERY Christmas, a relatively small town in the Palestinian West Bank comes center stage: Bethlehem. Jesus, according to some biblical sources, was born in this town some two millennia ago. Yet the New Testament Gospels do not agree about the details of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. Some do not mention Bethlehem or Jesus’ birth at all. The Gospels’ different views might be hard to reconcile. But as a scholar of the New Testament, what I argue is that the Gospels offer an important insight into the Greco-Roman views of ethnic identity, including genealogies. Today, genealogies may bring more awareness of one’s family medical history or help uncover lost family members. In the Greco-Roman era, birth stories and genealogical claims were used to establish rights to rule and link individuals with purported ancestral grandeur. Gospel of Matthew According to the Gospel of Matthew, the first Gospel in the canon of the New Testament, Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem when Jesus was born. The story begins with wise men who come to the city of Jerusalem after seeing a star that they interpreted as signaling the birth of a new king. It goes on to describe their meeting with the local Jewish king named Herod, of whom they inquire about the location of Jesus’ birth. The Gospel says that the star of Bethlehem subsequently leads them to a house – not a manger – where Jesus
has been born to Joseph and Mary. Overjoyed, they worship Jesus and present gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. These were valuable gifts, especially frankincense and myrrh, which were costly fragrances that had medicinal use. The Gospel explains that after their visit, Joseph has a dream where he is warned of Herod’s attempt to kill baby Jesus. When the wise men went to Herod with the news that a child had been born to be the king of the Jews, he made a plan to kill all young children to remove the threat to his throne. It then mentions how Joseph, Mary and infant Jesus leave for Egypt to escape King Herod’s attempt to assassinate all young children. Matthew also says that after Herod dies from an illness, Joseph, Mary and Jesus do not return to Bethlehem. Instead, they travel north to Nazareth in Galilee, which is modern-day Nazareth in Israel. Gospel of Luke The Gospel of Luke, an account of Jesus’ life which was written during the same period as the Gospel of Matthew, has a different version of Jesus’ birth. The Gospel of Luke starts with Joseph and a pregnant Mary in Galilee. They journey to Bethlehem in response to a census that the Roman emperor Caesar Augustus required for all the Jewish people. Since Joseph was a descendant of King David, Bethlehem was the hometown where he was required to register. The Gospel of Luke includes no flight to Egypt, no paranoid King Herod, no murder of children and no wise men visiting baby Jesus. Jesus is born in a manger because all the travelers
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JESUS IN THE MANGER overcrowded the guest rooms. After the birth, Joseph and Mary are visited not by wise men but shepherds, who were also overjoyed at Jesus’ birth. Luke says these shepherds were notified about Jesus’ location in Bethlehem by angels. There is no guiding star in Luke’s story, nor do the shepherds bring gifts to baby Jesus. Luke also mentions that Joseph, Mary and Jesus leave Bethlehem eight days after his birth and travel to Jerusalem and then to Nazareth. The differences between Matthew and Luke are nearly impossible to reconcile, although they do share some similarities. John Meier, a scholar on the historical Jesus, explains that Jesus’ “birth at Bethlehem is to be taken not as a historical fact” but as a “theological affirmation put into the form of an apparently historical narrative”. In other words, the belief that Jesus was a descendant of King David led to the development of a story about Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. Raymond Brown, another scholar on the Gospels, also states that “the two narratives are not only different – they are contrary to each other in a number of details”. Mark’s and John’s Gospels What makes it more difficult is that neither the other Gospels, that of Mark and John, mentions Jesus’ birth or his connection to Bethlehem. The Gospel of Mark is the earliest account of Jesus’ life, written around AD 60. The opening chapter of Mark says that Jesus is from “Nazareth of Galilee”. This is repeated throughout the Gospel on
several occasions, and Bethlehem is never mentioned. A blind beggar in the Gospel of Mark describes Jesus as both from Nazareth and the son of David, the second king of Israel and Judah during 1010-970 BC But King David was not born in Nazareth, nor associated with that city. He was from Bethlehem. Yet Mark doesn’t identify Jesus with the city Bethlehem. The Gospel of John, written approximately 15 to 20 years after that of Mark, also does not associate Jesus with Bethlehem. Galilee is Jesus’ hometown. Jesus finds his first disciples, does several miracles and has brothers in Galilee. This is not to say that John was unaware of Bethlehem’s significance. John mentions a debate where some Jewish people referred to the prophecy which claimed that the messiah would be a descendant of David and come from Bethlehem. But Jesus according to John’s Gospel is never associated with Bethlehem, but with Galilee, and more specifically, Nazareth. The Gospels of Mark and John reveal that they either had trouble linking Bethlehem with Jesus, did not know his birthplace, or were not concerned with this city. These were not the only ones. Apostle Paul, who wrote the earliest documents of the New Testament, considered Jesus a descendant of David but does not associate him with Bethlehem. The Book of Revelation also affirms that Jesus was a descendant of David but does not mention Bethlehem. An ethnic identity During the period of Jesus’ life, there were multiple perspectives on the Messiah. In one
stream of Jewish thought, the Messiah was expected to be an everlasting ruler from the lineage of David. Other Jewish texts, such as the book 4 Ezra, written in the same century as the Gospels, and the Jewish sectarian Qumran literature, which is written two centuries earlier, also echo this belief. But within the Hebrew Bible, a prophetic book called Micah, thought to be written around BC 722, prophesies that the messiah would come from David’s hometown, Bethlehem. This text is repeated in Matthew’s version. Luke mentions that Jesus is not only genealogically connected to King David, but also born in Bethlehem, “the city of David”. Genealogical claims were made for important ancient founders and political leaders. For example, Ion, the founder of the Greek colonies in Asia, was considered to be a descendant of Apollo. Alexander the Great, whose empire reached from Macedonia to India, was claimed to be a son of Hercules. Caesar Augustus, who was the first Roman emperor, was proclaimed as a descendant of Apollo. And a Jewish writer named Philo who lived in the first century wrote that Abraham and the Jewish priest and prophets were born of God. Regardless of whether these claims were accepted at the time to be true, they shaped a person’s ethnic identity, political status and claims to honour. As the Greek historian Polybius explains, the renown deeds of ancestors are “part of the heritage of posterity”. Matthew and Luke’s inclusion of the city of Bethlehem contributed to the claim that Jesus was the Messiah from a Davidic lineage. They made sure that readers were aware of Jesus’ genealogical connection to King David with the mention of this city. Birth stories in Bethlehem solidified the claim that Jesus was a rightful descendant of King David. So today, when the importance of Bethlehem is heard in Christmas carols or displayed in Nativity scenes, the name of the town connects Jesus to an ancestral lineage and the prophetic hope for a new leader like King David. • Originally published on theconversation.com
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GOSPEL artist Philicia J Rahming releases her new single ‘Love Wins’ just in time for Christmas.
Love always wins BY JEFFARAH GIBSON | TRIBUNE FEATURES WRITER JGIBSON@TRIBUNEMEDIA.NET
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UST in time for Christmas Day, gospel artist and songwriter Philicia J Rahming released her new single that celebrates the love of God, especially during this season. Philicia, a newcomer to the world of gospel, wanted to introduce herself with a single that is strong and will spread love - something she believes is so needed during this time. “Love Wins” was penned by Philicia J and produced by Nevardo Dean and Todd Marshall. The orchestrated ballad was recorded in Montreal, Canada, in October 2018 - but she felt now was the time to have the song released to the airwaves. The inspiration behind the song came from an array of obstacles the artist has experienced in her own life. She hopes
it encourages and brings cheer to those who listen. “It was always a fight for love and a fight to be loved but to the end love always won and love still wins,” she said. Philicia’s musical journey began while singing at her local church from the tender age of nine, where she developed into a polished soprano singer. She also developed her writing skills from the age of 15 and for the past 21 years as a Psalmist. Her late father always encouraged her to write what her heart felt and those same words led her to inspire other songwriters and artists. “Never give up, you must know who you are and whose you are. Live, eat, breathe and walk in faith. Work hard, be consistent, reliable and always show up to bring your ‘A’ game,” she said.
“You must know who you are and whose you are, and stand on that. Live, eat, breathe and walk in Faith. Work hard, be consistent, reliable and always show up and bring you’re A game. Life is all about choices so let’s choose to win and win big, even when you are losing. You are sound carriers. Be authentic, raw, optimistic and intentional about our journey in the music world,” she said. Philicia believes in forging a relationship with God and trusting the love He has. “Most importantly, carry God with you always and allow him to direct your path. It’s all a God move! Let’s get it,” she said. The single will be available on all music digital platforms. Phlicia J can be found on social media and for more information contact Philicia J’s manager, Delarese Allen at delareseallen@gmail.com.
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Christmas in the community BY ALESHA CADET | TRIBUNE FEATURES WRITER | ACADET@TRIBUNEMEDIA.NET
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N AN effort to bring Christmas to inner city communities at a time when the economy is at its worst, members of local organisation WELife hosted its third annual Christmas In The Community Gift Drive. “We wanted to change lives and put a smile on children’s faces because we have all had a rough year. Our aim was to bring the Christmas cheer where many would have least expected it. We wanted to do something different to let persons know and feel that they are loved, that God has them on his heart and anything can happen if you believe in it. We hope that these moments will never be forgotten and they would in turn bless others in the future because it is a beautiful feeling to do so,” said Shavonne Strachan, WELife founder and president. A leader with four years of experience in advancing the lives of the most vulnerable in inner cities throughout The Bahamas and building high-impact initiatives for all to enjoy, Ms Strachan formed the WELife organisation to assist these inner city communities by providing meal assistance, educational and lifestyle seminars and sponsored giveaways. Her aim is to also accomplish spiritual, mental and physical transformations within these communities. “We believe, through these measures generational ties of poverty may be broken. Our belief is that poverty isn’t something that just robs you of a meal; it also robs you of your freedom to ensure your children are prepared for school and to have a mind that’s at peace. We believe that we can live a better life once we are liberated from impoverished communities, world hunger and battered souls. We want to spread the gift of life and love because God is love and God is for everyone,” said Ms Strachan. She said the vision of the group is to also harness love and freedom in each individual; directing them toward a better life through acts of kindness, encouragement, self-help programs, and spiritual consciousness. Ms Strachan remembers the very first Christmas in the community event that took place in 2018 in Savannah Sound, Eleuthera where the team provided toys and Christmas dinner for nearly 70 families on a community park. There were kids alongside their parents who all enjoyed photos with Santa, games, Christmas dinner, music and much more. Moreover in 2019, the organisation decided to direct the initiative to kids who were affected by Hurricane Dorian
WELIFE brings Christmas Cheer with 3rd annual gift drive.
and were still being housed in the shelter at the Kendall Isaacs Gym during the holidays. Ms Strachan said the kids were overwhelmed with joy to escape their current circumstance even just for a few hours to enjoy music, games, presents and Christmas dinner alongside family and friends. “Initially, the launch (of the Christmas in The Community event) was inspired after reflecting on a time when I was young and living in an impoverished community. I remembered the amount of children who had parents that were struggling around this time of year to ensure the bills were met and their kids also felt loved during the season. The inner city can be filled with a great spirit of depression and anger during this time so we wanted to bring the Christmas spirit there with lots of joy and surprises,” said Ms Strachan. “Christmas is said to be the most wonderful time of the year and it is especially enjoyed by kids. While many are able to enjoy this season shopping for themselves and their loved ones, there are many less fortunate kids in particular who are not afforded this opportunity to experience the joy of Christmas.” After a year like 2020, Ms Strachan said it was very important for the organisation to continue this initiative as they all believe there would be so many families who simply would not be able to afford food and gifts, which is why they also decided to distribute a $50 Super Value food voucher to parents, and toys for the kids. “This year has taught us that we must be our brother’s keeper and if we were
blessed to not be affected by COVID19 then we should in turn bless others who were. Those who participated in the gift drive said it was a very heartwarming experience directly interacting with persons and meeting them where they are instead of expecting them to meet us somewhere. Some also expressed that if we could have more persons doing these type of initiatives that it would totally transform the inner cities. It was an eye opener walking through the grove and seeing how impoverished the areas really are and family’s struggles. They felt the work WELife did will be a moment the kids in particular will never forget,” said Ms Strachan. She described the recent Christmas In The Community Gift Drive as the most heartwarming of them all. Ms Strachan said as she and her team traveled door to door in the community of East Street and the Grove with Santa Claus’ food vouchers and toys - they were sometimes greeted by kids running through the neighbourhood screaming and giggling, “Santa Claus is here.” “We were able to assist more than 50 kids and parents this year. It was such a surprise for all to see Santa Claus in this community. Many was shocked and filled with joy. We truly wished we had more to give and are encouraging others to do so if they are able to. A very emotional moment was when our team visited a home that had two senior ladies. When we showed up with Santa Claus, our team and the food vouchers, the elderly lady began to cry. She went on to explain that she was just in prayer asking God to help her as she does not have anything to her
name. She kept speaking blessings over us and thanked us again and again. She explained to us that God used us to answer her prayers,” said Ms Strachan. She said some people even expressed never seeing Santa Claus in that “part of town”. Kids and parents alike were in complete awe that someone took the time to remember them, that they were not forgotten, and that miracles can truly happen during the Christmas. Many were also overjoyed to get photos with Santa. “We experienced so much giggles, screams and tears of joy, it will truly be something I will never forget. I have no idea what 2021 is going to bring as 2020 caught us all off guard. But the best way to predict the future is to plan for it and I plan on changing a lot more lives in the years to come. We are going to continue with our annual events which includes a Grocery Giveaway and Hot meals, Back to School Giveaway, Programs and Empowerment Sessions and of course another Christmas in the Community. We are also looking to partner and work alongside other businesses and organisations dedicated to the same work as we are,” said Ms Strachan.