Residents of North Mastic Point Andros say they won’t sleep comfortable at night, because of the brutal murder that occurred there Wednesday November 27. Relatives say the body of 77 year old Enid Storr was found in her home this morning. After receiveing reports of hearing a baby crying in the house and neighbors not seeing Ms. Storr, who shared her home with an infant grandson and another male relative, since late Tuesday evening. Family members became concerned and force their way inside her home, only to find her lifeless body on the floor her bedroom, the police were then notified.
Assistant Superintendent, Clifford Ferguson, of the local Law Enforcement Department Nicoll’s Town, said that body was found at approximately 10:45a.m. Wednesday. Shortly after police arrived on the scene, Dr. Emmanuelle was notified, and after a thorough examination, ‘trauma to the body’ was ruled as the cause of death. Superintendent Ferguson, also stated that members of the Central Investigation Division (CID), were notified and that the body would not be removed until their arrival, pending a more intensive investigation of the crime scene. I was also informed that two male suspects were in custody for questioning.
Members of the Community gathered at the scene, Enid Storr was well known and loved by everyone in Mastic Point and they saw her death as a senseless act. Person present said she will be missed, and remembered most for her dedication to her church, and family. Many were angry saying that they hope her killer or killers are found and brought to justice. There were concerns expressed over the negative effect this incident could have on the IslaLater that evening daughters of Ms Storr arrived from Nassau, distraught and in disbelief as police officers informed them of what had happened to their mother.
The seminar evolved when Administrator Huntley Christie requested the churches of North Andros help in sensitizing their communities, stating that he is very upset about the many cases involving domestic violence being brought before him. Stressing that it is the circle of violence that breaks the family, thay must itself be broken, he later said that “it is easy to say what the problem is, but the biggest problem is finding a solution.”
In his remarks Rev. Sam Fowler said that the N.A.C.C goals are to create good and safe communities in North Andros, and in doing so make full use of radio talk shows to update The Bahamas on what the council is doing. He emphasized that committee members have a wealth of experience and should offer themselves to assist in counseling. The meeting of the Administrator and the N.A.C.C was a timely one he said as a committee was already formed to help in sensitizing our communities to domestic violence.
In closing Reverand Fowler said that he looks forward to a long lasting relationship with Administrator Christie and his staff.
Father John Clarke, of St. Margrets Anglican Church in Nicoll’s Town and Mary Magdalene in Mastic Point, stated that the church needs to be more understanding of the community it serves. Indicating that members worshiping on Sunday are not always grasping what is being taught, and therefore the church must speak to its people. He added “that God’s news must be an aspect of good living.”
Panelists: Ifill Russell, said persons in the community need to bring to light the abuse and violence that is happening around them, that the public needs to face the reality of domestic violence. Urging that until people rise up and take a stand, it will continue to harm our society.
Mr. Lewis Adderly is quoted as saying that the church has been persecuted as sleeping, and not doing it’s job. He said the voice of the church must be heard, and pastors are not helping by staying confined to four walls or to their pulpit, because most criminals don’t venture into church and if they don’t come to you, you must go to them.
Kevin Russell spoke boldly to the audience telling them that in North Andros abusers are everywhere and that theylook like ordinary persons. He mentioned the fact that ‘Sex’ has always been taboo, and ignoring the problem won’t make it go away. He expressed he his opinion that building confidence is key, and the only way for young people to gain confidence in themselves is if it is taught to them by their parents. Mr. Russell said that incest and other domestic abuse hasn’t just started in North Andros, its been here for a long time. He added that everyone has experienced some form of abuse at one time or another, but for this too we need to be educated on what abuse is.
A local law enforcement officer present stated that there were a number of cases of unlawful sex against minors. He also stressed that anyone under the age of 18years of age cannot give consent to intercourse, according to the law therefore it is criminal to do so. The reasons for many domestic abuses not being reported is because victims are sometimes too afraid to do so, or want to protect the abuser.
If you’re being abused, to get help in North Andros call:
Police Dept @ 329-2353 or 911
Social services @ 329-2073
Administrative Office @ 329-2278
The Crisis Centre @ 1242-328-0922
Or by contacting your Pastor or Priest.
Things to remember:
Domestic violence is an emotional abuse or behavior used by one person in a relationship to control the other. Partners may be married or non married; heterosexuals, homosexuals or simply dating each other. It consists of any type of abuse, which may be one or a combination of any of the following:
-Physical (beating)-Economic(taking ofhis/her money)
-Verbal (threats)
-Psychological(mind games)
-Sexual(rape)
-Emotional (withholding affection)
-Child abuse
-Abuse of elders
- Stalking.
Domestic abuse is often overlooked as “lover’s quarrel” or a “Private family matters,” but it is an epidemic that knows no boundaries. Anyone can become a victim and often are! Victims can be of any age, sex, race, culture, religion, educational, employment or marital status, like AIDS, it does not discriminate.
The cycle of abuse begins with an “Incident,” which is any type of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, etc). Secondly “Tension Builds”, and the abuser gets angry, usually when the abuse begins, due to breakdown in communication. The Victim feels the need to keep the abuser calm, building even greater tension, leaving the abuser feeling like they are walking on eggshells. Third is “Making up,” at which time the abuser apologizes for what he or she did wrong. They may promise not to do it again, or sometimes blame the victim for the abuse itself, claiming that the action was not as bad as the victim says it was. Finally “Calm”,when the abuser pretends the abuse never happened, promises are made during making up that may be met, but the victim feels the abuse and is isolated and hopes it never happens again.
If you are a “Victim”, you are not alone, nor are you to blame. Tell someone about the abuse. Tell a teacher, a friend, family member, or call the police. Get restrianing order. Get Help, Get Out.
It’s that time again and not to be outdone, students of the Nicoll’s Town Primary School along with parents, teachers and invited guests joined in as the school celebrated, Universal Children’s Day, One Bahamas Celebrations, Harvest and Thanksgiving and their Honour Convocation all in one.
However this year will be one that I’m sure students will best remember, as the crowd was captivated by Guest Speaker, Parliamentary Secretary Ministry of Tourism, Mrs. Agatha Marcelle and the delightful performances of song and dance featured.
As she addressed the school, Permanent Secretary Marcelle said how honoured she was to be invited to be the Guest Speaker for the event. She said that it brought back memories of when she was in Primary School. Commending the students performances and admiring the heart and spirit shown, she told students that they are the future leaders of our country. She told them the story of Christ and how his obedience to his parents made him a better teacher, pointing out that obedience is key, she told them to be obedient to their parents and teachers, and be diligent in their school work. Saying that she never dreamed of being where she is today, a Member of Parliament, standing in the House of Assembly, she said it goes to show you that anything is possible.
Recognizing their qualities, Mrs. Marcelle, encouraged students of TheNicoll’s Town Primary to become businessmen and women, saying that, when they grow up they have the potential to own hundreds and hundreds of acres of farm land; giving them the opportunity to feed the entire Bahamas.
Pointing out that in Spanish Wells, there are persons who have become self-made millionaires making an investment in fishing boats and tapping into the fishing market. ‘You can make plenty money’, she stressed to them, ‘from Conchs, Grouper, Lobsters’; looking around Mrs. Marcelle pointed out that she can also see a lot of Doctors, Lawyers, Preachers, Hoteliers, and Resort Owners. Noting major economic sectors, she said there are also a lot of people who have contributed to Tourism, by simply starting Bone Fishing Lodges.
Parents and Teachers present, were given, a stern warning; ‘Train a child in the way they should go, and they will never depart’. Once you make a commitment to have kids Mrs. Marcelle told parents, your life is over, because your life now belongs to them! Imploring parents to practice what they preach. She said even the smallest lesson taught is a lesson remembered, because children learn what they see; and parents are responsible for their children’s upbringing and their lessons of life.
‘If we all sing one song, imagine what tomorrow will bring’, was a song sang by the school’s choir, of which Mrs. Marcelle said, the words rang true. In closing she again thanked the Principal and Staff of the Nicoll’s Town Primary school for their gracious invitation to speak, and said how proud she was to join in their celebrations.
A training session for the Junior Achievers of Sparkles of the Berries was conducted by Mr. Lionel Elliot, Executive Director, Junior Achievement Bahamas was held at R. N. Gomez All Age School in Bullocks Harbour, The Berry Islands.
Achievers were given a brief history of J. A. and the aims and objectives of the program. They were guided through the most important information as outlined the company manual.
The President and four Vice Presidents were given specific training in team work, record keeping and management in the areas of production, marketing, finance and human resources.
Advisors and members of the Board of Directors were up dated on the new developments and plans for the year.
The Achievers were presented with their J. A. pins at the end of the sessions. They expressed thanks to Mr. Elliot for the knowledge and encouragement they got from the training session.
Recently, I was in Harbour Island for a worship service on Harvest ThanksgivingSunday. Little did I know it but I was in for the time of my life. When I arrived I was told that the Boy's Brigade Band would be participating in the service. In my mind's eye I anticipated ten or twelve young people with a few instruments. When they marched down the street I was completely surprised. Marching past the open windows in the church were children, young teenagers, boys and girls, and adult men forty members strong, all smartly dressed in their blue and white with their instruments sparkling in the early morning sunshine. They presented their colours in the service and filled up an entire section of the church opposite the choir.Worshipping in the service that day was a special woman; A Canadian, who spends significant time in Harbour Island. During the service one of the members of the Band made a presentation to this woman, thanking her for her gift to the Harbor Island Community.
I then learned that this gracious woman had been person responsible for the donation of the instruments so that the Boy's Brigade Band could be revived. Mr. Wayde Higgs, an officer in the Boys Brigade Band told me that she did not like publicity and would not be overjoyed at this time with the presentation but, they had to do it, because she had given so much to them. During the service she was presented with a Bahamian basket filled with straw work, shell work and indigenous gifts. Under some pressure, she spoke to the worshipping congregation She expressed her delight with the gift presented to her and she finished with this promise: "I'm not finished yet!" She indicated that she would not rest until every member of the band has a new instrument to play.
I will certainly place this woman in the category of an angel and so her gifts to the children and young people of Harbour Island can rightly be called, "Angel Gifts ".
But, in case we are thinking that "Angel Gifts'' can only come from visitors to our communities, I must hasten to profile another person in particular. Corporal Pinder is stationed in Harbour Island with the Royal Bahamas Police Force. He is a native of Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera. Without this man's gifts, the instruments would lie silent and glittering in their cases. He, along with other men of the community took on the challenge of converting the "Angel Gifts" into beautiful harmony of sound. I am also pleased to say that this is not the first time that Corporal Pinder has contributed in this way. Similar stories following him from his service in Cat Island and I'm sure similar stories will follow him wherever he goes.
I will say this: Never have I been more proud of my fellow Eleuthera brothers than I did on that particular Sunday morning. As Corporal Pinder stood and conducted The Band, I, along with the many people gathered for worship, was as proud as we could be.
An unlikely couple of people: One, an older Canadian woman who loves HarbourIsland and two, a young professional Corporal from Hatchet Bay. Both gifted in their own right; their gifts are different but they both have a common bond.
There's an angel in there somewhere. There has to be.
These two people, so much like every one of us had a choice. One, they could have left things as they were, and been content to believe that the young people of today are not disciplined and interested in playing in a band, or two, they could do their part and prove that young people are worth every bit of their effort and if given the love and attention, they will respond in positive ways.
What about you? Are you doing anything to make a difference in your community?
