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THE

THE FREEPORT NEWS

Monday, May 31, 2010

FREEPORT NEWS
Published daily except Sundays and holidays by the Nassau Guardian (1844) Limited Cedar Street P.O. Box F-40007, Freeport, Grand Bahama Commonwealth of The Bahamas ANTHONY FERGUSON
President/Publisher

GUEST COMMENTARY

The Law of Asssociation

ave you ever listened to a crazy song before, one that you dont even like. It has now been about 30 minutes since you have heard the song, and now you are probably waiting in some line and you find yourself singing this unlinked crazy song word for word? Well, this is a result of the law of Association This law of Association is defined as: whatever, person, place, or environment I associate myself with over a period of time I subconsciously imitate it. This is interesting because, you dont have to sit and make an effort to learn the environment, or person; it is somehow absorbed by your subconscious. Here is the biblical proof: The Bible says, He that walks with wise men will

OLLIE FERGUSON
General Manager

FREDERICK STURRUP
Acting Managing Editor

HUBERT RUSSELL
Circulation Manager

HOWARD GRANT
Production Manager

WILFRID WILKINSON
Night Manager

Tel. 352-8321 thru 4

Fax. 351-5893

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Island Relief
ow long the consistency of the Grand Bahama Power Company service will continue is not known. Hopefully what customers have gotten accustomed to over the last two weeks, will continue. The island-wide dilemma several weeks ago had the power company on the receiving end of angry words and sustained criticism. The issue reached the House of Assembly. Lawmakers seemed to be thrown off guard because the Grand Bahamians were suffering and no comforting words came from the central administration. There has been a big difference however. As they are so entitled, GB consumers are now enjoying good electricity service. The power company has seemingly recovered from a difficult set of circumstances. Faulty equipment was the big problem that seems to have been addressed. The situation is far from a love affair between the GBPC and its clients, but in a couple of weeks, inroads have been made. In point of fact before the great power outages, there were periodical outages that residents had gotten used to. Over the recent two-weeks, constant service has resulted in many forgetting that situation. The service has been that good. The GBPC can endear itself further to its consumer base by reaching out in meaningful ways. This is a pivotal time for the GBPC. Alternative energy sources are being contemplated more than ever before. The GBPC ought to recognize certain signs and be prepared to function in a manner whereby most of the people will still think of the company as the best option for them. The extra charges for May will never sit right with consumers. This is an area that the GBPC can look at. The statement by GBPC Chief Allan Kelley which indicated the GBPC is not responsible for appliances damaged during the constant outages, is not acceptable to the people. Throw out a bone GBPC. At least meet the people half way. Higher charges for a period when the service was minimal doesn`t come out right. Passing on costs (due to equipment problems) to the consumer does not seem reasonable at all. The GBPC would do well to engage in a public relations effort to gain the confidence of the people. The steady service is a great start. Now certain matters have to be made right and the public might begin to think more kindly towards the GBPC. All that being considered, in the interest of striking a balance, we congratulate the GBPC for steadying the course and not letting a dire situation get further out of hand. There are some decisions to be made by the GBPC however. It is doubtful that the business as usual approach will ever be accepted by the people of Grand Bahama again as far as the GBPC is concerned.

By Minister Kevin L. A. Ewing

become wise, and he that associates himself with fools will become foolish-(paraphrased) So, here is the point, if I associate myself with negative, complaining, murmuring, kind, loving, generous people etc. Eventually I will begin to display these traits. Remember how pleasant you were before that last relationship? Have you noticed how uncaring youve become since you have met that uncaring person? All I am trying to point out here is life consists of laws, which means that nothing just happens. Whatever happens to us, with us or at us is because of some knowing or unknowing law that we have participated in and yielding the results in our everyday life.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Against legalizing numbers racket

Dear Editor, In 27 words, D. Halston Moultrie has summarized for us why legalized gambling should be opposed: Any cultural system based on the premise of something for nothing or more for less will fall apart and such a society is doomed to absolute collapse. He has done what religious moralists like myself have not had much success with. He has articulated the reality that life is about risk taking, but risk taking should be based on substantive elements that require those participating to work and not just sit around waiting for some number to fall. It has been a couple of decades since the seeds were sown that has us visualizing some bitter fruit. We may want to blame the politicians for all those grandiose promises about how rich we would be in this generation, but we found it very convenient to believe the lies that they were selling, and in the name of whatever expediencies we were holding dear at the time we have unknowingly sold our birthright. We have to right this ship of State and realize that the people of this nation will make or break the nation through our daily choices. Moultrie raised a question in his letter that should get the attention of the leaders of both the FNM and PLP. Which administration is going to have the legalization of gambling attached to its legacy? An attachment that has the potential to overshadow all the good accomplished. Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham is showing himself to be a leader who is very concerned about how history records his life; every Bahamian should take note of what is happening in this particular instance, especially when a politician makes an unpopular choice that will result in us having to work a bit harder for what we say we believe. Gambling, like social promotion deprives the mind of its creative and innovative powers. I suggest that Moultrie be brought front and centre to the public discussion because he has articulated in a real way what we are up against and what is at stake, as we attempt to define what is going on with gambling. Yours, etc., EDWARD HUTCHESON

Christians must be fearless

Dear Editor, The Bible and history are laden with examples of the good and noble works of men and women who operated under inspiration and conviction of the Holy Spirit, not fearing what man can do to them. Daniel and the three Hebrew boys come readily to mind. They stood up for Godly principles in the face of persecution. The approval of God was more important to them than the favour of powerful earthly leaders. In fact, Gods commendation was dearer to them than their own lives! The life examples of these standard bearers remain a great lesson for Christians living in these last days of earths history. It is somewhat sad though that many professed Christians refuse to Cry aloud, spare not, lift up their voice like a trumpet, and show people their transgression... (Isaiah 58:1). They claim that Christians should not be involved in political issues. Some say Christians must not criticize government. Many even say that we must not criticize religious doctrines and practices. Maybe they need to read the story of Elijah in I Kings 18 where he mocked the false prophets of Baal and their gods were put to shame by the workings of YHWHGod. Maybe they need to read where prophets and men of God were sent to rebuke Kings and political leaders. Read about Davids experience with Nathan! I have observed a situation in our country (and in the world over) where some pastors and church leaders seem to be more interested in filthy lucre (monetary gains) and the favour of men than standing on the side of truth for the salvation of their fellowmen. Something is definitely wrong! They rebuke good men/women and praise the wickedness of leaders. It is very comforting to know that there remains faithful Christians in this land who live their profession, Christians who are not afraid of the faces and threats of wicked powerful men. Our guide is the written word of God revealed by the Holy Spirit. The Bible is not a story book! In it, we read about the disciples of God fearlessly rebuking sinful behaviour in the church and in the world. We see Jesus Christ, Our greatest Example, being no respecter of mens person. If He were, then He would have been afraid and would have failed in His duty to rebuke the inhumane Scribes and Pharisees calling them hypocrites. He was not even afraid of chastening His own followers whenever they erred. All Christians must follow His example. He was not a weakling and we must not be weaklings either! Yours, etc., ANN-MARIE JOHN

SIDEBURNS

sdburn@batelnet.bs

Thought For The Day!

like living. I have sometimes been wildly, despairingly, acutely miserable, racked with sorrow, but through it all I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing.

FACTS FROM THE CRISIS CENTRE

HELPING CHILDREN COPE WITH DISASTERS childs ability to understand what has happened during a disaster is very much influenced by each childs age and development. The following are tips to help children cope with disasters:

1. Personal contact is important. Hug and touch your children. 2. Calmly provide information about the recent disaster and plans for insuring safety along with recovery plans. 3. Spend extra time with your children at bedtime. 4. Re-establish your daily routine. 5. Involve your children by giving them specific chores. 6. Praise and recognize responsible behaviour. 7. Understand that your children will have a range of reactions. 8. Get help for your child from a counsellor, a pastor or a physician. If you know of children who need help coping with a natural or man-made disaster contact Social Services Hotline at 351.PPOD/7763 or the Crisis Centre at 352.HELP/4357. Contributed by Grand Bahama Crisis Centre

~ AGATHA CHRISTIE