Posted by More news from the fig tree -- on May 10, 2001 at 08:52:44:
ELEUTHERA - AN ISLAND SIMPLE AND COMPLEX
As we traveled throughout Eleuthera we were
impressed with the simplicity of life in Eleuthera -
and with its complexity. Eleuthera boasts among the
most spectacular scenes, beaches, rolling hills and
oceanfront property - it also boasts many challenges
which have not as yet been addressed as
opportunities by many of her inhabitants.
Eleuthera is a roller coaster of opportunities and a
challenge to attitudes and work ethics. We were told
stories of workers at Club Med who constantly
complained about the hours, the menu, the pay and
whatever else they could find to criticize. Others tell stories of the declining educational attitudes and
the lack of appreciation for training and education as the key to development.
As we listened to these stories we couldn’t help but wonder what those complaining workers are
saying now that Club Med has been destroyed by hurricanes and not rebuilt? Do they now wish for
the wages lost? The meals not being served? We wondered whether those who did not pursue their
education diligently, now wish they did? Or, do these persons just blame someone or something else
for their loss?
Eleuthera is a complex place where opportunities abound. We noticed that many craft and souvenir
items sold in shops are made by non Eleutherans, We noted that art, furniture and just about anything
else creative is being produced in Eleuthera at very high quality but few are embracing their talent. We
recognized the outrageous potential of new resorts like North Side and Worker’s House and delighted
in the atmosphere. We applauded the newly re-developed Cigatoo and the Cocodimama resorts and
wondered where else in the world could such treasures be found?
Then, we learned of settlements cloaking armed criminals, the robbery of the Windemere School’s fair
funds and the rings of criminal activity that no one seems ready to uncover.
Where is the real Eleuthera? We think we found it in the industrious, hard working and focused taxi
men that leave their homes and families behind and travel to North Eleuthera Airport to make their
fares each day. Some even stay there all week just to pay their bills and feed their families. Or there
counterparts with construction skills who migrate to Exuma to pay the bills.
We think we found the real Eleuthera in the people that we met as we traversed this special place first
known by our native people and then by Columbus and late by the Loyalists and Eleutheran
Adventurers.
We saw the real Eleuthera in the twinkling eyes of Norma Johnson, the agile gate and quick cordiality
of Mr. Fred Neeley of Neeley’s Guest House,North Eleuthera, or in the BEC Manager’s willing
attitude and in the ever positive Josh Culmer of Palmetto Point.
Yes, we found the real Eleuthera in many that we met. In Jackie Gibson who exudes smiles and
happiness. When we met Raymond Harrison and he descibed his Eleuthera with wisdom and pride.
We met Eleuthera in the dedicated commitment of Mr. & Mrs. Ostini of Cigatoo (herself a daughter of
Eleuthera) and in the willing, pleasant Chris Cates of Rock Sound who recently returned home to take
up his family’s business there.
We met Eleuthera in the Clear Water Dive Shop, When we met the staff at Mundy Tours, the staff of
Scotiabank, and Barclays and the Royal Bank of Canada.
Yes, these people, institutions and businesses embody the real Eleuthera. An island filled with
adventures no less daunting then those faced by the first Eleutherans.
For the rest - we wonder - when they will wake up?