(Eleuthera, Bahamas) – Spouse of the Prime Minister, Mrs. Patricia Minnis visited several schools in Eleuthera speaking to both male and female students about gender-based violence, on Tuesday, November 6th, 2018.

She began her tour in South Eleuthera, at the Preston H. Albury High School, with Principal Fontella Knowles and faculty members who joined with the students in welcoming her, along with District Superintendent for North and Central Eleuthera, Mrytle McPhee and colleagues who accompanied Mrs. Minnis from New Providence.  Among topics she addressed for students at the school in Rock Sound, Eleuthera, were physical violence, inappropriate touching, and bullying.  Mrs. Minnis also prayed for the students and teachers and took time out to talk with a number of them, interacting also with a young Junkanoo ensemble.

Mrs. Minnis continued her tour, heading next to Palmetto Point in Central Eleuthera, where she visited students at Central Eleuthera High School. Principal Marie Galanis, her staff and the student body welcomed her warmly. Students who were members of the Bahamas Maritime Cadet Corps formed a receiving line for her when she arrived, and band members played a fanfare in her honour. During her presentation to the student body she continued on the topic of gender-based violence.  She appealed to the male students to be especially courteous in their interaction with female students, and to not resort to any form of hitting or name-calling.  She also prayed with students and teachers, and took time out to talk with a number of youngsters, even learning a few dance moves.

Her final stop, also in Palmetto Point, Central Eleuthera was at the Emma E. Cooper Primary School, where she was met by Principal Terrie Butler and her staff.  There she spoke to 5th and 6th grade students in an interactive setting.  In her talk with the students she tackled issues of name-calling, bullying, and spoke with them about letting a responsible adult know about any issue that made them uncomfortable.  Mrs. Minnis also presented a signed display on gender-based violence to the school, and took time out to talk with a number of students.

At Central Eleuthera High School:

At Emma E. Cooper Primary School:

(BIS Photos / Eric Rose)