"I am not one of those who in expressing opinions confine themselves to facts" Mark Twain

Helen and I have recieved some very interesting "facts" about the healthcare in Bahamas, the eye opening realities that affect women and children and the realism that we will encounter while we are volunteering.
The following are a few harsh truths:

• Pregnant women are mandated to birth in a hospital. At 32 weeks, they move to Nassau or Freeport for the remainder of their pregnancy.
• 75% of first time moms  in The Bahamas are single...the Bahamian culture is macho in orientation.
• Issues of rape, child abuse and sexual assault are ignored.
• 2 out of 3 of the world's poor are women and their children.
• Poverty  is due to lack of child support, depression in healthcare, education, social and financial support, means by which to earn a living, disempowerment, abuse of all kinds....physical, sexual, emotional.
• The Bahamas has the highest incidence of HIV/AIDS in the English speaking Caribbean
• This is the leading cause of death for 15 to 44 years olds and 1 of 2 leading causes of death in 1 to 4 year olds.
• 20% of females aged 15-16 are overweight.
• 70% of overweight children become obese adults ....therefore they experience hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, cardiac issues and poor pregnancy outcomes.
• Bahamian men prefer larger women.

We are fully aware of some of the challenges that face us however we can only offer what we are capable of and that is the very thing we do best....present ourselves in a generous, kind-hearted and considerate manner with a smile and warm heart.....stay tuned for much more !!!