SGT Howard Pinder - Police PRO & Coordinator for Eleuthera Marching Bands

SGT Pinder, A Hatchet Bay Native, displaying his National Youth Band Leader Award received October 2008.

On October 16th, the Ministry of Youth recognized Sgt. Howard Alpheus Pinder, an Eleutheran, for his outstanding contributions to Youth Marching Bands, throughout the entire Bahamas, by presenting him with the, “Youth Band Leader Award for Family Islands”, adding to his awards collection gathered in his service in Youth Development and Music.  According to Pinder, the Ministry of Youth interviewed a number of persons throughout the Family Islands seeking to get feedback on who had made an impact on their communities and as responses came in, his name stood out and was told that he was mentioned 75% of the time.   

Pinder is especially proud of the work he did with the Harbour Island Youth Band, which became the first Family Island band invited to perform in the U.S. at a NFL game - during a Miami Dolphins and Baltimore Ravens showdown at the half.  They were also accompanied by groups from New Providence and Grand Bahama.  Before Harbour Island, Sgt. Pinder also made his mark in Cat Island, raising the band performance to such a level that they became the top youth band in 2000, winning the national band competition in Nassau, beating out the fierce competition in the capital and becoming the first Family Island band to do so.  The spectators were so impressed with the band's presentation, they were invited to perform during the National Police Band Tattoo presentation at the Independence celebrations.  On July 14th, soon after the Independence performance, Government House also welcomed their talent. 

Pinder says, “Music, I feel is a healing tool”.  “If we can get children to sit down long enough, we can transform the mind, body and entire attitude.  I first noticed this in Harbour Island, where we had a challenge with some of the young people there.  There were no programs, nothing to do and they found themselves involved in mischief - stealing, petty theft, house breaking – so we had to find a way to save the young generation.  Commissioner Paul Farquharson, in 2001 personally requested that I go into Harbour Island. I didn’t originally want to go because of the activity and partying.  But I’m very happy that I did go.  I think I did a good job and many of the children have moved on positively into good jobs and futures.” 

Pinder went on describing his time with the Harbour Island youth, and their numerous trips to perform in the capital, at Junior Junkanoo, where they captured ‘Best Music’ awards two years in a row.  He also described his 14 month stint in Long Island in 2005, where he was assigned to assist the local youth band program – bringing them to a level where they could confidently perform at the Long Island Regatta in 2007.   

Sgt. Pinder lost no time in getting back into the rhythm when he returned to Eleuthera in January of 2008 – setting up youth bands throughout the island.  His current music program attracts over three hundred persons.
   
More About Sgt. Pinder
Born on August 5th, 1964 in the settlement of Hatchet Bay to the late Rev. Lewis and Remilda Pinder, Sgt. Pinder remembers being inspired at an early age in the joys of music.  His father, who played the trumpet, presented him with one at the age of 11 and the rest is history.  The Boys Brigade also played a memorable role in Pinder’s adolescent years, teaching him discipline and responsibility – so as a result Sgt. Pinder is a strong advocate for bringing those kinds of programs back into the Eleutheran communities today, saying, “I’m trying to get other men of my age to sit with the youngsters and speak with them about our past, and I believe if we share our history with them, they will understand the importance of stopping and relaxing”.  Sgt. Pinder went on to join the Royal Bahamas Police Force, eventually becoming a part of the Police Band in 1994, after working with the Force on a number of islands, including New Providence, Abaco, Exuma, Andros, Long Island and Inagua.   

Sgt. Pinder, in his current capacity as Public Relations Officer falls under the Community Police Section, specializing in finding solutions to problems in the different communities, especially involving youth.  The Youth Band program is one such solution, and it has been a winner so far.  He encourages members to keep grade point averages up and has reward incentives built in for young people who are excelling. According to Pinder, “Its tough, but, I love it and that’s what gives me the drive.” The overall plan is to have a band in every settlement in Eleuthera, with plans to extend the current program to Deep South Eleuthera soon, using Green Castle or Weymss Bight as the base, with surrounding communities bringing their youngsters into that selected area to practice.  Pinder’s ideal number is to have at least 25 to 30 persons in each community band.  The rejuvenation of the Harbour Island and Hatchet Bay bands is also a future goal. 

Pinder’s dream is to eventually develop an “All Eleuthera” 500 piece orchestra with all the different instruments, the violins, cellos, upright base and more, with the assistance of willing volunteers.