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Butler-Turner in grassroots plan Opposition leader THE YOUNGEST seeks ‘independent movement’ for vote FIREFIGHTERS PLANS appear to be in motion for the establishment of a new political faction, with Official Opposition Leader Loretta Butler-Turner revealing that she is laying the foundation for an “organic grassroots movement” inclusive of the other six dissident Free National Movement members of Parliament.

In a confidential email obtained by The Tribune, Mrs Butler-Turner sent out a call for support to her political base, urging them to “take action to rid ourselves of the status-quo that

governs our Bahamas.”

It has not been confirmed, however, if Mrs Butler-Turner is forming a new party nor could she be reached yesterday for clarification. Her email states that the group envisions “an independent movement of election candidates”.

The email, while noting the work that still has to be carried out by the group, does present several key aspects of a budding political organisation including a symbol, the goatskin drum; a signature colour, blue; and a brand message, “a new evolution of our people, for our people”.

SEE PAGE SIX

IN TOWN

as much as $1m.

Describing the national convention as the “biggest and best” in the PLP’s history, Chairman Bradley Roberts told The Tribune yesterday that he had every reason to believe costs associated with the elaborate meeting fell within the budget set by organisers.

However, when he was asked to reveal this budget Mr Roberts declined comment saying he would rather SEE PAGE SIX

H O M ES & R

BOUNDARIES REPORT DUE THIS WEEK, SAYS PM

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

THE delayed Constituencies Commission report could be complete sometime this week giving every indication that all eligible Bahamians should register to vote now, Prime Minister Perry Christie has said.

While the nation’s leader said he does not expect any major changes from the commission, one of their considerations may present a challenge in that he could be faced with winning over new voters in his constituency.

He was referring to the possible reintroduction of SEE PAGE SEVEN

SMITH SAYS FORMER FNMS MUST EXPLAIN PLP SUPPORT

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

THE Free National Movement turncoats, including two former Cabinet ministers, who publicly pledged support for Prime Minister Perry Christie must quickly prove the reasoning behind their move to avoid being branded “political parasites and opportunists,” former Cabinet minister George Smith said yesterday.

If the move is seen as them “singing for their supper” or gratitude for favourable treatment by the prime minister, then it will not be perceived as the group genuinely believing in the PLP’s principles or its leader’s ability to steer the country into the future, he told The Tribune.

SEE PAGE SEVEN

PLP QUIET ON COST AS PARTY CONVENTION ESTIMATED AT $1M

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party executives were tightlipped yesterday about the price tag attached to pulling off the organisation’s grand three-day convention where Prime Minister Perry Christie was overwhelmingly re-elected to lead the party.

One PLP insider, who did not want to be named, estimated that the event, the party’s first since 2009, cost

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VOLUME:114 No.47, JANUARY, 30th, 2017

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YOUNGSTERS from Naomi Blatch Pre-School on board a fire engine as members fo the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s Fire Services Division paid a visit to teach about fire safety. See page 16 for the full story.

INSURANCE ASSOCIATION CHAIRMAN CALLS FOR FOCUS ON PRIMARY HEALTHCARE PHASE OF NHI

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Insurance Association Chairman Emmanuel Komolafe has called for the Christie administration to direct “steady and consistent” focus on the primary healthcare phase of National Health Insurance if it is “serious” about successfully implementing the model by May of this year.

Mr Komolafe, while commending the government on its effort to advance aspects of the country’s healthcare system ahead of the proposed date of implementation, on Saturday urged health officials to “press on” with mandates to improve primary care facilities throughout the country as they are expected to play the biggest role in the initial phase of NHI. Mr Komolafe stressed

that the government must work in a manner that it “checks all of the boxes” on its way to what it hopes to be a major “advancement” in the country’s health services industry.

“We know that there is a date in mind. There is a push to get there, but at the same time that date reads May 2017, with the exact day still reading to be SEE PAGE TWO

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

MINISTER SLAMS TV GUEST’S TERROR CLAIM AS RUBBISH FOREIGN Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell has hit out at a “rubbish” statement made on a US television news show by a reported expert in security and terrorism who portrayed the Bahamas as having terrorist links.

After facing backlash from angry Bahamians on his Twitter page, MSNBC correspondent Malcolm Nash, who said he has more than 35 years in US intelligence, apologised for his error.

SEE PAGE FIVE

PAGE 2, Monday, January 30, 2017

FUN DAY AT CUSTOMS DEPT

THE TRIBUNE THE DEPARTMENT of Customs held a fun day for children’s homes at their headquarters on Thompson Boulevard - with Michael Halkitis, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, pitching in to help serve lunch for the kids.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

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“The government has opted to kick-off its model with the primary care, so to that end, that is what we should work to bring up superb levels.”

He told The Tribune that recently implemented features such as the public health sector’s new health information management system, a component that cost the Christie administration roughly $18m, has been incorporated in a manner that gives the impression that holistic advancements are being made.

However, he insisted that primary care components are still lagging behind the other levels of care.

“A pragmatic and responsible effort has to be the focus. As it stands today, as primary healthcare is being considered to be rolled out in 2017, the challenge continues to be insuring that the public healthcare system, particularly the facilities that will play a key role in the administration of primary care are upgraded to a degree that ensures consistency and quality in what is provided.

“The health information management system which will allow us to have medical records stored in a beneficial way, that is a step in the right direction, but if the idea is to have primary care ready for May, the push has to be to get the needed equipment in the primary area of healthcare, more so than in the tertiary and secondary area.

“We see and continue to hear about what is happening at PMH, but that is secondary care. We are looking at that and saying that needs to be that same

steady and consistent focus on primary care. Clinics, here in New Providence and in the Family Islands have to be addressed prior to May. “As it stands today, there have been a lot of contracts signed. We hear a lot of talk about refurbishing the clinics and opening some new ones, that is what the public is going to need final word on to help with the buy-in.

“From an industry perspective, that is what we are truly watching for. We can’t sign off on something that is lacking because as we have seen in recent years, the private sector has outpaced the public sector in terms of quality. We need that same level of quality in the public sector by the time we get to May,” he added.

When implemented, government officials said the new integrated health information system would allow for universal access of patient records by the clinics and services of the Department of Public Health and the public hospital institutions and facilities of the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA).

The system was touted as one of the major steps by the Christie administration towards its goal of NHI later this year.

Last week, Prime Minister Perry Christie pledged that NHI will bring a “positive boost” to the Bahamian economy.

The first phase has been pegged at a cost of $100m

by KPMG, the government’s hired consultants.

Primary care services under NHI were originally set to begin in April 2016, but were ultimately delayed.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, January 30, 2017, PAGE 3

BUTLER-TURNER HITS OUT AT CHRISTIE VICTORY SPEECH AND MORTGAGE RELIEF

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

OFFICIAL Opposition Leader Loretta ButlerTurner has said the government’s revamped mortgage relief programme has no real benefit to the expansion of the economy, as she castigated Prime Minister Perry Christie for an “empty” and “delusional” victory speech.

Last week, Mr Christie revealed that the programme, which reduced monthly payments by 25 per cent,

assisted 350 homeowners.

Later, during his speech on Thursday night after being re-elected as Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) leader in a landslide victory, Mr Christie highlighted these efforts as proof that the government has fulfilled its many campaign promises.

However, Mrs ButlerTurner insisted that this was not the initial intention of the once failed initiative.

“Mortgage relief was a huge part of their platform,” she said in a recent interview, “They said they have been able to assist 350

families with lesser payments of about 25 per cent.

Now that was not the intent of mortgage relief.

“Five years ago, tons and tons of people were losing their homes. There are still thousands of people that are homeless today because they did not get the relief that they were promised during the last election.

“There is no use in having any type of programme at this stage because it only affects people that have jobs and the majority of Bahamians are without jobs or they are under employed.

So that in and of itself is a very clear example of the lack of the economic expansion under this Christie administration.”

The Long Island MP pinpointed this government programme while criticising the PLP over its “show” of a convention.

She said the prime minister’s speech after being re-elected leader of the governing PLP was empty and showed he was completely devoid of tangible accomplishments that Bahamians can touch, see and feel.

“They sure know how to

put on a good show. But at the end of the day when I was heading to Long Island there were tons and tons of yellow and blue shirts heading back to their respective islands. The party’s over and they are all going back to their life of misery because there has been nothing that they articulated that they has been substantially done over the last five years absolutely nothing.

“I listened to Christie and he took us back down memory lane 64 years because he is devoid of tangibles that we can touch, see

and feel. So my position is clearly that they spent a lot of money, they carried off a great show, but at the end of the day it was empty and there was nothing there for people to actually say yes this is a reason for me to be able to stick with this party.”

“The prime minister is so out of touch with reality that certainly the PLP has left the Bahamian people after their carnival show convention with nothing but empty promises and a bag of wind,” Mrs ButlerTurner said.

Pinder: I’m ready to take on Fred Mitchell in Fox Hill race

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net UNITED Democratic Party Deputy Leader John Pinder has said he is “ready to take on the challenge” of unseating Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell in the upcoming general election, expressing a need to “rescue” Fox Hill residents from a politician whose government is “giving The Bahamas away”.

Mr Pinder, who is the UDP’s Fox Hill candidate, said while he “respects” Mr Mitchell’s representation over the years, to put the foreign affairs and immigration minister “back in power is to bring about some laws we are against and continuously cause the Bahamas to be sold to foreigners.”

Speaking to The Tribune in a recent interview, Mr Pinder acknowledged that Mr Mitchell has “always been a very accessible member of Parliament” who has remained visible in the area and is responsible for ensuring that “most of the necessary infrastructure that’s needed in Fox Hill is in place.”

However, Mr Pinder said he has “no choice” but to oppose Mr Mitchell for being “part of a team” that is “trying to pass some laws that I think most Bahamians and Fox Hillians are against.”

Mr Mitchell, a senior Cabinet minister, has won the constituency in three consecutive elections.

However, to his credit, Mr Pinder is a veteran trade unionist who has waded through the tricky terrain of union politics to win the Bahamas Public Services Union (BPSU) and National Congress of Trade Unions Bahamas (NCTUB) presidencies in five and two consecutive elections, respectively.

“Certainly I am ready to take on the challenge,” Mr Pinder said. “I had been asked to do it some time ago, but I respect Mitchell’s

representation. However, I don’t feel as though he has done enough to secure Fox Hill. Fox Hill used to be one of the safest places in New Providence to live, I don’t see any economic activities taking place in Fox Hill or for Fox Hillians, so I want to get a shot at doing that, and I want to build on some things that I thought he did not actually expand on.

“We’ve got to rescue The Bahamas, and unfortunately Mr Mitchell happens to be part of a team that is actually giving The Bahamas away. We’re losing The Bahamas, and to put Fred Mitchell back in power is to bring about some laws we are against and continuously cause The Bahamas to be sold to foreigners.

“So in order for us to rescue The Bahamas and to protect The Bahamas, unfortunately Mr Mitchell is going to have to go along with the rest of the government.”

Mr Pinder stressed that he does not have an issue with Mr Mitchell’s representation, save for a few things that can be improved within the constituency, but is rather perturbed by Mr Mitchell’s involvement with a government that is seeking to “push” certain laws on Bahamians, though he did not specify what those laws are.

“Mr Mitchell has always been a very accessible member of Parliament,” he said. “He’s visible in the area, he does, I think as best as he can. Most of the necessary infrastructure that’s needed in Fox Hill is in place. There’s a need for more maintenance. There’s a lot of things that needs to be improved. I have different vision from him to expand on some things that (are) there.

“I cannot tell you that we were not proud to have him as a member of Parliament, except for some things that his government is doing in trying to pass some laws that I think most Bahamians and

CORRECTION - ASTWOOD LEWIS JR GRAND Bahama resident Astwood Lewis Jr is seeking a nomination from the Progressive Liberal Party to run as its candidate for Central Grand Bahama.

In the January 18th edition of The Tribune, it was incorrectly reported that Mr Lewis Jr was running as an independent candidate.

UNITED Democratic Party deputy leader John Pinder.

Fox Hillians are against. So if he’s going to push those laws, then we’re going to have to get rid of him. And it appears as though he is on that track of trying to impose some laws on the Bahamians that we already voted against in the (gender equality) referendum.

“So for that reason I have no choice now but to oppose him and try to save The Bahamas, and try to save Fox Hillians, and bring equal opportunity for them in terms of gaining economic emancipation. We need to be able to pay our bills.

There’s no reason for not one Bahamian to be broke.

And Fred Mitchell and his government has not done sufficient to tap into our natural resources to bring economic freedom to every Bahamian.”

Mr Pinder first announced his intentions to contest the Fox Hill seat

mid-last year, though at the time he had plans to run as an Independent candidate.

However, that subsequently changed when his project “The People’s Movement” merged with Marco City MP Greg Moss’ newly formed UDP to create the United People’s Movement (UPM).

Last week, party officials revealed the party has reverted to being called the UDP. Mr Pinder said now that his candidacy is solidified, he can focus on providing Fox Hill residents with “economic empowerment” and opportunities to improve life within that community.

“I don’t want them to always be looking for handouts every time they see you,” he said. “I want to put them in a position where when they see me, they want to offer me something.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff That’s the kind of position I want to put Fox Hillians in. I want to make it safe again. There’s a spirit over Fox Hill that needs to be removed, and I pray to God that the churches will get together and move that spirit, and hopefully Bahamians and Fox Hillians will buy into my vision and the party’s vision for a better Bahamas.”

He added: “I born in Fox Hill. People have been calling me and ask me to come.

I’ve started a small bit of moving around, I wanted to ensure that I was actually given the nod. I’ve fully made up my mind now - because every political party was after me, all was after me - and I am satisfied that through prayers and intervention from the Holy Spirit that I have aligned myself with the right crew who wants to bring about righteous governance and who wants to remove the economic burden off persons.”

PAGE 4, Monday, January 30, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

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Are Bahamians being taken for a political ride?

AVOIDING their annual party convention for the past eight years, and after much to-ing and fro-ing as to whether one should be held at all, the PLP settled on a well-orchestrated, fun-filled event just four months before the deadline for the general election.

Prime Minister Christie, who got thumbs down on all sides — not only from the general public, but from within his own party — at any suggestion that he should continue as party leader, certainly not as prime minister – turned the tables on the final night. That was the night that he did his victory walk to the platform, only hampered by hands held out to touch and congratulate him. His expert handlers had managed to keep the naysayers at bay, silencing all support for former Attorney General Alfred Sears, his only challenger for the position of party leader. Persons, who over the years had opposed him, were quick to get on the bandwagon of victory and sing his praises.

It reminded us of way back in UBP days when just before an election it was often joked that there was nothing to worry about once you gave the people a big bash they would go happily to the polls and vote the right way. The big bash was always a colourful parade on Fort Charlotte with the police marching band and the various police contingents with motorcycle stunts, all putting on a good show on a fun-filled balmy night. Of course one must never forget the ubiquitous four shilling note and the ever present bottle of rum. We are supposed to have become more politically sophisticated since then.

But have we?

After five years of unfulfilled promises — 10,000 jobs were promised in the first year if the PLP were elected in 2012 — Mr Christie is now saying that his administration has created nearly 32,000 jobs. Sounds good, but we are being bombarded with questions as to where these jobs are being hidden. We got a moan over the telephone last week from Freeport –“Man, ’tings tough, taint no jobs.” We have no answers, nor have many disillusioned Bahamians. But the PLP are asking Bahamians to give them five more years to prove that Standard & Poor’s, the credit rating agency, has misjudged their government by announcing that it is spending more than it earns. As a result, The Bahamas’ credit deserves to be written off as junk. “T’aint fair,” cries the PLP, “we just need another year for a turn-around to prove that Standard & Poor’s timing is wrong.”

As for VAT, Bahamians were told that VAT was the tax they would have to pay to reduce the national debt. Finance Minister Michael Halkitis, in a masterful attempt to explain how our VAT money is being spent, rattled off a list of projects for which it was being used. Research will probably show that parliament has already borrowed for many of these undertakings. Why not put the VAT taxes into the Consolidated Fund so that auditors can tell Bahamians exactly how their money is being spent? As it now stands, VAT is being collected, but there are no signs that the national debt is being reduced.

And as for National Security Minister Bernard Nottage’s declaration that The Bahamas has been made safer under the

PLP despite the rising murders is just so much nonsense. As for this month, hardly a day has gone by that there has not been a murder or attempted murder.

On the very day that Dr Nottage was trying to convince Bahamians that their lives were in safer hands under his government, gun shots were heard in the Camperdown area – the area in which Dr Nottage lives. A raid was taking place at a home in nearby San Souci where a workman was shot twice in his stomach by two robbers. And this in broad daylight – not even under the cover of darkness.

As we write this, a police bulletin has just crossed our screen. Police are appealing for information to assist them in two separate shootings on Saturday — a man shot in front of his home on East Street, another shot from a passing car as he stood on Grant Street off Bernard Road. Both in hospital. These bulletins are now so frequent that the real news is when there are no shootings to report.

No, Dr Nottage, the PLP does not have the answer to crime, nor did it ever have the answer. We are not even getting a true picture of what our crime level is. For example, we are receiving no reports on the rapes, stabbings and gunshot wounds taken to hospital. These crimes are never included on the crime sheet.

According to the InterAmerican Development Bank “although there were 119 murders in 2013, there were 4.5 times as many stabbings and shootings treated at the hospital (539). Stabbings and shootings appear to be increasing at an even higher rate than murder.” That was 2013. The situation is far worse today. In the first 26 days of this month there have already been 14 murders. The figures of victims taken to hospital are even higher, but they are not available to the press.

A lot of hope for the future was expressed at the PLP convention, but what politicians lose sight of is that the ordinary Bahamian, living in the various communities without special police protection, know the truth about what goes on in their areas, and they also know that they have to take a politician’s promise with a grain of salt – so far this government has not delivered. Bahamians know they are being blown pipe dreams.

••• JUST ASKING… An interesting case is now before the courts involving a Supreme Court justice, nearing retirement age, who has been asked to recuse herself from a land case involving Peter Nygard. At the opening of the legal year, the Chief Justice announced that the judge, who was appointed on August 14, 2009, had applied for an extension as a Supreme Court Justice of The Bahamas.

It was pointed out that pay and benefits to a serving and sitting Supreme Court judge is higher than that paid by the public purse to a retired Supreme Court judge. A Supreme Court justice may serve up until the age of 64 or 67 if agreed. Age 70 is the mandatory age of retirement.

Our question is very simple. It requires a simple answer: If her ladyship refuses to recuse herself from this particular case, will she be denied her request to have her term of office extended? Yes, or no.

Just asking…

Convention show EDITOR, The Tribune.

CONGRATULATIONS, Mr Christie!

The final night of the PLP convention was an incredible, mindboggling, and sensational performance. It was a first class success act, and I can only say, “congratulations, Mr Christie”.

The lopsided victory experienced in the leadership race with Mr Sears, was another remarkable feat, which also deserves heartiest commendation.

Mr Christie has made believers of many of us naysayers. It is my hope

and prayer that as he indicated, “he intends to prove himself worthy of the confidence reposed in him, and not fail his loyal supporters nor the Bahamian people”.

My daily prayer is that he will not fail God, nor the Bahamian people.

It is no secret that I have been critical of many of Mr Christie’s decisions in recent times.

Given the degree of support for Mr Christie’s continued leadership of the PLP, and the country, as was evident at the convention, including the support of many highly

respected pastors, I was left bereft of words.

Like the Old Testament prophet in Habakkuk 2:1, “I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what (God) will say unto me”.

In the interim, there is one thing of which I am absolutely certain; “Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people”. Proverbs 14:34.

PASTOR JEREMIAH DUNCOMBE Leader of The Gatekeepers, Nassau, January 29, 2017.

Saluting Perry Christie EDITOR, The Tribune.

TO the front salute is a command I learned while being a member of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. It is a command that is called by the parade commander when a marching platoon is about to pass a dignitary or someone with high accolades. It is essentially a salute. The whole platoon looks to their right, which will be where the person receiving the salute is, and after four paces, the platoon turns their head back to the normal position.

It is a mark of respect.

I must say that this mark of respect needs to go to our Prime Minister, The Rt Honourable Perry Gladstone Christie.

The Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP’s) convention appeared to be one for the ages. The show of solidarity and people smiling and cheering for their leader was stunning to say the least, given the current state of affairs of the country.

Alfred Sears came out

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net of retirement to challenge incumbent Christie for the leadership of the PLP. He lost badly but what was even more noteworthy was the fact that more contestants did not enter the race.

There are still many private bickering about Mr Christie’s leadership and I was of the view that this would have led to one of the sitting Members of Parliament throwing their hand in the pot, but it was not to be.

If we remember about two weeks ago at a women’s meeting in Andros, the prime minister said that he was tired of his colleagues bitching and complaining.

He was referring to his Cabinet and this in hindsight put them on notice.

Mr Christie has stood the test in his party and has survived the only leadership battle that his party has had since he was elected in 2012.

How he managed to keep all of those vying for leadership on the sidelines and without controversy is an astonishing accomplishment.

I am not a fan of Mr Christie’s execution as it relates to governing the country but he knows how to play politics, especially within his own party.

And then to have all of those former Free National Movement (FNM) members on stage and essentially praise his leadership was something to behold.

I salute Mr Christie and I am only left to say that he is a master politician.

But I am one of those who believes that the country needs new leadership desperately. The opposing forces in this country have a lot of work to do and time is short. Will we have to salute Christie again in a few months? I trust that it will be the salute of farewell.

DEHAVILLAND MOSS Nassau, January 27, 2017.

The pied piper EDITOR, The Tribune.

“WHEN one with honeyed words but evil mind persuades the mob, great woes befall the state.” ― Euripides, Orestes The “We March” organisers have been highly successful of one thing, and that is to deceive the Bahamian people that they really have their best interest at heart. But the fact of the matter is that they are being funded by a special interest group to destabilise the government and/or confuse the electorate.

In the initial stages and even after the first march, some usually sober minded people who have been starved for excitement, have been caught off guard marching with no real reason or purpose.

After the first march, many talked about how much fun they had and who all attended. But when asked why they marched, the an-

swer was they did not know.

The fellowship and another excuse to party were the most common reasons.

The disrespect and weak reason for the group marching separately on Majority Rule day was just short of being sacrilegious. Regardless what asinine reason was given, how could any patriotic black Bahamian not respect or want to celebrate the day when we as a people were finally in charge of our own affairs.

January 10, 1967 was a day that should be tattooed on the chest of all Bahamians of colour. Even if the Bahamians who “have arrived” don’t want to identified with the common man over the hill, they cannot deny that their start came from this infamous day.

So the “We March” with no real agenda have lost the rest or many of its “blind followers”, but they have managed to “hoodwink” the unions to help them get some credibility with a

combined march. Honestly, I am stunned that wise union leaders cannot see that they are being used, but no one asked me.

These events remind me only of the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. For those unfamiliar with the tale, it is set in 1284 in the town of Hamelin, Lower Saxony, Germany. This town was facing a rat infestation, and a piper, dressed in a coat of many coloured, bright cloth, appeared. The piper played his pipe to lure the rats into the Weser River, where all but one drowned.

Be careful who you follow and were they are taking you. It is high time someone asks if the organisers were authentic, what is their motive, plan and destination.

You may be surprised what answer you get.

Laser focused!

IVOINE W. INGRAHAM Nassau, January 28, 2017.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, January 30, 2017, PAGE 5

Ministers jailed for a year over child cruelty guilt

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

TWO ministers were handed a 12-month prison sentence by a magistrate on Friday for giving a 15-yearold boy liquor to get him drunk.

Arsenio Butler, 30, and Devin Sears, 28, appeared before Magistrate Andrew Forbes to learn their fates after having been found guilty a week ago of “child cruelty,” where it was alleged that they gave a teenage boy alcohol “in a manner likely to cause injury to his health” between January 31, 2014, and February 1, 2014.

Their sentencing had been adjourned to allow their lawyer, Romona Farquharson-Seymour, an opportunity to present character references and a plea in mitigation on their behalf.

When the matter was called on Friday, Magistrate Forbes noted that the mitigating factors in their favour were the numerous outstanding character references on their behalf, lack of prior convictions or pending matters before the courts and full attendance for all of their hearings since their initial arraignment.

An aggravating factor, as noted by the judge, was that the Bahamas was a signatory to the United Nations Charter on Rights of a Child which led to the execution of the Child Protection Act. Magistrate Forbes also said that while it was not obligatory, there had been

THE APOLOGY from Malcolm Nance on Twitter.

MINISTER SLAMS TV GUEST’S TERROR CLAIM AS RUBBISH from page one

ARSENIO Butler and Devin Sears, pictured at a previous hearing. an appeal by the defence no expression of remorse.

“The court finds the be- and/or the Crown.

Butler, a pastor-elect, had haviour to have been unacceptable for adults. The been separately charged court is not concerned as to with indecent assault after the motive but they ought it was alleged that he had to have known better,” he put his hand down the teenager’s trousers. Both pleadsaid.

Magistrate Forbes im- ed not guilty to the charges posed a custodial sentence in their first Magistrate’s of one year at the Depart- Court appearance in Febment of Correctional Ser- ruary 2014.

Magistrate Forbes, in Ocvices.

However, he exercised his tober 2015, determined that discretion to allow the pair a sufficient case had not to remain on bail pending been made by the Crown

for Butler to answer to the charge of indecent assault when considering the second of two statements given to police by the complainant.

The alleged assault was only referred to in the second statement. During testimony, the complainant and police were at odds about where the statement was taken.

The magistrate discharged Butler of the assault charge.

TWO IN HOSPITAL AFTER WEEKEND SHOOTING INCIDENTS

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

POLICE are appealing to the public for assistance in solving two separate shooting incidents over the weekend that left two men in hospital, in addition to two separate armed robberies, including one at a church.

In the latest incident, which occurred Saturday at 10.30am, a man was standing on Grant Street off Bernard Road when the occupants of a red Kia vehicle approached him and opened fire before speeding off, according to police.

The victim was taken to hospital where he is in stable condition. The vehicle used in the incident was later found abandoned in the Fox Hill area, police said. It was reported stolen at gunpoint an half hour earlier in the Yamacraw Beach area.

Police reports indicated that a woman was sitting in her car at Yamacraw Beach when two men armed with handguns approached and later robbed her of her vehicle.

In the second shooting incident, police said a man was standing in front of a home on Deveaux Street off East Street shortly after 10am Saturday, when an as-

sailant armed with a handgun approached him and open fire before fleeing on foot.

The victim was subsequently taken to the hospital where he is in serious condition.

Police are also investigating an armed robbery that happened shortly before 8pm Friday.

Police said eight parishioners were attending a practice session at a church located at Ernest and York Streets, when a man armed with a handgun entered the church and robbed them of cash and two cell phones before fleeing on foot.

Anyone with information

AMAL HUNTER CHARGED WITH MURDER

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

AMID tight security, cordoned off streets and in the presence of armed police, a man appeared in Magistrate’s Court on Friday to be arraigned in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred in an inner-city community two weeks ago.

Amal Hunter, 30, alias “Bow”, of Kemp Road was escorted through the court complex under heavy armed guard to be arraigned before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt to face a murder charge relating to the Saturday, January 14 death of Kino Kelly.

The charge was brought under Section 291(1)(b) of the Penal Code, which does not attract the discretionary death penalty if a conviction is reached at the end

of trial.

According to initial police reports, shortly after 9am on January 14, Kelly was walking on Kemp Road when the occupants of a blue Honda Fit vehicle approached and shot him before speeding off. He was pronounced dead on the scene by EMS personnel.

Hunter was told that he would not be required to enter a plea to the allegation until he is formally arraigned before a judge in the Supreme Court after the case is transferred through the presentation of a voluntary bill of indictment scheduled for March 15.

Given the nature of the charge, he was remanded to the Department of Correctional Services as the court lacked the jurisdiction to consider bail.

However, he was advised of his right to apply for bail

in the Supreme Court.

A man and a woman were also denied bail in a subsequent arraignment after they denied aiding Hunter in evading arrest.

Randolph Stanisclas, 18, and Warrentisha Johnson, 21, were arraigned before the chief magistrate on the charge of “harbouring a criminal” when it is alleged that on January 25, being concerned together and knowing that Hunter was wanted for murder, they aided in harbouring him thus enabling him to avoid lawful arrest.

Both accused elected to be tried in the Magistrate’s Court and pleaded not guilty to the allegation.

They return to the Magistrate’s Court on March 21 for the start of their trial.

All three accused have retained attorney Ian Cargill to represent them.

MAN KILLED IN APPARENT HIT AND RUN

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

ABACO police are investigating a fatal hit and run accident on Thursday evening on that island.

According to police reports, shortly before 10pm a man was reportedly hit by an unknown vehicle on Forest Drive in Dundas Town, Abaco.

Inspector Terecita Pinder said the victim was taken

by EMS personnel to the Marsh Harbour Clinic, where he was pronounced dead by a doctor.

The investigation continues.

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on any of these incidents is asked to contact police at 911 or 919, the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 328-TIPS.

“Today (Saturday) on MSNBC cable news, on a show hosted by Joy-Ann Reid a guest, Malcolm Nance, a reported expert in security and terrorism, made the following statement: ‘We (the United States) have not banned terrorists from Brazil. ISIS has dozens of members from Brazil or Trinidad or the Bahamas who have more terrorists members than any of those other countries.’”

He was speaking in opposition to US President Donald Trump’s recent ban on citizens from seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering the US for 90 days. The ban includes Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Yemen and Iraq.

“In today’s atmosphere, the video clip is being spread around at a clipped pace,” the ministry’s statement added.

“Upon hearing the report, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell spoke with the prime minister, the national security minister, the head of SIB in the Royal Bahamas Police Force, all of whom are responsible for the country’s national security and they have no knowledge of any such terrorists or group of terrorists or any individual terrorist that is related to ISIS or any other terrorist

organisation in the Bahamas.”

Mr Mitchell told ZNS news on Saturday that the remarks were “rubbish”.

Mr Mitchell also indicated that the Bahamas Mission to the United States has been asked to reach out to US counterparts, to MSNBC and Mr Nance himself to find out what the source of the allegation is.

The mission has been asked to ask for a retraction.

After a Bahamian tweeted for Mr Nance to apologise, the US author responded: “Done. A report on Brussels ISIS attacker with Bahamian passport was refuted. Apologies #Bahamas.”

In March 2016, Interpol listed that Khalid elBakraoui, one of two Belgium suicide bombers, had dual Belgian and Bahamian nationality and had been wanted in Belgium on charges of terrorism. The Bahamian reference was later removed.

Bahamian government officials later said that the matter was an error.

“The Belgians have come back to us and said that the matter was done in error,” Mr Mitchell said last March. “And that it appears . . . both persons were Moroccan citizens at birth and assumed Belgian nationality. They have no explanation as to why is ended up being (reported as) The Bahamas.”

PAGE 6, Monday, January 30, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

PLP quiet on cost as party convention estimated at $1m from page one

respond to this line of questioning once the convention committee makes its report at the next National General Council (NGC) meeting.

Convention Chairman Shane Gibson also said he did not know at this point what was spent on the convention and confirmed that it was his intention to give an account for the party’s spending on the third Thursday of next month during an expected NGC meeting.

Once this is done, Mr Roberts said the PLP “might be inclined” to make public the contents of the convention report.

Asked whether critics were right to assert that if campaign finance laws were in place, the governing party would have been compelled to make public the information, Mr Roberts said: “I wouldn’t say convention falls under cam-

paign finance laws.”

“One of the major factors in cost is the entertainment. That’s not free you know, we take care of our entertainers,” Mr Roberts added.

According to inside sources, the party put in place several mechanisms to raise funds to supplement the event.

Not only did each of the 38 branches pay $1,100 in convention dues to the party but it was also mandatory that each delegate pay a $50 fee, The Tribune was told.

If a stalwart’s dues were not current at the time of convention, an additional $120 in fees was required, an insider said.

Fundraising was also done through $45 tickets for the party’s prayer breakfast to kickoff convention week and there were also paid advertisements in the event’s souvenir booklet. They were priced at up to $500 for a full-page ad.

The party, another insid-

er said, did not have to pay for the three full nights of coverage from the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas. The Tribune was told that by rule, governing parties are exempt from these costs.

After the Progressive Liberal Party lost the 2007 election, it owed the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas nearly a quarter of a million dollars.

In late 2011, the government-run broadcaster secured a Supreme Court judgment against the PLP, then Leader of the Opposition Perry Christie, and PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts for the payment of $247,974.16.

The PLP’s convention system differs from that of the Free National Movement in that delegates from the Family Islands either pay for themselves to travel to attend convention events or the cost is absorbed by the area MP. The FNM’s convention last July, though not nearly as grandiose as the PLP’s, was estimated to cost around $350,000.

At the time, it was confirmed that FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis and Long Island MP Loretta ButlerTurner, who challenged

THE PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party chairman, Bradley Roberts, at the party’s convention.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff him, each had to donate $100,000 to fund convention costs. A large portion of this money, Mrs ButlerTurner told The Tribune, had been earmarked to pay the cost associated with voting delegates transportation and hotel accommodations.

The remaining $150,000 was the responsibility of the party’s Finance Committee.

Last Thursday, thousands of PLP supporters erupted

into thunderous cheers and danced in celebration of the re-election of Mr Christie in a landslide victory over former Attorney General Alfred Sears, QC, in a leadership race that seemed to be over before it began.

Stalwart councillors voted overwhelmingly in favour of Mr Christie, who received 1,264 votes to a meagre 169 ballots cast in support of challenger Alfred Sears.

The final night of the PLP’s 52nd convention featured a party atmosphere with performances by the legendary Ronnie Butler, the singing prophet Lawrence Rolle, the Spank Band featuring singers Veronica Bishop and Lady E. On the first night of the convention the party also hired American gospel recording artist Jonathan Nelson who performed his hit song “I Believe”.

BUTLER-TURNER IN GRASSROOTS PLAN from page one

The leaked confidential email read: “We, the magnificent seven need your assistance.

“Is it imperative that we take action to rid ourselves of the status quo that governs our Bahamas. We propose that we build an organic grassroots movement of the people for our people.

“The apathy of our people demonstrate that they are ready to embrace a new direction. Courageous, bold new leadership is needed now.”

It continued: “Time is short. Resources must be released. Our most powerful resource is the people.

Millennials, the poor and our seniors are a huge part of the forgotten man/woman syndrome, because they are neither friend, family or lover of the career politician.”

In the email, Mrs ButlerTurner also asked for help from social media experts, graphic artists, innovators, thinkers, change agents, musicians and volunteers.

“Are you willing to assist? Do you know others who will be willing to give of their skills, talents and resources?

The email added: “Needed are a mixture of youth and experience; men and women; blacks, whites,

browns; civic; religious; skilled and unskilled; every Bahamian.

“The red, yellow and even the green parties have done little to advance a real plan for our Bahamas and our citizens.”

The email comes just days after the Long Island MP confirmed that her bid for re-election in that constituency in the upcoming general election would be as an independent candidate and weeks after insisting that she was forming a “very powerful and bold” coalition with Senator Branville McCartney and the Democratic National Alliance (DNA).

In December 2016, after ousting FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis as leader of the Official Opposition in Parliament and obtaining the position, Mrs ButlerTurner appointed DNA Leader Mr McCartney as leader of opposition busi-

ness in the Senate.

At the time Mrs ButlerTurner said the move was evidence that her team was willing to put the Bahamian people first to move forward to defeat the governing PLP. Announcing the decision at the time, she insisted that she and the six FNM MPs who support her had not joined the DNA, but were working together for a “common good.”

Mr McCartney in response to those coalition claims told The Tribune that he was “unaware” of any such agreement between his party and Mrs Butler-Turner.

Mr McCartney at the time reiterated previous comments from DNA Deputy Leader Chris Mortimer, saying if anyone wanted to become members of the DNA or a candidate there is a procedure that must be followed.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, January 30, 2017, PAGE 7

Boundaries report due this week, says PM from page one the St Cecelia and St Thomas More constituencies that were eliminated ahead of the 2012 general election under the previous Ingraham administration.

However, Mr Christie said ultimately he must still give the nod on these proposed changes. He made the comments during an interview with Our News over the weekend.

The prime minister also commented on the recent Progressive Liberal Party leadership race with former Attorney General Alfred Sears, QC. He said he was not of the belief that this would harm Mr Sears’ future with the party.

“Maybe as early as next week the country will see

that,” Mr Christie said during the television interview, referring to the Constituencies Commission’s report.

“I will simply say this: that there is every indication as to why people should get registered. Because I can tell you that we have the responsibility of indicating when general elections will take place and our only obligation is to ensure that sufficient people are registered to vote in the election.

“I don’t expect major changes from them (the commission). Constitutionally the final act is that of the prime minister. The report will ultimately come to the prime minister who has the power to agree or disagree and then it goes to Parliament. Therefore I expect that momentarily.

“One of the considera-

tions they’ve had is looking at the area that Mr Ingraham eliminated two seats when he created the new Centreville and the new Bain and Grants town. He eliminated St Cecelia and St Thomas More.

The question for the Constituencies Commission is to now make their report.

“It may mean for me that I have a different kind of constituency and as leader of the party that’s a challenge as well because if I have to go and find new people and new voters as was the case last time, it poses a challenge.”

Asked if he had a date in mind for election, Mr Christie said he did not.

“But my options are not all that great. We know that it has to happen between now and a certain date.”

The next election must be held by May 7.

Regarding Mr Sears and the leadership race, Mr Christie said he felt gratified that delegates voted to retain him as their leader.

He said the party still has confidence that Mr Sears will win the Fort Charlotte constituency.

“When you are subject to a contest and people have to make a decision as to whether or not they support you and they do and they do in overwhelming numbers you have to feel very, very good about it because it means that they understand what it means to have continuity in office.”

He also said: “We are living in a democracy. I must say that he elected to run, he thought he could win and he tried to do just that.

“I don’t think it arises as to whether or not he has the support of the party.

We nominated him and we nominated him on the basis that we thought he had the capacity to easily win the seat. That was our confidence in him and I have no reason to doubt the basis of that decision and now I’ve moved on.”

“He has been given the nomination for the Fort Charlotte consistency. I assume that when he applied for it he wanted to be a member of Parliament and now he must contest in that capacity the general election for that constituency and be successful because one of the ways for the PLP to form the next government is for any number of us, including Mr Sears to be successful,” Mr Christie said.

Mr Christie said the convention was a good indicator that the party is headed in the right direction, as he insisted that the PLP is a stable organisation. “(We are) one that provides a continuum of leadership. You know what you’re going to get and perhaps equally as important you know based on our own history of stability you know what you are not going to get and that is what is evident today in the splintering on the part of the opposition parties in our country”.

During the party’s convention last week, stalwart councillors voted overwhelmingly in favour of Mr Christie, who received 1,264 votes to a meagre 169 ballots cast in support of Mr Sears.

SMITH SAYS FORMER FNMS MUST EXPLAIN PLP SUPPORT from page one

On the final night of the PLP’s convention, as Mr Christie wrapped up his victory speech, former FNM Cabinet ministers Algernon Allen and Byron Woodside along with former party members Ivoine Ingraham, Lester Turnquest and Anthony Miller took to the stage to pledge their support for the nation’s leader, at one point describing him as “the greatest leader” that this country has ever seen.

Singling out Mr Allen from the group, Mr Smith said he hopes “Allen now realises that anyone who comes to the PLP does not have to swim through vomit or any such thing” to be welcomed by the party.

He told this newspaper yesterday that Mr Allen’s actions last week reminded him of the events following the 1992 general election in which the now Urban Renewal (UR) co-chair castigated Mr Christie “in the most vile way” for rejoining the PLP.

THE PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party 2017 convention last week. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff Mr Allen was named UR co-chair shortly after the PLP took office in 2012. “(Former Prime Minister Hubert) Ingraham and Mr Christie were fired from Cabinet by (former Prime Minister) Lynden Pindling in 1985,” Mr Smith, a PLP stalwart councillor said. “Ingraham contested his seat in Abaco in 1987.

Christie contested as an independent. They both won because there was very little effort put against them even

though the PLP nominated candidates.

“After 1987 they were in the House for a little while, then Mr Christie came back to the PLP and was made minister of trade and industry in 1989.

“So when the election of 1992 had occurred, Christie would have been back in the PLP (but) the FNM won the 1992 election. But when he came back to the PLP Algernon Allen who was then the member of Parliament

for Marathon referred to Mr Christie in the most vile way and said that he swam through vomit. That’s what Allen said of Christie.”

He added: “Every Bahamian is welcome to identify with the Progressive Liberal Party. The only real consideration must be the belief that the PLP is the best political organisation to make the Bahamas the best country possible.

“We are happy when converts join us. We hope

that they do not expect any special considerations or rewards. If those who identify with the party or its leader on Thursday evening are expecting or have received special treatment, then they may be viewed as opportunists or political parasites. I hope that Algernon Allen now realises that anyone who comes to the PLP does not have to swim in vomit or any such thing to get to the PLP. “The PLP is a party open to all progressive thinking Bahamians who love their country and its people. I am sure if any of them have come to the PLP genuinely to believe in the PLP and its leader we would welcome them. But if it becomes known that they did it for some special consideration and or job appointment or something that isn’t readily available to any and every Bahamas, then those individuals could be regarded as political parasites.”

While PLPs celebrated the new pledge of allegiance for the prime minister by the group, many FNMs viewed it as weak

and incapable of causing any real implications for the already fractured FNM. Mr Allen, then minister of housing and social development, was fired from the post on August 28, 2001 after then Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham asked him to resign, but he refused. Earlier that month he had lost his leadership bid to replace Mr Ingraham as FNM leader.

In that year, former National Security Minister Tommy Turnquest and former Labour Minister Dion Foulkes were the leader designate and deputy leader designate respectively, elected in a specially convened leadership process.

Mr Allen then alleged that this process was “corrupted”.

Despite this contentious relationship, the following year in 2002, he declared that he was “totally committed to the FNM”.

Mr Woodside served in the last Ingraham administration. In January 2016, the PLP announced that he had joined the party.

PAGE 8, MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 2017 PAGE 2 , XXXDAY, XXXMONTH XX, 2015

THE TRIBUNE

@ ! ! * $

THE TRIBUNE

MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 2017, PAGE 7

NOTTAGE: PLP HAVE MADE COUNTRY SAFER & HAVE ‘BEST POLICIES’ FOR CRIME? PLP LOGO+SLOGAN / APPROVED COLORS

PLP Cabinet Minister, Edward Fitzgerald, st

anding in front PLP sign in 2012

PLP HAS WORST CRIME RECORD IN BAHAMIA N

MAY 7TH TO DECEMBER, 2012 JANUARY TO DECEMBER, 2013 JANUARY TO DECEMBER, 2014 JANUARY TO DECEMBER, 2015 JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2016 JANUARY TO DATE 2017 ** Royal Bah amas Police Force Stats**

“Under 5yrs of PLP the country was made safer for Bahamians”

70 MURDERS 119 MURDERS

123 MURDERS

146 MURDERS

113 MURDERS

14 MURDERS

584

70 189 312 458 571 584

HISTORY

MURDERS

”

MINIster BerNard NottaGe PLP COnVEnTiOn, 2017

“PLP still the Only Party with Plan to Tackle Crime”

PLP TALL PINES M.P. : LESLIE MILLER

Bradley roBerts PLP Chairman

PLP SMASHED ALL TIM

“2015 was the most Deadly Year in Bahamian history”. u.s. state dePt. dIPloMatIC seCurIty 2016 CrimE & SaFETY rEPOrT

“A Is

Bad Day Under the PLP Better than a Good Day Under the FNM”

PrIMe MINIster Perry CHrIstIe JanUarY 2017

MAY 7TH TO DECEMBER, 2012 70 MURD JANUARY TO DECEMBER, 2013 119 MURD JANUARY TO DECEMBER, 2014 123 MURD BaHaMas murder rate per 100,000 Population JANUARY TO DECEMBER, 2015

146 MURD 2000 - 2014 TH, 2016 JANUARY TO JUNE 12 56 MURD The Bahamas 2016 Crime and Safety Report PLP ONE MORE YEAR TO GO 2017 ????????

IN GOVT

Figure 6: Murder Rate per 100,000 Population, 2000–2014

40 35

25

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE DIPLOMATIC SECURITY

Product of the Research & Information Support Center (RISC) Overall Crime and Safety Situation The following is based on open-source reporting.

The February Bahamas29,is2016 a very prominent tourist destination with cruise ship ports of call for Nassau and Freeport an assortment of luxury resorts including the world reOverall Crime and Safetyand Situation nowned Atlantis resort.

Over six million U.S. citizens visit each year. The Bahamas is an The Bahamas is a very prominent tourist destination with cruise ship ports of call for Nassau and Freeport and luxury resorts and including archipelagic nation an of assortment more thanof 700 islands caysthe that cover a geographical region world renowned Atlantis resort.

Over six million U.S. citizens visit each year. The Bahamas is an archipelagic nation of more approximately equivalent in scale to the state of California.

At its closest point, than 700 islands and cays that cover a geographical region approximately equivalent in scale to The the state of California. At its closest point, The Bahamas is only 50 miles from the U.S. As a Bahamas only 50 miles from the U.S. As a result, the country is considered the “third result, is the country is considered the “third border” of the U.S. Approximately 80 percent of the tourists visiting The.........

Bahamas are U.S. citizens. According to a 2010 census, The Bahamas has border” of the U.S. a population of 353,000, but CrimeThreats Threats Crime

#We March Against Crime

24.9

20 15 10

5

Global average: 6.2 Murders per 100,000 Population

0 2000

2001

2002

Thegovernment governmenthas hasnot notmade madepublic publiccomprehensive comprehensiveupdated updatednational nationalcrime crimestatisstaThe Post Crime Rating: Critical tistics since 2013.

However, the murder rate increased 22 percent in Police 2015. tics since JulyJuly 2013.

However, the murder rate increased by 22by percent in 2015.

Police recorded 149 murders 2015, up122 fromin122 in 2014.

Forfifth the consecutive fifth consecutive recorded 149 murders in 2015,in up from 2014.

For the year, Crime Threats year, the murder count surpassed 2010,were there 94 murders). was the murder count surpassed 100 (in 100 2010,(inthere 94were murders).2015 was2015 the most The government has not made public comprehensive updated national crime statistics since July 2013.

However, the murder rate increased by 22 percent in 2015. Police recorded 149 themurders most deadly year in Bahamian history. deadly year in Bahamian history. in 2015, up from 122 in 2014.

For the fifth consecutive year, the murder count surpassed 100 (in 2010, there were 94 murders).

The2015 Bahamas high levels of violent armed crimes in 2015 ..... was the sustained most deadly remarkably year in Bahamian history.

The Bahamas sustained remarkably high levels of violent armed crimes in 2015.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) continued Newadministering Providence witnessed a substantial increase in violent armed crimes - Armed policing methods, which included indiscriminate armed-checkpoints and a robust crime reduction plan Theft, in tourist areas.

Robberies, Property Purse Snatching, General ofTheft of Personal Property The preponderance violent crimes reported were and perpetrated against local Bahamians, and these occurred in areas of saturated criminality and Sexual Assaults - perpetrated against tourists.despite strenuous anti-crime incentives not typically frequented by tourists.

Nevertheless, sanctioned by the government of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas during the past year, New Providence witnessed a substantial increase of violent armed crimes in locations that are also heavily frequented by U.S. citizen tourists. In many instances, these incidents resulted in fatalities. Armed robberies, property theft, purse snatchings, general theft of personal property, and sexual assaults remain the most common crimes perpetrated against tourists.

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Sources: Data provided by the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Strategic Policy and Planning Unit. The murder rate was calculated using population estimates (Medium Fertility) by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Population Division (UNDESA, 2013).

** Royal Bahamas Police Force Stats**

current estimates indicate these figures have increased by 15 percent to approximately 406,000. Some 70 percent of the population (approximately 285,000) resides on the island of New Providence – where the capital, Nassau, is situated. Another 15 percent live on Grand Bahama, which has the country’s second largest city, Freeport. The rest of the population is dispersed over two dozen outer islands (commonly referred to as the “Family Islands”).

...ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

31.9

30

The murder rate per 100,000 population, calculated with RBPF data, is lower in the early 2000s, followed by a fairly steady increase from 2004 onward. In 2014, the homicide rate was 31.9 per 100,000 population, which is higher than the average homicide rate for the Caribbean region (16 per 100,000) and far above the global average of 6.2 per 100,000 (UNODC, 2014, pp 22-23).

While Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago have generally dominated regional attention in this area, homicides in The Bahamas surpassed Trinidad and Tobago in 2011 and are nearing the homicide rate of Jamaica. As seen in Figure 7, when compared with the homicide rate of four other Caribbean countries, The Bahamas shows a worrying trend. The homicide rate in The Bahamas has continued to climb, while rates in Barbados and Suriname have stayed constant at much lower levels, and rates in Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica have experienced sharp declines since 2008 and 2009, respectively.

PAGE 10, Monday, January 30, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Keeping the school bullies at bay Police I

T IS an unfortunate reality that within our school system, bullying has become a tidal wave of epic proportions and survival of the strongest.

Although it was once considered a rite of passage, parents, educators, and community leaders now see bullying as a devastating form of abuse that can have long-term effects on youthful victims.

Such an act sometimes leads to death, robs an individual of their self-esteem, isolating them from their peers, causing them to drop out of school, and even prompting health problems and suicide.

In an effort to minimise this escalating problem, the Royal Bahamas Police Force National Crime Prevention Office encourages

• Often picks fights with brothers and sisters • Very impulsive • Possesses low self esteem • Has been bullied themselves

advice

By CORPORAL MAKELLE PINDER

parents and teachers to pay close attention to the safety tips provided.

Why are children bullied?

Some children seem to be bullied all the time, while others rarely get picked on. Why do some children seem to attract all of the bullies? Children who are bullied often: • Are different from other kids, whether by size, race, sexually or have different interests • Seem weak, either phys-

ically or emotionally • Are very insecure • Want approval from others • Won’t tell on their bullies When your child is a bully It usually means that he or she: • Lacks empathy and doesn’t sympathise with others • Values aggression • Likes to be in charge • Is an arrogant winner and a sore loser

Warning signs when your child is being bullied Many children are embarrassed to be bullied and may not tell their parents or another adult right away.

Therefore, if your child comes to you and asks for help with a bully, take it seriously.

Even if your child doesn’t turn to you for help, you can watch for these warning signs: • Withdrawal • A loss of friends • A drop in grades • A loss of interest in activities he or she previously enjoyed

• Torn clothing • Bruises • A need for extra money or supplies • Not interested in attending school Solutions when your child is bullied Parents are often the best resource to build a child’s self-confidence and teach him or her how to solve their problems. Here are a few ways you can help: • Talk to your child’s teacher about it instead of confronting the bully’s parents. If the teacher doesn’t act to stop the bullying, talk to the principal.

• Teach your child nonviolent ways to deal with bullies, like walking away, playing with friends, or talking it out.

• Help your child to act with self-confidence. With

him or her, practice walking upright, looking people in the eye, and speaking clearly.

• Don’t encourage your child to fight. This will only cause things to become worse than they already are.

• Involve your child in activities outside school. This way, he or she can make friends in a different social circle.

Should you need more information on bullying or if you have information pertaining to any crime, please contact the police at ‘919’ or Crime Stoppers at 328-tips (New Providence), 1-300-8476 (Family Island) or if you know of individuals who may be in need of counselling and emotional support please contact the Crisis Centre Hotline at 328-0922 or the Department of Social Services hotline at 322-2763.

DNA candidate calls for systemic change

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Killarney candidate Arinthia Komolafe is calling for a “paradigm shift” in the way the electorate views government efforts and affairs ahead of the upcoming general election, contending that her party provides the “best opportunity for the country to move forward.”

Mrs Komolafe, in a recent

interview with The Tribune, stressed that the country is on the precipice of the kind of systemic change that history will acknowledge for decades to come, similar to the 1967 push to Majority Rule and the 1992 general election that ushered in the first Free National Movement (FNM) regime.

Mrs Komolafe, a lawyer and former Nassau Guardian columnist, said the lack of development and economic growth experienced in the country over the last

decade under the guidance of successive governments stands as evidence that the country has gone as far as it can with the standard and style of governance now in place.

“The DNA stands as that next step in the evolution and advancement of our country,” she said.

“The message of now, that is what we have to press upon voters as we head into election season.

This is now the time for a new generation of Bahamians to stand up and act on behalf of their country and place their imprint on what The Bahamas is and could be,” she added, “Our grandparents had their run, they stated their case, made their issues known and they ushered in the change that they thought was essential to move forward. So did our parents, they made the changes that they thought were again necessary. Now, this is on us as the modern day generation of Bahamians. Now is the time for us to take that stand and hammer out a society that we feel is a reflection of who we are today.”

Mrs Komolafe said her call for change should not be viewed as a direct shot at the past generations, asserting that each age group has a democratic right to progress as they see fit.

She said: “For too long past generations have made it a point to subject the younger generations to a level of criticism for aspiring. That ends when we take a stand and understand that we have a right to create the society we want.”

Mrs Komolafe, a self-described “born PLP”, noted that her separation from the party came subsequent to what she described as a continued lack of progressive steps by the party.

She added that during her time with the PLP, she along with other young members worked to advance progressive policies but were often “put aside” by those considered “veteran”.

“What we are saying to voters is, look, you have been with both the PLP and the FNM; you’ve given both a chance over the last 25 years, where has that gotten you? I help the constituents to zoom in, specifically on the last 10 years because I need them to see how much growth in this country has been limited,” she added.

“We should have, as a country advanced more.

That is my selling point to residents specifically in the Killarney area. Now while this message can certainly work in any other area in this country, my goal is to get persons in my constituency to see that more is possible.

ARINTHIA KOMOLAFE “The idea is this, I believe that people have grown used to the status-quo and buy in to the idea that if we get the best of the worst then that is good enough; well I dare them to dream through the DNA that the best is still possible if we work to obtain it.

“It’s about empowering that vision.

“And they may ask, how is that possible through the DNA? How do we know that Branville McCartney would be different from Prime Minister Christie or a Dr (Hubert) Minnis or even a Hubert Ingraham?

“So I say to them, look at his track record. Acknowledge the fact that he opted to stand on his principles while in Cabinet. He voted against the BTC deal. He spoke out against soft im-

migration policies while in the Department of Immigration, see it is things like this that I push as a message.

“I work to draw parallels between the DNA plans and current mandates being executed in our society because voters want to see the correlation to understand firmly that this is what a move to the DNA would give us – that tangible evidence.”

The DNA was formed by Senator Branville McCartney, then the MP for Bamboo Town, in 2011.

The party contested every seat in the 2012 general election; with some political pundits pointing to the party’s existence as one of the major reasons that the Free National Movement lost at the polls.

MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 2017 PAGE 13

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

GAIN AN EDGE A NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

GAIN AN EDG

A NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON HIGHER EDUCATI

Sustaining growth in higher education B

AHAMIANS are pursuing education beyond secondary school at record levels.

National Census data reveals that the percentage of Bahamian residents with at least some post-secondary/ tertiary education more than doubled in 20 years from 12.1 per cent in 1990 central government, they to 28.3 per cent in 2010. Ad- are expected to generate ditionally, the World Bank more of the funding needed estimates that there are one to support their operations. and a half times more Ba- Notwithstanding the inhamians with advanced ed- creased autonomy, signifiucational attainment living cant direct and indirect govoutside The Bahamas than ernment funding continues. those living in the country. In Fiscal Year 2016-2017 That’s a lot of highly edu- alone, direct allocations to COB - now University of cated people!

This high rate of matricu- The Bahamas (UB) - and lation is not by chance but BTVI equalled $30.1m and results from the increased $5.25m respectively. Indieducational opportunities rect financial contributions afforded Bahamians over (eg, scholarships and bursathe last 50 years. In the ries) exceeded $16m.

But, more than funding 1960s and 1970s, government concentrated on ex- and changes to governance panding secondary educa- structures are needed to potion and the relatively few sition our local higher education institupersons able tions to have to pursue post‘Local higher impact. Focus secondary must be placed education did education on enhancing so at institu- institutions the quality of tions abroad. the education However, the must find ways product to the rapid success to attract our in expand- brighter secondary satisfaction of students, eming secondary ployers and education ne- school graduates the nation. cessitated the as hundreds of Local higher expansion of them, assisted by education inthe local castitutions must pacity at post- publicly funded find ways to secondary lev- scholarships, attract our el. Therefore, chose to study brighter secthe College of ondary school The Bahamas abroad.’ graduates as (COB) and hundreds of the Industrial Training Centre (ITC) them, assisted by publicly - renamed the Bahamas funded scholarships, chose Technical and Vocational to study abroad. They must Institute (BTVI) - were es- also address the complaints tablished in 1974 and 1980 by employers. In 2012, the respectively. Since then, a Inter-American Developnumber of private provid- ment Bank (IDB) reported ers have entered the local that in addition to the skills shortage within the local higher education market.

Over the years, consider- labour market, the top reaable public funding has been sons for staff dismissal were invested in the two public poor conduct (65.4 per cent) institutions. Initially, most, and low levels of productivif not all, of their funding ity (28.8 per cent).

Improving education came from the consolidated fund. In fact, tuition fees quality at local higher edwere waived and stipends ucation institutions will provided for the first sev- involve appropriate intereral cohorts at ITC. Now vention by at least four key that both institutions have stakeholders: • The National Accredigreater autonomy from the

Marcellus Taylor, Deputy Director, Planning and Development with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology gives his perspective on growth in and improvement of higher education. tations and Equivalency Council of The Bahamas (NAECOB) must ensure that such institutions meet quality standards which are benchmarked against those in countries at similar levels of development; • Higher education institutions must recruit and retain the best instructors possible, offer rigorous curricula and support capable and hard-working students to ensure success; • The private sector should participate in internships, programme evaluation and provide resources to support postsecondary institutions in creating learning experiences which are relevant to individual and societal needs and • Matriculated students are responsible to themselves and society (especially given the financing provided to underwrite post-secondary/tertiary education) to invest the time and effort required to master their studies.

To conclude, it is commendable that at this stage of our country’s development, priority is given to increasing post-secondary enrolment.

However, to ensure that local public post-secondary/tertiary institutions are capable of delivering quality education to benefit their students and society, widespread support must be given by various stakeholders.

“Gain An Edge” is a weekly collaboration of the Lyford Cay Foundations, Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute and University of The Bahamas aimed at promoting a national dialogue on higher education. Each month, the column features a guest writer who will share their personal views, insights and perspectives. To share your thoughts, email gainanedge@tribunemedia.net.

THE COLLEGE of The Bahamas was established in 1974 - and last year became the University of The Bahamas. Prime Minister Perry Christie is pictured speaking at the charter day.

MARCELLUS TAYLOR, Deputy Director, Planning and Development with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology

PAGE 14 MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 2017

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

A challenge to a new generation of Bahamians George A Smith addressed a special assembly of the Charles I Gibson Senior High School on the importance of Majority Rule last week

I

N spite of the problems and challenges we face as a country, The Bahamas has a great future.

If anybody has doubts about that they should be here this morning. When I look at you I see in your faces the promise and pride of a great country where all your hopes and dreams could be realised.

When on January 10 we celebrated Majority Rule Day, we were not just enjoying another holiday. We were calling to mind what took place on that day 50 years ago. When the Bahamian people elected its first black government led by the Father of this nation, Lynden Pindling.

The election of January 10, 1967, was a defining and transformative moment in the history of The Bahamas, for the Bahamian spirit was finally unleashed.

Doors which were closed to the majority of Bahamians could now be open. And they were. In the years that followed, black Bahamians swelled the ranks in all the professions. Black Bahamians could now work in banks and hold top jobs in those banks and in hotels and - yes - even attend some churches which previously excluded blacks.

The journey to Majority Rule was not easy. It was very long and fraught

GEORGE Smith speaks with Tribune reporters at the PLP convention.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff Europeans landed on GuaThe enslaved were taken with many dangers, trials, termind behind the revolts abuse, separation, rebel- nahani, which was renamed to several of our islands, of 1829, 1833 and 1834 was lion, revolts, violence, frus- San Salvador in 1492. They where they were sometimes Pompey, The Bahamas’ tration and deaths. We paid established their first settle- denied food, clothing and first national hero. They a heavy price but had many ment on Eleuthera in 1648 shelter. They were sub- won their freedom in 1834, and the first Parliament at ject to much abuse. When when slavery ended in the successes. they objected to the inhu- British colonies.

And for those reasons Nassau in 1729.

In 1502, the enslavement man treatment, they were we need to put the attainOur ancestors endured ment of Majority Rule in its of the sons and daughters of hanged. much during the slavery Deciding that they would period; their children were proper place in the history mother Africa begun. Between 1640 and 1680 very not endure the treatment born in a society which deof The Bahamas.

The first inhabitants of large numbers were brought any more, they revolted. clared them at birth to be these islands and cays were to the Caribbean. This was The first revolt took place “chattel property”, without the Lucayan Indians, who when the ancestors of the in Abaco in 1787, followed any human rights. It is from came between the years 500 vast majority of Bahami- by revolts in Cat Island, San these brave folks that we and 800. Their ancestors ans were brought to these Salvador, Eleuthera and my are descended. originally came to the Car- islands against their will. island home, Exuma, where In our arduous march we ibbean from South Amer- Many died crossing the At- the most serious slave re- were bolstered by the rebelvolts happened. The mas- lious demonstration against ica. As you know the first lantic Ocean.

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unfair treatment of black workers at Windsor Field in 1942, the establishment of the Progressive Liberal Party in 1953, the Suffragette Movement for the right to vote for all Bahamian women, which began in 1948 and formalised in 1957 with women gaining the vote in time for the 1962 General Elections and the General Strike of 1958.

I have taken you on this journey down memory lane so that you would appreciate that we have come a long way and the road we trod had many pitfalls, but we overcame. Now it is left to you and your generation to rediscover what it is to be Bahamian; to conceive large and noble ideas; to articulate such thoughts and inspire others to share them. You should dream of a Bahamas that stands among the great countries, a Bahamas that gives each of you all the privileges and opportunities which should come to you in the land of your birth.

You are in this school named in honour of a great educator, Charles Gibson.

Your teachers are well trained and ready to guide you in attaining a sound education. Martin Luther King Jr gave us an insight into what that should be when he said: “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.”

As we move with confidence and purpose to bring peace, prosperity and unity to this land we love, I pray God’s blessings be with you.

George A Smith is a former Progressive Liberal Party minister

THE TRIBUNE

Bird tourism scheme to help boost The Bahamas THE Bahamas National Trust, the National Audubon Society and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism have developed a joint Bird-based Tourism Initiative to help Bahamians take advantage of a growing, multi- billion dollar global market.

The initiative was launched last Thursday to an environmental and travel industry audience at the British Colonial Hilton.

The United Nations has declared 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. The aim is to support a change in policies, business practices and consumer behaviour towards a more sustainable tourism sector. Bird tourism can play a role in this, according to a press release.

The Bird-based Tourism Initiative has been training bird tour guides from several islands over the past two years, with the goal of creating sustainable jobs while

helping to protect Bahamian biodiversity and natural habitats.

So far, 58 Bahamians have trained as bird field guides through the programme. At least nine have advanced qualifications and can lead specialised tours to any island in the Bahamas. The initiative has also developed marketing and business support materials for the tour guides.

Funded by the InterAmerican Development Bank, the Bird-based Tourism Initiative has been implemented by the BNT and the Audubon Society, with the Ministry of Tourism playing a key strategic role.

A general bird guide curriculum was designed, with basic and advanced versions, as well as suggested travel itineraries and public education programmes in support of the environment and local communities.

The training covered bird biology, environmental threats and conservation

measures, as well as and extensive field training to spot and identify birds. The Ministry of Tourism provided Bahamahost training and business management components.

Bird-watching is a fastgrowing, high-value outdoor activity. And an increasing number of birdwatchers are travelling to destinations like the Bahamas. These visitors are generally high income earners, who spend more money and time here, bringing greater value to the economy, a press release about the initiative said.

They are also more interested in sustainable tourism generally, and tend to rely more on local goods and services when travelling, while supporting destination conservation projects, the press release added.

Groups of visitors and US tour operators will travel to the main bird tourism islands of Andros and Inagua this month.

THE OFFICIAL launch of the bird-based tourism initiative at the Hilton hotel.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

BORCO TRUCK DEDICATED TO STAFF MEMBER KILLED IN CAR ACCIDENT

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Oil Refining Company/Buckeye on Friday dedicated one of five new trucks in honour of a beloved employee who was tragically killed in a car accident last year.

The dedication and naming ceremony for the five trucks was held at the BORCO plant on Friday morning, where Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville commended the oil company for strengthening its emergency response to potential unexpected disasters.

The trucks, he said, will add to the manpower and resources available on the island to respond, should such an occasion arise.

The Buckeye Bahamas Hub is the leading hub in the Caribbean region and the largest petroleum products terminal in the Western Hemisphere. Dr Darville said it plays a very important and vital role in the Grand Bahamian and global economy.

The oil storage facility currently has over 26

million barrels of storage capacity and 8 berths, including 2 VLCC-capable berths. It stores crude oil, fuel oil and VGO, diesel fuel, and gasoline and components.

Dr Darville said products are imported from locations around the world and stored or blended at Buckeye Bahamas Hub for export, including to regional consumers, key import locations in the Americas, and long-haul markets in Asia.

Due to the scale of the location, he noted that Buckeye Bahamas is ideally suited for blending, transshipping, and terminal operations for global trade flows.

“Being a company that processes such an important natural resource, the government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas is very pleased to know that your company takes the safety of your workers and the protection of our island’s environment seriously,” Dr Darville said.

The minister then paid tribute to the late Mark Wilson, 41, who worked in the Health, Safety, Security and Environment department at BORCO.

“I…understand that a member of the Buckeye Bahamas Hub’s Family, Mr Mark Wilson… passed away a few short months ago in a car accident.

Hearing from individuals close to him and those who worked with him, Mark can never be replaced by naming and dedicating one of the trucks in his honour, we can be reminded each day of the work he leaves behind to serve as inspiration and motivation to other employees to give their very best effort and to continue to strive for excellence. I pause to reflect and pay tribute to his life and to his family, friends, and loved ones…,” he said.

Dr Darville congratulated the leadership team of the Buckeye Bahamas Hub on its continued growth and development.

“Know that you have the full support of the government of the Bahamas, to aid and assist as you continue to advance the industrial sector of Grand Bahama and I encourage you to continue to work and partner with us as we build a stronger community, island and country together,” he said.

LECTURE AT HILTON ON TRUMP ADMINISTRATION THE second annual Joan Thompson Memorial Freedom Lecture will be given

by Richard Ebelling on February 21 at the British Colonial Hilton Hotel.

Dr Ebelling is the BB & T professor of ethics and free enterprise leadership at the Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. His topic will be “The Zero-

Sum World of Donald Trump”.

He will discuss what the new Trump administration could mean for America and the rest of the world.

“Trump’s world view is a mixture of old and new ideas that may threaten the global trend toward freedom and prosperity,” is the theme of his talk.

Dr Ebeling, said the Nassau Institute, “was a favourite economist and lecturer of our founding president Joan Thompson, so it is fitting that he is the speaker for the Joan Thompson Memorial Freedom Lecture in her honour.”

Dr Ebeling’s talk will follow the Institute’s 7pm dinner.

Monday, January 30, 2017, PAGE 15

CONCH Gone music video performers and creators Lady E, Bodine, Dyson Knight, Wendi and Lavado Stubbs at the Green Parrot premiere.

IMAGINE THE NATION WITHOUT CONCH A FIVE-minute original music video featuring a host of young Bahamian artists depicting a Bahamas without conch has gone viral on social media and will be aired on local television stations.

The ‘Conch Gone’ video, which premiered recently at the Green Parrot Restaurant on East Bay Street, features more than a dozen performers and was directed by Lavado Stubbs, of Conchboy Films.

All of the artists contributed their services in support of the Bahamas National Trust’s (BNT) Conchservation Campaign, launched two years ago in an effort to arrest the decline in conch stocks throughout the Bahamas.

The campaign is a collaboration between scientists, government agencies, non-governmental organisations, private entities and the public. Its goal is to achieve a sustainable Queen conch fishery through science-based management policies and public education.

The music video features an original rake and scrape song backing an avant garde public service message.

As the song’s refrain goes: “Let them mate, let them grow. If you don’t, before you know - conch gone. We

must think about tomorrow.

Here’s some simple rules to follow. Preservation, moderation ... we need some conchservation.”

A future without conch is a real possibility, experts say. The fishery has sharply declined due to the harvesting of juveniles, habitat destruction and climate change. In Florida, conch fishing was banned more than a quarter century ago.

“This very creative effort to conserve the Queen conch is the result of serious concern among fishermen and scientists that once-thriving conch beds are now in dramatic decline,” said BNT Executive Director Eric Carey.

“When we became aware of this research a couple of years ago, we immediately embarked on a campaign to save our conch. This music video is an important tool in that effort.”

A range of speakers expressed their thanks to the talented Bahamian artists, who included singer/songwriters Wendi and Dyson Knight, Anwar McDonald, Ashton ‘Ton Ash’ Newbold, Davon ‘Mdeez’ Knight, Sammi Starr, Rik Carey, Chase Fernander, Sketch Carey, Lady E, Bodine and Fanshawn.

Miss Bahamas Earth 2015, Daronique Young,

and artist Allan Wallace made special appearances in the video. And Frederick “Got Stykz” Seymour is the harmonica player who also created the music bed.

Conchs do not reproduce when their numbers fall below a certain density as they have to gather in large spawning aggregations to breed. So even though conch may be visible, they may not have enough numbers to sustain the population.

Researchers report no mating at all when conch populations reach a density of less than 47 adults per hectare. And this has occurred even in the protected waters of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, which has been a no-take zone since 1986.

According to BNT Marine Science Officer Agnessa Lundy, who was one of the main drivers of both the music video and the Conchservation Campaign, divers have to go further and deeper to find conch these days - as much as 30 miles offshore and 40 feet deep.

The production was sponsored by BTC, the Sandals Foundation, Frankie Gone Bananas, Bamboo Shack and Conchboy Films. It was filmed in several locations, including Arawak Cay, the Straw Market, and Montagu Beach.

PAGE 16, Monday, January 30, 2017

YOUNGSTERS from Naomi Blatch Pre-School along with staff and members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s Fire Services Division during their visit.

THE TRIBUNE

Photos: Letisha Henderson/BIS

A special day for pupils as fire crews come to call SIXTY students of Naomi Blatch Pre-School along with their principal, Joyann Wells, and teachers visited the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s Fire Services Division on Friday to learn about fire safety.

The students also got the opportunity to ride in a fire engine and pay a courtesy call on Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade.

“We are trying as a school to partner with the police and to instil morals and principles they need even at pre-school age to

become positive citizens of the country of the Bahamas,” Ms Wells said.

“We are in total support of what the police are doing to keep the country safe and welcome more exposure to such things to children starting from a small age.”

The children were given lessons from Constable Aneka Adderley on fire safety rules and what to do if a fire happens. Constable Adderley conducted fire safety exercises on the importance of smoke detectors, using the emergency number 919,

and also how best to react in the case of a fire.

The children were able to participate and demonstrate the ‘stop, drop and roll’ technique that should be used if your clothes have caught on fire.

Constable Adderley left the students with encouraging words saying: “To be a firefighter you have to go to school and get a good education, and be good boys and girls.”

Although learning about police and firefighters was very important for the stu-

dents, Ms Wells said the highlight of the day for the students was riding in a fire engine.

Commissioner Greenslade encouraged the children and teachers of Naomi Blatch to continue on the right path. “What we do today with them and getting good stuff in their minds from early is what is really going to matter for the future of this Bahamas.

We have schools that see us every year from pre-school to high school, and we encourage you to continue to come,” he said.

Commonwealth of The Bahamas

POLICE Commissioner Ellison Greenslade with staff and students from Naomi Blatch Pre-School.

Commonwealth of The Bahamas REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Support For The Economic Empowerment of Fly Fishing Guides Request For Expressions of Interest, TC No. ATN/ME-14853-BH The Government of The Bahamas had received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and intended to apply part of the proceeds to payments under the project name, for the services of three (3) consultancies to conduct various activities in the Fly Fishing Sector.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism had invited eligible consultants to indicate their interest in providing various services in the Fly Fishing Sector. We would like to take this time to extend our apologies to individuals that took the time to submit proposals. The invitation to support the project has been withdrawn as a result of the new Fisheries Act and Regulations. This has altered the original thrust of the project and the need to re-advertise it as an integrated approach.

We are now advising that consultancies are open to firms; including public and private educational institutions and agencies.

Request For Expressions of Interest, TC No. ATN/ME-14853-BH The Government of The Bahamas has received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and intends to apply parts of the proceeds to payments under the project name, for the services of an integrated approach for economic empowerment for the sustainability of fly fishing. It will comprise of three components, namely: Market Assessment The Firm will be requested to: * Communicate with clients to understand and document the project objectives * Conduct in depth data survey on The Bahamian flats fishing sector inclusive of guides, lodges and other accommodations, as well as all categories of anglers, their distribution throughout the individual islands and satisfaction ratings. * Compile a demographic profile of visiting anglers who fish The islands of The Bahamas. * Provide analysis with regard to source markets. Travel trends, consumer preferences, expenditures, business models and competing destinations. * Author report containing interpretation of statistical data and recommendations for implementation. * Evaluate program methodology and key data to ensure accuracy and best practices.

Sustainable Fly Fishing Business Models The Firm will be requested to: * * * *

Communicate with clients to understand and document the project objectives.

Review market research.

Assess existing guides and lodge operations.

Collaborate with Researcher, Trainer, Project Coordinator and Technical Advisory Committee to determine an appropriate business model to service the needs of visiting anglers. * Design and implement sustainable business models for ten (10) guiding services and lodge operations to transition them into viable business enterprises.

Sustainable Fly Fishing Curriculum Design and Training The Firm will be requested to: * * * * * *

Communicate with clients to understand and document the project objectives.

Review market research with focus on recommendations for guides and lodge training.

Revise existing material, and incorporate best sustainable practices.

Conduct Fly Fishing Training Workshop for one hundred (100) guides and new recruits.

Conduct a Green Management Workshop for Lodge Operators and Managers.

Develop framework for an apprenticeship program and certification of professional guides. * Design a training curriculum for fly fishing guides based on the latest best practices, methodologies, etc.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism now invites eligible institutions to indicate their interest in providing the services above. Reputable institutions must provide a detailed resume to establish their qualifications to perform the services required. The Firm that is recognized by the government of The Bahamas will be favourably considered based on the ability to execute all three components as an integrated approach.

Institutions will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the InterAmerican Development Bank: Policies for the selection and contracting for The Firm financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (GN-2350-7) and is open to all eligible institutions as defined in the policies.

Expressions of integrated proposals must be delivered via direct email by

February 25, 2017

Attention: Ms. Jacqueline Ramsey, jramsey@bahamas.com or Ms. Sharmain Deveaux, sdeveaux@bahamas.com Tel: (242-302-2000)

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Monday, January 30, 2017, PAGE 17

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