WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 1st, 2017
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RBC expert: Bahamas squandering VAT - see Business
Ingraham: Get out and register Bahamians urged by former PM to sign up By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net AS VOTER registration in the country remains sluggish - falling below numbers compared to this same period during the last election cycle - former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham encouraged Bahamians to register notwithstanding the inconveniences they are facing. Speaking to The Tribune last night, Mr Ingraham said this is a very important exercise and is the only opportunity that Bahamians have to determine the party they would like to govern the country. He made the comments shortly after he and his wife Delores registered to vote at the Government High School in Yellow Elder Gardens. As it stands, the number of registered voters is around 88,000, lower than it was at this same time last election season.
7TH GRADE STUDENT HAD GUN ON CAMPUS
By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net A SEVENTH grade male student of AF Adderley Junior High School brought a gun on the school’s campus Monday and was arrested by police, officials confirmed yesterday. Another male student is also being questioned by police. Although the incident occurred on Monday, police did not release an official report on the matter until Tuesday evening. Police said they did not find any ammunition for the weapon. Expressing outrage, Joan Knowles-Turnquest, the acting president of the Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT), said: “There could have been a death.” “We could have heard the sirens of police going down SEE PAGE SIX
FITZGERALD: WE’VE DONE ALL WE CAN TO END SCHOOL VIOLENCE By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
HUBERT INGRAHAM, former Prime Minister of The Bahamas, registering to vote with his wife Delores at Government High School yesterday. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff Asked whether he be- the Constituencies Commis- encies Commission’s report general election. lieved this spoke to voter sion’s report is tabled in Par- had been behind schedule, On Friday, Mr Christie apathy, the former prime liament and it is adopted. preventing it from reaching said the report could be minister said he was cerMr Ingraham said under Parliament. Under the pre- complete sometime this tain the numbers would im- Prime Minister Perry Chris- vious Ingraham administra- week. prove once the constituency tie’s watch this was the sec- tion, the report had been SEE PAGE SIX boundaries are officially cut, ond time that the Constitu- tabled six months before the
‘SHAMEFUL THAT HALKITIS CANNOT EXPLAIN WHERE VAT HAS GONE’ By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday said it is “shameful” that after two hours on the radio airwaves, Minister of State for Finance Michael Halkitis could not explain to
the Bahamian people “where the VAT money gone”. He was responding to Mr Halkitis’ defensive demeanour to criticism of a value added tax (VAT) speech he gave at the PLP convention last week. In a statement, Dr Minnis said Mr Halkitis’ explanation on where the revenue from VAT went was
“inadequate and insulting” and “does not reflect the type of servant leadership that the Bahamian people desire”. On Monday, Mr Halkitis, while appearing as a guest on “The Revolution” with host Juan McCartney maintained that the VAT money is being used to pay down the national debt as well
as defray other government expenses. He also insisted that there can never be a true account of where the VAT money is spent because the money “goes into the consolidated fund with all other government revenue”. SEE PAGE FIVE
EDUCATION Minister Jerome Fitzgerald yesterday said the onus for recent violent incidents on school campuses must fall on the wider society, further lamenting that officials have done everything they can to stop school violence. Mr Fitzgerald, in his first public comments on violent crimes at school campuses since the stabbing incident at the Government High School campus earlier this month which left one teen in critical condition and two others with injuries, said the presence of police and heightened security forces have dramatically “cut down” incidents but the core issues spurring these matters had to be addressed in the community. SEE PAGE SIX
NHI REGISTRATION OF PHYSICIANS BEGINS By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net
GOVERNMENT officials yesterday announced the launch of National Health Insurance’s primary care physician registration, which NHI senior officials said is a “critical milestone” that signals the “initiation” of the second phase of the government proposed scheme. However, there is still no
clear indication by NHI officials as to when that registration process is expected to be complete, which is what has to happen in order for the commencement of the second phase of NHI, enrolment, to be fully realised. NHI Secretariat Permanent Secretary Peter Deveaux-Isaacs said yesterday that “many doctors” have already indicated an interest in registering for NHI, giv-
ing the impression that registering the interested primary care providers (PCPs) should be an expedient process. Additionally, NHI Project Manager Dr Delon Brennen said based on the “enthusiastic” response of various PCPs towards registering with NHI, officials are “assured that this process will happen in a timely manner”. Regarding just how many primary care providers are
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needed in order to properly segue into the enrolment phase, or an expected number of the same, Bahamas Doctor’s Union (BDU) President Charles Clarke yesterday estimated it would take “about 90 physicians”. However, noting that that number “varies,” Dr Clarke said it would need anywhere from 90 to 120 PCPs. SEE PAGE SEVEN
PAGE 2, Wednesday, February 1, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
CIBC support for Ranfurly Home CIBC donated an entertainment room to the children of The Ranfurly Home and brought pizza for the children as apart of the celebration. Pictured from left are Leslie Callendar, of Roomers Limited; Maya Nottage, marketing manager, CIBC First Caribbean; Hazel Stirling, Roomers Limited; Alexander Roberts, administrator, Ranfurly Home for Children; Marie Rodland-Allen, managing director, CIBC First Caribbean; Inger Johnson, retail district manager, CIBC First Caribbean; Daron Lightbourne, compliance business support; CIBC First Caribbean. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, February 1, 2017, PAGE 3
Debate due to start today on Freedom of Information Act By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
EDUCATION Minister Jerome Fitzgerald yesterday presented the public consultation process for the highly-anticipated Freedom of Information Act as “very well received,” as the House of Assembly is expected to begin debate on the revised legislation today. Mr Fitzgerald’s declaration comes two weeks after the Organisation for Responsible Governance (ORG) said numerous recommendations from civil society on how to improve the Freedom of Information Bill had been disregarded by the Christie administration. Despite this, Mr Fitzgerald, the minister with responsibility for FOIA, in an interview with members of the press on Tuesday contended that the bill crafted by the Christie administration stands as a critical piece of legislation for the
JEROME FITZGERALD, Minister of Education, Science and Technology. country and for its democ- stand up against any Freeracy, adding that he was dom of Information Act in grateful for all of the rec- the world. ommendations submitted “We are very proud of the by the committee estab- process,” said Mr Fitzgerlished to advance it. ald. “… We are proud of the The Marathon MP said participation, although it the public would discover wasn’t as widespread as we that the government has would like to have seen, but been able to put forth a at the end of the day I think piece of legislation that can the responses received from
the various organisations prove to be very helpful at the end of the day.” He added: “So we will go into debate, we had a briefing with all of the parliamentarians just after Christmas where we had a presentation by the committee to them, now I think they are briefed fully on it and I think we will have a very comprehensive debate of them substantive as everyone is now aware of all of the issues and the implications of the legislation. “I think it is a milestone for the Bahamas, and something we really should be proud of and embrace,” added Mr Fitzgerald. Mr Fitzgerald said the committee submitted a total of 13 recommendations to the government. Of the lot, 11 were accepted and adapted to the overall legislation that is expected to be debated in the House of Assembly today. When asked to expound on the two recommendations rejected by the govern-
ment, Mr Fitzgerald said he would go into more details when he addresses Parliament today; explaining the reasons why “practically we couldn’t accept them.” The Marathon MP claimed that the two rejected recommendations did not impact the overall legislation. Mr Fitzgerald said the now updated bill includes several key components, such as what information is available, how it can be claimed and the time-frame in which that document would become publicly available. He also indicated that the updated document addresses the required training for public service personnel. “… At the end of the day (this legislation) is going to have access, a lot easier access particularly for the media,” he said. “Freedom of Information is really 99 per cent used by the media, everyone wants it, but the media is really the ones who utilise it in order to inform the public
on issues which they deem relevant or important.” “But I think at the end of the day, it speaks a lot to democracy, accountability, transparency of government and I think and I have said from day one, it is something that I support as minister; but I want to do it properly and I want to do it right. And the government has supported it and so you are now seeing the manifestation of that,” he added. ORG initially argued that opinions, advice or recommendations for Cabinet or a committee should be fully disclosed. The group also recommended that not all records relating to government processes should be exempt from FOIA requests. Additionally, ORG recommended that when it comes to rights of access to certain information, in the “sunset clause,” 30 years should be reduced to 15 years. The government released a revamped draft version of the FOI legislation in 2015.
THE AFTERMATH of the fire that took place at Nassau Street Court Complex, above, and, right, the start of the blaze as captured on video camera. Main photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
VIDEO FOOTAGE SHOWS FIRE ATTACK ON COURT POLICE have released video footage of the suspect allegedly responsible for an early morning arson attack at the Nassau Street Court Complex on Monday morning. Shortly after 5am on Monday, police discovered that the entrance to the Magistrate’s Court building was on fire. The fire was contained to the building’s entryway and firefighters were able to soon extin-
guish the blaze. Police yesterday said they were looking for a certain suspect in connection to the incident. The 48-second video clip released by police shows a male suspect walk up to the building’s entrance and go out of frame for a few seconds. The suspect soon returns to the camera’s view and appears to flick a lighter before again going out of frame as he returns
to the entryway. A few seconds later the suspect is seen again on the camera footage running away from what appears to be an explosion. Huge flames are then seen coming from the court’s entrance. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 911, 919 or the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 328-TIPS. The camera footage can be seen on www.tribune242.com
HOUSEBREAKING SUSPECTS ARRESTED AFTER CHASE TWO suspected housebreakers were arrested after they allegedly led police on a high-speed chase that ended in South Beach. According to police, around 11am Tuesday officers received a report of a housebreaking in progress on St Vincent Road. When
responding officers arrived, they saw two men speeding away from the home in a Honda Fit vehicle. The suspects led police on a highspeed chase that ended on Emanuel Way in South Beach, where the suspects’ car crashed into a fence. Police arrested the sus-
pects and allegedly recovered several televisions, electronics and household appliances stolen during the housebreaking. Police suspect the men are responsible for a number of other housebreakings in southern New Providence.
MAN IN HOSPITAL AFTER DRIVE-BY SHOOTING A MAN is in hospital after he was wounded during a drive by shooting after 4pm on Tuesday. According to police, a man was sitting in a vehicle on Scott Street and Hospital Lane when the occupants of a silver vehicle pulled up and shot him, before speeding away. The victim was taken to hospital and is said to be in serious condition. The police investigation is ongoing.
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The Water and Sewerage Corporation advises the public and its customers of Pinewood Boulevard, Buttonwood, Sugar Apple Street, Willow Street, Jacaranda Street and Thatch Palm Street and surrounding areas that improvement works will take place on Wednesday, February 1st, 2017 which may affect water supply to these areas. Works are scheduled to begin at 10:30 PM and are anticipated to be completed by 4:00 AM. During this period, there may be some interruption to water supply, road closures and detours around the work area. The Corporation apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciates your support as we work to improve our services.
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PAGE 4, Wednesday, February 1, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
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Travel ban throws research into turmoil BOSTON (AP) — Universities across the nation say President Donald Trump’s ban on travellers from seven Muslim countries is disrupting vital research projects and academic exchanges in such fields as medicine, public health and engineering, with untold numbers of scholars blocked from entering the US. For years, schools in the US have worked to widen exchanges with scholars in the Middle East and especially Iran, known for its strength in math and science. But many academics worry those bridges are now in jeopardy because of the ban against Iran, Iraq, Syria, Somalia, Sudan, Libya and Yemen. Some fear the US will lose its standing as the world leader in research and innovation. “It’s terrifying,” said Sarah Knuckey, director of the Human Rights Clinic at Columbia Law School. “We’re damaging international research, including on issues like health and medicine.” Students in Knuckey’s clinic have been working with a think tank in Yemen to explore the health consequences of the country’s civil war, inviting scholars to lecture and planning a conference in New York this year. Because of the travel ban, they are trying to move the event to Canada. Research between the US and the seven countries covers a wide range of fields. According to the National Institutes of Health, US and Iranian researchers have teamed up to study cancer, heart disease, hepatitis and opiate addiction. Navid Madani, an HIV researcher at Harvard Medical School, said collaboration with scientists in Iran has been crucial to her work. Much of that cooperation is now in question. One of her counterparts in Iran was scheduled to teach at Harvard this year but may be prevented from entering the country. “I’ve tried to balance my anger and despair with resolve,” said Madani, who was born in Iran and is now a naturalised US citizen. “This is something that really has to be reversed.” An Iranian researcher working on his Ph.D. in Italy was refused check-in at a Milan airport Monday while trying to travel to California. Nima Enayati, 29, had obtained a visa to conduct research on robotic surgery at Stanford University. “It is rather disappointing to know that you will not be able at least physically to have more collaboration with them,” he said. “And we will see how it is going to affect our work.” At Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, officials were planning to welcome the first class of Iranian graduate students into a new engineering programme in partnership with the University of Tehran. Now it’s on hold because the students can’t secure visas. “These are the best and the brightest. They have made tremendous sacrifices
to be able to come to the United States,” said Gil Latz, the university’s associate vice chancellor for international affairs. “In the stroke of a pen, their future hopes and dreams are being questioned or brought to a halt.” Overall, colleges and universities in the US hosted about 17,000 students from the seven banned countries last year, a fourfold increase over the past decade. Of those here last year, more than 12,000 were from Iran. Many of the students and researchers here are now stuck in the US, afraid they won’t be allowed back in if they leave to visit home or travel to academic conferences. Others who were planning to come here are now blocked. Seyed Soheil Saeedi Saravi, a scientist from Iran, said he realised a childhood dream when he received a cardiology fellowship at Harvard. He was scheduled to arrive days after the travel ban was put in place, but found that his visa is now suspended indefinitely. “I only can say Iranians are really sad, depressed and somewhat angry,” he said in an email. In response to the ban, thousands of academics abroad have signed an online petition boycotting academic conferences in the US. Some conferences are being pressured to relocate outside America. Meanwhile, dozens of college presidents have called on Trump to reverse the ban. “This is not only unbefitting a country built by immigrants on the ideals of liberty and equality, but it is also a selfinflicted wound that will damage the very innovation that lies at the root of our nation’s prosperity,” said Angel Cabrera, president of George Mason University. Nicholas Dirks, chancellor at the University of California-Berkeley, said the ban gives an advantage to countries that compete with the US for scholars. “Allowing them to replace this country as the prime destination for the most talented students and researchers would cause irreparable damage and help them to achieve their goal of global leadership,” he wrote. Some academics say the ban will simply leave the US out of future research. Caroline Wagner, who studies global collaboration in science at Ohio State University, said the number of papers published by co-authors in different countries has grown dramatically since 1990. In 2013 alone, academics from Iran and the US teamed up on more than 1,000 published papers. “International collaboration is increasingly the way science is done,” Wagner said. “We cannot assume that leadership and science belong to the United States.” By Collin Binkley of the Associated Press
Mirage of support EDITOR, The Tribune. PLP Nominating - the art of creating a mirage by lumping a number of candidates into one event and creating an image of a considerable support. Editor - 16 candidates of which the most were all front line Cabinet Ministers - the Prime Minister on his own should have attracted 2000 supporters except the reality is he is known today not to be very popular - fact miraging works well to perceive you have a large number of supporters. Of course we cannot forget the parking lot of their HQ on Farrington Road is small anyway.
This is borne out by the very few hits the PLP gets on their Facebook posting, Crime - are we at war as the respected ex-Police Deputy Commissioner suggests? Are we dealing with crime incorrectly as the aspiring ex-Deputy Commissioner candidate for election suggests? Do we need extraordinary powers to the Police as the Leader of that party says? None of the above are relevant - if those arrested for these horrendous violent murders were to be locked up and kept locked up till their trial we would reduce the carnage immediately. The Commissioner of Po-
lice has been saying this for along time. Are we deaf? Editor - 50 years ago we started down this road and today we are harvesting the inevitable - Dr Tim McCartney warned us but we chose to have the babies break up the Family - promote single motherhood as the norm and totally deny the inevitable consequences. We enslaved ourselves. We fool ourselves that It is Better and We are the best little country- 11 murders in 22-days says it all ... it might be hell in The Bahamas? W THOMPSON Nassau, January 22, 2017.
PLP is the best choice EDITOR, The Tribune ONE may say or think whatever they wish about the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) but my party has always risen to the internal and external challenges which we have ever encountered. We in the PLP do not give up; despair or break off running. We do not play that. The upcoming general elections will be ours to lose, God forbid. The fractured Free National Movement (FNM), led by a man who has absolutely squandered his political capital, big time, cannot come together, with credible candidates, in time before the bell is rung. Loretta, once the political darling of the opposition, is now likened to the fabled ‘wicked witch’. Her only hope for re-election and another cabinet post is for her to return, post haste, to the open ranks of the PLP. We will accept her with open arms due to her political roots. Madam Opposition Leader, however hollow, must come to appreciate and understand that she will never be able to cobble an effective and lasting alliance with those in the fringe political vehicles, for that is all that they are. There is a certain ‘man of God’ who should be leading individuals to ‘salvation’. Now, in his evening hours, he, with all due respect, says that the PLP administration and our tried tested and focused leader, the Rt. Hon. Perry Gladstone Christie, MP, PC (PLP-Farm Road) needs to “go home”. All of these jokey people have the constitutional and God-given right to adopt
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net the patently bogus positions which they hold dear. It is dead wrong, however, for them to seek to play with the collective heads of the people of our wonderful nation. The PLP administration and several ministers have made serious missteps and perpetuated the sinister and diabolical system of dependency. Mind you, many Bahamians, themselves, have come to accept this as the norm but it destroys and weakens individuals; families and society at large. The PLP, if you are honest, is truly the best choice now available to the electorate. Yes, many will hold their noses and vote for our party (ala Donald J. Trump and Hilary R. Clinton over in the USA) but, do they have viable alternatives? The FNM is rudderless and the captain and the navigator have gone AWOL. The public infighting and the hurling of acrimonious charges of duplicity; crookedness and abject back stabbing manoeuvres do not lend for public confidence. The other deluded caucus is hell bent on appearing to present a united front when we all know what time it is and we who are not blind, politically, are able to see the play. They all postulate what they say are agendas for the further development and growth of our wonderful nation. Mind you, they have little or no track record in anything of a public and national nature but they crow: ‘Give us a chance’. In short order
the pygmies and fake giants whom we now see, we shall see no more. The PLP is ready now to come back to the people who will judge us on our record. We have not been perfect or even close to it. Yes, there have been some financial downgrades that should concern us. The Bahamas, however, is poised to restructure our financial base. We know what has to be done to arrest the further societal decline of our wonderful nation. The tasks ahead will not be easy but we ready now. The detractors will hurl attacks against us but we ready now. Others will say that they would be better than us but, we ready now. All Bahamians who are eligible to vote are urged to register right now after you finish reading this sublime essay. All over this world people are fighting and literally dying to secure the right to vote for a government of their choice. We did not have to go through all of that, thanks be to Jehovah Rafa. The nation is at the proverbial cross roads. We have the stark choice to either continue going forward with the PLP or succumb to the tones of Hydra and her nine sisters. We ready now, however, and are eager to let our people know that this time around the next PLP administration will focus, almost exclusively, on the economic empowerment of all Bahamians and those societal issues which vex us all. To God then, in all things, be the glory. ORTLAND H. BODIE JR. Nassau, January 21, 2017.
Minnis should resign EDITOR, The Tribune. AT the end of last year seven FNM MPs upheld a vote of no confidence in Dr Hubert Minnis. According to convention, he should have resigned his post as leader of the FNM. Instead, in an effort to maintain power, he defied the honourable, commonsense course he ought to have taken. As a result, the FNM as a party remains fractured and impotent, unable to maintain the interest of its
core supporters and unable to court independent voters in numbers that would win an election. Additionally, he has, in my view, shown himself to be selfish and representing all the qualities the electorate has come to loathe in its politicians. He represents exactly what the people do not want in their political leaders. The ineptness and stubbornness of Dr Minnis will only give momentum to a grassroots movement that can and may become politi-
cal. A movement that has given voice to the ignored frustrations of young voters with no political allegiances. Time is running out for the official opposition to get its act together. If Dr Minnis does not do the honourable thing, the FNM may become a relic of our political past. It is already a shadow of its former self. JB Nassau, January 13, 2017.
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, February 1, 2017, PAGE 5
Minnis to unveil ‘change team’ in Grand Bahama By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis will unveil his party’s economic recovery plan for Grand Bahama and introduce its “change team” at a mass rally next week in Grand Bahama. Dr Minnis - who was in Grand Bahama on Tuesday and met with members of the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce - said life on the island is bad and getting worse. He said that the PLP government is “delusional” about the economic state of Grand Bahama painting a picture to the rest of the country that all is well when, in fact, Grand Bahamians are “catching hell”. “The Christie administration has failed to bring the relief it promised in 2012,” he said. Dr Minnis stressed that unemployment and mort-
gage foreclosures are too high, businesses are struggling, hurricane recovery is slow, and major hotels are closed in Grand Bahama. “Today, my visit is to reaffirm our commitment to Grand Bahama and our commitment to change,” he said at a press conference at the chamber’s offices. With him were Michael Pintard, FNM candidate for Marco City, Pineridge hopeful Fred McAlpine, Iram Lewis, FNM candidate for Central Grand Bahama as well as Deputy Leader of FNM and MP for East Grand Bahama Peter Turnquest. “We are aware of the state of the economy in Grand Bahama and we in the FNM remain focused on the recovery of your economy, and the empowerment of our people in Grand Bahama,” he said. Dr Minnis said that Grand Bahama has been neglected by the PLP, and promises to bring real
change: such as the empowerment of small businesses, creating more employment, providing simple practical business solutions to make doing business easier in Grand Bahama. He said that Grand Bahama has the opportunity to elect not just a doctor but a successful businessman who can put Bahamians back to work and get the economy growing for all. “The people of Grand Bahama have been suffering and neglected long enough,” he said. “I know of the great disappointment after hearing from the PLP who are delusional and are telling the rest of the country that all is well in Grand Bahama. “They ignore the facts, unemployment is high, mortgage foreclosure is too high, hurricane recovery was too slow, businesses are frustrated, and your major hotels remain closed.” Dr Minnis stated the island’s tourism sector is not doing well contrary to
reports by the Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe and Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville. “(They) continue to tell Bahamians how good things are in Grand Bahama, but you live here and you know the facts. Casino workers, hotel workers, straw vendors, taxi drivers and small businesses are catching hell because the Christie government has failed to bring the relief they promised in 2012,” he said. Dr Minnis expressed disagreement with the “unfair job killing” memorandum of understanding between the government and the Grand Bahama Port Authority which was made law. He thinks it is unfair for the GBPA and its companies to be exempt from paying real property tax for 20 years when all its licensees must apply to the government and then be exempt for only five years. “This is wrong. This is discriminatory and we in the FNM will correct this
and ensure that all licensees receive the same benefit as the GBPA and the large major investors,” Dr Minnis said. He revealed some of the things that the FNM will do in Grand Bahama if it is elected to office, including the relocation of the Department of Maritime Affairs to Grand Bahama. “We want Grand Bahama to be the maritime capital of the Bahamas and the Caribbean, and take full advantage of all the economic benefits of the maritime industry,” he added. Dr Minnis said that a government led by his party will promote the air, sea, land business park as a logistical hub focused on international air and sea transshipment. If elected, he promised to work with the University of the Bahamas to facilitate providing free education for Bahamians students who qualify; and introduce the “Building Bahamian Entrepreneurs Programme” to
empower entrepreneurs to start their own businesses and employ Bahamians. Dr Minnis also promised to give more autonomy to the Ministry for Grand Bahama to make decisions on behalf of the various government ministries pertaining to the island, instead of waiting on New Providence to make decisions. He said his party will provide more focused attention on tourism in Grand Bahama, creating new employment opportunities. Dr Minnis assured Bahamians that they can count on a government that will grow the economy, create meaningful jobs, reduce public debt, reduce poverty, and grow a solid middle class, creating a safer and more educated Bahamas, and a more accountable Bahamas, if his party wins the next election. He encouraged Bahamians to register to vote and help the FNM usher in the change needed in Grand Bahama.
PLP CHAIRMAN: PICKING PINTARD IS POOR LEADERSHIP BRADLEY Roberts has called the Free National Movement’s ratification of former Chairman and Senator Michael Pintard “another demonstration of the poor leadership and judgment” of FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis. In a statement released on Tuesday, the PLP chairman said Mr Pintard cannot be described as a political newcomer “having lost twice.” Mr Pintard was one of five election candidates ratified by the FNM on Monday night. He will represent the FNM in Marco City in Grand Bahama. This came nearly a year after he resigned as FNM senator and party chairman due to concerns over his involvement in an investigation that uncovered an alleged murder-for-hire plot allegedly orchestrated by Lyford Cay resident Peter Nygard. Mr Nygard is an admitted benefactor of the PLP. “His questionable character and judgment makes Pintard unfit for the high and honourable office he aspires to,” Mr Roberts said
yesterday. “Simply put, Michael Pintard is a bad choice and the good people of Marco City do not deserve this albatross and embarrassment around their necks. “Equally as unfit for leadership is Dr Hubert Minnis who agreed to this ratification. Minnis was also compromised in this sordid affair as these (alleged) ‘criminals’ and ‘gangsters’ are well known to him, having brought him gifts of fish at his home on multiple occasions.” According to court documents filed in support of the allegations last year, two professed gang members Livingston “Toggie” Bullard and Wilser “Bullard” Davilma were allegedly hired by Mr Nygard to commit crimes against those who were opposed to him. Mr Pintard helped Save the Bays, an environmental organisation, in their investigation. An audio clip of Mr Pintard discussing payment for the two men in exchange for their information was circulated shortly after the court documents were filed.
A controversy erupted over his involvement in the matter and he resigned last March. On the day of Mr Pintard’s resignation, Dr Minnis revealed to The Tribune that he met with Bullard three times at his home, and was brought fish by the man on several occasions. He said the two did not discuss Mr Nygard, however Bullard did tell him that he had a warning for Mr Pintard. Dr Minnis was adamant that he did not know of the allegations against Mr Nygard until The Tribune published them last March. While the PLP has sought to use the matter as a weapon against Dr Minnis and the FNM, according to affidavits filed in court, Bullard and Davilma have claimed to have a relationship with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works Philip Davis. The Tribune also revealed last year that the two men have several contracts with the Ministry of Works. The two men were arrested by police last year but were later released without charge.
MICHAEL Pintard at his ratification this week.
Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff
‘SHAMEFUL THAT HALKITIS CANNOT EXPLAIN WHERE VAT HAS GONE’ from page one
This was a different tone from the approach he took last Tuesday, when he announced that the government spent “millions of dollars” on roads, facilitated a new fleet of aircraft at a cost of $100m, invested in a new fleet for the Royal Bahamas Defence Force at a cost of $232m and several million was spent to fund repairs after both Hurricane Matthew and Joaquin. “That’s where the VAT money gone,” he said repeatedly.
He also claimed that VAT revenue was being invested in new schools, however no new schools have been built under this administration. Throughout the show, Mr Halkitis was accused by another journalist of being disingenuous during his convention speech because many of the projects he claimed the VAT money has gone towards were actually serviced by loans. “Michael Halkitis has done a great disservice to the Bahamian people by continuing to obfuscate on exactly how the people’s
DRUG SUSPECT REMANDED By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday after he was arraigned on a charge of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply. Gregory Seymour, 40, of Cowpen Road, appeared in the Magistrate’s Court accused of having custody of five pounds of Indian hemp (marijuana) on Friday, January 6. The drugs have an estimated street value of $5,000. The accused, who was arrested by police on January 27, pleaded not guilty to the
charge when called to answer to the allegation. Due to the nature of the charge, Seymour was remanded to the Department of Correctional Services to await trial on March 8 before Magistrate Andrew Forbes. However, he has the right to apply for bail in the Supreme Court. A conviction for possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply carries a possible fine and/or up to seven years in prison. He has retained attorney Krista Mason-Smith - an associate of Murrio Ducille - to defend him against the allegation.
VAT dollars have been spent,” Dr Minnis said on Tuesday. “It is shameful that a member of Parliament, who is answerable to the people, and a certified financial analyst to boot, would consider it a viable excuse that he was unable to explain how the people’s money has been spent because he only had ten minutes to speak at his party’s recent convention. Mr Halkitis had two hours to explain himself on national radio, and still could only offer one insulting and inadequate excuse after the next.
“The minister even denigrated his own party supporters by saying that his speech at convention was aimed at PLPs and ‘not bankers or accountants’. What a disgrace. This type of behaviour is far from honourable, and does not reflect the type of servant leadership that the Bahamian people desire. This type of elitist behaviour is unbefitting for a minister of the government who works for, and on our behalf.” Dr Minnis said an FNM government would be transparent and accountable to the people.
COURT HEARING IN ARMED RAID CASE By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net
A MAN awaiting trial for armed robbery appeared in the Supreme Court yesterday for a case management hearing. John Augustin, 35, and his lawyer Ian Cargill appeared before Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs for an update in his case concerning a gunpoint robbery that occurred more than three years ago.
Crown prosecutor Stephanie Pintard indicated to the judge that the case was ready to proceed on March 6, the date fixed for trial. Augustin is accused of the January 13, 2014 gunpoint robbery of Dwight Williams who was accosted of a Reebok gym bag containing $6,000 in cheques and $58,000 in cash, all of which are the property of Thomas Russell. Augustin, who is on bail, has denied the allegations.
“It is now clear, more than ever, that it will be up to your Free National Movement government, to provide the people with a true accounting of our VAT money,” Dr Minnis said. “The Bahamian people desire transparency and accountability. They will receive both under the
Free National Movement. We urge all Bahamians who have had enough of the excuses to register to vote. This is your time to show this government that enough is enough.” Nearly, $1 billion has been collected since the implementation of VAT in January 2015.
PAGE 6, Wednesday, February 1, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
HUBERT INGRAHAM, former Prime Minister of The Bahamas, and his wife Delores arriving at Government High School for voting registration.
Ingraham: Get out and register from page one 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 if the boundaries there are changed. “I’d like to encourage all Bahamians to register to vote,” Mr Ingraham said. “It is a very important exercise in democracy. The higher the percentage of people who register, the higher the percentage of people who vote. It’s the one opportunity that people have to determine who is going to govern them and notwithstanding whatever issues that might confront people, it’s the most effective means people have to determine the direction of their country by registering to vote and so I encourage them to vote.” He also said: “Voter reg-
istration is an individual responsibility. It’s also the duty of political parties and candidates to encourage people to register and where necessary to assist people in getting to registration places. Some people take the view that to register and not get your card at the same time is an inconvenience so they don’t want to make two trips, as I would have had to do today to register. “I can’t get a card and nobody else can get a card until the boundaries report has been tabled in the House and a new register has been produced. Then you have to come back and collect your card again. “The last number I saw was all of 88,000 registered voters. When the boundaries were cut in 2011 there was only 100,000 people registered to vote and between November and the end of March there were 172,000 registered to vote. So 72,000 people voted subsequent to the boundary and I think the same
thing will happen this time. I think that once the boundary is cut, the report is tabled and adopted and the candidates get in the field and encourage people to register to vote then that will happen,” Mr Ingraham also said. It is possible that the completed constituencies report will reveal the reintroduction of 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 on Friday that ultimately he must still give the nod on these proposed changes. He made the comments during an interview with Our News. House of Assembly Speaker Dr Kendal Major has said the commission delayed the release of the report in the hope that the sluggish voter registration will pick up considerably. The next election must be held this year.
FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham poses for his photograph as he registers to vote at Government High School yesterday. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
7TH GRADE STUDENT HAD GUN ON CAMPUS from page one
the road to pick up a dead body, someone’s mother, sister, brother or child,” she added. Education Director Lionel Sands told The Tribune that police took the gun and the student who had it away after another student told a teacher the boy had a
weapon in his bag. “(The student) was not brandishing the gun,” Mr Sands explained. He added that the “standard process” was followed in responding to the situation. “The student will be kept away and given the necessary counseling after police do what they have to do,” he said.
Death Notice
JEFFERSON WILLIAM “BILL” PINDER, 85
Students were not sent home after the discovery of the gun, Mr Sands said, although news of the matter appeared to spread widely on the school’s campus. “No one was in danger,” Mr Sands said. Nonetheless, Ms Knowles-Turnquest said teachers at the school “are very much shaken up over it.” One school official who did not want to be named said the student likely had the weapon, described as an “old, rusty gun,” on him during a general assembly on Monday morning. Since the incident, the school’s staff members have had multiple meetings to become informed about
Bill is survived by his two sons, William Craig Pinder and Richard Perry Pinder and numerous relatives and friends. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date. Arrangements by Kemp’s Funeral Home Limited.
Liberal Party (PLP) convention. But Mrs Knowles-Turnquest said yesterday that schools need metal detectors “and more.” “The fact that you have a weapon on campus tells me you are planning to use it,” she said. “The teachers are very much shaken up over it. They don’t know whether he wanted to shoot a student or a teacher. First the incident at GHS and now this. And there are others that are not reported. It’s symptomatic of what is going on in our country. Until the government of the day takes hold and control of crime in the country we cannot see it decreasing on
the school campus. What we see playing out is a reflection of what is happening in the country. We need administrations who will have a zero tolerance approach to even the most minor infractions in the schools. We recommend to the ministry that it look at those administrators who exemplify a zero tolerance approach to violence on campuses and emulate that,” she said. According to police, “as a result of a professional intervention by school officials,” officers went to the junior high school’s temporary location off Tonique Williams-Darling Highway on Monday, where they uncovered the weapon on school premises.
FITZGERALD: WE’VE DONE ALL WE CAN TO END SCHOOL VIOLENCE from page one
Of Winton Estates, Nassau, died peacefully at his home on Sunday evening January 29th, 2017 after a long illness.
what happened and to collectively determine how to increase school safety and security. The incident came just weeks after a stabbing incident at Government High School drew national attention. The incident left three students injured. Marvin Dames, the former deputy commissioner of police and the Free National Movement’s candidate for Mount Mariah, called for metal detectors to be placed at entrances to every junior and senior high school in the country in the wake of that incident, a proposal that was criticised by National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage during last week’s Progressive
Stressing how key “vigilance” has been for the staff and personnel at school campuses, the Marathon MP said schools have now grown to mirror every occurrence seen throughout society. “We just have to be vigilant and at the end of the day, unfortunate as this is and it really breaks my heart whenever I hear of an incident like this, but I continue to say that our schools are just a microcosm of our society and our communities. “(Government and education officials) have done everything we can to keep (violence) away from our school campuses and to a greater extent, the job that has been done over the past
few years has been commendable,” said Mr Fitzgerald. The Marathon MP added that more still has to be done to further limit the occurrences of violence on school campuses, asserting that whenever incidents similar to what occurred at Government High School happen, “it is one too many”. To that end, the Education Minister said he and his Ministry has taken a “zero tolerance” to violent incidents on campuses. “I have said from day one, I have a zero tolerance for crime and any incident that happens involving crime on school campuses. We have moved extremely swiftly, to use that word, even if it means the prosecution of individuals involved. We have moved swiftly with
that as well. “So I have been very serious, the ministry has taken a zero tolerance and I think you have seen the results of that over the years,” added Mr Fitzgerald. In the wake the latest incident, there has been an increase in calls for tougher policies and heightened police presence at schools. Among others, Marvin Dames, the former deputy commissioner of police and the Free National Movement’s candidate for Mount Mariah, said this month that metal detectors should be placed at entrances into junior and senior high public schools. Mr Dames also called for the presence of additional security guards on campus. Despite those calls, however, there have been segments of society that have
spoken in support of the government looking to address this issue at a social and psychological level. Project Youth Justice (PYJ), a legal aid service organisation for youth in conflict with the law, said actions like the ones proposed by Mr Dames will prove counter productive amid a justice system that often inflicts overly harsh punishment on youth. The organisation said the government must avoid transforming our public school system into a pipeline that funnels our young people into the formal criminal justice system to be abused by adult inmates and conditioned into hardened criminals. The Government High School incident was the first of its kind reported for the year.
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, February 1, 2017, PAGE 7
Zonta Club seeks to raise funds for Ranfurly Home THE Zonta Club of New Providence is looking to raise much-needed funds to assist in the construction of the country’s first transition home at the Ranfurly Home for Children. On Saturday, February 4, the club is hosting a ‘Tapas n’ Jazz’ event at the Sapodilla restaurant, West Bay Street, with the venue transformed into a jazz garden as premier jazz artists in the country take to the stage to help generate much needed funds to help get the nonprofit children’s home further to their target of building transition homes. Proceeds will also go towards Zonta Club of New Providence’s annual programme that equips unemployed women with work skills to help them get back into the working world. “This fundraiser will be a lovely evening of fun, food and live entertainment that will benefit our Workforce Readiness Programme and the Ranfurly’s Transition Home,” said club President Claudine Farquharson. “One of the projects envisioned by this club is that of a transition or halfway
PRESIDENT of the Ranfurly Home Alexandra Maillis-Lynch, president of the Zonta Club of New Providence Claudine Farquharson and Ranfurly Home Administrator Alexander Roberts announce the fundraising ‘Jazz n’ Tapas’ event. home for women and young to successfully transition Lynch, said the home was mentor that can financially be an adult in the right situgirls. While this is still a vi- and integrate into the wider important because many support them, then they’re ations that allows them to children who pass through on their own. It hasn’t been feel that they’re a part of a sion, in the interim, we have society.” Transition homes are the doors of the Ranfurly do good in the past and kids family.” an opportunity to partner with the Ranfurly as they needed for children who not have the back-up of fam- have fallen away to bad inArtwork from the chilwork to construct such a would have lived in the ily and security to help them fluences. This home would dren living at the Ranfurly give them that stopgap for Home will also be on sale home for young adults. The Ranfurly Home but have better ease into adulthood. “At 18 they are required two years where they would at the ‘Tapas n’ Jazz’ event, transition home will be to move out of the Home as to leave home care,” she abide by certain rules that which starts at 7 pm. Tickused to house young ladies they come of age. President of the Ranfurly said. “If they are one of the would go with the home and ets are available at Physiin separate quarters from young men as they prepare Home, Alexandra Maillis- children who don’t have a they will learn what it is to ocare, Mackey Street.
NHI REGISTRATION OF PHYSICIANS BEGINS from page one
Dr Brennen said the NHI Secretariat is encouraging PCPs to register with NHI as soon as possible, adding that “the sooner you’re involved the sooner you’ll be in the database of our primary care providers and that will allow our beneficiaries to be able to chose you as your primary care physician.” Nonetheless, Dr Brennen insisted that based on the positive feedback NHI officials have received from various PCPs, executing the enrolment phase of the proposed scheme should not be an issue. “…We have garnered lots of enthusiasm from our primary care providers, so we do look forward to quite a number of them being involved,” he said. “And I think as evidenced by the amount of discussion you’ve heard in the marketplace and through the media, that they are interested in what is coming out as a product and many of them have expressed their interest to us both in public and in private that they are willing to be a part of it.” He added: “Not every provider in the country is a primary care provider. Many of our providers are practising in specialties or sub-specialties that are outside of the benefit package for National Health Insurance Bahamas. So we can’t say that it really matters that everyone is involved. We know that we have the
support of a number of primary care providers that will be required to be in, so I don’t think we’ll have an issue with being able to deliver the service.” NHI will be rolled out in five phases, according to government officials, beginning with the registration phase, which started last year with the issuance of the new NIB smart cards. That phase is followed by the enrolment, primary healthcare coverage, select catastrophic coverage, and full benefits coverage phases, respectively, according to the NHI website. Regarding when persons will actually be able to use NHI, Dr Brennen said that depends on how swiftly the PCP registration exercise is conducted and subsequently concluded, and ultimately how quickly the NHI Secretariat transitions into the ensuing stages. However, it should be noted that the launch date for the $100m primary care phase has been pushed back to May 2017, as per notes obtained by The Tribune from last week’s meeting of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Stakeholder Advisory Council. The primary care phase was initially supposed to be launched in April of last year, but has since been postponed several times. Dr Brennen had previously said that the launch would take place during the first quarter of this year. “Once people have their NIB smart card, and we open enrolment, that is to
come as soon as we have our primary care providers on board, then once that process is completed we’ll be able to launch with the service,” Dr Brennen said when asked about the matter. About a possible timeframe for the aforementioned, he said: “…We don’t have a timeframe because we are dependent upon making sure that our providers are provided with the information that they need, and that they then sign on as registered providers. “We do know, given the providers we had an opportunity to interact with, many of them are enthusiastic getting that started, it’s evidenced by people coming in and saying they are supportive of the programme, so we are assured that this process will happen in a timely manner, and as that happens we’ll be able to then open enrolment.” In order to register with NHI, PCPs will need to complete and submit a “self-assessment form,” which he said is for determining if their respective facilities qualify “to deliver services under NHI Bahamas.” He noted that only the following PCPs are eligible: family doctors, general practitioners, general internists, obstetricians, gynaecologists and paediatricians. Upon submitting the application, applicants will be provided with a reference number via confirmation email, Dr Brennen said.
Following the aforementioned, he said PCPs will be contacted by the Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities Licensing Board to schedule an inspection of their facility. Proof of malpractice insurance for each physician and licenses or certificates of “all other health professionals” listed in any facility must be provided to the inspector during the inspection. Dr Brennen said after the inspection, providers will be contacted by NHI Baha-
mas, at which time “the result of the inspection will be communicated.” PCPs can be graded as “registered with merits”, “registered”, “provisional registration” or “no registration.” There is the option of discussing with NHI officials should any one provider not succeed in passing the inspection, Dr Brennen said. “This is exciting because I know that healthcare providers in this country are committed to providing quality care to all who need
it,” he added. “The close relationship and standards set by NHI Bahamas and the hospitals and healthcare facilities licensing board is helping to raise the standard of healthcare across the board in both the public and private sector,” he said. “All facilities under NHI Bahamas must meet this standard. This will ensure our system will improve and patients will reap the benefits from this increase quality of care.”
Retail Front End Supervisor A detail oriented individual with exceptional, familiar retail knowledge with retail environments and supervisor customer service skills. Also must have the ability to guide and lead a small team of store personnel. Job Entails: Day to day oversight of daily operations of Butler’s Bargain Mart, inventory management of the store, and preparation of all store promotion and regular interaction with vendors to maintain a wide selection of products.
Job Requirements: • • • • • ELDRI MACKEY, BTC’s vice-president for the Northern Bahamas, receives the corporate donor award from Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling and the 2016 Red Cross executive committee.
AWARD FOR BTC FROM RED CROSS BALL BTC has been recognised for its commitment to the Bahamas Red Cross in 2016 with a corporate donor award. A platinum sponsor at the annual Red Cross Ball on Saturday, BTC was honoured for its involvement with the Red Cross, an organisation which BTC
CEO Leon Williams said had “for years has played an integral role in leading various community initiatives across the country.” Mr Williams added: “In the last two years alone, BTC has donated over $1m to fund a variety of causes and initiatives by the Red Cross including Hurricane
Joaquin and Hurricane Matthew restoration efforts.” Eldri Mackey, BTC’s vice-president for the Northern Bahamas, received the corporate donor award from Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling and the 2016 Red Cross executive committee.
•
Person applying should have at least 2 years experience Candidate should have good communication skill, keen eye for detail and knowledgeable of computers and software. Must be a team player, self motivated, loyal and honest. Must also be organized and able to set daily agendas for staff. Ability to check in and out product into the store and assist with inventory and rotation of stock as needed Willing to work hard and flexible hours.
Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Interested persons are welcome to send their resume: vacancy@milobutler.com (242) 677-6380 P. O. Box N-712 Nassau, Bahamas
PAGE 8, Wednesday, February 1, 2017
THE PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party 2017 Convention at The Melia Nassau Beach Resort.
THE TRIBUNE
Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
Opposition forces must tap into popular outrage A
S we head into the second month of 2017, the political battle lines for the upcoming general election are becoming clearer. The old guard of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) - and by old we mean geriatric - confirmed their mafialike grip on the party at the first convention allowed to be held in seven years. They are doubling down on promises and threats as the campaign begins. The Minnis wing of the Free National Movement (FNM) bumbles along with business as usual, and no apparent strategy or plan, confident in their faith that the government will simply fall into their hands no matter what they do or don’t do. And those seven FNM parliamentarians who believed Minnis lacks political skills are now on an exposed ledge, figuring out how to move forward. Meanwhile, the powerhungry Democratic National Alliance (DNA) jackals are nipping at the heels of both legacy parties, even as ‘We March’ activists seek to concentrate popular outrage at the status quo. Added to this complex pot are untried groupings like the United Peoples Movement, formed by exPLP MP Greg Moss and labour leader John Pinder. Dr Hubert Minnis, who remains leader of the “official” FNM although he
was deposed by his fellow MPs, recently likened PLP leaders to “drowning men clutching at straws”. In response, Prime Minister Perry Christie called Minnis a bit player in “an impossible position” who should sit small in order to hide his political inadequacies. In the view of DNA leader Bran McCartney, Christie heads the worst government ever, yet the FNM has been unable to mount an effective opposition under Minnis’ leadership - an analysis that cannot be disputed by any reasonable observer. In contrast, McCartney praised Loretta ButlerTurner as a “history-maker” when she appointed him leader of opposition business in the Senate last December. The Long Island MP, who is the granddaughter of national hero Sir Milo Butler, has had several weeks for her political strategy to play out since she ousted Minnis as opposition leader in Parliament. By some accounts, she
and her colleagues were spurred by FNM backers to depose Minnis in the expectation he would step down as party leader. But that did not happen. Instead, the rebels face expulsion from the FNM. Butler-Turner had been talking to McCartney about an alliance with the DNA that would allow both groups to field candidates separately. McCartney’s senate appointment was billed as the first step on this road, but there has been no apparent movement since. “The plan was a superb opportunity for right-thinking people to join a nonestablishment movement including the DNA and other opposition groups,” she told me recently. “The FNM and DNA had obviously failed in their attempts at an alliance. That didn’t happen, but we are working on a slate of independent candidates.” According to a prominent DNA backer, “We spoke to the FNM rebels before and after their ouster of Minnis, but they could not decide, so we have to move on.” He added that the DNA would not run in every constituency and was open to noncompete agreements with other opposition forces. He also provided back-
ground on earlier efforts - but failed to take a single to forge an agreement with seat. By 2014, McCartney Minnis and the FNM, be- and others were claimginning in 2015. “At first, ing party membership of we discussed a full-blown 23,000. And insiders now coalition. There was a joint say they have 35,000 regisnegotiating committee, an tered members. Memberarbitration committee, and ship figures for the PLP and lawyers were standing by to FNM have never been pubdraw up a legal agreement, licly available. but it never went anywhere. By all accounts there is Further attempts collapsed huge national disenchantover the number of seats ment with Perry Christie’s each side would be allo- PLP administration. And cated (the DNA initially for the first time in memory, wanted 15). And that was Bahamians are not inspired the end of to register to talks. Every- ‘In the view of vote. Only one came to half the numthe table ex- DNA leader Bran ber of voters cept Minnis.” McCartney, Christie who regisHe at- heads the worst tered in the tributed this last election failure to government ever, have registhe FNM’s yet the FNM has tered so far “entrenched been unable to about 88,000. mindset” as By October a legacy par- mount an effective 2011 - seven ty. “It’s hard opposition under months befor them to the May Minnis’ leadership fore let go, but 2012 general the political - an analysis that election reality has cannot be disputed 134,000 votchanged. The ers had regPLP is even by any reasonable istered. It is worse. They observer.’ impossible to are almost a know which cult. The DNA is a legiti- parties the reluctant voters mate party, not a spoiler. support. We have all the funding we An election cannot be need and we are working called until the Boundaries hard. In the end, it will be Commission report is deus who decides who gov- bated and approved in Parerns.” liament. But the report has According to one FNM yet to be finalised. Some insider, “Strenuous efforts expect Christie to call a have been made to get a snap election before Easter, deal between the DNA and assuming the boundaries FNM but both leaders are report is approved. But he too hard-headed to com- does not have to do so until promise. I don’t see any May 27 - the fifth anniverdeal being done before the sary of the first sitting of the election.” Minnis’ closest House after dissolution. advisors did not respond to The dilemma for the opmy inquiries. position is best illustrated The DNA won 13,000 by looking at the Montagu votes in the 2012 election - constituency, which has impressive for a new party long been a safe seat for the
FNM. The 2012 election was the closest race ever in this constituency. The PLP and FNM each won seven polling divisions and the FNM managed to scrape through by scores of votes. If there are no boundary changes the opposition should win the same seven divisions again. But changes could benefit the PLP. This is complicated by the fact that Richard Lightbourne, the incumbent MP, is no longer supported by the FNM, who have nominated Dionisio d’Aguilar. Nomination of a fourth (DNA) candidate may depend on whether Butler-Turner can cut a deal with McCartney. Parliament is supposed to debate the Freedom of Information bill today, and Butler-Turner expects to make a major presentation. She is also slated to deliver more speeches in the days ahead that may help to clarify opposition politics. As the duly elected leader of the FNM since 2012, Hubert Minnis must bear the most responsibility for the fracturing of opposition forces. It is he who should be making efforts and giving speeches to help put the pieces back together. But the real elephant in the room may no longer be the DNA or the rebel MPs but the ‘We March’ movement. If the opposition forces could respond genuinely to their demands with achievable solutions the battle will have been won. Question is: who among the opposition forces is best positioned to respond genuinely?
A three-year project to develop nature-based tourism in the Bahamas culminated last week with the certification of nine advanced tour guides during a reception at the British Colonial Hilton. The Bird-based Tourism Initiative was a joint project of the Bahamas National Trust (BNT), the National Audubon Society and the Ministry of Tourism. Birding is a multi-billiondollar global travel market. And bird enthusiasts are generally high-income earners who spend more money and time here, bringing greater value to the economy. These visitors also tend to rely more on local goods and services when travelling, while supporting conservation projects in the destination. Tourism Deputy Director-General Ellison
Thompson was the keynote speaker at the official launch ceremony attended by environmentalists and travel professionals. “This is about the diversification of Bahamian tourism,” he said. “We can brand certain islands as birding destinations and this is good marketing. Every Bahamian needs a to go on one of these tours and we need to protect what we offer.” Thompson said the tours will soon be featured on the BahamaGo travel booking site, which specialises in out island connections and activities. Other speakers included Deputy Director of Audubon’s International Alliances Programme, Matt Jeffrey; BNT President Larry Glinton; and Erika Gates of Grand Bahama Nature Tours - one of the first ecotourism businesses in the country.
Fifty-eight bird tour guides from Inagua, Andros and New Providence have been trained over the past three years. Nine have advanced qualifications and can lead specialised tours to any island in the country. Funded by the InterAmerican Development Bank, the programme developed travel itineraries, public education, marketing and business support materials for the tour guides. There are over 300 bird species in the Bahamas. The tour guide training covered bird biology, environmental threats and conservation measures, as well as and extensive field training to spot and identify birds.
What do you think? Send comments to lsmith@tribunemedia.net or visit www. bahamapundit.com
When birds thrive, people prosper “This is about jobs and the economy, not just bird conservation,” Jeffrey said. “But when birds thrive, people prosper. We are putting the Bahamas on the map for bird tourism.” Nature tourism involves responsible travel to natural areas, combined with lowimpact activities that conserve the environment and help local communities. Tourism accounts for 10 per cent of the world’s Gross Domestic Product, and 2017 has been declared the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development by the United Nations. The aim is to support policies, business practices and consumer behaviour that contribute to inclusive growth, poverty reduction and the protection of cultural and environmental assets. Bird tourism can play an important role in this.
What do you think? Send comments to lsmith@tribunemedia.net or visit www. bahamapundit.com
THE TRIBUNE THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, February 1st, 2017, PAGE A9 Wednesday, February 1, 2017, PAGE 9
ENTREPRENEURS RACE TO DEVELOP
TECHTALK
FLYING CAR
EVEN before George Jetson entranced kids with his cartoon flying car, people dreamed of soaring above traffic congestion. Inventors and entrepreneurs have long tried and failed to make the dream a reality, but that may be changing. Nearly a dozen companies around the globe, including some with deep pockets such as European aircraft maker Airbus, are competing to be the first to develop a new kind of aircraft that will enable commuters to glide above crowded roadways. A few of the aircraft under development are cars with wings that unfold for flight, but most aren’t cars at all. Typically they take off and land vertically like helicopters. Rather than a single, large main rotor, they have multiple small rotors. Each rotor is operated by a battery-powered electric motor instead of a conventional aircraft piston engine. It’s no sure bet that flyingcar dreams will turn into reality. There are many obstacles, including convincing regulators that the aircraft are safe, figuring out how to handle thousands of new low-flying aircraft over cities without collisions and developing batteries that will keep them aloft long enough to be useful. But entrepreneurs are moving forward. They see a vast potential market for “air taxis” and personally owned small aircraft to transport
THE conceptual design of the Joby S2 Electric VTOL PAV aircraft. (AP)
THIS artist rendering by Airbus shows a vehicle in their flying car project, Vahana. (AP) people from the fringes of metropolitan areas to city centres as urban areas grow more congested and people spend more time stuck in traffic. They envision tens of thousands of one or twoperson flying taxis delivering passengers to the rooftops of office buildings in city centres and other landing pads during rush hours. “In as little as 10 years, products could be on the market that revolutionise urban travel for millions of people,” said Zach Lovering, the leader of Airbus’ project to develop an autonomous flying taxi called the Vahana. The name means the mount or vehicle of a Hindu deity. Uber released a 98-page report in October making the business case for air taxis, which the company sees as the future of on-demand transportation. Uber doesn’t
have any plans to develop a flying car itself, but the online transportation network is advising several companies that have aircraft in the works. “The role we want to play is as a catalyst for the entire industry,” said Nikhil Goel, an Uber project manager for advanced programmes. Some of the aircraft are drones that passengers will be able to program for flight using a smartphone. Others will be operated from the ground or a command centre, and some are designed for human pilots. It’s unclear yet how much the aircraft will cost, although prices are likely to vary significantly. Some of the aircraft are designed to be individually owned, while others are envisioned more for commercial use. Designers hope that if demand is high, prices can
be kept affordable through economies of mass production. Several recent developments could make these aircraft possible. Advances in computing power mean the rotors on multi-copter drones can be adjusted many times per second, making the aircraft easy to control. Drones have also benefited from advances in battery and electric motor technology. Some companies, like Chinese dronemaker EHang, are scaling-up drones so that they can carry people. Another aircraft under development, Santa Cruz, California-based Joby Aviation’s S2, looks more like a conventional plane except that there are 12 tiltrotors spread along the wings and tail. And some, like the Vahana, a cockpit mounted on a sled and flanked by propellers in front and back, don’t really look like any aircraft in the skies today. “In terms of what you can make fly in a reliable manner, the solution speed gateway that (computer) chips
have gone through recently have literally opened the door to a whole new world of flying machine possibilities,” said Charles Eastlake, an Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University professor emeritus of aerospace engineering. But he also cautioned: “My best engineering guess is that people actually using autonomous air taxis in the next 10 or 15 years is possible, but definitely not certain. The challenges are big.” Key for many of the designs will be the development of longer-lasting lightweight batteries. Currently available batteries could probably keep an air taxi aloft about 15 to 30 minutes before it would have to land, experts said. Depending on how fast the aircraft flies, that probably isn’t quite enough to transport passengers between nearby cities or across metropolitan areas, experts said. JOAN LOWY, Associated Press
‘FATHER OF PAC-MAN’ HAS DIED AGE 91 MASAYA Nakamura, the “Father of PacMan” who founded the Japanese video game company behind the hit creature-gobbling game, has died. He was 91. Nakamura, who died on Jan. 22, founded Namco, part of Bandai Namco, in 1955. It started out as just two mechanical horse rides on a department store rooftop but went on to pioneer game arcades and amusement parks. Bandai Namco, formed in 2005 from a merger of two game companies, confirmed Monday that Nakamura had died. Pac-Man, designed by Namco engineer and video game maker Toru Iwatani, went on sale in 1980, at a time when there were few rival games, such as Space Invaders. The plucky yellow circle with the huge mouth was a huge hit. It’s estimated to have been played more than 10 billion times: Guinness World Record has named it the world’s most successful coin-operated arcade game. The game was non-violent but just challenging enough to hook players into steering the Pac-Man for hours through its mazes on the hunt for ghostly tidbits. The iconic Pac-Man adorns T-shirts and other merchandise and inspired animation shows, a breakfast cereal and even the nickname for Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao. The idea for Pac-Man’s design came from the image of a pizza with a slice carved out. Nakamura reportedly chose the word “Pac,” or “pakku” in Japanese, to represent the sound of the Pac-Man munching its prey. “Pac-Man is a gamer friendly game with tons of cute characters and that’s why it was loved for such a long time,” Iwatani said in 2015 at a New York red carpet premiere of “Pixels,” that featured Pac-Man creatures and featured him in a cameo role. The game started out as an arcade item and then was at first played on the Nintendo Family Computer home console. It since has been adapted for cellphones, PlayStation and
MARTIN SHEEN in a scene from ‘Apocalypse Now’.
THE classic arcade game, Pac-Man. (AP)
FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA DEVELOPS ‘APOCALYPSE NOW’ VIDEO GAME
Xbox formats. Other hits from Namco include driving simulation games like “Ridge Racer” and a drumming game. Nakamura was a key player in Bandai Namco’s global growth. His pet saying was that his company delivered varied and total entertainment. He took pride in having fun and games for his job. The company reported Nakamura’s death but would not comment on its cause or other personal details, citing his family’s wishes. A private wake and funeral were held for the family, but a separate memorial is being planned, Bandai-Namco said.
FRANCIS Ford Coppola wants to make an “Apocalypse Now” video game and he’s hoping fans will help pay for it. The director has launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise $900,000 for what he says will be an “immersive, psychedelic horror role-playing game” based on his classic 1979 Vietnam War film. In a message on the crowd-funding site, Coppola said he wanted to experiment with a new platform and bring “Apocalypse Now” to a new generation. Coppola said video game publishers wouldn’t provide him the artistic freedom he’s seeking, comparing them to risk-free Hollywood movie studios. He said the game will put you in the middle of the war, but the object is not to be killed rather than to kill. Coppola is targeting to finish it by fall 2020.
YURI KAGEYAMA, AP Business Writer
Associated Press
• SLACK Technologies, a fast-growing startup trying to wean businesses off email by hooking employees on its more informal messaging service, is now hoping to snare the world’s biggest companies as customers. On Tuesday, the company unveiled a new feature intended to let workers in different departments communicate more easily with each other. The new option, called “Enterprise Grid,” is Slack’s latest step toward its ambitious goal of making life at work “simpler, more pleasant and more productive.” In contrast to traditional email, Slack works more like a social network, allowing employees to share their thoughts, updates, web links and documents in channels that can be viewed on a personal computer or smartphone. • JAPAN ESE video game maker Nintendo Co.’s third-quarter profit more than doubled from a year earlier on healthy sales of Pokemon game software, the company said Tuesday. Nintendo, which makes Super Mario games and will start selling the Switch console March 3, reported a better-than-expected October-December profit of 64.7 billion yen ($569 million), up from 29.1 billion yen in the same period of 2015. Kyoto-based Nintendo raised its full year profit forecast to 90 billion yen ($792 million) from an earlier 50 billion yen ($440 million). That would mark a more than five-fold increase from what it earned the previous fiscal year. It kept its sales forecast unchanged at 470 billion yen ($4.1 billion). Nintendo’s quarterly sales slipped 21 percent to 174.3 billion yen ($1.5 billion). • ROBOTS about the size of a beer cooler could soon be rolling down Virginia sidewalks to deliver sandwiches, groceries or packages. Supporters say proposed legislation to allow the robots would make the state the first in the nation to regulate such devices. State lawmakers partnered with European company Starship Technologies on bills allowing Virginia cities to join two others in the U.S. and many across Europe where the company is testing its largely autonomous earthbound robots. Much like other tech companies’ attempts at airborne drone deliveries, Starship aims to revolutionise the way people get their parcels. Representatives from the company visited Richmond recently for a demonstration. With six wheels, a top that swings open and a flag for visibility, Starship’s compact “personal delivery devices” are designed to carry goods within a 2- to 3-mile radius. They can hold up to 22 pounds, or about three shopping bags’
PAGE 10, Wednesday, February 1, 2017
CALL FOR ELECTORAL SYSTEM TO BE MORE TRANSPARENT, MORE EGALITARIAN A GROUP of civil society organisations are calling on Bahamians to help design an electoral system that is “less cumbersome, more transparent, more fair and more egalitarian” than the one the country currently has. Civil Society Bahamas (CBS) yesterday launched a Citizen’s Task Force for Electoral Reform and appealed for the people’s engagement by planning a series of public meetings throughout The Bahamas to hear the views of citizens on seven recommendations. The group is calling for the establishment of an Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IBEC), comprised of prominent Bahamian citizens, to manage all aspects of the electoral system. “IBEC would conduct national and primary elections; would be responsible for the registration, and eventual enumeration of voters; would maintain an online register of voters; would be responsible for the drawing of constituency boundaries, and regulate the amount of money spent by political parties and candidates,” a statement from CBS said. The group contends that fundamental changes be made to the system of registration of voters. “Citizens should not have to establish their citizenship every five years, and there are no good reasons why citizens must
register to vote every five years,” CBS said, recommending the establishment of a Permanent Register of Voters. Once registered, the citizen would be given a registration number, which he or she retains for a lifetime. CSB also plans to reform campaign finance, including limiting the amounts of money candidates and political parties can raise and spend; limiting the amount of individual contributions to parties and candidates; a ban on contributions from non-national individuals and foreign-owned businesses, and regular reporting of contributions and spending to IBEC. The group said it believes that the registration of political parties with IBEC is necessary, since IBEC will be responsible for the conduct of elections and the monitoring of political parties. It suggests a process of primary elections which would ensure that the candidate has maximum loyalty to the people represented as they would choose the candidate for election. Further, constituencies should be able to recall their member of Parliament if constituents are unhappy with the representation provided. CBS proposes a petition signed by 25 per cent of registered voters, collected within ten consecutive working days, would force the resignation of the member of Parliament, and a by-
election. And the group said constituency boundaries should be redrawn less frequently, “if necessary, every ten years within a year, and after the national census”. CBS urged all eligible citizens to register to vote as soon as possible in order to participate in the general elections this year. “Voting in elections and choosing the persons who will manage the affairs of the country are, arguably, the highest duty of the citizen. Citizens should register to vote despite the perceived difficulties that are part and parcel of the current system,” the group said. In future, CBS said the Bahamas should “at least have a conversation around the issue of Proportional Representation” in light of its proposals and in view of the number of political parties entering this year’s contest. Civil Society Bahamas (CBS) says it is an umbrella organisation representing the interests of all the non- profit and non governmental organisations in the The Bahamas since 2005. It is a non-partisan, non-governmental, civil society organisation which focuses on the betterment of individuals through improvement of their general social, economic, spiritual and mental welfare. For more information visit www.civilsocietybahamas.org
THE TRIBUNE
THOMAS CAREY, Furniture Plus supervisor, with Sheila Grant and Florence Pratt, of the Elizabeth Estates Children’s Home. Photo: S Jerron Knowles
BLANKETS DONATED TO CHILDREN FURNITURE Plus and The Charity of Hope Foundation teamed up this winter to provide warm fleece blankets to hundreds of children, ranging from toddlers to teens, living in foster care across The Bahamas as a part of the company’s “Bundles of Blankets” Christmas campaign. The company’s goal was to gift each child with a durable, quality blanket of their own, to keep them warm during the chilly months. The receiving children’s homes and organisations span three islands and included The Elizabeth Estates Children’s Home, The Ranfurly Home For Children, The Bilney Lane Children’s Home, The Children’s Emergency Hostel, The Nazareth Centre, The Grand Bahama Children’s Home, and the “Every Child Counts” programme
in Abaco. Krystynia Lee d’Arville, Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Organisational Development at Furniture Plus, said: “Coming on the heels of Hurricane Matthew, where so many lost so much, it was imperative to find a way to meaningfully impact as many children as possible. Although a very simple and practical idea, I envisioned that each child would feel a sense of warmth, security and comfort, snuggled in their new blankets.” As an annual holiday tradition, proceeds from the sale of handcrafted, scented holiday candles and festive “Angels of Hope” from the Furniture Plus showrooms in Nassau, Grand Bahama, and Abaco were combined with a generous donation from the company and used to purchase the blankets. Historically, Furniture
Plus and The Charity of Hope Foundation have also partnered throughout the year to give back to the community and assist local charities, including The Seahorse Institute, Mission Educate Bahamas, The Abaco Cancer Society and HeadKnowles. This year Furniture Plus and The Charity of Hope Foundation will continue the momentum with six new “give-back” campaigns scheduled for 2017. These will also allow customers to use their purchasing power to help worthy causes and charitable organisations throughout the country. “Furniture Plus will continue to champion the causes close to home and our hearts, and find innovative ways to add value to our relationship with our valued customers, and the communities we’re proud to serve,” Mrs d’Arville said.
THE BAHAMAS TO HOST INTER-AMERICAN EDUCATION MEETING By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
EDUCATION officials yesterday announced plans to host the ninth InterAmerican Meeting of Ministers of Education in conjunction with Ministry of
Foreign Affairs. The highlight of the event for The Bahamas will centre on a memorandum of understanding that will be signed between the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST) and the General Secretariat of the Organisation
of American States (OAS) countries in their scholarship and training programmes. Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald made the announcement Tuesday during a press conference at the Ministry of Education’s Thompson Boulevard
headquarters. The agreement will provide scholarships for the completion of technical studies, certificates, undergraduate and graduate degrees at colleges and universities identified by the OAS and the ministry in OAS member states and permanent observer countries. He added that the agreement will grant opportunities in 29 academic areas and 27 technical areas that have been identified as priority areas by MOEST. “Bahamians will have access to the OAS’s consortium of universities that comprises almost 40 universities that will provide partial or full scholarships to Bahamians as well as other incentives,” said the Marathon MP. He added: “Furthermore, 15 partnership programmes
for education and training are being agreed upon, with the vast majority catering to those pursuing master’s degrees. “There are also 29 professional development courses, most of which are online that Bahamians will have access to at a significantly reduced cost.” Mr Fitzgerald said MOEST remains committed to professional development, and to that end, has made it mandatory for their teachers to attain a minimum number of credit hours per year. “As a result of the alliances that we are forging, our teachers will have access to the Inter-American Teacher Education Network. “We are excited about the Inter-American Teacher Education Network (ITEN). The goal of ITEN
is to improve the quality of education in the Americas through pedagogical innovation in the classroom,” he added. The multi-day conference, set to get underway at the Atlantis Resort next Thursday, will bring together officials from 33 OAS countries. For the first time in the meeting’s history, a trade exhibition will be showcased which will feature innovative educational products from approximately 20 local and international exhibitors who will also display good practices in education. The theme for the InterAmerican Meeting of Ministers of Education is “An Inter-American Education Agenda: Building Alliances Towards Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals”.
FATHER FOUND GUILTY OF ABETMENT OF MURDER By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
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COGEN Newbold Sr, of Freeport, was found guilty of abetment to murder in the Supreme Court in Grand Bahama yesterday. A jury of nine women returned around 2pm with a unanimous guilty verdict against the 44-year-old father, who allegedly abetted a man to kill a key witness in an armed robbery trial involving his son.
The prosecution’s case was that Newbold, between April and May 2015, purposefully abetted Omar Rolle to kill Charmine Poitier, a principal witness in an armed robbery trial against his son, Cogen Newbold Jr. Defence counsel Simone Brown, who represented Newbold at the trial, requested a pre-sentence report from the Department of Social Services. Prosecutor Sheanda Cooper Rolle of the Attorney General’s Office did not object.
Justice Estelle Gray Evans set a date for the sentencing hearing on March 30 at 10am in the Supreme Court. Before dismissing the jurors, she thanked them for their time. Attorney Brown told The Tribune that she intends to appeal. “We respect the jury and their role and function as jury members, but obviously … we are not pleased with the result and we intend to appeal,” she said outside the courthouse.
READERS REACT TO PM’S CRITICISM OF MINNIS AS A MINOR PLAYER AFTER Prime Minister Perry Christie hit back at FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis for likening the PLP to a group of “drowning men,” calling the Killarney MP a “minor player” in the House of Assembly, readers gave their views on tribune242.com. Publius said: “In the context of the composition of Parliament, which is what Christie was referring to, he is right. Minnis is now a minor player in the House among Opposition members. He is minor in every other substantive way too, but Christie is speaking about the composition of the members Opposite.” OMG agreed with the Prime Minister: “Not a
PLP supporter, but Christie makes Minnis look like a rank amateur. Minnis has given this election away along with Butler. Sad but true.” John had some advice for the FNM leader: “Minnis needs to continue to ‘goosey’ the PM and remind the electorate that despite their bragging and boasting at their own convention, the country is close to being a failed state. And the government still cannot tell
you where the VAT money gone.” And there was this from DEDDIE: “It appears that some of you drank some of the same Kool Aid Perry got at the convention. During the last election more people opposed the PLP compared to those who supported them. Eight seats the PLP won by less than 100 votes. Consider the fact that another 10,000 youths have graduated and are without work. Even though, the majority of them are unemployable they cast the blame on the government. They are looking for a scapegoat.” • Don’t miss your chance to join the debate on tribune242.com.
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, February 1, 2017, PAGE 11
INDIRA COLLIE, PR manager (BTC), Edward Munroe (student of the Month for Grade 11) and James Clarke (principal, Doris Johnson Senior High)
BTC HONOUR STAR STUDENTS BTC again recognised the accomplishments of students at Doris Johnson Senior High School. This month, all boys with athletic aspirations were recognised. The students, Ashton McDonald, Edward Munroe and Eleazor Goodman from the 10th, 11th and 12th grades received this distinguished honour. BTC Public Relations Manager Indira Collie said: “It takes a village to raise a
child, and BTC continues to play an active role in building a better future for The Bahamas. Incentives like these, go a long way in proving to our children that hard work does have its merits.” School principal James Clarke said: “The BTC/ Mystic Marlin Student of the Month programme encourages our kids to go the extra mile and we are grateful for BTC’s support. I’m particularly proud that this month we are
recognising all male students, it demonstrates that all is not lost. It also proves that with parental and community support, all things are possible.” Each student received a smart phone and a cash incentive from BTC. Every month, Doris Johnson Senior High School identifies one student from each grade level. BTC has five adopted schools in New Providence and over 30 adopted schools nationwide.
INDIRA COLLIE, PR manager (BTC), Ashton McDonald (student of the Month for Grade 10) and James Clarke (principal, Doris Johnson Senior High).
INDIRA COLLIE, Eleazor Goodman (student of the Month for Grade 12) and James Clarke (principal, Doris Johnson Senior High School).
PAGE 12, Wednesday, February 1, 2017
MINISTER for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville talking to clinical nurses destined for the island.
THE TRIBUNE
Photo: Lisa Davis/BIS
25 trained clinical nurses to work in Grand Bahama GRAND Bahama Minister Dr Michael Darville applauded a new initiative that recently produced 25 trained clinical nurses, graduates of a programme that is the collaboration of the Public Hospitals Authority, the University of The Bahamas and the Ministry for Grand Bahama. He gave the keynote address at a church service on Sunday at New Destiny Kingdom Centre in their honour.
Dr Darville mentioned that he had not long ago announced that a Trained Clinical Nursing Programme would be implemented in Grand Bahama. He said: “Today, as I stand before our outstanding 25 participants, their families and their friends to celebrate their achievements before the Almighty, we can once again say a promise by this government has been fulfilled
for the people of Grand Bahama. “When we came to office in 2012, we made a commitment to the people of the Bahamas and especially those on Grand Bahama to advance our nation and island’s healthcare system. “Over the past five years on the island of Grand Bahama, we have spent over $1m to upgrade and renovate all outlying public healthcare facilities, we
have purchased new CT scan machines and MRI machines, we have spent $2.3m to upgrade the kitchen and cafeteria and this will allow for more space at the hospital for new beds to cater to more patients, spent $1.6m to create a new private suite for doctors, broke ground for a new clinic in West Grand Bahama, made provisions for a Freeport Clinic and made plans for a state-of-the-art $10m new hospital for Grand Bahama
Island all in an effort to move us towards a system of universal National Health Insurance. “We also made a promise to double the investment in education. “By partnering with members of corporate Bahamas such as the Grand Bahama Shipyard to create training programmes like the job empowerment programme or expanding training initiatives such as this one, the Trained Clini-
cal Nursing Programme (of) Grand Bahama, we have done just that. “We remain focused in our vision and steadfast in our efforts of empowering Bahamians to empower Bahamians. “Today, 25 individuals are well on their way to becoming new nurses and members of the medical community, equipped with new skills and training and will be empowered to save countless lives.”
WENDY’S JOINS ANTI-TRAFFICKING CAMPAIGN
AYLA ROBERTS, communications officer from The Bahamas Crisis Centre, and Selina Archer, Wendy’s marketing manager, showcase the Trafficking In Persons tray liners. TO HIGHLIGHT the the company was grateful issue of human traffick- for the support of organiing, Wendy’s Bahamas has sations like The Bahamas again partnered with the Crisis Centre and the NaNational Trafficking in Per- tional Trafficking In Persons Task Force and The sons Task Force in working Bahamas Crisis Centre to together to end “this form bring national awareness of slavery”. “The Federal to the exploitation of men, definition of human trafwomen and children. ficking is the recruitment, To mark Human Traf- transportation, transfer, ficking Day earlier this harbouring or receipt of month and observe January persons for compelled laas Slavery and Human Traf- bour or commercial sex acts ficking Prevention Month, through force, fraud or cothe franchise began distrib- ercion. As a brand we wantuting messaging in the form ed to educate our customers of tray liners to all of its on what human trafficking dine-in customers. is. With increased awareThe initiative, which ness it is our hope that the started in 2012, came about public will be armed with when former United Na- the information needed to tions Global Initiative to recognise and help those in Fight Human Trafficking need of rescue,” she added. team member Sophia PaAyla Roberts, Commupadimos approached the nications Officer from The franchise noting the need Crisis Centre, encouraged for more awareness on a people affected to seek supglobal scale. Understand- port from her organisation. ing the plight of victims and “Human Trafficking is a wanting to take action lo- real, pervasive issue and ofcally, the brand decided to ten times we don’t recognise partner with the Ministry that we are experiencing it of National Security’s Na- because it has many shapes tional Trafficking in Per- and many forms,” she said. sons Task Force and The “The Bahamas Crisis CenBahamas Crisis Centre on tre encourages you to conan annual basis to spread tact us should you feel unthe word. safe in a situation or if you Applauding the efforts of don’t understand what you the initiative, Ms Papadi- are experiencing. We will mos said: “It is fulfilling to support you. To any victims see this yearly awareness of human trafficking, you campaign continue through are not alone and you have Wendy’s and its partners. nothing to be ashamed of, Change begins with aware- we are here to help.” ness and with public-priContact The Bahamas vate partnerships such as Crisis Centre Hotline 328this one, the fight against 0922 or the Police at 919 human trafficking can con- or visit www.bahamas.gov. tinue.” bs or check the National Wendy’s Marketing Man- Trafficking in Persons Task ager, Selina Archer, said Force Facebook page.