03032017 news

FRIDAY i’m lovin’ it!

HIGH 86ºF LOW 69ºF

The Tribune Established 1903

Volume:114 No.71, MARCH 3RD, 2017

Weekend

WEEKEND: PHOTOGRAPHER CAPTURES NEW YORK’S MOST STYLISH

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1

Friday, March 3, 2017 art theatre film fashion entertainment music cultur e food

Weekend

By SANCHESKA DORSETT that his party cannot be atTribune Staff Reporter tached to someone who has sdorsett@tribunemedia.net “no plan” and changes her

mind “every other day.”

IN AN effort to Mrs Butler“distance” himself Turner appointed from the “drama” Mr McCartney as surrounding Leader leader of opposiof the Official Oppotion business in the sition Loretta ButlerSenate in DecemTurner, Democratic ber, shortly after National Alliance being appointed Leader Branville leader of the OfMcCartney resigned ficial Opposition as leader of opposi- Branville McCartney after she and six tion business in the other Free NaSenate yesterday tional Movement morning.

MPs moved to have FNM In an interview with The Leader Dr Hubert Minnis Tribune at his law office, removed from that role.

Mr McCartney said Mrs At the time, Mrs ButlerButler-Turner and “her an- Turner said Mr McCarttics” have become a distrac- ney’s appointment was the tion to the DNA, adding SEE PAGE SIX

OUT ISLAND ‘UPROAR’ OVER RBC CLOSURES SPANISH Wells and Bimini were yesterday said to be in “uproar” over Royal Bank of Canada’s (RBC) decision to close the only commercial bank branches on their islands, with community leaders already reaching out to other institutions as potential replacements.

Robert Roberts, chief councillor for Spanish Wells, told Tribune Business that the community had effectively been blindsided by RBC’s latest Bahamian consolidation, saying the bank had given no prior warning of yesterday’s announcement.

• SEE BUSINESS FOR FULL STORY

Page 11

Fashion fabulous

Capturing New York’s mos t stylish

Bran resigns from Senate DNA leader says Butler-Turner’s ‘antics’ a distraction to his party

Movies on the beach

Photography, pages 8&9

PM: FNM WOULD WRECK COUNTRY WHILE THEY ARE FIGHTING

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net DAYS after flashing an obscene hand gesture that drew widespread attention and criticism, Prime Minister Perry Christie embraced a more familiar script during a rally Thursday night, putting the spotlight on the opposition’s internal fights and divisions.

Capitalising on DemoSEE PAGE TWO

PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA ARRIVES FOR STATE VISIT

PRESIDENT of the Republic of Guyana David A Granger (right) shakes hands with Prime Minister Perry Christie on his arrival in Nassau yesterday for a state visit. See page 11.

Photo: Patrick Hanna/BIS

MONCUR CALLS MCCARTNEY AN ‘UNGRATEFUL COWARD’

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

OFFICIAL Opposition Senator Rodney Moncur yesterday called Democratic National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney an “ungrateful coward with no principles” as he vowed to “never leave” Official Opposition Leader Loretta Butler-Turner like the former Cabinet minis-

ter did.

Mr Moncur said he prays Mr McCartney does not win the Bamboo Town seat in the next election and hopes his “political career dies” for his betrayal.

His comments came hours after Mr McCartney resigned as leader of opposition business in the Senate – a post to which he was appointed by Mrs Butler-Turner less than three months ago.

SEE PAGE SIX

MONIQUE GOMEZ TAKES OVER BRAN’S ROLE IN THE SENATE

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

LEADER of the Official Opposition Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday announced the appointment of Senator Monique Gomez to the post of leader of opposition business in the upper chamber after she was forced to accept the resignation of Democratic National Al- Monique Gomez liance Leader Branville McCartney.

Less than three months after she surprised the nation by announcing that Mr McCartney would lead the opposition in the Senate, Mrs Butler-Turner released a brief SEE PAGE SIX

KEOD SMITH CLAIMS DETRACTORS TRYING TO ASSASSINATE CAREER

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

KEOD SMITH

FORMER Mount Moriah MP and attorney Keod Smith yesterday said his detractors have unleashed “the hounds of hell” to assassinate his political and professional career as he rejected allegations that he was involved in efforts to intimidate a sitting Supreme Court judge as “absolute lies.”

Mr Smith was referring to allegations that he and his former client, billionaire Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard, were allegedly involved in efforts to intimidate Supreme Court Justice Indra Charles and harass her son.

At a press conference to discuss his failed bid to become the Progressive Liberal Party’s candidate for St Barnabas, Mr Smith suggested that the allegations were part of a wider

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

plot to sabotage his candidacy bid during a time of political turmoil in the party.

“I had initially planned to come here today to speak about how my detractors had so speedily moved from political speculation to political mischief to attempts of political and professional assassination of me simply because I dared to want to represent my people,” he said.

SEE PAGE FIVE

PAGE 2, Friday, March 3, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

PM: FNM WOULD WRECK COUNTRY WHILE THEY ARE FIGHTING

PRIME Minister Perry Christie addressing PLP supporters at last night’s event.

ALL Photos: Terrel W. Carey/ Tribune staff

FROM PAGE ONE cratic National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney’s surprise resignation from the Senate earlier on Thursday, Mr Christie extolled the virtues of his government and urged supporters in the Carmichael, Golden Isles and Southern Shores constituencies to vote for his party’s candidates in their area: Keith Bell, Michael Halkitis and Kenred Dorsett, respectively.

“A party that is so divided and so weak (as the Free National Movement) would wreck this country while they continue their fighting,” Mr Christie said.

“Register this please: politics is about people working together to a common end and a democracy is about giving people the right to select a group they think can effectively manage the country.

“People who are able to make those decisions must decide whether or not a combination of men and women who have demonstrated this incredible facility to fight each other, to say bad things about each other, to say damning things about each other, to call each other names that go to the root of their existence, how could they possibly be seen as capable of forming a government and having continuity in governance in a country like the Bahamas?”

Mr Christie suggested that had the opposition forces been the governing party of the country, uncertainty as to who would be leader of the country would exist.

“If the FNM were the government of the Bahamas today, who would be running the country?” he asked. “Who could say to-

BERNADETTE Christie makes her way into the crowd. day that they know who would be running the country? I’ve lost track of how many senators, how many leaders and wannabe leaders they’ve been through.

You vote for one today and the next day you got somebody else.

“Now today they’ve lost another senator,” he said, referring to Mr McCartney.

“He said he couldn’t handle the seeds of confusion.

(Those are) not my words, not your words, (they’re his) words. All this makes me even prouder of the team that I have, a team of hardworking talented leaders like Ken Dorsett, Michael Halkitis and Keith Bell.”

Mr Christie has made it clear that promoting his party as one of stability is central to his electoral hopes.

“Everything I must say must register in your mind that you have a PLP team and the opposition, either the DNA or the FNM, cannot put together the kind of team we have, and for that matter, we have no idea whether they can put to-

gether any kind of team,” he said. “The only team that has the energy, the expertise to make success is a PLP team.

“We’re not like those others, one night you see them dancing together, the next night they calling one another corrupt or saying they could never work together in their lifetime.

“You have all the evidence you need to know that they are incredibly unreliable and that you cannot make the mistake of relying on them to be able to form a government.”

Mr McCartney was appointed to the Senate last December by Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner, after she and six other FNM MPs had FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis removed as leader of the Official Opposition, citing his “weak” leadership.

Yesterday, Mr McCartney quit his Senate post, claiming Mrs Butler-Turner has sown seeds of confusion since she was appointed leader of the Official Opposition.

DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip Davis singing ‘Let’s Stay Together’.

PLP supporters at last night’s event.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, March 3, 2017, PAGE 3

SCENES from the FNM rally in North Eleuthera. Howard “Ricky” Mackey was introduced as the party’s candidate for the constituency.

Photos: Yontalay Bowe

HOWARD ‘RICKY’ MACKEY INTRODUCED AS FNM NORTH ELEUTHERA CANDIDATE

THE Free National Movement introduced its North Eleuthera candidate Howard “Ricky” Mackey to the island during a rally last night.

Speaking to supporters, FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis promised upgrades for the island, including a new school in Gregory Town, as well as repairs to roads and police stations in Eleuthera.

Clinics “We are going to repair the Glass Window Bridge,” Dr Minnis said on Thursday night. “We are going to ensure that Harbour Island and Spanish Wells have a resident doctor, and that all of the clinics in North Eleuthera are repaired and properly supplied, including on Harbour Island.

“We are going to build a major administrative complex for Eleuthera, so residents in this area can access basic government services, like passports, without having to travel to Nassau.

“We are going to more purposefully and seriously address the

poaching of your waters than the PLP. This is a matter of national security and food security. We can’t have people stealing our lobster, stone crab claws and fish,” he said.

Dr Minnis also chided the Progressive Liberal Party for racking up the national debt to nearly $1.8b while also accumulating around $1b in value added tax.

“They have also collected other money in government revenue,” he said. “But for all of these billions of dollars they have nothing to show.

The PLP did not deliver comprehensive National Health Insurance as they promised. The PLP built no new schools.

“Police stations and clinics are run down throughout the Bahamas. Everywhere I go throughout the Family Islands, people are asking me why so little of the VAT money has been used for Family Island development. People are asking where the VAT money gone? From Long Island to Abaco to Exuma to Eleuthera, roads are filled with thousands of potholes.”

Dr Minnis also touted his party as being the organisation of

“change” while saying most of the PLP’s election candidates are part of “the same old tired crew.”

“Of the 16 candidates the PLP ratified recently, 11 of them are the same people who served in what has been the worst government since we achieved independence,” Dr Minnis said.

Wrecked “These are the same people who wrecked our economy and wrecked the country in the past five years.

“If you want change and a new direction for the country you have to fire them and hire the FNM. This is a contest between the PLP and the FNM. A vote for the DNA is a vote for the PLP. “If you go to bed with the DNA you will wake up with Christie and the PLP.” The FNM has also ratified Hank Johnson for the constituency of Central and South Eleuthera, and earlier this week held a candidate launch for Carlton Bowleg, who will run in the North Andros and the Berry Islands constituency.

STRUGGLE CONTINUES BETWEEN POTENTIAL PLP FREETOWN CANDIDATES

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

AN INTERNAL struggle continues within the governing Progressive Liberal Party between PLP executives and Public Hospitals Authority Chairman Frank Smith over the Free Town candidacy, with insiders telling The Tribune that the PHA executive has put up a “tough fight” to justify why he should be on the party’s ticket over attorney Wayne Munroe.

According to sources, while the party is leaning toward selecting Mr Munroe, QC, as its Free Town candidate, Mr Smith is still “vehemently” objecting to this decision.

According to sources, Mr Smith has argued that unlike newcomer Mr Munroe, he is a long serving and loyal member of the PLP and has done extensive work on the ground to win over voters. The PLP announced back in 2015 that Mr Munroe had joined the organisation. Mr Munroe, in the 2012 general election, ran as a candidate for the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) but lost his bid for the Mt Moriah constituency.

“Frank has done some work on the ground in Free Town,” one insider said, “now it’s unclear whether this is meaningful work. The main complaint in the constituency is he hasn’t really been around for constituents when they need help.”

Another party source added: “Those constituents see him as a candidate who wants to persuade them to support him by having parties with an abundance of booze. You know the old school way to get votes.

They don’t think he’s been around when they really need his support and assistance.

This is why they want Wayne.”

Yesterday, PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts said “conflicts” prevented the party from officially ratifying a candidate this week. However he said the party intends to make its official decision next Thursday.

FRANK Smith and Wayne Munroe.

Asked whom the party was likely to choose, Mr Roberts said: “I can’t say but both fellas are good candidates and would do the constituency well.”

Last week, tensions ran high in the newly named Free Town constituency, as supporters of both Mr Munroe and Mr Smith clashed over who should be selected.

In a meeting filled with verbal altercations, pleas for community improvements and even arguments with reporters, members of the PLP’s Candidates Committee were bombarded by claims from each side about why their candidate of choice would best serve the party’s interest in the upcoming general election.

As scores of party supporters flocked to the Pilgrim Baptist Church Hall on St James Road shortly after 7pm last week Thursday, the level of agitation between the two sides became clear, with campaign

organisers associated with Mr Smith telling persons dressed in Wayne Munroe paraphernalia that they were not welcome inside the “private meeting between the Smith camp and the party.”

This did not go over well, as those turned away became angered by what many of them called “a failing attempt to change the party’s decision.”

Some even accused Mr Smith of busing in people from other areas to give the appearance that he had more support than his rival.23 Earlier this week The Tribune reported that the PLP’s Montagu branch voted to nominate Senator Smith for Free Town constituency before the Candidates Committee of the PLP decided to give the nomination to Mr Munroe.

Mr Munroe was expected to be ratified by the PLP’s National General Council a week ago.

PAGE 4, Friday, March 3, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

The Tribune Limited NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI “Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,

Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,

C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B. Publisher/Editor 1972-

Published daily Monday to Friday

Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207 TELEPHONES

News & General Information Advertising Manager Circulation Department Nassau fax Freeport, Grand Bahama Freeport fax

(242) 322-1986 (242) 502-2394 (242) 502-2386 (242) 328-2398 (242)-352-6608 (242) 352-9348

WEBSITE, TWITTER & FACEBOOK www.tribune242.com

@tribune242

tribune news network

President Trump and the press DESPITE addressing recently in these columns the important issue of freedom of an independent press in a democracy, we now return to the subject in light of the renewed indignation, on the part of the newly-elected US President, about the media’s alleged hostility towards him.

Last time, we recalled the recognition

by Thomas Jefferson that a democratic government derived its power from the consent of the people who needed to be kept informed by the press about developments in their country in order to be able to play their part in its governance by selecting suitable political representatives and holding them to account.

Today, we re-examine the role of the fourth estate and consider whether Mr Trump’s anti-media stance in reaction to perceived press enmity, which itself is receiving considerable publicity, is wise or even justified.

The new President’s most recent Republican predecessor, George W Bush, was known to have had a strained relationship with the press on occasion, but he was reported to have commented recently that political power could be addictive, implying that it was legitimate for the leader of the free world to be under constant media scrutiny.

Mr Trump, however, is now challenging certain major media organisations headon by accusing them of dishonesty in inventing sources of information or making up stories and then publishing so-called ‘fake news’, which is outright fabrication.

He says that this has led him to ‘tweet’ regularly in order to convey his message directly to huge numbers of the public rather than allow it to be filtered and misrepresented by parts of a hypercritical press. Nonetheless, he has been careful to claim that he respects the press generally.

Although this conflict dates back to the presidential campaign, it has now come to a head with his refusal to attend the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner and with the exclusion of CNN, the BBC and the New York Times from a recent special briefing by his press secretary.

It is clear that, in a democracy, the primary role of a free press is to disseminate true and accurate information - without fear or favour in an unbiased and timely manner - in which the public has confidence compared to alternative news sources like Facebook. This should take place without interference by the state or the fear of official sanction.

The other, equally important, task of the fourth estate is to hold a government to account, not just for its policies but also more widely in order to curtail its excesses and to protect the public against misconduct, fraud and abuse of power

by individual politicians and leaders in other fields. It follows that, in order to carry out these important functions, the media should be honest, fair, objective and above reproach while verification of its sources should be a fundamental requirement of journalism. Since the institutional media chooses what to highlight in the daily news cycle it has a heavy responsibility to avoid bias in its reporting, not least because in many cases it leads public opinion.

There can be no doubt that the United States remains unusually divided following Mr Trump’s victory at the polls. Millions of Americans vehemently oppose him so it is both inevitable and reasonable for the press to reflect this in reporting mainly political developments.

However, there is a danger of merging the roles of news-gathering and commentary.

The much vaunted anchors of the rolling TV news programmes seem all too often overly keen to push forward their own views rather than seek those of their interviewees.

The sad reality is that, in dictating the terms of the news agenda, the TV networks, in particular, seem increasingly to be showing bias - one recent telling example was the undisguised anguish displayed on live television by anchors on CNN and MSNBC when it became clear on the night of the election that there would be a Trump victory.

Such a blatantly discriminatory approach worsens as commentators become more powerful and self-important in their arrogant belief that their opinions as observers are of greater consequence than those of the policy-makers responsible for governing the country.

Public trust in the institutional media is essential and it is hard to judge whether Mr Trump’s stand against parts of it can be vindicated, though certain elements may be guilty of distortion and sensationalism.

Be that as it may, the press should always respect the nation’s elected leaders but should remain vigilant in holding them to account.

Equally, it is not in the President’s interest to be in a permanent state of war with a critical media, since he needs it to report the substance of what he is doing and he wants full and fair coverage of his activities in the longer term.

A proper balance is required with the exercise of responsibility on both sides.

Perhaps his impressive keynote address earlier this week to a joint session of Congress, which was generally well received as being conciliatory and optimistic as well as ‘presidential’, will start to heal the wounds.

Why no justice for Latore Mackey?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I WAS extremely upset to learn that those responsible for the murder of Latore Mackey, former aide to Prime Minister Christie, will seemingly escape justice.

During my time at The Tribune I worked closely with Latore, who I regarded as both a respected colleague and a friend.

Employed by a government that will not be remembered for its easy relationship with the press, Latore stood out as a refreshing voice of reason, courtesy and conciliation; a first-time functionary who quickly became the ‘go-to’ contact in the Christie administration for many journalists.

Latore was a hardworking, determined and extremely talented young

man who I believe had a great future ahead of him.

His untimely death was a tragic loss for his friends, his family and for the Bahamas as a whole.

I accept that the legal provision known as ‘nolle prosequi’, when properly applied, is intended to protect the fundamental rights of individuals by preventing unwarranted detention and prosecution in the face of insufficient evidence.

I also accept that there is no requirement under law for the Attorney General to explain the circumstances leading to the issuance of a nolle.

In this case, though – as with several other abandoned prosecutions over the last five years – I believe the public is owed an explanation.

That such a prominent

member of the current administration could be murdered in cold blood; that suspects could be arrested, charged and scheduled to stand trial, all for the case to suddenly disappear, is simply unacceptable.

What on earth happened?

Did the police arrest the wrong suspects or fail to gather sufficient evidence against them?

Was there some administrative mistake in the Office of the Attorney General?

Could there be some other explanation for the reluctance to prosecute?

If Latore Mackey is to have no justice, I and his many other friends would at least like to know why.

PACO NUNEZ Nassau, March 2, 2017.

No need to destroy one of Acklins’ natural attractions EDITOR,The Tribune.

ABOUT ten years ago I wrote the Rt Hon Perry Christie informing him the government was about to destroy one of the most historic sites in Acklins by giving a purchase lease of the site to a non-Bahamian.

Mr Christie did not reply to my letter but a civil servant called me to say that my letter to Mr Christie was passed on to him, and that as soon as Mr George Mackey, Chairman of the Antiquities and Monuments, returned to Nassau from a trip to the United States they wanted to visit the site in Acklins.

A month later Mr Mackey, Dr Tinker and two other men arrived in Acklins on a Charter flight and I took them to Mason’s Bay to view the site. On the top of the hill was a fort, a look out post and slave master’s mansion. On the side of the hill were a number of small huts. These were all in good condition except their roofs were all gone.

The delegation took photographs of the area. The government did nothing to protect this site.

Why was I so concerned about this site? We often refer to the late Sir Lynden Pindling as the “father of the nation”. Research may show that this site was a slave plantation and the Bains of Mason’s Bay were descendants of slaves who lived and worked on this plantation.

The late Sir Lynden’s mother, Viola Bain Pindling, was born at Mason’s Bay. If Mr Christie had taken time to check, he may have been shocked to discover that this land transaction, started under the Ingraham administration, had a very irregular side to it.

Today in Acklins dozens of families have been living on Crown Land for years and have applied to purchase these properties and have received no reply from the government.

A few weeks ago Mr Christie visited Acklins to inspect the progress of road work being done from the Airport to Salina Point.

Over the last ten years the people of Salina Point and others travelling to that settlement have suffered tre-

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net mendous hardship because of the condition of that public highway.

In 2006 the government gave a contract for the reconstruction of that stretch of the main highway to men who had no knowledge of road building. When the government changed in 2007 this contract was cancelled.

At the time of this cancellation the road was in a worse condition than before work started in 2006. Millions of dollars of public funds were wasted.

In 2016 the government gave a contract to a road building company, and work is proceeding. This contract will cost the Bahamian taxpayer more than four times the amount thrown away on the first contract.

To justify this expenditure the government suddenly remembered that twenty years ago I suggested a plan to build a cruise ship port in the area. My plan was not for the government to build the port, but for it to be done by private investors.

According to Mr Christie the Government will construct the cruise ship port at Salt Pond Bight which is about seven miles to the South West of Salina Point.

Unfortunately, Mr Christie did not stop there. He said the Government will also construct a Defence Force Base, dredging the salt pond in the area.

That salt pond was one of the reasons I suggested the

cruise port be built in the area.

The salt pond is a habitat for wild birds, and in fact, is the only land based tourist attraction within seven miles from the nearest settlement. In fact, this pond is the second largest flamingo habitat on Acklins, and dredging this pond which contains small crabs, fish and brine shrimp on which the wild birds feed will destroy this habitat.

Mr Christie you have no need to destroy one of the natural attractions on Acklins to win the next election in MICAL. If you consult the Bahamas National Trust they would tell you that your proposal to dredge the pond is unwise.

Finally, twenty years ago I took a group of men to Acklins to visit this area.

They included a marine engineer, a representative from a cruise ship line, an architect and a financial consultant.

Under the FNM administration I wrote a letter to Mr Frank Watson bringing this proposal to his attention.

About two years ago I spoke to Mr Obie Wilchcombe on the same matter.

Twenty years ago I had plans drawn up for this development, and no one from the government asked me to see these plans.

Mr Christie, before you commit millions of taxpayer dollars to this scheme, please ensure that you understand what you are doing.

A LOFTUS ROKE Nassau, February 22, 2017.

NEW BILL SOUNDS FAMILIAR

EDITOR, The Tribune.

FOR those of us who are old enough to have lived through the years of the 2nd World War and can remember the horrors of the Nazi regime and their iron fist, the proposed Interception of Communication Bill sounds very familiar. If this Bill is passed and becomes law I am prompted to ask if it would then be appropriate to refer to the Prime Minister as “Mein Fuhrer”?

We should have seen this coming when the Prime Minister can call a referendum and then totally ignore the request of the voters Should we now wait until he has his rallies and everyone has to stand, give a one arm salute and shout “Sieg Heil.”

STS Nassau, February 27, 2017.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, March 3, 2017, PAGE 5

KEOD SMITH CLAIMS HIS DETRACTORS ARE TRYING TO ASSASSINATE CAREER FROM PAGE ONE

KEOD SMITH, his wife Monique, and supporters wearing ‘Keod Smith for St Barnabas’ shirts at yesterday’s press conference.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune staff

Keod Smith won’t endorse PLP’s St Barnabas candidate

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net ACCUSING the Progressive Liberal Party of conducting “back room deals,” former Mount Moriah MP Keod Smith yesterday said he will not endorse or campaign on behalf of the party’s pick for the St Barnabas constituency after he was snubbed for the nomination without due political process.

Mr Smith, an attorney and former PLP vice-chairman, told reporters at a press conference yesterday that he was still a member of the governing party, but would not be aligned with any political organisation in the months leading up to the next general election.

He said his desire to represent his community has moved detractors to unleash the “hounds of hell to spin a yarn” in an attempt to assassinate him both politically and professionally, attributing motives to “greed and a lust for power.”

Intimating that righteousness was on his side, Mr Smith said he and his family were unafraid in the face of these detractors, whom he called “ungrateful and morally decrepit people” that were powerful enough to cause “great angst and pain through their spitefulness.”

Mr Smith insisted that he will not pursue an independent candidacy, stating its ineffectiveness at engendering change at the parliamentary level, and will instead continue to canvass the area and surrounding communities as an activist.

He said he wanted to make it “very clear and categorical that I am not going to stand down from what we have been doing,” and expressed an openness to engage in community building with any political organisation that becomes the next government, inclusive of the

“So at the end of the day Mrs Bazard will do what she has to do, I wish her all the best don’t get me wrong, all the best and as a PLP all the best, but at the end of the day what would have taken place leading up to this unfortunate moment makes it very clear that my involvement in my political organisation is not wanted.”

Former Mount Moriah MP Keod Smith PLP, Free National Movement and the Democratic National Alliance.

The press conference was held at the studio of KEOD-TV in Yellow Elder Gardens and streamed live.

Mr Smith said his ReNegotiate organisation would become more visible as a news service seeking to bring unfiltered news and information to the public.

Mr Smith also painted the PLP as being a party in ‘turmoil”.

When asked whether he would support Cheryl Bazard’s campaign, he said: “No, that is the long and short of it. No. “I won’t because now that I’m in the position that I’m in, you will now see Keod Smith not aligned with any political organisation because I can’t.

“So at the end of the day Mrs Bazard will do what she has to do, I wish her all the best don’t get me wrong, all the best and as a PLP all the best, but at the end of the day

what would have taken place leading up to this unfortunate moment makes it very clear that my involvement in my political organisation is not wanted.

“The way the Constitution of the Bahamas is framed, it talks about the government being formed by the leader of the political party that has the majority of the seats, and so an independent candidate he or she is simply wishing and wanting to promote themselves.

“I don’t need to promote myself to anybody about anything,” Mr Smith added.

“I put my money where my mouth is, my back where my efforts should be, and I will make things happen for the people who I want to stand for and so this is not about Keod Smith wanting to be in Parliament.

“I’ve been there done that as the young people say, and there is nothing big about it.

“If I’m an independent candidate in Parliament, what can I achieve through the governing party and if it is I go as myself, meaning as a PLP, and if it is that the leaders and the people who control the power of the PLP say they don’t want me, it’s easy enough for me to be stifled and who gets hurt? Not me, I can survive it, but the people who I stand for get hurt.”

He also said: “But I believe that people power trumps political power any day, and so for me I will do what I believe is right.

“I have overwhelming support in the community and as God will grant me the ability, I have my family that stands with me both close as well as extended and people across the community and so this is not going to stop now, this is for real, this is for keeps and at the end of the day if the Progressive Liberal Party in government or the FNM in

FNM CHAIRMAN CALLS FOR PM TO SET GENERAL ELECTION DATE

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement Chairman Sidney Collie yesterday urged Prime Minister Perry Christie to immediately set the next general election date, as he accused the government of intimidating some people from registering to vote while “potentially allowing others to register twice.”

In a press statement, Mr Collie ordered Mr Christie to bring an end to what he termed a period of “callousness, dismissive and now vulgar” behaviour by the prime minister and his government.

Mr Collie contended that as an election draws near, Mr Christie has become more “unhinged,” citing the offensive gesture of sticking up his middle finger in front of a crowd of PLP supporters on Monday night.

“The country is exhausted by all these antics and is clearly ready to turn the page,” Mr Collie’s statement said.

“The only thing stopping us is the embattled prime minister’s refusal to call the election. His desperate grip on power has led to

FREE National Movement Chairman Sidney Collie. months of missed deadlines as they gerrymandered the new constituencies’ map, they launched an aggressive effort to intimidate some people from registering while potentially allowing others to register twice, and then tried to push through their ‘Spying Bill’ in hopes of granting themselves even more power to target those that would question them.

Enough is enough.”

Mr Collie did not provide evidence of the voters potentially being able to register to vote more than once.

“It is time to call the election so the people can have

their say,” he added.

“The people are tired of watching their embattled prime minister continue to find new ways to embarrass himself and the Bahamas.

“If he’s truly sorrowful for his latest meltdown he would give the people hope, and a chance to voice themselves by calling the election.”

The FNM has turned up the pressure on Mr Christie in the wake of him sticking up his middle finger during a public address this week, an act for which Mr Christie has since expressed “regret”.

Following the shocking incident, FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis has used it to call for both an apology and the resignation of Mr Christie.

Dr Minnis said Mr Christie ought to know that regardless of where he is, he represents the Bahamas and should behave accordingly at all times.

To date, Mr Christie has not given any indication as to when he plans to set an election date, with his latest remarks on the matter indicating that voter registration numbers would determine when an election is called.

government or the DNA in government wishes to have my assistance to help people, then that’s my job, I cannot speak for the PLP, I can’t.”

Mr Smith’s vocal dissatisfaction over the selection of Mrs Bazard, a former senator, to be the party’s standard bearer for the new seat moved PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts condemn the former Mount Moriah MP last month.

Mr Roberts told the Nassau Guardian that Mr Smith’s actions were motivated by his ego, stating that the former PLP executive was never serious about the nomination.

Mr Roberts also maintains that Mr Smith was interviewed by the party’s Candidates Committee last year, a claim that Mr Smith again denied yesterday.

“If I ask you to represent the organisation that you control and you say no, then that’s a decision,” Mr Smith said.

“If it was within the context of politics then I would have certainly stood and said ‘fine I will support whomever the party decides,’ but I don’t have no (understanding) to this day why it is that my party has decided that I should not be the standard bearer because all the independent, and objective positions or things that should be considered, I just don’t know how that can be considered without me saying what those thousands at least more than a thousand persons have said to me and my team.”

Mr Smith said his efforts will extend past the borders of St Barnabas due to the new divisions created by 2017 boundary report.

Speaking to his familial ties to the area, he lamented that some residents still suffered under deplorable pre-independence conditions, such as outdoor toilets.

“They almost got the better part of me, for I thought that I had to stop everything and focus my attention on fighting all and sundry who had let their greed and lust for power fool them into thinking that they could shut me up.”

He continued: “One of my supporters out of the Rock Crusher community of the St Barnabas constituency reminded me that it was my duty which now doubles up as inspiration to others in this time of political turmoil for the PLP, that requires me to stand firm despite the action of my detractors in very high places.”

The allegations were supported by Mr Nygard’s former public relations officer Earlin Williams in an exclusive interview with The Tribune, and followed an investigation by this newspaper into a report published in the St Lucia Today newspaper last year. Mr Williams, a selfproclaimed member of the “Nygard/Keod Smith public relations machine” from 2009 to 2016, told The Tribune that he was aware of Mr Smith’s travel to St Lucia last year, and also confirmed a Whatsapp message purported to be from Mr Smith, which identified Justice Charles’ son. Mr Williams’ claims come amid speculation over whether Justice Charles has recused herself from the ‘murder for hire’ case filed against Mr Nygard and Mr Smith by several Save The Bays directors and independent plaintiff, Rev CB Moss.

The Tribune understands Justice Charles asked Chief Justice Sir Hartman Longley to reassign the case.

Justice Charles did not preside over the case on February 16, a date she had set to hear motions for an injunction, a strike out action and the addition of an affidavit.

At that sitting, Supreme Court Justice Donna Newton presided over the matter, and it was adjourned without an explanation.

Mr Smith said yesterday: “My detractors have now unleashed the hounds of hell to spin a yarn saying that I sought to intimidate a judge on behalf of the PLP government, and some of its Cabinet ministers in the parliamentary email debacle which (allegedly) concerns millions of dollars being laundered by a fake environmental organisation.

“Lies, absolute lies. This judge thing will be addressed by me and my legal team in the natural course of things.

I say nothing more about it at this time.”

The “parliamentary email debacle” refers to another ruling by Justice Charles, in which Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald was fined for infringing on the constitutional rights of Save the Bays (STB) members when he read and tabled their emails in Parliament. Mr Fitzgerald has since filed an appeal.

NOTICE

TO FORMER EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYEES OF SOCIÉTÉ GENERALE PRIVATE BANKING (BAHAMAS) LTD. AND ITS RELEVANT SUBSIDIARIES

_______________________________________

Re:Surplus of Bahamas Group Employee Pension Fund (“Pension Fund”)

We, CIBC TRUST COMPANY (BAHAMAS) LIMITED, the Trustee of the Pension Fund, hereby give notice of the position of Former Employees (being those whose employment was terminated prior to 30th November 2016) and Employees (being those who remained employed on 30th November 2016, but not after that date) in relation to the surplus of the Pension Fund.

Former Employees, please be advised that, pursuant to sections 6 and 11.1 of the Pension Fund Plan Rules, you have received your full entitlement under the terms of the Pension Fund and are not entitled to further payment.

Employees, please be advised that you have received your initial entitlement under the terms of the Pension Fund and will be granted a share in the surplus of the Pension Fund, after the annual audit has been completed. Please note that the purposes of the audit are, inter alia, to account for all of the expenses incurred in the administration of the Pension Fund and to arrive at the correct figure representing the funds available for disbursement as surplus thereof. We assure you that we are making every effort to work with the auditors to expedite the completion of the audit. Accordingly, we ask for your continued patience and undertake to keep you updated as matters progress.

CIBC TRUST COMPANY (BAHAMAS) LIMITED Goodman’s Bay Corporate Centre West Bay Street P.O. Box N3933 Nassau, Bahamas Tel: 356-1800; Fax: 322 3692

PAGE 6, Friday, March 3, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

MONIQUE GOMEZ TAKES OVER BRAN’S ROLE IN THE SENATE FROM PAGE ONE

statement acknowledging the former Bamboo Town MP’s decision to leave the post.

While she did not give any comments outside of a brief statement comprised of three sentences, The Tribune was told by sources that the Long Island MP was blindsided by the move.

“Today I have accepted the resignation of Senator William B McCartney, leader of opposition business in the senate,” the press statement read.

“I thank Mr McCartney for his willingness to serve in the upper chamber.

“I wish him well in his future political endeavours.”

Another brief statement confirming Senator Gomez as the new leader of opposition business followed.

Mrs Butler-Turner said: “Today, I have advised Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, governor general of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, to appoint Senator Monique Gomez as leader of opposition business in the Senate.

“Senator Gomez has distinguished herself as an attorney and an advocate for women and children.

She continues to selflessly serve the good people of our Bahamas.”

The statement continued: “I am grateful to Senator Gomez for accepting my invitation to serve as leader of opposition business in the Senate. I have every confidence that she will continue to serve our country well.”

While she did not go into any details as to what led to the split, it had long been speculated that the two were not working well together behind the scenes. Mrs Butler-Turner announced on December 12, 2016 that she advised the governor general to appoint Mr McCartney to the Senate.

At the time Mrs Butler-Turner announced the move as evidence that her team was willing to put the Bahamian people first to move forward to defeat the governing Progressive Liberal Party.

This came after she and six other Free National Movement MPs expressed no confidence in FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis in a letter to Dame Marguerite. Mrs Butler-Turner was appointed leader of the Official Opposition in his place.

At the time, she said she and the six FNM MPs who support her did not join the DNA, but were working together for a “common good.”

By early January it became apparent that the partnership was off to a rocky start after Mrs Butler-Turner declared she was forming “a very powerful and bold coalition” with the DNA that would “change the direction of the country.”

She made the comments on January 5 during an interview on Hot 91.7 FM’s “Morning Madhouse” with host “C-Note”, saying the details of the “interesting” coalition will be announced “very soon.”

However, the following day, Mr McCartney said he was “unaware” of any coalition between his party and Mrs Butler-Turner or the six other dissident FNM members of Parliament.

In an interview with The Tribune, Mr McCartney said “there is no plan at this stage” to form a coalition between the two groups.

Mrs Butler-Turner then became vocal of the rift in an interview with Our News last month.

“I think it’s an open secret that Branville McCartney has thrown me under the bus, despite the fact that we clearly had discussions going on and a key in those discussions realised what we were trying to build,” the Long Island MP said last month.

During that television interview, she also admitted that her plans to shake up the political scene have not gone so well thus far.

In response, Mr McCartney dismissed the assertion, charging that if the Long Island MP felt strongly about her accusations, he was “ready and willing” to resign from his Senate post.

LORETTA Butler-Turner and Branville McCartney pictured after the DNA leader accepted a Senate post.

BRANVILLE MCCARTNEY RESIGNS FROM SENATE

FROM PAGE ONE result of a “collaboration” between the two to rid the country of the Progressive Liberal Party in the next general election.

However, tension began to grow between the two after Mr McCartney refuted claims by Mrs Butler-Turner that the DNA was forming a “powerful coalition” with the Official Opposition Leader and the other dissident FNM MPs. Mrs Butler-Turner then accused Mr McCartney of throwing her “under the bus.”

In turn Mr McCartney said if the Long Island MP felt that way, he was prepared to resign from the Senate.

Yesterday, Mr McCartney reiterated there never have

been any plans for a coalition with Mrs Butler-Turner.

“The leader of the Official Opposition and her confusion and her antics have become a distraction for the DNA. We are focused on becoming the next government and the party does not want these distractions to define it, “ Mr McCartney told The Tribune.

“There were no talks with her.

“Loretta Butler has no plan, she has no plan and I maintain that when we spoke, we spoke about me going in as the leader of the DNA and moving in that regard. She had no plans to be a part of the DNA, to have a coalition with the DNA, to have an alliance with the DNA or otherwise.

“She has no plan and it is evident today, every day over the last month, she has taken a different position, she keeps changing her mind. We cannot be a part of that it is causing a distraction for the party.”

Mr McCartney said when he accepted the Senate position he had “good intentions” but Mrs Butler-Turner and her actions made the path forward impossible.

He encouraged members of the public to register to vote, in order to rid the country of “the poisonous yoke of the failed parties that have brought this country to its knees.”

“To our supporters throughout the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, the

mission has not changed. The goal has not changed. Our resolve has not changed. We will continue working day and night to provide a worthy alternative to the dysfunctional status quo.

“It was an honour to once again represent the Bahamian people, however briefly, but it is clear the Bahamian people will be better served by a DNA not complicit in the dysfunction that hobbles Parliament at this time. The Bahamian people deserve better, and better is in your DNA.” In a short statement Thursday afternoon, Mrs ButlerTurner said she accepted Mr McCartney’s resignation and wished him the best in his political career.

MONCUR CALLS MCCARTNEY AN ‘UNGRATEFUL COWARD’ FROM PAGE ONE In a surprise announcement on Thursday, Mr McCartney said Mrs ButlerTurner has sown seeds of confusion and the DNA must disassociate itself from her antics.

“I am not sure what Mr McCartney is doing. He should have resigned from the moment he became ungrateful to someone who gave him such high office,” Senator Moncur told the Tribune yesterday.

“I had an idea he was going to quit.

We had a caucus on Monday and he was assigning various speakers and he wanted us to vote one way and I had to remind (Senator) Monique Gomez that Branville has abandoned us, he is like a father who abandoned his children. He is a worthless man and I hate men who blame their personal, economic and political problems on women.

“He just mismanaged his political opportunity. He had it twice, in 2012 he had a powerful political opportunity and he mismanaged it. Loretta gave him

an opportunity and he has thrown her under the bus. He is ungrateful and it is my prayer he loses Bamboo Town. I always knew he was the wrong choice,” Mr Moncur, who was once a member of the DNA, said.

“Mrs Butler-Turner is one of the greatest Negro women in the county. I will never abandon her. I will never be a worthless man. I always stand by my woman. So this is a great lesson for the young female senators and other women, you better choose your man properly.

These men are worthless, it is a sad day.”

Opposition Senator Monique Gomez told The Tribune she was surprised

by Mr McCartney’s resignation. Mrs Butler-Turner yesterday appointed Ms Gomez to Mr McCartney’s former post.

Meanwhile Progressive Liberal Party Senator and Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson said any right thinking person should be concerned about the constant bickering in the Official Opposition.

“Senator McCartney has shown his worth as a Cabinet minster and he has for the past five years led a political party. I am surprised that the leader of the opposition would have offended two leaders of a party in such a short period of time and I would say that right thinking people should be deeply concerned about the disarray in the opposition and I have heard people who have expressed concern of whether they could in fact trust their future to a non existent opposition,” Mrs Maynard-Gibson said.

Mrs Butler-Turner was appointed as leader of the Official Opposition last December after she and six other Free National Movement MPs expressed no confidence in FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis.

This came after Mrs Butler-Turner quit the FNM’s leadership race at the last minute ahead of the party’s convention last July. She also failed in her first bid to lead the party, losing to Dr Minnis during the party’s 2014 convention.

BUTLER-TURNER STOPPED FROM PRESENTING ‘MODERN DAY SLAVERY’ INFORMATION IN THE HOUSE

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

OFFICIAL Opposition Leader Loretta Butler-Turner expressed “regret” that she was unable to “raise matters” in the House of Assembly on Wednesday afternoon, which she claimed would “cause great shame to the government” as it relates to “modern day slavery.”

While debating an amendment to the Trafficking in Persons Act in Parliament, Mrs ButlerTurner attempted to present information she said was given to her by someone connected to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who pleaded with her for help.

However, before Mrs Butler-Turner could present her case, House Speaker Dr Kendal Major told her the rules did not allow it.

The matter was discussed in Dr Major’s chamber when the House of Assembly took its afternoon recess.

When the House of Assembly resumed on Wednesday, Dr Major said according to House of Assembly’s rules, any member who desires to refer in debate to the character or conduct of a person in Par-

liament should deliver to the speaker written notice of the proposed reference that set out the facts and is signed by the member.

Therefore, Dr Major said the issue could be brought up at another point, just not “at this time.”

The Tribune understands the matter involves a worker at a Ministry of Foreign Affairs consulate office abroad.

Mrs Butler-Turner said she “respected” Dr Major’s ruling but found it reprehensible that she was “silenced”.

“It obviously pains you deeply to have to deny me the opportunity to present the fact that I brought.

“We come here to debate in the interest of the Bahamian people and while I will not refer to this matter, I find it reprehensible to be silenced in defence of individuals who maybe related to this amendment,” Mrs Butler-Turner said on Wednesday.

“Individuals who live in our country, who work in our country are going to be the recipients of the laws that this would actually guide us by and we have Bahamians living abroad being subjected to these same challenges when it comes to modern day slavery.

“This is wrong, Bahami-

ans anywhere in the world deserve to be protected.

The matter at hand would cause great embarrassment to the government and to certain ministries but I will withhold it, I did not call any names, they know exactly of what I speak of. I fear no one because when I said I have facts everyone went into a tail spin, these facts will become known maybe not in this chamber but it will become known,” Mrs Butler-Turner said.

In response, Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell advised Mrs Butler-Turner to report her claims to either his ministry or the commissioner of police.

“There was a direct imputation being cast at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and I was seeking to understand the relevance of this matter,” he said on Wednesday.

“Was an allegation being made saying the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was being involved in the case?

If so, the member knows what to do.

“If it is a criminal nature she can take that to the commissioner of police, this is not the forum to adjudicate that.”

Mrs Butler-Turner vowed to release the information in another setting.

THE TRIBUNE

Taxi driver jailed and fined over drug bust

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A 40-YEAR-OLD taxi driver was yesterday sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay a $50,000 fine after pleading guilty in a Magistrate’s Court to four drug related charges stemming from a drug bust in the Carmichael Road area late last month.

Tiko Brown, one of four persons who stood before Magistrate Andrew Forbes in connection with last month’s incident, including a Bahamian woman and two Suriname nationals, pled guilty to two counts of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply and two counts of conspiracy to possess dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

Subsequent to entering a guilty plea to all four counts, the Boatswain Hill

Three year sentence and $50,000 fine resident was given three years imprisonment for each count to run concurrently and ordered to pay a $50,000 fine.

Defaulting on the latter would result in an additional year in prison, according to Magistrate Forbes.

Caffe Major, along with Surinamese nationals Rinto Ngadinam and Radjinderkoemar Bihari, were discharged after the Crown withdrew its charges against them. They had all pleaded not guilty to their respective charges.

Ngadinam and Bihari were ordered to be turned over to the Department of Immigration subsequent to being discharged.

Towards the end of the proceeding, Brown’s at-

torney appealed for leniency from the magistrate, charging that Brown, a taxi driver for 20 years, had no previous convictions and no matters pending before the court.

Brown’s attorney also stated that his client fully cooperated with police during the initial seizure.

However, Magistrate Forbes said while he acknowledges the mitigating factors of the case, Brown’s decision making “leaves a lot to be desired,” charging that Brown should have known the danger harbouring drugs at his residence could pose to his family.

Magistrate Forbes also said his decision to impose a custodial sentence and fine upon Brown was

influenced by the impact illegal drugs has on the country’s crime woes.

According to previous reports, officers from the Drug Enforcement Unit, acting on information and with a warrant, went to a residence in the area of Boatswain Hill on Sunday, February 26, where they discovered a large quantity of drugs on the premises.

According to police reports, 633 lbs of marijuana with an estimated street value of $640,000 were found in an apartment at the location in question, while five pounds was found in a vehicle on the property.

Additionally, $5,576 of mixed currency was reportedly found at the premises, believed to be proceeds of crime.

Those funds were seized and subsequently confiscated by local authorities.

Accused found guilty of gunpoint robbery of elderly man

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

73-year-old was robbed at work

A MAN was yesterday convicted by a Supreme Court jury of the gunpoint robbery of an elderly man at his workplace three years ago.

Jarvis Fernander, 22, stood trial before Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs for two days on charges of armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon concerning the March 28, 2014 hold up of Dudley Martinborough for his cellular phone, $180 cash and a Rolex watch valued at $3,000.

Fernander had denied the charges when formally arraigned in the Supreme Court and when his trial began.

The nine-member jury heard testimony from the 73-year-old coordinator of the Bahamas Maritime Cadets institution that sometime around 10am on the day in ques-

tion, while at the East Bay Street school, he observed two men approaching the door to the old Gold Circle Complex.

The victim said one of the men was 5’8” and the other 5’11”.

He described both as slim.

However, he said the men never came inside which led him to believe they were up to no good.

When he tried to lock the door, the men barged in and were tugging at him aggressively when his eye glasses fell off.

He also noticed that the shortest of the two men was armed with a black handgun.

After telling them that the school had no money, the gunman threatened to put a bullet in his head.

He was struck in the head and they took the items that they had demanded.

He picked out the accused at an identification parade four days after the incident.

In cross-examination, the witness admitted that he was near-sighted and had glaucoma but insisted he’d observed the men for some 30 seconds.

He also said the same individuals came into the school making inquiries about the establishment two days earlier.

Before excusing the jury to deliberate, the judge noted that persons can sometimes make mistakes in identification.

The jury, after two hours of deliberation, returned unanimous 9-0 guilty verdicts on both charges.

Fernander, who was defended by Calvin Seymour, will face sentencing on March 8 at 2pm.

Darell Taylor and Bjorn Ferguson prosecuted the case.

MUSIC AND HERITAGE FESTIVAL TO CELEBRATE BAHAMIAN ROOTS

Friday, March 3, 2017, PAGE 7

PROSECUTION, DEFENCE LAWYER HOLD DISCUSSIONS WITH JUDGE IN BANKER’S FATAL STABBING CASE

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A JURY sworn to hear evidence in a murder trial concerning the fatal stabbing of a banker was excused until noon today while the prosecution and the accused’s lawyer hold legal discussions with the presiding judge.

When the case of 26-year-old Lamar Albury was called for continuation yesterday, his lawyer Michael Hanna noted that he wished to make certain submissions having had sight of the transcripts concerning the evidence of the prosecution’s final witness, forensic pathologist Dr Caryn Sands who testified on Wednesday that the 33 stab and cut wounds found on Devince Smith were unlikely to have been caused by a painting knife.

Testimony The defence was expected to begin their case with Albury indicating whether he would remain silent at his trial or elect to given testimony under oath.

“There’s been a change of plans Mr Hanna?” the judge inquired.

“Yes, milady,” Mr Hanna replied.

After the jury was excused for 15 minutes, they were recalled to the courtroom and informed by the judge that the matter was being adjourned.

“I find it necessary to adjourn until tomorrow (Friday) for the court to deal with issues that does not concern you.

“Your presence is not required until noon March 3,” Senior Justice Watkins said.

Albury is alleged to have murdered Smith sometime between December 19 and 21, 2015.

Smith’s partially decomposed body was found shortly after 2.30pm on December 21, 2015 at his St Alban’s Drive apartment.

Police were alerted to the apartment after rela-

tives, who had not heard from the victim, went to his home and found him dead in the living room.

Smith was a sports coach and was employed at Pictet Bank & Trust Ltd. He was also a former president of the New Providence Volleyball Association.

Albury maintained his “not guilty” plea to the murder charge when the trial began last week.

Cordell Frazier and Anya Allen are prosecuting the case for the Crown while Mr Hanna is representing Albury.

Last week Monday, the jury heard that Albury allegedly confessed to his relatives that he fatally stabbed the banker, who had hired him to do a paint job at his apartment for an upcoming holiday gathering, when the victim allegedly made a sexual advance at him.

The following day, Smith’s housekeeper testified that in the three months she had known Albury, the accused had been to Smith’s apartment on three occasions and on two other occasions, the accused and Smith were seen in the victim’s Jeep drinking.

On Wednesday, Dr Sands, a pathologist with 18 years medical experience testified about the December 23, 2015 autopsy she had performed on the body of Smith in which she found some 33 stab wounds and cuts to his head, neck, shoulder, back and extremities.

The slit throat would have caused Smith’s death within minutes of receiving the injury, the 12-member jury was told.

Dr Sands was asked if a paint knife could have inflicted the wounds.

“With enough force you can cause injury with a paint knife but not a stab wound,” she said.

“These wounds are cutting wounds.

“I don’t know if a paint knife can do that. I won’t say that it can’t, but I don’t think it’s likely,” the pathologist added.

Funeral Service RICARDO JEROME ROLLE, 54 of Sayles Street, Boyd Subdivision, will be held on Saturday, 4th March, 2017, 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Methodist Church, Churchill Ave, Boyd Subdivision.

Rev. Dr. Philip Stubbs, assisted by Rev. Dr. James Moultrie will officiate. Interment will follow in Western Cemetery, Nassau Street.

ANCIENT MAN performs at last year’s Bahamian Music and Heritage Festival in Exuma.

Photo/Kemuel Stubbs

By KENDEA SMITH there will be “playtime way ity Armbrister said she back when” activities like is looking forward to this VISITORS and locals ring play, kite flying, sack year’s events, particularly alike are excited to head races, hopscotch, egg and since Exuma’s economy to Georgetown, Exuma for spoon races and marbles. benefits greatly from it. the 13th Bahamian Music By night, the park will be “Every year the event is and Heritage Festival to be a musical centre, starting special. held March 9-11. with Thursday night, which “But what makes this The festival, under the is dedicated to Bahamian year special is the fact that theme “Celebrating Our gospel music. we are really celebrating Bahamian Roots”, looks to Artists such as Lyrically our roots and taking that to offer the best in Bahamian Blessed, Dencil Rolle and the next level. food, games, music and cul- Friends, the Church of God “We are really stepping it ture. of Prophecy Youth Choir up for games and competiThe event will be held and Cacique Gospel Peo- tions,” she said. at the Regatta Park, which ple’s Choice Award winner “We know that a lot of by day will be transformed Nehemiah Heild will be people will be travelling to into the epicentre of mouth- performing.

Exuma for the weekend of watering food, exciting Friday and Saturday the festival, and in addition games and informative nights will be dedicated to to that we always have a sigdemonstrations. secular music. Bahamian nificant amount of visitors.

Daytime demos will in- music artists like Sonavia So everyone will get to see clude dances, a display of Pierre, Geno D, Lassie Doe what Bahamian culture is artefacts, bush teas, coco- Boys, Dyson Knight, Ve- all about.” nut crafts, woodcarving ronica Bishop and D-Mac For more information on and Bahamian baking and will take to the stage. the Bahamian Music and cooking.

The event will conclude Heritage Festival, contact There will also be an in- with a Junkanoo rush-out the Bahamas Ministry of ternational cooking demon- and fireworks.

Tourism’s Exuma office at stration.

Director of Events in the 336-2430 or visit www.BaAdditionally for children, Ministry of Tourism Char- hamas.com.

Left to cherish Ricardo’s loving memories are his wife: Elena Rolle; Children: Dr. Rashad Rolle, Anetra McCartney, Rasean Rolle; Step daughter: Olivia Rolle; Parents: Harcourt “Rip” Rolle and Christine Rolle.

Sisters: R.N. Khristine Wring, Sandra Moxey, Marsha Rolle, Kayla Rolle, Natasha Rolle-Bastian and Renee Smith. Brothers: Keith Rolle and Colin Rolle; Brothers-in-Law: Ellis Bastian and Haymish Moxey; Aunts: Evangeline McFall of New Jersey, Rosamund Williams, Edna Rolle of Orlanda, Florida, Gloria Rolle; Uncle: Rev. J. Leslie Rolle; Mother-in-Law: Marva Huff. Grandmother-in-Law: Leah Moss; Brother-in-Law: Christopher Thompson; Aunts-in-Law: Joanne Johnson, Jacquelyn Ash, Ruth Moss, Dyan McKenzie and Celeste Weir; Uncles-in-Law: Walter Knowles, Rodney Johnson and Dwayne Weir. Nieces: Georgia Robinson, Lequè Godman, Gabriela, Akia Rolle, Tashanna Rolle, Jada Rolle, Caelyn; Nephews: Antoinne Robinson, PC 2071 Arvad Rolle (RBPF), PC 3880 Marcian Frazier, (RBPF) Rodman Deleveaux Jr., Keithron Rolle and Vincent Wring III; Numerous grand nieces and nephews; Cousins: Stephen, Andrew, Dianne and Marlene Knowles; Ricardo, Audrey and Janice Daley; Rev. James and Bernadette Moultrie; Desiree and Keith McCartney, Donna, Cardinal, DaCosta and Christopher Williams, Denise Gordon of Indiana, DeAnne Gibson and Karen Hunt; Claudia and Lafayette Hamlet; Margaret Hargrove; Veronica and Maurice Willoughby; George and Kathleen McFall; Janice Rolle, Lynnia, Kara, Hornsby and Jerome Rolle; Gathnie and Walter Chea; W/Cpl. 949 Deborah Knowles (RBPF), Georgette and Guion Wallace Sr. Sharvonne Woodside; Jonathon and Andrè Rahming; Donald, Donzel, Donjulie and Doncott Aranha; Lisa Vaughn, Beverly and Thurman Granville; Joseph and Pierre Rolle; God daughter: Kendra Culmer; God sister: Laverne Armbrister. Numerous grand and great grand cousins: Other relatives and friends: Rose Thompson,Yvette Cargill, Dottie Lightborne and family, John Rolle, Richard G. Adderley, McArthur Fernander, Wilfred Beneby, George Robinson Jr., Rodman Deleveaux and family, Ambrose and Wendy Johnson and family; Yvonne Maura and family, Brenetta Evans and family,The family of the late Enoch Backford; Sir Arlington Butler and Family; Linda Thompson and family, Rev. Dr. Philip Stubbs and St. Michael’s Methodist Church family, Rev. I. Ranfurly Brown and St. Agnes Church Family, Fred Neely and family, Oralee Adamson, Donald Cash and family, Dynamos Sporting Club, Yvonne Bethel and family, Barbara Bastian and Family, Leon Smith and the staff of Smith, Smith & Co., Barry Smithm, Kevin Alcino, Mario Saunders, Sylvie McCartney, Mt. Tabor Church Family, The New St. Paul’s Baptist Church family, C.C. Sweeting Senior High Alumni, Eric Johnson and Family, Mark Thompson and family, Jackson Russell, Junior Ametros, Johnathon Knowles, Lindbergh Smith, C. Kenneth and Audrey Culmer, Peter Carey, E. Pedro Roberts, Philip McKenzie, Dr. Showalter Johnson, Dr. Dave Bowe and Mix & Mingle Carwash and Arawak Cay Crew.

Friends may pay their last respects at Bethel Brothers Morticians #34 Nassau Street, on Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until service time.

PAGE 8, Friday, March 3, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

PM should have given ‘one finger salute’ a second thought

B

Y NOW, you’ve probably heard much about how Prime Minister Perry Christie shocked Bahamians near and far by waving the old “one finger salute” at a campaign rally on Monday night. Was I surprised that the prime minister used an obscenity to get a point across? No. Was he surprised that his “cursing mad” stunt didn’t work so well this time around? It sure seems that way.

The Fickle Finger of Fate Like many of the ideas and decisions coming out of his administration these days, our prime minister is stuck in a rut.

He can’t get Bahamians to agree with his policy ideas (as evidenced by his two failed referenda). He can’t manage to get Baha Mar opened fast enough (even though he had a heavy hand in its epic fall back in 2015). And he can’t get a grip on many of the issues adversely affecting Bahamians such as crime and a floundering economy.

Truth be told, if the Christie administration’s record were cards in a game of Texas Holdem, our PM would be slumped at the table, low chip stack, desperately squeezing a pair of Jokers for dear life.

And desperation, friends, makes people do strange things.

With an election within arm’s reach, it seems Mr Christie’s desperation has manifested itself in the colourful hand gesture he flipped off this week.

His chubby middle finger (pointed to the heavens, no less) may as well have come with a bucket of tears, because in the word of DJ Trump it was ‘Sad!’ Still, to my eyes, the reason we saw our dignified PM finally do the unthinkable isn’t found in the dubious spin his PLP surrogates and sycophants would have us believe.

To hear them tell it, Prime Minister Christie flipped the bird because he was fed up at critics and so-called false rumours.

Someone said something

A Comic’s View

By INIGO ‘NAUGHTY’ ZENICAZELAYA

about some condominiums, Christie said. Someone verbally attacked his wife and family, Minister of Agriculture V Alfred Gray said. He was justified in his response to vicious rumours, purveyor of ‘political prostitutes’ and Minister of Education Jerome Fitzgerald said.

So... which is it? I wish Mr Christie, Heckle and Jeckel would get their stories straight.

To understand why a man who takes pains to come off as eloquent, composed, learned and highbrow would stoop so low to gesture a profan-

“Watch the video circulating on social media and you will see a man, eyes glazed over, who has that moment of contemplation and hesitation before he says those legacy busting words and gives Bahamians the infamous finger.” ity in public we have to go back to the last election.

Back in 2012, I was the host of a morning radio show that aired on More94fm.

Immediately following my show, Real Talk with Ortland Bodie Jr. aired.

One of the more memorable episodes of Real Talk leading up to the last general election is one in which the then opposition leader, Perry G Christie, appeared as a guest and broke all rules of broadcasting norms by uttering the word “jackass.”

Supposedly, he was responding to some rumour about himself riding around in a car, stalking out boundaries with former Prime Minister Hu-

bert Ingraham. If memory serves me right, DNA Leader Branville McCartney was a part of the conversation via the phone lines as well.

Back then, when he cussed in a way we hadn’t heard politicians cuss on live radio, Mr. Christie was lauded. ‘Boy, he serious, ey!’ and ‘Christie don’t play’ were some of the cheering responses from listeners across the land. I even heard someone say, in Christie’s defense, “he een do nuttin wrong... ‘Jackass’ is in the Bible!”

Fast forward to 2017 and here stands Mr Christie getting publicly excoriated for a gesture whose verbal equivalent is most certainly not in the Bible.

How did he get here?

Well, the short answer is he finally fell victim to that old Bahamian idiom ‘a long run for a short catch.’

You see, I really don’t buy that Prime Minister Christie was upset over some WhatsApp rumour or some recent slight against his family.

He’s too proud of his abilities in verbal gymnastics to fall for something like that. I mean, was the person who started the rumour riding with the car with him on the way to Fox Hill?

Were they harassing him on a hidden earpiece, heckling him live as he gave his speech?

Because you would think the man who has launched a million memes and been in politics since he was a fetus would have thicker skin by now.

I am inclined to believe, in the age that has seen the meteoric rise of the sharp-tongued Donald Trump, the PM tried the old ‘shock em and sock em’ political routine.

After all, nobody complained back in 2012 when his supporters ate up the word “jackass” as some sort of sign of strength.

Nobody complained when he called FNM leader Dr Minnis “idiotic” late last year.

And nobody complained when he moaned about his MPs’ propensity to “bitch and complain” back in January.

Yet with one false word (via an upstanding finger) Mr Christie saw the tide turn on his potty-mouth political stunts.

His vulgar gesture, coupled with the vulgar way

PRIME Minister Perry Christie’s now infamous finger gesture (above) and (below) he expresses regret in the House of Assembly.

he has governed, has finally gone too far.

For the record, I don’t think Mr Christie is some angel. Nor do I expect him to be in private.

I’d guess he often screams the same obscenities when things don’t go his way that the general public screams when he comes our way careening through traffic in his 100mph motorcade.

That’s to be expected.

What I didn’t expect is for our prime minister to go along with an obvious political stunt that has done more damage to his reputation than all of his

previous stunts combined.

Watch the video circulating on social media and you will see a man, eyes glazed over, who has that moment of contemplation and hesitation before he says those legacy busting words and gives Bahamians the infamous finger.

He should have shuffled around and given it a second thought.

“Now that Mr McCartney has resigned from Parliament after getting a senator’s plate, a green passport and some temporary relevance courtesy of Official Opposition Leader Butler-Turner for four months, the breakup we all could see coming is official.”

Though one of his chief spin doctors (and opening act) Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell had the crowd primed with his talk of “ass,” crudely referencing attorney Fred Smith, the prime minister’s gesture was just too much for the crowd.

In the words of fellow comedian Kevin Hart, ‘They wasn’t ready.’

Seriously, just because one hair-dyeing, details dodging, seventy-yearold can be accepted and

elected by being cunningly crass doesn’t mean they all can. Fate is fickle.

Bye, Bye, Branetta!

Okay, so we all knew this divorce was inevitable. We knew it wouldn’t last. We knew that DNA leader Branville McCartney would turn out to be the type of guy Loretta Butler-Turner’s mother warned her about.

Now that Mr McCartney has resigned from Parliament after getting a senator’s plate, a green passport and some temporary relevance courtesy of Official Opposition Leader Butler-Turner for four months, the breakup we all could see coming is official.

Still, I’m left wondering why McCartney would resign now, even as a FOIA Bill (and possibly soon a ‘Spy Bill’) is before the Senate? Surely Bahamians could have used his legal prowess in the Senate debates right now.

Do you think maybe -just maybe- he’s in love with the politics but has no drive to work on actual policies? I’m just saying it takes a lot of arrogance to ask voters to give you ‘an opportunity’ even as they watch you quit the second of two major opportunities you’ve been given.

Goodbye, Branetta. You were a function of that enormous arrogance and the spawn of two colossal egos. Like “Bennifer” and “Brangelina” before you, I always remember you, even as I bang my head against a wall trying like crazy to forget.

PAGE 10, Friday, March 3, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

DEPUTY PM TELLS STRAW MARKET VENDORS ‘YOU’VE COME A LONG WAY’ PRAISE set the mood for straw vendors and wood carvers at the Straw Market Authority’s prayer breakfast yesterday at The Crab House.

The vendors and carvers, representing the downtown market and four other markets throughout New Providence, gathered for the second annual event.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development Philip Davis told the vendors that they have come a long way and applauded them for their efforts.

He reminded them of their importance to the country as they are the “first point of contact” for tourists and should be great ambassadors.

Straw Market Authority Chairman Kevin Simmons said he is grateful to have served for the last four years and described his journey as very “comfortable.”

He called on the vendors and carvers to continue to operate as a family.

Fred Mitchell, minister of

DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development Philip Davis speaks at the event. foreign affairs and immigration, applauded the vendors for their continued work and dedication to the country.

He committed the government to doing all it can to ensuring their continued success.

ABOVE: The Straw Market Authority held its second annual prayer breakfast at The Crab House.

RIGHT: Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis speaks to vendors.

ALL Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell speaks at the event.

Portia Simpson-Miller

WE’RE CLOSED

FOR AWARDS DAY FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2017

The FamGuard Group of Companies wishes to announce that our offices will be closed for business on Friday, March 10, 2017 for our Annual Awards Day ceremony. Offices will re-open for business as usual on Monday, March 13, 2017.

NASSAU I FREEPORT I ABACO I ELEUTHERA I EXUMA I www.famguardbahamas.com

STRAW Market Authority Chairman Kevin Simmons.

Dame Calliope Pearlette Louisy

Dame Cecile La Grenade

LEADING CARIBBEAN FIGURES TO BE HONOURED IN NASSAU THREE leading Caribbean figures will be in Nassau next week to be honoured

by Celebrating Women International (CWI) at a special presentation and reception at Government House.

Dame Cecile la Grenade, governor general of Grenada, Dame Calliopa Pearlette Louisy, governor general of Saint Lucia, and Portia Simpson-Miller, former prime minister of Jamaica, will receive their “Women of Distinction” Global Leadership Awards in Politics from CWI on Tuesday at 6pm.

The ceremony was delayed due to Hurricane Matthew as the three honourees were unable to visit the Bahamas as scheduled to receive their recognition and awards in 2016.

“We are elated to know that they have all agreed to visit Nassau this month to receive their recognition during our special presentation,” a statement from the CWI Board of Governors this week said.

Mrs Simpson-Miller was the first female prime minister of Jamaica, serving from March 2006 to September 2007, and from January 2012 to March 2016.

First elected in 1976, she has held a number of cabinet positions and is a champion of equal rights.

She presently the leader of the opposition People’s National Party and Time magazine ranked her among the top 100 most influential people in the world in 2012.

Dame Cecile La Grenade was sworn in as the first female to hold the office of governor general of Grena-

da in 2013. She chaired the country’s Public Services Commission for three years and was voted Grenada’s businesswoman of the year in 2010 by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

Dame Calliopa Pearlette Louisy was appointed governor general of Saint Lucia in 1997 and has had a long and distinguished career in education.

She continues her research in education and small state issues and her work has been published in international journals. She is also a patron of culture and the performing arts and promotes Creole language and culture.

Founded in 2013, CWI aims “to mobilise and inspire women across the globe, to honour, recognise and celebrate the contributions of women, leveraging their untapped leadership capabilities in order for them to thrive in the world so that they can lead productive lives.”

Since 2014, the organisation has recognised and honoured nearly 500 women, including Bahamians, from around globe who have been awarded for their stellar achievements in an array of categories which include entrepreneurship and innovation, health care, education, finance, community service, performing arts and more.

CWI’s goals are to unite, connect, engage and inspire women to honour and celebrate themselves and other women worldwide and to expand women’s global business and leadership opportunities.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, March 3, 2017, PAGE 11

PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA ARRIVES FOR STATE VISIT PRESIDENT of the Republic of Guyana David A Granger arrived in Nassau on Thursday for a state visit.

Mr Granger and his delegation were greeted by Prime Minister Perry Christie, Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis and other government officials when they landed at Lynden Pindling International Airport.

President Granger held a meeting for the Guyanese

community living in the Bahamas at Windways on Thursday night. His delegation is scheduled to travel to Grand Bahama today for an official visit to Freeport and will return to New Providence tonight for a state dinner at the British Colonial Hilton with government officials. Mr Granger and his delegation will leave the country on Saturday.

BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES

MEMBERS of Rotary Bahamas Road to Peace committee and board members of various Rotary clubs in The Bahamas were guests of the Speaker of the House, Dr Kendall Major, at the House of Assembly on Wednesday. Sitting in the visitors gallery was a

Rotary Bahamas Road to Peace first for many of the Rotarians who were honoured to stand with the speaker, a former member of the Rotary Club of West Nassau.

Rotary Bahamas Road

to Peace is an action group formed by local Rotarians two years ago that is working to address the problem of crime and violence in The Bahamas through mediation, mentorship and conflict resolution training in collaboration with law enforcement agencies.