By EARYEL BOWLEG
per cent taxi fare increase for New Providence drivers has been gazetted, giving nearly 2,000 cab motorists the first increase in over six years.
She said the fare increase has been overdue, and her ministry is also completing the rate adjustment for taxi fares in the Family Islands. Although drivers initially wanted a 25 percent fare increase, Wesley Ferguson, president of the Bahamas Taxi Cab Union, welcomed the 10 per cent.
Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net
AMENDMENTS to the Boat Registration Act that passed the House of Assembly yesterday mandates that boat owners have a comprehensive insurance policy and outlines inspection requirements and registration fees.
The changes are contained in the Boat Registration Amendment
Bill 2024 and the Water Skiing and Motor Boat Control Amendment Bill. Transport and Energy Minister Jobeth ColebyDavis said the boat registration amendment bill would strengthen inspection requirements under the Boat Registration Act by requiring every boat to be submitted for inspection to the New Providence Port OFFICER SHED TEARS OVER VIDEO SHOWN AT INQUEST
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter
THE Ministry of Works has issued over 200 eviction notices in Eleuthera shanty towns and hopes to post more this week.
The Unregulated Communities Task Force recently demolished nearly 300 structures across New Providence and Abaco and is now focusing on Eleuthera.
Buildings Control Officer Craig Delancy said 27 structures on Russell Island, Eleuthera, were issued 28-day eviction notices, and 213 notices were issued overall.
“We are still awaiting persons to come forth to indicate that they have a building permit before we would be able to finalize our numbers of unregulated structures,” he said.
He said officials discovered electricity connections throughout the unregulated communities, and he does not believe residents are meeting “the code for connections”.
“We saw many of the homes built similar to the homes in Kool Acres, where little passageways you had to walk through and electrical wires running from the top going to the utility poles,” he added.
“We are not sure how they were given electricity, whether they were done based on having a valid building permit or not.”
He said the task force will next visit Green Castle Cay, Palmetto Point, and Tarpum Bay.
Assistant Director of Social Services Cherely Kelly said those who qualify would receive food,
rent, light, water and uniform assistance for up to a year.
She noted that only people who have permanent status or are Bahamian citizens will be helped.
“A number of persons that we would have interviewed would have a work permit, so automatically, they would not qualify to get any ongoing assistance from us,” she said.
She said many people have not taken advantage of the available shelters, with only five families living in New Providence shelters.
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not in use. To ensure no interruption in the prime minister’s official duties, a BMW has been temporarily loaned to the Office.”
The OPM said once repaired, the Lexus and the new vehicle will be the two vehicles in rotation.
Asked about the appropriateness of buying the luxury car, acting Press
Secretary Keishla Adderley told reporters: “I think a person can appreciate it. The Office of the Prime Minister needs to cope with a very rigorous schedule that the prime minister has to deal with on a daily basis.” She said the new car is expected to last at least ten years. Free National Movement leader Michael
Pintard claimed yesterday that the BMW is the second car the government has bought under Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, amounting to more than $350,000 spent over two years.
OPM officials, however, clarified that one of the cars to which Mr Pintard referred was loaned to the OPM until the new BMW arrives.
Mr Pintard also said: “Is this a car that gives you information on how to grow and develop the economy? Is this a car that helps people with rental assistance and food assistance that people need?”
Controversy over car purchases for members of the executive is not new.
There was uproar in 2012 when people learned that nearly $750,000 worth of
new vehicles were bought for Cabinet ministers. Then Progressive Liberal Party chairman Bradley Roberts said the purchase order for the cars was made two months before the PLP was elected and had nothing to do with the new Cabinet.
“Let me also say that maybe there may be a justification for ordering these cars, because it has
been brought to my attention that these ministers’ cars have apparently been run like they were running BEC’s generators,” he said.
“They ran them without any maintenance until they stopped running.”
When the government bought a new Lexus for the prime minister in 2017, that too prompted some criticism.
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“It might not be a big figure, but it is a shot in the arm for taxi drivers to make a little bit more on fares,” he said yesterday. “The beauty of the increase is that it is not coming out of the public’s purse. The general public will not have to bear the cost of this. This money strictly comes from tourists so it would not be a burden on anyone’s income because we have very few people in Nassau that catch taxis on a regular basis.”
“That‘s why we settled for only ten percent. With the new increase in taxis entering the industry, we thought it was fitting we get something to sort of defray or offset the increase in cab drivers operating in Nassau so everyone can make an honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work.”
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Mrs Coleby-Davis did not offer similar good news for bus drivers who have been pining for a fare increase, saying the issue is still being examined. She said a town hall meeting for the public, bus franchise owners, and public bus drivers is planned for early April. The meeting will discuss an increase in bus fares and measures to enhance the sector. She said because of population shifts in New Providence, her ministry must review existing bus routes, explore the need for new routes, and gazette bus stops.
Last November, Mrs Coleby-Davis said a 25-cent bus fare increase for bus drivers would be rolled out in the first quarter of this year, taking bus fares up to $1.50.
it is important to note that the fees have not been adjusted in over 20 years. Additionally, we have taken the necessary steps to cushion the owners and operators of small boats — which are primarily used by our fishermen and small tour operators
— from the increase in fares,” she said.
Housing and Urban Development Minister Keith Bell said unlike other laws where fees are regularly reviewed and adjusted, the fees associated with the boat laws remained stagnant.
St Anne’s MP Adrian White questioned whether the amendments make the revised fees retroactive to July 1, 2023, but Mrs Coleby-Davis said: “We advised the industry and we are now assisting and preparing for them to have that registration come into effect for March 2024. And so those persons will be able to receive the benefit of the amended bills and the new fees.”
The Opposition voted against the bills. East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson said the boat fees were implemented without consultation and the government is ignoring the impact the fees will have on small boaters and fishermen.
NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe rebuffed Amnesty International’s call for countries to suspend repatriations to Haiti and revealed that two Royal Bahamas Defence Force vessels departed for Haiti with 263 Haitian nationals on Tuesday.
Amnesty International said conditions in Haiti are putting the lives and safety of Haitian nationals at risk and that immediate humanitarian assistance is needed to alleviate those affected.
The human rights organisation said more than 35,000 people have been displaced since the beginning of 2024.
During yesterday’s Office of the Prime Minister’s press briefing, Mr Munroe noted The Bahamas declined to sign the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection, which concerned efforts to create regular migration throughout the Americas.
“The prime minister is focused on the wellbeing of The Bahamas and the wellbeing of The Bahamas does not permit us to accede to Amnesty International’s request,” Mr Munroe said.
“It didn’t permit him to sign the declaration of Los Angeles as the United States of America sought to impress on us to do. I am confident that this Prime Minister will never let down the people of The Bahamas and act against our interests.
“The honourable prime minister has indicated in many statements that he has refused to sign the Declaration of Los Angeles, which would have imposed on us an ability to house migrants as our country is heavily tasked with what we have to accomplish now and are not capable of taking on
that extra burden.”
Mr Munroe said 216 men, 44 women and three children were repatriated on Tuesday morning.
“The Ministry of National Security, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the Bahamas Department of Immigration together with the Ministry of Education arranged for the repatriation of the 107 migrants that were intercepted by the HMBS Kamalame over the weekend and a number of migrants who were then at the Detention Centre
in New Providence,” Mr Munroe said. “A total of 156 migrants in all were flown down to Inagua, Great Inagua.
“The HMBS Lawrence Major was set to depart Matthew Town, Inagua, at 1800/6pm and did. She was escorted by HMBS Kamalame to the port of Cap-Haitien and the northern coast of the Republic of Haiti. The forecast arrival time, which was roughly met, was 8am this morning (yesterday).”
The recent escape of
she and another officer accompanied Constable Anderson, the officer who is the subject of the inquest, on the night he killed Lowe.
PC Nicholas said while on patrol, she and two other officers went to a bar on Kemp Road, known to be frequented by gang members. She said she noticed several gang leaders, including one known as “Ridge”.
She said PC Anderson told two officers he saw the deceased in a blue hoodie running away from the rear of the building towards Wulff Road.
After pursuing and losing sight of Lowe, the officers searched for him near Mil’s Chinese Restaurant and Bar, where PC Nicholas said he had noticed the deceased ducking behind two vans.
PC Nicholas said she identified the deceased to the other officers and said, “Police, don’t move.”
PC Nicholas had to compose herself while recalling the moment PC Anderson approached the deceased between the gap of the vans. She alleged that she saw the teen reach into his waist and pull out a gun.
She said she screamed, “Gun, Andy, gun, gun” before PC Anderson opened fire on Lowe within seconds from an arm’s length distance. She said PC Anderson fired five shots at the deceased and that Lowe fell to the floor in a pool of blood.
PC Nicholas shakily told the court that she was scared for her life and that of the other officers. She said she also feared that she would leave her child an orphan as a single mother.
She broke down in tears when surveillance footage of the incident was replayed in court.
She said police officers are trained to eliminate threats when faced with an armed suspect and to aim for the head or body.
PC Nicholas, when questioned by K Melvin Munroe, the attorney for the officer, claimed Lowe’s gun was thrown into a car lot next door by the time the shooting was over. Officers were shown in security footage looking for an item the deceased allegedly threw.
more than 4,000 prisoners in Haiti has intensified efforts to secure the country’s border. Prime Minister Davis recently said the RBDF is deploying significant assets, including surface vessels, aircraft and 120 RBDF personnel, to combat illegal immigration amid Haiti’s deepening crisis and a surge in attempts by undocumented migrants to enter Bahamian waters.
The United States and the United Kingdom will position assets in the region, and intelligence will be shared among Bahamian officials, the US Coast Guard, the Turks and Caicos and the Cuban Border Patrol.
During cross-examination, Keod Smith, the attorney for the deceased’s estate, said given the angle of the vans and how low the deceased was, she could not see him, especially his hands.
The witness disagreed, saying she could see everything.
Mr Smith told the woman she did not see a firearm in the deceased’s hands, a claim she also disagreed with.
When PC Nicholas was asked why she didn’t fire on the deceased, she said PC Anderson would have been caught in the crossfire.
Sergeant Patrice Rolle of criminal records testified that a search she conducted on February 10, 2023 showed the deceased was not licensed to have a firearm.
Although Sergeant Rolle confirmed to Mr Munroe that the gun recovered at the scene had its serial number defaced, she could not say if it was a police firearm.
Angelo Whitfield marshalled the evidence.
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St Anne’s MP Adrian White and East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson contributed to the debate on the bill, but FNM leader Michael Pintard and deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright did not. After House Speaker Patricia Deveaux indicated that the sitting would be short, members of the Opposition stood up. They complained for more than ten minutes
even as the House successfully passed both bills. “We felt that it was important that all of us put on the record those issues that members of the public have raised with us in order for us to raise with the government, and it is wrong and undemocratic,” Mr Pintard said in a press conference after the sitting. “No matter how slick they try to coach it, they are not supported by the rules of the Parliament, but more important, they are not supported
by simple democratic principle.”
National Security Minister Wayne Munroe addressed the matter at the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday, saying the Opposition likes to have its own way.
“The leader of the opposition chose not to speak first or second,” he said. “His deputy leader chose not to speak first or second, and they chose to spend the majority of their time speaking about things other than the two bills we
THE Bahamas Down Syndrome Association (BDSA) president is advocating for a specially designated building for people with Down syndrome so they can have someplace to go and not be stuck at home.
Betty Taylor’s comments yesterday came as World Down Syndrome Day is being recognised today.
She and others sat in the gallery of the House of Assembly yesterday as their contributions were recognised.
People with Down syndrome are born with 47 chromosomes, whereas the average person is born with 46.
Ms Taylor noted that those with Down syndrome are affected in various ways, including through speech impediments, impaired cognitive functioning and diminished sight.
“Some of them can go out to work if they are trained properly,” she noted. “My son goes to work, so we know it’s possible, so that’s why we are fighting to make their lives better and for you to come out to meet them and realise there’s no difference.”
“If you get to know them, you would be stronger, you would be a better person for getting to know a person with a disability.”
She said a building
would help people with Down syndrome.
“I know a 50-year-old who’s stuck at home,” she said. “When I picked him up the other day, his mum said, ‘Now you get a break from me, and I have a
break from you’, so that’s what we need for them to be out in the public.”
“They can learn skills, probably fold towels for the hotel, and make a little bit of money or something.”
were debating.” Mr Munroe said the government has an “aggressive” legislative agenda. He said
if there is “a matter of great substance,” all seven Opposition members would be allowed to speak. Otherwise,
an equal number of governing party and Opposition members would be allowed to speak during a debate.
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A PHOTOGRAPH of a receipt caused a stir on social media at the weekend – a receipt for a car for the Prime Minister.
Was this genuine, more than one person asked The Tribune. In this age of deep fakes and Photoshop, not everything can be taken at face value. There was no signature on the document, though that did not mean it was not real. But our reporters set about making inquiries to see.
Also circulating in the wake of the receipt was a story claiming that a permanent secretary had been transferred because of a row over the purchase of the vehicle.
Again, inquiries were made, and the outcome is some truth, some untruth.
Yes, the receipt was real, for a $192,000 BMW vehicle to replace the previous vehicle bought in 2011. We’ll come more to that shortly.
The second part, about permanent secretary David Davis? Not so much, it seems.
Speaking to reporters yesterday, acting press secretary Keishla Adderley said: “No truth to the assertion that the permanent secretary who was previously linked to this office was removed for anything to do with the purchase of the vehicle. That’s absolutely false.”
Even before the acting press secretary spoke, a number of people privately spoke to The Tribune to reject the idea that Mr Davis might have done anything with regards to such a purchase that could have led to a transfer – he was described by several people as someone who would adhere to the due process in such a matter.
Given the story that was circulating – distinctly different from what The Tribune heard both in private and from the Office of the Prime Minister – it
shows the danger in such speculative commentary.
It is important to get the facts right to tell the proper story.
And what is worse, from the commentary surrounding the purchase, is that such scuttlebutt serves to obscure the real talking point about the car.
The previous car, we are told, was bought in 2011 for $300,000, so around $23,000 a year in costs in that time. If, as the acting press secretary speculated, this new car lasts ten years, that will be a comparable amount of $20,000 a year.
There is some uncertainty about another vehicle, that will serve in rotation with this one, but the obvious challenge is that this represents bad optics for a government that admits to large numbers of people in poverty and in need of assistance, struggling with inflation and meeting their bills to then have the government spending on a new car just short of $200,000.
When the government recently took to reallocating $25,000 from a disabilities commission to fund an Obie Wilchcombe memorial but then spends that amount of money on a car, it is easy to raise an eyebrow.
Ultimately, though, the Prime Minister needs a vehicle – be it Mr Davis or his future successors – and it needs to be of a caliber appropriate to the role. That $20,000 a year budget towards the next car should simply be a line item always there to pay for the next one, albeit with some discussion about the final price tag.
There is that danger, always, though of seeming disconnected from the struggles of the people when they see the price tag of the car you’re driving away from them in, complete with police outriders and all. But that is a different price tag for our leaders to bear.
EDITOR, The Tribune.
NEVER in the history of The Bahamas has a Prime Minister had a president of Government Union had his house searched for guns and drugs as a means and way to intimidating him, because the president of the BPL Union do not believe and trust the Prime Minister Philip Davis concerning the deal with foreigners at BPL that can cause hundreds of BPL government workers to be laid off.
This action by Prime Minister Philip Davis makes him look more like Putin in Russia where workers and citizens have no rights under a Dictatorship ruled country. What is more alarming that recently a Manager at BPL was fired to further instill fear in the BPL workers and BPL Managerial President, this is unacceptable
and a violation of the Bahamian Union workers rights to used these unconstitutional scare tactics and intimidation to trample on the powerless. I fully support the BPL union president, BPL managerial president and the BPL government workers who are now working under pressure, stress and uncertainty about their future at the BPL government corporation, it is time to address this dictatorship pattern and behaviours by Prime Minister Philip Davis who attacked the Tribune newspaper and Nassau Guardian for covering and sharing the truth about the high crime rate of murders, robberies, rapes and car thefts in The Bahamas, then made a Director of Immigration retired because she told the truth of the alleged corruption concerning Former Minister of Labor and
Immigration Keith Bell. I will protect Bahamian government workers at Government Corporations BPL, Bahamasair and Water and Sewage by making these corporations profitable and will never intimidate and used scare tactics with union presidents at Government Corporations. I am now asking religious church leaders, business owners and the Bahamian people to join Pedro Smith and BFP Party to become the next Prime Minister and Government of The Bahamas, for a better and greater Bahamas for the Bahamian people, children and grandchildren, One Nation, One people, One Bahamas and One God onward forward and upward, help is on the way soon!
PEDRO
EDITOR, The Tribune.
THE United Nations, America, UK and various other nations and organisations are again purporting the ever scarce idea of the Two State Solution to Israel and the Palestinians’ problems, basically that one controls the landmass once owned historically by the other.
Two State (multi-state) configurations can only exist as a relationship between two people can.
They must willingly, observantly and honestly communicate with each other.
They must be able to discuss(not accuse) each others foibles openly, honestly and directly.
Differences between the two must not perpetuate a division, but lead to cooperation and a solution to problems.
Both sides must acknowledge that there are differences between them that may not change and that is OK.
It is best to have religion unite a couple, but selfrealisation could point to differences that each are willing to work on.
The interjection into the situation by an outsider (super powers) can initially help, but this assistance can become over bearing, controlling and selfish (what does the super power want?) Both members of a two-state situation must be united in their efforts to improve the state of their populations equally, honestly and in a sharing state of mind.
Can Israel and the Palestinian Diaspora become neighbours? Well they have had over 70 years to work that out, and look at what is going on right now. Israeli forces are driving Palestinians out of Gaza, Hamas and other forces are continually fighting as guerrilla/ urban/terroristic fighters demanding not a dual or two state solution, but the destruction of their Jewish neighbours, Israel. No
amount of marriage counselling will unite them, let alone have them honestly speak to each other.
The military are in control now, and have had their influence increase over the many years Israel has existed. Super Power’s such as the USA, EU, Russia and China along with the neighbourhood trouble makers Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia have skin in this game, and all want a Jewish Free Middle East. No other way of saying it folks. This hatred has torn Israeli against Israeli, Arab, Persian and Bedouin alike looking out for themselves with their own bucket list, all having the destruction of Israel in capitals.
Ask an Indian or Chinese person if arranged or forced marriages work? That is what a two state solution requires, the forcing of two nations to marry into their situation, and somehow peace, tranquility and love for the other will develop.
In Sept 2022, an estimated 22 million people lived in forced marriages, with this increasing by six million from the 2016 statistics. The United Nations call this form of union as “Modern Slavery”, often a financial or societal agreement in place where social status and money change hands, and the two married placed in a situation where one of them gets what they want while the other is forced to submit. Will either Israeli or Palestinian submit to the other? Think not.
Suggestions to stop conflict?
1. Have Israel or Palestinian Diaspora transplant itself to PEI, Newfoundland or perhaps Texas/Alberta (imagine what they would do with the desert).
2. Israel pays 1 million dollars (borrowed from USA) to each Palestinian,
so they can live anywhere they wish.
3. Force every Israeli male to marry Palestinian women, creating generations that will return to their historic nature.(Palestinians and Israelis are of the same people/tribes).
4 Eradicate all hardliners within either Palestinian or Israel leadership. Some hardliners will never end their mission to destroy each other.
5. End all interference from Super Power brokers and financiers alike. People are making money from this conflict, otherwise it would have ended long ago.
6. Simply let the two antagonists kill each other until they both realise the futility of their hatred, killing and mistrust.
Understanding the history and very nature of this historic conflict will lead you to many realisations, but few solutions. As people in the millions, Palestinians and Israelis will always fight each other. It an historic imperative. Israelis can open their hearts, minds and wealth to assist their opponents, perhaps realise only they can stop this madness. A final solution for haters, professional terrorists and profiteering middlemen who encourage this cultural divide maybe considered. Something needs to be done with the bullies in either camp, those who insight this horrible mess, for ego and wealth.
Palestinian poem/song: “May we find the language that takes us to the only home there is, one another’s hearts” (tasting the sky).
Ann Frank wrote...”Our lives are fashioned by our choices. First we make the choices. Then our choices make us”.
Beautiful wise words don’t you think. The answer to these two peoples problems can be found in these two quotes.
TWO men are in hospital after a shooting in New Providence on Tuesday.
Police said the incident happened at a business establishment on Fire Trail Road after 2pm. According to reports, the two men were outside the building when occupants of a gold coloured Japanese vehicle approached
A MAN is accused of molesting an eight-yearold girl last month.
Magistrate Kendra Kelly charged Hans Rollins, 48, with indecent assault yesterday. Rollins allegedly engaged in inappropriate physical behaviour with an underaged girl in New Providence
on March 4. After pleading not guilty to the charge, Rollins’ bail was set at $5,000 with one or two sureties. Under the terms of his bail, he must appear at the East Street Police Station every Thursday. The defendant’s wife was present for his arraignment. Gregory Hilton represented him. The trial in this matter begins on June 19.
A MAN was sentenced to two months in prison yesterday after admitting to lying to an officer and having drugs last Monday.
Magistrate Raquel
Whyms charged John Cadet, aka “Johnny Victor”, 47, with possession of dangerous drugs and deceit of a public officer. Cadet was found with a quantity of marijuana in New Providence on March 18. On the same day, while attempting to evade capture, Cadet gave a false statement to PC 4459 Seymour. After pleading guilty to both charges, the defendant was sentenced to two months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.
A MAN was ordered to demonstrate good behaviour for a year after he admitted to stealing $715 worth of property last month.
Magistrate Raquel Whyms charged Harrison Fernander, 28, with stealing yesterday.
Fernander stole a $715 lawn mower from Deborah Fernander on February 21 in New Providence.
After Fernander admitted to the allegation and noted he had a substance abuse problem, he was granted a conditional discharge. He must undergo drug counselling for three months. Failing to attend these classes would result in a two-month prison term. Fernander would also face a two-month prison term if he failed to behave well for one year. he defendant must return to court for a report on October 6.
and fired shots in their direction before fleeing the scene.
One of the victims, aged 49, received injuries to his lower extremities, while
the other, aged 52, received multiple gunshot wounds and remains listed in serious condition. Investigations are continuing.
Police are also searching for the suspects behind an armed robbery in the South Ocean Drive area. Police said the victim was travelling north, but was accosted by two motorcyclists at the intersection of Frank Watson Boulevard who robbed him of cash and other personal belongings.
This column first appeared in 2014. It is reprinted with updates and revisions.
WITHOUT appropriate language we cannot conceive, understand and communicate ideas and values. It is important that we get our language right. We often get our language and our thinking muddled and just plain wrong in constitutional matters.
Proper language and terminology communicate concepts and principles. In medicine and science getting concepts and language wrong may be a matter of life and death. Getting the same wrong in constitutional matters weakens the vitality of our parliamentary system within the body politic.
Since independence, the Prime Minister of The Bahamas has frequently and erroneously been referred to in the media, by some commentators, and even by various politicians as the nation’s chief executive. The constitution confers no such title on a prime minister.
ZNS repeatedly and inaccurately refers to the prime minister as “the nation’s chief”, a hangover from a previous era.
With the cult of personality and strongman politics of Sir Lynden Pindling, we inflated in our political consciousness the actual powers of a prime minister, whose power, in significant ways, is considerably less than those of a US president. Sir Lynden was often called the “Nation’s Chief” or “Chief”.
Our proximity to the US and ignorance about our
constitution has resulted in a misunderstanding of our parliamentary system and cabinet government and in the repeated regurgitation of factual errors. We borrow promiscuously from the American political lexicon expressions which are quite misleading when we try to understand and discuss our own constitution which is vastly different from that of the US.
MESMERISED
Often mesmerised by the US media’s reporting on the American government and the trappings of the US presidency, we sometimes erroneously compare that system with parliamentary democracy absent a deeper appreciation of the origins, history, strengths and potential weaknesses of either system. Some even do not understand the term republic. One radio talk show host, who is
consistently factually wrong and a showman of little substance, sometimes suggests that he would prefer a republic rather than a parliamentary democracy.
It is curious the number of people who lay claim to constitutional scholarship, but who are persistently ignorant of basic matters within our constitution.
India, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Dominica, and many other parliamentary democracies are also republics. We could become a republic and remain a parliamentary democracy. Further, the countries mentioned remain members of the Commonwealth, but not with the British monarch as head of state.
In our system, the Prime Minister is the most important member of cabinet and that is why we call him or her prime (or first), and he or she has important constitutional powers including certain powers of appointment.
Still, executive authority under our constitution is vested in the British monarch (Article 71) and is exercised by his representative the Governor General. That is why no legislation by parliament becomes law until it is signed by the Governor General.
A related aside: a prime minister’s wife is not the first lady, another hangover and misnomer from a previous era. There is no equivalent in our system. In Britain, you never hear of the prime minister’s wife referred to as the first lady.
Further, the constitution gives responsibility for the general direction and
In our system, the Prime Minister is not, as former President George W Bush liked to put it, “the decider”. The cabinet collectively are “the deciders”.
control of the government to the cabinet (Article 72), not the Prime Minister. That is what collective responsibility means.
In our system, the Prime Minister is not, as former President George W Bush liked to put it, “the decider”. The cabinet collectively are “the deciders”.
When former Prime Minister Perry Christie, who should know better, once mused about the creation of a standard or coat of arms for the Prime Minister, he was seeking to compete with the monarch’s representative.
He was evincing a curious ignorance and telegraphing a US-style presidential mindset that is foreign to our parliamentary system and the concept of collective cabinet government.
Mr Christie seemed to have forgotten that the prime minister is head of government and is collectively responsible to the head of state, to parliament, and to the people.
Article 72 of our constitution provides that the cabinet “shall have the general direction and control of the government of The Bahamas and shall be collectively responsible to Parliament”.
This is very different from systems with an executive president, such as the United States. All important decisions of The Bahamas Government must be made collectively by the cabinet.
The American president individually enjoys extensive executive authority, authority that has grown dramatically since the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt. The repeated assertion that The Bahamas’ prime minister inherently has too much power is a red herring.
The US president may
engage in certain military actions without the need to get approval from his or her cabinet or from the Congress, though the president would be wise to consult both. There continues an historic debate about presidential war powers.
In our system the Prime Minister must get approval for military action from the cabinet and for extended military action from parliament. The Prime Minister’s chief responsibility is the coordination and discipline of the cabinet where he or she is primus inter pares (first among equals).
A prime minister is expected to provide leadership for his or her colleagues; is responsible for the agenda and conduct of the proceedings of the cabinet as well as discipline; is responsible for the overall coordination of the government; and is the chief spokesperson for the government.
The Constitution also gives him or her the authority to make or advise certain appointments, including the appointment of ministers. A minister, including the Prime Minister, may bring a paper to cabinet proposing a certain course of action or policy or project or legislation. A minister may also in certain circumstances raise a matter orally at the table.
Cabinet debates the issue and comes to a conclusion or conclusions which are then binding on the relevant minister and all of his or her colleagues as well as other relevant agencies of the government.
Once a cabinet conclusion is arrived at, neither the Prime Minister nor any other individual minister can legally overturn, reverse or vary
such decision. However, the cabinet can collectively revisit any previous conclusion.
Various prime ministers will be weaker or stronger in terms of leading or dominating a cabinet.
But a stronger cabinet can restrain a prime minister and he or she serves at the pleasure of a political party and parliament and can be removed as leader and prime minister at any time. The same cannot happen in the US system.
There are layers of checks on the powers of a prime minster. A failure to check prime ministerial power lies not in how our system is designed.
It lies in his or her cabinet, parliamentary and party colleagues, which the great Margaret Thatcher learned when she lost the support of her colleagues and subsequently resigned office.
We elect a party to office. There is no direct election of a prime minister. Again, he or she is not an elected chief executive.
He or she is a part of cabinet, in which general direction and control of the country is vested and which is collectively responsible. Should we have term limits on the tenure of service of a cabinet or ministers? Of course, that would be patently absurd. There are improvements which should and will in time be made to our system, such as how the Senate is constituted.
But there is an historic and inherent genius to our parliamentary democracy and cabinet government which we should seek to better understand and jealousy guard.
When we ignore or purposely upend certain norms and conventions, we do great harm to our democracy, harm that often takes time to repair, and sometimes harm that may be irreparable.
LAURA Richardson is only the second woman to hold 4-star rank in the US Army. And she is the first female commander of the US Southern Command. Southcom, as it’s widely known, moved to the Doral area of Miami-Dade County in 1997, and serves as the military coordinating arm for the American government for everything in the Western Hemisphere south of the US except Mexico and The Bahamas, which are grouped under the Northern Command – Northcom – whose headquarters is in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Gen Richardson appeared at a private event at the prestigious Atlantic Council in Washington earlier this week. Even though her area of command excludes The Bahamas, her comments on a variety of issues are relevant.
She began with a brief discussion of the chaos that has returned to Haiti. Calling the situation there “extremely challenging” for US policymakers, she said current events are “disappointing and very concerning”.
Asked about the possibility of a direct intervention by US troops, she said “not right now”. Indeed, she doesn’t support a unilateral, American-only military solution. Careful and measured in her speech, the general didn’t need to recall for her audience the long, fraught history of US interventions in Haiti.
Richardson said the US State Department was “in regular consultations with CARICOM on Haiti”, and that mustering and deployment of an international UN-sponsored peacekeeping force led by Kenya was “progressing at the speed of relevance”.
On the dangerous situation developing on Venezuela’s eastern border with Guyana, she expressed strong, continuing American support for Guyana, which she described as “a strong democracy and our partner”.
She offered the view that Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro may be sabre-rattling at his neighbour at least partly in order to build up support for his re-election bid in July. She stressed that “there is presently no credible threat of a Venezuelan invasion of Guyana”.
She mentioned that 7.5 million refugees have fled Venezuela during Maduro’s presidency. Many of these have complicated America’s continuing southern border crisis.
Speaking of refugees, Gen Richardson did not rule out use of the US base at Guantanamo in eastern Cuba as a location for housing refugees from Haiti who might be intercepted en route to Florida (and The Bahamas). She sees her unprecedented success in her Army career as an opportunity to promote advancement for women in military careers. “I include events that support women’s professional development in peace and security careers everywhere I visit,” she said. Her command sergeant major at Southcom, the top enlisted position in this sprawling unit, is a woman.
“You can’t be what you can’t see,” Richardson said, noting that women, especially in the military and law enforcement, need real life role models.
The general spent most of the time addressing questions about Chinese influence in Latin America and the Caribbean, noting how pervasive it has become in recent decades. She mentioned several times the cycle of “invitational loans and grants” from China that then turn more
burdensome to the recipients as they reveal “predatory” repayment terms.
She mentioned Beijing’s continuing strategic interest in acquiring deep water ports in places like the Panama Canal. The US, she said, “has our eyes wide open” on potential Chinese threats to the canal and its vital shipping lanes. “And don’t forget,” she reminded the audience, “defending the Panama Canal is part of our mission at Southcom.”
The commander cited figures that show China gets 36 percent of its food, 75 percent of its copper and some other precious metals, 31 percent of its fresh water and over 30 percent of its sugar and corn from Latin America and the Caribbean.
“We have seen the Chinese turn their attention successively to Europe, Africa and now the Western Hemisphere,” she said. “22 of the 31 nations in this region have secured Belt and
Road loan plans,” she said. “There are always strings attached. Asked about persistent reports of relative American neglect of the region, Richardson demurred. “US foreign direct investment doubled from 2020 to 2022,” she said. “The Departments of Commerce and Treasury have increased their
presence, and together with State and Defense, all are working collaboratively to strengthen regional ties.”
She mentioned a programme being pushed by the Defense Department. Under its terms, the nations in the region who retain significant stocks of Russian-manufactured military equipment have been encouraged to essentially swap them out for newer American alternatives. The ageing Russian materiel would then be passed along to bolster Ukraine’s defensive efforts, since Ukraine still possesses a lot of Russian-made equipment dating from past decades.
“Times of crisis I see as opportunities,” she said.
General Richardson has punched her ticket with commands in Iraq and Afghanistan, along with leadership roles in the renowned 101st airborne division and the 1st cavalry division. But she has also served in key staff jobs in Washington, including as Military Aide to the Vice President at the White House and as the Army’s Legislative Liaison to the US Congress. Hers has been a carefully crafted career, and Southcom command is unlikely to be her last stop. It all adds to the significance of her careful remarks, which are certain to reflect the views of her political and military leaders in Washington.
AT least since the presidency of Richard Nixon 50 years ago, it has generally been accepted that the Republican Party and its operatives are the most frequent practitioners of the fine art of political dirty tricks. Nixon’s inept Watergate burglars and their many successors up through the administration of Donald Trump have reinforced this widely-held view.
Trump’s astounding collection of rogues, villains and buffoons outdid all their predecessors. And now many Americans watch in horror as such notorious renegades as Paul Manafort, Steve Bannon and Stephen Miller seem set to return to Trump’s inner circle with their peculiar mix of venality, corruption and nativist intolerance.
But all this skullduggery is by no means limited to the GOP. The Democrats have for more than a decade openly manipulated the political process by actively promoting the Republican primary prospects of some of the party’s most outrageous contenders.
This strategy has been employed more frequently in recent years as Republican primary races have tilted ever more to the right. And it has worked.
The most recent example came on Tuesday. In Ohio, Cleveland, car dealer Bernie Moreno, 57, beat state Sen Matt Dolan, an establishment conservative whose family owns the Cleveland Guardians baseball team, and Secretary of State Frank LaRose, who remained stuck in a distant third place for most of the campaign.
Moreno had the endorsement of Donald Trump, who campaigned with him over the weekend in Ohio. Dolan and LaRose were more aligned with the fading Republican “mainstream,” along with popular and effective incumbent governor Mike DeWine.
Polls showed Moreno was the weaker Republican against Brown — so much
so that a super PAC aligned with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer spent more than $3m helping Republicans boost Moreno over more moderate challengers.
In 2022, Democrats spent about $53m promoting far-right Republican candidates who questioned or denied the results of the 2020 election, mostly in blue states. They got good results for their money.
Most of that spending was in Illinois, where the party successfully promoted a Republican candidate for governor, Darren Bailey, who said it was “appalling” that Republicans in the state wanted Trump to concede the 2020 election. The Democrat won.
It happened again during this cycle. Earlier this month, Representative Adam Schiff, a Democrat running for Senate in California, spent $10m to promote Steve Garvey, a Republican former baseball star. Garvey came in second in the state’s “jungle” primary, where the two top finishers advance to the general election regardless of their party affiliation.
In the process, Schiff, a January 6 commission stalwart who carefully cultivates a public image of unassailable integrity, nudged two much more formidable black female Democratic rivals out of the race. No serious observer believes neophyte Garvey has any chance in November.
In the Pennsylvania governor’s race in 2022, Josh Shapiro, the Democratic nominee, ran an ad during the Republican primary highlighting the conservative credentials of Doug Mastriano, a zealous right-wing candidate. Mastriano won the primary. Then Shapiro whipped him in a landslide. We’ll see how Ohio turns out. But a wise bet would favour incumbent Democrat Brown.
With the return of World Athletics’ prestigious World Relays to The Bahamas, the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) resumed its rightful position as the major sponsor.
With about six weeks away from the event being staged at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium May 3-4, BTC made a sizeable cheque presentation of $300,000 yesterday to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the Local Organising Committee.
The handover took place in the foyer of the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium where LOC Chief Executive Officer Drumeco Archer, LOC Chairman Dr Daniel Johnson and Acting Minister of Sports Zane Lightbourne welcomed and congratulated BTC CEO Sameer Bhatti and their staff for continuing the tradition they started when the Bahamas hosted the first three editions of the World Relays in 2014, 2015 and 2017.
The World Relays returns to the Bahamas after they were moved to Yokohama, Japan in 2019 and Chorzow, Poland in 2021. The Bahamas will welcome 50 countries, who will be participating this year as they try to qualify for the Olympic Games in Paris, France in August.
Before presenting the cheque, Bhatti said BTC welcomes the world of athletes and fans to The Bahamas as the title sponsors for the World Relays Bahamas 2024.
“Everything about this event represents excellence and we are proud to partner with the Local Organising Committee and the Government to continue to place the Bahamas on the world stage,” Bhatti said.
“We’re particularly excited to see our Bahamians return home to compete and win and follow in your footsteps, Pauline Davis.” Highlighting the numerous events that BTC has made to the development of The Bahamas, Bhatti said they are committed to building a better Bahamas and helping to unleash the potential of the young people of the nation.
During the weekend extravaganza, Bhatti revealed that BTC will provide free Wi-Fi service in the stadium and will assist in providing top notch Bahamian entertainment for all to enjoy.
Lightbourne, filling in for Minister Mario Bowleg, who is currently off the
island, said the Bahamas can boast of being the best in the world and this is just one of the ways they can demonstrate that through BTC.
“BTC, the Government of the Bahamas and the people are profoundly grateful for your generous sponsorship of this upcoming event,” Lightbourne pointed out.
“Your support will play a pivotal role in the successful execution of the World Relays and the impact that it will make on our global community for years to come.”
As the title sponsor, Lightbourne said it’s good to see them back at the starting line like they did in 2014, 2015 and 2017, providing excellent coverage
throughout the Englishspeaking Caribbean.
“This year will be no different,” Lightbourne stated. “With BTC high speed internet, athletes, coaches and fans can stay connected with every exciting exchange.
“They will ensure that no one misses a single moment of what promises to be the sporting event of the year, while connecting the Caribbean and indeed the world.”
Lightbourne encouraged all of the local vendors to get ready because the world is coming and he’s hoping that they will inject some funds into our economy during their stay.
He also thanked all of the partners who will join BTC in putting on the
world-class event as they make the World Relays one that everybody will enjoy, especially as they watch the Bahamian athletes go head-to-head with their international counterparts. “As we sprint into these relays, let us embrace the spirit of unity, sportsmanship and friendly competition,” Lightbourne said. “Let us come together as a community to support our athletes and showcase the warmth and hospitality of The Bahamas.
“Let us create lasting memories for all participants and spectators alike. In the words of encouragement and celebrations, I say to our runners, run on,
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THE Government Secondary Schools Sports Association champions CI Gibson Rattlers and the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools champions Charles W Saunders Cougars will headline the teams leaving town for Grand Bahama this weekend.
They will be a part of the field participating in the top-notch field of teams participating in the Island Cares Foundationsponsored Best of the Best Basketball Cup, which has been sanctioned by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture.
The event, which will also feature a senior girls’ division, will get underway today at the St George’s Gymnasium in Freeport and will wrap up on Monday when the championship game will be played.
Joining the Rattlers and the Cougars from New Providence are the Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves and the CC Sweeting Cobras, representing Grand Bahama are the Sunland Baptist Stingers, Tabernacle Falcons, St George’s Jaguars and the Gateway Academy Eagles.
Kevin ‘KJ’ Johnson, coach of the Rattlers, said despite coming off their championship win over Sunland Baptist during the finals of the prestigious Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic last month, they know they will have their hands full against their rivals in the tournament.
“I think the momentum died down a little bit. We have not been practicing like that. We only started practicing last week to travel.
“We are definitely looking forward to it and going over there to win it. The guys just must go out there and play.”
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By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports EditorWHILE the girls are now waiting for the playoff rounds on Friday, the boys began their preliminary rounds in the New Providence Public Primary Schools Sports Association’s 2024 Volleyball Tournament.
The boys’ competition got started yesterday at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium and will continue today at 9am
24 to July 13 each day from 9am to noon.
IT wasn’t the type of game anticipated, but a great way for the Bahamas national team to end their trip to the World Baseball Softball Confederation Under-15 Championships in Boca Chica, Dominican Republic.
After taking a 6-0 lead in the first inning, the Bahamas had to fight back from an 11-8 deficit to eventually prevail 18-11 over world number 31st ranked Argentina to complete the tournament with a 2-3 winloss record.
“It wasn’t the prettiest game, but we got it done,” said Cartwright about the
way they performed. Cartwright was assisted by Geron Sands, Pedro Dean and Donovan Cox.
“During the game we had to make an adjustment. Argentina came out to get a win under their belt, but we had to stop them. Throughout the whole tournament, I think the boys did very well playing against the best in the world.”
After losing their first two games to Mexico and Brazil, the Bahamas pulled off the biggest upset of the tournament with a walkoff 6-5 come-from-behind victory over the number sixth ranked Panama in the bottom of the seventh inning of their third game. They dropped their third loss to the host Dominican
Republic in their fourth game, but closed out play in Group A yesterday with the huge morale win over Argentina. Catcher Kaizen Dorsett, who turned out to be the offensive spark in the latest
win with a pair of doubles, said it was all about giving it their best shot for the Bahamas. “It’s always a pleasure to play for the Bahamas. Obviously, we came out here and did our job,” Dorsett said. “I feel good.”
Branson Albury, who came in as the closer to secure the win for Team Bahamas, said they fought to the end.
“Went I first pitched on the first day, I didn’t pitch much, so I had enough time
to get some rest to come back and pitch today,” Albury said.
“I feel we could have done better, but it’s our first time and we now know what we have to work on,” he added.
may
Bahamas in the upcoming relays.”
Archer, the president of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations, noted that it’s important for BTC to continue to carry on the baton because the Bahamas, on the global stage of athletics, is faster, stronger and unstoppable as evident by the world record
breaking performances and medals won by our athletes.
“That’s why, for years, BTC has been synonymous with track and field and as a perennial title sponsor of (three) previous editions, they have become synonyms with the World Athletics Relays,” Archer said.
“Today feels like a championship day for The Bahamas as well as our partner with BTC, which ensures that we will never forget the experience of the world relays. Welcome
BTC as our title sponsor of the World Relays 2024.” The sponsorship, according to Archer, will ensure that The Bahamas stages a truly world-class event for the return of one of the most exciting competitions that will be held in 2024.
“BTC’s contribution will allow us to improve the World Relay experience for athletes, fans and viewers worldwide,” Archer said.
“And because of this support, like BTC, together with the strength of the Commonwealth of the
Bahamas, and the BAAA, we will deliver an unforgettable weekend that will be entangled by a dogfight track and field experience with sweet, sweet Bahamian music.” There will also be the rhythmic sounds of junkanoo.
Dr Johnson indicated that he coined the phrase “from Paradise to Paris,” as one of the original persons responsible for bringing the World Relays to the Bahamas. He noted that “Golden Girl” Pauline
Davis, who serves as the deputy chair of the LOC, NACAC president Mike Sands, former director of sports Timothy Munnings and others have allowed World Athletics, headed by president Sebastian Coe, to indicate that the Bahamas has earned its seat at the table.
As a result of their performances and the support they got from BTC, Dr Johnson said the Bahamas was afforded the opportunity to stage the genius of the brand-new event, the
World Relays. He said BTC has now also earned its seat around the table.
“A world-class brand trusts us with their reputation,” Dr Johnson said of World Athletics. “We are a world-class brand and we also have a world-class reputation.”
Chris Saunders, who serves as one of the directors in the LOC, advised Bahamians to go to the World Relays online site and purchase their tickets early because they are going fast.
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It’s all sbout preparing yourself and being ready. Basketball is different stages when we play.
“We just have to be focused as a team,” Johnson said. “You can get beat any night, but once you prepare yourselves, you can give yourself a chance,” Johnson said.
“We have a mission and once we follow that plan, we will be alright.
“We are the hunted, so we have to step up and do what we have to do as a team,” Johnson said.
As for the tournament, Johnson said he had his reservations about it, but the organisers put a lot into
it, “so we just have to go to Grand Bahama and do what they have to do. “We are ready to perform,” he said. “We are going to represent and perform. Our first is against Gateway. Once we do that, we will face the winner of Anatol and St George’s, who we saw and we played, so we have to be ready for that and go from there and keep moving on.” Sunland is the top ranked team coming out of Grand Bahama and coach Jay Philippe said his Stingers will be ready to compete at a high level. “We didn’t win the Hugh Campbell title after making it to the final for the third year in a row and falling short of a three-peat,” he
said. “But we’re hoping to win this tournament.
“We’ve been practicing for the past two weeks and we made some adjustments to our regular routine style of play, so we’re looking forward to competing against the Best of the Best teams in the tournament and in the country. We won’t step on the court unless we think we can win. That’s our expectations.”
After the Ministry of Education’s National Championships was halted in 2019, Philippe said his team and the rest of the teams in Grand Bahama looked forward to the return of a tournament of this nature. “This is a small sample of the nationals where we have some of the
best teams participating, so we’re glad of this opportunity to compete,” he said.
“After the loss in Hugh Campbell, we thought our season had ended, but it’s now extended and we can get another chance to end the season with another chance to win a title, we will go out there and give it our best shot.”
If there’s any team to be concerned about, Philippe said it’s CI Gibson.
“We knew they had a really good team, but until we got a chance to play them in the final, we found out how really good they are,” he said. “But with the seeding in this tournament, they are number one and we are number two.”
“So we look forward to the
semifinal match-up, hopefully against Tabernacle. Not overlooking any other teams, but if we can get past them and CI Gibson get through, we can look forward to the rematch. I can’t say it will be a different outcome but I know it’s going to be something to watch when we face them again.”
The Cougars, according to head coach Dario Seymour, is looking forward to redeeming themselves after getting knocked out of the quarterfinals of the Hugh Campbell Classic after repeating as the BAISS champions.
“What I told my team is that this is the best of the best and there aren’t any bad teams in the tournament,” Seymour said.
“If you don’t go with your A-game, you will get beat. So just getting them to that mentality, I think my team is prepared.”
After their exit from the Hugh Campbell Classic against St George’s, Seymour said they had to work on their transition game, which he felt they have been able to work on.
“We’re the only private school competing from New Providence, so we’re going to try to represent the private school brand very well,” Seymour stated.
“We are up to the challenge and we are going to go over there and do our best.”
Charles W Saunders is scheduled to open play tonight against Tabernacle.
THE Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools continued its inter-school soccer competition at the Bahamas Football Association’s Roscoe Davies Developmental Center at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex with a few games on tap this week.
Here’s a look at the results posted:
Senior boys - March 18th - St Andrew’s def. SAC 1-0; Lyford Cay def. Queen’s College 4-0; Kingsway Academy def. St Anne’s 9-0 and Windsor School def. Aquinas College 15-0.
Junior
1-0;l
3-0 and St
FROM PAGE 16
our homework and now we are here to execute for the win,” Thompson said. “We came out here to win it all. We put in our time and now we want to show the country that we can do it.”
Latahara Forbes, who moved from Grand Bahama and is now coaching at Yellow Elder Primary in her first year, said she too was pleased with the way her team played.
Brad Wood Jr, whose TG Glover team won two of their games by default, but lost the only one they played, said they still have some work to do.
“This is primary school, so I try not to be too hard on them because they are developing,” Wood Jr said. “Development is the key of
“I think the kids did an awesome job,” said Forbes, the mother of one of the top swimmers in the country, 18-year-old collegian Nigel Forbes. “The hard work and practice paid off.” Once her team comes today and plays their best and have some fun, Forbes said they will continue to enjoy their level of success that should enable them to get into the playoffs.
the day. There wasn’t nothing you can do about that.”
However, as they move into crunch time today, Wood Jr is hoping that his team will improve so that they can be one of the contenders going into the playoffs.
“I hope to see a lot of better efforts from the boys,” he stated.
All but two of the games played ended up in a twogame sweep.
matches played: Court one - Stephen Dillet def. Woodcock Primary 15-4, 15-3; Sybil
Strachan def CW Sawyer 15-9, 15-1; EP Roberts def. Eva Hilton 15-8, 15-8; Sandilands Primary def. Claridge Primary 15-10, 15-03; Stephen Dillet def. Eva Hilton 15-5, 15-5 and Sybil Strachan def. Sandilands 15-6, 15-8.
Court two - Centerville Primary def. ALB 15-11, 15-6; TG Glover def. Sandilands 15-0, 15-0; Cleveland Eneas def. Ridgeland Primary 10-15, 15-8, 10-6; Yellow Elder def. Garvin Tynes 15-11, 9-15, 10-7; Centerville def. Ridgeland
Primary 15-4, 15-7 and Yellow Elder def. Sandilands Primary 15-0, 15-0.
CABLE Bahamas Group of Companies, together with its corporate sponsor RBC, held an InspireHER Sunset Soiree on March 15, and has hailed it as an outstanding success.
In a statement, the company said: “This enchanting evening served as the prelude to the muchanticipated annual InspireHER Conference scheduled for October, celebrating the empowerment, elevation, and enrichment of women across various industries.
“The event was graced by the presence of distinguished guests and industry stakeholders including keynote speaker Aisha Bowe, a former NASA rocket scientist and an influential figure in the fields of STEM and entrepreneurship.
Bowe’s inspiring journey from community college to the cosmos, coupled with her groundbreaking work in aerospace engineering and her entrepreneurial ventures, perfectly encapsulated the spirit of InspireHER.”
Franklyn Butler, CEO of Cable Bahamas, expressed his pride and satisfaction with the event’s success, saying: “The InspireHER Sunset Soiree was a testament to the transformative power of community and the remarkable achievements of women who dare to dream big. We are incredibly proud to have hosted such an empowering evening alongside our corporate sponsor, RBC, and look forward to the continued success of the InspireHER initiative.”
Aisha Bowe shared her thoughts on the event, saying, “Being part of the InspireHER Sunset Soiree was an incredibly humbling experience. The opportunity to share my journey and connect with so many inspiring women was truly special. I am grateful to Cable Bahamas and RBC for creating a platform that uplifts and empowers women to pursue their dreams in STEM and beyond.”
InspireHER, hosted by Cable Bahamas Group of Companies has set a
Ericka Rolle, area vice president, personal banking RBC, said: “As a proud sponsor of this event, RBC is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion and empowerment. It’s more than just a value, it’s one of the ways we bring RBC’s purpose of helping clients thrive and communities prosper to life.”
powerful precedent in the industry.
InspireHER Sunset Soiree has set the stage for the annual conference in October, promising more enlightening discussions, powerful networking opportunities, and the chance to build a supportive community that uplifts every woman. Cable Bahamas and RBC extend their heartfelt thanks to all attendees, speakers, and sponsors who made the event a success.
THE annual RF Economic Outlook Conference, held on March 13 at the Baha Mar Convention Centre, saw a record-breaking attendance of over 300 delegates, marking the largest turnout in its history.
The conference served as a platform for international experts to delve into critical issues facing the global economy, with a particular focus on the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Five distinguished international speakers graced the stage, covering a spectrum of topics ranging from climate change to geopolitics.
However, the prevailing theme throughout the event was undeniably the impact of AI on both global and local economies, in the immediate and foreseeable future.
The event commenced with opening remarks from the Minister of Economic Affairs, Michael Halkitis, setting the tone for a day of insightful discussions.
David Slatter, VP of Investments at RF Bank & Trust, then welcomed a diverse audience comprising government officials, business leaders, and students, underscoring the conference’s broad relevance and significance.
Key takeaways emphasized the irreversible presence of AI in the
business landscape, urging companies to embrace the technology to maintain competitiveness.
Speakers reiterated the indispensable role of humans in the workplace, emphasising the need for ethical development and deployment of technological advancements.
Moreover, the conference spotlighted the urgency of addressing the ongoing climate crisis, stressing the accountability of first-world nations for its repercussions on developing countries.
Highlights of the event included a panel discussion featuring Attorney General Ryan Pinder, ecologist Chris Heider, and former Minister for St Lucia, Dr James Fletcher, moderated by Dwayne Whylly.
Additionally, keynote presentations by esteemed thought leaders Kevin Surace, Rumman Chowdhury, Anu Bradford, Dr. Fletcher, and Jerome Rand offered invaluable insights into pressing global issues.
The success of the RF Economic Outlook Conference was made possible through the generous support of event sponsors: Aliv Business, Doctors Hospital, Fidelity Bank, Glinton Sweeting O’Brien, JS Johnson, PwC, Tribune Media, eCapital, Graham Thompson, and CG Atlantic.
For more information about the event, visit www. rfbeo.com.
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti
Associated Press
ARMED gangs launched new attacks in the suburbs of Port-au-Prince early on Wednesday, with heavy gunfire echoing across once-peaceful communities near the Haitian capital.
Associated Press journalists reported seeing at least five bodies in and around the suburbs, and gangs blocked the entrances to some areas.
People in the communities under fire called radio stations pleading for help from Haiti’s national police force, which remains understaffed and outmatched by the gangs. Among the communities targeted in the pre-dawn hours were Pétion-Ville, Meyotte, Diègue and Métivier.
“When I woke up to go to work, I found I could not leave because the neighborhood was in the hand of the bandits,” said Samuel Orelus. “They were about 30 men with heavy weapons. If the neighborhood had mobilised, we could have destroyed them, but they were heavily armed, and there was nothing we could do.”
By Wednesday afternoon, another victim had been reported: a police officer killed in broad daylight in a Port-au-Prince neighborhood known as Delmas 72, according to the SYNAPOHA police union.
As the attacks continued, the US State Department announced Wednesday that it had completed its first evacuation of American citizens from Port-au-Prince.
More than 15 Americans were airlifted to neighboring Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic.
More than 30 US citizens will be able to leave Port-au-Prince daily aboard the US government-organised helicopter flights, the agency said.
“We will continue to monitor demand from US citizens for assistance in departing Haiti on a realtime basis,” the department said.
On Sunday, the agency evacuated more than 30 US citizens from the coastal city of Cap-Haitien in northern Haiti to Miami International Airport.
“We hope that conditions will allow a return of commercial means for people to travel from Haiti soon. We and the international community and the Haitian authorities are working for that to become a reality,” the State Department said.
Also on Wednesday, a plane chartered by the Florida Department of Emergency Management evacuated 14 Florida residents, including children, out of Haiti, said Kevin Guthrie, executive director of the state agency, at an airport in Sanford, Florida where the passengers were expected to land.
More than 300 Floridians are in Haiti, and the Florida-sponsored operation was working on getting them out on future flights despite bureaucratic obstacles from the US government and safety threats in Haiti, Guthrie said at a news conference, where he was accompanied by Florida Gov Ron DeSantis.
“We understand there are people really in danger right now who are fellow Floridians,” DeSantis said.
Wednesday’s attacks in parts of Port-au-Prince came two days after gangs went on a rampage through the upscale neighborhoods of Laboule and Thomassin in Pétion-Ville, with at least a dozen people killed.
The violence forced the closure of banks, schools and businesses across Pétion-Ville, which until now had been largely spared from the attacks that gangs launched on Feb 29.
THE International Ombuds Association (IOA) has elected the first Bahamian in its history to serve on its board of directors.
Marisa Mason-Smith, the first official ombudsman in The Bahamas, was elected by her peers to serve on the board and help direct the future of the prestigious association.
The IOA is the global organisation that sets standards, certifies, and supports the office and the profession of the organisational ombudsman.
“I am really humbled and privileged to serve on this prestigious board, having been elected by my professional colleagues,” she said.
“It is such a timely appointment, especially as the government of The Bahamas recently passed the Ombudsman Act 2024. This will pave the way for a new level of mediation and remedies that will support the proper functioning and resolution of a wide range of national affairs within the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.”
The role of the ombudsman plays a critical and important role in all aspects of public service, government agencies, the banking industry, private companies and industries, civic organisations, once established and govern by the IOE Code of Ethics and Standards.
“I salute the Government for its vision in the establishment of the Ombudsman Act and its responsibilities that will govern the implementation and execution of the Office of the Ombudsman under the International Ombudsman Association principles and best practices for being independent, neutral, impartial and confidential,” said Ms Mason-Smith.
“Further, the support of the IOA will be an invaluable resource for The Bahamas as we prepare to establish, develop and promote the ombudsman’s office as proposed by the government. This office must be a trusted and independent resource and service to the people of The Bahamas.
“Recognising there are different classifications of the professional Ombudsman, it is my recommendation that the government clearly defines the role, functions and expectations of the Office of the Ombudsman to be identified and engaged for transparency purposes. This professional should be an independent person who is a trusted resource with the requisite skills and competencies independent and neutral to execute the responsibilities without prejudice and interference
for all people. The policies and protocols of good governance, standard operating procedures for the terms of operation are a fundamental requirement.”
IOA members help organisational stakeholders raise patterns and concerns, navigate conflict, and manage change to support highly effective and healthy organisations.
Some 1800 professionals make up the IOA, representing countries across the globe. The membership is made up of government officials; parliamentarians; all levels within the legal fraternity; CEOs and business leaders across all industries; Chief Financial Officers; Analysts; Presidents of Universities; Medical Professionals; civil servants; and leaders across the industrial spectrum.
Ms Mason-Smith first made ombudsman history when she became the first Ombudsman of The Bahamas in 2019. She was appointed by the University of The Bahamas to serve in this post.
Her pioneering work led to her being elected to the Board of the International Ombuds Association (IOA). The new board will serve for a period of three years. The newly elected directors will take office at the IOA on April 3, 2024.
THE Bahamas Forestry Unit continued its celebration of Green Fridays, as part of Forestry Awareness Week in Marsh Harbour, Abaco.
The unit visited Forest Heights Academy and Patrick J Bethel High School, Amano Williams, Forestry Asst. III, spoke with the students on the importance of trees.
The Forestry Unit of The Bahamas is actively engaging the public by planting trees on Fridays.
“Green Fridays” kick starts this year’s activities in recognition of World Forestry Day on March 21. This year’s global theme is “Forest and Innovation”.
The students also participated in planting Seagrape and Hibiscus Trees that were donated by the Unit. This day was also recognised as International Day of Women, and to show support and that females can get their hands dirty, female students planted one of the trees by themselves.
KEY
WEST PALM BEACH
RAGGED ISLAND
NASSAU has made a list of the top destinations for fishing breaks. The list, created by FishingBooker, presents the top
eight fishing destinations in Latin American and the Caribbean this year - just as Spring Break arrives.
FishingBooker said: “Set
along the stunning coastline of the Caribbean, Nassau has truly become one of the most charming destinations, securing a spot on the list.
“Why did Nassau rank so well? The vibrant capital of the Bahamas, offers a captivating blend of culture, nightlife, and premier fishing experiences. With its whitesand beaches and access to art and entertainment, Nassau beckons travelers seeking relaxation and adventure alike. A fishing hub renowned for its deepsea excursions, Nassau boasts some of the world’s best big game action. Reef species like snappers, and the unique Nassau grouper also thrive in these waters, while fly fishermen can explore local flats for bonefish, tarpon, and permit. Spring break anglers can anticipate thrilling encounters with wahoo, amberjack, barracuda, bonefish, and more, making Nassau an unparalleled destination for fishing enthusiasts. The full list includes: Nassau; Cancún, Mexico; Jaco, Costa Rica; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Playa del Carmen, Mexico; and Aruba.
THE American Caribbean Maritime Foundation has taken its scholarship and grant application digital.
A website which accepts applications from high school and tertiary level students from across the Caribbean, is open from January 1, with a deadline of April 30 for all applications to be submitted.
“I think students will find the portal easy to use and the platform makes the application more accessible to students across the Caribbean”, says Dr Brown Metzger, president of the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation.
ACMF has funded full tuition and grants for approximately 200 scholars and grantees in nine Caribbean countries, namely, Jamaica, Bahamas, Suriname, St Lucia, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominican Republic, and St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Guyana.
With the shipping industry beginning to look at non-traditional sources for talent, the Caribbean is starting to take its place among the United States, China, and the Philippines as a rich source of worldclass talent for the cruise, cargo and the oil and gas sectors, including on- and off-shore.
“Our focus is on professional positions”, according to Juan Carlos Croston, vice president, marketing and corporate affairs at Manzanillo International Terminal – PANAMA, who also serves as chair of the ACMF Scholarship Committee.
Mr Croston said: “ACMF scholars have demonstrated their talent and the worldclass training they receive at our academic partners.”
The Caribbean is competitive in quality of training, diversity of skill sets, and geographic proximity for all workers in the industry. Jamaica alone churns out hundreds of officer level talent annually, many with Bachelors in navigation and engineering. Additionally, the country potentially generates STCW-qualified and ratings candidates in the thousands.
ACMF donors include some of the biggest cruise and cargo brands, such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruise. Cargo brands include Tropical Shipping, Seaboard Marine, Arawak Port Development, Dubai Port World, Seacor Island Marine, and Crowley, to name a few.