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VOLUME:114 No.88, MARCH 28th, 2017

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WOMAN: AUTHOR ON IMPORTANCE OF RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

Hall warns on voter’s cards Commissioner alert over attempts to gain multiple registrations

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

SEVERAL people have attempted to gain two voter’s cards by registering twice at different locations, Parliamentary Commissioner Sherlyn Hall said yesterday, adding that police officers have been called about at least one case.

Mr Hall told the media that the irregularities were picked up by the Parliamentary Registration Department’s computer database.

He said a few people in New Providence, Grand Bahama and even some Family Is-

lands have “misled” revising officers.

“What we have discovered is that people were attempting to register twice,” Mr Hall told ZNS News.

“They would go to one station and register one day and go to another station and mislead the revising officer and attempt to register again. So a few persons, several persons have attempted to register twice, (and) to us that is dishonest.

“Every voter is entitled to one voter’s card only, so when we find that, we delete those cards. No citizen ought to register more than once.”

SEE PAGE SIX

ago to bring relief to homeowners in Moore’s Island, a small cay in the Abacos, but said it “took time” and “years of conversation and consultation”.

He also said the comprehensive infrastructure upgrades that will cost around $5m will transform the quaint and tranquil fishing community, replacing 30-year-old infrastructure and preparing it for the 21st century.

SEE PAGE TWO

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net THE Christie administration is “fully on track” to honouring its commitment to push for the release of the sealed Supreme Court Baha Mar documents before the scheduled April soft opening of the beleaguered West Bay Street mega resort, Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson said yesterday.

Mrs Maynard-Gibson also told The Tribune that she is “dismayed” that Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr Hubert Minnis is “rooting against Bahamians” with his continued scepticism over the mega resort’s future, and accused Dr Minnis of doing so for “political gain”.

SEE PAGE SIX

OPERATORS REJECT FEARS OVER SURREY HORSE HEALTH

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

CARRIAGE operators in New Providence have dismissed concerns raised over the treatment of surrey horses around the country, claiming that improvements in sector regulations have ensured that best practices are adhered to.

Vincent Woodside, president of the Horse and Carriage Owners and Drivers Association, yesterday said calls by Bahamas Humane Society President Kim Aranha to have the sector shut down were “disheartening and unjust” because they did not consider efforts being employed to improve the area.

SEE PAGE SIX

MOORE’S ISLAND ACQUISITION OF LAND ‘NOT POLITICAL MOVE’

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday denied that the acquisition of more than 400 acres of land for the people of Moore’s Island was a “political move”, despite the tabling the resolution weeks before the general election.

In the House of Assembly yesterday, Mr Christie acknowledged that he promised more than a decade

GOVT ‘ON TRACK’ OVER BAHA MAR DOCUMENTS

PRIME Minister Perry Christie speaking last night at a PLP branch meeting at Sadie Curtis Primary School. For more photographs from the event, see page two. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

PM URGES PLP SUPPORTERS TO ‘HELP US REGISTER EVERY VOTE’

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

REGISTER to vote was the consistent message uttered by Prime Minister Perry Christie and incumbent parliamentarians to hundreds of supporters at the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) regional branch meeting last night.

During a 30-min-

ute speech in which he praised Alex Storr, Hope Strachan and Dion Smith – respective candidates for Elizabeth, Seabreeze and Nassau Village - as part of the reasons why his administration should be returned to office in the upcoming general election, Mr Christie implored those present at the Sadie Curtis Primary School, where the branch

meeting was held, to aid them in rallying constituents to get themselves registered to vote before it is too late.

As of March 20, 141,698 people had registered to vote in the election, which has yet to be called. This is roughly 18 per cent less than the 172,000 on the 2012 voter registry.

SEE PAGE THREE

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

MACKEY: I’VE PAID CUSTOMS DEBT IN FULL

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

DAYS after being exposed by Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Chairman Bradley Roberts for his failure to settle a 15-year tax debt of $9,500 to the Department of Customs, Free National Movement (FNM) North Eleuthera candidate Howard “Rickey” Mackey has followed through on promises to pay the debt yesterday.

SEE PAGE SIX

PAGE 2, Tuesday, March 28, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

A YOUNGSTER joining in the celebrations during the PLP event at Sadie Curtis Primary School yesterday.

DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip Davis dancing on stage with supporters at the Progressive Liberal Party joint branch meeting at Sadie Curtis Primary School last night.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

LADY E performing at the Progressive Liberal Party event.

DANCING on stage at the PLP event last night.

SEABREEZE MP Hope Strachan speaking during last night’s event.

from page one

lished in respect to 807 acres of land.

“The Lands and Surveys Department went and they did an investigation and initially they advised me to move and acquire the 807 acres of land but a subsequent survey was conducted and based on the findings of the survey

speech to the people, spoke specifically to Moore Island and the need to address matters associated with the island community,” Mr Dorsett said.

“But now we have passed a resolution and scores and scores of people who have built homes on land that does not belong to them, they can finally get their conveyances and can finally get marketable title and build with dignity and with the assurance that they own the land.

“It may have taken a long time but like my mother said ‘it’s never too late to do the right thing’ and so whether it is on the cusp of an election, it took a long time for the surveying to take place on this island and to get to this point but I want the people to know and rest assured that their conveyances petitioning the land has already begun and so once the land is vested, the Ministry of Housing will move to ensure that titles to the respective plots are regularised.”

However, Mr Lightbourn

MOORE’S ISLAND ACQUISITION OF LAND ‘NOT POLITICAL MOVE’ Mr Christie’s comments were in response to member of Parliament for Montagu Richard Lightbourn, who accused the government of rushing the resolution to gain votes “right before” the impending gen-

eral election.

“We spent years talking to the residents and gathering information,” Prime Minister Christie said.

“We had to have surveyors go in and we worked on this for two years. Based on our preliminary investigation in 2015, a notice of investigation was pub-

a declaration of intended acquisition and notice of possession was published for 464.408 acres.

“Meaning all we had to do, we did, and we are here now because we own the land ... So this is not a political giveaway of funds or land. The funding for the roads and water mains and harbour and for the dock, the airport runway and terminal building, all makes a strong foundation to boost the economy of the island.

“So it is my pleasure for and on behalf of the government to indicate that we are very, very pleased. Generations of Moore’s Islanders will see the modernisation of Moore’s Island, taking it into the 21st century.”

Housing and Environment Minister Kenred Dorsett also defended the government’s timing, saying: “It is never too late to do the right thing.”

“This resolution is long overdue. I recall standing on Clifford Park during the 2002 general election when the Prime Minister, in his

said the government should not be patting themselves on the back for doing something “that was promised since 2002”.

“Because it is happening at this time it raises issues,” he said.

“The promise was made in 2002 and here we are 2017 and the government wants to feel proud that they are fulfilling a promise, I don’t know which promise it was, the one they made in 2002, the one they made in 2007 or the one they made in 2012 but it is really an abuse of the process to have this kind of thing happening weeks before an election.

“There are so many other areas that need to be addressed and the members opposite seem proud to point out that this community is a big supporter of the PLP. So what message does that send to the rest of the Bahamas?”

During Mr Lightbourn’s speech, several government members noted that the Christie administration was not in office during the 2007-2012 term.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, March 28, 2017, PAGE 3

Speaker: Priority must be to deepen democracy

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

IN HIS last formal communication at Parliament this term, House Speaker Dr Kendal Major yesterday called on whoever forms the new government and opposition to “prioritise” the deepening of the country’s democracy to spark a greater level of trust from Bahamians.

Speaking to colleagues, Dr Major expressed disappointment that despite Parliament’s appointment of a committee to investigate such matters, the institution “remains fundamentally where we started”.

He said being the third oldest Parliament in the British Commonwealth, this should be a matter of concern to all.

“As I close, I’d like to briefly turn your attention to this institution of Parliament,” the Garden Hills MP said. “As you are aware, I have been consistent in my advocacy of

deepening of our profound democracy. This process of deepening is not a costly exercise, yet its benefits will be profound to the institution and will engender a greater level of trust of our people. I call on both government and opposition in the next Parliament to prioritise this idea whose time has come.

“Despite incremental steps that were made, there must be a desire to further strengthen our institution.

In fact Parliament appointed a committee to investigate these matters. The committee reported, yet we remain fundamentally where we started.

“Honourable members, despite being the third oldest in the British Commonwealth this should be a matter of concern to all of us, especially since many of them have illustrated a commitment to this ideal.

The doctrine of separation of powers makes the independence of Parliament a requirement. Without it, our claim to democratic sta-

tus is at best just a commitment of intent.

“Honourable members, I cannot overstate the importance of the independence of Parliament.

“With that said, it is my hope and my sincere prayer that amongst the first bills tabled in the new session of Parliament would be proposing fundamental changes to enhance this profoundly important national institution for it is a critical plank in our quest to produce a fair and just society.”

Dr Major further thanked several key members of Parliament, including Prime Minister Perry Christie, Bain and Grants Town MP Dr Bernard Nottage and Central Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant, leader of government business and former leader of opposition business respectively.

“We are rapidly approaching the culmination of a five-year session of Parliament and what a session it has been,” Dr

Major added. “This therefore will serve as my last formal communication to this honourable House and I want to begin by thanking the right honourable member for Centreville for recommending me to the high office of Speaker and the entire House membership for the overwhelming election to this high office.

“By extension I also want to thank the member for Killarney (Dr Hubert Minnis), the member for Long Island (Official Opposition Leader Loretta ButlerTurner) and the member for Marco City (Greg Moss) for their co-operation during the functioning of the House, particularly in the midst of adversarial incidents.

“Two members, who because of the nature of their offices, of which there was much collaboration were the member for Central Grand Bahama and the member for Bain and Grants Town. To the member for Central Grand

Bahama I thank you for your collegiality and your maturity during this parliamentary session. I wish you every success as you retire leaving an outstanding record in public service,” Dr Major said.

“To the member for Bain and Grants Town, I thank you for your quiet resolve yet resolute example of leadership demonstrated as House leader. I am pleased at the mutual respect between us as we executed our respective responsibilities. You are not retiring, at least not voluntarily, so I guess you will be seen in the political arena.

“This brings me to those members who have decided to move away from the glare of the lights of public office.

I wish you God speed as you continue to fulfill his purpose in your lives,” Dr Major said.

Dr Nottage said last week that in a matter of “weeks, if not days” the House of Assembly is likely to dissolve, implying that an election date is soon to

be announced.

While the government has not given any indication of when the next election will be called, North Eleuthera MP Theo Neilly last week thanked his supporters. He is not offering himself for re-election.

Last week Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell thanked his colleagues in the House for their years of dedicated service and foreshadowed a win for the Progressive Liberal Party at the polls. This heightened speculation that the government will “ring the bell” for the general election very soon.

Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins also thanked his constituents last week and Mr Christie for giving him the opportunity to serve while confirming that he will not be offering himself as a candidate in the next general election.

As of March 20, 141,698 people have registered for the upcoming general election. This equals the 82 per cent of those registered for the 2012 election cycle.

NASSAU Village MP Dion Smith.

CAT ISLAND, Rum Cay and San Salvador MP Philip Davis speaking at the PLP branch meeting last night

PLP candidate for Elizabeth Estates Alex Storr.

PRIME MINISTER URGES PLP SUPPORTERS TO ‘HELP US REGISTER EVERY VOTE’ from page one “PLPs, I’m asking you not just to vote for Alex (Storr), Dion (Smith) and Hope (Strachan), I’m asking you to fight alongside of them. Help us! Help us register!” the Centreville MP said to the applause of those gathered.

“Listen to me now, listen to me, help us register every vote. Help us reach out to your friends. Help us tell the story of the changes that are underway because of the work that we are doing. Change is happening in the Bahamas and big changes are on the way,” the prime minister added.

Mr Christie urged those present “to give the PLP

another opportunity to serve you.”

“I don’t know what them other people talking about or what they’re saying but I come to you to ask you tonight to give us another opportunity to serve you, to build on the foundation that we have established.”

Deputy Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, prior to the keynote speech from the party’s leader, as well as a speech from PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts, also implored supporters to register and vote.

“You know what is coming, the bell will soon be rung. So please, we only have a short time left to register. You can only vote if you register,” the Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador MP stressed.

SCENES from last night’s PLP branch meeting at Sadie Curtis Primary School.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

PAGE 4, Tuesday, March 28, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

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

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Bahamians deserve better BAHAMIANS deserve better.

Better air. Better water. Better governance that includes freedom from victimisation and access to information.

Bahamians deserve to know where nearly $1 billion in Value-Added Tax (VAT) revenue collected by government went.

Bahamians deserve to live without fear of crime.

Bahamians deserve better.

Bahamian children deserve a decent education. Bahamian businesses deserve to be treated as if they mattered and not as if they were greedy just because they are successful.

Bahamians deserve better but will not get better unless they demand it. And if ever there were a time to demand better, this is it. Whether it has been formally announced or not, there is no question about it. Election season is here and this is every Bahamian’s time to stand up, speak up, capitalise on his or her ability to influence platforms and make a difference.

Yet, we fear that the noise of rallies will once again be louder than the voice of the people. We look to the millennials to carry the flag of courage that their predecessors, shackled by the reality of victimisation, could not. We take comfort in the fact that young people, unfettered by the fear that tied tens of thousands of tongues, will make up a significant portion of the voting population in 2017.

Beyond urging all Bahamians to recognise they deserve better, we ask the question: What do you want better in The Bahamas?

We want a respect for the environment and community rights. We want a proper landfill and government to take full responsibility for relocating the people of Jubilee Gardens until objective analyses gives the all-safe to return. We want government to safeguard those persons’ belongings and provide safety equipment for the people doing so, including regular health exams.

Bahamians near the Harrold Road dump deserve better.

We want a better Bahamas for Bahamians who have disabilities.

We want a Bahamas with a transparent government so that contracts for government-leased space are transparent, needs are advertised and a board of responsible people make a decision based on business principles.

We want a Bahamas where women who are abused are not afraid to reach out for help and children who are victims of in-

cest know they will be safe if they report it.

We want a Bahamas where never again will a surrey horse have to carry the weight of passengers on a tour. We want a Bahamas where animal cruelty is recognised and punished as a crime and the only surrey horses will be those in old postcards and photographs.

We want a Bahamas where those who seek office present a platform and state their policy for action, not spend their time denigrating those who would run against them. Politicians, novice and experienced, what will you do to make the better Bahamas that Bahamians deserve? Why should we vote for you?

Tell us. We want to know. We deserve better.

We want a Bahamas where the public has a greater participation in ownership of parks and spaces that should be public - and especially beaches. We need only look at the crowds on Goodman’s Bay or Montagu to see how Bahamians love their beaches and their sea. On other islands, the beach, the shoreline and coastal areas are where Bahamians who deserve better spend many of their finest family hours together and throughout the archipelago, we want a Bahamas where our heritage and our historic sites are appreciated.

We want a Bahamas where elections have set dates, terms are fixed, a transition period exists between governments to allow for a smooth turnover of administrations. We want a Bahamas where there are strict laws about political contributions and where foreign entities have limits on what they can contribute. We want a transparent election process and a government in the open.

Why? Because Bahamians deserve better.

We want a Bahamas where the judiciary truly remains independent and the Attorney General is not a part of the Cabinet, but heads a division of government separate from the executive.

For too long, the silence of Bahamians has shouted their acquiescence of whatever is presented to them as a fait accompli. They trusted government to keep them safe from the dump and it blew up in their faces and lungs.

They trusted government to spend their money to reduce the debt and grow the economy and they learned instead that their credit rating was sunk to junk.

Bahamians deserve better and we will only get it if we demand it.

Politics, not economics EDITOR, The Tribune.

I AGAIN find myself pressed to share my thoughts on yet another both stressful and poorly thought out issue presented by those who would again wish to govern us.

The recent move to increase the redundancy and severance pay of workers is apparently thought out by persons who are politically based rather than economically trained.

At the height of my business with 38 employees I had about $150,000 reserve for separating from my employees honourably. There are other ways. Build up a list of warnings and fire them. Lord knows employees do enough foolishness and often it is a matter of the devil you know rather than the one you don’t know.

The other way is to fold up the business with a few

tricks to siphon off the assets first and then leave all high and dry. I’m sure many people have done these things.

I have never resorted to such tactics, but gradually shrunk the company and helped the guys to move on. Often to better things.

A few took advantage of me by using the sympathies of the Labour Board and free legal pressure from the Eugene Dupuch law school. But I made it through having set aside a portion of our efforts into that reserve.

Every time the government took steps to improve the lot of the labourer by increasing how much severance and such they had coming I was able to adjust my reserve without too much ado.

If I was at my prime and facing what Government is now trying to do

now I would have to recapitalise my company in order to be on a sound footing. This means I would have had to take my personal money and put it into a reserve to satisfy good business compliance with the new regulations.

Such a call on all businesses without the employees having to lift one finger to satisfy the reserve amounts to the Government taking my money and giving it to my employees for nothing. It would be different if there was a more gradual implementation to permit the growth of the company to fill the gap.

Poor governance. Essentially robbery of the capital class to satisfy a ruling class that needs the support of voters.

SIMON RODEHN Nassau March 24, 2017

Nothing better to do EDITOR, The Tribune THE country is poised to set yet another record for the number of murders, yet the “You Know Whos” remain silent.

Crime is at an all time high, yet the You Know Whos remain silent.

Huge fire at the Dump, with thick, noxious smoke forcing residents from their homes, and schools to close, with both residents and students complaining about health problems brought on by said smoke. Yet the You Know Whos remained silent.

Unemployment is rising, with the nations second city, Freeport, facing economic uncertainty, with reports of families sleeping in cars and abandoned buildings, unable to pay rent. Yet the You Know Whos remained silent.

The country is being divided across party lines, pitting family members against each other. Yet the You Know Whos remained silent.

Women and children are being raped, sexually assaulted, harassed, beaten and abused on a daily basis.

Grown men being hauled before the courts charged with forcing themselves

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net onto underage girls, yet the You Know Whos say nothing.

All these problems facing the country, and yet, the You Know Whos do or say almost nothing about it.

Who are the “You Know Whos”, you wonder? A select group of Bahamian pastors, priests and religious leaders who apparently have absolutely nothing better to do but remind us, ad nauseum, of the “Great Evil” that is homosexuality and same-sex marriage.

It is no secret that the Bahamas is one of the most homophobic nations on Planet Earth, and the main driving force behind this rabid homophobia is this confederation of pastors who see themselves as The Bahamas’ self-appointed “morality police”, determined to prevent the “sexual corruption” of the country.

It was these pastors who led the protest against the “Gay Cruise” a few years back. It was these pastors who led to the Gender Equality Referendum Bill being rejected by the

masses, successfully convincing people that the bill was actually a secret plot by the government to bring about same sex marriage.

And now, the You Know Whos seek to take their fight to the international stage, by petitioning newlyelected US President Donald Trump to stop any and all attempt to bring same sex legislation to the Caribbean. Really.

How ironic, then, that the You Know Whos are so determined to prevent the spread of the “evil abomination” that is homosexuality (according to them), that they completely fail to notice many sins committed by their fellow men of the cloth, when it occurs right under their upturned noses?

Where was the outrage when Bishop Randy Fraser was charged, convicted and sentenced for sexual misconduct with an underage girl? The silence was deafening.

Apparently, being gay is a far greater sin than sex with a minor, according to the You Know Whos.

DISGUSTED Nassau, March 26, 2017.

From the horse’s mouth EDITOR, The Tribune.

PRIME Minister Christie while speaking at the University of The Bahamas last evening asked “What are we doing to save our young boys?”

Prime Minister, has it taken the latest tragic and senseless killing of two teenaged boys last weekend for you to ask this question?

After almost five years of

your government paying lip service to the crime problem it is obvious that you have no solutions only platitudes, but you certainly put your finger on two of the primary causes.

You remarked that “Too much of our brain power is preoccupied with taking us not in the direction the country should be going in but in the selfishness of persons who have their own agendas.”

And further “It happened because we did not pay sufficient attention to the development of our youth across our nation, in our public policy and in our educational systems.”

Coming straight from the horse’s mouth, I can’t argue with that.

IAN MABON Nassau, March 23, 2017.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, March 28, 2017, PAGE 5

RBDF operations with police ‘is not a long-term solution’

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net WHILE the increased collaboration between the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and police has netted results for law enforcement, one marine has warned that the strategy could not become the final solution to the nation’s violent crime ills.

Leading Seaman Omar Albury, of the Commando Squadron, told The Tribune that long-term RBDF saturation patrols in innercity hot spots could put a strain on local communities, and potentially engender an escalation in the type of conflict waged between law enforcement and criminals.

However, he noted that military trends around the world have shifted to increased sensitivity training

for engagement with civilians.

“I’ve been a part of this department (Commando Squadron) for the majority of my career, 15 years, and I have noticed not only in The Bahamas, but a world trend when we train overseas especially to do with riot control and urban control,” Leading Seaman Albury said.

“A lot of laws and tactics have been changed over the past 15 years, so it’s a lot easier to deal with the civilian population in comparison to when I first joined the job and it was just about kill, kill, kill, it was the enemy, enemy, enemy. Now you can actually see a gradual difference where it’s conflict resolution; a lot of tactics have changed in that direction but that’s a world thing.

“I feel like we’re a lot better prepared,” he said. “The

training has toned down a lot in that respect so we’re able to function a lot easier in the civilian population, but a marine is going to be a marine, and unfortunately the civilian population is (going to) be the civilian population. The only thing I can draw to, like in Jamaica, we don’t want that in The Bahamas.

“So that’s something I think we’re all trying to avoid, even the criminals trying to avoid that. So I believe it’s effective when it comes to the show of force but when it get down,” Leading Seaman Albury said, “it can’t be the final solution.”

When he spoke of Jamaica, Leading Seaman Albury was referring to the large-scale shootouts and lockdowns between the island nation’s police and military, and criminal factions that grabbed

international headlines in 2010.

Last month, National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage announced several anti-crime strategies, including lockdowns, mobile police vans and an armed forces partnership to combat the bloody spate of murders plaguing the capital at the time.

Dr Nottage’s comments at the time came after eight people were killed within the span of one week, including a 15-year-old juvenile, a shooting spree so violent that Prime Minister Perry Christie likened the Bahamas’ crime situation to the “Wild West”.

Speaking to The Tribune, Leading Seaman Albury said: “I can’t remember who said it but the enemy line now is home. We don’t have to go to the enemy any more, the enemy is home, so you have to deal with your

people, and that’s a world thing. For the most part, I believe the biggest issue would be the difference in the curriculum when it comes to the basic training.

“When you come on basic training you learn how to be a marine, in comparison to the police force who learn how to be, I call it like an on-the-spot lawyer, so they more familiar with a lot of the laws.

“We learn that you act and then you resolve. So that’s the biggest problem for more seasoned people on the job; you really learn how to solve the problem right there and deal with the consequences later in comparison to the police force.”

The marine spoke candidly with The Tribune on March 17, on the sidelines of a media embedment event that was staged to mark the force’s 37th anni-

versary this week. “[Commando Squadron] is a unit designed to work exclusively and apart from the job,” Leading Seaman Albury said. “We are selfsufficient; our mandate as a department is to be able to operate for at least two months without interference or any kind of resources from any department.

When it comes to training, we’re the amphibious unit, the bigger part of the job is navy, marine land and sea operations.”

He continued: “Primarily right now we’re working with the police. The reason they call us in is because we can assist with our expertise in urban patrolling as well as counter-terrorism team, so we have all these techniques about not only physically taking down an enemy but also understanding, planning, carrying out the mission.”

MOBILE PHONE COMPANY ALIV OFFERS SUPPORT TO VICTIMS OF FIRE

SUPPLIES are delivered, right, to help those affected by the shanty town fire.

AFTER a fire devastated ing, the Aliv team had made centred brand that Aliv is a Haitian shantytown west its way to the shantytown in striving to build. of Fire Trail Road and left one of its mobile vans filled “It all ties in with what we some residents homeless with necessities like bottles try to do,” said Mr Momlast week, Aliv teamed up of water and juice, toilet pa- plaisir. “We try to do as with local activist and radio per and food supplies. much as we can with what personality Louby Georges In a press release, Senior we have. The Haitian comto help bring some comfort Aliv Partner Carl Mom- munity has been very supto the community. plaisir pointed out that giv- portive to us and we want to The blaze started shortly ing back to the community give back to them as much after 9pm last Wednesday and assisting those in need as we can.” and by early Thursday morn- highlights the communityIn the wake of the fire,

Photos: Felicity Ingraham Aliv employees were asked to bring donations of clothing to the company’s Soldier Road headquarters.

Aliv plans to give those clothes to children who lost their belongings as a result of that fire.

Aliv is the newest mobile network in The Bahamas.

It was officially launched in November 2016.

BELL: EFFORTS BEING MADE TO PROVIDE PROPER HOUSING FOR SEVEN FAMILIES DISPLACED BY SHANTY TOWN FIRE

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

MINISTER of State for National Security Keith Bell said efforts are being made “to construct proper housing with proper facilities” for the displaced families of last week’s shanty town fire in central New Providence.

In a brief statement to The Tribune yesterday, the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) candidate for Carmichael, said his branch is in the process of rendering “immediate” assistance to the seven families who lost their homes in the blaze.

The massive fire started shortly after 9pm last Wednesday and quickly spread through the small community, just west of Cowpen Road at the rear of Flamingo Gardens.

When officers arrived on the scene they found four homes completely engulfed in flames.

Seven homes were destroyed, leaving eight adults and 20 children homeless.

Senator Bell said also the

Department of Social Services has provided temporary relief for the families.

“The fire occurred in an area behind Flamingo Gardens just off Cowpen Road.

Please note that Social Services has begun rendering assistance and I visited with several of the families affected,” Senator Bell said.

“The PLP Carmichael branch is in the process of rendering immediate help and assistance through food, shelter and clothing assistance. I am advised that the destroyed homes are on private and not government land and once this is confirmed, efforts will be made to construct proper housing with proper facilities for the affected families.”

Last Thursday, a father of seven told The Tribune that he has nothing left as he expressed fears that Department of Immigration officers would take him and his family away because, he said, all their documents were destroyed when his house burned down.

“I woke up and I saw fire.

Everything was on fire. I

don’t know how it got started, but I just wanted to get everyone out of the house,” the man, who did not want to be named, said.

“I was sleeping and next thing I know fire was everywhere. We tried to get water and put out the fire, but it was not enough. Everyone was screaming. We just wanted to get the children out. We lost everything clothes, bed, everything.

“All my immigration papers for me and my wife gone. We have seven children and nowhere for them to go. We slept on the floor in one of the houses that burned down but we can’t stay there. All the children school uniforms are gone.

They didn’t go to school today, I don’t know when they will go back because we don’t have anything for them to wear.

“I don’t know what we are going to do. Everything is gone.”

Activist Louby Georges made a plea to the public last week to help the families in any way they can.

The investigation into the cause of the fire continues.

PAGE 6, Tuesday, March 28, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

GOVT ‘ON TRACK’ OVER BAHA MAR DOCUMENTS from page one

Mrs Maynard-Gibson also fired a shot at Dr Minnis for former Prime Minister and FNM Leader Hubert Ingraham’s recent suggestions that the Christie administration has not held Baha Mar’s lender and general contractor to account for their obligations. She said she agreed with suggestions put to her recently that Mr Ingraham has now become the FNM’s spokesperson because the party “doesn’t trust (Dr Minnis) to speak”.

In December, Prime Minister Perry Christie announced the official sale of Baha Mar to CTF BM Holdings, a subsidiary of the Hong Kong conglomerate, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Ltd (CTFE).

Apart from failing to reveal the cost at which the

shuttered resort was sold, Mr Christie at the time spoke minimally of the details surrounding the deal, adding that it was still sealed by the Supreme Court at the request of the Export-Import Bank of China (CEXIM). That sale has not been finalised.

Then, after a wave of fierce scrutiny levelled at his administration over the sealing of documents related to the new deal to open Baha Mar, Mr Christie told reporters in January that Mrs Maynard-Gibson had been directed to have the records made public at the “earliest opportunity”.

The documents were sealed at the request of the CEXIM Bank, Mr Christie has said.

Mrs Maynard-Gibson said later that month that the release of the Baha Mar documents would “most definitely” be released before the

soft opening of the resort, which is set for April 21.

When asked by The Tribune for an update on that process yesterday, Mrs Maynard-Gibson would only say: “All of the government’s commitments are fully on track”.

She went on to criticise Dr Minnis for “consistently rooting against Bahamians” and also seeking to gain political mileage with his continued criticisms of the government’s handling of the Baha Mar debacle.

Dr Minnis has pledged that his party will “engage and execute a real sale” of the Baha Mar resort “to a qualified and respectable purchaser who believes in Bahamians,” should the FNM win the next general election.

Dr Minnis has also criticised the recent transfer of Baha Mar to CTFE, calling it a “great public relations

exercise” with no “real significance” .

“I am dismayed that they’ve been consistently rooting against Bahamians,” Mrs Maynard-Gibson said in response. “I recall distinctly your Peter Whiteheads, your Fred Hazelwoods, your Wayne Chee-A-Tows, all saying how grateful they were the Prime Minister had stayed the course and stayed focused and gotten Bahamians paid, Bahamian entrepreneurs paid, $100m, those employees paid all that they were due, and on and on.

“The commitment, more than some $250m to open the enterprise, the confidence shown in the Bahamas by having CTFE, a world class operator at the table investing in the Bahamas at this time in the world’s economy, all of it is good news, all of it’s good

for Bahamians, all good for the Bahamas. But for political gain, for what appears to be political gain, you have these people, (Dr Minnis) in particular, rooting against Bahamians. I’m very disappointed by that.”

Of Mr Ingraham’s suggestion last week that the government was not as authoritative as it should have been in holding stakeholders, including CEXIM and general contractor China Construction America (CCA) accountable for failing to deliver what they promised the Christie administration on Baha Mar’s completion, Mrs MaynardGibson said: “My answer to that is that I was some place on the weekend, when people were saying how sorry they felt for (Dr Minnis), that the FNM doesn’t trust him to speak, which is why they are bringing Mr Ingraham out. And I have to say

that I don’t disagree with that assessment.”

Last week, in the absence of a casino operator license and no definite answers on when guest reservations will be accepted, CCA officially transferred the resort to CTFE. The transfer was executed by CCA handing over to CTFE its temporary certificate of occupancy, which now allows visitors to occupy rooms and utilise other amenities.

At the time, Graeme Davis, CTFE Bahamas president, said the resort would begin taking guest reservations “very soon” with the launch of Baha Mar’s advertising campaign. He went on to suggest that nonpaying guests would “fill” the resort on its first day of operation, explaining that guests were “invited” for Baha Mar’s celebration and ribbon cutting to commemorate its opening.

HALL WARNS ON VOTER’S CARDS from page one

Meanwhile, National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage yesterday said he was “very surprised” at the recurring accusations levelled at the Parliamentary Registration Department, adding that attempts to discredit those tasked with handling the electoral process was “shameful”.

During a Free National Movement (FNM) rally in Cat Island last week, FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis claimed that the Parliamentary Registration Department’s computer system crashed and erased the names of registered voters.

Dr Minnis did not offer evidence of this, but claimed that the government was trying to “steal” the 2017 general election.

Dr Minnis told the crowd of FNMs that his party intended to request international observers to prevent any malfeasance.

When he was asked about the matter, Dr Nottage downplayed the claims and sought to defend the department, telling reporters he was not aware of the situation. He added that Dr Minnis had not mentioned the situation to him, saying: “He doesn’t come here (Parliament) so our paths don’t cross.”

Dr Nottage, who is responsible for elections, insisted that the repeated suggestion that the electoral process is flawed questioned the integrity of the system.

In response to Dr Minnis’ claims, Mr Hall also insisted that there was no computer crash and no names were lost. He said as the protocol is for voter registration to continue until one day before Parliament is dissolved, employees were expected to continue their work until this happens.

Meanwhile, FNM Chairman Sidney Collie said in order to maintain transparent, democratic elections, it is essential that the govern-

ment readily accept international election observers.

Integrity “I think it does question the integrity of the system and of the personnel and I’ve noticed over the past several weeks or even months there has been a considerable attempt to discredit the Parliamentary Registration Department and the whole process,” Dr Nottage said following a sitting of the House of Assembly yesterday. “I think that it’s shameful that it’s happening and I think that we are an open society and we have a record for hosting democratic elections.

“The sides involved in an election have always been able to speak with each other. When I was in opposition and the same persons that are running the Parliamentary Registration Department, I could go there and get information. So it’s easy to if you hear something that sounds like it may be prejudicial to the process, it’s easy to go and see the Parliamentary Commissioner.

“He would see anyone, in particular anyone who is the leader of a major party, and so I can’t understand why he would want to cast an aspersion on that. Even if it were true I would think first you would try to verify it with the people involved.”

At one point during his interview with the media, Dr Nottage seemed to be on the defensive when he was pressed on when he received his latest update from the Parliamentary Commissioner.

“You want me to tell you when was the last time (I was in communication with the staff)? If there is a question you’d like to ask me just ask the question. I don’t think when was the last time I spoke to him is an appropriate question. I have spoken to them (today).”

Asked to assure voters of this election process considering the chaotic nature of the 2016 constitutional referendum, Dr Nottage said Parliamentary Registration

staff members always seek to do their best.

“I think there are hiccups with every election and I think as you know in most general elections we’ve had there have been election court cases brought by persons who believed that something amiss may have occurred and so this election period is no different from any other.

“I think that our staff seek to do their best and those of us who are responsible for assisting are in constant contact with the persons who are responsible for activities. If there is something that is amiss we would deal with it. So I am very surprised that these accusations keep occurring,” Dr Nottage said.

For his part, in a press statement yesterday Mr Collie encouraged candidates and constituents of all political parties to willingly comply with every election law.

“We must never ignore the lessons history has taught us, and although I’m confident that our country will uphold the rule of law, the government should act prudently to ensure this is a certainty. To these ends, Bahamians deserve nothing less than complete co-operation from their government,” Mr Collie said.

“International election observers share an important role in this process by verifying the compliance of election laws with impartiality and efficiently correcting any potential for misconduct. Such participation fosters an environment of trust between government and its people as well as the international community.

“As leaders of the country we hold dear, the FNM will never shy away from accountability and transparency. Our hope is that Bahamians can take pride in every aspect of our country, and this begins with an unwavering commitment to the democratic process,” Mr Collie added.

WORK

NOTICE

Collins Avenue, Fort Fincastle, Blue Hill Road, from Bay Street to CR Walker, West Hill Street, West Bay St. from Arawak Cay to Goodmans Bay The Water and Sewerage Corporation advises the public and its customers of Collins Avenue, Fort Fincastle, Blue Hill Road, from Bay Street to CR Walker, West Hill Street, West Bay St from Arawak Cay to Goodmans Bay that improvement works will take place on Thursday, March 30th, 2017 which may affect water supply to the aforementioned area.

Works are scheduled to begin at 10:30 PM and are anticipated to be completed by 3:30 AM. The Corporation apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciates your support as we work to improve our level of service.

Tel: (242) 302-5599 or Toll Free (242) 300-0150 Find out more on

or our website www.wsc.com.bs

AN IMAGE from a video posted on social media.

OPERATORS REJECT FEARS OVER SURREY HORSE HEALTH from page one Mr Woodside, a 40-year veteran of the carriage industry, said he has seen firsthand the improvements to regulations that have “guaranteed the absolute best” for the horses being used in the surrey sector.

Among other things, Mr Woodside said the government’s mandated veterinarian checks and strict inspection schedules have brought industry practices to “the best they have ever been”, despite reports of the contrary.

On Monday, The Tribune published comments by Mrs Aranha in which she claimed that the treatment of horses in the sector have long been an “enormous problem”.

She added that despite the government’s best efforts, horses are still being forced to operate in “severe” conditions.

Her comments came in response to a short cell phone video that surfaced over the weekend on social media showing an apparently injured horse lying on the street being attended to by several individuals in the downtown Nassau area.

The horse in question, Majesty, belongs to Mr Woodside, the owner and chief operator of Carriage Affairs. The operation has

a complement of five horses and Majesty is the most recent addition.

Clarifying the incident, Mr Woodside claimed that a car stopped short ahead of the horse, forcing the animal to slide to the ground in an attempt to avoid making contact with the vehicle. He claimed that the horse was able to make it back to its feet a short time later and left the scene unharmed.

Addressing Mrs Aranha’s claims directly, Mr Woodside said: “It isn’t anything personal on my end, or on the end of any operator out there I am sure; but when you have people coming out the woodwork to talk our profession down and paint the picture of us mistreating these animals, it is disheartening and unjust.

“This is what bothers me.

I have nothing against Mrs Aranha or people like her.

All I want from them is that when they go on about what is happening, I want them to tell the whole story.

“Tell about the amount of money persons in the industry spend on feed. Tell about the feeding schedules that we have to adhere because of the government.

“Tell about all the work the government and the vets have done to ensure that everyone operating in this business is doing so with the horse’s best interest in mind.

“The last Thursday in every month, the vets come in and inspect our horses and tell us what is going on with them. If there is anything wrong, they send us to a senior vet like Dr Basil Sands.”

Clutching a handful of feed receipts, Mr Woodside added: “That is all I want from them. If you want to be critical of what we are doing, at least tell the full story.

“We want the best for our horses because they are our livelihood. If they are healthy and capable, they are the main reason we can pay our bills. This is why we work so hard to make sure that they can go out.”

He continued: “Instead of her going on about all of this that doesn’t show the full picture, why doesn’t she come out and assist us with some feed, assist us with other things instead of just coming out the woodwork when she thinks something bad has just happened?”

The Cabs (Hackney Carriages) Board, the governmental agency responsible for the regulation of the surrey industry, has maintained that best practices are being employed across the sector.

The most recent amendment to sector regulations came in late 2012, after a surrey horse collapsed and died.

MACKEY: I’VE PAID CUSTOMS DEBT IN FULL from page one

In a statement, Mr Mackey said he has “paid in full” his outstanding tax bill, while apologising for allowing the situation to become a distraction in ongoing campaign efforts by his party.

Mr Mackey insisted that the situation has taken away from the issues that voters across the country want to be addressed, primarily the educational system, the economy and crime.

He also said that the PLP was using examples similar to his as a means to avoid engaging in discussions on matters of importance due to their “abysmal” record.

Yesterday’s statement read in full: “This morning, as promised over the weekend, I paid in full my outstanding customs tax bill.

I’m sorry I allowed this to become a distraction in this campaign taking away from the issues we hear so many Bahamians want us focused

on - such as how we will fix our educational system, get our economy moving again to create jobs and target the growing crime epidemic just to name a few.”

The statement continued: “I know the PLP seeks to avoid engaging on these issues because of their abysmal record - and releasing my tax statement this weekend is the latest example, however, but the problems facing our communities and country today are too big for us to allow them to distract us from the things that truly matter to the Bahamian people.”

During a rally in Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera on Friday, Mr Roberts told those in attendance that Mr Mackey owed the government thousands of dollars in Department of Customs duties, which he committed in writing to pay, but had failed to do so.

Mr Roberts subsequently publicly disclosed the contents of what appeared to be the Customs De-

partment’s entire file on Mr Mackey, including his April 18, 2013 letter seeking agreement on his payment plan. Also revealed were a cheque payment by Mr Mackey, and numerous receipts, invoices, bills of loading and Department of Customs entries.

When contacted by Tribune Business for comment on the data leak on Sunday, Mr Mackey took “full responsibility” for issue and promised to have it resolved by yesterday.

Mr Mackey at the time said he had “completely forgotten” about the settlement agreement. He made an initial payment of $3,197 to the Public Treasury, via RBC’s Harbour Island branch, in April, 2013, but left around $9,500 due.

The FNM announced that Mr Mackey would run as its candidate in North Eleuthera earlier this month, replacing current member of Parliament Theo Neilly in that constituency.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, March 28, 2017, PAGE 7

Keod Smith given extra week to find lawyer

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net KEOD Smith has been given an additional week to find counsel to represent him in committal proceedings arising from legal cost hearings that stemmed from a recusal application in which the attorney accused a Supreme Court judge of bias.

At a hearing last Wednesday, Justice Rhonda Bain had refused Smith’s request for a stay but said she would give him until yesterday to instruct counsel concerning his alleged refusal to take an oath before the registrar concerning his financial means to pay the $263,000 awarded to the environmental group Save The Bays (STB) in December, 2014.

At the time, the judge had found the lawyer guilty of contempt for the “scandalising” affidavits he had filed which undermined the integrity of the judge and the judicial system.

When the matter was called yesterday, it became apparent that Smith had been unsuccessful in retaining counsel and indicated to the judge that although it was his preference that he be represented in proceedings in which a custodial sentence was being sought, he was prepared to represent himself in the matter as the court indicated that there would be no further delays.

However, after a 30-minute recess, Justice Bain noted that having considered

all of the circumstances in the matter and that two days may not have been sufficient, she would give him an adjournment until April 3.

Smith, who appeared shocked, said he had not asked for the adjournment though he did not refuse it.

The judge pointed out that he had when he insisted his preference for having legal representation.

Fred Smith, QC, lead counsel for STB, sought to clarify that the applicants were seeking a custodial sentence. He also said they ultimately desired for the examination under oath before the registrar to take place as it should have and asked the judge if she would consider making an order in this regard.

Keod Smith was asked by the judge if this was something he was prepared to do and he said that he would use the one week given by the court to try and retain counsel who would then have that conversation on his behalf if need be.

With this answer, the judge adjourned the proceedings to April 3 at 10am.

Following the order to pay costs in 2014, the former Mount Moriah MP had been given a 10-week deadline that expired on February 1, 2015. The ruling on costs was never appealed.

On April 20, 2016, the registrar confirmed the costs at $263,500 from the day the order was made by Justice Bain. A certificate of taxation verified that and the judge authorised

KEOD Smith pictured at the Supreme Court previously.

Justice Bain, in a ruling an extension.

However, Smith subse- handed down November 9, quently sought an injunc- 2016, stressed that the fortion against the effect of the mer politician had not aporder citing prejudice. He pealed the order for costs filed an affidavit arguing and had, in fact, participatthat he should not be made ed in the taxing of the costs, to pay funds to a nominal and “is not able at this stage plaintiff whose company to object to the order for had no known assets and costs”.

The court ruled that would not be in a position to refund costs paid to them Smith would pay the costs if the court later ruled he on or before December 12, was not a proper party to 2016.

A week after the Novemthe proceedings.

He also alleged he would ber 9 decision, Smith sought suffer damage to his profes- leave from Justice Bain to appeal the order to the sional reputation.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff Court of Appeal in a notice that Justice Bain failed to of motion filed November give sufficient consideration 16, 2016. to the allegation that STB His grounds for leave to was a nominal plaintiff and appeal were that Justice the damage he would suffer Bain was wrong, in law, to for having to make the payexercise her discretion to ments within the specified extend the time for the ap- period. pellant to comply with the However, in a ruling order when there was no dated January 12, 2017, the evidence or reason provid- judge refused an attorney’s ed to the court by the re- application to appeal an orspondent, STB, for failure der for extension of time for to present a bill of costs to $263,000 in legal costs to be Smith for payment within paid. the stipulated period.

The ruling has subseHe also proposed to ar- quently been affirmed by gue at the appellate court the Court of Appeal.

MEN TO CHALLENGE CONVICTIONS OVER FALSE DECLARATION OF MONEY

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

THREE men contesting their convictions relating to a $28,000 false declaration case will have their appeals heard jointly next month.

James Curling, owner of Tycoon Management, is contesting his conviction for failing to declare and making a false declaration to a US customs officer at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) concerning $28,401 in his custody on August 14, 2015 His employees at the time of the incident, Patrick Pinder and Dion Feaste, are also contesting their respective convictions for abetment to failing to declare.

When Curling’s matter was called in the Court of

Appeal yesterday, it was suggested by counsel that all three matters be heard jointly, as the case was tried as one matter.

The appeal was further adjourned to April 6.

Last July, Curling was fined $1,000 by Magistrate Samuel McKinney, who convicted him on the charges.

It was alleged that Curling gave $9,075 to his employee Pinder and $10,000 to Feaste, another employee, while he travelled with $9,326.

The employees were convicted of abetment to failing to declare and fined $500 each, which they paid to avoid three months incarceration at the Department of Correctional Services.

Curling paid the $1,000 to avoid three months in prison.

At trial, which was prosecuted by Sgt 1406 Philip Davis, Magistrate McKinney heard testimony from a US customs officer who said Pinder claimed no one had given him the money, but admitted that his boss had purchased his ticket.

Feaste reported his $10,000, which he said he had accumulated over a period of time. Feaste said that he worked for Curling, who was already in the departure lounge. Curling was taken from the international departure lounge at LPIA and found with $9,326.

Wayne Munroe, QC represented the trio at trial and on their appeal.

Ambrose Armbrister and Randolph Dames appeared for the Crown respondents in yesterday’s appellate hearing.

READERS’ VIEWS ON SURREY HORSES AFTER a video surfaced on social media of an apparently injured surrey horse lying on the street in the downtown area, readers gave their reaction on The Tribune website.

Sengli02 said: “Everyone involved in this inhumane practice should be prosecuted.”

Sheeprunner12 had this to say: “Surrey horse rides are common place tourist attractions around the world . . . but horses must be properly cared for by their owners.”

GypsySoul called for legislation to be enforced: “Please dig deeper and don’t let the Cabs Board off the hook with comments like ‘the horse fell over unexpectedly, was attended to, assisted to its feet and was able to walk away’. Mrs Aranha’s comments are diplomatic and not the least bit reflective of the angst and anti Surrey Horse/Cabs Board sentiment in the Animal Welfare community. While Dr. Isaacs tells you that the current legislation is outdated and needs to be amended, I assert that the current legislation, including the Animal Protection and Control Act are not being enforced.”

Alfalfa said: “We have seen this picture many

times before, and say the same things over and over.

Nothing changes. The definition of this is crazy. Time to either properly administer the surrey horse business, or close them down altogether. This type of publicity is bad for our tourism business, especially in the USA where they incarcerate you for ill treating animals.”

The news that several local pastors had petitioned United States President Donald Trump to revoke any US executive orders and policies that enable the promotion of same-sex marriages in the Caribbean region, prompted a lively reaction on tribune242. com.

Banker hit out at the pastors: “I wish that these so-called ministers would emulate Jesus. He hung out with tax collectors, sinners and prostitutes.

He welcomed the poor and marginalised. He accepted everyone. These ministers are charlatans who skew the old covenant

words of an inexact book to raise their own profiles.

They have no right leading people, leeching off them by collecting money and preaching hate against a group of people who cannot help the fact that they are gay. The ministers are despicable human beings who preach hate under the guise of religion. They should be banned.”

242613 asked: “Why is it they only come out regarding anything gay/LGBT? Crime, poverty, deadbeat fathers, adultery, fornication, courruption, sex abuse scandals, etc, these men say not a word.

Craig said: “Dear Good Pastors, Please don’t pass these Evangelical dogmatic views of homosexuality off as representing the views of the entire Bahamas. I am not gay, I don’t believe in the gay lifestyle or maybe even gay marriage, but that does not give me the right to condemn a whole community of people. On what basis does these pastors believe they right to do this?

What, their understanding of ‘laws of nature and of nature’s God’? This strikes me as using laws of ‘nature’ to justify discrimination.”

• Don’t miss your chance to join the debate on tribune242.com.

PAGE 8, Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Minnis mumbles while Christie trash talks

THE TRIBUNE

By NICOLE BURROWS

I

T is obvious now he has a verbal explosion that Prime Minister how on earth he became a Perry Christie has doctor? Don’t you have to unashamedly built pass oral and written exhis 2017 election campaign ams? And if you can’t speak upon drawing contrasts you probably can’t write? between himself and Free In any event, Christie deNational Movement (FNM) cided he is going to go and leader Hubert Minnis. talk bad about Minnis on a Christie’s aim appears to collegiate platform, and in be to make Minnis seem the process of talking about like the worst possible per- Minnis’ oratorial weakson you could ever vote nesses and resulting lack of for as a leader, mostly on confidence, Christie very account of his horrendous confidently and clearly says speaking ability. And we all ‘camaflouge’. No, that is not know it is as horrendous as my spelling error. it is well-documented.

Christie really believes The problem for Christie he is a great orator, but is that he is failing to recall what he is is a rambler and who put him in office. He his English is only 70 per is relying on his grassroots cent better than Minnis’. I supporters, many of whom don’t know what’s worse - a also have horrendous Eng- potential leader who can’t lish skills and speaking abil- speak or one who speaks ity, to think that it’s actually sort of okay and seemingly a real problem to have poor with authority, yet makes English language habits. no sense using multiple People who care about how run-on sentences and no well Minnis might speak punctuation. are not generally supportWhile you debate the ers of Christie’s Progres- answer to that question, sive Liberal Party (PLP), someone please give Minand they don’t outweigh the nis a vocabulary list, or a number of people who don’t thesaurus, or a dictionary, care how Minso he can stop nis speaks, so ‘Someone please over-exposwhy is Christie give Minnis a ing the word even wasting ‘populace’. I vocabulary list, his time? know he must To top it or a thesaurus, be thrilled to all off, Chrisknow a new or a dictionary, tie decided word, but geez that the PLP’s so he can stop man, give it a Young Liber- over-exposing the rest. als should also And while be made to un- word ‘populace’.’

Minnis does derstand why that someone voting for basically anyone can kindly inform Christie in the PLP rather than vot- that he is not in fact a Biing for Minnis in the FNM ble character so he can quit would help to save the Eng- stealing biblical phraseololish language from being gy like “In the coming days crucified on a regular basis. and weeks, there’ll be signs Minnis is pretty bad at that the time is drawing English. Have I said that nigh”, to run his campaign. enough times? So we’ve es- This man has no shame. I tablished that. And when guess if you know your peoyou think he’s doing better ple are already brainwashed with it and redeeming him- you might as well use it to self he goes and sticks an- your advantage, huh? other dagger in the wound.

Christie has got to be To his slim credit, though, living in an alternate realthere is someone almost ity. Because along with his as bad as he is, on the PLP Bible-speak, he also says side. Renardo Curry dem- things like “Politics is about onstrated his parity with judgement and being able Minnis in his recent English to exercise judgement that grammar slaughterhouse wouldn’t frighten people”, on an Our News interview. a characteristic he suggests Are these people really Minnis does not possess. the best we can do for repTell me please, Bahamiresenting us? ans, who among you is unaNow, Minnis sucks sour fraid after the seeing the lollipops where speaking results of the judgement, is concerned (yes, I said it or lack of good judgement, again). And as a side note, I Christie has exercised in keep wondering every time the past five years?

FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis during a walkabout in Nassau Village.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff something funny, inap- all by the discovery of two propriately making light of young teenagers being shot their presence there. But to death in bushes? was it necessary to use nonNottage: I can’t honestly essential footage of these say that I was shocked, bemen grinning at the scene cause unfortunately I see TWO young teen boys, of two murdered teenagers this all the time. So often for whatever their mischief to create this news report? in fact that it is becoming a that eventually led either How is the public meant trend.

REGARDING Bravest or both of them astray, to separate the stiff-faced Reporter then writes Davis and the BAMSI bacould never deserve to have politician from the laughing in her/his story: ‘Minister nana advertisment with the gunshots to their heads on face interviewees? of National Security Ber- PLP logo, Davis insists that some track road in a bush And then, Dames is in- nard Nottage says he was there was nothing wrong as a way to meet their end, terviewed days later saying not shocked to learn of the with a PLP government putcould they? that Minister of National death of two young boys ting a PLP logo on an ad for It was a hideous headline Security, Bernard Not- shot behind bushes on a a non-partisan entity supthat should have made all tage, is insensitive because track road.” Boom. Head- posedly born out of a PLP our stomachs churn with he said he is not surprised line. Controversy. Paper initiative. sick, but you had Arnold about the boys’ murders. sells.

Davis says why shouldn’t Forbes (PLP MP) and Mar- Really, Mr Dames? Go I think we are all at a the PLP take pride in one vin Dames (FNM candi- back and look at yourself point now in the lawless of their successful accomdate) show up on the scene grinning on camera, brac- Bahamian society where plishments? Well, first of of the crime to play the es reflecting the sunlight, certain things are no longer all, to call BAMSI successparts of concerned politi- mere feet away from those shocking, even though we ful is a wee bit premature cians running in the next two dead boys’ bodies and are horrified by them. And at this stage. What factors election in the constituency then come back to us for a that’s the audio clip missing are we using to measure where the boys’ bodies were conversation about insensi- from Nottage’s interview ... its successfulness? Further, found. tivity. the one wherein he would Davis doesn’t get that it It should have been the As for Nottage, I have have expressed that he was was simply in poor taste to most numbing and sombre to say, I’m not surprised horrified by this crime in- assign party affiliation to scene they had ever set foot by his comments. Come flicted upon our youth and something meant to be free upon. Were we, the view- on now, we should all be that he found it to be des- of partisan divisiveness. ing audience, only provided accustomed to Nottage’s picable as well as saddening He doesn’t get that the low with the recorded inter- dulled, almost muted re- (which he did say). Maybe level of education among views and not cutaways and sponses given in all of his he said all of that and the Bahamians - also a PLP video filler, we would have interviews. I don’t support reporter didn’t include it, accomplishment - will lead been spared the moments him, but I imagine he was but if he didn’t go beyond those Bahamians to look at both Forbes and Dames cornered into the response revealing how unsurprised the picture, see BAMSI, see were recorded laughing he gave. Here’s how it he was as well as saddened PLP, and conclude that the at the scene of the crime. would have happened: then we can say that is bor- PLP must be good because Now, maybe the fault lies Reporter: Minister Not- dering on mindless insensi- they brought us all those with the reporter who said tage, were you shocked at tivity. lovely bananas from BAMSI. Or does he get it?

As for the uncertainty that is BAMSI, one day there’s a ban on beef from Brazil and suddenly the next day BAMSI will be focusing on beef production?

How stupid do you have to be to not see this as a political entity drenched in PLP partisanship?

SENSE AND SENSITIVITY

GOING BANANAS OVER BAMSI

VISA DIFFICULTIES

YOUR

CHOICE FOR THE FAMILY WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/JOYFM1019

THE US State Department recently issued a list of new visa requirements to its embassies around the globe, courtesy of the Trump administration’s war on terrorism.

If it makes it to full enforcement, the new requirements will call for an extreme degree of detail from visa applicants: 15 years of work history, all phone numbers, email addresses and social media account usernames used in the past five years. It’s only a matter of time until getting a US visa will be so difficult it won’t be worth it to try and get one. And I’m guessing that’s what the Trump administration is counting on.

Comments and responses to nburrows@ tribunemedia.net

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, March 28, 2017, PAGE 9

BTC GIFT TO CELEBRATE PRE-SCHOOL WEEK EVENT

BTC recently presented mobile devices to Tiny Tots Preschool in honour of the Ministry of Education’s Pre-School Week.

Public Relations Manager Indira Collie said: “This is the second time around that we’ve been involved in the activities. Our teachers in the education system are helping to mould our future leaders, and we’re always happy to lend a helping hand wherever we can.”

TINY Tots Pre-schoolers say “cheese” for the camera. Also pictured is Ajna Darling, public relations co-ordinator, and Theresa Hunter, chairman of Pre-School Week.

Mortgage problems contribute to crime situation, says Bell

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

THE repossession of homes by commercial banks and other mortgage lenders has contributed to the country’s crime woes, with many vacant homes now being used for “peddling drugs” and conducting other illicit activities, State Minister of National Security Keith Bell said yesterday.

Senator Bell, speaking to The Tribune on the sidelines of a Senate debate over the Homeowners Protection Bill 2017, said due to a lack of maintenance of homes repossessed by various banks, on an almost “daily basis”, police officers continue to uncover guns or drugs hidden in them.

He called for banks to “work together and connect the dots” with the government in ensuring that prior to the repossession of any home, notwithstanding the

parameters of the Bill, there is “some agency responsible for monitoring these homes to make sure that the yard is properly maintained, that the place is not being used for drugs or some other crime”.

Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson, in her Senate contribution on the Bill, reiterated earlier comments by officials that roughly 1,700 homeowners have been deemed eligible for the government’s revamped mortgage relief programme, with 1,464 of those borrowers already contacted and 408 borrowers having completed all of the requirements for enrollment in the initiative.

Regarding home repossession and its impact on crime, Senator Bell said police have realised that while more “seasoned” criminals are less likely to allow themselves to be caught in possession of an unlicensed firearm or drugs, those individuals would instead opt to

“put the firearm on the vacant property right next to them, but close enough that if they need to get it or use it or whatever it’s there”.

“So you have these homes that are sitting there, vacant possession, and because they’re not being maintained by these institutions they’re falling into disrepair, and they’re being used by criminals either for hiding out, hiding their drugs and hiding guns,” he said. “The police almost on a daily basis, when they search these places, they’ve been finding firearms, they’ve been finding drugs, and particularly in some of the outskirts and some of the over the hill areas that has been happening a lot.

“I can take you into all of the communities,” he added. “Every single community has repossessed homes that have fallen into disrepair. You can go into all of these areas where we’re having high crime - Yellow

LARGEST EVER CLASS OF IMMIGRATION RECRUITS

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

THE Department of Immigration yesterday welcomed its largest class of recruits, with 107 potential officers now enlisted in the force’s four-month training programme.

At a welcoming ceremony at the department’s Hawkins Hill offices, Director William Pratt applauded the class for their interest in serving, while imploring them to view their enrolment as the first step toward a promising future in national service.

Mr Pratt said Monday’s move was in direct correlation to the department’s effort to increase its number

MATTHEW RETIRED AS HURRICANE NAME MIAMI Associated Press THE names Matthew and Otto have been retired for Atlantic tropical storms and hurricanes following the deadly 2016 season.

According to a statement yesterday from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the World Meteorological Organisation will use Martin and Owen for future Atlantic storms. The new names might first be used in 2022.

Names get retired when a storm is so deadly or destructive that future use of its name would be insensitive. In October, Hurricane Matthew caused 585 deaths, including over 500 deaths in Haiti before it made landfall in Cuba, The Bahamas and South Carolina. It was the strongest Atlantic hurricane since 2007 and the deadliest Atlantic hurricane since 2005.

Heavy rainfall and flooding from Hurricane Otto caused 18 deaths in Central America.

of officers. “It is our desire to increase our officer recruit to at least 700 officers,” he said. “As you know, we are an archipelago of many islands and cays and we do need to safeguard our borders.”

He added: “I want to welcome you, and I expect great things from you. We are asking that you bring with you your integrity. We ask that you be reminded that you are being hired as gatekeep-

ers of this country. We do ask that you guard our heritage (and) our borders.”

Recruits are expected to undergo a four-month training programme that would encompass academic sessions and physical fitness activities.

Yesterday’s recruitment class comes three months after the department commissioned cohorts of 35 officers in New Providence and ten in Grand Bahama.

Funeral Service Bonnie Dorothea Hazlewood, 70 of Eastern Road, Nassau, The Bahamas, died peacefully at her residence, on Thursday, 23rd March, 2017.

Mrs. Hazlewood was predeceased by her parents Roscoe W. Thompson Sr., and Dorothea C. Thompson and her brother, Ross Thompson.

She is survived by her husband, Frederick Asa Hazlewood Sr.; her son, Frederick Asa Hazlewood Jr.; her daughter, Marnie Hazlewood-Reid; grandsons, Whit Hazlewood and Matthew Reid; granddaughters, Olivia Hazlewood and Sofia Reid; son-in-law, Ryan Reid; daughterin-law, Catherine Hazlewood; sisters-in-law, Annair Hazlewood Chambers and Janie Thompson and many other relative and members of her family including the Thompsons, Hazlewoods, Reids, Pritchards, Newbolds, Pyfroms and Hearns.

A funeral service for Mrs. Hazlewood, will be held at Trinity Methodist Church, Trinity Place and Frederick Street, Nassau, on Monday, 3rd April, 2017 at 12:00 Noon.

Reverend Bill Higgs will officiate.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be sent to the Cancer Society of The Bahamas, P.O. Box S.S. 6539, Nassau in memory of Mrs. Bonnie Dorothea Hazlewood.

Arrangements Kemp’s Funeral Home Limited.

Elder is one example. You can go into any of the areas in the southwest corridor, you will see homes that are repossessed, they are closed up, they have fallen into disrepair, they are overgrown and the homes are now in the bush.

“And so when you look you see a track road leading into the homes, and if you keep looking you’ll see guys going in and you’ll see them peeping out, which means that they’re peddling drugs from there.

“And so we have to begin to work together and connect the dots, where we decide if you’re going to repossess the home, properly close it up and have some agency responsible for monitoring these homes to make sure that the yard is properly maintained, that the place is not being used

for drugs or some other crime.”

The Homeowners Protection Bill 2017 is designed to make Bahamian mortgage holders more secure in their homes in the event of default, something the government wants to achieve through inserting the courts into the foreclosure and ‘power of sale’ process.

The Bill requires lenders to give delinquent borrowers 30 days’ notice before either invoking their ‘power of sale’ under the mortgage or seeking a court-approved foreclosure.

In both cases, borrowers can apply to the Supreme Court for relief. On the foreclosure process, the court can adjourn, stay or suspend the matter if it believes the borrower will be able to pay principal and accrued interest within six

months.

As for the ‘power of sale’, the latest version of the bill allows the court to postpone this for “a reasonable period where a sum equal to at least one half of the principal, and accrued interest, has been paid at a specified time.”

Mortgage relief and protection for homeowners were key planks of the Progressive Liberal Party’s campaign before the 2012 general election. Mortgage relief was implemented early in this term; however the programme underperformed, leading Prime Minister Perry Christie to admit in 2013 that only four or five homeowners were expected to receive assistance.

The Homeowners Protection Bill 2017 was tabled in the House of Assembly in February.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, March 28, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Bakery workers say they have been ‘discarded like animals’

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net FOUR former employees of Western Bakery in Grand Bahama claim that they were treated with disrespect and “discarded like animals” by the new owner following the sale of the Freeport establishment a week ago.

The employees claimed that they were not given any formal notice by the current owners about the change in ownership, and the new owner allegedly told them that their years of service was of no concern to him.

Julie Basden, an 11-year employee supervisor and cashier, said she was very emotional last Friday when she reported to work at 6am only to be told that she was terminated.

“I came to work on Friday (March 24) at 6am and I was told by one of the managers that they are downsizing and to come back tomorrow at 6pm to pick up my money,” she said.

When Ms Basden asked the new owner if she was being terminated, she told The Tribune that he told her ‘yes she was being let go’.

Prior to the business being sold, the employees said they worked in a friendly environment, but it changed when the new owner took

over a week ago.

“When he (the owner) came in it was like he was running a military … it was a stressful event coming to work for the past week. It is very emotional because we all had a lot of years in here, and … we feel that we were just discarded like animals, like we are not human beings,” she said.

The workers retained labour activist and consultant Lionel Morley as their spokesman, who disclosed that the bakery was sold to a former policeman.

Mr Morley claims that the owner’s actions were unprofessional and disrespectful. He said 14 people were employed at the establishment, some with more than 20 years of service.

“Four of them were terminated; they were there a long time and never got any warning slips and the former owners were very respectful to them and operated the business in compliance with industrial relations practices,” he said.

Mr Morley said that while an employer has the right to downsize, he cannot to hire someone else in that same position.

“When you downsize that position no longer exists, it has been made redundant.

But there are new employees in there in the same position,” he claimed.

KAREN Basden becomes emotional while speaking to the media in Grand Bahama.

According to the work- we are not to listen to you “Not because you own a business you have right ers, they heard rumours on because the business was to disrespect employees. March 17 about the bakery not being sold.”

Ms Basden did not atThese are tough times and being sold, but the previous tend the meeting on March they need their jobs,” he owner denied it.

“When we approached 17, but when she went to said.

Mr Morley claims that our current boss at the work at 6am on March 20, the workers were terminat- time, he denied it,” Ms the new owners were at the ed without proper notice, Basden said. “And later at bakery.

“I was introduced to a with no money or severance 2pm when I was getting off a man came in the bakery lady, who was the wife of pay.

“It is just a total disre- and told me that he was the new owner, who said spect and disregard for hu- the new owner and that we that they were the new busiman worth and dignity,” needed to come to a meet- ness owners now, and I said he claimed. “I have tried ing 4pm so he can let us ‘okay, no problem,’ and I to meet with (the owner) know what is going on. I continued working,” she twice, but he does not want told him that our boss told said. us that if you come in here During a meeting later that.”

that evening, Ms Basden said she asked the new owners why wasn’t there a final meeting with the previous owners and the employees to inform them about the change in ownership.

“I told the new owner that we are owed monies (for severance), and he said ‘that don’t have nothing to do with me, you all need to go deal with the old boss’,” she claimed. “He said they are working on the future and they are not worried about the past. I asked him what about the years we already invested in working here and he said ‘it is none of his business, and that as of today you all start fresh’.”

After leaving the meeting she decided to retain Mr Morley.

Baker Tarae Charles, who has been working at the bakery for 14 years, also claimed that the new owner was disrespectful to her and the other employees.

Mr Morley said he intends to file a dispute in court on behalf of the terminated workers.

“Initially they told them that they are downsizing and reorganising the business, and now they changed it to termination. Yes, the law gives an employer the right to terminate, downsise and reorganise, but it does not give employer the right to (disrespect) workers,” he said.

NAD executives, managers and community project volunteers enjoy the results of their project with the students of Adelaide Primary School.

NAD HELPS SCHOOLS IN ANNIVERSARY YEAR AS part of its celebrations to mark ten years of operating Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) on April 1, Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) employees formally presented the Adelaide Primary School and Gambier Pre-School with new, custom-built furniture for their lunch and playground areas.

In addition, Adelaide Primary was presented with over 100 books and games for its school library. The presentations were made during a special assembly

at Adelaide Primary School and a visit to Gambier PreSchool last week.

The furniture was built by employees of NAD’s Facilities and Maintenance Department using repurposed cable spools - which are used to transport and dispense the long electrical cables or wires between lamp poles - for tables and the seating was custom crafted by the team. The company’s Landscaping and Airfield Maintenance teams prepared the school grounds and installed the furniture while employees

from all other departments supported a book drive to provide new and used books for the students to read as they relax outdoors.

Vernice Walkine, President and CEO of NAD, led the presentations to David Dean, Principal, Adelaide Primary School, and Sheniqua Curry, Principal, Gambier Pre-School. Both were both delighted to receive the new furniture and support for their schools.

Mrs Walkine told the students: “This project came about from the imagina-

tions of some very special people who work at the airport: our maintenance, landscaping and airfield maintenance teams. These are the people who keep Lynden Pindling International Airport safe, clean and running smoothly, every day. They’re also very talented: they had a great idea to take left-over materials and recycle them into benches and tables for you.

Not only does this mean you have a lovely space to read books and relax, it’s also a very creative way to recycle.”

NAD manager of marketing and commercial development Jan Knowles and Mechelle Sweeting, environmental safety officer, distribute books to students at Adelaide Primary School.

The Tribune Established 1903

Being Bound To Swear To The

thursday, march 30,

Dogmas Of No Master

“a decade of progre

Nassau airport deve

lopmeN

www.ub.edu.bs

FLYING HIGH

Lynden Pindling International Airport celebrates its 10th anniversary this week.

See Thursday’s Tribune for a special guide to a decade of progress at the country’s premier international gateway.

Dr. Danny Davis, Project Manager, Institutional Strengthening & Accreditation

Wednesday, 29th March, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.

Harry C. Moore Library and Information Centre, Auditorium University of The Bahamas, Oakes Field Campus The research presents measurements of the concentration of airborne particulate matter from November 2016 to March 2017 collected at Aquinas College as a result of the fires at the New Providence landfill and outlines a proposal for a wider, community built air quality monitoring network.

ss”

celebrates its 10th a t compaNy ltd.

NNiversary

University of The Bahamas presents the March 2017 Research Edge Forum with

On the topic: New Providence Landfill Fires and Air Quality

2017

Linking The Bahamas to the Caribbean, the United States and dest inations around the world, NAD, on its 10th anniversary as the manager of Lynden Pind ling International Airport (LPIA), has muc h to celebrate.

LPIA topped Caribbean Journal’s “Best Caribbean Airports List 2014, based on criteria that included safe ty, cleanliness, comfort, energy-efficie ncy, and food, bar, and shopping options. It is the country’s premier international gateway and its busiest airport, as well as the fourth busi est airport in the Caribbean.

lpia: No ordinary airport NAD 10th Anniversary

BHM CO. LTD

Partners:

A MEMBER OF

PAGE 12, Tuesday, March 28, 2017

THE TRIBUNE