04112023 NEWS

WOMAN & He ALtH

Three men dead wiThin 24 hours

Police “agressively searching for a ‘Rasta-type male’ related to the country’s latest murder

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE murder rate continued to soar over the weekend, with three killings in 24 hours.

In a statement yesterday, police said they are “aggressively searching for a Rasta-type male” connected to the latest murder, which occurred around 1pm on Monday.

Police said the man drove a dark-coloured SUV believed to be involved in the killing of a man in his early 40s.

“Preliminary reports indicated that … the victim was returning from a fishing trip along with another male at the rear of a business establishment located on West Bay Street. It was during this time, when they

UnlawfUl detention Cases redUCed to zero says aG

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net

ATTORNEY General

Ryan Pinder said he met the government on the hook for $1m damages for unlawful immigration detention practices arising from “eight to ten” lawsuits when he took office. He said during his tenure, no habeas corpus application had been filed for deportationrelated matters, saving the

government millions.

He was responding to questions at an Office of the Prime Minister briefing last week after the Privy Council ruled on the case of Kenyan national Douglas Ngumi.

The appellate court ruled that Mr Ngumi was unlawfully detained for all but two days while officials organised his deportation.

Local courts had concluded it was reasonable to detain

Minnis: tightening gun regulation ‘Misguided’

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said the Davis administration’s plan to tighten firearm regulations for licensed gun holders is “misguided,” adding the focus should be on criminals, not law-abiding people.

National Security Minister Wayne Monroe said

last month the government would toughen requirements for obtaining and keeping licensed

firearms. He said owners should periodically show they can safely use the weapons.

Leaders of the National Firearms Association Bahamas said they support stricter regulations because this would encourage responsible gun ownership. Critics said the government would be creating a problem rather than solving them.

By YOURI KEMP and NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business

Reporters

A COURIER company has refuted reports it is closing its Bahamian operation while also dismissing suggestions that the move was sparked by outstanding tax arrears owed to the Government.

Jean Williams, described as Blue Postal’s registered agent in corporate filings with the Florida state authorities, told Tribune Business that “reports in the media are wrong” about the company closing its Bahamas-based operations despite a widelycirculated letter that last week informed clients its Bahamian operations had been experiencing challenges that “drastically affected” their service.

BlUe postal denies shU t down and owinG Govt Complaint aGainst mp investiGated By poliCe

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net

POLICE are investigating abuse allegations against a sitting Member of Parliament after his girlfriend made a complaint last week.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Bernard “BK” Bonamy, officer-in-charge of Grand Bahama, said yesterday: “I confirm that we have a complaint from a female who is making a complaint against a sitting member of parliament. We will investigate this to see where the investigation will take us. That’s all I can say at this time.”

SEE page three

Company agrees to pay fine over Exuma oil spill

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE company responsible for last summer’s Exuma oil spill has agreed to pay a fine for environmental damage caused following the incident, according to Attorney General Ryan Pinder.

However, Mr Pinder was unable to say disclose the fine’s amount because he said it was not yet finalised.

“We have agreed to a fine in that with the other side,” he said at a press conference Thursday.

“I think that will be the first fine collected by the government of The Bahamas in an environmental matter since the passage of the legislation.

“So, a fine has been agreed with the parties in Exuma.”

In July, 35,000 gallons of diesel spilled into waters off an Exuma bay as a vessel contracted by Sun Oil was offloading fuel to Bahamas Power and Light at George Town.

The leakage reportedly happened due to a “breach in the hose” that ran from the supply ship.

On Thursday, Mr Pinder also briefly spoke on how the government plans to

deal with owners of a ship that sank off Abaco late last year.

The sunken vessel has yet to be removed.

Mr Pinder recently told

The Tribune his office is considering fining the owners.

On Thursday, he added:

“We are looking to put in fines on the delay in the removal of the wreck in Abaco. How our legislation is drafted … our legislation restricts our ability to issue what is called spot fines (which is) fines on the spot.”

“They require us to go to court, get a judgement and issue the fines.

“We are now redrafting some regulations under the environmental planning and protection act to allow DEPP (The Department of Environmental Planning and Protection) to issue spot fines in issuances of continued noncompliance.”

“So, when I mentioned today, we are looking at issuing fines for the delay, we are looking at the vast scope of legislation that we have, including the merchant shipping act and all the underlying regulation to properly enumerate the authority to issue spot fines on the delay of the vessel in Abaco.”

Unlawful detention cases reduced to zero says AG

Mr Ngumi for at least three months while arranging his deportation.

The Privy Council rejected Mr Ngumi’s request for more damages than the $750k the Court of Appeal ordered him to receive.

Mr Ngumi, who Fred Smith, K.C, represented, had sought $11m.

Mr Pinder told reporters that his office had accepted the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal rulings, emphasizing that Mr Ngumi lost the key part of the case at the Privy Council.

“The Court of Appeal slightly increased their damages,” he said. “The other side again appealed it to the Privy Council. These aren’t Attorney General Office appeals or government appeals. These are appeals on the other side. They were seeking $11 million in damages against the government of the Bahamas. (They) appealed to the Privy Council, and let me be clear, despite the headlines in the press (last week Thursday), they lost.

They were not awarded the $11 million. The only thing the Privy Council opined against the government

was the period of time he was unlawfully detained. So they extended that period of a couple of months and awarded an extra $50,000.”

“So that’s what happened in the case. Now we have never disputed the ruling and findings in the court below. In fact, on coming to office, I must have had … eight, ten habeas corpus matters in front of me, of which, at the detention centre, there was such a delay in deportation. Just think about this. I saw eight to ten of them in the first month or two. Each one of those damages are awarded in the range of $80 to $90,000. That’s almost a million dollars in damages.

“We instantly put in a reform mechanism where our lawyers meet at the detention centre weekly. Every single week I have a group of lawyers meet at the detention centre to ensure the process of law and order, as appropriate, is followed. Since coming to office, we have had no habeas corpus matters filed against the government of The Bahamas on a delay with respect to deportation, not a single one of them; saving again, the public’s purse, millions of dollars on unnecessary damages.”

Draft cannabis legislation soon to be releaseD for consultation

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

ATTORNEY General

Ryan Pinder said draft legislation to establish a medical cannabis industry in the country should be released for consultation in about a month’s time.

But before then, he said his office within the next two weeks intends to make a presentation to Cabinet that will explain the legal framework for cannabis regulation.

Mr Pinder made the comments when asked for an update on marijuana legislation during the weekly press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister Thursday.

“I can let you know that all of the pieces of legislation have been drafted along with the regulations and the respective orders,” he said, “and the legislation encompasses a number of amendments in a number of areas such as the Pharmacy Act has to be amended because you deal with dispensary items and all of that, so we made all of those amendments in draft form.”

“We’ve prepared a

presentation now that will go to Cabinet within the next two to three weeks I’d say that will explain the framework of what we’re looking to do with respect to the regulation of medicinal cannabis and then seek Cabinet’s approval to go to public consultation which will naturally be rather extensive on such an important piece of legislative framework and that consultation will happen and will launch probably in a month or a month and a half.”

Cannabis legislation has been on the table for years without success, despite several neighbouring countries already having passed such laws.

In June, Mr Pinder said the Davis administration intended to advance comprehensive legislation to regulate a medical cannabis industry and a separate framework for industrial hemp.

At the time, he said this would be done in the first six months of the fiscal year, meaning by the end of 2022.

However, that did not happen, and it is still not clear when marijuana legislation will be tabled in Parliament.

Meanwhile, as it relates

complaint against mp investigateD by police

from page one

The complaint was made to officers in Grand Bahama, but the details of the allegations are unclear. The MP did not respond to multiple phone calls or WhatsApp messages

to the Gender Violence Bill, Mr Pinder said it remains under review.

“This week, I was able to review a near final version of it. I provided my comments to it and submitted those comments on review of that piece of legislation which will go back to the Ministry of Social Services and the respective NGO groups,” he added.

“We have been consulting with the respective gender NGO groups all through this process and they have been giving their input and so hopefully, that bill will be in near final form in a matter of weeks.”

This comes after former Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson earlier this month urged the government to pass the bill, which she said was first drafted ten years ago.

However, Social Services Minister Obie Wilchcombe recently told The Tribune the government would not rush the bill to Parliament.

He suggested that consultation with the Church is needed before the bill can be tabled in the House of Assembly.

Rev. Dr. Vernon Moses, OBE, age 89, of Oxford Street, Nassau, the Bahamas, who died at his residence on March 29, 2023.

He is predeceased by his wife, Lorna Moses, his mother, Gladys Saunders, and his father, Seigh Moses.

He is survived by his children, Timothy (Lana) Moses, Mary (Joseph) Mendez, grandson, Zach Moses, and numerous relatives and friends.

A home-going service will be held at Evngelistic Temple on April 15, 2023 at 11:00 am.

Arranements by Kemps Funeral Home Limited

yesterday.

The girlfriend could not be reached for comment. Her mother and father declined to comment.

One of the girlfriend’s aunts admitted this had been a difficult situation for the family, but she declined to comment further.

Attorney General Ryan Pinder said that ‘Since coming to office, we have had no habeas corpus matters filed against the government of The Bahamas on a delay with respect to deportation, not a single one of them; saving again, the public’s purse, millions of dollars on unnecessary damages.’

Darville: Govt to get their dental programme to ‘satisfactory’ standard

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

HEALTH and Wellness

Minister Dr Michael Darville said government is working to improve dental health care services, including by recruiting dental staff from Cuba.

Dr Darville was responding to Bahamas Public Service Union (BPSU) president Kimsley Ferguson who complained last week about the poor working conditions of dental workers.

“We have been receiving a number of complaints from the dental department in that the facilities are inadequate,” Mr Ferguson said. “And they don’t meet the standards. We find that dental assistants are working, and the sections are not functioning properly. Chairs that would have been there have deteriorated.”

“We were assured by the Minister of Health that these things would be rectified. To date, at the Elizabeth Estates clinic, a chair was brought in, I think from a Family Island, to replace the old

chair that is in place. It is still in the room that has been allotted for the dentists at Elizabeth Estates. And they’re still occupying the old room that they were occupying.”

Dr Darville said officials plan to address the problem.

“A few weeks ago, I got approval to bring on some additional dentists, dental assistants, hygienists to really begin to focus very heavily on getting our dental programme to a standard that we feel satisfied with,” he said.

“I can tell you that I’ve travelled throughout the family islands and a lot of the dental equipment is in need of repair. That would require more biomedical engineers and a complete assessment of dental equipment throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.”

The minister noted his plans to travel to Cuba this week to recruit additional human resources for the country, such as dental assistants, biomedical engineers, and x-ray technicians.

He said: “My trip to Cuba will be trying to

recruit or trying to bring into the country some additional manpower resources in order for us to keep our services functioning effectively. We know that the Princess Margaret Hospital is constantly being bombarded, and a lot of individuals

Minnis: tightening gun regulation ‘misguided’

from page one

“(Licensed firearm owners) are not a part of the crime problem, and the government needs to focus on illegal firearms and gun smuggling,” Dr Minnis said yesterday.

“It’s misguided to put all the focus on legal gun owners who we know are law-abiding when the criminals are all over the place causing chaos. There could be a training and safety course for people who are getting shotguns and rifles for the first time. For the first time, I stress that, and it should be free.

“Those with existing licenses should not have to meet these new requirements. They should be left as is.”

Last month, Mr Munroe said people should be made to prove they can safely

handle firearms.

He said: “We have between 20k or 30k licences for shotguns and rifles. I have a shotgun, I have a rifle. I obtained those about ten-odd years ago. I wasn’t able to prove to the licensing authority that I can safely use either of them. Periodically, annually or every two years, I’m not required to prove that I can still safely use them. We intend to change that.

“A handgun, a shotgun, and a rifle is a lethal weapon and so we’re gonna be concerned that the persons who we give permission to own them, to possess them, have sufficient knowledge to safely use them when they get them and to continue to safely use them going forward.”

According to the NFA, there are more than 40,000 licensed firearms in the country.

will leave the system from time to time for greater opportunities.

“It is our job at the PHA and the Ministry of Health to ensure that those spaces are filled so that we can provide the services to the standard that is of utmost importance.”

Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Michael Darville said that government is working to improve dental healthcare services.

Father mourning loss of daughter; ‘she’s going to be real missed’

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

THE last time Jonathan Stuart saw his daughter, Princess Stuart Mills, she kissed him on his cheek and told him she’d see him soon.

Neither of them imagined that that ordinary encounter would be the last time they would see each other.

The 50-year-old Mills was killed in a boating accident while travelling to her home on Moore’s Island on Thursday.

According to police, shortly before 2am, a woman and a 19-year-old man left McClean’s Town onboard a 20ft GradyWhite boat for Moore’s Island, Abaco. They never reached their destination.

BASRA, along with the police marine unit and a private airline, tried to find them. Their capsized vessel was eventually spotted near Abaco. The man was seen hanging onto the boat for safety and the body of the woman was seen floating in the water.

Both victims were retrieved and taken to the hospital in Grand Bahama where the woman was pronounced dead. The man had no serious injuries.

Mr Stuart recounted the last time he saw his daughter on Thursday evening.

“She kissed me and said, ‘Daddy I’ll see you when you get home’,” he said.

Mr Stuart said his daughter was a Christian woman who supported her family despite several setbacks in life and was deeply loved by the community on Moore’s Island.

“She used to preach, and she was a churchgoing woman,” he said. “She was a child of God. She used to go all over Marsh Harbour, Eleuthera, Freeport preaching.

“She used to live in Marsh Harbour. She came home after the hurricane.

Three men dead wi T hin 24 hours

from page one

were approached by a lone gunman who subsequently shot the victim multiple times about the body. The suspect returned to his vehicle, a dark-coloured SUV making good his escape,” police said in a statement.

The second murder over the holiday weekend happened in Eleuthera around 3am on Monday.

Police said the killing took place in an area known as White Town in Hatchet Bay.

“Upon the officers’ arrival, a male was found on the inside of a vehicle; a closer examination revealed he had apparent gunshot wounds to his upper body,” police said in a statement.

The first murder incident claimed the life of a 31-year-old man.

Police said around 10pm on Sunday, they were alerted by shot spotter to shots in the area of Dunmore Street off Bailou Hill Road.

They found one man lying in the street with gunshot injuries.

“According to information received, the victim was involved in an argument with his neighbour, which escalated into a physical altercation. During this incident, the suspect produced a firearm, which resulted in the victim being shot multiple times about the body, after which the suspect fled on foot in an unknown direction, making good his escape,” police said in a statement.

The house where she used to live was destroyed by the last hurricane that passed. She came home to take over the family business.

“We’re going to miss her man, she’s going to be real missed. Everybody really loved her. We’re really going to miss her in the business, because she came in and take over the business for the past two years.

“She had just went over to do some shopping and come back, bringing a load of supplies back for the shop, you know, and then this incident just happened you know.”

On Thursday, Mrs Mills was in Freeport for a church service. Mr Stuart said his daughter had called ahead for a ferry boat to take her home to her husband and son on Moore’s Island, Abaco, for the Easter holiday following the service.

“She went (to Freeport) to do a dance then she started preaching before she did the dance at the church,” he said.

That afternoon, Mr Stuart met his daughter on the dock in McClean’s Town to help her load the boat with her belongings.

“She called this guy with this boat. She always used him, you know to pick her up in McClean’s Town and he (arrived) that afternoon,” he said.

“We put all the cargo and stuff in the boat. She had some supplies that she bought and they left about 20 minutes after dark Thursday evening.”

Mr Stuart said he got worried when her family hadn’t heard anything from her after 10 o’clock that night.

“After 10pm that night, my son called me. He said, Princess hasn’t arrived yet. And I said, ‘Well I don’t know something could be wrong.

“They should’ve been there already.”

Mr Stuart said his son as well as other persons from the island went out to look for her but didn’t find her. At this point Mr Stuart decided to call a pilot he knew who was travelling in the area.

“I called him and asked him to keep a look out. Around about 9:30am, he called me and told me he spotted the boat with two people on the top of it,” he said.

Mr Stuart said he soon learned his daughter

was unresponsive when retrieved from the water.

“He went there and he picked them up and he said my daughter was unresponsive when they put her in the boat,” he said. “I was in Freeport at that time and they brought them straight down to Freeport and they took her straight to hospital and then the morgue.

“The doctor came down from High Rock and announced the body lifeless. And that was all. I haven’t seen the body since. Her husband is in Freeport, I guess he is waiting to see the body too,” Mr Stuart said.

Princess Stuart Mills was killed in a boating accident while on her way home to Moore’s Island last Thursday.

The Tribune Limited

Ruling on unlawful detention a step in the right direction

THIS week is guest editorial week at The Tribune - we have invited a series of contributors to offer their views on different issues throughout the week. Today’s editorial is written by Paco Nunez, Secretary General of Human Rights Bahamas.

THE Privy Council’s recent ruling in the Ngumi case vindicated what human rights defenders have been saying for years: The Bahamas Department of Immigration is not above the law. Immigration, just like the police, cannot hold people indefinitely but rather only up to 48 hours before bringing them to court, lawfully deporting them, or re-establishing their liberty.

People suspected of breaching the Immigration Act are to be regarded as innocent until proven guilty, just like any other suspected violator of the law. The presumption of innocence is sacred, the right to liberty and due process is pre-eminent and the burden of proof is always on the authorities. This should be the basic standard in any democratic society. Sadly, it does not go without saying in The Bahamas.

In addition to Mr Ngumi, who was held illegally and against his will for more than six years, other cases coming to light in recent times include: Joseph Amihere, held illegally for seven years; Atain Takitota, eight years; Matthew Sewell, nearly a decade. A group of asylum seekers fleeing persecution in war-torn Cameroon were illegally imprisoned for two years. This is to say nothing of the countless unfortunate souls whose stories never came to public attention, who were routinely held for days, weeks or months without legal justification.

Acknowledging past wrongs, Attorney General Ryan Pinder says things have changed under the Davis Administration. His office has implemented specific reforms to ensure that detention and deportation protocols are in accordance with the law. We commend the AG and his team wholeheartedly for these efforts, but also recognise that despite their very best intentions the wheels of progress tend to grind slowly in The Bahamas. Indeed, Human Rights Bahamas (HRB) is aware of very recent cases where detainees were held for much longer than 48 hours.

Fortunately, we are in a position to help: HRB recently became an official Representative of Precautionary

Measure 535-14 under the auspices of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), the organ of the Organization of American States (of which The Bahamas is a member) whose mission is to promote and protect human rights in the American hemisphere.

PM 535-14, in force since 2015, calls upon the Bahamas Government to: ensure the life and physical integrity of Immigration detainees; provide hygienic conditions and adequate medical treatment; ensure access to legal assistance; substantially reduce overcrowding; and ensure that civil society organisations have access to the facility to monitor conditions.

Accordingly, we urge the Davis Administration to grant HRB, as official Representative of PM 535-14, full access to the Carmichael Road Detention Centre in order to evaluate conditions, ensure that PM 535-14 is being adhered to, and also determine whether current detainees are being held in accordance with the Privy Council’s Ngumi ruling.

As human rights defenders, our only interest is that abuse of individual rights within this jurisdiction be reduced to the absolute minimum possible. Ensuring that people are not held for more than 48 hours would do much to achieve this - if only by limiting the window of opportunity for the beatings, torture, intimidation, humiliation and sexual assault of which so many detainees complain.

Public-private cooperation with a view to bringing detention procedures within the ambit of the law would also serve the interests of the State, considerably curtailing the cost of housing and feeding people held illegally and indefinitely for months or years, not to mention the substantial payments in damages inevitably arising as a result. Likewise, it would ease the ongoing international embarrassment of The Bahamas being repeatedly called out by international human rights NGOs and in annual US State Department reports for the systematic abuse of individual rights. Human rights defenders stand ready and willing to work hand-in-hand with the Davis administration to ensure that it is indeed a ‘New Day’ for respect for human rights in The Bahamas. We sincerely hope this offer will be received in spirit in which it is intended.

Thanking Maynard Gibson for invitation

ON FRIDAY, 31/3/23

at 11am on an invitation

from Mrs Alyson Maynard

Gibson I was welcomed at the University of The Bahamas by Mrs Gibson, the Principal of the University and several members of the senior staff. The occasion was arranged for the presentation of my latest book “Policing In The Bahamas 1951 & Beyond” to the University for its library. The reception was great. I was allowed to speak for nearly an hour about my life as a Police Officer, in particular in the Criminal Investigation Department for 25 years.

The University purchased copies of the book for the library. Also copies of my book “Basic Training for Security Officers“. I was taken on a tour of the Sir Lynden Pindling room with memoirs of him. It was a most enjoyable event.

Paul Thompson Sr

Tribute to my aunt, Dame Marjorie Davis

EDITOR, The Tribune

My aunt Dame Marjorie Davis will be laid to rest today at St Francis Xavier Catholic Cathedral. She lived an exemplary life, having dedicated her life to God and fulfilling the work of our Lord throughout her long life of nearly 95 years.

A Bahamian icon and heroine, Dame Marjorie Davis was instrumental in improving and furthering many facets of Bahamian society, including in the fields of education, Girl Guides, the Zonta Club, the Legion of Saint Mary, the local Catholic faith and countless others.

Her faith in God and her love of her country, the Bahamian people and her family inspired my aunt to achieve heights of greatness.

Dame Marjorie Davis was born in Nassau, Bahamas, on November 2, 1928, to Sir Cyrus Ulysses Davis and Hilda Davis, the second oldest of 12 children. She was a classmate of Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling and she had many inspiring stories of growing up alongside the father of our nation.

of guidance and counselling. In 1977, my aunt became the first woman to serve as the Director of Education in the Bahamas.

honoured with the opening by the Bahamas Government of the Marjorie Davis Institute for Special Education in recognition of her profound and significant contribution to the field of education in the Bahamas; following in the footsteps of our uncle educational icon Mr. D.W. Davis who likewise had a school named in his honour. In 2019, Dame Marjorie received the honour of Dame of the Pontifical Equestrian Order of Saint Sylvester from His Holiness Pope Francis.

EDITOR, The Tribune.

The welcome and show of appreciation on my visit to the University of The Bahamas on March 31, 2023 is greatly appreciated and would be an important part of my memories of The Bahamas. Thanks to you - Mrs Maynard Gibson – for the invitation and the show of appreciation by the senior personnel assembled.

As you are aware Policing In The Bahamas was my Life. In retirement, I continue to assist with information and advice. The three books I have written are the results of the training, locally and overseas arranged and approved by The Government of The Bahamas over the decades of my service.

I implore readers of the book to pay serious attention to the several pages of crime prevention

education and when necessary practice the measures for their protection. Consideration may be given to providing the information contained in those pages to students and staff for their protection. I have asked the Minister of Education to consider using the crime prevention material as a subject during social studies in the schools. It would help to alert our young females about the predators, they are exposed to on our streets. Police reports on sexual assaults on young females and children demands that the potential victims take the necessary precautions for their protection. The University’s promotion of Crime Prevention Education in communities would be a great service.

PAUL THOMPSON Sr Nassau, April 3, 2023.

Dame Marjorie obtained a Grade 1 Senior Cambridge Certificate from the Government High School. My aunt attended the University of Toronto, Canada, in 1946, at a time in history when it was exceedingly rare for a black woman in The Bahamas to attend university abroad. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree and in 1950 obtained her Teacher’s Certificate from the Ontario College of Education.

Dame Marjorie Davis returned home to Nassau and, at the Government High School, taught generations of Bahamian students Latin as well as Spanish, mathematics, accounts, commerce and religious studies. In 1965, Dame Marjorie received an Advanced Diploma from the University of Hull in England and continued her further education in 1969 by obtaining her Master of Education degree from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education.

In 1970, she returned home to Nassau and joined the Ministry of Education as an education officer, being appointed senior education officer in charge

In 1988, Dame Marjorie Davis was requested by her former high school classmate Sir Lynden Pindling to coordinate the introduction of the Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE). Then, five years later, she retired from the arena of education.

In her so-called retirement years, my aunt was as busy as ever dedicating her time to Girl Guides in The Bahamas for which she provided 66 years of service. Dame Marjorie was a charter member of the Zonta Club of Nassau and she was involved in many groundbreaking projects over many years, including programs at the Ranfurly Home for Children and the PACE program for unwed mothers. Dame Marjorie was very active in many Bahamian health initiatives including HIV/AIDS projects. She was a member of the Legion of Mary, a group who routinely visits and provides valuable assistance to the sick and shut-ins of New Providence.

Dame Marjorie was a very active and instrumental member of Saint Francis Xavier’s Catholic Cathedral for her lifetime.

Dame Marjorie was awarded the honour of Officer of the British Empire in the Queen’s New Year’s Honour Awards in 1989. In 2015, Dame Majorie Davis was

Dame Marjorie Davis has received the Youth Leader Award from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Bahamas Government Silver Jubilee Award in the Category of Education, the Zonta Club of New Providence ‘Living Legends’ award, Jones Communication International Ltd ‘Bahamian Legend’ award, Sir Victor Sassoon Heart Foundation ‘Golden Heart Award,’ the Nassau Circuit of Methodist Churches for Outstanding Community Service and many other awards. My aunt provided endless and selfless service to the Bahamian society, not for recognition nor for awards but for the love of the community in the name of God.

Inspired by my grandfather, Sir Cyrus Ulysses Davis, my aunt was a brilliant and successful businesswoman and real estate developer, who was a selfless benefactor to many organizations, charities and the Catholic Church throughout her lifetime. The very simple, humble and quiet life she led stood in stark contrast to her very generous philanthropic contributions and her humility meant that those contributions were rarely mentioned.

Dame Marjorie was a second mother to me in every sense of the word and I was likewise the son she never had. I was inspired to achieve higher education in the field of medicine by her and return to The Bahamas to contribute to the betterment of the Bahamian society as she always did. I named my only daughter after my iconic aunt.

Rest well in eternal peace, Auntie. Heaven has gained another angel.

By Dr Gregory Pinto

Dame Marjorie Davis

Ruben Enaje is nailed to the cross during a reenactment of Jesus Christ’s sufferings as part of Good Friday rituals April 7, 2023, in the village of San Pedro, Cutud, Pampanga province, northern Philippines. The real-life crucifixions, a gory Good Friday tradition that is rejected by the Catholic church, resumes in this farming village after a three-year pause due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Photo: aaron Favila/AP

ACP BK Bonamy Jr takes charge of The Bahamas’ Northern District

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

ASSISTANT Commissioner of Police B K Bonamy Jr, the new officer in charge of the Grand Bahama and the northern Bahamas District, warns that disrespectful behaviour to the public by any officer will not be tolerated.

“To new officers, I am concerned about how we behave as young officers on and off duty, and that type of attitude and display will not be tolerated under my watch,” said the top police officer.

ACP Bonamy stressed that commanders will be held responsible for what happens in their districts.

The public, he said, will be treated with the utmost respect at all times.

“The Bahamian people need to be treated better; they are our eyes and ears and we cannot do anything without them. It is a partnership that we must adhere to and work closely.

“The commanders for

Multiple

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN facing two pending murder charges was denied bail in court on Thursday after being accused of a series of thefts and breaching his bail.

Derico “Sparky” Bowe, 29, faced Assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain on three counts of violation of bail conditions. Bowe was further accused of attempted shop breaking, stealing by finding and receiving.

Bail was granted to Bowe by the Supreme Court after he was charged with two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder last year.

these various divisions will be held accountable for the young officers’ action to members of the public. There is no need to shout or curse members of the public. you must understand … the need to be respectful to people. you will see a better approach from our young officers; all officers will be held accountable for their actions.”

“I want say to the public that we are your police and we are here to serve you. We will treat you with utmost respect at all times,” he said.

On Thursday at Police Headquarters, ACP Theophilus Cunningham ended his tenure and turned over command to Mr Bonamy.

He described his successor as a veteran officer who brings “tremendous value to the table.”

“He will definitely be an asset as the commanding officer in charge of GB, Abaco and Bimini,” said ACP Cunningham.

ACP Bonamy left Grand Bahama 19 years ago as an acting Inspector. He was pleased for the opportunity

to be back serving as the officer in charge of the district.

Upon taking over the district, he expressed concern about the increase of crime in Abaco and Bimini, particularly the influx of drugs, and human trafficking and smuggling.

“The high volume of crime I have seen in Abaco - the traffic fatalities, I will ensure that we police these areas more efficiently and effectively,” he said.

Firearms and drugs in schools are also concerns that he plans to address.

“I am concerned about the schools - young kids who are coming up who are taking firearms in schools and eating marijuana cookies,” ACP Bonamy stressed.

“I have seen that and we will take a more focused approach; we will police these schools, not to put fear in them but just to bring awareness.”

ACP Bonamy will begin meeting with commanders, section heads, and rank and file officers starting today.

He is also looking forward

to meeting with the business community and church leaders in the GB district.

Mr Bonamy thanked Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander for the opportunity to serve. reflecting on his tenure, ACP Cunningham said the capture and arrest of a serial rapist on Grand Bahama was among some of their

Man

On May 4, 2022 in New Providence Bowe is accused of murdering Andrew Mackey and attempting to kill Dentry Williams.

Also, in New Providence on April 30 2022 the accused is alleged to have killed Arison Pratt.

It is alleged that between March 27 – April 1 the accused failed to charge his court imposed electronic monitoring device (EMD) on three occasions.

While on release Bowe, being concerned with others, is further accused of attempting to break into a building under construction on Columbus Avenue at around 12:35pm on April 1.

Then on April 2 at the Supreme Liquor Store on East Street South Bowe is

alleged to have come into possession of a purse containing $250, which he did not return to the rightful owner or proper authority within 48 hours. At the same time and place Bowe is also accused of dishonestly receiving $82 cash, the property of Michelle Curtis.

Before the magistrate the accused pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Magistrate Swain denied Bowe’s bail request resulting in him being taken to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. Before being remanded the accused was informed of his right to reapply for bail before the Supreme Court. Bowe’s trial will is scheduled for June 8.

Man who threatened three people with Shotgun granted $8,000 Bail

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 55-yEAr-old man was granted $8,000 bail in court on Thursday after he was accused of threatening three people with a shotgun.

Jon Brown, stood before

Magistrate Kara TurnquestDeveaux on three counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

It is alleged that on March 31 Brown endangered the lives of Jamal Sinclair, Jareth Cartwright, Jr, and Maleia Sinclair with a 12 gauge Tomahawk 1800 shotgun.

In court the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges. Bail was granted to Brown at $8,000 with two sureties. He was also warned not to interfere with any witnesses in this matter while on release. Brown’s trial is set for May 30.

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was sentenced to 10 months in prison on Thursday after he admitted to having $80K worth of marijuana in his home last week.

Ethan Jones, 31, represented by Alex Dorsett, faced Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt on a charge of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

On April 3 at around 1pm officers acting on a search warrant entered the defendant’s residence.

successes.

“In June 22 a serial rapist was moving through the district in GB. This created a serious alarm by members of the public and put a degree of pressure on the Police Force,” he recalled.

ACP Cunningham said in the latter part of June 2022, they captured two suspects who were charged and

placed before the courts, and are now detained at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. He also said that the multi-government approach to community policing, and the assistance to persons with disabilities also made a difference in the lives of persons within the community.

Jones was arrested after authorities found a collective 80lbs of Indian hemp in five packages.

The drugs seized in this raid are said to have an estimated street value of $80,000.

Before the Chief Magistrate, Jones pleaded guilty to the charge.

In his plea of mitigation

Mr Dorsett stated that his client was remorseful for his actions and had cooperated with authorities from the onset of investigations. In addition to citing that Jones is an employed father who pleaded guilty at

the earliest time to spare the court’s time, his lawyer asked that the court be lenient in its sentencing.

The Chief Magistrate sentenced Jones to 10 months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. The accused was further ordered to pay a $4,500 fine to be paid by the end of his prison sentence or risk an additional six months in custody.

Before being taking to prison Jones was told of his right to appeal sentencing within seven days.

19-year-old M an found with piS tol and a MMunition granted $7,000 Bail

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 19-yEAr-old male was granted $7,000 bail in court on Thursday after he was accused of having a loaded firearm in Nassau last week.

Lamarre Jeanlouis, represented by Alphonso Lewis, appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt on charges of possession of an

unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition.

It is alleged that on April 5 in New Providence the accused was found by police with a black and silver coloured .40 Smith & Wesson pistol with the serial number erased. At the time of his arrest it is further alleged that the accused had seven unfired rounds of .40 ammunition. In court the

accused pleaded not guilty to the charges. With no objections to bail by Prosecutor ASP Davis it was granted to Jeanlouis at $7,000 with one or two sureties each. Under the conditions of his bail the accused is expected to sign in at Quakoo Street Police Station every Monday and Wednesday. His trial will begin on October 19.

Murder accuSed re M anded after theft and Breaching hiS Bail

Sentenced to 10 MonthS jail and $4,500 fine on $80k he

AssistAnt Commisioner of Police BK Bonamy, Jr (right) receives the handing over certificate from the outgoing northern district officer in command ACP Theophilus Cunningham (left).

Lady Shema’s new song is seven years in the making

SHEMA Poitier has gifted the world with a new song – one designed to lift the spirits of those who hear it and inspire them to spring into their life’s purpose. Her song is a personal testament to the fact that one’s dreams may be delayed, but they are never denied. With the new music release of “Catapult” on streaming platforms and on radio, Shema, better known as “Lady Shema” has given birth to a song seven years in the making. She was busy blazing a trail of excellence everywhere she went. She spent almost a decade as an educator, teaching at primary, junior and high school levels. She is a media maven, well known for her time as a ZNS news reporter; a marketing and brand manager for two of the biggest corporations in the country; and as the award-winning Gospel radio show host “Lady Shema”. She even founded a mentorship programme for young girls and launched her own marketing and life coaching companies. All along, Shema was nourishing a relationship with Christ that began for her at a very early age. When she wasn’t delivering the spoken word, she was sharing her gift of song. That blossomed into a career as a recording Gospel artist whose music has been recognized and awarded locally and internationally. As she came into all she is today, she did so with this song – born out of a dream seven years ago, waiting to come to life.

“I originally wrote Catapult in 2016, minutes after I came out of a dream … I would even daresay, possibly an open vision,” Shema shared.

“It was as if I was elevated in the dream and I was made to look down by the sound of groaning and cries that I heard … sounded like a people in travail. When I looked down, I saw men and women of God in tattered clothing, and many of them looked dejected; but they

were still working. Some were landscaping, doing construction work … some were preaching, teaching, singing and the like. Some of them even had chains on their hands while they worked. Suddenly, there was a loud sound and I could hear the chains falling from their hands. Immediately, they were all propelled into the air upward as though they were being catapulted with great speed. As they ascended, their countenance was brightened, their clothes transformed into fine exquisite clothing, and they continued to be propelled until I could see them no more.”

“I asked in the dream, ‘What does this mean?’

‘What am I seeing?’ I heard in my spirit while still in the dream that “We are at the door of the season where The Lord Himself will catapult His people into positions of influence, affluence and authority, for His sake. The morning after the dream, God continued to minister to my spirit about the dream saying that He will tear down one and lift up the other. That He will, by His sovereignty and will, exponentially and swiftly advance

His children, even the least among them, into leadership and wealth to execute Kingdom occupation. That He will position them in seats of authority and riches in all pillars of society … in families, religion, education, media, entertainment, business and government. That He will take some from the very back to the very front in one move for His glory alone.”

With such a powerful vision, Shema wrote “Catapult” in 2016 and began recording the song in 2017. Everything that could go wrong, she said, went wrong concerning the recording of this song. It got to the point where finishing it started to feel like a burden and it just wasn’t coming together. In 2019, Shema literally let the song go completely.

“I gave it back to the Lord,” she said, “And told Him that it was His song and that when it’s the right time, He will bring it to completion.”

“Honestly, I really just didn’t want anything to do with the song anymore, I kept on running from it because it was just rough! The years passed and the song would not leave me alone. In the summer of 2022, the song kept on coming to me even in my sleep; so I knew God was about to do something with the song. God did it! In November 2022 things started to fall into place and the song came to completion.”

“Sammi Starr (producer) worked the track like it was his own song with amazing skill. Ray E Ewing (Ray Armbrister) of KTVA Music

had the patience of Job with the mixing and mastering process, and Bryan Shortell put on the finishing touches masterfully.”

If Catapult is anything like her previous music releases, it’s a hand clapping, foot stomping affair that will motivate people all over the world to live a life of purpose. Shema’s debut music single, “Affirmation” garnered three nominations in the Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards. The song “We Lift Our Hands”, recorded with the Bahamas Harvest Choir - for which she served as lead vocals arranger and vocalist - won The Marlin Award for ‘Praise & Worship Recording of The Year in 2004’. Her original song “Walls of Jericho” also garnered a semi-finalist position in the International Song Competition, which attracts around 15,000 entries annually from over 150 countries with an impressive cadre of international record company owners, world renowned music industry professionals and executives, as well as Grammy Award Winners.

Shema wants her fans to know that dreams they let go of; dreams they put on the backburner; and dreams that may seem impossible, but are born out of their soul, can be brought to life. Her faith gave her the courage to take on a dream she had once given up on. She pulled from deep within to share the dream that was born from her mind and sung from her heart. With Christ, she says, she has been able to weather every storm in her life and continue to shine her light.

It was in 2013 that Shema was first ordained to preach the Gospel. Her parents set the pace. Her father, Rev Dr Oswald “Ossie” Poitier, is a pioneer in Bahamian Gospel music. When he introduced the authentic Bahamian sound of Junkanoo and Rake N’ Scrape to church worship in the early 1970s, he was ridiculed by some.

“He always felt that the authentic Bahamian sound should be represented in the worship experience as a part of our cultural expression,” Shema said.

“His original Bahamian Gospel recordings were so infectious and well received in the early 1970’s they were even played in the discos and people danced to his music. Ossie was the first who advocated for Bahamian Gospel Music to be played on prime time radio on ZNS. Eventually, he was successful and today we hear Bahamian Gospel music on radio stations all over The Bahamas 24-7.

“He was not just a solo artist. but he also started or was part of quite a number of popular Bahamian Gospel groups, including The Redemption Gospel Singers.”

Shema’s mother, Rev Dr Sebrena “Sibbie” Poitier, is the prayer warrior of the family and together, she and Rev Ossie raised their four amazing children that are a testament to their love of God and family. Shema is the eldest. Her siblings Samantha, Samuel “Sammi Starr” Poitier, and Selah Haile Simone Poitier are all stars in their own right.

The Poitiers moved back to Andros, where Ossie and Sibbie were born and bred, when Shema had just completed grade three. Here, the Poitier’s ministry would come alive.

They created “Regeneration Army Word Ministries - RAWM” a nondenominational Jesus movement in Andros. As a ministry team, they held a lot of major community events. One of the most successful was the “All Day Andros Music Festival”, hosted in the early 1990’s.

ABOVE: Shema Poitier, recording artist and media maven.

LEFT: Shema, left, with her father Rev Dr Oswald Ossie Poitier, along with her brother Samuel “Sammie Starr” and Selah Haile Simone Poitier. The photo was taken when they performed as ‘Da Family’, winning the first-ever “Das Da Bahamian Ting” Ministry of Tourism song competition.

BELOW: Shema and her mother, Rev Dr Sabrena Poitier.

It was greatly attended with Androsians coming from South, Central and North Andros and noted Parliamentarians, including the late Darrell E Rolle, made special remarks.

“My mom takes Ministry very seriously and she serves in her local church – St John’s Native Baptist Church in varied roles, but mostly as a helpmate to the leadership role my father most recently executed at St John’s,” Shema said.

“Her community work and her strong transformational presence as a wife and mother have been recognized. She was honoured by the acclaimed ‘The Rahming Brothers’ Organization in 2018, and she is also the recipient of The Bahamas National Gospel Excellence Awards.”

Sibbie’s father, the late Edgar E Rolle, was the first in many acquisitions and accomplishments in Andros. He was the owner of mailboat servicing goods from Florida to Andros and the proprietor of the most progressive grocery store in North Andros – EL Rolle and Sons, located on Queen’s Highway, North Andros. Sibbie’s mother, the late Rev Prudence Rolle took up the mantle after Edgar’s passing when Sibbie was only 10 years old. Prudence managed to expand the business to one that now has a comprehensive inventory and that is still the go-to to store in North Andros to fulfill grocery and appliance needs.

Shema says of her island upbringing: “One of my fondest memories I have of the cultural, music and arts festivals that my family and I participated in while in Andros was when my brother, sister and I sang a song that we adopted from the 1989 movie titled “Lean on Me” with main actor Morgan Freeman.

“So many people told us that day that we sounded just like singers in the movie.

“We were humbled and grateful for their encouragement.” Shema would continue to excel after leaving her high school in Andros. She earned an Associate’s degree in Biology and Chemistry from the College of The Bahamas. She then earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Theology from Lee University, going on to serve as a registered pharmacy technician for a number of years.

Shema was still in junior high, attending North Andros High School, when she got the news of the death of her father’s mother, Gwendolyn Thompson: “I remember that I became so overwhelmed with emotion that I stopped singing and started crying. My uncle, who was also my pastor at the time, Rev E John Newton, told me that I could do it, that I could finish the song. So I mustered the

strength and sang through the tears. My grandma ‘Gwenny’ was one of the strongest and women I’ve ever met.”

Shema has pulled from the strength of the great legacy of her family to find her own voice. In what would be the final battle before Catapult would be released, Shema developed Long Covid, and would have to overcome major battles to heal body and lift her voice in song. She did so with the support of her brother, world-class entertainer Sammi Starr, whose hit song “Come Gold with Us” is currently blazing the airwaves and social media as the lead song for the 50th CARIFTA Games, held in Nassau April 7-10. Sammie is one of the biggest recording artists and producers to come out of the Caribbean.

Shema’s sister, Samantha, has an amazing range to her voice and is a talented musician. Samantha was Miss Gospel Bahamas 2003-2004, blowing away the audience and the judges with her intellectual prowess and golden voice.

Selah Haile Simone Poitier may be the baby of the Poitier pack, but she is making some serious international waves. Ossie was known as “the Bahamian BB King” for playing a mean lead guitar; now Selah is coming to take it to another level.

She is the first classically trained double bassist in The Bahamas.

Selah Plays the electric bass guitar, and Shema says “watching her is transcendent”. She has made tremendous strides in the international music world, including receiving a commendation from Grammy Award winning artist India Arie. Selah also plays the double bass, electric guitar and piano.

With a heart of gratitude for the love the Bahamian people have poured on her, Shema releases “Catapult”, with the help of Sawyers Studios Business Centre, located in the Flower’s Plaza, Carmichael Road. Shema is thankful for the life lessons she has learned as “teacher” and “mentor” to young people; as “Lady Shema”, one of the most inspirational radio hosts in The Bahamas, touching stations like Joy, Sports Radio and Spirit Gospel; and as a media maven whose professional career has led her to the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.

She vows to continue to allow her faith to help her catapult to the next level. Look for “Catapult” by Shema Poitier on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play and Tidal, or make a special request at your favorite radio station. To reach Shema, email shemapoitier@gmail. com.

Pacific pact more than just a trade deal

IN last week’s column about Britain’s accession on March 31 to the Comprehensive and Progressive agreement for trans-Pacific Partnership – three years after the nation officially withdrew from the European Union -- I mentioned the need to follow up today with comment on the geopolitical aspects. the CPtPP is a free trade agreement of strategic importance in a rapidly changing political and economic world as China aggressively pursues global hegemony. the Us and EU are said to be surprised by its emergence as the world’s most dynamic trade grouping and are gradually realizing its growing international significance. this trade pact has been described as one of the largest free trade areas in the world, spanning asia Pacific and the americas and including a number of leading economies. as well as the UK, it currently comprises eleven countries -- australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, singapore and Vietnam. Britain is the first European nation to join. It is the biggest trade deal the country has ever done and will open up the

The Peter Young column

UK economy to countries creating new global growth. Membership gives unparalleled tariff-free access to a market of some 500 million people and a boost to exports and imports as well as to Britain’s important services sector. With these projected economic benefits, it presents an opportunity for the nation to return to its historical position as the most “globalized” nation in Europe that, since the 18th century, has been a pioneer trader far and wide. as a successful trading nation already, it will now be presented with

new opportunities to benefit from the forecast substantial increase in world trade in the coming decades – not least in relation to digital trade which is important to Britain.

Over and above that, the UK’s accession to the CPtPP will have a wider effect than simply a free trade agreement. It will raise the nation’s status and influence in the global economy and will also enhance the G7’s role in contributing to discourse about how to operate the system of global trade. the Pacific bloc is heading towards 20 per cent of global GDP with more countries in the Far East and latin america intent on joining; for example, Costa Rica, Uruguay, south Korea and thailand have reportedly applied for membership. It is predicted that by 2030 sixty-five per cent of the world’s 5.4 billion middle class consumers will be in asia. thus, the CPtPP is predicted -within perhaps the next decade -- to be the world’s largest trading system and increasingly able to set the tone and rules of global commerce.

as such, it is now becoming clear that this group of so-called “middle powers” might dictate the future

terms of world trade rather than the Us, the EU and China. In particular, any idea of the EU, whose share of global GDP is forecast to drop to about 14 per cent this year, becoming a global regulatory superpower is receding.

It seems that the essential difference between the CPtPP and a bloc like the EU is that the former –while applying strict rules about its trading standards – has a shared objective to make trade as smooth as possible with only limited restrictions, based on the twin principles of mutual recognition and equivalence; and, as well as trade in goods, it is opening up to e-commerce and financial services. the EU, on the other hand, does not accept reciprocation as a governing principle of trade and insists on all its members adopting identical rules and laws.

But perhaps it is not surprising that the EU seeks conformity given that its fundamental aim is ever closer political union. It is now being said that the CPtPP is what the EU should have been as the European Economic Community which was known as the Common Market – that is to say a straightforward

free trade area without end-

less undemocratic rules and progress towards integration as a federal super state.

It seems that Britain’s policy in relation to the CPtPP is based on an assessment that the IndoPacific is critical to the nation’s security and economy and its support of a free and open international order that must remain fundamentally stable. according to its government’s recent “Integrated Review”, developments in the region will have a “disproportionate influence on the global economy, supply chains and strategic stability”. In the face of China’s increasing military, diplomatic and economic activity in the region the UK wants to play a role in defining and defending “free and open” and in maintaining a rules-based order with secure shipping routes. thus there are links with security developments like the aUKUs agreement to develop nuclear-powered submarines. all this represents a continuation of Britain’s post-Brexit policy of a “tilt” towards the Indo-Pacific region which, reportedly, was initiated by former prime minister Boris Johnson.

so the quest for a Global Britain is becoming a reality. Insofar as the UK is not a Pacific nation, its CPtPP membership has changed the nature of the pact to the extent that there is no reason why other such countries should not join too. the big issue now, of course, is China’s potential membership, given that it has formally expressed its desire to accede to the agreement. But some say it is not fit for membership because its state-owned enterprises under its communist system are not operating on a level playing field. Its mistreatment of the Uyghurs may also enter the equation as a human rights issue. But China could muscle in if the Us stays aloof. Clearly, Britain has just secured a seat at the table where it can contribute to shaping the CPtPP’s development. It now has influence within the bloc and can help to ensure a continuing commitment to a free-market approach. More broadly, it can also use its new membership to promote foreign policy objectives. this looks to be a considerable achievement by British negotiators after two years of talks and it bodes well for Western interests.

FINLAND r ANkeD the h APPIeS t PeoPL e IN the WorLD For SI xth t Ime

a UK press report last week brought the startling news that “Finland’s joyful streak continues”. Intrigued by this, I discovered that, according to something called the 2023 World Happiness Report, Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world. this report apparently draws on global survey data from people in some 150 countries and it placed Finland in the top spot for the sixth year in a row, with a happiness score significantly ahead of all other countries.

I do not pretend to have studied the detailed criteria against which the Finns have been assessed. Nonetheless, delving a bit deeper, it appears that they are happy because they not only possess the basic necessities of life in the shape of sufficient resources, enough food and shelter, decent housing, education and employment but also live in close and strong communities, appreciate the benefits of Nature

and above all do not compare themselves to people in other countries.

In looking at this, it struck me that, rather than happiness, what this is really about is people’s degree of satisfaction or contentment with what they need on a daily basis in order to live a so-called decent life. so were their levels of individual happiness really being evaluated? I suspect not, because that is strictly a subjective matter that varies with individuals and is not susceptible to measurement against a given set of criteria. Philosophers agree that the quality of true happiness comes from within a person, a product of their own individuality – and from a way of looking at life – rather than from external stimuli in the form of material success, the accumulation of riches, the ephemeral pleasure of physical satisfaction or from simply enjoying the necessities of life. throughout history, people have found it hard to explain or describe the

meaning of happiness, and this is, of course, too big a subject to debate within the limits of this column. so, far be it for me to pontificate on the subject. Rather, suffice it to say that a cursory study of the subject shows that the importance comes up again and again of giving rather than receiving -both of love and material things -- as one of the key elements in finding both contentment and happiness. as the late sir John templeton, a long-term resident of the Bahamas, wrote in his admirable book “Discovering the laws of life”, some people believe that a satisfying life comes from acquiring and holding on to great wealth. But others maintain it is more rewarding to give of oneself to others. For, as he says, if you yourself want to be happy, make sure you give a measure of happiness to others by helping those in need. He also speaks of avoiding self-absorption and narcissism and of the need for humility.

A m AS terS tourNA meN t to rememBer

at this time of year, people marvel at the Masters tournament in augusta, Georgia which is the first major golf championship of the season. It is the only one amongst the four majors which is played on the same course every year.

Many consider it is the pre-eminent event in the world’s golfing calendar where victory is the pinnacle of golfing achievement.

People are often surprised to learn that the augusta National Golf Club is not the top ranked course in the world. But it is undeniable that the beauty of the surroundings and high standard of maintenance are exceptional. the setting and organization are unmatched and for golf lovers there can be nothing to beat watching the final day of the tournament on a sunday afternoon and in the deepening shadows of early evening, invariably in conditions of high drama. the past weekend was no exception as golf fans were enthralled by the closing stages of this year’s Masters.

Weather delays on Friday and saturday meant a marathon final day with some players finishing their third rounds on sunday morning. Drama developed gradually during sunday afternoon in what appeared to be a duel between the two leaders. But one of the pre-tournament favourites and eventual winner by four strokes, Jon Rahm, tightened his grip over his main rival and playing partner in the last group. the american Brooks Koepka

slowly faded after leading the field for much of the tournament. Rahm’s victory made him the fourth spaniard to win the Masters and returned him to his world number one ranking.

this year’s tournament contained so many other dramas – for example, to name just a few, the chaos arising from the brutal wet and cold weather that forced several suspensions of play, the participation of 18 players from the rival lIV Golf league and the withdrawal of tiger Woods due to injury after having successfully made the cut. But for those from across the pond the worst happening was Irishman Rory

Yet another significant element of happiness, as enunciated by philosophers, is for people to be satisfied with what they have rather than yearning for what they lack which may be unattainable. so perhaps that earlier reference to Finns not being in the habit of comparing themselves with others has more validity than one might think.

Meanwhile, there is another dimension for Finland in current times which is worth considering. Following the attack on Finnish territory by the soviet Union at the beginning of

the second World War, the nation has adopted a strict policy of neutrality in international affairs, not least because of its vulnerability arising from a territorial border with Russia of some 800 miles. However, following Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, Finland has now changed tack and formally joined NatO, with sweden soon to follow. Ironically, through his unprovoked action against Ukraine, Putin has precipitated what he claims he was trying to avoid; namely, the expansion of NatO

on his borders. Finland’s accession has happened since the World Happiness Report was presumably carrying out its work so the nation’s security may not have been considered. But, given the commitment of NatO members to come to the assistance of any other member state that is the victim of armed aggression, no doubt the Finnish people will now be feeling more secure – and that may well be a factor in future in determining their status as the happiest people in the world!

McIlroy’s failure to make the cut. after his strong performance as runner-up in 2022, he was fancied by many to win this year and fulfill his dream of completing the career grand slam that has so far eluded him. But it was not to be. so this was another splendid and captivating Masters tournament in front of large crowds and with a huge tV audience of golfing aficionados -- and it bears repeating that even those with little interest in golf will surely acknowledge the high quality and impeccable organization of this most famous of sporting events in america.

Jon Rahm, of Spain, celebrates on the 18th green after winning the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on Sunday, April 9, 2023, in Augusta, Ga.

Photo: mark Baker/AP

NURSES EDGE TRAINING INSTITUTE GRADUATES SPEAK ABOUT THEIR MOTIVATION

By FAY SIMMONS jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

THE Nurses Edge Training Institute (NETI) held its graduation ceremony last week, ushering new additions into the local healthcare system. The Tribune spoke with some of the graduates from the Patient Care Technician (PCT) programme about their experiences and motivation behind entering the healthcare system.

Tamara Williams-Pearce, salutatorian, found the

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Twice a month, BTVI nominates a student to celebrate - so this week, meet who’s #BackedByBTVI.

MEET media technology student Nathan Bowe.

Nathan chose to attend BTVI after his father, who was once a BTVI instructor, brought him to apply after he graduated from high school. Nathan was most excited to improve his media skills and learn about new digital media.

A fun fact about Nathan is he was a content creator and media volunteer during this year’s CARIFTA Games.

He sends a huge shoutout to Radio Production instructor Mr Anthony Coakley. “Mr Coakley uses humour to make his lessons more engaging and invites us to events so we can gain more hands-on experience,” Nathan said.

Nathan’s BTVI experience enables him to be globally competitive and economically independent. Nathan is #BackedByBTVI!

• Do you know a student you would like to see featured in Student Spotlight? Send a picture and brief details to jsimmons@tribunemedia.net.

programme online while she was dealing with personal turmoil and improved her self-worth through helping others.

She said: “I was at a point in my life where I was down, I needed something to bring motivation and inspiration to my life.

So, I went on Google and I was just searching for a role and then I came across NETI nursing programme and I got interested. While I was doing the programme, I realised how beneficial it is towards helping other people by becoming a helping hand in their life. Some people need help with daily activities and daily living so I think that God led me on this path to get into this programme.”

She added: “People need to add value to their lives and this is a good field where you can increase your self-worth through helping others.”

Now that she has completed the programme, Ms Pearce plans to continue her studies and become a registered nurse (RN).

She said “My future plan

is to work in the patient care field, get more experience in this area, further my education and become an RN one day.”

Melissa Curtis-Russell, home health aide, was always interested in becoming a nurse, however, was unable to complete her studies due to funding and work requirements. When the opportunity presented itself to enroll at NETI, she took it as a second chance to accomplish her goals.

She said: “I always wanted to become a nurse and I had made steps toward that when I was in the working field.

“I got permission from my supervisors and then all of a sudden, they could not accommodate me doing that anymore, and it was either work full time or school full time.

“I couldn’t go to school without the funding so I had to work. Well, the opportunity came up again but this time, I was more into the home care thing and I said, ‘okay, well, let me try’. I was scared, but I took the leap, it was something that

I always wanted to do.”

In addition to assisting her patients, Ms Russell is looking forward to developing ways to inform the public about dementia and how to assist those that suffer from it.

She said: “My future plans would be definitely to work as an independent contractor and also work on ways to inform the public about dementia.

“It’s important to make others aware of dementia, because we come across a lot of dementia patients and because people are not aware of it, they don’t know how to treat them. And that’s very important.”

Garlyn McKenzie enrolled in the programme while working full-time to

ensure that she could adequately provide care for her ailing grandmother.

“My grandmother is up in age and she sees things, hears things and is also was a diabetic,” she said.

“And I thought to myself, we don’t even have a nurse in the family. So, I decided to be the person in my family to take that role on.

“And then I have kids, so I was like okay, let me be a helping hand to someone else, let me be that asset to the family.”

She added: “It wasn’t easy because you have to work and then you have class and then you have to deal with

all different kinds of personalities.”

Ms McKenzie hopes to start a business that can provide affordable health aide services to families in need.

She said: “After gaining more experience in the field I would like to start a health aide business to assist families. Persons of all ages have disabilities, dementia, blindness, deafness, mobility issues, it isn’t just about the elderly, it’s about anyone that needs assistance.

“I would like to provide that service for them at a fair price.”

MERIDIAN SCHOOL TAKES TO THE STAGE FOR THE 50TH YEAR OF INDEPENDENCE

By FAY SIMMONS jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

THE MERIDIAN school celebrated the 50th year of independence with its lively school production held last week. The entire school, from kindergarteners to sixth graders, excitedly participated in the school’s first show since 2019: “It’s Hip to Hop the Bahamas”. Attendees were treated to a tour of our archipelago as the students displayed their talents and creativity through song and dance in vibrant costumes. Each grade level highlighted an island with a musical performance and recited facts while the sixth graders narrated the performance with comedy and friendly banter.

SCENES from “It’s Hip to Hop the Bahamas”.

PHOTOS: Moise Amisial

LEFT: The Nurses Edge Training Institute (NETI) graduation ceremony.

ABOVE: Pastor Dave Burrows with graduate Tamara Williams-Pearce and NETI Founder Marsha Leone.

RIGHT: Graduates from The Nurses Edge Training Institute (NETI).