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SPORTS: THE BAHAMAS WINS GOLD IN MIXED RELAY FINAL

Nygard gave Gibson $94,000 $5,000 a month paid to minister’s US bank account

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net PETER Nygard sent thousands of dollars per month to a Bank of America account belonging to Labour and National Insurance Minister Shane Gibson between August 2011 and January 2013, documents obtained by The Tribune show. The payments totalled $94,131.10.

Mr Gibson did not immediately acknowledge that the transactions occurred when he was contacted yes-

terday, but after seeing the documents presented to him by The Tribune, he admitted receipt of the funds.

He claimed the money was used as a contribution to his 2012 election campaign and for community initiatives in the Golden Gates constituency such as scholarships to students.

The deposits were made once per month in $5,000 tranches between August 4, 2011, when Mr Gibson was an opposition parliamentarian, to January 8, 2013, when Mr Gibson was a substantive Cabinet minister.

DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis and Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson focused on Baha Mar’s

long-promised opening on Friday morning rather than address the controversy surrounding Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald.

Mr Davis said there have been no discussions in the Progressive Liberal Party over whether Mr Fitzgerald

H O M ES & R

D’AGUILAR COMPANY MADE FALSE DECLARATIONS IN 2014 CASE

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net SUPERWASH Limited, the company owned by Free National Movement candidate for Free Town Dionisio D’Aguilar, submitted three false declarations to the Bahamas Customs Department in 2014 which would have cost the government more than $35,000 in unpaid duty, according to documents obtained by The Tribune.

The documents show that Superwash Ltd bought washing machines from Whirlpool Corporation for $183,000 but Superwash provided “falsified invoices” to the Customs Department showing the machines as valued at $104,853.90. As a result, Superwash paid $51,584 to the Department of Customs when the true invoice value was $86,837.75 - a difference of $35,253.45.

SEE PAGE FIVE

PM JOKES ‘GOD CAN’T STOP’ HIM ON ELECTION TRAIL MINISTER of Labour and National Insurance Shane Gibson. Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff The documents obtained

by The Tribune appeared to be records belonging to Mr Nygard, a Canadian fashion mogul who resides in the affluent community of Lyford Cay, or his associates.

Eighteen of Mr Nygard’s payments to Mr Gibson

were listed as being for “professional services”, though one of $4,131.10 was listed as being for “travel” from Nassau to Miami.

Mr Gibson, whose personal files were not the ones The Tribune obtained, could not say what the payment for

“travel” pertained to.

Asked why Mr Nygard sent money to his Bank of America account rather than to a local bank, he said the fashion mogul did this for “no particular reason”.

SEE PAGE THREE

DAVIS AND MAYNARD-GIBSON AVOID FITZGERALD QUESTIONS

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

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should resign as Cabinet minister or stand down in the Marathon constituency in wake of emails showing him soliciting business contracts for his family from Sarkis Izmirlian from as early as 2013.

“He’s our candidate for

Marathon and we expect him to win his seat,” Mr Davis said.

Unusually for a controversy of this nature, no one from the Christie Administration has attempted to answer a question that goes to the heart of the matter:

were Mr Fitzgerald’s actions appropriate or not?

Mrs Maynard-Gibson, who has had allegations about her published in The Punch, said she is consulting her lawyers.

SEE PAGE THREE

THREE DEAD, ONE WOUNDED AFTER WEEKEND SHOOTINGS

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THREE men are dead and another man is fighting for his life in hospital after three separate shooting incidents in the capital over the weekend.

The shooting deaths push the country’s homicide count to 48 for the year, ac-

cording to The Tribune’s records.

Police arrested three men in connection with one of the homicides, who they say are “responsible for several murders and armed robberies.”

The latest killing took place shortly after 10pm on Saturday and marked the fourth murder in New Providence since Thursday.

According to reports, police received information that a man was shot in front a home on Knowles Drive, off Tonique Williams Darling Highway.

When officers arrived on the scene, they found the lifeless body of a man lying on the ground. The victim had been shot several times.

SEE PAGE SIX

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Perry Christie joked on Saturday that things were going so good that “God can’t stop him now” after the Progressive Liberal Party’s mass rally in Exuma was plagued with power outages, rain and microphone issues.

“We are going to in this next term, turn Exuma into a fine example of what should happen,” he said, as his microphone cut out before scores of supporters at a rally on Saturday night.

SEE PAGE SIX

SYMONETTE TOP OF RICH LIST WITH $156M DECLARATION

FORMER Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette leads the pack of a long list of millionaires and wealthy candidates who are vying for seats in the House of Assembly with a total net worth of $156m, according to financial disclosures submitted to the Parliamentary Registration Department.

According to the disclosures, Mr Symonette, the Free National Movement’s candidate for St Anne’s, SEE PAGE SIX

PAGE 2, Monday, April 24, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

The doors open at

Baha Mar BAHA Mar’s staff were ready to greet and meet guests on Friday as the ribbon was cut on the resort. See page 12 for more on the opening.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/ Tribune Staff

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Monday, April 24, 2017, PAGE 3

THE DOCUMENT showing transactions of $5,000 a month to Shane Gibson from Peter Nygard.

Nygard gave Gibson $94,000 ONE of the documents showing a $5,000 transaction for “professional services”.

In accordance with the of Golden Gates and I will from page one law, Mr Gibson said he re- not let this distract from the ceived Central Bank of The work we still have to do for “He asked if I had a US Bahamas approval to hold those great constituents.” account and I said yes,” Mr his money in a foreign curAccording to court docuGibson said. rency. ments filed last year by enIn the documents obIn a statement released vironmental group Save tained by The Tribune, the to The Tribune last night, The Bays in connection to transactions were repre- he noted: “Thanks to con- an alleged murder for hire sented as springing from a tributions from Mr Nygard lawsuit against Mr Nygard, transfer of goods between and others, I, as a member it was alleged that Prime a buyer and a seller, with of Parliament was able to Minister Perry Christie the purchase order type la- continue many community promised the Canadian belled “Goods RCVD” and initiatives like a scholarship fashion mogul that he would the buyer identified as a programme, awarding tens issue him a lease to build on person whom The Tribune of thousands of dollars in government property. understands is Mr Nygard’s scholarships to deserving Mr Nygard is purportfinancial controller. students in my constituency edly shown expressing frusIn the absence of cam- whose parents could not af- tration over Mr Christie’s paign finance legislation ford to cover their full tui- failure to make good on his or regulations for money tion. assurances in a covert video donated to constituencies, “Additionally, Golden recording included in court Mr Gibson is not prohibited Gates was able to run a suc- documents as the findings from receiving any amount cessful election campaign of an investigation paid for of money from a person. in the run up to the 2012 by Save The Bays.

This likely will not stop general election. FollowAnd in 2013, concerns critics from faulting the ing our victory at the polls, were raised that Mr Nygard transactions, however, as those contributions enabled donated $5m to the PLP’s for years they have said re- me to pay off debt incurred election campaign. lations between Mr Nygard during the campaign seaIn exchange for such and the Progressive Liberal son. I think it is sad and financial backing, then Party (PLP) are too close. unfortunate that those who Montagu MP Richard Over the years, Mr oppose me would seek to Lightbourn told House of Nygard has sought approv- tarnish something that has Assembly members at the als from the government for benefited so many people time that it is speculated a variety of projects related in my constituency simply that Mr Nygard was expectto his Lyford Cay property to grab headlines and win ing certain approvals in rebut in the past, PLP officials a seat. turn from the government. have avoided saying directly “For 15 years, I have Speaking in the House whether they received mon- dedicated my all to better- of Assembly at the time in ey from Mr Nygard. ing the lives of the people response to Mr Lightbourn,

PETER Nygard is seen with Minister of Labour and National Insurance Shane Gibson in a video recorded shortly after the last election. At the time of the recording, Shane Gibson was receiving $5,000 a month in payments to a US account from Mr Nygard.

Mr Gibson said: “I just want to say that there is no $5m donated to the PLP.” Mr Gibson was forced to resign as Immigration Minister in February, 2007, after a scandal involving the American actress and model Anna Nicole Smith over his fast-tracking of her permanent residency in

DAVIS AND MAYNARD-GIBSON AVOID FITZGERALD QUESTIONS from page one

“Let me say that’s not a matter for today,” she said when asked if Cabinet procedures were breached by herself or Mr Fitzgerald.

“Any action would exist for years to come. Right now today I’m focusing on the successes for Bahamians and wanting to make sure they keep moving forward.”

Mr Ftizgerald’s email exchanges with Mr Izmirlian prompted critics to question if the original developer’s refusal to grant his requests influenced in some way the decisions of the Christie Administration on the future of Baha Mar. Those supportive of Mr Izmirlian say his unwillingness to “play ball” with the government with respect to contract awards turned some officials in the administration against him.

Mrs Maynard-Gibson denied this notion on Friday.

“I can say without fear of contradiction that on many stages of the entire process, Sarkis was in contact with the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and the negotiating team and he was given every opportunity to continue to be involved and you see what happened,” she said.

The controversy surrounding Mr Fitzgerald has not cast a shadow over Baha Mar’s opening, the pair said.

“I don’t want to take anything from this,” said the Attorney General. “Fitzgerald has already made a statement. Look at the smiling faces of young Bahamians.

They speak for themselves.

We are simply celebrating young Bahamians who are so happy that we have been able to do the heavy lifting

of getting this resort open for their benefit.”

Mr Davis added: “This has not caused a dark shadow for me or the hundreds of Bahamians that are now working. When I walked to my seat and saw the look on the face of Bahamians who are now working, their hope and expectations for their future and the future of those yet to be employed, why should there be a dark cloud over it?

“We have to remain focused on what this means to us as a people and as a nation, and that’s creating jobs and opportunities. We’re not going to be distracted by anything else. As journalists y’all should be ask-

ing yourselves the question: even as the Marathon MP why now, why now these himself spoke to the press things are being said?” about it.

For his part, Prime MinAt various times, offiister Perry Christie refused cials even seemed to steer to talk to reporters about Mr Christie away from the 24th April 2017 Mr Fitzgerald’s Monday, situation media.

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THE TRIBUNE

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Baha Mar - grand show of ‘smoke and mirrors’ IT was indeed a grand affair. At last Baha Mar, scheduled for opening in December, 2014, was open. However, in the context of Baha Mar the word “open” has a very special meaning.

For the average person when a hotel is open it is indeed open for paying guests, but in the case of Baha Mar it is only open for “invited” guests.

Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Ltd CEO Graeme Davis confirmed that many of the guests in the hotel were not paying customers, but invited for a “preview period”. He also said that the official date for guest reservations is scheduled for May 29.

What this means is that the hotel will not be open – in the true meaning of the word “open” – until May 29, nineteen days after the general election.

It was indeed a grand show of “smoke and mirrors” carried off with carefully chosen words and great finesse.

However, photographs will show that had Baha Mar opened in 2015 far more areas would have been available to the public than were available on Friday. Many of the retail outlets remained closed. In 2015 they were open and ready for business. But having been shuttered for two years, mould and deterioration had taken its toll on the structure that had either to be replaced or repaired at great expense for yesterday’s affair. And still the work to bring it to the 2015 standard has yet to be completed.

It is understood that Zarkis Izmirlian, Baha Mar’s developer, had wanted to open Baha Mar in three stages. However, Chinese Export Bank, the lenders for the project, had not only insisted that CCA construction have the job, but that the resort be completed as one unit, not three.

Apparently the bank did not approve of the three-stage openings, which, if done, would have started to generate revenue as each hotel opened.

However, through force of circumstance, Baha Mar will now be opened in three stages. The two-towered Grand Hyatt was the first to open “softly” on Friday.

“I am pleased that my Government has, with the co-operation of the stakeholders, achieved these lofty objectives. Not only has funding been provided to fund all remaining construction costs to complete the project, but some $101.5 million has been injected into the Bahamian economy towards payment of employees and unsecured creditors,” Prime Minister Christie told his listeners at Friday’s “soft” opening.

“This sum represents an unprecedented ex-gratia payment made by China Export Import Bank to unsecured creditors to accommodate the request of my government,” he said.

CEO Graeme Davis thanked stakeholders saying their contribution to the project allowed “mountains” to be moved.

“This magnificent structure you see before you is a testament of the vision conceived over 14 years ago by Sarkis Izmirilian,” he said. “Through the strength and

spirit of the Bahamian people and the commitment of the Cheng family, Baha Mar is the result of what happens when great minds, great hearts and human determination come together. Mountains can be moved structures rise from the ground.”

One day the unvarnished truth of this project will be told. In the meantime we are pleased for those Bahamians who now have employment. We just hope they represent all political parties – after all they are all Bahamians with the freedom to vote for the party of their choice on May 10. ***

A lawyer’s crude behaviour With rising violence — three murders over the Easter weekend, another last Thursday and three this weekend — we are shocked at a PLP lawyer, a Queen’s Counsel no less, encouraging Bahamians to retaliate violently during this political campaign.

“When they go low, we aim low,” he said. “You hear me? When they go low, we shoot low. Ain’t no high in this, because what we have had for the last five years is tolerating foolishness,” Wayne Munroe told a PLP mass rally at Arawak Cay. Mr Munroe, QC, is the PLP candidate for Free Town. What chance do the police have in urging the community to join them in their uphill battle against crime with this kind of talk from an aspiring parliamentarian? Mr Munroe, who spends much time defending accused who are in front of the courts because of this very same uncontrollable anger that leads to violence, gets up in front of a crowd and encourages more violence. Instead of setting an example and lifting a people out of the gutter of anti-social behaviour, he encourages them to “go low and shoot low”.

He scoffed at First Lady Michelle Obama’s advice to the American people during America’s recent election campaign: “You don’t stoop to their level,” she told Americans, “our motto is when they go low, we go high”.

But here in The Bahamas, where many of us are trying to lift young people to a higher level so that they can get a proper education and achieve more, we have a political leader encouraging them to wallow in the gutter of verbal abuse and violence.

Of all the leaks of political wrongdoing that have been published in this newspaper in the past few days, this behaviour of lawyer Wayne Munroe in our opinion is the worst. It certainly does no credit to any political party that he represents.

The late Sir Etienne Dupuch, the second publisher of this newspaper, often advised his children that if they ever wanted to help anyone to better themselves, they could not do it by getting into the gutter with them. Rather, he said, they should reach down and give the less fortunate a hand up. We recommend this to Mr Munroe.

The way the wind is blowing EDITOR, The Tribune.

MR BRADLEY Roberts’ complaint to the Commissioner of Police about PLP posters being torn down over the weekend, (implying Opposition Members doing the tearing) got me to wondering if Mr Roberts is even a Bahamian.

Almost every weekend we have “native sloop” and other sailing races in Montagu ( sorry Freetown ) Bay, where boats hoist up sails, to catch the wind that moves them along the water.

Even if Mr Roberts did not know the historically likely probability of high winds at Easter, he and his

party might have enquired at the Bahamas Met Office to find out what the weather conditions would be, as they put their placards and posters up (unlawfully ) on the BPL poles.

I think that brother Charles Clarke in St Anne’s probably fared worse than most, as they hung his posters on two pieces of kindling wood pointing due north, with a 20 to 25 knot wind blowing straight down Eastern Road, making beautiful sails for the wind to blow down.

It reminded me a bit of BAMSI, where they built this massive building but never thought about insuring it.

With three people being murdered over the weekend, I think the Commissioner has much bigger fish to fry than to worry about an Act of God blowing down election posters.

Guess what Mr Roberts - May is traditionally the month when we have very heavy rains and flooding, and unless your Government makes sure that ALL the drains in New Providence are functioning and clear of debris, some Bahamians may be disenfranchised by not being able to get to the polling station.

MONKEEDOO Nassau, April 18, 2017.

Spoil the ballot - by voting DNA EDITOR, The Tribune.

THIS election cycle is so interesting to watch.

In 2012, when the DNA emerged as a party contesting every seat, the governing FNM did not see them as a threat, just some insignificant little bug who would garner less than 100 votes.

The PLP was so confident of their win that they did not care about the impact of the DNA. The win was for them. And so it went.

And now in 2017, the DNA is still around and the feel from the major parties is slightly different. The PLP now sees the DNA as a little gnat, and makes no mention of them, although it is believed that many of their supporters have defected.

The FNM, who is supposed to be so confident about their win, is full of supporters who are annoyed, angry, bitter and bullying towards supporters of the DNA. And again I ask, why?

The responses I have heard have ranged from “Y’all gonna make the PLP win again”. Well, no. That

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net win would be placed on the persons who actually voted for the PLP. If there is such dislike for this current administration, wouldn’t it make sense that the majority of persons would vote either for the DNA or the FNM? Oh, I forgot. The FNM is the only other party that counts, so everyone needs to just get onboard.

It is very annoying when persons try to bully you into voting the way they want. And most persons will fall victim to this bullying just to be free of the jeering and taunting. However, there are some of us who are not comfortable with either of the major parties and so we choose to align with the DNA. Even if I thought about voting for the FNM, the attitudes that I have personally encountered - the vitriol and bitterness from these supporters towards the DNA and the main cause of all of this, Branville - have made

me evaluate the spirit of the people associated with the FNM. I will not support the PLP because I do not believe that they deserve another chance in office, especially because of the continuous downgrades and the state of our economy and debt.

However, I am not at peace with voting for the FNM either, because they seem to think it is an automatic right for them to return to power. I do not want to spoil my ballot either because that is too easy a way out of being accountable for your actions.

I can be at peace with voting for the DNA because that means I want to see a change in this country, even if it doesn’t occur this year. I am sure it will happen someday, and I want my vote to stand for that.

I urge everyone to cast your ballot with the person you can be at peace with, and the majority will speak.

This country will get the leadership it deserves.

SAM THOMPSON Nassau, April 19, 2017.

A vote for the DNA is a vote for the PLP EDITOR, The Tribune.

IT should be obvious to everyone by now that in this upcoming election, a vote for the Democratic National Alliance or for an independent candidate is essentially a vote for the PLP. Despite an abysmal five years in office, during which our country has sunk to an all time low and the average Bahamian has been left more broke, hopeless and miserable than ever before, it is clear that the PLP has somehow managed to energise their base.

That means that at least 40% of the voting public will be marking their X for a yellow candidate on May 10.

This should come as no

surprise to anyone who has paid attention to our history. In all three elections won by the FNM, the PLP was able to get their substantial base out to support them.

Nevertheless, the antiPLP vote continues to be the larger vote in this country every time, if it can just manage to remain united.

Who knows, maybe in five or 10 years, the DNA will be strong enough to win the government. I certainly hope so, but even a blind man can see that that day has not arrived as yet.

Likewise, any independent candidate lucky enough to be elected will only be taking a seat away from the FNM, because all the traditional PLP constituencies

appear to be solidly yellow once again. It’s more likely though, that independents and DNAs won’t win a single seat, but rather will split the anti-PLP vote in traditionally red seats and hand those areas to the PLP on a silver platter.

I have supported the DNA and its leader Branville McCartney since the party’s inception. I plan to do so again in the future.

But in this election, I simply cannot play a part in getting this worthless government re-elected.

That is why I will be voting red come election day!

A DIEHARD DNA SUPPORTER Nassau, April 18, 2017.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, April 24, 2017, PAGE 5

D’Aguilar company made false declarations in 2014 case from page one Superwash was fined $15,000 and ordered to pay the remaining balance which was done several weeks later in January 2014.

In an interview with The Tribune, Mr D’Aguilar admitted that the invoices were altered but claimed that Superwash “was the victim of a fraud by an unscrupulous broker”.

“A number of years ago, Superwash sought to import some laundry equipment. Superwash decided to use a new customs broker, an individual supposedly just getting into the business, and an invoice of the goods was submitted to him electronically to prepare and submit the entry,” Mr D’Aguilar said.

“Payment was made to the broker for what the company was told was the full amount of the customs duty and the equipment was released to the company. “Shortly, thereafter, the company learned that the broker had significantly altered the original invoice before it was submitted to customs and underpaid the duty. The company was the victim of a fraud by an unscrupulous broker and the loss was significant. Superwash was required to pay again for the duty not paid by the broker as well as a fine,” Mr D’Aguilar added.

He also claimed that the Department of Customs owes him more than $230,000 dating back to 2015.

“In 2015, the company imported 210 20lb washers valued at $625,000,” he told The Tribune. “A rate of duty of 45 per cent was applied when in fact the duty rate should have been five per cent. The company will be applying for its credit shortly.”

Mr D’Aguilar said Superwash pays more than $1 million to the government every year in taxes, so it would “make no sense” to attempt to defraud the government of $35,000.

Hours after The Tribune received the documents from a source, Progressive Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts released a statement calling on Mr D’Aguilar to “come clean with the Bahamian people” and state whether there are any other false declarations submitted by any of his companies to the Bahamas Customs Department.

He accused Mr D’Aguilar of being caught with his hands in the “cookie jar,” saying he is disqualified to seek office. He also threatened to release more information on FNM North Eleuthera candidate Howard “Rickey” Mackey on Wednesday.

Discrepancy In a letter addressed to Comptroller of Customs Charles Turner, a customs officer noted that on January 6, 2014, he was assigned to examine a 40-foot container of washing machines consigned to Superwash Ltd that was a part of a shipment of three containers.

Upon examining the container, the officer wrote that he found 87 commercial 27” washing machines with an invoice value of $352.80 each. The officer wrote that all the descriptions of the shipment matched the description accepted by the entry checker; however he said the values appeared to be low “considering they were commercial coin operated machines”.

The officer said he conducted a cursory check via the internet and found the average retail value of the machine was in the area of $1,300. He then advised his supervisor that he would conduct further inquires.

He said the other two containers were also searched, under the supervision of Mr D’Aguilar at the company’s Blue Hill location on January 7, 2014. The first container again had 87 commercial 27” washing machines showing an invoice value of $352.80. The third container contained 76 commercial 27” washers showing an invoice value of 352.50 and 10 washers showing an invoice value of

ONE of the documents showing the amunt of duty to be paid on the washers.

THE SIGNED document admitting the offence of submitting a false declaration - for which a $15,000 fine was imposed and $309.80 each, according to an people and state whether the documents. or not there are any other “A persistent search via false declarations submitted telephone put me in contact by any of his companies to with Jimmy D Young of the the Bahamas Customs Deaccounts receivable depart- partment. The public needs ment of the Whirlpool Cor- to know,” Mr Roberts said. poration who, without resMr D’Aguilar said in a Faervation, forwarded me the cebook post last night that original copies of invoices he was not surprised by Mr for the washers,” the cus- Roberts’ attempts at “polititoms officer wrote. cal espionage and skulldugThe washers cost $672.80 gery, because as usual, he has and $649.80 not the $352.80 once again exposed himself and $309.80 that was on the for being the political hack altered invoices, the officer and baffoon that he is”. noted. The net loss in rev“What Mr Roberts enue was $35,252.45. thought was a bombshell for In his statement, Mr Rob- him has actually blown up erts accused Mr D’Aguilar in his face,” Mr D’Aguilar of being “corrupt, greedy, wrote. “Now it is clear for dishonest and not fit for all to see that the PLP is Parliament.” truly on its last legs. In their “This is disgraceful,” Mr desperation to deflect from Roberts noted. “This the their own political garbage same Dionisio D’Aguilar cans being tossed on their who accused Bahamians of heads, Mr Roberts has embegging too much ... I pub- barrassed himself and his licly call on Mr D’Aguilar to party, hopefully for the last come clean with the Bahami- time.”

A RECEIPT showing the unit price of the washers at $672.80.

PAGE 6, Monday, April 24, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Symonette top of rich list with $156m declaration from page one

listed his total assets as $159m with an income of just over $6.2m a year. His liabilities are $2.6m.

Among his assets, the Lyford Cay resident noted that he has $2.1m in a current account, $140m in securities and $10m in real estate.

According to financial disclosures released in May 2011, Mr Symonette had a net worth of more than $65 million as of December 31, 2007. This is significantly more than the $7.1m Mr Symonette declared in his financial disclosures on December 31, 1998.

However, Mr Symonette is not the only wealthy candidate on the list.

FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis, who is hoping to retain his Killarney seat, has a net worth of $12.6m, up from the $10.9m he declared in 2012.

The declarations also show that Dr Minnis still has a contract with the Pub-

lic Hospitals Authority, which is leasing a building from his company Leechez Investments at a rate of $7,500 a month. The contract began in May 2005 before he was a member of Parliament.

Prime Minister Perry Christie, the PLP’s incumbent for Centreville, listed his net worth as $2,029,151, which is roughly the same amount he declared in 2012. He was worth about $2.2m according to his declaration in 2007.

According to the latest declaration, of his assets Mr Christie listed $226,435 in savings accounts, $27,375 in current accounts and $10,000 in securities. He listed $69,878 in accounts receivable and said his home is worth $700,000. He listed a salary of $139,000 with other income as $11,860.

Political newcomer Bishop James Darling of the Bahamas Constitution Party listed his net worth

as $48m. Bishop Darling, whose occupation is listed as a “minister of religion,” listed the bulk of this figure as $40m from securities.

He is vying to unseat Mr Christie in the Centreville constituency.

Other wealthy candidates of note include Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage, the PLP’s incumbent for Bain and Grants Town, who has a net worth of $7.2m.

The PLP’s Tall Pines standard-bearer Leslie Miller has a net worth of $7m, with total income listed as $260,000, with $86,000 in salary, $54,000 in real estate, and $120,000 in other income. He declared having a contract with the government through his company Summerwinds Investments Ltd, which he said rents properties to the government.

PLP Marathon MP Jerome Fitzgerald listed his net worth at $3.95m, with a total income of $656,000.

He has no liabilities listed.

His declaration lists $20,000 on his current account, $3m in securities, $700,000 in real estate, a $20,000 automobile and property worth $250,000 under assets.

PLP Cat Island, San Salvador and Rum Cay incumbent Philip “Brave” Davis has a net worth of $4.3m, while PLP Golden Gates representative Shane Gibson listed his net worth as $1.4m with total assets valued at $1.8m. Mr Gibson listed his total income as $315,000 with total liabilities at $309,710. He noted $12,656 in his savings and pension accounts, $11,026 in his current account and $217,753 in securities. He has a salary of $117,000, securities income of $146,400 and $51,600 in real estate income.

PLP incumbent for Mount Moriah Arnold Forbes has a net worth is $3m with the bulk of this figure coming from real estate valued at just over $2m.

Minister of Environment Kenred Dorsett, the PLP’s incumbent for Southern Shores, has a net worth of $2.8m while Khaalis Rolle, PLP representative for Pinewood, has a net worth of $1,760,530.

In the FNM, Elizabeth candidate Duane Sands has a net worth of $6m. FNM Golden Gates hopeful Michael Foulkes listed his assets as $1.1m.

The party’s Mount Moriah hopeful Marvin Dames listed a net worth of $1m while the party’s candidate for North Eleuthera Howard “Rickey” Mackey lists his net worth as just over $5m.

The FNM’s Fox Hill hopeful Shonel Ferguson has a net worth of just over $1m.

Her rival in the Democratic National Alliance Kendal Smith lists his net worth $1.1m.

The DNA’s candidate for South Beach, Randy Butler, has a net worth of $12.4m.

Lincoln Bain, the DNA’s Pinewood candidate, listed a net worth of $1.2m, while DNA candidate for Golden Isles Stephen Greenslade has a net worth of $6.8m.

Independent Long Island candidate Loretta ButlerTurner has a net worth of $3.1m.

Not everyone running in the next election is a millionaire.

PLP Yamacraw standardbearer Melanie Griffin listed her net worth as $561,439 and her rival in the FNM Elsworth Johnson lists his as $650,500.

FNM Bain and Grants Town candidate Travis Robinson has a net worth of $7,300.

Denise Rolle, a newcomer vying for the North Andros and Berry Islands seat, has a net worth of $1,500 with no salary or income noted.

The full list of financial declarations was published in The Nassau Guardian on Saturday.

PM JOKES ‘GOD CAN’T STOP’ HIM ON ELECTION TRAIL from page one

“Listen, it going so good, God can’t stop me now,” he continued, after tapping the microphone, to cheers and laughter.

However, away from the rally, Mr Christie’s “blasphemous” comment brought scorn, with Branville McCartney saying last night the Prime Minister’s remarks were “indicative of the lack of deference which he and other members of his government give to the Almighty” in a nation founded on Christian principles.

“The country has watched, many of us in utter disbelief, as the Prime Minister’s arrogance, and outright disdain for all things spiritual has ballooned to match the incompetence of his administration,” he said, making reference to Mr Christie’s middle finger gesture to a PLP rally last month.

In Exuma, Mr Christie also praised PLP candidates who were on the stage with him, including Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald and Environmental Minister Kenred Dorsett, for “great men” a part of a “great team”.

He also said no one in the Free National Movement (FNM) is as equipped or as talented at the PLP’s team.

However, Mr Christie did not directly address the Baha Mar email controversy surrounding Mr Fitzgerald, but said the “FNM is doing all sorts of

nasty things lately to make us look bad,” adding that he has on the “full armour of God”.

The nation’s leader has been silent and several times refused questions on whether he will fire Mr Fitzgerald or demand his resignation. The Marathon candidate admitted last week that he sought contracts from Baha Mar for his family’s business, after The Tribune published an email exchange between him and Baha Mar developer Sarkis Izmirlian.

“One of the great challenges of any political organisation is to produce a great team, I want you to look on this stage at the candidates standing here,” Mr Christie said.

“I say this without fear of contradiction, look at them, this is the best team.

The people of The Bahamas will have to decide who has the best team. I am telling you these things because one man cannot govern by himself, the principle of life is always the power of one is not as great as the power of two or three. Meaning all of us must be able to marry the talents we have, sitting around a table we call the Cabinet, sitting in a Parliament and being able to bring our collective wisdom and our training on policies that will protect and secure the future of The Bahamas.

“With (Dr Hubert) Minnis, the reason they didn’t

put up no pictures is because they was too shame to put the posters up. Let me tell you this, without demeaning any of their candidates, taking everyone who has the privilege to run for the FNM or the DNA or as an independent candidate, I am satisfied that I have the most equipped, the most talented team that has been elected in the history of The Bahamas. Now when we take these new ones coming in it only makes us stronger.”

Mr Christie also said he has on the full armour of God and he will be protected against the FNM’s attacks.

“The FNM is becoming more and more desperate and they will continue to throw up all sorts of dirty and nasty things about us,” Mr Christie said.

“They are going to have contradictions ... There are so many people who need jobs, there are people who go to bed hungry in this country. There are children who go to school who have their learning impaired because they are not being treated properly. There is a lot of work to do. So I speak about our team, being mature and ready for governance, every obstacle that we faced, we had the courage to overcome. We never backed off the big challenges and we are moving ahead.”

• Watch Perry Christie’s ‘God” comment on tribune242.com

THE BODY of a man shot and killed through a dirt road off Knowles Drive, near Tonique Williams Darling Highway on Saturday.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

THREE DEAD, ONE WOUNDED AFTER WEEKEND SHOOTINGS from page one

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The second homicide took place shortly after 10pm on Friday off Augusta Street.

According to reports, a man was driving his vehicle in the area of Bola Alley and Augusta Street, when two men armed with handguns approached his vehicle and fired several shots at him before fleeing the area on foot.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

A few hours earlier, shortly after 4pm police were on the scene of another homicide, this time in the Market Street area.

Police said a group of men were standing in front of a car wash on Market Street near Palm Tree Av-

enue, when the occupants of a dark coloured vehicle pulled up and fired several shots at them before speeding off. Two of the men were shot and taken to hospital. One of the men died shortly after his arrival and the other is listed in serious condition.

Officers chased the suspects into the Ridgeland Park area, where the three men fled on foot from the getaway vehicle.

Officers chased the men once again and caught the three suspects near a bushy area. Police discovered a tech 9 automatic firearm and a .40 pistol along with several rounds of ammunition on the men.

Police believe the three suspects are responsible for several homicides and armed robberies.

Last Thursday a minibus driver was shot in the

downtown area of Nassau after being chased by his killers, police said. The man, identified by friends as Hans Neely, was a transportation supervisor at Stuart Cove’s and was driving a bus while being chased.

When he reached arrived in the downtown area around 7am, the suspects pulled in front of him and fired shots at him, police said. The shooting occurred at East Street north, near Prince George Wharf, an area that is usually populated by tourists, cruise ship passengers and downtown shoppers.

Police have no motive for any of the homicides.

Anyone with information on any of these homicides is asked to contact police at 911 or 919, the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 328-TIPS.

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the stories behind the news

insight@tribunemedia.net

Heads must roll

MONDAY, APRIL 24, 2017

The Prime Minister will not reprimand any of his ministers involved in conflict of interest in Baha Mar. Malcolm J Strachan wonders why when the evidence is so clear

T

he entire nation has been in an uproar since the unseemly emails from Minister of Education Jerome Fitzgerald attempting to solicit contracts from Baha Mar’s original developer, Sarkis Izmirlian, leaked last week.

This is a direct violation of the rules of Cabinet.

Section 40 of the Manual of Cabinet and Ministry Procedure reads as follows: “A Minister must not: (a) Solicit or accept from any person any remuneration or benefit for the discharge of the duties of his office over and above his official remuneration; (b) Solicit or accept any benefit, advantage or promise of future advantage whether for himself, his immediate family or any business concern or trust with which he is associated from persons who are in, or seek to be in, any contractual or special relationship with Government.”

When Mr Fitzgerald, along with Allyson Maynard-Gibson, the Attorney General, was questioned by the media about the allegations, he said: “I don’t respond to The Punch and social media, and I don’t respond to people that I can’t sue. I do not respond to any. I don’t have any contracts whatsoever, none, zero.”

As for Mrs MaynardGibson, she said: “It is a lie.

I am not benefiting from anything at all in relation to the negotiations that we worked so hard as a government for the Bahamian people in relation to the Baha Mar transaction.”

She later confirmed that her husband, Maxwell Gibson, held leases for stores at Baha Mar, but maintains that there is no conflict of interest with her role as a negotiator on Baha Mar, citing Prime Minister Perry Christie’s awareness of the matter.

Perhaps we, the public, are the ones that are confused about the meaning of a conflict of interest. Our understanding of a conflict of interest aligns well with the Business Dictionary’s definition - “a situation that

has the potential to undermine the impartiality of a person because of the possibility of a clash between the person’s self-interest and professional interest or public interest.”

That being said, both Mrs Maynard-Gibson and Mr Fitzgerald are involved in absolute conflicts of interest. Mrs MaynardGibson, by virtue of being in a marital relationship with her husband and her assignment as a negotiator when the project was in a deadlock in 2015, was implicated.

Mr Fitzgerald’s inappropriate emails to Mr Izmirlian stand as irrefutable evidence of his unscrupulous behaviour and total disregard for the rules outlined in the Manual of Cabinet and Ministry Procedure.

Both of these ministers’ responses in the midst of these allegations have been calm, as if they have no fear of the consequences of their actions. Days after the front pages of the local dailies were plastered with headlines of this scandal, the public has been calling for swift and harsh action from the Prime Minister.

On nomination day, Mr Christie practically scurried away from reporters asking for a statement on what course of action will be taken as a result of this scandal. On Friday, at the opening of Baha Mar, the Prime Minister shooed the press away and declined to comment - all while he has yet to make a statement on one of his Cabinet ministers being caught in a direct conflict of interest. Visibly frustrated, he said, “Today is a celebratory day and I am not speaking today. I am not speaking today. I am not speaking today.”

Mr Fitzgerald was also in attendance, exhibiting a certain confidence that he has satisfied the public with the statement he released regarding his actions.

“At the end of the day I have made my statement and I have been nominated and there is nothing much more to say about that. So we will continue to move forward with that. I have

The moment Baha Mar opened on Friday, with the official ribbon cutting by the Governor General, Dame Marguerite Pindling, Prime Minister Perry Christie, Baha Mar president Graeme Davis and the president of China Construction America, Ning Yuan.

“What is particularly disturbing is that Jerome Fitzgerald said that he could not break Cabinet rules to warn his constituents about the Rubis oil leak, but has no issue breaking them to serve his personal interest.”

Prime Minister Perry Christie with Allyson Maynard-Gibson at Baha Mar on Friday. Photos: Terrel W Carey/The Tribune said what I had to say. I have sent a press release and that’s it. I am not going to say anything more about

that. It is what it is,” he said.

What is particularly disturbing is that Mr Fitzger-

ald said that he could not break Cabinet rules to warn his constituents about the Rubis oil leak, but has no issue breaking them to serve his personal interest.

We should note that this is the same minister that Perry Christie appointed as lead negotiator in finding a purchaser for Baha Mar. We don’t know the level of contracts Mr Fitzgerald would have secured with the Chinese, but we can certainly imagine this may have been at play in his negotiations on behalf of the Bahamas government. We do know that he had motive in not supporting and advancing the proposal made

by Mr Izmirlian, which was a better deal (admitted by Mr Christie among others) for Bahamians on all fronts (higher sale price, inclusive of an all-Bahamian labour force in construction phase, payment of all taxes on purchase). We also know that Mr Fitzgerald received work from China Construction America (CCA), which can explain why CCA has

received multiple contracts from this current administration.

Perhaps there is a reason why Mr Christie can’t fire Jerome Fitzgerald. Maybe there is a reason why the Prime Minister won’t reprimand any of his ministers who are involved in overt conflicts of interest with Baha Mar. Maybe they know something that we don’t know about Perry Christie and Baha Mar. From the moment the Bahamas government got involved, they have sullied the reputation of this resort. They want to divert our attention away from this terrible scandal. But the Bahamian public are unable to ignore this. This is a pivotal point in our country. We say we want a better Bahamas, but it must start with eradicating this kind of arrogant, self-serving style of corrupt governance.

• Comments and responses to insight@ tribunemedia.net

Bahamians lose out as Chinese win big ON May 3, 2016, Freeport Harbour Company Ltd (a company over which CK Hutchison has management control) executed an Agreement for Waiver of Exclusivity (“the Waiver Agreement”) with the Bahamas Government.

When the Prime Minister made his presentation to the House of Assembly six days later he said: “The Government has also executed a Waiver of Exclusivity Agreement with Freeport Harbour Company Ltd (controlled by Hutchison) with respect to the operation of cruise ports on Grand Bahama.” What is significant is that he said nothing further about the Waiver Agreement.

Indeed, the Waiver Agreement was not tabled, even though it was announced with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Grand Bahama Port Authority, the Grand Bahama Development Company, Freeport Commercial and Industrial and Freeport Harbour Company. The Prime Minister, right after mentioning

Carey Leonard continues his series looking at the detrimental effects of Chinese investment in the Bahamas with an examination of the Agreement for Waiver Exclusivity the MOU and the Waiver Agreement, went on to say “I now lay a copy of the MOU on the Table of the House”. He never mentioned the Waiver Agreement again in his entire presentation.

The MOU was posted on the Hawksbill Creek Review website - but not the Waiver Agreement.

So what is this Waiver Agreement all about and what, if it is ever implemented, will be its effect?

Some brief history. The Waiver Agreement is about an agreement made be-

tween the Bahamas Government and Freeport Harbour Company (FHC) in June ,1994, which gave FHC the exclusive right to own and operate cruise ports, offshore cruise moorings and container ports on Grand Bahama Island.

At the time Edward St George, Chairman of the Grand Bahama Development Company, was in negotiations to bring Hutchison Whampoa, now CK Hutchison and Cheung Kong Property (“Hutchison”), to Grand Bahama.

Even in 1994, Hutchison

was a huge multi-billion dollar conglomerate with annual profits, after taxes, in billions of dollars and Mr St George probably felt that such a well-financed body could afford to put much needed capital into Grand Bahama to stimulate the economy.

Hutchison wanted to construct and operate a container port in Freeport Harbour as the location was a perfect fit for their needs at that time. There was a problem though: Freeport Harbour needed to be enlarged, and a considerable portion of the existing harbour needed to be dredged to a much greater depth to accommodate the larger container ships since the expansion of the Panama Canal was completed last year (post-Panamax).

The cost to dredge the existing portions of Freeport Harbour was considerable and, as it is privately owned, this cost had to be funded privately, ie at no cost to the Public Treasury, no Government funds. Borrowing the very large sums involved was not going to be easy un-

less Freeport Harbour had a major shareholder like Hutchison in which banks could see assets thousands of times greater than the money to be borrowed.

Mr St George had somehow managed to persuade Hutchison to purchase a 50 per cent interest in Freeport Harbour, thus guaranteeing the availability of the necessary funds for the harbour dredging.

Naturally, there were certain conditions which Hutchison wanted satisfied before it would close on such a deal. One of those was the Exclusivity.

Presumably (as Cabinet minutes are not available to the public), considering the number of new jobs, the large investment that would be spent in the Bahamas and an agreement that a new cruise ship terminal would be built in return, the government agreed to the Exclusivity.

The result was that, within two years, the harbour was dredged, the Container Port was constructed, hundreds of new jobs were created and within six years a

new Cruise Ship terminal had been constructed and opened. Better still was the fact that the increased depth of Freeport Harbour allowed for the establishment of the Grand Bahama Shipyard, which created hundreds of new jobs for Bahamians, and, the rental of several (ten) houses and apartments from Bahamian owners to accommodate the specialists brought in for each unique job.

So the granting of the waiver caused well over a billion dollars of investment and the creation of hundreds of new jobs (many of them well paid) for Bahamians.

Many things have changed since 1994. Cruise Ship Lines have, over the years, had many complaints from passengers about one thing or another with respect to a visit to the ports of Nassau and Freeport.

Transportation has been an almost constant complaint, along, to a much lesser extent, with a lack of things to do in the port of call. At the same time they have had See pg8

PAGE 8 MONDAY, APRIL 24, 2017

Email: insight@tribunemedia.net

Why Britain seeks pre-Brexit stability S

ince last week’s announcement of another national poll on June 8, the British press has enjoyed highlighting the immediate reaction of a lady described as ‘Brenda from Bristol’ who, on hearing of Prime Minister Theresa May’s decision to call a general election, was heard to cry ‘no, not again, there’s too much politics’.

This seemed to sum up the national mood of understandable weariness of election overkill.

Most recently, Britain has had a Scottish independence referendum in 2014, a general election in 2015 and the London mayoral election last year followed by the referendum about the nation’s future relationship with the European Union (EU). So, perhaps Brenda was right about public fatigue. However, Mrs May has described the forthcoming poll as the most important general election for the country in her lifetime.

Having unexpectedly made her announcement after earlier denying any suggestion of an election, the Prime Minister’s first step was to overcome the Fixed Term Parliaments Act which dictated that the next one should be held in 2020. She quickly achieved that when Members of Parliament voted overwhelmingly to back her decision.

Thus, the starting gun has been fired and campaigning is already under way.

In calling an election now, less than a year after she was chosen by the Conservative Party as its leader following David Cameron’s resignation over the result of the EU referendum, Mrs May’s main purpose is to strengthen her hand, through greater certainty and stability, in securing the best possible deal in the negotiations for Britain’s departure from the EU. She clearly believes that she needs a mandate and increased support - the government’s current working majority is 17 in a parliament of 650 seats - both within her party, which is

Theresa May caught people unawares last week by calling a snap election for June. Peter Young explains why another poll is necessary. still divided over Europe, and from the country as a whole to have the authority to pursue a form of ‘Brexit’ which will be broadly acceptable to the public even though 48 per cent voted in the referendum to remain in the EU. Having triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty and launched the two-year negotiating period to leave, she also wants to avoid the distraction of an election in 2020 because, at that point, the EU negotiations are likely to have reached a pivotal stage.

The Prime Minister outlined her government’s strategy in a major policy speech at Lancaster House in London in January which was followed by a White Paper, and she has famously stated that ‘Brexit means Brexit’ from which there can be no turning back.

That means leaving the single market, with its free movement requirements, as well as the European Court of Justice, thereby regaining control over the country’s borders and restoring the sovereignty of the Westminster Parliament. But, ideally, it should also involve selective compromise in other areas.

Mrs May claims that the poll in June is in the national interest and she has called for unity, though critics are already saying that this is a vain hope. She has been accused of cynical opportunism; but, clearly, she has acted out of party political interest by seizing the agenda in this way in an attempt to build meaningful political power.

Bahamians lose out as Chinese win big From pg7 much fewer complaints on stops to out islands where the cruise line controls everything.

Carnival Cruise Line has pioneered the cruise line controlled destination, and wants to set up one on the virgin land in East Grand Bahama, but cannot do so unless the Hutchison controlled FHC agrees to waive its right to exclusivity of cruise ship ports on Grand Bahama.

Carnival has been talking about its own private port for upwards of 10 years. Rumour had it that they would construct one in the Williams Town area. However, for whatever reason, according to the Government, Carnival has decided on untouched land in Eastern Grand Bahama. No doubt that is a much cheaper route to go.

The Waiver Agreement The Government and FHC (controlled by Hutchison) have agreed that FHC will waive its exclusivity for

the Carnival port outside Freeport Harbour (“the Carnival Project”), and from time to time when requested by Government, agree to further waivers (“Additional Waiver”) to facilitate other developments (“Further Development”) on Grand Bahama.

Such an agreement comes at a price. FHC (read controlled by Hutchison) has agreed to do this for compensation. Clause 2.1(iv) of the Waiver Agreement states “in the event of any Additional Waiver to facilitate Further Development (other than the Project), FHC agrees to share the consideration received by FHC in connection with each Additional Waiver with the Government on a fifty-fifty per cent (50%) basis in each instance and shall pay such to the Government its 50% portion annually, commencing on the commencement date of the operations of such Further Development or the date on which the consideration is first received by FHC (if later) and ending on 3rd August 2054

Inevitably, the plans for ‘Brexit’ are being actively opposed by, for example, the Liberal Democrats and the House of Lords (with its high Liberal Democrat representation) as well as others of the ‘Remainers’ who refuse to recognise the result of the referendum.

So her legitimacy as leader needs to be reconfirmed, since it is undesirable for any British government to enter the most important negotiation for the nation in half a century with individuals seeking to derail ‘Brexit’ while undermining its leader’s authority and questioning a mandate which derives from a decision of the people taken in a referendum nearly a year ago.

With a current lead over the opposition Labour Party of more than 20 points, a

Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May campaigning at Netherton Conservative Club in Dudley, the West Midlands, England, on Saturday. Photo: Chris Radburn/PA on security issues, do not resonate with voters. The result is poll ratings showing that he may be unelectable as the nation’s leader.

The Scottish National Party will probably romp home north of the border, and the threat of new moves towards Scottish independence, with the resultant possible break-up of the United Kingdom, remains.

Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats may claw back

“It would be unwise to regard this election as a foregone conclusion.

While ‘Brexit’ will take centre stage, the economy and general competence of the government will also be to the fore.” landslide Tory victory looks to be on the cards. Despite being under the grip of the hard Left, Labour’s beleaguered leader, Jeremy Corbyn, will doubtless receive praise, if not adulation, from the party’s traditional grassroots supporters, though that is unlikely to translate into public support - not least because his own leftwing views, including those

some support after their disastrous showing in the last election so there is already talk of some sort of opposition minority coalition to challenge the Conservatives, who have dismissed this as a potential ‘coalition of chaos’ which would disrupt ‘Brexit’ and put the economy at risk.

Notwithstanding all this, it would be unwise to regard

or the date of the termination of the Additional Waiver, whichever occurs later.”

The earlier Clause of the Waiver Agreement calls for FHC (controlled by Hutchison) to pay the Government $800,000 per annum for a period of 20 years starting from the date of Commencement of Commercial Operations of the Carnival Project.

It would appear that Carnival will pay FHC a sum greater than $800,000 per year as compensation for not calling in Freeport Harbour.

Why would Hutchison cause FHC to lose revenue and jobs for Bahamians?

Why would Hutchison be so keen to enter into a business losing agreement, an agreement that will cost Bahamians their jobs, mostly indirect jobs?

The answer can be found in Clauses (G) and (H) of the Waiver Agreement.

Clause (G) says: “The Government has agreed that (i) no real property tax shall be charged or imposed in respect of any real property owned

by FHC (Hutchison), the Grand Bahama Company Limited and/or Freeport Development Company Limited (the “FHC

Group”) on Grand Bahama Island for a period of 20 years commencing on 4th May 2016; and (ii) no taxes on capital gains, capital appreciation or earnings shall be levied against the FHC Group or any member of the FHC Group for a period of twenty (20) years commencing on the 4th day of May 2016; and ...”

So FHC (Hutchison) gives up business that puts many Bahamians’ jobs at risk, more likely will put many Bahamians, such as those providing tours to Carnival’s passengers, taxi drivers, waitresses and bar tenders, etc out of work, in order to save millions of Real Property Tax payments on undeveloped property like the 740-acre SeaAir Business Centre property that thousands pass every day on their way to and from the Shipyard, the Container Port, Bahama Rock and Eight Mile Rock.

Vital functions It is unlikely that Government would charge Real Property Tax on the airport or the harbour as they perform such important and vital public transportation functions.

However, the Govern-

this election as a foregone conclusion. While ‘Brexit’ will take centre stage, the economy and general competence of the government will also be to the fore - for example, current issues like rises in national insurance and other taxes, welfare and public services, foreign aid and grammar schools. The Conservatives need to build trust with assurances about lower taxes and a smaller state and not neglect their base.

In the first-past-the-post system, what matters is not the share of the overall vote but the party with the most seats. So the Tories will no doubt focus on marginal seats, in particular those traditional Labour constituencies which voted for ‘Brexit’. Be that as it may, all agree that an effective opposition is required to hold the government to account and to offer constructive criticism for it is this which lies at the heart of Britain’s democracy.

The last few years have been tumultuous for British politics. A Tory victory in June should finally settle the issue of Europe. Strong and stable leadership will be needed to achieve a satisfactory ‘Brexit’ which will have to include compromise in

order to find a way through a negotiating minefield.

With a new mandate, Mrs May will be able to speak for Britain as a whole. She will need to seek to make a deal with Brussels which will respect the views of the majority but also reflect the concerns of the minority 48 per cent. This will be a testing task, for sure, because it will mean trying to ensure a balance between quitting the EU’s main institutions - thereby being free, for example, to trade with the rest of the world on Britain’s own terms - and continuing to co-operate fully with EU countries in as many other fields, and at as many levels, as possible in order for the nation to remain properly engaged with Europe.

To ‘Brenda from Bristol’ all this politicking may indeed seem to be overwhelming. But, with six weeks of electioneering to come in a busy run-up to polling day, the psephologists in Britain will doubtless be more than happy in their own version of heaven!

ment almost certainly would have charged Real Property Tax on the SeaAir Business Centre that Hutchison was supposed to have developed over the last 20 years or so.

This is property on which Hutchison pays no Service Charges thus getting a free ride, with respect to the maintenance of the roads in Freeport. These are the very roads that help them make money (CK Hutchison makes a net profit after taxes of about $100 million per week) over which they get access free.

Other businesses like PharmaChem, Polymers and Bahamian Brewery and all the smaller land owning businesses shoulder the cost of maintaining the roads and other infrastructure.

Yes, the big multi-billion dollar Chinese conglomerate takes and takes from the Bahamas and the Bahamian people.

Clause (H) of the Waiver Agreement is even more telling. It says: “Subject to satisfaction of the conditions more particularly described and set out in a Memorandum of Understanding between inter alia the Government and The Grand Bahama Development Company Limited (“DevCo”) executed contemporaneously herewith, the Government agrees that (i) no real property tax shall be charged or imposed on or in respect of any real property owned by DevCo on Grand Bahama island for a period of twenty (20) years commencing on the 4th day of May 2016; and (2) no taxes on capital gains, capital appreciation or earnings shall be levied against DevCo for a period of twenty (20) years commencing on the 4th May 2016.”

So the price of the Waiver of Exclusivity comes at a heavy price to Bahamians and the multi-billion dollar Chinese conglomerate Hutchison is the clear beneficiary.

The Grand Bahama (Port Area) Investment Incentives Act, 2016 states: “That the Hutchison companies, including DevCo, shall be entitled to the benefit of concessions of no real

property tax and no capital gains, etc., for a period of twenty years from the 4th day of May, 2016 subject to fulfillment of their respective obligations under any existing agreement with the Government.”

So the big, mega-rich Chinese company that controls some 70,000 acres of undeveloped land on Grand Bahama island, the one that pays nothing to maintain the upkeep of those 70,000 acres, gets an exemption.

What did Hutchison give in return for saving millions of Real Property Tax a year? Nothing really, as they are compensated by Carnival or any other group that wishes an exemption from FHC’s (Hutchison) exclusivity. If they have less business in the harbour they can lay a few people off and reduce the overheads.

What did the Bahamian government give in return for Carnival to be able to build its cruise port?

A great deal, as they have let the Chinese Hutchison conglomerate out of any real need to either sell out or develop over 100 square miles of Bahamian land.

That is an area nearly the size of the entire island of New Providence, the bulk of which Hutchison can sit on and speculate with, at the detriment of all Bahamians.

In addition, when Carnival moves out of Freeport, all those Bahamian-owned taxis, tour operators and others will see a dramatic loss of revenue and will, no doubt have to lay off Bahamians, all the while FHC (Hutchison) gets paid by Carnival.

Once again Bahamians are suffering because of Chinese investment. There is certainly no upside to the Waiver Agreement for Bahamians.

• Peter Young is a retired British diplomat living in Nassau. From 1996 to 2000 he was British High Commissioner to The Bahamas.

• Carey Leonard is a commercial lawyer and an associate in the law firm of Callenders & Co, Freeport.

MONDAY, APRIL 24, 2017 PAGE 9

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

Iron ladies show gender is not a leadership issue World View

By SIR RONALD SANDERS MODERN history is showered with women as political leaders and heads of government. When women first emerged in these roles, it was regarded as “breaking a glass ceiling” - a breakthrough for the female gender in occupying high positions once regarded as the preserve of men.

There was truth in that sentiment at the beginning of that revolutionary trend, but even though women leaders do still attract support from some women and the opposition of some men - purely on the basis of gender, the human race has moved on from solely gender considerations. Today, women as political leaders is not a gender issue. They have to prove that they are every bit as capable as men.

Two events over the last few days brought this reality into sharp focus. The first was Theresa May, the unelected Prime Minister of Britain, calling a sudden general election for June 8, and the other was the launch of a new political party in Antigua and Barbuda by Joanne Massiah, a former elected member of the opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) who recently declared herself an independent member of the House of Assembly.

In calling the British election, May brazenly broke a pledge she had given to the British people not to call an election before the ‘Brexit’ negotiations with the European Union (EU) was completed. She broke that pledge for many reasons, the primary one being that the opposition Labour Party appears lacklustre and unappealing under the present leadership of Jeremy Corbyn. Calling the election while there is no formidable challenger from the main opposition party is an expedient decision. The Labour Party was caught napping, unable to oust Corbyn for a more dynamic and acceptable leader in time.

In that context, May has a chance of being the elected Prime Minister of a Conservative government for the next five years. Ironically, however, it is another woman that might upset her cart and scatter her apples. Nicola Sturgeon, the feisty leader of the Scottish National Party, is determined that Scotland should eschew ‘Brexit’.

The Scottish people voted overwhelmingly in last June’s referendum to stay in the EU. The battle between these two women is now firmly joined on fundamental political matters; gender has nothing to do with it.

Should the pro-EU Liberal Democratic Party do well at the election with the backing of those voters in England, Wales and Northern who want to remain in the EU, a coalition of forces might yet topple May, having nothing to do with her gender.

Across the ocean in a much smaller Island nation, Antigua and Barbuda, a woman threw her hat in the ring for the second time to become leader of a political party. On the last occasion, on the rubble of a defeated UPP, she sought the leadership in a contest against Harold Lovell. She had won her seat in Parliament in the general election; Lovell had not. Her decision to run for

the leadership had nothing to do with gender, and all to do with a belief that she was a better candidate.

As it turned out, she may have been too trusting of a system that she subsequently regarded as treacherous when Lovell won the contest overwhelmingly, but as she saw it not fairly. Eventually, bad blood between the two led to her expulsion from the UPP. Now, she has formed the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) and Antigua and Barbuda has its first woman as the leader of a political party, not because of gender but because she holds the view that she has the capacity to lead the country.

The Caribbean’s modern history has many such women, among them Mia Mottley, the present leader of the Barbados Labour Party. Then, there are those who made it to the office of Head of Government - Eugenia Charles of Dominica; Janet Jagan of Guyana; Portia Simpson-Miller of Jamaica and Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago.

The essential ingredient was not their gender, but their readiness to take on the rough and tumble of politics.

Appealing to gender alone and the refrain of “time for a woman”, does not cut it in the world of real politics.

Faint hearts do not make leaders; courage, drive and political astuteness are the criteria by which any leader is judged - man or woman.

There are fine examples of such women in other places at this time and in former times. Altogether, 70 countries have had women as Heads of Government. History reminds us of the formidable Golda Meir of Israel; the tough stewardship of Indira Gandhi of India; the two Bandaranayke women Presidents of Sri Lanka; Margaret Thatcher of Britain; Isabel Martínez de Perón of Argentina; Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan; Gro Harlem Brundtland of Norway. Today, the highly-regarded Angela Merkel is serving her 12th year as Chancellor of Germany; Michelle Bachelet is in her second term as President of Chile and Ellen Sirleaf has been president of Liberia since 2006.

Margaret Thatcher is universally remembered as ‘the Iron lady’. She caused the coining of that phrase when she said: “If you lead a country like Britain, a strong country, a country which has taken a lead in world affairs in good times and in bad, a country that is always reliable, then you have to have a touch of iron about you”. In reality her observation is true for running any country - however large or small. The women who led countries did so not because of their gender, but because they had iron.

‘Faint hearts do not make leaders; courage, drive and political astuteness are the criteria by which any leader is judged - man or woman.’

• Sir Ronald Sanders is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organisation of American States. He is also Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto.

The views expressed are his own. Responses and previous commentaries: www. sironaldsanders.com

BRITAIN’s Prime Minister Theresa May.

GERMAN Chancellor Angela Merkel.

PAGE MONDAY, 24, PAGE 10, 10 Monday, January 23,APRIL 2017

2017

A10INSIGHT

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net THE TRIBUNE

GAIN AN EDG How service and extracurricular Why diversified activity canis help education key job seekers I social equity to R GAIN AN EDGE A NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

A NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON HIGHER EDUCA

N 2015, Victory Uni- Employers are looking versity of Wellington, New Zealand, for interests beyond the conducted a survey classroom in potential seeking to determine what recruits so the Bahamas employers look for when recruiting OCHELLE students and Technical and Vocational Failure to have both graduates. Smith had Institute is providing help Out of theprayed 346 employers TVETbutand traditional long and sume, rather seeks po- overall development of not who participated, the numhard about what tential academics available employees who arein only a great resume, but a ber one attribute she wanted to dothey withwere her graduates whoprogrammes have broad- good citizen. It provides all school looking for was work ethic, life. ened their horizons beyond students with opportunibutShethey also is aclassroom. disservice to stu- ties to develop leadership, was in the considered 11th grade the Hence, extracurricular activities as and a decision regarding the dent children at BTVIand is made personal and social skills, important.of her life needed our life trajectory up of a variety of organisawhile making their college country, says Remiska According to the survey to be made. She would in- tions and activities which experience more enjoyresults, are seek- Wildgoose, English form heremployers mother tonight. supplement the technical able,” she said. ingAssigns interests that she ofreluctantly ap- career instructor training.at BTVI “A mandate of BTVI is extend beyond academics, proached Mrs Smith, she For example, BTVI’s to build good citizens. We including hands-on expeTVETthem is a to firstvalue option for school of does not work out. want could sense the exhaustion. Dean Student Services, giving rienceSmith in a worked work environsome isIt anbuilds important step Unfortunately, as notes a society, Mrs hard - Racquel Bethel, the back. character ment. parents did, for they we place white collar jobs towards progression. The both of connecting and model citizens.”

The results highlight the importance is talented with on a pedestal.

Our educawanted the best for their students with society.

Ms child Onethat of the five pillars of value that employers place their institution’s hands is just strategic as inteltional system separates that the the children.

Bethel is convinced on“Mummy, students I’ve and made graduates ligentisascommunity the child who asstudents poten- plan a de- giving is with a part“great of learning. engagebeing Iwell-rounded pires towhich pursue medicine. tial”,said andher for team those will students cision. want to do hairindiand She conment, includes the viduals.

Social equity and beginsimplewith we give best. nails.” tinue toour push for activities development At the Bahamas Technius, for theofcarpenter and However, countries such Vexed, Mrs Smith re- that motivate students to mentation service procal and“Girl Vocational Institute the doctor boththe endcommuup conas Finland, whose educa- jects plied, you crazy aye! become more communityto assist (BTVI), the Student Af- tional system rivals most, tributing to the society as a All that money we plunkminded. nity. fairs team is cognisant that Thus, failure to have that 45 centthat of whole. ing out to put you in private shows “At BTVI we per believe In February, 19 students the diligent employer looks both TVET and traditional students choose aclubs technical school and you say you wan’ involvement in and from the Hair Analysis beyond theGirl superficial re- track as opposed to the tra- academics available in all do what?! you better activities is essential to the class volunteered their school programmes truly get out my face and pray ditional academics*. What services to a live-inissenior a disservice to our about what to do with your if Joshua, who can take a citizens’ home on children Soldier and ultimately our Monique country. car apart and put it back Road. life!”

Instructor this pivotal Rochelle retreated, together, or Gabrielle, who A At Marshall notedmoment, that althere is the no simple heartbroken, despond- can paint nails like artwork though studentsanswer were to solve our social and ecoent, but was determined to on a canvass, had the op- getting hands-on experinomicthat ills. make her mother proud. portunity early on to be ence, was Nevertheless, not the main one of our answers lies in She prayed long and hard seen as a success for who focus. diversified educaand decided to pursue med- they are, as opposed to the placing “It’s not just about gettion experience. at the forefront.

All expectations that society ting icine.

It’s deeper countries, especially deAs Bahamians, we know projects onto them? For than that. These residents veloping countries, need this story all too well. We students like these, tech- need attention and from balanced give our children the best nical vocational education the looks on development their faces, through all of it. the educaeducation because we have and training (TVET) is they are loving Someone tional sectors in to order to COMMUNITY service such as with president first choice.of the Sister Sister is hopes that they will-become taking the time attend make progress Breast Cancer group and survivor, Andrea Sweeting While there are- is dear still to doctors andSupport lawyers.

Carthemsignificant and I am honoured in be terms of she national develto the heart of BTVI’s Deantherof Student Services, Racquel and to changes needed to Bethel be made penters and massage here,” said during opment (Bennell,1996). she ensures the same spirit isinfostered among students. our educational system, the apists should onlygiving be the visit. alternative when medical embracing the fact that We must see beyond 2017

tend a technology summit in Antigua and Barbuda, and participate in the BTC hackathon - all because of BTVI,” he said.

Ms Bethel suggests that student activity has its benefits as opposed to simply attending classes and leaving.

“Extracurricular activities can aid in enhancing job applications, resumes, internships or even a financial aid application. It demonstrates that the student is a well-rounded individual, who is able to balance the demands of life,” she noted.

Admittedly, Ms Bethel said that for the majority of BTVI’s students, it is a challenge to juggle family life, work and studies.

Hence, extracurricular activities become even less of a priority.

“We, however, strive to offer students clubs that will allow them to explore their area of interest, in addition to ones that can enhance community involveA FEW BTVI Cosmetology students volunteered at British Ameri- ment and volunteerism. We can Financial’s Back to School celebration last summer, offering find just through a simply complimentary haircuts for the boys and simple hairstyles for the act of service, students can girls. develop personal skills such Meanwhile, there are an earlier interview in this as time management, leadseveral recognised student series that BTVI gave him ership and team-building organisations at BTVI that more than a degree. It ex- skills,” she said.

• “Gain An Edge” is a help to foster well-rounded panded his horizons, giving students. They include, but him opportunities beyond weekly collaboration of the Lyford Cay Foundaare not limited to, the Stu- the classroom. dent Christian Movement, “At BTVI, my mind tions, Bahamas Technical the Fine Arts Club, the has been opened to soft- and Vocational Institute Automotive Club, Gaming ware engineering and app and University of The BaLeague and Student Am- development,” the 2016 hamas aimed at promotbassadors. student said. “I was given ing a national dialogue on REMISKA WILDGOOSE Information Technol- the opportunity to go on higher education. To share your thoughts, email gainogy Management student, an exchange programme educational anedge@tribunemedia.net. duce instantaneous results, and look to 2027, when our well-diversified Gerrard Russell, statedproin to Fanshawe College, at- it is an alternative that will system is one small but sigeducational system duces more than enough nificant step towards long- make a tremendous differqualified, visionary citizens term economic prosperity ence. who could build a world in our nation.

For many students at the While further investment Bahamas Technical and class resort that would rival most. Implementing TVET into developing our educa- Vocational Institute, TVET programmes and having a tional system may not pro- is their only choice because it is what they love. As leaders, teachers, and parents, it is incumbent that we continue to embrace TVET as an alternative at all levels so all individuals can become valuable contributing members of society.

Stories like that of Rochelle, whose name has been changed for the prupose of this article, are BTVI students participated in the Bahamas Telecommunication Company’s 2016 too hackathon, placingLike secmuch common. ond. The 48-hour challenge was to make a new form of voting system that to vote so allowed many constituents others, medical on an interactive site. From left, Gerrard Russell, Kingsley Forbes and D’Angelo nowwork graduates. school Rolle, did not out. In the end, she still pursued what she loved - beauty trades.

THIS WEEK IN THE TRIBUNE Today

Tuesday

Business - a damning report reveals The Bahamas has had zero growth in four years. Neil Hartnell reports Sports - how The Bahamas fared at the IAAF World Relays and the countdown to the Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup continues Plus the latest properties for sale and rent in the Home Buyers’ Guide

Woman and Health weekly advice on taking care of your mind and body and women making waves in The Bahamas Plus comment from Nicole Burrows and sporting mischief and mayhem with Inigo “Naughty” Zenicazelaya Wednesday Tribune Tech - a weekly

INSURANCE MANAGEMENT (BAHAMAS) LIMITED. INSURANCE BROKERS & AGENTS

IS SEEKING TO FILL A VACANCY IN OUR

TECHNICAL vocational education and training is important to help students, says Remiska Wildgoose.

PERSONAL LINES DEPARTMENT We are looking for driven and self-motivated young professionals interested in a career in insurance. The position is diverse and will involve interacting with customers on a daily basis.

Requirements for a suitable candidate include: • • • • • •

5 BGCSE’s (including English Language and Mathematics) at Grade C or higher Excellent oral and written communication skills A positive attitude and eagerness to learn Strong organizational skills A willingness to work as part of a team Proficiency with computers

Successful applicants will be required to study for the examinations of the Chartered Insurance Institute and at a minimum obtain the Certificate of Insurance qualification within a reasonable time frame.

Interested persons should hand deliver their resume to: Human Resources Insurance Management (Bahamas) Limited Rosetta Street East Nassau, Bahamas Or email to: hr@imbbah.com

look at what’s new in the Sources world of technology focus*Mark Phillips (2012). ing on Earth Month Why should we care about Plus Larry Smith’s forthVocational Education? right Tough Call **Bennell, Pcolumn (1996).

General versus vocational Thursday secondary education in developing country: A review and evidence.

Religion, of Obituaries rates of return aThe weekly reviewof DevelopJournal Sports - looking ahead to ment Studies. the“Gain big kick The isFifaa An off.

Edge” Beach Soccer World weekly collaboration Cup of starts in Nassau the Lyford Cay Founda‘On Bahamas da Hook’, Technical a weekly tions, look fishing in The Baand at Vocational Institute hamas and University of The Bahamas aimed at promotFriday ing a national dialogue on Weekend - a 28-page sechigher education.

To share tion devoted to the best in your thoughts, email gainarts, music, fashion, food, anedge@tribunemedia.net. books, entertainment, gardening, animal matters, fitness, history and interviews Sports - The Finish Line, a look at the local sports scene, by Brent Stubbs Plus A Comic’s View Naughty’s unique take on the week in The Bahamas Saturday The Tribune’s Top 5: a special video review of the week’s top stories by Khrisna Virgil on www. tribune242.com Every day in The Tribune, news, business, sports, weather and Classifieds Trader - the best guide to cars for sale, real estate, help wanted and more.

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THE TRIBUNE

Ingraham: Curry has disappointed with so many absences

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said he was “disappointed” to learn that North Abaco MP Renardo Curry was absent from the House of Assembly 102 times this parliamentary term, with the nation’s former leader telling reporters he never missed 100 days in 40 years.

Mr Curry became the member of Parliament for North Abaco after a byeelection in 2012, shortly after Mr Ingraham resigned as leader of the Free National Movement and MP for North Abaco following FNM’s stunning defeat in the last general election.

In March, the Nassau Guardian revealed that Mr Curry was absent from parliamentary proceedings 102 times out of the 220 times the House of Assembly has met this term.

In response, Mr Curry told reporters it has been “somewhat of a challenge” moving “back and forth” between Abaco, where he and his family live, and New Providence to honour both obligations.

He also said it would be

“more questionable” if MPs that live in New Providence and represent constituencies situated in the capital are notably absent from the House, as he said it is “much more convenient” for them to attend proceedings.

Mr Ingraham told a crowd on Thursday after the FNM’s candidate for North Abaco Darren Henfield officially nominated, that it is time that North Abaco and the entire Bahamas “returns red”.

“I was very disappointed the other day to discover that the PLP MP, whose father was my friend, was so negligent in his performance in his duties as an MP,” Mr Ingraham said.

“You know I got elected to the House by you nearly 40 years ago and I have not missed 100 meetings in 40 years. In fact, during the last five years while I was prime minister, I missed two meetings in the House of Assembly. Two. There is no question whatsoever that the PLP needs to be removed from office period but we need to reclaim our seat here in the north.

“And so we will have a rally here in this park sometime in early May in which I will speak and I will tell

you all the reasons why, you ought to say ‘no’ to the PLP and ought to say ‘yes’ to the FNM. I want you to know that Nassau is going FNM and you will be in good company because you will be in the company of the governing party of the Bahamas. Stay strong, stand with Darren and let’s return our seat to the FNM.” According to a report in The Nassau Guardian, which was based on information contained in records of the House of Assembly, Mr Curry led all parliamentarians with 102 House absences. Marco City MP Greg Moss followed close behind with 93 absences; Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell with 69, and West End and Bimini MP Obie Wilchcombe with 48.

For the Official Opposition, Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner was absent 33 times, while Killarney MP Dr Hubert Minnis was absent 11 times.

Mr Curry said at the time he was “a bit surprised” at the numbers contained in the newspaper report and that he “didn’t recognise that it would be 102”. However, he said he disagrees “somewhat” with the figures given.

QC SAYS HE HAS DONATED MONEY TO FNM PARTY

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

OUTSPOKEN Queen’s Counsel Fred Smith has heightened the debate surrounding election campaign financing after he posted a video on Facebook in which he admits to sponsoring the Free National Movement’s efforts to remove the Progressive Liberal Party from office.

At a recent PLP rally, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Fred Mitchell took to the stage and questioned whether the party will represent the interests of Bahamians over the interests of former Baha Mar owner Sarkis Izmirlian. He also renewed his party’s claims against Lyford Cay resident Louis Bacon, whom he described as a disgruntled billionaire who hated the PLP and funnelled money into environmental action group Save The Bays (STB) to serve that end.

Fred Smith, QC, one of the lead figures in STB, issued a video responding to Mr Mitchell on the issue.

While he admitted to donating money to the FNM, he did not disclose how much.

“So Fred Mitchell, I hear you carrying on bad at the rally last night (Thursday) about me and saying that I’m giving the FNM money.

Of course I’m giving the FNM money,” Mr Smith said, speaking to the camera as his shoes were being shined.

“I want you and the rest of your PLP cronies out of office on May 10. So stop whining and carrying on bad. If you want some of my money, ask for it. I might give you some. Although that may just help you get across the finish line and win, so I might not give you any.

“But just for the record, I am giving money to the FNM and if you want some, be nice and ask for some. In

the meantime buddy,” Mr Smith said while holding up two-fingers in the FNM’s symbol. “I wish you out of office.”

“I support the FNM and we’re going to win on May 10,” the video response concludes.

When contacted yesterday, FNM Chairman Sidney Collie said there was nothing “unusual” about Mr Smith being a donor to the party.

“Fred Smith is a card carrying member of the FNM,” Mr Collie told The Tribune.

“He applied (previously) to the FNM for a nomination.

There is nothing unusual about an FNM donating to the FNM.” Shortly after being elected to office in May 2012, Prime Minister Perry Christie spoke about the need for campaign finance laws, going so far as to state that the practice of politicians using money to persuade voters

had deteriorated to “repugnant” and sometimes “criminal” levels over the previous 15 years.

At the time, Mr Christie said he would seek consensus on the issue, but would not force it through. The issue was never brought to Parliament for debate.

Some have found the PLP’s concerns over campaign finance tone-deaf, given the claims surrounding its relationship with fashion mogul and Lyford Cay billionaire Peter Nygard.

Recordings of Mr Nygard were filed last year as part of the murder-for-hire lawsuit waged against him by STB, wherein he is purported to claim that he donated $5 million to the PLP in the run-up to the last general election. In the recordings, Mr Nygard further claims that Mr Christie made promises to him that he had not kept.

Monday, April 24, 2017, PAGE 11

FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham among FNMs on nomination day.

PAGE 12, Monday, April 24, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

PM: Opening of Baha Mar not a mirage

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Perry Christie is adamant that the long-awaited opening of Baha Mar’s first phase on Friday was not a “mirage” or an “ostentatious effort of misleading and misrepresenting”, branding it the most significant economic development event to ever occur in the country and the Caribbean region.

For many Bahamians, Mr Christie said the opening of the Grand Hyatt is more than a dream come true; it is the unfolding of a bold vision that he led his administration in undertaking with the private sector 10 years ago.

Describing the resort as a vehicle that will reshape and redefine the next generation of destination resorts in the world, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE) Ltd CEO Graeme Davis said the Baha Mar dream and the Bahamian dream intertwined to finally produce a “magnificent structure”.

The remarks came during a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by a lavish reception in honour of the first phase opening of the West Bay Street resort. The event also saw Baha Mar employees line the walkway of the resort, greeting invited guests as they arrived.

Baha Mar was originally scheduled to open at the end of 2014. It was delayed because of the resort’s original developer Sarkis Izmirilian filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States in June, 2015.

He eventually lost control of the $3.5bn mega resort after legal wrangling in US and in The Bahamas.

Despite the event to celebrate the opening of the massive hotel, many of the retail outlets remained

closed. Mr Davis also confirmed on Friday that many of the guests in the hotel were not paying customers, but invited for a “preview period”. He also said that the official date for guest reservations is scheduled for May 29.

Hong Kong-based Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE) ultimately acquired the property and said it would invest about $200m to get the project’s first phase ready for the general public.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Baha Mar’s opening is not a mirage; it is real and it is the most significant economic development event ever to occur in a single phase within The Bahamas and the Caribbean region,” Mr Christie told scores of people invited to attend the grand occasion.

“It is more than a dream come true; it is the unfolding of a bold vision which I led my Government in undertaking with private sector partners a decade ago.

“It began with the acquisition of governmentowned and privately-held properties; the creation of a master development plan to transform the Cable Beach area into a world class tourism destination; large-scale private sector investment supported by Government concessions; overcoming a major recession, provisional liquidation and receivership; securing new investors and operators, and additional financing; all secured by endless and tedious negotiations to achieve the notable outcome and milestone in Bahamian tourism which we celebrate today.

“Amidst the complex and arduous negotiations, my Government and I remained focused on achieving three main objectives.

Firstly, ensuring immediate remobilisation and resumption of construction, based

on committed funding sufficient to complete construction and to open all parts of the project.

“Secondly, the opening of the casino, casino hotel, convention centre, convention hotel and golf course prior to the end of the 20162017 winter season.

“And thirdly, settlement and/or payment of all valid claims of contractors and subcontractors, suppliers and employees and other Baha Mar and CCA creditors.

“I am pleased that my Government has, with the co-operation of the stakeholders, achieved these lofty objectives. Not only has funding been provided to fund all remaining construction costs to complete the project, but some $101.5m has been injected into the Bahamian economy towards payment of employees and unsecured creditors.

“This sum represents an unprecedented ex-gratia payment made by China Export Import Bank to unsecured creditors to accommodate the request of my government.

“Hundreds of former Bahamian employees of Baha Mar have received the outstanding amounts due to them - unpaid salaries, severance pay, accrued vacation pay, and notice payments due by termination. Sums deducted from employees and former employees’ salaries and pension contributions have been paid. Other Bahamian creditors and contractors have received a significant part and, in many cases, all of the value of their claims.”

He also said: “At full opening, Baha Mar is projected to generate an additional 315,000 air passenger seats annually, an increase of 19 per cent over our 2015 record of arrivals and signalling in the marketplace

PRIME Minister Perry Christie gives a keynote remark at the opening ceremony of Baha Mar. Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff the revitalisation of the Bahamas tourism brand.

“Baha Mar’s full opening, therefore, is critical to the economic viability of our national economy. It is expected to generate over $700m in direct annual economic output and $1.1bn in indirect and induced output and to contribute over $45m in taxes annually, just from resort operations and national insurance contributions.

“That is why Baha Mar is such an important project for us. Its success in meeting its own financial targets and in reaching markets that are not in direct competition with other local mega resorts will have enormous consequences for us as a people, improving our livelihoods, maintaining of our way of life and delivering opportunities in this industry for our children’s children. This is why I have been so focused on ensuring that the resort is completed and opened at the earliest

possible opportunity.”

Mr Davis thanked stakeholders saying their contribution to the project allowed “mountains” to be moved.

“This magnificent structure you see before you is a testament of the vision conceived over 14 years ago by Sarkis Izmirilian. Through the strength and spirit of the Bahamian people and the commitment of the Cheng family, Baha Mar is the result of what happens when great minds, great hearts and human determination come together. Mountains can be moved structures rise from the ground “To the Bahamian people, whose work is etched in every inch of Baha Mar who will be the ambassadors of this outstanding destination, thank you.

“To the government of The Bahamas that partnered with us, worked countless days to save this project from an uncertain fate and created the best

outcome for The Bahamas, thank you.

“To China EXIM Bank, whose faith and unwavering commitment to the viability of this project persevered through all of its ups and downs, thank you.

“To China Construction America, whose engineers designed a marvel whose employees sacrificed years of their lives far away from home and were steadfast in building this beautiful tribute to The Bahamas, thank you.

“And on behalf of the Cheng family, owners of CTFE, we extend a special thank you to Prime Minister Christie who invested so much time, how you made yourself available day and night and insisted that The Bahamas emerge the winners throughout it all, thank you.”

He said yesterday’s opening was a proud and exciting moment for all to have reached this point. He said Baha Mar had an exciting future ahead.

PM AVOIDS FITZGERALD QUESTIONS AT RIBBON CUTTING

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Perry Christie several times refused questions from reporters on Friday over whether he will fire Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald or demand his resignation as the Marathon candidate indicated he intended to move on despite his admission on Thursday that he sought contracts worth millions from Baha Mar for his family’s business.

“Today is a celebratory day and I am not speaking today. I am not speaking today. I am not speaking today,” a seemingly frustrated and annoyed Mr Christie responded when questioned

by The Tribune on whether Mr Fitzgerald could face any consequences in view of his confirmation that prior to his father’s illness he had engaged in discussions with Baha Mar to get some work.

During a reception to cel-

ebrate Baha Mar’s ribbon cutting in commemoration of the opening of its first phase, Mr Christie was five times approached by the press with questions regarding his position on the explosive report published in The Tribune on Thursday with leaked emails, which show Mr Fitzgerald wrote to Mr Izmirlian on behalf of Bahamas Cargo & Logistics (BCL), a company he said his father had formed years ago.

Instead, he dodged reporters who trailed him as he greeted guests gathered in the convention centre. In one instance, Mr Christie told reporters “don’t even try right now”, explaining that he had to get his mind right for a speech at the reception.

After the speech, Mr Christie still did not speak regarding the situation despite mounting criticism over his silence on the matter.

As for Mr Fitzgerald, the Marathon incumbent MP told reporters that he has already issued a press statement

in response to the claims, adding “it is what it is”.

Mr Fitzgerald then attempted to deflect attention to Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis’ absence from the Baha Mar opening.

Asked if he would continue on as a candidate, Mr Fitzgerald said: “At the end of the day I have made my statement and I have been nominated and there is nothing much more to say about that.

“So we will continue to move forward with that. I have said what I had to say.

I have sent a press release and that’s it. I am not going to say anything more about that. It is what it is,” he said.

“But what I want to talk about is really the fact of how significant this day is for all Bahamians (and) for the employees. This is tremendous for our country.

As our Prime Minister said it is very unfortunate that a celebration such as this for our country and our economy that Hubert Minnis is

not here today to celebrate with the people.

“If this is the people’s time he really should be here and I think it is a shame and he should be ashamed of himself for not being here to support people in great numbers from his side.

“So at the end of the day I think he put his political and selfish motives ahead of that of the people and at the end of the day I think he will have to deal and subject himself to the Bahamian people with regard to that.

“Obviously he is being small minded in not putting the Bahamian people first,” he said.

“It’s just a great celebration today. A lot of hard work has gone into today and so we are all very excited about what has transpired here today and so at the very least he could have been man enough, mature enough to come here and celebrate with the Bahamian people at the end of the day.”

On Thursday, Mr Fitzgerald released a statement denying he had any contract with Baha Mar or any of its affiliates.

“Nor do I own any shares in Bahamas Cargo & Logistics, which is a company formed by my father many years ago. Sarkis Izmiralian and I have communicated on any number of matters over the past eight years either in person or by email.

“Prior to my father’s illness he had engaged in discussions with Baha Mar to get some work. After my father’s illness I wrote to Sarkis to follow up on those discussions and seek his assistance. Nothing came of it and that remains the case today.”

However, some observers have accused Mr Fitzgerald of a breach of the Manual of Cabinet and Ministry Procedure, which states in Clause 40b, a minister must not “solicit or accept any benefit, advantage or promise of future advantage whether for himself,

his immediate family or any business concern or trust with which he is associated from persons who are in, or seek to be in, any contractual or special relationship with the government.”

In one of several leaked emails published by The Tribune, Mr Fitzgerald advocated in 2014 on behalf of BCL, writing to Mr Izmirlian: “I would really wish to now establish a relationship between Baha Mar and Bahamas Cargo and Logistics Limited where all ports of entry can be advised that BCL is to collect the paperwork and clear shipments for Baha Mar. It is my hope that the relationship will continue when the hotel opens and we will again be the broker and trucker for this property as we were for so many years.”

At one point, he expressed personal disappointment that Baha Mar’s officials had not come through for him following his requests.

Among the questions raised by the chain of leaked emails is the nature of the relationship between Mr Fitzgerald and Daniel Liu, China Construction America’s (CCA) vice-president.

CCA is Baha Mar’s general contractor.

In one email, Mr Fitzgerald referred to “promises” Mr Liu had made to him concerning business.

“Unfortunately, despite all efforts by you and promises to me by Daniel Liu that we would receive the brokerage and trucking work, we have not, apart from a one time deal to move 40 containers,” Mr Fitzgerald wrote in January, 2014. “I do not know why, I am disappointed but I have accepted it and moved on.”

In his statement on Thursday, however, Mr Fitzgerald did not address his contact with Mr Liu and representatives of CCA.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, April 24, 2017, PAGE 13

PAGE 14, Monday, April 24, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

McCartney rejects claim that vote for DNA is a vote for PLP

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net RESPONDING to recent assertions by Free National Movement officials that a vote for the Democratic National Alliance is a vote for the Progressive Liberal Party, DNA Leader Branville McCartney on Friday claimed that the FNM’s attempts at alienating the third party is because the FNM wants either itself or the PLP to win “because they work together”.

Addressing a modest crowd of supporters at the DNA’s first campaign rally at Windsor Park on Friday night, Mr McCartney used the “two sides of the same coin” argument to characterise the alleged symbiotic relationship that exists between the FNM and the PLP, as he charged that both parties “have businesses together” and “lend money to each other”.

In particular, Mr McCartney said FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis “must stop his foolishness” in making such insinuations about the DNA, further suggesting that such statements are hypocritical because “he knows at the end of the day how close he is with the PLP”.

Mr McCartney also said Dr Minnis “can’t talk” about wanting Prime Minister Perry Christie to fire Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald for allegedly “corruptly” using his position of power as a Cabinet minister, claiming that both the PLP and the FNM “do the same thing” and are “the same people”.

On Thursday, former FNM Leader Tommy Turnquest, who unsuccessfully led the FNM into the 2002 general election, warned undecided voters not to be swayed by either the PLP or

THE CROWD at the DNA rally on Friday. the DNA in the weeks lead- tiating the Baha Mar remoing up to the general elec- bilisation deal.

He then went on to detion on May 10, stating that the FNM cannot allow the ride the allegedly collusive DNA to “take our voters relationship between the FNM and the PLP. from us” a second time.

“I hear one leader of one Mr Turnquest said the FNM underestimated the of them parties want anDNA before the last gen- other minister to resign for eral election, a move he in- conflict of interest and all sisted “was a major reason that stuff,” Mr McCartney said on Friday night. “But for our defeat in 2012”.

“As our leader told you, he can’t talk. They do the if you go to bed with the same thing. They’re the DNA, you are going to same people. They work towake up with (Prime Min- gether. They got businesses ister) Perry Christie and the together.

“And when they talk PLP,” Mr Turnquest said at about a vote for the DNA is Thursday’s rally.

In response, Mr McCart- a vote for the PLP, well they ney seemingly hit out at Dr want either the PLP or the Minnis’ hypocrisy for call- FNM to win, because they ing on Mr Christie to fire work together. They have Mr Fitzgerald, along with businesses together. They Attorney General Allyson lend money to each other.

Maynard-Gibson, for al- They know what I’m talklegedly failing to separate ing about.”

He added: “Dr Minnis their private affairs from their public duties in nego- must stop his foolishness

about a vote for the DNA is a vote for the PLP. Because he knows at the end of the day how close he is with the PLP. He knows how close the FNM is with the PLP. You would recall the last leader of the FNM (Hubert Ingraham) said if he couldn’t have it the PLP will have it. I find it amazing.”

Mr McCartney encouraged DNA supporters to end the “status quo” and break away from the FNM/ PLP cycle that has come to define Bahamian general elections, as he said “times are far too serious for it to be business as usual.”

“Business as usual is the PLP and the FNM,” he said. “Times are too serious for the status quo to remain.

We cannot continue to do the same thing and expect a different result. This was proven in the last general

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff election. We cannot contin- penalty, as well as decrimiue down the same road and nalise marijuana. Mr Mcfind a different destination. Cartney also said the DNA “You been down the road would seek to introduce before with the PLP and anti-corruption legislation the FNM. Over 25 years and an amendment to the you’ve had, 15 years of the Constitution by way of refFNM and 10 years of the erendum to allow the creaPLP. How you think we get tion of a recall system for in this mess? It wasn’t the “non-performing members DNA.” of Parliament.”

The night heard speech“The Bahamian econes from a number of other omy is at an all-time low, DNA candidates, such highlighted by non existent as Englerston candidate growth, high levels of pubStephanie Lightbourne, lic and private debt, high who urged Bahamians not unemployment, and gross to be distracted by the nov- asymmetry of wealth,” he elty and fanfare of political said of the country’s state of rallies, as well as Bain and affairs. “The middle class Grants Town candidate has been destroyed, and the Brenda Harris, who high- poor have been dissemilighted the DNA’s plan to nated. We are quickly beraise the minimum wage to coming the ‘have’s’ and the $250 per week. ‘have not’s.’”

Mr McCartney ended the “The Bahamian dream night by promising that, if has now become a Bahaelected to office, the DNA mian nightmare,” he conwould enforce the death cluded.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, April 24, 2017, PAGE 15

THE MINI clinic in Exuma.

FNM candidate Bowe aims to improve Exuma healthcare

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net IMPROVED healthcare in Exuma will be the first order of business for Free National Movement (FNM) candidate Navarro Bowe if elected to serve next month.

Addressing scores of Exuma residents and FNM supporters at the party’s headquarters at a rally in Hooper’s Bay, Mr Bowe said it was unfortunate that the mini-hospital that had been constructed by the

previous FNM administration has not been stocked with the necessary medical equipment and personnel that the island needs.

“Our mini-hospital will become fully functional and fully equipped to service all of our medical needs and I do stress all of our medical needs,” Mr Bowe said to applause.

“You will receive a fulltime dentist, an emergency vehicle to accommodate emergencies across the entire island. There will also be an evaluation into the

closure of the Stevenson and Forbes Hill clinics to ensure we have proper continuous access to health care services.”

The political hopeful also said that Black Point and the surrounding Exuma cays, as well as Ragged Island, will have a higher frequency of visits by healthcare professionals, expanded infrastructure and diagnostic capabilities for the existing healthcare facilities on the ground.

On April 19, government officials commissioned the

Marsh Harbour Health Centre as part of the Progressive Liberal Party’s National Health Insurance plans.

Construction of the healthcare centre began under the former FNM administration. When the current administration came into office, it spent $1m renovating the facility, Prime Minister Perry Christie said at the opening.

By December, the island is expected to have 16 nurses, five doctors, a radiologist and two lab techni-

cians. The facility boasts an administrative wing, pharmacy and a morgue where autopsies will be performed.

Mr Christie noted during his speech at the ceremony in Abaco that a similar facility is planned for Exuma, to be opened “in the shortest time possible”. Residents of Exuma have complained about the status of the $14 million mini-hospital on the island.

In January, 2016, Tribune Business reported that while the building was

completed some two years earlier, the mini-hospital was not fitted out with the necessary medical or pharmaceutical supplies, and no doctors or nursing staff were assigned to it.

On Saturday, FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis, in echoing Mr Bowe’s sentiments on the government’s failure on Exuma’s healthcare front, confirmed that “as a doctor and as the former minister of health, your healthcare needs will be front and centre in my government”.

TURNQUEST CALLS ON FNMS TO GIVE ‘AT LEAST ONE DOLLAR’

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net FORMER Free National Movement Leader Tommy Turnquest on Thursday night urged party supporters to give “at least one dollar” to either their respective constituency candidate or the party’s national office to help fund its election campaign, claiming that the party could not match “PLP money.”

“We can’t match the PLP money,” the former minister of national security said. “We are not trying to match the PLP money. But if every one of the thousands of people out here tonight could give at least one dollar to either your candidate or to the party ... you want to win, help the party win.”

Last Tuesday, both Progressive Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts and FNM Chairman Sidney Collie remained vague on how their parties were spending and raising money this election cycle.

Mr Roberts, for his part, said his party was expected

to spend millions. This figure, he added, would cover political items, media content, rallies and other “necessary line items.”

Mr Collie was more tightlipped when asked about his party’s campaign spending, leaning on the lack of campaign finance laws as the reason he did not have to present details.

“There is no such law to prohibit what we do, how we do it and or why we do; so we will continue on doing what we deem necessary to place us in the best position,” Mr Collie said in response to questions from The Tribune.

With this as the backdrop for his comments on Thursday, Mr Turnquest said he was doing all he could do to help the party, going as far as to ask his children to fund the party as best they could.

“I am doing all that I can, calling everybody I know.

I made my children give to the party, they all working. You have children who working, make them give too,” he suggested.

Mr Turnquest, who unsuccessfully led the FNM

into the 2002 general election, also used his allotted time to warn undecided voters across the county not to be swayed by either the PLP or the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) in the weeks leading up to May 10.

Of the DNA, a party started by Mr Turnquest’s former Cabinet colleague Branville McCartney in 2011, he said the FNM underestimated it ahead of the 2012 election, a move he insisted “was a major reason for our defeat” in the last general election.

Mr Turnquest told FNM supporters that they could not allow the DNA to again “take our voters from us”.

“Don’t be swayed by the DNA. We tried to unify the opposition forces, and I know that because I was a part of it. I been to plenty meetings. But now, it is the people’s time. It is time to vote now. Don’t allow them to take our voters,” he added.

“If you lost someone who used to be an FNM, go find them and bring them back

to the FNM. Tell them you are sorry. I saw plenty of people in Mount Moriah today who put that thing on me last time, with Marvin Dames this time.

“And that is what we have to do in every single constituency. This time I want you to remember that a vote for the DNA is a vote for the PLP. As our leader told you, if you go to bed with the DNA, you are going to wake up with Perry Christie and the PLP.” Additionally, Mr Turnquest said the FNM, a party that has endured severe infighting over the last few years, was now unified.

Mr Turnquest added that voters should view the FNM as the best choice, asserting that the party had dedicated itself to being all about “fairness, transparency and openness for all.”

“The FNM has assembled a team of candidates who will be able to govern this country effectively on day one,” he said. “I am satisfied as I am sure the Bahamians will find and do on May 10 that the FNM has the best team.”

EXUMA VOTERS URGED: DON’T BE FOOLED AGAIN

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

REGISTERED voters in Exuma were urged by the Free National Movement (FNM) not to be fooled again by the promises made by the current government, which the opposition party said it has failed to deliver.

Speaking at a mass rally in Hoopers Bay on Saturday, the FNM’s candidate for the Exuma and Ragged Island constituency Navarro Bowe asked the crowd of supporters if they were “not tired” of broken promises and neglect.

“Exuma, are you not tired of bad roads, lack of proper healthcare, outrageous VAT taxes and enormous power bills?” the Exuma native asked.

“I know that you are tired of the poor representation

for the past 15 years. So bad that they have sent Mr Anthony - don’t talk much Moss to the bench and substituted in Mr I want-to-be big shot (Chester) Cooper all as a ploy to conceal the failures of Perry Christie and the PLP here in the Exumas and Ragged Island.

“I have news for all them fellows. Y’all ain’t fooling anybody in Exuma no more. You don’t put lipstick on a donkey and expect us to kiss it. What does that make us?”

Mr Moss has been the area’s MP since 2007 and in 2012 defeated FNM candidate Phenton Neymour by 120 votes after securing 1,355 for the PLP. The PLP has replaced him with insurance executive Chester Cooper as the standardbearer for 2017.

Voters will decide on May 10 who will be the

constituency’s newest representative in the House of Assembly.

Mr Bowe, an engineer, expressed confidence of his chances in beating the PLP’s pick and delivering to the island “new and improved governmental infrastructure and bring a permanent resolution to our terrible road conditions”.

“Under my representation, no longer will the cries of those living in the many private subdivisions go unheard. You will get potable water, island wide.

You will get properly paved roads and electrical infrastructure. There will be increased funding for youth programmes, better sports and fitness facilities and introduction of alternative energy sources.”

Mr Bowe said the PLP “blatantly” ignored the cries of the island “and de-

faulted on their promises to you time and time again”.

FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis agreed that there is much to be done for the island, saying: “The Exuma International Airport is in great need of a new terminal, expanded areas for customs and immigration, a much (better) baggage claim area, and a proper lot and structure.

“Given the tourism properties here and the potential of Exuma, your airport does not serve your needs. The FNM is going to fix this. You have an excellent candidate in Navarro Bowe. He’s a very capable young Bahamian who will serve you well.

“The PLP made you all kinds of promises they didn’t keep. They did nothing. Now at election time, they are promising you more of the same,” Dr Minnis said.

Funeral Service

Paul Edwin Saunders, 78 of Rainbow Bay, Eleuthera, The Bahamas, who died at his residence, on Tuesday, 18th April, 2017, will be held at Ebenezer Methodist Church, East Shirley Street, Nassau, on Wednesday, 26th April, 2017 at 4:00 p.m.

Reverend James Neilly will officiate.

Paul was born on 3rd August, 1938 to Ernest and Myrtle Saunders in Miami, Florida. He grew up and lived in Miami until he moved to Nassau in 1967, when he married Ruth Eckstrom, originally from Wallace, Michigan. For a period, the couple moved back to the U.S., during which time their daughter Sherri was born, then moved back to Nassau until they moved to Rainbow Bay, Eleuthera in 2012.

Paul was a piano tuner by trade and serviced many of the pianos throughout the Bahamas. He loved music, and was known by his friends for his beautiful singing voice and piano playing. He used his music in service to his Lord Jesus Christ in various churches over the years.

Many family members and friends honour Paul as a godly influence in their lives, leaving a legacy of faith. He was very loving and loyal to his family. No one was a stranger to him; he was a generous person and loved helping others. He had a heart for missions and fulfilling the Great Commission. On 18th April, 2017 Paul went home to heaven.

Paul is survived by his loving wife Ruth; daughter Sherri and son-in-law Timothy McClure; sister Mizpah Albury; brothers Bill (deceased), Marshall, Robert, Philip and Clifford Saunders; sisters-in-law Dolly, Ruth, Betty, Linda and Patty Saunders; Nancy, Carol, and Margaret Eckstrom; brothers-in-law Charles Wilson, Philip, David and Daniel Eckstrom; many nephews and nieces and other relatives, and a host of friends.

Memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made in Paul’s name to the Jesus Film Project by going to www.jesusfilm.org/honors or calling 800918-9929.

Special thanks go out to those who fought valiantly to save Paul’s life: Nurses Colebrook, Rolle, and Cambridge, Dr. Timothy, friends Delano & Josette Major, Melisa Groff, Dwight Bethel, Quintero (Chucky) Johnson, and Allen Major.

PAGE 16, Monday, April 24, 2017

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST TERMS OF REFERENCE

GOVERNMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS The Ministry of National Security Management of Jury Summonsing System Consultancy in the Office of The Attorney General Institution: Inter-American Development Bank Country: The Commonwealth of The Bahamas Project: Citizen Security and Justice Programme Project Number: BH-L1033 Loan Number: 3499/OC-BH Process/Bid No.: 3.1 Sector: Citizen Security Deadline: May 5, 2017 1.

Introduction and Background The Ministry of Finance of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas has received financing in the amount of $20,000,000 (twenty million dollars) from the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) (Loan BH-L1033), to implement a Citizen Security and Justice Programme.

The overall objectives of this programme are to: (i) improve behaviours for non-violent conflict resolution in New Providence; (ii) increase employability and employment of the at-risk youth population in New Providence; (iii) strengthen institutional capabilities of justice services; and (iv) reduce the recidivism rate among persons within the juvenile system.

In a 2013 survey of forty-eight (48) delayed trials, 47% could not proceed because a jury could not be convened. To address this issue the Office of the Attorney General will work with a consultant to implement a new system of jury summonsing to ensure that juries are regularly available for trials. This implementation is a continuation of work which started with the commissioning of new jury summonsing software and the hiring of ten (10) new jury clerks.

The Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs is Executing Component three of this Loan Operation.

2.

• • • •

3.

• • • • •

THE TRIBUNE

$1,000 fine for vendor on Cabbage Beach

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A VENDOR has been fined $1,000 for selling food on Cabbage Beach, Paradise Island, without a licence.

Zelma Levarity, 59, appeared before Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans on Thursday charged with “breach of the Business Licence Act”, contrary to section 26(2)(A) of the BLA (2010).

It was alleged that Levarity, “on Sunday, April 16, at about 12.20pm while at Cabbage Beach, Paradise Island, did operate a business without a licence in the prescribed form, authorising you to do the same”.

Levarity, who had received a licence to sell souvenir items but had been found selling food from her truck, pleaded guilty to the charge.

“I appreciate anyone trying to make a legal living but it doesn’t exclude you

from breaking the law,” Magistrate Vogt-Evans said. She expressed surprised at the “sense of the entitlement” of many of the vendors who operate on the popular beach.

“For some reason, the vendors over there seem to believe the law doesn’t apply to them” she added.

Levarity admitted that her licence did not permit her to sell food.

“You know what you were doing,” the magistrate interjected. “Many of you all are doing things extra when you have no permission to do that. You can’t blame the hotels for not wanting you to sell food on the beach. You could imagine all the tourists leaving the resorts to go to the beach to eat? And on top of that, you all (are) rowing, cussing and fighting amongst yourselves,” she added.

Police prosecutor Sgt Claudette McKenzie emphasised that licences were not easily granted for selling food because there were

a number of inspections on the part of the applicant that had to be passed and if tourists and/or locals were poisoned from anything they consumed on the beach, then the liability was great.

“I had my licence from 2013 but I was not out there consistently,” Levarity said. “My mother and my husband was living with me and my mother was in hospital. There were times I’d go out there for a week and they stay home. But my mother has passed. I just started to go out there on a consistent basis,” the accused explained.

The offence carries a maximum penalty of $5,000 and a summary conviction.

The magistrate convicted her of the offence and fined her $1,000 for her actions.

If the vendor fails to pay the penalty, she will spend a month at the Department of Correctional Services.

Levarity can appeal the decision within seven days to the Court of Appeal.

Scope of Services and Activities Implementation of new jury summonsing software; Training of jury officers, court staff and of Department of Information Technology Staff; Monitoring the usage risk and performance of the new jury summonsing software; Providing troubleshooting support for the management of the jury summonsing office and the use of the jury sum monsing software.

Deliverables Inception Report & Work Plan Implementation Report Training Report& evaluation summary Jury Summonsing Software Manual Quarterly Reports (months) (format)

4.

GENERAL INFORMATION FROM CONSULTANT RESPONDING TO THIS EOI The consultant will be required to clearly demonstrate the requisite experience and capacity for this consultancy.

Provide information required to indicate compliance with IDB eligibility requirements: • Years of Experience • Applicants must include with their submission proof of the fact that they are a bona fide citizen of an IDB Eligible Coun try. This can be done by including a copy of an official verifiable documents such as Birth Certificate and/or Passport.

Provide a summary list of similar projects undertaken by the Consultant. This should include the following: • Client’s Name Country (e.g. Ministry of National Security, Commercial entity, etc.

• Official Project Name • Project Year and Dollar Value • Duration of Project 5.

CLARIFICATION ON THE TECHNICAL ASPECTS OR SCOPE OF SERVICES OF THIS EOI MAY BE OBTAINED BY EMAILING Everette Sweeting Procurement Specialist Ministry of National Security everettesweeting@bahamas.gov.bs Tel: (242) 502-3300

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION DEADLINES The original two (2) copies of the Request for Expression of Interest and e-mail clearly marked ”Request for Expressions of Interest in Jury Summonsing Management Consultancy in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas” must be prepared in English and delivered in sealed envelopes to the following address no later than May 5, 2017 by 4pm.

Permanent Secretary

Office of The Attorney General & Ministry of Legal Affairs

REF: Request for Expressions of Interest in Jury

Summonsing Management Consultancy in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas John F. Kennedy Drive

Immediately West of Ministry of Public Works N-3007 Nassau, N.P, The Bahamas (242) 502-0400 Late submissions will not be accepted and will be returned unopened to the Applicant.

Electronic submissions will not be accepted.

The Office of The Attorney General reserves the right to accept or reject any application received.

NIKO Ferguson arrives at court on Friday.

SUSPECT ACCUSED OVER FATAL SHOOTING THROUGH APARTMENT WINDOW

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A SECOND suspect was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court on Friday in connection with a recent shooting in the capital.

Niko Ferguson, 28, stood before Acting Assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain facing a murder charge contrary to Section 291(1)(b) of the Penal Code.

It is alleged that Ferguson, being concerned with others, intentionally caused the death of Marcian Edge-

combe on April 8.

According to initial police reports, Edgecombe, 26, was sitting in the living room near a window of a home in Springfield Road, Fox Hill when an unknown assailant fired several shots into the residence. As a result, Edgecombe was shot in his body and died of his injuries.

Like his co-accused, 21-year-old Linique Brennen who was arraigned on April 18, Ferguson was told that he would not be allowed to enter a plea to the allegation until he is formally arraigned before

a judge in the Supreme Court.

Ferguson and Brennen’s case is scheduled to be forwarded to the Supreme Court on May 31 through the presentation of a voluntary bill of indictment.

Due to the nature of the charge, Ferguson was remanded to the Department of Correctional Services without bail. However, he has the right to apply for bail in the Supreme Court.

Elsworth Johnson is representing him against the allegation while Brennen has retained attorney Mark Rolle to represent her.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, April 24, 2017, PAGE 17

PAGE 18, Monday, April 24, 2017

THE TRIBUNE