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By SANCHESKA BROWN Tribune Staff Reporter sbrown@tribunemedia.net  ONE man is dead and five other people, including a woman, are in hospital after a gunman opened fire at a public park off Baillou Hill Road on Tuesday night.

Police have nine men in custody in connection with the incident.

The shooting pushed the country’s murder count to 42 for the year, according to The Tribune’s records.

The shooting took place shortly after 9pm in the Sunshine Park area.

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Volume: 112 No.98

‘SAME-SEX MARRIAGE IS ALREADY CONSTITUTIONAL’

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By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net LAWYER Fred Smith, QC, yesterday claimed that the constitutional backing for same-sex marriage has been available for decades as he criticised opponents of the upcoming gender equality referendum.

Mr Smith, president of the Grand Bahama Human Rights Association (GBHRA), said the view that the referendum would pave the way for same-sex marriage was a damaging myth that displayed a fundamental misunderstanding of the law.

He explained that Article 15 of the Constitution already protected individuals from discrimination on the basis of sex, and as a result, a legal path to same-sex unions was already present.

SEE PAGE FIVE

PASTOR SPEAKS OUT AFTER TRANSGENDER CALL FOR RIGHTS

ple were in a park when a man with a handgun got out of a white Honda Legend and fired several shots into the crowd before speeding off in an unknown direction.

As a result, five men and a woman, ranging in age between 18 and 25, were shot.

The victims were taken to hospital by ambulance.

One of the men died shortly after arrival. The other victims are listed as stable.

Police have not officially identified the murder victim, but The Tribune understands he is 20-year-old Mekenes Polard.

SEE PAGES TWO & THREE

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

THE SUNSHINE Park basketball court yesterday and, inset, murder victim Mekenes Polard.

YOUNG MOTHER ONE OF TWO PEOPLE KILLED IN CAR ACCIDENTS

MARIA POITIER

By SANCHESKA BROWN Tribune Staff Reporter sbrown@tribunemedia.net  TWO people are dead, including a young mother of one, after two separate early morning traffic accidents in the capital.

According to The Tribune’s records, four people have died and three others have been hospitalised in

traffic accidents in The Bahamas since Saturday.

The latest accident took place around 3am yesterday on Collins Avenue.

Officer-in-charge of the Traffic Division, Assistant Superintendent Craig Stubbs, said the female victim was driving a Honda Accord with two passengers, a man and a woman,, when she lost control of the

vehicle and crashed into a tree. “We believe she underestimated the kerb and was going at a high rate of speed,� ASP Stubbs said. “She lost control and hit a tree. The car then flipped twice before hitting another tree. The driver died on impact.�

The passengers received minor injuries and were

taken to hospital for treatment. Police have not officially identified the victim, but The Tribune understands she is Maria Poitier, a mother of one.

Police are also investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man following a traffic accident early on Tuesday.

SEE PAGE SIX

EVENTS REVEALED FOR 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF MAJORITY RULE

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

THE Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture yesterday announced the calendar of events connected to its “Road to Majority Rule�

50th celebration scheduled for January, 2017.

Built around the premise of embracing “true Bahamian culture and history�,

the events will be highlighted by the theatrical re-enactment of the Burma Road riot and Black Tuesday.

Dr Daniel Johnson said yesterday that his ministry wants Bahamians across the country to “get excited about and celebrate our things�. He likened the build up to Majority Rule to the American civil rights movement.

Dr Johnson said Majority

Rule embodies the critical struggle for equality and human dignity for all Bahamians. “We have to tell the world our stories, our history, where we came from, our way – what The Bahamas has to offer. Our unique custom like Junkanoo, folklore, food, art, dance and music,� he said.

SEE PAGE TEN

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

PASTOR Lyall Bethel yesterday questioned if someone coached members of Bahamas Transgender Intersex United (BTIU) to appear ambivalent about the outcome of the gender equality referendum so as to not shed light on the “hidden agendas� of the fourth constitutional amendment.

Speaking about BTIU’s call for equal rights for members of the transgender and intersex community, Pastor Bethel said a move in this direction could open a “black hole that we can never see the end of�. He added that once the government starts discussing these “extreme� views, any “off the wall� group would try to make their lifestyle seen as normal.

SEE PAGE SIX

‘PAY OFF-DUTY POLICE TO PATROL THE CARNIVAL’

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE government should pay off-duty police officers to patrol events like Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival, Police Staff Association Chairman Inspector Dwight Smith said yesterday.

Officers on duty when such events happen are usually used to police those events.

But, citing precedents in countries like Trinidad, SEE PAGE THREE

PAGE 2, Thursday, April 28, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

1 DEAD, IN PARK

from page one

TERRANCE MCSWEENEY, who said Sunshine Park is usually a safe place.

Photo: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff

The Tribune visited the crime scene yesterday and spoke with several residents who said that, despite the latest shooting, they “still feel safe in Sunshine Park”.

One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said when she first heard the shots, she thought it was fireworks. It was not until she heard screaming that she realised “some people were shot”.

“People always on the park shooting firecrackers so that’s what I thought it was, until I heard someone

‘

scream ‘Help the girl, help the girl’.

“A lot of people were on the park at that time because every evening people come out on the park and play ball. This is six years I live here and I never see anything like that,” she said.

“I came out and I ran over to the girl lying on the ground and she said to me that she was shot in her leg and she was begging us for water, but I told the other lady that was helping her don’t give her no water because if she give her the water she was going to die.

“We went and prayed

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THE TRIBUNE TRIBUNE

5 HURT SHOOTING

‘

I came out and I ran over to the girl lying on the ground and she said to me that she was shot in her leg and she was begging us for water, but I told the other lady that was helping her don’t give her no water because if she give her the water she was going to die.

with her until the police and ambulance came, me and two other ladies. Only the girl I paid attention to.

She was talking telling us not to let her die and we must help her. We told her to hold on, the ambulance soon reach.”

Terrance McSweeny, a basketball coach and a Sunshine Park resident for more than 50 years, said he still feels safe and will continue to go to the park and help the children with basketball, despite the shooting.

“I have been living here from 1965 and I have always had good relations with the kids on the park. As a matter of fact when they playing ball, I give them my ball and when I need to get it back I get it back. Up to yesterday (Tuesday), I had shooting practice with one of my ball players and the guys were using the ball, quite a bit

of them congregate on the park,” Mr McSweeney said.

“It’s difficult to say if all the young men and women that you see on the park are from the neighbourhood.

“This area is relatively safe; other than a little mischief and fights on the basketball court, there isn’t much happening. So it’s difficult to brand the area even though the incident took place here.”

Anyone with information on this shooting is asked to contact police at 911 or 919, the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 328TIPS. Investigations continue.

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Thursday, Thursday,April April 28, 28, 2016, 2016, PAGE PAGE 33

‘Pay off-duty police to patrol the Carnival’ from page one Insp Smith said it is time for events like carnival to be considered private, where off-duty police officers are contracted and paid for their services.

The failure to let this happen, he said, suggests that the government doesn’t have police officers in mind when it talks about using events like carnival to stimulate the economy.

“If events like this are supposed to be a stimulus to the economy, then these people should have a chance to experience a boost,” he told The Tribune.

“If we say we are going to give $9m to carnival, we should say we will set aside $500,000 for security personnel. The same principle

DWIGHT SMITH should apply to Junkanoo and other events.

“What is a private event?

As far as the association is concerned, if you have to pay to go to an event then

that event becomes a private event. It cannot be a public event.”

Insp Smith said his association was once responsible for managing the way in which police officers are hired to police private events.

However, that responsibility was revoked by Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade after the PSA won a significant court case seeking overtime pay last year, he said.

“We’ve been doing this for quite some time,” he said. “At one point the association ran the affairs of private events. Officers would come in and we would select people to work the event. We’re the experts at private engagement events. But after recent events, namely the ruling

on overtime, that has been taken away from us.”

While seeking to have that responsibility returned to the PSA, Insp Smith said he is also trying to convince officials to let police officers share in the economic boost that is promised from events like carnival.

The appeal process for the overtime case will be heard before the Court of Appeal this month, attorney Wayne Munroe told The Tribune yesterday.

In his ruling last July, Justice Milton Evans said it was illegal for police officers to work 12-hour shifts without being paid overtime.

It was estimated that the government would have to pay out $16.5m to officers who worked overtime during particular periods in 2013 and 2014.

PAGE 4, Thursday, April 28, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

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Trump struggles to explain ‘America first’ foreign policy WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump strained to lay out a clear vision of his “America first” foreign policy on Wednesday, vowing to substitute hardheaded realism for what he called a postCold War era replete with US national security failures.

Yet the Republican presidential frontrunner outlined no strategy for how he’d make the United States at the same time a “consistent” and “unpredictable” force in the world. And he didn’t appear to allay the concerns of US and international critics — Republicans at home as well as Democrats — who see him as unfit for the responsibilities of commander in chief. “’America first’ will be the major and overriding theme of my administration,” Trump declared, echoing motifs from his campaign that is now close to sealing the GOP nomination.

Delivering his lines in a more sober, restrained manner than usual to cast himself as presidential material, the billionaire businessman and reality TV star toned down or omitted several of his most explosive — and oft-repeated — barbs. He made no reference to forcing Mexico to pay for a wall across the nation’s Southern border. He also didn’t revisit the idea of allowing Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia or any other country to develop nuclear weapons for selfdefence purposes.

Instead, Trump took aim at President Barack Obama’s embrace of an Iran nuclear agreement, Obama’s failure to eliminate the Islamic State group and other examples of what he termed a foreign policy of “randomness” and “chaos.” His criticism extended to Republicans, too, assailing President George W Bush for the Iraq war and mocking a foreign policy establishment of “old people” who have scoffed at his diplomatic and national security credentials.

“It’s time to shake the rust off America’s foreign policy,” Trump told academics, reporters and a smattering of supporters in a Washington hotel ballroom after being introduced by one such old voice of the foreign policy elite — Zalmay Khalilzad, a Bush-appointed former ambassador to Afghanistan, Iraq and the United Nations.

“My foreign policy will always put the interests of the American people and American security above all else,” he said. “It has to be first. Has to be. That will be the foundation of every single decision that I will make.”

Trump’s “new direction” in American foreign policy was vague even by the standards of presidential campaigns.

The US approach to fighting IS will be “strong” under a Trump administration, he vowed, offering no indication of troop levels he might authorize. He intends to ease tensions with Russia while negotiating “from a position of strength,” but he wouldn’t say what that means for US sanctions punishing Moscow for annexing Ukrainian territory. He said he’d balance America’s massive commercial

deficit with China “quickly,” without a word about tariff policy or existing trade agreements.

Trump also contradicted his own broad-brush approach to foreign policy.

He said at one point that the best way to achieve his goals was through “disciplined, deliberate and consistent” policy.

Later, however, he exhorted the nation to “be more unpredictable” in how it combats enemies.

“We have to be unpredictable starting now,” Trump declared in the 38-minute speech hosted by the Centre for the National Interest, an organization founded

by President Richard Nixon.

Democratic and Republican opponents immediately pounced on the speech’s substance, or lack thereof.

“No one wants an unpredictable ally,” said James Stavridis, the retired Navy admiral who served as NATO’s top commander in Europe from 2009 to 2013. “It sounds like isolationism.”

The “America First” anthem “is precisely what the world worries about,” said Christopher Hill, a Bush-appointed former ambassador to Iraq.

But Republican former presidential candidate Newt Gingrich voiced support.

“This was a serious foreign policy speech by Trump,” he tweeted. “It is worth reading and thinking about. It will be ridiculed by Washington elites.”

And the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Bob Corker of Tennessee, called it “a very good foreign policy speech,” but said he hoped for a time when “candidates in both parties will begin focusing not only on the problems we face but on solutions.”

Fresh off a sweep of five Northeastern primaries and on a clearer path to nomination, Trump repeated assertions that US allies must contribute more to international security agreements, such as NATO, to reap the benefits of American military protection. Yet he tried to assure allies the US would recommit to them if he’s elected president.

Some of the messaging was no different than Obama’s, Bush’s or any other recent US leader. “We should seek common ground based on mutual interests,” Trump said of Russia and China, two leading geopolitical rivals.

But his criticism of the last 15 years of US policy in the Mideast was particularly pointed. Trump’s likely opponent in the general election, Democrat Hillary Clinton, was Obama’s secretary of state and a key architect of the effort.

“We’ve made the Middle East more unstable and chaotic than ever before,” said Trump, lumping in Obama’s abandonment of US ally Hosni Mubarak in Egypt, a record of recriminations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a refusal to enforce his own “red line” for military action after Syrian President Bashar Assad unleashed chemical weapons.

By Bradley Klapper of the Associated Press

The hypocrisy of Greg Moss EDITOR, The Tribune.

I READ with interest the article entitled, “Three More MPs Failed to Declare Their Assets” in the Wednesday, April 27, 2016 edition of you paper. Among the members of parliament currently breaking the law is Member of Parliament for Righteous Indignation, Mr Greg Moss.

The blustering Moss has spent the last few months telling us that he not only knows the law, but that he knows it better than the legal luminaries on the Constitutional Commission. He has also suggested that the Government of The Bahamas is lying to the Bahamian people, and has some kind of hidden homosexual

agenda. Apparently, Moss has been so busy muddying the waters around the referendum that he “just realised that (he) didn’t file”. Weak.

Now, we must necessarily doubt Moss’ legal prowess because The Public Disclosure Act is clear. Members of Parliament must furnish the Public Disclosure Commission by the 1st of March, if they haven’t declared by the 31st of December past.

If he can’t understand that, why should we listen to his musing on the constitutional referendum.

Perhaps, it is not ignorance. While Moss has warned of the underhanded tactics and misleading motives of the Government, it looks as though he has been breaking the law himself.

Perhaps he is no different than those garish televangelists – like some of the religious leaders he has aligned himself with – who preaching the gospel with such fervent zeal you fail to realise they are also counting the offering money.

I would ask Moss to choose – ignorance or deceit? – but it really doesn’t matter.

This is really about hypocrisy. We should all find it difficult to believe a man who says that for the good of the country we should trust his judgment and govern ourselves against some phantom doom, when he cannot govern himself or his own affairs.

OLIVER POPE Nassau, April 27, 2016.

Is Sears Christie’s successor?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

ALFRED Sears has re-entered front-line politics, which has oft been described as a rough and tumble business. The former PLP Cabinet minister and Fort Charlotte MP has decided to come out of a self imposed four-year hiatus to challenge his former PLP successor in Fort Charlotte, Dr Andre Rollins. It is a huge sacrifice for Sears.

From my vantage point, he looked content as a private citizen. I read a while back that Fort Charlotte constituents were petitioning for the return of Sears, after it became apparent that Rollins was not a genuine PLP. There may very well be far more to Sears’ return than meets the eye.

My interest in this particular development was piqued by an editorial which was published in the April 25 edition of The Nassau Guardian. The gist of The Guardian editorial concerned Prime Minister Perry Christie’s eventual departure from front-line politics, and his possible successor. The editorial mentioned Deputy Prime Minister Philip ‘‘Brave’’ Davis, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell as prospective successors. You would have to think that Davis is on top this short list, due to him being deputy prime minister and deputy leader of the PLP.

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net The general consensus in the political world is that Davis wants to be the next prime minister. This appears to be his greatest political aspiration. He has quietly and patiently waited his turn. However, Davis may be confronted by a political roadblock. And that roadblock may be none other than the newly minted PLP standard bearer for Fort Charlotte: Alfred Sears.

I have arrived at this hypothesis due to an article which was written a few years back in one of the dailies. Sears’ recent return has only served to fueled this speculation.

Has Christie shrewdly and quietly handpicked his successor in the person of Alfred Sears? In Sun Tzu’s Art of War, it is said that ‘‘when the strategy of opponents first makes an appearance, you operate secretly in such a way as to be able to attack it. Since the effort used is little, and your assurance of victory is done in a subtle way, that victory is an easy one”.

If my hypothesis is accurate, it would then mean that Christie has no confidence in supposed leadership front-runners Davis, Mitchell and Wilchcombe.

It would also mean that Christie does not want any of the aforementioned to succeed him as PLP leader and subsequently prime

minister. In all likelihood, though, such as scenario, however far-fetched it may be, has the potential to start a political bloodbath within the PLP between the Christie and Davis factions.

There have been rumours that the Davis faction of the PLP was disillusioned and frustrated with Christie for remaining in active politics. Clearly any attempts to stymie Davis would cause a political melee within the PLP. The infighting among the Minnis and Butler-Turner factions within the FNM would pale in comparison. I cannot envisage Sears being Christie’s choice for leader siting well with an ambitious Davis.

Adding intrigue to this hypothesis is the known fact that Sears has numbers boss Craig Flowers in his corner, as per The Nassau Guardian. Davis has plenty clout indeed, but can he successfully withstand the formidable triumvirate of Christie, Sears and Flowers? I seriously doubt he can. But for what it’s worth, if Sears is Christie’s choice to succeed him, then I honestly believe that he will become the next leader of the PLP. However, first thing first, Sears will have to win in Fort Charlotte, which will not be easy considering the PLP’s underwhelming performance the past four years.

KEVIN EVANS Freeport, GB April 27, 2016.

Questions for Dame Joan EDITOR, The Tribune.

IS Dame Joan Sawyer really serious?

What would she have said if a clearly less qualified male lawyer had been chosen over her to be President

of the Court of Appeal?

Or if Parliament passed an Act providing that male judges of the Courts be paid more than female judges just because they are men?

Or if her pension was cut to only half of what male

judges get because she is only a woman?

Or if she is told to shut up and let the men handle this?

OLD TIMER Nassau, April 26, 2016.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, April 28, 2016, PAGE 5

Dame Joan ‘absolutely mistaken’ on referendum

GEORGE SMITH

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Tribune Staff Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Cabinet minister George Smith yesterday said former Court of Appeal President Dame Joan Sawyer’s recent comments branding the upcoming June 7 referendum “a waste of time” were “disappointing” and signalled that she is “absolutely mistaken” on the needed constitutional changes.

Her statements, Mr Smith said, may be a “haunting” example of how thousands of Bahamians view the impending referendum.

While Mr Smith said he will not attribute any motives to her “damaging” comments, he told The Tribune that Bahamians should question the motives of other groups in this country that he feels are intentionally attempting to confuse the electorate on what the four constitutional amendments aim to do.

Mr Smith - a strong advocate for the success of the referen-

dum - said Bahamian women, particularly mothers deserve the changes, as “there is not a more noble profession anywhere in the world.”

“She (Dame Joan) and I are both Exumians and I have very special spot in my heart for all Exumians,” Mr Smith said yesterday when he was contacted.

“But I think she is absolutely mistaken and it is disappointing that a woman of her judicial acclaim and personal accomplishments, having served in the Attorney General’s Office and later becoming chief justice and president of the Court of Appeal would make such a damaging statement and said she didn’t read the bills. It’s unfortunate.

“I will not attribute to her any motives beyond maybe she just didn’t think about it. But I do believe there are people and spiritual leaders that are deliberately confusing the public. There are some groups of men out there who believe that women are inferior, you know the misogynists. Then there are

others who want to confuse the public that the gay rights movement is behind this.

“It is unfortunate and dishonest.”

Dame Joan served as chief justice from 1996 to 2001. That same year she was appointed president of the Court of Appeal, a post she held until she retired in 2010.

She has attracted fierce criticism over her comments from both sides of the political divide.

On Tuesday, Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner questioned Dame Joan’s motives.

Mrs Butler-Turner said what “bothered” her the most about Dame Joan’s comments, was the former chief justice’s declaration that if she did vote, she would vote no, despite not reading any of the proposed questions.

“Dame Joan is misleading the electorate,” Mrs Butler Turner said.

“This is about equality for men and women where they are not able to pass citizenship. This is about equality for our boys

and girls. What really bothered me and most Bahamians is the fact that persons like Dame Joan Sawyer have reached the pinnacle of their legal career, she retired as the chief justice and the fact that she was able to make such strong pronouncements in the absence of facts, really gives me reason to question the motive.

“I would think in the regard that I hold her, I would want to know before she speaks to an issue as critical as this, she would be speaking from a position on knowledge, it seems that she has put these statements out there and by her own admission has not read or studied them.”

Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson has also responded to Dame Joan’s comments.

Mrs Maynard-Gibson, in a statement released Monday night, said the main purpose of the referendum is to ensure that “equality under our laws be enshrined in our nation’s most important legal document.”

‘SAME-SEX MARRIAGE IS ALREADY CONSTITUTIONAL’

from page one

“The simple truth, however, is that the bills couldn’t possibly have the effect they claim, as the path to such unions has been enshrined in our supreme law since independence,” he said in a statement.

“This was decided by the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal in The Bahamas in 1996 in a case argued by myself and Maurice Glinton, QC, before Dame Joan Sawyer in Harbour Lobster and Fish Co and Jeffrey Butler vs. Attorney General, when the courts held that discrimination on the grounds of “sex” and “gender” were unconstitutional.

“Therefore, any couple denied the right to be married can mount a constitutional challenge on the basis of this protection and have the courts ratify their union.”

Mr Smith noted that London’s Privy Council, the country’s highest court of appeal, has recognised same-sex unions since 2013.

The fourth Constitutional Amendment Bill has

been mired in controversy due to belief from some quarters that a yes vote would lead to same-sex marriage. The proposed change seeks to update Article 26 of the Constitution to outlaw discrimination based on sex.

Bill one as written would give Bahamian women who are married to foreign men the right to pass on their Bahamian citizenship to any child of that union no matter where that child is born.

The Constitution currently says that only Bahamian male citizens by birth have that right.

Bill two as written would allow a Bahamian woman married to a foreign man the right to secure for her husband the same access to Bahamian citizenship as a Bahamian male has in relation to his foreign wife.

Bill three would grant any unmarried Bahamian man the right to pass on his Bahamian citizenship to any child he fathers with a foreign woman with proof of paternity.

Mr Smith added: “So this referendum has

nothing whatsoever to do with same-sex marriage and everything to do with ending discrimination against Bahamian women, and in some cases men, solely on the basis of their gender.

“There is nothing hidden or even controversial in what the government is trying to do; the intention is simply to amend another section of the Constitution so as to bring it in line with the protections outlined in Article 15.”

Mr Smith also commended the government for following through on its promise to hold the gender equality referendum, as he pledged his organisation’s full support of the YES Bahamas campaign.

He also cautioned that his comments were not to be interpreted as support of discrimination against gay rights or the LGBT community.

Mr Smith underscored

that while gender equality and gay rights were separate issues, both struggles were supported by the GBHRA. He said his organisation believed that the LGBT community should benefit from all rights and privileges, including the right to marry.

“The GBRHA will push for the success of this referendum, even as we continue to fight discrimination in all its forms – whether based on race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, sexual preference, or any other arbitrary, morally indefensible consideration,” he said.

The referendum will be held on June 7.

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PAGE 6, Thursday, April 28, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Pastor speaks out after transgender call for rights

from page one

He also urged the Christie administration to “make its position clear” amid growing concern from some observers that the fourth bill would open the door to same-sex marriages.

He stressed that the bill’s wording gives the impression that special rights are obtainable by any minority group that feels it is being discriminated against.

Pastor Bethel’s comments came on the heels of the launch of BTIU’s equality campaign, “Bahamian Trans Lives Matter”.

On Tuesday, BTIU representatives called on the Christie administration to ensure that the fundamental rights of all genders of Bahamians - male, female and transgendered - are protected through law.

The group further claimed that they weren’t in support of or against any of the amendments proposed for the gender equal-

ATTENDEES at the transgender and intersex community press conference at the British Colonial Hilton this week. ity vote.

However, Pastor Bethel said their current position of “it doesn’t matter to

them” does not “hold water.”

He said members of the group attended the House

of Assembly in March to hail the passage of the bills.

Pastor Bethel added that their original position gave the impression that they saw value in the bills and therefore supported the four amendments.

In March, transgender woman Torri Culmer told The Tribune she believed if the referendum is successful, it would help members of the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

Pastor Bethel on Wednesday said the change in position by the group has raised red flags.

“Now, them saying that they don’t have a horse in the race on this matter seems somewhat disingenuous. Nothing changed since the bills were announced.

They were there in Rawson Square cheering these bills then. Why the change all of a sudden?

“Is it them understanding that their support would shed light on the hidden agendas of bill four? Or is it someone in the ear telling them to publicly distance themselves from yes vote campaign?”

Pastor Bethel said transgender and intersex people possess rights on par with every other Bahamian.

“If they were born as a

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

man, that is the rights that they have; so is the case if they were born female.

“The minute the government starts to (discuss) these extreme views, any and every off the wall grouping of people would set out to make their beliefs and practices the norm in this country,” he added.

“What is next? If a person wants to become a cat, are we then expected to bow down and grant that right to them to act and live beyond the social and religious confines? It is unfair for them to demand that we adapt our laws to fit their beliefs.

“They are demanding healthcare and rights in that regards, are we as taxpayers supposed to fit the bill for their hormone treatment and procedures moving forward? This is why I make the point - we can’t start the process of granting such rights because it will become a black hole that we can never see the end of.

“This is why the government has to clarify this matter. The issue of gender equality has many unanswered questions that need to be addressed,” he added.

The Grace Community Church pastor said his comments ought to be viewed as his “personal stance” and not the official position of the Save Our Bahamas

committee, a group that has launched a campaign against the fourth bill.

Meanwhile, in a statement released by the YES Bahamas campaign on Tuesday night, the group stressed that the referendum will not address the specific issues of BTIU. The statement also responded to LGBT rights advocate Erin Greene, who has said she is voting no to bill four because it does not address intersex issues.

“While the yes campaign is building a broad coalition of support, we are not surprised by BTIU and Erin Greene’s objection to the amendments,” the group’s statement read.

“The issues BTIU is advocating for are not represented in these amendments, which would give Bahamian men and women equal rights to pass on citizenship to their family members, and would enshrine in the Constitution the right of men and women to have the same opportunities and the same protections in our laws.”

YES Bahamas said it welcomes the opportunity to clarify again that none of the amendments on the referendum ballot would pave the way for same-sex marriage nor bestow any new rights to the LGBT community.

YOUNG MOTHER ONE OF TWO PEOPLE KILLED IN CAR ACCIDENTS

Mall at Marathon•Southwest Plaza (Open Every Sunday) 9am-5:30pm Southwest Plaza Location only!

from page one

According to reports, around 5am, a man was driving west on Farrington Road when he collided

with a guard rail at the Thompson Boulevard roundabout. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

ASP Stubbs said police believe the man may have

had a heart attack or stroke while driving, which may have led to the accident.

However he said an autopsy would be performed to determine the exact cause of death.

Bahama Islands Co-operative Credit Union Limited (BICCU) Formerly Bahama Islands Resorts & Casinos Co-operative Credit Union Limited

NOMINATIONS BICCU wishes to announce that applications are now being invited from members in good standing who may wish to become a candidate for a vacancy on one of the following: Board of Directors Supervisory Committee Credit Committee The election to fill vacancies will take place at the 30th Annual General Meeting to be held on May 27th 2016 at 5:00 p.m. at The Prince of Wales Room, Beach Tower, Atlantis Paradise Island.

All members interested in serving in any of these positions should collect an application form from the office of BICCU at #11 Village Road, Nassau, Bahamas between the hours of 9AM – 3PM, Mondays – Fridays or download it from our website www.biccu.org. The qualifications, duties and responsibilities for each post are available upon request.

Completed applications, along with the other relevant information requested should be returned to the office of BICCU on or before the close of business on Friday, May 13th 2016 for consideration by the Nominating Committee.

Members are also reminded that all Resolutions for the Annual General Meeting’s consideration must also be submitted by Friday May 6th 2016.

Any application, not completed or returned without the requested supporting information, or received after the aforementioned date will not be eligible for consideration.

Signed

Hilton Bowleg Chairman

Estella Walkes Secretary

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, April 28, 2016, PAGE 7

RAPIST WANTS COURT APPEALS TO BE HEARD SEPARATELY

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MAN challenging two rape convictions in the Court of Appeal is looking to have them heard separately.

Oscar Ingraham appeared before the appellate court for his substantive hearing of his appeals concerning the separate sexual assaults of two women in 2012.

For the first attack, which took place on February 28, 2012, Ingraham was given ten years for burglary, 15 years for each of the two counts of armed robbery and 25 years for rape.

Regarding the second incident, which happened between 11pm on May 29 and 5am on May 30, 2012, Ingraham was sentenced to 15 years for burglary, 20 years for the single count of armed robbery and 30 years for rape.

The sentences for the two incidents were imposed on the same day - October 7, 2014 - and were ordered to run concurrently. His appeals were filed jointly.

Notably absent from yesterday’s hearing was Ingraham’s lawyer, Wayne Munroe, QC. Crown respondent Darell Taylor told the court the appellant had to serve the Crown with documentation

of his formal request for his appeals to be heard separately.

The appellate court confirmed to associate attorney Roberto Reckley that nothing had not been filed on the February 26 deadline, notwithstanding Mr Munroe’s undertaking to do so.

His notable absence was explained by Mr Reckley.

“Mr Munroe is before the Supreme Court in a jury trial that began last week.

It was anticipated it would have already been concluded but that’s not the case,” Mr Munroe’s associate said.

Mr Reckley added that he was not familiar with the matter and sought an adjournment.

“Mr Munroe should have anticipated that he would have had the big case coming up and he ought to have given instructions to one of his associates. He’s not a one man band,” Justice Dame Anita Allen said.

The appellate court asked about the whereabouts of a junior lawyer who appears on the record for Ingraham.

Mr Reckley said attorney Ryszard Humes was not feeling well and out of office since Monday.

“If he was sick two days ago, why didn’t he give someone else the file?” the appellate president asked.

Mr Reckley said he was only seeking an adjournment because it would not

MURDER SUSPECT ASKS TO HAVE ANKLE BRACELET REMOVED

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MAN awaiting trial in the Supreme Court on murder and attempted murder charges has applied to a judge for a variation of his current bail conditions.

Duran Neely, of Avocado Street, Pinewood Gardens, appeared before Justice Bernard Turner seeking to have an electronic monitoring ankle bracelet removed due to the constant harassment by police.

Neely is accused of the January 1, 2014, attempted murder of Jason Clarke and his friend, Michael Preval, in Pinewood Gardens.

That night, the deceased and Preval were sitting in front of an apartment complex on Buttonwood Avenue when the occupants of a vehicle pulled up and fired several shots at them before speeding off.

Clarke received multiple gunshot wounds and was

pronounced dead at the scene while Preval was taken to hospital and treated for a leg wound.

Prosecutors allege that Neely made another attempt on Preval’s life on April 17, 2014.

Neely made his initial appearance before a magistrate on the charges on May 13, 2014, and was remanded to prison because the court did not have the jurisdiction to grant bail.

Justice Turner granted him $20,000 bail in the Supreme Court four months later where the monitoring device was imposed as a condition.

Neely and his lawyer, Jomo Campbell, are now seeking to have the device removed notwithstanding the accused’s approaching trial date of August 15.

The hearing was adjourned to May 4 to allow the Crown sufficient time to respond to the contents of Neely’s late filed affidavit.

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be fair to the appellant to be disadvantaged by having someone unfamiliar with the matter argue his appeal.

The adjournment was granted to June 2.

OSCAR Ingraham pictured at a previous court appearance.

he Tribune Once again, MPs fail to A BAHAMIAN ABRO AD BUYING A HOME obey law on disclosures

HIGH L ATEST N PAGE 8, Thursday, April 28, 2016 84ºF E W LOW

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WHY STUDENTS

A Young Man’s View

By ADRIAN GIBSON

M

UCH like in previous years, we see widespread lawbreaking by lawmakers who have yet again failed to abide by the law that mandates that they file annual financial declarations.

For far too long, the Public Disclosures Act has not been complied with and, what’s more, the Public Disclosures Commission (PDC) is a neutered watch-poodle that exercises no real power against lawless legislators, some of whom pretend to represent their constituents’ interests whilst expecting to live above the law, telling them by action that some Bahamians (meaning them) –- in true Orwellian fashion – are “more equal than others”.

Frankly, the Public Disclosures Act (PDA) is a surrogate marker for honesty where little to no honesty exists. The truth is, even civil society and we in the media are raising hell about relative worthlessness - the most worthless being the people who do not disclose.

In 2014, we saw the same story play out. At that time, Prime Minister Perry Christie told the House of Assembly that the PDC had reported that “a number” of present and former parliamentarians and senators, along with senior public officers, have failed to submit declarations as mandated in the Act. However, much as he did this week, at that time

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he did not confirm whether he was compliant with the law though he urged Members of Parliament to prioritise submissions during his closing budget contribution Would in the House of Assembly. did not not say The stench of hypocrisy file prevails today.

PRIME MINISTE R PERRY CHRIS TIE At that time, Mr Christie LESLIE MILLER stated that the government might have given future consideration to how the matter of public disclosures is handled in Britain unsure and adopt some of those w h ich yea measures in a bid to reduce filing he file r unnecessary public embard

By KHRISNA rassment for local politi‘this week’ DEPUTY PRIM Tribune Staf VIRGIL on whether E MI f cians. Mr Christie said: “I PHILLP ‘BRAV NISTER kvirgil@ tribun Reporter breach of the he was in Prime M E’ DAVIS. emedia.net inister Philip law. Instead, he defle “Brav and sen just want to be able to say HOW The Tribune reported the oferMPs to e”disclose as required byatothe ANDRE ROLLINS ctedfailure Davis to anoth rs law.

AT unsure, but ad said he was alties for fai to face pen- public offi members of matter. cia lin ded that he that this is a requirement, Parliamleaenstt 10 wo “W annual finan g to file the the annual su ls, and called close prop uld check the hy do you wa have failed to Parliament or sitting in the cia erty Act - which bm status of rat of the nt to his l decla- “w issionthe file financiaThe talk to me rate spirit allabou people seeking disclosures wi to that I will be causing those by The Bahama owned in eak” un s s. It also fol l decla last time th his ac- recion s, the land it wawas lows disclosed s an meant the March 1 rations M r Christie ask t that?” countant. a election ye les Parliament was en to the pubca t n US be sei deadline he Sta ar. ed whensitting in the zedallow an persons who have not yet as required run for Parliament was questioned or ment repor t te DepartM r Davis sa id: to the govern d forfeited Accord by the Pu ing in April 2012, weeks before tha to by “I bli me some degree of transparthe Pulic t high- Di this I sig ne know lighte c newspape nt.

Disclosure Ac bli c scl d disclosed to know that it is ing d r.

Sp someth ing a osure Act, a the subject of eaking to Th t, accordcou- ruption summ cor- ry of election. e Trif to the MParliament ple ofin “You a- unto ib- their disclosed was theanMay 7 me general know I don’t weekApril ency e determine the de Ps who we s ago bu ye d govern expected and to make every polled by nt be publi clarations shall Disclos sterday, Public The Tribune. re interviews outside of give not su re if it was t I am transpa ren sh cy ur ed . e in At that time, we saw a defor Co a the 7 is engaged in corrupt mm th is gazeMP W hen asked Cabinet Of fic iss ye tte ion ar an Th weeks before the May general or (P d e DC an effort to submit their dis- iss2012, 20 las y person who 15 Country Re ) Chairman t e ab do ue last week out the But I am work any more. check with year. I wi ll ports tailed Mylesof the -of no es Laroda - the outlay the finances on Huma practises truth ing on a few my ac countwa Prime big thi n Rights lia t comply with the law closures to the Disclosure Melection. inister Perry , At ant.”a detailed is the decis s adamant that Practices in ngs so give we ble to a fine no that time, saw Ch ion thi me ris s a to tie of the 133 candidates who co da t pr ex untry y matter is that that doesn’t osecute ceed fu Th is comes Commission. It is an impor- did not answer questions orMtweao.” am id in- therther took issue that ing $10,0 00 or imprison- someone for breaching the cre ased candidates nwhile, of re wa act is left up nt of vied for seats. me There were happen. outlay of the finances the 133 Depu to the discrety public for ca lls from the verifica s no independent years. not more than tw tant requirement. o tio n of the Of fic tionmillionaires elected of ficial of annual pu 56 on list. e of the politiFrankly, several s lic disclo Attorney Gene If that a parliamen sures from sen b“A few years ago, the who vied for seats. There were 56 ral. tarian ior delib eralittle Today, there is tely doesto cians have told SE E PAGES TW me that disnot disclerk of the House pointed millionaires on that list.’ & THREE no observation of the Pub- closure makesOthem an open out to me the disclosure According to the law, if lic Disclosure Act (PDA). I target for some members provisions of the Parlia- and senators are required ment of the United King- by law to turn in their finan- a parliamentarian delib- think having an Act that no of the public to harass for dom and it is worthy for us cial disclosures to the PDC erately does not disclose one adheres to is foolish. It money and/or could make at some stage or the other by March each year cover- property owned in The is no more than a circle jerk. them the subject of derision if they are not worth more to see in fact how they go ing their assets and liabili- Bahamas, the land can be f one was to scrutinise than $50,000. about with their public dis- dties for the previous year. seized and forfeited to the documHowever, the disclosures of Paridsummary That said, there is no ents in declaranot of thedid government. closures, so as to minimise A not liamentarians, how verification of what is in the f should be published in i spite of the law, the disclol the extent to which there tions ‘i e file n the manydof them are fabricat- disclosures filed that are being a Gazette, the Publicfile Dis- sures are rarely made public s could be public embarrass-RICHAthe o k n ed must RD LIGHT UR tim m a ed?

Disclosure is intended il made.

One ’ e N says. KHAA forsimply acaside from an election year on ment unnecessarily by pro- closuresBOAct time LIS ROLLE mor be a monitoring tool for cept what is written.

There MICHAELcandidate ATTORNto e t EY GE The Act states that any when each must HALKITIS vision in the law.”

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There isMIno forensic auditFRED TO ‘PLP HEL We need to acknowledge TCHELL a replay of the aforesaid ply with the law is liable to order to run PI DE N G AT the failings of the PDA, TH H ing.

The verification proIN EI R AN Bahamians would perFR DR IE OS failures to disclose in 2015. a fine not exceeding $10,000 ND - AND cess

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Staff nscavella @trib Reporter A 19 -year- old unemedia.net youth is dead after he FR EE Natio during fight was stabbed nal Mov at in Andros ea a nightclub ment Leader Dr Hu ebe rly yesterday M innis ye morning. sterday critic rt ised the Christie ad According to mi nis tra tion police re- for exhibitin ports, shortly g a “help aft teen was involv er 2am the those who help us” me ing nta ed lity in an in go arve gument with another man that “tens rnance, charging at a club that resulted in the Bahamian of thousands” of victim being s cannot prov sta ple times in his bbed multi- for their families as a res ide ult. body.

Dr M innis, in a SEE PAGE SIX accused the govestatement, rn me nt of using “pay-to -play” tactics

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ll their dealings” furth government By SANCHESKA BROW N that Bahamian er charging Tribune Staff Reporter “have to be pa s should not sbrown@ tribunemedia.net rt of a club to put food on the ir TH REE me Dr Minnis’ tables”. n are dead comments and another were in res ponse to re- pital after tw man is in hoso separate tra cent revelatio fns by senior fic accidents PLP officials in the Family tha awards contrac t the party Islands over the weekend. ts to Th su e pp latest acciden orters, as well as t took ad the chairman missions by place early yesterday morn of the Bahama of the Bank ing in Eleuthera.

According political cons s (BOB) that to rep or ts, ide fluenced lendin rations in- shortly after midnight, a g decisions man was drivi Honda Accord ng a white on Queen’s SEE PAGE SIX SEE PAGE SIX

ading Newspa per

THE TRIBUNE How many persons have been penalised since the enactment of the PDA in 1977? It is simply a joke. All MPs do is put something down on a piece of paper and the public and the press is then satisfied.

Nobody is jailed or fined if they do not disclose. Who will fine Mr Christie and other MPs and senators who haven’t disclosed or claim that their disclosures are in the mail or some other lame excuse?

The only way to change the state of affairs is via a leadership team that is committed to the spirit and intent of disclosures, a team that understands the pros and the cons of disclosure and non-disclosure. As it stands, disclosures merely serve as the cause of speculative conversations over coffee or at the water cooler.

Why are there no random audits of the disclosures of public officials? Do we really want to know the truth or are we more concerned about who took the time to write some fanciful, unsubstantiated numbers on a piece of paper?

Our politicians approach

‘

Thursday, April 28, 2016, PAGE 9

Why are there no random audits of the disclosures of public officials?

Do we really want to know the truth or are we more concerned about who took the time to write some fanciful, unsubstantiated numbers on a piece of paper?’

to the PDA is not much different from their approach to campaign financing, particularly that which speaks to bribery and buying elections. There are many Bahamians who can attest to receiving bribes and money for votes each election cycle. In fact, many Bahamians look forward to general elections. It is perceived that if the bribes and vote buying is done in a slick and discreet way, it’s just all right. Inducements and money to gain votes is the order of the day in local politics and most Bahamians know it.

We need to wake up and understand that the PDA is useless in improving our access to information, that it confers no transparency nor does it confirm the integrity of any elected or public official.

ON Sunday, I suffered a harrowing experience at the hands of two officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF). It opened my eyes to the abuses, disrespect and breaches of constitutional rights that so many Bahamians have been subjected to by rogue elements of the police.

I won’t discuss that experience here as that experience is being addressed via other means.

However, I will spend the next few weeks looking at the issues confronting the police force, with insider information and a critical view to offering suggestions that could hopefully better policing tactics, training and so on.

Indeed, though I have experienced some of the worst of the worst, I believe that the RBPF is still home to some of the most credible, decent Bahamians. I have a number of friends and family members who are police officers. I find many of them – if not all – to be people of impeccable character and integrity who would not sacrifice the truth and

‘

The PDA speaks to an expectation of the Bahamian people that suggests that yet again, we are being abused by politicians who can impress some by submitting a document that is not subject to critical, audited scrutiny. How can we be satisfied with that, how little have we come to expect?

S

o, either we get rid of the PDA altogether or put teeth into it.

The current half-baked approach makes for nonsensical, alcohol-laced conversations only and nothing more. I can hear folks gossiping now about who is a millionaire and who is not.

If we are outraged, let’s acknowledge that the basis for the damning Auditor General’s report on social services is demonstrative of the level of corruption in

The Bahamas. The people that suffer most are the most vulnerable. We see corruption at the Post Office, Road Traffic, the Police Force, BAMSI and other areas and sources of shrinkage or leakage of Bahamian taxpayers’ money. There is no question that it is real.

Our leaders, at some point, will have to stop this charade about the PDA and deal with these issues in a way that actually staunches the bleeding.

If I pick any MP or senator right now and subject them to an independent audit, how many would change their disclosure? In many instances, it is highly likely that there is a material difference between reality and what they disclose.

After all, elected and public officials are supposed to obtain audited bank statements and up-to-date assessments of their real property. We know that the only way to get a true value for real property is to have it appraised. Where are the appraisals? I have a feeling that many of them pull random numbers out of thin air and write those down, leav-

ing out that whatever they so please.

How is the PDC to examine the declarations and properly opine as to whether they are reasonable and accurate renderings with appraisals and audited bank statements? I personally don’t believe that many disclosures are either accurate, honest or helpful in changing or highlighting the fiscal integrity of Bahamian politicians.

When the PDA was passed, no doubt it was well intended. After all, the old adage is that the road to Hell is paved with good intentions.

Just a few short years after the passage of the PDA in 1977, the 1984 Commission of Inquiry revealed that elected and public officials were engaging in untold corruption. The minority report of Archbishop Drexel Gomez raised serious concerns about former Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling’s finances and how he acquired certain monies deposited in his bank account. And, yet there were other disgraced individuals who were named or caught

up in questionable activities that involved large amounts of money, particularly the ill-gotten gains of drug dealers. Yet, none of them suffered any serious reprimand or penalties as a result of this PDA. So, what good has it been?

Currently, we have MPs who are alleged to be exposed and defaulting on loans to the Bank of the Bahamas. As such, if the disclosure process was accurate, some of them would be deemed bankrupt. Yet, they continue to serve.

So, what’s the point of the PDA? Many elected and public officials have revenues they have not disclosed. Yet, we nod our head, wink and look in the other direction.

We are satisfied to know that they have filled out a piece of paper.

Please!

Our interest has to be more than merely questioning if an MP or public official filed a disclosure but rather if they filed an honest disclosure.

Comments and responses to ajbahama@hotmail.com

Losing trust in the police force

Every dirty or corrupt or overreaching or abusive police officer creates untold damage to the rule of law and the level of lawlessness in this country.’ what is right for some expedient means. What’s more, there are far too many in the upper echelon of the police force who merely pay lip service to change.

These days, quite a number who join the RBPF are barely literate.

The force has seemingly been recruiting, in some respects, from the bottom rung of society and hiring folks merely on the recommendations of MPs, pastors or as some political favour. Many of these people are unemployable elsewhere.

Some of them have no real skillset.

I was recently sent a copy of one of the social studies examinations given to new recruits. I decided to test my six-year-old son with

it. He was able to answer half or nearly half of the questions. So, should my six-year-old now be allowed to join the force? After all, he must have scored at least half the percentage points needed to pass that exam.

We have horrendous systemic challenges that have resulted in a subset of officers who bring discredit and disrepute to the police force and who thereby dramatically undermine public confidence in the RBPF and the other uniformed services.

The fact that we have not aggressively dealt with the challenge is, in part, a reflection of the culture of criminality in The Bahamas and a culture that has perpetuated and worsened the problem. We need, more than ever, to encourage, introduce, maintain and cultivate a culture that does not condone or allow the type of boorish behaviour that has allowed the RBPF to deteriorate so dramatically in the eyes of the Bahamian people.

Every dirty or corrupt or overreaching or abusive police officer

creates untold damage to the rule of law and the level of lawlessness in this country.

We have turned a blind eye to it to our own detriment. Now the chickens have come home to roost. In some cases, we now have gangsters in uniforms projecting themselves as protecting and serving us when they are only protecting their own self-interests, abusing us, violating our constitutional rights and making a mockery of good and honest community policing. In some cases, some officers falsely believe themselves to have more power than they actually do. Some of them believe themselves to be a law unto themselves rather than the enforcers of the law. Some of them believe themselves to be above the law.

It is no wonder that the community no longer trusts the police. In some instances, what we are witnessing can only be likened to the fox guarding the henhouse. There is no place for that.

I have received an outpouring of support after people heard of

Sunday’s incident concerning me.

In one case, a young lady told me that she was involved in a traffic matter. She stated that she went to a police station to fill out a report. She is attractive. The officers that she interacted with at that station, I am told, insisted that they needed to take a picture of her and that she needed to take down her top and bra. She was offended by this but in the end, she felt threatened and ended up feeling as if she had no choice. This is unacceptable.

In December, 2015, President of the Bar Elsworth Johnson was told by a junior police officer to “carry his arse”. He was attending a police station to see about a client. These rogues must be weeded out immediately.

I am inviting readers to send me stories of your encounters with police officers. I will be “parked” on this topic for the next few weeks and I look forward to your responses.

Comments and responses to ajbahama@hotmail.com

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PAGE 10, Thursday, April 28, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

THE PRESS conference held yesterday to announce the events planned in the countdown to the 50th anniversary of Majority Rule.

Photos: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff

Events revealed for 50th anniversary of Majority Rule from page one According to the Carmichael MP, the 50th anniversary of Majority Rule will give the Bahamas a unique opportunity to share its story.

The 50th anniversary celebrations will be held under the theme ‘Many Islands, One People’; as the ministry looks to broaden the

scope of the 2017 observation of the historic day.

Culture director Rowena Poitier said the festivities are seeking to raise the cultural awareness of The Bahamas.

“In order to raise our cultural awareness we, as a people must first understand our story,” she said.

Events are scheduled from now until the 2017 Majority Rule holiday, with

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major festivities planned for a number of the Family Islands.

The events associated with the 50th anniversary celebration got underway earlier this month, with the 2016 Youth Cultural Fest parade and concert at Arawak Cay. On May 5, Dr Desiree Cox will give a public lecture at the Bahamas National Art Gallery.

Dr Cox said her lecture series would present the dynamic capabilities of the Bahamian culture, stressing that as a society, The Bahamas has now progressed to a point where its natural identity can enable social, industrial and economic expansion.

Additionally, May is expected to mark the start of a weekly storytelling exercise - ‘Folk Tale Saturday’ at the Father Marshall Cooper Park in Mason’s Addition at which classic Bahamians folktales would be shared in parks throughout the country.

‘Folk Tale Saturday’ is expected to take place on all major Family Islands.

On June 1, the ministry will re-enact the Burma Road riot performed by

CULTURAL officer Terez Nixon. high school students.

Events are expected to continue throughout the rest of 2016 leading up to a grand celebration at the National Stadium on January 10, 2017, to commemorate Majority Rule Day. As a part of the festivities, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture has launched a song competition to play out September 1 to 3.

The winner of the song competition will receive a $25,000 grand prize with second place taking $20,000.

There also will be a high school poetry competition in October, with the winner receiving a brand new computer.

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We appreciate and thank all who express interest in the position. However, only qualified candidates will be contacted.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, April 28, 2016, PAGE 11

READERS RESPOND TO TRANSGENDER AND INTERSEX CAMPAIGN

THERE was a lively response on tribune242.com after Bahamas Transgender, Intersex United (BTIU) launched its multilevel equality campaign, “Bahamian Trans Lives Matter” – which aims for equal rights for transgendered Bahamians.

Greentea had plenty of praise for the group: “This is very interesting. I applaud these transgender women for speaking up and publicly for themselves and their human rights. That is a brave thing to do in this country. I will be voting yes across the board on June 7 and while specifically transgendered people are not covered by these bills, their presence and voice suggests that the country needs to grow up and stop the hypocrisy. Protect the human rights of all.”

Jackbnimble said: “I’m curious as to how they will fix this. If the proposed amendment to Bill Number four

seeks to stop discrimination on the grounds of ‘sex’ - defined as a male or female what category would some who is born male or female but chooses to live as the opposite fall into?

Which prompted this reply from Lkalikl: “Whichever category they are most comfortable expressing themselves through. And, none of your concern really.”

DEDDIE had this to say: “If Bill 4 passes it will give them all the rights they need. I could see an activist judge interpreting Bill 4 to mean, ‘equal rights for all’. A simple legal argument is, once a person is born male or female, do they lose those rights on be-

coming a transgender male or female? The answer by the privy counsel will be a resounding ‘no’. All the rights they are born with including the one to marry continue indefinitely unless they don’t have the mental capacity to enter into a contract. The only other time you negate rights is when you are in prison.”

And B_I_D___ thought the issue could affect the referendum: “I hate what I am about to say because I have to say it. I am all for equal rights for anyone and everyone. I voted ‘yes’ for it the last time and I will vote ‘yes’ for it again, even though the PLP will get the bragging rights for it. BUT . . . there are enough people who are so homophobic and Bible-thumping hypocrites out there, that what the LGBT community are doing just now is going to be SOOOO counterproductive. If they kept the LGBT side of things as quiet as

YOUR VIEWS ON ENSURING MPS MAKE THEIR FINANCIAL DECLARATIONS IN The Tribune’s latest Big Question, readers were asked what they thought should be done to ensure members of Parliament file their financial declarations on time.

Publius wanted the law enforced “without fear or favour”: “Does the public really need to be asked what should be done when a law is not followed? Appropriately amend the Act to give it actual teeth and then do what The Bahamas seems morbidly averse to - enforce the law on the books without fear or favour.”

B_I_D___ said: “Do what the law says...fine them and/or give them jail time... it’s really quite simple. But Bahamians are daft in that respect, so as always, nothing will ever be done and we will further entrench ourselves in lawlessness.”

Required thought voter action could be a solution:

“The law has no teeth, and if politicians want to protect themselves and their buddies, nothing will change.

These politicians will not amend the law. The likelihood of this happening if the colour of the party in power changes, is minimal.

They had their chance, and blew it. (And yes, that goes for former FNM member Branville McC and former PLP-member Greg M, too.)

“The challenge should be, let no Bahamian voter mark their ‘X’ next year for a candidate, government or opposition, who has ever, during their political career, been in violation of the disclosure requirements.

Regardless of their newest set of promises.”

Sheeprunner12 suggested this: “Simple . . . if an MP/ Senator, etc does not disclose his/her assets & liabilities by March of each year: 1. He should be warned publicly (by official letter) and given THIRTY DAYS to comply and be fined.

2. Failure to COMPLY, he should be suspended from Parliament without pay for the next THIRTY DAYS. 3. Failure to comply with (2), he should be suspended for a further THIRTY DAYS and his seat vacated forthwith once the time period elapses.

“This is a serious matter that should set the tone for how our leaders should ACT.” Wideawake kept it simple: “No financial declaration? Okay, no pay!!”

• You can still give your answers to The Big Question on tribune242.com.

possible, I’m thinking that the ‘yes’ vote would have been a certainty this time around . . . but if they keep pushing and pushing this in the press and via other means, we’ll end up with another ‘NO’ vote. Think about the percentages of the population . . . I’m willing to bet the LGBT community is a minuscule percentage, not even worth fretting about on the 0-100 scale. But because all this noise is being made, the majority of the population that would benefit from this are likely to lose out again because of the LGBT ripple in there that impacts maybe a handful of people. Bahamians need to grow up.”

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

ALEXUS D’MARCO, director of The D’Marco Foundation, speaking at the press conference by the transgender and intersex community.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

PAGE 12, Thursday, April 28, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Ministers welcomes UK forum link-up

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Fred Mitchell speaking yesterday in Grand Bahama alongside Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville.

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net FOREIGN Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell said yesterday the ninth UK Caribbean Forum taking place in Grand Bahama from tomorrow will provide the opportunity for discussions with high-level UK delegates, on important issues on financial services and the difficulties confronted by Caribbean banks of having relationships with those in developed country markets.

Last night, Mr Mitchell noted that the foreign secretary of the UK is heading a delegation of 150 to Freeport for the two-day forum at Grand Lucaya Resort.

He said that 22 delegates from the Caribbean will be headed by the high commissioners or their ministers of foreign affairs.

According to Mr Mitchell, this is the second time that the forum has been held in The Bahamas, the first was held in Nassau in 1998. Delegates have already started arriving in Freeport.

“This is the return for The Bahamas. The last one was held two years ago in London,” said Mr Mitchell.

“I wanted the people coming here (to The Bahamas) to see the City of Freeport and what we have to offer and I hope they will enjoy their visit.”

Mr Mitchell said it is important that nations of the region come together to exchange their views with the British government about their interests in the world and concerns in the Caribbean sub region. “We expect an exhaustive set of discussions over the two days ranging from energy, security to education, questions of the expanded opportunity in employment and development, and to exchange views on foreign policy.”

He indicated that there are two specific issues that delegates will be addressing. “Financial Services is front and centre of our concerns given the Panama

Photo: Vandyke Hepburn Papers and what is happening in the UK,” he said. The second, he said, is the issue of “de-risking” which has become an important issue for Caribbean countries where local banks are now having difficulties having correspondent banking relationships in the developed country market.

“It is imperiling the ability of the banks to be able to survive and trade overseas with foreign currency so I expect those to be two central issues apart from those other issues we spoke about,” Mr Mitchell said.

A representative of Turks and Caicos is expected to attend and engage in discussions.

“We find it is a useful forum for us to get together with our British friends,” Mr Mitchell said. “Prior to 1973, the British had administration responsibility for The Bahamas and much of the Caribbean and that changed significantly since the Second World War.” He said the British themselves had undergone major changes from a world power to a power that now exists within the context of the European Union (EU).

“We are watching events closely with the British about what’s happening in the EU and their having a referendum on June 23 to decide whether that is where they are going to remain. For The Bahamas, the point will be made that we believe that even though we have responsibility and sovereignty for our country, that in order for countries to move and progress they have to do so in the context of inter-dependent relationship and that is why The Bahamas acts most often in foreign policy in context of Caricom or Cariforum, and when expanded to the wider Dominican Republic. The UK acts within the context of EU.” Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville said he fully supports the forum, which will provide a significant boost to the Grand Bahama economy.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, April 28, 2016, PAGE 13

KEITH Puckett on Team Sonny Boy with a Abaco Mahi Mahi.

SPEARFISHING in The Bahamas is exciting, an abundance of challenging gamefish and crustaceans in crystal-clear water.

But keep in mind that you should be a strong free diver as scuba gear is illegal to use in The Bahamas for spearfishermen. In the winter you’ll need a wetsuit; in the summer you may want a thin wetsuit or just your bathing suit.

As for your spear, you can use a pole spear or a Hawaiian Sling. As with scuba gear, spear guns are illegal in The Bahamas.

Beyond equipment, you also need a permit to spearfish. When you arrive in The Bahamas, ask the Customs agent. Unlike other fishing techniques, there is no catch and release for spearfishing, so know what you can and can’t kill in the season you’re there.

One of the other things The Bahamas are known for is an abundance of

sharks. Get your kill out of the water fast to avoid losing it to sharks or putting yourself into a precarious position. As with all water activities, have a buddy with you.

Keep checking the Bahamas Sport Fishing Network (BSFN) expert page for fishing reports throughout The Bahamas: this will be helpful in tracking the “hot spots” and providing advice on gear and fishing methods being used.

SHAWN Thompson with two Exuma Hogfish

WORK

NOTICE

Bahama Ave, Coconut Grove

The Water and Sewerage Corporation advises the public, its customers and the residents of Bahama Ave, Coconut Grove that the Corporation will be commencing Water Main Replacement Work on Friday April 1st, 2016 for a period of forty (40) days.

During this period there may be an interruption in the water supply, road closures and detours around the work area.

The Corporation apologizes for any inconvenience caused and appreciates your support as we work to improve our level of service.

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

or our website www.wsc.com.bs

For a sample of the spectacular fishing to be had in The Bahamas, expert advice, tournament dates and results, informative features and photo galleries visit the BSFN page at tribune242.com or www. bsfn.biz.

BSFN slideshows can be found on USA Today’s website in the Travel section at experience.usatoday.com.

ASHLEY Brown with an Exuma Mahi Mahi.

TRAVIS Kelly and Chris Rees with a Abaco ‘Hoo’.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, April 28, 2016, PAGE 17

PRIVATE INVESTMENT BANK LIMITED Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Year ended December 31, 2015 (Expressed in United States dollars)

‘The Bahamas’ own street philosopher’

16. Fair value of financial instruments (continued) As of December 31, 2014 Financial assets designated at fair value Due from banks – - Precious metal currency accounts Derivative financial instruments Total assets at fair value Financial liabilities designated at fair value Due to customers – - Precious metal currency accounts Derivative financial instruments Total liabilities at fair value

Level 1 USD

Level 2 USD

Level 3 USD

Total USD

$ 11,409,383 – $ 11,409,383

– 891,066 891,066

– – –

11,409,383 891,066 12,300,449

$ 11,409,383 – $ 11,409,383

– 875,019 875,019

– – –

11,409,383 875,019 12,284,402

17. Assets under management The Bank provides custody, trustee, investment management and advisory services to individuals, corporations, trusts and other institutions, whereby it holds and manages assets or invests funds received in various financial instruments at the direction of the customer. The Bank receives fee income for providing these services.

Assets under management are not assets of the Bank and are not recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position. The Bank is not exposed to any credit risk relating to such placements, as it does not guarantee these investments. At the reporting date, the Bank had assets under management amounting to $1.7 billion (2014: $1.6 million), of which $14 million (2014: $15 million) was held in a fiduciary capacity.

18. Capital management The Bank’s objectives when managing capital, which is a broader concept than ‘equity’ on the face of the consolidated statement of financial position, are: To comply with the capital requirements set by the Central Bank of The Bahamas (“the Central Bank”);  To safeguard the Bank’s ability to continue as a going concern so that it can continue to provide returns for its shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders; and  To maintain a strong capital base to support the development of its business.

PRIVATE INVESTMENT BANK LIMITED Notes to Consolidated Financial Capital adequacy and the useStatements of regulatory capital are monitored by the Bank’s management, 

employing techniques designed to ensure compliance with guidelines established by the YearCentral ended Bank.

December 2015 information is filed with the Central Bank on a quarterly basis.

The 31, required (Expressed in United States dollars) The Central Bank requires the Bank to: (a) have regulatory capital of at least $5,000,000 and (b) maintain a ratio of total regulatory capital to risk-weighted assets at or above a minimum 15% (2014 - 15%). (continued) 18. of Capital management The table below summarizes the composition of regulatory capital and shows the capital 23 date. During 2015 and 2014, the Bank has adequacy ratio of the Bank as of the reporting complied with all of the externally imposed capital requirements to which it was subject.

Tier 1 capital Share capital Retained earnings Tier 2 capital General legal reserve Property revaluation reserve Total Risk-weighted assets

2015

2014

7,000,000 10,735,300

7,000,000 5,939,260

$

340,000 1,723,748 19,799,048

1,782,579 14,721,839

$

77,775,000

85,559,430

25%

17%

$

Capital adequacy ratio

24

Fat Tuesday’s Team would like to thank all our loyal guests for supporting us over the last few years.

We will be closing our doors on May 1st.

We are busy finding a new home and will let you know when and where.

Please watch for announcements Thank you!

PAGE 18, Thursday, April 28, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Cultural festivals in the spotlight for gallery shows

THREE shows open at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas this evening, two of which relate to cultural festivals in theme.

“EN MAS”: Carnival, Junkanoo and Performance Art of the Caribbean explores the influences of carnival and other festivals on street performance art in the Caribbean, North America and Europe.

Curated by Claire Tan-

cons and Krista Thompson, “EN MAS” features the work of artists tracing the origins and developments of festivals through the experiences of slavery, colonialism, migration, independence struggles and civil rights movements. Nine regional artists - the Bahamian John Beadle, Christophe Chassol, Charles Campbell, Nicolás Dumit Estévez, Marlon Griffith, Hew Locke, Lorraine O’Grady,

Ebony G Patterson and Cauleen Smith – are featured. It runs until July 10.

“From Columbus to Junkanoo” is a collection of modern, contemporary and conceptual works by 37 artists chosen by Jodi Minnis and Averia Wright that critically explores and references Bahamian history and is intended as an historical memoir. The gallery’s new permanent exhibition, which runs to

October 2, features work that features historical events from the 14th century to the present day and which highlights the growth and divergence of Bahamian art beyond the last century.

The exhibition first opened in Santiago, Cuba, in July, 2015, as a component of the Bahamian delegation at the Fiesta del Fuego. The artists exhibited are John Beadle,

Lillian Blades, Jackson Burnside, Stan Burnside, Jacob Coonley, John Cox, Eric Ellis, Amos Ferguson, Kendra Frorup, Hildegarde Hamilton, Kendal Hanna, Rolfe Harris, William Henry Jackson, Erica Moiah James, Shan Kelly, Jace McKinney, Sterling Miller, Eddie Minnis, Kishan Munroe, Lavar Munroe, Jackson Petit, Bernard Petit, Ricardo Knowles, E J Read, Antonius Roberts, Roland

Rose, John Paul Saddleton, Doc Sands, Milton James Sessions, Dorman Stubbs, Edrin Symonette, Mikhail Symonette, Clive Stuart, Harl Taylor, Max Taylor and Homer Williams.

The self-taught artist Livingston Pratt exhibits 11 paintings in “Genesis: The Beginnings of Souls in Time” in the project space at the gallery.

The exhibitions open at 6.30pm.

FROM THE BAHAMAS TO BEIJING TO CHAMPION NATION’S ARTISTS

MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr Daniel Johnson (centre) with stakeholders and representatives of the “Team Bahamas” artistic delegation travelling to the Meet in Beijing Arts Festival.

Career Opportunity Scotiabank (Bahamas) Limited is seeking the services of a

Manager Service and Support Position Summary: The Manager Service and Support is responsible for contributing to the overall success of their assigned branch by ensuring quality customer service, a smooth and efficient operational routine and that daily and periodic management controls are in place and are effective. Success will be achieved through negotiating challenging but achievable goals with support staff and providing ongoing monitoring, coaching and performance feedback to encourage the desired behaviours.

Key Accountabilities for this role: • Leading a service team in alignment with Service Management Performance Standards; • Contributing to and monitoring the efficiency of customer service; • Managing the Quality and Efficiency of Branch Operations; • Ensuring custody and security controls are in place and maintained; • Adhering to all security procedures, particularly cash-in-custody and access; • Maintaining control of Branch expenditures and the collection of revenues; • Actively supporting the promotion of Bank products, services and alternate delivery channels; • Consistently delivering the desired customer experience during every customer interaction; • Applying the Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements including verifying and documenting Customer identity, source(s) of funds and the nature of the activity that is to be undertaken.

Functional Competencies: • • • • • • •

Expert knowledge of cash/ custody and security processes; Thorough knowledge of expense control and revenue generating methods; Good technical knowledge of Banking Systems and platforms; Thorough knowledge of all Banking products and services; Excellent customer service skills; Strong networking and interpersonal skills; Proven leadership skills and ability to coach and develop staff.

Educational Requirements: • Minimum ten years experience in operations within the banking/finance industry • Under Graduate Degree in banking, business, finance or related field

Qualified candidates should submit C.V. via email to: hrbahamas@scotiabank.com on or before May 04, 2016

Trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia, used under licence (where applicable).

®

A DELEGATION of more than 40 Bahamian musicians and entertainers is heading to China to participate in the annual Latin American and Caribbean Cultural Exchange at the 2016 Meet In Beijing Arts Festival this weekend.

The group, which left the Bahamas yesterday, will perform at the Food Festival at the J W Marriott Hotel on April 30, then at the “798 ART ZONE”, a cultural hub that caters to thousands of people daily and features art galleries, museums, cinemas, culinary arts, theatre, open forums and exchanges on May 1 and 2, before returning home on May 3.

Two Bahamian bands, Visage and Ting Um Dem, along with Fred Munnings Jr, Julien Believe and the Goombay Dancers, were identified by the Bahamas Embassy in China to represent the country’s music and culture to the world.

Director of Culture, Rowena Poitier, said she had been told that this year’s event would be one of the biggest exchange programmes in China ever, with over 30 Latin American and Caribbean nations taking part.

“China is indeed one of the largest cultural and entertainment markets in the world,” she said. “As we work to develop the Prime Minister’s new and exciting

vision to push the Bahamas’ creative and cultural industry, a market like China will be key. Music is one of the most powerful and transformative mediums in cultures, universally. China has a population of more than 1.3 billion people, so we view this as an amazing opportunity to jumpstart the Bahamian music industry in international markets.”

Three government departments have partnered with FOCOL and its Chairman Sir Franklyn Wilson, Equity Bank and Trust and its Vice-Chair Ivylyn Cassar, and The Palm Cigars and its President Robin Nichols in the cultural venture.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, April 28, 2016, PAGE 19

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THE TRIBUNE