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Volume: 112 No.99

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2016

PRICE - $1 (Abaco / Grand Bahama $1.50) The Tribune

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Pastors’ fears are dismissed

Attorney General rejects alarm over same-sex marriages

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard-Gibson yesterday dismissed the concerns of a group of local pastors over the fourth Constitutional Amendment Bill, charging that those in support of the upcoming referendum will not “live our lives” around a “what if”.

Mrs Maynard-Gibson, speaking with reporters yesterday, said the concerns recently launched by a specific group of pastors over the fourth Constitutional Amendment Bill are “not

an issue” as far as the referendum on gender equality is concerned, stating that the laws of The Bahamas “unequivocally” do not provide for same-sex marriages.

Furthermore, Mrs Maynard-Gibson insisted that the upcoming gender equality referendum is not about gay marriage as some may fear, but is “solely about ending the discrimination in our Constitution and making sure that we rid ourselves of women as second class citizens”.

Ultimately, Mrs Maynard-Gibson said the proposed change of bill four SEE PAGE THREE

ship, which he called the highest honour that can be bestowed by any country.

“It’s not at all not a valid reason,” he said when contacted yesterday. “Bahamians were marrying expats from time eternity.

“If you look at some of the surnames, this goes way back. You’ve had police, doctors, nurses, particularly with law enforcement who came from different Caribbean islands and married Bahamian women, had children, and became citizens.

SEE PAGE THREE

IMMIGRATION Director William Pratt yesterday refuted fears that the upcoming gender equality referendum would create an easy path to citizenship for foreign nationals.

Mr Pratt said xenophobia was not a valid reason to oppose the referendum, pointing out that Bahamians have never been limited by nationality when selecting a spouse.

He stressed that there was no easy road to citizen-

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MINNIS CALL TO PROSECUTE ‘NOT PROPER PROCESS’

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

THE call from FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis for Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson to prosecute members of Parliament for violating the Public Disclosure Act has not come “from the proper people from whom it should commence”.

Responding to questions yesterday, Mrs MaynardGibson said despite Dr Minnis’ call to punish those who have not yet filed their financial disclosures, there is a proper process that must be followed.

This comes after The Tribune’s exclusive revelation that more than ten members of Parliament - by their own admission - failed to file financial declarations

by March 1 as required by the Public Disclosure Act. SEE PAGE SIX

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

TRIBUNE columnist and attorney Adrian Gibson yesterday launched a $3m law suit against the Attorney General, the Commissioner of Police and two police officers who allegedly assaulted him after stopping him for a supposed traffic violation on Sunday night.

The officers Mr Gibson accuses of assaulting him are Constables Dominic Simms and Kevardo Smith.

SEE PAGE SIX

BEC BRIBE ‘OUT OF CHARACTER FOR SUSPECT’

BASH director Terry Miller at court yesterday.

Photo: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff

BASH DIRECTOR MILLER DENIES CHARGES OF ANIMAL CRUELTY

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

FOURTEEN charges of animal cruelty were brought against Terry Miller, the executive director of the Bahamas Association for Social Health, in Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning.

Miller, 64, of Bethel Avenue appeared before

$

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POLICE SUED FOR $3M FOR ‘ASSAULT’ AT TRAFFIC STOP

CHANGES ‘WON’T BRING AN EASY PATH’ FOR FOREIGNERS

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

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Magistrate Saboula Swain accused of mistreating and under nourishing five horses, a buck goat and a dozen rabbits that were housed at the Chippingham property between February 19 and April 8.

The horses, named Red, Arab, Soca, Zeus and Martini, have been at the centre of a bitter ownership battle for more than six years.

Mr Miller pleaded not guilty to all of the charges when asked to answer by Magistrate Swain.

“Did you get any schooling?” the magistrate then asked the accused.

“I worked with people who cared for the horses. I did not get personal training, I was an owner,” Miller said.

SEE PAGE SIX

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A WITNESS who has known Freddie Solomon Ramsey for 35 years told a jury yesterday that it would be out of character for the former Bahamas Electricity Corporation board member to accept bribes to influence the awarding of contracts.

Charles Johnson, senior manager at J S Johnson Insurance, Agents and Brokers, testified in the Supreme Court yesterday that he and the 79-year-old accused both live in the same community, Eastwood Estates.

SEE PAGE FIVE

PAGE 2, Friday, April 29, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

On the street: Bahamians’ view on the referendum

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

ORDINARY Bahamians expressed confusion about the upcoming referendum and alarm over the fourth bill in interviews with The Tribune yesterday, with even those who plan to vote for all four amendments saying they expect the referendum to fail.

Of the dozens of people The Tribune spoke to in the Shirley Street and downtown area, those more educated were likelier to say they will vote for the bills.

The less educated were pessimistic about the government’s intentions, raising concerns about the

contradictory opinions that have been aired by commentators.

In terms of numbers, both the “yes” and “no” groups paled in comparison to the number of people who said they don’t plan to vote at all.

Enthusiasm for the referendum did not appear to be high among men or women.

So widespread was the fear that the fourth bill would lead to same-sex marriage that some interviewees believed this topic is what the referendum is about.

One woman launched into a tirade about the need to satisfy the United States on gay issues when asked her opinion about the refer-

CHERIANE JOHNSON, left, and Natasha Court, both plan to vote yes for the first three bills, but no to the fourth.

DORSEY McPhee said he plans to vote yes - so that his daughters have greater rights, but fears the referendum will fail.

endum, for instance.

“I wouldn’t vote but I can’t say nothing because the States doing it,” the woman, who did not want to be named, said, referring to same-sex marriage even though the topic wasn’t raised by The Tribune.

“If we don’t do what the States doing, we doomed.

If the States say gay (men) can’t get touched, then the gay (men) can’t get

for all of them.”

Ms Bar said providing greater rights to women is not a pressing issue.

“For me, we are not like the Middle East,” she said.

“This gender equality and all that, for us, women aren’t being held from being what we want to be. We can be doctors. We had a female governor general, so what are we complaining about?”

Her colleague, Patricia Seymour Bowleg, agreed and said she is concerned about “alimony”.

Outside the store where the women worked, Albert Bell, 66, said he would vote for the first three bills but will reject the fourth one because he fears it will lead to same-sex marriage.

“As I understand it, the first three they don’t need to bring but the fourth one is the questionable one and seeing as how I don’t understand it, I will reject it,” he said.

“If they are holding to a position that says there’s nothing wrong and there will be no gay marriage in The Bahamas, that’s not an assurance because governments lie. But the first three bills is a yes for me.”

A woman named Rose,

DEAL

touched.”

The mood in the downtown Straw Market towards the referendum was overwhelmingly unenthusiastic.

Numerous women - none of whom wanted to be named - said they either won’t vote or they will vote no.

“I gon’ vote and I gon’ vote no because I have children,” one vendor said.

“Think this a game hey? I have small children.”

Said another: “I don’t believe in me and a man using the same bathroom.”

When told that the referendum is not about transgender rights or samesex marriage, she said: “That’s what they say but it will lead to that.”

Another vendor said: “I voted no for the gambling thing and they still do it so I ain’t voting. I ain’t wasting my time.”

The attitude of people working in stores on Bay Street was not much different.

Natasha Bar, 47, said the referendum is confusing.

“I plan on voting but it seems like it’s a lot of mix up going on and everyone seems to have their point,” she said. “For all the uncertainty I’m going to vote no

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ALBERT Bell plans to vote no to the fourth bill because he fears it will lead to same-sex marriage.

an accountant, said she won’t vote for the bills because she’s concerned they will give too much power to foreigners.

“What concerns me is the fact that we have such a large foreign population that this provides an opportunity for us to be outnumbered and even though they say a man would have to prove that that child is his I think there will be loopholes,” she said, adding that she has never read the Constitution.

Sheleta Collie also expressed confusion about the referendum, although she said she doesn’t plan to vote at all.

“They asking Bahamians to vote for something we never read,” she said, adding she resents attempts to make it seem like persons like her are uninformed.

Cheriane Johnson and Natasha Court, a pair working in the Shirley Street area, said they would both vote for the first three bills, but not for the fourth.

“I wouldn’t vote for the fourth bill because I have kids,” Ms Court said.

“When you have kids you have to set moral standards to bring them up under the right way. This supposed to be a Christian nation.”

One woman, Victoria Fitzgerald, said she will likely vote “yes” to all the bills, but she said she began having second thoughts after former Court of Appeal President Joan Sawyer dismissed the bills earlier this week.

For his part, Dorsey McPhee, a lawyer, predicted that the referendum will fail even though he plans to vote yes to all four questions.

He said he wants to pass on greater rights to his daughters.

Calling the issue of samesex marriage a red herring, he said: “Bahamians, particularly women…will vote against themselves, which they’ve done in the past.”

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, Friday,April April29, 29,2016,.

2016, PAGE 3

Bishop believes referendum is about same-sex marriage

By SANCHESKA BROWN Tribune Staff Reporter sbrown@tribunemedia.net

BISHOP Walter Hanchell said yesterday he believes the upcoming referendum is not about gender equality but rather about “making provisions in our Constitution to accommodate same-sex marriages in order to bring The Bahamas in line with other nations”.

In a press statement, Bishop Hanchell, chairman of Citizens For Justice (CFJ), said his group is “strongly opposed” to same-sex marriages or unions and will oppose all efforts to have “this abomination” legalised in The Bahamas.

He said God has never approved two males or two females marrying or raising a family and the practice is “evil in its highest form”.

“We are of the opinion that if the wording on the bills are not put into a form that will make it clear that marriage be only between a male at birth and a female at birth and also assure the Bahamian people that same-sex marriages and same-sex unions will be

prohibited and remain illegal as was done in Jamaica, then these bills will be soundly rejected in the upcoming referendum,” the statement said.

“Whenever people stand up against the gay agenda, they are labelled as being homophobic and are disenfranchised. In spite of what is happening in America and the European Union, God has never approved for two males or two females to marry or raise a family.

This is evil in its highest form.

“CFJ will never support or condone gay marriages and cry shame on pastors, politicians and special interest groups that are shaking their fists in the face of God with this abomination.

“Both major political parties along with some misguided religious leaders are complicit in promoting these bills to be enshrined into our Constitution.

While CFJ respects their views, we do not agree with their interpretation and believe that bill four is the real reason for the referendum and is a plot to satisfy special interest groups, the United Nations and the LGBT community in The Bahamas.”

Bishop Hanchell also said it is CFJ’s observation that women in The Bahamas can do and have everything that is available to men and they have heard no outcry from women concerning inequality or discrimination before the political agenda of this referendum.

He also said he has written Prime Minister Perry Christie requesting money to fund the organisation’s vote no campaign.

“It is not known whether the government will do the right thing even though prominent persons such as Sean McWeeney, chairman of the Constitutional Commission and Senator Carl Bethel have recommended that funding also be granted to groups opposed to the bills. We believe that the government of The Bahamas has a responsibility to explain any negative consequences the bills may have on The Bahamas, however they have refused to do so because they do not want people to hear the truth.

“Subsequently, we will be voting ‘no’ on all of the bills and will be advising Bahamians everywhere to do likewise and reject these flawed bills.”

The referendum is set for June 7.

BISHOP Walter Hanchell said he will oppose all efforts to legalise the “abomination” of same-sex marriage - calling it “evil in its highest form”.

ATTORNEY GENERAL REJECTS ALARM OVER SAME-SEX MARRIAGES from page one is “not a big deal” adding that is “a very small change and it’s a common sense change”.

Last week, Save Our Bahamas - the group that opposed the 2013 gambling referendum - launched a vote no campaign against the fourth Constitutional Amendment Bill.

As currently worded, bill four seeks to eliminate discrimination in the Constitution based on sex, which has been defined as being “male or female”, by inserting the word “sex” into Article 26.

However, the group said it is convinced, given the precedent set in other countries, that the fourth bill would open the door to le-

galising same-sex marriage in The Bahamas despite the government’s continued assurances that it would not.

The pastors associated with Save Our Bahamas have contended that the terms “sex” and “being male or female” allows for various interpretations of the phrase. Furthermore, the group has agitated for the government to include the words “born male” and “born female” into the fourth bill, suggesting that the phrases would further provide the necessary protection against same-sex marriage. “…We’re not going to live our life around a what if,” Mrs Maynard-Gibson said in response. “The argument is ‘what if.’ These people who are asking for

that concede that the words are clear and that they do not provide for same-sex marriage. This referendum is not about same-sex marriage. This referendum is very simple - a small change in our Constitution.

“The same way that we in The Bahamas would not tolerate discrimination in The Bahamas on the base of race, we’re saying in the 21st century, we want enshrined in our Constitution, we will not tolerate discrimination on the basis of being male or female.

“On the point about whether or not our law provides for gay marriage, unequivocally, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the law in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas does not provide for gay marriage,

for same-sex marriages.

Our law is very clear, and it was saved in our Constitution, that a marriage is a union between a man and a woman, male at birth, and female at birth. The case law is also very clear on this matter.”

She added: “In my view and I say it very respectfully, it’s not an issue as far as this referendum is concerned. This referendum is not about gay marriage.

It is solely about ending the discrimination in our Constitution and making sure that we rid ourselves of women as second-class citizens. And we enshrine in our Constitution a bright future for our sons and our daughters.”

Mrs Maynard-Gibson also responded to calls from

the country’s transgender community for the government to ensure that the fundamental rights of all genders of Bahamians - male, female, and transgender are protected.

On Tuesday, Bahamas Transgender Intersex United (BTIU) launched a multi-level equality campaign “Bahamian Trans Lives Matter”, which seeks to secure equal rights for transgendered Bahamians.

Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgender (LGBT) rights advocate Erin Greene, present at the launch, said BTIU members, as well as those in the wider LGBT community should have the right to voice their concerns within the confines of democracy.

She called on Bahamians to

engage the LGBT community respectfully as the matters related to the constitutional referendum play out.

Democratic National Alliance (DNA) Leader Branville McCartney has suggested that the concerns of the BTIU and the LGBT communities would likely have to be dealt with “by way of referendum”.

When questioned on the matter yesterday, Mrs Maynard-Gibson said: “My response is that when Ms Greene, who is a very smart Bahamian, expressed concerns before, I invited her to come and speak directly to me. She did, and I believe that she was satisfied with the response, and that very same invitation pertains.”

The referendum will be held on June 7.

READERS RESPOND TO GIRL’S SPORTS DREAMS DASHED BY CITIZENSHIP ISSUES THIS week, The Tribune told the story of high school senior Kirah Dames, whose dreams of playing professional softball have been halted, due to her being born in the Bahamas without automatic citizenship.

Readers on tribune242. com gave their reaction.

Bravoqfox said: “I feel your pain, however, she is not stateless. She is not prohibited from travelling or doing anything that she would want to do. She can very easily get a Jamaican passport, seeing as her mother is Jamaican and be entitled to apply for residency on the grounds of you being her father and provider. Also another

thought would be for her mother to sign her parental custody over to you and you have the right to the child. This is not a major problem. The way you may have gone about it makes an issue. At the age of 18, she is still entitled to apply for citizenship of The Bahamas, but she did/does not have to be stuck for the period prior to her 18th birthday.”

Prompting Wowish to respond with this: “Her being stateless is not the point though. No one is claiming that she is stateless. The point is that she is born to a Bahamian man, yet is disabled from getting citizenship until the age of 18 and thus she is unable to receive the same opportunities as her peers.”

ETJ asked: “Would someone please explain why so many people seem to be okay with denying the children of Bahamian men citizenship? This child’s mother is a permanent resident of The Bahamas and has been here since she was a child herself. The child was born

here and has grown up here. If her father were foreign and her mother Bahamian she would be straight. This is clearly discriminatory and wrong and THIS is what the referendum seeks to correct. To say one solution is for the mother to sign over her parental rights is just downright heartless and mean.

Do you realise that means the mother has to say she basically denounces and rejects her child? THAT is a humane solution?”

But there was this from Well_mudda_take_sic: “The resulting significant influx to our country of thousands of foreign men who will marry Bahamian

CHANGES ‘WON’T BRING AN EASY PATH’ FOR FOREIGNERS from page one “It never has been easy and never will be,” he said.

“It is the highest honour, it’s a thorough process and we don’t just give out citizenship.”

He added: “That’s not something you give out that’s something you award.

You don’t just give citizenship out because people apply, you have to be certain that these persons are worthy of it.”

The gender equality referendum will be held on June 7 and three of its questions deal with the transfer of citizenship.

The first Constitutional Amendment Bill seeks to 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 cur-

rently 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.

However this would not be automatic and applicants would have to satisfy certain conditions.

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 Pratt explained that a person must be married for five years before they can apply for permanent residency. If granted, they must maintain that status for another five years before they can apply for citizenship.

He noted that some per-

sons do not apply for citi- would grant the order.” zenship, even though they He added: “It’s not someare eligible, because they thing you give out, you have do not wish to give up their to make sure the person is former nationality. worthy of it because it’s the Mr Pratt said: “Once they highest honour.” are worthy of it and meet Bill four seeks to end disthe requirements, and we crimination based on sex. do our thorough checks and balances, and we’re satisfied it is a genuine application. That this is a person that will help to further build the Bahamas then of course we will recommend approval to the ImmigraFriday, 29th April 2016 tion Board, and the board

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women to gain Bahamian citizenship and of thousands of foreign children already born to foreign women fathered by Bahamian men will have grave consequences for our country unless the majority of Bahamian voters vote ‘NO’ on June 7th to all four of the proposed amendments to our Constitution. The proposed changes to our Constitution are much less about equal rights for Bahamian men and women and much more about creating a massive wave of foreigners coming to our shores at a time when our country’s very limited resources can

least accommodate them.”

And Zakary said: “It is disappointing, but the primary reason these amendments are not retroactive is due to their indirect implications on immigration. It was actually wise not to make them retroactive, as we would be in utter chaos if they passed with such a provision. It is about equality, but there are other tricky issues too.

The debate this time is somewhat amusing though, because it is more or less non-partisan.”

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

PAGE 4, Friday, April 29, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

The Tribune Limited NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI “Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,

jrolle@tribunemedia.net

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914 Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,

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

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Creating confusion to defeat the June 7 equal rights referendum THERE are so many red herrings, and scare mongering tactics being used to scuttle the June 7th constitutional referendum that confusion could end it in calamitous defeat.

To hear some of the comments and read some of the quips on our web site one would get the impression that foreign men are just panting at the ramparts for Bill One to get the “yes” vote so that they can crash through, claim their Bahamian brides, become Bahamian citizens and snatch jobs from Bahamian men. Such a marriage of convenience to a Bahamian woman would secure for the foreign man the automatic right to Bahamian citizenship, or so the story goes.

However, in all of our eighty-odd years on this planet – and being in this profession in which one hears most things –we have only once heard of a marriage of convenience. And in that case it was not a man, but a woman trying to escape a life of poverty in Greece.

We first learned of such a state of affairs when as a teenager we flew home from boarding school shortly after World War I I. In those days and in those old post-war aircraft several refuelling stops and at least one place to overnight was needed. It took three days to get from London to Nassau.

On that occasion, a peasant woman from Greece boarded the plane at London.

She was obviously terrified of flying. She sobbed all the way from London to Nassau.

No one on the plane could speak her language. However, when we stopped in Lisbon for the night, the officials found an interpreter who could understand her dialect.

It was then that it was discovered that the photograph she clutched was of the Greek Bahamian she intended to marry on arrival in Nassau. She had never seen him before.

Apparently, this marriage was her only escape from the poverty that was her lot in her homeland. A look at the photograph of what she was going to was sufficient evidence for us to conclude that her lot in Greece must have been desperate.

When we arrived home, we discovered that America was then investigating a racket involving Greek women leaving their homeland, marrying on this side of the Atlantic and eventually making it across the Gulf to the Greek community in the US. We often wondered if this desperate, frightened woman was a part of that programme.

Under British common law on marriage a woman, if foreign, automatically takes the nationality of her husband - it was the law of the family. There was no question of him or his children taking her nationality.

However, at the Constitutional conference in London in 1972 the question of female equality came up, but was rejected out of hand by the PLP delegation.

Sir Arthur Foulkes, who was with the op-

position FNM at the talks, later wrote that “the FNM’s delegation opposed discrimination against women in the citizenship provisions and advocated the total equality of Bahamian women with the Bahamian men. The PLP argued that it was international practice that ‘the woman follows the man!’ The British government sided with the PLP and so the FNM lost the point.”

Today, the proposal to be voted on June 7, would give a Bahamian woman the same rights as a Bahamian man on marrying a foreign spouse.

Now there are safeguards to discourage marriages of convenience.

The safeguard to discourage marriages of convenience was the introduction of the spousal permit. Before marriage, a Bahamian woman can now get a spousal permit for her husband. This was introduced by the Ingraham government to soften the strict rules of the PLP that a foreign man married to a Bahamian woman had no rights and had to sit at home washing the dishes while his wife supported the family. Either that or they had to leave The Bahamas to survive. With a spousal permit the foreign husband could work for five years and support his family without a work permit. At the end of those five years, he could apply to be a permanent resident or become a citizen.

We understand that there has been a further change under the Christie government. Since 2012, another five years has been added before a foreign male spouse can apply for citizenship or be considered for permanent residence. We were told that at this time a “small stipend” has to be paid. So instead of a wait of five years, it is now 10 years before a family can settle with any assurance.

If Bahamians vote “yes” to the first bill women will be given the same rights as their male counterparts to bestow Bahamian nationality on their foreign husbands.

As long as this is denied her, she will be subject to the “slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.” Such an unfairness continues to leave her and her family unprotected from the ruthlessness of cruel politicians and indifferent civil servants. The granting of the permit might never happen - and no explanation has to be given.

Before the June 7 vote, we shall tell many of these women’s stories so that Bahamians will be fully aware of the cruelty of the system. And although putting Bahamian men and women on a level playing field might not mean anything to Bahamians already settled in marriage with a fellow Bahamian, it could mean a great deal to their daughters or granddaughters who might decide to bring a foreign partner home, marry and want to settle and continue the family line in her homeland. She should have this right without bureaucratic interference.

Arrogance of pastors who say ‘No’ EDITOR, The Tribune.

IT is baffling when men of God would choose to deny Bahamian men and women equal rights because of an unfounded and irrational fear that to do so would open the door on same sex marriage.

Without one shred of evidence to support this belief, the No Pastors would presume to know more than the leading constitutional lawyer in the United Kingdom, the Honourable Michael Beloff QC, and our own senior Bahamian lawyers.

How arrogant!

The Paranoid Pastors would support the terrible discriminatory anomaly that’s been used as a political weapon to tear Bahamian families apart rather than the equality of Bahamian men and women.

According to the attorney general, there are no cases in Commonwealth countries with Westminster-style constitutions where the language of the amendment in Bill Four has led to same sex marriages being recognised.

Furthermore, why would these pastors seek to deny

heterosexual Bahamian men and women, who make up the vast majority of the population, equal rights when only a small minority of the population is lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender?

(In Gallup daily tracking in the first four months of 2015, only 3.8 per cent of the adult American population identified themselves as LBGT).

Based on this obsessive and myopic posture, it is not unreasonable to ask: • Are these people allowing homophobia to hijack reasoned thinking?

• Do they have an issue with women?

• Are they still smarting over Prime Minister Christie’s undemocratic reversal of the gaming opinion poll they lobbied so strongly against that they would put Ego above Family?

Vanity of vanities. All is vanity.

ATHENA DAMIANOS (Michael Beloff Q.C. was described in Legal Business in 1994 as “the Bar’s Renaissance Man” and in Chambers and Partners Directory 1996 as one of the top three stars of the Bar.

He became President of Trinity College Oxford in 1996 and returned to fulltime practice in 2006. Mr Beloff was named as one of the top ten barristers of the decade by Legal Business in 1999, one of the top ten currently in practice in “The Independent on Sunday” in 2001 and one of six barristers in the Time List of the 100 Most Influential Lawyers in Great Britain in 2008 and 2010.

(In December 2013, he was ranked as one of Chambers UK’s Top Silk Bar 100, in their inaugural listing of the top barristers practising at the Bar of England & Wales.

The Chambers UK 2016 guide describes Mr. Beloff as extremely articulate and engaging as an advocate. (“He can grasp a completely new area of law incredibly quickly and then deliver a brilliant performance in court showing complete mastery of the subject matter and demolishing every argument the other side puts forward.”

(More than 425 of the cases in which he has been legal counsel have been reported in various law reports)

Misleading on referendum EDITOR, The Tribune.

Re: Constitution Bill No. 4

LETTERS

BY your medium, I wish to share my personal views on Bill No. 4, that is one of the Bills to be voted upon in the upcoming referendum.

I feel compelled to make this intervention at this time as I am concerned that socalled intelligent/educated individuals are making unfounded and unjustified commentary on the effect of the proposed Bill No. 4.

In summary, Bill No. 4, proposes to insert the word “sex” in Articles 26(3) and 26(5) to prohibit discrimination against a person based on his or her sex, namely being male or female. The Bill also inserts a new paragraph (11) to define sex to mean male or female.

Article 26(1) provides...

“Subject to the provision of paragraphs (4), (5) and (9) of this Article, no law shall make any provision which is discriminatory either of itself or in its effect.”

It must be noted and clearly understood that the requirement that no law shall make any provision which is discriminatory either of itself or in its effect is subject to Paragraphs (4), (5), and (9) of that Article.

For the purposes of this discussion, we need only concern ourselves with Paragraph (4) and (5).

Paragraph (4) permits the discrimination in various areas such as taxes, entry into The Bahamas, employment of persons who are not Bahamians, and gambling, etc, including marriage.

Paragraph (4) provides inter alia Paragraph (1) of this Article shall not apply to any law so far as that law makes provision with respect to marriage.

letters@tribunemedia.net This provision allows Parliament to discriminate with respect to marriage.

Parliament has in fact made a law that marriage other than a marriage between a male and female is void (see Section 21 (1)(c) Matrimonial Causes Act).

In fact, Section 69(2) of the latter Act would prevent the recognition of a same sex marriage, even if it was lawfully performed and recognised in a jurisdiction outside The Bahamas.

Accordingly, under our existing law, a same sex marriage in The Bahamas is void.

The proposed amendment is intended to prohibit discrimination based on one’s sex, whether you are male or female.

The amendment, if approved, in the forthcoming referendum would cause Articles 26(3) and 26(5) to read as follows: “In this Article, the expression ‘discriminatory‘ means affording different treatment to different persons attributable wholly or mainly to their respective descriptions by race, place of origin, political opinions, colour, creed or sex whereby persons of one such descriptions are subjected to disabilities or restrictions to which persons of another such description are not made subject or are accorded privileges or advantages which are not accorded to persons of another such descriptions.”

And “Nothing contained in any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of paragraph (1) of this Article to the extent that it makes provision

EDITOR, The Tribune.

two years before they said anything to the public. Even then, they only came clean after the truth was exposed by an opposition Senator.

Fitzgerald is the people of Marathon’s representative in the Parliament. He was elected to protect them, defend them and look out for their interests. Instead, he admittedly left them in the dark when dangerous, poisonous toxins were leaking into the water they bathe in, cook with and maybe even drink.

His excuse was that if he

with respect to standards or qualifications (not being a standard or qualification specifically relating to race, place of origin, political opinions, colour, creed or sex) in order to be eligible for service as a public officer or as a member of a disciplined force or for the service of a local government authority or a body corporate established by law for public purpose.”

Without the insertion of “sex” in Paragraph 5, as an example, our Police and Defence Forces could have discriminated against the recruitment and inclusion of women in those disciplinary forces and there would not have been any constitutional right to challenge the exclusion of females from those forces.

Happily, these Forces for many years have embraced the inclusion of women into their ranks without the need of the proposed amendment.

The Amendment in my view is putting it beyond doubt and as a constitutional protection that no law or public authority can discriminate against a person because of his or her sex, namely, being a male or a female.

There is nothing in the proposed Bill No. 4 that can make it a springboard for the legitimisation of same sex marriage in my opinion.

Those that espouse that view, in my respectful opinion, either do not understand the intent of the Bill or its substance or are intentionally misleading the public. Those who advocate that Bill No. 4 will lead to the legitimisation of same sex marriage should explain to the Bahamian public how that would occur?

LESTER MORTIMER Jr, QC Nassau, April 28, 2016.

J

Fitzgerald, Rubis and integrity

JEROME Fitzgerald likes to talk about his integrity. Lately, he has been defending his integrity against those who he says have accused his government of being corrupt.

Well, my question for the minister is this: Where was the integrity in leaving the residents of Marathon in the dark when a toxic gas leak threatened their health and safety? The government, Fitzgerald included, knew about the leak for

had spoken out earlier, he might have lost his job in the Cabinet!

The dictionary defines integrity as: “Adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.”

Mr Fitzgerald, do you honestly think that failing to warn the ordinary citizens you swore to protect of a grave danger that was facing them, just to keep your own job, fits the definition?

COMMON SENSE April 27, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, April 29, 2016,. PAGE 5

‘More than 50’ transgender individuals in The Bahamas

By SANCHESKA BROWN Tribune Staff Reporter sbrown@tribunemedia.net

THERE are more than 50 transgender male, female and youth living in the Bahamas, according Bahamas Transgender Intersex United spokesperson Alexus D’Marco.

In an interview broadcast on the 96.9 FM radio show “The Revolution” with host Juan McCartney, the self-proclaimed “first lady” of the LGBT community said the purpose of Bahamas Transgender Intersex United (BTIU) speaking up now has “nothing” to do with the upcoming gender equality referendum.

In fact, Ms D’Marco said the government made it clear that the referendum has nothing to do with gay marriage and the group is not yet advocating for that right.

She said she does not believe she has hurt the referendum by advocating for equal rights for transgender Bahamians because “Bahamians are going to do what they are going to do”.

“Students are being thrown out of school because they are identifying as transgender,” she said yesterday.

“Schools are saying ‘we don’t want that in here.’

Parents are throwing chil-

‘

Parents are throwing children out because they are transgender. Ten-year-old children are being kicked out because they are gay, 11-year-olds are being thrown in the streets to be molested and abused.

There is a problem in this country. We just want to bring to light the issues.’

dren out because they are transgender. Ten-year-old children are being kicked out because they are gay, 11-year-olds are being thrown in the streets to be molested and abused.

There is a problem in this country,” Ms D’Marco said.

“We just want to bring to light the issues. It has been made clear that the referendum is not for gay marriage, it is about discrimination across the board. If you are going to talk about equality, we have to deal with the whole issue of equality.

“I am glad this conversation has begun. Equality across the board means equal for all. Basic protection and rights as Bahamians we don’t have, that is what we want. We haven’t hurt it (the referendum) because Bahamians are going to do what they are going

to do regardless, people’s minds are already made up.

They already know if they are going to vote yes or no.

I haven’t hurt the referendum and that is not our intention.”

BTIU launched its multilevel equality campaign, “Bahamian Trans Lives Matter”, which seeks to secure equal rights for transgender Bahamians on Tuesday.

During a press conference at the Hilton, BTIU representatives called on the Christie administration to ensure that the fundamental rights of all genders of Bahamians - male, female and transgender - are protected. However, the group stressed that it is not trying to shift the focus of the gender equality referendum.

The group is calling for equal access to healthcare, education and employment without discrimination.

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

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

JAMAICAN WOMAN CLAIMS MISTREATMENT BY IMMIGRATION STAFF A JAMAICAN woman has alleged that she and her six-year-old daughter spent two nights at a safe house for illegal immigrants in sub-par conditions after being detained at the Lynden Pindling International Airport on Sunday.

According to a report published on the Jamaica Star website, the 23-yearold woman alleged that she and her daughter slept on “torn dirty mattresses” and compared the “nasty” safe house to a prison. She also alleged that they were not given water after 6pm.

The article alleges that the mother, Sasha-Gaye Myers, travelled with her daughter to Nassau to sort out the child’s identification card. Ms Myers said the child was born in the

Bahamas.

“My daughter was born over there and I was given an identification certificate for her. I thought it was a passport because she has travelled on it like three times already back and forth from The Bahamas,” the mother told the Jamaica Star.

“Now it is expired and when I spoke to the Bahamian Consulate in Jamaica they told me that they don’t issue identification cards here, nor passports and I would have to go there to get it renewed,” she said.

“Upon arriving at Nassau, I was told that my daughter is not a Bahamian, she is a Jamaican and they will not allow her in on the expired book.

“They say that I am a for-

eigner and the baby takes the nationality of the mother,” she added.

“They said that I already missed the flight that would return to Jamaica on Sunday, and they would have to take me to a safe house for women and children,” she told the Jamaican publication.

“They gave me a few clothing items and took away everything. My phone, my passport, my suitcase, everything. Just imagine,” she said.

According to the article, the mother and her daughter were fed meals of cornmeal, mackerel, white rice, corned beef and macaroni.

She said they were only given water to drink but nothing after 6pm.

According to the report,

the two returned to Jamaica on Tuesday. It is claimed the mother has retained a lawyer and has said she will not return to The Bahamas.

When contacted last night, Immigration Director William Pratt said the woman has not made a formal complaint with authorities about her allegations, so he could not respond directly to her claims about the safe house.

However, he said representatives from the Department of Social Services, immigration and defence force officers are present at the safe house explaining that the woman could have made a complaint with an official if she felt mistreated.

He suggested the moth-

BEC BRIBE ‘OUT OF CHARACTER FOR SUSPECT’ from page one Mr Johnson described Ramsey to his attorney Wayne Munroe, QC, as an honest churchgoer and family man.

When asked his thoughts on allegations that French company Alstom SA allegedly paid more than $300,000 to Ramsey to influence the awarding of the DA-11 and DA-12 contracts between 1999 and 2003, Mr Johnson said it would be “completely out of character”.

When cross-examined by Crown prosecutor Garvin Gaskin, Mr Johnson admitted that he did not have first hand knowledge of the allegations concerning the Alstom SA/BEC bribery scheme.

Mr Johnson was Ramsey’s sole defence witness called to give evidence yesterday after the accused exercised his legal right to remain silent instead of giving sworn testimony.

He is currently on trial before Justice Bernard Turner on four counts of conspiracy to commit bribery and 14 counts of brib-

ery allegedly committed between 1999 and 2003. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

The allegations are related to a widespread scheme involving tens of millions of dollars in bribes to countries around the world.

They were brought to light in 2014 in a US Department of Justice report, which said that Alstom SA allegedly paid more than $300,000 to a BEC board member to influence contracts between 1999 and 2003.

The jury previously heard from Mark Smith, an admitted bribe taker who received immunity from prosecution in exchange for giving testimony. It was revealed in court that Alstom SA had written letters intended for then Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and then Deputy Prime Minister Frank Watson as the company wanted BEC officials to reconsider the bid it felt was going to be rejected.

The jury also saw a letter Alstom SA received from then BEC Assistant General Manager Patrick Hanna in December 2000, who

MAN DENIES INDECENT ASSAULT

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A 38-YEAR-OLD Guyanese national was charged with indecent assault in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

Michael Dossantos, of

Hudson Avenue, appeared in Magistrate’s Court One before Magistrate Debbye Ferguson.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge, and was granted $10,000 bail and ordered to surrender his passport.

The matter has been adjourned to July 26 for trial.

took issue with the French company’s attempt to discredit another bidder or the evaluation process and noted that the letters “are in direct contravention of the tender process.”

Inspector Deborah Thompson, of the Central Detective Unit, has testified that Ramsey denied having any involvement in the bribe scheme during an interview in which 101 questions were put to him in the presence of his then-

lawyers Roger Minnis and Khalil Parker.

Ramsey is on $40,000 bail and is represented by Mr Munroe, Tommel Roker and Bridgette Ward.

Mr Gaskin, acting director of public prosecution, is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Cordell Frazier.

The trial resumes on Friday morning at 11am where Crown and lawyers for the accused will present closing arguments to the jury.

The Linen Shop is planning a

Big JumBle Sale for this coming Saturday April 30th on Moseley Lane off Shirley Street just past the entrance to Harbour Bay Shopping Centre.

Huge mark downS!!

unbelievable bargains!!

on home goods, Tablecloth and more. everytHing muSt go

er was upset because she felt her child was entitled to be allowed in The Bahamas.

“She never made a complaint to me, Social Services works at the safe house, immigration and the defence force are there, no complaint was made to us.”

He added: “The child is not a Bahamian citizen, the child may be born in the Bahamas but under our Constitution the child takes the nationality of the mother.”

He added that if the child had a valid document or passport, immigration officers would have landed her.

In 2014, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stopped issuing certificates of identity to persons born here to

non-Bahamian parents.

Mr Pratt questioned why Ms Myers did not get a Jamaican passport for her child, instead of trying to get Bahamian identification.

“We are not saying the child is not entitled to anything, the child is entitled to be registered as a citizen once she turns 18.

“If she was living here, the child would be entitled to a belonger’s permit - if she is living overseas, then why not get a Jamaican document?”

PAGE 6, Friday, April 29, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Government applies to overturn emails injunction

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

THE government has moved to file a motion against an injunction that bars members of Parliament from disclosing confidential information about Save The Bays during parliamentary proceedings, Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson confirmed yesterday.

Mrs Maynard-Gibson said the Office of the Attorney General has applied to set aside the interlocutory injunction granted to environmental group Save The Bays by Justice Indra Charles on April 21.

Mrs Maynard-Gibson said a hearing on the matter would likely take place between Thursday and today.

ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard-Gibson.

She also dismissed suggestions that the government’s opposition to the injunction is the end of the rule of law, as was recently asserted by STB Legal Director Fred Smith, QC. Conversely, she said this matter allows for an “op-

portunity for there to be a discourse about these matters.”

However, Mrs MaynardGibson declined to comment on a resolution moved in the House of Assembly this week to have Justice Charles, along with Mr Smith and lawyer Ferron Bethel brought before the Committee on Privilege.

“The matter is before the courts, so obviously I don’t want to comment on anything that would interfere with the entire process,” she said yesterday. “And as you know the Attorney General’s Office has applied to set the injunction (aside), and that hearing should hopefully take place today or tomorrow (Friday).

“What I would like to say is that in a thriving democracy and a growing democ-

racy, these are the kinds of issues that will be dealt with in our courts, and in our Parliament, and I believe that we in our country have leaders of our institutions, who have tremendous intellect, and integrity, the same thing that applies equally to the House of Assembly and the Senate and the courts, so I’m quite sure that they as leaders of the institutions see this as what it is, and that is the opportunity for there to be a discourse about these matters.”

When asked if she felt the filing of a motion to set aside the injunction was an affront to the rule of law in the Bahamas, Mrs Maynard-Gibson said: “That’s like saying that because one lawyer takes a different view from another lawyer, that’s not democracy.

And right thinking people understand that that is not the case. We are governed by the rule of law in the Bahamas, and thank God for that - we should celebrate it. And I’m thankful that we have in our institutions persons whose intellect and integrity is beyond question.”

Last Thursday, STB was granted an injunction against Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald, Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell, and Mrs Maynard-Gibson, restraining them from further disclosing the group’s confidential information in Parliament. The judge’s order says the three government ministers are “prohibited” from any appropriation, perusal, use, publication or disclosure in Parliament or elsewhere of any correspondence, including

emails, belonging to the applicants. The injunction lasts until May 12.

It drew sharp criticisms from House Speaker Dr Kendal Major, who on Monday called it a “preemptive onslaught” against the independence of the lower chamber. Dr Major said as this move attempts to usurp the authority of the Speaker and is contemptuous to the House of Assembly, he stood ready to have persons brought to the bar of the House if necessary in defence of Parliament and its freedoms.

On Tuesday, Mr Fitzgerald moved a resolution in the House of Assembly for the Committee on Privilege to determine whether Justice Charles, Mr Smith, and Mr Bethel should be held in contempt of Parliament.

BASH DIRECTOR MILLER DENIES CHARGES OF ANIMAL CRUELTY

from page one

Miller claimed that BASH had veterinarians from the Bahamas Humane Society (BHS) come to the property and offer assistance to the horses.

“We’ve been challenged at moments,” he said, adding that the BHS aided in making food for the horses more affordable due to BASH’s limited resources.

“Much of what he’s said with respect to ownership is incorrect,” BHS’ attorney Metta MacMillan-Hughes interjected.

She stressed that he nor staff at the property followed advice and guidelines on proper care taking for the horses, leading to two of them - Zeus and Martini - having to be euthanised and the remaining three were not far off from a similar fate.

Michael Kemp, attorney for BASH, said the horses, as he understood were not on BHS’s compound but in private care.

FROM left, Humane Society chief inspector and shelter manager Percy Grant, president Kim Aranha and vice-president Charlotte Albury at court yesterday.

Photo: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff “When the case goes on, there’ll be evidence as to why this case was brought,” Mr Kemp stressed.

“You have proper stables?” Magistrate Swain asked Miller. “I do,” the accused replied.

Miller was asked how often the vets came to see the horses. “Vets come at least every two months to check our horses. We have space in the back of BASH where they roam and graze.”

Ms MacMillian-Hughes noted that the horses had already been removed under Section 51 of the Animal Protection and Control Act 2010 but made a formal request with respect to the rabbits, goat and any other animal not considered a pet on the property. The order was granted until the conclusion of the case.

Mr Kemp alleged that prior to the complaints lodged against his client,

“people from Lyford Cay had approached BASH to purchase these animals.”

“The gist I’m getting is the Bahamas Humane Society’s concern,” the magistrate said. “I loved those horses despite what they may look like,” Miller said.

“When it reached the point when it looked like I could do no more, when Patricia LeighWood came to me 10 weeks ago, we tried again to see what could be done. It’s not a simple matter of me hiding and mistreating them. I always call on BHS,” Miller said.

“I will find out at trial,” Magistrate Swain said.

Miller was granted $5,000 bail with no suretors or reporting conditions.

He was told to return to Magistrate’s Court on June 20 at 10am for trial.

Miller was arraigned under Section 46 of the Animal Protection and Control Act 2010, which states that anyone found guilty of an offence of cruelty is liable to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both.

MINNIS CALL TO PROSECUTE ‘NOT PROPER PROCESS’ from page one

On Sunday, Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) Chairman Myles Laroda was adamant that the decision to prosecute someone for breaching the act is left up to the discretion of the Office of the Attorney General.

When asked for a response yesterday, Mrs Maynard-Gibson said: “This matter is governed by law, there’s a process. I started this interview by speaking and celebrating the rule of law in The Bahamas, and there’s a process by which all of these things happen. I can say that this process has not commenced from the proper people from whom it should commence.”

Mrs Maynard-Gibson has said she has filed her financial information.

However, Prime Minister Perry Christie, when interviewed last week, would not say whether or not he had filed his annual disclosures.

Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis last week said he was unsure, but added that he would check the status of his disclosures with his accountant.

Foreign Affairs and Im-

migration Minister Fred Mitchell told The Tribune that while he had asked for his deadline for the 2015 disclosure period to be extended to next month, all previous years had been filed.

State Finance Minister Michael Halkitis said last week that his documents “were in the mail.” Central and South Eleuthera MP Damian Gomez along with Environment Minister Kenred Dorsett said last week they were both awaiting documents from their respective banks in order to submit the financial declarations. Mr Dorsett has since said he has filed his documents.

Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller also missed the March 1 deadline, but said that he filed his disclosures this week.

State Minister for Investments Khaalis Rolle insisted that his information was being finalised and would be filed in the coming week.

Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Dr Danny Johnson said he was just waiting for a notary to sign off on his documents.

On Monday, Marco City MP Greg Moss, Mt Moriah MP Arnold Forbes and

Central and South Andros MP Picewell Forbes told The Tribune they intended to file in the coming days.

Another elected official, South Beach MP Cleola Hamilton turned and walked away, refusing to answer questions about the status of her financial declarations when she was approached outside of the House of Assembly earlier this week.

Two FNM MPs, Richard Lightbourn and Dr Andre Rollins, last week revealed to The Tribune that they had not yet filed, however, Dr Rollins promised the matter would be dealt with this week, while Mr Lightbourn said his was “being handled”.

According to the Public Disclosure Act, a summary of the declarations shall be published in a gazette and any person who does not comply with the law is liable to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or imprisonment of not more than two years.

If a parliamentarian does not disclose property owned in The Bahamas, the land can be seized and forfeited to the government.

The declarations have not been made public since 2012, an election year.

POLICE SUED FOR $3M FOR ‘ASSAULT’ AT TRAFFIC STOP from page one According to a writ filed in the Supreme Court yesterday by Callenders & Co on his behalf, Mr Gibson is seeking to have the officers found guilty of assault, battery, false imprisonment, misfeasance in public office and malicious and arbitrary abuse of their offices.

It is alleged that they breached his constitutional and fundamental rights and freedoms.

“The plaintiff’s claims arise from his false arrest, unlawful detainment, con-

tinual verbal and physical assaults and batteries, unlawful searches of his person and his vehicle, damage to property, sometime around 10.30pm on Sunday at the corner of Farrington Road and Gregory Street, which is situated immediately opposite the Silver Dollar Bar,” the writ says.

Mr Gibson alleges that while driving he was stopped and forcibly detained in an open place “without reasonable grounds and/or probable cause”.

He claims that he was also impeded in his free-

dom to move without proper cause and was subjected to inhumane and degrading treatment by the two officers, which included damaging a cell phone screen, damaging two bright star LED window silhouettes, verbal abuse and indecent utterances, “humiliation and distress given his public and professional profile and fear and anxiety of groundless charges and/or prosecution”.

The writ demanded that the defendants appear before court in connection with the suit within 14 days.

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Friday, April 29, 2016,. PAGE 7

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W

OW! What a week it was. I must say there were many ‘things’ that caught my eye in the headlines this week. Some happenings left me shaking my head in disgust, others made me laugh my butt off.

It also left me contemplating offering my services as a ‘publicist’ for certain MPs. I’m quite sure I can make them look a lot better than they do themselves.

I know some must be tired of extracting their feet from their mouths by now.

Buckle up, we’re going in...

WELL, I DO DECLARE According to the Public Disclosures Act, a summary of the declarations shall be published in the Gazette and any person who does not comply with the law is liable to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or imprisonment of not more than two years.

It was good to see that the majority of our MPs have declared their personal assets; however, the irony is the ones who didn’t declare were the ones that mattered the most.

Prime Minister Perry Christie did not answer questions on the status of his declaration or whether he was in breach of the law.

He chose rather to whip out his magic wand and Hocus Pocus, Presto, Change-o, he

turned it into this: “Why do you want to talk to me about that?” Mr Christie retorted when he was questioned by Tribune reporter Krishna Virgil.

“You know I don’t give interviews outside of the Cabinet Office any more.

But I am working on a few big things so give me a day or two.”

Ah ... um ‘Chief’ that was Monday, a day or two had you at Wednesday. It’s now Friday, five days later, anything yet?

Late again, I guess.

Thank God we didn’t hold our collective breaths.

Deputy Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis gave us this ‘nugget’: “I know I signed something a couple of weeks ago but I am not sure if it was for this year or last year. I will check with my accountant.”

Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell told The Tribune he had asked for his deadline for 2015 to be extended until May; however all other previous years had been filed.

State Finance Minister Michael Halkitis hit The Tribune with that classic line, you know the one about his fillings that “were in the mail”. Right next to the infamous cheque, huh?

Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller said he had yet to get around to submitting his completed forms. Cold!

You got to love the ‘Potcake’.

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institutions had delayed them in filing. If all else fails, blame your bank I guess.

Minister of State for Investments Khaalis Rolle said his information was being finalised and would be filed in short order.

Youth, Sports and Cult noJohndid ture Minister Danny son just needsfi a le notary to sign off on his documents.

BOURN RICHARD LIGHT Might I suggest well known Justice of the Peace and Notary Public Rodney Moncur

‘

Central and South Eleuthera MP Damian Gomez, along with Environment Minister Kenred Dorsett, both said their banks ‘ate their forms’. Seriously, they claimed delays at their respective lending institutions had delayed them in filing. If all else fails, blame your bank I guess.’

did her best Usain Bolt impersonation and broke off running!

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PAGE 10, Friday, April 29, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Call for criminal charges over social services fraud

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

THE Democratic National Alliance’s economy spokesperson Youri Kemp yesterday called for criminal charges to be brought against those Department of Social Services’ employees guilty of defrauding the department.

Mr Kemp, the DNA’s Garden Hills candidate for the upcoming election, said the common PLP practice of reassigning corrupt individuals will not do in this circumstance, as the accusations levelled at the employees are “unacceptable” and “distressing”.

A report by Auditor General Terrance Bastian tabled in the House of Assembly on Monday, detailed how staff members of the Department of Social Services participated in a “fraudulent” scheme in which they used food coupons intended for Bahamians on welfare to purchase groceries.

The report also flagged an additional $4m paid to suppliers without proper authorization.

As a result, one employee was terminated and several others placed on administrative leave.

In a press statement released to the media on Thursday, Mr Kemp said

because the department is tasked with assisting the “poor and needy” any reports of “theft, corruption or abuse of power” must be met with extreme prejudice.

“Such individuals should be named and made to face criminal charges of theft,” he said.

Mr Kemp went on to criticise Social Services Minister Melanie Griffin, at one point raising questions about her election status.

He suggested that Mrs Griffin’s “nonchalant and near apathetic” attitude towards the claims should be viewed as a sign of things to come if she returns to office.

The audit covered the pe-

riod of July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2015.

The former Inter-American Bank (IDB) consultant indicated that in 2012 the Bahamian government received $7.5m earmarked for upgrades at the Department of Social Services.

He suggested that those upgrades, as outlined by the Inter-American Development Bank, were intended to create “efficiencies” in the dispensing of benefits and create an “identifiable” assessment system for persons seeking assistance.

“The DNA demands that the minister immediately come clean about exactly what money was spent,” he stated.

“Every day, (the DNA) meets with residents in communities across this island and the country at large. We have heard the countless horror stories of hard-working Bahamians who have simply been unable to meet the demands of life; unemployed men and women whose only source of assistance comes from Social Services.”

“What recourse do these people have if we allow persons to deny them even these smallest of comforts?

It is our responsibility to those less fortunate among us to ensure that the services which have been allocated for them in the government’s budget actually

reach the homes and tables of those who need it most,” added Mr Kemp.

On Tuesday, Mrs Griffin lamented the findings and promised further investigations. However, she remained mum on whether the investigations would be conducted internally or externally.

In November of 2014 the Department of Social Services introduced prepaid debt cards to curb abuse of the department’s food coupon system.

When introduced, Mrs Griffin said the card was one feature of wide-ranging upgrades to the Bahamas’ social safety net, a programme being financed with $7.5m from the IDB.

ARE YOU READY FOR RED CROSS FAIR?

FROM left, Exanna Dormeus, deputy chair of the fair committee; Reuben Deleveaux, of The Rhythm Band; Cyndi Williams-Rahming, Red Cross fundraising committee chair; Brendon Watson, chairperson of the Red Cross Fair; Caroline Turnquest, director general of the Red Cross; Eugene Davis, “Geno D”; Veronica Bishop and Dillion McKenzie, DMac. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

THIS YEAR’S Bahamas Red Cross Society annual fair promises something new and exciting, with the launch of a new campaign “Get REaDy” and some of the biggest names in Bahamian entertainment.

The fair - considered the biggest in the country - starts at noon on Saturday in the grounds of Government House, with performances from Demetrius the Karaoke King, Ronnie Butler, DMac, Stileet, Geno D, the Synergy Band, Veronica Bishop, and Da Rhythm Band over the course of the day.

‘The Battle of the Bands’ will feature local groups competing to win $2,500 in prize money donated

by BTC and later in the evening,

there is a Teen Dance with DJ iGnite and a performance by Junkanoo Carnival groups. Children can enjoy the BahaMagician, explore the Kiddie Corner, visit a special petting zoo and experience the infamous “Zinger” glide ride and a display of Bahamian history and culture.

The Red Cross relies almost entirely on private and corporate donations to carry out its outreach programmes. Proceeds from the fair will assist the Red Cross in defraying operational expenses and continuing to expand current programmes, such as Meals on Wheels, After School Care, Disaster Relief and Junior Red Cross.

Admission is $2 for children and $3 for adults.

CABBAGE BEACH ACCESS ROW ‘ABOUT PROPERTY RIGHTS, NOT BIRTHRIGHTS’

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

THE relocation of the dozens of Cabbage Beach vendors upset over the closure of an access point to the popular Paradise Island property is not the responsibility of the landowners but the government, according to Atlantis’ Senior Vicepresident of Public Affairs Ed Fields.

Mr Fields spoke on the matter as a guest on Star 106.5FM’s talk show “Jeffrey” with host Jeff Lloyd this week.

Mr Fields said he did not speak about the issue earlier, because he was waiting for the “waves to recede” on the contentious debate.

“There has to be some

clarity presented because there’s a conflation of issues,” he said.

“Emotions are taking over. We need to look at where the injustice lies.

An act that you see or feel is one way, may not be that way. We need to take away the emotionalism of the foreigner versus the Bahamian. We need to focus on the fact that this is a property issue,” he added.

Mr Fields went on to explain the history of the property, stating that the six-acre property was acquired by Atlantis and then sold to Access Industries.

He said throughout the property’s history, it has remained private property.

According to Mr Fields, at no point was the property ruled public land, nor

were the two access points over the property granted as public accesses.

The veteran broadcaster went on to empathise with vendors over the matter, but said their access to the land was always as a result of property owners granting it.

Speaking directly to the issue of vendors he said: “I’ve had very close interaction with these people for years, I know what they’re feeling and can imagine what they’re feeling.”

He added: “But there’s a confluence of emotion, politics and the law. There’s no confiscation here. It’s an issue of property rights, not birthright.”

Mr Fields indicted that in 2003 he discovered that a government agency had granted licenses for vendors

to work on the beach, as the property wasn’t being used for other purposes at that time.

He added that an agreement allowing the vendors to work followed, accompanied by a code of conduct for the vendors.

“The agreement says they recognise it’s private property, and they shouldn’t be issuing (additional) licenses,” he said, adding that all parties involved agreed to the terms, signed the contracts and business carried on accordingly.

However, in 2012, Mr Fields said Atlantis was made aware that the number of licenses had increased from 20 to 40 after a disagreement among vendors.

He said Atlantis decided it would oblige the new vendors under the condition that they also sign the agreement acknowledging the land as private property.

The agreement specified that if, at any time, the ven-

dors were in breach of the contract, or if the property owner decides to use the land for private purposes, licenses could and would be revoked with a minimum of 30 days notice.

“The owners of the property - Access - have submitted to the Bahamas Investment Authority a plan for a development there, and vendors are eligible to apply for jobs at this venue,” he said.

“A path was allowed; it’s not a right-of-way or easement. Proper notice was given to each of the vendors whose licenses have been terminated. It’s an agreement signed by all parties involved, and one party is exercising its right.”

“I don’t want to dismiss in any way understanding the sensitivities of the parties concerned, but this cuts both ways.”

“I am going to say it very clearly and I beg to be contradicted, it’s the responsi-

bility of the agency which unilaterally offered the licenses to find a solution to the problem.”

Mr Fields noted that public access was never impeded, stating that the Garden View Drive pathway remains open to all Bahamians looking to use the beach for recreational purposes.

In December vendors filed an injunction to prevent Access Industries from restricting access to the property at the western pathway next to the Riu Hotel.

A 30-day injunction was granted. Further applications were made to get that injunction extended, but were eventually denied.

On February 29, it was agreed with the government that the access would stay open until March 31 to allow additional time to find an alternative solution.

However little has been said about the issue since then.

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THE TRIBUNE

College of The Bahamas Sigmas COB Sigmas. - The College of The Bahamas chapter of Phi Beta Sigma was named the most outstanding chapter of the Southern Region of the fraternity recently.

The chapter was awarded the title for program implementation, chapter operations, academic achievements and management.

“This is a huge honor for the chapter as we continue to service not only the community of The College of The Bahamas but The Bahamas at large,” said Beta Beta Lambda immediate past president Javon Rolle.

“This only sets the chapter up to do bigger things under the new administration.”

Rolle was president for 2015 — the time frame the award covers. The southern region of The Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc encompasses Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi and The Bahamas. Rolle was also inducted into the Collegiate Hall of Fame for the Southern Region for success in leadership and scholarship.

Graduate advisor for the collegiate chapter Christopher Saunders said he was impressed with the chapter as the brothers continue to embrace the international fraternity’s motto of ‘Culture for Service and Service to Humanity’.

The Beta Beta Lambda chapter was the first Black Greek Lettered Organisation chartered on the campus of The College of The Bahamas. The chapter was chartered November 5, 2004.

Cycling Club Bahamas Cycling Club Bahamas. Weekday rides, east: morning, Tuesday & Thursday leaving 5am sharp from Sea Grapes Shopping Centre, East Prince Charles Drive.

This ride is a 17-mile loop to the Northbound Paradise Island Bridge and back again (Both bridges are sometimes incorporated depending on available time). Open to riders capable of 18 mph + for 1 hour.

Lights are essential.

Weekday rides, west: morning, Wednesdays & Fridays leaving 4:45am sharp from Cable Beach Police Station, West Bay St. This ride is a 20-mile loop.

The route is varied. Open to riders capable of 18+mph.

Lights are essential. Contact Shantel to confirm your attendance.

Afternoons, Tuesdays & Thursdays leaving 5:30pm sharp from Lyford Cay Gas Station Parking Lot. This ride is 18-20 miles depending on whether you choose to do a second loop. Recommended for strong riders capable of 20+mph for 1-1.5hrs. Intermediate riders 18-22mph, see Spyda.

Weekend rides: Saturdays leaving 6am sharp from Harbour Bay Shopping Centre in front of First Caribbean Bank (Starbuck’s), 30 miles headed West. In order to complete this ride, it is recommended that you have done some recent cycling! Leaving P/I bridges optional at the end. The pace will range from 18– 20+mph, 2-hour duration.

Sundays leaving 6am sharp from Harbour Bay Shopping Centre in front of First Caribbean Bank (Starbuck’s) 40-50 miles headed East. This ride is not recommended if you have not cycled recently or first timers! P/I Bridges optional at the end. The pace will range from 18–20+mph, 33.5 hour duration (cyclists are invited to join in anywhere along the route).

Upcoming events: Youth cycling developmental pro-

Friday, April 29, 2016, PAGE 11 gramme, each Saturday at The Tracks, contact Barron on 424-1057.

April 30 Club paintball outing, 3pm, Paintball Bahamas, Bernard Road, $25 (includes gear & 1 round of shots).

May 1 NPCA road race, start and finish Caves, 40/25 miles (Nassau). Contact Barron on 424-1057.

May 7 Tour of Eleuthera ride, Eleuthera - 50 miles/100 miles.

May 15 Caribbean Championship Triathlon, www. multirace.com/events/86 Miami, Florida.

June 4 Pineappleman Sprint Triathlon, Gregory Town, Eleuthera, register online at active.com.

July 2 & 3 Independence T/T & road race, Nassau.

July 23 Seagillian Cycling Fest, Spanish Wells, Eleuthera.

August 13 & 14 Viva! Bahamas Invitational T/T and Road Race, Nassau, Bahamas September 24 Potcakeman main event triathlon, Nassau.

Rotaract Club of East Nassau Rotaract Club of East Nassau. - The Rotaract Club of East Nassau partnered with The Bahamas GodParent Centre for their April community service event. This community service event was in line with Rotary’s theme for April, Maternal & Child Health.

Bahamas GodParent Centre is a faith-based non-profit, crisis pregnancy and youth centre offering support, education and resources to men, women and youths facing unplanned pregnancies. Members assisted with counting coins from their “Baby Bottle Campaign” and organising and folding recently donated baby items in the boutique for their clients.

For more information on the Bahamas GodParent Center, visit their website at http://www.bahamasgodparentcenter.org/ For more information on the Rotaract Club of East Nassau or get information on joining, visit their Facebook page at https://www. facebook.com/Rotaract EastNassau.

Women’s Corona Society of Nassau Women’s Corona Society of Nassau. - The club enjoyed a beautiful, sunny day for its spring luncheon at Blue Sail, and a wonderful time was said to be had by all. There were 68 members and guests in attendance.

Corona is a non-profit women’s club formed to promote friendship between women of all nations.

For more information or to join the club, contact coronanassau@yahoo.com.

Regular activities include: West-end coffee morning: Each Friday at News Café Sandyport, 10am.

East-end coffee morning: Each Friday morning at Harbor Bay Plaza Starbucks, 10am.

Mahjong: Each Wednesday 10am-2pm at Zio Gigi’s Cave’s Plaza.

Gardening: Contact Susie DiGuili (degiulisusy8@ gmail.com) or Annabelle Hammond (annabelhammond@hotmail.com) Tennis: By arrangement.

Contact Carolyn Wardle (carolyn.w.bahamas@ gmail.com) Book club: If interested in joining, contact Ana Rosa Phillips on 601-8036.

JOIN THE CLUB OUR Clubs and Societies page is a chance for you to share your group’s activities with our readers.

To feature on our Clubs and Societies page, submit your report to clubs@ tribunemedia.net, with “Clubs Page” written in the subject line.

For more information about the page, contact Stephen Hunt on 5022373 or 447-3565.

MEMBER of the Women’s Corona Society of Nassau, above and below.

VOLUNTEERS labelling bottles for the Rotaract baby bottle campaign.

ROTARACT volunteers sorting through baby clothing donations.

PAGE 12, Friday, April 29, 2016

WEEKEND NEWS

THE TRIBUNE

FOLLOW THE

ON YOUR MOBILE-FRIENDLY TRIBUNE242.COM DON’T miss breaking news throughout the weekend, a video review of the week’s top news stories with The Tribune’s Top Five - PLUS, on Saturday morning at 9am, a news bulletin on The Tribune Media Network’s radio stations: 100 Jamz, Y98, KissFM and Joy FM. And, on Monday, The Tribune returns to newsstands with a round-up of all the weekend news, business and sport.

TEN new ambulances have arrived to be added to the emergency fleet - at a cost of $1.4m.

TEN EXTRA AMBULANCES FOR HOSPITAL AUTHORITY TEN new ambulances arrived in the capital yesterday to augment the Public Hospitals Authority’s (PHA) fleet.

The new 2016 Ford E-350 emergency vehicles were purchased at a cost of $1.4m.

The emergency service vehicles are the first instalment of 25 new ambulances allocated as part of the PHA’s Health System Strengthening initiative.

The addition of these new vehicles to the existing complement of ambulances will allow PHA to expand and upgrade the health sector’s fleet, which will allow

for the retirement of aging vehicles and the full implementation of a decentralised zone system of deployment in New Providence and Grand Bahama.

This will result in a decreased response time by ambulances from the present average of 30 minutes to 12 minutes from the time a call is received by an emergency dispatcher, according to a statement from the PHA. The ambulances will be housed at the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre campus until their commissioning, which is anticipated in early May.

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