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WOMAN: SURVIVORS TELL OF THEIR BATTLES WITH CANCER

Ingraham: Fire all of the PLP Former PM alleges theft of nearly $1m from finance ministry

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham last night urged scores of supporters in North Abaco to “fire” the Progressive Liberal Party-led government for “lying” about valueadded tax (VAT) and failing to account for government malfeasance.

He also claimed to have information about a theft of nearly $1m from the Ministry of Finance.

The former Free National Movement (FNM) leader called on supporters to vote for his party as the PLP had lost public trust, adding that there were no “in-betweens, no spoilers, no green,” a reference to third party the Democratic

National Alliance (DNA).

Taking the stage at Ingraham Park in Cooper’s Town, Mr Ingraham also gave his full endorsement of FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis to be the next prime minister of the country.

On the issue of lax oversight in government, Mr Ingraham told supporters that when the details on theft in the public sector comes to light after the next election, people will scratch their heads.

“T’iefin going on every day,” he said. “I told you about the cookie jar. I’m just told today, yesterday actually, that $860,700 was stolen in the Ministry of Finance under the watchful eyes of, or not so watchful eyes of the prime minister and Mr Halkitis.

SEE PAGE FIVE

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday called the Heads of Agreement (HOA) between the Christie administration and the buyer of Baha Mar “nothing more than a multi-billion dollar theft of the Bahamian people’s sovereign rights.”

In a statement, Dr Minnis said the “sweetheart deal” is not good for the Bahamian people and he understands why Prime Minister Perry Christie fought so hard to “shroud this deal in secrecy.”

According to the HOA that was released to the media on Sunday night, the government has committed to contribute $4m a year for eight years for marketing of Baha Mar upon the opening of the resort’s casino.

SEE PAGE SIX

851 POLICE OFFICERS PROMOTED ON EVE OF POLL FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham on stage at the FNM rally in North Abaco last night.

Photo: Yontalay Bowe/FNM

CHRISTIE: DON’T SUPPORT FAKE NATIONAL MOVEMENT PRIME Minister Perry Christie urged voters in Grand Bahama last night not to support the “Fake National Movement” and Dr Hubert Minnis, who he called the most “reckless” and “unprepared” person to ever vie to lead the country.

Speaking at a rally in Eight Mile Rock, Mr Christie bashed the Free National Movement (FNM) as a party of “lies” and painted Dr Minnis as a man who could not keep his party together.

‘SWEETHEART BAHA MAR DEAL BAD FOR THE NATION’

He also told Grand Bahama that good economic news was on the horizon, as he is due back on the island today for a heads of agreement signing with Carnival Cruise Line for the construction of a new cruise port in East Grand Bahama.

On his attacks against Dr Minnis, Mr Christie criticised the Killarney incumbent for doubting the remobilisation and opening of the Baha Mar resort. He said Dr Minnis’ erroneous statements about Baha

Mar are “stupendously stupid”.

He also hit out at Dr Minnis for not attending the resort’s soft opening on April 21. Dr Minnis has called the soft opening a sham and has questioned the veracity of the property’s sale to Hong Kong conglomerate, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises.

“New guests are checking in everyday ... and Minnis is denying that reality,” Mr Christie said. “...He is the most reckless and

unprepared person ever to put forward for the leadership of this nation. There has been nobody so unprepared vying for the leadership of this nation – on top of that he is so weak – there is no doubt he is going to get rolled over. Before you can get to him he is going to get rolled over by those special interests who are now in his party,” Mr Christie said.

SEE PAGE FIVE

THE Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) has promoted 851 officers, according to an announcement from Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade yesterday as officers prepare to cast ballots in the general election’s advanced poll on Wednesday.

The promotions take effect January 1.

Two superintendents have been promoted to chief superintendents; 76 assistant superintendents have been made superintendents; 90 inspectors have been promoted to assistant superintendent while 107 sergeants have risen to the rank of inspector.

SEE PAGE SIX

DOCUMENTS SHOW FOULKES BARRED FROM LEGAL PRACTICE IN FLORIDA AND OWED US GOVT $132,000

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement (FNM) candidate for Golden Gates Michael Foulkes was assessed by the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and found to owe the US government $132,493.60 in taxes, including interest and penalties spanning several

tax periods from 1999 to 2001, a document obtained

by The Tribune yesterday showed.

And despite FNM chairman Sidney Collie’s recent denial that Mr Foulkes had not been barred from practicing law in the state of Florida, a search for his bar number on the Florida Bar’s website listed the FNM candidate as being subject to “disciplinary

resignation” and “not eligible to practice law in Florida”.

According to a notice of federal tax lien filed in the Dade County Courthouse and prepared on December 8, 2008, the IRS said: “We are giving notice that taxes (including interest and penalties) have been assessed against the following named taxpayer.

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

“We have made a demand for payment of this liability, but it remains unpaid. Therefore there is a lien in favour of the United States on all property and rights to property belonging to this taxpayer for the amount of these taxes and additional penalties, interests and costs that may accrue.”

SEE PAGE SIX

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 2, 2017, PAGE 3

Elizabeth constituents undecided as election countdown continues

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

SOME traditional supporters of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and the Free National Movement (FNM) in the Elizabeth constituency see no reason to change their preference when they vote in eight days, they told The Tribune yesterday.

The PLP has won the constituency in every election this decade, yet the perception exists that the constituency could be a toss up this time around. The area is also hotly contested, with eight candidates vying for the seat.

For the PLP’s candidate, Alex Storr, he’ll likely receive no boost from his association with Ryan Pinder, who served as the area’s MP since the 2010 by-election.

Mr Pinder is unpopular in Elizabeth, with even staunch PLP supporters struggling to say positive things about his representation in the area.

Many say Mr Pinder abandoned the constituency around the time he resigned from Cabinet as financial services minister in 2014 to take up a lucrative job with a bank.

“Ryan Pinder never treat us good,” said an elderly woman who has historically voted for the PLP and plans to do so again in 2017, though she hopes Mr Storr will perform better than his predecessor.

“We had so much things happen here,” she added, pointing to the roof of her home that was badly damaged by Hurricane Matthew but has since been fixed.

“We had the hurricane and (Mr Pinder) never came to ask us how we did.”

When she moved into the community 35 years ago, it was home to mostly devoted PLPs, she said.

Now she senses more than ever that there is significant political division.

When she went around her neighbourhood several weeks ago with PLP paraphernalia, she said, some residents told her not to bring them near.

“I think what people are really upset about is that VAT,” she said. “I went to

the store a couple weeks ago to pick up two boxes of salad and it came out to nine-something. I said ‘What?’ They said ‘Miss that’s VAT.’” Her neighbour across the street, Marco Roberts, is also a traditional PLP supporter.

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force officer considers himself a “generation PLP” and said while Mr Pinder has been absent from the community ever since he resigned from Cabinet, this won’t stop him from voting for Mr Storr, whom he said has presented a vision and direction for the community that he supports.

“There is confidence on both sides,” he said, “and there are problems on both sides. Anybody who says they know for sure what will happen doesn’t. It’s going to be close in this constituency.”

The Tribune also met a retired couple that was working outside their house on Trinidad Avenue within Elizabeth Estates, a traditionally strong community for the PLP. The two residents said they are undecided.

They know they won’t vote for the PLP but they appeared open to supporting the FNM. “It’s time now for new leadership,” said the woman, Mrs Johnson. “Perry has to go. Nottage (was incoherent) the other day and the question is, what is there for the young people?”

Her husband, Mr Johnson recounted a story about a suicidal man he encountered several weeks ago, who considered taking his life because he had no job.

And Mrs Johnson, unprompted, defended FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis from criticism that he “can’t speak,” insisting people said the same thing about former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham when he first sought to lead the country years ago.

The Johnsons’ children were educated at the university level in the United States but struggled to find work once they returned to The Bahamas, colouring their parents’ impression of the state of the economy.

Not far from the pair, another Elizabeth resi-

US MAN HELD OVER GUN FIND BIMINI police arrested a 27-year-old American man after firearms and ammunition were discovered on a vessel over the weekend.

According to reports, police were called to a local resort shortly after 9pm on Friday and conducted a search of a male visitor and his vessel.

Inspector Terecita Pinder said officers allegedly discovered a black .380 pistol with one magazine,

containing six live rounds of ammunition in a holster, and one 9mm pistol with 17 rounds of ammunition and two magazines.

The firearms and ammunition were confiscated, and the visitor was taken into police custody.

Insp Pinder said the man is expected to be charged in the Magistrate’s Court early next week on firearm and ammunition related charges.

MARCO Roberts speaking to reporter Rashad Rolle during the Elizabeth walkabout.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff dent, Terricita Ferguson, and 83 votes, by far his best said she’s undecided but is showing in the area.

Despite losing such dileaning toward the FNM despite supporting PLP’s visions, he hopes to benRenardo Curry when she efit from voters disgruntled lived in North Abaco five with the PLP. For now, however, he years ago.

To win Elizabeth, swing can’t count on a vote from a voters like her are the resident who identified herkind Dr Duane Sands, the self as Ms Ferguson, in part FNM’s candidate, will need because although she’s registered, she’s not sure she to win over.

He lost Elizabeth by a will vote at all.

“I’ve seen no candidate in small margin to Mr Pinder five years ago, receiving the area,” she said. “I know 1,925 votes to Mr Pinder’s Dr Sands because he was FLAGS, posters and signs in the Elizabeth constituency. here the last time but I’m 2,049 votes.

His job in this year’s race undecided because I have is perhaps made difficult by no one to talk to.”

In addition to Mr Storr the fact that polling divisions in the 2012 race that and Dr Sands, other area were strongest for him were candidates include Jay Independremoved from the Elizabeth Armbrister, constituency by the Constit- ent; David Bastian; The uencies Commission and People’s Movement; Craig added to Yamacraw, an act Bowe, Independent; TerDr Sands believes was in- neille Burrows, Independent; Rozanna Moore, Demtended to wound him.

He had won those poll- ocratic National Alliance ing divisions–numbers 10 and Dione Pratt, Bahamas and 12 respectively–by 98 Constitution Party.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, May 2, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

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Maduro: Venezuelans to write new constitution CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela’s embattled president issued a decree Monday for writing a new constitution, ratcheting up a political crisis that has drawn hundreds of thousands of antigovernment protesters into the streets.

President Nicolas Maduro gave no details on how members would be chosen for a planned citizen assembly to produce a new charter, though he hinted some would selected by voters. Many observers expect the socialist administration to give itself the power to pick a majority of delegates to the convention.

Opposition leaders immediately objected, charging that writing a new constitution would give Maduro an excuse to put off regional elections scheduled for this year and a presidential election that was to be held in 2018. Polling has suggested the socialists would lose both those elections badly amid widespread anger over Venezuela’s economic woes.

Speaking hours after another big march demanding his ouster ended in clashes between police and protesters, Maduro said a new constitution is needed to restore peace and stop the opposition from trying to carry out a coup.

“This will be a citizens assembly made up of workers,” Maduro said. “The day has come brothers. Don’t fail me now.

Don’t fail (Hugo) Chavez and don’t fail your motherland.”

If the constitutional process goes forward, opposition leaders will need to focus on getting at least some sympathetic figures included in the citizens assembly.

That could distract them from the drumbeat of near daily street protests that they have managed to keep up for four weeks, political analyst Luis Vicente Leon said.

“It’s a way of calling elections that uses up energy but does not carry risk, because it’s not a universal, direct and secret vote,” Leon said. “And it has the effect of pushing out the possibility of elections this year and probably next year as well.”

The constitution was last rewritten in 1999, early in the 14-year presidency of the late Hugo Chavez, who began Venezuela’s socialist transformation.

The leader of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, Julio Borges, called the idea of a constitutional assembly a “giant fraud” by Maduro and his allies designed to keep them in power at any cost. Borges said it would deny Venezuelans the right to express their views at the ballot box, and he urged the military to prevent the “coup” by Maduro.

“What the Venezuelan people want isn’t to change the constitution but to change Maduro through voting,” he said at a news conference in eastern Caracas, where anti-government protesters once again clashed with police Monday.

Anti-government protests have been roiling Venezuela for a month, and Borges said more pressure is needed to restore democracy. He called for a series of street actions, including a symbolic pot-banging

protest Monday night and a major demonstration Wednesday.

Earlier Monday, anti-Maduro protesters tried to march on government buildings in downtown Caracas, but police blocked their path — just as authorities have done more than a dozen times in four weeks of near-daily protests. Officers launched tear gas and chased people away from main thoroughfares as the peaceful march turned into chaos.

Opposition lawmaker Jose Olivares was hit in the head with a tear gas canister and was led away with blood streaming down his face. Some demonstrators threw stones and gasoline bombs and dragged trash into the streets to make barricades.

A separate government-sponsored march celebrating May Day went off without incident in the city.

At least 29 people have died in the unrest of the past month and hundreds have been injured. People of all ages and class backgrounds are participating in the protests.

The unrest started in reaction to an attempt to nullify the opposition controlled-congress, but has become a vehicle for people to vent their fury at widespread shortages of food and other basic goods, violence on a par with a war zone, and triple-digit inflation. Maduro accuses his opponents of conspiring to overthrow him and undermine the country’s struggling economy.

The move to rewrite the constitution underscored many protesters’ chief complaint about the administration: That it has become an unfeeling dictatorship.

Sergio Hernandez, a computer technology worker who attended Monday’s protest, said he would not return to his normal life until Maduro’s administration had been driven out.

“We’re ready to take the streets for a month or however long is needed for this government to understand that it must go,” he said.

By Hannah Dreier, Associated Press

UN ‘WATCHING US CLOSELY’

GENEVA (AP) — The United Nations human rights chief says his office is “watching the United States very closely” under President Donald Trump.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein warned last year that Trump’s election could be dangerous for the world.

Speaking to reporters in Geneva on Monday, Zeid said he’d noticed a “change in some of the rhetoric” since Trump assumed office and expressed hope that the president’s worrisome campaign trail rhetoric on issues like torture would “dissipate.” Zeid, a Jordanian prince, says his office is waiting to see the possible effects from the Trump administration’s plan to cut funding for the US State Department and international organisations.

In October, Zeid said Trump would be “dangerous from an international point of view” if elected.

Faiilure of the PLP EDITOR, The Tribune.

Forget all the rallies - the political signs and face reality as this I believe has already cast who will win Government on May 10th.

50,000 residents of Nassau receive food assistance daily.

Unemployment is at the highest it has been for 10 plus years.

VAT is not one charge of 7.5% - food store prices have some 30% VAT. Refusal of the Christie Government to conform to the People’s result in the Gaming Referendum. No way was it a Public Relations Poll.

60 years to recognise women do not have equal rights then the Referendum.

Cost Electricity over the four plus years cost the consumer over $350m and the Government couldn’t care seemingly.

The Christie Government is tired and generic, over 50% of the voters will be young.

‘Bahamas for Bahamians’ in 2012 turned out to be what?

ZNS wastes possibly millions on a new transmission tower yesterday for what?

No accountability for Official Travel since 2012.

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net NHI is Christie taking from the Pensioners what they have now - Free care?

NHI is Christie cancelling the private Health Insurance of the Civil Service, Police, Defence Force and Immigration?

Stealing from Post Office - Passports and no one charged - money gone.

Vehicle Licence plates Police have no way in knowing who owns the vehicle.

BAMSI basically put the Family Island farmer out of business - how can you compete?

BAMSI fire - contractor No Insurance - no one takes responsibility, oh Mr Davis.

This was missed also by Ministry of Finance, Perry Christie.

BTC have we received the 1.2% we were supposed to receive?

Swift Justice - only when it is convenient for the AG. Trinidad just given by US a new state of the art Border Control system - we paid $8 million for ours - why? We might not have citizens in ISIS but.

I think most voters have along time ago made up their minds who they want

to govern after May 10th...

I for one pray we will not have to endure what we did so painfully over the past four years.

Could we end up with a coalition of the two other parties?

I am ashamed of those young people who did not register to vote all 10,000 plus of them. Remember after May 10th you can’t grumble you did not exercise your Constitutional Right to choose who you wish to govern you.

I hope the next cabinet will consist of only eight Ministers...why more?

Say six Parliamentary Secretaries and that’s it.

Fellow Bahamians don’t get swung by NHI Primary Care get sick like what Perry Christie said and still says too many die because they can’t afford hospital care - Christie nothing changed believe me nothing there will still be 700 plus annually dying because they don’t have the means, money, to pay for hospitalsurgery care.

You missed the total issue.

Fellow Bahamians - let there be Peace in our streets as we go through this period.

M ROBINSON Nassau, April 25, 2017.

Promises, promises...

EDITOR, The Tribune.

PROMISES (Emm Gee acknowledges this poem is based on the song ‘Promises’, by O C Smith, written by H B Barnum/Ben Raliegh) Promises, you keep making. Promises, you keep breaking.

You said we’d get 10,000 jobs. You said you’ll only go half a term.

You said you’d be ready from Day One. Still waiting for that day to come.

You said we’d get mortgage relief.

These were the first ones you didn’t keep.

You said there would be accountability.

You said there would be transparency.

You said you’d be guided by the referendum.

Boy, you sure made us

look dumb.

We voted, we were led by our souls.

After you lost, you said it was just an opinion poll.

You said you had the answer to crime.

Remember those famous billboards from last time?

You promised we would be relieved.

But now even more families grieve.

As our young people die in the streets.

All you do is shuffle your feet.

You said we could go and pray to God, For what we wanted Him to do.

But after all was said and done, We still have to come back to you.

Wow! You are such a big hero!

I beg you to remember Pharaoh.

Now carnival, you said would make us millions.

Tourists would flock here, it would be titillating!

I didn’t like the idea but went along for the ride.

After all the road party, even during Eastertide.

We can’t see the profit.

Where is the prize?

Now you say, it was never a money-making enterprise.

Promises, Promises, Oh so worthless!

I only wish you could make them hurt-less.

Baha Mar was to open. I left my other job.

It’s closed! It will open!

It’s sold!

Man, this situation makes my head spin.

Now I’ve lost my house and my car, Everything!

And Vat! Oh my Lord, that Vat! I really don’t know what

to say about that.

Every day, more of my money is gone, with no return.

But you said it would pay down the national debt.

It didn’t happen, but when you explained, I started to fret.

Because we found out Halkities has lie-abities.

hamians” Was that slogan even true?

What else, pray tell, can you do? Remember that half term thing?

But you’ll give us free electricity after you win!

Why wait? Give it now. Just let it be!

Over 5,000 in the dark.

They cannot see!

Let’s see: Bamsi burn down. The dump on fire.

Millions missing from all over the place.

No one prosecuted, the money must be in cyber space.

Ministers and MPs doing as they please.

The Nolle, the gas water, Four downgrades, Man, Bahamians need some ease.

You say you’ll make my life better. Well, five years ago I got that same letter.

Now I’m worse off than before. And here you are, again at my door.

Same old story, same old song.

How can you believe in me like you say you do?

Knowing there is nothing so untrue.

As those promises, those promises from you.

Now you ask for five more years to finish what you want to do.

What? “Believe in Ba-

Tell me man, why’d you stick up your finger?

Didn’t you think that im-

age would linger?

All over The Bahamas, all over the world?

Have you no regard for us, for the children here, The one’s you claim you love so dear?

I cry shame. My respect for you has disappeared.

Oh, trust me, there is so much more.

But there’s only so much space, so much time.

Besides, I’ve got to go try make a dime.

They say a promise is a comfort to a fool.

Buddy, you must think I’m the biggest hole.

To believe I’ll get a piece of the pie. How you can look me dead in my eye... and lie?

BAHAMIAN VOTER

By Emm Gee. (Copyright 2017) Nassau, April, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 2, 2017, PAGE 5

FNM supporters at the party’s rally in North Abaco last night.

Photos: Yontalay Bowe/FNM

Ingraham: Fire all of the PLP from page one “Eight hundred and sixty thousand dollars just gone, gone, gone,” the former minister of finance said, however he did not elaborate on this.

He also referenced unaccounted for sums in the Road Traffic Department and Department of Social Services.

“It’s clear they have no interest in accounting for anything,” he also said. “They can’t even account for the VAT. It’s time for them to go.

“I want you to fire them for lying to you. They lied to you, they told you they would introduce VAT, that you had to pay it on your light bill, water bill, the hospital, your food, insurance, on everything - you must pay this because they say Ingraham left The Bahamas broke and we need to pay the debt so we’re going to have this new tax on everything.

“Well that was a lie then, it’s a lie now. They got the tax, they collect the money, the debt is higher now than it was before, they knew they were lying when they lied to you, they been col-

lecting the money, the debt has not decreased. For that deceit, fire them.”

Mr Ingraham did not directly address revelations that broke earlier this month that Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald had appealed for contracts from former Baha Mar developer Sarkis Izmirlian on behalf of his family’s businesses.

However, he noted that he was aware of calls for Mr Fitzgerald’s resignation, as well as Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson, who has admitted that her family held interests in shops at the mega-resort.

“You know I read in the newspaper and I hear people saying Jerome Fitzgerald got to go, Allyson Maynard got to go, (Agriculture Minister) Alfred Gray got to go, clearly their interests and their duty have been in conflict. It ain’t only that instead of working for you many of them have been busy working for themselves, a whole bunch of them don’t know the difference between their public duty and their private interests.

“So I ain’t worried about whether this one got to go or the next one, I say fire

the bunch of them! All of them! And if there are some good ones among them, say to yourself remember the story of the parrot and the crow,” he told the energetic crowd. “...So I say to those amongst the PLP who do have some good in them, if you had not with the crows been found, you too will be safe and sound but you got to go too – all.”

Mr Ingraham resigned as the North Abaco MP shortly following his party’s defeat at the polls in 2012.

Incumbent PLP MP Renaldo Curry won the seat in the resulting bye-election, and has later come under scrutiny over his frequent absences from the House of Assembly.

Speaking to his former constituents, Mr Ingraham stressed that he still loved them, and noted that they had experienced governance under both parties, with the better representation coming from the FNM. He underscored that the FNM’s candidate for North Abaco, Darren Henfield, was the best option, flagging up his military service and legal experience.

“You can vote for a candidate who has demonstrat-

ed to you over the past five years that he does not want to work for you,” Mr Ingraham said, “or you can vote for Darren Henfield, the FNM candidate for North Abaco, a man with a desire to serve you; a man with experience, a man with a plan for North Abaco, Darren Henfield.

“The other candidate, who like Darren is a near and dear relative of mine, is not an option,” he said, referring to the DNA’s standard-bearer.

He said the next governing party will either be the FNM or PLP, suggesting that a vote for another option is a waste.

Last night, Mr Ingraham also decried the proliferation of web shops throughout the country, calling for restricted opening hours for their operation.

“If I got the number house open all the time, addicts who are buying numbers (will) be around there all the time. So we got to control the hours they can operate and the number they can have,” he said.

He ended his address in Abaco by telling voters that when they mark their ‘x’ on Election Day, to say “this is for Papa”.

DR HUBERT MINNIS, who was last night called the most unprepared person to ever vie for leadership of the nation by Prime Minister Perry Christie.

CHRISTIE: DON’T SUPPORT FAKE NATIONAL MOVEMENT from page one

“We cannot afford a broken party led by a selfish leader, not when we have so much work to do in this country.”

On the impending HOA signing with Carnival Cruise Line, Mr Christie said the development will not just be a cruise port in the traditional sense but will create a destination that will have a significant impact on the surrounding

communities.

The $200m cruise port was given the green light by the National Economic Council for conclusion of a HOA after lengthy negotiations between the government and Carnival Cruise Line.

Environmental groups have raised concerns about a cruise port being built in East Grand Bahama, citing the area as “one of the most fragile and important ecological wonders of The Bahamas”.

DAVIS STANDS ON RECORD OF INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis last night presented his “record” of infrastructure development and social advancement in the Cat Island, San Salvador and Rum Cay constituency, as he dismissed those who have mounted campaigns against his continued representation of the area.

Admitting that his efforts in those islands have not yet yielded a completed vision, Mr Davis touted before a modest crowd of several dozen supporters at a rally in Cat Island that he has dedicated his time in office to ensuring investments and advancements on the respective islands.

Mr Davis, fully embracing the “Little Brave” moniker bestowed on him by his opponent from the Free National Movement (FNM), Gadville McDonald, urged residents to present those campaigning against him with the scores of projects finished or underway across his constituency.

Referring directly to Mr McDonald, Mr Davis said: “‘Big Mac’ say I (didn’t) do nothing for over 20 years.

Cat Island, I want you to show ‘Big Mac’ better than you could tell him, because

he can’t see.”

He continued: “Take ‘Big Mac’ around to see the roofs that Urban Renewal repaired. Make sure that he sees the many upgrades and construction of bathrooms in homes. Take him to the new homes that Urban Renewal has constructed.”

Mr Davis said his record of empowering Bahamians, particularly those in his constituency, has resulted in upgrades to the Cat Island Administrator’s Office, allowing residents to seek and obtain certified copies of birth certificates.

Mr Davis noted that the opportunities to obtain death and marriage certificates were in the works.

Additionally, the minister of works said improvements have also been seen in Cat Island’s cultural industry, touting that “bigger and better” festivals have benefited vendors on the island.

Continuing his direct address to Mr McDonald, Mr Davis added: “Make sure that he knows that the packing house at Smith’s Bay will be repaired and upgraded to include a kitchen so that they are able to process their produce to add value to the farmer’s produce.

“They may call all that nothing, but I think the people’s lives who are changing as a result would

disagree. Of course, don’t get me wrong. There is always more to do.

“The work is not finished — not by a long shot.”

Of ongoing projects and future plans, Mr Davis said a reelected PLP would construct high schools for both north and south Cat Island.

He added that plans have already been drawn up and are ready to go.

Moreover, Mr Davis told residents that approval has already been granted for the construction of the Bennett’s Harbour Dock.

Costs were estimated around $1.2m last night.

Mr Davis indicated that a contractor had already been mobilised for the refurbishment of a dock at New Bight - with a cost of $250,000.

Mr Davis also announced that progress has been made on three clinics on Cat Island - the Orange Creek Health Centre at a cost of $2.1m, the Old Bight Community Health Centre, $1.5m and the Smith’s Bay Clinic, another $6.5m.

According to Mr Davis, the PLP has also constructed 250 linear feet of reinforced concrete seawall at the Smith’s Bay Dock at a cost of $250,000.

Also, Mr Davis said that plans have been finalised for the construction of a police and fire station at Arthur’s

Town, at a cost of $2.5m.

“A community and homework centre in Bain Town on the old clinic site has been approved for just under $1m.

“We have also engaged consultant architects and engineers for the international airport terminal building at New Bight,” Mr Davis added.

He said the government has a plan for a new airport in Cat Island and has approved expenditure of up to $11.5m for the new terminal and runway rehabilitation.

Mr Davis furthered that the Christie administration has started work on master plan for the development of all of Cat Island, inclusive of what he referred to as a spine road.

Mr Davis was accompanied in Cat Island last night by three of his Cabinet colleagues - Agriculture Minister Alfred Gray, Environment Minister Kenred Dorsett and State Finance Minister Michael Halkitis who all endorsed the efforts of Mr Davis in his constituency and post as deputy prime minister.

The group then travelled to San Salvador for a rally in that island last night.

Mr Davis has represented the constituency for five non-consecutive terms first coming to office in the 1992 Cat Island by-election.

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PAGE 6, Tuesday, May 2, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

‘Wilchcombe must apologise for role in Fyre Festival mess’

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement (FNM) Chairman Sidney Collie yesterday demanded Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe publicly apologise for his part in the mismanagement of the Fyre Festival in Exuma and “dragging the good name of the Bahamas through the mud on the international stage.”

In a statement, Mr Collie said the government cannot hide from its role in the “utter disaster” and cannot escape responsibility for the widespread international embarrassment.

The privately organised Fyre Festival was branded a disaster and postponed on Friday amid a host of complaints that the infrastructure and accommodations were not ready and that there was no security.

Many tourists who travelled to Exuma for the event took to social media to voice their frustration

and fear and the incident quickly went viral.

It led American recording artist ‘Ja Rule’, a co-organiser to respond, telling the Tribune he was “mortified” and “heartbroken” over the chaos.

Headline performers and the Ministry of Tourism offered a “heartfelt apology” in expressing its disappointment for the “total disorganisation and chaos.”

The ministry, while saying it was not an official sponsor of the private event, said it was lending its support to help with the safe return of all Fyre Festival visitors.

There were also complaints of missing luggage, unsatisfactory catered food, fears for people’s safety, piles of garbage and looting of alcohol.

Mr Collie pointed to several articles, attributed to Mr Wilchcombe where he announced that he was working closely with the hosts of Fyre Festival.

“Try though it might, the PLP cannot simply hide from its integral role in the

utter disaster known as Fyre Festival 2017,” Mr Collie noted. “Nor can the governing party escape responsibility for the widespread international embarrassment that has resulted from its total failure to properly oversee the planning and staging of the event, not to mention the vetting of those involved.

“Yet for months leading up to the event, tourism officials repeatedly touted the government’s intimate involvement with the details of this shameful catastrophe. On March 6, 2017, the ministry issued a press release claiming that, ‘local authorities have been working hard over the past months to prepare for the inaugural kickoff on April 28.

No efforts have been spared to ensure a wonderful experience for each of the thousands of guests coming for Fyre Festival 2017.’ In the very same press release, none other than Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe himself announced that: ‘We’re working closely with

the Fyre Festival team to ensure that visitors have an unforgettable trip to the Exumas.’

‘Another official press release, issued April 3, 2017, notes that: ‘The Ministry of Tourism has been working tirelessly with Fyre Festival organisers to ensure that the 2017 festival is unforgettable for the over 5,000 guests expected to descend on the island…’

“Despite the ministry’s best efforts to distance itself from this disaster, the international community is fully aware of our government’s involvement in the Fyre Festival.”

Mr Collie said Mr Wilchcombe needs to apologise immediately for the failed festival.

“The minister must publicly apologise for his part in dragging the good name of the Bahamas through the mud on the international stage. Coming so soon after the Caribbean Muzik Festival disaster, which saw his ministry spend half a million dollars on another

event that also descended into chaos, Fyre Festival is a damning indictment on Wilchcombe and his tenure in charge of our nation’s most important industry.”

In a statement on its website Thursday night, the event organisers said: “Due to circumstances out of our control, the physical infrastructure was not in place on time and we are unable to fulfill on that vision safely and enjoyably for our guests. At this time, we are working tirelessly to get flights scheduled and get everyone off of Great Exuma and home safely as quickly as we can.

“We ask that guests currently on-island do not make their own arrangements to get to the airport as we are coordinating those plans. We are working to place everyone on complimentary charters back to Miami today; this process has commenced and the safety and comfort of our guests is our top priority.

“The festival is being

‘SWEETHEART BAHA MAR DEAL BAD FOR THE NATION’ from page one

The document, signed on April 25, outlines a number of concessions granted to the new buyer of the beleaguered resort, including value added tax (VAT) exemption until the end of 2019 and write off of $10m in casino debt.

And while stressing that there must at all times be “continued efforts” to maximise Bahamian employment at the resort, the government has allowed for the granting of up to 300 work permits for non-Bahamian workers in senior management positions, those with technical or specialty skills including brand management, “where there is a demonstrable need and lack of qualified Bahamian applicants.”

The HOA notes that after the first 18 months of operation of the resort and casino, work permit numbers are projected to drop to 200.

The resort will also be exempt from the payment of real property tax for ten years “commencing on the date of opening for business of each facility within the project.”

In his statement, Dr Minnis said the government’s “irresponsible transaction” and “scandalous” efforts surrounding Baha Mar are an affront to the hard-working families that

postponed until we can further assess if and when we are able to create the high-quality experience we envisioned. We ask for everyone’s patience and cooperation during this difficult time as we work as quickly and safely as we can to remedy this unforeseeable situation.

“We will continue to provide regular updates via email to our guests and via our official social media channels as they become available,” the statement added.

Tickets for the event, which went for as much as $12,000, included a flight from Miami, a stay in a “geodesic dome” and activities including yoga and kayaking. Pre-publicity suggested festival-goers could pay up to $100,000 to mingle with models and be ferried around by private yachts and planes.

Organisers have said the event will be staged in 2018 in the US with part proceeds going to the Bahamas Red Cross.

851 POLICE OFFICERS PROMOTED ON EVE OF POLL from page one

FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis with FNM candidates at last night’s rally in North Abaco. struggle to make ends meet. seal the contents from pub- included unpaid guests of the PLP party, of this scanHe said the HOA contains lic view.”

The timing of the release dalous scheme has been “disastrous provisions that will impact our country for of the HOA coincides with shown for what it is – a costthe end of the government’s ly campaign driven effort to years to come.”

“Now the truth comes self-imposed deadline to prop up the election hopes out,” his statement noted. push for the release of the of a corrupt regime that the “And it is not good for the sealed Supreme Court doc- public has grown tired of.

“But they have failed.

Bahamian people. The pub- uments relating to the sale lic disclosure of the PLP’s of the resort to Chow Tai Unfortunately, it will be secret Baha Mar (deal) is Fook Enterprises (CTFE). the Bahamian people who breathtaking in its brazen However those documents will shoulder the burden theft of our country’s as- remain under the court or- and pay the price for Perry dered seal and as a result, Christie’s ill-advised and sets.

“The astounding revela- the sales price and other ill-conceived give away to tions from this disclosure conditions involved in the his Chinese cronies.”

Dr Minnis said the inforleaves no doubt in anyone’s process are still unknown.

Yesterday, Dr Minnis mation in the document jusmind as to why our embattled Prime Minister Perry also hit out at officials for tifies the FNM’s concerns Christie and Attorney Gen- Baha Mar’s soft opening on regarding the government and “their Chinese croeral (Allyson Maynard- April 21.

“The conception and tim- nies.”

Gibson) fought so hard to “Further it is well known shroud this deal in secrecy ing, along with their fake, – even going to the courts to ‘soft’ opening, which only that we have stood side-by-

Photo: Yontalay Bowe side with the people stating our ever-growing concerns regarding the government’s actions on Baha Mar with their Chinese cronies. Sadly, we now know those concerns were justified. The newly public documents reveal hundreds of millions in waived VAT taxes,” Dr Minnis said.

“Imagine how many Bahamian families will struggle while the PLP’s allies are excluded from paying the VAT tax, enriching themselves at our expense?

This sweetheart deal our embattled prime minister signed off on and then hid from the public has so many disastrous provisions that will impact our country for years to come.”

Commissioner Greenslade also announced that 253 corporals have been promoted to sergeant while 323 constables have been promoted to the rank of corporal.

“You’ve waited for well over three years for your promotions, you’ve worked hard, you’ve sacrificed and you have demonstrated a level of commitment and certainly all of the attributes that certainly qualifies you for these promotions,” Commissioner Greenslade said in a video recording issued to the media last night.

He offered congratulations to the officers who were promoted.

This announcement came days after Prime Minister Perry Christie revealed the government will finally pay police officers for working 12-hour shifts in 2013 and 2014, with the first payment of the outstanding sum to be issued on May 29.

He said the second installment in overtime pay would come “in the next budget cycle,” but was not more specific. He said officers who have died or are retired will be paid in full.

DOCUMENTS SHOW FOULKES BARRED FROM LEGAL PRACTICE IN FLORIDA AND OWED US GOVT $132,000 from page one

The document lists three separate unpaid balances for the tax periods 1999, 2000 and 2001 of $46,902.96, $38,870.61 and $46,720.03 respectively. He

was assessed on each of these unpaid balances in 2004, 2005 and 2007.

It is unclear whether Mr Foulkes settled any of the debt, but the document does note that unless the notice of the lien was refiled by the specified dates,

the notice would operate as a certificate of release.

Mr Foulkes could not be reached for comment yesterday up to press time.

The notice of tax lien and Mr Foulkes’ Florida Bar record were verified by The Tribune yesterday after

Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Chairman Bradley Roberts released an electronic file delving into Mr Foulkes’ past in the US. Several other allegations and claims were also made in this file, but they could not be authenticated yesterday.

Last month, Mr Roberts criticised FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis saying his “failed leadership” led the party to select “bad and unfit” candidates to run for the impending 2017 general election.

Speaking to supporters at a rally in Grand Bahama early last month, Mr Roberts alleged that Mr Foulkes was suspended from practising law in the United States.

During this event he said: “The candidate selections of the FNM strikes at the foundation of the quality of any successful leader and that is the attribute of judgment. Minnis, I remind you, was ambushed and removed as the Official Opposition leader because of poor judgment.”

Mr Roberts said both Mr Foulkes along with FNM North Eleuthera Mackey standard-bearer were “unfit” candidates. He said the picks were the result of “the flimsiest of vetting systems”.

“Under his leadership

(Dr Minnis), seven MPs, six senators and two national chairmen and three candidates abandoned him,” Mr Roberts said last month.

“Some said they lacked confidence in his leadership; some said he was dishonest and not a man of his word and therefore could not be trusted and some have called him corrupt.

“It is no secret that he struggled to keep his party together and I am advised that the infighting continues regardless of the amount of lipstick they try to put on that pig.

“How a leader of a political party leads and manages his party’s affairs is a dress rehearsal for how he would lead a government. The verdict among Bahamians is that he is a failed leader.

“This brings me to Minnis’ selected candidates.

Howard ‘Rickey’ Mackey in North Eleuthera is a bad candidate and I will drop some more bombshells after he is nominated; another is their Golden Gates candidate Michael Augustine Foulkes’ suspension to practice law in the USA strongly conveys that he is an unfit candidate,” he alleged.

When he was contacted about the last allegation several weeks ago, Mr Collie said the claim was not true, adding that Mr Foulkes had

not been suspended.

Mr Roberts has continuously sought to discredit some FNM candidates this cycle, so far dropping several “bombshells” including Mr Mackey’s failure to pay a 10-year tax debt of $9,500 to the Department of Customs. He made the claims in March and in response Mr Mackey said he forgot about the outstanding sum.

He later settled the debt.

However just last week, Mr Roberts again revealed more potentially damaging revelations about Mr Mackey.

For his part, Mr Mackey told The Tribune last week that he did not have time to respond Mr Roberts’ allegations, which he said he was aware of, and that a response would likely come from his constituency association. A response never came.

Superwash owner and FNM Free Town candidate Dionisio D’Aguilar has also been a target of Mr Roberts, who has alleged that the Superwash CEO is “habitual tax dodger.”

Mr D’Aguilar has strongly denied the allegations and told Tribune Business that these attempts showed the governing PLP, and particularly its chairman, were “becoming more and more desperate” in their efforts to retain power.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 2, 2017, PAGE 7

6,5000 have now signed up in NHI enrolment phase SINCE launching last week, 6,500 Bahamians have registered under the enrolment phase of National Health Insurance (NHI), officials said yesterday in a press statement.

However they were unable to say when these people will be able to begin receiving primary care services, only saying that this will happen “as soon as possible”.

The enrolment process is ongoing and Bahamians are encouraged to enrol online at www.nhibahamas.gov. bs, or in-person at several enrolment locations in New Providence.

These are: Cotton Tree Plaza at Bernard Road, Fox Hill - 9am to 7pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm on Saturday Enoch Beckford Memo-

rial Auditorium on Carmichael Road - 9am to 7pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm Saturday New Providence Community Centre on Blake Road - 9am to 7pm Monday to Friday.

Residents in the Family Islands can enrol online or in person at their local NIB office.

The NHI Secretariat, the press statement said, has

also started to set up pop up enrolment sites in an effort to bring enrolment to as many communities as possible.

The first popup enrolment event was held outside the Mall at Marathon on Saturday, April 29.

Prime Minister Perry Christie last week heralded the “historic” launch of the enrolment phase of NHI, expressing his delight in

serving as the nation’s leader while “ushering in” one of the “most significant interventions in the history of this country.”

With the launch, Bahamians will now be able to choose their primary care physician from a list of over 60 doctors, which include family medicine practitioners, general practitioners, internists, obstetricians, gynaecologists and paedia-

tricians.

The government ultimately plans to have between 140 and 150 primary care providers (PCPs) incorporated into NHI, with plans to augment the private sector offering with the services of primary care providers in the public sector, the Department of Public Health and the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA).

FOURTH SUSPECT ACCUSED OVER DEATH OF MAN SHOT IN FOX HILL APARTMENT

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net A FOURTH suspect appeared in Magistrate’s Court yesterday accused of having a role in a recent fatal shooting in an inner-city community.

Wilson Capita, 26, stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt facing murder and attempted murder charges that were allegedly committed on April 21.

Concerning the murder charge, it is alleged that Capita, being concerned with others, intentionally caused the death of Patrick Axanthio Thompson.

He is also alleged to have attempted to cause the death of Terrance Rigby and PC 3825 Hall and is accused of being in possession of a black .45 XD-45ACP pistol and a HK submachine pistol.

According to initial reports from police, shortly

after 4pm, a group of men were standing in front of a car wash on Market Street, near Palm Tree Avenue, when the occupants of a dark coloured vehicle pulled up and fired several shots at them before speeding off.

Thompson was hit and died of his injuries at the scene while Rigby was taken to hospital for treatment.

Police said officers chased the suspects into the Ridgeland Park area, where the three men allegedly fled on foot from the getaway vehicle. Police said they eventually caught the alleged assailants near a bushy area. Police also allegedly discovered a tech 9 automatic firearm and a .45 pistol.

Like his co-accused Christavio Tucker, 22, Kelvin Clarke, 23, and Kevin Ramsey, 24, who were arraigned on April 26 on the same charges, Capita was told yesterday that the case will be fast-tracked to the

EDWIDGE JOHN, 50, accused of attempted murder.

Supreme Court through the presentation of a voluntary bill of indictment at their next Magistrate’s Court appearance scheduled for May 31.

Due to the nature of the allegations, he was remanded to the Department of Correctional Services to await trial. However he has the right to make an application for bail in the Supreme Court.

In another arraignment, 50-year-old Edwidge John was arraigned on multiple counts of attempted murder and three firearm related offences stemming from a shoot-out with police that occurred on April 25.

It is alleged that John intentionally and unlawfully attempted to cause the deaths of Sgt 583 Williams, Sgt 1553 Sweeting, Cpl 2281 Dean, Const 3534 Solomon, Const 3893 Miller, Const 3809 Lavarity and Const 3748 McFall.

He is also alleged to have been in possession of a black CPX-1 9mm pistol and a Ruger 9mm pistol and with 10 rounds of ammunition for the weapons.

John was told that his case will be fast-tracked to the Supreme Court through the presentation of a voluntary bill of indictment at his next Magistrate’s Court appearance scheduled for May 29.

Due to the nature of the charges, he was remanded to prison to await trial.

However he can make an application for bail in the Supreme Court.

WILSON CAPRIS, 26, who was accused of murder and attempted murder.

CROWN REQUESTS DELAY IN VOTER FRAUD CASE

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

THE trial of an Eleuthera resident accused of alleged voter fraud was further delayed at the request of the Crown yesterday.

Andrew Johnson, 57, a long-serving Water and Sewerage Corporation employee, reappeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney after his appearance on April 25 resulted in a delay due to the absence of the prosecution witnesses in his case concerning the charge of making a false declaration, contrary to Section 94(a) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, Chapter 7.

While the witnesses were present in court on this occasion including Parliamentary Commissioner Sherlyn Hall, Vernal Collie of

the Office of the Attorney General requested an adjournment until Thursday, May 4.

Mr Collie said he had just been given the file the day of the proceedings and had wished to take instructions from the attorney general upon perusal of the case against Johnson.

Johnson’s lawyer, Philip Hilton, argued that it should not take more than a few hours to make a decision on a matter that the prosecution brought to court.

Magistrate McKinney said it was unfortunate that Mr Collie had only received the file yesterday and more so that the majority of the prosecution witnesses had to travel from Eleuthera only for the trial to be adjourned.

Nonetheless, he granted Mr Collie’s request and

adjourned the matter to Thursday at 11.30am.

It is alleged that Johnson, between February 27 and February 28, while at Harbour Island and under oath, made a statement before Revising Officer Lucy Butler for the purpose of registering to vote knowing the statement to be false.

The section under which Johnson was charged notes that “any person who - (a) makes any false statement, for the purpose of being registered as a voter; or in answer to any lawful enquiry by a revising officer, returning officer or presiding officer, or for the purpose of making any objection to the registration of any other person as voter, or in any oath or declaration taken or made by him by virtue of any of the requirements of this act,

WOMAN ON DRUG CHARGE IS GRANTED BAIL

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A WOMAN recently charged in connection with a major drug seizure was granted bail in the Supreme Court yesterday.

Chantell Brown, 25, appeared before Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs days after she was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court alongside 41-year-old Tomico Horton on a charge of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply that

was allegedly committed on April 25.

On the day in question, officers seized a number of sacks and a children’s backpack containing $390,000 worth of marijuana. The seizure occurred at a home in the Big Pond area.

Both accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.

They were subsequently remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until May 2 for a fixture hearing.

In yesterday’s bail application in Supreme Court,

Crown prosecutor Cordell Frazier did not object to the application made on Brown’s behalf by attorney Geoffrey Farquharson.

As a result, the judge granted the Jamaican female $8,000 with a suretor.

However, she was also ordered to surrender all of her travel documents to the Supreme Court and report to the Grove Police Station every Saturday on/or before 6pm. Brown could face a fine and/or up to seven years imprisonment if convicted of the offence.

knowing such statement to be false; shall be guilty of an offence against this act, and any person who aids, abets, counsels or procures the commission of any such

offence shall also be guilty of an offence against this act.”

When called on to answer to the charge at his arraignment in March, Johnson

pleaded not guilty.

The revising officer and Mr Hall are two of six witnesses listed to give evidence.

Johnson remains on bail.

PAGE 8, Tuesday, May 2, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Finding those who represent us in the field of candidates A

T the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) rally in Exuma, Prime Minister Perry Christie told the people: “We have some of the highest net worth individuals, meaning some of the richest people in the world living in Exuma and in the cays of Exuma.

“Our job is to take advantage of the presence of all these people in Exuma and to do more with them and you have a candidate who will become a big part of the next government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.”

The assumption here is that the PLP candidate endorsed in Exuma, Chester Cooper, is the link between government and rich people in Exuma.

The further implication is that Mr Cooper is rich and therefore knows how to negotiate with rich people, particularly those high net worth foreigners who live on Great Exuma or in the Exuma Cays.

Chester Cooper is, by financial measure, a very successful Bahamian businessman.

At the same time that he praised Mr Cooper, Mr Christie also said something for which he has been severely ridiculed: “Listen, it going so good now, God can’t stop me now.”

While Bahamians have berated Mr Christie for this statement, I don’t believe the way they have interpreted his statement is equivalent to what Mr Christie meant to say. This statement was about the microphone cutting out, presumably with the emphasis on the word “can’t,” not “God,” as in “God, ya can’t stop me now, man.”

In fairness to Mr Christie - apparently, I’ve listened too closely to him all this time that I actually understand his drivel... I’m going to need an intervention after this election - his expression was taken out of context. But I’m not his speechwriter and he thinks he’s the world’s greatest orator, so maybe that will teach him to cut back on the trite and unnecessary talk whenever he finds a micro-

By NICOLE BURROWS

phone in front of him.

That “God” comment shook up a lot of people who can’t interpret language and are not fair in their judgments. But far more disconcerting and deserving of ridicule than the “God” comment was the comment Mr Christie made about rich people in Exuma and our Bahamian leaders’ continued plans to sponge off of them.

All these comments indicate to me is that a PLP government still has and will always have the same old foolish plan of sucking wealth out of rich people living in The Bahamas: tourism and foreign direct investment (FDI); bribing and taking bribes; doing nothing solid or long-term to improve Bahamians’ intellectual or professional capacities, only potentially offering them more access to more rich people to sponge off of in Exuma and elsewhere.

At the same Exuma rally, Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis emphasised the PLP’s regard for rich people’s money when he got on the mic and ranted “Chester Cooper, Chester Cooper, boy we are so proud that you’re the candidate for the Exumas and Ragged Island...”

In other words, “Chester Cooper, boy Chester, bring dat money dis way!”

Chester Cooper better watch out.

Mr Davis also gave another interview in the same week at Baha Mar’s ‘soft opening’, and when asked about Cabinet minister Jerome Fitzgerald’s solicitation of Sarkis Izmirlian for Baha Mar contracts, Mr Davis in turn asked why should Mr Fitzgerald’s story cast a dark cloud over him or Baha Mar, when Bahamians have jobs there now?

Why should it prevent Mr Fitzgerald from being nominated or running again for the Marathon seat in Parlia-

ment?

The message Mr Davis is sending with these comments is that alleged corruption doesn’t matter, and in fact it’s okay as long as the right people don’t think it’s corruption.

And it wasn’t really allegedly corrupt anyway, because, as we can all plainly see, there’s no penalty to pay for what transpired.

The prime minister ignored it, Mr Fitzgerald wasn’t fired from Cabinet or made to resign, Mr Fitzgerald did not choose to resign with some modicum of dignity still in tact, and he will still be running, quite arrogantly, in his old Marathon constituency in the next general election.

Mr Davis stops short of telling us “Why do you care about anything else as a Bahamian, as long as you have a job in a resort plantation?”

I really want a government that has the ability and desire to change this scratched tourism/ FDI record.

These men - Mr Christie, Mr Davis, Mr Fitzgerald, etc - have no idea of what The Bahamas could be without corruption or hotel jobs. They have no vision, they have no remorse, and they have no respect for Bahamians who do have vision. As a result, Bahamians should have no votes to give them on May 10.

Maybe half of all Bahamians voting in the 2017 election have votes up for grabs; they could vote in any direction, for any party or person at the last minute.

They’re likely not voting on policy presentations by political parties, but they’re voting on their feelings about existing or potential candidates and the parties they may represent.

So once you get past the fact that many Bahamians vote based on who they like and what they can get, the only thing left is what

JEROME FITZGERALD, PLP candidate for Marathon. the people look like. And didates.

The FNM is running four what the people/ parties look like is their outward women candidates, or 10 appearance, with internal per cent of all their candicomposition that represents dates.

The DNA is running 13 their intentions. For example, what do you see when women candidates, or 37 you look at the structure per cent of their total canof the party... the PLP, the didates.

Based simply on these Free National Movement (FNM), the Democratic numbers, it is safe to asNational Alliance (DNA)? sume that women - and men How much diversity is there - in The Bahamas who are in the party? How much concerned about women’s age diversity is there? How interests and rights should much gender diversity is obviously look to the DNA there? How much ethnic di- to be the most likely of all large parties to move in the versity is there?

The degree of diversity in direction of the advanceeach party gives an idea of ment of women. It is unhow diverse their goals are likely that any party that likely to be and how com- runs less than 20 per cent mitted they are to spreading women, or with less than the benefit of their govern- a quarter of their full slate ance evenly amongst Baha- of candidates being female, will be interested or inmians.

If you want to choose a clined to put women’s needs party based on diversity, to the forefront or at the top here is what each of the of any of their agendas. three significant parties in Age the 2017 general election The PLP is running four look like and represent.

The PLP and FNM are or five younger candidates, both running 39 candidates. or up to 13 per cent of their The DNA is running 35 total candidate slate.

The FNM is running 10 candidates. A full slate of candidates is 39, to match to 12 younger candidates, the 39 (38 old plus 1 new) or up to 32 per cent of their now vacant seats in Parlia- total candidates.

The DNA is running 12 ment. And, as you will see from the following break- to 15 younger candidates, down of parties, running a or up to 43 per cent of their full slate of candidates does total candidates.

Based simply on these not determine the direction numbers, it is safe to asof the party. sume that younger people in The Bahamas, who Gender The PLP is running seven want their needs and voices women candidates, or 18 heard loudly and clearly per cent of their total can- will probably stand a better

chance at being in charge of all their future opportunities by placing their votes with the DNA. It is unlikely that in a country of mostly younger people that older politicians will tend to represent the needs of those younger people, certainly nowhere near as efficiently as younger people would represent their own needs.

The PLP is chock full of older politicians; barely 10 per cent of their hopeful members of Parliament (MPs) could realistically represent the needs of young people in The Bahamas. About a third of all FNM hopeful MPs could realistically represent young people in the House of Assembly. Almost half of all DNA hopeful MPs could realistically represent young people in The Bahamas.

Ethnicity As for ethnic diversity, neither the PLP, nor the FNM, nor the DNA are running a slate of candidates who can be considered racially diverse. In other words, none of the large political parties are doing too good with respect to diverse ethnic representation, but perhaps that’s just a reflection of the majority of votes being sought in The Bahamas in 2017. It does make you wonder, though, how groups of other ethnicities who reside in The Bahamas as citizens or residents perceive their place and their ability to influence politics in The Bahamas.

READERS RESPOND TO BAHA MAR HEADS OF AGREEMENT READERS on tribune242.com have been reacting to the news of the government’s commitment to contributing $4m a year for eight years for marketing of Baha Mar. ThisIsOurs said: “This is not the agreement Mr

Christie promised to release. The details of that document are still hidden.”

BoopaDoop asked: “which crony will get the marketing contract?”

OMG had this to say: “Wow this is a godsend for this company with all the

incentives. All the while Bahamians struggle with ridiculous power bills, incredibly high food prices, VAT on everything and, on some Family Islands, pathetic water supplies.”

PastorTroy thought Baha Mar had become a liability: “It’s interesting to see how a once promising resort has become a major L.I.A.B.I.L.I.T.Y to the Bahamian treasury. No VAT, no Customs, we have to pay for marketing, etc, etc.

These DINOS need to sit their tired backsides down!#WeGettinPlayed” Sickened offered this: “And all of these concessions after we agreed to complete the resort. We probably owe CCA another couple hundred million dollars to complete and open the rest of the property.”

Hallmark said: “This HOA seems very skewed toward the prospective purchasers, especially as the government doesn’t own the hotel, so the funds from the sales aren’t going into the treasury but to the owners (the Chinese). So will these incentives be removed from the sealed agreement that has yet to be released?

No double dipping!”

The failed Fyre Festival in Exuma made headlines around the world at the weekend. After co-organiser Ja Rule denied claims that the luxury music festival was a scam, Jackbnimble responded with: “Wow. Poor infrastructure? And he didn’t know this before he took the poor people’s money? They messed up and the Bahamas is to blame? Unreal!”

My2cents said: “They

had so many opportunities to cancel or relocate. How stupid can someone be to think they can essentially erect a city overnight, especially when nobody was paid? I cannot give them the benefit of doubt that it wasn’t a scam on the MOT as well. They acted just as reckless as the naive ‘rich’ kids. . . . that is inexcusable.”

TalRussell asked: “Where are the much globally advertised famous models on yachts? The Wall Street Journal reported a week back about a number of booked artists that had cancelled their appearances due to not being paid as contractually agreed to.

The promise of island luxury cottages were quickly transformed into white hurricane tents.”

John had some suggestions of what could have been done: “These people were definitely fish out of water. They have the annual music fest in Exuma that caters to thousands and the annual regatta as well. You have to know how to make it fit. But these city boys obviously lacked experience in planning this type of event in a sleepy island setting. Then for a $20m price tag they should have hired more locals and professional event planners and should not have tried to crowd the event with regatta. A good investment may be in one of the smaller cruise ships that are now being decommissioned. One that can travel from island to island during these events like regattas and serve as a hotel and dining facility.”

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

PAGE 10, Tuesday, May 2, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

DNA rejects claim that party has taken policies from BNCP

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net DEMOCRATIC National Alliance (DNA) Deputy Leader Chris Mortimer yesterday denied claims by Bahamas National Coalition Party (BNCP) Leader Wesley Campbell that the DNA has allegedly taken ideas from the BNCP’s 25year development plan and passed them off as its own.

Mr Mortimer, in an interview with The Tribune, said Mr Campbell should “stop trying to utilise the DNA’s name to get some sort of public traction for his party.”

Mr Mortimer further said the policy initiatives contained in the DNA’s Vision 2017 and Beyond document were developed by “experts in the field” whom the party paid “significant funds” to in 2016 to formulate, and said “no one” in the DNA “has looked at anything that (the BNCP) has done”.

Mr Mortimer was responding to claims made by Mr Campbell during a press conference at the fledgling party’s headquarters yesterday morning.

Mr Campbell claimed that a lot of the “declarative statements” the DNA has made with regards to its policy initiatives were allegedly derived directly from the BNCP’s 25-year development plan.

In particular, Mr Campbell accused Mr Mortimer

MEMBERS of the BNCP pictured yesterday. of allegedly “quoting” the solution to issues affecting BNCP’s 25-year develop- The Bahamas. If you go on ment plan while speaking at the streets you see declaraan event at the University of tive statements that they have made, those statements The Bahamas.

“If you look at the actual come straight from our 25documentation of both par- year development plan.

“The DNA does not have ties, the DNA has been (allegedly taking) a lot of our the solutions that The Bainformation and putting hamas needs at this current it out as if it is theirs,” Mr time,” Mr Campbell added.

When contacted yesCampbell alleged. “If you were at the last meeting at terday on the matter, Mr the University of The Ba- Mortimer said in response: hamas, the debate that was “First and foremost, stop taking place, the deputy trying to utilise the DNA’s leader of the party was ac- name to get some sort of tually quoting our 25-year public traction for his pardevelopment plan as their ty. Nobody in the DNA - I

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff know I certainly have never sort of buzz or interest in seen - no one has ever seen his party.” his so-called 25-year plan The BNCP recently anand the policies developed nounced its list of candiby the DNA were developed dates to contest the upcomby experts in the field for ing general election, namely which we have paid signifi- Mr Campbell for the Encant funds over the course glerston seat; Reverend Anof 2016 to develop our ideas drew Stewart for Free Town; and plans that have formed Obrian Knowles for Carmipart of our vision 2017 and chael; Denice Wilmore for beyond document.

Marathon; Lorraine Arthur “No one has looked at for Centreville; Don Lockhis stuff. In fact, no one has hart for Pinewood; Ann looked at anything that his Marie Rolle for Seabreeze; party has done, so I would Leroy Butler for Mt Moappreciate it if he would riah; Rodney Rolle for Garnot try to utilise the DNA’s den Hills; Kendal Lewis for name to try to create some Yamacraw; Angela Cox for

Fox Hill; Barrington Usher for North Andros and the Berry Islands; Fredrick Anthony Rolle for Tall Pines; Randy Rolle for Fort Charlotte and Paul Rolle for Nassau Village.

“I think at the outset that the BNCP’s candidates need to be congratulated for showing the courage to stand up,” Mr Campbell said. “The fact that we put 15 out there is indicative of the BNCP keeping its part of an arrangement we had with several coalition parties. The fact that we have done that, and we are in strategic locations, speaks well for the party going forward.

“It’s no question that the party’s platform is an alternative to the direction the country is going. The support we’re getting from the ground indicates that there are going to be some surprises in this general elevation. In one way or the other there’s going to be a need for party’s like us to have a say in governance because it’s clear the people want not just change, but a fundamental change. And we are the only party who has put forth and articulated an alternative message for the Bahamian people.”

The BNCP was formally the Bahamas National Citizen Coalition (BNCC), an activist group established in 2013. In 2015, the BNCC transitioned to a political party and later changed its name.

RESIDENT CLAIMS ILLEGITIMATE VOTER CARDS BEING ISSUED

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A CONCERNED resident is alleging voter fraud in the West Grand Bahama constituency, claiming that at least three persons whom he knows that are not legitimate Bahamians have been issued voter’s cards.

Lionel Morley, a resident of Eight Mile Rock, claims that he knows three persons who have been issued voter’s cards for the upcoming 2017 general election even

though they do not possess a Bahamian passport or birth certificate.

He is concerned that many others may have also illegally registered, and is calling on the opposition parties to be very vigilant at the polls.

“I believe that there could be widespread voter fraud in the Eight Mile Rock area and it is imperative that we, the Bahamian people, protect our democracy and protect the voting process,” Mr Morley told The Tribune.

“A lot of people, particularly from EMR, have come to me for help with affidavits to help them to become documented and three of them are now flashing voter’s cards in my face. And when I asked them about it, they say ‘as long as you are on the right team they will make it happen for you,’” he alleged.

Eight Mile Rock - the largest settlement outside of Freeport and in The Bahamas - is populated with many undocumented residents.

Funeral Service MATHAIS MUNNINGS, 1 month of Stapledon Gardens, will be held on Thursday, May 4th, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Life Changers Ministries International, Bacardi Road. Officiating will be Senior Pastor Valentino Williams. Cremation will follow.

Mathias was predeceased by his Great Grandparents: Percy and Annie Munnings; Grandfather: Bradley Munnings Sr. Mathias will always remain in the hearts and minds of his Father: Bradley Munnings Jr.; Mother: Akeelia Bain; Brother: Bradley Munnings; Sister: Bradahja Munnings; Grandparents: Patrice Fox, Aaron and Kephee Bain; Great Grand Parents: Esther Fox, Calvese Moxey and Norris Bain; Aunts: Kara Dean, Bryanna Strachan, Marcia Munnings, Akeeron, Ajah and Avalon Bain; Uncles: Paul McCartney, Khellan (Antonia) McCartney, Raoul Munnings of Holland, DeCarlo, Aaron Jr. and Antonio Bain; Grand Aunts: Judy (Levarity) Deleveaux, Vanria, Sandra and Ava Munnings; Denise Fox, Yvonne Smith, Fredricka Adamson and Kenmarie Watkins, Sophia (David) Munnings, Dwayne Bowe, Kevin Thompson, Jessy, Tony, Moe and Wade Bain; Cousins: Tashae Dean, Latadje Johnson, Tyreik Neely, Tanasia, Khalil, Savanah and Khalia McCartney, Matteo Munnings, Pete, Rasheda and Clavar Deleveaux, Michelle Minus, Aiesha and Troy Fisher, Louie Thompson, Delvin, Ron Bates and Ozone Rogers, Khesna Brown, Angel, Justice, Alexis Turnquest, Sherry and Jane Sawyer, Lorraine Major; Other family and friends including: Ricardo Neely, Natasha Boyer, George (Fredricka) McCartney Sr., Karen Bonaby, Tara (Craig) Armbrister, Donalee Adderley, Dr.’s and nurses of the NICU of PMH, Dr. Carlo Thomas and Dr. Lochan, Family of the late Harry Dean; Godfather: Desmond Taylor; Godmother: Indira Tucker.

Viewing will be held in the Serenity Suite at Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium Ltd., Robinson and Soldier Road on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until service time.

Reno Smith, assistant parliamentary commissioner in Freeport, is urging concerned persons who have proof and know of such individuals to bring it to the attention of the Parliamentary Registration Department before the election.

He warned that persons making false declarations during voter registration can be arrested and charged for fraud.

“If there are some concerns about persons allegedly having voter’s card and who are not citizens of The Bahamas, and if persons have evidence to such claims they need to bring that to us so we can get retrieve the government’s property,” Mr Smith told The Tribune.

Mr Morley, a labour activist/independent labour consultant, stressed that this election it is too important to Grand Bahama and to all Bahamians throughout the country.

“We have to protect the voices of the legitimate masses from those who are trying to steal the election.

I am hoping the powers that be understand the importance of protecting this process, but I am also calling on the opposition parties to be vigilant and to fight to ensure that the process is protected not only for their sake, but for the sake of Bahamians,” he stressed.

Mr Morley said that he

will be watching with eagle eyes at the polls come Election Day on May 10.

“We cannot tolerate this kind of assault on our democracy, and I can tell you that any one of those people I see around that poll that I know have flashed voter’s card at me, it will be hell on earth because we will get the police involved to protect this democracy we have,” he said.

“The Bahamian people deserve free and fair elections, but it appears that some people will stop at no end to win this election.

“Three undocumented persons I know have been issued voter’s cards, and they tell me it’s widespread.

If they can do it for three, only gods knows who much people are registered illegally,” he claimed.

“If the masses want to vote for the PLP the process has to be fair, or if they want the FNM, or the DNA, that party has a right to be duly elected by the people; that is the Bahamian people’s right,” Mr Morley stressed.

The department has already retrieved some voter’s cards that were issued to some persons in Grand Bahama.

Mr Smith noted that when persons register they swear or affirm that they are citizens of The Bahamas of voting age and residing in a particularly constituency.

Making a false declaration

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to a public officer is against the law, he said.

The assistant parliamentary commissioner stated that the department will make sure the full brunt of the law is felt by persons who would have made false declarations to a public officer.

Mr Smith indicated that sometimes individuals may slip through during the registration process.

“We do know there were some off-springs of individuals who were naturalised and given citizenship, and if you don’t scrutinise the documents properly, and if they bring their mothers citizenship papers in it is automatically assumed I am Bahamian,” Mr Smith said.

“If the interviewing person did not look at the date of the document and see that the offspring was born after the mother was naturalised, they could slip through.

“We had one or two (incidents) and we spoke to it previously in the press where we were able to retrieve some cards. If there were others who are not citizens and are flaunting those cards, we need persons in the community to contact us.

“This is about national security, this is your country and you should not condone any unscrupulous behaviour. If you know for a fact somebody has a voter’s card that should not, bring it to us before Election Day so we can have necessary action taken,” he said.

“And so for persons who are claiming there are persons in Grand Bahama flaunting voter’s cards who are not citizens we would like for them to bring that information to us.

“Evidently, persons must have had to produce certain documentation, and we would like for persons making such accusations to prove otherwise.”

Mr Smith said that unfortunately, it might too late to have their names removed from the register because the register was certified yesterday.

However, he warned that if persons have made false declarations, the department will move to have those persons publicly charged.

In late March, police arrested an Eleuthera man for alleged voter fraud.

He was later charged with the offense in Magistrate’s Court.