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Christie rejects claim of 500 citizenships for Chinese investors

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

a major request for concessions by China Construction America (CCA) to jumpstart the stalled $3.5bn resort.

The allegations were made by radio talk show host Steve McKinney, who claimed that CCA, Baha Mar’s lead general contractor, has requested that the resort’s current developer Sarkis Izmirilian to be removed from the project, a 30-year exclusivity with regards to its casino licence, a 30-year Value Added Tax exemption, a 25 per cent increase in concessions currently enjoyed by the resort, and the granting of 500 citizenships to Chinese nationals attached to the project in various capacities.

PRIME Minister Perry Christie last night insisted that Bahamian citizenship is “not for sale at any time at any price� as he refuted allegations that his government had agreed to the sale or grant of 500 Bahamian citizenships to Chinese investors in connection with the beleaguered Baha Mar project.

Mr Christie described it as an “absolute lie� that citizenship in return for foreign investment had been agreed, saying that was a “non-negotiable position� for his government.

The Prime Minister was responding to allegations which surfaced yesterday of

SANDS TAKES UP POST AS FNM SENATOR

SEE PAGE SIX

THE Grand Bahama Human Rights Association (GBHRA) has urged two international human rights organisations to “do anything and everything in their power� to raise alarm over the “unlawful access� of a highly confidential email which was tabled in Parliament.

The local organisation further suggested that the newly-formed National Intelligence Agency (NIA) might have played a part in the government obtaining its private information.

SEE PAGE SIX DR Duane Sands yesterday received his instruments of appointment to take up his role as a senator for the FNM. He is pictured with Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling at yesterday’s ceremony. See page seven for the full story.

Photo: Peter Ramsay/BIS

BANNISTER AMONG FOUR NAMED

BY FNM TO RUN IN 2017 ELECTION

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

GADVILLE MCDONALD, who will run in the Cat Island, San Salvador and Rum Cay seat.

THE FREE National Movement (FNM) last night announced four more ratified candidates for the 2017 general election, with former Education Minister Desmond Bannister and the party’s most recent interim chairman, Brensil Rolle, returning to frontline politics.

Mr Bannister is expected

to contest the Carmichael seat while Mr Rolle will vie for the Garden Hills constituency, both seeking to recapture after winning in 2007.

Following a series of extensive meetings at the party’s Mackey Street headquarters yesterday, Chairman Sidney Collie also announced the ratifications of former FNM Senator Fredrick McAlpine for the

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PRISONER Jason Jerome Rolle denied escaping lawful custody on Friday afternoon when he was arraigned in Magistrates Court yesterday.

Rolle, 21, appeared before Magistrate Constance Delancy after he got away from a police transport vehicle on Wulff Road near Claridge Road around 4pm en route to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS).

Police reported immediately that a search was being conducted for an “armed and dangerous� convict. Rolle was arrested shortly after 9.30pm on Friday off Farrington Road by officers from the Selective Enforcement Team after a five and half hour islandwide search involving officers and dogs.

SEE PAGE FIVE

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Tribune Staff Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

‘GRIFFIN MUST APOLOGISE IF SHE MISLED PUBLIC’

that several DSS employees purchased groceries for themselves using food coupons intended for people on welfare.

The report was tabled in the House of Assembly on April 25, and on May 9 Mrs Griffin told reporters that the investigation had already been forwarded to the police.

However, Acting Deputy Commissioner Anthony Ferguson told The Tribune on May 17 that the matter had not been sent to police.

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

GLOBAL EYE FOCUSED ON MPS’ TABLING OF EMAILS

SEE PAGE THREE

By SANCHESKA BROWN Tribune Staff Reporter sbrown@tribunemedia.net  LONG ISLAND MP Loretta Butler-Turner said yesterday that Social Services Minister Melanie Griffin owed more than an apology if she intentionally misled the public over police investigations into claims of fraud at the Department of Social Services (DSS).

Mrs Butler-Turner was refering to the damning report on the department by Auditor General Terrance Bastian, which revealed

PRISONER WHO GOT AWAY FROM BUS DENIES ESCAPING

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SEE PAGE TWO

WILSON FIGHTS TO WIN VOTE YET IS NOT ON THE BALLOT

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemdia.net

SUSPENDED Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) president Belinda Wilson has begun campaigning for the organisation’s June 9 elections, even though her name does not appear on the ballot.

Mrs Wilson visited Grand Bahama last week to garner the support of the teachers on the island.

SEE PAGE SEVEN

PAGE 2, Tuesday, May 24, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Forecasters warn conditions may favour tropical storm formation

CONDITIONS favourable for the development of a tropical storm over the Atlantic Ocean in the vicinity of The Bahamas and southeastern United States could prevail at the end of this week according to expert weather forecasters.

Accuweather forecasters said yesterday that people from Florida to Georgia, the Carolinas and The Bahamas should keep an eye on the tropics around the weekend.

“While tropical development a week an advance is

not a certainty, we will be closely monitoring the area near The Bahamas beginning during Memorial Day weekend,” AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski said yesterday. “Waters in the area are sufficiently warm enough and winds aloft are light enough to initiate and sustain a tropical system.”

Surf temperatures in the region are about 80F (2627C) and winds aloft over the area are light and are forecast to remain light into next week.

“Movement and develop-

ment of the system, should it form, will be slow at first,” Mr Kottlowski said. “However, a general drift toward the north and west is likely with any storm that forms over the region.” Steering winds could direct the system close to the US coast during next week.

Even in the absence of a full-blown tropical storm or hurricane, downpours and thunderstorms will increase over the region from The Bahamas westward to the southern Atlantic coast of the US later this weekend

into next week. In addition, surf conditions would get increasingly rough from the eastern Florida coast to North Carolina. Beach, boating and cruise interests in the region are advised to monitor the situation.

Should the area of disturbed weather develop into a tropical system, it would be named Bonnie, since Alex was the first official tropical storm and hurricane of 2016.

Alex formed over the middle of the Atlantic Ocean on January 13, became a hurricane the next day and

dissipated. Alex was the first January hurricane to occur in the Atlantic since 1955.

Forecasters are predicting an active 2016 storm season in the Atlantic region, with as many as eight hurricanes forming, of which three are projected to be major storms.

Experts suggest that this year’s season - which starts officially on June 1 - would be above average, with the most active forecast since the 2012 storm season.

National Emergency Management Agency

(NEMA) director Captain Stephen Russell told The Tribune last week he endorsed forecasts published by a number of international meteorology institutions.

The National Hurricane Centre (NHC) is predicting 12 to 14 named storms, of which eight are expected to intensify to hurricane strength, with three becoming major storms – category three or higher. Accuweather predict a simialr season, with 14 predicted storms, eight potential hurricanes and four major storms.

BANNISTER AMONG FOUR NAMED BY FNM TO RUN IN 2017 ELECTION from page one Pineridge constituency and political newcomer Gadville McDonald for the Cat Island, San Salvador and Rum Cay seat.

Mr Collie praised the selections, telling The Tribune that the FNM had dedicated itself to ratifying candidates “wanted” by the electorate. He said the FNM were confident that all four candidates would be successful next year as they were “of the constituencies for the constituencies”.

“When you hear the names of Desmond Bannister in Carmichael, Brensil Rolle in Garden Hills, McAlpine in Pineridge ... you see a consistent theme,” the newly-elected Chairman said.

“We wanted candidates that knew these communities and understood the concerns of the residents.

The FNM has taken this approach because we have heard the calls by voters.

They want people that they can relate to. Once we entered Carmichael we immediately got calls for (Mr) Bannister. They love him. He was there before

and those residents knew what he meant for the area.

He was someone that they wanted back. As was the case in Garden Hills, Pineridge and in the Rum Cay, San Salvador and Cat Island constituency,” he added.

Mr Bannister represented the Carmichael constituency from 2007 to 2012 but ran unsuccessfully in the North Andros race in the last election. Party sources had speculated that Mr Bannister would return to frontline politics but many had thought that he would have contested the Central and South Abaco seat in bid to replace current representative Edison Key who is set to retire.

Earlier this year, Mr Rolle refused to submit a bid to be elected FNM Chairman full time after the post was left vacant by the resignation of Michael Pintard. At the time he insisted that such a big job would hurt his chance to campaign adequately for the Garden Hills constituency in the build-up to the next election.

The FNM has now ratified 15 candidates for the next election.

FNM Leader Hubert Minnis with party members.

BRENT SYMONETTE, Neko Grant, Richard Lightbourn and Hubert Chipman at last night’s meeting.

FNM Chairman Sidney Collie speaks to The Tribune.

FNM Leader Hubert Minnis at last night’s meeting.

Photos: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 24, 2016, PAGE 3

DNA: RESORT TALKS ‘WILL NOT FAVOUR BAHAMIANS’

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

THE DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Deputy Leader yesterday questioned the Government’s ability to secure a pro-Bahamian resolution to the Baha Mar debacle, claiming that the newest wave of negotiations was not likely to end favorably for Bahamians.

Chris Mortimer said while the resumption of conciliatory talks over the stalled mega resort suggested the possibility of new developments on the Baha Mar front, there was concern that the talks will end without a resolution or a clear way forward.

He said the role Perry Christie and his administration played in the Baha Mar

breakdown did not inspire confidence in the government’s skills at negotiation and its capability to bring about a resolution to the controversy.

Mr Mortimer’s statements came after it emerged that the Prime Minister had dispatched a team - led by Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson and Sir Baltron Bethel - to China to negotiate a deal with the China Export-Import (EXIM) Bank, the resort’s lender, to jumpstart the embattled Cable Beach development.

Last July, Mrs MaynardGibson led a team to mediate negotiations in Beijing between China EXIM, Baha Mar representatives and China State Construction Engineering Corporation. Those talks failed in two successive trips, the first of which ended

with Mrs Maynard-Gibson returning to the capital and filing a winding-up petition in the Supreme Court after those negotiations reached a stalemate.

“While the resumption of these talks speak to the possibility of new developments on the Baha Mar front, the DNA is again concerned that these talks will end without resolution, without a clear way forward for the people of this country and on terms that may not be in the best long-term interest of The Bahamas,” Mr Mortimer said.

Further adding to his scepticism, Mr Mortimer said, was the role the government played in further exacerbating the controversy surrounding Baha Mar, such as Mr Christie openly questioning the mental health of the resort’s devel-

oper, Sarkis Izmirlian, as well as two Cabinet ministers warning Mr Izmirlian for his seeming disrespect of the Prime Minister.

“Mr Christie and members of his government have been silent on the role the government played in contributing to the Baha Mar breakdown,” Mr Mortimer said.

“From name calling and verbal spats in the media to the initiation of a winding up petition, this administration’s handling of the Baha Mar matter has left much to be desired and begs the question: Can this administration be trusted to negotiate in the best interest of The Bahamas?”

To that end, Mr Mortimer also called on the Christie administration to “immediately” update the public on the results of the recent negotiations, which he sug-

from page one

Prime Minister “owed it” to the Bahamian people to discuss both the allegations and concerns surrounding the matter. “(Mr Christie) needs to address the nation and say whether or not this is true,” he said,”because if this is true, he needs to tell whoever sent that letter where to jump and where to go.

“Bahamian people will not tolerate it. If (the letter) is so, I will personally lead the demonstration to stop such an event. But we will not tolerate it. There is no way that will happen. Not in this country. Not while I am here. So, (Mr Christie), I say to you: ‘If that is so, then tell them where to jump, where to go,” Dr Minnis said.

Mr McKinney revealed the contents of a purported letter addressed to Mr Christie from CCA during a segment of his “Hard Copy” talk show on Peace 107.5FM over the weekend.

Recordings of Mr McKinney’s show have since gone viral on social media, fuelling speculation that Christie administration were attempting to kickstart the mega resort during the course of 2016 at any cost.

Mr McKinney further alleged that Attorney General, Allyson MaynardGibson and the Prime Minister’s senior policy adviser, Sir Baltron Bethel, were enroute to China with plans to strike a deal with CCA. The Tribune understands that Mrs Maynard-Gibson and Mr Bethel are presently in China; however, the trip’s purpose could not be confirmed.

A source familiar with the matter would only state that the pair had departed for China this weekend with directives from the Prime

Minister.

Mr Christie is expected to make a communication in the House of Assembly on Baha Mar this week, and sources point to a direct correlation between the Attorney General’s current trip and ongoing CCA negotiations.

Speaking on the sidelines of the swearing-in ceremony for Senator Dr Duane Sands at Government House yesterday, Dr Minnis lambasted Mr Christie for his passive action in this saga. He emphasised that former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, when faced with a similar situation, led negotiations in China to ensure its success.

“And he (Mr Ingraham) came back with a better deal for the Bahamian populace,” Dr Minnis said.

“An additional $400m.

So (Mr Christie) needs to go (to China). You do not send somebody junior to you, you go and you speak with authority. You speak for the Bahamian people and you let them know what (you went) there for and what the Bahamian people expect.”

Dr Minnis said: “Do not send somebody who you can.... hide behind, no. Let us know what is going on and the Prime Minister can be assured that he would have the backing of the entire Bahamas because we will not allow ourselves to be walked on.”

Dr Minnis urged the Christie administration to launch a formal investigation into CCA contracts for Baha Mar to uncover the truth behind the Baha Mar debacle.

He highlighted a past invoice discrepancy between CCA and Baha Mar developers.

When asked by The

Tribune if the FNM had launched any investigations of its own into CCA, and the assertions offered by Mr McKinney, Dr Minnis said the party has not.

He maintained that it was the responsibility of the Christie administration to ensure that there was no “skullduggery” surrounding the actions of CCA as it was the only regime with knowledge of the intimate details of the current scope of negotiations.

Dr Minnis said the new allegations raised more questions over the pace of construction at The Pointe - another Nassau-based project being constructed

by CCA. He questioned whether the confusion surrounding the Bay Street project’s building permits had anything to do with “backdoor deals” between CCA and the government.

In a later press statement, Dr Minnis expressed solidarity with disenfranchised Baha Mar workers who were made redundant when the project went into liquidation earlier this year. The workers purportedly sent an open letter to Mr Christie lobbying against CCA’s continued involvement in the project.

Dr Minnis said the Baha Mar debacle was just a number on the long list of failures under the Christieled government.

He demanded that Mr Christie choose whether the government represented the Bahamian people or a foreign corporation.

gested should ultimately be in favour of The Bahamas.

“Has an agreement been reached?” Mr Mortimer said. “If so, what are the terms of the agreement and how will Bahamians benefit in the short, medium and long term? If not, what are the issues hindering a possible resolution?

“These questions and countless more must be answered. Not just for the sake of those terminated employees but also for the sake of our country’s international reputation and our tourism product.”

He said: “This Christie administration has had yet another opportunity to finally address this obvious national crisis in a way that benefits the nation as a whole. The DNA hopes that the government’s negotiators have learned from

their previous mistakes and are prepared to strenuously negotiate in the best longterm interest of the Bahamas.”

Baha Mar was scheduled to open in December 2014; however, the resort subsequently set a soft opening for March 27, 2015. After that date was delayed days before the planned opening, Baha Mar officials said they were aiming for an early May opening.

On June 29, however Baha Mar and 14 of its affiliated companies filed for bankruptcy in a Delaware court, blaming the resort’s contractor, China Construction America (CCA) for the construction delays that caused it to miss its previous opening deadlines.

Officials have said the mega resort is 97 per cent complete.

PM HITS OUT AT BAHA MAR ‘LIE’

It brought a call from Free National Movement (FNM) leader Dr Hubert Minnis for Mr Christie to give a full explanation of the Baha Mar negotiations.

In his statement last night Mr Christie said: “Bahamian citizenship is not for sale at any time at any price to anybody. This is a nonnegotiable position of my government. Moreover, it is for me personally, a matter upon which no compromise is possible.

“I can therefore assure the Bahamian people, without any equivocation whatsoever, that no deal offering Bahamian citizenship in return for an investment in The Bahamas will ever be entered into while I head the government of The Bahamas. I find the very idea of citizenship-for-sale to be repugnant to all that I believe in and to all that I stand for as a Bahamian.

It will never happen on my watch.”

The Prime Minister added that the grant of Bahamian citizenship is subject to strict eligibility requirements and qualifications under The Bahamas Nationality Act. “The suggestion that just because you buy Bahamian real estate or make an investment you somehow qualify for Bahamian citizenship is complete and utter nonsense.

Not only is it as a complete non-starter from the standpoint of the Government’s immigration policy, it is not even legally possible.”

Earlier, Dr Minnis insisted that the Bahamian people would not accept such a deal and that he would personally lead a demonstration against it. He said the

A TREE downed by a lightning strike at Sanders Beach yesterday.

POWER AND PHONE SERVICE OUT AS STORM HITS ISLAND

A HEAVY thunderstorm which passed over New Providence yesterday afternoon caused temporary loss of power and cellular phone service, with lightning also bringing down trees.

The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) acknowledged service disruptions but did not provide any further explanation. Cellphone service

was intermittent during the storm which passed around 5pm.

In a Facebook post, BTC wrote: “BTC wishes to advise its customers that it is currently experiencing disruptions in some of its services. Please note that our Technical Teams have been dispatched to investigate the issue and we’re working to resolve the problem.”

AS talks swirl about developments at Baha Mar, workers from CCA were continuing at work yesterday at The Pointe in downtown Nassau.

Photo: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff

PAGE 4, Tuesday, May 24, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

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

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Clinton - Trump could bankrupt America DETROIT (AP) — Hillary Clinton said Monday that Donald Trump’s economic policies would lead to lower wages, fewer jobs and more debt — warning unionized workers that the presumptive Republican presidential nominee could “bankrupt America like he’s bankrupted his companies”.

“Ask yourself,” the likely Democratic nominee told thousands at the Service Employees International Union international convention in Detroit, “how can anybody lose money running a casino, really?”

Trump has accused Clinton of using the “the woman’s card” to win votes. Clinton said if fighting for equal pay, paid family leave, a higher minimum wage and affordable child care is “playing the woman card, then deal me in.”

Trump’s call for the deportation of millions of people living in the US illegally and the end of automatic birthright citizenship also drew Clinton’s ire. She criticized sending a “deportation force” to schools, workplaces and homes to “round up moms, dads, grandparents — even children”.

“He’s talking about kicking children who are born here out of the only country they know,” Clinton said.

The union endorsed Hillary in November. She thanked its members — who include child care workers, home health aides, janitors and others — and called them “unsung heroes” who deserve a living wage.

She said there has never been more at stake for working families than in the 2016 election, noting that she supports raising the federal minimum wage and protecting the right to organize.

“Your fights are my fights,” she said.

Clinton, pointing to the nearing end of the Democratic primary, applauded Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and his supporters for “challenging us.”

“We are going to get unaccountable money out of politics. We are going to take on the crisis of income inequality,” she said to loud applause. “And we are going to unify the Democratic Party and stop Donald Trump. There is so much more that unites us than divides us.”

Meanwhile, at a rally in East Los Angeles, Calif, on Monday afternoon, Sanders predicted he would win California’s June 7 primary — the nation’s largest with 475 delegates — through the strength of his rallies across the state. He said that by the end of the state’s primary he will have spoken to more than 200,000 people at his rallies.

“It is a grassroots campaign, not a fancy campaign,” Sanders said.

He has pushed for the party to adopt a progressive platform at the Philadelphia convention in July. The Democratic National Committee announced a 15-member platform drafting committee, the first step in that process, which will put together the first draft of platform.

The panel will be led by Rep Elijah Cummings, D-Md, who endorsed Clinton, and include Sanders’ allies such as Rep Keith Ellison, D-Minn, civil rights leader Dr Cornel West and environmental activist Bill McKibben.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Bernie Sanders predicted Monday that the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia could be “messy” as he pushed the party to adopt his progressive agenda, but added, “Democracy is not always nice and quiet and gentle.”

The Democratic presidential candidate said in an interview with The Associated Press that his supporters hoped to see a platform at the July convention that reflects the needs of working families, the poor and young people as opposed to one that represents Wall Street and corporate America.

The Vermont senator said he will “condemn any and all forms of violence” but his campaign was bringing in newcomers to the process and first-time attendees of political conventions. He said the Democratic Party could choose to be more inclusive.

“I think if they make the right choice and open the doors to working-class people and young people and create the kind of dynamism that the Democratic Party needs, it’s going to be messy,” Sanders said. “Democracy is not always nice and quiet and gentle but that is where the Democratic Party should go.”

Asked if the convention could be messy, Sanders said: “So what? Democracy is messy. Everyday my life is messy. But if you want everything to be quiet and orderly and allow, you know, just things to proceed without vigorous debate, that is not what democracy is about.”

Sanders is vying for support ahead of California’s June 7 primary, a day that also includes contests in New Jersey and four other states. Rival Hillary Clinton has 271 more pledged delegates than Sanders and is just 90 delegates shy of clinching the nomination when the total includes superdelegates, the party officials and elected leaders who can support the candidate of their choice.

Sanders said he had a “shot” at winning the June 7 California primary against Hillary Clinton and said, given his delegate deficit, it was “imperative” that he perform well.

“What happens if I win a major victory in California? Will people say, ‘Oh, we’re really enthusiastic about Hillary Clinton despite the fact that Bernie Sanders has now won whatever it may be, 25 states, half the states?’” he said.

If that happens, he added, superdelegates “may rethink that. That is why you want the process to play out.”

The senator spoke after the Democratic National Committee announced a 15-member platform drafting committee, which write the first draft of the party platform and will include allies of both candidates.

Sanders said the drafting of the platform would be an “excellent time to educate the American people. There are two sides to every issue and I’m sure that Secretary Clinton will have very vigorous proponents of her point of view, as we will have.”

By the Associated Press

Is NIB in disarray?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Tribune Business - Unregulated pensions a disaster in the making.

MESSRS Gibson and Kerr are absolutely correct in their assessment of the national situation.

It was surprising however that no mention was made of what must be the very largest pension scheme in the country, and its management and investment policies, and this is very

likely why no legislation has ever been enacted to deal with it.

The National Insurance Board (NIB) is as much a pension scheme as any other, but because this is, and has always been, the piggy-bank of the Government of the day, its own self-regulation has been crucified in the Cabinet Office.

Yes, we need very harsh penalties, including jailtime, for those breaching the public’s trust, as

seems to have been done at NIB. City Markets is a joke by comparison. Are City Markets NIB contributions paid up, or are they in arrears too?

How much monetary value has the NIB invested funds lost since inception. Including unoccupied buildings and monuments?

MONKEEDOO Nassau, May 23, 2016.

Weighing equality issues EDITOR, The Tribune LAW is interpretive.

Many will argue that law is based on facts, upon carefully weighed evidence.

The problem occurs when neither side in a dispute can produce the required facts or sufficient evidence. This is why the Appellate Courts always have an odd number of Judges, and side with the majority of opinions.

Recently my family was involved in a legal matter that went to the Court of Appeal. One Judge ruled in our favour, two ruled against. The three Judges quoted the same law, with varying interpretations.

I was baffled as to how three esteemed Judges could vary, when presented with the same facts and evidence, being guided by the same law, and by so doing, overturned a ruling made by the Supreme Court. Was the Supreme Court in error? What is it about our laws that give so much margin for error, or differences of opinions?

I surmised that each Judge gave their legal and or professional opinion.

What does this say about our laws and our legal system? Are we relegated to opinions?

I think as a nation we should keep these questions in mind when voting in the upcoming referendum on gender equality.

In my opinion, all four of the pieces of legislature presented before the Bahamian people are wonderful and should have been implemented since 1973.

However I would like to show why, again, in my opinion, amendment number two has one significant oversight and amendment number four has a declaration that readily leads to interpretation.

Bill two, an amendment to article 8 of the Constitution. I listened with great care as a Government representative

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net expressed the view that thousands of Bahamians are disenfranchised, hurt and suffering by the provision of article 8, yet I was shocked to learn that nothing in this amendment would address their plight, only the plight of future Bahamians. How is it that there is no provision made for those who are already hurting? Do we simply cause them to suffer forever? My suggestion is that this amendment be retroactive.

Bill four, replacement of article 26 of the Constitution. The word ‘sex’ is, by its very nature, interpretative; that is, it has many meanings to various cultures and time periods.

The word ‘gender’ would reduce the need for interpretation. We are debating a Gender Equality Bill and not a ‘Sex Equality Bill’.

According to dictionaries ‘sex’ is a noun and a verb while ‘gender’ has two meanings and is a noun only. The concept behind the bill is wonderful, but the wording leaves room for interpretation.

It should be noted too, that Chapter III:15, Fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual, already provides equality on the basis of sex. It is not the constitution that discriminates, it is the law that discriminates.

There is also the issue of ‘Transgender’ equality. To the transgendered, they are one gender, living in the opposite gender’s body. The legal system relies on fact as much as possible and the biological definition of gender is quite clear. From a biological point of view, gender is determined based upon the reproductive organs and not the mind. The law totally overlooks the physiological point of view, as we cannot see into a person’s mind, thus there is no

evidence to present, other than a professional opinion.

Imagine two males, appearing before the Registrar for a marriage certificate, but being denied on the basis that the law prohibits same sex marriages. The law discriminates based on sex; that is, two persons of the same sex cannot marry each other. However the constitutional amendment being proposed does not allow discrimination based upon sex, so that law would become unconstitutional.

Under our Parliamentary democracy, the people have a right to vote, to make laws and amend laws. It is a system based on majority rule, but the majority is not always right, as history has shown.

We should not simply believe that the amendments as written are flawless, but examine each word in each proposed amendment to see how best to address the issue of gender equality in the nation.

Keep in mind that gender equality is not the biggest problem facing the nation. There are much greater problems that need immediate solution that are not being addressed. Just as surely as we are demanding gender equality, let us take this opportunity to move those persons in Parliament to address the broader and more pressing issues facing the nation, not just by their words and promises, but with legislation.

As a Christian nation we should not merely vote based on the opinion of a statesman or Pastor or upon our conscience. All of the aforementioned are subject to error.

We should ask God how to vote and be certain that He will guide us accordingly.

CORNELIUS MCKINNEY Freeport, Bahamas May 20, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 24, 2016, PAGE 5

Man denied bail over killing at Burial Ground Corner

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net A MAN was denied bail and remanded to prison yesterday after he was charged in connection with a recent fatal shooting in an inner-city community.

Richard Brown, 23, of Mason Addition, appeared before Magistrate Constance Delancy accused of intentionally causing the death of Devano Decosta last Wednesday and was charged with murder under Section 291 (1)(B) of the Penal Code.

A charge under this section does not attract the discretionary death penalty if a conviction is reached at the end of trial.

Brown is also charged with the attempted murder of Shavano Rahming.

After 10pm on May 18, Decosta and Rahming were

Suspect in court over rape attack

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net A MAN appeared in Magistrates Court yesterday facing a rape charge stemming from an late night attack at a woman’s home over the weekend.

Christie Rahming, 22, of Laird Street stood before Magistrate Constance Delancy accused of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old female on Saturday.

According to police re-

ports, the woman was at her home on Fifth Street and Coconut Grove when a man with a knife forced his way inside her home and sexually assaulted her before fleeing on foot.

Rahming, who was not required to enter a plea to the indictable offence, was asked if he understood the charge. The accused said he did.

He was informed that his case would be fast-tracked to the Supreme Court through service of a vol-

standing in front of a home on Burial Ground Corner when two males with a handgun and shotgun approached and fired several shots at them before fleeing on foot. Decosta was pronounced dead on the scene and Rahming was taken to hospital for treatment.

Magistrate Delancy informed the accused that he would not be allowed to enter a plea because his case would be fast-tracked to the Supreme Court through service of a voluntary bill of indictment, scheduled for July 18.

In a separate arraignment, two 16-year-old males

APPOINTMENT AT THE PALACE FOR DAME ANITA

untary bill of indictment, scheduled for July 13.

Rahming was remanded to the Department of Correctional Services as the court lacked the jurisdiction to consider bail.

However, he was informed of his right to apply for a bond by filing an application to the Supreme Court.

Rahming has retained attorney Michael Kemp to represent him.

A person convicted of rape at trial could face up to life imprisonment.

PRISONER WHO GOT AWAY FROM BUS DENIES ESCAPING

from page one

Rolle pleaded not guilty to the charge and will stand trial on July 13. He could face up to two years imprisonment if convicted at trial.

In February, police searched for two weeks before recapturing convicted murderer Ormand Leon, who had escaped from a police bus taking prisoners from the courts to the BDCS on February 2.

Leon escaped from the bus on York Street, off East Bay Street, after leaving a Supreme Court hearing at which he was told he would be sentenced for murder in two weeks.

He was captured by officers at a home in bushes on Fire Trail Road in southwest New Providence after being on the run for two weeks. On February 17, Leon was sentenced to 41 years, six months, two weeks and one day.

When arraigned on an

“escape” charge, he pleaded guilty and was also sentenced to 24 months in jail to run concurrently with his other sentence.

The results of a police investigation into how the 26-year-old escaped have yet to be released.

A week after his escape, Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade said the Royal Bahamas Police Force was “looking into new devices to use” for transporting prisoners to and from the BDCS.

TOURISM STAFF GRIEVE FOR FELLOW WORKER

DAME ANITA ALLEN, DBE, pictured at Buckingham Palace, London, following her investiture as a Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for her services to the Court of Appeal and to the Judiciary of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. The ceremony was held by the Prince of Wales on Friday 20th May 2016.

Photo: Caribbean Investment Profiles (London)

TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe with ministry employee Princess Simms, who has died, aged 55.

MINISTRY of Tour- and staff held a grieving ever met in my life. I’ve also ism officials yesterday held session with psychiatrist Dr received condolences from a special grieving session Timothy Barrett at the Brit- people all around the world to help staff cope with the ish Colonial Hilton where saying how much she imtragic death of veteran em- staff members prayed and pacted their lives,” he said. ployee Princess Simms. sang songs while comfort- “She will be dearly missed.”

Mrs Simms, 55, her hus- ing each other. Mrs Simms, Permanent Secretary band Bradley and their a Human Resources senior Harrison Thompson also seven-month old grand- manager, had worked at the spoke fondly of Mrs Simms. daughter were found un- Ministry of Tourism for 25 “Princess was a very generresponsive in their Nassau years. ous person who touched the Village home on Thursday.

Minister of Tourism, lives of everyone she came Police suspect that the mar- Obie Wilchcombe, who into contact with. She was ried couple died of asphyxi- worked closely with Mrs frank and you always knew ation from fumes emanat- Simms said: “It is a person- how she felt. But there was ing from a generator, but al and difficult loss for me. no doubt that she cared an autopsy has not yet con- Princess was a vibrant per- about the ministry and was firmed the cause of their son who was filled with life. a true ambassador for this death. Their infant grand- She was an encouraging country,” Mr Thompson daughter remains in critical person who gave so much said. condition at hospital. and had so much more to The Simms are survived According to a release give. She was one of the by three children and three yesterday, MOT executives most special persons I have grandchildren.

were arraigned on charges of attempted armed robbery and attempted murder.

It is claimed that they tried to rob John Petit-Homme at knife point and attacked him in the process. They were not required to enter a plea to the charges and return to court on July 18.

PAGE 6, Tuesday, May 24, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Roberts: DNA leader ‘should humble himself’

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party (PLP) Chairman Bradley Roberts yesterday issued a strong rebuke of Democratic National Alliance (DNA) Leader Branville McCartney, telling the former MP to humble himself and stop trying to hustle his way back into the Free National Movement (FNM).

Mr Roberts said Mr McCartney’s “public antics” amounted to juvenile political theatre at best, and advised that he begged Dr Minnis for a nomination.

“Branville McCartney appears to be so high on himself that he does not see the doors and windows all closing in around him,” Mr Roberts said. “I will again attempt to rehabilitate him from his “high” and knock him back into reality,” he said.

Mr McCartney lashed out at Mr Robert’s dismissal of the viability of a FNM and DNA coalition, calling the PLP Chairman a political dinosaur. Mr McCartney reasoned that fear was spreading through the governing PLP as the possi-

bility of a coalition between his party and the FNM was becoming “more and more real”.

Yesterday, Mr Roberts said: “There is a popular commercial playing now on local television which warns of the pitfalls of arranged, improper and dubious marriages very much like the incestuous and politically promiscuous same-sex union that is now being proposed between the FNM and the DNA. The PLP finds this latest proposition in the local political firmament worthy of commentary because given the proclivity of Dr Hubert Minnis to put his foot in his mouth and McCartney’s presumption of the divinely anointed political Barabbas of The Bahamas, we in the PLP are frightened for the deepening of our democracy.

Mr Roberts said: “With powerful parliamentary personalities in the FNM already dismissing the sordid and salacious conjugal political marriage of the FNM to the DNA, one wonders if they can even get through a decent courtship or arrive at a pre-nuptial agreement that both sides will not spend an entire

‘

Branville McCartney appears to be so high on himself that he does not see the doors and windows all closing in around him.

I will again attempt to rehabilitate him from his “high” and knock him back into reality.’

general election campaign tearing apart.”

Mr Roberts pointed to comments by Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner, who emphasised that a coalition was not a good idea because the DNA had little to offer to the FNM. He underscored that a number of DNA candidates in the 2012 general elections have already left the party.

Mr Roberts said: “McCartney should do the honest and honourable thing and admit that he just wants to get himself an FNM nomination and leave Chris Mortimer, Ethric Bowe and Andrew Wilson saddled with the gas bill for their huge green buses. This must not sit well with his other former political buddy Renward Wells, who can now see the FNM nomination

in Bamboo Town slipping away from him while Mark Humes pursues the FNM nomination in Fort Charlotte over Andre Rollins.”

“One last bit of unsolicited advice to McCartney from ye old ‘political dinosaur’ Bradley Roberts who only spent 25 consecutive years in Parliament, retired on his own terms and engineered two general election victories as PLP national chairman,” he said, “sit small and shut up in hopes that Minnis does not put more “Bamboo Town” on you and you still don’t get an FNM nomination.

“Not another squeak from you Mr Branville McCartney. There is still yet a slim, slim, very slim chance that you may get to wear the wedding dress you are publicly yearning for … albeit RED,” he added.

DNA Leader Branville McCartney has been criticised by PLP chairman for trying to “hustle” his way back into the FNM.

GLOBAL EYE FOCUSED ON MPS’ TABLING OF EMAILS

from page one

In a letter to Amnesty International partners and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, the GBHRA stressed that the violation of its privacy will have severe implications for its work, setting back the cause of human rights in The Bahamas by decades.

Victims of abuse and discrimination, the GBHRA argued, will inevitably fear their private and extremely sensitive discussions with human rights defenders may have been compromised by the state.

The organisation also raised concerns that based

on the actions by the government, victims of discrimination on the basis of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation and nationality in this country who communicate with the GBHRA - will lose confidence in the organisation.

“We write to report a most disturbing development in The Bahamas which we believe will have grave and farreaching implications for the work of all local human rights defenders in this country,” the letter sent to both organisations read.

“In April, the Grand Bahama Human Rights Association (GBHRA) wrote to raise awareness of attempts to by the state to intimidate and threaten environmental

activists living and working in The Bahamas. This included the reading aloud in Parliament, by senior members of government, of the private and confidential emails and financial information of a group called Save The Bays (STB), which works to promote environmental awareness, ecological conservation, good governance, transparency and accountability in The Bahamas.

“It has now come to our attention that the private correspondence of the Grand Bahama Human Rights Association (GBHRA) has likewise been unlawfully accessed, with one highly confidential email tabled in Parliament by a senior gov-

ernment minister.”

The letter continued: “We fear this gross violation of the GBHRA’s privacy will have severe implications for the our work, setting back the cause of human rights in The Bahamas by decades. Victims of abuse and discrimination will inevitably fear their private and extremely sensitive discussions with human rights defenders may have been compromised by the state.”

The GBHRA pinpointed that the government has repeatedly refused to explain how it came to be in possession of private emails, saying concerns exist that there might have been involvement from the newly-

founded NIA. “In this regard, it is instructive that the tabled email in question regarded the GBHRA’s communication with members of the official Opposition regarding the state’s controversial new immigration policy, which was the subject of a hearing before the InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) in March 2015. Haitians, Bahamians of Haitian descent and individuals of other nationalities who have spoken to the GBHRA in confidence about alleged abuses under this harsh new policy would now, in our opinion, be more than justified in fearing exposure and even reprisals.

“The state has repeatedly refused to explain how it came to be in possession of the private correspondence of local NGOs, and concern has been expressed that there may have been involvement by the recently founded National Intelligence Agency (NIA), which, despite the

oft-repeated concerns of civil society and members of the Official Opposition, continues to operate in secret, without any legal or regulatory framework to govern its actions and with no system of accountability or independent oversight in place.

“This latest revelation, coming on the heels of repeated threats by senior members of the state to prosecute and imprison human rights defenders and other activists, has only heightened concerns about the safety of human rights defenders and the victims they seek to protect.”

The GBHRA said the non-governmental organsation (NGO) community in The Bahamas is growing increasingly apprehensive in the face of this heightened and sustained animosity on the part of the state.

It said many harbour very real fears for their safety and liberty. The atmosphere for advocacy in the country has never been bleaker, the GBHRA said.

‘GRIFFIN MUST APOLOGISE IF SHE MISLED PUBLIC’

from page one

Mr Ferguson retracted his comments three days later, and said the request for investigation was received on May 11. He explained that complaints related to the matter did not come directly to the Office of the Commissioner, but were “re-routed”.

Mrs Butler Turner told reporters outside Government House yesterday that Mrs Griffin should have been aware of what was happening in her ministry.

“I think the Minister needs to realise and all persons need to realise,” she said, “especially in this age of communication, you have to be truthful at all times. I am not going to pass judgment on what she said but if the police said they haven’t received anything then certainly the minister would have to come back and correct herself in that regard.”

Mrs Butler-Turner said: “I am glad finally the matter was handed over to the police because when we start to commit fraud at the public’s and taxpayers’ expense and, more importantly, against

poor persons who are dependent on food stamps from the department, I think an example needs to be made of those individuals.

“As minister she should be aware of everything that is going on in her ministry at all times and I hope that she was not intentionally misleading the public. If she was, in fact, she owes us more than an apology.”

One staff member has already been fired after admitting to participating in the scheme while two others have been put on administrative leave.

By using the coupons for 10 different clients, several DSS employees were able to obtain grocery items on August 30, 2015.

“The store’s name as printed on the coupons had been manually crossed out and replaced with an existing food store’s name,” Mr Bastian said.

The Auditor General’s report also exposed a litany of weaknesses in the DSS’ accounting department and raised questions about how effectively top officials provided oversight and management for the period from July 2013 to June 2015.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 24, 2016, PAGE 7

Sands: I’ll hold govt to account over NHI

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net NEWLY appointed Free National Movement (FNM) Senator, Dr Duane Sands yesterday pledged to hold the government accountable for its implementation of National Health Insurance (NHI).

At a ceremony at Government House where he received his instrument of appointment, Dr Sands said the government’s “shoddy” approach to NHI demonstrated that the party was only working for a “political tagline and not a national solution”.

While the implementation of NHI was “pressingly important”, he insisted that the FNM “will not be an accessory to a failed system perpetuated by a group boasting success amid evident failures”.

“The Free National Movement supports Universal Healthcare,” he said.

“The Free National Movement supports National Health Insurance. We want to make sure that it is more than a political game or ploy and that it brings benefits to troubled Bahamians.”

Dr Sands noted that the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) went back to the drawing board after initial discussions on NHI. He called on the PLP to reveal variations made to the NHI model as a result of those national discussions, and the projected impact on the status of health services in the Bahamas.

Dr Sands served as a senator in the last Ingraham administration. He ran unsuccessfully for the FNM’s deputy post at the party’s convention in 2014.

He was recently ratified as the FNM’s candidate for Elizabeth in the 2017 general election, a seat he has lost twice to PLP candidate Ryan Pinder, in the 2012 general election and 2010 by-election.

Yesterday, FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis stressed that Dr Sands has shed light

NEW FNM Senator Dr Duane Sands, right, with his party leader, Dr Hubert Minnis, and Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling. ries and fears of our people on some pretty muddy parts with dignity, respect and Insurance debate.”

Addressing the current are as real as they feel it of the NHI legislation, most of all, integrity,” Dr political landscape of the or see it. Be assured that I while continuing to up- Minnis said.

“I am confident that he Bahamas, Dr Sands refer- know, that I see, that I feel hold the value of Universal will be faithful in the fight enced the teachings of Dr deeply the concerns and Health Insurance. suffering of ordinary BahaDr Minnis said that as the for rights and quality for all Martin Luther King.

“Every generation or era mians who are gasping for country’s Official Opposi- Bahamians and will merit tion force, the FNM has the their trust. From his steady regards the challenges of air daily.

“Not to do the extraordiconstitutional duty to keep stream of intelligent and their time with a reduced the government’s feet “on well-targeted public com- sense or appreciation of his- nary; many are struggling the straight and narrow ments I know that Dr Sands torical context and a exag- simply to survive in a counpath”, contending that the has his ear to the ground. gerated sense of self-inter- try whose God-given potenappointment of Dr Sands to I know that he is aware of est or self-importance. The tial is so vast, but find that the Senate would ensure the the concerns of Bahamians Rev Dr Martin Luther King this country has lost direcacross the social and eco- described this reoccurring tion, in part to the inattengovernment’s “honesty”. phenomenon as the fierce tion, hijacking or careless“I am certain that he can nomic spectrum.

“I also know, that he is urgency of now,” he said. ness of some who accepted perform his role as a sena“Those of us that offer the duty to serve. tor effectively. I know that not afraid to lend his voice “And on the second hand, he will be diligent in his to address those concerns for public service, then, face performance. I also know and I am particularly grate- a peculiar demand to face we must be guided by the that whatever his contribu- ful that he has made an ex- two masters. On the first teaching of mistakes made tion, he will represent the cellent and steady contribu- hand, we must accept that in the past and possess a soFree National Movement tion to the National Health the pain and trials, the wor- ber and sombre need to be

Photo: Peter Ramsay/BIS responsible in our decisionmaking so as to guard the prospects for our next generations.

“In order to be effective, we must have courage, conviction of character and a deep and sincere love for the people we are privileged to serve,” Dr Sands added.

His appointment marks the fifth Senate change for the FNM since 2012.

Dr Sands’ appointment to the Senate came hours after the resignation of Lanisha Rolle, who was hit by controversy stemming from an alleged recording in which she made disparaging comments about several FNM MPs.

LLOYD CALLS FOR BAHAMIANS TO TAKE INITIATIVE

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

RESPECTED attorney and radio personality Jeff Lloyd yesterday urged Bahamians to take the initiative in rescuing the country instead of waiting on politicians and government to save it.

During the Star 106.5FM talk show “Jeffrey”, Mr Lloyd called for citizens to join him in the Bahamians for Peace, Prosperity and Progress (BP3) movement.

Mr Lloyd said he could not confirm if this was the start of a political party when directly asked by Guardian Broadcast Editor Juan McCartney if he was making a bid for frontline politics.

“I’ve been approached by every political party in this country,” Mr Lloyd revealed.

“I have been asked, petitioned, requested, urged, a host of things, about becoming a politician, get-

ting on the front line. That decision, Juan, is not yet made - if it ever will be made.

“What I know is, many thousands of Bahamians knowing me, I guess they believe I could do something to help them, have come asking me ‘could you help us with our summer camp? Can you help us with the old folks home? Can you help us with this? Can you help us with that? You know people, you used to work with people who have plenty money, can you assist us?”

“And what I thought to do is, ok, listen. People would not give me money, maybe just because I am Jeff Lloyd, but let me form a company and let me create an environment in which people can donate $20, $20,000 and we will identify programmes, establish a board of directors, choose the programmes and the initiatives and go out and try to help people.

“And what I think, and (ex-Deputy Commissioner

of Police) Marvin (Dames) said this beautifully earlier on, it is not the politicians (Juan), it is us. We cannot sit idly by. Jeffrey Lloyd is a talented Bahamian, so are you, so are thousands and thousands of others who can do something to help rescue our country. This is now the time.

“Everybody recognises we are in a serious decline.

We are at the precipice of failure. Everybody needs to put their hand on deck.

We cannot afford anyone slouching. I can’t ask you to do that if I’m not going to do it first. Here I am. I am the first volunteer,” Mr Lloyd stressed.

In the 2012 general elections, the Progessive Liberal Party (PLP) won 29 of the 38 seats in Parliament while the Free National Movement (FNM) secured only nine though figures released by the parliamentary registration office showed the PLP received 75,806 votes while the FNM secured 65,518 votes - a difference of 10,288.

The Democratic National Alliance, despite not securing any seats in Parliament, received 13,186 votes.

Since then, the country has recorded 506 murders (a record 146 in 2015), a youth unemployment rate of 30 per cent and a shrinking economy with less than two per cent projected growth.

Mr Lloyd said yesterday that the movement had been underway now for sometime and nearly $300,000 had already been raised and used by his team to help those in need.

“Let us roll up our sleeves, let us get our elbows ready, and let’s get to work to help the vulnerable, the downtrodden, the disadvantaged, those who are crying out for help and they are across the spectrum of our land. Let’s put our money where our mouth is.”

The attorney has invited volunteers to present themselves to Lewis Street and Wellington Street in

WILSON FIGHTS TO WIN VOTE - YET IS NOT ON THE BALLOT

from page one

Wilson said that she filed an application with the Supreme Court for an injunction to stop the elections if her name and the names two other suspended officials do not appear on the ballot.

The Tribune spoke to secretary general John Musgrove yesterday who confirmed that none of the suspended officials were on the ballot. “I have prepared all the ballots, they have been printed and sent out to the various polling stations,” he said.

Two names appear on the

ballot for president: Zane Lightbourne and Jackie McKenzie. Belinda Wilson has been rejected for the position of president.

Therez Conliffe is the only name that appears on the ballot for the office of Treasurer. Lorraine Knowles was rejected for the position.

Four names appear on the ballot for the two Trustee positions. Mizpha Munroe has been rejected for the position of trustee, and Jeanie Johnson has been rejected for the executive member position.

Mr Musgrove said that the people were all rejected

by the Electoral Commission and the Candidates Committee.

He noted that Mrs Wilson and the other suspended members have an option to make an appeal at the annual general meeting, which will be held next month after the election.

Mrs Wilson claimed that teachers in Grand Bahama were very receptive to her during the two days she spent in Freeport campaigning.

In December 2014, Mrs Wilson and Treasurer Lorraine Knowles were suspended due to concerns from the union’s executive

committee that more than $1.1m from the union’s pension and savings account was wrongfully spent.

The pair was initially suspended for six and three months respectively; however, Mrs Wilson has since been suspended twice more.

Mrs Wilson said they are still members who are in “good standing to be nominated” as they have continued to pay their monthly dues despite their suspension.

The three have retained the services of Wayne Munroe, QC, to represent them, according to Mrs Wilson, who said a summons has been served on the union.

Bain Town at 8am to offer their technical expertise,

hands, food and support to help the community.

PAGE 8, Tuesday, May 24, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

The doubt at the heart of the referendum

By NICOLE BURROWS

A

CCORDING to yesterday’s Tribune, ‘Loretta doubts ‘yes’ vote win’. But she also supports the YES vote. Because, in last Friday’s Tribune, ‘Butler-Turner: I stand with PLP over the referendum’.

Unless The Tribune reporters and editors are borderline schizophrenic, we are left to assume that Loretta Butler-Turner is both for and against the referendum. From either article, we can also deduce that, in principle, she supports the referendum and an accompanying YES vote, but she’s

not happy about the way it has all unfolded for the voting public since it apparently originated with her party in the early 2000s.

Now, how can Mrs Butler-Turner’s existing doubt, as a most vocal female Bahamian politician, serve to create further support for the bill from the general public? Less thinking people who turn to the newspapers for what they believe is only ever gospel truth, by Monday’s headline alone, will not vote ‘yes’ and may, quite possibly, not vote at all. That is, assuming they are willing or waiting to follow Butler-Turner’s lead.

Funeral Service For Sherwin Hunter, 80 of Bernard Road and formerly of Lower Bogue, Eleuthera, will be held on Wednesday, 25th May, 2016 at 11:00 a.m at Mission Baptist Church, Hay and East Streets.

Officiating is Pastor Stephen Duncombe assisted by Rev. Vanda P. Rahming and Rev. Frederick E. Kelly. Interment will be in Fox Hill Cemetery.

His is survived by 2 daughters, Virginia Kelly and Wendy Hunter; 2 sons, Lionel and Anthony “Allaman” Hunter; 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; Two sisters, Dr. Joan Carey and Maurine Balliou; Four Brothers, Administrator Chrisfield Johnson, Solomon Frazier, Harrington Frazier and Fred Hunter; One Aunt, Vernel Thompson in Canada; A host of nieces, nephews and other relatives, including: the descendants of the late Gwenie Albury, Sally and Marcus Moss and Family, Administrators, Staff and patients at Kliene Ward, residents of Fox Hill and North Eleuthera, especially those of Lower Bogue, The Alburys, Bains, Cashs, Neillys, Johnsons, Moss, Kellys, Sweetings, Hunters, Bethels, Rev. Frederick Kelly, Mrs. Kelly, the Epiphany Methodist Church Family; other relatives and friends too numerous to mention individually.

Family and Relatives may pay their respects on Tuesday, May 24th, 2016 at Rock Of Ages Funeral Chapel from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m. at the church from 10:00 a.m. to service time.

But here’s the thing: I doubt it will either. I doubt that the YES vote will win the support of a majority of Bahamian voters, causing changes to be made to the Constitution. It’s not that I wish a YES vote would not win the support of most voters … I support it in concept, but my lack of trust in the present government will probably mean I’d be less inclined to vote, if I could make it back there on June 7. And that’s a far stretch from where I once was on the whole issue of this referendum vote yes to all, and quickly, was my position.

But after watching government officials and politicians beat the crap out of this process and all its offshoot issues, looking like lame deer in headlights after their multiple rounds of what I assume is engaging conversation, I’ve lost confidence in their own confidence in these referendum bills. They’ve run this through the mud and back, and not in a good way like my boy Exaggerator. All the supposedly intelligent people arguing over what the referendum is and what it isn’t and still coming up with very different positions on what it is and isn’t tells me that they themselves are uncertain of what it is or isn’t. And for those who are more certain than not, they are not exactly united on the topic.

And call me doubtful, but I get this sneaking suspicion that no matter what the vote, the existing government will paint the picture they want to paint anyway … in fact, they’ve already started to with the ‘YES Bahamas’ campaign.

My position is not po-

litical and I don’t take it because I think it’s payback time for the Progressive Liberal Party, as Mrs Butler-Turner suggests some others may. I’ve simply decided that I’m just not voting 100 per cent for anything I am not or cannot be 100 per cent confident about … not when constitutional changes are in the balance. At this point, I’d rather wait until the next ‘go round’ when a more sensible government voted in by a more sensible people will make it clear that that is what they want for their country. And, if they don’t, then they don’t deserve equality.

I don’t feel confident about what’s happening with this referendum, but I don’t think it is or care at all about a ‘gay agenda’.

I do, however, care about wasting my time on what is unlikely to materialise in the way it should because it was poorly handled from the start.

If you knew you would at some point in the very near future want to bring a Constitutional Referendum to the people, as lacking as they already are in education about the Constitution (self included, and I am embittered by the fact that I didn’t even know what I didn’t know and no one in my early education saw fit to make it a part of my education … least of all a vital part), and as apprehensive as they are to be further educated in general, you present them first with a referendum which is not a referendum which they overwhelmingly oppose and you do the opposite with it instead of what you said you would, then forgive me, but it really is entirely your fault if their natural instinct right now is not to believe/have confidence in you, or follow your lead.

As the saying goes, can a leopard change its spots?

Maybe an atypical leopard, but it has to first know it has spots to change.

T

o be frank, I don’t think this government will be the one to preside over these constitutional changes, other than by force … or forceful persuasion. It certainly won’t be by the will of the people who are in greater part relying on a steady stream of ridiculously mixed messages about the four bills to amend the

YOUR

CHOICE FOR THE FAMILY WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/JOYFM1019

‘

A PHOTOGRAPH from the Yes Bahamas Facebook page in which Loretta Butler-Turner MP makes clear her belief that the referendum is a test of the nation’s beliefs in freedom and equality, notwithstanding her concerns expressed to The Tribune as to whether voters will say “Yes”.

Constitution and the referendum process itself.

You have the government trying to get a YES vote by campaigning with public money of the YES and the NO voters in order to get a YES vote. You have Wayne Munroe, once clearly on record as opposed to the bills now miraculously supporting them, in a radio advertisement no less. And not that the man is not entitled to change his mind, but who believes that he truly has?

One of the reasons he offers for his switchover he says involves thoughts about his sister and niece and how it might affect them. But he had a sister and a niece before, like all of five minutes ago, when he made the first comments about voting NO on all the bills. How is it believable that he just recognised this possibility or the potential impact of the bills on his sister and niece had life dealt them another hand … learned man that he is?

And finally, in the poorest of taste, you have the Director of Immigration, William Pratt, voicing an advertisement in favour of the YES vote. How on earth? That right there tells me your government does not trust your ability to decide, does not believe you have a valid reason to vote NO, ie, non-democratic after all, and that it is ready to use any means necessary including playing the immigration card, using the man in charge of immigrants, to cause people with a vested interest in voting YES to vote YES. To anyone, woman or man, (female or male), you can vote or not vote. That’s your right. And when you vote, you can say YES or you can say NO. That is also your right. My position may lean more towards YES than NO, at least on two of the four bills, but I’m fair enough a person to know and accept that if you say NO, with reasons that are not out of pure ignorance, and that you have informed yourself and made a rational decision, then you represent what democracy is meant to be. Let be what will be.

But I’ll tell you this much: if there are insufficient votes to support the proposed

You have the government trying to get a YES vote by campaigning with public money of the YES and the NO voters in order to get a YES vote. You have Wayne Munroe, once clearly on record as opposed to the bills now miraculously supporting them, in a radio advertisement no less. And not that the man is not entitled to change his mind, but who believes that he truly has?’

Constitutional amendments and somehow, some way, in spite of the fact that there is no way there should be, changes are made anyway, Christie et al need to let their feet hit their backs on the way out the door of leadership, never to return.

Run fast and run far - and don’t look behind.

Furthermore, I don’t believe this Constitutional Referendum has anything to do with same-sex marriage, but I do believe it has something to do with establishing a baseline on sexual identity, because the foundation of the referendum is about a country treating people equally by law, no matter who they are or what they’re about, providing recourse for unequal treatment, when it comes to services and opportunities that should be equally provided, and outlawing any behaviour that seeks to cause harm to someone just because you don’t like their lifestyle.

For the record, and let’s get this out now so I can revisit from this point later, I’m not a supporter of a homosexual lifestyle. But that doesn’t mean I think you should beat up, mistreat, abuse or fatally harm a homosexual person for the mere fact that they are or say they are homosexual. You absolutely have no right to do that. As people of varying backgrounds, we will always have differing opinions about what is natural, normal, favoured, preferred, etc, especially when people engage their religious and cultural belief systems, but the point of the referendum is to establish that all are equal under the law and equally protected by the law, not to figure out how scary gay people are.

As for my full position on LGBT issues, I’ll save it for another article. I will only say this much in light of present discussions on the purported and feared ‘gay agenda’ of the referendum. When someone legitimately fears a gay person, or their lifestyle or sexual choice, and some people really do have this fear, that is a phobia. Whether or not it is rational is another matter.

What is not a phobia is a plain disapproval, which has nothing to do with grandiose fears of gay people taking over. I believe most rational Bahamians feel this way about this issue. To summarise, if I disapprove of what you do, whatever it is, for my personal reasons, I am equally entitled to take this position as you are to take another. If I find something unacceptable for my own reasons and I don’t endorse it, it doesn’t mean I fear it.

To say that someone is frightened by gay people, because he/she disagrees with many of their viewpoints, in all fairness, is completely irrational. But more on that later.

Send email to nburrows @tribunemedia.net

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 24, 2016, PAGE 9

Port authority aims to help students find work

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net WITH thousands of high school students preparing to graduate this summer, the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) has partnered with Island Outsourcers to prepare them for employment and future careers.

Twelve 12th grade students will participate in a new scheme - ‘Contact Centre Education Initiative’ - which will introduce and expose them to opportunities in the call centre and business processing outsourcing (BPO) industry - a fast-growing, billion-dollar sector.

Island Outsourcers, a subsidiary of iTelBPO Solutions, Jamaica, operates a call centre in Freeport. The

company, which opened in 2014, is a comprehensive business process outsourcing solution that manages contact centre and back office functions for United States-based companies.

The new education and training initiative was presented to the members of the Grand Bahama Principal’s and Vice Principal’s Association at Freeport Gospel Chapel School last week.

Ian Rolle, President of GBPA, said the programme is designed to prepare 12th grade students with true employability skills.

“GBPA is very proud of this collaborative partnership with iTelBPO, which in addition to providing certified training, seeks to address some of the inefficiencies many employers find disconcerting,” he noted.

“This programme will prepare them with essential soft skills for application in a number of identified growth sectors, especially the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry. These skills will include leadership, customer service, written and verbal communication, problem solving, motivation, interpersonal skills and creativity,” he added.

Trika Mullings, Training & Development Officer at Island Outsourcers, told the Principal’s Association about the wealth of opportunities for gainful employment and career growth within the contact centre industry. She reported that revenue of contact centre services in the United States alone reached $18 billion in 2013, and continues to show steady revenue growth.

“The ICT industry, which includes call centres and BPOs, employs around 100,000 people in the Caribbean, generating more than $1.5 billion annually in the Caribbean alone,” she added.

Ms Mullings noted that there is a broad range of employment and career path opportunities within the sector for trained individuals, which is what the Contact Centre Education Initiative will offer to graduating students.

Through aggressive research and marketing initiatives, GBPA attracted the first standalone contact centre operation in the Bahamas to Grand Bahama, in the form of Island Outsourcers, a few years ago.

Derek Newbold Sr, Manager of Business Development for GBPA and Invest

Grand Bahama, said that the Contact Center Education Initiative is timely and creates a real opportunity for many graduating students.

“The reality is, thousands of students graduate each year, some have the opportunity to further their education abroad, while many remain at home studying locally and/or searching for gainful employment,” he explained. “This programme will provide an opportunity for students to develop their skills, and in the process, become much more marketable in terms of job-market readiness.

Further, this initiative helps to strengthen our value proposition as a destination, making us a more attractive option to contact centre operators/investors.

Most importantly, we see

this effort as an investment in human capital development.”

The school principals were encouraged to adapt the online certification programmes into their curriculums for the start of the new school year in September.

“The GBPA believes the strategic partnership with Island Outsourcers will help to create a self-replenishing skills pool for the industry,” said Glendia Sweeting, Business Development Officer at GBPA and Project Liaison. “Participating 12th grade students will become certified in various aspects of the contact centre industry, as well as in other areas that will prove helpful when entering the job market.

Therefore, we implore you, to get your students certified through this worthwhile education initiative.”

THE PIRATES Cove Water Theme Park and Zipline in Grand Bahama.

AVAST ME HEARTIES, PIRATES THEME PARK TO OPEN ON MONDAY

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE first phase of the Pirates Cove Water Theme Park and Zipline in Grand Bahama is complete and the operators are expected to open to the public on Monday.

A group of seven Bahamians broke ground in September on the first zipline and water theme park at Taino Beach. Since then, construction has started at the site and work is progressing well, said one of the investors yesterday.

A 60ft tall fig tree centred outdoor deck and bar has been constructed, along with several other outdoor wooden structures.

David Wallace, Ivan Cartwright, Wendal Grant II, Philip Galanis, Clarence Wallace, Theresa GrantMissick and Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace are the seven partners in Arawak Adventure & Commercial Tours Ltd. According to Mr Wallace, the theme park should be fully completed in the next three weeks, while work will continue on the Zipline, which is expected to be fin-

ished by August. Some of the equipment and tower poles for the zipline have already arrived on the island.

“We will have a blessing of the grounds on Sunday, May 29, and we will open the park to tourists and locals on Monday, May 30,” Mr Wallace said.

The pirates-themed park will open on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday during the day, and in the evenings starting on Thursday. Other features include a miniature golf course of the islands of The Bahamas; a horse and carriage tour ride of the quaint nearby settle-

STUDY AIMS TO IMPROVE RAND HOSPITAL SERVICES

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A TRIPARTITE observational study is being undertaken by the Ministry of Health, Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) aimed at improving health care services at the Rand Memorial Hospital/ Grand Bahama Health Services.

The eight-week study, described as being the first of its kind in the Caribbean, will follow the patient from admission to discharge in the hospital and Outpatients Specialty and General Practice Clinic via a Patient and Provider Survey.

The hospital officials saidon Friday the objec-

tive is to determine the level of patient satisfaction in their experience with clinicians and staff, and the quality of service provided.

According to a press release, it is anticipated that the evidence-based study would provide quantitative data to facilitate the necessary interventions to direct plans for the desired improvements in the service rendered.

The study includes a specifically designed survey that will be facilitated by multidisciplinary cadre of health care workers. The data is captured digitally in encrypted form and will be held in confidence.

The transformational observation study was designed by Dr Desiree Cox, Professor, Principal investigator at the Minis-

try of Health, and Dr Calae Phillippe, Consultant, Co-ordinator, Principal Investigator, Ministry of Health. Also contributing to this new development is Ms Else Van Schijndele, PAHO representative responsible for health systems development.

Hospital officials described the launch of the study as “historic” for the health care industry in The Bahamas.

Dr Cox indicated that the study is unique and the first of its kind in the Caribbean. Hospital administrator Sharon Williams had launched the new initiative on May 12, which is in keep with her vision to improve services at the Rand and clinics that fall under the management of the PHA in Grand Bahama.

ment of Smith’s Point; and an Iguana park.

Mr Wallace stated that fly-boards, jet skis, and jet packs, kayaking and paddle boats will be available at the water park. “We will also be introducing a powerboat ride from the harbour to the site, similar to the powerboat adventures in Nassau.”

He said native food, including a famous dish prepared for the Miami Heat by one of the investors will be prepared.

One of the significant features, according to Mr Wallace, is a 60-ft fig tree that

a bar was built around and a 250-seat wooden outdoor deck. He also said that there are giant knocker balls that people can climb into and roll around.

A Kids’ Play and Party area, with bouncing castle, is also available for children.

Mr Wallace is excited about the zipline, which is the first of its kind in the Bahamas. “The poles for the zipline towers have arrived on island, and 11 of the first 50 poles are here and will be installed in the next two weeks,” he said.

The towers will have a

theme of the history of the Bahamas. The first tower will tell the story of Carib and Arawak Indians who came to the Bahamas in the 1100s and 1200s by canoe.

Mr Wallace said Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville and Tourism official Betty Bethel and Derek Newbold of the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) will speak at the dedication at 6pm on Sunday.

He said Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe and GBPA president Ian Rolle will attend the official opening in June.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Students sign up for the

THE ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force installation of 370 students as part of the Rangers programme at RBDF Coral Harbour Base.

THE TRIBUNE

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

RBDF Rangers CAPT TELLIS BETHEL, acting commander of the RBDF, pictured left at the Rangers ceremony.

THE BAHAMAS National Culinary Team, who are competing in the Taste of the Caribbean contest in Miami next month, at a fundraising gala dinner at Atlantis with tourism executives last week. From left: Carlton Russell, Senior Vice President, Bahamas Hotel & Tourism Association (BHTA), Aliea Rolle, Junior Chef Marvonne Thurston, Chef Sheldon Sweeting, Co-Manager, Mixologist Marv Cunningham, Team Captain, Harrison Thompson, Ministry of Tourism, Chef Charon McKenzie, Chef Jamal Small, Stuart Bowe, President BHTA, Chef Ron Johnson, Team Manager, Chef Richmond Fowler II, Chef Shelby Coleby, Junior Chef Leonardis Moss, Junior Chef Savannah Moss and Chef Michael Adderley.

BAHAMAS TEAM PASSES TASTE TEST AHEAD OF CONTEST

THE Bahamas National Culinary Team sharpened their competitive skills in readiness to defend their prestigious Taste of the Caribbean title last week by serving up a six-course dining extravaganza to delighted guests at the fundraising Gala Demonstration dinner at Atlantis, Paradise Island.

Private and public sector stakeholders attended the annual dinner, which foreshadows the team’s readiness to compete at the 2016 competition in Miami, Florida, from June 6 to 10.

“If tonight’s dinner is any indication of how well prepared the team is to compete, we are more than ready to defend our title of Caribbean National Culinary Team,” Stuart Bowe, President of the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), said. “The cuisine served tonight, by this talented team of Bahamian chefs, is world class.”

Guests at the Café Great Halls of Water enjoyed culinary delights such as Conch Cake with spicy herb Calypso dressing; Lobster and spinach ragout in Plantain Cup, Rum Caviar; and Veal tenderloin, tortellini and croquette with potato press, stuffed zucchini, parsnip puree, glazed carrot, tomato confit and tamarindrosemary jus. The dining experience was coupled with signature cocktails provided by the 2016 Taste of the Caribbean’s Bartender of the year, Marv Cunningham, who concocted a delicious Classic Mango Gun Cay Daiquiri.

The ten-strong National Culinary Team will compete against the best chefs in the Caribbean next month, all of whom are vying for the title won by the Bahamian team in 2015.

This year, the competition has attracted top culinarians from Anguilla, Barbados, Bonaire, Curaco,

Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St Lucia, St Maarten, St Martin, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos and US Virgin Islands.

Team Managers Chef Ron Johnson, Chef Sheldon Sweeting and Mixologist Marv Cunningham have been guiding the team.

“The team is well poised to represent the Bahamas - we have been training for months to perfect our dishes,” Chef Johnson said.

“Most importantly everyone is working together, in synchronicity with a common goal in mind. It is indeed a testament to all of the members of the team to see the camaraderie, the professionalism, the support the seasoned chefs are providing to the junior chefs. Every member of the team is a befitting ambassador for The Bahamas.”

See The Tribune’s Weekend section on Friday for a look at the Bahamian team

ONE of the gala dinner dishes - creamy pumpkin and leek soup, stuffed chicken dumpling, sausage, chicken cracker, pumpkin seed oil.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 24, 2016, PAGE 11

LORETTA LOCKED UP - BUT ALL IN THE NAME OF HELPING ROTARY

t on The three-hour even was iss Bahamas M on by no d ter ne af joi ay rrd Satu Butle LORETTA public rronique Young, held at the Pirate Re ince lf put in Earth, Da Pr Turner found herse for a Saraan, the Y98.7 FM ony, an mp Co ing ew Br e event the stocks and jailedekend air personality, and leading George W harf. Th speks good cause at the we Club realtor Mario Carey among also featured drin t live ry as as part of the Rota pular those held until enough dc oa br s wa po dged to cials and of East Nassau’s funds had been ple bail. on Y98.7. d’. re tu ap ‘C on r se relea fundraise P was secure their The Long Island M

LORETTA Butler-Turner in the stocks - but all for a good cause as part of the “Captured” event held by Rotary Club of East Nassau at the weekend. Also pictured are other scenes from the event.

Photos: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff

PAGE 12, Tuesday, May 24, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

PRIMARY SCHOOL AWARDS HONOUR THE

STUDENTS OF THE YEAR THE Primary School Student of the Year awards were held over the weekend at Golden Gates World Outreach Ministries.

Many primary students from across The Bahamas were recognised for their academic achievement.

Minister of Education Jerome Fitzgerald spoke at the ceremony.

Lila Nottage was named as the 2016 student of the year.

Pictured right addressing the audience is student Samaiya Lundy.

THE 2016 student of the year, Lila Nottage.

Photos: Tim Clarke/ Tribune Staff

MINISTER of Education Jerome Fitzgerald addressing the audience and, below, with one of the winners.