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Jobs scheme ‘is an election ploy’
Butler-Turner says plan shows govt is out of new ideas By KHRISNA VIRGIL Tribune Staff Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net LONG Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner has slammed the government’s new apprenticeship programme for being an “election ploy” as she questioned how it was different from the heavily criticised 52week job placement plan implemented under the Ingraham administration. Mrs Butler-Turner, who served as State Minister of Social Development in the last Free National Movement (FNM) administration, said it was also evident
the government was “absolutely devoid” of any original ideas. She castigated the Christie administration over its lack of transparency, telling The Tribune that the government had yet to explain how the $20m allocated to a similar programme during the 2015 fiscal year was spent. The former FNM Deputy Leader said the fact that the government has re-crafted this programme shows that the Ingraham administration’s jobs plan was a good initiative. SEE PAGE THREE
MINNIS SAYS BAHA MAR TALK IS ‘FALSE HOPE’
By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
FREE National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday blasted Prime Minister Perry Christie for failing to provide a substantial update on Baha Mar negotiations, calling his 2016/2017 Budget Communication “false hope and empty rhetoric”. Dr Minnis said the lack of transparency was evidence that the government did not have a “true plan” to open the stalled $3.5bn Cable Beach resort, and that the Progressive Liberal Party
(PLP) will say or do anything to get re-elected. He noted that Wednesday’s budget communication echoed the 2012 campaign promises made by the PLP in 2012 that are still unfulfilled. “On Baha Mar the Prime Minister failed to tell us any details,” he said. “He could not tell us what promises he made to the Chinese government or what concessions he had to make. He did not tell us a timeline for the project or if there would be any immediate jobs for Bahamians instead of the Chinese. The only thing he really said was SEE PAGE SIX
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MITCHELL SAYS BAHA MAR GROUP FUELLING RACISM By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net FOREIGN Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell yesterday hit out at Facebook group “Baha Mar Citizen Awake”, accusing it of fuelling “racism” and extreme patriotism towards Baha Mar’s Chinese investors at the behest of the resort’s developer Sarkis Izmirlian. SEE PAGE SIX
VETERAN ZNS BROADCASTER FOUND MURDERED NEAR BONEFISH POND
THE SCENE at Bonefish Pond where Scott Richards was reportedly found murdered. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff By SANCHESKA BROWN the midnight to 6am shift. Tribune Staff Reporter Assistant Commissioner sbrown@tribunemedia.net of Police (ACP) Leon Bethel said officers from the CarA VETERAN ZNS ra- michael Road Police Station dio broadcaster was shot were on routine patrol near multiple times and killed Bonefish Pond when they early yesterday morn- made the discovery. ing near Bonefish Pond, “They were checking the off Cowpen Road. Police area around 9.55am, when found the victim shortly be- they saw a vehicle they fore 10am. thought to be suspicious. It Police have not identi- was a grey Durango (sports fied the dead man but The utility vehicle). They deTribune understands he is cided to check further and 48-year-old Scott Richards, about 100 feet away from a radio announcer for ZNS the vehicle was the body of Inspiration 107.9 FM. Ac- a man lying on the ground,” cording to ZNS, Richards ACP Bethel said. left his shift shortly after SEE PAGE TWO 6am yesterday. He worked ZNS radio announcer Scott Richards.
BUDGET REVEALS LITTLE NEW TO MEET PM’S PLEDGE ON FIGHTING CRIME
By KHRISNA VIRGIL Tribune Staff Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net AFTER promising tougher crime fighting measures five months ago, Prime Minister Perry Christie’s 2016/2017 Budget Communication revealed very little details of his administration’s plan to arrest violent crime. His silence on the issue comes in the wake of 508
recorded homicides in the Bahamas since the 2012 general election, according to The Tribune’s records, with 11 months still remaining in this administration’s current term. Last December, Mr Christie said his administration planned to introduce “tougher measures” to combat crime in 2016, pointing out that it was a challenge of the highest priority.
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The party campaigned on the platform that it had the solution to lower violent crime while the Ingraham administration did not. However, since coming to office, the Christie administration has been grappling with the same issue. When 2016 rolled in, Mr Christie passed off the mammoth task of tackling crime to Royal
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‘EMAILS DID NOT SPECIFY PRIVACY’
By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net EMAILS between members of Save The Bays (STB) had “no specified restriction of access” or “conditions expressed against access or dissemination”, a Supreme Court judge was told yesterday. SEE PAGE SEVEN
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Veteran ZNS broadcaster is found murdered near Bonefish Pond from page one “The victim ... has what appeared to be gunshot wounds to the body. We are in the process of completing the crime scene work to determine the valuable evidence we can get from this area to move forward with this investigation. We have no further information at this time. We don’t know who the victim is, we are seeking to identify him.” ACP Bethel said the body was in “good condition” which made officers believe the victim was not there for a long time. Richards worked at the station since 2001 and employees at the state broadcaster were said to be upset at the news of his
SR Assistant Commissioner Leon Bethel speaks to the media. death. He was described as a “quiet” and “humble” person who “loved broadcasting,” according to ZNS employees. Meanwhile, ACP Bethel said police need the public’s assistance in solving this murder - the 50th this year in the Bahamas according to The Tribune’s records as well as preventing future murders.
A VEHICLE is taken away from Bonefish Pond after a man was found murdered. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff though we are solving the “We need the Bahamian people to partner with the matters we do not want the police. Everything that is matters to happen in the first going on in the country is place. We can prevent them affecting everyone not just from happening, so we won’t the police. Any crime that have grieving families.” Anyone with information happens is one two much, so we need the public to on this homicide is asked to have confidence in police contact police at 911 or 919, and provide tips,” ACP the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or Crime StopBethel said. “We are solving lots of pers anonymously at 328matters. The problem is al- TIPS. THE BODY is taken from the scene.
TWO IN HOSPITAL AFTER CRASH
By SANCHESKA BROWN Tribune Staff Reporter sbrown@tribunemedia.net TWO men are fighting for their lives in hospital after the car they were in crashed into a utility pole on John F Kennedy Drive yesterday afternoon, causing both to be ejected. Superintendent Craig Stubbs, head of the Traffic Division, said the men were travelling west on JFK Drive when the driver lost control of the vehicle. “The vehicle overturned in the eastbound traffic lane and both the driver
and the passenger were thrown from the vehicle. They are both listed in very critical condition. We think speed was a factor because there was no rain and the surface was dry. The driver was attempting to go around a kerb when we think he lost control. None of the men were wearing seat-belts and had massive body trauma.” Supt Stubbs encouraged members of the public to slow down and buckle up. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact police at 911/919 or the nearest police station.
THE OVERTURNED vehicle after yesterday’s crash.
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‘Mortgage relief plan a retread of a failed policy’ By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net NEWLY-appointed Free National Movement (FNM) Senator Dr Duane Sands yesterday called the Christie administration’s new mortgage relief plan a “re-imagining of an already failed political ploy”. Dr Sands said the government should have put more effort into its plan, insisting that the “handout approach” would not solve the issues of in the mortgage system. The former Bahamas Mortgage Corporation chairman suggested to The Tribune that the government’s re-tooled initiative bypassed the reality that the country’s current economic environment does not allow for its long-term success. While admitting that the flaws within the country’s mortgage system are not easy fixes, Dr Sands said the government’s refusal to be honest about it shows that the Christie administration was only attempting to present “temporary hope”. “Conceptually, everyone feels for those persons that are in this position because no one deserves to lose a home they have worked to afford,” he said. Dr Sands implied that country was “well past” the tipping point in terms of the way loans are approved and handled. He further suggested that the government’s new plan would only pass the buck from one generation to the other. “Persons are approved on terms that are fiscally irresponsible and our economy
is being propped up with this facade. Once they are approved, then the realisation sets in that this person is one or two bad moves away from a mortgage crisis. “I am not terribly excited or impressed by the Prime Minister rolling out the identical promises he did during his 2012 campaign speeches. His plan then, as it is now, doesn’t address the issues surrounding the billions of dollars we have in non-performing loans.” He added: “Pouring up to $5m per year, $20m over four years, into a fund doesn’t arrest the problem. Nor does hinting at fiscal responsibility in the realm of borrowing. There needs to be fiscal responsibly on the end of lending and a tightening of the belt on behalf of the government.” During his budget communication on Wednesday, Mr Christie said the revamped programme will provide financial incentives that will allow banks to offer borrowers who have some ability to pay, but have fallen behind, the chance to get back on track. “According to initial estimates, upwards of 1,000 delinquent borrowers, which are persons who are 90 days or more in arrears as of May 1, 2016, are anticipated to qualify initially for the mortgage relief programme. That number could, of course, go higher,” Mr Christie said. The Prime Minister, however, did acknowledge that the programme would not address the root cause of the mortgage crisis in the Bahamas, nor does it provide a guarantee that persons who may fall into
financial difficulty are afforded a duty of care by their lender with respect to their home. In that regard, he said the government was also discussing with the Clearing Banks Association guidelines on how to treat delinquent mortgagors. Addressing the lack of clarity, Dr Sands said: “This is the issue. (Mr Christie) doesn’t make it clear who gets what, how this all would work. All this is, is an election-year, pork-barrel, politicking plan. “He should have been honest and tell the public that the system has its flaws and point out how the government would work to correct those issues. This is built on the gimmicky nature of politics. We have seen this all before and the Prime Minister is looking to sell hope while reality paints a different picture.” Mortgage relief was one of the PLP’s major talking points during the 2012 election cycle as scores of Bahamians were faced with losing their homes amid one of the worst economic downturns. Shortly after being elected to office, the Christie administration introduced its first mortgage relief plan. At the time, 4,000 homeowners were in mortgage payment arrears and that year, State Minister for Finance Michael Halkitis said around 1,000 people would likely qualify for help under the plan. However, in May, 2013, Mr Christie told the House of Assembly he expected only “four or five” homeowners to benefit from the scheme.
JOBS SCHEME ‘IS AN ELECTION PLOY’ from page one “I am very surprised that the PLP has finally decided to realise that what the FNM was doing was a good programme,” Mrs Butler-Turner said yesterday. “I don’t care how they re-package it. The reality is it was an apprenticeship programme that the Ministry of Labour and Social Development was doing in conjunction with the private sector and the Chamber of Commerce to ensure that people who were laid off during the recession of 2007 and 2008 were retooled and re-skilled. “Of course we received a lot of criticism from the PLP about it, but clearly it demonstrates now that the Christie administration realises it was a good programme and, secondly, they are absolutely devoid of any original ideas in terms of jump starting our economy. “So it comes as no surprise to me that the Prime Minister is trying to dress this up with a different name. What does surprise me however is the fact that there was $20m allocated in this current fiscal budget for such a programme and now there is another $22m. I’d like to ask the question of what happened to the $20m that was earmarked for this year?” The MP said she also
found it curious that the programme will be run from the Office of the Prime Minister. “This is a ploy to try and get people to work at taxpayers’ expense, but of course this does nothing but to try and get a few thousand people to work so that they may be employed for a short period of time and the government has to foot the bill. “What I find really curious is the fact that the programme is being run out of the Office of the Prime Minister and nothing that the Prime Minister has done thus far has come to fruition. So where do we go from here? “Essentially the Prime Minister’s programmes have failed abysmally. If he was serious about getting these people involved in learning new skill sets they would have brought on board the private sector and those persons who can ensure that these individuals are going to be accredited at the end of the day.” Perry Christie announced on Wednesday that the government will launch a $22m apprenticeship programme aimed to reduce youth unemployment. The programme will be jointly managed by the Office of the Prime Minister and the National Training Agency, he said. Mr Christie said that under the government’s new
programme, people will be “paid to work and train in a very formal manner, with certification on completion of the apprenticeship period”. Perhaps anticipating criticism, Mr Christie said the programme is unlike the 52-week jobs programme created by the former Ingraham administration in 2011 that was bashed by the PLP, then in opposition, as an attempt to sway votes ahead of the 2012 general election. That programme paid and placed Bahamians who were unsuccessful at finding jobs in various positions in both the private and government sector. The employers then had the option to permanently hire the workers if they so desired after 52 weeks. Mr Christie has called the programme “scandalous”, claiming it allowed participants to collect a pay cheque without showing up to work. The PLP cancelled the plan shortly after winning the last election. In the 2015/2016 fiscal year, the government allocated $20 million to Urban Renewal to deal with youth unemployment. That programme was launched in conjunction with the InterAmerican Development Bank. There has not yet been a public accounting of the progress made under that programme.
RAPE SUSPECT SOUGHT By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net GRAND Bahama Police are searching for 39-yearold Paul Simon Rolle, aka “PJ”, who is wanted for rape and armed robbery in Freeport. Rolle, a resident of 3, Emerald Drive, Coral Gardens, is about 6ft 1in,180lbs,
of average build with dark brown complexion and low haircut. He is considered armed and dangerous and should be approached with caution. Anyone with information concerning Rolle is asked to contact the police at 3521919, 350-3106-9, 911, 919, or the nearest police station.
FNM Senator Dr Duane Sands, former chairman of the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation, said the proposed mortgage relief plan merely passes the buck to the next generation. Photo: Peter Ramsay/BIS
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First lady tells Native American grads to live their values SANTA FE, New Mexido (AP) — Michelle Obama told graduates at a Native American high school Thursday to take pride in their history and cultures at a time when she says the “loudest voices in the national conversation” suggest turning away from the tribal values that were part of their education. In a commencement address at Santa Fe Indian School, the first lady’s comments appeared to touch on political rhetoric that has emerged in the presidential race, and especially within the GOP, though she did not mention any candidates by name. “Some of the loudest voices in our national conversation are saying things that go against every single one of the values that you’ve been living at this school,” said Obama, a Democrat. “They’re telling us that we should disrespect others because of who they are or where they come from or how they worship.” Seated in the first several rows of a school pavilion, the 104 graduating seniors received their diplomas wearing traditional clothing of their tribes on a stage featuring textiles, drums and baskets from the region’s tribes. The school’s curriculum incorporates Native American history, tribal languages and opportunities for the students to learn about Native American issues, including environmental preservation on the nearby tribal lands. Most of the students live in dormitories on campus during the school year. They come from tribes throughout New Mexico and elsewhere, including Montana and New York, and grew up in tight-knit communities and in cultures that emphasize ties within large extended families. Obama urged them to stand by those values in the face of challenges from others who say “we should be selfish — that folks who are struggling don’t deserve our help. That we should just take what we can from life and not worry about anyone else.” In her first commencement speech to Native American high school graduates, the first lady also shared her personal story of growing up in a household of modest means, with parents who taught her to give back to her community and care for family members — values she indicated she shared with the students.
The speech was delivered as part of an Obama initiative that aims to start a dialogue about creating opportunities for Native American youth, a group that White House says makes up the nation’s most vulnerable population. Now owned and operated by the 19 pueblos of New Mexico, the school was founded in 1890 by the federal government in an era when the United States took hundreds of Native American children from their families and homes to off-reservation boarding schools. Under policies at the time, students were prohibited from speaking their tribal languages in an attempt to assimilate them into Western culture. “As we all know, this school was founded as part of a deliberate, systematic effort to extinguish your cultures — to literally annihilate who you were and what you believed in,” Obama said. “But today, the Native languages that were once strictly forbidden here now echo through the hallways and in your dorm room conversations at night.” Obama also noted that nearly every member of the 2016 class is collegebound in the fall and together have been awarded more than $5 million in scholarships. The success stories within the graduating class represent a side of Native American life that much of the country often doesn’t see, said graduate Chyanne Quintana, who is from the pueblos of Ohkay Owingeh and Santa Clara north of Santa Fe. “We are graduating Native Americans; we are successful Native Americans,” said Quintana, the school’s salutatorian. “We are Native Americans with hopes, dreams and ambitions.” Obama’s Santa Fe appearance marked the latest attempt at spotlighting the challenges facing tribal youth in the final months of her husband’s presidency. Last year, the first lady spoke to nearly 1,000 Native American youth for a firstof-its-kind summit held by the White House under its Generation Indigenous initiative — which emerged from a 2014 trip by the Obamas to North Dakota where they visited the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. By Mary Hudetz, Associated Press
Make sure the bills are paid EDITOR, The Tribune.
WHAT precisely is government’s and consumer debt at this immediate moment a few days away from the budget presentation 2016? If all debt was called in to be paid within 30-days, how much would be left unpaid? We have a culture to pay the minimum to retain services and that’s it. This is prompted from overhearing a person on-line at BTC... clearly this person had a bill of $1,000.00 – BTC accepted to turn their services on for $450.00 – just how can BTC afford that and do well for it’s shareholders, US, 51 per cent? The same goes on at BEC or Bahamas Power and Light, an unfortunate name when we suffer so often from power outages but mimicking FP&L is so obvious... Dah to those who created that. Business License is tied to current positions now at every Tax level - NIB, Real Property (unsure legally how that can be as property is a personal possession) but where is the excessive new revenue lev-
els – they are just not there. Dealing with Real Property - I totally support... shame and collect process remember that VIP who owed $400,000.00 shamed on Monday paid by Wednesday let’s see this used Madam Treasurer, it works. What’s the total here? $400m! How on earth did Ruffin and subsequently Izmirlian get in arrears for their liability to Casino/Gaming Taxes? The Law is straight forward – collect Gaming Board, collect. Government Education Scholarships - why should we afford/offer persons who are in default a discount if they pay? Wrong attitude and process, Minister of Education, shame and collect and fine them for nonpayment ..... that’s Public Money not Monopoly money, Minister. Who gave you the right to “discount principal of the loan”? Banks have to be far, far more responsive as to how they manage customers credit... A safe loan is better than two dozen bad ones which you can’t collect. You seem to give away credit cards and debt cards like
candy. What is the National and Consumer Debt? I believe we are nationally bankrupt and no one knows! Watch out for the Christie promises next week, National Budget 2017-18 – heard them prior to 2012 and they all were untruths – you really think he will change? Millions missing at Social Services - BAMSI contracts/No Building Insurance - Road Traffic - Post Office - involved in interference with the Police and bless them none of the Ministers (4) feel they should resign? Have no concept of their Constitutional responsibility. Obviously the Prime Minister likewise endorses this. This government lacks any form of leadership – anything goes but then what do you expect of a leader who has done little or nothing for his Constituency Centerville or Farm Road – if you don’t believe me go and see. He appears six weeks before election day every election. W THOMPSON Nassau, May 20, 2016.
Little Harbour protest EDITOR, The Tribune A letter to the Prime Minister. I live on a sailboat and my husband and I have spent the past three winters sailing in your beautiful country. We are typically in The Bahamas from December through May. We have had the privilege to visit many of the islands and cays and have come to feel very much at home here. Like many cruisers, we enjoy a quiet, peaceful anchorage. The popularity of the Exuma Land and Sea Parks are a testament to the attractiveness of such undeveloped places. Of course, we also enjoy spending time in more developed places where we can shop, dine out and meet the local residents. I know that we cruisers contribute to the local economy, particularly in those places which do not
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net accommodate cruise ships. Little Harbour is one of few protected anchoring places in the Abacos which provide a quiet and peaceful anchorage. It is a refuge from the busy and noisy harbours in other locations. Little Harbour is treasured by cruisers. Throughout our travels in The Bahamas we have seen many, many partially built marinas and home developments. I am sure you are aware of these. There is a surplus of boat slips for sale and planned developments in Great Abaco Island. It seems that building a marina in Little Harbour is environmentally and economically unsustainable. It was reported in The Tribune (May 23) that “The Abaco Club had its own three-mile bay
in which to build a marina”. If there is an alternate location to build a marina which will leave Little Harbour as it is, it seems the much wiser location to pursue. I am an environmental professional with 35 years experience with development, environmental impact analysis, and water quality. In addition, I have lived full time aboard a sailboat for the past two and a half years having spent 15 months cruising throughout The Bahamas. I love this country, its friendly people and its pristine waters. The development of a new, 44slip marina requires careful planning. Little Harbour should not be developed while other alternatives are available. ROBIN B DAVIDOV s/v Cerulean Palm Cay Marina, New Providence May 26, 2016
Fix the statelessness EDITOR, The Tribune. THE upcoming referendum has it merits, its positives and negatives, but the statelessness of thousands of people born in The Bahamas and cannot be identified with The Bahamas or any other country is sickening. I have been burdened with this for too long. We have family and friends who are mixed in this boiling pot. This most degrading and humiliating experience for too many, must be addressed and addressed forthwith. Too many would look the other way, turn a blind eye or cover their ears because they don’t want to hear it, but this larger than life elephant in the room is getting bigger. Today, more of us are
either descended from or associated with Haiti. It is no secret that Members of Parliament are Haitians or with heavy connections. Every profession is loaded with Haitians. The Police Force, Immigration, Customs and the Prison are soaked with people from Haiti. So to think that this does not affect the very fibre of The Bahamas would be asinine. Successive governments, intentionally would not addressed this because they want to continue to exploit the people. Immigration officers want to continue their shakedown on unsuspecting Haitians, pretending to detain them at the Detention Centre to collect money, some Police offices shake down to get “lunch money”.
It is not right, that lawabiding Bahamians are sitting idly by and saying nothing. We know that the stateless people are angry and getting angrier. I would be angry too, had I been in the same predicament. The present government would do this country a favour, by appealing to their humane side and fix this vexing problem. Clean up the situation and maybe, just maybe some of the crime and unrest that is being visited upon our country will subside. Let us stop saying that this country is a Christian nation and prove it by our actions IVOINE W. INGRAHAM, JP Nassau, May 21, 2016.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, May 27, 2016, PAGE 5
Funding increases in a number of ministries
By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net THE Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Public Services and the Ministry of Environment and Housing all received substantial funding increases in the 2016/2017 budget. The budget for the Office of the Prime Minister increased by $9,845,525 to $17,069,450. The rise is mainly because of increased funding for several high-profile groups overseeing special projects. These include the Na-
tional Health Insurance Secretariat, which has received $2.5m, the Antiquities, Monuments & Museum Corporation, which will receive about $2.45m, and the Clifton Heritage Authority, which will receive a substantial increase of about $1.8m to take its total to $2.2m. The Office of the Prime Minister will also receive $2m as “provision for contingencies”, a much larger allocation than in the past. The Cellular Liberalisation Task Force will also receive $500,000 while the National Development Plan Unit will receive $176,000. Although Prime Minister
Perry Christie announced in the House of Assembly on Wednesday that $22m has been allocated for an apprenticeship programme that will target unemployed youth - which will be jointly managed by his office and the National Training Agency - that programme and its funding were not included as a line item under the Office of the Prime Minister. It was also not included as a line item under the National Training Agency. As for the Ministry of Finance, its budget will increase by $50,289,294 compared to the previous fiscal year.
This is due to a variety of reasons, including a $10m increase for salary purposes (taking its budget up to $20.5m) and more than $3.7m for travel and subsistence purposes. This is also owing to a $6m increase in issues relating to contracts and a substantial increase in the amount of money allocated for food supplies - up from $10,000 in the last fiscal year to $4m this year. $20m has also been allocated in the ministry for “tourism contractual obligations” purposes, a new line item in the budget, while $7m has been allo-
cated for the National Drug Plan Arrears, another new line item. Increases in funding for the Ministry of Public Affairs are mainly because of a $12m increase in money allocated for medical health insurance purposes along with a $6m increase in staff gratuities and pensions. After dropping substantially in 2015, the budget for the Public Services Ministry will return in the next fiscal year to its 2014 levels. As for the Ministry of Environment and Housing, an increase in funding of $12,247,622 that brings the total to $18,398,355 is
because $15m has been allocated for the Bahamas Public Parks and Beach Authority, a recently established body that received $500,000 last year. As it relates to capital development projects, the Ministry of Works will also receive a major funding boost of about $12.7m, mainly because of infrastructural projects. For instance, $5m more has been allocated for road construction in the Family Islands and $10m has been allocated for the construction of a multi-service centre for adults with developmental disabilities.
BUDGET REVEALS LITTLE NEW TO MEET PM’S PLEDGE ON FIGHTING CRIME
from page one
Bahamas Police Force Commissioner Ellison Greenslade, saying this rested with the police chief. Despite this, when Mr Greenslade revealed the force’s 2016 policing plan, it neglected to reveal the promised tougher crime fighting measures. The 2016 policing plan involves many of the same initiatives as outlined in 2015. A few new ideas included plans to acquire a helicopter for rapid response to serious crime scenes, fleeing felons and for the patrol of hot spots. The document also revealed plans to begin construction on a forensic science facility and acquiring unmanned aerial vehicles. Among the old ideas are plans to continue saturation patrols and extend the use of the existing closed circuit television programme (CCTV). Crime plan Nonetheless, Mr Christie insisted on Wednesday, during his lengthy budget communication, that citizen security was of great importance to the government. He touted the success of Swift Justice and said the government expended significant sums of money to acquire and install cutting edge technologies in the fight against crime. He said his administration has also spent $4.5m to install 243 cameras mainly in the downtown area and in crime hot spots of New Providence. “With all the upgrades and enhancements, further investments to maintain safety and security were necessary,” he said. “There is now the ability to text
to 919, and send videos directly to the Police Control Room. Currently, the systems are segmented and are standalones. The new system will integrate the automatic vehicle location (AVL), dispatch and 919 platforms for use and operation from a single point. “The government has also invested $4.5m to install 243 cameras, mainly in the downtown area and hot crime spots of New Providence,” Mr Christie said on Wednesday. “All video feeds are sent either wirelessly or via fibre optics to a secure server located at the police headquarters. The camera feeds are integrated with other incoming data sources, such as behavioural analytics systems and computeraided dispatch (CAD), creating a common real-time operational dashboard. “This offers the ability to easily integrate with thirdparty data and camera systems (public or private). These additional systems can enhance law enforcement’s visibility into key areas of the city without large investments in additional assets. The base platform can be expanded and has the ability to add multiple smart function items, including facial recognition, gun shot detection/location and licence plate recognition.” He continued: “There has been much success thus far with the CCTV system. The government is currently in discussions to expand the system to over 1,000 cameras, which is expected to cover essentially all the exit/entry points in Nassau. “To further protect the borders of the Bahamas and enhance national security, the government is actively pursuing the use of unmanned aerial vehicles
(UAVs) with high-resolution imagery. This technology is intended to improve upon the interdiction of drug traffickers, poachers, smugglers, human traffickers and illegal migrants. It will also improve upon the search and rescue missions. “As well, a state of the art police and fire station is well on its way to completion in Freeport, Grand Bahama. Expanded and newly refurbished facilities are being made available for a police station in Lower Deadman’s Cay, Long Island.” Mr Christie said an agreement has also been reached with the New Providence Development Company Ltd for the purchase, by the government, of properties at a cost of $2.1million to establish a police station in southwestern New Providence. In addition, he said the number of police reservist officers has been increased by 200 and the maximum number of hours worked by them, has been increased from 150 to 200 hours per month. From May 7, 2012 - when the PLP won the election to December 31, 2012, there were 70 recorded murders. In 2013, police recorded 119 murders; in 2014 and 2015, police recorded 123 and a record 146 murders respectively. So far in 2016, the country homicide count is 50, according to The Tribune’s records. Prior to the 2012 election campaign, the PLP unveiled billboards drawing attention to the FNM’s then record of 490 plus murders during their five years in office. The PLP surpassed that figure with more than a year to go to the next election.
PRIME Minister Perry Christie speaks in the House of Assembly on Wednesday. Photo: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff
Career Opportunity Scotiabank (Bahamas) Limited is seeking the services of a
Marketing Manager Position Summary: The Marketing Manager, Caribbean North provides complete marketing support including communications and public relations to the business in the district countries with primary focus on The Bahamas, this position also supports the marketing efforts of the Cayman Islands, Turks & Caicos Islands and British Virgin Islands and works under general supervision on the execution of regional integrated, multi-channel marketing campaigns that support growth, build portfolio balances and achieve loyalty objectives for the Bank’s business lines. The incumbent will provide support to the following tasks: the ideation, production, implementation and execution of all marketing related activities, media planning for regional advertising campaigns and campaign budgets, help drive the communication strategy, enable the on-time, on budget and effective delivery of prospects-focused communications across all channels.
Key Accountabilities for this role include: 1. Development and delivery of campaigns and activities against the Annual Country Marketing Plans to support the achievement of Business Line Marketing Strategies and communication programs. 2. Media planning and management for local and regional campaigns and marketing tactics. 3. Execution and maintenance of the Bank’s comprehensive and integrated merchandising strategy that creates a positive sales environment in keeping with guidelines for display materials to support sales objectives, campaigns and periodic themes. 4. Assisting in the development and maintenance of a comprehensive base of market intelligence required to enable effective management of advertising activities through researching and tracking competitor positioning, messaging, advertising, promotions and other related activities . 5. Development and execution of internal and external communication strategies including the effective use of digital and social media to support campaigns and sales objectives across business lines while driving user engagement.
LACK OF CLARITY ON FUNDING FOR NHI PLANS
By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
ALTHOUGH the Christie administration has said the first phase of National Health Insurance (NHI) will be introduced later this year, the 2016/2017 budget does not clearly show that the government has allocated money for this purpose. A line item under the Ministry of Health’s budgetary head shows that the government has allocated $210m for NHI in the upcoming fiscal year. It is unlikely that this figure, which also covers operations at the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA), could cover the initial cost
of primary healthcare services. The government estimates that primary healthcare services will initially cost about $100m, a figure verified by its consultants Sanigest Internacional and KPMG. The introduction of primary healthcare was slated for April but Health Minister Perry Gomez later acknowledged that there would be a delay of about six months so the government could establish a public insurer. The government allocated $260,320,960 for NHI and the PHA in the 2015/2016 budget, up from the $200m allocated to the PHA the previous fiscal year.
Prime Minister Perry Christie said last year that $60m of what was allocated in the 2015/2016 fiscal year would be used to prepare the health sector for the introduction of NHI through infrastructural upgrades and improvement of services. Also in the 2016/2017 budget, $2.5m is allocated under the Office of the Prime Minister for the NHI Secretariat. Mr Christie was criticised for not divulging many details concerning NHI during his budget communication on Wednesday. Though he reiterated his commitment to implementing the scheme, he did not discuss costing or timelines.
Required Skills: • Strong analytical skills and attention to detail. • Must simultaneously contribute to a multitude of projects and support activities across many stakeholder groups, for the district countries. • A strong customer-focused orientation is required to interact with project stakeholders. • Multi-tasking and time-management abilities to handle multiple concurrent initiatives with different time requirements. • High level of creativity is required, as this role contributes to planning, development and implementation of marketing strategies. • Strong communication and relationship building skills and ability to contribute to the campaign execution process engaging multiple internal and external partners.
Qualifications: • A Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or related discipline and 2-3 years of relevant experience. • Experience in media planning and management, event planning and execution, merchandising material production and distribution. • Working knowledge of brand and communication guidelines. Qualified candidates should submit C.V. via email to: hrbahamas@scotiabank.com on or before June 2, 2016. Please note that only those individuals short-listed for an interview will be contacted.
Trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia, used under licence (where applicable).
®
PAGE 6, Friday, May 27, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
STORM WATCH FOR US EAST COAST AS CYCLONE LIKELY TO FORM
A LOW pressure area between The Bahamas and Bermuda in the Atlantic Ocean is highly likely to develop into a tropical or sub-tropical cyclone which could impact part of the East Coast of the United States during Memorial Day weekend according to the National Hurricane Centre (NHC) in Miami. Forecasters said last night that thunderstorm and showers activity has been increasing and become more organised during the past 24 hours and that environmental conditions are expected to become more conducive to formation today or tomorrow while the system moves west-north-
westward or northwestward toward the southeastern United States coast. A US Air Force reconnaissance plane is scheduled to investigate further this afternoon. The chances of development into a cyclone over the next 48 hours is 80 per cent, the NHC said. Beach, fishing and cruise interests along the southern Atlantic Seaboard have been advised to monitor the track and strength of the system. “We expect the system to track slowly toward the northwest through the weekend and end up near the South Carolina or North Carolina coast by Memorial Day,” Accu-
RESIDENT HANDED KEYS TO NEW HOME
By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net A KEMP Road resident and her son yesterday were “lost for words” after being handed keys to a new home courtesy of Urban Renewal’s Small Homes Repair programme. Cecile Johnson and her son, Rashad Adderley, at a key presentation ceremony near St Margaret’s Church said they were “most humbled” by receiving the home and were very grateful to Urban Renewal. “I’m just lost for words,” Ms Johnson said yesterday. “I am just flabbergasted.” Deputy Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis, the minister with responsibility for the Urban Renewal programme, said yesterday’s ceremony is yet another example of the government demonstrating its “love for our people, particularly the least amongst us”. “This is what we call divine intervention,” Mr Davis said. “Because we may not see it or we may not feel it, but what we are doing here is spreading the love.” He added: “It takes all of us to bring help and hope to each of us. As long as we are working together as a team, you’d be surprised to know what we will do for each other.” Mr Davis also gave credit to contractor Terry Delancy, of Virgo Construction, who Mr Davis said did “much more” on the house “than we asked him to do here”. Mr Delancy said repairs to the home initially cost some $40,000 but the cost increased by about $2,500 due to other various necessities. Nonetheless, Mr Delancy said he had no qualms about absorbing the extra costs. “It gives me great joy to be able to assist and not just looking at the money but just be able to assist a family to get into a home,” he told The Tribune. “I know where they were living, and I know the conditions they were living in prior to having this home. And trust me, nothing gives me more joy than to see them in this home today, and to give God thanks and praise for the home.” Urban Renewal Co-chair Cynthia “Mother” Pratt, said at the ceremony: “It is so encouraging to the community as well as to the nation because they would see the work that we’re trying to do to eliminate the slums, and that’s really our aim and objective.”
Weather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski said. He said that winds aloft have strengthened near the disturbed area and that the strong upper-level winds and marginally warm water would allow only slow to no development in the short term. “As the system moves away from the strong winds aloft and toward warmer waters of the Gulf Stream, strengthening and organisation into a tropical or subtropical (hybrid) system could occur,” Mr Kottlowski said. The present system will have an effect on coastal areas, especially from northeastern Florida to North Carolina beginning this
weekend even if it remains offshore. The latter part of this week and first part of the holiday weekend will bring the best weather for bathing, sunbathing and boating along the southeastern US Atlantic beaches, forecasters said. As the weekend progresses, a breeze will develop and waves will build. The increasing wave action will cause the number and strength of rip currents to increase. “How rough conditions get will depend on how strong the system becomes and how close to the coast it gets,” Mr Kottlowski said. In addition, showers and thunderstorms will develop over the southeastern US as
the holiday weekend progresses and into next week. Should a tropical system develop, 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 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 similar season, with 14 predicted storms, eight potential hurricanes and four major storms.
Mitchell says Baha Mar group is fuelling racism from page one Mr Mitchell accused the group of being a “front organisation” for Mr Izmirlian. He said the group with the “patently offensive name” is likely responsible for “fuelling this anti-Chinese fervour” as a “cover for the defaults of Baha Mar developer Sarkis Izmirlian”. Mr Mitchell further lambasted Bahamians not attached to Baha Mar for criticising the resort’s Chinese investors, stressing that a country which had to “fight and continue to fight every day for their human dignity to be recognised” should not be engaging in “this kind of dog whistling and borderline race baiting for the fun of it”. Mr Mitchell’s statement came in reference to rumours that Chinese investors requested the removal of Mr Izmirlian as developer; 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. The speculation was revealed by radio talk show host Steve McKinney during a recent segment of his “Hard Copy” talk show on Peace 107.5FM, who claimed to have seen a letter written to Prime Minister Perry Christie by Chinese officials. Firing back at those allegations, Mr Christie on Monday night described the rumours as an “absolute lie” and denied that citizenship in return for foreign investment had been agreed, adding that was a “non-negotiable position” for his government. However, he did not speak about
the other alleged requests. Nonetheless, the allegations led to a firestorm of public criticism and assertions that The Bahamas is becoming a Chinese colony. Mr Mitchell hit out at the actions of some, which he said included but is not limited to the Bahamian $1 bill being “defaced” by replacing the Queen with a Chinese national figure; the Bahamian national anthem being “desecrated” by being sung in “mock Chinese” and the “inference that Chinese are being endowed with hegemonic powers in The Bahamas.” “This type of propaganda is not amusing,” Mr Mitchell said yesterday. “It is patently offensive and irresponsible. No nation, but particularly one of majority African ancestry where they have had to fight and continue to fight every day for their human dignity to be recognised, should be engaging in this kind of dog whistling and borderline race baiting for the fun of it. It is unbecoming of us as a country.” Mr Mitchell added: “What is further concerning though is that a front organisation on Facebook which appears to be aligned with the failed developer and calling themselves by the patently offensive name ‘Baha Mar citizens’ seems to be fuelling this antiChinese fervour as a cover for the defaults of the developer.” Mr Mitchell was referring to ‘Baha Mar Citizen Awake’, which, according to its page description, is a “forum” for voices of former Baha Mar employees to have their voices heard over the shuttered property. “Our country’s image abroad as a place for investment and in tourism cannot develop the reputation of being racists or jingoists,” Mr Mitchell added. “I therefore sound this word of caution on this and say it has gone far
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from page one
ONE of the protestors from a demonstration outside the House of Assembly on Wednesday. The group was objecting to government negotiations with Chinese investors over Baha Mar, but was blocked from protesting in Rawson Square because they lacked the necessary permits. Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell has criticised Bahamians for opposing Chinese investors. Photo: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff enough and must come to an immediate end.” Mr Mitchell went on to deny public speculation that the Chinese are allegedly making strides to take over The Bahamas politically or economically. He also called on the public’s “better nature on this score where the country’s international reputation and vital interests are at stake”. He added: “The Bahamas is a democracy and a free society, so public discourse is par for the course. What is of concern however is when racism and jingoism appear to be seeping into the dialogue and public discourse. We should not wander down that path for that is the wrong path.”
On Wednesday, Mr Christie said negotiations with government officials, the Export Import Bank of China (EXIM) and China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) over Baha Mar resulted in a “framework agreement” to complete the project “as expeditiously as possible”. However, he gave no concrete resolution on the issue of payment to unsecured Bahamian creditors, only saying they would be “considered” during the remobilisation process, adding that negotiations were underway to agree to appropriate timelines and a schedule for completion.
MINNIS SAYS BAHA MAR TALK IS ‘FALSE HOPE’
‘trust me, we have a plan’. That sounds awfully familiar to what he said in 2012 and look where that got us.” Mr Christie on Wednesday announced that negotiations with the Export Import Bank of China (EXIM) and China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) over the stalled Baha Mar resort had successfully engendered a “framework agreement” to complete the project “as expeditiously as possible”. The update was highly anticipated - amid allegations and public outcry that a deal had been struck to provide major concessions to the resort’s general contractor China Construction America (CCA). Mr
Christie had also previously touted the announcement as a major update on the embattled resort. However, Mr Christie reminded parliamentarians that the matter was being adjudicated by the Supreme Court and, as such, only limited information could be revealed at this time. He gave no concrete resolution on the issue of payment to unsecured Bahamian creditors, only saying they would be “considered” during the re-mobilisation process, adding that negotiations were underway to agree to appropriate timelines and a schedule for completion. Mr Christie also confirmed that CSCEC and its subsidiary, CCA, are contracted to, and will remain in place to, finish the resort.
Yesterday, Dr Minnis called Mr Christie’s update “overly optimistic”. “The Prime Minister’s lack of transparency by hiding the details from the Bahamian people is not shocking because as the election draws nearer we all know that he and the rest of the PLP will do and say anything to get reelected. In fact, the Prime Minister’s communication yesterday sounded a lot like their campaign plan in 2012. They are still promising to bring mortgage relief, which they have failed to do for four years. “They promised to fix the National Health Insurance in 2012 and four years later they still promise that it is a priority but again gave no details. While patting
themselves on the back for lowering the deficits they failed to take responsibility for adding more than $1.6 billion to the national debt in the past three years. “Where is all the progress that they talk about?” he said. Dr Minnis called for the plans to support the projects announced by the government, insisting that Bahamians had nothing tangible after four years of the PLP. “Sadly this is what the Bahamian people have come to expect,” he said. “The people deserve better than what they have been receiving for the past four years. This PLP government cannot, and will not, change so we must change who controls the government.”
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, May 27, 2016, PAGE 7
Murdered web shop worker was likely struck from behind
By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net
A WEB shop employee who was murdered in Long Island in 2014 was likely struck from behind based on the injuries she sustained, a jury heard from a pathologist yesterday. Dr Caryn Sands, a pathologist with 18 years medical experience, testified about the autopsy performed on Andrea Carroll in December, 2014. The pathologist said she founds signs of asphyxia and made note of a dislocated neck
and a fractured spine. The latter injury would have left the accused paralysed, the pathologist told prosecutor Basil Cumberbatch. “There were scratches on the abdomen. (A) rib was fractured and the intercostal hemorrhage (bleeding) suggests trauma to the torso,” she said. “The spine bone in the thorax was fractured. The neck was dislocated and the back was actually fractured.” The pathologist found 370ml of blood in the victim’s chest cavity that was
due to the trauma the victim experienced. She also made note of the marks left on the deceased due to the various bounds placed on the body. A bathrobe belt was wrapped around the victim’s ankles and an electric cord attached to a fan was tied to the victim’s body, the witness said. She also testified that a micro USB cord and also a black electrical cord were “tied tightly around the wrist and forearm”. Dr Sands further noted that there was slight swelling in the brain, which could
be attributed to asphyxia. Daphne Knowles, of Cartwright’s, Long Island, is on trial before Justice Bernard Turner on murder, robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery charges. Knowles is alleged to have killed Carroll between November 28 and 29, 2014. It is further alleged that Knowles conspired with others for 58 days to commit robbery and actually robbed Carroll of cash belonging to Bowe’s Web Games Ltd. The accused, who denies the allegations, is represented by attorney Sonia Timo-
thy. Cephia Pinder-Moss and Mr Cumberbatch are prosecuting the case. Ms Timothy, in crossexamination, asked the pathologist if there were any particles under the fingernails of the deceased. “I don’t believe I said so,” the witness said. Dr Sands said she did look at the nails but found them to be intact. “Are you able to say if the victim was sexually assaulted?” the lawyer probed. “I cannot say,” Dr Sands said, adding that she could not recall obtaining samples from a sexual assault
kit for further testing. Justice Turner asked the pathologist what force would be required to cause the neck and spinal bruises found on the deceased. “The severity of contusions goes along with how much force is applied. Once you start to break bones, that’s significant force,” Dr Sands said. She further noted that the position of the damage “suggests the injury came from the back”. Carroll, she said, was about 5ft 2in and weighed approximately 170 pounds. The trial resumes today.
STAR AUTHORS PUT THE SPOTLIGHT ON LITERACY
NOVELIST Lee Child, famed for his Jack Reacher thriller series which became a hit movie starring Tom Cruise, was among writers championing literacy at an event last night. Mr Child is one of the participants in the annual Salt Cay Writers Retreat at which writers travel from far and wide to attend the event at Blue Lagoon Island. Yesterday, the Salt Cay Writers Retreat event partnered with the Inner Wheel Club of East Nassau and Luciano’s of Chicago Restaurant to offer an evening of readings by Mr Child and two fellow New York Times and international bestselling authors. Also featuring were
award-winning author Ann Hood, known for her bestselling novels The Knitting Circle, The Obituary Writer and The Red Thread., and her memoir, Comfort: A Journey Through Grief, which was named one of the top ten non-fiction books of 2008 by Entertainment Weekly and was a New York Times Editors Choice; and retreat co-founder Karen Dionne, who debuted the first reading of her novel, The Marsh King’s Daughter, coming summer 2017. Proceeds from the event will benefit Project Read, a free local literacy program which offers confidential tutoring to adult non-readers. According to Project Read, it is estimated that as
much as 25 percent of Bahamians are unable to read and write at a “standard that allows them to function properly in our society”. Project Read is dedicated to helping individuals acquire everyday listening, speaking and reading skills to expand their problemsolving abilities and job skill set. “Having been a member of the Inner Wheel Club for more than 25 years, I was more than happy to support Project Read in whatever way I could,” said Lucianos director of special events Sue Lawrence. “Promoting adult literacy is certainly a worthy cause, and Lucianos is honored to be able to offer the ideal setting to do just that.”
FROM left, Ann Hood, Lee Child and Karen Dionne.
AUTHOR Lee Child addressing the audience at Lucianos of Chicago for Project Read.
SOME of the audience at “A Novel Evening” with authors Lee Childs, Anne Hood and Karen Dionne.
‘EMAILS DID NOT SPECIFY PRIVACY’
from page one
In a substantive hearing on a constitutional motion before Justice Indra Charles concerning the recent disclosure and tabling of private STB emails in Parliament, Crown representative Dr Lloyd Barnett argued that there was no indication in the copies of the disputed emails that the contents or exchanges themselves were not for public consumption. Dr Barnett, Loren Klein, Deputy Director of Legal Affairs Franklyn Williams, Darcell Smith-Williamson and Hyacinth Smith appear for Marathon MP Jerome Fitzgerald, Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell and Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson, who are all respondents in an action brought by the Coalition to Protect Clifton Bay (Save The Bays); Zachary Bacon, the brother of hedge fund billionaire Louis Bacon, a resident of Lyford Cay, Fred Smith and Ferron Bethell. In March, Mr Fitzgerald, the Minister of Education, accused STB of being a political organisation seeking to “overthrow” the Progressive Liberal Party government under the guise of an environmental group. In the House of Assembly, Mr Fitzgerald read private emails from STB members and others, which he said bolstered his claims. Speaking outside Parliament, Mr Fitzgerald later warned members of the environmental group to “batten down” because a “category five” hurricane was on its way, as he threatened to table “every single”
email and bank statement in his possession if needed to protect his integrity and parliamentary privilege. Additionally, Mr Mitchell claimed in Parliament in March that some $8.25m has been filtered through various organisations connected with STB - locally and internationally - from 2013 to 2015. Those details were highlighted in an affidavit filed by STB’s Communications Director, Paco Nunez, on which the applicants have relied to prove that the respondents were, in fact, in possession of private emails. Mr Nunez noted that the tabled documents did not disclose “how, or when, or the identity of the person from whom the second respondent obtained the tabled documents”. “They allege this amounts to a contravention of these constitutional rights: 15 (c), 20 (8), 21 (1) and 23,” Dr Barnett noted. “It is necessary for the applicants to prove an unlawful entry, search or seizure of their private space. No such evidence has been adduced,” the Crown lawyer stressed. “It is remarkable that the statement of facts (by the applicants) provided no identifying evidence to the effect that the respondents or the government which they confuse as the same, obtained possession of the emails as they alleged. An examination of the emails, or rather the statements made in Parliament, and their treatment, do not disclose any features of privacy.
“The emails were, in some cases, addressed to 12, or 27, or more persons There was no specified restriction of access to the emails or conditions expressed against access or dissemination. “Insofar as the case concerns emails, they are, by their nature, accessible in the public domain of the internet and to quote my learned friend, ‘anything on the internet is accessible because all that involves is the projection of data’. There’s no evidence of treatment of emails as private, no evidence of encryption or password protection,” the court heard. The four emails exhibited by the applicants, Dr Barnett said, concerned a draft of an advertisement, a complaint to the Commissioner of Police about hate rallies, and correspondence of the Grand Bahama Human Rights Association. Dr Barnett said their only evidence is “the reference to and use in parliamentary proceedings of the material that is the subject in this application”. The attorney dismissed exhibited news articles as impermissible in law. He was also dismissive of Mr Nunez’s affidavit and stressed that “the affidavit, by its terms and nature, should be rejected because he made himself as an authority and a judge on a number of matters”. In April, Justice Charles granted the injunction barring MPs from disclosing STB’s emails in Parliament. The Office of the Attorney General wants the injunction set aside.
Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
ENJOYING the atmosphere and the food during the evening.
PAGE 8, Friday, May 27, 2016
PRIME Minister Perry Christie and his parliamentary team arrive at the House of Assembly for the Budget Communication this week.
THE TRIBUNE
Photo: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff
Christie’s double speak leaves us all none the wiser
T
HERE’S an old Bahamian saying that goes “He talking out two
mouths”. Honestly, this is the impression I (and many other Bahamians) got when listening to our dear Prime Minister the Rt Hon Perry Christie deliver his (final?) budget contribution this week. There’s no denying the PM is gifted with words. So gifted, in fact, that when he speaks one must first figure out ‘which mouth is talking’ before trying to figure out what his words really mean. So for the edification of those who listened intently to the PM’s marathon speech in the House on Wednesday and had no
A Comic’s View
By INIGO ‘NAUGHTY’ ZENICAZELAYA idea what he was really saying (or for those who tuned out after hour three), here’s my interpretation of what those long-winded words amounted to.
ON BAHA MAR What the PM said: “The arrangement provides for a framework for putting in place the financing required for the completion of the
project, and to re-mobilise and re-start construction to finish the project as expeditiously as possible.” What I heard: I sent Allyson all the way to China to see how the wibe set and I’ne ga lie all I gat to show y’all is this flimsy letter from the Chinese. What y’all want me do? I’ne know who buying the resort, I’ne know when they starting up again and I fa sure een know when
they ga finish. I ga try to get y’all Bahamian contractors a couple dollars but don’t hold ya breath. And I ga try to get some of y’all former Baha Mar workers ya job back but I can’t promise y’all straight. Other than dat, tings ga be ‘dead good’ soon. But right now they jokin’.
ON THE APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME What the PM said: “$22m has been allocated so people can be paid to work and train in a very formal manner, with certification on completion of the apprenticeship period ... the government also intends to employ immediately individuals from the apprenticeship programme to work on the creation of two green spaces for public use in New Providence. One will be situated at Lake Killarney and the other at the National Heroes Park in an area just south of the Botanical Gardens. We have promised a National Heroes Park and now it is being brought about.” What I heard: Now before yinne start, dis een nuttin like what Ingraham dem did do back in 2011 cause dis time we giving y’all certificates. Plus I use the word ‘formal.’ And ‘training.’ So don’t call me no hypocrite. Besides, you wan’ dis job or what? Cause I gat one lil job fa you in Minnis constituency and one lil ting going down in Sears back yard today! The two a dem round here tryna test me. They musse believe I is play!
ON MORTGAGE RELIEF What the PM said: “The programme has been designed to make it as attractive as possible for eligible borrowers to agree to participate - eg, through large reductions in monthly payments, the ability to immediately start paying lower amounts prior to loan modification paperwork, etc ... we want to ensure that a Bahamian who is delinquent is afforded opportunities to retain his or her home or, if all else fails, gives up that home in a dignified manner.” What I heard: Since I did promise y’all mortgage relief last election, and Greg Moss running right out in the House about it, I gat a plan. I ga throw $20 million at this problem and hope yinne satisfied. Now I might as well tell y’all dis all I could do. Maybe in couple years I could actually get round to dealing with some of the predatory banking practices but today een the day. Some a y’all need to go to money school cause y’all got issues. And ya best believe if I save ya hip and you still een wan pay it’s cheap-
‘
Attorney General Allyson Maynard and the Prime Minister’s trusted advisor Sir Baltron Bethel were not in China there to negotiate citizenship, said V Alfred Gray. They were there to discuss ‘staffing’ at Baha Mar, he insisted. Interesting. Especially since the last time I checked Baha Mar didn’t have an actual buyer, and even less staff.’
er you pack ya georgie bundle, move out dem people house and kick rocks cause trust me I’ne on ya run. So that, in a nutshell, is what I heard. But don’t quote me, because with the eloquence of Mr Christie you never know.
OTHER SWEET AND SOUR DREAMS Also earlier this week, news outlets, talk shows and social media were inundated with chatter after talk of an alleged letter, purportedly sent to the government of this country by China Construction America (CCA), made its way into public discourse. According to the rumours, the letter from CCA allegedly outlined demands for huge concessions on casino taxes and (worst of all) a clear pathway to citizenship for 500 Chinese nationals in exchange for who knows what. Now before I dive into that moo goo gai pan plate of insanity, it’s important to note that the idea of citizenship for sale is not new on a global scale. For example, in the United States (yes, the US!) there is a controversial EB-5 visa programme that allows foreigners to jump the immigration line by investing a cool million bucks in projects that lead to direct employment of Americans. Once in the door, application for citizenship by those investors is a mere few years wait away. According to an article on cnnmoney.com last month, the US hit the 10,000 EB-5 visa quota the last two years in a row after a wave of rich Chinese nationals flooded the programme. In other parts of the world, similar programmes are in place. Malta, as another example, will pony up a passport and citizenship if you shell out $1.3 million and rent a villa for a year. But get this: you don’t even have to actually spend time in the country to pass the residency threshold. In other words, just show them the money and it seems you’re good to go. But we are not Malta. When respected talk show host Steve McKinney broke the news that Attorney General Allyson Maynard and the Prime Minister’s trusted advisor Sir Baltron Bethel were in the Far East to possibly discuss CCA’s far-fetched proposal, Bahamians of all walks of life went wild. So wild in fact that Minister of Agriculture V Alfred Gray called McKinney’s Peace FM talk show the next day
to vehemently deny the allegations. And that’s when I my ears perked up. They were not there to negotiate citizenship, said Gray. They were there to discuss ‘staffing’ at Baha Mar, insisted Gray. Interesting. Especially since the last time I checked Baha Mar didn’t have an actual buyer, and even less staff. That Minister Gray is possibly the worst choice to deliver a believable message to the masses (was Minister Fitzgerald busy?) is a sideshow. But the Prime Minister’s own denial of having sold citizenship for a few Chinese dumplings actually rang true. Despite his other shortcomings (and honestly there are plenty) I have no doubt that the PM meant it when he said, “This is a non-negotiable position of my government.” But what the public really wants to know - whether CCA ‘had the gumption’ to even send such a letter - remains a mystery. As it stands, our leaders (who chose to oppose the Delaware bankruptcy filing on the grounds of ‘sovereignty’) are now at the mercy of the Chinese banks and the same construction company that may have been the problem all along. We have to fly to China to beg the Chinese to hurry up and finish their own billion dollar investment? And now we have to entertain rumours of basically selling our souls? In the words of Bahamians everywhere “wellmuddasik!’ Almost a year after resort developer Sarkis Izmirlian has been shut out by the other parties to the Baha Mar deal it’s pretty clear that perhaps US bankruptcy protection would have been the better, smarter route for any chance of a speedy opening. But desperate as we are today, the outright sale of our birthright is (and should always remain) a non-starter. So don’t even ask. We may be over a barrel and our politicians may be fool, but a year before elections they ain’t dat fool. • Inigo ‘Naughty’ Zenicazelaya is the resident standup comic at Jokers Wild Comedy Club at the Atlantis, Paradise Island, resort and presents ‘Mischief and Mayhem in da AM’ from 6am to 10am, Monday to Friday, and ‘The Press Box’ sports talk show on Sunday from 10am to 1pm on KISS FM 96.1. He also writes a sports column in The Tribune on Tuesday. Comments and questions to naughty@ tribunemedia.net
PAGE 10, Friday, May 27, 2016
THE TRIBUNE HELPING TO
FIX OUR STREETS
FRUSTRATED residents and motorists continue to contact The Tribune in an effort to draw attention to daily woes of deepening potholes in the roads and unsightly and unhealthy mess around New Providence. For motorists, open drains and potholes are a danger and damaging to vehicles. One reader says that potholes at the entrance to City Dump Road, off Harrold Road, have been left unattended for over a year. Another has pointed out the continued state of disrepair in Sweeting Street, off Shirley Street. An open drain on the main Garden View Road off Bernard Road is now marked by a hazard cone placed by a concerned resident. The drain is reported to have been in a state of disrepair for at least three years. “Just a few months ago, a visitor to the community drove her car into
it (cone was not visible that day),” an email to fixmystreet@tribunemedia. net read. “I understand that the person was not injured and was assisted in getting the car out of the drain by residents of Garden View. “On behalf of Garden View, we would greatly appreciate any assistance in having the drain repaired to prevent additional damages to vehicles and potentially to individuals who might be unaware of ‘the deep hole in the road’.” A familiar refrain is the area by the fish market at Montagu. “This was just ‘refreshed’ a couple of years ago and now look at it,” a reader writexs. “The sidewalk has been dug up and left to sit for more than a year - they didn’t even clear out the cement chunks and the hole just fills with trash. The stench from the dumpster in the parking lot is often overpowering and
NOTHING draining here in Garden View Road.
Cycling Club Bahamas Cycling Club Bahamas. Weekday rides, east: Morning, Tuesday & Thursday, leaving 5am sharp from Sea Grapes Shopping Centre, East Prince Charles Drive. This ride is a 17-mile loop to the Northbound Paradise Island Bridge and back again (both bridges are sometimes incorporated depending on available time). Open to riders capable of 18mph + for 1 hour. Lights are essential. Weekday rides, west: Morning, Wednesdays & Fridays leaving 4:45am sharp from Cable Beach Police Station, West Bay St. This ride is a 20-mile loop. The route is varied. Open to riders capable of 18mph+ for 1 hr. Lights are essential. Contact Shantel to confirm your attendance. Afternoon, Tuesdays & Thursdays, leaving 5:30pm sharp from Lyford Cay Gas Station Parking Lot. This ride is 18-20 miles depending on whether you choose to do a second loop. Recommended for strong riders capable of 20mph+ for 1-1.5hrs. Intermediate Riders 18-22mph -see Spyda
JOIN THE CLUB OUR Clubs and Societies page is a chance for you to share your group’s activities with our readers. To feature on our Clubs and Societies page, submit your report to clubs@ tribunemedia.net, with “Clubs Page” written in the subject line. For more information about the page, contact Stephen Hunt on 5022373 or 447-3565.
Government High School Reunion Government
High
THE CRATER in Sweeting Street, above, and, pictured right with a van to show the comparison in size of the hole.
can sometimes be smelled from the beach if the wind is right. “Then there is the issue of them (vendors) throwing the thousands of conch shells back into the harbour and the waverunners driving full speed and reckless into the launch, but one step at a time ...” These concerns follow In the past couple of weeks, trenches across East Bay Street and Golf Course Road which had been left unfilled, were repaired shortly after a notice appeared in the newspaper. The Tribune has been drawing attention to areas that are being neglected, or are unsightly, unhealthy and being ignored by the relevant authorities, whether they be potholes in the road, uncollected garbage or abandoned cars. • Email fixmystreet@ tribunemedia.net to let us know your issues.
A DANGEROUS pothole at City Dump Road.
Weekend rides: Saturdays leaving 6am sharp from Harbour Bay Shopping Centre in front of First Caribbean Bank (Starbuck’s) 30-40 miles headed West. Leaving P/I Bridges optional at the end. The pace will range from 18–20+mph, 2.5 hour duration. Sundays leaving 6am sharp from Harbour Bay Shopping Centre in front of First Caribbean Bank (Starbuck’s) 40-50 miles headed East. P/I Bridges optional at the end. The pace will range from 18–20+mph, 33.5 hour duration (cyclists are invited to join in anywhere along the route). Upcoming events: Youth Cycling Developmental Programme, each Saturday at The Tracks. Contact Barron on 5525128 for more information. May 29: NPCA Road Race, 8am start, Goodman’s Bay. Contact Barron on 552-5128 for more information June 4: Pineappleman Sprint Triathlon, Gregory Town, Eleuthera, register online @active.com. July 2 & 3: Independence T/T and Road Race, Nassau. July 23: Seagillian Cycling Fest, Spanish Wells, Eleuthera. August 13 & 14: Viva! Bahamas Invitational T/T and Road Race Nassau. September 24: Potcakeman main event triathlon, Nassau. February 4: 2nd Annual Bahamas Medical Center Dri Tri. February 18: Ride For hope, Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera.
THE TRIBUNE
THE DUG-up sidewalk at Montagu.
SOME of the participants in last year’s Rotary Tuna Classic Fishing Tournament. School Reunion. - The Government High School class of 1966 will be holding its 50th year reunion from today until Sunday, under the theme of 50 years of accomplishments. Today, there will be a meet and greet party, at 7pm, at Mildred Hall-Watson’s residence. Tomorrow, there will be a grill and chill beach picnic, at 11am, at The Farm, Adelaide. On Sunday, a church service will be held at 9:30am, at Epiphany Anglican Church, Prince Charles Drive, followed by a class reunion luncheon, at 1pm, at British Colonial Hilton.
Rotary Tuna Fishing Tournament Rotary Tuna Classic Fishing Tournament. - The
15th annual Harbourside Marine Rotary Tuna Classic Fishing Tournament is to take place on June 3-4. It is a qualifier for the International Game Fishing Association (IGFA) World Championships. The tournament is put on jointly between Harbourside Marine and the Rotary Club of East Nassau. All proceeds are used for community service projects. The 2015 event raised more than $30,000 for the Rotary Club of East Nassau’s many programmes. Funds are raised through tournament entry fees, corporate and private sponsorships, and a silent auction and raffle. “We look forward to having a fantastic event this year, and have added multiple weigh-in stations so persons throughout the Bahamas can participate” said committee chairman
and RCEN member Craig Pinder. The weigh-in stations include Boat Harbour Marina and Little Harbour in Abaco, Green Parrot East Bay in Nassau, Spanish Wells Marina, and two more in Freeport and Clarence Town, Long Island. As this is an IGFA qualifier, their angling rules will apply throughout the tournament. Eligible fish include all species of tuna, wahoo, dolphin, and grouper/snapper and minimum weights apply. Release of billfish, undersize fish, and ineligible fish is encouraged. Prizes will be awarded for the top three fish by weight in the tuna, wahoo, and dolphin category. The Grand Tournament Prize will go to the heaviest tuna. There is also a heaviest grouper/snapper award as well as a Ladies and Junior Angler prize. Awards prizes include a variety of Shimano fish-
ing rods, stand up paddleboards and up to five Yamaha Scooters, all donated by Harbourside Marine. Raffle and silent auction prizes include trips on Bahamas Ferries to Harbour Island, Exuma excursions on Harbour Safaris, a 2-night stay at the Cottages of Little Bay in Harbour Island, a watch from John Bull, a 2-night stay at the Hope Town Harbour lodge and 2-nights at the Out Island Club in Schooner Bay. Registration and the Captain/Anglers’ meeting will take place on June 2 at 12:30pm at Green Parrot East Bay. ‘Lines in’ is at 6am on both days, and all fish must be weighed in the same day at one of the eligible weigh-in stations. The official awards ceremony will take place on June 10 at 6:30pm. There will be a band, food, raffle, silent auction, and more.
THE TRIBUNE
IMPROVING ‘OUR CARMICHAEL’
TUCKING in to dinner at an event staged by the Our Carmichael Community Initiative.
A CONCERNED citizen recently launched the Our Carmichael Community Initiative, which organisers said now has 120 volunteers across different teams after less than eight months of operation. The group has organised a home and auto insurance programme, a job training agency, a fun day, its own senior citizens programme, a residential alarm monitoring programme with free alarm systems and its own drone crime watch. The initiative was founded in October, 2015, by Carmichael resident and community activist Ranard Henfield and has grown quickly to become a model community initiative for the
rest of the country, according a statement from the organisation. The Our Carmichael Community Initiative has also been nominated for a Bahamian Icon Award for its contributions to humanitarianism. On June 11, the Our Carmichael group will launch their home and auto insurance programme backed by Colina, which boasts preferred rates and designated agents specifically for Carmichael residents. The initiative will also launch its home and business alarm installation programme, which will be free for all Carmichael Road residents and backed by Security Systems International.
The community initiative also has a vibrant backyard farming programme in which residents grow and exchange produce and plants free of charge. “The initiative has clearly set the stage for community development and has become a household name throughout The Bahamas and social media,” officials said. “The strength of the initiative being volunteerism - persons giving of their time and resources to a group that is very effective at addressing the needs of its residents.” To learn more or to donate, visit the group’s Facebook page or send an email to ourcarmichael@gmail. com.
Friday, May 27, 2016, PAGE 11
SOME of the Our Carmichael team.
PAGE 12, Friday, May 27, 2016
When all the studying pays off
SOME of the new graduates from the College of The Bahamas at yesterday’s commencement ceremony.
THE TRIBUNE
Photos: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff
FAMILY members cheer on their relatives at the ceremony.
A HAPPY smile for one graduating student.
SOME of the assembled group of students.
COLLEGE president Dr Rodney Smith addressing students.