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OBITUARIES

ds Classifier h 12, 2012 Monday, Marc

e TheTribun

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Volume: 112 No.136

MINNIS BLASTS NOTTAGE FOR ATTITUDE TO CRIME LEVELS

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By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Perry Christie addressing the House of Assembly yesterday.

Photo: Peter Ramsay/BIS

Decision on resort purchase is ‘up to receiver’

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Tribune Staff Reporter kvirgil@tribunedmedia.net  AMID continued concern over the shuttered Baha Mar resort, Prime Minister Perry Christie revealed that two firms, one with ties to Bahamian investors, have been shortlisted as the court-appointed receivers of the project move closer to deciding which entity will acquire the $3.5bn West Bay Street development.

However, he said the final decision is solely at the discretion of receiver managers who are currently in Beijing, China negotiating a contract to remobilise and complete the project as soon as possible.

Mr Christie said China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) along with the resort’s general contractor China Construction America (CCA), its subsidiary, are also participating in the talks.

He did not name the two short-

‘MORE THAN 20,000 EXTRA JOBS SINCE 2012 ELECTION’

By SANCHESKA BROWN Tribune Staff Reporter sbrown@tribunemedia.net  PRIME Minister Perry Christie said yesterday despite repeated claims from Official Opposition members that his administration has not spurred growth in employment, his government has created over 20,000 jobs since taking office in 2012.

While closing out the 2016/2017 budget debate, Mr Christie said recent data from the Department of Statistics shows that between May 2012 and November 2015, the total labour force of The Bahamas

grew by 23,885.

Mr Christie said while the number of unemployed people rose by 3,720, the national rate of unemployment was relatively stable, registering at 14.8 per cent in November 2015 as compared to 14.7 per cent in May 2012. “So, Mr Speaker, based on the facts, the reality is that employment in the country has grown appreciably over the past four years, but unfortunately not rapidly enough to absorb the somewhat stronger growth in the labour force,�

SEE PAGE SIX

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listed groups, but said neither involved developer Sarkis Izmirlian.

He added that the government of the Bahamas was not privy to the content of the ongoing discussions in China. “Mr Speaker, this is a matter which will require negotiations primarily with a new investor in this project who has yet to be decided upon by the China Export Import Bank,� Mr Christie said as he wrapped up debate on the 2016/2017 budget.

SEE PAGE SIX

GENDER EQUALITY REFERENDUM WENT ‘HOPELESSLY WRONG’, ADMITS PM

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Tribune Staff Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net   PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday conceded that the June 7 constitutional referendum went “hopelessly wrong� and said he was “shocked� to be accused of having a hidden agenda that sided with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

Speaking in the House of Assembly, Mr Christie said the government accepted the outcome of the failed equality referendum but seemed to place blame of

its outcome on Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis and some church leaders who did not communicate their reservations during consultations with the government.

Still Mr Christie admitted that the entire referendum process may have been “hopelessly flawed� because of a compelling urgency by some to “pay back� the PLP. This, he said, affected the supremacy of the issues presented during the vote.

He further defended the government’s decision to fund the YES Bahamas campaign saying it took this

SEE PAGE TEN

FORGIVING POWER DEBT NOT A NEW IDEA - MILLER

position because “that was all that it was about. It was never about ‘no’.�

He added: “We ensured that there was full and uncompromising levels of consultation and we made it absolutely clear to the ministers of the gospel that we were together, the leader of the opposition and I. “ . . . The leader indicated to me that his wife and my wife would lead the charge and we gave full assurance to the ministers of religion present that this was the purity of our position.

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net  TALL Pines MP Leslie Miller yesterday commended Deputy Prime Minister Phillip “Brave� Davis for seeking to forgive the debts of Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) consumers, calling it a “noble� endeavour “that should have been done a long time ago�.

Mr Miller, former Bahamas Electricity Corporation chairman, said the government ought to be “congratulated� for having a “social conscience� and doing the Bahamian people “a favour by writing off debt that you’re never going to collect�.

SEE PAGE 11

SEE PAGE THREE

MCWEENEY SAYS HE DOUBTS POLITICAL WILL TO ENSURE DEATH PENALTY IS CARRIED OUT

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

CONSTITUTIONAL Commission Chairman Sean McWeeney said yesterday that he doubts political leaders would be able to amass the political will needed to have the death penalty carried out despite widespread public support.

WWW.BURGERKING.BS

“The current position, I am understanding, is that two firms have been short listed, Mr Speaker.�

He further maintained that the government was not colluding with the Chinese to shun Mr Izmirlian, adding that it had not given economic citizenships as a concession to entice CSCEC and CCA to complete Baha Mar. This, Mr Christie said, was “totally� false.

FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday accused National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage of hiding “behind statistics� rather than acknowledging the high rate of crime in the country.

During his budget contribution on Tuesday, Dr Nottage disclosed statistics that showed crime was down 29 per cent between January 1 to June 14 compared to the same period last year.

Nonetheless, Dr Nottage stressed that violent crime is still at unacceptably high levels in the country and that the government is not satisfied by downward trends.

His comments came hours after one man was shot dead in New Providence. Another man was killed Tuesday night.

Responding yesterday, Dr Minnis still criticised Dr Nottage for his approach to discussing the matter.

Mr McWeeney, QC, pointed to a significant philosophical divide among high-ranking Bahamians that cut across party lines as he contemplated the viability of calls for the government to enforce hangings.

He maintained that the only chance legislators had in ensuring capital punishment laws were enforced is to amend the Constitution.

“We recommended it might be worth the effort to amend the Constitution with the view to tying the hands of Privy Council,� he said. “That will be done by basically specifying the kinds of cases that would be worst of the worst rather than leaving to Privy Council to decided what is worst. I think philosophically the

/BURGERKINGNASSAU

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

Privy Council is opposed to the death penalty and they will keep moving the goal post on you. “The only hope you have is putting it in the Constitution specifying the criteria.� “They (the Privy Council) have demonstrated such intellectual ingenuity,� he said, “they are in effect SEE PAGE TEN

PAGE 2, Thursday, June 23, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

SIR CHARLES CARTER, KCMG, at Buckingham Palace, London, following his investiture as a Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George for his services to Broadcasting and the Media in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas on Wednesday. Photo: Andrew Owen, Caribbean Investment Profiles Ltd (UK)

SIR CHARLES CARTER IS KNIGHTED AT THE PALACE SIR Charles Carter visited Buckingham Palace, London, yesterday for his investiture as a Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (KCMG) for his services to broadcasting and the media in The Bahamas.

The ceremony was held by the Princess Royal.

Sir Charles, 73, joined the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas in 1964 as a radio announcer, a position he held for seven years.

In 1970, he was promoted to programme director and directed a staff of 15 announcers. In 1976, he was elevated to the position of assistant general manager and was responsible for the setting up of the television service. Two years later, he was appointed general manager of television, responsible for a staff of 70 employees and the national television of The Bahamas.

Sir Charles’ impact on the community was made through broadcasting: first in radio as the host of the “Young Bahamian Show” and later on television where he hosted “Focus”, the first Bahamian televi-

sion series. He was also the voice for the majority of the national events, including independence. He created Carter Marketing in 1993 with his sons, Eddie and Mark, a company that organises the advertising and public relations interests of a number of businesses in The Bahamas. In late 1999, he was granted a licence to open a radio station, Island FM. Sir Charles was elected to the House of Assembly in 1982 and served for 10 years as the member from the Holy Cross Constituency.

Born on April 13, 1943, he went to St John’s College, Nassau, and was later graduated from Rhodes School in New York. He entered New York University in 1961, where he studied Business Administration in the Bachelor of Science Programme, and then went to Ryerson Polytechnical Institute in Toronto, Canada, where in 1969 he obtained a degree in broadcast management. He completed his studies in 1974 at the University of Manchester, England, where he obtained a certificate with distinction in public administration.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, June 23, 2016, PAGE 3

Mortgage relief ‘modelled on successful scheme in the US’

By SANCHESKA BROWN Tribune Staff Reporter sbrown@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Perry Christie said yesterday the government has modelled its new mortgage relief programme after a similar plan in the United States that “yielded successful results.”

Addressing parliamentarians in the House of Assembly while wrapping up the 2016/2017 budget debate, the prime minister said he is “confident” the new programme “will also be successful in providing meaningful relief to a significant number of borrowers in financial difficulty” in The Bahamas.

Mortgage relief for struggling homeowners was one of this administration’s under performing programmes with Mr Christie admitting in 2013 that only four or five homeowners were expected to receive assistance through the plan.

However, Mr Christie said the government has allocated $20m over a four-year period toward the plan’s second version, which his administration believes could assist upwards of 1,000 delinquent borrowers.

PRIME Minister Perry Christie in the House yesterday.

“The leader of opposi- the financial crisis.

“I would note that, buildtion described the plan as ‘too little too late’ but ing on experience with the this is going to help a lot previous programme, sevpeople,” Mr Christie said. eral features of this new “It was announced in this programme go beyond that year’s budget communi- programme in ways that cation that, as part of the are specifically designed effort to modernise this to provide greater relief to country’s financial infra- more borrowers. For examstructure, the government ple, the new programme has been successful, in col- expands the scope of the laboration with the Clear- eligible borrower pool to ing Banks Association, in reach more borrowers in designing a comprehen- true distress. The prosive mortgage relief pro- gramme also contemplates gramme to assist borrow- permanent loan modificaers negatively impacted by tion as opposed to only

Photo: Peter Ramsay/BIS forbearance, that is timelimited relief. As well, the new programme provides for a so-called ‘waterfall’ of steps to be taken to achieve a target level of affordability, rather than just one general relief option.

As for the execution strategy, the programme also features a strong focus on borrower outreach, which is critical to the success of the programme.

“A mortgage relief programme in the US with many similar features has met with a good level of

success and I am confident that this new programme will also be successful in providing meaningful relief to a significant number of borrowers in financial difficulty.”

Last month, in his initial budget communication, 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.

“Subject to programme eligibility criteria, banks will offer qualifying borrowers a minimum 20 per cent to 25 per cent reduction in monthly payments,” Mr Christie previously said.

“For their part, borrowers will be required to attend a financial counselling programme that will be established and run by the government.

“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.

“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,” he said.

“As well, the programme has been designed on the basis of the most current information from the banks’ own portfolios, thereby maximising the chances that programme participation will materialise. The total cost is estimated to be in the range of $20m over four years and will be paid by the government.”

When the PLP’s mortgage relief plan was officially introduced in September 2012, there were an estimated 4,000 homeowners in mortgage payment arrears.

That year, State Finance Minister Michael Halkitis said that around 1,000 would likely qualify for assistance under the plan.

As a result, the government later announced that $10m would be allocated to the plan, which was a major 2012 election campaign promise and listed in the PLP’s Charter for Governance.

FORGIVING POWER DEBT NOT A NEW IDEA - MILLER from page one

However, Mr Miller said while Mr Davis’ efforts are “courageous,” the endeavour is “nothing new”, as he claimed that he and the former BEC board were in the process of implementing a “special fund” to assist persons unable to pay their bills while he was still chairman of the corporation.

Mr Miller’s comments came one day after Mr Davis announced that the government is working on a series of operational agreements with BPL to write off many of the corporation’s delinquent accounts, potentially returning some 3,000 users back to the grid.

Mr Davis, who has responsibility for BPL, told reporters outside the House of Assembly on Tuesday that he has already approached BPL with hopes of getting them to forgive the debts of consumers who have been unable to settle balances for prolonged periods of time.

He said he has been informed that some 3,000 persons have fallen into this classification, insisting officials now have to look at these clients on a case-bycase basis to determine how best to resolve each matter. He said he personally knows consumers who have outstanding balances well beyond $5,000.

Mr Davis said the potential to forgive those outstanding balances remains just one aspect of ongoing discussions between the Christie administration and PowerSecure – BPL’s management company.

“What he’s doing is something that should have been done a long time ago,” Mr Miller said when contacted yesterday. “And I’m happy and he should be congratulated for having that sort of social conscience that these things need to stop. The corporation is owned by the Bahamian people, so all you’re doing is really doing them a favour by writing off debt that you’re never going to collect.

“Every corporation should have a social conscience and BEC was devoid of a social conscience.

So I’m glad that the minister is in fact implementing it. It’s the right thing to do, especially in these difficult times.”

Nonetheless, Mr Miller claimed that he and the former board had plans to implement a similar plan before his controversial tenure at the corporation came to an end.

“We had the capability of doing whatever they’re doing ourselves,” he said. “In fact, all they’re doing is re-

ally implementing the plan that we were going to put in place. In other words Bahamians are capable of running (BPL) fully. There’s no need for no foreigners to be involved in (BPL). That’s my stance. And I speak on behalf of every board member. Because all that was accomplished in this country with BEC for the last four years was accomplished by us.

“The rates were down about 30 per cent, the lights was on all the time, and we had a programme to make it better. So all they doing is implementing what we were going to implement.”

He added: “We knew exactly what was needed. So this is nothing new except we have new faces and we have a foreign face. That’s the only difference between them and us.”

Last year, Mr Davis said after PowerSecure’s management deal was finalized, Bahamians could expect a 40 per cent reduction in electricity costs “immediately”.

During a signing of a fiveyear management services agreement for BPL in February, Prime Minister Perry Christie also said he was “hopeful that the signing would reduce the cost for electricity for consumers in a significant way”.

However, amidst two weeks of almost daily power outages as the corpora-

tion works to meet demand, some have charged that the new deal for the utility

provider had resulted in no improvement in electrical services despite assurances

by the government.

BEC was renamed BPL earlier this year. Thursday, 23rd June 2016

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THE TRIBUNE

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

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

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Putin heads to China to cement ties MOSCOW (AP) — With President Vladimir Putin heading to China this weekend, officials in both countries extoll a blossoming “strategic partnership” between the two former communist rivals.

But despite Moscow’s push to strengthen ties with Beijing amid a bitter strain in relations with the West, Russia-China trade has shrunk sharply and a slew of ambitious projects have remained largely on paper. Observers attribute the slow progress to Beijing’s hard-nosed bargaining position and the Kremlin’s deep-seated suspicions about the growing power of its mighty partner.

A shared desire to counter perceived US global domination and strong personal ties between Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who are to meet Saturday in Beijing, appear to be the main driving forces behind Russia-China cooperation.

The renewed push to bolster relations with China came after the United States and the European Union imposed an array of crippling sanctions on Russia over its annexation of the Crimean Peninsula in March 2014, cutting its access to world financial markets and blocking the transfer of modern technologies. Moscow was also purged from the Group of Eight leading industrialised nations.

In a bid to show the West that the ties with China could offer a viable alternative, Putin visited Beijing in May 2014, presiding over the signing of numerous deals, including a mammoth 30-year natural gas contract worth $400 billion.

A later deal saw a branch of Chinese state-owned energy company CNPC buying a stake in a project to build a giant liquefied natural gas plant on the Yamal Peninsula in the Arctic. Last December, Chinese company Sinopec bought a stake in the Russia’s Sibur energy company.

China also promised to offer multibillion dollar loans to help build a highspeed rail link between Moscow and the Volga River city of Kazan.

Other ambitious deals have been expected, but most of them have floundered amid Russia’s economic uncertainty.

A key factor behind Russia-China trade dropping from nearly $100 billion a year in 2014 to just over $60 billion last year has been the sharp devaluation of the Russian currency under the double impact of low global oil prices and Western sanctions. With energy resources accounting for two-thirds of Russian exports to China, trade volumes have shrunk as oil prices fell.

The devaluation of the ruble has spooked Chinese investors, and low energy prices made some prospective energy projects unfeasible. Plans to tap new oil and gas fields in Siberia and build more China-bound pipelines, which require massive investment, have stalled.

Chinese companies and banks also have been cautious about developing their business in Russia, fearing that it could adversely affect their operations elsewhere due to the spiraling RussiaWest tensions and Western sanctions.

Plans for Chinese companies to invest in the giant Vankor oil and gas fields in eastern Siberia have bogged down over pricing disputes, Russia’s hopes of using China as an alternative to European financial markets have failed and a prospective transport corridor between China and the European Union has re-

mained mired in uncertainty.

Beijing’s ambitious Silk Road Economic Belt project, intended to encourage infrastructure development in formerly Soviet Central Asia which Russia sees as its home turf, has caused unease in Moscow.

China has promised to coordinate the project with the Russia-dominated Eurasian Economic Union, but clearly has put an emphasis on bilateral deals with Kazakhstan and other members of the bloc.

“Moscow can’t preserve its economic domination in Central Asia,” Alexander Gabuyev of the Carnegie Moscow Centre wrote in a commentary.

At a recent Russia-China forum in Moscow, officials hailed an “unprecedented” closeness, but businessmen and experts pointed at numerous problems.

Russian tycoon Viktor Vekselberg deplored what he described as a “catastrophically low” level of Russia-China cooperation in the high-tech sector, saying that Chinese companies have shown little interest in investing in Russian industries.

While ambitious hopes for closer economic cooperation haven’t materialized, Russia and China have bolstered their military ties, which have included joint war games and contacts on missile defence. Russian weapons exports to China, which peaked in the 1990s and fell dramatically in the following decade, have received a new boost recently.

“We have common interests, especially now, when the United States has put pressure on both Russia and China,” said Li Fenglin, a former Chinese ambassador to Moscow who heads a government-sponsored think tank. He urged Moscow to cooperate more closely with Beijing, noting that some in Russia still fear China and seek to counterbalance its influence.

Some Russian military and political insiders view China’s growing power with unease, fearing that the giant eastern neighbour could one day try to dictate its terms.

The prospect of potential Chinese expansion long has worried residents of Russia’s sparsely populated far eastern regions, where many growled about the Kremlin’s decision to surrender significant slices of land along the 2,600-mile border to China in a 2005 demarcation deal.

Reflecting such fears, Russia’s state television recently aired a programme hosted by famous film director Nikita Mikhalkov that included a video describing a hypothetical Chinese invasion. The video ended with China quickly overrunning all of Russia’s Far East and Siberia and drawing a new border along the Urals, the mountain range that traditionally serves as the boundary between Europe and Asia.

Many in Russia also have been appalled by Chinese farmers leasing Russia’s agricultural lands, seeing them as both a vanguard of potential expansion and an environmental scourge because of aggressive use of toxic fertilizers.

“Chinese farmers have poisoned our land,” ultranationalist leader Vladimir Zhirinovsky ranted during recent debates in parliament. “Nothing grows after them!”

By VLADIMIR ISACHENKOV, Associated Press

Where is the victory?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I WAS disappointed – but not surprised – to hear a pastor identify the “elitist nature” of the Yes Campaign as one of the reasons for the failed referendum on gender equality.

As a member of the nonelite class, I want to thank Lady Wilson and Lynn Holowesko and all the men and women who worked tirelessly to deepen our democracy by ending gender discrimination in The Bahamas.

There was once a time when successful people were held up as role models in our country, especially those who came from humble origins or who conquered hardship, as in the case of Lady Wilson and Mrs Holowesko.

Come to think of it, there was once a time when pastors preached Love and op-

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net posed Discrimination.

There are multi reasons why the referendum failed and for the dismal voter turnout.

A key cause was the clergymen who created confusion and played on the emotions and insecurities of a block of people who, sadly, do not possess the ability to reason for themselves.

But you know what?

Gays are still going to live together as man and wife if they choose to. And Bahamian families will still be torn apart and young people traumatised because of gender discrimination.

Children born out of wedlock will still have more rights than children born through marriage. What,

Dear “No” Pastors, is the message here?

Families will continue to scrimp and save and sacrifice to send their children away to college and university or on scholarship and a growing number of young people won’t return home to an intolerant and unjust society.

The brain drain will continue.

We will continue to be grouped with countries such as Iraq, Iran, Swaziland, Burundi, Kuwait and Malaysia – out of step with the U.N. mandate that “Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.”

Where is the victory?

ATHENA DAMIANOS Nassau, June 22, 2016.

Statistics not all in the battle with crime EDITOR, The Tribune.

I WISH to commend Dr Nottage and the police in their fight against crime.

However, my difficulty is that while a 29 per cent reduction in crime is commendable, statistics mean nothing at all to victims of crime and their families.

Further, even good progressive statistics do not move or deter criminals.

On the very day Dr Not-

tage pronounced these statistics, two murders were committed, and one in Dr Nottage’s constituency.

The murder count is now at 57.

Statistics do not bother criminals.

It was Dr Nottage who said that “there exist only a small group of repeat offenders committing crime”.

I therefore call on Dr Nottage to lead the fight to put in place measures that would extract this small

group of criminals from our society.

The whole society is fearful of crime, therefore we must reach the conclusion that “some rights” would have to be taken from repeat offenders.

Until we can put fear in the hearts and minds of repeat offenders, impressive statistics will not cut it.

EDITOR, The Tribune.

with “Doc”; he may just have easily written “Roc’” using the apostrophe to signal the missing “k”. He should also have properly spelt “with”.

So “Rock with Doc” or “Roc’ with Doc” would have produced the desired effect while setting a higher standard.

While I am at it, I find his use of the words “murderous scumbags” unsuitable for parliamentary debate and generally offensive to Bahamians.

SIMEON B HALL Nassau, June 22, 2016.

Runnin’ scared from Roc Wit Doc the ‘gay agenda’ EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE Christian Fundamentalists and Evangelicals must be running scared if they have to use the Preamble to the Constitution of The Bahamas to support their bible basis for marriage.

I guess they must have heard the news; Christian Fundamentalism is on the decline.

Fittingly, there was even

an article in The Tribune Obituaries, June 9, 2016; “Southern Baptists see 9th Year of Membership Decline” by Travis Loller.

They’ve obviously run out of people to convert as people would rather stay home and watch Hip Hop Goon Squad of Rachetville.

If the Fundamentalists, the Evangelicals and the doomsday prophets and prophetesses want to stop “the gay agenda” here is

where they should be concentrating their efforts: Stop watching Hollywood films and buying toys or clothing associated with any Hollywood film or franchise since Fundamentalists believe Hollywood is run by “the gay mafia”.

And stop trying to sneak into the “sinema”. I see you.

Stop going to Disney World (gay Mecca), stop watching Disney films and stop buying Disney toys and

clothes. Again, “gay mafia”.

Stop using Facebook to push the Fundamentalist and Evangelical agenda.

Last thing I heard the owner of FB was an atheist.

Why are you even on FB? Secularism is on the rise.

It is time for Fundamentalism to stop dumbing down this great country.

KIRK CATALANO Nassau, June 22, 2016.

I WAS appalled that Dr Minnis would use up the precious little time allotted for his contribution to the budget debate to advance his campaign.

Yet again, all about Minnis, first among equals.

Worse than that, he who complains about the “D” average, himself makes no effort to raise our children above the lowest rung on the limbo bar.

The Leader of Her Majesty’s Opposition has an obligation to lead by example.

“Rock” certainly rhymes

MEEC Nassau, June 21, 2016.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, June 23, 2016, PAGE 5

Gomez may face change of constituency for 2017 vote

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

CENTRAL and South Eleuthera MP Damian Gomez said yesterday he might not run as a candidate for his constituency in the next general election.

Discussions, he said, are continuing to have him possibly run in another area to increase the party’s chances of remaining in power.

In a WhatsApp messenger group for his constituency, he said recently: “My fellow party members of the greatest PLP branch, I am unlikely to be your candidate in the next general election. Over the last four months. I have been in discussions about us and our party.

“Our leadership needs us to win. Every decision is made with that goal in mind. I am a PLP and everything I do is for our party’s benefit. I support our party’s leadership. I support my successor whoever that may be determined and I invite each of you to do the same. I love you all and I have been honoured and privileged to be your standard bearer. I shall soon have meetings to plot

the way forward.”

In an interview with The Tribune yesterday, Mr Gomez said: “I was asked to consider not running and to consider another seat.

These things happen from time to time depending on the political strategies they are intending. I’m not retiring. All I am doing is letting the branch know that something is afoot.”

If Central and South Eleuthera constituents want him to remain their representative, that could cause him to be chosen as the nominee for the constituency, he said, adding that a branch meeting will be held soon to discuss the matter.

In 2012, Mr Gomez won a narrow victory in his constituency over the Free National Movement’s (FNM) candidate Howard Johnson.

Mr Gomez got 1,392 votes, or 50 per cent of the vote, while Mr Johnson got 1,326, or 28 per cent of the vote. The Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) candidate William Hunt got 57 votes.

Mr Gomez did not elaborate yesterday on what constituencies are being considered for him to possibly run in.

DAMIAN GOMEZ MP, who said yesterday that he might run in another constituency in the next election, rather than the Central and South Eleuthera area that he presently represents.

DNA CANDIDATE: WHY IS MARCO’S LAW NOT ENACTED YET?

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

PRODESTA Moore, the DNA’s candidate for Elizabeth, yesterday criticised government’s failure to fully enact Marco’s Law. Mrs Moore, the party’s spokesperson for Social Services, urged the country to demand its immediate enactment and a full explanation for delays in its implementation.

“More than four years since the tragic passing of 11-year-old Marco Archer,” she said in a statement, “and more than three years since the law named in honour of his life was brought before Parliament, the government has yet to enact this key piece of legislation.

“In fact the law, once touted as a priority for National Security Minister (Bernard Nottage) has seemingly fallen off his radar altogether.

“As a still developing country, the protection of our women and children is critical. And as a collective body we must demand that our legislators and political leaders take that responsibility seriously.”

In late 2013, the government tabled two amendments, one to the Sexual Offences Act and the other to the Child Protection Act, which would create a sexual offenders register, and a MARCO alert for missing children.

The Child Protection Amendment Act 2014 came into operation on August 26, 2015.

The changes are the direct result of the death of 11-year-old Marco Archer who was murdered by convicted paedophile Kofhe Goodman in 2011.

Under the Mandatory Action Rescuing Children Operation or MARCO alert, when such a child is reported missing and au-

thorities are satisfied that there is a risk of harm or death, the commissioner of police will be required to use the alert.

Once the alert is issued, radio stations, television broadcasts, text message, electronic network system, billboards and other means necessary will be used for dissemination of information.

The regulations that will govern the MARCO alert were introduced in the House of Assembly in February of this year.

The sexual offenders register would place all persons who are convicted of sexual offences on the proposed list. However, it is unclear when this will come into force.

During a national address on crime in September 2015, Dr Nottage said the sexual offenders register was being prepared.

“Sadly, as with countless issues on its legislative

agenda, the government has failed to follow through,” said Mrs Moore.

“While the government continues to drag its feet on the creation of a sex offenders registry, the assault and abuse of our young boys and girls continues to occur at an astronomical rate.

“According to a recent report, which focused on gender based violence, the abuse of children – physical,

emotional and sexual – has become a cultural norm in The Bahamas, particularly in smaller family island communities.

“More than 2,000 cases of child abuse were reported between 2010 and 2014 and officials estimate that number to be even higher due to the prevailing culture of secrecy and under reporting.”

She added: “The time to

protect our children is always right now. And this government must do whatever is necessary to make that happen.”

PAGE 6, Thursday, June 23, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Baha Mar: Two firms are on shortlist from page one

He also suggested that Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins had incited xenophobia and ill will toward Chinese nationals when he spoke in the House of Assembly about Baha Mar last week. Last week Dr Rollins said if the FNM wins the next election, it reserved the right to void any agreement it did not think was in the country’s best interests.

Dr Rollins said he forcefully rejected Mr Christie’s suggestion.

Dr Rollins said: “The information from the prime minister is that I in some form or in some way stoked prejudice and xenophobia with respect to my commentary during the course of my budget communication. I would just like to forcefully and categorically reject the assertion made by the right honourable prime minister that I sought to insert prejudice or xenophobia in relation to this matter.

“The facts of the matter are notwithstanding everything that I have said as it relates to the intention of the Free National Movement government to promote the best interest of the people of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and to promote sovereignty of this country, there has been no rejection or disagreement expressed by either the leader or the deputy leader (of the FNM) in so far as anything that I said.”

Legal Advice Given the immense speculation regarding the government’s involvement in Baha Mar’s current state, Mr Christie read into the record of the lower chamber legal advice the government received from its international lawyers regarding Mr Izmirlian’s Chapter 11 Bankruptcy filing last June.

He was referring to advice from US law firm Hogan Lovells and UK firm Charles Russell Speechlys LLP. The UK based attorneys pointed out that Mr Izmirlian was without funds and his promises of funding were without foundation.

“It is not disputed that the US Chapter 11 process can be a highly effective tool with which to enable a debtor to restructure its affairs in such a way that will

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ensure its future survival,” the memo from Charles Russell Speechlys, dated June 20, 2016, said.

“The Baha Mar companies had almost no cash reserves, no source of income and even if the reported sum of $600m could have been found to complete the works, there was no evidence that the substantial amount of working capital that would be required was in place to see the resort trade through to break even.

“The Chapter 11 process was a device (either whole or in part) designed to strengthen Sarkis Izmirlian’s hand in negotiations with CEXIM, CCA and the government of The Bahamas. The dismissal of the Chapter 11 process resulted in the loss of that hand.”

The memo continued: “Sarkis Izmirlian was invited back to the negotiating table and whilst he purportedly committed to making further funds available (up to $200m), the conditionality that he placed around that funding was untenable to CEXIM and/or CCA.” Reading a memorandum from the US based attorneys, Mr Christie said their

positions aimed to dispel confusion and explain his administration’s support for plans to complete Baha Mar. It was also dated June 20, 2016.

“The passage of time (since Judge Kevin Carey of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware dismissed the Chapter 11 cases filed in June 2015) and fading memories have left room for mistaken impressions about the short-lived Chapter 11 cases and what those cases could have been expected to accomplish,” Hogan and Lovells’ memorandum read.

“The Chapter 11 filings were preceded and followed by extensive negotiations among the Baha Mar debtors and their principal, developer Sarkis Izmirlian; CEXIM; and CCA Bahamas Ltd and CSCEC – negotiations in which the government sometimes participated. We did not participate in those negotiations, but it appears from the surrounding correspondence and drafts that the financial condition of Baha Mar debtors accurately reflected Mr Izmirlian’s ability to devote additional resources to the Baha Mar project.

Although Mr Izmirlian re-

peatedly proposed to provide additional funding, that funding never materialised.

“The Chapter 11 filings offered the Baha Mar debtors and Mr Izmirlian short term tactical benefits – at a steep price.”

Hogan Lovells said the filings enabled the developer to temporarily retain control of Baha Mar rather than relinquishing control to independent liquidators or receivers.

The firm argued that had the Chapter 11 case continued, the filings would have enabled the Baha Mar debtors to assume or reject continuing contracts, deciding which to retain and which to discard generally leaving the counter parties to discarded contracts with nothing more than unsecured damage claims.

“Although Baha Mar debtors claimed that they filed the Chapter 11 cases ‘with the primary goal of putting the Baha Mar project on a firm financial foundation so that construction could be completed and the project opened to the public as soon as possible’ that claim was unrealistic, at best.

“The plan was nothing more than a hypothetical construct, depending on the availability of hundred of millions of dollars of exit financing that the Baha Mar debtors stood no chance of obtaining,” the US law firm said.

“The developer of a partially completed real estate project can ill afford any protracted dispute with its secured lender unless the project can be refinanced from other sources. Notwithstanding Sarkis Izmirlian’s claims to the contrary, there never appears to have been any realistic possibility that refinancing or additional financing of the Baha Mar project could be available from any source

from page one

on the current path, a GFS surplus is projected for 2018/2019 - the first surplus in at least 40 years.

“Since coming to office, we have reduced the GFS deficit each and every year.

In 2013/2014 we reduced it by $51m, in 2014/2015 by $107m, in 2015/2016 by $107m and in 2015/2016 by $231m,” Mr Christie said.

“In the coming fiscal year, we have projected to reduce it by a further $50m.

They (the FNM) have to be pleased and the country ought to be pleased by that. It demonstrates fiscal responsibility and strength in being able to make decisions. For the benefit of those opposite who have

shown signs of possibly being mathematically challenged, that is a total reduction in the GFS deficit of $439m. Thus, by the coming fiscal year, the deficit will have been cut by fully 80 per cent from the alltime record high of $539m, or 6.4 per cent of GDP, bequeathed to us by the opposition.

“Mr Speaker, it bears repeating that the GFS deficit in 2016/17, at $100m, will be at its lowest level since the turn of the millennium. And, on current plans, a GFS surplus is projected for 2018/19, the very first such surplus in at least 40 years.”

Mr Christie also criti-

other than CEXIM – or a lender to a new owner of the project.”

However, Dr Rollins rejected this saying the government had paid its attorneys to speak in favour of its decision to collude with the Chinese, adding that he viewed this as an attempt to mislead the public by the prime minister.

“The two pieces of correspondence referred to by the prime minister in relation to the Baha Mar Chapter 11 process, I would like for the record to reflect that those opinions were received from the government’s lawyers in the United States and the United Kingdom,” Dr Rollins said.

“It stands to reason that those opinions were paid for by the government of The Bahamas and the correspondence were dated June the 20th as indicated by the prime minister and not at the time that this matter was actually in full bloom.

“So we had no way of knowing whether or not this was a rushed and panicked effort by the government to seek to provide itself some relief from all the criticism and Mr Speaker in relation to what he read it said specifically from the correspondence that from ‘those instructing us’ meaning they were receiving instructions from the government.

“We have no way of knowing, seeing that these are legal opinions provided by legal council of the government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

We have no way of knowing that we can rely on the objectivity of these opinions.”

Mr Christie said both the US and UK based attorneys have been retained by successive governments.

He said all he requested of them was to sum up the matter in order to make public what their advice to the government was on these issues.

cised Deputy Leader of the FNM Peter Turnquest for “telling Bahamians a GFS deficit lie.”

Earlier this month, Mr Turnquest disputed the government’s finance statistics and said “the government is promoting untruths” and according to his calculations the GFS deficit “should be in the order of $446m” and not $100m.

However, Mr Christie said Mr Turnquest only looked at a portion of the 2015/2016 fiscal year and then assumed that the fiscal trends during that part of the year would continue, which Mr Christie said was “inaccurate and inappropriate”.

‘MORE THAN 20,000 EXTRA JOBS SINCE 2012 ELECTION’ Mr Christie said.

“My government has readily acknowledged that that is a particular challenge that confronts policymakers in this country; it is imperative that we achieve significantly higher rates of real economic growth to both absorb the significant new numbers of entrants into the labour force each year and sharply reduce the rate of unemployment.”

Mr Christie also said despite “unfounded claims” from the Free National Movement, the government has reduced the country’s deficit by 80 per cent and

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, June 23, 2016, PAGE 7

Judge to consider sentence for US marine turned attempted killer

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net A JUDGE has reserved his decision on what sentence he will impose on an ex-US marine who has been convicted of attempted murder.

Justice Bernard Turner was asked by attorney Christina Galanos yesterday to be lenient with 30-year-old Heath John Henry whose attempted killing of Jonathan Rahming on December 30, 2014 at Current Island, Eleuthera appeared to be an isolated incident for a man who had a record of service to the community.

Henry, who has American and Bahamian citizenship, was convicted in March by a majority verdict of 8-1 concerning the shooting incident 18 months ago.

A police search team found Henry hiding under a Ghillie blanket - a type of camouflage - on a cliff on Current Island on January 2, 2015. Henry allegedly told police that Rahming charged at him while wielding a cutlass and he shot him in self-defence. When asked for the location of the gun, Henry said that he had thrown it in the swamp.

In a sentencing hearing yesterday, Ms Galanos made a plea in mitigation on Henry’s behalf.

She noted that her client was gainfully employed as “a spear fisherman and had a contract to catch lionfish

for a restaurant.”

Henry’s childhood was difficult due to a custody battle between his parents where he unwillingly had to live with a verbally abusive father.

Notwithstanding this, Ms Galanos highlighted that her client attained the rank of corporal during his fouryear stint as a US marine when he graduated from high school.

The lawyer said the probation officer who interviewed various individuals known to the convict spoke of him as being “compassionate, respectful and soft spoken.”

“He maintains his innocence and that the shooting was in self-defence. Nevertheless, he’s remorseful the circumstances played out the way they did,” the court heard.

She noted that her client has already been in custody for eight months, five before he was released on bail and the remaining after his conviction.

She added that notwithstanding his arrest and conviction, he’s had family support from his mother.

The lawyer asked the court to pay particular attention to page six of her client’s probation report where a community youth leader, Maggie Rolle, spoke favourably of the volunteer work and mentoring Henry provided to at-risk youth in the inner-city communities between 2010 and 2013.

“All reports indicate that this incident was an isolated one and there’s no history of a propensity for violence,” Ms Galanos stressed.

She argued that a sentence in the rage of five to 10 years was reasonable when considering previous cases like R v Ferguson (1983) and R v Miller (2013) where in the latter case, the convict received six years imprisonment.

Prosecutor Eucal Bonaby said the Crown would rely on written submissions that were previously given to the court.

However, he wished to place emphasis on the Court of Appeal case of James Miller where the convict received 40 years imprisonment for attempted murder.

Mr Bonaby also said it could not be ignored that the convict had pursued his victim who was running away and shot at him a number of times.

“The physical evidence is that the victim was shot from behind and so the victim could not have received the injury in the manner that the convict asserts,” the prosecutor said.

“So you’re recommending a sentence of 20 years to life?” Justice Turner asked.

“Anything between 15 years and life would be appropriate,” the prosecutor said.

Justice Turner said he would have a decision on July 8 at 10am.

HEATH John Henry at an earlier court appearance.

SEX ASSAULT TRIAL IS DELAYED UNTIL APRIL NEXT YEAR

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was told by a judge yesterday that he will now stand trial in April 2017 concerning an incident

of alleged sexual assault of a woman in 2013.

Otto Moss, 30, reappeared before Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs two days after learning that the complainant in his attempted rape case was not pre-

sent for Monday’s expected start of trial due to a medical emergency.

A new trial date was fixed for April 10, 2017. A status hearing to ensure the matter is still to proceed was fixed for March 15, 2017.

Moss had pleaded not guilty to the charge of attempted rape when formally arraigned in the Supreme Court on March 21, 2014.

He remains on bail and is represented by attorney Ian Cargill.

In a separate matter, 26-year-old Kevie Cambridge appeared before Senior Justice Isaacs for a status update on his sexual assault case scheduled for November.

He awaits trial on rape and burglary charges stem-

ming from an early morning home invasion and attack of a woman on Harbour Island on June 11, 2013.

Cambridge denies the allegations and returns to the Supreme Court on July 13 for another status hearing.

PAGE 8, Thursday, June 23, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Questions flying around broke Bahamair A Young Man’s View

By ADRIAN GIBSON

I

T is clear that something funky has been going down at Bahamasair, given the government’s rogue - almost dictatorial and sneaky - advancing of $30m to the airline to purchase its new fleet from the French company Avions de Transport Régional (ATR) at a price tag of $100m to replace its aging Dash-8 300 fleet.

What’s more, I have now flown in the ATR planes twice in recent weeks and, as a frequent flyer of Bahamasair, I am most disappointed. Let me establish at the outset that Bahamasair is my preferred airline.

If I am travelling, I always check to see if they fly to a particular place and, if they do, though I would sometimes be required to pay more for a ticket than another carrier, I pay because of their record of safety, excellent pilots and my overall comfort. I’ve been flying Bahamasair from before I knew myself, often between Long Island and Nassau and elsewhere. Believe it or not, I have developed a trust and comfort with Bahamasair that, perhaps, many other Bahamians can attest to feeling themselves.

That said, the new ATR planes are, in my opinion, inferior to the Dash 8s.

The government has been short on the details of Bahamasair’s purchase of three 50-seat ATR 42-600

and two 70-seat ATR 72600 planes.

The government recently described Bahamasair’s $30m as an ‘advance’ to enable the carrier to purchase its new fleet. The advance was purportedly repaid.

Last week, Michael Halkitis, Minister of State for Finance, said the Government had advanced funds without a guarantee to enable Bahamasair to start purchasing its ATR planes, as the $120m loan financing for the new fleet had yet to be completed.

The government’s accounts for the nine months to the end of March, 2016, showed a subsidy of more than $44m to the airline, when the House of Assembly had only approved $14.8m for the full 20152016 fiscal year.

Mr Halkitis explained that Bahamasair had secured financing from a consortium featuring CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank and Credit Suisse to purchase its new fleet, but the facility had not been put in place by the time the first aircraft were due for delivery.

But the question remains: under what authority it was able to advance the funds to Bahamasair? How did the executive branch of government take it upon themselves to go around the Parliament? The House did not approve the additional expenditure. Further, that

MINISTER of State for Finance Michael Halkitis said Bahamasair had secured financing to purchase its new fleet. expenditure was not ac- cit of $555,124,254 at year counted for in the mid-term end (2014) and that it doubtbudget. ed the company’s ability “to Since Bahamasair is in- continue as a going concern solvent, has the government without the continued finanguaranteed the financing that cial support of the shareholdthe airline has secured from er”. The main shareholder is the financial consortium? the government, the taxpayAccording to former avia- ers of The Bahamas. tion minister and FNM MP Recently, I flew on one for Central Grand Bahama of the new ATR planes Neko Grant: “Bahamasair and observed how unusual is broke. For the benefit of and chaotic the boarding the people on the street and process can be. Passengers for the children in school, have to board three rows at if Bahamasair were to sell a time, otherwise the plane everything that it owns, in- would tip over. When decluding the staple machines planing, passengers must on the ticket counter, they exit the plane from back will still have to find, as of to front, with those to the June, 2014, $23m to pay its front sitting and waiting outstanding debts.” their turn until persons in The 2013/2014 Annual the backrows deplane. The Audited Report of Baha- boarding times are now masair, tabled in the House much longer. of Assembly, shows that What’s more, the cabin Bahamasair’s liabilities ex- when compared to the Dash ceed its current assets by 8s - is much smaller and $23,523,763. The report fur- narrower. Space between ther said that Bahamasair the seats is limited. Even Holdings Ltd showed a defi- more, on two occasions I

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THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, June 23, 2016, PAGE 9

THE ARRIVAL of one of the new Bahamasair planes joining the fleet. Photo: Kemuel Stubbs/BIS observed as the luggage was Why not stay within that ist markets not be the best first loaded onto the plane group of aircraft? approach to ensure that I understand that Baha- planes are full? before the passengers could masair pilots - assigned to board the flight.

An offer was made to When the planes take off fly the ATRs - recently trav- refurbish the current Dash and land, because the plane elled to France for training 8 300s at a cost of $2m to is so low, you could feel eve- in a flight simulator. Appar- $5m per aircraft. Why did ry bump of the runway. I am ently, there was no space to the government not agree also informed that the ATR accommodate them and so to such a proposal? models do not handle rough they had to travel to SinAs it stands, is Bahamagapore to train. How much sair linked to any internaweather well.

So, was there an induce- did that cost? tional carriers? Do they Whatever happened to currently code-share with ment or incentive to buy these types of planes? Did the McKinsey Report on any international carrier? anyone do due diligence in Bahamasair? Why wasn’t Code-sharing is a global it released? distribution system so, for investigating Taxpayers the challeng- “Bahamasair is example, one could catch paid $1m for American Airlines from es with this broke. For the that report Orlando, Bahamasair from aircraft? and yet we Orlando to Nassau and Surely, Ba- benefit of the don’t know SkyBahamas from Nassau hamasair has people on the its contents. to Cat Island. A person can been around Did that re- pay for a single ticket and it long enough street and for the to understand children in school, if port recom- would be as though one was that travelling on a single carthe demoBahamasair were to mend Bahamasair graphic they rier, although a flight might use 19-seat have been operated by anserve, yet the sell everything that aircraft if it other carrier. purchase of it owns, including desired to these planes Today, Bahamasair is optells me that the staple machines continue ser- erating three types of airon the ticket vicing the craft, but do they have adthey do not.

Family Is- equate, qualified technical The financ- counter, they will lands? Did staff to fly, fix and maintain ing of the they suggest these planes? Once pilots planes and still have to find, that Baha- begin flying the ATR airthe transpar- as of June, 2014, masair ex- craft that is currently here, ency that you $23m to pay its pand upon its they won’t be able to fly the would expect, given the outstanding debts.” - international Dash-8s or the 737 jet anychequered more. So, do they have the Neko Grant, Central routes?

Bahamahistory of Grand Bahama MP manpower? sair recently Bahamasair’s Are the Dash-8s being remodelled previous acsold? Has the government quisition of aircraft, should its hangar to accommodate entered into negotiations have resulted in officials the new aircraft. How much with anyone? dotting every I and crossing did that cost? Who was the Who received the finder’s contractor that got the job fee relative to the deal with all Ts. Who made the decision and was it put out to tender? the ATRs? How much was Why isn’t Bahamasair go- it? Will such a fee also be in to purchase these planes?

Who were the experts/con- ing to New York, Georgia, the works if the Dash-8s are California and even Europe sold? sultants?

Why didn’t Bahamasair (they once had larger airWe, the people, would purchase the new Dash 8 craft that travelled to Eu- like for these questions to 400s which are better for rope). To make the airline be answered. the Bahamas and have profitable, would expanding Comments and responses proven to be workhorses. the airline’s routes to tour- to ajbahama@hotmail.com

PAGE 10, Thursday, June 23, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Minnis blasts Nottage for attitude to crime levels from page one

“The tragic irony is not lost on the Bahamian people that as Minister Nottage stood on the House floor proclaiming the crime rate is down, two more murders took place – one of which

happened only a kilometre away from where he stood,” he said.

“Bahamians in their homes, in their neighbourhoods and in their communities feel the growing grip of violent crime infecting their lives.”

“Not a week ago, Minis-

ter Nottage was shrugging off a series of weekend murders as ‘unusual’ before the chorus of backlash from the people forced him to backtrack,” he said, referring to criticism FNM parliamentarians made in the press about Dr Nottage’s reaction to the killing of two men in

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Adderley Street last week and the murder of a church minister as he used a bank’s ATM service.

“It’s telling to Bahamians that this PLP government will throw around and hide behind statistics instead of acknowledging the reality of what is happening in our communities,” Dr Minnis said. “Time and time again on issue after issue the PLP proves that you cannot fix a problem when you choose to ignore it.”

“We at the FNM believe our people are more than numbers. Numbers can lie, as Minister Nottage’s rosy outlook proves. The PLP should try to convince the mother who lost her son to murder or the young lady who was sexually assaulted on her way home from work that things are getting better.

“To the PLP those people are numbers, to the FNM they are tragic victims of a leaderless government that

DR Hubert Minnis in the House of Assembly this week.

Photo: Yontalay Bowe spends more time on rosy mothers, our fathers don’t PR than on truly solving continue to become tragic statistics.” problems.”

Up to press time, the “We have a message for this government. Crime is murder count for this year literally killing our com- stood at 58.

As of June 21, 2015, 72 munities. We in the FNM believe every Bahamian people had been murdered life matters and we will according to The Tribune’s fight and work every day records. This represents a to ensure our children, our decrease of 19 per cent.

MCWEENEY SAYS HE DOUBTS POLITICAL WILL TO ENSURE DEATH PENALTY IS CARRIED OUT from page one

making social policy for The Bahamas and it stems from a deeply rooted philosophical objection to capital punishment. They think it’s primitive and that they have a duty to bring us to new enlightenment.”

His comments follow pronouncements by Opposition Leader Dr Hubert Minnis that the necks of “murderous scumbags” in the country must be “popped”. Dr Minnis renewed his full support for capital punishment as he castigated the Christie administration for failing “miserably” in its obligation to keep Bahamians safe.

Mr McWeeney said he personally believes that capital punishment would have a deterrent effect in a small society like the Bahamas, if only impacting crimes committed by reoffenders.

He said: “I think a part of the problem is that both within government and the FNM there are a number of persons, high ranking persons, who also have philosophical objections to capital punishment.

“Unlike the issue of gender equality this is a true conscience vote. I don’t think you’ll see the whip applied on this matter because there are politicians who are against capital punishment on moral grounds, and that also may

be an impediment to getting the political will together.

“I know there are members in both camps that have a very deep opposition. There is no question if you do a referendum you would get 90 per cent support for it.”

The last person executed in the Bahamas was David Mitchell in January 2000.

He was convicted of stabbing two German tourists to death.

Mitchell’s execution was controversial because it was carried out while he had an appeal pending before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

International criticism of the move was followed by a moratorium on capital punishment, which lasted until the Privy Council’s decision in the case of Maxo Tido.

In June 2011, the high court overturned Tido’s death sentence in connection with the killing of 16-year-old Donnell Connover, whose body was found off Cowpen Road, battered and bruised and her skull crushed. There was additional evidence that parts of her body were burned after her death.

But the Privy Council concluded that the murder was not an example of the “worst of the worst”.

Several months later, Parliament passed legislation to define the types of murder constituting the “worst

of the worst” guidelines set out by the London court.

However, Mr McWeeney explained that the amendments to the Penal Code were inferior in the scope of the Privy Council.

During the 2016 Legal Year Opening Ceremony, Chief Justice Sir Hartman Longley declared that “the death penalty is virtually dead.”

Sir Hartman said it would take a massacre similar to the Charlie Hebdo attack in Paris for the death penalty to be imposed in the Bahamas.

In the Paris attack, 12 people were killed after gunmen burst into the satirical magazine’s office.

Yesterday, Mr McWeeney said: “It’s a difficult situation to deal with because when the Privy Council sits on Bahamian cases it’s doing so as a Bahamian court, it’s constitutionally our final court. The problem is because of the composition of the Privy Council they will inevitably be influenced by whatever the prevailing social policies are in Britain and the First World.

“But even if we were to move to the Caribbean Court of Justice there is nothing in their jurisprudence which would suggest that they would do so, that may be a false hope.

“It’s good to talk about it,” he said, “(but) the only chance you have of reinstating it is by constitutionalising it.”

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, June 23, 2016, PAGE 11

Next stop New York for Grand Bahama students

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

TWO Grand Bahama students will be off to New York this August to attend the French Woods Performing Arts Camp.

They are Savannah Anastacia Sawyer, a 16-year-old vocalist and dancer who attends Sunland Baptist Academy, and Gerniqua Smith, a 15-yearold dancer of the same school.

They were presented with camp scholarships by the Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society (GBPAS).

The girls auditioned with 10 other students in competition for the coveted scholarships, according to a press release.

Gloria McGlone of the GBPAS said all the students were very talented, but noted that both Savan-

GRAND Bahama Performing Arts Society committee members Colleen O’Connor Lewis, Gloria McGlone, Penny Ettinger, Sue McCrea and Christopher Baker pose along with winners Gerniqua Smith and Savannah Anastacia Sawyer.

Photo: David Mackey/TheBahamasWeekly.co nah and Gerniqua rose considerable talent, they they demonstrated a pasare both high achieving sion for their craft and dedabove the rest.

“In addition to their students academically and ication to excellence,” said

Ms McGlone.

Miss Sawyer is a member of the Grand Bahama Youth Choir, and has also studied dance with Lois Seiler. Miss Smith has studied dance at the Georgia’s School of Dance and Theatre for the past 13 years and is a student teacher and choreographer at her school.

French Woods Performing Arts Camp provides students with a unique opportunity to explore their interests and improve their abilities in a wide variety of performing and visual arts as well as more traditional camp activities.

The extensive programme includes dance, theatre, music, circus, magic, visual arts, as well as sports and horseback riding programmes. Most importantly, the camp provides an opportunity to meet students from other countries who share simi-

lar passions.

The GBPAS was founded in 2008 to foster the growth and appreciation of the performing arts in Grand Bahama.

GBPAS typically presents three or four productions per year, with all the net proceeds used for scholarships. In addition, every visiting artist and performing group is asked to include an educational component to their visit. These have included master classes, workshops and free concerts for students.

Since its inception, GBPAS has donated over $85,000 in scholarships and funding for Grand Bahama performing arts students.

This includes college scholarships, performing arts summer programmes abroad, local scholarships and music and arts programme funding.

GENDER EQUALITY REFERENDUM WENT ‘HOPELESSLY WRONG’, ADMITS PM from page one

“They had a trust in the commitment in the leadership of the Free National Movement and the Progressive Liberal Party. (But) whatever happens we accept the result.

“This is why I feel bad those church leaders who got together and committed themselves did so because they trusted us.”

He continued: “But things went hopelessly wrong when we who sat together had to witness the leader of the opposition telling people go vote your conscience.

“This whole thing may have been hopelessly flawed because of a compelling urgency on the part of some to pay us back (for) what they

perceived to be a payback to the PLP and therefore the supremacy of the issues of equality were lost in a payback.”

However Dr Minnis took exception to this, saying he told the House of Assembly from as early as July 2014 that he was urging Bahamians to vote their conscience.

He reread the excerpts of a 2014 speech into the record of Parliament to substantiate the point.

The Killarney MP said he supported the referendum and that the FNM always supported equality for women.

“He attempted not only to impugn my character but my honesty and sincerity,” Dr Minnis said. “And with respect to the referendum the prime minister eluded to this House that he was

not familiar with my position in terms of me informing people how they should vote.”

At the height of national discourse on the referendum, particularly bill four, many Bahamians accused the government of having a hidden agenda because it sought to prevent discrimination based on sex or being male or female. Some thought this would lead to gay marriage.

Recently sitting Court of Appeal President Dame Anita Allen has said this proposed amendment neither opened the door nor closed it to same-sex marriages, pointing to “difficulties” inherent in the existing marriage laws that do not present any clear provision that parties to a marriage must be male and female.

Career Opportunity

Career Opportunity

Scotiabank (Bahamas) Limited – Freeport Branch is seeking the services of a

Scotiabank Caribbean Treasury Limited

Personal Banking Officer

Assistant Trader

is seeking the services of an

Position Summary:

Position Summary:

The Personal Banking Officer is a member of the branch team and is responsible for contributing to the overall success of the branch at which they are assigned by meeting negotiated goals through the identification and satisfaction of customer needs. Success will be achieved through meeting the goals negotiated with the branch manager. These assigned goals include specific personal sales goals, sales activity goals, along with other objectives relating to teamwork, customer service and personal development.

The Assistant Trader is a member of the Scotia Caribbean Treasury Front Office team and is responsible for assisting with the overall management of the cash book. This includes setting daily interest rates, managing the gap positions, writing deal tickets and checking all reports for accuracy.

Key Accountabilities for this role: • Identifying and satisfying the financial needs of potential customers; • Listening to and fully identifying the customer’s needs to link the identified need to appropriate solutions; • Using the Bank’s referral process when a referral opportunity is identified; • Initiating calls to a predetermined group of customers to retain and expand banking relationships, by offering customized solutions to customers; • Developing new customer opportunities through referrals from existing, satisfied clients and other sources; • Consistently delivering the desired customer experience during every customer interaction; • Applying the Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements including verifying and documenting Customer identity, source(s) of funds and the nature of the activity that is to be undertaken.

Educational Requirements: • Three years of related experience within the finance industry, in a Lending capacity; • Undergraduate Degree in Banking, Marketing or General Business

Functional Competencies: • • • • • • • •

Strong sales ability; Thorough knowledge of all Commercial Banking products and services; Excellent written and oral communication skills, negotiation and analytical skills; Good technical knowledge of Banking Systems and platforms; Strong Relationship Management Skills; Strong Customer Service Skills; Strong networking and interpersonal skills; Goal oriented and a self-starter

Qualified candidates should submit C.V. via email to: hrbahamas@scotiabank.com on or before June 22, 2016

Key Accountabilities for this role: • Ensure all treasury activity is conducted in accordance with prevailing Treasury Risk Management policies and practices; • Assist in managing the unit’s funding and liquidity activity to achieve an optimum funding position; • Monitoring daily positions to minimize the effect of adverse conditions and profitably to employ surplus funds; • Ensure adequate and accurate management information reports sufficient to satisfy the requirements of Senior Management are delivered in a timely fashion.

Educational Requirements: • Five years of related experience within the finance industry; • Undergraduate Degree in Finance or Economics.

Functional Competencies: • Thorough knowledge of the financial markets gained through formal training or on the job experience; • Excellent knowledge of money market products including swaps, futures, nondeliverable forwards and asset/liability management; • Well versed in economic indicators and the effect they have on the market; • Working knowledge of computers and spreadsheet programs; • Excellent written and oral communication skills, negotiation and analytical skills; • Strong networking and interpersonal skills; • Strong accounting and organizational skills; • Thorough understanding of banking operations and related accounting procedures; • Goal oriented and a self-starter.

This is a temporary assignment and the successful candidate will be placed on a 3 month contract. Qualified candidates should submit C.V. via email to: hrbahamas@scotiabank.com on or before June 22, 2016.

Only candidates short-listed for an interview will be contacted.

Only candidates short-listed for an interview will be contacted.

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

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

NEVER

PAGE 12, Thursday, June 23, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

MIND THE

*

# B @ ! ! * $ PLP supporter stands in front of an elecRon sign blasRng FNM’s record on crime

PLP SMASHED ALL TIME RECORD IN 4YRS? MAY 7TH TO DECEMBER, 2012 JANUARY TO DECEMBER, 2013 JANUARY TO DECEMBER, 2014 JANUARY TO DECEMBER, 2015 JANUARY TO JUNE 12TH, 2016 ONE MORE YEAR TO GO 2017

** Royal Bahamas Police Force Stats**

70 MURDERS 70 119 MURDERS

189 123 MURDERS

312 146 MURDERS

458 56 MURDERS

514 ??????????

514

MURDERS

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, June 23, 2016, PAGE 13

Scotiabank offers support to police summer camp THE Royal Bahamas Police Force Summer Camp programme, under the theme “Children are gifts from God so let’s guard our heritage” starts on Monday and will cater to over 4,000 children aged between eight and 15 from New Providence and several Family Islands.

Yesterday, the camp received substantial financial support from Scotiabank, who are making a continued commitment to helping young people in the community. The camp focuses on helping “children to learn, grow and develop the character traits that will enable them to contribute positively to the de-

velopment of our nation” according to police and will be held from June 27 to August 5.

“Scotiabank is committed to helping young persons in the community become better off,” said Leah Davis, Scotiabank’s Senior Manager, Marketing and Public Relations, at the cheque presentation at the Rawson Square branch.

“After years of supporting several divisional groupings of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Summer Youth Camps, we streamlined and strengthened our partnership in 2015. We are proudly entering year two of the relationship established last year when the bank signed

a multi-year $50,000 partnership agreement with the Police summer youth programme.

“We know it is important for parents to have access to safe, wholesome activities to engage their children in during the summer when schools are closed. The Police do an exceptional job strengthening communities through its summer camps, youth bands, and other positive initiatives aimed at young persons.”

Ms Davis said the partnership with the Police summer programme extended beyond the $10,000 installment presented yesterday. “Throughout the summer, Scotiabank em-

INSPECTOR DARVEY PRATT, Constable Ronique Bain, Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean, and Scotiabank’s Dwight Burrows, Director of Retail Banking, Northern Caribbean, and Leah Davis, Senior Manager, Marketing and Public Relations, at yesterday’s cheque presentation.

READERS REACT TO PLAN TO WRITE OFF ELECTRICITY DEBTS AFTER Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis revealed that the government is working with Bahamas Power and Light to write off many delinquent electricity accounts, readers gave their reaction on tribune242.com.

B_I_D___ said: “Oh there is one big scam brewing right there!! Place your bets all the big PLP names that are in arrears.”

DillyTree also took issue with the government’s plan: “Why should these deadbeats be given a free ride?

What about the rest of us who pay our bills? Will we get a discount too? And I say that if these people get their accounts written off for free, and if they accept those terms, their names will be printed in the paper. If they choose not to have their names in the papers, then they must make

arrangements to pay their balance off within 90 days.

Accounts not paid off in 90 days will be printed in the paper.”

Readers also took exception to Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage’s announcement that crime is down 29 per cent.

Honestman was sceptical: “I really don’t want to be negative but it sure doesn’t FEEL as if crime is down by 29 per cent. Also we are dealing here with reported crimes. What about all the other crimes that go unreported? If you ask most people about crime

in The Bahamas today they will tell you that it HAS NEVER BEEN SO BAD. I don’t take much comfort from these statistics.”

Sp1nks said: “Dr. Nottage should be embarrassed to suggest that crime is down from such a small measurement. This only demonstrates desperation in framing the crime discussion. Did he include the two murders that occurred only hours earlier? The current crime levels bring little comfort to citizens. Ultimately, that should be the measure of progress.”

And there was this from Tarzan: “This is simply pathetic. Does this government actually think anyone believes anything they say?”

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

EXTENDED WORK NOTICE NEW PROVIDENCE

Wulff Road

(Market Street to Mount Royal Ave) The Water and Sewerage Corporation advises the public its customers and the residents of Wulff Road, from Market Street to Mount Royal Ave. that the Corporation has commenced water main improvement work in their area.

Ongoing work is expected to be completed by July 8th.

During this period there may be an interruption in the water supply, road closures and detours around the work area. The motoring public is therefore asked to avoid this area were possible.

The Corporation apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and greatly appreciates your continued support as we work to improve our level of service.

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

or our website www.wsc.com.bs

ployee volunteers will visit various camps to provide financial literacy training, serve lunch and distribute treats to our young people,” she added.

“We are excited about the potential positive impact this programme can have on our young people, therefore we once again thank Scotiabank for part-

nering with the RBPF in making a substantial contribution in such a noble undertaking,” said Assistant Commissioner of Police, Stephen Dean.

PAGE 14, Thursday, June 23, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

JEFFERY LLOYD, Alenander Mallis and chairman of the Movement for Change Valentino Scrooge Brown cutting the ribbon at the official opening of the Movement for Change community centre in Lewis Street yesterday.

Photos: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff

Centre opens to reach out to

community

SOME of those in attendance at the opening of the community centre in Lewis Street.

VALENTINO Scrooge Brown is presented the key to the community by Jeffrey Lloyd.

TWO NEW SCHOOLS PROMISED FOR SAN SALVADOR THE Government is preparing to construct stateof-the-art primary and sec-

ondary schools on 20 acres of land in San Salvador, with construction set to be-

gin this summer.

Philip Davis, the Minister of Works and Urban Devel-

opment, told Parliamentarians in his Budget Communication on Tuesday that

work has already begun on clearing the site where the two new schools will be

built in Harbour Yard.

“The current primary school is located on a temporary site and uses four trailers to accommodate school facilities. During the passage of Hurricane Joaquin, three of those four trailers were severely damaged as were other parts of the school,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“The current site also lacks an integrated functionality, as all of the buildings were stand-alone and presented mobility challenges during adverse weather.”

The primary school will replace the current school in Cockburn Town. It will include a computer room to accommodate 25 students, each with dedicated workspace and laptop; a library; a music room; art room; a sick bay; study rooms and sports facilities for basketball, softball, track and field and tennis.

The primary school has a complement of 100 students. It is anticipated that the new school will be able to double its capacity and boast special features such as connected, covered walkways to all classrooms and building spaces; roof finishes of architectural shingles; and hurricane resistant windows and doors, Mr Davis said.

A contract for this project is expected to be executed within the next two weeks.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, June 23, 2016, PAGE 15

Eight men honoured for their youth work in Grand Bahama

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Diamond Eagle Foundation has honoured eight men for their commitment and dedication to youth development in Grand Bahama.

The honorees were Kevin Tomlinson, director of the Grand Bahama Youth Choir; Rev Lindy H Russell of Eight Mile Rock; Darrin Rolle, pastor and educator; retired educator Dr Cecil Thompson; businessman Frank Outten; Pastor Omeko Glinton; Fred Delancey of Total Education Centre; and engineer Ronald Dames.

An awards banquet under the patronage of Bishop Cardinal and Lady Minerva McIntosh at Le Chateau on the Green on June 18.

Mr Tomlinson, a gifted

musician and songwriter, is the founder/director of the well known Grand Bahama Youth Choir. He developed a gift for music and songwriting at an early age, and has composed the official songs for several schools, including A F Adderley Secondary School, Temple Christian High, Sister Mary Patricia Russell Junior School and Lucaya International School.

Mr Tomlinson is the recipient of several prestigious awards. In 2012, he received the Paul Harris Fellow Award - the highest recognition given from the Rotary Club International organsation for his unwavering commitment and devotion to positive transformational youth empowerment work. And in 2014, he was recipient of the National Youth Ally Award from the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture.

Rev Russell is the former MP for Eight Mile Rock and minister of religion at Central Zion Baptist Church.

He has also been a positive influence on young people through his involvement in various activities. He was director of West Grand Bahama Youth Development Association; director of Grand Bahama Amateur Baseball Association in 1987; Founder/Coach of GB Lakers/BORCO Panthers Baseball Club; former president of Zion United Baptist District Youth Council; former president of Mt Zion Baptist Youth Ministry; and Founder/ former president of West Grand Bahama Youth Development Association.

Mr Rolle, associate pastor at Tabernacle Baptist Church and vice principal of Tabernacle Baptist Academy, has founded and

directed the Falcons Boys Club for the past 19 years.

The organisation has mentored over 2,000 young men from Grand Bahama and over 800 young men in New Providence and San Salvador.

He has been recipient of many Ministry of Youth Awards for leadership, the Paul Harris Award from Rotary International, and was selected as Jones Communication Leader of the Year. He is also founder of One Day Conference Call which has helped boys for the past 10 years.

Dr Thompson has spent 44 years in education. He held several positions in the Ministry of Education before retiring in 2013. He was also under secretary in Ministry of Grand Bahama.

Mr Thompson has received a number of prestigious honours during his

MAKEOVER FOR MISS UNIVERSE PAGEANT THE 2016 Miss Universe Bahamas Pageant has undergone a major overhaul, with a new approach to the aesthetics, purposeful living and ambassadorship of the queen and new venue at Albany, in western New Providence.

The new licensee, Ivy Lane Ltd, a subsidiary of Tavistock Group, recruited a new management team to produce the world-class pageant and hold it and the preliminary events under the theme of “Living Beautifully” at Albany. Tickets to ‘Toast the Queen’ on July 15, the National Costume Showcase on August 27 and the pageant at Albany’s Aviva Beach on September 17 are available to the public.

The winner of the pageant will receive a royal prize package and represent The Bahamas at the Miss Universe Pageant later this year.

National Pageant Director Michelle Collie said: “I am thrilled with the Albany brand partnering with the Miss Universe Bahamas franchise. This year’s pageant and contestants will ex-

emplify the beauty, class and sophistication that has become synonymous with Albany.”

The Miss Universe Bahamas 2016 organisers have welcomed all qualified applicants to realise their dream of becoming the next Miss Universe by applying to become a delegate at www.missuniverse-bahamas.com.

Applications are being accepted until July 2.

Applicants that move on to be delegates will spend seven weeks in a rigorous training programme that includes choreography, stage walking, public speaking, style and beauty, etiquette, fitness and nutrition.

Applicants and supporters of Miss Universe Bahamas 2016 can follow on Facebook (Miss Universe Bahamas) or at www.missuniverse-bahamas. com.

career for outstanding performance in education and the community at large. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Human Letters from BWR Ministries in Richmond, Virginia, the Cacique Award by the CEO Network, the Bahamas Toastmaster Club Award, the Paul Harris Fellow Award

by Rotary International.

He is an Anglican and has been the Priest Warden of the Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King for 30 years.

Mr Delancy, an educator and coach has shaped the lives of many students in the Bahamas. With Rev Russell he created the West Grand Bahama Youth Development Association providing spiritual, cultural, sporting, social and leadership guid-

ance to many young people over the last 24 years.

Mr Delancy also impacted many young people through vocational training at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute and later started and founded Total Education Center, which positively impacts the lives of thousands of young people.

Mr Dames is founder of Operation Encouragement Top Achievers programme.

He also contributed his time as Programme Manager of Junior Achievement Grand Bahama.

Mr Dames is project engineer at PharmaChem Technologies and a parttime lecturer at the College of The Bahamas. He also leader of the Gospel Group Decision.

PAGE 16, Thursday, June 23, 2016

COU

The Tribune Established 1903

FIX My Street Your Voice! Your World!

THE TRIBUNE

KISSfm

Feel The Music!

96.1

This isn’t a ‘pothole’ it’s a crater!

Dear FixmyStreet, Please find a photo of an open drain located on the main Garden View Road off Bernard Road. It has been in a state of disrepair for at least three (3) years. The hazard cone was place in it by a concerned resident. Just a few months ago a visitor to the community drove her car into it (cone was not visible that day). I understand that the person was not injured and was assisted in getting the car out of the drain by residents

fixmystreet@tribunemedia.net

iWitnessNews Team: Valden Fernander

P

P

POWER OF PEOPLE’S MEDIA

POT HOLES IN THE ROAD TO THE CITY DUMP THAT HAVEN’T BEEN FIXED IN A YEAR

Disgraceful condition of road by old bridge with trench left open again!

GARBAGE THAT WAS AT MACKEY ST & THE POND.

TWO DAYS LATER......

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, June 23, 2016, PAGE 21

PAGE 22, Thursday, June 23, 2016

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BSFN junior expert Kai Owen on the ‘Hogs’ in Abaco.

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