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FATHER OF TWO SHOT DEAD OUTSIDE NIGHTCLUB

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Symonette urges FNM leader to keep dissenters on board

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net FORMER Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette said yesterday that it would be a mistake for FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis to block the nomination of the “gang of six� MPs if he successfully defends his post at next month’s convention.

Mr Symonette warned Dr Minnis to be careful with his campaign strategy of “victimhood� as he emphasised the value of retaining experienced politicians.

He pointed out that the

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

POLICE have taken seven people into custody in connection with the apparent shooting death of a father of two outside a nightclub on Elizabeth Avenue early on Saturday morning.

The club’s two operators and five employees are helping police with the investigation.

Officer-in-charge of the Central Detective Unit, SEE PAGE FIVE

POLICE SEIZE $1.4M DRUGS HAUL

dissenting MPs represented the party’s brand in Parliament, adding that the days of a “one-man� platform have passed. “I think Dr Minnis’ campaign so far has been about being a victim,� he said. “He’s showing an ‘I’m from Bain Town’ type of approach. There’s nothing wrong with that but if you look at public disclosures, he’s the richest FNM MP in Parliament. You can’t claim that and live in a gated condominium that you own, you have to be very careful playing that issue.

SEE PAGE SIX

SANDS AMAZED BY DELAY IN APPOINTMENT TO SENATE POST

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement (FNM) Senator Dr Duane Sands said the delay to appoint him to the upper chamber, despite countless calls by “respected persons� within the party, shows that the organisation’s current leadership is not focused on putting the “best effort forward�.

He was responding to questions from The Tribune after former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham told reporters on Thursday that

he had recommended Dr Sands’ appointment for the past four years. Dr Sands said he was “amazed and confused all in one breath� by the revelation.

Sources in the party have suggested that the move to name Dr Sands to the Senate had been “tossed about� but was delayed for some time out of fear that appointing the surgeon would give him a stronger platform to challenge the current leadership duo at the party’s upcoming convention.

SEE PAGE SIX

POLICE officers with some of the haul of marijuana thought to be worth $1.4m.

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net POLICE have taken two men into custody in connection with the seizure of $1.4m worth of marijuana following an early morning operation in the quiet community of Pikkano Properties, off Tonique Williams Highway.

According to a prelimi-

nary report provided by head of the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) Superintendent Samuel Butler, DEU officers, acting on intelligence, went to a rental property at the rear of the community around 9.15am yesterday where two Bahamian males were discovered with 1,389 pounds of marijuana at various stages of packaging.

The men, aged 41 and 34,

Photo: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff

are said to be known to police and are assisting officers with their investigations.

The haul of marijuana was housed in a small efficiency attached to the three-storey rental property, which had been completely transformed into a drug processing facility with different sections of the structure representing specialised production areas.

The entrance area was

divided into sections for package sealing and separation. The bathroom and bedroom spaces were converted into an offloading area.

Bales of marijuana could be seen stacked in sacks on one side and on the other, smaller containers of marijuana were being prepared for packaging.

SEE PAGE TWO

MAYAGUANA COUNCILLOR FOUND BNT WARN NOT TO HARM SHARK DEAD DURING VISIT TO NASSAU BUT FATE REMAINS UNKNOWN

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

POLICE are awaiting the results of an autopsy to determine the cause of death of a local government official from Mayaguana who was found dead in a home in eastern New Providence on Saturday.

The deceased, identified as Mayaguana Chief Councillor Shandika Charlton, was in the capital for an

awards banquet. She was married with one daughter.

According to police, Mrs Charlton’s lifeless body was discovered in the bathroom of a home at Benson and Crouch Close in Dan Nottage Estates shortly before 5pm.

Officer-in-Charge of the Central Detective Unit Chief Superintendent Clayton Fernander said officials have not classified her SEE PAGE SIX

DIVE INTO SUMMER.

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

THERE is still no clarity on whether a large Great Hammerhead shark spotted over the weekend has been speared, harmed or even killed in an effort to drive it away from the eastern New Providence coastline.

Last night, officials of the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) spoke out against harming the crea-

ture, stressing the valuable role sharks play in protecting the fragile ecosystem of Bahamian marine life.

Videos were shared via various social media platforms on Friday and Saturday, one in particular which showed the shark - estimated to be between 14ft and 16ft - swimming near the shore at Montagu Beach and fish dock.

SEE PAGE SIX

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PAGE 2, Monday, June 27, 2016

DEU officers on the scene of a major drug bust loading the drugs on a truck.

THE TRIBUNE

Photos: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff

Police seize $1.4m drugs haul from page one

“This represents the efforts of the Drug Enforcement Unit as we are celebrating this month, holding the observance of International Day of Drug Abuse and Drug Trafficking, again it marks a certain great dent in our efforts of moving drugs from the street (and) moving the availability of drugs from our communities,” Supt Butler said.

“What is unique here, you were able to observe the processing of these drugs in terms of bringing it down ready for street distribution and I am sure, what you have observed already you would recognise the impact this could have on our streets,” he added.

Of the two men taken into custody, neither was identified as the owner of the property.

Sources have suggested that the owner has been away from the property for a period of time but does live there.

Some neighbours described the scene yesterday as “surprising”.

One resident expressed shocked as he noted that the presence of the police

SOME of the items found by police. caught many in the community off guard.

“We had no clue what was going on. We woke up this morning to dozens of officers throughout the community. This sort of stuff never happens around here.

We have one or two breakins every once and a while, but this, never,” the resident told The Tribune.

DEU officials credited yesterday’s interdiction to savvy policing and intelligence. Supt Butler also said police could not net these types of seizures without the help of the public.

He said: “The police will

always, again, endeavour to leave no stones unturned when we are running such an investigation. Every available person that is able to aid the police will be called upon, whether it is in this community or outside this community.

“The RBPF always welcomed persons talking to us and we assure that our conversations are always held in the greatest regard of confidence and so you can feel free to reach out to the DEU and share as you may have seen any activities.”

The investigation continues.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, June 27, 2016, PAGE 3

FNM chairman: Nottage doesn’t care how people feel over crime FREE National Movement (FNM) Chairman Sidney Collie has accused Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage of not caring how unsafe Bahamians feel, noting that five people were killed since the Bain and Grants Town MP proclaimed overall crime had dropped by 29 per cent.

“With another murder on Saturday, we have seen five

murders in five days since Minister Nottage gave his speech declaring that crime is down,” Mr Collie said in a statement yesterday.

“The PLP government’s ‘solutions’ are not working as our sons and daughters are being killed on our streets daily. The minister of national security who is protected by police and other security officers at all times, has no idea or

does not care how unsafe the Bahamian people feel under the PLP government and his failed leadership of the security forces in our country. Whether it is night or day - the Bahamian people do not feel safe inside or outside their homes.

“Two weeks ago, the minister of national security was explaining away a weekend of multiple mur-

ders as ‘unusual’ before a chorus of backlash from the people forced him to backtrack. And just (last) week he declared that crime is down, yet every day this week the news has been filled with more brutal murders. On the very day he gave this speech two more Bahamian sons were viciously gunned down.

This PLP government hides behind statistics but

refuses to face the mother that lost her son, or the young lady that was sexually assaulted, and tell them that things are getting better and that they should feel safe.

“We in the FNM believe our people are more than numbers. To the PLP those that are murdered on our streets are just numbers, to the FNM they are tragic victims of a leaderless gov-

DR BERNARD NOTTAGE, Minister of National Security, at the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking exhibition at the Mall at Marathon on Friday.

ernment that spends more time on numbers than on truly solving problems.

The Bahamian people deserve better. They deserve a government that will offer solutions to fix our crime epidemic not just spend all their time trying to convince us all is well. We believe every Bahamian life matters and we will fight for them every day,” Mr Collie said.

Photo: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff

MORE YOUNG PEOPLE TRYING MARIJUANA, WARNS AGENCY

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

MORE youths are trying marijuana and becoming addicted to the substance, according to statistics compiled by the National AntiDrug Secretariat (NADS).

National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage revealed the figures at the opening of an exhibition to commemorate International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at the Mall at Marathon on Friday.

Dr Nottage disclosed that statistical data compiled by NADS and the Detoxification Unit at the Sandliands Rehabilitation Centre suggest a steady rise in the number of people requiring needing treatment for substance abuse.

While insisting that local numbers are not on par with regional counterparts and other international countries, the Bain and Grants Town MP asserted that the

government had not moved away from its belief that drug abuse is preventable and treatable.

According to statistics by the Bahamas Secondary Drug Prevalence Survey, marijuana has become the illicit drug of choice. Its use among school age minors, aged from 10 to 17, has increased.

Approximately 14 per cent of students tried marijuana in the last year and five per cent used marijuana in the past 30 days. Of that data bracket, those that tried marijuana continued using it regularly.

Dr Nottage said that cocaine and ecstasy use was less prevalent, but did not provide statistics to support that claim.

To date, the survey has

been carried out nationally in 2002, 2008 and 2011. The next national survey will be carried out later this fall.

The government has, in recent years, increased the amount of programmes geared towards better monitoring substance behaviour among youth, Dr Nottage said. He indicated that this trend is alarming because drug use among minors often translates into addictions that carry over into adulthood.

According to Dr Nottage, trends observed of people seeking treatment for their addictions in the adult population show that alcohol abuse is the most prevalent, followed by marijuana. He said abuse of cocaine and ecstasy are less prevalent in

comparison. He went on to note that there were a significant amount of ‘poly’ substance abusers, meaning that two or more drugs were used.

Statistics from the Detoxification Unit at Sandilands indicated that those seeking treatment in 2015 for alcohol made up just over 30 per cent of the total admissions. Marijuana abusers accounted for 14 per cent of admissions and cocaine abusers eight per cent. Poly drug users accounted for just over 40 per cent of total admissions for that period.

Recent statistics generated by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime show that on global scale, almost 200 million

people abuse marijuana, just over 170 million abuse cocaine and almost 180 million abuse ecstasy. Specifically in the Caribbean, South and Central America the rrespective figures are about nine million, almost three million and just over 18 million.

Moreover, in 2013, drug related deaths on a global scale accounted for over 200,000 lives lost.

In 2012, the last Ingraham administration launched the government’s National Anti Drug Strategy 20122016. The then Minister of National Security, Tommy Turnquest, said the plan would deal vigorously with the major challenges of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

At the time, he noted that action would be taken on all fronts, including demand and supply, treatment and rehabilitation, the criminal justice system, law enforcement, legislation, research and public information.

Meanwhile, on Friday, Dr Nottage implored those in attendance and others that would eventual hear his message to do more to encourage those around them to “push back” against illicit drug use.

He underscored that a life often lost to drug and alcohol use is often lost for good. The Ministry of National Security’s NADS has taken a lead role in ensuring co-operation among government entities and NGOs.

PAGE 4, Monday, June 27, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

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Echoes of Adderley in PLP treatment of Izmirlian ON June 23 - a week after Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins launched a blistering attack in the House on government’s handling of the $3.5 billion Baha Mar resort, accusing the Chinese bank and construction company of “deceiving” Bahamians over the stalled development to protect their own financial interests PLP national chairman Bradley Roberts decided to dip his own oar into the cauldron of discord.

Firstly, Mr Roberts made it clear that the developer, Sarkis Izmirlian, who had invested almost $1 billion in the Baha Mar project, had “decided not to participate in the bidding process” to repossess the property. Mr Roberts pointed out that Mr Izmirlian’s “chapter in the life of Baha Mar has come to an end.”.

Sarkis Izmirlian was the young deveoper who, in 2005, had formed his company and purchased three aging hotels on Cable Beach, from US investor Phil Ruffin, at the instigation of Prime Minister Christie, who, when in private practice, was Ruffin’s lawyer.

However, Mr Roberts in his June 23 press release did not suggest any reason for Mr Izmirlian’s apparent lack of interest in trying to save a $3.5 billion enterprise in which he had already invested almost a billion dollars.

In May, Mr Izmirlian wrote to the receivers, Deloitte & Touche, just as the deadline had expired for all bids to be in that it made “no sense” for him to enter the process. He accused the receivers of playing “rope a dope” with him. He criticised the sales process as being “opaque” and “surreptitious”, which could undermine his “legal rights” and that of his bid vehicle, BMD Holdings. Mr Izmirlian and BMD Holdings said they were sticking by their existing offer, first made in January, direct to China Export-Import Bank, Baha Mar’s secured creditor.

If accepted, Mr Izmirlian and BMD Holdings would have made both China Export-Import Bank, Baha Mar’s secured creditor, and its unsecured Bahamian creditors, “whole”. Mr Izmirlian accused the receivers, Deloitte & Touche (Bahamas), managing partner Raymond Winder and his two Hong Kong-based counterparts, of refusing to even entertain his offer. Mr Izmirlian’s offer was made directly to the Chinese Bank, his former partner.

There was much truth in what Dr Rollins had to say in the House about the failed resort, but what seemed to leave most members unhinged - especially Mr Roberts - was Dr Rollins’ final challenge to the legislators.

“The FNM,” he declared, “must state publicly to those now negotiating with this lame duck government that when the FNM becomes the government after the next elections, we shall reserve the right to void any and all agreements deemed to be contrary to the sovereign interest of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.”

We don’t know why this statement should have shocked anyone - particularly on the government benches. Wasn’t it their own Paul Lawrence Adderley, who had the distinction of being the country’s first and longest serving Bahamian attorney general (17 years), who abused Sol Kerzner, not only from the floor of the House, but in a lengthy letter - filling three columns in The Tribune. Mr Adderley, who died at 84 in September, 2012, accused Mr Kerzner of “hoodwinking” Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham into granting him favourable concessions to induce him to purchase Merv Griffin’s failing Paradise Island Resort, now the Atlantis Paradise

Island Casino and Resort.

He also accused Sir Sol of lining his own pockets and those of his family and shareholders at the expense of the Bahamian people. “So”, he told Sir Sol after a long tirade of accusations against the investor - who was really saving this country’s scorched bacon - of dishonest double-dealing. “You will inderstand why we think the Prime Minister erred to be so generous with you. Indeed his generosity verges on indecency,” Mr Adderley wrote.

What Mr Adderley ignored - but, of course it was typical Adderley - was that his government, which Mr Ingraham had soundly defeated at the polls in 1992, had left the country bankrupt, unemployment at an all time high, and an international reputation as a “nation for sale” thanks to the flourishing drug trade. Even the late prime minister Pindling ruefully admitted on defeat that his party had lost touch with the people.

“Sun International’s investment is helping to reinvigorate our hotel sector,” said Prime Minister Ingraham at the time. “Hotel occupancy is up, hotel room rates are up and room revenues are up on Paradise Island, in Cable Beach and in Freeport.” This was true. It was thanks to the faith of the late “Butch” Kerzner and the investment of his father, Sol, that the Bahamas was reintroduced to the international stage and regained its top position in tourism.

Mr Adderley’s letter was a disgraceful tirade, which ended with a threat. Wrote Mr Adderley: “However, you could gamble and take your chances on a new PLP government, whether in 1997 or 2002, not renegotiating, believe me that is real risky business for your shareholders’ millions of dollars.

Besides, by 2002 at the latest you will just begin to make real millions. So I hope that you see that this is a bad option to insist on holding my Prime Minister (Hubert Ingraham) to this bad agreement.

“Renegotiate now! That is your only hope. However, that presents some problems for you too. Don’t expect the Prime Minister to invite you to renegotiate he would lose too much face …”

And so the letter went on for another column. It was as though a man, known for his arrogance, had now taken leave of his senses.

Possibly shocked by seeing such nonsensical drivel in cold print, some of his political colleagues must have started a whispering campaign that they had no knowledge of the letter. However, not to be left out in the cold by himself, Mr Adderley caught them all by their fleeing shirt tails, took to the airwaves and announced: “The PLP is a democracy, the PLP is not a one man organisation. No one person has any right to do this (write the Kerzner letter). I assure you that this letter and virtually all its contents were discussed by all the leadership of the Progressive Liberal Party - all the leadership.”

However, we agree with Dr Rollins that so much is being hidden and whisphered behind the scenes in this Baha Mar transaction that Bahamians are entitled to know what is going on in their country after all it is innocent Bahamians who are suffering.

We agree with the commentator to one of the Baha Mar articles that breach of contract is bad enough, but for a legitimate developer to be unceremoniously forced out of his own investment - as has been Sarkis Izmirlian - there are going to be serious repercussions. Who, for example, is going to invest in this country in the future?

A snub or an oversight for MP? EDITOR, The Tribune.

WATCHING the ZNS 6.30pm, newscast this evening, June 14, 2016, I was baffled to see the disrespect and disdain given to the duly elected MP for the said area, on the opening of Stat Oil’s New Administration Building.

When are we as a civil society eradicate our small minds away from the third world mentality, and be rid of once and for all of the practice of incivility? Was the MP only invited to be snubbed and to be embarrassed as he was made to be?

Was it an oversight not to even mention him in your vote of thanks? In all due respect to Senator Tanisha Tynes who lost her bid in the 2012 general election for the area, the good Senator was invited to bring remarks, when the elected MP, was not even recognised, or participated in the ceremony. It’s an insult to all, be you PLP or FNM, to endure such affront. Can this be right? As a corporate citizen, who should know better, they have been here long enough to understand the culture, and

not be playing politics. Is this any way to behave as a guest in our country? Who gave you that right? Was it a deliberate act?

The principals at Stat Oil need to repent for their ancient behaviour.

This is 2016, the behaviour displayed, cannot, and should not be tolerated in this country, where we all should be unified and not practising dichotomy, we are beyond that!

KELLY D BURROWS Freeport, Grand Bahama, June 14, 2016.

Collective action on crime EDITOR, The Tribune I PEN this letter with mixed emotions today, hovering somewhere between immense relief and immense sadness.

The sentencing of those arrested in my brother Kurt’s death, marks the end of a long chapter of pain in my life and that of my family. Losing my brother is the most difficult thing I have ever faced. His passing has tested the limits of my own strength in ways that only those who have experienced loss can really appreciate. To have him taken from us in the way that he was is a reminder that we are all at risk.

As Bahamians, we continue to live in fear of the criminal element. Criminals who seem to operate without fear. Criminals who were bold enough to execute a home invasion at the home of the Deputy Prime Minister. Criminals who were bold enough to take the life of the Prime Minister’s press secretary.

Criminals show us every day that they could care less about human life or property. No one is safe and while government officials would have us believe that crime is on the decline, I dare to say the fear of crime trumps those statistics.

While I am glad that my family has been able to receive some level of closure, I cannot help but think of the countless other families who are still waiting, patiently for their turn at justice. All things considered, Kurt’s case made it through the court system relatively quickly and for that I couldn’t be more grateful.

The stellar work of police investigators, court officials and everyone involved helped to take some of the sting out of our loss. Even in my gratefulness though, I

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net am hyper-aware of the perception that my status in life and my last name may have lent itself to the “smoothness” of the process and the existence of that perception saddens me.

There’s a familiar saying that goes: “Justice Delayed, is Justice Denied” and sadly, many Bahamian families are denied the kind of justice they deserve for their slain family members. Many cases often fall through the cracks of our backlogged judicial system, breeding feelings of pain and anger and discontent, which in turn act as a catalyst for revenge and vigilantism. It seems to me that we are caught in a vicious cycle where those who lose loved ones to violent crime then become perpetrators of violent crime, who in turn also become victims of violent crime.

And caught in the middle of this spin cycle of crime are law-abiding men and women. People who are hard at work providing for their families, going about their daily routines, going to ATMs, congregating at community parks or walking to and from work.

But how do we break it?

How do we end the cycle?

And what will it take for Bahamians to feel safe in their communities? Because despite what your politicians tell you, that will be the true measure of whether or not our crime strategies are working. Before we can boast about a reduction in the numbers, single mothers must feel safe walking home from work at night, fathers must feel safe enough to visit the ATM at night or in the early morn-

ing and children should be able to walk to the corner store without being a target.

The answer starts with all of us taking both collective and individual responsibility for our actions and our choices.

Collectively we have to stop seeing the victims as “numbers” and instead see them as they are: as humans. Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons and daughters; human beings whose deaths have left a hole in the lives of those they left behind. Collectively we have to decide how to properly punish those found guilty of acts of murder and rape and molestation. Collectively we have to address shortfalls in the system, clear the judicial backlog, and make justice accessible to all Bahamians not just those we believe can afford it.

Equally important is the idea of individual responsibility. An ideal, which as political, community, and church leaders we must teach by example! We cannot be the kind of politicians who skirt the law but expect our citizenry to be compliant, we cannot be the kind of teachers, pastors and mentors who say one thing but do the opposite. Why? Because our children - mine and yours are watching. Because they are taking their cues from us, because their inability to be productive law abiding citizens is a reflection of our failures as the generation responsible for teaching them.

We are more than numbers. We are human. We deserve to feel safe and besafe and where necessary, we deserve justice.

BRANVILLE RTNEY Nassau June 26, 2016

McCA-

Minnis and Christie must go EDITOR, The Tribune OPPOSITION leaders are obviously unaware of the pressure now on Jeremy Corbin to likewise fall on his sword with the Shadow

Cabinet resigning or being fired due to Corbin’s (Minnis) lacklustre performance in the Referendum Campaign. Sound familiar?

Both Christie and Minnis must now fall on their

swords if the Bahamas wants to be respected in the world of politics.

BRUCE G RAINE Nassau June 26 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, June 27, 2016, PAGE 5

DNA leader seeks FATHER OF TWO SHOT unity after killers DEAD OUTSIDE of brother jailed NIGHTCLUB

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance (DNA) Leader Branville McCartney issued an emotional appeal yesterday for a collective effort to break the cycle of violence following the sentencing of his brother Kurt’s killers.

While last week’s sentencing marked the end of a painful chapter for his family, Mr McCartney said the relief was tempered with immense sadness when he considered the state of crime, the fear of crime and the protracted course of justice in the country.

“Losing my brother is the most difficult thing I have ever faced,” he wrote in a letter to the Editor.

“His passing has tested the limits of my own strength in ways that only those who have experienced loss can really appreciate. To have him taken from us in the way that he was is a reminder that we are all at risk.”

Mr McCartney added: “While I am glad that my family has been able to receive some level of closure, I cannot help but think of the countless other families who are still waiting, patiently for their turn at justice.”

Mr McCartney’s brother Kurt, a businessman, was killed in Gambier Village on October 24, 2013. Thorne Edwards and Lyndera Curry were convicted on charges of murder and manslaughter respectively on December 14, 2015.

Last week, Edwards was sentenced 45 years for murder and 20 years for armed robbery. His sentences will run concurrently and were reduced for time spent on remand.

His co-accused and former girlfriend Curry received seven years for her manslaughter conviction and five years for armed robbery. Her sentences were also reduced for the nearly three years she spent on remand.

Mr McCartney noted that his broth-

BRANVILLE McCartney pictured at a DNA rally for Carmichael and Golden Isles on Friday. er’s case passed through the court system “relatively quickly”, pointing to the “stellar work” of police investigators and court officials. He said he was hyper-aware of the perception that his high-profile status and family background played a role in the “smoothness” of the process.

“Sadly, many Bahamian families are denied the kind of justice they deserve for their slain family members,” he said.

“Many cases often fall through the cracks of our backlogged judicial system, breeding feelings of pain and anger and discontent, which in turn act as a catalyst for revenge and vigilantism. It seems to me that we are caught in a vicious cycle where those who lose loved ones to violent crime then become perpetrators of violent crime, who in turn also become victims of violent crime.

“And caught in the middle of this spin cycle of crime are law-abiding

men and women. People who are hard at work providing for their families, going about their daily routines, going to ATMs, congregating at community parks or walking to and from work.”

Mr McCartney lamented that Bahamians lived in constant fear of criminals who seemed to be fearless.

He referenced the home invasion and armed robbery of Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis on December 9, 2013, and the fatal shooting of Latore Mackey, the prime minister’s press secretary, on August 25, 2014.

“Criminals show us every day that they could care less about human life or property,” he said.

“No one is safe and while government officials would have us believe that crime is on the decline, I dare to say the fear of crime trumps those statistics.”

Last week, Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage presented statistics in the House of Assembly that showed that overall crime fell by 29 per cent from January 1 to June 14, compared to the same period last year.

Mr McCartney pleaded for political, community, and church leaders to set the moral compass for the citizenry by their actions.

“We cannot be the kind of politicians who skirt the law but expect our citizenry to be compliant,” he said, “we cannot be the kind of teachers, pastors and mentors who say one thing but do the opposite.

“Why? Because our children - mine and yours - are watching. Because they are taking their cues from us, because their inability to be productive law abiding citizens is a reflection of our failures as the generation responsible for teaching them.”

Mr McCartney added: “We are more than numbers. We are human.

We deserve to feel safe and be safe and where necessary, we deserve justice.”

See Letters to the Editor, page 4

from page one

Chief Superintendent Clayton Fernander, said police are following a line of inquiry that suggests that something that transpired in or near the nightclub led to the killing.

Police have not yet released the official identity of the man, but The Tribune understands that he is father-of-two Rasario Palacious.

According to initial reports, police received a call shortly before 7am about a body of a male lying in the parking lot near a nightclub on Elizabeth Avenue.

Police first reported that officers found a man who had apparent stab wounds.

However, according to Chief Supt Fernander yesterday, the victim’s injuries appeared to be more consistent with gunshot wounds.

The man’s body was discovered sprawled in the parking lot next to a vehicle.

Officials believe that the body was in there for two to three hours.

Police have sealed off the Elizabeth Avenue club and are now treating the establishment as an active crime scene.

Saturday’s homicide pushed the country’s murder toll to 61 for the year.

Last Friday, police said a man died in hospital shortly after he was shot in front of a property in the vicinity of Hampton Street and Montrose Avenue after 4pm.

He was approached by two men with handguns who drove up in a Honda Civic and shot him about the body.

The gunmen left the scene and the victim was rushed by private vehicle to hospital, where he succumbed to his critical injuries.

Last Tuesday, National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage announced that overall crime was down 29 per cent from January 1 to June 14 compared to the same time last year.

According to statistics he presented in the House of Assembly, from January 1, 2016 to June 14, 2016 murders fell by 22 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Since last Tuesday, five people have been killed in five days.

Dr Nottage has come under heavy criticism for his handling of the country’s vexing crime dilemma.

There have been countless calls for his resignation, all of which have fallen on deaf ears.

Ahead of the 2012 election, the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) campaigned that it had the solution to crime, drawing attention to “490 plus” murders in the five years under the Free National Movement government.

The fatal shooting of Saturday’s victim moved the total homicide count since May 7, 2012 - when the PLP assumed office to 519.

POLICE CHASE ENDS WITH GUN SUSPECT IN HOSPITAL AFTER SHOOTOUT A MAN wanted for questioning in the possession of a high-powered assault weapon is detained in hospital after he was arrested following a shootout with police on Friday.

According to police reports, around 8pm Friday officers received a report of a man armed with a firearm driving a silver coloured Nissan Primera on Water Street in the Big Pond area.

A short while later, responding officers encountered the suspect driving the vehicle in the area. As the officers approached the suspect, he fired a shot at

them and sped off.

The police pursued. During the chase, the suspect hit a Honda vehicle driven by a woman with three passengers, but refused to stop.

The suspect then turned his vehicle around and drove head on towards a police vehicle, police said.

The officers, in fear for their lives, shot the suspect and the vehicle came to a stop. The suspect was rushed to hospital where he is detained in serious condition under heavy police guard.

Police want to question the suspect in connection with an AK- 47 assault rifle that

it was claimed he had left in a vehicle following a police chase several weeks ago.

This incident occurred a day after police shot two men who led officers on a high-speed chase that ended on Marathon Road.

According to police reports, on Thursday night three men with a handgun robbed the owner of a Superwash laundromat on Charles Saunders Highway of a handbag and cash before fleeing in a red Honda Fit driven by another male.

Police immediately sent out an all-points bulletin (APB) for the vehicle.

THREE SUSPECTS HELD FOR DRUG POSSESSION THREE people were arrested for drug possession in Grand Bahama on Friday in two separate incidents.

The first incident occurred in the Pioneers Way area where officers stopped and searched a black 2004 Honda Accord with two male passengers inside and discovered on one of the males a quantity of suspected marijuana.

In the second incident,

officers of Operation Turf Sweep searched a residence on Pearl Way Drive, Sea Horse Village, and discovered a large black garbage bag containing four sealed packages of suspected marijuana. A man and woman were arrested and taken into police custody.

Meanwhile officers in Abaco arrested a man and a woman on Friday for possession of dangerous drugs.

According to police reports, officers executed a search warrant at a residence located on Crockett Drive in Marsh Harbour and discovered a quantity of suspected marijuana.

The two suspects, both of Freeport, Grand Bahama were arrested and taken into police custody.

All of these suspects are expected to be arraigned next week.

THREE ARMED ROBBERIES IN A SINGLE DAY POLICE are investigating three armed robberies that took place on Saturday.

Shortly after 10pm, a woman was closing a restaurant on Farrington Road, when a man with a handgun approached and robbed her of cash and a cell phone before fleeing on foot.

Then around 10.30pm, a man and a woman were sitting in a vehicle in front of their home at Coral Drive when three males with handguns approached and robbed them of some personal items before fleeing on foot.

In the final incident,

shortly before midnight, two males with handguns robbed a man of his white Honda Accord, licence plate number 234737. The robbery occurred in front of a restaurant on East Bay Street.

Investigations are ongoing in all of these incidents.

Shortly afterwards, around 8pm, officers on patrol spotted the car in the Nassau Village area. A chase followed that ended on Robinson Road near Marathon Road, where the vehicle came to a stop when it crashed into another car.

The four male suspects got out of the car and opened fire on police. Officers returned fire and shot two of them. Police immediately arrested the four

men and recovered a handgun and all of the stolen property.

Two of the suspects were taken to hospital, where at last report they were in serious condition under heavy police guard.

Police suspect the four men to be responsible for a number of armed robberies over the past weeks and can confirm that one of the suspects is on bail for armed robbery.

Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to contact police at 911 or 919, the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 328-TIPS.

PAGE 6, Monday, June 27, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

‘Don’t block Gang of Six’

from page one

“He’s saying the MPs have revolted against him; well the MPs have tried to talk this matter through for a long time and it hasn’t worked. You know what they say, there are three sides to every story.”

Mr Symonette added: “I think the days of the oneman (band) has passed and it is a team concept that the electorate wants to see. You see it around the world.

The Bahamas really needs to put forward a team that shows a good ability to govern.”

Reflecting on the latest party leak of a scathing email from Central Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant to Dr Minnis, Mr Symonette called for a ceasefire on both sides to ensure a smooth convention and a

stronger party.

The Tribune exclusively reported on the email, wherein Mr Grant was critical of Dr Minnis’ performance during the wrap up of the 2016/2017 budget debate, saying the Killarney MP showed “no interest” in the head-by-head exercise and seemed unprepared.

The email was sent to the party leader and other members of the FNM. Mr Grant, leader of opposition business in the House, said he was sure Dr Minnis had not studied the budget and that his behaviour was “most disturbing” and “disrespectful”.

“I think it’s an unfortunate issue that private emails are leaked,” Mr Symonette said when contacted for comment. “You would have thought that if I had a beef with you, I’d send you an email or call

you up say my beef and not expect it to go on further.

“If what was said in the email is correct, I think Mr Grant was obviously echoing his frustration, which he had every right to do. I’ve been there.”

He added: “One year we tried to get Christie to do something, and he wouldn’t, so we said ok and we kept them there all night just for the hell of it.

“It’s very informative because that’s a time that shows if people have really read the budget. The mischief is in the details.

“If this (email) was leaked by the recipient, then of course he’s trying to do damage to one of his MPs,” he hypothesised.

“The problem then is we go into a convention, and in the event that Dr Minnis wins does he then nominate

his detractors who are at the moment the holders of the FNM brand in Parliament?

“If he doesn’t nominate them he comes out with six vacant seats that have to be filled, that doesn’t help. My recommendation to both sides is try to come together and figure out the best way to go into this convention so this thing isn’t nasty and create a better party at the end of the day.”

“There is only one objective, to be the next government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. We should never lose focus on that point. The Christie administration is messing up.

There have been murders (nearly) every day since they announced that crime was down. Baha Mar hasn’t worked. There is enough fodder for election campaign for the opposition.

They don’t need infighting.”

St Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman, Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn, North Eleuthera MP Theo Neilly, Mr Grant, Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner, and Fort Charlotte MP Andre Rollins were dubbed the “gang of six” after they threatened to have Dr Minnis removed as leader of the opposition in Parliament by way of a petition to Governor General Dame Marguerite if he did not convene a conclave to decide the date of an early convention.

Dr Rollins has since expressed that he will not seek a constituency nomination from the party if Dr Minnis is re-elected as leader.

Mr Grant’s attack on Dr Minnis also comes weeks after the MPs, including Mr Grant, wrote a letter to the party’s Central Council outlining Dr Minnis’ weak-

nesses as a leader.

The memo, dated May 31, was used to outline their case to the council as they underscored the need for an early convention, which was later set for July 27 to 29.

Mrs Butler-Turner, the party’s former deputy leader, will challenge Dr Minnis for the FNM’s top post at that time.

Mr Symonette has publicly endorsed both Mrs Butler-Turner and running mate Duane Sands, who will vie for deputy leader.

“The FNM isn’t short of people to nominate but it changes the dynamic,” he said yesterday.

“It would be a mistake to go into election without offering the ‘gang of six’. They’ve fought it out for five years. You have to blend the experienced, with the new blood.”

SANDS AMAZED BY DELAY IN APPOINTMENT TO SENATE POST from page one

THE HAMMERHEAD shark spotted near Montagu Beach.

Photo: Aqua Cat Cruises

BNT WARN NOT TO HARM SHARK BUT FATE REMAINS UNKNOWN

from page one

It showed dozens of onlookers marvelling at the presence of the shark. In another, snorkellers accompanied the shark in the water as it swam around.

According to the BNT, the Great Hammerhead is the largest of the hammerhead sharks and is found in tropical and sub-tropical waters around the world.

Mature hammerheads have virtually no predators, but like most shark species, they are heavily fished, both commercially and recreationally.

The BNT noted that the Great Hammerhead should be hailed as a keeper of the conch because the species is said to be directly responsible for controlling predators - such as stingrays - that feed on the queen conch.

“Their importance to the culture and economy of the Bahamas is the reason why sharks were formally protected by the government in 2011. However, more public education on shark behaviour is clearly needed,” yesterday’s statement read.

“This was evident from the discussions that followed the recent social media posts. Many comment-

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ers were surprised that such a large shark would come so close to shore, but as most fishermen are aware, this is a regularly observed behaviour. Hammerheads prefer to eat the Southern Sting Ray which often comes into shallow water to feed and hide from predators.

“This shark is very inquisitive and was possibly drawn to the Montagu area by the intense smell of skinned conch and fish, hoping to find a few rays.

Much of the social media conversation focused on the danger to swimmers.

But although these sharks certainly have the ability to cause harm, they rarely even acknowledge divers in the water. People swim with Great Hammerheads and other large sharks every day in the Bahamas without incident.”

The BNT made specific note of a video making the rounds on Saturday, in which the shark could be seen swimming peacefully with snorkellers near the Nassau harbour.

The group said the mouth structure of this species is not suited for attacking a

large animal like a human, as it is adapted for catching bottom dwellers like rays.

“A common reaction to such a large predator within an area frequently used by people is to spear it, either to kill it or drive it away.

This is not just a local reaction, but rather an international one. Reports indicate that this may be what happened to the large visitor in Nassau Harbour over the weekend. Hopefully the shark was not killed but has moved on to quieter pastures.”

Executive Director of BNT Eric Carey said the organisation was reviewing legislation and consulting with conservation partners and scientists in order to develop protocols to guide approach to these types of situations.

The BNT also revealed that it has received new funding from the Pew Global Shark Program to conduct more public awareness activities.

It is illegal to capture or harm sharks in and around the Bahamas.

See the video on tribune242.com

One Central Council representative, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the internal belief for several months has been that the party was doing what it could to push people “all on board with (Dr) Minnis)” while “slowing the advancement of all those that aren’t a sure thing”.

When asked about this, Dr Sands chuckled and said: “It is time we get beyond this. We in the FNM have a job before us. We have a government doing very little to improve our country. You have to keep their feet to the fire. You have to put the right persons in place to ensure that we can emerge victorious come election time.

“We have to do what is necessary to work as a team and that has always been my point when I have had any discussion with any and everyone associated with this great party. Personally, I don’t have an issue with Dr Minnis or the Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest.

From early on in this process I have held to the belief that skills - fundamentally sound individuals in specific areas - would have to play key roles in moving this party forward.

“If you look around, the bashing and criticising isn’t being encouraged by this side. Personally, I don’t think the FNM has had an effective team concept developed to this point. It could be because Dr Minnis sees some of us as challengers or however you describe it. But as a leader, it is your job to walk into the room and get everyone on the same page and moving in one direction.”

Dr Sands said the public is “hoping and praying” for a united FNM. He said that his push to be deputy leader was started with that very goal in mind - uniting the party and advancing the best possible platform ahead of the 2017 general election.

He added that he has always viewed both Dr Minnis and Mr Turnquest as strong contributors to the party. However, he said he believed the duo had become consumed with the internal fight and have lost sight of the bigger goal.

Dr Sands said that fact was painstakingly clear during the recent budget debate, a platform he said Dr Minnis could have used to “hammer a failing government”, but instead, he opted to “sell his brand”.

“I think the idea that you are operating as your own hype-man has always been shown as a marketing flaw.

That is what he became on that day. He used a national stage to do something he could have done behind closed doors. I think the timing was certainly bad.”

Asked how he foresaw the party moving forward, Dr Sands said as “a team of rivals”.

“I have said this before: we don’t have to like each other to get this task done.

But we do need to break this divisive spirit and do what is best for our supporters and for our country.

This has gone too far. The FNM should be way beyond this and we need to start the process of fixing these issues.”

In an email chain that was leaked in early May, Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins urged Dr Minnis to remove Kwasi Thompson from the Senate and appoint Dr Sands in his place.

According to the leaked emails, Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner, St Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman and Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn all backed Dr Rollins’ comments.

Dr Sands was appointed to the Senate in mid-May after then Senator Lanisha Rolle resigned.

The FNM’s convention is scheduled for July 27 to 29.

Dr Sands has said he will run for the post of deputy leader on a ticket with Mrs Butler-Turner, who will vie for leader.

MAYAGUANA COUNCILLOR FOUND DEAD DURING VISIT TO NASSAU from page one death. At the crime scene, he told reporters that there was nothing to indicate foul play.

A police source said Mrs Charlton did not appear to have wounds on her body and that officers do not know how she died.

In a statement released yesterday, Financial Servic-

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es and Local Government Minister Hope Strachan confirmed Mrs Charlton’s death.

The Sea Breeze MP said she and local government officials were “shocked and extremely saddened” to learn of the sudden passing of Mrs Charlton while she was on assignment in New Providence.

“I am, along with the local government family, grateful for her stellar contributions to local government in the island of Mayaguana by way of her hard work and sacrifice,” the statement read.

“On my own behalf and that of the permanent secretary, director of local government, Family Island administrators and all staff members of the Ministry of Financial Services and Local Government, I extend my sincerest condolences to her husband, Garvin

Charlton; her daughter Deshontae McKinney; mother, Creacetha Moss and other members of her immediate family and her extended family. May her soul rest in peace.”

Less than 24 hours before the discovery of her body, Mrs Charlton was being honoured at the Local Government 20th Anniversary Awards Ceremony for her dedicated efforts toward the advancement of local government in the Bahamas.

Mrs Charlton has served on the District Council for the island of Mayaguana since 2005.

The circumstances surrounding the matter are still being investigated.

Anyone with information connected to this matter is asked to call police at 911/919 or Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS.

THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS

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MP teams up with Duane Sands for d FNM leadership bi

D AS PILOT AND MECHANIC KILLEKE-OFF PLANE EXPLODES AFTER TA

one of has set the stage for politid the most anticipate , to be cal events of the year 9. held from July 27-2 same The pair ran for the Loret2014 and lost to LONG Island MP Sena- positions in ta Butler-Turner and s will the current leadership duo, tor Dr Duane Sandleader- though they did not run as a occasion. run as a team in a rney team on that r of ship race against Killa and “It is not lost on eithe ptnis ld’ve attem wou MP Dr Hubert Min we that us MP East Grand Bahama Free ed (to win posts) at the Nothe convention but Peter Turnquest at con- vember 2014 National Movement’s next all I can say is that in life, deof final if you don’t vention at the end only is feat to rmed ,” Dr month, they confi get up and try again .

The Tribune yesterday de- Sands said when contacted The pair finalised the in- by The Tribune yesterday. and errday cision on Satu For her part, Mrs Butl and Mr formed Dr Minnis inten- Turner said she endorsed say to had s Turnquest of their Sand all Dr er. She detions yesterday.

But- about the matt The decision of Mrs for clined further comment. run ler-Turner, who will s, who PAGE SIX SEE leader, and Dr Sandleader, will run for deputy

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By RASHAD ROL orter Tribune Staff Rep net rrolle @tribunemedia.

Neko Grant slams leader’s display in Budget debate

d BaCEN TRA L Gran had t hama MP Neko Gran NaFree for s word of g stron r and other members Leader feeling well leade ne has tional Movement per- the guise of not the FNM. The Tribuil. nis’ Dr Hubert Min parliamentarians r ema the othe as ined obta wrap also would formance during thebudget stayed behind to finish the “Mr Leader, you 7 nt. ct up of the 2016/201 rney work of Parliame of Par- be aware that the subjeto debate, saying the Killa Before members an opportunity in ides est” prov inter “no pass MP showed vote on and government ent the liam cise light exer high inely the head-by-head shortcomings the budget, they rout ed. ministers’ and seemed unpreparof op- go through the heads of incompetence,” stries and and theiril said. “A time Mr Grant, leader the government mini ema in the ness mem busi with position n memsure Dr departments, when we oppositio House, said he was ied the bers of the Official Opposiour ‘A’ bers should be on Minnis had not stud behav- tion raising questions about oint and game ready to pinp ent’s budget and that his rbing” matters of concern. rnm out the gove call distu sst “mo asses ing was iour they are Mr Grant’s scath .” He shortcomings, as and “disrespectful nis of ment of Dr Minnis’ perforfor it. ared prep r neve Min thereof, in the also accused Dr leaving mance, or lack mbly was outSEE PAGE SIX abandoning ship by around House of Asse the House session under lined in an email to the party y rsda Thu 2.30am

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For the good of their country, not just their party, FNMs have a decision to make about their leader, Malcolm J Strachan says

A

month from now, the Free National Movement (FNM) will be holding its national convention, the importance of this convention cannot be overstated as the results will ultimately determine the future of this country.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, a month from now, 400 people will decide whether or not the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) or the FNM will win the general election in 2017.

The stakes Currently, the FNM is headed by the hapless and incompetent Dr Hubert Minnis. He has been the leader of the party for the last four years, racking up one defeat after the other while he bumbles his way along.

But to be fair to Dr Minnis, we doubt even he ever thought he would be in the position he is today; the leader of a major political party. Don’t forget, a few short years ago he had just been plucked from private life and given a safe seat in which to run, in an affluent area in New Providence.

Now he finds himself on the verge of possibly being just the fourth Prime Minister in an independent Bahamas. We’re sure, sometimes in the dead of night when he closes his eyes, he must hear the phrase, “Yes Prime Minister” whispered in the darkness.

But the only thing waking our good doctor from this slumber is reality. He has been an abysmal failure as leader of the Opposition.

Don’t just take our word for it, look at the national headlines.

From his former Cabinet colleagues like Zhivargo Laing and Neko Grant, and even his new addition to the FNM bench, Dr Andre Rollins - all who come in contact with the stench that is Minnis have recoiled in disgust. The man simply doesn’t have it.

What he does have in ample supply however is apologists. They will line up outside FNM headquarters to tell you why you

‘ASTOUNDED’ LEGAL LET TERS

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N , mony By LAMECH JOH ‘Doc’ a chance. They will marriages in T Rock, Grand Bahama ch 8 While giving testi Staff Reporter is more than found guilty on Mar h of under oath in March, Black Tribune tribunemedia.net is had ljohnson@ sing his praises as a man of and chastised d of the shooting deat said that he and Alex in. sh riend girlf were Smith, his Fred argued that together and ney lived attor Plati ED the NOT sit objectively humble beginnings who has Smith was at an intimate relain said ed rday volv yeste t in Eigh arise may claimed that Smith, QC, that He of num Spor ts Bar hip. ion tions k and the expressed posit ident Mile Rock with Blac the he never knew her age. a ‘vision’ for this country. ng Court of Appeal Pres some friends duri March SEE PAGE EIGHT Dame Anita Allen on the early mor ning of Again, this ‘vision’ will be shot was 30, 2014, when she 261065 more nonsensical dribble, ALL PURPOSE CLEANER than a plan but they preach $2.28 the message anyway.

Davis) While some of these 261130 WILTON ST. (Next to DW7am-3 pm Mon - Fri 7am-4pm, Sat LAUNDRY 325-3507 OR 394-0836 ‘preachers of Minnis’Tel:are DETERGENT ON LIKE US motivated by a multiplic-FACEBOODEK! $2.93 INCLU S *ALL PRICE 7.5% VAT & 20% DISCOUNT.* ity of factors, they usually er boil down to two buckets nds’ Leading Newspap Nassau & Bahama Isla money or promises.

But as one adage goes, a promise is a comfort to a fool.

To fulfil any promises for Government work, or political contracts, Dr Minnis has to first defeat the PLP and win the Government.

This, my dear friends, is no small task. The PLP of today is not like the old FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis unveiling his “Roc Wit Doc” slogan in the House of Assembly yesterday, pictured with deputy leader PLP of 2002-2007; this lot Peter Turnquest and Loretta Butler-Turner, who is to challenge for the leadership at the upcoming convention. Photo: Yontalay Bowe are far more devious and dangerous. victory in 2017.

The public would also Minnis on a rally stage?

Yes, the PLP is unpopuThe PLP of 2002-2007 Don’t mind his promises recall it was our very Can you? Can you imagine lar now, but they are well had the element of shame to “root out corruption” own Prime Minister who him attempting to fire up resourced and they know then. When a cabinet minand the like. It’s all “white disclosed in the House his supporters to get out what it takes to win. ister was caught with his of Assembly that he had and vote? Can you picture The PLP knows that, proverbial pants down, they noise” to distract and compensate for his own “loaned” supporters to Dr it? right now, the most popular had the good sense to deny Can you imagine him Member of Parliament in and attempt to cover up the shameful actions in the yet- Minnis to appear at events to-be resolved Toogie and to make it appear as if he attempting to go toe-to-toe the country is the FNM’s wrongdoing.

Bobo affair. has more support in the with Perry Christie?

MP for Long Island, LoThe PLP of today howRemember, this was the FNM than he actually has.

What happens when the retta Butler-Turner. ever, when caught in the same Dr Minnis who was So we have to ask the PLP starts to tell the full She has the support of wrong, flashes the public forced to admit that he was question, why? Why would story of Dr Minnis’ misadFNMs, independents and the finger and goes on meeting with these two the PLP, which has publicly ventures with Toogie and even some PLPs who are doing what it was doing all criminals that forced the admitted to assisting him Bobo? What magic trick fed up with their own party along. When we dare exwould Minnis pull out then and its leadership. press any alarm at what has to distract FNMs from this The PLP knows it would transpired, they laugh and next embarrassing matter? be in their best interest carry on promising us that How much longer could to ensure that Mrs Butler it is in our best interests the party sustain these Turner does not become or worse, tells us to shut up assaults before the FNM is and like it. the leader of the FNM. Beno longer the Official OpSuch is the state of policause once she does, they position? tics in The Bahamas today. know their days in office are numbered.

Doing the This is where the FNM Cakewalk and its delegates have to right thing make the practical deciSo we have a PLP that sions that are in their own is out of control, with the So we return, where we best interest. The country public treasury at its disbegan, by addressing the is looking to them for a sign posal, new Chinese friends delegates who will be votand backers and a hapless ing at the party’s upcoming that they are hearing their cries for change. leader of the Opposinational convention.

We have had four years tion. It’s a match made in We ask them to think of Dr Minnis and can take heaven. A cakewalk. about the decisions that no more. The party has When you study the will be put before them. been given an opportunity political landscape it makes resignation of his party’s On the one hand, you thus far, want to keep Dr to right the ship before it perfect sense why Dr Minhave your current leader, chairman. When asked Minnis in power if it did heads into battle. nis has lasted as long as he who has demonstrated an about his infamous dealnot serve their purposes?

The decision is up to has. uncanny ability to drag ings with these men, Dr The answer is simple. them, if they will put their You see, the PLP has his party into the gutter.

Minnis could only come The man is not viewed as a best foot forward. For the wanted and needs Dr MinBut gutter politics won’t up with his fanciful excuse threat. future of this country, we nis to survive his political win you the 2017 general that one of them was bringThey know they can be hope they do. onslaught just a little while election. ing him “fish” to his home. beat him. What is worse, longer. They need a soft, Hard work, and the wide What a shame. Look at their polling shows that • Comments and responses ineffectual leader of the support of the public at where the FNM has come they can beat him easily.

FNM so they can cruise to to - a literal fish market.

Can you imagine Dr large will. to insight@tribunemedia.net

“The PLP of today is not like the old PLP of 2002-2007; this lot are far more devious and dangerous. The PLP of 20022007 had the element of shame then. When a cabinet minister was caught with his proverbial pants down, they had the good sense to deny and attempt to cover up the wrongdoing.”

TLE fewer than

PAGE 2 MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

Making the FNM relevant again

By MARK HUMES

B

ahamian society is getting ripped off, right, left and centre by this unfocused Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) government, and, growing more brazen with each day, they have no problem throwing it in our faces.

The concepts of transparency, accountability and inclusion are lost on them and there is no indication that will change their stripes - and they do not have to.

But we have to change ours.

Two referendums are clear indications that Bahamians are setting the stage for a big change of stripes come 2017. Because for them, very much like it was in during the PLP’s 2002-2007 term in office, this election is going to come down to a matter of trust.

Now unless, by some chance, the Free National Movement (FNM) is banking on the party being the automatic default winner of the next general election, the organisation, to secure the government, has a short time to prove that it is very different from the PLP in every way, but, particularly, in its commitment to fixing the dysfunction and psychosis within government.

Over the past few years, and in particular the last year, many have watched the infighting among FNM members - infighting that has pitted friend against friend, driven wedges between some and put several long-time friendships at risk in the most distasteful ways. And much of it, some have said, has been over the seeming deterioration in transparency, accountability and inclusion in operational and governing processes. Some - inside and out of the party - lack faith that these qualities of operation will not carry over into their party’s national

governance style, making the party no different from the PLP. The roads to the national convention next month and the election scheduled for next year, without a doubt, will provide prospective leadership candidates and the FNM organisation the textbook opportunity to demonstrate their difference from the PLP in their commitment to transparency, accountability and inclusion. I see the FNM’s current state of affairs as providing the perfect vehicle for this; for the organisation and those running for leader and deputy to demonstrate that we and they are the right ones to lead the nation. The right ones to trust over the PLP. Above all, the nation needs this assurance, and we have to show them, as a party, that we have a plan and the maturity to unify the party - pre- and postconvention - sufficiently enough to win for the people in 2017. Do this and then we demonstrate in the best possible way that we can - despite our differences and the odds - unite our nation for the same purpose, to win for country.

Our decisions and actions must speak; then they will trust us; trust us, and then they will choose us, above the others, and will join us willingly.

As an organisation and government, if one of our

hallmark agenda items will be the deepening of democracy, we can be careful to manage this process leading to and after the convention to reflect our forward thinking ideas on this concept. We have the national platform first to lead on this issue and have others try to follow and keep up.

Perhaps the FNM convention could give consideration to amending the party’s constitution to establish a leadership voting system that is more nationally participatory in nature - one that gives weight to and binds delegates at the constituency level to casts votes for candidates in a leadership race, as determined by the majority of FNMs registered to vote in the particular constituency.

Many of the public are wishing to be more involved in the electoral selection and decision-making pro-

as a models for national governance reform as well.

We must communicate our version of a progressively “revisioned” governance agenda that serves as a serious foundation for building a progressive agenda for national development - an agenda that people, without a doubt, can trust to be different the PLP’s.

In addition to reforming the leadership race process, perhaps the organisation can also consider making constitutional amendments to include: 1 - Fixed campaign nomination legislation and primary dates 2 - A series of nationally televised leadership and candidates debates 3 - Fixed dates for party conventions 4 - Term limits on party leaders 5 - A recall system for un-

at the upcoming convention, constitutional reform that would speak to modernising party governance policies similar to or consistent with the leaders’ and party’s vision for much needed national governance reform - reform that should take some of the chaos and confusion out of our political processes and makes the process seem less rigged, less underhanded and less deceitful; reform that creates the appearance of a level the playing field across the board; reform that shows that every voice matters and every votes counts.

The two terrible terms that the Bahamian people endured under the PLP and Perry Christie has deepened most people’s suspicion of government. People feel powerless and excluded from the process of governance by chaos and confu-

“The two terrible terms that the Bahamian people endured under the PLP and Perry Christie has deepened most people’s suspicion of government. People feel powerless and excluded from the process of governance by chaos and confusion.” cess at the local level, and are precluded. The FNM’s willingness to tackle reform in our own party processes would signal our willingness to also revise the level of public participation in the national process. Through a reformation of our plan, we can demonstrate a strong commitment to further open up and bring more people into what should be a holistically democratic process.

Going into and coming out of convention, the FNM’s governance agenda should speak to and/or serve and command respect

derperforming members of Parliament; and 6 - Campaign finance legislation that makes it mandatory to disclose campaign contributions and contributors during a leadership race

Chaos and confusion In whatever form, if not these, there has to be a commitment on the part of the organisation and those in the leadership race to consider, leading up to and

sion. They want to have greater say in a process that should be more simple and less confusing and chaotic.

A deeper democracy says that they have a right. So if people are feeling powerless, excluded and suspicious because of the chaos and confusion that starts at our election processes, our convention must show innovation in bringing stability and openness to these processes, since the PLP has failed to do so.

At the end of the day, again, this election is going to come down to a matter of trust.

The right leaders in this FNM race are standing on fertile enough ground to show how different they and the FNM’s governance agenda are from the PLP and move to seize on it, particularly in encouraging good governance through constitutional reform.

I would like to see the FNM use our current situation, as well as the roads to the convention and the 2017 election, as opportunities to begin having people experience the ingenuity of FNMs across the board; to have them experience our progressive transformative governance ideas at the local party level, as a complement to them hearing about our plans for improving the national government, freedom of information, solving crime, improving education, creating industry, building opportunities, improving the economy, and balancing the budget.

To create trust and a fresh start, we must use our convention to show that we can make better decisions in solving problems, that we are not afraid of a challenge, and that we are the party with the ideas that can inspire change, growth and innovation.

How we govern ourselves, along with the internal governance systems we put in place by the end of convention, must demonstrate that, as a first step, the FNM is committed to a fresh start - after its convention - for its membership, supporters and a frustrated Bahamian populace.

• Mark Humes is a professor at The College of The Bahamas and former Democratic National Alliance candidate for Fort Charlotte. He is also president of the Union of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas. Mr Humes joined the Free National Movement earlier this year.

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016 PAGE 3

Brexit creates trading nightmare for the Caribbean World View

By SIR RONALD SANDERS

T

HE 12 English-speaking independent countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have, at the most, two years to formulate a plan for dealing with the serious consequences of the British exit (‘Brexit’) from the European Union (EU).

Indeed, the time may be less if the current mood of the leadership of the EU intensifies. They want Britain gone “as soon as possible”.

The presidents of the European council, commission and parliament - Donald Tusk, Jean-Claude Juncker and Martin Schulz respectively - and Mark Rutte, the prime minister of the Netherlands which holds the EU’s rotating presidency, are reported as saying any delay to Britain’s exit would “unnecessarily prolong uncertainty”.

Once Britain finally leaves, the 12 Caribbean countries will have no structured trade relationship with that country. When Britain joined what was then the European Economic Community in 1973, it transferred all authority for its trade agreements to the Community. Ever since then, the formal trade, aid and investment relations between the 12 Caribbean countries has been with the EU. These relations were formalised successively in the Lomé Convention, the Cotonou Agreement and the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

Key to the terms under which the English-speaking Caribbean countries entered - and continued - the relationship with the EU, was Britain, their former colonial ruler.

Up to the time of British entry to the EU, trade between Britain and the 12 Caribbean countries was conducted under a Commonwealth preferences scheme. That scheme fell away once Britain joined the EU and negotiated the extension of some of those preferences to the English-

speaking Caribbean by the European body.

In effect, once Britain officially exits the EU, Caribbean countries will have no trade agreement with it.

Indeed, Britain will have no formal trade agreements with any country, having subsumed its authority for trade matters to the EU. Its first task will be to negotiate trade terms with the remaining 27 EU members, hitherto its biggest trading partner. Those negotiations will not be easy. Britain will then have to try to formalise trade agreements with other countries. The United States will be uppermost in its priorities, but President Obama had warned during the debate on ‘Brexit’ that the UK market of 64 BRITAIN’s Prime Minister David Cameron speaks outside 10 Downing Street, London, as his wife Samantha looks on as he announces million people would not his resignation on Friday. He said he will resign by the time of the party conference in the autumn. be high on the US agenda.

As for the notion that look-in.

More worryingly, once Britain could resuscitate The EU, with a population Britain leaves the EU, trade among the 52 other Commonwealth countries Other options have to be of 450 million (without Brit- there will be several trou- Commonwealth countries. could fashion a Common- explored by the Caribbean ain) was a far greater target. bling consequences for the But, that idea, rooted in wealth Free Trade Agree- countries for dealing with In any event, a trade 12 Caribbean countries. Empire, is not only imprac- ment (FTA) under which the twin-problem of no agreement with the 12 small Not only will the British tical, it would not reap for they could give preferences formal trade relationship English-speakmarket disap- Britain the trade rewards it to each other to expand in- with Britain, and an existing Caribbean pear from the derives from the EU. Brit- tra-Commonwealth trade, ing EPA with the EU that is ‘Other options countries (total EU, but so too ain’s earnings from exports while this is technically now skewered and ripe with have to be market of apwill the British to the Commonwealth, is possible to make it com- problems. proximately 7 explored by contribution to not huge, representing only pliant with World Trade The Caribbean has million) will official aid and 9.76 per cent of its total ex- Organisation rules, it is known for over a year that the Caribbean also not be high investment. It ports in 2014, while its mer- enormously difficult from the referendum on ‘Brexit’ on Britain’s list. countries for is most unlike- chandise exports to the EU a legal, administrative and was coming. The result However, dealing with the ly that the 27 represented a hefty 45 per even political standpoint. could only have been one of even though Certainly, Cyprus and Mal- two things - either Britain EU countries, cent of its total exports. these Carib- twin-problem of In any event, total Com- ta would have to leave the would stay within the EU which had no no formal trade bean countries historical rela- monwealth trade in goods EU customs union. in which case it would be have been no- relationship Other Commonwealth business as usual, or Britain tionship with, has declined over the years. tionally trading or colonial re- And, even its share of world countries would also have would leave. In the latter with the EU, with Britain, sponsibility for, trade is owed to the trad- to review their commit- case, the scenario described and an existing the majority of the English- ing capacity of only six of ments to other countries above would be the realtheir exports Economic speaking Car- the Commonwealth states with which they have joined ity with which the Caribhas been going ibbean, will - Singapore, India, Malay- in FTAs to ensure that the bean would be faced. Plans to the British Partnership want to main- sia, Australia, Britain and effect of Commonwealth for dealing with it should, market. Now Agreement with tain the level of Canada. Moreover, that preferences does not violate therefore, have already that the EU the EU that is official aid and trade is not between them- their existing agreements, been thought through. will no longer investment that selves. For instance, China which, in many cases, it If not, the Caribbean has now skewered be representis Australia’s biggest trad- must do to make the Com- at most two years, and the now exists. ing Britain, and ripe with ing partner, and the US and monwealth FTA beneficial clock is ticking.

Importantly, the EPA will problems.’ it should be Mexico are Canada’s. In to many of its participants. not cover trade Finally, the benefits of recognised that 2014, the six countries acSir Ronald Sanders is with Britain. the EU-EPA is counted for 84 per cent of improved preferential acAntigua and Barbuda’s That is an issue, however the only such formal com- all Commonwealth exports; cess to all Commonwealth Ambassador to the United much on the back burner it prehensive arrangement 47 countries combined, in- States within an FTA would States and has served as will be for Britain, that will that Caribbean countries cluding South Africa and be exploited by the major Ambassador to the Eube important to the Carib- have with any other country Nigeria made up only 16 economies such as India, ropean Union, the World bean - at least for trade in or region of the world. It is per cent. Not surprisingly, Malaysia and then by the Trade Organisation and services, particularly tour- vital to maintain as much of the 36 Commonwealth developed Commonwealth High Commissioner to the ism. British tourists com- it as possible. small states, including the countries, Britain, Austral- United Kingdom. Responsprise a significant number There had been some 12 in the Caribbean, enjoy ia and Canada. The Comes and previous commenof the annual visitors to the speculation in Britain dur- only a tiny share of Com- monwealth’s 36 small states taries: www.sirronaldsandregion. would not get much of a ing the ‘Brexit’ debate that monwealth exports. ers.com

BRITISH POLITICAL TURMOIL DEEPENS AFTER EUROPE REFERENDUM

By GREGORY KATZ Associated Press London BRITAIN’S shocking decision to remove itself from the European Union (EU) brought more political turmoil yesterday as Scotland’s leader threatened to block the move and the opposition Labour Party’s leader veered dangerously close to losing his post.

The sense of unease spread as European leaders stepped up the pressure on Britain to begin its complex exit from the 28-nation EU immediately, rather than wait several months as British Prime Minister David Cameron prefers.

With London’s jittery stock market set to reopen today, the leaders of the successful campaign to leave the EU stayed largely out of the public eye, offering few signals about their plans.

If they were silent, Scotland was not. Popular First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she would “consider” advising the Scottish Parliament to try to use its power to prevent Britain from actually leaving the EU. She said Scottish lawmakers might be able to derail the move by withholding “legislative consent” for a British exit, or ‘Brexit’.

“If the Scottish Parliament was judging this on the basis of what’s right for Scotland, then the option of saying ‘We’re not going to vote for something that

FIRST Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks to the media outside Bute House, following an emergency Scottish cabinet meeting in Edinburgh, Scotland, on Saturday. is against Scotland’s inter- dependence movement. ests,’ of course, that is on the In Northern Ireland, which table,” she said of the pos- also is part of the UK, Depsibility of withholding con- uty First Minister Martin sent. Ms Sturgeon said she McGuinness said his priority believes Scotland’s approval is forging “special arrangeis required for the move but ments” to enable Northern conceded the British gov- Ireland to maintain its EU ernment would likely take ties. Some ‘Brexit’ opponents “a very different view”. have also talked of trying to Last Thursday’s United use Northern Ireland’s AsKingdom (UK) referendum sembly to try to block Britvote to leave the EU was ain’s departure. very unpopular in Scotland, Northern Ireland voters where 62 per cent cast bal- also expressed a preference lots to stay, and Ms Stur- for keeping Britain in the geon says she is studying EU. The unhappiness with ways to keep Scotland part the results in both Scotof the EU bloc. land and Northern Ireland The Scottish question is adding to the sense that looms large because Ms the ‘Brexit’ vote may, over Sturgeon also has said an- time, lead to the breakup of other referendum on Scot- the UK. tish independence from Northern Ireland SecreBritain is “highly likely” tary Theresa Villiers, Mr as a result of Britain’s EU Cameron’s lead official in vote. A Scottish referen- Belfast, played down the dum in 2014 ended with suggestion that the Scottish voters deciding to remain Parliament or the Northern in Britain 55 per cent to 44, Ireland Assembly had the but analysts believe Brit- standing to prevent a Britain’s withdrawal from the ish departure from the EU. EU may strengthen the in- She said decision-making

power resides solely in the point, he or she may choose British Parliament, which to call a quick election to is expected to abide by the solidify a mandate - and results of the referendum, the prospect of an election which showed 52 per cent of in the near future may have British voters wanted out. spurred a revolt yesterday “In the weeks and months against Labour leader Jerahead, we will be working emy Corbyn that has been with both the simmering for Scottish gov- ‘Popular First months. ernment and Mr Corbyn, the North- Minister Nicola criticised by ern Ireland Sturgeon also many for doexecutive ing a weak job has said another on all these presenting the referendum matters,” party’s posishe told the on Scottish tion favoring BBC. “But independence from EU memberultimately it is ship, for the (the British) Britain is ‘highly first time facParliament’s likely’ and analysts es an open redecision.” bellion from believe Britain’s Adam senior memTomkins, a withdrawal from bers of his law professor the European Union “shadow cabiand member net” - senior of the Scot- may strengthen figures who tish Parlia- the independence advise the ment, agreed movement.’ party leader with this ason various sessment. policy issues.

The Conservative Party legAt least eight members islator tweeted that it was resigned yesterday after “nonsense” to suggest the Mr Corbyn fired shadow Scottish party could block a Foreign Secretary Hilary British departure simply by Benn overnight for reportwithholding consent. edly plotting a rebellion The vote is already cut- against him. The dissidents ting short Mr Cameron’s want Mr Corbyn, who repcareer. He said after the resents the far-left wing of results that he will resign the party, ousted before the as prime minister when the next general election beConservative Party chooses cause many believe he cana new leader, who will be not win. charged with implementing In her resignation letter, the separation from the EU. shadow Heath Secretary The new party leader, Heidi Alexander bluntly who will become prime told Mr Corbyn he had to minister, is expected to be go. “I do not believe you in place by October. At that have the capacity to shape

the answers our country is demanding and I believe that if we are to form the next government, a change of leadership is essential,” she wrote.

Mr Corbyn did not respond publicly to the coordinated assault on his leadership, but senior allies said he still has strong support among the party’s rank-and-file members and will not step down.

Concerns about last week’s EU referendum ranged far beyond UK politics.

In Rome, US Secretary of State John Kerry urged Britain and the EU to manage their divorce responsibly for the sake of global markets and citizens. Today, he will be the first senior US official to visit London and Brussels since the referendum, and he said he would bring a message of US support to both capitals.

Pope Francis urged the EU to come up with creative ways to stay together following Britain’s vote, saying it’s clear “something isn’t working in this unwieldy union”.

“The European Union must rediscover the strength at its roots, a creativity and a healthy disunity, of giving more independence and more freedom to the countries of the union,” the Pope told reporters as he flew home from Armenia. The key, he said, is to rekindle the will to stay together with “creativity and new life”.

PAGE 4 MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016

Today Insight - the choice the FMN must make for their party for their country at next month’s convention and what Britain’s exit from the European Union means for trade in the Caribbean and Commonwealth nations Business - the InterAmerican Development Bank has issued a stark warning about the country’s fiscal balance between economic growth and national debt. Neil Hartnell reports

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

THIS WEEK IN

Sports - who is heading for the Rio Olympics this summer to represent the Bahamas after the national championships in track and field and swimming?

Full reports and photographs

Consumer Voice - how the Consumer Protection Commission can help you

Plus the latest properties for sale and rent in the Home Buyers’ Guide

Wednesday

Tuesday Woman and Health - weekly advice on taking care of your mind and body and women making waves in the Bahamas

The Tribune

Adrian Gibson on the hot topics in the country ‘On da Hook’, a weekly look at fishing in the Bahamas

Plus comment from Nicole Burrows and sporting mischief and mayhem by Inigo “Naughty” Zenicazelaya

The Tribune’s hurricane guide - 20 pages on everything you need to know about what the 2016 storm season holds in store, how to prepare, how and where to seek shelter Tribune Tech - a weekly

Friday look at what’s new in the world of technology Thursday Obituaries and Religion, a weekly review Young Man’s View trenchant opinion from

Weekend - a 28-page section devoted to the best in arts, music, fashion, food, books, entertainment, gardening, animal matters, fitness, history and interviews Sports - The Finish Line, a look at the local sports scene, by Brent Stubbs

Plus A Comic’s View Naughty’s unique take on the week in the Bahamas Saturday The Tribune’s special video the week’s top Khrisna Virgil tribune242.com

Top 5: a review of stories by on www.

Every day in The Tribune, news, business, sports and Classifieds Trader.

Plus breaking news and updates on your mobilefriendly tribune242.com

A Bahamian abroad shines at MTSU

By OSWALD BROWN

WHEN he graduated from Highbury High School (now R M Bailey Senior High) in Nassau in 1973, Sidney McPhee had a deep love for music and his career goal at the time was to be a high school band instructor.

Today Dr McPhee is the tenth president of Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and according to the university’s website he “has presided over one of the most remarkable periods of growth and progress in the institution’s centuryplus of service”.

In addition to his fondness for music, the young Sidney McPhee also had a burning desire to obtain a college education, which led to him enrolling in Prairie View A&M University in Texas, from where he received bachelor’s degree (with highest honours, summa cum laude) in 1976.

Having taken that first step on the road to becoming a noted academic, Dr McPhee subsequently received a master’s degree in 1979 from the University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, and a doctorate in applied behavioural studies in

DR Sidney McPhee addresses Middle Tennessee State University graduates at commencement exercises last month. education from Oklahoma State University. He is also a graduate of the Harvard University Management Development Program and completed professional development programs at St Mary’s University of San Antonio, Texas, and Colorado College in Colorado Springs.

Prior to his arrival at MTSU, Dr McPhee was executive vice chancellor for the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR). In addition, he served as the TBR’s chief academic officer and interim chancellor. Dr McPhee also served

in various senior-level administrative capacities at several major universities, including Oklahoma State University, University of Louisville and University of Memphis.

“MTSU is the oldest and largest institution in the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) and the No.1 producer of graduates for the Greater Nashville economy,” the website notes.

“It is also the top destination for transfer students in Tennessee, the top destination for adult learners in Tennessee and, since November 2015, is home to

the state’s largest academic support center dedicated to veterans and military families.”

According to the website, “McPhee’s presidency, which began in 2001, also coincided with more than $700m in improvements in academic, athletic and campus facilities - either proposed, under construction or completed. MTSU’s $147m Science Building, a 250,000-square-foot, stateof-the-art teaching and research facility, opened in Fall 2014. Since his arrival, MTSU has been successful in raising admission

standards, which resulted in an increase in enrollment of high-ability students.

McPhee has overseen the addition of almost 30 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, two colleges (Behavioral and Health Sciences and University College) and 12 institutes and centers.

“McPhee’s ambitious Quest for Student Success, which was launched two years ago, is reshaping MTSU’s approaches to teaching and learning. It has gained national attention for its innovation in improving MTSU’s student retention and graduation rates. It aligns with Gov Bill Haslam’s Drive to 55, which aims to increase the percentage of Tennesseans with postsecondary degrees or certificates. He has also worked to strengthen MTSU’s international undergraduate and graduate student enrollment, expanded its studyabroad and cultural opportunities and developed research collaboration with international partners.”

Dr McPhee was named Outstanding American University President of 2002 by the American Football Foundation. In 2003, he was listed by Nashville Post

business magazine as one of Tennessee’s 100 Most Powerful Individuals and, in 2004, he was ranked by Business Tennessee magazine as one of the state’s Top 50 Most Powerful African Americans. He was honoured by the Nashville Business Journal with its Rutherford County Impact Award for two consecutive years in 2014 and 2015. He also has been named Omega Citizen of the Year by the Pi Gamma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity; recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International; and was inducted into the Hall of Fame for R M Bailey Senior High School, his alma mater in the Bahamas, previously known as Highbury High.

Dr McPhee is married to Elizabeth, and they have two adult children, Seneca and Sidney-Anthony. Born in Mayaguana, Dr McPhee is the son of Catherine Deleveaux McPhee and the late Amos McPhee. His 91-year-old mother lives in Nassau.

Oswald T Brown is the Press, Cultural Affairs and Information Manager with the Embassy of The Bahamas in Washington, DC.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, June 27, 2016, PAGE 7

Minnis: Baha Mar comments a farce

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net FREE National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr Hubert Minnis suggested yesterday that assurances made by the government on the status of the Baha Mar project were a “farce”.

Dr Minnis renewed calls for full disclosure of all reports and agreements made in connection with the shuttered mega resort after Tribune Business reported that Chinese stakeholders had promised to complete the project last year.

According to a memorandum sent to the Christie administration by its UK legal adviser, the Chinese “assured” the government a year ago that they would finance and complete the $3.5 billion Baha Mar project if its Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection was removed.

The pledges were made

by China Export-Import Bank, the development’s $2.5 billion secured lender, and its general contractor China Construction America (CCA).

Dr Minnis asked: “Why

is it at every turn we find the PLP government making another excuse for the unfinished Baha Mar project?

“The result is that we are still sitting here with an empty uncompleted Baha Mar a year later, and over 2,000 Bahamians still without their construction jobs and Bahamian contractors are owed $74m without any guarantee that they will get paid. In the meantime the 5,000 jobs that were promised are still unfulfilled.”

Dr Minnis said: “There is much left to be desired in the transparency of the Baha Mar project. I call on the prime minister to lay on the table all reports and agreements they have with all parties so Bahamians can judge for themselves whether this government is working for them.”

Last week, Prime Minister Perry Christie revealed that two firms, one with ties to Bahamian investors, have been shortlisted to purchase the resort. Mr Christie advised that the final decision was solely at the discretion of receiver managers who were in

Beijing, China negotiating a contract to remobilise and complete the project as soon as possible.

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

As he closed the 2016/2017 budget debate, Mr Christie read into the record of the House of Assembly summaries of events from the government’s international attorneys - US law firm Hogan Lovells and UK firm Charles Russell Speechlys LLP - in a bid to dispel myths and speculation of how the government handled the Baha Mar situation.

Dr Minnis said yesterday: “The prime minister continues to tout their ‘framework agreement’ on the Baha Mar project but once again it looks like this agreement is all a farce.

“According to their own report from their lawyers this agreement is only to continue to talk and is not an agreement on opening up the Baha Mar project.

“The PLP government

DNA: IF CAMERON RESIGNED, THEN CHRISTIE SHOULD TOO

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Tribune Staff Report kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance (DNA) Leader Branville McCartney has joined calls for Prime Minister Perry Christie to resign over the outcome of both referendums held under his administration, following the example of British Prime Minister David Cameron.

Mr Cameron stepped down on Friday because of his position regarding his country’s relationship with the European Union (EU) as the British public voted to leave the EU. In a press statement, Mr McCartney argued that under the Westminster system, if a government brings a referendum to the people that is not successful or does not favour the government’s position, the prime minister must immediately step down.

Pointing to the gaming referendum of January 2013, and the June 7 constitutional referendum this year, the DNA leader said: “With respect, the Bahamian people deserve leadership that is obedient to the wishes of the people and respectful to our parliamentary system.

He said: “If we are to progress, we must be consistent and transparent in all of our national forums. We must adhere to rules and regulations. Culture flows downward. We will continue to cultivate a culture of lawlessness if we do not begin to practice discipline at the top.”

He added: “Some of the conventions we follow as a country, which indicate our alignment with the Westminster system are: we do not have fixed election dates, the election cycle occurs every five years, the configuration of the Cabinet, ie the prime minister being ‘first among equals’ and the governor general being the representative of

the queen.

“On the January 18, 2013, the Bahamas had a referendum/opinion poll on gaming. Our prime minister at the time stated that he would abide by the wishes of the Bahamian people, whatever the outcome of the referendum/opinion poll. The Bahamian people voted against the gaming referendum/opinion poll.

“Following the gaming referendum, Prime Minister Christie: ignored the call to resign as a result of the loss referendum, ignored the wishes of the Bahamian people and decided to bring legislation to Parliament to enforce what the Bahamian people voted against.”

He added: “This single act by Prime Minister Christie was described as the ‘death of democracy.’

“More recently, on June 7, 2016, the Bahamas had another referendum. The prime minister attempted to change the Constitution of the Bahamas. A ‘yes’ campaign for the change was initiated by the prime minister and funded, without the permission of the Bahamian people, by the public purse.

“The referendum to change the Constitution of the Bahamas failed (and) again the prime minister was called upon to resign.

He did not. In his words, the prime minister of the Bahamas’ name was not on the ballot.”

Mr McCartney said Mr Christie has completely ignored the Westminster convention on two occasions and, in one instance, introduced legislation contrary to the Bahamian people’s vote on gaming.

Posting on Facebook on Friday, Free National Movement (FNM) Deputy Leader K Peter Turnquest weighed in on the issue.

“Once again mother England has taught us how the Westminster system of government is to function,” Mr Turnquest said.

“Prime Minister Christie has insulted the will of

the Bahamian people and thumbed his nose at them following the results of the first gambling referendum,” he added. “Despite a ‘no’ vote, PM Christie legalised web shop gambling anyway.

Following the ‘no’ vote on the citizenship bills earlier this month, (Mr) Christie sought to blame everyone, including the leader of the opposition, rather than take responsibility by doing the honourable thing.”

Moments after it was announced that several constituencies overwhelmingly rejected all four of the constitutional referendum questions, Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins in a statement said he believed the vote was not about gender equality but rather “it was a referendum on a very unpopular PLP government and confirmation that this PLP government is not trustworthy.”

He said Mr Christie should resign immediately after spending millions “on two failed national referendums in a single term in office.”

The government has said it spent $1.2 million on the 2013 gambling referendum and had budgeted $1.57 million on the June 7 vote a total of $2.8 million.

Last Friday Mr Cameron said he would step down after British voters decided to withdraw from the EU. Official results showed the ‘Leave’ campaign took 51.9 per cent of the ballot compared to 48.1 per cent for ‘Remain’.

The referendum was Mr Cameron delivering on an election promise - but he had forcefully campaigned for Britain to remain in the EU. The results served as an indictment of Britain’s government and immediately sparked speculation about Mr Cameron’s political future.

He said on Friday morning that the British people had spoken - and “their will must be respected.”

continues to show complete ineptitude in their dealings with Baha Mar and putting Bahamians back to work.

“The Bahamian people deserve transparency in their government and it is currently lacking. This government needs to come clean and tell the Bahamian people what deals they have made with the Chinese and why they have not protected Bahamians in this project.”

DR Hubert Minnis in the House of Assembly.

PAGE 8, Monday, June 27, 2016

ROBERTS SAYS POWER COMPANY NEEDS TIME TO EXECUTE ITS PLAN

By SANCHESKA BROWN Tribune Staff Reporter sbrown@tribunemedia.net

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts has said it is unfair and “outright dishonest” to brand Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) “a failure because of rolling blackouts” when officials have not “been given a chance to execute their plan.”

Speaking at the Garden Hills monthly meeting on Thursday night, Mr Roberts said BPL is in the process of raising capital to upgrade the power generation plants and address the legacy debt.

Mr Roberts’ comments came a week after BPL announced “outage rotations” throughout New Providence as the corporation continued to grapple with “generation challenges” at its power stations.

At the time, BPL said customers would experience power outages in twohour intervals “until further notice.”

Two days later, a cable fault due to a generation issue caused an island wide blackout, with some parts of New Providence left without power for up to sev-

en hours.

“In the face of the many attempts to vilify the Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and its new management team, I again endorse the policy decision of the Christie administration to identify a strategic partner to modernise via a five year management contract and business plan involving renewable energy and selfgeneration,” Mr Roberts said.

“Their mandate is to reduce the cost of electricity by 30 per cent in 24 months.

It is not only unfair but outright dishonest to pronounce the BPL project a failure because of rolling blackouts when the new management has not been given a chance to execute their business plan; the ink is barely dry on the management agreement. In the interim, BPL has committed to securing 80 megawatts of temporary power to augment the existing capacity.”

Mr Roberts also said he is “heartened” to hear that the government is in negotiations with BPL to forgive the debts of thousands of customers, mostly elderly and indigent Bahamians.

“This will restore dignity to and improve their qual-

ity of life. I congratulate the government for their compassionate liberalism,” he said.

Earlier this month, Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller admonished the Christie administration for surrendering the day-to-day management of BPL to PowerSecure, insisting that the move could hurt the PLP in the next general election.

“And they say they ‘believe in Bahamians’. The (management transition) was not necessary, the corporation is moving backward, but that’s ok, God don’t sleep. Election coming,” Mr Miller told The Tribune.

The move was also met with contempt by former State Minister for Environment Phenton Neymour who suggested that the “Band-Aid like” fix has brought no resolution to the long-standing issues at the corporation.

Mr Neymour previously told The Tribune the government has intentionally misled the public on matters relating to BPL, despite knowing from the onset that the energy generation area of the corporation was operating on a “wing and a prayer”.

PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts.

THE TRIBUNE

Photo: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff

Experts flock to Freeport for stem cell conference

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE Global Regenera Conference opened in Freeport on Friday at the Grand Lucayan Resort, bringing many experts in the field of regenerative medicine to Grand Bahama to discuss the latest advancement in technology and research in stem cell therapy.

Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville said the government has moved forward with a bold and aggressive plan to mar-

ket the island as a prime destination for medical tourism.

He noted that the multimillion dollar Okyanos Cell Therapy and Research Center in Freeport has treated hundreds of patients at its facility.

The government, he said, is working with the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) to attract further foreign direct investment in stem cell research and treatment.

“I firmly believe that we have the ability to attract scientists and medical prac-

titioners to live and establish research institutions, medical centres and health care facilities on Grand Bahama which will fuel the growth of our economy through medical tourism,” he added.

Dr Darville said that the implementation of adult stem cell research in the Bahamas has been described as the “opening of the floodgates to a cutting edge technique with serious medical tourism potential.”

For this reason, he stressed that a collective decision was made by government to pursue and regulate the stem cell industry to reap its many benefits to the country and to Bahamians.

A national task force on stem cell therapy has been established to explore the positive and potential negative effects of the application to human life.

“Our findings confirmed that, with proper monitoring and regulations, the Bahamas through stem cell research and therapies would not only find itself on the cutting edge of science and technology, but this science would open doors to therapies that could treat and possibly cure many of the chronic debilitating diseases that current affect our local population,” said Dr Darville.

Moving on the topic of health care, the minister

told of the government’s commitment to bringing a system of National Health Insurance (NHI) for Bahamians.

He said government remains committed to bringing a competent system of universal healthcare, which will better improve quality, ease the financial burden and better serve patients and families.

Dr Darville noted that in addition to the realisation of stem cell legislation in the last two years, the master planning for the first ever 62,000 square foot Freeport Community Clinic, the first phase of a new 150-bed hospital will begin in a few months, and that government is closer to launching NHI. “The legacy of this government will be the one that healed that Bahamas and revolutionised healthcare throughout the Commonwealth of the Bahamas,” he said.

Dr Desiree Cox, consultant of Stem Cell Secretariat with the Ministry of Health, said since starting in January 2015, they have reviewed six proposals for stem cell therapy and research. She said five were provisionally approved and one was deferred.

“We need to see you operating and functioning for at least a year before that moves onto a full approval,

which means that provided you continue doing what you’re doing, your approval won’t be rescinded,” she explained.

Dr Cox said that breach of the laws of the Bahamas around the stem cell industry carries a strict penalty, with violators liable to a fine of $250,000 or three to 10 years in prison, or both.

“We take that very seriously,” she said. “No approval is permanent. Even if you’ve been operating for many years on full approval that can still be taken away if you start to breach the laws.”

“So we tell people a provisional approval does not mean that there is something you can’t do; it means you have been approved provided you follow the conditions, and each proposal will have certain conditions,” she explained.

Dr Cox said that everyone should have a Medivac Plan submitted before they operate. She also noted that they must have a patient registry in an electronic medical record.

“So, before you start, you need to have an IT person on your team, that’s standard, and you must also be in compliance with standards of stem cell standard policy of the country.”

Dr Cox said the focus is on safety, efficacy and innovation, as mentioned in the

law, which governs the sector. She said the Stem Cell Secretariat was established as a framework to make the legislation real.

She said the first National Stem Cell Ethics Committee meets every six months in January or June to go through a number of applications.

“The law requires we have a blend of international and local opinion leaders.

It speaks to the fact that we must have and do have international leaders who has specific expertise in stem cell industry,” explained Dr Cox. In March, she said the Bahamas created a memorandum of understanding with the University of Miami to be a resource partner for education and training, for quality compliance, standardisation and a whole range of things as the need evolved.

Ian Rolle, the GBPA president, and Luis Martinez, MD, of Global Regenera, brought opening remarks.

Among the speakers were Thomas Gonwa, MD, who spoke on the topic, ‘The Mayo Clinic’s Approach to Regenerative Medicine in 21st Century’, and Dr Michael Fossel, MD, who spoke on ‘Telomerase Therapeutics: curing age-related disease and resetting cell aging’.

NEW BIRTH AND DEATH REGISTRATION PLAN FOR PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL IN a bid to stop fraud, the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) will roll out a plan that allows mothers to register the births of their children immediately after having them delivered at Princess Margaret Hospital.

Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson announced the initiative during her budget communication in the Senate on Thursday.

“The RGD is keenly aware that there is a sector in our community whose births are not registered,” she said. “As this is a vexing issue that continues to get out of hand, the RGD is

partnering with the Hospital Authority to share data collected electronically so as to minimise human intervention and reduce errors in the birth records.

“RGD, in an effort to promote efficiencies in death registrations, will allow for funeral homes to leave the morgue and register a death without having to leave the hospital. Death certificates can be issued at RGD sub office and lessen the time for release of bodies for burial.”

Mrs Maynard-Gibson said the government will allow Family Island Administrators to issue certified copies of births, deaths

and marriage certificates on various islands.

“It is hoped to have similar services on all of the Family Islands soon,” Mrs MaynardGibson said. “As a result of this initiative, residents of Grand Bahama, Abaco, Eleuthera, Cat Island and San Salvador will no longer have to travel to Nassau to get a certified copy of their births, deaths or marriage certificates, but simply go to the Administrator’s Office and request the same.”

The RGD is also in the process of reviewing all procedures relevant to filing, capturing and recording of documents so that the entire process can be

digitally completed within five working days.

She said a review committee has been established, made up of private sector and RGD staff, to review the process for automation and to shorten the turnaround time for documents getting back to the agents or individual that filed them.

Highlighting the efforts of the staff of the RGD in the Deeds and Documents Department, the Attorney General noted that the time period for registering documents has been reduced from three months to roughly two weeks. She described this as a “tremendous” feat.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, June 27, 2016, PAGE 9

Minister says critics of Hield are just ‘jealous’

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

YOUTH, Sports and Culture Minister Dr Danny Johnson on Friday heralded Bahamian Chavano “Buddy” Hield’s ascension to the NBA ranks, charging that critics of the Grand Bahama native are just “jealous” of his accomplishments.

Dr Johnson, who said he was present at Thursday night’s NBA draft in Brooklyn, New York, said Hield’s rise to the NBA is indicative of the Bahamas’ ability to “shine on the world stage” as well as another example of the “value of sports” as a part of the country’s international brand.

For that reason, Dr Johnson merely laughed dismissively when informed about the of hateful remarks levied against Hield and the Bahamas in general, stating confidently that “our record speaks for itself in the league of nations.”

On Thursday night, Hield, arguably the best shooter in the NBA Draft and former star guard for the Oklahoma Sooners, was selected sixth overall by the New Orleans Pelicans. It marked the end of a star-studded senior season for the Sooners which concluded with a litany of awards including the John R Wooden, Naismith and Oscar Robertson Player of the Year trophies.

Hield was also named to the National Association

BUDDY Hield - in a New Orleans Pelicans hat - answers questions during an interview during the NBA basketball draft. of Basketball Coaches firstteam, a first-team, a firstteam All-American by the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA), Sports Illustrated and USA Today. His list of honors also includes the Sporting News Player of the Year, CBS Sports Player of the Year and the All-Big 12 first-team.

Despite those numerous accolades and subsequent, some users on the popular social media site Twitter opted to launch unwarranted attacks at Hield as well as racist and/or demeaning attacks against Bahamians

in general, calling them all “illiterate.”

Those insults sparked a social media war, with all of “Bahamian Twitter” fiercely defending Hield, and this country more so from all the unwarranted insults.

When contacted on Friday on the matter, Dr Johnson chuckled to himself before addressing the matter.

“Once again, you have to stick to the substance of the matter,” he said. “This is another time that we have a first round draft pick of a foreign born player, but not just a foreign born player, a player that comes from a

country of 300,000 people.

And becomes the Naismith player of the year.

“So people who would bash that, I would just think that they’re just jealous. The fella is the best.

Since Mychal ‘Sweet Bells’ Thompson we haven’t seen someone like Buddy since then, and we’re very proud of him.”

Dr Johnson also said the support for Hield at the draft was “incredible,” as he said numerous individuals--Bahamians and otherwise, spoke highly of Hield’s character. Dr Johnson also said Hield conduct-

ed himself throughout what he said was an “intense setting” on Thursday night.

“He really was the most popular person in that stadium,” Dr Johnson said. “He had Bahamians out in force who live in New York, the whole top tier of the rafters was just Bahamian flags.

The commentators from ESPN and everywhere else actually asked about him and actually talked about the quality of young man’s character.

“And you saw it because tons of young boys and girls flocked him, he stood there and signed autographs for

maybe half an hour or so whereas all the other players just waltzed by and moved around. He represented himself really well.”

Dr Johnson added: “Me as the Minister of Sports, the government of the Bahamas, the Prime Minister and as far as I know every person that I have encountered from the Bahamas is extremely proud of the work Buddy Hield has put in, the effort he continues to show, and the results that he has had. It is fantastic.

And so congratulations to him, his mother who has been praying for him, his family, and to the people of Grand Bahama.

“We continue to shine on the world stage, and Buddy Hield is another example of the value of sports as a part of our national development but also as a part of our international brand.

And so I fully support what he’s doing. He’s going to get better, a lot better, and he will continue to shine and carry our brand.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration praised Hield for having entered the NBA ranks.

“Mr Hield has been an inspiration to all Bahamians, but especially our young men,” the ministry said in a statement. “He is a testament that humble beginnings is no boundary to what one can accomplish if one maintains the right attitude and hard work. He is an excellent ambassador for our country.”

$4.8M CONTRACT SIGNED FOR SMITH’S POINT SEAWALL

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A $4.8M contract was signed by the government on Friday for the construction of a seawall at Smith’s Point to end 25 years of progressive coastal erosion along the southern shore of the settlement in Grand Bahama.

Washington Smith, of Smith’s Construction, was awarded a contract for $4,825,839.35 to construct a 1,733ft concrete seawall with piled foundation, a five feet wide sidewalk, ramp and steps to the beach.

The project, which also includes highway reinstatement and repairs, drainage, and street lighting, is estimated to take 26 weeks to complete.

Prime Minister Perry Christie said he found it extraordinary that so much of the land on which Smith’s Point residents remember having picnics on a long time ago has now been reclaimed by the sea.

“I was told stories about (them) being able to picnic out in the ocean, and being able to point a spot out there that is now water,” he said.

Also attending the event were Deputy Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, minister of works and urban development, Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell.

Mr Christie said the government must pay a lot of attention to climate change in order to protect the Bahamas against the effects and impact associated with it.

“The context is that unless countries take special steps engaging special policies and strategic initiatives, it would not be doing what it ought to protect itself and guarantee future generations of Bahamians that they will have a place to live in,” he said.

He noted that the Bahamas is not the only country threatened by rising sea levels.

“I listened to leaders (in Paris) from the Pacific Islands talk about going to islands where they frequented when they were children, and knowing that where they once played no longer exists because the sea had claimed it, and I watched

them speak of the possibility of islands disappearing,” he said.

Mr Christie recalled how settlements in Long Island were separated and devastated by water due to Hurricane Joaquin.

He said: “All efforts that the government makes to protect against coastal erosion can be major investments in furtherance of protecting the rights of citizens in our country to know they will be able to live in their communities, and be protected against nature and the harsh application of unpredictable forces of nature.”

Mr Davis said construction of the seawall at Smith’s Point represents another component of the package of capital investment the government promised for Grand Bahama.

He noted that the contracts and works at Fishing Hole Road and a new fire station on Settlers Way have already started and are under construction.

Mr Davis noted that, for many years, the southern shoreline along Smith’s Point has experienced progressive erosion as a consequence of storms and sea surges.

“I was shocked to see all the damage (here). There is no existing seawall to protect the shoreline, and due to the expanded erosion, sand and water are washed onto the road causing dangerous driving conditions,” he said.

According to Mr Davis, the government invited four contractors to bid on the project - Waugh Construction Bahamas Ltd, Smith’s Construction, Treasure Coast Development and Freeport Construction. Of the three that responded and after due deliberation, a contract was awarded to Smith’s Construction.

Mr Davis expressed confidence that Washington Smith will deliver quality work, and complete the project on time.

“We are satisfied that he has high experience and technical expertise to complete his job on time and within budget,” he said.

Dr Darville described the signing and groundbreaking as a “truly good day for Smith’s Point.”

“Smith’s Point is a very important community in Grand Bahama; it is a hub

for tourism and cultural activity, entrepreneurship and home of the fish fry; it attracts locals and visitors,” he said.

Mr Darville said that, on coming to office in 2012, residents contacted him expressing concerns about the coastal erosion and the excessive damage it has caused, affecting their way of life.

“This administration recognised the peculiar hardship faced by the people of East and West Grand Bahama and determined to impact the lives by fixing many of the capital works projects that have been ignored for many years,” he said.

East Grand Bahama MP Peter Turnquest, the representative for the area, was pleased that the government has made significant funds available for the seawall project in Smith’s Point.

“This seawall project … has been long in coming, indeed over 25 years in coming. We are here to mark a significant step in the development of this community,” he said.

Mr Turnquest noted that during the past four years he has advocated for a seawall at Smith’s Point and he commended the residents for not giving up and continuing to fight for the project.

“What we see today is an example of what can happen when a community works together with government and the representative (for the area) …”

He then tasked the contractor to ensure that the structure is one that the people can be proud of and that would enhance economic opportunity.

“Over last couple of years, Dr Darville and I have not agreed on much, and I am pleased he has followed through on his commitment and his word to make sure this project is started,” he said.

“I thank the prime minister and minister of finance for making funds available for this project, it is not an insignificant sum of money.

And so he and the government are be congratulate for having fortitude and commitment to the people of Smith’s Point to see this project through to completion,” he said.

PAGE 10, Monday, June 27, 2016

Summer break safety tips for motorists

MOTORISTS - school is out!

And unfortunately this is also a time when children are at increased risk of transport-related injuries from pedestrian, bicycle and motor vehicle crashes.

The reason is obvious: there are many more children on the streets each morning and afternoon, as well as an overall change in motorists’ patterns.

Therefore during the

Police advice

By CORPORAL MAKELLE PINDER

summer break, it’s time for motorists to improve their traffic safety practices. The following tips from Royal Bahamas Police Force Na-

LOW TURNOUT - BUT BERMUDA SAYS NO IN REFERENDUM ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGE HAMILTON, Bermuda Associated Press

A STRONG majority of voters in Bermuda have opposed same-sex marriage in a non-binding referendum in the British island territory.

Results showed large majorities voting against samesex marriage and civil unions in separate questions, but the referendum was invalidated because turnout was below 50 percent, officials said Friday.

Premier Michael Dunkley said his government was evaluating the results of Thursday’s vote, in which 69 percent opposed same-sex marriage and 63 percent rejected civil unions. He said the results mean those supporting same-sex marriage in Bermuda will likely go to court to challenge the ban on its recognition.

“This has been and will continue to be a highly

sensitive matter,” he said.

“Despite our differences we must progress forward.

And my hope is that as we move forward as a country, we move ahead with greater tolerance, understanding and respect and appreciation for one another.?”

Dunkley’s government scheduled the non-binding referendum after it considered legalizing same-sex marriage in May 2015 amid strong opposition in the Atlantic Ocean island territory. Officials held several public meetings ahead of the referendum that Dunkley said were aimed at educating the public and fostering discussion.

Shadow Home Affairs Minister Walter Roban urged everyone to respect the referendum’s results.

“We must unite and come together and heal our divisions,” he said in a statement. “There was much energy expended on this issue by both sides.”

tional Crime Prevention Office can help make this a safe and happy summer for the entire Bahamas.

• Slow down. Obey all

traffic laws and speed limits.

• Be extra cautious while driving, slow down and watch for children on their way to summer school and camps.

• When driving in neighbourhoods, watch out for children who are riding their bicycles or playing in the streets.

• Allow children waiting at a pedestrian crossing to cross.

• Be alert and ready to stop. Watch for children walking in the streets, especially where there are no sidewalks.

• When using an intersection where children are trying to cross, slow down; make eye contact with the children to determine what they are going to do next.

• Always stop for a jitney that has stopped to load and unload passengers.

• Before entering a pe-

BASKETBALL DIPLOMACY AS SHAQ COMES TO CUBA HAVANA Associated Press

THE Shaq show came to Havana on Sunday as NBA great Shaquille O’Neal put on a basketball clinic for local youngsters, becoming the latest emissary for American outreach to the people of Cuba.

The 2016 Hall of Fame inductee and four-time NBA champion led star-struck kids in layup drills and coached scrimmages while onlookers cheered from the sidelines, part of a US State Department-sponsored visit to foster people-to-people exchanges with Cuban citizens.

Recent months and years have seen a string of American sporting, diplomatic and cultural missions to the island as Washington and Havana mend relations that were openly hostile for over five decades. Ties were formally restored last year under presidents Barack Obama and Raul Castro.

“Baseball, soccer, basketball — it’s about sports, you know,” O’Neal said. “We

NBA Hall of famer Shaquille O’Neal plays with a youngster during a clinic with young players in Havana yesterday. share a lot of things in common. We just want to come over here and extend our friendly hand and just start smoothing things out.”

“It was great for (Obama) to reopen the door, regain a better relationship with this beautiful island,” he added.

Basketball aficionado Juan Navarrete, 13, was thrilled to see the NBA legend up close.

“I would really like to become great, a great player,” Navarrete said. “Maybe I can become a great player

like Shaquille O’Neal.”

Last year retired basketball stars Steve Nash and Dikembe Mutombo and former WNBA player Ticha Penicheiro joined NBA coaches in holding a fourday camp in Cuba.

This March, the Tampa Bay Rays played Cuba’s national baseball team in a Havana exhibition game that was attended by both Obama and Castro.

O’Neal’s goodwill tour of Cuba runs through Tuesday.

THE TRIBUNE

destrian crossing area, be sure there are no children in the lane or adjacent lanes.

• When passing a parked vehicle, check for children who may run out into the street.

Please share this information with every driver in your family. Let’s all work together to ensure that we have a safe and enjoyable summer. Remember that safety is everyone’s concern.

50 CENT CHARGED OVER PROFANITY IN ST KITTS SHOW BASSETERRE, St Kitts and Nevis Associated Press

US rapper 50 Cent and a member of his entourage were detained in St Kitts and Nevis for using “indecent language” during a performance at a music festival, local police said Sunday.

A police statement said 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, and a member of his entourage named Bajar Walter were arrested and charged after a Saturday night performance.

The rapper’s representative Amanda Ruisi said in a statement Sunday that Jackson initially had been booked only to host the St Kitts Music Festival.

But then, festival organisers insisted he also perform and “there were profanities used during his performance, “said Ruisi.

She said Jackson will make sure to leave the profanity in the US during his next trip to the Caribbean country. Jackson paid a fine and was on his way home on Sunday, she added.

Police employees said they didn’t know what exact words were allegedly used during the performance.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, June 27, 2016, PAGE 11

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