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BUTLER-TURNER: MINNIS TRYING TO SILENCE ME
By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net  FREE National Movement leader hopeful and Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday accused Killarney MP Dr Hubert Minnis, who hopes to remain at the helm of the organisation, of doing everything possible to “silence� her voice and “steal� the party’s convention. SEE PAGE SIX
‘No fracture’ promises Minnis at convention
By SANCHESKA BROWN Tribune Staff Reporter sbrown@tribunemedia.net AMID bitter party infighting and accusations that he has not organised a fair convention process, Killarney MP Dr Hubert Minnis last night embraced and danced with his rival Loretta Butler-Turner after promising there will be no “fracture� in the Free National Movement after he wins the leadership contest. During an energetic and at times passionate speech before FNM delegates at
the MeliĂ resort, Dr Minnis said when he “emerges as leader of the FNM on Fridayâ€? the party will begin a time of “healing and forgiveness,â€? adding that he will put aside “animosityâ€? and do what is best for the people of the Bahamas. And amid speculation that if he retains his post he would punish six FNM MPs who have publicly opposed him, Dr Minnis stressed last night that there will be “no crack, no splitâ€? in the party. SEE PAGE FIVE
McALPINE: DON’T CUT ANYONE FROM THE TEAM By SANCHESKA BROWN Tribune Staff Reporter sbrown@tribunemedia.net
IN a rousing speech that often brought the crowd to its feet, former Free National Movement Senator Fredrick McAlpine last night urged whoever wins the party’s leadership race on Friday “not to cut anyone from the team,� stressing that the opposition needs “all hands on deck.� Addressing delegates and party supporters on the opening night of the FNM’s
convention, the Pineridge candidate acknowledged the infighting and bitter leadership race that has divided the party over the past few months. The highlight of the night occurred when Mr McAlpine held the hands of FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis and his rival, Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner, bringing them together for an embrace at the end of his speech in a show of solidarity. SEE PAGE SEVEN
DR Hubert Minnis pictured dancing with Loretta Butler-Turner on stage during the FNM convention last night. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
SURVEY SHOWS FNM SUPPORTERS BACK BUTLER-TURNER By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
A POLL released yesterday that was purportedly conducted by an American company said most
Free National Movement supporters would choose Loretta Butler-Turner as leader of the party over Dr Hubert Minnis. The poll was said to have been done by RABA Research, “a bipartisan group
of political professionals who have worked for candidates, issues, organisations and corporations across the globe�. It is not clear what prompted the group to conduct a poll about Bahamian politics
or who financed the survey. The group’s representative, David Kochel, did not respond to requests for comment up to press time yesterday. SEE PAGE SIX
‘FAILED GENDER REFERENDUM GOVT INSISTS IT TOOK RIGHT WAS PAYBACK FOR THE PLP’ DECISION OVER BAHA MAR By TANEKA THOMPSON Tribune News Editor tmthompson@tribunemedia.net
THE failed gender equality referendum was “payback� from voters to the Christie administration, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham told The Tribune. During a wide-ranging interview at his law office earlier this week, Mr Ingraham said while history would show that Bahamians vot-
ed against giving men and women equal rights in the Constitution, the outcome really was a vote against the government. “I think it was payback too, I think that the PLP told its supporters and others in 2002 it was a bad idea and many of them bought into that, that it was a bad idea,� he said, referring to the Progressive Liberal SEE PAGE TEN
By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
A DAY after former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham called the Christie administration’s push to have Baha Mar liquidated a bad move, the government hit back saying provisional liquidation “was the only sensible option available�. Yesterday, Progressive Liberal Party Chairman
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
Bradley Roberts also fired back at Mr Ingraham over his criticism of the government’s handling of Baha Mar, branding his comments as dangerous to the country’s sovereignty. A statement released by the government last night said its actions were taken to reduce “harm to the Bahamian economy and Baha Mar’s Bahamian employees SEE PAGE TEN
PAGE 2 , Thursday, July 28, 2016
DR Hubert Minnis dancing to “Hit The Road, Jack” during his speech last night.
THE FREE National Movement Convention held at the Melia Nassau Beach Resort.
THE TRIBUNE
Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
SENATOR Carl Bethel and Loretta Butler-Turner in the audience during last night’s opening night of the Free National Movement convention.
DR Hubert Minnis and his wife, Patricia, at the convention.
LADY E performing last night.
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Thursday, July 28, 2016, PAGE 3
Mixed views from delegates on comments by Ingraham By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
A DAY after former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham expressed distress at the state of the Free National Movement, interviews with party delegates yesterday underscored the complicated status he now occupies in the party he led for nearly two decades. Although his plea for unity was echoed by most delegates who spoke to The Tribune at the Melià resort yesterday, delegates also seemed divided by those who were disappointed in Mr Ingraham’s failure to endorse a candidate in the leadership race and those who believe he has already said too much. The party’s core supporters remain largely bitter over Mr Ingraham’s abrupt retirement from politics in 2012 after his party lost the general election. “He needs to be quiet,” one delegate speaking on the condition of anonymity said. “I cried when he left.” Generally, Dr Minnis’ supporters were far less laudatory of Mr Ingraham than were Mrs Butler-Turner’s supporters.
None of Dr Minnis’ supporters who spoke to The Tribune said they believe Mr Ingraham should have endorsed a candidate in the race, whereas most of Mrs Butler-Turner’s supporters wanted him to do so. “He should’ve come out before (with his comments) so at least people would’ve known what he is about,” said La-Sandra Knowles, a delegate from Long Island, supporter of Mrs ButlerTurner and chairwoman of the Long Island FNM Association. “Coming out now with these words are getting people confused. A lot of people were waiting to see if he would come back. He is the foundation of the party and I think people look up to him because he has proven himself to be a leader and right now the Bahamas needs leadership.” Lindsey Cancino, a delegate from Montagu who also supports Mrs ButlerTurner, said “yes” and “no”
when asked if he was disappointed that Mr Ingraham didn’t endorse a candidate for leader. “It would’ve clearly swung the election one way or another,” he said. “Being an ambassador of the party, I could see where he wouldn’t want to contribute to disunity. But a lot of the comments he made, made it pretty clear to me which way he thinks this should go and it’s a fair assumption that he prefers Loretta.” Supporters of Dr Minnis, however, seemed less eager to hear Mr Ingraham’s opinions. “I feel he is becoming less popular because of the way he abandoned the party,” said James Cleare, an alternate delegate from Carmichael who supports Dr Minnis. “He should’ve been more engaged in the party, assisting the party, getting organised, showing the party how to do this and that, but not interfering with the leader.”
FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham. Mr Cleare scoffed at Mr “He didn’t have to resign. Ingraham’s statements to Now that he gone, let him The Tribune urging the go. I disliked (him) saying winner of this week’s lead- at Government House (earership race not to punish lier this year) that he told FNM’s MPs who have op- (Dr Minnis to appoint Dr posed Dr Minnis. Duane Sands as senator). If “With all due respect, he felt like that, tell Dr MinHubert Ingraham can’t tell nis to his face, not in pubic. Dr Minnis what to do,” he You got to watch Hubert.” said. “Hubert Ingraham Expressing a point of had his time as prime min- view not uncommon among ister. Dr Minnis has to have Dr Minnis’ supporters, Mr a mind of his own.” Dean said he believes if Mr Cyril Dean, another al- Ingraham thought he could ternate delegate from Car- defeat Dr Minnis for leader michael, felt similarly. he would have run for lead“I personally dislike the er again. way Hubert acted,” he said. “He can’t beat ‘Doc’,” he
said, adding: “I expected a more active role out of Hubert in support of ‘Doc’ because as an old leader he should’ve been more focused and more supportive of ‘Doc’. I think he basically been playing a game, talking to both sides.” Asked about the former prime minister, another delegate who supports Dr Minnis and is running for a party position this week said: “He said he is retired so he should remain retired. Hubert Ingraham has done some wonderful things for the country, but he has now stepped aside and left us in 2012. That’s when we lost the election and now the party is moving forward with Dr Minnis.” Going against Mr Ingraham’s statements to The Tribune on Tuesday, Dr Minnis’ supporters also said they approve of the Killarney MP’s decision to remove Darron Cash from the Executive Committee, which means he can no longer vote in the convention. “How can you be on the executive council and talk bad about the leader all the time?” Mr Cleare said. “Darron Cash ain’t an elected official.”
CONVENTION ‘STAINED BY UNDERHANDED ACTIONS’ SAYS CASH By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
FORMER Free National Movement Chairman Darron Cash claimed yesterday the party’s national convention had been “stained” as a result of alleged “underhanded actions” by the party’s incumbent leadership. Mr Cash told The Tribune that while some in the party may view his comments as “bitter claims,” he believes that those “with eyes to see and ears to hear” could decipher the “façade” being presented by Dr Hubert Minnis’ regime. He outlined a litany of instances where delegates in support of Loretta Butler-Turner and Dr Duane Sands as leader and deputy leader bids were ill-advised, forcing many of them to be overlooked for the party’s final delegates list, echoing statements he made earlier this month. “There has been a gross lack of transparency when it comes to the organisation, and when it comes to the sharing of information and when it comes to simple things like a level playing field in how you treat delegates,” he said at the Melià hotel, where the party’s convention is taking place. Mr Cash alleged that organisation of the convention was removed from the party’s national office and exclusively handled by the Office of the Leader of the Opposition - a move he described as “grossly inappropriate.” As a result, he said the entire convention process has been carried out without transparency at every level. “We have had situations where travel arrangements for delegates were to be organised by the national party office. It was taken away from the national party office and put in the Office of the Leader of the Opposition. Inappropriate, highly inappropriate,” he claimed. “The offshoot of that is you have claims by delegates who are saying, ‘the party is taking care of my travel arrangements, I have yet to receive a ticket.’ And the instances where these sorts of things are taking place do not suggest simple mistakes, simple slip-ups. They appear to be a systematic effort to disenfranchise people who look to be in support of Loretta ButlerTurner and Duane Sands.” As a former chairman,
Mr Cash was integral in sociations within the party organising the party’s 2014 are allowed to name up to national convention. ten delegates. Members of He went on to insist that the party’s Executive Comat that time, he sought to mittee are also delegates. ensure a fair playing field. Mr Cash was recently re“When I operated as chair- moved from that committee man I made sure that both by Dr Minnis, meaning he sides, Loretta Butler-Turner cannot vote in the convenand Dr Minnis were equally tion. represented on the Rules According to Mr Cash, and Credentials Commit- Dr Minnis and his team tee and all of those dis- were able to amass a strong putes that came before the following by kick-starting committee were resolved associations that had stalled through negotiation and after the FNM’s defeat in compromise.” the 2012 general election, However, Mr Cash installing their supporters claimed he has not seen the in several other constituensame actions from current Chairman Sidney Collie. “This convention has been organised in the midst of a very tough leadership battle and what has become fairly evident is that in organising this convention the leader and the chairman have done it in such a way that democracy, fair play, good taste are not on display when it comes to how the people who are running in opposition to them are being treated,” he said. The FNM’s constitution calls for roughly six delegates from each constituency contested during the 1colx2.5"_Wanted last election. Ad_GraphicDesigners_ Additionally, various as-
cies and removing non-supporters from associations throughout the party. There are no constitutional directives that specify how delegates are selected at the constituency association level. Every constituency association is allowed to select its delegates as it sees fit. Mr Cash continued: “The leader and his chairman have spent the last several months sowing seeds of discord. Their haste to name candidates ahead of a convention; their meddling in constituency associations
and their moves to install certain figures in certain positions - the point has been clear for a while now. “And so, I think there
is a black mark, a stain on this convention in the way a convention that ought to be promoting unity has in fact been doing the opposite.”
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China emerges more muscular after ASEAN meetings VIENTIANE, Laos (AP) — Daring to take on China in a territorial dispute in the South China Sea, the Philippines went to an international tribunal for justice, and won big. But it turned out to be a pyrrhic victory. Beijing came back with such ferocity and manipulative diplomacy that other Southeast Asian countries that have similar disputes with it are apparently backing down. One by one, their positions became clear at meetings this week of Asia-Pacific and Southeast Asian nations, a gathering that was supposed to unanimously call out China for a host of actions in the resource-rich South China Sea — building artificial islands and military airstrips, sending warships, staging live-firing exercises and shooing away fishermen from other countries. And so, the four-day conclave in Vientiane, the Laotian capital, ended Tuesday with China’s muscles bulging more than ever, and the vaunted unity of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations in disarray. “Neither China nor ASEAN emerged from the Vientiane meetings with honour,” said Ian Storey, a senior fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, a Singapore-based think tank. “It’s a sad state of affairs when expectations of ASEAN being able to do anything to lower tensions in the South China Sea are zero, and instead the focus is on whether it can get its act together.” Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr sought to put a positive spin on the developments. “Whether or not you will say that this is a triumph of China or a triumph of the Philippines, or a defeat of China or a defeat of the Philippines, the fact is clear,” he told reporters in Manila on Wednesday. “This is a victory for ASEAN for upholding the very principles of international law and ... more importantly, pursuing our negotiations in the dispute in a peaceful manner.” “Be that as it may, the actual resolution of this dispute between China and the Philippines is a matter between China and the Philippines,” he said, reflecting a position that suits China perfectly. The first coup de grace China dealt was at an ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting, where it successfully prevented a joint communique from mentioning the July 12 ruling by the Hague-based arbitration panel in favour of the Philippines. While the communique did express concerns about the tensions in the South China Sea, it did so without naming China. A millstone around the neck of ASEAN — Southeast Asia’s main grouping — is that it can issue statements only when there is consensus among all 10 members. China leveraged that by ensuring that Cambodia and Laos would not provide that consensus. Both countries receive massive aid from China, which recently announced a $600m package to Cambodia. “As an association, ASEAN loses power and relevance when it punts on the most important regional issues,” said John Ciorciari, a Southeast Asia expert at the University of Michigan. “Yet ASEAN operates by consensus, and when push comes to shove, national interests tend to trump regional solidarity.” “Aid has won China some close friends in Southeast Asia, and Cambodia in particular has been quite willing to cast vetoes on communique language inimical to Chinese interests,” he said. China does not accept the arbitration panel’s ruling, and says all disputes should be settled bilaterally through
negotiations. It did not participate in the panel’s hearings, and insists that almost all of the South China Sea, which is ringed by claimants China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Taiwan, belongs to it historically. It also accuses outside parties — the United States, Japan and Australia — of needling ASEAN countries and raising tensions. After ASEAN’s failure to rebuke China, those three countries issued a joint statement in Vientiane saying they strongly oppose “any coercive unilateral actions that could alter the status quo and increase tensions.” China lashed out at them on Wednesday, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi saying in a statement that the three countries were “fanning the flames” of regional tension. “Now it is the time to test whether you are peacekeepers or troublemakers,” he said. Diplomats who attended the Laos meetings said it was interesting to see that claimant countries appeared less enthusiastic than others in wanting to rebuke China. Even the Philippines was not too forceful in asking for strong language in the joint ASEAN statement. It repeatedly pointed out that the ruling by the arbitration panel was the result of its “unilateral” lawsuit, implying that ASEAN should not get involved. Malaysia’s foreign minister didn’t even show up for the meetings. At a later meeting of ASEAN and Asia-Pacific nations, Brunei took pains to praise China’s leadership, according to diplomats who attended the meeting. And on Tuesday, Vietnam’s deputy foreign minister, Le Hoai Trung, told The Associated Press that his country prefers bilateral dialogue with China, which Beijing wants. The Philippines is in a tight spot because even though it went to the tribunal and won, that was under the previous government of Benigno Aquino III. President Rodrigo Duterte, Aquino’s successor, has made friendly overtures to Beijing and is leaning toward bilateral negotiations. But the bottom line is that the tribunal’s decision, although legally binding, is nonenforceable. The arbitration panel didn’t take a position on who owns the disputed territories, which include reefs and rocky outcroppings in the vast sea. It concluded only that many of them are legally rocks, even if they’ve been built into islands, and therefore do not include the international rights to develop the surrounding waters. Now it is up to China to decide what concessions it wants to make, and how much pressure the smaller countries can take. “At this point, it (the ruling) is not a magic stick ... it’s not a solution to everything, but rather it needs to be combined with other measures,” said Tran Viet Thai, deputy director of the Institute of Strategic Studies, a Vietnamese government think tank. China is showing no signs of slowing down its efforts to exert control over the South China Sea. Along with creating new islands by piling sand on top of coral reefs, China has built airstrips, harbours and lighthouses that it says will benefit fishermen and ship owners who transit the strategic waterway. Clearly, China is not giving up the sea — tribunal or no tribunal — yet the ruling will continue to hang over it like a dagger. By VIJAY JOSHI of the Associated Press
A man of action EDITOR, The Tribune. AFTER more than four years of big talk and little action from Prime Minister Perry Christie, The Bahamas needs a leader that will simply get the job done. We don’t need another sweet-talking, fancy-dancing prime minister that is great at making appear-
ances and poor at making decisions. We need someone who is a doer; someone that will go to work on day one and keep at it. Judging from Dr Hubert Minnis’ stellar record as a senior public servant and as a government minister he has the kind of work ethic that we so desper-
ately need in a prime minister. That is why when delegates vote at the Free National Movement convention this Friday, I sincerely hope they vote to re-elect Dr Minnis as leader. DELVIN ROLLE Nassau, July 27, 2016.
The grass on the other side EDITOR, The Tribune. THE great, French leader Charles de Gaulle said, “the cemeteries of the world are filled with indispensable men”. I am certain that PM Christie would concur with de Gaulle’s blunt statement. The PM has often reflected in sober, quiet moments that he has only two handfuls of daily living left if God graced him with as many years of life as his parents, who both died in their early 80s. I can assure all of my ambitious friends in the Progressive Liberal Party that I would be the first to “yuck” the keys of PLP stewardship from the Party Leader if I thought that he intended to take them to his grave. I listened to the Prime Minister’s comments on the Ed Field’s show and frankly I think certain prominent PLP supporters allowed themselves to be “goosied” by a media initiative that is determined to shape the political debate unashamedly, as partisan operatives, skewing facts or outright abandoning them. The PM said two things that sparked an unreasonable reaction; that younger members of his government asked that he stay on and his expression of concern on continued stability once he stepped aside from party leadership. I can only be speculative. Perhaps the younger members are first time parliamentarians who are equally as ambitious as their more senior colleagues. Common sense and political intuition must lead them to conclude that the PM no matter what occurs in 2017 has to initiate succession. These younger members I suspect, will be more emboldened to test their own political prowess post 2017, rather than now. On the issue of stability, I felt the PM was simply expressing a legitimate concern to ensure that the cannibalistic environment
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net of brother eating sister, taking place in the FNM does not occur in the PLP by his stepping aside. It is my view that former FNM leader Hubert Ingrahams’s seemingly laissez faire attitude (until now) to the FNM leadership issue created instability in that party. Instead of having the PLP for lunch over the last four years, they have eaten each other. Whether it’s your business, church, junkanoo group or your political party, long term, successful leadership conveys an inalienable right to influence who should succeed you. Now let’s get straight to the bottom line. Accountants in particular appreciate that type of reasoning. Politics is a power game. In 2015, David Cameron recorded a brilliant second term victory in the UK elections. He and his Chancellor of Exchequer, George Osborne were Big Chiefs 1 and 2, with the latter being PM in waiting. To appease a vocal minority in his party, Cameron foolishly called a Referendum to continue European integration, something Britons were already doing for four decades. He gambled and lost, along with those who backed him strongly. His main challenger Boris Johnson anticipated taking reins of the Conservative party. His main backer Michael Gove abandoned him, deciding that he was better suited to be PM. The party leaders deemed Gove a disloyal Machiavellian schemer and eventually rallied around Theresa May who became PM. Cameron stepping down to May’s ascendancy, had nothing to do with honour, or conventions. It was simply an exercise in raw political power. The 2017 General Elections are at our doorstep. Current PLP parliamen-
tarians should take note of words of Minnesota Senator Al Franken at the 2016 Democratic Convention. Pointing to his Minnesota delegation, he said, “I won by 300 votes. They are the reason why I am standing here giving this speech and not before my bathroom mirror”. PLPs do have decisions to make. Whatever one may think of Mr Christie, there is no question of his keen instinct for political survival and prosperity. He inherited a weak PLP party in 1997 with five parliamentary seats and took it to 29 seats five years later. Even in defeat, his party held 18 seats in 2007 and stormed back in 2012 to practically take the “whole hog”. Forty years of intense political warfare does take a toll. Some say there is no more fight or ideas left. There is also the suggestion that he would be an impediment to a PLP victory, that the party would have to carry him, rather than the other way around. It is not for me to comment. The PM is surrounded by capable and politically prudent colleagues. I am sure they have their own points of view on his tenure and political judgment. They are on the front line and as shown in the FNM can flex their muscles at any time if confidence in the present PLP leadership evaporates. But “buyer beware”. In politics when one chooses sides, you are accountable for your choices. It’s distasteful to label accomplished PLP parliamentarians and party leaders as fearful, favour seekers, or sycophants if PM Christie continues to command their support. In a political context, all of us in the words of that powerful prayer of confession, “follow the devices and desires of our own hearts”. GARY CHRISTIE Nassau, July 26, 2016.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, July 28, 2016, PAGE 5
THE CONTENDERS for the leader and deputy leader positions dancing on stage at the Free National Movement convention last night. From left, Dr Duane Sands, Peter Turnquest, Loretta Butler-Turner and Dr Hubert Minnis. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
Leader rivals united in dance from page one
In a surprising move near the end of his speech, Dr Minnis called Mrs ButlerTurner onto the convention stage, hugging her and dancing with her as Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” played in the background, prompting the crowd to scream and clap wildly. East Grand Bahama MP Peter Turnquest, who hopes to retain his deputy leader post, Senator Dr Duane Sands, who is challenging him, also came to the stage, held hands and danced. Addressing delegates and FNM supporters at the first night of the party’s convention, Dr Minnis once again called for unity within the party and urged FNMs to “come together, with one single voice and fight the PLP.” At points during his speech, the crowd of hundreds of delegates and supporters waved their red, white and blue pom poms and cheered wildly as Dr Minnis danced across the stage to songs “Jokey Leaders” and “Hit the Road Jack.” The songs played when he took dramatic pauses after lambasting the government on various failures. Dr Minnis seemed confident that he would once again be elected to lead the party and called for all supporters to “respect” the outcome of the party’s internal vote. Earlier in the day, Mrs Butler-Tuner was nominated for the post of leader by former Deputy Prime Minister Frank Watson. This comes two years after her failed leadership bid in 2014 against Dr Minnis. Despite the show of solidarity on the convention stage, Mrs Butler-Turner has publicly stated that she does not believe she will be given a fair chance if Dr Minnis is re-elected as leader and it has been speculated that she will not be ratified as the party’s standard bearer for her consistency. When asked by the press on Monday about the fate of Mrs Butler-Turner and the five MPs who openly opposed him as leader, Dr Minnis refused to answer. However, Wednesday night, Dr Minnis said he is willing to put “animosity aside” after the party’s election. The crowd chanted “Rock wit’ Doc” - Dr Minnis’ campaign slogan - over and over as the Killarney MP declared he will once again emerge as leader of the FNM. “Democracy demands that we must respect the
DR Hubert Minnis pictured dancing with Loretta Butler-Turner on the convention stage last night. wishes of the convention as expressed at the ballot box. And on Friday night, when I emerge as leader, we must all put aside animosity and do what is best for the people of The Bahamas,” Dr Minnis said. “Friday must be a time of healing and forgiveness. We must commence our journey of taking back the government and rescuing the people from this nightmare...Our detractors are betting that on Friday we will end up as a fractured party but I stamp my big foot and say I will not let our detractors get the last word and laugh at our expense. “There will be no fracture. There will be no crack. There will be no split. There will only be a strong united Free National Movement party.” Dr Minnis also urged FNM members to stop fighting each other and come together to fight the PLP and
“rescue Bahamians.” “If we are angry, let us direct our anger at the great wrong committed by the PLP and not at each other. If we are disappointed and frustrated, let us direct that frustration on focusing on the failures of the PLP. If we must do battle, let us do battle on behalf of the thousands, who cannot find work because of the bad PLP policies. It is time to stop fighting each other. There is more that unites us, than divides us.” Dr Minnis also recalled a time when he was almost robbed at gunpoint while driving home from the hospital late one night. It was then, Dr Minnis said, he re-
ally understood what it was to be afraid and pledged to reduce crime and the fear of crime in the country. The party will vote on all positions Friday morning and the results will be announced in the final session of the convention on Friday night.
PAGE 6 , Thursday, July 28, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
Butler-Turner: Minnis trying to silence me from page one
Mrs Butler-Turner branded Dr Minnis as “devious” and said his actions to allegedly cheat her out of a fair process only shows how threatened he is by her. Under these conditions, the MP said, the democracy of the party, the convention and the FNM itself is also threatened. She also blamed Dr Minnis for the party’s financial troubles over the staging of the convention. Mrs Butler-Turner sounded off on Facebook, asserting that she and running mate Senator Dr Duane Sands have not been treated with equity and fairness, but instead were only afforded “disorganisation, half truths and back room deals” from Dr Minnis. The allegations came after her “Forward Together” campaign complained that Mrs Butler-Turner has only been scheduled 10 minutes, from 9.35pm to 9.45pm on Thursday night, to present her platform. This, they said, was not sufficient and unfair when compared to Dr Minnis’ allotted time of 9.45pm to 10.30pm Wednesday night for his keynote address. Her campaign also argued that the requisite information she needed, including the list of voting delegates, was not readily available among other things. “Our convention is one of my favourite political events. I always look forward to seeing my FNM friends from all over our country. Last night (Tuesday), after weeks of requests, I finally saw the schedule of events for this year’s convention,” she
posted to her certified Facebook page yesterday. “As you know, this year, our party’s leader has left us unable to finance our own convention. I stepped up and made a financial commitment that enables us to gather as a party this week. Since then, there has been nothing but disorganisation, half-truths, and back room deals from our leader. All you need to do is look at the schedule to see how he is trying to keep me and (Senator) Duane Sands from speaking in front of you.” She continued: “He has done everything he can to silence my voice and steal this convention. The FNM was built on fairness and equality for all Bahamians; his behaviour is not in line with our values. Sadly, this is what we have come to expect from Minnis. “His deviousness only shows how threatened he is. Under these conditions, the democracy of our party is threatened, our convention is threatened, and the FNM itself is threatened. What is Minnis afraid of? “Is he afraid of new ideas? Afraid of a woman who can beat the PLP? Is he even afraid of hearing me speak at our convention? “Do not let him steal this convention from you. Do not allow him to threaten the unity of our party. Any violation of our principles betrays us all. This betrayal of our FNM betrays our nation’s future.” She urged users to share the Facebook message in a move to show that their voices will not be silenced. Moments after the nominations closed at the Melià Nassau Beach Hotel, Mrs Butler-Turner told The
LORETTA Butler-Turner MP at the Free National Movement Convention last night. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff look at the order of events run a party in need of unity The Tribune to the party’s in the booklet. This is a after this event. Programme Committee. leader race where both “One would have thought Nominations closed yessides are expected to have that you would have seen terday where Dr Minnis an opportunity to put for- more balance in the pro- and Loretta Butler-Turner ward what their vision for gramme so Dr Minnis gets were nominated for the the organisation is. ample time to outline his leadership post of the par“They are each responsi- vision and Loretta Butler- ty. ble for finding $100,000 to Turner gets ample time, but East Grand Bahama underwrite this event. The she has not.” MP Peter Turnquest and expectation was if you are When questioned about Senator Duane Sands were the leader of the organisa- the concerns, Sidney Collie, nominated for the deputy tion and you are interested who hopes to be re-elected leader positions, in addition in fair play, balance, the as the party’s chairman, to former House Speaker perception is that how you said he was aware of the Alvin Smith and Mr Collie organise this event would “Forward Together” cam- being named as contenders be reflective of how you will paign’s issues and deferred for the chairman’s post.
Tribune that she was disappointed to have not been given a level playing field to present her platform. Meanwhile, former FNM Chairman Darron Cash insisted that the process had been “corrupt” from the beginning. He claimed that it was totally biased and in favour of Dr Minnis. “Loretta Butler-Turner and Senator Duane Sands have gotten no equity in the organisation of this event. It is plain as day when you
SURVEY SHOWS FNM SUPPORTERS BACK BUTLER-TURNER from page one The poll’s margin of error was not given. In a press release, the company said 350 FNM voters were contacted via phone between May 9 and June 17 of this year. The poll showed “that they overwhelmingly prefer a leadership team selected by Loretta Butler-Turner (36 per cent) as opposed to Hubert Minnis (17 per cent) or Brent Symonette (22 per cent).” Although the poll references “delegates” as being the subjects of this survey, it is unclear if these people
were on the final voters’ list for this week’s convention. “The RABA Research survey finds widespread dissatisfaction with the current state of the FNM,” the company said. “When asked to describe the FNM, 54 per cent of delegates (190 out of the 350 surveyed) agreed with a statement that said: ‘The FNM is a mess. It needs a new leader as soon as possible if it is going to win.’ “Only 31 per cent of delegates were satisfied with the current state of the FNM, while 14 per cent did not have an opinion. Particularly noteworthy was self-identified party pref-
erence. When asked which party would they choose if the election were held today, 39 per cent either did not know or refused to give an answer. For nearly two in five members of the party faithful to be uncertain about which party to support is deeply problematic for FNM, and demonstrates how unhappy they are with the state of their party.” The purported poll comes as FNM delegates vote this week to determine whether Dr Minnis will remain leader of the party or be replaced with Mrs Butler-Turner his former deputy.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, July 28, 2016, PAGE 7
READERS RESPOND TO INGRAHAM’S COMMENTS ON FNM AFTER former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham told The Tribune that the current state of the Free National Movement is “distressing”, readers gave their reaction on tribune242. com. Jackbnimble said: “Sadly, I think that no matter who wins the party is forever fractured.” Well_mudda_take_sic had this to say: “The Bahamian people have been played as fools for far too
long by Ingraham and Christie alike.” Mr Ingraham’s claim that FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis abused his power when he removed former Chairman Darron Cash from the party’s Execu-
THE CROWD at the Free National Movement Convention.
tive Committee, prompted Economist to say: “Minnis is clearly not leadership material.” Stapedius said: “Ingraham. Just in time to put the nail in Minnis’ coffin.” Alfalfa asked: “Why would the former PM and the former DPM, suddenly find their voices and decide to offer opinions on the state of the FNM? They are very wealthy as a result of their former political positions, and it is in
their best interests and the best interest of the FNM and the Bahamas in general, that they keep quiet, and ride off into the sunset with whatever dignity they have left. How can anyone forget Ingraham, the deserter, and seriously place any value on anything he says?” And there was a lively response to the news that Maurice Moore, regarded as one of the Free National Movement’s
founding fathers, had told Opposition MPs if they cannot support their leader they should “get the hell out of the seats” they occupy in the House of Assembly. Justthefactsplease offered this: “If they leave the FNM now, the FNM would not even be the opposition anymore . . . it would be relegated to a third party status. He and the FNM need to focus on reconciliation and healing
instead of driving this division agenda.” Proudloudandfnm criticised Mr Moore: “Wow. What a stupid and divisive speech. Moore should be ashamed of himself…” Asiseeit said: “Moore is making the DNA look like a choice that may need a bit more looking into. Nobody just gets a vote.” • Don’t miss your chance to join the debate on tribune242.com.
Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
McALPINE: DON’T CUT ANYONE FROM THE TEAM from page one
During his impassioned speech, he pleaded: “For God’s sake do not subtract anyone from this team. The Free National Movement, we are a team and we better start acting and performing like a team. We are as strong as the team. There is no ‘I’ in team.” “Hear me well, when it comes to our team, FNMs we can recruit to the team, add to the team and multiply the team. But for God’s sake don’t subtract from the team or divide this team. We need all hands on deck. Every player is most valuable to this team, everybody is important to the team including the past, present and future. There is strength in unity and power in numbers. To win the next general election, it calls for a team effort. So let’s settle our difference here and now and come back to the Bahamian people as a ready FNM team.” He added: “We need all Bahamians of all persuasions throughout the length and breadth of this country to join us. We need the majority to do so in order to win and become the government. We want you. We need you to join us in this fight to remove this PLP government. “We can’t afford to turn anybody away. You’re welcome to connect with us, whether you’re male or female, saint or sinner, black or white, rich or poor, sick or well, fat or slim, short or tall, gay or straight, uptown or downtown, on the hill or over the hill. We need everybody. We need the majority so that we can govern.” Mr McAlpine also said the party needs to focus on unity and support whoever wins Friday’s leadership race. He said people are not only tired of the governing Progressive Liberal Party, but the public is also tired of seeing the FNM’s dirty laundry aired in public. “The people are tired of turning on the TV and looking at the newspapers and watching social media and seeing the party they have trusted in civil war,” Mr McAlpine said. “FNMs we have a powerful legacy. We have a record of accomplishment with the Bahamian people that’s unmatched. The country needs us once again. They are calling on us to inspire them, to give them hope, to provide di-
rection and leadership that can guide us out of the crisis we are in. They need us to survive...We cannot tear each other apart, brother against brother, sister against sister, brother against sister and sister against brother. No individual is bigger than the party and the party existed before anyone who is presently running for leader. The time has come for us to put aside our personal agendas so that we can all collectively win for the Bahamian people. The FNM is not about one man or woman.” As he closed his speech, the crowd went wild, waving pom poms and cheering in support of his message to end infighting. Over the past few weeks, concerns have surfaced within the FNM that the party will remain disjointed regardless of who is elected to lead following the vote on Friday. Mrs Butler-Turner is challenging Dr Minnis for the leadership post he has
held for the past four years. It has been speculated that the six MPs who threatened to have Dr Minnis constitutionally removed as opposition leader will not be ratified if Dr Minnis emerges as leader once again. These MPs are St Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman, Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn, North Eleuthera MP Theo Neilly, Mrs Butler-Turner, Central Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant and Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins. On Tuesday, former Prime Minster and Leader of the FNM Hubert Ingraham said he was currently “distressed” by the state of the FNM. He also stressed that the six MPs who have voiced concerns with Dr Minnis should not face retribution, saying he was “disappointed” that the FNM leader refused to answer clearly when asked by the media on Monday what will happen to these politicians if he retains his post.
FREDERICK McAlpine speaking at the FNM convention last night.
PAGE 8 , Thursday, July 28, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
Convention is a watershed moment for the FNM A Young Man’s View
By ADRIAN GIBSON
F
RIDAY night’s new mandate by the delevote at the Free gates of his party. He would National Move- be further empowered and ment’s (FNM) his influence within the parconvention will likely be a ty would be far-reaching, all watershed moment in the while riding a new wave of party’s history. political excitement. The The convention, which same applies to Butlerbegan yesterday, concludes Turner if she is successful in tomorrow with a contest for her candidacy. all party posts. But her candidacy can There is a seismic crack now only be compared to a within the FNM. There is candle in the wind. Given a deep frost between FNM the impending election, leader Dr Hubert Minnis Butler-Turner’s road to beand Long Island MP Lo- coming FNM leader is now retta Butler-Turner. much steeper than it was in Though the Progressive 2014. Liberal Party (PLP) has Stacks of cash have been abysmally squandered an- spent on this convention. other chance in power, the The party itself raised FNM has had to contend $350,000 but each of the with strife within its parlia- tandems vying for the leadmentary team. Given that, ership of the FNM have the PLP - with all its money, themselves spent thousands machinery and structure - on their individual cammust be conceitedly think- paigns. The Butler-Turner/ ing that next year’s general Duane Sands campaign has election is all wrapped up. been accused of having a On Friday, one can expect geyser of special interest lots of horse trading, politi- dollars, being cast as the cal ship jumping and double preferred choice of the elite crossing. In the wake of Hu- whilst Dr Minnis has probert Ingraham’s announce- jected himself as the poor ment this boy from week, there Over-theare many who ‘Loretta ButlerHill who, by have assessed Turner’s rhetoric sheer will, the political was over-the-top, made sometemperature thing of himwithin the impertinent and self. FNM and seemingly deepens This elechave been se- the gap between toral part of cretly negotithis convenating with the Minnis and her and tion can be Minnis camp their supporters. viewed as a or outright She failed to referendum bandwagon on Minnis’ hopping. As capitalise in her role leadership is typical in as the underdog, over the last these situa- instead adopting four years. tions, there Since people are many a scorched earth can nomiwho want to policy whilst Minnis nate up to be affiliated remained quiet and Friday, there with a winner are others and who, for never responded. within the self-serving FNM - if they He remained reasons, view so strongly rhetorically Minnis as a object to cautious.’ prospective the doctor’s future Prime leadership Minister who could “do lil stylings - who could step something for them”. forward and offer themIf Minnis wins tomorrow, selves for the top post. he would have been given a Butler-Turner’s rheto-
DR Hubert Minnis during his arrival into the Free National Movement convention. ric this week and in weeks past was over-the-top, impertinent and seemingly deepens the gap between Minnis and her and their supporters. In so doing, she has caused a deepening of public sympathy for Minnis and politically greased her own skids. Butler-Turner failed to capitalise in her role as the underdog, instead adopting a scorched earth policy whilst Minnis remained quiet and never openly and/or directly responded. He remained rhetorically cautious. I take no issue with her cataloguing Minnis’ list of political blunders but the cheap shots and the tone and tenor of her vigorous public pronouncements would not engender public confidence in Minnis if he emerges as leader. Frankly, the PLP could - by using Butler-Turner’s own words over various appearances on talk shows and campaign advertisements - craft several effective attack ads during the next general election. She has certainly left a gold mine of soundbites, quotes and put downs. It has been a crass public relations display. There is clearly a disparity in perspectives within the FNM. Despite speculation that some delegates are disillusioned with Minnis and
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that his support within the FNM has diminished, I do not believe that much has changed in the minds of the delegates in the nearly 20 months since Butler-Turner’s crushing three-to-one defeat at the FNM’s oneday convention in November, 2014. I am even less convinced that, given her attacks and utterances on various media platforms in recent weeks, the delegates will have faith in her capacity to resolve divisions within the FNM and marshal its forces. On November 21, 2014, on conceding defeat that night, Butler-Turner said in a statement: “The contest for the leadership is over, having demonstrated once again the solid democratic principles upon which our movement was founded and nurtured. Our shared task now is unity. As the Official Opposition the FNM has an essential constitutional role to play and a challenge to prepare for the responsibility of governing. I pledge my full support in these efforts in a spirit of unity and collegiality.” So, where did it go wrong and why didn’t Mrs Butler-Turner - in her words and deeds - exemplify the full support she pledged? Frankly, she withdrew from the political spotlight and was not the force she was in the House of Assembly prior to that convention. By her own accounts, she was learning and transforming for what today is her second bite at the cherry. In 2014, she also pledged to “continue to vigorously lend my voice and support as a member of the FNM’s parliamentary team and to offer my party and the Bahamian people ideas for a better Bahamas”. Her voice was not as vigorous as before and it was clear to many that she had withdrawn herself.
Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
The reality is that when Minnis wins - as I believe he will - Butler-Turner and others could decide to jump the political fence and form a breakaway grouping. However, though Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins was among the six MPs who were signatories to a recent letter that sharply criticised Minnis’ leadership, I doubt that he would be inclined to follow Butler-Turner and so, even with a breakaway grouping, she would be unable to form a political unit that would become the Official Opposition.
M
innis is not without fault. He is not a silvertongued orator and, yes, he has shortcomings. However, he has been in the trenches for the past four years. He has demonstrated humility and poise and, despite all the criticism and negativity thrown his way, has marched full steam ahead, committing himself to the task and determining that he would focus on winning supporters. During his tenure, he has been methodical, wisely travelling from island to island. I respect that. Minnis’ strength is that he has been underestimated, though he has demonstrated time and time again that he is politically savvy and a strategist. In my opinion, Minnis has toiled in the political vineyard and he deserves the opportunity to lead the FNM into a general election. It is comparable to a farmer who plants peas and corn only for someone else to pop up, on the cusp of a harvest, and reap that which they have not planted nor cared for. If Minnis takes the FNM into the general election and loses, then one could expect that he - like Mr Ingraham and other honourable adherents to the Westminster system -
would resign. I have read his platform. Whilst one can question how a programme or policy would take shape, he is offering an optimistic vision for the future, one of broad prosperity and a shift in the status quo. This week, former Prime Minister Ingraham demonstrated that he is in a political sphere that no other living local politician - current or former - has attained. His pronouncements caused a stir, generated buzz on every media format and conjured feelings of nostalgia across the archipelago. Unfortunately, folks like my father, who is perhaps the biggest Ingraham fan in The Bahamas, was left disappointed and heartbroken (he actually retreated in silent but noticeable depression) by his decision not to return and his letter to the chairman that instructed that any attempt to nominate him ought not to be recognised as he would decline. By contrast, the PLP undoubtedly breathed a sigh of relief. Mr Ingraham is a looming figure, the so-called ghost at the feast. The fact is that Ingraham has renewed interest in the Free National Movement. He excited a base that was weary of the infighting and instability. Ingraham’s mystique - built around his refusal to seek out and indefatigably grab the spotlight and media attention, his strong leadership style and reputation as a straight shooter - has caused the public and the media to crave his input. He continues to be the Bahamas’ most beloved political figure. If the FNM wants to win the next general election, just like the PLP prominently features the late Sir Lynden Pindling, Mr Ingraham must be showcased as the party’s nuclear weapon. I have said before that our nation must rightly honour him whilst he walks among us. Honour him! He is the country’s best Prime Minister thus far and yet no real initiative has been taken to honour his many contributions to our national life. Shame! On Friday, barring an unlikely withdrawal by Mrs Butler-Turner, her campaign for leadership will flame out. After Friday, the FNM’s leadership should not continue to be an unresolved drama within the party’s hierarchy, with people continuing to refuse to either accept process or engaging in friendly fire on the eve of one of the most important general elections in Bahamian history. The debate has to be shifted back to the specifics of the FNM’s vision for this country. The leaking of FNM party emails, the woeful outpourings of inharmoniousness, the lack of civility and the personalised tirades on media platforms would have to stop. In Opposition, MPs are given an opportunity to establish themselves by craft-
THE TRIBUNE ing and advancing private Marguerite Pindling. member’s Bills, showcasIf Minnis wins, those ing their ability to debate who have expressed no consupported by research and fidence in his leadership an understanding of the is- should offer not to seek sues and hold the govern- re-nomination or, at the ing party accountable. No very least, enlighten a quesFNM MP would pass with tioning public on how they flying colours. However, will suddenly find the confithere have been certain dence to march in lockstep MPs who, in my opinion, behind a leader that they have been ineffectual time- have undermined, defied servers. and/or dissed for four years. All of the current FNM I expect that most, if not all, MPs should not be blindly will seek to cling to their re-nominated. Unfortu- seats. I imagine that Minnnately, during the last elec- is’ impending win will have tion, the FNMs then best a perspective-altering effect and brightest were given on many of those who will unwinnable or marginal suddenly switch allegiances seats whilst some of the cur- and find him politically palrent MPs were given tradi- atable. Politics is dogmatic tionally FNM-leaning seats religion. and were elected when fireIn 2014, Central Grand brands like Dion Foulkes, Bahama MP Neko Grant Michael Pintard, Zhivargo supported Dr Minnis. HowLaing, Carl Bethel, Howard ever, I’m reliably informed Johnson and that between others all lost ‘I imagine that Dr then and now, their seats. Mr Grant’s Their losses Minnis’ impending constituency weakened the win will have association parliamenhas expressed a perspectivetary caucus. an interest in As it stands, altering effect a new candithe FNMs on many of date. I am told bench is unthat Mr Grant inspiring and those who will was also of weak and I suddenly switch the view that would impress allegiances and former FNM upon whochairman Miever emerges find him politically chael Pintard as leader to palatable.’ was interested recognise that in his seat, and make the decisions that believing that Pintard or must be made in the inter- another candidate had atest of the party’s future. tained Dr Minnis’ blessThis week, Mr Ingra- ings. Given that, Mr Grant ham revealed that late last purportedly switched sides year he staved off the first and now supports Mrs Butthreat from five FNM MPs ler-Turner. to have Dr Minnis removed Considering the widely as leader through a petition publicised email that he to Governor General Dame wrote chastising Dr Min-
Thursday, July 28, 2016, PAGE 9
ST Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman at yesterday’s convention. nis and the fact that he was pletely fracture after Friday one of the MPs calling for night? Are we witnessing a convention, Mr Grant’s the end of the two party statements at the conclu- (major) system? sion of the 2014 convention 3 What will the FNM’s tell the story of a man who corporate backers do if Dr had very different senti- Minnis wins? ments. 4 What will the young At that time, he told The voters and voting blocs that Tribune: “The people have Dr Minnis have cultivated spoken. We had an excel- do if Mrs Butler-Turner lent turnout today and the wins? FNMs have elected those The FNM cannot become persons they feel are capa- a party of preening, look-atble of leading us to victory me individuals. The party’s in 2017. I think (the issue fate at the polls should not of infighting) was just a be subject to the caprices of perception. You would ap- self-medicated narcissists preciate that in any office - and that applies to both there would be a difference sides. The political wreckof opinion. The convention ing ball must be set aside. provided an opportunity for The FNM has hardly ever those differences of opinion been united but, in order to to be aired and dealt with give the PLP a swift kick, and the people have made competing sides will have their decision; they’ve spo- to bond over a common poken.” litical enemy and exercise There are some questions discipline. A single leader that must be considered go- cannot force these sides to ing into this convention: unite. That decision also 1 What happens to candi- rests upon them. dates ratified by Dr Minnis The FNM cannot continif, by some phenomenon, ue to hit the wrong chords Mrs Butler-Turner wins? If going into the next election. Minnis has shored up the The party must rebrand itparty machinery with trust- self; it must immediately ed allies over the years, how find the control-alt-delete would it work if Mrs Butler- buttons, reset and reboot. Turner wins? Mr Ingraham has em2 Will the FNM com- braced a changing of the
FNM Chairman Sidney Collie. Photos: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff guard. The party too much behalf of the FNM. I think reflects that change in its he could contribute much selection of quality, young towards to FNM and reprecandidates. Unlike the sents that party’s future and PLP, the FNM must truly I wholeheartedly endorse highlight and propel a new his re-election. generation of leaders and, Just as Mr Ingraham frankly, new generation walked away, there are othleaders are not candidates ers within the FNM who in their 50s and 60s. Any- must do the same, acceptone over 40 can hardly con- ing change and becoming sider themselves as young statesmen whose experior as a different generation ence and influence could (45 being on the extreme greatly influence good govend of the so-called youth ernance, party initiatives spectrum). and mentorship of new genThe Bahamas has had eration FNM parliamentarthree Prime Ministers in ians. 43 years of Independence As it stands, the FNM whilst the United Kingdom can only defeat itself. The has had nine in the same governing PLP has been time span; Jamaica has had a disaster of apocalyptic nine in 55 years of Inde- proportions. This version pendence; and the United of the Cabinet of the BahaStates has had seven Presi- mas has reached a point of dents in 43 years. irreparable fault and Prime The party must be pep- Minister Christie seems too pered with youth, with paralysed to solve it. The sprinklings of experienced governing party has dispersons as outgoing MPs dainfully demonstrated imto guide newcomers and as penitent arrogance and huadvisers to a younger gen- bris to the very people that eration. For example, my they claim that they want to friend Jamal Moss, the for- serve! mer longstanding President Hopefully, we see maniof the Torchbearers Youth festation of the clichéd Association and current “come to Jesus moment”. FNM Vice Chairman, is a community leader who has Comments and responses worked in the trenches on to ajbahama@hotmail.com
A lament for Long Island L
ONG Island is in side road leads to Dean’s desperate need Blue Hole, one of the wonof governmental ders of the world and a site assistance and were world diving competiyear-round economic stim- tions are held. Yet that track ulus but, unfortunately, its road remains unpaved. At economy has stalled. the blue hole, there is no Before last October’s concession stand, no cabaHurricane Joaquin disrupt- nas, no nothing! ed the way of life of Long What’s more, the beach Islanders and caused the is- in Clarence Town is a mess, land to suffer an infrastruc- with uprooted trees strewn tural setback that it has yet along the beach and items to recover from, settlements from the sunken El Faro south of Clarence Town in cargo ship littering the the south shoreline. and O’neils These items in the north ‘Until recently, a range from had, unfor- family who lost needles to tunately, bottles and their house in the become so on. There ghost towns. hurricane were living has been Many of the and sleeping in their no effort residents to properly boat - a small skiff. there are clean up either el- They purportedly that beach derly, dying cooked on three or cut the out or have trees. rocks. Today, I am relocated to I was other parts informed that they heartbroof the island have only recently ken when I or moved to discovered New Provi- been provided with a that until dence and mobile home. This is recently, a elsewhere. family who shameful.’ This is unlost their fortunate house in the because there is little incen- hurricane were living and tive for these Long Island- sleeping in their boat - a ers to return home. small skiff. They purportLong Island suffers from edly cooked on three rocks. high unemployment and Today, I am informed that underemployment. I have they have only recently yet to hear this government been provided with a mopropose a plan for Long Is- bile home. This is shameful. land, instead treating it as Unlike Exuma, Abaco an unsupportive out island and several of the other post that they could not be major islands, Long Island bothered to support. We does not have an internaLong Islanders pay taxes tional airport. What a dislike everyone else, yet our grace! As it stands, Bahaisland is left to linger in the masair and Southern Air fly dark ages. into Deadman’s Cay once I often travel to Long Is- per day and Southern Air land to visit family and at- flies into Stella Maris once tend to my business inter- per day. Both airports are ests and I can attest to the rundown and face logistical fact that the hurricane’s im- challenges, ranging from a pact on the island has been short runway to flooding to life altering. swampland. A new airport Whenever I speak to is long overdue. I have long people like Bernard Ad- proposed that a new airderley and Elias Cartwright port should be constructed (Deadman’s Cay) and Ed- in Grays, a relatively cenward Gibson (Bunches) tral location where there and so many other Long are large swaths of crown Islanders, I am convinced land. A new international that they all believe that the airport would greatly assist central government, with in the turnaround of Long all their pathetic self-praise Island’s economy. in the House of Assembly, The dock in Salt Pond is could care less. That is sad also problematic, with the and unacceptable. The gov- mail boat unable to access it ernment continues to strike at low tide. There is a need the wrong note. for dredging at that port of The Administrator’s Of- entry. fices in Clarence Town (the I am reliably informed capital) and Simms are that although the mail boat crumbling ignominies. Mia Dean purportedly has The roads - particularly the contract to service Clarin places like O’neils, Salt ence Town and although Pond and Deep South - are weekly radio announcepothole ridden. The side ments state that that boat roads are a crying shame is “taking in freight”, anand one could easily catch a other boat - KCP (owned severe back pain upon rid- by Tom Hanna) - travels to ing them. One such rugged Long Island with a trailer.
Long Islanders tell me that the Mia Dean hasn’t been to Long Island in nearly ten years. So, who receives the government’s subsidy? Does the department with oversight of these mail boats not inspect them? I am told that anyone travelling to Clarence Town by mail boat would not be able to purchase water or snacks as none are available unless they bring it onboard themselves. Where are the ambulances and fire trucks? Given the length of Long Island, there should be two of each, one situated at either end. The medical clinics are deteriorating day by day. Prior to the storm, there was a dentist who catered to the entire island. However, the government never provided him with transportation and, after the hurricane, he left. Interestingly, neither the Health Centre in the south nor the Simms Clinic in the north have consistent supplies of medication. In recent months, the local pharmacist died and Long Islanders, I am told, are again forced to send to Nassau for medication. What’s more, islanders must spend $220 on a round-trip ticket to visit a medical lab because the local clinics cannot perform simple blood tests. And yet the government talks about NHI and splurges our hard earned tax dollars on Junkanoo Carnival! The dumps in Deadman’s Cay and O’neils pose a serious environmental and health hazard to residents. In Deadman’s Cay, the public dump sits on wetlands, poisoning the water table and destroying the habitats of all the organisms that live there. After the hurricane, the dump at Deadman’s Cay extended nearly to the main road. Only recently, it was pushed back using a tractor. In O’neils, mounds of garbage have piled up. What’s more, residents of that and surrounding northern settlements must rely on well water as Water and Sewerage has yet to extend its services further north. Here again, the dump is close to the main road. Tractors are used to pile up and flatten the garbage, which is dangerous given the fact that combustible items such as old refrigerators with compressors are all tossed on these sites. Why was the bridge from Newton Cay to Long Island never re-constructed after it collapsed? It has been 15 to 20 years now. I am told that the police in Long Island are desper-
ately in need of leadership. When will a no-nonsense Superintendent be sent to oversee policing on Long Island? One resident told me that for police officers, it’s like “a free ride up here”. I am told that there are several retired officers on Long Island who have returned to the force on year to year contracts and who “do nothing except live off the fat of the land and enjoy a pension and a salary”. Perhaps, the Commissioner of Police should make urgent inquiries. I am told that, recently, there was a celebrated opening of a purported new police station in Deadman’s Cay. By all accounts, a new police station was not constructed. Rather, the governing PLP purportedly rented and renovated the island home of Forrester Carroll, Bahamas Consul
General at New York and a staunch PLP. Apparently, the building formerly utilised by the police was also owned by Mr Carroll. Although the police have now been provided with a fully air conditioned station, I am told that there has been little to no improvement in service. The Royal Bahamas Defence Force has, since the hurricane, deployed a number of officers to assist with Long Island’s recovery. Some islanders have complained to me about “questionable behaviour” on the part of these officers as it relates to the distribution of hurricane relief supplies. What’s more, I am informed that the rebuilding process is moving at a snail’s pace as there are a number of homes in south Long Island with blue tarpaulins on the roofs, nearly one year later. This includes
93-year-old Edner Wells, whose roof was damaged in the hurricane and she has not returned home since. I recall writing to the administrator and reporting that my grandfather’s church roof was damaged in the hurricane. Based on what I’m told, none of the assessors ever visited him. Although we are in hurricane season, the government learned nothing from last year’s devastating storm. Many of the essential service providers in Long Island still do not have satellite phones. When will the clinics, police, utility companies and other essential service providers be outfitted with these much needed phones? Long Islanders just want fair and equal treatment. No more, no less. Comments and responses to ajbahama@hotmail.com
PAGE 10 , Thursday, July 28, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
RONIQUE BROWN, president of the Torchbearers Youth Association, on stage at the FNM convention.
DYSON Knight performing at the Free National Movement Convention at the Melia resort.
Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
SHANENDON CARTWRIGHT, of the Torchbearers Youth Association, speaking last night.
‘FAILED GENDER REFERENDUM WAS PAYBACK FOR THE PLP’ from page one
Party’s actions more than a decade ago ahead of the last constitutional referendum. That vote, which included issues of gender equality among other things, was brought to the electorate during an earlier Ingraham administration. “And then there were FNMs who voted for it the last time who decided not to vote for it this time because they are voting against the PLP,” Mr Ingraham added. “Unfortunately referendums, many times people don’t answer the question asked. They instead respond to the people who ask them the question and so it is a vote against the government why they vote
against those questions.” “That’s unfortunate but that was brought upon them by themselves.” The former Free National Movement leader, who has been in retirement for the past four years, also told The Tribune that he has no regrets about decisions he made during his lengthy career in public office. “I have a number of things I didn’t accomplish, but it wasn’t because I didn’t try. That was one of them, equality, but I don’t have any regrets. I thought I did what I could, all I could, and I told the public before, many times in the House of Assembly, that whenever the time comes and the people decide they didn’t want me anymore they would not have me
around angry, or disappointed or hurt. I would get my lil’ dinghy, do some fishing, come to my law office here, etc, they won’t have me trying to come back and ask them to change their mind. “We had an angry election (in 2012). People were angry at the time, they were angry at us, angry at me I suppose and they voted the way they did and they got the result that they may or may not have intended. But that’s the result they got. I accept it.” Perry Christie Mr Ingraham also weighed in on the political future of his long-time friend and rival, Prime Minister Perry Christie. He was asked about Mr Chris-
tie’s recent suggestion that he is holding the PLP together and plans to stay on as leader because young members of his government have asked him to. “There is a lot of chatter in society that ‘Perry ought to go, Perry ought to go.’ If the public wants Perry to go, they will vote against him,” Mr Ingraham said. “He didn’t put himself in this position. He got elected by people and if they think he should not be there, next time they should vote against him. I think he has every right to serve out his term until next year and he has every right if he chooses to seek re-election as the leader of the PLP. No, in my opinion the PLP will not fracture if Perry is not the leader.”
Mr Ingraham served in Sir Lynden Pindling’s Cabinet and was a member of the PLP until he was booted out of the party in 1985. He joined the Free National Movement (FNM) in 1990, later winning the 1992 general election as that party’s leader. He said the PLP would not fall apart without Mr Christie at its helm because the party is structured, adding that whoever succeeds the prime minister will absorb the PLP’s core supporters. “The PLP is a very established, organised and structured party. They would have a big fight and commotion about who should replace Perry, but when that is finished whoever ends up being the leader
of the PLP and whoever is able to carry the name PLP, and (say) I am the leader of that, will carry the PLP supporters with him. Whoever that is. Unlike the FNM. FNMs will fracture and go here there and everywhere and some will be DNA and some will be hollering about something else, etc. But at the end of the day, the PLPs are going to vote PLP.” He said the FNM is different because the party is a “movement.” “The FNM is not a party in the sense that the PLP is a structured party. The FNM welcomes all manner of people in its ranks, they come in and they go out, they get vex with the PLP and they come to the FNM.”
every intention of downsizing.” During a rare interview on Tuesday at his law office, Mr Ingraham said the government was “dead wrong” to petition the Supreme Court to place the resort into provisional liquidation, instead of letting the developer’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing play out in a US court. He also said the government had experience in such matters, drawing parallels to the sale of property on Paradise Island in the early 1990s. “The government was dead wrong to put Baha Mar in liquidation,” Mr Ingraham stressed. “It made a big mistake when it said that it was against the sovereign interest of the Bahamas for Baha Mar to go into Chapter 11 in the United States. We’ve had that experience before, (the former) Resorts International - Paradise Island - was in Chapter 11 in America when Mr Pindling was prime minis-
ter and when Christie was a minister.” He also said the government “tilted in favour” of the Chinese interests associated with the project. During a separate interview, Mr Ingraham told reporters he advised the prime minister that “it would have made sense” for the government to provide $100 million to the project to keep it afloat. Yesterday, the government stressed that the Chapter 11 proceedings would have “prolonged the developer’s control of the Baha Mar project (at the cost of tens of millions of dollars of professional fees); but it could not possibly have changed the outcome for Baha Mar, except for the worse.” “By commencing winding-up proceedings and moving for appointment of provisional liquidators, the government preserved the possibility of a negotiated resolution, while assuring that the fate of the Baha
Mar resort and the claims of its creditors would be determined in The Bahamas - not in a bankruptcy court in Delaware. This measure, among other things, saved Bahamian unsecured creditors the cost of pursuing their claims in the US.” And on Mr Ingraham’s comparison of the Baha Mar matter to issues related to Paradise Island in the early 1990s, the government said: “The Baha Mar proceedings differed sharply from the two Resorts International bankruptcies. The properties on Paradise Island controlled by Resorts International were part of a much larger enterprise that included casinos in Atlantic City, New Jersey. “The Resorts International bankruptcies affected holding companies and their creditors and led to the sale of the Paradise Island properties to Sol Kerzner; but they did not jeopardize the Bahamian economy or the interests of Bahamian employees or
other creditors. By contrast, the Baha Mar project constituted virtually the only material asset of any of the Baha Mar companies (whose connections with the United States, let alone the State of Delaware, were minimal), while the Baha Mar companies’ bankruptcy threated to harm, and has gravely harmed, the Bahamian economy and Baha Mar’s Bahamian employees and creditors.” In his statement, Mr Roberts claimed that Mr Ingraham’s comments set a dangerous precedent and stood to undermine the sovereignty of the country if the FNM is elected to govern. “Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham’s illadvised comments on the Baha Mar bankruptcy process prove yet again that failing to stand up for Bahamians and the sovereignty of The Bahamas must be endemic in the FNM,” he said. “When faced with the decision to stand up for The
Bahamas, the leadership of the FNM always waffles and struggles on this score. The decision of the Christie administration to oppose the subjugation of our sovereign jurisdiction to a foreign one, reducing our judiciary to a rubber stamp was a matter of sovereignty and we stand behind the government on this policy decision.” He challenged the former prime minister to provide details on other matters of national intrigue, such as the contentious sale of BTC to Cable and Wireless, the international bribery scandal that led to the conviction of a former Bahamas Electricity Corporation board member, and the findings of the NIB forensic audit. He added: “Not only is Ingraham failing to stand up for the Bahamas, his record of governance and his terrible policy decisions do not cause for real progress, but have set this country back many years.”
GOVT INSISTS IT TOOK RIGHT DECISION OVER BAHA MAR from page one
and other creditors.” “Any suggestion to the contrary demonstrates a lack of awareness of the facts surrounding Baha Mar’s insolvency,” the government’s statement added. “Recent press accounts critical of the government’s decision suggest that the government should have committed $100 million in taxpayer funds to supplement financing ostensibly available from Baha Mar’s construction lender, the Export-Import Bank of China (CEXIM) and its developer, Sarkis Izmirlian. This criticism ignores a critical fact: provisional liquidation of the Baha Mar companies was the only realistic choice following their surprise Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in Delaware in late June 2015. The developer himself, in the US bankruptcy proceedings, made clear he had no money to complete the project and that he had
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, July 28, 2016, PAGE 11
Pintard: I’m not running for anything at convention By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net FORMER Free National Movement Chairman Michael Pintard yesterday distanced himself from advertisements that indicated he was seeking to reclaim his post at the party’s convention. Emphatically stating that he was committed to building the party’s base in Grand Bahama, Mr Pintard maintained that he did not intend to run for any position. Party nominations closed yesterday, with voting expected to start on Friday at the Melià hotel. Mr Pintard did not receive a nomination on the convention floor. “In recent weeks a number of delegates and supporters of our party have asked me to once again offer for chairman of the Free National Movement,” said Mr Pintard in a post on Facebook. “Consistently I have indicated that my focus is helping the party in general and concentrating on our campaign in Grand Bahama. While I appreciate the support being offered to me I wish to say simply and clearly say that it is not my intention to offer for any position in the upcoming convention.” Mr Pintard said: “I’m not directly or indirectly responsible for any advertise-
ment being circulated about my participation in convention elections. I will continue to support my party as we unify and seek to lead efforts to build a strong, wholesome and prosperous country.” Mr Pintard resigned as the party’s chairman and as a senator in late March over concerns about his involvement in the contentious court action against Canadian fashion designer Peter Nygard that alleged the Lyford Cay billionaire had orchestrated a murderfor-hire plot against opposing activists. Mr Pintard was named as being the person who uncovered the alleged murder-for-hire plot after meeting with “gang members” Livingston “Toggie” Bullard and Wisler “Bobo” Davilma in early 2015. The billionaire fashion designer - Mr Louis Bacon’s neighbour - fired back with his own allegations and filed court documents that claim Bullard and Davilma were paid for “false testimony” against him. The controversy heightened when FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis later admitted to The Tribune that he met with one of the criminals involved in the alleged plot - Bullard - three times. Dr Minnis maintained that he did not discuss Mr Nygard and had no prior knowledge of the investigation with which Mr Pintard
THE CONVENTION hall yesterday ahead of the event.
was involved. Mr Pintard has maintained that his resignation was important to allow the public to focus on the issues and not an FNM official, and served to rob the PLP of having the ability to use him as a distraction. Yesterday, he told The Tribune that he had no interest in the chairman’s post despite the outpouring of support. He pointed to the significant strides made by his non-profit relief group Light And Water Now (LAWN). “I can only assess based on what persons have said. I’ve sought to hold the Progressive Liberal Party (to account), in terms of organisational skill and managing the day-to-day events. But right now I’m focused on laying the foundation in Grand Bahama for reform, for true relief. “We have put in place funding for the construction of bathrooms in houses with no running water, refurbishing a couple homes. So far we have done one off East Street, and a second home in Marco City. Wherever people need assistance, we will take applications.” Mr Pintard added: “Priority categories are indigent or senior citizens, and single mothers with multiple children. We are grateful to all the persons that have come on board to make contributions to the fund in cash and kind.”
Photos: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff
CRISTOBAL GOMEZ, Sandra Cooke and Lindsey Cancino at the FNM Convention.
‘The Bahamas’ own street philosopher’
PAGE 12 , Thursday, July 28, 2016
Gomez: I don’t know when audits will be tabled By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
HEALTH Minister Dr Perry Gomez said Monday he doesn’t know when he will table long overdue audits of the Public Hospitals Authority in the House of Assembly. Although The Tribune reported in May that several government institutions have contravened the law by failing to have audits for their institutions tabled in Parliament in accordance with various laws, the ministers responsible for those institutions have still not tabled the overdue audits.
DR PERRY GOMEZ, Minister of Health.
An audit for the PHA, for instance, hasn’t been tabled in at least four years, leaving Bahamians in the dark about the financial state and operations of the institution. The PHA Act says the accounts of the institution must be audited by an auditor appointed by the minister each year. “Three months after the end of each financial year, the authority shall submit a copy of the audited accounts to the minister, together with a copy of any report made by the auditor,” the PHA Act says, adding: “The minister shall lay a copy of such audited ac-
counts before each House of Parliament, together with a copy of any report made by the auditor on the accounts.” Asked about the matter Monday, Dr Gomez said: “No update yet. I haven’t received them. I have to check with the chairman of the board.” But when contacted by The Tribune, PHA Chairman Frank Smith said PHA audits from 2012 to 2014 were conducted, completed and sent to the minister already. Field work for 2015 has also been completed, he said, adding that officials are still writing the report for that year.
Although Mr Smith couldn’t explain why Dr Gomez said he hasn’t received the audits, he said he doesn’t believe the law gives institutions sufficient time to do audits. “Audits aren’t done within 30 days,” he said. “While much of the legislation governing tabling of reports give a fairly stringent timeline, in my view it is unrealistic even though it keeps you going towards something to achieve. Ninety days to complete an audit for an institution of this size? The cost to do that would be astronomical. When you look at audits, audits have to be facilitated
$13,000 SEIZED FROM AMERICAN MAN TRYING TO TRAVEL TO JAMAICA By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.met
A COURT seized more than US$13,000 from an American man yesterday who failed to get formal permission to carry that amount of money out of the country.
Deputy Chief Magistrate Constance Delancy told 24-year-old Paul Beneby that he was wrong to attempt to travel to Jamaica with US$13,580 without getting permission from the proper authorities. She said he could have received a custodial sentence for his actions.
The Freeport, Grand Bahama resident was arraigned on a single charge of attempted exportation of restricted goods. It was alleged that he failed to obtain Central Bank approval to carry the cash outside the country prior to July 26 when he was arrested at the Lynden
Pindling International Airport. Beneby pleaded guilty to the charge, which carries up to 24 months prison time. However, he was later granted an absolute discharge. The court, instead, ordered the funds be confiscated and turned over to the Crown.
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by staff and management. You’re moving from target to target, putting in price control and measures along the way.” Mr Smith said he is not alarmed by the failure to have the audits tabled. “I’m not alarmed because I know audits have been completed. And we had no failed audits,” he said. In recent years, the internal auditor for the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) as well as external auditors, Grant Thornton, HLB Galanis and Co and UHY Bain and Associates have raised red flags about operations at PHA. The UHY Bain’s foren-
sic audit, for instance, suggested a culture of slackness and corruption exists within the PHA. Nonetheless, the Christie administration has not acted on the findings of these audits. Last year Prime Minister Perry Christie said the government would have another audit into PHA conducted, suggesting his administration wasn’t satisfied with the quality of the audits that have been conducted so far. Mr Smith said such audits examined special issues and differed in scope from the annual audits that are supposed to be tabled every year.
PAY BACK $522 BY FRIDAY OR GO TO JAIL, FRAUDSTER TOLD By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net
A MAN has until Friday to return $522 he stole from a woman’s Scotia Bank account. Chad Anderson was told by Deputy Chief Magistrate Constance Delancy that if he did not return the stolen funds, then he would serve three months at the Department of Correctional Services. The 22-year-old of Tropical Gardens appeared in Magistrate’s Court facing six counts of fraud by false pretences and a single charge of stealing. It was alleged that between April 7 and April 20, he stole $522.10 from the Scotia Bank account of Raquel Curry. It was further alleged that
he obtained that amount in goods from Overstock.com, X-Press IT (Bahamas), Aliexpress.com (London) and Microsoft.bill.ms.netus during that period in six transactions. Anderson pleaded guilty to the charges. The theft occurred after the accused had managed to obtain Curry’s account information from swiping her bank card for a purchase transaction at a store. Anderson was convicted of the charges and ordered to make restitution to the victim of his crimes. Failure to pay would result in a month imprisonment on each fraud charge and three months on the theft charge. The sentences would run concurrently. Anderson was also ordered to do 150 hours of community service.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, July 28, 2016, PAGE 13
MIGRANTS PAID $5,500 EACH TO BE SMUGGLED INTO THE US
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net FIFTEEN people who had paid more than $80,000 to be smuggled from Grand Bahama into the United States were left stranded on a disabled boat at sea by the captain, who promised to return after he had been picked up by another vessel. The captain never returned and the people were adrift for four days before being rescued by the US Coast Guard and brought back to Freeport, where they were turned over to Bahamian authorities. Each person reportedly paid a sum of $5,500 to a Haitian-Bahamian man for the trip to the US, according to an immigration officer. Immigration officer Napthali Cooper said investigations are underway into this latest attempted smuggling incident. Mr Cooper reported that 15 people of mixed nationalities - nine Haitians (seven men and two woman), three Dominican men, one Jamaican man and one Bahamian man - were discovered onboard a disabled vessel by passing boaters who alerted the US Coast Guard. The group reportedly left
Grand Bahama at midnight on July 20. An hour and a half into the journey, the vessel developed engine trouble. Mr Cooper said that the captain telephoned for help and another vessel later came and took only him. He promised to return later to fix the broken vessel. “According to the group, the captain was never seen again. The group claimed that they hailed quite a few passing vessels to stop and who radioed the USCG for help and remained on the scene until help arrived,” he said. Mr Cooper said the group claimed that they remained adrift until Saturday morning when US Coast Guard arrived. After taking the group onboard their cutter, Coast Guard officials destroyed the vessel. The group of 15 joined six other Cuban migrants who were also intercepted earlier at sea by the Coast Guard near Anguilla Cay. The Cubans - five men and a woman - had left Cuba on a rustic vessel for a better life in Florida. Their vessel was also destroyed by the Coast Guard. US Coast Guards arrived in Freeport on Tuesday around 3pm with the
SOME of the migrants detained after paying to be smuggled into the United States by officials of the Disease two groups. All 21 people Force officers. The group was taken and Surveillance Unit at the were turned over to Bahamas Immigration officials, to the Department of Im- Public Hospitals Authority headquarters, and processed by immigrawho were also assisted by migration Defence Force and Police where they were examined tion officials.
They were expected to be flown to Nassau, where they will be held at the Detention Centre to await repatriation.
Rise in visitors by air, but a drop in cruise tourists By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net THERE has been a two per cent increase in the number of visitor air arrivals, but a one per cent “downturn” in the number of cruise ship passengers in the first quarter of 2016, Tourism Director General Joy Jibrilu said yesterday. Ms Jibrilu, revealing the latest visitor arrival statistics, said The Bahamas received a total of 382,324 air arrivals between January and March of this year as opposed to the 375,962 recorded in the first quarter of 2015, a difference of 8,362 that accounted for an increase of 2.2 per cent. However, Ms Jibrulu said the country saw a “downturn” in cruise passenger arrivals, from 1,396,240 in the first quarter of 2015 to 1,377,752 in the first quarter of 2016. She said the slight decline was due to a “brief period of inclement weather” early on in 2016 when “certain cruise ships could
not anchor off their private islands.” However, she maintained that between the months of March and June, the numbers for both cruise and air arrivals are “trending upwards.” Meanwhile, Ms Jibrilu said 2015/2016 has proven to be a “banner year” for airlift, as she highlighted a number of new air connections that have been established between the US, Canada, and Europe and New Providence and Grand Bahama to help increase air arrivals. According to Ms Jibrilu, beginning in August, Southwest Airlines will offer daily flights from Fort Lauderdale to Nassau, while JetBlue will introduce two additional daily flights from Ft Lauderdale to Nassau. She also said the Ministry of Tourism is “actively pursuing” negotiations for direct flights to Nassau from continental Europe and the west coast of the United States. Ms Jibrilu also said the
ministry has made it a priority to “convert” as many cruise passengers to stopover visitors and “create greater incentives for cruise passengers to spend onshore.” She said this is because cruise passengers typically spend some $85 while visiting, as opposed to approximately $1,1000 generally spent by those that arrive “by air as stopover visitors.” Ms Jibrilu also said the ministry will enter into a contract with online travel booking giant Expedia this fiscal year “in an arrangement where they will match our amount in advertising dollars.” She noted that Expedia generated some $110,000,000 in gross sales (air, hotel, etc) and more than $175,000 room nights to the Bahamas in 2015. She also announced that the ministry has formulated a “strategic tourism marketing plan” to accelerate economic recovery in the southeastern Bahama islands that were impacted by Hurricane Joaquin. Taking the approach of a “position-
ing strategy,” Ms Jibrilu said the ministry selected each of those islands “to be promoted as a niche market destination in boating, fishing, diving sailing and romance”. To implement the strategy, Ms Jibrilu said the ministry partnered with Bonnier Publishing, an
international publishing entity. Under the agreement, Ms Jibrilu said Bonnier magazine editors made “press trips” to the affected islands to set up a “shop and drop campaign” as well as to attract new travellers to the islands via the stories written on “the pristine environment of these untram-
melled islands.” Ms Jibrilu’s statements come almost three months after international analysts predicted that the Bahamian travel and tourism industry will shrug off the Baha Mar delay to deliver a $47m economic output increase in 2016, growing this to $1.889 billion.
PAGE 14 , Thursday, July 28, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
CANADIAN Tom Wardle Jr (right) presents a letter of congratulations from then Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney to James Mastin (left) and Alton Lowe at the opening of Green Turtle Cay’s Loyalist Memorial Sculpture Garden.
Tributes to artist and sculptor James Mastin BAHAMIANS lost a champion of their national history and culture on Sunday with the passing of James Mastin in Miami, Florida, Born in South Dakota, Mr Mastin was a classically trained artist, sculptor, singer and actor. His decades-long relationship with The Bahamas resulted from a chance meeting with Bahamian artist Alton Lowe in Miami in 1975. The following year, Mr Mastin assisted Mr Lowe in establishing Green Turtle Cay’s Albert Lowe Museum, the first historical museum in The Bahamas. Twelve months later, he sang with the late Kayla Lockhart Edwards and the Bahamas Police Band at Island Roots Heritage Festivals held in
Green Turtle Cay and Key West, celebrating the common roots of these sister cities. He also performed at the 1985 bicentennial celebration of the founding of Hope Town. When Mr Mastin completed a bronze bust of Alton Lowe’s father Albert, Mr Lowe was so impressed that he envisioned a public sculpture garden commemorating the British Loyalists exiled to The Bahamas after the American Revolution. In 1987, Green Turtle Cay’s Memorial Sculpture Garden, which features a life-sized work by Mr Mastin entitled The Landing, depicting the arrival of the Loyalists, and 24 bronze busts of descendants of the earliest settlers, was unveiled and
declared a Bahamian national monument. Among the busts is Dame Marguerite Pindling, Governor General of The Bahamas and a good friend of the artist. For 28 consecutive years, Mr Mastin organised and performed in music concerts in Green Turtle Cay and, occasionally, other Abaco settlements. He assisted in arranging lectures and bringing in entertainers and he participated for many years in annual art shows in Nassau. In 2005, he created a painting for a series of Bahamian stamps commemorating the Olympic Games. Mr Mastin’s work The Wreckers, which honours the founders (including many Bahamians) of Key
JAMES Mastin with scale-model figures from The Landing, his life-sized sculpture that serves as the centrepiece of Green Turtle Cay’s Loyalist Memorial Sculpture Garden. West, is displayed in the city’s Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden. Works by him are also featured at Miami City Hall, the State Department in Washington, DC, and the American Embassy in Nassau. Most recently, Mr Mastin created a scale-model bronze sculpture of a Lucayan family which he hoped would become a national life-size monument in remembrance of the first people of the Bahamas. James Mastin is survived by his wife of 36 years Deborah, daughter Loren, sons Seth and Jonathan and four grandchildren: Samantha, Angela, Ashton, and Niko.
JAMES Mastin performs with American entertainer Joy Martone at a Christmas concert in Green Turtle Cay, Abaco.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, July 28, 2016, PAGE 15
‘Voter tried to bribe me for new card’ By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
ASSISTANT Parliamentary Commissioner in Freeport Reno Smith revealed that a voter once tried to bribe him to issue a new voter’s card. Speaking at the Rotary Club of Lucaya’s luncheon meeting at Ruby Swiss on Tuesday, Mr Smith said that ruining one’s personal reputation to ensure that a political party is elected is not worth it. Mr Smith said that during the first day of his appointment at the Parliamentary Registration Department, some person who had registered and voted contacted
him and offered him $1,500 to issue her another voter’s card for whatever reason. Mr Smith stressed that he will never compromise himself for any political organisation or anyone. “I read the foolishness put on Facebook about me… and the idiot who made those comments obviously does not know Reno Smith. I will not compromise my spiritual or personal conviction for any political organisation. I am there to do the government’s job. I have been employed in government service since 1983 and have never comprised my office,” he said. “No matter what political affiliation you wish to be aligned with, I implore you do
not ruin your personal reputation to ensure that a political party is elected in this country. It is not worth it.” He also revealed that of the 35,000 eligible voters in Grand Bahama, only 7,000 have registered on the new voter’s register. Due to the low voter registration, the Parliamentary Registration Department has initiated its mobile registration programme. Mr Smith is encouraging civic and service organisations, companies, and churches to organise registration for groups of 25 or more persons for the department’s mobile registration. He stated that the government has put certain mechanisms in place to
make sure that qualified Bahamians register to vote. He noted that persons can no longer present an expired passport or the old 2012 voter’s card to the Parliamentary Registration Department to register. A non-expired passport will be accepted, or a certified birth certificate, or their mother’s documentation, proving that they are a qualified Bahamian. “We have 35,000 eligible voters on this island and about 7,000 have registered so we need to get the register moving so the boundary commission can meet and assign the boundaries.” He said that the old voter’s card is of no value anymore.
“We had a gentlemen who came to do business in Freeport from Bimini and the only ID he had was his 2012 voter’s card, and he should not have been allowed to travel on that ID because it had already expired when he arrived here. He is still stuck here as a result of not having a current Bahamian ID.” Mr Smith said that they cannot issue anyone a copy of their old voter’s card because all expired voter’s cards and the counterfoil have been sent to the Ministry of National Security for archiving. The assistant parliamentary commissioner said even though a gentlemen came to them with five previous voter’s cards to prove he had
voted in the last five general election, he still could not be registered unless he could provide other certified documentation proving his Bahamian citizenship. “The ID we are asking for is a passport, it is a certified form of ID to prove your nationality. Initially we were saying we accepted your passport up to one year, but of late we had someone who presented himself for registration with a 30-year-old passport. This person is travelling internationally, I don’t know how. But this person tried to do something at one of our Consul General’s Offices recently and as a result, it is a national security issue,” he said.
ART AT THE HEART OF THE SUMMER By AARON MILLER
THE second session of the annual National Art Gallery of the Bahamas’ mixed media art summer camp is under way with the focus on “surrealism, pop art and contemporary art”, organiser Abby Smith told The Tribune yesterday. The camp - for children aged seven to 18 - is split into two three-week sessions from late June to mid-August. At the end of each session, campers dis-
play their artwork in a final showcase at the NAGB. It is an important component of the education programme, designed to expose campers to different art forms, encourage the development of artistic skills and educate young people about Bahamian art history. Participants spend their time learning visual art techniques, exploring different avenues of creativity and developing their knowledge of art. “We are introducing the
THE TEAM members of the summer programme.
kids about the international art movements and while those movements were going on how they impacted the Bahamian art,” Ms Smith, the NAGB’s Community Outreach Officer, said. “This session is focusing on surrealism, pop art and contemporary art.” Yesterday, the younger campers were watching “Alice In Wonderland” to get a better understanding of the way the surrealist movement in the films is portrayed, while those over 13 painted self portraits. This year the NAGB has given the campers an opportunity to get more involved in the international art movements as compared to last year when they observed the different Bahamian artists. The majority of the chidlren attending the camp are from neighbouring communities, the Urban Renewal Foundation and the Lyford Cay Foundation. The camp, which runs from 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday, finishes on August 12.
SUMMER CAMP CREATIONS TO GO ON SHOW BY FELICITY INGRAHAM
CREATIVE art pieces, decorative home accessories, useful goods, and treats - all created by Bahamian children who participated in summer camps sponsored by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture - will be on display at Superclubs Breezes tomorrow morning. A tour of some of the summer camps this year proved fruitful for Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr Daniel Johnson, who was amazed at the accomplishments of the children over the past few weeks. Enterprising students made the best out of their summer by learning skills that will aid them in becoming entrepreneurs, or even just inspire them to see their worth. One of the most moving visits was made to the Mega Mergers apprenticeship programme, where young men and women turned what would be considered trash into valuable items fit for sale. Candis Marshall guided the children in learning how to make a variety of items including: purses and apparel made from tyre inner tubes; children’s playpens and storage containers made from tyres; mirrors and other household decorative items made using plastic spoons, and the like. Dr Johnson was also impressedby the woodwork shop at R M Bailey High School, where summer students took wood from palettes, which would normally be rejected, treat it for the weather and bugs, and then turn them into functional pieces. Students made bar counters, wine racks, patio furniture, piggy banks, and tables. Principal of the school Collin Johnson says his doors are always open to assist the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture with creating avenues for young people to become enterprising. Lorraine Smith led her crew of summer students in the art of upholstery, where the kids made a variety of cushions and also had a chance to cover valuable pieces of furniture. Jameel Lightbourne showed a crew of apprentice bakers how to make de-
licious treats and they were able to sell their goods and create a return for themselves. Christopher Roberts held down a strong team of young men and turned them into skilled barbers over the summer. Veronique Cardoza helped young ladies gain meaningful skills in hair and beauty that could earn each of the students a living in the future. Jason Williams spent the summer teaching kids how to mould tables, chairs and even kitchen sinks from fibreglass. The kids learned chemistry as they mixed compounds to turn the fibreglass into usable works of art. The culture division had a thriving summer class where children learned how to play rake n’ scrape and Junkanoo, while being exposed to folk songs and dance.
Dr Johnson’s tour closed with visits to the sporting camps in his Carmichael constituency. The Carmichael Community Centre became the home to dozens of young tennis, soccer, and volleyball players, as well as boxing, judo and jujitsu competitors. The centre also hosted a successful basketball tournament to provide an outlet for the many young men in the area. The kids will be given tickets to watch the Jamaica v Haiti soccer match at the National Stadium on Friday evening to get a glimpse of competition at a higher level. The public can view what the summer students produced and to purchase some of their goods at the trade show at Superclubs Breezes on Friday from 9am to1pm.
STUDENTS at the Mixed Media Art Summer Camp at the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
PAGE 16 , Thursday, July 28, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
Britain post-Brexit: still a major player in the world
Your Say By DAVID FITTON
O
N JUNE 23, the British people voted to leave the European Union (EU) and British Prime Minister Theresa May has been clear that ‘Brexit’ means ‘Brexit’. But does this mean that the United Kingdom will be taking a single step from the centre of the international stage? The answer is a resounding no. Britain will build a new future from a position of strength, outward facing, internationally focused and ready to embrace the new opportunities that ‘Brexit’ brings. Britain is committed to working with our international partners, fully playing our part in ensuring a safer, healthier and more prosperous world. The UK is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, of NATO, of the G7, the G20 and the Commonwealth. The UK was the first member of the G7 to meet the United Nations target of spending 0.7 per cent of gross national income on international development. This policy, now enshrined in law, alongside the UK’s commitment
to spend two per cent of its income on defence is helping to shape the world around us. The UK is resolutely committed to all our operations around the world and will continue to be a strong and reliable ally. The UK is leading the response against global threats such as the rise of Daesh (formerly ISIS), the scourge of corruption and the deadly diseases such as the Ebola virus. We will continue to work with our partners overseas to tackle people smuggling and to defeat the gangs who seek to exploit the vulnerable and desperate for personal gain. The UK, through our development effort, is working to end extreme poverty - which means tackling the great global challenges - from the root causes of mass migration and disease, to insecurity, conflict and global climate change. We will not renege on the promises we have made and are committed to the Global Goal target of achieving zero extreme poverty by 2030, investing in programmes that provide health, education, water and tackle violence against girls and women. The UK has been and always will be a trading nation and our overseas partners are guaranteed a strong, business friendly environment. The UK was the fastest growing economy in the G7 last year and is a great place to do business - that will not change. Potential investors will be pleased to know that the UK is the highest ranked major economy in terms of ease of doing business. London is regarded as the world’s leading financial hub and its creative and entrepreneurial spirit continues to thrive with a wealth of opportunities for our trading partners. The UK is a world leader in financial services, insurance, computer and information services and has a global reputation for creativity. With its superfast broadband coverage, integrated transport system and low corporation tax, it is perhaps unsurprising that the UK is one of the best places
in the world to start and grow a business. Britain, currently the fifth largest economy in the world, is open for business and actively welcomes entrepreneurs who wish to invest in the UK. Whilst the UK remains a full member of the EU for now, the British government will ensure that its new relationship with the EU works for business. Britain is a tolerant and diverse country and welcomes tourists who visit her shores with open arms. A record 36 million visited last year enjoying the historic sites, cultural centres, landmarks and attractions that can be found up and down the land. From castles to museums, beautiful beaches to idyllic countryside, iconic department stores to pulsating sporting events, there is something for every visitor to Britain. Our education institutions are world renowned - Britain is home to four of the world’s top ten universities. The UK offers foreign students a world-class education, globally respected universities and qualifications and great career prospects. It’s a two way street: students from Europe and beyond make an enormous and highly valued contribution to our education institutions. Britain will continue to thrive and prosper, it will continue to be a reliable ally and trusted partner, its creativity and innovation will not be diminished in any way. While the nature of our relationship with the EU is still to be determined, we will want the strongest possible economic links with our European neighbours, as well as our close friends in North America, the Commonwealth and other important partners around the world. Our vision is of a Britain that is respected abroad, tolerant and welcoming at home, and completely committed to working with our international partners to build a better world for our and future generations. David Fitton is High Commissioner to Jamaica and The Bahamas
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, July 28, 2016, PAGE 17
DAVID Rees displays his southern Abaco Hogfish
Employment Opportunity MAINTENANCE WORKERS A leading Fast Food franchise is looking for mature, clean-cut individuals to join its Maintenance (Janitorial) Team. Job Summary To be responsible for the general cleanliness and upkeep of the entire Store and its surroundings, so as to facilitate the smooth, efficient operation of the Store. Requirements
TOM Paine with a 69.2lb Yellowfin Tuna off Grand Bahama CHARLES Albury with a big Wahoo in Abaco, above.
AUSTIN Long speared this nice 28lb Yellowfin Rockfish near Freeport. DURING the summer vacation the focus is on spearfishing in The Bahamas - and the imminent opening of the crawfish season on August 1. Keep checking the Bahamas Sport Fishing Network (BSFN) expert page for fishing reports throughout the Bahamas: this will
be helpful in tracking the “hot spots” and providing advice on gear and fishing methods being used. For a sample of the spectacular fishing to be had in The Bahamas, expert advice, tournament dates and results, informative features and photo galleries visit the BSFN page at tribune242.
JASON and Jayson display their Abaco Hogfish catch.
BARRACUDA time in South Eleuthera, left. Photo: Andrea Cecchi com or www.bsfn.biz. BSFN slideshows can be found on USA Today’s
Photo: Jayson Rathmann
website in the Travel section at experience.usatoday.com.
• Must be a high school graduate. • Must have excellent inter-personal skills. • Must have excellent oral and written communication skills. • Professionalism required. • Must be able to work flexible hours including early mornings, late nights, weekends and holidays. • A basic knowledge of kitchen equipment and electrical and air conditioning repair skills would be a plus. • Must have a clean police record. McDonald’s offers excellent benefits! Please submit Resume to: Human Resources Department McDonald’s Head Office 111 Market Street North P. O. Box SS-5925 Telephone: 325-4444 Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas
PAGE 18 , Thursday, July 28, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
PICTURED from left: Tevin McPhee, Rangers unit; Claysandra Morley, Hope Academy; Danielle Hutchenson, Aquinas unit; Lakisha Rolle-Ingraham, contingent leader; Selina Stuart, Aquinas; Raven Pennerman, Rangers; Orson Mortimer, contingent staff; George Richardson, Rangers. In the back row, (from left): Travis Hepburn, contingent leader in training; D’Quan Smith, Rangers; Rajeyve Smith, Aquinas. Not pictured but also making the trip is Grand Bahama participant Gabrielle Edwards.
Youth leadership programme opened up students’ horizons WHEN Aquinas College student Rajeyve Smith joined the Governor General’s Youth Award in tenth grade his main goal was to sharpen his leadership skills to help him on his journey to ultimately becoming an educator and authority figure. He had no idea the youth programme would allow him to see how other countries and people live and force him to push the boundaries of his physical strength. “I want to be a teacher and I felt GGYA would be good for my personal development,” said the 2016 graduate. “This is the programme for people who want to put themselves in a different environment and
become more self-reliant.” He and 11 others involved in Governor General’s Youth Award (GGYA) are in Trinidad and Tobago for the Caribbean Award SubRegional Council (CASC) Adventurous Journey 2016. The event is held from July 23 to August 8. Around 200 participants from 13 Caribbean countries will explore that most southern island in the Caribbean archipelago. Their adventurous journey won’t be without its share of uphill climbs. It will also encompass rambling trails, a succession of small ridges and at least two beautiful beaches (the Petit Tacarib and Grand Tacarib). The four-day-three-night
adventurous journey portion is expected to amount to eight hours of purposeful, physical activity daily – or a minimum of 32 hours of exertion – all the while carrying around one quarter of their body weight on their backs. The expedition will take participants along the north coast of Trinidad from Matelot to St Joseph. Participants will get to travel to one of the most pristine sites in Trinidad, Madamas Bay, a nesting ground for the leatherback turtle – a protected endangered species. Expedition teams will also experience one of the country’s most spectacular waterfalls, The Paria. If successful, the trip will
net its Bahamian participants a coveted Gold Award from the local version of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – a challenging three-tier award programme which encourages youths between the ages of 14 to 24 to get active, gain new skills and develop a volunteer spirit. “I feel prepared for this trip,” said Mr Smith, 18, who for months walked from his home in Garden Hills to his school on Gladstone Road, in addition to walking along the beach with 15-pound weights in order to increase his stamina. Since joining GGYA, Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) Rangers retired Batalion Commander D’Quan Smith has felt the
physical change in his own body. He believes he logged more miles walking with the GGYA than with the junior defence force. “I’m prepared mentally and physically for this trip,” said D’Quan Smith, 19, who joined GGYA to fulfil a Ranger officer requirement. “I’ve come too far to quit.” For 2015 Hope Academy graduate, Claysandra Morley, the youth programme has drilled in her the need for time management. While on practice and qualifying expeditions participants have 30 minutes from the time they are awakened to break camp and begin their hike. The 18-year-old has only two minor worries associ-
ated with the CASC trip, what to eat and who will form part of her expedition team. “I’m a picky eater so the most difficult aspect of the programme is eating the food we have to cook outdoors. I carry a lot of snacks,” she said. Raven Pennerman, a 2016 Prince William graduate, said she is excited about the trip. “I’m looking forward to interacting with people from different countries, having new experiences and taking in the culture and sights since I’ve never been there before. This programme gives you experiences which you aren’t going to get in a classroom setting.”
NEIL STRACHAN, left, AVP Marketing and Business Development, Commonwealth Bank Ltd, presents a cheque to Dwayne Gibson, REACH chairman.
BANK’S SUPPORT TO PROVIDE HELP FOR 2O NASSAU FAMILIES TWENTY Nassau families struggling to support their loved ones with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) will receive extensive free occupational and speech therapy training this summer through REACH thanks to a donation from Commonwealth Bank. “Our top priority has always been to make sure every Bahamian is given access to adequate educational resources,” said Commonwealth Bank President Ian A Jennings. “For families with children on the autism spectrum, the most valuable educational resource is knowing how to relate to the child with autism in a way that is non-threatening and encouraging. That training is one of the many valuable services that REACH provides. Thus, we are proud to support them.” Founded in 1998, REACH - Resources and Education for Autism and Related Challenges - is the only organisation in the Bahamas that offers comprehensive assistance to parents whose children have autism and related neurobiological disorders. “Our numbers have been growing annually in terms of membership,” said Marcia Newball, Executive Di-
rector for REACH. “Our parent support group is a viable community and they keep inviting more family and friends.” The Centers for Disease Control in the US estimates that one in 68 children are born on the spectrum in comparison to one in every 2,500 children 20 years ago. Because ASD creates social, communication and behavioural challenges, many children with autism resort to tantrums, uttering guttural sounds of anguish or lashing out physically just to express basic human emotions like hunger, pain, discomfort, fear or stress. Even more exacerbating is that these cries for help are often dismissed as nothing more than “bad behaviour” by the general public. “That’s why speech and occupational therapy training for families is crucial,” said Neil Strachan, AVP Marketing and Business Development, Commonwealth Bank and a director of REACH. “Without consistent behaviour modification strategies both in school and at home, the exhaustive cycle of being shunned, judged and misunderstood by society continues for chil-
dren with autism. In fact, one of the major challenges REACH faces in Nassau is a shortage of these specialised therapists. Resources are limited, not to mention expensive. Many parents in the Bahamas struggle to keep up with the normal costs of raising and educating children, much less the higher costs of raising children with special needs.” In addition to providing funding for the 2016 summer pilot programmes, Ms Newball said that in the three years since she has been with REACH, funding from Commonwealth Bank donations has been used toward building a new facility at Queen’s College on Village Road, monthly parent support groups and social activities including an annual Easter Egg Hunt, which offers more than 85 families the chance to take part in a festive holiday activity that those who don’t have children on the spectrum may take for granted. “It’s important that all Bahamians have a place where they can go and be accepted,” Mr Jennings said. “We are proud to be a part of making this happen for those living with autism.”
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, July 28, 2016, PAGE 19
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