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CONTRACTORS TO GET ‘SOME IF NOT ALL’ OF MONEY OWED
DEAL INCLUDES PAYMENTS FOR WORKERS’ SALARY AND BENEFITS
CHINESE BANK TO PAY FOR WORK AHEAD OF SALE TO RESORT OPERATOR
PM: ‘GOOD DAY FOR THE BAHAMAS, A GREAT DAY FOR BAHAMIANS’
By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net CONSTRUCTION at the stalled Baha Mar resort is expected to resume in September in a move to have the $3.5 billion resort project open no later than the end of winter in 2017, Prime Minister Perry Christie announced last night. While remaining tight-lipped on which “world-class hotel and casino operator� would purchase the Cable Beach development and the concessions granted in exchange for arriving at a deal, Mr Christie confirmed speculation during a nationally televised address that an agreement had been reached between the government and the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of China. Under the terms of the agreement, Bahamian contractors still owed money will receive a significant portion, if not all, of their claims, while thousands of former Baha Mar employees will receive outstanding amounts due to them. Mr Christie said the deal had been had been approved by Justice Ian Winder of the Supreme Court just two hours prior, around 5pm. He even likened the efforts to conclude the deal to Shaunae Miller’s dramatic dive in the women’s 400m race at the Rio Olympic Games to win the gold medal for the Bahamas. SEE PAGES TWO & THREE
PERRY CHRISTIE, Prime Minister of The Bahamas, pictured with Denise Abrahamsen, representative of the Baha Mar former employees. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
MOODY’S DOWNGRADES THE BAHAMAS’ CREDIT RATING By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
MOODY’S announced yesterday that it has down-
graded the Bahamas’ credit rating by one notch mainly because of the country’s “low medium-term growth� prospects and limited fiscal space compared to similar
countries. Moody’s previously opened the door to the possibility of downgrading the country’s sovereign credit worthiness by “one or more
notches,� with a two-notch slash taking the country’s rating to ‘junk’ status. Yesterday’s announcement, however, means the country will avoid that worst-
case scenario, as its sovereign credit worthiness has been downgraded by a single notch, from Baa3 from to Baa2 with a “stable� outlook. SEE PAGE SEVEN
THREE MORE CASES OF ZIKA VIRUS CONFIRMED By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net THE number of confirmed Zika cases in New Providence has increased to four, officials announced yesterday during a press conference at the Ministry of Health. Health Minister Dr Perry Gomez said the three latest cases were identified during the last two weeks and were confirmed in recent days by independent testing labs. Due to the risk of the virus being spread sexually, health officials have recommended the use of condoms, with a special warning being given to pregnant women to use protection while having sex or not engage in sex at all during pregnancy. The Bahamas reported an initial case of the virus on August 10 in a male who had recently travelled to Jamaica. Officials have said that two of the three new cases were reported in women, none of whom are pregnant. Additionally, two of the cases were transmitted locally. Officials did not say where in New Providence the three new cases were identified. Dr Gomez said all patients have been treated for associated symptoms and are “doing well�. He noted that officials have tested roughly 83 suspected cases of the Zika virus, however, of the tested cases only four positive tests have been reported to date. On Monday, officials could not give clear details on how many of these suspected cases had been tested by a lab, speculating that more results could follow in the coming days. Officials attached to the Ministry of Health said they couldn’t give particular areas where cases are more prone to occur or have been reported. However, health officials have reiterated their public plea for residents to do their part in limiting breeding grounds for the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits the virus. SEE PAGE FIVE
SANDALS WORKERS LINE UP ‘WELLS WAS SACRIFICED TO REAPPLY FOR OLD JOBS IN LETTER OF INTENT ROW’ wBy NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net  DESPITE being some of the 600 plus employees made redundant at the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort last week, several former workers yesterday expressed no bitterness in having to reapply for their old jobs. In fact, some of the for-
mer Sandals employees present at the resort’s job fair at Christ the King Anglican Church in Ridgeland Park West encouraged their former co-workers to “come out� and interview for the very same jobs they held prior to August 15, with one saying they’ll “probably feel better after coming out and being interviewed�. SEE PAGE SIX
By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
FORT Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins went back on the offensive yesterday accusing the Christie administration of sacrificing Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells in the letter of intent controversy in a bid to protect senior party members who orchestrated
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
the signing. Dr Rollins branded the letter of intent (LOI) scandal as a “manufactured political controversy,� during an appearance on radio talk show “Darrold Miller Live� with host Darrold Miller. His comments come as recent revelations suggest that some members of the Christie Cabinet knew in SEE PAGE SIX
PAGE 2, Tuesday, August 23, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
Baha Mar work from page one
PRIME Minister Perry Christie pictured during his national address on Baha Mar.
Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
“This agreement represents a signal achievement for The Bahamas and a milestone in the troubled history of Baha Mar,” Mr Christie said from the Cabinet room, flanked by members of his government and others. “For some 20 months, I have been continuously focused, day and night, on efforts to find a solution for the completion of the Baha Mar project. Throughout this period, the government has had three key objectives: firstly to ensure that construction at Baha Mar would be resumed as quickly as possible. “Secondly, to make every effort to ensure that the casino and casino hotel, the
convention centre and its hotel, and the golf course would open before the end of the 2016-2017 winter season and thirdly to ensure that payment of claims to Bahamian creditors and contractors, who previously had little or no prospect of recovering anything from Baha Mar. “We have achieved all of these objectives,” Mr Christie stressed. He said that under the heads of terms signed between the government and the EXIM Bank, “remobilisation at Baha Mar will commence immediately.” “Construction at the site is expected to resume within a few weeks, during the month of September,” he added. “The bank has committed to fund all remaining construction costs to
BAHA MAR’S TROUBLED TIMETABLE November 2005 - Baha Mar officially announced by Sarkis Izmirlian in partnership with Harrah’s and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. Groundbreaking set for 2007 and opening 2010. March 2008 - Harrah’s pulls out of the resort development. March 2009 - Baha Mar signs formal agreement with China State Construction Engineering Corporation with China Construction America (CCA) as builders. February 2011 - Construction crews break ground, work funded by China Export Import Bank $2.45bn loan. July 2014 - Baha Mar officials confirm opening date will not be met. December 2014 - Baha Mar misses scheduled opening. March 2015 - Suggested ‘soft’ opening date missed. May 2015 - Another opening date missed,
no further dates announced. June 2015 - Developer Sarkis Izmirlian files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States. July 2015 - Government moves to seize and liquidate Baha Mar, Supreme Court refuses to recognise US court bankruptcy proceedings. August 2015 - Baha Mar files Chapter 11 reorganisation plan removing CCA from the project. September 2015 - Joint provisional liquidators appointed by Supreme Court October 2015 - More than 2,000 employees laid off, receivers appointed April 2016 - Prime Minister Perry Christie holds bilateral meetings with high ranking Chinese officials. August 2016 - Prime Minister announces re-mobilisation of the resort, work to start in September.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, August 23, 2016, PAGE 3
starts next month complete the project. China Construction (America) will finish the works, and will resolve outstanding claims with its suppliers and sub-contractors.” The opening of the 2,000 plus room resort was scheduled for December 2014, but was delayed to March 2015 and again to May 2015. Baha Mar’s developer Sarkis Izmirlian filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States on June 29, 2015; however the Supreme Court rejected the resort’s application for the matter to be recognised here. A US judge later threw out the bankruptcy application for Baha Mar’s Bahamian companies. Joint provisional liquidators (JPLs) were appointed in September 2015 to protect and prevent the depletion of the resort’s assets before an expected full winding-up of the resort took place. However, the resort was placed into receivership last October. In May, court appointed receiver Raymond Winder told reporters after a closed hearing that there was a “good expectation” the shuttered resort would be sold before the matter returned to court at the end of September. Mr Christie contended that going the route of Chapter 11 proceedings in Delaware would have left Bahamian contractors with the prospects of being paid little to nothing. “Under this agreement made today, funds will be made available to enable them to receive a significant part and possibly all of the value of their claims,” Mr Christie said. In addition to re-engaging prior contracted companies, the deal will see that the government agencies and utility companies like Bahamas Power and Light “receive payment for some of their outstanding claims against the Baha Mar companies.” As for the more than 2,000 employees dismissed last October, the prime minister said they can expect to receive “unpaid salaries, severance pay, accrued vacation pay, and notice payments due to termination.” They can also expect to be repaid sums deducted from their salaries and pension contributions. Commercial groups and retail companies will be “permitted” to hold onto their leases and concessions, according to Mr Christie. “As it has been done with all major investments, the government will extend appropriate concessions to facilitate the construction and promote the successful future operation of the resort. The completed project will then be sold to a qualified world-class operator,” the prime minister stressed. Mr Christie also used the press conference to dismiss critics on the transparency of the negotiations, noting “the government thought it wise not to offer a running commentary on the discussions (and) not to say anything that might put the future of the project in jeopardy.” Hailing the “Herculean effort” by the many parties involved in the negotiation, Mr Christie said he was “enormously grateful to and proud of everyone, who in these last days, did what it took, to use the same, dive across the finish line.” Mr Christie and his Cabi-
PRIME Minister Perry Christie speaking during last night’s press conference on Baha Mar. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff net colleagues did not take thankful because we know questions from the media that in the construction infor further details on a pro- dustry, it is the one single spective Baha Mar buyer, industry whereby we know possible concessions grant- that people, or our worked to the EXIM Bank, and ers, are considered the most what the new deal means hard-working workers anyfor the developer’s $800 where.” Peter Whitehead, owner million equity stake. However, he said the of Auspec Construction public can expect the gov- and Gunite Pools, comernment to “make pub- mended contractors for licly available all of the key keeping calm during the items of information so that debacle and thanked the you can read for yourselves prime minister for coming through. what the facts are.” “I think that all of us real“The difficulties of a project this size has hit our ise and understand that negoeconomy hard,” Mr Christie tiating this contract, what you said. “But we will recover. have negotiated, probably is Over the coming months, almost impossible to negotieconomic opportunities will ate,” Mr Whitehead said. “And it’s been done. So if be felt in more and more homes. The government you took the statistics on it, PRIME Minister Perry Christie with Inga Bowleg, director of business development at John Bull Groups. will redouble its efforts to it’s impossible to do it but continue the programme of it was done and there’s almodernisations that we be- ways that saying that when you’re across the table, and gan four years ago.” “This is a good day for the person who blinks first the Bahamas. This is a great is screwed and in this case, day for Bahamians,” Mr you didn’t blink. And we are so grateful that you Christie concluded. didn’t blink.” In early April, Mr Izmirlian asked the president of the EXIM Bank to Interested stakeholders accept his offer to complete in the Baha Mar matter and open the stalled resort, were present at the press promising to rehire Bahaconference to express their mian employees while ensuring that the bank will not feelings on the deal. Denise Abrahamsen, have to take a discount on its LARRY TRECO, president of CTG Contractors and Developers, representative of former debt. In other words it would speaking at last night’s press conference. recover its debt in full. Baha Mar employees, said PETER WHITEHEAD, presiMr Izmirlian’s offer she was “truly thankful” for dent of Osprey Construction the prime minister’s com- would also ensure that un- and Gunite Pools, is pictured secured creditors, many mitment to seeing the prowho are “suffering in the speaking after the Prime ject’s completion. Minister’s national address on “Your team has been so Bahamas,” would be paid, Baha Mar. professional and so wel- he wrote. The letter was a followcoming and the agencies up to the offer he made to that were there to assist us, the National Insurance the bank on January 11, to Board, and the Social Ser- which he said he received vices Department, a team of no response. • See the full text of professional people who’ve Prime Minister Perry extended themselves above Christie’s speech on and beyond to assist the www.tribune242.com. team here. I thank you, sir,
THANKFUL
I thank you for your dedication.” Godfrey Forbes, immediate past-president of the Bahamian Contractors Association, said the news marked “a good day indeed for the Bahamas especially for contractors.” He added: “When we heard about Baha Mar, I know our former prime minister he got a lot of flack about ‘you need to go ahead and make this project happen, it has to go because the economy needs this project’, then it got to the point whereby we got into a major roadblock and everybody was like ‘wow what happened here?’ “Now you come on the scene and you did some magic. I don’t know what kind of shuffling you were doing but it worked and I must say on behalf of our president, and our members, we are indeed
DENISE ABRAHAMSEN, a representative of former Baha Mar employees speaking last night.
PAGE 4, Tuesday, August 23, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
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Prime Minister Christie to be congratulated on Baha Mar news LATE yesterday afternoon Prime Minister Christie took the “Shaunae Miller” Olympic dive to the micro-phones to give the Bahamian people the first bit of concrete news as to the future of the shuttered Baha Mar resort. In fact the announcement that Bahamians have been waiting for for over a year was made two hours after Supreme Court Justice Ian Winder approved an agreement signed earlier in the day by the Bahamas Government and the ExportImport Bank of China. Mr Christie is to be congratulated for getting this far, and those Bahamians whose financial future depended on the resort’s opening were present at yesterday’s meeting to give him an encouraging pat on the back. However, we must take issue with a part of his statement: “The Baha Mar companies owed money to thousands of Bahamian creditors when they filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy,” Mr Christie said. “Under their Chapter 11 efforts, our people had little prospect of being paid anything. Under this agreement, made today, funds will be made available to enable them to receive a significant part, and possibly ALL of the value of their claims.” This is not completely true. When the Baha Mar developer filed for Chapter 11 it was made clear that all creditors — including the EXIM Bank — would be paid in full. All Bahamians, including those who had been employed, but no longer had a job, would be covered. In addition to this, early in April, developer Sarkis Izmirlian asked the president of the EXIM Bank to accept his offer to complete and open the stalled resort, promising to rehire Bahamian employees while ensuring that the bank would not have to take a discount on its debt. Mr Izmirlian’s offer also would have ensured that unsecured creditors would be paid. The letter was a follow-up to the offer he made to the bank on January 11. Mr Izmirlian received no reply. In view of this and the time that so many Bahamians, both businessmen and employees, have had to wait, there should
be no talk about receiving a “significant part” of what is rightfully theirs. After all, this has not only been a serious strain on their businesses, but also on our economy. It has justified Moody’s in down grading this country’s credit rating by one notch — just one notch above dropping the Bahamas in the waste basket as “junk.” This country and its people have been put through too much for anyone — particularly the ones who carry most of the blame — to even consider offering a partial repayment. Under this agreement for a project that should have been opened in December 2014 it should be payment in full to all creditors. And they should be satisfied with no less. Also the only contractors receiving high praise for their work at Baha Mar — particularly the finished work — were Bahamians. There is no reason why Bahamians should not be the ones to complete the work in their own country. After all the only work that we heard complained about was that of the Chinese workmen. It is understood that higher skilled finished workers were requested from China, which, as far as we know, never arrived. Why go to China when we have skilled Bahamians just down the road to do the job? Observing the workers at the Pointe, there are so many from China, that as one Bahamian quipped, the only Bahamian that he saw was the man holding up the STOP sign to halt the traffic so that they could cross the road to go for their lunch break. Also, before a decision is made as to who has been selected as the “world-class hotel and casino operator” to whom Baha Mar is to be sold, Bahamians should be informed and given a complete background check of the new owners. Because in the words of Singapore’s great leader, Lee Kuan Yew: “We don’t want any of the activities that go on in Macau here.” And anyone who knows about the seamy side of Macau, should know exactly to what we refer. After being a “nation for sale” we cannot afford to be scorned for earning another equally undesirable name.
Lottery to fund NHI, smell stink EDITOR, The Tribune THERE has been some suggestion that the government is toying with a National Lottery as a means to funding National Health Insurance. This is extremely interesting. Not only does the whole idea of a National Lottery funding NHI, but just recently a popular gaming house introduced Lottery. The Gaming Board and even the Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe and Gaming Board “Last Voice” quickly used their PR to dispel the rumour that the famous number house was actually introducing a Lottery. The programmed staff said it was anything else other than a lottery. This does not pass
the smell test. The real question really is, has the same number house who has already started, going to be used to continue with his Lottery or is he going be made to discontinue with the government benefitting totally. It would be sad if the government will be using a backdoor approach from someone benefitting from a National Lottery with a private business controlling the purse. Mr Christie must “come clean” with this. We are not that fool not to figure this out. On the other note, many questions are already being asked about the deal with Batelco. We remember Hubert Ingraham’s plan for ordinary Bahamians to have
shares, but the new deal is no Bahamian will get any shares or only a few. Questions are also being asked about BEC and who is really benefitting. If the company that is providing the oil for BEC being the real reason, why no attempt has been made to get rid of the dinosaurs engines for new renewal energy? Otherwise why has the cost of oil and the surcharge remained extremely high, even when the price of a barrel of oil decreased by more than 75%? We all know that the stark reality of the PLP not returning has caused many in government to behave really strange. A WISE ELECTORATE Nassau, August 19, 2016.
Error in notice to mariners EDITOR, The Tribune. INASMUCH as the “powers that be” seem unable to keep our traffic lights in New Providence functioning, we should not be too surprised when The Ministry of Transport and Aviation, (Port Department), publishes a notice in your newspaper under the heading “ Aids-to-Navigation on the Little Bahama Bank”, following which, it proceeds to list five navigation lights. None of the lights listed,
of course, are located on the Little Bahama Bank, as indicated, but are on the Great Bahama Bank which is tacitly acknowledged in the final paragraph of the notice, but only insofar as Mariners are advised to “use extreme caution when navigating on the Great Bahama Bank”. This notice is published by authority of the Acting Port Controller, who would be expected to know the difference between these two “Banks”. It is to be hoped that
following the advertised “aggressive approach” to relighting these long extinguished navigation aids, that a proper notice to that effect will be published. For a little humour one can “Google” these light names, and read the humorous chatter that visiting mariners have written about us. It’s better in the Bahamas!. BRUCE G RAINE Nassau August 22, 2016.
Christie is not to be blamed EDITOR, The Tribune. IN light of Sandals’ decision to temporarily close the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort to facilitate urgent repairs and renovations and in the process make over 600 workers redundant, many Bahamians have launched an attack on the Government and in particular Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Perry Christie. How Prime Minister Christie has come to be at fault is beyond me as the last time I checked Sandals was a private entity and not a public sector organisation. While the loss of jobs, though temporary, is a matter for concern, what do we really gain by blaming the Government and in particular our Prime Minister? What exactly was Prime Minister Christie to do? And how exactly is he at fault? Is it that we were expecting the Prime Minister to mirror the actions of union executives and act like a thug? Was he to angrily chase Sandals out of the country? Regardless of how emotionally charged we might all be, the Prime Minister’s actions must be measured. He must act consciously, diplomatically and most of all intelligently, and he has done just that. In his official capacity as the leader of our country, the Prime Minister cannot participate in careless and frivolous chatter. His job is to meet with all parties
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net involved and attempt to arrive at terms and conditions that benefit all. This is not the Wild West – our Prime Minister will not and should not be squaring off against any of the Stewarts at high noon. Good sense must prevail. It is Prime Minister Christie’s job to protect the best interests of all Bahamians but it is also his duty to treat foreign investors fairly. Whether we like Sandals or not, they provide jobs for families, make it possible for children to go to school, boost the country’s tourism product in both Nassau and the Exumas and provide jobs for locals in other industries such as construction, manufacturing and excursions. While it would thrill many Bahamians to see Prime Minister Christie hold the door open for Sandals’ swift and dramatic exit, what exactly will that achieve? Who will provide jobs for the over 600 persons who would be left jobless? Or is it that we no longer need jobs in this country? Are we so full of foolish and arrogant pride that we would rather suffer than amicably negotiate with investors? Sandals has resorts throughout most of the Caribbean with regional governments knocking down their doors asking them to invest. Why are we chasing
away a brand that has done so much for the region and country? The Prime Minister’s main concern, as it should be, is the welfare of the team members who have been made redundant and Sandals had made it clear that all team members will be eligible for rehire. It is not the Prime Minister’s duty to ensure anyone keeps their job – that is solely up to each individual employee and his or her performance. The Prime Minister cannot afford to be caught up in the short term fray. He must plan for the long term economic well-being of our country and act accordingly. While we delight in sounding off on public forums and social media pages, we need to remember that there are Bahamians who depend on Sandals for their livelihoods. For more than 600 Bahamians, this issue goes deeper than a viral post or a sound bite during the evening news. I am sure Prime Minister Christie is well aware of this and that this fact has influenced his approach and response to the issue at hand. While he certainly will not stand to see Bahamians being mistreated or taken for granted he also has a diplomatic duty, which he has fulfilled, to address disagreements in a fair and tactful manner. TASHA ROLLE Nassau, August 18, 2016.
The secret of giving? EDITOR, The Tribune. THE Press now prints large notices of amnesties for late payment of Stamp duty on deeds and documents, and notices of land acquisitions to construct homes for the poor. Not yet the Christmas season but the spirit of giving and forgiving is moving the government to reach out to the people in this way. Cynical observers might
say that the spirit of giving has more to do with the preelection warm- up. If that is so, perhaps we can look forward to a deluge of postChristmas government gifts as well. Meantime the Inland Revenue and Treasury staff diligently quantify for tax payers VAT and Stamp Duty, collect revenue, and put more coins in the bucket of the national Treasury before it is drained of even
a good credit rating. Out of the chaos of personalities and poli-tricks, there must emerge a government of vision, transparency, accountability and integrity, focused on education, environment and the economy, so we can move forward to a better place. LEANDRA ESFAKIS Winton, N.P. July 28, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, August 23, 2016, PAGE 5
Three more cases of Zika virus confirmed from page one
Dr Gomez insisted that while the virus has been primarily transmitted as a result of mosquito bites, the increase in sexual transmitted cases of the virus has led officials to encourage use of condoms to guard against an outbreak. “To prevent sexual transmission the correct use of condoms is recommended every time,” said Dr Gomez. He had the following warning for sexual active
persons capable of conceiving children. “The risk of Zika from sex is of greatest concern for pregnant women who can pass the infection on to the baby. Pregnant couples should use condoms every time they have sex or not have sex during the entire pregnancy. “Couples who are considering pregnancy should talk to their healthcare provider. Anyone who is not pregnant or trying to get pregnant, who wants to avoid getting or passing Zika during sex, should use condoms every time they have sex.
Q&A on the Zika virus
TRAVEL ADVISORY AGAINST BAHAMAS ‘EXPECTED’
Q: What is Zika? A: Zika virus disease is caused by the Zika virus, which is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting up to a week, and many people do not have symptoms or will have only mild symptoms. However, Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly and other severe brain defects. Q: How do people get infected with Zika? A: Zika is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. A pregnant woman can pass Zika to her foetus during pregnancy or around the time of birth. Also, a person with Zika can pass it to his or her sex partners. People who have travelled to or live in places with Zika are encouraged to protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites and sexual transmission of Zika. Q: What are the symptoms of Zika virus disease? A: The most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes. Other symptoms include muscle pain and headache. Many people infected with Zika won’t have symptoms or will have mild symptoms, which can last for several days to a week. Q: How is Zika diagnosed? A: Your doctor will ask you about recent travel and symptoms you may have, and collect blood or urine to test for Zika or similar viruses. Q: What health problems can result from getting Zika? A: Many people infected with Zika will have no symptoms or mild symptoms that last several days to a week. However, Zika infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect - microcephaly - and other severe foetal brain defects. Current research suggests that Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), an uncommon sickness of the nervous system, is strongly associated with Zika; however, only a small proportion of people with recent Zika virus infection get GBS. Once someone has been infected with Zika, it’s very likely they will be protected from future infections. There is no evidence that past Zika infection poses an increased risk of birth defects in future pregnancies. Q: What can people do to prevent Zika? A: The best way to prevent Zika is to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites: • Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants • Sleep under a mosquito bed net if air conditioned or screened rooms are not available or if sleeping outdoors. • Zika can be spread by a person infected with Zika to his or her sex partners. People whose partners have travelled to or live in an area with Zika can prevent Zika by using condoms (or other barriers that protect against infection) every time they have sex or by not having sex. Q: Can someone who returned from an area with Zika get tested for the virus? A: See your doctor if you have Zika symptoms and have recently been in an area with Zika. Your doctor may order tests to look for Zika or similar viruses like dengue and chikungunya. Source: US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
“Additionally, couples who do not want to get pregnant should talk to their healthcare provider regarding the most effective birth control methods that they can use,” he added. Consultant to the Ministry of Health Dr Percival McNeil said officials have placed a special emphasis on pregnant women. The paediatric specialist said the Ministry of Health wants pregnant women to register as soon as possible with their healthcare provider to allow officials to closely watch them through-
out their entire pregnancy, warning that Zika can have major effects at any stage of pregnancy and even after the baby is born. “Some of these babies can be born completely normal. We plan to follow the babies intensely throughout the first year to check for development. And so, you need the partnership of the public engaging intensely along with us to deal with this and to prevent Zika from causing a huge problem,” he stated. Officials have long stressed the link between the virus and micro-
cephaly in newborns and the risk of transmission through sex. The World Health Organisation has advised that persons wait at least six months to try for a pregnancy if the male partner had symptoms of Zika. Dr McNeil said the biggest focus in this ordeal remains preventing the spread of Zika. “We need to prevent Zika - meaning that the ongoing transmission of Zika - and this would mean bite prevention and sexual transmission,” he added on Monday.
By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
HEALTH Minister Dr Perry Gomez said he fully expects a travel advisory to be issued against The Bahamas in the coming days, after the country confirmed three more cases of the Zika virus in New Providence. As of Monday, the Bahamas had four confirmed cases of Zika. Officials said they have intensified fogging efforts to kill mosquitos, as they called on residents to do their part to reduce the virus’ spread. Referring to the three latest cases, Dr Gomez said the issue is an “enormous challenge” for the Bahamas and its tourism product. “I was informed this morning that there is going to be a notice that a travel advisory would be issued against The Bahamas sometime today if it has not already been done so,” he stated. Expressing his displeasure with the pending move, Dr Gomez said he thought it was a “little unfair” for an advisory to caution travel to the entire country despite confirmed cases being confined to New Providence to date. Director of Public Health Dr Pearl McMillan cautioned visitors that there was no need for mass panic, as local officials were doing all they could to ensure that the necessary measures are put in place to control and prevent the spread of the virus. “I would still recommend that they use mosquito repellents as they travel around, but we are pretty safe to visit because we have, like I said four con-
HEALTH Minister Dr Perry Gomez at yesterday’s press conference on the Zika virus. dozen more cases reported fogging,” he said. in Florida in the past week Mr Thompson added: and an estimated 170,000 in “But we have intensified our Brazil to date. fogging applications, particularly around the cases and Fogging suspected cases. Once that Assistant Director of the is done, then we are moving Department of Environ- systematically throughout mental Health Services An- the areas that we call the lodrew Thompson yesterday calities where the suspected indicated that officials have cases are and eventually we zeroed in on the Pinewood will do another application Gardens and Carmichael throughout the island of Road areas with its Zika New Providence. fogging activities. “We have the same proHe said officials have no- gramme going through the ticed a spike in the amount Family Islands where they of suspected cases in those have their ULV applicaareas. tions; where, if there are He said officials have ap- suspected cases they impleplied “significant empha- ment the protocol where sis” to the two sections in they would go around that recent weeks, hoping to re- particular case or suspected duce breeding activities of case and do some source the Aedes aegypti mosquito reduction, giving out educa- the strain of mosquito pri- tional material and that sort marily responsible for the of thing. spread of the virus. “So really and truly the Mr Thompson also con- public, the community, the firmed that fogging activi- individual; it is a cry for ties throughout New Provi- them to really be proacdence have increased. tive along with the relevant “People like to really rely government agencies in this on the fogging, but you can- process.” not just really rely on the Fogging activities are
firmed cases in New Providence but we are seeking to do all we can to ensure that this does not increase beyond (what has been reported),” she stated. Over the last month, both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration and the United State’s Centre of Disease Control (CDC) have issued a travel advisories to Brazil and sections of the Miami, Florida area. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration previously insisted that Bahamians travelling to both Miami and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for the Summer Olympics take “appropriate precautions” to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. The statement also urged that similar precautions be taken by travellers heading to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Aside from the four confirmed cases in the Bahamas, there have been multiple confirmed cases of the Zika virus in nearby Turks and Caicos, nearly a
The most common symptoms of Zika virus are fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes). Other symptoms include muscle pain and headache. According to the consultant, 80 per cent of persons have no symptoms once infected with the virus, and as a result, he said the sexual route is wide open for transmission by persons who are sexually active. Persons who suspect that they or a family member may be infected with the virus are encouraged to visit their healthcare provider for further screening.
contingent on weather patterns. “It is nightly depending upon weather,” Mr Thompson said. “If there is rain, we cannot fog. If there is weather or wind beyond 10mph, it is very futile and the success rate would be minimal simply because you have to impact the body of the mosquito, so if you have wind beyond 10mph a lot of the chemical just flies away.” Additionally, Mr Thompson urged residents to do their part to combat the spread of the virus, by eliminating standing water and emptying containers that can collect water. Environmental Health officials have now implemented a public assistance programme, offering residents an opportunity to have unneeded items that could hold water to be carted away from their property. “We have put out the notice out there to say that the public is hereby informed that the Department of Environmental Services has put in place public assistance programme to help in getting rid of all water holding containers where the mosquitoes breeds,” he said. Homeowners and occupants are asked to collect all holding containers and place them in front of their property for collection. Residents are asked to call the department at 302-5198, 302-5202 or 302-5203 for collection.
PAGE 6, Tuesday, August 23, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
Resort ‘had to close’ for renovation By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
THE noise of construction work around the pool areas of Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort and the ungainly images of the construction work will be so disruptive that guests could not be expected to remain in the vicinity while repairs take place, Sandals’ Construction Project Manager James Wilson said yesterday. He suggested that this is the primary reason the resort is temporarily closing. His statement came as he took The Tribune on a tour of the resort as construction workers engaged in extensive work. The tour was the resort’s latest attempt to address criticism that its temporary closure is an attack on the Bahamas Hotel & Allied Workers Union (BHAWU) rather than genuinely borne out of a need to conduct urgent repairs. The repairs observed by The Tribune fell into two categories: potentially urgent work and non-urgent work. Most renovations fell into the latter category. This involves cosmetic changes like replacing tiles and carpets on numerous floors, uprooting wooden and concrete floor structures to replace them and upgrading areas of the resort such as the Villa Suites section which hasn’t been renovated since Sandals was purchased in the late 1990s,
according to Mr Wilson’s assistant, Don Cooke. Some areas, such as bathrooms of the Villa Suites, will be given more contemporary amenities, for instance. As for the urgent repairs, Mr Wilson said the resort’s Balmoral pool loses an average of 5,000 gallons of water every day because of leaks, costing the resort thousands of dollars a month. This, he said, requires immediate attention, the kind that can’t be addressed without causing commotion. The resort is also in the process of addressing its plumbing issues. The resort’s steam pipes, which have been leaking, will be replaced. And technicians will replace the piping insulation surrounding chiller pipes. Both systems will be shut down for weeks while the changes are made. Replacing steam pipes, Mr Wilson noted, will affect laundry and shutting down the chiller system will affect the air conditioning services provided to the Balmoral and Windsor section of the resort but not the Villa Suites, which have their own air conditioning units. The resort has been criticised for not conducting its repairs in phases. Ultimately, the reason given for this decision seems to be that the noise of jackhammers around the pool area will be too disruptive to guests anywhere on the property.
A SITE inspection at Sandals Royal Bahamian to view renovations to the resort. Mr Wilson said about a dozen contractors have been hired to engage in repair works around the resort. The Tribune went to Sandals yesterday expecting, based on arrangements, to meet General Manager Gary Williams. But when this newspaper showed up to the resort, representatives said Mr Williams was off-site. On August 15, the resort announced that more than 600 workers had been made redundant as the property closed for repairs. The hotel is expected to open in October.
Minister of Labour Shane Gibson has criticised hotel officials, saying executives could have laid the employees off instead of making them redundant. He has also criticised Sandals for hosting a four-day job fair - which began yesterday where former employees will be re-interviewed to see if they will be re-employed. Mr Gibson has also said the hotel did not give his ministry early notice of the planned redundancies, only informing the ministry by letter one business day before the changes took place.
Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
JAMES WILSON, Construction Project Manager at Sandals, and Don Cooke leading the inspection.
SANDALS WORKERS LINE UP TO REAPPLY FOR OLD JOBS from page one
The former employees The Tribune spoke with also unanimously heralded the simplicity of the interviewing process at yesterday’s job fair, which was not particularly busy, and also expressed optimism that they would be successful in reclaiming their former jobs. The four-day job fair kicked off a week after more than 600 employees were made redundant at the Cable Beach resort so that it could conduct renovations. Autreen Rose, who spent 14 years working at Sandals in the laundry department, said news of the redundancies did give her a “bad feeling” initially, but she has since shrugged off the bitterness and is optimistic about what lies ahead. “It is what it is. It’s not my
FORMER Sandals workers waiting for interview yesterday. hotel, and I only could go by the (rules) they put in,” she said. “So I’m here, I reapplied, and I feel positive about it. “It was a bad feeling, but today it felt much different,” she added. “And I have a positive idea that I probably will be coming back to Sandals. If not, move on and look for something else to do.” She also urged her former co-workers to put aside whatever bitter feelings
they may have and reapply to work at the resort. “Well you got to come out find out what’s going on, and you got to come out and feel the way I feel,” she said. “You’ll probably feel better after coming out and being interviewed. It feels very good, a good feeling.” Arizona Rolle, a dining room supervisor who would have celebrated her 19th year with the resort in November, also suggested that she harbours no ill will to-
wards Sandals. “For myself personally I love what I do,” she said. “I have a passion for what I have done, and situations going on, media, around us in Sandals. It’s beyond us. God has us covered. So persons may still be angry about it - it’s nothing that (we) can do. God controls everything and let his will be done.” She added: “I know persons might be fearing that they’re going to go through these long drawn out questions, hard interview - it’s not hard. And for those old Sandals employees if you want to reapply you should if you have it in your heart’s desire.” Latoysa Walkes, who spent 18 years at the resort in multiple capacities from kitchen helper to hostess, said she has no hostility towards Sandals. “...I was employed there for 18 years and I loved my
job and I loved what I did,” she said. “It was a pleasure. And up to today I still feel positive about the company. And if the outcome turns out to be negative, I’m going to look at it as the positive side. Because everyone is coming here today to give it another try. So we love the job, it was the best job to us. I’ve been there so long, and that’s why I came back to give it a shot today.” She added: “...If I am given another opportunity for a job I’m going to take it, but I love Sandals, it was a nice place, and the job was always a happy job to be on.” Labour Minister Shane Gibson said the government has been advised that the resort will be closed for eight weeks as it carries out renovations because hotel officials said the work could not be done in the presence of guests. Last Monday, many of
the workers said they were caught off guard by the news, with scores of them showing up to work in uniform only to be told they no longer had jobs. It is unclear if all the terminated employees will be rehired when the resort reopens in October. The first two days of the job fair were exclusively for the fired employees, however. In a statement last week, Sandals said it made employees redundant in order to carry out necessary repairs to the resort, which are being “fast-tracked” at an estimated cost of $4m. Last week, however, Mr Gibson said he believes Sandals’ actions were an attack on the Bahamas Maintenance and Allied Workers Union (BMAWU), which has fought for years to be recognised as the bargaining agent for Sandals’ employees.
‘WELLS WAS SACRIFICED IN LETTER OF INTENT ROW’ from page one
Funeral Service For
LINDA JOYCE JOHNSON, 62
Kennedy Drive.
of Oxford Avenue, Cable Beach, will be held on Thursday August 25, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, West Hill Street. Officiating will be Fr. Glen C. Nixon. Interment will follow in Lakeview Memorial Gardens and Mausoleums, John F.
Left to cherish her fond memories are Linda’s husband of 38 years: Hon. Calvin James Johnson, JP; her Children: Candace Carin Johnson, Calvin James Johnson II; Brother: Raymond E. Smith; Sisters: Judy GardnerHarvey, Ava M. Gardner, Nancy E. Heaston; Nieces and Nephews: Raymond Smith, Rachel McCree, Erica Smith, Cameron and Kevin Burden, Noah King, Nia and April Heaston; Cousins: Joseph and Juanita Davis, Michelle Mays, Ronald and Darien Smith; Brothers-in law: Steven Harvey, Joseph Heaston, Shad Deal, Steven Johnson, Samuel Johnson, Edward Neely, Richard Johnson; Sisters-in-law: Linda Deal, Janice Taylor, Anishka Strachan, Charlene Knowles, Annette Johnson, Walkina Neely, Rose Deal, Jennifer Johnson, Stephanie Smith; She is also survived by numerous other relatives both abroad and the Bahamas. Special Thanks to Renal House Bahamas, Davita Dialysis, ICU at Doctors Hospital and to all of her doctors in the Bahamas as well as Florida and Michigan. There will be no Viewing. Arrangements are entrusted to Butlers’ Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Ernest and York Streets.
advance that the government was set to issue the LOI ahead of Mr Well’s illfated move. “He was thrown under the bus with the letter of intent,” Dr Rollins, who spoke to the host by telephone, claimed. “No one in the leadership of the PLP wanted to take ownership of them advising him to sign that letter of intent. No one else indicated that they had any knowledge of a letter of intent, then two years later we find out the minister of state for finance was communicating with the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) about this very same letter of intent.” Dr Rollins said: “But they didn’t want any of the senior persons in the party taking the fall for it. They rather a new generation person, that they said was the future of the party, to take all of the blame, forcing his resignation when in truth the person who ought to have resigned was somebody way high up the food chain, one of the senior members of the party.” “But that’s just the way the PLP plays its politics,” Dr Rollins added. “They rather sacrifice their young in order to look after the welfare of those who have been in the business of politics for decades and the country is regressing as opposed to progressing.”
Mr Wells declined to comment further on the matter when contacted by The Tribune yesterday. In October 2014, Prime Minister Perry Christie fired Mr Wells from his post as parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Works and Urban Development following months of controversy sparked by his reportedly unauthorised signature on the $600 m LOI in July 2014. Before he was removed from the post, Dr Rollins had threatened that if Mr Wells were fired, he would reveal the names of those involved with Mr Wells’ signing of the $650m LOI with Stellar Waste Management. Insisting that other people needed to be fired if Mr Wells was dismissed, he said he was prepared to say who those people were because there was more than met the eye regarding the controversy. One month later, Mr Wells broke his silence and said he signed the LOI – without Cabinet approval – for the “good of the people.” A year later, in November 2015, Mr Wells announced in Parliament that he had quit the PLP before crossing the floor to join the Official Opposition. In a letter dated May 26, 2014, and obtained by Tribune Business last week, State Minister for Finance Michael Halkitis informed a representative of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) that the government had issued an ini-
tial LOI to Stellar Energy. The company had proposed to establish a $600 million 70-80 megawatt waste-toenergy plant that was to be located at the New Providence landfill on Tonique Williams Highway. Mr Halkitis’ letter was dated about five weeks before Mr Wells signed the LOI with the company. Mr Wells has said he took responsibility for the controversy because he signed the document without “written approval”. This new development has unearthed calls for the Christie administration to fully disclose all details related to the scandal. Yesterday, Dr Rollins also responded to questions about the nature of his relationship with Mr Wells. Good friends Dr Rollins maintained that he and Mr Wells remain good friends and that he respected his “political acumen,” despite the fact that they have taken markedly different political stances since they crossed the floor to join the Free National Movement last year. Mr Wells has become a staunch supporter of FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis, while Dr Rollins took a critical stance of the Killarney MP and joined calls for an early convention. “I like to be frank and upfront with people,” Dr Rollins said. “I have very strong views,
I can’t expect Mr Wells to he’s his own man. He’s not a puppet, he doesn’t have anybody pulling his strings and so I don’t tell Mr Wells what he should think or what he should do. “I had certain views and it led me to say certain things and he didn’t have those same views so he’s considered somebody who has remained very strong in his support for Dr Minnis.” Dr Rollins pointed out that any political observer would see the benefit in engaging with not only political yes-men but also persons that will bring constructive critique - appearing to make a distinction between Mr Wells and himself. “You don’t want to surround yourself only with people who may tell you what you want to hear but also surround yourself with others who will tell you not necessarily what you want to hear but what you need to hear,” he said. “I’ve also been a very plainspoken person. I tell you what is my frank assessment of a situation and if you fault me for that and believe that I’m not somebody that is going to serve you well in your position as leader then you have every right to sideline me or believe that it’s not in your interest to have me be a part of your team. “And if that’s what Dr Minnis feels I’m not going to object,” Dr Rollins said.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, August 23, 2016, PAGE 7
PLP stalwart councillors upset at treatment, warns Alfred Sears By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party stalwart councillors are dissatisfied with being treated merely as tools to maintain Prime Minister Perry Christie’s incumbency, only to be discarded and excluded after convention, according to party leader hopeful Alfred Sears. However, this claim was shot down by PLP Trustee Valentine Grimes, who yesterday said that while he was surprised by the suggestion, it could not be further from the truth. Mr Sears pointed to deep concerns among councillors and branch delegates over the lack of accountability from party leadership to members as he outlined plans to re-infuse the party with “servant leadership” in a recent interview. Underscoring the sense of alienation he has encountered as he canvasses party members throughout the country, Mr Sears added that the positive feedback since launching his campaign has exceeded his expectations. “The delegates are concerned that the party in between conventions really has very little contact with stalwart councillors,” he said. “The party has no organised political education, no newsletters which keep stal-
ALFRED SEARS wart councillors informed, no regular meetings to discuss policies of the party. And there is a sense as I speak to stalwarts that they are only called upon by the leadership of the party, which is now within seven years, when there is a need for people to vote and support the incumbency.” Mr Sears added: “There is a deep concern of this practice, for seven years in succession, where the stalwart councillors and delegates from branches have
not had the opportunity to review the performance of the party, to have the opportunity to amend the constitution. And also to be denied the most fundamental right that a member of the party has, which the constitution says that all the positions of leadership should become vacant each year.” “So when as I tour and I listen to the stalwarts,” he said, “we need to re-infuse the party with what I call a servant leadership that’s
serving the members. Not just calling upon the members when you need them to maintain the incumbency, but to provide ongoing service to allow stalwart councillors to have a voice in the conduct of the party, to shift the party into a more progressive and liberal party.” Mr Sears said: “The supreme organ of the party has not met in seven years. It is the supreme organ where every branch has delegates, stalwart councillors on various islands and do not have regular contact with their government that’s all based here in New Providence. What I am getting is this deep concern, this sense of alienation, this sense of ‘they only know me when they need me.’ As great a party as the PLP, this is very unfortunate. There is a need to infuse with sense of accountability to members and the stalwart councillors.” Yesterday Mr Grimes, also a stalwart councillor, pushed back against assertions that appointed members were being taken for granted. He acknowledged that a national convention has been long overdue, stating that while it was a costly exercise, he would never try to make an excuse for the lengthy delay. The PLP has not held a convention since 2009. “The stalwart councillors are an important part
of our organisation,” Mr Grimes said. “They are made up of men and women throughout the length and breadth of the country. Those persons have historically played a very important role in the successes of the PLP. I know from where I sit, both as a trustee and organiser of the elections, that they continue to play a very important role in what we do. “To say they’re being taken for granted, I’ve never seen any evidence of it. “I’m surprised that that is being suggested because Prime Minister Christie would not have been involved in the appointment of most of these councillors. There is a committee. Every member of Parliament has the ability to recommend persons for appointment and most have, including the former MP for Fort Charlotte Alfred Sears. It is a very important part of the political machinery, why our party is in some ways unique.” Speaking to the concerns raised by Mr Sears, Mr Grimes said that the party has religiously held monthly council meetings, and that the various branches were also encouraged to do the same. He revealed that the party’s constitution committee has been working on amendments that will go to council first for approv-
al, and then ultimately be voted on at convention. Mr Grimes also pointed to the party’s website, however he noted that he could not speak to its upkeep. “We do have a vibrant party, I’m happy to have been a part of it for many years. Could there be more done, the answer is always yes. I’m satisfied our chairman and secretary general do an excellent job of communicating.” Mr Grimes said that it went without question that he strongly supported Mr Christie’s leadership; however, he was quick to point out that as an organiser for the elections at convention, he was also a strong advocate for the right to challenge any position within the party. “I think under the circumstances he (Mr Christie) has done an excellent job. The time will come when leadership will change, whether now is the right time that’s a different story but everyone has a right to run. I think it’s important that anybody’s right to run is protected,” Mr Grimes said. “I’m one of the persons responsible for elections, I protect everyone’s right to free and fair elections. I unequivocally support the leadership of Perry Gladstone Christie, and I unequivocally support the right of anyone to run for any position within the party.”
ROLLINS ACCUSES BUTLER-TURNER OF TRYING TO UNDERMINE HIM By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net SEEKING to defend his courtship of the Long Island constituency, Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins yesterday accused area MP Loretta ButlerTurner of seeking to undermine him in his own constituency during her leadership campaign ahead of the Free National Movement’s national convention. Dr Rollins alleged that Mrs Butler-Turner told his constituents that she intended to run party newcomer Mark Humes for the seat if she was elected as leader. The disclosure came as Dr Rollins confirmed that he has been visiting Long Island in response to a substantial number of calls from residents for him to be their standard bearer in the upcoming election. Underscoring the desire on the island for a new representative, he suggested that FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis was in a difficult position given his declaration at the party’s convention that Mrs ButlerTurner would receive the
nomination. “The reality is yes I’ve been visiting Long Island,” he said as a guest on radio talk show “Darrold Miller Live” with Darrold Miller. Mr Miller had asked the outspoken Fort Charlotte MP to comment on Mrs Butler-Turner’s claim that he was campaigning in her constituency. “I have a lot of family in Long Island,” he said in response. “I have a lot of people who have called me or expressed to me their interest in having me run for Long Island. “But I will say this, I have never said it publicly but it is a reality that after I joined the FNM, Mrs Butler-Turner was taking Mark Humes around Fort Charlotte and telling persons that when she became the leader of the FNM, he was going to be her candidate for Fort Charlotte. “So I think its very disingenuous of Mrs ButlerTurner to suggest that my visitation to Long Island is any less problematic than what she was actively pursuing in the area that I represent.” Dr Rollins added: “I believe she needs to be open and honest about her role in
trying to undermine me in my own constituency, and I never intended to undermine her in hers. But the fact is I’ve had people in Long Island asking me to come down there to be the FNM’s standard bearer for Long Island. “But I understand the predicament that Dr Minnis finds himself in, and I recognise that notwithstanding all of the calls for a new representative or standard bearer from the FNM for that constituency, it would be rather difficult for Dr Minnis to do that especially considering what he has said publicly following the convention.” Rumours that Mrs Butler-Turner does not hold the support of her constituency, and is under threat of being rejected as a standard bearer for the 2017 general election, have been widely circulated. However, Mrs Butler-Turner’s supporters on the island insist that her detractors are few, and that most of the controversy has been instigated by Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) agents. In an interview with The Tribune earlier this month, former Long Island Constituency Association mem-
MOODY’S DOWNGRADES THE BAHAMAS’ CREDIT RATING from page one This comes after the Wall Street credit rating agency engaged in a two-month review process that involved meeting with leading government figures. Government officials argued strongly that a downgrade of any kind is unnecessary, with James Smith, for state minister of finance, even saying the agency should be “fired” if it downgraded the country’s credit worthiness. “Moody’s also lowered most of the risk ceilings for the Bahamas’ long-term and short-term financial obligations,” the Ministry of Finance said in a statement. “Although the government is disappointed in this decision, the country’s credit risk remains investment grade, and the rating agency, by its stable outlook assessment, acknowledges that the economic developments underway stand to enhance the resilience of the Bahamian economy. “The government’s perspective on the Bahamian economy remains positive and its commitment un-
deterred in pursuing the necessary policy reform measures and initiatives to secure durable growth, accompanied by broadened employment opportunities and greater fiscal sustainability with debt reduction. “To this end, the government is moving swiftly to advance the many real sector initiatives underway that are poised to deliver, over the near-term horizon, further concrete, measurable contributions in these key economic policy areas.” The Ministry of Finance said details provided in recent budget communications regarding foreign direct investment projects indicates that investors still have strong sentiments about the attractiveness of the country. The ministry also said: “While it is unfortunate that the mega Baha Mar project’s opening has been unduly delayed, the path to its completion is now established, and its opening will secure meaningful employment opportunities, alongside a higher level of capital injection than originally anticipated.” Fiscal sustainability and
debt reduction remain high on the government’s policy agenda, and are being supported by deliberate measures to modernise and enhance revenue administration and control expenditures, the Ministry of Finance said. “For example, compliance measures are being pursued to ensure that yields from current taxes are being maximised, and new initiatives, such as the National Health Insurance, are being introduced at a pace that is affordable for the public finances. Importantly, the National Development Plan is set to deal strategically with the elimination of various structural impediments to growth, thereby contributing to the reform of the domestic economy. “The government’s opinion is that the Bahamas’ economic fundamentals still support a strong creditworthiness assessment and, based on its proactive approach to addressing existing policy concerns, is confident that this rating outcome is temporary and an improvement will be secured in the short-term.”
ber Bernard Adderley confirmed that Dr Rollins had travelled to Long Island “several times this year, testing the waters” to see if “it made sense” for him to run there. Mr Adderley said while he might have attracted
some support, the people “do not want him.” One FNM insider previously told The Tribune that although the party plans to give Mrs Butler-Turner the nomination, there has been heavy consideration to support an independent
run by BTC manager Ian Knowles. Mr Knowles is said to be a strong favourite on the island. However, the source said there was uncertainty over whether Mr Knowles would run against Dr Rollins, who is a cousin.
PAGE 8, Tuesday, August 23, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
Bahamian traits - Smith’s lust for power and Shaunae’s desire for glory By NICOLE BURROWS
I
SINCERELY hope the press conference given by Dion Smith, Deputy House Speaker, was about more than publicly lending Perry Christie support. It seems an awfully trifling reason to engage the media, unless you have a hidden message or agenda … or maybe not so hidden … to deliver far and wide. I wonder how Christie feels about Smith’s hunger for power. I’m guessing it was not entirely a revelation to hear him (Smith) say about Christie, “Maybe he made the mistake by not, umm, giving me more power … you know, allowing me to do more for, you know, to represent the new generation of leaders in this country ... so maybe that’s a mistake that he made.” The reporter probably asked Smith what he thought Christie could do better, maybe what mistakes he may have made if any. You can tell Smith realised what his ‘power’ response sounded like almost as soon as he said it, because he paused, and then shifted with a very quick comeback. Maybe he’s a game player after all? The news report ended with the journalist saying that Smith made it clear he is a team player and will
follow behind whoever is party leader. I don’t know if those were the reporter’s words or Smith’s, but I have a big concern about blind worship disguised as team playing. Being a team player is already a twisted concept in business, very rarely meeting its own definition. Yet, everyone says they want a team player. Really what they want is someone who will follow orders. They want someone who obeys … is obedient, even docile, someone who doesn’t challenge authority for any reason, in exchange for a paycheck. I believe these people are contemporarily referred to as the ‘Sheeple’ by many a comedian or talk show host, local and international. We all know who the Sheeple are. In the Bahamas, they are most Bahamians. You can almost hear them go ‘baaaaaaa’ when they start to talk. And they’re the star ‘team players’ in Bahamian business and politics. As if fake team playing wasn’t indigestible enough, I’ve noticed quite a few Members of Parliament sharing a very Christie-ish comment and sentiment of late, as Smith did at his press conference: “That is as much as I would say there”. Or, the less wordy
BAHAMAS’ Shaunae Miller falls over the finish line to win gold ahead of United States’ Allyson Felix, right, in the 400-metre final at the Olympic stadium on Monday night. Photo: Matt Slocum/AP
“I’ll leave that right there”... as if saying those words ends any conceivable argument about their authority or knowledgeability. In the last few months, Christie, Davis, Miller, Smith, Mitchell, have all said similar words … even Ingraham, though, he’s not a member of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) like the rest of them … is he? When you politicians say things like this, the only way it comes across is that you have nothing more useful to contribute to the discussion, you don’t know what the hell you’re talking about, or you are on a power trip so high that you think you can say absolutely nothing and it means something. •••
Funeral Service for RAPHAEL LEONARDO WILLIAMS, 36
a resident of Culmingo Close, off Malcolm Road, will be held at St. John’s Native Baptist Cathedral, Meeting Street, on Wednesday, 24th August, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be Rev’d Dr. Reginald Ferguson, assisted by Rev’d Ekron Pratt & Rev’d Elliston Smith. Interment follows in Western Cemetery, Nassau Street.
He is survived by his, Mother: Larrie Ferguson; Father: Homer Williams; Stepfather: Oliver Ferguson; Grandmother: Lovely Miller; Step Grandmother: Roxi Anna Ferguson; Sisters: Homiqua Cartwright and Vera Carter; Nieces: Abraniqua Elvariste, Tahlia Cartwright and Francita Saunders; Nephew: Shalano Carter; Aunts: Mavis Brown, Adrian Adderley, Cherene Carey (Wayne), Clodiea Knowles, Joanna Miller-Neely (Aaron), Melissa Miller-Deveaux (Jason Sr.), Margaret Hopkins (Earnest), Cynthia Smith, Beatrice Farrington, Ophelia Cox, Huden, Corinne Cartwright; Uncles: Raymond (Pandora), Everette (Helen), Percy, Donnie and Dellino (Latoya) Miller, Vincent Cartwright, Henry Smith, Dino Rolle; Godparents: Max and Clementina Braynen; Brothers-In-Law: Geltrue Cartwright and Shillan Carter; Cousins: Kera Dean, Atia, Racquel, Samantha, Shyanne, Ramona, Camille, Moiesha, Jasmine, Inga, Melissa, Latoya, Krystal, Romaine, Athena, Percivette, Donesha, Dominique and Delisha Miller, Sylvia Knowles, Arianna Neely, Barbara, Nakarha Evans, Bianca, Baricha, Shaquel, Pandora, Andrea, Keveena, Alicia, Dorinda, Marcia, Enrique and Tamico Adderley, Davardo and Jeré Brown, Periquo Taylor, Leonardo Cartwright, Dario, Geno, Bernard, Raymond Jr., Donnie Jr., Dialo, Delano, Donico and Omar Miller, Travanti Oliver, Wayne Jr., Joshua and Jason Deveaux Jr, Marvin and Montez Hopkins, Owen and Bianca Darville, Mario and Marcello Farrington, Tyrone Daxon, Micah Obrien, Bastista Henfield, Bonista Moxey, Barisha Rolle, James, Cordero, Marcia and Shaquel Cartwright, Geraldo Brown, Pandora Diouf, Andrea Dean, Alexander Peterson, Anthony Papageorge, Charles and Keveena Williams, Alicia Higgs, Alvin Mullings and Barbara Pinder; Grand Aunts: Cathrine Wilson-Miami Fl, Fairmena (Charles) Taylor - Deep Creek, Eleuthera, Mable Daxon; GrandUncles: Rev. Zilchus (Ellamae) and Dellington Thompson (Deep Creek, Eleuthera); Other Relatives and Friends: Ralandra Taylor, Rev. Jennifer Sands, Denise Carey, Wendy Kelly, Tasha, Florence, Jeffrey and Marvin Wilson of Miami Fl., Leroy, Percy, Colin and Charles Taylor, Donald, Herbert, Ricky and Steve Clarke of Miami, Fl., Jerome, Azzahria, T’asia, Leonardo Jr., Shane, Phyllicia, Shaniah, Jamaal, Omar Jr. and Omarah Miller, Prince, Wayde, Clint, Lamont, Neil and Spencer Thompson, Claudia, Janico, Sandra and Ronnie Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Forbes and Family, Leona Dean and Family, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rolle, Sylvia Butler, Joanne, Mr. and Mrs. Marion Johnson, Gloria, Maverick and Dudley Richards, Reginald Deveaux, Ken, Margaret Bethel, Star, Gladstone Pratt, Fredricka Bethel, Dereck Thompson, Pastor Bernice Major, Tamara Donaldson, Mariette Newry, Marva Jarvis, Stephanie Forbes, Kevon Lightbourne, Rev. C.B. Moss and the Bain Town Community. Friends may pay their last respects at Demeritte’s Funeral Home, Market Street, from 1-6:00 p.m. on Tuesday & on Wednesday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until service time.
Boy wese pirates boyyyyy! We’ll snatch the gold from under your nose! Chile, Shaunae girl, lemme tell you what happened, since you say your mind went blank. How it looked to us on #TeamShaunae, you was running like the wind in the northeast quadrant of a hurricane, and we was shouting, hollering for you to get your
gold and hold dat Yankee! “Go gyal Shaunae, go!”... you know… Bahamianstyle. Then, almost to the end of the race, we held our breath ‘cause we was scared you was gon drop! “Oh, geesis, she gon fall, oh lawd her legs giving out, don’t fall Shaunae, don’t fall, Allyson right there!” And then … what the … what just happened? It was kinda funny. You went from almost falling two steps from the finish line to being on the other side of the finish line in a fraction of a split second. We didn’t even know you could do that, much less do that and win. But chile, you knew and that was all that mattered. How did you fling your whole body cross the line like that girl? So huge a fling it was it made you sit out the relays, but we gon try not to be too mad about that. Shaunae, you deserve your gold medal, not because your torso crossed the line before Allyson Felix’s, though that is the official measure of your first place finish. And not because you had a praise session on the ground for like 10-plus min-
Temple Christian School Teaching Positions 2016-2017 Temple Christian School invites applications from qualified Christians for the following position at the High School for the 2016-2017 school year: English Teacher (Grades 7 – 9) The applicant must: A) be a practicing born again Christian who is willing to subscribe to the Statement of Faith of Temple Christian School. B) have a Bachelor’s Degree or higher in the relevant field and/or Teacher’s Certificate/Diploma from an accredited/ recognized College or University. C) be able to prepare students for BJC and BGCSE examinations. D) have a minimum of two (2) years of teaching experience in the relevant subject area. E) be willing to participate in the school’s extra-curricular programmes. The Application for a Teaching Position is available on the school’s website www.templechristianbahamas.com and at the Administrator’s Office, 4th Terrace East Collins Avenue (directly behind the New Evangelistic Temple). A detailed job description is also available at the Office of the Administrator. Applications are to be submitted to: Dr. Samuel L. Rutherford Administrator Temple Christian School 4th Terrace East, Collins Avenue P.O. Box N-1566 Nassau, Bahamas Ph: 325-1095 The deadline for applications is Wednesday, August 31, 2016.
utes and we was wondering breath … you see? That’s who was gon come pick you a whole lot to digest every up off the ground. But you single time. It’s why we alwin gold for 100 per cent ways need time. Extra time. Olympic Spirit. If Allyson You’ll often hear me say “I (like she’s my cousin) had need a minute”, usually “to done that instead of you, she process” or “to digest”. Bewould have deserved gold, ing super-sensitive to multitoo. Because - and I am no ple stimuli takes a minute. athlete - I can see a real win- It’s why we need lead time. ner not by the medal on your And we also need lots of chest but by the fact that you alone time. use all you have when you That time is to allow for really have nothing left, in the extreme level of detailed order to get planning what you set we need to ‘Shaunae, you out to obtain. do so that In your crossed the finish we can be case, Shau- line with everything highly funcnae, you tional. But crossed the you had when your it’s also befinish line body tried to tell you cause after with every- you couldn’t. And being so thing you had sensitised, when your with that action, absorbing body tried you’ve made your every detail, to tell you people proud; it’s not we need to you couldn’t. recover. In And with much they have to the vernacuthat action, be proud of lately, so lar, we need you’ve made consider that in itself to “catch your people ourself”. proud; it’s an accomplishment. And solinot much Perhaps now you’ve tude is our they have inspired many best recovto be proud ery. of lately, so Bahamians to give all We funcconsider that they have even when tion better in itself an they think or feel it’s alone and accomplishthat’s not nothing, to achieve by mistake. ment. Perhaps the goals they’ve set We actually now you’ve for themselves. That need to be inspired alone. We’re many Baha- is inspiring. That is healthier mians to give an Olympian.’ and someall they have times hapeven when pier alone. they think or feel it’s noth- We can register more detail ing, to achieve the goals more accurately when we’re they’ve set for themselves. alone. Think about what it That is inspiring. That is an must feel like to be high and Olympian. everything is accentuated, and going in slow motion. ••• Well, we’re operating where everything is accentuated, as To those who have writ- if in slow motion, except fast. ten to me about how or why Being happier or more I write, this is for you. productive alone (writers, I know many people are artists, creatives of all types) taken aback by the reality doesn’t mean we don’t love of me versus the concept of our family and friends. In me … it gets confusing for fact, we do that intensely some. Allow me to explain. too, with the same time and They call me an intro- detailed attention. Good vert - antisocial, particular, for you if we love you; any OCD, you name it. I don’t beneficiary of our love and know that I’m solely or affection can attest to this. wholly that, because I can But we need to ensure that break out in a crowd if I feel our business is taken care of like it. But I guess that’s it before we can properly funcright there. I have to feel tion around you. If not, the like it. whole time we’re with you, It’s not that I don’t like I kid you not, if we seem people … I actually do. I just anxious, we are thinking of don’t like too many people all the things we didn’t get around me at one time. Us done or done properly or inner-centric people - not all the things we have to do to be confused with selfish and how much more proor self-centred - function on ductive and thus happier we feelings … mostly. We have will be when we get back to feel it to do it or to say it. into our solo space again. We have to be in the The quiet, solitary space is mood for certain things and our strength. It’s where our talk and people, especially comfort is. And when we’re if they’re high energy. And comfortable, we are better that’s not because we’re for ourselves and our own low-energy, it’s just that good, and good for you to be we take in every single de- around. You can’t always be tail around us making your like that, if you aren’t natuhigh energy even higher rally like that, but try it once energy for us to absorb. We or twice and see how healhear every word, every syl- ing it can be for you to take lable you say, every sound time in your solitary space. you make. And we don’t And, next time, rememjust hear it, we feel it. It re- ber, when we’re at a party verberates. and we go missing, you So while you think you know why. only said ‘hello’, we get your When you invite us to an ‘hello’, but we also take note event with mostly strangers of your intonation, to know and we decline, you know what type of response to of- why. fer. We remember how long When everyone else is the word took to escape laughing and we’re serious, your mouth, the shape your it’s probably (hopefully) not lips made, if we saw your you, it’s us. teeth, if any of them were E-mail nburrows@tribgold, whether you were unemedia.net, Facebook sweating, the smell of your and Twitter: @SoPolitiCole
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, August 23, 2016, PAGE 9
$24m catastrophic fund ‘will be in addition’ to present provisions By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net NATIONAL Health Insurance Project Manager Dr Delon Brennen yesterday rejected criticism that the government’s $24m catastrophic fund is insufficient to cover those who fall under the specialised care category, as he stressed that the fund will be used in addition to the provisions already in use in the country’s public health system. However, he admitted that the government is still in the process of designing the best way to execute the catastrophic fund. Asked if it were possible that the catastrophic fund could be expanded once officials decide how it will be put in place, Dr Brennen said this is a policy decision that the government will have to make. Dr Brennen was responding to Senator Dr Duane Sands’ comments last week when he told The Tribune that while the Christie administration has earmarked $24m for the special medical fund, it is not nearly enough and will only assist a maximum of 30 people. He spoke to reporters at the NHI Secretariat build-
DR DELON BRENNEN, NHI project manager, is pictured speaking at yesterday’s press conference to announce RFP for services. Photo: Shawn Hanna ing at East Street during those people in the popula- know that what they are a press conference to an- tion. putting into the healthcare “We are currently, much system right now whether nounce the government officially issuing a Request like we are with some other it is primary care or other For Proposals (RFP) for parts of the system, de- specialised services does services relating to the pub- signing how that is going not address every health lic insurer under the NHI to happen in consultation need. plan. Officials insist that a with healthcare providers “So they have funds that public insurer will drive the in country and administra- are often set aside to do most cost effective and fair tors of healthcare plans and something very similar and our healthcare facilities. So so they have administrative NHI model. “We know that our we have brought together practices where they either healthcare needs as a coun- levels of healthcare exper- have algorithms or logic try do lay out that there are tise within country to figure models to deliver that care people who are unable to out what’s the best way to or they have committees of access those services,” Dr do this. In addition we are healthcare experts that are Brennen explained, “so the using models from other ju- put in that reviews each of government has said that risdictions to be able to do those cases and then says we’ll have this $24m fund this as well.” this meets a certain threshHe added: “As you can old. In doing so we get to available to be able to start implementing those things imagine there are many use that fund for this delivthat we know are affecting jurisdictions out there that ery. It does not ignore for
those who may not meet that threshold. It is designed to make sure they get into the system whether that’s in the public sector or private sector using the current resources that we have in those because we haven’t removed that. “We haven’t taken away the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) and the tertiary care institutions. We haven’t taken away the private sector. Those are still there. What we are saying is this is additional funds that we haven’t had available to us before that we’ll be able to use for others who weren’t able to get care. But now we are going to figure out a system of how do we get people into that funds system, but also making sure we integrate all care across the system so that beneficiaries will still be able to get care whether at the PMH, the Rand or at other healthcare institutions in the country using funds we already have in the system.” On August 14, Dr Sands told The Tribune that when NHI’s primary care phase launches, “thousands of Bahamians will continue to die.” He said it is “disappointing” that 30 years after the
discussion on universal healthcare began that “this is as far as we have come.” “The government has not even defined how much money Duane Sands will get if I need surgery,” he said at the time. “Is there a limit? Does everyone get 10, 15, 50, 100 thousand?” “And when you do it like that, it opens up a huge opportunity for allegations of abuse. Who decides who gets help and how much money the person will get? What is the difficulty of defining this before the legislation is passed? So when Susie Smith needs heart surgery or expensive chemotherapy she is expecting NHI will help her. Let’s be honest and say ‘No, ma’am, not for another 10 or 20 years.’ So a number of Bahamians who believed NHI would have saved them or their loved ones will find out otherwise. While this plan will put us on the road to improved patient care, it will be a generation before we see the real benefit and thousands of Bahamians will continue to die,” he said. Dr Sands said the government currently spends $800m on healthcare so $24m is “nowhere near” what is needed to help those with catastrophic illnesses.
CALL FOR BIDDERS TO RUN PUBLIC INSURER FOR NHI By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net WHILE officials are still uncertain of when the National Health Insurance regulations will be finished or when the primary care phase will be rolled out, the government yesterday released a global request for proposals to invite bidders to manage NHI’s public insurer. This release of the request for proposals (RFP) has raised several questions about the feasibility of the Christie administration’s time line to implement the first phase of NHI and about whether the government stuck to its budget in carrying out the groundwork to usher in the primary care phase. Asked to reveal the cost of using the services of KPMG, one of the government’s lead consultants, NHI Secretariat Permanent Secretary Peter DeveauxIsaacs said the figures would be made public in due course. Officials were also asked to give an idea of when the regulations for NHI would be complete, but could give no concrete response and
neither could they clearly state if it was possible to have the public insurer in place by January 2017. And despite continuous criticism that the government has not incorporated much of the input of the local insurance industry, Damara Dillett, the Secretariat’s in-house lawyer, said the government made decisions that were in the best interest of Bahamians. NHI legislation was passed in the House of Assembly last Monday and then agreed upon unanimously in the Senate three days later. It has since been sent to Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling for the assent and will be later gazetted as the NHI Act. “At this particular juncture we are waiting for the NHI Bill to officially become an NHI Act so that we can meet with our policy makers and make those critical decisions and advise the public right away,” said Ms Dillett. “You would know that before now we would have absolutely no authority. NHI did not exist on the books. Now that we have that legislative power we’re able to make the critical de-
cisions that are necessary. “It gives us the opportunity to strategise as it relates to the time line having regard to the first step which is the passing of the NHI legislation.” Regarding the recommendation from local insurers into the RFP, she said: “They did share their concerns with respect to the public insurer. However, the government has taken the opportunity to make the decision that is in the best interest of the Bahamian public. “We’ve taken a look at models around the world and realised the public insurer is a critical and vital component to NHI implementation roll out. I don’t know that there is a scheme that exists or a plan that excludes a public insurer. She added: “We are working very hard towards completing the regulations. We have internal deadlines. We’re trying to ensure that framework is put together in such a way that we can go out and engage with the stakeholder industry to get their input on the regulations. The regulations process is very detailed and we want to make sure that all of the details with respect to
the regulations are accurate and the only way we can ensure that that happens is we get the technical skills and expertise that already exist in country through our stakeholders.”
RFP According to the target schedule, the responses to the RFP are due no later than October 7 and the government expects to select the preferred bidder by October 28. The contract negotiations and execution of the third party contractor are expected on November 25 and the week of November 28, respectively. Under the new NHI structure the public insurer would be a wholly government-owned entity registered as a long-term insurance company carrying on sickness or health insurance business with the Insurance Commission of the Bahamas and as the public insurer with the National Health Insurance Authority. The government is seeking a third party management company or a third party contractor with the level of experience and expertise necessary to pro-
SOUP KITCHEN GIVEN DONATION BY ROYAL SOCIETY IN KEEPING with its continuing objectives of supporting and helping those in need in the community, the Royal Society of St George has made a donation to the Trinity Soup Kitchen. Lauren Higgs, Co-ordinator of the Trinity Soup Kitchen, said that the programme serves up to 200 adults per week. As schools are opening soon and with the help of various donations, they are also providing students with backpacks filled with school supplies.
ROYAL Society of St George executives Sally Varani-Jones, Committee, Judy Ansell-Grindrod, President, and Colin Jones, Vice-President, are pictured making the presentation to Mrs Higgs.
TROPICAL WAVE MAY BECOME CYCLONE THE National Hurricane Centre is forecasting that a tropical ‘wave’ moving west-northwestward in the central Atlantic Ocean could develop into a cyclone as it tracks towards the southeastern and central Bahamas this week. The NHC said yesterday that shower activity had increased over the previous 24 hours in association with the tropical wave, located about 700 miles east of the Lesser Antilles. “Dry air near this system is expected to slow develop-
ment during the next couple of days while the disturbance moves westward to west-northwestward at 15 to 20mph,” the NHC reported. “Environmental conditions could become more conducive for development late this week when the system is expected to move near Hispaniola and the southeastern and central Bahamas.” A US Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft is scheduled to investigate the system today, if neces-
sary, and the Lesser Antilles, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico have been advised to monitor its progress. The forecasters estimated the chance of a cyclone forming over the next five days was “medium” at 50 per cent. Satellite imagery yesterday suggests that a tropical depression is forming about 300 miles south-southwest of the southern Cape Verde Islands. The NHC said it expected this system to move westward to west-northwestward at 15
to 20mph over the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean. It would be named Gaston if, as forecasters expect, it develops into a tropical storm, the seventh of the 2016 season. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Fiona, 495 miles north northeast of the Leeward Islands, weakened to a depression yesterday with winds speeds falling to 30mph. The system is moving at 17mph and is forecast to become a remnant low in the next 48 hours.
vide comprehensive management, administration and wellness services to the public insurer. This third party contractor will have responsibility for several aspects including claims and case management; health risk management, wellness, management services, beneficiary and provider relations and data security. They should also have at least 10 years experience as of June 30, 2016 providing services similar to those outlined in the RFP. Those who wish to submit an RFP can only submit one proposal and will be required to register beforehand by completing and returning the registration form. A non-refundable $10,000 fee to be paid to the Public Treasury by draft or wire transfer must accompany this form. “The contract for the public insurer will contain a number of responsibilities,” Ms Dillet said. “Inclusive
in that will be claims and case management, handling and processing requests for payment, health risk management, wellness management services, beneficiary and provider relations in ensuring that there is sufficient support in that regard, data security, which is of paramount importance, communications with and education of beneficiaries and providers and fiduciary management of the NHI fund.” A selection committee, to be formed by the government, will review the proposals submitted and make a recommendation for the preferred bidder to Cabinet for approval. An evaluation of this preferred bidder also will be included and consist of three phases, including a compliance phase, pricing analysis, and technical analysis. The full RFP can be found at http://www.nhibahamas.gov.bs.
PAGE 10, Tuesday, August 23, 2016
TRIBUTES PAID TO VETERAN EDUCATOR VETERAN educator Tracey W Strachan, who served as headmaster or principal at many schools throughout the Bahamas, died on Saturday morning after a short illness, his family has announced. He was 81. Following his father, the late Milo H Strachan, Tracey Strachan taught and served as headmaster for 13 years at various allage schools on the Family Islands. He later became principal of Eastern Secondary School, and led its transition to the now D W Davis Junior High School, where he spent ten years. Mr Strachan then served as principal at a number of schools: L W Young Junior/Senior High School, Hawksbill Senior High in Grand Bahama, C I Gibson High School and finally A F Adderley Senior High. For a short period, he was stationed at the Ministry of Education headquarters as a Senior Education Officer. He also briefly returned to the classroom at R M Bailey Senior High. After retiring from the public service, Mr Strachan spent seven years at Bahamas Baptist Community
NO Photoshop Caption found College as a lecturer. He is survived by his wife, retired educator G Lorraine Robertson Strachan, their sons, Guardian Radio Station Manager and “Morning Blend” host Dwight Strachan and Terrence Strachan, who is with the Ministry of Tourism, and also his children - author/ playwright and College of The Bahamas Professor Dr Ian Strachan, educators Sherry Strachan and Trevor “Randy” Strachan, and writer Sterling Strachan. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
CELEBRATIONS FOR REX MAJOR By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
MASSIVE celebrations in five islands will be held to honour Pastor Dr Rex Major who has affected the lives of many people over the past 60 years of his ministry. Churchill TenerKnowles, chairman of Rex Major and Associates, announced on Monday that planned celebrations will be held in Abaco, Long Island, Grand Bahama, Eleuthera and New Providence during the month of September and October. Pastor Eddie Victor, of Living Waters Assembly of God Church, said that Pastor Major’s ministry has touched many lives across different denominations. “We are celebrating 60 years of ministry of an individual that has impacted two generations, and this is significant because he has achieved longevity in ministry and is still very vibrant, strong, and still preaching,” said Pastor Victor. Pastor Major, who has been compared to American televangelist Billy Graham, has preached the gospel throughout the Bahamas, the Caribbean, the US and Canada. Mr Knowles said that
celebratory activities will begin in Marsh Harbour, Abaco on September 4, with a massive thanksgiving service. He said that Abaco holds great significance for Pastor Major, who at age 17 was the school principal on that island. “It was there he received Jesus as his personal saviour at a very young age and he felt led to go into full time ministry,” he said. The next event will take place in Pastor Major’s native home island of Long Island on September 11. On Grand Bahama, a thanksgiving service of celebration will take place in Freeport at Calvary Bible Church on Sergeant Major Road on September 18 at 4pm. Mr Knowles said there will be lots of testimonies from persons and pastors such as Pastor Victor, Pastor Audley Swain, Pastor Joseph Young, and Leslie Minnis who were impacted by the ministry of Rev Major. “We are expecting an exciting event as there will be songs of praise, preaching of the word, and several pastors in Grand Bahama will testify as to how Dr Major impacted their lives directly,” he said. Celebrations will then move to Eleuthera, where a thanksgiving service will be
THE TRIBUNE
EVANGELIST REX MAJOR held on September 25. Pas- impacting the country with tor Major made many trips the proclamation of the gosto the island in the past, pel message, and for myself holding massive crusades and my generation we are and services. very grateful for the founThe celebrations will cul- dation that has been laid by minate in New Providence Dr Major. in October with a mass “His ministry has imconcert at Rawson Square pacted so many lives across and an ecumenical church denominations and fellowservice. A banquet, which is ships, and many people are expected to be attended by in ministry today because some 600 persons, will also of the ministry of Dr Mabe held. jor. And so it is really fitting Mr Knowles is asking that these string of events all churches to be part of that are being hosted across the celebrations that are the five islands of the Baplanned in New Providence hamas takes place, and we and the Family Islands. give honour to where honPastor Victor said that our is due. The Bible talks Pastor Major was an inspi- about honouring those who ration to him. He said he serve faithfully… and we deserves to be honoured. rejoice in this opportunity “It is fitting for us to cel- to show honour to such a ebrate such an individual man as Pastor Major,” he who is still active and still said.
JURY EXCUSED FOR THIRD DAY AMID DISCUSSIONS IN MURDER TRIAL By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net
MONDAY marked a third day that a jury hearing evidence in the trial concerning the murder of a Doris Johnson Senior High School student was excused from the proceedings for
another 24 hours. The 12-member jury panel for the trial of three accused teens - aged 18, 15 and 17 had been told to return to the Supreme Court yesterday at 11am having been excused for Thursday and Friday morning’s court session due to legal discussions between Crown and defence counsel.
However, when they entered Justice Bernard Turner’s courtroom, they found that their presence would not be needed for another day. “When you were last here and the court advised you to return at a particular time, unfortunately the process by which the court tries to determine the time
by which you should return is not always accurate,” the judge said. “Today, for various reasons that need not concern you, your presence here is not yet required until tomorrow (Tuesday) at 11,” the judge added, further apologising for the additional adjournment.
According to initial reports 16-year-old Adonai Wilson was stabbed multiple times on December 9, 2015, during an argument with several other students shortly after school was dismissed early because of exams. He died in hospital a short time later. The incident took place
around 2pm on Prince Charles Drive and a graphic cell phone video of the incident was spread on social media. The teens have retained attorneys Murrio Ducille, Roberto Reckley and Ian Cargill to represent them. Kristan Stubbs and Bradford McKenzie are prosecuting for the Crown.
MAN ACCUSED OF ILLEGAL FIREARM OWNERSHIP By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net
A MAN denied owning an illegal firearm when arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday. Leonardo Brice-Williams, 29, appeared before Magistrate Constance Delancy facing a count each of possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition.
The accused pleaded not guilty to both charges that were allegedly committed on Sunday, August 21. According to reports, shortly after 5am on the day in question, police on patrol of the Sixth Terrace, Centreville area arrested a man after allegedly discovering a loaded pistol on his person. It is alleged that BriceWilliams was in possession of a black Glock 19 9MM pistol and 13 live rounds of
ammunition without having a licence or certificate to possess either items. Brice-Williams was told that he would stand trial on September 20. He was remanded to the Department of Correctional Services without bail. However, he can apply for a bond to the Supreme Court if he desires pre-trial release. A person convicted of either offence faces up to seven years imprisonment.
MURDER SUSPECT IS REMANDED TO PRISON By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday after he was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court on an attempted murder charge. Dennis Mather, 25, appeared before Magistrate Constance Delancy accused of attempting to cause the death of Olien Pierre on May 11.
Shortly after midnight on May 11, Pierre was standing outside of a house on Homestead Street, when an armed gunman approached and shot him before fleeing on foot. Pierre was to taken to hospital to be treated for his injuries. Mather was informed by the magistrate that he would not be allowed to enter a plea to the charge until he is formally arraigned before a judge of the Supreme Court.
She said his case would be forwarded to the higher court when he returns before her on October 20 to be presented with a voluntary bill of indictment facilitating the transfer. Due to the nature of the offence, Mather was remanded to the Department of Correctional Services to await trial. However, he has the right to apply for bail in the Supreme Court.
THE TRIBUNE’S
BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE
S
ummer’s nearly over, so parents and kids it’s time to prepare for the new school year. And how better to do that than with The Tribune’s Back To School guide on Wednesday. Going to college? Going to high school? What is the plan for education in the Bahamas? The people responsible for mapping the future for our children talk to The Tribune.
Thinking of studying abroad? How about British universities rather than American or Canadian? Advice from one Bahamian student who tells his story of overcoming his struggles and eventual success. Considering a profession after school? Read why vocational education is important. Plus the brightest and best of the Bahamas students in 2016 – from New Providence to Ragged Island: 100 profiles of high school graduates and future alumni. All in The Tribune’s 28-page Back To School guide on Wednesday. Make sure of your copy.