‘WHY NO ANSWERS ON AZARIO DEATH?’
Major’s father calls on AG and PM
to
intervene for justice
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter
lrolle@tribunemedia.net
Go Slow crash
The Tribune understands that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions sent a recommendation to Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander last month, more than a year after the Coroner’s Court ruled that Azario Major’s killing was a
AZARIO Major’s father fears the public may never learn the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution’s recommendation on whether officers who killed his son should be prosecuted, given the police commissioner’s silence in previous police-involved killings.
LEGAL HELP SOUGHT ON WHICH VALLEY BOYS GET SEED FUNDS
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS
Tribune
Staff Reporter
lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
AFTER a meeting between warring Valley Boys factions failed to resolve their dispute yesterday, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture will consult “legal minds” to determine which faction will receive the seed money and the opportunity to rush on Bay Street as a category A-group, according to Minister Mario Bowleg. Although Junkanoo Corporation of The Bahamas chairman Dion Miller had insisted that the faction led by Brian Adderley would get the funds because it registered for the Boxing
CHRISTINA Alston has been appointed chairperson of Bahamas Power and Light, replacing Pedro Rolle.
Her appointment comes months after she was
appointed a director on BPL’s board and comes as the Davis administration tries to significantly reform the electricity provider.
She served as chief operating officer at BPL from
2017 to 2019 before resigning under controversial circumstances.
In March, the government said: “Her leadership
FOMRER MP AND JUDGE FACING ASSETS SEIZURE
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
AUTHORITIES were yesterday said to be moving to seize assets owned by an ex-MP and former Supreme Court judge in a bid to satisfy a multi-million dollar judgment obtained against him. Well-placed sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Tribune Business that the provost marshall - acting upon a Supreme Court Order - is now seeking to secure real estate, properties and other valuable assets thought to be owned by Elliott Lockhart KC with locks said to have been changed and padlocks put in place.
LABOUR director Howard Thompson said he could support a 30-day moratorium on short-term work permits involving foreign artists and entertainers.
Tomorrow.io’s revolutonary low earth orbit ‘Pathfnder’ satellites perform simulated radar scans over The Bahamas as part of its exclusive collaboraton with BACSWN- assistng the FAA and Dept. of Meteorology transform the accuracy, tmeliness and manner in which severe weather is visualized to the users of our airspace and the citzens of our naton.
Meet the Next Generation of Satellite Weather Technology
On April 14, a Space X Falcon 9 rocket, successfully lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California carrying two microwave sounder satellites. This milestone marks a signifcant advancement in Tomorrow’s mission to revolutionize private forecasting.
“Such breakthroughs bring us one step closer to providing Bahamas Aviation, Climate & Severe Weather Network with unprecedented sub-hourly global weather insights, enabling more accurate predictions amid increasingly volatile weather” explained Shimon Elkabetz CEO and Co-Founder of Tomorrow.io
“Until today, only a handful of atmospheric radars have been launched to space, all built by government agencies with hefty budgets and long development times. Tomorrow.io is offering a step change in price-to-performance ratio, enabled by private innovation,” he added.
“Given their lofty costs, governmental missions have been limited to single satellites with revisit rates on the order of days-to-weeks. With every subsequent launch, Tomorrow.io will get closer to an era of truly proliferated weather sensing from space, closing this decades-old gap for weather continued Mr. Elkabetz.
“It’s a pleasure to have a scientist of Professor Bruintjes calibre visiting us once again,” stated Mr. Lyrone Burrows, President & CEO of Bahamas Aviation, Climate and Severe Weather Network “I feel confdent, based on a deeping of the relationships we’ve had in meetings with the Government this $427M project will yield untold benefts for our nation and its people.”
Having worked in 120 nations during his illustrious tenure, Professor Buintes shared that
he was drawn to work with the company after seeing their presentation at a weather conference in Kingston, Jamaica in 2023 “I know the company’s founder has endured his fair share of doubters. But the applications being considered will be revolutionary...First-of-a-Kind”
“BACSWN’s real-time visualizations will transform how weather is visualized,” added Dr. Bruintes “as the creations being envisioned, in most cases, far surpass those of other industrialized nations. “Bringing such Intellectual Property together with those of the US. National Centre for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); FAA’s Aviation Weather Centre and Tomorrow.io private weather satellite constellation will provide unprecedented sub-hourly global atmospheric measurements of temperature, humidity, precipitation, and tropical cyclones -- greatly assisting Bahamas Aviation, Climate & Severe Weather Network (BACSWN) transform the accuracy, timeliness and manner in which severe weather alerts are visualized over The Bahamas and Caribbean.
“As Director Basden can attest, there has been tremdendous interest from other nations,” explained Dr. Bruintjes before Director Basden chimed in with a big smile -“All of my fellow meteorologists throughout the Caribbean are praying The Bahamas passes on the opportunity so they can rollout such an ‘advantegard’ system in their own nations.”
All the same, BACSWN is frst and foremost committed to helping the Govt. and its people
TOMORROW.IO EXPANDS GLOBAL CONSTELLATION WITH MICROWAVE SATELLITES LAUNCH
COURTESY CALL: Members of Bahamas Aviation, Climate & Severe Weather Network’s team pay a courtesy call on the Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries & Marine Resources, Hon. Jomo Campbell at the Cabinet Office.Our photo shows: (Left to Right) Mr. Trevor Basden, BASCWN’s Sr. Vice-President & Director of Meteorology; Professor Roelof Bruintjes, PhD, , US National Centre for Atmospheric Resarch (NCAR)); Rt Hon. Philip “Brave” Davis, KC.M.P., Hon. Jomo Campbell, M.P., Mr. John Bostwick, Parnter Bostwick & Bostwick Back Row: Mr. Robert Dupuch-Carron, Founder.
‘Why no answers on Azario death?’
homicide by manslaughter. While the Coroner’s Court does not determine criminal liability, the DPP’s office reviews the evidence after such rulings and decides whether to prosecute the officers involved.
By convention, the police always follow the DPP’s guidance. The decision from the DPP’s office was delayed because officers unsuccessfully asked the Supreme Court to overturn the Coroner’s Court ruling, citing pretrial publicity.
the commissioner has not revealed her instructions despite repeated questions from The Tribune.
Yesterday, Frederick Major, Azario’s father, voiced concern over his silence and questioned whether the police chief was protecting the officers. His family, he said, is frustrated.
“This should not only be a cause of alarm for the families of the individuals who have been killed but this should be a cause of alarm for the entire nation that the commissioner of police has failed to do his due diligence as the commissioner of police,” he said while calling on the attorney general and prime minister to intervene.
Mr Major said there needs to be legislative reform regarding policeinvolved shootings.
killed someone should be automatically charged in court without the need for an intermediary step.
“No one should have the sole responsibility to undermine the facts that have been founded and the verdict of unjustifiably killing another in the Coroner’s Court,” he said.
“Our national security is corroded to the core because the persons who are responsible for the gatekeeping of the law has failed this country and they’re all complicit because they have all refused to ensure that justice prevails.”
Azario Major’s case is the latest instance where the commissioner has remained silent on the DPP’s recommendation. In April, acting Director of Public Prosecutions Cordell Fraizer sent him her guidance regarding the killings of Shanton Forbes, Deangelo Evans, and Dino Bain, but
“And that is why the guys on the streets take matters into their own hand. Listen, my family, we are burdened, we are frustrated. I’m personally fighting with my anger with everything that’s going on in our country in reference to the Royal Bahamas Police Force.” from page one
He believes that officers found to have unjustifiably
Alston appointed chairperson of BPL as Davis looks to reform energy sector
from page one
in demand side management and development of microgrid projects aligns with BPL’s strategic goals to transform the energy landscape of The Bahamas into one that is more affordable, reliable, and sustainable.”
Young motorcyclist dies in crash at Go Slow Bend
A MOTORCYCLIST, believed to be in his teens, was killed after being in collision with a vehicle belonging to a senior judge. The victim became the 54th traffic fatality of the year.
Mr Rahming said these appointments have not been gazetted and will be revised in subsequent lists.
The Davis administration released its list of board and committee appointments yesterday. Office of the Prime Minister director of communications Latrae Rahming said the list will be revised. Several changes are anticipated. For instance, the list says Mario Bannister, who faces conspiracy to commit murder charges, has been appointed to the Environmental Health Board. It also says that a lawyer at the centre of a police corruption probe was appointed to the National Insurance Appeal Tribunal.
Chief Superintendent of Police Chrislyn Skippings
said the driver of a black Ford Explorer was travelling north on West Bay Street, near Coral Drive, when he activated his left indicator to turn into the Western Seaview parking lot.
She said the driver felt an impact on the front of his vehicle as he attempted the turn. The motorcyclist then crashed into a gate on the western side of the street, losing his life. CSP Skippings urged bike operators to wear the proper gear and ensure their bikes are licenced. She said it was too early to determine who was at fault in the crash.
BODY OF A MAN DISCOVERED IN A CORAL HARBOUR CANAL IN APPARENT DROWNING
A MAN believed to be in his early 40s was found lying face-up in the Coral Harbour canal on Saturday morning.
Police said they received an alert about the body around 10.30am, and discovered the man with no signs of life or any visible injuries.
Superintendent Deno Josey, commander of the Western Division, underscored further investigations will determine the exact cause of death.
The man has not been identified, and anyone with information, or a missing relative or loved one, is asked to contact 919, or CID at 502-9991.
At the scene, Supt Josey appealed to the public to be their “brother’s keeper”. He added: “We want to appeal to the public to be our brother’s keepers, keep our eyes on our brothers, our neighbours, our family members, so if they are missing they can get in contact with the police quickly, and the police can move swiftly to try and find their loved one.”
AZARIO MAJOR
A MOTORCYCLIST believed to be in his teens was killed after being in collision with an SUV just west of Go Slow Bend yesterday.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
THE SCENE where the body of a man believed to be in his early 40s was found floating face-up in the Coral Harbour canal on Saturday.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Legal help sought on which Valley Boys get seed funds
Day and New Year’s Day parades first, a letter from the Office of the Registrar General advising that faction to drop the Valley Boys name from its title has complicated matters.
Eager to protect itself from legal problems, the ministry is concerned that Mr Adderley’s group could lose its licence, leaving Mr Davis’ faction as the only group licenced to carry the Valley Boys name on Bay Street. Mr Davis’ group is not currently registered to participate in the parades, according to Mr Miller.
“At this point, this one seems to be a little deep and we are hoping that at some point they will be able to see eye to eye because they once stood side by side with each other as group members and as brother and sisters of Junkanoo and sometimes it takes a while for those wounds to be healed,” Mr Bowleg
said yesterday after meeting with JCNP officials and representatives from the factions.
Mr Bowleg said another meeting with legal teams and the Attorney General’s Office is scheduled for next week, where a final decision regarding the seed funding will be made.
Trevor Davis, leader of the breakaway faction, said seed funding was not discussed during yesterday’s meeting, which was designed to “facilitate a dialogue between both groups to work together as one”.
He said: “Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we reached an impasse.”
Former Prime Minister Perry Christie, a founding member of the Valley Boys, told The Tribune last week that he had proposed resolving the internal rift through an election, but his recommendations to the management committee, led by Mr Adderley, were ignored. from page one
‘I could back short-term ban on foreIgn entertaIners’, says labour
(BMEU) of failing to monitor these acts.
UABU officials claimed the BMEU prioritises collecting levies over
ensuring that foreign artists, DJs, and their personnel should be employed in the country.
Mr Thompson said the discord between the unions was brought to
the attention of Labour Minister Pia Glover-Rolle several months ago, and she instructed him to intervene. He said there were a few productive face-to-face
rotary club of old fort helps adelaIde prImary school get ready for new year
THE Rotary Club of Old Fort (RCOF) completed a significant community service project at Adelaide Primary School on Saturday. The initiative, part of Basic Education and Literacy Month, involved a Smart School Transformation that included numerous upgrades and donations to enhance the educational environment.
RCOF installed six advanced smart TVs in classrooms, providing modern multimedia tools to support teaching and learning. Additionally, the club donated a heavy-duty printer for administrative needs, new signage, outdoor fans, a bulletin board, and revitalised the school garden.
Hopscotch courts were painted on the playground, and outdoor ceiling fans were added to the pavilion to improve comfort during school events.
The project also featured a teacher workshop aimed at integrating the new smart TV technology into teaching practices and ensuring teachers’ mental well-being. Teachers received baskets of supplies to ease their financial burden for the school year.
A Peace Pole was installed to symbolise Rotary’s commitment to fostering
peace and inclusivity. Nateisha Bain, president of RCOF, highlighted the day’s success and the impact of the project, thanking sponsors and volunteers for their support. The club extended its gratitude to Pepperstone Markets Limited, ThinkSimple, Capstone Homes, Caribbean Landscape, Lyford Cay International School, AG Electric, Suntera Global, Watson
Construction, Cox Electrical, Pineapple Business Consultancy, and Therapy in Paradise.
Founded on May 5, 2015, RCOF will celebrate its 10th anniversary during the 2024-2025 Rotary Year. The club, with 63 members, focuses on impactful projects such as STEM Saturdays and the Hope Start Campaign and meets bi-weekly at the Balmoral Club.
meetings with the unions at the Department of Labour a few months back.
“I believe we were on track to getting the issues resolved, and they will be resolved most certainly in the coming weeks as I have prioritised this,” he said.
“I will be taking immediate steps to advise my counterpart at the Department of Immigration that I do not oppose a 30-day moratorium on short-term work permits/certificates for foreign artists and entertainers, which will
allow for a speedy resolution to those relevant issues. I have no doubt that by the end of the 30 days, both unions will be holding hands and singing “Solidarity forever”.
UABU president Anita Tynes also called on the labour minister to halt the certification of the BMEU’s recent election, claiming the election was “unconstitutional.” She alleged that the BMEU’s self-nominated and unopposed executives violated the BMEU Constitution and the Industrial Relations Act.
dIrector
Mr Thompson refrained from commenting on this, noting that the registrar of trade unions is responsible for the election process.
“As director of the Department of Labour,” he said, “one of my main responsibilities includes promoting, fostering, and maintaining good industrial relations throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, and that includes harmony amongst the various unions, and so those allegations do concern me, and I am keeping a keen eye on this.”
Te public is hereby advised that Tradewinds Bahamas Holdings Ltd. is proposing to carry out a project on High Cay (of San Salvador). Te public is invited to participate in a public consultation meeting to be held on the 25th of September 2024 by the project proponent to hear and discuss matters relating to the proposed project. Te consultation meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. at Idell Jones Hall, St. Augustine Church, Cockburn Town, San Salvador.
A general description of the project is as follows:
Te High Cay project involves the construction an eco-friendly resort, consisting of a main house, three (3) villas and associated amenities.
Te project Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is available to view using the link
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/11stf5mmfzeqt928dnkj2/AGDnSrg TTIBFmFYuelZMBmY?rlkey=u394swtym9q8f9d7358uygo38&st=82 4sgja5&dl=0
Te general public and interested parties are invited to submit written comments to the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection at cec@depp.gov.bs and to the Developer’s Environmentalist of Record at info@sevconsulting.com with respect to the proposed project.
TREVOR Davis leader of the breakaway faction of the Valley Boys at a practice session in July.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
MEMBERS of Rotary Club of Old Fort at Adelaide Primary School helping to get them ready for the new school year.
Photo: Derek Smith
The Tribune Limited
NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI
“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
LEON E. H. DUPUCH, Publisher/Editor 1903-1914
SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .
Publisher/Editor 1919-1972
Contributing Editor 1972-1991
RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.
Publisher/Editor 1972-
Published daily Monday to Friday
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Why no update on domestic violence shelter?
THE lack of progress over the opening of a domestic violence shelter has reached such a level that it appears people are giving up on government over it.
Last week, the president of Families of All Murder Victims (FOAM), Khandi Gibson, issued a call for the public to join her in building a shelter for victims of domestic violence.
Let us be clear – the absence of meaningful updates from the government on this issue is nothing new.
In July 2023, then Minister of Social Services Obie Wilchcombe said that the first of four new shelters would be ready in a few weeks. Not one of those four happened.
Back in April, current minister Myles Laroda said the government was in the process of acquiring a facility.
He urged people to “stay tuned”, and said: “Words say anything; we will lead by example; we show better than we can tell.”
Well, if that is slow, the example is inaction and lack of communication.
Ms Gibson said last week she has not received any update on the construction of the shelter.
Prior to that, in mid-August, Prodesta Moore, the president of Women’s United, said that the last update she had received had been about two months previously.
She said at the time that dealing with the matter was “over to, I guess, an individual who was going to be responsible for spearheading that initiative, but as far as the progress, I was waiting to hear further, and I have not heard anything regards to that”.
FNM Senator Maxine Seymour also was in the dark. She said in midAugust: “This is the third budget cycle and still no shelter for women.
I have been unable to access concrete updates or information of any kind. The minister promised that a building would be purchased by the end of June. It’s now August and there is still no word and there is still no word on whether that commitment has been fulfilled.”
In last year’s budget, $500,000 was allocated for the purchase of the shelter. The budget period expired with no sign of the purchase.
This is clearly not being treated as a matter of any significant priority, and it is not just a matter of the occupant of the role of minister. This is an issue that has not been dealt with by successive chiefs in that post.
We talk about protecting women from domestic violence, but without meaningful action, it is just that – talk. There should be no reason for a clear update on the status of the shelter the government is planning. Has a property been purchased? If not, why not? Has a site been identified? What is the expected time before it is available for use in providing a respite for women and families fleeing from domestic violence? What is being done in the interim to protect those people who have nowhere to go?
All of these are important questions – but seemingly not important enough to give activists who are experts in this arena a straight answer. Well, how about the public? Does the public deserve an answer?
If there is no significant movement on this issue, there may well be some voters who conclude that – along with lack of progress on issues such as women’s citizenship, marital rape legislation and more – this administration simply does not prioritise women’s issues. When the time comes to vote, that may come back to haunt re-election hopes.
Valley Boys faction move immoral
EDITOR, The Tribune.
FIRST let me confess I am not a supporter nor am I a member of the Valley boys.
In observing this rift it demonstrates to me that this is simply a component of our Bahamian corrupt culture.
First, I will address the faction who claimed to register the group at the Registrar General Dept it is my opinion that as well intended as you have expressed it is pure wickedness and intellectually immoral.
I reached this conclusion based on fact that you admit the Valley did not have a constitution and there are no criteria to become an official member of this historic group.
This being the case what
gives you and your faction the rights to go and register this historic group.
It is my view what should have happened before the registration was an agreement between all participants in the group. If the effort was made to come to a consensus or acceptable position on a criteria to define who’s a member of this historic group and it failed then your faction should have backed away from the registration.
What give you and your faction any moral ground to do that which you have done?
It is my view that the
takeover was hostile using loopholes in the law, this does not make it morally right.
Having been permitted to register this group at the Registrar General Dept reminds me of the land acquisition laws in the Bahamas.
EDITOR, The Tribune.
I RECALL an extraordinary amount of work - consultation was done under PM Christie on the so-called National Development Plan... Dr Virgil Rolle she was chair now employed at I believe Lyford Cay Foundation… talk plenty of it… putting things in motion? Zilch, nothing. Read this is to be resurrected Let sense prevail editor… don’t get into the micro-management proposal of the plan islandsettlement- settlement but
NDP plan produced nothing Downtown needs much improvement
Persons who conscience permit them to hostile take people land knowing the only rights they have to it is laws that encourage dishonesty.
Let me make it very clear I have no horse in this race, my observation of the rift simply cause me much concern as to the immoral positions that Bahamians are prepared to take hiding behind the greater good.
BILLY AUSTIN Nassau, September 5, 2024.
deal with sectors broadly as otherwise you will be talking til 2050 or longer example.
Header could be - Finance - fiscal policyrevenue…Tourism policy - expansion - qualitypricing... Health policy - covering expanded population - Family Islands - Critical and Elderly care… Immigration - work permits - Economic Migration of all varieties - Residence - policies strategies… Infrastructure - Utilities - development - cost
effectiveness development/expansion... Education - policy - primary to secondary through university - improving grades - qualification... Economics - fiscal - Debt management - Revenue enhancement and control and maximising use. These headers give everyone the profile… On a national level, don’t micro-manage, worse still politically manage - you will get nowhere.
M THOMPSON Nassau, September 3, 2024.
Yet the water buildup during and after rainfalls is as bad as ever with parts of Bay Street and Dowdeswell Street flooded and almost impossible at times for both pedestrians and cars to manoeuvres.
It remains a frightening situation for everyone in that area whether they are passing by in cars
JANNIK SINNER, of Italy, kisses the championship trophy after defeating Taylor Fritz, of the United States, in the men’s singles final of the US Open tennis championships, yestrday, in New York.
Photo: Seth Wenig /AP
EAST GB MP THOMPSON DEMANDS ACTION FROM GBPC AFTER WEEKS OF SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS
By DENISE MAYCOCK AND LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporters
A MAJOR fast-food restaurant in downtown Freeport was forced to close its doors and turn away customers on Sunday afternoon due to a power outage, highlighting the impact of ongoing electricity disruptions in Grand Bahama.
The closure came as East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson sent a letter to the Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC), demanding action after weeks of significant service interruptions.
“Over the past months, we have encountered several issues that have not only been inconvenient but have also raised serious concerns about the dependability of your service,” he wrote in the letter dated September 8, 2024.
Mr Thompson detailed frequent outages, some lasting several hours without prior notice, which have caused daily disruptions and financial losses. His letter followed mounting frustration from residents over a proposed 6.3 percent rate increase. Locals cited the frequent outages, which have damaged appliances and led to food spoilage, as one reason the hike is unreasonable. Some residents have even resorted to sleeping in cars or on patios
to escape the heat during the outages.
“In light of the service challenges we face, a 6.3 percent base rate hike is unthinkable,” Mr Thompson said.
The GBPC applied for the rate increase on August 1 with the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), which claims regulatory authority over the Port Area. However, the GBPA is currently in a dispute with the Davis administration and the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) over who regulates utilities in Freeport.
The GBPC has defended its request, saying the rate hike is necessary to sustain operations and support future investments. The company also said the proposed increase is below the recent inflation rate of 7.3 percent and supports the government’s goal of achieving 30 percent renewable energy by 2030.
However, Mr Thompson called for immediate action to address the power issues and demanded a clear plan to prevent future outages.
“We call upon you to provide a clear plan to prevent future occurrences,” he said. “As I write on behalf of my constituents who are all paying customers, I trust that you will treat this matter with the urgency it deserves.”
Many businesses and residents have expressed
Govt appointments of retirees affecting morale at Customs and Immigration Departments
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter
THE morale of immigration and customs officers –– especially those in Grand Bahama –– has been affected by the government’s decision to appoint retirees to top management positions and hire people outside the public service, according to Bahamas Customs and Immigration Allied Workers Union (BCIAWU) president Deron Brooks.
He raised concerns during a press conference on Friday.
“This week alone, several persons in the customs department who would’ve since retired, their services have been re-engaged on a contractual basis,” he said, adding that every superintendent in both departments has at least 34 years of experience.
“The justification for these contractual appointments, whether it’s that superintendents aren’t ready or can’t get along, is not true.”
The BCIAWU has accused the Davis administration of breaching its industrial agreement and the law with these appointments. One example involves Immigration Director William Pratt, 66,
who was brought back last year after the early retirement of Keturah Ferguson, 62. The union has filed a trade dispute challenging his appointment, citing a 2021 Supreme Court ruling that found appointing immigration officers on a contractual basis illegal.
Government officials, however, disagree with the union’s interpretation of the ruling.
Although the administration has promised to find a replacement for Mr Pratt, no timeline has been provided.
Meanwhile, Mr Brooks also called on the government to pay “outstanding” monies owed to customs officers, warning that delaying payments until late this year or early next year would be “unacceptable”.
Trade Union Congress president Obie Ferguson, representing 41 unions including the BCIAWU, urged affiliates to file a trade dispute.
“You can’t keep talking, and they’re pretending as though they can’t hear,” he said on Friday. When contacted for comment, Labour Minister Pia Glover Rolle referred the matter to Immigration Minister Alfred Sears, who was unavailable for comment up to press time.
frustration over the ongoing outages. Charles Clarke, a resident of Eight Mile Rock, voiced concern over rising electricity costs alongside the frequent power cuts.
“Every time they cut the power off, and then when you look, your bill is high,
and they’re talking about increasing the percentage. It is hard,” he said.
Carla Wildgoose shared her dissatisfaction, noting how disruptive the outages have been for customers.
“We’ve been having outages quite often, and it is sad that every time Grand
Bahama Power has an issue with purchasing a big item, the customers have to pay for that. I think it’s poor,” she said.
Despite high system loads caused by excessive heat and increased AC usage, Mr Wildgoose believes this is no excuse for the outages. Rupert Moss added that the disruptions are damaging appliances, calling the situation “very disturbing.”
“The outages are annoying, and they mess up people’s appliances, and nobody is compensating us,” he added.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2024
Are we sleepwalking to another 100 murders?
‘...the level of bloodshed we have been experiencing seems to have become almost accepted, commonplace even.’
By MALCOLM STRACHAN
HAVE we come to start treating murders as inevitable, just another fact of life – and death – in The Bahamas?
Our murder count
continues to race along. Even the fact that we talk about such a thing as a murder count is horrifying. As if one is not too many. On Thursday, Eddie Miller was shot dead in front of his family just after
9am. His children were in school uniform as three gunmen got out of a car and shot him at the Deep South Plaza.
The count says this was the 86th murder of the year – and it seems inevitable
that we will, yet again, pass the 100 murder count by the end of 2024.
What has been striking in recent times has been the increasing boldness of criminals as they carry out such actions.
Carlos Reid knows the landscape of the criminal underworld better than many. He is a consultant with the Ministry of National Security, and has long held dialogues with those involved in gangs and crime in an effort to prevent more being drawn into that world, and to provide a path away from it.
He spoke about the latest murder in which it was said that the victim’s children gathered round him as he lay on the ground calling out “my daddy, my daddy”.
He said: “One time ago, if somebody had a beef with you and they saw you with the kids, they would let that slide. But nowadays, this new generation of gangsters, they don’t care. If you with your mother, grandmother, they don’t care; kids around.”
Another witness said: “Right now, it’s scary. These people ain’t got no regard when they coming to kill someone. They don’t care if your kids there, they don’t care if your wife there.”
In another murder, on Monday, two gunmen opened fire on a bar in Windsor Place, killing one man and injuring two more.
The victims were standing at a bar in the yard when two gunmen came from behind a wall and opened fire on the yard.
The officer in charge at the scene of the crime, Assistant Commissioner Zhivago Dames, said that the gunmen were “bold in their actions”.
Bold is certainly a word for how criminals are behaving these days. Fearless might be another.
After each of these
murders, which demonstrate a level of ruthlessness that raises concern, there was nothing said about increased patrols, nothing about a clampdown on crime – although it should be noted ACP Dames reassured the public that police were active in the area. But the level of bloodshed we have been experiencing seems to have become almost accepted, commonplace even. There have been other instances of crimes which seem to show we have almost become inured to such activity. Last year, a man was shot dead as he left a gym at Harbour Bay. It was remarkable at the time – here was a shooting at a place that normally is completely safe, where crime is unheard of. A few weeks ago, there was an armed robbery at the Starbucks in the plaza, and it didn’t seem to generate the outrage that it should.
How did we get here?
Well, we have had successive years when Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander has talked of hopefully not having more than 100 murders each year, only for us to go well past that number. At the start of the year, amid a wave of murders in the country, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis suggested that murders should be kept off the front pages of newspapers, as if hiding what is going on will somehow make it go away.
The justification was that such coverage is harming tourism. I would respectfully suggest that it is the crime itself that is harming tourism, not the reporting of it.
So what are we going to do about it?
Commissioner Fernander certainly does not seem to be forthcoming about the way forward. But then, as he also faces questions as
to what is happening with the police corruption probe and why he is taking so long to deal with recommendations on prosecutions in connection with policeinvolved shootings, maybe he is reluctant to come before the microphones. There should be widespread outrage at crimes of this level of boldness. Criminals should know that police will stop at nothing to find the killers in these cases. That there is a line they are crossing that will see them caught, prosecuted and jailed. That officers will press relentlessly to stop these killers, and send a signal to others. A voice note went around after Thursday’s murder that suggested it might be the start of a wave of killings. As I write, that has not happened – which we must be thankful for, and which also makes one wonder about the accuracy of such social media comments.
But such commentary springs from the absence of information being provided officially. Nature abhors a vacuum, as the saying goes, and that holds true with information as well. Without any details of what the situation is, people speculate, and the speculation becomes what people talk about without an official line to contradict it.
The response to the recent killings has not shown that outrage, it has not been resolute, determined. It has not spelled out that this is not acceptable now, and cannot be accepted in the future. Or will we sleepwalk to another year of more than 100 murders? Silence cannot be the answer to the issues that we face, from the police or from the Minister of National Security. What next? We truly need to hear some answers.
THE BODY of Eddie Miller, who was shot to death in front of his family on Thursday, being removed from the scene. Photo: Nikia Charlton
Isaiah 42
1
Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.
2
3
He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.
A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking fax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.
4
He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.
5
Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:
6
I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;
7
To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.
8
I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
9
Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.
10Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.
11Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar doth inhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains.
12Let them give glory unto the Lord, and declare his praise in the islands.
13The Lord shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he
shall prevail against his enemies.
14I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once.
15I will make waste mountains and hills, and dry up all their herbs; and I will make the rivers islands, and I will dry up the pools.
16And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.
17They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods.
18Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.
19Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I sent? who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the Lord’s servant?
20Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not.
21The Lord is well pleased for his righteousness’ sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable.
22But this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison houses: they are for a prey, and none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, Restore.
23Who among you will give ear to this? who will hearken and hear for the time to come?
24Who gave Jacob for a spoil, and Israel to the robbers? did not the Lord, he against whom we have sinned? for they would not walk in his ways, neither were they obedient unto his law.
25Therefore he hath poured upon him the fury of his anger, and the strength of battle: and it hath set him on fre round about, yet he knew not; and it burned him, yet he laid it not to heart.
BTVI’s technological renaissance
IT was a unique demonstration that transported viewers into the technological renaissance happening at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI).
Director of technical services Dion Gibson nodded soberly to one of his technicians and the room plunged into darkness. Suddenly, a transparent glass screen with a neon purple light illuminated the room, followed by an LCD screen bearing a fashion silhouette. A demonstration then ensued that, to the viewer, looked like some futuristic wizardry.
With a special luminescent marker, the demonstrator began drawing a series of curves and swirly lines on the light screen which, to the surprise of onlookers, were mirrored onto the LCD screen to create an intricate high fashion sketch.
Competing with the eruption of applause, Mr. Gibson proclaimed, “This is called an eGlass!”
The eGlass is an illuminated transparent lightboard with a built-in camera that captures the instructor’s face and writing in the same picture which can then be cast onto LCD screens, computer screens and even phone screens. This savvy piece of equipment is one of ten being utilised at BTVI’s New Providence and Grand Bahama campuses to boost student engagement and enhance the hybrid instructional experience.
“BTVI is the only institution using this technology in The Bahamas and one of very few in this region,” Gibson stated with pride, lauding the institution’s move to position itself on the cutting edge of instructional technology.
BTVI is experiencing what it describes as a “technological renaissance.”
GAIN AN EDGE
BTVI is guided by a set of core values, one of which states, “…We are innovative in our approach, welcome change, and constantly strive to improve ourselves”. In a rapidly evolving technological age, this core value has roused a desire to introduce more relevant forms of technology into classrooms. The eGlass is just the tip of the iceberg. Another instructional
gamechanger at BTVI is the use of electromagnetic pens to enhance hybrid learning in the Mathematics Department. This technology allows instructors to write formulas and equations in the hybrid environment as effortlessly as they would on a chalk board.
“They make teaching math in a hybrid environment, seamless,” said Bibi Archer, math head of department.
At the Grand Bahama Branch Campus, instructors are utilising wireless cameras that allow groups of students to see live demonstrations in 4K.
Oftentimes, technical instruction requires that students gather and huddle together for demonstrations, competing for the best view. With these wireless cameras, students can see detailed demonstrations from the comfort of their seat or laptop.
With respect to the new technological upgrades at BTVI, Gibson stressed, “This new technology makes it possible for students to have a rich learning experience without compromising the practical hands-on requirement of occupational training”.
These exciting upgrades
mark the beginning of a technological renaissance at BTVI - one that is eagerly welcomed as the institute advances its mission to enable individuals to be globally competitive and economically independent.
“Gain An Edge” is a collaboration of Lyford Cay Foundations, the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute and the University of The Bahamas aimed at promoting a national dialogue on issues surrounding education. To share your thoughts, email gainanedge@tribunemedia.net.
What is an Atlantic Niña? How La Niña’s smaller cousin could affect hurricane season
By ANNALISA BRACCO
Georgia Institute of Technology
THE North Atlantic Ocean has been running a fever for months, with surface temperatures at or near record highs. But cooling along the equator in both the Atlantic and eastern Pacific may finally be starting to bring some relief, particularly for vulnerable coral reef ecosystems.
This cooling is related to two climate phenomena with similar names: La Niña, which forms in the tropical Pacific, and the less well-known Atlantic Niña.
Both can affect the Atlantic hurricane season.
While La Niña tends to bring conditions ideal for Atlantic hurricanes, the less powerful Atlantic Niña has the potential to reduce some of the hurricane risk.
We’re ocean and atmospheric scientists who study this type of climate phenomenon. It’s rare to see both Niñas at the same time, yet in August 2024, both appeared to be developing. Let’s take a closer look at what that means.
LA NIÑA AND ITS COUSIN, ATLANTIC NIÑA
La Niña is part of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation, a well-known climate phenomenon that has widespread effects on climate and weather around the world.
During La Niña, sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific dip below normal. Easterly trade winds then strengthen, allowing more cool water to well up along the equator off South America. That cooling affects the atmosphere in ways that reverberate across the planet. Some areas become stormier and others drier during La Niña, and the wind shear that can tear apart Atlantic hurricanes tends to weaken.
La Niña and its warmer opposite, El Niño, oscillate every three to four years or so. A similar climate phenomenon, Atlantic Niña, occurs in the Atlantic Ocean but at a much smaller scale and amplitude. It typically peaks around July or August and tends to have a shorter duration than its Pacific cousin, and much more modest and local impacts. Atlantic Niñas generally have the opposite effect of Atlantic Niños, which tend to reduce rainfall over Africa’s Sahel region and increase rainfall in Brazil and the countries that surround the Gulf of Guinea, such as Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon. While much weaker than their Pacific counterpart, Atlantic Niñas can, however, partially counteract La Niñas by weakening summer winds that help
drive the upwelling that cools the eastern Pacific. WHY MIGHT BOTH HAPPEN NOW?
In July and August 2024, meteorologists noted cooling that suggested an Atlantic Niña might be developing along the equator. The winds at the ocean surface had been weak through most of the summer, and sea surface temperatures there were quite warm until early June, so signs an Atlantic Niña might be emerging were a surprise. At the same time, waters along the equator in the eastern Pacific were also cooling, with La Niña conditions expected there around October or November.
Getting a Pacific-Atlantic Niña combination is rare but not impossible. It’s like finding two
different pendulums that are weakly coupled to swing in opposite directions moving together in time. The combinations of La Niña and Atlantic Niño, or El Niño and Atlantic Niña are more common.
GOOD NEWS OR BAD FOR HURRICANE SEASON?
An Atlantic Niña may initially suggest good news for those living in hurricane-prone areas. Cooler than average waters off the coast of Africa can suppress the formation of African easterly waves. These are clusters of thunderstorm activity that can form into tropical disturbances and eventually tropical storms or hurricanes.
Tropical storms draw energy from the process of evaporating water
associated with warm sea surface temperatures. So, cooling in the tropical Atlantic could weaken this process. That would leave less energy for thunderstorms, which would reduce the probability of a tropical cyclone forming. However, NOAA takes all factors into account when it updates its Atlantic hurricane season outlook, released in early August, and it still anticipates an extremely active 2024 season. Tropical storm season typically peaks in early to mid-September. Two reasons are behind the busy forecast: The near record-breaking warm sea surface temperatures in much of the North Atlantic can strengthen hurricanes. And the expected development of a La Niña in the Pacific tends to weaken wind shear – the
change in wind speed with height that can tear apart hurricanes. La Niña’s much stronger effects can override any impacts associated with the Atlantic Niña.
EXACERBATING THE PROBLEM:
GLOBAL WARMING
The past two years have seen exceptionally high ocean temperatures in the Atlantic and around much of the world’s oceans. The two Niñas are likely to contribute some cooling relief for certain regions, but it may not last long. In addition to these cycles, the global warming trend caused by rising greenhouse gas emissions is raising the baseline temperatures and can fuel major hurricanes.
FISHERMEN push a boat damaged by Hurricane Beryl at the Bridgetown fisheries, Barbados, Tuesday, July 2, 2024.
Photo: Ricardo Mazalan/AP
Sir Shridath Ramphal: his legacy is also the path to a brighter future for the Caribbean
World View
By SIR RONALD SANDERS
IN the 1970s, as newly independent nations in the Caribbean, Africa, and the Pacific sought to shape their economic futures, the world they confronted was still very much dominated by their former colonial powers in Europe, and the global reach of the United States. These nations,
emerging from centuries of colonial exploitation, faced immense challenges as they tried to secure a fair place in the international economic order. However, they found champions in leaders like Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal, whose recent passing reminds us of a critical chapter in the fight for economic justice, and PJ Patterson, a stalwart in that same battle.
Ramphal, a man of immense skill, courage, and vision, along with Patterson, boldly took on the powerful countries of the European Union (EU) in an effort to wrestle economic fairness for developing nations. Their efforts culminated in one of the most significant achievements of that era—the Lome Convention, the first formal agreement between the EU and its former colonies that promised aid, trade, and development. This was no easy task, and the road to Lome required formidable organising and diplomacy.
Before Ramphal and Patterson could sit at the negotiating table with the EU, they needed a united front, something that had eluded many developing nations up until that point. It was in 1972, on the margins of a Meeting of Foreign Ministers of Non-Aligned countries in Guyana, that Sir Shridath conceived a groundbreaking idea—a coalition of developing countries across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific that could confront the economic giant of Europe together. His concept was not only ambitious but revolutionary, recognising that small states negotiating individually with Europe would always be outmatched, but unified, they could become a formidable force.
The result was the creation of the African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) Group—a diplomatic and economic alliance aimed at securing fair trade deals with Europe. Ramphal became the Group’s spokesman on sugar, while PJ Patterson took on the role of spokesman on bananas—two vital exports for many of these nations. Supported by a team of sharp-minded technicians like Dr Alister McIntyre, they stood united against the EU, backed by the collective strength of the ACP. The power of this unity was undeniable. For the first time, developing nations, once mere pawns in global economic negotiations, had a seat at the table with the might of a bloc behind them.
But unity, as history so often shows, is as fragile as it could be threatening. While the ACP’s efforts led to the landmark Lome Conventions, and later the Cotonou Agreement, they also unsettled the powerful European nations. The solidarity among developing countries threatened the EU’s ability to dictate terms, and in the years following the Lome Conventions, the cracks began to show. Europe, returning to one of its oldest strategies, sought to divide the ACP. African nations, the largest group within the ACP, were persuaded to break away from joint negotiations. By the time the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) were on the table in the year 2000, Africa had been splintered into three separate negotiating units, weakening the ACP’s collective bargaining power.
This fragmentation was Europe’s victory. The unity
that once empowered the ACP had been successfully eroded, and as a result, the EPAs—agreements that were supposed to benefit developing nations—left the ACP countries negotiating alone, each country or sub-region now isolated and outmatched. The “divide and rule” technique, once used to subjugate colonies, had once again found success in a new form of economic imperialism.
The EPAs, which Caribbean countries signed in 2008, were nothing short of a “shotgun arrangement”. Under the guise of partnership, ACP nations found themselves signing agreements that returned them to the conditionalities, and terms dictated by the EU. ACP states gave far more than they got in return, and with no collective voice, they faced the behemoth of the EU alone.
Ramphal’s fight for justice did not end with the ACP. In 1975, he assumed the role of Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, a position he would hold for 15 years. When he took the helm, the Commonwealth was still very much a “British” institution, serving primarily the interests of the UK government, including the preservation of white minority rule in Southern Rhodesia (later Zimbabwe) and apartheid South Africa. Ramphal brought with him the same determination that had guided his efforts for developing countries— now expanded to the global stage. Through his leadership, the Commonwealth Secretariat became an engine for advancing equity and justice for developing states.
Ramphal harnessed the power of Expert Groups to produce meticulously researched reports that challenged the policies of global institutions like the IMF, World Bank, and WTO. These reports not only provided developing countries with evidencebased arguments but also positioned Ramphal as an international voice for the poor and underdeveloped.
Ramphal’s influence went beyond economic policy. Defying the British government and its Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, Ramphal used his legal and diplomatic acumen to support African leaders in their negotiations for independence of Southern Rhodesia. His insistence
In the fight against apartheid, Ramphal once again marshalled his diplomatic skill to build alliances across the Commonwealth. He forged a coalition between leaders of African frontline states, Julius Nyerere of Tanzania and Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia, with leaders from outside Africa, such as Bob Hawke of Australia, Brian Mulroney of Canada, Rajiv Gandhi of India, and Lynden Pindling of the Bahamas. This alliance helped swing Commonwealth sentiment behind accelerated action to end apartheid in South Africa and to free Nelson Mandela from prison.
At the conclusion of his tenure as Commonwealth Secretary-General, Ramphal’s work was far from over. He turned his attention to his beloved Caribbean, spearheading initiatives aimed at strengthening the region through deeper economic interaction and political cooperation. The central theme of his efforts remained the same—unity. For Ramphal, unity was not only the foundation of the Caribbean’s strength but also the key to its rightful standing in the world. His work continued to be supported by PJ Patterson and Alister McIntyre, his long-time collaborators and fellow warriors in the struggle for Caribbean advancement.
Now, as Ramphal and McIntyre have passed on, PJ Patterson stands as the last surviving member of this illustrious trio. The Caribbean owes these giants an incalculable debt, but more than anything else, it owes itself the obligation to remain faithful to the courage, vision, and diligence that Ramphal, Patterson, and McIntyre exemplified. Their quest to ensure that the region stood tall in the international community, asserting its rights and leadership, is a legacy that demands to be upheld.
on “one man, one vote” became a cornerstone of Southern Rhodesia’s eventual independence as Zimbabwe.
SIRSHRIDATH RAMPHAL
HUNDREDS OF JOB SEEKERS attend Carnival’s job FAIR IN GRAND BAHAMA
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
HUNDREDS of job seekers attended Carnival’s job fair on Saturday, with some arriving as early as four to five hours before the doors opened at noon, hoping to secure one of the 700 direct and indirect jobs available at Celebration Key in East Grand Bahama.
The cruise line’s newest exclusive port destination, set to open next summer, has already garnered around 2,000 online applications. This was Carnival’s first job fair in Grand Bahama, with plans to hold additional events in New Providence, Andros, and Abaco.
Rupert Moss, who arrived hours before the doors opened, said the cost of living is high and good-paying jobs are needed.
“We don’t feel we are getting a fair share, and so we’re looking for a better way of life because everything in the economy has gone up except our pay,” he said.
Deacon Charles Clarke, from Seagrape in Eight Mile Rock, came to Port Lucaya to attend the job fair, arriving around 9am.
“I brought my son and his friend to the job fair, and also to see if there’s anything for me as well, because these are trying times. Bills aren’t going down; they’re going up. So you need a second job to maintain your home and pay your bills,” he said.
Carla Wildgoose expressed excitement about the job fair, adding that Carnival’s project is what Grand Bahama needs.
Ms Wildgoose had considered relocating to New Providence due to the difficulty of finding employment in Grand Bahama’s job market.
“I didn’t realise how tight the job market was, especially for professional jobs. You can find one or two things, but they don’t pay much—it’s very difficult for professionals. At one point, I considered moving to Nassau, but I changed my mind,” she said.
Cyril Coakley believes Carnival will help the island “bounce back”.
“I feel wonderful about
what’s happening here today. It feels great. It’s a good opportunity for Grand Bahama to bounce back,” he said.
Mr Coakley added that Grand Bahama has faced devastating storms and many disappointments over the years, but Carnival’s project presents a unique opportunity for everyone.
Chris Bladen, a long-time visitor, said he is thrilled about the opportunities Carnival will bring to the island.
“I’ve been coming here off and on since 1982, and for the last 14 years we’ve loved this island. We were saddened by the devastation from the hurricanes, and this is the first real opportunity for Grand Bahama,” he said.
“We arrived on Tuesday on the last flight from Miami to Freeport with American Airlines until things get going again. I’m excited they’re going to build the airport bigger on higher ground, and we’re delighted with what Carnival and other cruise lines are doing to help. This is such a phenomenal opportunity,” Mr Bladen said, adding that he looks forward to visiting Celebration Key when it opens.
“This is the first big thing that has happened here,” he said.
Carnival is developing a $600m private cruise port on Grand Bahama that is expected to bring 2.2 million guests to the island annually. The cruise terminal will feature two berths, each capable of accommodating a 6,000-passenger cruise vessel.
Marielle Johnson, from Carnival’s HR Team, highlighted some of the benefits, including medical coverage with vision and dental insurance, full payment of NIB contributions, and transportation to and from work. Saturday’s turnout exceeded expectations.
In mid-August, Carnival launched its online job recruitment portal following its participation in the Exuma Job Fair.
“Our plan was to do it closer to the fair, but we saw the need to open it in mid-August, and since then, we’ve had over 2,000 registrants,” Ms Johnson said.
ROTARY CLUB OF OLD FORT HELPS ADELAIDE PRIMARY SCHOOL GET READY FOR THE NEW YEAR
THE Rotary Club of Old Fort (RCOF) completed a significant community service project at Adelaide Primary School on Saturday. The initiative, part of Basic Education and Literacy Month, involved a Smart School Transformation that included numerous upgrades and donations to enhance the educational environment.
RCOF installed six advanced smart TVs in classrooms, providing modern multimedia tools to support teaching and learning. Additionally, the club donated a heavy-duty printer for administrative needs, new signage, outdoor fans, a bulletin board, and revitalised the school garden.
Hopscotch courts were painted on the playground, and outdoor ceiling fans were added to the pavilion to improve comfort during school events.
The project also featured a teacher workshop aimed at integrating the new smart TV technology into teaching practices and ensuring teachers’ mental well-being.
Teachers received baskets of supplies to ease their financial burden for the school year. A Peace Pole was installed to symbolise Rotary’s commitment to fostering peace and inclusivity.
Nateisha Bain, president of RCOF, highlighted the day’s success and the impact of the project, thanking sponsors and volunteers for their support. The club extended its gratitude to Pepperstone Markets Limited, ThinkSimple, Capstone Homes, Caribbean Landscape, Lyford Cay International School, AG Electric, Suntera Global, Watson Construction, Cox Electrical, Pineapple Business Consultancy, and Therapy in Paradise. Founded on May 5, 2015, RCOF will celebrate its 10th anniversary during the 2024-2025 Rotary Year. The club, with 63 members, focuses on impactful projects such as STEM Saturdays and the Hope Start Campaign and meets bi-weekly at the Balmoral Club.
JOB seekers wait in line at Carnival’s job fair in Grand Bahama. Photo: Vandyke Hepburn
Proposed resolution for UN peacekeepers to replace Kenya-led police mission in Haiti
UNITED NATIONS Associated Press
THE United States and Ecuador circulated a draft resolution on Friday asking the United Nations to begin planning for a UN peacekeeping operation to replace the Kenya-led mission now in the Caribbean nation helping police to quell gang violence.
The proposed Security Council resolution, obtained by The Associated Press, says UN peacekeepers are needed “in order to sustain the gains” made by the UN-backed multinational mission which has seen almost 400 Kenyan police deploy since June to help the Haitian National Police.
The circulation of the short resolution to all 15 council members follows US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Haiti on Thursday where he reaffirmed the US government’s commitment to the multinational mission and pushed for long-awaited general elections.
America’s top diplomat also said a UN peacekeeping force was an option to address a funding crisis for the Kenya-led mission, which depends on voluntary contributions. The US and Canada have provided the bulk of funds so far. Peacekeeping operations, by contrast, are funded from a special UN budget.
The United Nations has been involved in Haiti on and off since 1990. A 2004 rebellion had the country on the brink of collapse, leading to deployment of a UN force. It helped stabilize the impoverished nation after successful elections and a devastating 2010 earthquake that killed as many as 300,000 people and ended in October 2017.
But UN peacekeepers left under a cloud, with troops from Nepal widely blamed for introducing cholera that has killed about 10,000 people in Haiti since 2010 and other troops implicated in sexual abuse, including rape and the targeting hungry children. Since 2017, the UN has had a series of small missions in Haiti. The latest, political mission, BINUH, has a mandate to advance a Haitian-led political process toward elections, the rule of law and human rights.
Many Haitians have rejected the proposal of another peacekeeping operation, given the introduction of cholera and sexual abuse cases that occurred when UN troops were last in Haiti. Some Haitians also see UN peacekeepers as an occupying force. Haiti asked for an international force to combat gangs in 2022, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres appealed for
months for a country to lead the force before the Kenyans came forward and pledged 1,000 police. They are expected to be joined by police from the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Chad and Jamaica, bringing the multinational force to 2,500
personnel.. They would be deployed in phases that would cost roughly $600 million a year. Currently, the UN has $85 million in pledges for the mission, out of which $68 million has been received. The gangs have grown in power since the July 7,
2021, assassination of President Jovenel Moïse and are now estimated to control up to 80% of the capital.
The surge in killings, rapes and kidnappings has led to a violent uprising by civilian vigilante groups.
In February, gangs launched coordinated attacks on police stations and the main international airport, which remained closed for nearly three months. They also stormed Haiti’s two largest prisons, releasing more than 4,000 inmates.
The violence subsided somewhat before the first contingent of Kenyan police arrived in late June, with Blinken noting that economic activity has restarted in some areas of Port-au-Prince, and that joint operations have led to successes including regaining control of Haiti’s biggest public hospital.
However, gangs continue to attack communities surrounding Port-au-Prince.
The draft resolution would determine that “the
situation in Haiti continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security and to stability in the region.”
Extending gratitude to Kenya, it would extend the mandate of the Multinational Security Support mission until Oct. 2, 2025 while the UN plans a transition to a peacekeeping operation,.
Security Council experts held their first meeting on the text of the resolution Friday afternoon and negotiations are expected to continue, a council diplomat said, speaking on condition of anonymity because discussions were private. No date has been set for a vote.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric reiterated Friday that any new peacekeeping force requires approval from the Security Council. UN member nations must then volunteer troops and needed equipment, and the force then needs to be deployed — all of which takes time, he said.
Wildfire east of LA threatens tens of thousands of homes and forces evacuations
SAN BERNARDINO
Associated Press
TENS of thousands of homes and buildings were threatened Sunday by an out-of-control wildfire burning in the foothills of a national forest east of Los Angeles, amid a dayslong heat wave that pushed temperatures into the triple digits across the region.
State firefighters said three firefighters had been injured and more than 35,000 structures were threatened, including single and multi-family homes and commercial buildings, while authorities issued evacuation orders for several areas. Thunderstorms expected later in the day could make conditions even more challenging.
The so-called Line Fire was burning along the edge of the San Bernardino National Forest, about 65 miles (105 kilometres) east of LA. As of Sunday morning, the blaze had charred about 27 square miles (70 square kilometres) of grass and chaparral, leaving a thick cloud of dark smoke blanketing the area.
“Afternoon thunderstorms could cause new ignitions and potentially influence activity around the fire perimeter,” state firefighters said in a Sunday morning update. “Hot and dry conditions mixed with thunderstorms are expected to challenge firefighters for the next few days.”
County officials, who declared an emergency Saturday evening, issued evacuation orders for
Running Springs, Arrowbear Lake, areas east of Highway 330 and other regions.
“Extreme temperatures, wind and lightning strikes have allowed the fire to grow rapidly,” the county said in a statement.
Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for San Bernardino County Saturday night.
More firefighters were expected to arrive Sunday.
State officials said vegetation is critically dry in the area and temperatures reached more than 100 degrees (39 degrees Celsius) on Saturday with relative humidity dipping to provide ideal conditions for the fire to spread. The fire began Thursday evening, and the cause is under investigation.
More than 600 firefighters were battling the blaze, supported by water-dropping helicopters that hovered over homes and hillsides, along with other aircraft, according to state firefighters. Cal Fire officials didn’t immediately return a call on Sunday seeking more information about the three injured firefighters.
The fire produced coiling clouds of dense smoke, and flames could be seen cresting hillside ridges.
No homes or other structures had been damaged or destroyed.
The National Weather Service said downtown Los Angeles hit a high of 112 degrees Fahrenheit (44 Celsius) Friday, which marked the third time since 1877 that a temperature that high has been reached there.
KENYAN police officers, part of a UN-backed multinational force, drive past residents in armored vehicles on the streets of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Wednesday.
Photo: Odelyn Joseph/AP