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AG drops case against Sandals L! ADS SEL PHOTO 351
ROLLINS TRIES TO ‘TAKE OVER’ BUTLER-TURNER FNM EVENT ON LONG ISLAND
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By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net  LONG Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday accused Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins of attempting to “take over� a Free National Movement town hall meeting in Long Island on Monday night by bringing his supporters to the event organised by the party to officially endorse her. Mrs Butler-Turner told The Tribune that Dr Rollins came to the meeting with a “handful� of people who began campaigning for him to be the next Member of Parliament for Long Island. However, Mrs ButlerTurner said Dr Rollins and his group were outnumbered by her supporters and his attempt to “hijack� the event “fizzled�. SEE PAGE THREE
Union in shock over nolle prosequi signed on day of 600 job cuts By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net COURT proceedings against Sandals Royal Bahamian and two of its senior executives brought by union officials were dropped by order of the Attorney-General on the day the Cable Beach resort terminated nearly 600 staff to facilitate a $4m renovation programme, it has emerged. Allyson Maynard-Gibson gave a ‘nolle prosequi’ (no prosecution) direction to the Magistrate’s Court to discontinue the criminal action on August 15, a move which Obie Ferguson, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) president, described as adding “insult to injury�. Mr Ferguson said that the entire trade union movement was “very, very, very shocked� by Mrs MaynardGibson’s directive and accused the Government of
betraying and deceiving the Bahamas Hotel, Maintenance and Allied Workers Union (BHMAWU), and all workers, by not being “up front� about its actions and intentions. He pointed out that while the TUC’s BHMAWU affiliate, and other trade unions, have been engaged in talks with the Government for more than a month in a bid to resolve the Sandals situation and other matters, the ‘nolle prosequi’ was signed and dated August 15. Mr Ferguson said neither Prime Minister Perry Christie, nor Mrs MaynardGibson, had disclosed the ‘no prosecution’ directive’s existence despite meeting several times with the unions over the past five to six weeks. He added that the directive was only brought to light during court proceedings on Monday.
By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
SEE PAGE SIX
SMITH DEFENDS COMMITTEE OVER LACK OF CONTACT WITH BAHA MAR EMPLOYEES By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net  FORMER State Finance Minister James Smith, chairman of the committee overseeing Baha Mar payouts, yesterday defended the work of the committee amid criticism that former resort employees have yet to be contacted regarding money they are owed. He stressed that “everyone would get what was due
CHIPMAN POST UNCERTAIN WHILE FNM USE SEAT AS ‘BAIT’
to them at the end of the month�. While Mr Smith said he was unsure of the system in place to contact the former workers, he said he was certain this process was already in motion and that the committee was working “diligently around the clock�. The Tribune contacted him yesterday after receiving several complaints from people who once worked at SEE PAGE SIX
OMAR Roberts arrives at court yesterday.
Photos: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff
FIREARMS TRAFFICKING SUSPECT FACES COURT OVER 30 CHARGES By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net A MAN accused of being the mastermind behind a firearms trafficking ring pleaded not guilty to 30 firearm offences levied against him in Magistrate’s Court yesterday afternoon. Omar Roberts, of Lumumba Lane, was brought before Magistrate Constance Delancy to face seven counts of “introduction of a revolver into the Bahamas,� six counts of “introduction of ammunition into the Bahamas�, eight counts of “conspiracy to introduce a revolver into the Bahamas� and six counts of “possession of ammunition with intent to supply.� He also faced a count each of “conspiracy to introduce ammunition into the Bahamas,� possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of unlicensed revolvers with intent to supply, which rounded out the 30 offences he is alleged to have committed on September 16. Roberts denies conspiring with others to bring in, possess and distribute a Betonics .45 pistol, a Hi-Point .380 pistol, a Beretta 9mm JESSIE ROBERTS, who is also accused of one SEE PAGE SEVEN offence, arrives at court yesterday.
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AS the Free National Movement continues efforts to fortify its base ahead of the 2017 general election, there is some uncertainty over the future of St Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman, as the FNM is said to be using the “sure seat� as bait to attract a “financially capable� candidate to its ranks. According to a source familiar with the party’s thinking, the FNM has delayed all communication with Mr Chipman as it moves “diligently to venture through all of its possibilities� for St Anne’s. SEE PAGE SIX
GRAY DEFENDS POTTER’S CAY $9M PROJECT By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
AGRICULTURE Minister V Alfred Gray yesterday continued his defence of the Potter’s Cay redevelopment plans, contending that the $9m proposed for the scope of works to be carried out by his ministry will guarantee Bahamians “the very best at the absolute lowest cost�. Responding to questions on the finalisation of the proposals put forward by his ministry to Cabinet, the MICAL MP argued that a lack of clarification over the SEE PAGE FIVE
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PAGE 2, Wednesday, September 21, 2016
DNA candidate for Bain and Grants Town Brenda T Harris gets in on the action as she joins her team during a minor home improvement project in the community.
THE TRIBUNE
Photos: BnGTown PR
DNA candidate bids to improve homes in Bain and Grants Town A TEAM of volunteers from the Democratic National Alliance’s Bain and Grants Town constituency office and the DNA Men’s Alliance recently spearheaded a minor home repair project that left a number of residents with a smile on their face, expressing gratitude for the kind gesture. The DNA’s candidate for the area is Brenda T Harris. Repairs were carried out on roof tops, windows, fences, doors and staircases of homes occupied mainly by the elderly and single parents. The needed repairs were spotted during regular walk-a-bouts in the area by Ms Harris and her team, who have been well received by residents in the Bain and
Grants Town constituency. As it relates to the home repair project, Ms Harris was appreciative of the volunteers’ assistance and noted that one of the strongest characteristics of the historic Bain and Grants Town was the closeness of the community where people helped each other and cared for each other’s property. She said her team is only reintroducing and building on the culture that was once the way of life in the close knit community. Ms Harris who has been working in the area since 2014 noted that the repairs project along with other initiatives will go on as she continues to build stronger relationships with residents and leaders in Bain and
THE HOME improvement project in action in Bain and Grants Town.
Grants Town. She also mentioned that a new and improved Bain and Grants Town Community Centre, where she is the founder and executive director, will be opening in the very near future. The centre which is currently located on the corner of Market and Deveaux Streets, will soon have its new home on Blue Hill Road north. The centre provides job training, job placement assistance, soft skills and employability skills training, entrepreneurial workshops, empowerment seminars, a computer resource centre, a place for students to do research and a place for those who may need clothing and food items among the other services provided.
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, September 21, 2016, PAGE 3
Saunders blasts the ‘poor visibility’ of PLP rival Gray By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net WALT Saunders, Free National Movement candidate for MICAL, said yesterday he is “more than confident” he will win in that constituency, claiming that current MP V Alfred Gray’s poor visibility in the area and “unfulfilled promises” have hurt his chances at securing that seat in the next general election. Mr Saunders, in an interview with The Tribune, said MICAL constituents are “simply disgusted” by Mr Gray’s performance as their MP. He said there are “basic things” Mr Gray could have assisted with but has not, such as repairing damaged roads and ensuring that schools are properly staffed. He said these factors have “really worked
against” the Cabinet minister’s reputation in the community. Mr Saunders, a native of Inagua, said he is “certain” that he has won the confidence of the MICAL constituents, adding that he is looking forward to capitalising on their “positive and encouraging” responses to his prospective representation “one day at a time.” Mr Saunders, owner of GWS Worldwide Express Ltd, was one of four candidates ratified by the FNM last week ahead of the 2017 general election, along with current Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner, former Deputy Commissioner of Police Marvin Dames for the Mount Moriah constituency, and former Democratic National Alliance (DNA) Chairman Mark Humes for Fort Charlotte. Mr Gray, a native of Hard
Hill, Acklins, has represented MICAL since 2002. Yesterday, however, Mr Saunders said he is certain he will win the MICAL seat. “…His promises that he made, a lot of them are very upset about it,” Mr Saunders said. “And he did actually very little to improve upon each of those islands that need so much. Things such as school just having adequate teachers - thank God we had retired teachers in Inagua who voluntarily went and assisted the principal there. “The principal in fact, is a retiree, who actually is working as the principal at (Inagua All-Aged School). In Crooked Island and Acklins, it’s the very same kind of thing, a lack of teachers, lack of supplies in the schools, basic things that he could have assisted
ROLLINS TRIES TO ‘TAKE OVER’ BUTLER-TURNER FNM EVENT ON LONG ISLAND from page one
Mrs Butler-Turner said the meeting went so well that she is “even more convinced” that she will be reelected, despite reports that she was heckled and booed at the rally by a faction of FNM supporters who claim the party is imposing her on the constituency against their wishes. Last week Dr Rollins, a member of the FNM, said he would challenge Mrs Butler-Turner as an independent candidate if the voters on the island urge him to do so. His threat came hours before the FNM announced it had ratified Mrs ButlerTurner as its standard-bearer for the constituency in the next general election. “The meeting went very, very well even though Dr Rollins was actually campaigning there,” Mrs Butler-Turner said. “He was trying to give the impression that he has a major following and the majority of people in Long Island don’t want me, but that plan fizzled. If I were him, I would be embarrassed. “He only has like eight or 10 persons with him and there were at least 100 or so people at the meeting. My people outnumbered them. I didn’t plan this meeting at all; I was on vacation and when I came back I was told the town meeting was to take place. “The meeting eventually felt like a rally because once I spoke the people became excited and you can tell that I had the support. It went better than I would have anticipated and I am not concerned about Dr Rollins.” Despite Mrs Butler-Turner’s optimism, a well-connected FNM insider who spoke to The Tribune on condition of anonymity said the event was not a town hall meeting but a “poorly attended, terrible rally”. “It was a disgrace,” the insider said. “I have never seen an FNM function have less than a few hundred people and there was barely 120 people there. Loretta was even booed at one point. No one came out because the people don’t want her and she can’t seem to understand that.
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“I don’t see how she can win, the people just don’t have the confidence in her anymore. The people now mad with Dr Minnis too; he came here with the intentions of having a town meeting, that is what we were told. It then turned into a rally and the people were not given a chance to speak. They shove her down our throat and we do not want her.” A senior FNM source who witnessed the goings on at the meeting described the event as “a hot mess”. The Tribune attempted to contact Dr Rollins for comment but calls were not successful up to press time. He and Mrs Butler-Turner have a history of animosity. In 2013, the Long Island MP slapped Dr Rollins, who was then a member of the Progressive Liberal Party, in the House of Assembly. At the time she said she was “provoked” by Dr Rollins, who she said whis-
pered “horrific” things in her ear and would not let her go. Dr Rollins, however, denied making any derogatory comments to her but said he encouraged Mrs ButlerTurner to seek therapy because of her outbursts in the House of Assembly. Earlier this month, former Cabinet minister Tennyson Wells told The Tribune that he instructed a group of voters in Long Island to draft a petition for Mrs Butler-Turner’s removal if they truly wanted another FNM candidate. Mr Wells said this group approached him for counsel during the most recent regatta on the island where he advised them that the most effective way to get the party’s attention was to gather as many signatures as possible to prove that she is no longer supported. Last week, the FNM also ratified Mark Humes as its candidate for Fort Charlotte.
with, has not been done. “And I think all of this has really worked against him. Roads that need to be repaired, the airport he promised he would have built at Abraham’s Bay in Mayaguana, never happened. A lot of promises never fulfilled. And so the people are simply disgusted or just not pleased with his performance.” However, Mr Saunders said his personal campaign efforts have gained traction in the MICAL constituency since his ratification, adding that his prominence in the MICAL area, mostly due to him being a “son of the soil”, have only aided his efforts. “I am certain that I won the confidence of the people and as I always say my trust will be earned one commitment at a time,” he said. “And in that light I
think once I live up to their expectations, and understanding the principle that I am a servant and I came to serve, I will do my best to be the best I can be at serving my people with quality service.” “The people know me very well,” he added. “I’m very well known, in all areas.” Mr Saunders told The Tribune he is in the process of completing his platform - something he said should be finalised by the end of the week. However, he said his platform would focus on capitalising on MICAL’s natural resources to boost economic productivity in that constituency. This, Mr Saunders said, includes capitalising on Inagua being a natural haven for some 80,000 West Indian flamingoes in order
to tap into the bird watching industry, and then subsequently creating a “Caribbean Safari” in Inagua in a bid to promote bird-based tourism. Other endeavours he said he would be looking into would the establishment of tuna, conch, and grouper fish farming in Inagua, Crooked Island and Acklins. “If I do the right PR on this, and (cultivate) that particular thing, I think we’ll have more cruise ships in Inagua stopping, because all those cruise ships that come from this area go through and between Cuba and Inagua,” he said. “And if we’ve got the Safari there that they don’t see anywhere else in the Caribbean, I think we’ve got something to sell. I’m very excited about that concept.”
DR Andre Rollins during a previous visit to Long Island - he reportedly tried to hijack a meeting for Loretta ButlerTurner, the current MP for the area, in an attempt to convince people that he should be the next representative for Long Island.
PAGE 4, Wednesday, September 21, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
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A swan song on global stage for Obama UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Standing before the United Nations for the last time as president, Barack Obama reassured foreign leaders that the world is better equipped to tackle its challenges than at almost any point in history despite a cascade of harrowing crises that seem devoid of viable solutions. Obama’s speech is always a focal point of the annual UN General Assembly, but his address Tuesday marked Obama’s swan song on the international stage. He stepped into his role eight years ago with sky-high expectations and has struggled to deliver when it comes to solving global problems partially beyond America’s control. Ben Rhodes, Obama’s deputy national security adviser, said the president was cognisant of the fact that bright spots such as economic growth and climate change cooperation are offset by the “great deal of unease” in the world, including Syria’s civil war and concerns about Russia’s aggression toward Ukraine. “The way the president will approach this is trying to apply what we have done that’s worked in the last eight years as a template for how we deal with other crises,” Rhodes said. He cited diplomatic achievements on Iran and global warming and outreach to former US adversaries Cuba and Myanmar as illustrative of the approach Obama hoped would continue after he leaves office. Yet it will be hard for world leaders to look beyond the pressing problems that are shadowing this year’s UN conference. Just as Obama and fellow heads of state were gathering Monday, Syria’s military declared the week-old cease-fire over following numerous breaches and deadly airstrikes that hit an aid convoy, leading the UN to suspend all aid convoys in Syria. The setbacks were fresh indicators that even the most hard-fought diplomatic gambles have failed to lessen the violence in Syria for any lasting stretch of time. And hanging over the UN gathering was a weekend bombing a short subway ride away that New York’s mayor has declared an act of terror. Security in Manhattan, already high in light of the UN summit, was further tightened. The White House cast Obama’s address as one of his final opportunities to define how his leadership has made the planet safer and more prosperous. Obama’s aides have focused on how the US has a fraction of the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan than it had when Obama took office and how nations are finally poised to act in concert to reduce greenhouse gases blamed for global warming. Obama’s other major priority at the UN this year is to force more aggressive action to mitigate the worst refugee crisis since World War II, stemming in large
part from the Syria war. In addition to his speech, Obama on Tuesday hosted a summit on refugees. The idea was for nations to show up with concrete commitments to accept and support more refugees, and Obama’s UN ambassador, Samantha Power, said the US told several nations that their initial offers were insufficient. The Obama administration has emphasised that a halfdozen other countries, including Germany and Jordan, are co-hosting the refugee summit, but it’s largely been a US-driven endeavour. As part of Obama’s push, more than 50 US companies were pledging to spend, raise or contribute more than $650m to support refugees’ resettlement, education and employment, the White House said. The list includes prominent companies, including Western Union, Twitter, Microsoft, Ikea and Google. President Barack Obama is telling world leaders they have to do more to open their hearts to refugees who are desperate for a home. He said that the world is more secure if leaders are prepared to help people in need, but they have to follow through even when the politics are hard. He said leaders must have the empathy to imagine what it would be like for their families if the unspeakable were to happen. Seemingly speaking of the US, he said there are a lot of nations doing the right thing, but many countries, particularly those blessed with wealth and the benefits of geography can do more to help. The UN estimates that there are about 21.3 million refugees forced to flee due to armed conflict or persecution. Economies can only grow so much in the 21st century, he predicted, before they will have no choice but to open up to give entrepreneurs access to information or to allow independent media to operate. Democracy is hard work and takes generations, but the gains are worth the effort, he promised. Without evolving the direction of democracy, people’s expectations will go unmet, suppression and stagnation will set in and strongmen will be left to crack down on their societies or scapegoat enemies, leading to war. He told world leaders that a paradox defines the world today as the world is by many measures less violent and more prosperous than ever before. Yet, he says people are losing trust in institutions, which makes governing more difficult. World leaders can choose to press forward with a better model of cooperation and integration, or they can retreat into a world that is sharply divided and ultimately in conflict. However, the benefits of global integration need to be broadly shared. The global economy, he said, needs to work better for all people, not just for those at the top. By Josh Lederman, Associated Press
Home security steps EDITOR, The Tribune. THE recent attacks on senior citizens in their homes in our country is evidence that criminals are concentrating on this new target. Many of these persons are in their late sixties to mid-eighties and either reside alone or left alone at home for several hours during the day and night. Most of these persons may be hearing and sight impaired and may not be aware of the crime trend in the country. While the police is doing great work in the detection of crime as the response time has improved immensely, we as residents must take action in providing preventative measures to protect ourselves and in particular our elderly. It is notable, that the elderly being attacked are of the middle-class, upper middleclass and the wealthy. They are retirees living in upperclass residences which make them targets for the criminals. Families, who cannot provide companionship for
their protection must engage in providing the technology and other crime prevention measures for the protection of these persons. In the following paragraphs, we will advise of what is available for the protection of these persons. Seek consultation from local Alarm Agencies, that provide the following services: Video Surveillance Systems, Door Access Systems, 24/7 Alarm Monitoring, Home Automation, Vehicle GPS. Tracking, Panic Buttons and Visits by Security personnel as required, All of the technology mentioned herein are available at Alarm Companies in New Providence. Each item mentioned provides a form of protection for the elderly. The cost of the equipment, installation, monitoring and response is affordable, in particular when considering the calibre of the persons being attacked. There are other simple precautions, that could be taken by the elderly, which
includes; a Poodle, which is known to be among the best watch dogs. It is inside the house and barks and follows the movement of anyone on the outside. Consider installing proper locks-dead bolts on doors, in particular on bathroom and bedroom doors. Ensuring doors are kept locked, in particular the bedroom door when asleep. Peep holes on front door to identify visitors on the outside, who are welcome to enter. Sleep with telephone available in the bedroom. Always keep the panic button provided by the Alarms Company at hand. Visitors from Utility Companies must be identified and the elderly must be aware, that they are expected to visit or do not let them in. The Police Crime Prevention could arrange to meet and discuss crime prevention with elderly persons, in particular those who Iive aIone. PAUL THOMPSON Sr Nassau, September 19, 2016.
Hypocrisy of Loftus Roker EDITOR, The Tribune. NOTHING could “yuck up yuh vexation” faster than to suffer through the hollow words of an avowed hypocrite. Loftus Roker seems to delight in giving a sanctimonious assessment of the political landscape and he supposes he has earned credibility simply because he is critical of Perry Christie and the PLP. He once sat at the same cabinet table with Christie and his acquiescence to Sir Lynden Pindling’s excesses helped lay the foundation for today’s corrupt PLP. Reading his ad nauseam lambasting of Christie has become surreal. His critique rings hollow. He is an unindicted co-conspirator with today’s latest incarnation of incompetence, nepotism and self-aggrandisement that is rampant in the PLP. When Mr Roker proclaimed that our political leaders are a tainted bag of apples he must have bit his tongue so hard he tasted blood. He was one of the farmers who plowed the field and planted the very same rotten seeds that he now says bears bitter fruit. It’s an open secret that Mr Roker is not a man of high political conscience. Just check his inhumane treatment of Haitian immigrants back in the day. What few people know is that you can always count on him to choke when the chips are down and good men are called upon to act on their convictions.
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net Roker talked a good game back then when he saw the direction that Pindling was taking the country. He grumbled under his breath about the excesses, but never resigned because of those excesses. When Pindling trained his gaze in Loftus’ direction is when the cat made off with his tongue. Or perhaps he gambled that his tongue would better serve him if redeployed to kissing-up. Mr Roker might remember that he ardently caucused with the dissidents who wanted to force Pindling to change the destructive tack he was on. But when the moment came to act he did not have the courage of his supposed convictions. Pindling (aka Sweet Mouth Willie) played to Roker’s ego over the years and he continued to sit in the front pew of the Pindling choir. He abandoned his fellow dissidents and then turned around and berated them. He stayed there through the Commission of Inquiry. He was not a drum major protesting as the scourge of drugs gripped the nation. As his cabinet colleagues proclaimed “all for me, baby”, and “God gave this land to the PLP”, Roker stayed on. Now he criticizes the “new age politicians” who prefer to sit back and witness “foolishness” than to speak out against it. Sounds
familiar, Mr Roker? It’s amazing how clearly he can spot faults in others, but not in himself. To show that his soul was now cleansed he reminded us that he called out alleged corruption back in 1977. He reported it to the House, controlled at the time by his party. When the House (and by extension his party) rebuked him, what did he do? He didn’t resign on principle. He didn’t carry on the fight. He shut his mouth and soldiered on with Pindling. But now that course of action – disciplined silence - exercised by today’s crop of politicians in his party, is anathema to everything he stands for. Go back and read the transcript of what you said, Mr Roker. You proclaimed that young PLPs are sitting back and allowing the old ways you helped establish to run rampant now. But when asked what you thought of the one man who is willing to shake the dilly tree within the PLP, the brave Alfred Sears, you cast aspersion on this Renaissance man who has the testicular fortitude to do what you wouldn’t. Stand up to the Leader of the PLP. You and your righteous indignation almost 40 years after the fact must be ruled “out of order”. The PLP, and by extension we the people, are reaping the sour fruit you helped sow. Thanks for nothing. STALWART Nassau, September 4, 2016.
Baha Mar staff’s fate EDITOR, The Tribune. I AM writing reluctantly today as I, along with some, if not all other Bahamian employees are uncertain of our fate with the company once a new investor takes over. At the same time, much is expected of our Sr Managers, much of whom are not Bahamians. Persons have resigned and work load increased for remaining employees with the unfulfilled promise of hiring new employees, while deadlines remain the same, for some employees as well.
Additionally, since employees were advised that for the moment their current employment status depends on their performance there is obvious concern. With that said, with increased responsibilities and demands, there exists the concern of the likelihood of losing employment as a result. Meanwhile, a non-Bahamian has recently announced her pregnancy and soon after, her promotion. I would like to remain anonymous however, it is a reality and a daily struggle for some of us who return
to work on a daily basis, not knowing what the future holds as far as employment with Baha Mar is concerned. Nevertheless, it is my hope that this would be brought to the forefront, especially considering the recent announcement of compensation for previous employees so that current employees would know that their jobs are secure and that they will not be taken advantage of in the meantime. CONCERNED Nassau, September 6, 2016.
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, September 21, 2016, PAGE 5
Call for lawyers to resist probe by Parliament into court ruling By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net BAHAMAS Bar Association President Elsworth Johnson yesterday issued a call to arms to the country’s legal community as he condemned the upcoming parliamentary investigation into Supreme Court Justice Indra Charles’ ruling on the Save The Bays email leak. Mr Johnson told The Tribune that the “time had come for lawyers in this country worth their salt” to resist any attempt to undermine the independence and objectivity of the judicial system. He spoke to The Tribune while attending the 2016 International Bar Association conference in Washington. His comments represent the strongest
objection to the resolution by Marathon MP Jerome Fitzgerald for the House of Assembly Committee on Privilege to determine whether Justice Charles, and the two lawyers who brought the case, STB Director Fred Smith, QC, and Ferron Bethell, should be held in contempt of the House of Assembly. Mr Johnson said that challenges to the separation of powers, specifically against the judiciary, were not uncommon and vigorously defended by bar associations around the world. “The Bar will not stand idly by for anybody who makes a mockery of the system,” he said, “the world is watching, and the world must see our response. Our first industry is tourism, and our second is banking. People want independent and
objective judiciary that is only subject to law and not to Parliament.” Mr Johnson zeroed in on Mr Fitzgerald’s reaction to Justice Charles’ landmark ruling that he infringed on constitutional rights when he tabled the private emails of Save The Bays in Parliament, and therefore could not be protected by parliamentary privilege. Mr Fitzgerald told The Nassau Guardian last month: “If I had to do it again, I would do the same thing.” Mr Johnson said the Marathon MP “set a poor example”, adding that it was the responsibility of the Bar Association to resist attacks on the rule of law through increased public education. The House committee is expected to stage its first public hearing on Thurs-
day; however, a venue had not been confirmed up to press time. Mr Johnson’s comments echo concerns levelled by Mr Smith, who recently warned that the committee’s probe could have severe impact to the administration of justice and the rule of law if allowed to investigate matters still under judicial consideration. Mr Smith argued that Justice Charles’ ruling was linked to several active cases involving the environmental group, including its murder-for-hire case against Peter Nygard, and the constitutional motion. He also listed the four judicial reviews launched against the government and Peter Nygard and Keod Smith before Justice Rhonda Bain, and the judicial review launch by 103 Lyford
Cay neighbours of Peter Nygard against the government on the alleged faulty consultation process for works at Nygard Cay. “The members of this committee must keep firmly in mind that an awesome responsibility has been placed on their shoulders – for the sake of our national reputation, they must defend the principles of good governance, fair administration of justice and the rule of law,” he said. “If they seek to use these hearings to trample over the territory of the courts, the Bahamas will be branded a lawless society where laws mean nothing, where political power and brute force win the day. “The international community is watching carefully. We simply must affirm that The Bahamas is
not some repressive dictatorship or failed state where the jurisdiction of the courts is casually disregarded, the rule of law tossed aside on a whim; it is a liberal democracy whose good governance is underpinned by a constitution, the guardians of which are the courts. They must be allowed to do their work unfettered by politically motivate intrusions.” Mr Smith said: “It is constitutionally axiomatic that the judiciary of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas - the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and the Privy Council, resolve civil and criminal matters; not, as (Fox Hill MP) Fred Mitchell alleges, the ‘High Court of Parliament’ which harkens back to a medieval era of monarchical absolutism.”
GRAY DEFENDS POTTER’S CAY $9M PROJECT
CONSTRUCTION work under way at Potter’s Cay recently. from page one plans has led the public to a state of confusion over the entire project. Mr Gray said his office will hold a press conference later this week, where he and other officials will present the full scope of plans already presented to the Cabinet. He said once this occurs, the public will get an “appreciation” of what the Christie administration is trying to do at the site. He stated: “I think people continue to say stalls because it is a short form for the rebuilding of the food and vendors stalls, the fruit and vendors stalls; it is a redevelopment of the whole of Potter’s Cay - the bath-
room areas, the administration block. “So it is not just stalls and I am having a press conference later this week to show the plans to the public so that they will get an appreciation for what we are trying to do there. “But, it is going to be a marvelous development. (We know) that whenever you do anything good, people will criticised. So we are not concerned about the criticism because the Bahamian people deserve the best.” Last year, the government announced that the redevelopment of the area was expected to cost around $3.1m. It was presented as a joint effort between the Ministries of Works, Agri-
RECALL ORDER FOR COOKIES THE Ministry of Health has advised the public about the recall of undeclared hazelnut in orange and milk chocolate cookies widely distributed by the brand Waitrose Company, bearing the label best before date of March 30, 2017. Some packs contain hazelnut which is not declared on the label, the ministry said in a statement. “This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to hazelnut. This product is believed to have been distributed for resale throughout several Caribbean countries, including The Bahamas.
“Consumers who may have purchased the products bearing the best before date listed above should not consume them. They are urged to dispose of the unused product and/or return it to the place of purchase,” the ministry said. The Ministry of Health said severe allergic reactions can result if persons with nut allergies consume this product. “If after consuming this product, swelling develops particularly involving the mouth or throat, and you have trouble breathing or feel dizzy or faint, call 911 or 919 for emergency assistance,” the ministry said.
TROPICAL STORM FORMS AT SEA TROPICAL Storm Lisa formed yesterday morning over the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean and continues to strengthen, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) has reported. The storm’s maximum sustained winds were near 45mph and the NHC forecast some additional strengthening today before weakening steadily from tomorrow. Yesterday afternoon Lisa was centred about 465 miles west of the Cape Verde Islands and moving north west at 12mph. The NHC said Lisa poses no threat to either the Caribbean basin or the east
coast of the United States. Also in the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Karl is forecast to begin strengthening in another day or two. Its maximum sustained winds were holding steady at 40mph and was centered about 480 miles north east of the Leeward Islands and 1,030 miles south east of Bermuda. Karl is moving westward at 14mph. Karl may still be fighting wind shear and dry air, but is expected to find a more favourable environment to intensify into a hurricane later this week and may pass near Bermuda this weekend.
culture and Transport and Aviation. Then, last week, Mr Gray indicated that the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources will oversee a proposed $9m project involving the fish and food vendors and the stalls - in addition to the original scope of work pegged at $3.1m. A statement from Bahamas Information Services later said the Ministry of Transport and Aviation has oversight of the scope of works now underway at Potter’s Cay. This scope includes the construction of the boardwalk, the sidewalks, the landscaping, the parking lot, the road works, the fencing and a new cargo holding building. This as-
pect of the project is estimated to cost about $3.1m. The statement said the Ministry of Agriculture had a separate scope of works, which includes vendor stalls and commercial aspects. However, this led to staunch criticism from opposition factions, with finance representatives from both the Free National Movement (FNM) and Democratic National Alliance (DNA) raising questions over how the cost went from $3.1m to $12m. Earlier this week, FNM Deputy Leader and Shadow Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest condemned the Christie administration for the “mind-boggling and incredibly unsatisfactory”
nature of the three-phased project. Mr Turnquest also questioned the long-term affect the new costs could have on the 2016/2017 budget and national debt. Meanwhile, DNA finance spokesperson Youri Kemp said he was startled by the new price tag because no report issued to date, considered the needed repairs to the dock portion of the site. Responding directly to these assertions, Mr Gray insinuated that both Mr Turnquest and Mr Kemp were attempting to unnecessarily politicise the issues at Potter’s Cay. He further claimed that the matter was being used as a political football only
because it is being advanced by the PLP. “When the FNM spent $250,000 on a bathroom, one ladies’ and men’s bathroom on West Bay Street, you heard the outcry? It was so silent, it was deafening,” stated Mr Gray. “(That was) $250,000 on one bathroom. Each stall may cost about $45,000$50,000 - compare a bathroom to a restaurant or a stall. But you know, it seems to be about who is doing it,” he said.
AG DROPS CASE AGAINST SANDALS
PAGE 6, Wednesday, September 21, 2016
from page one The Attorney General’s directive to the court “authorises” and requires it to enter into its records that the proceedings against Sandals and two senior executives “be discontinued”. This halts the action launched against the resort, its general manager, Gary Williams, and financial controller, Fitzroy Walker, by five officers of the BHMAWU who had alleged that Sandals Royal Bahamian was in breach of the Industrial Relations Act by failing/ refusing to “treat or enter into negotiations” with the union. They had also claimed that the resort, and Mr Williams and Mr Walker, had vi-
olated the Industrial Tribunal Relations Act by intimidating and terminating employees. The resort, and its executives, had denied all allegations. Sandals has come under fire for making the workers redundant in order to conduct improvements, with claims of “union busting”. Labour Minister Shane Gibson told Parliament last month the resort failed to notify the government of its intentions in good time and that it was a retaliatory attack on the BHMAU. He expressed dissatisfaction with the resort’s decision to make workers redundant rather than laying them off and have them return to work when the resort reopens in October. There were also calls for Sandals to im-
mediately rehire all the workers it laid off when the resort re-opens and re-engage with the BHMAU. Last month, Sandals hosted a four-day jobs fair at which the terminated workers could re-apply along with new candidates. Mr Ferguson accused the Government of returning Bahamian workers to “pre1958 General Strike” conditions and of being less than frank in its meetings with the trade unions after the Sandals terminations. He suggested that the ‘no prosecution’ move proved the Government was firmly on the side of the all-inclusive resort chain. “Based on the meetings we had [with the Government], we felt we would have been told,” Mr Ferguson told The Trib-
THE TRIBUNE
une. “If the document was signed on the 15th, and 600 workers were terminated on the 15th, at the time we requested a meeting, and the information was not disclosed to us, it makes it very difficult to conclude that the Government disclosed all it knew. “It’s a difficult period; a very difficult period for workers in this country,” he said. “The decision to nolle this matter puts the workers back to pre-1958. One should at least expect to have your day in court. The effect of this nolle is to prevent the Bahamian workers for going to court.” • FOR MORE, SEE TODAY’S BUSINESS SECTION
SMITH DEFENDS COMMITTEE OVER LACK OF CONTACT WITH BAHA MAR EMPLOYEES from page one
the shuttered $3.5bn resort that they had not been notified with any information pertaining to the funds outside of the limited details on the claims website. However, these concerns, Mr Smith said, were “just attempts to muddy the water.” A notice published last week said former employees will start receiving cheques from the Claims Commit-
tee, which was established to administer payouts, on September 27. “They will all be contacted by September 27,” Mr Smith said. “I have no idea of how they are going about making contact or whether it’s alphabetically, but the process has been ongoing. “There are 2,000 workers to be contacted and we have a week to contact them. It is a process from our end and I can tell you that we have been working around the clock to ensure that the pro-
cess in going as smoothly as possible. “We are all working hard to ensure that everyone gets what’s due to them at the end of the month.” On Monday, Mr Smith confirmed that money earmarked to pay the workers and unsecured creditors had been deposited by the Export-Import Bank of China (CEXIM). He said non-staff claims will be processed as “pay as you go until you run out.” However, he declined to
reveal the total of the deposited money, insisting that to reveal this could impact the quality of claims submitted to the committee. “What happens is you deal with the staff and then the other unsecured creditors. The employees are pretty straightforward and are pretty much covered. I think at the end of the day most will be satisfied,” he said. The cheques are expected to cover unpaid salaries, accrued vacation pay, severance pay and payments in lieu of notice for more than 2,000 Baha Mar workers made redundant in October last year. Payments will be made by Perfect Luck Claims Ltd, the special purpose vehicle (SPV) that has been created specifically to purchase claims held by Baha Mar creditors under the terms of CEXIM’s agreement with the Christie administration.
Mr Smith explained that employee payments were clearly accounted for during the $3.5bn mega resort’s liquidation proceedings; however, he could not confirm how claims from the remaining unsecured creditors will be processed. He maintained that the committee was on track to begin the payout process on September 27. On that day, the Claims Committee will begin to issue cheques to employees through an alphabetically ordered system. Employees with last names beginning with the letters A through F will collect payments first, those with last names beginning with the letters G through O will collect their cheques on September 28, and last names beginning with the letters P through Z will collect their cheques on September 29 from the Crystal Palace Training
Hotel, Casino Entrance. Earlier this month, Mr Smith explained that creditors who are owed up to half a million dollars will likely be paid in full, whereas the amount of money paid to those owed more than that will depend on how many eligible creditors come forward with claims. Employees and those owed up to $500,000 account for 90 to 95 per cent of all people and creditors owed money, Mr Smith said. The deadline for submissions to the committee of claims and supporting documents regarding debt owed by Baha Mar is September 30. Claims are to be submitted by email at info@ claimspv.net or in hard copy to Charlene Paul at the Baha Mar Office at the Crystal Palace Casino. The form is available at http:// claimsspv.net/.
CHIPMAN POSITION UNCERTAIN WHILE FNM USE SEAT AS ‘BAIT’ from page one
The Tribune’s source further claimed that “feelers” have been sent out to several potential candidates, some whom have a history with the party and others new to the political organisation. When contacted for comment on the matter yesterday, Mr Chipman said he remains focused in finishing his current term as MP for the St Anne’s area. He added that while he has notified the party of his intention to seek reelection, he hasn’t received any notice from the FNM of a decision to support him or go in a different direction. He stated: “I have made it known to the party that I fully intend to run again. I have submitted an application for candidacy and await feedback from the executive level.” Furthermore, Mr Chipman said he is unaware of any effort to have him re-
moved as the party’s standard-bearer in St Anne’s. When contacted, FNM Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest yesterday said the party remains committed to its “regular roll out,” denying the notion that “something different” was underway in St Anne’s. Mr Turnquest said while the FNM was actively working to meet its self-imposed October 15 deadline for candidate ratifications, the party doesn’t intend to “short-cut or rush” any choice. He added that hundreds of persons are vying for nominations with the party, and all are reviewed by the same protocol. When asked directly if the party was looking to replace Mr Chipman, Mr Turnquest said the FNM is “working along its definitive plan.” Mr Chipman is one of the “gang of six”’ MPs who wrote to the party’s Central Council outlining the drawbacks of FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis earlier this
year. They also called for an earlier FNM convention, which was later moved up from November to July. In addition to Mr Chipman, the group included Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn, North Eleuthera MP Theo Neilly, Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner, Central Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant and Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins. Of the group, to date only Mrs Butler-Turner has been ratified and publicly backed by the party. Mr Neilly and Mr Grant have announced that they will not contest the next election while Dr Rollins said he will not be seeking a FNM constituency nomination, but would run as an independent. However, he has also said if the FNM offered him a nomination he would consider accepting one. On Sunday, party sources indicated that businessman Dionisio D’Aguilar would replace Mr Lightbourn in Montagu.
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, September 21, 2016, PAGE 7
Major tells theft trial: I don’t recall signing suspect cheques By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net
PAUL Major, chairman of the Bahamas National Festival Commission, testified yesterday that he could not recall signing cheques purportedly used to facilitate theft of $31,000 from the commission. The Bahamas National Festival Commission (BNFC) organises Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival. More than a year after their initial arraignment on two counts of stealing by reason of employment, former BNFC employees Benjamin Lightbourne, 26, and Kendyce Ferguson, 34, returned to Magistrate’s Court for the start of their trial into allegations of stealing that occurred on March 16 and 23, 2015. It is alleged that on March 16 they stole $24,404.43 belonging to the BNFC, situated on Collins Avenue, which they had access to at the time as a messenger and an accountant. They are further accused
of stealing $6,852 a week later. The total amount – $31,256.43 – was reportedly stolen through cheques that were drawn in the name of one of the employees who cashed them at a local bank. Lightbourne and Ferguson, who are on $15,000 bail, maintain that they did not commit the offences, for which they can face a fine and/or up to five years in prison if convicted. They have retained Ian Cargill and Terrel Butler to represent them. Police Sergeant Timothy Saunders is prosecuting the case, which is being tried before Magistrate Carol Misiewicz. Mr Major was called to the witness stand first. He was asked by the prosecutor if he was familiar with Lightbourne and Ferguson. Mr Major said he knew Lightbourne as a messenger at the BNFC. He had known Ferguson three to four years before her employment in the accounts department at BNFC. He said that after Fergu-
son left the commission, he spoke with a private consultant who drew two particular cheques to his attention “that did not seem to be rightfully issued.” Following this conversation, Mr Major said he initiated an investigation into cheques number 154 and 155. The prosecutor asked for copies of the items to be shown to the witness and the request was granted. The first cheque showed an amount for $6,852 drawn on the name of Abraham Jacque and the other in the amount of $24,404.43 in the name of Benjamin Lightbourne. “Do you recognise that as your signature?” the prosecutor asked. “I recognise my purported signature but I have no recollection of having signed it,” Mr Major answered. “And it is your evidence that you did not sign those cheques?” the prosecutor then asked. “Absolutely, yes, sir…I did not sign those cheques,” Mr Major said.
In cross-examination by Ms Butler, it was suggested to Mr Major that he knew Ferguson for longer than four years, going as far back as 2006. Mr Major agreed, saying he could not recall exactly the year but knew she worked for Bahamasair during his tenure. “You agree that when you said three to four years you sounded definitive?” the lawyer asked. “It’s not important enough for me to remember,” Mr Major said. “Do you agree that there’s a difference between not having a recollection and ‘I did not sign a cheque?’” Ms Butler probed. “Yes, I agree,” Mr Major said, adding that his testimony was consistent with his statement to police. “How do cheques come to be signed by you?” the lawyer asked. Mr Major said they are brought to him by the messenger who also attaches a “minute paper.” Neither was photocopied for his own record keeping,
he added. Mr Major was asked if he was aware of the process that occurred before he received both documents from the messenger. The BNFC chairman said he did not know “precisely.” He was asked if there were other signatories required to validate a cheques. Mr Major said himself, Felix Stubbs, Calvin Balfour and Simon Wilson were signatories and two of those were required for validation of cheques. When shown the copies of the cheques with his “purported signature”, Mr Major said Mr Wilson’s signature appeared to be on it, “but I can’t say for sure.” “And you did not deal with the daily accounting?” Ms Butler asked. The BNFC chairman said no and also could not say who had access to cheque stubs. Ferguson’s lawyer suggested to Mr Major that he signed the cheques. “That’s your position,” Mr Major said. Ms Butler suggested to
him that he told police the signatures appeared to be legit. Mr Major again said his testimony was consistent with what he told police. He did agree that Ferguson was not the only employee in the accounts department who dealt with the minute paper that accompanies cheques. Mr Cargill’s questioning of the BNFC chairman was brief. “Mr Major does your signature appear on these?” Lightbourne’s lawyer asked. “What seems to be my signature, yes,” Mr Major said. “So it’s safe to say that you signed them?” Mr Cargill asked. “I didn’t sign them to my recollection,” the commission chairman said. “So it’s possible, but you can’t recall,” the lawyer suggested. Mr Major maintained his answer. “Did police ask for a specimen of your signature?” Mr Cargill asked. Mr Major said no. The trial resumes on November 1 at 11am.
READERS SAY WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FOR IN A PARTY HUSBAND and wife Omar and Jessie Roberts outside court yesterday.
Photo: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff
FIREARMS TRAFFICKING SUSPECT FACES COURT OVER 30 CHARGES from page one
IN The Tribune’s latest Big Question, we asked readers: With the 2017 election season on the horizon, what will you be looking for in a political party to ensure your vote? SP said: “Most important requisite in securing my vote is they must not be PLP or FNM! Four decades of unchecked massive corruption, friends family and lovers and asinine political stupidity is enough. PLP and FNM have run their course, cannot be remotely trusted and have unquestionably proven they don’t give a damn about the well being of average Bahamians.” Observer had this to say: “We do not know what we are looking for because we do not know what is needed.” Economist wanted a stop to the “waste” in government ministries: “I am looking for a party with a plan to get the finances of this country under control by stopping all the waste (possible theft) in the government ministries . . . I also want to see what ideas they have as to how to expand our economy in ways that make it less reliable on the financial and tourism sectors. “They need to show, not just say they will, but clearly explain how they are going to create 35,000 new jobs in five years or 65,000 new jobs in 10 years. How they are going to avoid a downgrade to ‘junk bond’ status and how they are going to ensure that The Bahamian dollar does not get devalued? BahamaPundit wanted the nation to be run like a “well oiled company”: “We need a party in power that is ready to do the heavy lifting to restructure the Bahamas from the bottom up, moving
it from a failed state to a logical, well oiled company. The fundamentals of the Bahamas are bad and this is what must be corrected: 1. A direct power line from Florida to Nassau. 2. A land registry and term limits. 3. Accountability and prosecution for theft in the public sector. 4. Death penalty and much, much more active street policing. 5. Stop international borrowing, period. 6. Complete transparency and auditing of the expenditure of public funds. 7. Renewable energy focus. 8. Not in it to win it but to serve.” Themessenger said: “We need to seriously overhaul and revamp the educational system to include curriculum, administrators and teachers. We need a real Freedom of Information Act. We need an immediate investigation into the theft, disappearance of the millions of dollars of public funds spanning successive governments with the perpetrators prosecuted and punished to the fullest extent of the law regardless of political position or persuasion.” And there was this comment from Lkalikl: “Integrity, fairness, an ability to budget and keep to a budget, transparency, accountability, a deep respect for individual liberty and human rights, respect for the rule of law, respect for the full disclosure of all assets and the ability to execute specific goals that are part of a deeper vision for the country. In other words, an honest and capable human being. “Does the Bahamas have any left who are prepared to seek high office?” • Don’t miss your chance to join the debate on tribune242.com.
pistol, a Makarov 9mm pistol, a Remington Inc .40 pistol, a Smith & Wesson .38 revolver, a Jiminez INC 9mm pistol and a 7.62 rifle. He further denies conspiring with others to bring in, possess and distribute a combined 318 rounds of assorted ammunition for these weapons.
According to police reports, around 5pm on the day in question, police acted on a tip that led them to a business on Mount Royal Avenue. A search of a man carrying boxes and the establishment itself allegedly uncovered the weapons and assorted ammunition. Roberts and his wife, Jessie, were then charged with a single count of pos-
session of ammunition, to which they both pleaded not guilty. The case was adjourned to September 22. The case concerning the 30 firearm offences will be tried on November 21. The two were remanded to the Department of Correctional Services, as the court could not consider bail on the charges they faced. They were advised of
their right to apply for a bond in the Supreme Court. They have retained Wayne Munroe, QC, and Ryzsard Humes to represent them.
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PAGE 8, Wednesday, September 21, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
Lessons to be learned from the community on issue of crime YOUR SAY By EMILY WILLIAMS
tives to fix certain boundary walls that young men use as getaway points so as not SINCE June 2013, after to be caught by the police. seeking the nomination in I realise that this is a naMarathon under the Dem- tionwide problem, but it ocratic National Alliance must be addressed because (DNA) banner, I have been Bahamians must feel safe in on the streets in the constit- their own yards and homes. uency, knocking on doors About four weeks ago, and speaking with people I began my walk through who live in the area. Union Village. I was told I have been asking them by residents in surroundhow they feel about the ing areas to not go through many unfair cirthat corner becumstances we cause it is a bad as Bahamians ‘I remember in corner. These are faced with, particular the same residents in a country most talkative cautioned me to that is dubbed make sure that by many to be young man there if I insist on one of, if not, - Antone Arty. going through the wealthiest He told me that Union Village, nation in the I must make world, per cap- he wanted to see sure I have an change and how army travelling ita. We possess he was willing with me. great wealth, Usually when not only in nat- to give someone I do walkaural resources, new a chance.’ bouts, its only but we are a my husband people that are and me. My culturally proud and dy- team is made up of a banknamic. er, a law student who works I started my campaign in in a law firm, a young man the east, which borders Fox who has no parents so he Hill, and have moved me- works long hours, a governticulously and strategically ment worker who cannot towards the west so that I be seen being involved in cover every house on every frontline politics, and some street. who desire to help but most There are many homes, of the time have to work. particularly in the eastern Since this is the case, my part of Marathon, that have husband and I have come highly enclosed gates be- to realise that most people cause of the fear of crime. in Marathon appreciate our This makes door-to-door efforts in being diligent, campaigning difficult in strong and determined to terms of reaching everyone, campaign in the area, even but despite the sometimes if at times it is only the two raging barking dogs, we of us. manage to slip a DNA flyer My husband is a pastor in a tiny hole in the gate so and I am an ordained evanthat residents know that we gelist, so naturally, people were there. gravitate towards us askWith the election around ing for prayers. We have the corner, I find that I have led families and, in some to linger in some areas more instances, individuals to than others because there Christ, so for us, politics is seems to be certain parts of two-fold; it allows us to do Marathon that have a high- ministry and it allows us to er level of criminal activity be agents of change in our than others. To keep things country at the same time. in context, I want to share a Union Village became my story about the area behind prayer focus and I sought the Marathon Mall. the Lord for direction as I have been working to when to go through that the Claridge and Peardale corner. Four weeks ago I Roads over the past two got the go ahead and so we months, and have been get- went. The people were reting some negative reports ceptive and honest. As we about crime in that area. walked, I saw a group of Many residents complain young men in the distance that they have asked previ- hanging out under a tree ous and present representa- near the streets. I was a lit-
tle hesitant but proceeded with caution. After speaking with a young lady in front of her house washing her clothes, I felt relieved. She, along with other residents, expressed that crime was their major concern through Union Village. Nevertheless, they assured me that they were never attacked personally, but had witnessed a person being shot in the street near their home. By the time I got to the young men, they were asking who we were and joked about how they thought we were Jehovah’s Witnesses. I assured them that we were DNAs and joked back, asking them if they knew what was going on in our country. I pointed out to them that I was wearing a DNA T-shirt, but they all laughed and told me that they liked our bold DNA spirit. They talked about not wanting to see any gold or red shirts in this election coming through their corner as if Union Village was their territory. I assured them that the DNA exists mainly to usher in a new Bahamas. They chuckled but were receptive. I remember in particular the most talkative young man there - Antone Arty. His wife was the young lady I had spoken to earlier washing her clothes. He told me that he wanted to see change and how he was willing to give someone new a chance. Two weeks later, I heard of a shooting through Union Village and ran out to purchase the daily newspaper. My heart dropped when I discovered that the victim was Antone Arty. I recognised the name right away because it is not common. I ran to my phone to WhatsApp his wife and gave my condolences. I am really saddened by this. I didn’t know Antone personally but after speaking with him and listening to the complaints of residents about the high level and presence of criminal activities through that corner, I realised the need for more police presence in the area. I also realise the need for the government to place more emphasis in dealing
EMILY WILLIAMS, Democratic National Alliance candidate for Marathon with crime in certain areas in Nassau and through certain corners in particular. A week later, there was a triple shooting through Peardale, where a child was hit by gun shots. The child survived the shooting but two men died. Despite the shootings in the Marathon constituency, there seems to be a disconnect between the present representative and the rest of us. A few years ago, Ms Archer, an elderly lady, was killed in the very area where I live, Danottage. At the time, another representative was in the House of Assembly representing Marathon, but there was no police presence in the area to make residents feel safe.
The present representative for the area should focus more on dealing with ways to curb crime within the Marathon constituency. The sad thing is, the area behind the Marathon Mall is where he got most of his support in the last election. It’s because of the poverty that some experience in their lives, that they supported the Progressive Liberal Party government who said they believe in Bahamians, but do not. A DNA government will seek to assist their representatives in helping to curb crime and to make residents feel safer in their yards and in their homes. A DNA government will make sure that more strategic measures are put in
place to ensure that all Bahamians enjoy a better way of life, no matter where they live in the Bahamas. Antone Arty, I knew nothing about you, except the fact that you expressed that you wanted change in this country, and I believed you when you said you did. I am so sorry you did not live to see the change you spoke so passionately about sitting on top of that car that evening. On behalf of the DNA, and the Marathon Association, we express our sincere condolences to your immediate family, your children and your grieving spouse. May your soul rest in peace. Emily Williams is the Democratic National Alliance candidate for Marathon
RESIDENTS WANT UPDATE ON PROBE INTO BORCO CHEMICAL SPILL By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
MORE than two weeks after a chemical spill at BORCO, concerned residents in the nearby Pinder’s Point community wanted to know whether investigations or inquiries into the incident had been made by the relevant environmental agencies in Grand Bahama. “Who is looking out for the residents of Pinder’s
Point, Lewis Yard and surrounding areas?” Berthram Pinder, chairman of the Pinder’s Point/Lewis Yard Environmental Committee (PPLYEC), asked. “Is it the government Environmental Health Department? Is it the Grand Bahama Port Authority Environmental Department?” Mr Pinder and Shuffel Hepburn, with resident Lorna Knowles, stood near the site of the spill on Tuesday, highlighting the ongo-
ing environmental pollution and health concerns of residents in the area. Mr Pinder claimed that around September 5 or 6, residents were awakened by a loud noise and saw workers the next day in hazmat suits and respirators cleaning up an area in the BORCO compound, and repairing part of their perimeter road. He said the PPLYEC wants to know what spilled and whether it posed any danger to the environment
and residents of Pinder’s Point and the surrounding areas. To date, BORCO officials have not released any statement concerning the spill. And residents have questioned if a report of the incident was made by the company to the proper environmental authorities. Mr Hepburn claimed that there is a huge trench between the residents of Pinder’s Point and Lewis Yard filled with liquid waste.
“It is almost a mile long and in some parts as wide as 1,000 ft - you can see it from Google (Earth),” he claimed. Mr Hepburn said the government has done nothing in the past and are doing nothing today for the wellbeing of Bahamian citizens in the Pinder’s Points/Lewis Yard areas. Mr Pinder said the residents reject the findings of a World Health Organisation (WHO)/Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) report which found that there is no health risk to the residents living near the industrial plants. He said residents have suffered for more than 35 years. “We have experienced tank fires, explosions, frightening noises and odour emissions. The government and the Catholic School Board have relocated the schools in Hawksbill years ago because there were too many complaints of teachers and students getting sick. The residents also complained then too, but nothing was done for them.” Mr Pinder said last year the government relocated the Lewis Yard Primary School from the area to
Hunters. “If it is not good for the students and teachers to spend 30 hours a week there, then it is certainly not good for the residents to spend 168 hours a week there, for 365 days a year, every week of their lives,” Mr Hepburn added. Resident Lorna Knowles said: “I feel it is time for people in this area to be removed from this environment. The odours we experience on a daily basis is very horrible.” Mrs Knowles said her mother contracted cancer and went to Nassau for treatment. “The doctors told us that they can tell where she is from because of the type of cancer she has,” she claimed. She said that priority needs to be given to relocate residents. Mrs Knowles has a site on Facebook called Grand Bahama Environment Association where they document what happens in the community on a daily basis. The Tribune called the Department of Environmental Health Services and the Grand Bahama Port Authority, but was told that relevant officials were not in office at the time.
THE THETRIBUNE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, September 2016, PAGE Wednesday, September 21st21, 2016, PAGE A99
SIERRA
TECHTALK • GOOGLE is expected to unveil its new flagship smartphone next month in San Francisco. The October 4 media event was announced on Monday night in a new YouTube video that showed the web giant’s familiar horizontal search bar slowly morphing into the outline of a vertical, phone-shaped rectangle to the sounds of Redbone’s “Come and get your love”. The video does not reveal a name for the expected device but does close with the company’s familiar G logo flanking one side of the phone outline. There is speculation the phones will be called the Pixel and Pixel XL.
UPDATE BRINGS APPLE DEVICE SHARING CLOSER THE latest software update for Mac computers, MacOS Sierra, brings iPhone services to Apple laptops and desktops and further breaks down walls between devices. It also borrows an iPad feature for watching video while you work and offers ways to automatically free up storage space. The free update is available from yesterday through the Mac’s app store. Here are four things to look for with Sierra: 1 IPHONE COMES TO THE MAC Sierra brings two features already found on iPhones: the Siri virtual assistant and Apple Pay. Siri can help with directions, web searches, reminders and even Mac-specific commands, such as putting the Mac to sleep. Unlike Microsoft’s Cortana assistant on Windows computers, however, Siri won’t take typed requests in public settings such as coffee shops; all you can do is talk to her. Where Siri helps is in letting you pin results to the Mac’s notification centre, so you can continually get baseball standings and scores after asking Siri just once. You can also drag and drop Siri results such as weather and maps into email, Word documents and other apps. Apple’s payment service, mean-
while, now works with websites that enable it, although you’ll still need an iPhone or Apple Watch nearby to complete the transaction. Apple Pay saves you the trouble of reentering credit card and shipping information. The Photos app is getting new search and highlights options to match updates in iOS 10, Apple’s new software update released last week. As with iOS 10, Messages on the Mac gets larger emojis and previews of web pages, rather than raw links. It also gets the ability to display, but not create, some of the expression options introduced in iOS 10. 2 DEVICES WORK AS ONE Apple’s devices now all work together much better, though you’ll only notice if you have an iPhone or Apple Watch in addition to a Mac. When you copy text or an im-
age from one device, you can paste it in another signed in to the same Apple ID. This feature can prove crucial if there is no Wi-Fi. Passages from Word documents can be copied with the usual Command-C combination, pasted it into email on the iPhone with the usual long press on the screen and sent with the phone’s cellular connection. It works the other way, too. If you see an interesting website on the phone, you can paste a relevant passage into a Mac document without revisiting the site. And if you have an Apple Watch, you can now unlock the Mac simply by waking up the computer with the watch on. No more typing in passwords. 3 SAVING SPACE Sierra brings several space-saving features, including the auto-
matic deletion of files from trash after 30 days. Normally, you need to manually empty the trash can every now and then. As space runs low, the Mac will also remove files you can get again online - iTunes video and email attachments. If you choose to sync your desktop and document folder through iCloud, the Mac will also delete older files and keep them online only. You’ll still see the file on the Mac, but when you open it, the Mac will retrieve it from iCloud, presuming you’re online. 4 VIDEO ON THE MAC A picture-in-picture feature, already in iPads for a year, lets you watch video in a small window that stays on top, even as you move windows around. It works with iTunes and some Safari video. ANICK JESDANUN Associated Press
COULD YOU BE AN ESPORTS PRO?
KEVIN HART EMOJIS TOP THE ITUNES APP STORE DON’T be surprised if Kevin Hart’s face starts appearing more and more on your computer, smartphone or tablet screen. The American actor and comedian launched his own iOS application last week, KevMoji, featuring emojis and GIFs for iMessage with real faces. The app reached No.1 on the iTunes App Store within five hours of its release, and Hart said in a statement: “When we decided to make KevMoji, all I knew is that we had to do something no one else was doing. So here we are, literally changing the face of iMessage by creating a real experience through emojis and stickers, rather than in animation. With the launch of iOS 10, my production team, HartBeat Digital, along with Snaps, is revolutionising the kind of content I’m able to share with my fans.” Hart followed up the launch of KevMoji with an announcement via Periscope on Monday that he teamed up with Periscope to create “Kevin Harts” - when users of the Twitter-owned live-video application click to give videos hearts, Kevin Harts will show up instead if the hashtags #KevinHartWhatNow or #KHWhatNow are used in their broadcast titles. Those same two hashtags will also trigger a special Kevin Hart emoji on Twitter. TOP PAID IPHONE APPS: 1 KevMoji by Kevin Hart, Hartbeat Digital, LLC, 2 Minecraft: Pocket Edition, Mojang, 3 Heads Up!, Warner Bros, 4 Facetune, Lightricks Ltd, 5 Moji Maker, AppMoji, Inc, 6 Plague Inc, Ndemic Creations, 7. Bloons TD 5, Ninja Kiwi, 8 Enlight, Lightricks Ltd, 9 7 Minute Workout Challenge, Fitness Guide Inc, 10 Ellen’s Emoji Exploji, Warner Bros. TOP PAID IPAD APPS: 1 Minecraft: Pocket Edition, Mojang, 2 Musical.ly for iPad Free., Gabriel Ramos, 3 XtraMath, XtraMath, 4 Notability, Ginger Labs, 5 Geometry Dash, RobTop Games AB, 6 Minecraft: Story Mode, Telltale Inc, 7 Five Nights at Freddy’s, Scott Cawthon, 8 Procreate - Sketch, paint, create., Savage Interactive Pty Ltd, 9 Moji Maker, AppMoji, Inc., 10 Terraria, 505 Games (US), Inc.
IT IS tough to find a game you and your friends can all play together in the same place. LAN cafes and LAN parties have been replaced with online competition and chat, but there’s something special about a shared, in-person experience. Now there is esports. According to Superdata, over 213 million viewers are watching pro gaming this year, and they believe the esports industry will see that grow to 303 million by the end of 2019. Universities are offering esports scholarships, and some of the more famous players are treated like rock stars in countries like South Korea, where esports is already a massive part of the culture. So you can watch esports, and pro players get to have a shared social experience via hosted tournaments ... but what about everyone else? Esports Arena (ESA) in Santa Ana, California, bills itself as “North America’s first dedicated esports facility” and is drawing hundreds of gamers to its “Wednesday Night Fights”. Every week, players pay a $10 entry fee ($5 for members), and then pay $10 to enter the tournament. Joining the venue as a member is much like a fitness gym, where there are recurring or month-to-month membership subscriptions. The schedule is a mix of open play time, tournaments, meet-and-greets and even free pass weekends where curious players can try out the facility. Most gamers have good internet connections and a comfy couch to play on, though - so why would they want to leave home to
play the same games with similar broadband speeds? LAN cafes might be dead, but there’s a resurgence in spectating and participating in video games at a venue away from home, largely thanks to esports. Esports Arena wants to be the place where aspiring pros and enthusiasts can gather to find support, coaching and willing opponents. There aren’t many locations where gamers hoping to make the jump to the big leagues can both spar with other players of their skill level and do that in front of a lively, raucous crowd. It’s also a kind of feeder system for the pros. If a team or league is recruiting, it’s much easier to come to a place like Esports Arena to scout for potential talent. Not only do you get an idea of a player’s skill, you also get an idea of their skill and focus under pressure, how they interact socially with fans and media, and how they treat opponents after winning or losing a close match. Hundreds of people come out on a weeknight, and stay up to 3am, even if they have school or work the next morning. Eliminated players stayed to watch the final rounds and cheer on the people who had beaten them earlier. It’s a vibe that’s exciting, social - and fun. Esports Arena is a new kind of haven for local, multiplayer gaming. More will pop up across the country as esports continues its meteoric rise and revives social gaming. ASHLEY ESQUEDA Cnet.com
• A NEW device developed by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) can detect a person’s emotions using wireless signals reflecting off a person’s body to measure human behaviour. Researchers from MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory say their EQ-Radio device is 87 per cent accurate in telling if someone is excited, happy, angry or sad. It’s as accurate as an electrocardiogram monitor, which uses a sensor on the body, in measuring heartbeats. They say it could one day be used by film studios and advertising agencies to gauge audience reaction, in homes to adjust temperature based on mood, or in health care. • THE web-browsing feature of New York City’s sidewalk Wi-Fi kiosks will be disabled after critics complained that homeless people were monopolising them and using them to charge their phones and watch pornography. The consortium that installed 400 LinkNYC kiosks across the city said it will remove web browsing from the kiosks while it works with city officials to explore potential solutions to their abuse. The kiosks will still provide free domestic calls, phone charging and fast Wi-Fi with the user’s own device. • A NEW Twitter app is coming to Xbox One, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV, where viewers will be able to watch NFL games on Thursday nights. The short-messaging service secured the rights to stream 10 Thursday night games this year as it attempts to broaden its appeal. It’s hoping that live video of sports and other events will help stimulate more interest in its service. The apps, which are free, will have all the livestreaming video available on Twitter. Besides the football games, this includes content from the NBA and Bloomberg News. • A TALL buoy off the coast of Hawaii is providing the first wave-produced electricity to go online in the United States. The current generated travels through an undersea cable for a mile to a military base, where it feeds into Oahu’s power grid. By some estimates, the ocean’s endless motion packs enough power to meet a quarter of America’s energy needs and dramatically reduce the nation’s reliance on oil, gas and coal. The US Navy has established a test site in Hawaii, with hopes the technology can someday be used to produce clean, renewable power for offshore fuelling stations for the fleet and provide electricity to coastal communities in fuel-starved places around the world.
PAGE 10, Wednesday, September 21, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
POTHOLES on Stanford Drive in the Prospect Ridge area. Photos: Valden Fernander
THE DANGEROUS pothole off Village Road.
BREADFRUIT Street in Pinewood has been repaved. Photo: Valden Fernander
FIX MY STREET THE Tribune’s ‘Fix My Street’ campaign to help remedy the potholes that are the scourge of motorists in New Providence has received a further boost with reports of repairs carried out in Pinewood, Seabreeze and off East Bay Street in the past few days. One grateful resident of Breadfruit Street told The Tribune they were “pleased to state that as of this week all of the ‘trenches and craters’ on our section of the street have been patched”. But their complaints lingered. “Sadly, many of the other residents of Pinewood Gardens are not so lucky. I noticed that Water and Sewage was ‘re-digging’ another street for whatever reason. What irks me is that this is supposed to be the capital city. Why are not the various utility companies co-ordinating their repairs? Why are various utility companies digging up roads and then re-digging two weeks later and so on? Why can’t all repairs that are needed to be done, be done one time?” The resident also pointed out some ‘re-digging’ on the newly paved Wulff Road. “To some these sort of situations may be minor but to persons that have to
THE POTHOLE which was catching motorists at the junction of Deveaux Street and East Bay Street has been filled. Photo: Valden Fernander THE PAVEMENT by the Montagu fish dock has been repaired the corner, this could po“We thrive on serving drive on these streets day in ers, are paying them for.” breeze Canal. and day out it is taxing; both Last week, a rash of potAnother area of concern tentially cause an accident the Bahamian public and emotionally and financially. holes around the junction is the entrance of Stanford for cars turning in off the would like to continue the In the past few weeks I have of Sisal Road and Blue Hill Drive off Prospect Ridge main road,” a resident said. Ministry of Works’ efforts Virley Mckinney, pro- of ensuring our roadways personally had to purchase Road in Golden Gates were Road, which was dug up sevtwo tyres for my vehicle due repaired, just days after an eral months ago, according prietor of Asphalt Main- remain safe for motorists,” to the roads in New Provi- article and photographs ap- to locals. “Parts of the road tenance Paving & Testing Mr Mckinney said, asking dence. Look at the US; they peared in The Tribune. This were paved; however, the en- (AMPT) Co Ltd, has con- for people to contact the never do any road construc- followed similar action in trance was left unpaved and tacted the newspaper after company direct if they have tion or utility fixes without response to photographs of potholes have now formed,” seeing a Fix My Street ar- complaints about the state ticle last week and offered of the roads. proper planning. The public large holes where Cowpen a resident wrote. The Tribune has been is alerted in a timely man- Road meets Maria Drive “It is very annoying when to assist with the reinstatener of detours etc. and a dangerous ‘crater’ at entering the corner, one has ment of the potholes. Mr drawing attention to areas “They do not allow their the junction of East Bay no choice but fall into the Mckinney said his company that are being neglected, roads to get to deplorable Street and Deveaux Street. holes.” Another area that is contracted by the Min- or are unsightly, unhealthy conditions. The Ministry of Also repaired recently is has attracted complaints istry of Works for pothole and being ignored by the Works, Department of En- the sidewalk by Montagu is Village Road near the reinstatement and there relevant authorities, whethvironmental Health, Parks fish dock, where broken junction of Parkgate Road, would be no associated cost er they be potholes in the and Public Areas, Water concrete kerbing had been which according to locals for repairs of government road, uncollected garbage and Sewage Corporation, left in the hedgerow, and has been neglected for sev- roadways. AMPT have or abandoned cars. • Email fixmystreet@tribBEC and the like need to potholes on both sides of eral months and is growing asphalt paving ‘Thermo’ do better and actually do Imperial Park Road head- and getting deeper. “Espe- trucks specifically designed unemedia.net to let us know your issues. the jobs that we, the taxpay- ing south from the Sea- cially since it is located on for pothole patching.
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, September 21, 2016, PAGE 11
OPEN HOUSE FOR EDUCATION CENTRE By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
THE Centre for Continuing Education and Extension Services (CEES) at the College of the Bahamas’ Northern campus held an open house in Freeport last Friday evening to promote the certificate and professional development programmes being offered for adults. Laterah Munnings, CEES Co-ordinator, said this time they have scheduled some of their programmes to cater to people in the Adventist community. “We want to cater to everyone in the Grand Bahama community and we have would like for those Adventists to know that some of our certificate programmes have been scheduled from Saturdays to during the week for the most part,” Mrs Munnings said. Mrs Munnings said the upcoming certificate programme in Human Resources is scheduled on Monday and Wednesday. She said other areas they are covering are certificate in project management, certified professional manager, certificate in secretary review, and Autocad. The centre is also offering an accounting course for beginners with Quick Books, ethics and professional responsibility and effective writing skills. “We are also trying to get certificate in health care administration going, as well as working with the Department of Social Services to get resident caregivers certificate back
up and running in Grand Bahama,” Mrs Munnings said. Another course that is of great interest, she said, is the pre-school and nursery toddler programmes. Mrs Munnings said the community has been asking and requesting for the programme to come back on stream. “We are looking for a large number of interested persons to enrol in those two certificate programmes,” she said. According to CEES coordinators, the schemes are basically geared toward adult learners who want to acquire new skills and who have many years of experience in a field, but no certification. “There is a number of persons in the community that have been working a number of years in a particular field and who want certification that is aligned with their skill,” she said. Mrs Munnings said many of the participants are company sponsored, but there are individuals who are not. “The Centre at this time does not have a benefactor who wants to sponsor any scholarships for the CEES, which is part of the College of the Bahamas, and so we are looking for and hoping that a benefactor will come forward and do that,” she said. CEES has an enrolment that ranges anywhere from 50 students in a year to about 500 in past enrolments. “As the economy picks up we hope to see more and more persons come to acquire skills and certification to excel themselves in education,” Mrs Munnings said.
THE GRAND Bahama Utility Company building in Freeport.
UTILITY COMPANY OFFICE HIT BY MOULD GROWTH By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
THE Grand Bahama Utility Company’s (GBUC) main office building has been closed down due to a reported severe mould infestation. According to reports, some of the workers had become ill and had to be relocated from the building on Cedar Street, Freeport, which had been closed since last week, to other premises. The Tribune attempted to speak with officials, but was told that no one was available. GBUC is owned by the Grand Bahama Port Authority. A crew has been called in to address the issue.
A NOTICE advising of the closure of the office.
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LONISE CAREY, managing director, Island Destination Services, accepts the 2016 World Travel Award in Jamaica on Saturday.
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with the award on Saturday night at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and said she was honoured to have the company’s hard work recognised in this fashion. “This World Travel Award serves as global recognition for our entire team of planners, event designers, transportation logistics staff and everyone who contributes to our ability to successfully stage world class conferences and events for the thousands of guests who visit our shores,” she said. “Our weddings have been featured in international magazines over the years, but the full scope of our work embodies conference planning, product launches, corporate incentive travel programs and cultural events. As a wholly-owned Bahamian destination management and special events company, it is an incredible feeling to be acknowledged as the best DMC in our country.” Island Destination Services, whose office is on East Bay Street, beat five other companies in the category of destination management.