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Volume: 112 No.214
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016
PRICE - $1 (Abaco / Grand Bahama $1.50) The Tribune
Taste with a twist Paradise Plates - inside Weekend
BPL brings in more trucks Company says only five of fleet out of service By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net IN the wake of Bahamas Electrical Workers Union President Paul Maynard’s assertions that several of Bahamas Power and Light’s diggers and bucket trucks were non-operational and slowing down restoration efforts, BPL yesterday said only five vehicles of the company’s current fleet had gone out of service within the last week. To be specific, according to BPL’s Corporate Communications Manager Arnette Ingraham, two bucket trucks and three diggers experienced issues since BPL began to tackle the wide-
PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday said he is “distressed” over the “politicisation” of the government’s hurricane relief efforts, charging that his administration does not “have the time to get distracted by politics” and become “tribal” while grappling with the aftermath of a natural disaster. Mr Christie, during a press conference, sought to disa-
buse the public of the perception that hurricane relief efforts will involve alleged cronyism and corruption. He charged that the last thing in the world persons suffering from Hurricane Matthew should be thinking about “is whether or not a PLP government is going to bypass them.” He said he is of the view that all stakeholders should be “working shoulder to shoulder together to get the job done for the Bahamian people”. SEE PAGE FIVE
Weekend
silver slipper returns Page 11
Taste with a twist
Paradise Pla tes reaches new heigh ts
Charity, page s 13-15
NEW RADARS TO BE BOUGHT NEXT YEAR, SAYS MINISTER
By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net TEN months after plans to purchase four Doppler radar systems were announced, Transport and Aviation minister Glenys Hanna Martin yesterday confirmed that a phased acquisition of the new “stateof-the-art” equipment will not start until next year. Mrs Hanna Martin explained that her ministry was in talks with the Ministry of Finance over the major expenditure, adding that the matter has been prioritised given the critical nature of weather services. The cost of the new radars is just under $20m, she said. SEE PAGE SIX
POWER BACK ON IN PARTS OF FREEPORT
ranging repairs needed throughout the island following Hurricane Matthew. She added that two diggers have since been repaired, while another will be down for a “prolonged” period. She further admitted that BPL had been challenged by several of the diggers and that additional trucks were needed to quicken the pace of BPL’s work. On Wednesday, Mr Maynard told The Tribune that 13 bucket trucks were not working and that several diggers needed to replace the broken poles that had broken down, placing crews at a huge disadvantage. SEE PAGE SIX
BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net FOR the first time postHurricane Matthew, power was restored in several areas of Freeport on Wednesday night to the relief of some customers, and other areas are expected to be restored soon. According to Cleopatra Russell, public relations officer at the Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC), a week into its restoration efforts, the company was able to connect about 20 per cent of its customers. SEE PAGE TWO
PM ‘DISTRESSED’ OVER PLAYING POLITICS ABOUT RELIEF EFFORT By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net
books soci ety film fash ion podcast Friday, October s animals 7, 2016 food garden ing
WARNING ON PRICE GOUGING By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
TRIBUNE cartoonist Jamaal Rolle sums up the way many Bahamian residents are feeling as they continue to get by without power after Hurricane Matthew.
AMID complaints of price gouging, Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) Chairman Jerome Gomez is warning merchants not to increase their prices unfairly. SEE PAGE SIX
BUTLER-TURNER: LISTEN TO SARKIS’ BAHA MAR OFFER By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net FREE National Movement Shadow Minister of Labour Loretta ButlerTurner yesterday questioned why the government would not give Sarkis Izmirlian the opportunity to “buy back Baha Mar” seeing that the former resort owner “invested so much time and money” into the stalled property. In an interview with The Tribune, Mrs Butler-Turner
NEW OFFER BY IZMIRLIAN ‘TOO LATE’ BUSINESS
LORETTA BUTLER-TURNER said Mr Izmirlian’s offer “seems too good to refuse” and the government should not just “push him aside” because of their “history”.
On Wednesday, Mr Izmirlian, the original developer of Baha Mar, revealed he had made an offer to purchase the stalled $3.5 billion dollar resort “at a price in excess” of the current undisclosed bid. In a letter dated October 10, addressed to Liu Liange,
vice-chairman and president of the Export Import Bank of China (CEXIM), Mr Izmirlian said his company BMD Holdings is prepared to pay 100 per cent of all “substantiated” Bahamian claims and all money owed to Bahamians and foreign employees. He also said BMD Holdings will drop “all of our appeals and legal actions in effect within the Bahamian courts” upon acceptance of the offer. SEE PAGE NINE
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PAGE 2 , Friday, October 14, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
AN OVERTURNED aircraft in Grand Bahama yesterday.
A TOPPLED truck trailer in Freeport.
POWER BACK ON IN PARTS OF FREEPORT from page one She said additional manpower from its parent company EMERA in Nova Scotia arrived on island
Thursday to assist with the restoration efforts. “Six or seven days postMatthew, we were able to connect our first group of customers last night, which accounted for 20 per cent of
ORLANDO HOUSE, an office close to the airport in Grand Bahama. our total customers base,” trial commercial sector. she said. Crews from GBPC and According to Mrs Rus- Tampa Electric have been sell, officials were now working 16 hours a day, and working to next restore an additional 48-member power to the Rand Memo- crew from Emera Utility rial Hospital and the indus- Services Nova Scotia Power was brought in to significantly increase manpower. “They landed today and with their arrival we will have 14 additional crews on the ground working to restore power to our customers,” she said. GBPC supplies power to some 18,000 residential and commercial customers on Grand Bahama. Sarah McDonald, CEO of GBPC, reported that some 99,000 manpower hours is needed to get the island’s power supply fully restored. The power company sustained significant damage during the storm, which took down some 1,200 poles. Mrs Russell noted that some 1,250 distribution poles, and 250 transmission poles and their attachments need to be replaced. “Our greatest challenges from a logistic standpoint is getting those poles com-
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A HOME destroyed by the storm surge in Grand Bahama. ing into the island by barge, Mrs Russell said getting which can only bring in so the hospital and industrial much at a time and we ex- area energised is a priority. pect there might be some “We expect to have the challenges,” she said. hospital on tonight (ThursWhen asked the cost of day night), and we want to the damage, Mrs Russell move to the industrial area, was unable to give an exact particularly where Crown figure, but said it would be Ice is located because the substantial. island is being challenged “We don’t know what with ice and water and there that cost is, but one advan- are individuals with infants tage we have is that we are that need ice, and those pulling from our Emera re- with medication that need sources and that has really to remain cool,” she stated. helped us along the way. She said the power comEMERA has been very pany has helped BTC to supportive and our Tampa keep its cell services up by affiliate, and in Maine, and helping them with servicing Nova Scotia, and it helped their generators or if they us to respond so quickly,” need fuel or technical asshe said. sistance. “We can’t say when the Mrs Russell urged resiisland will be completely re- dents to be patient and said stored, but we are trying to while some areas may have get as many customers con- not lost any poles, they cannected as quickly as possi- not get power because the ble we are putting in crews main transmission and diseverywhere we can. tribution poles, which take “Our goal is to bring power from the generating in 150 people, which is 10 facility, are damaged. times the amount of reShe said GBPC had a sources we have at GB plan prior to the storm, Power, and that shows our which allowed the company commitment to making this to hit the ground a day after as short of a restoration pe- the storm to assess the damriod as possible.” age and begin restoration.
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THE group Grand Bahama United has been formed to help bring immediate relief to the island with a long-term goal of advocating for the island’s further development, in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. Grand Bahama United (GBU) has organised a donation drive along with three staging facilities where individual donations can be collected and stored. These include New Providence Community Centre, Blake Road (primary location) that will receive donations from 7am-7pm, the Office of the Anglican Diocese, Sands Road that will receive donations 9am-6pm and Bahamas Striping at the BAIC Industrial Park, Abundant Life Road near Chelsea’s Choice, which will receive donations from 9am-6pm. GBU is asking the public for their assistance in securing the following items: water, tarp, cots and bedding,
feminine hygiene supplies, baby supplies (including diapers, wipes, etc), adult diapers, cleaning supplies, batteries, flashlights and battery operated lanterns, portable gas stoves and butane canisters, along with clothing (including new underwear). Collection of items began on Thursday. “GBU understands that many people in the capital were also severely impacted by these storms and may not be in the financial position to contribute the items above,” the group said. “Volunteers are needed, however, and the public is welcome to contribute through time. Volunteers are being scheduled in three-hour shifts at each location, organised by our volunteer manager D’Asante Beneby. “GBU is signing up volunteers to give a helping hand in Nassau and in Free-
port through the Facebook page Grand Bahama United.” Grand Bahama United organiser Joseph Gaskins is grateful for the support already offered by corporate sponsors and the general public. He said: “We are grateful for those who have already offered support including the corporate partners who are allowing us to use their facilities as well as Sky Bahamas, Western Air, Wide World Shipping and the Mail Boat Company who have agreed to assist with transport and The Bahamas Orthodontic Centre who has offered both volunteers and supplies.” GBU invites other corporate donors to come on board including those that might be able to offer volunteers food and drinks. For more information on the progress of the group, please visit facebook.com/ grandbahamaunited.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, October 14, 2016, PAGE 3
Minnis leads FNM team in tour of Grand Bahama damage By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis and a team visited the hardest hit settlements in Grand Bahama yesterday and delivered some much needed relief items to residents. The FNM, he said, is committed to assisting all Bahamians, and ensuring that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Urban Renewal treat everyone who has been affected with fairness. “The FNM will be very vigilant to determine and ensure that fairplay prevails,” he said. “We will ensure that NEMA looks at all fairly and not by (politi-
cal) colour and that is what I meant when I said we will watch the government closely and ensure that NEMA and Urban Renewal looks after all when supplies are given, and not just to PLPs or their cronies.” Dr Minnis went into Hunters, Lewis Yard, Pinder’s Point, Eight Mile Rock and West End to assess the damage and speak with those affected. He was impressed with the positive attitude displayed by residents, despite their tremendous property and personal losses during Hurricane Matthew. “Even though the people of Hunters and Lewis Yard were basically somewhat demolished, they are focused, determined, and hopeful that things will be better and they continue to
CRISIS AT THE RAND HOSPITAL HIGHLIGHTS CRITICAL POWER ISSUES
remain positive,” he said. He said his party also recognises that the storm also caused serious damage in Freeport. “But what was most significant to me when I looked at the homes with roofs blown off and those that did not, the roofs made of seamed metal roofs stayed in place. And that is significant because we are in the hurricane belt area and it tells me we must review our building codes, and that may have some impact going forward, and we saw that with Hurricane Joaquin the homes on stilts survived, but those not built on stilts did not.” The Castaways Resort in Freeport lost a portion of its roof, but is still operational. The Memories Resort,
Grand Lucayan Resort and Port Lucaya Marketplace in Lucaya are severely damaged. Dr Minnis said the people of Grand Bahama are resilient and will overcome. “What I found most amazing is when you talk to residents they display resiliency that Bahamian people have. In spite of what has happened, they displayed to us convincingly that while it is a setback and Grand Bahama has gone through a lot with the recession, it will still not hold them back and that Grand Bahama will continue to rebuild.” Dr Minnis said residents have requested canned foods, food items, ice, and water. “While here we provided some food items and we are in communication
with the US and looking at having shipped into the island a container with ice so that Grand Bahamians would be able to come and obtain ice, which is one of the essential required items requested by residents,” he said. He was also quite impressed with how quickly the Grand Bahama Power Company has responded and had brought in additional manpower following the storm. “Yes, most are in darkness but I find that the power company within three days had extra staff on the ground, and New Providence has not, and it shows that they are determined to get Grand Bahama back as quick as possible while New Providence is a different entity altogether.”
When asked what he thought about Prime Minister Perry Christie’s comments that he was using the hurricane to politicise and divide the country politically, Dr Minnis said: “The PLP is the government and they are supposed to be the government for all, but the PLP have been moving through various areas in colours. Is that not politics? “They are driving around in government plates - red plates, and in yellow colours. Is that not politics? The PM needs to open his eyes.” Dr Minnis said he has not read Mr Christie’s comments but was more concerned with visiting hurricane ravaged areas and Bahamians who were affected by the storm.
Ricardo Wells sees and hears for himself the overwhelming needs in Grand Bahama
HOW does one compute hospital, if you been in the the devastation of a storm? downtown area, it is so exIn Grand Bahama it tensive and the damage on would be fair to conclude that line, from the plant to that it comes down to the the hospital, it would nor18 hours it took Hurri- mally be first on. But we cane Matthew to move in have to clear some of the and out of the area. Or the first lines before we can 1,250 regular poles and 225 even get to that side. transmission poles, plus ac“We know it’s critical. We companying attachments are doing our very best. We needed on the island. Or have shuffled every plan we even the 92,363 manpower have to say how soon we can hours needed to erect those get the hospital on. So while poles. it looks like we are not turnIt can even be better de- ing them on first, it’s only scribed as two days, the because we can only enertime Grand Bahama’s hos- gise this first group and it pital administrator said the requires us to energise this Rand Memorial can contin- first group to make it to the ue go without power in the hospital.” wake of the storm. Early last Friday mornCatherine ing Hurricane Weech made ‘While the city Matthew that sober- of Freeport may moved in on ing statement Grand Bahaon Wednes- remember this ma with winds day. During a storm for its impact in excess briefing held on infrastructure, of 150mph, at the Pelican storm surge Bay Resort residents in West up to 10 feet this week, End, Eight Mile and rainfall Ms Weech Rock and Pinder’s in the range told officials of five inches. that the facil- will certainly tell The massive ity could not the stories a little storm had sustain opconcluded a differently.’ erations on devastating another two run through days of self-generated pow- New Providence and put its er, as the facility’s generator finishing touches on parts was beginning to fail. of Andros. According to Lives were in the balance, Ms McDonald, the forecast she said, adding that pa- path of the storm indicated tients were in critical condi- that Grand Bahama was in tion, many needing sustain- for a serious ride. able power. All at risk. Prior to the storm, eight This statement floored specialists from Canada many in the room, most of flew in to Grand Bahama to whom had just concluded assist GBPC with restoratours of several of the is- tion. On Sunday, two days land’s hardest hit areas after the all clear was given, - Pinder’s, West End and a caravan of 36 personnel Eight Mile Rock. and 30 vehicles - ranging “I understand the issues,” from bucket trucks, line Sarah McDonald, president trucks, diggers and a moand CEO of the Grand bile command unit - arrived Bahama Power Company in Freeport from GBPC’s (GBPC), said. “Even with Tampa affiliate. all our crews, we just can’t Those crews, working get there fast enough. So alongside local crews, had the damage around the up to Wednesday, erected
SOME of the wreckage alongside the Star Club in West End, Grand Bahama. 130 poles in Grand Baha- times, they weaken. But, area of the Bahamas, it is something else.” ma - barely scratching the once they make landfall and very significant. I’ve seen a Prime Minister Perry surface of the task ahead affect lives, they become lot of telephone poles and Christie reminded Grand categorically electricity poles broken like Bahamians of their “inin terms of scope and man- something different. They become matchsticks. Although our domitable spirit,” saying power. Ms McDonald said the metrics, warnings, referenc- Tropical Storm Erika was although Hurricane Matcompany is doing its best es, and in some cases tales a significant event, in that thew had dealt the island to keep the public informed passed down from genera- we had almost 30 some- a severe blow, it could rething deaths, it was a rain cover as it did before from about the status of its resto- tion to generation. While the city of Free- event so there were a lot storms Frances and Jeanne ration effort despite comport may remember this of deaths because of flood- in 2004. munication challenges. She said the company re- storm for its impact on in- ing and mud slides. But the it is14th justOctober Friday, 2016 mains devoted to establish- frastructure, residents in wind damage here, rwells@tribunemedia.net ing a “solid and safe plan” West End, Eight Mile Rock to restoring power. While and Pinder’s will certainly admitting that the company tell the stories a little differ"AFTERSTORM still didn’t have a “clear res- ently. AUTO TIP" #4: Power may return in toration plan” in place, Ms but rebuilding McDonald asked residents weeks, to “rest assured”. She add- the homes, business and "Before moving car, check ed that GBPC was working churches there will take a out water level, debris and to bring every possible re- lot longer. loose objects around tires “Where are the supsource to bear in hopes of and under vehicle." plies?” shouted one man as bringing resolution. “The restoration would Prime Minister Perry ChrisDowdeswell Street feel a little different this tie’s detail drove through time than it has in the past,” the Eight Mile Rock comshe said. “Normally, we munity on Wednesday. As the journey lengthwould focus on our transmission lines, the backbone ened on Wednesday, the #259 of our system that carries bystanders’ waves became the higher voltage across more frequent. There were the island, and then we children whose homes would proceed to energise were destroyed, who do not individual areas. Because of know when they will return the extent of damage to par- to school. Storekeepers afticular transmission lines, fixed to their shop-fronts, we determined that our the goods behind them traditional approach would holding little in value in mean that no one would comparison to the repair be energised for weeks. In- costs looming. Cecil P Shillingford, stead, we have selected the least damaged lines to clear Dominica’s Disaster Risk so that we can progressively Management advisor, who was in the country as part restore customers. “This approach means of a CARICOM delegation that you may have no power touring the islands of the and look across the street to Bahamas hit by Matthew, see a neighbour with power. said: “Matchsticks. I can You may look around your never forget matchsticks area and not see any dam- after seeing these commuage, but the power grid is a nities. Last year we had a connective web and if there significant event, Tropical is damage further down the Storm Erika and also Matline you could still be with- thew when it was a tropical storm went through Domiout power,” she added. Hurricanes, in their in- nica, and we had some sigfancy, jump classification; nificant damage. “But when I look at this they strengthen and, at
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$100,000 DONATION TO HELP WITH RELIEF EFFORT CARICOM Chairman and Prime Minister of Dominica Roosevelt Skerrit has offered The Bahamas a $100,000 donation to assist with relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. During a tour of Grand Bahama on Wednesday, Mr Skerrit encouraged unity, insisting that it would be the only way to “bring the country back to a state of normalcy.”
“We are on standby from the Caribbean community standpoint in regards to the provisions of technical people to assist with the restoration of lines and poles,” he said. “There are teams on standby ready to come in at a moment’s notice to assist.” He also urged residents of Grand Bahama to exercise great patience during the recovery process. “I understand the chal-
lenges you’re faced with but I want to say to you, residents of Grand Bahama, that you have to exercise great patience. We must understand that there has only been six days since the storm, not 16, 60 or 600 days. I know there will be anxieties among us but I am very impressed with the intimate knowledge and structure the Prime Minister (Perry Christie) has
shown.” The CARICOM delegation toured Haiti, which suffered immense damage and casualties from the hurricane, before coming to The Bahamas this week.
PAGE 4, Friday, October 14, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
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US election grows nastier by the day WITH the US presidential election less than a month away, the race for the White House is becoming uglier and nastier by the day. Most recently, accusations against Donald Trump of derogatory comments about women and of a string of sexual assaults, as well as new damaging ‘Wikileaks’ revelations about his rival Hillary Clinton, are taking centre stage. Well before these latest developments we expressed in these columns our judgment that Mr Trump was an unsuitable person to be the Republican nominee. We now stand by that view. Significantly, both Republican Party leaders and newspapers within the US are lining up to condemn a man who has shown himself to be a narcissistic demagogue, combining belligerence and rudeness with braggadocio and an unseemly stretching of the truth in his pronouncements on a host of topics. To make matters worse, Mr Trump has also revealed profound ignorance on a range of pertinent issues and, in particular, a shallow grasp of international affairs. This may indicate an unwillingness to learn rather than an inability to do so, since he clearly possesses an innate intelligence which has enabled him to become a highly successful and extremely wealthy businessman and property developer. He seems, however, to betray a lack of intellectual horsepower by invariably declining to engage in considered and rational argument and instead indulging in erratic behaviour involving endless gaffes while being thin-skinned and easily riled. One manifestation of this is his incessant and ill-considered ‘tweeting’ as a self-proclaimed counter-puncher. So the question remains whether his business background is compatible with politics at the highest level even though he saw off 16 experienced politicians to win the Republican nomination. By contrast, his opponent seems to be well qualified for the US presidency as an experienced former Senator and Secretary of State and a seasoned political campaigner who has been part of the Washington scene for as long as most people can remember. Yet she is weighed down by serious baggage in the shape of scandals and policy failures involving accusations of dishonesty and corruption - for example, to name just a few, the private emails controversy, the Benghazi disaster, alleged wrongdoing of the family Clinton Foundation and, as a declared progressive politician, the hypocrisy of giving paid lectures to Wall Street bankers. Leaving aside the candidates’ respective policies, the polls suggest that - basically - voters do not like either of them because both are deeply flawed and present a disillusioned US electorate, whose support for each seems to be resigned rather than fervent, with what amounts to a vote for the less bad option. For Bahamians accustomed to rely-
ing on our giant neighbour for so many of our needs - tourism, trade and investment, security, communications, cultural exchanges and sport - admiration for the USA knows no bounds. So it is hard for us to believe that two fundamentally unworthy candidates should emerge from such a rich and varied nation of clever, experienced and charismatic people, many of whom are surely well qualified to take on the most important job in the land. It was therefore instructive to watch the vice presidential debate last week between two political insiders with professional and personal reputations unsullied by scandal. Each was articulate and well informed and displayed a vast knowledge and experience of the workings of government. Although their exchanges were at times heated, they came across as thoughtful and fundamentally decent individuals. Mike Pence, as Mr Trump’s running mate, was the smoother, more polished debater. Notably calm, measured and statesmanlike, he looked as though he should be the presidential candidate himself. The polls show Mrs Clinton in the lead, but to those who fear a Trump presidency it should be comforting to know that such an accomplished and experienced deputy will be at his side to curb his excesses and to offer wise counsel. As the election on November 8 approaches, the choice appears to be between continuation of a politically progressive, anti-free market social and economic programme - with a bigger welfare state, more spending, higher taxes and more debt - and the alternative of economic growth, lower taxes and less regulation. Mr Trump regards himself as an agent for change for a nationwide populist movement which is against centralised power, globalisation and political correctness. Having struck a chord during the primaries with the grassroots of the electorate by pledging to put the nation first in everything from trade to immigration, and with the simple slogan of making America great again, he has also promised to stand up for ordinary people against special interests and the Washington political establishment. Traditionally, the basis of American exceptionalism has been the opportunity to better oneself through talent, resolve, self-discipline and hard work. So the paternalism which gives rise to the welfare state has often been seen as alien to selfimprovement and the puritan work ethic. But it remains to be seen whether such deeper considerations will occupy the minds of voters when faced with an unsatisfactory choice at the ballot box. Despite the polls indicating a likely Clinton victory in this important election, could it be that the grassroots will spring a surprise in a similar way to the UK’s unexpected ‘Brexit’ vote some four months ago? The rest of the world awaits the outcome with a mix of keen anticipation and resigned exasperation.
Stop the flying circus EDITOR, The Tribune, IS MATTHEW already becoming a potential “political gainer”? Politicians flying here and there, with camera crews in tow and more Right Honourables than one can imagine, does not resolve a lot of the primary issues. Yes, a political leader must look after those injured, but let’s see action in materials arriving, restitution occurring and promises of utility companies completed. If the Prime Minister does not know the repairs from the damage from last year’s Joaquin still has not been completed, God help the victims of Matthew. BPL clearly are not operating like what we are used to and I agree with the comment of Leslie Miller, past executive chairman of BEC. Where are the crews? To my knowledge evey
year on June 1, the hurricane season starts and continues through to November. October 4, with a major storm coming, is no time to be cutting trees. We all saw and heard PWD were outside the Prime Minister’s residence on Tuesday, October 4, trimming trees - give me a break. I suspect most of the problems in bringing power to those areas remaining after a week is downed power lines, broken poles with damage from fallen trees and a lot of vegetation all over the transmission lines. If BPL had been doing the correct maintenance this would not have occurred. Further, why, across the island, do we see large trees growing unter the transmission lines? Engage private contractors and cut them all down. BPL must give those without power an estimate when the power will be
turned on. If it is the worst, please tell them: they have a right to know so that they can plan their lives. Cable Bahamas: again their public perception in Matthew is not very good. Do not ask their customers to call in to report where their system is out - has Mr David Burrows ever called Cable Bahamas Customer Service line? That is a wait of no less than 10 plus minutes and guess who is paying for the cell minutes ... not Cable Bahamas! Surely your computers should tell your customers that 1-2-3 is off-line or on? Let’s stop the “flying circus” and see real action on the ground, touching people who are damaged, feel disowned, uncertain of their future as they have lost so much, in some cases ... all! W THOMPSON Nassau, October 12, 2016
Transformation of Christie EDITOR, The Tribune
HURRICANE Matthew, fortunately, is now a part of the Bahamian folk lore and history. While other island nations in the Caribbean, like Jamaica, Cuba and to a greater and more tragic degree, Haiti, were devastated by this category 4 storm, we here in our wonderful - and, obviously, divinely ‘protected’ country - emerged almost unscathed. Truly, The Lord is on the throne and His mercies and blessings are ever extended to us as a nation and a people. Natural disasters all over the world tend to bring out the ‘best’ and the ‘worst’ in all of us, regardless of which country or nation we are from. Hurricane Matthew was no different. In fact, Matthew, despite the damage to property and other material items, will be long remembered for three things. Our beloved Prime Minister, Perry Gladstone Christie, rose to the challenge of the approaching storm as the ‘true’ trouper that he is capable of being when confronted by events of monumental proportions. It is something of a national joke that many Bahamians have categorise the PM as lazy, non-focused and ‘hands-off’ as it relates to his benign leadership. These adjectives are no longer, if ever they were, applicable to the leader. They are no longer relevant. Mr Christie surprisingly, demonstrated, on the ground, on the sea and in the air that he was well informed, kept abreast of the passage of Matthew and co-ordinated safety and evacuations issues with the appropriate governmental disaster stakeholders. He was to be seen and heard all over the Bahamas, like never before! We Bahamians who are yet alive and cognisant of what is going on, were witnesses to the ‘great transformation’ of Mr Christie. It is a pity, however, that it took Matthew to bring this about or to peel off the veneer of grey that has long, apparently, covered his ‘leadership’ abilities. Yes, there are some who pontificate that he has ‘failed’ to deliver on any of the core promises made to the voters in 2012. Such a stance, of course, is wrong and bogus
LETTERS
letters@tribunemedia.net in the extreme. It is fast approaching general election time again and there is yet much more work to be done by this administration. Matthew also generated an atmosphere wherein ordinary Bahamians came together as a united and determined people. We refused to allow Matthew to brow beat or demoralise us. It is remarkable that we came through in one piece. We now ‘know’ how to band and bind together in the face of calamity and disaster. Indeed, we Bahamians who are yet alive have been baptised by water in the form of Matthew. It is to be hoped and prayed that ‘Mark’, ‘Luke’ and ‘John’, if they are out there too, do not form the consecration of our nation. It is a given that most of us had advanced warnings of the slow approach of Matthew, even from the time it was crossing Jamaica. Most of us, as usual, played its approach down and were lackadaisical with our preparations and alternatives. This passage, unlike Joaquin, was truly a ‘teachable’ experience, to quote the Prime Minister. We have learnt our collective lesson and are now at the head of the class. I submit that never again in the history of this wonderful nation that we will witness the woeful lack of preparations and alternatives alluded to above. We have been baptised by water. Will there be ‘fire’ next time? We have seen and witnessed the ‘great transformation’ of the PM. We have also seen the clear and pressing need for the construction of a gigantic warehouse and command centre at Gladstone Road. Attached to such a complex should also be a huge garage to house fire trucks, evacuation vehicles (US Army style high suspension all terrain utility trucks and smaller vehicles), the year round trimming of overhanging trees in the areas of poles and wires, biannual interaction amongst all of the service and utility entities as well as with NEMA, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
The Progressive Liberal Party administration, by all accounts, led by the PM and his erstwhile Deputy, Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, et al, acquitted itself well. Kudos is due, while keeping in mind, however, that this is precisely what they were elected to do. It is to be clearly understood and appreciated that no ‘favours’ were done by them on our collective behalf. We are paying them well and keeping all of them in a lifestyle to which they have become accustomed. And so, the great transformation of Mr Christie has begun and the opposition forces, such as they are, now or in the future, must prepare for the waging of phsycological and pure political combat come next year. Christie and our team (we who are PLPs) are on a roll and our momentum will continue, God willing, straight into next year’s general elections. National Health Insurance, as flawed as it may be, will be successfully implemented (in stages) come January. An embryonic form of mandatory National Youth Service, headed by Algernon S P B Allen, currently co-chair of Urban Renewal Commission along with Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt, will be brought on stream in the first quarter of 2017. Imagine if such a NYS was in place since 2012. We would have had a corps of disciplined and trained young Bahamian males and females to assist with all sorts of communal and societal programmes, including working with NEMA et al, during the passage of Matthew and beyond. On another note, BPL was a bit ‘too slow’ in getting its act together. Cable Bahamas did a very poor job at restoration and communicating the schedule for the same to its ‘captive’ Bahamian clients. There are thousands of CBL clients who, a whole week after Matthew’s trek throughout our nation, are still without the services which most of us pay for and not a single word from Messrs Dave Burrows or CEO Damian Blackburn. It does not, however, really matter as we are now witnessing the ‘great transformation’ of the PM, finally. ORTLAND H BODIE JR Nassau October 13, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, October 14, 2016, PAGE 5
FNM chairman defends leader over recovery effort criticism By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net FREE National Movement Chairman Sidney Collie circled the wagons yesterday as he defended Official Opposition Leader Dr Hubert Minnis’ criticism of the government’s recovery efforts and accusations of cronyism as constructive and not political. “The only person making the response to the storm political is the prime minister,” Mr Collie said in a press statement, following Prime Minister Perry Christie’s dismissal of Dr Minnis’ rebuke as “idiotic”. “It is our duty as the Official Opposition to speak up for the Bahamian people,” Mr Collie continued, “to give them a voice – and that’s exactly what Dr Minnis is doing. The leader of the Official Opposition and
potentially the next prime minister of this country must ensure the people are getting the assistance they need and deserve. “It is unfortunate that the prime minister sees fit to assert that his government would never play politics as he launches a political attack on Dr Minnis and his efforts to help Bahamians.” Ahead of Hurricane Matthew’s passage last week, Dr Minnis announced that the party would suspend all political activities until the dangerous category four storm had passed. During a press conference on Tuesday, he lambasted the government on its performance in preparing for the storm, and in dealing with the widespread destruction left in its wake. Despite his criticism and call for government action,
Dr Minnis told The Tribune that he did not share those concerns with Mr Christie when they toured North Andros and Grand Bahama on Saturday to assess damage in the two areas hardest hit by Matthew. A trip that Mr Christie, in his response, noted was a nonpartisan effort to allow the FNM leader to make recommendations. Yesterday, Mr Collie said: “Instead of trying to assert that everything we and Dr Minnis are doing to aide our fellow Bahamians is political, it is time for the prime minister and this government to take the ideas and solutions that Dr Minnis set forth on Sunday and implement them immediately. “While we are all glad that this government answered our calls and finally issued an exigency order, more needs to be done.
“From Dr Minnis’ proposals to start fogging in an effort to stop mosquito borne illnesses, such as Zika, his suggestion to advise Bahamians not to drink untested well water and to warn Bahamians from entering damaged homes until inspected, must all be implemented immediately.” On Tuesday, Dr Minnis underscored that the Progressive Liberal Party had a history of cronyism, dishonesty, corruption, and victimisation. In light of this, he said he was unconvinced that their restoration efforts would be transparent and nonpartisan. Dr Minnis vowed that his party would closely monitor government expenditure, and urged Bahamians to report instances of over victimisation and discrimination that he said were “inevitable”. In his response on
Wednesday, Mr Christie said he was disappointed that Dr Minnis would seek to use the storm as a politically divisive tool, adding: “It really is one of the most idiotic things I have heard during a disaster.” Yesterday, Mr Collie reiterated the PLP’s history of putting supporters and allies first. “We can, and should, all agree on that central premise – that Bahamians deserve recovery efforts and help that are free of any corruption and entanglements,” Mr Collie said. “The PLP has a history of looking out for its supporters and allies first. Members of the Cabinet have publicly stated that in the past. This is why the government deserves to have close scrutiny on them in everything they do in the recovery and restoration efforts.” Mr Collie called for
persons to set aside Mr Christie’s “petty political attacks” and unite to “stay focused on the critical efforts of the recovery.” He went on to tout Dr Minnis’ personal charity throughout the storm, and his responsiveness to his Killarney constituents. “Dr Minnis was out on the streets before the storm hit, making sure his constituents had what they needed,” Mr Collie said. “He allowed dozens of family, friends, and neighbours to stay in his house during the storm; and he has been out since the storm working with Bahamians, donating money and goods, and making sure that people are being taken care of.” Mr Collie added: “He has been a leader on the forefront of the efforts surrounding the lead up to Hurricane Matthew and the recovery efforts.”
PM ‘DISTRESSED’ OVER PLAYING POLITICS ABOUT RELIEF EFFORT from page one
However, Mr Christie responded to criticism of the National Emergency Management Agency’s (NEMA) request for trucks and volunteers post-hurricane from Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr Hubert Minnis, claiming that the reason for doing so was to “avoid people claiming politics” and to “give everybody an opportunity to participate” in the restoration efforts. On Tuesday, Dr Minnis claimed that the government’s hurricane recovery and restoration efforts will involve cronyism and victimisation. Dr Minnis also said the government “dropped the ball” by waiting until after the category four storm had passed to ask for trucks and volunteers, further charging that the government should have known it would need such items and/ or assistance, given its prior knowledge of the storm’s strength. “Of course we knew that we’re going to need trucks and of course we have truckers,” Mr Christie shot back yesterday. “But to avoid people claiming politics we then broadcast all truckers who are available and interested come forward to give
PRIME Minister Perry Christie with a delegation exploring the damage in Lowe Sound yesterday. explain how he, during a re- transcends politics. And this cent post-hurricane tour of is about addressing an issue Lowe Sound, Andros, made where we are all affected “special efforts” to venture and we need to work tointo the “FNM section” of gether, and we need to work the community just “to let harmoniously together, and them know I was there for we need to work quickly them too.” harmoniously together, and “…I just wanted people to that’s the whole idea.” know there’s no politics in He added: “We have to this,” Mr Christie stressed. get things going, we have to “That’s how particular you do it quickly. We have peohave to be. Because the ple coming from outside. worst thing in the world in You don’t want to discoura hurricane is to become age them by saying if the tribal. alternative government is “…The point I’m making saying we are nakedly disis you can see therefore it criminating and politicis-
everyone an opportunity and to let the people know we’re just not selecting the truckers who we know. “That’s why it was broadcast, not to say we don’t have truckers who we were calling on, we’re calling on people all the time. But we wanted to give everybody an opportunity to participate in this. And this is nationwide. You cannot sit down and make selective decisions on this matter. And we wanted to disabuse people of that.” Mr Christie went on to
Photo: Eric Rose/BIS ing, what you’re doing is saying to people ‘don’t donate’. And surely that’s not the thing to do at this stage. “The point is we should all be working shoulder-toshoulder together to get the job done for the Bahamian people.” Mr Christie made his statements during a press conference for the donation of $100,000 by Commonwealth Bank Limited to NEMA at the latter’s headquarters on Gladstone Road. It marks the second monetary donation by
Commonwealth Bank this week to hurricane relief. Minister of Labour and National Insurance Shane Gibson, the government’s coordinator for hurricane restoration efforts, said while the bank’s “generous contribution” is but a “drop in the bucket,” it will go “a long way” in helping the government throughout the recovery period. Mr Gibson also said he hopes Commonwealth Bank’s donation will “inspire other corporate Bahamas citizens to do likewise and assist us.” “…This is something that is beyond the government’s capacity,” he added. “And it’s in everybody’s best interest to restore the Bahamas as quickly as possible. It’s going to take time. “… It’s not as easy as it was in the past where you had a limited number of persons affected, limited islands. We’re talking now the hub of the entire Bahamas affected, which is New Providence. “We’re asking persons to exercise patience. During these things we try to move quickly, but we want to make sure that we don’t have abuse of the system. Because even though everybody wants us to move quickly, at the end of the day we are held accountable to what we did.”
MINISTRY DENIES HURRICANE RESTORATION FUND IS SCAM By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed yesterday that the Bahamas Hurricane Restoration Fund is a “legitimate charity” and not a “scam” as was inaccurately posted on social media. In a press release, the ministry said as a “result of an unauthorised social media post” by one of its staff members, persons in the public began to question the legitimacy of the fund. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to reaffirm the authenticity of this fund. We requested the unauthorised post to be taken down and we have been informed that it has been removed. However, shared copies may still appear online,” the statement said. “In our press statement released on October 12, we advised persons in the United States who wish to make tax exempt donations towards the hurricane relief effort to do so via the Bahamas Hurricane Restoration Fund. For the avoidance of doubt, we repeat the statement. “We stand by our previous statement and today we again advise persons who are US citizens or residents and who wish to make tax exempt contributions to the hurricane fund, may make donations via the Bahamas Hurricane Restoration Fund. This is a legitimate organisation playing an important role within the post Hurricane Matthew relief and restoration effort.”
Any US citizens who wishes to make a donation can do so by making a cheque payable to the Bahamas Hurricane Restoration Fund or an online payment at https://www. thebahamashurricanerestorationfund.org/. Furthermore, the statement said, for those who
wish to make “in kind” contributions, please contact the nearest Bahamas overseas office to obtain the information to do so -http:// mofa.gov.bs/about-us/overseas-missions/. On Sunday, Prime Minister Perry Christie said the government has agreed, with the Bahamas Cham-
ber of Commerce and Employers Confederation, to provide tax rebates for donations from the private sector from businesses that donate to either the Bahamas Government Donation Account, the Rebuild Bahamas Account or “any other government approved relief fund.”
Any donation of $1,000 or more shall receive a tax rebate on business license fees equivalent to 10 per cent for the amount donated up to a maximum of $100,000, Mr Christie said. Any questions or concerns about donating to the relief effort can be sent to:
mofabahamas@bahamas. gov.bs.
PAGE 6 , Friday, October 14, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
Andros police officer calls for Bahamians to step up By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net POLICE Superintendent Bruce Arnett, officer in charge of operations in North Andros, has implored Bahamians to step up and donate as the island’s residents press ahead with recovery efforts after Hurricane Matthew. “Any time you walk into a community where people lost everything that they own … I can’t imagine and I would be dishonouring them if I speak about their devastation, because I can’t even imagine what they are going through,” Supt
Arnett told reporters at an impact assessment tour of the island by several CARICOM leaders this week. “But as you drive to the community you can see that they are holding on to what they still have, whether it is just the mashed down house, or just the feel of that community spirit, so that is still there.” North Andros, particularly the community of Lowe Sound, received a direct strike from Matthew. Rip tides and storm surges in Lowe Sound pushed seawater as far as a mile inland in some areas, and in some cases, caused surges of 10 feet above normal sea
BPL BRINGS IN MORE TRUCKS from page one
However, Mrs Ingraham said just as BPL teams have been working overtime to restore power on the island so has their equipment. This contributed to the malfunction, Mrs Ingraham said. “It is normal that bucket trucks and any heavy equipment machinery would develop challenges during the course of our operations,” she said in a statement sent to this newspaper. “In fact, BPL has a transport department where the primary responsibility is maintaining the company’s fleet. BPL also uses the assistance of local mechanical specialists, where necessary, to help maintain company vehicles. “Just like our BPL teams, we are working our equipment for extended periods of time during our Hurricane Matthew restoration. As an example, BPL has had challenges with several diggers. Two of the diggers have already returned to service and crews are utilising them today (Thursday) to plant poles in affected areas. It is very normal that given the type of demands that we are presently putting on these machines that they will develop challenges and we have responded to each of these mechanical is-
sues in record time so that the vehicles can return to service. In fact, only one digger will be down for a prolonged period.” She continued: “We do need additional trucks to help quicken the pace of restoration and to complement our existing fleet going forward. Four BPL owned trucks that were previously ordered will arrive on the same ship that is carrying bucket trucks to be used by the PowerSecure team assisting in the restoration effort. “To explain further, mechanical problems are so much the norm in this type of business that the PowerSecure team is bringing its own mechanic to fix any problems that they encounter while in New Providence.” On BPL’s Facebook page, the company said more than 70 per cent of its residential customers are already back online and more help is on the way, pointing to the four bucket trucks purchased by BPL. An additional six trucks that will accompany teams from BPL’s management company PowerSecure will be on the island by the weekend to assist with restoration efforts. Meanwhile, Mr Maynard has insisted that “if the powers that be” had lis-
level. The magnitude of the surge flattened homes and tore down power lines. North Andros was one of three islands that were catastrophically damaged by Matthew. Residents there are pleading with the public for aid, including food and supplies. Despite the devastation however, Supt Arnett said he remains grateful that residents in North Andros have opted to help each other and their community, and not push it further into to chaos. “People are not committing crimes, people are abiding by the laws, people are doing what they are told to do; then that makes
us happy because then that means are following the principles of our country where we are a peaceful nation,” he said. “And so, the police, we are definitely happy with that. We are assisting with this recovery effort. Wherever we are needed, that is where we are focusing our resources, and focusing our time and energy.” “I am quite pleased with the progress that our sister and brother agencies are making. We have power restored to several of our communities already, cell sites are coming up, water is coming online and so these are the essential things that
people need to live. So once we can get those things up and running, it has only been a few days and you can see, men are working, volunteers are coming in and people feeling the relief that is expected when we have these devastating things.” The government has yet to provide a status report on North Andros and those communities on the island that have been adversely affected by the storm. Based on initial estimations offered by Prime Minister Perry Christie during a tour of the island on Wednesday, the devastation in Lowe Sound alone could carry a price tag of more
than $10 million. Reflecting on that, Supt Arnett said the legacy of Matthew now offers the entire community of the Bahamas an opportunity to come together. He contended that although the spirit of North Andros residents is “formidable”, they need all the help that they can get. “So all the Bahamians out there that may have not experienced what they experienced, this is the time for you to give, and give into the lives of your fellow countrymen and countrywomen to make their recovery effort a little easier,” said Supt Arnett.
ABOVE and below, some of the damaged poles and downed power lines in Armbrister Street, Fox Hill. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff tened to him and had an hydraulic specialist repair the bucket trucks, which he said have been broken down for months, power could have been restored to the island quicker, “because more men would be able to be on the road.” “I think it’s about 13 of them (bucket trucks) that are not working and most of the diggers have gone down,” Mr Maynard told The Tribune on Wednesday. “We need a specialist to come in and fix the trucks. I suggested a while ago that we send some of our own people to learn how to fix these trucks and I was told no. The company was scared the men were going
to come back and work for someone else. “I even gave them the number of a guy who could fix it, but they don’t listen to me. They know it all. You have these people on this hurricane committee who do what they want to do. If we had (those) trucks we could have been further along with hurricane repair. We also need those diggers to change the broken poles. We have three diggers working and I think they are trying to rent one but we will see what happens.” Many residents of New Providence have been without electricity for more than a week, due to the damage caused by Hurricane Matthew.
NEW RADARS TO BE BOUGHT NEXT YEAR, SAYS MINISTER from page one
“Based on (international) advice and concurrence of our own technical team at the Meteorology Department, it was agreed that more effective coverage, sovereign coverage, could
be achieved by a series of Dopplers throughout the country. The government made a policy decision to take the country beyond, and we will seek to provide comprehensive coverage. “It is a major expenditure but the government deems it a necessary one,” she
Death Notice For
Zelma Roselyn Bevans, 62 a resident of Hospital Lane & South Street & formerly of Little Creek, South Andros, died at PMH on 28th September, 2016. She is survived by her mother: Theadora Bevans; 3 sons: Lavanno Brown, Philander & Latorrie Bevans; 1 daughter: Nadia Bevans-Jean; 3 brothers: Sterling, Livingston & Eddison Bevans; 5 sisters: Magnola Forbes, Doreen Campbell, Vernell Goodman, Maxine Miller & Pauline Rolle; 16 grand children & a host of other relatives & friends.
said. “We intend to, if we are able, to keep the current radar and use it in conjunction with the new ones. The first of the new acquisitions will take place early next year and within a very short period it is intended that the remaining Dopplers will be acquired.” Mrs Hanna Martin emphasised that the country has a longstanding working relationship with the radar manufacturing company. She added that while manufacturing of the radars have not yet begun pending payment, it has been assured that the country’s order will be expedited. “The Doppler is just one of many aids used in meteorology,” she said. “No
country uses one thing. Several different technologies are usually used in conjunction with each other in the tracking of storms.” The Department of Meteorology’s Doppler radar “came off its gears” during the passage of Hurricane Matthew last Thursday. Parts have been ordered from the manufacturer to repair the radar, an official confirmed yesterday. The Forecast Office also sustained damage during the hurricane and staff had to be relocated to the Lynden Pindling International Airport for safety reasons. The country’s only Doppler radar was first purchased in 2005, and has
been a subject of contention following the passage of Hurricane Joaquin last year, when it was alleged that it was inoperable during the height of the storm. The government and Met Department have repeatedly refuted the claims made by its forecaster Wayne Neely as erroneous, pointing out that the issues with the accuracy of the category 4 storm’s track had to do with the erratic nature of Joaquin and not with forecast equipment in The Bahamas. Met Department Director Trevor Basden said the new radars will be placed on Abaco, New Providence, Long Island and
Mayaguana. “The first will obviously be New Providence because that’s where two-thirds of the population live,” Mr Basden said. “Along with the Doppler, we get airport weather observing stations. They will give more accurate weather parameters, especially wind shear which is critical and other parameters necessary for better safety with aircraft landing and takeoff.” The government first announced plans to strengthen the country’s weather tracking services in November, 2015. In January, Mr Basden reiterated the government’s intention to purchase four new radars.
from page one
ricane Matthew,” Senator Gomez said. “The CPC appeals to all businesses, particular those in the food, ice, water, hardware and lumber sectors, to maintain their current prices for these and other items and to be mindful of the fact that in this tough economy, Bahamians are already struggling to make every dollar count. “We wish to bring to these businesses’ attention that any unfair price increases, at such a time of crisis, hurts a wide crosssection of persons, primarily, the poor, single parents and the elderly. Therefore, we encourage a spirit of fair play and social respon-
sibility during this stressful and trying time,” Senator Gomez said. “Should reports of price gouging be proved, the CPC will alert the government to these despicable acts and bring the full brunt of the law to bear upon businesses and/or persons engaging in price gouging. Taking advantage of consumers when they are down and out is indeed a most shameful, ungodly act.” Persons are asked to report all incidents of price gouging to the CPC at 3937795-7, on Facebook at cpcbahamas, email info@ cpcbahamas.org or on the website at www.cpcbahamas.org. Democratic National
Alliance (DNA) Leader Branville McCartney is among those who have raised concerns about price gouging. He told The Tribune on Monday that he is concerned about reports of businesses charging “three times” the normal price for essential supplies in the wake of Matthew. However, Gowon Bowe, the chairman of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation, said he has not received specific complaints about merchants exploiting the aftermath of the hurricane and hiking prices. Still, he urged the private sector to behave “with integrity and morality”.
WARNING ON PRICE GOUGING Many Bahamians took to social media and called into talk shows just before and in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew to complain about what they said are absurd price hikes for basic items. It is unclear if the CPC has confirmed cases of price gouging; however its statement was a warning to merchants. “Due to the many rumours of price gouging, the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) cautions businesses not to take unfair advantage of consumers following the devastation left behind by Hur-
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, October 14, 2016, PAGE 7
BTC sets ‘feverish’ pace in restoring network THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company Limited continues to work feverishly towards 100 per cent network restoration following Hurricane Matthew. BTC CEO Leon Williams said: “This is the second time in 12 months that we are working to restore services as a result of a natural disaster. “However, continued upgrades and advancements mitigated against the potentially catastrophic impact that we could have received. Our teams have been fully mobilised since Friday and we are committed to restoring services to every customer as soon as possible. “We are pleased with the performance of the network during the storm. Since the last storm, we focused our efforts on building not just a network that covers every island rock and cay, but we wanted a more resilient network.” Since the storm, BTC said the mobile networks in Acklins, San Salvador, Mayaguana, Ragged Island and Rum Cay are at 100 per cent performance levels. While BTC was able to provide customers with service through the storm in all islands, post storm efforts are focused on optimising the networks in islands like New Providence, Exuma, Abaco and Long Island. BTC said since its last up-
date, basic mobile and fixed line services have been restored in North Andros. As a result of the repairs to the Nicholls Town site that was damaged in the storm, customers in Lowe Sound can use their mobile phones to make contact with their loved ones, BTC said. The BTC cell sites in the Berry Islands also received massive damage during the storm. “However, we are pleased to report that as of this morning (Thursday), we were able to restore services in Bullocks Harbour. Due to the extent of the damage, in Chub Cay and Stirrup Cay, parts had to be sourced and shipped. The BTC first responder teams are on island and will be working vigorously through the weekend to restore services. “In addition to network restorations, BTC is committed to leading the corporate charge and provide aid to its customers. Prior to the storm, BTC provided customers with “triple bubble” to give them extra credit during the storm. “After the storm, BTC gave every customer $5 in free credit and yesterday, BTC took to the street in its Retail Bus to provide TopUp, charging stations and water to residents impacted by the storm.” BTC encourages the public to report all issues to CALL-BTC (225-5282) or on its social media pages.
ISLAND Luck’s new buildings on Bernard Road destroyed by the storm.
SOME of the damage in Andros, at Lowe’s Sound.
COB OPENS DOORS TO HELP STUDENTS By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net ALTHOUGH classes are set to resume for the first time next week, the College of the Bahamas opened its doors this week to students, employees and their immediate family who wanted to “use computer equipment, wireless internet, electricity, shower facilities and cafeterias” in the wake of Hurricane Matthew, the institution’s President Dr Rodney Smith said yesterday. “Compassion compelled us to act quickly in extending a level of comfort and relief to our faculty, staff and students who were impacted by the hurricane,” he added. That gesture was well received by staff and students of the college.
Meanwhile, classes at the Oakes Field, Grosvenor Close and Northern Bahamas campuses will resume on Monday. Because of the devastation the storm wrought in Grand Bahama, the college is still “assessing the needs of students and employees in order to provide relief” to them, Dr Smith said. “In short order, we will announce exactly how we will mobilise much-needed relief for our college family and on a national level,” he added. “We invite you to join us in these efforts as we seek to restore and rebuild.” COB is in the midst of one of its most important activities, transitioning to a university, and a number of projects have been underway to prepare the college for this.
Hurricane Matthew, an official said yesterday, has not impacted this process. November 10 is the official date for the transition and it will bring an end to a process that began well over a decade ago and has long been envisioned. On Matthew’s impact on the college, Dr Smith said: “At our various campuses in New Providence, Grand Bahama and San Salvador the damage caused by Hurricane Matthew ranged from minimal to moderate. Our Oakes Field campus sustained the most damage including uprooted vegetation, damage to roofs, windows and perimeter fencing and water intrusion. Our student residential facility on Gregory Street also has roof damage. These all are being repaired and restored.”
READERS GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON BPL AFTER Bahamas Electrical Workers Union President Paul Maynard said nearly a dozen (BPL) bucket trucks are not operational and several diggers have “broken down” since Hurricane Matthew, readers were quick to respond on tribune242.com. DDK hit out at the government: “Changing the name from BEC to BPL, for whatever convoluted reason, does not change the fact that the corporation as led by the Bahamas government is a national disgrace. As with everything else in this poor country, the high fees charged for poor service never go anywhere but to the insatiably greedy pockets of the chosen few. For shame. Why the population of the Bahamas allows the government to treat its people so disgracefully is beyond me. BoopaDoop said: “13 bucket trucks is a significant number. No wonder several people have said they haven’t seen a BEC truck in their area since the storm passed. It is funny that Paul
Maynard has provided this information which explains some of the slow restoration, but Pam Hill can only say ‘soon’. Sheeprunner12 had this to say: “What is so frustrating about this is that Bahamians have no light and Perry and Brave do not have to take responsibility for BEC because they gave control to PowerSecure . . . same thing with how they pass off hurricane relief to NEMA and Shane Gibson . . . and all Perry and Brave have to do is fly around, entertain foreign PMs and donors and give out crony contracts in order to get ready for the election . . . give them credit for their genius!” Readers also aired their views on Sarkis Izmirlian’s offer to buy the stalled $3.5bn Baha Mar resort –
“at a price in excess” of the current undisclosed bid. BahamaPundit was pleased: “Thank goodness. Use this man. He is good for The Bahamas. Please accept this offer and let the rightful owner resume his position. Tired of all the PLP frontiers.” SP said: “Sarkis Izmirlian as the original developer has the insight and best chance to make Baha Mar successful. Mr. Izmirilian has proven beyond all doubt to be GOOD FOR THE BAHAMAS and Bahamians have tremendous respect for him. We certainly do NOT want a Chinese owner!!” But there was this from Well_mudda_take_sic: “Wow! The fact that Baha Mar is still standing in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew must mean his fears about the quality of Chinese construction were all along unfounded; hence, his renewed interest in regaining possession/ownership of the development.” • Don’t miss your chance to join the debate on tribune242.com.
Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
A HOUSE on stilts blasted by the storm in West End, Grand Bahama.
PAGE 8 , Friday, October 14, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
Thumbs down for BPL and gas queues, thumbs up for KFC A
LMOST a week after the ravages of Hurricane Matthew, the Bahamas is still limping through recovery. Thank God my comedic timing and knowing when to have a good laugh has enabled me to ‘laugh off’ everything post-Hurricane Matthew and keep what little sanity I have intact. Here’s a few observations, laughable moments and humorous ironies from Hurricane Matthew, before, during and after the storm.
WHO’S GOT THE POWER? A major impediment holding the nation back from really getting up and running full speed ahead into the recovery efforts is BPL (Brief Power Limitations). Yes, the former government entity known as BEC (Blackout Every Customer). The same BEC we used to talk so bad about, and carry former BEC Board Chairman and Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller to task about. My, how the times have changed. The absolutely pathetic attempt to restore power to the nation by BPL has the citizenry crying “bring back my BEC” and “where’s the Potcake when you need him?” Similar to their on again, off again power provision, the BPL social media pages offer sporadic, vague updates as to when the power will be back on. Obviously the good folks from PowerSecure, who have the government contract to manage BPL, don’t really know how we Bahamians go. Say something! One half of the neighbourhood can’t be with power while the other half is without? Inconvenienced consumers want to know at
A GAS station queue at Esso Gas Station on East Bay Street after Hurricane Matthew.
A Comic’s View
By INIGO ‘NAUGHTY’ ZENICAZELAYA least a ‘guesstimation’ of when their power will be returned. Sitting on one’s porch, fighting off mosquitos, sweat and hunger (to name a few of the post-hurricane annoyances) and seeing
one’s neighbour directly across the street enjoying all the amenities that having power provides, causes the ‘hate’ to rise, and before you know it there’s a community dispute between the haves and have nots.
I had to avoid a similar situation in my neighbourhood by insisting to neighbours I had a generator, thus the reason for my having power and internet. After negotiating free WiFi for a certain few of my neighbours, I had security in place outside my doors. No more having to hear ‘power shaming’ rants from those neighbours still without power. Necessity is the mother of invention after all, I guess.
WHAT THE TRUCK? But wait, there’s more. Apparently the hierarchy of BPL suggested that foreign partners and equipment be brought in to assist with the power recovery for New Providence. It seems that suggestion isn’t sitting so well with many ‘hot’ Bahamians here in Nassau. I would strongly suggest to the directors of BPL that they bring in the equipment, especially the ‘bucket trucks’ (since rumours run rampant that we only have five to our name) I understand the suggestion by the management of BPL. They are based out of North Carolina, a veritable magnet for hurricanes. And as many times as that state has been hit by hurricanes, one might think God has issues with NASCAR, tobacco and racism. However leave the foreign technicians at home. They aren’t proficient in ‘all buck up goes’, nor are they
Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff familiar with ‘rigg right up’. Instead, reach out and recruit former BEC employees who know ‘what’s really gern on’. Finally, use some of the VAT money collected thus far (wherever it’s stashed) or hit up our good friends from China for a fleet of new ‘bucket trucks’. Only one catch though: the trucks can’t be made in China!
THE COLONEL IS KING OF CHICKEN In a land with no electricity the man with fried chicken is king. Well, in that case the Colonel and KFC are king. Almost as soon as the storm passed KFC locations throughout New Providence were open, providing the nations favourite chicken (obvious by the lines) to famished consumers. Despite all the talk in the ‘chicken coop’ one bird stood tall. While ‘Bamboo’ got blown to Miami, ‘Sammy’ was slunkin’ and ‘Popeye’ was ducking the ‘eye’, KFC were the ones serving it up. Personally I want to thank all the KFC employees for their sacrifices from their families just to feed ours.
GULLIBLE GASSERS One thing that has always amazed me is how we as Bahamian people fall for
A BPL truck on the road carrying out repairs.
false rumours sending the nation into chaos. No truer case in point was the whole ‘No gas supplies in Nassau’ that spread like wildfire. It was comical to hear gas station owners initially telling customers there was no gas shortage, no need to panic and throw traffic into disarray island wide. Clearly consumers weren’t on their run ... they wanted gas now. The gas lines (as of yesterday) are now just lightening, so hopefully the truth is now out and circulating. There is no gas shortage. For all of you who bought into the ‘no gas’ rumour and spent hours on unnecessary lines, there’s a three-letter word that best describes you; here’s a hint, it rhymes with gas! Until next week, may things be returned to normal in your lives, and the nation as soon as possible. I’m off. I need to put gas in the car. • Inigo ‘Naughty’ Zenicazelaya is the resident stand-up comic at Jokers Wild Comedy Club at the Atlantis, Paradise Island, resort and presents ‘Mischief and Mayhem in da AM’ from 6am to 10am, Monday to Friday, and ‘The Press Box’ sports talk show on Sunday from 10am to 1pm on KISS FM 96.1. He also writes a sports column in The Tribune on Tuesday. Comments and questions to naughty@ tribunemedia.net
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, October 14, 2016, PAGE 9
BUTLER-TURNER: LISTEN TO SARKIS’ BAHA MAR OFFER from page one
“The government has been doing everything in secrecy which I have a concern about,” Mrs ButlerTurner said when contacted for comment. “I think the government should open this up, and if Sarkis is making an offer, seeing all the money he has invested, if his offer is better than any other offer, I think they should accept it.” “I do not think they
should be pushing him to the side. There is just so much secrecy, I believe in the best interest of the Bahamian people we need to know who the people are who want to purchase the company. The offer seems too good to refuse and why hasn’t the government commented on it? Personally, I think Mr Izmirlian has earned the right to have a seat at the table because of what he has invested - it seems like the right thing to do. I do not believe any
other person or entity coming in to this country would have the people’s best interest like Mr Izmirlian. If it is a personal vendetta, they need to put that aside for the people.” In August, Prime Minister Perry Christie announced that the government and CEXIM entered into an agreement to have Baha Mar completed and sold to a “world-class hotel and casino operator”. Last month, Mr Christie and a government delega-
tion that travelled to London, England, to meet with investors were informed about the identity of the anticipated buyer for the beleaguered Baha Mar resort. However, he said he could not name the group because of the delicate stage of negotiations. Under the terms of the agreement, Mr Christie said CEXIM has committed to funding the costs to finish the project and the resort’s general contractor, China Construction Amer-
ica (CCA) Bahamas, will complete outstanding work. He said CCA would also resolve outstanding claims with its suppliers and contractors. On Wednesday, Mr Izmirlian said he found it “surprising” that the undisclosed Chinese buyer was reportedly “found outside the receiver’s sales process,” when BMD Holdings was advised that all offers were required to be tendered through the receiver’s process “and the multitude
of bona fide offers we have made were not considered because of that”. In a statement released Wednesday night, Attorney General Allyson MaynardGibson responded to Mr Izmirlian’s letter. “The purported offer by BMD Holdings Ltd is a matter for consideration, in the first instance, by EXIM,” she said in a statement. “The government of The Bahamas will continue to work tirelessly in the best interest of the Bahamian people.”
Murder charge compared to Hurricane Matthew By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net A LAWYER likened his client’s predicament of facing a murder charge to the recent devastation left by Hurricane Matthew, which he said had turned the country “upside down.” Roberto Reckley was addressing the Supreme Court yesterday where he argued that Ricardo Culmer did not intentionally crush Alpheus Bevans to death with his truck on July 17, 2015. Culmer, a 39-year-old fisherman, has denied the murder charge during his trial before Senior Justice Vera Watkins. The prosecution alleges that Culmer was provoked into the action after Bevans threw coins into his truck that struck him in the face as he drove east along Poinciana Drive. Mr Reckley, in addressing the 12-member panel, thanked the jurors for appearing to court to continue the trial notwithstanding the lasting impact felt across the country by Hurricane Matthew. “What we went through is somewhat symbolic of what is going on with Mr Culmer,” the defence lawyer said. “Within a few moments,
his life was turned upside down. This hurricane which passed through the country has turned it upside down,” he added. Culmer’s lawyer told the jury that they saw his client take the witness stand on Tuesday and saw his demeanour. Culmer testified that he was headed to Hospital Lane to drop a friend and her daughter home when he saw a man crossing the street. He slowed down his 1995 Chevrolet Sierra truck to let the man cross the street and when he continued, the man took a handful of coins and struck him. Culmer, who claimed he was scared and confused by the action, said that his passengers screamed and he started to reverse, accidentally hitting the gas pedal. He only realised what had occurred when it was drawn to his attention by bystanders who began filming with their cellphones. “There was nothing said by him that undermined what he said to the officer on the scene. It’s the same thing he told the investigating officer,” the jury heard. “He’s a 39-year-old fisherman who spent 15 years in that profession. He’s never been convicted of an offence or been before the
courts. When I say a hurricane has hit his life, it’s never been more applicable. What happened on July 17, 2015 was nothing more than an unfortunate, unintentional accident,” Mr Reckley stressed. Mr Reckley said none of the prosecution’s witnesses called to give evidence in the trial “has hinted that it was intentional.” “One of the elements to the charge of murder is intent. Based on the evidence led, there’s nothing that speaks to intention. Mr Culmer doesn’t have anything to prove. He didn’t have to take the stand yesterday. The burden of proof was on the prosecution,” he added. Mr Reckley further stressed his client’s right to presumption of innocence. “What is in dispute is not only the issue of intention but also provocation. The bystanders can say what they saw but they can’t speak to his motivations or intentions. You can only get that from Mr Culmer whose sworn testimony is before you,” the jury heard. The defence lawyer said this case was not one that involved the accused pointing a gun or knife at the victim, looking them in the eye, proceeding to pull the trigger or stab them and then saying “I didn’t mean
to do it.” “In this particular case, we have him reversing for a short time where a bus is also in the vicinity. And we all know that reversing requiring a different set of skills and concentration than moving forward,” the lawyer further argued. Mr Reckley said the prosecution’s own witnesses attested to the fact that his client assisted in trying to get the truck off Bevans and remained on the scene until police arrived. He invited the jury to acquit his client. Uel Johnson, in response for the prosecution, asked the jury to recall the September 29 testimony of Jevan White, cousin of the deceased. Mr White testified that he and his cousin were at a restaurant and within moments, he heard the sounds of a horn and the slamming of brakes. He then saw his cousin standing in the door of the bus and the vehicle smashed into him. Mr Johnson said the jury themselves have already heard all of the evidence that the prosecution presented to them to establish certain elements of the murder charge. “Rosalee Bevans, wife of the deceased, confirmed his death. She said she went to the hospital on July 17 where
her husband was fighting for his life and the following day, she’d identified his body at the morgue,” the prosecutor said. “Dr Caryn Sands (pathologist) performed the autopsy to confirm the cause of the death which she ruled as blunt force trauma. She said the injuries he sustained was consistent with being hit by a vehicle,” Mr Johnson said. The third element, the prosecutor said, was proving that Bevans died within a year and a day of the incident, which had already been established. The fourth element concerned the person behind the incident and Mr Johnson said the accused “was responsible for the killing.” “All of the witnesses who went on the stand were unchallenged in their identification of him,” the jury heard. “I come now to this issue you must decide and that his intention. Had Mr Culmer only been driving east on Poinciana Drive, we may not be here today. However, on July 17, 2016, I’m not sure if somebody was crossing the street, but something happened at the junction of Souse King,” Mr Johnson said. “Somebody struck him with coins and he stopped his truck. Mr Culmer did
not stop, come out of his vehicle and asked what was going on. Jennie Dames, who was his passenger, and all of the other witnesses, said within four to five seconds, he immediately slammed into the door of the bus near him. I don’t believe a six mile per hour speed can do that much damage as seen in the photos you have of the scene,” the prosecutor added. “Jevan White said he reversed with a high rate of speed. As a result of what he did, should he walk away free because someone threw some coins at him? Mr Bevans can’t say if he did because he’s dead,” Mr Johnson stressed. The prosecutor argued that Mr Culmer’s actions were not only intentional but there was no legal justification for what occurred.” “Despite the fact that he may have thrown those coins, Mr Bevans was entitled to his life,” the prosecutor stressed. Senior Justice Watkins is expected to begin her summation of the evidence today before excusing the jury to deliberate and return a verdict. Tai Pinder is also defending Culmer with Mr Reckley. Rosalee Ferguson is assisting Mr Johnson in prosecuting the case.
PROCEEDINGS AGAINST LAWYERS DELAYED BY A WEEK By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net
COMMITTAL proceedings against two lawyers who accused a Supreme Court judge of bias have been pushed back by one week. Keod Smith and Derek Ryan were due to appear before Justice Rhonda Bain on Wednesday for a contempt hearing to show cause why they should not be committed to prison concerning a series of affidavits filed by Mr Smith, who was represented by Mr Ryan, in January 2014. They did not appear, however, as was the case during
the September 19 hearing when Justice Bain ruled that the lawyers would have until October 12 to voluntarily make themselves available for service or the documents would be indirectly served by other court-approved means. The court on Wednesday extended the deadline by a week to October 19 in light of recent events with Hurricane Matthew. Justice Bain is presiding over the judicial review filed by the Coalition to Protect Clifton Bay which is challenging an application by Peter Nygard to further develop his premises in Lyford Cay and gain a lease for Crown land reclaimed
from the sea. Fred Smith, lead counsel for the environmental group, alleges that over the last 30 years, Nygard Cay has nearly doubled in size as a result of construction work undertaken without the appropriate permits and in a manner that had caused significant damage to the surrounding environment of Clifton Bay. In January 2014, Keod Smith filed a series of affidavits claiming that Justice Bain should recuse herself from a judicial review proceeding as she had allegedly made a series of decisions based on her affiliation with the Free National Movement.
Ten months later, Keod Smith attempted to withdraw the application for the recusal, notwithstanding a section of an affidavit filed in January entitled “Justice Bain, who is she?” He alleged the judge once worked under former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, that she was appointed to a high-ranking position in the Attorney General’s Office because of her ties to the FNM and that her two sons were fathered by a person he claimed is a close friend and advisor to Mr Ingraham. Keod Smith also claimed that Justice Bain had made several rulings in favour of Fred Smith, who in the past
had been affiliated with the FNM, and “can only be explained as coming about as a result of her bias.” Justice Bain, in December 2014, found Keod Smith guilty of contempt for the “scandalising” affidavits he had filed which undermined the integrity of the judge and the judicial system. His then lawyer, Mr Ryan, was also informed that he “cannot escape liability” for the affidavits. At a contempt hearing a month later, Mr Lockhart appeared for Keod Smith, a former Progressive Liberal Party MP, and expressed his reservations about the proceedings and argued that the court had already
arrived at a determination without first considering any evidence to refute the pair of contempt. The judge ruled, after a hearing in March 2015, that the court would proceed with notice against the attorney to show cause why he should not be committed to prison. However, the judge stayed contempt proceedings pending the outcome of Keod Smith’s application before the Court of Appeal. In January of this year, Mr Lockhart was unable to convince appellate court judges that his client’s appeal was not premature and Mr Smith’s appeal was dismissed.
PAGE 10 , Friday, October 14, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
A TILE business in Freeport damaged badly during Hurricane Matthew.
REPAIR work begins in Grand Bahama after the storm.
CASTAWAYS hotel, where one guest called 100JAMZ asking for help as the roof caved in.
THE RESTAURANT of Artis Neely in West End, Grand Bahama.
PUBLIC NOTICE Hurricane Matthew Service Advisory
Cable Bahamas wishes to advise customers that have had commercial power restored to their homes and businesses, and who have inactive REV services, to please contact us with the following information: • The telephone number that is attached to the account • Cable account number • Street address • Name on the account Due to the number of customers without service in the aftermath of the hurricane, customers may leave this information using any of the following methods: • Calling toll-free at 1-242-300–2200 • Inboxing us on Facebook at REV Cable Bahamas • Emailing info@cablebahamas.com • Using live chat at cablebahamas.com • Visiting the REV Store at the Mall at Marathon • Or visiting our temporary help center located in the Dunkin Donuts plaza on East Street South
WATER from Rotary’s emergency water plant being delivered in Freeport.
ROTARIANS GET TO WORK HELPING VICTIMS OF HURRICANE MATTHEW ROTARIANS around the globe raise their glasses each week and toast to “Rotary around the world” - a statement appropriate for times of disasters. Less than 24 hours after Hurricane Matthew passed over Nassau, Rotarians in the Cayman Islands were collecting supplies for the Bahamas. Having experienced devastating hurricanes themselves, Caymanians organised drop locations for donations. Past President of the Rotary Club of Central Cayman Islands Al Thompson pleaded: “Think about what you needed after Hurricane Ivan. Everything, right? Our neighbours to the north are in the same situation and it’s now our turn to become the givers.” The supplies were loaded on a Bahamasair jet leaving on Friday afternoon back to Nassau from Cayman where the planes had ridden out the storm safely. On arrival, the cargo was consigned to The Rotary Club
of East Nassau (RCEN) after an alert from the pilot, Captain Gus Roberts, who is a member of the Rotary Club of New Providence. After following procedures, Bahamas Rotarians collected the supplies on Sunday morning. A joint effort involving Bahamas Customs, Nassau Airport Development Company, Bahamasair and the tireless porters, 20 pallets of supplies were carted through the International Arrivals luggage lounge to the three Rotary trucks. A portion of the donations will be handed over to local agencies who specialise in specific relief efforts. The remaining items will be utilised by the local Rotary support teams for hands-on relief work. While Hurricane Matthew was still on its path to The Bahamas, the international Rotary community was already answering the request of aid from Haiti. As news of the devastation spreads to the international community offers of Rotar-
ian support, similar to Cayman’s efforts, continue to be extended to The Bahamas. Rotary does not wish to impede the efforts of first responders, so in the coming weeks Rotary Bahamas will be reporting updates on their long term plans to assist and rebuild islands affected by Hurricane Matthew. The Category 4 storm lashed the entire chain of Bahamian islands with up to 140mph winds and torrential rain. Uprooting families and damaging thousands of properties, at least 22 islands were severely affected including New Providence, Exuma, Abaco, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama Island and Cat Island. Hurricane Matthew was one of the most powerful storms in the country’s history. Making matters worse, it impacted The Bahamas a year after many parts of southern and central islands were wrecked by Hurricane Joaquin.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, October 14, “Today”, 2016, PAGE 11
THE TEAM at Ardastra Gardens busily cleaning up some of the damage, above and below.
FLOODING in Adastra Gardens caused by Hurricane Matthew.
ABOVE and below, damage at the Adventure Learning Centre as teams move in to clean up after the storm.
A FRIENDLY survivor of the storm at Ardastra Gardens.
Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
PAGE 12, Friday, October 14, 2016
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