MONDAY i’m lovin’ it!
HIGH 82ÂşF LOW 70ÂşF
The Tribune L ATEST NE WS ON TRIBUNE242.COM
SUN AND CLOUDS
The People’s Paper
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2016
ds Classifier h 12, 2012 Monday, Marc
N G A I B A R
D E R F I N
-% $" ) Ĺš( Š0ÂœÂ‘Čą Â?Â&#x;Š—ŒŽ
Čą
help wanted
˜•Â? Ž› žŠ—Â?Â’Â?¢ ȹǛŗȹ ž¢ Â’Â?‘ȹ ŠœœŠž Ĺ˜
Čą Š—” ›ȹÂ?Â˜Čą Œ˜Â?’Š Â? ÂŽÂĄÂ?Čą Â˜Â˜ČąÇČą ŠœÂ?Čą ˜ŒŠÂ?ÂŽÂ?ǹȹ ž•ěȹ Â?
ŚŖř
Ç›ČąĹœĹ?ĹœČŹ
tuition school
WHAT DOES WIN MEAN FOR THE BAHAMAS? - SEE INSIGHT
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Trade
S A M A B A H
Cars Fo Real r Sale Help Estate W Rental anted and m Ads much uch, more. ..
cars for sale
THE TRUMP LESSON
e TheTribun
real estate
Volume: 112 No.235
Biggest And Best!
PRICE – $1 (Family Islands $1.50)
CARS! CARS!
CLASSIFIEDS TRADER
Call today 328-0
AT STARTING
for rent
Via Caffe owner is gunned down L! ADS SEL PHOTO 351 002 / 502-2
$25
Ex-bodybuilder found dead and riddled with bullets in his car By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net SHOCKWAVES rippled through the fitness community yesterday after the bullet-riddled body of former bodybuilder and restaurateur Albert Rahming was found in his car on the Montagu foreshore yesterday morning. The fatal shooting of the 49-year-old father of three, and owner of the popular nightspot Via Caffe opposite the entrance to the cruise port in downtown Nassau, was said to be a devastating blow to loved ones, who praised the deceased’s compassionate spirit and hailed him as a “pillar of the bodybuilding and fitness world�. Police have launched an investigation into the coun-
JAMAICAN reggae star Jah Cure was involved in a brawl while trying to be a peacemaker in a fight with a group of “intoxicated� Bahamian men at the Atlantis resort early yesterday morning, according to a local event promoter. An official from Fresh Entertainment Bahamas (FEB), told The Tribune that Jah Cure, whose real name is Siccature Alcock, was one of three people
THREE members of Mount Tabor Baptist Church were robbed at gunpoint of a “large amount of cash�, suspected to be the church’s offering collection, and cell phones yesterday. According to police, officers are looking for two gunmen in a silver Honda Accord, licence plate number 179338, believed to be behind the incident. SEE PAGE SIX
ALBERT RAHMING, who was found dead in his car. try’s 88th homicide for the year, according to Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean, who said last night that investigators did not have a motive at this time. SEE PAGE THREE
REGGAE STAR JAH CURE IS HURT IN FIGHT AT ATLANTIS By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net
A splash of colour for a good cause
MOUNT TABOR CHURCHGOERS ROBBED AT GUNPOINT
hurt while attempting to stop the fight involving several others, which, according to a video on social media, occurred in the Coral Towers lobby of the Paradise Island resort. Even though he appeared unconscious in the video, the representative said the 38-year-old singer was “not knocked out� but “tripped and fell� running after an assailant. Jah Cure and his group, whom a FEB representative said were also SEE PAGE FIVE
A YOUNGSTER covered in paint after yesterday’s Colour Run 242, which raised funds and awareness for Rotary East Nassau and the End Polio Now campaign. See page two for more photographs. Photos: Aaron Davis
WELLS, LLOYD AND RAHMING TO BE RATIFIED BY FNM TOMORROW By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
THE Free National Movement is set to ratify an additional three “agents of change� Tuesday night, and among them is embattled Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells. According to well-placed sources, Mr Wells will take the stage to be ratified for the constituency he currently represents, alongside talk show host Jeffery Lloyd, and community activist Rueben Rahming for the
South Beach and Pinewood constituencies respectively. Last night, FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis remained tight-lipped over the identities of the candidates. “We are ratifying three candidates,� Dr Minnis said, “and I am certain that you will be very pleased with the candidates we bring forth. Those candidates will be working along with the FNM to bring about this change. People are requesting a change, it is inevitable.� SEE PAGE 13
HOSPITAL REMOVES SIGNS SAYING $250 WILL BE CHARGED AT A&E By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net SIGNS posted in the Accident and Emergency Department at the Princess Margaret Hospital over the weekend that indicated patients would be charged a $250 service fee have been removed, according to the Public Hospitals Authority yesterday. Judy Terrell-Hamilton, PHA director of communications, said the notice advising that all patients registering at the A&E De-
partment will be charged for nursing and ancillary fees, was inconsistent with the current fee schedule. “The posted notices are not consistent with the fee schedule, and they have subsequently been removed,� she said. She was unable to respond to requests for further information up to press time. A source within the PHA explained that the notice and subsequent charge was designated for non-nationals and private patients. SEE PAGE SIX
MINNIS DISMISSES CLAIMS AS ‘SIDESHOW’ By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday denied being privy to an alleged “secret deal� between the FNM and Chinese officials for the agricultural development of thousands of acres of land in Abaco seven years ago, calling the claims by Agriculture Minister V Alfred Gray
nothing but “excessive excuses� and “sideshow distractions.� Dr Minnis told The Tribune that Mr Gray’s claims are “strictly a deterrent� from the Christie administration having been “caught with their pants down� attempting to give away 10,000 acres and fishing of the Bahamian people’s land. Dr Minnis said Mr Gray is “obviously in trouble,� and as such is consequently engaging in “childish games of tit-for-tat.�
FALL FOR PUMPKIN www.dunkinbahamas.com @dunkinbahamas
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
Stating that he has “nothing to hide,� Dr Minnis challenged the MICAL MP to present and subsequently table any evidence supporting his claims in Parliament. Nonetheless, Dr Minnis questioned “how many other times� will Mr Gray be caught in compromising circumstances “before he is requested and demanded to resign�. SEE PAGE 13
PAGE 2, Monday, November 14, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
COLOUR RUN
THE COLOUR Run 242 was held yesterday, raising funds and awareness for Rotary East Nassau and the End Polio Now campaign.
242
TO ADVERTISE IN THE TRIBUNE, CONTACT 502-2394
Photos: Aaron Davis
Fresh Prepared, In-store, Daily.
SPICY STRIPS
• • • •
2 SPICY STRIPS INDIVIDUAL FRIES BISCUIT 16oz. PEPSI®
®
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, November 14, 2016, PAGE 3
Via Caffe owner is gunned down
POLICE OFFICER ROBBED AT GUNPOINT IN HIS VEHICLE
from page one
Mr Rahming, who cut a physically imposing figure, was found slumped in the driver’s seat with gunshot injuries in a Mercedes Benz parked by the coast east of the Montagu ramp. Last night, police said they were looking for a vehicle of interest - a silver Honda Accord, licence number 215220 - believed to be occupied by four men. A member of the Valley Boys Junkanoo group, Mr Rahming also had several business endeavours. He was a ex-shareholder of the former web shop chain Fantasy. In October, 2015, he filed legal action against other shareholders, alleging that the sale of the web shop to FML Group of Companies violated the Companies Act, and that he had not received a single cent from the deal as compensation for his 38.125 per cent equity holding. Yesterday afternoon, Via Caffe was closed and a sign on the doors said normal business hours would resume today. “Choking back tears, long-time friend and former employee Della Thomas tried to put into words the indelible loss of Mr Rah-
ALBERT RAHMING ming’s death. “I met Albert in the early 80s,” she told The Tribune. “He was always a nice, quiet, gentle guy, that’s the spirit he always had. He became just like a brother to me, such a sweet person. I can’t imagine how his family and mother feel, because it’s such a big loss for us - he was one of the nice ones. I’m really, really sorry (about) what happened to him. “He was passionate about fitness but passionate about people too,” she added. “He never used foul language. I really don’t know what’s happening with our country, there is a lot of confusion. People are just killing each other. Albert was a nice guy.”
VIA CAFFE, whose owner, Albert Rahming, was found shot dead yesterday morning. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
THE CAR in which Albert Rahming was found shot dead, on Montagu ramp. His death follows a double murder in East Grand Bahama earlier this month. Two men were killed and three others were injured in a shooting on November 3 in McLeans Town. Yesterday, Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation Vice-President Kenny Green said: “We are presently grieving the loss of a pillar in the bodybuilding and fitness world. We wish to express our heartfelt and warmest condolences with family. We are grieving the loss of someone who was compassionate and very caring who gave much to the society at large as a businessman and sports enthusiast. “He always gave his best and sacrificed his time and personal funds, whatever he did, he did it to the best of his abilities. It’s a sombre mood across the bodybuilding circle and the business community and he has several other businesses. Society is really in turmoil, we need to come together and stop this criminal rampage. We need to show love and demonstrate love in our lifestyle.”
Mr Green added: “[Mr Rahming] is gone but never will be forgotten. He’s touched some of our lives in a personal way, giving positive advice, competing with us on stage, he made invaluable contributions. He was very critical on time management, very professional, but a people’s person, just a compassionate person. “We’re going to have to step up, do what’s necessary for unity. We have to put God first, we have to live God in our hearts and through our lifestyle.” Long-time friend Nardo Dean reflected on Mr Rahming’s past endeavours as a College of the Bahamas graduate, former food and beverage director at the Atlantis resort, and operator of the gym BodyZone. “From high school days, coming into COB, as he matured and got into business working at Atlantis in food and beverage, he was always willing to reach out, give good advice and a helping hand,” Mr Dean said. “For us as a federation, we definitely mourn his loss. There was some talk for a
TWO ARRESTED BY POLICE AFTER MARIJUANA SEIZURE POLICE in Harbour Island have arrested a man and a woman following the seizure of a quantity of marijuana on Saturday. According to reports, shortly after 2pm police, acting on intelligence, executed a search warrant at a home on Coconut Grove Avenue, where they uncov-
ered the drugs. The adult female and male residents were taken into custody and are expected to appear in court early this week to be formally charged. In New Providence officers from the Tourism Policing Unit took an American man from Fort Lauderdale,
MAN IN HOSPITAL AFTER BEING SHOT BY ROBBERS A MAN was treated in hospital for a minor gunshot wound after he was shot on Saturday. Police are looking for three men responsible for the incident. Shortly after 10pm, a man was driving in his vehicle on Mosquito Drive in the Fox Dale Subdivision when three men armed with handguns approached him and demanded cash, police said. The man, in fear of his life, sped off, but was shot. The victim was taken to hospital where he was treated
for a minor gunshot wound and later discharged. Investigations are ongoing. Anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to call police at 919, the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 328TIPS.
Florida, into custody after a cruise ship moored at they found a quantity of Prince George Wharf, marijuana in his possession where they arrested the on Saturday. man. The suspect is expectAround 9pm, officers act- ed to appear in court early ing on information are re- this week to be formally Monday, 14th November ported to have gone aboard charged.2016
"WOW! CASTROL GTX, MAGNATEC & CRB PLUS NOW AT A LOWER PRICE!" - at Bay Street Garage, Dowdeswell St.
“QUOTE OF THE DAY” Distributed By
BAY STREET GARAGE Dowdeswell Street
322-2434 • 322-2082 #289
while about him coming back to the sport - he got so busy that he stopped competing. “[His death] it was a shock, but not a shock because he’s a nightclub owner. In our day and age, persons target who they feel may have money. We don’t want to think anything negative, we don’t want to think anything ill-related. He never portrayed that at all as a person,” Mr Dean said. Police cordoned off a section of Eastern Road between the Nassau Sailing Club and New Gate Road and diverted traffic for several hours after the discovery was made. Anyone with information on this homicide is asked to contact the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or the Crime Stoppers hotline anonymously at 328-TIPS.
By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net AN OFF duty Royal Bahamas Police Force Officer was robbed at gunpoint by four masked men early on Friday near his home. According to Officer in Charge of the Central Detective Unit Superintendent Clayton Fernander, the officer was sitting in his vehicle around 2.30am when he was approached by four men who demanded cash. The men dragged the officer out of the vehicle and robbed him of cash before running off in an unknown direction According to sources, the men identified themselves as gang members and threatened to kill the police officer after robbing him of $500. The suspects also stole the officer’s car battery before they fled the scene. No one was harmed during the robbery. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact police at 911 or 919, the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 328-TIPS. Investigations continue.
BODY FOUND AT LANDFILL POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man found at the New Providence landfill on Saturday. According to police, shortly after 1pm officers received a report that a man was found dead near some heavy-duty equipment by workers at the landfill. When police arrived on the scene they found the lifeless body of a man in his early 50s with trauma to the body. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said foul play is not suspected, however, an autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.
PAGE 4, Monday, November 14, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
The Tribune Limited NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI “Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
LEON E. H. DUPUCH,
SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,
jrolle@tribunemedia.net
Publisher/Editor 1903-1914 Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .
Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991
EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,
C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B. Publisher/Editor 1972-
Published daily Monday to Friday
Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207 TELEPHONES
News & General Information Advertising Manager Circulation Department Nassau fax Freeport, Grand Bahama Freeport fax
(242) 322-1986 (242) 502-2394 (242) 502-2386 (242) 328-2398 (242)-352-6608 (242) 352-9348
WEBSITE, TWITTER & FACEBOOK www.tribune242.com
@tribune242
tribune news network
Stop the politics and start governing for the good of The Bahamas “Ain’t yinna do it first? Den why yinna poking yer finger in my eye and blamin’ me fo‘ what yinna dun do?” Today’s politicians sound like a bunch of scrapping finger-pointing school boys over who did what first, instead of concentrating on the here and now in making statesman-like decisions on what is best for this country and its citizens. It does not matter who brought the Chinese here. What matters is how much of this country are we willing to cede to this foreign state, thereby denying future generations of Bahamians control over their own destiny. In our opinion Beijing’s footprint is already too large and under the Christie government appears to be spreading. What makes this even more alarming is that all this is taking place in stealth. Thank goodness for “whistleblowers” in this country who are prepared to risk their own well being for the future of this country. Behind our backs, Agriculture Minister V Alfred Gray, had given the Bahamian Ambassador at our embassy in Beijing permission to approach the People’s Republic of China with a $2.1 billion agriculture and fisheries investment over a 10-year period for Andros. It is proposed that our government “provide fishing licences to each of the 100 corporate entities participating in the initiative, consistent with existing laws” — those laws being that only Bahamians can fish in Bahamian waters. It goes on to say that only Bahamian farmers and fishermen will make up the workforce. However, the proposal concedes that probably each of the 100 entities “will require the services of one fishing and one farming expert, for a limited period who will probably be Chinese” – that works out to 200 Chinese. The corporate entities, will be owned equally by 10 Bahamians and 10 Chinese. It would be interesting to know who the 10 Bahamians are who, we would guess, have already been given the nod. It will start with 100 acres of leased Andros farmland with the promise of an additional 100 acres provided all the rules are followed during the tenyear period. Before Mr Gray gave his permission to present the proposal, did he research Chinese fishing practices? Did he investigate the fear of international environmental groups of the Chinese depleting the world’s fishing grounds with “destructive”methods? Before giving our ambassador permission to approach his Beijing counterpart to float the proposal, did Mr Gray first consult with Prime Minister Christie or was Mr Gray on a fishing expedition of his own? Attention now has to be given as to whether this proposal will assist Bahamians or destroy their fishing industry in a very short time. (See warning on page 13 by college of the Bahamas professors who say our marine resources would be destroyed in 10 years if the necessary restrictions are not in place). It doesn’t matter how many documents Mr Christie presents to show which government brought the Chinese to the Bahamas. None of them will help today’s problem if it is found on the long stretch that the proposal now before us will prove destructive to the Bahamas’ fishing industry. We shall now give a brief run-through as to how the People’s Republic of China replaced the Taiwanese embassy here. It is true that under Hubert Ingraham’s FNM government diplomatic relations were established with the People’s Re-
public of China (PRC) in 1997. The FNM accepted the “One China” policy that tiny Taiwan could not be recognized as representing all of China. PRC was busy throughout the Caribbean at that time having Taiwan replaced wherever it had an embassy to deny it a seat at the UN. Taiwan still has no seat in the UN and the PRC is ensconced throughout the Caribbean, including the Bahamas. “The FNM treated the relationship between The Bahamas and PRC as it treated its relationship with all other nations with which The Bahamas maintained diplomatic relations interacting with the Government and its citizens on cultural, economic and social levels,” said Mr Ingraham at the time. The FNM then approved the investment of Hutchison Whampoa, an AngloChinese conglomerate in Freeport in 1996-97. PRC’s next appearance on the scene was in 2008 with the partnership in Baha Mar. In our opinion it was the Christie government’s failure to sign contracts on time that destroyed Baha Mar’s future. As we have often repeated in this column if Mr Christie had signed the agreements that Mr Izmirlian had with Harrahs and Starwood, the PRC would have never cast its shadow over this land. Mr Christie signed the heads of agreement for Baha Mar with Mr Izmirlian in 2005 after already a three year delay. However, he dragged his feet over the final signing until after the 2007 election, thus causing Mr Izmirlian to lose the Harrah’s partnership. This was immediately followed by the world economic collapse and the only entity on the world’s lending market at the time were the Chinese. In good faith Mr Izmirlian sought their financial backing. Mr Christie seemed loathed to sign the Izmirlian agreement before the election, which he lost. The first agreement signed by the Christie government had made sizeable land transfers, which the Ingraham government changed and in some instances cancelled. The financing for Baha Mar came with ties - the use of a Chinese Construction Company as the principal contractor and the use of a majority of Chinese labour for the construction. It was a bitter pill for the Bahamian side interested in maximizing benefits to Bahamians. A tentative agreement on the part of the Government was contingent on a specific increase in the sum of dollar contracts to be awarded to Bahamian-owned construction companies and other Bahamian service providers. This was agreed. As well, an extensive training programme was to be instituted to ensure Bahamians were in the best position to assume posts in the operation and management of the new resort. However, the FNM decided that it could not agree the number of Chinese that PRC wanted employed and so it took the proposed agreement to parliament. That approval was obtained without dissent from Mr Christie and his Opposition PLP. However, what is interesting is now that the shoe is on the other foot, the Christie-led Government, notwithstanding the precedent set by the FNM in 2010, approved the engagement of large numbers of Chinese work permit holders in the construction of The Pointe without any advice or approval from Parliament. We now suggest that the childish games as to who did what first come to an end and the Christie government turn its attention to what is best for the Bahamian people and future generations.
Disinheritance EDITOR, The Tribune. ARE the PEOPLE going to stand by and let Perry Christie and his cohorts disinherit our children from our land? Giving our land to the people who worship foreign gods. We pray Our Father. Remember please: This land is our land, This land
is your land from Great Inagua to the Berry islands. This land belongs to our children until Jesus comes. This land can only be leased and or used to wider the benefits our children can acquire and be acquired for our children forever more. In 1640, the Lord Proprietors knew that this land
was our land. In 1972, Edward Heath, the English Prime Minister, knew this land is our land and in 1973 we gained total ownership. Why is Perry Christie dishing our children’s inheritance? CARL P. GIBSON Nassau, November 12, 2016.
The FNM is in a glass house EDITOR, The Tribune. THERE are some real issues as it relates to the confidence displayed in the leadership of the FNM. The appearance of a democratic process was unmasked when it was discovered that the deck was stacked against the challenger for the top spot. In an effort to gain an advantage and to “not be democratic” the hierarchy of the party “fixed” the delegates to achieve the desired effect. Some call it smart politics but I say it was dishonest and while the end result to win was achieved, the aftermath is now beginning to be disastrous. Now that the dust is settled and the choice has been determined, the fallout is now being realised. The disgraceful handling of Richard Lightbourne and Hubert Chipman are clear indications that the gameplay must have been to dismantle the FNM as we knew it, to be transformed to a different party. The party now has a different look. It is now Hubert Alexander Minnis’ Party. Mr Minnis’ top surrogate at one stage urged supporters of Loretta Butler-Turner to “carry their arse” if they cannot support Minnis. I would give, “First Born,“ Mr Maurice Moore the benefit of the doubt and say that he spoke in the heat of a battle. What Moore does not know, is that Lightbourne
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net and Chipman have loyal supporters who are more friends than loyal to the party. Some of these friends, said to me that they are sad because of the disrespect shown to them. The intentional purging of “well known foot soldiers” was calculating, deliberate and methodical. Mercilessly, people were targeted to be ridiculed, attacked and disrespected, sometimes in public. But some may want us to believe that they are coming with clean hands. We all know better. The stark reality is, people who live in glass houses should not throw stones. Fast forward! I have been around long enough to know that many of the same things we have been complaining about in the PLP are also prevalent in the FNM. We talk about PLPs looking out for PLPs, but if my memory serves me right FNMs looked out for FNMs too. In fact some who were closely connected were given “the fat of the land”. I dare anyone to say I am wrong. It is highly hypocritical to accuse the other side, especially if you are “GUILTY” of the same. So rather than lying to the Bahamian people that you would be different, and rather than appearing that
you are one of the “grassroots” when you are a multimillionaire too, just come out and say that you are exploiting the people just to gain power, and if you get it you would “head west” to your “ivory tower”. If the glaring instability in the FNM is any indication of how the country would be run, then Bahamians would have to blame themselves this time for ignoring it. Therefore no one can point fingers this time at any party. On another note, if Moore and Wells believe that they can lambaste FNM and expect them to remain in a place where they are not welcome anymore, they have another thought to think. Since the FNM has been thrown into chaos, the raw truth is many FNM will not register, will stay home, or go to a place where they are comfortable and feel welcome. Oh, by the way, not everyone could be bribed with a diplomatic post in Washington. This is for me, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess your sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness”. Now call me what you wish, but don’t call me collect, pay for the call! IVOINE INGRAHAM Nassau, November 11, 2016.
Free information? EDITOR, The Tribune FOI stands for “Freedom of Information” or perhaps “Farce of Information”. The Act has been in draft form for five years and it has still not been activated by the House of Assembly. Unbelievable. The situation becomes really irritating when the discussions with the Chinese about fishing and agriculture become an issue. The PLP blames the FNM
for having discussions in past years. The majority of the people appear to blame the PLP for the present discussions. But who knows who is telling the truth and who is not - we the people have no means to check the vitriolic messages that float back and forth unless we have access to the many secret documents floating around in somebody’s office? So FOI, FOI, FOI for
goodness sake and take us out of our misery! A nonpartisan vote in the House to decide - perhaps! Donald Trump talks from the hip, however bad or good it maybe. If someone were to do that in the Bahamas maybe the May election would be theirs to win. PATRICK H THOMSON Nassau, Nobvember 13, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, November 14, 2016, PAGE 5
Govt seeks to modify measures aimed at protecting activists By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net THE government will seek to have the precautionary measures set by the Organisation of American States’ human rights arm for the protection of five Bahamian environmental lobbyists modified or lifted on the grounds that the men misrepresented and sensationalised their allegations to gain international attention. Pointing to The Bahamas’ record as “one of the most stable, open and vibrant democracies in the Americas,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterised the claims levelled by members of environmental action group Save the Bays (STB) as “repugnant,” and accused applicants of tarnishing the country’s international reputation in a release issued on Saturday. The statement expanded on its position taken last week in response to the resolution granted by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), which calls on the government to take steps to protect the lives and personal integrity of five STB members and their nuclear families. It follows a petition made
by the Grand Bahama Human Rights Association (GBHRA) on behalf of lawyer Fred Smith QC, journalist Francisco Nunez, activist Joseph Darville, musician Kirkland Bodie and environmentalist Romauld Ferreira. The petition alleges that the men have been subject to threats of harm, harassment and intimidation as a result of their advocacy and adversarial stance against the government and private developers on environmental issues, and that these actions have been endorsed by “official and unofficial” state agents. “The Bahamas prides itself on being one of the most stable, open and vibrant democracies in the Americas,” the ministry’s statement read, “where the rights and freedoms of everyone have been protected by the State and its agencies. There is a culture of free speech and debate which has never attracted any retribution or retaliation from government, nor has the government permitted such actions by private individuals. “No government of The Bahamas has ever permitted, condoned, tolerated, encouraged, facilitated and certainly not promoted situations where the lives and
physical integrity of any person has knowingly been put in fear of imminent danger of irreparable harm.” The IACHR found that the five STB members are in “a serious and urgent situation since their lives and personal integrity face an imminent risk of irreparable harm.” The resolution requires the Bahamas government to adopt the necessary measures to protect their lives and those of their families, to ensure the five men could pursue their work as human rights defenders without being subject to threats, harassment or intimidation, to agree with the petitioners on the measures to be adopted and to report on investigative actions taken within a 20 day period. Last week, the ministry termed the ruling “regrettable”, and underscored that its review of the allegations revealed that claims were not properly grounded in facts, and lacked evidence or legal merit. In its latest release, the ministry reiterates its concern and “profound regret” that the IACHR granted the precautionary measures without hearing any factual or legal submissions, and made their determination solely on “one-sided representations.”
The statement maintained that the government is preparing a response to the IACHR that will set out the “true nature of the facts” and reveal that “allegations presented to the commission by STB were misrepresented and sensationalised to garner international attention— and disguise the personal motivation behind several of the legal cases they are marshalling before the Bahamian courts.” “It is repugnant to our constitutional philosophy and way of life,” the ministry’s statement continued, “and Bahamians would find it distasteful and unthinkable that any among us would paint this picture of our society and nation before an international human rights body, especially for the wrong reasons. “The government of The Bahamas will therefore do all it can to remove this tarnish from the international reputation of The Bahamas and ensure that the Royal Bahamas Police Force and other law enforcement agencies continue to take prompt action to investigate all complaints by persons and ensure the public safety of all citizens and other persons within The Bahamas.” Hitting back, the GBHRA yesterday de-
nounced the recent statements issued by the government will result in the further stigmatisation and vilification of the STB members. Taking issue with the government’s portrayal, the GBHRA statement read: “Yet we all know that under this present regime, the writers of songs deemed offensive to the powers that be; attorneys who speak their mind to the annoyance of law enforcement; and human rights activists who level claims of abuse at the authorities have all found themselves facing official intimidation, detention and the prospect of brutal, archaic and antidemocratic charges such as criminal libel. “Who does this government think it is fooling?” The group said it has filed an official report to the commission over the releases, and that it is prepared to take the matter before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights if the government refuses to “live up to its international obligations and persists in vilifying and intimidating human rights and environmental advocates.” The GBHRA said it also filed a report with United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights,
Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Americas Watch, among other international organisations currently considering applications by the group on behalf of STB members. “Meanwhile and although nearly half the time granted by the commission for the state to report back on the actions it has taken to protect the Beneficiaries, to our knowledge no steps have been taken to comply with the requirements mandated by the commission,” the GBHRA release read. “We know of no measures adopted or even contemplated to protect the lives and personal integrity of the beneficiaries; no measures to ensure they can pursue their advocacy work without being subject to any threats harassment and intimidation (in fact, the opposite has taken place); and no effort to reach out to the Beneficiaries to agree on the measures to be adopted. “It seems clear that rather than adhere to the letter and spirit of the precautionary measure, senior state actors seem intent on further stigmatising human rights defenders and further perpetuating a hostile atmosphere in which they cannot pursue their work.”
REGGAE STAR JAH CURE IS HURT IN FIGHT AT ATLANTIS from page one
intoxicated, were heading to their rooms after leaving a concert in which he had just performed, while some “local fellows” were leaving the hotel. At some point someone “made a statement” at Jah Cure’s group, to which the latter responded in kind, ultimately leading to the confrontation, The Tribune was told. “Jah Cure fell running after one of the assailants, tripped and fell to the ground,” the FEB representative said. “He was not knocked out like the voice note circulating on social media says. No one was seriously hurt and his management is addressing (the matter) with the proper authorities.” In the video circulating online, a woman was seen being thrown to the ground as one of the men who she tried to stop from fighting is pushed down on top of her. She later shrieks in horror as another man in a white shirt is also pushed onto the ground on top of her. She continues to try to stop the
fight, trying to physically restrain the men as she best she could. For the majority of the video, Jah Cure could be seen with his arms outstretched, trying to quell the confrontation along with another man wearing a green shirt. The artist is later seen trying to evade a barrage of blows from another man near the hotel’s automatic sliding doors, who strikes at him relentlessly. Towards the end of the video, numerous persons, possibly hotel officials, could be seen standing in one of the doorways to the outside of the hotel, with Jah Cure seemingly lying unconscious at their feet. At least two men attempt to tend to Jah Cure, asking the singer if he is “all right” and if he is “good.” However, it is unclear from the video if Jah Cure respond-
ed to their words or if he was conscious. When asked how Jah Cure was now handling the incident, the promoter said: “He chalked it up and I really respect him for this - but he chalked it up as them being intoxicated and reading into things. And again, like I said, he was trying to stop something. It wasn’t like it was an actual attack. So we’re all human, we know when we mess up.” Nonetheless, the promoter, who did not want to be named, regretted the situation, observing that it could have far reaching implications. “Unfortunately I’ve gotten calls already from the US, from reporters that cover the reggae scene in both New York and Atlanta,” she said. “It went viral here, but it’s far reaching. It’s three people that got
Are you tired of losing your shingle ROOF in hurricanes ?
Get a FREE quote for a hurricane resistant METAL STANDING SEAM ROOF by a PROVEN contractor with 20 years experience of metal roofing. Call: 376-2876 / 377-0030
hurt in this matter. Everybody’s focusing on Jah Cure being laid out, but a young lady got pushed and fell, and she fell because she was trying to stop the fight as well. “She was a passerby that saw something erupting and she made a statement. She came to say ‘stop’ and she was behind the guy who initially got pushed. So he fell backwards and she still tried to stop it because, again, it was somebody said something. And she was a witness to it. And she was trying to be a Good Samaritan. “But at the end of the day, without audio and just video, around the world it looks bad.”
JAH Cure live in concert at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
PAGE 6, Monday, November 14, 2016
CHRISTMAS MEALS FOR 5,000 FAMILIES THE TARGET FOR AML FOODS CAMPAIGN
Gavin Watchorn launches AML Foods’ major appeal aimed at helping those facing hunger and lack of quality food during the holiday season IT’S THE middle of November and for many, this month is typically the calm before the busy holiday season. For us at AML Foods Limited, November signals the time when planning shifts to execution across our retail brands and fast food outlets. This year, as we prepare to meet customers’ expectations and our own internal benchmarks, there is a specific target number we are challenging ourselves and our stakeholders to meet feeding 5,000 families who may otherwise be unable to afford a traditional Christmas meal. Together with our media partners at The Tribune and Radio House, we are appealing to the communi-
ages through their existing ing that a greater number channels. of persons have access to To get the ball rolling, we quality foods that they are donating $20,000. Each want and need. package is valued at $40 but Our culture of giving goes any donation is appreciated beyond simple cheque presand no amount is too small. entations. We seek to enThe ‘Help Feed Five gage our entire team in the Thousand Families’ project process, providing opportufits into AML’s commit- nities for them to serve their ment to hunger prevention communities. Every AML and healthy living. We are employee is encouraged to doing this because we be- offer a minimum of eight lieve that businesses can hours per year to a worthy work together to improve cause. These are paid hours lives. Our enfor our team tire team ral- ‘We envision a day to spend maklies around a ing an impact when individuals common nobeyond their tion that we living in The day-to-day job can and should Bahamas will no function. In make a posithe past year, tive impact on longer have to be a number of the communi- concerned about our associates ties connected where their next took advanto our brands. tage of this As a com- meal is coming opportunity to pany, we en- from to feed their help out durvision a day families, their ing not only when indiHurricane viduals living children.’ Joaquin, but in the BahaMatthew as mas will no longer have to well. be concerned about where As we look back on 2016, their next meal is coming I am proud to say that as from to feed their families, a company we have suctheir children. To this end ceeded in achieving major we are focused on ensur- elements of our corporate
ty - corporate sponsors and individual citizens - to join us between November 14 and December 20 to make our goal to feed 5,000 families in New Providence and Grand Bahama a reality. Starting today, at our retail outlets in New Providence (Solomon’s Fresh Market at Old Fort Bay and Harbour Bay and Solomon’s Super Center) and in Grand Bahama (Solomon’s Lucaya and Queen’s Highway), customers and corporations can purchase meal packages for those in need as a part of the ‘Help Feed Five Thousand Families’ initiative. We are working with the Bahamas Feeding Network, Hands For Hunger, The Salvation Army as well as the Bahamas Red Cross to distribute the food pack-
social responsibility plan. Our annual health fairs and healthy living forums continue to grow and we completed a successful Fun, Run Walk with Doctors Hospital. We also made an impact in youth empowerment through various donations to literacy and sports. On Earth Day, through our Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB) environment promotion, we distributed 15,000 free reusable bags to our customers. Our biggest outreach commitment for the year centred on our hunger prevention platform and a pledge of $100,000 over the next three years to support the Bahamas Feeding Network. This year, thus far, we have donated more than $50,000 to various feeding programmes. We believe that the ‘Help
THE TRIBUNE
Feed Five Thousand Families’ project is a great way to end 2016, giving families a chance to gather together around a meal to celebrate the Christmas holidays and the traditions that bind us together. To donate you can visit any of our Solomon’s and Solomon’s Fresh Market locations in New Providence or Grand Bahama and drop an item from the shopping list into the bins available in-store or donate at the register. So if you can donate one item, one meal or 100 meals we hope that you will join us to make this mission possible. Gavin Watchorn is the President and CEO, AML Foods Ltd
HOSPITAL REMOVES SIGNS SAYING $250 WILL BE CHARGED AT A&E from page one
However, leading surgeon and the FNM’s candidate for Elizabeth Dr Duane Sands said yesterday that there were still many unanswered questions concerning the posting. “These signs posted in the Emergency Department said nothing about foreign or private patients and there are so many questions that the public ought to be asking,” he said.
“While we would accept the official position that this was an error, and that it was never intended for the general public, the question arises well even if it was only for foreign patients and private patients, who determines who is a private patient? And who determines who is foreign? “Does that mean if you come into the Emergency Room you need to take your passport?” Dr Sands questioned whether there has been a
change in the gazetted fees for patients, and whether it was equitable to have different fees for patients with private insurance. “Is it right and is it fair to say that if you have private insurance, that you now have to pay $250 and everyone only 10?” he asked. “Well isn’t everybody paying tax? “Are we attempting to push private patients and foreign patients out of the PMH? When did this policy come up, who approved
’S
ANY P M O
C
Y R E L L E A R G T ART ING CEN le T Sa H s G I a m t s &L i r h ASS L G U
SA NAS
C
Pre~
E* D I EW
ent
26 OR ber m T e v S No rday u t OFF a S ough ing xclud
*e
er emb
v y No
da Mon
lass d
the g
t and
men epart
items
ignm
ns on co
r 7 th
CUSTOM & READY-MADE FRAMES
15% OFF
All major credit cards accepted as cash! www.nassauglass.com
Mackey Street 393-8165 • 393-3723 HOURS Mon - Fri 8:30am - 4:30pm Saturday 8:30am - 1:00pm
it, when was the public going to be aware of it, did the minister know about it, the managing director, who knew about it or did these signs appear miraculously?” Dr Sands said that PMH’s administrative arm was “living in a silo” if it could not appreciate the sensitivity of the matter in the context of the longstanding debate on National Health Insurance (NHI). “Retracting was the appropriate first step,” Dr Sands added, “however there are a lot of explanations that are due to the public.” In an internal PHA memo, under the heading “Public Hospitals Authority - New Revenue 2014/2015,” service fees for non-residents and residents with insurance coverage were listed as part of the authority’s efforts to enhance revenue. The letter, purported to be signed by PHA Managing Director Herbert Brown, acknowledged that the PHA derived most of its revenue from service charges to private and self-paid patients, with the highest percentage of revenue collected from insurance reimbursements. “Clearly then,” the letter continued, “greater focus must be given to revenue enhancement as the outlay from the central government cannot keep pace with the growing health needs and the decline of budgetary allocation.”
THE SIGN in the Accident and Emergency room.
MOUNT TABOR CHURCHGOERS ROBBED AT GUNPOINT from page one
Police did not name the church in their official report but sources confirmed that the robbery occurred in the parking lot of the popular Pinewood Gardens place of worship. According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the robbery took place shortly after 12.30pm as three men were about to drive off in a vehicle from the church’s parking lot. “Two men armed with handguns approached them and robbed them of two cell phones and a large amount of cash,” police said. Reports began to circulate that the amount of money stolen was around $18,000, but Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean said that amount was inaccurate. However, he would not reveal the amount of cash that was stolen. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS.
The warning signs are flashing for the government after last week’s stunning US presidential election result, Malcolm J Strachan says
W
e are now living in a new reality. Donald J Trump will be the next president of the United States of America, having defeated the political machine that is Hillary Rodham Clinton. It was an unlikely result in a race that was as far from normal as anyone has seen in modern day politics. Trump had stunned the world. And how did he do it? He tapped into the “silent majority” of America Americans who were living on the fringes, in the rural towns, those who had been lost and forgotten. He preached a message of exclusion and division that galvanised his supporters around one common enemy, “the political elite”, and - of course - the media. Every poll at the end had Hillary Clinton winning. Every political pundit (save for Fox News of course) was brimming with the excitement on how would Bill Clinton would be recognised once Hillary was sworn in; first husband, or first dude? No one saw the possibility of such an upset. It’s too early to describe Trump’s campaign as anything more. There was no finesse to it. It was a broken toothed, bareknuckle brawling, mudslinging fest that got the job done. Now, we, and the world will simply have to live with it. What is interesting about the Trump phenomena now are the immediate correlations that Bahamian politicians want to draw. One observer told us last week, “what Trump has taught me is that when the people want you out, you are out. No matter how much money you spend, you are gone!” Another added, “The tide on traditional politicians is setting in the Bahamas. The people the world over want change, for good or bad. You now have to tap into that growing voter apathy and resentment and ride the wave to victory.” These two views may have some merit if looked at in the right context. There is no doubt that the Christie administration is unpopular in this country. That much we all can agree on. But what can be done with that resentment by the masses? Does that translate into a natural support for the main opposition party, the Free National Movement (FNM)? They have an unconventional leader (much like Trump), with unconventional ideas and plans. The support base of the party is still somewhat split after a tumultuous leadership battle (much like the Republican base). The party is in desperate need of rebuilding and rebranding. But can the Trump phenomena translate to a Minnis-led FNM? To be clear, we are not sure as yet, but there is hope that it will. This government has had all the warning signs it needs to know when it’s on the ropes. A gaming referendum on an issue that Bahamians widely enjoy was rejected by the country in overwhelming fashion. The number of voters was low, but the mandate was clear. Then again, when the country was put to a referendum on women’s rights, the vote was the same. A
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2016
insight@tribunemedia.net
THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS
the
TRUMP Lessons for the Bahamas
card
PRIME Minister Perry Christie
PRESIDENT-elect Donald Trump
“They have an unconventional leader (much like Trump), with unconventional ideas and plans. The support base of the party is still somewhat split after a tumultuous leadership battle (much like the Republican base). The party is in desperate need of rebuilding and rebranding. But can the Trump phenomena translate to a Minnis-led FNM?”
DNA leader Branville McCartney.
FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis.
clear repudiation of the government, and not the issue. Following that devastating loss we wrote that ironically, the only constituencies where a Yes vote prevailed for any one of the questions were seats held by FNMs. A June 12, 2016, Insight said: “Some may suggest that this may have more to do with the socio-economic status of the residents in those constituencies. Or, it could be that FNM MPs were more successful in educating their people on the issues. Even in Long Island where the questions were rejected, you can see that the numbers were closer than any other island. So what does this tell us? Well, mainly, the PLP does not have a mandate to lead. In any other jurisdiction, the Prime Minister would go back to his people via a general election. But we live in a young democracy where Governments are not so quick to give up power and yield to the voice of the people.” The words seem prophetic now, but the lesson is clear - when the people are tired of you, they will let you know. But unlike the United States, in the Bahamas there is the ultimate spoiler for general elections - the Democratic National Alliance (DNA). Only in existence for five years, the DNA party has had a significant impact on the political landscape of this country. The party’s leader, Branville McCartney, is seen as charismatic and passionate. He leads an organisation that legitimately believes they are the best option for the country, as they brand the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and the FNM as two sides of the same coin. Whether this strategy works or not is still yet to be seen, but their impact on the election can be projected as something to watch either way. So where does that leave the country? A floundering, corrupt PLP administration is holding the Bahamas hostage while they sell off the nation’s treasures to the Chinese. For the salvation of the country, the DNA and the FNM must come together. Accommodations must be made for the greater good, or else we could face our own Trump event - a return of Perry Christie and the PLP. I’m sure the nation at large would agree with me when I say this country can neither afford nor contemplate such a thing. If the PLP’s current term in office is any indication, another five years of mismanagement and corruption could jeopardise the very independence and or sovereignty of this nation. The Bahamas needs to be for Bahamians once again. The country needs to send a clear signal that we are not a nation for sale, and that the desires, dreams and aspirations of Bahamians come first in the Bahamas, not the political orders of Beijing. We therefore encourage our readers to continue to be informed and not to lose heart. As we have seen in the United States, Trump has won, but like President Barack Obama said, the sun still rose the following day. In the Bahamas we should now turn our attention to our own issues and ensure that we are as focused and determined as our giant neighbours to the north. We must do this, not just for our sake, but for those yet unborn. What type of Bahamas do we want them to inherit? We should ponder on this as we look to 2017. • Comments and responses to insight@tribunemedia.net
PAGE 8 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2016 E3SPORTS
EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net
The advantage of a degree is not hard to compute
GAIN AN EDGE A NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON HIGHER EDUCATION
The increasing concerns over cyber security open up opportunities for IT graduates, as one promising Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute student is finding
O
ur world is quickly changing, and those who want to be competitive are planning their education and careers accordingly. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs in all computer occupations in the US will grow by 22 per cent by the year 2020. Locally, entities such as the Road Traffic Department, National Insurance Board and Water and Sewerage Corporation have computerised their operations. Head of the Information Technology (IT) programme at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), Anthony Ramtulla, said with cyber security being a growing concern, IT management is in demand. “Therefore, BTVI’s IT programme offers the essentials to get you to a certain level,” he said. “The programme is a springboard into Network Engineering, Systems Administration etc. It is internationally validated in that you leave with a degree and usually three powerful certifications including Computing Technology Industry Association certifications like CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network + and CompTIA Security +.”
Dion Mackey, 23, is one of the bright BTVI students who has identified the IT trend, and is ensuring he is prepared for the opportunities that lie ahead. “Information Technology is always evolving. It’s not stagnant. There is always something to learn. It is such a diverse field,” he said. “I am getting so much from the IT programme at BTVI. The certifications open doors and prepare you for jobs in the IT field. BTVI makes me want to work hard. It brings out the best in me. My instructors really care.” Thus far, Dion, who has a cumulative grade point average of 3.88, has attained his CompTIA A+ certification and is now working on CompTIA Network+. He is a 2012 graduate of St Augustine’s College with Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) results of A through C passes in Physics, Chemistry, Combined Science, Biology, English, Math, Literature and History. Mr Ramtulla described Dion as “highly intelligent” and someone who is very excited about the field. “I see him somewhere as a software engineer. He is a leader in our Web Internet Foundation class. I would show
Friday, September 30, 2016, PAGE 3
GAIN AN EDGE
A NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON HIGHER EDUCATION
DION MACKEY, an Information Technology Management major at BTVI, says the field is “always evolving” and “diverse”. Photo/SHANTIQUE LONGLEY
them how to solve a problem one way and he solves the problem in a different way. He doesn’t conform. He pushes the envelope. He experiments. He inspires the other students,” Mr Ramtulla said. Dion is in his second year of studies towards his Associate of Applied Science degree in IT Management. He began his post-secondary studies at another local institution but has found BTVI to be a better fit for him. “The classes are much more interactive and hands on. And with an instructor like Mr Ramtulla and others, they are so easy to talk to. The environment is conducive to learning.” Dion said he wishes to one day be the owner of an IT business. Already, his focus, intelligence and drive are paving the way for him. In January, he will head to Fanshawe College in Canada as an exchange student on an Emerging Leaders in Americas Program (ELAP) scholarship. Following his two-semester stint, he is expected to return to BTVI, to complete his degree. “I never dreamt I would come to BTVI and get such an experience,” he said. “I realise the sky is the limit. I really appreciate the Dean of Student Affairs, Racquel Bethel, for providing the platform. She took interest in me and saw my potential before I knew I could do it. It makes me want to work that much harder.” NEXT WEEK: the view of a University of the Bahamas student “Gain An Edge” is a weekly collaboration of the Lyford Cay Foundations, Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute and the College of The Bahamas aimed at promoting a national dialogue on higher education. To share your thoughts, email gainanedge@tribunemedia.net
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2016 PAGE 9
EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net
Caribbean must compete quickly for Trump’s attention
I
N the aftermath of Donald Trump’s election as President of the United States of America, there is genuine concern about what his presidency will mean for the Caribbean. So far, there have been expressions of both optimism and pessimism emanating from the region. Government officials have been guarded in their comments, recognising that they will have to deal with the Trump administration come January; academics and former politicians have been less careful, voicing considerable fears and bemoaning the consequences of many of the policies that he said he would institute. The single thread running through the Caribbean responses is uncertainty. Uncertainty is a game stopper. It causes governments and businesses to pause; to adopt a position of “wait and see”. No one takes bold steps, lest they backfire. At the same time, no one rocks the boat. But, this cannot be a time for pause by the Caribbean. Unlike any other administration in the past, nothing is predictable about what the Trump administration will actually do. During the election campaign, he clawed back from some of the strident positions he took, and he insisted that he would definitely implement others. However, as people in every Caribbean country know well, statements, pledges, promises and threats made in election campaigns are often
World View
PRESIDENT-elect Donald Trump.
By SIR RONALD SANDERS abandoned by politicians thing, including the media. once the reality of office The American Republic and its constraints crowd in will not stomach autocracy on them. easily, if at all. Talk is cheap, until the There are enough inreckoning comes when ac- dependent media, thinktual factors have to be taken tanks, foundations, ininto account, such as costs, stitutes and associations the rule of law, treaty and dedicated to free thought, contractual obligations and free speech and open critipublic opinion. cism to keep any US adminThere are a few certain- istration on its toes even if, ties in the present situa- as in this case, one politition. One of them is that cal party controls both the while Mr Trump won the executive and legislative presidency on branches of the basis of ‘One of the government. the number Caribbean of states he biggest challenges governments carried, he that faces the are right to did not win Caribbean, and express the the vote of view that they the majority one with dire will work with of American consequences, is Mr Trump’s voters. Thereadministrahow to change fore, if he tion. It would truly wants to Donald Trump’s be impraclead a united campaign position tical, if not America at foolhardy, home and on climate change, to adopt any abroad, he which he believes other posiwill have to to be a myth.’ tion. Donald listen to the Trump has voices that been elected shouted out visions, ambi- President in accordance tions and aspirations that with the rules and procewere very different from dures of the American syshis. To try to ride rough- tem. He is the Presidentshod over popular opinion elect and he will begin his is possible in autocratic four-year period of governstates where the govern- ment in January. What is ment holds sway over every- important is for Caribbean
THIS WEEK IN THE TRIBUNE Today
• Insight - the lessons for Bahamian politicians after Donald Trump’s presidential election success and why the Caribbean must make an early impression on his tenure • Business - the Grand Bahama Power Company’s plan to recoup the $25m cost of hurricane repairs from consumers has been criticised as “highly irregular”. Neil Hartnell reports • Sports - a humbling defeat for NPBA champions Mailboat Cybots while the latest Sports of Hall of Fame inductees include a Benedictine nun. Plus Fourth Quarter Press. • Plus the latest properties for sale and rent in the Home Buyers’ Guide Tuesday • Woman and Health weekly advice on taking care of your mind and body and women making waves in The Bahamas • Plus comment from Nicole Burrows and sporting mischief and mayhem with Inigo “Naughty” Zenicazelaya Wednesday • Tribune Tech - a weekly look at what’s new in the world of technology Thursday • Obituaries and Religion, a weekly review • Young Man’s View trenchant opinion from Adrian Gibson on the hot topics in the country • Sports - The Tribune’s ‘experts’ pick their weekend NFL winners • ‘On da Hook’, a weekly look at fishing in The Bahamas Friday • Weekend - a 28-page section devoted to the best in arts, music, fashion, food, books, entertainment, gardening, animal matters, fitness, history and interviews • Sports - The Finish Line, a look at the local sports
scene, by Brent Stubbs • Plus A Comic’s View Naughty’s unique take on the week in the Bahamas Saturday
• The Tribune’s Top 5: a special video review of the week’s top stories by Khrisna Virgil on www. tribune242.com
Every day in The Tribune, news, business, sports, weather and Classifieds Trader - the best guide to cars for sale, real estate, help wanted and more. Plus breaking news and updates on your mobilefriendly tribune242.com
governments to try to influence a Trump administration to pursue policies in which there is, at the very least, mutual benefit. That work starts with the group of Caribbean Ambassadors in Washington, DC. They have to make contact with the people that Trump will appoint to his Cabinet and their staff members to identify the areas of mutual interest and concern; they also have to begin to educate them about the many challenges that the Caribbean faces, especially those that are caused by US government action. Further, Caribbean ministers have to seek every opportunity to connect with US Cabinet members as part of the early education process about the region which, after all, lies in such close proximity to the US mainland and its Caribbean territories to be its soft underbelly. The field will be crowded. Every Ambassador in Washington, DC, every Head of Government and every minister of every country will be seeking to do the same. Constrained by small embassies and limited budgets, Caribbean countries will find the competition for the Trump administration’s attention to be daunting. But too much is at stake to hold back from
the critical and crucial work that has to be done. One of the biggest challenges that faces the Caribbean, and one with dire consequences, is how to change Mr Trump’s campaign position on climate change, which he believes to be a myth. Caribbean countries, subjected year after year to frequent and intense natural disasters, know well that far from being a myth, climate change and its concomitant sealevel rise are facts that have already set back their economies and are now eroding their coastal areas and land mass. If in three years, the Trump administration does withdraw the US from the agreement of the Conference of the Parties (COP) on climate change, it will start a chain reaction with grave consequences for the survival of the region. For, if the US pulls out of the COP agreement, two other great polluters China and India - will do the same, on the basis that if the US is continuing to industrialise despite pollution, why shouldn’t they. Other countries would follow the pattern, the COP agreement would unravel and the small island states and countries with low lying coasts in the Caribbean and the Pacific will be the
victims. There are, of course, other difficulties in the US-Caribbean relationship that did not start with Mr Trump. They include ‘derisking’ and the withdrawal by US banks of correspondent relations with Caribbean banks - a situation that is a dagger at the heart of the region’s capacity to participate in the global finance and trading system. Starting a conversation with members of the Trump administration is essential to get the Caribbean’s concerns across. The US has chosen its President and its Congressional representatives in accordance with its Constitution and its laws. That deal is done. This is not a time for hand-wringing and lamentation; it is a time for engagement, persuasion and negotiation in the region’s interest. Sir Ronald Sanders is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States of America and the Organisation of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto. Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com
PAGE 10 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2016
EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net
Combatting the rising tide of violent crime and home invasions I
T is a fact that New Providence is under attack from terrorists who are trying to change our way of life and destroy our economy. In resisting this criminal assault, the Royal Bahamas Police Force has remained steadfast and has achieved commendable results. But the escalation of violent crime forces us to upgrade and extend security and safety measures in a variety of ways. Since leaving the police force in the 1980s I have worked as a private security specialist in a number of sectors. Initially I was director of security at the Paradise Island Resort & Casino, now Atlantis. One of my chief responsibilities there was to provide security for a number of Very Important Persons (VIPs). During my time on Paradise Island, special visitors we were assigned to protect included the deposed Shah of Iran (who was threatened with assassination); former American presidents; British royalty; well-known movie stars and high-profile politicians - both foreign and local. In recent times, Bahamian police have had to deal with criminal attacks on senior politicians and other high-profile residents. And lately we have experienced frequent home invasions in middle- and upper-class neighbourhoods, often involving elderly householders. Providing adequate security coverage at the private homes of officials requires the consideration and approval of the occupants, with their privacy needs taken fully into account. However, it is much easier to provide security at stateowned residences or facilities such as Government
Drawing on his experience of a long career in policing and private security, Paul Thompson offers advice on how the pubic can stop themselves from becoming victims of crime.
House. Nevertheless, the security and safety of our leaders and essential public servants is of paramount importance. And we have an equal obligation under international law to protect visiting foreign dignitaries and resident foreign diplomats in this country. Based on my experience, there are many enhancements that could be made to the way we protect highprofile individuals and national leaders in the Bahamas. For example, the home of the Prime Minister, every Cabinet minister, judges, magistrates and senior civil servants should include an alarm system with policemonitored security cameras. And official vehicles should be fitted with tracking devices and other forms of communication for easy location and prompt response. There should be reserved parking for top officials near their place of work, with police personnel visible on their arrival and departure. At least one armed police officer should be on duty at the criminal courts at all times. Police mobile patrols should regularly pass by the homes of all Members of Parliament who live in their patrol areas, especially at night. Any high-profile individual who is concerned about personal security may wish to seek the advice of a specialist who could conduct a security survey at their homes and offices.
Police Special Branch knowledge of individuals living near high-profile subjects could be important. In most countries there are special parking arrangements for senior government officials and their immediate families in certain areas. Perhaps it is time to consider a longtime police recommendation to reserve parking on Parliament Street exclusively for MPs and their immediate families. And security cameras should be installed for the protection of their vehicles. Protect yourself You probably consider yourself a VIP when it comes to safety and security. So here are some tips that you can easily take advantage of. By far the most common threat in residential neighbourhoods is burglary. And most housebreakings occur during the day, when the occupants are usually at work. The first step to prevent this crime is to “harden the target� by making illegal entry as difficult as possible. Burglars are more likely to bypass your home if it requires too much effort to break in. Most robbers will enter a home via the front, back or garage doors - or perhaps through a bathroom window. The back and garage doors are usually the weakest points as they provide the most cover. High-quality locks should be installed on all exterior doors. A quality dead bolt lock will have a bevelled casing to inhibit the use of
MEMBERS of the Royal Bahamas Police Force have remained steadfast in the battle against terror affecting our way of life, says Paul Thompson. lock pliers to shear off cylinder pins. A quality door knob inset will have a dead latch mechanism to prevent slipping the lock with a shim or credit card. Sliding glass doors are secured by latches, which are vulnerable to being forced open from the outside because of the inherently defective latch mechanisms. This can easily be avoided by inserting a wooden dowel stick into the track too prevent movement of the slider. Other blocking devices include charley bars and screwed-down track blockers. Older sliding glass doors
can often be lifted of the track to defeat the locking mechanism. To prevent this from happening, door rollers must be kept in good condition and there are devices available in quality hardware stores that will prevent a sliding door from being lifted. All accessible windows should be secured with secondary blocking or anti-lift devices. An open window visible from the street or alley may be the sole reason for your home to be selected by a burglar. Upper windows become attractive if they can be accessed from a stairway, tree, fence or by
climbing on to balconies. When working late, always move your vehicle as close as possible to your workplace. Check outside before opening the door to leave, and have your car keys in hand. Be alert and If you think you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station. Talk openly to children about personal safety and encourage them to tell you or a trusted adult if anyone or anything makes them frightened, confused or uncomfortable. Make sure that children do not tell anyone who calls that they are at home alone. And do not open the door to strangers. Most of this information emanates from police training notes and from manuals on crime prevention education. But these days it is also available online. And there is a lot of new technology on the market that can dramatically improve your personal safety and security of your home or office. There are at least four highly recommended security consultants operating in the Bahamas: Wemco Security & Collections Ltd, Security Systems International, Security Concepts and Zoltan Szasz. NEXT WEEK: Crime and the public service Comments and responses to insight@tribunemedia.net PAUL Thompson is the quintessential policeman. His career spanned the modern development of The Bahamas - from colonial times to the challenges of nationhood. Born in a small farming village in Trinidad, he was recruited by the Royal Bahamas Police Force in 1951. He spent most of his time on the force in the Criminal Investigation Department, retiring in 1981 as an Assistant Commissioner. He then began a second career as head of security for the Paradise Island Resort & Casino, returning to the police force as a civilian training officer in 1998, and in 2002 was appointed general manager of Wemco Security. Five years later, he set up his own security company - Paul Thompson & Associates. Now in his 80s, he remains active in security work.
THE TRIBUNE
Proverbs 23:1-3
Monday, November 14, 2016, PAGE 11
When you sit down to eat with a ruler, Consider carefully what is before you; And put a knife to your throat If you are a man given to appetite. Do not desire his delicacies, For they are deceptive food.
Proverbs 25:16
Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, Lest you be filled with it and vomit.
Proverbs 28:11
The rich man is wise in his own eyes, But the poor who has understanding searches him out.
Proverbs 28:8
One who increases his possessions by usury and extortion Gathers it for him who will pity the poor.
Proverbs 28:16
A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor, But he who hates covetousness will prolong his days.
Proverbs 28:20
A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.
Proverbs 28:9
One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.
Proverbs 29:24
Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He swears to tell the truth,[a] but reveals nothing.
PAGE 12, Monday, November 14, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
THE HARMONY of the seas, the world’s biggest cruise liner, in port in The Bahamas.
GIANT CRUISE SHIP COMES TO NASSAU
THE WORLD’s biggest cruise ship, the Harmony of the Seasm pictured during its inaugrual voyage into Nassau.
A GLIMPSE on board the Harmony of the Seas during its inaugrual visit to Nassau. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
OBEDIAH WILCHCOMBE, Minister of Tourism, speaking at the welcome ceremony for the Harmony of the Seas.
CRUISE LINE URGED TO BUILD DOCK IN FREEPORT TWO environmental organisations are calling on Carnival Cruise Lines to dry-dock plans to build a $200m cruise port in East End, Grand Bahama, citing the area as “one of the most fragile and important ecological wonders of The Bahamas”. Instead, say members of Save The Bays and Waterkeepers Bahamas, the port should be built in Freeport, where the infrastructure to support it already exists and where the economic environment would welcome it.
The National Economic Council last week gave the green light for the conclusion of a heads of agreement with Carnival Cruise Lines for the $200m cruise project in East End. The government has said that such a port would have great economic impact and negotiations with the cruise company have been going on since the summer of 2015. “We welcome Carnival Cruise Lines and recognise the importance of the cruise industry to the overall econ-
omy of the Bahamas,” said Joe Darville, Chairman of Save The Bays. “Our fear is that the very beauty that Carnival’s passengers and other visitors find in Grand Bahama could easily be destroyed if the port is built in that area. It is one of the most fragile and important ecological wonders of The Bahamas.” Waterkeepers Bahamas Executive Director Rashema Ingraham said East End is a microcosm of all that makes the environment of
The Bahamas “the amazing treasure” it is. “Driving past the Casuarina Bridge and the new Jack Hayward Bridge into East End, a whole world opens up,” she said. “There is nowhere else in The Bahamas quite like it, even the light is different. But it is very fragile and much of it is quite shallow or marshland. The campus of the College of The Bahamas is on marshland.” One of the greatest concerns, say the environmentalists, is the impact that
ENVIRONMENTALISTS fear a proposed $200m Carnival Cruise Water port could wipe out mangroves and marshlands in East End, Grand Bahama. such a port could have on without harming marine the potable water source. life, rare owls, a blue hole, “Grand Bahama sits on the water supply, magnifione of the three greatest wa- cent coral reefs, marshlands tersheds of The Bahamas, and an area where dolphins the others being Abaco still swim free and in the and Andros,” Ms Ingraham wild?” said. “There is a reason that Sam Duncombe, a board the storage tanks were lo- member of Save The Bays cated at East End. The wa- and founder of reEarth, ter table extends for miles added her voice to the conand if you allow salt intru- cerns. “East End is also the sion through dredging you site of the Lucayan National will be affecting the source Park,” she said. “How can of water for much of the there even be consideranorthern Bahamas.” tion of a major cruise port Ms Ingraham and Mr in such a delicate low-lying Darville also said that area, with wide sand bank East End beaches, includ- at low tide on one side, ing Gold Rock Beach, are marsh and mangroves on the most desirable of all of the other, a small national Grand Bahama’s 80 miles park with historic value? It of beach and coastline and would be hard to imagine may be the only place in the a less suitable place for a Bahamas where swimmers port.” and snorkellers can swim She said she does not among free dolphins who believe there is any way an live and play in the waters environmental impact asless than two miles offshore. sessment could recommend They also cite untouched going forward with the port coral reefs at Lightbourne in the proposed location. Cay. Environmentalists and Save The Bays and Waanimal rights advocates terkeepers, as well as rehave also voiced fears that Earth, also expressed conthe dolphins could be cap- cern about how an area so tured and kept in a con- confined and fragile would fined area for swim with the handle the trash, packaging dolphins’ experiences for and garbage generated by cruise passengers to earn cruise ships carrying thouadditional revenue for the sands of passengers making cruise line. weekly or more frequent “There is at present no stops. infrastructure or amenities Carnival has made no seout east to support such cret of its desire to have its a project,” said Darville, own private port/passenger whose organisation’s peti- getaway in The Bahamas, a tion has garnered nearly senior executive confirming 7,000 signatures. “That its intentions to a Bahamas whole area is also at basical- Chamber of Commerce ly sea level replenished with and Employers Confederamangroves, flowing tidal tion (BCCEC) gathering creeks and other marine at Palm Cay last year. It is amenities, all of which will just about the only cruise be destroyed by any such line without its own Bahadevelopment. Why take a mas private facility, with chance risking the loss of rivals such as Royal Caribone of the great ecological bean Cruise Lines already treasures of The Bahamas possessing their own getawhen it can be moved just a ways such as Coco Cay in matter of miles and create the Berry Islands and Half the same economic benefit Moon Cay near Cat Island.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, November 14, 2016, PAGE 13
University professors warn of dangers of $2.1bn Andros plan By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net
THE Bahamas’ existing legislative and “material capacity constraints” will not support the proposed $2.1 billion agri-fisheries venture with Chinese investors, with local university professors charging that the country’s marine resources could be “decimated” within a decade if the proposal is introduced without the necessary legislative framework. Lisa Benjamin and Dr Adelle Thomas, assistant professors and co-founders of the Climate Change Initiative at the University of The Bahamas, submitted that “significant gaps” exist in this country’s commercial fishing legislative policies, so much so that it “is hard to imagine” that the “scale of commercial fishing and processing enterprises anticipated by the proposal would abide by the limits currently set out in legislation.” The professors said without regulations on matters such as catch or vessel sizes,
or the capacity to enforce any of those restrictions, The Bahamas could join the “long list of failed fisheries sectors” in the Caribbean “well within a tenyear period”. They cautioned the government to approach the harvesting of commercial natural resources “in a gradual manner,” and that its approach be “based on principles of sustainability” and “sound scientific information.” They also called on the government to undertake the current proposal or any other proposals “in a manner beneficial to both current and future generations of Bahamians.” The statements by both professors are outlined in an open letter to Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries V Alfred Gray, signed on November 11. It is supported and endorsed by a number of local environmental organisations, which include The Bahamas National Trust (BNT), the Bahamas Commercial Fishers Alliance and Save The Bays. The letter is in response to a recent revelation that the government had given
the “green light” to its embassy in Beijing, China to pursue the proposal for a partnership between the Bahamas and China for development of agriculture and fisheries in Andros. The proposal reportedly projects a $2.1bn injection into the local economy over ten years through an equal partnership between Bahamians and the People’s Republic of China. The proposed partnership will entail the incorporation of 100 companies, with the agricultural products and seafood to be used for local consumption, and exported to China and the United States for sale. The proposal also reportedly included the option to lease 10,000 acres of Crown land in Andros. However, both professors, in their letter suggested “significant gaps” in the current legislation, such as no restrictions on the types or sizes of vessels that can operate in Bahamian waters, no limits on fleet capacity or time spent at sea fishing, as well as the “low” permit fees for commercial fishing licenses as well as penalties for violations of
existing regulations, leaves the particulars outlined in the proposal open for potential abuse. Both professors also said as the recently leaked proposal contains no restrictions on the number of fishing licenses to be provided to each of the joint venture companies, neither any restrictions on the number or types of vessels that can be operated by the companies, the proposal leaves the potential for “hundreds (or more) fishing vessels to conduct commercial fishing activities within our waters.” Additionally, both professors noted that while “large and quick profits” for the “few Bahamians” invested in the companies, and the People’s Republic of China, are the “major goal” of the proposal interns of commercial fisheries, the proposal does not take into account the “interests of Bahamians who are not able to participate in these ownership structures,” nor those “who may depend on marine resources or livelihood.” And regarding the proposal’s potential impact
on the country’s marine resources, both professors said while The Bahamas has managed to maintain “relatively healthy” stocks of some marine resources, largely due to our “small populations size and restrictions governments have placed on commercial access to the country’s resources, the country has not undertaken any “significant stock assessments” and consequently has a lack of biological data on our marine resources. Both professors said even though fishermen having to “work harder and travel further to fish” could serve as an “anecdotal” indicator that stocks are falling, the country has “no real idea of what the level of health and sustainability of our existing marine resources are.” Without that information, the professors said officials “cannot create sustainable yield limitations.” “While it is not our intention to prohibit increased capacity and employment opportunities for Bahamians, we would suggest that approaches to commercial natural resource harvesting
be approached in a gradual manner, based on principles of sustainability, including the precautionary principle, and sound scientific information,” the professors said. “Natural resource harvesting of sustainable and renewable resources can be established as industries for the benefit of Bahamians, but only once appropriate baseline data has been obtained with the assistance of independent expert advice, consultation with the Bahamian public, and based on sound scientific information, to ensure that we undertake these activities sustainably, and in a manner beneficial to both current and future generations of Bahamians.” The letter added: “We have too many examples in the Caribbean region and globally where marine stocks have collapsed because countries failed to do this. We therefore implore you to not let us join this long list of failed fisheries sectors.” Mr Gray has said the proposal is not currently being considered by the government.
MINNIS DISMISSES CLAIMS AS ‘SIDESHOW’ from page one
Last week, Dr Minnis had called for Mr Gray to resign after it was reported that the government had given the “green light” to its embassy in Beijing, China to further pursue a proposal for a partnership between the Bahamas and China for the development of agriculture and fisheries in Andros. The proposal reportedly projects a $2.1b injection into the local economy over 10 years through an equal partnership between Bahamians and the People’s Republic of China. The proposal also reportedly included the option to lease 10,000 acres of Crown land in Andros. Mr Gray has admitted that he gave Bahamas Ambassador to China Paul “Andy” Gomez the go ahead to have discussions on the proposal, but has stressed that the matter is not before the government for consideration. Last week he criticised Dr Minnis, calling him a “hypocrite,” charging that the previous FNM administration, of which Dr Minnis was a member, allegedly struck a “private deal” with China Shandong Expressway Investment Holding Company Limited in 2009 for the “rent free” development of 10,000 acres of land
FNM leader Hubert Minnis. in Abaco. At the time, Mr Gray claimed that the deal allegedly called for some 1,354 Chinese workers versus just 167 Bahamians. “I know not what (Mr Gray) speaks about, but what I can say is we’re in an era of transparency,” Dr Minnis said in response.
“So I ask (Mr Gray) to bring it, whatever he speaks about, bring it to Parliament, table it, and let the people see. It’s quite obvious that he was caught with his signature of authorisation. Minister Gray has been the one being hypocritical and lying about this secret proposal, and I can
WELLS, LLOYD AND RAHMING TO BE RATIFIED BY FNM from page one
“A Minnis government will lead that change with candidates who believe in change, new vision, new leadership, a new Bahamas. They will assist in building this new Minnis-led government of transparency, honesty, and integrity.” Dr Minnis did not give any further details, but noted that the Killarney area, which he represents, and the St Anne’s seat were not among those areas to see candidates ratified this week. “As leader,” he said, “I’ll be one of the last to be ratified.” Mr Wells’ ratification comes a full year after he crossed the floor with Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins in the House of Assembly to join the Free National Movement on November 5, 2015. Dr Rollins had quit the Progressive Liberal Party in June 2015, while Mr Wells announced he left the governing party the day he joined the Official Opposition. Prior to Mr Wells’ political crossover, Dr Minnis had repeatedly called for the Bamboo Town MP’s resignation and for the Christie administration to fully dis-
close all elements related to the contentious letter of intent (LOI) scandal. In October 2014, Prime Minister Perry Christie fired Mr Wells from his post as parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Works and Urban Development following months of controversy sparked by his reportedly unauthorised signature on Stellar Energy’s $600 million waste-to-energy proposal in July 2014. Several times since the incident became public, recommendations were made to a probe into the matter. The results of that investigation have not been made public, although government officials have said it was complete. In November 2014, Mr Wells broke his silence and said he signed the LOI – without Cabinet approval – for the “good of the people.” In January 2015, he told the House of Assembly that he signed the LOI with Stellar Waste to Energy in order for the company “to carry out studies” free of charge to present to Cabinet. Stellar is currently seeking $727.364 million in damages against Mr Wells, the government, ex-Cabinet
minister Algernon Allen and his law firm, and businessman/accountant Frank Forbes and his Sigma Holdings entity, the latter duo having acted as “advisers” to the project. The group is also seeking declarations that the government both “honour” the LOI and not award a waste-to-energy contract to any other company until damages are paid, on the grounds that it was the victim of fraudulent and/ or negligent misrepresentation. Meanwhile Mr Lloyd, an attorney, told The Tribune last month that he was under “active consideration” to represent the FNM but had yet to receive an official offer. At the time, there was speculation that he would run in the St Anne’s seat after Hubert Chipman, the sitting MP, had withdrawn his name from consideration amid differences with the FNM’s leadership. According to senior sources in the FNM, the South Beach Constituency Association met FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis and was informed of Mr Lloyd’s candidacy for that constituency last Wednesday.
say the Bahamian people are tired of his excessive excuses, empty promises and sideshow distractions. “He’s obviously trying to distract from the fact that they are still negotiating the giveaway of 10,000 acres of crown land and fishing rights, and I would say that if it was up to Mr Gray the
Bahamian people would not know about this secret proposal.” Dr Minnis added: “So whatever evidence Gray has with respect to land giveaway that he speaks about in 2009, we’re in an era of transparency. Bring it show the Bahamian people - I know nothing about it. Bring, table it in Parliament, show the Bahamian people. Because believe me, when I come into power, a Minnisled government will be very transparent, and whatever dealings or wrongdoings that they are doing now will be brought to the forefront and the law will be brought into effect.” Dr Minnis also held firm to his reason for calling for Mr Gray’s resignation, suggesting that it is because the $2.1bn agri-fisheries proposal is yet another controversy in which Mr Gray is embroiled. Dr Minnis pointed to Mr Gray being relieved of his Cabinet post as minister responsible for local government by Prime Minister Perry Christie amid a police investigation into allegations that he used his power to interfere with the judicial process last year. “How many other times must he be caught before he is requested and demanded to resign?” Dr Minnis asked. “But this is not a government of transparency, it’s not a govern-
ment of honesty, it’s not a government of integrity. But I put them on notice that a Minnis-led government will dig up whatever there is and deal with it appropriately. “So if he has anything on us, bring it forth to the Bahamian people. I have nothing to hide.” Earlier this month, Mr Gray said the proposal for the development of agriculture and fisheries in Andros was pitched to his ministry by the government’s ambassador to China, and not the Chinese government or investors. Mr Gray explained at the time that Ambassador Gomez had submitted the proposal as an overview of items that he sought clearance from the government to discuss with investors in China. Meanwhile, Mr Christie said recently that he is not “easy” when it comes to Crown land approvals, claiming that any major development that takes place on Andros would not be because the government “imported foreign labour,” but the result of Bahamian labour. Mr Christie said while his administration continues to be accused by critics on the matter, he would soon release every proposal that was submitted to the government in relation to Andros, dating back to the very first administration.
PAGE 14, Monday, November 14, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
Preventing house breaking and home invasion
Y
OU can never be too cautious about your safety, especially when it comes to house break-ins and home invasions, which occur almost every day in The Bahamas. These are not isolated incidents; in fact, they are issues that occur around the world and centre solely on time and opportunity. Therefore, the ultimate question that needs to be asked is: is your home really safe? Remember that your home should be a sanctuary where you feel safe. Additionally, it is the only environment where you have control over who can get close to you or your family. For this reason, protecting your home and family from criminal intrusion should be high on your list of priorities. Because most house
Police advice
By CORPORAL MAKELLE PINDER
break-ins happen during daytime when residents are at work, criminals prefer to break into homes that are easily accessible and avoid homes where prevention measures have been taken to better secure the residence. Which is why there are many things that you can do both individually and as a community to lower the risk of being a victim of this act. Listed are a few extra steps by the Royal Bahamas Police Force National Crime Prevention Office that can be taken to se-
cure your home and help you clamp down on house break-ins and home invasions. • Make sure that your home always looks occupied. • Invest in motion detector lights, quality locks and bolts, and security bars. • Ensure that all outside doors and windows are locked before leaving home or going to bed, even if it’s for a short time. Please lock your doors. • Make sure that all side and back gates are locked. • Do not hide any keys on the outside.
• Keep bushes around your home trimmed low and trees trimmed high. • Make it difficult to break into your home by adopting a dog or installing an alarm system which is always excellent for home security. They provide peace of mind to home owners, especially while on vacation or at work. • Talk to your neighbours! Watch out for each other’s property. • When you are in, stay in. Don’t take anything for granted. • Be vigilant and look out for strange cars and persons that may suddenly start to frequent your neighbourhood. If you should become a victim of a home invasion, here are a few options of response during the encounter. • Escaping immediately, saving yourself: this op-
tion decreases depending on the amount of time the burglars have to complete their job while having their privacy leaked. Some refuse to look like a coward by leaving their family in danger. However, radical actions may pay off later if you are able to immediately get help. • Fighting and screaming: screaming and yelling works well if there are neighbours close by or in a public area. There is no purpose in fighting if you are physically incapable. If fighting, make a strong, forceful hit to the nose, eyes, throat or groin area. This will give a small window of time to escape and call for help. • Compliance with burglars: this allows more time to think of an effective plan of action while creating an escape opportunity once the burglars let
their guard down. • Pulling a weapon on an armed intruder: this option should be your last resort. Most of the time, household weapons are not loaded for child safety, so on the rare occasion you have access to a loaded firearm, be aware the burglar is just as desperate and often will not hold back. If applied, the safety tips provided can minimise your chances of becoming a victim. Nevertheless, should you fall prey to any criminal act call the Police as soon as possible. Remember that crime knows no race, status or gender. If you come across any suspicious person(s) or have any information pertaining to any crime, please call the police emergency at ‘919’ or Crime Stoppers at 328-tips (New Providence), 1-3008476 (Family Islands).
PM hails mobile operator at opening of new office By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Perry Christie hailed the opening of an office for the country’s second cellular mobile services operator on Friday as putting “a definitive stamp” on the now liberalised communications sector. After a lengthy process to decide who would be awarded the licence, the Cellular Liberalisation Task Force awarded the licence to NewCo2015, which celebrated the open-
ing of its administrative office at Holy Cross, Soldier Road. The company exists in a joint ownership arrangement between the government and Cable Bahamas, with the latter responsible for management and control. It is the second licenced operator after Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC). “Bahamians are being empowered through these developments to become more participatory citizens in vital areas like law and
order and various public services,” Mr Christie said. “Mobile devices such as smartphones are more than just devices for talking; they permit constructive engagement and contributions to governance; they are fullscale entertainment centres; they are vast repositories of data that could be used to inform policy making. “I am pleased for the privilege afforded my government to provide that vital bridge to the future of our citizens. “Coming myself from an
era in which direct (faceto-face) interaction was the norm for social and professional engagement, it is often amazing to see the extent to which today’s culture depends much more on interaction using remote technologies,” he continued. “Health and education services are administered remotely, commercial arrangements abound across the Internet, other services are provided in the same manner and people socialise using the Internet through the proliferation of
social media sites. “Heck! I understand now that the Internet is fast becoming the preferred arena for finding mates (dating and marriage prospects). That is an epic cultural and societal shift that requires reliable, affordable Internet access. People, our people and especially our younger generation live their lives in these virtual environments. This is their reality and governments are compelled to create the environments that are conducive to this. “This new reality is complemented by the explosive
growth of mobile technologies, which allow people to conduct their affairs while on the go. Ours is an era of convenience and mobile technologies are the primary facilitators of this lifestyle. “The millions of visitors that grace our shores annually also have expectations that communications and connectivity will meet world class standards both in terms of quality and price. Choice in the sector provides the means to respond to these demands.”
HAPPY employees at NewCo’s new national call centre in Freeport on Friday, pictured with Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville. Photo: Vandyke Hepburn/BIS
FREEPORT CALL CENTRE BRINGS 30 NEW JOBS By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
NEWCO opened its new administrative office and call centre in Freeport on Friday, providing 30 new jobs for Bahamians in Grand Bahama. The new mobile provider unveiled its new brand, Aliv, to guests and pledged to provide meaningful experiences to customers to earn a place as a “digital lifestyle partner of the Bahamas”. The new call centre in Freeport employs 22 customer care representatives and will serve as the company’s national call centre. Richard Stanton serves as the general manager in Freeport. NewCo has 22 cell sites in Grand Bahama and plans to install more in East and West Grand Bahama. Its roll-out has been completed in record time, the company said. At the opening ceremony on the second floor of the Cable Bahamas building on The Mall, Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville called the opening historic because it demonstrates the cellular phone liberalisation in the Bahamas. He said that in April, 2014, a cellular liberalisation task force was formed by government, charting
the way forward for the opening up the market. After a lengthy process, the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) announced that Cable Bahamas emerged as the successful bidder. Dr Darville said the liberalisation of the cellular phone industry is necessary to provide competition in the communications sector and affordable accessibility to mobile broadband technology to the public. “As minister, I am excited to be part of the official opening of NewCo’s office in Freeport. This opening is a reminder that, despite the devastating effects of Matthew, economic development and job creation are paramount to economic resurgence of the local economy,” he said. He said that since coming to office, the Progressive Liberal Party administration has helped to revitalise the island by passing the landmark Grand Bahama Incentive Bill, advancing capital works projects on the island, extending duty free concessions to East and West Grand Bahama, which has positively impacted the island’s economy. “The government is fully committed to the advancement of progressive economic policies, inclusive of the creation of new business services and expanding the
industrial sector, while creating employment an entrepreneurial opportunities,” he said. Dr Darville was impressed with the dynamic leadership at NewCo and about its progressive plans for the island. He indicated that the opening call centre as promised represents a major investment in the local economy and creation of job opportunities for 30 Bahamians in Grand Bahama. “I would wish to extend congratulations to Cable Bahamas and the NewCo team, and its leadership for the successful bid and investing in the people of our country, particularly Grand Bahama,” Dr Darville said. Allison Levarity, a Newco executive, unveiled the company’s brand Aliv. “Without our team we could not have gotten to his point, a record roll out target,” she said. Mrs Levarity said the company recruited the best talent locally and the best telecom consultants in the world. “Today is a day we should be proud of. Today we make history,” she said. Also attending the opening was Peter Turnquest, Deputy Leader of the Free National Movement, Ian Rolle, president of the Grand Bahama Port Authority Ltd, and Peter Pinder, Grand Bahama Christian Council president.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, November 14, 2016, PAGE 15
A STUDENT at Tambearly School as it hosts its first chess competition to mark chess as a curriculum subject. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
Chess in the classroom THE Bahamas has joined the list of 30 other countries in the world that have established chess as part of school curriculums. Dr David Sands, a retired pediatrician and now a learning coach, has partnered with Tambearly School, Sandyport, to teach students mind sports such as chess, bridge and awari (African chess). “These games are scien-
tific mathematical games, not games of chance and they offer students the opportunity to build problemsolving, critical thinking and social skills,” Dr Sands said. He added that these skills are transferable to any discipline and there is a plethora of research that proves that students who learn these games generally improve their grades in
all subjects. Tambearly School students in Grades 3 to 9 have weekly, 45-minute chess sessions and monthly chess tournaments, one of which was held on Friday, as part of their curriculum. Now that Tambearly has become the first to embrace mind sports, Dr Sands said he hopes to introduce the concept to more schools across The Bahamas.
MEMORIAL BUILT IN JACKSONVILLE TO PAY TRIBUTE TO LOST CREW OF THE EL FARO A MEMORIAL fountain and obelisk have been built in a Jacksonville cemetery to honour the men and women who died aboard a freighter that sank near The Bahamas last year during Hurricane Joaquin. The memorial was unveiled on Saturday at Ever-
green Cemetery in honour of Lonnie Samuels Jordan and his 32 shipmates. All 33 died on October 1, 2015, aboard the El Faro, a cargo ship that lost propulsion during Hurricane Joaquin and sank in 15,000 feet of water off Crooked Island. The ship had left Jacksonville and
was headed to Puerto Rico. Joanna Johnson, Jordan’s mother, says the memorial fountain was built so that she and her son’s family and friends would have a peaceful place to remember him. She hopes that the loved ones of the other lost sailors will also find serenity there.
PAGE 16, Monday, November 14, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
Union leader calls for workers to vote in their own interests By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
THE idea of Bahamian workers re-electing a government that has continuously “worked against their interest” would be “beyond stupid”, Trade Union Congress (TUC) President Obie Ferguson said on Friday. At the House of Labour building on Wulff Road, Mr Ferguson launched a series of attacks geared toward members of the Christie administration, where he urged eligible, working voters to go out and register, instructing the group to “vote your interest” once elections are called. “Wake up,” Mr Ferguson clamoured as he spoke directly to members of unions throughout the country. “(If) you are for me, then I for you,” he said as he listed a welter of what he called infractions perpetrated against the country’s working class by the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) government over the course of its administration. Mr Ferguson, an attorney, went on to suggest that the PLP’s handling of
labour disputes during its time in office has destroyed the institutions of The Bahamas. “The same people (who) brought this government to power, they are now being denied the seat of justice. That must be a serious indictment. It is not something to take lightly because every one of them that sits in that Parliament, came as a result of the working men and women of this little Bahamas. So at least we ought to expect them (politicians) to follow the law.” Mr Ferguson was referring to the ongoing labour issues at the Sandals Royal Bahamian resort, where in recent months roughly 600 workers were let go through procedures described as “union busting tactics” by some in the labour movement. The TUC president accused the government of turning a blind eye to the blatant abuse of employees to please foreign employers. “I filed a criminal prosecution,” he said. “The Attorney General sent someone to the court as I was about to present my arguments to the court and
they said, ‘I am sorry, we are responsible for instituting criminal proceedings’. And the magistrate said to me, ‘Mr Ferguson I hear you, but the Attorney General is here’. Nothing happened from that day to this day.” To emphasise the ridiculous nature of present day union issues faced by his office, Mr Ferguson described the parameters of a meeting he had to sit through on Friday. He explained that he had a meeting with officials from the Customs Department over ongoing disputes over uniform allowances for clerical staff. Mr Ferguson said the dispute had been extant since 2007, insisting that the Christie administration, who while in opposition assured him that, once elected, would rectify the matter. According to the TUC president, matters of this nature are rampant through the public and private sector. He indicated that, prior to the last election, he received assurances on several fronts that if his members voted for and supported the
PLP, the party would work in their best interest once in office. Mr Ferguson said those assurances have now gone unsupported. “It is frightening. It is frightening. You try to get a strike vote, the Minister (of Labour) intervenes, he stops it. You can’t get a strike vote, you can’t get a trade dispute heard whether you are a union or non-union. You’re stuck,” claimed Mr Ferguson. Referring to the Sandals dispute again, he said he was only able to get criminal charges against union executives dropped because the Attorney General’s office saw an opportunity to drop charges against the owners and operators of the resort in the interim. The move dropped prosecution of, and charges against, five executives of the Bahamas Hotel, Maintenance and Allied Workers Union (BHMAWU), who were accused of obstruction for protesting near the Sandals property on West Bay Street. Mr Ferguson said at the time that he hoped the Government would “act more as a facilitator going forward”.
The BHMAWU, which falls under the TUC umbrella, has since 2009 been seeking to negotiate an industrial agreement with Sandals Royal Bahamian. “Had it not been for those two foreigners, nothing would was going to happen,” Mr Ferguson said on Friday. “My God, workers in the Bahamas wake up. Wake up. You can’t help me to destroy you. You can’t make me strong to destroy you. You for me, I for you. Look, you see what happened in the United States? What are we doing as a people, let us wake up man. You are giving the man five-year contracts, fixed term contract I call it, and once he gets elected there is nothing you can do. If we keep this up we are going to be second class citizens in this same little Bahamas,” he said. Mr Ferguson said the outcome of the Sandals ordeal left an indelible scar, one that he could never forget or move away from. He said the issue is something he would work to correct until his death. “I want the public to understand that the Sandals
matter would never be resolved until it is resolved. I want to be made clear. As long as I got breath in my body and my thinking faculties are in place, I will go wherever I have to go in this country to prove to the government of The Bahamas that they have a duty to correct that matter and if they don’t do it, to the extent that the law provides I, Obie Ferguson will pursue it to a logical conclusion. It is an assault on the Bahamian public for that nonsense to be allowed to continue.” Mr Ferguson also admitted that matter became the driving force behind a national strike move planned for October, one thwarted by the passage of Hurricane Matthew. Asked if the TUC would press ahead with the move in the coming months, he said it was not off the table and if the action by the government persisted, “we will see what is best for our workers” The TUC, which represents 26 unions and has a collective membership of about 15,000 workers, last pursued a national strike in 2014.
NEMA ISSUES $1,000 COUPONS TO 25 BAHAMIANS By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
THE National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) issued coupons worth $1,000 to 25 Bahamians on Friday, the start of a programme to provide relief to the hundreds of people who suffered significant damage to their homes from Hurricane Matthew. The first set of coupons are redeemable at Cartwright’s Building Supplies, Community Hardware, Hanna’s Plumbing and Henry Storr Electric. Hundreds could benefit from the coupon programme by the time it concludes in what officials hope will be December. NEMA chief Captain Stephen Russell said that 100 homes were completely destroyed in Grand Bahama and 50 in North Andros. He said 500 homes received major damage in Grand Bahama and 500 received minor damage on the island. Most of these people could benefit from the coupon programme. The programme to reconstruct homes completely destroyed by Matthew will begin by the end of the year. To be eligible, the National Repair and Reconstruction Unit, a technical team of NEMA, must assess affected homes, using salaries to determine how much money people are eligible to receive. Coupons are expected to range from about $100 to $1,000. “Words cannot express the way I feel about this,” Michelle Dean, one of the recipients of a $1,000 coupon, told The Tribune on Friday. “It’s a real blessing because a lot of people can’t afford it. Even though the hurricane is an act of God and is beyond man’s control, we appreciate NEMA for stepping in and recognising that small things count.” Ms Dean’s home suffered extensive damage, including to the roof, interior and structure. She said it would cost about $10,000 to fix all the damage. Since the hurricane, she has not began reconstructing her home but thanks to Friday’s coupon, she could start doing so soon. Similarly, Muriel Symonette called the coupon a “blessing”. “A lot of people can’t afford to do it on their own,” she said. “I highly appreciate NEMA and the Bahamian public for caring for me in his way. My roof’s shingles were gone and water came into my house. This money will go far to helping me and I hope I will fix all the damage that I have.”
TROOP stand at attention during Remembrance Day ceremonies.
Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
REMEMBERING THE FALLEN
GOVERNOR General Dame Marguerite Pindling speaks to a youngster during the Remembrance Day ceremony yesterday. Below, youngsters wearing poppies look on during the event.
DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis lays a wreath at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Day.