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MAN WEARING ANKLE BRACELET SHOT DEAD IN BEDROOM By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net POLICE found the lifeless body of a man wearing an ankle bracelet in Melvin Road, off Yellow Elder yesterday morning. The man was found with gun shot wounds in his body, Chief Superintendent Clayton Fernander said at the scene. SEE PAGE SIX
Christie defends HELPING TO FEED THOSE IN NEED AT CHRISTMAS govt performance despite downgrade By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net THE “meltdown” of opposition parties in the Bahamas is a reason to have confidence in the Progressive Liberal Party, Prime Minister Perry Christie suggested yesterday as he defended the performance of his government following Standard & Poor’s decision to downgrade the country’s credit rating. Mr Christie’s comments came during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new public private partnership administrative complex in Grand Bahama. Mr Christie pitched his party as a force of stability compared to its alternatives even as he became
impassioned defending the actions his government has taken in the lead-up to S&P’s decision, which is expected to increase the cost of borrowing and could affect future investments. He said: “…Watching what’s happening in politics, the meltdown of opposition parties, the instability that is being institutionalised, the hatred politically that is being manifested should (make people) watch the PLP to once again conclude that you don’t roll the dice with governance but you make conscious, considered decisions at how best to protect future generations of Bahamians (and) how best to manage the challenges of the day.” SEE PAGE SIX
CUT IN INTEREST RATES ‘NOT SPARKED BY S&P MOVE’ THE governor of the Central Bank has denied that yesterday’s interest rate cut was prompted by the downgrade of The Bahamas’ credit rating to junk status by S&P. John Rolle told Tribune Business that the bank’s decision to reduce the discount rate by 0.5 per cent was its own, and not prompted by pressure from the Christie
administration. He said: “The timing of the Central Bank’s decision is coincidental to, and not influenced by the S&P ratings action.” Mr Rolle’s response came after Opposition politicians described the Central Bank’s action as an obvious response to the S&P downgrade. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
THE BAHAMAS Feeding Network and AML Foods distributes 293 food packages yesterday received through the Feed 5,000 Families campaign to BFN member partners at Moseff House. Those partners include churches, soup kitchens and feeding centres. Philip Smith, Bahamas Feeding Network executive director, and Fred Mitchell, Fox Hill MP, are also pictured. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
BUTLER-TURNER: FNM ACCUSATIONS BOGUS By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net LONG ISLAND MP Loretta Butler-Turner said yesterday there is no need for her to appear before the Free National Movement’s “kangaroo court” because the party’s “trumped up” accusations against her “are bogus”. In an interview with The Tribune at her home, Mrs Butler-Turner also refuted claims by FNM Chairman Sidney Collie that she did not respond to the party’s Executive Council concern-
ing the charges against her and the six members of Parliament who ousted FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis as leader of the Official Opposition in the House of Assembly. On Wednesday, the FNM appointed a three-person tribunal to decide the fate of the “rebel seven”. The party accused the group of MPs of bringing the party into “disrepute, division, rancour and dishonour” as well as signing, delivering and causing to be a read a letter to withdraw support for Dr Hubert Minnis. They had seven days to write the
Executive Committee of the FNM to attempt to exculpate themselves. Mr Collie told The Tribune that the MPs have yet to submit letters of response to the charges against him and therefore the FNM is proceeding with the disciplinary process. However, in an email obtained by The Tribune dated December 15, Mrs Butler Turner acknowledged receipt of a letter from Michael Foulkes, the party’s secretary general, on December 8 and responded to the charges. SEE PAGE FIVE
OPPOSITION LEADER APOLOGISES FOR MONCUR COMMENTS By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
OFFICIAL Opposition Leader Loretta ButlerTurner sought to establish clear boundaries on the type of conduct she expects from her new parliamentary caucus in a public apology yesterday for the
“inappropriate and insensitive comments” made by Senator Rodney Moncur towards a Tribune reporter. However, she defended the controversial talk show host’s right to free speech and expression. Her remarks came in a statement released two days after Mr Moncur became
combative and aggressive with Tribune Deputy Chief Reporter Khrisna Virgil, after the journalist questioned Mrs Butler-Turner about Mr Moncur’s opposition to a 2009 Marital Rape Bill. Among a string of outbursts, Mr Moncur told Ms SEE PAGE FIVE
FNM CANDIDATE WITHDRAWS AMID HEALTH CONCERNS By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
FREE National Movement MICAL candidate Walt Saunders has withdrawn his candidacy for the 2017 general election amid health concerns, according to party Chairman Sidney Collie. He is the third ratified FNM candidate to withdraw from the race ahead of the 2017 general election. SEE PAGE TEN
The Tribune wishes all readers a happy Christmas!
Our next edition is on Wednesday
PAGE 2, Friday, December 23, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
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THE VALLEY Boys on their way to victory on Boxing Day last year. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
Valley Boys look to defend Junkanoo title By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
THE Valley Boys will look to claim their fourth consecutive parade victory at this year’s Boxing Day festival on Sunday night and Monday morning in downtown Nassau. One of the country’s most historic Junkanoo groups, the Valley Boys have captivated and rocked both Shirley and Bay Streets on every outing since finishing fourth in the 2014 Boxing Day parade. Under the theme “Let’s Enforce the Law”, fans of the group will not have to wait long to see just how up to the task the champions are this year as the Valley Boys will be the first group to grace the parade route. The Boxing Day parade is scheduled to start at a minute past midnight. Category A groups will start on Bay Street for their first laps, Shirley Street for their second and return to Bay Street for a third and final lap. Meanwhile, Category B groups will be required to do one lap each on Bay and Shirley Streets respectively. Officials are this year hoping to build upon the success of the 2015-2016
junkanoo season, which saw the execution of two flawless parades. With stacked fields in both categories - six in Category A and 13 in Category B - officials are preparing for a well-paced, smooth and safe parade. As they did in the 2015 Boxing Day parade, the Roots will leave the starting gate right after the Valley Boys under the theme “The Golden RA”. The third group out, the Prodigal Sons are looking to rebound from a poor outing in the 2015-2016 season. The group was disqualified from both parades last season because it did not have enough participants to conform to A group standards. The group’s theme for Boxing Day is “Flights of the Lepidoptera - The Incredible Spirit of Bahamian People”. One Family, the last group to win a parade before the Valley Boys’ run of success, will be the fourth group to leave the gate with the theme “Disney - Let the Magic Begin”. The One Family Junkanoo Group was the official winner of the 2014 Boxing Day parade, holding off a strong performance by the Saxons, the fifth group out the gate on Sunday. The Saxons will perform under the theme “Guard and Protect the Wonders of our Marine Environment”. Genesis, who will be first time performers in category A, will leave the gate last under the theme “Remember When! Bring Back the Good Old Days”. With 13 groups, Category B features its largest field
in recent years, but will be missing Music Makers, whose shacks and costumes were damaged by Hurricane Matthew and who withdrew from this year’s parades. The order for the Category B groups is: 1 Conquerors For Christ (theme - Great Biblical Monarchs) 2 Fancy Dancers (theme Wonderful World of Books) 3 Original Congos (theme - 52 Pick-Up The World of Playing Cards) 4 Colours (theme - International Culture Wine & Food Festival) 5 Mystical Bombers (theme - We Rushin 6 Chipping Knights (theme - Tribute to our Falling Icons) 7 Englerston Pioneers (theme - The Culture Storm) 8 Vikings (theme - What a Wonderful World) 9 Foundation 10 Body of Christ (theme - Nations that Impact our Land) 11 Z-Bandits (theme Bahamas Experience) 12 D-Division 13 Redland Soldiers (theme - Exploring the Myths and Wonders of the Deep). Tickets for the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades are available at the Junkanoo Corporation New Providence Ltd’s Administrative Office, Norfolk House, Frederick Street, daily from 10am to 6pm until January 1. Ticket prices are: Rawson Square - $48.38; Parliament Street-Charlotte Street $37.63; Charlotte StreetFrederick Street - $16.13.
MARVIN DAMES, right, with Tommy Turnquest and Dr Hubert Minnis.
DAMES HOSTS CHRISTMAS EVENT
Share the Holidays
LAST Saturday, Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr Hubert Minnis and the party’s ratified candidate for Mt Moriah, Marvin Dames, joined residents from all communities in the Mt Moriah constituency for a Christmas event in the park. Mr Dames hopes to make the event an annual occasion. More than 300 children were treated to hotdogs, hamburgers and soft drinks
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while parents participated in the raffle drawings winning prizes like bicycles, toy drones and tablets. Former Minister of National Security and Mt Moriah MP Tommy Turnquest also joined the festivities. Mr Dames reiterated his promise to become the representative that Mount Moriah can be proud of and thanked those volunteers that made the event such a huge success.
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Friday, December 23, 2016, PAGE 3
Turnquest: Come clean over labour force survey By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net FREE National Movement Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest yesterday called on the Christie administration to come clean with the Bahamian people over the Department of Statistics’ most recent Labour Force Survey, which placed the nation’s unemployment rate at 11.6 per cent. Mr Turnquest, in an email to The Tribune, called the figures released on Wednesday “nonsense,” and accused the government of “statistical gymnastics”. The East Grand Bahama MP said the proclamation that the unemployment rate has declined by 1.1 per cent since May, is nothing short of “misleading.” The reference period for the latest survey was October 24-30, shortly after Hurricane Matthew hit parts of the Bahamas. He accused the government of again attaching “extraordinary temporary employment to an overall statistic,” a point he hammered the Christie administration on in the wake of its May figures. “It is disingenuous and downright wrong to do so as
CLARIFICATION
WE HAVE been asked to make clear that the response to three pastors who raised concerns about the Bahamas voting position at the United Nations on the adoption of the UN Human Rights Council’s annual report came from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration on Wednesday, not from the minister Fred Mitchell as our headline suggested yesterday.
K PETER TURNQUEST it plays on the emotions of Bahamians who know the difference and are becoming increasingly frustrated,” he told The Tribune. “The facts are very clear, even without the official statistics, the unemployment levels of this country have deteriorated even before the hurricanes, however, since that time we have shed jobs like winter coats in summer. “Grand Bahama’s economy is in shambles with multiple lay-offs in various sectors and delayed reopening in various segments of the tourism plant. Grand Celebration (cruise) has not returned, where are these jobs the government is speaking about? “It is high-time the government . . . face the reality of our situation rather
than putting our heads in the sand and pretending to be surprised by the poor results that have resulted in a significant and unprecedented downgrade of our sovereign credit risk. “The FNM calls on the government to compare apples to apples in these statistical presentations and to ensure that the distinction between temporary/seasonal and permanent jobs is segregated so that employers and investors have legitimate objective data from which to make decisions.” DOS officials pinned the decline on employment in the construction sector after Hurricane Matthew’s devastating impact. The department concluded that more than 1,385 people were employed directly because of the storm.
The construction industry experienced the largest employment growth of all the sectors, a growth rate of 16 per cent. However, officials were unable to assess the quality of the jobs. Officials also credited the Christie administration’s 52-week job programme as a contributor to the decline, despite not knowing how many people had been employed through the programme. The release of the survey’s results came a day after rating agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P) downgraded the country’s credit rating to “junk” status, a first for the country. In July, DOS reported a decrease in the unemployment rate, which fell from 14.8 per cent last November
to 12.7 per cent. At that time, officials pointed to Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival “related activities” as a catalyst for that decline. In response to that survey, Mr Turnquest urged DOS officials to adjust the line of questioning used in its biannual unemployment survey “accordingly,”
claiming the survey does not differentiate between temporary and long-term employment status.
Friday, 23rd December 2016
"Keep those packages in your vehicle locked away and out of sight. Wherever you go tonight, be sure to get there and back, safely."
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PAGE 4, Friday, December 23, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
jrolle@tribunemedia.net
Stop the negative spinning EDITOR, The Tribune.
Poor service at Cable Bahamas EDITOR, The Tribune. GOOD morning - I write this letter in response to Simon’s “Front Porch” article in Thursday’s Nassau Guardian paper (December 22). It was entitled “Cable Bahamas Failed Revolution and Other Poor Service”. I often read this column but seldom respond in this manner. But this one hit a nerve. I felt compelled on this occasion, since he was writing about the poor services that the Bahamian consumer gets from its utilities and public services. He mentions the poor electricity delivery from BEC and BPL. It doesn’t matter who is at fault, we all know it is horrendous and I need not go any further on that note. Is your ice still melting in the freezer? What I have been plagued by in recent months is the poor service of Cable Bahamas. Simon addresses
this and I have to agree with him entirely. What is this revolution about? I have not had a working television since Hurricane Matthew. It took months for me to get my internet working (it was out before Matthew). Now, since the storm, I have had at least five visits with Cable Bahamas technicians (at least they came - although not always when scheduled). So far, each one has had a different diagnosis for my problem and their solution is to send another technician. To this day, the issue is not yet fixed. The last date was just yesterday when someone was supposed to come again and fix the cable line, but no one came and I did not get a call saying there would be a delay. I guess I was expected to simply stay at home instead of going to work for the entire day. Cable Bahamas mentions a revolution. I agree - we
should all revolt against them and their outrageously poor service. On my most recent Cable Bahamas bill, which covered the month of October, I was granted a $15 relief due to the hurricane as well as $9 for something else. Who are we kidding???? I did not have internet or television for that entire time, and still don’t have TV. Aren’t they generous. Please tell me if there is an alternative... I would leave Cable Bahamas yesterday if I had a choice. Of course, for BEC and BPL, I am looking into solar for my home and also getting an electric car when purchasing my next vehicle. Happy holidays to you all and I wish you all better public utilities going forward.
Reef... discounted 54%... was $2,698.00 now $1,238.00 two-nights. Cove... discounted 52%... was $3,049.00 now $1,470.00 two-nights. Tourism has to explain just how - why and any feeble excuse the Ministry should be promoting this event?
Employee gratuity is paid on the sale price so all employees are taking a cut of 52-54% of their potential gratuity... Waiting a public response, Ministry.
BT Nassau, December 22, 2016,
Atlantis hotel prices EDITOR, The Tribune.
MINISTRY of Tourism seems to be ecstatic over the Popeye’s Bowl but reality says differently when you check room prices at the host Hotel - Atlantis. Coral Towers... no discount B$968.00 for twonights.
W THOMPSON Nassau, December 21, 2016.
NOVEMBER’S unemployment statistics are out and they seem, once again, to have disappointed many in the media, who had hoped for a nice negative story to top off the year. The folk at The Nassau Guardian were so relishing the idea of last month’s report showing an increase to 16 per cent or more that they let that figure slip in at least two of their editorials. Now, instead of standing contrite and corrected in their utter misreading of the Bahamian economy, whole segments of the media are now busy putting a determined spin on the figures. We are told (laughably) by both journalists and the people at the Department of Statistics (who are paid to report statistics, NOT to understand them) that last May’s reduction was down to the government’s silly carnival antics and that November’s were down to Hurricane Matthew. For the record, there are well-understood structural reasons why unemployment levels are lower in April
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net than in October. These relate to the school calendar and to vestigial seasonality in the hotel industry. In its more lucid moments (or when it suits a particular narrative) the local media even admit this. Because of these factors, any sensible analysis of unemployment trends must be based on a comparison of May to May and November to November. To do otherwise would be the equivalent of comparing temperatures every year in June against those in December and concluding that the earth has been cooling since time immemorial. Yet, incredibly, that is exactly what our local media (and a large local ‘illiterati’ that permits itself to be uncritically informed by the former) have been doing, year after year. The headline news that unemployment is down “1.1%” is therefore misleading. In reality, it is down 3.2 per cent, from the most
relevant comparison, which was 14.8% in November, 2015. For any November to offset the structural employment boost of the previous May (albeit mildly) is evidence not of mild, but rather of strong employment growth across the economy. So for reasons that have little to do with domestic politics (and even less to do with Carnivals or hurricanes), unemployment is trending downward quite strongly. Anyone who knows what to look for would not have been surprised at all by this week’s figures, any more than we will be surprised when (quite predictably, when you consider Baha Mar and accelerated developments in Bimini and Exuma) it is around 7 or 8 per cent next May. Then (depending on who won the intervening election) the media will either find itself in congratulatory mode, or else be looking around for explanations for the “false” statistics. ANDREW ALLEN Nassau, December 22, 2016.
FNM dare not talk about corruption EDITOR, The Tribune. THERE has been many criticisms about the PLP, and I must confess that I relentlessly launched many scud missiles myself. I helped to point out where some of the shortcomings were and hoped that adjustments were made. I meticulously made points that would cause anyone to take stock of themselves and correct the problem. The FNM, by the same token, have had many incidences where their practices were not above board either. Therefore I am led to this point, unless the hypocritical FNM cannot completely prove that they are different, then there should be a
HUSH all over The Bahamas. The hypocrisy is simply this, there were incidences where many question marks were left about the misuse of funds and the conflict of interesting and the awarding of contracts to “friends family and lovers” in the FNM. Many well-organised contracts were given, just like anyone else and power. The PLP looked after its supporters and the FNM looked after their supporters. Multimillion dollar contracts were give by the FNM to closely connected FNM and the same with the PLP and rightly so. So let us stop the hypocrisy. I know where the bodies are buried. We need to
now look to the future with a renewed vigour and vitality as it relates to including more of the local Bahamians who have no “entitled family name”. We need to stop throwing stones because all of our glass homes would be smashed to smithereens. None of us are exempted from using the power and clout in politics to gain an advantage. From now on, I am all for country, whatever is done will definitely be for country. So join me in combining all of our efforts to working tirelessly for this our only loved Bahamaland. IVOIN W INGRAHAM Laser Focused! Nassau, December 21, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, December 23, 2016, PAGE 5
MP has ‘faith’ in Long Islanders By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net LONG ISLAND MP Loretta Butler-Turner said yesterday that while she understands “elections are won at the polls and cannot be predicted” she believes Long Islanders “have faith” in her “and she “believes in them”. In an interview with The Tribune at her home, Mrs Butler-Turner said she will not engage in a “back and forth speculation” over who will win the Long Island seat but as it stands she said
she has a “great relationship with her constituents.” Her comments came one day after the Free National Movement’s council ratified Adrian Gibson, an attorney and Tribune columnist, for the Long Island seat. FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis said he is “more than confident” that the political newcomer will unseat Mrs Butler-Turner. Last week, Dr Minnis confirmed that the FNM had started to search for a new Long Island candidate to represent the party in the 2017 general election. The seat is currently held
by Mrs Butler-Turner, who is one of seven FNM MPs who ousted the Killarney MP as leader of the Official Opposition in the House of Assembly earlier this month. Mrs Butler-Turner, who was already ratified to run on the party’s ticket in 2017, was also chosen to replace Dr Minnis in the lower chamber. “We had a tremendous party in Long Island (recently) and we also had the opportunity to visit our people and I can tell you, how elections turn out is only proven on the day of elections,” Mrs Butler-Turner said.
“If I were to use an indication of the response I received from my people I would tell you that at this point they believe in me as I believe in them. Elections are won on Election Day; I will not get into a back and forth on speculation. I deal in facts. The fact is as it stands today, I have a wonderful relationship with my constituency, should that change they will determine as to what my fate will be.” In an interview with The Tribune following his ratification, Mr Gibson said he did not want to seem “disrespectful” but he described
Mrs Butler-Turner’s performance in Long Island as “lacklustre”. “I know the constituents are not happy with her representation and we are putting that behind us and moving forward,” he said. “I am 100 per cent confident I can beat her in Long Island. I am the man for the job.” Last week, in an open letter to Dr Minnis, the Long Island Constituency Association accused him of dishonesty and untrustworthiness over the revoking of Mrs Butler-Turner’s candidacy for the next general election.
In a letter signed by the entire executive arm of the association, Dr Minnis is accused of falsely representing the views of the association in allegedly telling the party’s General Council that it had voted to withdraw the nomination from Mrs Butler-Turner, the island’s MP. The association also claimed that Dr Minnis had “done nothing but sow seeds of division, discord and distrust” since becoming party leader and that he is “desperate to the point of telling larger and bolder untruths”.
BUTLER-TURNER: FNM ACCUSATIONS BOGUS from page one
In the document attached to the email, the Long Island MP said the seven members are not “prepared to get into a fight with our party, which focuses once again on Dr Hubert Minnis as this is a futile exercise.” “It is imperative, and our primary concern, that we consider what is in the best interest of all the people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Indeed, the Bahamian people and our FNM supporters demand that we rid our country of an inept and corrupt PLP government.
“Contrary to the charge, we, duly elected parliamentarians, have exercised our constitutional right in the best interest of our fellow FNM supporters and all the people of The Bahamas,” the document read. Mrs Butler-Turner said the party has no recourse against her or the other MPs and if they took their “charges” to a real court, they would not have a “leg to stand on.” “The bottom line is if this is pursued in the courts of The Bahamas under the constitutional laws of The Bahamas, they would not have a leg to stand on. As a matter of fact, they
will be chased out of the courts rapidly. That is why they are seeking to play to the imaginations and the ignorance of persons who do not understand, when they are convening nothing more than a kangaroo court,” Mrs Butler-Turner said yesterday. “I don’t know who is advising the FNM in these bogus actions but it really frightens me to know this is the party that we have all been apart of and have pledged our allegiance to and to see this group of . . . people who do not adhere to even the party’s constitution, much less the constitution of our land, clearly
they are so out of their own depth and are as delusional as the PLP. “The party can do what it likes as far as we are concerned, we have done everything by the law and we will proceed forward without getting distracted by all of these jester type antics by this group of people who surely do not understand the law of the Constitution.” Mrs Butler-Turner said she has lost all respect for the credibility of the leaders of the FNM and her next step is to focus on the Bahamian people, “who want more than anything to get rid of the Progressive Liberal Party.”
sible, does not offend others,” she said. In yesterday’s apology, Mrs Butler-Turner reaffirmed that it was the Official Opposition’s intention to fight the governing Progressive Liberal Party government with vigour in 2017. She continued: “We must remember to remain approachable and responsive to both the press and members of the public. Most importantly, we must be respectful of the views of others, even as we expect them to be tolerant of ours. “Once again, I apologise unreservedly to Ms Virgil, whom I have always known to be a diligent, proficient and honest representative of the media, and to those offended by Senator Moncur’s remarks.”
erendum which resulted in the death of four constitutional amendment bills, Bahamian women have been waiting for a win. Even people who do not support the FNM wanted to see Butler-Turner emerge victorious. Her withdrawal from the FNM leadership race was disheartening and, for many, unforgivable. Still, when the shock wore off, people were ready to rally behind her again, prepared to support a woman with the belief that she would reflect them — their needs, values, and beliefs.” Ms Wallace is the cofounder of the Coalition
to End Gender-based Violence & Discrimination, serves as the youth ambassador for The Bahamas to End Sexual Violence, and is one of 60 recipients of the 2015 Queen’s Young Leaders Award. “Must we rid ourselves of the PLP at the expense of women?” Ms Wallace questioned. “Is the impact of
LORETTA Butler-Turner and, inset, the email response to the FNM.
OPPOSITION LEADER APOLOGISES FOR MONCUR COMMENTS from page one
Virgil that as a 60-yearold married man, he could “climb on top” of his wife whenever he pleased. He also shouted that Ms Virgil was “dangerous,” adding “you must know how to frame your questions before you come to me”. Mrs Butler-Turner asserted that her parliamentary team will “in no uncertain terms” refrain from berating, insulting or antagonising the public or the media under any circumstance, and endeavour to express themselves in a manner that does not offend others. She urged members to remember to remain approachable and responsive to these groups, and to respect their views, notwithstanding their personal expectations that this tolerance be reciprocal. The confrontation between Mr Moncur and Ms Virgil occurred shortly after he had been sworn in as an opposition senator, appointed by Mrs ButlerTurner. For her part, Mrs Butler-Turner extended “the sincerest of unreserved apologies” to Ms Virgil, but made it clear that she will continue to both defend Mr Moncur’s right to free speech and extol his work as a longtime defender of the socially and economically disfranchised. She said the apology came after days of reflection over the significance of a public figure’s ability to balance their right to free speech against “universally accepted standards of decency and courteousness to others.” “Senator Moncur is entitled to express his own views on issues in accordance with his constitutional right to freedom of expression,” Mrs Butler-Turner’s statement said. “Indeed, I am a firm believer that diversity of opinion, reflecting the concerns and viewpoints of a broad cross-section of Bahamian society, is precisely what is needed in our politics today.” She continued: “I will continue to defend Senator Moncur’s right to free speech and extol his work as a longtime defender of the socially and economically disfranchised. “At the same time, I assert in no uncertain terms that whatever their personal views, members of our parliamentary team will refrain from berating, insulting or antagonising members of the public or journalists under any circumstance. “They will also seek to express their own views in a manner that, as far as pos-
Criticism Mr Moncur has not been shy in vocalising his conservative and anti-feminist views, which led many to question and criticise Mrs Butler-Turner’s decision to appoint the community activist and justice of the peace to the Upper Chamber. Both Senate Leader of Opposition Business Branville McCartney and Mr Moncur were opposed to the Marital Rape Bill, which Mrs Butler-Turner tabled in Parliament in 2009. Both men also rejected the gender equality referendum, albeit for different stated reasons. In an op-ed published in The Bahamas Weekly this week, women’s rights activist and director of Hollaback Bahamas Alicia Wallace characterised those two Senate appointments as the final blow to Mrs Butler-Turner’s most ardent supporters - women and supporters of women’s rights. Mrs Wallace posited that diversity and inclusion did not have to come at the cost of dismissing marginalised communities, and that such an exchange for political expediency was rooted in selfinterest and poor judgment. “For a brief time,” Ms Wallace wrote, “women, feminists, and supporters of women’s rights looked forward to potential benefits of a woman breaking precedent and having the power to influence the national agenda or, at the very least, using a powerful platform to give voice and visibility to underemphasized concerns. This, unfortunately, has not come to fruition; instead, widespread disappointment, shock, and anger are the results of Butler-Turner’s first move as leader of the opposition in Parliament.” She continued: “Following the gender equality ref-
such people spewing patriarchal misogynist rhetoric and seeding the idea that women are subhuman being severely underestimat-
ed? Can we recover from the long-term impact their voices, in positions of power, will have on Bahamian society?”
PAGE 6, Friday, December 23, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
MAN WEARING ANKLE BRACELET SHOT DEAD IN BEDROOM from page one
The man appeared to be in his early thirties. He was found in a one bedroom, wooden structure home where police believe he lived alone. “He was found here shortly after 9am this morning by neighbours in this area,” Chief Supt Fernander said. “The deceased is an adult male appearing to be in his early thirties. He was found here at this residence with gunshots to his body (in a) one bedroom, wooden structure house. “We don’t know the motive of this latest shooting but we can say to you that shortly after midnight this morning officers responded to gunshots in this area and came up negative. “Nothing was seen and nobody was in the area to say what happened. Only this morning neighbours would’ve checked this wooden house and found the deceased lying in bed
with gunshots to the body. He is known to the police and was presently being monitored for a serious offence for which he was out on bail.” This killing brought the country’s homicide rate for the year to 107, according to The Tribune’s records. This year, the country may still record its lowest murder total since 2010, when 94 people were killed. One hundred and twentyseven people were killed in 2011, 111 in 2012, 119 in 2013, 122 in 2014 and 146 in 2015. Thursday’s killing came after two men, including one man wearing an ankle bracelet, were shot multiple times and killed in separate incidents on Sunday and Monday. The victims in the earlier shootings were found off Tonique Darling Highway and Baillou Hill Road. Police identified the men as Maurice Johnson, 22, and Berchinal Martin, 23, respectively.
THE BODY of a shooting victim found dead on Melvern Road in Yellow Elder is removed yesterday.
Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
CLAYTON FERNANDER, chief superintendent of CDU, speaking after the discovery of the body of a man in Yellow Elder.
PM: RIVALS ARE IN ‘MELTDOWN’ from page one
Mr Christie said S&P’s decision was taken because of the government’s expenditure and borrowing in the wake of Hurricanes Joaquin and Matthew as well as S&P’s lack of belief
that Baha Mar will bring its projected boom next year. Mr Christie said Hurricanes Joaquin and Matthew were acts of God, and in their wake his government refused to let Bahamians suffer. “Let’s acknowledge that when the rating agency
speaks to expenditure not being sufficiently controlled, they also acknowledge that in part, that is due to the impacts and cost of hurricane restoration,” he said. “We’ve had an extraordinary experience in the Bahamas in having in the space of one year two major hurricanes. We’re
talking about a country that has been devastated not by the decision of a government but by the allowance of God. There’s nothing we could’ve done other than to pray that nobody lose their lives.” Mr Christie also seemed to tie the recent hurricanes to climate change. “We have to accept the reality that climate change is here,” he said. “Even though there might be differences expressed in the country nearest us between an outgoing president and an incoming president, the Bahamas needs no further evidence that as sea-level rises five feet and stays at five feet, 80 per cent of the country disappears. The evidence is it has happened here in Grand Bahama where the waters have receded. The evidence
is it has happened in Long Island but the water has receded. It has happened in Cat Island, flooding. It happened in New Providence just with Hurricane Matthew where the water came inland. So we don’t need to bring any new science into this. We know like the Pacific islands and the leaders of those countries in the Pacific, like us, low-lying islands in the Caribbean, that we run the risk of natural disasters overwhelming our countries. It has to be built into our budgets. And this is the challenge. My government faced with people losing homes, having major negative impacts on their homes, meaning lots of losses, could either pretend that it is not our fault, not our problem and allow people to scrap, even to die, or we
decide philosophically that it is our obligation to govern this country, to do so along the lines of our constitution which raises the spiritual commitment.” Earlier this week, S&P handed the Bahamas an unwanted Christmas present a downgrade to “junk” status, reflecting the country’s worsening economic and fiscal position. S&P’s action, based on the Bahamas’ weaker economic growth and slower fiscal consolidation pace, means that the country has lost its all-important ‘investment grade’ status, which is potentially highly damaging for the nation and its economy as it signals to the international capital markets that its creditworthiness is slipping into dangerous territory.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, December 23, 2016, PAGE 7
Judge to rule in January on papers in Nygard case By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net A JUDGE said yesterday that she will rule in January 2017 on the admissibility of correspondence and/or other documents concerning Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard that were prepared before December 2014 when alleged dredging activities were occurring on or around Nygard Cay. Committal proceedings for Mr Nygard continued before Justice Rhonda Bain concerning his alleged breach of an order during an ongoing judicial review to determine whether the fashion designer had illegally increased the size of his property. The Lyford Cay resident was not present in the Ansbacher House courtroom as he had been excused last week from the proceedings after his lawyer Elliot Lockhart, QC, successfully applied to Justice Bain for
PETER NYGARD him to be excused from the cerning her legal represcheduled proceedings un- sentation of Mr Nygard, til January 23, 2017, when Fred Smith, QC, and lead the committal hearing is ex- lawyer for Save The Bays, pected to be completed. had applied to have a seBefore the start of yes- ries of documents admitterday’s hearing where at- ted into evidence for contorney Melissa Hall was sideration. to give her evidence conMr Lockhart asked for a
30-minute recess to review the documents that had been brought to the courtroom by the applicants for Mr Nygard’s committal. After the break, Mr Lockhart stressed his objection to the admissibility of all the documents that have been produced. Mr Nygard’s lawyer argued that the court could not take judicial notice of them and that they were not produced through the proper chain of custody in accordance with the Evidence Act. “The documents surfacing at this stage when it’s not possible for the alleged condemner to put any questions to the maker is unfair,” Mr Lockhart said. “There is a provision in the Evidence Act which give the court the discretion to exclude any evidence if it would be unfair to any party. This is one such instance,” Mr Nygard’s lawyer added. Mr Lockhart stressed
CORRECTIONS OFFICER MUST SEEK BAIL AFTER ALTERACTION AT MARKET STREET BAR By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net
A CORRECTIONS officer will have to seek bail from the Supreme Court after he was remanded to prison following his arraignment in Magistrate’s Court in connection with an alleged altercation at a bar off Market Street. Anthony Deveaux, 36, appeared before Magistrate Constance Delancy on
Wednesday facing a count each of grievous harm, assaulting a police officer, disorderly behaviour and resisting arrest stemming from an incident on December 17 at Lucky’s Bar. It is alleged that on that date he intentionally and unlawfully caused grievous harm to Johnny Burrows. It is further alleged that he behaved in a disorderly manner, resisted arrest and assaulted a responding policeman, PC 3046 Mackey.
Deveaux pleaded not guilty to all charges when called on the answer to the allegations and will stand trial in Magistrate’s Court on February 28, 2017. Due to the nature of the alleged offence, the magistrate could not consider bail for the accused. He was told that he would have to be remanded to the Department of Correctional Services to await trial. However, he was advised of his right to apply for bail
in the Supreme Court. While the disorderly behaviour charge is a misdemeanour that carries a fine of $25, a person convicted of resisting arrest and/or assaulting a police officer can face up to six months imprisonment. A person convicted of grievous harm can face up to seven years in prison. Deveaux, who maintains his innocence, has retained attorney Terrel Butler to represent him.
that the documents, dating back as far as 1986 had no relevance to the allegation that Peter Nygard, in December 2014, had breached the order of the court. “The subject matter here is whether Peter Nygard is guilty of breaching paragraph two of your order. Your order came long after these documents,” the lawyer said. The matter was adjourned to January 19, 2017 for further submissions from Mr Lockhart and responding submissions from Mr Smith. The judge will then rule on the matter before allowing Ms Hall to resume her testimony. Save The Bays’ battle with Mr Nygard over the construction/development activities at his Lyford Cay home stem from allegations that the activities have led to substantial growth of the property. The group claims that the Lyford Cay resident
has almost doubled the size of his property, from 3.25 acres to 6.1 acres, since he acquired it in 1984, by allegedly reclaiming Crown land from the sea. The advocacy group has alleged that Mr Nygard achieved this without the necessary permits and approvals, claims that have been denied by the fashion designer. In 2015, Justice Bain was asked to recuse herself from committal proceedings involving Mr Nygard through a notice of motion filed in the Supreme Court by his former lawyer on the grounds of bias. However, in January, Justice Bain said Mr Nygard had not proved there was evidence of bias or apparent bias towards him and found the accusations to be “scandalous”. The Court of Appeal, in June, affirmed Justice Bain’s rejection of the application in an appeal of the decision by the Lyford Cay resident.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all our customers! Nassau Plastics, the Sign Post and Trophy Case will CLOSE for the holidays on December 28, 29 and 30, 2016 returning to normal working hours on Tuesday, January 3, 2017
CIBC GIVES SUPPORT TO HEART FOUNDATION CIBC FirstCaribbean has made a donation to the Sir Victor Sassoon Heart Foundation. “We are thankful for this CIBC FirstCaribbean donation which will go toward the aid and medical care of children afflicted with heart disease or who need heart surgery,” said Thelma Johnson, president of the Sir Victor Sassoon Heart Foundation, said in a press release. “Families who need financial aid are referred to us by local cardiologists and donations like this make it possible for us to pay for their children’s needs.” Corporate donations assist the Sir Victor Sassoon
(Bahamas) Heart Foundation in helping parents take their children to specialist centres in Florida for medical attention at no cost to the families. CIBC FirstCaribbean made a donation to the foundation to help support the families of children with heart conditions. The Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation is one of the most respected charitable organisations in the Bahamas. It is a privately funded charity that raises money primarily through donations and the annual Heart Ball, which will be held again on February 2, 2017 at the Melia Hotel in Nassau.
Nassau Plastics
THELMA Johnson (left), president of the Sir Victor Sassoon Heart Foundation, accepts a cheque from Maya Nottage, marketing manager at CIBC FirstCaribbean.
Parkgate Road, Nassau, Bahamas 393-1332
PAGE 8, Friday, December 23, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
g i n e ht be h t s a fore C d n a w l a h m r i a T s h t a ‘ ma s i n B
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the House, Not a creature was stirring, not even V Alfred the Louse,
A Comic’s View
The stockings were hung by the chimney with By INIGO ‘NAUGHTY’ ZENICAZELAYA care, With hopes that Fook’s money soon would be there, Cabinet ministers and backbenchers were snug in their beds, As visions of Baha Mar contracts danced in their heads, Perry sat in the kitchen, with Sears on his lap, Saying, ‘You round here begging fa convention? Mind Santa don’t gee you a slap!’ When out of the blue, there arose such a clatter, Causing Theo to scream, and the Opposition to scatter, Away to the window Doc flew like red flash, Tore open the shutters and prepared to get dashed, The moon peered down on Bahamaland below, As Doc looked around wondering, ‘Hey, where did my caucus go?’ When what to my wondering eyes should appear? Six FNM MPs walking back in there, Led by two plotters, so sneaky and slick, (It’s safe to say Branetta would even sucker punch St Nick) And quicker than Branville had carried his behind, Loretta pulled out some candy and he soon fell in line, ‘Now Rollins! Now Chippie! On Grant! Theo! Dick! Key you come too, since Doc making you sick!’ Meanwhile, across the land, there grew a great hush, Til Big Bad Brad shouted, ‘Prepare the second Gold Rush!’ Jerome jumped up grinning,’Dis too easy, man!’ ‘Ya mean ya tell me I’ne need to dive in my political garbage can?’ ‘I had one li’l oil spill, an email scandal or two, But thanks to Branetta, I looking brand new!’ Brave jumped up, smiling to himself ‘I guess I could put Toggie and Bobo back on the shelf’ Glenys sat up slowly, staring afar Mumbling, ‘I wonder if they dey know I still een fix dat radar?’ V Alfred awoke in the corner, reciting his one Christmas wish, ‘Dear Santa, please lemme authorise the Chinese dem some fish’ Perry jumped up, his face looking bright, The hair on his head suddenly black as night, He started dancing and shuffling his feet, ‘Two straight, baby! I can’t be beat!’ I frowned when I saw this, and was filled with dread, ‘By the time we get new leaders we’ll all be dead!’ Senator Rodney ran in and grabbed Loretta’s hem ‘I’ne pussyfooting around, I come to save the woman dem!’ Doc spoke not a word, as he looked at Loretta, Thinking, ‘Why I ever trust dis gal? I shoulda known better!’ He then sucked his teeth, looking sad and vex, Saying, ‘Perry why you laughing? Dey een tell you you next?’ Loretta went to bed, Bran turned off his phone, Thinking, ‘Once we win election, dis shady gal on her own!’ Merry Christmas everyone, and to all a good night, When ‘17 come, make sure your soul right!
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In the style of Clement Clarke Moore’s ‘A Visit From St Nicholas’ • Inigo ‘Naughty’ Zenicazelaya is the resident standup comic at Jokers Wild Comedy Club at the Atlantis, Paradise Island, resort and presents ‘Mischief and Mayhem in da AM’ from 6am to 10am, Monday to Friday, and ‘The Press Box’ sports talk show on Sunday from 10am to 1pm on KISS FM 96.1. He also writes a sports column in The Tribune on Tuesday. Comments and questions to naughty@ tribunemedia.net
TO ADVERTISE IN THE TRIBUNE, CONTACT 502-2394
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, December 23, 2016, PAGE 9
Freedom of Information Bill ‘a missed opportunity’
| “Leader In Personal Banking Services”
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AVP INTERNAL AUDIT & CREDIT INSPECTION LEMARQUE CAMPBELL, chairman of Citizens for Better Bahamas. By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
committee with representation from the opposition. “Additionally, civil society should be included in IN spite of the govern- the process either through ment’s highly touted con- membership on the select sultation process for its committee or the publicaFreedom of Information tion of a short-list of candiBill, more than 20 civil so- dates and public feedback ciety organisations have de- on the same. clared the document tabled “As the person ultimately in the House of Assembly responsible for what public last week a “missed oppor- information we the people tunity”. have access to and how, it is In a joint statement, the crucial that this position be groups noted that while the immune to political bias of government adopted sev- any kind,” he continued. eral suggestions collected Education Minister Jeduring public rome Fitzgerconsultation ear- ‘To maintain ald tabled the lier in the year, it impartiality, long-awaited abstained from Freedom of Intaking on any of the information formation Bill the major con- commissioner on December cerns raised by should be 14 after numercivil society. ous delays and Three main selected just five months areas that the through ahead of the group found the measures next election. bill was still lackHowever, Mr ing included: the independent Fitzgerald exselection process of the pressed “disapof the informa- government.’ pointment” in tion commisthe lack of pubsioner, the scope lic involvement of public authorities subject in drafting this legislation. to the bill, and the long time The previous Ingraham limits for making informa- administration passed a tion accessible. Freedom of Information Act Lemarque Campbell, shortly before the 2012 genchairman of Citizens for eral election, however there a Better Bahamas, said: was no date for enactment. “Currently, the bill states The incoming Christie that the information com- administration said the legmissioner will be appointed islation needed to be overby the governor general hauled. upon the recommendation The bill will grant the of the prime minister after public the right of access to consultation with the leader records held by public auof the opposition. thorities, subject to exemp“To maintain impartial- tions, which balance to the ity,” he continued, “the right of access against the information commissioner non-disclosure of governshould be selected through ment or commercial informeasures independent of mation where non disclothe government, such as a sure is in the public interest. Judicial Services Commit- It aims to create transpartee or a Parliament select ency and accountability at
the government level. It is unclear when debate will begin on the legislation. Yesterday, the CSO collective urged Bahamians and residents to get informed and pressure their MPs to advocate for more amendments when the bill is debated. Matt Aubry, executive director of the Organisation for Responsible Governance, said: “Our neighbours in Jamaica, The Cayman Islands and Trinidad & Tobago have all enacted FOIAs. The Bahamas needs to catch up.” “A ‘true’ FOIA will benefit and protect citizens, residents, private businesses, civil society organisations, and ultimately, our country. It will give us the right to important information about our country and give us the power to expose misconduct. “We must all work together for a bill that better reflects the accountability and transparency we want for the Bahamas.” The CSO collective includes: Citizens for a Better Bahamas, Our Carmichael, The Organisation for Responsible Governance, We The People, Save The Bays, The Abaco Chamber of Commerce, The Nassau Institute, reEarth, HeadKnowles Foundation, Grand Bahama Human Rights Association, Waterkeepers Bahamas, The Bahamas Press Club, The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation, It’s Our Turn, Young Marine Explorers, Civil Society Bahamas, The Bahamas Retailers Federation, The Coalition to Save Clifton, Rise Bahamas, Citizens for Justice and BREEF.
RBDF OFFICERS HURT AS VESSEL HITS DOCK SEVERAL Royal Bahamas Defence Force officers were injured last night. Police reported that, shortly after 6pm, a ves-
sel belonging to the RBDF collided into the docking facilities at Prince George Wharf. Reportedly, several offic-
ers were taken to hospital with minor injuries. Further details were not available at the time of going to press.
DEATH NOTICE
Donald “Percy” Holness Barrett, 65
Commonwealth Bank is the premier Bahamian Bank with branches located in New Providence, Grand Bahama and Abaco. We are committed to delivering superior quality service, to training and developing our employees, to creating value for our shareholders and to promoting economic growth and stability in the community.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: • Provide strong leadership and direction relative to all phases of Audits including planning, control analysis, testing and reporting. • Develop and conduct comprehensive audit programs to ensure compliance with the Bank’s policy, local laws and industry regulations. • Maintain a strong knowledge of the Bank’s credit and operational risk management practices and reporting requirements. • Drive the development of control oriented policies and procedures as well as new and enhanced technology platforms. • Perform fraud investigations and liaise with law enforcement where necessary. • Assist External Auditors during audits as necessary. QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE: • Minimum of eight (8) years qualifications with a Professional Auditing or Accounting Firm. • Bachelors degree in Accounting from a recognized University Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification. KNOWLEDGE, COMPETENCIES & SKILLS: Knowledge The applicant should be proficient in the following areas: • Accounting principles, techniques and auditing software. • Computer skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Competencies The applicant should demonstrate the following: • Ability to Drive Engagement – create a climate where team members are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives. • Decision Quality – ability to make good and timely decisions based on analysis, wisdom, experience and judgement. • Business Insight – ability to apply knowledge of the business and the marketplace to advance the organization’s goals. • Strategic Mindset – ability to look, plan and move into the future with clear intentions and purposeful actions. • Drives Results – possess an achievement mindset and eagerness to take the initiative. • Customer Focus – ability to build strong customer relationships and deliver customer centric solutions. • Drive Vision & Purpose – ability to paint a compelling picture of the Bank’s vision and strategy that motivates others to action. • Cultivate Innovation – ability to come up with useful ideas that are new, better or unique. Required Skills • Effective written communications skills including the ability to prepare reports, policies and procedures. • Effective organizational skills. • Effective time management skills. • Stress management skills. Not easily overwhelmed. Able to multi-task in a fast paced working environment while maintaining efficiency and accuracy. REMUNERATION PACKAGE:
of Miami Gardens, Florida formerly of Savanna-la-Mar, Jamaica and Nassau, Bahamas died at Mount Sinai Hospital on December 17, 2016. He is survived by his wife: Vivienne Barrett; 4 daughters: Janet Barrett, Rupina Knowles, Victoria and Bridgette Barrett, 2 sons; Donald Dominic Barrett and Trishtan Brown, son-in-law; Dr. G. Ashaini Knowles, daughter-in-law; Tia Barrett, 9 grandchildren: David and Justin Campbell, Dominic, Taij and Tre Barrett, Zyre, Zyra, Zariah and Nazir Brown and Kassidy Wilson; 2 brothers: Ronald and Charles Barrett; 3 sisters: Marion Dussie, Ingrid “Chin” Lowe and Rachanara “Sister” Wong, and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral will be held on December 31, 2016 10:00 a.m. at Monument of Faith Ministries, 1956 NW 183rd Street, Miami Gardens, FL 33056, U.S.A. Viewing to be held on December 30, 2016 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Fred Hunter’s Hollywood Memorial Gardens, 6301 Taft Street, Hollywood, FL 33081, U.S.A.
Commonwealth Bank is a Great place to work! We offer an exciting work environment with the opportunity for growth and development. We also offer a competitive compensation package, reflecting the successful applicant’s experience and qualifications, including a performance based incentive plan, health, vision, dental and life insurances and a pension plan. Qualified individuals should complete an online application by December 30, 2016 at: www.careers.combankltd.com/careers “ Commonwealth Bank sincerely thanks all applicants for their interest in becoming a part of our team, however, only those applications being considered will be contacted.”
PAGE 10, Friday, December 23, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
FNM candidate withdraws amid health concerns from page one
The announcement of Mr Saunders’ decision came yesterday in a press statement released by the party, in which Mr Collie said the former candidate “on the strong advice of his physician and family decided to withdraw his name from contention.” While Thursday’s statement didn’t clarify the extent of Mr Saunders’ medical condition, it did indicate that the party is eying several potential replacement candidates for the MICAL constituency. The statement read:
Antique Auto Club of The Bahamas Antique Auto Club. Members of the Antique Auto Club of The Bahamas got a kickstart on building the Christmas spirit this week as they wrapped, packed and delivered gifts and bags of groceries for some 120 deserving children at three different Primary Schools. A team of club members went to each school as Schools closed for the Christmas break. The children were encouraged to join in some Carol singing prior to the gift giving, which was enjoyable and added to the spirit of the season. The club is now in it’s 25th year of conducting this “heartwarming, feel good event”, as a spokesman for the club described it, since Don Aranha, club president at the time, proposed the idea. The Antique Auto Club of the Bahamas was formed in 1987 by six men interested in the hobby of restoration and preservation of Vintage Automobiles and currently has a membership of about 70 men and women. An Annual Antique Auto Show is held every
JOIN THE CLUB OUR Clubs and Societies page is a chance for you to share your group’s activities with our readers. To feature on our Clubs and Societies page, submit your report to clubs@ tribunemedia.net, with “Clubs Page” written in the subject line. For more information about the page, contact Stephen Hunt on 5022373 or 447-3565.
“Our friend and ratified candidate for MICAL, Walt Saunders, informed the FNM leadership that as a result of health concerns, and on the strong advice of his physician and family he has decided to withdraw his name from the MICAL constituency contest. ‘It has been our great pleasure working with Walt as our candidate, and we look forward to his continued improvement in health.” It continued: “Walt has assured the party and its leadership of his continued support and assistance in ensuring that MICAL is in
the win column for the Free National Movement in 2017. “Walt will be assisting the party in identifying who from the names who have already been put forward is best suited to continue the stellar work that he has begun.” Mr Saunders, a businessman, was ratified in September by the FNM. Within days of being ratified, Mr Saunders took current MICAL MP, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister V Alfred Gray to task over his performance as a parliamentarian. Mr Saunders claimed MICAL constituents were “simply disgusted” by Mr
Gray’s efforts as an MP, contending that there were “basic things” Mr Gray could have assisted with but did not. At the time he said these factors had “really worked against” the Cabinet minister’s reputation in the constituency. Mr Saunders is a native of Inagua, one of the five islands that form the MICAL constituency. In early September, less than a week after the FNM’s Bain and Grants Town ticket became vacant, party member Howard Johnson announced that he was withdrawing as the FNM’s South Beach candi-
date, pointing to “personal and private family matters” as his reasons for dropping out of the race. Mr Johnson said despite these matters, which required his constant presence and attention, he remained committed to the party and pledged to assist the FNM in any way possible to win the next election. About a week earlier, FNM member Leonard Sands announced that he was officially ending his candidacy for the Bain and Grants Town constituency. It came more than a month after he announced that he was suspending his campaign.
Mr Sands posted on his Facebook page earlier this year: “There are times in life when we have to evaluate what is really most important at that time. “As I arrive at this place in my political life many will have much to say about my decision and many will be disappointed. I must, however, remind those persons that many are the plans of man, but it is the Lord’s will that shall prevail.” The FNM has since ratified talk show host Jeffrey Lloyd to run in South Beach and 21-year-old University of the Bahamas student Travis Robinson for Bain and Grants Town.
year, which raises funds for a charity or organization involving underprivileged children. The Public will be hearing details of the 2017 “30th Anniversary” Show
Bahamas Council of Deliberation soon. Bahamas Council of Deliberation. - The Bahamas Council of Deliberation will honor the Illustrious Basil L Sands, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander, United Supreme Council, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Prince Hall Affiliated, Northern Jurisdiction, at a Testimonial Ball to be held on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at the Melia Nassau Beach Resort in Cable Beach. Illustrious Sands made history as the first nonAmerican to achieve the high office of Sovereign Grand Commander in May of this year when he was elected to serve as the 19th Sovereign Grand Commander of over seven thousand Scottish Rite Freemasons, Prince Hall Affiliated, from the United States of America, Barbados, Canada, Europe, the Far East and The Bahamas. The Bahamas Council of Deliberation will host some 60 Officers, Deputies and Assistants for the 22 Orients and other members from the aforementioned countries along with local Masonic bodies on the big occasion which promises to be a majestic night. A Certified Chartered Accountant, Illustrious Sands was born in Clarence Town, Long Island to the late Ronald and Nora Sands. From teacher to accountant, Mr Sands is a trailblazer who has always
CLUB president Don Pinder, Murray Forde and Mark Gillespie with some of the children at one of the other schools happily holding their gifts. Family, friends and the Our last planned group ride exhibited strong leadership traits that would follow brothers and sisters of all for the year will be this Saturhim throughout his profes- Prince Hall Affiliated bod- day from Harbour Bay at 6am. sional, civic and masonic ies are expected to attend We will see you for our next career. He was the founding the ball to honor Illustrious group ride January 7th, 2017. president of the Bahamas Sands and look forward to If you are looking for someone Institute of Chartered Ac- enjoying the positive and to ride with in the meantime, forward-thinking progress please use the various chat countants in 1971. He was appointed by the which his dynamic leader- groups on What’s App. Please be safe over the holidays. Japanese Government as ship will bring. Honorary Consul of Japan, Cycling Club Genesis to The Bahamas. He served in that position for twentyBahamas Early Act Club six years and was awarded Japan’s “Order of the SaCycling Club Bahamas. cred Treasure” in 1993. He and his wife of sixty-three years, Roberta “Bobbie” Turnquest-Sands, have five children, Robert “Sandy”, Diane, Basil, Renée and Duane “Ernie”. Illustrious Sands has been a part of Prince Hall Masonry for the past fiftyseven years and is a Past Master of Royal Eagle Lodge, the first Prince Hall Lodge in The Bahamas and has been awarded an honorary Past Grand Master title from the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Without a doubt, Illustrious Sands has also enjoyed a stellar Scottish Rite career.
BASIL SANDS Genesis Early Act Club. - The Genesis Early Act Club recently held a Thanksgiving food drive amongst students at the school, located on Shirley Street. The students were able to bring some Christmas relief to Unity House home for the elderly on East Street South as they donated several boxes of dry and canned goods.
GENESIS Early Act Club president Nathan Stuart, along with club advisors Elaine Pratt and Jannicka Pearce and members of the board presenting items to Ms Coakley from Unity House.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, December 23, 2016, PAGE 11
PERFEC-TONE HOSTS CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON AT ABILITIES UNLIMITED FOR more than 20 years, celebrating the Christmas season with the members and staff of Abilities Unlimited has become a tradition for Perfec-Tone, which hosted its annual luncheon yesterday at the non-profit organisation’s headquarters on Dolphin Drive. During the luncheon, staff from Perfec-Tone presented food, handwritten letters, Christmas treat bags and the company’s annual charitable donations as gifts for the season and shared a meal with personnel from Abilities Unlimited, an organisation which provides job opportunities for people deemed physically and/or intellectually disabled, allowing them to utilise talents like carpentry and pottery to create desired items. Lila Pinder, the Perfec-Tone
Founder, has come to greatly appreciate the ceramics that the members of Abilities Unlimited have crafted over 40 years of operation and she has ensured that her company contributes to their cause. “Spending time with the members of this organisation has given us great joy over the years, and we realise that as each year passes we can learn a lot from their endurance and spirit, especially during this Christmas season,” said Arron Pinder, CEO of Perfec-Tone. “We love to see and experience their progression, and encourage everyone to be a part of it as well.” Designs by Krystal Cartwright produced the handwritten letters while The Cookie Caterer provided the treats and food came courtesy of Cakes by Lila and THE PERFEC-TONE team hosted their annual charity Christmas lunch for the residents at Abilities Unlimited, where they Domino’s Pizza. sang songs, presented gifts and provided them all with a meal. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
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