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Gomez would be ‘surprised’ if Justice was called upon By KHRISNA VIRGIL Tribune Staff Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net  CENTRAL and South Eleuthera MP Damian Gomez said he would be “surprised� if Supreme Court Justice Indra Charles is called before the Committee on Privileges after being named last week in a resolution to determine whether she and others should be held in contempt of the House of Assembly. While confirming that he still plans to recuse himself as Chairman of the committee, Mr Gomez, QC, explained that just as parliamentarians were asserting their privilege when they sit in the lower chamber, Justice Charles is also “immune from process� when she sits on the bench of her
courtroom. The former state minister of legal affairs affirmed that Save The Bays Director Fred Smith, QC, and attorney Ferron Bethel – who were also named in the resolution – “will have to be� brought before the committee to determine whether they committed an offence. “I imagine that by next Monday all of these things will be worked out because once I announce my resignation, my seat would have to be filled in the committee and I would think that a member of the government would be appointed,� Mr Gomez told reporters yesterday following the morning session of the House of Assembly. SEE PAGE SIX
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THREE HELD AFTER FATAL STABBING IN FREEPORT
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By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THREE men are assisting police with their investigation into the fatal stabbing of a 43-year-old man in Freeport on Tuesday evening. Shortly after 9pm, police were called to the Man-OWar Circle area where a man had been stabbed in the neck during an argument. SEE PAGE SIX
MAKING FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR JUNKANOO CARNIVAL
MILLER STANDS BY DESIRE TO EXILE TRANSGENDER BAHAMIANS
By KHRISNA VIRGIL Tribune Staff Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net  TALL Pines MP Leslie Miller said he does not see the need to apologise for his disparaging comments that members of the transgender community should be exiled to a private island. When asked if he would apologise for the remarks, the former Cabinet minister responded: “For what? I don’t see the need.� On Monday, while denouncing the transgender community, Mr Miller
pledged to give the group its first $1,000 toward relocating. He added that it was his constant prayer that “God would come now and just end the world� as their actions “go against His will.� “Let me say first of all that I never said I was speaking for the party but I was speaking on behalf of the Bahamian people,� the Progressive Liberal Party MP said yesterday, when asked to respond to the backlash he has received from some quarters. SEE PAGE 12
A GLIMPSE behind the scenes yesterday as workers made the finishing touches for costumes for carnival groups getting ready for the road. Prime Minister Perry Christie toured the road fever companies ahead of the Road Fever event on Saturday, and this weekend’s Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival. See pages 14-15 for more. Photo: Kemuel Stubbs/BIS
NO JOB CUTS ‘FOR NOW’ AT POWER COMPANY
By SANCHESKA BROWN Tribune Staff Reporter sbrown@tribunemedia.net  PRESIDENT of the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union Paul Maynard yesterday said there will be no layoffs “for now� at the Bahamas Power and Light
Company now that the new management company has taken over. In an interview with The Tribune, Mr Maynard said he along with Bahamas Electrical Utility Managerial Union (BEUMU) President Clinton Minnis met with BPL CEO Pam Hill
who assured the unions that there will be “no staff cuts for the time being�. However, Mr Maynard said he made it clear that the union will not stand by while the price of electricity continues to skyrocket to an unsustainable rate. “We had a very frank
DAVIS HAS NO FEAR OF REFERENDUM LAWSUIT By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net ACTING Prime Minister Philip “Brave� Davis is not concerned about threats to pursue legal action against the govern-
ment over its failure to provide public funds to proponents of the constitutional referendum’s vote “no� campaign. Mr Davis’ comments came amid National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage’s repeated failure
to address the matter, although he told The Tribune last week that as minister with responsibility for referendums he would address all aspects of the upcoming vote. SEE PAGE THREE
meeting and we promised her we will do all we can to help her with the process. We also told her staff morale is very low and employees were anxious to know what changes would be made,� Mr Maynard said. SEE PAGE SIX
GOVT TO SEEK NEW BAHA MAR WIND-UP DELAY SEE BUSINESS
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THE TRIBUNE
TEN LAPTOPS DONATED BY URBAN RENEWAL
THE TEN new HP laptops presented to Loretta Butler-Turner by Urban Renewal yesterday.
LONG Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner tries out one of the ten laptops donated by Urban Renewal yesterday at Evangelistic Temple. Photos: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff
LONG Island MP Loretta Butler Turner with Urban Renewal cochairs Cythia “Mother” Pratt and Algernon Allen.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, May 5, 2016, PAGE 3
FORMER GOVERNORS GENERAL BACK YES VOTE
FORMER Governors General Sir Arthur Foulkes and Sir Orville Turnquest last night pledged their full support for the upcoming constitutional referendum on gender equality. In a joint statement released through Bahamas Information Services, they encouraged Bahamians to vote “yes” to all four questions that will be on the ballot. Both men were among six delegates who attended the Constitutional Conference in December 1972 in London, England and helped frame the country’s Constitution. “As former governors
general of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, as former members of Parliament, and as signers to our nation’s independence Constitution, we wish to express our full support for gender equality in our Constitution and to encourage the Bahamian people to vote ‘yes’ on all four of the amendments that will be presented in the June 7 referendum,” the statement said. “We are proud that the Constitution we helped to create in 1972 prohibits laws which discriminate on the basis of race or religion; now this right to non-discrimination must
be extended to Bahamian men and women. In strong democracies, citizens bear the same responsibilities and enjoy the same rights, whether they are male or female. “Bahamians are being asked: should our sons and daughters be equal in our Constitution and under our laws? Our answer can only be yes; not only because democracy depends on this kind of equality but because we are fathers and grandfathers. “We know that families provide the foundation for every strong society, and laws that divide families
weaken our nation. Our sons and daughters, and our grandsons and granddaughters, should have the same opportunities, the same privileges and the same protections under the law. “We urge Bahamians to reflect carefully and to be guided by the truth, not by fear and confusion. This is an historic opportunity, a moment for progress and celebration. Voting ‘yes’ is the right choice for our country, for our democracy and for our sons and daughters.” The first Constitutional Amendment Bill would give Bahamian women who
Moss ‘fearmongering’ with Nazi claim By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net THE YES Bahamas campaign yesterday accused Marco City MP Greg Moss of fearmongering in response to his comparison of its efforts to Nazi propaganda. The campaign shot back, stating that Mr Moss’ statements were “reckless, fallacious and wholly disingenuous”, adding that the MP’s actions were more in line with the infamous propaganda campaigns that relied on fear and misinformation. “Mr Moss’ continued assertion that amendment four will open up the door to same-sex marriage is completely inaccurate,” read the campaign’s statement. “Voting ‘yes’ on amendment four will only ensure that the government of The Bahamas cannot make laws that privilege men over women or women over men. It is about ensuring that Bahamian men and women, our sons and daughters, have equal opportunities and protections under the law.” The statement continued: “The Nazis relied on conspiracy theories about minorities in their midst to convince citizens to be complicit in decisions that ultimately landed Germany on the wrong side of history. Mr Moss should be careful that his own fearmongering does not result in the same for the Bahamian people.” On Tuesday, Mr Moss compared the government’s support of the gender equality referendum through the YES campaign and its officials to “propaganda” methods utilised by Nazi Germany. He forecast the total failure of the gender equality referendum, citing that there was widespread distrust in the government
are married to foreign men the right to pass on their Bahamian citizenship to any child of that union no matter where that child is born. The Constitution currently says that only Bahamian male citizens by birth have that right. Bill two would allow a Bahamian woman married to a foreign man the right to secure for her husband the same access to Bahamian citizenship as a Bahamian male has in relation to his foreign wife. However this would not be automatic. Bill three would grant any unmarried Bahamian
man the right to pass on his Bahamian citizenship to any child he fathers with a foreign woman with proof of paternity. The fourth bill has been mired in controversy due to belief from some quarters that a ‘yes’ vote would lead to same-sex marriage. The proposed change seeks to update Article 26 of the Constitution to outlaw discrimination based on sex, which means being male or female. The government has strongly rejected the gay marriage argument, stressing that the upcoming vote is about gender equality.
THE WORDING OF THE FOUR BILLS IN THE CONSTITUTIONAL REFERENDUM Bill 1: Approval of alteration to Article 8 and the repeal of Article 9 of the Constitution. Do you approve of The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2014? Under the proposed change to the Constitution, a child born outside of The Bahamas would, after the coming into operation of this amendment, become a Bahamian citizen at birth if either its mother or father is a citizen of The Bahamas by birth. Yes [ ] No [ ] Bill 2: Approval of alteration to Article 10 of the Constitution. Do you approve of The Constitution (Amendment) (No 2) Bill, 2014? Under this proposed change to the Constitution, the foreign spouse of a Bahamian citizen would, after the coming into operation of this Article, be entitled to apply for and obtain citizenship subject to satisfying: (i) existing national security or public policy considerations; and (ii) new provisions guarding against marriages of convenience. Yes [ ] No [ ]
GREG Moss MP had claimed that the Yes campaign was akin to Nazi propaganda. stand after the proposed wholly disingenuous. Nazi among the electorate. Mr Moss called the refer- amendment since it allows propaganda campaigns reendum an exercise in prop- legislation to discriminate lied on two factors; fear and misinformation, the very aganda and social engineer- when it comes to marriage. “These are the facts,” it same elements that have ing, and proposed that the democratic and responsible continued, “and they have constituted Mr Moss’ camoption would be to post- been supported by one for- paign against the June 7 refpone the vote until the gov- mer chief justice, a host of erendum.” It added: “The YES Baernment could ensure equal Queen’s Counsellors, the funding and time were attorney general, the bipar- hamas campaign believes given to the campaigns that tisan Constitutional Com- that when Bahamians are mission, Bishop Neil Ellis informed and fully underoppose the bills. The Marco City MP in- of Global United Fellow- stand the four amendments sisted that three of the bills ship of Churches, Bishop we have been asked to conwere just smokescreens for Laish Boyd of the Anglican sider, when the time comes the fourth Constitutional Diocese and Archbishop to vote, their conscience Amendment Bill - which Patrick Pinder of the Ro- will guide them to vote seeks to end discrimination man Catholic Archdiocese ‘yes’.” and a number of other relibased on sex. In response, the YES gious leaders.” “Greg Moss, MP, likened campaign reiterated that the fourth bill would not the government’s support create the legal framework for the YES Bahamas camto allow for same-sex mar- paign to Nazi propaganda,” the statement read. riage. “Mr Moss’ statements The statement read: “Since 1879, marriage has are reckless, fallacious and been defined as between a man and a women and amendment four will not change that. Furthermore, Article 30 of the Constitution preserves the definition of marriage as between one man and one woman, and Article 26(4)(c) ensures that this definition could
Bill 3: Approval of alteration to Article 14 of the Constitution. Do you approve of The Constitution (Amendment) (No 3) Bill, 2014? Under this proposed change to the Constitution, a Bahamian father of a person born out wedlock after the coming into operation of this amendment would be able to pass his citizenship to that person subject to legal proof that he is the father. Yes [ ] No [ ] Bill 4: Approval of alteration to Article 26 of the Constitution. Do you approve of The Constitution (Amendment) (No 4) Bill, 2014? Under this proposed change to the Constitution, it would be unlawful to discriminate based on “sex”, which would be defined as “being male or female”. Yes [ ] No [ ]
DAVIS HAS NO FEAR OF REFERENDUM LAWSUIT
from page one
Yesterday, Mr Davis said the government is still considering whether it should give public funds to the vote “no” campaign, adding that he is not concerned that the government may make a decision on the matter soon. “I’m not concerned. Why should I be?” he said. “If anyone believes they’re aggrieved and the matter is justiciable, that’s what the courts are for.” Sean McWeeney, the chairman of the Constitutional Commission, has said the government should provide equal access to public funds to both the “yes” and “no” campaigns. Mr Davis, however, said while Mr McWeeney’s views on this would be considered, so will the views of others. “My own personal legal position I have but won’t share it,” he said. Meanwhile, former State Minister for Legal Affairs Damian Gomez spoke about the difficult decision that must be made, saying that while the government would not wish to arm those promoting “discriminatory” views with public
funds, there may be legal justification for doing so. “(The) vote ‘no’ campaign can go to court and get an order,” Mr Gomez said. “I’m a bit offended that people would want to use government funds to promote discrimination. “There’s some authority in Canada, but Canada has a different constitutional set up so it’s difficult to argue by way of analogy but it is possible that the court (here) would accede to such an application (ruling that the government should give funds to the vote ‘no’ campaign). The only way we will know is if it is tested.” People urging Bahamians to vote “no” to the referendum have been dithering over whether to pursue legal action. The Save Our Bahamas campaign was expected to meet yesterday to consider the matter. And although Paul Moss, legal representative for Citizens for Justice, told The Tribune over the weekend that the group would sue the government over the matter, he said on Tuesday that on instructions from Bishop Walter Hanchell, head of CFJ, the group would leave the matter in “God’s hands”.
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A waiting game for companies hoping to do business in Cuba NEW YORK (AP) — The thaw in USCuba relations has many small and mediumsized companies thinking about doing business with the nation that has largely been off-limits for more than half a century. Most companies, however, will have to wait. The Obama administration has taken steps that allow companies in the travel and telecommunications industries to work with Cuba, but most exports and other business contacts remain prohibited under an embargo Congress passed in 1960 in response to Communist rule in Cuba. Because of the embargo, the US exported only $180m in goods to Cuba last year, most of it agricultural products and medicine. By comparison, exports to nearby El Salvador totalled nearly $3.3bn. Only Congress can lift the embargo, and it’s not known when that might happen — some lawmakers are against ending it because of charges of human rights violations by the Castro government. Greg Geronemus’ travel company, smarTours, expects to run 45 tours to Cuba this year, most of them leaving from Miami. He began planning to increase his Cuba business two years ago, when he ran 15; Geronemus anticipated that the administration was moving toward a normalisation of US-Cuba relations. “There is an unbelievable appetite for travel,” says Geronemus, whose company is based in New York. Because of the embargo, Geronemus works with a Cuba-based company, HavanaTur, and an intermediary company in Europe to handle reservations, itineraries and payments. Trips to Cuba must be highly structured under US government regulations, with itineraries that show substantial interactions with Cubans. For example: a visit with an artist or a tour of a community revitalisation project. “It is still so cumbersome and it will be for a while,” Geronemus says. Another unknown is what requirements the Cuban government, which controls most of the businesses in the country, might impose on US companies that want to sell goods and services. Maria Contreras-Sweet, head of the US Small Business Administration, found during a recent visit to Cuba that officials and business leaders are interested in building a relationship with US companies, but they also want Americans to understand that Cuba, which doesn’t have a free market, has a different culture and a different way of doing business. “There’s this great desire but also some apprehension. And to some extent, they’re overwhelmed by the US,” Contreras-Sweet says. Small and medium-sized businesses will be competing with big US companies that want to trade with Cuba, but ContrerasSweet expects smaller players will find opportunities with Cuban counterparts. In recent years, Cuba has started allowing people like small restaurant owners, real estate agents, house painters and home builders to work independently of the government. As relations between the US and the
Castro government expand, the Cuban people are expected to demand a better standard of living, and that can create opportunities for American businesses, says Ronald Recardo, managing partner with Catalyst Consulting Group in Shelton, Connecticut. His company hopes to do business with Cuban companies. “There’s a lot of people clamouring for something beyond a subsistence level for their families,” Recardo says. Companies that the US government already allows to sell to Cuba include technology and telecom businesses whose products can improve communications to, from and inside the country. Revel Systems, the maker of software for retailers and restaurants, has started selling its products to small Cuban customers. “They’re dying for technology,” says Chris Ciabarra, a co-founder of the San Francisco-based company. Revel makes software that allows tablet computers to be used as cash registers. The company has sold its products to a dozen Cuban customers who found Revel by searching the Internet. Revel delivered the software to them using an app. Ciabarra expects Revel’s Cuban business to grow because the company tends to get new customers through referrals from existing clients. “It is going to be an up-and-coming market,” he says. Cuba already has a tech-savvy workforce that wants to work with US companies, says Faquiry Diaz Cala, the CEO of Tres Mares Group, a private equity firm based in Miami. These workers are welleducated in areas like web development and programming, Diaz says. Lori Hirons believes that when the US embargo is lifted she’ll find strong demand for her resort clothing among Cuban women. Ninety per cent of sales for her company, Island Contessa, come from other Caribbean markets, including St Croix in the US Virgin islands, where she is located. “As I read about Cuba, the people have interest in all things American,” Hirons says. While she waits to see what Congress does, she’s learning everything she can about Cuba. One unknown that concerns her is regulations Cuba might impose that could make trade difficult, and perhaps impossible for her. “It’s going to depend on how many hurdles there are,” she says. One company already dealing with Cuban government restrictions is Global Rescue, a medical evacuation company that helps people who become ill during overseas trips. The medevac planes the company uses must get clearance from Cuba officials to fly over the country for rescues in a nearby country, says Dan Richards, CEO of the Boston-based company. “We often have to avoid Cuban airspace entirely,” Richards says. “We’re certainly hoping that the Cuban government changes its stand.” By Joyce M Rosenberg, AP Business Writer
Referendum Bill 3 EDITOR, The Tribune. IN the news story on May 2 regarding the invitation sent to the YES Bahamas campaign to a live television debate on the gender equality referendum, I noticed that the purpose of Bill 3 is incorrectly stated. It said: “Bill three would grant any unmarried Bahamian man the right to pass on his Bahamian citizenship to any child he fathers with a foreign woman with proof of paternity.” The intent of Bill 3 is to give any and all Bahamian men (married or unmarried) the constitutional right to pass citizenship to children they father out of wedlock with foreign women, once paternity is proven. In a nation where adultery is embedded in the culture, it is important for voters to know that Bill 3 will also allow married Bahamian men who father children out of
wedlock through adulterous relationships with foreign women to pass citizenship to those children once paternity is proven. Therefore, the adjective “unmarried” needs to be dropped from The Tribune’s description of the purpose of Bill 3. I think it would be helpful to point out the deceptive description of the intent of Bill 3 that will be put to voters on June 7. Here’s Question 3 (which The Tribune published a few weeks back): Bill 3: Approval of alteration to Article 14 of the Constitution. Do you approve of The Constitution (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill 2014? Under this proposed change to the Constitution, a Bahamian father of a person born out of wedlock after the coming into operation of this amendment would be able to pass his citizenship to that person
subject to legal proof that he is the father. Yes or No Notice how the different The Tribune’s description (which is clear) is from the government’s (which is deceptive). In the government’s description there is no mention that Bill 3 seeks to deal with out of wedlock children born of foreign women. The fact is that the out of wedlock children of Bahamian women already have a constitutional entitlement to Bahamian citizenship through their mother, so Bill 3 is not about them. I have no doubt that this deceptive description is intended to cause some people to vote for Bill 3 who would not otherwise vote for it if they understood its true intent. PASTOR CEDRIC MOSS Nassau, May 2, 2016.
Puppet and the puppet master EDITOR, The Tribune. IN HIS rush to defend the hapless hopeless helpless leader of the opposition it seems Tennyson Wells forgot to throw in one key tidbit: an actual argument for why Dr Hubert Minnis would be a great prime minister. Tennyson recited Dr Minnis’ CV, but recital does not an argument make. That’s called pandering. He gave an unconvincing proffer of a sinister motivation behind The Graduate’s commentary and attempted to conflate it with the writing of a popular columnist. That’s called supposition. Unable to resist an opportunity to toot his own horn he gave an out-of-context soliloquy on his holidays in Florida, an inflated attempt to show his commitment to FNM ideals. That’s not a defence. That’s called bragging. It is folly for Tennyson to compare running a business, any business, with overseeing the delicate and potentially parlous affairs of a country, which is called statecraft. My dear, dear Tennyson, the upcoming election is not about you. It should be about leadership, about ideas, about policy, about our future. You sir, are a card-carrying member of the past and of your own self-interest. Your attempt at surrogacy on behalf of Dr Minnis is akin to that wayward apostle, a certain Mr Iscariot, known for the quality of his kiss. Dr Minnis is just the latest of a long list of politicians to whom Tennyson has pledged his unrequited love. The psychologists call this “insecure attachment”. We know it as currying favour or colouring one’s nose. To some, this pattern of behaviour bespeaks a predisposition for political treachery. Perry Christie, who has apparently been ditched by Tennyson, can now confirm this. Hubert Ingraham can. The late Sir Cecil WallaceWhitfield can, as Tennyson also ran against him for the leadership of the FNM. Is there another leadership run in his future? That is not to say that Tennyson is immune to showing love and whispering sweet nothings into the ear of both Christie and Minnis in this election cycle. He is a compulsive political courtesan. He hibernates most of the term but when election season comes around he looks for a party leader with an outsized ego (Christie), or is distracted by other events (Wallace-Whitfield), or one that’s an inanimate
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net object (Minnis). When Minnis is no longer useful to Wells, he too will in all likelihood be thrown under the bus. But for now Tennyson is content to play the role of Geppetto, the puppet master who created and controlled Pinnocchio. Like Minnis, Pinnocchio was as stiff as a board and his only dream was to be treated as a real person. Michael Pintard can comment on the length of Minnis’ nose these days. With Tennyson pulling the strings, we were subjected to high political theatre this week. On whose authority does a man who holds no party office get to publicly upbraid a sitting Member of Parliament (Dr Andre Rollins)? I bet that didn’t go down well in Fort Charlotte. But it’s not the first time that Tennyson tried to boss around someone with Long Island heritage. His meddling goes all the way back to Jimmy Knowles and before. And what is this fascination Tennyson has with reciting his own resume every chance he gets? Stop playing the blame game, Tennyson, it is unbecoming of an aspiring consigliere. Remember your boss, Dr Minnis, is depending on you to make him look good. It should never be the other way around. Were Dr Minnis not making a dog’s breakfast out of running the FNM in opposition there would be no need for surrogates and puppeteers like Tennyson. Minnis would sell himself. Marketers advise that the key to selling a product, especially one the public may not want to buy, is branding. It just might be too late to try to apply the proverbial lipstick. For the record, and because Tennyson is apparently pulling the strings these days, it might help to point out a few facts about Dr Minnis. I fully accept, of course, that Tennyson will see indisputable fact as cowardly opinion. Dr Minnis has an extraordinary deficiency. He doesn’t connect with voters. Even Tennyson agrees that he is not an orator. Too bad Tennyson doesn’t appreciate that the ability to communicate with and to inspire voters is a key attribute for an aspiring prime minister. A leader must have a clear vision. The late John F Kennedy articulated a vision to put a man on the moon. Sounded implausible at the
time, but he got an army of believers because of his clarity. Dr Minnis’ vision is to be able to take a selfie with his foot on the desk at the Prime Minister’s office. Credibility is a major requirement. Dr Minnis must be able to utter the words “trust me” with a straight face. Possessing character means that when he can’t utter those words because, perhaps, he has been duplicitous in his dealings with colleagues and others, he is able to utter two more words “I’m sorry”. A great leader must be able to unite his party and be a terror on his feet in the House of Assembly. With Dr Minnis, let’s not go there. Dr Minnis has not shown that he has a command of the issues that he will face from day one if he became Prime Minister. One-liners are good in a comedy sketch; they don’t work when you have to deal with real world issues that impact people’s lives. Speaking of the real world, there are few Bahamians who don’t squirm when they think of how Dr Minnis would acquit himself from the granite podium at the United Nations, or in a one-on-one session with the President of the United States, whoever she or he might be. Even our brothers in Caricom might ask for an interpreter when he speaks. This is not innuendo, Tennyson, remember the “quagmire of web”? Dr Minnis doesn’t understand carpe diem, not the words, the concept. A leader never misses an opportunity to seize the moment. This is instinctual. It’s in your gut. They don’t teach it in politics school and advisors can’t stand behind you and whisper “now” when an opportunity presents itself. Straw vendors know instinctively when a big spender stops by their stall. That’s when they ooze charm and make the sale. Somewhere a loyal FNM is dusting off an old LP record by Carole King from 1971. As radio DJ Jeff Scavella would say on his popular “Out Island You Asked For It” radio show back in the day: “Special dedication to the puppet master and his puppet – ‘Its too late baby, now, it’s too late’.” For the record, Tennyson, I speak only for myself and therefore, according to the old-time British TV comedy “Are You Being Served”, I am unanimous. THE GRADUATE Nassau, May 4, 2016.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, May 5, 2016, PAGE 5
Ramsey surrenders passport after BEC bribery conviction
By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net LAWYERS for Freddie Solomon Ramsey complied with a judge’s order to surrender his passport to the Supreme Court as a condition of his extended bail while he awaits a hearing that seeks to arrest his convictions on multiple bribery related charges stemming from the Alstom SA/Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) scandal. Tommel Roker and Bridgette Ward, who represented the 79-year-old insurance executive with Wayne Munroe, QC, walked into the Supreme Court registry on Bank Lane with a passport in hand at 9.41am ahead of Ramsey’s 10am deadline. An official from Justice Bernard Turner’s court also confirmed that Ramsey’s passport was in fact handed over as requested. Ramsey must now report to the Elizabeth Estates Police Station on May 6 and May 9, on/or before 6pm until his constitutional motion is heard on May 12. A jury, on Tuesday evening, returned four not guilty,
14 guilty verdicts some three and a half hours after Justice Turner excused the nine member panel to deliberate on evidence alleging that French company Alstom SA paid more than $300,000 to a BEC board member to influence the awarding of the New Providence Phase Two and Three contracts between 1999 and 2003. Ramsey was acquitted of conspiracy and bribery charges related to the Phase Two contract but convicted of two counts of conspiracy to commit bribery and 12 counts of bribery concerning the Phase Three contract. The bribery allegations are related to a widespread scheme involving tens of millions of dollars in bribes to countries around the world and were brought to light in 2014 in a US Department of Justice report. Justice Turner, in his summation on Tuesday, noted that former BEC executives confirmed that Ramsey served “as a member of the board from January 1, 1998 through to the end of 2000.” Garvin Gaskin, acting director of public prosecution, prosecuted the case with the assistance of Cordell Frazier.
FRED Ramsey outside court during a previous appearance.
FIVE MEN WHO FACE EXTRADITION HAVE 21 DAYS TO FILE APPEAL TO COMMITAL RULING
By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemeida.net
A SUPREME Court judged has affirmed a committal order seeking the surrender of five men to the United States to face drug trafficking charges. Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs stayed the effect of Tuesday’s ruling to allow Austin Knowles, Nathaniel Knowles, Edison Watson, Ian Bethel and Shawn Saunders to exercise their legal right to appeal his decision to the Court of Appeal within 21 days of the ruling. The five, who have been on bail since 2005, will remain on bail in the interim. Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Marcus Bethel granted the go-ahead for the extradition proceedings to commence against the men in February 2003. Then magistrate Carolita Bethell approved the
extradition request in 2004 and committed the men to prison to await extradition. However, they applied for and were granted bail in 2005. Their habeas corpus application, which was stalled for more than a decade, was launched on a number of grounds including: it would be unjust and oppressive to extradite the applicants after the case remained dormant for so long and that the proceedings were invalid due to breach of the provisions of the Extradition Act. Senior Justice Isaacs disagreed with the merits of their arguments led by Damian Gomez, QC, one of five lawyers on record for the men. “What the applicants have offered to discharge the burden of establishing that it would be unjust and oppressive to extradite them as a result of the passage of time are indi-
vidual affidavits describing how their family lives have evolved during the currency of these proceedings,” he said on Tuesday. “Those histories cannot form the basis for concluding that to extradite the applicants would be unjust or oppressive. In any event, as a matter of law, whether or not the extradition is unjust or oppressive, in the sense that a fair trial cannot be had, can only be determined by the trial court,” the judge added. Senior Justice Isaacs further stressed that the applicants “have failed to establish that a prima facie case was not made out by the evidence before the committal court.” “Whether or not that evi-
dence is credible is a matter for the trial court,” the court ruled. The judge found the decision of the magistrate was “sound” and ultimately dismissed their applications. Neil Braithwaite and Viola Barnett appeared for the Crown. Elliot Lockhart, QC, Tai Pinder, Khrishner Higgins and Osman Johnson also represent the five applicants.
PAGE 6, Thursday, May 5, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
Eleuthera supplies back on after a week without water
By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
AFTER nearly a week without running water, residents in Eleuthera saw their water supplies restored on Wednesday, however officials warned that pressure in some areas would be poor for the next 24 to 48 hours. In view of this, Executive Chairman of the Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) Leslie Miller urged the government to reconsider its approach to water supply throughout the Fam-
ily Islands. Mr Miller’s comments came after reports that a catastrophic failure at the Naval Base Reverse Osmosis Plant in Eleuthera last Thursday resulted in “extended down time for the plant,” leaving area residents without running water. The Tall Pines MP noted that while WSC wasn’t at fault for the matter, he would take full responsibility for this “national embarrassment.” According to Mr Miller, General Electric (GE), the company that provides the island of Eleuthera
with running water had expressed issues with its supplies late last week, but the extent of the problem was not clearly communicated. On Sunday, WSC in a statement said that as a result of the “prolonged outage”, hundreds of customers, businesses and government entities have experienced loss of supply. The statement called for water supply to be fully restored to the affected areas by Tuesday. However, Mr Miller confirmed that water supply had been fully restored in Eleuthera as of 4pm yesterday.
However, he indicated that the water pressure in some areas would be poor over the next 24 to 48 hours as the company continued to work to get services “up to par.” “This is a crying shame,” Mr Miller said yesterday, before the water was restored. “We at WSC can’t do anything in this matter because we are tied to the efforts of the company.” Mr Miller explained that the government has arrangements in place on “most” Family Islands where it acquires water for
resale. He noted that in these cases, the government only acts as a “buffer” between suppliers and consumers. In the case of Eleuthera, Mr Miller said the General Electric Corporation has been responsible for providing the local branch of WSC with water. “I hate that we are in this sort of position and that is why I have pushed for the government to reconsider the way we approach these deals, because look at what we are dealing with today. The entire island is at a standstill. We can’t have
these kind of resources in the hands of foreign groups and companies.” WSC has said that it is dedicated to medium and long-term plans for improving water quality, supply and storage on the entire island of Eleuthera. The corporation has announced a $41m project partly funded by the Caribbean Development Bank that would promote initiatives such as a desalinated water supply for northern Eleuthera and increased storage and production capacity to mitigate the effects of supply failures.
JUDGE UNLIKELY TO FACE HOUSE
from page one
“I think on Monday other things will happen and it will be resolved without her being called.” Marathon MP Jerome Fitzgerald moved the resolution last week Monday in Parliament, which also ensures that the committee is provided with funding to obtain independent legal advice if needed. At the time he said the resolution was being sought because a recent injunction granted by Justice Charles to Save The Bays barring parliamentarians from accessing or making public the personal information of the non-profit organisation was an “attack on democracy.” The injunction was granted on April 21 and expires May 12. “Mr Speaker, so as not to exacerbate the conflict
between the judiciary and the legislative body which is allegedly created by the applicant (Save The Bays), I wish now to move the following resolution for this House’s consideration,” the education minister said at the time on a point of privilege. He said the resolution should refer the matter to the Committee on Privilege “for the examination and determination of whether the judge, attorney Fred Smith, QC, and Ferron Bethel should be held in contempt of this honourable House and that the Committee on Privilege be properly funded to obtain independent legal advice if necessary concerning this attack on our democracy and report back to the House at the earliest opportunity.” The resolution was later amended to include “and
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others” following the name of Mr Bethel and agreed upon before the House suspended for its mid-day break. Mr Gomez is expected to announce his resignation from the Committee on Privileges when House meets on Monday. He told The Tribune in March that he would step down as chairman if the committee was made to investigate two affidavits connected to his embattled clients, Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard and lawyer Keod Smith. He also confirmed at the time that he serves as counsel to Mr Nygard and Mr Smith, both of whom have become embroiled in controversy ever since allegations surfaced in court documents filed by STB that both men orchestrated a two-and-a-half-year campaign of fear and violence to “kill or scare off” activists opposed to development plans for Nygard Cay.
SUPREME Court Justice Indra Charles.
NO JOB CUTS ‘FOR NOW’ AT POWER COMPANY
from page one
“We also told her that we will work with them but only if these changes are done right because we are tired of the poor woman getting a light bill and having to decide whether to feed her children or pay the bill. That cannot exist anymore in this country. The union will not stand by while the status quo continues. “We will ensure that electricity goes down to an affordable rate and nothing and no one will get in the way. For
the time being, there will be no staff cuts because we are going to engage with her in other cost cutting measures to save the staff. So at the present that is not in the works.” In February, a top executive of PowerSecure, the American firm contracted to manage the former Bahamas Electricity Corporation, said there could “potentially be a reduction” in workforce in the coming months as officials seek to reorganise staff under the operations of the new Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) company.
However, Ronnie Brannen, PowerSecure’s president of utility infrastructure, stressed that should this happen, management would look at offering voluntary packages to employees with long tenures at the corporation. The comments came as PowerSecure officially signed a five-year management services agreement for BPL. Mr Brannen did not say what percentage of staff reduction PowerSecure was possibly considering and could not say what reduction in consumer electricity costs was expected.
THREE HELD AFTER FATAL STABBING IN FREEPORT
from page one
The victim, believed to be Pedro McKenzie, was taken by a private vehicle to the Rand Memorial Hospital, where he later died. This is the eighth homi-
cide for the year in Grand Bahama, according to The Tribune’s records. Grand Bahama’s murder count is only nine away from surpassing last year’s figure. In 2015, there were 17 murders in Grand Bahama, and 10 in 2014, accord-
ing to police statistics. In March, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Emrick Seymour regretted the recent homicides in Grand Bahama, and said it was a major concern to the police. The island’s first homi-
cide occurred on January 25 when Eleazor Louis, 23, of Caravel Beach was shot dead around 6pm at Bass Lane and Murchinson Drive. On February 20, 35-yearold Johnson Laguerre was also shot dead in the Weddell Avenue area shortly after 12 midnight. The third and fourth homicides occurred on March 21 when Jacqueline Armbrister, 55, and Noel Hamilton, 57 were shot around 11am in a wooden shack on an unnamed road between Bruce Avenue and Hearn Lane. During the early morning hours of March 31, Tremmeco Johnson was shot at the Fish Fry and died at the Rand Memorial Hospital of his injuries. Later that same day around 5pm, customs officer Kevin Hanna, 49, was shot outside his South Bahamia residence, pushing the count to six for the year in Grand Bahama. The island’s seventh homicide occurred on April 3, around 2am in Eight Mile Rock when 22-yearold Sanchez Ferguson was discovered shot in a Dodge van. He was taken to hospital, where he later died. Tuesday’s stabbing pushed the country’s murder count to 45 for the year, according to The Tribune’s records.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, May 5, 2016, PAGE 7
Smith aiming to return to frontline politics in Exuma
By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
FORMER Exuma MP George Smith yesterday said he was “setting things in motion” to allow for his return to frontline politics ahead of the next general election. Mr Smith was addressing reports that flyers bearing his face and the slogan “Progress Together” were being posted across Exuma. When contacted, he said his mind, body and heart were all in agreement that he “can again serve the will of the people”. Mr Smith, a former Cabinet minister, added that successive politicians representing Exuma have failed in their attempts to end the social and financial “upheaval” that has crippled the once great community. He has been critical of current Exuma MP Anthony Moss for some time. According to Mr Smith, Exuma hasn’t been granted fair representation in Parliament despite possessing
GEORGE SMITH a population greater than portant to the Public Treasthe constituencies of Long ury as Abaco. Island and MICAL comHe is also advocating for bined, and being just as im- Exuma to be split into two
constituencies. “Exuma should have a seat restored so that the residents of that island could have their voices heard in an adequate fashion,” he said. Prior to the 1992 general election Exuma had two representatives. “I’ve been advocating since the decision was made to make Exuma one seat, that (Exuma) was too vast an area for one representative to traverse and manage. Let’s be fair here, the needs of these residents can’t be covered and promoted by just one man.” When asked if he had relayed his thoughts to the Boundaries Commission, Mr Smith said he has. “I have advanced my points. They are known by the requisite sources and I am of the belief that they would be advanced from there.” Moreover, Mr Smith said his decision to campaign was made only after meeting leading candidates from both the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and the Free National Movement (FNM).
Neither party has ratified a candidate for Exuma yet. Mr Smith said none of the proposed candidates had “the heart and the mind” to work for Exuma. The Tribune understands that BAF Financial Bahamas CEO Chester Cooper has launched a campaign in Exuma. “First and foremost, are these persons truly committed to Exuma and its values? The lot presented thus far aren’t cut out, on either side, to build and improve these wonderful islands in the way of the people who live here,” Mr Smith said. “I know, me, George A Smith. I have flourished with these residents for many years and worked on their behalf. I know how the residents on every inhabited cay feels about the land they live on and the sea that surrounds them. I know the needs as far south as the Ragged Island chain. These islands mean the world to me and that is why I feel that I need to do this.” Speaking about age and health, two factors that may
be held against him if he receives a nomination, Mr Smith said he is still in his right frame of mind and as healthy as he needs to be to pursue the task. “I have a clean bill of health. I am ready to go, physically, mentally and emotionally,” he said. “… My mind, body and heart are all in agreement that I can again serve the will of the people.” When contacted for comment on the nomination process for Exuma, PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts said the party had not decided on any candidate and that the decision was still being mulled over by the party’s candidates committee. Mr Smith, a native of Exuma, was first elected to Parliament in 1968 and served in the Pindling Cabinet. He told The Tribune that if he runs in the 2017 general election, he would like to be a standard bearer for the PLP. When asked about Mr Smith’s comments yesterday, Mr Roberts refused to respond.
SENTENCE UPHELD FOR MAN GUILTY OF ILLEGAL LANDING
By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net
THE Court of Appeal affirmed the 12-month prison sentence and $300 fine of a man who admitted to illegally landing in The Bahamas for the second time within five years. Rukenson Clermeus had been arraigned earlier in the year before Magistrate Saboula Swain for the single offence of illegal landing, contrary to Section 19(2) of the Immigration Act, Chapter 191. On March 23, he pleaded
guilty to the charge, and after the facts had been read to and accepted by Clermeus, the magistrate sentenced the appellant to one year in prison at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services and fined him $300. She said he would serve an additional 30 days in prison if he failed to pay the fine. The magistrate also made a deportation order for the appellant to be returned to his home country – Haiti – at the completion of his sentence. Clermeus lodged an appeal on the premise that
as he had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, he ought to have received the benefit of saving the court’s time instead of receiving the maximum penalty under the section of law he was convicted under. He alleged that the sentence was harsh and excessive. “We have the benefit of the learned magistrate’s record which reveals that the appellant has two previous convictions for illegal landing, one being as late as August 12, 2012,” Justice Jon Isaacs said in the court’s ruling.
“His name was added to the restricted list (also known as the stop list), but despite this fact being communicated to his then attorneys, Allen & Co, the appellant continues to breach the laws of the Bahamas. Section 125 of the Penal Code, while relating to offences under the Penal Code, places in statutory form a principle of long-standing, to wit: repeat offenders will receive harsher sentences than firsttime offenders. This section illustrates one of the factors a court will take into account when arriving at the appropriate sentence for
an offence, that is, previous bad behaviour. “It is readily appreciated that the appellant deserves credit for his early plea of guilt, but it is equally apparent that an aggravating feature of his case is his recidivism. “Sentencing has been described as an art, not a science. The learned magistrate took into account, ‘the fact that the defendant has been deported twice, placed on the restricted list, yet finds his way back to the Bahamas’ to arrive at the sentence she imposed. This is something she was enti-
tled to do.” The appellate court ultimately said it saw no reason to interfere with the decision “as no error of principle has been disclosed on the record, nor has the appellant demonstrated any in his submissions.” The appeal was dismissed and the sentence and fine affirmed. Murrio Ducille appeared as counsel for the appellant while Vernal Collie appeared for the Crown. Justices Dame Anita Allen, Isaacs and Stella Crane-Scott presided over the appeal hearing.
PAGE 8, Thursday, May 5, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
The culture of criminality that pervades our nation
A Young Man’s View
By ADRIAN GIBSON
T
HERE is a culture of criminality that is alive and well and pervasive in The Bahamas. It transcends the fabric of our nation. Given that adherence to the law is only a reasonable option when people believe that they would likely be caught – and if such people believe that they will be caught – adherence to the law is relative. Such a mindset goes to the root of why two police officers were this week fired and convicted of stealing cheap phones; it speaks to how certain corrupt customs officers can turn a blind eye and collect tips which result in millions of dollars of leakage and lost revenue annually. Rather than being honest, many persons charged with protecting our interests - whether in law enforcement, politics or otherwise - abuse us, they take and do all that they can get away with. There is no accountability. On Monday, ex-Constables Ricardo Bain, 44, and Herman Pinder, 31, appeared before Magistrate Andrew Forbes to face stealing and receiving charges stemming from a break-in at the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s JFK location in the RND West Plaza. Their court appearance came within hours of their dismissal from the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF). Bain and Pinder
served 26 and seven years respectively on the force. I know the owners of that franchise store; they are my good friends. I could hear the pain in their voices as they told me what happened and we discussed the incident on Friday, Saturday and Sunday past. I cannot imagine calling upon the police for assistance only to have them further rob me. If my friends did not have hidden cameras installed on their premises, this matter may have not ended as it did. And what was this for? So that they could stuff their bosoms with three Samsung J1A cell phones worth $435! What does this mean for the police and the reputation of the police? Have such incidents happened before? I have recently found myself on the opposite end of overreaching and ruthless conduct by the police. The details of that will emerge in the coming days and weeks. But I am now ever more vigilant and can more readily empathise with those persons who speak about excessive behaviour by some police officers, about this false notion on the part of certain rogue officers that they are above the law and can do whatever they want. I often wonder if officers are ever taught the Constitution in the police college. Perhaps then, they would understand the fundamental rights enshrined within it and guaranteed to all
Bahamians. A part of the problem with the police is that there are many officers who are simply there to have a job and a pay cheque; many of them no longer love policing or see it as a career. There are many officers who see their ability to don taxpayers’ uniforms and carry guns as a licence to mistreat, disrespect and exploit the public. No police officer is above the law. I have a lot of friends and family members who are police officers. Up to 50 per cent of my closest friends are current or former officers. I once considered becoming a policeman after being asked to join the force by then commissioner Paul Farquharson (he also spoke at our high school graduation in Long Island in 2001, where I was valedictorian). So, the police are truly my friends.
‘
“I am no defender of the criminal element – in fact, I believe that if one does the crime, he should do the time and/or get his just desserts – but injustice and a lack of police accountability is unacceptable.’
There are many decent, considerate, reasonable officers who truly aspire to detect, protect and serve. These officers are passionate about their chosen career. Many policemen and women are upstanding Bahamians who love their countrymen, their country and strive to abide within the realm of the law. And then there are those who are corrupt gangsters in uniforms. Criminality amongst the ranks of the RBPF is becoming blatant, so much so that it is persistently infringing upon the Constitutional rights of Bahamians.
How many police officers have been fired over the last year? How many recruits have been booted out of the police college? Over time, the RBPF has been accused of near systemic patterns of police brutality, verbal abuse and outright misconduct, clearly in violation of citizens’ rights. I experienced this first hand and so I know that it is true. One can only assume that such incidents are occurring due to the shoddy vetting procedures when recruiting officers, and the hiring of immature, undisciplined officers (some of whom are
uneducated thugs). Our society has been inundated with allegations of police brutality where certain officers are accused of having cultivated an air of terror and having displayed vile, sadistic behaviour that has laid bare the flaws in police recruitment and training as well as revealed a lack of professionalism. That being said, there are still some who are sincere, hardworking officers whose professionalism is second to none. A few years ago, 25-yearold Jamie Smith and 21-year-old Aaron Rolle died while in police custody. According to the autopsy reports, Smith died from asphyxiation and Rolle from blunt force trauma. I am no defender of the criminal element – in fact, I believe that if one does the crime, he should do the time and/or get his just desserts – but injustice and a
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THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, Thursday, MayMay 5, 2016, 5, 2016, PAGE PAGE 9 9
Instances of police misconduct contradict the concept of due process, where a person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law, not through the use of blackjacks and extreme force.’ lack of accountability is unacceptable. In August 2007, three cases heard in the Supreme Court - two murders and an armed robbery - were tossed out after judges instructed jurors not to return guilty verdicts because it was determined that the confession statements of the accused were obtained unlawfully and under duress. The beating of Desmond Key by police led to him falling into a coma and ultimately dying. The killing of Andros native Kenneth Russell (in September 2007) by a policeman raised many questions about the police’s use of force and so on. In 2009, the suspicious death of 15-year-old Michael Knowles, who was found dead in a cell hanging from a cord while in police custody, caused much political and social hoopla. According to the police, Knowles committed suicide and was being held under suspicion of housebreaking and stealing.
E
nglerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin nobly attempted to accelerate the investigative process into the death of the teenager, particularly as the case had engendered much public outcry. In her zeal to shine light on the issue, Mrs Hanna Martin - whose inner-city constituency was next door to that of the deceased teen (then St Cecilia) - did not comply with a directive of the Speaker and as a result was “named” and suspended for two sittings. In fact, the issue continues to be suspect. I met Knowles’ distraught mother, who at that time told me that she “only wants justice” and was seeking scientific confirmation of the reason/s for her son’s demise and an inquest into her son’s death. Internationally, there have been several highly publicised incidents of police cruelty. In the 1960s, the Civil Rights Movement was plagued by incidents of police brutality, where campaigners were bludgeoned with nightsticks and blackjacks, attacked by police dogs, washed down and pummelled by high powered water hoses, and falsely arrested and racially profiled. However, press exposure of these incidents did lead to public outcry and to more sympathisers joining the cause. The 1977 death of South African freedom fighter Steve Biko is largely believed to have been caused by the hands of police officers, particularly since Mr Biko played a role in numerous anti-apartheid demonstrations. Within the last 15 years, the brutal beating of Rodney King (1991) by four white Los Angeles police officers sparked public unrest. When the four officers that were caught on tape were charged and acquitted, the 1992 Los Angeles riots erupted, particularly since many blacks felt that justice had not been served and that they were being disenfranchised. Eventually, Mr King accepted a $3.8m settlement from the city, and the officers were charged in federal court for violation of civil rights (only two were convicted). Some Bahamian police officers have gained a reputation for bludgeoning citizens and using excessive force, carrying out false arrests, psychological intimidation and expletive-filled verbal assaults. The lawlessness in local law enforcement is further underscored by accounts of the intensive, cruel interrogation tactics allegedly used to obtain involuntary confessions and that disregard the concept of due process. I have been told of incidents at the Central Detective Unit’s (CDU) headquarters, where brutal acts were carried out; for example, the alleged use of tasers and other forms of electric shocks such as connecting one end of a vehicle jumper cables to a charged battery and affixing the other end to a subject’s genitals/testicles; placing and tightening plastic bags (bags that fish-
ermen use for fish) over the heads of handcuffed suspects; tying an anchor rope around a suspect’s neck whilst the bag is over their heads and, when the suspect passes out, an oxygen tank is supposedly on standby to revive a suspect; wrapping a cutlass/machete in a sack to prevent external marks/cuts and hitting persons on their shoulder blades and feet; purportedly using a “vice grip” or pliers to squeeze a man’s testicles; allegations of water boarding; supposedly hitting women on their breasts; battering persons with phonebooks or their fists/feet and allegedly placing guns to the forehead or a revolver in the mouths of subjects and playing Russian Roulette, etc. I was informed by these officers that certain interrogators would ask a person in custody a question, then suddenly get up - whilst that person is tied down - and kick them in the chest if they do not accept the answer proffered. I was told by these officers that many of the alleged beatings in police custody purportedly happen in the briefing room at CDU or in the room that houses the homicide squad. Instances of police misconduct contradict the concept of due process, where a person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law, not through the use of blackjacks and extreme force. It is because of cases of brutality and shoddy police work that some evidence is disregarded and some persons, who may well be guilty, are set free. The Attorney General’s office has had numerous cases rejected (after no case to answer submissions or weak evidence at a Preliminary Inquiry) due to false confessions obtained by police coercion or beating and also because of the destruction, contamination and fabrication of evidence in their haste to close a case. Frankly, the callous, extra judicial killing of defenceless suspects and innocent people and the allegations of the inhumane conditions in blood-stained, urinescented police holding cells should be of grave concern to the Ministry of National Security and the Bahamas as a whole. In the Bahamas, it appears that from the moment certain young (and old) officers don the uniform they adopt an authoritative, confrontational attitude, riding roughshod as if they are the lone authority over society. But I do not only blame the young officers as there are some unfit, more seasoned officers who are negatively influencing “green”, impressionable entrants and inculcating this aura that police officers are above the law.
A
n independent commission or civilian review board must be established to investigate the police and restore public confidence, particularly since I believe that internal commissions lack accountability and it is nearly impossible for the police to adequately police themselves. In the wake of the suspicious deaths, the government should hastily enforce the aspect of the Police Act that calls for a board of civilians - appointed by the Governor General and hopefully bipartisan to oversee all investigations into complaints against police officers. Furthermore, community activists should adopt the approach of the North America-based Copwatch groups that, according to the online encyclopaedia Wikipedia, observe and document police activity while looking for signs of police misconduct and/or police brutality. Establishing an independent commission and a branch of Copwatch locally would ensure that protection of persons against search and seizures that are not judicially authorised or supported by probable cause or a substantiated suspicion of criminal activity, protect against arbitrary detainment and protect an individual’s legal rights. The Ministry of National Security and the private
POLICE officers turned thieves Ricardo Bain and Herman Pinder outside court. Why are police cars not on their behalf. sector should collaborate recordings be monitored We must dispel this noin the purchase and instal- by a separate department equipped with dashboard lation of CCTV, not just to at Police Headquarters, or cameras? This does not tion, among many less afdeter criminals but also to elsewhere, and that police only protect the average fluent Bahamians, that jusprovide visual evidence to officers receive training in Bahamian from harass- tice is an aspect of society confirm or contradict po- the proper restraining of ment, cruelty and unlawful that is only afforded to the lice and other reports, and suspects at least every two behaviour but could also wealthy or the politically protect police officers. connected. mount video cameras in to three years. Her recommendations Why is it not mandatory The issuance of a “use police cars. That said, the police must not be handi- to the Attorney General’s that police officers must of force continuum” is said capped and should be able Office followed a coroner’s now be equipped with body to keep the police’s use of to employ force when ap- jury verdict of “unlaw- cameras? Let’s modern- force in check by setting the ful killing” in the custody ise the police force. Let’s levels of force that appropropriate. Locally is there a force death of Aaron Rolle. In foster accountability. I can priately corresponds to a continuum in place to set May 2013, a jury of four guarantee that the rogue suspect’s behaviour. This is the levels of appropriate women and one man found elements will think twice an element of policing that force in response to some- that force police officers if they know that they are must be explored by the used against Rolle while in constantly being watched force and the government. one’s behaviour? Is there one in place? In cases of alleged police custody was unjustifiable. and recorded. Indeed, there are many The robbery of my brutality, investigators must Rolle, 20, died at the Southaccount for the wall of si- ern Police Station, hours in the police force who friends’ store - the second of lence that has pervaded po- after he was taken into cus- should attend BahamaHost the night - by the two conlice culture, particularly the tody for questioning in con- classes, which would offer a victed police officers brings failure of an officer to re- nection with an armed rob- great deal relative to their home the severity and the interaction with people, truth of the problem we are port another police officer’s bery and escape. It was previously report service and so on. facing in the Bahamas. It misconduct in an attempt to Police training must be is so complex and so interhonour the officers’ unwrit- that the Ministry of Leten code of silence. In such gal Affairs was moving to extended by six months. twined with education, decases, those officers must make videotaping of police The current examinations cision-making morals and be made aware of their lia- interviews mandatory in a given to police officers socialisation. This speaks bilities and the Complaints bid to end brutality claims. must be discarded and re- to the amount of work that and Corruption Unit ought Another proactive measure written. We don’t want il- our society requires as we to confront those officers purportedly in that never- literate officers policing our are socially in a nose dive. who are a part of that crimi- ending pipeline was the society. And we certainly We can do it - starting with nal subculture without leni- introduction of notarised don’t want belligerent and/ accountability, demonstratency. Any mafia-type code witness statements pur- or drunken fools joining ing fairness and the just apof silence to subvert justice portedly by Justices of the the police force all because plication of the law to all. is unacceptable and can Peace who would visit the their MP or a government Comments and responses only affirm the impression stations. Alas, nothing has minister or well-connected church pastor wrote a letter to ajbahama@hotmail.com of certain officers as being happened. no more than gangsters in uniform, with a licence to carry a firearm and patrol their old turfs with impunity. The Complaints and Corruption Unit is not independent. The public must rise up and demand action to ensure transparency and prevent the immediate entombment of the most recent purported police brutality cases among the growing backlog of coroner’s cases. Are there any closed circuit television recordings within the various police stations that could provide footage of those who entered and exited the holding area where the most recent suspects were situated? If the CDU is capable of recording both interviews on video/audio, why is it that all interviews aren’t mandated to be recorded? Is the unit’s failure to record all interviews a wretched excuse to continue with an archaic interrogative forA new beginning for the SUV that started it all. mat that often result in suspects alleging police abuse? The premium SUV that invented its class 18 years ago has a new name, a new Why are suspects being arrested and not afforded design, and new advancements within its muscular body. The M-Class is reborn the opportunity to contact as the GLE, and it’s here to extend its lead in every arena of driving. From its a lawyer before being interrogated? What about due powerfully new front end to its sleek LED taillamps, the future of the SUV has process? never looked brighter. While I support a no-tolerance approach to enforcA legacy of performance firsts no other suv can match. The all new GLE. ing the law, there are numerous people, particularly young men or the underprivileged, that can attest to an air of fright and mistreatment they feel when dealing with local cops. Certain groups of rogue, local officers seem intent on demonstrating their power, conducting themselves like rude, uncouth brutes and often being unpleasant and unsociable, all in their quest for subjugation and control. The police’s job is to protect and serve, and any hooligan-in-uniform found doing otherwise should be fired and/or jailed. In June 2013, then Acting Coroner Jeanine WeechGomez called for cameras to be installed at every police station at the entrance to the cell block area and TYREFLEX STAR MOTORS all interviews with suspects Wulff Road, P.O. BOX N-9123, T: (242) 325-4961, F: (242) 323-4667 to be recorded in an effort to ensure officers follow sales@TyreFlexStarMotors.com, www.tyreflexstarmotors.com proper procedures and prevent police brutality. She • New & Pre-Owned Vehicle Sales • Service & Parts also recommended that the surveillance and control of these cameras and
Reborn The GLCleader. Class. Make the best of every ground.
PAGE 12, Thursday, May 5, 2016
Miller comments ‘show need for Human Rights legislation’ By KHRISNA VIRGIL Tribune Staff Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net GRAND Bahama Human Rights Association President Fred Smith urged the Christie administration to enact a Human Rights Act, which would make it illegal and punishable by law to “malign and vilify” members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community because they choose to express their individuality. Speaking to The Tribune yesterday, Mr Smith, QC, criticised Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller over his recent comments in which he harshly criticised transgender people saying he constantly prayed to God to end the world as their lifestyles “go against His will”. On Monday, Mr Miller also told The Tribune he would donate $1,000 to help relocate transgender Bahamians to their own private island. Mr Smith went on to commend Progressive Liberal Party Chairman Bradley
‘
Most civilised democracies have a Human Rights Act which makes it a criminal offence and a civil liability to expresses hateful and venomous words as Mr Miller has done.’
Roberts for distancing the party from Mr Miller’s comments and stressing that the MP’s position was not that of the political organisation or the government. The activist added that the GBHRA fully supported the LGBT community. “On behalf of the GBHRA, it is high time that the government passes a Human Rights Act to stop this kind of abusive hate speech,” Mr Smith said. “We don’t need a referendum. We don’t need anything more than a simple Human Rights Act, which provides protection to people who are expressing individuality.
“We pride ourselves on being a nation with Christian values yet we are constantly allowing members of Parliament, and not only them but those in the Senate in addition to religious leaders, icons in the society, malign, vilify and savage people. “Most civilised democracies have a Human Rights Act which makes it a criminal offence and a civil liability to expresses hateful and venomous words as Mr Miller has done.” He continued: “Regardless of your gender, sexual orientation, religious or political persuasion, people should be allowed to express themselves or promote their interests without feeling like they will be viciously savaged by members of Parliament.” Mr Smith said while he appreciates Mr Roberts’ stance against the remarks, the Progressive Liberal Party needs to “put its money where its mouth is” and pass legislation to protect the rights of citizens.
THE TRIBUNE
LESLIE MILLER MP, who said he thinks the transgender community in The Bahamas should be exiled.
MILLER STANDS BY DESIRE TO EXILE TRANSGENDER BAHAMIANS
from page one
“When I speak, it is what I am hearing from people on the ground.” “I have nothing against these people. When I go in my constituency and I talk to people every day they question me and have serious questions for the government. These are fairminded people who constantly ask, where it is that we draw the line? “What am I to tell my grandchildren when they see this kind of behaviour? Is this the type of life we should emulate?” He added: “My point is that if you want to live that kind of lifestyle, keep it to your self. Don’t come out bragging so big and bold. It’s as if you are trying to impose your will on us.” The former minister of trade and industry also dismissed the concerns of Bahamas Transgender Intersex United (BTIU), which last week made its debut at a press conference calling for
equal rights for transgender Bahamians. In response, Mr Miller said on Monday: “If you want to like man, that’s your damn business but don’t try to impose your will on other people.” He told this newspaper that he was of the view that members of the transgender community were currently being treated equally because “they are men therefore you go and live like a man, you are a woman (so) you live like a woman.” This he said was equality in the eyes of God. BTIU representatives have called on the Christie administration to ensure that the fundamental rights of all genders of Bahamians - male, female and transgender - are protected. “I have children and grandchildren and we (are in) a society that is already fractured with all the damn crimes and things that are happening in our country,” Mr Miller said on Monday. “Why is it that everybody has to have their own way
in our country? We are supposed to be a Christian nation and all you got is fighting between one church and the next. “These transgender, or whatever you call them, is against the will of God so why would we as a people want to go against the will of God to have these people say what they want from what they don’t want. You are either a man or a woman. “God should hurry up and come and get this over and done with so we don’t have to worry about them. Just come stop the world,” Mr Miller said. On Tuesday, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activists denounced Mr Miller’s “hate speech” and said they were afraid the comments would incite violence against members of their community. PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts released a statement on Tuesday saying Mr Miller’s comments do not reflect the policy position of the party or the government.
READERS REACT TO MILLER COMMENTS AND MINNIS CRITICISM AFTER the PLP distanced itself from comments made by Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller about exiling transgender Bahamians, readers gave their reaction on tribune242.com. Sheeprunner12 said: “Miller wears the shirt and the logo of the PLP . . . that is enough for me . . . guilty by association . . . they applauded for his ‘lover abuse’ comments, why not now????”
Fitmiss asked: “Is there no accountability regardless of the party he is affiliated with? Should he not be made to apologise, fined and/or sat down for a while?
By the way this is not a TV show where you can place a disclaimer saying the views expressed are not that of the station. If he speaks, he speaks as the voice of his party. The beliefs expressed are those of his party. If not then please send him to sensitivity training or something. He is proud to call himself a potcake but sometimes pedigree needs to be displayed, especially with so many persons watching.
Mr Miller’s beliefs are not mine either.” TruePeople raised the point that an employee would lose their job for reflecting badly on an organisation: “If the standard is set as such for the normal person, then should not the supposed leaders of this country be held to a higher standard? Instead we are told that they are free from any such consequences. Even though these same people hold positions of power in this country we are told that their views do not reflect the views of people who hold positions of power in this country.” FNM leader Hubert Minnis criticised the government on Tuesday for “enriching the lives of their friends, families and allies” while the public suffers. Economist responded with: “Oh wow, so you are saying something that we all know. You had a great
deal of information on the economy and our suffering, which was good. But instead of castigating the government for incompetent governance of our economy you wined about favouritism and took the subject back to party politics. So all we heard was Dr. Minnis wining about how the PLP is giving its cronies favours and contracts. Missed the boat again Doc.” John said: “When I mentioned since last year that the country was going into a recession, while it had not yet climbed out of the one that started in 2008, persons tended to brush it off with statements like ‘let’s not talk hard times on ourselves or the country’. But the facts are there, the economy is sliding for the second straight year and the ‘big grab’ government is taking out of the economy with VAT and other increases in taxes and costs of
living will eventually hit the economic fan.” Asiseeit offered this: “Poor government leads to a poor nation. The public treasury can no longer support these people’s appetites. This minority (the political elite and their set) are holding each and every Bahamian down through their inside, dirty, parasitic, dealings. Money is spent with no regard. The product the Bahamian people are receiving from the government is substandard. Management is nowhere to be seen and, when questioned, hostile. The business model is 60 years old. New thinking and business are held back by the very thing that would benefit, government. Education is minimal at best. How pathetic can a country get?” • Don’t miss your chance to join the debate on tribune242.com.
The subsidiary of an International Financial Institution is looking for a
LATAM Relationship Manager Private Banking Core Responsibilities Develop the Latin American Market through identification and acquisition of new direct clients as well as eligible professional business introducers and asset managers specialised in the region. Promote the jurisdication and the institution and its services Possess a book of clients Reports to the Head of Private Banking The position is open to candidates who match the following profile: • • • • • • • • • •
Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Finance Minimum 7-10 years advanced experience in and excellent knowledge of private banking and trust services Has established networks with existing portfolios Willing to travel Ability to work under pressure Flexibility in office hours and hands-on approach when required Goal-oriented, self-motivated, positive attitude and outlook Excellent oral and written communication, public presentation and client relationship management skills Proficiency in Microsoft Office Fluent in English and Spanish (Portuguese, French, German and/or Italian would be an advantage)
Interested persons should submit their curriculum vitae along with a cover letter by January 15th, 2016 addressed to:
Private & Confidential Relationship Manager Latin America DA 117801 c/o The Tribune Box P.O.Box N-3207 Nassau, Bahamas
Only those candidates meeting the above criteria will be contacted for an interview.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, May 5, 2016, PAGE 13
DNA asks for clarity over sale of the Grand Lucayan Resort
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net WITH hundreds of hotel jobs now at stake in Grand Bahama, Democratic National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney stressed that Bahamians are again “sadly left in the dark” as the government remains quiet about the matters concerning the sale of the Grand Lucayan Resort. He is demanding that government “come clean” about the sale, which has brought increased uncer-
tainty for the nearly 700 Bahamians currently employed at the resort. Mr McCartney noted that the owners announced back in March plans to sell the 409-acre resort property – the third largest in the country – in a sealed bidding process. “With unemployment already at record numbers, even more Bahamians may soon find themselves in the unemployment line,” he said in a press release. “In just over a month, the iconic Grand Lucayan hotel which has been a staple of the Grand Bahama
tourism product will be sold.” “For months now, media reports have speculated about the bidding process, the potential buyers and overall plans for the once vibrant property. Sadly, Bahamians have again been left in the dark. The minister of tourism, the minister of Grand Bahama, and the prime minister himself have been suspiciously quiet about the entire matter,” he said. The DNA leader stated that with the country still reeling from the GDP impact of the Baha Mar deba-
cle, the Bahamas’ tourism product can by no means withstand the fallout of another shuttered hotel property. “Now, as the deadline for purchase submissions quickly approaches, the Democratic National Alliance demands that the government come clean about matters related to the sale. What involvement, if any, has the government had in the sale and bidding process of the hotel? Are the potential bidders companies of repute? Have Bahamians been given an equal opportunity to par-
PRIME Minister Perry Christie among other dignitaries at the opening of the new Jack Hayward Bridge.
NEW BRIDGE ‘AN EXAMPLE OF PORT’S COMMITMENT TO FREEPORT’
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net SARAH St George, vicechairman of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, has said the new Jack Hayward Bridge is an example of the continued commitment of the GBPA to stimulate economic activity in Freeport. She said the bridge which is 35ft high and 100 yards in length - symbolises the principal goals of the founders of Freeport to open up the island to new opportunities, developments, and greater prosperity. “This is the first major bridge in Grand Bahama since the 1960s so it’s indeed a milestone,” said Ms St George, who also agreed it is a fitting tribute to Sir Jack. “Sir Jack understood that bridges are among the most powerful and important symbols in human society – symbols of connection, cooperation, and harmony.” “Sadly, Sir Jack never lived to see his dream come true, but that really wasn’t his aim,” she said. According to Ms St George, there were many design suggestions for the bridge, from Sir Jack’s first opting for a metal and wood design similar to the Bailey Bridge. “Another creative soul suggested we build a tunnel under the canal,” she recalled. The vice-chairman said in the end a two-lane bridge was decided on and built at a cost of some $4m. In addition to the actual bridge construction, she said there is an approach road, an extra half of repaved road on either side, street lighting, bridge lighting, and a
$50,000 roundabout and landscaping, completed the project. The bridge was built by All Build Construction and Waugh Construction. It has a footpath and can accommodate up to 50 tons. Describing it as a mini Panama Canal, Ms St George explained that the new bridge was built 35ft high because the Grand Lucayan Waterway intersects the whole island and is used as a short cut by boaters trying to get to Abaco. Ms St George said it also promotes transit to and from the airport, the harbour, and the College of The Bahamas campus where the GBPA has donated $3 million towards the building of dormitories. She also noted that the Port Authority and DEVCO spent some $200,000 on makeover renovations of the Casuarina Bridge and Taino Bridge a few years ago. Ms St George acknowledged Sir Jack’s family - his grandson Rupert Hayward, his son Rick Hayward and the wider Hayward family - as well as Patricia Bloom and her family Amy and Mike Clough, who lived with Sir Jack. She also expressed gratitude to all involved in the project. “It’s my hope that all persons and things crossing the bridge in whichever direction do so for the purpose of creating happiness, health, wisdom and prosperity. It’s my prayer that the bridge will further unite everyone and our neighbours, multiply the fruits of their labour, and ease the burden of work,” she said earlier this week. The bridge was officially opened on Monday.
ticipate in the bid process? Will the property close for any period following the sale? And if so, for how long? And most importantly what will become of the jobs for the nearly 700 Bahamians currently employed there?” “This radio silence is a far cry from the many promises made by this PLP administration in the run up to the last election; promises of new jobs, a vibrant tourism product, and a transparent government, all of which would be facilitated by the Ministry of Grand Bahama,” said Mr McCartney.
He claimed that since coming to office, however, the Ministry of Grand Bahama has done little to facilitate real development for the island, and instead has proven to be a breeding ground for more cronyism, parliamentary appointments, and has compounded the issue of government bureaucracy and red tape, hindering development. Mr McCartney believes that the DNA can provide a comprehensive plan to grow Grand Bahama, first by addressing record unemployment.
Photo: Vandyke Hepburn
SARAH ST GEORGE, vicechairman of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, speaking at the opening ceremony of the new Jack Hayward Bridge.
PAGE 14, Thursday, May 5, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
Young and old urged to come out to celebrate carnival
By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net BAHAMAS National Festival Commission CEO Roscoe Dames yesterday urged Bahamians “young and old” to participate in this year’s Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival festival, which takes place from today until Saturday. In an interview with The Tribune, Mr Dames called on the Bahamian public to “come out and party and enjoy all that we’re offering during this weekend.” This year’s festival, in its second instalment, will feature a large assortment of Bahamian artists and other international performers. According to officials, “the down home flavours” of Bahamian sounds will be mixed with a Caribbean fusion of soca, reggae and Latin vibes during three nights of non-stop music. The festival will see performances from Trinidadian soca singer Destra, known for her recent hit “Lucy”, Grammy award winning Haitian hip-hop artist Wyclef Jean, as well as Jamaican reggae star Tarrus Riley. Regional soca artists Ricardo Drue, Kerwin Du Bois, Farmer Nappy, Rupee, Fadda Fox, Patrice Roberts, Skinny Fabulous, Bunji Garlin and Lyrical will also hit the stage during the three-day festival. The festival will also feature a mix of Bahamian artists, including Elon Moxey, Julien Believe, the Blue Band Connection, Willis and the Illest, and many others. It all takes place at the Western Esplanade and Clifford Park. “We invite everyone to come out,” Mr Dames told The Tribune. “It’s in conjunction with the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Security is of paramount importance for us. As we did last year, we’re going to make it safe. It’s a great family atmosphere during the day time; at night you come out and party and enjoy all that we’re offering during this weekend.” Each day from today until Saturday, those attend-
PRIME Minister Perry Christie being shown carnival outfits. ing can expect lots of free entertainment and funfilled activities at designated booths inside the Cultural Village, including hair braiding and straw plaiting demonstrations, Junkanoo pasting, as well as two Junkanoo performances. The Junkamania concert is tonight, in which some 12-13 Junkanoo orchestras will perform live in the Cultural Village, the highlight of the evening. On Friday night the Music Masters song competition takes place, in which eight finalists and 10 songs will battle for $50,000 in grand prize money. They will share the stage with Bahamian acts D Mac and Visage, along with Wyclef Jean, Destra and Patrice
Roberts. At noon Saturday is the Road Fever Street Parade, which will start at the Thomas A Robinson track and field stadium, make its way onto Bethel Avenue en route to Tonique WilliamsDarling highway, head north on Blue Hill Road before heading west on Poinciana Drive and then north on Nassau Street back to the Cultural Village. That night, Mr Dames said, will be a “finale concert”, which will see performances from Tarrus Riley, Trinidadian artist Bunji Garlin, as well as a host of local artists including Julien Believe, Funky D, and the Sky Juice Band. “We’re very excited, very happy to have everyone,
Photo: Kemuel Stubbs/BIS young and old, come out and enjoy all of the great entertainment, great vendors that we’re going to have there,” Mr Dames said. “Craft products will be available for sale, as well as our demonstrations during the day. “This adds to our cultural dynamic here at Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival, because truly, Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival is a uniquely Bahamian product.” Tickets are available at all Cash N Go locations. Tickets are available for $15 after 6pm today, Friday and Saturday. General and VIP admission to the Music Master’s concert and other performances on Friday night is $25 and $75 respectively.
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We appreciate and thank all who express interest in the position. However, only qualified candidates will be contacted.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, Thursday, May May 5,5, 2016, 2016, PAGE PAGE 1515
PRIME Minister Perry Christie during his tour of workshops ahead of Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival.
OVER 140 VISITORS SIGN UP FOR ROAD FEVER
MORE THAN 140 visitors have signed on with the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival groups to participate in the Road Fever March on Saturday, with the majority joining the Enigma group and significant numbers with Bahamas Masqueraders and Rhythms Bahamas. Enigma Junkanoo Carnival Group co-owner Leslia Brice said 90 visitors have signed up to march with the group. “For us, that is phenomenal and it is only going to grow,” she said at the group’s headquarters on Taylor Street. “They are excited. Some of them arrived today, about 40, and everybody wants to know, ‘What’s the plan? What are we doing? Where are we going tonight?’ Dr Beverton Moxey, of Bahamas Masqueraders, said over 20 foreigners have signed up to march with the group. “We have a surplus of visitors, more so than we had in the previous year, of tourists who will be joining us,” he said. “A lot of them have either been friends of persons who participated last year or new people who heard about the group through our international partners that we’ve actually made contacts with.” Dr Moxey said all the participants are from the United States and signed up on Masqueraders’ website. Dario Terrelli, of Rhythms Bahamas, said more than 30 visitors have signed up with his group. Prime Minister Perry Christie toured the workshops of four Road Fever groups - Masqueraders, Rhythms, Enigma, and Barabbas Carnival Tribe on Monday night, observing various participants stitching costumes and embedding jewels in head pieces among other things. “Tourists spend between $250 to 300 million a year on souvenirs and handicraft,” he said while visiting Enigma’s workshop. “It is expected that as Bahamians are getting more and more involved in the production of souvenirs and handicraft, the artistic genius that is present here must get involved and take advantage of the opportunities that we have. “This is bigger than just the costume for the parade that day. You are on the right path. You are planting and you will reap.”
Mr Christie said he was impressed with the level of ingenuity that the groups have put into their costumes and stressed the economic implications of carnival. Dr Moxey said Bahamas Masqueraders is employing 50 people full time. “We spent in our straw work initiative, somewhere around $10,000, just for straw work for our costumes,” he said. “We have in excess of 400 people that will be on the road. We have people calling daily. “Right now, just in the camp alone we have in excess of 50 people working with us daily, in terms of producing costumes, helping to decorate them, trim them and put the jewel pieces on. That doesn’t count the people we will employ for the road march – sound engineers, DJs, musicians, chiefs, security guards, medics.” Bahamas Masqueraders are being sponsored for a second year by Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), the local producer of CocaCola products. Coralie Adderley, of Bahamas Masqueraders, said: “It is through the sponsorship of partners such as Coca-Cola that we were able to realise the historic win of the inaugural Road Fever parade in 2015. We look forward to an exciting and meaningful partnership with them for many years to come.” Cara Douglas, Marketing Manager at CBC, praised the positive impact the Masqueraders have had on the community. “Bahamas Masqueraders is a huge operation, providing employment and a learning opportunity for a diverse group of persons,” she said. “From costume designers, to customer service reps, to social media, and marketing teams this single group has positively impacted our community. “Each of the carnival groups has had an impact on our community, and we are proud to be able to partner with, and support the Masqueraders.” The partnership includes a cash donation, a significant product donation, and “carnival survival” items. CBC is offering “Coca-Cola Red Bays” costumes for $190. Twenty-six groups are registered to participate in Road Fever on Saturday.
BTC chief executive Leon Williams speaking to carnival costume makers.
Photo: Kemuel Stubbs/BIS
PAGE 16, Thursday, May 5, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
Govt ‘showing lack of interest’ in Freedom of Information Act
By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
A LOCAL advocacy group criticised the government’s “decided lack of interest” in passing and implementing a Freedom of Information Act, and is calling for greater public participation on the proposed legislation. The Organization for Responsible Governance underscored the critical need for public education on the role of a FOIA due to the lack of meaningful engagement with civil society. The
group plans to host an independent forum next week, citing that the government’s efforts have not been effective or sufficient. In a press statement, ORG Executive Director Matthew Albury added that there was no clear evidence that the FOI Commission had benchmarked the proposed legislation against international standards. The organisation called for an expanded public consultation programme that would allow citizens to provide meaningful input, and for the commission to directly engage local and
international civil society groups. Public consultation began last month with town hall meetings held in New Providence and Grand Bahama. In a statement to Parliament yesterday, Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald said that public consultations will be held in Abaco, Eleuthera and Exuma over the next six weeks. The final town hall meeting will take place on New Providence, he said. Mr Fitzgerald, who is responsible for the legislation, explained that notices will
be published and also listed on the Ministry of Education’s website and Facebook page, and encouraged persons to review the legislation and provide feedback in person, on the website or by letter. The ORG statement read: “ORG has observed that the meetings have not been well advertised, information on the government’s recommendations for the bill has not been made available, and, subsequently, the public has not been well engaged – the initial meeting in Nassau drew only 15 attendees and the
second in Grand Bahamas had only five. “ORG and the other civil society organisations want to help engage the public in this critical legislation,” said Lana Lee Brogdon, chair of ORG’s Public Education and Messaging Committee. “This is too important for us to just stand by and do nothing because it will affect our children and the future of our country. We need all individuals and organisations to come out on Thursday, May 10, to the Dundas to learn more. “We have invited the gov-
ernment to join us and provide their presentation and we hope they take this as seriously as we do.” The government released a revamped draft version of the FOI legislation last year. Mr Fitzgerald has said that the Christie administration would seek to table the document once Parliament reconvened after the summer break, suggesting it would likely take place between October and November. The ORG’s public education forum will be held at the Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts at 6.30pm on May 10. According to ORG, the event has the support and participation of Citizens for a Better Bahamas, The Nassau Institute, The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation, The Bahamas Bar Association, Civil Society Bahamas and We the People.
SIX HELD AT LUCAYA MARINA BY IMMIGRATION
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
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THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, May 5, 2016, PAGE 17
BISHOP Sebastian of the Greek Orthodox Church conducts a blessing during the groundbreaking for Lend A Hand Bahamas at their community centre in Lewis Street.
GROUND BROKEN FOR LEND A HAND BAHAMAS CENTRE
THE vision of the Lend A Hand Bahamas Foundation (LAHB) to construct a much-needed community centre in Grant’s Town moved a step closer late last month with a groundbreaking ceremony at the proposed site in Lewis Street. LAHB, a Bahamian non-profit organisation that seeks to bring more activities and opportunities to socio-economically disadvantaged areas of the country, works with other
inner-city community entities and Bishop Sebastian of the Greek Orthodox church, a strong partner of LAHB, was present at the ceremony and performed a blessing. The land, on the corner of East Street, has been donated and cleared and the first phase of construction is in the works. LAHB is currently sponsoring and initiating programmes, opportunities and activities for children in the area while it
continues to plan and raise funds for the remaining stages of development of the centre. To that end the organisation is holding a Party with a Purpose event on May 14 at John Watling’s Distillery. LAHB operates primarily in Grant’s Town and Bain Town with smaller initiatives in Abaco. See Weekend tomorrow for more on Party with a Purpose
THE BLESSING at the community centre.
Photos: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff
PAGE 18, Thursday, May 5, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
‘The Bahamas’ own street philosopher’
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, May 5, 2016, PAGE 19
PATRICK Arthur shows off his Mahi Mahi.
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AS WE approach the Yellowfin Tuna season in the Bahamas fishermen are still catching a nice variety of other fish. The fast moving Wahoo are being caught in small numbers and the Mahi Mahi are still aggressive on the bite. There have been some nice reports from the northern Bahamas as billfish such as Blue and White Marlin as well as Sailfish have been caught. The billfish are most active a few miles off shore, where the cool ocean currents meet the warmer waters. It’s time to grab the rods and take full advantage of the beautiful weather.
Keep checking the Bahamas Sport Fishing Network (BSFN) expert page for fishing reports throughout the Bahamas: this will be helpful in tracking the “hot spots” and providing advice on gear and fishing methods being used. For a sample of the spectacular fishing to be had in The Bahamas, expert advice, tournament dates and results, informative features and photo galleries visit the BSFN page at tribune242. com or www.bsfn.biz. BSFN slideshows can be found on USA Today’s website in the Travel section at experience.usatoday.com.
CAPTAIN TRAVIS KELLY, of Gusto Charters, with a nice catch and release White Marlin in Abaco. CAPTAIN JOE THOMPSON, of Abaco Fishing Charters, with a beautiful catch and release Blue Marlin.
PAGE 20, Thursday, May 5, 2016
OHIO Gov John Kasich pauses as he speaks during a news conference in Columbus. Ohio, yesterday. Kasich announced the end of his underdog White House bid. The decision comes a day after Trump’s only other rival, Ted Cruz, left the 2016 contest.
KASICH BOWS OUT AS TRUMP VOWS TO UNITE
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WASHINGTON Associated Press
DONALD Trump’s last Republican foe, Ohio Gov John Kasich, ended his quixotic presidential campaign Wednesday, cementing Trump’s remarkable triumph as his party’s presumptive nominee and launching him toward a likely fall battle with Hillary Clinton. Some reluctant Republicans began to rally around Trump, but others agonised over their party’s future. The billionaire businessman vowed to unite the splintered GOP, even as he was bitingly dismissive of members who have been critical of his campaign. “Those people can go away and maybe come back in eight years after we served two terms,” he said on NBC’s “Today” Show. “Honestly, there are some people I really don’t want.” Clinton, in her first remarks since Trump’s new status was crystalised, said she was more than prepared to handle the kind of deeply personal attacks that helped defeat Trump’s Republican rivals. “To me, this is the classic case of a blustering, bullying guy,” the all-but-certain Democratic nominee told CNN. The long and chaotic Republican primary came to an abrupt end after Trump’s decisive victory Tuesday in Indiana. His win pushed Texas Sen Ted Cruz, his closest rival, out of the race, with Kasich following on Wednesday. “The people of our country changed me,” Kasich said during an emotional speech announcing the end of his campaign. “They changed me with the stories of their lives.” Trump’s takeover of the GOP marks one of the most stunning political feats in modern political history. A first-time candidate, he eschewed traditional fundraising and relied more on his own star power than television advertising to draw attention. He flouted political decorum with controversial statements about women and minorities, leaving some Republicans convinced he won’t be able to cobble together the diverse coalition needed to win the general election. “It’s his party between now and November, but I don’t think it’s going to be his party after November,” said Peter Wehner, a former adviser to President George W Bush. Wehner is among the Republicans vowing to never vote for Trump, even if that means essentially handing Clinton the presidency. Bob Vander Plaats, an influential evangelical leader who backed Cruz, withheld his support for Trump Wednesday, saying the real estate mogul needs to prove his conservative credentials with his vice presidential pick and more information about what kind of judges he would appoint. “It’s kind of a wait-and-see moment with Mr Trump,” he said. Vander Plaats and a handful of other Republicans are clinging to the hope that an alternative option might yet emerge. Operatives have floated former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, Nebraska Sen Ben Sasse and former Oklahoma Sen Tom Coburn as possible candidates for a third-party or independent bid. But that is a long shot at best, with filing deadlines for getting on state ballots fast approaching. There was notable silence from major Republican leaders Wednesday. House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell did not comment on Trump. A spokesman for George W Bush said the former president “does not plan to participate in or comment on the presidential campaign” — a remarkable lack of public support for Trump from the last Republican to occupy the White House.