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VOLUME:114 No.117, MAY 10TH, 2017
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DECISION DAY
PM warns of ‘danger’ of voting FNM
Minnis tells crowd ‘Now is the time’
By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net
By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
IN HIS last speech before thousands of voters turn out to the polls, Prime Minister Perry Christie last night said the Progressive Liberal Party will retain the government of The Bahamas, while urging Bahamians to vote in full force to shore up the fate of his party. Warning Bahamians that a vote for the Free National Movement is “dangerous” because the organisation is vested in foreign interests, Mr Christie attempted to sell his party as a group that has made the big decisions to ensure the country’s pro- LAST CALL: The crowds at last night’s PLP rally, above, and FNM rally, below. gression. Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff Before beginning what could be his last speech as prime minister, Mr Christie broke out into the “Perry Shuffle” as the gathered crowd chanted his name. “We know change is possible. We know big change is possible,” a confident Mr Christie told thousands of supporters at Clifford Park. “We know that we have the best team to bring the change this country needs. “After Wednesday, we will be forming the next government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. “When you go to the polls you will know you are going to vote for the best team and you are going to know that it doesn’t take one man or one woman to lead the country, it takes a team. “It takes a leader who is able to work with his team and it takes a team that is qualified and can work in unity together. A team that is qualified and that is your Progressive Liberal Party team.”
NOW is the time for choosing, Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis declared, his voice resounding through speakers last night and falling on the thunderous cheers of the people gathered at the Q E Sports Centre to hear him explain what’s at stake in today’s election. Waving pom-poms and proudly displaying their red colours, the crowd of thousands spent election eve the best way they knew how: celebrating. Dr Minnis, who spoke at a large Grand Bahama rally before making his way to New Providence, urged Bahamians to “Vote Them Out!” emphasising those three words that have become a rallying cry for the FNM this election season. The party hopes to ride to victory on a wave of discontent with the governing party. “I have had the pleasure of travelling all across our Bahamas,” Dr Minnis said. “You have welcomed our team into your homes and into your hearts. Thank you for sharing your lives, your stories and your struggles. I continue to be inspired by the experiences and strength of Bahamians. This campaign confirms that though we face challenges, our people are strong and resilient. It’s time to choose. The Bahamas cannot survive another five years of this, corrupt, incompetent and victimising government. Thank God for May 10. Clearly, you are ready for change and the PLP’s time is up. The voices of the people can no longer be ignored and this movement cannot be stopped.” SEE PAGE THREE
SEE PAGE THREE
FNM RAISES ‘RED FLAG’ OVER SECURITY OF VOTES AFTER INSPECTION By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
FREE National Movement Chairman Sidney Collie yesterday declared that his party’s “red flag is
waving” after an inspection revealed that ballot boxes containing hundreds of votes from the advanced poll were “poorly” sealed, and for one constituency left unsealed. Recalling the chaotic
scenes from last week’s early poll, Mr Collie stressed that he was not making an allegation against the Parliamentary Registration Department but a callto-arms for poll workers, candidates and the wider
voting public to be vigilant as votes are cast across the country today. He underscored that all 39 ballot boxes were locked with their slots covered, and kept in the basement of the Parliamentary Registration
Department in a safe room with a steel door and multiple locks. “With regard to the sealing of the boxes,” Mr Collie said in an interview at the party’s headquarters, “many of them were poorly
sealed. The wax was badly, roughly, quickly done. The taping around many of them were sloppy. They were all locked and the slot for the ballot was all covered over.” SEE PAGE SIX
‘BALLOT BOXES LATE BECAUSE CONCERN OVER DISRUPTION TO OF ATTORNEY GENERAL REQUEST’ SOCIAL MEDIA ON ELECTION EVE By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham claimed yesterday that ballots arrived late to the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium at last week’s advanced poll because the day before, Attorney General Allyson Maynard Gibson advised the Parliamentary Registration Department that it could add additional people
Covering The Bahamas for 40 years.
to the register. Although Wednesday’s much derided advance poll was supposed to start at 8am, ballots did not reach the location until afterwards and voting didn’t begin until after 9am. “The ballots were not ready to go to the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre until a quarter to 8 that morning,” Mr Ingraham said on 96.9 FM show “Off SEE PAGE SIX
HUMAN rights activist and attorney Fred Smith, QC said he believes there have been attempts by the government or operatives working closely with the Progressive Liberal Party to censor not only his personal Facebook page, but other pages with which he is associated on the social media platform. Mr Smith told The Tribune yesterday that over the past few weeks his personal Facebook page and others
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were reported around seven to nine times and in most instances the activity happened shortly after there were posts published which were highly critical of the Christie administration. Ranard Henfield, We March Bahamas lead organiser, added that he has had similar experiences. He also believes that his personal and business phones have been wire tapped. SEE PAGE SEVEB
PAGE 2, Wednesday, May 10, 2017
FOLLOW THE ELECTION TODAY WITH THE TRIBUNE As voters go to the polls today, tribune242.com will be rolling with reports, pictures and views early from the constituencies and throughout the day.
THE TRIBUNE
THE “Singing Bishop”, Bishop Lawrence Rolle, at the Progressive Liberal Party Mega Rally at Clifford Park. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
As the votes are counted after the 6pm closure of the polls, follow the results live as they are announced on our mobile-friendly website. As the results come in, keep a record of how the parties are faring with The Tribune’s election tally sheets, free with the paper today.
PLPS at last night’s Clifford Park rally.
FNMS gathered at last night’s rally.
Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff
GETTING into the spirit at last night’s PLP rally.
URCA BITS
AN AERIAL view of last night’s FNM rally.
Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff
URCA advises the public that, in accordance with URCA’s Code of Practice for Content Regulation, on Election Day 10 May 2017 its licensees are not permitted to broadcast within any programmes the following until after the close of the polls: Utilities Regulation & Competition Authority Frederick House, Frederick Street Nassau, Bahamas Main: 242-393-0234 Family Islands: 242-300-8722 (Toll Free) “Improving lives through effective utilities regulation”
a. Discussion and analysis of election issues, b. The results or purported results of the voting in a constituency or electoral district, c. The results of any opinion poll or, d. Any political advertisements, political broadcasts or any other election or political programming (including music) URCA is asking the public to report any perceived breaches of this code on Election Day by contacting URCA via Whatsapp at 242-8154707, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/URCA242 or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/URCA242
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, May 10, 2017, PAGE 3
FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis addressing last night’s FNM rally.
PRIME Minister Perry Christie dancing on stage last night.
PM warns of ‘danger’ Minnis tells crowd of voting FNM ‘Now is the time’ from page one He also said: “Just make sure that you are voting PLP all the way tomorrow (today). “Tomorrow with our votes we are going to decide whether our country is going forward with a brighter future or whether the clock will be turned back with a risky unstable party in debt to foreign special interests.” Mr Christie said he felt good about the impending election results because
during his campaign there were many Bahamians who said they expected the party to remain the government. “I’m feeling good about tomorrow. When I spend time with people like you I feel good. When I watched coming in the airplane I said ‘Oh my God, the crowd, the crowd!’ “It’s been a good feeling for us as we campaigned across the country, we saw so many Bahamians who are living with the expectation and the anticipation that the Progressive Liberal Party
ENGLERSTON candidate Glenys Hanna Martin last night.
will form the next government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. “We believe that the good work we have done is just now starting to have its impact.” Mr Christie stressed to PLPs that when they go to the polls, a vote for the PLP is a vote for stability, as he painted the FNM as a fractured organisation. Mr Christie also spoke to supporters at a rally in Grand Bahama last night before heading back to New Providence.
Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
FNM chairman Sidney Collie speaking to the KHAALIS Rolle at last night’s PLP rally. press yesterday ahead of today’s voting. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
Wednesday, 10th May 2017 THE PLP rally last night.
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from page one As he spoke, members of the crowd said they didn’t need to be convinced. “I always vote PLP, but this time around I can’t do it, I’m rocking with Doc,” said one woman, her daughter near. An hour before Dr Minnis took the stage, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham urged voters to vote out the PLP because it’s a corrupt party. As he has done all campaign season long, he disclosed information that has the potential to embar-
rass some government officials. Amongst those officials is Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson, for instance, whose brother he claimed built the convention centre at Baha Mar. “How do you think they found him?” he asked. “Not even Perry Christie nor Phillip ‘Brave’ Davis could get them to change (their contract decision on) that one. They were both upset and said so.” Both Dr Minnis and Mr Ingraham urged party supporters to exercise patience at the polls today. Avoid arguments, they
said, and vote in the constituency where one is listed on the register, regardless if one has been accurately placed. “Be careful when you vote,” Dr Minnis said. “Take your time and look for the torch. Mark your ‘X’ one time next to the torch. Be vigilant, watchful and pay close attention. Let no one provoke you to violence. Be patient and support one another. Keep your eyes on the prize, and get every FNM vote in the ballot box. Wear your red shirts or something red to the polls and do not forget to vote early.”
FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham at the FNM rally. Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff
PAGE 4, Wednesday, May 10, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
The Tribune Limited NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI “Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
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Today Bahamians decide their government IT is indeed a tragedy when a people become so devoid of moral fibre that they can no longer distinguish between right and wrong. In Monday’s Tribune we published a report sent to us in an attempt to undermine the integrity of former Bahamas Bar Association President Elsworth Johnson, who is the FNM’s candidate for Yamacraw. It was an effort to equate Mr Johnson’s acquiring of 12,000 square feet of Crown Land in the Cowpen Road area in 2010 for his mother – for which she had worked and he had paid – with that of Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald’s failed attempt to obtain for his father’s business millions of dollars in brokerage, trucking and limousine contracts from Baha Mar while he was a Cabinet minister. While Minister Fitzgerald admitted that he had tried to get these contracts, he seems to think that he can walk away untainted because his requests were ignored. He appears oblivious of the fact that by his solicitation alone he had breached clause 40 of the Manual of Cabinet and Ministry Procedure, which states that a minister must not “solicit or accept any benefit, advantage or promise of future advantage whether for himself, his immediate family or any business concern or trust with which he is associated from persons who are in, or seek to be in, any contractual or special relationship with the government.” “Solicit” is the operative word here – and, according to his own admission, he did solicit. Minister Fitzgerald might not have received anything, but it was not for the want of trying. When he did this he was in serious breach of the code that manages the conduct of persons sitting around the Cabinet table ostensibly making decisions –not for themselves – but for you, the public. Now let us compare Mr Johnson and his mother’s situation with that of the Education Minister’s. Mr Johnson was not asking for favours. He was only asking that his mother’s legal rights be honoured. Mrs Johnson’s pleas to purchase the land after working it for more than 30 years, were ignored by government. Believing she was getting nowhere, she considered court action. Instead her lawyer son appealed to then Prime Minister Ingraham on her behalf. The grant of the 12,000 square feet of land for which $5,602.24 was paid was approved. Mrs Johnson’s grant was no favour – it was considered a grant as of right after a certain number of years of occupation. Her grant was just one of many approved in those years. Her son was not a cabinet minister and there was no prohibition preventing him from taking steps to protect his mother’s rights. There must be something basically wrong with anyone who could possibly equate Mr Johnson’s situation with that of a Minister who had breached a prohibition of his office — and for which there has been no rebuke, even from his prime minister. Speaking at a PLP rally in Central Andros recently Mr Christie selected certain party members, including Mr Fitzgerald, for praise. He seemed to think — and probably they did too– that they had been lifted to Olympian heights when he described them as a part of “the Sir Lynden Pindling dream.” Over the years, Mr Christie has often referred to himself as a “bridge” - we assumed he was crossing a bridge to lead Bahamians into a promising future. How-
ever, it would seem that he has been walking backwards on that bridge – back into the era that gave birth to many of today’s anti-social problems. In January, 1986, Prime Minister Pindling in a televised New Year’s message encouraged Bahamians to take advantage of the “opportunities provided by his cabinet” to become millionaires. It is a question whether Sir Lynden, whose cabinet had been badly shaken by the Commission of Inquiry into drug trafficking, failed to realise that in those years the fastest way to the millionaire circle was in the drug trade - at that time the country was riding high on the “narco” dollar. It was also at that time that teachers started to complain to The Tribune that some of their students were writing essays saying that when they grew up they wanted to be drug runners like their fathers, and uncles. They saw the fancy cars, the apartment buildings, the rings on the fingers and junky gold hanging from the neck and acceptance into the new society. They too wanted to be millionaires. It has been a downward slide for our communities over the years, leading to the anti-social, criminally polluted society that we are wrestling with today. If you notice success is measured in millions. For example, last week Deputy Leader Philip “Brave” Davis in recounting the many contributions he has made to his Cat Island constituency listed the many millions spent, or yet to be spent in his constituency if he is re-elected. For example, he said a re-elected PLP would construct schools for both north and south Cat Island with plans drawn up and ready to go. Three clinics in progress at a cost of $2.1m, $1.5m and $6.5m. There are to be docks, repaired sea walls, an airport and much more - all in the millions. Where the money is coming from, he didn’t say, but presumably if elected millions are to be spent in Cat Island. Whereas in Palmetto Point, Eleuthera, a contract has finally been signed for a $30m “state of the art” health care clinic, promised by Mr Christie five years ago. It will finally get underway if Bahamians vote his government back in today for another five years. All these ministers talk of are structures in the millions, but more importantly they should be saying how these million dollar buildings are to be staffed with qualified doctors and nurses to heal the sick, and teachers who can provide quality education for the children. Millions of dollars will not build a nation, but a good Christian education will build a people of character who will raise standards, and by example will encourage others to drop the gun and become an achieving member of a wholesome community. Today is your day, Bahamians. Today you are all powerful. It is today — a day that comes only once every five years – that you will decide whether you want a better life with opportunities for your children, or whether you will continue catching the crumbs that fall from the table of this government. Today, you are the masters. If you have found your servants wanting, you will find a pencil in the ballot box in front of you. Pick it up, mark your X and fire the none performers. Aim for the stars! You might just hit the tree tops, but at least you are climbing upwards, leaving the “all for me baby” crowd behind. Today is your day, Bahamians. Use it wisely.
We deserve better EDITOR, The Tribune
THE Progressive Liberal Party ran a very successful campaign in 2012 highlighting the extent of the debt, deficits, corruption and murders and told us ad nauseum they would fix them. Yet somehow they are all worse today. On the fiscal side they have shown a complete and utter disregard for controlling spending in spite of adding VAT and extracting an unexpected windfall of over $1 billion in revenue.
Yet I hear PLPs suggesting these things are now acceptable. Great fiscal management they say. There is no honour in defending the deficits, debt, murders and corruption by pointing fingers at the other guys. Continuing, or in this case, worsening the cycle, makes it more difficult for Bahamians today as well as future generations. It is confusing how party supporters do not see the mote in their own eyes. Until we all mature
enough politically to recognise that bad policy is bad policy, no matter the party in power, there is little hope of change. No matter the party in government, they should be held to the same standards they pass laws to hold taxpayers to. Our Bahamaland deserves better than what we have today. RICK LOWE www.weblogbahamas. com May 9, 2017
Analysis of our leaders EDITOR, The Tribune IN 2012, the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) came to office on a wave of “Believing in Bahamians” and claiming to be the “Bridge to the Future”. At the time we believed them. We believed them, not because the leader of the PLP said so but because in the PLP we saw credible persons like Khaalis Rolle, Ryan Pinder, Michael Halkitis and - yes - even Jerome Fitzgerald and others to whom we could relate and whom we felt would strongly represent our views. Sadly this was not the case as these persons have proven to be a great disappointment and have not represented us well. Instead their arrogance, personal interests and ambitions seem to have eclipsed the people’s interest. We also believed them because regardless of party colours or affiliation we wanted the best for our country and to see the country succeed. For his part Jerome Fitzgerald has been the greatest disappointment of them all and has set that bridge ablaze like the Harold Road dump which continues to burn and negatively affect the people in the surrounding communities. His decision to delay the government’s findings into the Rubis leak to the detriment of the citizens of Marathon was a damning indictment on his character and was the first public indication that his position in Cabinet and that of his party trumped the needs and concerns of his constituents. If that was not enough, The Tribune’s exposé on Mr Fitzgerald and his admission that he had indeed written to Bahamar developer Sarkis Izmirilian to follow up on contracts for his father’s business further demonstrated Mr Fitzgerald’s poor judgment. As Bahamians prepare to go to the polls, the PLP is again parading these men around and are asking us to believe that they actually have our best interest at heart and that we matter to them above their personal interests.
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net In my opinion, over the past five years Perry Christie and the PLP have squandered any opportunity that they may have had to actually make a positive difference in our country, in favour of party politics. While I have the greatest of respect for our leaders I believe in the saying that right is right and wrong is wrong. Mr Christie’s inability to act in instances like those involving Jerome Fitzgerald or Shane Gibson over the past five years and to condemn the wrongdoing of his members will be to the detriment of his party at the polls on Election Day. In regards to the Democratic National Alliance (DNA), Branville McCartney seemed poised, following the impressive showing of his party after the 2012 elections, to assume a substantial position of political leadership in the country. However, like the PLP, he too squandered a great opportunity and failed to establish himself and his party as an alternative to the PLP or Free National Movement (FNM). In fact, when the FNM was at its lowest and the people were crying out for someone to lead them and represent their views Mr McCartney’s voice could not be heard. The failure of Mr McCartney to fill this void demonstrated to me that he was simply going through the motions and was pleasantly content on being nothing more than a spoiler on Election Day. His presentations, when made, lacked substance and seemed to be more of an exercise in public relations as he appeared not to have the “fire in his belly” or the fight to convince the Bahamian public that he could seriously lead a political party to victory at the polls. In fact, what he has demonstrated is that, as a spoiler, a vote for the DNA is a vote for the PLP. For its part the FNM under Dr Hubert Minnis has had a tumultuous five years, as infighting and
questions surrounding the ability of Dr Minnis to lead his party into the general elections have abounded. In my opinion the opposition that he faced from within his own party and the lashing and criticisms that he received from the government, the press and the public seem to have made him a more focused and stronger leader. During this period there were many times that it seemed as if Dr Minnis would fold under the intense pressure, but instead he continued to move forward and demonstrated that he had the “fire in his belly” to not only withstand the threats to his leadership but to do what was necessary to put the FNM in fighting form ahead of the general elections. To his credit, Dr Minnis swallowed his pride and reached out to the various factions within his party that were critical to uniting the party and moving it forward. Signs of this could be seen in Tommy Turnquest’s call to action speech on R M Bailey Park - which was reminiscent of the FNM of years past and reminded supporters of the reasons why they joined the FNM in the first place. This was followed by the emergence of Hubert Ingraham on the campaign trail which was the icing on the cake. Mr Ingraham’s command of the rally stage, his grasp of the issues facing the country and his ability to so easily navigate them is a huge plus for the FNM and provides the united front which the party has been lacking. In addition the confidence that Dr Minnis showed by welcoming Mr Ingraham to the campaign trail and thanking him for his leadership, further demonstrates his strength and comfort level as Leader of the FNM. As Bahamians go to the polls on Election Day we can only hope that they will evaluate each party, its candidates and its leaders carefully and vote for the candidate or party that they feel will be best for the country and not just best for them personally. MACS May 9, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, May 10, 2017, PAGE 5
Mitchell in row with Fox News commentator over China claim By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net
AN American political commentator has criticised the government for being “plagued” with “less than scrupulous” and “incompetent” Cabinet ministers following Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell’s scathing rebuke of the former’s recent suggestion on a Fox News radio show that the Chinese “own” the government. Evan Siegfried, a Republican strategist, in a statement on his personal blog, defended his recent suggestions that the Chinese government’s multiple investments in the Bahamas suggest that country’s ownership of the government. Mr Siegfried wrote that in his interview with Fox News Radio personality Tom Shillue and humorist Andy Levy, which was widely shared in the Bahamas yesterday, he was stating “established facts” about the Chinese’s influence in the Bahamas that Mr Mitchell “has clearly been unable to rebut”, adding that “facts are facts, even if they don’t have a pro-Christie bias”. His statement was posted on his blog just hours after Mr Mitchell had branded Mr Siegfried as having a “very serious problem of ignorance” for spreading “false, malicious and just plain silly” assertions about the Chinese government’s influence in The Bahamas. Mr Siegfried had previously claimed on the American radio show that after the United States withdrew all government and private investment from The Bahamas following the Great Recession, the Chinese “swooped in” and now “own the Bahamian
government” because they “invested so heavily in infrastructure”. Mr Siegfried also suggested that the Chinese allegedly have some degree of influence over the general election process, as he said that today’s election “actually could swing to the opposition party, which was not supposed to happen solely because of China.” Mr Siegfried also alleged that China is violating the Monroe doctrine - a US policy that warns European nations that the US will not tolerate the former interfering with the affairs of nations in the Western Hemisphere - and that China is making “geopolitical pawns” out of not just The Bahamas, but other “neighbours in our hemisphere”. During a subsequent press conference at the Department of Immigration, Mr Mitchell said Mr Siegfried’s utterances were “nonsense and patent rubbish,” and a “convenient, short-handed way” of “frightening” people into thinking that the Chinese will only expand their influence in the country if the PLP is re-elected. Mr Mitchell also said the “timing” of the statements made by Mr Siegfried was “designed to influence” today’s general election, of which he said the FNM and its associates stand to be the “beneficiaries”. Charging that the Chinese investments in The Bahamas, particularly China’s involvement with Baha Mar by way of the Export-Import Bank of China (CEXIM), exists on “normal commercial terms,” Mr Mitchell said that the Chinese government has “no hold” over the Christie administration, and that there is “no evidence that China
FRED Mitchell at last night’s PLP rally. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff That is nonsense and patent is The Bahamas plagued rubbish. with less than scrupulous “The Chinese govern- government ministers, but ment is perfectly able to incompetent ones as well.” speak for itself, but there is He also denied that he no evidence that China has was trying to influence toany hegemonic designs on day’s general election. The Bahamas. “My own comments “The China Export Im- about The Bahamas are port Bank has financed rooted in facts,” Mr Siegcommercial projects in The fried said. “Officials in the Bahamas and at present all US State Department unloans are being serviced on der Presidents George W normal commercial terms. Bush and Barrack Obama “The Bahamas itself is both expressed their connot involved in any way cern about China’s growing shape or form in any geo- control in the Caribbean, political contest between which included the Bahalarger countries. mas. “Any attempt to drag us “Experts and major meinto such contests is also dia outlets, including the false and malicious,” Mr New York Times, BloombMitchell’s statement said. erg, Forbes and others have In response just hours af- also sounded the alarm ter Mr Mitchell’s press con- about Chinese control of ference, however, Mr Sieg- The Bahamas. Does (Mr fried, in a statement posted Mitchell) consider them on his personal blog, said ‘fake news’ too? Mr Mitchell’s “desperate “Facts are facts, even if and confusing press con- they don’t have a pro-Chrisference” was a “clear dem- tie bias.” onstration” that “not only Mr Siegfried went on to
has any hegemonic designs on The Bahamas.” “There is a bit of misinformation going around via a video with a commentator from Fox News making several assertions which are false, malicious and just plain silly,” Mr Mitchell noted in his statement. “The assertions are that the United States has pulled out investments in The Bahamas and that the Chinese own The Bahamas and its government. “The Fox News commentator is obviously suffering from a very serious problem of ignorance. First, the United States as a government does invest in private sector projects in countries. US investors, private citizens and corporations, continue to be by far the largest foreign investors in The Bahamas. “Secondly, the Chinese government has no hold on The Bahamas or the government of The Bahamas.
refer to the Christie administration’s performance during this term, as well as the recent controversy surrounding Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald allegedly seeking to secure millions of dollars in brokerage, trucking and limousine contracts at Baha Mar from as early as 2013. The US commentator also cited a report he claimed was published in yesterday’s Nassau Guardian, claiming “unemployment in The Bahamas is a staggering 16.2 per cent nationwide and 19.5 per cent in Grand Bahama.” However the story he referenced was a Freeport News article that was reporting on a 2013 Labour Force study, not recent figures. The last nationwide unemployment figures from the Department of Statistics pegged the jobless rate at 11.6 per cent nationwide. Mr Siegfried continued: “Yet, Fred Mitchell and Prime Minister Christie are not focused on solving that. Instead, they have made me and my factual comments the most important thing for them to tackle. “Not unemployment, crime, addressing potential corruption within the Cabinet or improving the Bahamian economy.” Meanwhile, Mr Mitchell called on Bahamians not to be distracted by such claims, suggesting they are merely by-products of the election cycle. Last night, Mr Mitchell released a statement responding to the commentator’s blog post, linking him to the talking points of attorney Fred Smith, QC. “He should stay out of Bahamian politics. It is none of his business,” Mr Mitchell said.
FORMER PM SPEAKS ABOUT BEC BRIBE SCANDAL By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham gave his most extensive comments about a BEC scandal that began during his second term as prime minister when a French company, Alstorm, was given a contract to supply BEC with a slow speed diesel generation unit only for it to be exposed two years ago that the company bribed a BEC official, Fred Ramsey, in hopes of securing the contract. The BEC’s board at the time had unanimously recommended that the contract be awarded to a South Korean firm, Hanjung, rather than to its French rival. But Mr Ingraham’s Cabi-
net decided not to accept the recommendation. Although Mr Ramsey has since been convicted of bribery in connection with the matter, it had been unclear how Mr Ingraham’s Cabinet at the time came to reject the unanimous recommendation of BEC’s board. Mr Ingraham said yesterday that it did so because it discovered that the Korean firm had been connected to a separate bribery matter under a previous Pindling administration. “The rejection was because this company was associated with a company that paid a bribe under the PLP government,” Mr Ingraham said. “That was investigated by us and people like (officials in the PLP) were very much involved with this ex-
ercise when this bribe was paid.” Among the people Mr Ingraham said who were aware of the bribe was PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts. Asked about the matter yesterday, Mr Roberts told The Tribune: “You tell the former prime minister go jump in the deepest hole he could find in The Bahamas.” Mr Ingraham also said a Cabinet minister in the Christie administration was involved in the matter. That person could not be reached by The Tribune, however. “I’d be happy to make that file available to you,” he said on Zhivargo Laing’s Guardian Radio show. “The reason why we rejected (the Korean company) was we were not willing to give a company that we
INGRAHAM: FNM DID NOT PERFORM AS THEY SHOULD HAVE DONE THIS TERM By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham conceded yesterday that the Free National Movement’s parliamentary caucus in the House of Assembly this term did not “perform as well as they should have” as an opposition party. Mr Ingraham’s comments came on 96.9 FM’s “Off the Record” during an interview with his former State Minister for Finance Zhivargo Laing. Mr Laing, the show’s host, said many people believe the Official Opposition did not perform well in the past five years and that the media perhaps did a better job of holding the government’s feet to the fire. “That’s a fair comment,” Mr Ingraham responded. He said some of the FNM’s candidates in the 2012 election - such as Mr Laing - would have done a better job holding the government accountable.
“The public selected who it wanted to be representatives for the FNM in the election,” he said. “Persons like yourself and others who were rejected would’ve put up a far fiercer fight than some of those who got elected but that’s the hand we were dealt and it wasn’t a very experienced team. They had their challenges and so in the House of Assembly they didn’t perform as well as they could’ve and should’ve quite frankly. But the party has a cadre of people, not necessarily those who sit up front, and the FNM has been able to produce a good list of people to put up with (in the general election).” And although Mr Ingraham has said in the past that opposition forces must unite to defeat the Progressive Liberal Party in today’s election, he said yesterday that unity between the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) and other groups is not necessary for the FNM to win today because dissatisfaction with the governing party is so
great. “That’s been overtaken by other events,” he said. “The public has now decided in my view that they have to prioritise their concerns and the number one concern of the public as I gather it is to be rid of the PLP as a government and that everything else is secondary to that, that everything else is subject to that. They might not have an ideal situation but you (the PLP) got to go; ‘I’ve had more than enough of you and you got to go and I will make my way with Jack and Harry and Tom but I know I cannot live with you for another five years.’” Focusing on Dr Hubert Minnis’ weakness “is not going to be a good story” for the incumbent party, Mr Ingraham said. “The public has decided that there ought to be a change in the government, that the only entity that is capable of doing that for them is the FNM and so the public is voting out a government with a consequent voting in of a government.”
knew had paid a bribe in The Bahamas a contract. They then said it was a political contribution. They got (former Prime Minister Lynden) Pindling to write a letter confirming the political contribution. The evidence did not support it because we never got a letter from the PLP confirming their bank account received that money.” As for Mr Ramsey, Mr Ingraham said: “The person who got the bribe at BEC acted on his own. There are persons who do all manner of things, but the FNM doesn’t go that way. I would be happy to make available my entire file on this.” Last year, Mr Ramsey was convicted of having received more than $300,000 to influence the awarding of contracts between 1999 and 2003.
FORMER Prime Minister and leader of the FNM Hubert Ingraham. Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff
PAGE 6, Wednesday, May 10, 2017
FACES in the crowd at last night’s rallies for the FNM, left, and PLP, right.
Photos: Terrel W. Carey and Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
FNM raises ‘red flag’ over security of votes after inspection from page one Representatives from the FNM, Progressive Liberal Party, and the Democratic National Alliance were allowed to inspect the ballot boxes yesterday due to allegations circulated on Facebook by DNA candidate for Pinewood Lincoln Bain that the boxes were not being kept in a secure location. Mr Bain recorded a brief video at the start of yesterday’s inspection, which he then uploaded to Facebook. In the video, he gestured to several boxes that had been wrapped with tape that appear to be fraying or unsealed. Mr Collie noted that one ballot box containing votes cast in Mount Moriah was particularly concerning because it had no wax, seal, or tape; while another box containing Pinewood votes was so poorly done that it was falling apart. “What is my take on
that?” Mr Collie asked. “My take on that was speculation, but I believe plausible speculation. The parliamentary team was so much under pressure on the prepoll day, they were so disorganised, they probably were flustered and almost in every case they did a very poor job of securing the box. “I’m not making any allegations against them,” he continued, “I’m just saying from what I saw the boxes were not properly sealed, they were not properly waxed, many of them the seal was broken and just flapping and the masking tape that was put around the edge of the box was not, many of them was just very sloppy.’ He added: “I mean if I’m doing my luggage I do a better job than that.” There were 8,537 voters registered for the advanced poll, according to the department, with 6,994 voters from New Providence, 1,152 from Grand Bahama
and 391 from the Family Islands. Last week’s chaotic scene was compounded by a number of irregularities, such as late ballot boxes, the absence of scores of voter names that were allegedly approved for the early poll and voter’s cards stamped with the incorrect date. The following day, former Parliamentary Commissioner Sherlyn Hall announced that his contract had expired and that he did not seek an extension. When asked to account for the chaotic scenes, Mr Hall said that Wednesday’s exercise did not follow his directives, and suggested that the blame should instead be placed on senior officials that he appointed to carry out specific functions. He singled out returning officer Carl Smith, a permanent secretary in the Ministry of National Security. A ZNS news report confirmed yesterday that Mr
THE TRIBUNE
FNM chairman Sidney Collie speaking yesterday. Smith has resigned his post as a returning officer. However, acting Parliamentary Commissioner Charles Albury was not available to take questions from The Tribune up to press time. When asked yesterday whether the party was satisfied heading into the polls, Mr Collie said: “I’ve been a public critic so everything I say people hang their word on. So I want to be responsible in what I say, I am mindful of the chaos on the pre-poll day, I’m also mind-
ful of the unsatisfactory state of the register leading up to the pre-poll day. He said: “I have not been convinced that the now certified register is absolutely clean. I’ve been given the word of the new parliamentary commissioner and Mr Thompson that the register is certified and it’s ready and that the team is in place and they’re ready for a smooth conduct of election. “I don’t want to go beyond that other than to say all FNM poll workers and all candidates ought to re-
ter to eight that morning. Why was it not ready until then?
“The Attorney General Allyson Maynard gave some legal opinion late the day before that allowed them to add to the register additional names. ‘Them’ being PLPs, to add PLP workers names to the list as to who could vote like the government people who could vote, they could vote in the advance poll. “That took some time because as they got these names in that night, they had to go and pull those counterfoils to add to the list. So at the end of the day that resulted in a lateness. They are the unadulterated facts.” Mrs Maynard-Gibson did not respond to requests for a response to Mr Ingraham up to press time. Last week, the former Parliamentary Commissioner Sherlyn Hall suggested actions were taken with respect to the poll that helped cause Wednesday’s chaos, actions which he said he didn’t agree with. “The (Parliamentary Elections) Act does not mention nothing about agents, election agents, voting at the advanced poll,” Mr Hall told ZNS News last week. “So I was compelled to accept the poll workers’ application form K as if they were election workers.” When asked by ZNS who advised him to do this, Mr Hall said: “I would not reveal that ma’am. Of course there would have been consequences.” He said he did not know what those consequences would have been. “To err on the side of caution I decided to accept them.” Mr Hall has also blamed Carl Smith, permanent secretary in the Ministry of National Security and senior returning officer for the poll, for the problems, citing him as the reason the voting sites were cut from two to one in New Providence. Nonetheless, Mr Ingra-
main vigilant.” Mr Collie added that the party was prepared to contest the results in election court if there are any doubts that the process was not free and fair. “The election court . . . is a definite option. What we want is a fair election and a clean process, peaceful, because we are confident we will win and we will have no need to go to election court. “If that doesn’t happen you can bet your bottom dollar we will be in election court,” he said.
‘BALLOT BOXES LATE BECAUSE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL REQUEST’ from page one
the Record” to his former State Minister for Finance Zhivargo Lang.
“They were not ready to go. They were still being prepared up to a quar-
ham said he expects today’s poll to be conducted smoothly, particularly because Charles Albury, the former permanent secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, is now the acting parliamentary commissioner. Mr Ingraham said during a past conversation with Prime Minister Perry Christie, he encouraged Mr Christie to appoint Mr Albury to his current position. “I took it upon myself to speak to the prime minister sometime ago about the election process,” he said. “One of the things I suggested to him was the same person he has now made parliamentary commissioner, Chucky, that he was the best person in the service to become the parliamentary commissioner. I have lots of confidence in Chucky. He has experience. He has knowledge. He’s been working there for a long time and he will do a good job within the confines of what he has.” Mr Ingraham said while there may still be problems in terms of the accuracy of the voting register, people should not allow this to prevent them from voting because problems will be addressed through due process at a later time. “People whose names appear in the wrong polling station, in the wrong constituency etc, my advice to them would be to vote where your name appears,” he said. “Don’t worry about it because that can’t be fixed no more. If they say you living in Fox Hill and they got you in Marathon, then you vote in Marathon. “Wherever they got you, you vote. We will deal with that after the election.” Although poorly sealed ballot boxes have been raised as a concern, Mr Ingraham said “generally speaking,” he believes Mr Albury will conduct an election that takes account of this country’s “history of fairness.”
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, May 10, 2017, PAGE 7
THE VIEW ON THE STREET Constituents in South Beach and Pinewood talk to The Tribune on the eve of the poll Who are you going to vote for in this election? “This election, honestly I still ain’t sure who I want to vote for.” “It’s too late now to say sorry - PLP.” “Well, it’s the people’s time. That says it all.” How do you feel the election is going to go this year? “I feel at the end of the day the PLP will be the returning government. I don’t have no doubt with that. South Beach has almost 5,000 people - I think at the end of the day we’ll get 3,000.” “I feel going on the grounds and hitting the streets the response has been positive. For Cleola Hamilton it has been awesome. You have one or two persons who didn’t understand certain things and once she got to them and she sat with them and she was able to explain and give them a better explanation of what was going on ... it turned a new leaf. It made them more aware of where the country was been and where it was being taken. I feel she is the perfect candidate. I think she is the wonderful person who will win South Beach hands down, I would say probably by 90 per cent.” “It’s like this country stays in a repetitive state where the leaders who are in charge ain’t doing what they are supposed to do. They satisfy five per cent of the people, but leave the other 95 per cent wondering what they doing with the money, why the country in debt ... It leaves you with a lot of questions every election.” What do you think about crime in The Bahamas? “It got worse. I mean
Perry, they promised the drop in crime and blamed the FNM when Hubert was in charge. They never really said anything’s in line to even help to slow crime down because they know you can’t stop crime but you could at least slow crime down and set more boundaries and more restrictions to put in these criminals’ minds to at least think three or four times before they commmit a crime.” “The crime in The Bahamas is out of order and it didn’t come out of order during the government’s time. The crime in The Bahamas is a home problem.” “The problem with crime is not a political situation. I don’t feel that any government that comes in power ... could deal with the crime unless we have the assistance of the community. This problem starts with home, I would say from the parents. You know what us parents do: we turn a blind eye. We need to step up and take responsibility for our actions and stop putting the blame on government. We can’t rely on the government to deal with our issues.” “The crime rate is awful. I think it has escalated since the PLP took over and said they had the solution to crime.” How do you feel about campaigning for the DNA in Pinewood? “It has been a great, great adventure. Through campaigning and walking through the streets of Pinewood with Lincoln Bain .. we came to the realisation they really wanted change. It wasn’t easy going door-to-door and keeping a straight face listening to the concerns ... and you really had to let people talk. I went with DNA because it was the same old thing, back and forth, and I’d rather right now change. As like Mr Bain also say, you can’t put new wine in old bottles.”
READERS RESPOND TO POLLING CHAOS FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis’ warning for the PLP not to “further corrupt” the voting process after the chaos at the advanced poll prompted a lively reaction from readers on tribune242.com. MassExodus hit out with this: “Get these jokers out of office tomorrow. The PLP is ruining our lives, and wasting our country’s money!” Banker asked: “Is everything over yet?” John said: “Regardless of what happens tomorrow there will be change! Skeletons will be uncovered eventually and those unfit to govern will be kicked out!” Sheeprunner12 wondered: “Will Bahamians believe that this will be a fair election? After all of this mess in the PRD since last Wednesday?” PRIME Minister Perry Christie said at Monday’s PLP rally that the government will “fiercely and jealously guard our democracy” to ensure that the election will be free and fair. BoopaDoop responded with this: “Just like he said his government would honour the results of the gambling referendum. Just like he said the VAT funds would be used to reduce the debt and now the debt has increased.” PastorTroy said: “Don’t sing it, BRING IT! Start with the sealed documents on Baha Mar.” SP had this to say: “Bahamians first, we believe in Bahamians, full disclosures on Baha Mar, Bamsi and VAT, prior to election....... Perry G. Christie has proven his word is as wothless as he himself is!!!” The Prime Minister’s plea for his party to be reelected - as he cited foreign special interests and a fake protest movement
prompted Sickened to say: “It frightens me that even a few thousand of us will be voting for the PLP!” DDK said: “We must just hope and pray that common sense will prevail with the majority and that gerrymandered boundaries and stolen ballots do not influence the outcome tomorrow and that election officials do their job properly.” Birdiestrachan had this to say: “Why is there all of this talk about stealing an election according to ‘Roc with Doc’– what is he afraid of? As for Chinese investors, countries all over the world are inviting them to invest. Dollars in PLP Flags and shirts just pure foolishness. It seems Nygard has helped many Bahamians – picking on him may backfire. The FNM Government or their supporters cannot speak of anything the FNM Government has done to advance the Bahamas or its people.” And there was this comment from Inspiration: “People of Bahamas, you have the future in your hands, respect the process for change, what have you to lose if you follow your heart and build a future that is inconclusive for you all? The world is watching and praying for the best outcome. You have so much pride and strength –let that guide you to a new vision for your beautiful country which needs help in becoming a national player in a national role.” • Don’t miss your chance to join the debate on tribune242.com.
THE SCENES last night at rallies for the PLP, left, and the FNM.
Photos: Shawn Hanna and Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff
CONCERN OVER DISRUPTION TO SOCIAL MEDIA ON ELECTION EVE from page one
They made the comments on the eve of the election, the same day The Tribune’s Facebook page was suddenly restricted from appearing in news feeds, after the social media site received “strong negative feedback” from users. Following an appeal to Facebook by The Tribune - which has not received negative reports before - to lift the temporary limitation, the social media giant replied: “We’ve checked out the circumstances of your Page’s restriction, and we found that your Page received strong negative feedback from users and their friends. This denotes a poor user experience and
amounts to a violation of our Facebook Page Guidelines ... which is why your Page was restricted. Accordingly, we will not be able to remove the restriction from your Page. Please note that this decision is final and cannot be appealed.” The limitation will be lifted on May 15, it said. Mr Henfield told The Tribune that he has experienced issues for months, “but it has been ridiculous in the last two or three weeks. But for months it’s been down to my calls and my Whatsapps duplicated. I don’t know how they did that but my phone is duplicated. There are calls made from my phone when it’s right next to me and then when I check my caller ID I will see calls made. It’s ridiculous.
“I know it’s (political) because I had someone on the inside tell me ‘We have a file on you. We monitor your calls. We do it to your house phone, your office phone (and) we go through your emails and your Facebook,” Mr Henfield said. Asked why he believed the government or its operatives would target him, Mr Smith said it came down to desperation. He said: “My Facebook and Rights Bahamas and quite a number of pages we are associated with are constantly being reported. This has happened seven to nine times in the last few months and I think it definitely has to do with politics and the government. “Whenever the Facebook pages that I am in any way
associated with or Save The Bays or Rights Bahamas or other NGOs we are associated with post controversial information there always seems to be an attack and we have to justify articles and the references that we base our posts on,” Mr Smith said. “In particular in a number of cases in the last few days we have shown that whatever we have included is supported by legitimate newspaper articles from The Tribune, The Punch and The Guardian and that seems to satisfy the regulators and the attorneys for Google and Facebook, etc. So I don’t know how but the government or the people associated with the government are doing this,” Mr Smith said.
PAGE 8, Wednesday, May 10, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
PARTIES MAKE THE FINAL PUSH TO PERSUADE VOTERS AHEAD OF ELECTION By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net IN the lead-up to today’s highly anticipated 2017 general election, the country’s three main political parties kicked it into high gear over the last 48 hours as they each sought to shore up as much support as possible from the Bahamian electorate. The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), the Free National Movement (FNM) and the Democratic National Alliance (DNA), have all held rallies or public events over the past two days with aims to convince the public that they each have what it takes to govern the country.
The PLP, the incumbent governing party, held rallies at Clifford Park on Monday and Tuesday nights. On Monday, Prime Minister Perry Christie made an impassioned plea for his party to returned to government, citing opponents as foreign special interests and a fake protest movement. Prior to that, the PLP were in Crooked Island on Saturday, where Mr Christie said FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis will not be able to rely on former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham for leadership. And before that, during a rally in Abaco, Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis suggested that the FNM has brought
“Papa Clown” back to “finish the election because they don’t believe in the Hubert they got now.” The FNM held rallies on Monday and Tuesday nights as well in New Providence, with a campaign rally in Grand Bahama last night. On Monday night, Dr Minnis warned the PLP not to “further corrupt” the voting process or attempt to “steal” the general election. The Killarney incumbent further warned that if there is any “skulduggery” on Election Day, Mr Christie will be held responsible, adding that he “fears” what may happen as a result. Prior to that, the FNM held events in the Berry Islands as well as Fresh
Creek, Andros, according to a party flier. Meanwhile the DNA, which has held smaller rallies in both New Providence and Grand Bahama, recently held “The Last Call” at the Breezes Hotel, which, as opposed to the typical modus operandi of a political rally, was designed to give an opportunity for “undecided” and potential voters to voice their concerns and/or suggestions. At the party’s first campaign rally in April, however, DNA Leader Branville McCartney insisted that both the PLP and the FNM are unfit for governance, using the “two sides of the same coin” argument to characterize the alleged symbiotic relationship that
exists between the two. As far as promises go, the PLP has pledged to “make the cost of electricity free to residential customers who limit their monthly use to below specified limits,” continue the implementation of National Health Insurance and stimulate job creation. The incumbent party also pledged to create a Ministry of Communications and Information to foster greater “transparency and accountability,” annual business planning and reporting for each government ministry as well as a training programme for older citizens who want to learn new skills. The FNM, meanwhile, has promised to create an
Elections Commission so Cabinet ministers would not have responsibility for elections. Dr Minnis has also said the FNM would create an independent Boundaries Commission that will be free of government interference and implement a fixed date for voting. The DNA has promised that if elected to office, it would enforce the death penalty, as well as decriminalise small amounts of marijuana. Mr McCartney has also said the DNA would seek to introduce anti-corruption legislation and an amendment to the Constitution by way of referendum to allow the creation of a recall system for “non-performing members of Parliament”.
PLP PREDICTION: A WIN BY A SMALL MARGIN By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net FORMER Cabinet minister George Smith says that despite the “many mistakes and errors in judgment” by certain members in the governing party, the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) will win today’s general election by a “small margin”. However, Mr Smith said the PLP will “have to deal” with those individuals who have “created
embarrassment” or performed poorly in order to gain the confidence of the people. He said the PLP is the only choice for the country because it is the only “stable party in The Bahamas”. “It is important for the PLP to win for the country’s sake,” Mr Smith told The Tribune yesterday. “The PLP has demonstrated without question to be the most stable of the choices available to the Bahamian people and more than anything else,
we need to keep our country stable. “The conduct of the Free National Movement in the last four years demonstrated that its leader seems to be incapable of organisation and incapable of keeping his party together. If you perform dismally in opposition there is no way you can expect to be better in government. They have been the worst opposition this country has ever seen. The PLP will win the election but they will be demanded by the people to
deal with the individuals who have created embarrassment. The PLP will win by a narrow lead and much will be demanded of them, the public will not give them a pass on their mistakes, but the people cannot punish the entire party for the mistakes of a few.” Mr Smith said the government has not done a good job letting the public know all of its “accomplishments” over the past few years. “Baha Mar is now open,
there are projects that are being done and jobs are being created for Grand Bahama. Exuma is doing well and so are some other islands,” Mr Smith said. “There is a light at the end of the tunnel in terms of National Health Insurance (NHI), there is evidence of improvement in the (Royal Bahamas) Defence Force. The government has made progress in education with the University of the Bahamas so, despite mistakes, the PLP has done well.”
Mr Smith said the election will be the closet poll since the vote in 1967, which ended in a tie with the PLP and the United Bahamian Party, the governing side, each winning 18 seats. The remaining two seats went to Randol Fawkes, of the Labour Party, and Alvin Braynen, an Independent, who both later put their support behind the PLP, leading to Majority Rule. Mr Smith, a former Exuma MP, served in the Pindling Cabinet.
FNM VIEW: REAL WORK AFTER VOTES HAVE BEEN COUNTED
DNA ‘NOT A SPOILER’ BUT A THIRD OPTION
By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
AS voters across the country take to the polls today, Democratic National Alliance Chairman Andrew Wilson maintains that existence of his party has nothing to do with playing a spoiling role, but stands as a “viable, functional and focused” third option to disenfranchised voters. Mr Wilson, confident the DNA will successfully contest multiple seats today, told The Tribune yesterday the party has long been working with the view that this election serves as a chance to “establish our lasting presence”. Referring to inroads made by DNA leader Branville McCartney in Bamboo Town and deputy leader Christopher Mortimer in Sea Breeze among others, Mr Wilson suggested that the base of his party has expanded as a result of Bahamians growing exhausted with the “your turn now, my turn next” outlook to governance put forward by the FNM and the PLP. “Their actions have made a way for the DNA to exist,” Mr Wilson remarked. “The actions of the UBP made way for the PLP, and the actions of the PLP made way for the FNM. This is now that next turning point in our country’s political history. “There was 1967. Then there was 1992. Every 25 years, the people make major changes because the generation changes.” Of this expected change, Mr Wilson argued that now was the time for the youth of the country to make its stand by electing a government that has built itself on addressing issues that they have deemed important. “Young people have giving the indication that they are against both the PLP and the FNM because they are tired of feeling used and then taken for granted. “As we walk these communities we are finding a huge portion of our society that have trusted both adminis-
THE country’s long-term economic and social viability hinges on the plans and policies presented by Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis and his ability to execute them, according to one of the party’s founding members Maurice Moore yesterday. While forecasting that thousands of voters will take to the polls in support of Dr Minnis and the FNM today, Mr Moore stressed that the real work would only begin once the votes are counted. Of the FNM’s outlook, he noted that the party possesses the plans needed to rescue the country from the brink of destruction and despair. Mr Moore was among several supporters of the FNM who yesterday urged voters still unsure about who to support today, to review the plans presented by Dr Minnis and his team and see them as “the saving grace desperately needed”. Acknowledging efforts by Dr Minnis over the last two years in particular, Mr Moore said the “valour” displayed by the Killarney incumbent in the face of dissent should stand as evidence that he, more so than any other candidate vying for the post of prime minister, is suited and prepared for the “trying times” ahead. “Corruption is more rampant than ever before. Our people are out of work. Our kids are struggling in school. This, more than at any other point, this is crunch time for the Bahamas and this election is a vote for progress or despair,” Mr Moore told The Tribune. “The fallacies of politics
By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
are no more. Voters are more aware than they have ever been and that is why we have now become accustomed to changing governments every five years. “The chaos we now see comes as a result of many missteps and mistakes. “Now we have a man in this great party with the vision and passion to move this country forward. This election isn’t about the margin we win by, because we will win, it is about what we do after those polls are closed and we get into Parliament. “The plans are there. How do we execute them,” said Mr Moore. Detailing aspects of plans presented by Dr Minnis while on the campaign trail, Mr Moore insisted that the failure of Bahamian voters to turn away the PLP and back the FNM leader would “detour economic and social viability” for years to come. This sentiment was yesterday supported by another outspoken Minnis supporter in former Bamboo Town MP Tennyson Wells. Mr Wells said: “For the first time, the country will have a leader that looks to the future. We will have a statesman in place, not a politician.” In December, incumbent Long Island MP Loretta Butler Turner and six other members of the FNM parliamentary caucus removed Dr Hubert Minnis as leader of the Official Opposition. The move has been a point of contention among FNMs over the course of the 2017 election campaign - with PLP officials using it as an example of Dr Minnis’ failed leadership. The FNM is contesting every seat today. If successful, Dr Minnis would become the fourth person to serve as prime minister in the country’s history.
trations in the past, and once elections are done and over with, feel pushed to the side. “The DNA belongs to those people. This is their movement. This is their push for a say in the development of this country.” The DNA entered the political fray in 2010, following the departure of Mr McCartney from the FNM. The party contested all 38 seats in the 2012 general election, capturing around eight and half per cent of the national vote. The party’s 13, 225 votes are considered by many to be the reason for the FNM’s defeat in that election. However, the party, and more specifically Mr McCartney, has maintained many of the votes won by the party at that time were gained as a result of voters seeing the DNA as a viable option. Former candidate Ethric Bowe said the DNA’s ability to remain united once results become final tonight will determine whether the 2017 general election was a success or failure for the party. Mr Bowe, who withdrew as the DNA’s candidate for Southern Shores after the party ratified radio personality Lincoln Bain in Pinewood, said he was nervous to see what the future holds for the party. He said the DNA must avoid losing itself in tonight’s results, adding that success to any extent could mean a run on DNA members, while a loss could mean an exodus. “Voters want something different. The DNA has, in many instances offered that. You must understand that no lasting party in this country came to existence and immediately win. It takes time. It takes failure. But if they stay the course, eventually they will have their chance at the helm,” he said. “What are we going to do after tomorrow? That is what the legacy of the DNA will be. Whether they win a seat or not, what happens after, May 11, that is what we will be remembered for,” he added.
SMITH SAYS MINNIS IS THE BEST CHOICE FOR BAHAMIAN PEOPLE By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
FORMER FNM Cabinet minister and Pineridge MP C A Smith, one of the lead figures co-ordinating the Free National Movement’s 2017 general election campaign, said yesterday that party leader Dr Hubert Minnis, is the best choice for the Bahamian people. In a statement issued late Monday, Mr Smith said that
Dr Minnis has demonstrated care, competence and the ‘stickability’ that links to the Bahamian spirit. “Minnis, against all odds, has united a battle ready party and made a compelling case to lead our beloved Bahamas for the next five years,” Mr Smith said. “It would have been easy for a man with such professional and business success to dodge the blows that come from front line politics. But his love for coun-
try, unselfish will to serve, unmatched discipline and belief in the wonderful future of our nation, kept him dedicated and focused.” Mr Smith said the Bahamian people have grown tired of the corrupt tainted PLP. He stated that Prime Minister Perry Christie and his administration have failed miserably. “All the promises echoed by Christie and the PLP during the 2012 campaign have amounted to little or
nothing,” he said. “In Minnis, we have a refreshing mindset, a new vision, a creative energy, and a dynamic team with proven skills and brilliant youth.” The former FNM Cabinet minister said Dr Minnis is void of fancy and slick talk. “He is meticulous. He plans and is always prepared. The good doctor has diagnosed the country and is set to heal. “Christie is worn, tired and caught sleeping at the
wheel. He is sadly, a shadow of himself, but still craves power. We cannot risk another five years on a leader who has allowed things to fall apart.” He said the FNM leader has “earned a chance and sacred opportunity to lead” The Bahamas. “I look forward with confidence to realise a new day and real change with Minnis at the helm. His deputy, Peter Turnquest, has made an impressive mark with the
representation of the people in East Grand Bahama and his strong performance on the Bahamian people’s behalf in and outside of parliament. Turnquest is flat out smart, no nonsense and holds a genuine love for the people of our nation. On May 10, we have a critical choice. Christie or Minnis. I submit, the choice is clear. Hubert Minnis is the next prime minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas,” Mr Smith said.
THE THETRIBUNE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, 2017, PAGE Wednesday, May May 10th,10, 2017, PAGE A99
AMAZON ECHO UDPATED NOW WITH TOUCH SCREEN, VIDEO CALLING AMAZON is giving its voice-enabled Echo speaker a touch screen and video-calling capabilities as it competes with Google’s efforts at bringing “smarts” to the home. The 7-inch screen on the new Echo Show enables the speaker to supplement voice responses with visuals and other information displays, similar to the Echo-like features on the Fire tablets and Fire TV streaming devices. That could mean extended weather forecasts, not just current conditions, or music lyrics to go with the song you’re listening to. You can also call up cooking tutorials on YouTube, hands-free, while making dinner in the kitchen. You’ll also be able to make video calls with other Echo Show devices or the Alexa app for iPhones and Android phones. Two previous models, the original Echo and the smaller Echo Dot, will get audio calling only, as they lack screens and cameras. Video and audio calls will be free. The new Echo Show goes on sale on June 28 for $230, making it the priciest Echo yet. The market for voice-assisted speakers is small, but growing. The research firm eMarketer expects usage of such speakers to more than double this year, with near-
AMAZON is giving its voice-enabled Echo speaker a touch screen and video-calling capabilities as it competes with Google’s efforts at bringing ‘smarts’ to the home. (AP) ly 36 million Americans using such a device at least once a month by year’s end. Amazon’s Echo is expected to continue its dominance, with a share of nearly 71 per cent, though eMarketer expects Google’s Home speaker to cut into that share over time. A few weeks ago, Google Home got the ability to recognize individuals within
a family by voice, allowing for more precise recommendations and ad targeting. So far, Amazon doesn’t have a comparable voice-recognition feature. On the other hand, Google Home doesn’t have a screen or video calling. All Echo devices can respond to voice requests for weather, news, music and other tasks. The origi-
able by invitation only for $200. Neither the Look nor the Tap will handle calls. Amazon and Google will get a new rival this fall: On Monday, Microsoft and Samsung’s Harman business teased an upcoming speaker, called Invoke, powered by Microsoft’s Cortana digital assistant. Associated Press
UBER SETTING UP ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LAB
BTC TO SELL SAMSUNG GALAXY S8 FROM FRIDAY BTC has been testing the Samsung Galaxy S8 device for several weeks and will be the first mobile carrier in the Bahamas to have the new device for sale on Friday. Alphanique Duncombe, BTC’s Vice President for Mobile, said that through the company’s vendor relationship with Samsung, it is able to offer “the hottest devices” at the same time as the international communities. “This year, the Samsung designers have outdone themselves,” she said. “The device has a ton of new features, including the infinity display, which as Samsung says, gives ‘a new level of functionality and convenience, while opening up a galaxy of possibilities’.” This device also comes with a new “Bixby” interface which helps the user
nal device, simply called Echo, is currently on sale for $150. The speaker on the $50 Echo Dot isn’t as good, as it’s meant to be used with speakers you may already own. The $130 Amazon Tap is a batterypowered version. Two weeks ago, Amazon unveiled the Echo Look, a device focused on offering fashion advice. It’s avail-
UBER is setting up a lab in Toronto to develop artificial intelligence needed for autonomous cars to recognize objects so they can travel safely. It’s the ride-hailing company’s first such lab outside the U.S. The company also does research in San Francisco and Pittsburgh. Uber says University of Toronto Associate Professor Raquel Urtasun (UHR-tah-sun) will lead the lab. The company says she’s among the world’s top artificial intelligence researchers. She will remain as a professor at the school one day per week. Urtasun will bring eight students with her. Uber hopes to attract other talent from the region. The lab also will focus on improved mapping for autonomous cars. Uber has no plans to test self-driving cars in Toronto. It’s now testing in Pittsburgh and Arizona. Associated Press
to navigate through apps and services with voice, touch and text commands. BTC said this new interface will integrate with the Samsung camera, contacts, messages and settings. The phone comes in two sizes and is water and dust resistant. BTC will offer the orchid grey, coral blue and black colour options. The exclusive launch events will be held at
BTC’s Bay Street store in Nassau and at Pioneer’s Way, Grand Bahama, on Friday. “The new Samsung S8 and the S8 Plus will be available nationwide at BTC’s 60-plus retail stores. “We will have special device offers for our postpaid customers and there will be a special business mixer that evening at Bay Street as well,” Ms Duncombe said.
SWISS SOLAR PLANE COMPLETES 1ST TEST FLIGHT
A GROUP of Swiss adventurers say they have completed the first test flight of a new solar-powered airplane they hope will eventually reach the edge of space. The team says pilot Damian Hirschier performed a seven-minute flight at low altitude with the SolarStratos plane in “ideal” conditions early Friday. The maiden flight took place at the Payerne airfield in western Switzerland where another experimental plane, Solar Impulse, performed many of its test flights before successfully circumnavigating the globe last year. SolarStratos project head Raphael Domjan circled the globe in a solar-powered catamaran in 2012. He aims to take the 82-foot (25-metre) wide two-seater plane covered in solar panels to an altitude of over 80,000 feet (24,384 metres) by 2019. Commercial planes fly at altitudes of between 10,000 and 60,000 feet. Associated Press
TECHTALK • A TECHNO-INFUSED opera about the life of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs has earned the financial backing of opera companies in San Francisco and Seattle, ensuring the musical meditation on the iconic entrepreneur will travel to America’s high-tech enclave. The partnerships were announced Tuesday as the Santa Fe Opera prepared for its July world premiere of “The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs” at its open-air summer stage in the foothills of New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The Seattle Opera and the San Francisco Opera are underwriting both the already completed artistic creation of the opera, led by composer and electronica DJ Mason Bates, and its physical stage production. As co-producers, the companies guarantee their right to performances beyond Santa Fe in California and Washington. The Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University also has signed on as a co-producer. • FACEBOOK says its researchers have found a new way to use artificial intelligence to translate material on its social network faster and more accurately. This could mean Facebook users eventually seeing everything translated immediately into their preferred language, not just post but videos too. Facebook already translates posts in more than 45 languages, but CEO Mark Zuckerberg says there is still “a lot more to do.” For now, Facebook has made the research and its methods publicly available so developers and others can use it to build translation and other language tools. Beyond language translation, the technology can be used for chatbots, for example, or other languagebased tasks. The method uses something called a convolutional neural network, a technology that’s already used for image processing and other types of machine learning. • A TWITTER plea from a Nevada teen for a year of free chicken nuggets from Wendy’s is now the most retweeted post of all time. Carter Wilkerson asked the fast food chain on Twitter last month how many retweets it would take for him to get free nuggets for a year. Wendy’s replied, “18 million.” Wilkerson’s screenshot of the exchange has moved past Ellen DeGeneres’ viral tweet from the 2014 Oscars on Tuesday with more than 3.4 million retweets. Twitter confirmed the record to The Associated Press on Tuesday. Dublin, Ohio-based Wendy’s says Wilkerson has earned the nuggets despite not hitting the 18 million mark. Wilkerson appeared on DeGeneres’ show last month. She gave him a year’s worth of Ellen-branded underwear and a television, but threatened to take the gifts back if he passed her.
PAGE 10, Wednesday, May 10, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
MAN SHOT DEAD AS HE ORDERED FOOD AT RESTAURANT By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net A MAN was shot and killed late Monday night while ordering food, hours after another man was shot multiple times one corner away. The killing took the
country’s murder count to 53 for the year, according to The Tribune’s records. According to officer-incharge of the Central Detective Unit, Chief Superintendent Solomon Cash, the first victim was walking on Cordeaux Avenue when he was approached by two men and shot multiple times.
He was rushed to hospital where he is listed in critical condition. Hours later another man was ordering food, one corner away, through Minnie Street when he was approached by two men and shot. Chief Supt Cash said at this point police do not
know if the shootings are related. “The victim was at a restaurant by the kitchen door when he was approached by two men with a guns who opened fire on him,” Chief Supt Cash said. “He was shot several times in the upper body. Emergency Services Per-
sonnel were called to the scene and pronounced the man dead. Right now we have no motive for the homicide but we are following several leads. Earlier in the day there was another shooting, south of the area where another man was shot. He was taken to hospital in critical condition.
We have not determined at this point if the matters are related.” Anyone with information on this homicide is asked to contact police at 911 or 919, the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 328TIPS. Investigations continue.
MURDER APPEAL IN EIGHT WEEKS
By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net A MAN contesting his conviction for murder will have his appeal heard in eight weeks. Rolin Alexis, 26, appeared in the Court of Appeal for a status hearing concerning his challenge to a jury’s verdict concerning the murder of Deslin Nichols in July 2011. His appointed lawyer, public defender Stanley Rolle, confirmed to Justices Jon Isaacs, Stella CraneScott and Roy Jones that he was ready to proceed with the matter and only a date needed to be fixed. The substantive appeal hearing was adjourned to July 6. Nichols was shot multiple times as he sat in his vehicle at Florida Court, off Balfour Avenue. Alexis was convicted by a Supreme Court jury in May 2015 and two months later, Justice Bernard Turner sentenced him to 45 years at the Department of Correctional Services. However, Justice Turner shortened Alexis’ sentence to 42 years and eight months after taking into consideration the time Alexis had spent in custody, which was some 28 months. Justice Turner also took into account Alexis being a “young man” with a “clean criminal history” before the incident in question and “being gainfully employed”. Cordell Frazier appeared for the Crown in yesterday’s appellate hearing.
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DEON Scavella outside court yesterday.
MALIK Rolle outside court yesterday.
Man, 21, accused of killing two teenagers By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net
A MAN, who was charged with the double murder of two teen aged boys in March as well as a string of other charges, could face the death penalty if convicted. Deon Scavella, 21, of Lightbourne Street was brought to the Nassau and South Streets Magistrate’s Court complex to face multiple murder charges. He was also charged with a third murder, an attempted murder and gun possession charges. Scavella appeared before Assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain accused of the March 19 double murder of Devonte Lindsay, 15, and Keishon Williams, 13. The charges were brought un-
der Section 291(1)(a) of the Penal Code, which attracts the discretionary death penalty if a conviction is reached at the end of trial in the Supreme Court. On the Sunday in question, the bodies of two boys were discovered with gunshot wounds on a dirt road off Graham Drive in Yellow Elder Gardens. Police formally identified the victims the following day as Williams, of Plantol Street, and Lindsay, of Knowles Drive, Bozine Town. Williams was a student at Government High School, according to police, who confirmed that Lindsey was a student of AF Adderley High School. Scavella was told that he would not be required to enter a plea to the charges until his formal arraignment before a judge of Supreme Court.
He was told that the matter would be fast-tracked to the Supreme Court through the presentation of a voluntary bill of indictment scheduled for June 29. The 21-year-old accused was then further charged with a non-capital murder contrary to section 291(1) (b) of the Penal Code. It is alleged that on April 25 he caused the death of Genairo Rahming. On the early morning in question, police received reports that the body of a man was lying in the road on 3rd Street, the Grove. When officers arrived at the scene they found the lifeless body of a man who had been shot. Rahming was pronounced dead at the scene. This case also will be transferred to the Supreme Court by a Voluntary Bill of Indictment on June 29.
Scavella and 19-year-old Malik Rolle, also of Lightbourne Street, were then charged with the April 29 attempted murder of Dershawn Edgecombe Symonnette. Rolle and Scavella were then charged with two counts of possession of an unlicensed firearm with intent to endanger life where it is alleged that the pair, on May 6, were armed with loaded Austria Glock and Luger 9mm pistols. This case also will be sent to the Supreme Court on June 29. Due to the nature of the charges against them, they were denied bail and remanded in custody at the Department of Correctional Services to await trial. However, they have the right to apply for bail in the Supreme Court. Neither accused was represented at yesterday’s arraignment.
CONTRACT SIGNED FOR $30M HEALTHCARE CENTRE By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Perry Christie has signed a contract for the construction of a near $30m “state-of-theart” healthcare centre in Palmetto Point, Eleuthera, something he said will serve as the “lynchpin for the delivery of healthcare” on that island once fully complete. Five years out from making his initial promise to build the facility following the death of an elderly resident, Mr Christie told those present at a mobilisation ceremony in Palmetto Point on Monday that the facility’s construction represents an “unprecedented upgrade” to the “public health capacities” of Eleuthera and its adjacent cays. This, Mr Christie said, coupled with the rollout of National Health Insurance (NHI), demonstrates the government’s “continuing commitment” to ensuring that “access to quality healthcare in our nation will not be limited by geography or financial status”. According to Mr Christie, the facility, when complete, will cost almost $30m. When it opens, the 33,000 square foot healthcare centre will provide for some 10 in-patient beds, an operating suite, a dental care facility, physiotherapy, a morgue as well as an emergency and trauma room, which he said will allow for patients to be
PRIME Minister Perry Christie speaks at a ceremony for the mobilisation for the construction of the Eleuthera Healthcare Centre in Palmetto Point on Monday. Photo: Peter Ramsay stabilised prior to referral and transport to a tertiary institution. It will cost some $865,000 to conduct the “initial earthworks” for the healthcare centre, Mr Christie said. “As with other health infrastructure projects, the subsequent phases of construction of the Eleuthera Healthcare Centre will demand the best efforts of the Department of Public Health, the Public Hospitals Authority, the Ministry of Health and other public sector agencies with the contractor and other private stakeholders coming together and working together for the best interests of the Bahamian people,” Mr Christie said. “This deliberate effort at collaborative synergies speaks to our commitment to achieve the maximum benefit for the communities this public health facility will serve, while ensuring that we obtain the maxi-
mum value for the investments made.” In 2012, Mr Christie promised to build a state-of-the-art hospital in Eleuthera days after an elderly woman died while waiting for medical assistance. The deceased, 58-yearold Helena Smith Pinder, sister of former North Eleuthera MP and Speaker of the House Alvin Smith, had suffered a stroke but could not be flown to New Providence for medical care because of Hurricane Sandy. While touring the island in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy at the time, Mr Christie said the government would immediately begin working on a plan to build a new hospital between Governor’s Harbour and Palmetto Point, that would be accessible to all residents. At the time, he estimated the facility to cost between $10m and $15m.
PAGE 12, Wednesday, May 10, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
Tourism officials feel the heat from Fyre Festival chaos S
OME may recall a parody celebration called Festivus from the 1990s American sitcom, Seinfeld. It included a feast, feats of strength, and the labelling of ordinary events as miracles. Festivus was entirely made up by the father of one of the show’s scriptwriters. Although not a perfect analogy, Festivus reminds In fact, an American me of the Fyre Festival. celebrity attorney named This cleverly concocted Mark Geragos has already event was set for Exuma filed a $100m lawsuit in Calat the end of April. But ifornia on behalf of attendit crashed spectacularly - ees, who supposedly paid stranding hundreds and ticket prices ranging from spawning a public relations $600 to many thousands for nightmare for the Bahamas. luxury group packages to The wave of bad publicity the event. In the past, Geraincluded stories by major gos has represented people British, American and Ca- like Michael Jackson. nadian newspapers, magaAccording to a report in zines and broadcasters. Variety magazine, the suit Headlines included such alleges that festival attendgems as ‘Rich Kids of Insta- ees became virtual prisongram Meet Hunger Games’, ers: “Faced with the com‘Festival Crumbles in Baha- plete lack of even the most mas’, and ‘Reports of Chaos basic amenities, as well as in Bahamas’. no assistance Hundreds of ‘Now we are from Defendvisitors (no-one ants, festival atseems to know hearing that tendees began to the exact num- local payments panic ... attemptber) descended were never ing to leave the on the island of island en masse, Great Exuma for made and taxes but found themwhat was billed and fees never selves trapped.” as “a transforma- collected. It would be tive experience comical if it were over two succes- So Obie not so serious. sive weekends Wilchcombe The event on a remote pri- has everything was conceived vate island once by American owned by (Co- to answer for.’ rapper Jeffrey lombian drug Atkins (whose lord) Pablo Esstage name is Ja Rule) and cobar featuring the best in a young American entrefood, art, music and adven- preneur named Billy Mcture.” Farland. They formed an But as one account put it, alliance called Fyre Media “the cultural event of the in 2015 and, after a visit to decade” became “a disas- Exuma, began working on ter of criminal negligence” a destination music festival. involving absurd privilege, Last November, they anunscrupulous business and nounced the Fyre Festival exploitation. with a massive social media
marketing campaign featuring “influencers” with large Instagram or Facebook followings. Packages included accommodation in a luxury villa, access to the festival featuring headliners like Blink-182 and Disclosure, luxury meals, open bar and transportation to and from Miami. But by mid-April, according to a timeline published by the California-based online music magazine, edmsauce.com, Fyre had disabled comments on its social media posts and was not responding to questions from ticket holders. Then, the headliners announced they were pulling out (due to non-payment as it later turned out). And on April 27 angry social media posts like this began slamming the event: “A complete disaster. Mass chaos. No organisation. No one knows where to go. There are no villas, just a disaster tent city.” The original idea was to hold the event on a private island. Norman’s Cay apparently - hence the erroneous reference to Escobar in the marketing. Norman’s Cay was once owned by another Colombian drug lord named Carlos Lehder, who now languishes in a US prison. But how could anyone who lives in the Bahamas expect to host thousands of upscale visitors at such
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TENTS on the site of the Fyre Festival, as pictured on Twitter. a small and remote venue with little infrastructure? On top of that, the festival coincided with the national regatta. And how could anyone familiar with Exuma and its limited facilities and population not see this as a problem? The Ministry of Tourism (and Minister Obie Wilchcombe in particular) bears heavy responsibility for the failure of the festival and the ensuing public relations debacle. On April 3 (only a couple of weeks before the event was scheduled), the Ministry said it was a “partner” for the festival and was “working tirelessly” with the organisers to ensure a successful experience - predicting a significant economic boost for Exuma from up to 5,000 attendees. The Ministry of Tourism “serves as a liaison between the organisers and various government and local entities,” it said in a press release, adding that its role was “to ensure that safety, security and environmental standards were met”. A statement from Mr Wilchcombe “fully endorsed” the festival and said local authorities were working hard to prepare for the kick off on April 28. “No efforts have been spared to ensure a wonderful experience for each of the thousands of guests coming,” Wilchcombe said. But pretty quickly, Wilchcombe and his ministry tried to distance themselves from the event. This was so inexplicable, because it’s not like they have never done this before. And it’s not like the national regatta (a major conflict on a small island) had never taken place before. In fact, this is exactly
the kind of thing that the Ministry of Tourism has been doing for the past 50 years (I know - I used to work at the Bahamas News Bureau). And now we are hearing that local payments were never made and taxes and fees never collected. So Wilchcombe has everything to answer for. FNM spokesman Sidney Collie demanded an apology from Wilchcombe. “Coming so soon after the Caribbean Musik Festival disaster, which saw his ministry spend half a million dollars on another event that also descended into chaos, (this) is a damning indictment on Wilchcombe and his tenure,” he said. There has been no accountability from Wilchcombe on the facts surrounding either of the failed events - just a lot of smooth talk. An apology means nothing. He should take responsibility by handing in his resignation. Tourism Director-General Joy Jibrilu said recently that her Ministry was unaware of all the details because it was a private event, but they were seeking to obtain a list of vendors with outstanding balances so they could be paid. Organisers were said to have imported many items and used the services of numerous local vendors in an effort to ready the island for the luxury concert. Jibrilu told The Tribune: “The Ministry of Tourism jealousy guards our brand image. As a result, we have been following every story, lead, as well as interviewing festival attendees in order to get as many viewpoints as possible. “Once we became aware of event shortcomings, we did intervene to mitigate as
much as possible any fallout, and in particular to try and secure the welfare of visitors that came in for the event,” she claimed. But Chris Southgate, a retired private banker who served on the board of the Bahamas International Film Festival from 2003 to 2009, told me he was “dumbfounded” by the spectacular crash and burn of the Fyre Festival. “Pulling off an event of this magnitude is a huge task,” he said. “BIFF, a non-profit, had two main sponsors in the early years, the Ministry of Tourism and Atlantis. The ministry was very supportive but also very demanding. They required accountability and performance from BIFF, which has since become an international success.” At the time, the Fyre Festival organisers said the problems were “due to circumstances out of our control” but they were working to get everyone off the island as quickly as possible. Later they said the festival would be rescheduled for next year at a US location. The plain fact is that very little can happen here without significant government involvement and intrusion. And it is impossible not to know “how everything went left”, as Ja Rule whined, when you are the one in charge. They didn’t pay. They didn’t prepare. They marketed lies. That’s how. And the Ministry of Tourism allowed it to happen. Either it was a scam or they are the stupidest people ever. Take your pick. • What do you think? Send comments to lsmith@ tribunemedia.net or visit www.bahamapundit.com
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The public is advised that due to the use of some facilities as polling divisions in the 2017 General Elections, the University of The Bahamas Oakes Field Campus and the Grosvenor Close Centre WILL BE CLOSED on Wednesday, 10th May 2017 with the exception of Chapter One bookstore which will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Northern Bahamas Campus will remain open on 10th May.
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As a result Summer Session One will be extended by one day to Monday, 19th June 2017. Consequently, examinations for Summer Session One will be held 20th - 21st June 2017. Also, Summer Session Two will run as scheduled from Wednesday, 21st June - Friday, 4th August 2017, with examinations for this session being held from Tuesday, 8th August to Wednesday, 9th August 2017.
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, May 10, 2017, PAGE 13
THE BLAZE as seen on Eastern Road last night. The fire was reportedly quickly brought under control.
FIRE AT RICHARD LIGHTBOURN’S PROPERTY FIRE engines at the home of Richard Lightbourn last night.
A FIRE broke out in the grounds of the Eastern Road house belonging to Richard Lightbourn, the incumbent MP for Montagu, last night.
Mr Lightbourn, who is not standing in the election today, was not at home at the time but was heading back to examine the damage after a fire truck was
summoned to the scene around 10pm, according to eyewitnesses. The fire was reportedly brought quickly under control.
He was one of seven rebel Free National Movement MPs who broke from the party after a vote of no confidence in leader Dr Hubert Minnis.
CONCERNS OVER GRANT OF WORK PERMIT TO US BUSINESSMAN CONCERNS have been raised over the continuing presence in The Bahamas of an American businessman who has been granted a work permit despite having been caught smuggling jewellery into the country and had previous requests for permits turned down. In September, 2013, Jitender ‘Jeff’ Keswani offered to pay the Ministry of Finance almost $400,000 in customs duties and fines after his merchandise was seized. In 2016, applications to the Immigration Department for a two-year renewal for work permits for
him and Rajesh Ramchand Chandiramani, a fellow co-owner and manager of Park Lane Jewelers on Bay Street in downtown Nassau, were refused and the pair given three weeks to wind up their affairs and leave The Bahamas. Failure to comply would result in their arrest, prosecution and deportation, the Immigration Department said. This week, however, William Pratt, the Director of Immigration, confirmed to The Tribune that both men had been granted work permits and returned after they had left the country. Their
cases raise concerns over the the levels of background checks performed. The Tribune has seen a without prejudice letter from September 2, 2013, from Graham Thompson attorneys to Simon Wilson, Deputy Financial Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, offering to broker a repayment deal for Mr Keswani after the seizure of his goods by Customs five days earlier. “Our client is desirous of settling the outstanding as per the attached Order and hereby proposes the following terms for your consideration,” the letter states.
“1. Immediate payment of $150,000 followed by 6 monthly payments of $78,168.72 beginning October 1st 2013 until the outstanding sums are completely liquidated.” The letter goes on to ask to whom the cheque should be made payable should the proposal be accepted and to make arrangements to collect the seized goods. The Customs investigation into the matter was not made public. Customs matters fall under the remit of the Ministry of Finance, the senior ministers responsible being Michael Halkitis
and Prime Minister Perry Christie. The Tribune asked Mr Pratt why permit applications were rejected in 2016 but then granted given the knowledge of the serious Customs offence but did not receive a response. Applications for new two-year permits for Mr Keswani and Mr Chandiramani were approved by the Department of Immigration on September 1, 2016, but rescinded a day later. The applications were made by Raymond Forbes, of B J C Bahamas Jewellery Co Ltd, for both men to be
employed as jewellers. The September 2 letters from Mr Pratt to Mr Forbes said the application had been reconsidered and the previous decision to approve had been “rescinded and refused”. In a letter dated November 16, 2016, in response to a request for a reconsideration of the decision, Mr Forbes was told it was not approved. The men were given 14 days to wind up their affairs and leave the Bahamas. Mr Forbes was advised that “you are to submit to this Department airline, date and flight number of their departure”.