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NOTTAGE IS ‘GRAVELY ILL’ IN HOSPITAL By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net FORMER Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage was in a “very troubling and grave state” in the Intensive Care Unit at Doctors Hospital up to press time, according to Progressive Liberal Party chairman Bradley Roberts. SEE PAGE SEVEN
Ash denies knowing BIG POLICE PRESENCE FOR COMMUNITY WALKABOUT former hurricane czar Shane Gibson By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net JOHNATHAN Ash, who received more than $8m for hurricane related clean-up exercises in New Providence according to Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, was irate when asked about matters related to those revelations yesterday. Asked about efforts across social media to tie him to Shane Gibson, who led the Christie administration’s restoration efforts after Hurricane Matthew, Mr Ash told The Tribune: “Boss man, get off my phone talking (expletive). I
don’t know Shane Gibson. You crazy?” He then abruptly disconnected the call. When contacted by this newspaper earlier, he said he had nothing to say about the matter. “Only when you wrong you defend yourself,” Mr Ash told The Tribune. “When you guilty is when you talk.” Nonetheless, the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) is expected to launch a fierce defence of Mr Ash and the payments made to him during a press conference in the Minority Room in the House of Assembly today. SEE PAGE SIX
ISAACS: NATION GOT VALUE FOR MY $2M CONTRACT By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net
ERRINGTON “Minky” Isaacs, Progressive Liberal Party chairman emeritus, said yesterday his political affiliation had nothing to do with the nearly $2m contract he was awarded for remediation at the former Bahamas Electricity Corporation, as he labelled Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ criticism of the situation a “witch hunt”. In an interview with The Tribune yesterday, Mr Isaacs said Bahamians got
“plenty” value for money for the contract, adding that his client had not expressed any issues with his work. Asked to define the parametres of his work, Mr Isaacs did not respond, but said PLP leader Philip Davis was expected to address the matter at some point today. On Tuesday during the afternoon session of Parliament, Dr Minnis said Mr Isaacs knew as much about oil remediation as he, the prime minister, knows about flying a space shuttle. SEE PAGE SIX
THE ROYAL Bahamas Police Force held a walkabout in the Rock Crusher Road community to check on residents and their safety, as well as taking the opportunity to invite children to attend their upcoming summer camp. See pages two and three for the full story. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
GOVT CONSIDERING LAWS TO LET WOMEN U-TURN ON DUTY CUTS FOR WITH CANCER GENE KEEP INSURANCE PAINT, DRINKS By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net
HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands said he is looking at how best the government can draft legislation to prevent persons who test positive for the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 gene mutations, which increase a woman’s chances of developing cancer, from being denied health insurance. Dr Sands told The Trib-
une that in the absence of legislation, women can be left with significantly high hospital bills or may not receive treatment at all decreasing chances of beating the disease if they develop cancer. His comments came after a study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that women with BRCA1 mutations have on average a 72 per cent risk of developing breast cancer
by the age of 80. For BRCA2 mutation carriers, the risk of breast cancer is 69 per cent. The average lifetime risk of ovarian cancer is 44 per cent for BRCA1 and 17 per cent for BRCA2, according to the study. It was also found that the location of where the abnormality is found in the gene and family history influenced the risk. SEE PAGE SIX
BPL BOARD AUTHORISED TO FIRE STAFF AS THEFT PROBE INCREASES TO $4M IN TOTAL TM
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By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net MINISTER of Works Desmond Bannister said yesterday he has authorised the board at Bahamas Power and Light to “take the necessary steps” to remove persons from the company in relation to the millions of dollars that have allegedly
been stolen. In an interview with The Tribune, Mr Bannister said the issue is not about politics, but it is about protecting the people’s money and ensuring that anyone who breaks the law is punished. Meanwhile, a source close to the investigation told The Tribune that the amount allegedly stolen
from Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) has risen to $4m. When asked for comment on this, Mr Bannister said he has not received the updated figure. Last month, four BPL employees were suspended and one person was terminated pending the outcome of the theft investigation.
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By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
AFTER protest from local manufacturers and criticism from the Official Opposition, the Minnis administration has decided to reverse its planned duty reductions on paint and fruit drinks. The customs duty on paint will be 45 per cent while the duty rate on fruit drinks will be not be eliminated but reduced from 60 per cent to 30 per cent. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance K Peter Turnquest said representations were made to him by manufacturers of those products, prompting the reversal. “Our first priority is to Bahamian manufacturers and we don’t want to take action harmful to their benefit,” he said as bills related to the duty changes were passed in Parliament Tuesday evening. SEE PAGE FIVE
PAGE 2, Thursday, June 22, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
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THE ROYAL Bahamas Police Force held a walkabout in the Rock Crusher Road community to check on residents and their safety along with inviting kids to attend their upcoming summer camp. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
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THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, June 22, 2017, PAGE 3
Police hold walkabout POLICE yesterday conducted a walkabout in the community of Rock Crusher, aiming to improve relations with area residents and businesses. Led by Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean, a team of officers consisting of representatives from the force’s Urban Renewal Fort Charlotte branch and Southern District command unit, walked the area yesterday morning, passing out pamphlets containing safety tips and other important information to residents and motorists. “This is a continuation of the force’s strategy to increase police visibility and to be constantly in touch with our stakeholders, the residents of these communities,” Senior ACP Dean said. “No community is different from the next, so throughout New Providence you will constantly see the police doing this, just about every day (or in some cases) on a weekly basis; police officers are in touch with the residents.” Senior ACP Dean added that most residents often want to talk with officers “one-on-one”. “They want to see their police officers. There might be some concerns that they want to share that they don’t want the public to know,” he told the press at the conclusion of Wednesday’s walkabout. “We glean a number of things from these walkabouts and I tell you, there is no sacrifice you can make. You can have all the technology in the world, but that one-on-one, person-toperson talk has been very successful for us and been very beneficial for us.” While canvassing the community Wednesday, The Tribune interviewed several residents who expressed gratitude for the continued presence of officers throughout the community. Many of the residents questioned by reporters yesterday indicated that life
in Rock Crusher has gone relatively undisturbed by the rash of crime gripping the nation in recent years. Reginald Smith, a resident of Rock Crusher for the past 45 years, said: “It has been relatively good, other than the crime periodically over the years mainly due to people (that are) new coming in the area.” Mr Smith, an employee of the Botanical Gardens, added: “Everybody somewhat lives together, other than one or two people doing what they have to do, but on the basic, everything is all right.” Similar sentiments were shared just down the block when Wheatly Robert Wilson, a retired police constable and member of the first all-Bahamian cohort of officers, was interviewed by reporters. While he admitted that he is concerned about the nation’s overall approach to crime, Mr Wilson applauded the effort he has seen by officers in his community. Now the purveyor of a corner store, Mr Wilson said he has seen and heard about situations going on in the community, adding that frequent patrols and quick interventions by officers has kept things from spiralling out of control on a number of occasions. However, in the midst of his praise for police, Mr Wilson did offer some criticisms. “The police, they are not like years gone by. They are kind of slack,” he said. Community pastor, Bishop G Elton Major added: “The area has its challenges, but the people in this community have never been a problem to me, nor to this church.” Bishop Major’s church, The Church of City of Israel International Covenant Church, moved into the Rock Crusher area eight years ago. When asked for his feelings about the area, he likened it to a Family Island
A POLICE officer chats to a resident in the Rock Crusher Road community. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff particularly community; one filled with about something happening programme, persons that “look out” for in this community it is nor- for this area. We want those mally somebody who is not children to have the same others. opportunity as the children “I’ve heard a lot of horror from this community.” Wednesday’s walkabout out west, the children out stories about this area, but I have never seen anything came ahead of the start of east, wherever.” like that. I’ve heard since the RBPF’s annual summer I’ve been here, but for the camp, which is set to get unmost I find that persons that derway next week. The camp is expected to are not a part of this community are the persons who host more than 4,000 chilcome in the community and dren at centres throughout the country. do certain stuff. Senior ACP Dean said of “But the people who live in the Rock Crusher com- the camp yesterday: “Our munity are people who care summer camp is a six-week and are concerned about programme, so simultaneone another and, like I said, ously while we are (conit is like a Family Island en- ducting this walkabout), officers are giving inforvironment. “Whenever you hear mation about the summer
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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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Mark Humes knows whereof he speaks ENGLERSTON MP Glenys HannaMartin seems to have assumed the role of “point guard” to protect the fourmember PLP Opposition in the House of Assembly as she bobs up and down on “points of order”, interrupting the debates of various government members. In the current Budget debate, she tackled one of the newest Members of the House — Fort Charlotte MP Mark Humes – objecting to his generalisation of “crooked”. She wanted him to clarify to whom his finger pointed when he made such an accusation. Was she, for example, included in his blanket “allegations about corruption and crookedness”? Mr Humes had been talking about that morning’s newspaper headlines about waste and suspicions of dishonesty. “Mr Speaker,” he had said, “in all of what we are hearing – however some may want to put it - moneys are missing from the cookie jar– and the general perception is someone or somebodies just seem to be getting away with it. Bad debt, illegal contracts, crooked obligations, and crooked deals, they get away with it, and we have to borrow more money to make up for what they just seem to be walking away with.” At this point, Mrs Hanna-Martin was on her feet for clarification of such a sweeping statement. “I think over the past week or so, we’ve been hearing from the Hon Member from East Grand Bahama; we’ve heard from the Honourable Members from Elizabeth and South Beach; we’ve heard from several others,” replied Mr Humes. “Instances where allegations of misappropriations and wastage . . . this is all I am saying, Mr Speaker. And I am saying that, in some ways, it appears as if people are just walking away. This isn’t new. This has been years. Before I came into government, I watched it. As a journalist at The Tribune, I covered it. So this isn’t some fantasy that I am making up. These are things that I know. I sort of investigated as a Tribune reporter the supposed missing moneys from the Housing Authority. So I’ve watched it too. So I do not want to get into it with the Member. I’m just saying that it appears as if some people are getting away, and that’s just the general perception in the community – speaking in many instances on behalf of my constituents as well – their perception.” “I understand what the Member is saying in his history as a journalist,” replied Mrs Hanna-Martin. “He’s indicating that or using as his rationale a foundation of things that were said in here. I heard what was said in here, Mr Speaker. Nothing has been laid in this Parliament and lots have been said. But I heard that contracts were done before election. But I don’t think I heard anything in here that somebody stole, or misappropriated anything in this process. So I think the member should be (made to) withdraw that.” Mr Humes knows exactly what he is talking about. One only has to read The Tribunes for the latter part of 2006 and early 2007 to know about at least one of the many scandals to which he refers. The Ministry of Housing was much in the news at the time. Mr Humes was a reporter on our staff, having his eyes opened early to an underside of our body politic that many people never see from the inside. And much of which he learned could not be published. By the time he left us, he knew that all was not well in his country – what other law makers would be jailed for in more sophisticated societies, was being accepted here with an “oh, well” shrug of the shoulders as life moved on. It baffled and upset him that his country was so far behind in moral standards. Mr Humes’ eyes were opened wide when one day a few disgruntled contractors came to The Tribune looking for justice. We knew that Mr Humes would do a thorough job and so we gave him the assignment. He asked many questions and kept digging. We were given financial statements that took us to the tip of the ice berg, just near enough to know that something was seriously wrong and
the contractors, none of whom wanted to be identified, had a legitimate complaint. There was a rumour in the community that there was “skimming” off the top of each of these contracts. The documents that we had suggested that there was indeed skimming to the tune of about $5,000 on each contract — the very figure being talked about in the sipsip on the streets. Mrs Hanna-Martin wanted Mr Humes to withdraw his general statement about dishonesty. It was wise that she did not press her point with the Speaker, because Mr Humes still has the embarrassing facts with which he could support his claims — and The Tribune has its files. It is understood that when former prime minister Hubert Ingraham won back the government he intended to have the matter reopened with prosecution to follow. However, the key witness suffered a stroke, and the case crumbled. Mr Humes is a new member of the House, but he brings much to the table. The grandson of the late Audley Humes under whom he was trained he, like his grandfather, has always wanted what was best for The Bahamas. Audley Humes was a regular letter writer to The Tribune, always encouraging his people to pull themselves up and reach for the stars and urging government to do better by them. His grandson, who, unlike his grandfather, was given the opportunity to have a first class education is an assistant professor in the School of English Studies at the College of the Bahamas. In an opening to an article written in The Tribune on July 16, 2007, Mr Humes had this to say: “Even before I entered the field of journalism, I had my ideas. Never take anything at face value. Question everything. Just because someone says it is so, does not mean that it is so. If there are doubts, do the research. Ask for proof. Get the evidence to support the claim. And if there are still doubts, do some more research. Call it scepticism or pessimism, but the stance that I have adopted has served me well as a journalist covering political affairs in The Bahamas. “For years, without established transparency laws, Bahamians have been asked to take the words of government officials at face value. Other than during the 1980s, I can never remember this being more evident in the Bahamas than in the last five years. (The years of the first Christie administration). “Yet in most democratic countries around the world, credible governments make provisions for public investigations of elected officials, especially if it is believed that the elected official’s performance in the commission of his or her duty is questionable. And despite claims of innocence or ignorance, credible governments hold these public forums to protect their credibility. “After government-sponsored investigations, three former French health officials were jailed for delaying the introduction of heat treatment for blood products. A Louisiana state congressman, William Jefferson, was indicted on wire fraud, racketeering, money laundering, and soliciting bribes, and the FBI found $90,000 stashed away in the congressmen’s freezer. “A former chief-of-staff for the Vice President of the US was convicted and sentenced to 30 months in prison for lying and obstructing an investigation into the Bush administration’s activities. And in Japan, a scandal-tainted agriculture minister hanged himself an hour before he was to face questions over an alleged suspicious booking fraud. “But unlike the countries in which these crackdowns took place, democracy in The Bahamas does not seem to have grown to the point where political crime is vetted in a manner by which taxpayers can decide whether or not to trust the words of the messenger. What we have in place now has become so demoralizing to the average citizen that most do not care one way or the other.”
Davis is wrong on electricity EDITOR, The Tribune. LISTENING to parliamentary Channel proceedings of today…MP for Cat Island it continues to amaze me that he still contends that the PLP Government reduced the cost of electricity by 40%! Editor, not only is this untrue it cannot be substantiated that the PLP Government, Christie - Davis & Co had absolutely nothing to do with the global reduction of the price of oil…. dah Mr Davis keep saying it, yes fools believe ya!
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net Steve Wynn, Canada and Our Lucaya…I refer your readers to two websites of interest and would recommended the Minister of Tourism and the Minister responsible for investment to refer to this regards… http://wynn.ca/.…http:// parkdaletenants.ca/wynnproperties.htm. My sole comment is we had better be careful as to who we get into bed with…
we have a very unsavory party at Baha Mar…SLS Hotels…but it seems everyone is forgetting that the Gaming Commission of Las Vegas, Nevada refused to hear the application for a casino attached to the SLS Hotels if a certain person was included or shown to be an equity shareholder… Has the Gaming Board done a good due diligence? Mr Minister of Tourism please investigate. W THOMPSON Nassau, June 19, 2017.
PLP tried to destroy nation EDITOR, The Tribune. I HAVE been shocked reading the stories in the newspapers from the budget debate. Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham told us we had to vote FNM to get the details of what the PLP did. We voted FNM and now the revelations are breathtaking. The PLP was wasting hundreds of millions of dollars of our money per year.
Friends, family and lovers of PLPs were getting rich from our hard-earned tax money. If by some chance the PLP would have won on May 10, the party and its supporters would have taken everything from this country. The Bahamas would have been begging the IMF for money to bail it out like the other broke nations of the world. Perry Christie is a disgrace. He was prime minis-
ter and minister of finance. He should be embarrassed for what occurred during his watch. One term in opposition is not enough punishment for the PLP for what the party did to The Bahamas. Bahamians should not consider electing the PLP until 2027 at the earliest. MARTHA S GREENE Nassau, June 20, 2017.
Post Office EDITOR, The Tribune. DEAR Post Master General, Sorry for interrupting you, as I understand you are at a Conference. It appears you are having some major issues as I understand that the Post Office is only open now from 8am – 1pm. Last week, I picked up a statement that had been franked and postmarked
at the Main Post Office on East Hill Street, one entire month before!?!? How can it possibly take 30+ days to sort and place a letter in a box from the same facility? If it is the People’s Time, maybe you can get their mail to them On Time! I don’t know how it is possible to run a business these days, sending statements and waiting on payments – you are the greatest bottle neck we have in this
country and impediment for businesses to succeed. I have heard from a reliable source that you have a back log of over three months of mail on the ground… really? Please do what you have to do to rectify the situation! CONCERNED ZEN Nassau, June 20, 2017.
CITI-
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, June 22, 2017, PAGE 5
Sentence delayed for man who stabbed banker he claims made a pass at him By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net A MAN must wait an additional seven weeks before he is sentenced for the fatal stabbing of a banker he claimed had made a sexual pass at him. Lamar Albury, 26, was due before Senior Justice Vera Watkins for the penalty phase of his trial yesterday concerning the December 2015 manslaughter of Devince Smith. However, the probation and psychiatric reports concerning Albury’s social background, which had been requested by his trial lawyer, are still outstanding. Albury is expected to reappear in Supreme Court on August 9 at 1pm. He had denied the murder charge against him during his trial, which began on February 20 and concluded on March 8. Smith’s partially decomposed body was found shortly after 2.30pm on December 21, 2015 at his St Alban’s Drive apartment. Smith was a sports coach and was employed at Pictet Bank & Trust Ltd. He was also a former president of the New Providence Volley-
LAMAR ALBURY, 25, guilty of the 2015 manslaughter of volleyball coach Devince Smith. ball Association. On the first day of trial, the jury heard that Albury allegedly had confessed to his relatives that he had fatally stabbed the banker, who had hired him to do a
paint job at his apartment for an upcoming holiday gathering, when the victim had made a sexual advance to him. The second day of trial, Smith’s housekeeper testi-
fied that in the three months she had known Albury, the accused had been to Smith’s apartment on three occasions and on two other occasions, the accused and Smith were seen in the vic-
tim’s Jeep drinking. The prosecution’s final witness was forensic pathologist Dr Caryn Sands, who testified that the wounds, which included a slit throat, were unlikely to have been caused by a painting knife as Albury had told police when interviewed in custody 14 days after the incident. At the close of the prosecution’s case, Albury was asked by Senior Justice Watkins to indicate whether he would remain silent at his trial or elect to give testimony under oath. Albury elected to take the stand and spoke of how his accepting a “compliments to the season” Hennessey drink from Smith when he arrived at the apartment before he started the job, spiralled into a scuffle and stabbing after the banker allegedly made a sexual advance at him. When cross-examined, it was suggested to Albury that in his voluntary record of interview in police custody, he made no claim that Smith made a pass at him. Albury said it was shameful to speak about the alleged action, so he withheld the information. The convict also denied that Smith was running away from him. However, he conceded
that Smith had no weapon. Albury was asked why the chairs in the living room were overturned if the scuffle had occurred upstairs and Smith had collapsed at the foot of the stairs. The accused said when he left Smith there, he could not say that he was still alive and that Smith might have overturned the chairs. Albury conceded that he turned himself in with a lawyer 14 days after the incident. However, he claimed that he told his relatives what happened the day after and not December 29/30 as the jury heard. Albury also conceded that he burned the clothes he wore on that day. The convict, who was remanded to the Department of Correctional Services until his next Supreme Court appearance, could face as many as 35 years in prison. He is represented by Michael Hanna while Cordell Frazier appears for the Crown.
SEPTEMBER HEARING FOR POSSIBLE ABETMENT TO MURDER APPEAL
By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net
A MAN who wishes to challenge a Supreme Court jury’s verdict concerning abetment to murder connected to the fatal stabbing of the teenage son of convicted drug traffickers Dwight and Keva Major is scheduled to return to the Court of Appeal in September. Kelvin Neely, 37, appeared yesterday before Court of Appeal Justices Dame Anita Allen, Jon Isaacs and Stella CraneScott for a status hearing
on an extension of time application concerning his formal challenge to a guilty verdict concerning the June 1, 2014, killing of 17-yearold Enrico Major. His lawyer Stanley Rolle requested that the appellant be allowed to lay over requisite documents concerning the matter, which he admits is out of time. He also said he had not received a letter indicating that the transcripts were available until this week. Crown respondent Basil Cumberbatch said nothing appeared to be missing from the transcripts from what he had seen.
The matter was adjourned to September 6 for the extension of time application and if necessary, the substantive appeal. The appellate president also urged Rolle not to wait until the week of the hearing to file the application. Neely had testified that he had no involvement in the death of Major and that the only thing he did on the day the teen was killed was to give Dwayne Peter Lockhart a ride to a dead end corner near Lockhart’s home. Lockhart, before his trial connected to the kill-
ing started, pleaded guilty to murdering Major and is currently serving a 24-year sentence. Neely, however, had denied the charge of abetment to murder. The 17-year-old victim was killed weeks before his high school graduation. He was walking south on Baillou Hill Road near S C McPherson Junior High School when he was confronted and stabbed. Princess Margaret Hospital pathologist Dr Caryn Sands testified during the trial that Major died of blood loss from the almost
U-TURN ON DUTY CUTS FOR PAINT, DRINKS from page one
Nonetheless, Mr Turnquest said as the country pushes ahead to become members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), a shift away from protectionist policies will be required at some point. “As we move forward to improve cross border trade we will have to address these protectionist policies and again the whole idea of value added tax (VAT)
MAN DIES SNORKELLING ON HOLIDAY A MALE tourist died following a snorkelling incident on Tuesday, police said. Shortly after 3pm, a male visitor was snorkeling in waters off Rose Island, when he lost consciousness. The victim was taken to shore where he was given first aid assistance and transported to hospital where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.
POLICE HUNT FOR GUNMAN POLICE are searching for a gunman responsible for an armed robbery that occurred on Tuesday June 20. According to reports, shortly before 11pm a man was standing near his vehicle on Blue Hill Road north, when a slim dark male armed with a handgun robbed him of his red Mini Cooper vehicle before speeding off. Investigations are ongoing.
initially was to introduce that and be able to reduce border taxes so there is free and open trade,” he said. “As a developing country, it is important that we have that.” Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) parliamentarians had suggested that some of the tax reductions proposed by the new administration harmed Bahamian manufactures but benefited families of members of the governing side. In particular, they suggested that the proposed
reduction on duty for paint benefited the family of St Anne’s MP Brent Symonette. Mr Symonette, during his contribution to the budget debate Tuesday, disclosed that he has an interest in Bahamian Paint of which he said his children’s trust is a 25 per cent owner. Mr Symonette also revealed that he had an interest relating to a number of other items affected by the budget, including fruit drinks. Bahamian juice drink
manufacturers had warned that they faced “irreparable harm” if the government eliminated the 60 per cent duty on rival imports. Up to 20 jobs were at stake, they said. Mervin Knowles, the chief executive of Switcha Bahamas, told Tribune Business that the previously proposed tariff cuts were a “slap in the face” for local manufacturers competing against foreign rivals who enjoyed significant cost and “economies of scale” advantages.
three-inch deep stab wound through his rib cage, which had severed an artery in his heart. She said that in her experience with such wounds, a person receiving that kind of injury would lose blood faster because of a faster heartbeat as a result of activity and/or anxiety.
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PAGE 6, Thursday, June 22, 2017
Vendor defensive at $8m questions from page one Party representatives will say that during cleanup work, Mr Ash incurred expenses owed to subcontractors, employees and rental equipment companies which were paid out of the money given to him, sources said yesterday. They will say there was no requirement that some of his companies be registered with the Registrar General to conduct business; after all, sources said, he had a business licence. For his part, Mr Gibson, former Labour and National Insurance minister, said contracts related to hurricane restoration efforts were issued by the Ministry of Works, not him. Works Minister Desmond Bannister appeared to contradict this, however, telling The Tribune that to his understanding the process was managed through Mr Gibson. Ultimately, no one
FORMER Minister of Labour and National Insurance Shane Gibson. seemed willing or capable the director of the Departof giving a definite answer ment of Public Works. The director, however, on how Mr Ash came to receive multiple contracts did not return The Tribor who authorised the pay- une’s calls before press time. ments to him. A high-ranking official The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works in the Office of the Prime Colin Higgs did not take Minister also declined to The Tribune’s call about the comment. Dr Minnis said Tuesday matter. Through his secretary, he that Mr Ash’s request for referred this newspaper to payments were submit-
ted through the Ministry of Works and the National Recovery and Reconstruction Unit (NRRU), the latter of which was established by the Office of the Prime Minister after Hurricane Joaquin in 2015. During his contribution to the budget debate, Dr Minnis said after Hurricane Matthew, Mr Ash received 46 payments totaling
about $7m for the cleanup exercises he was engaged to perform. Two of Mr Ash’s companies, Heavy Duty Company and Earth Movers Incorporation Company, were not registered with the Registrar General; his other company, Heavy Truck Lines Services Limited, was only registered in February 2017, Dr Minnis said. Dr Minnis said given the slow pace at which the government typically pays people it owes money, Bahamians would be surprised by the ease and quickness with which Mr Ash received his funds. “Now to give one example, on the 18th of January 2017, Ash Trucking got a cheque for a quarter million dollars,” he said. “On the 20th, two days later, he got a cheque for $206,400. Then he came back that afternoon and got another cheque for $220,912. But that wasn’t enough, he came back on the 20th that afternoon and got another
THE TRIBUNE
cheque for $225,750…” As Dr Minnis discussed the matter in Parliament Wednesday, Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis questioned if he was alleging that Bahamians didn’t receive value for money through the work Mr Ash did. “I hear him talking about payments being made,” the former minister of works said. “I wonder whether the allegation is value wasn’t being received for the works. It’s one thing to expose these payments but another to say there is some impropriety attached to it.” Dr Minnis responded: “The Bahamian people gon’ decide whether it’s value for money.” Overall, Dr Minnis said Mr Ash received $8,113,908.24. He also revealed that in at least two separate instances, Mr Ash received multiple cheques in one day. He also received $151,000 on May 9, just one day before the general election.
ISAACS: NATION GOT VALUE FOR MY $2M CONTRACT
from page one
While speaking of his discovery of questionable contracts relating to the utility provider, Dr Minnis said there were two separate agreements of concern: one of them for customs brokerage worth $923,707.75 a year to a Fitzgerald—whose first name he did not call— and another to Mr Isaacs worth $1,853,829.56, who was a director of Penta Industrial Services Co Ltd.
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These contracts were for services to Bahamas Power and Light Ltd, formerly BEC. For Mr Isaacs’ contract, Dr Minnis said the commencement date was March 27, 2013 and the expiration date for the contract was March 27, 2017. He said while contracts over $100,000 require bids or requests for proposals (RFPs), no bids were sought for the contracts in question. Dr Minnis further ex-
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plained that requests for proposals were sent out and companies sent in their documents but were ignored. He said individuals were subsequently contacted and asked to bring their contract in and they were granted the deals. On Wednesday, Mr Isaacs said he did not know when the contract began. He also insisted that he did bid to be awarded the contract. “Does he (Dr Minnis) know what the work en-
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The contract was for “the provision of labour and cleaning services for BEC’s premises located at Blue Hills Power Station and Clifton Pier Power Station.” Remedial work of this kind requires specialised knowledge, Dr Minnis said on Tuesday. It has been suggested that the customs brokerage contract was awarded to a company owned by Edward Fitzgerald, the father of former Minister of Education Jerome Fitzgerald.
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to bid on a contract. BPL never complained about the work I did. The work went along all right. “I’ll say this to you, the fellas who own the basketball teams and the football teams they can’t play basketball. They can’t play football. So, what you do? They hire experts, people who know. “I know what I am doing (and) I don’t get into anything that I don’t know anything about,” he also told The Tribune.
Last week, while making his contribution to the budget debate in the House of Assembly, Dr Sands said women in the Bahamas have the highest incidents of BRCA1 and BRCA2 “which is 800 per cent higher than the world average.” “What this means is that women in the Bahamas with these genes are three to five times (likelier) to get breast and ovarian cancer than those without those genes,” Dr Sands said in Parliament. On Wednesday, the health minister said the results of the JAMA study is “worrisome”. “A lot of the work that was done in the study was done
studying Bahamian women. Several doctors have collaborated with the study and I found it worrisome but it is consistent with what we already know and what we found. There are still studies going on to determine the overall prevalence of the BRCA gene. The gene is in men as well but we still have no idea how it affects men and that is troubling,” Dr Sands said. “In the absence of legislation to protect persons who have these genes, we can end up with a lot of persons with no insurance and we have to protect our people. We cannot have Bahamians being discriminated against. These are the conversations we ought to have. We need to address this so we are looking at legislation. I have
had very progressive discussions with the Bahamas Insurance Association (BIA) and we talked about a lot of the issues. So, I am heartened by our discussions.” The JAMA study also found cancer risk increased rapidly at a young age and peaked in a person’s 30s for BRCA 1 mutation carriers and in the 40s for BRCA 2 mutation carriers. But it remained as the woman aged, overturning previous thinking that the risk reduced when a woman turned 60 without a diagnosis. Oncologist professor KellyAnne Phillips, founder of the Peter Mac Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk Management Clinic, said the study “is the largest and most scientifically rigorous study to date.”
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, June 22, 2017, PAGE 7
NOTTAGE IS ‘GRAVELY ILL’ IN HOSPITAL from page one
FORMER Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage, who was gravely ill in hospital last night.
BPL BOARD AUTHORISED TO FIRE STAFF AS THEFT PROBE INCREASES TO $4M IN TOTAL from page one Employees were accused of “orchestrating an elaborate scheme” that allegedly involved fake companies and forged cheques. Allegedly at least one bank employee was also involved in the plot and is being investigated, a source told The Tribune. “We are currently conducting a forensic audit to see what exactly needs to be done,” Mr Bannister said yesterday. “We are cleaning up BPL. I authorised the board to do what is necessary and do what they need to do, to make sure the people responsible do not continue to break the law. This scheme has been going on for years. There is no politics involved. These private individuals, these members of the board will do what needs to be done. Some action has already been taken and more is coming. The matter has been turned
over to the police and the Attorney General’s Office. Like I said in the House of Assembly (on Monday night), corruption, theft and corrupt practices will not be tolerated.” Assistant Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander reaffirmed yesterday that while police have not made any arrests to date, “there is no doubt that someone will be charged”. During the budget debate on Monday, Mr Bannister told parliamentarians that “action is forthcoming”. “Mr Speaker, honourable members would have all read in the daily papers of the millions that were stolen at Bahamas Power and Light under the former administration,” he said. “I want to advise the Bahamian people that some action has already been taken and more action is forthcoming. There will be no sacred cows. Wrongdoing will be punished wherever it is discovered and
lawbreakers can expect to pay the price. We fully expect that the next time this matter is in the media it will be because of the action taken by the police. It is the sacred responsibility of every Bahamian to uphold the principles of justice, and to expose acts of corruption and dishonesty.” Last month, President of the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union Paul Maynard said “there will be hell to pay” if his union members remain on suspension during the investigation, while managers at the power company “go unscathed.” Mr Maynard said he will not stand by and let his members be railroaded when those of higher rank, whom he claimed are allegedly the only ones who have access to the funds in question, remain at work. He also previously demanded that BPL hire a forensic accountant from outside the power company because “rats cannot investigate rats”.
In the latest update provided by Mr Roberts, he indicated that doctors were working hard to aid the veteran politician. Mr Roberts said he remained in contact with the family of Dr Nottage throughout the day Wednesday, but did not say what the 71 year old was being treated for in hospital. In a statement to the press earlier in the day, the family of Dr Nottage confirmed that he had been admitted to hospital and asked the public to respect their privacy. The short statement read in full: “We wish to advise that Dr B J Nottage has been admitted to hospital. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and appreciate your respect for the family’s privacy at this time.” This comes more than a month after Dr Nottage appeared ill at a PLP campaign rally and almost five months after he appeared disoriented while addressing matters in the House of Assembly. In February, Dr Nottage had risen to adjourn the House of Assembly but instead took a seconds-long pause that did not break until then House Speaker Dr Kendal Major prompted him. Minutes earlier, Dr Nottage, who was serving in the capacity of leader of government business in the House
of Assembly, appeared to slur his words when setting a date for adjournment of the lower chamber to February 5. He repeated the word February several times with a smile seemingly acknowledging his earlier mispronunciation. Upon leaving the lower chamber, numerous MPs expressed concern for Dr Nottage given the peculiar nature of his actions during such a routine exchange. In the most recent incident, Dr Nottage had to be seen by a doctor on Thursday, April 2, for “dehydration” after slurring and stumbling over his words during his speech at a rally at RM Bailey Park. Dr Nottage mispronounced words and had to constantly correct his sentences. His dazed demeanour and incoherent speech led many in attendance to question his overall health at that time. Dr Nottage was forced to wrap up his speech at the rally as the DJ played loud music to drown out his words. The performance had sparked rumours that his behaviour was due to a more serious health condition or signalled his need to retire from frontline politics. Over the course of his political career, Dr Nottage served as a Cabinet minister in one Pindling administration and two Christie
administrations. Dr Nottage was first appointed chairman of the National Insurance Board in 1982. In the subsequent general election in 1987, Dr Nottage successfully contested the Garden Hills constituency. In 1989, Dr Nottage was appointed minister of consumer affairs and then minister of education in 1990. However, Dr Nottage left the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) to assist in the formation of the Coalition for Democratic Reform (CDR) and was elected leader of the third party in early 2000. Dr Nottage unsuccessfully led the party into the 2002 general election. In 2005, he returned to the then governing PLP and was afterwards appointed to the Senate. Three months later, Dr Nottage was appointed Minister of Health and National Insurance by then Prime Minister Perry Christie. In 2007, Dr Nottage was appointed leader of opposition business in Parliament and in 2012 leader of government business in Parliament. Dr Nottage was defeated in the 2017 general election by 22-year-old Travis Robinson in the Bain and Grants Town constituency. Dr Nottage is a trained gynaecologist and was a track and field athlete in his youth.
Is there a difference? A. One person is violated by a stranger at the point of a gun and left on the side of the road. B. One person is violated by someone known to them after having received gifts, insincere compliments and other tokens of friendship from the person who committed the offence. Read: Without Consent: Without Intent to find the answer. Without Consent: Without Intent outlines ways children are groomed to commit and accept different forms of violations. The book challenges you to analyze your personal frames of reference. Recommendations are made to assist you in reducing your potential for inadvertently supporting violent behavior. Without Consent: Without Intent. Author: Dr. Valerie H. Knowles, Licensed Psychologist-Children and Adolescents. Available at Logos Bookstore, Amazon.com and from the author at consentwithout@gmail.com
PAGE 8, Thursday, June 22, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
Alcoholism - a disease that can destroy lives
ALCOHOL has been with us for a long time, with such beverages apparently very popular in Greece about 2,000 BC. It is a drug that has become part of our culture so we need to learn to live with it rather than hope it will vanish; past attempts like the American prohibition had very limited success. I like a drink myself and at times have had more than my better judgment should allow. Alcoholism is different in many ways, it causes terrible destruction to individuals, families and society. It can be difficult to diagnose in the early stages but the full blown disease process of the later advanced alcoholism is hard to miss. E M Jellinek published “The Disease Concept of Alcoholism” in1960, his work is credited with moving attitudes towards drunkenness to a medical rather than a moral matter. That said there is likely to be more people in prison for alcohol related offences than in rehab at the mental hospital. Mr Jellinek used the Greek alphabet to describe different types of alcoholism; in truth everyone drinks differently and I am sure we would run out of Greek letters trying to describe them all. There are four simple questions that you can ask yourself that give a good indicator of a drinking problem. 1. Have you ever felt you should cut back your drinking? 2. Do you get angry when
people criticise your drinking? 3. Do you feel guilty about your drinking? 4. Have you had an early morning drink to settle your nerves? A bad score suggests it is time to do something about your drinking. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, I always thought it made me high and was upset to discover it is an illusion. Alcohol systematically shuts down parts of the brain. The first to cease functioning is the area involved with social inhibition, with that gone we feel relaxed, talk more and even think we can dance better. There is then a gradual but continuous impact on our brains so that if you drink enough you will end up in a heap on the floor. The damage that excessive drinking does to our bodies would guarantee that if it was just invented today there would be no hope of approval as a drug or food. Excessive drinking can damage so many of our organs and is responsible for many admissions to hospitals around the globe. Impaired judgment leads to car crashes and other accidents, work related and in the home. It increases the incidence of domestic violence and sexual assault and damages families. The liver has the job of detoxifying the alcohol that we drink, but it cannot manage too much, eventually destroying itself lead-
ing to cirrhosis and death. It is linked to many types of cancer, high blood pressure stroke and other cardiac problems. Our brains are slowly destroyed leading to a type of dementia, (Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome) peripheral nerves are also destroyed. With no feelings in their legs, a rat bite whilst sleep-
ing on the wharf can lead to a prolonged hospital admission. Stomach ulcers and other gastro intestinal problems are common. It leads to a variety of sexual problems, I think it was Shakespeare who said “Alcohol increaseth the desire but taketh away the performance.” Treatment can be successful but the illness is chronic and relapsing. Alcoholics Anonymous thrives around the world using its 12 step
programme to help sufferers. The programme has been designed by alcoholics and has good results. Medical care tends to be hospitalisation for detoxification and the intensive rehabilitation. Programmes can be expensive and not always covered by insurance, the programmes often insist that you want help, which is bizarre when the reality is the more severe the illness the less insight into needing
help is there. And then alcohol said: “Put it on Facebook it’s hilarious” Alcohol was wrong, so very wrong. • Dr Mike Neville is a forensic psychiatrist who has practiced for more than 40 years in The Bahamas, working at Sandilands, the prison and in private practice. Comments and responses to mneville@tribunemedia.net.
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Thursday, June 22, 2017, PAGE 9
Bahamian student sings anthem at Red Sox game
COREL Moxey’s name is announced on the electronic scoreboard at Red Sox stadum. BEFORE an estimated crowd of 30,000, Corei Moxey, a standout Bahamian student at Northeastern University, sang the national anthem of the United States at a recent Boston Red Sox game. Mr Moxey, a chemical engineering student, was selected for this honour based on his performance background while attending Northeastern. The proud graduate of Sunland Baptist Academy in Freeport, Grand Bahama went on to serve as an executive board member of the National So-
ciety of Black Engineers in Boston and recently completed an international engineering and project management work assignment in Singapore. After his stellar performance at the Boston Red Sox game, Mr Moxey plans to complete his Master’s Degree in Engineering Management at Northeastern. The promising pupil and performer is the son of Michelle and Cliff Moxey and grandson of Nelson and Calouise Moxey of Freeport and Patrick and Jeanie Gomez of Nassau.
COREI Moxey steps up to the mic at Boston Red Sox stadium.
NORTHEASTERN student Corei Moxey makes The Bahamas proud as he sings before a crowd of thousands.
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PAGE 10, Thursday, June 22, 2017
Graduation Day at Carlton Francis School
STUDENTS celebrated as they took part in the Carlton E. Francis graduation ceremony recently.
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Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff
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YOUTHS ARE QUIZZED OVER BREAK-INS SOUTHERN Division officers took two juvenile males into custody on Tuesday for questioning in connection with a number house break-ins that occurred in the Oakes Field area over the past few months. A number of electronic items such as laptops and cell phones stolen during the break-ins were recovered, police said. Investigations are ongoing.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, June 22, 2017, PAGE 11
THE LCIS graduating class.
LCIS celebrates largest graduating class in its history
DR STACEY BOBO, principal of LCIS assists the co-chairs of the board of directors in presenting IB diplomas to graduates.
ON Thursday June 8, Lyford Cay International School (LCIS) celebrated its largest graduating class in history at the British Colonial Hilton. The 20 International Baccalaureate (IB) graduates have received over $648,000 in scholarships to attend top universities in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Europe. The list of elite universities includes the University of Oxford, University of Pennsylvania, Georgetown University, McGill University and the University of Toronto. All of the graduates were accepted to their first-choice school. The commencement address was given by Dr Andrew Serazin, president of the Templeton World Charity Foundation, who said “this world could be one filled with abundance – alive with intelligence and wonder – almost magical in its promise” if young people accept the “great project” of their lives, by sharing their inherent gifts with the world. LCIS principal Dr Stacey Bobo also shared inspiring remarks with the class, explaining that although the world is currently affected by division and intolerance, “we send away 20 individuals who are prepared
to make the world a better place, 20 individuals who gracefully represent our most cherished values: compassion, tolerance, a love of diversity, and tenacity.” Dr Bobo strongly encouraged the graduates to “keep the IB learner profile traits close to your hearts...and most importantly, continue to dedicate yourselves to purposes larger than yourselves.” The aim of all IB programmes is to develop in-
ternationally minded people who help to create a better and more peaceful world. Co-Valedictorian Tennyson Bush told his fellow graduates: “Be happy, but pursue joy. Joy is found in a life of meaning - a life that is about something bigger than yourself...use the gifts, talents and abilities God has given each of you to change the world in a way that only you can.” These words were similarly echoed by Co-Valedictori-
an Frances Hawkins who encouraged fellow graduates to find and then work tirelessly towards the purposes of their lives, saying: “It is through individual determination to achieve not only grand public goals, but more personal ones, that society begins to flourish and grow.” Students were presented their diplomas by Dr Bobo and the co-chairs of the LCIS board of directors, Bruce Fernie and Bryan A Glinton.
PAGE 12, Thursday, June 22, 2017
Artist takes her work to the third dimension BAHAMIAN artist Edwina Maynard put on a onenight only mixed 3D, acrylic and oil art show Wednesday evening. The pieces were on display at Doongalik Studios. The Art Institute of Charlotte senior hopes the pieces will provide insight into the views of Bahamians living abroad with a love of country in their hearts. “With every piece I create, I always incorporate some aspect of our Bahamian culture in it,” said Ms Maynard in a press release. “By adding in simple details, each piece is unique and sets it apart from everyone else’s work. I think that it is more difficult for
VISITORS to the 3D exhibition by artist Edwina Maynard. Bahamians who are out of talents and show the Bahacountry to contribute to the mian community that there growth and development of is more to art than painting, our nation while qualifying sculptures, mosaics, etc and and advancing ourselves hopefully inspire others to abroad. discover and define their “I want to display my own gift and spark the passion needed to realise the dreams within.” Wednesday’s show was a compilation of many hours of work and effort using Autodesk Maya and Adobe Photoshop. “I want people to leave feeling like they’ve been exposed to the inner me, my style and to ultimately understand the passion,” said Ms Maynard. “Finally, I would want guests to take away that 3D is an art medium, although not a traditional Bahamian art vehicle, and I want them to be just as curious about how many other untapped art mediums are available to be explored.”
THE TRIBUNE
ARTIST Edwina Maynard who hosted a 3D art exhibition titled ‘Emergence: Dawn of the Day’ yesterday at Doongalik Studios. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
READERS RESPOND TO $8M CLEAN-UP PAYOUT AFTER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis revealed in Parliament that, months before the general election, one vendor received more than $8m to clean up New Providence in the wake of Hurricane Matthew,readers reacted on tribune242.com. OMG said: “Heads need
to roll and this Ash guy must be ordered to provide detailed accounting of just how this money was spent. And still fools in our area believe in the PLP when they can see a few getting rich at their expense.” To which TalRussell responded with: “Comrade OMG, I would never defend corruption - regardless of the colours of they t-shirts, but I just don’t believe that any PM should be using his high office and the media to haul hints of corruption against any person or persons. In the meantime we’ve heard nothing from Minnis, Dionisio and Desmond - other than the PLP did this and that other PLP did that - while many thousands our citizens continue go without paycheques and BahamaCARE. I mean like how many years will the PM and his red cabinet colleagues be at this negative form of governing?” Jackbnimble6 had this to say: “The saga continues . . . more wastage and padded contracts. There must be some way to figure out
if there were kickbacks involved. It’s just too much. Someone need to go to jail!!” There was this from Well_mudda_take_sic: “All of these revelations will not amount to a hill of beans at the end of the day because Minnis has no intention of ensuring the necessary evidence will be properly gathered for the purpose of prosecuting both the beneficiaries of all of this corruption and those who abused their public office and the public trust. And Minnis certainly will not be instructing law enforcement agencies and the Attorney General’s office to undertake the investigations needed for pressing formal charges against the miscreants. Minnis is simply engaging in lip service and pandering to his supporters
in an effort to somehow justify his new government’s great desire to borrow mega-millions of dollars without any meaningful plan to cut the very high non-productive (wasted) costs just about everywhere throughout our government corporations, departments and agencies.” And Birdiestrachan offered this comment: “Roc Wit Doc has a problem with Mr. Jonathan Ash. He had too many contracts and he was paid for his work. The man has the equipment and the manpower to do the work, who did Doc have in mind? The FNM does the same things in Freeport and Abaco – who are the contractors? Did Mr. Ash do a good job? It is not unusual for governments, churches and even private citizens to establish their own disaster fund. Doc is not holding up well. Not at all. The job may be too much for him. That is what I am thinking.” • Don’t miss your chance to join the debate on tribune242.com.