06302017 news

FRIDAY i’m lovin’ it!

HIGH 92ºF LOW 79ºF

The Tribune

Volume:114 No.152, JUNE 30th, 2017

Weekend

W1WEEKEND

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1

Friday, June 30, 2017 art books theatre film fashion gardening entert ainment puzzles

Weekend

BAHAMIAN PROJECT Pages 20&21

Picture perfect

Seniors go big for prom

WEEKEND: SENIORS IN THE SPOTLIGHT AS PROM SEASON ARRIVES

Christie denies claims on spending

Fashion, pages 14&15

FORMER PM TELLS OF LAST TALK WITH NOTTAGE

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

ADMITTING concern over what Dr Bernard Nottage may have battled in isolation during his last days, former Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday expressed admiration for the effort put forth by the former national security minister in the build-up to the May general election.

Breaking away from his public silence since being voted out of office in historic fashion last month, a visibly troubled Mr Christie detailed portions of his last conversation with his childhood friend and longtime political colleague on Thursday.

The former Centreville MP saw Dr Nottage as someone who “fought tenaciously” throughout his life for those he loved and supported, a trait he said he saw on display up to their last conversation.

SEE PAGE SIX

• FORMER PM IS ‘DISAPPOINTED’ BY DAVIS TRIBUTE LEGACY OF FNM ALLEGATIONS TO COLLEAGUE • SAYS GOVT DID NOTHING WRONG OVER $8M PAYOUT • CALLS FOR REVIEW OF DOCUMENTS

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Prime Minister Perry Christie pictured yesterday.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net FORMER Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday condemned efforts by the Minnis administration to portray his government in a negative light, as he challenged the nation’s leader to carry out a “dispassionate examination of the record”.

During a lengthy interview at his Cable Beach home on Thursday, Mr Christie defended his

20

$

(INCL. VAT)

administration from accusations of irresponsible spending, misfeasance and cronyism.

He also said he was “disappointed” by the allegations being tossed around by the new government concerning matters that transpired during his last term as prime minister.

Hitting back at accusations from members of the Minnis administration concerning the controversial pay out of more than $8m to one vendor for hurricane clean up and the write off of $1.2m to an

airport tenant who was in arrears, Mr Christie described recent moves made by the government as a “misstep” by a party pandering to its base.

Mr Christie maintained that a review of documents relating to these two controversies would absolve his administration of any wrongdoing and prove that much of the FNM’s rhetoric is as nothing more than “political slogans.”

“One of the challenges I have as the person who led the government and who led the government

DEADLINE TODAY - BUT SOME DISCLOSURES OUTSTANDING ANY LARGE SPECIALTY PIZZA

INDULGE YOUR TASTE BUDS.

WHILE today marks the deadline for both sitting and former parliamentarians to file financial disclosures, Public Disclosure Commission Chairman Myles Laroda told The Tribune yesterday that there were still some that are “outstanding”.

In an interview yesterday, Mr Laroda said in his discussions with some persons who are required to make the disclosures, they ex-

into a defeat, was to accept the responsibility for it as I did when I resigned,” he said in response to questions on the criticism levelled at his administration in recent weeks.

“There was never any thought on my part that I was accepting responsibility for any degree whatsoever of criminality, irresponsible spending and the notion that ‘the cupboard is bare’ is just political slogans.”

pressed certain challenges, which he suggested delayed the submission of documents.

Among these are challenges with obtaining financial records from spouses, particularly in situations where they may have operated bank accounts prior to marriage. He said there was also some unwillingness and apprehension SEE PAGE THREE

SEE PAGE THREE

DR Bernard Nottage’s “footprints will forever be etched on the Bahamian developmental landscape” through his work as a former president of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations, the Bahamas Medical Association, the Doctors’ Union and as a minister for consumer affairs, education, health and national security, Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis said Wednesday.

Dr Nottage, 71, died Wednesday at the Cleveland Clinic. He will receive a state funeral in arrangements to be announced, according to the press secretary for the Office of the Prime Minister, Anthony Newbold.

SEE PAGE SIX

BANNISTER WORRIES OVER BPL ABILITY TO KEEP THE LIGHTS ON

MINISTER of Works Desmond Bannister said he has “serious concerns” with Bahamas Power and Light’s ability to “keep the lights on this summer,” telling The Tribune the lack of reliability may prevent the government from fulfilling all the necessary requirements in the Baha Mar heads of agreement.

He added that he is already “looking at new, alternative ways,” including

SAUNDERS BEACH & PRINCE CHARLES SHOPPING CENTRE TEL: 603-3333 | www.pizzahutnassau.com

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

solar, to produce energy.

The heads of agreement requires the government and BPL to “address reliable and consistent supply of electricity on the island of New Providence, which will include the ability to meet the requirements of the project.”

This involves the installation “of all supporting infrastructure necessary to SEE PAGE FIVE

PAGE 2, Friday, June 30, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

WEEKEND NEWS FOLLOW THE

ON YOUR MOBILE-FRIENDLY TRIBUNE242.COM

THE RBPF summer band camp being held at Sybil Strachan Primary yesterday.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

Don’t miss breaking news throughout the weekend and a video review of the week’s most important stories with The Tribune’s Top 5.

And, on Monday, start the week as The Tribune returns to newsstands with a round-up of all the weekend news, business and sport.

Plus Insight – news, analysis and comment on the big issues of the day. Check out the latest properties for sale and rent in the Home Buyers’ Guide. And The Tribune’s Classifieds Trader – the best guide to cars for sale, real estate, help wanted and more.

8 2 4 1

25

$

INCL. VAT

PIECES OF CHICKEN

(2 THIGHS, 2 RIBS, 2 LEGS & 2 WINGS)

Large sides biscuits 2 Litre Pepsi

SUMMER BAND CAMP BEGINS

By DANIELLE BARNES

THE Royal Bahamas Police Force launched its Summer Band Camp under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade.

The RBPF summer youth programme has been in existence for the last 24 years and the band component was introduced eight years ago as an extension to the programme.

The RBPF has taken the initiative to find ways of keeping young Bahamians positively occupied in a disciplined environment for the duration of six weeks.

While the summer youth programme concludes at the end of those six week, the band camp runs year long. Students are able to continue their involvement by rehearsing with trained professionals.

Assistant Superinten-

dent Theodore Campbell, coordinator of the band camp, told The Tribune yesterday that RBPF partners with primary schools and high schools focusing on problematic students by providing them with structure through music.

“The purpose of the programme first and foremost, as we always tell them, is to teach these young persons to have fear and respect for God. “Secondly, to have respect for their country and thirdly to have respect for others and most importantly themselves,” ASP Campbell said.

He added: “We want these young persons to understand that manners and respect still takes you around the world combined with academics, because we focus hard on their academics and their musical abilities.”

ASP Campbell mentioned that music scholarship opportunities are widely available for students involved in band camp with local and international schools; some of which include: College of The Bahamas, Atlantic College, Bahamas Baptist Community College, BTVI, Prairie View A&M University, Florida Memorial University and Texas Southern University.

“We presently have someone who just completed their master’s degree and we have someone studying to be a doctor. You don’t have to study music to get a music scholarship, you just have to be musically inclined.”

The opening ceremony for the camp took place on Monday with a special appearance from the band.

Students ages seven to 17 are encouraged to join.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, June 30, 2017, PAGE 3

FORMER Prime Minister Perry Christie speaking to the media yesterday.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

Christie denies claims on spending from page one “Why talk about (audits)?

It is that kind of situation because it is so prejudicial to the findings of an auditor.

“Look, they have done it, I know and believe that the result that they are going to get is not what they are forecasting to people out there, because they are going to find that those of us who were committedly involved were working to help the country rather than harm the country,” he stated.

Defence On the issue of Jonathan Ash being awarded more than $8m in hurricane related clean-up contracts without the matter going out for bids, Mr Christie defended the move, saying the country in the wake of Hurricane Matthew was in a state of crisis and as such officials in his government didn’t have any time to put bids out.

During his contribution to the budget debate, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said that Mr Ash’s request for payments were submitted 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.

In response on Thursday, Mr Christie said: “There were compelling urgencies to work. During the hurricane itself, expenditure was incurred. We didn’t have any time to go talk about we were going to bid. We had to have trucks to go in to help in waters of three feet high and so forth and so on.

“When a country has experienced a hurricane with the ferocity of Matthew and generated refuse at the level at which we generated, where garbage sites were created and refuse sites were created all over (Nassau), it became an incredible challenge, both to co-ordinate and to effectively manage.

“And so, I’ve said and will say it again, talking to the Permanent Secretary for the Prime Minister (at that time Jack Thompson), talking to people who are officials at NEMA, talking to the engineers at the Ministry of Works; you are going to have a conclusion that good intentions were always throughout every effort we made.”

He continued: “(Mr Ash) said that he hired independent truckers and he named some of them. (Mr Ash) hired tractors, you know,

heavy equipment people and that when he arrived at a next figure, it was nowhere near what was being described. “…In fairness to the process, an examination of the files ought to have been made to see who gave him the contract, to see what the contract was - one garbage site, two garbage sites, three garbage sites; huge sites that he had to hire over 100 people and keep them hired to sort out the garbage so that you could have all the metal separated from refuse that you could actually mesh - and so one could actually justify at least how it was done.

“So my sense is this, that if you want to hold an inquiry, you do so.

“At the end of the day, I am satisfied that they will see that there were persistent efforts, the coordinator of the Progressive Liberal Party, the honourable Shane Gibson, to ensure that we got dollar for value.”

Mr Christie also said: “In other words, people were paid on the basis value, which meant that certifications, not only for engineers, but from permanent secretaries; certifications put in place.

“I am satisfied that the files will show that.

“I am satisfied that if we wanted to, we can even show more, right, to demonstrate that they are going down the wrong track talking about criminality in this regard.”

Further defending his government’s actions, Mr Christie insisted that there was an attitude of “impatience” that permeated the country in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.

“Things were moving too quickly, there was a lot of impatience in the Ministry of Finance, a lot of impatience in Lowe Sound (Andros), getting supplies, a lot of impatience in Freeport.

“These things were happening and we were impatient and we paid a heavy price for not being able to repair people’s homes in a timely fashion.

“They simply voted against us in that regard and many instances with respect to it,” Mr Christie stated with an apparent sense of exhaustion.

There were 46 transactions made to Mr Ash through several of his companies, Dr Minnis said, as he 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 election.

Two of Mr Ash’s compa-

nies, 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 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.

Disheartened On the matter of his government’s handling of a $1.2m write-off extended to a Lynden Pindling International Airport tenant, Mr Christie said he was disheartened to see Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar accuse the woman of receiving favours because of political connections. Mr D’Aguilar also told the House of Assembly that the tenant was allowed to not pay rent for five years under the Christie administration.

In response yesterday, Mr Christie said his efforts in the matter were never to coerce a particular decision or outcome, but rather to “protect a black Bahamian woman”.

“Why would you want to call a businesswoman’s

name and have the press call her a crony, Christie’s crony, (insinuating) Christie had her paying no rent for five years when she paid over $4.9m in rent, and have all this thing put out there to the country and why? “(Mr D’Aguilar) had no reason to do it that way at all,” Mr Christie added.

“And no matter what level of enthusiasm they had in winning or what not, it is a misstep to go on miscategorising or take people’s reputation and put it out to the public in that way. I felt very badly about that.”

Mr Christie, 73, likened these two instances to the Free National Movement’s treatment of value added tax (VAT) while in opposition.

Mr Christie said the FNM, despite his party’s push to present truth and logic on the topic, constantly fed the public the belief that the PLP had misappropriated the revenue generated from the tax, only to later walk back the claim.

“I knew at all material times when they were talking about ‘where the VAT money gone’ or ‘who stole the VAT money,’ that they knew that was not true and ultimately after the elections they acknowledge that,” he stated with a look of disgust.

DEADLINE TODAY - BUT SOME DISCLOSURES OUTSTANDING from page one

from these spouses to have their private information in the public domain.

Mr Laroda said he could not say how many disclosures were submitted at this point.

On June 6, Press Secretary Anthony Newbold said delinquent former and sitting members of Parliament were given three weeks to file disclosures or face the court for breaking the law.

The deadline was imposed by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and affects more than 20 MPs. It followed a report in The Tribune earlier this month that revealed a handful of parliamentarians did not

make a single disclosure last term.

Failure to file can result in a fine of $10,000, or two years in prison, or both, or confiscation of land if land is involved, Mr Newbold has said.

“Tomorrow (Friday) is the deadline,” Mr Laroda said when he was contacted by this newspaper yesterday. “As a matter of fact, we still have some that are outstanding.

“I know just about everyone collected their packages but they haven’t returned them as yet. I got some calls today from some individuals, but I don’t have any specifics with regard to when they will all be in.”

He continued: “But I am sure you know how we go in

the Bahamas, they will wait for the last minute to bring them in. “(Also) you know some individuals had more than one year, actually had every year that was outstanding. I guess that may be taking up some time.

“Then it’s not just them, because they are required to also disclose for their spouses. I think that has played some role. But in my conversations it’s some of the spouses of the politicians or senators that they have issues with.

“Because if you are married to somebody and they were operating bank accounts and before you got married you can’t go to the bank and ask for their banking information. That has to be provided to you

and if the other person says ‘well you’re the politician and I don’t want my personal information out there,’ how do you force that person to give it you? So those are some of the issues that are going on with some of them.”

Mr Newbold earlier this month said that the number of parliamentarians who did not disclose for the entire five years was “not less than six.”

At the time, he said: “All of those members of Parliament sitting in the last House as at December 31, 2016, who did not disclose

by March 1, 2017, the prime minister has given them three weeks in which to file that disclosure form or he is going to turn that file with their names over to the at-

torney general and instruct have three weeks in which him to do what the law pre- to file. scribes.

“Some of them who “They could face a fine were sitting from 2012, I’d of $10,000, or two years in say about six of them they prison, or both, or confis- didn’t file at all over the cation of land if land is in- five-year period. volved. I can tell you from “So it’s going to be interhaving seen those docu- esting to see what happens ments that more than 20 over the three-week pe30th June 2017 MPs, former and Friday, present, riod.”

"Thinking about servicing?

Now is a great time...when you buy a gallon or 5 qt. bottle of 'Castrol GTX' or 'Castrol ULTRACLEAN' and a *FREE 'GUNK' FUEL INJECTOR CLEANER!" Special on at A.I.D., CBS, JBR, KELLY'S, TOPS, VARIETY AUTO, WHIM, WONG'S and here at BSG. *(Certain restrictions apply).

“QUOTE OF THE DAY” Distributed By

BAY STREET GARAGE Dowdeswell Street

322-2434 • 322-2082

PAGE 4, Friday, June 30, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

The Tribune Limited NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI “Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,

jrolle@tribunemedia.net

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914 Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,

C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B. Publisher/Editor 1972-

Published daily Monday to Friday

Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207 TELEPHONES

News & General Information Advertising Manager Circulation Department Nassau fax Freeport, Grand Bahama Freeport fax

(242) 322-1986 (242) 502-2394 (242) 502-2386 (242) 328-2398 (242)-352-6608 (242) 352-9348

WEBSITE, TWITTER & FACEBOOK www.tribune242.com

@tribune242

tribune news network

Uncertainty for Britain and European Union DEVELOPMENTS in the European Union are under the spotlight again as the formal negotiations have now started about the terms of Britain’s departure from the bloc. These come just a year after the nation’s referendum on its future EU relationship and the surprise decision, by a narrow margin, to leave.

Sustained opposition by the so-called Remainers in the period following the referendum delayed the government’s invoking of article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty — the procedure for ending EU membership – but the Brexit negotiations are now expected to take up to two years.

Without providing a blow-by-blow account of the negotiating process, Prime Minister Theresa May has already announced proposals about reciprocal residency rights for some three million EU citizens already living in the United Kingdom (EU), and for one million Britons residing in EU countries. Although relatively straightforward, these have attracted controversy which is perhaps an indication of the likely difficulty of obtaining agreement on more complex issues like withdrawal from the single market.

Mrs May’s negotiating hand with the EU has surely been weakened by her failure to secure an overall majority in this month’s UK general election, but it remains to be seen what domestic parliamentary support she is able to attract, apart from the Democratic Unionist Party representing Northern Ireland, as the EU discussions develop, moreover, it is now clear that any deal will require parliamentary approval.

While the British people will continue to be divided over the terms of Brexit, it is clear that the government itself is determined to fulfill the referendum decision by withdrawing from the EU treaties and bureaucracies that no longer work for Britain. But at the same time it is insistent on maintaining a deep and special partnership with the remaining 27 EU member states. So while leaving the single market and customs union and reaching a separate trade agreement as well as the European Court of Justice – thus allowing the nation to control its borders and restore its parliamentary sovereignty enabling it to make its own laws justiciable in its own courts – this means cooperating fully on other major issues; from example, security and crime, the environment, education and scientific research together with cultural, technological, medical and sporting exchanges.

With the EU at a cross roads in the wake of Britain’s withdrawal, it is interesting to look from afar at the broader picture.

After the horrors of the second world war, the EU’s founding principle was that nationalism should be suppressed by means of full European integration leading to creation of a federal superstate. The ambitions of the founding fathers have been met insofar as conflict between France and Germany, the tra-

ditional antagonists, has been avoided.

But the insistence by current eurocrats on transforming the bloc, from a free trade area into a full economic and political union has served, ironically, to create tensions and divisions within the EU and precipitate a resurgence of the nationalism it was designed to prevent.

It now seems that Euroscepticism has grown to the extent that there is increasing resistance to ever-closer union on the part of nation states. With their varied history, culture, traditions, customs and languages, some EU members now seem reluctant to be subsumed into a federal superstate.

Nonetheless, two important steps towards this aim has been achieved — the Euro single currency and the removal of EU internal borders through the Schengen Agreement. The Eurozone has been partially successful, but is seen by some as a flawed concept because of the huge disparities between its members’ economies — Germany and France, for example, compared to Greece, with its residual debt problem, Portugal and even Spain and Italy — which cannot operate effectively with the same interest and exchange rates. As for a borderless EU, the ongoing refugee crisis has resulted in alienation, xenophobia and distrust among EU member states which have been taking unilateral action to protect what they regard as their territorial integrity.

According to reports, the German Chancellor has stated explicitly that the EU should gradually turn economic and fiscal cooperation into political union. As far as Britain is concerned, it seems that, since it declined to join the Eurozone or participate in the Schengen arrangements, it would not have accepted any further steps towards such union leading to a federal state in the longer term. So, given the prevailing public mood, perhaps the victory for the Leavers, slim as it was, should never really have been in doubt.

In an increasingly inter-connected world, the future cohesion and prosperity of the EU, with its combined population of some 450 million, is of major concern. A Britain no longer constrained by what some see as the shackles of the EU is likely to be more outward-looking and will be free to reach trade agreements with the rest of the world. This could mean greater focus on the Commonwealth, including former colonial territories in the Caribbean, which is likely to benefit countries like our own.

Since European stability is important for global peace, it is encouraging that Britain has pledged full cooperation, post-Brexit, with its former EU partners. Thus, the rest of the world might reasonably hope that, even though the Brexit talks will be extensive and tough, the UK and the European Commission representing the other member states will not be permanently at loggerheads over the coming two years of negotiations. We can only trust that ultimately there will be a smooth divorce.

Yes or no on Baha Mar? EDITOR, The Tribune.

I WATCHED Prime Minister Minnis respond to the media’s questions, in the chamber of Parliament, and honestly was shocked at how he responded to their questions - as if it was the Prime Minister’s Press Secretary, who caused the natural question anyway.

Total misrepresentation.

Does the Minnis Government accept the Agreements, signed by the previous Government? A simple - YES OR NO. The Attorney General told us empathically, that he found nothing out of the ordinary, and seemingly the Agree-

ments complied with the Law. Along came the Press Secretary, whose job it is to assist the Government, in keeping a full transparent understanding on issues - decisions and policies.

Only to cloud the whole thing with what can only be called, a totally muddled mumbo-jumbo comment, which left everyone under the impression, that the PM did not agree with the Attorney General, and the Baha Mar Agreements were still under the Attorney General’s Office scrutiny.

Clarity is essential as we move forward, so I suggest

to the Prime MInister, he needs to prepare a policy statement, in the form of a press release on Baha Mar, then call a press conference with the following Ministers present - Peter Turnquest, Jeffrey Lloyd, Marvin Dames, Dionisio D’Aguilar, Brent Symonette and Attorney General Carl Bethel.

Only then will we be assured where the Minnis Government is, in regards to Baha Mar...now no delays, Prime Minister, Beijing has to be wondering.

MARCUS SMITH Nassau, June 29, 2017.

A vote for a shuffle on Bank Lane EDITOR, The Tribune.

AFTER Attorney General Carl Bethel stated that there was nothing said by any FNM MP during the budget debate that raised criminal concerns, with respect to the PLP government’s handling of public funds, smug PLPs have bragged that the FNM “They Gern to Jail” campaign has fallen flat on its face. While nothing in our judicial system is in place to penalise government malfeasance, cronyism and gross mismanagement, Bahamians are hopeful that Minister of Works Desmond Bannister’s scenario of the Caribbean Court of Justice giving the Belizean government legal grounds to sue two former Cabinet ministers for misfeasance could be applied in The Bahamas.

The FNM was catapulted to power based on incessant accusations of systemic corruption in the Christie government. Bahamians had a difficult time understanding how the PLP could raise over $1 billion in VAT in addition to billions collected through other forms of taxation, and yet hear reports of $2 billion being added to the National Debt in five years.

To them, nothing was adding up. The FNM won 35 of the 39 seats, not because of PM Dr Hubert Minnis’ campaign platform to reduce or eliminate VAT on breadbasket items, electricity and other utilities, health insurance, etc.

They didn’t hand over to

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net Minnis and Co the largest landslide election victory in Bahamian history because of his pledge to make overthe-hill a type of Freeport City, with tax exemptions.

They didn’t vote FNM because of Minnis’ charisma and great oratorical skills. Truth is, Minnis has none of those.

Most Bahamians voted for the FNM in order to see PLP politicians and their cronies who may have pillage the treasury prosecuted.

They voted FNM because they want to see PLP politicians do the Bank Lane shuffle, like everybody else who breaks the law. Bahamians are currently waiting with bated breath for the outcome of the various audit reports to be completed.

However, notwithstanding the impending forensic audit reports, the Whistleblower is already sensing that the electorate is growing impatient with the FNM, despite only being in power for a little under 50 days.

Bahamians are beginning to wonder if the FNM used the jail threats to PLPs who may have been engaged in malfeasance in the lead up to May 10 in order to win votes.

If the Minnis administration fails to bring anyone to account within the next six months, the Whistleblower feel that his administration will lose the goodwill

of a substantial majority of voters who supported the FNM in the election.

In the meantime, the PLP is already gaining traction and will no doubt rebound, despite its current shambolic condition. Many of the former PLP Cabinet ministers and MPs who assisted in making a complete mess of this country will reemerge with a defiant posture in 2022.

PLP cronies who pocketed millions via inflated contracts are already laughing with glee at the Bahamian electorate. One particular self styled PLP Facebook activist hiding behind a fake profile is already saying that Bahamians are stupid for believing anything Minnis said on the campaign stage.

The Bahamian people are peeved. If no one is held to account, then the FNM might as well forfeit the 2022 general election, rather than nominate any of its candidates, as the party would be a hard sell.

Most voters, including the Whistleblower, will view the FNM and PLP as two sides of the same coin.

If nobody is punished for what transpired between 2012-2017, the Whistleblower will not be wasting his time in voting in 2022.

That is the sentiment that is shared by many disillusioned voters across The Bahamas.

THE WHISTLEBLOWER Nassau, June 25, 2017.

Honest Chester EDITOR, The Tribune.

Re: Cooper Says PLP Should Apologies & Learn From Errors That Led To Defeat.

The Tribune, June 27, 2017.

IT seems unlikely that this MP will get much further in his political career.

A f ter a l l, he ap pea r s to be rema rkably i nsig htf u l, tr u ly prog res sive, a nd mo st

u n for tu nately for a ny pol itic ia n - - - - ref reshi ng ly honest.

KEN W KNOWLES, MD Nassau, June 28, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, June 30, 2017, PAGE 5

RBDF officers at a handing-over ceremony yesterday as the former Commodore of the RBDF, Roderick Bowe, gave his last remarks and the newly-appointed Commodore Tellis Bethel took the highest position of a naval officer. See page 12 for more photographs.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

Minnis vows to review salaries of RBDF officers

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis pledged yesterday to conduct a review of Royal Bahamas Defence Force salaries to ensure officers are adequately paid for their work and to complete the RBDF’s Sandy Bottom Project during this term in office.

He further pledged to make provisions for an extension of contractual terms for qualified senior enlisted personnel who are required by law to retire at age 55.

The Killarney MP made these remarks during his address to observe the

RBDF’s change of command ceremony where Commodore Tellis Bethel was officially acknowledged as chief of the force following the retirement of former Commodore Roderick Bowe.

Commodore Bethel was named to the post following a massive promotion exercise of 427 officers on May 2, days ahead of the May 10 general election.

His confirmation came more than two years after he began serving as the acting commodore of the RBDF. His position was made retroactive to March 2015.

“I want to assure you that as prime minister and as

chairman of the National Security Council that you have the full support of the Bahamas government,” the prime minister said during his remarks to scores of Bahamians gathered to witness Commodore Bethel’s official takeover of the RBDF. “The defence force has a strategic role in national development. To this end and to the further support of the defence force’s decentralisation, transformation mobilisation and regeneration programmes, my government will facilitate the completion of the Sandy Bottom Project with the construction of proposed warehouses, workshops, ad-

ministrative buildings and accommodations for bases in Coral Harbour Inagua and Ragged Island. We will also be looking forward to the development of bases in other islands as a part of this programme.

“We will strengthen security co-operation with regional partners such as the United States, which through the US Northern Command has been responsible for conducting military training for hundreds of defence force officers and marines as well as providing financial assistance with patrol craft and equipment.”

Dr Minnis continued: “We will conduct a review of salary responsibility al-

lowance and technical pay to ensure that officers and marines are adequately paid for their hard work.

“We will make provisions for the extension of contractual terms for qualified and performance oriented senior enlisted personnel who are required by law to retire by age 55.

“The future is bright for the fine men and women of the defence force. We are all called upon to set a high standard of excellence and to help guard our heritage.”

At a total cost of $232m, the Sandy Bottom project, according to the RBDF, is the single largest capital investment the government has ever made in the force

since its inception in 1980.

The project is expected to aid the implementation of the RBDF’s decentralisation programme and includes the development of defence force bases at several locations in the northern, central and southern Bahamas.

It is also expected to provide operational coverage of the Bahamas’ waters to aid in the fight against poachers, arms smuggling, and human trafficking.

Back in 2014, the Christie administration borrowed the $232m for the sale, building and delivery of nine new vessels and to carry out ancillary civil work for the project.

GOVT ‘NOT TOTALLY SATISFIED’ WITH CRIME SITUATION

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames said the government is not “totally satisfied” with the crime situation as he insisted that Bahamians should have already started to see some elements of the Minnis administration’s crime plan manifested in various communities.

Speaking to reporters yesterday, the Mt Moriah MP said increased visibility and a more strategic approach to inner-city crime hotspots are a part of the government’s short-term approach.

While there have been

69 murders for the year, according to The Tribune’s records, 16 of these have occurred since May 10, under the Free National Movement government’s watch.

“As you can see already, one of things we are addressing through the police is increased visibility (and) a more strategic approach to addressing the problems of inner-city crimes as it relates to patrolling and so how do we deal with those hot spot areas,” Mr Dames told reporters following the Royal Bahamas Defence Force’s change of command ceremony.

“It’s not just a matter of vehicles and people. What we are saying is we want to

use current technology and new technology to pin point exactly where these issues are and then we introduce the level of patrol to mitigate the problems within these communities. So these are short-term measures.

“Another thing that we are looking at too is a multidisciplinary approach for a preventive approach to addressing community ills.

So we are looking at some of the programmes that are geared toward the young people, the youth, the atrisk persons. When we say multidisciplinary, I’m speaking principally about what is national security, social services, education and youth doing in conjunc-

tion with each other to steer our young people away from crime and violence.

We are pretty pleased with the progress we are making. “(But) we are not totally satisfied because obviously there is still a lot of work to do in terms of how do we structure these agencies to enable them to respond to the problems in these communities.”

The minister said the government aims to do away with manpower issues, which are often complained of, especially in emergency situations.

“So one of thing our government continues to say is we want to take an approach where we carry out a full manpower audit of

all of these departments to determine whether we have sufficient numbers to deliver the service to these communities. We are about to commence that very shortly so that we can ensure that if a person picks up the phone and telephones the police station no longer will the officer say we don’t have a car or persons (to respond).

“And so that’s more strategic but it is very important to the delivery of police services to communities in the Bahamas,” Minister Dames said.

On Monday, Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade said the country was “recycling” prolific offenders due to less than firm punishments.

Addressing the press shortly after he launched the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s (RBPF) 24th annual Youth Summer Camp, Commissioner Greenslade argued that no amount of arrests and aggressive police tactics could limit crime if “the people who are coming into the system, that is the bad people who are committing crimes, very serious crimes in this county, are not dealt with in a very firm way.”

Commissioner Greenslade contended that there is nothing law enforcement officers can do to prevent re-offenders if the punishments being handed down are not seen as deterrents to criminals.

BANNISTER WORRIES OVER BPL ABILITY TO KEEP THE LIGHTS ON from page one support secure and dependable electricity supplies to the project, without the need for unusual load-shedding or other interruption in electricity supply to the project.”

This must be completed

by December 31, 2017, and any failure by the government to resolve the energy problems by December 31, 2017, will be treated as “a force majeure” event.

If that occurs, then Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and

its Baha Mar-owning affiliate will be released from performing their heads of agreement obligations for as long as it takes to remediate the problems.

Mr Bannister said while the agreement with Baha Mar is important, his first concern is with the Bahamian people.

“My first concern when it comes to reliability is the Bahamian people. The contract with Baha Mar is important and there is a concern because we want to live up to our end but Bahamians have to feel confident

that we are able to keep the power on,” Mr Bannister said.

“The Bahamian people elected us and as a government we have to ensure that things happen and I am going to make sure that it happens. After that is done, I will look at other areas of concern.”

Mr Bannister said the government is “moving quickly” to resolve the constant blackouts.

“I am not at all convinced that BPL can keep the power on this summer.

So I am moving quickly to

see what we can do,” he said.

“As soon as a new board comes in we will be looking at new ways to produce energy. We are looking at solar, as a matter of fact I met with some solar people this morning (Thursday). The Bahamas cannot afford to have this type of unreliability. Since I came into office, Abaco has had issues with blackouts and the last two days the people in Inagua have been inconvenienced and it is unacceptable. We have to be able to produce and

give the Bahamian people the type of service they expect.”

Last month, BPL expressed “confidence” in its readiness to take on the peak summer period with its higher power generation capability.

In a previous statement, BPL said while it expected the needed power generation this summer to peak at 255 megawatts, its current generation availability is over 345mw. This is 90mw higher than the demand expected this summer.

In addition, the electricity provider said transmission cables between Blue Hills Power Station and the Big Pond Sub-Station have been replaced and upgraded to improve the capacity and reliability of the transmission system.

Pointing to the period from June to September last year, in which BPL experienced challenges due to low generation availability and reliability, the company said it wanted to ensure Bahamians would not suffer from the same issues this summer.

HUMAN RIGHTS GROUP ASKS MITCHELL TO DISTANCE HIMSELF FROM FACEBOOK PAGE THE Grand Bahama Human Rights Association said it is “appalled” that Senator Fred Mitchell “has failed to denounce and distance himself from the homophobic slurs that appeared on a Facebook page that he has publicly endorsed.”

The statement came after The Tribune reported Thursday that Facebook users were amused and shocked on Wednesday

when a Facebook profile associated with Mr Mitchell responded to an insult aimed at the senator with an equally provocative response.

On the Facebook page ‘Fred Mitchell––Minute

by Minute,’ user Colin Deveaux wrote: “Shut your f****t a** up, y’all was desperately trying to get all the money that y’all could, that’s what y’all was doing.”

‘Fred Mitchell - Min-

ute by Minute’ wrote in response: “Ya ma was a f****t.”

When contacted Wednesday, Mr Mitchell declined to comment on the exchange, nor did he distance himself from the comment or the page.

“The page, ‘Fred Mitchell minute-by-minute’ is clearly named after Senator Mitchell and last year, he encouraged PLP supporters to follow its posts,

saying the page ‘aligns with much of my thinking on political issues,’” the GBHRA noted in its press release.

“Yet asked by The Tribune to comment on the vile exchange in question, Mitchell refused.

“While it is unfortunate that the page’s moderator and a particular commentator chose to exchange insults which degrade and insult members of the LGBTQ community, these

individuals enjoy constitutionally protected freedom of expression which allows them to do so.

“Mitchell, however, is the leader of the opposition in the Senate and as such, should be held to a higher standard. The GBHRA expects Mitchell and all parliamentarians to stand up for diversity, freedom of choice and individual rights, and condemn in the strongest of terms, all forms

of discrimination and hate speech.

“We are particularly surprised in this case, as Mitchell has publicly defended LGBTQ rights in the past.

“The GBHRA calls on Senator Mitchell to break his silence and condemn the Facebook page ‘Fred Mitchell minute-by-minute’ and distance himself from the unfortunate comments in question,” the statement noted.

PAGE 6, Friday, June 30, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Ingraham pays tribute to ‘worthy political opponent’

FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham expressed sadness yesterday over the death of Dr Bernard J Nottage, former member of Parliament for Bains and Grants Town.

In a statement issued from Cleveland, Ohio, Mr Ingraham saluted Dr Nottage as a man who came to politics “fully formed,” noting that he was a decorated student athlete.

Mr Ingraham remembered his former parliamentary colleague as being “a worthy political opponent” who always prepared for the House of Assembly.

“He was the noted past-president of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA), and an accomplished medical doctor and gynaecologist of note,” Mr Ingraham said.

“He entered the political fray in the 1980s at a time when lesser men avoided the turmoil swirling in the political arena. He meant to be a reformer and he stood his course.

“His reformist instinct led him into opposition to his political home party. For a season, he served as chief executive officer of the Coalition for Democratic Reform before returning to serve in the Cabinet of the last two PLP administrations.

“I will especially remember BJ as a dedicated parliamentarian.

He was always well prepared for sittings of the House of Assembly.

“He never meant to waste time and seldom, if ever, asked a ques-

tion that he could answer himself.

His purpose always was to expose some detail he believed deserving of the people’s attention. He was a worthy political opponent.

“His life may well be summed up in the declaration of 2 Timothy: ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course and I have kept the faith.’”

Mr Ingraham noted that Dr Nottage’s health was declining for years, adding that his death was not unexpected.

“Still, for those of us of his generation, he was a young man with a vibrant spirit. His passing will leave a void for those who may have learned from his experiences.

His record in public life provides exemplary reading for those who now follow in his footsteps.

“He died as he lived, a dedicated citizen, a Bahamian patriot and a nation builder.

On behalf of my wife Delores and all my family I extend condolences to his wife, Portia, to his children, siblings, extended family and friends,” Mr Ingraham said.

Other tributes also poured in for Dr Nottage yesterday.

US Embassy in Nassau Chargé d’Affaires Lisa Johnson extended sympathies on behalf of the American government.

“Those who had the privilege of working with him appreciated his willingness to tackle some of the thorniest issues in our countries’ bilateral relationship and his ability to do so with warmth and kindness,” Ms Johnson said in a statement.

“During his tenure as minister of national security, Dr Nottage’s unwavering dedication to ending human trafficking led to The Bahamas being upgraded to a tier one country and remaining there for the past three years. Under his direction, The Bahamas introduced new methods to combat violent crime, helping to make Bahamians safer and more secure.

“Dr Nottage forged an even stronger international partnership between the Bahamas and the United States by advancing the bilateral security cooperation that our countries have enjoyed for decades, cooperation built on our shared values. The US Embassy greatly appreciated his steadfast support.”

Democratic National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney paid tribute to a man who offered him advice when he went through a political transition.

“I do recall Dr Nottage’s personal advice and guidance to me, in particular, when I sat as an Independent MP, prior to forming the DNA,” Mr McCartney said.

“Country first was at the forefront of his deliberations and that was exhibited through our conversations. I am most grateful to him.

“Although we worked on different sides of the political spectrum, I can appreciate his efforts to improve the lives of Bahamians and move the country forward.”

Dr Nottage died on Wednesday at the Cleveland Clinic in Florida.

FORMER Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage.

He was 71.

FORMER PM TELLS OF LAST TALK WITH NOTTAGE from page one

“I went up the night he was admitted . . . and we were able to have an extended discussion, one in which I spoke about childhood moments, about moments in England together, about our aspirations to help the country and then I asked him if he had the will to live and the will to fight.

“I asked him if he knew the extent to which he was ill and he replied to me, he said ‘yes.’ “(I asked if) he understood the challenges the doctors would have, he said ‘yes.’

“And I said, ‘you know BJ, you and I started together and you and I, fortuitously, will end together.

The curtain has come down on our political lives, that historians would have the opportunity to review what we have done and determine the extent to which we had done good and that we had improved the situation in our country, and that will take time.’

“I said, ‘in the meantime, we have to adjust to

the circumstances that exist and that we have to be able to assist our party in rebuilding and you know, that kind of conversation.’ And his answers were ‘yes, yes’.”

Mr Christie said he knew at that moment he was speaking to someone “incredibly challenged,” a person he feared might not make it.

Mr Christie said during the waning moments of their last term in office, he had times questioned the well-being of his longtime friend and worried about his seemingly worsening health.

He added that his worry grew to great concern after Dr Nottage appeared ill at a Progressive Liberal Party campaign rally in late April. At the time PLP officials described Dr Nottage’s condition as “dehydration.”

Mr Christie said Dr Nottage’s actions then resembled his own following a mild stroke he had in May 2005.

“I had seen the trans ischemic attack when he was on the platform, I can call it that because I had once

had one myself, I knew how quickly I reacted to mine (and) I knew that that saved me and enabled me to sit here and to articulate and analyse and I felt he didn’t,” Mr Christie said.

“I knew the kinds of treatments and medicines that you must have and I became concerned.”

A somewhat dispirited Mr Christie went on to recall moments during his last term in office when he openly questioned Dr Nottage on his health.

“When I think back over the last two months of the Cabinet, many days he would be quiet,” Mr Christie said.

“But, he never told us how sick he was. We had to guess during moments of silence and non-participation that something was going on.

“Even when I inquired and inquired of him, ‘what is happening BJ,’ he would shrug his shoulders.

“And so, the night I was called and told the amount of challenges he had, I had to assume those challenges existed when he was running (for re-election), and

the question was, ought he have been running?

“It meant that he was campaigning while he was dying, that is what it meant.

That this only came to a head at a certain stage while he was walking around house to house, going in to people asking them to support him.

“He was very sick and irretrievably so, what was happening, as we found out.

“Thinking back, my brother was desperately ill when he was doing these things, and did he know, and did he believe that he had to get these things in and if he had disclosed his illness, we would have prevented him from running?

“Most certainly I would have to ensure that he protected himself because even though we ran against each other three times, anyone who watched me deal with BJ must know that there was a love.”

Dr Nottage, 71, was airlifted to the United States on Friday after spending three days in the Intensive Care Unit at Doctors Hospital.

He died on Wednesday.

Mr Christie further recalled of his friend: “He was someone who brought incredible discipline, an incredible knowledge of The Bahamas; a very innovative and very strong against slackness.

“We valued his participation, his level of discernment and to be able to protect the government from any kind of decision making that might not be the right kind.”

He added: “(Dr Nottage) preformed magnificently.

He was able to articulate precisely what he was thinking and maybe the surgeon in him gave him that kind of incisive thinking.”

Following the party’s defeat at the hands of the Free National Movement in the 1997 general election, PLP Leader Sir Lynden Pindling appointed Mr Christie and Dr Nottage as co-deputy leaders of the party.

Following Sir Lynden’s death, Mr Christie ascended to the post of leader by narrowly defeating Dr Nottage - an event Mr Christie gave as the reason he kept

Dr Nottage so close to him.

Dr Nottage left the PLP to assist in the formation of the Coalition for Democratic Reform (CDR), a party he would unsuccessfully lead into the 2002 general election.

In 2005, he returned to the then governing PLP and was afterwards appointed to the Senate.

A short time later, Dr Nottage was appointed minister of health and National Insurance by Mr Christie, then prime minister.

Of these events, Mr Christie remarked Thursday: “I went looking for him when he was CDR in 2005 and persuaded him to come into the Cabinet, put him in the Senate and made him minister of health.

“I would always find reason because he had this wonderful ability to speak truth to issues and fearlessness to speak truth to issues some people sort of pander (to because) the prime minister wants (it) to happen.

But he was one of those ministers who challenged, didn’t hesitate to say I don’t agree.”

PLP LEADER DAVIS PAYS TRIBUTE TO LEGACY OF COLLEAGUE from page one

Dr Nottage’s death elicited scores of tributes from

SouS Chef An exciting opportunity has arisen to become part of our new team. We want someone with an entrepreneurial mindset, passion and qualifications to help lead our busy kitchen. In addition to day to day management, the successful candidate will be instrumental in creating and enhancing innovative dishes along with forming a part of our core leadership team.

As our Sous Chef you will be expected to perform the following functions: • Manage the day-to-day operation of the kitchen • Ensure excellent food hygiene and health safety standards at all times • Lead a team, motivating and coaching the staff to provide a blow away customer experience and to support their personal development • Assist with menu development and food cost • Assist senior leadership and an expert culinary advisor on food trends and customer behavior Position Requirements • A minimum of three (3) years culinary and supervisory experience required • An associate’s degree from a culinary institute/ school of arts or equivalent Interested candidates should e-mail resumes to newchef242@hotmail.com before July 7th, 2017.

Bahamians who remembered him as a compassionate physician and from a bipartisan cadre of politicians who hailed his service and integrity.

“Dr Nottage was the ultimate political warrior and patriot par excellence, offering of his talents in public service, within service groups, and in nation building right up to the time of his passing,” Mr Davis said in a statement released on Wednesday night.

“He fundamentally believed in the ideals of the Progressive Liberal Party, the party in which he served for the greater part of his political life.

“Through leadership struggles, a temporary parting of ways and through reconciliation,

the principles of social justice, economic justice and a sense of fair play and a level playing field always dominated Dr Nottage’s political philosophy; the Progressive Liberal Party and the nation by extension are better for his unselfish contribution to national development.”

Mr Davis said Dr Nottage’s devotion to service was passed down to him from his father, who was a police officer.

“It was most appropriate that he became the nation’s chief law enforcement officer as minister of national security,” he said.

“He was passionate about resolving the issues that concern at-risk youths, particularly our males. He was particularly moved about the absence of the father

figure in the home and started the programme that called on adult males to become father figures in their communities.”

Mr Davis said Dr Nottage’s programme, “Renovating Bains and Grants Town,” aimed to increase home ownership, create job training programmes, set up a fee waiver for students sitting national exams and establish a Bains Town and Grants Town Community Council.

“Other important programmes include the establishment of a multipurpose community centre to provide the following activities: a community band, computer literacy programmes, adult literacy and vocational programmes, after school activities for children, legal

aid clinic, employment agency, crime watch group, and sports and recreational activities,” he said.

“As his parliamentary and Cabinet colleague, I am honoured to have served with Dr Nottage.

“His thorough, methodical, detailed and deliberative management style, ensuring no stone was left unturned, served me well in public life and I cherish our professional relationship and friendship. On behalf of my family and the PLP family, on behalf of the Bains and Grants Town constituency, and on my own behalf, I express sincere condolences to his dear wife Portia, his two sons and grandchildren.

I am confident that God’s grace is sufficient for the Nottage family during their hour of need.”

CORRECTIONS OFFICER HELD AFTER COCAINE FIND

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net A 45-YEAR-OLD corrections officer is in police custody after he was allegedly found with six ounces of cocaine at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services on Wednesday.

According to police, shortly after 1pm, acting on information, BDCS of-

ficials conducted a search of the corrections officer when he arrived for duty.

During the search, officers allegedly found cocaine in his possession. He was taken into custody and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Unit.

Investigations continue.

In other crime news, police are searching for several persons responsible for an armed robbery that left a

man in hospital.

According to reports, shortly before noon Wednesday, the victim was getting out of a vehicle in front of his home on Yamacraw Lane off Yamacraw Hill Road, when several men approached and robbed him of a bag containing a laptop computer and a cellphone.

The men then shot him before speeding off in a

red Jeep. The man was taken to hospital where he is listed in stable condition.

Investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with information on any of these incidents is asked to contact police at 911 or 919, the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 328TIPS.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, June 30, 2017, PAGE 7

Grand Bahama ready for annual regatta celebration

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE annual Grand Bahama Regatta and Homecoming is set for July 28-30 at Taino Beach and organisers have planned a number of fun-filled activities this year, in addition to the traditional sailing competition.

The event dubbed, ‘Put Your Sails UP When the Waves Up,’ will feature live entertainment, a beach party, beer fest, cultural activities, and a sailing component for C-class boaters throughout The Bahamas.

Chervita Campbell, regatta chairman, is appealing to corporate Bahamas come onboard as sponsors to help defray the cost of this year’s event.

“We are looking at going bigger and harder in terms of planning and getting other sponsors aboard to participate,” she said.

She believes that with the improvement of the regatta and homecoming events, the sailing culture will continue to develop on Grand Bahama so that Grand Bahamians can actively participate in future events.

Many sailors from other islands are expected to participate in the sailing, and residents and visitors are asked to attend the event and participate in fun-filled

SANDS Sculling Boat at the 2015 Grand Bahama Regatta. band, Kevin Tomlinson and festivities.

Jackie Rolle, onshore ac- his group, a fire dancer and tivities co-ordinator, Grand Grumma’s Kitchen.

Some of the other activiBahama Regatta & Homecoming Committee, shared ties include an onion peelsome of the onshore activi- ing and watermelon eating competitions, hopscotch, ties.

She stated that this year a “back in time” treasure is going to be different, hunt, face painting, bouncand persons can expect to ing castle and many other be entertained by perfor- family-friendly activities.

Jay Phillippe, assistant mances by the steel pan

manager of sports tourism at the Ministry of Tourism on Grand Bahama, said that the regatta is not only a local event but provides an opportunity to promote the island.

“The Ministry of Tourism totally endorses the Grand Bahama Regatta and Homecoming. This is an opportunity to first and

Photo courtesy of Bahamian Brewery and Beverage foremost showcase the isMr Phillippe stated that land of Grand Bahama. The they provide free transporregatta is considered a sport tation for visitors from their culturally, and it is an excel- hotels to the event. lent opportunity to promote Local vendors and artithis island with a number of sans interested in investing persons visiting the island to in a stall for the Grand Baattend,” he said. hama Regatta and HomeHe said the Ministry of coming weekend can colTourism has been sponsoring lect a form from the Grand the event for some time and Bahama Chamber of Comwe will continue to do so. merce.

LAWYER APPOINTED FOR APPEAL IN MURDER CASE

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A MAN who is seeking to challenge a Supreme Court jury’s verdict concerning the murder of a Cash for Gold employee has been appointed a lawyer by the Court of Appeal for his appeal application.

The Tribune understands that attorney Christina Galanos has been assigned to represent Valentino Bethel concerning his formal challenge to a guilty verdict concerning the 2013 robbery and death of Christopher Outten.

The matter is adjourned to October 24 for a substantive hearing.

Bethel had previously claimed that he had written the appellate court on numerous occasions requesting assistance from the court in getting new counsel as he was not satisfied with the representation of Geoffrey Farquharson.

Bethel also claimed he

had not seen Mr Farquharson since last year notwithstanding the severity of the conviction and 40-year sentence he is serving.

He had also said he had yet to receive copies of his trial transcripts despite requesting them.

Bethel, 24, stood trial in November 2014 with Natario Walkins, 27, and Sean Zhivargo Collie, 41, in connection with the January 19, 2013 robbery of Outten.

During evidence given at the trial, Outten and his wife, who were employed at US Gold/Cash for Gold in the Jireh Plaza, had left the store around 4pm on January 19, 2013. They stopped at the automated teller machines of two banking institutions before heading home.

On arrival at their residence, Outten was approached by a masked gunman and ordered to get down. His wife escaped and ran to a neighbour’s house for help. When she returned, she found that her

WITNESS SAYS ACCUSED WAS PRESENT AT SHOOTING

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net A KEY female witness yesterday identified the man accused of fatally shooting another man through Gibbs Corner in 2014, claiming she was less than ten feet away from the accused during the incident in question.

Trenique Hall, testifying via live video link in day two of Jason Simmons’ murder trial before Justice Bernard Turner, said the accused was one of three to four men who ran into her grandmother’s yard moments after about seven shots rang out in the area.

Ms Hall, who claimed she was sitting on the porch with her boyfriend at the time, said she could clearly see the men, who were about five to ten feet away.

She said due to the set-up of her grandmother’s porch, she was able to see Simmons but he could not see her.

Ms Hall also claimed that Simmons was carrying a small gun that she said she witnessed him trying to stuff into his waist to conceal it shortly after he and the other men ran into the yard.

However, Ms Hall later said she did not see Simmons shoot and kill anyone with this gun at the time of the incident in question.

When later asked by Crown prosecutors if she could identify Simmons in the court room, made possible by a scan of the room by the video-link camera, Ms Hall confirmed that she saw Simmons sitting in the dock.

She further revealed that she and Simmons used to live through the same corner, and also that she knew him from “primary school time.”

The matter continues today at 2:30pm.

Simmons is accused of the April 27, 2014 fatal shooting of Neko Lloyd at Gibbs Corner. Shortly after midnight on the day in question, Lloyd was sitting on a bench near a woman’s home when a gunman approached him and opened fire.

Lloyd was hit multiple times in the upper body as well as in his lower extremities.

While the gunman fled on foot, Lloyd ran to the front of his friend’s home where he collapsed. A short time later, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

husband had been shot.

Walkins and Bethel were found guilty of murder, armed robbery and con-

spiracy to commit armed robbery and murder. Collie and Harrison Walkins were found guilty on the conspir-

acy charges.

In January 2015, Bethel was sentenced to 40 years for murder while receiving

25 years for armed robbery, and 15 years for conspiracy to commit murder and armed robbery.

PAGE 8, Friday, June 30, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Minnis gets tetchy with the Fourth Estate

THE more things change, the more they remain the same.

Let’s begin.

MINNIS AND THE MEDIA The fourth estate, as the press is known in most democratic nations, is often seen as a thorn in the side of democratic leaders.

Irish philosopher and political theorist Edmund Burke once said, “There are three estates in parliament but in the Reporter’s Gallery yonder there sits a Fourth Estate more powerful than they all.”

And so it goes that from time immemorial politicians have viewed journalists, reporters and the press in general with a wary eye – write a story they view as beneficial to their goals (or a fluff piece) and you are beloved, but write a story they deem critical and you become public enemy number one.

Our current Prime Minister, Dr Hubert Minnis, has always had a love-hate relationship with the Bahamian press.

Before Dr Minnis’ Free National Movement Party won the last general election, you would be hard pressed (pun intended) to find positive stories about the good doctor in the media.

Editorials, commentaries and even unbiased news articles seldom painted the doctor in a good light.

(Which, they would argue, was his own doing). He lacked leadership skills, they said. He cannot win, they said. He is allergic to the English language, they all grinningly agreed.

Fast forward to a month after winning the elections and it’s Prime Minister Minnis who has decided that it’s time to go on the offensive against the pesky pest known as the mainstream media.

No, he has not approached Trumpian levels by labelling every story he doesn’t like as “fake news”, but in an exchange that was captured on tape (and posted to Facebook for perpetuity), Dr Minnis showed his growing disdain for “the press”.

The PM’s latest dust up with the media started off innocent enough. Whilst exiting the House of Assembly this week Dr Minnis was asked by a “zealous reporter” about his vague and seemingly fluid stance on

the Baha Mar resort. His response? “Listen...I’ve told you over and over again. I don’t know what about the English language you don’t understand...”

Pause. Cue the music to Alanis Morisette’s “Ironic.”

Okay, let’s continue.

The Prime Minister then went on to give an ambiguous “the government would like to see Baha Mar open” response.

Interesting. Except, isn’t Baha Mar already “open” right now?

Pressed further by those blood-thirsty reporters, Dr. Minnis repeated the phrase, “I’ve answered you... I’ve answered you” about 50 times before slipping out of view of the cameras.

That one moment - one exchange-seemingly foretold what’s to come with the new Minnis Administration.

It’s wasn’t supposed to be this way. Before the last election. The FNM painted themselves as the party that would be open, honest and transparent with the Bahamian people.

Sure, we’ve had some Reality TV worthy moments as the “transparent” new government has revealed all the shady deals of the opaque former government but as the storylines and headlines have shifted to more current affairs, as in, “what y’all ga do fa us now?” the new Minnis government is starting to clam up.

There have been some arrests of “small fries” in government ministries but the “big fish” still roam the streets with their “ill-begotten” millions of dollars in tow.

We know Baha Mar doesn’t look or feel like the “saviour” it’s supposed to be but what are the government’s plans for the resort?

These questions, and many others, are just too much for the Minnis Administration apparently.

Mind you, for the first time in the country’s history we have a “Press Secretary” who, I guess, is supposed to insulate Dr Minnis from having to answer tough questions on a regular basis. Alas, he was nowhere to be seen as the PM grew visibly hot under

the collar as that “rabid” pack of reporters cornered him on that hot June day to enquire about the people’s business.

Don’t get me wrong. I actually like Dr Minnis but if we’re honest with ourselves we will admit that he is not an eloquent speaker. And non-eloquent speakers usually get frazzled (and non eloquent) when they have to actually speak.

Prime Minister Minnis doesn’t need a Press Secretary. He needs a Press Squadron. Otherwise, I get the feeling that his personal discomfort and simmering animosity from being treated in a way I’m sure he thinks was “unfair” in the past will lead him down a perilous path.

Yes, the Fourth Estate is powerful. Yes, the Fourth Estate can be annoying.

Yes, the Fourth Estate is doing their job for the people of the country. Making an enemy out of them for the sake of political expediency makes no sense. Don’t mind President Donald Trump. Let’s be honest, he’s “different”. Instead, mind Mark Twain, the gifted author who once said, “never pick a fight with people who buy ink by the barrel.”

DREAD FRED I must admit as a professional stand comedian of 20 years, I’m surrounded by extremely funny, talented, “real” comedians every night of my life at Jokers Wild, so it takes a lot to make me laugh.

One thing that certainly does make me laugh any time, regardless of the setting, is good old fashioned, crass at times, Bahamian expressions, or “Bahamanees”.

The way we Bahamians twist and contort the English language into unique forms of self expression, usually from a defensive position, amazes me still to this day.

Simple, short, stinging comebacks are the best in my opinion.

Two of my all time favourites as well as all time effective retorts, that have their special place in my verbal arsenal, are “Ya Ma”

WELLSVILLE 14” QUEEN

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff or “Ya Pa” depending on was a f••••t.” galiss” mode, keyboard When contacted, Mr Ninja in motion. the situation.

I find those two effective Mitchell declined to comI must admit I find this words, brilliant, and espe- ment on the exchange new, “Trumpian” side of Mr cially when used by “Joe Wednesday, nor did he Mitchell quite refreshing, distance himself from the compared to his old brand Public”.

However, when it’s used comment or the page. of “salty” “shade”.

Screenshots of the exby a former Minister of Foreign Affairs and former MP change were shared on sofor Fox Hill, Fred Mitchell, cial media on Wednesday.

In November 2016, Mr all over Facebook no less, responding to a ‘harsh’ Mitchell encouraged supcomment posted on his porters to read the website Finally on a positive note, Facebook timeline, a well bahamasuncensored.com, placed “Ya Ma” my friends as well as ‘Fred Mitchell congratulations once again Minute-by-Minute’ on Fa- to my lifelong friend and is comedy gold.

According to an article in cebook, because it “aligns neighbour and definitely a with much of my thinking “big brother” to me, ComThursday’s Tribune: mander of the RBDF, On the Facebook page on political issues”.

Only in The Bahamas Commodore Tellis Andrew ‘Fred Mitchell––Minute

by Minute,’ user Colin De- do you see a sitting Sena- Bethel.

Long overdue and well tor with a very strong poveaux wrote: “Shut your f••••t a•• up, litical resumé, getting into deserved “Andy”, much y’all was desperately trying a Facebook beef, rife with love to you and your famto get all the money that outbreaks of “potty mouth” ily, my family and I are very proud of you brother. y’all could, that’s what y’all and innuendo.

Yet another sterling BaHarvard pedigree comwas doing.”

Without missing a beat, pletely out the window. hamian to come out of little Mitchell responded “Ya ma Mitchell is now in full “Jun- old St Alban’s Drive.

ANCHORS AWAY OLD BOY

GN1921

GEL MEMORY FOAM MATTRESS

SAVE $1,000

COMPARED TO ONLINE PRICE OF $2,880

NOTICE

MEMORY FOAM

PLUSH 12” QUEEN

MEMORY FOAM MATTRESS

$799

GO KING SIZE FOR JUST

$999

PILLOWS PER PAIR

$99

MR. JACK LOCKHART Last known address Apartment No. 3 off Faith Avenue Carmichael Road (Avenue next to Variety Disposal)

ADJUSTABLE BASES

SAVE 15% COMPARED TO ONLINE PRICES

yalty r e s lo

or bonu ef

MEMORY FOAM MATTRESS

$499

FROM Memory Foam Mattresses $308.65 $280.65 Platform Beds $59.99 Sheet Sets $14.99 Bed Skirts $3.58 Scented Candles SPEND LESS SLEEP WELL

B RAN D N E W MATTRESS CO.

While stocks last. Prices stated are for cash & carry customers including VAT.

5

$

ster onlin gi

rds. Re wa

BIO SUPPORT 8” FULL

OFFICE OF THE JUDICIARY SUPREME COURT

IN-STORE OR SHOP ONLINE

WE DELIVER OR

CLICK & COLLECT For directions or online shopping visit

www.brandnewmattress.co Call 698-4609

Come in, lie down. Love the price, feel the value

Located next to Budget Foods in Coral Harbour 2 minutes from Carmichael / Coral Harbour roundabout

NOTICE OF HEARING TAKE NOTICE that the Appeal hearing ( Elsworth McIntosh vs Jack Lockhart) has been set down before His Lordship, The Hon. Sir Hartman G. Longely, Chief Justice in The Ansbacher Building, East Street North , on the 3rd Floor, Wednesday July 12, 2017 at 9:30am o’clock in the morning.

REGISTRAR SUPREME COURT

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, June 30, 2017, PAGE 9

Rolle makes first visit to Grand Bahama

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net MINISTER of Social Services and Urban Renewal Lanisha Rolle made her first official visit to Grand Bahama on Thursday, visit-

ing the various government agencies within her portfolio.

Mrs Rolle arrived around 9am and made her first stop at the Department of Social Services in the Sun Plaza on West Settler’s Way. Her second stop was at the Urban

Renewal Social Services component in the National Insurance Board building complex.

She paid a courtesy call on Minister of State for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson at the Harold DeGregory Office Com-

RESORT AND MARINA LAUNCHES ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS AT UB VALENTINES Residences Resort and Marina embodies the picturesque tranquility of life in Harbour Island, Eleuthera, but the exotic enclave has also captured the world’s attention for its standard of excellence. The skills and diligence of the people who work there have helped to set that benchmark.

Managing director Dean Spychalla believes that human capital will continue to fuel success for the resort and the island. This is why he came up with the idea of funding scholarships at University of The Bahamas (UB), specifically for scholars from Harbour Island.

Principals of the resort have signed an MOU for the Valentines Residences Resort and Marina Endowed Educational Fund for an entrance and incourse scholarship award programme at UB, an investment of $100,000.

With an endowed scholarship programme, financing for academic scholarships is more sustainable.

Initially, two students from Harbour Island – one male

and one female – will be funded annually for up to four years with the aim of eventually funding 10 students and even more as the years progress.

Scholars will also be provided with the opportunity to complete internships at the resort and participate in other professional development and community engagement opportunities before graduating from UB. The internship will not be restricted to any particular professional designation.

The scholars will be known as the Valentines Residences Resort and Marina ambassadors.

“We do hope that they will return to the island and help us to grow the economy of 84 per cent of the land mass of the country,” said Mr Spychalla, referring to the islands outside New Providence.

UB President Dr Rodney Smith expressed his gratitude for this newest investment in higher learning.

UB has a student population of approximately 5,000 and an alumni base of about 17,000.

plex. After her meeting with Mr Thompson, Mrs Rolle visited the Urban Renewal administration office on the second floor.

Mrs Rolle visited the three Urban Renewal Community Centres – one in Pineridge at Murchin-

son Drive and Weddell Avenue; the Lucaya office at South Mall Drive and Hawksbill Street; and the Eight Mile Rock office in the Harbour Bay Shopping Centre.

She also visited the Department of Social Servic-

es in Eight Mile Rock. In the afternoon, Mrs Rolle toured the Grand Bahama Children’s Home and the Columbus Houses for Boys and Girls.

Mrs Rolle is expected to visit other government facilities on Friday.

‘The Bahamas’ own street philosopher’

“This MOU came about as a result of Mr Sypchalla’s very keen interest in the UB scholarship and donor process. He shares a very strong sense of commitment to education and our students,” Dr Smith said.

“We look forward to this continuing relationship for many, many years to come.”

Mr Spychalla is enthused about the prospect of expanding the pool of skilled professionals from the Family Islands who would help to make their respective economies more robust.

A member of the Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board (BOIPB), Valentines Residences Resort and Marina offers one of the best sport fishing locations in the Caribbean region. In 2015, it earned the World Travel Award for The Bahamas’ Leading Marina. It is also the first BOIPB property to have individually initiated endowed scholarships at UB. Today it continues to demonstrate its leadership by solidifying a partnership that will benefit Harbour Island for years to come.

READERS ON POWER OUTAGES AFTER Bahamas Power and Light blamed a lightning storm for a series of outages in New Providence this week, readers voiced their frustrations on tribune242.com.

Proudloudandfnm said: “This has been going on for 7 years. Will you Nassau people ever protest or march for electricity?!?!?”

There was this from DDK: “It’s been going on for decades. BEC/BPL whatever they choose to call themselves are a disgrace. Really like a third world country with very high bills and poor, erratic service that destroys everything with an electric plug. It ain’t just Nassau either. I understand Abaco and Eleuthera have major challenges on a regular basis.

I imagine it’s nation-wide.

Funny Freeport was always exempt from this shoddy service. I wonder why?

“It’s poor administration and it starts at the top. This top, last top, time before last top. So much nepotism. So much inefficiency. Guys out there risking their lives to

YOUR

restore power on a regular basis. Big shots don’t care.

They all have ‘gennies’.”

The_Oracle had a suggestion: “Single Wire Earth Return, folks, no ground wire at the top of the poles.

Lightning hits the hot wire every time! If a ground wire was atop the poles that is what it would hit, Ground is all lightning wants! This is why Florida has ground wires on all poles. Freeport Power AKA G.B. power ain’t far behind BEC/BPL. In fact worse in some ways.”

Baldbeardedbahamian had this to say: “We are a third world country run by third world politicians.

Therefore we have third world power supply. If the power cables were buried underground then lightning would not be an issue but this would cost more money than

CHOICE FOR THE FAMILY WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/JOYFM1019

we are willing to invest.”

And the death of former Cabinet Minister Dr Bernard Nottage prompted these tributes from Truetruebahamian: “Rest on Dr Nottage. Even those of us who were on the other side of the aisle in conscience respected you and your wish to do good for our beloved country”, and CatIslandBoy: “My condolences go out to the Nottage family, including those who worked with him in his practice. While I had very little respect for Dr Nottage’s politics, I do consider him a Bahamian patriot. May God have mercy on his soul.”

• Don’t miss your chance to join the debate on tribune242.com.

GN1922

PAGE 10, Friday, June 30, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Girl Guides Girl Guides. - The 77 delegates to the Girl Guides 6th National Assembly began their two-day conclave with challenges delivered by the Director of Youth, K Darron Turnquest and their keynote speaker, Dr Jacinta Higgs, principal and CEO of Akafran International Academy.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Mr Turnquest reminded delegates of the significant impact the uniformed youth groups make on the lives of their members, sharing his experience with his Scout leader, the late Eudene Brown.

“She changed my life,” he admitted. He urged the association to go out and find the girls, given that many parents no longer bring them or children voluntarily attend. He further encouraged leaders to appeal to former members to give back and help to build strong citizens of The Bahamas and the world.

Former senator, brownie, guide, ranger and leader Dr Jacinta Higgs took delegates on a passionate journey, using a power point presentation to highlight important aspects of the theme: “Empowering girls, growing the association, impacting the future.”

Using her personal experiences, she emphasised the importance of education, networking, providing access to opportunities - especially in the Family

JOIN THE CLUB OUR Clubs and Societies page is a chance for you to share your group’s activities with our readers.

To feature on our Clubs and Societies page, submit your report to clubs@ tribunemedia.net, with “Clubs Page” written in the subject line.

For more information about the page, contact Stephen Hunt on 5022373 or 447-3565.

EXECUTIVE members and committee co-ordinators of the Sunshine Pilot Club of Nassau with Bahamas District Governor Nickola Dawkins. Front row from left, Jasmin Strachan, president, Sunshine Pilot Club of Nassau (2017-2018), Nickola Dawkins, governor, Bahamas District (2016-2017), Jaychelle Hanna, president-elect, Sunshine Pilot Club of Nassau (2017-2018).

Islands - and setting achievable, measurable and timebound goals for activities related to empowerment and growth of the association.

“Any impact on the future of the Association must involve the girls, the programmes, leadership, resources-inclusive of the social media and joining forces with other groups and organisations,” declared Dr Higgs.

She continued: “Whenever you use the word GIRLS, be reminded of the following: G—Goals, I— Investment, R—Resources, L—Loyalty and S—Social media, this will ensure that this great organisation founded some 102 years ago will continue to develop disciplined, competent and

contributing women who understand their purpose and self-worth and recognise that whatever they perceive, they can achieve.”

In summary, she noted that hundreds of successful women throughout The Bahamas have benefitted from being members of the Girl Guides Association and recommended that their direct financial support be obtained in order to achieve the goal of constructing a new headquarters building.

She pledged her financial support.

Participating in the Conclave are delegates from Grand Bahama, Abaco, Eleuthera, Andros, Exuma, Cat Island, Long Island, Inagua, and New Providence. Also in attendance are the President, Mrs.

Anita Bernard, other members of Council, parents and heads of sponsoring bodies.

Rotary Club of East Nassau Rotary Club of East Nassau. - The Rotary Club of East Nassau raises over $150,000 each year through fundraisers and every cent of those funds is used exclusively for the six areas of focus as laid out by Rotary International. None of the money raised from the community is used for the administration of the club.

The six areas of focus are promoting peace; fighting disease; providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene; saving mothers and children; supporting education; growing local economies.

This absolutely could not be possible without the support of corporate Bahamas and the individuals who support our events.

The club extends a sincere thank you to everyone who has sponsored or attended a Rotary event. A new Rotary year starts on July 1.

We look forward to doing more amazing things with your help.

We are proud to have supported these organisations over the last year on a variety of levels: monetarily, hands-on, and advisory.

BAARK Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association Bahamas Association for the Physically Disabled Bahamas Crisis Centre Bahamas Down Syndrome Centre Bahamas Girl Guides Bahamas Humane Society Bahamas National Trust Bahamas Sailing Association Basketball Smiles Blairwood Academy Children at Princess Margaret Hospital Crime Stoppers Bahamas Dream Chasers basketball team (Grants Town) Drexel Deal Peace Books Ebeneezer Church Christmas lunch Edukarting

End Polio Now campaign Flamingo Soccer Fox Hill Run feeding program Grand Bahama Emergency Water Relief Plant Guatemalan Literacy Project Hearing Aids for youth Junior Basebell League of Nassau Laura’s Kitchen Literacy (CALS) Marjorie Davis School Model United Nations Bahamas NAGB Sculpture Garden One Eluethera P.A.C.E. Bahamas Pat’s Senior Home Project Read Pure Silk Golf Tournament Ranfurly Homes for Children Road to Peace - Rotary Bahamas Rotary Bahamas Disaster Relief Fund Rotary Club of Pune Katraj - Digitalization of schools of Deaf Mute children Rotary Youth Leadership 2017 (RYLA) Salvation Army Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre Scholarships via the East Nassau Rotary Club Charitable Trust Seahorse Institute Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation Study For Success (CI Gibson Basketball program) Teacher training in Myanmar The Rotary Foundation Violet’s are Blue (Grants Town)

Sunshine Pilot Club of Nassau Sunshine Pilot Club of Nassau. - The Sunshine Pilot Club of Nassau recently held its officers installation ceremony on Sunday, June 11, at the British Colonial Hilton. The Sunshine Pilot Club of Nassau is a member of the Bahamas District of Clubs. The district is recognised by Pilot International – a global organisation with approximately 500 clubs

and 25,000 adult and youth members throughout the world.

Pilot International’s primary focus is to help persons affected by brain related disorders and disabilities through volunteer activities, fundraisers and projects. One successful activity aimed at teaching children ages four to eight how to care for their brain is BrainMinders. Pilot International as founder in Macon, Georgia, in 1921 as an international service organisation. The river boat pilots of the early 1900’s are the inspiration for the name. These pilots were admired for their ability to steer a “true course” through challenging conditions and obstacles.

The Officers Installation ceremony recognises the incoming slate of officers who will serve in their respective positions for one year commencing July 1, 2017.

The presiding officer for the Installation Ceremony was the outgoing Governor of the Bahamas District, Nickola Dawkins.

The guest speaker for the event was Rev Dr Livingstone R Malcolm, who brought a message of service and the need to “Do More” to serve the community.

The executive team and club co-ordinators for the upcoming year are: Jasmin Strachan, president; Jaychelle Hanna, president elect; Yolande Julien, vice president; Kishlyne Johnson–Dean, treasurer; Dorian Cox, assistant treasurer; Anaka Young, secretary; Kayla Burrows, director; Beverly Bethel, director; Inga Adderley-Dean, director; Carolyn Deleveaux, director; Carol Edwards, anchor co-ordinator; Cecilia Christie, membership coordinator; Beverly Nairn, fundraising co-ordinator; Laverne Nixon, projects co-ordinator; Sophia Walker, leadership coordinator; Jocelyn Demeritte, chaplain; Kayla Burrows, parliamentarian; Carolyn Deleveaux, PIFF ambassador; Beverly Bethel, sargeant at arms.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, June 30, 2017, PAGE 11

A CELEBRATION was held yesterday at the Ministry of Health for the promotion of registered and trained clinical nurses in the Department of Public Health.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

Sands hails the work of nurses THE elevation of nursing professionals in New Providence and the Family Islands is significant as the government strives to fulfill its mandate of easy accessible and affordable healthcare throughout the country, said Minister of Health Dr Duane Sands.

During a programme to celebrate the promotion of registered and trained clinical nurses in the Department of Public Health at the Ministry of Health on Thursday, Dr Sands said everyone knows that human resource is the lifeblood of DR DUANE SANDS, Minister of Health, speaking any organisation.

“I am fully aware of the at the celebration.

magnanimous contributions nurses make in the provision of healthcare services throughout our commonwealth,” he said.

“I have also stated my commitment to ensure that nurses are treated with dignity and given the respect they so rightly deserve.

Nurses in the Department of Public Health are often unsung heroes and heroines, but this will change and change soon.”

The nursing professionals were promoted as follows: one principal officer, two deputy principal officers, 15 senior nursing officers, 16 nursing officers grade 1,

19 nursing officers grade II, and 14 senior and trained clinical nurses.

Dr Sands also highlighted the success of a sustained 90 per cent plus immunisation coverage to the country’s vulnerable population.

He said it his belief that with a stronger focus on home visits by healthcare professionals, the number of clients visiting the hospitals will decrease.

He added that as the government reviews the implementation of National Health Insurance, especially catastrophic care, the nurses’ contributions will be extremely important.

NURSES at yesterday’s celebration.

PAGE 12, Friday, June 30, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Handover sees Bethel become Commodore

A HANDING-over ceremony was held at the Royal Bahamas Defence Force base as the former Commodore of the RBDF Roderick Bowe gave his last remarks and the newly-appointed Commodore Tellis Bethel assumed the highest position of a naval officer.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

COMMODORE Tellis Bethel speaking yesterday, above, and, below, receiving his documents from Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling.

FORMER Commodore Roderick Bowe giving his last remarks as dignitaries look on.

MOBILE

APP

Take us with you Everywhere you go!