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Wilchcombe rejects Baha Mar effect on election By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net  TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe yesterday said he expects the Progressive Liberal Party to win the next election, asserting that the party is “in the best position we’ve ever been in.� His comments to The Tribune came as he downplayed fears from Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller that a failure to jumpstart Baha Mar could hurt the Christie administration’s chances at the polls next year. However, the West Grand Bahama and Bimini MP conceded that the Christie administration must “continue to do its work� and do
‘FIRE MOODY’S IF BAHAMAS IS GIVEN A DOWNGRADE’ By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
FORMER State Minister of Finance James Smith said he would suggest that the government fire Moody’s if the ratings agency follows through on its threat to downgrade this country’s credit rating. Arguing that although the state of the country’s economy is relatively weak, SEE PAGE FIVE
CELEBRATING BAHAMIAN LEGENDS
more to “connect with our base� and the wider voting public. On the issue of Baha Mar, Mr Wilchcombe shot down the line of thinking that a failure to open the beleaguered Cable Beach resort would automatically translate to a “condemnation� of the Christie administration, as he submitted that there are “many issues that will determine whether you win or whether you’ll lose�. Last Thursday, Mr Miller implored senior PLP members to do all they can to jumpstart the stalled Baha Mar project, suggesting that without it the party could be entering the 2017 general election as “lame ducks�. SEE PAGE SIX
HOTEL ROOM REVENUE DOWN 7%, REPORTS BANK By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunmedia.net
IN its monthly report released yesterday, the Central Bank revealed that hotel room revenue declined by an estimated seven per cent during the first four months of this year compared to the same period last year. This, the Central Bank said, reflects a “1.4 percentage point reduction in the average occupancy rate to 75.6 per cent, along with a
5.8 per cent decrease in the average daily room rate to $270.91.� The news comes as the country grapples with the possibility of having its credit rating reduced by Moody’s amid poor economic growth and high levels of government debt. “Domestic economic conditions remained relatively subdued over the review period, amid signs of the softness in tourist output, while a number of SEE PAGE SIX
NETTICA Symonette pictured with Deputy Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, left, and Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe at last night’s ceremony to unveil portraits of cultural legends as part of the Independence celebrations. Ms Symonette, owner of Nettie’s Place in Cable Beach, is a pillar of the Bahamian tourism industry, in which her family has worked successfully for generations. Awarded an MBE by the Queen, she has won recognition for her service to her native Bahamas as a restaurateur, eco-tourism resort owner, artist and author. For more photographs from the ceremony, see page 11. Photo: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff
FNM LEADERSHIP CONTENDERS IN CLASH OF CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES By KHRISNA VIRGIL Tribune Staff Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net  WITH three weeks until FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis faces off against Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner in the party’s leadership race, both will launch their campaigns tonight.
Dr Minnis’ “Roc wit Doc� event will take place at Christie Park at 7.30pm, while Mrs Butler-Turner’s ‘Forward-Together’ kick off is slated for Rawson Square at 7pm. This clash in event scheduling has ignited discourse centred on the alleged campaign tactics the teams are using to win a victory.
icised the FNM as a whole for its lack of “stability,� saying that the party’s infighting “sends the wrong message for an organisation that says they want to lead the country�.
By SANCHESKA BROWN Tribune Staff Reporter sbrown@tribunemedia.net  BAHAMIANS can expect scorching temperatures beginning today through the weekend with the heat index expected to reach 104 degrees Fahrenheit, Senior Meteorological Officer at the Department of Meteorology Orson Nixon warned yesterday. Mr Nixon told The Tribune that for most of the week temperatures will be in the high 90s but will feel as though they are in the low 100s, with the peak of the heat expected around 1pm on Thursday.
SEE PAGE SEVEM
SEE PAGE FIVE
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, one FNM told The Tribune that to hold both events on the same night would no doubt hurt supporters’ and delegates’ chances of fairly judging the leadership contenders. SEE PAGE SEVEN
MINNIS ‘TOO BUSY FIGHTING TO SURVIVE TO LEAD’ By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net  TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe yesterday criticised the “gang of six� Free National Movement MPs and others who
have opposed FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis, charging that the Killarney MP has never been able to show his leadership skills because he has been too busy “fighting a game of survival� within his own party. Mr Wilchcombe also crit-
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PAGE 2, Wednesday, July 6, 2016 THE TRIBUNE
POLICE PROBE SUDDEN DEATH AFTER TRACTOR PLUNGES INTO THE SEA
THE TRACTOR in the water at Deadman’s Reef. By DENISE MAYCOCK According to reports, Tribune Freeport Reporter shortly after noon police dmaycock@tribunemedia.net were called to Deadman’s Reef where the body of a POLICE are investigat- man was found in a tractor ing the death of a man who in a canal. The man was rewas discovered in a tractor trieved from the water and submerged in water in the pronounced dead. Deadman’s Reef area on Inspector Terecita PinTuesday. der said police are actively Although police have not investigating the circumreleased the victim’s name, stances surrounding the he is believed to be Paxton incident and the man’s Williams. death.
THE SCENE yesterday at Deadman’s Reef.
GALA PARTY MARKS BTC ANNIVERSARY BTC ended its 50th anniversary celebrations with a gala on June 30. At the event, the company paid homage to its former leaders and honoured its former government ministers, general managers, chief executive officers, board members and union presidents. CEO Leon Williams said: “BTC has a great legacy. We have evolved by
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leaps and bounds over the last five decades. “It is always important to look back, especially to recognise and thank those who made our today possible.” During the month of June, BTC celebrated 50 years since the Act of Parliament in 1966 that incorporated the telecommunications department and named it Batelco.
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Wednesday, July 6, 2016, PAGE 3
SMITH SAYS NEIGHBOURS HAVE BEEN ‘PUT UP’ TO SUING HIM By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
FRED Smith, QC, believes that two of his neighbours at Smith’s Point have been “put up” to bringing a lawsuit in the Supreme Court against him concerning a groyne constructed at his Grand Bahama property in an attempt to paint him as a “hypocrite or an environmental terrorist”. Mr Smith, a partner in the law firm of Callenders & Co, is legal director of Save the Bays (STB), an environmental organisation involved in a battle with billionaire fashion designer Peter Nygard over development activities at his Lyford
Cay home. STB is challenging the legality of the construction of a groyne and the dredging of the seabed at Nygard Cay. Fred Mather and Michael Grant of Smith’s Point filed an action on June 9 claiming that a 15ft high groyne constructed by Mr Smith at his property extending some 200ft into the sea has caused environmental damage to their neighbouring properties, and has prevented them and their families accessing a portion of beach they once enjoyed prior to its existence. Mr Smith denied the claims and said he would be defending the action brought against him. He also denies preventing
access to the beach to the residents of Smith’s Point, or that the “jetty” built at his property has caused any environmental damage. “I have never prevented any of the residents from Smith’s Point access all the way to the jetty to fish, to spear the stingrays, to net their pilchards, and to fish off the rocks,” he told The Tribune. “At no time have I ever prevented access to the beach.” In the writ, the men claim that Mr Smith has got private security guards and large guard dogs to further prevent them from attempting to access the beach beyond the groyne. Mr Smith, however, explained that the reason
he now has hired security guards on his property since March is for his protection because of alleged threats of harm, harassment and aggression. “I have had to hire security in Nassau when I travel there, and also in Freeport. The suggestion that I have vicious dogs that attack the people from Smith’s Point is (not true),” he said. “My dogs have never attacked anybody; my dogs are not loose running around and I have a fenced in yard, and this is a complete fabrication on their part.” Mr Smith indicated that he has lived in peace and harmony with his neighbours and wondered why it has taken both Mr Mather and
Mr Grant 20 years to bring a case against him. He claimed it is a “scheme” by his opponents to “harass” him. The QC said that he plans to go and talk with his neighbours in Smith’s Point to “peacefully” resolve the issue. “I don’t want to fight with my neighbours; I have never fought with my neighbours. I helped them with medical bills, school fees and clean up campaigns. I even helped them on the issue of erosion at Smith’s Point,” he added. “The mischief in this can be seen by the fact that government hasn’t tried to fool with me. I got all the necessary permits from the Grand Bahama Port Authority so this attempt to paint me as
a hypocrite or an environmental terrorist or anything else, is pure harassment ... I am sorry that my neighbours have been put up to this. I never had issues with my neighbours and I don’t want to have issues.” Mr Smith said allegations that he has caused the erosion at Smith’s Point is nonsense. “With global warming, everywhere along the coast of Grand Bahama, the sea level has been rising and causing erosion. Everywhere the sea level is rising; you can’t up and blame me for the coastal erosion at Smith’s Point. It has been going on 30 years, and getting worse and worse,” he said.
Family tell of devastation over former athlete’s death By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
THE family of Nekeil Russell, a former national track athlete who was killed in a traffic accident in Freeport, is devastated and trying to cope with the unexpected tragedy. Russell, a-36-year-old husband and father of two children, Kayla, 12, and NJ, 2, was only minutes away from his home in the Sunset Subdivision when the accident occurred during the early morning hours of Saturday, July 2. The Tribune spoke with Russell’s wife, Bernie, who said that losing her husband is very painful, especially since they are now in the midst of making funeral arrangements. “It is hard for me to talk about him because every time I do, tears would come to my eyes,” she said. Mrs Russell said that many family and close friends have been stopping
NEKEIL RUSSELL, who was killed in a traffic accident by to offer their sympathy. Russell’s mother and two sisters were also there to provide their support to the family. “It is just so hard – we were very close,” said his sister, Nakera Belizaire. “My mother was not doing
too well at all yesterday, but she’s a little better today.” Russell, the eldest of three siblings, was described by his sister as a happy and humble person. She said they are still waiting on police to conclude
their investigations so they can find out exactly how the accident happened. According to police reports, the accident occurred shortly after 1am last Saturday on West Sunrise Highway, involving a white 2007 Ford F-150 truck and a grey 2006 Nissan Sentra, driven by Russell which was extensively damaged. A blue and white bow was placed at the scene by the family. Mrs Belizaire said that her brother was not one to speed while driving. “We was so close to home and we are wondering how his vehicle ended where it was on the other side of the road,” she said. Looking through a photo album of pictures, she said her brother was always smiling. “He was also very generous and giving; everyone misses him dearly,” she said.
Russell, a native of Sea Grape, Eight Mile Rock, attended the Eight Mile Rock High School where he ran track, and was recruited to be a part of the Bahamas’ national track team. Mrs Belizaire said that her brother was still into sports and played basketball. “He and some of the old players would come together and were planning on getting a team together this summer to play basketball.”
Russell was the third person killed in a traffic accident this year in Grand Bahama. A woman was killed in a traffic accident on the Grand Bahama Highway yesterday morning.
FITNESS FANATIC KILLED AS CAR HITS TREES By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
A 31-YEAR-OLD woman was killed in Freeport when the car she was driving went off the road and crashed into trees on the Grand Bahama Highway on Tuesday morning. This latest accident pushes the traffic fatality count to four for the year on Grand Bahama, just four days following another fatal accident on West Sunrise Highway. The victim, reported to be Shan Whylly, was driving a 1999 Nissan Sunny west along Grand Bahama Highway at about 8am when the vehicle left the road and crashed into several trees. EMS personnel responded to the scene and took the victim to the Rand Memorial Hospital, where a doctor pronounced her dead. Whylly was described as a ‘fitness fanatic” and competed in local fitness competitions in Grand Bahama. Messages were posted on Facebook by persons who knew her. One person posted: “Today we grieve with the family of Shan Whylly; we lost a wonderful, inspiring person and athlete, a well-loved member of our community. Your smile and drive and energy will sorely be missed.” Another said: “Today we lost our first Myo-Genesis bikini competitor in a fatal car accident in Freeport Bahamas. We will always miss and love her. Shan Whylly was a wonderful friend and fitness fanatic. She lived life to the fullest and always spoke her mind.” Police are investigating Tuesday’s incident. Investigations are also still continuing into last Saturday’s accident that claimed the life of for-
NOTICE
Effective Immediately Due to New Bahamas Customs Regulations we regret to inform that we will no longer offer SHAN WHYLLY, a fitness enthusiast, who died when the car she was driving crashed into trees in Freeport yesterday morning. mer national team athlete 36-year-old Nekeil Russell of Sunset Subdivision. Russell’s death was the island’s third traffic fatality. A grey Nissan Sentra, driven by Russell, and a white Ford F-150 truck collided on West Sunrise Highway. It is not known whether speed may have been a factor in the accidents.
The Grand Bahama Port Authority recently installed some digital speed monitors along East Sunrise Highway to let drivers be aware of their speed. The monitors prompt drivers to slow down if they are driving over the speed limit. Last year, some 900 traffic accidents occurred on Grand Bahama.
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Brexit, Amexit and self-determination TWO hundred and forty years before Brexit, there was Amexit, also known as the American Revolution. In terms of historical consequence, the Brexit vote and the American Revolution don’t occupy the same universes, but they are connected by a belief in popular sovereignty and a refusal to be governed by a remote authority with only an attenuated mechanism – if that – for representation. In Brexit, the British people decided that their Parliament should trump the governing machinery of the EU, and in our Revolution we decided that our Colonial assemblies should trump the governing machinery of the British Empire. Both acts exhibited a punctiliousness about government by consent that struck critics as unreasonable and even dangerous. The Revolution fed off popular passions that shocked and embarrassed some Colonial elites who were more cautious about separating from Britain, in an echo of the elite reaction to Brexit. John Adams pushed back against the “sneers and snubbs” directed at “the multitude, the million, the populace, the vulgar, the mob, the herd and the rabble, as the great always delight to call them.” (I’m in the debt of the magisterial new book “Toward Democracy,” for this and other quotes). If the pro-Brexit forces seem overly touchy about British sovereignty, consider the sensitivity of the architects of the American Revolution. They believed that if government merely has the leeway to rule arbitrarily, it is already tyrannical. It is necessary, Adams warned, to “nip the shoots of arbitrary power in the bud.” The Founders sought to protect the bedrock principle that the people, again the words of Adams, are “the Source of all Authority and Original of all Power.” Alexander Hamilton wrote that “the only distinction between slavery and freedom” is whether man is governed either “by the will of another,” or “by the laws to which he has given his consent.” By this standard, the case against the British Parliament was highly intuitive: Members of Parliament didn’t live in the Colonies, and the colonists didn’t elect them. If the arguments were often complex – could Parliament impose “external” taxes, but not “internal” ones? – the crux of the matter wasn’t. Benjamin Franklin wrote as early as 1768 that either “parliament has the right to make all laws for us,” or “it has the power to make no laws for us.” When it came, the American Revolution was a very British affair. Its supporters cited British writers like John Locke and Algernon Sidney; long-standing liberties under the informal British constitution; and their own rights as Englishmen. “Perhaps there was never a people,” Samuel Adams wrote, “who discovered
themselves more strongly attached to their natural and constitutional rights and liberties than the British Colonists on this American Continent.” History didn’t come full circle, but it did look over its shoulder when a leading advocate of Brexit, the Tory politician Michael Gove, cited the American Revolution as inspiration for Britain’s separation from the EU. Of course, the circumstances are vastly different. The EU didn’t suspend the British Parliament. It isn’t sending a fearsome fleet across the Channel to crush all resistance and to hunt down Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Independence Party, and have him hanged (although some EU officials might harbour this fantasy). Britain obviously didn’t become a newly independent nation upon the passage of Brexit. But the Brexit vote is a reminder that the threat to self-government never truly abates; it just takes different (and more or less benign or noxious) forms. This is why self-government always needs to be jealously and zealously guarded - something our forefathers understood and acted upon. Levi Preston, a captain at the Battle of Concord, explained decades later why he had fought: “What we meant in going for those redcoats was this: We had always governed ourselves, and we always meant to. They didn’t mean we should.” It’s a sentiment as relevant now as it was more than 200 years ago – and will always remain so as long as men yearn to be free. Staff writer, Sun Newspapers •••••••••
Leahy praises progress on climate change legislation MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Vermont US Sen Patrick Leahy is hailing a Senate committee’s approval of funds to help developing nations respond to climate change. He and a group of fellow Democrats prompted removal from the legislation a provision that would have blocked US funding for the international fund negotiated at climate talks in Paris last year. As a result, the United States will chip in $3bn during the next several years. The Green Climate Fund is an international pot of money set up to help nations worldwide — particularly developing nations — adapt to climate change and transition to clean energy sources. Leahy says the fund is an essential component of the framework that the international community developed in Paris to deal with climate change.
Happy Independence? EDITOR, The Tribune. PLEASE allow me to express my concerns for this country that I love so dearly called The Bahamas. Soon we will be celebrating our 43rd year of Independence from the rule of Great Britain. However, exactly how independent are we? With crime wave off the chart and a murder reported almost every night, why are we looking to the very country from whom we declared our independence to solve our problems? Why do we need the approval of the Privy Council on whether we should enforce the death penalty? Do you think this group of men and women care about anything that goes on in a country over which they have no authority? In fact, I believe they are happy (yes even thrilled) that our crime rates are high, our national debts keep growing, our unemployment rate keep climbing and there seems to be no end in sight to the
gimmicks and bankrupt ideas of our current government leaders. Maybe they smile and think to themselves, “You should have stayed with us because you are no good on your own”. We don’t have a crime, or unemployment or a national debt problem. We have a vision problem. As King Solomon said, “Where there is no vision, the people perish”. In modern terms, “Where there is no vision, the people can’t find jobs, therefore they commit crime and the national debt goes up because the government has to raise taxes to build more prisons and hire more police officers”. What exactly are we celebrating when we say “Happy Independence”? What are we Independent from? Our cars come from Japan, our food comes from America, most of our banks are Canadian, Chinese are building our roads and hotels and building convenience stores on every corner, our students travel to London to study law, our
nurses and doctors are from the Philippines and India. This country has so much potential to be the leader in all the Caribbean, yet our government has no faith in the Bahamian people. Here is one idea. Why does it take six to twelve weeks just to get a RENEWAL passport? The passport backlog is a governmental failure. Hire people to work shifts 4pm to 12 midnight to process the passports and 8am to 4pm to distribute them the following day. Weekend work too if necessary (yes there are people willing to work weekends too if they really want a job). This doesn’t take rocket science. This solves two problems: Someone will no longer be unemployed and secondly, the public will receive the service they are paying for. Let us truly become Independent by using our brains and not just talking to hear ourselves talk. ANDY FERGUSON Nassau, July 5, 2016.
Jamaal Rolle will return tomorrow
Move COB EDITOR, The Tribune.
THERE has been much movement and discussion in relation to transitioning the College of the Bahamas (COB) to the University of the Bahamas (UOB). Various fundraising initiatives have taken place, the private sector has invested millions of dollars in and on COB’s campus, all in an effort to steer COB to the possible UOB. The government has also invested millions of dollars in the process. COB has raised several million dollars to sustain the transition effort and private persons and institutions have all made huge financial contributions to this venture. I recently read that the IDB (International Development Bank) offered funding of over $20m to further the transition, however the funding was not utilised or turned down. I am hopeful that this venture of transitioning COB to the UOB indeed is successful. I firmly believe that a properly established, proficiently operated UOB will inure, primarily, to the benefit of the Bahamas and Bahamian people. This is a most needed institution and would undoubtedly become a respected university. As it currently exists, most of COB’s assets exist on its eastern location on Thompson Blvd. The Bookstore of COB is located on the western side of Thompson Blvd, opposite the front eastern section of COB. Dormitories for COB currently exist on College Ave and other assets of COB exist on Thompson Blvd west. College Ave is some distance away from COB proper and there are at least two public thoroughfares that one would have to traverse to get from
LETTERS
letters@tribunemedia.net the dormitory to the entrance of COB. Initially when COB was established one could accept that at that time no one could predict its potential growth. It could be accepted that the exponential growth could not be fathomed nor could it have been anticipated that the location would have become inadequate. However, since its establishment in the 1970s, through the 1980s, through to the 2000s one might expect that given the demographics of New Providence the size of the student population at COB would increase substantially and that the capacity of COB would be severely taxed. We understand there exists today over one million acres of Crown land in The Bahamas. I have matriculated at two different universities. I have visited scores of other colleges and universities in the USA, the Caribbean and in Europe. During my “stays” and/or visits, I have never seen a college or university exist with a public road passing smack dab in the middle of it. I have never seen any of those institutions be subjected on a daily basis, to the onerous traffic that exists as in New Providence. Colleges and Universities ought to exist as little cities, autonomous entities unto themselves. It is shameful and disgraceful that COB has had to operate as a quasi-government entity for so long. It is downright pathetic that the grimy fingers of “politics” still hover over COB and continue to hinder its progress.
I cannot for the life of me understand why it is that some crown land (50-100 acres) could not have been allotted to COB as an institution. I cannot understand why this could not be found out of the one million acres of crown land that exists in this country, either in Andros, Abaco, Grand Bahama or Eleuthera. It appears that by such neglect and oversight those who are and have been responsible for COB have strong contempt for common sense. I would have imagined that it would be easier to invest in a growing COB, or UOB on a location that would be able to sustain substantial expansion in the long term. The past and current vision of COB soon to be UOB has been a narrow one, totally bereft of planning and forward thinking. I am sadly very well aware that after spending all those millions of dollars on the current exhausted location of COB it will take a miracle for the campus to be relocated. It will probably require an act of God for that to happen. In the meantime, however, substantial amounts of money will continue to be invested there and it will be even more onerous to dislodge it. It is my sincere hope that the powers that be see the wisdom that at its current location COB cannot successfully transition to UOB. It is also hoped that someone out there, in there, will see sense in moving the campus onto exclusive acreage (50-100) where a UOB can operate at its maximum. It’s a simple solution but then again that is just my view. RAYMOND A ROLLE Nassau, July 5, 2016.
Invaded by the Chinese EDITOR, The Tribune.
THE Bahamas is the laughing stock of the world. We have disgraced ourselves by confirming that we are prostitutes. We have a knack for genuflecting to foreigners, giving our land for a sack of flour. We are so foolish and without shame for giving away all of our choice beachfront property, thus preventing our ordinary Bahamians from accessing the beaches. Successive governments are guilty of this despicable practice. It is hard to ignore the possibility of someone benefitting from the weak negotiations. The Chinese have now taken over the Bahamas “lock, stock and barrel!” We have given up our dignity and our pride to the Chinese and I dare anyone to say different. They gave us a stadium that has allegedly now become mole infested. There have been independent studies and complaints from many sources about the structural concerns at the stadium. But we are so
gullible that we accepted what could be a health hazard. The authorities know that something is wrong but they would not tell the Bahamian people. The pattern of mole is associated with the Ministry of Education Building and other government buildings, all having used cheap Chinese sheetrock that has extreme questions attached. Mole always comes up when material that comes from China is mentioned. I would go out on a limb and say up front, that in my opinion the Chinese simply do not respect Bahamians of black people in general. They simply seem not to have any feelings for us because we are just a pawn in their overall scheme of things and that is to take over the world, one country at a time. Any fool could see that there is a plan to systematically take every piece of valuable real estate in the Bahamas, just like they are doing in other countries. It is safe to
say that the Baha Mar nightmare is a snapshot of their intentions. They will stop at nothing to get it all. Sadly they are using greedy politicians to have their way. The silly notion that when they get what they want that they are going to hire Bahamians is a conclusion that only could come from the mind of an imbecile. No sane person could arrive at the conclusion that a Chinese business will, out of character, all of a sudden hire black Bahamians or bring in their family to run that. No Bahamian will sit behind a cash register of a Chinese establishment. If by any chance they hire a Bahamian in a small position, they will treat them as slaves and therefore pay them slave labour. Chinese as investors in the Bahamas means absolutely nothing, other than them gaining an advantage for China, plain and simple.
a lot of flying in the next weeks if she has a chance - she has to visit every single family Island and meet every single delegate to try to persuade them she is better. One thing you can say about Dr Hubert Minnis has shown he gets organised and knows how to pull the vote out for himself when it matters. After the convention, one is pleased, if Mr Symonette’s comment is accurate that Mrs Butler Turner will accept the leadership of Dr Minnis if he wins - a start to bring some form of unity to
the heavily split party at the moment. The bottom-line in the process of the FNM and the PLP and the DNA is, I suggest, the same that was seen in England over the EU and what we watch from our neighbour to the north there is a strong force to get rid of all of the above and have a new face with no past political history. Time will tell ... remember we throw governments out.
INVADED Nassau, June 4, 2016.
FNM leadership? EDITOR, The Tribune. THE reported comments of Brent Symonette that the Butler-Sands duo are gaining party support and that a Poll indicates that is totally laughable. Mr Symonette surely knows only delegates, MP’s, Freedom Fighters vote. What Joe Public might say is of no influence to the Convention vote. Hon Loretta Butler announcement - where were the other five-FNM MP’s and possibly the FNM Senators? Bad start, Ma’am. Mrs Butler Turner has
J A RUSSELL Nassau, July 2, 2016.
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, July 6, 2016, PAGE 5
Minnis: Moody’s warning not the first - and won’t be the last By SANCHESKA BROWN Tribune Staff Reporter sbrown@tribunemedia.net FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis weighed in yesterday on the Moody’s downgrade threat, saying this is “not the first time” an international rating agency has warned the government about its “reckless spending”. He said if the Christie administration remains in power “it will not be the last”. In a statement, Dr Minnis said the Bahamian people deserve a government that will lead it to a more prosperous future, rather than one that continues to run it into the ground. His comments come days after Moody’s announced it was placing the country “on review” for a potential downgrade, due to both its unexpected economic contraction and further deterioration in the government’s fiscal position. Moody’s pointed out last Friday that “debt accumulation” has continued to increase, with the government consistently failing to hit its budget projections, and the adequacy and effectiveness of its policy responses to The Bahamas’ problems. Moody’s warned that any potential downgrade could be “by one notch or more.” The country currently has a ‘Baa2’ rating, two notches away from being cut to socalled “junk” status – a position where it will lose its existing investment grade status. “This is not the first time that the international rating agencies have warned the PLP government that its reckless spending would push the country’s financial situation over the proverbial fiscal cliff. In March, this government was told to rein in its spending during the remaining months of the 2015-2016 fiscal year but they continued to spend like a drunken sailor,” Dr
DR Hubert Minnis in the House of Assembly. Minnis said. “Yet to hear the prime minister tell it, everything is fine because he claims his government has reined in spending. What he did not tell the people is all of the ‘savings’ comes on the backs of hard-working Bahamians through the PLP’s higher taxes and fees. Even with tax increases and higher fees they keep spending and putting The Bahamas
financial standing at risk. “But unfortunately for the people of The Bahamas this is nothing new. Year after year the PLP has failed to make significant, structural improvements in our budgeting and our economy keeps getting worse and worse. This is especially true for the Bahamian people but not for the PLP select few.” Dr Minnis said the country’s outlook will not im-
Photo: Yontalay Bowe prove until “we have real leadership that shines a light on corruption and delivers real transparency”. “Leadership that will root out the crime that is infecting our communities, and leadership that will do the hard work to get our economy growing again,” Dr Minnis said. “The Bahamian people deserve a government that will lead it to a more pros-
perous future, rather than a government that continues to run it into the ground. The FNM will provide real leadership for the Bahamian people that they desperately need and ought to have.” On Monday, State Minister for Finance Michael Halkitis said the government will meet with representatives from ratings agencies Standard & Poor’s
and Moody’s starting next week in order to “convince” the firms not to downgrade the country’s credit rating. Mr Halkitis told The Tribune that while Moody’s seems to be “leaning in one direction”, the government will “plead its case” in hopes that the Wall Street ratings agency will see the government’s positive future prospects for the economy.
‘FIRE MOODY’S IF BAHAMAS IS GIVEN A DOWNGRADE’ from page one
Mr Smith said many countries not under threat of a credit downgrade have even worse performing economies or greater levels of debt. The government pays agencies like Moody’s thousands of dollars a year, he noted, explaining that back in the 1990s when he was governor of the Central Bank, $40,000 per year was being paid to each of the credit rating agencies. “It’s probably even more now,” he said. A top-ranking official in the Christie administration did not respond to The
Tribune’s question yesterday about how much exactly is being paid now. “I don’t believe given the circumstances that a downgrade ought to be in the making,” Mr Smith said. “If they go through with it I would suggest the government fires them.” Mr Smith said he believes agencies like Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s offer harsh assessments of countries like The Bahamas to make up for their favourable ratings of debt securities that played a major role in the Great Recession. “Moody’s missed the ball at the beginning of the recession when they rated
those in the housing market and it turned out they were literally compromising their services by knowingly giving good ratings to worthless papers which played a role in the meltdown of the world economy,” he said. “So they decided to toughen up after that, trying to make up for big mistakes. I don’t think the Bahamas and other small countries should have to suffer for that.” Another credit downgrade would be a “serious thing,” Mr Smith said, as it would mean that The Bahamas would have to pay even more money against its existing levels of debt.
“We’ve had questionable policy decisions and the debt has been growing at a much faster level than I would’ve liked but we’ve never defaulted on our loans and there is no prospect of that happening,” he said. “This has to be a factor in their decision making. We’ve never been a part of an International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme to pay back our debts or to trim employment in the public sector and other things that happens to countries that struggle to pay their debt.” Mr Smith said the country’s foreign debt level is relatively low and much of
its domestic debt is owned by the government itself through the holding of National Insurance Board (NIB) stock. “I would make the case that as bad as the numbers may appear by themselves, comparatively in my view they don’t qualify for a rating downgrade. That would be unnecessarily harsh and unfair.” Shortly after the May 2012 general election, Mr Smith was appointed as a consultant to the Ministry of Finance. Last Friday, Moody’s announced it was placing the country “on review” for a potential downgrade, due to both its unexpected
GET READY, IT’S GOING TO BE HOT, HOT, HOT from page one
The warning comes after the US National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for South Florida with the heat index there expected to reach 110 degrees. The advisory, which included Miami, Hialeah, Pembroke Pines and Fort Lauderdale, was in effect until last night. Mr Nixon is advising Bahamians to remain cool as best they can and not to venture outside in the sun for extended periods if it is not necessary. “We are surrounded by water and it won’t get as hot as it would in Florida but it will still be plenty hot and extremely humid,” Mr Nixon said. “On Wednesday it’s going to be around 93 degrees but it will feel like 102 degrees Fahrenheit; then on Thursday around 1pm it will feel like 104 degrees. “For most of the week temperatures will remain in the mid-90s with temperatures dropping to the low 80s in the evenings. Next week it will be a little cool-
er, but not by much.” Mr Nixon said with the heat index expected to remain above 100 degrees, heat-related illnesses are possible for people spending time outdoors. “Drink lots of water and make sure you have a lot of
icy cool drinks,” Mr Nixon advised. “Wear sunscreen. You do not want to be dehydrated. As much as possible cover your head and try to make sure you keep your body cool. Wear a large brimmed hat and try to remain in-
doors if you can.” He also suggested wearing lightweight and loosefitting clothing. For those who have to work outside, Mr Nixon recommended frequent rest breaks under some shade or in an air-conditioned area.
economic contraction and further deterioration in the government’s fiscal position. Moody’s pointed out that “debt accumulation” has continued to increase, with the government consistently failing to hit its budget projections, and the adequacy and effectiveness of its policy responses to the Bahamas’ problems. Moody’s warned that any potential downgrade could be “by one notch or more.” The country currently has a ‘Baa2’ rating, two notches away from being cut to socalled “junk” status – a position where it will lose its existing investment grade status.
PAGE 6, Wednesday, July 6, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
PLP ‘best ever’ position to win
from page one Characterising the Baha Mar debacle as the “rope that might end it all for us,” Mr Miller told The Tribune that “every negative factor known to this country has merged into one zenith” and as a result, the PLP has to prove to voters that it has the necessary plans to “right the ship”. And when asked his level of confidence heading into the upcoming general election, Mr Miller said he was “somewhat uneasy.” He predicted that the 2017 election would be the “toughest” in the history of the country. “The PLP’s victory in the next election isn’t only predicated on that (Baha Mar),” Mr Wilchcombe said in response yesterday. “It’s not going to cause a condemnation of the PLP. “I think Mr Miller is saying that the general perception would be that it’s a failure in the country because of that single project. I
OBIE Wilchcombe said the Baha Mar situation is “not going to cause a condemnation of the PLP”. think Mr Miller is speaking to perception. The reality about it all is when we explain to the Bahamian people all that has happened, all that we’ve been able to do, while you’ll have those particularly the opposition that will argue that because
everyday they’re looking for something to argue on. “...Without question people would look at it and put it in that category. We’re aware of that and I think Mr Miller knows that, that without question people would say immediately that
represents failure. But in the true context of governance, no. The fact is we’ve been governing and we’ve been doing and holding the country, doing what we have to do, coming from difficult situations, fighting our way through the criticisms,
fighting through the ratings, fighting through everything to get our country back and doing difficult things,” Mr Wilchcombe said. When asked if he felt the Christie administration would emerge victorious in the upcoming general election, Mr Wilchcombe said: “I think the PLP must continue to do its work. I’m expecting the PLP to win the next election, but it’s going to be predicated on a couple of things. First is whatever we erred in we have to be honest with the Bahamian people. The second is we have to be able to show the Bahamian people what we did and it has to be able to show how it impacted their lives and how their lives improved as a result. “The third thing we have to do is we have to demonstrate we know where we want to take the country, that we’re a unified body focused with a plan of action of where we want it to go. And the fourth thing we have to do is ensure the Bahamian people that the true
moral values of our country will be maintained, and that the peace and harmony of a our country we’re working on regaining and sustaining, and that our country has all the promise of being one of the greatest countries in the entire world.” He added: “It’s many issues that will determine whether you win or whether you’ll lose, but if you weigh the possibilities I think we’re in the best position we’ve ever been in.” Recently in the House of Assembly, Prime Minister Perry Christie revealed that two firms were shortlisted as options to acquire the West Bay Street resort, but didn’t name the groups. Mr Christie would only say the final decision would be up to the receiver managers, confirming they were in Beijing, China last month negotiating a contract to remobilise and complete the project as soon as possible. Baha Mar was first expected to open in December 2014 but has faced numerous setbacks.
Mar project, could boost the economic forecasts,” the bank’s report said. Reacting to the report, Free National Movement Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest said yesterday that it shows why the Christie administration should stop misleading Bahamians about the state of the economy. “Tourism came up during the budget debate and they acted like everything was going swimmingly well,” Mr Turnquest, shadow minister of finance, said. “The reality is that while we are having pockets of good taking place, overall there has been a decline. This has been confirmed by the IMF, by Standard & Poor’s, by Moody’s and now by the Central Bank.” “We have some serious challenges and we’ve got to figure out how to do better.”
Mr Turnquest said despite the “rosy” picture the Christie administration sometimes paints of the country’s economic trajectory, he believes they themselves don’t believe in the image. “I think (State Minister for Finance Michael) Halkitis said something interesting in an article (recently), saying something about how they will be able to convince (Moody’s not to downgrade the country’s credit rating),” he said. “Well, if you have the facts, you don’t have to convince them of anything. They’ll show what the story is. I think they know where we are but like to believe they could swing the Bahamian people and all these rating agencies as well. The truth catches up with you eventually.”
HOTEL ROOM REVENUE DOWN 7%, REPORTS BANK from page one
JOB OPPORTUNITY
SENIOR CASE OFFICER - TECHNICAL ABOUT THE COMPANY: The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (“URCA”) of The Bahamas came into effect on 1 August 2009 as the converged regulator for the Electronic Communications Sector (ECS) – covering broadcasting, radio spectrum and electronic communications. On January 28, 2016 URCA became the regulator of the Electricity Sector (ES) in The Bahamas. The new sector was added to URCA’s responsibilities with the passing of the Electricity Act 2015 (EA) and the URCA (Amendment) Act 2015 on December 31, 2015. URCA is further strengthening its capacity and is seeking to employ a suitably qualified individual to fill the post of Senior Case officer - Technical in the Utilities and Energy department with the requisite competencies and experience. The position will be based in The Bahamas and will report to the Director of Utilities and Energy. While the primary responsibilities will relate to regulation within the Electricity Sector and other utilities sectors SENIOR CASE OFFICER - TECHNICAL CORE DUTIES: • Analyze/monitor/evaluate the technical and operational performance of Electricity Sector and assess whether the regulated entities are compliant with regulatory conditions set out in the licences and relevant regulatory legislation. • Assist URCA in ensuring that long term and investment plans are developed to provide adequate service levels • Develop standards for utility operations • Keep abreast of developments in renewable energy and energy efficiency in order to advise on the implementation of regulatory mechanisms to promote the sustainable implementation of these technologies in the Bahamas • Keep abreast with technological advancement in order to advice on impact on the regulatory framework • Monitors/evaluates the technical performance of the Utilities • Provides Technical advice and support • Maintains Records and provide Reports • Undertake any other related duties which may be assigned from time to time • Supervise staff as assigned • Provide assistance and training to develop regulatory expertise of case officers and engineers • Provide assistance in the technical regulation of other sectors regulated by URCA as required by the Director of Utilities and Energy and other executive members from time to time. QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES & EXPERIENCE • Master Degree in Engineering (electrical, mechanical, energy) • Professional Engineering registration in The Bahamas • A minimum of seven to ten (7-10) years progressive experience in utilities operation, engineering and/or planning functions • Experience in electric utility regulation would be a distinct advantage • Experience/knowledge of renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency programmes will be a distinct advantage • Some commercial knowledge, including a demonstrable understanding of accounting and financial issues and economic analysis • Outstanding leadership skills in the areas of planning, organizing, coordinating and controlling, etc. • Demonstrated outstanding analytical and research capabilities. • Strong theoretical and practical appreciation of critical regulatory issues • Excellent strategic thinking, analytical, technical report writing skills • Excellent inter-personal skills • Demonstrated ability to interact professionally with senior industry and government personnel • Knowledge of the URCA Act, other relevant Acts and government policies relating to the regulated sectors • Working knowledge of international utility regulatory bodies • Excellent computer skills, with competency in software for power system planning, least cost development and economic dispatch of Plants and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point REMUNERATION & DEADLINE: URCA is a performance driven organization and offers a competitive and attractive remuneration and benefits package along with opportunities for further training and career experience. For an expanded version of the requirements of the role and more information about URCA, please visit our website: www.urcabahamas.bs INTERESTED?
Interested applicants should email their resume to: hr@urcabahamas.bs Applications should be received on or before July 8, 2016. URCA thanks all applicants for their interest but only applicants who have been short-listed and have the qualifications and experience will be contacted.
varied-scale foreign investment projects provided support to the construction sector,” the bank’s May 2016 report said. Nonetheless, the bank said the economy is expected to stabilise during this year “as several foreign investment projects in both New Providence and the Family Islands support construction sector activity.” The Central Bank also showed some confidence that the stalled Baha Mar project will be restarted this year. “Tourism sector output should show signs of improvement in the coming months, benefitting from modest gains in both hotel and airlift capacity, while positive developments, such as the restart of the Baha
PM IN GUYANA AT CARICOM MEETING
PRIME Minister Perry Christie attending the 37th regular meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in Georgetown, Guyana, with, from left, Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald, Foreign Affairs Director General Sharon Haylock, and Foreign Minister Fred Mitchell. Photo: Peter Ramsay/BIS
POLICE INVESTIGATING WOMAN WHO IS LIVING ON ROUNDABOUT By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
POLICE officials are aware of and looking into the circumstances surrounding a middle-age woman seemingly living within the confines of the Poinciana Drive roundabout near the College of The Bahamas, as residents who drive past the area have lodged concerns about her mental and physical state. The Tribune was alerted to the woman’s deprivations last week by residents who wrote in to express their concerns for her well being. Initial reports suggest that the woman has occupied the area for the last two months, erecting a cardboard structure in the centre of the roundabout. The Tribune’s attempts to interview the woman last week proved unsuccessful as she appeared confused.
THE WOMAN living on the roundabout near the College of The Bahamas. Further investigation revealed that she has a history of mental illness, with residents suggesting that in the past she frequented the Nassau Street area before being committed to the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre for a unspecified period. On her subsequent release, she returned to the
area. Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean confirmed yesterday that officers attached to the Urban Renewal branch of the Royal Bahamas Police Force are investigating the matter and hope to finalise a report in the coming days.
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, July 6, 2016, PAGE 7
SANDS CALLS FOR SHAKE-UP AT NIB AMID PAYOUT PROBLEMS By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
FREE National Movement Senator Dr Duane Sands yesterday called for a complete revamping of the leadership hierarchy at the National Insurance Board (NIB) amid internal squabbles and painstaking system failures that have forced thousands of claimants to go unassisted for months. The Elizabeth hopeful condemned Labour and National Insurance Minister Shane Gibson, suggesting that the failures of the Gold-
en Gates MP have been the largest contributing factor to the failures of the “vitally essential” organisation. Dr Sands said while the current state of NIB would have led to the immediate dismissal of the substantive minister in any other democratic country, the “do nothing, say nothing” nature of the Progressive Liberal Party lends to the notion that nothing will change. “Heads must roll and the blame has to fall directly at the feet of the Shane Gibson,” he told The Tribune. “NIB is faced with a human problem that needs to
be addressed, NIB has a software problem that must be addressed, none of this is okay and we have to stop accepting this type of ineptitude in this country. “Persons are being paid to do their jobs, if those jobs aren’t being done then it becomes the job of the minister to find and hire persons focused on running that office efficiently because the excuses and passive responses have to stop.” Dr Sands lamented the ongoing ordeal at NIB, stressing that the rumblings about internal strife and procedural flaws under the Chris-
tie administration has been heard for “some time now.” On Monday, officials at NIB announced plans to extend operational hours to offset issues with its new V3 system. The announcement came following public outcry that thousands of claimants were unable to receive benefit payments on time due to flaws in the $14m system. NIB’s lead operations consultant, Jayson Moxey, said the organisation is working “feverishly” to overcome faults related to the way the V3 operations system is analysing and calculating contribution pay
outs for claimants. According to some media reports, claimants in some instances haven’t received payouts from as far back as January. Officials at NIB have suggested that 400 short-term claimants and 1,300 longterm claimants have been adversely affected. NIB has also confirmed that 15,000 claimants have been processed and paid between April 1 and June 30, totalling $8.5m in payouts. The implementation of the V3 platform marked the second phase of NIB’s
new IT platform. Phase one, the introduction of the new NIB smart card, was launched in May 2014. Phase two was expected to be completed by April; however, these system “glitches” paired with other organisational issues have stunted this proposed timeline. There is no clarity on when any of these matters will be resolved. Moreover, officials at NIB have suggested that resolution for claimants could come at any point between the end of July and the end of the year.
THE CAMPAIGN launch posters for Loretta Butler-Turner, left, and Dr Hubert Minnis - with each holding events tonight.
FNM LEADERSHIP CONTENDERS IN CLASH OF CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES from page one “The Butler and Sands team announced a week ago that they were going to be launching on Wednesday,” the insider said. “It was a surprise to see that Dr Minnis would launch his campaign the same day. However, I am sure this was not coincidental. “One can clearly see that this was his way of attempting to score a knock out punch to their team. But this is about the FNM showcasing its talents. It should not be about the Minnis team against the Butler team and portraying them as enemies. It will no doubt have a bearing on everyone’s ability to see separately and judge them based on what they individually bring to the table. “The theme should be that we are better than the Progressive Liberal Party. With both launch events at the same time no team will be able to get the turn out they should, which will still in the end embolden the PLP. I don’t see this as beneficial.” However, another insider said this was a “smart” move on the part of the
leader, who is said to be a tactical politician with a special affinity for connecting with supporters behind the scenes. “If anyone will try to see this for what it is like me, they would see that this is genius on Minnis’ part. We are talking about a man and a leader although criticised the majority of the time, for his leadership ability, has a special way with supporters and delegates. “To have his event on the same night as Loretta will show that he can pull a better crowd and by extension more delegates.” Mrs Butler-Turner last week formally announced her intent to challenge Dr Minnis when the organisation has its three-day convention on July 27 to 29. Speaking to reporters last Wednesday, she said she and running mate Dr Duane Sands, who is vying for deputy leader, would unveil their platform tonight. At the time of her announcement, she said the party, now more than ever, needed to be driven by leaders and doers. She also declared that she and Senator Sands will make the “strongest team” to not only contest the top
two leadership posts of the FNM, but to turn the country around. Despite her confidence, Dr Minnis has said on several occasions that he is sure that he will be re-elected to the party’s top post for a third time. On Sunday, he told The Tribune this is because of his “close and personal” relationship with the majority of the party’s delegates. The leadership battle comes at a delicate time for the FNM. The party’s Central Council voted to have a July convention after six parliamentarians, including Mrs Butler-Turner, threatened to seek Dr Minnis’ removal as leader of the Official Opposition in the House of Assembly. Dr Minnis’ tenure as leader has been defined by intra-party friction, creating fractures in the party. Nonetheless, when he was challenged in 2014, he defeated Mrs Butler-Turner by three to one. Dr Sands also ran for the deputy leader post in 2014 and lost that bid. Attempts to reach Dr Minnis and Mrs ButlerTurner for comment yesterday were unsuccessful.
MINNIS ‘TOO BUSY FIGHTING TO SURVIVE TO LEAD’ from page one
Adding that the FNM is in a “quagmire,” Mr Wilchcombe said the party would likely not be taken seriously in the next general election because “they’ve sent a message to the entire country that they’re not a unified body . . . and a convention is not going to resolve it.” Mr Wilchcombe’s comments come after months of reported infighting in the FNM centred on the leadership of Dr Minnis. “They’ve never allowed (Dr Minnis) to settle and perform as leader,” Mr Wilchcombe said. “He’s been trying to survive. So fighting to survive every single day, how could you perform as leader? You’re supposed to let the leader lead. But what they’ve done is they have from day one put pressure on him, seek to remove him from office, so every single day he’s been fighting a game of survival. “Trying to build blocks, trying to build strength. That’s all he’s been able to do. He’s not been able to sit down and really show whether or not he can lead. So at the end of it all he’s going to be stuck with individuals who for the most part will never support him, and that’s the reality of it. That’s what the country sees.” He added: “You have a leader in place now who wanted to hold a convention sometime in November, you rushed this convention because you say he should leave. Suppose he wins to-
morrow, then what? And what is he to do tomorrow if he wins? And how is he to trust those individuals after he wins? And if they win tomorrow, then what are they going to do with him and how is he going to work with them? Sounds like a real quagmire. I think the FNM right now is in the midst of a quagmire.” Last month, The Tribune exclusively reported on an email in which Central Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant was critical of Dr Minnis’ performance during the wrap up of the 2016/2017 budget debate. He said the Killarney MP showed “no interest” in the head-by-head exercise and seemed unprepared. Mr Grant, leader of opposition business in the House of Assembly, said he was sure Dr Minnis had not studied the budget and that his behaviour was “most disturbing” and “disrespectful”. And that attack came weeks after the “gang of six,” which also includes St Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman, Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn, North Eleuthera MP Theo Neilly, Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner, and Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins, wrote a letter to the party’s Central Council outlining Dr Minnis’ weaknesses as a leader. Those six MPs were initially dubbed the “gang of six” after they threatened to have Dr Minnis removed as leader of the opposition in Parliament.
Mr Wilchcombe also said all of the infighting is an indictment on the FNM as a whole, which he said creates the perception that the Official Opposition lacks stability. “How can you lead a country if you can’t lead the people within your organisation? How can you lead the country when you have strife within your organisation? “Who would want to trust you in leading the country when they’re not sure if everyday you’re going to be bickering, whether or not the leader is going to get the full support, whether or not he’s going to be undermined? Who’s going to do that? I think that’s the real issue they face that the country is going to ask.” On Monday, Dr Minnis suggested that his “close and personal” relationship with the FNM’s more than 400 delegates places him in a position to, for a third time, be elected as head of the opposition party. However, Dr Minnis dodged the question of whether he would still work with the six MPs who have opposed him. The FNM’s convention is slated for July 27-29. Mrs Butler-Turner, along with FNM Senator Dr Duane Sands, will go head-tohead against Dr Minnis and FNM Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest during the event. Both Mr Grant and Mr Lightbourn last week said they support Mrs ButlerTurner and Senator Sands in the leadership race.
JOB OPPORTUNITY
SENIOR CASE OFFICER - ECONOMICS ABOUT THE COMPANY: The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (“URCA”) of The Bahamas came into effect on 1 August 2009 as the converged regulator for the Electronic Communications Sector (ECS) – covering broadcasting, radio spectrum and electronic communications. On January 28, 2016 URCA became the regulator of the Electricity Sector (ES) in The Bahamas. The new sector was added to URCA’s responsibilities with the passing of the Electricity Act 2015 (EA) and the URCA (Amendment) Act 2015 on December 31, 2015. URCA is further strengthening its capacity and is seeking to employ a suitably qualified individual to fill the post of Senior Case Officer, Economics in the Utilities and Energy department with the requisite competencies and experience. The position will be based in The Bahamas and will report to the Director of Utilities and Energy. SENIOR CASE OFFICER - ECONOMICS CORE DUTIES: • Analyze/monitor/evaluate the financial, economic and operational performance of utilities in the Electricity Sector and assess whether the utilities are likely to meet economic regulation conditions set out in their licences and relevant regulatory measures • Research best practices in utilities regulation and recommend policy • Lead the assessment of the development plans for the electricity sector • Develop and monitor standards for the electricity industry • Assist URCA in ensuring that the operation of the sector is fair and transparent and that Plants are utilized in the most efficient and cost effective manner • Assist in the development of the regulatory framework for and take the lead in implementing economic regulation of the Electricity sector • Assist in enforcement of regulations and licence conditions • Evaluate rate applications for Electricity • Any other relevant duties which may be assigned from time to time • Work in close liaison with URCA team members in the performance of various regulatory activities • Research, develop and maintain awareness of best practices in utility regulation analysis and disseminate findings to staff • Make recommendations on the optimal development plan for the electricity sector • Make recommendations to on standards for the efficient performance of the electricity sector • Monitor the financial and operational performance of the electricity market to ensure that objectives are realized and efficiency maintained • Prepare and submit periodic reports as required and assist in ensuring that the Annual Report is completed on time in accordance with established procedure • Perform the detailed work for the economic regulation of the Electricity market and provide advice and support • Monitor international utility input costs and prices to consumers, particularly in countries having similar economic conditions to The Bahamas • Supervise staff as assigned • Provide assistance and training to develop regulatory expertise of case officers • Provide assistance in the economic regulation of other sectors regulated by URCA as required by the Director of Utilities and Energy and other executive members from time to time QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES & EXPERIENCE • Master degree in Economics, Engineering or Regulation • A minimum of Eight (8) years post-graduate experience with at least five (5) years of experience working in utility regulation either with company or regulatory agency with increasing responsibilities and demonstrated technical competencies • Outstanding leadership skills in the areas of planning, organizing, coordinating and controlling, etc. • Demonstrated outstanding analytical and research capabilities • Demonstrated understanding of the financial, and economic/ technical factors underpinning the performance of all Utilities, but in particular Electricity, in order to develop pricing models • Strong theoretical and practical appreciation of critical regulatory issues • Good strategic thinking, analytical, technical report writing skills • Demonstrated ability to interact professionally with senior industry and government personnel • Knowledge of the URCA Act, other relevant Acts and government policies relating to the regulated sectors • Working knowledge of international utility regulatory bodies • Computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and data base tools REMUNERATION & DEADLINE: URCA is a performance driven organization and offers a competitive and attractive remuneration and benefits package along with opportunities for further training and career experience. For an expanded version of the requirements of the role and more information about URCA, please visit our website: www.urcabahamas.bs INTERESTED?
Interested applicants should email their resume to: hr@urcabahamas.bs
Applications should be received on or before July 8, 2016. URCA thanks all applicants for their interest but only applicants who have been short-listed and have the qualifications and experience will be contacted.
PAGE 8, Wednesday, July 6, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
“REMAIN” supporters gather on Park Lane in London, before marching to Parliament Square to show their support for the European Union in the wake of the referendum decision for Britain to leave the EU, known as “Brexit”, on Saturday.
Trump and Brexit parallels for The Bahamas T
HE consequences of the antiEuropean Union (EU) vote in Britain last week have some interesting parallels with Bahamian and American politics that are worth exploring. For over 40 years, Britain was an integral part of the European project to end centuries of warfare. But there was always a vocal political minority who wanted out - for various reasons. The current Prime Minister foolishly promised these critics a referendum on leaving the EU, despite his own preference to stay. So now he’s resigning, and will hand over the country to his political foes. The situation in the opposition Labour Party is worse. The leader is an undistinguished politician who was a fringe figure before being elected on a groundswell of grassroots support following the 2015 general election defeat. Labour officially supported the Remain campaign. But many think the leader secretly wanted Leave to win, and did as little as possible to influence the vote. Now, most Labour MPs expect to lose big-time at the next general election if he continues as leader.
hamian resentment against homosexuals, foreigners in general and Haitians in particular, was manipulated by demagogues to be expressed in more concrete ways. During our gender referendum campaign, for example, there were serious scare stories circulating about 70,000 foreigners waiting for the citizenship changes to be approved.
The weekend after the vote, almost every member of Labour’s shadow cabinet resigned, in an effort to force the leader to stand down. But he insisted he had wide support among the grassroots. So Labour is embroiled in a civil war, while the leader tries to carry on as if nothing is happening. Does that sound familiar, or what? The parallels with the current situation in the Free National Movement are astounding.
EMOTIONAL MESSAGES The campaign to leave the EU was characterised by emotional messages about “taking back control” from unelected bureau-
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Applicants must have at least 3 years restaurant or hospitality experience with clean police record. Interested candidates may send CV to: afeisha@portstarboardltd.com
on or before July, 7th 2016.
Trump has led an insurgent anti-immigrant campaign that has succeeded in taking over the Republican Party. Research shows that Trump’s support is disproportionately male, white, poor and uneducated. According to a recent ‘Atlantic’ magazine article: “Non-college men have been trampled by globalisation, the dissolution of manufacturing employment, and other factors, for the crats, an “out of control” last few decades, (which has immigration system, and produced) anger and politinotions about sovereignty. cal extremism manifested But perhaps concerns Experts say that angry mesin Trump.” sages spread much faster over economic inequality Inequality in the US has and declining prosperity ofthan those focusing on raapproached tional or economic argu- fer a better the extreme way to frame ments, particularly on so‘So, in Britain the level that prethis discuscial media. Labour party is vailed prior sion. We saw this ourselves to the Great embroiled in a civil In Western during the recent ConstituDepression countries, tional Referendum on genwar, while the of the 1930s, inder equality, which inspired rising leader tries to carry while social equality and highly charged messages mobility has on as if nothing is related to religion, homo- economic declined. A insecurity sexuality and immigration. happening. Does much greater Most commentators agree have led to share of inthat sound familiar, the defecthat immigration was also a come is now defining issue in the British tion of blue- or what? The flowing to collar voters referendum debate, followparallels with the those at the ing a decade of rising mi- to populist very top. gration from EU countries. parties of the current situation in Wideleft the Free National Unfortunately, that con- hard spread and the hard cern in Britain has played Movement are inequalout in the form of a wave of right. Those ity breeds astounding.’ Britons who hate incidents directed at resentment, immigrants. Foreign-look- voted to leave which can ing people on the streets are the EU were mostly over 60, lead to social disruption. being told to get out of the poorly educated, white and As conservative commencountry, something which a working class. And most of tator Andrew Sullivan senior Church of England the unemployed also voted wrote recently: “Trump to leave. official warned could lead This demographic pic- has channelled economic to fascism. ture resembles the situation anxiety into a racist moveThis shows what could ment. When people are happen here if the deep Ba- in America, where Donald struggling, it’s easier to pin the blame on neighbours who look different than to bemoan abstract economic forces.” But while Trump supporters believe immigrants threaten American customs and values, research has found that they more strongly agree with the statement “people like me don’t have any say about what the government does.” • Male or female. In other words, they share a sense of disenfranchisement. • Must be a qualified sailor with extensive And the irony is that racing experience Trump’s support has unexpectedly firmed despite the • Qualified to coach junior sailing program fact that he is a silver-spoon billionaire who has clearly benefitted tremendously • Boats are Optimists and Sunfish/Laser from globalisation. As the (16 boats) and Brenta 30’s (4boats) left-wing Democratic primary candidate Bernie • Good people motivator/social Sanders recently warned: “Millions of American coordinator voters, like the Leave supporters (in Britain), are • Base salary $45,000.00 per year understandably angry and frustrated by the economic forces destroying the midPlease send resume to: dle class. We must create vshippingbahamas@gmail.com economies that work for all, and not a handful of billionaires. We do not need
GLOBALISATION
Sail Master/Coach
NEEDED
change based on demagogy, bigotry and anti-immigrant sentiment.”
WHO IS TO BLAME? A recent analysis by German economists has shown that over the past 150 years, every major financial crisis has been followed by a 10-year surge in support for far-right populist parties. When such crises occur, people look for someone to blame, and often migrants and minorities are an easy scapegoat for a problem that is far more complex. The campaign to leave the EU was based on fears of migrants, and it was mirrored by Trump’s campaign in the US. So how does all this political science fit into to a Bahamian context, just a few months out from a critical general election? Clearly, many of the same factors are operating here. There is rising anti-immigrant sentiment and fear of foreign competition among a poorly educated and disadvantaged work force. The Bahamas also suffers from vast inequalities that have enriched the elite, while middle class living standards fall and the underclass remains impoverished and marginalised. It is also apparent that we have leaders who are prepared to pander to voters’ fears and resentments while resisting any real change to the status quo. Perhaps the current flux and cynicism in Bahamian politics is based on the same gut feeling that many Trump and ‘Brexit’ supporters share: “people like me don’t have any say in what the government does.” What we do have is opaque and unaccountable governance in the face of persistent high employment, declining investment, rising debt and a contracting economy. And most of the key players have been around for my entire adult life. How long can this go on without something breaking? Are we in store for a disruptive shift based on demagogy, bigotry and anti-immigrant sentiment? Or do we try to work constructively to increase social mobility and improve governance for a better future? And what do our political leaders have to say about this? What do you think? Send comments to lsmith@ tribunemedia.net or visit www.bahamapundit.com
THE THETRIBUNE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, 6, 2016, PAGE Wednesday, JuneJuly 22, 2016, PAGE A99
! r e t i p u J y B
SMARTWATCHES
TECHTALK
ARE GETTING SMARTER . . .-SLOWLY WE’RE GETTING
APPLE and Android smartwatches are getting better as their makers fix the frustrations of many early SOARING over Jupiter’s poles, adopters - but the improvements are asmall National Aeronautics and Space steps in a long journey to conAdministration spacevince people they(NASA) need a computer craft arrived on their wrist.at the solar system’s largest week a misThe planet Apple this Watch, foroninstance, sion to peek behind cloud tops. promises faster app the launching and a The final 911 legcall. of Android the five-year one-button Wear watchesended will soon you track gym voyage onletMonday when the solar-powered Juno training. spaceworkouts such as weight Both fired systems let you swipe-write craft itswill main rocket engine textsgracefully with your finger. areorbit nifty and slippedAll into features Jupiter. - just nothing likely to turn around Mission controla smartwatch intowhen the day-to-day nelers celebrated Juno sent cessityradio a smartphone has become. it back signals confirming andits Google are scheduled hadApple reached destination. to“We’re push out free We’re software updates in there. in orbit. We the coming months. conquered Jupiter,” Juno chief sci-
entist ScottWATCH Bolton said during a APPLE post-mission FASTER: briefing. With the upcoming In recent weeks, Juno watchOS 3 software, your snapped favourite pictures the giant planet and and its apps willoflaunch automatically four dancing around load inner data inmoons the background. You no it. Scientists were surprised to see longer have to wait several seconds for the appsecond-largest to start up and retrieve Jupiter’s moon, Callisto, data fromappearing the phone. dimmer than EASIER NAVIGATION: Apexpected. ple Watch currently offers favourite The spacecraft’s camera and apps through Glance, but itswitched gives you other instruments were limited information and works off for arrival, so there were only no from theatwatch face.moment. The Glance repictures that key Scienplacement, called Dock, gets you full tists have promised close-up views apps from anywhen screen withskims a press of of planet Juno the thethe side button. Meanwhile, swiping cloud tops during the 20-month, up will soon get you frequently used $1.1 billion settings, and mission message managed replies willby be NASA’s Jet Propulsion possible without first hittingLabora“reply.” tory. BEYOND VOICE: With ScribTheyou’ll fifth use rockyour fromfinger the sun and ble, to write the heftiest planet in the solar system, Jupiter is what’s known as a gas giant - a ball of hydrogen and helium - unlike rocky Earth and Mars. With its billowy clouds and colourful stripes, Jupiter is an ex-
CLOSER!
characters on the screen one at a time. The watch translates them into computerised text. You’ll still have treme world that likely formed the current options for voice or prefirst, shortly after the sun. Unlockconfigured replies like “yes” and ing its history may hold clues to “no”. understanding the CATCHINGhow UP:Earth You’lland be able rest of the system developed. to skip thesolar password screen on Macs Named afteryour Jupiter’s when wearing Apple cloudWatch, piercing wifealso in Roman which will let you mytholochallenge friends fitness, Fitbit gy, Junoon is only the something second mission designed spend time at Jupiter. and otherto fitness devices already offer. Galileo, launched in 1989, circled NEWforFEATURES: WithbeamSOS, Jupiter nearly a decade, you back can hold the side button for ing splendid views of the a few seconds call 911 -moons. or the THE Apple Watch and Android Wear. planet and its to numerous abroad. Itequivalent uncoveredwhen signstravelling of an ocean beEASIER NAVIGATION: Cur- as weather info or stock quotes. The watch will also message your neath the icy surface of the moon rently, you swipe up and down for Android Watch apps will also have emergency contact and display key Europa, considered top target in notifications, but left and right for darker backgrounds, as Apple Watch information such asa your allergies the search for life outside Earth. actions like replies. apps now, to make the watch less artist’s rendering provided by NASA anddoJPL-Caltech shows the Juno on the screen. A new watch app will THIS Juno’s mission is to peer through annoying in dark settings like cinThe update will eliminate the zigalso guide you through breathing ex- spacecraft above the planet Jupiter. Jupiter’s cloud-wrapped zagging and present everything in emas. ercises to help reduce stress. atmosswing past Earth catapulted it points for theAndroid spaceNEWof interest FEATURES: one vertical feed. that Message notificaphere and map the interior from BOTTOM LINE: Apple Watch thealso asteroid belt mini-chat between craft’s JunoCam to capture in colahas unique point the beyond tions will turn into Wear will soon support weightliftcome vantage a long way in above 14 months before getting a poles. quesapps. and Jupiter. Along the way, our ing, photographs, squats and push-ups. And the and itsAmong starting the pricelingering has dropped to Mars watch’s to redesigned launcher will Currently, chat notification became your the first spacecraft to chance process app them and share tions watertoexists, is Juno $300.are Buthow it’s much still tough explain that far outyou powered by theif them makeonline. fuller use of circular screens. disappears after reply, even to friends andcore family there a solid andwhy whythey areneed Ju- cruise you have more to say. comet-chasBOTTOM The radiation two-yearbeating Europe’s Juno bravedLINE: a hostile piter’s one. southern and northern lights sun, old Android to Wear system hasEninVOICE: The watch ingBEYOND Rosetta spacecraft. A trio of environment reach Jupiter. the brightest in the solar system? troduced significant improvements will now have a full keyboard with ANDROID WEAR “What Juno is about is looking massive solar wings sticks out from gineers prepared by housing the along the way, including and the ability predictive texting,from similar to phones. spacecraft’s FASTER: upcoming like blades a windmill, computer elecbeneath that The surface,” said AnMr Juno It will also support handwriting simto work with iPhones, which mostly droid Wear 2.0 software will let Bolton, of the Southwest Research generating 500 watts of power to tronics in a titanium vault. Even limit youistoexpected notifications andblasted fitness ilar its to Apple’s Scribble. More apps so, apps run in directly the watch, so run instruments. Juno to get Institute Texas.on“We’ve got to no turn-by-turn navigation will getnine pre-configured replies that - there’s they can communicate directly with In the coming days, Juno will with radiation equal to more than go down and look at what’s inside, you can select, and choices will vary on the watch, for instance. remote through the watch’s turn its instruments back on, but 100The million dental X-rays during see howorservers it’s built, how deep these stand-alone capability should Wi-Fi cellular connection, if it based on context. Voice dictation rereal work will not begin un- the mission. features go, learn about its real se- the change that, giving iPhone users a vimains an option. has one. Information might arrive til late August, when the spaceLike Galileoto before it, Juno crets.” alternative Apple Watch. CATCHING UP: Android joins able faster because it doesn’t need to go closer. Plans called meets its demise in 2018 when it There’sthe also the first. mystery its craft Appleswings Watchin in getting complicathrough phone Appsofneed to swoop 3,000 into Jupiter’s ANICK JESDANUN tionsJuno on watch faces. within There are lit- deliberately dives Great Red Spot. Recent obserto be updated to take advantage of for cloudsdata, - closer - a vations by the Hubble Space Tel- miles tle bitsofofJupiter’s customisable such atmosphere and disintegrates Associated Press this standalone capability.
escope revealed the centuries-old monster storm in Jupiter’s atmosphere is shrinking. The trek to Jupiter, spanning nearly five years and 1.8 billion miles took Juno on a tour of the inner solar system followed by a
than previous missions - to map the planet’s gravity and magnetic fields in order to learn about the interior makeup. For the first time, NASA is going to hand over the camera to the public, who will be able to choose
necessary sacrifice to prevent any chance of accidentally crashing into the planet’s potentially habitable moons.
VOLKSWAGEN TO LAUNCH CHINA DOMINATES GLOBAL SUPERCOMPUTER SPEED LIST MORE ELECTRIC CARS AFTER DIESEL SCANDAL DEATH OF TESLA DRIVER ON ‘AUTOPILOT’ RAISES ISSUES
ALICIA CHANG Associated Press
Mueller said the company GERMAN car manuTHE first American death in- the Autopilot’s safety benefits. ryone on the roadways”. Friends described Brown as havwould need published more electric facturer Volkswagen plans volving a car in self-driving mode Brown videos on YouHis death comes at an awkward ing a “need for speed” and state revehicles to meet increasingly to ramp up its offerings of presents a dilemma: how aggres- tube of himself behind the wheel time for the US government and cords show he had eight speeding tight with government limits on electric it fights sively tovehicles embraceasthe potentially the system active. car makers. NHTSA Administra- tickets over six years. The truck emissions of carbon dioxide, to bounce back from a scanlife-saving technology after a fatal He was killed on May 7 in Wil- tor Mark Rosekind was expected driver in the wreck, Frank Baressi, gas blamed dal over diesel cars rigged to the greenhouse crash? liston, Florida, when his car’s later this month to announce 62, of Palm Harbor, Florida, reby scientists for global cheat on emissions tests. The National Highway Traffic cameras failed towarmdistinguish the guidelines on self-driving cars for called Brown driving quickly when and other pollutants. The Administration electric campaign is ing, white Safety (NHTSA) side of a turning tractor- states and automakers. The transi- the accident occurred. He also told said, however, thatlit sky and tion to the new technology could the Associated Press that Brown part of a wide-ranging is investigating the design and He trailer from a brightly wouldactivateTHE review of theofcomperformance the Tesla Model didthe notcompany automatically theSunway radically transform how people was “playing Harry Potter on the TaihuLight, a new Chinese supercomputer, is seen in Wuxi, eastern China’s keepaccording a major to fo-statements pany’s strategy S vehicle’s “Autopilot” system brakes, in the future. TVtopped screen”a at the time thefastest crash. Jiangsu travel Province. A supercomputer from China has global list ofofthe afteralso announcing and thesystems car Rosekind stressed the for poBaressi he couldn’t cusgovernment on developing that includes the death of a by the for a seventh has straight year, and the first time acknowledged the winner, Sunway Taihudriver last profitweek. The system was manufacturer. Brown did not Light, take uses tential advantages. In instead see the only heard it. and selling interincreasing only life-saving Chinese-designed processors ofmovie, U.S. technology. engagedinvesting at the time of the crash, control and combustion brake either. theory, automated vehicles will The Florida Highway Patrol nal ability, (Li Xiang/Xinhua via AP) butnew that is onlyof part of the story. Brown’s family said in a state- eliminate the human errors that confirmed that it found a portable engines. in ways with none in the car top after 30, the A CHINESE supercomputer has list,DVD The driver, Joshua Brown, a ment that it wanted to help the are responsible for an estimated playerranked in Brown’s Volkswagen getting around come further and faster than topped of the fastestfatalities. com- nation 40-year-old technology company government andon Tesla “in- a94listper centworld’s of traffic the has accident, but a spokeswoman bet heavily die-so thatputers that do not necesother country in the history superfor the seventh straight year - people and anysaid owner from Canton, learned from With more than 35,000 investigators could notofconsels to meeting car this tragsarily involve own- Ohio, was so formation computing,” the TOP500 organisers said for the first time the winner uses only enamoured of his sedan that he emissions edy will trigger further killed on US roads last year, the firm whether it was playing when goals. But thatinnovation ing a car, and making Chinese-designed processors instead of in athe statement on Monday. nicknamed it “Tessy” and praised which enhances the safety of evebenefits could be enormous. vehicles made contact. the company’s management strategy suffered a blow after This year’s champion is the Sunway US technology. the company was discovered more open and trustworthy. Last year’s Chinese winner in the TaihuLight at the National SupercomTOP500 ranking maintained by re- puting Center in Wuxi, west of Shanghai, CEO Matthias Muel- last September to have met ler said the company plans emissions tests using engine searchers in the United States and Ger- according to TOP500. It was developed to introduce more than 30 control software that turned many slipped to second, followed by a by China’s National Research Center of computer at the US government’s Oak Parallel Computer Engineering & Techemission controls on when electric-powered vehicles by THE typical American adult is it does not count texting, taking senior vice presidentinofTennesaudiencenology she said. see that is more using “What entirelyI Chinese-designed Ridge National Laboratory the car wasoron a testonstand 2025,media and to between using for sell a full hour a day selfies talking the phone.see. insights for Nielsen. concerning is family members foShenWei processors. two and million and turned off in evemore than three last year, with of smartMost them Americans can sense the Of year, the additional hour in the media The cusing on theirisphones and sitTaihuLight capable of not 93 petaAlso this China displaced ryday driving. them a year. To support that phones accounting for most of the increase anecdotally given United the time that Nielsen has measured ting the dinner table per enjoyflops, oraround quadrillion calculations secStates for the first time as the ambitious plan, the comThe company has until increase. ubiquity of smartphones. People smartphone usage ac-ond,ing conversations.” according to TOP500. It is intended countrythis withyear, the most supercomputers June stare 28 toatwork out while a set- waiting pany wants to an increase People spent averageitsof 10 screens counts andwas tablets People are spending minin engineering and three research inin in the top 500 -for 16737tominutes 165. Japan a for use in-house battery tlement US food, authorities hours, 39 expertise minutes in each day with linewith for fast riding in eleva12 minutes. Online smartphonecluding utes climate, less watching livelifetelevision weather, sciences, distant third with 29 systems. technology. Improving bat-radio, to repair replace down somethe street. manufacturing and but datathey anaSupercomputers are a series smartphones, tablets, TV, tors ororwalking use averages anone hourofand 39 min-advanced than they did a year ago, computers video games Retail postprobsigns pleading utes a day - moreby than double whatlytics. still spend four and a half hours a tery range and is expected to be dur500,000 carsoutlets with the of technologies targeted China’s ruling Communist development speedofisthe about times that lematic a key in getting more ing thefactor first three months of 2016, thatsoftware. phones beSome turned11off. People it was twoParty yearsfor ago, Nielsen said. Its daytop in front TV, five Nielsen said. Ridge’s Titan, which uses Cray, received heavy financial supaccording to aelectric Nielsen company check in bed fall-have Liana Sayer, director of the Timeof Oak One ominous sign for television million carsmessages were sold withbefore and people to buy cars. and Opteron technology. port. Such are used for weather study thisincludes week. It ing asleep, and reach for the devicUsesystems Laboratory at the UniversityNVIDIA executives is that people aged 18 to Thereleased new plan a was the software worldwide. second-fastest computer, the forecasting, designing nuclear nine minutes during the It has es upon waking up. 16.2 of Maryland, noticesweapons, restaurant The 34 spend more of their time each focushours, on 39 digital mobility, set aside at least Tianhe-2 at the National Supercomputer analysing oilfields and other specialised same 2015. things billion An estimated 81 per cent of patrons who sit at tables staring day online than they do watching whichperiod couldininclude euros ($18.1 billion) the southern of Guangpurposes. Even these numbers are probuse ato smartphone at their phones and ignoring theirCenter live in television, by a city margin of 39 fromAmerican last year’sadults earnings like ride-sharing or car-sharzhou, is capable of 33 petaflops. It uses “Considering that just 10 years ago, ably since while the number companions. “Young people text a per cent of their media time to 29 coverregularly, the costswith of recalls and of users ing underestimated, based on smartphone China claimed a mere 28 systems on the chips made by Intel Corp. Nielsen apps, formeasures instance. the amount of fixes.growing by more than 20 million lot, but they’re not doing it at the per cent. People over 50 prefer TV time spent online on smartphones, in the past year, said Glenn Enoch, expense of face-to-face contact,” by 53 to 21 per cent, Nielsen said.
SMARTPHONES INCREASING SCREEN TIME OF AMERICAN ADULTS
• A FACE representing “rollBLACKBERRY announced ing on thethat flooritlaughing” a yesterday will stopand makhand taking asmartphone, selfie are among ing its Classic less 72 new that launching will soon than two emojis years after their way to your smartit make with much fanfare. phone. Ralph Pini, the company’s The California-based chief officer andUnigencodeoperating Consortium, which coneral manager for devices, said trols emoji standards, has the Classic hasoflong released a list the surpassed new charthe average lifespan for a acters. Other highlights include smartphone in today’s market. emojis representing a pregnant BlackBerry will now focus on woman and Mrs Claus. updating its smartphone lineup One proposed emoji was that and expected of aisrifle as parttoofrelease a grouptwo of emojis representing Olympic new mid-range, Android-powered smartphones before the sports before the Rio Games thisof summer. Buzzend February.However, More informafeedonNews reportedis that Aption the devices expected ple month. and Microsoft both argued this The company will against including the rifle. continue to support its BlackBerry 10 operating system with • MICHELLE Obama has software updates, with a new joined scheduled the socialfor media app version release in Snapchat to promote her forthAugust, Mr Pini said. coming trip to Africa and Eucoming trip to Africa and Europe to encourage girls’ educaAMAZON is renewing its tion. Day” July sales gim“Prime The White House the acmick next week as says Wal-Mart count launched will also tries to go yesterday after online make it easy for students to keep shoppers this summer. The tabs on the first lady’s travels. e-commerce powerhouse Follow her at “MichelleObama”. launched the discounting event The US President’s wife plans last year to commemorate its to spend next week highlighting 20th anniversary and to 62 adverthe fact that an estimated miltise $99 annual lionits adolescent girls Prime around loythe alty programme, which offers world are not attending school.
free two-day shipping during slow• summer shopping TWITTER is nowmonths. letting Wal-Mart also advertising its users postisvideos that are up to 140 seconds long, an increase online shopping discounts in from its previous 30-second July as well as a 30-day free triallimit. of a two-day unlimited shipmoveAmazon’s is part of event the so-is pingThe service. cial media company’s efforts to on July 12.
attract a broader set of users, NBCofsays it feel will confined provide by 85 some whom hours of virtual its limits on thereality length programof tweets as well as videos. It’sOlympics also likely ming during the Rio in August, only to users of to help available users make money from such videos and comes at a time Samsung Galaxy smartphones when videos are becomand theonline Samsung Gear VR headingIt’s increasingly and set. the first widespread time Olympics popular on thewill platforms of riprogramming be available such reality. as Facebook. invals virtual The Olympics Videos willwill alsobe be presented longer on video, which Twitter’s video-sharing onVine, delay during the Games, will social network. Twitter said that include opening and closing cerit is starting with a “small group” emonies, basketball, of Vine men’s creators who will gym“be nastics able toand add atrack videoevents. to their Other Vine, virtualised willVine include turning the sports six-second into beach volleyball, diving, boxing a trailer for a bigger story”.
and fencing. Viewers also will need• the Sports app. airA NBC SOLAR-powered
plane has begun its trans-AtlanSAMSUNG sellof untic flight on the will latest leg its locked versions of its flagship globe-circling voyage. Galaxy phones in the ImUS The S7 Swiss-made Solar sopulse consumers can switch carri2 took off from John F ers more easily. Although twoKennedy Airport in New York year service on contracts at 2.30am Mondayare andnow is rare, consumers instead scheduled to land are in Seville in stuck two-year installment Spainwith tomorrow. The Solar Impulse wide plans and cannot take 2’s a phone areuntil equipped withoff. 17,000 towings a rival it’s paid solar cells thatphones power propellers Unlocked have no and restrictions. charge batteries. The such They areplane also runs on stored energy at night.for free of carrier-specific apps
messaging, video and other • NINTENDO is putting all tasks, though Samsung still adds of its faith in “The of several beyond the Legend standard Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” the version of Androidoffrom Googlatest installment the 30-year le.action-adventure Samsung’s Galaxy S7 will series starring sell for $670, and aLink. model with a iconic adventurer curved side screenthe called After delaying title Edge from will for “Breath $770. The prices are lastgo year, of the Wild” cheaper Verizon, AT&T is set forthan release next March for and T-Mobile, more the Wii U console.though It will also be expensive Sprint. You pay available than for Nintendo’s yet-tobe-revealed the phone’s NX fullsystem, price schedrather uledmonthly to debut installments. in 2017. than The most noticeable change MASSACHUSETTS nonisA that Link awakens after a profit organisationslumber is launching 100-year-long in aa new smartphone application so freewheeling rendition of Hybeachgoers along the USvistas, East rule featuring sweeping Coast can forests, report their own shark castles, temples and sightings. White volcanoes.TheTheAtlantic pointy-eared protagonist won’t be Shark Conservancy saysstrong users or of well-equipped reach Sharktivity will enough becometo“citizen every point at the outset, valuable but he’s scientists”, providing not bound or restricted tracking databy forwalls researchers trying a linear story line.the Theanimals. series’ totobetter understand treasure-filled dungeons have The Chatham-based organisation been replaced by puzzle-laden says the app is free and currently shrines.
only available for Apple products.
PAGE 10, Wednesday, July 6, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
‘No need to be alarmed by hammerhead sharks’ By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net DIVING experts and marine science officials are emphasising that the public should not be alarmed by instances in which Great Hammerhead sharks are spotted near harbours, warning that the often passive species has a history of swimming in shallow waters. They said that hammerhead sharks are a natural predator of rays, which are known for dwelling in shallow waters. Shelley Cant-Woodside, Bahamas National Trust (BNT) director of science and policy, insisted that recent sightings of Great Hammerheads around New Providence is nothing “out of the ordinary.” She stressed that for generations of Bahamians, bull sharks, lemon sharks, nurse sharks and hammerheads have long been part of the marine culture, all existing as vital parts of the marine eco-system.
Last month videos shared on social media showed a Great Hammerhead shark - estimated to be between 14ft and 16ft - swimming near the shore at Montagu Beach and fish dock. One video also showed dozens of onlookers marvelling at the presence of the shark; in another, snorkellers accompanied the shark in the water as it swam around. “I don’t think we need to be so concerned,” Mrs Cant-Woodside said. “There are several species of sharks that frequent shallow waters. These species have operated like this for decades.” She suggested the views of the current generation of Bahamians have of the various species of sharks are similar to those held by many of garden snakes. She said they were views bred out of fear and a lack of understanding. “Once an understanding is established we see more persons moving away from the need to be violent toward them. For someone like me, there is no fear
toward snakes, but for others there is a natural fear and out of that natural fear comes a belief that one has to eliminate them. “However, if truth be told, once the purpose of that snake is explained persons move to a general understanding that its presence in necessary. That is where we are working to get with these particular species of sharks. Initially, persons are afraid but in most instances we see these very same sharks, particularly Great Hammerheads, swimming alongside people with no issue.” The hammerhead which swam into Montagu - one of the most popular beaches in new Providence - is believed to have been driven away after attempts were made to spear it. It is illegal to capture, harm or kill sharks in the Bahamas. The BNT hails the Great Hammerhead as a “keeper of the conch” because the species is said to be directly responsible for controlling predators - such as stingrays that feed on the queen conch.
However, other observers of human and animal interactions have speculated that the presence of the hammerhead at Montagu is a result of vendors at the fish market throwing fish scraps overboard consistently for years and attracting the shark. The presence of the discarded conch and other seafood attracts stingrays and, as a result, sharks that hunt them. “Humans interacting with nature (throwing fish scraps overboard consistently for years) and when nature responds (sharks coming in to feed they) react by indiscriminate killing,” said one shark diving expert. “Whether it’s sharks or bears, wolves or lions, alligators or cougar, mankind reacts by killing the animal for being an animal. We rarely look at what we did to invoke the behaviour. Because we never look at what we did to invoke the behaviour we repeat the scenario over and over again. Even though the government has taken steps to protect sharks
in the Bahamas, ignorance still prevails, sharks are routinely hunted and killed with applause and support from local communities. Enforcement continues to be the challenge for the good intentions of any government.” However, Mrs CantWoodside emphasised that while that theory about the sharks being attracted by the fish detritus could prove true, it has to be formerly researched and proven. Neal Watson, the president of the Bahamas Diving Association, was concerned about people hunting hammerhead sharks out of fear and in retribution for coming so close to shore. “There has never been one reported incident of a hammerhead attacking a person that wasn’t spear fishing. Hammerheads feed mostly on stingrays, and stingrays are in shallow water, that’s why they are near shore, for stingrays not people. Now that everyone has camera phones and go pros you will see lots more of it, but the sharks have always
been there,” he said. Mr Watson, the owner of a renowned diving business in Bimini and with 60 years experience of diving, said that Great Hammerheads only respond violently toward humans if tormented or approached with force. He urged Bahamians to show caution with the sharks and to understand that the particular species is not out to harm humans. The BNT’s Executive Director Eric Carey told The Tribune that his organisation is in the process of reviewing legislation and consulting with conservation partners and scientists to develop protocols to guide the approach to these types of situations. He said that the BNT was in communication with the Office of the Attorney General to craft and enact legislation to protect several species of sharks found in and around the Bahamas. BNT has received new funding from the Pew Global Shark Programme to conduct more public awareness activities.
NEWLY-installed Rotary Club Old Fort Board 2016-2017 with PAG Karen Pinder (left) at the 2016 changeover ceremony held on July 1, 2016, at the Old Fort Bay Club in Nassau, Bahamas.
LAWYER TAKES ON ROLE AS ROTARY CLUB PRESIDENT THE Rotary Club of Old Fort has installed a new administration with lawyer and banker Tameika Watson becoming its first female president. She will serve for the rotary year 2016-2017. The new administration will focus on selfless service in its surrounding community by continuing the club’s work with Great Commission Ministries. In the last quarter of the Rotary year 2015-2016, Rotary Club of Old Fort (RCOF) funded and installed two outdoor showering systems. In this new Rotary year, RCOF will seek to establish new partnerships to further its community service outreach programmes, while continuing to collaborate with The Children’s Emergency Hostel, Gambier Primary School, SHARE (at the Lyford Cay School) and The Bahamas Red Cross.
Ms Watson has pledged that RCOF will “actively participate in projects that address social ills and voids in our community.” She added: “Rotary prides itself on Rotarians being the change they wish to see in the world.” The executive board of the Rotary Club of Old Fort includes Shanley Toote, vice president and membership director; Deidree Bain, president elect 2017-2018 and community service director; Heleina McCartney, treasurer; Nicki Lockhart, secretary; Derek Smith Jr, public image director; Gavvin Strachan, sergeantat-arms; Tenneil Newton, club administration director; Keri Sherman, director of fundraising and Latoya Mitchell, director of Rotary Foundation. RCOF meets at The Club at Old Fort Bay every Wednesday at 6.30pm.
NEWLY installed Rotary Club Old Fort 2016-2017 president Tameika Watson (left) with PAG Karen Pinder at the 2016 changeover ceremony held on July 1, 2016, at the Old Fort Bay Club in Nassau, Bahamas. President Waston is the first female president of the Rotary Club Old Fort.
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, July 6, 2016, PAGE 11
BAHAMIAN LEGENDS IMMORTALISED IN PORTRAITS
PORTRAITS by artist Jamaal Rolle of cultural legends unveiled last night.
FROM left, Deputy Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, Philip Burrows, Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe and Minister of Youth Sports and Culture Dr Daniel Johnson.
ATTENDEES at the unveiling of portraits of cultural legends as part of independence celebrations.
FROM left, Deputy Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, Quinton ‘Barabbas’ Woodside, Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe and Minister of Youth Sports and Culture Dr Daniel Johnson. Photos: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff