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Watchdog puts nation’s company registry online

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net FIVE months after the country’s financial services sector was dragged into the spotlight as a top tax haven in the infamous “Panama Papers�, international watchdogs yesterday unveiled a free online database created from 1.3 million leaked files from the Bahamas’ corporate registry.

The database by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) circumvents the local register’s costly retrieval fee and incomplete online registry by providing, for the first time, a publicly searchable forum of the names of directors and

some shareholders of more than 175,000 Bahamian companies.

Released in tandem with detailed reporting on the offshore links to highprofile international politicians, including UK Home Secretary Amber Rudd, the latest instalment to the massive Offshore Leaks Database created by the ICIJ has labelled the country as the “Switzerland of the West�.

The reports detail the country’s longstanding struggle with international tax agencies, namely the United States’ Internal Revenue Service and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), since the 1930s.

SEE PAGE SIX

A JUDGE declared yesterday that a site visit to Lyford Cay was necessary to determine whether one of its residents, Peter Nygard, had illegally increased the size of his property.

Justice Rhonda Bain’s ruling on the matter followed after Mr Nygard, a Canadian fashion designer, gave notice to the Supreme Court that he would not be able to make his property accessible to facilitate the ongoing case. It was a dif-

ferent position from a hearing on August 9 when Gia Moxey, who appeared for Mr Nygard, confirmed to Justice Bain that her client would make himself available the full week of October 3 for the continuation of the case, which included a site visit to Nygard Cay. Justice Bain, in her written ruling, said: “Even though no application has been made for inspection (all parties agree to the inspection) the court in its inherent jurisdiction, may make an order for inspection.

SEE PAGE 12

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PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts has defended the Attorney General’s decision not to issue a no prosecution direction to the court, effectively stopping criminal proceedings brought by union officials against Sandals Royal Bahamian and two of its senior executives.

According to Mr Roberts, the nolle prosequi was issued by the Office of the Attorney General because it determined it was an “abuse of the judicial process� to have the criminal SEE PAGE TEN

RODNEY Moncur pictured yesterday speaking to the press, alongside Wayne Munroe QC. Photo: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff

URCA SLAMMED FOR PROBE OF RODNEY MONCUR RADIO SHOW

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net  A PROMINENT attorney has criticised the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority for demanding recordings of his client’s radio show for investigative purposes, calling it and the organisation’s general crackdown on broadcasters an “admission� by the regulator that it hasn’t been “doing its job.�

Wayne Munroe, QC, said URCA’s September

15 demand for recordings of Rodney Moncur’s show “Freedom March� which airs on ZSR 103.5 FM to determine if the station has contravened the authority’s Code of Practice for Content Regulation suggests that the regulator “may be kind of clueless� about its responsibility to govern the airwaves.

He asked: “Which rocket scientist regulating broadcasting determines that they will not record it?�

Mr Munroe said UR-

CA’s demand is in effect a “disclosure� that it “hasn’t been doing its job up to September 2016 and counting,� and as such called on URCA to hire someone in its technical department “who could understand the needs that a regulator has to regulate content� and secure its own recordings.

The harsh words by Mr Munroe come on the heels of URCA’s announcement on Friday that it would be cracking down

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By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net  ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard-Gibson’s issuance of a nolle prosequi to discontinue court proceedings against the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort and two of its senior executives was an “abomination� to justice, said Long Island MP Loretta ButlerTurner as she questioned whether the government conspired with the hotel when it terminated hundreds of workers.

This “secret,� “suspicious� and “expedient� directive of no prosecution to the Magistrate’s Court to drop the criminal action on August 15 was condemned by the MP, who said it also raised concerns over the constitutionality of the government’s actions.

SEE PAGE TEN

PLP CHAIRMAN BACKS AG FOR ENDING CASE AGAINST RESORT

JUDGE RULES SITE VISIT NEEDED TO NYGARD HOME

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

SANDALS CASE MOVE ‘IS AN ABOMINATION TO JUSTICE’

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SEE PAGE SIX

COLLIE WARNS BUTLER-TURNER MUST WIN OVER CONSTITUENTS

BY SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net  FREE National Movement Chairman Sidney Collie said yesterday that despite the party throwing its full support behind Loretta Butler-Turner, the Long Island MP has “a lot of work to do� to win over her constituents before the next election.

Mr Collie told The Tribune that while in Long Island over the weekend with FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis and other party executives, he heard “rumblings� of dissatisfaction. He said party executives were approached by persons who said they no longer supported Mrs Butler-Turner.

SEE PAGE SEVEN

PAGE 2, Thursday, September 22, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

RBDF GIVES FACELIFT TO HISTORIC BUILDING AFTER years of not being able to gain easy access to the Bahamas Historical Society and Museum, marines from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force made life a little easier for the physically challenged with the construction of a ramp and the renovation of the restroom for wheelchair bound members and visitors.

Led by Chief Petty Officer Gary Pratt, a senior supervisor of the RBDF’s Base Maintenance Team, the marines built a ramp on the western entrance of the historical site, located on Shirley Street. Before then, persons who were physically challenged had to be lifted from their wheelchairs to enter the building. The RBDF’s Base Maintenance Team also made improvements to BHSM’s restroom facility to accommodate persons in wheelchairs.

The museum, which opened in 1959, displays a number of Bahamian artifacts including a replica of a Lucayan canoe, as well as historical documents dating as far back as the British colonial era. President of the BHSM, Andrea Major, was thankful for the effort of the Marines. “Before now, the physically disabled could not access the building,” said Mrs Major.

“People had to lift them up, and it was difficult for them if they had to use the restroom. The main problem was that we didn’t have the funds or technical support to make the necessary changes. We are eternally grateful to Captain (Tellis) Bethel and his men for their expertise, professionalism, physical support and willingness for all they have done in the past.”

MEMBERS of the RBDF have helped to make access easier for the disable to the Bahamas Historical Society and Museum.

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In July 2014, the Persons with Disabilities-Equal Opportunities Bill, was passed in Parliament. This gave building owners two years to modify their facilities, which included utilizing restrooms.

Iris Adderley, who serves as a consultant for the Secretariat of the National Commission for Persons with Disability, sees this achievement as a stepping stone to greater things. She has been dependent on a wheelchair for 34 years, and expresses her thanks for the job done by the Defence Force.

“I am so honoured on behalf of the community of persons with disabilities that Mrs Major has fulfilled her promise to ensure that we, too, have access to a place that is rich in Bahamian ancestral history,” said Mrs Adderley. “I am able to say that persons with disabilities can now go and experience a part of our history at the Historical Society and Museum, thanks to the work of the defence force.”

Acting RBDF Commander Captain Tellis Bethel said that Mrs Major expressed the need for the construction of a ramp and the renovation of a restroom for persons with disabilities.

“I shared those concerns with Chief Petty Officer Gary Pratt and his enthusiastic team, and they made it happen,” he said. “So I’m very proud of what they accomplished having made it possible for all Bahamians and visitors alike to experience our rich heritage at the Bahamas Historical Society; this is just another way for the defence force to live up to its motto, as we ‘Guard Our Heritage’.”

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Thursday, September 22, 2016, PAGE 3

Sears: If I become leader, PLP could win 28 seats

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net FORMER Attorney General Alfred Sears took his confident public pronouncements on winning the Progressive Liberal Party’s leadership race a step further yesterday by predicting that with him at the helm of the political organisation, it would win the majority of the seats in the House of Assembly.

In stark contrast, he went on to estimate that if Prime Minister Perry Christie were to remain the party’s leader, there would be a fifty-fifty chance that the PLP could be re-elected to government.

More specifically, Mr Sears said a PLP under his direction could secure about 28 seats, whereas Mr Christie would most likely only be able to deliver 19 seats.

Explaining this position, while a guest on the Darold Miller Live show, Mr Sears said Mr Christie was sure to win this number of seats should the Free National Movement remain “fractured”.

“Under me I believe that the Progressive Liberal Party will win overwhelmingly,” he said in response to questions from Mr Miller. “Both in terms of the

A YOUNG lady who works at Creative Hands, a breakfast and bakery café in Treasure Cay, Abaco, takes a selfie with Alfred Sears during his recent visit to the island. popular vote which it did is still fractured I would not win the last time as say it could be a fifty-fifty well as I would say of the 38 chance,” he said, when he seats…I think it would be was pressed further on the about 28 (seats).” matter.

Asked how well he “The party will support thought the party could whatever the outcome is perform with Mr Christie and do our best. I am talkas leader, Mr Sears said: “I ing about as I talk to people think it would be very close.

I think it depends on the opposition whether the parties are unified…”

“Provided the opposition

in Fort Charlotte and now as I move throughout our country and having an opportunity to speak to party officers and stalwarts I am getting a sentiment within the country that, of course, there have been polls, there has been the most recent referendum where the base of our party would have voted against the four bills,” he added.

He also sought to again dispel a rumour that web shop bosses fund his campaign for PLP leader. Instead, Mr Sears said, he receives small contributions and joked that he would love to be given $50,000 to campaign. He had spoken about the matter on a previous appearance on the radio talk show.

If he wins the leadership race, Mr Sears said yesterday that he would allow Mr Christie to continue on as prime minister and complete the mammoth tasks the country now faces, as he pointed to the Baha Mar situation.

In an interview with The Tribune earlier this week, Mr Sears said after meeting with stalwarts and branch executives his support has grown exponentially and

he has been assured that he will be the next leader of the PLP and the country’s next prime minister.

His comments came after he ended his “listening” tour in Abaco over the weekend. Mr Sears said the people he met there were “excited” about his vision and welcomed him warmly, while embracing his change agenda and assuring him of their support.

He said the stalwarts expressed a concern about a lack of sustained engagement by the PLP other than at election time and the

need to ensure that the constitutional structure of the party is operational.

Last week, Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister V Alfred Gray insisted that the prime minister was “entrenched” in the party’s top post and Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson said while it is good for people to see democracy at work during the convention where all posts will be open for challenge, she was “quite sure” and “firm” that Mr Christie will win hands down.

SUSPECT ACCUSED OF KILLING TRIBUNE WORKER TEN YEARS AGO TO SEEK STAY

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MAN who has been awaiting trial on a murder charge for the past decade intends to seek a stay in his case from the Supreme Court.

Leo Roderick Johnson, 50, who is scheduled to stand trial next month for the August 19, 2006, murder of Ericka Fowler, appeared before Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs yesterday for a status hearing into his case.

Johnson is accused of intentionally and unlawfully causing the death of 33-year-old Ms Fowler, a mother of five, who was fatally stabbed in the heart by a man with whom she had

been in an on/off relationship. Ms Fowler, who was working at The Tribune as assistant librarian and archivist, was killed in front of her home on Comet Terrace in the Golden Gates area.

Algernon Allen II indicated yesterday that the Crown is ready to proceed with the matter.

However, Johnson’s lawyer, Nathan Smith, indicated his client’s intent to file a constitutional motion given the length of time that has elapsed since his arraignment and his trial date, which is fixed for October 24.

If the motion is filed in the Supreme Court, the application would have to be heard before the commencement of trial.

WOMAN DROWNS IN BIMINI

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

POLICE in Bimini are investigating the apparent drowning of an American woman who was out diving yesterday morning.

The victim - whose identity has not been released is a 60-year-old resident of New York.

According to police reports, shortly after 10am a woman was brought into Bimini on a vessel. Reports are that while diving some three miles off North Rock, she began experiencing difficulties.

The victim was attended to by medical personnel of the Bimini Clinic and was pronounced dead. An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.

Police are also investigating an alleged drowning of an American woman on Tuesday afternoon in Exuma.

Reportedly, shortly after 5pm, a 41-year-old visitor from Minnesota is alleged to have drowned while swimming in waters off Forbes Hill. Despite extensive CPR efforts the woman was pronounced dead by the island’s doctor. An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.

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PAGE 4, Thursday, September 22, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

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

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Is the FNM transforming itself into a second PLP? “WE are in a very curious time when people are looking for a new kind of vision for the country and obviously in terms of what is available to us in terms of leadership, Dr Minnis comes out above the rest, I believe that is saying something,” commented FNM Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest over the weekend.

Mr Turnquest was commenting on a recent political poll, which gave FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis a hair’s breadth lead over other political contenders, including Prime Minister Perry Christie and DNA Leader Branville McCartney.

We don’t know what the results of this poll was saying about leadership for Mr Turnquest and others, but for us whose memory stretches further back than theirs, it certainly did say much.

Under the leadership of Dr Minnis, the once strong and vibrant FNM, was starting to sound more like the PLP under Lynden Oscar Pindling than the FNM of its founder, the late Sir Cecil WallaceWhitfield, and Hubert Alexander Ingraham. Six members of the FNM, whose objective was to make certain that the FNM was led by a person with the political agility to oust the PLP and become the next government in 2017, had the temerity to tell Dr Minnis, that in their opinion he was not that man. In an eight-page memo sent to the FNM’s Central Council on May 31, they outlined his failures.

They accused Dr Minnis of knowingly and intentionally distorting facts, saying one thing then doing another. They also claimed that he misrepresented the words or views of his colleagues.

They pointed out that he was a “political neophyte” when he was unanimously elected to lead them, but was supported by “legacy” leaders of the FNM along with his parliamentary team that wanted him to succeed. They claimed that Dr Minnis had not taken advantage of this support team and had failed to lead. Despite this, wrapped in the security blanket of his hand-picked delegates, Dr Minnis was re-elected to take the party into the 2017 election.

The six members, who had put their reputations on the line in an attempt to get an earlier party convention for a second chance to vote in a seasoned and strong leader for the 2017 election, were Mrs Loretta Butler-Turner (Long Island), Hubert Chipman (St Anne’s), Neko Grant (Central Grand Bahama), Richard Lightbourn (Montagu), Theo Neilly (North Eleuthera) and Dr Andre Rollins (Fort Charlotte).

Unlike Sir Wallace-Whitfield on the night that he delivered his letter of resignation from the Pindling government to Government House, declaring, “Free at last. My soul is dancing”, today’s six FNM had to face the wrath of their party leader.

They had dared go against the “Chief”.

Their political futures were on the line.

The political sparring between Mrs Butler-Turner, Dr Minnis’ chief rival for leadership, was such that it would have been a reflection on Dr Minnis had he failed to reinstate her as the FNM’s candidate for Long Island. There had to at least be a show of unity within the much troubled party. However, as those who are politically savvy watched the political outsiders circling the wagons in Long Island, they believed her appointment was just a face saver for Dr Minnis. It was left to the “outsiders” to settle the political scores in Long Island. If successful, it was claimed that at least one would be well rewarded.

There are so many rumours that it is difficult to know what to believe. However, Mrs Butler-Turner seemed confident of her support.

In the past few days, FNM party “spokesmen” have been weaving and dodging the press about the fate of Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn — would he be ratified to continue to contest his Montagu seat? Well, the shadow boxing can stop. Mr Lightbourn will not be on the party ticket for Montagu, although he has served his constituency well. We understand that he was told in no uncertain terms that Montagu was no longer his we do not know if he was even thanked for his services It is speculated that he will be replaced by outspoken, and political savvy Dionisio d’Aguilar. We are pleased that Mr d’Aguilar has offered his services. We wish more like him who have something to offer would stand up and be counted.

However, there are so many other districts that need competent representation that Mr d’Aguilar could have been placed elsewhere. As he told a Tribune reporter: “Wherever the party places me as a candidate I would devote my attention and effort.” Obviously, he will replace Mr Lightbourn in Montagu. Mr Lightbourn had the temerity to oppose the “Chief” and so now at the end of this session of the House he will be gone as MP for Montagu.

Messrs Grant and Neilly did not wait to get the “order of the boot.” They opted to step down. Andre Rollins, also bowed out announcing that he would run as an independent, only to later say that if offered an FNM seat, he would reconsider.

The only MP of the six still left cliff hanging is St Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman. He has been a good MP — we are in his constituency — and his St Anne’s Association is fully behind him. Will he too be dropped, thus confirming our opinion that the FNM under Minnis is becoming more like the PLP under Pindling? Remember, in Pindling’s day you never went against the “Chief” if you wanted to remain in the inner circle.

The late Carlton Francis, a Pindling cabinet minister, learned the hard way.

After the PLP waged a vicious campaign against casino gambling in the 1968 election campaign – which introduced majority rule – Pindling wanted his government to take over the casinos. Development Minister Francis, who was also a Baptist minister, defied Pindling on the floor of the House making it clear that his vote against gambling casinos was a vote of conscience. He refused to support the measure and was forced from office.

Carlton Francis, a former teacher, a man who had much to offer, was finished, not only politically, but also in his private life. One day when he was crossing the public square, Pindling who was speaking from a platform spotted him. He interrupted what he was saying to point him out to the crowd. “There goes Francis,” he jeered, “but all I see is suit!” Carlton Francis was dying of cancer. He was one of many who had been tossed on the political garbage pile for daring to defy the “Chief.” After almost 50 years is history starting to repeat itself?

We are now watching Mr Chipman’s St Ann’s seat with a great deal of interest to discover whether his political demise will confirm our belief that the FNM is rapidly transforming itself into a second PLP of the early days when a member toed the party line or else…

Christie’s compassion EDITOR, The Tribune.

LAST Sunday I attended the Induction Service of the Bishop/President Theophilus Rolle at Wesley Methodist Church, Malcolm Road. The service was loaded with tributes and congratulations and was attended by a cross section of the cloth, foreign and local dignitaries, notably the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, The Rt. Hon. Perry Gladstone Christie, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Obie Wilchcolme.

The sermon was calculating and delivered with great precision.

Bishop Rolle was adamant that he was not going to be deterred, but will stand, even if he had to stand alone while he worked in the Father’s vineyard.

Mr. Christie gave tribute to the Bishop and wandered into what must be the most important to him. Even though I have heard him mention his son, Adam, before on many occasions, it was at this particular event that it reached finally home to me. I now saw that even though politics usually caused me not to pay particular attention, this time I got the message that eluded me.

Mr. Christie, in his own very unique way cried to all who would listen that

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net he not only had a son that warranted special attention, and that even though he was prime minister he still had hands on with the monitoring, care and attention of his special son. This must have taken its toll on Mr. Christie both physically and mentally.

Now, pray tell, who among us, some who even have means would still personally care for a son who obviously demands so much close up attention? How many of us would not have abdicated that responsibility to a hired hand?

My conscience would not allow me to not say that it must be a man with a big heart, a man with great compassion and a man who really cares for people would do this.

To hell with politics, but Perry Christie must be, encouraged, supported and even commended for, even though busy with leading the country, still find time for his responsibility.

What manner of a man is this?

I don’t know if or how much help he has, but it is clear that he is not going to abandon his son. This alone is proof that he is an

extraordinary father, far above being prime minister.

I personally have a new found respect for Mr Christie not hiding his son’s challenges and always willing to speak about it. He unashamedly continues to shine a light on his son’s challenges which by extension helps other children with similar disabilities.

Those of us who pretend to be human, must see this as an example of love that is missing in this country today. We, who lift up holy hands must applaud this as the greatest gesture of fatherhood, something that is becoming obsolete in the Bahamas these days.

Whatever your opinion of Mr Christie politically, you cannot say he is not a great father. To me, this speaks volumes.

Now, I expect many eyebrows to be raised about these comments coming from me, but think what you must, my conscience is clear, that we need more fathers who show this kind of care, compassion and love for their children, especially those who cannot help themselves.

My eyes are wide open.

IVOINE W. INGRAHAM Nassau, September 17, 2016.

Chinese sovereignty EDITOR, The Tribune Re: PM: China’s call to seal records (September 1).

A very skilful manoeuvre by our crafty comrades!

Without this clever little ploy, no doubt China’s sovereignty would have been seriously threatened.

KEN W KNOWLES, MD Nassau, September 3, 2016

Root of problem must be tackled EDITOR, The Tribune.

IN response to MP Richard Lightbourn’s suggestion to the nation’s problem that is a result of irresponsible sexual behaviour or habits. To enact legal rights for tubal ligation for a single woman with two children, not to allow her to have any more children.

I agree with the comments in a letter from Justice Jeanne Thompson – Responsible Parenting – and published in The Tribune’s letters column.

Parents are responsible first, to their children, to train them to be responsible for their behaviour.

That negative behaviour results in consequences that are not pleasant and vice versa. When children begin to have babies, order is already gone out of the window.

Communication from several pillars in our society is limited to non-existence and the result is an uninformed public.

The number of churches, youth groups, teachers, medical professionals and schools are enough to correct this type of problem, without the politician’s laws to enact extreme measures in our nation. Nations that adopt this type of measure

are nations with multiple millions as citizens. We are yet to achieve one half of a million citizens.

Let us not overlook our problems with illegal immigration, where if we are not paying attention, we can in a short time be supplanted by neighbours, who would gladly take our Bahama land for their own.

In responding let us not believe the men who brought the woman to Jesus, because she was caught in adultery, but she was alone. Adultery, like producing a baby, is not done alone. We all know it takes a male and a female.

Let us agree that education for both sexes is necessary. Responsibility for one’s behaviour, consequences for our actions need to be understood on a higher level from primary school to pastoral responsibilities in the church.

A band-aid approach is not good enough. The root problem has to be corrected.

Lastly in politics, people numbers count, especially in a democracy. If as a small nation we would strategize by decreasing our numbers, then that is not wise. As we go through our problems, we must remain a 20/20 vision for best future results, for a stronger Bahamas.

Let us not plan and weaken our nation. Hindsight is also 20/20 vision, but it is always too late and correction not available. So Bahamas let us think again concerning our one parent results - social services, crime prevention, unemployment to name a few. The answers live on vision foresight and love for people. Much of the answers is in education, communication, planning, but not planning to decrease when increase is more profitable in the end.

It is time for the church to be the church and sit silent, seeming to give consent.

Because of Corinthians 1

verse 25 “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men and the weakness of God is stronger than men. Let God be true and every man a liar.

Hebrew 13 verse 4 “Marriage is honourable in all, but hormongers, adulterers and fornicators will be judged.”

Sex is for marriage only.

May God bless you all, and continue to bless the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, and may the wealth become common among all Bahamians.

REV. LAVERNE E. TURNER, RN, Nassau, August 11, 2016.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, September 22, 2016, PAGE 5

Gray says FNM rival knows ‘nothing’ about constituency

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

MICAL MP V Alfred Gray yesterday hit back at Free National Movement candidate Walt Saunders, claiming that he “knows nothing” about the constituency “other than his connection to Inagua”.

Mr Gray, in an interview with The Tribune, branded Mr Saunders as a man that is “strange” to the MICAL constituency. He added that Mr Saunders’ confidence of a victory in that constituency is the newcomer “grappling for straws”.

Mr Gray said there is “no way” Mr Saunders would beat him in MICAL if he is also running, as he has “beaten people who were better known than (Mr Saunders) was”.

Mr Gray also denied Mr Saunders’ claims that he has been a poor representative for MICAL. Asserting that the MICAL constituency has “never been better represented than I have done”, Mr Gray cautioned Mr Saunders to “speak the truth” about his involvement in the constituency.

On Tuesday, Mr Saunders said he is “more than confident” he will win that constituency, claiming that Mr

Gray’s poor visibility in the area and unfulfilled promises have hurt his chances at securing that seat in the next general election.

Mr Saunders said MICAL constituents are “simply disgusted” by Mr Gray’s performance as their MP. He said there are “basic things” Mr Gray could have assisted with, but hasn’t, such as repairing damaged roads and ensuring that schools are properly staffed.

He said these factors have “really worked against” the

V ALFRED GRAY Cabinet minister’s reputation in the constituency.

“Mr Saunders ought to at least tell the people that he might have been born in Inagua or from Inagua but has not been to Inagua in many years,” Mr Gray said in response. “Nobody knows him. They may know of him, but nobody knows him. “…He doesn’t know neither does anybody know him in Mayaguana. Nobody knows him in Acklins, nobody really knows him in

Crooked Island. He has been to each of those islands once, and if he thinks that is enough for people to know him he is very mistaken.

“He ought to tell you that he did not even know that there was a lighthouse in Crooked Island. That’s how strange he is to Crooked Island and the MICAL constituency. He knows nothing about the MICAL constituency other than his connection to Inagua.”

Mr Gray added: “So Walt

MAN CONVICTED OF FIREARM TRAFFICKING TO APPEAL

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MAN who maintains he was wrongly convicted of the trafficking of 16 firearms and assorted ammunition will now have his case heard in November in the Court of Appeal.

Trevis Demeritte, 40, appeared before Justices Dame Anita Allen, Jon Isaacs and Stella CraneScott on Tuesday for an expected substantive hearing concerning his appeal against conviction for the smuggling of 16 guns and 861 rounds of ammunition from Florida in August 2011.

However, it was revealed by his lawyer, Ian Cargill, that he had yet to receive the transcripts from the proceedings in Magistrate’s Court, leaving him unable to file submissions in relation to the appeal.

A date will be fixed in

November for the appeal to be heard.

On August 19, 2011 the guns and ammunition were discovered by police onboard the MV Sherice M, which makes stops at Bimini, Cat Cay and Potter’s Cay Dock in New Providence.

In July 2014, Demeritte and 53-year-old Patrick Rolle were convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment for their role in the seizure of the weapons and ammunition at Potter’s Cay Dock on the day in question.

They were each fined $6,000.

At trial, the prosecution presented evidence that Demeritte and his mother, Bronell Humes, picked up three shrink-wrapped pallets of groceries and appliances from the MV Sherice M. Police stopped their truck on suspicion that they had not paid the customs

duty, but the officers, upon a search, found guns and bullets hidden away in a television, washing machine and laundry detergent.

The items were shipped from Florida to Bimini in Rolle’s name and were then forwarded to Demeritte in New Providence. Rolle, at the time, worked as an assistant dock master at the Cat Cay Yacht Club.

Demeritte claimed he was picking up the items for his sister and a man whom he knew as Chico.

Humes, who was acquitted, testified that she travelled to Florida at the end of July 2011 with her daughter. She said her daughter purchased groceries, but she only bought clothing.

The gun trafficking offences had been committed prior to a November 2011 amendment to the Penal Code that set a mandatory sentencing range of four to seven years for firearm and ammunition possession.

Mandatory minimum sentences have since been abolished.

Olivia Pratt-Nixon appeared for the Crown in Tuesday’s hearing.

Saunders, he is starting off on the wrong foot and he is coming up against the wrong man. He knows if he wants to be honest, that that constituency had never been better represented than I have done. And you could go from island to island and they could tell you.

“There’s no way if I am able to run, that Walt Saunders will ever be able to beat me. I’ve beaten people who were better known than he was. That ain’t going to happen.”

Mr Gray also denied Mr Saunders’ claims that he has not represented the area well, highlighting a number of projects and/or repairs that are underway in the area.

“Mayaguana now has access to potable water or running water, Aquapure kind,” Mr Gray said. “It has a newly built road, it has a newly built airport, all of this in the last four and a half years. It has one of the best, if not the best, runways in the country. “(Mr Saunders) said that I had promised to build a runway or airport that was never built. That’s (not true) . The runway was

completed almost two years ago, and that’s to say how much he knows about the constituency. We are about to build a new terminal building in the next couple of weeks, and if those things for Mayaguana mean nothing to him, they mean a lot to the people in Mayaguana.

“I can tell you the roads in Acklins are being done over the last four-five months, that’s to show you how much he knows. And Acklins, when that road is finished will have probably the best roads in the Caribbean. “...In Crooked Island the roads have started being repaired from Landrail Point to Cove, the bridge that was washed out by the hurricane will be undergoing reconstruction, the schools are all opened, I haven’t heard any complaints from the teachers about not being staffed. And so Mr Saunders is speaking as a man who really does not know the island. He is grappling for straws. “ Mr Gray has represented MICAL since 2002. He is a native of Hard Hill, Acklins.

PAGE 6, Thursday, September 22, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

1.3M FILES LEAK IN BAHAMAS PAPERS from page one

For its part, Gerard Ryle, the director of ICIJ, said: “We see it as a service to the public to make this basic kind of information openly available. There is much evidence to suggest that where you have secrecy in the offshore world you have the potential for wrongdoing. So let’s eliminate the secrecy.”

Administered by the Registrar General’s Department, the Corporate Registry can be consulted in person or via its online registry. However, ICIJ argues that the information available online is often incomplete. The international watchdog also took issue with the $10 retrieval fee per document, pointing out that search fees were discouraged by the international association of company registries.

The ICIJ report read: “Bahamian authorities told ICIJ that the country honours its international obligations and cooperates with international authorities.

The Bahamas ‘does not tolerate dirty money’, authorities said, noting it ‘has in many areas been rated as ‘largely compliant’ with international standards’.”

Authorities did not comment on specific cases and defended the Bahamian

corporate registry.

“Fees for online registry searches covers the cost and upgrading of the online system,” said authorities, according to the ICIJ. Regarding the sharing of tax information, authorities said, according to ICIJ: “The Bahamas negotiates in good faith with all appropriate partners of the Global Forum for Transparency and exchange of information for tax purposes, subject to…international confidentiality and data security standards.”

ICIJ maintains that the new data does not specify whether directors named in connection with a Bahamian firm “truly control the company or act as nominees, employees-for-hire who serve as the face of the company but have no involvement in its operations”.

Although ICIJ explicitly states on its website that there is no suggestion of law breaking or impropriety, its reporting noted that “police, detectives and fraud investigators use registries as starting points on the trail of wrongdoing.”

The ICIJ report read: “The data released today involves the basic building blocks of offshore companies: a company’s name, its date of creation, the physical and mailing address in The Bahamas and, in some

cases, the company’s directors. At a basic level, this information is crucial to day-to-day commerce.”

The documents were leaked to the same media agency that received the massive ‘Panama Papers’, an exposé that rocked the industry back in April, German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung, and its timeline spans from 1990 to early 2016.

In a statement released last night, Minister of Financial Services Hope Strachan said the country remains committed to the transparency of its corporate registry.

“The data required by law to be maintained in the corporate registry is available to the public,” she said in a statement.

“The Bahamas is committed to the Registrar General’s Department transitioning to an entirely online service that meets international standards.

This transition commenced in 2016 with the advent of the online companies registry.”

Data protection breach The data leak has raised serious concerns for not only international clients but also domestic companies and individuals, according to Free National Movement Deputy Leader K Peter Turnquest. He

termed the disclosure as a “very serious data protection breach” that demonstrated the hostile international agenda to dismantle the country’s economic base. Against the backdrop of the Baha Mar debacle, and controversial stop prosecution orders issued by the Office of the Attorney General, Mr Turnquest said the latest breach of data security gave Prime Minister Perry Christie reasonable cause to reconsider the present ministerial appointments.

Mr Turnquest, the opposition’s shadow minister for finance, also sought to draw a parallel between the breach and the controversial Save the Bays email leak by Marathon MP Jerome Fitzgerald, arguing that the government would be hypocritical to condemn the Bahamas leaks but condone Mr Fitzgerald’s actions.

“This is very serious and the Attorney General (Allyson Maynard-Gibson) must respond to the threat and advise what steps have been taken to determine if in fact there has been a breach,” he said, “how extensive the problem has been, what information has been illegally accessed, any legal implications to the jurisdiction, have clients been notified of the breach and advised of steps to protect

themselves from financial, legal and personal risk, was an IT audit done, has the exposure access points been closed, have other data access points been reinforced and data security and protection been addressed?”

“We would all recall that it was a very recalcitrant Minister of the government (Mr Fitzgerald) who just this week indicated rather arrogantly and belligerently that he would leak private information coming into his possession from undisclosed sources again in similar circumstances. He was speaking about a similar alleged breach of confidential information that highlighted the serious damage that has been done to this sensitive financial services industry.

“We wonder if he has yet realised the danger of his actions and careless speech,” he added.

Topping international reports yesterday was the revelation that UK Home Secretary Amber Rudd served as a director of Bahamian firms Advanced Asset Allocation Fund and Advanced Asset Allocation Management between 1998 and 2000. While there is no suggestion that Ms Rudd used the companies to avoid tax, British newspapers yesterday were quick to point out that Ms Rudd was silent on her own involvement in

offshore investment funds when she defended former UK Prime Minister David Cameron whose father was named in the Panama Papers.

Another high-profile link unearthed from the leak is to former European Union Commissioner for Competition Policy Neelie Kroes.

Ms Kroes, a Dutch politician, served in the highranking post from 20042010, but never disclosed that she had been a director of a Bahamian company from 2000 until 2009.

Ms Rudd became an MP in 2010, and according to ICIJ, her lawyers have explained that she did not declare her directorship of the company because it was never operational, and blamed the listing on a clerical oversight that was not corrected.

In a report published by UK news site The Guardian on the “Bahamas Leaks”, one tax expert branded the country as the number one tax haven.

Mark Morris, an adviser to the European parliament and the Tax Justice Network, said: “They are going round the world saying ‘bring your untaxed money to us.’ People send money to Nassau by the billions because they know it’s safe.

Even compared to Switzerland, The Bahamas is now the number one tax haven.”

URCA SLAMMED FOR PROBE OF RODNEY MONCUR RADIO SHOW from page one

on audiovisual broadcasters because of an increase in broadcasting content that may have breached provisions of the Code of Practice for Content Regulation issued by the regulator on March 2, 2012.

The day before Friday’s announcement, URCA had given Navette Broadcasting & Entertainment Company Ltd., operator of ZSR 103.5 FM, an order to produce recordings of “Freedom March” because it was conducting an “URCAinitiated” investigation to determine if the station has

contravened any provisions of the code.

URCA, in a letter that The Tribune has obtained, demanded that Navette Broadcasting provide it with copies of the recordings “of the entirety of the programme” broadcasted on ZSR 103.5 FM from September 5-9, no later than September 21.

“If URCA is doing its job I do not understand why they are not capturing themselves all broadcasting,” Mr Munroe said at his East Bay Street law office yesterday. “They seem to be telling us that they don’t have a clue what they’re supposed to be doing, because they’re asking the radio station for the content, then you could edit whatever you like.

“That seems to suggest that they may be kind of clueless and not realise that they should be recording for themselves and storing for a designated period all programming they are responsible for regulating.

“Which is why I say I’m not sure that they really know what they’re supposed to be doing, and if you don’t know what you’re supposed to be doing then I have concerns if you know

WAYNE Munroe QC speaking yesterday alongside Rodney Moncur. how you’re supposed to be the regulator for the sector doing what you’re doing. It wants to ensure that what would boggle my mind that is done is in compliance they are not recording all (with the code),” she said. content and keeping it for a “There is no targeting. We are monitoring and will period.”

When contacted yester- continue to monitor based day, URCA spokesperson on the Act that gives us the Mavis Johnson-Collie said authority to do so.”

However, Mr Munroe Friday’s announcement and consequent “crackdown” said URCA, via its letter, was not one that was pro- gave a “specific demand” voked by any one individual for the recordings of Mr or entity, but rather because Moncur’s show, and as such it is conducting “appropri- raises questions over the ate monitoring exercises” regulator’s crackdown on the sector. of the sector.

“They should not be ask“URCA in its role as ing any broadcaster for any content, because they ought to have it,” he said. “And this is what happens when you try to mess with people and you don’t realise what you are saying or what you are doing, (because) what this discloses, if they really need it, is URCA hasn’t been doing its job up to September 2016 and counting.”

Mr Munroe also said his client will “not go quietly

Photo: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff anywhere and will not stand still while anybody attempts to abuse him.”

He added: “Any matter of freedom is a matter that I’m concerned with and it is very disturbing because we do not know who these folks are who are going to judge what is prevalent and acceptable in the Bahamas. It must be a wrong statement of the principle, because a lot of very bad things are prevalent and acceptable in The Bahamas, and that is the problem.”

According to URCA, providers of audiovisual media services in The Bahamas found in breach of the code are liable to sanctions in accordance with the Communications Act 2009, which may include a financial penalty, which may be up to 10 per cent of the content provider’s relevant turnover, and the suspension and/or revocation of the content provider’s license.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, September 22, 2016, PAGE 7

DNA candidate steps down from council role

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

NEVAR Smith, one of the Democratic National Alliance’s candidates for Grand Bahama, has decided to resign from the City of Freeport Council to pursue frontline politics.

Mr Smith - one of the youngest political candidates in the upcoming general election - made the announcement on Wednesday in Freeport, surrounded by family and friends.

“I’d like to inform the wider community, in particular the community of East Grand Bahama, of my decision to resign from all of the positions I currently hold in City Council with immediate effect,” he said.

Mr Smith held positions as a council representative for East Grand Bahama, deputy chief councillor and acting chief councillor at the City of Freeport Council District.

“My resignation comes as a result of me being nominated by the Democratic National Alliance

NEVAR SMITH (DNA) as a candidate to contest the next general election. Even though the Local Government Act does not dictate that councillors do

such a thing, this has been the precedent set by those that came before me and such a move would stand to encourage the impartial stance that Local Government councillors should take when carrying out their duties,” he said.

Mr Smith said he has “made it a point to serve the residents of the community with the highest level of integrity, and consistently do what he thought was in the best interest of the council.”

In July, Smith was one of three Grand Bahama candidates announced by the DNA. He is the party’s candidate for Marco City.

Also ratified were Leslie Lightbourne and Elkena Pinder, the DNA candidates for Pineridge and East Grand Bahama, respectively.

Supported by his family, pastor, and close friends, Mr Smith said the moment represented the closure of one chapter in his life, and the beginning of a new one.

He noted that serving as a local government councillor in the City of Freeport District for the last two years has been “one of the greatest honours of my life to date.”

“I have learnt a lot and also grew a lot as a leader. I gave it my best shot and I’m very proud of the contributions I’ve made while in council. I will forever be indebted to the people of East Grand Bahama for giving me such a wonderful opportunity to serve them in this way. I trust that they understand and accept my reason for doing this, and I have no doubt whatsoever that the remaining councillors will do us all proud for the rest of their time in office,” he said.

Mr Smith thanked DNA Leader Branville McCartney for the opportunity to serve as the DNA’s candidate for the constituency of Marco City.

“Just as I’ve served the residents of East Grand Bahama with integrity, compassion and with a spirit of excellence in council over the last two years, I look forward to doing the same thing for the residents of Marco City should they give me the chance to be their next Member of Parliament,” he said.

Mr Smith is the son of Lionel and Clarice Smith. He has one sister, Nivea Smith, an outstanding junior and national track athlete.

COLLIE WARNS BUTLER-TURNER MUST WIN OVER CONSTITUENTS from page one

“We went to Long Island for two reasons, the first was to throw our full support behind Mrs ButlerTurner and the second was to show persons that we did not just talk about unity, but we are showing that we are actually unified,” Mr Collie said.

“At the town meeting, Loretta supporters were there, the programme went smoothly and we had no interruptions or embarrassment. There were rumblings on the ground and pockets of opposition. There were some people on the site who also voiced their opposition to us, but we think she still

has good support. The leader and the party leadership believe that she is a true member of the team and we want to make it clear that the party supports Loretta Butler-Turner for the Long Island seat.

“That is not to diminish the perception that I, along with others, got the impression that there is a lot of work for (her) to do. I am not going to get into specifics, but she has to mend fences because there is a long road ahead of her.”

Mr Collie confirmed that Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins was in Long Island at the time of the meeting, but said that Dr Rollins has not told him or

the party that he intends to run independently in that constituency.

“Dr Rollins was there, he walked about and talked to people,” Mr Collie said.

“We are aware of the rumour on the ground that he is running as an independent candidate. He is a sitting member of Parliament for Fort Charlotte. We went there to support Mrs ButlerTurner. He has not said anything to me personally or the executives of the party as far as I know.”

On Tuesday, Mrs ButlerTurner accused Dr Rollins of attempting to “take over” the FNM’s town meeting by bringing his supporters to the event organised by the party to of-

ficially endorse her.

She told The Tribune that Dr Rollins came to the meeting with a “handful” of people who began campaigning for him to be the next representative for Long Island.

However, Mrs ButlerTurner said Dr Rollins and his group were outnumbered by her supporters and his attempt to “hijack” the event “fizzled”.

Mrs Butler-Turner said the meeting went so well that she is “even more convinced” that she will be reelected, despite reports that she was heckled and booed at the rally by a faction of FNM supporters who claim the party is imposing her on the constituency against

their wishes.

Last week Dr Rollins, a member of the FNM, said he would challenge Mrs Butler-Turner as an independent candidate if the voters on the island urge him to do so. He also said residents there were not satisfied with her representation.

His threat came hours before the FNM ratified Mrs Butler-Turner as well as Mark Humes for Ft Charlotte.

The party is working to repair its image after a contentious three-day convention in July, which saw Mrs Butler-Turner drop out of the leadership race against Dr Minnis hours before delegates were going to vote.

PUBLIC HEARING FOR PRIVILEGE COMMITTEE POSTPONED

PUBLIC hearings staged by the House of Assembly’s Committee on Privilege have been postponed, its Chairman Arnold Forbes confirmed yesterday.

Hearings were slated to start today; however, Mr Forbes did not provide any additional details up to press time.

The postponement comes amid calls from the legal community for the committee to adjourn its probe into Supreme Court Justice Indra Charles’ landmark ruling over the Save The Bays email leak in parliament.

Marathon MP Jerome Fitzgerald moved a resolution for the House Committee on Privilege to determine whether Justice Charles, and the two lawyers who brought the case, STB Director Fred Smith, QC, and Ferron Bethell should be held in contempt of the House of Assembly.

However, Mr Fitzgerald filed an appeal to have Justice Charles’ ruling overturned last week; raising speculation of whether there would be a conflict now that the matter was now under judicial consideration.

TO ADVERTISE IN THE TRIBUNE, CONTACT 502-2394

PAGE 8, Thursday, September 22, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Long Islanders make their voices heard over lacklustre Loretta A Young Man’s View

By ADRIAN GIBSON

T

HERE were political fireworks in Long Island on Monday. The embers are still smouldering and the talk about what transpired has graced the front pages of the newspapers, revealing that certain politicians are more proficient political spinners than Rumpelstiltskin.

Any claim that Long Island MP Loretta ButlerTurner had a successful candidate roll-out in Long Island would be nothing short of political shimmy dreamt up by those who are intent on propping up her candidacy, who are diehard supporters or who themselves exude a spirit of entitlement. The launch of Mrs Butler-Turner’s campaign in Long Island was an unmitigated disaster.

I could not write this column without having firsthand knowledge.

The persons who protested and booed Mrs ButlerTurner’s ratification by the Free National Movement (FNM) were not a small band of Dr Andre Rollins supporters, as she and those supporting her candidacy would have the nation believe.

Moreover, quite contrary to Mrs Butler-Turner’s claim that there were about 10 protesters, any investigative reporting would reveal that the dissenters numbered about half (and possibly more) of the estimated 125 in attendance. I have spoken to senior FNMs who were on site and persons

who attended the spectacle, including my father who is visiting his home town for two weeks.

My dad attended the launch and, while there, he called me and we sat on the phone for at least an hour.

I listened to the speeches of Mrs Butler-Turner, FNM deputy Peter Turnquest and FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis. I can personally attest to hearing boos and heckling. The jeering, booing and swearing I heard in the background, during Mrs Butler-Turner’s speech, left no doubt in my mind about the outlook of many in attendance.

My father described a scene unlike anything he had ever seen before at any previous FNM rally he has attended.

Quite honestly, I have discovered and I’m aware that the dissenters comprised everyday Long Islanders, the entire executive team of the former FNM association that campaigned for and played a humungous role in Mrs Butler-Turner’s election in 2012 and Long Islanders - like Jason Cartwright - who travelled from Nassau on the day of the event to express their opposition. By all accounts, the launch was a chaotic sham or, to use the words of former FNM association chairwoman Dyllis Smith, “a hot mess” These are the persons who were her generals on the ground. They have now abandoned her.

One elderly Long Islander told me that many resi-

LORETTA Butler-Turner and FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis at the FNM meeting at the Salt Pond Regatta site. dents from south and north in shock and amusement (I plishments during her five cannot recall a time when Long Island are united in am advised) during occa- year tenure as MP, no doubt the FNM had a rally in their opposition to the in- sions when he was within she would struggle to do so. Long Island and nearly 50 earshot of the colourful Undoubtedly, Mrs Butler- to 60 per cent of the entire cumbent MP. commentary Turner would likely refer to island - which was 3,024 inYes, Dr RolHurricane Joaquin and her habitants in the 2010 census lins was in at- ‘Long Islanders are of objectors.

So, for Mrs quick response in getting - didn’t turn out. It is untendance and industrious, strong Butler-Turner on the ground and assisting heard of that an FNM rally was acknowlto dismiss the relief leaders - Father Keith on Long Island would fetch edged by the willed, driven, concerns, ex- Cartwright, the Aranhas less than 500 people. master of cer- opinionated and, pressions of and the HeadKnowles orWhen I was growing up emonies. How- frankly, take no dissent and ganisation. But, what other in Long Island, we had no ever, I am reliaggravation of accomplishments can one social media and the interably informed prisoners. They that Dr Rol- have felt that their Long Island- point to? One notes that she net only became a fixture ers as merely defines herself as a “stellar in the early 2000s. And yet, lins had noth- concerns have being a “hand- MP”; however, that seem- with only word of mouth ing to do with ful” of Rollins ingly speaks to a politically and residential telephones, the protests. In been ignored for supporters tone deaf approach to rep- Long Islanders turned out fact, Dr Rol- far too long, by lins himself both the FNM and who tried to resentation of an island in droves whenever the “hijack” her gem.

FNM announced a rally, - if he wishes rally is simply school opening or some to state facts the PLP.’ misleading y her own admis- other event. Frankly, there and defend the sion, Mrs Butler- were and still are very few charges laid against him - and disingenuous.

I am advised that Long Turner said that outings to attend and so a would affirm the same. I was told that Dr Rollins Islanders are fed-up with “there were at least 100 or rally is one that people of observed the protests and Mrs Butler-Turner. If asked so people at the meeting”. all political stripes somemade the rounds, chuckling to list five major accom- I grew up in Long Island. I times attended. What hap-

B

THE TRIBUNE pened on Monday?

We live in the age of social media. These days, there is hardly the need for much advance planning as WhatsApp, Facebook and other apps are advertising and promotional tools that could spread the word of an event on an island in one hour. And so, Mrs Butler-Turner’s excuse that she “didn’t plan this meeting at all; I was on vacation and when I came back I was told the town meeting was to take place”, is of no moment.

What’s more, I am reliably advised by high-ranking FNMs that Mrs ButlerTurner was made aware of the launch of her candidacy well in advance of Monday’s rally.

Throughout the week, I have been inundated by phone calls and messages from Long Island. I am informed that the crowd became irate and angry when they were not afforded the opportunity to express their concerns to the party’s leadership. Rather than a rally, residents asserted that they expected a town hall style meeting where they could communicate their issues and concerns for their island and their support for, or opposition to, the ratification of Mrs ButlerTurner.

That was not to be and, upon hearing of the impending protests, the launch format switched to a full-blown rally. If anyone knows Long Islanders, they would be aware that they are industrious, strong willed, driven, opinionated and, frankly, take no prisoners. Long Islanders have felt that their concerns have been ignored for far too long, by both the FNM and the Progressive Liberal Party.

The resistance of Long Islanders to be politically shoved around was demonstrated in 2002, when former educator Larry Cartwright was elected to the House of Assembly as an Independent candidate.

I can vividly recall my own family breaking ranks to vote for Mr Cartwright. The industriousness of Long Islanders was again on display when we led the charge

Thursday, September 22, 2016, PAGE 9

Carnival report delay just doesn’t add up

I

FNM chairman Sidney Collie with party leader Dr Hubert Minnis at the Long Island meeting. to provide relief to and as- will vote based on perfor- Butler-Turner “ever resist our islanders decimated mance. Dr Rollins cannot motely imagines one not to do what I have done for the be a supporter, she would

by Hurricane Joaquin. people. He has his own con- cut you off and pass you hroughout the day stituency, does he not? Why as if she doesn’t know you, on Monday (prior isn’t he running to be their notwithstanding that you to the rally), the representative? The people previously campaigned and FNM’s senior leadership of Long Island only need to voted for her.” If this is true ask the people - and by all accounts it is team met with of Fort Char- such a dismissive approach prominent “Throughout the lotte what cannot work in Long IsLong Islanders kind of repre- land. who undoubt- island, people edly expressed purport to having sentation they Throughout the island, have gotten people purport to having their misgivfrom Dr Rol- been aggressively or disreings about been aggressively lins. There is a spectfully spoken to by Mrs Mrs Butler- or disrespectfully reason he isn’t Butler-Turner. Whilst she Turner’s repre- spoken to by Mrs running there may still have supporters in sentation and as an inde- Long Island, the numbers potential can- Butler-Turner. pendent.” didacy. Many Whilst she have dwindled. At present, I live in Fort regardless of the grandof them have may still have Charlotte and standing in the press and told me about I will, in no spin doctoring by Butlerthose meetings supporters in way, proclaim Turner devotees, the FNM and what was Long Island, the that Dr Rol- runs a real risk of losing said therein. numbers have lins is a great that seat to an Independent.

I shall not diMP. Frankly, It is likely that we could see vulge their dwindled.” as a constitu- a repeat of the general elecnames here as several of them are civil ent, I am disappointed. This tion result in 2002. servants and/or have asked is no defence of Rollins; It is time for Mrs Butlerhowever, when Mrs Butler- Turner to engage in deep me not to do so.

I can personally attest to Turner recently referred to introspection. It is time that what I heard on that phone his performance as a Mem- she seeks to at least undercall with my father and what ber of Parliament as “lack- stand why a sizeable numlustre at its best”, the same ber of islanders - including I have been told.

Recently, Mrs Butler- description - I am advised - her entire former executive Turner told The Tribune: “I could aptly apply to her per- team - are put off by her. have been a stellar MP and formance in Long Island.

As a lawyer, we rarely There are Long Island- give free advice but, in this I trust the people of Long Island, when they make ers who complain that Mrs instance and as a columnist, their decision, it will be the Butler-Turner’s representa- I would proffer the above right one. There is always tion is centred on political for Mrs Butler-Turner’s competition in an election, cliques and sycophants who consideration. you will always run against she views as supporters. someone, but I have no fear One prominent Long IsComments and responses of Dr Rollins. The people lander told me that if Mrs to ajbahama@hotmail.com

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N April, it was revealed by Bahamas National Festival Commission Chairman Paul Major that the government would spend $7m to host this year’s Junkanoo Carnival.

It was also publicised that international artists Destra, Wyclef Jean and Tarrus Riley, among others, had been contracted to perform in the festival. The artists, we were told, were paid at their international market rate: about $30,000 for Destra, a Trinidadian soca singer, and about $70,000 for Wyclef Jean, a Haitianborn Grammy-award winning artist.

At the time, I wrote: “I have spoken to friends in the music industry. I once dabbled in promotion and event organisation, from boat cruises to other events. I highly doubt that Destra’s market value is $30,000. It’s more around $8,000. Moreover, Wyclef has not had a hit song in a few years. He has fallen off the music scene. I would like the Commission to produce evidence of other venues where Wyclef - in recent time - earned $70,000.

Frankly, $25,000 would have been a good pay day for him.”

Not long before that, Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe - whose ministry has charge of the Carnival - was reported as estimating that the fete would cost about $3m.

To date, we have no idea how another $4m was added to that figure, nor have we received an itemised list of expenses and payments.

Weeks after the official Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival economic and revenue report was completed, Mr Wilchcombe and Mr Major were at odds over who should release the information to the media.

In one instance, Mr Wilchcombe told The Tribune that the BNFC had already briefed Prime Minister Perry Christie on the report and said BNFC of-

ficials were still putting the finishing touches on their presentation to the media.

Mr Wilchcombe reportedly told The Nassau Guardian that the report would likely be released by the BNFC on September 1. When contacted on the purported release date, Mr Major told The Tribune that it was the “government’s responsibility”, not his, to reveal the findings. Major asserted that “the report is done but it is the government’s report and they have to release it.

He said: “They are the principals, it is their carnival and it is their report to speak about.”

So, looking at the comments of Wilchcombe and Major, one can make an assessment and decide who they believe for themselves.

That said, the buck stops with Mr Wilchcombe. He is the minister with oversight and he owes taxpayers an accounting for the monies spent. We want to know now!

There is no pointing fingers and played out “sweet mouth Willie” moments about there being “so much involved” or ensuring that “all the t’s are crossed and i’s dotted” that we are remotely interested in believing. We can already conclude that the Carnival was a flop. However, we need to see the numbers; we want the cold, hard facts. We are tired of lame excuses.

Mr Wilchcombe, like others in the Christie Cabinet, is demonstrating a condescension, contempt and lack of accountability that Bahamians have come to abhor.

Is the government cooking the numbers? Given that we are in election season, is a more politically palatable report being prepared? What is the reason for delay?

This is demonstrative of why we desperately need a Freedom of Information Act. Comments and responses to ajbahama@hotmail.com

PAGE 10, Thursday, September 22, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Sandals case move ‘is an abomination to justice’ from page one

She castigated the Christie administration for disrupting the judicial process, which she called a glaring example of the government’s decision to side with foreign interests over hard working Bahamians.

The former deputy leader of the Free National Movement said this constituted an “abuse of power.”

When contacted yesterday, Mrs Maynard-Gibson refused to answer questions on the matter, telling The Tribune that the attorney general does not speak about nolle prosequis.

It emerged on Tuesday that on the same day that the nolle prosequi was issued, the Cable Beach Resort terminated nearly 600 workers to facilitate a $4m renovation. This move sparked outrage from union executives who accused the Christie administration of failing to be transparent regarding its actions and intentions.

“The revelation of a nolle prosequi by the attorney general, which was expediently and suspiciously issued the very day that approximately 600 Bahamians were made redundant by Sandals Resort, is

THE SANDALS resort, where 600 staff were made redundant. a blatant demonstration of foreign interests over hard the callous and uncaring working Bahamians. attitude of the PLP toward “The Bahamas court, the the rights of Bahamian arbiter and proper place for workers,” the FNM’s shad- justice to be carried out for ow minister of labour and all, is being circumvented social development said in by a heavy-handed, nona press statement yester- transparent and unaccountday. able administration, which “The PLP is disrupting has a habit of siding with the judicial process and foreign interests at the explaying fast and loose with pense of Bahamians.” the rule of law by intervenShe added: “The PLP has ing in a private matter that over-reached. It is acting in affects the lives of hun- an autocratic and dictatodreds of Bahamian work- rial manner. It is denying ers and their families. The the constitutional rights of government has secretly Bahamians seeking justice intervened in a court mat- through our judicial system. ter, clearly taking sides with “The Free National

Movement condemns this reprehensible act by the government. It is an abuse of power by the Perry Christie-led government and by Attorney General Allyson Maynard Gibson.”

Mrs Butler-Turner said the PLP must be removed from office, as it was clear the party was in the business of making secret deals to preserve political power.

“Instead of allowing the courts to decide the arguments on both sides of the case, the attorney general stepped in the middle of the case,” she added, seemingly becoming “the judge and jury by not giving the workers a chance to state their case in a fair and impartial forum.

“The people have every right to be extremely suspicious that the attorney general issued this secret order on the same day that approximately 600 Sandals workers were made redundant. Was the PLP government conspiring with the owners of the Sandals Resort?

“It is time for the PLP government to start putting the interests of Bahamians first. Secretly making deals made to preserve political power has consequences for the Bahamian people. The FNM will continue to fight for all Bahamians and to

make their interests paramount,” she said.

Mrs Maynard-Gibson’s instructions to issue the nolle prosequi were described

by Trade Union Congress (TUC) President Obie Ferguson on Tuesday as “adding insult to injury.”

He said the entire trade union was “very shocked” by the move and accused the Christie administration of betraying and deceiving the Bahamas Hotel Maintenance and Allied Workers Union (BHMAWU) along with all workers.

Mr Ferguson pointed out that despite the TUC’s BHMAWU affiliate, and other trade unions, engaging in talks with the government for more than a month in a bid to resolve the Sandals situation and other matters, neither the prime minister nor Mrs Maynard-Gibson disclosed that the nolle prosequi was issued.

He added that the directive was only brought to light during court proceedings on Monday.

The directive to the court “authorises” and requires it to enter into its records that the proceedings against Sandals and two senior executives “be discontinued.”

This halts the action launched against the resort, its general manager, Gary Williams, and financial

controller, Fitzroy Walker, by five officers of the BHMAWU who had alleged that Sandals Royal Bahamian was in breach of the Industrial Relations Act by failing/refusing to “treat or enter into negotiations” with the union.

They had also claimed that the resort, and Mr Williams and Mr Walker, had violated the Industrial Tribunal Relations Act by intimidating and terminating employees. The resort, and its executives, had denied all allegations.

Sandals came under fire for making the workers redundant in order to conduct improvements at the resort.

The union charged that by doing so the hotel had engaged in “union busting.”

Labour Minister Shane Gibson told Parliament last month that the resort failed to notify the government of its intentions in good time and that it was a retaliatory attack on the BHMAU. He expressed dissatisfaction with the resort’s decision to make workers redundant rather than laying them off and have them return to work when the resort reopens in October.

Last month, Sandals hosted a four-day job fair at which the terminated workers could re-apply along with new candidates.

PLP CHAIRMAN BACKS AG FOR ENDING CASE AGAINST RESORT from page one matter ongoing in light of the fact that the Bahamas Hotel Maintenance and Allied Workers Union (BHMAWU) has also initiated civil proceedings against the resort.

Yesterday, Attorney General Allyson MaynardGibson refused to answer questions about the nolle prosequi, telling The Tribune that the attorney general never speaks publicly on such matters.

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“The Progressive Liberal Party takes note of the headline story in one of the local dailies on the nolle prosequi issued by the Office of the Attorney General in a private prosecution matter involving the management of the Sandals Resort,” Mr Roberts said in a statement.

“We also note the public position taken by a labour executive on the matter.

“We are advised that the Bahamas Hotel Maintenance and Allied Workers

Union (BHMAWU) also initiated civil proceedings against the hotel executives and the Office of the Attorney General determined that it was an abuse of the judicial process to have the matter simultaneously litigated in the criminal courts, thus the nolle prosequi.

“In our view the Office of the Attorney General is correct in its judgment and the Progressive Liberal Party supports the decision.

When all of the PR, the political spin and posturing

are said and done, it falls on the government to ensure the integrity of the country’s duly constituted public institutions,” Mr Roberts added.

On Tuesday, it was revealed that Mrs Maynard-Gibson issued a nolle prosequi to the Magistrate’s Court to discontinue the criminal action against the resort and its two executives on August 15, the same day the hotel terminated more than 600 employees.

Obie Ferguson, the Trade

Union Congress (TUC) president, described this as adding “insult to injury.”

On Tuesday, Mr Ferguson said that the entire trade union movement was “very, very, very shocked” by Mrs Maynard-Gibson’s directive and accused the government of betraying and deceiving the BHMAWU, and all workers, by not being “up front” about its actions and intentions.

The order halts the action launched against the resort, its general manager, Gary Williams, and

financial controller, Fitzroy Walker, by five officers of the BHMAWU who had alleged that Sandals Royal Bahamian was in breach of the Industrial Relations Act by failing/refusing to “treat or enter into negotiations” with the union.

They had also claimed that the resort, Mr Williams and Mr Walker, had violated the Industrial Tribunal Relations Act by intimidating and terminating employees. The resort, and its executives, had denied all allegations.

READERS REACT TO NOLLE PROSEQUI ON SANDALS CASE THE news that court proceedings against Sandals Royal Bahamian and two of its senior executives brought by union officials had been dropped by the

9/9/16 6:27 PM

Attorney General prompted a lively reaction on tribune242.com.

Realfreethinker said: “Man, this is getting juicier by the day. This govern-

ment is nothing more than a trainwreck.”

John asked: “Does this also mean that government will discontinue its effort to pass a law prosecuting employers who terminate employees before notifying the government first? Have they now come to realise how much they were intruding on the freedoms and rights of employees without realising that, at the end of the day, employers hold the key to their businesses and will have the last say? Even if it means, in the case of foreign owned businesses, that they pack up and move away. The fact is that it is always a sad and distressing occasion for anyone to lose their job . . . But the government has put National Insurance in place as a safety net for when this happens.

Unions should be the ones fighting for their workers and not the government.

At least not to the extent of taking workers to court.”

Sickened had this to say: “If this doesn’t cause the union to ‘shut down’

the country then nothing will and the union leaders should resign in shame.

This government needs a 50 thousand man protest in order to get the message that what they are doing is WRONG!!!!”

To which Sheeprunner12 responded with: “Agreed . . . this should be the last straw for right-thinking Bahamians who want to preserve the little that we have left to call authentically Bahamian . . . This calls for a General Strike like 1958.”

Publius criticised both sides of the Sandals debate: “The problem? Everyone on both sides of this is a worthless politician - the government and the union leaders. Everyone in that room is looking out for their own interests making

declarations they know to be untrue in order to get a certain reaction from the hearers. Anyone with common sense in these matters had to recognize that the government knew of and sanctioned the layoffs beforehand, and anyone with common sense in these matters also had to recognize that these union leaders were making ‘shut down the country’ comments in front of cameras, but were playing with these government officials behind closed doors. Now they are crying foul.”

SP said: “Obie Ferguson and big John Pinder stupidly allowed themselves to be bamboozled, hoodwinked and made to look like jackasses again. After all these years of ‘talking’ these guys have accomplished NOTHING for their members.

Enough talk! Shut the dam’ country down and force this lousy, corrupt government OUT NOW!” • Don’t miss your chance to join the debate on tribune242.com.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, September 22, 2016, PAGE 11

College in move to monitor air quality AS THE authorities continue to work to address the air quality issues associated with the New Providence landfill, Aquinas College is taking the lead in implementing a school air monitoring programme to better protect its students, teachers, administrators, staff and parents.

After media reports raised concerns about air quality, particularly for people who live, work and play close to the landfill, the Aquinas College Development Committee took the proactive step in an effort to reduce the exposure of the school community to pollution by investing in a Sensidyne Nephelometer and a Dylos Air Quality Monitor.

The equipment will be used to measure levels of toxic air pollution around the college in Gladstone Road.

Dr Danny Davis, Assistant Professor, School of Chemistry, Environmental and Life Sciences/ Director, Institutional Strengthening at the College of The Bahamas gave a presentation to the Aquinas College Development Committee which addressed the process for monitoring particulate air quality and the application of air quality monitoring instruments. Dr Davis, who is also an Aquinas alumni (Class of 1981) and an Aquinas parent, said that the main objective of the air monitoring initiative is to collect air quality data and use the data to make informed decisions, such as under what

conditions should students with asthma limit outdoor activities or at what point should school be closed.

“By using these instruments and analysing the data, we are trying to quantify what we have all been subjectively trying to say,” Dr Davis said.

According to the College, the preliminary stage of the Aquinas Air Quality Initiative involves the setting up of the equipment and the establishment of baseline data. Dr Davis said air pollution is a global problem, but there has to be a process in place which guides how the problem is addressed and practical solutions to reduce personal exposure to pollution. He explained that presently not much is known about the air quality, simply that on days when the landfill is burning it’s not good. The effects of the fire are felt but there is no basis for the levels of toxic air pollution or the extent of the issues.

The Aquinas College Air Quality Initiative is a testament to how the support and involvement of all stakeholders (parents, alumni and teachers) contributes to the well being of Catholic Schools and the Catholic Board of Education (CBE). The school will run the air monitoring program and the entire school community will participate in the execution of the programme. Dr Davis will train administrators and teachers to read and monitor the data and maintain the instruments.

“This initiative is impor-

MEMBERS of the Aquinas Development Committee listen intently to a presentation by Dr Danny Davis entitled ‘Monitoring of Particulate Air Quality’. tant because it is a concrete demonstration of the care and concern that the CBE and the Administration of Aquinas College have for the wellbeing of the students in our schools”, said Most Reverend Patrick Christopher Pinder, Archbishop of Nassau. “The engagement of students in this initiative will enhance their classroom experience with a practical component. The awareness of respecting the environment, especially the air we have to breathe will also be a spinoff.

“I am hoping that the programme will also advance social awareness of the pollution of the air by fire from the dump (landfill) and the occasional bush fires.

Increased awareness may lead to the establishment of an air quality index for the country or at least for New Providence. This would be a wonderful contribution of this AC initiative to the life of the Bahamian community as a whole.”

AQUINAS College air monitoring equipment - the Sensidyne Nephelometer (right) and Dylos Air Quality Monitor (left).

PAGE 12, Thursday, September 22, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

THE BAHAMAS Feeding Network giving out $6,000 in vouchers to 60 single mothers with three or more children yesterday at Solomons Super Centre.

Photos: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff

FEEDING NETWORK HELPS SINGLE MOTHERS FOR 60 single mothers with little or no support and young ones to feed, relief came today during a presentation by the Bahamas Feeding Network, thanks to support from AML Foods Limited.

The women – each selected by their churches or community leaders – were gifted with vouchers for staples, produce and foodstuffs and told to go on a shopping spree for the healthiest foods they could find.

SOME of those attending yesterday’s event.

“When we launched the Bahamas Feeding Network nearly three years ago, we knew that hunger affected one in every eight people in The Bahamas who live below the poverty level, but it was not until we reached out on a daily basis partnering with churches, helping in soup kitchens, plating food in feeding centres, that we fully understood the desperation,” said Philip Smith, executive director of the organisation.

“And of all the people

we help feed – the indigent, the elderly who are often too proud to admit they are hungry, those who have fallen through the spaces of a safety net – there was no group that needed help more than single mothers.

So on this day, we want to recognise their struggle and make life a little bit easier for them by distributing these $100 food coupons to 60 women, each of whom has multiple children and must find a way

to support and feed them without a spouse who could share the burden.”

Renea Bastian, of AML, said: “As a company we want to help to ensure that more people have access to the foods they need. We envision a day when no individual has to wonder where his or her next meal will come from and that’s why we have pledged to donate $100,000 to the Bahamas Feeding Network, over the next three years.”

Judge rules site visit needed to Nygard home from page one

“The fifth respondent (Peter Nygard) has possession of the property at Nygard Cay which is adjacent to the area, the subject of the purported dredging. In order to determine whether the fifth respondent was in contempt of court and in breach of the order filed on June 13, 2013 it is necessary for the court to inspect the locus in quo (the scene of the event) to determine the extent of the breach. Additionally, in order to determine whether the court should order the relief sought in the judicial review application, it would be necessary to visit the locus in quo to determine the extent of the dredging and other matters alleged in the judicial review.

“The court would be able to have a full inspection of the property including the groyne and the dock and other matters related to the property at Nygard Cay,” the judge added.

Private property Justice Bain acknowledged that Nygard Cay is private property but stressed that the property is now the subject on an action in the Supreme Court, to which Mr Nygard is a party.

The judge relied on a number of legal authorities, including provisions in Article 21 of the Constitution, Section 170 of the Evidence Act and a case authority Goold v Evans & Co 1951 to justify her decision.

She ordered that the ruling be personally served on Mr Nygard with substitute

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service also being made on Elliot Lockhart, QC. After Justice Bain gave her ruling, Mr Lockhart applied for leave to appeal the ruling and stay of the proceedings and said if the court wished a formal application, he could do so within 14 days.

Attorney Fred Smith, QC, who appeared for environmental group Save the Bays (STB), strongly objected to the applications, suggesting that Mr Nygard’s lawyer was seeking to “hijack” the progress of the matter.

“This matter will never be heard and that is his intention,” Mr Smith stressed.

Mr Lockhart proceeded to ask that former and present Directors of Physical Planning Michael Major and Charles Zonicle be subpoenaed, as well as hedge

fund billionaire Louis Bacon, who is Mr Nygard’s neighbour, to give evidence at the end of STB’s case.

“We would reserve the right to call Mr Louis Bacon for cross-examination on his affidavit filed on November 18, 2015,” Mr Lockhart added.

Mr Smith, in response, suggested that Mr Lockhart’s client was “making a mockery of the process.”

“We’ve appeared several times for direction on this matter. They were asked this already and there was a deadline by which they were to serve notice of which (persons) they wished to cross-examine.

“Quite some time ago, we the applicants had identified whose affidavits we were relying on to prove our case. We’re not relying on the affidavit filed and

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sworn by Louis Bacon so Mr Bacon is not a prospect to cross-examine on,” Mr Smith stressed.

Mr Lockhart took offence to the accusations laid against his client and stressed to Justice Bain that he and his client “have a right to be heard.”

The judge said their right to be heard was not an issue, but noted that they were given an opportunity to indicate who they would call.

“It is not on the eve of trial of the motion for Mr Nygard to seek to have subpoenas issued,” Mr Smith interjected.

Disregard of court Mr Smith said this current action is only a further demonstration of Mr Nygard’s apparent disregard for the power of the court, as was the basis of their motion to have him committed for breaching the court’s order notwithstanding an injunction.

He added that consistent with directions given by this court, Mr Nygard filed a list of persons he wished to cross-examine and Mr Bacon’s name was not on it.

Mr Lockhart conceded the latter point.

Mr Smith decried Mr Nygard’s “mockery of the process” and stressed that “there comes a time when he must be made to stop.”

Mr Lockhart’s applications for leave to appeal, a stay and the subpoenas will be heard on Tuesday, September 27.

Justice Bain was asked to recuse herself from committal proceedings involving Mr Nygard through a notice of motion filed in the Supreme Court by his former lawyer on the grounds of bias.

However, in January, Justice Bain said Mr Nygard had not proved there was evidence of bias or apparent bias towards him and found the accusations to be “scandalous”.

The Court of Appeal, in June, affirmed Justice Bain’s rejection of the application in an appeal of the decision by the Lyford Cay resident. A published decision is expected to follow.

At a hearing in 2015, Justice Bain had ordered that Mr Nygard be present in court the next day for the committal hearing against him regarding the alleged October 2014 dredging at his Lyford Cay property and to determine whether

he was in breach of an injunction against him.

Mr Nygard was served with the second motion outside the courtroom.

In a previous affidavit in support of Justice Bain recusing herself from Mr Nygard’s committal hearings on the grounds of bias, the Canadian’s former attorney Keod Smith stated that both he and his client took the position that Mr Nygard was ordered to remain in court that day “for the sole purpose of affording and/or facilitating” Fred Smith, QC, in serving the fashion designer with the legal notice, notwithstanding Save The Bay’s (STB) alleged numerous failed attempts to previously serve Mr Nygard with the documents.

No permits In that affidavit, dated September 17, 2015, Keod Smith also claimed that neither Justice Bain nor Fred Smith indicated to Mr Nygard or his lawyer that STB “had or was about to commence another contempt application.”

STB, formerly known as the Coalition to Save Clifton Bay, refuted Mr Nygard’s recusal application, arguing that it was “transparently calculated to delay the progress of the first committal application” against Mr Nygard.

STB’s battle with Mr Nygard over the construction/development activities at his Lyford Cay home stem from allegations that the activities have led to substantial growth of the property.

The group claims that the Lyford Cay resident has almost doubled his property’s size, from 3.25 acres to 6.1 acres, since he acquired it in 1984, by allegedly reclaiming Crown land from the sea. The advocacy group has alleged that Mr Nygard achieved this without the necessary permits and approvals, claims that have been denied by the fashion designer.

That comes against the backdrop of Justice Bain’s ruling in 2013 that until the conclusion of judicial review proceedings challenging the legality of the construction of a groyne and the dredging of the seabed off Nygard Cay, neither activity could continue. However, since then, STB has submitted photographic evidence in court alleging that the opposite has happened.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, September 22, 2016, PAGE 13

Marching for Peace

THE ROTARY Clubs held their March of Solidarity for the International Day of Peace yesterday. Pictured are some of those taking part.

THE INTERNATIONAL Peace Day Service was sponsored by RCOB Road to Peace Committee in partnership with the Bahamas Scouts Association, and was held at Salem Union Baptist Church.

BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPORT CITI Bahamas was pleased to be the event co-sponsor for The Rotary Club of West Nassau’s second annual “Back-toSchool Jamboree” for the community of Gambier Village.

Through this initiative, both organisations helped approximately 150 children with their back to school preparation for the upcoming school year.

Citi and The Rotary Club of West Nassau partnered to provide, a back to school kit which included a new backpack, composition books, pens, pencils and other school supplies. At the event, the young boys also received fresh haircuts, and all of the children got free health and dental screenings. The fun-filled day was capped off with music, burgers, hotdogs and drinks, as well as hours of boundless fun in the bouncing castles.

Margaret Butler, Citi country officer for the Bahamas, expressed her pleasure in working with the service organisation.

“Citi is pleased to partner with The Rotary Club of West Nassau in providing back to school supplies, health education and an afternoon of family fun ahead of the new school year,” Ms Butler said.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to give back to

the community.”

Citi’s sponsorship of the event is part of a larger initiative focusing on programmes that help youth with confidence, educational goals, and ultimately, employment and entrepreneurship.

President of the Rotary Club of West Nassau Craig Butler shared why his club collaborated with the financial institution.

“The Rotary Club of West Nassau believes strongly in partnering with corporate Bahamas to give back to the communities it is a part of, as all of our members are business and community leaders in their own right. We chose to partner with Citi, as we view them as an organisation with similar values – a desire to give back to their community,” Mr Butler said.

“We would like to thank the Gambier Village Association for the opportunity to work along with them in identifying children within their community who needed the assistance. The Rotary Club of West Nassau views this as a signature event for us, and looks forward to partnering with other communities in the western district each year to improve the lives of all in our communities,” said Mr Butler.

The event took place on September 3.

SOME of those at the Back to School Jamboree in Gambier Village.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

PAGE 14, Thursday, September 22, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

To tackle poverty, we must tackle crime

Your Say

By ROCHELLE DEAN THE Bahamas has seen crime rise at an alarming rate in the past few years.

With a global recession and crime on the rise, the country has seen a major decline for many of its nationals in all socio-economic classes. Many of its social ills have also come to the forefront as well as an overwhelming decline in national programmes and/ or quality social and civic organisations that can assist the country in fostering community development and overall growth.

According to an article in The Tribune on June 22, the Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage announced that crime is down by 29 per cent. While this is a positive for the country, The Bahamas must look beyond statistics and address the crime issue with a full understanding of it.

ROCHELLE DEAN The crime rate has a significant impact on the economy and each individual in the country. The costs of crime significantly affect each individual and have lasting impacts on everyone.

Crime has tangible and intangible effects on the economy. Crime affects the the economy by placing a financial burden on all taxpayers and forces the government to increase needs for police, courts and corrections facilities. However, the intangible costs to vic-

tims are far more labouring.

Psychological trauma, loss of wages through seeking medical services as well as loss of property, productivity and reduced quality of life for crime victims, as well as those who live in fear of being victims of crime, all produce an ailing society which creates unhappiness, unresolve and depression.

The Bahamas must now look at other measures beyond simply facilitating criminals and seek new rehabilitative programs that come from a place of compassion. The country must seek to find new measures to reduce crime by reengaging previous offenders who would have served their sentences and allow these individuals opportunities for economic growth.

This will impact the economy immeasurably and reduce the tangible costs that have left the country with an immense deficit.

STUDENTS queue for free breakfast as the College of The Bahamas chapter of Phi Beta Sigma marks the United Nations International Day of Peace.

Those in authority must look at the effect that crime has on the military and those who are paid to protect the country, particularly the Royal Bahamas Police Force who also are subject to psychological trauma. The Bahamas must look closely at how the nation views mental illness. The government must address the health of the police and Defence Force officers; however, the reality is that the taxpayers will pay to ensure that they are not victims of the criminals or the behaviour of individuals who are exposed to these criminals. If the country is not addressing these issues then we have seemingly lost control and left it in a chaotic state where crime continues to reign.

As the world evolves so does the criminal element.

Crime has become more psychological and therefore the entire country is exposed to criminality that

can not be measured and, sometimes, unable to be determined or defined.

The Bahamas must now change its consciousness and look at the major impact that crime has on the country and determine new measures that can change economic outcomes. The Bahamas must resolve to take control of its economic activity by giving each individual the opportunity to do so but also exercising those intangible attributes that are hard to measure or discern but are the things which are the contributing factors in those people who build and decide to thrive.

These intangible things are compassion and remorse and are important to human development.

Crime only thrives when people do not. The Bahamas must move away from barbariac, animalistic reasoning which promotes excessive spending to remain in a society that is build on

fear and exclusion. The Bahamas must consider the impact that crime has on everyone.

The Bahamas must find these intangible factors that serve as a bridge to the costs of crime as a means to building the community, society and the country.

The country must begin to progress as new elements of crime have manifested and the country is simply still in the dark ages as it relates to crime and its overall impact of the nation.

Poverty alleviation begins with a complete look at crime and its effects.

Rochelle R Dean is a Bahamian scholar, research fellow and peer-reviewer and a theory writer of economics presently completing a Bachelors of Science dual degree in economics and public administration with Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia. Comments to dean_rochelle@ yahoo.com

CARLTON KNOWLES, Director of Social Action for the College of the Bahamas chapter of Phi Beta Sigma, at the free breakfast initiative yesterday.

PHI BETA SIGMA COOKS UP A RECIPE FOR PEACE AT COLLEGE TO MARK the United Nations International Day of Peace, the College of The Bahamas chapter of Phi Beta Sigma treated the college community with a free breakfast yesterday.

The United Nations General Assembly declared September 21 as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace.

“We wanted to give back to the college community and the fact that it fell on the International Day of Peace

was even better considering the fraternity’s mascot is the dove which is the international symbol for peace,” said Carlton Knowles, Beta Beta Lambda’s director of social action and breakfast organiser.

The day of peace is more than just ending wars but also about building a global society that is free of poverty and where everyone shares in prosperity and the global family growing together and supporting each other.

“We see this as going hand in hand with the fraternity’s motto of Culture for Service, Service to Humanity,” Mr Knowles said.

“We seek to bring that spirit of community to everyone not only in our own community but hopefully worldwide.”

The Beta Beta Lambda chapter, charted on November 5, 2004, was the first Black Greek lettered organisation chartered on the campus of The College of The Bahamas.

FREE breakfast is served up at the College of The Bahamas.

FAMILIES SETTLE LAWSUITS OVER EL FARO SINKING JACKSONVILLE Associated Press

TWO more families of crew members who died on the freighter that sunk last year in Bahamian waters during a hurricane have settled their wrongful death lawsuits.

The families settled with Tote Services Inc and Tote Maritime Puerto Rico,

the owner and operator of El Faro, respectively, for $500,000 each plus an undisclosed sum for economic losses.

The 790-foot-long ship sank on October 1 after losing propulsion and getting caught in Hurricane Joaquin off Crooked Island.

All 33 aboard died, and all of their families filed claims.

The number of settled cases

now stands at 23.

The Florida Times-Union reported that the latest settlements are with the families of Theodore Quammie, of Jacksonville, and Steven Shultz, of Roan Mountain, Tennessee.

Investigators are transcribing 26 hours of audio from the ship’s bridge after crews recovered El Faro’s data recorder.

TROPICAL STORM LISA “STEADY” IN ATLANTIC TROPICAL Storm Lisa maintained its strength over the eastern Atlantic Ocean yesterday but poses no threat to land and is expected to weaken soon according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC).

The storm’s maximum

sustained winds yesterday were steady at near 50mph.

The NHC says the storm is forecast to weaken by today.

Lisa was centred about 580 miles northwest of the Cape Verde Islands and is moving north west at 8mph.

Tropical Depression Karl’s maximum sustained winds were also holding steady at near 35mph, but the storm’s forward speed had dropped to 9mph.

Karl was centred about 800 miles southeast of Bermuda at 8pm yesterday.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, September 22, 2016, PAGE 15

CHUBASCO Charters hit the Wahoo near Nassau.

COLIN Pinder with a nice Rockfish near Exuma.

THE Wahoo season is swinging into action with plenty of catches around the northern Bahamas this week.

Keep checking the Bahamas Sport Fishing Network (BSFN) expert page for fishing reports throughout The Bahamas: this will be helpful in tracking the “hot spots” and providing advice on gear and fishing methods

being used.

For a sample of the spectacular fishing to be had in The Bahamas, expert advice, tournament dates and results, informative features and photo galleries visit the BSFN page at tribune242. com or www.bsfn.biz.

BSFN slideshows can be found on USA Today’s website in the Travel section at experience.usatoday.com.

LOCAL boys Travis and Chris on the Wahoo in Abaco.

DAVID Rees with a pair of Wahoo in Abaco.

JOE Thompson with a giant deep drop Grouper.

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