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SARKIS TOLD TO MAKE ‘CREDIBLE PROPOSAL’ TO BUY BAHA MAR THE Office of the Prime Minister has urged Sarkis Izmirlian to work with Perfect Luck Holdings Limited, the company that has acquired Baha Mar’s assets, if the resort developer is in a position to make a “credible proposal� to buy the property as he has suggested. In a statement released by the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday, the government confirmed a report published by Tribune Business earlier this SEE PAGE SEVEN
PM says financing needed to help storm repair and recovery By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
have to give serious consideration to a more effective way of financing the loss that the country has experienced because we’re also paying now for Hurricane Joaquin and it may well be that we have to give consideration to a selective approach to raising money by taxing some item that would be of minimal impact on people. But it’s a matter we have to look at because it’s an enormous challenge to the country. We’ve been faced with downgrading. This is not an easy situation. We thought the way was clear with Baha Mar. But now we have Hurricane Matthew.� Mr Christie previously talked about the government’s intention to create a SEE PAGE SIX
WHEN it meets today, Cabinet may consider introducing and implementing a special tax to help finance Hurricane Matthew repair and recovery efforts, Prime Minister Perry Christie said yesterday. If implemented, such a tax may be imposed in a way that has a “minimal impact on people,� he added. His statement came as he and other government officials toured areas in New Providence that were hard hit by the storm, many of which remain without power and will continue to do so for some time because of the floods they suffered. Mr Christie said: “We
‘UP TO 1,000 GRAND BAHAMA HOTEL STAFF OUT OF WORK AFTER MATTHEW’
A RESIDENT of Adelaide talks with Prime Minister Perry Christie and Urban Renewal Co-Chair Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt during a walkabout yesterday to view damage caused by Hurricane Matthew. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune staff
MINISTER ANNOUNCES DELAY IN PUBLIC SCHOOL OPENINGS
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
GRAND Bahama’s hotel and tourism industries have suffered a huge blow from Hurricane Matthew, which forced the closure of several resort properties on the island, including the two major anchor hotels in Lucaya. Hundreds of hotel workers are out of work in the Port Lucaya area alone, where the Memories and Grand Lucayan Resorts are now closed due to hurricane damage. It is dÊjà vu for Grand Bahama, which, in 2004, saw the closure of the 900-room Royal Oasis Resort following severe hurricane damage by Hurricane Frances. About 1,500 hotel workers lost their jobs, resulting in significant economic downturn and hardship in Freeport. Unlike that property which has never recovered and reSEE PAGE TWO
By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
THE BODY of the man is removed from the scene in Pinewood Gardens. Photo: Shawn Hanna
MAN SHOT DEAD IN PINEWOOD GARDENS By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was shot multiple times in the head and killed early yesterday morning as he pulled up to a residence in Pinewood Gardens. The killing happened shortly after 8.30am and
brought the country’s murder count to 78 for the year, according to The Tribune’s records. Officer-in-charge of the Central Detective Unit, Superintendent Ashton Greenslade said the Police Control Room received reports that gunshots were heard through Thatch Palm Street. SEE PAGE FIVE
DESPITE best assurances late last week that officials were prepared to re-open the majority of public schools in the northern Bahamas today, Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald was forced to announce a further delay, with plans now pegging the official return date for
students at October 25. During a press conference at the Ministry of Education’s Thompson Boulevard offices yesterday, Mr Fitzgerald said all public schools in New Providence, Grand Bahama and North and Central Andros will re-open after the upcoming mid-term break scheduled for Friday, October 21 to Monday, October 24. SEE PAGE SEVEN
MET OFFICE RELOCATED AFTER EMPLOYEE SLIPS ON RAIN WATER
By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net  THE Department of Meteorology’s Forecast Office was temporarily relocated yesterday after a meteorological observer slipped and fell in water that leaked into the building from a weather system on Sunday, according to the department’s director. Trevor Basden said the employee fell and was taken to the hospital for observation after complaining about his knee. SEE PAGE SIX
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
PAGE 2, Tuesday, October 18, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
BUSINESSMAN CLAIMS THIEVES STOLE FROM TWO PLANES AFTER HURRICANE
Marlin Air CEO considering filing lawsuit against NAD, Airport Authority
DAMAGE to one of the Marlin Air plane’s wings.
DAMAGE to one of the Marlin Air plane’s cockpits, from which thieves stole avionics.
By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net WHILE Bahamians were facing the reality of the destruction left behind in Hurricane Matthew’s wake, a local businessman alleged that thieves were busy at work pillaging two of the aircraft he owns of avionics worth an estimated $70,000. Rev Ezra Russell, CEO of Marlin Air, told The Tribune yesterday that he is strongly considering filing suit against the Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD), the Department of Civil Aviation and the Airport Authority over the loss of his equipment and the inevitable loss of revenue the company will experience while repairs take place. In total, Mr Russell estimated that the stolen equipment was worth around $67,000 to $70,000. These include two separate kinds of GPS systems, a radar, a storm scope and two radios, among other instruments. He questioned the ability of the relevant authorities to secure properties, amid allegations that several other aircraft owners were victims of theft this year. “After the hurricane we came out here on that Friday and we checked the airplanes and we saw that two other airplanes collided with my airplane ‘Charly 6 WEN’ and the gears collapsed and it fell on its belly,” he said yesterday. “We checked it out and left it for the insurance company to come by and do their assessment of the damages. I received a call when I was in London that they broke into the airplane and stole
ONE of the Marlin Air plane’s wings with damage. all of the avionics out of it. “I am here today and none of the authorities - Airport Authority, NAD, Civil Aviation - none of them up to this day have given me a call or contacted me to say that you have airplanes that were damaged on our ramp or that thieves came and had their way with my aircraft.” He continued: “I think it’s bad because we are all Bahamians and we are all young businessmen in this country. I think that we should be treated with more respect and dignity. So I am here with the police today to let them know that I will be filing a lawsuit against NAD, the Airport Authority and whomever else.”
While both airplanes are insured, Mr Russell said he remained outraged that despite religiously paying the fees required to use the facilities at the Lynden Pindling International Airport, his property was not secured. “You pay overnight parking, you pay a landing fee every time you go out and come. “So they are supposed to make sure that your plane is secure when you park it here in the night because they have a security as you can see there is a security booth. So I don’t understand how we can just have people walking into the airport and just break into people’s plane and steal things. “I pay a monthly fee to Odyssey about $160 and $170 per month and then you pay $34 every time you go in and out for the landing fees and then the facility fee which is $12. “So far for the year I heard that it’s been at least three or four (other people that this has happened to),” he claimed. The Tribune contacted NAD and was told that Mr Russell did not lodge a formal complaint with the company. “NAD has not received a complaint in relation to this matter, however, we are advised that a complaint was received by the police and is under investigation by the police,” the brief statement read. “Given the preceding, NAD is not in a position to provide further information.” However, an official who did not want to be named, explained that NAD is not responsible for airport security. Calls placed to the Department of Civil Aviation and the Airport Authority were not successful up to press time.
‘UP TO 1,000 GRAND BAHAMA HOTEL STAFF OUT OF WORK AFTER MATTHEW’
FROM PAGE ONE
expected to re-open within a month or two. Restoration work has started at 496-room Memories, which is projecting to open on December 10. Its 500 workers in the meantime, according to the resort, will undergo extensive customer service retraining. The Grand Lucayan Resort is expected to open on November 7. The 519-room property, which consists of Breaker’s Cay and Lighthouse Pointe, is undergoing repair for significant roof damage. Treasure Bay Casino also sustained roof damage. The boutique-style Pelican Bay Resort at Port Lucaya also had significant damage. Port Lucaya Marketplace, a major shopping hub in Port Lucaya, was also damaged, but the clean up is underway and merchants are awaiting restoration of power there. Further east, the Taino Beach Resort and Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach Resort also suffered major damage and are closed. While there is no opening date for the former, the latter is expected to open on November 14. The Viva Wyndham property took a pounding during the storm and Sanitation Services were clearing away large pieces of debris. In Freeport, while the Castaways Resort also sustained major roof damage to the fourth floor of its east building, its west building was not damaged and the property is still open for business, according to V C Grant, marketing and sales director of Castaways Resort.
HURRICANE Matthew has taken a toll on resort properties in Grand Bahama. Despite the devastation in West End, the Old Bahama Bay Resort sustained only minimal damage and hotel officials are awaiting both water and power restoration to open. Magnus Alnebeck, of Pelican Bay Resort, said there was “substantial” damage at the 184-room property. The-four story Canal House suffered significant roof and water damage, but is now restored and opened for business. He reported that 120 rooms can be used. “They are far from perfect and some have received quite substantial water damage, but we want to look after guests who need to be here for restoration of the island,” he said. “We received substantial damage and I think we could have done, which is so tempting, which is to wait for an insurance adjuster and send people home and file for
big loss of business claim. But we are determined, and we realise we need a hotel in Grand Bahama to put up these people who are coming here to put our community back in order,” he said. Sabor restaurant and the bar at Pelican Bay are also open for business. Mr Alnebeck commended his staff for their quick response and helping with the cleanup efforts. Restoration is also underway at the Garden of the Groves, the island’s only botanical attraction. Tours are expected to commence on October 31. The island’s cruise arrivals have declined. Carnival Cruise Line has reviewed its itinerary and has made appropriate adjustments. The Grand Celebration is still resuming ferry services from West Palm Beach to Freeport, and will be promoting two-night Bahamas
cruises to the island. Betty Bethel, director of tourism at the Ministry of Tourism, and Russell Miller, chairman of the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board, could not be reached for comment yesterday concerning the state of the tourism and hotel industries on Grand Bahama. “The tourism industry has taken the biggest hit than ever before,” said Grand Bahama resident and well-known artist Mike Rolle, a guest on the ‘Darold Miller Live’ radio talk show broadcast from Grand Bahama yesterday. He estimated that 800 to 1,000 hotel workers are out of work now in Grand Bahama. “We know that it will take now at least a month before we can get some tourists in here,” he said. “And until these tourists start to arrive, all those taxi cab drivers
are not going to be working; all those tour operators are not going to be working and all persons working in the tourism industry are not going to be working. “It is an uphill battle. We need to stop the fall and find a way to cause these tourists to start coming back again, and it needs to happen soon,” he stressed. For many years Freeport was referred to as the “Magic City,” but now some feel that it is no longer a relevant epithet. Mr Rolle that while the “Magicians of Freeport” have done wonders for the city, they are now dead. While he expressed the greatest respect for Wallace Groves, Sir Charles Hayward, Sir Jack Hayward, and Edward St George, the pioneers and developers of Freeport, he said they are dead and it is time for a new name - “Miracle City”.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, October 18, 2016, PAGE 3
“I’m used to not having power almost. It’s become a routine now” Life without electricity is tough and frustrating for residents of Doubloon Drive, watching BPL trucks pass and nearby corners restored to power. Nico Scavella reports
S
OME residents in southwest New Providence say they feel forgotten by Bahamas Power and Light as the company continues restoration efforts after Hurricane Matthew, stressing that everyday life ha s become a nightmare without electricity. Residents on Doubloon Drive off Faith Avenue south said grimly they have been without power so long that they have started to have dreams about the electricity being on. Making matters worse, residents claimed, is how at least one corner that runs parallel to Doubloon Drive on the northern side, as well as residents in the adjacent Flamingo Gardens community and Faith Avenue, have had their power restored, while they have not. “I had dreams about the lights being on,” one female resident told The Tribune dejectedly yesterday. “It’s been so long that I’ve been learning to deal without it being on, I’ll have to just reposition my world again, because I’m used to this almost. It’s become a routine now. “Like okay, you can’t iron, so just go to Superwash. Okay, you can’t do this, so you just do without.” She said she has struggled since the power first went out nearly two weeks ago, but her family members have struggled even more. “The most saddening part is the fact that my dad who is partially blind, he can see when the lights are on, but now he’s stumbling all over the house, trying to get around, and that’s saddening for me to watch him being unable to try to get around,” she said. “My mom just did chemotherapy, and automatically you sweat a lot after that therapy. So it’s very upsetting to watch her be so hot. My sister who is pregnant, automatically once you’re pregnant, women know it’s like 100 times hotter than a normal woman would be, because you’re pregnant. “And for me, I have to deal with all three of them. So it’s very upsetting for me. And I’ve not slept well since the central air has been off ... it’s just hard.” The portion of Doubloon Drive that lies between Faith Avenue and Asphalt Street has been without power since the morning of October 6, which is when the strength of Hurricane Matthew’s category four force winds first began to be felt on New Providence. As the storm’s winds powered through the capital, one of the poles on the street snapped nearly all the way through at its base and is now leaning dangerously over a nearby house. It has yet to be righted by BPL crews, notwithstanding claims by residents that BPL workers have visited the corner and are aware of the situation. “I know (BPL) know about the situation because they passed and they slowed down and they look at it and they drove off,” one male resident, who did not want to be named, said. “My initial thought was well okay, they’re doing a survey, they would realise what the situation is, what they’re up against, and they’ll address it. But for the amount of times and the amount of vehicles what pass here and slowed down, how many people do you need to assess the situation, you know what I mean? Because like I said it’s been more than a week. “I’ve counted in total from what I’ve seen, about 10 vehicles. “You need 10 vehicles to assess that the pole needs to
DOWNED power lines and poles through Doubloon Drive off Faith Avenue where residents are still without electricity. Photos: Shawn Hanna
“Other persons around me who have to work 2, 3 o’clock in the morning, it’s hard. Plus you’re used to air condition, but you want to relax to be able to get up to go to work. And it’s becoming unbearable, honestly. For those persons with me it’s really unbearable. So that probably put more of a strain on me than the hurricane itself.” - Lewin Smith, Doubloon Drive resident be changed? It leaves you to think what the (expletive) is going on.” When asked if he feels that particular corner and its residents have been forgotten in BPL’s restoration exercise, the man said: “Even if I don’t feel as though we’ve been forgotten, the situation dictates that we’ve been forgotten. Because just around the corner, the same situation. A pole was broken, it was laying across the road. A few days ago that was changed. And I figured okay well, they’re in this area now, they changed that pole, and the same situation here. And we’re talking about in the same area, on the same street. “That (other) pole has been changed, power has been restored. But just a few feet down the road, our situation isn’t the same. I don’t know if they’re that busy and they’re going to get to us later, but I figure with the amount of (BPL) trucks like I said already passed and assessed the situation, I figure if you change that pole, this one isn’t that far, in the same very area, on the same very street. Now everybody else around us, every surrounding corner is on, except this one.” He said of BPL’s efforts thus far: “I’ll use two words: bull s***.”
L
ewin Smith, a resident of Doubloon Drive for the last 16 years, also lamented the situation, charging that the company is “moving too slow” in remedying the area’s problem. “For myself it’s just a matter of slowness on behalf of corporations that I know can do better, to come and just look - and I’ve never seen them check but I heard they have been in this area, but to just come and look and have nothing done to virtually places that has no damage, is deplorable,” he said. “It’s not acceptable. If we’re going to be left in the dark like this we should at least know why, at least in a better fashion.” He added: “For this same reason that is why I went onto Water and Sewerage and off the pump. I got off the pump because water is essential when you have disasters. Because everything stinks so fast, if you don’t have water to wash you down, the light
is a joke. So you must have water. “But in assessing my area, it’s easy for me to do that. Other persons around me who have to work 2, 3 o’clock in the morning, it’s hard. Plus you’re used to air condition, but you want to relax to be able to get up to go to work. And it’s becoming unbearable, honestly. For those persons with me it’s really unbearable. So that probably put more of a strain on me than the hurricane itself.” Another female resident of Doubloon Drive, who did not want to be named, told The Tribune how she left the capital for vacation on the
Sunday before Matthew hit New Providence, only to return two weeks later to find her house in darkness. “I understand we had a storm and all that stuff, but there really isn’t a projected date per se as to when the problem is going to be rectified,” she said. “And right now we have a lamp pole that is precariously leaning on somebody’s house. “It appears as if it has snapped, and it has been like that since the storm. When is someone coming to deal with that? I understand people’s power is off, but that pole leaning like that is very dangerous. “Even if they don’t turn the power on, come and do something with the pole,” she added. “Prop it up or something. That is very dangerous for motorists and pedestrians. That is a real concern.” BPL Corporate Communications Manager Arnette Ingraham told The Tribune yesterday that the company has started to address situations similar to that of Doubloon Drive with the aim of having them all rectified by the end of the week. “We’ve got a number of
issues in a number of areas with that same particular issue,” she said. “We’re starting to address those individual supply and individual street corner issues this week. So we don’t have an exact timeline to give to the residents. “But I expect by the end of the week their power will be back on. “Now, I know that’s a lot to hold on to considering the week has five or six days left. “But still, I don’t have an exact timeline right now for when they will be restored.” BPL says it has restored electricity to more than 80 per cent of customers in New Providence. nscavella@tribunemedia.net
• BPL said their crews were working yesterday in Village Road, College Gardens, Park Avenue, Stevenson Close, Sandilands Village, Millennium Gardens, Silver Gates, South Ocean, Elizabeth Estates, Sea Gull Gardens, Arawak Cay Port, Yellow Elder, St Andrew’s Beach Estates, Danottage Estates, Eastern Road, Wulff Road, Collins Avenue, Seabreeze, Imperial Park, Marshall Road, Adderley Street, Coral Heights, Millar’s Heights, Bacardi Road, Tusculum and Yuma Estates.
PAGE 4, Tuesday, October 18, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
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Crisis separates leaders, brings out the best and worst THE WORST of times can bring out the best in people. It can change realities. What made headlines before October 8, when Hurricane Matthew began its descent on the Bahamas, all but vanished from view within 24 hours. As the storm swept through southern New Providence, Lowe Sound, Andros, and West End, Grand Bahama, uprooting, flooding, crushing homes and businesses and life as residents of those islands once knew it, the rebirth of Baha Mar faded from view. Talk of strike quieted. The fear of repercussions from a leak of confidential company information in what was called the ‘Bahama Papers’ disappeared. Suddenly, what really mattered was filling the airwaves, dominating print media and floating through the air in conversations. What really matters, it turned out, is about humanity. Rescuing the stranded matters. Finding shelter for a displaced family matters. Feeding an elderly couple who has no food left because the cottage they lived in was swept away matters. And in that 24-hour transformation of what appeared to matter before the storm and what really mattered afterwards, two other phenomena occurred. The first was the emergence of clear and distinct signs of true leadership by Prime Minister Perry Christie. The second was looking at the power of the environment, no longer a luxury for the elite but for all who wanted to protect lives and had a new respect for rising sea levels. First, the emergence of leadership. Often criticised for standing back, slow to make decisions, quick to let others go their own way and run the business of the country, the new Perry Christie proved why he has held on to power for so long and become the longest-serving politician in Bahamian history. He was everywhere and he was strong. He met with survivors. He talked with the powerful who could make substantial donations. He worked the phones constantly. He tapped into resources to find shelter for those who lost their homes or ensuring tarpaulins were available for those who lost a roof. He appointed a Cabinet Minister to oversee the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and move his office into its headquarters. He tramped through bush and strode through floods and he appeared indefatigable. This was a Prime Minister the people had longed to see for a long time - and
he proved he had what it took. It was the worst of times that brought out the best in a compassionate Mr Christie, who showed and flexed muscle when it was most needed. There were other heroes in the worst of times. BTC hardly lost a beat and became the lifeline for so many. As frustrated customers without power for days endlessly dialled and held on, hoping for some answer, many surely wished BTC were running BPL. While Bermuda was up and running two days after Hurricane Nicole slammed that island, BPL was still trying to get power restored to major sections of New Providence nearly two weeks after Matthew. For those dependent on the internet through Cable Bahamas, lack of power meant no cable services, shutting businesses, individuals and students off from the world. Kudos, too, to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force with ships carrying supplies, water, ice. And to the cruise lines that donated 3,000 bags of ice. And to Commonwealth Bank, whose donations keep pouring in along with a plea to others to do the same. Yet for all the good, there was the very troubling worst of behaviour, news that donated goods pouring in to West End were being hijacked and trucked off to be sold to desperate people who no longer even had a roof over their heads and now food was being taken out of their mouths. It was, yes, the worst of times that brought out the worst in that instance, but overall, the virile spirit of the Bahamian people shone through. This is the very beginning of a long and arduous recovery. For many, life will never be the same. What did we learn? That climate change is real. It is not the future; it is here, it is today. The seas warmed and they rose. We learned that the man we entrusted with power showed the power within and made a difference. There is good that comes from the worst of times. It was the Great Depression of 1929-1939 that gave rise to the creation of the Tennessee Valley Authority, the building of dams and construction of the vast infrastructure that much of the United States drives on, over or through today. The worst of times can bring out the best a country has to offer and separate what really matters from what seemed to matter. The worst of times can bring out the best in those to whom good is vested.
The art of leadership EDITOR, The Tribune IT IS a given that leadership is difficult to define or even to explain from a rational basis. It is, however, by the same token, elusive and handed to or grabbed by a handful of individuals who are able to attract; motivate and lead the populace or members of an organization. As it goes in civic and religious society, so it goes in politics. A lion, it has been said, is able to lead a thousand sheep into war but it has been ‘difficult’ the sophists opine, for a sheep to lead a thousand lions into harm’s way. The recent passage of Matthew through our wonderful nation revealed much and brought out the ‘best’ and the ‘worst’ of our erstwhile ‘leaders’. The Prime Minister, Perry Gladstone Christie, not historically known to be a ‘go getter’ rose to the occasion admirably. He displayed a hands on and sober headed approach to the devastation wrought by Matthew and was to be seen empathizing with the unwashed masses. His timely pronouncements on assorted hurricane related matters and recovery and restoration efforts were
Bahamas Power and Light - heads or tails? EDITOR, The Tribune TAILS, because the head does not exist. In 2016, the Bahamas is still at times operating like a Gilligan’s Island as was referred to in the press some days ago. Let’s look within the past 10 years. BTC - I can video conference on my phone in 2016 to any part of the world. Water and Sewerage has corrected the water pressure throughout the island. BEC? Please correct me. What has BEC (now BPL) improved on in 10 years? Well, a name change - BPL is catchy I must say. Here is the biggest fear for this new BPL. Never in history have Leslie Miller and Paul Maynard agreed on anything to my knowledge; that’s scary. They agreed on the inefficiency of BPL post-Matthew. I am not sure Bahamians got a grasp of that, I think PowerSecurce bit off more than they can chew when they bought BEC. As a resident of the south eastern
area of New Providence, we have maybe two poles down through my area. The surrounding communities, Yamacraw Shores, Treasure Cove and parts of Elizabeth Estates, Yamacraw Hill Road and Fox Hill Road South have power, which I am aware sustained just as much or more damage than we did. Residents of those areas informed a few of us, in Bahamian vernacular “Man we have big bosses who work to BEC thru here”. I understand nepotism in this country but when you are using limited resources (BPL had no postMatthew plan for this outcome but for previous outcomes, I believe, where damage was not as extensive). As many as 10 utility vehicles are inoperable? No excuses. Mrs Hill, I believe you bit off more than you can chew accepting this challenge of turning BEC around to be efficient. Bad start? As a fair and optimistic person, I understand that no system, person or organisation is perfect, but in order for our country to enhance its deficiencies as a peo-
ple and its leaders, we need to strive for perfection. If we fall short - and we will - it will still be better than just doing business as usual. I have just come to the conclusion that our standards as Bahamians for service is: In social media, once a member in the group gets power the sympathy goes and now it’s “as long as I get it I am happy”. No wonder things are the way they are. The “all for me, baby” syndrome never left. The BPL linesman who are doing their best to restore power to all residents, kudos to you; those who are using this unfortunate act of Mother Nature for personal gains and nepotism during this time, shame on you all. We must do better as a people when the question is asked, ‘Am I my brother’s keeper’? The answer should always be, ‘Yes, I am. OUTH EASTERN NEW S PROVIDENCE RESIDENT October 13, 2016
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net ‘huge’ and impactful. This is to be contrasted with the ‘leadership’ of the FNM and the ‘baby’ party on the blocks, the DNA, while Bahamians were being battered half crazy by the howling high winds and ever present flooding in areas of New Providence and Grand Bahama. Dr. Hubert A Minnis, not known to be an adroit or logically thinking, politically, individual looked like a deer in high beam headlights. His few utterances could hardly be heard much less interpreted. My ‘good’ friend but ‘reluctant’ (or so it seems) Prime Minister in waiting, Branville McCartney, to his credit, did issue his usual voluminous ‘press releases’ while really saying nothing of value. Yes, dear beloved, Matthew brought out the ‘best’ and ‘the worst’ of our ‘leaders’. Junkanoo is a cultural and traditional outlet for the massive artistic and creative talents of our people. Some say that it (Junkanoo) was imported from Western Africa (where most of our ancestors hail from). The resonating and throbbing beat and sounds of the assorted drums unleashed the hidden Genie and the rest is history. It has its place. In the wake of the immediate passage of Matthew, however, Dr. Minnis, God bless his soul, decided or was advised by his coterie of nebulous and, obviously, clueless ‘kitchen advisors’ to donate a few dollars to the two major junkanoo groups because ;they suffered losses’ during the passage of Matthew. This was a great gesture but, in my view, it was made at the wrong time. Yes, the monies donated belonged to Minnis so we should have ‘no problem’ with that. The ‘problem’, if there is one, is the timing. The art of leadership does not come easy nor is it delivered and served on a silver platter. Natural disasters and other calamitous events offer up an opportunity to individuals who are able to grasp it, a platform to ‘greatness’. It is unfortunate, in my considered view, that neither of the two
‘alternatives’ to PGC could match his adroitness or ability to soothe and calm an ‘anxious’ population. The PM rightly pointed out the deficiencies of Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) and, to a lesser extent, Cable Bahamas Limited. NEMA performed admirably and Cpt. Stephen Russell and his team, along with the RBPF and the RBDF are all to be congratulated on a job well done. We thank God that there was no loss of life. The art of leadership does not come easy and it has no particular criteria that may be referred to as ‘text book’ science. People are either ‘born’ to be leaders or they adopt those successful traits and habits of others who would have blazed a trail. Sir Lynden was a natural ‘leader’. Sir Cecil Wallace Whitfield, to a lesser extent, was also a ‘leader’. Despite his boorish and crude behavior, politically, Hubert Ingraham was a ‘rough and tough’ leader. Minnis and McCartney, with all due respect, are still both a work in progress. By the way, are they not cousins? Matthew also brought out the fact that neither Minnis nor the political ‘kid’ on the block may be temperamentally fit, politically, to become Prime Minister. Rhetoric has its place but hands on experience and ability trump it all. We may all wish to be leaders but it either comes naturally (not so with the Siamese Twins & Cousins) or it is thrust upon one (as may be the ignoble case with the Keystone Cops and the gang that could not shoot straight) The PLP has a strong leadership cadre, even if often times misguided and convoluted. My party will mash them all up come the 2017 general elections. It is my desire, however, that we get battle ready and laser focused as the end of this year draws to a close. There is much work to be done and little time in which to do it. To God then, the Great Leader, in all things, be the glory. ORTLAND H BODIE JR Nassau October 17, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, October 18, 2016, PAGE 5
Privy Council upholds Court of Appeal ruling to quash human trafficking conviction By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net PARLIAMENT should amend the law if it wants the attorney general to have the power to fast-track human trafficking cases to the Supreme Court for trial, the London-based Privy Council ruled yesterday after it upheld the Court of Appeal’s ruling to quash the conviction in the Bahamas’ first tried human trafficking case. The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, in a 21 page judgment delivered by Lord Hughes concerning the Crown’s challenge to the Court of Appeal’s January 21 decision to release 26-yearold Chevanese Hall of six trafficking-related offences, noted that the change would not be difficult to achieve but “is a matter of policy for Parliament.” The full ruling can be seen online at the JCPC’s website: http://jcpc.uk/index.html. Hall, a Jamaican, returned to her home country earlier in the year after the appellate court agreed with veteran lawyer Murrio Ducille’s submission that “trafficking in persons” was not an indictable offence under the existing Criminal Procedure Code (CPC). The appellate court, in its decision, said: “The VBI procedure is reserved for persons before magistrates charged with indictable offences. And as the appellant was not a person charged before a magistrate with an indictable offence, the voluntary bill of indictment (VBI) filed by the attorney general was done without jurisdiction and the trial subsequent thereto was a nullity.” The Office of the Attorney General subsequently lodged an appeal to the decision and yesterday the Privy Council quashed its hopes for the decision to be reversed. Yesterday, Lady Hales and Lords Wilson, Carnwath, Hughes and Toulson noted several reasons for affirming the appellate court’s decision. “The effect of the Criminal Procedure Code is not to limit offences for mode of trial purposes to the three categories postulated by the Court of Appeal. For the purposes of mode of trial, offences in the Bahamas may be categorised in four groups: (i) offences which are triable only by judge and jury in the Supreme Court, (ii) offences which are triable either way without the accused having any right to elect trial by jury, (iii) offences which are triable either way but in relation to which the accused has a right to elect trial by jury pursuant to Section 214 and
CHEVANESE Hall pictured outside court in 2014. Schedule 3 of the Criminal Procedure Code and (iv) offences which are triable only summarily. “Where an offence falls into category (ii) the prosecution may invite the magistrate to proceed either by way of summary trial or by way of preliminary inquiry with a view to committal to the Supreme Court for trial by judge and jury on information. The accused has no right to elect trial by jury. But the prosecution does not have unfettered power to decide the mode of trial. That power belongs to the magistrate, who may determine either that a case which the prosecution would be content to be tried summarily ought to be sent to the Supreme Court, or that an offence which the prosecution would prefer to go to the Supreme Court ought to be tried summarily. The magistrate will no doubt hear both parties before arriving at a decision as to mode of trial.” “The attorney general’s power to prefer a voluntary bill of indictment is now the subject of statutory definition in Section 258 of the Criminal Procedure Code. That section requires the offence to be ‘an indictable offence’ as defined in Section 2. The consequence of the definition in Section 2 is that a voluntary bill can only be preferred in relation to categories (i) and (iii) set out in conclusion (a) above.” The Privy Council noted that the offences created by sections three and four of the Trafficking In Persons Act “are category (ii) offences.” “It follows that there was no power to prefer a voluntary bill in relation to them. Whether the attorney general ought to have power to prefer a voluntary bill in the case of category (ii) offences, thus removing the necessity for a preliminary inquiry before the magistrate, is a matter of policy for Parliament; a comparatively simple legislative amendment can achieve that result if Parliament so
decides.” “The board will accordingly humbly advise Her Majesty that the appeal of the attorney general ought to be dismissed,” Lord Hughes concluded. Hall was initially arraigned in Magistrate’s Court in February 2013 on four counts of trafficking of a person and two counts of unlawful withholding of papers, alleged to have been committed between January 10 to 28, 2013. She was not allowed to enter a plea to the allegations until she was formally arraigned in the Supreme Court. She pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. She was ultimately convicted of all charges and faced between 15 years to life imprisonment on the first four charges and 10 years imprisonment on the remaining offences. However, the trial judge did not consider that life imprisonment was a fitting sentence in the 26-year-old’s case and imposed a 15-year sentence instead. A week after the January 21 appellate court decision, Hall’s alleged accomplice 56-year-old Ricardo Laing was discharged of the same crimes in Magistrate’s Court. Since the case of Hall, all other human trafficking cases have been referred to Magistrate’s Court for trial. Appolonia McLeanSmith, 27, also a Jamaican, was convicted in October 2014. She received three years and eight months in prison on the charge of trafficking in persons and three years each for unlawful withholding of identification papers and transporting a person for the purpose of exploiting such person for prostitution. The sentences were to run concurrently and take effect from the date of sentencing. However, McLeanSmith was credited for the 13 months spent on remand, reducing her prison time to two years and seven months.
MAN SHOT DEAD IN PINEWOOD GARDENS
FROM PAGE ONE
“When officers arrived, they met the lifeless body of a dark male, lying on the right side of the road,” Supt Greenslade said. “Information received is that sometime this morning, a silver Skyline came here at Thatch Palm and also a white van was parked on the corer. Once the Skyline parked, occupants of the white van came out, all armed with firearms and approached the vehicle. The driver attempted to flee but he was shot multiple times by the occupants of the vehicle. He collapsed on the side of the road and died.” Supt Greenslade said officers do not know the identity of the victim or the motive behind the shooting. A resident of Pinewood Gardens for more than 40 years, who wished to remain anonymous, said the neighbourhood is normally “peaceful and quiet” and now because of this incident she no longer feels safe. She said she had just finished walking around the block when she heard shots. “I saw the birds flying and I said to my sister, ‘come look,’ because I saw the birds flying and I saw people running this way and I said, ‘I am not going outside because that’s gunshots and if they see you they will shoot you because they feel as though you can identify them’,” the woman said. “So I didn’t go outside right away. When I come out I saw the young man on the ground and I said ‘Oh Lord’ because through this street we are not like that. We look out for each other, we take care of each other. I feel unsafe now so I am going to keep my door locked and if I hear anything going on I am not going to come outside because you don’t know what these people have on them. “Although the light was off through here, I can still stand in the road until 1am but now
POLICE at the scene of yesterday’s shooting. because of this I won’t do it anymore. After 43 years, nothing like this has ever happened on this street.” Another resident said she heard what sounded like “firecrackers” and ran outside to see the victim on the ground with multiple shots to the head. “Well, it sounded like a bunch of firecrackers this morning when I realised people were shooting through the corner. I went outside and I saw a gentleman lying on the ground,” she said. “I ran over and there was bullet wounds to his head. “This is a community where people look out for each other but this man does not live in the area. “The vehicle was still running so it’s like someone was following him and he probably just turned through the corner to see if someone was following him.” Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 911 or 919, the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 328-TIPS. Investigations continue.
In May of this year, Terrance Williams, Mariska Williams and Michael Parrila were cleared of nearly a dozen charges in their trial concerning the alleged trafficking and harbouring of five women for sexual exploitation in January 2015. The five complainants did not appear at trial to give evidence concerning the allegations against the three accused. However, their statements to police were allowed into the record through Section 66 of the Evidence Act, which gives the court the discretion to allow the statements of witnesses who are dead, cannot be found or are too sick to testify into evidence. The statements revealed that the five women knowingly came to The Bahamas to engage in exotic dancing but were not brought to the capital by the accused. Though they claimed that they were not allowed to leave the apartment where they stayed unaccompanied, there were no claims of their passports being taken from them or being forced to have sex with anyone against their will. The presiding trial magistrate had found that the Crown had not made out a sufficient case to warrant a conviction. Clayton Phillips, 40, and Lekiesha Dean-Foulkes, 38, meanwhile, still await their day in court on trafficking in person charges. They maintain that they did not conspire and/or engage in trafficking of a 26-year-old woman “for the purpose of exploitation” and will be defended by Krysta Mason-Smith at their trial scheduled to start on October 31.
FOUR DENY INVOLVEMENT IN SANDILANDS PRIMARY SCHOOL BREAK-IN By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net
FOUR men denied having involvement with the recent breakin and the theft of cash and items worth nearly $16,000 at the Sandilands Primary School during Hurricane Matthew in an arraignment in Magistrate’s Court yesterday. Delano Holnes, 31, and Mario Ferguson, 20, appeared before Magistrate Carol Misiewicz to face charges of shop breaking and stealing with two brothers, Marvin Brown, 22 and 18-year-old Justin Brown. It is alleged that they, between October 5 and 6, 2016, broke into the Sandilands Primary School with intent to steal. It is further alleged that they stole $2,000 in cash, six laptops, six desktop computers, eight anchor charts, three projectors, three printers, three monitors, two speakers, two microwaves, two refrigerators, two fans, a water cooler, a lawn mower, a wall air-conditioning unit, an alarm system, a plastic bin, $477 in assorted snacks and $1,000 in assorted clothing. The cash, electronics and other items worth $15,926 were the property of the school. Ferguson was also charged with the lesser offence of receiving as it is alleged that he dishonestly received a black HP monitor knowing it had been obtained from the commission of an offence. The elder Brown was
accused of dishonestly receiving three printers, two monitors, a projector, a fridge and a fan. Reports of a break-in at the property first came in a statement by Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell who said that computers from the school’s computer lab were stolen and the principal’s office was ransacked on the day the hurricane hit New Providence by persons unknown. Police investigated the matter. At the arraignment, all four men elected to be tried in Magistrate’s Court and pleaded not guilty to the charges. The magistrate asked the accused men if they were employed. Holnes, Ferguson and the elder Brown all said they were employed in construction while the other Brown sibling said he worked in the wholesale industry. Tecoyo Bridgewater, lawyer for Ferguson and the Browns, made a complaint on behalf of the 22-year-old accused. He alleged that his client was brutalised while in custody at the Fox Hill police station. The magistrate made a note of the complaint before remanding all four to the Department of Correctional Services to await trial on November 7. They were advised of their right to apply for bail in the Supreme Court.
PAGE 6, Tuesday, October 18, 2016
PRIME Minister Perry Christie (centre), Michael Halkitis, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance (left) and Kenred Dorsett, Minister of the Environment and Housing, pictured during their walkabout to view damage caused by Hurricane Matthew. PHOTOS: Shawn Hanna/Tribune staff
THE TRIBUNE
PRIME Minister Pe with Adelaide resid rry Christie ents du yesterday’s walka ring bout.
CYNTHIA ‘Mother’ l Pratt, Urban Renewa nts Co-Chair, with reside . ide ela in Ad
GOVT CONSIDERS A HURRICANE TAX
FROM PAGE ONE
$150 million Hurricane Reconstruction Bond that would assist people, as well as small and medium sized businesses impacted by the hurricane and to help accelerate reconstruction efforts. “The options to a government is to initially find the money as quickly as possible even knowing it wouldn’t be enough,” he said yesterday. Mr Christie also announced that Urban Renewal 2.0 will be expanded to strengthen recovery efforts. Currently existing in only 11 constituencies, the programme will expand to the other constituencies in New Providence to help authorities gain command of the issues affecting residents and to provide fast response to their needs. Mr Christie said: “Because Urban Renewal is only in 11 areas this means we have to create new entities, whole new bodies of people led by the police force to ensure accountability, fairness and that we reach the people we want to reach. “As these teams go out, they will be expanded on the basis of needs and will be reporting to each of the Members of Parliament and to the country and will be reporting on the basis of what they find with immediate effect,” he continued. “Out of courtesy to Members of Parliament, we want them to see who the police officers are, choose them so to speak so that no one could
feel we’re imposing things on them. The idea is to have a team constituted with a leader, a police officer, social workers, an environmental health worker and whatever else we need and an MP would be able to recommend someone on that team so that he has the total confidence in what is taking place. “What we expect is to have the necessary information that would enable us not to miss anyone and not to miss people who are truly challenged.” Mr Christie, joined by Hurricane ‘Czar’ Shane Gibson, Southern Shores MP Kenred Dorsett, Golden Isles MP Michael Halkitis, NEMA Director Captain Stephen Russell and other officials, toured areas as residents often told him harrowing stories about what happened when they remained home in coastal areas during the storm. The consensus among those residents was that they would obey future evacuation warnings, even as the government now moves to make such evacuations mandatory. As clean up efforts continue, residents said they are eager for electricity to be restored in their areas. For many in the southern areas, this means that on top of having Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) fix broken poles and deal with downed lines, a certified electrician will have to verify when their home can have its electricity restored.
THE walkabout took in areas in southern New Providence badly damaged by Hurricane Matthew.
Employment Opportunity
Operations Assistant
Job Summary Provides support in all areas of operations in a busy office & printing environment. Duties & Responsibilities • Dealing with day to day IT issues • Scheduling and overseeing maintenance of plant, vehicles and property • Inventory control and ordering • Quality control • Assist in scheduling of staff Skills & Qualifications • Good working knowledge of Mac and Microsoft operating systems and servers • Proficient in the Microsoft Office suite • Excellent organizational and communication skills • Previous supervisory experience preferable • Flexibility to work additional hours, including weekends, as needed Interested persons should submit their resume and a cover letter to
hr@tribunemedia.net
no later than October 24, 2016
MICHAEL HALKITIS, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, speaks to a resident yesterday.
CYNTHIA ‘Mother’ Pratt, Urban Renewal Co-Chair, with residents. Prime Minister Perry Christie announced yesterday that Urban Renewal 2.0 will be expanded to strengthen recovery efforts.
MET OFFICE RELOCATED AFTER EMPLOYEE SLIPS ON RAIN WATER
FROM PAGE ONE
The incident came a day after Senior Meteorological Officer Greg Thompson told The Tribune that despite the significant damage sustained at the Forecast Office during Hurricane Matthew, forecasters were still forced to work in the building despite a portion of the roof having collapsed, severe flooding and several windows being broken. Mr Basden said yesterday the building has now been evacuated and forecasters are working from a temporary office in the Lynden Pindling International Airport. “During Matthew, a glass broke and so obviously the strong winds and heavy rain did some damage to the office but it was since cleaned up and so the forecasters went back into the office. “However, the weather system on Sunday was more prolonged with heavy rain and that soaked through the roof and revealed further problems that we had. They are now at the
NAD emergency operations centre and the meteorological observers are at the upper air station in a building where the radar is located. “An officer slipped while in the old area and I am being made to understand that he hurt his knee but we are still waiting on confirmation from the medical report. When the EMS personnel checked him out, they found no broken bones but out of precaution he was taken by ambulance to the hospital.” Mr Basden said the Department of Meteorology’s Doppler radar, which “came off its gears” during the passage of Hurricane Matthew is in the process of being repaired. On Sunday, during the passage of a severe weather system, meteorology officials admitted that the radar was not working, meaning there was no way to tell how bad the flooding was or which areas received the worst of the rainfall. Parts of New Providence were badly flooded after torrential downpours. “We have experts right now from
the Met Office and the Department of Civil Aviation determining more accurately what the problem is,” Mr Basden said. “It is not fixed yet but they are very close to have it up and running. They are at the point now where we are able to see where the echoes are but it is not working fully. As we speak the experts are addressing it.” Last week, Transport and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna Martin said that a phased acquisition of new “state-of-the-art” radars will not start until next year. Mrs Hanna Martin explained that her ministry was in talks with the Ministry of Finance over the major expenditure, adding that the matter has been prioritised given the critical nature of weather services. The cost of the new radars is just under $20m, she said. The Doppler radar provides details on rainfall intensity, thunderstorms, and tornadic activity including waterspouts effectively within a 150-mile range.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, October 18, 2016, PAGE 7
FNM ‘FOLLOWED PROPER PROTOCOL’ WHEN DENYING CHIPMAN RENOMINATION By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
HUBERT CHIPMAN
FREE National Movement Chairman Sidney Collie insisted yesterday that the FNM followed proper protocol with respect to its decision to deny Hubert Chipman a renomination in the St Anne’s constituency. Some residents of the area had expressed outrage at the FNM for its decision, saying leaders of the party have ignored the will of people within the constitu-
ency without due cause. The Executive Committee of the FNM is not mandated by the party’s constitution to nominate candidates selected by constituency associations. The committee must, however, inform associations about why their selected candidates were rejected, a step the FNM appeared to have skipped in this instance. Indeed, members of the St Anne’s Constituency Association said they had been assured in recent months by
FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis that Mr Chipman would be renominated. Mr Collie said: “The constitution says every applicant for a nomination goes through a process. Consulting the constituency is only one. “And the complete process is you can consult the constituency, take into account what they have to say. The decision and selection is made on the executive level and once council makes a decision, everything else is moot and final.”
While residents of the St Anne’s Constituency Association said they were never informed of the FNM council’s decision to reject Mr Chipman as a candidate so they could at least offer an alternative as mandated by the party’s constitution, Mr Collie said he “can’t comment” on this. And as for complaints from residents about the decision to withhold the nomination from Mr Chipman, Mr Collie said: “I have not spoken to any member of the executive
and I know that the leadership team met with the association. That meeting was confidential.” For his part, Dr Minnis sidestepped questions about Mr Chipman when asked by The Tribune yesterday, failing to answer any of them directly. Instead, he said he is concentrating on winning Centreville and Bain Town, two PLP strongholds represented by Prime Minister Perry Christie and National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage respectively.
SARKIS TOLD TO MAKE ‘CREDIBLE PROPOSAL’ TO BUY BAHA MAR FROM PAGE ONE month, which revealed that Deloitte & Touche receivers sold the resort to a special purpose vehicle (SPV) owned by the ExportImport Bank of China (CEXIM), the project’s $2.45 billion secured creditor. Once Baha Mar has been completed, under the ownership of the bank’s SPV, the ‘second’ or final sale will occur, it was previously reported. Yesterday’s statement added that Prime Minister Perry Christie had received a copy of a recent letter written by Mr Izmirlian to CEXIM Vice Chairman and President Liu Liange, which was also sent to the press last week. “The letter and the press release contain some extraordinary statements,” the statement said. “Normally the government would not respond to such a letter and statement but so far as it impacts on what the government has achieved, which is well documented, in ensuring that the Baha Mar development is finished and Bahamian creditors paid, the government is compelled to give this statement. “The assets of Baha Mar have been acquired by Perfect Luck Holdings Limited (Perfect Luck). The sale followed a lengthy marketing process by the receivers, and that process and the resulting sale of the assets to Perfect Luck were overseen and approved by the Bahamas Supreme Court. “Now that the assets are owned
by Perfect Luck, that company may sell the resort to whomever it wishes, subject to the proposed purchaser being acceptable to the government and other bodies performing their public function,” the prime minister’s statement said. “At each stage of the process - which commenced when Baha Mar’s developer, Sarkis Izmirlian, without any prior notice, arranged for the Baha Mar companies to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy pro-
ceedings in the United States - Mr Izmirlian has had the opportunity to participate in discussions and the process surrounding the future of the resort. “If, as he states, Mr Izmirlian is in a position to, and wishes to work with CEXIM to deliver Baha Mar for the Bahamian people, then he should engage seriously with Perfect Luck and its advisors. If he is in a position to make a credible proposal to acquire Baha Mar from Perfect Luck, then he is free
to do so.” The statement added that “after much hard work,” Baha Mar is back on track, saying remobilisation has commenced. It also referred to the fund set up by CEXIM to pay creditors’ claims and former Baha Mar Bahamian employees. Payments to former Bahamian Baha Mar employees commenced last month, however there were some complaints about discrepancies in the amounts given and
what was said to be owed. “Those were two of the prime minister’s three stated primary objectives and they have been achieved,” the statement said. “The third objective is to ensure that Baha Mar is sold to a world class hotel and casino operator. The government of the Bahamas will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that this objective is fulfilled, in the very best interest of the economy and the people of the Bahamas. “Real progress is being made and that progress must continue through to the completion and successful operation of the resort by a world class casino and hotel operator.” Yesterday, a source close to Baha Mar questioned why the government is not urging CEXIM to negotiate with Mr Izmirlian, considering his repeated offer to have Bahamian workers and creditors, as well as expatriates, paid in full if he buys the resort. The source, who did not want to be named, also questioned the process behind Perfect Luck’s acquisition of Baha Mar, saying the court process has been secret and concealed. The insider also said Mr Izmirlian was shut out of the receivers’ sales process, which the source claimed was designed to keep the hotelier out of the bidding system. The Tribune understands that Mr Izmirlian has not received a response to his letter or offer from CEXIM.
MINISTER ANNOUNCES DELAY IN PUBLIC SCHOOL OPENINGS FROM PAGE ONE
Based on the decision, students registered at all institutions in the districts are expected to report to classes next Tuesday. Mr Fitzgerald said the decision was made after “careful consideration and consultation” with various stakeholders including Bahamas Power and Light, Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville and district superintendents for the islands. “At present only 25 per cent of schools in New Providence have power and following our meeting with BPL this morning, based on the feedback we received, only 50 per cent of our 56 public schools should have power restored by end of day (today),” stated the Marathon MP. Detailing the essential need for power, Mr Fitzgerald said most if not all public school campuses depend on electrical services to have running water. Because of this, he urged BPL to focus its attention on reconnecting power to these institutions. He said: “I am urging Bahamas Power and Light to realise that the restoration of power to our schools is essential. We have tens of thousands of students in New Providence whose return to schools depends on BPL’s ability to restore power.” On Friday the Ministry of Education announced that schools in New Providence would open today, with the exception of Government High and CI Gibson Senior High School. Additionally, schools in Grand Bahama, except the Lewis Yard and Bartlett Hill Primary Schools, and in North Andros, except the Lowe Sound Primary School, were to open on Wednesday, October 19. Mr Fitzgerald, however at that time noted that the re-openings in Grand Bahama were contingent on water supplies being restored to schools in that district. During his address yesterday, Mr Fitzgerald expressed a level of confi-
dence that next Tuesday would see these matters resolved. Addressing matters at C I Gibson Senior High and Government High School, Mr Fitzgerald said that “important meetings” for parents of students enrolled at these two schools will be held on Wednesday, October 19 at 6pm, where school administrators will inform parents of the scheduling for students’ return. Mr Fitzgerald implored all parents to attend the meetings at the respective schools tomorrow evening. He made no new an-
nouncements on efforts to temporarily relocate students from the Lowe Sound, Lewis Yard and Bartlett Hill Primary Schools in Grand Bahama and Andros. On Friday he announced plans to temporarily relocate students from the Grand Bahama schools – Lewis Yard and Bartlett Hill – until repairs were carried out at the campuses; and students from the Lowe Sound campus in Andros for the rest of the school year, as that school has been selected for a total reconstruction effort to get underway in the com-
ing months. The government announced plans earlier this summer to build a new school in the community. Away from school repairs, Mr Fitzgerald also used his time on Monday to further sentiments he first raised on Friday, again reminding educators and the public alike, of the mental and emotional toll levelled on students in the wake of Hurricane Matthew and its devastation. He encouraged parents whose students lost their uniforms and other school supplies as a result of Hurricane Matthew to make
good use of Social Services. Mr Fitzgerald announced that Social Services Director Melanie Zonicle will give assistance with uniforms, backpacks and other basic supplies to those families in need, after the effects of Matthew. On Friday he advised administrators to be mindful that some students may have lost personal effects during the storm and encouraged administrators to be sensitive to the circumstances of students, particularly those who may not have any or complete uniforms. “They are to use good
judgment and give some lenience during the next couple of weeks,” Mr Fitzgerald said. Schools in Abaco, Acklins, South Andros, Mangrove Cay, Bimini, Cat Island, Crooked Island, Eleuthera, Exuma, Inagua, Long Island, Mayaguana, Ragged Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador – islands not as adversely affected by Matthew’s passage across the Bahamas earlier this month - re-opened last Tuesday, October 11. Several private schools in New Providence have already returned to normal operations.
PAGE 8, Tuesday, October 18, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
When will Christie call the next general election?
H
E HAS very little in the ‘pros’ column to prop himself and his government up on. Nearly everything his administration has attempted has fallen flat. So will he try to call an election sooner in the year, before any other catastrophes occur, or before there is one more negative thing to blame a Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Christie government for? Will he allow more time for his administration to fix the problems that are outstanding and hope the outcome of their efforts are things to carry them to an election victory? Even if he could raise rebuilding funds for Hurricane Matthew damage, it won’t be enough. Whatever amount it is it won’t be viewed as enough by the people affected by Matthew or by the insurers who have to pay out for homes and vehicles and businesses and health and death. Even if Baha Mar could miraculously open early in the new year, as Christie has expressed a desire for, the excitement surrounding that has long faded as has the novelty of such a resort. The PLP and Mr Christie
By NICOLE BURROWS
“The Bahamas’ problems are unsolvable. I’ve given up on pretending they are. The people are as they are because they follow leaders who do what they do. The people feed the worthless leaders cycle and the worthless leaders cycle feeds the people.” are right now just biding their time. There is no way they could realistically think that any move they make which they deem a success will in fact be regarded as one. The PLP cannot raise capital and it has lost its ability to raise buy-in from the Bahamian people. Christie has cried wolf one too many
Funeral Service For
Rudolph Adolphus Burgzorg, 91
of #43 Bahama Road, Nassau East and formerly of Georgetown, Guyana, will be held on Thursday, 20th October, 2016, 11:00 a.m. at St. Anselm’s Roman Catholic Church, Bernard Road, Fox Hill. Officiating will be Fr. Noel Clarke and Msgr. Preston A. Moss. Interment will follow in the church cemetery, Bernard Road, Fox Hill.
Left with precious memories of his life and legacy are his devoted wife of 68 years: Joyce Burgzorg nee Poitier; Children: Carver Burgzorg, Lena & Selvin Dottin, Carol Morley, Joan & Otto Fountain, Frederick Burgzorg, Trevor & Lewellen Burgzorg and Ian Burgzorg; Grandchildren: Allan Jackson, SarahVaughn, Seleyse & Sieron Dottin, Jason & Nicole Morley, Samantha & Terrance Kelly, Rudolph Burgzorg, Shaquille, Synnamon & Sy-vannah Burgzorg; Great-Grandchildren: Nakia Morley & Tristan Kelly; Siblings: Pearl Ashby of Guyana, Lois Richardson, Maureen Rahming, Astrid Brookes, Jane Adderley; Nieces & Nephews: Lucy Sancho, Maisie, Burl, Faye, Clayton, Neil & Murtlan Ashby, Maxwell & Eve Poitier, Paula & Tom Darcy, Brandford & Vera Chase, Arthur & Judith Chase, Elease, Gail & Renee Chase, Hugh & Primrose Chase, Haldane & Darlene Chase, Colyn Chase, Flora & Dwight Sawyer, Eric Poitier, Marie & Terrance Smith, Manette & Nicholas Cripps, Ida & Kenneth Turnquest, Wendyi Albury, Spencer Poitier, Marcian & Valarie Mortimer, Lorna & Gerard Mortimer, Alfred & Daphne Richardson, Iris Richardson, Anthony & Hazel Richardson, Dr. Kenneth & Ivis Richardson, Katherine Richardson, Ralph & Sherry Richardson, Selwyn & Dellareese Richardson, Drs. Osmond & Kimberley Richardson, Steven Richardson, Roosevelt, Diane & Monique Rahming, Earl & Clare Rahming, Joyanne & Danny Ferguson, Cheryl & Dr. Homer Bloomfield, Daphne & Dr. Graeme Fraser-Bell, Sharon & Michael Poitier, Charisse & Alexander Brown, Claudia & Vaughn Glinton, Annamaria & Bradley Smith, Vernelle & Rev. Charles Carey, Patricia & Terrance Fountain, Sonjia & Bruno Roberts, Brian & Cassandra Adderley, William & Joan Poitier and a host of Great-Grand Nieces and Nephews; God Children: Sherry Pestaina, Henry Lightbourne, Donella Davis & Annamaria Smith; Other Relatives & Friends Including: Sherry Jackson, Albertha Williams, Marion Dottin & Family, Isaac & Louise Lightbourne, Evie Simmons, Ravanna Mason, Lydia Brown, Johnny Cox, Bradley Bain, Valerie Clarke, Nello Coerbell, Mr. & Mrs. Roderick Pratt, Karen DeGregory & DeGregory Family, Deacon Danny & Debbie Price, Maxine Soles & Taylor Family, Debbie Archer, Eloise Archer, Martin Family, Huyler Family, Culmer Family, Delores Cooper, Freddy Tucker, Dolly Davis & Family, Wilson Family, Fountain Family, Morley Family, Young & Restless Travel Club, St. Anselm’s Ladies Auxillary; Special Thanks to Msgr. Preston A. Moss, Fr. Noel Clarke, Deacon Ricardo Demeritte, Joseph Curry, Deacon Nixon & Julie Lindor, St. Anselm’s Usher Board, Dr. Indira Grimes, Dr. Kirk Culmer, PMH A&E staff, Nurses Crystal Murray, Antoinette Cumberbatch, Misaida Rodriguez, Sharvon Peet, Dwanecqua Murphy, Tenneille Laing-Brown, Lakisha Gray and Augusta McNeil, and caregiver Marlene King. Friends may pay their last respects at Bethel Brothers Morticians, #44 Nassau Street on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on Thursday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until service time.
times. As a result, his people have now closed their ears and closed their minds. The only people who will still vote for Christie are those too stupid to understand a fantasy from reality, or those too ignorant to care about details. Yet, he keeps trucking. I suppose that’s one of his more formidable traits there ... he just doesn’t know how to take a hint and therefore comes across to the unknowing and unaware as a prize fighter. He won’t ever go away, won’t pass up the limelight, so that gets mistaken for commitment. Just because someone stays around doesn’t mean they’re fully committed to the cause. They are often too embarrassed or afraid to do anything else. If they leave, in their minds, it seems like they’ve given up, which is not what someone like that wants anyone to believe when they ultimately want supporters - voters - to continue to cast votes in their favour.
W
hen a person can’t walk away they’re ashamed that their only option is to leave, so to save face they stay. Or, they are too afraid to move forward with their lives away from the limelight. What will they do? They don’t know anything else. It’s all they’re qualified for. Their income and benefits are affected. Their intelligence is affected ... if they remove their own star power, how will they convince anyone to believe what they say after, because in the place where they come from moving on isn’t seen as success, it’s seen as a failure. Where the culture is such that if you don’t have or keep a job for decades it must mean something is wrong with you, leaving before you’re kicked out or have no other option is not impressive to say the very least. By contrast, a successful person in a developed world is at the pinnacle of success and is most appealing when they give up their lifetime day job and cross over into work that doesn’t require or celebrate star power. The bottom line is that Christie won’t quit before he’s kicked out of his post, because he doesn’t know how to and he’s being advised by
FOLLOW MY LEADER: a resident of Adelaide Village receives reassurance and supplies from Prime Minister Perry Christie as he toured hurricane-damaged areas of southern New Providence yesterday. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune staff foolish people who have ancient, unproven solutions to the problems for which Christie is tasked with providing solutions. So do Bahamians really want anything different than a Christie type leader? Someone who will dance a shuffle, spin political and religious rhetoric, and talk about how many beautiful young women are within earshot? If you’re my leader, you need to be less superficial than that in order to address the issues, not be distracted by skirts and tails, whether those skirts and tails are on women or men. This old time philosophy of winning favour and attention should be retired along with Christie, but if the status quo welcomes it as an acceptable norm then we’re not aiming to be any different from that same norm. One of the ideas to assist with hurricane relief and repair is to raise capital by bond issuance. Who will buy into this other than the Bahamian people ... the very one’s without the capital they need for repair and relief? Our credit rating is in the pipes beneath the toilet and, as far as I’m concerned, beyond all possible repair. The way Christie runs the government, including finances, is reflective of the problems we have as a country. Our productivity is low because our people are lazy, don’t like to learn and prefer to steal ... with or without mask and gun. Our credit is bad and no one is willing to loan us desperately needed
funds because we spend more than we make - intentionally. The government has a debt service ratio in excess of 90 per cent, and so do most of the people. As are the people, so is the government. The best leadership, I always thought and still do think, is by example, but the PLP Christie government is sterile in leadership. Even their examples and simulations are failures. How can my leader tell me to save for a rainy day but overspend my country’s money? How could he tell me that I should be accountable for my actions, when he and his faux leader team are not accountable for theirs? When it comes down to it, all that the people of the Bahamas are guilty of are both a direct cause and effect of the nature of their leadership.
I
t is useless to expect anything different. In order for there to be a difference that is favourable it will require a complete abandonment of the modus operandi that has brought us to this point. The Bahamas’ problems are unsolvable. I’ve given up on pretending they are. The people are as they are because they follow leaders who do what they do. The people feed the worthless leaders cycle and the worthless leaders cycle feeds the people. The Bahamas will be no better until they stop listening to career politicians about what is best for their country.
Career politicians have vested interest in their careers. When we find some leaders, some politicians, some women and men, who are willing and ready to stand up against the status quo, we will always be a failure. But Bahamians don’t want that job. There’s nothing glamorous about being righteous and upstanding, except people talking about how righteous you are, and there is no humility in that. Our people are not a worthy people. They need a psychological overhaul to be what they need to be as a unit. No overhaul, no change. No change, no success. We will continue to repeat the past with all of its hideous mistakes until the day comes when we are consumed by a culture, a people who are more united and more cultured than us. The only thing that will be left for us to do at that time is pray to whatever force one may believe in for mercy. A judgement awaits us and it’s not of the biblical variety. Nevertheless, it will happen in spite of our desire for it not to. The best thing you can do for yourself or your family is to have a plan for your safety. When the turbulence begins, it will not discriminate against the righteous. We’ve seen this pattern over and again throughout history. Good never triumphs when there are more important lessons to learn from what is bad. E-mail: nburrows@tribunemedia.net. Facebook and Twitter: @SoPolitiCole
BNT’S NAVIGATORS CO-ORDINATOR SELECTED FOR MARINE CONSERVATION EXCHANGE PROGRAMME
STEFFON Evans, who co-ordinates the Bahamas National Trust’s (BNT) senior youth group - the Navigators - has been selected by the US State Department to participate in a leadership exchange programme focusing on marine conservation. The goal of the US government programme is to enable emerging leaders from around the world to cultivate lasting relationships. Participants are selected annually by US Embassies. “We want to thank the US Embassy here for providing this incredible opportunity for Steffon,” said BNT Executive Director Eric Carey. “It testifies to the positive relationship we share. Steffon was an excellent choice and he represented the BNT and our country well.” Mr Evans is a graduate of C V Bethel Senior High School’s Magnet Marine Science Programme. He studied in the College of The Bahamas’ Small Island Sustainability Programme and is currently pursuing environmental studies online with Southern New Hampshire University. During and after high school he took part in numerous volunteer opportunities with conservation, civic and faith-based groups around the Bahamas. At the BNT he currently directs the Navigator clubs an environmental education programme for young people between 13 and 25. As a participant in the US exchange programme, Mr Evans joined 22 other young conservation leaders from different countries at marine science events in San Francisco, California; Portsmouth, New Hampshire; and Washington DC. They took part in workshops on marine protected areas and integrated coastal management, ocean conservation advocacy, sustainable fisheries and the impact of marine debris on ocean ecosystems. The climax of the exchange was in Washington, where participants attended the third Our Ocean Conference hosted by US Secretary of State John Kerry. The meeting enabled stakeholders from
LEFT: Steffon Evans, co-ordinator of the Bahamas National Trust group, the Navigators. RIGHT: Exchange programme participants from 23 countries, including the Bahamas, outside San Francisco City Hall. around the globe to commit to marine conservation measures. Some 450 international delegates attended the two-day event, including foreign ministers, environment and fisheries ministers, and other leaders in government, science, industry, and civil society. Mr Kerry told the conference that the oceans are under tremendous pressure from human activity - including unsustainable and illegal fishing, marine pollution and climate-related impacts. “The ocean is so vast and powerful that most people think nothing can possibly harm it,” Mr Kerry said. “But we have learned that is not true. The challenges facing our oceans respect no boundaries, so we have to come up with global solutions. Since the first Our Oceans conference two years ago, governments and business leaders have pledged $4 billion in new maritime sustainability initiatives and committed to safeguard almost six million square kilometres in marine protected areas.” In Washington, Mr Evans developed an Ocean Pledge and Action Plan for the Bahamas during Georgetown University’s Youth Leadership Summit, which paralleled the main Our Ocean conference. The summit’s aimed to build leadership strategies to tackle threats to ocean health.
“My pledge relates to the BNT programme that I co-manage.” he said. “We are launching a series of mini-projects to give hundreds of young people from dozens of groups across 10 islands the guidance and tools they need to do meaningful service in our national parks - all of which are connected either directly or indirectly to the health of our ocean.” Mr Evans said he was inspired and impressed by the presentations and field trips hosted by renowned institutions like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the US National Park Service, Bodega Marine Lab, University of New Hampshire, and the Smithsonian Institution. “I can’t help but be hopeful about the future after being immersed in the many conservation measures that people all over the United States are taking to save our ocean, while being surrounded by 22 other like-minded young people from almost every region of the planet. I’m returning home to continue with passion my role in the hard work of the BNT to manage our national parks and preserve our future.” The main conference in Washington DC was also attended by Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell, Environment Minister Ken Dorsett, and Mr Carey.
PAGE 10, Tuesday, October 18, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
AIR TRAVEL BAN ON SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 7S IN THE BAHAMAS PAIR ACCUSED OF MURDERING UNION LEADER’S SON BACK IN COURT IN DECEMBER
By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net TWO men accused of murdering the son of National Congress of Trade Unions Bahamas Leader John Pinder will have to wait until December for their case to be transferred to the Supreme Court. Jamean Johnson, 24, and Dylan Brown, 20, were due to appear before Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes for the presentation of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). However, the documents were not ready and the matter was adjourned to December 6. The two men are facing murder and attempted murder charges for the August 29 incident when they are alleged to have intentionally caused the death of 27-year-old John Pinder Jr and attempted to kill Kerrigan McCoy. According to initial reports from police, on the night in question, Pinder Jr was in his Hillside Park home off Bernard Road playing video games with several male friends when unknown persons shot through a window of the home. Pinder Jr was shot several times and pronounced dead at the scene. Mr McCoy was also shot. He was rushed to hospital by ambulance and treated for his injuries. The accused men will not be allowed to enter a plea to the charges until they are formally arraigned before a judge of the Supreme Court.
ALL Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones have been banned on planes in the Bahamas, the Department of Civil Aviation has announced. The devices, which have been the subject of a global recall by the manufacturer after a number of reported incidents of them catching fire due to a fault with the lithium battery - may not be carried by passengers or crew on their person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage on flights to, from, or within the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, the Department said early yesterday. The ban, which took effect from noon yesterday, also means the phones cannot be shipped as air cargo. In a statement the Department said: “The banning of these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers; however the safety of all passengers is paramount. Air travellers should note the following: “If passengers attempt to travel by air with their Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices, they will be denied boarding. “Passengers who attempt to evade the ban by packing their phone in checked luggage are increasing the risk of a catastrophic incident. Anyone violating the ban may be subject to criminal prosecu-
A DAMAGED Samsung Galaxy Note 7 after it caught fire. (AP)
tion, in addition to fines. “Passengers currently travelling with Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones should contact Samsung or their wireless carrier immediately to obtain information about how to return their phones and arrange for a refund or a replacement phone. Samsung has provided guidance for customers about refund and replacement options, as well as how to contact wireless carriers, at www. samsung.com/us/note7recall/ “If an airline representative observes that a passenger is in possession of a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 device prior to boarding an aircraft, the air
carrier must deny boarding to the passenger unless and until the passenger divests him/ herself and their carry-on and checked baggage of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 device. Passengers absolutely should not pack the phones in their checked luggage. “If a flight crew member identifies that a passenger is in possession of a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 device while the aircraft is in flight, the crew member must instruct the passenger to power off the device, not to use or charge the device while aboard the aircraft, and to guard against accidental activation, includ-
ing disabling any features that may turn on the device, such as alarm clocks. “Additionally, the passenger must keep the device on their person, and not in the overhead compartment, seat back pocket, nor in any carryon baggage, for the duration of the flight.” Samsung Electronics announced last week that it was stopping production of Galaxy Note 7 smartphones permanently, a day after stopping global sales of the ill-fated devices amid reports that batteries were catching fire. The South Korean company said in a regulatory filing that it decided to stop manufacturing Note 7s for the sake of consumer safety. The company and United States authorities are investigating multiple reports of new Note 7 replacement smartphones catching fire, including a Samsung phone that emitted smoke and forced a Southwest Airlines flight in Kentucky to evacuate passengers. Samsung is struggling to regain consumer trust after a first round of recalls of 2.5 million devices last month that prompted criticism both for the faulty devices and for the company’s handling of the problem. Some airlines banned the usage and charging of the Note 7 on flights.
IRAQIS PUSH TOWARD IS-HELD MOSUL FOR LONG AWAITED OFFENSIVE KHAZER, Iraq (AP) — The long-awaited offensive to retake Mosul from the Islamic State group began Monday with a volley of U.S.-led coalition airstrikes and heavy artillery bombardments on a cluster of villages along the edge of Iraq’s historic Nineveh plain east of the militant-held city. Iraq’s Kurdish peshmerga fighters led the initial assault, advancing slowly across open fields littered with boobytrapped explosives as plumes of black and orange smoke rose overhead — the opening phase of an unprecedented campaign expected to take weeks if not months, and involve more than 25,000
INTERNATIONAL NEWS troops. By the end of the day Kurdish forces had retaken some 200 square kilometers (80 square miles), according to the president of Iraq’s Kurdistan region. Peshmerga commanders on the ground estimated the offensive retook nine villages and pushed the frontline with IS back eight kilometres (five miles). But the forces’ hold appeared fragile and the gains largely symbolic. Some of the villages were so small they comprised no more than a few dozen homes, and most
Funeral Service For SHIRLEY MINNIS, 66 of Smiths Hill, Long Island, will be on Thursday, October 20th 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, Hamilton’s, Long Island. Officiating will Deacon Patrick Darville. Interment will follow in the Church’s Cemetery, Hamilton’s, Long Island. She is survived by: Her Sons: Leslie Minnis and Osley Adderley; Daughters: Janet Guerrero, Esther Minnis-Moxey, and Edith Minnis; Sister: Gloria Major; Brother-In-Law: Joshua Major; Daughter-In-Law: Shownna Laundry- Minnis; Son-In-Law: Dwayne Moxey; Grandchildren: Fredia Miller, Sanovia Minnis, Crystal Thomas, Rayanne Josey, Jessica Minnis, Damien Minnis, Cordero Minnis, Miguel Moxey, Tamahl Moxey, Geno Minnis, Justin Minnis, Alayna Adderley; Great Grand Children: Miguel Moxey Jr., Kaeleigh Thomas, Samuel Knowles, Jailynn Gordon, Gadance Miller Jr.; Nieces and Grandnieces: Portia Curry, Nicola and Latoya Shan, & Kay Major; Nephews and Grandnephews: Dwight, Kevin, & Steven Major; Aunt: Adliad Taylor; Other Relatives and Friends Including: Lopez family, Anita Bodie and family, Williams family, Knowles family, Shirley Thompson and family, Ava Thompson and family, Naomi Moncur and family, Maria Darville, Ena Major, Rose Edgecombe and family, Burrows family, Eileen Cartwright, Isabella Knowles, The Long Island family, Deacon Patrick Darville and family, Josephine Burrows and family, Newtlyn Higgs and family, Leonard Cartwright and family, Theresa Turnquest and family, Deans family, Monica Cartwright, Mythlyn Bowe, Kera Cartwright, Nicole Turnquest, Bible Truth Ministries’ and family and all others too numerous to mention. Viewing will be held at Vaughn O. Jones Memorial Center, Mt. Royal & Talbot St. on Tuesday (Today) from 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. In Hamilton’s, Long Island on Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. until service time on Thursday. Arrangements by Vaughn O. Jones Memorial Center, Mt. Royal Ave. & Talbot St., Nassau, Bahamas.
Mt. Royal Avenue & Talbot Street Tel: 676-2386 • 24 Hour Emergency • cell: 395-8960 email: Vaughnojonesmemorial@gmail.com
were abandoned. And though some troops were less than 30 kilometres (20 miles) from Mosul’s edges, it was unclear how long it would take to reach the city itself, where more than 1 million people still live. Aid groups have warned of a mass exodus of civilians that could overwhelm refugee camps. Iraq’s second-largest city, Mosul fell to IS in the summer of 2014 as the militants swept over much of the country’s north and central areas. Weeks later the head of the extremist group, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, announced the
A PESHMERGA convoy drives towards a frontline in Khazer, about 30 kilometres (19 miles) east of Mosul, Iraq, Monday. (AP) formation of a self-styled caliphate in Iraq and Syria from the pulpit of a Mosul mosque. If successful, the liberation of the city would be the biggest blow yet to the Islamic State group. After a string of victories by Iraqi ground forces over the past year, IS now controls less than half the territory it once held, and Iraqi Prime Minister Haider
Funeral Service
Mr. Thomas Mabon of Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas and formerly of Selkirk, Scotland, who died at his residence on Friday, 14th October, 2016, will be held at Christ Church Cathedral, George Street, Nassau on Saturday, 22nd October, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. The Very Reverend Patrick L. Adderley, Dean and Rector, Christ Church Cathedral, Vicar General The Diocese of The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands, assisted by The Right Reverend Laish Z. Boyd Bishop of The Anglican Diocese of The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands, The Venerable Keith N. Cartwright Archdeacon of the Southern Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands, Rector of St. Christopher’s Church, Lyford Cay, New Providence and Reverend Father Colin Humes, Priest Vicar, Christ Church Cathedral, will officiate. Mr. Mabon, an Electrical Engineer, arrived in The Bahamas in 1952 and will be remembered for his many contributions to The Bahamas. Tom is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Eileen; children, Ian and Athena Mabon, Susan and John Lawrence, Donna and Paul Knowles and Allan and Beth Mabon; grandchildren, Thomas and Nicole Knowles, Alastair and Jacquelyn Knowles, Tara and Darren Ivens, Eric Mabon, and great granddaughter, Emma Knowles. Thomas’ immediate family Douglas Mabon, William and Jean Mabon, Charlie and Marjorie Mabon, brother-in-law, Jack Knox (sister Joyce deceased). Brothers in law, Basil Minns, Douglas Minns and Sister-in-Law, Phylis & Ed Scott. Additionally, he had numerous relatives, friends and colleagues throughout Scotland, the Bahamas and beyond. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Society of The Bahamas, P.O.Box S.S.6539, Nassau, Christ Church Cathedral Endowment Fund, P.O.Box N.653, Nassau or Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (BASRA) P.O.Box S.S.6247, Nassau, in memory of Mr. Thomas Mabon. Arrangements by Kemp’s Funeral Home Limited.
Al-Abadi has pledged the fight for Mosul will lead to the liberation of all Iraqi territory from the militants this year. Al-Abadi announced the start of the operation on state television before dawn Monday, launching the country’s toughest battle since American troops withdrew from Iraq nearly five years ago. “These forces that are liberating you today, they have one goal in Mosul, which is to get rid of Daesh and to secure your dignity,” alAbadi said, addressing the city’s residents and using the Arabic acronym for IS. “God willing, we shall win.” In Washington, Defense Secretary Ash Carter called the Mosul operation “a decisive moment in the campaign” to defeat IS. The U.S. is providing airstrikes, training and logistical support, but insists Iraqis are leading the campaign. On Monday, Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook said a small number of U.S. troops were serving as advisers to Iraqi and peshmerga forces on the outskirts of Mosul. More than 25,000 Iraqi and Kurdish troops will be involved in the operation, launching assaults from five directions, according to Iraqi Brig. Gen. Haider Fadhil. The troops include elite Iraqi special forces who are expected to lead the charge into the city, as well as the Kurdish forces, Sunni tribal fighters, federal police and statesanctioned Shiite militias. In a political deal between the country’s Kurdish region and the central government, it was agreed that Kurdish forces would advance first, bringing the villages they retake under their regional control, according to Iraqi special forces Lt. Col. Ali Hussein. Once the Kurdish forces advance far enough, the Iraqi special forces will move to the new front and pick up the fight. Speaking at a news conference just a few kilometers (miles) from the frontline, the Kurdistan region’s President Massoud Barzani called the Mosul operation a “turning point in the war against terrorism,” but said there was not yet a plan for governing the region after the fight. Political and military officials in the Kurdistan region have previously said the peshmerga will not withdraw from any territory they retake. Saud Masoud, a soldier with Iraq’s special forces watched the frontline on the horizon Monday while wait-
ing for orders to advance. Originally from the Christian village of Bartella, the outskirts of which were obscured by plumes of smoke, he said he personally didn’t want his hometown to become part of the country’s Kurdistan region, but he understood why Iraqi leaders struck the deal. “People are tired of the situation, very tired honestly, so everyone including myself is willing to compromise,” he said. As airstrikes and heavy artillery pounded the squat, dusty buildings, the area — historically home to religious minorities brutally oppressed by IS — was almost completely empty of civilians, thus allowing air power to do much of the heavy lifting. Lt. Col. Mohammad Darwish said the main roads and fields were littered with homemade bombs and that suicide car bomb attacks slowed progress. Fighters entered the villages in Humvees but did not get out of their vehicles because it was too dangerous, a Peshmerga major said, speaking on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to brief the press. The IS-run news agency, Aamaq, said the group carried out eight suicide attacks against Kurdish forces and destroyed two Humvees belonging to the Kurdish forces and Shiite militias east of the city. Kurdish forces confirmed at least one such attack. Hisham Kazar, a Kurdish peshmerga fighter said one of his relatives died Monday as the Mosul operation got underway when a suicide car bomber rammed the Humvee he was riding in. “This kind of sacrifice is worth it because we are fighting for Kurdish territory,” he said, “I wouldn’t say the same if we were fighting in Iraqi land.” The operation so far hasn’t run into what is expected to be one of its most significant obstacles: Mosul’s civilian population of more than a million people. The United Nations said Monday that the largest wave of displaced people is expected to begin next week as Iraqi forces enter territory where thousands are living. The political and security crisis triggered by the fall of Mosul more than two years ago also contributed to the rise in power of armed groups that only loosely fall under the control of the central government.
PAGE 10, Tuesday, October 18, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
AIR TRAVEL BAN ON SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 7S IN THE BAHAMAS PAIR ACCUSED OF MURDERING UNION LEADER’S SON BACK IN COURT IN DECEMBER
By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net TWO men accused of murdering the son of National Congress of Trade Unions Bahamas Leader John Pinder will have to wait until December for their case to be transferred to the Supreme Court. Jamean Johnson, 24, and Dylan Brown, 20, were due to appear before Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes for the presentation of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). However, the documents were not ready and the matter was adjourned to December 6. The two men are facing murder and attempted murder charges for the August 29 incident when they are alleged to have intentionally caused the death of 27-year-old John Pinder Jr and attempted to kill Kerrigan McCoy. According to initial reports from police, on the night in question, Pinder Jr was in his Hillside Park home off Bernard Road playing video games with several male friends when unknown persons shot through a window of the home. Pinder Jr was shot several times and pronounced dead at the scene. Mr McCoy was also shot. He was rushed to hospital by ambulance and treated for his injuries. The accused men will not be allowed to enter a plea to the charges until they are formally arraigned before a judge of the Supreme Court.
ALL Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones have been banned on planes in the Bahamas, the Department of Civil Aviation has announced. The devices, which have been the subject of a global recall by the manufacturer after a number of reported incidents of them catching fire due to a fault with the lithium battery - may not be carried by passengers or crew on their person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage on flights to, from, or within the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, the Department said early yesterday. The ban, which took effect from noon yesterday, also means the phones cannot be shipped as air cargo. In a statement the Department said: “The banning of these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers; however the safety of all passengers is paramount. Air travellers should note the following: “If passengers attempt to travel by air with their Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices, they will be denied boarding. “Passengers who attempt to evade the ban by packing their phone in checked luggage are increasing the risk of a catastrophic incident. Anyone violating the ban may be subject to criminal prosecu-
A DAMAGED Samsung Galaxy Note 7 after it caught fire. (AP)
tion, in addition to fines. “Passengers currently travelling with Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones should contact Samsung or their wireless carrier immediately to obtain information about how to return their phones and arrange for a refund or a replacement phone. Samsung has provided guidance for customers about refund and replacement options, as well as how to contact wireless carriers, at www. samsung.com/us/note7recall/ “If an airline representative observes that a passenger is in possession of a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 device prior to boarding an aircraft, the air
carrier must deny boarding to the passenger unless and until the passenger divests him/ herself and their carry-on and checked baggage of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 device. Passengers absolutely should not pack the phones in their checked luggage. “If a flight crew member identifies that a passenger is in possession of a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 device while the aircraft is in flight, the crew member must instruct the passenger to power off the device, not to use or charge the device while aboard the aircraft, and to guard against accidental activation, includ-
ing disabling any features that may turn on the device, such as alarm clocks. “Additionally, the passenger must keep the device on their person, and not in the overhead compartment, seat back pocket, nor in any carryon baggage, for the duration of the flight.” Samsung Electronics announced last week that it was stopping production of Galaxy Note 7 smartphones permanently, a day after stopping global sales of the ill-fated devices amid reports that batteries were catching fire. The South Korean company said in a regulatory filing that it decided to stop manufacturing Note 7s for the sake of consumer safety. The company and United States authorities are investigating multiple reports of new Note 7 replacement smartphones catching fire, including a Samsung phone that emitted smoke and forced a Southwest Airlines flight in Kentucky to evacuate passengers. Samsung is struggling to regain consumer trust after a first round of recalls of 2.5 million devices last month that prompted criticism both for the faulty devices and for the company’s handling of the problem. Some airlines banned the usage and charging of the Note 7 on flights.
IRAQIS PUSH TOWARD IS-HELD MOSUL FOR LONG AWAITED OFFENSIVE KHAZER, Iraq (AP) — The long-awaited offensive to retake Mosul from the Islamic State group began Monday with a volley of U.S.-led coalition airstrikes and heavy artillery bombardments on a cluster of villages along the edge of Iraq’s historic Nineveh plain east of the militant-held city. Iraq’s Kurdish peshmerga fighters led the initial assault, advancing slowly across open fields littered with boobytrapped explosives as plumes of black and orange smoke rose overhead — the opening phase of an unprecedented campaign expected to take weeks if not months, and involve more than 25,000
INTERNATIONAL NEWS troops. By the end of the day Kurdish forces had retaken some 200 square kilometers (80 square miles), according to the president of Iraq’s Kurdistan region. Peshmerga commanders on the ground estimated the offensive retook nine villages and pushed the frontline with IS back eight kilometres (five miles). But the forces’ hold appeared fragile and the gains largely symbolic. Some of the villages were so small they comprised no more than a few dozen homes, and most
were abandoned. And though some troops were less than 30 kilometres (20 miles) from Mosul’s edges, it was unclear how long it would take to reach the city itself, where more than 1 million people still live. Aid groups have warned of a mass exodus of civilians that could overwhelm refugee camps. Iraq’s second-largest city, Mosul fell to IS in the summer of 2014 as the militants swept over much of the country’s north and central areas. Weeks later the head of the extremist group, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, announced the
A PESHMERGA convoy drives towards a frontline in Khazer, about 30 kilometres (19 miles) east of Mosul, Iraq, Monday. (AP) formation of a self-styled caliphate in Iraq and Syria from the pulpit of a Mosul mosque. If successful, the liberation of the city would be the biggest blow yet to the Islamic State group. After a string of victories by Iraqi ground forces over the past year, IS now controls less than half the territory it once held, and Iraqi Prime Minister Haider
Al-Abadi has pledged the fight for Mosul will lead to the liberation of all Iraqi territory from the militants this year. Al-Abadi announced the start of the operation on state television before dawn Monday, launching the country’s toughest battle since American troops withdrew from Iraq nearly five years ago. “These forces that are liberating you today, they have one goal in Mosul, which is to get rid of Daesh and to secure your dignity,” alAbadi said, addressing the city’s residents and using the Arabic acronym for IS. “God willing, we shall win.” In Washington, Defense Secretary Ash Carter called the Mosul operation “a decisive moment in the campaign” to defeat IS. The U.S. is providing airstrikes, training and logistical support, but insists Iraqis are leading the campaign. On Monday, Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook said a small number of U.S. troops were serving as advisers to Iraqi and peshmerga forces on the outskirts of Mosul. More than 25,000 Iraqi and Kurdish troops will be involved in the operation, launching assaults from five directions, according to Iraqi Brig. Gen. Haider Fadhil. The troops include elite Iraqi special forces who are expected to lead the charge into the city, as well as the Kurdish forces, Sunni tribal fighters, federal police and statesanctioned Shiite militias. In a political deal between the country’s Kurdish region and the central government, it was agreed that Kurdish forces would advance first, bringing the villages they retake under their regional control, according to Iraqi special forces Lt. Col. Ali Hussein. Once the Kurdish forces advance far enough, the Iraqi special forces will move to the new front and pick up the fight. Speaking at a news conference just a few kilometers (miles) from the frontline, the Kurdistan region’s President Massoud Barzani called the Mosul operation a “turning point in the war against terrorism,” but said there was not yet a plan for governing the region after the fight. Political and military officials in the Kurdistan region have previously said the peshmerga will not withdraw from any territory they retake. Saud Masoud, a soldier with Iraq’s special forces watched the frontline on the horizon Monday while wait-
ing for orders to advance. Originally from the Christian village of Bartella, the outskirts of which were obscured by plumes of smoke, he said he personally didn’t want his hometown to become part of the country’s Kurdistan region, but he understood why Iraqi leaders struck the deal. “People are tired of the situation, very tired honestly, so everyone including myself is willing to compromise,” he said. As airstrikes and heavy artillery pounded the squat, dusty buildings, the area — historically home to religious minorities brutally oppressed by IS — was almost completely empty of civilians, thus allowing air power to do much of the heavy lifting. Lt. Col. Mohammad Darwish said the main roads and fields were littered with homemade bombs and that suicide car bomb attacks slowed progress. Fighters entered the villages in Humvees but did not get out of their vehicles because it was too dangerous, a Peshmerga major said, speaking on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to brief the press. The IS-run news agency, Aamaq, said the group carried out eight suicide attacks against Kurdish forces and destroyed two Humvees belonging to the Kurdish forces and Shiite militias east of the city. Kurdish forces confirmed at least one such attack. Hisham Kazar, a Kurdish peshmerga fighter said one of his relatives died Monday as the Mosul operation got underway when a suicide car bomber rammed the Humvee he was riding in. “This kind of sacrifice is worth it because we are fighting for Kurdish territory,” he said, “I wouldn’t say the same if we were fighting in Iraqi land.” The operation so far hasn’t run into what is expected to be one of its most significant obstacles: Mosul’s civilian population of more than a million people. The United Nations said Monday that the largest wave of displaced people is expected to begin next week as Iraqi forces enter territory where thousands are living. The political and security crisis triggered by the fall of Mosul more than two years ago also contributed to the rise in power of armed groups that only loosely fall under the control of the central government.