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WOMAN: GETTING FINANCIALLY FIT FOR YEAR AHEAD

Two months on, missing pilot’s wife opens her heart

I’ll never lose faith, never stop searching

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net ON New Year’s Day, Anya Ferguson celebrated the second anniversary of her marriage to missing pilot Byron Ferguson at the site where the couple’s wedding reception was held.

“Honestly, I celebrated the day as if he stood in front of me the entire time,” Mrs Ferguson told The Tribune yesterday.

Two months ago, Mr Ferguson, 34, and his plane crashed in water off Nirvana Beach and subsequently disappeared. His wife said she will never stop searching

for her husband, adding her faith in God and supportive family have kept her going in the midst of tragedy.

It is a story that transfixed and outraged the nation, as officials’ response to the tragedy has been widely criticised

by Mr Ferguson’s family and the general public alike.

One week after the crash occurred, a civilian effort to locate the plane proved to be successful, turning up an estimated 60-70 pieces of debris 60ft away from the plane’s original location. In the face of criticism, the Royal Bahamas Defence SEE PAGE THREE

ANYA and Byron Ferguson on their wedding day.

$200BN ASSET FALL POLICE SEEK MOTIVE IN LAST SIX YEARS IN LAWYER STABBING

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

TOTAL bank assets in The Bahamas fell by over $200bn during the six-and-ahalf years to end-September 2018, amid rising fears that the sector’s latest reforms are a “death knell”.

Data from the Central Bank of The Bahamas, unveiled at a December industry briefing, revealed that combined domestic and “offshore” banking

assets declined by 35.2 percent, falling to $426.2bn, between 2012 and last September.

The regulator attributed the fall largely to a shift in business model by many of its licencees, but other figures fuel the impression of a Bahamian financial services in slow, steady contraction and retreat. Total industry employment dropped by 13.6 percent between 2012 and 2017 as financial institutions shed 650 jobs.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

A PROSECUTOR at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is nursing wounds after he was stabbed in the head on Sunday night, an attack officials say has little precedent in The Bahamas.

The stabbing of Joel Seymour is believed to be connected with his role as a prosecutor, Director of Public Prosecutions

Garvin Gaskin confirmed yesterday.

“This matter is very serious,” he said. “As a matter of fact it goes to the administration of justice. The security of prosecutors is paramount because obviously everybody has their role to play and the role we play in the criminal justice system is critical so you can’t have persons either assaulted or intimidated or anything like that. We are mandated to do our SEE PAGE FIVE

FAMILY SETTLES OVER US CUSTODY DEATH

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

THE FAMILY of Bahamian medical school graduate Lashano Gilbert, who died in police custody in Connecticut in 2014, has reached an undisclosed settlement over their $54 million federal civil rights lawsuit.

Gilbert’s aunt, Albertha Fletcher, and his mother, Donna Smith accused New

LASHONO GILBERT, who died in police custody in 2014.

London police officers of excessive force in the death of the 31-year-old man, and

also named the attending hospital and emergency room physician as defendants in the lawsuit filed in 2016.

The state’s city council was expected to hold a closed door meeting to discuss and vote on the settlement last night.

Gilbert, who grew up in The Bahamas, is said to have graduated from a medical school in Cuba and was fluent in multiple

FACE-TO-FACE

THERE ARE SO MANY VICTIMS

SEE PAGE NINE

9 PIECE CHICKEN

Three year and 100,000kms manufacturer warranties are provided with any new vehicle purchased.

Shirley Street www.hondabahamas.com www.nassaumotor.com 302-0130

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• 1 Keel • 2 Ribs • 2 Wings • 2 Thighs • 2 Legs

SEE PAGE EIGHT

PAGE 2, Tuesday, January 8, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

Two face murder charges

MARVIN MARTIN, 43, was charged with murder yesterday.

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net A 43-YEAR-OLD man is behind the country’s first murder of 2019, police have alleged.

Police claim Marvin Martin carried out last Tuesday’s murder of Terrance Rolle aka “Cokehead”. He was one of two men charged with murder yesterday.

The Hospital Lane resident stood before

Magistrate Kara TurnquestDeveaux on a single murder charge stemming from the New Year’s Day incident.

According to initial police reports, shortly before noon on the day in question, a male was walking with others on Market Street near CR Walker Senior School, when he was approached by a man armed with a firearm, who shot him before running away.

The victim was transported to hospital in serious

Marlon Williams, 20, was charged with murder yesterday. condition, where he later died.

Martin was not required to enter a plea to the charge and the matter was adjourned to February 11 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

Bail was denied and he was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services in the interim.

Meanwhile, a second man was charged yesterday with last month’s murder of security guard Mario Cartwright

at a corner store in The Coconut Grove community.

Marlon Williams aka “Muggy” stood before Magistrate TurnquestDeveaux on a single charge of murder stemming from the December 12, 2018 incident.

The 20-year-old Coconut Grove resident is also charged with robbing the store in question, Manda’s Variety & Wholesale Snacks, at gunpoint of $200 cash.

Cartwright was shot

Photos: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

unexpectedly as he entered a corner store at First Street and Palm Tree Avenue, police said. It is alleged Williams’ co-accused, Paul Adderley aka “PJ”, shot and killed Cartwright as the two crossed paths at the store’s entrance. Cartwright died at the scene.

Three days later, on December 15, police said they took Adderley into custody while he was in possession of Jimenez 9mm pistol and six rounds of ammunition. However,

during his arraignment last month Adderley claimed he was forced to confess to the charge of murder, alleging officers at the Central Detective Unit placed a plastic bag over his head and repeatedly stomped on his chest.

Williams was not required to enter a plea to the charge and the matter was adjourned to February 21 for service of a VBI. Bail was denied and he was remanded to the BDCS in the interim.

CONSTRUCTION WORK AT BAHA MAR ALL ABOVE BOARD, SAYS SENIOR VP

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

THE construction of an expanded slip dock at the rear of Baha Mar’s Cable Beach property was yesterday classified as “above board” by its senior vice-president Robert “Sandy” Sands.

Responding to months of questions and concerns over the construction, Mr Sands told The Tribune the dock expansion was nothing more than renovations to allow for “more maritime traffic”.

“I don’t understand where this misconception came from, this is not a marina, there was no dredging; this is a simple expansion of our dock in accordance to all of the regulatory and legal

channels we adhere to,” Mr Sands said. This comes as several concerned citizens have reached out to The Tribune for information on the resort’s activities, all insisting no public pronouncements were made with respect to such a development.

These enquiries were later followed by at least two letters to the editor, published on November 28, 2018, and December 27, 2018, respectively.

In the first letter, the writer, Abraham Moss questioned the authorisation of the entire construction; asking for clarification on whether Baha Mar’s original heads of agreement included item lines for such a development.

“Was there a public application for this? Has Port Authority

approved? What precisely is Baha Mar building? The water between Arawak Cay and west to Delaporte Point is supposed to be reserved with considerable restrictions such as the speed of water craft fishing. Does what Baha Mar is building comply?

So we imploded the old Crystal Palace - no developer/investor would have spent a few million on that without a development plan having been approved to replace those buildings and we know it is proposed add an ‘amenity,’” the letter read.

Responding to The Tribune yesterday, Mr Sands said: “As you know, we are the owners of our own island now, Long Cay. We wanted to create a space significant enough to cater to our guests,

inclusive of charter trips to both Balmoral Island and Long Cay.” “I don’t know where the mass panic is coming from. We have operated a pier of some sort from this location for the last three years, all we’ve done is develop the space to ensure that we can offer a better experience to our guests.

“Yes, some additional pier space has been added, but I can say firmly, no dredging has taken place. The existing (approvals) we have allow for what we have expanded to.”

Meanwhile, Attorney General Carl Bethel on Sunday said he was not aware of any agreement that would have granted Baha Mar permission to “cut into the land”.

While admitting he was unaware of exactly what permits the resort had to carry out its construction, Mr Bethel said he was aware of the resort’s plans to develop a water park feature on par with Atlantis’ Aquaventure facility.

He referred all questions on building approvals to Works Minister Desmond Bannister, who in a separate conversation with The Tribune on Sunday, said he would have to speak with officials from the Ministry of Works who are more familiar with Baha Mar’s plans before commenting.

Up to press time yesterday, Mr Bannister said he was still awaiting information from his technical team.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, January 8, 2019, PAGE 3

Two months on, missing pilot’s wife opens her heart

‘From the very first phone call, he said “I’m going to marry you and it’s going to be New Year’s Day”.’ from page one Force has said its own search efforts yielded debris from the aircraft.

As she copes with the ordeal, the young mother is still angry at how law enforcement handled the matter. “This is what I expected, honestly,” Mrs Ferguson said of the volunteer effort. “If you can watch the tail of the plane sink in plain sight, where you could have touched it but instead recorded.”

Mrs Fergusons’ comments referenced eyewitness accounts of how the officials handled the initial search and rescue effort.

“If you can report that two tourists were onboard,” she continued, “If you can, without evidence release a statement to the media about ‘no flight plan’, if you cannot send divers into the water Thursday night, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, given that your officers are trained to do these things on command.

“Why am I surprised volunteers found pieces of the plane and you didn’t?”

Mrs Ferguson also said communication with government officials has been non-existent. “As Byron’s wife, no government official contacted me,” she said.

“To my understanding, from other sources, and the newspaper, the RBDF are performing land searches and hoping, I guess to find a plane that’s fully submerged underwater.”

Despite her clear disenchantment with the authorities that many believe failed her spouse, Mrs Ferguson’s love for her husband and hope for his return are palpable.

“We met on a flight to Eleuthera,” she said. “He was the captain in command, but the first officer flew that day.

“Byron would not stop looking back at me. I will always remember saying ‘why this man won’t fly this plane?’ Now I’m sitting here picturing that smirk on his face; my handsome guy,” she said.

“He always said he would marry me on New Year’s Day,” Mrs Ferguson continued. “From the very first phone call, he said ‘I’m going to marry you and it’s going to be New Year’s Day.’ “When we became an item, I always looked forward to the first day of the year. His grandparents wed on January 1. He never said this was the reason, but I always assumed he wanted to follow in their footsteps.”

That blissful day occurred on January 1, 2017. On January 25, 2018, the couple welcomed a baby boy, Bryson.

Anya Ferguson remembers the good times

When asked which of his father’s traits she hopes her son inherits, Mrs Ferguson said: “I hope he inherits it all.

“I’m already seeing it.

The good, and the bad (such as) making up his face when he’s angry. My husband is such a loving person. To know him is to love him. There’s absolutely no in between. He goes 100 percent or nothing at all.

“My son has a bubbly personality, always smiling and very affectionate — all his dad. He’s extremely mischievous, but that’s from both sides.”

In the aftermath of such a difficult situation, Mrs Ferguson said her faith and her support system have kept her going.

“I pray,” she told The Tribune. “I’ve become closer to God. On my down days, I always remember that God is still a great God and God is still in control.

Broken crayons still colour and I am gracefully broken.

BAIL FOR WOMAN ACCUSED OF ASSAULTING POLICEMAN

A WOMAN has been granted bail ahead of her trial over allegations she assaulted a police officer during a protest near the Sidney Poitier Bridge late last year.

Magistrate Samuel McKinney granted Jenny Gilbert $1,500 bail ahead of her trial concerning her actions on November 21, 2018.

Prior to being granted bail, Gilbert, of Sea Fan Drive, pleaded not guilty to allegations she assaulted Police Corporal 2989 Barr, obstructed the officer from executing his duties and resisted his lawful arrest.

The matter was adjourned to February 11 for trial.

Gilbert is represented by attorney Maria Daxon.

“My family has been extremely supportive, my hurt is their hurt, and to this day, they still stand in agreement with me. However, our son is who I lean on the most. I’m reminded of God’s love for me every day I wake and get to see Bryson’s smile. He knows a whole lot now about affection. So, if I ask for a hug and a kiss, he comes running to my arms.

“Life doesn’t stop unfortunately. I always say time is so inconsiderate. However,

God does not stop blessing his children and you must love the people God gives you. Remember, it’s all for his glory.

“I will never stop searching for my husband. I know that in the interim, I have to keep on going for my son because wherever Byron is, that’s what he would want.

“But I will never lose my faith in God and I will always have hope for a phone call or for him to walk through the door. I believe he’s going to find

his way home. Miracles happen! Just how God can turn day into night and night into day, he can make impossible, possible.”

RBDF officials have defended their initial search efforts, with Commodore Tellis Bethel saying in November that marines made every effort but were careful not to compromise safety.

However, he could not definitively tell reporters at what time the search was suspended in the hours

following the crash. Officials gave a list of reasons – from vessels not having sufficient gas to there being low visibility, needing to mobilise additional equipment for a more extensive search, and suggesting fatigue – as to why the search had been called off the night of the crash.

It was also contended that there had been no dive search efforts on the following Saturday and Sunday due to “inclement weather”.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, January 8, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

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

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,

jamaaltheartist@gmail.com

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

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,

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

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2020 is around the corner and already election speculation begins IT SEEMS a perfect storm is brewing in American politics. Disparate, sometimes unrelated events are coming together in the 100th year of American women being allowed to vote. Many are speculating - as they did when Hillary Clinton challenged Donald Trump - that in 2020, exactly one century after the US constitution was amended to permit female franchise, for the first time a woman will be elected president of the United States.

Last week, by far the most powerful woman in American politics resumed her position as Speaker of the House of Representatives after a hiatus of eight years of frustration as minority leader. During that period, Nancy Pelosi watched as the early promise of Barack Obama was picked at and diminished by spiteful Republicans and their shameful base of ignorant bigots, misguided religious zealots and other gullible, impressionable voters. Then, shockingly, she witnessed the election in 2016 of Donald Trump, blighting any hopes voters may have had for a reversal of the dumbing down and cynical manipulation of American politics.

Thanks to a lot of hard work and successful strategising by Pelosi and the Democratic party, the November mid-term American elections became a stinging repudiation of greedy and disrespectful Republican behaviour. A sizeable GOP majority in the House was reversed and a new, younger wave of congressmen and women was sworn in last week. Of the 435 members of the House, an unprecedented 23 percent were women. Fresh, different faces among the new legislators have already spoken against Trump’s reprehensible misogyny and unforgivable mendacity.

For now, they are political rock stars.

Charismatic congresswomen Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, from New York City, and Haley Stevens, from Detroit, have garnered national headlines. But today’s euphoria will subside. They and their new colleagues have so much more work to do.

The Republicans still control the Senate, 53-47. A peek at the 2020 political landscape reveals that as things now appear, the Democrats have a decent prospect of defeating fewer than a half dozen GOP incumbent Senators, and will be hard pressed to defend a couple of their own seats, most notably in Alabama. The most pragmatically optimistic

projection which is not too fanciful projects a 50-50 split in the Senate, with a potential Democratic vice president presiding and breaking ties.

Furthermore, Trump’s slavish devotion to his campaign promises to his loyal “base” has appeared to solidify their support; his approval ratings, while not gaudy, nonetheless hover around 40 percent, which is not hopeless with the general election still 22 months from now.

The question of whom the Democrats will select to oppose Trump is unclear.

Many have expressed the concern that if a woman is nominated, she will face the same gusty headwinds that capsized Hillary Clinton’s campaign. Pundits are already bemoaning tests of likeability which are applied to women candidates for executive office, but not to men.

Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren has clearly signalled her intention to run. At least three other female senators are expected to jump into the race in the coming months. But it may be significant that the leading choice in early polling of Democratic voters is former Senator and Vice President Joe Biden. Running in second place is former El Paso congressman Beto O’Rourke, a charismatic Latino who ran an unexpectedly strong race against Ted Cruz in the November Texas Senate race and demonstrated prodigious fundraising strength.

Warren will run for the nomination on a promise to detangle the present American economic system, which she describes as rigged against the working middle class and poor. Senator Bernie Sanders will probably compete on the same platform. Biden, very likely to present himself as a presidential candidate for the third time, will offer experience and the prospect of standing up to Trump on the debate stage. There is speculation that more than a dozen Democrats will enter the party’s primary races. There will be multiple African Americans and women. Foremost on the minds of primary voters will be the matter of which candidate can unhorse Trump in the jousts to come.

Of course, all the careful calculations in the world can come undone in the blink of Robert Mueller’s eye. When the special counsel’s report finally emerges, we may see whether a sitting president can be indicted. That might change everything.

Let’s get ready to defend drone attack EDITOR, The Tribune HOW we like to copy so has the Ministry of Transport - Police and NAD got some very strict regs to ban the flying of drones anywhere close to LPIA or any airport?

Drones are seen over private property…TV News shows regularly video sometimes live over the Prison - at State

Events all kinds fly over does anyone know who are flying them and have they for the State Events Police approval for Licence to fly in the airspace over the event?

The mega airport disaster at GatwickLondon shows how easy it is even with all the facilities the UK has available to cause absolute chaos. ‘000’s

of flying passengers disrupted…airlines cancelling, diverting planes.

Costs millions in damages and loss of revenue.

The jamming device is Israeli made price to purchase US$2 million!

Before someone tries it let’s be prepared.

H ALBURY Nassau December 22, 2018

Cancel Bahamas Bowl EDITOR, The Tribune MAKERS wanted Bahamas Bowl attendance?

Talk fake news that 13,510 attended…

Cameras don’t lie…the bleachers were empty, worse than last year.

The event gave away 3000 seats to children, they didn’t go!

Cancel, Minister D’Aguilar, a waste of time, energy and money.

Why did the Police block off access to Road Traffic - Licensing and why did Road Traffic close and transfer Friday? For what? The invisible attendees?

Totally fake news…if 4000 attended that was many.

ABRAHAM MOSS Nassau, December 24, 2018.

We should join the Canada club EDITOR, The Tribune CANADA is the second wealthiest country in North America with an impressive GDP of $46,437 per capita.

With a thriving economy, the Canadian government has extended an invitation to thousands of highly trained immigrants to its shores.

Canada is home to many Bahamian economic refugees, mainly from the island of Grand Bahama.

It is also becoming a favourite touristic spot for many Bahamians who are bored with travelling to the United States. In this regard, the government must issue a travel advisory to its citizens who are planning on visiting or relocating to Canada.

If Canada can do the same for its people who visit The Bahamas, why can’t the Bahamian government do the same for its citizens? After all, there were 660 murders committed in

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net Canada in 2017 and 2,913 between 2013 and 2017.

As for sexual assaults, a staggering 635,000 were reported by Canadians in the year 2014 alone.

Canada has a population of nearly 37 million. Based on the metric sociologists typically use in gauging crime, Canada’s murder rate per 100,000 was just 1.80 in 2017.

The Bahamas’ rate is around 29 per 100,000.

There were 1,109 reported rapes in The Bahamas between 2003-2013.

Regarding Canada’s low murder rate per 100,000, such a metric can be misleading. For instance, the United States’ murder rate for 2012 was 4.7. Yet despite this figure being far less than The Bahamas’ rate of 29, over 17,200

persons were murdered in the US in 2017.

So while Canadian sociologists are salivating over Canada’s supposedly low murder rate, 660 murders, even for 37 million people, is still an unacceptably high figure. Moreover, the 635,000 sexual assault figure attests to the fact that women and children are far more vulnerable in Canada than in The Bahamas.

The Williams Brothers’ hit song Sweep Around Your Own Front Door aptly applies to Canada’s snobbery towards this country on issuing its travel advisories. I don’t fault the Canadians for looking out for their own. But let’s not pretend Canada is an utopian country. Like other countries, Canada also has a crime issue.

KEVIN EVANS Freeport Grand Bahama December 27, 2018

Travel advisories are not flippant EDITOR, The Tribune TRAVEL advisories are issued by sovereign governments to advise their citizens of danger or potential danger when visiting a particular city, area or country – they are not flippantly issued.

Canada issued an alert on January 24, 2018…which followed the US Travel Alert of January 10, 2018 (US travel alert went to level two on September 2, 2018 but if read correctly

no alert is in place today).

The RCL Cruise Line ‘Anthem of the Seas’ captain basically verbatim followed the US alert of earlier this year. There was a reason for this.

What did Ministry of Tourism - Ministry of National Security - Ministry of Environment (Fish Fry) put into place to remediate clean up these issues from early 2018?

Was there any consultation with the US Embassy-Nassau?

Was

there any communication with Foreign Ministry of Canada as there is no High Commission in Nassau?

My fear is nothing so what do you expect - no reaction? One cruise crew coming here for years comments “on every visit a passenger has been mugged or assaulted”, probably not reported to RBPF. W THOMPSON Nassau December 29, 2018

Abolish record of failure EDITOR, The Tribune I FOUND Philip “Brave” Davis’ comment about abolishing the Queen’s honours as a trite deflection from more substantive issues.

What we need to abolish is the opportunity for people who have a track record of failure, ineptness and questionable backgrounds from becoming career politicians

who grow fat suckling at the teat of the public treasury.

Career politicians have done far more damage to sovereignty, integrity and posterity of this country than any honour the Queen might give!

JB Nassau, January 7, 2019.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, January 8, 2019, PAGE 5

POLICE SEEKING MOTIVE AFTER LAWYER STABBING from page one

jobs for you all, our clients, the Bahamian people.”

Asked to confirm if the stabbing was directly related to Mr Seymour’s role as a prosecutor, Mr Gaskin said: “Police haven’t completed their investigation and I don’t want a situation where my statements may impact the findings so I want to allow them to do their job and when their investigation is complete we’ll appropriately respond, but based on the information we have the incident appears to be in connection with his capacity as a prosecutor.”

Local prosecutors have faced threats before, but Mr Gaskin

could not recall another time when one became a victim of bodily harm.

It is understood that Mr Seymour was a prison officer before being seconded several years ago from the prison to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

“If you canvass the times past and the complaints, intimidation, that’s been going on, but bodily harm, that one, thankfully, is exceptional,” Mr Gaskin said. “There needs to be a greater focus on prosecutorial security.

If this can be that impetus to the appropriate level of focus then thankfully he is not injured severely but now we can pay due attention to this security issue.”

Mr Seymour has been

discharged from hospital and is in stable condition. The Tribune could not reach him yesterday. “His experience must be extremely jarring,” Mr Gaskin said. “Thankfully it’s not a situation where he is still hospitalised or anything like that but we know it could have really turned in another direction easily.”

The International Association of Prosecutors, established by the United Nations in 1995, described the minimum standards for the security and protection of public prosecutors and their families.

The declaration calls for states to “take all steps to provide necessary protection, including engaging the police or security guards.”

The IAP said: “An appropriate state authority should be given the responsibility to assess the security risk both to prosecutors generally and to specific prosecutors as well as their families and to keep all assessments under review at reasonable intervals or when circumstances change.” It’s not clear whether the Bahamas adheres to such standards.

Despite the seriousness of the weekend incident, police did not report it in their daily crime report; it is unclear when and where the incident took place. Chief Superintendent of Police Solomon Cash did not respond to The Tribune’s repeated attempts to reach

him yesterday, and Assistant Superintendent of Police Shanta Knowles, the press liaison officer, also did not provide details about the incident when contacted.

For his part, Assistant Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander said the incident took place “at night at an establishment.” He said two men are in custody, having turned themselves in. He was careful not to specify a motive for the stabbing.

“We will check to see if he was a target based on him being a prosecutor in a particular matter,” ACP Fernander said.

“That is something during the course of our investigation we will determine.”

Family heartbreak as RBDF marine named as victim in motorbiking accident

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net A 27-year-old Royal Bahamas Defence Force marine has been identified as the man fatally struck during a traffic accident early Sunday morning.

Marine mechanic Raynaldo King, a seven-year veteran of the force, was reportedly riding his 1999 Honda 650X trail bike east on Poinciana Drive when he collided with a 2007 silver Honda just after midnight.

According to reports, King sustained serious injuries and was transported to hospital by paramedics, where he later died.

The driver of the vehicle, a woman, was subsequently treated for minor injuries.

News of King’s death spread across social media quickly, with family members, friends and colleagues expressing grief over his passing, many of whom questioned the circumstances surrounding his death.

Many posting messages praised King’s character, his love for his family and his involvement with Junkanoo.

In a post of his own, King’s father, Raymond King, director of the Port Department and a decorated RBDF officer in his own right, shared a photo of his late son posing in a Junkanoo costume with the caption: “In profound memory of my son (Raynaldo Doran King Senior).”

Representatives from both the RBDF and the One Family Junkanoo group acknowledged the passing of King.

A RBDF spokesperson

RBDF marine Raynaldo King, top right, who was killed in a traffic accident on Sunday, pictured when he was involved with the One Family Junkanoo group.

THE MORE YOU KNOW........

Guernsey Financial Services Commission

WHAT IS UNDER-INSURANCE? This is when something is insured for less than its true value, meaning that you have inadequate insurance coverage.

Under-insurance is a common problem in relation to household insurance (for insuring the contents within a home or the property itself), but can equally arise when insuring the stock in a business or warehouse.

sure your house for $100,000.

However, the full cost to rebuild your house is actually $150,000. In this case you have only insured a proportion (2/3rds) of the rebuild cost. If there is then a fire, and the repair costs are $60,000, the insurer will only pay $40,000 or 2/3rds of your claim for the repair costs of $60,000. This is because you only insured the house for 2/3rds of the cost of rebuilding it, you are deemed to be your own insurer for the remaining 1/3rd of the house.

WHY DOES IT MATTER?

HOW CAN YOU AVOID BEING UNDER-INSURED?

In the event that you are under-insured and you need to make a claim, you may receive a reduced payout. Insurance Policies commonly include an ‘average clause’, which means that the insurer can reduce its liability for a claim by applying a proportionate settlement, or ‘apply average’. If the average is applied the amount paid will have the same proportion to the actual loss, as the sum insured has to the full value of the property.

For example, you in-

Before providing you with a quote your insurer will want to know the cost of replacing the contents of a property or business and/ or the cost of rebuilding the property. Very often the insurer will rely on the estimate you provide for replacing the whole of the contents and/or the cost of rebuilding the property /building. The onus is on you, therefore, to provide accurate values.

Ensure that you do not underestimate how much it would cost to replace your

personal possessions, and do not rely on the market value of your house when estimating the amount for which it should be insured. It is advisable to obtain the services of an industry professional, such as a Quantity Surveyor or building contractor to assist you in determining the rebuilding cost of your house.

graphs or video of your home and contents, but if you do, make sure you keep copies of these off the premises.

Finally, remember that valuations can change, for example, gold costs. Therefore it is important to inform your insurer, either at the time of renewal, or whenever you become aware, of any changes to the value of your property or contents. Some policies may automatically increase the value of the items insured by a set percentage each year or in line with inflation.

4 KEY TIPS........

1. When buying home or contents insurance do not under estimate all the costs involved to rebuild your home or replace your belongings.

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confirmed King had been a member of the force since February of 2012, expecting to mark his seven year anniversary in few weeks.

As for the One Family group, several of King’s comrades expressed sorrow over his passing, taking to social media to remember his legacy.

Meanwhile, in an interview with The Tribune yesterday, officerin-charge of the Traffic Division, Chief Superintendent Craig Stubbs confirmed investigations into the accident are ongoing. He said the driver of the vehicle that collided with King was still assisting officers with the matter.

CSP Stubbs said police could conclude their investigation as early as the end of the week.

King’s death marked the first traffic fatality of the year.

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PAGE 6, Tuesday, January 8, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

Good times ahead, says PM Minnis

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

THE economic foundation has been laid and now Bahamians can expect to reap benefits of the government’s work since it took office, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has said.

The prime minister told The Tribune he’s aware that many Bahamians remain unaffected by the government’s initiatives, but he foreshadowed this was about to change this year, which will mark the second anniversary of the Free National Movement’s May 2017 election victory.

“I don’t want to pre-empt at this particular time, but I know we will be concentrating specifically even more aggressively on Grand Bahama (and) the Family Islands. New Providence will not be left out,” Dr Minnis said when he was asked about his administration’s plans for 2019 in an interview earlier this week.

He has already said the government intends to move legislation for fixed election dates and term limits for the prime minister this week.

Dr Minnis continued: “But as I move about throughout New Providence there are still a lot of individuals who are saying they are not feeling it. I have explained to them and they have accepted that we have spent time putting down the foundation and now that we have a solid foundation and finding out what has gone on

previously, we’ll specifically concentrate on those individuals especially the poor and the middle class. Those are the groupings that we must save and concentrate on expanding the middle class.

“We must work aggressively to reduce poverty and ensure that those individuals move into the middle class and have their own homes and land. We will be concentrating aggressively on that,” he said on Sunday.

Dr Minnis said in November the economy was turning the corner, but the improvement was not being felt in the pockets of the common man. He said it was important there was no return to the years of wasteful and reckless spending.

“As we meet this year I am pleased that public finances are being restored and that the annual deficit has been reduced by half even as we are making significant social investments in education, entrepreneurship programmes, combatting crime and other initiatives to involve the lives and prospects of our people,” Dr Minnis said at the opening of Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants Week last year.

“My government recently launched the small business development centre in partnership with the University of the Bahamas and the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce.

“Our guiding principle is that sustainable economic growth should be driven

by Bahamian investment

and creativity in tandem with strategic foreign direct investment.

“We have to continue to address the blockages that prevent Bahamian ownership, that stifle job creation and that perpetuate poverty.

“I have just recently visited Spanish Wells and Eleuthera and I had to remind them that in 2013 our economy grew by a negative 0.6 percent, in 2014 it grew by a negative 1.2 percent, in 2015 it grew by a negative 3.1 percent, in 2016 it grew by 0.6 percent, in 2017 it grew by 1.4 percent and is projected by the IMF to grow in 2018 2.1 percent.

“I say this because I reminded them that we are now turning the corner but we still have a long way to go,” Dr Minnis said last year.

“And regardless too if our economy grows 2.5, 3.5 or 5 percent the most important factor moving forward is a small grouping cannot continuously feel the benefit while the majority of us at the bottom still do not feel it. Growth means nothing to the individual if he does not see it in his pocket. That is the first question I am asked as I continually visit most of my friends.

“They tell me that the economy is growing but it is still difficult to pay my light bill and other expenses. It is not affecting me. That, the government must change.

Monies must reach the lower level,” Dr Minnis said at the time.

PRIME Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis.

Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

NO TIMELINE OVER NEW CHIEF JUSTICE FOR THE BAHAMAS

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said the country will know in “very short order” who will be appointed to the post of substantive chief justice.

The prime minister was tight-lipped on when the pick would be made, telling The Tribune he did not want to commit to a timeline, adding it would be dealt with at the appropriate time.

Vera Watkins now serves as acting chief justice.

“There are names that have been moving through my head, but I have not moved them yet from my head to any paper,” Dr Minnis told The Tribune . “(But) I don’t want to give timelines, the press holds me very seriously to timelines. So no timelines right now, but you will know in very short order.We’re at the beginning of the year and we will deal with it at the appropriate time.”

Dr Minnis gave similar remarks for the greater part of last year before the decision was made to appoint now-deceased Stephen Isaacs to the post. He died at 63-years-old, two weeks after he was formally sworn in as Chief Justice following the retirement of Sir Hartman Longley in 2017.

Acting Chief Justice Watkins was sworn in to the post in early September after Isaacs’ death in August.

Prior to Justice Isaacs’

appointment, Bahamas Bar Association President Kahlil Parker had publicly castigated Dr Minnis over delays to name a new chief justice.

In April 2017, Mr Parker told The Nassau Guardian that Dr Minnis had a “tremendous misapprehension” of the constitutional provisions relating to the appointment of a chief justice, adding the prime minister did not appear to grasp firmly the Constitution as a whole.

That same month, Dr Minnis made it clear that he would not be forced to fill the office.

While Dr Minnis did not say at the time specifically whom he was referring to, it was thought he was referring to Mr Parker.

It had been speculated that Attorney General Carl

Bethel was being considered for the post. However the notion was repeatedly dismissed.

“I am finished with this subject. I have said all I want to say about the chief justice. Nobody is going to force me to do anything okay? Full stop,” Dr Minnis said last April.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, January 8, 2019, PAGE 7

CANADIAN TOURIST LAUNCHES ATTACK ON PMH

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

“THE hospital was the worst I have ever been to,” is how a Canadian tourist described Princess Margaret Hospital, after he and his fiancée were taken there following their involvement in a traffic accident.

“You would have to go there to see for yourself how horrible the conditions were,” Mr Millar told The Tribune. “I wouldn’t take my dog there, honestly.”

The couple’s complaints are the latest issues in the country’s ongoing healthcare crisis. Conditions at the public hospital have drawn public ire for decades. In recent months, senior doctors, junior doctors and nurses have all taken or threatened industrial action for more pay. In September, elective surgeries at PMH had to be postponed due to non-functioning air-conditioning units.

Days before Christmas, Shawn Millar, 51, and Jennifer Moore, 47, were driving a rental motorcycle down West Bay Street opposite Goodman’s Bay park when a driver of a black vehicle cut in front of them.

Both visitors were knocked on to the sidewalk and the driver did

not stop. Mr Millar sustained injuries to his leg while Ms Moore experienced severe pain in her arm.

With the help of a passerby, an ambulance was called and the couple was taken to PMH. Aside from conditions, the couple’s other complaints included the claims that Mr Millar’s IV pain medication ended up in a “pool on the floor” after it was not set up properly. Ms Moore, it was claimed, received no pain medication at all, and she was not given a lead apron covering during X-ray.

“Jennifer was told she may have a dislocated shoulder and I was told that my right lower leg may be broken,” Mr Millar said.

“All of these injuries were not to be the case. I had a severe road rash and Jennifer had no obvious dislocation.

“The hospital was the worst I have ever been to (in fact) we both signed ourselves out after six hours. The pain medication that I was supposed to receive was lying in a pool on the floor because one of the nurses didn’t connect it

THE ACCIDENT on West Bay Street and, inset, Shawn Millar and Jennifer Moore. right. While Jennifer was waiting they brought in a young man who was shot four times and she had to see all this. That would never happen here in Canada.

“When we signed ourselves out my nurse was extremely rude, but the worst came from the paramedic who was in the room where Jennifer was. The paramedic started to yell at Jennifer and was telling her that we were rude and didn’t appreciate their help. If I ever talked to a (patient) like that I would be severely punished

by my employer. They wanted to X-ray my neck and gave me a rectal exam – all unnecessary for the type of injury I had,” Mr Millar continued. “My leg was not broken and I knew that.”

Six hours into their stay at the hospital and after an argument with a nurse, Mr Millar was ready to leave.

“That’s when I had enough six hours in, no X-rays and I wasn’t going to expose myself to radiation for nothing, in fact they refused to give

Jennifer a lead apron when they did her X ray.”

Mr Millar also said his fiancée was never given the pain medication she was supposed to receive.

At this point, the couple decided to sign themselves out.

Mr Millar also alleged that during this ordeal, his fiancée’s bracelet was stolen from her bag at their resort.

“I have been to Nassau a bunch of times, however, because of what I experienced in regards to the driver who ran us off the road and didn’t stop to help, the horrible experience at the public hospital to the theft at our resort,” he said. “Very sad situation. This was our engagement trip and it turned out to be a nightmare.”

However, Mr Millar went on to say that he doesn’t “hold anything against the Bahamas” because of this less than ideal situation.

“I have to mention the good things! When the accident happened a very nice lady stopped as she witnessed everything and told the police what happened,” he said, although he could not recall her name.

“Then another lady by the name Dr Renee Peet stopped to provide medical support and she was amazing. So there are some great people there.”

Mould not the main problem as school reopens

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net THE Department of Environmental Health Services has determined that mould was not the “principle problem” identified at CH Reeves Junior High School as classes resumed on schedule yesterday.

A DEHS certificate of approval obtained by The Tribune instead lists the major issues as the “practices of some teachers and students,” the “absence of an effective house-keeping programme,” and “the need for an improved treatment and building maintenance programme by the Ministry of Education”.

The Frank Hanna Cleaning Company was contracted for the operation, which began last Friday and concluded on Sunday.

However, Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) president Belinda Wilson still maintains that mould is indeed the “main issue” at the school.

“Well I turned the report over to the union’s attorney but we are asking private companies to look at the report,” Mrs Wilson told The Tribune.

“Not sure that the report deals with mould remediation and Frank Hanna Cleaning Company and janitorial staff do not clean mould,” she continued.

“We requested and the ministry agreed for a private assessment. Mould is the main issue at the campus.”

However, she did say the union is “pleased” by the cleaning done by the contracted company.

In recent months, CH Reeves has been a campus of much contention as a litany of over 20 issues, including mould, culminated in the teachers engaging in a sit out at one point last term.

However, despite previous threats that industrial

action would continue into the new semester, yesterday morning school resumed as normal. The Tribune was on site as the students and teachers alike returned to the campus.

Many guardians expressed hope that this semester would run smoother, noting that ultimately the children are the victims in this dispute between the Ministry of Education and the BUT. Mrs Wilson confirmed that all teachers returned to school yesterday in “good faith” and listed the many concerns that were addressed, including roof repairs and the completion of the new 11-classroom block.

According to the DEHS certificate, “the thorough cleaning of all classrooms” and “the treatment of rodents and termites” were two of the DEHS’ recommendations provided in a January 3 report.

The DEHS certificate also notes it is awarded “once the director of DEHS is sufficiently satisfied that the works carried out at facility(s) meets with standards set forth by DEHS.” While Mrs Wilson admitted the ministry did a “good job” addressing the matters, the BUT is “still concerned about the mould testing results, which was to be done by a private analyst as we have not accepted the Department of Environmental Health report,” she said.

Mrs Wilson reiterated the ministry agreed to use a private company but did not, adding this matter will be addressed at the Department of Labour next week.

“However we are pleased that the school was cleaned

by Frank Hanna Cleaning Company and the janitresses,” Mrs Wilson continued. “The school was painted. The teachers were able to move into the new 11 classroom block. All of the furniture was not provided but the teachers and

the union will give the ministry an opportunity to get the remainder of the desks and chairs for teachers and students. A pump for the water is to be installed today which should improve the water pressure for the restrooms.

“The science laboratory pipes were unclogged but they are still awaiting faucets. The roof is said to have been repaired but the true test will come when it rains.

The school was exterminated yesterday (Sunday) so the union expects the Ministries of Education and Health to ensure that the dead rats and rodents would be properly disposed of.

“So the teachers have in good faith returned to the classrooms with the expectation that the Ministry of Education will complete the reminder of the work,” Mrs Wilson said.

Some teachers and parents yesterday morning spoke to reporters yesterday morning about the saga at the school.

Many parents complained about the school’s lack of communication with them throughout this ordeal and expressed concern about the impact these issues are having on their children’s academic performance.

“They (the children) are the victims,” one guardian said. “If they (were) entitled to certain amount of learning, and the school is outing early, and they’re not getting it…what results you want from them?”

Dwight Miller, the father of an eighth-grade student, said the situation at the school needs to be fixed.

“It’s affecting him (my son) that every time I drop him to school, he calls me right back so I have to leave work and come back and get him,” Mr Miller said.

“They can do better…It’s really bad that I have to leave work…it needs to be fixed.”

PHILIP Lockhart a parent of a student at CH Reeves expressing parental concerns following the issue of mould in the school as pupils and staff return. Photos: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

PAGE 8, Tuesday, January 8, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

For those murdered – H that’s it. Nobody wins when somebody drops

AVING been a journalist for more than two decades now, I have witnessed the spike in murders in this country.

I remember the time when rock, bottle and conch shell fights turned into machetes and guns with deadly bullets. Today, even automatic weapons have made their way to the streets and we are losing Bahamians mostly young men - at an alarming rate. With victims and perpetrators of murder being mainly young men between the ages of 18 and 35, thousands of homes have been ripped apart since the spike in murders.

I remember when I met Khandi Gibson. She had recently lost her two brothers to murder. She openly shared about the pain and agony she felt. Yet, she had this huge heart and was always giving. I remember when she started FOAM – Families of All Murder Victims. When she told me about it, I thought it was a great idea. I helped her with some public relations when she was just getting FOAM off the ground. She wanted to do something for me in return. I had just moved into a new apartment and I had four young children. Before I got a stove, I used the two-burner top stove Khandi bought me. I kept that for many years and never forgot her kindness. Imagine this act of kindness, multiplied by thousands. Khandi continues to give in enormous ways and she has kept those close to her heart who suffered the loss of a loved one to murder.

Khandi has been on countless murder scenes to console loved ones and, with this kind of first-hand experience, she is calling for an end to the crime and violence in 2019.

“The ones who are murdered are victims, but the real victims are their children,” she said.

“It’s devastating because the real victims are not the ones who were killed but it is us, the surviving relatives and mainly the kids. They didn’t ask to come here. It’s hard for them when it’s time to go back to school, when it’s graduation, when they have to get a tooth pulled… when they have to go to college. All these milestones they have to go through without a parent. The child came into the world to enjoy both parents; even if the parents are separated they still deserve to have both parents in their lives.

“For the parents, they all

have goals they want to see their children achieve. Even siblings – they don’t expect to lose one to murder. It’s a generational cycle that must be broken. Nobody wins. The person who kills – he isn’t staying on the scene. He’s breaking off running. Some are caught, some are not. Whether they are in the morgue or the jail, family members are

left hurting and kids are left without their parents to share milestones in their stages and achievements with. At least with those in jail, a family member can go and visit a loved one; but for those murdered – that’s it. Nobody wins when somebody drops.”

Khandi’s brother Anthro Knowles was 36 when he was killed on August 5,

2011. Eight months later on April 31, 2012, younger brother Khanaochi also lost his life to violence. This devastating back-to-back tragedy put Khandi’s life in a tailspin. She grew up with four brothers and a sister in a home in Rock Crusher with their parents George (deceased) and Michelle Knowles. Their father, who was an orthopaedic technician at Princess Margaret Hospital before he lost his life to cancer, was “always strict”, but Khandi and her brothers and sister still found a way to get into childhood shenanigans.

She always grew up very attached to her siblings.

When she went to the National Insurance Board

KHANDI loves cheering up kids who are going through rough times after losing a parent.

to seek help for her brother’s children, she found out they did not have sufficient contributions for the children to receive anything.

This was heartbreaking. She thought about the fact that so many other children were suffering in the same way.

By forming FOAM, Khandi began reaching out to murder victims’ families and seeing if there was anything she could do to help. She found there was so much that could be done. She had been working at BTC for 12 years at the time when she left and ventured fulltime into FOAM. She had found her life’s calling and it was one that continued to grow and grow. What started out in her front room and entailed lots of calls late into the night, visiting murder scenes to offer comfort and conducting numerous house visits, has turned into a full community centre with three staff members and a female shelter.

It’s a labour of love Khandi would do nothing to change: “I love myself, I love my staff and I just love people. The FOAM Community Centee has three full time workers. They help with counselling, distributing new and gently used clothing, resume writing, preparation for job interviews, free copying of documents and so much more. We have an active Facebook page called FOAM Community Centre Free Things where we post items that were donated to us. People simply have to come into the centre with their ID and explain their need and they will receive the items free of charge – everything from appliances and furniture to books, shoes and clothing. I am also very proud of our female shelter and right now 16 persons are housed there.”

When Khandi visits the homes of the families of murder victims, she would often carry care packs including grocery items and even baby needs as some of the victims left babies behind. This year, FOAM will undergo rebranding.

The focus will no longer be only on the families of murder victims. Khandi says her non-profit will now extend to include the entire community – those in need.

The rebranding will be coupled with new expansions to the services and infrastructure of the community centre including reading and math classes.

She asked: “Too often people complain about the country and say, ‘My Member of Parliament should do this or my pastor should be doing that’, but

what can we do? “I am doing what I can to make a difference. I can remember when I went to visit this home of someone whose loved one was murdered and trust me, they wanted blood. After I shared my testimony and prayed with them, they fell out.

From that day to this we became friends. I remember reaching out to this little girl, her father was murdered and it was like no one could get her to understand, until I had a one-on-one with her. When I see kids of murder victims months after the tragedy and they call my name and smile when they see me, it’s priceless.”

Khandi, who will be 43 this month, is the proud mother of a 23-year-old son and a 12-year-old daughter.

She also has a “beautiful granddaughter” and since her daughter recently brought home a stray dog, she also has adopted a grand dog. She was married for 12 years before divorcing. She then entered a relationship with a man who also became a murder victim while FOAM was in its prime. Having faced so much adversity and still managing to wear a smile and having a heart that keeps on growing, Khandi decided to write a book to help others through their pain: Still I Rise.

“My book talks about me as a woman who overcomes obstacles, odds, and humiliations,” she said.

“It talks about when you are defeated - what to do and what not to do. It talks about how we live in an unkind world but in the midst, there is God, and once God is for you, who can be against you?

It talks about how you can stay away from a giant for so long but at some point, you will be faced with that giant - your biggest fear. It talks about how its good to go into isolation for a bit. It talks about a bad marriage. It talks about me - the things I did, my relationships, things I went through growing up.

Still I rise is meant to give people hope - boys who would have been incarcerated, girls who are going through bad times. The book speaks about faith and life.”

Khandi also has a bracelet line called “In Memory of”, designed to encourage those who lost loved ones.

Even though the first day of the year was marked with murder, Khandi hopes her efforts and those committed to seeing the murder rate drop, violence decrease and social ills be dealt with in The Bahamas will have some positive effect.

KHANDI spending time with twin boys who lost their father to violence.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, January 8, 2019, PAGE 9

GB BUS DRIVERS PROTEST OVER NEW CONTRACTS

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

SOME 20 contracted public school bus drivers in Grand Bahama protested outside a government office complex in Freeport after their contracts, which would have expired in 2020, were terminated by the Ministry of Education.

The drivers, who were supported by Progressive Liberal Party chairman and Senator Fred Mitchell, are claiming victimisation and unfair termination.

School bus driver Kevin Ferguson claimed the Minnis administration entered into new contracts with individuals who are all supporters of the Free National Movement. He claimed some students were not picked up Monday morning for school because many of the new contracted school bus drivers did not have buses to transport them.

“We rode around this morning, and our school kids were not picked up because they did not have buses,” Mr Ferguson said. “We decided to take a stand because we thought it was unfair to us, to the kids, parents, and

everybody who believes that this government is a government that speaks out highly against corruption and wrongdoing.”

Mr Ferguson had been contracted as a school bus driver in 2015, and his contract was to expire in June 2020. He transported students from Pinder’s Point and Mack Town areas and Sunrise Subdivision to St George’s High School.

“Last year we had gotten a letter from the Ministry of Education indicating that they are using clause four to terminate our contracts and that our services would no longer be needed,” he said.

Mr Ferguson claims the ministry did not put the new bus driving contracts out to public tender, but instead chose a select group of persons to bid on the same contracts that were terminated.

“I do not believe in injustice. I do not believe in no form of corruption, I don’t care what persons say about me. Everybody who knows me from local government, if it is wrong I speak out against it. I don’t care who do it,” Mr Ferguson said. “I had sleepless nights (over this), and I said we have to take a stand because the people of this country needs to understand

PLP chairman Fred Mitchell. that it’s enough of this nonsense.

The election is over 6pm on Election Day. After that, we are all Bahamians.

“If you are going to penalise me for being a PLP, penalise me in the right form. I had a contract until 2020; allow me to utilise the contract until its expiration date, and if you wish to give your supporters those contracts I would be the first to say thank you for allowing me to complete my term, but that did not happen.”

Mr Ferguson claimed many of the new bus drivers did not legally qualify for the jobs because they did not have buses and should not

have been allowed to participate in the bidding process.

“School opened today, and the new contractors who got the letters of offer were scrambling since Friday - about 20 of them trying to purchase buses and asking everybody from here and Abaco to purchase buses,” he claimed.

He said drivers who have had their contracts terminated have sought legal representation and plan to file legal an action against the government. “We are definitely taking this matter to court. It is blatant discrimination and victimisation,” Mr Ferguson said.

“Any individual who would have been given a contract from the Ministry of Education today that do not have a bill of sale for a bus dated beyond the closure of the bidding process should be legally disqualified from getting the contract because it is evident that they did not meet the requirement necessary for them to able to bid,” he explained.

For his part, Mr Mitchell described the situation as “naked political victimisation.”

“It was heart-wrenching to hear the stories of hardship this has caused these contractors,” Mr

Mitchell added. “What is even worse is that quite apart from the unfair tribalism which the government is practising, the children are suffering. Many of them were not collected this morning, and so they were unable to attend school because the government did not take the steps to provide replacement services. “. . .It is bad management and anti-democratic. The minister of education must think again and bring immediate relief to the children of Grand Bahama and restore the contracts to the old drivers,” he said.

Yesterday, Minister of State for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson pushed back at the criticism, saying the complaints “have no merit.”

He told ZNS’ Northern Service there were no major incidents in respect to school pick ups and drops offs on the island yesterday, chalking the controversy up to partisanship.

In December 2018, Education Minister Jeffrey Lloyd said the government terminated contracts for dozens of Family Island school bus drivers but intended to rehire them and give them better terms of employment.

DEAL AGREED AFTER BAHAMIAN MEDICAL STUDENT DIED IN POLICE CUSTODY IN 2014

LASHONO GILBERT, left, and, above, a screen grab of him being confronted in America.

SEE THE VIDEO NOW AT TRIBUNE242.COM

Funeral Service For

Mrs. Elizabeth Samantha Darville, 50

a resident of Windward Isles, Golden Gates II, will be held on Friday, January 11th, 2019, 11:00 a.m., at Church of God South West Cathedral, Carmichael Road. Officiating will be Rev. Carlton Adderley, assisted by other Ministers of the Gospel. Interment will follow in Lakeview Memorial Gardens, John F. Kennedy Drive and Gladstone Road.

Elizabeth is predeceased by her Mother; Marinetta Hinson; Stepfather: Alfred Hinson; Aunt: Carnetta; Uncle: Nelson.

Family settles over US custody death from page one languages. He was in the process of upgrading his medical licence in Canada.

He was in New London to visit his aunt, Ms Fletcher, while travelling from Toronto to The Bahamas.

On the evening of October 3, 2014, he jumped into a woman’s car, talked “gibberish” and assaulted her, authorities said.

He died on October 4, 2014 after a violent struggle with police officers – who arrested him for an attempted carjacking and assault – and reportedly used a taser and pepper spray as they attempted to restrain him in two separate instances. A towel was wrapped over his face at one point to keep him from

biting officers, according to reports.

Gilbert became unresponsive and died in an ambulance taking him to a hospital from the police station. Several officers suffered minor injuries, according to reports.

Chief Medical Examiner James Gill determined Gilbert’s death was caused by complications from a sickle cell condition that was aggravated by his struggle with police. Mr Gill found no trauma or injury that would have caused his death.

Mr Gill ruled the death a homicide; however, the state’s attorney Michael Regan ruled that police officers were justified in using force to subdue him.

According to Connecticut news site, The Day, the settlement comes as trial preparations were underway.

According to the report, US District Judge Michael P Shea removed the hospital, the city and several officers from the suit in a summary judgment on Sept 25, 2018.

However, the article continued, the district judge ruled questions remained about claims of excessive use of force against four officers when Gilbert was being restrained at police headquarters.

The remaining four officers named in the suit are Richard Cable, Wayne Neff, Chris White and Christopher Bunkley.

Left to cherish her memories are her Husband: Ashwood Darville; Daughters: Ashley, Ashanti and Ashlyn Darville; Granddaughter: Janiya Woodside; Adopted daughter: Sonovia Oliver; Father: Clayton Mackey; Step-Grandmother: Agnes Leadon; Sisters: Ruthmae Mackey, Carmetia Christie and Clarinette Mackey-Bates; Brothers: Lorenzo Mackey Sr., Clayron Mackey Sr., Darrell Mackey Sr., Henry McQuay, Alfred Hinson II, Benjamin Hinson, Blake Rahming and Daion Mackey; Adpoted brothers: Police Officer 999 Kenny Major and Jerome Thurston; Sisters-in-Law: Melvise Mackey, Anika Mackey, Wendy Smith, Wanda, Gail and Laura Darville; Brothers-in-Law: Kevin Christie, George Bates, Wilshire Smith, Kevin, Kennon and Lester Darville; Aunts: Lindamae, Lindsey and Rev. Melrose; Uncles: Adolphus, Leonard, Patrick, Whitney, Christopher, Kevin, Norris and Police Officer 1265 Ricardo Leadon; Nieces & Nephews: Sirtario, Lorenzo Jr., Shannon, Stephon, Michael, Darrell Jr., Alfred III, Fredrick, Bobby, Aleisha, Jessica, Iesha, Cadeisha, Jalynthia, Danya, Victoria, Henrica, Cynclair, Daranika, Caleigha, Clayron Jr., Clayrin, Blakell, Shaquay, Tashia, Darcel, Tishka, Tania, Rotarge, Vandanique, Henesha, Hendreka, Wilshire Jr. and Aaron; Grand-Nieces & Nephews: Sirtaria, Taquanesha, Lorenzo III, Stephanique, Michael Jr., Renaldo, Ramone, Stephon Jr., Shanton, Terrica, Virtario, Keon, Leandra, Ashed, D’Ashton, Daria, Shanado Jr., Davano and Davari; Godchildren: Gary, Shivargo, Lorenzo Jr., Kaleha and Kye; Special Cousins; and a host of other relatives & Friends: Elaine & Family, Lanesha, Latisha, Cateyanne & Family, Antonio & Family, Marsha & Family, Shaniqua & Family, Kaylana & Family, Lee & Family, Sheree & Family, Monique, Kaynell, Nicole, Charkita, Leander, Terrance, Adolsin, Valkito, Denva, Della, Shantell, Shanya, Sharon, Bridgette, Barbara, Savetra, Abby, Stacy & Family, Scarlette, Kay, Candy, Quincy, Euradyse & Family, Eunice & Family, Jeffrey & Family, Ella & Family, Charmaine & The Price Family, Shelly Fernader & Family, Shirley & Family, Iris Hudson & Family, Hon. Shane Gibson & Family, Turkessa & Family, Porsha & Family, Pinky & Family, Rickea & Family, Delcita & Family, Flossy & Family, Debbie & Family, Howard & Family, The Leadon Family, The Mackey Family, The Woodside Family, The Darville Family, The Dean Family, The Major Family, The Farquarson Family, The Brown Family, The Rolle Family, The Newton Family, The Dorsette Family, The Cartwright Family, The Jones Family, The Carey Family, The Bain Family, The Moxey Family, The Sealy Family, The Morree Family, The Yellow Elder Family, The Grove Family, The Market Street Family, The Sunshine Park Family, The Golden Gates Family, The Cargill Creek and Bowen Sound Family, The Breakfast Club Family, The Carmichael Primary School Family, The S.C. McPherson Jr. High Family, The C.V. Bethel Sr. High Family, The St. Gregory’s Anglican Family, The N.P.S.A Family, The Sister Sister Breast Cancer Group, The Doctors and Nurses of PMH Oncology Team, The Doctors and Nurses of PMH Female Surgical I Team, The Southwest Cathedral Family, The Cedar Crest Funeral Home, and many more too numerous to mention.

Relatives and friends may pay their respects at Cedar Crest Funeral Home and Crematorium Ltd, Robinson and Baillou Hill Roads on Wednesday from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until service time.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, January 8, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

More than 50 Haitians admit trying to enter the country

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net MORE than 50 Haitian nationals were charged before a magistrate yesterday after being caught illegally entering the country via one of the northern islands last week, with some of them claiming to have paid $1,000 to be smuggled into the country.

The 55 Haitians, 45 males and 10 females, some as young as 15, stood before Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Deveaux on a single charge of illegal entry stemming from the January 3 incident.

Yesterday’s arraignment came after a weekend that saw 101 other Haitian nationals apprehended in northern Exuma. Since the start of the year, 304 migrants have been intercepted in three separate incidents.

According to reports, the first group of migrants captured on Thursday were apprehended by immigration and Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) officers in the Bahama Coral Island area of Abaco.

At around 9.30am, officers from the Department of Immigration’s Enforcement Unit, assisted by RBPF officers, received information from several sources about a Haitian boat landing. Immigration officials said the information came from several sources within the community and was unreliable; however, a few sources indicated that Bahama Coral Island was a possible landing point. As such, the immigrations officers focused its initial efforts on that area.

Upon arrival in the Bahama Coral Island area, the officers observed several disheveled people walking around. The officers noted the people in question each had tattered, wet clothing and appeared to be dehydrated, which indicated to them that they likely entered the country illegally via boat. As the officers approached the individuals immediately fled into the surrounding bush but were quickly subdued by the officers.

When questioned about their legal status, all claimed to have none and were unable to provide any proof. As a result, they were all cautioned relative to illegal entry and detained. Further investigations led to the apprehension of 25 Haitian males who faced the

YESTERDAY’s arraignment came after a weekend that saw 101 other Haitian nationals apprehended in northern Exuma, pictured here.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/ Tribune Staff

same circumstances as those who were previously apprehended.

A secondary interrogation of those individuals yielded claims they departed Port-de-Paix in the evening of December 30. The amount of money they claimed to have paid varied by individual, ranging from $1,500 Haitian gourdes, which is equivalent to $19.32 US dollars, to $77,635 Haitian gourdes, or $1,000 US dollars.

Those migrants said they travelled on a 35-foot motorised sailboat with as manyas 105 Haitian nationals, inclusive of women, on board. They claimed they sailed into shallow waters

near Bahama Coral Island, where the crew ordered the passengers to disembark and swim to shore around 9pm on January 2. The group claimed the boat they were on then left the area.

“Then hours later, according to reports, another group of some 29 suspected Haitian migrants were caught aboard a conventional sailing yacht near the entrance of Man-O-War Cay in Marsh Harbour.”

At around 5.20pm, immigration officers received information about a sail boat that had been spotted off Man-O-War Cay. That boat was interdicted by members

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Maintains productivity and performance through development, training, and mentoring staff on projects and assesses performance for engagement and during annual reviews.

Ability to review operational, financial, compliance and technology processes in order to provide management with assessments of business risk, internal control, and the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the process.

Work and liaise closely with the Board of Directors and Executive Management in planning long-term internal audits and strategies.

Possess proven ability to define the annual audit plan objectives and address technology-related control risks.

Assist in managing the internal audit co-sourcing arrangements.

Assisting the Board of Directors with sourcing and recruiting of the team.

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of the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) with a number of suspected Haitian migrants on board.

A team of immigration officers was subsequently organised along with Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) marines, to check the status of the people on the sail boat. None of them were able to provide any proof of legal status, and claimed to have none, according to officials.

As a result, they were all cautioned in reference to illegal entry and detained.

According to immigration officials, that group of migrants said

they departed La Tortue, Haiti on December 30. They further claimed that none of them paid to be smuggled into the Bahamas, and the voyage was organised spontaneously. All of those migrants, when interviewed, further claimed not to know who the captain and crew of the vessel were.

All of the Haitian nationals pleaded guilty to the charge against them. Magistrate Turnquest-Deveaux consequently convicted the group and ordered them to be turned over to the Department of Immigration for processing and deportation.

LET’S GET THIS NEW YEAR OFF ON A SAFER FOOT NEW beginnings, fresh starts, reaffirmations of love and promises for a brighter future all come to mind as we ring in a New Year. In this New Year, let us remember the safety of ourselves and others. Let us also remember to come together and create safer communities.

Community safety is a team effort and it starts with you. To make your community a safer place you can be your neighbours’ keeper.

Each of us is responsible for our own actions. We are also responsible for the well-being of our neighbour. Too frequently we focus on individual freedom while forgetting that God also created us to live together in mutual support as family.

Solve conflicts in a calm respectful way when faced with them When faced with a conflict, agree to resolve it.

1. Use your brain and not your hands or a weapon 2. Talk about what is bothering you in a calm and respectful way 3. No name calling 4. Take turns talking without interrupting 5. Be willing to listen to the other person and be sure to understand how he or she feels and sees the problem 6. The less angry you are the easier it will be to resolve the problem 7. Think of positive options, how can you meet each other’s needs and be fair 8. If you still can’t agree, ask someone else (an outsider) to help resolve the conflict

When you see a child at risk report it to the proper authorities

Violence in our communities is killing our children and destroying families.

Any member of the community, who suspects, on reasonable grounds, that a child or young person is at risk of significant harm should report their concerns to the proper authorities.

Equally, even if a child isn’t involved report suspicious people hanging around in your neighbourhood Suspicious activity is anything going on that feels uncomfortable or out of place. It can include: * A stranger hanging out in the street * Windows of a house left broken or open * Someone looking in car windows * The sound of gunshots, screaming, or fighting * A lot of cars coming and going from a house * Strange odors coming from a house. * Activity near gas, electrical or sewer systems without any kind of identification related to a related company. * Report crimes as soon as possible by calling the police at 919, 911 or CRIME STOPPERS at 328-TIPS (8477) (New Providence) or 1-242-3008476 (Family Islands)

It is time all citizens, residents and visitors feel safe from crime. Let us reclaim our streets because this violence is tearing our communities apart. It is my opinion that people turn to violence because of: * Peer pressure * To boost self-esteem through violence * The lack of inability to control attitudes, emotions, and reactions * Other family members or friends are into violence * Lack of love and attention in the home from parents * Not being able to express themselves in a positive way In this New Year, make yourself, your family and your community safe from violence by working with your own and other children throughout the community.

I propose a campaign be launched against violence where all agencies, organisations, citizens and residents come together and educate the community.

For more information, contact the national crime prevention office on 3028430, 3028431, 3028154 or visit our website @ www. royalbahamaspolice.org

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, January 8, 2019, PAGE 11

KEVIN SPACEY PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO GROPING YOUNG MAN AT BAR NANTUCKET, Massachusetts Associated Press KEVIN Spacey pleaded not guilty yesterday to groping an 18-year-old busboy in 2016 in the first criminal case brought against the disgraced actor following a string of sexual misconduct allegations that crippled his career.

Spacey’s court appearance came more than a year after former Boston TV anchor Heather Unruh accused the former House of Cards star of sexually assaulting

her son in a bar on the Massachusetts island of Nantucket.

Nantucket District Court Judge Thomas Barrett ordered Spacey to stay away from his accuser and the man’s family. Spacey will not have to appear at his next hearing on March 4, but he must be available by phone, Barrett said.

The judge also ordered Spacey’s accuser and the man’s then-girlfriend to preserve text messages and other data on their cellphones from the day of the alleged assault and six months after. Spacey’s

attorney Alan Jackson told the judge they believe the cellphones contain information that is “likely exculpatory” for Spacey.

The actor and his lawyers declined to comment as they left the courthouse amid a crush of reporters. Spacey, wearing a grey suit, navy vest and polka dot tie, didn’t speak during the hearing and his lawyers entered the notguilty plea on his behalf.

In court documents, Spacey’s lawyers called the accusations “patently false” and noted that

KEVIN Spacey arrives at district court yesterday.

prosecutors have no witnesses to the alleged groping. Spacey’s lawyers wrote that the teen lied about his age, “welcomed” drinks bought by Spacey, left the bar with him to smoke a cigarette and gave Spacey his phone number.

“At best, this describes two people engaged in mutual and consensual flirtation, nothing more,” his attorneys wrote.

If convicted of felony indecent assault and battery, the 59-year-old two-time Oscar winner could face as many as five years in prison.

North Korea confirms Kim’s departure to China for summit SEOUL, South Korea Associated Press SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is making a four-day trip to China, the North’s state media reported Tuesday, in what’s likely an effort

by Kim to coordinate with his only major ally ahead of a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump that could happen early this year.

Kim departed for China on Monday afternoon with his wife Ri Sol Ju and other top officials, the North’s Korean Central News Agency said. It said Kim is visiting China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

South Korean media reported that Kim’s distinctive armoured train was expected to reach Beijing on Tuesday morning, which happens to be Kim’s birthday.

China’s official Xinhua News Agency issued a nearly identical report, while Beijing’s North Railway Station was cocooned in security, with dozens of police and paramilitary troops patrolling outside.

What appeared to be official cars were seen driving past the security cordon into the station, although journalists on the scene were too far away to identify them clearly.

Kim is expected to stay at the highly secure Diaoyutai State Guest House in the capital’s west,

NORTH Korean leader Kim Jong Un walks with his wife Ri Sol Ju at Pyongyang Station in Pyongyang, North Korea, before leaving for China.

(Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

with meetings held at the Great Hall of the People, the hulking seat of the legislature that sits next to Tiananmen Square.

The trip marked a further break with past practice in that it was announced in advance of Kim’s arrival, a possible sign of growing confidence on the part of North Korea and its most important ally, China.

After years of cool relations following Kim’s assumption of power 2011, ties have improved remarkably over the past year as Xi seeks to maintain his influence in the

region. Kim’s trip comes after U.S. and North Korean officials reportedly met in Vietnam to discuss the location of a second summit between Kim and Trump as the two nations look to settle the North’s decades-long pursuit of a nuclear arsenal.

Washington and Pyongyang seemed close to war at points during 2017 as the North staged a series of increasingly powerful weapons tests that got it tantalisingly close to its nuclear goal of one day targeting with pinpoint accuracy anywhere on the U.S.

mainland. Possibly fearing the economic effect of crushing outside sanctions imposed because of his weapons’ tests, Kim abruptly turned to diplomacy with Seoul and Washington last year.

Three times he visited China, which is North Korea’s most important trading partner and a key buffer against pressure from Washington.

But even after what was seen as a blockbuster summit between Kim and Trump in Singapore last June — the first-ever between the leaders of the war enemies — there’s been little real progress in nuclear disarmament.

Washington is pressing the North to offer up a detailed accounting of its nuclear arsenal, while Pyongyang says it has already done enough and it’s time for the U.S. to ease harsh international sanctions that hold back the North Korean economy.

Despite Trump’s repeated assurances that another summit will allow he and Kim to make a grand deal to settle the nuclear standoff and change a relationship marked by decades of animosity and mistrust, outside analysts are highly sceptical that the North will easily abandon a nuclear arsenal constructed in the face of deep poverty and likely seen by Kim as his only guarantee of regime survival.

TRUMP TO TAKE OVER AIRWAVES, DEMOCRATS DEMAND EQUAL TIME WASHINGTON Associated Press

PRESIDENT Donald Trump is taking over the nation’s airwaves today night to argue his case for a U.S.-Mexico border wall — and Democrats are not happy about it.

Representatives for ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox Broadcasting, Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, MSNBC and NBC confirmed plans to air Trump’s address live at 9 p.m. Eastern.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer say Democrats should be given time to respond after Trump’s address.

“Now that the television networks have decided to air the President’s address, which if his past statements are any indication will be full of malice and misinformation, Democrats must immediately be given equal airtime,” they wrote in a joint statement Monday night.

Trump’s address will come in the third week of a partial government shutdown, the result of a stalemate with congressional Democrats over $5 billion the president wants for the U.S.-Mexico border wall.

Democrats are refusing to pay for it, noting that he repeatedly promised that Mexico would foot the bill for it.

PAGE 12, Tuesday, January 8, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

Collect our rubbish Residents angry that the trash is piling up on their streets

BY RIEL MAJOR RESIDENTS of Chippingham have complained about the mounds of unsightly trash that has yet to be collected from the Christmas season.

The Tribune canvassed the Chippingham area yesterday and spoke to numerous disgruntled residents.

One of them, who only wanted to be identified as Ms Lockhart, told The Tribune: “They are supposed to come every Tuesday and move the garbage but from Christmas they haven’t got the garbage. Some people moved their garbage with their trucks.

Sometimes the garbage truck pass and don’t carry any garbage. The conditions aren’t good because the garbage smells bad.”

Another resident, who did not want to be named, said: “It’s real unsanitary. It attracts rodents, the stench is starting to stink. The garbage is piling up in the house, so we have to try to organise it then the stray animals are coming and pulling down the (bags) so the garbage is hard to maintain. It was piled up for about two weeks now.”

Resident, Karen Sampson said she doesn’t understand what is taking place.

“I know for the past months (garbage men) were coming every Monday until the second week in December. We have the garbage secured but we don’t know what is going on.”

Wanetta Brown said: “They need to do something. No one came around to say anything and I haven’t seen anything on the news to say trucks are down. December is a festive time so this the time you are going to accumulate more stuff because people having parties and family gatherings so if anything, they should increase the number of pickups they do for the month of December.”

Another resident, who wanted

to be identified as Mr Holmes, said: “I haven’t got any response from environmental health. I actually heard a garbage truck around here today and I thought they were coming to collect the garbage, but they never did.

(The uncollected trash) attracts rodents, a lot of maggots and stuff with decaying garbage so it is a problem that creates a health concern for me and my neighbours so my only wish is that whatever they have going on, it can get resolved soon.”

Another resident said she saw a garbage truck last week, but trash was only collected from one side of the street. Altomese Isaacs said her garbage hasn’t been collected since before Christmas and claimed the rats in the area “are a big as puppies.”

“My garbage hasn’t been collected from before Christmas,” Ms Isaacs said. “I almost call (someone to collect my garbage) on my own but I couldn’t afford it. I had to choose between paying the doctor and paying them. I understand they were in the area this morning because I spoke to someone from Environmental Health, but they haven’t reached here yet. I still have garbage piled

THE TRIBUNE canvassed Chippingham yesterday after residents made complaints about garbage not being collected for some time.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

up in my house. I don’t know what is happening.”

Resident Bruce Sweeting said he spoke with officials from the Department of Environmental Health and thought the area’s trash would have been picked up on the weekend.

“They were supposed to be here from Saturday or Sunday, but they haven’t reached yet so I don’t know. It’s a disgrace because what it’s doing is causing rats and roaches to come then you (have stray) dogs coming. They are tearing down the garbage and you have to be out there cleaning and cleaning so it’s a lot of work.

“I don’t know when they goin’ come but the time they come we’ll be under garbage. Along with the rats and everything else that is out there.”

Attempts to reach officials from the Department of Environmental Health for comment yesterday were unsuccessful up to press time.