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MAN BEATEN TO DEATH WITH A HAMMER

By SANCHESKA BROWN Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was brutally beaten to death with a hammer late Friday night, marking the third homicide in the capital in three days.

The killing took place shortly before 10pm near Golden Isles Road and brought the country’s murder count to four for the year, according to The Tribune’s records.

SEE PAGE 11

Long Island MP vows to fight to retain her seat

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net LONG Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday criticised her party for its decision to revoke her nomination and ratify another candidate without due process, firmly stating her intentions to contest her seat in the upcoming general election.

However, Mrs ButlerTurner strongly pushed back against speculation that sought to infer that a statement from her to party officials, which was leaked over the weekend and circulated online, amounted

to a resignation from the Free National Movement (FNM).

“As an incumbent MP whose ratification has been revoked and subsequently a new candidate named without due process as articulated in the FNM constitution, the FNM has created a bogus or illegal position,” she explained in an email to The Tribune.

“In effect they have undermined and circumvented the constitutional process in an attempt to prevent me running as an FNM. My response, as you will note, is in no way a SEE PAGE SIX

HANNA MARTIN ‘OUTRAGED’ AT WOMEN BEING DENIED AT VOTER REGISTRATION

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

TRANSPORT and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna Martin said she is “outraged” that women registering to vote are still being turned away by staff of the Parliamentary Registration Department because of “the way they are dressed”.

In a statement on Facebook, Mrs Hanna Martin said it is “beyond unacceptable” and cannot be

tolerated that woman are being prevented from exercising a fundamental right.

“The parliamentary commissioner must immediately direct his staff to respect the fundamental rights of women as they seek to exercise the franchise: A right that women heroically and courageously fought for and will not be easing up on any time soon,” Mrs Hanna Martin posted to Facebook on Friday.

SEE PAGE SIX

MEMBERS of the legal fraternity attended a special blessing at St Francis Xavier Cathedral yesterday morning, administered by the Catholic Archbishop of Nassau, Patrick Pinder.

Photo: Peter Ramsay/BIS

BAHA MAR HIRING TO START NEXT MONDAY PLP CHAIRMAN

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

BAHA Mar’s new owner will start the process to hire thousands of Bahamian workers on Monday of next week, as it targets April 21 for a first phase opening.

“I can confirm we will begin the recruitment and hiring process on January 16,”

Robert Sands, Baha Mar’s senior vice-president of government and external affairs, told Tribune Business.

“Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE) is dedicated to the success and timely opening of Baha Mar. Beginning on April 21, we’ll have a phased opening focusing on the casino hotel, the casino, the convention centre and the golf course.”

Mr Sands added that CTFE’s initial priority was to fill positions at the golf course, including its food and beverage operations, and the casino and casino hotel. Among the casino posts in the first wave will be shift managers and workers, slot operators, cashiers, cage operators, and certain security posts.

FULL STORY, SEE BUSINESS

TRIBUNE AND PUBLIC HOSPITALS AUTHORITY UNITE TO IMPROVE HEALTHCARE FOR CHILDREN

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

THE Tribune Media Group on Friday cemented an “historic” partnership with the Public Hospitals Authority to advance the fight against paediatric diseases in The Bahamas, an alliance local health officials said will have a “significant impact” on the delivery of paediatric

care throughout the public healthcare system.

The Tribune Media Group, along with the Aidan Roger Carron Foundation, named after the son of Tribune Media Group President Robert Dupuch Carron, executed the “ground breaking” public-private partnership with the PHA with an aim to raise awareness about and subsequently battling various diseases, such as HLH, leukaemia,

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diabetes and cancer.

The partnership came as a result of Aidan’s perilous yet successful fight for survival against a deadly auto-immune disease, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), which was diagnosed as secondary.

In July, the seven-monthold contracted a high fever following make-up vaccinations and had to be SEE PAGE THREE

DISMISSES MARCH LEADER AS ‘CONFUSED’

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts yesterday referred to We March Bahamas as a “rebel group” and called lead organiser Ranard Henfield “a confused boy”.

In an interview with The Tribune, Mr Roberts said the PLP and the people are “ready to march” to celebrate 50 years of Majority Rule on Tuesday, despite a dark cloud attempting to overshadow the day.

SEE PAGE FIVE

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FLOODING on Fishing Hole Road yesterday.

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THE TRIBUNE

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COLD FRONT BRINGS FLOODING TO FISHING HOLE ROAD

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

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GRAND Bahama residents woke up to breezy weather and flooding at Fishing Hole Road on Sunday morning as a result of a cold front that moved across the island.

Fishing Hole Road was underwater and many motorists were caught off guard while driving in the area around 8am on Sunday. The narrow low-lying causeway passes through Hawksbill Creek, and connects Freeport and West Grand Bahama.

Flooding has been an ongoing problem at the street for many years and successive governments have promised to address the issue.

In December 2015, the Christie administration signed a $6.5 million contract to construct a new causeway at Fishing Hole Road to end years of flooding caused by tidal surge which have prevented access to West Grand Bahama.

All Bahamas Construction was awarded the contract and the 61-week project was to be completed by

CARS splashing through the flood water on Fishing Hole Road. the end of January 2017. was flooded.

Preliminary work had During the signing on started in the area, but December 18, 2015, Prime had been suspended due to Minister Perry Christie reHurricane Matthew, which called coming to Grand Bahit the island last October. hama and visiting Fishing Residents of West Grand Hole Road during the afterBahama, particularly Eight math of Hurricane Frances Mile Rock, and Queens during his first administraCove had agitated for the tion. construction of a bridge at “I had a stroke just before Fishing Hole Road. Former Hurricane Frances and the civic leader and former Pro- doctors did not want me gressive Liberal Party Sena- to come out, and I came tor Caleb Outten, veteran out and I walked through educator (now deceased) the affected area … I saw Mary Nabb and residents how this road and how it of Eight Mile Rock held nu- was rendered useless and merous protests at Fishing I heard about how people, Hole Road calling for the two I think, lost their lives government and the Grand and it never left me,” he Bahama Port Authority to said. build a bridge there.

Mr Christie said that Two lives have been lost Minister for Grand Bawhen persons previously hama Dr Michael Darville attempted to swim across had dedicated himself to Fishing Hole Road when it address the issue.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, January 9, 2017, PAGE 3

FROM left, Senator Frank Smith, Public Hospitals Authority chairman; Eileen Carron, editor and publisher of The Tribune; Cynthia Pratt, Urban Renewal co-chair, and Robert Carron, president at The Tribune, at the launch of the public/private health partnership between The Tribune and the Public Hospitals Authority.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

Tribune and Public Hospitals Authority unite to improve healthcare for children from page one medically evacuated to Florida for specialist treatment.

Though recovering well after five months in the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, Aidan’s plight prompted Mr Carron and his wife, Elizabeth, to establish the foundation and forge a partnership with the PHA to ensure that what happened to Aidan does not happen to other families.

“Today is not about our journey,” Mr Carron said during a launch ceremony at the PHA on Friday. “Today is not even about our son. Today is about bringing together partners from all walks of life with a common goal of transforming our approach to paediatric healthcare, so that … no child is left behind.

“It is also about recognising and saluting all those who, without their extraordinary efforts, many other children would not be here.”

According to Mr Carron, the aim of the partnership is to create “compelling, engaging multi-platform educational campaigns that inform, educate and empower our parents and citizens;” diagnose, track and treat auto-immune diseases with “state-of-the-art equipment and treatment protocols” and “access to leading health professionals

JEFRY BIEHLER, left, chairman of paediatrics and emergency medicine at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, and Dr Perry Gomez, right, Minister of Health, speaking at the launch of the public/private partnership between The Tribune and the Public Hospitals Authority. from around the world” and women nationally, fund but somehow costs never our many experts and speto establish “global part- raising campaigns for tele- fall. And in a world of open cialists in different forms nerships with world-class health (accessing expertise borders and easy travel, of paediatrics, we’re able to institutions,” such as Nick- abroad) and for equip- problems in one part of the help provide a level of care laus Children’s Hospital in ment, and publicly recog- world quickly land on our that will meet your expecSouth Florida. nising those individuals doorstep the next day.” tations, and will also help Key to the effectiveness who have gone “beyond the Dr Jefry Beihler, chair- meet the needs of your chilof the partnership, officials call of duty” in providing man of paediatrics and dren, grandchildren, and all said, was the Carron fam- levels of care and compas- emergency medicine at the children that are here in ily’s “historic” consensual sion through the islands Nicklaus Children’s Hospi- The Bahamas. release of Aidan’s confi- via a PHA Heroes award tal who also sits on the hos“Through technology dential medical records, scheme. pital’s board of governors, and teamwork we believe which senior health officials “Healthcare is on the said Nicklaus Children’s that we can come together called an “unprecedented frontline of sweeping Hospital is happy to be a and provide assurance and and generous act which change and great chal- part of such an altruistic enundoubtedly will help to lenges worldwide,” Mr Car- deavour. achieve positive health out- ron added. “These waves “Nicklaus Children’s comes for other families in of change are redefining Hospital looks forward to the years to come.” health care - not just in any formalising a better relaAs well as the release of one country, but the entire tionship, an ongoing lastAidan Carron’s records, globe. Reform has never ing relationship that allows Frank Smith, the PHA been more need - or more our friends and colleagues chairman, announced the urgent. from this country to help initiatives, including re“Demographic shifts, us provide services to the leasing information on the medical advances bring new children of The Bahamas,” top ten diseases afflict- possibilities but cause new he said. “We believe with ing children and pregnant problems. Expectations rise our family-centred care,

assistance to those in need.”

Health Minister Dr Perry Gomez, on hand for the official launch ceremony, said the Ministry of Health, and the Christie administration by extension, is in full support of the partnership.

“When one takes into account the transformation in healthcare currently being undertaken by my government, it is these types of partnerships that forge new opportunities to raise the bar. When private and corporate Bahamas can come together for the benefit of all, we have the right prescription for progress.

“This public event today demonstrates that once again, committed persons from the public and private sector have come together to take a remarkable stride in service of better healthcare for the Bahamian people.”

Herbert Brown, the PHA managing director, spoke of healthcare depending on teamwork and pointed to the public-private partnership as ideal in focusing the requisite skills, knowledge and experience.

AIDAN ROGER CARRON FOUNDATION UNVEILED THE Aidan Roger Carron Foundation has been formed with the aim of transforming paediatric care in The Bahamas.

Aidan Carron was seven months old when he contracted a secondary and potentially deadly auto immune disease, Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), last July after a “catch up” administration of his vaccinations. He developed a fever of 107.1F (41.6C) and had to be rushed by air ambulance to the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, where he spent more than five

Aidan Roger Carron

Children’s

Foundation

H E A L I N G L I T T L E WA R R I O R S months being treated with blood tranfusions, chemotherapy, steroids and antibiotics.

His parents, Robert and Elizabeth Dupuch Carron,

have said they do not want other Bahamian families to suffer the same experience and have agreed to release Aidan’s confidential medical records to allow physi-

cians, nurses and researchers detailed insight into the diagnosis, testing and treatment of life-threatening diseases.

The foundation’s mission statement is “Together we can fight HLH, Leukaemia, Cancer, Diabetes, obesity and other paediatric diseases by utilising worldclass partnerships, creative multi-platform educational campaigns, state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and treatment protocols, whilst recognising the ‘Unsung Heroes’ in our nation.”

SHOOTING VICTIM IN SERIOUS CONDITION IN HOSPITAL

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahama police are questioning a man in connection with a shooting incident that has left a man in hospital in serious condition over the weekend.

According to police, officers received a report that shortly after noon on Friday a man was shot while in the Grenfel Avenue area.

Reports are that the shooter, who was an occu-

pant in a vehicle, took out a firearm and opened fire on the victim, hitting him multiple times about the body.

The victim was transported to the Rand Memorial Hospital by private vehicle.

His condition is listed as serious.

Inspector Terecita Pinder reported that police have a man in custody who is assisting with their investigation into the shooting.

Anyone with information that can assist the police is asked to call 242-350-3107

through 12, 911/919, or call the nearest police station.

Monday, 9th January 2017

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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,

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,

Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,

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

Published daily Monday to Friday

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Foundation started for paediatric health care ON FRIDAY, Tribune President Robert Carron announced The Tribune Media Group’s establishment of the Aidan Roger Carron Children’s Foundation to make available to our medical profession the latest information, equipment and whatever is needed to assist them in their fight against paediatric diseases in The Bahamas.

In this article, we will try to answer some of the questions asked and suggestions made by members of the public after reading the tearful description by Aidan’s mother, Elizabeth, in Wednesday’s edition of The Tribune. Elizabeth told of the frightening five months the family lived through with their infant fighting for his life and the continued watch that will have to be kept over him well into the future.

At no time have we inferred that our Bahamian doctors are unqualified. We agree wholeheartedly with the comment “that some of our doctors in the paediatrics unit are top notch”. However, this archipelagic nation is small, and many of our doctors do not have the luxury of going off on refresher courses to keep them up to date or to learn what mysteries foreign doctors are uncovering in their practices. Our Foundation hopes to bring our Bahamian healers closer to the world-wide medical fraternity.

For example,the research on HLH, the disease that almost took Aidan’s life, is relatively new – from 1985 – “and causes as well as symptoms are still being discovered, many cases go undiscovered (or too late) and lead to fatality for the patient. It is important to catch the illness early.” And so, international doctors have only been working seriously on this disease for the past 32 years — not really long enough to come to a final conclusion on the future of any aspects of it.

“The Doctors at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital treat more cases of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) each year than any other paediatric hospital in the United States,” said the HLH cancer report. “Dr Lisa Filipovich at Cincinnati Children’s is regarded as the world renowned expert on this rare immune disorder.”

It was here that Aidan’s blood samples were sent and tested. Cincinnati determined that he had secondary HLH, which gives him more of a fighting chance than if he had had hereditary HLH. When Aidan was released — after five months of treatment – to return home on Christmas eve – until his next appointment in a month’s time – Dr Maggie Fader of Miami Children’s Hospital wrote: “He must not be given vaccines until I have cleared him when it is safe. Once cleared to begin the vaccination process, he will do so under our direction as his previous illness occurred immediately following an aggressive vaccination regime.”

Another member of the public asked: “Was the infant sick at the time or had he an underlying illness?” that delayed the vaccination regime. No, Aidan had had no illness from the day he was born, as a matter of fact each time he went for his regular check-ups his paediatrician remarked on what a healthy, alert baby he was.

Another reader was left with the impression after reading the mother’s story that the long delay between the routine injections was the fault of the parents, because it seemed that they wanted the DTap used instead of the DTP vaccination. Nothing could be further from the truth. Neither mother, nor grandmother is a doctor and neither had ever heard of DTap or DTP vaccinations to even have an opinion. However, we were together when the doctor explained to us that although he had a supply of DTP, he did not have DTaP. He would prefer to wait to start the second round of vaccinations for the DTaP supply to arrive in The Bahamas. He did not want to use the DTP, because of a possible adverse reaction. Who were we to disagree? So we waited.

The Tribune published an article that

Homophobic pastors and politicians EDITOR, The Tribune.

TELEPHONES

Jamaal Rolle is on holiday

doctors had been unable to obtain the needed DTAP vaccine since the summer of 2015. In no time a small supply of the vaccine arrived. We soon received a call from the doctor’s office to start Aidan’s second set of routine vaccinations.

From that day, his mother worried daily that he had had too many vaccinations all at once. She was reassured by the administering nurse that everything would be all right — they were “just catching up,” said the nurse.

Even at home, Elizabeth’s mother’s instinct told her that something was very wrong with her son. Aidan started to vomit, then he got a slight fever — “oh, he must be teething” she was told. And so it went on - nothing to worry about, she was assured. The day before Aidan was finally admitted to hospital, Elizabeth was in constant touch with the doctor, who thought the infant could wait until morning to be seen. However, late that night his temperature spiked to an unheard of 107 degrees. We rushed him to Doctors Hospital where the action started. A few hours later, he was transferred to the Critical Care Unit of Princess Margaret Hospital.

When mother and son were airlifted to Miami Children’s Hospital, the examining physician said Aidan should have been admitted to hospital on the day his mother was agitating that her baby had taken a turn for the worse— there was no time to wait, but wait they did.

According to many medical experts, a mother’s instincts are a vital part of helping them get the right diagnosis for a child. And this was the belief of the doctor who took over Aidan’s case in Miami.

She sat Elizabeth down and asked her to recount her observations of the baby from the day he took sick. Before the results of any tests were back, the doctor had diagnosed HLH. Another doctor had a puzzled waiver – Aidan looked much too healthy to be an HLH victim.

However, the following morning 5 out of 8 positive blood tests needed confirmed HLH and treatment started immediately. Weeks later, the results arrived from Cincinnati – not only was it HLH, but it was secondary, also apparently rare for one so young. At that age one would have expected it to have been hereditary - however, the evidence all pointed to an overload of vaccines, no infection, virus, tumors,cancers or genetic markers were detected.

One of the Nassau doctors insisted, before Aidan left Nassau, that a bone marrow test be taken at PMH to determine his disorder. We refused to give permission for this very painful procedure. However, as Aidan was being prepared to be airlifted to Miami, a hospital staff member entered his room, told his mother to leave. Elizabeth protested. The medic – whether a resident doctor or a nurse, we were not certain– said words to the effect that the procedure she was about to perform was not very pleasant. Elizabeth ran out in tears to where Robert and I were talking to another doctor. I rushed back to Aidan. Whoever the medic was she had attempted to take a blood sample for what we shall never know as he was on his way to Miami. Obviously, with no vein available, she dug down too far in search of a vein, leaving a large blood filled haematoma that took up most of the baby’s forearm. The head of the department was horrified when she came to check Aidan out for the flight. The wound was wrapped, but when the baby arrived at Miami Children’s Hospital, it was then that the music began. There was an investigation, the results of which we were told was sent to the board. We do not know to what board they referred. However, we were told that Aidan could have lost his arm or bled to death.

There are many routes that we could have taken in this case. However, we decided that the only way to make certain that it never happens again to another child is to set up a foundation that will open the doors for our practitioners to benefit from a wider vista on medicine.

It is for this reason that we have decided to make Aidan’s private medical records available to the medical profession.

IN a desperate search for political traction for his vanity party, the newly amalgamated United People’s Movement (UPM), Gregory Moss has decided to dispense with common decency and to pander to the homophobic fears of some Bahamians.

Mr. Moss erroneously claimed that The Bahamas voted “yes” in support of the appointment by the United Nations of an independent expert charged with investigating infringements on the rights of minorities, including gays.

What The Bahamas did do last month, and what we should be proud of as a nation, is we voted against a draft amendment tabled by a group of African nations that would have fired a distinguished professor of international and human rights law who the UN had just hired last September.

He was given a threeyear mandate to investigate abuse against members of the gay community around the world. This distinguished ambassador has no particular flame for the socalled “gay agenda”.

Previously he served on the UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria; the Commission on Human Rights on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography, and the International Commission of Inquiry on the Ivory Coast.

His passion, it seems, is in line with that of the UN, namely, the fierce protection of human rights, especially for minorities. I ask Mr Moss what could be wrong with that?

The despot Robert Mugabe who has laid waste to Zimbabwe likes to gin up support for his anti-gay stance by saying it was an agenda promoted by rich white developed countries.

It was interesting to see him proved wrong last month.

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net The Africans came as a contingent adamantly demanding that sexual orientation and gender identity have no place under the umbrella of international human rights. The 54-member Africa group shouted their hypocrisy and their bigotry.

While the so-called rich white developed states sat back and watched the proceedings, it was the Latin American countries that led the counter-charge.

These very Christian, mostly Catholic countries were the voices of reason and compassion on the issue and their side persuaded a slim majority to continue this very valuable work.

I have no doubt this work will probably save the life of a young person somewhere in the world who is today staring down the ravages of hatred and intolerance.

What should be noted was that Caricom could not, or would not, find common ground on this issue. While we were joined by Antigua and Barbuda and St. Kitts and Nevis in voting against the African resolution, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago sat on the fence and abstained from voting.

Voting to stop the work of the independent expert were Belize, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. But I support Foreign Minister Fred Mitchell for his principled stand at the UN and in Caricom.

The UPM sees the vote as a part of a grand conspiracy

by Perry Christie’s government to push an agenda that presumably is at odds with what Bahamians stand for.

They see this UN vote somehow as payback by the government for the loss suffered in the constitutional referendum last summer.

Some politicians and some

pastors skilfully packaged and sold that referendum as a Trojan horse planted by nefarious gay plotters who want to take over first The Bahamas and then the world.

A lot of malarkey flew back and forth about the protection of our Christian values. What could be more Christian than to investigate violence against a person or to afford them the same rights, privileges and opportunities as everyone else in society or in the world?

Think back not so long ago when it was considered by some very Christian to support slavery. Think on the many bible passages that were used to justify racism and, sadly, are still used to excuse misogyny.

It should surprise absolutely no-one that the UPM’s drumbeat was picked up by the pouting pastors, Cedric Moss, Alfred Stewart and ole fire and brimstone himself Lyall Bethel, who use every occasion to spit and spin gay conspiracy theories.

Presumably the fourth member of the Chicken Little quartet, Pastor Mario Moxey didn’t hear the drums.

Moss is going to keep pushing on this subject that stokes the homophobic fire that sadly still burns in too many self-professed Christian people.

Bigotry must not be allowed to become a part of this upcoming election campaign and it must be denounced by all political leaders.

And if our politicians need cover to do the right thing, I propose they hide behind the Pope. As an authority on all things Christian he famously said “Who am I to judge them (gays) if they’re seeking the Lord in good faith.”

Can I get an Amen from any of the pastors on that?

THE GRADUATE Nassau, January 7, 2017.

History of Majority Rule Day EDITOR, The Tribune.

WE hear more than enough, in my view, about “Majority Rule” and its advent in The Bahamas tagged to January 10th 1967.

I think that it is important for all people to understand that January 10th 1967 WAS NOT the first time that the majority black population voted in The Bahamas, but was simply the first time that a majority of House of Assembly Members were of African descent. Well, all but one.

“The African Diaspora to The Bahamas” by Larry Smith, (an extract from Bahamian historian Keith Tinker’s book) puts the date at 1832 when “people of colour” were granted the same rights, privileges and immunity” as white people (paraphrased). That included voting, but he goes on to say that the right to vote was not exercised until 1834.

The key take-away from that statement, is that “peo-

ple of colour”, in The Bahamas, had been VOTING for 134 years prior to January 10th 1967. If one takes the view, as one must I think, that “Majority Rule” can only mean that the majority ethnic Bahamian population (people of colour) have elected members to the House of Assembly for a great many more years than fifty.

What is quite interesting also is that Keith Tinker also notes from his earlier publication The Migration of Peoples from the Caribbean to The Bahamas “Perhaps the greatest legacy of the migration of “West Indians of African descent” to The Bahamas was the achievement of majority rule in 1967, under the leadership of the son of a Jamaican policeman named Lynden Pindling.” So are we a nation of a majority of West Indians, Black American Loyalists, Black Bermudians or what?” The picture becomes quite blurred

at this stage.

Strangely, perhaps because of his subsequent disenchantment with the Progressive Liberal Party, a far more significant, and less dubious breakthrough for the majority of Bahamians, was Sir Etienne Dupuch’s accomplishment in breaking down the barriers of racial discrimination that remained in The Bahamas in 1956.

That single event, perhaps more important than even the emancipation of slaves, or yet the election of a majority of people of colour, to the House of Assembly, has benefitted black Bahamians far more than can anything else.

Another Government must seriously consider redefining this holiday (Majority Rule Day) into something that all Bahamians, of every Race, Creed, Sex, or Ethnicity can be proud of and fully partake in.

BRUCE G. RAINE Nassau, January 7, 2017.

We March picks the wrong day EDITOR, The Tribune I AGREE that there should be marches, and because we are an extremely obese nation desperately needing exercise, there should be one every fortnight.

Seriously, though, except for the Burma Road March, marches in recent times have not served any effective purpose or results, and correcting or complaining of government missteps and or society ills are beyond marches and marching.

With Election Day approaching, it seems that the ‘We March’ is anti-climatic as the electorate will march

in full force to unseat the ruling government or to return the Free National Movement party to power.

Perhaps the We March would have been more effective and meaningful if it was carried out in the first or second year of rule of the Progressive Liberal Party, forcefully letting that ruling government know that the people will not tolerate what they did not vote for.

To plan the march on an exceptionally important historical day for Bahamians and The Bahamas, in its global history, is mere lunacy and does not augur well for the bright minds who have

planned such march on that day which could one day very well taint their image as eventually being leaders in the political arena. Planning a march on such a significant day which accomplished so much, including bringing black and white Bahamians together, ought to be respected/revered and not dissed by having a march on that day which might deem counterproductive.

Another day for the march could have easily been planned.

E V ALBURY Nassau 8 January, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, January 9, 2017, PAGE 5

CENTENARIAN VISITED

BY PRIME MINISTER

IRENE Louise McQuay Smith celebrated her 100th birthday at her home in Stapledon Gardens this weekend. Mrs Smith, the mother of Permanent Secretary Carl Smith (third left), was visited by the Prime Minister Perry Christie (right).

Photo: Peter Ramsay/BIS

The Majority Rule milestone Tomorrow the Bahamas celebrates 50 years of Majority Rule. But, Rashad Rolle asks, will recognition of an historic milestone be overshadowed by modern day dissatisfaction and marches?

T

OMORROW the Bahamas will recognise the 50th anniversary of Majority Rule, one of the most transformative events in the shaping of the modern Bahamas.

Majority Rule institutionalised “black power” - “spelled with a small ‘b’ and a small ‘p’,” the late Sir Lynden Pindling told Black Enterprise Magazine in 1973.

For him, that characterisation differentiated the country’s new order from movements in the United States more closely associated with “violence and disorder”. “(Majority Rule) means a country in which the majority of the population is black (and has a black majority government),” Sir Lynden said.

On January 10, 1967, both the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and the United Bahamian Party (UBP) won 18 parliamentary seats during the general election, with the remaining two going to Randol Fawkes, of the Labour Party, and Alvin Braynen, an Independent.

Both sided with the PLP, helping the party to form the first black-led government. Mr Braynen became Speaker of the House.

This achievement was a culmination of years of struggle that stretched across national events and movements like the Burma Road Riots of 1942, the creation of the PLP in 1953, the General Strike of 1958, the Women’s Suffrage Movement of the 1960s and Black Tuesday, which occurred on April 27, 1965.

The General Strike, for instance, helped pave

SIR Lynden Pindling the way for Majority Rule belong to the people of the which led to key constitu- country and the people are outside,” he said, tossing tional reforms.

The upheaval caused by the mace through the winthe strike led to the end of dow to the crowd below.

Sir Milo Butler followed the property and company votes in 1959, taking away him by tossing the houra tool the UBP wielded to glass through the window.

Ultimately, when it was hold on to power.

That same year, the free- achieved, Majority Rule was a promdom to vote ise, a symbol was extended ‘I think the that a level to all men playing field over 21 and importance has had come to four new par- been replaced by a The Bahaliamentary political ideology mas. seats were that separates and In reality, created.

As anoth- divides more than it it would take er example, unites; this ideology time before all the modthe events of ern facets of Black Tues- that says the PLP the Bahamian day in 1965 saved us all so we also helped should be grateful.’ democracy, such as repave the way duced gerryfor Majority Rule by arousing the imagi- mandering and the reducnations of Bahamians, in- tion of the voting age from creasing the PLP’s popular- 21 to 18, were established. ity and stirring the kind of Meaning black nationalistic fervour Yet for all the symbolic that sustained the party in the subsequent general and substantive significance of Majority Rule, for all election. drama During a debate in the made-for-theatre House of Assembly on of Black Tuesday and for boundaries, then oppo- all the tales of Bahamians sition leader Sir Lynden walking off their job sites picked up the mace, the ul- in 1958, one question about timate symbol of the Speak- Majority Rule remains open-ended as the country er’s authority.

“The mace is supposed to heads into tomorrow’s holi-

day: do Bahamians care?

The signs hardly suggest many do. The Ministry of Tourism is organising official ceremonies commemorating the event, but there have been no signs of organic, grassroots celebrations intended to take place.

Tomorrow’s protest by We March Bahamas will be disruptive to the celebrations, a political statement highlighting dissatisfaction with the direction of the country, not a celebration of “one person, one vote” or racial equality.

Likewise, the PLP’s Majority Rule march takes place against the backdrop of a party wanting to highlight the support it has ahead of the next general election.

The sentiment of “Majority Rule means nothing to me” came from several people interviewed by The Tribune last week when asked about the historic day.

For some, the milestone has been re-imagined too much as a PLP accomplishment for which Bahamians are indebted, despite the fact that some of the people who fought on the frontlines in events and movements that paved the way for Majority Rule did

PLP CHAIRMAN DISMISSES MARCH LEADER AS ‘CONFUSED’ from page one

He laughed off comments by Mr Henfield, who last week said he never intended to march with the PLP, despite Mr Henfield inviting Mr Roberts and the governing party to march with the activist group on Majority Rule Day. While appearing as a guest on the 96.9 FM show “Morning Blend”, with host Dwight Strachan last week, Mr Henfield said he was “playing chess” with Mr Roberts because he knew the PLP chairman would never put “country over party.”

“I do not have to respond to that,” Mr Roberts said yesterday.

“I never had a conversation with the boy. We never met and I never got any letters from him. The Bahamian people are ready to march, they are ready to celebrate and the entire Bahamas is invited. I am not

concerned about the rebel group and what their intentions are. This will be a peaceful march. The greatest fight for the Bahamian people was fought 50 years ago and not a punch was thrown or bullet was fired.

We will not be deterred because this rebel group wants to create confusion and make this about them. We are a peace loving people and are marching for the Bahamas.”

Activist group We March Bahamas and the PLP both have conflicting marches planned for tomorrow which is Majority Rule Day. We March Bahamas plans to march from the Clifford Park/Western Esplanade areas along Bay Street to Pompey Square at 10am. The march is part of a protest against the government and the status quo.

Meanwhile, the governing party, which will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the historic day, will march at 7am from Windsor

Park ending at the Southern Recreation Grounds on Market Street, as part of celebrations for the holiday.

We March Bahamas staged a massive protest on November 25, 2016, where

more than a thousand people marched from Arawak Cay to downtown Nassau.

A large group of protesters also occupied Rawson Square for 12 hours as part of the demonstration.

so without a political motive or later became associated with the Free National Movement (FNM) or other parties.

One person told The Tribune: “I have no connection to the holiday because I think the importance has been replaced by a political ideology that separates and divides more than it unites; this ideology that says the PLP saved us all so we should be grateful.”

Another person, who wanted to be identified only as Adderley, said: “Once the majority black people got in and they saw what the system was like, they realised it benefited their family, lovers and friends just the way it was, and they said, to hell with them out there.”

Yet another, who only wanted to be identified as Carlton, said Majority Rule “taught us to hate the white man”.

He added: “I think Majority Rule hurt us more than it helped us. There’s some good things that came out of Majority Rule. We knew and found out that there is a strength and togetherness but after that all our political leaders did was divide and conquer.”

Indeed, one’s perspective on Majority Rule is likely to be coloured by one’s perspective on politics more generally.

For many Bahamians, the significance of having an equal say in determining the composition of their government is not an achievement to be viewed for its own merit, but instead is evaluated through

the prism of whether political parties have lived up to their promise since that time.

The struggle embodied in Majority Rule, after all, was not racial equality for the sake of racial equality; it was a struggle for greater outcomes for the majority of people, with racial equality a necessary precursor to achieving that ultimate goal.

Whatever Majority Rule means to each person, the day will always objectively symbolise progress towards equality when it comes to the ability of most Bahamians to determine their country’s future, regardless of the performance of political parties.

“Fifty years later we recognise there are problems and obstacles along our journey,” Latrae Rahming, press secretary for Prime Minister Perry Christie, told The Tribune.

“We recognise the imperfection of our human progress. The voyage to a better Bahamas came at the expense of human suffering and discomforting endurance. The cause of building a promising future for all Bahamians is not a partisan one; it’s a fundamental responsibility for us as citizens to work in a national interest.”

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PAGE 6, Monday, January 9, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Nygard sues investigator hired by Save The Bays

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net BILLIONAIRE Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard has launched civil action in a Florida court against the investigator hired by Save The Bays (STB) to uncover the alleged murder-for-hire plot that rocked the country last year.

Mr Nygard has filed a complaint against former FBI agent John DiPaolo, and his D&R Agency LLC for alleged racketeering, but the document names several others, including his billionaire neighbour Louis Bacon, as part of an alleged racketeering enterprise.

Four STB directors and a pastor filed a lawsuit against Mr Nygard and his lawyer Keod Smith in the Supreme Court last year, accusing the pair of allegedly orchestrating a twoand-a-half-year campaign of fear and violence to “kill or scare off” activists Mr Nygard saw as opponents to development plans for his Lyford Cay property.

The explosive allegations shocked the country in March when Prime Minister Perry Christie and Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis’ names were mentioned in secret recordings between Mr Nygard, and two self-proclaimed gang members Livingston “Toggie” Bullard and Wisler “Bobo” Davilma that were filed in support of the lawsuit.

The Lyford Cay resident, along with his corporations Nygard International Partnership and Nygard Inc, filed a complaint of an alleged violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations (RICO) Act in a southern district Florida court on January 5.

Mr Nygard claims that Mr DiPaolo, his firm, and others have banded togeth-

er over the course of several years to cause economic injury to his goodwill, business reputation, properties and businesses in the United States, and for their own financial and other gain, both personally and professionally.

He claims that his brand and businesses have suffered damage through loss of good will, irreparable harm to their reputation, and lost business and money; and that his corporations have been damaged because of their inability to obtain appropriate financing as a result of the defendants’ actions.

Mr Nygard continued that a RICO enterprise was engaged in activities that affected interstate and foreign commerce; had prosecuted the plaintiffs and promoted articles in which the plaintiffs were required to expend funds in order to respond.

The complaint also alleged that, as a result of racketeering activity, witness testimony was influenced in violation of laws against perjury and bribery of witnesses; and against the transfer of funds from the United States to a foreign country with intent to

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It quotes from a handwritten statement purported to be from Ms Cummings in February 2016, wherein she allegedly describes being offered full compensation and an opportunity to be relocated to California by a person identified as Mr Bacon’s lawyer.

Ms Cummings allegedly demanded $800,000 from Mr Nygard on the condition that she would not participate in the RICO enterprise, according to the complaint, which noted that Ms Storr and Ms Cleare similarly allegedly demanded $500,000.

Making his case for an alleged pattern of racketeering activity, Mr Nygard’s complaint read: “The pattern of activity is offering to pay, agreeing to pay, and paying witnesses, in connection with testimony or prospective testimony, including Mr Bullard and Mr Davilma.

“The predicate acts are at least two payments each made to Mr Bullard and Mr Davilma, beginning no later than February 19, 2015.

The total amount of the payments was substantial, believed to be between $3 and $5 million.”

The complaint further al-

chette Ross, who had filed a supporting affidavit of Mr Nygard in a case brought against him by Mr Bacon and others last year, was approached several times

by Bullard and Davilma to walk away from her sworn testimony.

In one instance, Ms Ross was allegedly accosted by Bullard, who put his hand around her neck and told her that she should make herself scarce and accept money to walk away from the affidavit. At that time, Bullard allegedly confirmed that he had been paid by Mr Bacon since the saga between the two Lyford Cay neighbours began.

According to the complaint, Bullard allegedly told Ms Ross that he was employed by Mr Bacon to find women who would say they had sexual relations with Mr Nygard, and that he had treated them like slaves.

Bullard also allegedly bragged to Ms Ross about how he and Davilma, along with former FBI agents, set up Mr Nygard by recording private conversations, in which they “unsuccessfully tried to get Mr Nygard to endorse killing people”.

The complaint points out that Mr DiPaolo and a D&R employee were former FBI agents.

Mr Nygard noted that the claims were likely to have evidentiary support after reasonable opportunity for discovery.

The plaintiffs are seeking judgement in their favour as follows: the awarding of treble damages, attorney fees, interest and other relief provided by the statute; and preliminarily and permanently enjoining defendants from paying or conferring benefits upon prospective witnesses in proceedings involving plaintiffs; and other relief as the court deems just and proper.

LORETTA ‘HAS NOT QUIT FNM’

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PETER NYGARD promote perjury and other serious crimes.

Referring to the RICO enterprise, Mr Nygard’s complaint names Mr Bacon; Bullard; Davilma; Tazhmoye Lacy-Anne Cummings; Samantha Storr; and Philincia Cleare.

The complaint identified Mr Bacon as a plaintiff in legal actions that have injured, and are intended to injure Mr Nygard and his corporations.

It further accuses Mr DiPaolo and his agency of allegedly coaching witnesses to provide statements containing false information, for use in certain legal actions.

“Mr Bullard and Mr Davlima provided false statements for use in certain legal actions,” the complaint alleged.

“Ms Cummings, Ms Storr, and Ms Cleare are receiving money and other benefits in exchange for providing false testimony to be used against plaintiffs,” it was further alleged.

The complaint alleged that Ms Cummings, Ms Storr, and Ms Cleare have become co-conspirators with the defendants and others in the racketeering activity.

leged: “The source of the payments is believed to be Louis Bacon or entities controlled by him inside the United States.”

In the complaint, Mr Nygard alleges that Mr DiPaolo offered and agreed to pay both men, and personally paid them $50,000 in connection with testimony, and prospective testimony to be used against him.

He also said that Mr DiPaolo, and others acting in concert with D&R Agency, instigated and participated in the preparation of sworn statements containing false information regarding Mr Nygard, for use in certain legal actions.

The complaint outlined: three statements of Bullard made in Miami Springs, Florida on January 24, 2016; four statements of Davilma made in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on February 4, 2016; and a joint statement of both men made in Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic on February 4.

It further alleged that Mr DiPaolo and D&R employees instigated and participated in the preparation of a signed statement of Bullard made in Nassau, on February 19, 2016.

Mr Nygard alleged that the sworn statements included in affidavits executed by Mr DiPaolo in March contained materially false statements that were purchased with Mr Bacon’s “enormous sums of money”, specifically claims that Mr Nygard prepared a hit list to murder persons, and paid Bullard and Davilma to burn a shop and car.

Mr Nygard maintains that the predicate acts pose a threat of continued criminal activity due to Mr DiPaolo’s stated willingness to pay for “hard evidence” as reflected by its “value”.

The complaint further alleged that a woman, Ri-

I

resignation from the FNM, but rather a statement demonstrating that l will not be subjected to a leadership or a party that disregards and corrupts the rule of law to achieve personal objectives.”

Mrs Butler-Turner was responding to questions placed by The Tribune after a letter purportedly written by her, was circulated on social media.

Confirming the letter, the Long Island MP explained that she was prompted to issue a response to the notice of a special meeting on Wednesday.

“I didn’t think I needed to go to the meeting since they already went ahead and did what they did,” she told The Tribune in an interview earlier Sunday.

“Because what they have done (is) constitutionally illegal, they have infringed the FNM constitution,” she alleged.

Mrs Butler-Turner stressed that she didn’t leave the FNM, “they left me”.

“I am an incumbent,” she said, “my ratification has been revoked and they have subsequently named a new candidate in my seat. I have every intention of running in my seat, and since they’ve taken that route it means essentially that they have disengaged themselves from me.

“I was the only one of the seven (dissenting FNM MPs) that had a ratification from the party, and they subsequently named someone in my seat.

“In order to keep going, I obviously can’t run under the FNM party so I didn’t leave them, they

left me.”

The Long Island MP along with the six other “rebel” MPs face expulsion, suspension or a fine from the party following their decision to oust FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis as leader of the Official Opposition in Parliament, and replace him with Mrs Butler-Turner.

Her candidacy was revoked by the party before the outcome of that disciplinary process.

The letter penned by Mrs Butler-Turner read: “The actions undertaken by yourselves and the council, combined with the public pronouncements by the leadership of the party clearly demonstrate your intent to sever my legal affiliation with the FNM; the party that l voluntarily supported and joined over 30 years ago.

“Be assured that l do not

enjoy, neither do l embrace this posture,” the letter continued, “but l will not pursue or fight the illegitimacy of this premise, as I have previously stated in my response letter to the secretary general on December 15, 2016. The ideals and philosophy of the FNM’s existence are aligned with my personal convictions...democracy, accountability, fairness and transparency.

“I unreservedly espouse these tenets of my party,” the letter read.

“For these reasons, despite the divergent path we now face, l accept your majority will without opposition. I sincerely, thank you all for your past support and comaraderie.

The battles and causes we have fought together will always be held proudly in my heart. May God bless you all.”

HANNA MARTIN ‘OUTRAGED’ AT WOMEN BEING DENIED AT VOTER REGISTRATION from page one

Her comments came hours after The Tribune spoke with a lawyer who claimed that she was “physically removed” from the Cable Beach Post Office by police, after she refused to accept that she could not register because she “had on a sleeveless dress.”

The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said she was given approval to take the picture by the registrar, however after the photographer at the site found her clothing “inappropriate” the registrar then decided that she could not have her picture taken.

The lawyer stood her ground and refused to leave but after a few minutes of back and forth, the police were called and she was removed from the premises.

Last month, amid reports that women were turned

away from voting sites because of “improper” attire, Parliamentary Commissioner Sherlyn Hall said women registering to vote with “half their breasts out” is not permitted.

Mr Hall was contacted after a pregnant woman who did not want to be identified, told The Tribune she was told by registration officials at the Elizabeth Estates Post Office that she would not be allowed to register to vote on separate occasions because of what she was wearing at the time.

On her second attempt she went into the post office wearing an ankle length maxi dress, but was still not permitted to begin the process.

Returning for a third try, the expectant mother wore a jacket and was still told that she was too bare, so she had to put on a scarf in order to be registered.

The Parliamentary Elections Act makes no mention

of dress code.

Since then, Opposition Leader Loretta ButlerTurner demanded that Mr Hall explain the provision in law governing the enforcement of a dress code being used to hamper and obstruct the democratic right of a citizen to freely register to vote.

FNM Chairman Sidney Collie has likened the reports to voter suppression by the Christie administration.

Last week, Democratic National Alliance Deputy Leader Chris Mortimer also threatened to take action that would “compel” Mr Hall to ensure everyone is allowed their right to register.

He said although the party hasn’t defined what this action will be, it could involve a demonstration at the Parliamentary Registration Department on Farrington Road or a decision to take legal action against

Mr Hall and his department for infringing upon the rights of Bahamians to register to vote.

Last week, National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage said a person’s attire would not hinder them from voter registration.

“Some of the things that I’ve heard on the radio are surprising to me,” Dr Nottage, whose Cabinet portfolio includes elections, told The Nassau Guardian last week.

“There are no such regulations with respect to the way you dress.

“Of course like anybody else, one would wish to dress appropriately but we do not know the circumstances from which people come,” he said.

“Some people are doing well and some are not doing so well, and so no hindrance should be put in the way of people registering to vote by the parliamentary registrar or anyone else.”

the stories behind the news

MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2017

insight@tribunemedia.net

A deal to truly tax our belief

B1BUSINeSS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 201

business@tribunemedia.net

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ast August, and with much pomp and circumstance, Prime Minister Perry Christie announced that the Government of the Bahamas, and the Export-Import Bank of China (CEXIM) signed an agreement under which Baha Mar resort will be completed and sold.

Reporters were called in as Christie addressed the nation via a televised national address. You could see the peacock feathers if you looked close enough. It was a moment of great pride for the Prime Minister, as he beat his chest and professed that his Government had achieved its “three” objectives which had taken it over 20 months to negotiate.

For ease of reference, those “accomplishments” were:

Waiving VAT for the Chinese in order to get Baha Mar completed reveals the Government’s duplicitous treatment of “ungrateful” Bahamians, Malcom J Strachan says

3 Ensure payment of claims to Bahamian creditors and contractors.

With his Cabinet colleagues around, the Prime Minister exclaimed that he was “pleased” that they had achieved “all of these objectives”.

Following his announcement, no questions were allowed and no further details of the proposed “deal” were made public.

The specifics of the “deal” were sealed before the court at the request of the CEXIM with the blessing of the Government.

Now we know why.

Last week, an email from China Construction America to one of its local vendors was leaked to the media exposing that the same construction company, which had failed to meet three of its own self-imposed opening dates, had been granted full exemption from ValueAdded Tax (VAT). Bahamians were outraged. And rightly so!

The Bahamas has been rocked over the past year two years by two destructive hurricanes, Joaquin in 2015 and Matthew in 2016.

Baha Mar finish 100% ‘VaT free’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

The Government was yesterday urged to divulge “the full cost to the Bahamian people” of its Baha Mar agreement, after evidence emerged to show its construction completion is totally ‘VAT free’.

K P Turnquest, the FNM’s deputy leader, said the Government could be foregoing up to $60 million in Value-Added Tax (VAT) revenues, after an e-mail from the project’s general contractor suggested the ‘tax break’ had been extended to all companies and suppliers work-

ing on the completion.

A China Construction America (CCA) e-mail, headlined ‘exemption of VAT’ and issued yesterday morning, said all companies working on Baha Mar’s completion had been granted “a full” waiver from payment of the 7.5 per cent levy.

The e-mail, sent by Siyao Shen of CCA (Bahamas) commercial department, said: “It’s agreed with the Government that the sub-contractors and suppliers of CCA Bahamas (CCA) shall be entitled to have the benefit of a full exemption from the payment of ValueAdded Tax for works carried out on the Baha Mar project.”

having effectively confirmed that the VAT waiver covers all Baha Mar-related construction activity, and includes all its sub-contractors and suppliers - Bahamian and foreign - the CCA e-mail suggests that they can also recover the taxes paid on bills submitted by their own service providers and suppliers.

“You are required not to Tax dedINeSS charge the Value-Ad B1BuS on your invoices for goods and/ e-mail the CCA,” to or services told sub-contractors and suppliers.

“If you have paid VAT to the Government or your own subcontractors and/or suppliers, See pg b4

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CCA e-mail says all subs, suppliers to get VAT break FNM deputy: ‘What is real cost to Bahamians?’

Says up to $60m much-needed revenues foregone Govt says deal ‘ not unusual’, concern over-hyped

penalties Loretta pLedges pubLic accounts ing Fish Flybusin ess@tribunemedia.net break ‘draconian, hostile’ probe into baha Mar Vat

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

Lodge operator’s concern over implementation

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@ tribunemedia.net

$3.99

Queries if 10% ‘transfer tax’ paid on sale

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Jerome Fitzgerald said he lost sleep over negotiating the deal to complete and sell Baha Mar last year. Last week he described the amounts waived on VAT to finish the stalled resort as “miniscule”.

Were Bahamians who live on those storm-ravaged islands given a waiver on VAT to help them recover from the storms? No. But a Chinese construction company can be blessed with a waive, just because it asked for it.

The news last week regarding the exemption of VAT for the new owners of Baha Mar really ought not to have surprised anyone considering the way the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) has performed in this term. But this move was a new low for this administration, which has repeatedly opted to put foreigners before the people that elected it to power.

When it was announced in August, 2016, that monies owed to creditors would be paid out after much negotiation and bartering on the government’s part, many queried where these funds were coming from, along with other details of the agreement.

They were met with remarks from the minister responsible for education that suggested Bahamians ought simply to be happy

with the fact that they were getting any money at all.

In fact, when some creditors were not paid in full, the Government had the unmitigated gall to say that the workers were “ungrateful”. Ungrateful. Think about that for a minute. At the time that the Claims Committee chairman James Smith uttered these remarks, the Government knew that Bahamians were paying for their own severance with taxpayer dollars.

They knew, and said nothing. They kept perpetuating the political spin that Bahamians were being “blessed” right before the Christmas break. The payments were actually called a “gift” and “goodwill gestures” at different stages!

This type of blatant misrepresentation by a Government to its people goes beyond the pale. It points to a level of contempt it must have for us, the people.

To know that you had traded away Government taxes and concessions but knowingly misrepresented the same as “gifts” from a Communist state just

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The Opposition’s house of AsSays $200-$400m sembly leader yesterday pledged to The new fly fishing inpenalties ns’ a Public Accounts Commitlaunch regulatio dustry would have aided d deman Guide tee (PAC) investigation into revelawere yesterday described as downgrade fight ‘spectacularly tions that Baha Mar’s construction “draconian, disproportionunwise’ ate and hostile”, with one completion is “fully exempt” from high-end bonefishing lodge Value-Added Tax (VAT).

FNM deputy: executive yesterday outlinLoretta Butler-Turner, who Threatens to ing several concerns over ‘We’re giving away heads the PAC, said the VAT-refrom e-mail ent, an in reforms. es the deter investm lated disclosur bank but no equity’ second homes Peter Mantle, managing the project’s main contractor, Chidirector of the The Delphi na Construction America (CCA), Club, a luxury bonefishing provided “a great springboard” for

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Business Editor her to demand on multi-m illion dollar investment “despite that said Abaco, on Monday.

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Baha Mar VaT free deal ‘noT aBnorMal’

1 Construction would resume as quickly as possible 2 Every effort would be made to ensure that the casino, casino hotel, convention centre and its hotel, and the golf course would be open before the end of winter 2016-2017.

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PAGE 8 MONDAY, January 9, 2017

Email: insight@tribunemedia.net

The real reasons behind ‘passports for sale’ O

n January 1, “60 minutes”, an investigative programme aired by the US television company, CBS Corporation, ran a segment on “Citizenship by Investment Programmes” (CIP) that are operated by several countries around the world.

For reasons best known to itself, “60 minutes” focused on three Caribbean islands after paying merely a passing glance at Malta, a Mediterranean island that is part of the 28-nation European Union (EU). It let pass other countries in Europe and North America that also operate such programmes.

The broadcast clearly had no purpose except to denigrate - if not to emasculate - the CIPs and the governments that operate them.

It categorically stated that CIPs “attracted among the buyers a rogue’s gallery of scoundrels, fugitives, tax cheats and possibly much worse”. It neglected to mention that the vast majority of CIP recipients were wealthy law-abiding persons who had been subjected to intense scrutiny by enforcement agencies before their applications were even considered.

The segment of the programme was headlined, “Passports for sale”. The headline contrasted sharply with the title I had given to an article on the same subject just one year before.

The article I wrote was called, “Passports to save the economy”.

The difference in the treatment of the same subject was that, as a worker in the cause of the development of small countries, I understand the imperatives that compel governments, in adverse conditions, to seek new and creative ways to keep their economies alive and to continue to provide for their people. In the case of “60 minutes”, the reporters were not concerned about the underdevelopment and neglect that caused governments to

World View

By SIR RONALD SANDERS

market the most precious of all precious national assets citizenship.

“60 minutes” portrayed the CIPs in the Caribbean as a “security threat” to the US. Significantly, the programme hung that claim on an interview with only one person, albeit a former legal adviser to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement arm of the Department of Homeland security, Peter Vincent. It passed over a comment from General John Kelly, the former head of the US Southern Command, who is slated to be the Secretary for Homeland Security in Donald Trump’s Cabinet. Kelly was quoted from a report he issued last year in which he said “cash for passport programmes could be exploited by criminals, terrorists or other nefarious actors.” There is a big difference between “could be exploited” and “is being exploited”.

In the interest of providing a semblance of balance, “60 minutes” did allow Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne to make the point that, in the case of his country, the names of all applicants for citizenship are screened by American intelligence and

law enforcement agencies.

And while it did not question his assertion, or try to present any evidence to disprove it, the programme went on to state that the issuance of diplomatic passports to CIP recipients is “a gaping hole in a very effective global security architecture to prevent terrorist attacks”. The broadcast supported this assertion only

by Mr Vincent’s remarks that, “The border officials at the receiving country, even without a visa, almost always admit an individual carrying a diplomatic passport. In addition, border forces are not entitled to search the luggage of diplomats like they are for regular tourists. They simply wave them through.”

The latter statement in the context of the US is not accurate. From personal experience as an accredited Ambassador to the United States, I know that holders of diplomatic passports are questioned by immigration and customs officials and that searches of their luggage are not prohibited unless State Department officials accompany them - a privilege accorded only to Heads of Government on official business in the US or to accredited Ambassadors

“I believe diplomatic passports are important to facilitate business between governments; they ought not to be in the hands of anyone except diplomats accredited to specific countries or international agencies, and heads of government and ministers conducting official business.”

FUNERAL SERVICE DORIS KATRINA BULLARD, 99 of #486 East Street, South, will be held on Thursday, 12th January, 2017, 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Boyd Road. Monsignor Alfred C. Culmer, assisted by Deacon Peter Jones will officiate. Interment will follow in St. Joseph’s cemetery, Boyd Road.

Doris is survived by two special nieces, Patricia Coakley and Pamela Thompson (Earl) and nephew, Fred McKinney; numerous other nieces and nephews; grandnieces and grandnephews including, Damian Coakley, Robert and Kendrice Coakley, Rudolph Cleare, Earl Jr. and Tammie Thompson, Davinia Thompson, Dion and Carlene Thompson, Patria and Pete Armbrister, Mark Humes, Rochelle Swaby, Debra Thompson; numerous other grand and great grand nieces and nephews; many cousins including, Francita Forbes and family, John Gordon and family, Norma Gordon and family, Mae Rivers and family (South Carolina), Edwina Culmer and family (New York), Millicent Thompson, Ernest, Joseph and Marye Fernandez (Miami, Florida), the children of the late Rev. Elijah Newbold, Stanley Newbold and David Newbold (Pompano Beach and Miami, Florida); a sister-in-law, Miss Betty McCartney (Miami, Florida); numerous godchildren among whom are Kemuel Collymore (Cleomie), Marcia Virgill, Beverly Nairn, Norma Williams, Beverly Edwards, Ed Smith and Denzel Taylor; Other relatives and cherished friends include: Mrs. Eileen Dupuch Carron and family, Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Munnings and family, Mr. Etienne Dupuch, Jr., and family, Hon. & Mrs. Pierre Dupuch and family, employees of The Tribune, Lady Laurie Miller & family (Freeport, Grand Bahama), Mrs. Hazel Chea, Mrs. Edna Chase and family, Mrs. Gloria Crawford, Mrs. Patricia Carey, Mr. & Mrs. Romeo Farrington, Mrs. Delores Darling, Dr. Rhonda Chipman-Johnson, Mrs. Dorothea Strachan, Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Allens, Dr. Jassett Maragh (Miami, Florida), Mr. & Mrs. Oliver Hassell (Chicago, Illinois), Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Sands and family, Basil Bullard and family, the McCartney family (Miami, Florida) - especially Diana Neely and Patricia McCartney, Reda McPhee and family, Lenora Daniels, Trudy Sands, Melanie Miller, Benedictine Sisters of Saint Martin Monastery, Monsignor Alfred Culmer, Monsignor Preston Moss, the Parish Community of St. Joseph - especially the Ladies Auxiliary, Mr. & Mrs. Asa Ferguson and family, the Coakley family, Barbara Foster, Naomi Tajah Foster, Claudia Denis, Mr. & Mrs. General Taylor, Maria Ajero, Mrs. Hazel Estwick and family, Mr. Alva Smith and family, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Burrows, Miss Eleanor Allen, Mr. Lionel Symonett, and many others too numerous to list.

Friends may pay their last respects at Bethel Brothers Morticians #34 Nassau Street, on Wednesday from 12:00 noon to 6:00p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until service time.

Sir Ronald Sanders says “all of the Caribbean countries involved with citizenship by investment programmes have come to them by necessity”. on their first arrival in the country.

Having said that, “60 minutes” did admit that the provision of diplomatic passports is not part of the CIP. It claimed that where this has been done - and it identified specific cases in Dominica and St Kitts-Nevis - “it goes on under the table”.

The Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit, has since “categorically” refuted this charge. For my part, I believe diplomatic passports are important to facilitate business between governments; they ought not to be in the hands of anyone except diplomats accredited to specific countries or international agencies, and heads of government and ministers conducting official business. Unfortunately, their overuse - and probably their abuse by a few governments - has already undervalued their utility.

Where “60 minutes” let down its global audience and damaged the Caribbean is in its failure to explain why governments have turned to CIPs as a tool for economic development and social improvement. The description of these countries as “cashstarved” labels the condition without defining the cause.

Why are they cash-starved and why do they have to adopt policies to offer their cherished citizenship in return for investment?

As I pointed out in my December, 2015, article, “all of the Caribbean countries involved with citizenship by investment programmes have come to them by necessity. Poor terms of trade, vulnerability to financial down-turns in North America and Europe from where most of their tourists come, declining aid, persistent natural disasters and no access to concessional financing from international financial

institutions, have forced them to be creative in raising revenues. They are all faced with fiscal deficits, high debt and an international environment that is unresponsive to their predicament”.

If the international community provided transformative means to address the development needs of these countries and their increasing vulnerability to external shocks such as unrelenting and persistent hurricanes and events like the 2008 global financial crisis, which began in the US, they would not have to resort to offering citizenship in return for investment.

“60 minutes” was less than fair in failing to point out that many of the governments of these countries are running a rigorous programme of scrutiny of CIP recipients precisely because they are conscious of their responsibility to other countries. In the case of Antigua and Barbuda, Prime Minister Browne made it clear that his government is interested only in high worth individuals - the ‘crème de la crème, as he put it - who can pass the most stringent security checks.

“60 minutes” was also less

than fair in not mentioning that many other countries operate programmes under which citizenship is offered in return for investment - among them the US (SA EB-5 Visa Program).

There is nothing intrinsically wrong with citizenship by investment programmes or with their merit as a development tool; it is the rigour of their implementation that is important. And it is such rigour upon which all countries should insist.

If the stricture becomes that developing countries should not operate CIPs, an international double standard is created by which small and weak countries are again disadvantaged by the powerful.

• Sir Ronald Sanders is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organisation of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto.

The views expressed are his own. Responses and previous commentaries: www. sirronaldsanders.com

Fugitive Rudy King held role as Dominica’s ambassador, programme claims BAHAMIAN businessman and impresario Rudolph ‘Rudy’ Kermit King was spotlighted in an episode of the CBS programme ‘60 minutes’ over his former role as Dominica’s ambassador to Bahrain.

The episode entitled “Passports for Sale”, which aired on New Year’s Day, focused on “citizenship by investment” programmes and how “cash-starved countries offer citizenship for a price, creating ways to ease travel for foreigners, including those running from the law”.

Mr King is given a special mention by the show’s correspondent Steve Kroft, who refers to him as a Bahamian fugitive from US justice.

The episode has unearthed controversy and speculation over whether Mr King actually held a diplomatic passport.

Dominica’s Senior Counsel Tony Astaphan, in an interview with Dominica News Online, has refuted the diplomatic ambassadorship and accused Opposition Leader Lennox Linton of lying during his interview with CBS. “He went on CBS and he spoke about a gentleman called King who having diplomatic passport and was appointed ambassador to Bahrain,” Mr Astaphan stated.

“That was false. King, from what I recall, never

Rudolph Kermit King, a Bahamian impresario and businessman, was reported to have been appointed ambassador to Bahrain by Dominica in 2006 in CBS’ ‘60 minutes’ programme. had a Dominican passport or a Dominican diplomatic passport and I was never aware of him being appointed ambassador to any specific country.”

According to thedominican.net, a bi-monthly news publication, Mr King was first introduced to the Dominican public in 2006, when he presented himself as the Dominica Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa of Bahrain.

King was appointed a goodwill ambassador in January 2006, according to the newspaper, after a little known organisation which he headed, King Humanitarian and Global Vision Founda-

tion, promised to deliver several projects, including a library.

The organisation reportedly presented Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit with its “Salute to Greatness Award” to honour his “contribution” to education.

In late 2006, according to the newspaper, Mr King was reportedly given responsibility to research and promote trade, cultural and investment opportunities for Dominica, particularly in the Middle East.

The Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration said last week it had noted inquiries about the recent CBS programme. “For the avoidance of doubt, the Ministry wishes to advise that the Bahamas does not have citizenship by investment. The programme has nothing to do with The Bahamas,” a statement said.

In 2014, Mr King was indicted on 23 counts of fraud by United States authorities.

According to the indictment, Mr King created bogus corporations that he then used to create merchant accounts with credit card processors.

Investigations by the US Secret Service and US Postal Inspection Service led to the indictments.

Mr King has denied all charges.

MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2017 PAGE 9

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

Dealing with immigrants and the enemy within I

LLEGAL immigration has been a major problem for successive governments over many decades.

As a retired police officer I can tell you that this is a very serious security concern - and it is not being given the prio­rity attention it deserves by the authorities.

Public concerns about immigration have focused on the loss of jobs; the use of public services such as schools and clinics; the cost of border protection, detention and repatriation; and the fear of being culturally overwhelmed. However, I suggest that crime and terrorism ought to be uppermost in our minds.

Two years ago, law enforcement officers, security directors, civil servants and others took part in a week-long seminar on terrorism organised by the Ministry of Tourism and the Royal Bahamas Police Force. The top lecturer was an American expert on terrorism. And at the end of the seminar many of us were of the view that Members of Parliament should have been required to attend.

Terrorists are ideologically inspired to use illegal force or violence against people or property to further their objectives. They are trained to blend in and assimilate to their surroundings. Their actions are well-planned and involve training, surveillance and practice. The ultimate goal is to instill fear in the general population.

Recommendations have been made directly to the government or through the media on this subject over the years. All were collated and made available to government and opposition politicians in 2008.

First of all, it should be obvious that the Immigration Department must be expanded in order to have sufficient personnel for round-the clock-operations.

Its communication equipment must be modernised and those officers who qualify must be armed.

The department should be divided into administrative and en­forcement units, with the assurance that other law enforcement agencies would provide prompt assistance if necessary.

Immigration officers must have air, land and sea transport readily available, as well as the funds to develop informants both here and overseas. Officers should be trained to be aware of their powers of arrest and seizure, which are

The security risk the Bahamas faces from a large, unknown population in its midst is great. Paul Thompson looks at measures that can be taken to reduce it. similar to those of police officers.

The Detention Centre on Gladstone Road should be more securely fenced and a patrol area for guard dogs should be added. Floodlights and security cameras should be installed, and areas outside the fences should be cleared to improve visi­bility.

In the 1950s, 60s and 70s, illegal immigrants were interrogated, documented, fingerprinted and photographed. They were then taken before a magistrate and charged with illegal entry. Infor­ mation disclosed through interrogation identified the captain and crew of the offending vessel, who were charged separately with smuggling.

Those illegals often received a prison sentence, to which the Magistrate would add “or earlier deportation”. The appearance of illegal immigrants in court is important, as the migrant can make complaints or provide a magistrate with information that may have been ignored by the arresting officers.

The government should also proceed with the development of an identification card for every resident of The Bahamas - with photo, fingerprints, and other identifying features.

We have an illegal migrant population numbering in the tens of thousands, living and working on most of our Islands, yet we do not know who they are. There is no register, no photo­ graphs, no fingerprint records.

The Bahamian-born children of immigrants should be given residency permits if they qualify, but be required to carry an ID card issued by the Immigration Department. A similar card should replace the work

permit and would be carried at all times by migrants working here.

Individuals with a criminal record should not be entitled to an ID card. An amnesty should be declared for illegal im­ migrants to present themselves for registration. Employers would be required to make their cases to the Immigration Department, and migrants who do not qualify for the ID card would be deported.

Terrorists strike when they have the desire, the ability and the opportunity to commit an attack. We cannot control the desire or ability, but we can limit the opportunity by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious behaviour. There must be a zero-tolerance approach to our il­legal immigrant problem, because there may well be enemies living amongst us.

I have spoken to politicians and law enforcement leaders on this subject many times. It is well known that terrorists are targeting American interests around the world, and we do have several potential targets cruise ports, hotels and our tourist-oriented economy in general.

Our approach to border protection would be to make it virtually impossible for illegal immigrants to live here in comfort undetected. Word would soon circu­late about the difficulties migrants face here, and this would help to deter others.

Either through legislation or govern­ ment policy we should seek to implement rules and regulations that would require foreigners to provide proof of status when applying for licences, seeking medical attention, attending school or renting apartments.

Banks and money trans-

Paul Thompson is the quintessential policeman. His career spanned the modern development of The Bahamas - from colonial times to the challenges of nationhood.

Born in a small farming village in Trinidad, he was recruited by the Royal Bahamas Police Force in 1951.

He spent most of his time on the force in the Criminal Investigation Department, retiring in 1981 as an Assistant Commissioner.

He then began a second career as head of security for the Paradise Island Resort & Casino, returning to the police force as a civilian training officer in 1998, and in 2002 was appointed general manager of Wemco Security.

Five years later, he set up his own security company - Paul Thompson & Associates. Now in his 80s, he remains active in security work.

THIS WEEK IN THE TRIBUNE Wednesday

• Full reports from the Majority Rule Day marches with photographs • Tribune Tech - a weekly look at what’s new in the world of technology Thursday • Obituaries and Religion, a weekly review • Sports - The Tribune’s ‘experts’ pick their weekend NFL wildcard winners • ‘On da Hook’, a weekly

look at fishing in The Bahamas Friday • Weekend - a 28-page section devoted to the best in arts, music, fashion, food, books, entertainment, gardening, animal matters, fitness, history and interviews • Sports - The Finish Line, a look at the local sports scene, by Brent Stubbs • Plus A Comic’s View Naughty’s unique take on the week in The Bahamas

Saturday

• The Tribune’s Top 5: a special video review of the week’s top stories by Khrisna Virgil on www. tribune242.com Every day in The Tribune, news, business, sports, weather and Classifieds Trader - the best guide to cars for sale, real estate, help wanted and more.

Plus breaking news and updates on your mobilefriendly tribune242.com

fer companies should be lanes around Haiti and obprevented from catering servation of these areas by to immigrants who cannot drones would be effective produce evidence of resi- measures. dent status and strong law I recall when Assistant enforcement efforts should Commissioner of Police be made to Lawrence eliminate Major had ‘We have an shanty towns, the full cowhich are hid- illegal migrant operation of ing places for population aircraft pilots, criminals as numbering in the who would well as posing report sightpublic health tens of thousands, ings of Hairisks. living and working tian vessels in Most illegal on most of our Bahamian waimmigrants ters. The poarrive here Islands, yet we do lice were able from Haiti. not know who to respond For decades they are. There effectively there have with limited been high- is no register, resources. We level talks no photo­graphs, now have a with succesfleet of modno fingerprint sive Haitian ern Defence records.’ governments Force ships. on this issue, Adding drone with minimal result. Talks surveillance would make between The Bahamas and them even more effective.

Haiti should continue, but During my police serI believe the United States vice, I visited Haiti in should also be engaged, search of a pair of bank since many migrants who robbers who had fled The come to the Bahamas are Bahamas - Victor Storr, a actually on their way to the Bahamian, and Paul JoUS. Joint patrols of the sea seph, a Haitian. I had the

op­portunity to work with Colonel Maxim Antoine, head of the Haitian Criminal Investigation Unit, which was responsible for both criminal investigation and poli­ tical intelligence.

My experience convinced me that if the Haitian government wanted to end human trafficking to The Bahamas it could be done immediately. I have spoken privately to senior police and army personnel in Haiti and became convinced that there were no instructions to stop illegal immigration.

The cost to The Bahamas to detain and repatriate illegal immigrants is high, and the security risk we face from a large unknown population in our midst is equally great. In today’s world, human trafficking and terrorism pose major threats to the peace and security of our nation, and it behoves us to pay more attention to this issue.

Comments and responses to insight@tribunemedia. net

PAGE 10 MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2017

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

GAIN AN EDGE A NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

GAIN AN EDG

A NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON HIGHER EDUCATI

The Perfect Fit Finding the best college for you I

MAGINE it. From across the store you spot the best looking pair of shoes you’ve ever seen.

Since they’re the last pair left on the shelf, you dash over to grab them.

But you quickly realise there’s a problem - they’re two sizes too small. After lots of toe wiggling and shoe tugging, you’re faced with a sad reality.

They’re just not the right fit for you!

A college search is the same. You can’t make a perfect fit of a college that doesn’t meet your needs.

Finding the right fit is important, because a college that meets your needs gives you the greatest chance of successfully completing your programme and graduating.

Luxzonica Young, a Lyford Cay Scholar at Brock University in Ontario, Canada, advises students to take a hard look at their college choices before making a decision.

“I initially attended a college in West Virginia. I thought it would be great, but it didn’t take me long to realise that the lack of diversity and remote location just wasn’t for me,” she said.

“Now, I’m at a school that I love where I have met so many different people from

There are many factors to consider in choosing where to pursue post-secondary education, as Lyford Cay Foundations explains all over the world. And I’m confident that my programme will prepare me to return to the Bahamas and become a well-trained physiotherapist.”

So how do you weigh your college options as you embark on those college applications?

Factors to guide your search for the best fit should include: Academics Of course, you’re looking for a college that has a strong programme in your field of study, but also consider these questions: • Does the college offer learning opportunities that excite you? You’re more likely to succeed if you are excited about the options.

• Does the overall learning style of the college fit your personal learning style? Do you prefer informative lectures or lively discussions?

Research or hands on experience?

Drafting papers or working in small groups? Review-

ing course descriptions will give you an idea of the college’s overall feel. If you’re able to, try to visit the campus and sit in on some classes.

Campus culture You may spend several years in college, so quality of life is important. Be sure to research essential details that may seem small, such as residential living options, campus dining and recreation.

Questions to ponder include: • Do you want the excitement of a big school or the comfort and security of a small one?

• How will the campus geographical location and weather impact you?

Are you energised by the thought of a cold climate or absolutely terrified?

• Are you dreaming of a busy urban setting, a remote country location or a suburban setting that’s in between?

• Does the school have

LUXZONICA YOUNG, a Lyford Cay Scholar, is happy that she has found the college that is the right fit for her academically and socially. options to support your Financial worries during hobbies and interests? your college years can be • Are there other Ba- greatly reduced by thinking hamians at the college? Is through these questions: there an active association • Are the schools that of Caribbean students? Or you’ve applied to a good will you be the only student value for the money? Is from your culture on cam- there a less expensive oppus? tion that is just as academiFinances cally strong?

The cost of college is • Have you investigated one of the biggest areas of college options here at concern for most students. home? Both the Univer-

sity of The Bahamas and Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute offer a number of internationally respected programmes.

• Have you and your family openly discussed the cost of the college you want to attend and created a plan?

Most college finance plans include a mix of personal savings, loans and scholarships.

• Does your college pick make you eligible for local scholarships such as Lyford Cay Foundations scholarships or Ministry of Education, Science and Technology scholarships? Remember that local scholarship programmes will favour students who have chosen a well-respected college and a major that prepares you to fulfil the future needs of the country.

For more information about how to find the best college fit, visit www.bigfuture.collegeboard.org.

NEXT WEEK: the comforts of a university at home “Gain An Edge” is a collaboration of the Lyford Cay Foundations, Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute and University of The Bahamas aimed at promoting a national dialogue on higher education.

To share your thoughts, email us at gainanedge@ tribunemedia.net

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, January 9, 2017, PAGE 11

MAN BEATEN TO DEATH WITH A HAMMER from page one

PEOPLE stand on the tarmac at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport after a gunman opened fire inside a terminal of the airport on Friday, killing five and wounding six more before being taken into custody.

Photo: Lynne Sladky/AP

Terror in Fort Lauderdale as five shot dead at airport FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida Associated Press WHILE investigators try to figure out the motive of an Iraq war veteran accused of killing five travelers and wounding six others at a busy international airport in Florida, the suspected gunman was charged and could face the death penalty if convicted.

Esteban Santiago, 26, was charged with an act of violence at an international airport resulting in death — which carries a maximum punishment of execution — and weapons charges.

Santiago told investigators that he planned the attack, buying a one-way ticket to the Fort Lauderdale airport, a federal complaint said. Authorities don’t know why he chose his target and have not ruled out terrorism.

“Today’s charges represent the gravity of the situation and reflect the commitment of federal, state and local law enforcement personnel to continually protect the community and prosecute those who target our residents and visitors,” US Attorney Wifredo Ferrer said.

Authorities said during a news conference that they had interviewed roughly 175 people, including a lengthy interrogation with a cooperative Santiago, who is a former National Guard soldier from Alaska. Flights had resumed at the Fort Lauderdale airport after the bloodshed, though the terminal where the shooting happened remained closed.

FBI Agent George Piro said Santiago spoke to investigators for several hours after he opened fire with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun that he appears to have legally checked on a flight from Alaska.

“Indications are that he came here to carry out this horrific attack,” Piro said.

“We have not identified any triggers that would have caused this attack. We’re pursuing all angles on what prompted him to carry out this horrific attack.”

Investigators are combing through social media and other information to determine Santiago’s motive, and it’s too early to say whether terrorism played a role, Piro said. In Novem-

ber, Santiago had walked into an FBI field office in Alaska saying the US government was controlling his mind and forcing him to watch Islamic State group videos, authorities said.

“He was a walk-in complaint. This is something that happens at FBI offices around the country every day,” FBI agent Marlin Ritzman said.

Santiago had a loaded magazine on him, but had left a gun in his vehicle, along with his newborn child, authorities said. Officers seized the weapon and local officers took him to get a mental health evaluation. His girlfriend picked up the child.

On Dec 8, the gun was returned to Santiago. Authorities wouldn’t say if it was the same gun used in the airport attack.

US Attorney Karen Loeffler said Santiago would have been able to legally possess a gun because he had not been judged mentally ill, which is a higher standard than having an evaluation.

Santiago had not been placed on the US no-fly list and appears to have acted alone, authorities said.

The attack sent panicked witnesses running out of the terminal and spilling onto the tarmac, baggage in hand. Others hid in bathroom stalls or crouched behind cars or anything else they could find as police and paramedics rushed in to help the wounded and establish whether there were any other gunmen.

The Bahamas’ Consulate General in Miami was in touch immediately with authorities in the city of Fort Lauderdale to determine if any Bahamian citizens had been involved or affected by the shooting.

Friday’s statement by the office read: “We await word and will update the country as events unfold.

Bahamasair does not operate from the terminal where the shooting took place but all operations at the airport including those of Bahamasair are for the moment discontinued. Bahamasair reports to the Consulate General that all employees are accounted for.

“Furthermore, all staff of The Bahamas Consulate and Bahamas Tourist Office are accounted for.”

Two Bahamasair flights

42 CUBAN MIGRANTS HELD

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FORTY-TWO Cuban migrants were brought to Grand Bahama and turned over to Bahamian authorities on Friday morning.

The migrants were intercepted at sea by the US Coast Guard in four separate incidents in the Cay Sal Bank area.

The crew of the USCG Robert Yered took 40 men and two women into custody and arrived at Lucayan Harbour around 8am.

Immigration officer Napthali Cooper reported that the migrants were trying to reach the United States and were spotted on

Thursday by the US Coast Guard.

“This is the second group of migrants … for this week alone,” Mr Cooper said, noting that 12 Cubans were brought to Grand Bahama last Monday.

He said that the Royal Bahamas Police Force Marine Division and Royal Bahamas Defence Force assisted in transporting the group to immigration headquarters, where the migrants were processed and examined by a medical team.

Mr Cooper said this latest group brought the total number of migrants processed by immigration officials in Grand Bahama last week to 54.

to Fort Lauderdale on Friday - leaving Lynden Pindling International Airport at 3.30pm and 6.30pm – were diverted to Miami.

The airline’s officials confirmed that no flights, outbound to or inbound from the Fort Lauderdale International Airport, were affected by the shooting.

The airline’s director of customer service, John Fowler, indicated that the airline had cleared all flights prior to the incident, which occurred shortly before 1pm.

Bahamasair operates out of terminal 3; Friday’s shooting occurred in terminal 2. Two Bahamasair flights left Fort Lauderdale shortly before the shooting and there were no Bahamasair flights on the runway at the time of the incident.

One passenger in the airport at the time, Mark Lea, 53, had just flown in from Minnesota with his wife for a cruise when he heard three quick cracks, like a firecracker. Then came more cracks, and “I knew it was more than just a firecracker,” he said.

Making sure his wife was outside, Lea helped evacuate some older women who had fallen, he said. Then he saw the shooter.

“He was just kind of randomly shooting people,” he said. “If you were in his path, you were going to get shot. He was walking and shooting.”

Over the course of about 45 seconds, the shooter reloaded twice, he said.

When he was out of bullets, he walked away, dropped the gun and lay face down, spread eagle on the floor, Lea said.

By that time, a deputy had arrived and grabbed the shooter. Lea put his foot on the gun to secure it.

Lea went to help the injured and a woman from Iowa asked about her husband, who she described.

Lea saw a man who fit his description behind a row of chairs, motionless, shot in the head and lying in a pool of blood, he said. The man, Michael Oehme, was identified as one of the dead victims on Saturday.

Santiago had been discharged from the National Guard last year after being demoted for unsatisfactory performance. Bryan Santiago said Saturday that his brother had requested psychological help but received little assistance.

Esteban Santiago said in August that he was hearing voices.

“How is it possible that the federal government knows, they hospitalise him for only four days, and then give him his weapon back?”

Bryan Santiago said.

His mother declined to comment as she stood inside the screen door of the family home in Puerto Rico, wiping tears from her eyes. The only thing she said was that Esteban Santiago had been tremendously affected by seeing a bomb explode next to two of his friends when he was around 18 years old while serving in Iraq.

Santiago, who is in federal custody with no bail, will face federal charges and is expected to appear in court Monday, Piro said.

It is legal for airline passengers to travel with guns and ammunition as long as the firearms are put in a checked bag — not a carry-on — and are unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container. Guns must be declared to the airline at check-in.

Santiago arrived in Fort Lauderdale after taking off from Anchorage aboard a Delta flight Thursday night, checking only one piece of luggage — his gun, said Jesse Davis, police chief at the Anchorage airport.

Police said they received information that two men were fighting off Carmichael Road.

When officers arrived at the scene they found the lifeless body of a man with blunt injuries to the head.

The victim was pronounced dead on the scene.

According the preliminary reports, the victim was involved in an argument with another man at the back of his residence which led to him being struck multiple times with a blunt object, believed to be a hammer.

A short while after the incident, police said an adult male turned himself in and is being questioned in connection with this killing.

Police have not identified the victim, but The Tribune understands he is Nado Joseph.

The murder came nearly 24 hours after 21-year-old Kieran Humes was shot dead off Rocky Pine Road.

According to police, around 11pm on Thursday, officers received reports of gunshots in the area of Rocky Pine Road. When officers arrived, they found the lifeless body of an adult male lying in the road.

That shooting came one day after a teenager was killed and another man was wounded in a driveby shooting in the Foxdale subdivision near Sandilands Primary School.

According to police reports, shortly after 8pm on Wednesday, two men were standing in front of a home on Cordia Crescent when the occupants of a dark coloured Honda vehicle pulled up and fired several shots at them before speeding off.

The two victims were taken to hospital where 18-year-old Jarvis Roker died from his injuries. The other is listed in serious condition but his injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

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

PAGE 12, Monday, January 9, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

COLLIE DERIDES ‘MINISCULE’ VAT TAX DEAL FOR BAHA MAR

FNM chairman Sidney Collie.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

FREE National Movement Chairman Sidney Collie on Friday denounced Jerome Fitzgerald’s attempts to dismiss government’s granting China Construction America and all sub-contractors exemption from value added tax on the completion of Baha Mar as “miniscule as far as we were concerned”.

In a statement, Mr Collie said: “That is the PLP government’s statement as to why they have exempted their Chinese allies from the onerous VAT that Bahamians are forced to pay every day. ‘Miniscule amount … neither here nor there’ is how Minister Fitzgerald shrugged off this government’s secret decision on waving the VAT for the Baha Mar project.”

On Thursday, during an interview with ZNS News, Mr Fitzgerald said that the “trade off” for waiving VAT payments for the resort’s completion was the $100m

put forth by the Export-Import Bank of China to pay former Baha Mar workers and Bahamian creditors the money owed to them after the Cable Beach development collapsed. Mr Fitzgerald, who is the minister of education, was one of the government’s negotiators for a deal to get the resort remobilised.

“Thank you, Minister Fitzgerald,” Mr Collie said in his statement on Friday.

“By way of explanation, you have shown every Bahamian how out of touch the PLP government is. If the VAT is so ‘miniscule’, then why not waive it for everyone instead of the chosen few? Apparently to the PLP - which has consistently run budget deficits and has mismanaged our economy to the brink of ruin with credit agencies downgrading us to junk bond status - now wants us to believe that millions of dollars in exemptions is ‘miniscule’ and not

to be bothered with.

“We are here to tell this tone-deaf government that their sweetheart deal with their Chinese allies and waiving the onerous VAT tax just for them is not insignificant or ‘miniscule’ to the millions of Bahamians that regularly pay the VAT. This is what happens when a government runs amok and thinks that they are above the people they serve. They cut secret deals, picking winners and losers and get upset when called to account for their actions as the public comes to find out the true extent of their incompetence and ineptitude.

“The Bahamian people deserve a government answerable to them and not just the chosen few. There are no miniscule amounts when dealing with the people’s money, and the FNM will always stand vigilant and safeguard the people’s assets.”

Pathfinders keep on giving to Hurricane Matthew relief effort

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE Pathfinders Task Force continues to keep giving, donating some $30,000 worth of roofing material to the National Emergency Management Agency’s warehouse in Grand Bahama on Friday.

The donation brings its overall contribution to nearly $300,000 here on the island since Hurricane Matthew hit last October.

Scott Lewis, task force leader of Pathfinders Task Force, said the organisation has already donated $250,000 of relief and building supplies to Grand Bahama since the storm.

“It is a blessing to be able to help… and The Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints is one of our great partners, along with other non-profit organisations,” Mr Lewis said.

Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville was on hand for the donation and commended PTF and the Church of Latter

Day Saints for their support in continuing to provide building items to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for distribution to residents.

Mr Lewis said that it is important to them that the donations from the US reach those who really need get it.

The Pathfinders Taskforce has a long history of coming to the Bahamas and providing hurricane relief to residents in affected areas.

“This is our 18th year,” said Mr Lewis said, who has been coming to assist since Hurricane Floyd.

“I am second generation from coming over to The Bahamas. We are in West Palm, and our first operation was Hurricane Floyd,” he recalled.

Mr Lewis, through PTF, has brought relief to the island following Hurricanes Frances, Jeanne, Wilma, and last year to the Southern Bahamas following Hurricane Joaquin.

PTF has been involved

in response efforts for the largest man-made and natural disasters in recent history. Having been first responders in Haiti and Japan following their massive earthquakes, and having spent 189 days in the Gulf of Mexico following the BP Oil Spill of 2010, the group has gained an incredible amount of experience and proven to be a best practice for emergency management situational awareness and efficiency in disaster response.

Mr Lewis said the organisation has become “sort of a trusted agent” for US organisations to donate, like the Church of Latter Day Saints, and to ensure that donations get to the right people that really need it.

He indicated that NEMA has been a “terrific help” to them in getting relief items to persons in the Bahamas.

The first couple of days after Matthew, PTF brought in relief supplies, which was initially food items, and then later transition to roofing material.

Prior to Hurricane Matthew, the PTF team was in New Providence and was the first team on the ground in Freeport and Andros after the storm with planes of supplies.

Mr Lewis said that PTF was able to use a GIS mapping system they invented to work on cell phones to document and identify the most devastated areas.

“With BNGIS, we used a system that we invented based on our work with Floyd and it works on cell phones with no cell tower and no internet. It maps and tracks everything you do, and if you take photos it geotags and time dates exactly where you took the photos.

“When Matthew came to New Providence we used the system for rescues when there was high water and still tropical storm winds.

Our folks went on the buses with the defence force and NEMA personnel, and medics, going out into the lower side and south side of New Providence, and you were able to see peo-

ple moving on the buses - it documents everything you do.”

Although it is used mainly for accountability, Mr Lewis said that it was also very beneficial when they were in the airplane flying over Andros after the passage of Matthew.

“When we first flew over Andros the system would track you in the airplane, and the government was able to see what the damage was before they were able to go in. It worked in Joaquin last year when I think we were seven or eight days without cellphone and internet. The British government worked with us then, and the US government this time (with Matthew).

“It has been a greater cooperative effort working under NEMA and Captain Stephen Russell. And BNGIS with Carol Albury are working with us in trying to adopt the GIS mapping system in the whole country.

Lance Brown, branch president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, said they try to do

their best to assist where needed in times of disaster.

“We do assessments and evaluations to see who we can help. PTF helps us as the middle man and as we get the supplies they help us out with knowing where the greater needs are and where we should focus our efforts,” he explained.

Tammy Mitchell, NEMA warehouse manager, thanked PFT for their donation. She said that the items will be distributed to persons with minor damage who are still trying to complete repairs to their homes.

“We are finding that some persons are getting lost into the cracks, and we want to assist those persons as best we can with what has been donated today,” she said.

Ms Mitchell said the western district is being assisted with supplies donated by the Miami Dolphins organisation, and other groups which have been giving supplies, such as Rotary Club and others.

She said that private donors have also been assisting in other areas as well.

WOULD-BE DRUG DEALER SPARED PRISON SENTENCE

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was fined $1,000 on Friday after he pleaded guilty to possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

Adebo Cambridge, 23, appeared before Magistrate Andrew Forbes facing the charge with Maurice Newbold, 26, and 19-year-old Ervano Brown.

Cambridge took responsibility for the one pound of marijuana allegedly found in the men’s possession by police on January 4.

Due to his early plea of guilt, his youth, expression of remorse for his mistake and no prior convictions, the magistrate fined Cambridge $1,000 instead of im-

posing a custodial sentence for a crime that could have seen him receive a heavier fine and/or seven years’ in prison.

However, Magistrate Forbes said if Cambridge does not pay the $1,000 penalty, he would spend four months at the Department of Correctional Services.

Newbold and Brown were discharged. However, Brown went on to be charged separately with possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply concerning an ounce of marijuana found on him by police the same day.

He pleaded guilty and was given a $500 fine or three months’ imprisonment.

HAITIAN WOMEN FINED $300 FOR ILLEGAL LANDING

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

TWO Haitian women were each fined $300 after they pleaded guilty to the charge of illegal landing during an arraignment in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court last week.

Katinana Sidney and Nakai Paula appeared before Magistrate Debbye Ferguson in Court One on Thursday.

According to the particulars, the women were questioned by immigration officers while in the

Williams Town area and it was discovered that they had entered the Bahamas five months ago illegally by boat.

One of the women was known to immigration officers and had been arrested last February and repatriated to Haiti.

After pleading guilty, Magistrate Ferguson ordered the women to pay a fine of $300 each or serve one-year imprisonment in New Providence. They were given 24 hours to pay the fine or by default, would serve one year in prison and immediately be deported.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, January 9, 2017, PAGE 15

THE REV CB Moss along with the Bain and Grants Town Advancement Association at the wreath laying ceremony in honour of the co-founder of Bain Town, the late Alexander Bain II. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

WREATH LAYING TO HONOUR CO-FOUNDER OF BAIN TOWN

RBC Royal Bank (Bahamas) Ltd.

JANUARY 2017

PROPERTIES LISTED FOR SALE - FAMILY ISLANDS Contact the Account Officer listed below by using number code to each property.

*Exclusively Listed

VACANT LAND EXUMA (572) - An undeveloped waterfront lot land being Lot #12032 with a size of 10,600 sq.ft. in the Bahama Sound of Exuma Subdivision Number 11 West situated in the Island of Great Exuma one of the Islands of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Asking price $224,000.00 (572) - Vacant Property all that parcel or lot of land designated as Lot 6-2R being a part of Parcel 6 of a portion of a tract of land known as “”Hope Hill Estate””, situated approximately 3/4 mile Southeastwardly of the Settlement of Rolleville on the Northern coast of the Island of Great Exuma, Bahamas. Property Size 11,989 Sq. Ft. Asking price $140,000.00.

(725) - Lot of land situate Southwardly of the Queen’s Highway near Hooper’s Bay having #33A & #33B in the Island of Exuma one of the Islands of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Proeprty is in two parcels with a total of 26,634 sq.ft. Asking price $106,000.00 (572) - All that piece parcel of lot and land on the Island of Great Exuma one of the said Bahama Islands and situate about ten and one-half (10 1/2 ) miles Northwestwardly of George Town which said piece parcel or lot of land is number 10750 Bahama Sound O.A.E. 10,900 Square feet. Asking price $65,000.00 (569) - Lot of land numbered 7531B, 7890R and 7890T Bahama Sound of Exuma No.II Subdivision situate on the Island of Great Exuma, Bahamas. Asking price $55,000.00 *(572) - Vacant Single Family Property. Lot# 6 Located Bahama Highlands Subdivision, Great Exuma, Bahamas. Hilltop property ocean view. Property Size 16,400 sq ft. Asking price $50,000.00 (572) - Vacant multi family lot. Lot# 6183 of Bahama Sound # 7, Exuma. Property Size 10,000 sq ft, Asking Price $12,000.00 *(572) - Undeveloped single family parcel being Lot #6803 in the Bahama Sound of Exuma #8 East Subdivision, Great Exuma measuring 10,000 sq ft. To access the subject travel from Georgetown and head 12 miles west toward the Exuma International Airport until you reach the Bahama Sound Blvd, follow the Bahama Sound Blvd approximately 3/4 mile to Martingale Drvie, take a right on Martingale Drive and follow to Bayberry Road, turn left on Bayberry Road and go 360 feet, the subject is on the right side of the road. Asking price $6,500.00 (572) - Undeveloped vacant single family property being Lot# 14933 Ocean Addition West, Great Exuma totaling 10,000 sq ft. To access the subject travel from

Georgetown and head 11 miles west on the Queen’s Highway, using Tracy Bowe Plaza as a landmark continue for 500 feet to Chimango Road, turn right on Chimango Road and continue to Widgeon Road, trun right on Widgeon Road and go for 240 feet and the subject is on the right hand side. Asking Price $6,500.00 *(572) - Undeveloped vacant single family property being Lot# 5189 of Bahams Sound $6, Great Exuma measrung 10,000 sq ft. To access the property travel form George Town and head 12 miles west towards the Exuma International Airport until you reach the Bahamas Sound Blvd, follow the Bahamas Sound Blvd approxumately 3/4 mile to Martingale Drive, take a right on Martingale Drive, and follow to Bayberry Road, turn left on Bayberry Road and go 360 feet, the subject is on the right side of the road. Asking Price $5,000.00” (572) - All that piece parcel or lot of land on the Island of Great Exuma situated about Two and One Half miles south-east of the settlement of George Town and being Lot Number 1436 in Bahama Sound #3. Asking Price $4,500.00”

ELEUTHERA (572) - Vacant multi family residential parcel of land being Lot# 2 (Eastern Portion) Bank Road, North Palmetto Point, Eluthera totaling 17,527 sq ft. To access the subject property travel Banks Road east pass Unique Hotel Towards Double Bay, follow the road up hill watch out for yellow house(Up Yonder) with low front wall on left hand side, the subject is immediately past the wall. Asking Price $197,000.00 (572) - Two vacant properties being Lot 12c 5,789 sq.ft and Lot 12d 5,231 sq.ft of Creek Bay Subdivision on Russell Island, Eleuthera. To access property enter Russell Island, turn right at T-junction, follow road and turn 3rd right(4 plex on corner), follow road downhill before houses on the left hand side. These lots are elevated lots that offer outstanding ocean views and a short path to the beach. Asking price Lot 12c $87,000.00 and Lot 12d $85,000.00 *(572) - Lor# 2 situated immediately East of Ocean Heights on Russell Island, North Eleuthera measuring approximately 15,625 sq ft. Asking Price $85,000.00” (570) - Lot of land being situated in the area known as Cassava Path Tract, near Savannah Sound and approxiamatley 5.5 miles to the north of Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera mearingt 40,000 sq ft. The access road to the this property is overgrown. Asking price $73,000.00

(569) - Lot of land identfied as Lot #3 being a portion of the subdivision of a tract of land located in the village approximately 1.41 miles Southeast of the settlement of Wemyss Bight, Eleuthera, Bahamas and measuring 3.240 acres (281.27’ x 502’) Asking price $60,000.00 *(658) - All that piece parcel or tract of land situate approximately 2 ½ miles southward of the settlement of Governor’s Harbour on the island of Eleuthra. Asking price $59,000.00” (576) - Vacant single family residential parcel of land being Lot#66A Whale Point Estates Subdivision Sec 2, North Eleuthera totaling 14,600 sq ft.. To access the subject property enter Whale Point main entrance

by Glass Window Bridge, follow road to where fresh water hole in the middle of road, take the road to right before water hole, then take the 1st left, the subject is 3rd house on the left hand side. Asking Price $32,000.00 (572) - Vacant commercial lot being Lot# 18 Blk# 33 Section Rainbow Bay, Eleuthera totalling approximatley 6,000 sq ft. To access the subject follow Queen’s Highway to Hidden Beach Drive, take the 1st right on Hidden Beach Drive, follow the road and the subject is corner lot on the right hand side. Asking Price $32,000.00 “ (569) - All that piece parcel or lot of land situate in the settlement of James Cistern on the Island of Eleuthera one of the Islands of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas measuring approx 10,000 sq.ft. Asking price $28,500.00

ABACO (801) - Parcel of Land known as Lot A, consisting of 1.103 Acres, “”Ocean Point,”” Winding Bay Subdivision, Abaco, Bahamas. Asking price $500,000.00.

(801) - Parcel of Land known as Lot C, consisting of 0.321 Acres, “”Ocean Point,”” Winding Bay Subdivision, Abaco, Bahamas. Asking price $300,000.00 (801) - Parcel of Land known as Lot E, consisting of 0.217 Acres, “”Ocean Point,”” Winding Bay Subdivision, Abaco, Bahamas. Asking price $300,000.00 (801) - Parcel of Land known as Lot F, consisting of 0.381 Acres, “”Ocean Point,”” Winding Bay Subdivision, Abaco, Bahamas. Asking price $300,000.00 (801) - Parcel of Land known as Lot B, consisting of 0.306 Acres, “”Ocean Point,”” Winding Bay Subdivision, Abaco, Bahamas. Asking price $250,000.00

(801) - Parcel of Land known as Lot G, consisting of 0.349 Acres, “”Ocean Point,”” Winding Bay Subdivision, Abaco, Bahamas. Asking price $250,000.00 (576) - Undeveloped lot of land at Sand Banks near Treasure Cay, Abaco. Asking price $208,000.00 (576) - Undeveloped residential lots of land being Lot No. A1 & A2, Little Point, Elbow Cay, Abaco. Lot A1 comprises 6,59 sq ft and Lot A2 comprises 4,444 sq ft.

Asking price $128,000.00 *(576) - Undeveloped property containing 1.005 acres of land located Crown Grant B-84 near Turtle Rock, Abaco Asking price $74,000.00 (576) - Undeveloped single family residential property Lot# 81 Blk# 3 Treasure Cay, Abaco. Property Size 9,900 sq. ft. Asking Price $46,000.00” (570) - Vacant single family residential property being a portion of Grant 141 situated on Woods Cay, known as Little Abaco, Bahamas measuring 10 acres. To property is located on the northern and south side of S C Bootle Highway and is about two miles east of Wood Cay Settlement. Asking price $45,000.00 (576) - Undeveloped single family residential property known as Lot #37 and #38, Gilpin Point Subdivision, Abaco measuring 10,414 sq ft & 10,500 sq ft respectively. To access the properties traveling about two miles south of Crossing Rocks settlement and two miles off the main Abaco Highway. Asking price Lot# 37 $20,828.00 and Lot# 38 $21,000.00 (576) - Undeveloped muti-family residential property being Lot# 71 J Allotment located Murphy Town, Abaco measruring 9,528 sq. ft. To access the subject traveling west along Forest Drive come to the four way junction with Side Road and turn right, heading north along Sout Side Road the subject is the 5th lot on the left. Asking Price $21,000.00

OTHER ISLANDS *(572) - Parcel of land situated in Hamilton’s, Long Island measuring 8.5 acres. Asking Price $85,000.00 *(572) - Parcel of land located Clarence Town, Long Island measuring 4.92 acres. Property is located in the general vicinty that is a least 300 ft south along a pathway from its intersection with Queen’s Highway. This intersection is directly opposite the Administrator’s Office. Asking Price $66,000.00 *(572) - Lot# 22 situated Sunset Beach, Wemyss, Long Island. Property size is approximately 15,186 sq ft.

Asking Price $14,000.00

OFFICERS LOAN COLLECTION CENTRE Telephone: 242-502-5170 / 502-5180 (716) Ms. Quincy Fisher (723) Mrs. Deidre Bethell (566) Mrs. Kenyatta Johnson (568) Ms. Paulette Roxbury (569) Mrs. Patti Cox

(570) Mrs. Michelle Barry (571) Mrs. Faye Daniels (572) Mr. Ryan Brown (576) Ms. Elvira Moss (729) Ms. Michelle Roker (728) Mrs. Jovonne Pratt (718) Sandra Mackey

FREEPORT, MAIN BRANCH Telephone: 242-3526631/2 (101-F) Mr. Derek Sturrup (107) Ms. Sylvie Carey (106) Ms. Charlene Rolle

COMMERCIAL BANKING CENTRE Telephone: 242-356-8568 (201) Mr. Brian Knowles (800) Ms. Vanessa Richards (801) Mrs. Sherland Ritchie (804) Mrs. Marie Temming

(805) Ms. Tamica Deveaux (806) Mrs. Lois Hollis (808) Mr. T. Marvin Adderley (809) Mrs. Dorothy Albury (811) Ms. Lydia Rahming (812) Ms. Sonia Miller (818) Mrs. Chandra Gilbert (825) Mr. Roosevelt Pollard

MARSH HARBOUR, ABACO BRANCH Telephone: 242-367-2420

PAGE 16, Monday, January 9, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

REGATTA TIME

ACTION at sea, and fun on the shore at the King Eric Gibson Regatta held on Montagu on Saturday, above and below.

Photos: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff

VISA WAVER DEALfectWITH UNITED ARAB EMIRATES last month.

THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration has announced that a visa waiver agreement signed with the United Arab Emirates on November 27, 2016 came into ef-

According to a statement from the ministry, this means that with effect from December 27, 2016, UAE citizens can now enter the Bahamas without a visa

and stay up to 90 days as tourists and Bahamian citizens can travel to the UAE with the same privileges.

The visa waiver agreement came into effect on December 27, 2016.

Bahamas Agricultural & Industrial Corporation

Consultants Revitalization of the Sponging Industry Project number ATN/ME-15441-BH The Government of The Bahamas has received financing from the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) and intends to apply part of the proceeds to payments under the Revitalization of the Sponging Industry for the services of consultants to deliver the following activities: Consultancy 1: Sponge research - internationally and nationally.

Consultancy 2: Determination of the local sponge industry baselines.

Consultancy 3: Determination of optimal sustainable sponge. harvesting practices, and development of guidelines for sustainable certification.

Consultancy 4: Development of branding tools.

Consultancy 5: Production of exporting tools for locally produced items to be sold in the international market.

Consultancy 6: Development of a 5-year Business Plan.

Consultancy 7: Provision of training – Governance training, and Financial management training.

The Bahamas Agricultural Industrial Corporation now invites eligible consultants or consultancy firms to indicate their interest in providing these services. Interested candidates must provide proposals, along with information outlining qualification, experiences, competencies, and cost. Consultants will be selected in accordance with procedures set out in the Inter-American Development Bank: Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (GN-2350-7) and is open to all eligible consultants as defined in the policies.

How to Apply

Interested consultants may obtain detailed information about these position on our website www.baic.gov.bs. Proposals must be delivered via direct mail or email at the address indicated below.

Bahamas Agriculture and Industrial Corporation Attn: Human Resources P.O. Box N-4940 Nassau, Bahamas Email: sponge@baic.gov.bs

BAIC HEAD OFFICE & TRAINING CENTER Old Trail Road • P. O. Box N-4940 Nassau, Bahamas

Tel: (242) 396-3725/6 Fax: (242) 322-2123 / 328-6542 Web: www.baic.gov.bs www.facebook.com/mybaic

Growing. Partnering.

Empowering.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, January 9, 2017, PAGE 17

Police on parade

MEMBERS of the Royal Bahamas Police Force on parade yesterday.

PremierHealth There will come a time when you need your health plan to give you flexibility and choice!

Network hospitals popular with Bahamas residents: Cleveland Clinic Broward Hospitals Holy Cross Hospital University of Miami Hospital Mayo Clinics Mount Sinai Medical Center Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Southwestern Regional Medical Center M.D. Anderson Johns Hopkins Hospital

Sometimes we need a little extra help with our health care. Atlantic Medical offers internationally renowned network hospitals recognised for excellence and trusted

by Bahamas residents. In 2015 the largest single claim that CGI received was for $2 million. In addition we paid $851,000 for a premature birth, 11 claims of over $500,000 each and 52 claims of over $100,000 each.

With Premier Health you have more freedom of choice than with any other health plan.

Call 326-8191(Nassau) or 351-3960 (Freeport) or visit www.cgigroup.com

Ask about

SolusHealth

individual health insurance

ATLANTIC MEDICAL INSURANCE CO. LTD. Atlantic House, 2nd Terrace & Collins Avenue, P.O. Box SS-5915, Nassau Tel. 326-8191 Suite 5, Jasmine Corporate Center, East Sunrise Highway, P.O. Box F-42655, Freeport Tel. 351-3960 A member of Colonial Group International insurance, health, pensions, life

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PAGE 18, Monday, January 9, 2017

THE TRIBUNE