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VOLUME:115 No.33, JANUARY 9TH, 2018

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WOMAN: YASMINE COOKE - MY DEVASTATION OVER DRUG ARREST LIES

‘Crime strategy still right path’

No cause to panic over GB murders

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames is “pretty confident” the Minnis administration will get a handle on crime following an “unusual” spate of murders recorded in Grand Bahama, marking the first three incidents in the country for 2018.

In response to this, Mr Dames said yesterday a team of law enforcement officials will visit the island with a view to looking at the root causes of violent crime to mitigate

USAIN: MY BIGGEST REGRET

further homicides.

While there have been no murders in New Providence for the year, the nation’s second city has recorded three - the victims all men who were shot to death in the span of less than a week.

Despite this grim, “concerning” prospect, Mr Dames said the government is confident its crime fighting initiatives will yield results, as he pointed to the last quarter of 2017, saying it showed a significant decline in homicide numbers.

SEE PAGE THREE

AN audit underway of manpower in the Royal Bahamas Police Force will end the need for prescribed promotion dates set by politicians, Minister of National Security Marvin Dames has announced.

He said going forth, promotions in the force will be

based on availability and merit.

This will be aided by the establishment of a succession plan, which will see more equality in who has access to training across the force. Other upcoming changes for the RBPF include adjustments in manpower and recruitment policies.

SEE PAGE TWO

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net TWO Cabinet ministers yesterday conceded that marijuana use has had a “devastating” impact on communities in the country, but agreed The Bahamas has reached a point where discussions must take place focusing on whether decriminalising the drug should be a consideration for the government.

While shying away from revealing his personal position on this issue, former deputy commissioner of police, now National Security Minister Marvin Dames said it is easy to decriminalise marijuana but the discussion will have to focus on regulating and managing its use.

This discussion, juxtaposed against how other SEE PAGE TEN

INSURERS ASK - WHERE’S OUR $30M VAT REFUND?

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE insurance industry is “too important to the Bahamian economy” to allow uncertainty over an unpaid $30m VAT refund to persist, a top executive warned yesterday.

Anton Saunders, RoyalStar Assurance’s managing director, told Tribune Business that the Government and industry needed to have “a mature discussion” that dealt with all issues surrounding the 7.5 per cent levy “once and for all”.

POLICE PROMOTIONS ON MERIT NOT POLITICS

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

MARIJUANA - WE NEED THE DEBATE

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

USAIN Bolt at Atlantis this weekend during the Pokerstars tournament. See pages six and seven.

Photo: Griffpixx

BEACH PROTESTORS ‘ABANDONED’ BY MINNIS

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

DESPITE suggestions that if elected his administration would expunge convictions associated with the Cabbage Beach protest in March 2016, those arrested for the incident say they have been abandoned by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis.

Speaking to The Tribune following yet another adjournment in their case,

the group yes– said they are terday begged shocked by the Dr Minnis to Minnis adminbe a man of his istration’s word and “make handling of the things right”. matter given Urvan Moxey, the role of the Derek Thompformer opposon, Lincoln sition party in Bain, Sam Butler, DR Hubert Minnis - now the contentious Trevor Light- Prime Minister - speak- protest.

The bourne ing outside court at the group claimed and Jharo Saun- time of his pledge. the former oppoders – six of sition leader the 10 people helped organise arrested and charged in the event. connection with the protest SEE PAGE FIVE

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

‘MORALE AS LOW AS WATER PRESSURE’

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net PRESIDENT of the Bahamas Utilities Service and Allied Workers Union (BUSAWU) Dwayne Woods said yesterday it was a coincidence that water pressure throughout New Providence was low one day after workers reportedly staged a ‘sick out’ at the Water and Sewerage Corporation.

In an interview with The Tribune, Mr Woods said the water pressure over the weekend was just as low as “employees morale”.

SEE PAGE NINE

PAGE 2, Tuesday, January 9, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

READY TO DEFEND THE BAHAMAS

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

A NEW class of Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) recruits began training yesterday.

The group consists of about 120 recruits - New Entry 55 and Woman Entry 24 - who will undergo about 16 weeks of training.

When asked if he hopes the recruits will all become new members at the end of training, Chief Petty Officer Quentin Burrows, head of the RBDF’s training department, said: “(It is) our prayer, but…it’s a transition from civilian to military. Sometimes the pressure causes some to make decisions which they are old enough to make.

“Some of them may want to quit by the first night, the second week, but we encourage them to stay.

Because it is only a phase that they go through. It’s an adjustment.”

Recruitment for both the RBDF and Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) has been in the news in recent weeks.

Last November, the Nassau Guardian reported the training for these latest recruits was scheduled to begin on November 28, 2017.

However, it was pushed back “due to an on-going review of the RBDF’s recruitment process”. The paper reported that Lieutenant Desiree Corneille did not expound on “the specific nature of the review”.

However, this announcement came just weeks after a report by Auditor General Terrance Bastian found an irregularity which proved that from 2003 to 2015, RBDF recruits were paid $600 less per year than they should have.

The salary entry point for officers is $18,600; yet the 833 people who enlisted between 2003 and 2015 only received $18,000 per annum.

THE ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force, above and right, held its entry process yesterday morning at the Golden Gates shopping plaza.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff Mr Bastian said to now pay $600 to each of these individuals would have a “monumental impact on public funds.” In fact, the impact on the Consolidated Fund could be as high as $435,000.

On Sunday, Minister of National Security Marvin Dames announced the RBDF recruitment process would finally begin on January 8.

While giving remarks at the annual RBPF Church Service at Zion Baptist Church, Mr Dames said: “It is noteworthy that the Cabinet has approved the hire of 120 defence force recruits

and this recruitment process will commence tomorrow (Monday).

“The (RBPF) and the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services have all finalised their recruitment lists and these exercises will commence in a few weeks.”

This is significant for the police force because last December Mr Dames said that, according to a recent audit, RBPF recruitment numbers are down.

He told reporters the “numbers in the organisation have been declining as opposed to remaining constant or increasing.”

POLICE PROMOTIONS ON MERIT NOT POLITICS from page one Mr Dames made these comments during the annual RBPF church service at Zion Baptist Church on Sunday. According to Mr Dames, the impetus for these changes was the manpower audit, which he said will be completed in a few weeks.

“What this audit will determine is the necessary number of officers needed within the organisation to effectively provide policing services to our communities on a sustained basis. No longer will stations have inadequate numbers of officers on a shift. No longer will recruitment be based on who you know but based on the needs of the organisation.

“Moreover, this police manpower audit will end the need for prescribed promotion dates determined by politicians. Our government has heard your cries of upward mobility being impeded because of personal preferences. No more.

Whenever there is an availability then there will be an opportunity for promotion.

“If there is an availability every day due to a retirement, illness, personal reason or dismissal, there will be an opportunity for some competent and hardworking officer to be promoted.

“The audit will also detail how the command structure should rearranged in order to operate an efficient 21st century police organisation.”

Last month, Mr Dames revealed that RBPF recruitment numbers are down.

In October 2017, during his contribution in the House of Assembly, Mr Dames said an audit of

manpower in the RBPF revealed the institution is top-heavy and recent promotional exercises by the Christie administration placed a burden on the performance of the force.

In an act many considered to be politically motivated as the general election neared, 851 officers were promoted in May 2017 under the Christie administration. This included two to the rank of chief superintendent, 76 to superintendent and 90 to the assistant superintendent.

During his address Mr Dames said, “Our government understands that in the dynamic and constantly changing field of law enforcement, training and education are essential. We also know that our police force is filled with a number of talented officers who have the capacity to one day lead the organisation.

“Towards this end, our government has committed to establishing a succession plan that will involve international attachments, training and postings to critical areas of the force.

“No longer will training be available for a chosen few but available to all police officers, as your upward mobility in the organisation will depend on your exposure and comprehension of you craft. If you are unable to write a basic arrest report then how can you be a station sergeant?”

Mr Dames also said a similar audit is currently underway in the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF).

The Bahamas Department of Correctional Services will also undergo an audit which is scheduled to commence during the second quarter of this year.

$5.9M NEW FLEET OF VEHICLES

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net CABINET will spend $5.9m to purchase new vehicles for the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF), according to Minister of National Security Marvin Dames.

Additional funds will also be poured into law enforcement agencies to improve their physical environments and provide the RBPF with cutting-edge technology.

Mr Dames made this announcement on Sunday at the RBPF’s annual church service.

“Our government is… serious about improving infrastructure and providing you with equipment necessary to perform all your duties optimally and professionally,” he said.

“I am pleased to announce that the Cabinet has approved the purchase of a new $5.9m vehicle fleet of which $2.3m will be acquired in this fiscal period. These vehicles will comprise police cruisers, SUVs, T-3 Segways and ATVs.” Mr Dames also promised that a renovation of law enforcement buildings is on the agenda. Although he did not provide a figure for how much this would cost, Mr Dames promised “we are going to put our money where our mouth is.”

“As minister of national security, I am also acutely aware of the substandard working conditions that many of you have had to contend with for far too long.

“We cannot expect you to give of your best when we fail to acknowledge and fix the substandard

environment in which you work.

“This also holds true for the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and the (Department of) Correctional Services. Let me assure each of you that we are going to put our money where our mouth is. We are taking corrective steps to have the dilapidated stations and other buildings that law enforcement officers occupy, completely renovated.”

Mr Dames also reiterated the importance of the RBPF having access to the newest technologies.

“Last year we rolled out the test phase of body cameras. We are working with global industry leaders in such areas as improved CCTV technology, analytics, facial recognition capability, licence plate recognition, artificial intelligence, gunshot detection, cyber, drones and radar technology to name a few.

“Bahamians can expect to see many of these tools introduced this year. One of our government’s (aims) is to bring excitement to law enforcement again.”

Mr Dames did not provide an estimate for the cost of these new technologies either. The body cam test programme was unveiled last year, and as of November 2017 the Ministry of National Security was still unaware of how much it would cost to outfit RBPF officers with these cameras.

Despite this, Mr Dames told The Tribune then that he believes the use of body cams, once expanded throughout the force, will reduce the number of complaints of police brutality and improve professionalism in the force.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, January 9, 2018, PAGE 3

‘Crime strategy still right path’ from page one However, overall homicides in 2017 were up compared with 2016. One hundred and twentythree murders occurred in 2017, according to The Tribune’s records, compared with 111 recorded the year before.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest, East Grand Bahama MP, said the violence points to the issue of gun prevalence in the country coupled with unfortunate anger and deviant behaviour from some young men in the country.

As these factors continue to contribute to murders, critics have used this as a springboard to castigate the government for its crime fighting plan.

Among these are Progressive Liberal Party Chairman Fred Mitchell who said on Sunday the government’s crime plan is not working.

“It’s quite unusual for Grand Bahama but what I’m happy to report is that for the first two homicides, the police have already turned a corner in respect to both of them and as a result of their investigations to date I believe they now are moving on a number of other outstanding issues having to do with those first two homicides for the year,” Mr Dames told reporters ahead of yesterday’s Cabinet meeting.

“So those two are pretty

much cleared. (In) the third one, there is a suspect and the police very much have that matter as well in hand. Listen, it points to the challenges we face in the country. The police have already cleared all three of them. It’s only a matter of getting the suspect in this last matter.

“We’re always concerned about homicides. There is no doubt about it. We feel confident that our initiatives are yielding some results. As I pointed out, there is a significant amount of work to do. But if we look at the last quarter of 2017, there was a significant decline in homicides as compared with the first and second quarter of 2017.”

He continued: “Are we resting on our laurels?

No, not at all. We have a number of policy initiatives that we will continue to roll out as a government during the first quarter of 2018.

One is our National Neighbourhood Watch Council.

We have already completed all of the work in respect to that and we are just narrowing down on the launch date. Our Citizen Security Programme that was totally revamped, we’re about to launch that in a big way and it brings together all of the key stakeholder ministries like labour and the Attorney General’s Office, national security and education and youth and social services.

“And so we feel pretty confident that we are in fact on the right track we will

continue to certainly put an effort in professionalising our law enforcement agencies and so we will introduce new technology.

We will revamp training and we talked about the manpower audit for the police force and the (Royal Bahamas) Defence Force is currently underway and we expect to commence the corrections services very shortly. We are talking about the transformation of the corrections services

- punitive to correction and so what you expect to see in the upcoming months ahead is a transformation of these organisations that you would have never seen before and we are quite overdue for it.

“So in spite of those three homicides we are pretty confident that we will get a handle on it,” Mr Dames said.

Speaking of the murders which have plagued Grand Bahama recently,

Mr Turnquest said he was hopeful the events did not foreshadow a lingering trend.

He said: “We are obviously very concerned. I don’t want to spread fear and panic. I think that these issues that arise from time to time are very unfortunate and certainly our hearts go out to the families that have suffered as a result of their loved ones being taken in such a senseless manner.

“I think this all goes

back to the issue of the prevalence of guns, the unfortunate anger in our society, the deviant behaviour of some of our young men in particular and all we can do is appeal to them to recognise that they have a future that they have a place in this country that they can take their legal rightful role. There are better ways to achieve success than taking a gun in your hands.”

Asked to respond to the criticism towards the government in light of the killings, Mr Turnquest said it was “disingenuous”.

“Three young men have lost their lives and their families are suffering, now is not the time for this nonsense.

The minister of national security and the commissioner of police have put forth their plan. It certainly will take time for it to take root and prove itself, but we believe they have put forth a credible comprehensive plan, which will extend out to Grand Bahama as well as to other islands of the Bahamas. I would only say give them an opportunity for the plan to take root,” Mr Turnquest said.

On Saturday evening in Grand Bahama a man was shot dead near a popular restaurant in Port Lucaya, a tourist hotspot. The killing came two days after another man was shot dead in Grand Bahama outside a nightclub on Thursday night and five days after a father was killed outside his home in Freeport.

the three back to back murders in one week that occurred, but your police force has those matters in hand.

“I want to say this is one RBPF, one commissioner of police, and wherever in this country where our colleagues need assistance we can pull resources from throughout the force to assist, and that’s what you see going on right here as we speak. A number of detectives in the Homicide Squad are right here in Grand Bahama to assist in bringing closure to these recent matters.

“There is a concern, and I feel the pain of the community, and based on analysing the crime trends here in Grand Bahama, we believe there is a core group of individuals who are wreaking havoc, and we are here to disrupt that.

“Grand Bahama is not used to these kinds of activity, and we are here with the team from Nassau, combined with the team here, and we will move with the full arm of the law to bring

peace and calm here,” ACP Fernander stressed.

Assistant Commission of Police Clarence Reckley assured residents that Grand Bahama is still safe, despite the recent murders.

“We want to advise the community to relax, yes we had three murders in the past few days. We can say that the persons responsible for committing these offences knew who they were looking for.

“We want to let the community know that Grand Bahama is still safe to live, and for them to continue with their regular way of life, and not to be afraid to venture out.”

Meanwhile, Dudley Seide, founder of Reach Out Youth Organisation and community activist, is appealing to young men to stop the bloodshed on the streets and put down the guns.

“We had three back to back murders in less than a week, and I am very concerned; it is alarming to me - we are in a crisis,” he said earlier Monday.

“I want to make a special appeal to the murderers who continue to wreak havoc in our country and to those young men that are pulling the trigger; they are killing out their next generation.

“But as of today, we need to stop the bloodshed on our streets. To see that we continue to lose our young men is heart-wrenching to me. You with the gun in your hands who thinking about revenge, think twice, please, because we are losing our young men,” he said Bishop Joseph Leon Hall

commended the police for the work they are doing in Grand Bahama.

“I am here with a heavy heart... Indeed, I must say we are in crisis. These are critical times in GB. Grand Bahama is in a collapsed state at this time, and this is a breeding ground for serious crimes.

“Our police officers are doing a tremendous job in GB, but to no avail, these criminals just seem to be hell-bent on committing heinous and serious crimes.

As a man of God, I ask you to drop the guns and make the right choice,” he said.

MINISTER of National Security Marvin Dames.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

FIVE HELD BY POLICE AFTER BLOODY START TO YEAR IN GB

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FIVE men are now in custody assisting police with three murder investigations in Freeport and could be arraigned by the end of the week, as Assistant Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander and a team of officers from New Providence are in Grand Bahama assisting police on the island to bring closure to the matters.

At a press conference at police headquarters in Freeport, senior officers assured the public they were working hard to crack down on violent crime and said despite the recent killings, Grand Bahama was still a safe place to live.

ACP Fernander, the officer in charge of criminal investigations, led a team from the Homicide Squad to Grand Bahama following three murders that occurred in Freeport in less than a week.

The country recorded its first and second murders for 2018 when Joel Augustine, 40, was shot dead on New Year’s Day and three days later a second man, believed to be Kevin Roberts, an employee of Freeport Ship Services, was fatally shot at a nightclub.

ACP Fernander said based on initial investigations and evidence gathered, both matters are connected, and there

are two individuals are custody.

“We are still in the preliminary stage of the investigations, and we are about to connect with the attorney general to review the file with investigators, and hopefully between now and the end of the week, we will have some persons going to court,” he said.

Another man, Anthawan Simms, was killed on Saturday night shortly after leaving the Agave restaurant in the popular Port Lucaya Marketplace.

Concerning the third murder, ACP Fernander said it was an isolated incident stemming from an altercation that happened earlier on Saturday evening.

“We have three individuals in custody, adult males who are assisting with that investigation. We feel good that at the end of the week we will have those matters closed,” ACP Fernander said.

He indicated that the release of posters of two suspects who are wanted for questioning in a murder is not for the recent killings, but concerning another matter.

ACP Fernander appealed to the public to assist the police and promised that information provided will be held in the strictest confidence.

“I also want to say to the Bahamian people, I know that you are alarmed about

MAN SHOT IN ARGUMENT

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

POLICE are investigating a shooting incident that left one man in serious condition in hospital.

The shooting took place shortly before 6pm Saturday off Malcolm Road.

Police said three men got into an argument with a male armed with a firearm, who shot one of them before calling the police.

The gunman was taken into custody and a .38 revolver was recovered.

The victim was taken to hospital where he remains in serious condition.

In other crime news, police are asking the public to come forward with any information to help solve a number of armed robberies which occurred on Sunday.

In the first incident shortly after 8pm, police said a woman was closing a local auto parts store on Gladstone Road, when she

was approached by a male armed with a firearm who robbed her of cash before fleeing on foot.

About an hour later a man was at Fleming Street off Market Street, when he was approached by a male armed with a firearm who robbed him of cash and other items.

Shortly before 10pm, police said a man armed with a firearm entered a local bar on East Street and robbed an employee of cash.

In the final incident, shortly before midnight police said two men were at an ATM on Fox Hill Road, when they were approached by two armed men who robbed them of cash before escaping on a motorcycle.

Anyone with information on any of these incidents is asked to contact police at 911 or 919 the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 328-TIPS.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, January 9, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

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Montagu miracle still needs to be managed IN October, 2009, Member of Parliament for what was then the constituency of Montagu, Loretta Butler-Turner, appointed a steering committee to make recommendations and spearhead the redevelopment of what was dubbed the “Montagu mayhem” referring to an area of public land and waterfront running from east of the Nassau Yacht Club to west of the Royal Nassau Sailing Club.

Over the years, what should have been prime public beachfront had evolved without plan or management into a state of disarray bordering on squalid insanity. Boaters, swimmers, fishermen competed with buyers and vendors on a narrow boat ramp and those trying to use adjacent space for recreation.

Anger and trouble were as prevalent as the hundreds of flies buzzing around the morning catch.

The Montagu committee faced a myriad of challenges, how to tackle the horrendous traffic jam and daily congestion that backed up for blocks on end as boats on trailers crossed an already overcrowded and slow-moving road, what to do with fishermen who depended on the Montagu ramp for their livelihood. With no running water there were sanitation issues, recreational conflicts, environmental threats and dangers to swimmers who swam amid gutted fish attracting sharks.

For whatever has been her more recent history, Butler-Turner must always be remembered as the woman who saw the vision for Montagu. This, she said, would be her legacy and what has happened since is little short of miraculous.

The once dirty, crowded, unhealthy area and environmentally disastrous diamond in the rough has become a shining centerpiece of community activity. But that victory is not without its drawbacks and there is still much to be done. Among the priorities are dealing with parking and the establishment of a curfew to protect the peace of neighbours.

The successes tick all the boxes. The fishermen and their tables, relocated along a broadened shoreline, along with the second and third tiers of the Montagu economy are thriving. Locals and visitors buy fresh fish. Restaurants as far west as the western end of the island depend on Montagu’s daily supply of grouper and crawfish in season, mahimahi when they are running, conch, hogfish, snapper and Margot fish yearround. Conch salad vendors have added to the colourful atmosphere and if you are cooking at home and run out of lime or peppers, Montagu is the quick go-to stop and chances are you will meet a visitor tasting a fresh conch salad for the first time and posting photos. Early morning swimmers are protected by floating buoys keeping jet skis a safe distance away. There are restrooms.

Along with salvaging and revitalising the last piece of public beachfront on the eastern side of New Providence, the Montagu mayhem that is now the Montagu miracle has become one of the most popular venues in The Bahamas for the staging of events. Regattas draw huge crowds. Last weekend’s fund-raisers for baseball attracted thousands to a family-friendly atmosphere with games so sophisticated they involved a barge for ball tosses. The Royal Bahamas Police Force and Defence Force bands often perform and even the Prime Minister, Dr Hubert Minnis, participates in sports in this once derelict area that now shines and shows what can happen when vision and funds to support the vision come together.

But all is not so rosy for the neighbours who, while pleased that Montagu is a recreational safe haven, are disturbed by the parties that go on far into the night. The loud speakers, part and parcel of what seems like every Bahamian activity that involves entertainment, and announcements can be so loud that some complain they cannot carry on a conversation in their own home blocks away. Sleep eludes them until well into the wee hours.

Parking is also an issue. A few of the office buildings along the south side of the street are generous enough to allow overflow parking. For the time being the easternmost point, once the site of the Montagu Hotel, is also available.

But there are plans to build a four-storey office building there and the owner will have to block it once construction begins. He paid handsomely for the property and has attractive plans that will add to the value of that area already dotted by prestigious office buildings south of the park and beach.

If the Montagu miracle is to continue to flourish, it will take another serious looking at. The Parks and Beaches Authority must get a handle on what is so popular that it verges on getting out of hand, consuming policing resources and using private parking without cost or obligation by the public to maintain it. And for major events that involve music, there must be a reasonable curfew.

Montagu can remain a shining star where recreation, entertainment and sports as well as the ability to just be quiet with nature blossom. The sunrise over the bay, the full moon reflected in the water, the enjoyment of walkers and swimmers and nature lovers must remain paramount. It is, after all, a beach.

And as we figure out how best to use it as a venue for events as well, let us remember and thank those who fought through the obstacles, created the vision - and Atlantis who helped fund it - and most especially the woman who planted the seed.

Don’t let a national holiday divide us EDITOR, The Tribune

THE Tribune of the 8th January 2018 reported on an address recently given

by The Leader of the Opposition regarding the significance of the national holiday designated Majority Rule Day celebrated on January 10th each year. It has always been my view from the promotion to implementation of the Majority Rule holiday, coupled with the change of name of the holiday celebrated on the 12th of October each year, from Discovery Day to National Heroes Day, that the entire idea was myopic and wrong-headed.

Firstly, a national holiday should not be officially branded along racial or ethnic lines. In the case

of Majority Rule Day, that designation excludes a whole segment of our community, ie the minority. What are they to celebrate? A holiday so named does not promote national unity.

If the opposition party wished to and could not resist establishing a holiday to memorialise January 10th beyond its inherent historical significance, then “National Heroes Day” was a more logical designation for that holiday. Of course there must then be in place some official mechanism by which such heroes are to be identified and declared. If there is, I am personally unaware of it.

Secondly, of all the countries in the world, The Bahamas is the one that is universally accepted as

being the landfall of Christopher Columbus on 12th October 1492. Why throw away any part of such historical distinction? Even the USA, to which he never sailed, celebrates Columbus Day on the 2nd Monday in October each year. The Bahamas can ill afford to squander so much free international advertisement. If a name change had to be made, October 12th ought to have been redesignated Columbus Day to highlight the country’s association with the “discovery” of the “New World”.

The conduct of Columbus and the other Europeans who followed in his wake is irrelevant to the narrow issue raised here.

CEDRIC L. PARKER Nassau, Bahamas

Marijuana should be legal EDITOR, The Tribune.

IT’S a good thing that the CARICOM mission is here in The Bahamas to discuss the decriminalisation of marijuana. The Bahamas is so, so backward on this issue. I’m glad CARICOM coming here has led us to talk about this important issue.

State after state in the United States is legalising. I think it’s up to seven or eight. Along with those states, Canada is set to legalise. Uruguay already has. Numerous other countries have decriminalised.

Marijuana has a recreational use. Many also think it has medicinal properties, especially when it comes to pain management. In the US while only a few states have legalised fully, including for recreational use, the majority allow medicinal marijuana.

Recreationally, marijuana is like alcohol. Use it too much and you could harm your health. Same thing is the case with alcohol. Get too high and you incapacitate yourself. The

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net same is the case if you get too drunk. If you become dependent on it, you’re an addict. The same is the case with alcohol.

It is hypocritical to allow alcohol and to bar marijuana.

By making marijuana illegal we waste police and court time; we waste government money chasing, arresting and jailing people who use it; we also make criminals out of honest and decent people who just want to enjoy a short-term high.

I think a good number of parliamentarians think marijuana should be legal.

The problem is they fear these pastors who talk too much. They have an opinion on everything. Some of them do not even have tertiary level education, yet they act like experts on all social issues.

The politicians are afraid to touch issues the pastors oppose, even when they

know they would be good moves for the country. The pastors hold us back. The lack of courage among the politicians holds us back also.

We are being silly when it comes to marijuana. We should legalise it and let adults make choices with their lives. If you think marijuana is bad and evil, then don’t use it. That’s your right. Your right, however, should not be a law that stops the rest of us from enjoying a smoke every now and then. This is a free country and those who want to smoke after a hard day of work should not be restricted by the view of old-fashioned people.

Bahamians who support legalising it need to speak up more. There are lots of us. We need to push for change. That’s the only way we are going to get to the point where adults can enjoy themselves with a smoke without the fear of being arrested.

MARTHA S GREENE Nassau, January 4, 2018.

You have a right to film EDITOR, The Tribune.

THERE is no law in the Bahamas prohibiting members of the public from photographing or filming law enforcement in the execution of their duties.

This includes Police, Immigration and Defence Force officers.

The same is true of any civil servant, provided you do not violate another person’s confidentiality rights – for example by filming in a public medical facility. A landowner may also apply restrictions to filming on their private property. But in general, members of the public can take pictures or record anything in plain view from a public space, including public officials.

Particularly if you see officers engaged in brutality, corruption or other abuse, or if you suspect that some kind of abuse is about to take place, it is not just your right to record evidence and bear witness – it is your duty as a member of

this society.

The fact that the government recently raised the question of equipping officers with body cameras speaks to the need for some kind of watchdog role over our all of our armed forces, as a preventative measure against misconduct. But it would be far more effective and far more transparent if the citizenry could take up this challenge and fulfill the role of being their brother’s keeper.

Rights Bahamas applauds the professionalism and bravery of all our law enforcement officers; however we also recognise that in The Bahamas, like anywhere else in the world, when there are opportunities for abuse of power such abuses are bound to occur.

In fact, the current police and immigration practice of confiscating cell phones and cameras from anyone suspected of filming them is itself an example of such an abuse.

It is illegal for the police or Immigration to

confiscate your property because you have filmed or photographed them. The have no lawful right to prevent you from recording their activities or force you to delete your recordings.

You must, however, never interfere with the police in the execution of their duties. Ensure that you record from a distance and do not obstruct their actions or movements. If approached by police officers, calmly and politely but firmly remind them that you have a legal right to photograph or film anything that occurs in a public space.

If the officers insist upon forcing you to surrender your property or delete your photos, contact Rights Bahamas immediately. We stand ready and willing to take action through the courts to vindicate your rights and recover your property.

RIGHTS BAHAMAS Nassau, Bahamas

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, January 9, 2018, PAGE 5

Beach protestors ‘abandoned’ by Minnis from page one On the day of the protest, Dr Minnis told The Tribune the effort put forth by those involved stood as a “sure sign” that Bahamians were fed up with the empty promises offered by the then governing Christie administration.

Dr Minnis, who was joined at the protest by former Democratic National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney and other politicians, never suggested he was leading the movement.

However, according to Mr Lightbourn, one of the accused, Dr Minnis acted as the guiding hand behind the protest. “(I was told) by the prime minister that he needed people to come out that morning at seven to march from the foot of the bridge to Cabbage Beach,” he said.

Derek Thompson, the father of Social Services Minister Lanisha Rolle and self-proclaimed FNM caretaker, also said his attendance and involvement in the protest was encouraged by Dr Minnis and the FNM. “(My daughter) called me at 5.30 in the morning, she said ‘Daddy, Mr Minnis wants you and some of your men out of the Bain (and Grants) Town constituency to come by the bridge and march,’” Mr Thompson said.

Mr Thompson said due to the short notice, he was only able to convince roughly 13 men to join him on the protest, all of whom

bought into the idea the FNM was on the side of the people.

“How I saw the (police) dragging the young people, the old people all over the bridge; it touch my heart,” he said yesterday, speaking of events which occurred the day before the protest in question.

“I am caretaker of the FNM and a caretaker of the Bahamian people, and when I saw that I went to those officers and said that could have been your mother, that could have been your father, that could have your sister, your son or your auntie.”

He continued: “The cry was that Dr Minnis told us to march with him to the bridge, over the bridge and to do things that would improve (matters at Cabbage Beach). We have done that. My friends have done that. My colleagues have done that. The Bahamian people have done that.”

Speaking directly to the prime minister, Mr Thompson added: “Dr Minnis, all our cries are today, you started off with us, you tell us work with you and anything happen, you would be with us. Sir, you been to court once, and we haven’t seen you no more.

“Honourable prime minister, I am an FNM. I love you and I love what you are doing, but what I want you to do is to be a true man to me and my colleagues. Please Mr Prime Minister.”

The group applauded the ongoing efforts of Mr McCartney, who represents

only Urvan Moxey. According to the accused, Mr McCartney has appeared at every court proceeding and made it a point to assist the entire group when needed.

Ownership of Cabbage Beach was transferred from Atlantis (Brookfield) to a subsidiary of Access Industries in 2014. In late November 2015, beach vendors were given written notice stating the access point would be closed at the end of December of that year. The vendors then went to court and were granted an interim injunction blocking the closure.

In January, however, the interim injunction was not extended.

In February 2016, vendors clashed with police during a protest on the Sidney Poitier Bridge to Paradise Island after Access Industries erected a fence blocking access to the vendors’ usual point of entry to Cabbage Beach.

The next day the government announced it had reached an agreement with the company to grant temporary access over the private property.

However a group of protestors still marched to the site and some of them tore down portions of the fence in question.

In March 2016, The Tribune reported Dr Minnis, flanked by party supporters on the steps of the Nassau and South Streets Magistrate’s Court Complex, suggested if the FNM won the 2017 election the party would expunge the records of the accused men if necessary.

VENDORS COMPLAIN AS POLICE SHUT BEACH

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net POLICE shut down Cabbage Beach yesterday because of bad weather, Assistant Superintendent

Shanta Knowles told The Tribune.

A weather advisory from the Department of Meteorology warned that beach goers in all areas of the country should “refrain from entering the waters due

to rough surf and dangerous rip currents along north and east coast beaches.”

Some vendors complained after police forced them to shut down their operations and felt they were being treated unfairly.

URVAN MOXEY, left, and Jharo Saunders, at court previously.

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PAGE 6, Tuesday, January 9, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Bolt’s biggest regret - not running faster

By JILLY BEATTIE THE world’s fastest man Usain Bolt has just one regret - not being even faster.

The eight-time Olympic gold medalist who has been clocked running at nearly 28 miles an hour, was desperate to slip under 19 seconds in a final 200m race.

He didn’t do it.

He says no one can do it and what’s more today he says he just doesn’t care any more.

He said: “I have only one unfulfilled ambition and that’s making a return under 19 seconds in the 200.

That’s my unfulfilled ambition and it’s going to stay unfulfilled for me. I couldn’t do it. No one can do it.

“But it’s OK. It doesn’t make me feel dissatisfied... it’s just something that I wanted to do. It’s not like, oh my God, I got to do this. If I didn’t it, it would’ve been game over.

“So I faced it and I’ve retired now but I know need to continue working out.

“I took some time off over Christmas but I really need to get back into it and I’m just trying to motivate myself now. My New Year’s resolution is to start training again and make it work and get back in shape.

“To be honest I go a bit flat mentally if I’m not physically training - definitely. I get sleepy, it’s weird. Because normally I’m up and about and not taking time off, but when I’m not training that much I think I’m extra lazy so I sleep a lot and feel tired.

The less I train the less energy I have.”

Bolt may be nursing an unfulfilled ambition and struggling with his New Year’s resolution, but in true Bolt style, he has moved on and is now in The Bahamas testing a possible new career.

With tens of millions tucked away after his successful athletics career and huge sporting endorsements,Bolt is going to try his hand at being a poker professional.

Now an ambassador for PokerStars and teaming up with Jumanji star and comic, Kevin Hart, Bolt flew into The Bahamas at the weekend to take part in the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure tournament staged at Atlantis - one of the major annual

USAIN Bolt at the PokerStars tournament at Atlantis - where he revealed his biggest regret: not being faster. events on the world’s poker map.

But that winning swagger fans love so much is nowhere to be seen, because this is a new Bolt, unsure, nervous and facing being outstripped.

He said: “I’m 50/50 whether I’m actually going to play.

I’m not the best poker player but I’m in training, I dabble around at my friends’ houses and I’ve never really played for proper money, we just use normal chips and stuff like that.

“I wouldn’t ever have put in any big stakes so it’s kind of scary, it’s kind of scary to know what sort of money these guys are playing for in the big leagues. It’s millions. And millions.

“So yeah, it’s a big deal and I’m earning, trying and I’m playing much more since I started working with PokerStars, so it’s all good.

“For me it’s always good

to branch out because people always tell you to stick to what you know, but that way you never test yourself or learn new things.

“But my friends play poker and I always played a bit, I dabbled so when I was approached by PokerStars, I was like, you know, why not?

“A number of people questioned why I’m doing this but I just said, why not? It’s something that’ll be good for me, poker is something big and it’s a good thing to get the brand out there so I decided to go for it.

“For me, it’s all about a bit of fun, enjoying life and also when I heard Kevin Hart was involved, I thought that’s going to be good fun. To get the opportunity to work with Kevin is a big deal for me.

“I’m a huge fan and I follow him and watch him and now

I get to do a lot of challenges. We did an ice bath challenge and just stepped into it while he stood on the outside. Well I had an advantage, it’s what I do for training. I’m used to it.”

He says those ice baths taught him a lesson, that if the challenge is one you want, it’s worth taking a deep breath and making a plan.

Bolt explained: “I know I’m the fastest man in the world but in order to do that I had to learn to slow down.

“My coach Glen Mills taught me that. I’d say he’s the person who has had most influence on me. I really have to give it to him.

I mean, my dad Willis, started off really helping me but my coach really was there for me.

He taught me everything about track and field and helped me with life lessons too.

“One thing he always tried to tell me is that I need to take my time through life. He taught me that I do not need to rush anything, apart from moving after the starting pistol goes off.

“Because I used to be the type of person who would go fast in everything. I always want to do everything in a rush. But now I take everything more slowly but also I think hard about what I’m doing at all times.

“Naturally, I’m an

impatient person but over time I sort of understood what he was saying. I’m very impatient - very, and to win I had to change.

“I’m surrounded by good people.

And my agent Ricky Simms is Irish and we get on great. we get on with the Irish very well.

It’s an island thing.

“But it was Glen who helped me to relax, he taught me to understand that the fast pace is not always the right pace and sometimes you’ve just got to slow it down.

“My impatience doesn’t come from anxiety, I’m not anxious, it’s just how I am as a person.

I mean I’m always on time, always, if I say yo, see you at 10 o’clock, I’ll be there at 10 o’clock and probably before it.

“I take that seriously. It’s from my upbringing. My dad, Willis, is a stickler for time keeping, that’s how he is, he’s always on time. He’d rather be five hours early than a minute late. That’s how my dad has always been and it’s habitual for me to be the same.

“That’s how I was brought up and so it’s a natural thing for me. If I was late my dad would be upset with me. Anything he’s doing I have to be early for it - anything.

“My mum Jennifer is fine, but our relationship

Photos: Griffpixx is different. She’s the only person who can really make me cry. If mom’s not happy, I’m not happy. If my mom gets sick or she so not happy, it upsets me and yeah, it makes me cry.

“My dad is a good guy too and for him it’s about the rules. If I was late for anything he would be disappointed in me because being late is not an option, it’s about manners, good manners and respect.

“My dad is a good guy, if you have manners and respect he’ll like you not matter who or what you are, anything else he can handle. But respect and manners - it’s the only way for him and I get it.”

Bolt says the one other things that gets under his skin is people assuming he is arrogant.

He said: “People do assume that I’m cocky until they meet me.

“When they see me on the track after a race having fun, they’re like, look at him showing off. But they haven’t put in the work and this is what my fans like and I have to do what my fans like.

“A lot of people who have met me and they’ve told me, you know what? I thought you were cocky but you’re a nice person. And I’m like, how did you come by that?

“You can never assume

POKER STARS BET ON ATLANTIS FOR VENUE

USAIN Bolt running in The Bahamas in 2015, finishing behind Team USA’s Ryan Bailey in the 4 x 100 metre relay during BTC/IAAF World Relays at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.

POKER players from across the world have gathered in The Bahamas for a nine-day high stakes tournament.

The PokerStars Caribbean Adventure runs to January 14 at Atlantis.

Competitors and fans can watch more than 30 tournaments on the schedule - including the return

of the $10,300,000 Main Event.

For players like actor and comedian Hart, who earned $60m last year, the chances of losing big are a risk.

And with players who qualified by winning a place after buying into a $55 games, the chances can be even more exciting with

everything to play for.

The PCA was set up in 2004 quickly became one of the major annual events on the world’s poker map.

Professional players from North America and beyond meet with celebrities and ordinary poker players and fans from across the globe.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, January 9, 2018, PAGE 7

USAIN Bolt after a press conference ahead of the World Athletics championships in London last year.

BOLT LAUGHS OFF ROYAL WEDDING REPORTS USAIN just laughs off rumours with no foundation and says: “Very little annoys me, apart from people not leaving me alone.

“If someone annoys me and asks stupid questions of me, just randomly trying to talk to me, about stupid stuff I’m like I don’t have time for this.

“Like people keep telling

me I’m going to Prince Harry’s bachelor party and wedding. It makes me laugh. I’m not. We’ve met a few times and we say ‘what’s up’ but that’s it.

That’s just people wanting to make it something it’s not - that’s just not real.

“I don’t mind people coming up to me and wanting to have a chat, I really don’t mind that. But it’s the

people who want to carry on a conversation about nothing and they keep on and on and on., that, that gets me annoyed.

“But I’m not rude to them, I rely on my friends to get me out of it. I always try to be my best and that’s easier with my friends around. I give them a wink, or give them a signal to get me out of here.”

and you should never assume something about someone in life especially if you have never met them. When you talk to the person and you think they’re an asshole, well OK. But otherwise don’t judge first.

Meet them and then decide.

“Again it comes from my parents. My upbringing has been very steady and my parents would kick my ass if I changed.

“I’m 31 years old and even today my dad looks at me sometimes and I can see the look in his eyes if something goes wrong. He might say something I disagree with and he looks at me with that expression...

I have to say, dad you can’t whip my ass, calm down.

“But yeah, he still has that look from when I was young. He’s still my dad and I’m still his little boy. So I try to avoid anything like that.”

His dad’s expectations were a grounding Bolt says helped make him successful and understand how to appreciate success.

He said: “I’d say the happiest moment of my life was when I was 15. I won the World Juniors in Jamaica and I still think that was one of my greatest moments. I was really happy with that.

“That feeling was amazing, it’s hard to replicate that feeling. It’s so hard.

Everything else is about being happy in front of people but your first big success, well it’s amazing.

“I was under so much pressure because it was in Jamaica and it was the only gold medal for my country at that time. It was just a joy - a real joy, I was just a kid, only 15. It changed my life, it changed my world.

“Suddenly life was

different.

Everyone wanted my autograph, everyone wanted to touch me. It was a very different feeling for me to experience that. It was brilliant.

“After that I knew my life philosophy was that anything is possible. That’s what I surround myself with, anything is possible, don’t forget that.

“At 15 I knew the possibility of me winning was there.

I was in the top three and I knew I was going to get a medal but I didn’t know if I was going to actually win.

“But I did.

But the challenge after that was doing it again, winning again. If I had gone back to the world juniors I would have won but I strained my hamstring about two months before and I couldn’t compete.

I was running fast and everything was going really well but then I had a problem with my back and I was just a kid and growing and developing fast too.

“So one piece of wisdom to give a tenyear-old today is go and have fun in what you do and remember anything is possible.

“You know I’ve seen so many people doing things that I know

they’re not happy about and that’s bad - you know jobs they hate, things they keep doing forever when there’s no fun in it.

“That’s why I stopped track and field. You know, I’ve done all I want and it’s not as much fun as it used to be.

“At the start I had a lot of fun and the training was something I really loved and enjoyed and I was laughing all the time. And winning is fun. But keeping on top is not so fun, it’s the hardest thing.”

And having fun and enjoying life is vital to Bolt’s philosophy but it was his dad who ensured he was in on the right track to success in the first place.

Bolt Snr made the decision to dump a potential career in cricket for the thrills of track competition.

He explained: “It was a life changing moment when my dad made the decision for me not to play cricket. I remember when I went to high school it was a choice between cricket and track and field.

“I was in love with cricket at the time and my dad was like, no son it’s track and field.

“What that’s about is the politics of cricket. So like with Australia and other countries, if you’re good enough you get on the team but in Jamaica it’s the same 20 odd people all the time no matter what’s going on.

“When I asked dad why track and field and not cricket he said I could a star in my own right, that I’d never have to rely on anyone else to be my best self. Cricket is politics.

Track and field, well as long as you’re doing what you’re doing, you’re fine.”

USAIN Bolt in 2013 with then prime minister Perry Christie and his wife, Bernadette.

THE BEST OF BOLT HIS FAVOURITE THINGS “MY favourite movie is Dead Pool.

I’m an action kind of guy... this is full of action but it’s funny.

“My lifetime hero is Mohammed Ali. He was a great man, he gets my in my heart, I lived the confidence that he had.

He had real belligerence and he made it fun and exciting. It was such an attractive quality, and one loved that about him.

“My favourite actress has to be Angelina Jolie... I’ve met her. She’s lovely, so yeah, I’ll put it out there, I’ll put it out in the universe. She’s my favourite actress.

“I’m an action packed kind of guy and Jason Stratham is my favourite actor. I met them both and it was pretty cool. But

yeah, Angelina! I’m just putting out there.

“My worst attribute would be impatience.

“The best thing I like about myself is my height. I like my height. And girls like my height.

“My most treasured item has to be my PlayStation. I’d never get rid of my PlayStation. I’m a gamer. Since I started playing the games, I’ve always been playing them. I love being a gamer.

“The people,who makes me laugh the most are all the friends I hang out with including NJ who I’ve I’ve hung out all my life. They don’t treat me like a star, they just treat me like Usain.”

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, January 9, 2018, PAGE 9

‘Morale as low as water pressure’ from page one He also denied WSC employees were involved in industrial action on Friday but said “the workers were sick because the weather was cold” and employees “were stressed due to the unwarranted theft allegations.”

Last Friday, 30 employees at WSC engaged in a sick out, according to WSC Chairman Adrian Gibson, who told members of the press the move was “unwarranted”.

Last week, Mr Woods warned if the corporation continues its probe into theft allegations, “they will have war.” He also threatened workers would commence a “withdrawal of enthusiasm”.

A day later, three employees were questioned by the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Mr Woods confirmed the employees were released after two hours and have since returned to work with no charges.

“I am not commenting on the sick out, but everyone in the Bahamas knows it was cold on Friday and employees are entitled to have two call-in days without a doctor’s note and the cold weather and the way the corporation was treating the employees made people sick,” he said.

When asked about the low water pressure, Mr Woods said “the water pressure is low, like the employees’ morale.”

“I am sure we are not the only organisation that

experienced sickness on Friday because of the weather but I trust everyone is back on the job. I was called about the water pressure by customers and I did my best to help. We will continue to work with the corporation in good faith but they cannot continue to do what they are doing with no evidence. The corporation should apologise to employees,” he said.

“We have no problem with the investigation if there is evidence and facts, but they have none. The police questioned three employees and two hours later they released them.”

Mr Woods claims WSC accused three of the union’s members of stealing a fire hydrant from the corporation’s premises.

Labour Minister Dion Foulkes told reporters yesterday he thinks the matter has been resolved and he has not seen any evidence of a sick out.

“I do not have the details, we are still waiting to be officially briefed. I do not know the motivation. I do not know the evidence. I do not know why the police did what they did. I prefer in matters like this not to give an opinion, unless I have all of the facts,” he said.

“I think the matter has been resolved, from what I understand. As far as an apology is concerned, that is something for some other ministers to consider. But, I really don’t have the facts.

I don’t know what motivated the investigation. I read (about it) in the papers

like everyone else. I have no evidence of the sickout. I have no evidence.

You know, you can have a group of employees on their coffee break, they can all take their breaks at the same time - (that) is really not a sick-out - or go out to lunch at the same time that’s their right. But I have no evidence of a sick-out and the Director of Labour (Robert Farquharson) did not report any sick-outs.”

In December, The Tribune reported police were called in to review files of an internal investigation at WSC, which began as a theft probe but has since turned up other “sensitive matters”.

At a press conference last month, Mr Gibson told reporters he made the decision to file a formal

complaint with police over findings of the Internal Controls and Compliance Division after consultation with Works Minister Desmond Bannister.

In addition to the internal investigation, the government also engaged Ernst & Young to undertake a forensic audit of WSC. Five people have been sent on leave since investigations began; however, Mr Gibson confirmed three of them have since been brought back to work.

Asked by reporters about theft, Mr Gibson said there was an alleged theft of items and when asked the value, he said it was in the “thousands of dollars.”

He added there were several “offshoots” which were of grave concern.

JOB INITIATIVES ROLLED OUT

BY MINISTER OF LABOUR

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

LABOUR Minister Dion Foulkes announced a slate of three new employment initiatives yesterday, geared toward easily pairing potential employers with job seekers via the Department of Labour.

During a press conference at the department’s Rosetta Street office, Mr Foulkes announced the launch of its one-day employer’s seminar, a “Labour on the Blocks” initiative and a construction job fair.

Mr Foulkes insisted the department’s facilitation of these types of initiatives will continue throughout the year, in hopes of decreasing unemployment.

“No longer will the traditional methods of job seeking and employee engagement be the only source of job placement,” he said.

“The Department of Labour’s PES-unit officers will be registering individuals on-site at the various events.

“Job seekers who are

disabled are also encouraged to attend, preferably accompanied by a family member or friend who is able to assist with their registration process.

“We wish to commend our Permanent Secretary Cecilia Strachan, our Director of Labour Robert Farquharson and the Deputy Director Patrenda Brice and our able and hardworking officers for organising these events.”

With regard to the employer’s seminar, Mr Foulkes said the initiative, which was also held between 10am and 2pm yesterday, was designed to introduce employers to the department’s new interactive Public Employment Service (PES) website.

He added the department wanted to do its part to provide employers with access to resumes of eligible Bahamian job seekers locally and abroad, while also providing opportunities for employers to upload job vacancies directly to the department’s database.

Mr Foulkes said the department was using this opportunity to meet with

and engage employers and allow these employers to meet the officers of the PES-unit and be made aware of the support role the unit can provide to them.

The Department of Labour is expected to, at its various sub-offices, provide employers with a space to conduct job interviews off premises as well as assist with conciliation matters.

The department’s second initiative, “Labour on the Blocks,” will target job seekers who may have given up on finding gainful employment or may not understand the avenues they should take to secure employment.

The initiative is expected to visit every constituency in New Providence over the course of 2018, starting the Bain and Grants Town area Saturday.

All job seekers in the area are encouraged to come out and register with between 11am and 3pm.

“We encourage businesses in these areas, to join us in this exciting initiative by coming out and registering their job vacancies

THE DEPARTMENT of Labour press conference and employers job fair yesterday.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff on-site at the ‘Labour on the Blocks’ events,” Mr Foulkes stated. “We will host ‘Labour on the Blocks’ in a different community every month this year.”

The final new initiative the construction job fair - will be specifically focused on pairing job seekers and employers in the construction industry.

Promoted as another one-day forum, the initiative is planned for Saturday, January 20, at the Kendal G L Isaacs gymnasium, from 12pm to 4pm.

The country’s

unemployment rate fell below 10 per cent for the first time last year since the great recession, according to data released by the Department of Statistics in August 2017, which listed employment increases in the civil service, tourism industry and construction sector as contributing factors.

The Labour force survey, conducted between April 24 and April 30, 2017 put the country’s unemployment rate at 9.9 percent – a 1.7 percent decrease from the results of the October 2016 survey.

According to the survey, the unemployment rate in New Providence was 10.4 percent; in Grand Bahama it was 12.4 percent and in Abaco it was 7.8 percent.

No sector experienced a greater increase in employment than the civil service. During the budget debate in May, the Minnis administration decried the substantial rise in civil service employees in the lead-up to the 2017 general election and has pledged to take a much more conservative approach to public sector hiring.

‘WE NEED BROADER CONSULTATION FOR INTEGRITY COMMISSION BILL’

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

THE Organisation for Responsible Governance (ORG) yesterday expressed concern over the strength and independence of the government’s Integrity Commission Bill 2017, echoing calls from the opposition for broader consultation.

The civic organisation stressed the “single greatest concern” is the level of uncertainty concerning the bill’s nonpartisan, nonpolitical intent - given that it relied on the approval and consent of both the attorney general and the prime minister for various functions.

The group recommended lawmakers remove the

positions of prime minister and attorney general from the bill “with the exception of enjoying review privileges”.

ORG Executive Director Matt Aubry said the bill gave the prime minister the power to appoint several members of the commission, inclusive of the chairman, and “most concerningly” depose of members at his discretion.

Mr Aubry noted those provisions were not in line with best practices and would obstruct the independence of the commission.

“Independence of the commission is paramount, otherwise the provision is moot,” he said in a press statement yesterday.

“As is currently written, the commission is much

more answerable to the prime minister than we have seen in other legislation, or than we believe is advisable. Currently the committee’s accounts and reports are presented to the PM, when best practice dictates they would be tabled in both Houses (of Parliament).”

Tabled in the House of Assembly in October, the bill would enshrine a new code of conduct for public officials, establish a commission to investigate alleged corruption and deepen the financial disclosure responsibilities of public officials.

The proposed Integrity Commission would consist of seven commissioners: a justice of the Supreme Court or Court of Appeal appointed by the prime

minister after consultation with the leader of the opposition; a chartered or certified accountant of at least seven years standing, appointed by the governor general after consultation with the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants; a person who is a counsel and attorney-at-law of ten or more years, appointed by the governor general after consultation with the Bahamas Bar Association; a member of the clergy appointed by the prime minister after consultation with the Bahamas Christian Council; two people appointed by the prime minister on the recommendation of members of civil society; and a person appointed by the prime minister after consultation with the leader of the

opposition. The commissioners will be appointed for three years and eligible for one further three-year re-appointment.

While ORG backed calls

by Official Opposition Leader Philip Davis for broader consultation and greater clarity, it said it did not find the bill to be overly intrusive.

“Greater clarity is perhaps needed on the levels of breach of code of conduct,” Mr Aubry said.

“It is clear that certain offences including coercion, extortion, kickbacks in awarding of contracts, are criminal in nature and grounds for investigation and prosecution. Lesser offences that fall under breaches of the code of conduct are harder to monitor and the systems

for establishing and punishing those breaches are vague.

“Such offences may include operating a government car for nongovernment business or using a public computer to send private emails. These matters must be ironed out to allow an official to conduct his or her duties while limiting opportunity for abuse. Recommendations like this are crucial to the success of the bill and the commission and that is why we feel it is crucial to broaden consultation on this game-changing bill.”

ORG encouraged the public to visit its website to view a copy of the bill, its analysis, and a form to provide feedback at www.orgbahamas.com/ anticorruption.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, January 9, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Marijuana - we need the debate from page one

countries around the world are handling marijuana use, will direct national discourse, Mr Dames said.

However Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest had a different view. He told reporters yesterday he does not subscribe to this train of thought, adding the Bahamas must chart

the way for itself. He said whatever steps the country takes should align with its own traditions, culture and values.

A third Cabinet minister, Dion Foulkes said yesterday he preferred to reserve his personal position until after the Minnis administration makes a collective decision.

A town hall meeting organised by CARICOM’s

Memorial Service

Ruth Yvonne Knowles, 78

Regional Commission on Marijuana on Friday night drew strong positions from those attending.

Attendees were greatly in favour of marijuana decriminalisation and legalisation. How representative the audience was of Bahamians’ views at large was a question that lingered after the event. It was also on the sidelines of this event that Foreign Affairs Minister Darren Henfield said no reasonable person can deny the Bahamas must scrutinise laws that criminalise people possessing small amounts of marijuana.

State Minister for Legal Affairs Elsworth Johnson also emphasised that to ensure the conversation about legalising or decriminalising marijuana persists, proponents of change must organise themselves to make the government pay attention.

Mr Dames said yesterday:

“This is a discussion as I said before, that this is where the world is going and we in certainly the Bahamas will too have to look at our position and that will have to be clearly thought out. But we are at the right place. We are now having those discussions to see where the people of this nation will expect for us to go.”

Asked to reveal his personal position on the issue, Mr Dames said: “I have some thoughts on it but when we discuss it as a Cabinet, most certainly we’ll come back with our position. But I said before we have to come to this point in this country where we begin to debate issues like that.

There’s no hidden agenda or no secret. This is what democracy is all about.

“But at the end of the day whatever direction we go we as a government will have to ensure that we are fully prepared. We have been monitoring what has

been taking place throughout the United States.

Canada is a little ahead of us but at that point as well where they are contemplating it and certainly the Caribbean as well. So this is a global discussion that is currently being had.”

He was also asked what he saw as a former police officer in communities where marijuana use was prevalent.

“Well a devastating one, a devastating one. But we have to look at that in different sections in different phases. For a very long time now . . . I’ve seen discretionary options used by officers and certainly the courts in respect to young people for many years found in possession of small quantities of marijuana. But like any other business whether it’s the illegal lotto business or whether its marijuana, one of the key focus would have to be how do you regulate (and) how do you manage it.”

From a revenue generation stand point, Mr Turnquest said the discussion will have to go beyond the cash factor.

“There is a saying something about what is it to benefit the world and lose your soul? Something of that nature,” Mr Turnquest said.

“I think this is one of those kinds of considerations. So it’s not purely an economic discussion. We have to look at the social side. “We have to look at how this will affect our communities and network productivity.

“There are two sides to the coin. There are benefits, there is no about it, but there are also drawbacks and so again as I say we have to take a very considered and balanced approach to this and make sure that before we do anything that we consider all aspects of the issue so that we don’t rush head long into something and pay the price later.”

TWENTY GRANTS FOR START-UP ENTREPRENEURS

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

of Mesquite Texas and formerly of Nassau, The Bahamas, died in Texas on Friday, 8th September, 2017, will be held at St. Anne’s Anglican Church, Fox Hill Road, Nassau, on Friday, 12th January, 2018 at 10:30 a.m.

Reverend Father Hugh Bartlett, Jr., will officiate.

Yvonne was predeceased by her parents, Alexander and Agnes Knowles, her siblings, Jean Pinder, James Knowles, and Emerick Knowles.

She is survived by her daughter, Joanne Aranha, her brothers, Alexander C. Knowles, Patrick A. Knowles, Geoffrey W. Knowles, Charlton V. Knowles; sisters, Ruby Collins, Doris Anderson, Deborah Knowles and Julianna Green and many other relatives and close friends.

DEAtH NOtICE Donahue, Helen B. (nee Baker), 85

Helen Marie Baker Donahue was born November 9, 1932 in Nassau, Bahamas. She was the 13th of 14 children born to Anthony Saadi Baker and Kawcob Baker (Bonagieb).

By the time she was three years old, both her parents had died and she was cared for by her older brothers and sisters. At age 10, she came to the United States and was enrolled in Rosary Academy in Somerville, Massachusetts as a high school freshman. After High School, she attended the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She then attended Boston University where she earned a Masters in Music. She was an accomplished pianist, violinist, and cellist. Helen taught elementary school in Coral Gables, Florida and played in the Coral Gables Symphony.

On June 27, 1957, she married James A. Donahue, Jr. of Boston, Massachusetts. They had five children. In 1972, the family moved from suburban Boston to Glenside, Pennsylvania. Helen was active in children’s schools including St. Luke’s, LaSalle College High School, Norwood-Fontbonne Academy and Gwynedd Mercy Academy. She was also a member of the St. Luke’s Church Choir and the Abington Choral Club.

Helen was devoted to her husband of 58 years until his death in June, 2015. She is the beloved Mother of James A., III, his wife Deborah, Michael J., George A., Stephen F. and Ann Marie. She is also survived by her sisters in the Bahamas, Freda Baker, Mary Baker and Virginia Baker and a sister-in-law, Juanita Baker. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews throughout the United States and Bahamas.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 11 A.M. at St. Luke the Evangelst, 2316 Fairhill Ave. (at Easton Rd.), Glenside, PA 19038. In lieu of flowers, donations to College of St. Benedict Bahamian Allumnae Scholarship Fund, S. CollegeAve. 216 Main Building, St. Joseph, MN 56374 would be appreciated.

TWENTY young people have been awarded grants for new start-up businesses and for existing companies seeking to expand their operations in Grand Bahama.

Minister of State for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson and Minister of Youth Sports and Culture Michael Pintard announced the winners and presented them with grants at the Office of the Prime Minister in Freeport last week.

The business grant winners are from the first session of the Grand Bahama Micro & Small Business Economic Empowerment Programme launched by Prime Minister Hubert Minnis on November 24.

One of the self-starters grant recipients is Victoria Robinson, of Divine Eggs.

Her vision is to establish an egg farm and chicken hatchery to produce

pasture-raised eggs using cage-free chickens. Ms Robinson has a small production facility that currently provides 30 dozen eggs per month, and has secured a letter of intent from a major food store for the purchase of the eggs.

Wilson Joseph, of Island Harvest, will produce fresh organic vegetables with a focus on green bell peppers, tomatoes, hot peppers, cabbage, and thyme.

Other recipients include Gabrielle McIntosh, of 700 Gems, a marketing and consulting firm; Timico Nelson of Green Light Tropical Farms, who proposes to produce native fruits and Jezel GrayKnowles of Sweet Addiction Cafe, who aims to establish a cafe and specialty bakery.

The business evolution recipients are: Crystal McIntosh of Treat Me Sweet Cake Studio; Madelyn Bowe of Bowe’s Tailoring; La’Travalia Williams of Wing Ding; Edwin Deveaux of GullyWash Drink Stand; Anthea Lewis of At Your

Pace Tours; Jonathan Bowleg of Super Jerk Pit & Grill; Donald Duncombe of Grum Ma’s House Cultural Centre; Rochelle Dickenson of Try Sum ‘N’ Different Cafe; Stacy Rolle of Stacy’s Straw Shop; Shanaad Forbes of KSS Distributors; Veliante Grant of Copyright Copy Centre; Toquell Lightbourne of Timeless Photography; Zania Bowleg of The Snack Shack Convenience Store; Chassarie Bullard of Chaebul Crafts & Gifts; and Charlene Armbrister of CPA Bahamas (Crafts).

Mr Thompson said the five young entrepreneur self-start grant winners would launch new business ventures and the 15 business evolution grant winners already own existing businesses that they intend to grow.

He described the programme as one that is “bringing dreams to life.”

Phase I of the programme is a two week Business Readiness Training Course designed to expose startup entrepreneurs as well as

existing business owners to fundamental skills and tools in business management best practices aimed at preparing them for the running of successful business operations.

Phase II allows each qualifying candidate the opportunity to compete with their business classmates for a chance to win an available business grant of up to $5,000 for start-up or expansion of their business idea.

In Phase III, each successful grant winner is paired with a seasoned business mentor, who will provide expert advice and guidance for their start-up or existing business venture over the course of the upcoming weeks.

Mr Thompson said the small business grant programme would be ongoing with some sessions throughout the year. The next session is scheduled to run January 15- 26 and persons are urged to register by picking up applications at the Office of the Prime Minister, Grand Bahama, and the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture.

ROBBERY SENTENCING NEXT WEEK

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A MAN accused of robbing two people and attempting to rob a third at gunpoint last year will receive his sentencing as part of a plea deal

next week, The Tribune understands.

Adrian Robinson, will appear before Justice Bernard Turner next Tuesday to be sentenced for two gunpoint robberies in March 2016 and an attempted armed robbery in August of that

year.

It is alleged Robinson, on July 27, while armed with a handgun, robbed Talitha Wallace of $5 cash and an iPhone, and also robbed Shervone Knowles of $3 cash and an LG cellular phone.

Concerning the lesser

charge, it is alleged that on August 10, while armed with a handgun, he attempted to rob Troy Clarke of cash.

Robinson was formally arraigned on the three charges before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, January 9, 2018, PAGE 11

MOTHER WEEPS AS SHE AND SON DENIED BAIL IN FIREARMS CASE

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A 48-year-old woman wept openly in court yesterday after she and her son were remanded to prison to await trial over two firearms charges stemming from a gun seizure last week.

Mary Ferguson and her 26-year-old son Shedlock Bain appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt in connection with the seizure of an AK-47 rifle and over 30 rounds of ammunition from a home off Cowpen Road on January 4.

They each faced one count of possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of ammunition with

intent to supply as a result of the find by police.

It is alleged that on January 4, being concerned together and with others, they were found to be in possession of an AK-47 7.62mm rifle.

It is further alleged on the same day, being concerned together and with others, the two were found in possession of 31 rounds of 7.62 ammunition with the intent to supply the same to another.

According to initial reports, around 10am on the day in question, Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) officers, acting on intelligence, searched a home and property at Gerald Bartlett Estates off Cowpen Road and recovered an AK-47

rifle and 31 rounds of 7.62 ammunition.

Both Ms Ferguson and her son pleaded not guilty to the charges. The matter was adjourned to February 26 and 27 for trial.

Bail was denied for the mother and son though they were informed by the chief magistrate of their right to apply for bail in the Supreme Court. They were subsequently remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS) in the interim.

Ferguson wept while speaking briefly with family members following the arraignment. She and her son were escorted out of the courtroom by officers, with family and friends following.

MARY Ferguson and Shedlock Bain outside court.

50-year murder sentence upheld

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net THE COURT of Appeal has affirmed a man’s 50-year prison sentence for murdering his girlfriend because she refused to continue a relationship after calling it an “appropriate” punishment for a “most brutal and cold-blooded crime”.

Former Court of Appeal President Dame Anita Allen, along with now-departed Justices Abdulai Conteh and Neville Adderley, dismissed Douglas Pratt’s appeal of his half-century sentence for murdering Shande Cartwright in 2010.

Pratt, the father of Ms Cartwright’s children, was convicted on April 24, 2014 of the November 22, 2010 murder of Ms Cartwright, who was a client service representative at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC).

He was subsequently sentenced by then-Senior Supreme Court

Justice Jon Isaacs to 50 years imprisonment.

According to the ruling, on the night of November 22, 2010, Pratt, bleeding from his arms, knocked at the Rahming family’s door in Adelaide Village and upon being let inside, told that family he and his girlfriend were robbed and stabbed by two men dressed in dark clothing.

The police were called and Pratt was taken away from the Rahming home

by Emergency Services personnel.

Thereafter, the Rahmings, the Cartwright and Pratt families began searching for Ms Cartwright.

The search took them to a building known as the ‘farm’ and to a beach nearby. It was there they found Ms Cartwright’s lifeless body lying on its back.

At the right side of her body was a blanket, a pizza box and bottles.

Pratt was arrested for Ms Cartwright’s murder a day later.

While in custody he allegedly told police he and the deceased went to Adelaide, and that while discussing their relationship on the beach and his plea to restore their relationship, Ms Cartwright took out a knife and stabbed him in his arm and chest because she was not open to the suggestion.

He then allegedly told the police that he was able to get the knife from her and stabbed her in the neck and chest. He also further told the police that he drove her car and parked it “a ways off” and threw the knife away as he drove from the scene.

However, after the incident in question, and while being seen by Dr Rickey Davis at the Accident and Emergency section of the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH), Pratt, in explaining what he claimed were the causes of his injuries, told the doctor that he and his girlfriend went for a drive and ended up on Adelaide Beach.

While there, they were approached by two individuals, one with a gun and the other with a knife. The one with the gun asked them where the money was and Pratt told him it was in the car. At the same time, the man with the knife started stabbing his girlfriend.

Dr Davis said Pratt told him he pushed the gunman away, fought with the man with the knife and escaped.

Dr Davis’ diagnosis of Pratt’s condition was that his wounds were superficial, and that it was possible for them to have been selfinflicted. The doctor further said he found only two lacerations, but no bruises “as he would expect to find on the body of someone who was in a struggle with an assailant”.

Meanwhile Dr Caryn Sands, a forensic pathologist, said the deceased had nine sharp force injuries to her face and neck, six of which were stab wounds and three cutting wounds.

The doctor also found

seven sharp force wounds to the chest, including a cutting wound and at least three stab wounds that entered the left chest cavity that she said were fatal without medical attention.

Also identified as fatal wounds were those to the neck that involved two major blood vessels that caused bleeding over the brain, and eventually caused the deceased to bleed out.

The doctor also described the cutting wound to Ms Cartwright’s right thumb as a defensive wound, and was of the view the deceased’s assailant had to be “very close, within arm’s length”.

At the close of the Crown’s case, Pratt opted to remain silent, and was subsequently convicted of Ms Cartwright’s murder. He was sentenced to 50 years on July 23, 2014.

Pratt subsequently filed an appeal against his conviction and sentence.

The hearing was heard on September 1 and 3,

2015, however, his appeal against both his conviction and sentence was dismissed on the basis that there was “no merit” in any of the grounds.

In the written ruling, the appellate judges noted that in consideration of Justice Isaacs’ reasoning, and that he took into account “all of the relevant circumstances as they pertained to the offence and the offender”, they are “satisfied” he committed “no error in principle”.

They added that as Pratt’s sentence was “appropriate” for the punishment of a “most brutal and coldblooded crime”, they “did not interfere”.

“It was for all of the above reasons that we dismissed both the appeal against the conviction for murder and that against sentence; and affirmed the conviction returned by the jury, and the sentence imposed by the learned judge,” the appellate judges wrote.

PAGE 12, Tuesday, January 9, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

VICTIMS OF CRIME GIVEN GIFT PARCELS

BY POLICE

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

ONE hundred families affected by crime received gifts of food packages and toys from the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) on Friday.

The event took place at Police Headquarters on East Street, and was packed with parents, children, and representatives of the RBPF. The Family Liaison and National Crime Prevention

Offices of the RBPF led the initiative.

Chief Superintendent Solomon Cash provided words of encouragement, saying: “We recognise that most of you have lost loved ones or in some cases have fallen victim to crimes (yourselves).

“We as an organisation are concerned about our youth. We want to say to (them), despite all of the challenges you have…. we are here to support you.

“And in supporting you, we recognise that there are

ASSISTANT Superintendent Audley Peters is pictured as he leads the service in song.

THE ROYAL Bahamas Police Force distributed food packages and Christmas gifts to 100 families affected by crime at the Paul Farquharson Conference Centre.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/ Tribune Staff

needs that we must address to help assist you moving forward. But we also want to say to you that corporate Bahamas also understands your plight, and through corporate Bahamas we are able to share with you some tokens, that they assisted us (with getting).”

Chief Supt Cash also hoped the initiative would help those in attendance “to feel a part of a more wider community that understands your plight and (is) always willing to assist you where the needs arises.”

Sergeant Kendra Wallace from the Family Liaison Office also addressed the crowd. She said: “This initiative is just something small…to show you we love you and you have a friend in us.

“My role is to assist all

families who are victims of crime.

Whether it be murder, armed robbery, sex matters, shootings, or any general matters, I’m there to assist families.

“It’s very difficult when a family loses a loved one, and you find that…. all families want closure, and they want to ask the question, ‘Why? Why it happened to their family?’

“And (usually the person) that is taken away from them is the breadwinner— whether it be the father or the mother. So we’re here as the Family Liaison Section in Central Detective Unit, attached to the RBPF, because we actually service the entire police force.

“We provide assistance as it relates to school items, we provide counselling, and we also refer our clients for counselling, and whatever needs arise we assist.

“So whenever you need a friend, a sister, or anyone just to talk to, because a lot of time we just need to vent…whenever you need a friend or anyone to talk to, you’ve got a friend in me.

Sasha Hall-Guerrier, 26, was in attendance as one of those affected by crime.

She told the Tribune: “I lost my husband in May 2015 to the streets. I think the effort (by the Family

Liaison Office) is good. They encourage you to move forward.

“They just will be there for you — if you need someone to talk to, they’re always there. You can call them at anytime. They never turn you away. When I first lost my husband, I would call them to vent. In talking to them you get a lot of relief. I communicated both with Corporal Young and Sergeant Wallace.”

Mrs Hall-Guerrier said she knows her children will benefit from Friday’s event.

“I think (it) is a good effort. It shows the people that they actually care and they have someone they can turn to when they’re in need of help.”