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BOWE QUITS DNA OVER PARTY’S PICK OF LINCOLN BAIN

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia,net

THE Democratic National Alliance’s Southern Shores candidate, engineer Ethric Bowe, resigned from the party last week citing the ratification of talk show host Lincoln Bain in the Pinewood constituency as a “deal breaker” for his association with the group.

SEE PAGE 11

Christie calls for STORMING THROUGH THE MARATHON FINISH LINE unified approach at PLP convention

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net AS he gears up for a leadership challenge at the Progressive Liberal Party’s first convention since 2009, Prime Minister Perry Christie spoke of his energy and eagerness to serve another term, as he urged party supporters not to “squander” the opportunity to win the general election.

Speaking before a crowd of jubilant supporters at a PLP Women’s Branch meeting yesterday, Mr Christie brushed off his critics as he spoke of plans his administration looks to

finalise before voters head to the polls this year.

Highlighting many of his party’s achievements, Mr Christie contended that the PLP has done and continues to do “everything possible to move The Bahamas forward”. He also urged party supporters to show the country how strong and unified the PLP is at its upcoming convention.

He suggested that despite efforts by a section of his party to unseat him as leader, he will not relent in the forward progress of the country, nor his political work.

SEE PAGE SIX

RECRUITMENT STARTS TODAY FOR BAHA MAR VACANCIES

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

BAHA MAR will begin the process today of recruiting 1,500 Bahamians in its first wave of hiring for the once stalled $3.5 billion resort according to Robert Sands, the resort’s senior vice-president of government and external affairs.

In an interview with The Tribune, Mr Sands said the entire process will be conducted online through the company’s website careers.

bahamar.com.

Interested persons are asked to visit the website or send their resumes to careers@bahamar.com.

Mr Sands said the resort is looking to initially fill positions at the golf course, the casino and casino hotel ahead of its scheduled April 21 partial opening.

However, he encouraged persons who are seeking jobs in other areas to “still apply” as “thousands more persons will be hired in the coming months”.

SEE PAGE SIX

THE WINNER of Marathon Bahamas, Leigh Schmitt, crosses the line in a time of 2hrs 52mins 25secs yesterday. For the full story of the marathon, see today’s Sports Section - while for the Susan G Komen Race For The Cure, see page two.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

TWO DEAD IN WEEKEND SHOOTINGS

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

TWO men are dead and another man is recovering in hospital after three separate shooting incidents in the capital over the weekend.

The killings brought the country’s homicide count to nine for this month, according to The Tribune records.

The latest shooting took place shortly after 2am on Sunday on Finlayson Street, off Poinciana Drive.

Police said they received reports that the body of a

man was lying in the street.

When officers arrived on the scene, they found a lifeless man lying on the ground with multiple gunshot injuries to the body.

He was pronounced dead on the scene. Police have not identified the victim but The Tribune understands he is 29-year-old Raynor Davis of Flemming Street.

Hours earlier, police were on the scene of another killing, this time in the Kemp Road area.

According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean, around 9am

on Saturday the victim was walking near Strachan’s Corner when the occupants of a Honda Fit vehicle pulled up and fired several shots at him, killing him.

He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Police have not identified the victim but The Tribune understands he is Keno Kelly, of Kemp Road.

The killing came days after a 24-year-old man was shot and killed in the same area. ACP Dean said police do know at this time if the killings are related.

SEE PAGE 12

POLICE TO STEP UP PATROLS TO KEEP PUBLIC SAFE

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdrosett@tribunemedia.net

DESPITE the country recording five murders in the past week, Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean said police are doing an “excellent job” bringing

criminals to justice.

At the scene of a murder on Saturday in the Kemp Road area, ACP Dean said the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) is increasing mobile patrols and manpower throughout the entire Bahamas in an effort to keep the pub-

lic safe.

The last two months in 2016 were the deadliest for that year according to official police statistics, with November and December recording 13 and 15 murders respectively.

SEE PAGE 12

NEYMOUR UPSET AS FNM CHOOSE ALTERNATIVE FOR EXUMA RACE

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

PHENTON Neymour, Free National Movement member of Parliament, expressed disappointment on social media over the weekend when he was not chosen as the FNM’s candidate to run in Exuma in the upcoming general election.

In a series of posts on Facebook, Mr Neymour, who claimed to have received most of the support from the party’s executive council in Exuma, engaged in a war of words with several executives of the FNM, after he was told in a post “Phenton Neymour is no more”.

The argument started SEE PAGE 11

PAGE 2, Monday, January 16, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Race for the Cure

THE SCENE on Saturday at the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure, which had a large number of participants. The race started at Montagu beach and ended on Paradise Island.

BEHIND the smile of this young survivor, Zatalia Fox, 24, is a story of how she was diagnosed with stage three cancer at the age of 22. She encourages younger women, saying “Stay strong, be positive and trust in God”.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

McWEENEY JOINS DIPLOMATIC CORPS IN MEETING POPE THE Bahamas non-resident Ambassador to the Holy See, Sean McWeeney QC, attended the annual gathering of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See in the Apostolic

Palace of the Vatican last week.

The high point was the annual “state-of-the world” address delivered on Monday to the ambassadors by Pope Francis,

followed by the traditional exchange of greetings between each of the Ambassadors and the Pope. It was Mr McWeeney’s third time meeting Pope Francis.

In his address, Pope

Francis delivered a sobering and wide-ranging survey of the major issues facing the world today. He expressed particular sorrow over the “homicidal madness” of recent “fundamentalist inspired terrorism” and urged leaders of all religious faiths to reaffirm without equivocation that “one can never kill in God’s name”.

The Pope, as supreme leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Roman Catholics, also called on governments everywhere to combat poverty. “Fundamentalist terrorism,” he said, “is the fruit of a profound spiritual poverty, and often is linked to significant social poverty.” This requires, he said, “suitable social policies aimed at combating poverty.”

The Pope also renewed his earlier calls for greater compassion and empathy for the plight of migrants,

SEAN McWeeney meets Pope Francis in the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican. displaced persons and refu- to respect the laws, culture gees seeking better lives in and traditions” of their new wealthier countries. At the homes. same time, however, he acThere are now approxiknowledged that the inte- mately 200 ambassadors gration of such persons had accredited to the Holy See, to be achieved in a way that making it the largest diplowould not cause host soci- matic corps accredited to eties to lose their sense of any independent sovereign security, identity and socio- jurisdiction in the world political stability. Moreo- with the exception of the ver, he cautioned migrants diplomatic corps accredited to remember their “duty to the United States.

THE TRIBUNE

PLANE SKIDS OFF RUNWAY AT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

AVIATION officials yesterday said they were investigating the circumstances that led to a twin-engine Piper Aztec aircraft skidding off the tarmac shortly after landing at the Lynden Pindling International Airport on Saturday.

According to preliminary reports provided by authorities, information was received on Sunday, which indicated that an aircraft, shortly after

THE PLANE at Lynden Pindling airport. touchdown at LPIA, veered off the runway into a grassy area near the tarmac.

Officials said they were now investigating the matter to determine where the plane was travelling from and what led to the incident.

Aviation representatives said they intend to request the aircraft’s log and speak with the pilot in the coming days to ascertain all the circumstances surrounding the matter.

The Tribune understands that the plane, C6-RPM, had six persons, including the pilot, onboard on Saturday.

There were no reports of injury to anyone onboard the flight.

Bethel slams comments

by Archdeacon Palacious

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

TARGETING the “racist and misogynistic” statements made by Anglican Archbishop James Palacious last week, noted Bahamian attorney, author, and United Nations expert Marion Bethel called for the elevation of women’s voices and institutions to push back against the predominant misogynistic and discriminatory climate in the country.

Mrs Bethel cautioned community leaders against taking the easy route by using uninformed, inflammatory and offensive statements to garner sound bites as it is unproductive, leads to a real misunderstanding of their intentions, and hinders progress towards possible solutions.

She reacted to “inflammatory” statements made by public figures on the Majority Rule Day holiday, and reports that women have been denied the right to register to vote due to their attire, during an interview with The Tribune on Thursday.

To the reports of women being turned away at voter registration sites, she said: “It really has to just stop, period, end of story. I feel as though this is part of the result of the climate created during the (equality) referendum around women, our dignity, our bodies, the choices that we make, it’s part of the same continuum for me.

“I don’t think that we’ve really addressed it and I think more women’s voices need to be raised and women’s institutions need to speak to this violation of ourselves and our integrity.

It’s not going to get any better until we actually stand up and say no more,” she said.

On Tuesday, Archdeacon Palacious admonished black and poor people for having children that they cannot afford as he underscored the need for Bahamians to take greater personal responsibility for social ills in the country, and its development.

Addressing a crowd of supporters at the end of a march to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Majority Rule, he declared that “black people breed too much,” and explained that “unless we can control our reproductive process we will always be recycling poverty.”

“I’m really offended

TWO SOUGHT AFTER ARMED ROBBERY

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net ABACO police are searching for two male suspects that held up a man at gunpoint, robbing him of his rifle and cellular phone on Thursday evening.

Inspector Terecita Pinder reported that shortly before 8pm, a man was in the area of a business on Don McKay Boulevard when he was held up by two masked men, one of whom was armed with a firearm.

The victim told police that the thieves robbed him of his .22 Winchester rifle and cellular phone, and fled.

Police are appealing to anyone with information that can assist them with their investigation into this armed robbery to call police in Abaco at 367-3437/3672560 or call the Central Detective Unit in Grand Bahama at 350-3071 through 12, 911 or 919 or call the nearest police station.

by the words ‘black people breed too much,’” Mrs Bethel said. “It relegates me and black people in this country to animals and it echoes for me certain aspects of slavery when we’re talking about breeding people, which is totally disgusting and obscene.

“In this country, black, white, Asian, we all live in social institutions as human beings with human relations and social relations that are different. If we want to effect change of understanding of reproductive capacity, then I would call on the church, and I would call on the school, and other institutions that are really concerned about the issue.

“This is something that we as human beings need to address, young people and adults, we all need access to information about our reproductive health, about our sexual rights, so we can make informed decisions about our bodies and how many children we want and when we want them,” she added.

Father Palacious’ call to “control the reproductive process” follows comments made by Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn, who also attempted to broach the subject of family planning by suggesting mandatory and state-sponsored sterilisation of unwed mothers with more than two children as an anti-crime initiative. Mr Lightbourn made those comments during the Free National Movements convention last July, and faced strong backlash from many people, including Father Palacious, parliamentarians, and local advocacy groups.

At that time, the archdeacon condemned Mr Lightbourn’s proposal as “completely repulsive”, but acknowledged that the country needed to engage in a national family planning programme to prevent the “madness” of multiple children being reared in undesirable circumstances.

Archdeacon Palacious reiterated this point last Tuesday, telling crowds that while Mr Lightbourn’s comments were “most unfortunate,” he agreed with the principle of what the Montagu MP was trying to say.

“You have children on the lunch programme right

now mothers,” Father Palacious said on Tuesday, “and you going having some more, come on man. Give me a break, give yourself a break. God didn’t put you here as any baby machine, he put you here to be a productive citizen of this country.”

Father Palacious also said that he is “dismayed” that the 2016 gender equality referendum did not prevail, and disappointed that on the 50th anniversary of Majority Rule, that the majority of Bahamians still did not have some fundamental rights under the Constitution.

During Thursday’s interview, Mrs Bethel also highlighted disparaging statements made by Dame Joan Sawyer at the We March demonstration also staged on the holiday.

Dame Joan urged Bahamians to be more critical as citizens and consumers, and criticised several government initiatives like value added tax and Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival. She also zeroed in on the morality of the carnival event, which she described as a festival where women make themselves “exhibits”.

“You call that upward movement?” she asked.

“No way, no time, must we as a people forget what our foreparents struggled for. You do not climb to the top on your back, women.

Dame Joan said that women who engaged in such actions had no right to demand respect.

“It seems to me that whenever we’re talking about social mores it comes down to women,” Mrs Bethel said, “it doesn’t come down to men. It comes down to women being this way, or immoral, or lacking, it’s nothing else. It really is a climate right now where women are being scapegoated for all kinds of social ills.

“It’s women and men who are really downgrading women, and men are not subject to this type of analysis of morality. It’s always a woman’s morality that is the problem or issue. We have a lot of work to do in changing this kind of gender bias, that’s fundamentally what it is, the double standard of morality,” Mrs Bethel said.

“I’m not surprised there are women that support

what Father Palacious has said, just like there are many people that supported what Richard Lightbourn was saying. It’s no matter whether you’re black or white, that doesn’t make it better, more accessible, or less racist. It’s entirely misogynistic.”

Mrs Bethel noted that while it was easy to give sound bites and lambaste the public, she personally desired leaders to be a part of the solution by using their platform to espouse productive, helpful and informed views. She added that according to officials from the Bahamas Association of Sexual Health and Rights, teenage pregnancy was trending down in 2016.

Mrs Bethel said: “I really want to see a primary and high school curriculum that speaks to these issues, and of gender stereotypes that may make young women feel that they should have children for esteem.

“This is a part of socialisation that we have made happen so we can change it. It’s not just about young women and our capacity to bear children but about a very comprehensive approach to the integrity of our bodies, the choices of our bodies.”

Mrs Bethel said: “The question is bigger and larger than what Father Palacious is putting forward, his view is not informed in my opinion and it’s not a helpful view. It doesn’t take us to the next stage of understanding the issue of reproduction, taking care of our children, being responsible citizens, these are larger issues than the way he is framing it.”

“You must not throw out words that are inflammatory, that are not productive, that lead to a real misunderstanding of what you’re saying. Don’t start off with that,” she added, “for me that shows what you really think, but as a leader you ought to be better informed about the issues.”

Mrs Bethel is among 11 experts elected to serve on the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.

She is also the wife of Progressive Liberal Party leadership candidate and former Attorney General Alfred Sears.

Monday, January 16, 2017, PAGE 3

WOMAN FACING SEX ACHARGES TO RETURN TO COURT

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net A FRENCH-Canadian woman will return to the Magistrate’s Court today for another status hearing concerning her trial in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a minor.

Karine Gagne, 23, of Quebec, Canada, initially appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt facing a charge of unlawful sexual intercourse concerning an alleged incident on January 5 at Great Sturrup Cay with a 15-year-old boy, who cannot legally give consent to have sexual intercourse.

The matter was adjourned to Friday for a status hearing for the Canadian Consulate’s facilitation of her legal representation concerning the charge and for the accused to make contact with family.

However, when the matter was called before Magistrate Kara TurnquestDeveaux, Gagne was told that another status hearing would be fixed for Monday.

No lawyer or family had appeared for the hearing on Friday and Chief Magistrate Ferguson-Pratt was in Freeport, Grand Bahama, for the second city’s Opening of the Legal Year ceremony.

Gagne was further remanded to the Department of Correctional Services until her next Magistrate’s Court appearance.

Gagne has been charged under Section 11(1)(a) of the Sexual Offences Act, Chapter 99 which reads: “Any person who has unlawful

KARINE GAGNE, 23 of Quebec, Canada, charged with unlawful sex. sexual intercourse with any person being of or above 14 years of age and under 16 years of age, whether with or without the consent of the person with whom he had unlawful sexual intercourse is guilty of an offence and liable to imprisonment for life.”

Section four of the Act notes that sexual intercourse includes “(a) sexual connection occasioned by any degree of penetration of the vagina of any person or anus of any person, or by the stimulation of the vulva of any person or anus of any person, by or with - (i) any part of the body of another person; or (ii) any object used by another person, except where the penetration or stimulation is carried out for proper medical purposes; and (b) sexual connection occasioned by the introduction of any part of the penis of any person into the mouth of another person, and any reference in this Act to the act of having sexual intercourse includes a reference to any stage or continuation of that act.”

The accused was told that she would not be allowed to enter a plea until she is formally arraigned before a judge of the Supreme Court when the matter is forwarded to the higher court through the presentation of a Voluntary Bill of Indictment.

PAGE 4, Monday, January 16, 2017

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-

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Stark inequality: Oxfam says eight men as rich as half the world DAVOS, Switzerland (AP) — The gap between the super-rich and the poorest half of the global population is starker than previously thought, with just eight men, from Bill Gates to Michael Bloomberg, owning as much wealth as 3.6 billion people, according to an analysis by Oxfam released Monday.

Presenting its findings on the dawn of the annual gathering of the global political and business elites in the Swiss ski resort of Davos, anti-poverty organization Oxfam says the gap between the very rich and poor is far greater than just a year ago. It’s urging leaders to do more than pay lip-service to the problem.

If not, it warns, public anger against this kind of inequality will continue to grow and lead to more seismic political changes akin to last year’s election of Donald Trump as US president and Britain’s vote to leave the European Union.

“It is obscene for so much wealth to be held in the hands of so few when 1 in 10 people survive on less than $2 a day,” said Winnie Byanyima, executive director of Oxfam International, who will be attending the meeting in Davos. “Inequality is trapping hundreds of millions in poverty; it is fracturing our societies and undermining democracy.”

The same report a year earlier said that the richest 62 people on the planet owned as much wealth as the bottom half of the population. However, Oxfam has revised that figure down to eight following new information gathered by Swiss bank Credit Suisse.

Oxfam used Forbes’ billionaires list that was last published in March 2016 to make its headline claim. According to the Forbes list, Microsoft founder Gates is the richest individual with a net worth of $75 billion. The others, in order of ranking, are Amancio Ortega, the Spanish founder of fashion house Inditex, financier Warren Buffett, Mexican business magnate Carlos Slim Helu, Amazon boss Jeff Bezos, Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg, Oracle’s Larry Ellison and Bloomberg, the former mayor of New York.

Oxfam outlined measures that it hopes will be enacted to help reduce the inequality.

They include higher taxes on wealth and income to ensure a more level playing field and to fund investments in public services and jobs, greater cooperation among governments on ensuring workers are paid decently and the rich don’t dodge their taxes. And business leaders should commit to paying their fair share of taxes and a living wage to employees.

Max Lawson, Oxfam’s policy adviser, urged billionaires to “do the right thing,” and to do “what Bill Gates has called on them to do, which is pay their taxes”.

The ability of the rich to avoid paying their fair share of taxes was vividly exposed last year in the so-called “Panama Papers”, a leaked trove of data that revealed details on offshore accounts that helped individuals shelter their wealth.

“We have a situation where billionaires are paying less tax often than their cleaner or their secretary,” Lawson told The Associated Press. “That’s crazy.”

It’s because of this kind of inequality that trust in institutions has fallen sharply since the global financial crisis of 2008, according to Edelman, one of the world’s biggest marketing firms.

In its own pre-Davos survey of more than 33,000 people across 28 markets, Edelman found the largest-ever drop in trust across government, business, media and even non-governmental organizations. CEO credibility is at an all-time low and government leaders are the least trusted group, according to the survey.

The firm’s 2017 Trust Barometer found that 53 per cent of respondents believe the current system has failed them in that it is unfair and offers few hopes for the future, with only 15 per cent believing it is working. That belief was evident for both the general population and those with college education.

“The implications of the global trust crisis are deep and wide-ranging,” said Richard Edelman, the firm’s president and CEO. “It began with the Great Recession of 2008, but like the second and third waves of a tsunami, globalization and technological change have further weakened people’s trust in global institutions. The consequence is virulent populism and nationalism as the mass population has taken control away from the elites.”

Edelman highlighted how “the emergence of a media echo chamber” that reinforces personal beliefs while shutting out opposing views has magnified this “cycle of distrust.” According to the survey, search engines are trusted more as an information tool than traditional news editors, 59 per cent to 41 per cent.

“People now view media as part of the elite,” said Edelman. “The result is a proclivity for self-referential media and reliance on peers. The lack of trust in media has also given rise to the fake news phenomenon and politicians speaking directly to the masses.”

Edelman said business may be bestplaced to help improve trust. Companies need to be transparent and honest with their employees about the changes taking place in the work-place, improve skills and pay fairly, he said.

The online survey was conducted between Oct 13 and Nov 16, 2016.

By Pan Pylas of the Associated Press

Answers still needed on NHI EDITOR, The Tribune.

NHI.. Do the Civil Service - employees of all Government Agencies understand their external Health Insurance policy will be cancelled with the introduction of NHI with absolutely no compensation?

I find it totally incredible that persons employed

by Government do not understand that their private provided, paid for by Government Health Insurance, good for the whole world will be cancelled?

The value of such a policy is part of the Civil Servant’s compensation so Government is cancelling.

Is Government going to make an appropriate settlement to all Civil Servants?

So we have the magical smart card of NHI - can anyone confirm that if I

require surgery at PMH or any alternative facility in The Bahamas will that surgery be free?

Can the Health Minister confirm all Pensioners will not lose any of the concessions they have now with the introduction of NHI? Pensioners not only get free meds. Any surgeries and treatments are free.

The designers of NHI Bahamas hopefully understand there are some countries who will not issue a travel visa if you are unable to confirm you have a Health Insurance policy.

The Bahamas is exceptionally fortunate that we can travel to Europe.

With the S&P rating and seemingly requirement that Government is going to have to go on an austerity programme - cutting back on unnecessary expenses so

the estimated $100m cost of the primary Care segment of NHI can be paid for.

I am honestly tired of seeing those promotion ads on TV and none of them are seemingly telling us what we want to know and hear.

Private Health Insurance is costly but if you spread catastrophic costs amongst all who are employed the cost is pro-rated amongst a large number so the individual costs drop and we get what everyone wants - if I have a catastrophic sick someone is covering me.

Isn’t that what PM Christie started telling us NHI was all about? Remember his passionate plea for the 700 persons who die as they do not have access to care, a year.

W THOMPSON Nassau, January 6, 2017.

Jamaal Rolle is on holiday

A case of racial hypocrisy EDITOR, The Tribune.

I’M writing this letter on January 15, 2017, a day that has been set aside around the world as Sanctity of Human Life Sunday.

As I thought about the sanctity of all human life, regardless of the circumstances of their conception or the extent of their illness, I could not help but think about and reflect on Archdeacon James Palacious’ “black people breed too much” comment. I’m quite surprised that all the loud voices that lambasted Mr Richard Lightbourn for his far milder and civil comments were curiously silent about Archdeacon Palacious’ blatantly racial and misconceived comment about black people. In my view, their silence is a case of racial hypocrisy.

For those who have short memories (or no memory) of what Mr Lightbourn said, I will remind them. After pointing out that “many young women have 5 and 6 children many of whom are born out of wedlock” and “many of the fathers of those children have little involvement in the child’s upbringing either emotional or financial,” and the fact that “the laws of our country and the legal system is such that the father is not likely to be compelled to assist financially in the upbringing of the child,” Mr Lightbourn went on to say that “an FNM Government would introduce legislation which would enable a court to deduct from a father’s paycheck an amount to be paid directly to the mother of the child and in this way the father would consider carefully the consequences of having an unprotected relationship and in all likelihood reduce the number of children born in The Bahamas.”

Mr Lightbourn then said: “It is also necessary for us as a nation to consider adopting the lead of several countries in the world

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net which result in an unwed mother having her tubes tied after having more than two children which would in the end result in fewer children being born.”

Mr Lightbourn is a lawyer, so fair minded people knew that he was not proposing any programme for Bahamian women to have their tubes tied involuntarily (because the Constitution protects against women being forced to do so).

But many people publicly pounced on Mr Lightbourn and his comments.

Therefore, in view of their silence about Archdeacon Palacious’ “black people breed too much” comment, I’m left to conclude that Mr Lightbourn was attacked primarily because he is white and the women within the scope of his comments are predominantly, if not exclusively, black. It is a case of racial hypocrisy.

How can those who objected to Mr Lightbourn’s comments say nothing about Archdeacon Palacious wrongly broad-brushing the reproductive habits of black people, likening us to animals, by saying “black people breed too much”?

I was forced to look up the meaning of “breed,” and none of the dictionaries I consulted connected the verb to humans; they connected it to animals. I imagine that a dictionary from the era of the transatlantic slave trade might describe “breed” as forced sexual intercourse between slaves to produce slaves.

Archdeacon Palacious was wrong to broad-brush sexual reproduction among blacks, and he was wrong to use the word “breed” to describe it. But he is also wrong in his understanding of the problem that he addressed.

The problem in our country of people having

more children than they can afford has more to do with socio-economics than race. So it is a simplistic approach to the problem to say “black people breed too much” and verbally demean and try to shame them into having less children.

I find it ironic that Archdeacon Palacious made his infamous comment at the PLP’s Majority Rule Rally.

I believe he would have done better to decry the sad fact that after 50 years of so-called majority rule we still have communities that are steeped in a vicious cycle of poverty that produce generations of women who have too many children for too many men outside of wedlock.

And he should have decried the fact that they are, to some extent, victims of governmental neglect through poor education, governmental waste through unaccountable social welfare, and governmental abuse through laws that hurt the poor, like the legalization of webshop gambling and consumptionbased taxation, like VAT and customs duty.

As I wrote previously concerning Mr Richard Lightbourn’s comment, Archdeacon Palacious’ comment provides us with yet another great opportunity to have a national conversation about sexual conduct, the responsibility of fathers, and traditional marriage.

The truth is that we as a society need to affirm in word and deed that marriage is the only legitimate context for sexual relations and the birth of children.

If such an affirmation is broadly embraced in our country, it will make for a better and stronger Bahamas, morally and socioeconomically.

PASTOR CEDRIC MOSS Nassau, January 15, 2017.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, January 16, 2017, PAGE 5

Henfield hits out at ‘dirty politics’ of PLP pair PUBLIC INVITATION RANARD Henfield at the We March Bahamas protest.

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net WE March Bahamas lead organiser Ranard Henfield on Friday hit back at Progressive Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts and Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller, accusing both of knowing how to engage in nothing but “dirty politics, dirty fighting, insulting people (and) threatening people”.

However, Mr Henfield, on the sidelines of a symposium to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Majority Rule at the University of The Bahamas, said while he “appreciates” and “respects that that’s their role” in life, both Mr Roberts and Mr Miller represent the country’s “past” and that he and We March Bahamas will “simply ignore them and focus on what we came here to do.”

Mr Henfield also said the group has plans to stage another march, but declined to give a date lest the government “cancel a holiday or cancel Sunday or make Sunday, Monday.”

He also said the activist group will be releasing 150,000 copies of the “People’s Manifesto,” something he said the “average citizen” can use to show to potential political candidates ahead of the next general election.

Mr Henfield’s comments were in response to statements made by the veteran PLPs about the government’s planned Majority Day Rule march, and We March’s planned protest against the government on the same day.

Last week, while a guest on radio talk show “Hard Copy” with host Steve Mc-

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

Kinney, Mr Miller said that with a man like Mr Henfield there was no time for discussion, “you could only break one damn bottle upside their head.”

Mr Miller had become angered when Mr McKinney suggested that Mr Miller symbolically join hands with the activist. That was the latest of Mr Miller’s scathing criticisms of the community activist since his rise to prominence following We March’s initial protest in November. Mr Miller has also called Mr Henfield a “lost fool” who is out of his depth and needs to “wake the hell up,” and has said he is lost in a “political whirlwind where he feels powerful and thinks all those people next to him respect him.”

Meanwhile, Mr Roberts recently referred to We March Bahamas as a “rebel group” and called Mr Henfield “a confused boy.”

A few days earlier, Mr Roberts suggested that Mr Henfield “get his head examined” for insinuating that the PLP allegedly recruited “gang leaders” to “convince the streets” to march with the PLP on Majority Rule Day instead of the activist group.

“I appreciate that all they know is dirty politics, dirty fighting, insulting people, threatening people,” Mr Henfield said in response.

“I appreciate that. I respect that that’s their role, that’s what they do. That’s the past. I represent the future for this country and the way we’re going to move with respect to persons like that is simply ignore them and focus on what we came here to do.

“We came to uproot the status quo. I read an Afri-

can proverb the other day that said a young lion is not bothered by the barking of a potcake. So I’m not going to be distracted by the likes of Bradley Roberts or Leslie Miller. I’m going to maintain the focus I have, which is to uproot the status quo, put the people’s manifesto forward and return the power to the people.”

When asked about the group’s next protest, he said: “I can’t say when the next march is because based on what happened (with) the last march we don’t want them to cancel a holiday or cancel Sunday or make Sunday, Monday.

So basically we know the date, we’ll probably put that date out a week before the march, and the good thing about We March, is (it is) able to galvanise thousands of people in some 24 hours.

So we can announce that next march 24 hours out.

And the base of We March had is ready to roll. Persons have indicated from Wednesday, shirts washed up, ironed and hanging, Just waiting for the next call.

We March Bahamas first staged a massive protest on November 25, where more than 1,000 people marched from Arawak Cay to downtown Nassau. A large group of protestors also occupied Rawson Square for 12 hours as part of the demonstration against the government and the status quo.

More than 1,000 people also turned out for the group’s protest on January 10.

The Ministry of Works and Urban Development, in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank, is pleased to invite stakeholders and interested parties to attend a town hall meeting on the topic of:

Climate-resilient Coastal Management and Infrastructure Program This program will finance sustainable coastal protection infrastructurein Nassau, Central Long Island and East Grand Bahama; natural infrastructure for hazard resilience in Andros and institutional strengthening for coastal risk management. The objective is to build resilience to coastal risks (including those associated with climate change).

This project is being considered for financing by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

•Date: Monday, January 23, 2017 Place: 6:30 PM Time: East End Junior High School, Grand Bahama •Date: Wednesday, January 25, 2017 Place: St. Mary the Virgin Church, Virginia Street, Nassau Time: 6:30 PM •Date: Monday, January 30, 2017 Place: Clarence Town Community Center, Long Island Time: 6:30 PM Your presence and participation is appreciated.

PAGE 6, Monday, January 16, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

PM eager for another term from page one

Touching on details of several initiatives including airports in North Eleuthera and Exuma, plans to construct a modern care facility for children with special needs and disabilities, and multiple public/private partnership agreements that would see the construction of roadways, government buildings and other national projects, Mr Christie declared that the “work of country” would not slow due to “those that challenge our progress.”

“We in this democracy do not run away from the fact that we encourage people to know that this party does not stand in your way,” he said.

“We do not force people to be what they do not want to be. This is a party that allows the free rein of your thinking, of your reasoning and of your decision-making.”

Mr Christie, noting several of the recent stops he had made on his campaign trail, stated that he has made a point not to ask for, or request the support of those that he comes in contact with; opting instead to remind persons of the work he and his team have done.

Addressing his visit to Eleuthera on Saturday Mr Christie said: “I indicated to the audience that I was gratified that the Hon Philip Bethel came in to indicate that he didn’t understand why a son of the soil had to come (there) to the island of Eleuthera and request support.”

He continued: “Because the answer was clear to him.

Oswald Ingraham said the

PRIME Minister Perry Christie addresses the women’s branch of the PLP and supporters at party headquarters last night.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff same. I was accompanied We were in this room shar- because I am in a contest, I

by Ken Dorsett of South- ing experiences, praying, have to break away and fly ern Shores and he said the hoping, committing our- to another part of the Bahaselves to the development mas; I am not going to tell same.

“We also had the young- of our country and the up- them where because yesterest member of our frater- liftment of our people. day they sent some people “We formed a partner- to my meeting. nity in Parliament, Dion Smith and he said the same. ship. Now on the eve of go“But I will fly to another Danny (Johnson) who was ing to convention to signal part of the Bahamas to precoordinating the campaign to the country how very sent myself to the people said the same and Damian strong we are, we have to there before they come to (Gomez) who was present pause and give you another convention, to by way of opportunity to determine courtesy let them know that said the same.

“But I told them that I how you want to present; to this is me.” wouldn’t want to have to determine whether or not Mr Christie, 73, said deask any of them to support you want - you know the spite his age, a factor that me, but I am coming by rest,” Mr Christie said. his been debated heav“Tomorrow morning we ily during the government’s way of courtesy to let them fly to Bimini and take a boat current term, he is enerknow, that this me.

“You know over the years to a place called Ocean Cay gised and ready to extend that I stood with you, all and we put some shovels in the work orchestrated by through the winter months the ground to signal that his administration. of opposition, all through to construction will start there “They ask us, where do the mountain top of victory. on a new development. But you get the energy from?

They asked me, where do you get the energy from? I tell them, that after Monday night, Tuesday morning I will be making another important speech to the government, I then go to hold the Cabinet and Tuesday evening I go to another place in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas because that is the only time I am going to be able to get there to say to the people, ‘this is me.’

“And as I move around, everyone should know, unmistakably know, that I am not so much preparing for any contest at the convention, I am preparing for the next general election.

“I will do that, hopefully in most of the areas where people will come whilst I am managing the government, and so, Monday after speaking in this island where I will be in three different places (in this) big island, we are going to come back here for our candidates committee where we are going to interview one significant personality who is vying to contest a seat in the next general election.

“We are doing this so when the council meets on the 19th, we are coming in here for a short period to let you know that even the leader will be ratified that night.

“So the leader and deputy leader will be ratified on that night along with others and because of the nature of that event we are going to have a stage outside so that the those who would come out in support of us, in support of the party, to demonstrate that this is the party of strength, this is the party of unity, this is the party of heritage.”

Mr Christie, delighting in the jubilant celebration of

the crowd gathered at PLP’s Farrington Road headquarters, sent out a clarion call to party supporters across the Bahamas, insisting that the time of battle was now.

He said his government had invested too much energy, creativity and introduced new policy innovations to modernise the country for them to “squander” the opportunity to win the next general election and go on to serve the best interest of the people.

He added: “Many times when some of my colleagues begin to bitch and complain, I ask them, I say suppose you were me?”

Making note of the vicious criticism he has faced during this current term he said: “They curse me everyday. And when they get tired of cursing me, they curse my wife and my daughter; my children. Listen, they even cursed Adam (Mr Christie’s autistic son) and Adam can’t even hurt a fly.

“But this is what it is all about, you have a leader with big shoulders. One who understands governance in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and one who wears his integrity right out in the open.

“This is now the time.”

Last Thursday the PLP announced that it would complete its candidate ratifications ahead of the party’s national three-day convention slated for January 24 to 26.

Labour Minister Shane Gibson, who is also convention chairman, said that lingering questions on various national issues, including Baha Mar, will be discussed at the highly anticipated event.

RECRUITMENT STARTS TODAY FOR BAHA MAR VACANCIES from page one

Mr Sands said the resort

is looking for persons with a good attitude, who are ready to be trained.

“The process begins to-

morrow (Monday),” Mr Sands said.

“Basically, we will be launching the whole re-

cruitment process and everyone will have to apply online. The website will be going live. It is a fairly easy process. We will be initially looking at jobs for the golf course, the casino, the convention centre and the casino hotel but if you are not in those fields you should still apply, but those will be the jobs that are filled first.

So initially 1,500 persons will be hired for our April 21 proposed opening date but thousands more will be hired after that.”

In an interview with Tribune Business last week, Mr Sands said Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE), the resort’s new owner, is dedicat-

ed to the success and timely opening of Baha Mar and CTFE was “very optimistic” that the April 21 opening date will be hit.

Last month, Prime Minister Perry Christie said CTFE “is arranging for operation by the Grand Hyatt of the casino and convention hotels and of other properties by SLS and Rosewood, all internationally renowned brands, beginning with a phased opening in the second quarter of 2017.

“The hirings are to facilitate the phased opening of 1,800 rooms at the conference and casino hotel, the casino, convention centre

and golf course, and employment of up to 3,300

by August 2017, and 4,300

by December 2017, when all components have been completed and opened,” the prime minister said.

CTFE will invest $200 million in “pre-opening festivities, development of family amenities, entertainment and offshore island facilities and demolition and redevelopment of the former Crystal Palace Hotel,” Mr Christie said.

“With these additional investments completed, the project will have created 5,700 new direct jobs and an additional 4,160 indirect and inducted jobs.”

the stories behind the news

MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017

insight@tribunemedia.net

Real investment in people An object lesson in unlocking potential and banishing fear of failure

at a company, I got a salary and then I quit and I decided to open my own company and have a startup and I raised money and I had to close after a year because it wasn’t good enough, she would say ‘ok, what is your next idea’. It is very common, very accepted, and CEO’s of startups proudly tell how they failed.

“There is a big startup in Tel Aviv called Wix. It started very small and the CEO will tell you, when ever he speaks, he tells the story on how his first idea failed horribly and the second time it was awful and he went bankrupt and his wife divorced him and the third startup was Wix and now he is a billionaire. So he is very happy that he could fail

Sancheska Dorsett finds the Bahamas has much to learn when it comes to progressive entrepreneurial spirit after her visit to Israel

I

had no idea what to expect when I headed to Israel last month.

Of course, I relished the opportunity and was excited to experience a new culture, but with each new experience comes the apprehension of facing the unknown. That fear was compounded by hordes of negative comments when I told friends and family I was headed to the Holy land.

Some of these comments included (but were not limited to): “be safe, don’t get blown up” and - my personal favourite - “Girl, you know they in war?”

Nonetheless, apprehension aside, I packed my bags and dived headfirst into one of the greatest experiences of my life. After five intense days and my own gonzo journalism experience with other media professionals from the Caribbean, my perception of Jerusalem (old and new), Tel Aviv, Nazareth and my view of the “Birthplace of Christ” completely changed. While the threat of being caught between the crossfire of one of the many countries that oppose Israel never really leaves your thoughts, it was almost always overpowered by the culture, the technological progression and the demeanour of the people of one of the most progressive countries I have ever visited.

The Bahamas is beautiful.

For a small island nation independent for 43 years and with a population of just under 350,000, we have come a very long way. However, after visiting a place that has more startups per capita than any other country in the world and attracts more venture capital firms per person than anywhere on the planet, you realise how much further our little archipelago has to go. To get there, there is a lot we can learn from Israel.

At time it seems as if we have forgotten who we are, where we came from and the potential that lies within every Bahamian. Tourism is our number one industry and we have been flourishing for decades due to our natural resources. We have mastered “service” so much so that most of the jobs available to our people are either in or directly related to tourism. With a heavy investment in one area, that means if tourism fails our economy fails. However, there are ways we can guard against this by diversifying

our portfolio.

The first lesson we can learn from Israel: how to invest in your people.

Israel has the highest concentration of startups outside Silicon Valley, USA, and the government’s focus on creating a culture of innovation has been integral in establishing a vibrant ecosystem for startups to thrive.

In Tel Aviv, I visited a coworking area called “The Library”. Mira Marcus, International Press Director at the Tel Aviv Municipality and our tour guide for the day, explained the purpose of the building and the genesis of the name. The building used to be a public library but suffered from a lack of use. However, an investment from City Hall led to its refurbishment.

Most of the books were removed (some kept for aesthetics) and an open space was created, with up to 60 workplaces for entrepreneurs to develop Internet startups and technologically advanced companies. In addition, The Library hosts networking events, meetings and professional infrastructure for young technological visionaries.

The biggest requirement are that startups become involved in some aspect of civic innovation, whether it’s focusing on improving city services or urban quality of life. That’s it: the lone stipulation. For about $76 a month, entrepreneurs have unlimited access to work spaces as their ideas move from dreams to reality. rs Marcus explained that at the core of the Israeli innovation policy is the Chief Scientist’s matching grants programme.

Through this initiative, firms submit research and development proposals to the Chief Scientist, and grants are awarded on a competitive basis, with between 66 per cent and 90 per cent of the research costs covered.

“For companies, if they (the government) believes that they are good companies in an aspect of good technology and they have a good team, good potential good market, they will loan you back and you pay it back just from profit,” she said. “So the government takes a risk and it helps young companies have seed money. The maximum they will do is match money you bring from other sources because the government

M

Israel has the most internet startups per capita in the world.

The Tel Aviv skyline is testament to Israel’s modernisitc approach.

The Library in Tel Aviv has been reinvented as a space for entrepreneurs to develop internet start ups and network.

will never take the full risk but It is very helpful.”

Mrs Marcus also said she believes Israel’s compulsory military service is one of the reasons there are lots of successful businesses thriving in the country because the military not only provides early training in sophisticated technologies but it also teaches responsibly and courage.

“There is a mandatory service in Israel for men and for women. So first of all, a lot of men and women go into the army and get technological knowledge. They work in intelligence and get knowledge they could never get anywhere else. Secondly you gain an extreme amount of courage form going into the army,” she said.

“I was only 18 when I went into the army and I was on the bomb squad. I taught my soldiers how to take apart bombs. So here I am, 18, and I have the responsibility of the lives of my soldiers in my hands and I need to tell them over the radio if it’s the red wire or the black wire ... by the way it’s always the red wire ... but think how much I grew up and what a responsibility

I had. The lives of people were in my hands. So when you come out of the army after doing that, you are capable of everything. I can invent anything, I can begin a startup and you think that you are invincible. So that’s the army side of the reason why these phenomena of startups are taking over.”

Mrs Marcus also said that the country’s “acceptance of failure” makes it easy for

people to start their own companies because persistence and perseverance have become culturally ingrained in all aspects of society.

“It is very accepted in Tel Aviv to fail. There are a lot of societies, say Japan, that if you fail, you leave face and it’s a shame. Here it’s very very accepted,” she explained. “If I sit with my aunt and I tell her I worked

“Can you imagine if our government invested in us? I mean really invested in us? Gave us working space, capital and believed we could be involved in more than just the hospitality industry? The potential for success is endless.” twice in order to get to Wix and be successful.”

Can you imagine if our government invested in us?

I mean really invested in us? Gave us working space, capital and believed we could be involved in more than just the hospitality industry?

The potential for success is endless. By the way, Tel Aviv has a population of around 400,000. So, if they can do it, why can’t we?

If you needed proof of the the power of entrepreneurship created in Israel, Google this list of powerful companies: Wix, Pixie, ZUtAlabs, Zebra, Vroom, Mobileye, Vyber, Waze and Gett. All multimillion dollar companies, all started in Israel.

NEXT WEEK: why I think the Bahamas needs a similar model to Israel’s compulsory military service and the amazing benefits it can have for our little country.

• Comments and responses to sdorsett@ tribunemedia.net

PAGE 8 MONDAY, January 16, 2016

Email: insight@tribunemedia.net

The end of ‘wet foot-dry foot’ is a parting gift - for whom?

World View

Tomas Regalado, the Mayor of Miami - long a hot bed for Cuban exiles - has described as a “parting gift” the decision of the waning Obama administration to end the United States’ ‘wet foot-dry foot’ policy toward Cubans seeking entry to the country. The question is: a parting gift to whom?

President Obama announced the decision last Wednesday in a three-paragraph statement on Cuban Immigration Policy.

Regalado believes the decision is a parting gift to Raul Castro, the Cuban President, with whom Barack Obama worked last year to establish diplomatic relations between their two countries after more than five decades of tension and hostility. But, in reality, the decision is more a parting gift to the United States - one in keeping with the policies on immigration that President-elect Donald Trump pledged, during the Presidential election campaign, to put in place.

The gift to the US is that it will no longer be taking in, without question, any number or type of Cubans who manage to land on US soil. Over the years since 1995, when President Bill Clinton put the ‘wet foot-dry’ policy in place, hundreds of thousands of Cubans have jumped into anything that could float in order to reach US shores in the certainty that once they got there, they would become US citizens within a year. That persistent migra-

By SIR RONALD SANDERS tion of a large numbers of people has put a strain on the US to absorb them.

The strain was worse before Clinton established the policy. Prior to 1995, Cubans on boats at sea were picked up by American vessels and carried to the US where they were immediately given residence.

In the previous year, over 35,000 Cubans were taken off rafts and brought to US shores. It was in response to that strain that Clinton introduced the policy that stopped automatic entry for Cubans who did not actually reach US soil.

In four years since October 2012, more than 118,000 Cubans landed at ports of entry along the US border. During the 2016 budget year, which ended in September, Homeland Security reports that more than 41,500 people came through the southern border. Another 7,000 arrived between October and November.

And it is not the US alone for whom this migration caused problems. In recent months Cubans trying to get to the US have travelled through at least nine coun-

tries - Ecuador, Colombia, The Bahamas, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico. These countries have been under pressure to handle the migrants gathered at their borders.

If the decision to end the ‘wet foot-dry foot’ policy is a “parting gift” by Obama, it is far more a gift to the US and the beleaguered countries struggling to cope with the migrants than it is to Raul Castro.

The US will no longer have to deal with the arrival of unpredictable numbers of Cuban immigrants who turn up with full entitlement to the benefits of residence and citizenship paid for by US taxpayers.

In the case of Castro, his government will now have to manage a population whose needs have to be satisfied. The ease on the government’s resources that was provided by those who left for the US is no more. This is hardly a ‘parting gift’ to Castro; it is more in the nature of a poisoned chalice.

It is true that the Cuban government has com-

“The Cuban government has complained repeatedly that the ‘wet foot-dry-foot’ policy has encouraged gifted professionals to leave, depriving the country of their skills, but is also true that many who left were unskilled labourers.” plained repeatedly that the ‘wet foot-dry-foot’ policy has encouraged gifted professionals to leave, depriving the country of their skills, but is also true that many who left were unskilled labourers.

More tellingly for the Castro government is that the end of the policy will remove the embarrassment of people risking their lives to leave Cuba - a blot on the reputation of the government which rightly boasts that it has an enviable record in education and health. Not surprisingly, simultaneously with President Obama’s announcement, the Cuban govern-

ment also proclaimed the policy change calling it “an important step” in resolving illegal migration and bringing to an end “special treatment” for those fleeing illegally.

Cuban detractors in the US - more particularly the Cuban-American community - claim that Cubans seek to flee Cuba because of political oppression and persecution. In fact, while that claim might apply to some politically active persons, the reality is that, like many other refugees from around the world, Cubans have been leaving to find better economic opportunities. And the US has of-

fered itself as a magnet for such opportunities ever since it started the economic embargo on Cuba.

Indeed, had it not been for the five-decade long embargo, Cuba might have been better developed today and its economy much stronger.

With a stronger economy integrated into the global network and having to respond to the demands of liberalisation and competition - the tight political hold on the country might have loosened.

In any event, the end of the ‘wet foot-dry foot’ policy is a further step in the normalisation of relations between the US and Cuba.

That is a good thing for both countries, notwithstanding the anger and rancour that will be loudly vocalised in the coming days and weeks by the Cuban-American community. It is also a good thing for the Caribbean region, which would benefit from the easing of tension between the US and Cuba and the economic opportunities that could flow from it.

• 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 at Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are his own. Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com

Britain faces difficult balancing act over EU exit ARRIVING back in The Bahamas after a pleasurable Christmas and New Year trip home to England gives a timely opportunity to reflect on ‘Brexit’ since the subject of Britain’s impending departure from the European Union (EU) following last June’s referendum came up for discussion wherever my wife and I went.

It has become a modern political phenomenon about which everybody has a view and which has divided not only the nation as a whole but even caused rifts in families and amongst friends.

With both our sons voting to leave, and evidence of other young people doing likewise (including a cerebral and well-informed niece), it is clear that it was not only, as claimed, the older generation who opted for ‘Brexit’. A discussion with a farmer godson about replacement of EU agricultural subsidies was revealing, as was being lectured by a young banker about the need to protect, postBrexit, the UK’s vibrant financial services sector.

The fact that the referendum result was relatively close - 52 per cent voting to leave and 48 per cent to remain, with more than 30

Peter Young finds Britain’s future with Europe top of the agenda after a holiday in England million people participating - has made the outcome all the more controversial, so a fierce domestic debate continues about how the result should be implemented. But what is already clear is that Prime Minister Theresa May’s government will honour the wishes of the majority by triggering Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty (the formal procedure for quitting the EU) by the end of March.

By common consent, the process of Britain’s disengagement from more than 40 years of EU membership will involve the most complex and demanding negotiation of a generation.

The immediate debate has now largely boiled down to a choice between a hard or soft exit, which essentially is taken to mean complete withdrawal or retaining full access to the EU single market which, in turn, requires adherence to the four EU

freedoms of the movement of goods, capital, services and people. The latter is a major sticking point for the UK because the key message from the referendum was public concern about continuing uncontrolled immigration from within the EU. In her first television interview of 2017, Mrs May made it clear that the UK was leaving the EU and should not attempt ‘to keep bits’ of its membership. Rather than viewing the issue as a choice between hard and soft, the government intended to seek the best possible deal for the nation in establishing - from a position of strength given the existing bilateral trade imbalance in the EU’s favour - a new relationship with the bloc from outside it. This would mean, ideally, continuing to operate within the single market and strengthening

Theresa May is expected to outline details of the UK’s exit from Europe this week. co-operation in other areas but immigration had to be controlled. Despite her reluctance so far to reveal the government’s negotiating strategy - and accusations by her ambassador in Brussels (subsequently retired) of ‘muddled thinking’ - this may now be clarified publicly as early as this week.

Meanwhile, the British economy is booming, with the stock market at a record high and a lower pound sterling boosting exports. New investment has been announced by companies like Siemens, Nissan, Google and, most recently, the USbased messaging and social media firm Snapchat which is planning to establish headquarters in London.

Sixty per cent of business leaders polled by the Institute of Directors in December were optimistic about business prospects during the coming year while for-

mer governor of the Bank of England Sir Mervyn King has called for Britain to leave the single market and customs union in order to be able to embrace the opportunity of new trade deals with, for example, the US, China and major Commonwealth countries.

All this makes a mockery of the pre-referendum predictions of economic gloom and doom by the previous government, the Bank of England and bodies like the International Monetary Fund, not to mention the ill-judged intervention by President Obama. Some economists are now admitting that their analyses were simply wrong. However, what foreign commentators, in particular, have failed to grasp is that a fundamental issue in the referendum, apart from trade and the economy, was whether to put an end to

the supremacy of EU law and thus prevent further curtailment of the Westminster parliament’s capacity to legislate - put simply, whether Britain should continue to be bound by laws and regulations emanating from Brussels or return to being a democratic, selfgoverning country while co-operating as much as possible in other ways with neighbouring EU countries to their mutual benefit.

Furthermore, the referendum sent a clear message that, after the government of the day chose earlier not to sign up to the eurozone single currency or the Schengen agreement on open borders, the British public rejected the notion of ‘ever-closer union’ towards an EU federal superstate and the dismantling of the nation-state.

The promised revelation of the government’s ‘Brexit’ strategy will be a hugely significant next step. The fervent hope of so many is that Mrs May will not only ensure that the clear wish of the majority ‘Leavers’ prevails but also that, in seeking to heal divisions over ‘Brexit’, her government will try to find a way of accommodating, to the extent possible, the views of the ‘Remainers’ - surely a difficult balancing act but an important one since respecting the views of the minority is a central premise of democracy.

• Peter Young is a retired British diplomat living in Nassau. From 1996 to 2000 he was British High Commissioner to The Bahamas.

MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2016 PAGE 9

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

The role of police in general elections

Former Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Thompson explains why officers must not allow personal political preferences or associations to affect their professional duty

W

ITH the approach of a general election, it is important for police officers to re-acquaint themselves with the law governing parliamentary polling.

The ethics of their profession must be uppermost in their minds when tackling problems and dealing with information or complaints.

But familiarity with the election laws will enable officers to make decisions with confidence.

At the Police College, officers are taught the value of courtesy, tact, impartiality, truthfulness, sobriety and appearance, among other attributes. A high standard of discipline is required in order to maintain public trust in the police service.

The outstanding reputation of the Royal Bahamas Police Force must be upheld. Officers must be aware that when they receive information about a suspicious activity affecting a parliamentary election, they should apply their training to ensure that disruptions are minimised and those responsible are brought to account.

Investigations must be thorough and miscreants must be dealt with fairly and promptly. Police officers should not attempt to restrict or abuse the democratic rights of citizens.

Rather, they are there to protect the freedoms many of us take for granted.

We are all aware, however, that there are some individuals and groups who are capable of attacking the constitutional freedoms that form the basis of our society. Killers, terrorists, manipulators, intimidators, conspirators and their sympathisers - these are the people who purposely initiate violence or engage in fraudulent activity for their

A CROWD at a PLP rally during the 2012 election campaign.

own self-interest or the in- large number of offences, including voter registration terest of their paymasters.

Our laws are formulated issues, voting rights issues, to give police the author- candidate nomination isity to engage with groups sues, bribery, prohibition of and individuals to protect liquor sales and ballot box our fundamental rights and security. Those detectives freedoms and prevent the selected for election duty strong or the wicked from had to become fully contaking advantage of the versant with the laws and regulations governing elecweak and vulnerable.

The police officer differs tions, as well as the rules of from the ordinary citizen evidence and policy policy in that he is professionally issues.

The Commissioner of Potrained and provided with the legal authority to engage lice would always arrange for a senior ofin searches, seificers seminar, zures and ar- ‘From all with participarests - including tion from the the use of force accounts, there when needed. could be a lot of Parliamentary And the Oath of money involved Registrar’s Office. At these Office commits the police of- in the upcoming seminars, police officers discuss ficer to protect general the weak and elections. It must the importance of elections in a vulnerable. not be allowed democratic soThroughout ciety, the role of my service in to corrupt the the Parliamenthe Criminal In- democratic tary Registry vestigation Deand the contents partment (CID) process.’ of the Elections from 1951 to Act, among oth1976, there was a policy that, when an elec- er matters.

Shortly before the 2012 tion approached, special personnel would be select- general election, a Memed to deal with contraven- ber of Parliament made a tions of the Parliamentary statement which resulted in a newspaper headline that Elections Act. This Act incorporates a the police were to probe opposition political parties.

Paul Thompson is the quintessential policeman. His But it was unfair for the MP career spanned the modern development of The Bahato say that a special unit had mas - from colonial times to the challenges of nationbeen appointed for the sole hood. purpose of investigating the Born in a small farming village in Trinidad, he was campaign practices of two recruited by the Royal Bahamas Police Force in 1951. specific parties. There is no He spent most of his time on the force in the Criminal reason to believe that police Investigation Department, retiring in 1981 as an Assispersonnel would have been tant Commissioner. assigned to dabble in poliHe then began a second career as head of security for tics in such a way. the Paradise Island Resort & Casino, returning to the During my career I recall police force as a civilian training officer in 1998, and in being involved in at least 2002 was appointed general manager of Wemco Secutwo investigations related rity. to election bribery. One in Five years later, he set up his own security company Abaco led to the arrest and - Paul Thompson & Associates. Now in his 80s, he reprosecution of United Bamains active in security work. hamian Party (UBP) can-

didate Frank Christie, who was later acquitted by the Supreme Court after a nocase-to-answer plea by his attorney - Eugene Dupuch.

The second involved a complaint made by Progressive Liberal Party candidate Sammy Isaacs against Sir Roland Symonette, the UBP leader. However, we could not come up with any conclusive evidence so the case was dropped.

In more recent elections I am aware of individuals who were arrested holding blank ballots, although I do not recall any actual charges being filed.

I do recall being commended by my superior at CID - Supt Frank Russell for the performance of our election unit. Apparently, someone had complained to him that we were harassing constituents about bribes. He viewed that as a positive thing.

In the upcoming 2017 general election Bahamian police officers must be vigilant and react immediately to any suspicious activity or information received from poll observers. The general public must do the same.

From all accounts, there could be a lot of money

involved in this election. It must not be allowed to corrupt the democratic process.

In particular, the police must not allow personal political preferences or associations to affect their professional duty. The reputation of our police force remains untainted. It has been tested before and will be tested in the upcoming general elections. Let us remember with pride those who served with honour.

Comments and responses to insight@tribunemedia. net

PAGE 10 MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2016

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

THIS WEEK IN THE TRIBUNE

GAIN AN EDGE

Tuesday

Woman and Health weekly advice on taking care of your mind and body and women making waves in The Bahamas Plus comment from Nicole Burrows and sporting mischief and mayhem with Inigo “Naughty” Zenicazelaya Wednesday Tribune Tech - a weekly look at what’s new in the world of technology Larry Smith’s forthright Tough Call column returns after the Christmas and New Year break Thursday Obituaries and Religion, a weekly review Sports - The Tribune’s ‘experts’ pick their NFL championship games 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

A NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

GAIN AN E

A NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON HIG

A university degree in the comfort of home The best of all worlds is now available to students righton their doorstep, says the University of The Bahamas

November 10, 2016, was a landmark day in the history of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. It was what is known in educational circles as “a Red Letter Day” as the College of The Bahamas transitioned to university status.

Giving the keynote address at the Charter Ceremony for the University of The Bahamas (UB), Prime Minister Perry Christie emphasised the value of a national university and the benefits not only to the student in the classroom but to the country at large.

“A national university helps to shape national identity … What you teach, research, lecture on and discuss here at the University of The Bahamas will help determine, in no small way, the destiny of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas of the future,” Mr Christie said. “Our students must leave the University with the confidence that they can create something, take advantage of opportunities, become specialist professionals or entrepreneurs, enter the national stage as political or business leaders - or for that matter all of the above.”

Upon high school graduation, students intending to pursue tertiary education now have several options: they can study at home, online or abroad. Yet, many students are rediscovering that it truly is “Better in The Bahamas” and deciding to stay at home to pursue higher education and attain their degree or certification.

Today’s commencement ceremonies have more Bachelor degree recipients than any other level of study.

Students at home are able to focus on areas germane to the natural ecosystem of The Bahamas through the small island sustainability, marine biology or the maritime industry in addition to the numerous other degree programmes offered.

Students can keep in touch with family and loved ones easily and will soon have the option to live on campus. The 1,000-bed residential facility to be constructed on the Oakes Field Campus will house a cafeteria, fitness centre, swimming pool, study rooms, additional classrooms, retail spaces, a ballroom and parking deck.

Residential facilities cre-

STUDENTS on campus at the University of The Bahamas. ate safe spaces for students students. “In this age of gloto give focused attention balisation and the shrinking while they live, work and of physical borders resultstudy in comfortable and ing from the pervasiveness of the Internet, the ability safe environment.

In addition to the rich to understand different culcampus life experiences of- tures coupled with a facilfered through various clubs, ity to interact with diverse sports, intramural and rec- groups is critical to survival reational activities, students in the 21st century and bestudying at home can also yond. Study abroad is a vetake advantage of study hicle through which these abroad experiences. Semes- skills are cultivated,” she ters of study at an overseas says.

Deneesha Williams, a university allow students to earn college credits towards UB student, was afforded their academic programme. the opportunity to study Meanwhile, they discover a in Mexico to learn Spandifferent culture, language ish and to be immersed in the Mexican culture. She and perspective.

Veteran educator, Asso- summed up her expericiate Professor Dr Pandora ence as being “maravillosa” Johnson, strongly believes (marvellous in English). in the value of an interna- “My courses were very extional study abroad expe- citing. My classes were very rience and the role cross- small. There were three to cultural learning has for four persons in a class, so I

was able to get the attention that I needed and they work with you in terms of where you are at. The places in Mexico are just breathtaking, the culture is just amazing,” she says.

With the possibility of receiving an affordable, stellar education in the comfort of home as well as unique experiences for study abroad, students can truly have the best of both worlds.

“Gain An Edge” is a weekly collaboration of the Lyford Cay Foundations, Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute and the College of The Bahamas aimed at promoting a national dialogue on higher education. To share your thoughts, email gainanedge@tribunemedia.net.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, January 16, 2017, PAGE 11

Save The Bays ‘baffled’ by police chief’s comments FRED Smith, president of the Grand Bahama Human Rights Association, has expressed regret over recent comments by Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade over the stalled investigation into allegations of threats against members of the environmental group Save The Bays.

Mr Smith, QC, said the GBHRA has always supported the “crucial and valiant” work of police and has lauded Commissioner Ellison Greenslade “in particular as an exemplary defender of fairness and justice throughout his distinguished career”.

In view of this, he said the group is baffled and dismayed at the commissioner’s comments over the halted investigation.

“In suggesting the investigation has stalled because no one filed a complaint

against Livingston Bullard or Wisler Davilma, the commissioner has displayed a clear misapprehension about the fundamental nature of this matter,” Mr Smith said in a statement.

“The fact is, Bullard and Davilma are whistleblowers, not perpetrators. STB members have no complaint to make against these men.

The complaints have always been against Peter Nygard and Keod Smith who, it is alleged in official court documents, hired Bullard and Davilma to harm or kill Save the Bay (STB) members. Nygard and Smith have been named in repeated official complaints and are the subject of a wealth of detailed evidence in the possession of the police, yet officers have apparently failed to interview or question these individuals in any way.

“Members of STB have never sought to ‘duck’ or

avoid the police,” Mr Smith added. “As outlined clearly in my open letter of October 23, 2016, the affected parties stand ready and willing to meet with the commissioner in order to deal with ‘any questions the police may have … thoroughly and comprehensively.’ I have received no response to this letter to date.

“The police only ever sought to interview STB members after they reported certain urgent and very recent threats to the InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).

All earlier attempts to harass, intimidate or harm STB members were not investigated in any way, as far as we can tell – this despite repeated official complaints made to police dating back to February 2015. It would seem that the police only became interested in talking to the affected parties

after international scrutiny was brought to bear on the matter. Perhaps if STB’s complaints had been taken seriously in the first place, the (alleged) murder-forhire plot and subsequent threats might have been prevented.”

Mr Smith added that the investigation into the alleged murder plot against certain STB members dates back to March 2016 and official complaints by STB members to police go back to February 2015.

He said the failure of police to interview those affected over the past few months, regarding new and totally separate threats, cannot be used to explain why those earlier investigations have stalled.

“Over the past few years, STB members have been subjected to a vicious and unrelenting hate campaign on social media,” Mr Smith

said. “The RBPF has taken action against several individuals for threatening social media behaviour, yet has allowed STB’s attackers to continue unchecked.

I would respectfully ask the commissioner to explain why only certain people are allowed to savage names and reputations of individuals with impunity.”

He said the GBHRA and STB remain and are prepared to meet with the police chief at his convenience.

Last week, the commissioner said the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s investigation into allegations that Lyford Cay resident Peter Nygard orchestrated a murderous plot against his billionaire neighbour Louis Bacon and Mr Smith, “is not going anywhere.”

Although the allegations were contained in the hundreds of pages of affidavits

filed by directors of Save the Bays last March, those making the claims never made an official complaint with the RBPF, the police chief said.

Commissioner Greenslade said: “When we attempt to see them, they duck us. I directed my chief of detectives to see an alleged complainant and we can’t find him. We come through the front door he goes through the back.

This is true. We’re playing games. If you have a complaint, members of the public and you report it we will take a statement from you. If your statement is erroneous there’s a charge for it. And that is maybe why some people don’t give a complaint because if we write it down and you lie we gon’ charge you. If I write it down and you’re found to be lying we will charge you.”

BOWE QUITS DNA OVER PARTY’S PICK OF LINCOLN BAIN from page one

Mr Bowe, ratified by the DNA in November, said his contention with Mr Bain allegedly stemmed from a failed investment opportunity of which he claimed the two were a part in the past, calling Mr Bain’s character and actions at that time “unbecoming.”

In response to the claims, which were published on The Tribune’s website on Friday, Mr Bain said yesterday that he plans to pursue a defamation lawsuit against Mr Bowe. He insisted if the engineer had a viable case against him, he would have pursued legal action a long time ago.

Mr Bain slammed his former business associate as a troublemaker, contending that the allegations against him were meritless and done with the sole intent of misleading the public on the circumstances surrounding their “issue.”

Mr Bain, host of the 94.9 FM radio show “Real Talk Reloaded,” claimed Mr Bowe has always refused to pursue a legal resolution over the matter because he knows his claims are “baseless and selfishly motivated on all fronts.”

According to the talk

LINCOLN BAIN show host, the issue between the two stems from the folding of their civic organisation, the ‘Justice League’ which stood in opposition to several operations within various communities throughout New Providence.

The group’s strongest action came during a 2010 land dispute in the Pinewood Gardens community, which saw challenge of the deed title to nearly 70 homes in the area by Arawak Homes.

Mr Bain, ratified by the DNA for Pinewood last Wednesday, said shortly after a push to aid in the protection of these homes by the ‘Justice League’, Mr

Bowe for whatever reason got cold feet and withdrew his support for the action being taken.

“He made cases against me in a business we were both a part of,” Mr Bain claimed. “Those matters were looked into and put to rest by the relevant authorities. At that time, if he wasn’t satisfied, he could have taken it further but he didn’t.”

On Friday, Mr Bowe confirmed that he has submitted his letter of resignation to party officials.

He told The Tribune that he, along with several other persons allegedly lost out on a deal with Mr Bain in the past, and as a result,

made it known that if Mr Bain was ratified by the Free National Movement or any political party, he and members of that group would show up and campaign against him.

“I cannot be on a platform with a person like that,” Mr Bowe said on Friday. “It is hard for me to be a DNA if he is a DNA candidate because I know what he represents and I cannot stand for it or with him.

“And it hurts me to say this because I was so excited about what the DNA was doing for this country. But this, it ruins all of that positive work because I know what this man stands for.

He doesn’t represent the accounting, accountability and transparency model we need moving forward.”

Mr Bowe told The Tribune that he was unaware that the DNA was considering Mr Bain as a candidate before he was ratified last week.

He said he only became aware of the move during Wednesday night’s ceremony that saw Mr Bain officially ratified.

“When (Mr Bain) entered the bus I asked several party officers what was his reason for being there.

No one could say, so I asked the chairman directly and

he informed me of the party’s decision. I left shortly after.”

Mr Bowe alleged that Mr Bain had “betrayed our trust,” referring to himself and two others involved in the deal.

“My mother always told us when we were young; had the crows not been found, we would have all been safe and sound. That means you would never find me in bad company,” he added.

In response to those claims, Mr Bain on Sunday said: “Any right thinking person could see, if Mr Bowe had an issue he should have taken it to the courts. Instead, he has opted to do something he is very known for doing, running off in the press when he doesn’t get his way.

“These kinds of actions are Ethric Bowe’s track record. He has a history of making a stink in situations where he can’t get his way. I will be suing (Mr Bowe) because of his comments.

“I am shocked that this has reached this point. This could have been resolved to a point of his liking years ago, but he wants to go this route,” Mr Bain said.

“But I cannot let Ethric stop what we are trying to do in Pinewood. I cannot focus on Mr Bowe, I have

to remain focused on the relief we need in Pinewood.

The people of Pinewood have tried the PLP and the FNM, still no resolution.

Now, with the help of my community, Pinewood is looking to represent itself. I am from there. I know what it is like to struggle there, to walk through floodwaters; we need to correct all of this. Now we are working towards that and we cannot let anyone deviate that plan.”

In a statement released by the DNA on Friday, the party said it had accepted Mr Bowe’s resignation, stating that he had “regrettably made the decision not to run in the upcoming general election for personal reasons.”

The party noted that as a candidate, and a nationalist, Mr Bowe had proven himself an asset to the organisation.

The statement read: “He has made invaluable contributions to the party and our plans for the Bahamian people. His input and insights have been a tremendous resource to the DNA and have been greatly appreciated.”

Mr Bain was ratified by the DNA months after the Free National Movement overlooked him for the Pinewood nomination.

NEYMOUR UPSET AS FNM CHOOSE ALTERNATIVE FOR EXUMA RACE from page one

when one FNM executive suggested that Exuma did not want Mr Neymour and the party’s supposed chosen candidate, Navarro Bowe, had the support of Exuma residents despite Mr Bowe reportedly receiving significantly fewer votes than Mr Neymour during a vote of the executive council in Exuma.

In response, Mr Neymour said that he had the “largest family in Exuma” and threatened to withdraw his support, as well as his family’s, from the FNM. “This is how you publicly speak of an Exumian who has probably the largest voting family in Exuma?

Former FNM MP, former FNM Cabinet minister?

Hmmm, I will have a lot to say on what you call lies, someone will need a good lawyer. The majority of the Exuma FNM executives voted for me,” Mr Ney-

mour’s post read.

“That is a fact and is public knowledge in Exuma.

No driftwood can tell a man born in Exuma to leave Exuma. But I do see that you are open to me leaving and withdrawing the support of my family and I. “I will inform my family of the position of an executive member of the FNM Exuma association. For the record, you know I have the largest family in Exuma. “... The people from Exuma know the truth. Stay tuned,” he wrote.

When contacted for comment yesterday, Mr Neymour said he was simply defending himself “against an attack by FNM executives.”

When asked if was promised by FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis that he would be the party’s candidate in Exuma, Mr Neymour said he was asked by Dr Minnis not to publicly comment on the matter any further.

“I was requested by the

FUNERAL SERVICE FOR NORA LOUISE DORSETT THE funeral of Nora Louise Dorsett (nee Dean), who died on January 9 at her home, has been announced.

The funeral will be held at the Christian Life Center on Sunday, January 22, at 2pm with interment at The Western Cemetery.

Viewing will be held at the Bethel Brothers Funeral Home on Saturday, at 4pm.

The memorial service will be held on Thursday, at 7pm at the East Street Gospel Chapel.

NORA LOUISE DORSETT In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Cat Island Children’s Home, The Bahamas Cancer Society or The Christian Life Center.

leader of the party, not to comment on the matter within the next three to four days to allow him to address the nomination for the Exuma constituency. As I have made the commitment to him not to make any public statements, I will reserve my comment for now.”

According to party insiders, Dr Minnis received a signed petition by over 300 FNM voters last year stating they wanted Mr Neymour to be their representative. The Tribune understands that three candidates, Mr Neymour, Mr Bowe and Joshua Sears were presented to the Exuma constituency asso-

ciation for the vote, with the understanding that whoever the association chose, Dr Minnis would ratify as the Exuma candidate.

Sources say Mr Neymour received 67 per cent of the vote.

Calls to Dr Minnis were not returned up to press time.

Mr Neymour served as minister of state for the environment and South Beach MP in the last Ingraham administration.

He ran as the FNM’s Exuma candidate in the 2012 general election, losing to incumbent Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) representative Anthony Moss.

PAGE 12, Monday, January 16, 2017

TWO DEAD IN WEEKEND SHOOTINGS from page one

On Wednesday night, Kevin Rolle aka ‘KJ’, was discovered dead near the intersection of Kingston and Denver Streets, off Kemp Road, with multiple gunshot wounds.

He was known to police and, according to local residents, was reportedly released on bail in recent months. According to reports, he was allegedly connected to the shooting death of a young man in the Kemp Road area in 2015.

Police also reported that a man was standing in the back of his home on Dunmore Street, around 9pm on Friday, when a man armed with a handgun approached and shot him before fleeing on foot.

The man was taken to hospital where he is listed in stable condition.

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. Investigations continue.

THE TRIBUNE

THE SCENE at Kemp Road on Saturday morning, where a man was shot dead in a drive-by shooting.

Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff

POLICE TO STEP UP PATROLS TO KEEP PUBLIC SAFE from page one

So far for the first two weeks of January there have been nine killings, according to The Tribune’s records, already surpassing the total number of eight persons killed in the entire month of January 2016.

ACP Dean said the RBPF will “spare no effort” to make the certain the persons terrorising the streets will be “arrested and put behind bars”.

“We want to put a word

out to the criminal element, who despite our warning and despite what is happening, continue to try to wreak havoc on our communities, particularly tight knit communities. We will spare no efforts in 2017 to make sure they are arrested and put behind bars and justice is brought to them,” ACP Dean said.

“We cannot allow these criminal elements to continue to run around through The Bahamas or New Providence and feel that there is no law and order, they

must be brought under subjection and we will do so.

“The Royal Bahamas Police Force last year, with the help of the Bahamian public, executed an excellent police plan that saw great dividends, that saw great results. We intend to move in that same trajectory this year, with the support of the public we will bring those persons to justice. We have a group of well trained and professional detectives led

by Chief Superintendent Ken Strachan and they do an excellent job.”

ACP Dean said the RBPF has a mandate and officers will continue, in partnership with the public, to keep the citizens safe.

“We will continue to focus,” ACP Dean said.

“We will increase manpower and patrols because at the end of the day the public wants to be safe and they want law and order and they want to feel safe. We told the public we will do it and we will keep that promise. We will continue to have our officers on patrol as they always do. We will

continue to do our best but it is a partnership with the public, the police are not working in isolation. We are working with the community and other stakeholders.”

Last week, in his annual meeting with the press, Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade said despite a 24 per cent drop in murders in 2016 as compared to 2015, he is not satisfied that “we are where we should be”.

He expressed concern about the detection rate of murders in 2016, saying it

was “relatively low” compared to the past.

The commissioner again lamented the impact that granting bail to people accused of serious crimes has on policing efforts, as he gave examples of people who have continually been arrested and taken before the courts where they are then granted bail, only to return to criminal activity.

However, according to the commissioner overall serious crime fell by 26 per cent in 2016 compared to the previous year.

Critical reception at Rotary for officials over NHI plan

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net LINGERING concerns about National Health Insurance plans among business people were laid bare on Friday after a presentation to Rotary Club of East Nassau members from two top NHI officials were met with scepticism and, at times, harsh criticism.

Dr Mark Britnell, the head of KPMG’s healthcare practice, and Dr Delon

Brennen, NHI’s project manager, discussed the benefits of NHI during the meeting.

They said that primary healthcare, the third phase of NHI’s rollout, will be introduced early this year, though no specific date was given. Mr Britnell said primary healthcare will be available in the spring.

Officials are currently finalising the NHI regulations as well as selecting an institution to manage the public insurer.

Dr Brennen said it would not take long for the public insurer to get up and running after a manager is selected, given the experience the would-be company has in insurance management.

He described the NHI Secretariat’s interactions with potential providers as positive so far.

Nonetheless, Rotarians were openly sceptical of NHI, particularly the idea that it would not become financially burdensome.

“I want you all to real-

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ise that everyone in this room are business owners so we’re paying for this,” one man said. “Don’t tell me it’s free because that’s a bunch of crap. We’re paying for this. My staff enjoys medical insurance.

There’s no way in hell I’m going to pay for that, and for this.

“If you been in the Princess Margaret Hospital lately or some of the clinics on the out islands, you’d see the (expletive) they are in. It’s ridiculous. There’s a clinic in Abaco that was built five years ago and it’s rotting down; another clinic in Exuma that’s built five years ago that’s also rotting down. It’s unbelievable. I’m sitting back here and I can’t believe what I’m hearing (from you).”

As Dr Brennen sought to address the man’s concerns, another Rotarian shouted: “Who’s going to pay for it?

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Don’t say it’s free.”

“None of us has said it’s free,” Dr Brennen responded, explaining that the NHI scheme would allow people to access services without worrying about costs at the time of doing so.

Officials have said that additional stages of NHI may be paid for with a

JEHOVAH’S Witnesses from the United States are in Grand Bahama helping their fellow members who were affected by Hurricane Matthew.

Volunteers from Florida and other parts of the US were out with local members in Freeport helping with roof repairs to homes damaged by the storm last October.

Misael Morales, who is from the Miami area, said that teams of volunteers are in The Bahamas working

between Nassau, Freeport, Exuma, Long Island, and Andros.

“We have about over 330 homes of our brothers and sisters that were affected

by Hurricane Matthew, and JW do a lot of disaster relief. When we heard that our friends needed assistance here, literally folks from around the US were asking when can they go to help,” he said.

The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses has coordinated extensive relief efforts following the passage of Hurricane Matthew to assist its members in The Bahamas, the Caribbean,

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As for primary healthcare, while additional money will be pumped into the health system to support it, officials emphasised on Friday that primary healthcare will largely be paid with the usual amount of money given to the healthcare system, by reducing wastage.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES HELP IN HURRICANE AFTERMATH

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

DEAD LINE

MARK BRITNELL, of Global Health Practice at KPMG, speaks at the Rotary Club of East Nassau meeting on the economic benefits of universal health coverage.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

Or email to: hr@pinderscustoms.com

and the southeastern US in early October 2016.

Mr Morales said that volunteers have been coming from the US weeks at a time to assist with relief efforts in The Bahamas.

“Some are here for a few months…and about 120 at any given time are working between Freeport, Nassau, Exuma, Long Island, and Andros. We have seen typical hurricane damage - roof damage and interior damage from storm surge,” he said.

In Grand Bahama, the team will be working on about 60 to 65 homes in Freeport. The three Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Halls also sustained roof damage and will be replaced.

Mr Morales expects the team to be finished its work by the end of March. They will work on six to seven homes per week in Freeport.

He said that wherever there is a need Jehovah’s Witnesses are willing to help.

“We consider this part of our ministry. JW is well known for our door to door work, that is our core competency to educate others about God. We also feel that it is not just helping people to get to know God, but to understand that this is how He takes care of His people,” he said.

Mr Morales said the volunteers have taken time off work to help their fellow Jehovah’s Witnesses in The Bahamas.

“They paid their way to come here to go work on someone’s roof they don’t know just because they say they are Jehovah’s Witnesses as well - that is love,” he said.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, January 16, 2017, PAGE 13

BAHAMASAIR MAKES INAUGURAL FLIGHT TO PORT-AU-PRINCE A WATER salute and a large contingent of Haitian officials greeted Bahamasair’s inaugural flight to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, as it touched down shortly before 9am on Saturday at Toussaint Louverture International Airport.

The ATR-42, 50 seat, turbo prop aircraft, one of the national flag carrier’s newest acquisitions, provides non-stop service to Port-auPrince two days per week, Wednesday and Saturday, and is expected to boost revenue for the airline as the frequency increases.

It will be the longest route that Bahamasair flies.

Bahamasair chairman Valentine Grimes, head of the delegation to Haiti, hailed an “important” day in the history of Bahama-

sair, saying the carrier was in “for the long haul”.

Also participating in the brief ceremony was Haiti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pierrot Delienne, and Tourism Minister Didier Hyppolite.

The airline’s team comprised Frederick Donathan, director, Sales snd marketing; Captain Augustus Roberts, director; John Fowler, director of customer service; and Claudius Rolle, chief financial officer. Senior government officials included Godfrey Rolle, Bahamas Ambassador to the Dominican Republic and Haiti; Lorraine Armbrister, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport and Aviation; and Tyrone Sawyer, Ministry of Tourism senior director of airlift develop-

IN Port-au-Prince on Saturday to welcome Bahamasair’s inaugural flight were officials of Bahamasair, Bahamas Ministry of Transport and Aviation, Ministry of Tourism, Diplomatic Corps, and Haiti’s government (from left): Phyllis Johnson, Godfrey Rolle, Rachelle Mortimer, Fred Donathan, Director Davis, Chairman Valentine Grimes, PS Lorraine Armbrister, Haiti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Pierrot Delienne, Tyrone Sawyer, and Haiti’s Minister of Tourism Didier Hyppolite.

Photo: BIS ment. Haitian Ambassador to The Bahamas, Jean Victor Geneus, led Haitian community leaders in The Bahamas on the flight.

Bahamasair Acting Managing Director, Tracy Cooper, said the national flag carrier plans to embrace more technology to become more “efficient” and to improve the revenue base. “We’re very excited about the move. It is the only direct flight between

The Bahamas and Port-auPrince. We expect it to be not just beneficial to The Bahamas, but also to the people of Haiti.”

He explained that strategic timing was considered to facilitate customers arriving in Haiti and utilising the busing system: timely co-ordination with the transportation system was factored in.

“We expect to grow this flight from an ATR eventu-

ally to a jet,” said Woody Wilson, Bahamasair senior manager for marketing.

“There is a lot of culture in Haiti and we have Bahamians travelling back and forth as tourists and vice versa.

We expect to have the Haitian population travelling to The Bahamas as tourists.

We expect this to be a great revenue generator for us.”

The airline is offering an introductory airfare of $450 for January. Baha-

masair is also partnering with Agence Citadelle for airport shuttle and land packages, as well as Patrick Coach Line and Sans Souci Bus to provide ground transportation for passengers travelling beyond the Haitian capital.

“Traditionally, the longest flight flown before was to Orlando,” Mr Wilson said. “We’ve also flown to Cuba, but this will be our longest flight.”

Grand Celebration cruise service makes return to Grand Bahama

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE Grand Celebration resumed cruise services to Grand Bahama on Saturday, bringing some 1,300 passengers to Freeport for the first time since the passage of Hurricane Matthew.

The ship’s return is good news for Grand Bahama because it brings $45m in business every year to the island, according veteran tourism executive David Johnson.

Mr Johnson was in Freeport when the ship arrived into port around 8.30am on Saturday. He, along with Betty Bethel, Ministry of Tourism director in Freeport, and some tourism stakeholders greeted passengers as they disembarked the vessel.

Platinum Knights were also on hand and provided visitors with a mini Junkanoo rush out.

“We are very pleased with the vessel’s return to Grand Bahama where it all began for Bahamas Paradise Cruise Lines,” said Mr Johnson.

Grand Celebration had to divert to Bimini in October as a result of the extensive hurricane damage in Grand Bahama.

Mr Johnson was impressed with the pace that

the island’s vendors have put into getting their services back in order. He noted that there are some 20 tours being sold onboard the ship.

“We are happy to be here and disembarking some 1,300 passengers on this first voyage. This is a $45m dollar a year business that this ship brings to Grand Bahama. It is important to us and the community,” he said.

While the Grand Lucayan’s 200-room Lighthouse Point is the host hotel, visitors are also being accommodated at the Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach Resort and at the Pelican Bay Hotel.

Mr Johnson added that they are looking to work with other properties as well due to the shortage of room inventory on the island. The 500-room Memories Resort and Grand Lucayan’s Breaker’s Cay are still closed.

“We know it will be a challenge with a significant amount of inventory still out. But we will work with what is there and look forward to more rooms coming on stream, and hopefully by the end of September we will be at 100 per cent capacity,” he said.

The Celebration will sail to Grand Bahama every other day. It brings 278,000 passengers per year to the island. The vessel had re-

cently undergone some work and repairs at the Grand Bahama Shipyard.

After dry dock was completed, Mr Johnson said that the decision was either sail to Bimini or return to Grand Bahama.

“Obviously, the decision was to return to Grand Bahama. We are impressed with the work at Port Lucaya Marketplace in getting the shops ready. Lighthouse Point was also quickly restored and reopened and Pelican Bay seemed to never close.

“The most important is getting Grand Lucayan and Memories reopened - that is critical. And we are looking forward to those properties coming on stream hopefully in the very near term,” Mr Johnson said.

He stated that there is still much work to be done in Grand Bahama. “The site of the Royal Oasis still looks unkempt and we need to think about that. It is an eyesore, and there are some other areas. ‘ Mr Johnson noted that the Grand Celebration’s return will impact the island in a big way in terms of employment.

The vessel is also offering special rates for Bahamians who sail on the ship. “That special will last for the first four weeks and that is quite a big deal,” he said.

COUPLE ARRESTED AFTER GUN AND AMMUNITION FOUND

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A COUPLE was arrested in Grand Bahama after they were reportedly found in possession of a firearm and ammunition over the weekend.

According to Inspector

Terecita Pinder, shortly after 3pm on Saturday officers responded to reports of gunshots heard in the Grenfell Avenue area.

A short time later, officers stopped a black BMW vehicle while on Pioneer’s Way. While searching the vehicle, officers allegedly dis-

covered a black .380 pistol with three live rounds of ammunition.

A male driver and female passenger were both arrested and taken into custody.

The male suspect was also wanted on an outstanding warrant.

Investigations are continuing into the matter.

WORK

NOTICE

Sea Link Drive, between East Street South and Blue Hill Road South The Water and Sewerage Corporation advises the public, its customers and residents of Sea Link Drive, between East Street South and Blue Hill Road South, that the Corporation will commence improvement works on Friday, January 13, 2017 which are expected to end on Tuesday, January 17, 2017.

During this period there may be interruption traffic in flow near the work area due to detours between the hours of 9:00 am and 3:00pm.

The Corporation apologies for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your support as we work to improve our level of service.

Tel: (242) 302-5599 or Toll Free (242) 300-0150 Find out more on

or our website www.wsc.com.bs

www.ub.edu.bs

NOTICE

FACULTY VACANCIES Suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply for the following positions at University of The Bahamas: Senior Management • Dean, Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning • Dean, Faculty of Liberal and Fine Arts • Dean, Faculty of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies • Dean, Faculty, Northern Bahamas Campus • Associate Vice President, Northern Bahamas Campus Management • Executive Director, Culinary Arts and Tourism Studies Middle Management • Grants Coordinator Staff • Grants Writer Faculty • Faculty of Business, Hospitality & Tourism Studies o Assistant Professor, Accounting (full-time) o Assistant Professor, Management/Marketing (full-time) • Faculty of Communication and Creative Arts o Assistant Professor, Spanish (full-time) o Assistant Professor, French (full-time) o Assistant Professor, French and Haitian Creole (full-time) o Associate Professor, Choral Conducting/Piano (full-time) o Media Lab Technician (full-time) o Part-Time Lecturer, Art (Ceramic Art) o Part-Time Art Studio Technician • Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences o Associate Professor, Agriculture (full-time) o Assistant/Associate Professor Architecture (full-time) o Assistant/Associate Professor, Biology (full-time) o Assistant /Associate Professor Chemistry o Assistant/Associate Professor Electrical Engineering/Engineering Technology (full-time) o Assistant/Associate Professor, Physics o Assistant/Associate Professor Applied Mathematics (full-time) • Faculty of Social and Educational Studies o Assistant Professor, History (full-time) o Assistant Professor, Law (full-time) o Assistant Professor, Law and Criminal Justice (full-time) o Assistant Professor, Psychology (full-time) o Assistant Professor, Sociology (full-time) o Assistant/Associate Professor, Education (full-time) o Assistant/Associate Professor, Mathematics Education – Elementary (full-time) o Assistant/Associate Professor, Mathematics Education – Secondary (full-time) o Assistant/ Associate Professor, Special Education (full-time) • Faculty of Liberal and Fine Arts o Assistant Professor, Rhetoric and Composition (full-time) o Assistant Professor, Rhetoric and Composition and Caribbean Studies (full-time) o Assistant Coordinator, Language Resource Centre (full-time) • University Libraries o Law Librarian (full-time) o Campus Librarian, Librarian II – Northern Bahamas Campus (full-time) For more information visit http://www.ub.edu.bs/about-us/career-opportunities/ Materials should be submitted electronically, attention Office of Academic Affairs, University of The Bahamas via e-mail at facultyapply@ub.edu.bs by March 6, 2017. Send all documents together, including: 1) cover letter describing academic philosophy and vision, research and publications; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) sample course syllabus; 4) official copy of all academic records; 5) representative sample of research, publication or creative work; 6) at least one letter of recommendation; and 7) a UB application form.

Note the position in the subject field of the email. Hard copy submissions will not be accepted. Incomplete files will not be considered.

PAGE 14, Monday, January 16, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Personal safety reminder I

Police advice

T MAY be the first month of the year - but it’s never too early or too late to give advice about personal safety.

Because some individuals are heeding the information provided, it is imperative that it is continuously reiterated.

More importantly, even though the odds of being victimised by crime while in public places are low, an individual’s safety is at risk any time they go out.

For this reason, you must protect yourself. Remember, criminals often plan crimes and look for the right opportunity with the easiest victim to prey on.

Your best defence is to be proactive rather than reactive by carefully planning.

Remember that being safer does not require changing your lifestyle, personality, wardrobe or to stop going out.

On the other hand, it dictates that you use common sense along with tapping into your gut instinct.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force National Crime Prevention Office has provided crime prevention tips to increase your personal safety and security.

the police as soon as possible.

• Avoid walking alone, in dark isolated areas such as back parking lots and alleys.

• Keep your wallet or purse close to your body; remember to dress casual and comfortable.

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Use an ATM/debit card when possible.

• Consider using ATM machines located in the malls or bank. Avoid using ATM machines located in isolated areas.

• Stay away from hot spots where senseless arguments or gun shots may occur.

• Choose a sober designated driver.

• Avoid wearing excessive valuable jewellery, such as heavy gold chains and bracelets • If you feel that you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station.

PERSONAL SAFETY

PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE

• Always pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of your environment.

• Consider socialising with others. There is safety in numbers.

• Know who you are socialising with.

• Let someone know who you are with and where you plan to go.

• If you see an offence being committed, contact

• L ock you r doors and buck le up wh i le d r iv i ng.

• Beware of jewellery snatchers who may lurk on street corners.

• Park in well-lighted areas.

• Avoid parking in isolated areas.

• Never leave your motor running and unattended.

• Take all personal

By CORPORAL MAKELLE PINDER

property out of your vehicle every time you leave. Hide property that you may have to leave behind.

• Do not approach your car if suspicious people are nearby.

SECURE YOUR HOME • While you are socialising, ensure that your home windows and doors have secondary locks.

• Keep landscaping trimmed back so that you can easily see around your property.

• Consider having a trusted neighbour or friend watch your home while you are away. Ask your neighbour to occasionally park their car in your driveway.

• Never open your door to strangers. Always find out who is on the other side of the door before answering. Never let people know you are home alone: people are watching and they know when you are at home alone.

Should you need more information on personal safety or if you have information pertaining to any crime, please contact the police at ‘919’ or Crime Stoppers at 328-tips (New Providence), 1-300-8476 (Family Island). If you know of Individuals who may be in need of counselling and emotional support please contact the Department of Social Services hotline 322-2763.