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The Tribune Established 1903
Volume:115 No.40, JANUARY 19TH, 2018
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A MAN FOR ALL PEOPLE
SIR GEOFFREY JOHNSTONE REMEMBERED: SPECIAL TRIBUTE INSIDE
SHATTERED Families distraught after small plane smashes into pieces By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net OFFICIALS have recovered small bits of debris from that ill-fated Piper Aztec that crashed in waters off Andros Wednesday with six persons on board, with the damage suggesting the small plane shattered upon impact. Meanwhile, Andros residents are grappling with the tragedy and hope authorities can recover the victims’ bodies so they can get some closure. “Days, months, even years would have to go by before I begin to understand how any of this happened or could be real,” was how Kermit Adderley Sr, husband of passenger Margaret Adderley,
DEBRIS left in the wake of the plane crash off Andros on Wednesday.
described his emotions yesterday. According to Mr Adderley, the 49-year-old mother of two boarded the doomed flight with a purpose – she was travelling to the capital to see and hold her grandson who had been born two days earlier. “She wanted to be with our oldest son and his wife. She wanted to see the baby,” he said. “She got back Sunday from Nassau – our nephew got married. Then the news came that the baby was here and she told me she had to go (Wednesday).” The devastated husband said he and members of the family never thought it would be Mrs Adderley’s last trip.
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis will visit the families of those who died in Wednesday’s tragic plane crash in Andros, telling reporters yesterday he too has been affected by this “unfortunate” event. As he empathised with the victims’ families, Dr Minnis said he imagines the ordeal is a very difficult one with which to cope. In the aftermath of the shocking crash, which has left the nation mourning,
LARGE ! K IS B AC STUFFED CRUST PIZZA
A MAN was found dead yesterday in the old City Market building on Market Street with blunt force trauma to the body. Police said he was the victim of a homicide, which would mark the first for the year in New Providence and the fourth nationwide. Superintendent Shanta Knowles, police press liaison officer, spoke to reporters at the scene. She said: “Very few details we have at this time. We know that shortly after 12noon, we came here to the old City Market building on Market Street where we discovered a male with blunt force trauma to his body. That is as much information as we have at this time.” SEE PAGE FIVE
BISHOP: MARITAL RAPE MOVE MADE IN BAD FAITH DESIREE Shaneig Russell and her daughter Destinique Wilson who were on board the flight.
SOLAR ENERGY PLAN TO BRING DOWN COST OF ELECTRICITY By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net THE cost of electricity has remained an urgent “perennial issue”, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday, as he revealed his administration’s commitment to unpack within this term
in office an ambitious plan that will increase the use of solar energy in the Bahamas. Dr Minnis further announced his intentions to not only seek international partners from North America, Asia, Europe, South Africa, the Middle East, Australia and the Pacific, but to request an official
visit with the government of Singapore for formal assistance in tackling official corruption. This visit will also focus on public sector training and reform, he said. Other investments in the pipeline include a 118-unit condo-hotel project by the SEE PAGE SIX
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By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net
FIVE Ministry of Works employees were arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday over allegations they conspired to and subsequently stole close to $1,500 worth of asphalt from their employer last year. Ron Austin, Myron Smith, Kenley Saunders, Joseph Marshall and Dwain Campbell all stood before Magistrate Samuel McKinney charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit stealing by reason of employment and stealing by reason of employment. SEE PAGE SEVEN
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By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net
SEE PAGE THREE
Education Minister Jeff Lloyd said while he is “heartbroken”, the country is again reminded of lingering concerns about the level of oversight placed on charter enterprises and whether they are being properly monitored and regulated. “I could only say it’s very unfortunate that such an event happened and I’m a descendent of Andros so obviously it has impacted me,” Dr Minnis said on the sidelines of the Bahamas Business Outlook at Baha Mar yesterday. SEE PAGE THREE
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MINISTRY OF WORKS STAFF ON THEFT CHARGES
PRIME MINISTER TO VISIT RELATIVES OF VICTIMS By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
Friday, January 19, 2018
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By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net BAHAMAS Christian Council President Bishop Delton Fernander said yesterday he was shocked by the government’s international commitment to criminalise marital rape, calling it a “terrible” move that did not demonstrate good faith. Bishop Fernander’s criticism was echoed by civil society groups, who questioned why the announcement by Attorney General Carl Bethel at the United Nations was not first made locally. SEE PAGE SIX
PAGE 2, Friday, January 19, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
VICE PRESIDENT, INTERNAL AUDIT
Commonwealth Bank is the premier Bahamian Bank with branches located in New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco and Eleuthera. We are committed to delivering superior quality service, to training and developing our employees, to creating value for our shareholders and to promoting economic growth and stability in the community.
JOB SUMMARY The position oversees the strategic planning and operational activities of the Banks’ internal audit function. The Vice President, Internal Audit is required to design programmes and initiatives to enhance or improve business controls while reducing the likelihood of fraud at the Bank and its subsidiaries. The position is required to provide leadership for the senior to middle management team on an ongoing basis and be a key stakeholder of the Bank’s Executive Management Team and Audit Committee. CORE RESPONSIBILITIES • Provide strong leadership and direction relative to all phases of Audits including planning, control analysis, testing and reporting. • Develop and conduct comprehensive audit programs to ensure compliance with the Bank’s policy, local laws and industry regulations. • Maintain a strong knowledge of the Bank’s credit and operational risk management practices and reporting requirements. • Drive the development of control oriented policies and procedures as well as new and enhanced technology platforms. • Perform fraud investigations and liaise with law enforcement where necessary. • Assist External Auditors during audits as necessary. QUALIFICATIONS CERTIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE Education: • Postgraduate degree in Business Administration (Finance specialization), Accounting or equivalent qualification from a recognized tertiary institution; or • Professional internal audit or related qualifications (CIA, CFE, CFSA, CBA, CPA,). • Applicable Leadership training (QIAL etc.). Work Experience: • At least twelve years’ experience within an internal or external audit function within similar or related industry of which four years is at the senior management level. KNOWLEDGE, COMPETENCIES & PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES Specialised Knowledge The applicant should be proficient in the following areas: • Advanced knowledge of data analytics software. • TeamMate audit work flow automation workbench. • Bahamas Anti-Money Laundering regulations. Competencies The applicant should demonstrate the following: • Business Insight – ability to apply knowledge of the business and the marketplace to advance the organization’s goals. • Strategic Mindset – ability to look, plan and move into the future with clear intentions and purposeful actions. • Customer Focus – ability to build strong customer relationships and deliver customer centric solutions. • Ability to cultivate innovation. • Advanced understanding of financial reporting and internal audit best practices and standards. • Excellent written and oral communication skills. • Strong negotiating, conflict mediation and presentation skills. • Sound problem-solving and decision making skills. • Strong skills in root cause analysis and risk management assessment. • Knowledge of risk management practices and standards. • Knowledge of the Bank’s and Board governance standards and practices. • Effective time management and prioritisation skills. • Understands the interdependencies of the Bank’s systems and processes. • Results driven. • People and relationship management capabilities. • Integrity, creditability and confidentiality. Personal Attributes The applicant should, maintain the highest standards of conduct and display characteristics of honesty, integrity and sound work ethics. REMUNERATION PACKAGE: Commonwealth Bank is a great place to work! We offer an exciting work environment with the opportunity for growth and development. We also offer a competitive compensation package, reflecting the successful applicants’ experience and qualifications, including a performance based incentive plan, health vision, dental, life insurances and a pension plan. Qualified applicants are to send their résumés to: executive.search@combankltd.com on or before February 2, 2018 “ Commonwealth Bank sincerely thanks all applicants for their interest in becoming a part of our team, however, only those applications being considered will be contacted.”
SOME of the debris in the aftermath of the plane crash off Andros on Wednesday.
Concerns raised over enforcement of air safety regulations By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net ALTHOUGH fatal airplane crashes are rare in The Bahamas, in the wake of Wednesday’s tragedy that killed six people near Andros, Randy Butler, CEO of Sky Bahamas, told The Tribune existing regulations governing the industry may be stiff but are still inadequately enforced. He said at least 28 planes operate illegal charters each day, a longtime problem that still plagues the industry. Mr Butler said: “Some might say the regulations are too strong in the industry but enforcement is an issue as the Civil Aviation Department or authority is supposed to have adequate, qualified personnel to go and perform oversight, inspections, to see whether people are properly licenced, medically fit and if the airplane is adequately maintained and if insurances are in place; they don’t always enforce the laws and regulations relating to these.” A number of certifications and licences are required before a commercial flight can take off, including an aircraft airworthiness certificate, valid airmen certificates which relate to the physical fitness of a pilot and aircraft maintenance licences, among others. Officials yesterday said it is too early to say whether all the necessary licences were obtained and valid with respect to the downed twin-engine Piper Aztec plane. Juliea Brathwaite, manager of safety oversight at the Department of Civil Aviation, said yesterday authorities are still compiling all necessary
information related to the ill-fated flight. “We’re still in preliminary stages and active investigations are taking place with representatives on the ground,” she said. “We are waiting on a preliminary report to be provided. There is no definite word on whether requirements were followed or whether licences were in place – we will need to know what all the team has obtained. We should be getting a briefing on that once they are back on the island on Friday and it’s not industry practice to give information without having all the facts,” she said. Officials have said no flight plan was filed before the plane, which was destined for New Providence, took off. Flight plans are only mandatory if flying from Nassau or Freeport. This factor could have contributed to the length of time it took before officials were made aware that the plane was even missing. The flight left Andros shortly after 8am for a trip that normally takes less than half an hour. According to reports, the Department of Civil Aviation learned around 11am that the plane was missing and had not reached its destination, nor returned to Andros. “In Nassau and Freeport, they’ve made it a requirement to come in and out, that you have a flight plan,” Mr Butler said. “From island to island there is no air traffic control or traffic control services, so if you file it, it could be that you say ‘I’m taking off from Acklins, it would take 15 minutes and when I get there I’ll call you.’ We need to take a look at the whole system; it needs to be more robust.”
As far as he knows, Mr Butler said, no one has ever been taken to court for failing to comply with civil aviation regulations, despite the fact that authorities have found people not in compliance. “If you find something wrong,” he said, “you should follow it through to the court system.” As for unauthorised charter flights, he said the Department of Civil Aviation still lacks the manpower and willpower to properly enforce all regulations. The last time a person was killed during a flight that originated in The Bahamas was more than a year ago, on June 19, 2016 when two men died in a crash of a Piper Aztec 27 plane. Officials determined that the pilot in that plane was not licenced and had his licence revoked in 2001. Then Acting Director at the Department of Civil Aviation Keith Major said it was the responsibility of the pilot to ensure he had necessary documentation. The second most recent fatal plane crash in the Bahamas involved a Learjet carrying nine people, including the late Dr Myles Munroe and his wife, Ruth, which crashed as it headed to Grand Bahama in November 2014. Officials determined the crash was the result of poor decision making from the pilots. Although fatal crashes are relatively rare, it has not been uncommon over the years for planes to crash or make emergency landings. Just last week a plane crash-landed in swamp land shortly after taking off from Chub Cay airport in Great Harbour Cay, Berry Islands. The pilot received minor injuries during the crash.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, January 19, 2018, PAGE 3
Families distraught after small plane smashes into pieces from page one The sentiment was shared by other grieving Andros residents contacted by The Tribune yesterday, many of whom said they would not give up hope for their loved one’s return until authorities say so. In addition to Mrs Adderley, loved ones have identified Desiree Shaneig Russell and her young daughter Destinique Wilson; Carter Campbell, a local store owner; Valentino Knowles and Captain Darren Clarke as those on board the illfated flight. Ms Russell and her daughter were identified by a family friend, as relatives contacted by this newspaper were too distraught to speak. However, many took to the Facebook page of the mother of five to express their grief. One message read: “I loved y’all in life and I will love y’all in death. Someone please wake me up. Please tell me it ain’t true.” Attempts to speak to the mother of Mr Knowles were also unsuccessful. Family members speaking to The Tribune on her behalf said it was “too much” for her to address, another saying, “she isn’t up to it at this time”. North Andros and Berry Islands MP Carlton Bowleg yesterday said the entire community of North Andros was devastated and struggling to understand Wednesday’s tragedy. He told The Tribune words could not explain what the entire island was feeling. “The size of Andros may be considered big, but our community is small,” he said. “This tragedy has touched every corner and troubled every heart. “This will take some time to recover from,” he added. Meanwhile, authorities suspended search and recovery efforts shortly after 3pm yesterday. Delvin Major,
chief investigator at the Air Accident Investigation Department of the Department of Civil Aviation, said the crash’s impact completely shattered the small Piper Aztec aircraft. “The impact was so great, I am of the belief that the plane was totally destroyed upon impact,” he said. “The little that remained, we were able to haul from the sea. Everything else washed away.” The Royal Bahamas Defence Force dispatched four military divers and a patrol aircraft to assist in the search yesterday. “(The) US Coast Guard, conducting a search for the aircraft yesterday afternoon (Wednesday) sighted debris and a body in waters off the east coast of Mastic, Point, Andros but was unable to assist further due to severe weather conditions. The Defence Force deployed its aircraft earlier this morning (Thursday) along with four military divers to assist local authorities in finding the aircraft and its passengers.” Officials recovered a small pile of debris yesterday, however, no bodies were recovered. All six persons on board the plane are believed to be dead. Authorities suspect Cpt Clarke encountered bad weather shortly after his 8am take-off and attempted to divert the flight back to Andros, but was unsuccessful. The plane crashed in waters off the east coast of Mastic Point, North Andros. A social media post by young Destinique noted the weather conditions were problematic, as she asked persons reading the message to pray for those on board. That post was made at 8.11am Wednesday. In an interview with The Tribune yesterday, Chief Meteorologist at the Department of Meteorology Basil Dean confirmed that the weather radar showed blanketed showers in the
HOW The Tribune first reported the crash on Wednesday, above, and, right, some of the debris left after the crash off Andros. area of the crash throughout the day. Mr Dean, a qualified VFR pilot himself, said the conditions that day would have required a “certified, skilled pilot operating a quality plane”. “The forecast called for a weakening frontal boundary to remain in the area of Central Andros, an area just south of the crash,” Mr Dean said. “Sky conditions were partly to mostly cloudy and breezy, with isolated showers and a few thunderstorms in that area. “When we look specifically at the time of the flight, those conditions would have been in the area of the flight, extending to mid-way point of that flight; just east of Andros and west of New Providence. Those conditions never improved until later, into the evening.”
A PIPER Aztec similar to the plane that crashed.
PRIME MINISTER TO VISIT RELATIVES OF VICTIMS
from page one
Ahead of his presentation to those gathered, the prime minister asked for a moment of silence in recognition of those who died when the plane crashed in waters just off the coast of Mastic Point. There were three men, two women and a young girl on board the small twin engine Piper Aztec. The prime minister continued: “I’m going away on Sunday (but) before departing New Providence (I am going) to go down and visit the families and express condolences on behalf of myself and on behalf of the government of The Bahamas. “It’s very difficult unless you’ve experienced it,” Dr Minnis also said. “But I think my mere presence is there with them and tomorrow or Saturday we’ll see them.” For his part, Mr Lloyd said while he doesn’t want to impose further grief onto the families of those on board the ill-fated flight, there are concerns in the sector that must be addressed. He said: “It’s devastating that today Bahamian families are suffering at the loss of their loved ones. I don’t have the full
story, but we know, confirmed now that there has been a tragedy and misfortune placed upon the lives of, I think it is five or six of our persons. “Our deepest sympathies, condolences, best wishes, prayer, (and) energetic support go out to their families today who are grieving that loss. It’s just really serious. “When I was with you guys in the media and incidents of this nature occurred the questions always arose about the level of oversight of these charter enterprises and whether they are being properly regulated and (if) there is sufficient resources expended. “I can remember a number of incidences, I don’t want to in this time of grief impose any further questions, but at the same time this is I think a wonderful opportunity to take a close look at how we govern and how we manage and operate our society because lives are being affected and today we say our support (is with) the family and we grieve with them on this very, very sad occasion.” “We have to at all times in our country be in a state of vigilance and review to see how we can live better and how we can operate our country and how we can govern our country better,”
Mr Lloyd continued. “We should not need to have to wait for incidences of any kind anywhere no matter the subdivision of our lives whether it’s in business, aviation upon the arts when we have Junkanoo, when we have gaps, we should always be in a state of vigilance, scrutiny, investigation and review. “I guess in our human condition we have to have some kind of crisis to wake us up to realise that this kind of vigilance should be underway,” he added. Mr Lloyd said he is praying for the families as the country mourns with them. According to reports, the aircraft disappeared while flying to New Providence. It is suspected the plane encountered bad weather shortly after its 8am take-off and attempted to return to Andros, before crashing into the ocean. Friday, 19th January PRIME2018 Minister Dr Hubert Minnis.
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THE TRIBUNE
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Major risk of nuclear conflict IT is said that an error uncorrected can soon become an irreversible mistake. The recent warning of an imminent nuclear attack in Hawaii that remained in force for thirty-eight minutes before being declared a false alarm caused fear and panic amongst its 1.4 million population. Reportedly, it happened as a result of the wrong button being pressed at the time of a change of shift at the island state’s so-called “nerve centre” operation. A similar incident happened in Japan recently when the national broadcaster falsely announced that North Korea had launched a ballistic missile at the country, which was already on high alert of such an attack, and warned people to take shelter. This was soon corrected, but both incidents illustrated the current potential danger of errors and misunderstandings occurring at an international level in a world connected by instant communications which could lead to the ultimate nightmare of the use of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Despite both being false alarms, the fact that such warnings could be issued at all is a frightening indication that the world in modern times could lurch suddenly and without warning into nuclear warfare. It is hard to believe that the threat of nuclear conflict now looms large and must be considered a real possibility. By contrast, although during the Cold War both the USA and USSR possessed nuclear weapons, there was a general belief that parity between them provided an effective deterrent since their use would result in mutual destruction if not annihilation. Moreover, the respective nuclear arsenals were held by the two main players on the world stage and were thus perceived to be at least within a controlled environment. So, people felt almost comfortable that neither side would use them. Nuclear war was, in effect, unthinkable, though the Cuban missile crisis in 1962 presented a serious threat until the USSR finally stepped back from the brink when confronted by President Kennedy’s ultimatum. Nowadays, however, the increase of nuclear proliferation and the danger of powerful weapons being in the hands of rogue states or even terrorist organisations has resulted in greater uncertainty and the fear that the world is close to nuclear conflict – specifically, the realistic possibility of a North Korean missile being launched against South Korea, Japan, US bases in Okinawa or even the US mainland itself. In advance of this year’s World Economic Forum due to take place in Davos next week, its Global Risks Report, which has just been released, finds that the possibility of political and economic confrontation between the major powers, including outright military conflicts using WMD, has risen to become a serious risk and that the potential impact of WMD is one of the
biggest threats to mankind in 2018. This is against the backdrop of escalating tension between the US and North Korea as well as the threat from Iran despite the 2015 nuclear deal. The survey finds that other challenges and threats are extreme weather, natural disasters, cyberattacks, food crises, large-scale involuntary migration and the spread of infectious diseases, and that overall these various risks will intensify during the course of the year. After US diplomacy over many years failed to curb North Korea’s programme to develop nuclear weapons, President Trump has engaged in bluster and insults, backed up by harsh international sanctions, to try to secure denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. North Korea’s latest conciliatory moves towards its neighbour, including the two Koreas marching together at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics and a joint ice hockey team, could be a helpful sign. But, as Kim Jong-un continues his missile-testing, observers warn that the world should not be blinded by his charm offensive and that, despite what appears to be a tentative truce, the pressure on North Korea should be maintained by the international community strictly enforcing sanctions. However, it must be right to build on the thaw in relations by renewed use of diplomacy. Meanwhile, the problem of Iran’s nuclear programme remains while Mr Trump continues to threaten to withdraw from the 2015 multilateral agreement – the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action -- against the wishes of all the other signatories (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany). Even if Iran is not in full compliance, the agreement imposes certain major constraints. This is surely better than re-imposing sanctions and leaving it to pursue its nuclear programme rather than keeping it on a tight rein. That would be seen as having serious repercussions for the security of the West given that Iran, which is already a state sponsor of terrorism, could share its nuclear technology and know-how with terrorist groups. Mr Trump is due to deliver a speech on the final day of the annual Davos forum in the presence of many world leaders. All will wish to listen intently to what he has to say about the threat of conflict on the Korean peninsula that has now widened to become a global issue and about new military confrontation in the Middle East. These and so many other world problems need wise, calm and responsible statesmanship. Effective action is urgently required to reduce international tensions – not least because, with fingers hovering over buttons which might be pressed even unintentionally, the world is increasingly vulnerable to an unpredictable and calamitous error which could turn in to an irrevocable mistake with disastrous consequences.
Facing the future EDITOR, The Tribune.
THE following is a letter addressed to Dr Jonathan Rodgers Dear Dr Rodgers, As usual when you speak about our economy, your words at today’s Business Outlook Conference were highly stimulating. But I found myself stimulated to the point of strongly disagreeing with you on one major theme. You appear to accept, without regret , a sharp shrinkage in high-level employment categories —what used to be called “white collar” jobs, now more accurately “computer-literate” jobs. First, you report, correctly, that a major decline in the number of people working in banking and the financial sector has already occurred. Then you predict that
three other professional services will become largely automated, reducing the human element even further: lawyers, doctors, and real estate brokers. Why not add accountants, insurance agents, book-keepers, and other paper-pushers, who can be partially replaced by computers? Yet you appear to expect and demand a higher level of education than we enjoy at present, eliminating rote-learning in favour of participative and imaginative ways of gaining knowledge. My question is, with the decline of white collar jobs, what will be the objective of this new type of education? To produce more and better construction workers, restaurant wait-staff, and hotel chamber- maids? You have mistaken radical changes in the USA
as examples of reducing human employment, citing Tesla in the transportation sector. In fact, Elon Musk’s ingenious development of new technology has created thousand of high-end jobs in building autos, batteries, solar heating systems, and moon rockets. The real lesson of technology, whether in The Bahamas or USA, is that it can and should be used not to reduce human employment but to help humans fulfill themselves by doing their jobs better. We all know of the growing backlash against automated services by frustrated customers who want to deal with flesh-andblood counterparty blessed with some educated smarts, which can indeed be taught. RICHARD COULSON Nassau, January 18, 2018.
Indefensible to defend Christie EDITOR, The Tribune.
I NOTED the comments by Ricardo Smith, a perennial political gadfly, if ever there was one.....he’s jumped from party to party depending on which way the wind is blowing. He is, in fact, a fake old PLP imposter of the highest order, in my view. No, I am not suggesting that Smith ‘The Chameleon’, is wrong to appear to be defending former Prime Minister Christie and his performance or lack thereof when he held sway, but let us be objective and not subjective. The remarks by Smith were in a recent Tribune article by Ms Ava Turnquest, a noted journalist and reporter. The single greatest cause for the defeat by the old PLP in 2017 was Mr Christie, no more no less. There is absolutely no need for an expensive poll to tell Bahamians and the new PLP this. It is what it is. We “owe” Christie absolutely nothing as the people have been generous in financially supporting him and his family a;; of the years he’s been in front line politics. Now that he’s been forced into an unexpected retirement, he will collect
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net almost B$100,000 per year until he crosses the Jordan. His wife, God bless her soul, will go on to receive 2/3rds of his pension until her own death, if she survives him. A ‘free’ vehicle; driver; police escort and medical insurance for life. What more do we ‘owe’ him and why is he above criticism? The old PLP, led by Mr Christie and his political cabal, which did not include the Hon Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, MP, QC (PLP-Cat Island), jacked this wonderful nation right up in all spheres of national life. I would not even talk about the apparent deliberate destruction of the economy and the job market by that wrecking crew. We were downgraded almost daily. The infrastructure here in New Providence is a national and international disgrace of no mean order. Take a look at The Post Office Building right in the heart of downtown. Take a look at the Clarence A Bain and the Rodney Bain Buildings. Pot holes are
all over the place. PMH remains a work in progress. Take a look at The Festival Place on the wharf. Take a look at the Ministry of Tourism Building on George Street. It seems that it was taking close to 10 long expensive years to bring rationality to what now appears to be ‘completion’ of the renovations thereto... thanks, obviously to the FNM and the Hon Dionisio D’Aguilar (FNMFree Town), our gifted and erstwhile Minister of Tourism... he’s good at what he’s mandated to do. And so, colleagues, Ricardo Smith, a former ‘consultant’ at Urban Renewal and BAIC, under Mr Christie’s doomed watch, he has a “right” to seek to defend the indefensible but brother Christie has no legacy of note, despite almost 45 years in front line politics. His ‘political epitaph’, whenever anyone takes the time to write it, will be, I suggest : ‘He came in with fanfare and left with sack cloth and ashes’. To God then, in all things, be the glory. ORTLAND H BODIE, Jr Nassau, January 18, 2018.
Paradise Lost EDITOR, The Tribune. DRIVING around our beloved island with a visitor, he compared what he saw with his last visit over 20 years ago. Then he saw a Paradise. Today nothing but wrecked cars, trucks, boats, all homes for mosquitoes and rats. As well as bins of uncollected garbage and other discarded items on vacant lots and along the roadsides. Now he admitted that the tourist areas, with luxury
hotels and restaurants and gated communities are up to international standards. But he questioned how the local population can allow their own streets, and homes, and abandoned buildings and homes needing love and attention to stay like that. Wake up Bahamas! We must restore our island to the Paradise it once was. Let’s get rid of these eyesores. Let’s start by collecting used items that no one
wants, and that cannot be allowed to be sent to the Public Garbage Dump. Used car batteries, Electrical items such as printers and computers and TV sets. All of these can be recycled and processed for export. Enquiries as to how this can be done to email: recyclevisionbahamas.com RECYCLE VISION BAHAMAS LTD Nassau January 14, 2018.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, January 19, 2018, PAGE 5
No decision yet on funding method for NHI scheme By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net THE government will have to decide whether National Health Insurance will be funded through increasing existing taxes or if the money to fund the scheme will come from a new kind of direct tax, Finance Minister K Peter Turnquest said yesterday. Speaking to reporters, the deputy prime minister said while Cabinet has not yet discussed how
NHI will be paid for, they all agree “there is no such thing as a free lunch” in this regard. This comes after Health Minister Dr Duane Sands confirmed last week that an additional tax will be introduced for the scheme. “No, we have not had detailed discussions on that, but we all agree that as a concept we know that there is no such thing as a free lunch if you will,” Mr Turnquest said in response to a question from The Tribune. He spoke to
reporters on the sidelines of the Bahamas Business Outlook at Baha Mar yesterday. “And so to the extent that we are adding cost to the health care system through the provision of catastrophic or even primary healthcare, somebody’s gonna have to pay. “Now whether that is through increasing other taxes or whether that is through a direct taxation to support the health care system, that is something that will have to be
discussed, but we are not at that point yet.” Dr Sands has said he put pressure on the NHI board to come to the public sooner rather than later concerning the funding and execution of the initiative. NHI’s budget has been slashed from $40m to $36m, after Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis made the decision for all budgets across the board to be cut by 10 per cent this fiscal year, Dr Sands said. “Yes,” said Dr
Sands when asked if a tax is the only way to fund NHI. “You may recall in the 2017-2018 budget, we allocated $40m for NHI,” Dr Sands said recently. “What we suggested was $15m for primary care, $15m for catastrophic care and $10m for the nuts and bolts of running the NHI Authority. Now we have made the decision that all of the budgets will be decreased by 10 per cent so instead of $40m, we are looking at $36m this fiscal year. “Moving forward we
OFFICIALS on the scene at the old City Market property in Market Street where a man was found dead.
MAN FOUND BEATEN TO DEATH from page one
Officers told the press the case appears to be a homicide. The victim appeared to be in his late 40s or early 50s, however police did not know the identity of the victim. Supt Knowles also confirmed that police “don’t have any reports of a male being missing.” When asked by reporters if it was known what type of weapon could have inflicted the victim’s injuries, Supt Knowles said: “It appears to have been different objects. Right now,
I can’t nail it down to say exactly which one, but we know that the body has blunt force trauma to various parts of the body. “However we are asking members of the public — we know that this thoroughfare or this parking lot is used by lots of persons to travel from Market Street onto East Street, or in that vicinity – (we ask anyone) who may have seen anything that can give us clues or leads into this matter to give us a call on the Crime Stoppers line. The number is 328-TIPS (328-8477). At Central Detective Unit,
502-9991/2. Or on our emergency lines: 911 and 919.” Three people were murdered earlier this month in separate incidents which all occurred in Grand Bahama. Two severely decomposed male bodies were also found in Abaco last weekend, though officials are still waiting on autopsy results to confirm the cause of death. On Tuesday, Minister of National Security Marvin Dames commended the efforts of police in Grand Bahama and Abaco and promised to continue the
efforts to reduce crime in the country. He said: “It will not be business as usual anymore. We will police differently. We have already begun that process and as a result of early efforts, we are beginning to see some positive change in the right direction. We will continue to do it.” Mr Dames added: “As I said before, we are not here to play games with crime. We understand how important reducing the crime levels in this country is to the overall stability of our nation. “And so, you will
continue to see our police operation from island to island, wherever we need to go to flush out the criminal element that has operated throughout this country for far too long. They have come to realise that their time has come because we are solving these matters, but we are putting in place an aggressive preventive strategy to continue to bring the numbers down. “But as we do it, we clearly understand that you are not going to have a year with no homicides. No country can boast of that. But I can assure you one thing, those persons who
need to be able to tackle the problem of how NHI will be paid for. No one questions the benefits but how will we pay for it and also people want to know what can I get for my mommy or daddy who is struggling and so we want to be very specific.” Dr Sands said there are currently more than 30,000 people enrolled in NHI. The primary care phase was launched by the Christie administration in 2017, shortly before the May general election.
Photo: Donavan McIntosh
feel the need to engage in criminal activity, we will use everything within the scope of our powers to isolate you and to put you where you belong. “We have to get back to a place where Bahamians can live in their communities without having concern about our young men killing up (each other).” On Tuesday, Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson released crime statistics for 2017. Those numbers show an overall decline in crime by 14 per cent compared to 2016, however there was a 10 per cent increase in murders.
LONG ISLAND MAN DEAD AFTER BLAZE DESTROYS HOUSE By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net
POLICE in Long Island are investigating the circumstances surrounding a house fire that left an elderly man dead late Wednesday night. The incident took place shortly after 11pm in Salt Pond. According to reports, police were called to the scene after residents alerted them to the house fire. When officers arrived, they found the single story building completely engulfed in flames. Officers, with the assistance of residents, were able to extinguish the flames. A search was conducted of the interior of the burnt structure and the lifeless body of a man, burnt beyond recognition, was discovered. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death. Officers from the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s Fire Services are in Long Island assisting with the investigation. Long Island Member of Parliament Adrian Gibson, in a post on Facebook, identified the victim as Erskine Harding. He also said this latest incident speaks to the needs of firetrucks and fire fighting equipment on the island. “The administrator has
briefed me about a fire that occurred last night (Wednesday) in the Salt Pond settlement. Sadly, Mr Erskine Harding died in the blaze,” the post said. “A team from Police Fire Services has been dispatched to Long Island to investigate. As it stands, I am advised that the coroner
and morticians, along with the police, have already brought Mr Harding’s body into New Providence by private charter. There remains no fire truck and that is a concern for the people of Long Island. I am hopeful that once we have the airport constructed we can have a fire truck. In
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the interim I am thinking about using a portion of the constituency fund to purchase a used truck or some
fire fighting equipment for the island. Persons were using hoses and buckets to out the blaze. My sincerest
condolences are extended to the victim’s family. May his soul rest in peace.” Investigations continue.
PAGE 6, Friday, January 19, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
SOLAR ENERGY PLAN TO BRING DOWN COST OF ELECTRICITY from page one Wynn Group at Gold Blossom, on West Bay Street, he also said. Speaking during a presentation at the 27th annual Bahamas Business Outlook, the prime minister said the country cannot become a world class destination if it is comfortable with low and often “slack” standards, especially in areas such as the toleration of corruption by public officials. He suggested this same slackness has trickled down to government agencies in the form of complacency. Therefore, to raise the standard, Dr Minnis said a faster response time by government agencies and ministries will be required
in addition to boosting the capacity of the state to respond in a timely manner to recommendations for reform. “There is one other reform I must address,” the Killarney MP said yesterday. “It is a perennial issue that remains urgent. It is the cost of electricity. The government is addressing short and medium-term measures in terms of electricity generation. But the longer-term issues (are) the need for solarisation and renewable energy, of which I have so often spoken about. “My unwavering commitment is this: before the term of this government ends, we will have partnered with various stakeholders and experts, to embark upon an ambitious plan to
significantly increase the use of solar energy in The Bahamas. “The Bahamas is ideal for solar energy. We are blessed with the sun. Our transformation to renewable energy is both a moral and an economic imperative. It is an imperative that will truly help to advance our economy and to help us to achieve world-status in the use of renewable energy.” He did not reveal a definitive timeline for this programme. Ahead of the 2017 general election, Dr Minnis pledged during a national address in January 2017 that his party, if elected to office, would implement a solarisation plan, which would see tax incentives for Bahamian companies providing services for alternative renewable energy
sources, including liquid natural gas. Explaining further his plans for the country, the prime minister said we must improve our standards. “To create and maintain a world-class Bahamas requires us to improve our standards as a country, to raise our expectations, to not settle for old habits which no longer serve us if we are to create a new Bahamas in a digital world, marked by rapid innovation, and extraordinary opportunities for countries which keep pace with global change. “We cannot become world-class if we are comfortable with low and often slack standards in various areas of national life, such as the toleration of corruption by public officials.
“Complacency is the enemy of change. We have no choice but to speed up the pace of change if we are to take advantage of an improving global economy. “I know that this will require a faster response time by government agencies and ministries,” he continued. “It will also require boosting the capacity of government to respond in a timely manner to recommendations for reform. While we have quite a distance to go, our economy is improving. And while there is a long road ahead, there are positive prospects on the horizon, more of which will be announced in due course. “We must think in terms of what is our brand as a country. We must utilise our strategic assets and
comparative advantages, to create more Bahamian entrepreneurs even as we seek international investors, and partners, from North America, Asia, Europe, South America, Africa, the Middle East and Australia and the Pacific. “A new Bahamas requires more than economic development and investments. We must also invest in and reform education, healthcare, social development, public management and our national infrastructure, if we are to become worldclass,” Dr Minnis said. Dr Minnis will head to Texas on Sunday and will return to the country next Wednesday, January 24. Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest will act as prime minister during that time.
BISHOP: MARITAL RAPE MOVE MADE IN BAD FAITH from page one
Funeral Service For Rudolph Daniel Taylor, 72 of Samuel’s Addition off Farrington Road, died on Sunday, January 7th, 2018, will be held on Saturday, 20th January, 2018 at Independence Drive Church of God, Independence Highway at 11:00am. Officiating will be Bishop Dr. Joseph Smith, assisted by other Ministers. Interment will follow in Southern Cemetery, Spikenard and Cowpen Road. Left to cherish his memories but not limited to are his children: Talisté, Rudolph, Daren (Calsey), Rodger, Neville and John Taylor, Tenelle Kimple, Arona Aranha, Bonnielynn Coakley, Sherise Dawkins, Braquelle Newton, Tomicko Johnson and Shawn McPhee; adopted children: Alexandria Morley, Cranston, Valencia, Hayley, Adasa, and Destiny; Step-mother: Joyce Moxey née Taylor; grandchildren: Daren Jr., Darenique, Kelsi, Everest, Makhai, Brianna, Tabitha and Jacob Taylor, Chloe Moxey, Chaavez and Chaavante Newton, Samantha Bailey, Darano McKenzie, Lynnaeh Coakley, Virshe Sturrup, Ty and Trey Dawkins, Tiana and Taleigha Johnson; great-grand: O’Miley Bailey; brothers: Gregory and Stephen Deveaux, Phillip Clare, John, Dennis, Edward and Lester Taylor; sisters: Cheryl Belony, Antoinette Rahming, Brenda Richards, Angela and Linda Deveaux, Margaret Nelson née Taylor, Luna Munroe and Alma Griffin; daughters-in-law: Patricia, Kendra, Cynthia and Cher Taylor and Sharona Johnson; sons-in-law: David Kimple and Lenryck Coakley; grandson-in-law: Ozzy Bailey; brothers-in-law: David Richards, Javis Rahming Sr., Jonathas (Marc) Belony and Patrick Munroe; adopted sister: Cleary Cooper; adopted brother: Kenneth Forbes; sisters-in-law: Karen Deveaux; nieces and nephews: Dillon, Olinka, Tonique, Lavendra, Dario, Lyndell, Adea, Nadia, Shakanlia, Gregory Jr., Kristoff, Jonathas, Nickielya, Lakera, Lakeisha, Bree, Stephen Jr., Tathen, Kristoff, Monalisa, Christy, Tenniel, Paul, Danielle, Davia, Phillip, Khristov, Kingsley, Kavasti, Phillip A., Phillippa and Phillesha, Antonio, Javis Jr., Javinique, Teka and Leslie Jr., Emmanuel, Suecollo, Benjamin, Tiffany, Ruth, Sapphire, Jadea, Guyea, Sammanique, Aisha, Laurette, Patrick Jr., Dennis, Laurie, Alva, Renee, Andrea, Clinton, Keith, and Shavon; grand nieces and nephews, cousins and a host of other family & friends including, Inzelet Lightbourn, Esther Burrows, Deidre Taylor, Nathalie Morley and family, Gloria Peet, Sandra Dawkins & family, Alphonso Miller, Wrecker Association family, Bussing Association family, Jehovah’s Witnesses family especially Montagu Congregation, The Tribune, Yellow Elder, Samuel’s Addition and Fritz Lane families. Friends may pay their last respects at Demeritte’s Funeral Home, Market Street, from 4-6:00 p.m. on Friday & on Saturday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until service time.
Other organisations, such as Equality Bahamas, yesterday slammed the proposed changes as an attempt to placate rather than address the issues of sexual violence and dehumanisation of women. Bishop Fernander said his group was not due to meet with Mr Bethel and review a draft bill until January 30. “Whoever he consulted with I guess he got the green light,” Bishop Fernander said. “I find it shocking if we were supposed to have a consultation, but I guess that’s the approach. We were going to have a going through with the legal team, so now when we talk about the 30th, it’s more or less tell us what you plan to do, as opposed to get some input to us. “I find it terrible, I would have hoped that this was leading to consultation but the move to go to Geneva, especially when you go to an international organisation and say this is what we plan to do. “I don’t know if we need to meet anymore, for our own edification we can go through it and say our position. I really wish it was done another way.” The issue of spousal rape was reignited in December after United Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women Dubravka Šimonović said it is the most pressing gender-based issue facing the Bahamas. Earlier this month, Mr Bethel told The Tribune an amendment to the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act had been drafted in response to widespread calls from the public for the Minnis administration to criminalise marital rape.
However, Mr Bethel said, there were two changes – the statute of limitation period and who should have the right to order that prosecution commences – which needed to be finalised before the amendment is passed on to Cabinet. At the time, the attorney general stressed it was a matter for the Cabinet to determine how and when the amendments would proceed, or whether it would proceed at all. In Geneva on Wednesday, Mr Bethel unveiled plans for marital rape to be criminalised as “aggravated spousal sexual abuse,” during his national report at the third cycle of the UN Human Right Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) working group. It will stipulate that complaints must be made within one year following the cause of the incident, he said, adding that such a complaint cannot be prosecuted without consent of the attorney general. Mr Bethel told the UN the drafted amendment to the Sexual Offences Act for the new offence of spousal sexual abuse had already been circulated to religious leaders and civil society, and up to late Tuesday responses had been supportive. Matt Aubry, executive director at the Organisation for Responsible Governance (ORG), confirmed yesterday that his group were given confidential access to the bill, and had forwarded the bill to relevant community stakeholders in their network for feedback. He expressed disappointment over the government’s international announcement, noting that the approach did not augur well for
rational local debate. Mr Aubry said: “Announcing internationally before you widely publicly distribute it seems like you’re setting the stage for an emotional and not rational discussion. We continue to advocate for a public policy process that’s clear at every stage. “Of the feedback we received, most of it was very specific focused on the language, and some later feedback we received after we already submitted was that it is not up to international standards.” Equality Bahamas director Alicia Wallace yesterday slammed the proposed changes, stating that “aggravated sexual assault by spouse” is not synonymous with rape. She said the use of such language, and the failure to amend the definition of rape in the Sexual Offences Act is a direct refusal to recognise the personhood of women after marriage. The Sexual Offences Act, in section 3, currently limits the act of rape to “another person who is not his spouse.” Ms Wallace said: “Among issues with the draft amendment bill are the refusal to call rape by its name, the one year limit for reporting, and the consent of the attorney general to prosecute. “We know that, for various reasons including financial standing, intimate partner violence is not always reported immediately. Such a narrow timeline to report rape within marriage is an unacceptable limitation and denial of access to justice. “It would better serve us all to work together in drafting such amendments, the expertise of advocacy and service organizations contributing to necessary legislative advancement,” she added.
MAN DROWNS, ANOTHER MISSING IN BIMINI POLICE are investigating an apparent drowning in Bimini after a man was found dead in the harbour on Thursday night
at around 8pm. Another man has been reported missing. According to reports, both men had been seen
earlier sitting in a small boat anchored at the rear of a business establishment before going missing.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, January 19, 2018, PAGE 7
Accused ‘offered to pay back’ money from COB By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net SUPREME Court jurors heard yesterday how former College of The Bahamas employee Chimeka Gibbs told officials, when confronted about allegations of theft, that she was willing to return some of the money she is accused of stealing from the institution. Detective Sergeant Dwayne Delancy, when he took the witness stand, said Gibbs admitted to receiving money from the college on two occasions during her initial arrest in late 2015. According to Det Sgt Delancey, Gibbs also stated, before being arrested, that she had
CHIMEKA GIBBS previously mentioned the matter to COB officials, and was willing to return the funds by using $20,000 she had in an account at Commonwealth Bank.
Det Sgt Delancey also said that when he later approached Gibbs on allegations that she took money from COB on more than two occasions, Gibbs said she had been doing it since 2011. The court also heard yesterday that Gibbs’ collective salary deductions and consequent net pay fluctuated on a monthly basis throughout portions of 2008. Renee Mayers, associate vice-president of human resources at COB, said while Gibbs made a monthly net salary of $2,315.25 in March 2008, that figure, along with her salary deductions would either increase or decrease in the following months.
According to Ms Mayers, Gibbs’ gross salary was affected by deductions from three banking institutions – Commonwealth Bank, CIBC FirstCaribbean and Scotiabank. From March to June of that year, Gibbs’ net pay was pegged at $2,315.25. However, in the months subsequent to March, both Gibbs’ net pay and her salary deductions would decrease and/or increase. For example, in July, her net salary increased to $2,572.77 before decreasing to $2,110.52 in August. In one instance, Gibbs’ net salary in November of 2008 was just $985.25. According to Ms Mayers, Gibbs’ net pay for March
to December of 2008 was $25,972.59. Meanwhile, Indira Collie, Scotiabank’s senior manager for service and support, testified how Gibbs received $40,000 extra in COB payroll deposits between March and December of 2014, and another $40,000 between January to October of 2015. Gibbs is on trial before Justice Cheryl GrantThompson charged with stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars between March 2008 and October 2015 while serving as an employee at COB. She is facing eight counts of stealing by reason of employment and 16 counts of falsification of accounts.
It is alleged that Gibbs stole over $500,000 from COB by reason of her employment at the institution. It is also alleged she falsified numerous COB direct deposit files, the result of which purported to show she was entitled to over $200,000 in salary payments. According to court documents, Gibbs served as both a senior clerk and a human resources assistant at the college. She was arraigned in June 2016. COB transitioned into a university later that year. Roger Gomez Jr represents Gibbs while Al-Leecia Delancey and Antania Rolle-Taylor represent the Crown. The trial continues.
MINISTRY OF WORKS STAFF ON THEFT CHARGES
FROM left, Joseph Marshall, Dwain Campbell, Kenley Saunders, Myron Smith and Ron Austin. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff from page one It is alleged that on the day in question, all five men conspired to and consequently stole six tons of asphalt, valued at $1,489.98 from the Ministry of Works/ Bahamix, which they had
access to by reason of their employment. All five men pleaded not guilty to the charges. A March 6 date has been set for trial, though Magistrate McKinney adjourned the matter to today for a status hearing. The five men were denied
bail and remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS). Ian Cargill represents Campbell, Alex Morley represents Smith, while Keith Seymour represents Austin, Saunders and Marshall.
JOBS FAIR AT GYM TOMORROW By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net
THE Department of Labour in conjunction with the Ministry of Labour will be hosting a construction job fair tomorrow at the Kendal Isaacs Gym. There will be approximately 30 employers in attendance, all seeking to employ Bahamians. Additionally, the Department of Labour is inviting all those in the construction field to attend the fair and register themselves in the department’s database. Having Bahamians registered could help reduce the presence of foreigners in the industry, said Director of Labour Robert Farquharson. This includes everyone from plumbers, electricians, carpenters, masons, and air-conditioner technicians to qualified quantity surveyors, site engineers and project managers, Mr Farquharson said at a press conference at the Department of Labour. The event is scheduled for noon to 4pm Saturday. “Over the past few months, officials from the Department of Labour have observed an increase in the requests for nonBahamian workers in the construction industry,” Mr Farquharson said. “These applications have raised very serious concerns due to the fact that thousands of Bahamians, with tremendous skills in the construction field, remain unemployed.
“This construction fair will allow the staff of the Public Employment Services Unit of the Department of Labour to register these unemployed skilled Bahamians in our newly upgraded database, while simultaneously exposing these trained, qualified and experienced workers with opportunities to be hired by over 25 construction companies that will be present at the job fair. “The Department of Labour is very pleased to partner with the Bahamas Contractors Association to make this job fair a reality and we are confident that our combined efforts will make an impact on the unemployment statistics in the country.” Mr Farquharson also said that Minister of Labour Dion Folks will be in attendance at the fair, assisting in the registration. BTVI, the National Training Agency, the University of the Bahamas and Atlantis will all be in attendance. Mr Farquharson said: “Atlantis has indicated that they too are looking for people to work in their engineering department… They hired some 43 persons from the last fair we had. “Come out, be interviewed. We invite you to bring your resume if you have it, any references, bring government issued ID which is your passport or your voter’s card, and your National Insurance card. Those things are going to be extremely important for us to register in our
database. If you have an email address, bring that too. If you do not have an email address, still come. We will assign an email address to you while you attend the fair.” When asked how the government will be able to reduce construction companies hiring non-Bahamians, Mr Farquharson said: “If it is brought to our attention, the Department of Labour is responsible for issuing labour certificates. No Bahamians should be disenfranchised particularly in the construction field. “All of those persons who are coming to the Bahamas to work in that field should come to us and apply for labour certificates. That labour certificate is submitted through the Department of Immigration as part of the application for work permit. No work permit should be given without a labour certificate. Once it comes to our attention, one of the concerns we have is so many persons who are site engineers, who are qualified project managers, do not come to us to register. We can only issue a labour certificate based on the amount of information in our database. And that’s one of the reasons why we encourage professionals…. to come and apply to register in our database. So when another application comes in for surveyor or a project manager or a site superintendent, we can deny that application and say ‘here are 15 Bahamians who are qualified.’”
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Sterling Global Development Limited seeks to hire experienced professionals for the following positions:
Development Manager The successful candidate will: • Be responsible for one or several vertical and horizontal real estate development projects. • Manage all consultants from concept plan through construction drawings and work with the Construction Manager through to completion of each project. • Coordinate closely with the Sales & Marketing team throughout all phases of the project to ensure sales success. • Coordinate closely with the Accounting team and will be responsible for the bottom-line performance of his/her projects overall. • Report directly to the President of Sterling Global Development Limited. Qualifications should include: • Undergraduate and/or graduate degree(s) in engineering, architecture or business • Significant experience in running all aspects of a real estate project • A strong understanding of design, construction and pro formas • An instinct for marketing and sales • Proven management ability to lead a team of consultants and work within a development team The successful candidate must be based in Nassau, Bahamas. Occasional travel will be required.
Development Analyst The successful candidate will: • Be responsible for preparing, monitoring and updating financial models for projects under development and for prospective acquisitions. As the Analyst increases in skill level, he/she will be involved in strategic reviews of potential acquisitions and their capital structure. • Have two two/three years’ experience related to financial analysis and will already have a high skill level related to spreadsheet preparation and analysis. • Have significant growth potential. The Analyst position can lead to a career path for more senior roles in general real estate development and operations, or in finance and M&A. • Report directly to the President of Sterling Global Development Limited. Salary and incentive compensation will be commensurate with experience and a proven record of performance. Qualified individuals should submit complete applications to: bahamascareers@gmail.com. Only those shortlisted will be contacted. Please no phone calls.
PAGE 8, Friday, January 19, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
Life’s a gas for new parents A
S I sat doing a live remote from Dunkin Donuts last Friday, I got to see a young father, maybe a first timer even, have a “special moment” with his child. Sadly for everyone else in the store, his child shared that special moment with us also. Fatherhood has its many ups and downs, joy, pain, smiles and tears. It is also filled with aromatic gifts from the precious new additions to families. In a nutshell, baby farts are far more lethal than those of full grown functioning adults. As grotesque as it sounds, over the years, I’ve become somewhat of a fart connoisseur, having smelt and dealt with the best of them. In college, I was so good at dropping silent but violent bombs (the Stealth Bomber had nothing on me) I garnered the nickname (one of many)
“Funky Nassau”. However, since becoming a father, I have realised through several smelly encounters that even the gnarliest “frat boy” loaded up on the hippest fast food fare and creamy lattes and frappucinos, topped off with vast quantities of their favourite “livation” and late night “chicken in da bag” are no match for a six-month-old loaded up on breast milk, formula, baby cereal and baby food (with its wonderful selection of “healthy choices” such as squash, green peas, pumpkin, banana, and carrots just to name a few). These “healthy”
nutritional food options for your toddler are one thing going in, a whole new world coming out. Daddy diaper duty has led me to discovering “The Carbonic Assigas”. This is a gaseous buildup in the bowels of your toddler that usually goes undetected and causes little or no distress to your child. It does however cause problems to your child’s family (you) and your peer group once released. That’s exactly what happened to the young father the other morning, he got “assigased”, and I must admit I enjoyed watching the “rookie Dad” cringe
Funeral Service For Alicia Shanise “Lisa” Stuart, 34 a resident of Windsor Place off Soldier Road, will be held at Church of God Greater Chippingham, Eden & Rosebud Streets, on Saturday, 20th January, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be Bishop Carl Denise Lafrenier, Rev’d John M. Darville, Rev’d Sybil Deveaux, assisted by Pastor Cassell Higgs & other Ministers of the Gospel. Interment follows in Lakeview Memorial Gardens, John F. Kennedy Drive. Left to cherish her precious memories are her Parents: Derek and Marilyn Neymour and Edward Rolle Sr.; Daughters: Deina Rolle and Olicia Cayard; Grand Father: John Stuart (deceased) and Jeremiah Neymour; Grand Mother: Flossiemae Coakley (deceased) and Yvonne Neymour; Brothers: Dravanta, Delano and Derek Jr. (Jennifer) Neymour, Dwight and Edward Rolle Jr. Inspector Jamique Campbell; Sisters: Achanta Stuart, Lashanda (Kevin) Stewart from Lexington, Kentucky and Deka Rolle; Nieces: Asia Stuart and Zaniyah Stewart; Uncles: Melvin Thompson and Robert Stuart, Rodney Neymour, John (Caroline) Hartman (Alice) Rolle; Aunts: Diana Stuart, Deloramae and Rubell Clarke, Vernita Cleare, Williamae Toothe, Maudline (Albert) Forbes and Margaret Taylor; Grand-Uncle: William Coakley, Orlando Florida and Glenwood Coakley; Grand-Aunts: Bloneva Poitier, Beryl Huyler, Alice (Garnet) Dorsett, Patricia Bannister, Adora (Reginal) Hanna, Judymae, Shirley, Rosemary and Merlene Cole; Relatives and Friends including: Apostle Carmel Gibson, Sonia, Shawndale, Shonique, Stephon, Chris and DeShawn Miller. Paulamae (Leslie) Bowleg, Patricia, Kishna, Karlisa and Carlton Rolle, Katisha Cayard, Ruthmae, Curtis, Edwin, Jerry, Mark, Troy and Jensen Coakley, Deborah and Frankie Drakes, Christopher (Virginia), Anthony (Charmaine), Mario, Angela, Marva and DeiAndra Poitier, Broquelle (Franklyn) Brice, Gregory, Michael, Kim, Keith, Antonio, Ann, Sheryl, Lenore, Christine, Helen Thompson, Latasha, Lenardo, Lamont and Onea, Deborah (Walter), Shakara and Waldez Russell, Kenva, Kenton and Dario Gibson, Shervin, Aytia and Shanite Coakley. Terrance, Shanique, Willicia and Sherell Charlow,Althmease Carey, Rosemary Cambridge, Rev. Cecil & Milton Newbold, Kingston Bernard, William, Marcus Newbold, Princess and Dainett Bonimy, Ruben and Holbroke Stuart, Fonswitt Clonious Stubbs & Family, Bernard, Clinton and Florinda Smith, Alice Stubbs & Family, Nathalie Bonimy & Family, Cleveland Stuart & Family, Tiffany, Tammy, Edward, Kevin (Tameka), Randy, Delores, Angelica, Magnolia, Stella, Nadia, Carla, Ivan (Lavonne), Alan and Judy Neymour, Ambrosine (George) Martin, Margaret Sands, Mary, Quennie (John) Hutchinson, Leroy Minns, Patrick, Donna Robinson, Fairdawn (Neville) Neely Perez Forbes, Elder Anthony (Arnadelle) Whylly, Bernadette (John) Trottman, Eleanor Whylly, James (Barbara) Thompson, Jerome Moxey, Cora Taylor, Stacey Smith and Family, Gregory (Francell) Dorsett, Kendrick Williams, Daron Davis, Alan, Patrice, Cheryl, Sherice and Linda Sands, Brennett Roberts, Turkessa Burrows, Latonia Baker, Shannon, Arlene (Gordon) Mackey, Wendell Whylly, Rochelle Delancy, Monique Brown, Vera Cole & Family, Harry Horton & Family, Mr. Maybell Rolle & Family, Mary Neymour & Family, Phenton Neymour & Family, Margaret Sands & Family, Rev. John Darville & Family, Bishop Raymond Mackey & Family, Mrs. Alma Ferguson & Family; A HOST OF OTHER RELATIVES AND FRIENDS: Bishop Carl Dennis & Deaconess Delcina LaFrenier and The Church of God Greater Chippingham Family, Usher Department of The Church of God Greater Chippingham Family, Rev. & Mrs. Higgs and The Church of God of Prophesy Pinewood Gardens Family, Obie Pratt & Family, Mr. Terrance Harris & Family, Sherwin Butler & Family, Mr. & Mrs. Flowers & Family, Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Cottis & Family, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Adams & Family, Mr. Ervin & Mrs. Curlean Fernander & Family, The Patton Family, Mary Fernander & Family, Keith & Mary Davis & Family, Pauline Davis & Family, Patrick Brown & Family, Marsha McCartney & Family, John Lockhart, Eureka Lockhart & Family, Mother June Johnson & Family, Godfrey Rahming and Family, Mary Young & Family, William (Shameka) McQueen & Family, Reagan Rolle & Family, Ottnee Caynard & Family, Derek (Stephanie), Darius and Stephan Pitts of Miami Fla. Troy (Erinique), Trenique and Trey Farrington, Trevor, Christy and Christopher Farrington, Sharmaine Pratt, Samantha Neely, Dornella Farrington Smith, Alexandria, Theotha, Latoya, Erica and Terranique, Bishop Mark Knowles & Family, The Hon. Desmond Bannister Member of Parliament for Carmichael Constituency, Kimani Kimberly and Omar Miller, Nickilie, Nickalene, Shameka and Nicalus Jackson, Onique and Kiara Johnson, Stacy Smith, Charmaine, Charles McCartney and Michael Williams, The Coakley, The Stuart, The Stubbs, The Newbold, The Braynen, The Cargill, The Bullen Terrace and The Bering Point Family. The Exuma Street Family, Frankie & Sharon Simmons & Family, The Staff of Female Medical #2 of P.M.H, The Staff of Baha Mar, The Staff of Lyford Cay Club, The Staff of John Bull South West Plaza, The Staff of Rubis Carmichael Road, Old Fort Bay and the R. M. Bailey Class of 2000. Friends may pay their last respects at Demeritte’s Funeral Home, Market Street, from 12-6:00 p.m. on Friday & on Saturday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until service time.
through the entire “stinking” (literally) ordeal. I don’t know if scientists have documented this, but I think “baby farts” can be considered games of full court “chemical warfare”. basketball. As I sat there watching I needed a break. the “rookie Dad” psyche My mind was on the ice himself up, readying him- cold “switcha” in the fridge, self to change his proginy’s so I slid my son in his diaper in short order, and walker and bee-lined it to lose some nose hairs in the the fridge to pour my drink, process. chug it down and dash back I was reminded of a to my boy without missing similar situation, that hap- a beat. pened to me Why the when I was ‘Since becoming a paranoid a “rookie father, I have realised rush to Dad”. get a well through several My wife deserved was at the smelly encounters refreshbeauty ment? that even the salon for Simple, gnarliest “frat boy” some well nothing is deserved loaded up on the happenpampering, hippest fast food fare ing on my and I had to watch. I watch the and creamy lattes could never kids. and frappucinos, live that My oldest topped off with vast down. son had On my gorged him- quantities of their way back self on two favourite “livation” to my den I bottles of could smell and late night milk, cereal, a rather applesauce “chicken in da bag” unpleasand a couple are no match for a ant aroma, of zwieback which was biscuits, not six-month-old loaded indeed punto mention up on breast milk, gent to the the apple formula, baby cereal nostrils. juice he guzThe zled out of and baby food.’ closer I got, his “Sippy the more Cup”. putrid the air became; it After walking 2,158 steps was definitely a strong nine trying to get him to sleep, out of ten on the fart scale. the circulation in my arm Honestly, it made my had stopped, and I was eyes burn and water (it was sweating like I had run several giving “mace” a real run for
To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394
TEMPLE CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL
ENTRANCE EXAMINATION 2018-2019 Temple Christian High School will hold its
Entrance Examination on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at the school on Shirley Street from
8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for students wishing to enter grades 7, 8, 9 and 10.
Application forms are available at the High School Office. The application fee is twentyfive dollars ($25.00). Application forms should be completed and returned to the school by Friday, January 19, 2018.
For further information, please call telephone number: 394-4481/394-4484.
its money.). I was about to “stop, drop and roll” as the heat (along with its smell) had me in fear of some sort of combustible reaction. It was at that very moment I noticed my wife’s Shih Tzu completely laid out on the floor in a canine coma. Instantly, I knew what had happened; the poor Shih Tzu had run headlong (and mouth open) into the initial blast of my son’s “Carbonic Assigas”. As alert as animals usually are, the poor dog never saw or smelled it coming. Hoping to wait it out until my wife’s return so she could face whatever was in that kid’s diaper, I became distraught when she informed me that due to freshly polished, wet nails, I would be on diaper duty for the rest of the afternoon. So I mustered what little bravado I had at that moment and decided to take the bull by the horn. With wipes in hand and fresh new diapers in my back pocket, I bravely went in… And what I saw changed my life! What went into my child as pretty orange carrots, yellow corn and sweat potato came out florescent green and deadly. Half an hour later, when I was finally done changing my son, I stood there traumatised; that diaper looked like a hot, molten, piece of lava, just smoldering and emitting toxic fumes. In my delirium, I started thinking how old baby diapers could be used as chemical weapons to protect our borders from illegal immigration. The scent alone from them baking in the sun, wafting out to sea could turn boatloads of illegal immigrants back. And think how cost effective that would be since one dirty diaper could surely cover miles of shore. There must be some use for dirty baby diapers, right? Maybe we could let teenagers smell the really horrid ones; maybe that would help curb teen pregnancy.? But I digress. My only solace is that one day my kids will have to take care of me and maybe they’ll have to change my diapers. If that day ever comes, you can bet the house I will have a rainbow of colours waiting on them in my Depends. Truthfully, after what I’ve been through, I am kind of looking forward to it. Yes, I wrote about “baby farts” this week, relax, those of you who maybe all uptight, it could’ve been worse. I easily could have written about Trump, and “S*#t Holes”!
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, January 19, 2018, PAGE 9
Mystery over foam in backyards at Pinder’s Point By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net MYSTERIOUS white foam alleged to have come from a nearby industrial plant showered the Pinder’s Point community on Thursday morning, sparking anxiety among some residents there. Grand Bahama experienced very windy conditions as a result of a strong cold front that moved into the northwest Bahamas on Thursday. The strong high pressure behind the front generated strong winds. Sometime around 10.30am, residents reported seeing golf-sized balls of foam and some as big as a grapefruit blowing in their backyards, allegedly blowing from the direction of the Buckeye oil storage facility. However, an official denied that any foam emanated from the facility. Resident Vera Grant told The Tribune white foam was blowing about the area some of it had blown onto her property. She took a sample of the foam, and said she immediately contacted Buckeye officials, operators of the Bahamas
Oil Refining Co (BORCO). When The Tribune arrived at Mrs Grant’s home - which is located just northeast of several Buckeye oil tanks - the foam or sludge had already dissipated. The resident collected the grainy white residue in a container. The sample was turned over to a representative of the Grand Bahama Environmental Association (GBEA), which will have the substance analysed. Mrs Grant was preparing to hang her laundry outside when she noticed the shower of foam blowing in the wind. “I was sitting down, and I saw foam flying past the window; some was as big as a grapefruit and in different sizes. I did not know what it was and I called over there (Buckeye), and a guy said that he would contact his supervisor. “He called me back and said that it (the foam) was harmless and that it was okay to hang my clothes outside. He said I did the right thing by calling them,” she claimed. The Tribune contacted Buckeye and spoke with Oneil Wildgoose, who identified himself as the health
SOME of the grains of foam that appeared in the area of homes near Pinder’s Point. and safety manager. When questioned whether the company had received any complaints from a resident of Pinder’s Point concerning foam from the Buckeye property, he denied the incident. “It never happened this morning; nothing was floating from the BORCO facility today,” Mr Wildgoose said. He told The Tribune he would check and that this newspaper should call back in 45 minutes. However, subsequent phone calls were not answered. Resident Jason Darling said that he also saw the foam in the area.
“There was a large quantity of foam or sludge blowing around in the yard here,” he said. Mr Darling said that the government needs to address the alleged industrial pollution in the Pinder’s Point area. He said residents and families are coming into contact with the foam, and are being exposed to strong fumes and odours. Ongoing chemical emissions, oil spills, and health and safety concerns have been main issues confronting residents living in the Pinder’s Point, Lewis Yard, Hawksbill, and the other surrounding communities
near the industrial plants over the past four decades. Shuffel Hepburn, a member of GBEA, said it is not the first time that foam has been blown into the Pinder’s Point community. “I received a call from Mrs Grant about the foam floating over . . . to their backyards, and so I came down here. “However, by the time I got down here it (the foam) had stopped because she had already called (officials), but she trapped some in a container, and we plan to get it analysed,” he said. Mr Hepburn noted that
sometimes fire drills are conducted, but residents are not informed. He said that the GBEA is still waiting to meet with the Minister of Environment and Housing Romauld Ferriera, who promised to meet with residents at a town hall in early January. “That has not happened and they have not said to us why it has not happened, and why we have not heard from him,” Mr Hepburn said. He said that residents are tired and want their issues addressed. The organisation has been calling for the relocation of residents from the area.
READERS HAVE THEIR SAY ON TOP STORIES OF THE DAY THE Government has been urged to eliminate import tariffs to allow Bahamas-based clothing and apparel retailers to survive. Readers gave their reaction on tribune242. com. Sickened said: “I’ve actually never thought that there was a tax on clothing. I always buy my clothes abroad and would never think about declaring and paying duty on new stuff that I’ve worn on the trip. I always thought that the selection locally was dismal because of lack of effort, but now I realise that it’s dismal because these shops are the only people paying duty on clothes. I’m now surprised there are ANY clothing stores in The Bahamas. Not for much longer I guess!!!” John had this to say: “This is a two edged sword for sure, but as the present market exists, the high tariffs are stagnating the clothing (and shoes) retail sector. The high cost of carrying inventory for example (high freight plus customs duty and VAT) in a limited market. Clothing and shoes become obsolete almost overnight so they require a high mark up and a quick sale. Then too, how does the market eliminate the perception held by many that the prices in the Bahamas will always be higher and the clothing not the latest fashion? The trend now as opposed to shopping at home is persons take the family on vacation, do all their shopping abroad
and declare exemption on the things they didn’t wear before they return home. Then there’s Amazon. Very expensive but its the new trend to shop online.” SayWa said: “If Macy’s and Sears and having problems with online shopping, I don’t know why these retailers here think they won’t be affected . . . The Internet makes the world smaller. Adjust or die!” Readers also responded to the news that the Government is aiming to “ease the pain of getting into business” with a launch that will cut the process by more than 50 per cent for some. Observer2 asked: “Why would anyone want to open a business in the Bahamas . . . especially a small business with limited capital? With a national education level of ‘D’, VAT on Customs duty, Business License fees regardless of if you make a profit or not, high shipping costs (due to Arawak port high fees and monopoly), high electrical costs - lots of stealing at that company, undrinkable water - stealing here too, high gas prices - one importer/monopoly, inferior low octane gas - it can’t meet US standards so its dumped in the Bahamas, oil monopoly, web shops on every corner and island
TRIBUTES TO DR CECIL BETHEL THE Public Hospitals Authority has extended sympathy to the family and friends of Dr Cecil Bethel who died this week. In a statement, the PHA said the veteran physician was a “fierce advocate for healthcare development and delivery”. The PHA added: “Dr Bethel’s legacy in the field of medicine will long remain among those who pioneer a spirit of excellence in the delivery and practice of medicine in our country. His 30 years in the government service found him providing care at the Princess Margaret Hospital as senior registrar in medicine, consultant physician, department head, and as the first medical chief of staff in 1968 - a position he held for four years. “Dr Bethel served as a member of the board of the Public Hospitals Authority
CECIL BETHEL from 1999 to 2001, where his commitment to quality care helped to guide its policies. The authority honours Dr Cecil Bethel for his tremendous professional achievements and his significant contributions to improving the practice of medicine in the Bahamas. His will be a legacy undaunted by time.” Dr Bethel died at Doctors Hospital on Monday.
settlement (anyone been to West End lately? It’s a wasteland) liquor stores on every corner, crime, exchange controls, lousy banking, high bank charges, low tech banking, pot hole roads, crooked politicians, beggars everywhere, impossibly high construction costs, real property taxes very high on foreigners, foreign owned properties
being ‘expropriated’ with the nod of the government (Cable Beach), poor airlift to the Family Islands. But no worries - the BTC marketing man will solve everything. Is this a joke or what?” And SP said: “The Government needs to aim to ‘ease the pain of STAYING in business’! The new accounting requirements
for a business license are stupid, cumbersome, and overwhelming for small businesses. How the hell can government suddenly expect already struggling small businesses to provide: 1) A copy of your sales report, Excel log sheet or quick books, POS report for Jan - Dec 17’ 2) Bank Statement or P/N ( Profit & Lost) OR Trial Balance
3) Value Added Tax report for 2017 ending December 31st. 4) Total Cash report 5) Accrued Base report Is this the ‘streamlining’ ‘ease of doing business’ and ‘customer-centric approach’ they are referring to??” • Don’t miss your chance to join the debate on tribune242.com.
PAGE 10, Friday, January 19, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
RED CROSS HONOURS BUSINESS SUPPORTERS
GOVERNOR General Dame Marguerite Pindling and others along with seven recognised local businesses at the Bahamas Red Cross Awards Ceremony at Government House. The event saw long-time supporters and benefactors of the organisation honoured. Awardees included AML Foods Ltd, Coin of the Realm, Hands for Hunger, JP Investments Co Ltd, Nassau Glass, Robinson Video and Limousine, the Brass & Leather sHop, The Counellors Ltd and the Water and Sewerage Corporation. The event comes ahead of the Red Cross Ball on January 27 at 7pm at the Baha Mar Convention Centre. Tickets cost $275. For more details, contact the Red Cross on 323-7370 or 328-4415. Photo: Donavan McIntosh
RISE IN NUMBER OF THOSE IN NEED By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
DUE to the depressed economic situation in Grand Bahama, the Grand Bahama Red Cross Centre has seen an increase in persons coming to their doors for assistance. The centre and its volunteers continue to extend a helping hand to many
persons in the community by providing hot meals and delivering food parcels. Administrator Stephanie Barr, who oversees the centre on Jobson Avenue, told The Tribune there has been an increase in individuals to the centre since 2016 following Hurricane Matthew. “From 2017 after Irma, and in 2016 with Matthew we had noticed an increase
of persons visiting the centre, and we don’t turn anyone away,” said Ms Barr. “We have persons who come to the door and haven’t had anything to eat, and we give them a cup of soup - no one gets turned away because we realise that times are tough. “When Matthew struck, a lot of persons lost their jobs; so we had the job losses,
and then persons were displaced before that.” Ms Barr said the Red Cross has been able to respond and assist, thanks to assistance from corporate Grand Bahama and individuals who come forth and donate. The Red Cross’ Meals on Wheels programme provides hot meals to 50 persons daily five days a week, and this year Ms Barr said they are looking to expand the programme to the East End. The organisation delivers monthly food packages to 10 individuals and has an outreach programme where they go into the community and drop-off food parcels. In December, Red Cross volunteers went into parts of Freeport, particularly into the Imperial Park Subdivision where several homes were destroyed by a tornado when Hurricane Irma skirted past Grand Bahama last September.
STEPHANIE BARR, administrator at the Grand Bahama Red Cross Centre in Freeport. Photo: Denise Maycock/Tribune Staff “We gave out food parcels hold fundraisers, and we are to lift them up; we did not grateful to the corporate have a chance to do it during community which continues the storm, and so we made it to donate and support us,” our business to visit them in she said. December,” she said. Additionally, the Grand While the organisation Bahama Red Cross prono longer accepts clothing, vides First-Aid training persons can drop off canned and first responder assisand dry goods to the centre. tance at public events such “We have persons that as Goombay Summer Fescome here and donate cases tival, and the New Year’s of items which we are very Day and Junior Junkanoo appreciative for; we also Parades.
Funeral Service For Henry Alfred Moss, 70 of Thomas Road, Coral Lakes will be held on Saturday, January 20th, 2018 at 10:30a.m. at Our Lady’s of the Holy Souls Catholic Church, Young Street. Officiating will be Fr. William Quiamjot assisted by Deacon Maxwell Johnson. Cremation will follow. Left to cherish his precious memories are his Wife: Irene Moss; Son: Henry Moss Jr.; Grandson: Xavier Moss; Brothers: Clifford Moss, Edward Moss (Paula), Anthony Moss, Stephen & William Seymour Christopher Moss, Glenford Hepburn; Sisters: Patricia Collie, Stephanie Moss, Janet Russell (Clarence); Step-daughter: Debbie Watts; Brothers-inlaw: Norbert, Wolf and Peter Poll and family of Canada; Nieces: Yvette Wood (Rhon), Marissa Moss, Anastacia Moss, Shamika Lightbourne (Derek) Kayla Lightbourne (Joey), Sherelle, Kayshala & Kimberley Moss, Rochelle Lockhart, Diana, Glenise & Geysha Hepburn, Nakia Lotmore, Dayshanelle & Deandra Collie, LaChrista Saunders, Kayla, Aboni, Santonia & Tera Seymour, Tenaj Russell; Nephews: Clifford Moss Jr, Glenford Hepburn, Anthony Moss Jr, Shem Moss, Dr Alex Seymour, Anfernee, Denaj, Blair, Shaquant, Jermaine & Stephen Seymour Jr., Corey Cartwright, Clarence Russell Jr.; Cousins: Hazel Chipman, Dorothy Curry, Emmet Munroe, Oraline Maycock, Juanita Munroe, Oscar & Joseph Munroe, Edith Wilson, Althea Davis, Maria & Catherine Munroe, Alvin Munroe, Dr. Rhonda Chipman-Johnson, Hubert Chipman & Monique Delancy; a host of other relatives and friends including: Mavis Collie & family, Mavis McKenzie, Descendants of William Moss, Monsignor Preston Moss, Bishop Roston Davis, Pastor Bernadette Moss, Poitier Family, Charlie Major & Family, the Lightbourne Family, Brigitte Neven, D. Paul Riley and Helene Peloquin, Musical colleagues & friends: Andrew Brennen and family, Brian Christie, Herbie Edgecombe, Chris and Yonell Justilien, Ronnie Seymour and all the musicians with whom he performed, Music Students, including: Retired Justice Dame Anita Allen, Mr. Wendell Jones, and members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Doctors & nurses of P.M.H. and many others too numerous to mention. The body will repose in the Blessed Redeemer Chapel at Ferguson’s Funeral Directors, 7th Terrace Collins Avenue, on Friday from 10:00am - 5: 00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 9:30a.m. until service time.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, January 19, 2018, PAGE 11
Eyes to the sky for a rare visitor CLAD head to toe in warm clothes with woolly hats, socks, vests and stout walking shoes, 28 eager volunteers in five groups set off at sunrise on a recent Sunday morning to count birds, a globally recorded annual labour of love for the Audubon Society. Wellequipped with the required cameras, binoculars and note pads, members of the Bird Club of New Providence mirrored similar excursions by members in Grand Bahama, Abaco and Andros. The Audubon Society’s Annual Christmas Bird Count provides invaluable data to scientists and researchers all over the world and helps fuel The Bahamas’ own popular bird watching tourism sector. Speaking from the tally held at the Sandyport Beach Resort in Nassau at the end of a long day, Carolyn Wardle, organiser of the count on New Providence,
said she’s been involved for 25 years. “We’ve had 24 consecutive bird counts on this island,” said Carolyn. “The data we collect year by year is invaluable to scientists and researchers who need information on where the birds are, what they’re doing, and if they’re increasing or declining. The bird count this year was successful in as much as we counted about 110 species.” Mrs Wardle led the southeast team, who waded in ankle-deep shoreline tidal waves at Sandyport to monitor the native and migratory species of shoreline birds. “We had a rare sighting of a Turkey Vulture, which is very common on some of the other islands but not often seen here,” said Mrs Wardle. “We always have a few extra species at the end of the day that we wouldn’t expect – they just pop up for no particular reason.
A TURKEY vulture spotted during the Christmas Bird Count and, below, a shortbilled Dowitcher and the endangered Piping Plover. Photos: Elijah Sands
“If you go to Andros, Grand Bahama, or Abaco the Turkey Vulture is about the first bird you see, but it’s very rare to spot one on New Providence because the island is so small and overdeveloped.” The Turkey Vulture was only one of over 100 species of birds that made up the final numbers on New Providence. The five teams of five to six people were spread out across the island for the annual Christmas Bird Count for the USbased arm of The Audubon Society. From sunset until sundown the volunteers, removed from the hustle and bustle of urban landscape, were able to tally the number of bird species within a more tranquil 15-mile diameter.” Some of the shore birds spotted included the endangered Piping Plover, the Sanderling, the Short-billed Dowitcher, the Dunlin and several gull species.
PAGE 12, Friday, January 19, 2018
THE TRIBUNE