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VOLUME:117 No.40, JANUARY 21ST, 2020

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SPORT: HIELD STARS BUT KINGS LOSE IN OVERTIME Activists say abortion ban a factor in illegal pills trade. For some...

‘There’s no choice’

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

LEGISLATION restricting women’s access to reproductive health care has harmed residents and should be the focus of national discourse, not abortion drugs some obtain without a doctor’s prescription because they have no other choice.

That’s according to Alicia Wallace, a leading women’s rights advocate who believes it’s time The Bahamas recognises a woman’s right to bodily autonomy and change abortion laws.

She was contacted after this newspaper reported yesterday that one of its investigators acquired Cytotec, used to induce abortions, from a local pharmacy without a prescription. The investigator

received five tablets, each for $20.

Dr Leon Dupuch, the immediate past head of Princess Margaret Hospital’s Obstetrics and Gynecology department, linked Cytotec use to a concerning number of women arriving at the hospital after an abortion attempt has gone wrong. Ms Wallace, however, said the pills are not the substantive problem.

“People are going to have abortions or attempt abortions no matter what,” she said. “Abortion is illegal now and people still access it through different means.

People know which doctors, which pills they can use and there are myths, old wives tales that people cling to to induce abortions for themselves using various types of vitamins, supplements and bush medicines.

SEE PAGE FIVE

POLICE ALERT AFTER SERIES OF ARMED HOME INVASIONS

By FARRAH JOHNSON fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

FOLLOWING a string of recent home invasions in the capital, Royal Bahamas Police Force Superintendent Shanta Knowles is urging members of the public to take all necessary precautions to avoid making their homes targets for intruders.

Over the past month, there have been four reported incidents of armed men breaking into homes and robbing residents of cash and other personal items.

While police did not specify whether the incidents were related, Supt Knowles did share a number of safety tips civilians can use to prevent becoming victims of

IS IT VALLEY VOID?

break-ins. “Firstly, ensure that your home is properly secured before going to bed,” she advised. “That is, that doors and windows are closed and locked.

“Secondly, leave outside lights on. This can deter criminals as it is possible they can be easily identified if seen by passers-by.”

She added that motionactivated lights are especially useful in preventing burglaries because these types of lights are extremely sensitive to movement.

“Thirdly, do not advertise your valuables. Boxes which once contained expensive electronics such as televisions, computers and video games should be properly disposed in a garbage bin.

SEE PAGE THREE

QUESTIONS swirled last night about whether the official results of the 2019 Boxing Day Junkanoo Parade strips the Valley Boys - seen in action above on Boxing Day - of victory and pushes the Saxons Superstars into first place.

Story - Page 7

CAVALIER CONFIRMS GB AIRPORT CRISIS AS IT’S CEASED TRADING 100 JOBS ON THE LINE

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

CAVALIER Construction is “the first casualty of a changing industry model” because it “didn’t adapt with the times”, an exBahamian Contractors Association president argued yesterday.

Leonard Sands said the company, which confirmed it ceased trading last Wednesday, had done “too

little, too late” to adjust to the fact that large general contractors were increasingly being bypassed for work on major projects.

Cavalier, after The Tribune revealed its permanent closure and the termination of 54 staff, admitted it had effectively been “cut out of the market” by the growing tendency of developers/ investors to rely on construction management firms.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

DEPUTY Prime Minister Peter Turnquest says the disengagement of workers at the Grand Bahama International Airport is a concern, and that addressing the current situation at the airport is a priority for the government.

Over a dozen employees, mostly security officers, were made redundant last

Friday, and it is expected that as many as 100 persons could be affected as more redundancies are carried out in stages.

When contacted yesterday, Mr Turnquest said that the matter is concerning especially as it relates to Grand Bahama’s economy. “We have to be concerned; it does not precipitate a feeling that the economy has stalled,” he SEE PAGE THREE

HAYWARD FAMILY’S GRIEF OVER ‘SUICIDE’

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE family of the late Sir Jack Hayward has expressed shock and sadness over the death of their father’s longtime personal butler Trevor Bethel, who was found dead on Friday morning at his residence off Royal Palm Way. In a statement issued yesterday, the Haywards said that Mr Bethel had been a part of the family for more

BUTLER Trevor Bethel than 30 years. The Hayward family is part owner of the Grand Bahama Port

Authority. “He worked loyally for Sir Jack Hayward, until his death in 2015, and has been a good friend to Sir Jack’s children and grandchildren for most of their lives,” the family said.

“For the last year or so there have been very sad and unnecessary differences between Trevor and our family, which we do not believe were of Trevor’s making.

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SEE PAGE THREE

PETER YOUNG

WINNERS AND LOSERS HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER

SEE PAGE TEN

PAGE 2, Tuesday, January 21, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

BAHAMAS TO HOST MAJOR LAWYER CONFERENCE

By LEANDRA ROLLE lrolle@tribunemedia.net

FOR the first time ever, the Bahamas will host the 22nd Commonwealth Lawyers Conference (CLC) in September 2021, attracting more than 1,000 lawyers and visitors from across the Commonwealth.

The four-day conference will be held at Baha Mar from September 5 to the 9, 2021 under the theme “Sustainable Justice: The Future Role of The Law.” “We think the theme chimes in with

environmental issues that are so important hitting the news, but sustainable justice is also about sustainable independence of the judiciary,” said Brian Speers, president of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association.

“It is about sustainable lawyers in practice being aligned to support their clients and to make awkward points which might not be to the liking of the incumbent government.”

The biennial conference, he said, will also be an opportunity to both

showcase the legal profession in the country and the country’s world class resortBaha Mar. Noting the event will be the first to completely fill out all rooms in Grand Hyatt, Baha Mar’s president, Graeme Davis expressed gratitude to the association for providing resort officials with the opportunity to host the conference.

“It is an absolute incredible opportunity and the first ever to fill all 1,800 rooms of our Grand Hyatt,” he said.

“To be able to share Baha Mar, the Bahamas and the cultural and rich opportunities here to share all of the cultural experiences with members of the Commonwealth Law Association from around 52 nations is an absolute incredible opportunity to showcase the immense beauty and culture here in the Bahamas.”

Speaking at yesterday’s press conference, Attorney General Carl Bethel also added that the country was privileged to host such a “prestigious” conference.

“We trust that your prestigious conference will attract the fullest support and participation of bench and bar and we look forward to having a very successful conference,” he noted.

“Hurricane Dorian, in early September ravaged our country, wreaking untold havoc and destruction… (But) we are determined to restore those losses suffered as best we can and as quick as we can by so next September, a restored Bahamas can meet and greet and welcome each of you and our

commonwealth law association brothers and sisters.”

The Commonwealth Lawyers Conference is organised by the Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) in London, and has been hosted since 1955 in countries such as Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

With the conference set to take place in the Bahamas next year, it will be the second time CLC will be held in the region as the first time was in Ocho Rios, Jamaica in 1986.

Jury selected for mass drive-by shooting trial

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

THE THREE accused: Left, Jermaine Curry and, behind him, Justin Williams. Right: Peter Rolle.

Photos: Terrel W Carry Sr/Tribune Staff

A SUPREME Court jury was empanelled yesterday for the trial of three men accused of killing four people and wounding seven others during a mass driveby shooting in the Fox Hill area seven years ago.

Jermaine Curry, Peter Rolle and Justin Williams appeared before Justice Deborah Fraser for the launch of their trial concerning the December 2013 mass shooting at Freedom Park.

Though the jury was selected yesterday, a process that took roughly two hours, the trial doesn’t start until tomorrow morning.

Curry, Rolle and Williams, who are all on bail, will return to court at that time.

The three men are accused of murdering four people – Claudezino Davis, Shaquille Demeritte, Eric Morrison and Shenique Sands – on December 27, 2013. They are also charged with the attempted murder of Chino Davis, Janet Davis, John Davis, Benjamin Demeritte, Samuel Ferguson, Jermaine Pratt and Leroy Taylor.

According to reports, around 6pm on the date in question, occupants of a small, dark vehicle opened fire “with a variety of weapons” in the area just behind the basketball court where several people were gathered awaiting Junkanoo results.

Davis was pronounced dead on the scene while 10 others were taken to hospital via private vehicles and ambulance. Demeritte, Morrison and Sands later died in hospital of their injuries.

Curry is represented by attorney Murrio Ducille, Rolle is represented by Sonia Timothy, and Williams is represented by Geoffrey Farquharson.

Tribune and Light.

A1MAIN

THE TRIBUNE

from page one

said. “The government is looking at the airport now as a priority to get traction on it. We realise that some persons have been disengaged and that will have an effect on the economy, and we have to see how many.

We will look at an alternative strategy to see how we deal with it and put them somewhere,” he said.

Dave Barr, president of the Grand Bahama Port Authority Workers Union, said a total of 13 people were made redundant.

“Of the 13, nine are security officers, and they were all paid the maximum compensation according to the redundancy clause,” he said.

The union official noted that more redundancies are expected. “The plan is to do it in stages either until the airport is sold and taken over by another company,” he explained.

Mr Barr said activity at the airport is very low.

The airport, which is

the statements by the deal.”

Mr Davis said sup- Tuesday, January 21, 2020, PAGE 3 chairman for the company, it appears that posed changes at BPL deepened miswithout the leave of the have Bahamian people through trust and heightened Bahamian pubParliament, the FNM Established 1903 has the unilaterally decided that lic’s uncertainty over they are going to give the the government-owned power generation por- power provider.

“We are now being tion for the company to a foreign entity. They never asked to swallow the campaigned on this policy fact that the Bahamian and were never given a public will bear the cost mandate to do so. of building two new power 4public 2 . Cmust O M benecessary generation plants,” he There some public redundancies) at the airport could be a workers, but also not having because not much activity is sign of the owners’ intena proper airport at this time said. “The FNM governexplanation for this.” going on.” tions about restoring the will affect hotels and tourment will then sell the two Mr “We areDavis concerned complained about airport. ism which are vital for the it because almost 100 per- plan While redundancies, island’s other businesses plants to a foreign there is no coherent or new sons will be out of a job or layoffs or reducing workthat rely on the airport.” company, namely Shell vision for BPL. affected. There is nothing days are always a concern Mr Russell said the airNorth America. Then “The leftthanin place you could plans do other to the union, he said the port is also important for hope people are paid off adminmembers BPL, are THE confident attracting investors and new already owned$1 by (by the Christie PEOPLE’S PAPER: correctly,” he said. that GBPAWU will do its businesses to the island. theonBahamian people, will istration) were scrapped Mr Barr hopes that workdue diligence behalf of “We need the owners to be CONCERNED: ers willpurportedly be re-engaged once the workersbuy to ensure their from power the Peter for-Turnquest forthcoming to see what are and replaced the airport is back up and rights are protected. their intentions for the airwith nothing more than a eign company at a price fully operational.

“The union remains airport to its state of nor- port and this island,” he said. yet to determined. memorandum Kirkland Russell, of area undervery concerned notbe only malcy before The Dorian,” he In late 2019, Minisvice president of Trade about the downsizing of the said. ter of Tourism Dionisio standing with Shell North Bahamian people are then Union Congress, which the airport but that it demon“There seems to be no D’Aguilar said the Minnis that theysign will ableand that administration was conAmerica to construct 200thattold GB Port Authority Workers a strates there is no real of be urgency Union falls under, believes commitment by owners of is worrisome to the union sidering purchasing the megawatts power genera- to buy shares in the forthe downsizing taking place the airport to restore the not only as it affects airport airport. tion station at their cost in eign company once the exchange for a power pur- details are settled.”

Mr Davis said Shell chasing agreement,” he North America should said.

“The public then wit- be careful before enternessed the implosion of ing into this transaction, the board with accusations likening the matter to of political interference BTC, which was conand corruption stemming troversially sold under last Ingraham no doubt from the govern- the ment’s decision to enter administration.

GB airport crisis as 100 jobs on the line

K I N G N E W S O jointly N Towned R I BandUmanaged NE2

ggest And Best!

by Hutchison Port Holdings with Grand Bahama Port Authority Group Ltd, sustained severe flood damage in early September during Hurricane Dorian. It reopened to international/ commercial flights in the latter part of 2019.

Air arrivals to Grand Bahama are very low and the island’s tourism sector has been significantly affected.

Mr Barr said: “Nothing is happening at the airport and so jobs are being affected because of it, and the airport deems it (the

Police alert after series of armed home invasions

OUR THAT BENEFITS NO ONE

get tough permits’ from page one

“Invest in security screens, security cameras and alarm systems and check them regularly to ensure that they are in good working condition.”

Supt Knowles said it was also wise for civilians to remove or trim large bushy areas in their yards.

She said this was because criminals consider these perfect spots to hide out.

“Remember old cars and large debris can also be hiding spots for criminals,” she added.

“It is also important that you discuss the security of your home with everyone in your home and plan an escape route.”

Still, Supt Knowles said civilians should only carry out an escape plan “if it is safe to do so”.

“If an intruder enters your home while you are there, follow his or her instructions,” she said.

“Remember money and merchandise can always be replaced.”

She also encouraged the public to become involved in their local neighbourhood crime watch groups.

“Share contact information and begin looking out for each other,” she urged.

“We were very fond of Trevor and are shocked and deeply saddened by his death. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his parents, family, and friends at this extremely difficult time.”

Police were alerted shortly after 10am on Friday, January 17, of the suspected suicide of an adult male who was discovered by a friend.

According to reports, the friend told police that he found the man unresponsive in a vehicle at the deceased’s residence at Sea Scape Lane off Royal Palm Way. The man was taken to Rand Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Police are awaiting the results of an autopsy

POLICE are looking for

ABOVE and below: recent headlines in The Tribune a spate group of invasions. men responsiabout the of home Left: Superintendent Shanta Knowles ble for a home invasion and

“We encourage you to partner with us as we work to create safer communities.”

The first home invasion of the year took place on Saturday, January 4, when

HAYWARD FAMILY’S GRIEF OVER ‘SUICIDE’ from page one

POLICE HUNT FOR ARMED MEN WHO INVADED HOME

to determine the cause of death.

The Tribune understands Mr Bethel’s family is very distraught over his death.

According to Tribune Business, Mr Trevor Bethel filed legal action in the Court of Appeal against Sir Jack’s family Trust last October seeking to freeze the Trust’s affairs and remove the judicial trustee, Lyford Cay-based Deltec Bank & Trust’s Paul Winder who is overseeing the Hayward 1993 Discretionary Settlement.

Mr Bethel’s initial court case centred on allegations that he had been unfairly squeezed out of his interest in the trust after Sir Jack named him as a beneficiary of his estate. These claims, though, were being heavily contested in the Bahamian court system.

four men broke into a home at Taylor Alley off Kemp Road and stole cash, hair weave and other items.

According to reports, the robbery occurred shortly

robbery that occurred on Sunday.

Police said around 3am yesterday, a group of armed men forced their way into a home on Joe Farrington Road, “held residents at bay” and robbed them of cash and personal items

By EARYEL BOWLEG before running away. ebowleg@tribunemedia.net This comes after police reported a woman was sexafter 7am when armed occurred on was Tuesday JanuAtheassaulted WOMAN ually during an shortly men entered the home, held ary 7.

Police said sexually assaulted yesthe occupants of the house after 10am, a man early morning home inva- and a duringfemale an relative earlywere outat bay andterday robbed them sion on Marshall Road last before running away. a homeonat Perpall morning homeside invasion week.

The second incident Tract, off West Bay Street Marshall Road.

Police said that attack Police said shortly after took place after 3am two men shortly forced their 3am when two way last into Tuesday a home and held men forced way into residents at their bay while rob- a bing and themheld of residents cash andat home personal bay whileitems. robbing them of One ofpersonal the robbers sexucash and items. ally a woman Oneassaulted of the robbers sexubefore they escaped one ally assaulted a in woman of the victims’ black 2014 before they escaped in one Ford F-150 truck. of the victims’ black 2014 Ford F-150SEE truck.

PAGE THREE Anyone with information is asked to contact the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991/2, Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS (8477) or the nearest police station.

Investigations are ongoing.

TIGHT SQUEEZE

vis took his PLP party on a tour of the Straw Market yesterday to hear what vendors . Full story - Page 2 Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

SEX ATTACK ON WOMAN IN HOUSE RAID

BODY CAMS TO WIN PUBLIC’S CONFIDENCE

By LEANDRA ROLLE lrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE Ministry of National Security signed a million-dollar contract with AE Tactical yesterday for body worn and dash cameras, which are expected to be used by police officers this year.

Valued at $1,153,275, the contract will allow for 400 body worn and dash cameras to be issued to police officers, a police official said.

SEE PAGE SIX

when three armed men approached and forced them inside the home. The gunmen robbed a second woman who was inside the home of cash, two shot guns and a car before escaping.

On January 14, a woman was sexually assaulted during an early morning home invasion on Marshall Road. Police said shortly after 3am, two men forced their way into a home and held the residents at bay while robbing them of cash and other personal items.

One of the robbers sexually assaulted a woman before they escaped in one of the victims’ black 2014 Ford F-150 truck.

The latest break-in occurred early Sunday morning –just five days later.

Around 3am, a group of armed men forced their way into a home on Joe Farrington Road, held residents at bay and robbed them of cash and personal items before running away.

Police are asking anyone with information that can assist with investigations to contact the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991/2, Crime Stoppers at 328TIPS (8477) or the nearest police station.

Editorial View - Page 4

PAGE 4, Tuesday, January 21, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

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

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,

Jamaal will return tomorrow

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

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,

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

PICTURE OF THE DAY

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Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207 TELEPHONES

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The law must be upheld THE Tribune investigation that revealed the sale of abortion pills without prescription has, inevitably, prompted calls for abortion laws to be changed.

There are of course two separate issues here – the first is whether pharmacists are selling the pills unlawfully (and if they are selling those without prescription what else is being sold?)

The law is the law has been a common refrain from government in recent times on issues of immigration – well, the law doesn’t stop being the law when it moves on to other issues. If the law is being broken through the sale of medicines without prescription, then it should be enforced.

The second issue surrounds the abortion laws themselves. Abortion too is illegal, and part of the call for change is that people will still access abortion through different means.

As advocate Alicia Wallace says in today’s story in The Tribune, “People know which doctors, which pills they can use and there are myths, old wives tales that people cling to to induce abortions for themselves using various types of vitamins, supplements and bush medicines.”

There are horror stories to be told in all of this, including people injuring themselves or using coat hangers to bring about an abortion.

Again, though, as hard as it may be to consider, the law is the law. The doctors that people know to go to are breaking it, the people peddling the pills and

bush medicines know it’s illegal and in almost all circumstances we imagine those seeking the abortion know they are going against the law of the country.

The law is not something to just find a way around. You don’t sneak through the back door of a clinic if you think something is lawful, that’s what the front door is for.

And the law being the agreed-upon rules for our society as a whole, people cannot just pick and choose which laws they follow.

Health Minister Dr Duane Sands has called the abortion issue “political kryptonite” and he’s right – if people think the church marches against the legalising of the number shops were large, just wait and see the church marches against abortion.

Moreover, tackling the abortion issue skips right on past prevention when there is so much that can be done to stop becoming pregnant in the first place.

We agree with Ms Wallace that such measures – access to contraceptives, even free of charge for those below the poverty line – need to be considered.

Education too has to be a focus.

But the abortion debate is one that will encounter strong opposition – indeed, even having it might make it harder to implement improved access to contraception in what is sure to be a heated debate.

That debate is, however, the second issue. For now, those five words remain.

The law is the law. It’s up to enforcers now to uphold it.

Watch out, and be safe A SPATE of home invasions has prompted the Bahamas Police Force to offer homeowners advice on how to avoid becoming a target.

Whatever the reasons for this recent run of crimes - perhaps criminals looking to plunder after the Christmas season, perhaps just coincidence that there are a few so close in time together – it pays to take a look around and see if your home and surroundings are secure.

The police have not said if the incidents are linked, so hopefully they might be isolated – but still, safety first. To the

advice given by Superintendent Shanta Knowles, we would add to keep a watch on your neighbours for their security – and if dropping off someone at their home, wait around while they get safely inside.

A little extra watchfulness for those around us is no bad thing at the best of times – and if it helps to prevent further crimes, it lets the police concentrate on catching the culprits of these raids.

So listen to the advice, look to your surroundings – and do your part to help prevent crime.

‘A victim of onerous industrial relations?’

READERS have been posting their responses to the stories making the news on tribune242.com.

After 54 employees were terminated from Cavalier Construction, sparking fears that the company had shut down, Hrysippus said: “This country has employment laws that protect long serving employees who can only be terminated at great expense to the employer.

As a business survives longer so the employee termination liability increases until it reaches a point where the business is no longer fiscally viable.

Taylor industries was a case in point, is Cavalier Construction another victim of our onerous industrial relations act? The law of unintended consequences in action?”

And there was this from John: “What’s to be expected when the largest construction in the country is being done almost exclusively of Bahamians?

And yes the FNM’s economic environment is not only unfriendly but toxic to Bahamian businesses.

Expect to see many retail

businesses close over the next several months as sales are down by as much as 40%. And this ‘pay for a bag’ fiasco is not helping the situation. It seems so stupid to walk into a jewellery store and spend $400 for a watch and they want to charge you 25 cents for a bag. Or go to an eatery and get your food unpackaged.

Was this ever the intention to the law banning singleuse plastic bags?”

Minister of the Environment Romauld Ferreira insisted it was “the right thing to do” for the country to tackle the dependency of plastic use, prompting Geostorm to say: “Agreed, @ Minister Romi. The plastic ban is the right thing to do.

Once we have gotten our people used to the concept, introduce recycling. Teach them to separate their garbage for the purpose of recycling. Introduce the

blue garbage bins. We have to do our part as a nation toward maintaining our planet.”

And after Dr Jonathan Rodgers said many Bahamians “lack the means to live” and are caught in a “double dependency syndrome” that relies on the government to provide growth and jobs, Gbga said: “Dr Rodgers’ comments are right on target! Hopefully, they will stimulate dialogue among all sectors of the country. We need to make healthy changes to our ways of work and living in general. Presently, I despair that we will not be able to compete on the world stage with our unhealthy attitudes.

Our young people are not returning because they have better opportunity abroad, in the main, but also because they have embraced a different attitude to work and living and see that nothing has changed at home to encourage them.”

Don’t miss your chance to join the debate on tribune242.com.

MEGHAN Markle took son Archie for a walk in the woods yesterday. The soon-to-be-ex-royal wrapped up for a stroll in Horth Hill Regional Park a couple of miles from the oceanfront home where she has spent most of the past two months on Canada’s Vancouver Island.

We need our own airline EDITOR, The Tribune THE national airline of The Bahamas – Bahamasair – has been operating for decades in the ignominy of being a “burden” to the citizens of the Bahamas.

We hear the narrative all the time “shut it down” when the facts remain that the airline is a tool that has not been utilised effectively to assist in the growth of the Bahamian economy, instead it has been a convenient tool used by the politicians who hypocritically lambaste its lack of performance from the confines of the House of Assembly.

Deputy Prime Minister/ Minister of Finance Mr Peter K Turnquest stated in his 2018/2019 budget communication: “The persistent and long-standing relatively flat performance of the air and stay-over segment of the tourism market is particularly troubling as that is the portion that makes the most significant contribution to the growth of value-added in the tourism industry.”

This begs one to question, if this is a known reality why isn’t more being done on our behalf to create growth in a sector that feeds our nation? Are we waiting for the foreign airlines to be our saving grace? Why aren’t we taking control of our destiny by creating the airlift that we so desperately need?

Members of the Bahamas Airline Pilots Association (B-ALPA) are of the view that the much-needed growth in stop over visitors can easily be accomplished if Bahamasair is provided with the tools needed for its success.

The failures of Bahamasair are the result of three fundamental issues.

• Firstly, a clear vision has not been created outlining and defining the airlines goals and objectives.

• Secondly, no plan has been put in place to make these goals a reality; • Thirdly, persons possessing the know-how, expertise and talents needed to execute this plan have not been sourced. There is a pool of international expertise

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net available that can be called on to assist. This would allow Bahamians to work side by side with them gaining valuable experience and knowledge.

In 2018 the airline would have seen revenues earned in near or in excess of $100M, with a projected subvention of only $13.3M from the shareholder, the government of the Bahamas. The Budget of the Bahamas in 2018 was $2.6B when compared to the projected subvention this amounts to 0.5% of total annual government expenditure. When comparing value for money these three points should be considered: 1. Using the airline to control ticket pricing and ensure travel is affordable to the Bahamas. Case in point, during the early 2000s Bahamasair had stopped Its Marsh Harbour to West Palm Beach route for a short time, during this period US Air Express and Gulfstream Intl. Airways, drastically increased the fare overnight. Bahamasair had to restore services immediately to regulate the cost of air travel between those two city pairs.

2. Market volatility due to global events. After the tragedy of 9/11 most if not all international airlines serving the Bahamas retracted services to the country. Bahamasair maintained its international presence in South Florida but showed that a much wider international footprint was needed as a buffer in case a global catastrophe once again threatened tourism arrivals.

3. International airline subsidisation. In the early 2000s, American airlines attempted to strong-arm the islands in the Eastern Caribbean to pay for airlift services. Without airlift their burgeoning eco-tourism model would have been jeopardised.

However, they did not cave under that pressure and between LIAT and Air Jamaica got the airlift support needed to sustain

their tourism models. With the dependence on tourism and airlift in the domestic Bahamian economy, a viable national airline is a necessity As an association, we have been querying management to provide us with a copy of the business plan and operating model, one that can be scrutinised, to show definitively a clear plan for the future and growth of the airline but have yet to receive one.

This has led us to conclude there is no plan.

It is mind boggling and quite frankly inconceivable, that a corporate entity with the business capacity to earn revenues in excess of $100m is operating and conducting its business without a plan.

Proverbs 29:18 states “Where there is no vision, the people perish….’’

B-ALPA would like to pose the following question to the powers that be.

Why aren’t we utilising our greatest natural resource of location with a hub and spoke business model for not only passengers, but also cargo connecting the world through The Bahamas? In terms of geographic proximity, Miami International is similar and Miami is used as a connecting gateway to the world. We can take a page out of the Emirati’s book, their state-owned airline effectively and successfully, supporting a business model that connects the world through their hub in Dubai.

Our organisation consists of experts from all facets of the airline business and we are willing to assist in providing solutions to fix the issues that plague the airline so that it can become the catalyst that we so desperately need to assist in providing the spark to bring growth to the economy. We call on shareholders to produce a viable business plan and operating model for the National Airline.

JAMAL B GRAY First Officer, Secretary General, Bahamas Airline Pilots Association (B-ALPA) Nassau, January 20, 2020.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, January 21, 2020, PAGE 5

KILLER WITHDRAWS APPEAL AGAINST SENTENCE

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A MAN has withdrawn his appeal against his near 20-year sentence for the role he played in killing three people, including a pregnant woman due to give birth to her son, nine years ago.

Timothy Saunders withdrew his appeal yesterday against his 18-year sentence

from page one “They go to people who know about the practice of medicine, religion and magic to cause their own abortion, all of these methods are unsafe. In the most extreme cases people throw themselves downstairs, use hangers, all manners of things because of the desperation, knowing that pregnancy is not viable or their lives are not viable if they continue with the pregnancy.

“These methods put the life of the pregnant person at risk, not because they’re being selfish or irresponsible. They want to continue living and being responsible to themselves, society and anyone they can bring into this world.

There are other countries in the Caribbean that have decriminalised abortion in more cases than we have, one such way is when there is a threat to the emotional, mental or financial wellbeing of the pregnant person. That is something we need to consider especially now that we are seeing the importance of talking about and addressing mental health issues. Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago allow abortions to preserve physical and mental health, and Barbados, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Belize allow abortions for mental health and socioeconomic reasons.”

The World Health Organisation says Misoprostol––sold under the brand name Cytotec––can be used to safely induce an abortion, though it recommends clinical follow-up to ensure complete abortion has happened.

“Misoprostol is not dangerous,” Ms Wallace said.

“What is dangerous is the legislation that restricts access to proper health care and drives people to alternate sources and methods and misuse of any medication. We should not be rushing to get Misoprostol off the market, but to increase access to contraceptives and family planning services more

for pulling the trigger of a shotgun that killed Edward Braynen, Chackara Rahming and Erica Ward in June 2011. The Crown, which was also appealing his sentence, likewise withdrew its appeal.

Meanwhile, Shawn Knowles, who was also sentenced to 18 years for the crime, will have his appeal heard in March. The Crown has also “cross-appealed” his sentence.

During trial, the Crown alleged that the murders were retaliation for the July 12, 2011 murders of Kevin Forbes and Alwayne Leslie at a Haitian village off Montgomery Avenue.

At the time, Ward was pregnant with the child of Serrano Adderley, a Jamaican man who is currently serving a 60-year sentence for murdering Forbes and Leslie. Knowles is Forbes’ nephew.

The victims were asleep in a one-bedroom apartment when Knowles forced his way inside by blasting the locks with a shotgun.

Once inside, he shot both women in the head and Braynen in the back using a shotgun. Saunders was outside as the shooting occurred.

Four young children inside the apartment were found unharmed by police.

On August 4, 2016,

both Knowles and Saunders were sentenced to 18 years in prison by now deceased Chief Justice Stephen Isaacs, who was a senior justice at the time.

However, Knowles’ sentence was reduced to 17 years after receiving credit for time spent on remand awaiting trial.

At the time, former Chief Justice Isaacs said the mitigating factors for Knowles were that he was provoked

by the killings of his uncle and the attempt to kill him by the lover of one of the deceased.

Saunders, meanwhile, had his sentence reduced to 14 years for his four years spent on remand prior to trial.

Knowles has a conviction for manslaughter for which he was sentenced to 10 years in 2003 while Saunders has convictions for minor offences in 2001 and 2003.

Activists say abortion ban a factor in illegal pills trade but, for some, ‘there’s no other choice’ A5MAIN

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, January 20, 2020, PAGE 5

A TRIBUNE investigation has uncovered the illegal sale of the drug Cytotec which can be usded to cause abortions has been uncovered by The Tribune.

Recently, Dr Leon Dupuch, the immediate past head of Princess Margaret Hospital’s Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, expressed alarm at the number of women coming to the hospital after an attempted abortion had gone wrong while Health Minister Dr Duane Sands, right, said he has received anecdotal reports about the sale of the drug.

Secret trade in abortion tablets

HOW Theone Tribune broke the Organisation story in yesterday’s from page the medication Health says gotten paper

misoprostol––which is sold from,” he said. “The issue under the brand name of whether there is a protoIn a recent interview, Dr Cytotec––can be used to col that exists to deal with Leon Dupuch, the immedihas because calledit’s broadly, have widespread this is difficult safely induce Duane an abortionSands ate past head of Princess but recommends a clini- hard to act in the absence abortion issue “political sexual education camMargaret Hospital’s cal follow-up to ensure of a complaint. It speaks Department of Obstetrics some of the weakness complete has to and kryptonite” said chang-in paigns, and recognise the abortion & Gynaecology, expressed happened. the legislation. As health ing the law is not among human rights of women alarm at the number of Gina Archer Carey, minister, I cannot ignore women particular coming to the hosanecdotal complaint chairperson ofthe the Bahamas Minnisanadministration’s with attention pital after an attempted Pharmacy Council, said she that emanates from such toabortion the goes body wrong, aconventions prob- is unaware ofpriorities. any formal a doctor who has clearly hehave tied to Cytotec use. raised the alarm.

If there complaints Wallace said she is welem“Women signed, such beingMsmade and girls about the dispersal of the is one case where illicit asarrivingCEDAW, in the hospital’sworking of a drug maythat have drug without a“completely prescription. use horrified emergencyfully roomaligning very Shelaws in injury then said medical the profesissue resulted of abortion andas toward often are bleeding exces- sionals who are aware of a awkward and uncomfortit asisit considered and with those are addressing sivelypractices and many end up problem is, we are obliged obligated to able requiring emergency report it. listen and to act on it. If political tokryptonite and principles.” surgery,” he said. “On “We have no issue of there is evidence that there occasion, that bodies Health a potentially Minister sending Drsomeone is a pharmacy or pharmain toour find governing viable baby is delivered out what is going on,” she cist who is acting outside with remnants of these said yesterday. “It’s illegal. of the law then we don’t pills – which, having been If we find that this is hap- have the volition to give a inserted in the mother’s pening, we would refer the nod and say, we ain’t worvagina and failed to dis- matter to the police. When ried about that today.” solve – are stuck to its feet, you give persons these Some health prolimbs and torso.” things without a prescrip- fessionals say cultural The Tribune could not tion, you are putting their conservatism is the root of obtain statistics on the lives at risk. That’s not the problem, that the illegal number of failed abortion something we take lightly. I procuration of such drugs is attempts dealt with in the would love to have a com- inevitable in a society public healthcare system. plaint so we could address where women do not have Use of Cytotec for abor- it because that’s really legitimate ways of ending tions is not a new or recent disturbing.” unwanted pregnancies. development in the BahaNonetheless, policing Some observers emphasise mas even though it is illegal the sale of such drugs is the disparities that exist, without a prescription. The difficult, Dr Sands said yes- with legal abortion easily drug is used for manag- terday, because those who accessible to Bahamian ing heavy bleeding after obtain them are not forth- women who can afford to birth and other purposes coming about how they got get them abroad. but should be used in a them even when complicaDr Sands said it is not controlled environment tions develop. among the Minnis adminand under the supervision “Victims are unwilling istration’s priorities to of a qualified physician, Dr to confess on the record address abortion legisDupuch said. The World as to where they would’ve latively, calling the issue

political kryptonite. He said “Illegal numbers before numbers and the adminhis ministry has generated it was legalised was the istration did something a list of “flagged pharma- worst kept secret of all,” different. When you start cies” that warrant greater he said. “It’s illegal, wink talking about abortion, are more concerned about andreally notyouagainst usabout make inspection and evaluation. wink, it doesn’t really talking an Among other things, offihappen, wink wink, and emotive issue. You have being elected in the next decisions based on their cials are concerned about then the discussion took on to acknowledge there are questionable practices like than a surreal turn when things security, that are happening general election they ownthere job this the delivery of generic med- was an opinion poll/and the which are indeed illegal.” are about improving the whole system needs to be ications alleged to be brand public said we don’t wish name drugs, he said. to legalise andthrown regulate Editorial View 4 situation in The Bahamas, away.

We- Pageneed

particularly for women and girls.”

She added: “If we only run on this five year cycle, and our representatives we elect and pay to make this place function for us

to be thinking about the well-being of people and meeting their needs. Our representatives have a responsibility to us and need to act for the benefit of the people, and not

personal gain or political expedience.”

Ms Wallace stressed how traumatising abortion can be for women.

“It’s a decision people have to make in a time of crisis. It comes up because there were no preventative measures available to them. It can be very difficult to access contraceptives in this country.

It is difficult for people living below the poverty line to pay for birth control pills and other methods of preventing unwanted pregnancies in addition to other financial responsibilities.

Some of the more advanced methods throughout the region are the IUDs and birth implants in the arm.

They’re cost prohibitive here but are subsidised and made available free of charge in other countries.

“We are severely lacking comprehensive sexual education, not only in schools but also for adults.

Some people resorting to abortion are doing so because they have become pregnant by means of rape or incest, issues we aren’t sufficiently addressing in this country. People look at going through pregnancies as a necessary consequence for being irresponsible. But it is important for us as a society, economically and socially to not force people to have children they do not want or can’t take care of.”

Editorial View - Page 4

PAGE 6, Tuesday, January 21, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

MARIJUANA REPORT EXPECTED TO LAND ON PM’S DESK TODAY

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas National Commission on Marijuana is expected to give Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis its long-awaited report on marijuana this morning.

“We did our work,” Bishop Simeon Hall, co-chairman of the commission, said yesterday. “We were mandated to

survey the Bahamian public to see how they feel about this herb, and that’s what we did.”

Dr Minnis has said last month’s leak of the draft preliminary marijuana report left him “very disturbed” and put him in a precarious position, prompting him to move oversight of the commission from the Ministry of Health and into the Office of the Prime Minister, where he

could keep a keep a close tab on marijuana-related matters.

The leaked report recommends marijuana be decriminalised and people be allowed to possess no more than one ounce of the substance.

In November, Dr Minnis became the first sitting prime minister to back some form of marijuana decriminalisation.

“Our laws regarding the

possession of small amounts of marijuana have unfortunately led to the arrest, prosecution, conviction and punishment of many Bahamians,” he said at the time.

“Some of these people have been burdened with criminal records, making travel and finding work more difficult.

Reforming our marijuana laws and changing how we treat people with small possession convictions is a matter of social justice.”

He has said he supports expunging criminal records of people convicted of small amounts of marijuana, consistent with the agenda of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Committee headed by former Commissioner of Police Paul Farquharson.

“They deserve to move on with their lives free and clear of a criminal conviction,” Dr Minnis said previously.

• PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis will hold a Town Hall meeting at Edmund Moxey Park, Blue Hill Road, at 7pm on Wednesday.

The central constituencies have been invited to join – Centreville, Bain and Grant”s Town, Mount Moriah, St Barnabas, Englerston and Fort Charlotte– when he will give an update on his government.

MINISTER ON TOUR

MINISTER of Education Jeffrey Lloyd continued his tour of New Providence elementary schools when he visited the Columbus Primary and Centerville Primary Schools. While on the campuses, the minister took on the role of instructional leader in several of the classrooms. Mr Lloyd also met with the principals of Columbus Primary and Centerville Primary schools Jacqueline Sands and Sheanda Maycock respectively, to discuss the various initiatives being carried out by the schools to enhance the overall academic performances.

Darville calls for urgency over Acklins school issues

By EARYEL BOWLEG ebowleg@tribunemedia.net SENATOR Michael Darville has urged the government to “move with a sense of urgency” to resolve Acklins Central High School’s issues.

The Progressive Liberal Party spokesman on health and education claimed the Department of Environmental Health Services had highlighted the campus’ several health and safety issues in a letter and the party was advised that school buildings were “condemned as unfit for occupation.”

He added: “This crisis did not develop overnight but was brewing over time with conditions gradually deteriorating. This latest crisis reflects poorly on the government as careless, reactionary and unfocused.

“I call on the ministers of public works, education and health to resolve this crisis, including the immediate relocation of those students and secure a permanent school building for the affected students and the community of Central Acklins.”

When contacted about the claims, Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) President Belinda Wilson admitted to The Tribune yesterday that the high school had “numerous health and safety concerns” based on information received.

PLP spokesman on health and education Michael Darville According to the union president, the concerns have been ongoing for “a very long time”, but not addressed. She said teachers and students have endured conditions she described as unsafe and unsanitary including a deteriorating physical plant. She claimed education officials can not even furnish the school’s teachers with operating toilets.

She said that the

Department of Environmental Health Services did an assessment of the school’s environmental problems.

“The department has also provided recommendations as to how these health hazards can be corrected,” Mrs Wilson said.

“Instead of the government increasing travel expenses for themselves and their families they can use the money to repair schools in Acklins and all around the Bahamas.

“It’s a shame that in 2020 parents, teachers, students have to demonstrate and fight for simple things like a toilet seat, urinals, sinks to wash hands after students and teachers use the toilet. A new septic tank and soakaway is needed. When will education for our students in the Family Islands be taken seriously? I urge the Ministry of Education to make the relevant repairs immediately.”

Mrs Wilson added the school’s virtual classroom is “not working properly” and students are losing hours of teaching.

For his part, Mr Darville pointed out that students went to social media to draw public attention to “their plight”.

Director of Education Marcellus Taylor and Education Minister Jeffrey Lloyd could not be reached up to press time for comment.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, January 21, 2020, PAGE 7

DOCTORS, NURSES HAVE ALL HAD LUMP SUM PAYMENTS

By SYANN THOMPSON Tribune Staff Reporter sthompson@tribunemedia.net ALL remaining doctors and nurses qualifying for the $1,400 lump sum promised by the government in December 2019 have been paid, according to a Public Hospitals Authority official.

PHA Deputy Managing Director Lyrone Burrows told The Tribune that all qualifying doctors and nurses left to be paid, received their $1,400

lump sum. “Based on the information we have, all physicians and all nurses have now received their payments. We are quite confident in indicating that the matter has been resolved completely,” said Mr Burrows.

There were 15 issues where deposits did not go through due to bank routing numbers. However, according to Mr Burrows those should also have been resolved.

“Payment of the direct

deposit to the nurses and physicians that had not received their lump sum payments would have been sent to them on Friday (January 17). We were advised at that time that there was a total of 15 instances where there were rejections of the deposits due to issues with the routing numbers, the routing numbers that we would have used in submitting their December pay.

“So we then provided additional information to the bank and we’ve not

heard anything to the contrary to indicate that they were not successful. Generally, depending on which institution, because we use RBC as our main institution for routing, and depending on who is the actual bank for individuals affected it’s generally 24 up to 48 hours for it to be transferred into those institutions. So we assumed within 48 hours all payments would have been made. We have not received any information to the contrary that

there would have been an error message,” said Mr Burrows.

Last December there was an issue as to whether all junior doctors would be paid the lump sum or only those who were “pensionable and permanent”. Prime Minister Hubert Minnis confirmed that all junior doctors would be paid.

Government workers who were eligible for the lump sum included Bahamas Public Service Union members, teachers,

permanent weekly paid staff, uniformed branches, Public Hospitals Authority staff, including doctors and nurses – excluding consultant doctors. Those not included in this list are other government authorities and corporations, members of the judiciary, contract workers hired outside the Public Service Commission, the 52-week programme employees, air traffic controllers, as well as Cabinet ministers and members of Parliament.

Are Valley Boys set to lose crown to Saxons?

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE VALLEY Boys at Junkanoo’s Boxing Day parade

QUESTIONS swirled last night about whether the official results of the 2019 Boxing Day Junkanoo Parade strips the Valley Boys of its victory and pushes the Saxons Superstars into first place.

In the tally of unofficial results, the Saxons placed second, followed by Genesis, One Family and Roots.

The group was among several that contested their placing by launching a protest with the Junkanoo Corporation New Providence (JNCP).

Anthen Mortimer, parade management chairman, said a presentation was made to Junkanoo officials last night but the official results won’t be disclosed to the public for another 24 hours.

In a statement on Facebook, Brian Adderley, chairman of the Valley Boys, expressed concern over the developments.

“This evening the report of the Independent Review Committee which was established by the JCNP to review the the Boxing Day 2019 and New Year’s Day 2020 parades was read at the JCNP office Frederick Street at 6:30pm,” he said. “We wish to advise you that The Valley Boys do not agree with the major findings outlined in the committee’s report particularly those related to the Boxing Day Parade penalties and certain matters related to the New Year’s Day 2020 Parade.

“Specifically, as it relates to the Boxing Day Parade, the report recommends that certain penalties issued to certain A-groups be reversed or thrown out. The reversal of these penalties, if executed by the returning officer, will change the positioning of groups in the A-division and therefore the unofficial Results of the Boxing Day Parade.

We have requested an official copy of the report and will share this with you immediately upon receipt.

We are quite aware how confusing, frustrating and angry this information will make you therefore we wish to assure you that we will take the necessary action to ensure that the unofficial results of both parades are not further compromised and that fairness is maintained.”

THE SAXONS at Junkanoo’s Boxing Day parade

RBDF APPREHENDS OVER 30 HAITIAN MIGRANTS

By FARRAH JOHNSON fjohnson@tribunemedia.net OVER two dozen Haitian migrants were apprehended by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force in waters off Ragged Island early yesterday morning.

According to a statement from the RBDF, HMBS L L Smith under the command of Senior Lieutenant Shawn Adderley, acting on information received, conducted an investigation which confirmed suspected migrant sightings on an uninhabited cay, north of Ragged Island.

“A search of the cay uncovered just over 30 migrants, who all appeared to be in fair health.

“A further search of the cay and surrounding area is currently being conducted by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, assisted by members of the Ragged Island fishing community.”

Yesterday’s operation was the first apprehension of migrants executed by members of the RBDF for the year.

On January 7, seven foreign nationals were also apprehended during a joint

operation by law enforcement officers.

“An immigration-led operation supported by members of the Royal Bahamas Defence and Police Forces and the United States Coast Guard apprehended seven foreign nationals suspected of being engaged in human smuggling in Eight Mile Rock, Grand Bahama,” the statement read.

“The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains committed to patrolling our borders and protecting the territorial integrity of the Bahamas.”

TWO HURT IN SEPARATE SHOOTING INCIDENTS TWO New Providence men were taken to hospital after they were shot in separate incidents on Sunday, police said.

In the first incident, a group of men were standing in front of a home at Samson Street, Nassau Village, shortly before 7pm when two armed men emerged from a silver Honda Accord and opened fire in their direction. The gunmen wounded one man before running away.

Paramedics transported the injured man to hospital where he was treated and discharged.

In the second incident, shortly before 8pm, a man was walking in the community of Gleniston Gardens when he was approached by a gunman. The victim was shot before the assailant escaped in a dark car. The victim was transported to hospital, where he too was treated and discharged.

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

Memorial Service For ALEYENNE SAMONE JONAS, 50 of #50 Westridge Drive, will be held on Wednesday January 22nd, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at New Providence Community Church, Blake Road. Officiating will be Pastor Derek Benjamin. Cremation will follow.

Left to cherish her memories are Daughters: Shamara Eleesha Lane and Azaria Symone Jonas; Mother: Essie Lannon & Stepfather: Robert E. Lannon; Father: Allan Johnson & Stepmother Jeanne Johnson; Sisters: Anita (Russell) Royal, Tamica (DeVaughn) Price, Angela (Owen) Stubbs; Brother: Calvin Brown; Aunts: Geneva (Gary) Cooper, Sibrina Johnson; Uncles: Vernon II, Leonard (Marae), and Ronald (Laverne) Johnson, Frank, and Albert (Diann) Gaitor; Nieces: Shaye, Imani and Liari Price Cousins: Vernon III, Akintunda, Shane, David Jr., Lennon (Gizelle), Leonard Jr. (Stacy) Johnson; Gary Jr. (Terrell), Javar Cooper, Aisha (Kirkwood) Neely, Alvashan, Alvanique and Amaiah Gaitor; Grand Aunts: Doris Adderley, Anna Edgar, Anita Johnson, Constance Smith, Persis Lawrence; Special friends: Gary Allen & Family, Monique Cesar and Agatha Marcelle; Numerous Other Relatives and Friends including: Sharon Cooper, Patrick (Cleveland) and Deborah Johnson & Family, Shanique Stern, Symra Lancios, Karen Betts, Regina Shaw, Evelyn & Wiley Lane and Family, Wiley Lane II, Sonja Lane-West, Yvonne Jonas Edwards, Vandoorshed & Family, Laverne Maynard & Family, Sandra Gaitor & Family, Patricia Archer & Family.

PAGE 8, Tuesday, January 21, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Patrice Rebranded: I’ve earned my stripes and love what I’m doing now W

HEN you listen to the radio this week, you’ll likely hear a brand new song to dance to. Patrice Murrell’s latest single is yet another fun, upbeat tune. She is known for her bubbly pizazz; but in 2020, Patrice is showing off a more sophisticated, sexy, chic side of herself.

“Heavyweight” presents Patrice in a new light. She has been on the Caribbean music scene for a few years, but now she is taking her career to the next level and is being recognised by her colleagues throughout the region. Swappi, the 2019 International Groovy Soca Monarch, is featured on the song Heavyweight – a merging of Bahamian and Trinidadian culture, combining elements of Junkanoo and Soca.

“I loved that he was able to embody where I am in my career at the moment,” Patrice says of Azaryah Callander, the song’s main writer. “I have started a rebranding project and Heavyweight reflects that.

I have earned my stripes.

I am levelling up! I have worked hard to get where I am and I’m ready to take things to the next level. I wanted to give the audience a different side of Patrice.”

The thousands of viewers who saw the music video on YouTube since its release this weekend enjoyed a

production that really showed off the beauty of The Bahamas and the liveliness of its people.

Patrice has been a great ambassador for her country. Swappi, along with Mad Men and Ultimate Rejects group, fell in love with Junkanoo music and Patrice’s style. Patrice’s song “Come to Wave” sparked their interest and they reached out to her. It was 2017 and back then, “Full Extreme” was a hit for Ultimate Rejects. Their connection was solidified in 2019 when Patrice performed at the One Caribbean Unite and Rebuild concert held in Trinidad, which raised funds for the victims of Hurricane Dorian.

A number of Bahamian artists performed along with big names in Soca such as Destra, Teddyson John, Nailah Blackman, Farmer Nappy, Patrice Roberts and of course, the Ultimate Rejects.

“They love the Bahamian culture and sound that I incorporate in my music,” Patrice said.

“As a Bahamian I am proud to let other cultures

know how special and unique we are… but also how similar we are to other regions like Trinidad. I have always been an advocate for merging Bahamian music with other genres. Heavyweight combines elements of Junkanoo with Soca.

You will hear the familiar goatskin drums, horn and cowbells; but you will also hear elements of Soca that are fun and traditional to culture. It’s about two top artists coming together and creating great music together.

“If more Bahamians do this we could have more more regional and even more global reach. I have always been a forward thinker and a huge advocate for it. That’s not taking away from me culturally.

It’s embracing my culture as well as other cultures across the world.”

Patrice has made music her full-time career. It is a sacrifice of love for her – she could have very well been climbing a corporate ladder to success. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Finance and Accounting, and an MBA

in Business and Finance.

But a few years ago, her mother died from cancer and it changed everything for her.

“After mom passed, I started to reevaluate life, and I wanted to go in a different direction,” she confided.

“My mom was my number one supporter and fan. I decided to do it because I know that she would want me to follow my dreams… I know she would want me to be happy.”

She can thank her deep well of artistic talent. Her mother, Ruth Ferguson was a singer in the Lucayan Chorale in addition to serving as a lab technician at Doctor’s Hospital.

Ruth told her daughter that when she was three-years-old, she was performing at a Christmas recital when she grabbed the microphone and started singing and she has been doing so ever since.

H

ER father, Patrick Ferguson is a retired statistician. He is a classical pianist who has been a member of the Lou Adams Orchestra for more than 50 years. He claims Patrice has been singing from birth and recalls his amazement when she started carrying a tune along with the radio when she was in her baby carriage.

She and her sister Paige

FAR lelft and top left: Patrice Murrell and Trinidad Soca King Swappi; left: Patrice’s parents Patrick and Ruth Ferguson; right: Ruth with her girls, Patrice & Paige; Top right: cover photo for Patrice’s latest single, Heavyweight

grew up in a home where they were always around music and they were always supported in the things they chose to take interest in. For Patrice, she started participating in singing competitions at an early age and has performed all over the world.

“This was never a game for me – music is my life,” she proudly says.

“I give 150 percent of my time to my music and my music career.”

The dedication and sacrifice it takes to make such a leap of faith and do what you love is exactly what Patrice wants to relay to others who may be thinking of pursuing their dreams.

“The song Heavyweight is really to inspire other people to be champions,” she said.

“For me, I had to encourage myself and remind myself that I am a heavyweight in life, after everything I have been through. I want to use the song to encourage others to be a heavyweight in their own lives… and boss up! If you wake up in the morning, going after your goals and dreams, then you are a heavyweight.”

The project began in Trinidad with Patrice working with MadMen Productions, with Swappi not only featured on the track, but assisting Azaryah with the lyrics. It was produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Johann Seaton. Bahamian

Freddie Seymour contributed the Junkanoo percussions.

Once the audio aspect was complete, Patrice brought the project back to The Bahamas for three of the top production houses in the country to work together on the visuals.

Gary Wong, a Bahamian producer who made a name for himself in America before returning home to establish his company Helium Creative, worked along with Farreno Ferguson of F Dot Photography.

They worked along with IC Marketing with Margaret Glynastis and Dyaria Knowles to complete the project. The video highlights the beauty of The Bahamas with its stunning beaches and crystal blue waters. You see the two stars showing off their country’s flags with pride during the video. The Valley Boys Junkanoo group staged the rush out for the video. As a Bahamas Masqueraders artist, Patrice received significant support from the group, and they consider the video “a walking tourism ad” for the country..

Patrice just signed with Fox Fuse, a digital distribution company, to present the song across all the major digital music platforms including Vevo, Tidal, Apple Music, Amazon, Spotify and much more.

But she isn’t limited to Junkanoo and Soca. Expect to see much more from Patrice in the future, as she is talented in singing and performing in a variety of music genres. Last year, she released the reggae single “Rest of My Life”. She also sings contemporary and pop music. In honour of her mother, Patrice contributed her time, money and effort to the Susan G Komen Foundation’s efforts in The Bahamas, and she performs at many of their events. Since her mother has passed, Patrice says her husband Terence Murrell has been her backbone and support since her mother’s death.

“It is a lot of work if you decide to take it on as a profession,” Patrice said, “But with hard work, sacrifice, diligence and focus, you can accomplish anything. I feel like I am reaping some of the rewards today.”

Find Patrice on Instagram by her handle @patricemurrellmusic. Subscribe to her YouTube channel and like Heavyweight. Look for her on Facebook, Sound Cloud and across other digital platforms.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, January 21, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Winners and losers - they still have to work together TO ADAPT Abraham Lincoln’s famous dictum about not being able to fool all of the people all of the time, it is similarly impossible to please everybody even for some of the time. So to obtain order in the conduct of human affairs, some way has to be found of determining the will of the people.

The best means is to consult them and let the majority prevail. It is called democracy, and some will argue, while it may not necessarily be the best, it is probably the least bad option.

I was prompted to follow this line of thought by a recent commentary in the British press about Western democracy being founded on the principle of what political scientists term ‘losers’ consent’. The American Declaration of Independence boldly asserted, of course, that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed. It follows that, for democracy to work, the losing minority

The

Peter Young column in an election must accept its defeat even if it may resent such an outcome. Although it is incumbent on a losing opposition to scrutinise and criticise an incoming government’s policy as necessary in order to hold it to account, failure to accept its legitimacy – assuming there has been no electoral fraud or other wrongdoing – can undermine the political and electoral system and the public’s confidence in the conduct of the nation’s affairs.

Democratic elections are designed to create unequal outcomes. That is their purpose, and the system only really works if the vanquished side in a ballot

THE EMANCIPATION Proclamation by President Lincoln

is prepared to abide by the result. So the losers have a moral obligation to offer - voluntarily and willingly - tacit acceptance of an outcome it will not like.

It struck me this is relevant to the current political situation in both the US and the UK - specifically, this week’s impeachment trial of President Trump and the long-drawn-out Brexit process that, mercifully for everybody, is due to come to a head at the end of this month with the UK’s departure from the EU. It also, of course, has relevance in a democratic country like The Bahamas.

As is surely now clear, the Democrats never

accepted the outcome of the 2016 election and have been seeking to impeach Mr Trump almost from the beginning of his presidency.

Not only do they consider him unfit for office but, since he lost the popular vote, they claim his victory was illegitimate despite winning the Electoral College.

In Britain’s 2016 referendum on its future relationship with the EU, voters opted - by a small margin - to leave. But the so-called liberal elite refused to accept this outcome and for over three years pursued delaying tactics in an effort to frustrate the freely expressed view of the British people in the biggest democratic exercise in the nation’s political history.

In this case - and in the US election - the correct electoral process was followed and there were no credible claims of voter fraud.

Many people view these actions as an attempt, in their different ways, to change the result of

legitimate elections and are thus an assault on democracy. In politically mature countries, electoral systems are well established and constitute the agreed basis on which to run a national poll. If the outcome is ignored or rejected by the losers, that opens the process to abuse and ultimately to the danger of anarchy and dictatorship - as, for example, in military coups in Africa where the strongman with guns and money simple assumes power by force irrespective of the will of the people.

In the US, the impeachment trial could last for weeks and it remains to be seen how the public will react to it; but, by failing to accept their defeat in 2016, the Democrats may well become losers again in November’s election.

Meanwhile, last December’s general election in Britain saw the defeat of the hard-Left and a victory for Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Brexit policy and

an honouring of the people’s EU decision.

It seems to me the lesson of all this for politicians ought to be that, while losers’ consent is clearly important, the winners should not lose sight of the need for restraint - and that is particularly important here in The Bahamas when the FNM government has an overwhelming majority.

It can also be argued, for example, that former Prime Minister Theresa May should have been more imaginative in respecting the concerns of the substantial numbers of losers in the EU referendum instead of allowing, through inaction, deep divisions to occur which are likely to persist.

So, both winners and losers have a responsibility to act wisely because successful governance in a democracy requires consensus and a constant effort to reconcile conflicting interests and demands - that is surely what politics is all about.

IN THE Northern Hemisphere, January is on average the coldest and most dismal month of the year. In Britain, people have been battling against high winds, leaden skies and a boring commute. It is a similarly cheerless time in, for example, New England where I recall a hard and protracted winter during schooldays there long ago.

Most agree that it is the worst time of the year which they struggle to get through as a depressing anti-climax after the Christmas and New Year festivities. Such is the dreariness that some wish they could skip working for a living and emulate the hibernating hedgehog and dormouse which sleep their way through the worst of the winter until the spring crocuses emerge.

But, with the winter solstice already a month in the past, the days are becoming slightly longer and many Britons are salivating at the prospect of skiing in the French Alps during February and grabbing some much-needed sunshine at the top of a mountain.

On a more serious note,

it is interesting to look at significant events that have taken place around the world during January over the years, despite the cold and gloom of mid-winter. An internet research reveals many. But to name just ten - all in the Northern Hemisphere - at random but in chronological order execution of King Charles I in England, death of Queen Victoria, Emancipation Proclamation by President Lincoln freeing slaves in states rebelling against the Union, introduction of prohibition in the US, inauguration of the League of Nations which was superseded by the United Nations, Hitler appointed Chancellor of Germany, inauguration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt for an unprecedented fourth term as President, foundation of the European Economic Community known as the Common Market, admission of Alaska as the 49th state of the US and the Clinton impeachment.

It would be invidious to rank these in any order of importance. But, studying military history,

it seems to me January, 1942 was also highly significant because that year marked the turnaround of the fortunes of the Allies during the Second World War. Weeks before, the US had entered the war after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and once the sleeping giant had been awakened and its massive military power unleashed there could only be one long-term outcome.

At that time, Britain was an imperial power with colonies across south and southeast Asia. Shortly after Pearl Harbor, Japan had attacked its territories of Hong Kong, Malaya, Singapore and Burma – and it was at a low ebb after the battleship HMS Prince of Wales and the cruiser HMS Repulse had then been sunk off the Malayan peninsula by Japanese bombers. These losses led to the fall of Singapore and the end of British supremacy in the Far East. But, with the Americans entering the conflict, by January of 1942 the tide had suddenly turned in favour of the Allied forces.

Some reasons to be cheerful even in dismal January

BURNS HIGHLIGHTS JOYS OF SCOTLAND STILL on the theme of the significance of January, it is widely known that Scottish people - as well as many others like me who admire their homeland enjoy celebrating the life and work of Robbie Burns, Scotland’s national bard, with a special supper on his birthday on January 25.

In the course of a short but extraordinarily productive life, he was a prolific writer of poems, traditional ballads and songs. He died in 1796 at the early age of 37 and continues to be revered by so many for his outstanding achievements in the literary field.

Scots love to celebrate and a Burns supper comes hard on the heels of Hogmanay - New Year’s Eve in Scotland - which is particularly enjoyed north of the border. The usual dress for men is a kilt, tartan bow tie and cummerbund or tartan ‘trews’, and the traditional fare is haggis which is not carved until Burns’s ode to it is recited - a celebration to savour and one is often able to do this around the world given the huge Scottish diaspora.

When people think of Robbie Burns, they often reflect on the glories of Scotland which is regarded by some as the finest country on the planet. They reflect on its rich history and culture

and its wonderfully varied topography - from mountains (including Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles) to rich farmland and deep lakes called lochs (the Loch Ness monster), together with islands like the Isle of Skye in spectacular coastal settings.

They think about fishing and field sports, clans and kilts, bagpipes and Scottish reels, whisky, tossing the caber, the home of golf at St Andrews, the famed Gleneagles Hotel, skiing at Aviemore, famous regiments like the Black Watch and Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, prestigious universities and boarding schools, and the incomparable Princes Street in Edinburgh with its castle, annual arts festival and military tattoo – and they are pleased that, reportedly, The Queen regards Balmoral as her favourite royal residence.

BARD: Robbie Burns

They wonder about the location of Britain’s nuclear deterrent in Scotland, but they also think about shipbuilding on the Clyde, the naming of Glasgow as the European City of Culture in 1990 and the city’s highly successful staging of the Commonwealth Games in 2014. Then they consider famous Scots who have made their way in the world – from former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, to explorers in Africa like Mungo Park and Dr Livingstone, together with Alexander Fleming and John Logie Baird who, respectively, invented penicillin and television - and then, of course, the most recognisable name of all, Sean Connery.

Of course, to do justice to such a country, this list could go on and on. But, returning to Burns night, how fortunate we all were at school to be introduced at an early age to the great man’s famous narrative poem ‘Tam o’ Shanter’. This contains the well-known lines “But pleasures are like poppies spread, you seize the flower the bloom is shed”. How better to explain that the joys of the world can be fleeting and precious – and, because of that, how important it is to appreciate them.

THE TRIBUNE

by Sharon Austin Professor of Political Science and Director of the African American Studies Programme, University of Florida ON APRIL 4, 1968, Dr Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, while assisting striking sanitation workers.

Back then, over a half century ago, the wholesale racial integration required by the 1964 Civil Rights Act was just beginning to chip away at discrimination in education, jobs and public facilities. Black voters had only obtained legal protections two years earlier, and the 1968 Fair Housing Act was about to become law.

African-Americans were only beginning to move into neighbourhoods, colleges and careers once reserved for whites only.

I’m too young to remember those days. But hearing my parents talk about the late 1960s, it sounds in some ways like another world.

Numerous African-Americans now hold positions of power, from mayor to governor to corporate chief executive – and, yes, once upon a time, president. The US is a very different place than it was in 1968.

Or is it? As a scholar of minority politics, I know that while some things have improved markedly for black Americans in the past 50-odd years, today we are still fighting many of the same battles as Dr King did in his day.

The 1960s were tumultuous years indeed. During the long, hot summers from 1965 to 1968, American cities saw approximately 150 race riots and other uprisings. The protests were a sign of profound citizen anger about a nation that was, according to the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, “moving toward two societies, one black, one white — separate and unequal”.

Economically, that was certainly true. In 1968, just 10 percent of white people lived below the poverty level, while nearly 34 percent of African-Americans

Tuesday, January 21, 2020, PAGE 11

Black Americans mostly left behind by progress since Dr King’s death did. Likewise, just 2.6 percent of white job seekers were unemployed, compared to 6.7 percent of black job seekers.

A year before his death, Dr King and others began organising a Poor People’s Campaign to “dramatise the plight of America’s poor of all races and make very clear that they are sick and tired of waiting for a better life”.

On May 28, 1968, one month after King’s assassination, the mass antipoverty march took place.

Individuals from across the nation erected a tent city on the National Mall, in Washington, calling it Resurrection City. The aim was to bring attention to the problems associated with poverty.

Ralph Abernathy, an African-American minister, led the way in his fallen friend’s place.

“We come with an appeal to open the doors of America to the almost 50 million Americans who have not been given a fair share of America’s wealth and opportunity,” Abernathy said, “and we will stay until we get it.”

So, how far have black people progressed since 1968? Have we gotten our fair share yet? Those questions have been on my mind a lot this month.

In some ways, we’ve barely budged as a people.

Poverty is still too common in the U.S. In 1968, 25 million Americans — roughly 13 percent of the population — lived below poverty level.

In 2016, 43.1 million – or more than 12.7 percent – did.

Today’s black poverty rate of 21 percent is almost three times that of whites. Compared with the 1968 rate of 32 percent, there’s not been a huge improvement.

Financial security, too, still differs dramatically by race. In 2018 black households earned $57.30 for every $100 in income earned by white families.

And for every $100 in white family wealth, black families held just $5.04.

From Occupy Wall Street to Black Lives Matter, many modern social movements decry the same inequality Dr King did. Lawrence Bryant/Reuters Another troubling aspect about black social progress – or the lack thereof – is how many black families are headed by single women. In the 1960s, unmarried women were the main breadwinners for 20 percent of households. In recent years, the percentage has risen as high as 72 percent.

This is important, but not because of some outmoded sexist ideal of the family.

In the U.S., as across the Americas, there’s a powerful connection between poverty and female-headed households.

Black Americans today are also more dependent on government aid than they were in 1968. About 40% of African-Americans are poor enough to qualify for welfare, housing assistance and other government programmes that offer modest support to families living under the poverty line.

That’s higher than any

VICE President Mike Pence visits the Civil Rights Museum in Tennesse on the eve of Dr Martin Luther King Jr Day other U.S. racial group. Just 21 percent of Latinos, 18 percent Asian-Americans and 17 percent of whites are on welfare.

There are, of course, positive trends. Today, far more African-Americans graduate from college – 38 percent – than they did 50 years ago.

Our incomes are also way up. Black adults experienced a more significant income increase from 1980 to 2016 – from $28,667 to $39,490 – than any other U.S. demographic group.

This, in part, is why there’s now a significant black middle class.

Legally, African-Americans may live in any community they want – and from Beverly Hills to the Upper East Side, they can and do.

But why aren’t those gains deeper and more widespread?

Some prominent thinkers – including the award-winning writer Ta-Nehisi Coates and “The New Jim Crow” author Michelle Alexander – put the onus on institutional racism.

Coates argues, among other things, that racism has so held back AfricanAmericans throughout history that we deserve reparations, resurfacing a claim with a long history in black activism.

Alexander, for her part, has famously said that racial profiling and the mass incarceration of African-Americans are just modern-day forms of the legal, institutionalised racism that once ruled across the American South.

More conservative thinkers may hold black people solely accountable for their problems. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson is in this “personal responsibility” camp, along with public intellectuals like Thomas Sowell and Larry Elder.

Depending on who you ask, then, black people aren’t much better off than in 1968 because either there’s not enough government help or there’s too much.

I don’t have to wonder what Dr King would

recommend. He believed in institutional racism.

In 1968, King and the Southern Christian Leadership Council sought to tackle inequality with the Economic Bill of Rights.

This was not a legislative proposal, per se, but a moral vision of a just America where all citizens had educational opportunities, a home, “access to land,” “a meaningful job at a living wage” and “a secure and adequate income”.

To achieve that, King wrote, the U.S. government should create an initiative to “abolish unemployment,” by developing incentives to increase the number of jobs for black Americans. He also recommended “another programme to supplement the income of those whose earnings are below the poverty level.”

Those ideas were revolutionary in 1968. Today, they seem prescient. King’s notion that all citizens need a living wage portends the universal basic income concept now gaining traction worldwide.

King’s rhetoric and ideology are also obvious influences on Sen. Bernie Sanders, who in the 2016 and 2020 presidential primaries has advocated equality for all people, economic incentives for working families, improved schools, greater access to higher education and for anti-poverty initiatives.

Progress has been made.

Just not as much as many of us would like. theconversation.com

PAGE 12, Tuesday, January 21, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

LAWYERS DISMISS THIS ‘FLIMSY’ CASE

CONTENDERS LINK ARMS ON MLK DAY COLUMBIA, SC Associated Press

WASHINGTON Associated Press

DEMOCRATIC presidential candidates hit pause on their recent feuds yesterday as they walked shoulder to shoulder through the streets of South Carolina’s capital city to honour the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and rally around their push to defeat President Donald Trump in November.

The truce was illustrated when Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren shook hands at Zion Baptist Church, then linked arms as they marched with the other candidates later in the morning.

Black Americans left behind - Page 11

PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s legal team asserted yesterday he did “absolutely nothing wrong,” urging the Senate to swiftly reject the “flimsy” impeachment case against him as rigged.

The brief from Trump’s lawyers, filed as senators prepare to return to Washington for opening arguments, offers the most detailed look at the lines of defence they intend to use against Democratic efforts to convict the president and oust him from office over his dealings with Ukraine.

It is meant as a counter to a filing two days ago from House Democrats that summarised weeks of testimony from more than a dozen witnesses in laying out the impeachment case.

“All of this is a dangerous perversion of the Constitution that the Senate should swiftly and roundly condemn,” the lawyers wrote. “The articles should be rejected and the president should immediately be acquitted.”

RIVALS Amy Klobuchar, Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders link arms during a Martin Luther King Jr. Day march yesterday

Hundreds of migrants wade river for Mexico CIUDAD HIDALGO, Mexico Associated Press

HUNDREDS of Central American migrants waded across the Suchiate River into southern Mexico yesterday in a new test of US President Donald Trump’s Central America strategy to keep them away from the US border.

The migrants moved off the border bridge and toward the river after Mexican officials told them they would not be granted passage through the country.

Amid shouts and even some fireworks they began wading across the shallow river. On the Mexican side, migrants ran from side to side along the river bank, kicking up dust and looking for an opening in the ranks of National Guard troops sent to meet them.

Guardsmen scrambled too, trying

MEXICAN guards stand on the bank of the Suchiate River where Central American migrants are crossing from Guatemala, near Ciudad Hidalgo, Mexico yesterday to head off groups and detaining people where they could. There was pushing and shoving. Some guardsmen carried plastic riot shields hit with rocks tossed by migrants and they occasionally zipped a rock

back into the crowd. Others jogged to get into position with long staffs.

Still others carried assault rifles.

Many of migrants moved back to the river’s edge and a smaller number crossed back to Guatemala.

“You have two options: you go back to Guatemalan territory or you come with us,” Mexican immigration agents said to migrants who had crossed the river. They assured those who went with them that they would “regularise” their status, but few of the migrants believed them.

“Mexico’s president said he would give us work and an opportunity and look,”said Esther Madrid, a Honduran vendor who left her six children in Honduras. Sitting on a rock among dozens of people who didn’t know what to do next, she offered only one word when asked if she would consider returning to San Pedro Sula: “Never.”

Riot police with shields also appeared on the Guatemala side of river, raising questions about what options really remained for the migrants.

DISCOVERY ‘MAY TREAT ALL CANCER’ A NEWLY discovered part of our immune system could be harnessed to treat all cancers, say scientists. The team at Cardiff University discovered a method of killing prostate, breast, lung and other cancers in lab tests.

The findings, published in Nature Immunology, have not been tested in patients, but the researchers say they have “enormous potential”.

Experts said that although the work was still at an early stage, it was very exciting.