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Abandoned by the country of his birth

Tribune tracks down ‘missing’ Tribuneto The Rony Jean Haitian village ‘Police beat me to confess to killing’ A1MAIN

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ER 6TH, 2017

AMAS NovemberBAH29.

FROM EU In an affidavit, BLACKLIST

By RASHAD ROLLE r Tribune Staff Reporte rrolle@tribunemedia.net

times occurred four to five and between November 20 Cen21, 2015, while at the tral Detective Unit (CDU). taken “back TEENAGER He said he was THE the murdering and forth” between the of accused and room ry interview Queen’s College elementa room by officers teacher Joyelle McIntosh homicide get was as they forcibly tried to yesterday claimed he crime. the to confess to give beaten and forced to his him While in the homicide a false confession of the teenager said he involvement in the crime.the room, stomhis on lie to was made The teenager, taking while handcuffed and on witness stand before Justice ach plastic bag was placed plasBernard Turner, said a his a head, then subsequently his tic bag was placed over if he was ready to head and he was “forced” asked false confess. He said while by officers to give a so, one officer held he confession. He also said say doing and another held feet to his what on was coached hands. when the official interview his SEE PAGE THREE began. claimed, he This,

was Bahamas THE to yesterday warned not after “rest on our laurels” n it escaped the Europea Union’s “blacklist” largely Irma. e thanks to Hurrican serWhile the financial wider vices industry and potena economy “dodged tial bullet”, this resulted from the EU Council taking result pity on the nation as a of damage inflicted during the recent hurricane season.y The House of Assembl amenddebate will today as the ments to finance laws government seeks to satisfy requirements for ratifying on the Multilateral Conventi rative on Mutual Administ Matters, Tax in e Assistanc Minsomething Finance t is ister K Peter Turnques he when sign expected to week. visits San Marino next SEE PAGE SIX

By NICO SCAVELLA r Tribune Staff Reporte t nscavella @tribunemedia.ne

By NICO SCAVELLA r Tribune Staff Reporte t nscavella @tribunemedia.ne

A 29-YEAR-OLD man 25 was sentenced to nearly years in prison yesterday interfor having unlawful girl course with a teenager his who he had lured to Facefake a home through book profile.

Justice Bernard Turner Dansentenced Jamal iels to 24 years in prison concerning an incidenta that occurred with

14-year-old girl in September 22, 2014. The sentence June is to commence from his 22, 2017, the date of conviction.

In doing so, Justice his expressed Turner intent to protect society ry” from Daniels’ “predato that behaviour, and stated said despite Daniels being and to be “industrious” still a “hard-working,” he is “present danger” to young women in society.

SEE PAGE FIVE

Hospitals PUBLIC have Authority officials days decided to delay for 60 several across the board Prinfee increases at the , cess Margaret Hospital proposed those including for PMH’s Morgue DepartDr ment, Health Minister . yesterday said Duane Sands day This change comes a he after the minister said meet would be willing to direcwith angry funeral tors who protested outside the PMH last week about on , new fees. However also who is said to Sunday, Dr Sands of Jeanrony Jean-Charles, bune Staff told The Tribune the govClotilde Jean-Charles, sister Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tri no longer ATTORNEY Fred Smith with Centre. could ernment in be missing from the Detention permit “free passes” huge health services due to revenue deficits.

SEE PAGE SIX

THE family of a 35-yearold man who was picked up by immigration officials do in September say they or not know if he is “alive dead” or has been “illegally deported” after allegedly speak not being allowed to to him or visit him in nearly three weeks.

In an emotional interrles, view, Clotilda Jean-Cha yes36, told The Tribune wants terday that she only d to know what happene Rony to her brother Jean at one no but rles Jean-Cha

and the He gave us his number the Detention Centre or - we have been calling and know Department of Immigra calling and we don’t tion will give her answers.her anything,” Ms Jean-Charles interview Ms Jean-Charles said and said during an Detention brother, who was born to outside the raised in The Bahamas taken Centre.

Haitian parents, was “The last time anyone into custody by immigra- spoke with him was about raid don’t tion officers during a three weeks ago. We or anyon September 15. the know if he is aliveis saying “I have been to three thing. No one are not Detention Centre . They anything not would and they times and they told giving us access us any let me see him. They giving are not me I had to go to Hawkins the information.

Hill. I went there and “Our concern is this, line was so long but I stayed they deported him to Haiti, and and I even went back the number one he has no one spoke with a man on us SEE PAGE FIVE assured who floor third it. that he would look into

SEE PAGE EIGHT

PLP: CHANGES TO URCA BOARD ‘UNLAWFUL’

’ Leading Newspaper Nassau & Bahama Islands

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

JEAN Rony Jean-Charles pictured in a village in Haiti, where he spoke to The Tribune about his living conditions.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

SEARCH FOR WRECKAGE GOES ON TO FIND ANSWERS OVER CRASH

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

SAUSAGE, EGG &

CHEESE BISCUIT

WWW.BURGERKING.BS

THREE men are dead and another is in hospital following four shooting incidents in separate locations in New Providence that took place over the weekend.

Two of the four individuals shot between Friday and Saturday died on the scene, according to police reports.

One of the victims, who was previously listed in critical condition in hospital as the result of a shooting early Saturday morning, subsequently died. The murder toll now stands at seven for the year, according to The Tribune’s records.

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

DAYS before the May 10 general election, the former Christie administration added an addendum to the contractual agreement of a high-ranking Bridge Authority executive outlining no fixed termination date and specifying there was to be no less than three years’ notice in the event of termination, The Tribune can reveal.

The contract is worth nearly $100,000.

SEE PAGE SIX

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By KHRISNA RUSSEL r Deputy Chief Reporte krussell@ tribunemedia.net

T

By SANCHESKA DORSET r Tribune Staff Reporte sdorsett@ tribunemedia.net

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

PM ORDERS PROBE OVER BRIDGE EXEC’S CONTRACT

By AVA TURNQUEST BEST RACcontesting the lawfulness of E YACH T BEST OF THE MUT INY OVER S TS: CAP TAIN SChief IRMA SAVE POR Tribune Reporter his detention was filed on

his sister JEAN Rony Jean- Clotilde Jean-Charles’ Charles, the Bahamas-born claimed she took documan who, according to rela- ments proving his birth to tives, went “missing” after the Department of Immithree ‘bruised at the Cargration at the n leftmonths Tee after michael swollen’Road and request of offierrogations Detention int cials, only to Centre, has be repeatbeen found in edly told that a North HaiITALS’ the matter HOSP FEE CHANGES tian slum. was under HOLD PUT ON The 35-yearinvestigation. old C V Bethel His applicaSenior High tion is one of RAPIST T RNE INTE School alumscores of writs RS JAILED FOR 24 YEA nus was filed last year tracked down against detainto a small vilees at the lage on the Carmichael ’ R? HE OT outskirts of ‘WHERE’S MY BR Road DetenPort-de-Paix, tion Centre.

Haiti, by The HOW The Tribune reported In DecemTribune and the family’s search for Jean ber, former his attorney Rony Jean-Charles.

TIME WE TALKED Director of TO A WIDER after a social AUDIENCE Immigramedia camtion William paign was launched by Pratt told The Tribune that relatives who feared he Mr Jean-Charles, whose would be forever lost in the relatives said he was born poverty-stricken nation. and raised in The BahaHe told The Tribune he mas to Haitian parents, was sent to “hell” by the was flown to Haiti.

Bahamas government, and Mr Pratt said Mr Jeaneach day since has been a Charles was sent to Port au struggle for survival, both Prince, Haiti, on November physically and mentally.

24 after not being able to Mr Jean-Charles was prove he was in the country arrested in early September legally.

2017 by immigration officSEE PAGE THREE ers, and an application of

THREE DEAD AFTER BLOODY WEEKEND OF SHOOTINGS

SEE PAGE SEVEN

UME:115 No.12, DECEMB

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

HOME

WHILE search and rescue efforts have ceased for those who died in last week’s Andros plane crash, search and recovery for parts of the downed Piper Aztec plane are continuing as authorities expand their search area in the

hope of finding the parts that could help investigators determine what caused the crash.

Delvin Major, chief investigator of air accidents, said the most critical component of the plane that could assist investigators is its engine – such small planes do not have a flight data recorder or “black box”.

“We want to find those

engines,” Mr Major told The Tribune yesterday, two days after officials said all six people on board the plane had died and search and rescue efforts had been called off.

“The wing and stuff wouldn’t give much clues into what happened because they would be so

/BURGERKINGNASSAU

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SEE PAGE FIVE

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis characterised the Minnis administration’s changes to the board of the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority as unlawful yesterday, arguing they infringe on the independence of the regulatory body.

Effective last November, Neville Wilchcombe replaced Randol Dorsett as chairman of URCA’s board, while another former board member, Cherise Cox-Nottage, who was appointed in 2015, was also removed from the board.

SEE PAGE EIGHT

PAGE 2, Monday, January 22, 2018

LIFEGUARD MISSING FOR A WEEK

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

FRIENDS of a Baha Mar lifeguard who disappeared after purchasing a boat more than a week ago are making a desperate appeal for assistance in his discovery.

Sharvette Miller told The Tribune on Friday that her close friend and former co-worker Samuel Leroy Moss, 27, has been missing since Sunday, January 14, when he travelled to Fort

Lauderdale to purchase a small fishing vessel with the intention of returning to Nassau by sea.

Ms Miller claims Mr Moss sailed to Bimini with the people from whom he purchased the boat, with the intention to part ways once reaching the island.

“We have video of his last post that he did on Snapchat letting us know he’s on his way home,” said Ms Miller, who explained that Mr Moss did not have much immediate family with the

exception of a younger sister.

“But now, the phone went out from there as he was leaving Bimini Channel. He was gonna stop to Andros for fuel and to see family, but we’re not getting a clear understanding of whether he made it there.

“He doesn’t have much family and his friends are pretty much all he has,” she continued.

“We contacted the RBDF . . . and it is said they sent a plane and a boat out. They state that his cell phone was

pinged off a cay but not exactly where. Could we please get some help?”

Last Thursday, the RBDF revealed in a press release that the agency was searching for Mr Moss.

The RBDF said Mr Moss left Bimini for New Providence in a white, 21-foot single engine Angler small craft on Monday, January 15.

Anyone knowing Mr Moss’ whereabouts is asked to inform police at 919 or the RBDF’s Operations Centre at 362 3814/5.

THE TRIBUNE

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, January 22, 2018, PAGE 3

JEAN Rony Jean-Charles sits next to the bed in the house where he lives with six others.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

Abandoned by the country of his birth from page one

At the time, Mr JeanCharles’ relatives said they were unsure whether he was “alive or dead” or was “illegally deported” after not being allowed to speak to him or visit him in nearly three weeks.

On December 19, the Supreme Court gave the government an additional 21 days to produce Mr Jean-Charles and to provide evidence justifying his deportation or be held in contempt of court.

The court imposed deadline would have passed on Friday, January 19 - four days ago.

Mr Jean-Charles’ attorney Fred Smith said: “Now that I have located him in Haiti and he has confirmed that the government illegally expelled him, we will be urging the Supreme Court to order the government under Article 28 of

JEAN Rony Jean-Charles gives a farewell hug. the Constitution to bring “While visiting with him back. And this will him (in Haiti), I was be the clarion call of our approached by at least campaign to redeem the five other persons, includcitizenship and rights of the ing a young 12-year-old, potentially thousands of all of whom were born in citizens in waiting who have The Bahamas but who had been unconstitutionally been unlawfully expelled. expelled by the Bahamas Jean-Rony’s case will government.” highlight the systemic Mr Smith continued: denial of constitutional

and human rights to thousands of Bahamian born citizens-in-waiting.”

Mr Jean-Charles’ discovery follows revelations made by the government before the United Nations last Wednesday concerning draft regulations for the welfare of detainees at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre (CRDC).

During his national report in Geneva, Switzerland, Attorney General Carl Bethel foreshadowed amendments to the Immigration Act, revealing proposed changes that will limit detention times for persons pending deportation and station a courtroom at the CRDC. Mr Bethel said the government is also considering extending the age limit to apply for a Belonger’s permit in a bid to reduce the risk of statelessness for persons born in The Bahamas to migrant parents.

• Read tomorrow’s Tribune for a full account of Mr Jean-Charles’ time at the detention centre and his current experience in Haiti.

PAGE 4, Monday, January 22, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

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Lessons from the past on US shut down WE ALL learned of the US government shut down at midnight on Saturday. Some offices really did close their doors. But operations deemed essential, including military and law enforcement, would continue. Most observers believed the shutdown would not be lengthy. The best argument for that is what happened during the last significant shut down.

It was 22 years ago. Bill Clinton was president. The rancorous history professor, Newt Gingrich, was the newly minted speaker of the US House of Representatives. Gingrich had ridden to power and prominence on his cleverly labelled “Contract with America”, which among other inducements promised a push for term limits for Congressmen and Senators. Voter dissatisfaction with Washington politics was also at high levels two decades ago.

So over two periods totaling 27 days encompassing Christmas and New Year’s Day 1995-6, the US government closed down most of its regular activities. The major issues were differences between Clinton and the Republican-controlled House on Medicare, the environment, education and public health.

Public reaction to the shut down was swift and decisive. The shut down was massively unpopular, so both parties quickly scrambled, as they are doing now, to blame the other. When the dust had settled, however, it was Gingrich and the Republicans who were awarded the lion’s share of the responsibility.

In fact, voters blamed the GOP by a margin of nearly 20 percentage points. It has been argued that the resulting weakness and disarray in Republican ranks gave Clinton enough relative strength to survive scandals and scares to come, including an impeachment.

Fast forward to 2018. The government is again partially shuttered, with the key issue appearing to be continued funding for a piece of five-year-old legislation from the Obama administration called the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival Act, nicknamed the Dream Act. DACA offers a respite from deportation for minor children of illegal immigrants.

Funding to support the legislation is due to expire in early March, and the Democrats have refused to help pass a budget without Dream Act funding included.

The overall effect of the standoff, aside from the inconvenience to many

and pain to some, is to continue to highlight and emphasise race relations and immigration policy in the United States.

President Trump has made himself a lightning rod for American racism with his now universally reported comments about Haiti and other predominantly non-white nations. His administration seemingly intends to roll back US immigration policy that has prevailed for more than 50 years, since the Great Society legislation of Lyndon Johnson.

Largely forgotten but now again relevant is US immigration policy that was enacted during the 1920s and prevailed until the Johnson administration changed it in 1965. A key to that earlier policy was 1924 legislation assigning numerical limits to immigrants based upon their country of origin. Widely reported research reveals that in some years, for example, Norway received 6,500 annual admissions, while Africa as a whole received less than 20% of that total. When Trump said the US should admit more Norwegians in preference to Africans, he seemed to hark back almost 100 years in time and public policy evolution.

In the current fevered political environment in Washington, an otherwise useful and timely consideration of race relations and immigration policy in the US is largely lost in the constant flood of political speculation. The question becomes: How will Trump’s racist remarks and nativist policies affect the 2018 elections and beyond?

This is not an easy calculus. Former Trump political guru and master strategist Steve Bannon was widely quoted last summer on the subject. “If the left is focused on race and identity, and we (Republicans) go with economic nationalism, we can crush the Democrats,” Bannon said.

Respected liberal political commentator Ezra Klein did not disagree. Quoted recently in the New York Times, he wrote “even if the US is becoming more diverse, whites still comprise a large majority of the electorate. The figure was 71 percent in 2016. If Republicans can consolidate white votes, they will win”. Klein and others believe Trump and the GOP could win with a strong economic programme built on infrastructure and jobs. But they see no evidence so far this will be the Republican approach. Stay tuned.

Solar energy plan EDITOR, The Tribune.

Your front page story on our PM’s Solar Energy Plan prompts me to raise a point that I think has merit, in the case of BEC/BPL (could we please revert to the former name now that the foreigners are gone ).

As a Bible believing country we may well debate the matter of the sins of the father being born by the children or the family, but in the context of BEC and the woes that continue to curse it as a business, I firmly believe that we are casting a blind eye to what the problem really is, and if we opened our eyes maybe a different and more sensible path could be considered.

The BEC woes that it continues to struggle with are neither its fault nor mine. For 50 plus years now BEC (and all of the other Government dependencies ) have been run as the various Governments of the day hobby horse. Decisions have never, (until recently) been made in the interest of that business and we now know that certain families, friends and lovers, have been exempt from paying for their own electricity, and to a large extent I understand that the government itself, in this same time frame has been exempted from paying for electricity. As a country, or Sovereign Nation, as we like to say now, we

have collectively starved this enterprise of the cash that it ought to have had to operate and we have made dreadful business decisions, that have resulted in the physical plant now being on its knees, if not prostrate on the ground.

And because of the sins that we the voting populace of fifty years have inflicted on this organization, it is now left only with the option to try and survive by bleeding the very lifeblood out of its current day customers, who were not the original cause of its problems.

So let’s put the penalty where it ought to be and that is on the entire country. Whatever the debts of BEC may be, and whatever may be the cost of getting up to date infrastructure, those are costs that must be borne by us all. Yes, a NATIONAL DEBT FUND should be created to allow BEC to be a proper functioning business that can be competitive with electrical suppliers in other countries like ours, and provide a consistently reliable supply at a reasonable cost to the end user.

Electricity is the backbone, the heart and respiratory system of every business in this country, including even the cost of running the government, and when its cost is so dramatically higher than our international

competitors it places the entire NATION at a competitive disadvantage.

So, what is the difference of leaving the debt and infrastructure where it is, or taxing the people to support a debt fund that would be used to bring it into the modern day world ?.

I am by no means an economist but if one is to believe what they say, it is only through business growth and success (and that is profitability ) that a business can grow, and when it grows, it makes more money and it hires more people and it pays more taxes.

I would guess that our major hotels are the greatest consumers of electricity and with the debt and infrastructure costs that they have to pay for electricity, they must struggle to even break even.

Solar energy is fine and the electrical supplier should be looking into this but with its current economics they probably struggle to get from one day to the next financially.

Maybe someone could quantify what such a fund would have to look like.

One Caveat! We will certainly need transparency and anti-corruption legislation for this to work.

BRUCE G RAINE Nassau, January 19, 20

My tribute to Sir Geoffrey EDITOR, the Tribune.

ON Friday, August 4, 2017, I was very sad to hear of Sir Geoffrey Johnstone’s passing.

I extend my sincere sympathy and condolences to his beloved dear wife, Lady Ann Johnstone and family.

I wrote a letter to Mr Johnstone in November of 1998, just before he retired from H & J law firm. This letter will describe who Mr Johnstone is in my honest and humble opinion. My letter, dated November 23, 1998, reads as follows: “Dear Mr Johnstone, just a few words to express my sincere appreciation and thanks to a dear friend, my boss and my employer.

As you know, I first joined Higgs & Johnson back in 1969 and was with the firm until 1973. Then I had the good fortune in coming back a second time in 1985 and am with you up until the present. You said to me in the Search Dept “Welcome back a second time” and I thank you so much for those kind words.

“I have known you now over 29 years and I would like you to know that it has been an honour and a privilege to have served under such a fine and distinguished gentleman, leader, boss, ‘Captain of the ship called Higgs & Johnson’.

My years with this honourable and prestigious establishment have been a blessing and a learning experience in my life and I am deeply grateful and thankful for everything you have done for me over the years and to have been associated with such a fine person and gentleman as yourself, Mr Johnstone.

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net “I have learned a lot from you and I will never forget you. You are a great role model for everyone to emulate.

“With your profession as a very successful and distinguished businessman and attorney and entering into the political arena, being in the Legislature, House of Assembly, Acting Governor-General, Ambassador, Statesman, Sportsman in various fields, ‘Friend to all’, serving your country and Church to the fullest, a ‘true Bahamian and a son of the soil’, Almighty God has blessed you tremendously.

“If anyone deserves to be knighted by Her Majesty the Queen, it is you, Mr Johnstone. You have served your country well. I sincerely hope and pray that this distinguished honour is bestowed upon you in the very near future. I believe that this will be the pivotal crowning of your illustrious and brilliant career. Truly one can say without fear of contradiction, you are a ‘man for all seasons’.

“I extend my love and sincere best wishes and God’s blessings to you, Mr Johnstone and in your well deserved retirement.

“There will never be another ‘Mr J’, who always has encouraging words to uplift his employees and fellow man. Your pleasant and warm smile, your humour, your compassionate understanding and all the other wonderful qualities you possess will be greatly missed.

“May Almighty God

continue to bless you with health and strength and stay in ‘top shape’ is my prayer. I look forward to the opportunity in reading your book when it is finished, Mr Johnstone. I wanted you to know how much I appreciate you.

Love and best wishes, God bless you, Your friend always, Tony Zervos Three years later Mr Johnstone received his knighthood from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. Well done, Sir Geoffrey, you really deserved this distinguished honour. It couldn’t have happened to a better person.

Truly he was a great Bahamian. He loved his country, he was a friend to all. I will repeat again, “he is a man for all seasons”.

Sir Geoffrey, in his brilliant career, has fought a good fight to the very end and kept the faith. The Lord saw that it was time for him to come home for his eternal rest. This is what he lived and died for.

The Apostle Paul said in 2nd Timothy Chapter 4, verses 7-8, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith, henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but unto all of them also that love His appearing”.

The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

May your soul rest in peace, Sir Geoffrey.

Sincerely in Christ, TONY G ZERVOS Nassau, August 9. 2017.

Letter power EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE Tribune provides a great platform for joe public to raise issues and discuss issues ....it seems even the Government reads The Tribune and they react to content of letters to The Editor.

There was a letter complaining about the senior Police Officer appearing boldly in uniform acting

as a spokesperson for one of the cellular Companies - instantly the advertisements have disappeared from the newspapers and off the television channels.

Great news, thank you.

Just wondering and we would like to know: Did the Commissioner institute any disciplinary action as a result of this blatant violation of General Orders or the Officer was just told

stop and a slap on his wrist?

Whatever earnings the Officer made should be donated to charity or an NGO. I fully agree the Police Disciplinary Commission should be independent – as good as you might be, sorry you are not going to police yourselves RBPF. ABRAHAM MOSS Nassau, January 19, 2018.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, January 22, 2018, PAGE 5

Search for wreckage goes on to find answers over crash from page one badly damaged, but engines can be analysed to see if any failure contributed to the plane crash. We’re still hopeful that we can find more of the parts because we would want to rule out everything; one thing is whether mechanical failure played a part in the crash.

Based on winds and currents, parts could’ve drifted further north or south. I was told by police in Andros they have broadened their search south of where the accident happened to see if any parts drifted in the areas.”

Local police in Andros are spearheading search for parts of the plane, though it’s unclear how many people are involved in the efforts and how long those activities will continue.

“If they find something, they may keep looking, but it won’t be forever,” Mr

Major said. “They’d also be looking to see if any bodies have floated. They really want to provide some closure to the family.”

Starting today, Mr Major and his team will begin the process of determining whether the plane and its pilot, Darren Clarke, satisfied all the legal requirements when operating an aircraft and whether all necessary licences were obtained. These include a pilot’s certificate, a certificate of airworthiness for the aircraft, an airman’s certificate which includes proof of physical fitness and a certificate of release to service. The investigators will also analyse an official report from the Department of Meteorology on the weather at the time of the crash. Witnesses, like other pilots, who could speak about the weather conditions on Wednesday morning also will be interviewed.

MINNIS CONSOLES RELATIVES OF VICTIMS

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

EVEN as they struggled with the sudden death of their loved ones, family of the six recent plane crash victims in Andros visited a government complex in North Andros on Friday and were consoled and comforted by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and some of his parliamentary colleagues.

Throughout the event some sat stoically in their seats, however others were visibly upset and openly cried. The fact that they showed up at all despite their mourning was a quiet show of their strength. In private, some officials from New Providence remarked on the stillness that appeared to permeate the island.

Family members held out hope on Thursday that loved ones could still be found alive. But by Friday, after the Civil Aviation Department announced the termination of search and rescue efforts, reality settled in. Darren Clarke, Margaret Adderley, Valentino Cardinal Knowles, Carter Campbell, Desiree Russell and ten-year-old Destinique Wilson died when the Piper Aztec

plane taking them to Nassau crashed in waters off Andros, the first fatal plane crash in the country in over a year. The incident occurred last Wednesday.

“We know we are headline news,” Mangrove Cay Administrator Glenn Lightbourne said, “but even more there are personal stories here.”

Dr Minnis later added: “This is indeed a sad moment and tragedy for Andros, be it a large landmass but a strong community. The question is always asked, why would such an event occur? Why me? Why us? And why the end road at this time when they have not yet begun their life? We all look for excuses, blame this one or the other, but what we do know for certain is that whatever happens in this world, one man knows why he wants it to happen and that’s God. And whatever happened, God wanted it this way. He would know why. Be assured that the government of The Bahamas will continue to support the family as much as we can.”

Dr Minnis said officials will dispatch grief counselors to the island this week to provide counseling services for those in need.

“I know that in times

“We have received quite a bit of documents from authorities, both here in Nassau and (the US) Federal Aviation Authority in regards to the pilot and the aircraft,” Mr Major said. “I haven’t reviewed those as yet. They are quite a bit of documents as regards to the pilot, the aircraft and the certifications. We will speak to witnesses who were there at the time as to the conditions of the weather. Was weather a factor in the crash? Then we will check that against the pilot’s qualifications to see if he was capable of flying in that kind of environment.

“We’ll speak to other pilots in the area to get a feel of what they thought about the impact the weather could have had.

The Department of Meteorology’s report will give us the clearest picture of the weather. I haven’t opened the report yet. It’s an official report with a lot of

of bereavement it not only affects you but the extended family, it affects the community, the children and it also affects the school where that ten-year-old and the children of the victims would have schooled.

“Recognising that, we will have counselors here in your community as early as next week to be available both for family members and the school communities. Again on behalf of the government of the Bahamas I bring condolences and as soon as I return from my trip next week I will be here with you again and I assure you that the government of the Bahamas will offer our entire support to ensure that you get through this so remain firm, remain steady...” Dr Minnis added.

The grief-stricken families, informed of the event with Dr Minnis just Friday morning, told The Tribune they appreciated the prime minister’s effort.

“It was nice of them to come to greet us,” a relative of one victim said.

Government officials hope to return to the island next week Friday for a

additional information you would not find in a regular advisory. It is specifically for aviation purposes. So the aircraft, the pilot and the weather, those are the major components we’ll look at to determine how each of those played a role in the crash.”

Last week’s crash was the first fatal one in The Bahamas in one and a half years.

However, a number of nonfatal crashes have taken place over the years, including several recently. Mr Major said he is in the process of investigating “three non-fatal crashes” since the start of 2018.

Darren Clarke, Margaret Adderley, Valentino Cardinal Knowles, Carter Campbell, Desiree Russell and ten-year-old Destinique Wilson were the victims of last week’s crash. This week, a vigil on Wednesday night and a memorial on Friday are expected to take place for them.

memorial for the victims.

Meanwhile, a community

In the statement Friday, accident investigators detailed their efforts in the wake of the crash.

“On 17 January 2018 the Air Accident Investigation Department (AAID) was notified by Nassau Air Traffic Control that an aircraft N62769, a Piper Aztec, six seater aircraft went missing around 8am while en route to the Lynden Pindling International Airport from San Andros Airport,” the statement said.

“Search and rescue assets with assistance from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the United States Coast Guard and BASRA, as well as other aircraft from Nassau and local boaters in Andros, participated in the search for the missing aircraft and its occupants.

“Around 5pm, the AAID was notified that a debris field was located where the aircraft crashed. Due to nightfall, search and rescue

vigil is expected Wednesday evening.

efforts had to be suspended and commenced around 7am Thursday January 18. On Thursday 18 January, investigators from the AAID with assistance from the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority, Safety Oversight Department travelled to Andros island to commence the investigation.

“Around 10am (Thursday), the investigation team was notified that the debris field was located and what remained of the aircraft was retrieved and brought to the island.

As the complete aircraft could not be located and retrieved, no further analysis could be conducted on the aircraft. Subsequently, the search and rescue efforts (were) officially terminated. The pilot and five passengers on board perished in the accident which occurred in waters approximately four miles southeast of Mastic Point settlement.”

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis comforting relatives in Andros.

Photo: BIS

PAGE 6, Monday, January 22, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

PM orders probe over bridge exec’s contract from page one

Upon discovering that this kind of contract exists, which effectually binds the government to an agreement it may find unfavourable and pricey, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis ordered an investigation across government agencies to unearth how many more of these kinds of “unusual arrangements” exist.

While confirming this to The Tribune, the prime minister said he was “deeply disturbed and annoyed” by the practice. He hinted the government was seeking to cancel the contract, charging that anyone who feels the Minnis administration is wrong can “take us to court.”

“If any government is allowed to get away with something like this, where is the fairness in democracy? How is it acceptable to essentially contract someone to work for the government for life?

It’s like they tried to contract people for life,” Dr Minnis said.

Works Minister Desmond Bannister, who is responsible for the Bridge Authority, refused to speak on the issue, telling this newspaper he did not want to say anything because it was a “very sensitive matter.” He insisted that if anything must be said, it was the prime minister who should do the talking.

According to documents obtained by The Tribune, on April 20, 2017, the addendum was added and signed to supplement a contract of employment for the executive, which was dated January 7, 2013.

The addendum read: “…

Employer shall employ employee in the capacity set forth commencing January 7, 2013 and continuing with no fixed termination date, until either party shall give proper notice of termination of this employment agreement to the other.

“The notice shall be no less than three years’ notice.

“If the board wishes to terminate this agreement for any other reason outside the terms of the employee agreement, the employee shall be compensated in accordance with the terms of this contract along with any pecuniary benefits that the employee was entitled to.

“In the event any conflict arises between the provisions of this contract and any other document issued by the board providing for terms and conditions applicable to employees of the board, the provisions of this contract shall prevail,” the addendum continued.

This addition was supported by terms in the original contract on January 7, 2013 specifying that this agreement was to continue indefinitely until either party gives notice to the other.

If the government follows through with cancelling this contract, it would not be the first time something of this nature took place since the Minnis administration came to office.

Back in November, Dr Minnis tabled documents in the House of Assembly, which revealed that about two weeks before the general election, the former Christie administration renewed Sir Baltron Bethel’s contract as a senior policy advisor and consultant in the Office of the

THE toll booths on the bridge at Paradise Island.

Prime Minister and the Ministry of Tourism, agreeing to pay him $800,000 over a four-year period.

When this contract was compared with an earlier three-year contract dated May 19, 2015 and effective May 14, 2015, no justification for a salary increase was apparent. The 2015 agreement showed the former advisor was initially to be paid $140,000 for the same duties outlined in the new 2017 contract.

This contract, Dr Minnis told Parliament, in addition to contracts of two others would not be honoured,

adding they could “take me to court” over the agreements.

In response, Sir Baltron said he expected the contracts to be honoured.

During his first televised address last July, Dr Minnis said: “There will be no renewal of contracts for emoluments which exceed $100,000 per year. To further reduce expenditure, we will reduce the number of government vehicles.

Unlike the former head of government, I will be extraordinarily more vigilant in ensuring that my ministers adhere to their

budgets and to financial constraints.”

Since then, Press Secretary Anthony Newbold has admitted the Minnis administration hired people on contracts worth more than $100,000 per year.

Asked about the prime minister’s comments from his televised address, Mr Newbold said in a statement to The Tribune last month it does not mean the new administration won’t hire people above such a threshold.

“The government is systematically reviewing all the human resources

needs, particularly the significant number of consultants hired by the former administration,” Mr Newbold said. “Unless there is a demonstrated need––and the person has the commensurate skill set that underlies their salary––the government is not renewing their contracts. Yes, the government has in exceptional cases hired persons and consultants at that level since taking office. These are in places where there is a clear need and market rate for the talent is simply at a premium level.”

MINNIS VISIT TO TEXAS TO DRUM UP BUSINESS PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis left the country yesterday for visits to Austin and Houston, Texas.

According to a statement from the Cabinet Office, Dr Minnis led a delegation to the United States consisting of Minister of Foreign Affairs Darren Henfield, Minister of State for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson, Senior Policy Advisor Joshua Sears, non-resident Ambassador-designate for Central America Cornelius Smith, photographer Yontalay Bowe and aide Kirk Bastian.

In Texas, Dr Minnis

will be joined by Bahamas Ambassador to the US Sidney Collie, Miami Consul General Linda Mackey and Honorary Consul to Houston Lynden Rose.

The objectives of the visit are to develop a relationship with the governor of Texas and Dr Minnis “with the expressed purpose of identifying foreign investment and business opportunities that would benefit The Bahamas,” the Cabinet Office said.

“Austin is now known as Silicon Hills because of the many tech companies that

call Austin home.”

It is hoped contact will be made with some of these companies – such as Facebook, Google, Dell, HP – to see if there is in interest in them investing in the Bahamas.

The trip is also organised so that the delegation can interact with Bahamians living in Texas.

Meetings will be held with business executives, financial and investment advisors, Chamber of Commerce leaders and others, the statement said.

Dr Minnis will return to The Bahamas on Wednesday.

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THE TRIBUNE

Monday, January 22, 2018, PAGE 7

Three dead after bloody weekend of shootings

from page one The first murder occurred shortly before 9pm on Friday, when a group of men were at a local business on Maxwell Lane off Lightbourne Avenue, when four men approached.

An argument erupted and a few minutes later, gunshots were heard, police said. The men ran, and it was later discovered that one man was unresponsive.

Paramedics were called on scene, but were unable to revive the man, who suffered gunshot injuries to his body.

He was pronounced

dead on the scene. Police have one suspect in custody who is being questioned in connection with that matter.

In another incident, shortly before 3am Saturday, a man had just arrived at a home on Sumner Street, Nassau Village when he was approached by a man armed with a firearm who shot him about the body before speeding away in a silver coloured Honda.

The victim was subsequently taken to hospital and was listed in critical condition.

However, Chief Superintendent Solomon Cash, officer-in-charge of the

Central Detective Unit (CDU), said he died later that morning.

About two hours after that shooting, shortly after 5am on Saturday, a man was walking on Rupert Dean Lane when he was approached by another man armed with a firearm who shot him about the body before fleeing on foot.

Paramedics were called to the scene but were unable to revive the man.

He too was pronounced dead at the scene. Chief Supt Cash said police are questioning one suspect in connection with that matter.

In relation to the nonfatal shooting, police said

MAN SHOT DEAD BY POLICE AFTER GUN FIRED INTO CROWD

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

AN armed man was shot dead by police in Abaco during a confrontation in the Central Pines area early Friday morning, police reported.

Sometime after midnight, officers were called to a business in Central Pines where a man with

a firearm was discharging shots into a crowd, police said.

ASP Terecita Pinder reported that officers quickly responded and confronted the suspect, who on seeing police, pointed the firearm in their direction.

“The officers became in fear of their lives and discharged their police service firearm, hitting the suspect

and fatally injuring him,” she said.

The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, and a black tech-9 weapon, magazine and ammunition from the suspect were recovered by police.

The matter has been forwarded to Coroner Jeanine Weech Gomez. It is the first reported fatal police shooting of the year.

BETHEL HITS OUT AT BACKLASH

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel has responded to criticisms of his presentation at the United Nations last week, characterising backlash as “knee-jerk commentary” to erroneous news reporting and commentary.

Mr Bethel challenged accusations that he did not inform the Bahamian people before unveiling government policy to the international caucus in Geneva, Switzerland last Wednesday.

“Nothing could be further from the truth,” he said in a press statement on Friday.

“It is therefore deeply distressing to see my words apparently deliberately distorted, contorted and twisted out of all recognition.

“I therefore urge all Bahamians to actually read the words in the report that I gave to the UN, rather than to be driven by the excesses and errors depicted in social media and, most of all, to avoid knee-jerk commentary.”

In Geneva, Mr Bethel committed the country to major legislative benchmarks on the issue of marital rape and migrant rights as he defended the country’s performance on human rights obligations before the United Nations.

He said a bill had been drafted that would effectively criminalise marital rape as “aggravated spousal sexual abuse,” adding regulations have also been drafted for the welfare of detainees at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre (CRDC).

He also spoke of amendments to the Bahamas Nationality Act, and foreshadowed amendments to the Immigration Act, which appear to legislate the government’s

ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel.

new policy targeting persons who harbour or employ undocumented workers, revealing that changes will limit detention times for persons pending deportation and station a courtroom at the CRDC. 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.

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis also announced his administration’s plans to amend the Bahamas Nationality Act last November, in addition to plans to create an independent commission to approve applications for citizenship.

However, while matters have been foreshadowed previously, Mr Bethel’s report to the UN provided far greater detail and strongly affirmed the government’s position.

In Friday’s statement, Mr Bethel continued: “In each case mentioned in my remarks at the UN UPR in Geneva I was careful to state that these initiatives were ‘draft’ bills, ‘proposed’ laws or ‘being finalised.’

“Where I spoke about the Independent Committee on Citizenship applications, I

mentioned the fact that the government ‘plans to introduce’ a review committee chaired by a retired chief justice.

“All of these statements are facts; facts that I have spoken to the Bahamian people about, through the news media, on a number of occasions, and before going to defend my country’s human rights record in Geneva.

“Each of these items were mentioned specifically to show the ongoing seriousness with which the government was either addressing previous commitments made to improve human rights, or grappling with the means to effect social progress, protect the vulnerable and take the Bahamas to a better place for the benefit of all Bahamians.”

Mr Bethel said news accounts and commentary following his report has made it clear that there is a significant misunderstanding concerning the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process on human rights.

He continued: “The Bahamas has been a member of the United Nations since independence, and every five years is called upon, along with every other member state, to report on what it has done to live up to the commitments that it made five years previously to address international concerns about human rights, which it has previously committed to undertake at the previous UPR held five years before.

“Each country is obliged to show the extent to which it has lived up to its commitments or what they are in the process of doing to live up to commitments made, and also whether or not it will seek to address other concerns of the international community, which it has not yet committed to address.”

MAN DETAINED AFTER COCAINE DISCOVERY

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A 34-YEAR-OLD Grand Bahama man was arrested at the Grand Bahama International Airport for allegedly trying to smuggle a quantity of dangerous drugs to the United

States on Friday.

ASP Terecita Pinder said the incident happened shortly before 5pm. She said officers were called to the US Customs and Border Protection Agency at GBIA where a man had presented himself for travel to the US, but appeared to be acting in a

suspicious manner.

He was subsequently searched, and a quantity of suspected cocaine was discovered strapped to his body. He was arrested and taken into police custody.

ASP Pinder said the drugs had an estimated street value of $8,000.

shortly after 10pm Friday, a man was walking on Hospital Lane when he noticed a man walking behind him. He became concerned and started to run. A few seconds later he heard gunshots and realised he had been shot.

He was taken to hospital and was listed in stable condition.

Meanwhile, on Friday police identified the body of a man found in an abandoned City Market building in New Providence as Derek Cartwright, age 54, of Anderson Street.

Cartwright’s cause of death was blunt force

trauma to the body, according to police.

The victim’s body was found shortly after noon on Thursday in the derelict building on Market Street.

Investigations into all of these matters are continuing. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 919, the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or the Crime Stoppers hotline anonymously at 328-TIPS.

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PAGE 8, Monday, January 22, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

PLP: changes to URCA board ‘unlawful’ from page one Serfent Rolle and Kendal Culmer were two other non-executive members who were newly appointed to the board after the Minnis’ administration’s changes.

It’s not clear why the changes were made. URCA was created in 2009 as the primary governing body of the new regulatory regime for electronic communications in the country. The URCA Act, 2009, entitles non-executive board members to a three-year term. Circumstances that could result in a member’s removal include bankruptcy issues, financial interests that could prejudice their functioning, absence from meetings for longer than six consecutive times without the board’s permission, neglect of duties, conviction for material misconduct or incapacitation by physical health or mental illness.

Attorney General Carl Bethel could not be reached yesterday to comment on the reason for the changes. However, he told The Nassau Guardian last week that he is satisfied the government acted lawfully.

In a press statement, Mr Davis said: “The PLP notes the purported changes in the membership of the Utility Regulatory Competition Authority’s (URCA) board of directors. “We question whether the government has acted properly and according to law by appointing and announcing changes to the board. We are deeply concerned that the changes announced by the attorney general are ultra vires the act.

OPPOSITION Leader Philip ‘Brave’ Davis.

“The law surrounding press that the law was comand governing any and all plied with in making these changes to this statutory board changes is at odds board are as follows: the with the letter, initial intent provisions of the URCA and spirit of the law. I refer Act allow for its board the attorney general to Secmembers to serve their full tion 14.1, 14.5, and 19.1 of terms in office. A change in the URCA Act.” Mr Davis added: “These the board cannot be accomplished by revocation. relevant provisions are Any purported changes in to ensure the independmembership are therefore ence of URCA - free from outside the powers of the political influence or interAdditionally, act and are null and void. vention.

“The attorney general’s issues of public policy from purported comment to the the political directorate are

required to be contained in the sector policy mandate that is published at intervals; this too is provided for in the act.

“If the tenure of the current chairman expires in 2019, then under law he should be allowed to serve out his entire term, save and except for a voluntary resignation. The action of the government is repugnant and contrary to the law “In 2012, when the PLP

Photo: Shawn Hanna/ Tribune Staff came to office, we met the advisable at this stage due FNM appointed board in to the depressed value of place but we complied with the shares, but it is bad the law and allowed the public policy to change members to serve out their a board in the middle of full terms of appointments. preparations for an initial The questionable actions public offering, or IPO. of Attorney General Carl The sudden loss of instiBethel should be tested in a tutional knowledge and memory can interrupt and court of law.”

Mr Davis said the PLP is negatively impact the IPO also advised that the gov- process and is a compelling ernment intends to sell its enough reason to allow the shares in the telecommuni- existing board to finish its important work unencumcations company Aliv. bered,” he said.

“Not only is this not

64-YEAR-OLD BIMINI MAN DROWNED NEAR HARBOUR

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE community of Bailey Town, Bimini, is saddened by the apparent drowning of 64-year-old William “Stinky” Stuart, who was well loved by everyone in the tiny, close-knit settlement.

Stuart, and another man known as “Jay,” went fishing on Wednesday evening.

When they did not return, family members notified police and Royal Bahamas Defence Force officers who, along with Bahamas Air Sea and Rescue (BASRA) officials, searched for them.

Bimini police reported

that the body of one man was discovered in waters in the area of Bimini Harbour around 8am on Thursday.

They are continuing the search for the other man who is still missing at sea.

Bailey Town resident Lloyd Edgecombe said that Stuart was very well-known in the community and will be greatly missed by everyone. “He was my adopted brother, and we got word that they found his body in the harbour, but they have not found the other man,” he told The Tribune on Friday.

According to Mr Edgecombe, “Jay” moved to Bimini a couple of months ago from Nassau. He said

that the two men usually hung out and went fishing together.

Police reported that the men were last seen sitting in a small boat at the rear of a business shortly before 8pm on Wednesday.

Mr Edgecombe described Stuart as a very energetic person who greeted everyone he came in contact with a hug.

“He loved everyone and had a way of greeting people; he hugged and kissed you. Everyone knew him, he was the ambassador of Bailey Town, and he will be greatly missed in this community,” he said.

Police are investigating the matter.

US WOMAN DIES ON CRUISE SHIP

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

AN American woman was discovered dead on board a cruise ship while in port in Grand Bahama and an American man is in police custody assisting with an investigation into

her death.

According to police, shortly after noon on Friday, officers received reports of a sudden death on a cruise ship that travelled from Florida to The Bahamas. It is believed the victim and the man were passengers on the Carnival Elation.

ASP Terecita Pinder said officers of the Central Detective Unit responded and were shown the lifeless body of an adult female.

As a result of initial investigations, she said that an adult man who was also aboard the ship is assisting police with their investigation.

MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2018

THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS

The danger of déjà vu

By MALCOLM STRACHAN

developments the Bahamian populace had been waiting to hear from the DESPITE Prime Minister government on – marital Minnis’ lack of nationwide rape among them - there fanfare, on May 10, 2017, was a deep sense of betrayal he and the Free National that was felt by many.

Movement formed the next Nothing about this felt government of our com- like servant leadership. monwealth. His campaign Nothing felt like transparwas established on tenets of ent governance. Rather, it transparency and accounta- felt like familiar feelings of bility. Essentially, it did not dismissal and being taken take rocket science to know for granted by a governthat a lack thereof was chief ment full of empty promises among the reasons we had and campaign rhetoric. enough of the previous govThe Attorney General’s ernment. The Free National defensive response also fell Movement probably could far short of being redemphave campaigned on any- tive, to say the least. His thing and safely become the claims that the government next government. circulated the draft bills Truly, it is a testament to civic society and church to how terribly bad things leaders have also garwere under the Christie- nered some well-warranted led government. It gives backlash. credence to how much the Bahamas Christian citizens of the Common- Council President, Bishop wealth of The Bahamas Delton Fernander, for desired and needed change. one, claims to have had no But this time, for the first knowledge of a draft bill time, the anti-politician, and was very disturbed with “the common man’s man”, the government’s handling was in charge. Revelations of this matter, deeming it of malfeasance certainly set an act carried out “in bad a tone that the current gov- faith”. ernment meant to reveal Civil society groups such the business as the Organiof governance. zation for They released ‘The Bahamian Responsible the appall- people, for far Governance ing allegations too long, have (ORG) and of extortion Equality Bahaand corrup- felt like mere mas have also tion involving outsiders – chided the govsome members eavesdropping ernment for of Christie’s presenting the cabinet to sat- on the national draft bill to the isfy the thirst conversation – UN Human of Bahamians with decisions Rights conferwho had long ence prior to been convinced being made going through of the shadowy at the highest a period of dealings of the levels. This general public previous govreview. ernment. But serves as the In some the question biggest of the ways, it can still remains, as viewed as a proverbial “slaps be it is still fairly form of scapeearly in Minnis’ in the face”, as goating on the term – will the electorate government’s the business part. To preof governance constantly feels tend as if it is be as acces- swindled out okay to share sible when it of their votes.’ draft bills with pertains to his executives in government? a handful of Prime Minister Minnis, groups as a reflection of the at every opportunity, talks thinking of broader sociabout his government being ety is not the way for the one of transparency and government to go about accountability.

Further, ingratiating itself to the citiwhen sworn in, he charged zenry. It shows a complete that he and his government disregard for public input would be committed to and is definitely not aligned servant leadership. In that with transparency and a vein, there have been issues government that knows that the people have raised who it is accountable to – in the national discourse the Bahamian populace. to which the government The Bahamian people, has responded, but to what for far too long, have felt end? like mere outsiders – eavesAs the calendar year dropping on the national changed, the most contro- conversation – with deciversial issue of the day was sions being made at the surprisingly not immigra- highest levels. This serves tion. Instead, it was marital as the biggest of the prorape that was at the centre verbial “slaps in the face”, of the national debate. as the electorate constantly Many conflicting views feels swindled out of their depicted the polarisation of votes. Certainly, promises the issue, even as members of it being a “people’s govof the government did not ernment” would ensure share the same perspectives that the people should not on the matter. Attorney be surprised to learn about General Carl Bethel, among the government’s presentathose who were skittish on tion of matters that have the conversation of making implications here at home marital rape a criminal at a UN conference abroad. offence, later came back Furthermore, as the saying that the government people would have been must respond to the desires traumatised by our last of the citizenry. government, the current He noted that the gov- government should not ernment was working on a underestimate the voladraft bill and would release tility of a spurned people it for wider public consul- – especially when they have tation from church leaders been consistently reminded and civic society. that there was no love As newscasts from vari- affair between the Bahaous media houses revealed mian people and the prime that the Attorney General minister. was in Geneva relaying to Prime Minister Minnis’ a UN conference details of political success is hinged to

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis. the failure of Perry Christie – no more, no less. Had the Progressive Liberal Party not been as half as bad as they were, there are no guarantees that the Minnis administration would be calling the shots today.

He must always be mindful to govern as a prime minister constantly cognizant of how fleeting power can be, as the stage was set for him by his predecessor, who we can all agree became oblivious in his political twilight.

Platforms like talk radio and the proliferation of social media have all increased the citizenry’s engagement on national issues. Long gone are the days when the political establishment could capitalise on the ignorance of the Bahamian people.

No doubt, there are still many complexities that come along with national issues being transformed into legal precepts to which guidance is required on the part of the government.

However, the Attorney General must understand, that this is less about him purposely trying to hide something from the people – which we should not sensationalise, as it would only dilute the core issue with the handling of the dissemination of information. This is more about promises made by his prime minister - promises of transparency and accountability.

As Attorney General, naturally he may view his actions as innocently

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

fulfilling an obligation to the UN. But being a Bahamian first, he should also be able to acknowledge the obvious sensitivities of the public feeling as though this could have been a more inclusive process.

YOUR

Perhaps the Attorney General sees the public’s desire for full transparency on national matters as micro-managerial. We are not certain. However, as long as the prime minister maintains that his

government is one that promotes transparency and accountability, Attorney General Carl Bethel – who did not share the campaign stage and utter such rhetoric - still has a clear mandate to follow.

CHOICE FOR THE FAMILY WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/JOYFM1019

PAGE 10 MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2018

INSIGHT

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

OFF ABACO THE WATER IS CRYSTAL CLEAR BUT GOLDEN ELKHORN CORAL IS SHRINK-WRAPPED IN PLASTIC

By JOHN BRUNO Marine ecologist and professor of biology at the University of North Carolina

THAT kid — there’s one in every school — putting up posters about protecting baby seals and organising beach cleanups? Yeah, that was me.

Years later, I’d finally achieved my childhood dream of becoming a marine biologist — just in time to witness the collapse of the world’s ocean ecosystems. I thought I’d be saving reefs. It turns out that’s a difficult thing to do.

It felt like training to be a physician and then being unexpectedly assigned to hospice.

Reefs are of enormous economic value to us. They protect coastal cities from storms and support fisheries. A recent study found that revenue from reef tourism alone is $36 billion per year globally. The reefs of Hawaii and the Florida Keys account for $2.4 billion of that total.

Coral reefs are like underwater cities, inhabited by thousands of species, built up by the calcium carbonate skeletons of corals. Unfortunately, since the early 1980s, we’ve lost roughly two thirds of the world’s reef-building corals.

Most of the Caribbean reefs I work on are now dominated by the skeletons of recently deceased corals, with living colonies sparsely distributed among the standing dead.

So how can we stop the destruction of coral reefs?

Step one is to deal with localised threats. Coral mortality caused by ocean warming is widely misattributed to pollution, although there are a handful of places where sewage and sediment are indeed degrading reefs. Impacts related to intensive tourism,

BLEACHED coral is a major problem - but selective breeding of coral may help. mostly caused by anchors or people standing on corals, also need to be managed.

I’ve spent a lot of time underwater, removing plastic bags and fishing gear from corals, even on some of the Caribbean’s most remote reefs. Off the south end of Abaco Island in the Bahamas, for example, the water is crystal clear and the fish, including large sharks and barracuda, were plentiful. Yet nearly every colony of golden elkhorn coral we encountered was shrink-wrapped in plastic.

Most of the world’s tropical reefs have already warmed by 1 to 2 degrees Fahrenheit, causing corals to “bleach” and die during hot summer months. Corals literally turn white as they expel symbiotic algae living in their tissue. Ongoing coral loss and the catastrophic warming projected for the end of the century is fueling the search for more direct solutions to the coral problem, including actions that local communities can take to save their

own reefs. These proposed remedies range from creative (if somewhat myopic) to nutty — from floating shades to block the sunlight that exacerbates bleaching, to cooling reefs with cold water pumped up from the deep ocean to alter the chemical composition of seawater and counteract ocean acidification.

One popular solution is to replant reefs with coral grown in offshore nurseries.

Baby corals are attached to underwater scaffolding for several years until they are ready to be glued to a denuded reef.

This approach is promising. But to make a meaningful difference it needs to be drastically scaled up and better funded so that entire seascapes can be restored. There’s also the problem that we’re transplanting corals back into rapidly changing environments — which means they may not survive for long. All the threats that wiped corals out in the first place — disease, warming,

acidification and hurricanes — are still present.

Coral restoration programmes are largely based on volunteer labour, so there is ample opportunity for education and community engagement.

For example, the innovative Force Blue project is training retired Special Forces soldiers to transplant endanger coral species. Many of these veterans, including former Navy SEALs, find applying their military training to a global conservation mission therapeutic. Working underwater requires total focus; to get the job done, it’s essential to stay in visual contact with your dive partners, monitor your instruments and keep track of large predators eyeing you as a potential snack.

There is also a growing effort to develop super corals that can withstand warming seas. In Florida, Hawaii and Australia, this is being done by collecting corals that survived bleaching that killed off

most their neighbors. Traditional selective breeding is then used to increase thermal tolerance with new generations.

Many molecular biologists I know dream of someday using cutting-edge gene editing tools to alter the DNA of corals. The current challenge is to identity regions where coral DNA controls thermal tolerance and then identity the unique genetic coding of individuals least sensitive to warming. This is a huge technical challenge.

Biologist Hollie Putnam at the University of Rhode Island, a leader in this nascent field, is working towards understanding the complex instructions encoded in every coral’s DNA that control its response to unusually warm conditions. Her team is also exploring the immensely complex cascade underlying this adaptive response, including the expression of genes, the release of chemical compounds and even communication between cells. This is the level of mechanistic understanding required to eventually design super corals in a lab.

Although this work could lead to fundamental insights about the evolutionary biology of corals, I’m sceptical about the practical value.

Optimizing one characteristic usually comes with a cost and making corals immune to warming would likely make them more sensitive to other challenges and less able to compete in the wild.

Moreover, warming affects many corals indirectly — for example, by benefitting the microorganisms that cause disease outbreaks. And the seas aren’t just warming; they’re becoming more acidic, less productive and the amount of oxygen in seawater, which is required by animals like corals

and fishes to breathe, is decreasing.

Meanwhile, sea levels are rising and storms are becoming more intense.

Then comes the matter of the creatures that inhabit reefs — fish, turtles, crabs, worms and countless other animals. They are also sensitive to temperature and other aspects of climate change. Preserving their habitat won’t help much if they suffocate or if their shells are dissolved by ocean acidification.

One of the oldest solutions is to restrict fishing to decrease the sensitivity of coral populations to climate change. The idea is that more intact food webs are more resilient to human disturbances.

Unfortunately, tests on dozens of reefs indicate fishing bans don’t measurably help. The most striking example is the northern Great Barrier Reef off northeastern Australia. The reef is remote, protected from local impacts and has an abundance of top predators. But summer temperatures only about 3 degrees Fahrenheit higher than normal wiped out nearly half the reef’s corals in 2016.

In the end, these remedies — most untested and all unproven — are expensive and challenging and ultimately just a Band-Aid, a temporary fix. Transitioning the global economy to renewable energy sources, on the other hand, will not only save coral reefs — it will remove the threat to the rest of the world’s ecosystems and species as well.

I support the search for short-term solutions for coral reefs. But the only way this ends well is if we radically reduce our carbon emissions.

This was produced by The WorldPost, a partnership of the Berggruen Institute and The Washington Post.

HOW TO RECOGNISE ABUSIVE BEHAVIOUR ABUSIVE behaviour comes in many forms, but the common denominator is the emotional affect on the child. Whether the abuse is a slap, a harsh comment, silence, or not knowing if there will be dinner on the table, the end result is a child that feels unsafe, uncared for, and alone.

Many abused or neglected children are too young to articulate what has happened to them, or to understand right from wrong. Even teenagers may not understand that it is illegal to be sexual with adults. When the abuser is a loved one, the dynamic may cause a great deal of psychological conflict for the victim and lead them to hide the abuse.

Keep in mind that older children may not talk about the problem, because they fear or want to protect the offender. Or they don’t believe they will be taken seriously.

Police advice

By SERGEANT NATHALIE RANGER

General symptoms of child abuse Certain general symptoms that may suggest that a child is experiencing some type of abuse or neglect include: Slower-than-normal development: The child does not show the abilities and skills normally found in other children the same age, such as starting to talk or socialise with others. Some children show signs of regression, losing skills they had before.

Lack of physical development: The child isn’t gaining weight or height the way he or she should. Although this can be caused by a

DEATH NOTICE

Ms. Rodnell Colebrook died January 17, 2018, age 54 from Miramar, Florida, USA formerly of Current Island, Eleuthera, Bahamas.

medical problem, it can also be a sign that the child is not being well cared for.

Unusual interaction with a parent: The parent is uninterested in the child, and/or vice versa. There can also be a situation where the child is very nervous and afraid around the parent, trying very hard not to upset or annoy.

Unusual behaviour in social settings: Behaving in a way that isn’t appropriate or that causes problems.

In a young child, this could mean being unusually fussy, being afraid, or not being interested in activities. Children often act out what they have seen or experienced abuse such as violence or sexual activity. Older children may act out in unusual ways such as having sex, fighting, using drugs, or running away.

Suddenly not performing well in school: Children affected by child abuse often have the tendency to take a negative turn with their performance in school. This is largely due to the harsh psychological effects of the abuse. The child becomes very uninterested and unmotivated to do well.

Physical abuse symptoms Children often get injured, but physical injuries may point to abuse when: • It is hard to see how the injury could have been caused by a legitimate accident.

• Injuries that have a pattern such as a straight line or a circle.

• Injuries to areas of the body that usually are protected such as the inside of the legs and arms, the back, the genitals, and the buttocks.

• The explanation for the

injury changes, or it’s not a reasonable explanation.

• There are signs that the child has been hurt before.

• The child doesn’t receive medical care for his or her injury.

Emotional abuse symptoms Emotional abuse occurs when things are done or said to hurt a child emotionally; the adult may say things to make the child feel unwanted or worthless.

A child who is emotionally abused may: • Not care much about what is going on around him or her.

• Not react normally to pain, other people, or changes in his or her life.

• Avoid a particular parent or caregiver.

• Act more fearful, angry, or sad than would seem normal.

• Not do well in school.

• Hurt himself or herself on purpose.

Sexual abuse symptoms A child with symptoms of recent sexual abuse may: • Not want to go to the bathroom.

• Show signs of discomfort or pain while sitting, urinating, or passing stools.

• Have discharge from the vagina or penis.

• Bleed through his or her pants.

Certain types of behaviour may also point to sexual abuse.

These include: • Knowing more than he or she should about sex.

• Running away from home.

• Attempting suicide.

• Being involved with drugs or prostitution.

Effects of domestic and family violence on children Children living in a family or environment that is heavily burdened with violence, are living in a situation of fear, anxiety and unpredictability.

They experience emotional and psychological trauma similar to children experiencing other forms of child abuse and neglect. In some situations, the child may be directly targeted and experience physical or sexual

abuse, as well as neglect.

In other situations, simply being a witness to violence within the home can have a long-term damaging affect on the child. Children are sponges; they learn by mimicking everything around them. We as adults need to be very careful of how we talk, what we do, and how we treat others, especially when in the presence of our children.

A child surrounded by family violence is at risk of: • Behavioural and emotional difficulties • Learning difficulties • Long-term developmental problems • Problems with aggression towards others (verbal and physical) • Very short of patience and hot tempered • Restlessness, anxiety and depression.

Help to prevent child abuse and neglect Anything you do to support kids and parents can help reduce the stress that often leads to abuse and neglect. By educating yourself and others, you can help your community prevent child abuse and neglect from happening.

The behaviour of children may signal abuse or neglect long before any change in physical appearance. If you suspect abuse or neglect may be occurring, report it.

Be a nurturing parent: Children need to know that they are special, loved and capable of following their dreams. Learn about how children grow and mature, and have realistic expectations of what your child can and cannot do.

Help a friend, neighbour or relative: Being a parent is not easy. Someone you know may be struggling with his or her parenting responsibilities. Offer a helping hand, even if it means taking care of the children for a few hours so the parent(s) can rest or spend time together.

Help yourself: When the problems of everyday life pile up causing you to feel overwhelmed and out of

control, don’t take it out on your kid, instead take a time out to relax and reset. Take a deep breath, turn on some music, and know who to call for help if you need it.

Allow kids to be kids: Life can be difficult for a single parent. There’s so much to do around the house and only you to do it. As a result, you lean heavily on your child for help around the house, neglecting him/her time to actually play and have fun as a child should. Be sure that your child’s life is balanced. While a child should learn how to do household chores while maintaining good grades in school, he/ she should also be allowed to enjoy the stress-free life of a child.

Respect kids: Treat them the same way you want to be treated.

Get involved: Advocate for services to families.

Help to establish parenting groups in your community. Ask your community leaders, clergy, library and schools to develop services to meet the needs of healthy children and families.

Promote programmes in schools; teaching children, parents and teachers prevention strategies can help to keep children safe.

Monitor your child’s television and video viewing: Watching violent films and TV programmes harms young children. It scares them, and teaches children that aggression is a good way to handle frustration and solve problems.

Please do not hesitate to report suspected abuse or neglect. Keeping children safe is the responsibility of every adult in the community. If you have reason to believe a child has been, or may be harmed, report it to the appropriate authorities.

• For more information, contact the National Crime Prevention Office on 3028430, 3028431, 3028154 or visit our website @ www. royalbahamaspolice.org.

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

GAIN AN EDGE A NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

scription for versified Setbacks: hterisfuture on key A set-up l equity

THE TRIBUNE

GAIN AN EDGE

A NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

A Lyford Cay Foundations scholar aims to serve through medical technology

for success

have both traditional available in illiteracy and POVERTY, discrimination programmes because of believed her were potential her Haitian roots grim vice to ininvest enough inJennifer her. It realities to young en and was the boostPierre she needed to Cassandra Wilson believe in herselfupand ays Remiska faced growing in purThe her own dreams.

Bahamas.

While most teens e,sue English Stephanie convinced were seekingis the latest at BTVI that college hasor unlocked a fashion trends places to

grueling 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. shift often meant she Stephanie’s ultimate goal walked home through the is to return to The Bahamas streets of Nassau arriving and partner with an estabthere after midnight most lished laboratory company days. This was not the life to expand its business to inJennifer dreamed of. “After clude more diverse medical discovering the power of technology services. Her self-actualisation, I chose to whole new world for her and hope is that her training eat with friends, in order to stop feeling sorry for myself TVET is a first option for not work out.a path towards will help the country closer set her on survive, Jennifer was forced and began to become the some is an important step , success. as a society, has used every provide a wider array of tocollar grow She up faster than her best public area cleaner I towards progression. The temoment jobs of mother her Associate’s medical laboratory services peers.

Her could be,” Jennifer recalled. childtoiled that to is talented with . programme Our educato explore all locally without having to provide a good life for Jen-is just as intelIt was during these lonely their hands separates aspects ofthe the little-known send the more complex labligentsiblings as the child who asnifer and her older walks home at the age of 34, “great potenfield of medical technology. oratories abroad for testing. pires pursue medicine. hose students but it an was hard for tothem Jennifer prayed, asking God “It’s exciting field that She also hopes to spread the Social meet, equity begins with est. all. To you make for direction to a better life lecturers, students and most Master’s degree in Organiallows to ends make sure word at hometo about the indiimher passion inspire us,atfor the carpenter and ountries such Learning and Jennifer worked a their local and a more fulfilling career. of all with Ms. Cheryl Carey zational that doctors are giving portance of this critical field. viduals from all walks of Because of her strong work and the Financial Aid team. Leadership Skills with the doctor both end up conwhose educaChinese food store as a patients the right diagno- “College has allowed me the tributing to the life, society as a especially thetoward over- ethic and leadership skills, They gave me a new sense an accumulative GPA of rivals most, packing girl, was promoted sis through testing,” she chance to really look whole.

Thus, failure to have 5 said. per cent of looked, marginalized and Jennifer was selected as of hope, a non-judgmental 4.00 at Barry University in to a shelf girl and at 16 proStephanie knows that the future and seek out opboth TVET andvoiceless. traditional se a technical

By God’s grace, a top line employee and ear and affirmed me,” says December. moted to butcher. although there are many portunities where I couldn’t academics available in able all to obtain her offered the opportunity to Jennifer. sed to the trashethem was Jennifer’s next move is When she physicians was a Grade well-trained in see before,” said Stephschool programmes is truly emics*.

What Teaching Auxiliary was cer- attend Atlantis University In May 2016, Jennifer to pursue her doctorate 11 student at CH The Bahamas, thereReeves is a anie. “This opportunity aan disservice to our children ogreat can need take a equally tificate atfirst Bahamas High School, English where she attended a series successfully completed her degree in Organisational for well- the just the rung onBaptist a very and ultimately our country. d trained put it back College and in 2008 of classes and training. A Bachelor of Arts Degree in Learning and Leadership teacher healthcare took a keentechnolinterest tall ladder.inI 1999 plan to continue At this pivotal moment, Gabrielle, who enrolled at I’m the going then to College ogy professionals. climb and conin Jennifer andthere taught her to short nine months later, she Psychology with credit and Skills and give back like is no simple answer s like artwork of The After graduation, Stephtinue myBahamas education(COB) by anyto was promoted to a manage- proudly crossed the stage the many who poured in to how to read at a basic level. solve our social and ecohad the op- totopursue anie plans a means pursuepossible.” her Bachelor of Arts rial position in the banquet at the Thomas A. Robinson her life. She has also begun With her newly found abilnomic ills. Nevertheless, rly on to be Bachelor’s degree in bio• “Gain An Edge” is a degree in Psychology. ity to read, Bible scriptures department. Roughly six National Stadium to receive writing her first book which of our answers lies in cess for who one logical or of clinical weekly collaboration of However, tells a complete story about becametosciences beacons light placing diversified educa- the next eight years later, she was trans- her diploma. pposed the biology.

She will do the Cay FoundayearsLyford were “Accountability, integ- her life and how she overand education, the also compass tion at the forefront.

All a challenging ferred to the Cove, Atlantis that society further to become a tions, Technical mix ofBahamas trials, tothem? guidestudy her next move. In countries, especially de- triumphs and and promoted to a restau- rity and honesty wrapped came her many trials and o certified For specialist inahemaand Vocational Institute tribulations.

She married, rant manager. As a single in prayers with a serving challenges. She hopes her 1988, she acquired house veloping countries, need these, techtology and microbiology. and University of The Babecame a mother, divorced, oneducation Lincoln balanced Boulevard development parent, full time employee of mustard seed faith is all book will be completed by nal This combination of paying train- hamas aimed atparent promotbecame a single and and COB student, Jennifer one needs to begin the jour- May of this year. where she grew up, through all of the educa(TVET) is ing will aallow herinthe versaa national dialogue on unemployed. $35.00 week rent and ing Additionally, Jennifer tional sectors in order to She searched admits the road was tough ney to accomplishing your tility to pursue career fields higher To share REMISKA WILDGOOSE for a education. job and was hired yet she appreciated took care of herself. the make significant progress dreams,” she said. intends to open a school rethatare still range from pathology your thoughts, email gain- STEPHANIE STUBBS, Keiser University Graduate and Lyford Cay inchallenging terms of national devel- Resorts

by Atlantis Jennifer’s support, and educational edtoto be made The Christmas holiday thatresults, will nurture, teach well-diversified duce instantaneous and lookwith to 2027, when ourknowledge, public and allied health. anedge@tribunemedia.net. scholar. opment ional system, childhood fortified her with(Bennell,1996). experiences she endured at responsibility to clean bathwas especially joyous for and inspire system is one small but sigit is an alternative that will future leaders educational system proWe mustand see beyond hehumility, fact that determination COB. “I cannot forgetstep thetowards rooms, 2017 lobbies, ash more urns than Jennifer last year she to find their potential and nificant longmakewhen a tremendous differduces enough perseverance while fueling and office cubicles. relationships I made with successfully completed a maximize their lives to the economic prosperity ence. qualified,Her visionary citizens term who could build a world in our nation.

For many students at the While further investment Bahamas Technical and class resort that would rival most. Implementing TVET into developing our educa- Vocational Institute, TVET programmes and having a tional system may not pro- is their only choice because it is what they love. As leaders, teachers, and parents, it is incumbent that we continue to embrace TVET as an alternative at all levels so all individuals can become valuable contributing members of society.

Stories like that of Rochelle, whose name has been changed for the prupose of this article, are much too common. Like so many others, medical school did not work out. In the end, she still pursued what she loved - beauty trades.

TECHNICAL vocational education and training is important to help students, says Remiska Wildgoose.

Sources *Mark Phillips (2012).

Why should we care about Vocational Education? **Bennell, P (1996).

General versus vocational secondary education in developing country: A review of rates of return evidence.

The Journal of Development Studies.

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

best of their abilities.

“It may seem that my life was full of hardships and disappointments, however, I would not change anything about it, then nor now,” she says. “One’s disappointments can become one’s blessings. It’s simply how one perceives it.”

For Jennifer, her life’s journey strengthened and showed her tangibly that hard work, no matter how long it takes pays off.

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

PAGE 12, Monday, January 22, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

DEPUTY Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest.

Downturn in VAT revenue but rise expected soon

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net DEPUTY Prime Minister Peter Turnquest said while value added tax revenue is behind this quarter, the government fully expects the economy to pick up resulting in better VAT results.

Mr Turnquest explained the lag was due to a sluggish

economy and several other factors; however, he was unable to reveal the estimated collected figure.

He spoke to the media on the sidelines of the Bahamas Business Outlook at Baha Mar on Thursday.

The finance minister said: “From a government revenue point of view, (VAT) is a substantial portion of the overall revenue government collects now.

“As you know, the cost of governing has increased significantly over the last couple of years and until we are able to get that under control, unfortunately we need that additional revenue in order to cover the expenses.”

He added: “We all know that the economy has been a little sluggish for the last couple of years. In addition to that, we have a number

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Occasional travel will be required.

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of circumstances that we are dealing with in terms of clarifying the applicability of VAT on certain industries on certain transactions that have caused some withholding of VAT payments.

There are some credits that are due to some industries legitimately and so all of this has some effects.”

Asked whether the government has found

businesses to be noncompliant with VAT regulations, Mr Turnquest said this hasn’t been much of an issue.

“No, not at all I think most businesses have been very compliant,” he said.

“This is a sort of self policing mechanism. Not to say that there are not those who maybe escaping, but they will be found out in short order

as we go through the processes of audits and verification.

“I don’t think that that is significant in number although of course we are aware in any system, there is no perfect system and so you will have some leakage but we’re working diligently to plug those holes and to ensure that we have a robust compliant tax system,” he said.

LACK OF CLARITY OVER AUDIT PROCESS AND COSTS TO GOVERNMENT

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

WHILE costs associated with audits launched in several government ministries and departments remain unclear, Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest insisted that whatever is spent on this undertaking will ensure certain actions under the previous administration are revealed to the public.

He was unable to tell reporters what the Minnis administration has spent on the probes, explaining that each audit has a

varying degree of complexity, resulting in varying costs.

Mr Turnquest, minister of finance, said some of the audits have been completed, others are underway and some will begin soon.

Unable to say when the entire process will end, he said Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis will decide when he wants to release certain audit reports.

“It all has a lot of bearing on what is discovered and how you deal with that from an administrative and legal point of view and so I wouldn’t want to preempt

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or predict when that is supposed to be released,” Mr Turnquest said in response to a question from the media on the sidelines of the Bahamas Business Outlook at Baha Mar on Thursday.

“All the audits have gone out for competitive tender.

They have varying degrees of complexity and so varying degrees of cost, but at the end of the day whatever is spent it is going to be beneficial to the country long term. It is money that I think is necessary to ensure that we discover what has happened (and) why it has happened.

“We know the break downs that occurred in administrative or system controls so we don’t want to have a repeat and so we are very focused on that because we want to drive efficiency and be able to minimise the tax burden on the Bahamian people. Then we have to get our cost under control and ensure that we limit the amount of waste, as much as possible and this is one of the reasons why we do that.”

Since taking office in May 2017, the Minnis administration has initiated widespread auditing across government offices.

Included in these probes are the Gaming Board, Post Office Savings Bank, the Hurricane Relief Fund, the National Insurance Board, the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute, Urban Renewal and Water and Sewerage.

Last month Mr Turnquest told The Tribune the government could have saved Bahamian taxpayers millions of dollars if the country had an effective internal audit programme.

PAGE 14, Monday, January 22, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

SUSPECTS HELD AFTER ARMED ROBBERY IN ELEUTHERA

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

POLICE have several suspects in custody in connection with last week’s armed robbery of a service station on Eleuthera

THREE ACCUSED OF TAKING HYDRANT

that resulted in a pump attendant being shot and critically injured.

Chief Superintendent Solomon Cash, officerin-charge of the Central Detective Unit (CDU), said four persons are being questioned by officers in

Cash said. He said officers from New Providence are on the ground in Eleuthera assisting in the investigation.

According to reports, shortly before 10pm on the day in question, three armed men entered a

service station in Palmetto Point, robbed the establishment of cash and shot one of the employees. They then made their escape in a silver coloured car.

The victim was airlifted to New Providence, while

a customer was treated at the local clinic for minor injuries.

According to The Eleutheran newspaper, police recorded one attempted armed robbery in Eleuthera in 2017.

Ministry of Works staff sentenced

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

THREE employees at the Water and Sewerage Corporation accused of stealing a fire hydrant were arraigned in Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

LeJaith Paul, 35, Kerven Pierre, 38, and Latario Bowe, 28, appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney charged with one count of stealing by reason of employment.

It is alleged they stole a fire hydrant valued at $1,024.92 from the WSC property on John F Kennedy Drive, to which they had access by reason of their employment.

The men pleaded not guilty and were represented

by Alexander Dorsett.

A trial date was set for February 9.

THREE Ministry of Works employees and a self-employed truck driver pleaded guilty on Friday to stealing by reason of employment and were ordered to pay $5,372 in fines and compensation before they are released from prison.

The amount is more than triple the value of the six tons of asphalt they were convicted of stealing from

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Eleuthera in connection with the January 18 armed robbery of a gas station in Palmetto Point.

Meanwhile, the status of the employee who was shot during the hold-up has improved from critical to stable, Chief Supt

the Ministry of Works/ Bahamix.

Ron Austin, Myron Smith, Kenley Saunders, Joseph Marshall and Dwain Campbell all stood before Magistrate Samuel McKinney for a status hearing on Friday.

Myron Smith pleaded not guilty and a trial date was set for March 6.

Ian Cargill represents Campbell, Alex Morley represents Smith, while Keith Seymour represents Austin, Saunders and Marshall.

The men are all Ministry of Works employees with the exception of Campbell, who will be appealing his sentencing on grounds that he is not employed by the ministry.

They were charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit stealing by reason of employment and stealing by reason of employment.

On Friday, Mr Cargill asked for lesser fines given Campbell’s testimony and early admission of guilt, and pointed out that he

could not be charged with stealing by reason of employment if he was not an employee.

It is alleged 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.

Prosecutors said Campbell admitted to the theft and provided information during an interview with police, while the other men remained silent. It

was further alleged the men went on a private job to pave the driveway of a private property on Wulff Road.

Magistrate McKinney told the men he would impose non-custodial sentences after taking into consideration their early admission of guilt.

Smith was remanded to prison, and the other four men will remain at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS) until fines were paid in full.

SUSPECT ACCUSED OF 2016 MURDER

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

A 32-YEAR-OLD man was arraigned on murder and drug-related charges in a Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

Dwight Morrison, of Shirlea Lane off Shirley

Street, appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney in connection with the 2016 death of Troy Ferguson, alias Troy Cash.

He was also charged with one count of possession of dangerous drugs, and one count of

conspiracy with intent to supply dangerous drugs.

Morrison pleaded not guilty to the drug-related charges, and the matter was adjourned to March 27.

He was not required to enter a plea on the murder charge and the matter was

YOUR

adjourned to April 19 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment.

Morisson was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services in the interim.

Police found Ferguson’s body on Dorsett Street in Fox Hill in March 2016 with

multiple gunshot wounds to his body, according to initial reports.

At the time, he was identified as 50-year-old Troy Alexander Cash, of Dorsett Street.

Morisson is represented by attorney Jumo Campbell.

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