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VOLUME:115 No.43, JANUARY 24TH, 2018

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US TOO: PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS SPECIAL INSIDE

Two gunmen die in police shootout

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

POLICE shot and killed two men known to them yesterday, Assistant Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander said.

Their deaths marked the third time this month there has been a police-involved killing in the country.

The Tribune understands the men are Roy Stubbs and Ernest Forest. One of them had been electronically monitored for three counts of attempted murder and firearm possession, sources told The Tribune. The other had recently been released from prison, having previously been charged with serious offences.

ACP Fernander said: “Shortly after 2pm this afternoon, acting on information, officers responded to this general area off Cowpen Road where they saw a suspicious vehicle. Two male occupants on the scene, exited with handguns and engaged the officers. Officers, being in fear for their lives and persons in the general area, returned fire. Both male occupants were fatally shot. At this present time, we are conducting investigations and the coroner, who already visited, has been briefed.

“It is in the hands of the coroner who will continue investigations. I just want to assure the members of the public their police officers, their Royal Bahamas Police Force is up and about in communities just to make sure they are safe. We just want them to continue to pray

OFFICIALS at the scene of a police-involved shooting that left two men dead. for us as we know it is not an easy task and as we leave home and leave our families we don’t know if we will return.”

ACP Fernander said the men were in their mid-30s.

He said two weapons, both firearms, were recovered from them.

On Friday last week, a man, who police said was armed, was shot and killed in Abaco during a confrontation in the Central Pines area. The man, police said, discharged shots into a crowd.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Terecita Pinder said the man had pointed his firearm in the direction of officers before he was shot.

SEE PAGE FIVE

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

CALLS TO CLAMP DOWN ON AIRLINE HACKERS

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net THE air charter industry could see more stringent regulations implemented in the coming months, as two Cabinet ministers called for sweeping changes for the sector in the wake of last week’s fatal plane crash in waters off Andros.

In a scathing rebuke of current regulations and oversight, Tourism and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar and Education Minister Jeffery Lloyd called for an end to sub-standard practices in the sector.

In interviews with reporters, the ministers said it was both shocking and reprehensible that the industry was allowed to run as is.

Last week’s tragedy claimed the lives of six people – including pilot, 45-year-old Darren Clarke.

In the wake of the devastating crash, many described Clarke as a “hacker.” The term is used when referring to a person providing transportation services at a reduced price without having the necessary licence to operate in the industry.

SEE PAGE SIX

ALONE IN A HELLHOLE, PRAYING TO GO HOME

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS-born Jean Rony Jean-Charles said he was given the equivalent of $4.69 to start a new life in Haiti.

It was only when he walked out of the plane and onto the tarmac in Port au Prince, he said, the dread that had been building in the pit of his stomach as he waited in vain for immigration officers at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre to verify his identity - exploded.

His attorney Fred Smith yesterday sent letters to the government, requesting they facilitate his return to the country as requested by the courts last month.

On December 19, the Supreme Court gave the government an additional 21 days to produce Mr Jean-Charles and to provide evidence justifying his

JEAN Rony Jean-Charles in the shack he shares with six others in a Haitian village.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff deportation or be held in contempt of court.

The court imposed deadline would have passed on Friday, January 19.

Temperatures in Haiti’s capital on November 24, 2017 when Mr Jean-Charles was expelled from the country peaked at an arid 91.4 F. Wet from his own urine because he was refused use of the airplane’s bathroom,

he said he fought hard to suppress reacting physically to the panic and fear that permeated his body.

When that failed, it was the reassurances of a friend he’d made during his nearly two month stay at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre that provided some comfort.

“Wesley,” Mr JeanCharles said. “I don’t know

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

his last name, yeah he save my life ‘cause he said he wouldn’t let anything happen to me.

“The first time I came here I wanted to cry. You should see the part where they put us in Port-auPrince, to see the waters and the muck. I almost drop, like what, this is where I is? What type of hell-hole I’m in?”

Deportees were bused to a large yard and given $300 HTG (Haitian gourde), he said. The amount converts to around US $4.69 - and it was all he had. “(Immigration) They just drop us there and we walk to one big mango tree, we chill there and wait on a bus, and that carried us to another big place.

“I think it’s (amount of money) that, I’m not sure nobody said nothing, the last officials I saw was leaving Nassau.

SEE PAGES TWO & THREE

PAGE 2, Wednesday, January 24, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Alone in a hellhole, praying to go home from page one

“I left with Wesley, he carry me by he people them place. I stayed there for a couple days until I see the hill was too slippery and too high and it hurt my feet to the point I couldn’t walk.

He had to almost carry me down every time we went out, big man like me.

“I saw one n****, Wesley say he’s a Bahamian and they deport him too, and he mussy lose his head and gone crazy. I say boy I hope I don’t turn like that.

I always pray, I hope I don’t turn like that. I could see it happening, I feel like I going crazy.”

Back in Nassau, and unbeknownst to him, Mr Jean-Charles’ sister Clotilde, and other loved ones, had organised a social media campaign hoping to network with families of people who had been deported with him and could provide any details about his whereabouts.

Weeks passed before attorney Mr Smith was put in contact with Wesley who told them Mr Jean-Charles had left and was now living in the wilderness in a very rough area.

Immediately recognising an opportunity to make some money, Mr Smith said Wesley offered to go out and bring him back, and provide lodging – for a fee.

The next step, Mr Smith said, was to verify his identity. In the end a friend of Mr Jean-Charles’ cousin, named Fresnel, who lived in Port de Paix, made the sojourn with his photo and brought him back to live with him.

SCENES from the Haitian community where Jean Rony Jean-Charles is now living.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff Mr Jean-Charles said: “I Mr Jean-Charles said he I ain’t eat a good meal yet, thought no one was check- had long run out of money just dry rice and thing. ing for me. I say, man they and he was now 35, having “People cooking on the send me in hell. spent his birthday, Decem- side of the road, all you can “When I was in the ber 5, in the bush. In the do is watch with your belly Detention Centre,” he con- north Haitian slums of Port hurting. You gotta pay for tinued, “I been there from de Paix, conditions were that, you ain’t getting nothSeptember and no one even worse, albeit safer. ing free not here. come see me, no one know “From I been here,” he “I don’t like depend on where I was. I thought I said, “you have to go way people and I can’t do nothwas lost for true because down there (bottom of ing for them,” he continued.

I was done making up my the hill) to get water. They “I’m dependent on them mind about running away, drinking that water, cook- (Fresnel and his family) and wait until everyone go sleep ing with that water, and I don’t like that. I went to and run away, get lost. Just bathing with that. Some- work once, with one fella, go, you can’t make it. It did times I don’t drink it, I just he carry me to work. They make me feel better for take a sip, I guess that’s why work hard, these blocks you true when Fresnel showed my throat is be hurting, I see all around they’re lifting me the picture of myself.” ain’t drink good water yet, them by hand and on these

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, January 24, 2018, PAGE 3

THE HAITIAN community where Jean Rony Jean-Charles has been living. hills. Sometimes my legs how to walk on these hills. I village had no running water give out on me, so he didn’t say how come the baby can or power, no plumbing or walk and I can’t even walk toilets. Underfoot, litter ask me back.

“The other day it rained on these hills. Houses all could be faintly seen peekand a house fell down, I about, houses way on top of ing out from the mud as if don’t want to be around the hill, if you slide you’re compacted and worn from constant traffic and transwhen houses falling down, gonna drop in a hole.

“You gotta grow your formed into the landscape. because I think three “Where you sitting, that’s people died in that. The own food, and buy the meat pavement just sink down or fish. Small fish, baby fish.” where I sit all day,” he Mr Jean Charles contin- said, sitting on the porch of and the house fell with it.”

The Tribune spent two ued: “You see one person Fresnel’s one-bedroom home.

“Just looking at over hours in Port de Paix with caught a marlin fish, it was Mr Jean-Charles with tem- already dead he was shar- there (another hillside filled peratures climbing to 90 F ing it out, that was a big with seemingly precariously under a blistering sun. It meal for them for couple placed homes), thinking had rained the day before days. Food is hard, you see what’s next.

“When I see I looking too and there were puddles food around the streets you of murky water and thick hungry but if you don’t have much my head start to hurt muck. To get to Fresnel’s no money no one giving and I go lay down, wake up home from the wide strip you nothing. “It’s rough. when dark fall, when dark of dirt that served both as They just have animals, fall ain’ no light like that.

Only a few places have light a highway and runway took they don’t have no pets.”

Fresnel’s home was made like that.” about 20 minutes by car, In Cap Haitian, The Triband another ten minutes on of bare cement with corfoot along a winding, steep, rugated tin roofs, his porch une was told that electricity and at times slippery path featured stone rivets and was cut off at sundown. At - the width of which was tiles that were hand carved night, bars and restaurants dictated by the positioning - an inkling of the critically- run generators. acclaimed craftsmanship for But in Port de Paix, Mr of homes and gardens.

“I’m always sliding, I which the country is recog- Jean-Charles said there was almost drop (off a ridge), nised. However, most were only darkness aided by an some of them drop. You made of a range of mate- occasional thin candle.

“I don’t hardly talk to should see the little babies rials, part cement, wood, they so small and they know plastic sheeting and tin. The them, they always ask why don’t you talk, but it ain’t nothing to say, I can’t say nothing. I don’t know, I have to wait to ask (someone who speaks English) because when they answer me I don’t know what they’re saying.

(Fresnel) He don’t speak English good like that, the only person that spoke English good was Wesley.”

Mr Jean-Charles said he wants to venture out to get some form of identification documents, but said up until this point, he has not been able to communicate this request successfully and had no money to facilitate any sort of extended travel to the city.

Despite the pervading dust, trash and muck, and oppressive heat, the village bustled with energy and high spirits and most persons encountered often broke out into warm smiles.

There was an indescribable sense of pride, an

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

unassuming dignity that Mr Jean-Charles said has humbled him in spite of the sharp cultural differences.

“They piss anywhere,” he said, “in Nassau you can’t do that. I just want to get from around here, it’s like my head ready to explode. I see why people risk their life to come (to The Bahamas).

“I see this the other day the woman over there cook some dry rice for the children. You see how the children them dirty and thing, I said man,

they serious. Just like that dry rice, that’s what they having for breakfast, small, small children, just rice.

“Sometimes they go out to work, they mommy leave them home to clean and twice I said I’m not doing nothing lemme clean the dishes or something. The guy caught me doing that and he said never again, so I just leave it.

“You hear all this noise,” he continued, “you can’t hear what they saying. It

stay busy until 1am, they go to sleep 3am they done back up making noise again, the first time I came I couldn’t even breathe the air it stays smoky. Fires here stay burning.

“To me I feel like this a dream, like I still dreaming, every morning I wake up I’m still dreaming. I just is meditate and pray and don’t watch nothing.”

Mr Jean-Charles added: “I wish I had wings, I’d just fly back to Nassau.”

70 HAITIANS HELD AFTER VESSEL STOPPED NEAR LONG ISLAND

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net IN its first apprehension of the year, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force arrested 70 Haitians who were on board a 40ft sailing vessel east of Wemyss in south Long Island, officials said.

According to official reports, shortly after 5pm on Monday a US Coast Guard helicopter from Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos (OPBAT), spotted the vessel, “Island Girl”, and alerted the RBDF. “A group of Haitian migrants are on the way to the capital after they were apprehended in Bahamian waters on Monday evening by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force,” a press

statement from the RBDF said.

“While on routine patrol, the defence force’s aircraft P-68 piloted by Chief Petty Officer Gregory Storr spotted the sailing vessel early Sunday morning. Shortly after 5pm Monday, a US Coast Guard helicopter from the Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) spotted the 40ft sailing vessel approximately eight nautical miles east of Wemyss settlement in south Long Island and alerted Defence Force patrol craft, HMBS Rolly Grey, which was also searching for the vessel under the command of Lieutenant Commander Granville Adderley.

“Further investigations resulted in the apprehension of 70 undocumented Haitian migrants aboard

the sailing vessel, ‘Island Girl.’ The migrants were detained by HMBS Rolly Grey and will be taken to the capital.”

Late last year, the Department of Immigration deported 114 Haitians and charged 14 people who were caught in The Bahamas over the Christmas holiday weekend.

Most of the migrants were Haitians and found aboard a sloop near Inagua in late December. The vessel, which originated from Île de la Tortue, Haiti, had a total of 87 migrants – 72 males, 12 females and three children – on board.

There were also 14 foreign nationals from five countries apprehended for illegal entry into The Bahamas by members of the RBDF’s Harbour Patrol

Unit, in the second incident.

The vessel and its crew were subsequently taken into custody. The foreigners, consisting of nine Ecuadorians, one Colombian, one Dominican, one Jamaican and one American were later handed over to police and immigration officials for further investigation. The were found near Montagu Beach in New Providence.

Head of the Department of Immigration’s Enforcement Unit, Kirklyn Neely said at the time that nearly 7,000 persons were deported in 2017.

The Department of Immigration intensified its apprehension efforts in November after a large empty sloop was discovered on the shoreline of Adelaide Beach.

One month later, a custody and transported boat “loaded” with Hai- to the Carmichael Road tian migrants landed near Detention Centre as a Clifton Pier, about three result of that sloop landing. miles from Coral Harbour.

In October, Prime MinImmigration officers and ister Dr Hubert Minnis other authorities spent the gave illegal immigrants a following days combing the December 31, 2017, deadarea for the migrants. The line to leave the country RBDF said 57 people – 43 voluntarily or face being men, 11 women and three “aggressively pursued and Wednesday, 24th January 2018 children – were taken into deported”.

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THE TRIBUNE

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

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Marijuana - to legalise or not to legalise THERE was no marijuana in the Garden of Eden when the world began — but there was a special fruit. Not only was this fruit a curiosity piece, but what added to its worth — it was forbidden.

If God had not made it off limits to Adam and Eve, it probably would have never attracted their attention. But, a sly snake, slithered by, tempted them into tasting the forbidden fruit. Believing they would be in the same position as God, with the wealth and wisdom of the world at their feet, they tasted the fruit and fell from grace. God rebuked them for their disobedience, drove them out of Paradise, and so, here we are today dealing with another of God’s creations — marijuana. To legalise, or not to legalise? Forbid, or not to forbid?

Only a few moons ago, The Tribune was fighting a dangerous, but hard battle against drug smugglers. Dangerous, because in those days Bahamians were so terrified of what was happening all around them that the only organisation that they felt they could trust was The Tribune. They came like Nicodemuses in the night to finger the culprits in the hopes that we could turn them in to the proper authorities. It was at a time when even we were uncertain of our own police force. There was only one member of the force who we really trusted. But, so as not to endanger him, we worked in the main with our contacts in the US. The irony of it was that while Tribune staff worked in their offices upstairs trying to expose the drug trade, corrupt politicians and the lengths to which drug smuggling had permeated our entire society, it was discovered that at our distribution centre downstairs one of our staff had a little drug business of his own going with the distribution of The Tribune. When found out, he was dealt with in short order. We then discovered that some of our pressmen were acting in an unusual manner.

It was fortunate for us that our son, Robert, almost from the time he could talk, had one ambition in life and that was to be a press man and run our Goss Suburban press. It was also our good fortune to have arranged that the manufacturer would allow one of their talented press men to take a summer vacation in Nassau and train this budding pressman. When it was time for Robert to return to his studies in England, and the pressman to his company in Chicago, Robert could not only run and conduct maintenance on our press, but he could actually rebuild it.

On our son’s return home the following summer, we were faced with an almost non-functioning press room. The entire press staff had to be replaced and a teenager had to recruit mature men and train them during his summer vacation. Robert did an excellent job, we became stronger in that area of the operation than we had been for a long time. The press room not only flourished, but the staff recognised that there was someone around who knew more than they did about presses, so no longer could wool be pulled over our eyes.

To get an answer as to what might help make drug peddling less attractive, we should look back to the rum running days when a Florida boat builder by the name of Bill McCoy started running rum from Bimini to Miami. He was known for selling the best and purest liquor in town. Many of the other smugglers would dilute their whiskey to increase their profits, but with McCoy’s consignment one knew they were always getting the “real McCoy”.

This in fact is the origin of the “real

McCoy” expression.

“Buying and selling liquor was never a crime in the British Empire,” wrote the late Larry Smith in an article on the rum-running days, “but the temperance movement in America managed to pass legislation in 1919, over a presidential veto, banning the sale and consumption of alcohol. So for 13 long years the FBI and the US Coast Guard fought a rough and tumble war to stem the flow of illegal liquor from Canada, Mexico, Cuba and the Bahamas.

“According to an official Coast Guard history, ‘enormous profits were to be made, with stories of 700 per cent or more for the more popular Scotch or Cognac. Probably the only reliable clue to the extent of the trade were the statistics on liquor passing through Nassau en route to the US: 50,000 quarts in 1917 to 10,000,000 in 1922.

“Perhaps an even better measure of the demand for alcohol was the fact that American doctors earned $40m in 1928 by writing whiskey prescriptions. And the legal exception for sacramental wine was equally abused.”

Those were the days — like the illegal drug trade today – when illegality paid off, and many rum runners made their wealth on the high seas being chased by the US Coast Guard. As Larry Smith concluded, “Nassau as we know it today is largely a creation of the revenue earned from bootlegging. The harbour was dredged in 1923, with the spoil used to create Clifford Park; water was piped from the western well fields to a new tower on Fort Fincastle hill; electricity supply was expanded; roads were tarred and the first sewerage system was installed in 1930” and so it went on.

“But - just as we are experiencing today - there was a seamier side to the prosperity. A government inquiry found that juvenile vagrancy and crime were rampant, accompanied by drinking, bad language and vandalism, leading to the establishment of the Boy’s Industrial School in 1928,” Mr Smith reported.

However, when Prohibition ended, the vagabonds and criminals disappeared. Today, one can go to any liquor store and legally purchase as many bottles of rum as desired. Alcohol is legal, but for misuse there are penalties - drunk driving being one of them, particularly if it results in a road fatality. Persons can be dismissed from their employment if they report for work under the influence. And so law is in place to punish and to a certain extent control illegal use.

When the profit was removed from the sale of alcohol, competitive criminality was at an end. Remove the illegality from drug peddling and what makes violating the law attractive today, should quickly cease. The drug runners will be out of business, and there should no longer be the need for drug gangs. Police might then be in a position to report fewer murders.

However, although we are not advocating the legalisation of marijuana without much thought, we are suggesting that a study of the rum-running era be done and consideration as to whether removing the profit from the drug trade by the legalisation of marijuana might help to force our present day criminals to search for legitimate employment.

If legalised, unlike the apple in the Garden of Eden, drugs will no longer be a forbidden fruit as the temptation of profit will have been eliminated. Instead, like the penalties for over indulgence in alcohol, there will be penalties for over indulgence in the use of drugs.

Roads a mess EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE condition of Nassau’s roads especially after the recent heavy rains is appalling.

If the Minister for Works has any road paving staff

remaining that he is not prosecuting would he please have them speedily address this, in particular some of the more prominent craters in Shirley Street namely the corners of Okra Hill, York Street

and Armstrong Street.

The traffic mayhem caused daily by these three large holes alone defies belief.

IAN MABON Nassau, January 18, 2018.

The truth in Trump’s comments EDITOR, The Tribune.

A MOTHER with a bare foot, nappy headed child with a dirty nose would be embarrassed if one states the obvious and would want to fight if comments are made with Trump’s characteristic bluntness. But her stirred emotions do not make the comments less true.

As CARICOM leaders decry President Donald Trump for his purportedly “racist” comments regarding some third world countries, their rank hypocrisy is obvious. Inwardly, many of them must agree with his statements and many if not most of them who are career politicians, are responsible for the

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net deplorable state of their respective countries.

Are these not politicians who borrow large sums of money that cannot be repaid, that is then embezzled or wasted leaving their countries with massive infrastructural problems and stagnating debt?

Aren’t many of their citizens emigrating in search of a better life in other countries because the citizenry, that agrees with Trump’s assertions, know what the politicians would openly deny? Rather than comment, the leaders of CARICOM should hang their heads in shame

and resolve to do better for their citizens.

The leadership in this country has us well down the path of being referred to in the same way as Trump referred to some third world countries, in fact in many circles we are viewed that way already. It is ironic that the leader of the Opposition, whose party propelled us down that road the fastest, would have the temerity to comment at all!

Many third world countries are dumps, their leaders have made them so.

I am not yet convinced that those now in charge can change course.

JB Nassau, January 16, 2018.

Number houses EDITOR, The Tribune.

I SUPPORTED the legalisation of numbers. I actually think all gambling should be legal for Bahamians. I do not think there should be one standard for foreigners and another for Bahamians when it comes to this.

What I do not support is the widespread proliferation of number houses, however.

There must be hundreds of them in New Providence.

They are everywhere.

They appear to have surpassed churches and bars in number. And that is hard to do in the Bahamas.

How many gambling houses do we need in New Providence? With the large number we have, people are being lured excessively.

That should not be.

There is no need for such a small place to have so many gambling houses.

Twenty in New Providence would be more than sufficient.

The government has the power to regulate. It needs

to drastically cut down the number of numbers houses.

Those who want to gamble could find their way to the ones that remain open.

We do not need one on every corner. We do not need so many of them in residential areas causing traffic and noise when we are trying to sleep.

We can do better than this. I hope the government acts.

but permanent? Surely, the persons have earned that designation?

Top Permanent Secretaries are acting - come off it, Prime Minister, you either are confident of the capability of the person or you want to hold something over their heads and intimidate.

All Acting Permanent Secretaries need to be ratified immediately.

Surely it becomes very complicated with salaries

- contributions to Pensions etc, if they remain in an “acting” position plus if the person wishes privately to arrange a bank loan or mortgage she can only state her previous salary as that which comes as Permanent Secretary is only provisional - this is wrong, Mr Prime Minister.

MARTHA S GREENE Nassau, January 22, 2018.

Acting the part EDITOR, The Tribune.

HAVE you noticed that since May 10th, 2017, the majority of new appointments to senior Civil Servant positions are all “acting” and not permanent?

I would have thought if the Civil Service Commission has selected a person as qualified for the top job Cabinet - the Prime Minister should not appointment them in an “acting” capacity

W THOMPSON Nassau, January 22, 2018.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, January 24, 2018, PAGE 5

TWO GUNMEN DIE IN POLICE SHOOTOUT from page one

A black tech-9 weapon, magazine and ammunition were recovered from the scene, police said.

Police-involved shootings are handled by the Coroner’s Court which must hold an inquest into each incident to ascertain the facts. However, there remains a significant backlog of such cases at the court. Last December, Attorney General Carl

Bethel vowed to implement either administrative or legislative fixes to address the backlog, calling it “unacceptable.” It is not clear what measures have since been implemented or are being contemplated.

According to The Tribune’s records, 11 people were killed in policeinvolved shootings last year.

Authorities, however, do not typically release statistics of such matters or confirm the identities of victims for the record.

OFFICERS at the scene of a police-involved shooting yesterday which left two men dead.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

Minister insists nation is safe despite Canada alert

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net IN the wake of yet another travel warning against The Bahamas, Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar is doubling down on his remarks that the country is a safe place for visitors, especially when compared to major American and European cities.

On January 19, the Canadian government updated its risk level for The Bahamas to “exercise a high degree of caution”.

The advisory warned: “Crime, including violent crime, occurs mainly on the islands of New Providence and Grand Bahama. There has been an increase in muggings, armed robberies,

home invasions and sexual assault targeting tourists in the cities of Nassau and Freeport.”

When asked by reporters if he was concerned about the advisory, Mr D’Aguilar said: “I personally think that we are very hard on ourselves as it comes to crime. May I remind the public that 6.3 million foreign visitors come to our country each and every year? And yes, there are going to be a number of them that are victims of crime.

“But you know what?

When I go to London, when I go to Paris, when I go to New York, I probably have just the same likelihood of being a victim of crime.

“But you know what we don’t have here? I can walk down the streets here, I can

go shopping, I can go to any tourist attraction, and I don’t have to worry about a terrorist! (Nobody is going to) come here and blow us up!”

Mr D’Aguilar continued: “Or we don’t have people like in the United States that come out and shoot out 50, 60, 70 people because they have the right to bear an arm.

“This destination, we have to start talking about what’s good about this destination, not always sensationalising the one crime event here or the one crime event there.”

Mr D’Aguilar also drew comparisons to other tourist destinations in the region.

He said: “I think we tend to linger on it too long, and we’re hurting ourselves.

Jamaica has a far worse

crime situation, Mexico has a far worse crime situation, you don’t see them issuing warnings about them.

“So, I think, by and large, 99.5 per cent of the foreign visitors that come to this country have a wonderful time. Have a sun-filled, fun-filled vacation, and are never victims of crime. Let’s start talking about that.”

Yesterday Minister of National Security Marvin Dames had a more muted response to the advisory.

He told reporters: “Well every country has a right to put out travel advisories.”

When asked if the advisory concerned him, Mr Dames said: “Well, it’s always concerning. There’s no doubt about it. It’s always concerning. It’s not the first time.

“And so after having said that, we continue to do

what we need to do to bring those crime figures down and to make people feel safe.”

Earlier this month, the US State Department issued an advisory to its citizens warning them to avoid visiting Arawak Cay at night. The State Department also advised against visiting the Over-the-Hill area.

In its advisory, the Canadian government warned its citizens: “Incidents of robbery take place in cruise ship terminals and in and around popular resort areas, even in daylight hours. If you are threatened by robbers, stay calm and do not resist.”

The advisory also warned about incidents of sexual assault, opportunistic crime, and petty theft. It also said avoid consuming

drugs and excessive amounts of alcohol, and not to accept rides from strangers or unlicensed taxi drivers. The advisory also warned visitors to be “wary” of Jet Ski rides with licensed or unlicensed operators.

Earlier this month, Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson said overall crime in the country declined by 14 per cent in 2017 compared to 2016.

While murders during this period jumped by 10 per cent, the commissioner said: “In the fourth quarter (of 2017), murders decreased by some 53 per cent. More specifically there was only one murder in November and five in December. This decrease was meaningful as murders previously average about 12 per month.”

DAMES: I HAVE NOT TRIED TO INFLUENCE POLICING PLAN

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames yesterday denied he has attempted to influence aspects of the commissioner of police’s 2018 policing plan, calling such concerns misguided.

Mr Dames told reporters that any delay in the release of the plan had more to do with Police Commissioner Anthony Ferguson’s attention to detail, and nothing to do with his review and commentary.

Mr Dames, a former deputy commissioner of police, said he had only been privy to an early draft of the plan, and following his review, he asked Commissioner Ferguson to prepare the document to be presented in Parliament.

“The crime plan will have to be tabled before the House, but there are some edits,” he said when asked about the plan by reporters yesterday. “They had completed their drafts, but there were some edits that were completed and they will produce it into a booklet form. I am hoping that in the next week or two, that we can lay it before the House.”

Mr Dames added: “Yes, I have seen the first draft. It is the commissioner’s plan and so it is how he intends to police the Bahamas over the next year or so and we will give him an opportunity to execute that plan.”

Mr Dames said rules permit him only to review the plan, present it to Parliament, and meet with the commissioner at the sixmonth mark to review the success of the plan.

To that end he stated: “We have no input as to how we lay our policies, his plan is consistent with our policies. That is it. That’s how he intends to use the force over the next year.”

Mr Dames added: “As a government, the law is quite clear. We will have an opportunity to review that plan within six months to see whether it is on target.”

The plan was expected earlier this month, when Commissioner Ferguson released the 2017 crime

statistics, but has not been made public to date.

Commissioner Ferguson has maintained that the plan is on the way.

Additionally, Mr Dames yesterday also indicated that law enforcement agencies may need to re-evaluate recruitment procedures and policies, in view of police officers who have been brought up on criminal charges.

Mr Dames admitted there needed to be a “closer look” as to who law enforcement agencies were recruiting.

Moreover, on the issue of recruitment, Mr Dames said persons pursued and enlisted by law enforcement

agencies often reflect the wider society.

He contended that agencies try their best to vet persons during the recruitment process, but like in any other profession, the process is not perfect.

“The police are a microcosm of our society. No police organisation or police force anywhere can tell you that they have been perfect with recruitment.”

He continued: “Now after that said, yes, there are things that we definitely have to change and we have to do to improve the quality of individuals we take into our law enforcement agencies. As a government, we continue to say that.”

FOCOL HOLDINGS LTD. DIVIDEND PAYMENT FOCOL is pleased to announce a dividend payment of 2 cents per share to all ordinary shareholders of record as of January 31, 2018 payable February 12, 2018 through THE BAHAMAS CENTRAL SECURITIES DEPOSITORY.

“Fuelling Growth For People”

MINISTER of National Security Marvin Dames.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

PAGE 6, Wednesday, January 24, 2018

CALLS TO CLAMP DOWN ON AIRLINE HACKERS from page one

Clarke was not licensed to run commercial flights nor operate multi-engine planes.

Mr D’Aguilar yesterday

said he was shocked by what has been uncovered in recent days as it relates to procedures and policies that allow for pilots, such as Clarke, to work as “hackers”.

The Free Town MP said

he has instructed Civil Aviation Authority Director General Charles Beneby to draft a policy document on how to best address the dilemma.

Mr D’Aguilar said the reality that the word

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“hacker” is so often used in the country’s aviation sector illustrates how serious the state of the country is in.

“So, I told (the director general), I empowered him, I said look, ‘if we need to change regulations in order to tighten this up, we should have a zero tolerance.’ And if that accident, that loss of life, which is a very sad event and devastating, if we don’t attempt to change the paradigm so that when a Bahamian or a flying passenger gets on a plane they can rest assured that plane has been checked for airworthiness and that pilot has the appropriate licence before they get on that plane, then we have failed in our mandate.

“That is what we need to do, and I don’t see any reason why we should not be able to do it.

“Let’s change what we need to change. Let’s empower who we need to empower. Let’s make it happen. It just seems straight forward to me, I don’t understand what the issue is here.

“Why hasn’t it been done? So that is what I am going to do. What is most important is life. That is the most important thing that we have. Yes we have an economy, but we are not going to compromise our safety.

“We are not going to comprise the loss of life just to make a dollar; that isn’t right. If you go to them families down in Andros who have lost a loved one, they’re asking why and

they are turning to the government, how could we as a people have prevented this?

“And that is the most important thing. If you got to go and get your licence, then go get it. If you got to have your plane checked, then have it checked. If you got to go do the required maintenance then do the required maintenance.

That is the cost of doing business, and if you got to raise your rates to do that, then raise your rates. But it is more important that it is safe than not. So let’s do what we got to do,” Mr D’Aguilar insisted.

Meanwhile, reflecting on last week’s tragedy, Mr Lloyd said he does not care whose toes are mashed or egos assaulted – the situation mandates the government take a look at “the rogue circumstances” that exist in the sector.

“Let’s be frank about this. It is out of control. It is poorly regulated,” Mr Lloyd said yesterday. “We recognise and accept that the agency responsible for regulation and oversight is under resourced. We accept that. But the decline that we need to bring to the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and this environment needs to be expressed in all subdivisions of our government; in government life, in national life and this airline/aviation industry is no less than one such area.”

Asked if he had communicated his sentiments to his Cabinet colleagues, the South Beach MP stated:

THE TRIBUNE

“Well, the Cabinet has not had the opportunity yet to discuss this, but when that opportunity comes forth, then, of course. The Cabinet is well aware of what we need to do.”

Mr Lloyd later added: “We have come to the offices of the Cabinet, the prime minister and the government on the theme of transformation, and that transformation speaks to doing things the way it ought to be done. And stop allowing slackness and indiscipline, and this unregulated culture that we have had here in these last 50 or more years of our country.”

Mr Lloyd said based on the information received to date, there exists a certain “reluctance” to make the necessary changes in the sector, a reluctance, he said, the Minnis administration had the political will to address. “…. The unfortunate thing is, when we delay, people’s lives are placed at risk. We don’t have any time to pander to egos . . . in the minds and hearts of our Bahamian people.

This must be a society of discipline and order and respect, regulation and commitment.”

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

However, a number of non-fatal crashes have taken place over the years, including several recently.

Aviation officials are in the process of investigating “three non-fatal crashes” in recent weeks.

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WRECKAGE from the crash in Andros.

GREAT HARBOUR CAY CRASH PILOT ALSO LACKED COMMERCIAL LICENCE

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE pilot of the plane that crash-landed in Great Harbour Cay two weeks ago lacked a commercial pilot licence, did not have an up-to-date medical certificate and flew a plane whose airworthiness certificate expired in 2016, according to Federal Aviation Administration records.

These details contravene civil aviation regulations and, on top of last week’s deadly crash off Andros, highlight the questionable oversight of the industry.

Police on Great Harbour Cay, Berry Islands, reported that the aircraft began experiencing engine problems and a controlled landing was performed near the airport as a consequence. The pilot received minor injuries.

There were five passengers on board.

Cross-referencing information from the Bahamas Air Accident Investigation Department (BAAID) regarding aircraft accidents and incidents with information from the FAA’s database shows that most aircraft that experienced incidents last year had a valid airworthiness certificate. Whether the pilots of those planes all had requisite certifications is unclear, however.

Civil aviation regulations make it unlawful for a person to fly “in or over” The Bahamas unless there is a valid certificate

of airworthiness rendered valid by the country in which the aircraft is registered. A person who flies a plane for commercial purposes without a valid licence also commits an offence. Such people, the law says, are liable on summary conviction to a fine no more than $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than two years, or both.

Last year, on June 29, a Cessna 340A suffered a landing gear collapse while the pilot was approaching the Treasure Cay, Abaco area. Although it was a general aviation operation as opposed to a commercial one, the FAA’s records list the status of the aircraft’s airworthiness as “in question,” noting that a certificate was never issued for the aircraft.

“There was a deterioration in the weather which prompted him to circle the vicinity to avoid it,” the BAAID wrote after the incident. “While on final approach to runaway 14 at Treasure Cay Airport, there was a sudden drop in altitude that the pilot described as a microbus that slammed the aircraft onto the runaway. After slamming into the runway, there was a collapse of the landing gear which subsequently led to the aircraft spinning out of control and then veering to the left runway 14. The aircraft received substantial damage to its undercarriage, propellers, etc, but the two souls on board only suffered minor injuries.”

In another instance last May, a Piper plane was involved in an “occurrence” at the Lynden Pindling International Airport when its landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to become disabled on the runway. No one was injured, though the aircraft was damage.

The FAA’s records list the plane’s status as in “in question,” as it never received an airworthiness certificate.

In another instance, on January 2 last year, a Piper Aztec plane suffered a “fuel related occurrence.” A check of the plane’s FAA records show that it was deregistered in 2013 after it was exported and therefore lacked a valid certificate.

The BAAID said of the incident: “While inbound to land at Lynden Pindling International (Airport) from Stella Maris, Long Island, the pilot requested priority handling by Air Traffic Control due to concern regarding fuel exhaustion. According to the pilot, there was saturation of traffic at the time and weather was a factor as well, which prompted his concern. Air Traffic Control facilitated the request and the aircraft landed without incident. There was one pilot and one passenger on board with no injuries sustained.”

As for the plane and pilot involved in the Great Harbour Cay crash, FAA records show the pilot last got a medical in 2014 and only had a private pilot licence.

PAGE 8, Wednesday, January 24, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Sexual violence there is no grey area I

’VE seen and of terms, it is permission, a heard about people yes, confirmation of willinglamenting the ongo- ness to participate from a ing discussion about person who is over the age women’s human rights of consent, conscious and specific to our bodies. sober. Consent cannot be While it can be exhaust- assumed. There can be no ing to engage in seemingly guesswork here. Certainty endless conversations on is a must, and that can only a popular topic, or even exist when an option has observe them, it is far worse been offered and the other to be repeatedly violated, person has been given the taught to accept it and face opportunity to accept or attempts to dissuade you decline on their own terms. from believing your own Silence does not count; conexperience. We have to sent has to be explicit. talk about sexual violence, Once you have consent, particularly against women know that it is for the activand girls, for many reasons. ity and time agreed upon One of the most obvious is and remember consent it continues to happen, dis- can end. It is not granted proportionately affecting forever and people can the most vulnerable among change their minds. You us. need continuous consent.

Conversations about It is possible to consent to sexual violence against something, start an activity, women and girls are frus- then decide not to continue. trating. It is emotionally You may not like it if somedraining for those of us one does this, but consent is who have experienced it mandatory so you need to and continue to experi- accept it. ence it. There is a burden

on us to talk about some What isn’t consent? of the worst things we have Consent for one thing ever gone through. We are does not mean consent for expected to participate in another. You may think one story-sharing campaigns, activity “naturally” leads little thought being given to another, but you need to to the psychocheck in with logical effects ‘Like rape, the person to of reliving the see if they want trauma, or wor- harassment and to move on rying about who every other to something may find out and form of sexual else. Consenttreat us differing to kissing ently. It makes violence is is not the same people uncom- about power as consentfortable — even — not sex.’ ing to kissing those who confollowed by sider themselves digital penetra“good guys.” The black and tion. Be honest about what white of sexual violence you want to do and respect and rape culture scares the person’s right to decide people to the point they whether or not they want to are desperate to believe participate. and convince others a grey It is important consent is area exists. There can be recognised as a necessary no grey area when we are step that protects all partalking about people using ticipants. It is not difficult, their power to exert control and it is not a hurdle. It is over another person’s body. not a contest or a conquest.

Whatever form it takes, it is Coercion voids consent. a violation without explicit No is no and no amount of consent. bullying, begging, or wearing down will turn that a no What is consent? into an enthusiastic, conIt’s difficult to address tinuous yes. Doing any of these issues without defin- these things takes away the ing consent. In the simplest person’s choice and creates

THE #MeToo movement was a powerful demonstration recently of how common it is for women to be subjected to harassment. a situation where the only hypermasculinity to excuse without consent could be How yuh know she? Based answer is yes, and that is men and boys for unaccep- considered assault. Rather on answers to these basic not consent. It is a violation table, predatory, criminal than addressing women questions, it advises on how on its own. behavior. At Hollaback! — and attempting to restrict to approach her, whether, a movement formed to end their movement or choice usually beginning with a What is sexual violence? street harassment — we of dress, they spoke directly face-to-face interaction. It Sexual violence is a term challenge people to think to potential perpetrators. ends with either “Gih she to describe sexual acts about what could happen While this was lauded by wuk!” or “Cease & desist.” against someone who has in the dark if we excuse women’s rights organisaOne part of the flownot given consent. It’s a harassment as appropriate tions and activists, some chart brings the marital spectrum with harassment behavior. Events like Jun- took exception to the mes- rape debate to mind. From toward one end and rape kanoo and Carnival give us sage. In particular, soca the “How yuh know she?” at the other. Many people an idea. artist Machel Montano told question, if the person find it difficult to see sexual a crowd to ignore the police chooses “We currently harassment and rape in Law Enforcement Says advisory and “find some- romantically involved,” the the same category, largely In December 2017, the body to jam”. In response, result is “Gih she wuk!” because harassment is con- Royal Bahamas Police Police Public Information This suggests a romantic sidered harmless. Street Force (RBPF) foolishly Officer ASP Michael Jack- relationship gives a man harassment, for example, made a victim-blaming man said: “I want to make access to a woman’s body, has been so normalised that post, warning women to this clear that is important as though consent is autosome refuse to acknowledge “dress appropriately” to to respect any female’s right matic and perpetual (or its affects on those expe- avoid sexual violence at to say no to any physical lasts as long as the relationriencing it. An unwanted Junkanoo. After signifi- touching in or outside the ship). How is this different interaction can begin ver- cant backlash, the post was Carnival season, and that is from Bahamian legislation bally, and has the potential deleted.

Unfortunately, the position of the TTPS.” where the definition of to escalate to following or some saw fit to defend the The police in Trinidad rape excludes the married physical assault, regardless RBPF, suggesting sexual & Tobago clearly have a rapist and victim? We still of the initial response. violence is a response to better understanding of the have work to do. All of us Like rape, harassment certain styles of dress. This, right to body autonomy, the need to understand that and every other form of of course, is incorrect, vic- mandatory nature of con- people are not objects, sexual violence is about tim-blaming and suggests sent and the appropriate relationships do not give us power — not sex. Conversa- the inferiority of the men group of people to address ownership and consent is tions about sexual violence and boys through perpetu- about sexual violence. always mandatory. Whether are most often derailed by ation of the idea they have A (Trinidad &Tobago) it’s a wine/wuk/dance or perpetuators of rape cul- no self-control. “wining etiquette” flow- a sexual activity, it is necture. These are people who Earlier this month, Trini- chart has been circulating essary to ask. Otherwise, believe the victim is some- dad & Tobago police took over the past few days. It is your actions could be on how always at fault. They a different approach. Car- meant to make men think the spectrum of sexual viouse respectability politics nival quickly approaching, about their relationships lence. You’re a nice guy? in attempts to put women they advised the public with the women they want Great. Respect the other and girls in our place, and that wining on someone to “jam” on. Yuh know she? person. Ask for consent.

READERS SUPPORT NEW LAW OVER SPOUSAL SEXUAL ABUSE AFTER Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest said that Value Added Tax revenue is behind this quarter, but the government expects the economy to pick up resulting in better VAT results, readers gave their reaction on

tribune242.com.

Killemwitdakno said: “So repeal VAT wasn’t going to happen. Repeal VAT on bread basket items isn’t going to happen. Double tax of both duty and VAT will remain. Huge campaign mandate broken. At least

we got a discount on hybrid imports although the Japanese cars may become little harder to get.”

Stillwaters wasn’t pleased with Mr Turnquest’s comments: “Just bringing excuses. All I want to know is how much was collected and how it is being spent.

Otherwise, don’t come to us with stupid talk which says nothing.”

Truism had this to say: “So after finding the VAT money and firing plenty people and suspending/ terminating plenty contracts we discover that VAT revenue is down. DUH . . . fewer persons and businesses purchasing goods and services.”

Referring to a quote from the Deputy Prime Minister, SP said: “‘We all know that the economy has been a little sluggish for the last couple of years’ – Understatement of the decade.

2017 was the worst year for business I’ve ever experienced and I see no end in sight. As long as foreigners occupy the majority of blue collar jobs repatriating

income out of circulation, the economy cannot help but continue on the present downward trajectory.

Governments tightening the screws by demanding new, cumbersome, verification processes is another death knell for small businesses that cannot afford to hire accounting firms.

Supposedly, Peter Turnquest is an accountant that cannot figure out that expatriate repatriations are the main reason for our rapidly shrinking economy!”

To which ThisIsOurs responded with: “An accountant is not an economist. Accountants see numbers, economists see relationships. You may have pointed out the fundamental flaw in selecting KP as finance minister and a marketing manager as his ‘deputy’. But hey, I’m not an accountant or an economist so what do I know . . .”

John offered this comment: “In the meantime, The Tribune posted merchants bragging how their holiday sales were better than last year to bragging

that they were ‘greater than expected’. Everyone knows the economy took a nosedive since the Elections in May and the past Christmas season was the worst in recent years. Retail sales were very down. The US, however, saw much improvement, especially in the malls and brick and mortar stores. Their unemployment is probably below 4% while ours is still at least 11 or 12%. Higher in Freeport and on some Family islands. Fortunately the strong numbers in the hotels and the recent hiring at Bah Mar will inject new money into the economy.

But the government must start several major projects here in New Providence, in Grand Bahama and on several Family Islands.

Not only to kickstart the economy, but to boost consumer confidence and get the private sector to invest.

Then we should see some improvement by March!”

And in The Tribune’s latest online poll, we asked readers if they supported the government’s planned introduction of the new offence “spousal sexual abuse”.

The majority of those voting - 56 per cent - said they did back the introduction of the new offence.

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

PAGE 10, Wednesday, January 24, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Activists say work with LGBT groups ‘overstated’

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net THE group Bahamas Trans Intersex United has suggested Attorney General Carl Bethel overstated the work the government has done to accommodate the needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community when he addressed an international body recently.

Last week, Mr Bethel told those gathered for the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group that the Bahamas has a history of extending minor legal protections and tolerance for LGBTI members. While in Geneva, Switzerland, he pinpointed the country’s act of decriminalising buggery in 1991.

However, according to

lead spokesperson of BTIU Alexus D’Marco, this is “laughable”.

Human rights advocate Erin Greene yesterday added that while the government is LGBTI positive at first glance, it does not mean LGBTI Bahamians have full access to police services, medical and mental health services, education and social services, among other things.

“The Bahamas Trans

Full Military Funeral Service For W/ CPL. 3053 Ghia Lamar Richardson-Butler, 38 of Miami Street will be held on Friday, January 26th, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Bahamas Faith Ministries International, The Myles E. Munroe Diplomat Center, Carmichael Road. Officiating will be Fr. Stephen E.R. Davies, Chaplain RBPF assisted

by Bishop Theophilus Rolle and Dr. Dave Burrows.

Interment will follow in Lakeview Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum, John F. Kennedy Drive and Gladstone Road.

She was predeceased by her Mother in-law: Arenetta Seymour; Grandparents: Edison and Mary Armbrister, Prince and Agnes Richardson. Aunts: Donna Smith and Tangy Brown. Nephew: Tarran Armbrister. Cousins: Natishkah Carter, Jonathon and Ian Armbrister; Precious memories will forever be in the hearts of her loving Husband: CPL. 443 Dwayne Butler; Children: Tristian Richardson and Khylee Butler; Mother: Rhonda Richardson/Armbrister (now Wilson); Father: Paul Richardson; Stepfather: Clifford Wilson; Sisters: Rochelle Johnson, Tamika Seymour and Ashriel Richardson; Sisters in-law: Akeelah Armbrister, Cathy and Xena Greene, Candice and Karan Richardson; Brothers: Paul, Ricardo and Jermaine Richardson and Tamar Armbrister; Brothers in-law: Lyndon Johnson, James Seymour Sr., Larry and Brian Greene; Grand Aunt: Irene Smith; Uncles and Aunts: Paul and Willann Armbrister, Edison and Rosella Armbrister, Keith and Wendy Armbrister, Jonathon Armbrister, Ashley and Joan Armbrister, Kelson and Clelia Armbrister, Cheryl and Harold Carter, Jessica and Edmund Russell, Andrea and Rory Newbold, Maria and Vans Johnson, Charlene and Allen Taylor, Charlene and Clinton Cash and Byron Smith; Aunt’s in-law: Lavada Larrimore and Gwendolyn Seymour; Nieces and Nephews: Tanaz, Natishkah and Amber Johnson, Caleb and Joshâ Delancey, Kadin and James Seymour Jr., Tamar Jr., Tavon and Tanitra Armbrister, Azekiel Deleveaux, Lenardo, Tangy, Keiarra, Jada, Elle, Raven, Imani, Zion, Kennon and Shanquell Richardson; Cousins: Amanda Thomas, Vaughn, Keishanna, Pauline, Antonio, Kyle, Stephen, Dr. Phyllis Armbrister, Dionne, Alexis, Edda, Keithra, Magistrate Ambrose Armbrister, Carlisle, Demico & Natacha, Jonathan & Chikara, Jordan, Ayden and Alexia Armbrister, Shannel Simms, Edna and Diann Smith, Jalisa Frazier, Tiffany, Lorenzo, Adrian, and Dannon, Nathaniel, Harold II, Lauren, Lorenz, Seth, Solange and Aidan Carter, Taji, Jada and Lorenzia, Keia Valentin, Sherra Morgan, Erin, Aaron and Jupiter Brown, Edmund II, Gabriel, and Joshua Russell, Ashton, Aaron, Adam and Malik Newbold, Giovanni, Kristian, Avenii, Chenaniah and Azan Johnson, Keisha, Candice, Keith and Charlton Deal, Allen Jr., Andre, Aidan, Alexia and Arden Taylor, Dion, Jaamal and Rory Smith, Stephen McSweeney, Indira Bethel and Quintine Cash, Delphine Richardson, Jonelle, Aaliyah, Jonathan, Jonavan, Carlisa, Carlisle Jr. and Carlia Armbrister; Cousins in-law: Deputy Commissioner of Police Emerick Seymour, Emeline Lockhart, Miriam Seymour, Keith & Paige Smith, Matilda McPhee, Marvin Stubbs, Josephine Webb (Atlanta), Janet Larrimore (Texas), Christine Larrimore-McPhee, Willis Larrimore, Pedro, Monique, Brenda, Tamika and Keith Seymour, Rosemary Dames, Dale Lee, Patricia Seymour, Prenetta Burrows, Ida Walkes, Ray Seymour Jr., Darnell Miller, Michelle Deveaux, Sharon Moss, Felicia Mott-Smith, Angela Joseph, Debbie Mott-Strachan, Barry and Adrian Mott, Margo Jacques, Ruby Cambridge; Other Relatives and Friends: Lucille Nancoo, Toinette, Jaiden Mackey, Alecia Christie, Zoeann Percentie, Machquel Outten, Estilia Petit Frere, Donna Bascombe, Malvin Gordon, Nicholas Huyler, Sarg.

Tashaughn and Keithra Molly, Noreen Major and Family, Cooper Family, Darville Family, Peggy Phillips, Tonya Williams, and Family, Smith Family, Scott Family, Grant Family, Huyler Family, Gomez Family, Thurston Family, Adderley Family, Evans Family, Bascombe Family, Conliffe Family, Taylor Family, Seymour Family, Nancoo Family, Jennings Family, Sweeting Family, Williams Family, McQuay Street Family, and a host of other relatives and friends; Special Thanks: Steven Strachan, Patrick Adderley, Carlos Sturrup, Arnold Gilbert, Bahamas Racquetball Association, Colin S. Burrows, High Commissioner Ellison Greenslade, Estilia Petit Frere, Antja Humes, Leslie and Beryl Hanna, Bishop Theophilus Rolle and Rhodes Memorial Church Family, Doctors, nurses and staff of Doctor’s Hospital, especially Dr. Fredrick Smith, Vashti Saunders, Virdinia King and Gwendolyn Belle and nurse Sharron Spikes of Jackson Memorial Hospital; Members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, especially Commissioner Anthony Ferguson, A.C.P. Kendal Strachan, Ch. Supt. Craig Stubbs, Ch. Supt. Patrona Bethel, Supt.

Damian Robinson, Fire Services, A-Squad 2006, Ch. Supt. Perry Clarke, R/Asp. Dionne Lotmore, Theresa Young, Portia Lewis, R.B.P.F. Choir, RBPF Mobile Division, The Grove Division, Mrs. Rose of Human Resources, Dr. Dave and Angie Burrows and The Bahamas Faith Ministries International Family, Staff of Colina Insurance Company, especially, Tami Culmer, Nurse Shaureen Hall, Rashad Lynes, Indira Sands, Faculty and students of C.C. Sweeting Senior High School, Faculty and students of Queen’s College, especially Mrs. Sylvia Beneby, Mrs. Angela Culmer, Mrs. Vivian Brown, Rev. C. Wells, Ms. Chelsea Ostini and grade 5Q; Viewing will be held at the Foyer of The Paul H. Farquharson Conference Centre, Police Headquarters, East Street on Thursday from 12 Noon to 6:00 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 8:30 a.m. until service time.

ALEXUS D’MARCO, above, and Attorney General Carl Bethel, right.

Intersex United (BTIU) thanks Attorney General Carl Bethel for his leadership in recognising the contribution and representation of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) community in the Bahamas,” Ms D’Marco said in a recent statement. “We, however, note the lack of awareness and sensitisation on the part of the authorities. The LGBTI citizens of Bahamas are thankful for the ‘buggery law’ being expunged in 1991.

“The Bahamas continues to receive recommendations to improve its human rights record on the protection afforded to all of its citizens, including LGBTI citizens. The Bahamas Trans Intersex United and The DMARCO Organisation will continue to monitor, record and engage as watchdogs on the ground to hold government to account to meet its obligations. We are all citizens and family to someone. The Constitution exists to protect citizens, and allows for amendments if any loopholes are found.

“Although we can be happy with Bethel for referencing the work and representation of the community, we kindly ask that he has a sit-down with the community. This is necessary in order to better understand the issues we face and what discrimination may hinder persons from accessing and reporting violations

to state actors.

“When reporting to international bodies, representatives of the government have a tendency to overstate the work they have done, and ignore shortcomings known to key populations. Reference to the decriminalisation of buggery in 1991 is laughable when almost 30 years later, the mere mention of sex or gender causes national panic,” she said.

Ms D’Marco called on the Attorney General’s Office to show its support at the national level for all citizens.

Regarding this issue, Ms Greene accused the Christie administration of conspiring with the church and other social actors in the gender equality referendum to make intersex and non-gender conforming Bahamians invisible by

defining biological gender as male or female only.

She said: “In fact, in 2016, the Bahamian government conspired with the church and other social actors in the gender equality referendum to ‘invisibilise’ intersex and gender non-conforming Bahamians by defining biological sex as ‘male or female only’. Governments have an inherent obligation to create or to provide the resources for the creation of an environment (country) in which all citizens can live free of violence.

“What governments should not do is use minority and vulnerable groups as tools for negotiating political power, whether locally or internationally. Women, the LGBTI community, the church and people of faith are not tools and assets to be used to gain political favours.”

Memorial Service For Matteal Campbell, 59 of Polhemus Street will be held on Friday, January 26th, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Baillou Hill Road and Laird Street. Officiating will be Rev. Dr. Philip B. McPhee Left to cherish her memories are her One brother: Charles Newton; Three sisters: Evelyn Pickering, Lovely Campbell and Betsy Campbell; Two aunts: Catherine Hinsey and Leah; Two sisters-in-law: Princess Campbell, Willamae Hinsey; Eleven nieces: Keva Pickering, Raquel Fox, Alexis Maycock, Glendina, Marva, Laverne, Rochelle, Michelle, Niquera, Shavonne Bastian and Shineka Ellis; Eleven nephews: Jason Johnson, William Major Jr., Romell Pickering, Ruben Fox II, Andrew Ellis Sr. Demal, Tamieko, Alexio Marvin Newton, Fabian and Marvin Campbell; Grand nieces and nephews: Ashley and Ashton Simmons, Hayley McPhee, Rashad and Ruben Fox III, Kevin and Devon Pickering, Laterio, Michael, Fahron, Dino, Jayden, Raine, Storm, Ronell, Marvinique, Anthonique, Laurenique, Monesha, Mario, Donte, Tyler and Ashley; A host of other family and friends: Sharon Mackey, Marilyn Stubbs, Alena Farrington, Cyprianna Major, Anna Russell, Jerusha, Marcia, Esther Cargill, Zorabelle, Orthnell, James, Dennis, Eleanor, Patricia, Michelle, Andrew, Andy, Rosanna Joseph, Mother B., Carolyn, Andrew Burrows and others too numerous to mention.

There will be NO PUBLIC VIEWING. Persons wishing to sign the book of condolences may do so at the church on Friday from 10:30 am until service concludes.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, January 24, 2018, PAGE 11

DEPUTY Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest.

Foulkes: Deputy PM right on jobs

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net DEPUTY Prime Minister Peter Turnquest was correct in his suggestion that the country’s next unemployment survey will show an increase in joblessness, according to Labour Minister Dion Foulkes.

Addressing the recent criticism levelled at the Minnis administration over the suggestion, Mr Foulkes yesterday argued that much of what was described by the East Grand Bahama MP is associated with temporary jobs created by the Christie administration in the buildup to 2017 general election.

According to Mr Foulkes, members of the former administration are attempting to shift the blame for the employment crisis it

caused through the scores of temporary employment ventures or short-term contract jobs they created.

Referring to these programmes, Mr Foulkes said the government has only opted to not renew deals left in place, particularly those considered unsustainable.

“We do not want to let anybody go because Bahamians are suffering,” Mr Foulkes said. “A lot of people are having problems paying their bills and we want to keep people employed. But if you sign a contract for a certain time and the contract comes to an end, that was the end of the contract.

“Now, if we can afford to keep persons on, we will.

“But that is depending on the health of the economy on that given time,” he said.

Mr Foulkes urged

Bahamians not to overanalyse the upcoming labour survey report, suggesting the figures would show a snapshot of the economy, not the full picture.

He said the government has been hard at work to create employment opportunities across the country.

According to Mr Foulkes, both the Resorts World Bimini (RWB) and Chub Cay properties have reengaged employees placed on temporary leave last fall.

As a result, 100 employees are expected to return to RWB and another 36 to Chub Cay. Additionally, Mr Foulkes said projects now underway in Grand Bahama will engage persons in the coming weeks.

Moreover, he indicated that the Baha Mar resort will employ an additional 2,000 persons.

Nonetheless, Official Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis continued his attack on the government yesterday.

In a statement Mr Davis claimed Mr Turnquest’s comments are proof that the Minnis administration “deliberately” created higher unemployment to fulfil its political agenda.

“At the same time as they have agreed that what they have done since coming to office will raise unemployment, they now want to blame the PLP,” Mr Davis noted. “This is part of the FNM’s pattern of behaviour: blame everyone except themselves. Let me make it clear, the FNM is the government. The FNM must accept responsibility for the higher rate of unemployment.”

Mr Davis continued: “The record is clear that in May of 2012, the PLP

NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL TO BE BUILT IN SOUTH-WEST

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net THE Minnis administration has finalised a commitment to construct a new primary school in southwest New Providence, according to Education Minister Jeffery Lloyd.

Mr Lloyd said the government is positioning itself for an aggressive construction and upgrade programme for the public school system, promising that “great relief and great benefit” was on its way.

While his announcement lacked concrete details on price, scope of work and a timeline, Mr Lloyd during an interview yesterday, said the government approved drawings for the project and was now awaiting the possibility of a public-private partnership agreement before proceeding.

“The commitment is that school is obviously urgently needed and will be constructed so that we

can relieve the pressures on those primary schools in that area that are bursting at the seams with populations that exceed their capacity,” Mr Lloyd said.

“We certainly expect that some decision is near to address their concerns.”

Additionally, Mr Lloyd also confirmed that the government was advancing on its plans to construct a new school in Inagua, make significant upgrades to the Eva Hilton Primary School in New Providence and re-examine its outlook for schools in Ragged Island.

With respect to Inagua, Mr Lloyd said: “That school up there was destroyed several years ago and students in Inagua have been operating in less than ideal circumstances – adequate but still less than ideal circumstances.”

He said the Ministry of Education viewed its commitment to Inagua as one of its “immediate objectives.”

As it pertains to the Eva

Hilton Primary School, Mr Lloyd said the government is “ready to go” with its plans for the school.

Addressing efforts in Ragged Island Mr Lloyd said: “As you know the prime minister has indicated that he wants that island to be a model of a green city as it were. One that has the latest in respect of renewable energy, the features of green environment, so that is still in the process of being developed.”

He continued: “However, we would consider the replacement of the school in that area, that is a part of the consideration that is in its developmental process right now.”

Last summer the Minnis administration oversaw a $4m renovation project at the Stephen Dillet Primary School.

Overall, the government spent more than $8m on school repairs.

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“unceremoniously” cancelled by the FNM. “The Revenue Enhancement Unit within the Department of Inland Revenue in the Ministry of Finance was all but gutted and staff sent home,” Mr Davis said.

“There is, therefore, little wonder that VAT revenue is down and the PLP publicly questions a connection between the two.

“At every turn, it appears this FNM is undermining the economy of this country. They tried to hurt it while they were in opposition and they are now hurting it as the government.

“They are totally responsible and culpable for any spike in unemployment and the PLP rejects the laying of any blame on this matter.

Shame on them,” Mr Davis said.

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inherited an economy where unemployment had doubled under the FNM. The now prime minister, then leader of the opposition Hubert Minnis, said the FNM had left the economy in a wheelchair.

In five years under the PLP, unemployment was reduced to single digits with 39,505 jobs being added to the economy. The PLP left the economy on its feet. We built a firm and solid foundation on which to build.”

Mr Davis said while in opposition, the FNM “vigorously opposed” the successful completion and opening of the Baha Mar resort under the PLP, even going as far as to ignore the thousands of jobs the property created.

He added that the PLP’s labour policy of regularising contract workers in the public service was

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PAGE 12, Wednesday, January 24, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

COB worker ‘took home extra $600,000 in pay’

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

FORMER College of The Bahamas employee Chimeka Gibbs took home just over $600,000 in extra payroll deposits from 2009 to 2015, Supreme Court jurors heard yesterday.

Davine Rolle, loss prevention and investigations manager at the Bank of The Bahamas (BOB), said Gibbs netted a total of $786,242.96 in extra payroll deposits from May 2009 to October 2015, though she was only due a total of $179,411.92 in net wages for that period.

That made for a difference of $606,831.04.

Ms Rolle also said that between May 2009 and October 2015, the yearly total amount of misappropriated COB funds ranged between $51,097.15 to $116,545.42 in 2014. A total of $106,468.68 was misappropriated in 2015, she said.

According to Ms Rolle, the various payments went to Gibbs’ accounts situated in four banks in particular, namely Scotiabank, Commonwealth Bank, First Caribbean, and later Royal Bank of Canada in May of 2014.

Ms Rolle said according to BOB’s final analysis, in one instance in May of 2009, Gibbs received a total of $9,676.61 in extra payroll deposits to her FCIB, Scotiabank and CB accounts, despite being due just $2,145.73 in net wages.

In October of 2015, a total of $13,264.10 was deposited to her four bank accounts, though she was only due to receive $2,395.74 in net wages.

That made for a difference of $10,868.36.

According to Ms Rolle,

BOB would have previously received information of an “abnormality” in COB’s payroll file. A conversation was subsequently held with COB representatives who gave BOB the green light to investigate the matter.

That investigation saw BOB officials pull all of COB’s payroll files from May of 2009 to October of 2015 with the exception of June of 2010, which Ms Rolle said officials were unable to locate.

Nonetheless, Ms Roll said BOB officials focused on information pertaining to Gibbs because that’s where the “abnormality” occurred. They consequently found she received $786,000 plus in extra payroll deposits between those six years.

The BOB officials subsequently compiled all of their findings on a CD, which was then provided to COB officials as well as the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF).

Explaining COB’s payroll deposit process, Ms Rolle said the institution would send a payroll file, which would be accompanied by a letter signed by COB’s vice president and the vice president for finance.

The payroll file, which contains various employee names, their bank information and the amount due them, would then be sent to a clearing system to satisfy the payroll bank that was noted on the payroll file.

She said BOB simply takes the payroll file and puts it on a “gateway” where it is uploaded. The Bahamas Automated Clearing House receives it, and it is then sent to various banks.

During cross examination, defence attorney

CHIMEKA Gibbs at a previous court appearance.

Roger Gomez Jr questioned Ms Rolle on the payroll deposit process, particularly on whether BOB, which she said is audited every year, checks for abnormalities like the ones she said were contained in COB’s payroll file.

In response, Ms Rolle said BOB makes it clear to its customers that they are responsible for ensuring their file details are correct.

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In this instance, she suggested it was not the bank’s duty to essentially audit COB’s payroll file once they received it.

Gibbs is on trial before Justice Cheryl GrantThompson charged with stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars between March 2008 and October 2015 while employed at COB. She is facing eight counts

of stealing by reason of employment and 16 counts of falsification of accounts.

It is alleged Gibbs stole over $500,000 from COB by reason of her employment at the institution. It is also alleged she falsified numerous COB direct deposit files, the result of which purported to show she was entitled to over $200,000 in salary payments.

According to court

documents, Gibbs served as both a senior clerk and a human resources assistant at the college. She was arraigned in June 2016.

COB transitioned into a university later that year.

In addition to Mr Gomez, Al-Leecia Delancey and Antania Rolle-Taylor are the other attorneys on record, representing the Crown.

The trial continues.

LAWYER QUESTIONS MISSING FOOTAGE IN MURDER CASE

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

AFTER a month-long break, the trial of three young men accused of robbing and fatally shooting a husband and wife in Deadman’s Reef resumed in the Supreme Court in Grand Bahama yesterday.

Paul Belizaire, Devaughn Hall, and Kevin Dames are accused of the crimes.

Barry and Sheena Johnson were discovered shot dead at their triplex apartment in the Deadman’s Reef area on September 12, 2015. They were robbed of a set of keys and their truck, which were later recovered by police.

While continuing his evidence under crossexamination by Geoffrey Farquharson, a lawyer for one of the accused, lead police investigator Det 772 Lorenzo Johnson told the court that he was at the morgue when doctors removed a bullet from the right wrist of Mrs Johnson.

He was directed by counsel to look at a photograph taken of the wound with the bullet still lodged in her right wrist.

The attorney then referred the detective to the surveillance video footage taken from a camera at a residence of an armed robbery and shooting incident.

Video footage was submitted as evidence in the

court – one taken at 9pm when a woman was seen arriving and entering the residence, and another at 10pm when a man came at the front door of the house and was accosted by four masked armed men.

Mr Farquharson suggested that there is no way to tell whether Mrs Johnson was still in the house at 10pm, but Det Johnson replied she was found dead in the living room of the residence. He also said two of the co-accused in custody had told police that she was inside the house when they came there to rob the couple.

Mr Farquharson suggested that the video footage submitted as evidence in court was only from one of the nine surveillance cameras that were installed at the Johnsons’ residence.

“Do you know how many cameras were installed at the residence?” asked Mr Farquharson.

Det Johnson recalled that four cameras were installed on the corners of the building.

The attorney asked the witness what happened to the footage of the other remaining cameras, but the officer said that Inspector Marlin Grant had been instructed to examine the DVR that was in the residence to assist them with their investigations.

He said that he could not remember if nine cameras

were installed at the house and that he did not talk to the technician who had installed them.

Det Johnson said that all of the cameras were checked by Inspector Grant and his team. He said that he saw the footage taken from the camera at the front door of apartment seven where there was activity.

When asked if he saw the footage from the other camera positions, Det Johnson said that he saw a lot of footage.

“What happened to the other footage?” asked Mr Farquharson. Det Johnson said Inspector Grant has the entire DVR in his office.

The attorney questioned the officer as to whether he had told Inspector Grant to preserve the remainder of the footage, but Det Johnson said that he could not recall.

Mr Farquharson then suggested that important footage may have been lost, and questioned whether the footage presented in court was that of the couple’s residence and not somewhere else.

The trial continues on Wednesday.

Justice Estelle GrayEvans is presiding over the matter. Carlson Shurland represents Dames, and Jethlyn Burrows represents Hall. Neil Brathwaite and Erica Kemp are appearing for the Crown.

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, January 24, 2018, PAGE 13

SOME of the potholes plaguing New Providence recently.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

Potholes ‘in the same places every year’

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net WORKS Minister Desmond Bannister is promising efficient, holistic and long-term solutions to the large number of potholes and poor quality roads on New Providence.

Mr Bannister has also asserted that utility companies must pay for the paving of any future roads they dig up.

The epidemic of potholes on New Providence has been the subject of public outcry in recent weeks, as heavy rain has aggravated the already prolific issue.

“The potholes that are there have been appearing in the same places at the same time of year for many, many, many years,” Mr Bannister said.

“The problem has been that we’ve had quick, temporary solutions rather than holistically looking at them and dealing with them appropriately. There have been several problems.

“First of all, there are a number of issues where we have — for example we have utilities that have been cutting into roads and have not been restoring them promptly. That has caused a lot of the problems.

“The other issue has been that they have not been fixing those potholes properly. The third issue is that… some of those potholes, because of the nature of our islands, are actually underground caves. They’re not just potholes.”

Mr Bannister continued: “And so every time we have potholes, we have to actually send engineers out there.

Engineers look at it, and they determine the nature of the

hole, and then they determine how to deal with it.

“And many cases, there are cases where there’s a danger of it caving in. So the engineers have to deal with it appropriately. And what we’ve been doing, we’ve been sending the engineers out, they’ve been looking at them. So for example, (on Monday), based on the engineer’s report we would have three crews out dealing with potholes.”

When asked by The Tribune if crews have been focusing on any particular area, Mr Bannister said: “No, they’ve been all over the island. And they will continue to be out there.

But they have a large amount of work to do, for the reasons I indicated.

“First, they have not been dealt with properly in the past, and secondly that these utilities have gone and in many cases caused the challenges. So what I have done, I have started to convey, and as of last week, I have convened a weekly meeting with utilities.

“Every Monday morning I’ve started to meet with utilities. I’m starting a paving exercise where we’re going to be paving the roads in New Providence and doing a proper job, and we’ve indicated to utilities that they are going to have the opportunity to

tell us if they have any work to do on those roads.

“Because once we pave the roads, and we pave them properly…we are not going to have the utilities dig them up. If utilities dig up the roads, we’re going to make them pay for the whole road to fix it.

“Because we need quality roads in New Providence…

But we need the process to be followed properly. Secondly, the engineers have been going out to potholes and they’ve been looking at all of the potholes properly.

“They’ve been making assessments, and once they’ve made their assessments, then the crews come behind them, and they do the work and they fill them in properly so that those potholes are not going to open up at the next rain.

The work that they do, we expect to last a long time.”

The proliferation of potholes is a pervasive, nationwide issue, extending beyond New Providence.

In February 2017, Spanish Wells, Eleuthera Chief Councillor Robert Roberts wrote a lengthy letter to The Tribune detailing the conditions of roads on the island.

He said: “Roads? Many of the roads are filled with potholes. There are several that are past the point of patching and need to be rebuilt.

Most of the roads are starting to show their age as they were redone 25 years ago, the lack of a constant supply of perma-patch contributes to the deterioration.

The abutment is continually breaking through.”

For months in 2016, The Tribune’s “Fix My Street” campaign highlighted scores of potholes and unrepaired road surfaces on behalf of frustrated motorists.

PAGE 14, Wednesday, January 24, 2018

THE TRIBUNE