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The Tribune

Volume:115 No.50, FEBRUARY 2ND, 2018

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Killer hit and run driver fined $12k

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A WENDY’S employee was yesterday fined more than $12,000 for hitting, rolling over and consequently killing a 52-year-old man with an unlicenced and uninsured vehicle on Monday night before leaving the scene.

Magistrate Carolyn VogtEvans fined 24-year-old Maronique Paul a total of $12,340 after pleading guilty to being the perpetrator of the hit-and-run accident on Carmichael Road which claimed the life of Sunshine Park resident Malcus Ashe.

For the substantive charge of killing in the course of dangerous driving, the Malcolm Road

resident was fined $10,000, half of which Magistrate Vogt-Evans ordered to be paid by July 4. The other $2,340, the total amount Paul was fined concerning the other six charges, was ordered to be paid immediately.

Failure to pay the $10,000 dollars would result in one year imprisonment, Magistrate Vogt-Evans said.

Failure to pay the $2,340 associated with the other six counts would result in either seven or 30 days in prison depending on the charge.

Magistrate Vogt-Evans noted the sentences are to be served consecutively.

She also ordered that Paul’s driver’s licence be cancelled for five years.

SEE PAGE FIVE

‘GRADS ONLY’, RBC BOSS ‘UNINFORMED’

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest said some recent criticisms of the Bahamas from Tim Rider, Royal Bank of Canada’s senior vice president for sales, were “unfortunate” and “uninformed”.

At a Royal Fidelity Bahamas Economic Outlook (BEO) event this week, Mr Rider, in a rhetorical question, asked if the Bahamas is committed to its own

success and lambasted the educational standards of the country.

The remarks have drawn much attention and commentary.

Mr Turnquest said yesterday: “We all recognise that there are improvements we need to make, both in terms of our educational system and productivity overall.

That being said, we have a very professional and talented pool of industry professionals in the financial sector. The extent the generalised statement was SEE PAGE TWO

camera page 21

HURRICANE HOLE $250M PLAN - IT’S DONE DEAL

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A BAHAMIAN developer yesterday said it plans to “go vertical” on its $250 million Hurricane Hole redevelopment within 12 months, after completing the property’s purchase from Atlantis’s owner.

Bill Green, president of Sterling Global Financial’s development arm, told Tribune Business that between 80-85 per cent of the “large scale mixed-use” project will be devoted to owner-occupied residential units.

Estimating that the 13-acre site could feature up to 200 such units at full build-out, Mr Green said the new owner was seeking to create a development that would leave residents and visitors “optimistic about the future of the world” through its embrace of technology and Bahamian architecture.

SEE BUSINESS SECTION

THE emergency travel document for Bahamas-born deportee Jean Rony Jean-Charles.

JEAN RONY COME HOME

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

Tribune he plans to protest his client’s identification as a Haitian national in court, noting his receipt of the document was not to be regarded as an t!

Bes And gest Big of that status.

THE Passport Office has issued an acceptance HOUSE & 16 Yesterday, Prime MinisPAGES HOME emergency travel docuter Dr Hubert Minnis told ment valid for one year for the press he had not seen a Bahamas-born deportee recent court ruling regarding Jean Rony Jean-Charles. th the coksuntry of his bir Mr Jean-Charles’ case, and The document was issued by trac Tribune n ‘misesing’ could not make a comment. on January 31, and lists dow bun Tri The Rony to Jean ge “I must read a ruling in its the 35 year old as a Hai- ‘PoHailicetianbeat villa me to entirety,” Dr Minnis said. tian national, according to confess to killing’ “The entire ruling would be the copy obtained by The studied, looked at, and we Tribune. will make decisions that’s The embedded picin the best interest of the ture appears to be Mr GOES ON Bahamas.”

Jean-Charles as a minor, SEARCH FOR WRECKAGE CRASH OVER ERS TO FIND ANSW He continued: “I have which invokes claims made by relatives that he had obtained several not seen the complete ruling so I cannot travel documents before his most recent make a comment. Believe me, our attorneys and others are reviewing the ruling one was destroyed by fire in 2016.

Attorney Fred Smith told The SEE PAGE SIX

The Tribune A1MAIN

Established 1903

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By NICO of his is to commence Staff Reporter t the date Tribune 22, 2017, nscavella@tribunemedia.ne man conviction. so, Justice his In doing 25 A 29-YEAR-OLD expressed society to nearly Turner was sentenced to protect prison yesterday inter- intent Daniels’ “predatory” years in that unlawful and stated said for having a teenager girl from being to his behaviour, course with and had lured Face- despite Daniels who he a a fake to be “industrious” he is still home through to young Turner “hard-working,” book profile. danger” Dan- “presentin society.

Justice Bernard Jamal FIVE sentenced years in prison women SEE PAGE iels to 24 an incidenta with concerning that occurred

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THE PEOPLE’S

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By RASHAD Reporter Staff Tribune rrolle@tribunemedia.net was Bahamas not to THE warned yesterday our laurels” after “rest on the European largely it escaped “blacklist” Union’s Hurricane Irma. thanks to the financial serWhile and wider a potenvices industry “dodged resulted economy this tial bullet”, Council taking EU from the nation as a result pity on the inflicted during of damagehurricane season. the recent of Assembly The House debate amendas the today will finance laws satisfy ments to seeks to government for ratifying requirements Convention the Multilateral Administrative on Mutual in Tax Matters, Assistance Finance Minis something Turnquest he ister K Peter to sign when week. expected Marino next SIX visits San SEE PAGE

Nassau &

Bahama Islands’

are dead THREE men hospital in and another is shooting following four locaincidents in separate Providence tions in New over the that took place

weekend. individuTwo of the four Friday and als shot between the scene, on Saturday died reports. according to police who One of the victims,in critlisted was previously hospital as ical condition in early the result of a shootingsubseSaturday morning, murder The quently died. at seven for toll now stands to The the year, according Tribune’s records.

SEE PAGE SEVEN

nearly $100,000.

SEE PAGE SIX

PLP: CHANGES TO URCA BOARD ‘UNLAWFUL’

SEE PAGE EIGHT

Leading Newspaper

By RASHAD ROLLE Reporter Tribune Staff rrolle@tribunemedia.net

JEAN Rony Jean-Charles conditions.

CHEESE BISCUIT

/BURGERKINGNASSAU

LibPROGRESSIVE Philip eral Party Leader charDavis “Brave” Minnis the acterised changes administration’s the Utiliof to the board and Regulation ties as Competition Authority arguing unlawful yesterday,the indethey infringe on regulatory of the Major told pendence Mr two body. the parts engines,” Novemhope of finding investiga- The Tribune yesterday, Effective last said all Neville Wilchcombe that could help days after officials as board the ber, what caused tors determine six people on and search replaced Randol Dorsett had died of URCA’s board, the crash. inves- plane had been chairman board Delvin Major, chief said and rescue efforts while another former Cox-Notaccidents, air off.

Cherise tigator of compo- called and stuff member, who was appointed “The wing the most criticalthat could much clues tage, was also removed nent of the plane s is its wouldn’t give happened in 2015, board. what the assist investigator planes into small would be so from engine – such flight data because they SEE PAGE EIGHT do not have a box”.

SEE PAGE FIVE “black recorder or find those “We want to

about his living spoke to The Tribune Carey/Tribune Staff in Haiti, where he Photo: Terrel W. pictured in a village

By RASHAD ROLLE Reporter Tribune Staff rrolle@tribunemedia.net

SAUSAGE, EGG &

WWW.BURGERKING.BS

By NICO SCAVELLA Reporter Tribune Staff et nscavella@tribunemedia.n

RUSSELL

By KHRISNA Reporter Deputy Chief t krussell@tribunemedia.ne the before DAYS elecMay 10 generalChristie tion, the formeradded an administration the conaddendum to of agreement tractual g Bridge a high-rankin outexecutive Authority termination lining no fixed there date and specifying less than no be to was in the three years’ notice , The event of termination Tribune can reveal.is worth The contract

RUSSELL

By KHRISNA Reporter Deputy Chief krussell@tribunemedia.net Hospitals PUBLIC officials have Authority delay for 60 days board decided to across the Prinseveral at the Hospital, fee increases cess Margaret those proposed including Morgue DepartDr for PMH’s Minister ment, Healthsaid yesterday.

Duane Sands comes a day This change said he minister after the willing to meet would be funeral direcoutside with angry protested tors who week about the on PMH last However, also new fees.

Sands to Sunday, Dr the govTribune who is said Staff told The could no longer Jean-Charles, in Hanna/Tribune ernment sister of Jeanrony Photo: Shawn “free passes” Jean-Charles, permit due to huge with Clotilde health services Fred Smith Centre.

ATTORNEY from the Detention revenue deficits.

SIX be missing SEE PAGE number and and gave us his the He have been callingknow Centre or we don’t the Detention of Immigra- calling and we DORSETT Department Ms Jean-Charles her answers.her anything,” an interview

By SANCHESKA said tion will give Staff Reporter said during Detention Tribune the Ms Jean-Charles born and outside who was sdorsett@tribunemedia.net brother, The Bahamas to Centre. time anyone in of a 35-yeartaken “The last him was about THE family was picked raised parents, was who by immigra- spoke with ago. We don’t officials Haitian old man a raid do into custody three weeks is alive or anyup by immigration say they or tion officers during 15. know if he is saying in September September if he is “alive to the thing. No one are not “illegally on“I have been not know They three has been Centre anything. access and they dead” or after allegedly us any would not deported” allowed to speak Detention and they They told givingnot giving us are him. not being visit him in nearly times let me seeto go to Hawkins information. is this, to him or the had “Our concern inter- me I I went there and three weeks. him to Haiti, Hill. but I stayed they deported has no one In an emotional he and Jean-Charles, was so long number one FIVE view, Clotilda Tribune yes- line I even went back on the The SEE PAGE wants and 36, told us with a man she only terday that what happened spoke floor who assured it. third look into to know Jean Rony he would to her brotherbut no one at that Jean-Charles

THREE DEAD AFTER BLOODY WEEKEND OF SHOOTINGS

PM ORDERS PROBE OVER BRIDGE EXEC’S CONTRACT

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By AVA TURNQUE BEST OF THE his detention MUTINY OVER BAHAMAS 29.

CAPTAINSChief Reporter Tribune SPORTS: .net NovemberFROM EU his sister In an affidavit, aturnquest@ tribunemedia BLACKLIST Jean-Charles’ Jean- Clotilde docuRony JEAN rn claimed she tookbirth to his Charles, the Bahamas-bo to rela- ments proving man who, according after the Department of Immigration at the tives, went “missing” at the Carrequest of offi‘bruised threeleftmonths Teen after only to Road cials, michael swollen’ and repeatations be Detention interrog has edly told that Centre, matter the HOSPITALS’ been found in CHANGES under FEE was a North HaiPUT ON HOLD investigation. tian slum.

His applicaThe 35-yeartion is one of old C V Bethel High scores of writs Senior RAPIST INTERNET alumfiled last year School YEARS JAILED FOR 24 was against detainnus ees at the tracked down Carmichael to a small vilR?’ Road Detenlage on the ‘WHERE’S MY BROTHE of tion Centre. outskirts In DecemPort-de-Paix, reported former ber, Haiti, by The HOW The Tribune of TIME WE TALKED and the family’s search for Jean Director Tribune TO A WIDER .

AUDIENCE attorney Rony Jean-Charles Immigrahis tion William after a social that cammedia

by Pratt told The Tribune s, whose paign was launched feared he Mr Jean-Charle born relatives who lost in the relatives said he was The Bahawould be forevernation. and raised in poverty-stricken Tribune he mas to Haitian parents, Haiti.

He told The by the was flown to Mr Jeanwas sent to “hell” , and Mr Pratt said Port au to sent was Bahamas government has been a Charles November each day since both Prince, Haiti, on able to struggle for survival, 24 after not being mentally. in the country physically and s was prove he was Mr Jean-Charle September legally.

SEE PAGE THREE arrested in early offic2017 by immigration of ers, and an application times four to five20 and occurred November between while at the CenSCAVELLA

By NICO 21, 2015, Staff Reporter t Unit (CDU).

Tribune “back tral Detective was taken nscavella@tribunemedia.ne the He said he TEENAGER and forth” between and the THE murdering interview room of officers room by to get accused elementary tried Queen’s College McIntosh homicide crime. they forcibly Joyelle he was as to confess to the teacher claimed give him the homicide yesterday forced to his While in said he of teenager beaten and confessioncrime. room, the to lie on his stoma false and in the was made involvement taking the ach while handcuffed on placed The teenager, before Justice a plastic bag was a plaswitness stand then subsequently Turner, saidover his his head, he was ready to Bernard if while placed He said tic bag washe was “forced” asked held head and to give a false confess.so, one officer held another by officers He also said he doing feet and confession. on what to say his hands. his THREE was coached SEE PAGE official interview when the claimed, began. he This,

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER:

2018

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

Nassau & Bahama

Islands’ Leading

‘SQUEEZE’ ON BUSINESS TO RECOVER TAX DEBTS

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

PRIVATE sector representatives yesterday warned that the Government’s ‘piercing of the corporate veil’ to force tax compliance could “place businesses in jeopardy”.

Edison Sumner, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) chief executive, confirmed to Tribune Business there had been complaints from businesses over the Government’s tactic of withholding essential permits/approvals until their shareholders settled tax liabilities owed in a personal capacity.

SEE BUSINESS SECTION

Newspaper

LAND AHOY! TOO LATE, ROLLY RUNS AGROUND

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net A ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force vessel, the HMBS Rolly Gray, sustained damage in an accident on Tuesday.

The ship, captained by Lieutenant Commander Granville Adderley, ran aground near Ragged Island.

RBDF Commodore Tellis Bethel confirmed the accident to The Tribune

THE HMBS Rolly Gray. yesterday.

“The Rolly Gray had an unfortunate incident several days ago,” Commodore Bethel said. “She sustained damage to her propellers (on) Tuesday past.

“There (are) currently

underway arrangements being made for her to have an assessment to determine the extent of the damage and the timeline for repairs.”

Commodore Bethel dismissed a report in a local tabloid which priced the cost of the damage at $2million, saying there is no way to know until an assessment is done.

“There is no way to determine what the cost

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SEE PAGE SEVEN

INSIDE:

YOUR SPECIAL GUIDE TO THE SUPER BOWL SHOWDOWN

PAGE 2, Friday, February 2, 2018

DATE FOR GB JUNIOR JUNKANOO PARADE

BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmayock@tribunemedia.net

THE Grand Bahama Junkanoo Committee and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture has announced the 19th annual Junior Junkanoo Parade will be held on Saturday, February 10 in downtown Freeport at 5pm.

Some 29 schools are lined up to participate, including eight preschools on the island.

Weather The parade was initially scheduled for January 29, but was postponed due to bad weather.

Kevin Russell, cochairman of the GBJC, said the new date was set after consultation with all stakeholders.

Monique Leary, of the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture in Freeport, thanked the stakeholders for their support, including the City of Freeport Council, the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Grand Bahama community.

She urged residents to continue to support the country’s youngsters as they celebrate their culture.

Karen FergusonBain said the parade is expected to be a spectacular one, and said vendors will be out in force serving hot food and beverages.

THE TRIBUNE

TALKS ARE UNDERWAY TO BRING BANK OF BAHAMAS BRANCH TO LONG ISLAND

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net LONG Island MP Adrian Gibson confirmed yesterday discussions are underway to establish at least one Bank of the Bahamas branch on that island in the coming months.

Royal Bank of Canada last month notified residents on Long Island that effective April 13, it will consolidate its Grey’s, Long Island branch with RBC’s main Bay Street branch in Nassau.

Mr Gibson, a native of Long Island, yesterday moved to reassure his constituents in a social media post, telling the frustrated residents he was doing all

he could to get another banking institution to establish local branches on the island ahead of RBC’s withdrawal date.

Productive Mr Gibson’s post read: “I had a productive discussion with DPM and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest today about the withdrawal of the Royal Bank of Canada and the plight of Long Islanders, particularly pensioners, government agencies and business persons.

“Coming out of those talks, I can inform you that there will be a meeting with Bank of the Bahamas

officials next week in an effort to support and encourage the establishment of a branch of the Bank of the Bahamas in Long Island.

“This is a priority. I am assured that our government will seek to address this matter in the soonest possible time and with consideration for all avenues,” the post continued.

When contacted by The Tribune for further comment yesterday, Mr Gibson said he viewed Long Island’s current plight as a mission where failure is not an option.

Mr Gibson also suggested he would personally contact representatives of Commonwealth Bank

TALKS: Long Island MP Adrian Gibson. to ascertain the possibility of that bank establishing a branch in Long Island.

He said financial implications left by RBC’s planned departure could mark the end for an island already “fighting for its survival.”

“My concern with the pullout is, when it all boiled down, what it means for our business community,” said Mr Gibson. “When you take the banks away, you take away the opportunity for business to exist and for an island like Long Island, no business could mean the

end.

“We are already dealing with a slow down in population growth and the population we have now, they’re struggling to keep things together economically.”

Moreover, Mr Gibson again urged the government to regulate the proliferation of web shops in Long Island, adding he believed the use of these businesses to carry out certain banking type procedures contributed to legitimate banks leaving Long Island.

‘GRADS ONLY’, RBC BOSS ‘UNINFORMED’

DEPUTY Prime Minister Peter Turnquest.

FROM PAGE ONE made by Mr Rider, that was obviously unfortunate and uninformed.”

Bahamians have been frustrated by RBC’s downsizing, branch closures and relatively high fees.

However, Mr Rider said the bank will continue its move toward increased digitisation, saying global trends demand it.

He said corruption, poor fiscal responsibility and inadequate training have all hindered the country’s banking sector.

He called on the government to revisit the Homeowners Protection Act, saying the law has put a strain on the mortgage system.

The law was enacted under the former Christie administration, designed to help homeowners who fell on hard times.

Christie administration officials referred to the law as the most significant intervention ever into helping people maintain homeownership.

Through the law, banks must give notice before exercising their power of sale; anyone contributing to mortgage payments – not just the mortgager – could approach the court for relief; the court could vary mortgage payments and,

among other provisions, directors or employees of a bank and their relatives are prohibited from purchasing mortgaged property.

Mr Turnquest said the Minnis administration is still reviewing the law and engaging in consultations on it.

He said if amendments are made, they likely won’t come until the next budget cycle when the issue can be comprehensively addressed.

“Statistics show so far not very many have been assisted by the act,” he said.

Mr Turnquest also emphasised that the Credit Bureau, legislation which passed the House this week, will go a long way to addressing some of the concerns banking industry stakeholders have about the country’s mortgage infrastructure.

“The Credit Bill helps us manage the situation and would allow everyone to make better decisions, both the lender and the borrower, based on data,” Mr Turnquest said.

In the absence of the bureau, lending decisions are based on “imperfect information,” Mr Rider said, noting banks are unable to properly assess the creditworthiness of individual borrowers.

THE TRIBUNE

WORKERS PROTEST OVER MOULD AT CLIFTON PIER

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

A MOULD infestation at one of Bahamas Power and Light’s Clifton Pier buildings led workers to refuse to suit up for work yesterday morning as a form of protest over BPL’s failure to address the issue.

According to Bahamas Electrical Workers Union (BEWU) President Paul Maynard, the mould issues at the plant are due to severe roof damage the facility sustained from Hurricane Matthew in 2016.

More than a year later, Mr Maynard said the roof still remains extensively damaged.

However, he refuted claims that the workers protested, saying they instead “refused to suit up for work” yesterday morning. This resulted in them being temporarily relocated.

Works Minister Desmond Bannister, who has BPL in his portfolio, yesterday added that the electricity provider would do whatever it could to ensure workers can perform their duties properly and safely.

About 120 workers are stationed at the Clifton Pier facility, Mr Maynard said.

“Since Hurricane Matthew the roof blew off at Clifton Pier. It was going to get done that next month after the hurricane but in the end the decision was made that it was just too much money to fix,” Mr Maynard told The Tribune.

“So now the roof (has) been like that since 2016. It is now getting ready to be about two years and mould all about in the building and we put up with it.

“It’s not the minister or the chairman’s fault and the procurement committee was back and forth with it requiring this and that.”

He continued: “But it wasn’t a protest. The guys did not go in the changing room to report to work this morning.

“So I went down there this morning (Thursday) and ensured the fellas were moved out and they were put in a temporary place until we get the building repaired and sorted out.”

He said there have not been any complaints of health issues because of the mould, but BPL has committed to ensuring all workers who frequent the building are checked out by medical professionals.

For his part Mr Bannister said BPL cares for its employees.

He said if they have any issues it is important that they be dealt with expeditiously.

Friday, February 2, 2018, PAGE 5

Prosecution closes its case in COB theft trial

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net THE prosecution yesterday closed its case in the trial of former College of the Bahamas employee Chimeka Gibbs over allegations she stole thousands of dollars from the institution by virtue of her employment.

Prosecutor Al-Leecia Delancey indicated to Justice Cheryl GrantThompson and the jury that the Crown was closing its case, after calling some 18 witnesses to testify on its behalf.

The matter was adjourned to Tuesday at 10am.

Gibbs is on trial over

allegations she stole over $500,000 from COB by reason of her employment at the institution.

It is also alleged she falsified numerous COB direct deposit files, the result of which purported to show she was entitled to over $200,000 in salary payments.

According to court documents, Gibbs served as both a senior clerk and a human resources assistant at the college.

She was arraigned in June 2016. COB transitioned into a university later that year.

Roger Gomez Jr represents Gibbs. Antania Rolle-Taylor is the other attorney on record for the Crown.

FORMER College of the Bahamas employee Chimeka Gibbs at a previous court appearance.

CHRISTIAN COUNCIL PRESIDENT APOLOGISES TO AG OVER EMAIL

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Christian Council President Bishop Delton Fernander has blamed an “unintentional error” for his oversight of an email from Attorney General Carl Bethel that contained the proposed amendments to the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act, which he previously denied ever receiving.

The controversy was brought to light after Mr Bethel pushed back against criticism he received for not “informing” the Bahamian public before unveiling proposed government policy changes meant to outlaw marital rape at the United Nations in Switzerland last month.

Consultation Mr Bethel defended his move by insisting he had sought adequate consultation from local stakeholders - considering Bishop Fernander a part of that group.

However, in an interview with The Tribune after Mr Bethel’s trip, Bishop Fernander said he was shocked

by Mr Bethel’s announcements to the UN. On Wednesday, the Nassau Guardian highlighted an email exchange between Mr Bethel and Bishop Fernander, confirming the latter was in fact emailed the draft changes

BAHAMAS Christian Council President Bishop Delton Fernander and Attorney General Carl Bethel. on January 9 and confirmed his receipt of the email.

Faced with this, Bishop Fernander in his statement Wednesday apologised to the attorney general, the Christian community and any other person that may have been adversely affected by his actions.

The statement read: “There has been confusion regarding whether or not the attorney general sent me the marital rape draft legislation for review.

I have publicly stated that I did not receive a copy of the draft. Upon thorough review of my emails, I

have discovered that I was actually emailed a copy of the draft marked confidential when I was out of country on January 9.

Receipt “I acknowledged receipt of the message, which is my custom when receiving emails. However, I did not review the contents of the message at the time and did not recall receiving it afterwards.”

Bishop Fernander said he is a firm believer of the principle that when you are wrong in any situation, you

should admit it and seek forgiveness.

To that end, he added: “In light of my unintentional error, I would like to publicly express my regret to the Attorney General Carl Bethel and anyone else affected for my comments concerning the receipt of this message, this includes the Christian community under my leadership and the Bahamian people at large.

“Rest assured that administrative and procedural steps will be implemented going forward to ensure that situations such as this does

not reoccur.”

When contacted for comment Wednesday, Mr Bethel confirmed he was made aware of the apology and had received a personal telephone call from Bishop Fernander to convey regret over the situation.

In January, after Mr Bethel made his presentation to the UN, Bishop Fernander said he was shocked by the government’s international commitment to criminalise marital rape, calling it a “terrible” move that did not demonstrate good faith.

“Whoever he (Mr Bethel) consulted with I guess he got the green light,” Bishop Fernander said last month.

“I find it shocking if we were supposed to have a consultation, but I guess that’s the approach. We were going to have a going through with the legal team, so now when we talk about the (January) 30th (meeting), it’s more or less tell us what you plan to do, as opposed to get some input to us.

“I find it terrible, I would have hoped that this was leading to consultation but the move to go to Geneva, especially when you go to an international organisation and say this is what we plan to do.

“I don’t know if we need to meet anymore, for our own edification we can go through it and say our position. I really wish it was done another way.”

Killer hit and run driver fined $12k FROM PAGE ONE

Prior to being sentenced, Paul tearfully apologised to Ashe’s two sisters who were present in the courtroom for causing their brother’s death.

“I’m sorry for the loss... I didn’t mean to kill him,” the expectant mother said tearfully.

“I hope that they forgive me and I’m truly sorry.”

In response however, Deborah Foulkes, Ashe’s sister, questioned the sincerity of Paul’s apology, and said it would have been more forgivable had she stayed on the scene.

Ms Foulkes further lamented how Paul, after hitting and rolling over her brother, not only left the scene, but instead of going to the police station after doing so, instead went home and “went to her bed” while she and the rest of Ashe’s family were left scrambling to find out who killed their loved one.

“Are you truly, truly sorry?”

Ms Foulkes asked, her eyes filling with tears.

On Wednesday, Paul pleaded guilty to seven traffic-related charges stemming from Monday’s incident, namely killing in the course of dangerous driving; driving while not insured against

third party risk; driving an unlicensed vehicle; driving without a valid driver’s licence; fraudulent use of a licence plate; fraudulent use of a licence disk; and failing to remain stationary after an accident.

Accident According to a brief summary of the facts, around 7.50pm on the day in question, the police control room received information of a traffic accident that occurred on Carmichael Road in the area of Quality Home Centre and Shell gas station.

Reports were that a male pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle and received serious injuries as a result. The vehicle involved, a gold coloured Honda Accord, was said to have fled the scene.

Officers were consequently dispatched to the scene of the accident, and upon arrival confirmed that a collision did occur.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel were called and upon arrival a short while later, rendered medical assistance to the male pedestrian who was lying in the street with

serious injuries.

However, he displayed no signs of life.

A police investigation into the matter revealed that the man attempted to cross Carmichael Road from the northern to the southern side, and while crossing the westbound lane, he was struck by a gold coloured Honda Accord travelling west.

Upon being struck by the vehicle, the man flew off the front windshield and landed on the pavement. The car then continued in a westerly direction, rolling over the man in the process.

The driver of the vehicle, according to the prosecution, failed to stop after the collision.

Instead, that individual turned into the Golden Gates Shopping Centre and subsequently left the scene.

Around 9.50am the following day, Inspector Mario Sweeting and two police sergeants, acting on information, went to an apartment complex off Malcolm Road East where they arrested and cautioned Paul.

They also confiscated her gold coloured 1997 Honda Accord.

Yesterday, Paul’s attorneys Dervard Francis and Krysta

Mason-Smith offered extensive pleas in mitigation on their client’s behalf.

Mr Francis submitted Paul was “contrite and compunctious” of her actions and remorseful for the impact the fatal accident had on the deceased and his family.

He also submitted his client has been mentally “traumatised,” and has not slept from the night the accident happened.

Employee Mr Francis also noted Paul, an employee at Wendy’s Carmichael location, has a child, and is due to have another in six months. Thus, he requested the magistrate consider imposing a fine as opposed to a custodial sentence.

Ms Mason-Smith echoed Mr Francis’ statements and added that along with being the mother of a young child, Paul also takes care of her elderly father.

Attorney Crystal Rolle also gave a character reference for Paul, stating that she has known Paul for some nine years and that it was “not in her character” to have left the scene “maliciously”.

Magistrate Vogt-Evans noted prior to fining Paul that “but for the clear remorsefulness” she displayed in yesterday’s proceedings, the matter for which she was charged was an “appropriate” case for a custodial sentence.

Nonetheless, Magistrate VogtEvans noted the court has to make it clear there is “no tolerance” for people involved in accidents to avoid the law by leaving the scene.

Magistrate Vogt-Evans further stated that when she first saw Paul she did not appear to be remorseful.

However, she said “reality set in” for Paul after she had to spend a night “somewhere else,” thus leading to her display of contrition yesterday.

Magistrate Vogt-Evans thus fined Paul $10,000 on count one, and $100; $200; $40; $500; $1,000 and $500 for counts two to seven respectively.

Failure to pay the fines associated with counts two, three and four would result in seven days imprisonment each, while failure to pay the fines associated with the latter three counts would result in 30 days imprisonment each.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, February 2, 2018, PAGE 3

THE ROYAL Bahamas Police and Defence Force conduct an operation in the areas of Peach Street and Deveaux Street, where firearms and drugs were found. Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

TWO WOMEN ARRESTED AND SHOOTING SUSPECT HUNTED AFTER SEPARATE INCIDENTS

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net POLICE arrested two women after seizing drugs and and a gun and are hunting a shooting suspect following two separate incidents yesterday, according to Assistant Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander.

In the first incident, officers responded to reports of gunshots in the area of Peach Street, just off Montrose Avenue yesterday morning.

ACP Fernander said officers met a suspect, an adult male known to police, and gave chase.

Officers were unsuccessful in apprehending him, but did recover the firearm believed to be used in the incident.

ACP Fernander, the officer in-charge of crime

ASSISTANT Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander speaks to the media yesterday. investigations, said: “Before the day is out, I promise you that he will be in police custody.”

Flanked by several

officers, he added: “This is what the Bahamian people want. They want that quick response time. If they call the police to say there is a crime going on in their community, they want that quick response. And that is what you saw here this afternoon and you are going to see that consistently across the board.”

Also on Thursday, officers executed a search of a home in the Deveaux Street area suspected of being the base of a known drug enterprise.

ACP Fernander said upon a search of the property, officers recovered several quantities of cocaine, marijuana and a firearm.

Police took two women from the home into custody.

Addressing the arrests, ACP Fernander said he would inquire what additional charges could be brought to the pair given that the discovery was made in such close proximity to a school.

ACP Fernander said the community is a hangout for many children, a factor he called concerning due to current crime statistics.

“It is so sad that just down the street is a school for special need kids, and you have a drug-house setup right in that area. Isn’t that sad? That is something that we are going to look at.

“We have two female adults in custody for this same matter. And we will look at it because there is a school right there and we are looking at the time sentence if convicted . . . So we are going to look at all the laws to see whether that is covered.”

He also said: “This community is known, as you look around you see a number of kids who are moving about and this setup is right in the heart of the community.

“So you see how we are losing our kids on both sides of the coin, as deceased persons and as accused persons who are charged for these crimes.”

On Monday, police arrested about 30 people during an early morning operation in southwest New Providence.

ACP Fernander confirmed that several of these persons are still in police custody, but did give an exact count.

He also confirmed yesterday operation was in

line with Monday’s massive operation.

ACP Fernander reiterated that police will continue to strike unexpectedly, with massive force, in unsuspecting areas.

He said the strategy has already resulted in police gaining valuable information and making several key arrests.

“We are going to continue,” he said. “All is not lost. We just want to ask you members of the public and these communities, don’t let these criminals try to tie you in with them.

Weed them out, assist the police in weeding these persons out of your community so you will be able to move safely through and with your kids who can be playing in the street and have no problems.”

PAGE 4, Friday, February 2, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

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Federal judge knocks down Florida’s voting ban for ex-felons In a ruling that could have reverberations on this year’s crucial elections, a federal judge Thursday ruled that Florida’s current ban on former felons voting is unconstitutional and needs to be changed as soon as possible.

U.S. District Judge Mark Walker issued a blistering ruling that says the state’s current process to restore voting rights — which can take years — is flawed. The lawsuit was filed last year against Gov. Rick Scott by a voting rights organization on behalf of several people who had completed their prison sentences but had their request for voting rights turned down.

Walker, who was appointed by President Barack Obama, said he will decide soon what Florida should do to fix the process. His 43-page ruling blasted Scott and state officials for the current system in place.

“A person convicted of a crime may have long ago exited the prison cell and completed probation,” Walker wrote.

“Her voting rights, however, remain locked in a dark crypt. Only the state has the key — but the state has swallowed it.”

John Tupps, a spokesman for Scott, defended the process and suggested that an appeal was likely.

“The governor believes that convicted felons should show that they can lead a life free of crime and be accountable to their victims and our communities,” said Tupps. “While we are reviewing today’s ruling, we will continue to defend this process in the court.”

The ruling comes just months before Florida voters will be asked to alter the current ban. Backers of a constitutional amendment last week won a place on the November 2018 ballot. If sixty percent of voters approve, most former prisoners would have their rights automatically restored.

For decades, Florida’s constitution has automatically barred former felons from being able to vote once they leave prison. The state’s clemency process allows the governor and three elected Cabinet members to restore voting rights, although the governor can unilaterally veto any request.

Walker said in his ruling that the automatic ban is legal, but added the process can’t be arbitrary, or swayed by partisan politics.

He noted for example that Scott and the Cabinet restored voting rights to a white man who had voted illegally but

told Scott that he had voted for him.

Walker also pointed out that others who acknowledged voting illegally — but were black — had their applications turned down.

Florida’s current process for restoring voting rights to felons who have completed their sentences is a slow one. It requires a hearing, and applicants are often denied. Shortly after taking office in 2007, then-Republican Gov. Charlie Crist convinced two of the state’s three Cabinet members to approve rules that would allow the parole commission to restore voting rights for non-violent felons without a hearing. Within a year, more than 100,000 ex-felons were granted voting rights.

But Gov. Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi pushed to end automatic restoration of voting rights as one of their first acts upon taking office in 2011. Most former felons have to wait at least five years before they can even apply to have their rights restored.

Over the last seven years less than 3,000 former prisoners have had their rights restored.

“Today a federal court said what so many Floridians have known for so long — that the state’s arbitrary restoration process, which forces former felons to beg for their right to vote, violates the oldest and most basic principles of our democracy,” said Jon Sherman, an attorney with the Fair Elections Legal Network.

“While the court has yet to order a remedy in this case, it has held in no uncertain terms that a state cannot subject U.S. citizens’ voting rights to the limitless power of government officials.”

Florida’s ban on ex-felon voting — along with a voting list purge that took some non-felons off voting rolls — likely cost then-Vice President Al Gore the 2000 presidential election. Republican George W. Bush won Florida that year, and thus the White House, by 537 votes in an election that took five weeks to sort out.

Before the 2000 election, then-Secretary of State Katherine Harris hired a company to purge felons from the state’s voting lists. But the process was flawed and many eligible voters were removed from rolls because of mistaken identity.

Others were convicted of misdemeanors and not felonies.

(This article is by GARY FINEOUT of the Associated Press)

Guest appearance EDITOR, The Tribune.

THIS is an Open Letter to Bishop Delton Fernander, et al, from the so-called Bahamas Christian Council.

Bishop Fernander, I am deeply disappointed with you and your performance as President of The Bahamas Christian Council.

While the FNM administration, which many of you all seem to support is on an unchristian run to shake the very scriptural foundations of marriage with the proposed/drafted Bill/s, you have failed to acknowledge any of my recent emails, copied to your assistant, Ms Josette Penn, and to my very own beloved and highly regarded spiritual leader, Apostle Valentino Williams, the council generally and YOU in particular are ‘FAILING’ the people of The Bahamas, big time, especially those of us who call ourselves Christians.

Marriage, by its very nature is ordained by God. No secular man; tin god or LGBs has the

power to overthrow the core principles. You all should KNOW this but, apparently, in a bogus and ungodly attempt to appease the political masters many of you have abandoned God and are prone to bending down low to secure material resources from them?

I have been BEGGING you to return to the Real Deal, ever since you donated the few dollars to the family of the young child who was fatally shot over in Bain’s Town almost six months ago!

You have, characteristically, or so it seems, totally ignored all of my requests.

The dumbest Attorney General in the checkered history of our wonderful nation, goes off to Geneva and insulted you; your colleagues and the entire populace of The Bahamas.

He said that he had ‘consulted’ with you. You now have egg over your face (You Bishop) and have been obliged to eat crow!

You are aware of the influence of the responsible media. I will not ask you, again, to return to The Real Deal but I would be obliged if you’d designate a knowledgeable and sincere executive colleague from the council to make a timely appearance to flesh out the official views of the knee jerk council.

I do not wish to insult your collective intelligence, but it is past time that we CHRISTIANS become resurgent again in our society.

We Christians just like to lay back and take whatever shaving cream is dished out, in huge doses, by the clueless and abjectly godless political directorate.

Boy to say that I am disappointed directly in you, Bishop Fernander, would be putting it nicely.

To God then, in all things, be the glory.

ORTLAND H BODIE, Jr Nassau, February 1, 2018.

Who has a right to be a citizen?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE recent ruling to the Supreme Court regarding a person born in the Bahamas to illegal parents has stirred the ire of Bahamians everywhere. An immigration Pandora’s box of sorts has been opened and who knows where this might lead.

As a multi-generational Bahamian I have a vested interest in the well-being of this country for my children’s sake. I have a few thoughts I would like to share as a person who has no legal training, but is able to read and understand English.

The preamble of the Bahamian Constitution in referring to the Bahamian people states “... their Freedom will be guaranteed by a national commitment to Self-discipline, Industry, Loyalty, Unity and an abiding respect for Christian values and the rule of Law....” it further states that the articles that will follow are for the ...”indivisible unity and Creation under God of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.”

One must wonder then how such division can exist in this small country over issues of immigration. I suspect that they only exist because the rule of law has not been respected.

Articles (3) through (5) of the Constitution identifies persons entitled to be registered as citizens of the Bahamas and they were all persons born in the UK or

the country. If the children of ILLEGAL immigrants have the same entitlements under the constitution letters@tribunemedia.net as the children of legal nonBahamian residents, then its colonies or citizens of what is the point of the rule other countries over eightof law or the Immigration een who renounced the Act? Why would the draftcitizenship of their native ers of the Constitution not country (subject to the simply state that all chilImmigration Act 1967). dren born in the Bahamas Keeping the rule of law regardless of the status of in mind, it must be obvitheir parents are entitled to ous that references made apply for citizenship upon to persons in article (7) is turning 18 years of age? based on respect for the Why would an immigrarule of law. tion Act exist in 1967 if all Article 7(1) states that “a and sundry could come and person born in the Bahaenjoy the benefits of this mas after 9th July 1973 country! neither of whose parents In my mind this probis a citizen of the Bahalem is further compounded mas shall be entitled, upon when one understands that making application on his Haitian citizenship is autoattaining eighteen years matically given at birth to or within twelve months the children of Haitian parthereafter in such manner ents? Why as a sovereign as may be prescribed, to be country are we encouragregistered as a citizen of the ing the birthright citizens of Bahamas.” Reading this another country to become article in isolation has crecitizens of this country ated a loophole of sorts that when they are twice comsome have abused to seek promised, by illegality and citizenship for those not automatic citizenship in deserving of it! another country?

Confusion enters my Where are the defendmind when I understand ers of the Bahamian that the Constitution makes constitution? it clear that the rule of law It is either the blatant disis foundational to all the regard for the rule of law or articles of the constitution the fragmented thinking of and even makes reference lawyers and politicians that to the Immigration Act has created this immigra1967. In my mind, it seems tion confusion. Maybe its to establish clearly that the both! right to apply for citizenship after 1973 applies to JB the children of the LEGAL Nassau, non Bahamian residents of February 1, 2018.

LETTERS

RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA AND MEDICINAL MARIJUANA EDITOR, The Tribune.

WAS anyone else around here and the Islands during the early 1980’s with the Drug Scourge through those long days, months, years to recover?

The ‘Mild’ led very quickly to the ‘Potent’! Young people like Zombies, sick and stupid. Some mean and violent, stealing from family, friends, anyone for another ‘high’ .

Our Police Force is making great efforts to keep Law and Order in our country without having to go around checking on abusers causing a stir when over their residential ‘Weed’ limit!

Or growing too many weed plants over the lawful limit!

If world studies have proven marijuana to be the one and only cure or relief of pain for certain illnesses, then the decision

makers of the country and the practitioners will hopefully work out a careful conclusion. Although, here again, it will demand more on our Police Force to monitor prescriptions too!!

Our new Government is trying hard to cover as much as they can for the country and people with very limited finances without having to try something which some areas think may be okay without much time for those trials to say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’!

As a Bahamian who has worked with many people through the mild to potent drug scourge of the 80’s, I don’t think we’re anywhere near ready for a free for all with drugs.

LOU MOSELEY CUEVAS Nassau January 14, 2018.

PAGE 6, Friday, February 2, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

MITCHELL: IMMIGRATION DEPT ‘PERPLEXED’ BY LACK OF CLARITY ON RULING

borders remain vulnerable

By AVA TURNQUEST and the department’s rank Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net and file are very concerned as PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Fred Mitchell yesterday suggested the Immigration Department is “perplexed” by the lack of clarity in the government’s position on the recent landmark Supreme Court ruling on Bahamas-born deportee Jean Rony Jean-Charles.

Mr Mitchell, former minister of immigration, said a PLP administration would have applied for an immediate stay of the decision, and appeal proceedings; and furthered the law should be changed in the interim to clarify the roles of an Immigration officer and the court.

Attorney General Carl Bethel told The Tribune yesterday the government intends to file its appeal of Supreme Court Justice Gregory Hilton’s ruling today; however a travel document was issued for Mr JeanCharles on January 31.

Mr Mitchell maintained that the policy court, the Privy Council, ought to determine whether a judge can substitute his judgment for the application of immigration laws to a particular foreign individual.

Citizenship Insisting that a determination on citizenship was a role exclusive to the executive branch of government, Mr Mitchell pointed to the 1980 Privy Council ruling on Darcy Ryan v the Ministry of Home Affairs, which ordered the government to act in accordance with the law to consider his citizenship application.

Mr Ryan, who was born in Canada and a founding member of the Grand Bahama Human Rights Association, was granted citizenship posthumously by a Free National Movement government.

Mr Mitchell remarked there was no national consensus on how to deal with immigration matters, adding while Bahamians call for strict enforcement, they do not want it to impact them personally.

“A lot can be said I am advised by the lack of cogency of the evidence presented before the judge,” Mr Mitchell said in response to questions placed by The Tribune, “and there are those who have said to me that the FNM is not sufficiently strong or clear on where they are on this. For example instead of asking for a stay or applying for one, they have said they are complying with the order.

The Immigration Department is perplexed.

“The FNM’s position appears to be whatever the lawyer on the other side says goes. The fact that he is tied to them politically makes their attitude suspect. In the meantime, the country’s

to what they are supposed to do.”

The PLP senator was likely referring to attorney Fred Smith’s public campaign in support of the Free National Movement, and against the Progressive Liberal Party, particularly himself as former minister of immigration. Mr Smith, and his human rights group Rights Bahamas, were intensely opposed to the introduction of a November 2014 immigration policy put in place by the Christie administration.

Mr Mitchell said: “The law when it was put in place in 1973 was designed so that those who did not have Bahamian parents could not as of right claim citizenship. That is the original intent. Suddenly a group of anarchist and misguided advocates are busy undermining that law by creating a false victimhood in situations where people have for decades knowing the law refused to obey the law and then seek to use the courts to get around what they ought to have done as a matter of law.”

He continued: “In the year 2016, the PLP tried to correct some of the perceived injustices of the law as it now stands and the people of the country largely misled by the FNM and some misguided clerics sabotaged the effort. The result is the law stands unchanged. Now they seek to accomplish through the back door which they sabotaged when it was being done properly.”

Mr Mitchell is likely referring to the failure of the 2016 gender equality referendum; and the FNM administration’s proposed changes to the Bahamas Nationality Act, and plans to create an independent commission to approve applications for citizenship.

He forecast the move would only cause further delay and bureaucracy.

Mr Mitchell noted if the immigration minister was allowed to grant citizenship and permanent residence, the current backlog would be cleared.

He said immigration challenges were largely administrative in nature, but acknowledged there was a role for public education on the benefits of lawful migration.

“There is no consensus in the country on how to deal with immigration matters,” he said. “People say they want strict enforcement of immigration laws but when the law is strictly enforced then they start to howl. This is whether it’s the case of a rich condo owner in Freeport or the lowly workman who hustled his way into the Bahamas from down south. Touch everyone except the person who is related to me.

“There simply needs to be enforcement in a neutral and transparent manner,” he said.

JEAN Rony Jean-Charles pictured in Haiti.

JEAN RONY COME HOME

FROM PAGE ONE in its entirety.”

Attorney General Carl Bethel told The Tribune yesterday the government intends to file its appeal of Supreme Court Justice Gregory Hilton’s ruling today.

Mr Jean-Charles’ lawyer, Fred Smith believes the landmark Supreme Court ruling paves the way for people born in the Bahamas to non-nationals to seek protection from unlawful expulsion.

He renewed his call yesterday for the government to begin the process of adhering to the principles established by Justice Hilton’s ruling, foreshadowing “mega class action”.

“I welcome any appeal by the government,” Mr Smith said, “the sooner that the appellate court all the way to the Privy Council adjudicates on these illegal and unconstitutional expulsion, the sooner the Bahamas will become a nation governed by law rather than ministerial dictate.

“Mr Damian Gomez and I and the rest of the legal team are anxious to have the appeals heard, as long as in the meantime all other aspects of the judgment are respected.

“In particular,” Mr Smith continued, “that when Mr Jean-Rony returns to his birthplace, his right to work and to enjoy all of his constitutional and civil rights are not tampered with.

“I urge the government to bring back every person that has been unlawfully expelled in breach of the Constitution and the Immigration Act. “I beg them not to wait for a mega class action, by thousands who are in forced exile from their homeland, before they take action to respect the Constitution.”

Meanwhile, on Wednesday human rights group Amnesty International called on the government to immediately implement the decision of its Supreme Court, and stop discriminatory practices against people of Haitian descent.

Message “This judgement sets an important precedent for the Bahamas and sends a clear message to the wider region about states’ obligations to guarantee the right to nationality and non-discrimination in line with international law,” said Erika Guevara Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.

“The Bahamian authorities must align deportation processes with international standards, which include screening processes to avoid expulsion of individuals born in the Bahamas.

“We have repeatedly sought to engage with the Bahamian authorities to constructively dialogue about their human rights challenges, and remain

willing do so,” she said.

A deportation list for November 24 was filed by the Immigration Department in habeas corpus application hearings in the Supreme Court, which confirmed at least five people born in the Bahamas were deported with Mr Jean-Charles.

Mr Jean-Charles was detained at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre for three months before he was expelled from the country to Haiti on November 24, 2017.

In his judgment this week, Justice Hilton ordered the government to immediately issue a travel document for Mr Jean-Charles and reimburse him for his travel back to the country, declaring that his rights under the Constitution have been breached.

Justice Hilton said that Mr Jean-Charles, upon making an application, must be issued legal status no later than 60 days after his return.

In addressing Mr Jean-Charles’ arrest and detention, Justice Hilton noted that while Article 19 of the Constitution recognises the power of the state to detain and expel nonnationals, it must be done “within the four corners of the law”.

He further stated any detention not authorised by law would be a “breach of the individual’s constitutional rights; and entitles that person to

compensation under Articles 19 (4).”

Based on section 18 of the Criminal Procedure Code, Justice Hilton stated if an individual is apprehended by immigration officers for allegedly committing an offence, that individual cannot be detained for more than 48 hours before being charged and taken before a magistrate.

Migrants Over the past year, The Tribune has reported on the unconditional release of more than a dozen migrants – some of whom were referred to by state officials as “long term detainees”, with detention times ranging between two to six years.

In some cases, migrants were released before court proceedings had begun.

In July, four migrants were released after being held for more than two years despite having received refugee status by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Justice Hilton is expected to deliver his ruling on six more habeas corpus applications on February 8, part of more than 15 separate cases challenging the lawfulness of detentions at the CRDC and the immigration safe house for women and children.

TEENAGER REPORTED MISSING POLICE are seeking the public’s help in finding 17-year-old Trevonte Rashad Taylor who has been reported missing by family members.

Trevonte, of Miami, Florida, has a light brown complexion, is 5’9” and is of slim

build. Anyone with information on his whereabouts, especially persons from Grand Bahama, is asked to call police immediately.

Police suspect the teen may have travelled to that island.

Anglican priest found dead at rectory in GB

BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE Grand Bahama community and the Anglican Diocese is mourning the loss of Father Michael Gittens who died Thursday morning in Freeport.

According to reports, Fr Gittens was expected to attend morning mass at the Church of the Ascension, where he is the rector. When he did not show up, persons went to check on him and found him dead at the rectory.

Police officers and a hearse were seen at the rectory sometime after 8am on Neptune Drive in Seahorse Village.

This is the second priest at the Church of the Ascension that has died. Fr Cornell Moss passed away in May 2015 at age 56, and Pastor Gittens was appointed as church rector.

Condolences have poured in from pastors of various denominations after news of his death spread on social media.

Pastor Eddie Victor, of the Living Waters Assembly of God Church, knew Fr Gittens well from high school and said his death is “a great loss” to the Grand Bahama community, and particularly the Anglican Diocese.

“My wife and I knew Fr Gittens and

he was an active priest in the community, and more importantly one the fine dedicated servants in the Anglican Diocese,” he said.

“I have a history with him, I know him from high school attending Freeport High, now Bishop Michael Eldon High.

“I was not surprised when he went into the priesthood because he always had a personality of one that would serve people,” Pastor Victor said.

Pastor Victor said despite his physical challenges, Fr Gittens had continued to serve the church faithfully.

He also taught religious studies at his former high school.

“I know that this is probably a difficult time for the Anglican community, especially the Church of the Ascension because this is not the only priest they’ve had that passed away.

“And I understand that he was preparing for mass when this happened.

“Pastors here have sent in condolences to his family.

“This is a great loss and we have to pray for the family and the congregation as this is a difficult time for them and a time of transition for them,” said Pastor Victor.

A memorial service was held at the Church of the Ascension last night.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, February 2, 2018, PAGE 7

VIEWERS COMPLAIN AFTER FOX NEWS IS REMOVED BY CABLE BAHAMAS

HMBS Rolly Gray

LAND AHOY! TOO LATE, ROLLY RUNS AGROUND FROM PAGE ONE

will be until an assessment has been carried out by one of the local shipyards,” he said.

“However, the vessel is insured.”

Commodore Bethel added he expects the estimates for the Rolly Gray will be available in a “few days”.

Accident In November 2017, another RBDF vessel, the HMBS Arthur Hanna, was involved in a similar accident.

When asked about that incident, Commodore Bethel said: “What normally happens is after there is a grounding, there is a board of inquiry that is convened

where evidence is provided as to what actually took place.

“And then once that investigation is completed, recommendations are provided by the board and determination made as to what will happen with respect to the commanding officer as well as how the standard of operations will be affected.”

However, the estimates for the damage to HMBS Arthur Hanna are still unavailable.

Commodore Bethel said: “The assessment has begun by the local shipyard and we’re still waiting on the final cost for that one.”

The HMBS Rolly Gray was commissioned in Exuma in April 2015.

It was the fourth Damen Stan Patrol 4207 vessel

to be commissioned, following the HMBS Arthur Hanna, HMBS Durward Knowles and HMBS Leon Smith.

These vessels are 138 feet in length with eightfoot draft.

Sailor The Rolly Gray was named after the legendary Bahamian sailor Captain Rolly Gray (1922-2008).

Captain Gray became a captain at the age of 18 and received numerous awards for his participation in sailing.

In 2007, he was an inductee on the ‘Wall of Fame’ at the Lynden Pindling International Airport by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture.

GB ACTIVIST SLAMS GOVT OVER ‘PUBLIC SAFETY’ REMARKS

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

CABLE Bahamas has removed Fox News from its channel package and some Bahamians who like the network’s infamous brand of conservative news are not pleased.

Several older male viewers called The Tribune yesterday to question and complain about the change, saying they will switch to satellite television or a rival provider. Some viewers also expressed their dissatisfaction on social media.

Cable Bahamas announced in a newspaper ad published yesterday that Fox News has been replaced with One American News Network (OANN), which it branded the fastest growing conservative outlet in the US.

Fees David Burrows, the company’s vice president of marketing, said: “Some content providers have been significantly increasing the fees they charge us for their programmes.

When the fees become too high in relation to the viewership numbers, we must take action to search for alternative content and OANN reflects this position.”

This hasn’t gone over well with faithful Fox News watchers who contacted this newspaper yesterday.

Enrico Garzaroli, proprietor of Graycliff, is one of them.

“It is gross, gross stupidity from their side,” Mr Garzaroli told The Tribune. “Nobody can interfere or censor the news in a democratic country, this is not a communist country. It is a blatant violation of freedom of speech and expression.”

He said he will switch to satellite television or BTC’s television service as Cable Bahamas has “no right to determine what people watch or listen to.”

When told Cable Bahamas has suggested the change came because Fox’s subscription rate increased and local viewership was not high enough to warrant the fees, Mr Garzaroli deemed this “bull” and said Cable Bahamas

can “go to hell”.

The Tribune was also contacted by one 76-year-old man who said he is a Cable Bahamas shareholder and an Aliv customer.

He said: “A lot of my friends are very upset. People are telling me they are going to switch to satellite. It’s in the package, don’t tell me I have to pay for it. I think they don’t want us to watch those channels.”

He said he is upset because he likes getting TV news from multiple sources.

“I would watch CNN and watch Fox and get two opinions. Now I’m stuck to one. Give me the choice, I’ll pay the extra money (for the channel) if I want to.”

Another angry customer, also an elderly man, described the change as “ludicrous” and questioned what channel conservative viewers could watch now.

Another older man who called The Tribune said he “stopped watching CNN years ago” and was a regular viewer of Fox because he found it “fair and balanced.”

Mr Burrows, in the published ad, suggested customers may come to appreciate OANN as well.

“It’s important for consumers to know that OANN has replaced FOX News and is a network that offers similar content,” he said. “The network strives to deliver credible national and international news coverage throughout the day while its prime time political talk shows illustrate a conservative perspective.”

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A GRAND BAHAMA environment activist is accusing the Minnis administration of being “hypocritical” when it says “public safety and national security is a high priority” of the government.

In response to a national address by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, Shuffel Hepburn, of the Grand Bahama Environmental Association (GBEA), said no mention was made of the safety and security of the people, the environment and the country’s natural resources.

He said Dr Minnis’ remarks are contradictory to what the residents living around the industrial plants in Grand Bahama have seen from the new government.

While he praised the government for the positive strides made since the 2017 general election, he stressed there have been no satisfactory signs from the present government that the voices of those affected by industrial pollution matter.

Voices “The PM claimed to be listening to a lot of voices of the Bahamian people... yet, the PM has not been listening to the voices of the people in Hawksbill, Hunters, Lewis Yard, Pinder’s Point, nor Mac Town,” Mr Hepburn said.

“These voices have been crying for years about the pollution of the surrounding industrial plants. Residents in these areas say that there have been no satisfactory signs from the present government that their voices are truly relevant.”

He said Minister of State for Grand Bahama Senator Kwasi Thompson had indicated late last year that Minister for the Environment Romauld Ferreira would meet with the residents in a town hall setting early in January.

The environmental activist said that promise has not been kept and there has been no communication from the minister nor anyone else regarding it.

“We are now in the month of February... there has been no town hall meeting and the residents are left hanging once again.

“This is not a sign that these residents and their cries are relevant to ‘the people’s time,’” he said, referencing the Free National Movement’s election slogan.

He also said residents wrote to Dr Minnis some months ago and have not received an acknowledgement of the letter that was sent via courier service

Fri Jan 26th - Sat Feb 3rd, 2018 “These voices have been crying for years about the pollution of the surrounding industrial plants. Residents in these areas say that there have been no satisfactory signs from the present government that their voices are truly relevant.”

Grand Bahama environmental activist Shuffel Hepburn to his office in New Providence.

“This is the exact same treatment the residents received from former Prime Minister Perry Gladstone Christie,” he claimed.

Mr Hepburn also called on the prime minister to elaborate on his reference to “new investment in East Grand Bahama at the oil refinery that will help to provide jobs.”

He said that information about the new investment was very sketchy without any details.

“There is no oil refinery in the East End presently and I wondered whether this was a slip by the PM, or whether the present government is truly planning a refinery for the eastern end of the island?

“If this is the government’s plan it will not sit well with GB if there is no attempt to right the wrongs of the existing industrial plants,” he warned.

In response to the prime minister’s remarks about transparency and accountability, Mr Hepburn stated that he has not experienced this “accountability and transparency” in his dealings with the present government.

The GBEA has been calling for the relocation of the affected residents in the areas that have been plagued by alleged ongoing industrial pollution for the past 40 years.

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PAGE 8, Friday, February 2, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

The FNM government and the marijuana legalisation debate W

HILE appearing as a guest on the talk show “Political Review” with host Quincy Parker, last Sunday on Guardian Radio, Attorney General Carl Bethel said he will not support the legalisation or decriminalisation of marijuana in The Bahamas.

He also reiterated that, as long as it is still criminalised by the U.S. Federal Government, his position would not change on legalising it here in the Bahamas.

Boy, that recent town hall meeting on the legalisation and decriminalisation of marijuana, has certainly caused quite a “buzz”.

(Pun intended) Bethel further stated “This administration does not yet have an official position on it.”

“It is a matter that no doubt we will focus on.

We are very smart people.

“We don’t take foolish risks.

“We went through a terrible period in the 1980s when we were besmirched by endemic drug trafficking.”

“All drugs, including

marijuana, remain criminalised, fully criminalised, under Federal United States law. We are on their border.

Jamaica doesn’t have the luxury of being on their border, neither does anywhere else in CARICOM. The Bahamas is on their border.”

Translated from “FNMeese” into “Bahamaneese” : “Hold tight, we ain’ on dat run right now.

We trying to make this CARICOM t’ing run smooth.

True in how, we ain’ tryin’ to run Trump hot and have a wibe wit’ him.”

“So take ya time, more times for that still. We ga work it out in a minute.”

Do you also ask “Uncle Sam” to go “potty” Mr. Bethel?

Obviously it appears, you and the FNM must.

Professor Rose-Marie

Belle Antoine, the head of the CARICOM Regional Commission on Marijuana, stated, that the strongest view expressed throughout the Caribbean regarding marijuana is that it ought to be decriminalised or legalised.

Policy Instead of addressing the topic objectively and diplomatically, Mr Bethel chose to pay homage to the recent actions of U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions instead. Sessions recently discontinued the Obama-administration’s policy that eased enforcement of federal marijuana laws.

Clearly this FNM administration admires any form of “stop, review and cancel”.

Bahamians, regardless of political affiliation,

ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel said he will not support the legalisation or decriminalisation of marijuana in The Bahamas.

must be aware of how the FNM is trying to mirror the positions of the Trump administration.

From fake news, to immigrants, to foreign investment, to legalisation of marijuana and so on and so on.

It seems the FNM is on a mission, to completely become the Trump

administration’s “tropical doppelgängers”.

Expect the “legalisation” talks to go the same route as the freedom of information act (FOIA), the Spy Bill, VAT exemption on bread basket items, tax free zones over the hill, etc.

Sadly in their haste

to imitate the Trump administration, the FNM has failed to realise that with their most recent insensitive actions, and numerous failures to deliver on campaign promises, they appear more like the past PLP administration’s twin, separated at birth.

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES

FINDING YOUR NICHE WITH THE ROTARACT CLUB OF EAST NASSAU

WOMEN’S CORONA SOCIETY HOSTS ‘BRIDGE FOR BEGINNERS’

ON JANUARY 30TH, the Rotaract Club of East Nassau held its sixth annual Entrepreneurship Panel at the Nassau Yacht Club, with this year’s theme of ‘Finding your Niche’.

It was a full house as young professionals came out to listen to the panelists discuss how they found their niche in the ever-changing

business world and provided the crowd with great advice on how best to remain positive throughout the process.

This year’s panelists included Colleen Carey (Studio Ohana), Jimmy Mackey (MacFit 360), Trevor Williams (Outback Steakhouse), Vernique Henfield (NikkiJae) and

RAISING FUNDS FOR POLIO FOUNDATION

The Woman’s Corona Society recently started a new “Bridge for Beginners” group for women who have an interest in learning to play Bridge in a fun, no-pressure environment.

The Bridge for Beginners group meets each Wednesday and held its first mini marathon this week. Prizes were awarded for overall winner (Julie Fellay) and a fun prize for the last person to make a slam (Adrienne Von Eckardstein). Both winners are pictured above.

The Women’s Corona Society’s mission is to promote friendship among women of all nations while giving back to our community. Those with interest in joining the group should contact the Women’s Corona Society at coronanassau@yahoo.com.

FIDEL Castro Diaz-Balart

served as scientific adviser to the Council of State and was vice president of the Cuban Academy of Sciences. He studied nuclear

FROM LEFT: Prince Lewis, Fundraising Director of Rotaract East Nassau, Trevor Williams, Vernique Henfield, Andrew Seymour, VP/Director of Professional Development of Rotaract East Nassau, Colleen Carey, John Marc Nutt and Jimmy Mackey.

THE Rotaract Club of East Nassau has undertaken a major fundraising initiative of raising funds for the Polio Foundation, with proceeds of sales from End Polio Now shirts going towards bringing us even closer to ending Polio worlwide. clubs@tribunemedia.net

Cuba state media: Fidel Castro’s son has killed himself HAVANA (AP) — The eldest son of late Cuban leader Fidel Castro killed himself on Thursday after months of treatment for depression, state media reported. He was 68.

Official website Cubadebate said Fidel Castro Diaz-Balart had been in a “deeply depressed state.” A brief note read on state television said his treatment had “required an initial hospitalisation regime then outpatient follow-up.”

The eldest son of Cuba’s late revolutionary leader was known for his resemblance to his father, earning him the nickname Fidelito or Little Fidel.

Castro Diaz-Balart had

John Marc Nutt (10th Year Seniors).

The Rotaract Club of East Nassau is a service based organisation of young professionals which meets every second and fourth Monday of the month at Lifestylez Bar on East Bay Street.

Fellowship starts at 6pm at meetings begin promptly at 6:30pm.

physics in the former Soviet Union and preferred to stay away from political issues. He previously was head of Cuba’s nuclear programme.

His mother was Mirta Diaz-Balart, a woman from Cuba’s aristocracy who Fidel Castro married in his youth before beginning the revolutionary struggle that later brought him and his brother Raul to power.

Because of his maternal lineage, Castro Diaz-Balart is related to U.S. Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, who represents Cuban exiles in Florida.

His father died in November 2016 at age 90.

FORMER US President Bill Clinton.

(AP Photo/ Patrick Semansky, File)

BILL CLINTON LAUNCHES AID EFFORT FOR STORM-HIT CARIBBEAN MIAMI (AP) — Former U.S. President Bill Clinton is going to the Caribbean to assess damage from last year’s devastating hurricanes as his foundation launches an effort to help with reconstruction on the hardest hit islands.

Clinton will travel next week to the U.S. Virgin Islands and Dominica.

Both places continue to struggle in the aftermath of Hurricanes Maria and Irma.

The foundation says it is organising the

Action Network on Post-Disaster Recovery at the invitation of leaders of the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Dominica and the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda.

A statement announcing the effort Thursday says the foundation will mobilize aid and coordinate efforts to rebuild on the islands devastated by the back-toback September storms.

The Action Network will hold its first meeting in Miami in April.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, February 2, 2018, PAGE 9

LAST night’s event at the Baha Mar convention centre. Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune staff

Celebrating the 70th anniversary of Higgs & Johnson

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net THE noted law firm Higgs & Johnson is celebrating 70 years as a trailblazing Bahamian law company with the launch of a scholarship at the Eugene Dupuch Law School.

Last night, the firm held a reception at the Baha Mar convention centre to honour its platinum anniversary. The event also marked the launch of the Higgs & Johnson Charitable Trust.

According to a press release, “a key award of this programme is the Sir Geoffrey Johnstone Memorial Scholarship tenable at the Eugene Dupuch Law School.”

Ahead of the festivities at Baha Mar, The Tribune spoke with Higgs & Johnson Managing Partner Oscar Johnson Jr. He discussed the firm’s dynamic past and its future goals.

According to the company’s website, Higgs & Johnson was founded in January 1948 by Godfrey W Higgs, CBE, and his friend Mervyn Johnson, a former registrar general.

This act alone was revolutionary, as at the time most Bahamian lawyers either worked independently or formed father-and-son practices.

In 1950, Sir Geoffrey joined the company. He served as senior partner from 1968 to 1998.

When asked which aspect of the firm’s history he is most proud of, Mr Johnson referred to these distinguished men.

He said: “I am most proud of the sterling example which has been set by our founders for the members of the firm, and which has been reinforced by the firm’s leaders throughout its history.

“That example has set the standard for every facet of the firm’s operations, and the approach which is taken by its people to all that we do.”

According to the website, Higgs & Johnson is a “full service law firm,” providing “comprehensive services throughout a wide spectrum of commercial, trust and financial matters.”

Based in Nassau, the company opened additional offices in Grand Bahama (1999), Lyford Cay (2001), and Abaco (2007).

MINISTER of Education Jeff Lloyd and Philip Dunkley, QC. PHILIP DUNKLEY, QC; Minister of Financial Services, Trade and Industry and Immigration Brent Symonette; Attorney General Carl Bethel and Higgs & Johnson Managing Partner Oscar Johnson Jr. In 2009, Higgs & Johnson achieved another milestone when it “became the first Bahamian law firm to expand outside of the Bahamas through its merger with the Cayman law firm Truman Bodden & Company.”

The firm’s website notes: “This merger showcases the first law practice to straddle both the Bahamas and the Cayman Islands.”

When asked if the firm plans to pursue similar partnerships with other international law firms, Mr Johnson said: “The firm continues to assess, and re-assess, the opportunities for expansion outside of the Bahamas.

Any decision to do so would be predicated upon sound business principles, and the opportunities which we see to achieve sustained growth by doing so.”

However, he said Higgs & Johnson does plan to expand to other areas of legal practice.

“We continuously assess the need for additional legal services, and have embraced additional service offerings such as e-commerce and fintech. We shall continue to do so as circumstances demand.”

Mr Johnson also told The Tribune his perspective of how the firm has changed in the last 70 years.

“The changes which are most striking, of course, centre around the advances in technology which we have all experienced.

“Additionally, the changes which have taken place in the economic environment in which we operate have resulted in significant growth in the size of the firm over the years.

“The recent regulatory changes which have taken place have conversely caused the firm to continuously review its business model, and to adapt to the changing arena in which we operate.”

He added: “Throughout it all, we aim to be a firm of the greatest integrity, which is committed to excellence in the service which we render.”

This commitment to integrity is exemplified through the creation of the charitable trust.

Education When asked what inspired this particular method of philanthropy, Mr Johnson said: “For decades, Higgs & Johnson has supported various community organisations and causes, in particular those associated with education.

“So as to channel that support, and additional support, more efficiently and effectively, the members of the firm determined to establish the Higgs & Johnson Charitable Foundation.”

According to the press release, the trust is “designed to fund the firm’s corporate social responsibility programme. The entity will focus on the area of education, with additional support given to organisations which work to improve Bahamian communities through art and cultural patronage, disaster relief and humanitarian outreach, environmental conservation efforts, health care initiatives, and youth programmes.”

Mr Johnson did not provide the names of any specific institutions.

Instead he told The Tribune: “We propose to continue to support the many organisations and causes which we have traditionally supported, and will look to expand our giving upon a programmed basis as we go forward.”

However, he did expound on the Sir Geoffrey scholarship, saying: “Due to the MINISTER Brent Symonette speaks with Philip Dunkley, QC.

exceptional contributions of Sir Geoffrey to Higgs & Johnson, we have for some time (even prior to his death) sought to determine a fitting means by which we could recognise such contributions; and to honour him as a great Bahamian. We, therefore, decided to establish the Sir Geoffrey Johnstone Memorial Scholarship, in his honour.”

Even after 70 years of success in the legal field, Higgs & Johnson is still committed to growing and excelling. When asked about the way forward for the company, Mr Johnson said: “The firm is focused upon ensuring that it maintains its acknowledged reputation for excellence in terms of the quality of the legal services which it renders to its clients, while ensuring that it does so responsively and with the highest levels of client service.

“In addition, we continue to grow in terms of numbers of attorneys, and numbers of offices, to provide expanded services and convenient access for our clients.”

SCENES from last night’s event which marked the launch of the Higgs & Johnson Charitable Trust.

PAGE 10, Friday, February 2, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

CALIFORNIA PROSECUTORS DROPPING, REDUCING POT CONVICTIONS

By PAUL ELIAS, Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — With pot now legal in California, prosecutors in San Francisco and San Diego are moving to erase thousands of marijuana convictions en masse, a step that could prove life-changing for some and could especially help minorities, who were more likely than whites to be arrested for such crimes.

“We want to address the wrongs that were caused by the failures of the war on drugs for many years in this country and begin to fix the harm that was done not only to the entire nation but specifically to communities of colour,” San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon said.

Advocates are calling on more counties to do the same. Gascon’s office said Thursday that other California district attorneys have called San Francisco for advice on handling marijuana cases.

Gascon said he hopes to spark a trend in California.

“That’s awesome. It’s wonderful and appropriate,” said Josh Freeman, a marijuana farmer who recently had his felony conviction for selling small bags of weed at a reggae concert reduced to a misdemeanor.

Freeman can now obtain permits to grow marijuana legally, something he couldn’t do with a felony record. He can also legally buy a gun and take up hunting again, he said.

In addition to being barred from owning guns, felons cannot vote and are disqualified from holding many professional licenses. Also, people with felony convictions often have difficulty finding work and housing.

Californians voted in November 2016 to legalize recreational marijuana and abolish a host of pot-related crimes. California is among eight states that allow adults to use pot recreationally. The federal government still considers marijuana illegal.

California’s measure applied retroactively to hundreds of thousands of cases, but people who wanted to get their convictions erased or reduced had to petition the courts themselves. And fewer than 5,000 people have gone through the time and expense involved.

Freeman, for example, hired an attorney to get his Monterey County conviction reduced, and it took several months and repeated visits to the court.

As a result, Gascon announced on Wednesday that his office will review nearly 8,000 cases dating to 1975 and that prosecutors will seek mass dismissals and reductions. Gascon said just 23 people filed petitions in San Francisco last year.

The National Conference of State Legislatures said nine states have marijuana laws that let people clear or modify their records.

African-Americans and other minorities have been arrested for marijuana crimes at far higher rates than whites, and as legalization spreads, states and cities are trying to redress that inequity.

Across the San Francisco Bay, Oakland has set aside a number of marijuana sales permits for minorities convicted of specific pot-related crimes and requires some stores to be opened in lowincome neighborhoods hard hit by arrests.

“It was a huge relief,” said Ingrid Archie, a 37-year-old black woman who may have been the first person in the state to petition a court to reduce a felony marijuana conviction.

Archie was sentenced to three years in prison after police seized a pound of pot from her home. Four hours after the polls closed on election night in 2016, Archie said, she emailed her petition to a judge. Three months later, her marijuana conviction was turned into a misdemeanor.

She now works for the Los Angeles nonprofit group A New Way of Life, which campaigned for legalization and helps those released from prison resettle in the community.

Archie said more counties should follow the lead of San Francisco and San Diego and take it upon themselves to throw out or reduce convictions.

PRESIDENT Donald Trump speaks at the 2018 House and Senate Republican Member Conference at The Greenbrier, in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., Thursday. (AP Photos/Andrew Harnik)

REP. DEVIN NUNES, R-Calif., attends the speech by President Donald Trump on Thursday.

Trump will clear the way for publication of classified memo

By ZEKE MILLER, MARY CLARE JALONICK AND CHAD DAY, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Over the strong objections of his own Justice Department, President Donald Trump will clear the way for the publication of a classified memo on the Russia investigation that Republicans say shows improper use of surveillance by the FBI, White House officials said Thursday.

The memo, prepared by Republicans on the House intelligence committee, is said to allege FBI misconduct in the initial stages of its investigation of potential ties between Russia and Trump’s 2016 campaign.

Trump’s Justice Department and Democrats furiously lobbied Trump to stop the release, saying it could harm national security and mislead the public.

Decision A White House official said Congress would probably be informed of the decision Friday, adding Trump was “OK” with its release. A second White House official said Trump was likely to declassify the congressional memo but the precise method for making it public was still being figured out. The officials were not authorised to be quoted about private deliberations and spoke on condition of anonymity.

The FBI’s stance means that Trump, by allowing the memo’s release, would be openly defying his own FBI director. It also suggests a clear willingness by FBI Director Christopher Wray, who in the early stretch of his tenure has been notably lowkey, to challenge a president

REP. ADAM SCHIFF, D- Calif., centre, ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, walks back to the meeting room after speaking to members of the media, Monday.

(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) who just months ago fired his predecessor, James Comey.

The House intelligence panel voted along party lines Monday to put the memo out, giving Trump five days to reject the release under committee rules.

But Trump also has the power to declassify the document himself and either release it or hand it to Congress to release. One of the White House officials said the memo would be in “Congress’ hands” after Trump declassified it and there were unlikely to be any redactions to the document.

Trump has said he wants the memo released even after the FBI declared Wednesday that it has “grave concerns” about its accuracy. The document was written as part of an effort to reveal what Republicans say are surveillance abuses by the FBI and the Justice Department early in Russia investigation, before special

counsel Robert Mueller was appointed to take it over.

Senior FBI officials have also made direct appeals to the White House, warning that it could set a dangerous precedent.

Democrats call the memo an attempt by Republicans to distract attention from the investigation into Russian meddling in the election that sent Trump to the White House. Democrats on the intelligence panel made a last-ditch effort Wednesday evening to stop the release, saying it had been “secretly altered” by the Republicans who wrote it.

California Rep. Adam Schiff said in a letter to the House Intelligence Committee chairman, Republican Devin Nunes of California, that committee Democrats had discovered changes that were made after the vote Monday.

“The White House has therefore been reviewing a document since Monday

night that the committee never approved for public release,” Schiff said in the letter.

Schiff asked Nunes for another vote on the memo, but Republicans didn’t appear to waver. Nunes spokesman Jack Langer said the committee vote was “procedurally sound.”

“To suggest otherwise is a bizarre distraction from the abuses detailed in the memo, which the public will hopefully soon be able to read for themselves,” Langer said.

This all comes as special counsel Mueller is investigating whether the Trump campaign improperly coordinated with Russia and whether Trump sought to obstruct the inquiry by, among other actions, firing Comey. Republicans have intensified their pressure on the Justice Department as Mueller’s probe has moved closer to Trump’s inner circle.

Concerns Trump has been telling confidants in recent days that he believes the document will validate his concerns that the FBI and Justice Department conspired against him, according to one outside adviser familiar with those conversations but not authorised to speak publicly about private discussions.

The president also has told allies that he believes the memo bolsters his claim that accusations of collusion between his campaign and Russian officials are false and part of a conspiracy to discredit his election.

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer are pressing Speaker Paul Ryan to stop the release.

Ryan charged that the Democrats were just out for

political gain, saying the purpose of the memo is to reveal whether there have been abuses of surveillance laws.

“This memo is not an indictment of the FBI or the Department of Justice, it does not impugn the Mueller investigation or the deputy attorney general,” he said, referring to Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller in May. But Schiff said the opposite Thursday, asserting that Trump is looking for a reason to fire Mueller and Rosenstein. He said he’s more worried about Rosenstein because he decides the scope of Mueller’s investigation.

“The White House knows it would face a firestorm if it fired Bob Mueller,” Schiff said. “What’s more effective is to fire Bob Mueller’s boss.”

Some Senate Republicans have also urged caution.

South Dakota Sen. John Thune, the No. 3 Senate Republican, said the Senate intelligence committee hasn’t seen the memo but should before it comes out. He also urged the House committee to listen to the Justice Department, saying they need to pay attemtion to “what our folks who protect us have to say” about the effects on national security.

Republican Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona also questioned the release in a joint statement with Democratic Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware.

“The president’s apparent willingness to release this memo risks undermining U.S. intelligence-gathering efforts, politicising Congress’ oversight role, and eroding confidence in our institutions of government,” the senators said.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell deflected questions about the memo, saying at a press conference with Ryan that the speaker is “doing this just right.”

POLISH PM CITES SHARED NAZI HORRORS TO EASE SPEECH LAW ANGER

By MONIKA SCISLOWSKA, Associated Press

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poland’s prime minister sought to ease concerns Thursday over a law criminalizing some public comments about the Holocaust by invoking the horror both Poles and Jews experienced at the hands of Nazi Germany, saying it bound their countries in a joint pursuit of the truth.

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki gave a televised address hours after Poland’s Senate passed the legislation, which already had strained the country’s relations with Israel and the United States.

Striking a conciliatory note, Morawiecki said that telling the truth about what happened in Nazi-occupied Poland during the Holocaust is a task Poland and Israel share.

Poland will “never curb the freedom of the Holocaust debate,” he said. “We owe that to all those who experienced it.”

The bill proposed by Poland’s ruling conservative Law and Justice party calls for fines and prison sentences of up to three years for purposely trying to attribute the crimes Nazi Germany carried out during the nearly six-year occupation to the Polish nation as a whole.

THE entrance to the former Nazi Death Camp Auschwitz with the ‘Arbeit Macht Frei’ (Work Sets you Free) writing above, in Oswiecim, Poland.

(AP Photo/Alik Keplicz, file) The lower house of Poland’s parliament approved the legislation last week. To become law, it still requires approval from President Andrzej Duda, who has said he supports it.

While the bill exempts artistic and scholarly work, it has raised concerns that the Polish state itself will decide what the facts of its wartime history are and which statements it finds objectionable enough to prosecute.

Israeli officials have expressed outrage, while the United States asked Polish lawmakers to reconsider.

Polish Deputy Justice Minister Patryk Jaki suggested that Israel had been consulted on the bill and voiced no objections. Many in Israel have characterised the proposed law as an attempt to whitewash the role some Poles played in the killing of Jews during World War II. Israel “opposes categorically” the vote by Poland’s senators, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said.

“Israel views with utmost gravity any attempt to challenge historical truth,” the ministry said in a statement. “No law will change the facts.”

A group of Israeli lawmakers introduced a bill on Thursday that would toughen Israel’s Holocaust denial regulations to make “denying or minimising the involvement of the Nazi helpers and collaborators” a crime.

The Simon Wiesenthal Center, a Jewish rights group headquartered in Los Angeles, accused Poland’s conservative government of trying to suppress the “widespread participation of individual Poles in the persecution and murder of Jews during the Holocaust.”

Poland’s government has argued that it is fighting against the use of phrases like “Polish death camps” to refer to the camps Nazi Germany operated on Polish soil and where Poles were killed along with Jews and others.

Poland was among the countries hardest-hit by Nazi Germany, losing some six million citizens, half of them Jews.

The government also has expressed hope that adoption of the law will not affect Poland’s strategic partnership with the United States.

Before the Senate’s vote, the U.S. asked Poland to rethink the proposed legislation saying it could “undermine free speech and academic discourse” and affect Poland’s ties with the U.S. and Israel.