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VOLUME:117 No.49, FEBRUARY 3RD, 2020

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PAGES

PM seeking ‘clean slate’ for offenders Minnis wants minor criminals released to fresh start in life

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis wants a “complete overhaul of the rehabilitation process” for prisoners, declaring yesterday too many people have been deprived of their freedom and future.

On Friday he met representatives of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Committee, which has the power to expunge records of young people and first time offenders who meet criteria. The committee’s work is a part of a package which officials hope will eventually include a parole system that would allow some prisoners to receive early release from prison.

“We want to give our countrymen a freedom and a future they have been deprived of because of minor offences and in some cases, decades old offences,” Dr Minnis said when asked yesterday about wider rehabilitation reforms.

“We need to reform the whole system so they can have a clean slate and their lives can begin again.

We are a government of expanding freedom and creating better futures.”

Dr Minnis has especially stressed the role the Rehabilitation of Offenders Committee will play in expunging the records of people convicted of marijuana possession crimes.

A PRIVATE plane carrying 14 people from China was denied entry to The Bahamas because of travel restrictions designed to fend off the fast-spreading coronavirus, which has killed more than 360 people.

This comes as Health Minister Dr Duane Sands told The Tribune that nine people have now been quarantined as part of the

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

A POLICE chase ended in a car crash that killed two men on Saturday.

Police said officers were acting on information shortly after 9pm when they visited the Golden Gates area and observed a silver car that was occupied by two men who were behaving suspiciously.

At the scene, Chief Superintendent Craig Stubbs said: “Officers on mobile patrol attempted to stop a vehicle, a Nissan Note, silver in colour, SEE PAGE FIVE

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

SEE PAGE SIX

government’s policy of quarantining all returning residents who have visited China within the last 20 or so days.

Some of the quarantined residents are students studying in China.

Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar also said yesterday that the plane in question was among two denied entry, while a cruise ship experienced a delay disembarking its passengers because its paperwork was incomplete.

SEE PAGE THREE

POLICE CAR CHASE ENDS WITH TWO MEN DEAD

VALLEY’S MEMBERS SUPPORT BOYCOTT

CHINA VIRUS - NINE NOW PLACED IN QUARANTINE

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

HOME

THE CHIEFS IN CHARGE AMERICAN Football fans flocked to the Cricket Club in Nassau last night to see the Kansas City Chiefs win the Super Bowl, beating the San Francisco 49ers 31-20.

FULL coverage - See Sport Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

SHENIQUE HITS OUT AFTER ZNS DISMISSAL

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

SHENIQUE Miller, host of the daytime talk show The Conversation, is disappointed ZNS has terminated her contract after what she says is the huge success of the show.

She believes politics played a role in her departure and emphasised yesterday that she has never pursued a political agenda.

When she was called into

HOST: Shenique Miller a meeting last Monday, she was informed her contract would be terminated

VALLEY Boys Chairman Brian Adderley yesterday said the majority of the group’s members are in support of its decision to leave the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence (JCNP), with their focus now on “moving in a new direction”.

Mr Adderley, answering questions from The Tribune by email, said most of the Junkanoo group’s members supported its decision to SEE PAGE SIX

DRILLING ON OFFSHORE PLATFORM IMMINENT

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

effective January 31 — shortly before it was set to expire — with officials claiming her show was not making enough money, she says. News of the termination caused social media to explode with commentary.

“The advertising dollars were coming in,” she told The Tribune. “It started very slow. I lodged a complaint with management in 2018 letting them know I wasn’t pleased with the

AN OIL explorer based in The Bahamas yesterday said his company is “ready to deliver” on a 14-year-old promise after confirming it will drill its first exploratory well in Bahamian waters in April. Simon Potter, chief executive of the Bahamas Petroleum Company, said that the company’s activities will be “transformational” for the Bahamian economy and government revenues if it succeeds in discovering commercial quantities of oil that are extractable.

SEE PAGE TWO

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

PAGE 2, Monday, February 3, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Shenique hits out after her ZNS dismissal

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from page one show’s performance given what I had done at Guardian Radio. My message wasn’t received very well by them but I continued to work and a turnaround happened in 2019 because they had new managers in charge of sales and marketing so there was a very good accounting of the advertising dollars coming in. I made most of the dollars from people coming in to book time to talk about their events, their products, their business, etc.”

A manager at ZNS said her show brought in $35,997 in 2019, she said.

“This show was resonating and doing well and potentially did even more than this amount given the problems we have accounting for advertisement dollars,” she continued.

“At the end of 2018, I brought in just in excess of $7,000 and I had to fight for just two full days for a show because if I didn’t, I’d have paid guests five days per week. I had to fight for two full days without

paid guests because people want to enjoy the show. I want to make ZNS money but I want to present what people came for so it could be a nice little balance.”

Ms Miller, who did not shy away from discussing government controversies on her show, says a day prior to her meeting at ZNS she was warned of her impending termination by someone who overheard a conversation at an event.

“I figured the show was rubbing whomever the wrong way,” she said yesterday. “The show discussed a broad range of topics but I talked about national issues and whatever is happening in the country at a given time. We brought them to people and gave our perspectives, our analysis and so on. I’ve been previously warned that I needed to do some things differently.”

Her contract was to expire this month, on February 14. “I feel very disappointed,” she said.

“Every move I have made through my career has been an effort to maintain my professionalism and my objectivity, particularly

in the talk show space. I always made an effort not to wear political colours or push one party over the next on my show and as a host I do not discuss politics, I do not bring biases because I realise I have responsibility to myself and then to the Bahamian people not to try and lean one way. I have worked hard to do that. Yes I know many people have painted me as a FNM and that’s okay but nobody has heard from my lips that I go campaigning for any particular party or that I got on my show to push an agenda.”

After the 2017 general election, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis told staff of Bahamas Information Services and ZNS: “The chains that were on you yesterday have been broken.”

He said his administration would free the government owned corporation up to conduct its business fairly and professionally.

Mike Smith, chairman of ZNS, declined to comment yesterday on Ms Miller’s departure. “That’s an internal matter, we’re not going to comment on it,” he said.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, February 3, 2020, PAGE 3

from page one

Coronavirus: Nine now in quarantine

Dr Sands said one of the private planes, which attempted to enter the country on Friday, had passengers who were eligible to enter this country and others who were not. “They were given that information and they chose to fly on to another destination,” he said.

The Miami Herald reported that the flight originated in Dubai, landed in the Dominican Republic after attempting to enter the Bahamas — its original destination —and then flew to Port-au-Prince, Haiti after being denied.

Once in Haiti, everyone on board was kept on the plane because of the health risk. The Herald reported that the plane was expected to depart Haiti for Portugal early Saturday morning.

Dr Sands said: “The position of the Bahamas is if you’ve been in mainland China the last 20 days, you’re not going to be allowed entry. With this plane, they could’ve landed here but not everyone could’ve gotten off the plane. Those that couldn’t land here would’ve landed, they would’ve been seen by immigration and then be denied entry.”

The process of implementing travel restrictions is extensive, Dr Sands said, noting that the Ministry of Tourism communicated

with airlines and cruise ships about the policy, as did the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“It is a huge logistic operation because you have to give people notice. It requires the involvement of foreign affairs, the Ministries of Tourism, Aviation, Immigration (and) Finance.

It is a very, very extensive, organised, coordinated operation.

The entire world is going through this right now. Subsequent to us declaring our positions, multiple countries have done the same thing, including Grenada, Jamaica and the United States,” Dr Sands said.

For his part, Mr D’Aguilar said the government’s travel restriction would have been quickly known and accessible to airlines via various platforms.

“The onus is on the carrier,” he said, “whether it’s a cruise company or plane, to vet that customer and

ensure they don’t violate this new regulation of the Bahamas. We get very very few travelers directly from China, everyone has to go through a country to get here, so inevitably other countries are throwing up barriers to prevent persons who may have come from the affected area or from China as well and would’ve vetted them along the way.

We’re lucky in that sense that they have to fulfill the requirements of an intermediary country and most countries right now are taking a fairly hard stance about people originating or have been in China the last 14 days. We have been stricter in insisting on 20 days as opposed to 14 days.”

He continued: “The planes that attempted to enter this country did so right on the cusp of when we made the announcement so it probably didn’t filter out in its entirety to

MINISTER Dionisio D’Aguilar said two planes were denied entry

those in the private aviation industry but I’m sure by now it is well known.”

On Thursday, health officials announced that non-residents who visited China within the previous 20 days would be denied entry regardless of their nationality and returning residents would be quarantined and monitored for symptoms during an incubation period of 14 days.

Officials on Sunday said a 44-year-old man in the Philippines became the first person to die from the virus outside of China. The man was a resident of Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the virus, and he died after developing severe pneumonia.

Chinese officials yesterday reported the death toll from the disease to be 361 while the worldwide infection total is 17,205 according to Chinese and World Health Organisation data.

Sands meets relatives of Bahamians in China

By EARYEL BOWLEG ebowleg@tribunemedia.net RELATIVES of Bahamians living in China met Health Minister Dr Duane Sands on Friday as some feared the Chinese border will soon close and they wanted their loved ones evacuated before then.

Dr Sands told The Tribune the meeting was set up by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and hosted at the Ministry of Health to give an overview of the coronavirus situation and talk about what will happen to family members returning to this country. He estimates about 25 people were present at the meeting.

Countries such as the United Kingdom, Japan, and the United States, have evacuated its citizens from Wuhan, the epicentre of the virus outbreak, but Dr Sands said on Thursday there is no plan to repatriate the 160 or so Bahamians currently in China. The discussion on evacuation was not the remit of the Ministry of Health, said Dr Sands.

Valarie Lorda-Murphy’s daughter has been in Beijing for a year studying chemical engineering.

Holding back tears, she revealed she was panicked when she heard news of the outbreak.

“And after I heard that all the countries were evacuating their people, I am wondering why The Bahamas is taking so long. I felt as if the government ain’t doing as much for them and I’m looking for evacuation,” Ms Lorda-Murphy said.

“It’s very frustrating.

You know, can you imagine having a child down there and when you look on TV you see all this about this virus? I myself, I don’t even watch the TV. What I don’t get from family and whatever – that’s how heartwrenching it is for me. You know, I mean I’ll appreciate if all the students, all who wants to come you know would be able to leave.”

RELATIVES of Bahamians living in China meeting Health Minister Dr Duane Sands last Friday She has been in contact with her daughter and stated that her child is in good-spirits but is “bunkered down” on campus where she lives. Her daughter has also expressed to her mother wanting to return home if there is a government evacuation.

Dr Sands said: “A number of questions were asked about that and I had to defer for those questions because quite frankly I could not constrain or commit to government to any discussion to evacuate anybody from China. That would have to be a discussion made by the relevant ministries and the Cabinet of The Bahamas.”

Gary Francis, another concerned parent, has one daughter in Shanghai and three grandchildren in Guangzhou. He said that his family aboard are doing “very well” and are taking the necessary precautions for their health and safety

and are keeping abreast to see if they may need to return home.

His daughter, who had previously experienced the SARS lockdown (20022003) is not “at the critical stage as yet”, but her father still prefers her to be back in The Bahamas.

Mr Francis said: “As a parent, of course, I’m concerned they ought to get away from there but that’s the reality of living in another country and facing the trial that they face.

“It’s certainly an anxious time, but she’s assured me that they will be okay. She is expected to travel in April and I see some airlines have now cancelled flights until April which makes it seem more inevitable that

she may have to stay. But if we feel that the situation is worsening and in fact it becomes imperative that they leave then we will do whatever is necessary to ensure that they’re able to leave.”

The virus has forced major airlines around the world to suspend flights to China. Yet, Mr Francis understands the position as to why his loved ones may not be evacuated.

“It makes sense that persons stay where there are because you don’t, from a (official) point of view, that you want them to travel and bring the disease to The Bahamas but as a parent you have to balance the realities of being selfish as a parent and balancing the

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realities of ensuring that country remains safe as well and if I can get them home today, I would get them

home today,” Mr Francis said.

The health minister felt the ministry was able to answer some of the questions of the relatives at the meeting and the group expressed a desire to meet with other government agencies such as the Office of the Prime Minister and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Dr Sands admitted that “there are a number of concerns that you know a single agency is not going to be able to answer”.

Top health officials announced on Thursday that non-residents, regardless of nationality, will be denied entry to The Bahamas if they have visited China in the past 20 days and returning residents will be quarantined and monitored for symptoms during an incubation period of 14 days.

On Friday, US President Donald Trump signed an order to temporarily suspend entry of any foreign national into America who has travelled to China within the past 14 days, with exception of the immediate family members of US citizens and permanent residents. The new restriction took effect at 5pm yesterday.

PAGE 4, Monday, February 3, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

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What happens after the sentence is served?

WHAT do we do to turn the lives around of offenders once the gates of Fox Hill Prison close behind them?

To some, of course, any action to give criminals a pathway back toward being a part of civil society is too much. Some would just slam the door and throw away the key – but there are many prisoners whose lives can be turned around.

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has given a positive signal in trying to do so – first talking about expunging the records of those convicted of marijuana possession and now wanting to overhaul the rehabilitation process.

That’s long overdue – many would be surprised to learn there even is a rehabilitation process. We’re not talking about the serious murderers or dangerous gang leaders here, but what about those convicted of minor offences who learn the error of their ways? Where are the jobs for them when they come out with a record?

The Rehabilitation of Offenders Committee has the power to expunge the records of young people and firsttime offenders. There are criteria to be met, so it’s not wiping the slate clean for everyone.

We need to take The Bahamas forward as a society, and one of our societal problems is the difficulty facing particularly young men with a blot on their record.

In principle, this is a good thing.

There’s always the worry over whether these things will be handled the right way, of course. Records mustn’t be wiped away simply because of who you know or who you vote for. Those who cry “my good son” as criminals are locked away mustn’t be rewarded for their political allegiance at the expense of public safety.

But if we can steer clear of bias, then this hopefully allows us to stop just locking our problems away inside the walls of Fox Hill and ignoring them.

As Dr Minnis says, “We want to give our countrymen a freedom and a future they have been deprived of because of minor offences and in some cases, decades old offences.”

We hope this can be a bi-partisan process. There is no reason for the FNM and PLP to differ over whether a minor offender deserves to have the slate cleared or not. They can squabble about who gets the credit later.

Prison sentences have a limit for a reason. When the prisoner has completed their sentence, we hope they will have learned their lesson, that they will have understood their punishment. If we are to believe that they can, then there must be a future awaiting offenders who do learn that lesson. Indeed, we must ensure that their future is part of our own.

Train and support our officers TWO men died after police pursued a car on Saturday. The driver of the vehicle police were chasing lost control and crashed into a wall. Both men in the car died as a result of the crash.

Another police chase on Thursday ended with two men fleeing a car and one reportedly opening fire on police.

Officers returned fire and one of the men ended up in hospital.

In court on Thursday, another man faced charges following an incident last year in which the occupants of a vehicle reportedly opened fire on police before a chase led to the pursued vehicle crashing and bursting into flames.

The occupant reportedly opened fire on police, who returned fire and injured two men, a third escaping on foot.

For a country of our size, these events happen far more often than they should.

You can look at it and be worried about the respect for the rule of law, about the safety of officers who have to risk their lives in high-speed chases and gun

battles, about whether the appropriate course of action has been taken.

What we can say is that this happens often enough that we hope that our officers are being trained appropriately to deal with such situations – not just in the ability to drive a car at speed or to wield a gun but also to keep a level head to make decisions when the adrenaline is pumping.

We also hope that procedures are firmly in place to investigate such incidents and to ensure officers have done the right thing in the toughest circumstances.

But there is one other thing we hope – this can be traumatic for officers. We hope the force is able to take those traumatised by such incidents literally out of the firing line, and ease them back in when the time is right.

Officers face a difficult job, but it is one that has to be done right. To do it right, they need the right training and support.

Let’s make sure they’re getting it.

Build for future EDITOR, The Tribune THE threat that climate change poses is existential.

As every architect should be able to tell you, buildings are the number one cause of CO2 - responsible for approximately 40% of annual CO2 emissions – well ahead of transportation at 33%. Cement production alone creates 8% of the CO2 pumped into the atmosphere making cement a bigger contributor than all of India.

CO2 is the biggest factor in accelerating climate change, making buildings and therefore architects, inherently responsible.

And so we find ourselves at a crossroads - to rethink the built environment and proceed cautiously, or carry on, business as usual, and live at the mercy of mother nature. Unfortunately, hurricanes have not yet attracted the attention they deserve in the architectural discourse of The Bahamas. The phrase “our building codes are

much stricter than those of the US” gets tossed around so often. After Dorian tore through, I heard this more and more, as though it provided any kind of solace in the war zone that was left behind. The truth is, our expensive cement homes are not designed to withstand such storms. We need to move towards a more resilient, high-performance design to ‘weather the storm’. Sadly, for many, Dorian was a heart-wrenching way of swallowing the climate change capsule and facing our impending reality.

Perhaps we call upon our dear policy makers to codify these woes and make our architecture adaptive and resilient?! There are many factors at play: higher sea levels, intensification and frequency of storms and rising temperatures; so much to consider! But why are we still building homes of yesterday? Wake up Bahamas! We cannot seriously be considering rebuilding our decimated

islands to the same standard!

We must adapt. We must focus our efforts on mitigation, to minimise emissions, as well as durability, to bolster our island infrastructure so it can withstand any gust, wave or quake that lies ahead. Such catastrophes are not hyperbole, but consequences of inaction of years bygone and those to come.

Any fault in climatological findings to date, are that scientists have watered down the very real threat that we are facing. You may recall Dorian being referred to as “unprecedented” ?! What about the raging forest fires in Australia? Or maybe the recent earthquake in neighbouring Jamaica?! I think it’s safe to say that the volatility and frequency of these climactic events is becoming all the more “unprecedented” and we have only one choice and that is to adapt.

JANE DOE Nassau January 29, 2020

Time to shuffle the FNM pack EDITOR, The Tribune IF THE FNM were a four-cylinder motor engine it would be firing on two cylinders and with fits and starts of misfiring at that. A major problem in our wonderful nation. as it relates to politics is that if one were to critique something that a party or its leader may do or say, others who should know better tend to accuse that detractor of being an enemy of the nation, God forbid, or the party itself.

While I do, in fact, support a particular party, all sensible and reasonable Bahamians want this regime to succeed. It would take one with a mentally challenged mind to want otherwise. In the context of Bahamian politics, we have evolved to the point where governments are regularly chased out of high office every five years like clock work. If this trend continues, the FNM will be yet another one term and out administration.This seems to be the way forward in the instant case.

This regime is the most arrogant; insensitive and clueless one ever to emerge, so far. What is it about this cast of miserable and in your face characters? This government and the lead players appear to have some serious issues and may even be in urgent need of mental treatment.

What have the people of this wonderful nation done to Minnis and his minions?

Three ministries, in my view, are performing well and, in the case of Tourism & Aviation, beyond expectations. The Hon Frankie Campbell (FNM-Southern Shores) is one of the best Ministers of Social Development & Urban Renewal ever. With the huge unemployment figures and the burgeoning levels of children being born to unwed single mothers and recidivism relative to crime this ministry has its work cut out for it.

The minister is a former police officer and is a

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net man who loves The Lord Jesus Christ. As such he is able to empathise with the unwashed masses. The budget for his ministry needs to be beefed up and more programmes designed and put in place to encourage a change in mind set and the approaches to chronic societal issues.

Urban Renewal activities seem to have abated under this regime. This is dead wrong and should be reversed.

The Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries headed by my fellow Fox Hillian, the Hon Michael C Pintard (FNM-Marco City) is a former National Chairman of the FNM and did yeoman’s services to that party and the entire nation over many years. No one can successfully challenge his credentials, ever. He has a passion for national development and, obviously, he is a man in a hurry. I see prime ministerial traits in this amazing younger individual.

Food security is or should be the number one national goal. Those of us who are old enough to remember will recall the horrors of 9/11 and the closing of the borders of the USA. Nothing could get in and very little could get out. We were down to a few weeks or less of food and fuel.

Under Pintard there has been a dramatic shift in the focus of food security and agriculture is once again being touted as a financially viable career path, especially in specialised areas.

Aquaculture is an unlimited and untapped resource.

Pintard is the man to lead this vital charge.

The third ministry that is breaking out from the mediocre and debilitating pack is the Ministry of Tourism & Aviation. I make no bones about my public and personal support for

the Hon Dinisio D’Aguillar (FNM-Free Town) Long before he offered himself for front line politics, I saw much in his public and personal persona. A life long businessman and a successful one at that, he knows how to crunch numbers and how to meet expectations and goals. In any human endeavour, even within the church, it takes money to run an enterprise.

Tourism and aviation are the life blood of The Bahamas. This year, for the first time ever, our tourist arrivals now stand in excess of 7.2 millions. The Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling Airport, ably managed by Ms. Vernice Walkine, et al, has attracted in excess of 4.5 million arrivals. Our revenue stream from tourism and aviation is almost 25 % of the annual budget and counting. One is almost able to sense the positive mind set within this ministry, starting from the Minister himself straight down to the potters at NAD. I congratulate these three stellar ministers. Thank God that they are in place to serve as a catalyst for real changes within our society. I used to admire and respect Minnis but no longer. He, along with Jeffrey Lloyd; Elsworth Johnson; Duane Sands and, of course, Marvin Dames are on a run all to themselves.

There are many FNMs on the back-benches who are not worth one red cent, politically speaking. They are to be found mainly in the inner city constituencies here in New Providence. Six current cabinet ministers must and should be shuffled at the earliest opportunity.

In the meantime, however, until the Most Honourable wakes up, politically, thank God that there are points of light in the darkness of the FNM regime. To God then, in all things, be the glory.

Jr

ORTLAND H BODIE, Nassau January 29, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, February 3, 2020, PAGE 5

DEFENDANT REMANDED IN CONNECTION WITH POLICE-INVOLVED SHOOTING

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A 26-YEAR-OLD man was remanded to prison on Thursday in connection with a police-involved shooting last year.

Joeric Delaney, of Catherine Street, was charged before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes

with three firearm offences stemming from the October 25 incident.

It is alleged that on October 25, 2019, Delaney had a 9mm pistol in his possession intending to endanger the lives of Reserve Sergeant 771 Greenslade; Detective Corporal 3557 Farrington; and Detective Corporal 3569 Brown.

According to a police

report, around 2pm on that Friday, Central Detective Unit officers, who were in the Solider Road area, attempted to stop a red Honda Accord that was speeding, and whose occupants were acting suspiciously. Instead, however, the vehicle’s occupants opened fire and led the officers on a high-speed chase to Pinewood Gardens

where the vehicle crashed and burst into flames.

The occupants then left the car and opened fire on the officers who shot back, injuring two of them, police said initially. A third suspect escaped on foot.

Paramedics were called to the scene and took the two injured men to hospital.

Two officers suffered minor injuries and were also taken

to hospital. A 9mm pistol was recovered from the scene, police said.

That Saturday, police said one of the men died in hospital while the other suspect remained in stable condition.

Delaney was not required to enter a plea to the charges and the matter was adjourned to a later date for service of a voluntary

bill of indictment that will fast-track the matter to the Supreme Court.

Bail was denied and he was ordered to be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services in the interim. He has a right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail.

Delaney is represented by attorney Ian Cargill.

Police car chase ends with two men dead from page one suspected of being involved in an armed robbery. The first attempt by the officers, the vehicle failed to stop. It led police on a high-speed chase from the Carmichael Road corridor to Golden Gates #1 subdivision, East Street and come back around. The vehicle at the time was travelling at a high rate of speed.”

Police said the driver lost control and collided with a concrete wall on the western side of the Baillou Hill Road, near Moonshine Drive.

“The driver was ejected

from the vehicle,” a police statement said. ‘EMS and Fire Services were called to the scene where the passenger had to be extracted.”

The driver was pronounced dead on the scene and the passenger was transported to the hospital where he eventually died from his injuries.

Police said they recovered a 9mm pistol with 12 rounds of ammunition from the scene.

The incident followed a separate police chase last Thursday that resulted in a man being shot and taken to the hospital in critical condition.

“Upon arrival to the

AVAGAY Ekisha Jemison outside court.

area, officers saw a vehicle fitting the description, attempted to stop the driver who ignored and sped off,” police said.

“The vehicle came to a stop on Brougham Street off East Street where two males exited the vehicle.

One of the males produced a firearm, pointed it in the direction of the officers and discharged it. Officers, being in fear of their lives, fired their service weapon at the suspects injuring one of the males. The suspects fled on foot but were captured a short time later. The injured male was transported to hospital by EMS where he is listed in critical

Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune staff

JAMAICAN WOMAN DENIES SMUGGLING THREE WOMEN

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A 29-YEAR-OLD Jamaican woman was remanded to prison on Friday after denying allegations she smuggled three women into the country as a means to exploit them.

Avagay Ekisha Jemison stood before Deputy

Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes charged with three trafficking in persons offences alleged to have been committed earlier this month.

It is alleged that she smuggled her first victim into the country sometime between January 14 and January 24; her second victim between January 17 and January 24; and the third between

January 19 and January 24. Due to her not guilty pleas, Dep Chief Magistrate Forbes adjourned the matter to March 31 for trial. Bail was denied and she was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services in the interim.

Jemison has a right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail.

GUNMAN INJURES MAN INSIDE HOUSE A MAN was wounded after a gunman opened fire on a home in Flamingo Gardens on Friday, police reported. Shortly before midnight, an unknown person armed with firearm entered a yard on Turks Court, Flamingo Gardens and opened fire on a home, before fleeing in an unknown direction.

A man who was inside the house was

grazed on the stomach, police said. No one else was injured during the incident.

Police are appealing to members of the public, who may have information that can assist with this and other investigations, to contact the Central Detective Unit at 5029991/2, Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS (8477) or the nearest police station.

THE DAMAGE caused after a car chase involving police which ended in a crash that killed two men on Saturday.

Photos: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff condition. The other male was arrested and taken into custody. Police have recovered a 9mm pistol with six

rounds of ammunition at the scene.”

Police Inspector Leonardo Burrows said

yesterday the injured man from Thursday’s incident is now in stable condition.

Editorial View - Page 4

PAGE 6, Monday, February 3, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

VALLEY BOYS’ MEMBERS IN SUPPORT OF BOYCOTT from page one

resign from the JCNP last month, adding some members felt the group “should have left sooner”.

Mr Adderley did not say whether or not the group has reconsidered its hardline stance on not participating in future parades under the JCNP; however, he said he looks forward to meeting with the relevant government ministry to “discuss our views for sustainable Junkanoo”.

As far as the future is concerned, Mr Adderley said Valley Boys members are “excited” about the group’s plans to “revolutionise the Junkanoo industry”. He said the group will—pursuant to “further consultation” with its membership —host a press conference to outline its new mission.

Mr Adderley’s statements came after the group held a general meeting at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium on Saturday. According to

Mr Adderley, Saturday’s attendance was the largest it’s been in six years.

His statements also came less than two weeks after the Valley Boys announced their resignation from the JCNP with immediate effect over a row about official results for the Boxing Day parade.

And that resignation came after the JNCP’s Independent Review Committee (IRC) pushed the Saxons Superstars to first place and the Valley Boys, the unofficial winner, to second place, in the official Boxing Day results.

The JCNP announced last week that it had received an ultimatum from the Valley Boys that if the IRC and its recommendations were allowed, it would no longer participate in any future parades that are managed by the JNCP. After the official results were posted, the Valley Boys followed up on its threat by electronically submitting a letter of resignation from the JCNP with immediate effect.

THE VALLEY Boys at their meeting A day after the Valley Boys shocked the nation with its announcement, Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Lanisha Rolle said her ministry would work to bring all groups together for a discussion to resolve any ongoing issues.

Even former Prime Minister Perry Christie, a long-time supporter who has rushed with the group in past parades, told a local newspaper he is “prepared

Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

to get involved” to help resolve the matter.

However, Mr Adderley subsequently said that while the Valley Boys members are open to discussions to address issues concerning the handling of Junkanoo parades, its members are still not prepared to participate under the current parade’s management.

The Valley Boys held a meeting at the national stadium on Saturday, which,

according to Mr Adderley, was to discuss the 2019 and 2020 parade season and the group’s reasons for moving in a new direction. He also said new formats for future parades, commercial opportunities and Junkanoo-themed events were discussed.

When asked if the meeting resolved any of the group’s outstanding concerns, Mr Adderley replied: “The meeting was very

productive and our members are excited about our future. “…Our members are excited about our plans to revolutionise the Junkanoo Industry. After further consultation with our membership we will have a press conference to discuss our new mission,” Mr Adderley said.

With 81.44 points, the Valley Boys were the unofficial Boxing Day parade winners. The Saxons Superstars, meanwhile, initially came in a close second with 80.01 points. The unofficial results were released on Boxing Day. However, the official results — which came out roughly a month later — put the Saxons in first place with 85.01 points and Valley Boys in second with 81.44 points after a three-point penalty.

As for the New Year’s Day parade, Saxons Superstars came in first with 84.50 points, Valley Boys second with 81.44 points, One Family third with 81.10, and Roots fourth with 76.39 points.

Minnis wants minor criminals released and given fresh start from page one

REHABILITATION of Offenders Committee chairman Paul Farquharson (left) and committee member Paul Rolle (right) with Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis Photo: Office of the Prime Minister

“I met with members of the committee,” he told The Tribune. “It was just established by the FNM and despite what the PLP has talked about, they didn’t bring the committee forward to do what is necessary. We spoke about the progress they’re making and how they’re focusing on young people and first offenders.

We promised them that we want to move forward not only with expunging records of people with marijuana, but many young people and first offenders with minor offences.

“The government will provide all the resources necessary for them to work: a secretariat, adequate staff, etc. There will be town hall meetings. We want to expunge the records of these young people so they can have a clean slate and get back into society and travel, find jobs, qualify for visas, etc. I am told this will impact thousands of young people and thousands of homes.

“When we came to office, we spoke about wanting to change lives and we made a promise and a commitment that we want to do so because in most cases, those affected are the poor and the marginalised. We made the commitment and now we’re making the changes.”

Paul Farquharson, chairman of the committee, has said he hopes its takes no more than between three to six months for applicants to hear from the committee after they submit an application.

Dr Minnis said he hopes to accelerate the process “as fast as possible so individuals lives can change and go on.”

“There are job opportunities in Abaco and Grand Bahama to come and as Bahamians they must be a part of the new revolution,” he said.

Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Amendment) 2015, people who have committed murder, manslaughter, treason, armed robbery, rape or possessed dangerous drugs with the intent to supply cannot have their records expunged. But after five years, most others are eligible if they are first-time offenders or were younger than 21 at the time of their first conviction. Dr Minnis said as the government looks to reform the rehabilitation process, it might be necessary to expand the list of serious crimes for which expungement of records cannot take place, citing human smuggling as an example.

Editorial View - Page 4

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

Death Notice For

ALVAH MORRIS JOHNSON, 81 of Baillou Hill Road South, Seven Hills, died at the Doctor’s Hospital on Sunday, January 26th, 2020.

He is survived by his Wife: Thelma Johnson; Children: Minister Barbara JohnsonKing, Pastor Julian Johnson, Lisa Johnson, Nicola Oliver, Nultan Pinder, Laurie Johnson, Lesile Curtis, Mykel Whyte, Collin Johnson, Chrispin Culmer; Siblings: Creswell Johnson, Kenneth Johnson, Leonard Johnson, Gerald Johnson, Adopted brother: Jerry Smith; other relatives including: Velzaline Diagarcia, Marion Davis, Catherine Johnson, Janet Johnson, Elizabeth Grant, Curlene Burrows, Lisa Burrows and many others too numerous to mention.

Arrangements for the service are being finalized and details will be announced at a later date.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2020

THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS

Kobe was delivering in his greatest and most important role - as a father

by Malcolm Strachan

LAST Sunday, just over 2,500 miles away, The Bahamas felt like it lost one of its own with the passing of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.

Los Angeles, the state of California, America and beyond have been grieving since the news broke of his death, along with eight other people, including his young daughter and basketball prodigy, Gianna. Even in our tiny archipelago, far away, Bahamians who grew up watching the basketball wizardry any time number eight, and then number 24, stepped on the hardwood, were heartbroken.

Whether a Lakers fan or hater, you know The Bahamas - way before the rise of the Miami Heat was a Laker Nation in its own right, with one of our sons in Mychal Thompson winning two championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in the late 80s.

With endless accolades – 18-time all-star, five-time NBA champion, one-time NBA MVP, two-time Finals MVP, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and many others – none of them may be more impactful than what we’ve saw in his

retirement years - Kobe the father.

Sure, we saw when he won NBA championships in the post-Shaq and Kobe era, the elation and celebration with his family.

We heard him discuss the importance of his commitment to family and fatherhood in countless interviews. We also heard him discuss the sacrifices he had to make to be recognised as one of the greatest NBA players ever. Therefore, in a 20-year NBA career, as much as the heart may want, his job by its very nature made it a top priority.

This is perhaps why his death has been so sad for so many people.

It is rare for professional athletes – who seem like superheroes to us - to pass away in their prime.

Bryant’s former teammate, Shaquille O’Neal, even spoke to this same point when discussing his basketball idols and their accessibility, even in their golden years, in contrast with the void left by Kobe Bryant’s passing for younger players unable to gain from his basketball wisdom.

But then, when we consider Bryant’s iconic status

as being more than a basketball player, and that of other larger than life figures throughout history who died in their prime, we begin to see a commonality.

Each of these individuals, blessed with a finite amount of time, passes through this world to teach us all something. And while Kobe would have been a generational basketball talent, he showed men how to be good fathers and family men.

Of course, his legacy will always have a footnote attached to it because of the legal issues back in 2004.

However, his story is one of redemption.

In a world that suffers because of the absence of fathers, here is a man who meteorically ascended to the top of his profession, and at the end of it, revelled in what was sacrificed for such a long time – being a dad.

We should consider the societal risk of fathers being absent from their children’s life juxtaposed with Bryant’s former teammate, Derek Fisher, who shared his most lasting memory of his fallen brother and noted his desire to break this crippling trend. Fisher, this past week, recounted

an intimate conversation between the two where Bryant - in so many words - told him that he pictured his daughters’ lives 20 years in the future after growing up in a broken home and immediately decided that that was non-negotiable.

Considering a divorce rate of 50 percent in America with people of African descent having a higher rate of ending their marriage than other ethnic groups in the US, there is certainly a challenge and a stigma associated with black men and black fathers.

Moreover, if you reflect on the crisis in America resulting from fathers being absent from their children’s lives, Bryant’s biggest contribution to the world may be yet to come.

According to the US Census Bureau, which compiled the following statistics leading to America’s father absence crisis, children growing up without fathers are at extreme risk of a number of societal ills.

Among them, they are four times at greater risk of poverty, seven times more likely to become pregnant as a teen, more susceptible to behavioural problems and more likely to be abused and neglected.

LAKER Mychal Thompson Additionally, the risks of infant mortality and dropping out of high school are doubled, kids growing up without fathers are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol, be imprisoned, become obese, and commit a crime.

Certainly, the role of a father cannot be diminished.

According to a report in a psychology publication, “Fathers and Their Impact on Children’s Well-Being”, “Even from birth, children who have an involved father are more likely to be emotionally secure, be confident to explore their surroundings, and, as they grow older, have better social connections.”

This information has also been supported by the

University of The Bahamas study, “Our Prisoners”, where inmates at the Bahamas Department of Corrections referenced the absence of a father figure serving as an impetus for beginning a life of crime.

Against the backdrop of a 700 percent increase in divorce rates from 1975 to 2005, which is undoubtedly higher now, 15 years later, The Bahamas is grappling with it its own crisis of absentee fathers.

Hopefully, while the up and coming generation of basketball players also try to implement their own versions of the “Mamba Mentality” to honour the sports legend, fathers and fathers-to-be would also want to emulate his dedication to his wife and daughters.

I’m positive, if Kobe had lived to watch all of his daughters grow up, he would have probably agreed that it was unquestionably his single greatest achievement – not just being a dad, but as he proudly identified himself, a girl-dad.

May the souls of Kobe and Gianna Bryant, John, Kerri and Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah and Payton Chester, Christina Mauser and Ara Zobayan, rest in eternal peace.

PAGE 8 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2020

By FREDERICK R M SMITH, QC Full disclosure: My law firm, Callenders, acts for Carnival in the Freeport Grand Port project. That being said, I hope the reader will press on. And, before my colleagues and environmental warriors accuse me of “singing for my supper”, I remind them I have plenty of banquets to feast on. I don’t need Carnival for income. I was THE most vocal opponent of Carnival’s project in East GB until they converted to Freeport. I believe in the benefit of the project.

I

HAVE been an ardent environmental and human rights advocate since I could reason. I have been a card carrying member of Greenpeace and Amnesty since 1969. I am also a realist. My firm also acts for Disney and has acted for the Grand Bahama Port Authority Group of companies and many industrial businesses and developers. People need jobs and economic opportunities.

Protecting the environment and sustaining opportunities for continued improvement for the lot of seven billion human beings can, with increased awareness, go hand in hand.

The media and especially the government should stop picking on Carnival. Going by the headlines of late, you’d think the company is the sum of all evil, the devil incarnate, gleefully and intentionally causing environmental damage at every turn.

INSIGHT

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

Why do we only pick on Carnival when it comes to pollution on the seas?

and replanting of any coral reefs affected by the marine works and there will be protective zoning of sensitive habitats and even a mangrove conservation and restoration programme.

Unlike the majority of isolated island cruise ports, all retail stores and restaurant will be local operations, as will the musical, visual and craft artistry on display. Anyone with a good idea can apply to see their vision turn into a reality within the Port, and with a need to feed, provide goods to and entertain up to 12,000 passengers a day, the economic potential is staggering. With so many tourists within easy reach, a ‘mini-town’ will spring up outside the port. The entire island will benefit.

This level of commitment to empowerment and economic opportunity for Bahamians is impressive and as far as I know, other than Freeport itself, the first of its kind in The Bahamas.

The project is being pursued transparently and in accordance with the law, through a commitment to environmental preservation, with an approach that will empower Bahamians and at a site ideally placed to spark an unprecedented explosion of economic opportunity

Perspective Let’s be real. Is it fair, comparatively, for politicians and environmentalists to whale down on Carnival when it self-reports accidental dumping of food miles out to sea, yet applaud Equinor for being a model citizen after spilling five million gallons of oil in Grand Bahama’s water table (yet only killing 3 seagulls and 1 goat)?

And salve their complicity by accepting $500,000 to turn a blind eye to the devastation?

Our politicians and environmentalists seek to visit retribution on Carnival yet ignore the other 99.99% of the environmental havoc wrought by others. We should not just pick on Carnival - like the Haitian because it is an easy target.

With our new suite of environmental laws, perhaps all polluters will be scrutinized.

Why is it so easy to pick on Carnival?

Carnival has undoubtedly suffered its share of accidents and made some serious errors over the years, but the same could be said of many large-scale industrial enterprise. What matters is the response.

Today, Carnival has owned the mistakes of the past and is working diligently to ensure they are not repeated, investing heavily in training, improved environmental processes and protections and new green technology solutions to an extent that no other tourism or industrial stakeholder in this country can boast.

The company has been a strategic partner and major economic contributor to The Bahamas for decades and is on the cusp of revolutionising the economy of Grand Bahama at a time of most desperate need.

Surely, we owe them a fair chance, under scrutiny, to prove they can live up to their word.

Carnival’s environmental record has been an easy target for abuse since 2017, when a Miami judge ordered a Court Appointed Monitor (CAM) review its environmental impact and issue public reports on a regular basis. None of its

Carnival and Dorian

TO a significant degree, Carnival’s abuse by the press is the result of its own openness and commitment to transparency. competitors are subject to this level of scrutiny; nor for that matter are the hugely polluting container ships and oil tankers that traverse our waters.

With the CAM examining only one company – and with Carnival self-reporting even near misses and unintended incidents that do not violate any law – the press is having a field day focusing on this low-hanging fruit. A distorted narrative has emerged of Carnival as polluter-in-chief, environmental enemy number one, when nothing could actually be farther from the truth.

The biggest polluters What we need is some perspective. Yes, all pollution is bad, but not all polluters are equal. And the fact is, Carnival’s environmental impact is a drop in the bucket compared with the global shipping industry as a whole, a greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting “giant” that in general does not receive the amount of public scrutiny its record warrants. The larger maritime industry represents three percent of total global GHG emissions, roughly the same as the airline industry. There are around 60,000 ships on the oceans and only half of one percent of these – 300 ships – are cruise ships. And only 100 of these belong to Carnival.

The cruise industry represents only 0.015 percent

of total global GHG emissions, and Carnival Corporation’s carbon foot print is even smaller.The Bahamas, one of the smallest countries in the world by population, is 19th in the world when it comes to maritime traffic. Nearly 1,500 merchant ships call at port here each year. In 2017 this included 335 bulk carrier ships, 53 container ships (the world’s worst polluters, the largest emitting 50 times the pollution of a cruise ship) and 284 oil tankers, which collectively dump 300,000 tons of fuel into the ocean per year.

At least one such tanker is docked shore of the Clifton Pier power station in Nassau at almost all times.

Obviously, the Bahamas relies heavily on the shipping industry for goods, food, and energy and some level of collateral environmental impact must be accepted as a necessary evil. Of course we should strive to decrease this to the absolute minimum possible, but every benefit has a cost and we cannot simply pretend that economic and geographical realities do not exist.

I submit the same is true of the tourism industry, which is at least as necessary to our survival as marine trade, and cruise ships are a vital cornerstone of that industry. According to the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), the average cruise call in The

Bahamas generates more than $650,000 in local economic benefits. Cruise tourism is estimated to have generated more than $400 million in local revenue in the 2017-18 cruise season for The Bahamas, according to an independent study by Business Research and Economic Advisors (BREA), which also found that cruising creates over 9,000 jobs, paying a total of over $155 million in wages.

Transparency and environmental stewardship To a significant degree, Carnival’s abuse by the press is the result of its own openness and commitment to transparency.

In addition to the Court Appointed Monitor, Carnival voluntarily self-reports any infraction or unintentional discharge incident to a number of different regulatory bodies around the world.

Today, the cruise industry – and especially Carnival – are investing heavily in new green technologies such as LNG, Advanced Air Quality Systems and Electrical shore power, as well as new fuel cell technology and large storage batteries. In the past year alone, Carnival have increased training, adjusted processes and added new advanced technology to ships that will help crew to better ascertain the boundaries of the archipelago zone to help

ensure no unintentional discharges of treated waste material occur in Bahamian waters.

The company is dramatically reducing plastics and food waste on board ships, including the use of new environmentally-friendly bio-digester technology. It is using fresh water more judiciously and implementing more efficient energy systems. Carnival is the first in the industry to run test trials on the use of battery power storage systems and advanced fuel cell technology to power ships, while 11 of its vessels are set to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). To date, the company and its brands have reduced its carbon footprint by nearly 28 per cent, surpassing its 2020 goal three years ahead of schedule.

An economic saviour In Freeport, Carnival’s revolutionary project is shaping up to be an economic saviour for a struggling island devastated by historically ignorant government policies and Dorian. At 379 acres, it will be the largest port of its kind developed by Carnival. It has committed to leaving more than half of it untouched and seeking a partnership with the Bahamas National Trust to create tours, excursions and a nature centre. They have also committed to removal

And then there is Carnival’s response to Dorian.

Carnival donated 10 million pounds of food and supplies; sent two cruise ships to Freeport to deliver relief supplies, including dozens of pallets of water, generators, chain saws and more in the immediate aftermath; conducted donation drives through Direct Relief and World Central Kitchen which served more than 1.5 million meals to those in need; and raised more than $500,000 for relief from guests and employees. Separately, Carnival Foundation and the company’s brands, together with the Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation, pledged $2 million to The Bahamas for aid.

A fair chance I have been a vociferous defender of the environment for more than 40 years. In that time, I and my colleagues have fought illegal and abusive governments conspiring with anchor projects but we have never been against development or commerce itself.

We do not oppose for the sake of simply opposing, nor do we tar all business and industry with the same brush. Our crusade has always been against stupid, abusive and corrupt governance and developers and environmental abuse.

What the Bahamas needs is responsible economic activity and a pledge from our industrial partners to do better than they have in the past. I believe that Carnival absolutely embodies such a commitment today.

Mistakes and human error will continue to be a fact of life. But prosecute all; not just Carnival.

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

INSIGHT

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2020 PAGE 9

Lies in OAS contest: sifting the wheat from the chaff I

F EVER there was a time in global politics when governments did not indulge in deliberately and maliciously running smear campaigns against candidates they oppose for international positions, it has now passed.

Indeed, powerful countries that should be able to use their vast diplomatic machinery to argue the merits of candidates they support, are the ones that now employ tactics of character assassination and the use of agents in the media and elsewhere to discredit contenders who they oppose.

These agents are either uninformed and gullible; are compensated for their collaboration; or they have benefited from favours in the past and are hoping to be rewarded in the future.

In the case of the current campaigning for the post of Secretary-General of the Organisation of American States (OAS), the larger and more powerful states of the organisation that are anxious to re-elect their ally, Luis Almagro, for the advancement of a very narrow, ideological political agenda, have pulled out all the stops to revile Maria Fernanda Espinosa, the lone woman in the threecornered race.

To be clear, the Government of Canada, one of the countries that makes the largest contributions to the OAS, is not one of the governments that has stooped to this low level.

Two other, large financial contributors – Mexico and Argentina – have joined many Caribbean countries in unequivocally backing Ms Espinosa.

The fear of losing Mr Almagro, as what the Jamaica Gleaner newspaper recently described in an Editorial, as their “opinionated ideologue”, has driven his backers to new heights of calumny.

Previously, the claim was made that, in nominating Ms Espinosa for the OAS post, the governments of Antigua and Barbuda and St Vincent and the Grenadines are operating as surrogates for Cuba and Venezuela. It is worth my repeating that, in nominating Ms Espinosa, only other CARICOM governments were consulted.

Our governments have an obligation under the CARICOM Treaty to coordinate our foreign policy positions with other CARICOM governments and we do so steadfastly. We would have as much objection to the governments of Cuba and Venezuela trying to dictate to us as we have to any other government attempting to do so. Perhaps the concept of small countries valuing their sovereignty is too difficult for big countries to appreciate.

The smearing of Ms Espinosa has since escalated.

The most recent slur is that the Government of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) is paying her to seek the OAS job. Hence, Antigua and Barbuda and St Vincent and the Grenadines must be party to this Chinese scheme. The fact that St Vincent and the Grenadines has diplomatic

and the Grenadines, along with heads of government of several other CARICOM countries, were very impressed by Ms Espinosa’s impartial Presidency of the UN General Assembly. They saw in her performance what they desired in the leadership of the OAS. That is, a statesperson working in the interest of all member states, excluding none and constantly building consensus. Maria Fernanda did not advance any ideological position, nor was

MARIA Fernanda Espinosa relations with Taiwan and not the PRC, is an inconvenient reality that is brushed aside by those promoting this false narrative.

The other more pertinent fact that is suppressed is that the government of the PRC is a permanent observer to the OAS, and it contributes financially to the Organisation with no strings attached. None of the OAS member states object to accepting the PRC’s money.

Nonetheless, the smearers of Ms Espinosa’s character claim that she received an award from China that had a financial component.

The truth is that she received the award from Rehabilitation International, a non-governmental organisation headquartered in New York, that works to empower people with disabilities. She was nominated for the award by several UN Ambassadors for her active work on disabilities while serving as President of the UN General Assembly.

This was one of several awards bestowed upon Ms Espinosa for her work at the UN. As recently as January 30, she was recognized at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, along with Baroness Emma Nicholson, as a woman who has made an international impact.

She received an award from the Zions Bank, which has Mormon origins in Salt Lake City. It is left to be seen whether she will now be accused of being an instrument of the Mormon Church of the Latter-day Saints.

Another claim directed at Ms Espinosa is that her husband, Eduardo Mangas, is “a close advisor” to Daniel Ortega’s “anti-democratic” regime in Nicaragua.

The facts reveal a different story. Mr Mangas was a UN official for several years before taking up a one-year appointment in

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Nicaragua, the country of his birth, in 2009. But, as in all campaigns designed to defame, twisting information to create a false impression is par for the course. In any event, even if Mr Mangas was an adviser to the Ortega government at one point, what turns on that? Many others have been key advisers to other governments, and those relationships have since ended. Are they and their spouses to be measured eternally by the governments for which they once worked?

To be clear, the governments of Antigua and Barbuda and St Vincent

she once accused of seeking to give an advantage to the agenda of one country or region.

In the causes she promoted at the UN, peace and security played a large part, but she did not neglect vulnerable groups, climate change, economic development and human improvement. These latter issues – of great importance to the majority of states – have been shamefully neglected in the OAS. Powerful groups have the resources to smear

reputations in their own interest; the weak and the vulnerable should sift the wheat from the chaff.

The writer is Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States and the Organization of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and at Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are entirely his own. Responses and previous commentaries: www. sirronaldsanders.com

PAGE 10 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2020

INSIGHT

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

THE TOUR is due to take place aboard the Regina Maris which is scheduled to depart from Cartagena, Colombia on February 20 and should make stops in Jamaica, Bermuda, Azores, France, and the Netherlands before sailing to Germany for the UN conference.

Setting sail to raise the alarm on climate change

By FARRAH JOHNSON fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN biologist O’neil Leadon is set to sail across the Atlantic and embark on a tour through Europe to participate in the United Nations Climate Change Conference (SB52).

In January, Mr Leadon was selected to participate in the Sail For Climate

Action (SFCA), a sailing expedition launched to give young people from Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean a platform to raise climate change awareness and “contribute to local, regional and global climate solutions.”

As the only Bahamian selected to take part in the transatlantic journey, Mr Leadon will be tasked with “speaking on behalf of the

country” on the effects of climate change as it relates to “hurricanes, ocean acidification, coastal and marine habitat loss, coral reef loss and marine species protection.”

But before he can make the “once in a lifetime” trip and represent the country on a global stage, Mr Leadon needs the public’s help to aid him on his venture.

“Bahamian people should sponsor me in this initiative because the way they say, ‘Tourism is everybody’s business,’ well so is climate change,” Mr Leadon told Tribune Insight.

“When the hurricane came we were not all in Abaco or Grand Bahama, but we all had family members, friends, loved ones and colleagues that were affected.

“I remember personally I reached out to the Head Knowles Foundation to volunteer with their relief efforts. Just to see the outpouring of love and support from the general public shows me that this trip is something worth investing in. This is something that people care about.”

Mr Leadon said while this achievement is a personal milestone for him, the opportunity is also a representation of so much more.

“This is a culmination of hard work, dedication to our nation’s natural environment and a commitment to increasing national awareness of climate change and negative environmental impacts,” he said.

“This journey will serve to show younger generations of Bahamians that education is truly our passport to experiencing and influencing the world around us.”

Mr Leadon insisted that the tour would be a “major publicity moment” for the Bahamas because it was an opportunity to let other nations know that the country is “still accepting visitors post Hurricane Dorian”.

“The main idea behind me wanting to apply for the SFCA was just to give us a break in the public sphere scene because many times people think about the Bahamas they only think about New Providence,” he said.

“When Hurricane Dorian occurred, lots of people thought that we were actually decimated to the point that we weren’t actually accepting visitors. A part of my platform would be to let individuals know that our shores are still welcoming visitors and that we have a lot more to offer than the capital.”

Mr Leadon said the SFCA is the perfect opportunity to show the world how resilient the country actually is.

“Following the widespread devastation of Hurricane Dorian on Grand Bahama Island and the Abacos, this tour serves as an opportunity to tell the stories of the Bahamian people,” he said.

“These stories of survival, heroism, camaraderie, restoration and national pride will show the world that we are still here, still rebuilding and still ‘One people united in love and service’.”

Mr Leadon added the SFCA could serve as a “catalyst to strengthen bonds” between the country and its international neighbours and create the “opportunity for future collaborations” between Bahamian youth and the young people of the other countries involved.

“The estimated budget for Sail For Climate Action is $7,653.69 per participant and covers all aspect of this journey including travel, accommodations, travel insurance and additional expenses,” he told Tribune Insight “Any assistance in this regard would be immensely appreciated and goes a long way towards the environmental advancement of The Bahamas. Often times we care about things too late and I think this is an opportunity for us to get a running start.”

The SFCA aims to “raise Latin American and Caribbean voices in international decision-making processes and to strengthen bonds among the participants across the Atlantic Ocean.”

The tour will take place aboard the Regina Maris which is scheduled to depart from Cartagena, Colombia on February 20 and will make stops in Jamaica, Bermuda, Azores, France, and the Netherlands before sailing to Germany for the UN conference.

“Being sponsored for this journey would mark a personal milestone in my life. I know that all great achievements require time and I am no stranger to hard work,” Mr Leadon told Tribune Insight.

“I believe that my participation in this tour will yield amazing benefits for my career and for our great Bahamaland.

“As I share our stories to connect our region and discuss (and) create sustainable solutions to climate change, I do not take for granted the sacrifices and efforts of our countrymen and women in this fight.

“I plan to represent the Bahamas with integrity, speak on our behalf with poise and eloquence and remind the world that it truly is better in the Bahamas.”

Anyone interested in sponsoring Mr Leadon can contact him by calling 438-3410 or via email at: ohleadon@gmail.com

THE TRIBUNE

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net FOX Hill MP Shonel Ferguson’s investment company has squandered a chance at having the Privy Council overturn its eviction from a building it never paid real property taxes on since assuming responsibility for it some 13 years ago.

The Court of Appeal, in a recent written ruling, dismissed Turtle Creek Investment’s (TCI) application for conditional leave to appeal to the Londonbased tribunal because its attorneys did not show up for the hearing.

As such, Donna Davis’ Daybreak Holdings Limited, via its attorney Christina Galanos, successfully applied to appellate Justices Jon Isaacs, Roy Jones and Milton Evans to have the matter dismissed for want of prosecution.

The Court of Appeal’s decision is the latest in the saga over a near 13-year-old hire purchase agreement between the two sides for the building in question, which housed the Crab House and Seafood Emporium.

On November 13, 2018, Supreme Court Justice Keith Thompson ordered TCI to move out of the building in Centreville no later than close of business on December 15, 2018.

Additionally, Justice Thompson ordered TCI to pay all outstanding sums it owed Daybreak Holdings.

The judge also ordered both parties to engage an accountant to determine what TCI owes Daybreak pursuant to its hire purchase agreement.

TCI subsequently petitioned the appellate court

Monday, February 3, 2020, PAGE 11

MP’s firm misses chance to overturn its eviction on the matter, asserting that Justice Thompson erred in finding that it had breached the agreement it entered into with Daybreak Holdings on December 31, 2005, because the evidence on that issue was contained in “competing affidavits not tested by cross-examination”.

Thus, TCI tried to persuade the Court of Appeal to halt its eviction from the building before its appeal, asserting that it would suffer “irreparable harm and prejudice” unless Justice Thompson’s order was stayed.

However, Justice Jones, in a December 18, 2018 ruling, found that TCI fell “far short of what is required to provide the grounds to enable me to exercise my discretion in this matter”. He further ruled that Ms Ferguson had given “contradictory reasons” to support her argument that TCI would suffer “irreparable harm” as she claimed.

And despite claiming that TCI’s appeal would be rendered pointless if Daybreak Holdings was able to sell it prior to the appeal, Justice Jones said Ms Ferguson’s Supreme Court filings spoke “to a desire” for such a sale so that her company’s equity interest could be recovered.

Justice Jones also added that there was also no suggestion by Ms Ferguson/

FOX Hill MP Shonel Ferguson TCI that Daybreak Holdings, if it repossessed and sold the property, would “dissipate” the proceeds such that they would be unable to recover any monies to which they are entitled.

Then, in October of last year, the appellate court said a false affidavit from TCI was part of the reason the company was not given another chance to overturn Justice Thompson’s eviction order.

At the time, Justices Isaacs, Jones and Evans

said it was “totally unacceptable” for TCI to have filed an affidavit expressing its compliance with an order from the registrar, when it was “fully aware” that was “not an accurate statement”.

And although TCI’s attorney apologised and said TCI did not intend to “deceive the court”, the appellate judges said such “infractions” coupled with the “prejudice” Daybreak Holdings suffered as a result, “fortified” their view that the appeal should be

refused.

In any event, the appellate judges said they were not as “sanguine”, or optimistic that TCI would have overturned Justice Keith Thompson’s eviction order, as its claim to being the owner of the building “is not supported by the evidence”.

In 2018, The Tribune exclusively reported TCI owed $74,069.22 in real property taxes as of December 6, 2017, in alleged contravention of the hire purchase agreement

it entered into for the building.

The Tribune also revealed how TCI allegedly owed the Water and Sewerage Corporation $22,173.15 as of July 2018 when it was disconnected, having not paid “any utilities and insurance” on the building for at least two years. The last time TCI paid its water bill was in July of 2014, it was alleged.

Concerning the building’s insurance, TCI allegedly hadn’t paid any insurance premiums for the three to four years prior to 2018, something that caused the building’s owner to pay $15,963.75 to J S Johnson Insurance Agents & Brokers in a bid to bring the insurance policy current.

Also, it was alleged that TCI hadn’t paid its light bill for “some time now,” and was utilising a generator for electricity.

Additionally, it was alleged that TCI hadn’t paid any of the $10,833 monthly payments it agreed to pay for the building in question since September of 2016, resulting in the owner receiving no revenue from the agreement, despite the company currently subleasing a portion of the building for $12,000 per month.

On July 31, 2018, Daybreak Holdings initiated legal proceedings, claiming that Ms Ferguson and TCI were in breach of the agreement.

Fake lawyer reprimanded for claims based on ‘dishonesty’

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net THE Court of Appeal has chastised a fake attorney for asking it to dismiss the Bahamas Bar Council’s attempts to overturn a judge’s order that he be given legal credentials, when that very order was based on his own “dishonesty”.

The appellate court said Shavon Bethel “cannot be heard” to complain about any process to correct an order made pursuant to his false statements, when he has already benefited from that order by “failing to disclose his own dishonesty”.

Asserting that Bethel was “clearly less than honest” to the court, the appellate judges said if the court knew Bethel lied on his application to both the English and Bahamas Bar, the order “would never have been made”.

In any event, however, the appellate judges suggested that there is nothing in the Legal Profession Act nor the regulations made under that law that obliges the Bar Council to give its members those credentials in the first place.

The Court of Appeal’s stern words came as it granted the Bahamas Bar Association’s appeal of then-Senior Justice Jon Isaacs’ order that Bethel was entitled to receive a certificate of good standing and a Bar Association membership identification card.

According to the ruling, Bethel was called to the Bahamas Bar on August 14, 2013.

Bethel allegedly claimed to have been awarded an LLB law degree by the University of London. To back up this claim, it is said he produced fake degree certificates dated March and July 2005.

The claims were made in 2006, when he applied to become a student member of the Inner Temple and was also used when he was called to the Bar by the Inner Temple in 2013.

Bethel subsequently applied to the Bahamas Bar Association for a certificate

of good standing and a bar identification card.

The documents Bethel requested are necessary for lawyers to practise in the Bahamas, particularly those who practise in the criminal courts. This is because of an apparent policy at police stations for only persons who possess a Bahamas Bar ID card can be allowed access to their clients.

However, having received no reply from the Bar Association, Bethel filed an application for judicial review, asking that the court grant him a declaration that he was entitled to receive the documents. At the end of the judicial review, on November 4, 2013, Justice Isaacs, who is now an appellate judge, granted declaratory relief in that he declared that Bethel was entitled to receive the documents in question.

However, the Bar Association would later obtain a letter from the University of London that asserted that a Master’s Degree in Law and a Bachelor’s Degree in Law presented from that institution were forgeries, information that did not come to the attention of the Bahamas Bar until a month after Justice Isaacs made the order.

According to the Court of Appeal, Bethel used the forged law degree to fraudulently gain admittance to the Bar of England and Wales and also used the same forged document to gain access to the Bahamas Bar. The appellate judges noted that in his affidavit in support of the application for judicial review, Bethel asserted: “That I applied sat and passed all of the required examinations for admission to the Bar of England and Wales and ‘that on the 25th July, 2013 I was called to the Bar by the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple and presented with a certificate attesting the same.”

However, the Court of Appeal said what Bethel “failed to tell the court” was that “he was dishonest in his application to the Society of the Inner Temple and to the Bahamas Bar Council” when he said he was awarded a degree from

the University of London on July 5, 2005.

“That was not true and he had never been awarded a degree by the University of London on that or any date as the disciplinary tribunal found,” the appellate judges said. “He was dishonest in his application for admission to both the English and Bahamas Bar.” The Bahamas Bar Association consequently appealed Justice Isaacs’ decision on January 2, 2014.

In April 2015, Bethel was charged with deceit, perjury and possession of a false document. He applied to the Supreme Court seeking a permanent stay of the criminal proceedings, but

on November 13, 2015, Justice Ian Winder dismissed the application.

Meanwhile, on November 2 and 3, 2015, Bethel “fully participated” in disciplinary proceedings in England over two charges of professional misconduct, as well as the appellate process in those disciplinary proceedings.

Bethel was ultimately found guilty of both charges and disbarred. The result of those proceedings was published on February 5, 2018.

On October 30, 2017, Bethel unsuccessfully appealed Justice Winder’s decision to the Court of Appeal. Bethel then tried to get permission to appeal

Justice Winder’s decision to the Privy Council, but was denied permission by the London-based committee.

On January 31, 2019, Bethel applied to the Court of Appeal to strike out the Bar Association’s appeal of Justice Isaacs’ order for want of prosecution. The appeal was not struck out however, but instead heard “as a matter of urgency”.

In contesting the Bar Association’s appeal, Bethel argued that the appellate court should not hear the appeal or disturb Justice Isaacs’ order because the issue raised by the appeal was now “academic”.

The certificate of good standing and identification

card issued by the Bar Council pursuant to Justice Isaacs’ order have since expired, and Bethel has not sought to renew them.

Thus, Bethel argued that the issue raised by the Bar Council’s appeal was moot.

However, the appellate judges said the Bar Association’s appeal was not useless as “the court must be astute to protect its processes from abuse”.

Justice Isaacs’ November 4, 2013 judgement was set aside, and Bethel was ordered to pay the Bar Association the costs of not only the appeal, but also that of the judicial review proceedings that gave rise to the order.

PAGE 12, Monday, February 3, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

‘DON’T RULE OUT AN EARTHQUAKE IN BAHAMAS’

By SYANN THOMPSON Tribune Staff Reporter sthompson@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas is not in the zone for earthquakes, but according to a veteran meteorologist, a fullfledged earthquake could occur even though it is uncommon.

Aside from the southeast Bahamas, particularly the island of Inagua which has felt tremors in the past, meteorologist Wayne Neely said that while it is rare, it is possible that

Nassau could experience another earthquake. “Where you are going to get a stronger one, the possibility, it’s slim, we are not near to any plates. That was a strange event to feel earthquake tremors in Nassau.

That is extremely rare, but not out of the realm of possibilities, so it is possible that it could occur again,” said Mr Neely.

On Tuesday, January 28, Mr Neely said Nassau experienced a “mini” earthquake that was recorded as 2.2 as compared to

the 7.7 magnitude felt by Jamaica.

“They call it tremors but that’s what you actually call a mini or small earthquake. However, it is possible to get another earthquake.

You have had had tremors in The Bahamas from the early 19th century, one in particular in Inagua where reports showed that it cracked several walls in the homes at that time,” said Mr Neely.

He said that Nassau is on a stable tectonic plate also known as the Earth’s crust or surface

which is why it has never experienced any earthquakes in the past.

“What was unusual about that event was that was the first time in recorded history that Nassau felt an earthquake. An earthquake in Nassau is extremely rare. Nassau is on a stable platform. You can also get earthquakes from the mid-Atlantic ridge which is the ridge separating the African plate and the North American plate and at the boundary, and you can get tsunamis from both of

those locations. So a tsunami can happen as well, again these things are rare,” said Mr Neely.

Last Wednesday, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis told Parliament that a determination would have to be made on whether The Bahamas needed to be included in earthquake zones.

Dr Minnis also emphasised that it might be necessary for the country’s building codes to be amended to ensure structures can withstand the impact of earthquakes.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, February 3, 2020, PAGE 13

$1M OF SCHOOL REPAIRS IN GB TO BEGIN SOON

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net EDUCATION Minister Jeffrey Lloyd announced on Friday about $m of school repairs will start soon at the Hugh Campbell Primary in Grand Bahama.

He stated financing has been approved for repair work to the school’s roof and to make the school more resilient to storms and natural disasters, such as earthquakes.

The institution sustained about four to five feet of flooding and its roof was severely compromised during Hurricane Dorian in early September 2019.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line also made a significant donation of $50,000 on Friday to the Ministry of Education to help with the restoration of the institution. Russell Benford, vice president of government relations, was present at the school and made the announcement.

Mr Lloyd thanked Royal Caribbean for its generous contribution to the school.

“This is one of the schools that was severely impacted, and it will receive our most immediate and urgent attention,” he said.

“Nearly one million dollars of repairs will commence here on this campus just about now, and it has

already been approved.

And I want to tell you how happy I am to make that announcement today,” he told students and teachers.

Mr Lloyd noted that Minister of State for Reconstruction Iram Lewis has received the scope of works for the school’s repair.

“We will tackle the roof, and because of the new mandate given… it would all be hurricane and now earthquake resilient,” he said.

He said that the government looks forward to its continued partnership and relationship with Royal Caribbean. He noted that the cruise line has been outstanding in terms of its assistance and support

IT WAS heads down for these students last week taking part in the 4th Annual Economics Essay Competition organised by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with The Nassau Institute and sponsored by the Templeton Religion Trust. The competition took place at the Anatol Rodgers High School on with some 90 participants. An official prize giving ceremony will he held on February 17.

Photos: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

to this country for many years, and in its time of need following Hurricane Dorian. “. . .The breeze had not yet subsided when your boats were offshore preparing and serving food —the most vital resource in that time of desperate need for our people. Not only that but you also, through your very considerable resources, built a kitchen so that feeding could continue,” Mr Lloyd said.

According to Mr Beckford, RCCL provided some 400,000 meals in the initial stages of the storm’s aftermath to people in Grand Bahama. Additionally, Mr Lloyd noted that the cruise

line gave millions of dollars in supplies, material, and equipment, and muchneeded medical supplies, as well as support from its staff in the aftermath.

In addition to the donation, Mr Lloyd commended the cruise line for also providing some 700 chairs and other equipment at the school including furniture and electrical equipment.

He called RCCL is a “true friend” of The Bahamas.

“We would be nothing without friends like RCCL. Today we owe a debt of gratitude to this great company, one who has been with us in our time of need,” he said.

WRITE ON

The South Beach MP added that the government and people of Grand Bahama are looking forward to the proposed project at the Grand Lucayan resort by RCCL. “We are partners and will be partners for life and we look forward to the completion of that magnificent project you mentioned, and we hope that will be a reality,” he said.

RCC and ITM signed a letter of intent (LoI) last May for the purchase of the Grand Lucayan resort for $65 million, and the redevelopment of the Freeport Harbour. Negotiations are still underway between RCC/ ITM and the government.

PAGE 14, Monday, February 3, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

1917 WINS TOP PRIZE AT BAFTAS

GROUNDHOG PREDICTS EARLY SPRING PUNXSUTAWNEY Associated Press PENNSYLVANIA’S most famous groundhog on Sunday declared: “Spring will be early, it’s a certainty.”

At sunrise on Groundhog Day, members of Punxsutawney Phil’s top hat-wearing inner circle revealed the cuddly oracle’s prediction — his 134th, according to the Pennsylvania Tourism Office. Awoken by the crowd’s chants of “Phil!” the groundhog was hoisted in the air for the assembly to hail before making his decision. He then grasped the glove of a handler as a member of his inner circle announced that spring would come early this year.

LONDON Associated Press

GROUNDHOG Club co-handler Al Dereume holds Punxsutawney Phil, the weather prognosticating groundhog, during the 134th celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler’s Knob yesterday

Terrorist shot dead in London attack LONDON Associated Press

A TERRORIST shot dead by police after stabbing two people in Lonndon yesterday was automatically released from prison a few days ago, after serving less than half of a three year-plus sentence for 13 terror offences.

‘Knife-obsessed’ Sudesh Amman, 20, from north London fantasised about carrying out a terror attack with a blade or with acid while riding a moped and also shared Al Qaeda propaganda on a WhatsApp group used by his family.

He was jailed for three years and four months in December 2018 after he pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing terrorist documents.

Last night, it emerged that he was automatically released a few days ago, after serving half of his sentence, despite authorities being concerned that he continued to hold extremist views.

One of yesteday’s victim was

A FORENSIC officer works near the scene after the stabbing incident in London, hospitalised with life-threatening wounds, while the other suffered less-serious injuries in the rampage, which took place about 2pm in Streatham, south London.

Officers responded quickly to the stabbings because of a “proactive counterterrorism operation” that

was underway, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Lucy D’Orsi said without elaborating. Video from the scene appeared to show three undercover police officers in an unmarked car making a quick stop and emerging with weapons.

Bell Reberio-Addy, MP for

Streatham, said the attacker had been under surveillance “for some time.”

The drama about five miles from central London marked a departure from recent terror attacks in the British capital that took place near landmarks such as London Bridge and the Houses of Parliament. D’Orsi said the device strapped to the assailant’s body was quickly determined to be a hoax. A third person suffered minor injuries, apparently from flying glass.

D’Orsi said there was no “continuing danger” to the public, but the area remained cordoned off as the investigation continued. The usually busy area was deserted as the public heeded police requests to stay away.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the government would introduce “fundamental changes” to the way people convicted of terrorism offenses are treated. He cited yesterday’s attack and another at Fishmonger’s Hall in December as reasons for the changes.

WORLD War I film 1917 was the big winner at yesterday’s British Academy Film Awards, winning seven awards including best picture and best director.

Sam Mendes’ homegrown drama bested American contenders Joker, The Irishman and Once Upon a Time … in America.

Director Mendes based 1917 on his grandfather’s wartime experiences. Shot in sinuous long takes that immerse viewers in the action, it follows two British soldiers on a perilous mission across No Man’s Land to try to avert a suicidal offensive.

1917 was also named best British film and won the cinematography prize - Roger Deakins’ fifth win in that category. It also took the prizes for production design, sound and visual effects.

Joaquin Phoenix was named best actor for Joker and Renee Zellweger took the best actress prize for the Judy Garland biopic Judy at a glitzy event that was overshadowed by criticism of the nominees’ lack of diversity

20 DEAD IN STAMPEDE AT CHURCH

DODOMA, Tanzania Associated Press

TWENTY people have died and a dozen others were injured in a stampede during a church meeting in the northern Tanzanian city of Moshi yesterday The stampede was caused by church faithful being ushered to pass through one exit at the meeting venue so they could walk on “anointed oil,” according to a statement by a government spokesman.

Hundreds of worshippers attended the prayer meeting on Saturday led

by Boniface Mwamposa, a popular preacher who heads the Arise and Shine Ministry Tanzania.

IMPEACHMENT TRIAL HEADS TO HISTORIC END IN FRENETIC WEEK WASHINGTON Associated Press

PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s impeachment trial heads toward a historic conclusion this week, with senators all-but-certain to acquit him on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress after narrowly rejecting Democratic demands to summon witnesses.

The vote on Wednesday is expected to cap a months-long investigation spurred by a whistleblower complaint that Trump improperly withheld US military aid from Ukraine in a bid to pressure it to launch investigations into 2020 Democratic rival Joe Biden.

In the Senate, Republicans hold a 53-47 advantage and there’s nowhere near the two-thirds needed for conviction and removal.

On Friday, Republicans blocked consideration of new witnesses and documents, setting up the speedy acquittal vote for the coming week.

Today, House impeachment managers and Trump’s defence team return to the Senate floor to make closing arguments in the trial, the same day the 2020 presidential election kicks off with the first votes cast in the Iowa caucuses.

Tomorrow, Trump will deliver his State of the Union address.

Will some Democratic senators join Republicans to acquit Trump, allowing him to claim a bipartisan “exoneration”?

Will Trump gloat or express any regret over the Ukraine matter after key GOP senators during the trial criticized his actions as improper, but ultimately not impeachable?

Will Wednesday’s Senate vote be the final say in the matter?

The trial resumes at 11 am today for closing arguments by the two legal teams, with each side getting two hours. After the arguments, the Senate goes back into normal session to allow lawmakers to give speeches about impeachment on the floor from late Monday into Wednesday, before they reconvene as the impeachment court at 4 pm on Wednesday and vote.

Three Democratic senators hailing from states where Trump remains popular — Doug Jones of Alabama, Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona — remained quiet over the weekend about their intentions.

They were among the 47 Democratic and independent senators who voted unsuccessfully to extend Trump’s trial by summoning additional witnesses.

If one or more of the Democratic senators votes to acquit Trump — even voting against one article of impeachment while supporting the other — it could alienate some Democratic voters, mark their legacies and let Trump spend his reelection campaign asserting that he was cleared by a bipartisan vote.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, February 3, 2020, PAGE 15

‘The Bahamas’ own street philosopher’

Govt Small Homes repair plan offers up to $10,000

By SYANN THOMPSON Tribune Staff Reporter sthompson@tribunemedia.net THE government will launch its Small Homes Repairs Programme on February 10 – in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian – and eligible residents can get as much as $10,000, according to an official.

Managing Director of the Bahamas Disaster Reconstruction Authority Kay Forbes-Smith told The Tribune that residents will be able to go online to register for the programme.

“We have designed an online portal for registration, and we are encouraging persons who are seeking assistance for the home repair programme to register online,” she said. “Of course, we know that there are a number of people for different reasons would not have access to the internet or have the equipment necessary to register, they can go to one of our offices and seek assistance. But we want all of the registration to take place online.”

Currently, it is estimated that more than 4,000 people with homes have been affected, said Mrs Forbes-Smith, who outlined eligibility for the programme.

“The criteria is that you have to be a citizen of The Bahamas. You have to own the property. You would have lived at the damaged property on August 31, 2019; which we can confirm by utility bill or some other acceptable verification. If you have insurance, you cannot have access to the programme. And the property has to be located in Grand Bahama, Abaco, and the associated cays,” she said.

Mrs ForbesSmith explained that a purchase order system will be used and can be used at vendors approved by the Disaster Authority. Ensuring that there are checks and balances, the authority will carry out inspections.

“What we plan to do is put a purchase order system in place where you would go to one of the approved vendors of the Disaster Authority, you would get an

invoice for 50 percent of the value of what we are going to give you. The reason for that is because we want to be able at the end of the day after residents would have put the first 50 percent into their home, we will send an inspector out to make sure that the funds were spent towards that and that it was done properly. Once our inspector comes back and says yes and they see that the work is done and done properly, then we will issue the other 50 percent,” said Mrs Forbes-Smith.

Once they are approved, residents will be issued purchase orders in four different categories. “We want to make sure that residents are actually getting their home repairs done before the next hurricane season begins. So, our process is going to be this, first of all your house would have had to been assessed by the Ministry of Works or, in the city of Freeport, it would be the Grand Bahama Port Authority. We have four categories – if you have minimal damage, you can get up to $2,500 dollars, for medium is $5,000, major is $7,500 and if your house has been totally destroyed it’s $10,000. They can use the purchase orders for a combination of labour, material or both,” said Mrs Forbes-Smith.

The authority is including not only single residences, but also duplexes and triplexes. Mrs Forbes-Smith explained that this was necessary for several reasons. She said: “Whilst all of the residences have to be owner-occupied, we are not only including single residences, we are including duplexes and triplexes.

The reason we decided to include duplexes and triplexes is we found that we had persons who own a duplex, for example and they live on one side of their duplex or they live in one of the triplex units. In order to get power to their duplex or triplex, they need to actually repair their entire complex because the power company would not restore power if it is not fully repaired. However, those owning a 30-complex apartment building, etc, will not be included.”