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VOLUME:115 No.56, FEBRUARY 12TH, 2018
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‘Dealer’ dies in police gun battle By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
POLICE shot and killed a man suspected of perpetrating a drug deal after he opened fire on officers attempting to apprehend him just off Cedar Way, near Carmichael Road, yesterday. According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander, officers acting on information responded to the area just after 11am. ACP Fernander, pictured below, said officers noticed the deceased allegedly carrying out a drug deal. He said it was at this time, upon noticing police, the suspect engaged officers in a gunfire and was then fatally shot. ACP Fernander added: “On examination of the vehicle, a weapon was recovered. Also, a kilo of suspected cocaine was also recovered from the scene. The deputy coroner visited and she was briefed, and the matter is now before the Coroner’s Court.” ACP Fernander also said the area has been under increased police surveillance in recent weeks, including during the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s “Operation: Blue Water”, carried out last month. During that operation, police, representatives from Operation Bahamas and Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) and a tactical unit from the United States’ Drug
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NIGHTCLUB KILLING SUSPECTS HUNTED By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
ONE man is dead and two others are in hospital after a shooting at a nightclub on Friday night. Police have said they want to speak with two men – Christopher “CJ” Blyden, 24, of Blue Hill Road and Vernal Johnson, 25, of Dumping Ground Corner – for help in connection with the investigation. SEE PAGE THREE
MITCHELL BLASTS ‘DUMB’ SPEAKER By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
A POLICE involved shooting occured yesterday at Goldenway Close in Carmichael, where an adult male suspect was confirmed dead on the scene. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff Enforcement Administration (DEA) spread teams and resources across the sky and streets of several hotspots in the Carmichael Road area. During the operation, OPBAT helsignal a move in the right and white process which is icopters hovered By RICARDO WELLS direction. transparent, accountable over homes Tribune Staff Reporter Mr Smith, who has and humane,” he said. for nearly two rwells@tribunemedia.net clashed with successive Asked what hours, directing THE revelation that administrations on various changes should be implesearch lights to the the Minnis administration immigration policies, said mented, Mr Smith said he ground while officers is actively exploring an the country’s laws need was of the view the governswept through communi“entirely new” immigra- amending to reflect the ment should provide, by ties acting on intelligence. tion law was law, a process Police arrested about 30 yesterday welto appeal any people, while recovering comed and refusals to SEE PAGE THREE applauded by approve perattorney Fred mits or any Smith, QC, other regulariwho offered sation docuseveral points ment. for considHe added eration and the process inclusion. for renewing In an interpermits must view with be amended The Tribune, so that peoMr Smith ple can stay whose law in the counfirm repretry while MIGRANTS detained by the RBDF at the weekend. sents scores their renewal of persons modern issues challenging application is being prowho have filed court migrants, refugees, govern- cessed, prohibiting them action over immigration ment and society. from being deemed “illeissues - said if the gov“I welcome immigration gal” for over-staying ernment follows through law reform so that what during the process. with plans to change the happens is not a matter of SEE PAGE FIVE Immigration Act, it would corrupt favour but of black
SMITH WELCOMES IMMIGRATION CHANGES - WITH A FEW IDEAS
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HOUSE Speaker Halson Moultrie’s recent comments in Parliament have drawn the ire of opposition Senator Fred Mitchell, who accused the Speaker of committing a “blood libel” against him, adding he would seek “adequate compensation” for this grave injustice. Claiming that Mr Moultrie’s swipe at him put “enmity” between their houses, Mr Mitchell said he would use all of his energy to pursue the matter. SEE PAGE SEVEN
UNIONS TOLD GET YOUR FINANCES IN ORDER By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
TRADE unions were yesterday warned to put their finances in order or face being ‘struck off’ if they fail to file their annual returns by June 1. The Department of Labour, in a statement, served notice of its intention to enforce the Industrial Relations Act’s requirements, and warned the “many” trade unions not currently in compliance they have less then four months to reform. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
PAGE 2, Monday, February 12, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
PRESS CLUB HELPS REBUILD THE Bahamas Press Club and its partners launched a new initiative called “Labour of Love”
on Saturday, rebuilding the home of Elizabeth McPhee, an elderly resident of Nassau Village.
Mrs McPhee’s home was extensively damaged by Hurricanes Matthew and Irma in 2016 and 2017.
A team of volunteers from the Bahamas Press Club, Kiwanis Club of The Bahamas, the University of The Bahamas, Woodside Brokers and others officially launched the project at Mrs McPhee’s home on Saturday. The initiative is part of the Bahamas Press Club’s intent this month to rebuild the homes of persons impacted by hurricanes and other natural disasters. In December, the club partnered with a number of corporate sponsors to raise money for the establishment of a disaster relief fund.
To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394
CONTRACTOR Allan J Bain and his assistant starting work to replace the entire roof, which could take about 4 weeks to complete.
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THE TRIBUNE
Monday, February 12, 2018, PAGE 3
BULLET holes in a car at the scene of a police-involved shooting yesterday at Goldenway Close in Carmichael, where an adult male suspect was confirmed dead on the scene.
‘Dealer’ dies in police gun battle from page one stolen property, a number of flare guns, shotgun shells and at least two vehicles believed to be stolen in the United States and transported to The Bahamas. Referring to the operation yesterday, ACP Fernander said: “I just want to highlight that a few weeks ago you noticed that we had an operation in this general southwestern area, this was one of the targeted areas. You saw the choppers were around.” He added: “So we are intelligence driven and based on intel, these are the kinds of results that you are seeing that we are getting today.” The deceased in yesterday’s incident, reportedly a resident of the area and in
THE BODY of the man killed in a police-involved shooting is taken from the scene. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff his 30s, is the fifth person killed by police this year and the tenth since November 2017. Last month, a man who residents say was blind, was shot and killed by police, prompting an angry confrontation between residents and police in the Plantol Street and East
Street area where the shooting occurred. Police said they responded to reports of gunshots in the area, and when they responded they encountered two men on a motorbike; one of them aimed a firearm in the direction of officers. However, police could
not say whether the man who was shot and killed was the one who brandished the weapon. There was no report that a weapon was recovered from the scene. According to The Tribune’s records, 11 people were killed in police-involved shootings last year. • Police are investigating death threats made on social media towards police officers. Last night, police said that an adult male posted comments on social media yesterday “directing threat of death towards police officers”. Shortly after 5pm yesterday, police went to a home on Fleming Street off West Street, where they arrested an adult male in connection with the matter.
NIGHTCLUB KILLING SUSPECTS HUNTED from page one
According to police, shortly after 11pm a group of people were at a night club in the area of Hutchison Street when three men entered and got into an argument with one of the patrons. Subsequently, one of the three produced a weapon and fired into the crowd, resulting in three men being shot.
Police said the gunman left the club and jumped into a burgundy Japanese vehicle which sped away. The three victims were taken to hospital where one died, marking the 12th homicide for the year, according to The Tribune’s records. Friends have identified him as Rico Taylor. Since the shooting, police have asked for the public’s assistance in locating Blyden and Johnson. Both men are described as
HITCHHIKER ROBBED AT GUNPOINT A MAN has claimed he was robbed at gunpoint after soliciting a ride from a man and woman on Friday. According to police, the man said he asked for a ride with a woman driver and a male passenger of a grey Honda vehicle
shortly after 7pm. While on Yamacraw Road, the male passenger produced a handgun and robbed the other man of cash and other items before putting the victim out of the car and speeding away. The investigation continues.
having a dark brown complexion and slim build. Friday’s incident came two days after another man died in hospital after he was found outside a home with gunshot wounds Wednesday night. That shooting happened at Munnings Drive in South West Ridge. According to police, shortly after 10pm, officers received a report of gunshots in the area. When officers responded to the scene,
they discovered a man lying in front of a residence with injuries to the body. Paramedics transported the man to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, police said. Police have have identified him as Keno Strachan. He was a hotel employee. Anyone with information on any of these incidents or any crime are asked to call 919, 502-9991 or the Crime Stoppers hotline at 328-TIPS.
PAGE 4, Monday, February 12, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
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Haitians must be treated fairly IT SEEMS ironic that almost 40 years later Sir Roland Symonette’s son, Immigration Minister Brent Symonette, should be one of those faced with the “Haitian problem” and the need to amend the law to control the growing crisis. Obviously, Sir Roland could not have foreseen the mammoth problem that the need for Haitian labour had become, but even then he realised that if the influx were not controlled from Haiti — even before they arrived on Bahamian soil — The Bahamas would have a problem that it would not be able to manage. He suggested that a department be established in Haiti that would control and screen all persons wishing to enter The Bahamas for employment. Sir Roland, The Bahamas’ first premier in a self-governing former colony, was an Opposition member during the Pindling administration long enough to see the consequences of Sir Lynden’s promise to Bahamians that no longer would they be “hewers of wood and drawers of water”. Many years towards the end of his administration Sir Lynden admitted that he had given the youth the wrong advice. Over the years, he said, he had discovered that hard work built character. As a result of this breakdown, Bahamians refused to do certain work, haughtily dismissing it as “Haitian work”. They themselves opened the floodgates to a problem of their own making. Government is now grappling with the consequences of a people who came here over the years and because of their numbers are now a major social problem. However, it is our problem and in attempting to solve it we must remember that we are dealing with fellow human beings who have the same hopes and dreams that we have. It is a problem that has gone unregulated for far too long. However, whatever amendments have to be made — or even if a new immigration law has to be written — it must be done fairly and with compassion. Haitians have always been a part of our society. They are an intelligent people, especially when given a chance. One of the many complaints of many Bahamians today is that not only are there too many Haitians in our schools, but they are showing our Bahamians up by coming top of their classes, and walking away with the prizes. One would have thought that this would have been enough incentive to encourage our Bahamian children to pull up their socks and get down to their studies. They only defeat themselves and remain on the unemployable D-list when they fail to make the extra effort. Removing a student, who excels because of hard work, is not going to help the shirker. In 1834, the first black man to be elected to The Bahamas House of Assembly was Stephen Dillet, not a Bahamian, but a Haitian by birth. His mother was an African, his father a
French Army Officer. The Bahamas became his home and he was fully accepted by all levels of society. Over the years, Haitians settled in The Bahamas, fully participated in the island’s activities, were embraced by other Bahamians – all, at one time or another, themselves immigrants – and were solidly woven into The Bahamas’ human fabric. In those days, no one questioned their identity or their right to be here. However, with the influx of the labouring class Haitian to fill the gaps of Bahamians unwilling to lift the machete, the change in many better educated Haitians whose tendrils once clung to Mother Haiti and who had settled comfortably into Bahamian society, became terrified to share their “shameful secret” — they too were Haitians, but this time they hid their true identity in the closet. On a radio talk show in 2006, a Bahamian, who described himself as a “small farmer” with more than 200 acres of land, had a serious complaint against then Immigration Minister Shane Gibson. He needed 500 Haitians for his farm, he said. He did not think that Haitians with jobs should be sent back to Haiti. He believed that those with jobs – legal or illegal— should be regularised and only the jobless should be returned to Haiti. “When Sir Lynden was prime minister,” he told the radio audience, “no Minister could do what Shane Gibson is doing now.” He said when then deputy prime minister Arthur Hanna who had Immigration in his portfolio and later when the late Sir Clement Maynard headed Immigration, he was given whatever work permits he needed for his Haitians. Those were peaceful days, he said. However, there were side rackets going on in human flesh. We had heard whispers. Testing those whispers we called a friend in the Immigration Department at that time to enquire how we could get permission to employ a Haitian for the farm. We couldn’t, we were frankly told, because of who we were. The only way we could do it would be to go to a certain person in Fox Hill, who had a farm — later we discovered that she didn’t have a farm. It was said that she would have a Haitian with a permit who we could employ. This meant that every week she collected a part of “her” Haitian’s salary. On another occasion there was a report of an older gentleman who had accidentally driven off Potter’s Cay dock one night and drowned. We knew this man well. He spent much of his nights driving around collecting his “portion” of the salaries of “his” Haitians, whose work permits he held. Now is the opportunity to amend our immigration laws, taking immigration completely out of the hands of politicians, and treating these misused people fairly — some should not be here, while others have every right to be here.
House antics prompt calls for resignations EDITOR, The Tribune. THIS week has sort of been strange in many ways the truth-opinion of certain politicians has been exposed and we know precisely where they stand. Speaker Moultrie his outburst irrespective of probably just cause to suspend Ms Hanna Martin went far too far in his obviously personal frustrations and he has to apologise from the Speaker’s Chair for that or resign if he feels so strongly and stubbornly wishes to hold to his views. MP from MICAL - the FNM Council has to interviewed her and decided if the party wishes someone
representing the party who clearly and obviously holds extreme views as to the Rights of Women. Her apology is not enough. As an ordained Minister she should resign forthwith in disgrace. 40% of drivers not insured... A soothing thought the Road Traffic knew this for years ... at the time of licensing you need a live Insurance, you purchase the minimum 90-days cover after the 90 days are up you let it lapse till a week before relicencing - everyone knew including the Insurance Companies so don’t come to me with a sad story you knew and knew what
drivers were doing. Minister Frankie Campbell, kill this immediately with a provision that at all times cars are to have insurance, 12 months, with strict penalties, two-strict ban from driving for four years. It is time the Insurance Co go online to Police Traffic. Oh that landfill - well, Minister said a mouthful ... only parties who have experience in managing a landfill will be selected – that eliminates all local responders unless they are associated with outside people with experience. W THOMPSON Nassau, February 9, 2018.
Moultrie speaks out of turn EDITOR, The Tribune.
to muster on his own. While the FNM mounted VERNON Joseph a Donald Trump-style kissSymonette and Dewitt ing of the Speaker’s ring letters@tribunemedia.net Halson Moultrie were both adulation session, looking born in Mathew Town, inside the bounds of across at empty opposition Inagua, about 15 years decency and decorum. The chairs as they spoke, the apart. Both would become Speaker has a responsibil- blow-back from the public members of the FNM and ity to give them a fairly was one of the most serious both would be elevated to wide berth. the new FNM administrathe post of Speaker of the Mr Moultrie instead took tion has faced. House of Assembly. The optics obscured a a different tack. He soiled Inagua could not be the Speaker’s robes by get- positive New Year’s address prouder of these native ting in the dirt and letting that the Prime Minister had sons. But after last week loose a tirade of jibes and just presented and sidelined only one of them continues insults at supposed support- for now the new legislative to enjoy the highest esteem ers of the opposition who initiatives that the governof fellow Inaguans. do not have the privilege ment was about to unveil. Speaker Moultrie can of responding within the And since no-one took learn a lot about “speaker- chamber. the shovel from his hand, ing” from the now retired When the member for the Speaker kept digging, in Vernie Symonette. Symon- Englerston got rowdy and a most undignified manner. ette understood that the testy during her interven- The goings-on in the PLP eyes of history were trained tion on the floor of the are none of his business. on the speaker’s chair, House, the Speaker had a Who Davis may or may backed up the transcribers chest of remedial actions to not be taking advice from for the Hansard. Every- metaphorically put her in doesn’t come before him. thing said from the chair her place. He did not have Dr Hubert Minnis has lives in perpetuity. And to go nuclear so quickly been preaching the gospel since the introduction of and suspend her from the of inclusion and bipartisancameras to the chamber, job that 1,814 voters in ship for the last ten months we get to watch them and Englerston sent her to do. and he was getting some judge for ourselves. Adding insult to this traction. The Speaker has a injury, the Speaker came The Speaker would have solemn obligation to across as impatient with us know that he is a moral maintain order and deco- the leader of the opposi- man. He can demonstrate rum in the House. As lay tion in the chamber. Brave that with an act of contripeople, we take that to Davis did what any political tion. He must acknowledge mean he must call the balls leader would have done in from the chair that his own and strikes and the fouls the circumstance, he with- actions and words did great that he sees happening drew his troops from the damage to his impartiality. on both sides of the floor. session creating great symIf he has any compuncWe never expected that bolism for his base even tion he must protect and a Speaker would have to while showing deference defend the right of the self-censor. to the Speaker as they left. minority party to be heard The Speaker has a duty Each bowed to the Chair in Parliament. After all, the to protect the rights of Her on their way out, as is the hallmark of a great speaker Majesty’s Loyal Opposition custom. is to be a good listener. in the chamber. Protection Mr Moultrie should sit Not to be outdone, the of the rights of the minority Speaker showed them and have a coffee with party is how we grade the who’s boss (as if he had to) Vernon Symonette who maturity of a democracy. by banishing them from could “learn him a thing or The opposition’s job is the chamber for two sit- two about speakering”. to hold the government’s tings. This illogical move feet to the fire. In that they back-fired. It gained for THE GRADUATE have to be imaginative and Davis a show of support Nassau, creative while remaining that he has thus far failed February 11, 20
LETTERS
Debasing the office EDITOR, The Tribune. I WATCHED and listened in disbelief on Wednesday, 7th February 2018, as the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Halson Moultrie, debased the Office of Speaker, the Honourable House of Assembly, the Parliamentary process and the people of the Bahamas, by using the historic Chair in which he sits to launch an emotional rant in defense of his
actions. It was more than a sad performance; it was pathetic. My criticism has nothing to do with whether the Speaker was right or wrong in expelling Members of the House; it has everything to do with his abuse of his position. The House of Assembly is no place for the Speaker, or any Member, to settle personal scores. His childish tirade was an embarrassment to the Government he represents and
to us, who support that Government. The Speaker clearly does not understand that dignity at all times is required of his position. He must apologise to members of the Government, to the Opposition and to the good people of this country that he serves. Failing that, he should be asked to resign his position. THE NIGHT HERON Nassau, February 9, 2018.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, February 12, 2018, PAGE 5
Smith welcomes immigration changes - with a few ideas
from page one His recommendations also called for a statutory provision for refugee status applications and a process for people who are already in the country to apply for work permits, such as spouses of work permit holders or people born in The Bahamas who do not yet have their citizenship certificate. Of the latter, Mr Smith said the current requirement for people to leave the country when applying for a permit causes a lot of expense and disruption in the lives of people who may, eventually, be approved. “(There should be) timelines for considering application; simplifying some of the forms for short-term and long-term permits and (a process) that provides a status for people going in The Bahamas to non-citizen parents until applications are considered,” he said. “Making the Immigration Board non-political so that it can perform its duties in a transparent, accountable and regular time. “(Officials should be made to provide) reporting requirements for the public so that people will understand and know what is happening in immigration so that thinkers, social planners, civil servants and investors can have an appreciation for the facts. This is not novel, immigration in years past long ago used to publish annual reports like the police or every other government department. “(There should be) an immigration complaints court so that people who are abused can seek relief from that board.” He added: “(There must be a) simplification of the form and process for people just simply registering to
be entitled to a certificate of citizenship under Article 7 of the Constitution.” Mr Smith said the government should consider using immigration as a tool of development and called on the Minnis administration to set out clear guidelines for the requirements of everything in the law to make the process simple for Bahamians who wish to employ non-citizens, or non-citizens who wish to apply for permits. Immigration Minister Brent Symonette last Thursday said the government is exploring a new immigration policy that could impact the way The Bahamas processes people who were born and have lived in the country, but are not entitled to citizenship. Mr Symonette said any changes made would also look to finally address those people born in The Bahamas to foreign parents, who have never resided anywhere else. The current policy specifies that such people are allowed to apply for citizenship at the age of 18, but doesn’t specify what happens to them if they don’t - such is reportedly the case with Jean Rony Jean-Charles. Mr Jean-Charles was apprehended and deported to Haiti late last year, despite being born in The Bahamas. He did not apply for Bahamian citizenship. Mr Smith filed a habeas corpus action on his behalf, and the Supreme Court ordered the government to issue him a travel document and grant him legal status upon application. The government appealed the decision and an emergency stay was granted as Mr Jean-Charles was mid-air, returning to The Bahamas. He was detained again upon landing in The Bahamas but has since been released while the matter is still before the courts. JEAN Rony Jean-Charles outside court.
Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff
JEAN RONY JEAN-CHARLES’ CASE ADJOURNED AGAIN By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
THE Jean Rony JeanCharles case was adjourned again on Friday as lawyers for the Bahamas-born man and the Office of the Attorney General were unable to agree to terms that would fast-track the case to the Court of Appeal. The parties hoped to avoid lengthy back-andforth arguments as they aim to stay Supreme Court Justice Gregory Hilton’s recent ruling in the matter. They desire a “clean path” towards the Court of Appeal without “procedural skirmishes,” lead attorney for the Office of the Attorney General, Loren Klein, said in court. He added the parties have agreed on 95 per cent of the issues that would help fast-track the case, but
encountered a “fork in the road” that has given rise to an irreconcilable difference. That complication appeared to concern whether Mr Jean-Charles should be allowed to apply for status before his case is fully adjudicated at the appellate courts. Mr JeanCharles’ lawyer, Fred Smith, QC, said his client will apply for citizenship within the “next few weeks.” Otherwise, the parties have agreed to at least two key terms – that the government would not arrest, charge, interfere with, detain or remove Mr JeanCharles from the Bahamas based on his immigration status’ pending appeal and that Mr Jean-Charles’ lawyers would set down its desire for a hearing of an assessment of damages pending the appeal.
25 HAITIANS DETAINED BY RBDF THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force apprehended more than 25 Haitians on Friday. Police were patrolling the Marshall Road area early Friday morning and discovered three undocumented Haitian nationals, the RBDF said in a press release. “They informed the Royal Bahamas Defence Force marines stationed in southern New Providence who also combed the area, locating a wooden sailing sloop just after 4am. A subsequent search by officials from the defence force, police and immigration has resulted in the apprehension of 25 more Haitian nationals,” the RBDF said. In late January, the RBDF apprehended 70 Haitians who were on board a 40ft sailing vessel east of Wemyss in south Long Island, officials said. According to official reports, shortly after 5pm last Monday a US Coast Guard helicopter from Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos (OPBAT), spotted the vessel, “Island Girl”,
and alerted the RBDF. “A group of Haitian migrants are on the way to the capital after they were apprehended in Bahamian waters on Monday evening by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force,” a press statement from the RBDF said at the time. “While on routine patrol, the defence force’s aircraft P-68 piloted by Chief Petty Officer Gregory Storr spotted the sailing vessel early (last) Sunday morning. Shortly after 5pm (last) Monday, a US Coast Guard helicopter from the Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) spotted the 40ft sailing vessel approximately eight nautical miles east of Wemyss settlement in south Long Island and alerted defence force patrol craft, HMBS Rolly Grey, which was also searching for the vessel under the command of Lieutenant Commander Granville Adderley. “Further investigations resulted in the apprehension of 70 undocumented Haitian migrants aboard the sailing vessel, ‘Island Girl,’” the RBDF said.
After the adjournment, Mr Bethel told reporters: “We will continue in our discussions with the other side. What is most important to us from a policy point of view is that we have a clean, unimpeded and rapid approach to the Court of Appeal without side issues and we can have a clear determination of all of the legal issues posed by
this case by the Court of Appeal. That is the intent and I think both sides to this issue share the same strategic goal and whatever the impediment that occurred today was, I’m sure we will find a way to get over that on Monday so we can cease bothering Justice Hilton and get before the Court of Appeal where we can get an authoritative determination
of these issues. They’re never going to be settled at this level because there is a ruling; one party agrees, the other party does not. We have to go to another tribunal and get there as quickly as possible.” For his part, Mr Smith, in an effort to prove Mr Jean-Charles’ deep ties to the country, produced a letter from CV Bethel
confirming Mr JeanCharles attended that school, as well as Wilton Albury Primary School, TG Glover Primary School, Flamingo Gardens Primary School and SC McPherson Junior High School. “This is a man who has embedded roots in the Bahamas,” Mr Smith said. The case was adjourned to 2.30pm today.
PAGE 6, Monday, February 12, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
PM satisfied with apology in domestic violence row By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net THE Free National Movement and by extension the government does not condone any form of domestic violence, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday. This follows intense backlash in the country with many criticising Dr Minnis for not taking a position on the matter and condemnation of MICAL MP Miriam Emmanuel, with calls for her to resign after she last week insinuated there was nothing wrong with a woman being “manhandled” by her husband who might decide to “slap,” “shake,” or “punch” her in the mouth for challenging him. In his first public comments about the matter, the prime minister told The Tribune yesterday the fact that the first-time MP apologised to the nation mere hours after making the comments showed remorse and that the intent was never to offend anyone. However, Bahamas Crisis Centre Deputy Director Donna Nicolls has called for her resignation, adding that the apology is not accepted. Asked whether he has spoken to Mrs Emmanuel about her shocking remarks, Dr Minnis suggested the matter would come up during a parliamentary caucus meeting last night. “You know the FNM, we never condone or endorse any form of violence and whatever she may have said she apologised immediately,” Dr Minnis said yesterday. “Obviously when an individual apologises, they obviously feel remorseful and it shows that offending anyone was not the intention of what they said.” When his attention was drawn to public criticism over the government’s failure to strongly rebuke the situation, Dr Minnis said: “The party has said on numerous occasions we do not condone any form of violence and we believe in equality, equality for
all regardless of religion, sex or otherwise. “That has always been our party’s position and that is what the torch represents.” On Thursday when he spoke in the Senate, Attorney General Carl Bethel said Mrs Emmanuel’s comments were “ill advised,” adding no form of domestic violence is tolerated by Bahamas law. He said The Bahamas was well beyond the days of patrimonial control of the family. Senator Bethel said domestic violence is not to be joked about as was the case when the comments were initially made. “As the leader of government business in this place and the attorney general for this great country,” Mr Bethel said last week, “I have taken note of certain ill-advised comments that were made by a member of the other place yesterday (Wednesday) pertaining to an illusion or an equivocation of the Speaker exercising authority in the House and unfortunate domestic situations that often or may arise in the country. “The speaker of those comments immediately and to her credit gave a full and unreserved apology for that. I do, however, feel the obligation as attorney general to state for the record that no form of domestic violence can be tolerated under our law or in any way in this Commonwealth of The Bahamas,” Mr Bethel said. “We are beyond those days of what they would call in the old days the patrimonial control of the family. That is over. The modern world would recognise the partnership and consensual based nature of marriage and would also affirm the absolute equality of women and men and the absolute integrity that must be given and accorded to every human being, which is a sacred thing not to be violated whether in the bonds of marriage or not to be joked about as occurred in the last Parliament.” He continued: “So I simply say on behalf of the government that we affirm our full commitment to
the full equality and the full integrity of every human being male or female and under no circumstances can we condone or make light of domestic violence. That being said, the speaker who erred in that way has made a full and absolute apology and I do believe as a society we should accept that apology and let us now move on to a higher level of civil discourse in our society.” In the House last Wednesday, Mrs Emmanuel spoke during a moment when members of Parliament were giving words of support to Speaker Halson Moultrie over the disciplinary action he decided to take against Englerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin. “I am the seventh of ten daughters and I recall as we began to mature and take on marriage and family, one of the things that my father often say to us as his daughters, if you want to remain a lady, if you want to remain treated as a lady, then you must behave like a lady,” she said. “And he said if there ever comes a time when you have to come back to this house and say to me as your father that your husband shook you, or give you a slap or punch you in your mouth, I will analyse while I listen to you. I will analyse the consequences that would have caused your husband to probably shake you, slap you or punch you in your mouth. “And I said simply what my father was saying that we are to respect each other, have respect for your priest, your provider and your protector. So in this honourable House it’s no exception from a marriage relationship if you as a woman want to come up in your husband’s face and behave like you are a man, my father said then you will get manhandled,” she continued. A short while later, the MP “sincerely” apologised for the comments. She said her remarks were taken out of context and misunderstood, adding she did not condone domestic violence of any kind.
MEMEBER of Parliament for MICAL Miram Emmanuel. Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, February 12, 2018, PAGE 7
Mitchell blasts ‘dumb’ speaker
from page one The Speaker, Mr Mitchell also said, was too “dumb and thin skinned” to understand that public figures are often subject to attacks. Last week in the House of Assembly, during what some have described as a “bizarre” presentation, Mr Moultrie accused Progressive Liberal Party Leader Philip Davis of taking advice from reprobates and perverts, a seeming jab at Mr Mitchell. He also targeted the nationality of Mr Davis’ wife and launched a scathing attack at former House clerk Maurice Tynes, who had criticised some of the Speaker’s decisions. In an apparent reference to the senator, Mr Moultrie said: “Member for Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador, he is fully aware of past encounters with myself, that I do not have a track record of hating women. You know, the member and I have a mutual best friend and if the
SPEAKER of the House Halson Moultrie. Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff member had consulted our at Parliament were in best friend on this matter response to Mr Davis quesI’m sure he would’ve been tioning whether misogyny advised to leave that path played some part in Mr and to leave this matter Moultrie naming and susalone. Notwithstanding, the pending Englerston MP member has allowed in my Glenys Hanna Martin from estimation reprobates and the House. perverts with track records Mr Mitchell said when of denying and hating Mr Davis made these comwomen to insert such a ments he was not calling ludicrous assertion into his the Speaker a homosexual. press release. He said all of this became a “My name might begin problem because of fundawith ‘M’ but the first three mental “dumbness” on the letters are Mou and not Speaker’s part. Mit. Don’t mix me up. I am “So we are in the belly not a soft powder puff man. of the beast,” Mr MitchI am a real man.” ell said as he addressed These comments PLP supporters at a rally
in the Speaker’s constituency – Nassau Village – on Thursday night. “I am saying here tonight in his constituency that he owes all of us the leader, the leader’s wife me, (former parliamentary clerk) Mr Maurice Tynes and the staff of the House of Assembly a complete and unqualified withdrawal and apology of all those hateful remarks without conditions, no conditions. This is not subject to negotiation, a complete and unqualified apology and withdrawal. “I am not joking. The attack was personal on me. I have told everyone that I reserve the right when someone attacks me personally to go at you, ya ma, ya wife and ya children. “I am not joking. This is the second time I have had to say this in my public life and I said this to another public figure in the Free National Movement who serves in the government today and he may think I forgot it, but I haven’t forgotten it.
“And I say this to the Speaker, you have committed a blood libel against me. You put enmity between my house and your house to the end of my days, I want you to know it,” Mr Mitchell continued. “I will not relent and I will use all of my energies to seek adequate compensation for this libel. And when I am gone I promise you my nephews, my nieces, my brothers, my sisters, my family, all of them will be pursuing the redress in my name for this grave injustice. You can take that to the bank and cash it.” Mr Mitchell said what transpired in the House of Assembly last Wednesday was proof the FNM and its leadership were unfit to govern the country. “Who asked him whether he was a powder puff or whether he was soft. Who asked him that? No one as far as I was aware. He put his own character into question when he put that information into the public domain. Presumably a man
who claims he is a text book husband and a lover for 30 years presumably his wife is aware that he is not soft or a powder puff. “You, Mr Speaker, fail to remember that amongst your FNM colleagues there are many of them who would be offended because in their own lives when they were growing up people called them powder puffs and soft. I saw some of them banging on the tables in the House of Assembly and laughing, I could call the names. Someone sent me a list and I don’t know the origins of the list and I am sure I’m not the only one who has the list, but I am not going to go there tonight. But I got the list and I can call the names. Dig one grave and dig two. “And then, Mr Speaker, you claim that you are a real man, I don’t care who asked you to declare that either, that is a sure sign of mental instability when you question your own gender identity,” Mr Mitchell said.
PLP INTEND TO MOVE NO CONFIDENCE VOTE IN SPEAKER
By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
IN letter sent to the House of Assembly, Official Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis served notice of his or another minority member’s intention to move a vote of no confidence in the chair, days after the entire opposition was suspended from the House of Assembly. The notice was sent to Acting Chief Clerk in the House of Assembly David Forbes on Friday amid continued fallout over Speaker Halson Moultrie’s disciplinary action on the Progressive Liberal Party, which started with the naming and suspension of Englerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin two weeks ago. The remaining three members of the Official Opposition were suspended last Wednesday for two sittings. In his letter, Mr Davis asked for clarity on when the suspended members will be allowed back in the lower chamber, at which point he said the resolution will be moved in the House. The Progressive Liberal Party has also encouraged all members, supporters and persons of goodwill to attend Parliament and
MINISTRY DENIES FACEBOOK CLAIM THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed a report circulating on Facebook alleging there was a demonstration outside the Bahamas Embassy in Haiti as false. “The ministry advises the general public that this information is false and that there has been no such demonstration,” a statement from the government noted. “Furthermore, the claims that there has been an upsurge in applications for Bahamian status at the embassy are also false. The ministry appreciates the public interest in these matters but reminds members of the public to be careful about accepting as true or circulating information that is unverified.”
assemble in Rawson Square for debate of the proposed resolution of no confidence. A party source said the suspended members may come to the House of Assembly today. Last week, Mrs Hanna Martin attempted to enter Parliament despite her suspension, but was barred from doing so. Asked about the no confidence vote yesterday, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis would only say that the opposition was entitled to do whatever it wanted, adding the matter was expected to be addressed during a parliamentary caucus meeting yesterday afternoon. However, behind the scenes senior Free National Movement (FNM) officials have spoken to the Speaker Moultrie about his conduct, The Tribune understands. There have also been attempts behind the scenes to broker a truce between the two sides, according to two sources. “Enclosed herewith is a notice of my intention or for a member of the opposition to move a no confidence vote in the Chair/Speaker Halson Moultrie as he is not fit to hold that position,” Mr Davis’ February 9 letter noted. “Pursuant to Rule 52 of
the Rules of the House, this motion is to take the precedence of all business of the next sitting in which we will be allowed to attend following our unlawful suspension. “Grateful if you were to advise of, to maintain decorum, the next sitting that opposition members will be permitted to attend. “Take notice that the resolution following will be moved in the House of Assembly at its next sitting, at which members of the Opposition will be permitted to attend: “Be it resolved that this House has no confidence in Halson Moultrie as Chair/ Speaker of this honourable House because he is inadequate in many respects, has failed to carry out his obligations as chair/speaker (and) has made decision detrimental to parliamentary democracy.” It is unclear whether the speaker responded to this notice. He could not be reached yesterday. Mr Moultrie suspended the Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador MP, Exuma and Ragged Island MP Chester Cooper and South Andros and Mangrove Cay MP Picewell Forbes during last week’s sitting. The three male MPs
were suspended after leaving the lower chamber as the speaker was making a presentation explaining the disciplinary action he took against Mrs Hanna Martin. Ahead of this and in a surprising and unusual speech from the chair, Mr Moultrie launched personal attacks against members of the Progressive Liberal Party while defending his decision to suspend Mrs Hanna Martin last week. Among other things, Mr Moultrie took a swipe at the foreign-born status of Mr Davis’ wife. And in an apparent dig at PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell, he accused Mr Davis of taking advice from “reprobates” and “perverts”. Mr Moultrie also lashed out at retired parliamentary
clerk Maurice Tynes. At a press conference called not long after the House of Assembly adjourned last week, PLP officials described the speaker’s conduct as bizarre and shocking. Mr Davis called him a “bullying buffoon,” “unprincipled” and “disgraceful”. Mr Mitchell said he was not troubled by Mr Moultrie’s references to him, but is “happy” to meet him “in the street” if the latter desired. Last night, Mrs Hanna Martin said she would not return to the House tomorrow in solidarity with her colleagues. All four members of the Opposition intend to return on February 14, at which time the no confidence motion will
be moved. Yesterday, former PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts said the speaker’s tirade was inexcusable and unparliamentary in nature. As he too made a case regarding Mr Moultrie being unfit for the post, Mr Roberts said the Nassau Village MP must be removed in the interest of protecting the integrity of the Office of the Speaker. He questioned how any opposition member was expected to function in Parliament under Mr Moultrie’s rule and in light of the egregious comments. Mr Roberts said it was clear the speaker crossed the line of acceptable parliamentary behaviour and should be removed as atonement for his actions.
PAGE 8, Monday, February 12, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
Hundreds flock to Junior Junkanoo By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
HUNDREDS of students displayed their cultural pride on Saturday, putting on a spectacular show for Junior Junkanoo fans who lined the parade route along Pioneer’s Way, downtown Freeport. Some 26 schools from Grand Bahama participated in the event. Minister of Youth Sports and Culture Michael Pintard, Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest, Minister of State for Grand Bahama Senator Kwasi Thompson, West Grand Bahama and Bimini MP Pakesia Parker Edgecombe, Iram Lewis, MP for Central Grand Bahama and Fredrick McAlpine, MP for Pineridge, were present. First out of the gate was Hampton Academy Preschool under the theme, “Finding Your Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow”. The school was followed by St John’s Christian Academy, which depicted children from around the world dressed in their native attire. The school’s banner was decorated with flags of various nations and landmarks throughout
the world, emphasising the message of unity among all children and their countries. Growing Years Preschool, under the theme, “A Winter Wonderland Fantasy”, featured dancers dressed as Snow Queen Elsa, from the movie Frozen. The group’s bellers depicted penguins, and the drummers were dressed as toy soldiers. The group’s free dancers were costumed as kings, queens, and snowmen. Rising Stars Christian Academy paid tribute to community workers, and students portrayed construction workers, police officers, nurses, doctors, a farmer, etc. Under the theme, “The Bahamas National Trust – Protecting our Shores” Letty’s Paradise stressed the importance of conservation. The group portrayed various indigenous animals. The National Academy Pre-school brought the Smurfs to Grand Bahama. Its theme was, “All We Need Is Love”, and students were dressed in blue costumes and white hats. Kindercare Learning Centre showcased “A Day at the Beach”. The school’s banner depicted a beach scene.
The Martin Town Preschool’s theme was “Let Every Kindred, Every Tribe”. The group’s banner represented nations of the world, Bahamas, USA, Australia, Africa, Britain, China, Canada, Haiti, Jamaica, and Germany. The students dressed for worship, with girls in bright colours, with hats, gloves, bag, and boys as priests. Following the preschools was the all-age division. The schools put all their energy into their performances and costumes. Bishop Michael Eldon High School brought some New Orleans flavour to downtown with Mardi Gras. The group showcased the festive theme, with dancers in glittered costumes and masks. The Beacon School presented the favourite classic of Disney’s Aladdin with a banner depicting an Arabian temple. The dancers were dressed as Aladdin, Princess Jasmine, Jafar and other characters. The Lucaya International School celebrated the Bahamian Coat of Arms. Student blew conch shells and choreographed dancers were wearing costumes depicting a flock of flamingos. Photos: Derek Carroll
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THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2018
Losing focus with Parliament’s pantomime By MALCOLM STRACHAN THE last few weeks of Parliament had the makings of daytime television, or as many Bahamian women would call it, “the stories”. However, this storyline tells of something much more horrific. Our political system thrives on sensationalism and the proliferation of gutter politics. As a nation, we hold on to our seats through “silly season”, as it is too entertaining to remove ourselves from the political rallies, talk show commentary and newspaper headlines. But once the dust settles and it is time for the rubber to meet the road, the Bahamian people want and need a government capable and willing to implement plans and policies that would advance the nation regardless of political partisanship. Where do we begin? First, a sparring match ensued with Englerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin and Speaker of the House PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis in the Hous of Assembly on the day the Speaker threw insults and Miriam Emmanuel MP blundered - but he didn’t have anything to Halson Moultrie, which say on the day to condemn such behaviour. Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff ended in the naming and have been getting tidbits inspire us.” okay to pursue such a selfreminiscent of former EduThe spectacle that has suspension of Hanna The prime minister’s per- promoting tirade, instead of been taking place in ParMartin. If that wasn’t cation Minister, Jerome and inferences of what is enough drama, Moultrie Fitzgerald’s, “touch one, to come – much of what we sonality as a leader is not allowing the nation’s busi- liament simply does not got along the campaign trail consistent with his position. ness to be tended to. portend that Prime Minister last week went on a nearly touch all” mantra. We don’t have all the Minnis, nor his government, This juvenile back-and- – but nothing for us to call Unfortunately, most times hour-long, bizarre diatribe is currently focused on the where he attacked the mar- forth taking place between home about. It is discourag- when we hear him speak, answers. Furthermore, our inten- issues important to the riage of Opposition leader senior members of the ing to see the time spent on it sounds scripted and pasPhilip “Brave” Davis and Opposition and the Speaker nonsense, when we would sionless. Setting aside the tion isn’t to attack the prime Bahamian people. Hopefully, the prime insinuated that PLP chair- of the House is embarrass- prefer to witness a national assertions by some in his minister either. However, man Fred Mithcell was a ing, to say the least. Grown discourse that makes life government of him being we would like to see him minister is able to learn a the architect behind some jump into the driver’s seat valuable lesson from his “powder puff” man. If this men speaking about each for Bahamians better. With all due respect, of their most promising ini- when things appear to be predecessor – the euphodisplay of immaturity that other’s wives and egotistic utterances should turn the nobody cares about the tiatives, he evokes little to going off course and steer ria of power can be very is beneath stomachs of all type of husbands Moultrie nothing in terms of the citi- us in the right direction. treacherous. the offices of ‘Perhaps He doesn’t have to be the those within and Davis are. We would zenry’s emotions. As he continues to all involved Perhaps, it is this kind of greatest orator to be able to navigate his role as prime an earshot to hope they would be setwas still not something, enough, MP anything from the this brand of ting good examples for the lack of presence that would do that. He simply has to be minister, we hope this crysgutter politics. young men and women allow the Speaker of the focused and know how to talises in his mind much for MICAL prime minister under their tutelage, of House to think it would be evoke the same from others. sooner, rather than later. Without Miriam would have been a doubt, we course. But to the extent Emmanuel made a ter- more comforting. have some real that we care to hear about issues facing the private inner workings rible attempt our coun- of their marital relationship to analogise Even the other try right now - surely not. equality in members of the What Bahamians care require male-domigovernment, who that a surplus of about, by and large, is how nated arenas life will be better for us and resources. with women we believe to our families. How are we Immigrabeing abused have honour and tion requires going to fare in the world by their hus- integrity, could a great deal among a region that is bands. Go have come out of attention, becoming more competitive figure. with sloops for us to thrive. We want Who are and stated when still coming our children to be posithese people? wrong is wrong, in loaded tioned to obtain success in School kids trading insults rather than sitting with Haitians. safe environments conduCrime, despite cive to their development. on a play- silent. They did Unfortunately, the tenor compariground or not hesitate to sons between of this outrageous bickering our nation’s support Moultrie’s present day between political factions leaders? 2018 with last is not cooling as we are What’s worse overkill tactics of year, we still now going into a new week is that in the flexing his power know to be where the entire Opposition prime minunpre- is suspended for two sittings ister’s only as House Speaker.’ very dictable and of Parliament. Obviously, commentary has the capa- not much will be getting on all of this nonsense. He praised the bility to spike at any time. done there, and yet again, Speaker of the House for, The economy, although our headlines will be litabove all things, “doing movement is being made tered with tabloid-like smut. Ironically, this reminds us what is right”. Can you towards a slow uphill climb, is still in a rut. Education is of Prime Minister Minnis’ believe it? We know the politi- still underperforming and whipping of local journalcal sycophants who would was highlighted recently ists when he received the dare not find fault with as a deterrent to Baha- Press Club’s Man of the their beloved party have mian success by a RBC Year Award. He scolded found every justification exec. Communities are them for their lack of real and compared in the book to excuse this still suffering the effects stories ludicrous behaviour. But of a delayed resolution to them to tabloids and fake how do you defend the the landfill, even though news. Yet, here he is conthe government promised doning a member of his indefensible? How does the prime there would be one by the government acting in such minister not rebuke such end of 2017. Further, how a fashion that is far beneath is Ragged Island going to the standards of the offices ridiculous behaviour? Aside from the Attor- become a “green island”? they hold under his watch. He should have been the ney General stating the What does that look like? government does not con- Can we delve into the gov- first person to speak against done domestic abuse, and ernment’s plan to remove such absurdity, as opposed an apology from Emma- VAT off breadbasket items to allowing the Speaker’s nuel that fell flat, we’ve not and discuss a 360-degree head to swell to such epic view of its potential benefits proportions. Essentially, it heard much else. is this nagging reality that Perhaps something, and ramifications? We can go on and on ref- leaves much to be desired anything from the prime minister would have been erencing with issues that by the citizenry. Author of the book, Start more comforting. Even the would have far superceded other members of the gov- the Speaker’s demand for With Why: How Great ernment, who we believe respect. Yet this is what Leaders Inspire Everyone to have honour and integ- taxpayers’ money is being to Take Action says somerity, could have come out spent on. This is what they thing very profound that and stated when wrong is want a raise for – to take can be applied to what’s happening to our political wrong, rather than sitting part in juvenile buffoonery. One has to wonder context. He says: “There silent. They did not hesitate to support Moultrie’s if there is a conspiracy are leaders and there are overkill tactics of flexing his awry so as to distract the those who lead. Leaders Bahamian people from hold a position of power or power as House Speaker. It is unfortunately too their lack of planning. We influence. Those who lead
Ruining our heritage
PAGE 10 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2018
INSIGHT
EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net
SOME of the debris found at the Clifton Heritage Park. Photos: Athena Damianos By ATHENA DAMIANOS I WANTED to weep. Revisiting the Clifton Heritage Park on the western tip of New Providence was like a bad dream. Only it wasn’t a dream. The garbage was real. The junk was real. The rutted ground from the four wheelers was real. So was the torn, rusted fencing. What has happened to this 500-acre national park system? It was a cool and windy Sunday and friends from Kentucky were in town. Too rough for the boat or swimming, we promised them a beautiful hike along a coast kissed by turquoise sea, plantation ruins and wetlands full of bird life. What we found instead was a garbage dump. Our first stop was the Clifton wetlands and we were thrilled to see they’d recovered nicely from the terrible salt damage caused by an earlier hurricane. The wetlands were alive with birds - common marsh hens, American coots, ring billed duck, cormorants and snowy egrets. Beneath the birds and tilapia fish, Styrofoam plates and cups, beer bottles and plastic littered the bottom of the pond. Leaving the first beach at the canal to the sun worshippers, we passed an abandoned buggy with the name, Heritage National Park on the side, its wheels stripped.
We hiked along the bush trails, where the beautiful purple flowers of the morning glory vine tried in vain to cover the litter and debris. Shrubbery sprouted from the historic plantation ruins, weakening the priceless hand cut limestone walls. “What the heck is that doing here?” I pointed to an abandoned ice machine in the bush – the kind supermarkets and gas stations store bags of ice in. I opened the aluminum door to peek inside. “I wouldn’t do that,” my husband warned. “You never know what you’ll find inside.” Too late - the door was open. Nothing but empty beer bottles inside. I breathed a sigh of relief. Our friends were incredulous. We were embarrassed. Cutting through the bush to the coast, we hiked along the sun drenched shore line and listened to the sea. An osprey circled in flight overhead. “There’s some good, some bad and some ugly,” our friend Rob, a geologist, commented. Wooden picnic benches, painted in pretty pastels with the word “Clifton” cut out of the wood, rested haphazardly along the rocks, as if carried in by the tide. A couple of abandoned wooden shacks loomed in the background. We came across a beach grill and bar, not far from a
Clifton Heritage Authority sign prohibiting food and alcohol in the park. The cook and bartender, laid back and friendly, said they catered to Carnival cruise passengers. Then the music started – not loud, thank goodness. But loud enough to drown the sound of nature. A little further down the main road, a rusted gate and debris blocked the entrance to Antonius Roberts’ “Sacred Space”. Here, slave figures carved from casuarina wood gaze tragically across the ocean in a symbolic display of a yearning to return to Africa. The sea murmurs below - haunting echoes of the past. “Warning. Cliff diving is strictly prohibited,” the large red sign laying on its side on the ground declares. The miniature furniture carved from casuarina is gone, probably swept away by a hurricane. Twisted and rusted fencing, a smashed garbage receptacle and piles of debris mark the entrance to the Sacred Space. It is a million dollar view in a million dollar setting and it is a national disgrace. The Clifton Heritage Authority blames the debris on Hurricane Matthew. The monster storm swept through the area 15 months ago . CLIFTON REVISITED The Clifton Heritage National Park was officially opened on April 9, 2009. I visited the park that year with a strong feeling of nostalgia, returning to a magical childhood playground. The magnificent doughnut shaped rock formations - reminiscent of Scottish coastline – were long gone, decimated to make way for the oil tankers as the island developed. What I found instead in 2009 was a proper national park. An extensive nature trail system meanders through the coppice with informational billboards
detailing the birdlife and the history of the site. It was clean. Families lounged on the powder white sand beaches. A casual fisherman cast his spinning rod into the gin clear water. Others hiked along the trails. The absence of noise and the soft murmur of waves were balm to the soul. It was all so far removed from the noise and congestion of Nassau. There are several beaches in the park and the fascinating remains of Lucayan settlements and Loyalist plantation ruins. The cliffs give way to a deepwater harbour where ships of old probably anchored close to shore to load and unload plantation goods. A set of ancient, hand hewn stairs lead down to the remnants of a stone wharf at the water’s edge. Roberts’ tree slaves stand watch, the deep blue Atlantic stretching towards the Tongue of the Ocean. HERITAGE PARK IS BORN The Clifton Heritage National Park was born out of anger over dwindling access to the beaches of New Providence. It was brought to a head by a proposed luxury residential development on the longest remaining stretch of undeveloped coastline on one of the smallest, but most densely populated islands in the country. Proponents of the project cited the need for jobs for Bahamians. However, a diverse group of people banded together to rally around the flag to save Clifton. Historians, political opportunists and environmentalists found common ground, along
predating the arrival of Columbus. Laurie Wilkie, an archaeologist from the University of California at Berkeley, likened Clifton to the Rosetta Stone for understanding life on New Providence. “This represents one of those rare arenas where you can study the whole extent of the human experience in a location, starting with the Lucayan villages,’’ she said at the time. ‘‘I can’t think of another site that contains all of this.’’ The Clifton Heritage Authority was born by an Act of Parliament in 2004. It was mandated to develop and maintain a national heritage park to heighten the country’s cultural, historical and ecological awareness. with wealthy winter residents and Bahamians from more modest backgrounds. What was all the fuss about? The dive industry worried about the impact the development might have on the fragile offshore reef system, already threatened by oil spills. Beach access was a big issue. Then a movement mushroomed to preserve the ruins of the 18th - century plantation of William Whylly, a Loyalist who served as attorney general of the Bahamas. Whylly was considered an “enlightened” slave owner – his slaves were taught to read and write and were encouraged to marry and have families and farm and sell their own produce. The lobby peaked with the discovery of artifacts from two Lucayan Indian villages dating back 1,000 years. The Lucayans were Stone Age fishermen and farmers and the first known inhabitants of The Bahamas,
A MONUMENT TO NATURE The Clifton Heritage Authority said the park was created by the Bahamian people and “stands as a monument to the generations who helped build the foundations of The Bahamas today.” There are only a few physical structures left to remind us of the slave plantation culture and Loyalist plantation society. Clifton is an archaeological and environmental treasure, providing the most tangible link to the Lucayan, slave and Loyalist eras, yet it’s been sadly neglected and abused. An apparent problem with funding and a local culture that is shockingly indifferent to the environment has left its ravages on this important heritage site. The singer Neil Young tells us natural beauty should be preserved as a monument to nature. Clifton, with all its beauty, should stand as a monument to nature. Instead, it is a blight on nature and on those who have left their footprints in the sand.
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EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net
INSIGHT
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2018 PAGE 11
Structure not ad-hoc agendas key to US-Caribbean relations M
UCH has been said about the government of the United States of America cutting off aid to countries which do not support that country’s position in international organisations. The US, of course, is free to direct its aid where it wishes and very much within its rights to show its displeasure with countries that take its money but don’t support it. Other donor countries have the same view, although they do not express it in quite the same way as the US government now makes clear. Aid, after all, seldom has moral considerations. Economic aid, in particular, was introduced in the world because it merged with the desire of rich countries to maintain access to markets of developing countries and to garner political influence over them. It is worth recalling that the original demand of developing countries was not for bilateral aid, but for improvement of the terms of trade and the establishment of multilateral institutions that would provide financing for their industrialisation. But, most of the Western countries, had no interest in altering the system to suit developing countries and, by so doing, weakening their own positions. The same was true of the Soviet Union, and it continues to be so for Russia and China today. Even developing countries, such as Venezuela, that have emerged as donors, are hardly motivated by altruism. Developing countries know that reality better than any. The function of aid in foreign policy, except in extreme humanitarian cases, falls into three broad categories: providing donors with a framework of legitimacy for intervention in the affairs of sovereign states; promoting influence over recipient states, including sustaining governments friendly to the donor; and fostering the political, security and commercial interests of donor countries. Arguably, the exceptions to this general observation are the Scandinavian countries – Denmark, Norway and Sweden – which exercise no great power in the world but give generously to human development globally. They have met the UN target of 0.7% of their GDP as aid; only Britain of the G7 countries has done the same. While the US has not met the UN target, it is the world’s biggest aid donor. In 2016, total US spending on foreign aid, including military, economic and humanitarian, was $49 billion. So, where do the 14 nations of the Caribbean
World View
By SIR RONALD SANDERS
Community (CARICOM) stand in terms of being aid recipients from the US and how vulnerable are they to cuts in US aid? The figures vary, making some CARICOM countries far more reliant on the US than others. In 2016, for instance, the 14 independent CARICOM nations received $437.6m from the US – less than 1 per cent of the total US spend. But, Haiti alone received $376.7m of that total, leaving only $60.9m to the other 13 CARICOM countries. Of the remaining $60.9m, Jamaica got the lion’s share of $28.9m. The balance of $32m was shared among 11 countries. Guyana ($9.6m), Belize ($8.6m), Barbados ($5.4m) and The Bahamas ($3.2m) were the next principal beneficiaries. At the bottom of the pile were: St Lucia ($38,000), Suriname ($232,672), Trinidad and Tobago ($302,775) St Vincent and the Grenadines ($612,000), Dominica ($616,000) and Antigua and Barbuda ($635,781). In the case of Antigua and Barbuda, 95 per cent of the funding was dedicated to the military, primarily for the interdiction of drug traffickers. From all this, it can be seen that, apart from Haiti and Jamaica, CARICOM countries are not huge beneficiaries of US aid. The figures for 2016 have been consistent for over the last 10 years or more. There are, therefore, varying degrees of loyalty that the US would expect from individual CARICOM countries. Of further interest, 13 of the 14 CARICOM countries have continued to be beneficial to the US as markets for its goods. In 2017, the US enjoyed a balance of trade surplus of $6.08 billion with all CARICOM countries except Trinidad and Tobago. The largest surpluses were enjoyed with the Bahamas ($2.4 billion), Jamaica ($1.7 billion), St Lucia ($519.1m), Barbados ($470.8m) and Antigua and Barbuda ($413.5m). The US trade deficit with Trinidad and Tobago was $1.49 billion, but when that is subtracted the US overall trade surplus in goods amounted to $4.58 billion. The US balance of trade surplus with 13 of the 14 CARICOM countries in 2017 is also consistent with the pattern of benefits to the US over the last ten years or more.
Indeed, given that the US has provided $437m in aid to all CARICOM countries and gained from a trade surplus of $4.58 billion, the US has been an overall beneficiary of its relationship with CARICOM countries, especially the smaller ones that received the least aid but nonetheless gave trade surpluses to the US. Measuring the capacity of the US to influence the CARICOM area through an “aid” prism is therefore inadequate and misleading. US aid has benefitted a few countries and has been as much – if not more – for the advantage of the US than for the recipients. For the US and the countries of CARICOM to build a relationship of mutual support, a structured association is required with all of them. That structure could be an annual meeting rotating between Foreign Ministers and Finance Ministers to discuss and resolve matters of concern to the US and CARICOM countries, not to the US alone. And, every two years, the US President and CARICOM Heads of Government should meet to develop areas and strategies for co-operation, including financing mechanisms (not aid) that address Caribbean needs for economic and social development from which US businesses and the US economy can benefit as participants. That way both the US and the Caribbean could put themselves first. • Responses and previous commentaries: www. sirronaldsanders.com The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are entirely his own.
PRESIDENT Donald Trump speaking on Friday in Washington.
Photo: Evan Vucci/AP
PAGE 12 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2018
INSIGHT
EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net
Coping with conflicts in life CONFLICT resolution is when two or more parties find a peaceful solution to a disagreement between them. The need for resolution to conflicts has risen in our schools, homes, work place and community. It is inevitable that conflicts are going to happen whenever you have people with different expectations, views and concerns. However, in order to resolve a conflict we must accept our share of the responsibility and eliminate the concept of blame. In the school Children find themselves in situations which often lead to escalated conflicts with their peers. During adolescence many children act out their emotions in the form of teasing, gossiping, and physical aggression.
Police advice
peaceful environment of the home.
By SERGEANT NATHALIE RANGER
If left unchecked, these same behavioural patterns will transfer over to the teenage years. Schools should include in their curriculum, conflict management to teach students how to resolve and prevent conflicts. Schools can also organise a workshop on this subject and get parents involved. In the home Every family has disagreements, which keeps the communication channel open. However, the
handling of those conflicts will result in either a win/win outcome or a destructive situation. Most family conflicts arise because of poor communication skills, lack of family values, lack of respect, poor interpersonal skills, lack of effective role models/poor parenting skills, sibling rivalry, financial problems, lack of trust, lack of accountability and lack of Godliness. If God is out of the home, then the enemy will take charge and destroy the
In the workplace When people work together, conflicts are often unavoidable because of differences in work goals and personal style. Almost everyone encounters a difficult person now and then in their personal and professional life. Handling and resolving conflicts that arise in the work place is one of the biggest challenges managers and employees face. We often feel uncomfortable or dissatisfied with the result because no resolution has been achieved. Conflicts in the workplace are caused by poor communication, different values, different interest, personal clashes and poor performance.
In the community How we handle conflicts within a community is important to the long-term success of a community. Conflicts in the community are caused by different beliefs, resources, preferences, needs and risk. Too many of our citizens are caught up in conflicts they do not know how to manage. Our community should come together and form a conflict resolution forum so we can move forward in a positive direction. When faced with a conflict, agree to resolve it. 1. Use your brain and not your hands or a weapon 2. Talk about what is bothering you in a calm and respectful way 3. No name calling 4. Take turns talking without interrupting 5. Be willing to listen to
the other person and be sure to understand how he or she feels and sees the problem 6. The less angry you are the easier it will be to resolve the problem 7. Think of positive options, how can you meet each other’s needs and be fair 8. If you still can’t agree, ask someone else (an outsider) to help resolve the conflict. It is important to control anger and settle disputes peacefully because violence is becoming worrisome and threatening in our country because of the lack of knowledge on how to resolve conflicts. By resolving conflicts there will be fewer crimes, better relationships in the home, school, workplace and the community.
TWO DEAD IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS By DENISE MAYCOCK and KHRISNA RUSSELL
TWO pedestrians died in separate traffic incidents in New Providence and Grand Bahama on Friday. In the first incident, police said shortly after midnight, a man was walking in the northeast bound lane on Tonique Williams Darling Highway in New Providence when a 1998 Ford F150 truck hit him. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were called, but were unable to revive him. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said the driver of the truck remained on the scene and is assisting with their investigation. Meanwhile, Grand Bahama recorded its first traffic fatality for the year on Friday when a male pedestrian was killed in an accident in Freeport. According to reports, the victim was hit by a tour
bus sometime around 8am while at the roundabout at Coral Road and West Settler’s Way, an area frequented by early morning walkers and joggers. Police and EMS responded, but the second victim also died at the scene. The area was cordoned off by police officers, and a blue tarp was placed over the victim in the road. Traffic was re-routed off West Settler’s Way and Coral Road, delaying the morning commute for motorists, and created road jams along various narrow side streets. The Tribune understands that the deceased is known as “Bunny.” The tour bus driver involved in the accident is an employee of H Forbes Charter, which operates a tour bus charter service on Grand Bahama. This is the second incident in recent weeks
involving tour bus drivers employed with the company. A few hours later, a second tour bus crashed into utility poles in the area of Seven Hills on the Ridge. Last week, a H Forbes Charter tour bus went off the road and crashed into the Club Amnesia Building on the Mall Drive. The driver was not injured, but the vehicle had significant damage. Last Sunday, a fire occurred at the tour company on Queen’s Highway where several vehicles were destroyed. Earlier this year, police reported that 54 people died as a result of traffic accidents in 2017, an increase when compared to 2016. In 2016 there were 44 recorded traffic related deaths. In 2015, there were 55 traffic related deaths— the most in a year since 2009, when 56 people were killed.
A MALE pedestrian died in Grand Bahama on Friday after he was hit by a tour bus. Photo: Vandyke Hepburn
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, February 12, 2018, PAGE 13
‘No threat’ says ministty after collapse of Gregory’s Arch By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net THE Ministry of Works has assured that Gregory’s Arch poses no threat to motorists or pedestrians after it was damaged during a traffic accident on Friday. Police are still investigating the details of the accident. Road Traffic Superintendent Kent Strachan said: “I did get a report earlier this morning (Friday) of an incident at that location. Police responded to that location and we’re satisfied based on the information that we have no reports of any serious (injuries) to anyone at this time. “Subsequent to that, we have reached out to the Ministry of Works, who have responded to the location to have the debris cleaned up and the area secured. The matter
is now under investigation and we are seeking to ensure that that is properly repaired so that there is no further injury or harm to anyone travelling along that terrain.” Works Minister Desmond Bannister also provided The Tribune with a statement on the incident, which was sent by a ministry engineer. “A motor vehicle while travelling west on East Hill Street collided with the wall adjacent to Government House. That section of wall collapsed and fell onto Market Street,” the statement noted. “The opening in the wall was secured by plywood and 2x4 lumber. The remainder of the wall is intact and does not pose a threat to the motoring and pedestrian commuters. (A) Ministry of Works crew headed by Ken Miller cleared Market Street to
allow vehicular access. “A small contract (crew) was mobilised to remove a large chunk of concrete wall out of the active roadway.” The Antiquities Monuments and Museums Corporation was also contacted due to the historical nature of some of the stones, the ministry said. Gregory’s Arch was opened to the public on January 19, 1852, and named after British Governor John Gregory. The tunnel connects the Overthe-Hill communities of Bain and Grants Town with downtown Nassau. It has been referred to as Overthe-Hill as those living on either side of the arch no longer had to climb “over the hill” but could walk under the arch to go either to Bain Town to the south, or to Bay Street by way of Market Street to the north.
DEBRIS from Gregory’s Arch on Friday.
CONCLAVE THIS WEEK SEEKS TO IMPROVE JUNKANOO By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
THE Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s Junkanoo conclave, proposed to address the overall quality of the 2017-2018 season, will convene Thursday. Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Michael Pintard confirmed the date, saying the forum would allow all interested stakeholders to “have their say on ways to deliver the best product possible”. The conclave is scheduled for February 15-17. The Marco City MP said, in addition to discussions centred on ways to improve future parades,
from locations and time, to bleacher arrangements and the construction of multi-purpose Junkanoo shacks, practitioners and stakeholders are being asked to aid in the festival’s self-evaluation. He told The Tribune on Friday: “The idea is to examine where we are; the placement of this parade and how we as a country tend to view Junkanoo.” Mr Pintard said officials will look to address both increasing parade participation and expanding the “life-span” of parades during the season. “We will, and I want to make this as clear as possible, there will be,
without fail, a complete festival enacted around the major parades during the holiday season,” Mr Pintard said. “So whether we do one parade or two during the holiday calendar, you will expect to see a festival structured around that time of year. We want our visitors, whether from our Family Islands or our international tourist, to be faced with several options to experience Junkanoo as a cultural expression. “That’s the driving force behind all of this. We want to expand the way Junkanoo is viewed. We are entertaining all discussions on how we can segment a week and build
an experience around Junkanoo in that time-frame. We will lead the discussion on how do we sustain our practitioners year-round. How do we internationalise the festival and this cultural expression?” Mr Pintard added: “We are in the business of manufacturing Junkanoo. We are the originators of this
art form, so we intend to encourage the international demand for it and then work to supply that demand.” The 2017-2018 Junkanoo season was marred by hiccups, including a delay of the 2017 Boxing Day Parade, low turnout at the 2018 New Year’s Day Parade and a nearly
month-long postponement of a major parade in Grand Bahama. The issues that plagued the 2017 Boxing Day Parade were so severe, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis was prompted to call a major meeting with Junkanoo leaders at his office to express his “pain and disappointment”.
PAGE 14, Monday, February 12, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
HELPING TO FEED THOSE IN NEED
THE ROTARY Club of Old Fort partnered with The Bahamas Feeding Network for its “Rotary Has Heart” campaign, a Valentines Feeding Initiative to plate and distribute nearly 2,000 meals. The club also donated $1,200 to BFN towards future feeding projects. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
HUMAN RIGHTS GROUP WANTS MORE FROM MINNIS By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
DESPITE Attorney General Carl Bethel’s declaration that the country has zero tolerance when it comes to domestic abuse, another human rights group urged Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis to distance himself from MP Miriam Emmanuel’s comments and clearly state the country’s position when it comes to gender-based violence, discrimination and inequality. Rise Bahamas, an advocacy group, said a great start to demonstrating the government’s commitment in this regard would be to
formulate an implementation plan, inclusive of budget and timeline for the 2015 Gender Based Task Force. The organisation said for too long, Bahamians have been disrespected by government officials without consequence. This should stop now, it said. Rise Bahamas is the latest advocacy group to come out against the comments the MICAL MP made on Wednesday, which seemingly condoned domestic violence. Although she apologised hours after making the remarks, criticism continues to pour in. Bahamas Crisis Centre
Deputy Director Donna Nicolls has also called for Mrs Emmanuel’s resignation. Rise Bahamas also criticised the remarks of House Speaker Halson Moultrie. The group did not make clear the specific comments made by the speaker to which it referred. However, in his speech on Wednesday, the speaker made a veiled reference to Official Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis’ wife’s nationality and also accused Mr Davis of taking advice from “perverts”. “The recent statements made in the House of Assembly by member of Parliament Emmanuel and
House Speaker Moultrie condoning domestic violence, discrimination and gender inequality, not only shows lack of knowledge around human rights conventions our country has committed to uphold, but also a disregard for basic human rights,” Rise Bahamas said in a statement Friday. “It is appalling that they thought it fitting to make such declaration in Parliament – the very place where laws are created to circumvent the behaviours they exalt. “Behaviour and speech in Parliament is indicative of a systemic issue in politics and our society. We find that, in general, the members of Parliament are inadequately informed on the subjects that they are representing, and absolutely no effort is being made to remedy this deficiency. “These individuals do not have sufficient knowledge to make sound decisions on behalf of the Bahamian public and immediate action needs to be taken to ensure that they commit to and receive the proper sensitivity training to make them functional. They should also reach out to institutions like the Bahamas Crisis Centre to expose themselves to accounts from survivors of abuse and sexual violence.” In the Senate on Thursday, the attorney general said Mrs Emmanuel’s comments were “ill-advised.”
As he denounced the remarks, he said the country is beyond the days of patrimonial control of the family. He said domestic violence is not to be joked about, as was the case in Parliament on Wednesday. Meanwhile, another group, Organisation for Responsible Government has also condemned the events that took place in the House of Assembly. In a press release, ORG admonished “the derailment of procedure, personal attacks on private citizens and parliamentarians, endorsement of gender-based violence and other instances of lack of decorum,” which occurred both inside and outside Parliament. Furthermore, ORG said these actions “should be beneath persons purportedly united in the goal of advancing this nation, regardless of their discrepancies. political or otherwise.” On January 31, House Speaker Halson Moultrie suspended Englerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin. The Progressive Liberal Party has said that Mrs Hanna Martin was the target of disciplinary action in the House because she has advocated for the rights of two women who were fired from their jobs at airports in Eleuthera. Last Wednesday, Mrs Emmanuel attempted to voice her support for Mr
Moultrie’s decision. In her speech, she suggested the relationship between the speaker and MPs is analogous to that of a husband and wife. Mrs Emmanuel said: “If you as a woman want to come up in your husband’s face and behave like you are a man, my father said then you will get manhandled.” During that same session, Mr Moultrie also suspended the remaining opposition members as they walked out of the lower chamber while he was speaking. He then launched personal attacks against PLP members and former parliamentary clerk Maurice Tynes. In response, Mr Davis referred to him as a “bulling buffoon” while PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell said he would be happy to meet Speaker Moultrie “in the street.” ORG described such events as “a debacle wherein members from both sides competed in spectacular displays of one-upmanship, leading to a litany of insults and woefully inappropriate remarks which undermined the House and the offices of those who serve it.” ORG also lamented that suspensions of the Official Opposition mean, “the country will lose two additional weeks of balanced debate,” noting “the necessity of a robust opposition in parliamentary proceedings”.
Bahamas Agricultural & Industrial Corporation
Consultants Revitalization of the Sponging Industry Project number ATN/ME-15441-BH The Project Revitalization of The Sponging Industry is a national initiative conceived by Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC), which seeks to equip Bahamas Commercial Spongers Association (BCSA) to ensure sustainability of the sponging industry; create market linkages; and assist sponge fishermen in moving up the value chain. The Government of The Bahamas has received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and intends to apply part of the proceeds to payments for the services of Consultants as follows: Consultancy 1: Consultant to Evaluate Project deliverables. Consultancy 2: Consultant to Establish Market Linkages. Consultancy 3: Consultant to Evaluate Training. Consultancy 4: Consultant to Indentify Certifications and Sustainability Tools. Consultancy 5: Communication PR & Advertising Consultancy The Bahamas Agricultural Industrial Corporation now invites eligible consultants or consultancy firms to indicate their interest in providing these services. Interested candidates must provide proposals, along with information outlining qualification, experiences, competencies, and cost. Consultants will be selected in accordance with procedures set out in the Inter-American Development Bank: Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (GN-2350-7) and is open to all eligible consultants as defined in the policies.
How to Apply
Interested consultants may obtain detailed information about these position on our website www.baic.gov.bs/consultancy-needs. Proposals must be delivered via direct mail or email at the address indicated below. Bahamas Agriculture and Industrial Corporation Attn: Project Coordinator P.O. Box N-4940 Nassau, Bahamas Email: projectcoordinator@baic.gov.bs Only persons shortlisted will be contacted.
BAIC HEAD OFFICE & TRAINING CENTER Old Trail Road • P. O. Box N-4940 Nassau, Bahamas
Tel: (242) 396-3725/6 Fax: (242) 322-2123 / 328-6542 Web: www.baic.gov.bs www.facebook.com/mybaic
Growing. Partnering. Empowering.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, February 12, 2018, PAGE 15
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