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VOLUME:114 No.58, FEBRUARY 14th, 2017

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Top cop and PM divided on crime Greenslade: Bahamas is not in crisis

Christie: It’s like the Wild West

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

DESPITE the country recording 13 homicides in 13 days, Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade said the Bahamas is not in a state of “crisis” and the average Bahamian can continue to “go about their day as normal day” without the fear of being attacked.

At a press conference at police headquarters on Monday after a weekend of “carnage”, Commissioner Greenslade said the only solution to the country’s crime problem is to “keep prolific offenders behind bars”. He said the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) is not considering implementing a curfew or “locking down

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

certain neighbourhoods” and the suggestion to do so is “emotional and makes no sense”.

His comments came hours after the country recorded its 27th homicide for the year. Seven people have been killed since Friday.

On Monday afternoon, police also reported that a man was stabbed outside an establishment on Nassau Street while two men were shot while in the area of Ross Corner. These victims were said to be in stable condition in hospital.

Commissioner Greenslade said it is simply not enough for people to “point the finger at the police in times of crisis” yet refuse to “manage their SEE PAGE THREE

COMMISSIONER of Police Ellison Greenslade speaking at a press conference yesterday.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday likened the Bahamas’ crime situation to the “Wild West,” as he said the recent wave of murders in the capital must solicit a “major” and “continuous” effort by his administration to “flood the streets” with officers in a bid to do “all that is necessary to bring this madness to a halt”.

Mr Christie, speaking with reporters yesterday, said the “madness” occurring is due to gang activity and retaliation.

He said the past bloody weekend is a “shocking development” that will require the government to

do much more to “fully understand this senseless set of killings,” and have law enforcement respond “as quickly as possible” and in a “very meaningful way” in their crime fighting efforts.

These efforts, Mr Christie suggested, would likely include dedicating a “substantial” number of officers to patrol the streets of New Providence and simultaneously giving them “the capacity to interdict the movements of people on the streets,” incorporating more reserve police officers, and “if necessary” incorporating Royal Bahamas Defence Force marines in policing efforts.

Mr Christie also said he would be speaking with SEE PAGE THREE

ONE DEAD, THREE HURT IN LATEST ATTACKS EX-BOXER ON RAPE, TRAFFICKING CHARGES

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

AS the country and police continue to grapple with the latest spate of violent crimes, law enforcement officials are seeking the public’s assistance in

the three most recent incidents, which have left one man dead and three others in hospital in serious condition.

Officer-in-charge of the Central Detective Unit, Chief Superintendent Clayton Fernander, speaking to the media on the scene of

a double shooting on Ross Corner yesterday, lamented the “too bold” nature of crimes occurring in the capital recently, as he insisted that a “handful of prolific offenders” remain hell-bent on terrorising the public.

SEE PAGE THREE

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MAN appeared in Magistrate’s Court yesterday accused of sexually assaulting a woman during the Christmas holidays.

She is alleged to be a victim

of human trafficking.

James Coakley, 53, of Cargill Creek, Andros was brought before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt to answer to two counts of trafficking in persons contrary to Section 3(1)(a) of the Trafficking in Persons Prevention and

Suppression Act, Chapter 106.

The former boxer was also charged with three counts of rape filed under Section 6(a) of the Sexual Offences Act, Chapter 99. It is alleged that he engaged in SEE PAGE SIX

ATTORNEY GENERAL: INTERCEPTION BILL BOY, 3, FOUND WILL ENHANCE PRIVACY, NOT HARM IT DEAD IN CAR

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard-Gibson yesterday defended the Interception of Communications Bill as an important anti-crime tool that would enhance the privacy of lawabiding citizens rather than encroach upon it, as detractors claim.

The bill will allow the commissioner of police, or a person acting on his behalf, to obtain a warrant from a Supreme Court judge to intercept and examine a person’s communications from telecommunications operators, internet providers and postal services.

In a statement yesterday, Mrs Maynard-Gibson explained that this move was unprecedented in Bahami-

an law as it placed authority solely in the hands of the independent judiciary, adding that the ICB met international standards and also addressed recent criticisms of the Listening Devices Act by the Privy Council.

She said any suggestion that the legislation was a “spying bill” was false.

SEE PAGE FIVE

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a three-year-old boy who was found unresponsive in a car in front of his daycare yesterday afternoon.

The body of the toddler was discovered shortly after 2pm on Monday by a SEE PAGE SIX

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PAGE 2, Tuesday, February 14, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Homicides up 69 per cent on same period last year

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

HOMICIDES have increased by 69 per cent compared to this period last year, according to The Tribune’s records.

The alarming murder trend has prompted Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis to suggest yesterday that there is a growing crime epidemic in the country because the government has not acted with a view to ending senseless violence.

By February 13 last year, police had recorded 16 murders, according to The Tribune’s records. Up to press time, 27 people had been killed so far this year, with 13 murdered this month.

Violence in January

claimed the lives of 14 people, according to The Tribune’s records.

In a press statement addressing the murderous start to 2017, Dr Minnis criticised the Christie administration accusing it of failing to administer real solutions, and resorting to political attacks.

This comes after former Deputy Commissioner of Police Marvin Dames criticised National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage and State Minister of National Security Keith Bell for their “continued silence” in the wake of a spate of killings.

“February is off to a tragic start for the Bahamian people - 13 murders in 13 days,” Dr Minnis said yesterday.

“For so many, this goes

way beyond politics – we need action now to stop this growing crime epidemic. It saddens us that the PLP’s initial response is to launch political attacks, instead of working towards real solutions.

“Baseless political attacks will not end the senseless violence. Baseless political attacks will not heal our communities. And the PLP’s baseless political attacks offer cold comfort to the families whose lives have been turned upside down by these crimes,” Dr Minnis said.

“One murder is too many for the victims and their families, but 27 so far this year are too much to bear.

It’s time for the PLP to set aside the statistics they are seizing upon attempting to convince the public

that crime is down and that their fears and anger are misplaced. Statistics won’t bring these people back – they are meaningless to the victims’ families. Ignoring the problem will not make it go away; in fact that strategy has only allowed it to get worse.”

Dr Minnis said the FNM has drafted a comprehensive and constructive plan that will put a priority on making communities and neighbourhoods safe.

“Our change team is composed of candidates who have been on the front lines of this issue, as former police officers they bring ideas and experiences that will make a difference.

“Their ideas helped shape our plan, a plan that starts with proper training and equipment for our police; a

plan that calls for collaborating with church leaders and educators who know their communities, and a plan that will bring them together collectively with social workers and community leaders. Our goal will always be to empower the people, not ignore them or their concerns. We pledge to work every day to make all our communities safe and secure for the people because they deserve nothing less from their leaders.”

At around 2am yesterday, a man was fatally shot during an argument outside of a business establishment on West Bay Street.

Shortly after 8pm on Sunday, a man was shot dead while standing outside a home on Derby Road in Yellow Elder Gardens. A teenage boy was killed on

Friday while four people were killed on Saturday in three separate incidents.

In response to this weekend’s bloodshed, Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean said on Sunday that “hundreds” of police officers were patrolling the streets over the past few days in an effort to keep the public as well as visitors safe.

Meanwhile officer-incharge of the Central Detective Unit, Chief Superintendent Clayton Fernander implored parents after a killing on Friday to “keep a watchful eye” on their children, especially their young boys.

Chief Supt Fernander said police have launched a massive manhunt for the suspects in the recent killings.

FIVE FACE COURT OVER RECENT MURDERS IN THE CAPITAL

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

FIVE men were brought to Magistrate’s Court yesterday to be arraigned in connection with a number of recent fatal shootings that occurred in the capital.

Dwight Jones, 26, and Francisco Faubert, 19, stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt facing a murder charge concerning the Tuesday, February 7 death of Benjamin Anderson.

However, both accused said they were wearing electronic monitoring devices, which would prove that they were not the culprits behind the incident.

Anderson, 23, was shot multiple times and killed while standing in front of his home on the morning in question.

The claim from the accused men was noted by the chief magistrate who said that their matter will be forwarded to the Supreme Court for trial through the presentation of a voluntary bill of indictment scheduled for April 19.

In another murder arraignment, 26-year-old Micah Johnson was accused of intentionally causing the

FROM left, Fredrico Ramsey, 22; Dwight Jones, 26; Francisco Faubert, 19; Tearge Johnson, 22; and Micah Johnson, 26, who are all accused of murder.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff death of Louicius Gustave on February 2.

According to police reports, shortly before 1am, Gustave was riding a moped on Bias Street off Blue Hill Road when a man armed with a handgun approached and shot him before fleeing on foot.

The victim was taken to

hospital where he later died of his injuries.

Johnson, represented by attorney Leranda Adderley, was not required to enter a plea to the allegation and the matter will be fasttracked to Supreme Court on April 18.

In the subsequent murder arraignment,

22-year-old Fredrico Ramsey was accused of intentionally causing the death of 16-year-old Ricardo Fawkes on January 18. Fawkes was gunned down shortly before 4am off Kemp Road.

Ramsey, represented by attorney Geoffrey Farquharson, was told that his

case is scheduled to be fasttracked to the higher court on April 6.

In the other arraignment before the chief magistrate, 22-year-old Tearge Johnson stood accused of the January 17 murder of Jamiko Ash and attempted murders of Sean Munroe, Axanthio Thompson and

Teron Thompson.

He will be presented with a voluntary bill of indictment on April 19.

All five accused were denied bail and remanded to the Department of Correctional Services, although they can apply to the higher court for pre-trial release.

DAMEKO NOTTAGE, 18, accused of attempted armed robbery and attempted abduction.

SAYON CAMPBELL, 19, accused of attempted armed robbery and attempted abduction.

TEENS ACCUSED OF ATTEMPTED ROBBERY AND ABDUCTION

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

TWO teens were remanded to prison yesterday after they were accused of a foiled abduction and gunpoint robbery.

Dameko Nottage, 18, and Sayon Campbell, 19, appeared in Magistrate’s Court facing a charge of attempted abduction and two counts of attempted armed robbery

concerning an incident on Tuesday, February 7.

It is alleged that the pair, while armed with a handgun, attempted to rob a man and a woman.

It is also alleged that they attempted to abduct the woman with intent to have sexual intercourse with her.

Neither accused was allowed to enter a plea to the indictable offences, which will be tried in the Supreme Court.

They are expected to be served with voluntary bills of indictments on April 18 forwarding the case to the higher court for trial.

Due to the allegations against them, the two teens were denied bail and remanded to the Department of Correctional Services.

However, they were advised of their right to apply for bail in the Supreme Court.

Before the conclusion of their arraignment, their

lawyers Ian Cargill and Crystal Rolle noted that their clients had allegedly experienced police brutality during their time in custody, were forced to sign statements and participate in staged videotaped record of interviews.

Due to the lateness of the arraignment, the chief magistrate ordered for the accused men to be taken to Princess Margaret Hospital to be seen by physicians.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, February 14, 2017, PAGE 3

Christie: It’s like the Wild West from page one

National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage and Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade about implementing a “random exercise” where police stop and search vehicles that are carrying more than two persons.

Mr Christie’s comments were in response to a bloody few days which saw seven people killed since Friday, including a 15-yearold juvenile.

Three people were also left in hospital on Monday after a man was stabbed and two others were shot in two separate incidents.

The most recent killing occurred about 15 hours before Mr Christie made his statement yesterday afternoon, when a man was shot during an argument outside a West Bay Street nightclub just after 2am. He was taken to hospital and died around 8am, according to police reports.

Thus far, there have been 13 homicides in 13 days in February and the weekend murders take the toll for 2017 to 27, according to The Tribune’s records.

“Clearly this is a shocking development in our country,” Mr Christie said on the sidelines of an event at the One&Only Ocean Club. “...It’s clearly where we’re going to be required to do much more to have a greater capacity to meet the challenge that is going to be posed to us, to fully understand this senseless set of killings, retaliations, and to have our systems respond to it as quickly as possible and in a very meaningful way with a view to demonstrating that we’re not going to be able to accept or continence this kind of conduct and behaviour from those who are committing it.

“It is insane, it is reminiscent of the Wild West, and it is something we must get under control as quickly as possible.”

When asked which policies his administration would be seeking to implement to combat the recent uptick in criminal activity, Mr Christie said: “Whatever crime plan we have it has to be based on dedicating a substantial number of officers to the streets and giving them the capacity to interdict the movements of people on the streets. You have to have a massive presence on the streets. And to the extent that that is necessary, it means incorporating more reserve police officers, it means if necessary incorporating the defense force in complementary ways, but it means dedicating all that is necessary to bring this madness to a halt.

“And so when you ask about a crime plan, we all know that you cannot control the mind of someone who is intent on killing or who is being induced to do so through their association with gangs. But we are able to know that they have to

go through point to point, and we have to dedicate the resources immediately, day and night, to intercept them as they’re moving from point to point. In one way or the other that has to be done in a more meaningful way. I’ve always known it, I’ve always believed it, and that has to be the order of the day.”

He added: “The government has given over 300 police officers, we’ve just had continuous training classes of police officers, so we have given the police force the manpower, the equipment, we’re trying our best to give the technology, but this madness has to do with gangs and retaliation. And in retaliation you’re guessing who you should kill in response to who was killed.

There’s no science to it.

And you don’t care who is present when you’re doing it. There must be a major response to this, there must be a continuous response to it, and it has to be on flooding the streets with officers

and equipment to be able to intercept and interdict.”

Nonetheless, Mr Christie said combatting crime in the country, and in particular preventing weekends like the past one from recurring requires “an effort on the part of the entire population” and will ultimately depend on “how well we are able to work together dedicating all of the necessary resources in all the different diverse forms that is necessary.”

He also said success in combatting crime will not occur solely by “equipping the police” or “arming the police with technology,” but by “getting into people’s homes where parents must know, have a sense of what their children are doing, and being able to get the kind of assistance from the home that we should ordinarily expect to happen in our country.” “…You hear about people going to parties and spraying the parties and social gatherings with gunfire,”

he added. “That is madness, it’s not consistent with who we are as Bahamians.

There is an unthinking group of persons out there who are intent on doing this. We cannot be lenient with people who are using guns and bringing in guns, and there must be very swift prosecution of them.

“All of these things are important as you look to the holistic approach, and that is there are challenges in homes, there are challenges in schools, there are challenges with young people, and clearly from a societal and sociological point of view, we have to examine the root causes and be able to have medium term, long term strategies to deal with it,” Mr Christie said.

“But in the meantime we have to put up a wall, so to speak that cannot be penetrated when it comes down to slowing down what is happening now. . . there is something seriously going on. And if it is not stopped it is out of control.”

GREENSLADE: BAHAMAS IS NOT IN CRISIS from page one

homes” or assist the police in catching wanted persons.

“It is a falsehood to tell the Bahamian public and the world at large that the Bahamas is in crisis, that is nonsense,” he said. “Every well meaning citizen in this country is well aware that these young people that are unfortunately dying and the young people that are the perpetrators, these are people that have fallen though the cracks of our society and they did not remain in school. The ones who did, when they got out of school, chose to associate with the wrong type of company and this is ‘tit for tat, you touch my boy I touch your boy’ type of thing.”

He added: “I do not want the public to form the impression you can’t drive your car and go to work, or you can’t drive your car to go to church, or you can’t drive your car and go to the grocery store. We have a problem, let’s not kid ourselves and that problem is prolific offenders that are in and out of the system who are not prepared to not live a life of crime....

“This country is not at a stage where the average decent citizen has to be concerned about being attacked,” Commissioner Greenslade added. “Do we have cases were someone is robbed and where an innocent person dies, yes. But I am telling you year on year, those who are prepared to look at the facts can tell you that no one is interested in harming persons who go about their normal daily activity.

“Bahamians can go about their daily lives as normal, I don’t perceive that any Bahamian citizen who is going about their business on a daily basis is going to have any issues. It is a very bad development in this coun-

COMMISSIONER of Police Ellison Greenslade holds up a wanted notice at yesterday’s press conference.

try but this is not something that happened overnight.”

He also said there are far too many “healthy bodied prolific offenders in our country who have no hesitation in causing harm to other people” and until these people are “put away for good” the crime situation will never improve.

When asked if the RBPF is considering implementing a curfew in high crime areas, Commissioner Greenslade said “absolutely not”.

“The only solution (to crime) is when these people are arrested and charged, that we allow due process and natural justice and we put them before the courts.

I believe firmly as the commissioner that they should remain incarcerated based upon the egregious crimes they have committed,” Commissioner Greenslade said.

“We have to ensure that people that walk around with assault weapons and other variations of weapons, that have raped people, that have attempted to rape people, that have killed people that have attempted to murder people they should remain, I will make no apology, they should remain incarcerated and have their day in court.

If we continue he way we are going we will continue to chase our tails.

“People are getting emotional and saying things that sound good to say - a curfew is not a good idea. I am going to say we should be careful...You can not ask the commissioner, in a democracy, with any intelligence to go into a community and just hit people over the head.

It doesn’t work like that, it makes absolutely no sense. I am telling you again, please listen to me. We know who the man is that shot the person, we have arrested him and taken him to court. Why are you continuing to ask me the same question? Why am I having to arrest these men again?

“We are kidding ourselves. Yes, some drastic things should happen but the question should not be how drastic is the approach by the police. How much more drastic would you wish us to be? We don’t sleep at night, our families hardly see us, everything we do we show you.”

Commissioner Greenslade also said police are still looking for several persons in connection with this weekend’s homicides.

Anyone with information on any of these murders is asked to contact police at 911 or 919, the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 328-TIPS.

FIREARMS on display that have been confiscated by police officers, including high-powered rifles. Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

ONE DEAD, THREE HURT IN LATEST ATTACKS from page one

Shortly after 2am on Monday, a man, said to be a taxi driver, was shot during an argument outside a West Bay Street business, police said. The victim died in hospital shortly afterwards.

Then, shortly after 1pm Monday, a man was stabbed during an argument on a track road off Nassau Street. According to police, he is in hospital in serious condition.

In reference to the double shooting, Chief Supt Fernander said sometime around 4.20 pm Monday, two men, while at a club on Ross Corner, were ap-

proached by two armed gunmen, resulting in an exchange of gunfire between the four men.

The two men inside that establishment were both wounded and taken to the Princess Margaret Hospital where they were listed in serious condition.

Police initially reported that the stabbing victim and a shooting victim from the Ross Corner incident had died, but later said this was not true.

These incidents came on the heels of a bloody weekend that saw six people killed between Friday and Sunday.

The frequency of killings and other violent incidents

prompted Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade to hold a press briefing on Monday.

“What we can say here, one of the victims who was shot, as the commissioner (of police) just completed his press briefing, one of those individuals who was shot was highlighted as one of the suspects wanted for murder,” said Chief Supt Fernander. “(Commissioner Greenslade) had indicated that if they don’t turn themselves in, they will become a target and this is exactly what is playing out here this afternoon.

“So we want to encourage members of the public

who continue to hide these individuals out from the police, to please turn these individuals in or they will die on the streets.

“And the police continues, we are trying to protect them, those persons who are wanted, we have visited every home; girlfriends and all of that, informing them to turn those individuals in and they refuse.

“So this is the end result to it. And if they don’t, as I said, they will die on the street,” he added.

Since the start of 2017 – 44 days – there have been 27 killings across the country.

Investigations into these matters are continuing.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, February 14, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

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Senate must find its voice and stand up for Bahamians THE SENATE has a rare opportunity to make a difference in the future of The Bahamas this week when a certain Bill comes before it.

It can do the usual thing, make carefully crafted comments that largely go unnoticed though officially recorded, then rubber stamp the Bill as is.

Or it can act as the august body it is intended to be for once and send the Bill right back to the House of Assembly with strong recommendations. Asking the Senate to reject a Bill as presented is a bit like asking David to battle Goliath but when courage meets conviction, the seemingly impossible is possible.

Why, all of a sudden, is it so important for the Senate to find the testosterone it needs? Because never before in the short history of The Bahamas have the rights of Bahamians been threatened as they are today. Mere talk of the blanket authority to invade privacy by giving the Police Commissioner the right to intercept mail, e-mail and telephone conversations goes beyond the pale. Surely, the proposers of such legislation cannot believe that Bahamians would accept a concept that deprives them of their basic inalienable right to privacy.

Its impact on financial services, on domestic and foreign investment, on individual lives and the trust implicit in every business and social interaction would be instantaneous. Even the talk of such deprivation of human rights is dangerous.

We would go so far as to state that never before has any government of The Bahamas proffered an idea so heinous and untenable, an idea that if it became reality would trample the basic rights of every individual in this country. It is a proposal that should die a rapid death. Bahamians should rise up in absolute indignation. If they do not, the usual apathy of the Bahamian public will slowly accept this horror as unavoidable and even acceptable because, after all, the government would not be proposing it if there were not a good reason.

Here is where and why the Senate can and must show its muscle.

The Bill that will come before it this week is the Freedom of Information Act. When the Act passed the House of Assembly, the Bill contained several - but not all of - the changes recommended by a coalition of 21 civil society and business organisations whose contributions were clearly stated and submitted in written form well within the published deadline for submissions. Those organisations ranging from the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation and Citizens for a Better Bahamas to Organisation for Responsible Governance and Save The Bays say they repre-

sent more than 100,000 persons. We did the math and we think the number could be even higher. They are worth listening to. In fact, we would say that any government that fails to heed the voices of 100,000 or more persons is a government too confident for its own good.

So what is the connection between the Senate, the Freedom of Information Act and the talk of the right to spy on ordinary Bahamians and residents?

The connection is the respect for rights that is at the foundation of any democracy. There can be no legitimate Freedom of Information Act that does not include the right to know what the government - meaning the employees of the people of the Bahamas - promised with contracts with bodies like BPL, BTC, NAD or what was presented to the BEST Commission. Yet, the Bill as it stands ignored the 100,000-plus voices that recommended including non-statutory bodies. One Facebook contributor whom we have never before seen comment on anything emerged from her widowhood this weekend to say she was “horrified’ that so many entities would be exempted and wanted to know what we could do about it.

The only thing we can do about it now is ask the Senate to stand up for what is right. Government’s excuse about why it is not including such deals in the public’s right to know is because there are so many and it would take up too much time to have to open the books and supply information to journalists and others.

That is the weakest reason we have ever heard and we find it so unacceptable as to be laughable. What does it take to open a contract unless you have a reason for not wanting its contents to become public?

There were other recommendations, including the appointment of an independent Information Commissioner, which we believe is essential. However, for now, if the Senate does one thing to show that Senate voices matter, it would be to send the Bill right back where it came from and refuse to sign off on it until it covers all government transactions with the exception of those that truly endanger national security. Every contract with every entity, statutory or non-statutory, should be available upon request. Then and only then will there be a true Freedom of Information Act and then and only then will we believe that there are more than two branches of government with the Senate serving as the final rubber stamp.

Senators of The Bahamas, of both sides of the aisle and the new voice of the Senate, the Democratic National Alliance, this is your chance to stand up, stand out and make a difference in the future of The Bahamas.

Politics of elections EDITOR, The Tribune.

A FEW weeks ago, the Hon Alfred Gray made what I believe to be a sobering statement - sort of was like... well with 6,000 new jobs the election is swung!

If his statement holds water then with 154 votes, those of the people they provided jobs to, in each Constituency he feels the PLP is ensured they will win.

I have thought about this a lot and it is extremely scary if that is so that we are down to a set number of people being taken out of unemployment for five years that swings an election?

Is Minister Gray thinking Bahamians are that gullible?

Think again - the pain in those homes of the unemployed since 2008 some eight plus years still holds

and be assured Bahamians don’t forget and no election campaigning this time will sweeten that pot. 2012 tolds us ‘Jobs for Bahamians’, have you seen them?

Yes, the Chinese did exceptionally well and continue to as if they are more protected than us ...

Chinese voting this time?

Boundary changes? The Opposition rep signed on so unless he is an absolute idiot he is telling us that the changes are legitimated and warranted.

Name changes? Boy this PLP will drown in this racial issue - haven’t they realised today it is not pre-1967, our young people are educated, went to school with every ethnic group around – they are boy friend-girl friend and have married?

Obviously from the comments of the PM he thinks by having a series of Heads of Agreement signings this

will swing da people. He is going to be reassured he has miscalculated.

I laughed that he confirmed that finally he will be canvassing in his Constituency - better take someone along to introduce you, sir - Farm Road - Centreville haven’t seen you in person since 2012.

Interesting part of Barnabas comes from Farm Road.

Register - register today the indication is PM will announce in a week or so for May 10th or May 19th Election Day. There is enormous democratic power in your ‘X’ use it.

Those suggesting people should ‘spoil their ballot’ stop that talk - protest in the streets but not on your Ballot. Stop it - cut that out now!

PATRICIA SIMMONS Nassau, February 10, 2017.

The state of the Opposition EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE call is being made for the Opposition forces in the nation to unite, but that call is coming too late. We heard no such talk when the official Opposition and its leader kept their shoulder to the wheel in the role of opposing, even when those who were elected to those positions refused to be led; we now know that they could never be led or would not allow themselves to be lead anywhere by anyone.

There are a couple of potential candidates who now find themselves at political crossroads that will not take them anywhere, but away from that which they most desire and they are running out of time.

The chief player, though not elected member of the Opposition is Branville McCartney, who in the words of the song by Adele, could have had it all, but he chose to listen to some familiar voices and cast the voters of The Bahamas into five years of pain. His prayer is that his political misstep is forgotten at the polls this year.

If he is not the “chosen one” in 2017, his political future over the next two political cycles is uncertain.

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net Coming up close behind him is Loretta Butler Turner who, though being constantly warned, refused to listen to reason or even be reasonable. It is ironic that she and McCartney could have been in very different places if they had exercised patience.

We must step back at this point and recognise that both of these personalities represent a very peculiar political demographic of disgruntled 45 to 55 year olds who have spent most of the last two decades switching political gravy trains.

I think that 2017 caught them unawares and they sort of reacted to the fact that we could be getting a leader that they were not ready for, hence the trial by political fire for Dr Minnis over the past 18 months.

Now that the smoke has cleared, we see them scrambling around looking for a socially relevant political flashpoint to get the attention they so desperately need.

And then, there are the true spoilers who are capable of really crashing the

party if they can get organised and keep the ball rolling, the UDP, WE March and Gatekeepers along with John Bostwick.

My guess is that the Prime Minister has two options, he can stall as long as he can and hope that the different movements lose steam and fizzle, but this allows the FNM to get back to what it has been doing all along – hitting up the constituencies, or, he can call a snap election, bite the bullet and let the chips fall where they may.

Either way, the FNM has a credible chance as long as they did what the PLP did and remind them of the same things they did to win in 2012.

However, it is unlikely that the Opposition forces will never unite, the Bahamian people have no interest in being led by anything that has more than one head and they may have learned their lesson in 2012 and they will be voting PLP or FNM; if they do anything else there will not be enough “contracts to go around”.

EDWARD HUTCHESON Nassau, February 7, 2017.

Future health insurance plan EDITOR, The Tribune.

NHI - what will we get?

FOR sure the global Health Insurance policy all civil servants and members of the uniformed branches has will be gone.

NHI - their PR campaign is not telling us the truth ... we will have to pay for surgeries - hospitalisation - for prescriptions.

What will happen to the dear pensioners is unknown - today they receive everything free as it should be, but bless this PLP Government they leave these pearls

under a dark cloud of the unknown.

Heard Minister of Labour talk about his people are negotiating with Unions and the Health Insurance was a question - question?

People that Health Insurance is bush crack gone forever.

Bahamians who wish to travel to certain countries now will have to purchase Health Insurances as most countries require it - Europe okay as we don’t need a Visa Primary care is a sham for improvement - the 700 who die because they can’t afford health insurance will

still die Mr Prime Minister and that’s the truth.

If Catastrophic Health Costs were some $300m a year, if divided equally amongst the 85,000 employed what do you get PM? $3,529.41..... share that 2/3rd’ employer, 1/3rd employee ... employee would find $1,176.47 a year and the employer $2,352.94.

For the employee that is an easy $98.03 A month... total catastrophic cover... that works for me!

W THOMPSON Nassau, February 12, 2017.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, February 14, 2017, PAGE 5

Butler-Turner fears PLP could use spying laws in election

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

OFFICIAL Opposition Leader Loretta ButlerTurner yesterday suggested that the government’s newly tabled Interception of Communications Bill, 2017 could be used by the Progressive Liberal Party led government to give it an advantage during this election season, as she rejected the timing of the legislation.

Speaking to The Tribune yesterday, Mrs Butler-Turner said that the bill raised far too many questions and also sparked concerns that it might be in direct conflict of the human rights of Bahamians.

The legislation would allow police to intercept and examine a person’s communications from telecommunications operators, internet providers and postal services.

She is the latest public figure to reject the passage of this bill following former Bahamas Bar Association President Elsworth Johnson who joined activist calls

LEADER of the Opposition Loretta Butler-Turner. for Bahamians to organise legislation. Mr Johnson protests and public resist- was ratified last week as the ance to the bill, which he Free National Movement’s called “dangerous” spying candidate for Yamacraw.

Mrs Butler-Turner said: “I don’t think that anywhere in this legislation term should we even be entertaining such a thing especially in this crucial time when political organisations are preparing to launch an attack on a government, which is already suspect to give them greater autonomy to spy on us and to listen in on us.

“Does it in fact remove the privilege of privacy for citizens and those persons who are in fact exempted under the legislation (Freedom of Information) we just passed? I don’t know. It just seems to be at odds to what they are trying to do, but in the bigger scheme of things I am convinced that the government has in fact been spying on the Bahamian people because I have no idea of what the National Intelligence Agency is all about.”

She continued: “My first question is does this enhance the capacity of this National Intelligence Agency of which we have no idea how they are operating and on whose behalf they are

operating?

“Obviously they are operating on behalf of the government. Is the government essentially so insecure in its position that it is now prying and spying on the affairs of Bahamians everywhere? Is this a modality for the government to get the upper hand as we move into the election season?

“I think many of us feel that even with the challenges that we have with BTC as it stands, we wonder if we are not already being tapped into. So there are a lot of concerns there.

“The government needs to realise that they are bringing this new piece of legislation in the absence of very important legislation in regard to the spy agency that they are currently running.”

On Sunday, Mr Johnson questioned the level of public consultation on the bill, underscoring that it affected deeply entrenched constitutional rights to privacy and as such should have been previewed by the legal community and civil society.

His call to protest was echoed by another FNM candidate, attorney and former Tribune columnist Adrian Gibson, and follows outrage levelled by outspoken QC Fred Smith, president of the Grand Bahama Human Rights Association (GBHRA).

The bill will allow the commissioner of police, or a person acting on his behalf, to obtain a warrant from a judge to intercept and examine a person’s communications from telecommunications operators, internet providers and postal services; providing for the “interception of all communications networks regardless of whether they are licensed as public or not” for a period of three months, unless renewed.

The bill also states that the attorney general can make an application to a judge for such a warrant.

This would be done in the interest of “national security,” the bill notes.

The bill, tabled in Parliament on Wednesday night, would repeal the Listening Devices Act.

MORTIMER PLEDGES DNA WOULD REPEAL INTERCEPT LAWS

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

AMID increased calls from activists to “kill the bill,” Democratic National Alliance Deputy Leader Chris Mortimer yesterday pledged that if the Interception of Communication Bill (ICB) 2017 is passed, his party would immediately move to repeal it if elected to government.

Mr Mortimer challenged that the high crime environment has emboldened legislators to give officials blanket authority to strip Bahamians of their civil liberties, adding that the country should be outraged by the introduction of the bill when there is still no legal oversight of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

He urged Prime Minister Perry Christie and senior Cabinet ministers to recall the new legislation that would replace the Listening Devices Act and allow for the interception of all communications networks regardless of whether they are licensed as public or not.

ICB 2017 will allow the

commissioner of police, or a person acting on his behalf, to obtain a warrant from a judge to intercept and examine a person’s communications from telecommunications operators, internet providers and postal services for a period of three months, unless renewed.

The bill also states that the attorney general can make an application to a judge for such a warrant.

Mr Mortimer said: “They’ve promised now for years to provide legislation that legalised the National Intelligence Agency and we have yet to see the government bring this legislation.

We have an unauthorised intelligence gathering agency operating in the Bahamas with no legal oversight, and now we have a government that is putting on the table the ability to record the private lives of every single Bahamian?

“The challenge is where are the civil liberties of the Bahamian people? Who gives them the right to produce legislation that intrudes into the lives of every single Bahamian and are we

going to give this government or any government access into our private lives?

This piece of legislation cannot be allowed to pass in this country, it cannot.”

The Interception Bill states that in order to obtain an interception warrant, the commissioner of police, or someone acting on his behalf, would have to petition the attorney general to make an “ex parte” application to a judge in chambers.

To receive such a warrant, it must be proven that the information to be inspected cannot be acquired by any other means, the bill notes.

The attorney general would also have to be satisfied that the warrant is needed in the “public interest or interest of justice”.

At the DNA’s press conference yesterday, Mr Mortimer argued that if the bill was intended to simply strengthen the Listening Devices Act, then it should have been amended. He underscored that the Listening Devices Act already empowered police to obtain a court order to intercept information, and questioned the need for a “blan-

ATTORNEY GENERAL: INTERCEPTION BILL WILL ENHANCE PRIVACY, NOT HARM IT from page one

“The Interception Communications Bill is a very important tool in the fight against crime, much of which is gang related, transnational and involving guns and drugs,” the statement read.

“Experts advise that without this crime fighting tool, drug trafficking, gun trafficking and other transnational and gang-related crime, will increase and the police will be hampered in their ability to detect and investigate crime and prosecute criminals.”

The statement continued: “The ICB recognises that forms and modes of communications in today’s world are materially different from those contemplated in 1972 when the Listening Devices Act was passed and continue to rapidly change.

“The ICB will enable the police, with the permission of a Supreme Court Judge, to lawfully intercept electronic communication of any kind, once certain clearly defined conditions are fulfilled.

“The ICB enhances protection of the privacy of lawabiding citizens because it is the Supreme Court - not the executive - that makes the determination that the communications may be intercepted,” the statement read.

“This is the first time that Bahamian law places this authority solely in the

hands of the independent judiciary. The Supreme Court will ensure that adequate checks and balances are in place to protect rights of privacy on the one hand and combat crime - including cyber crime - on the other.

“Any suggestion that this is a ‘dangerous spying bill’ is false,” it added.

Criticism of the Listening Devices Act by the Privy Council, according to Mrs Maynard-Gibson, was that permission for interception should be granted by the Supreme Court and not the government; that there were provisions for the destruction of records once they had served their purpose; and also the constitutionality of the legislation, advising that the scheme should be revisited and revised.

Mrs Maynard-Gibson pointed to other countries with similar legislation, like the United States, St Lucia, and Jamaica, noting that The Bahamas was in step with the worldwide community.

The bill’s tabling last Wednesday has led to considerable pushback from activist groups, like the Grand Bahama Human Rights Association and environmental group Re-Earth, both of whom have advocated heavily on social media to “kill the bill”.

In its statement yesterday, the Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG) stated that its concerns did not rest solely on

the contentious content of the bill, adding that its “quiet tabling” was also “deeply worrying”.

ORG advised that it has engaged civil society and private industry groups to develop an informed stance and course of action on the ICB, and encouraged interested groups to contact maubry@orgbahamas.com.

The group urged lawmakers to stay the bill until all stakeholders could be educated on the contents of the bill and provide feedback.

The organisation pointed out that similar bills in other countries, like Australia, Nigeria and the United Kingdom, have gone through open development phases with the government seeking expert consultation as well as input from the public.

It also pointed out that the open nature of investigations and research surrounding the bill’s development was done to ensure it best serves the people and national security.

“Bills of this nature have historically presented a number of human rights concerns,” the ORG statement read.

“The UN high commissioner for human rights states in a paper on the matter that ‘even the mere possibility of communications information being captured creates an interference with privacy, with a potential chilling effect on rights, including those to free expression and association,’” ORG said.

ket licence”.

Mr Mortimer suggested that the new bill evidenced a different intent, and cautioned that the legislation was vulnerable to abuse.

“If these legislators believe that they’re going to get it through because we are so afraid and we need to give the police every single tool to track down criminals in our midst, we’re going to make sure that this legislation doesn’t pass,” he said, “and if it does pass we can make sure let every single government member knows we are going to repeal this legislation. This legislation

cannot be allowed to stand in a modern Bahamas. I don’t know about the FNM or anybody else this here is dangerous. This is the beginning of slavery in this country.

“This is a crying shame, this is not what we expect, is this how you believe in Bahamians, that all of our private lives are going to be scrutinised? Your private emails, your private conversations with your lawyer are going to be recorded, for some of those out there their private lives with their sweetheart too. That’s Russia, that’s Iran, China, that

is not the Bahamas. We expect better from our government,” Mr Mortimer said.

The bill’s tabling last Wednesday has led to considerable pushback from two Free National Movement candidates, former Bahamas Bar Association president Elsworth Johnson, Yamacraw, and Adrian Gibson, Long Island.

Activist groups, like the Grand Bahama Human Rights Association and environmental group Re-Earth, have advocated heavily on social media to “kill the bill”.

PAGE 6, Tuesday, February 14, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

AG dismisses DNA claim of interference on granting of bail

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

JAMES COAKLEY, who is accused of sexual assault and human trafficking.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

EX-BOXER ON RAPE, TRAFFICKING CHARGES from page one the trafficking of a woman within The Bahamas for the purpose of sexual and labour exploitation between December 21 and 25, 2016.

It is further alleged that on December 22, 24 and 25 of 2016, he had sexual intercourse with the woman against her will.

While Coakley was not allowed to enter a plea to

the rape charges, he pleaded not guilty to the human trafficking allegations.

A tentative trial date was fixed for April 3, as a status hearing will be held on February 22 to determine whether the chief magistrate or Magistrate Andrew Forbes will be hearing the matter.

Concerning the remaining allegations of rape, Coakley was informed that on April 12, he would be served with a voluntary bill

of indictment, fast-tracking that aspect of the case to Supreme Court for trial.

Due to the nature of the five allegations against him, Coakley was denied bail and remanded to the Department of Correctional Services.

However, he has the right to apply for bail in the Supreme Court.

Coakley has retained attorney Ricardo Gray to represent him against the allegations.

BOY, 3, FOUND DEAD IN CAR from page one

daycare worker at the school off Coleman Lane.

According to preliminary reports, the child was found in a car off Jerome Avenue

and was rushed to the Princess Margaret Hospital where he died a short time later.

Police have not released any additional information. An autopsy will be performed to determine the

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney alleged yesterday that some government officials interfere with the course of justice by “making calls” to have bail granted to people who are accused of serious crimes.

His allegation was quickly rebuked by Attorney General Allyson MaynardGibson, who called the assertion “false” and “unfounded”.

Mr McCartney’s allegation came during a press conference where he mainly expressed approval of the work of the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) but cited political interference as the reason for the country’s murder rate.

He offered no proof to substantiate this allegation.

Instead he dared members of the government to contradict him.

“I do believe that (the) commissioner of police and the police force are doing a good job in dealing with crime,” Mr McCartney said in response to a question about police. “Their job is for the protection of citizens.

I think in light of where we are as a country they are doing a good job. The concern they have is that, especially persons being held for murder, many of those persons are detained and as has been said by the police, weeks later they’re out on the streets.

How do you figure that?

Why? That’s because calls are being made by the political directorate. I challenge them to tell me otherwise, that they don’t make calls and say directly, ‘get that person out, that’s my man, that’s my general’ - calls to make sure that they get out.

How do they get out? Political interference by the PLP. I said it, by the PLP. They know it. I challenge them to say otherwise.”

In response to questions from The Tribune, Mrs

Maynard-Gibson released a statement yesterday criticising Mr McCartney’s comments.

“These false and unfounded allegations by Bran McCartney are an unwarranted and despicable attack on our hard working prosecutors and judges,” she said.

“Judges alone make the decision on whether bail may or may not be granted.

It’s a pity that he is taking the position that a false story is better than the truth.

The truth is that the number of persons released on bail for serious crimes has decreased every year. Bran McCartney was a part of the administration that cancelled Swift Justice and Urban Renewal. I invite him to join the fight against crime rather than make false accusations and unwarranted attacks on hard working judges and prosecutors.”

Bail granted to people who allegedly commit serious crimes has been a much-discussed part of the debate about crime.

Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade has continually cited the issue as the main reason for the country’s murder rate, although his criticisms appeared to have been aimed more at the judiciary than the government.

Court of Appeal President Justice Dame Anita Allen, however, has defended the judiciary’s actions concerning bail, challenging critics to provide data showing the correlation between a court’s decision to grant bail and violent crimes.

“Those who criticise the judiciary for granting bail have singularly failed to show any empirical data that we have not logically and consistently followed the Constitution of this land and other provision of our law,” Dame Anita said during the 2016 opening of the Court of Appeal’s legal year.

Even as criticism of bail

grants has persisted, Mrs Maynard-Gibson has said in the past that courts are granting bail to people accused of murder at a decreasing rate.

Mr McCartney also hit out at the common refrain from police and members of the government that many of the country’s murder victims have a criminal background.

“The number of murders between January and today is unprecedented and the only thing this government can say is that these persons were known to them as if it’s an excuse, but that’s no excuse if these persons are known to them,” the former Bamboo Town MP said.

“The government should be saying these are people we want to see or are known to them in another way, as productive citizens in this country, as having opportunities in this country, as opposed to saying they have been known to them because they are a part of some type of criminal element. We want as the DNA for these persons out there to be known to us in a different way. We want you to be known as productive citizens that have a good, successful life in this country, not a life of crime. We want to facilitate opportunities for you as opposed to your only means for feeling wanted or needed being through a gang or anything of that nature. It seems as if there’s no other way but there will be another way when the DNA becomes the government.”

There have been 27 homicides this year, according to The Tribune’s records.

Thirteen people have also been killed in a span of 13 days so far this month. Police also reported that a man was stabbed on Nassau Street while another male victim was shot in the area of Ross Corner on Monday afternoon. Both of these victims were said to be in serious condition in hospital, police said.

STUDENT LANDS SPONSORSHIP SUPPORT FROM BAHAMAS CO-OPERATIVE LEAGUE

cause of death.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact police at 911 or 919, the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 328TIPS.

A BAHAMAS Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) student has landed himself a $2,500 scholarship from the Bahamas Cooperative League.

Joshua Haeward II, who is studying towards his Associate of Applied Science degree in Information Tech-

nology Management Security and Server Plus, has been awarded the scholarship based on academic achievement and financial need.

He is pictured (third from right) with the league’s Treasurer, Hilton Bowleg; BTVI’s Associate Vice President, Fund Develop-

ment, Alicia Thompson; the league’s Vice President, Sharon Rahming; BTVI’s President, Dr Robert W. Robertson; the league’s Assistant Treasurer, Sheila Smith and Assistant Secretary, John Sands.

Photo: Bahamas Cooperative League

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, February 14, 2017, PAGE 7

Govt ‘disenfranchising voters’ with boundary changes - Collie

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement Chairman Sidney Collie has accused the Christie administration of trying to disenfranchise voters with its handling of the work of the Constituencies Commission.

“Desperation - that is the only word to describe the embattled prime minister and his PLP leading to the upcoming general election,” he said in a press release recently. “They are willing to say and do anything they can to try and save their hold on power. The PLP spent months gerrymandering the constituencies while missing numerous constitutional and self-imposed deadlines and now we see the results of these actions.

“With weeks to go before the next general election, the PLP’s boundaries report proves they are trying to confuse and disenfranchise voters. What they have done in desperation was to shuffle various polling divisions, move around boundary lines, change a name and create an old familiar constituency name in the hopes of stacking the deck in their favour.

“This is what desperate

career politicians do when they see the writing on the wall. And that writing is very clear, change is coming and the Bahamian people will finally have a say on their future, and the PLP isn’t a part of it.”

Mr Collie continued his party’s effort to encourage Prime Minister Perry Christie to set an election date, saying it’s time “for the embattled prime minister to set forth a timeline for the next general election.”

He added: “For the Bahamian people, it cannot come soon enough, they are tired of the PLP’s empty rhetoric and broken promises and have demanded the election be called now. Try as they may, this PLP government cannot stop the will of the Bahamian people through their devious actions.

“When the bell is rung, it is the people who will decide their future for their country. There are clear differences between the PLP and the FNM. The FNM trusts the people, while the PLP would attempt to manipulate the people into submission. But when we remove the desperate PLP from power this next election, the people will finally have their country back with a government that serves the people, not just themselves.”

FNM chairman Sidney Collie.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

PINTARD DENIES INVOLVEMENT IN FACEBOOK PAGE ‘WE CARE BAHAMAS’

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net FREE National Movement candidate for Marco City Michael Pintard yesterday moved to disassociate himself from a Facebook page that has been promoting his campaign and posting about national issues.

Mr Pintard called for those behind the Facebook page ‘We Care Bahamas’ to remove his image and the FNM’s logo from images shared on social media, expressing concern that the unsolicited endorsement may be used to harm his campaign.

“I am unaware of who is producing the site, whether

friend or foe, I want to make it clear that I have no association directly or indirectly to the site,” Mr Pintard said.

“They do not speak on my behalf, and the battles they wish to wage they ought not to do it using my name or picture. If they were a friend, they should have a conversation with me about how they can best assist our campaign in Marco City and how we can hold the government accountable.

“The way they are going about it strongly suggests that it is someone who wishes to put me in conflict with a wide range of political issues in a bid to sabotage my campaign. We choose the tone, the issues, and the words we use quite carefully.

Those persons who are now

putting out these flyers do not speak on our behalf.”

Mr Pintard took exception to flyers that depicted him as the “salvation for Grand Bahama”, underscoring that his platform and message focused on uplifting community stakeholders and fostering greater partnerships to effect change.

“We see ourselves as the best option, but we will work with other stakeholders to improve the quality of life for constituents and the island of Grand Bahama.

Even the message projecting as if we are the salvation is not consistent with how we are working the campaign.

“We are going door-to-door, we have no difficulty commenting on national issues

NURSING STUDENT TRAINING STILL ON HOLD OVER UNSIGNED PAPERWORK

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE training for some 15 nursing students at Terreve College is still on hold because of an unsigned memorandum of understanding by the Public Hospitals Authority, even though the college has supplied all the necessary requirements to the PHA and the Department of Public Services since January, The Tribune was told.

The students - who have been out of class for an entire semester - are being prevented access to clinical training at the Rand Memorial Hospital. Initially, 25 students were enrolled in the nursing programme, but the number has dropped to 15 as the college awaits the signing of the MOU. The students are entering their second year of training and must complete certain practical exercises at the hospital to move onto their next level of training.

Terreve College’s nursing programme has been approved by the Nursing Council of The Bahamas, which is the body responsible for approving all nursing programmes in the country.

Due to the shortage of nurses in the health care system, the need for trained nurses is critical.

When contacted on Monday, Mary Johnson, registrar at the Nursing Council, confirmed that the nursing programme at Terreve College had been approved in 2014.

“We went down and visited the facility and we did what we would normally do when a programme is coming on stream, and they

were given the stamp of approval on their programme based on what we were told at the time,” she said.

Ms Johnson said that in addition to reviewing the programme, their team visited a couple of the prospective places where the students would do their clinical training.

When asked her comments about the shortage of nurses in the Bahamas, she, however, declined to comment and said she could not speak to that.

Herbert Brown, managing director of PHA, told The Tribune when contacted last week that the PHA is awaiting directives from the Department of Public Service before a decision is made on the MOU. “I understand that this matter was taken before the courts and there was a ruling, but the Public Service has not yet decided as far as I am aware. Therefore, the PHA is not prepared until such time as we are in a position to understand the final outcome to accept any students (at Terreve College) at this time,” he said at the time.

In June last year, the Department of Public Service removed Terreve College from its list of recognised institutions after implementing policy changes.

Terreve College then brought a judicial review case against the Department of Public Service. In January, Supreme Court Justice Ian Winder ruled in favour of the college and ordered that the decision to revise the policy be quashed. The ruling would have reinstated the status quo for Terreve to be put back on the DPS’ list of recognised approved tertiary

institutions.

Mr Brown said that he is awaiting directives from DPS concerning Terreve’s status.

Terrence Archer, owner, and founder of Terreve College, said the institution has been given the run around for quite some time concerning the MOU. Mr Archer stated that he sent a copy of the judicial review, as well as the international accreditation that the DPS had requested, to Mr Brown in early January.

“He said that he wanted proof that it was so, and Mr Brown indicated to me his acknowledgement of receipt of the judicial review and the international accreditation. This should have cleared everything up concerning the college’s status,” he said.

Mr Archer said Mr Brown informed him that he would inquire of the DPS to confirm the same, and would get back to him as it relates to the MOU. In fact, he said that the DPS was also given the four-year accreditation it had initially requested from Terreve College, satisfying the DPS requirements of being retained on its list of recognized colleges.

“The DPS had the accreditation before we sent one to Mr Brown. They say Terreve is recognised and but it seems as it the green light has not been given,” Mr Archer said.

Samuel Bethel, vice president of operations at Terreve, said the students are now sitting out of class until they can get their practical training done.

“They had started at the Rand but we have to wait for the MOU to be signed,” he said.

that affect this country, no matter who is involved, but we will determine when and how,” he said.

Mr Pintard added that his campaign was focusing on the restoration of Marco City and initiatives like hurricane relief, youth programmes and backyard farming.

The FNM also issued a statement on the matter yesterday.

It read: “The Free Na-

tional Movement welcomes all Bahamians opposed to this inept PLP government to coalesce behind the FNM in the upcoming general election, but we want to make it very clear that the only official spokespersons for the party are our leader, deputy leader, chairman, and our candidates. We have become aware that outside groups, including ‘We Care Bahamas’, are issuing state-

ments and social media posts that suggests it to be coming from the FNM and in particular our candidate for Marco City, Mr Michael Pintard.

“We do not condone or support these statements.

The FNM will continue to point out the failings of the PLP government and our plans for the future of our country through official communications,” the party’s statement said.

PAGE 8, Tuesday, February 14, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Silence can be golden when it comes to politics VALENTINE’S DAY

By NICOLE BURROWS

W

HY is Bran- ty (PLP) and Free National ville Mc- Movement (FNM) characCartney an- ters. swering back And the comment about at Loretta Butler-Turner? the big green bus and not Mrs Butler-Turner has surviving getting thrown such negative appeal now under that ...? Why? Oh that it doesn’t make sense God. Please stop. Rise to indulge her in any ex- above that foolishness. tended dialogue. By indulg- You’re barely a few months ing her, you won’t get seen out from a general election as responding honestly, and you’re supposed to be you’ll get seen as lowering inspiring people to vote for yourself to a political level - you, especially those who her political level - you will want something other than find it hard to rise above.

PLP or FNM but have not Bran, who on earth ad- yet made up their minds. vised you to say anything Even dodo head Minin response to Mrs Butler- nis realised at a point that Turner? it might be better for him Here’s a tip: Fire that to stop talking or respondperson. Or at least demote ing to every little comment them. the PLP or the media threw When Mrs Butler-Turner at him, albeit for a different made the claim, via nation- reason. He didn’t know how al news, that you threw her to be sharp and answer back under the bus, your reac- smartly. Being sharp and tion should have been noth- answering back smartly is ing. Her comments were not his forte. So he stopped petty and incendiary. And trying to be sharp and anwhether or not she herself swer back smartly. Well, he believed them to be true, toned it down a bit anyway. for whatever reason or rea- But you see my point? You sons, you would have done may be better at answering better to avoid giving any back smartly than Minnis retort to her comments. is, but it’s not your forte eiSay nothing. Be utterly ther. silent. Not everything reWhat’s more, people have quires a response. been waiting for you to exYou should have resisted hibit more of your true self the temptation to say any- and less of the fictitious thing, because the people politician persona to decide you need to vote for the whether or not to support Democratic National Al- you. And others who don’t liance (DNA) are watch- support you, or vehemently ing closely to see how you oppose you, have been waithandle her. They’re already ing to pounce on you like a uncertain about lion to diminish Mrs Butler-Turner your credibility. making you Op- ‘Bahamians You snapping back position Leader will find like the rest of the in the Senate, and meaning politicians only they’re still tryputs you in the ing to understand wherever same category as what it means. they think them and you beYou know Baha- it exists, come a part of that mians will find two-sided coin you meaning wherever regardless of keep referring to they think it exists, what really ... I don’t know ... regardless of what is or what not even a face of really is or what the coin but the you say it is.’ edge of the coin. you say it is.

To not rise above And you know Mrs Butler-Turner’s inflam- you don’t win anything if matory remarks makes you the coin lands on its edge. look ridiculous and less For goodness sake, demthan a leader. It also makes onstrate you have nothing you seem just like the rest to do with that coin if you of the politicians who are want to make inroads to scrambling for a vote, which governance. is the last thing you need If this latest exchange when people are already with Mrs Butler-Turner wanting to believe you are hasn’t already set you back just like the rest. a bit, which I believe it If you couldn’t just get by may have, particularly with with saying nothing at all those people on the fence in response to Mrs Butler- who aren’t rabid political Turner’s statement, the supporters of anybody right most you ought to have said now, go on and pick up the was something like “I’m un- little pieces and start again certain as to what Mrs But- quickly, because I’m sure ler-Turner is referring, so I’m not the only thinking, I have no comment at this undecided person ... voter ... time.” But to say as much who thinks your entertainand then run on about ten- ing Loretta Butler-Turner’s dering your resignation as accusation of under-thesenator if Mrs Butler-Turn- bus-throwing sucked away er so wishes only makes you some of the DNA’s moappear catty. Female-like. mentum and pushed people Petty. Trifling. Equivalent closer to voting independto Progressive Liberal Par- ent or not at all.

I DON’T celebrate Valentine’s Day. To me, it’s just another opportunity to waste money being fake. I’d rather spend February 14 and the other 364 days of the year demonstrating my love for my loved ones in more meaningful ways than flowers, balloons, chocolate and sexy underwear.

But, having lived in two countries, I have made a few observations about what the majority of people in these two countries appear to love most of all. What else would you add to this list, given in no particular order?

WHAT AMERICANS LOVE Money Accomplishment, awards, recognition/ notoriety Fast food Prestige, anything inherently expensive or luxurious Winning, being the first or the leading Power Politics Creating/producing things Expensive cars and homes Education, debate, information/data Working long hours, the longer the more respected Freedom, free speech Civil and human rights Travel and distant vacations Sex, porn Football, competition Pomp and pageantry, fashion and glamour Adventure, exploration, and risk-taking Performing arts, film, theatre, cinema Fitness and procedures to preserve ‘youth’ And speaking of not voting ...

Spoilt ballot campaign I’m no gravy-train jumper, no bandwagon-hopper.

And educators Nicolette Bethel and Ian Strachan don’t need my endorsement for their idea of spoiling ballots instead of choosing between two evils, but I agree with them in part.

Forget the cartoonish FNM chairman Sidney Collie’s remarks, forget The Nassau Guardian’s editorial sometimes not written by the Editor, both Bethel and Strachan are entitled to their perspectives and anyone who finds what they’re saying to be “stupid” or “irresponsible” hasn’t bothered to think it through.

In fact, I believe an immediate response of “stupid”

and “irresponsible” is a clear indication of those persons’ extreme party-alignment or their extreme lack of full intellectual capacity in spite of the fact that they believe themselves to be intelligent or fair-minded. If you are indeed fair-minded, consider what these two academic leaders are saying.

Rather than stay at home and be apathetic, non-participating citizens, go out and show your discontent and disapproval. Spoiling a ballot is like showing up at a protest march except the protest action is on paper.

No, I’m not saying you have to agree with the two professors, and yes it does at first sound a bit odd what they’re saying, but do you understand it?

I will admit - and even agree - that if you spoil your ballot you won’t actually be

WHAT BAHAMIANS LOVE Food/eating Politics Liquor Church Money Gambling Gossip Arguing, rowing, cussing Track, relays Anything free, cheap, bootleg or knockoff Being the first to know, see, have or do Hair products and services Make-up/ clothing, dressing up and looking good Sex, sex talk, porn and procreating Holidays, less work Foolishness/jokes Noise, being loud, heard, and seen Celebrity Shaking up/winin’/dancing, partying Titles, pomp and pageantry selecting the next government, but, unlike Collie believes, you will in fact be contributing to democracy, because you will be exercising your right to choose no party or person you find to be ineligible or unworthy of your vote, or exercising your right to not be forced to choose between two primary things you find grossly unacceptable.

My only question to the professors is this: will spoiling the ballot, in the end, mean anything to anyone other than intellectuals or activists? That is the challenge in convincing our people of their choices and spoilt ballots as a deliberate or viable voting choice.

What happens to spoilt ballots? They get counted, sure. They get reported, hopefully. And having had a large number of them

cast will cause some alarm, yes. But, at the end of the day, the spoilt ballots don’t choose/determine the person who wins the popular vote and ultimately the constituency or seat in the House of Assembly. You might say the spoilt ballots are not supposed to help determine outright a winner, and I get that, but Bahamians are always preoccupied with ‘who win’ and ‘who lose’ and not an intellectual argument that bears some or any degree of merit.

The one possible benefit I can see in Bethel’s and Strachan’s ‘campaign’ is that, at the very least, it is a way to get people to register, and then, once registered, get them out to the polls where, once out there at the polls, they may be inspired to - or may be more likely to - vote for someone after all.

READERS REACT TO SPATE OF FATAL SHOOTINGS THE spree of shooting deaths over the weekend shocked the nation and prompted readers to give their reaction on tribune242.com.

Viewersmatters said: “‘This is a safe Bahamas’ said Minister of National Security, don’t worry about bullets flying rapidly everyday just duck and try not to get hit and you won’t become a victim of crime. The minister needs to walk the streets of Nassau by himself without his handgun and see how safe Nassau really is.”

Sheeprunner12 had this to say: “We always hear about the ‘research’ capacity of the police force . . . why can’t they tell us the profile of these young men (18-35) who are being shot every day in Nassau? This is not a Bahamian crime problem . . . this is a Nassau

ghetto problem. The majority of these murders are being committed in a three by five mile area in the inner city of Nassau . . . where is the Urban Renewal Rhodes scholar consultant that Perry brought back from overseas (who had all of the answers during UR1.0?).

John thought the country might be on course for 200 murders this year: “If the killings continue at the rate they are at for the first six weeks of 2017, the country will easily record over 200 murders. With the exception of what was said at the PLP’s convention and the

mumblings of police officers from time to time after they scoop up another dead body, the government has been deafening silent about the large (and increasing) number of murders in the country. Whilst the commissioner maintains that the murders are not random, there’s been several recent incidents where gunmen shot into crowds, not only killing victims but injuring others. Even as a sense of paranoia is growing in communities where killings are more frequent, little community effort is being made to combat these murders. In fact many are in a state of helplessness.”

There was this from Greentea: “This is an all out gang war. Someone fighting for some perceived power.

No real revelation there.

Many of these young men are high school drop outs,

gang members, some from okay, but most from not so well situated family lives.

Not much in their heads except money, wearing Nike, Hilfiger and Jordans, violence, sex from whomever, getting high and appearing like they have it together. I would go so far to say that many of them are dumb, easily manipulated and, if they like to get high, even more easily manipulated.

Many of them have already had their fathers, brothers murdered.”

And Jusscool said: “We can only pray that the persons left standing will finally realise with all the killings of young persons it makes absolutely no sense to continue. If not then we all will have an extra long road ahead!”

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

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, February 14, 2017, PAGE 9

THE ANTIQUITIES, Monuments and Museum Corporation (AMMC) announces a special partnership with the Museum of Modern Art in New York for a special presentation of the life and work of Bert Williams. Pictured from left, Owen Bethel, chair of Historic Bahamas Foundation, Courtney Strachan, chair of AMMC, Keith Tucker, director of AMMC, Michael Pateman, assistant director of AMMC, Kim Stubbs, deputy director of AMMC, Clarence Rolle, of the Ministry of Tourism and Joann Parker, assistant education co-ordinator.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

Events set to spotlight work of pioneer Bert Williams

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net THE life and work of Egbert “Bert” Williams will take centre stage next week, as film and culture enthusiasts are set to commemorate the legacy of the Bahamian-born entertainer’s most significant effort, Lime Kiln Club Field Day (1913).

In a collaborative effort Monday, officials from the National Museum of The Bahamas and the Antiquities, Monuments and Museum Corporation (AMMC), announced plans to, in conjunction with the American Museum of Modern Art

(MOMA), host a special presentation of Mr Williams’ self produced, social commentary project that was shelved due to the widespread belief that it was too “taboo” for white audiences at the time.

Mr Williams, born in Nassau in the fall of 1874, was the first black actor in film and Broadway and is considered the pioneer during the vaudeville and renaissance era of black entertainment throughout the Americas.

Lime Kiln Club Field Day (1913), a silent film, starred Mr Williams who commanded an all black cast.

Seven reels of film were produced before the project

was officially abandoned.

In 1938, the Museum of Modern Art secured the negatives of the film from Biography Company in bankruptcy proceedings.

Subsequently in 1976, an archivist rediscovered the reels and began the process of restoration of this film then considered the only surviving film of its kind.

After being mastered and rendered, the film was finally presented by the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 2014.

At that initial screening, several local officials participated and as a result, the idea of commemorating the life, work and success of Mr Williams was commenced.

RESIDENTS CALL FOR 1988 HEALTH STUDY TO BE REVEALED

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Pinder’s Point/ Lewis Yard Environmental Committee believes that the results of an epidemiological study, conducted in reference to complaints of illnesses allegedly linked to the nearby industrial plants, has been kept a secret or forgotten for nearly 30 years.

The environmental group - which has been calling for the relocation of residents in the five settlements affected by industrial pollution - is now calling on government for an explanation of what happened to the study completed in 1988.

In a statement issued on Monday, the committee stated that the findings were never revealed, even though persons had undergone examinations and testing by an expert epidemiologist in relation to the study.

“A renewed call is being made by the residents whose lives are directly affected by odours and chemicals emanating from these industrial plants. The same plants which were the focus of the epidemiological study,” the committee said.

According to committee members, in 1984 the government appointed a task force to review the complaints of the residents around the industrial plants in Freeport about alleged illnesses they were suffering at the time.

The committee said that the task force had recommended, among other

things, that an epidemiological study be conducted involving students, teachers and residents who lived, worked and played around the industrial plants, as well as workers at the industrial facilities as part of the study.

“The study began sometime in 1987 and was completed in 1988. Almost 30 years later residents are still waiting for the results to be released,” said the committee.

“In 1986, as a part of the study, residents were asked to give written permission for their children to spend an entire day at the Rand Memorial Hospital in order to be examined, and to have blood drawn for analysis.”

The committee said that teachers from the nearby schools, residents, and plant workers were also randomly selected for similar examination and blood analysis.

“The study was recommended because students and teachers in schools within the industrial parks were becoming ill on a regular basis, and they claimed it was because of the odours emanating from the industrial plants. Students and teachers at the schools near the plants suffered from constant vomiting and fainting spells almost daily,” the committee claimed.

Believed to be the most extensive epidemiological study ever done in the Bahamas to determine the effects of industrial pollution, the committee said that a Pakistani epidemiologist was brought in to head up the study, assisted by the government’s local epide-

miologist, along with other government professionals.

“The study was completed, yet, no results nor findings were released to the public,” the group said.

Members of the committee said that they have been feverishly searching for the study to no avail.

Shuffel Hepburn, a businessman who grew up in the area, alleged: “It is criminal that the government has hidden the results of this report from the residents who have been suffering the ill affects of the pollution around the combined industrial complex for years and years.

“In the 28 years since the completion of the report, it is possible that hundreds have died of cancer and other diseases related to industrial pollution,” he speculated.

Mr Hepburn said that no one is sure of what has happened to the study and its findings.

He said the residents are not giving up and the search for the results of the “missing” report continues, despite the dead ends.

“There are those who have been aggressively trying to locate the results of the study and every door in the government has been shut in their faces,” he said.

“The residents have been left in the dark, however, they continue to be optimistic, holding fast to their faith.”

The Pinder’s Point/Lewis Yard Environmental Committee will continue with demonstrations calling for relocation of residents.

AMMC chairman Courtney Strachan, during Monday’s press conference, said his organisation is “proud” to spearhead the endeavour, adding that the threeday event scheduled for next week is aimed toward making Bahamians more aware of the legacy of Mr Williams.

Galleria Cinemas, another associated sponsor, will host the event starting on Monday, February 20.

Over the course of the exhibition, daily student

screening sessions will run from 10am at a cost of $5 per student.

The fee will cover the film, exhibition and several short presentations that will follow.

On Wednesday, February 22, the final night of the exhibition, the public will have an opportunity to partake in the event with an open screening of the film starting at 7pm.

This event will include the screening of the film, exhibition, lecture by Ron

Magliozzi, film curator at the Museum of Modern Art, and a presentation by Lavado Stubbs, a Bahamian filmmaker.

The cost of this event is $30.

Mr Strachan said all funds derived from the event will go towards the establishment of museum of film and photography in The Bahamas.

Bert Williams died in 1922 from pneumonia. He remained a performer until the time of his death.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, February 14, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

The rebirth of Baha Mar

While the deadline remains tight, Richard Coulson senses renewed optimism over the April opening of the Cable Beach luxury resort

W

HEN I visited the new president of the Baha Mar resort complex last month, a digital countdown clock hung on the wall facing his office. It read 88-2344-16, marking the days, hours, minutes and seconds until noon on April 21, when a ribbon will be cut and festivities will begin, declaring the first phase at Baha Mar open for business and ready for guest checkin.

Graeme Davis is clearly a man under the gun. The genial 52-year-old American, a veteran of upmarket hotel management after years with Rosewood and Starwood, is squeezed by his GRAEME DAVIS, right, the new president of Baha Mar. Chinese owners, our Prime Minister, the Chinese Ex- the April 21 opening. The ful ones hired and trained port-Import Bank (CEX- facts are clear. As usual in for their new positions.

IM) - still technically the any major business transac- Casino equipment must mortgagee-in-possession tion, first a binding agree- be installed. Although air - and thousands of Baha- ment is signed, as CTFE conditioning was never mians seeking employment, has done, followed by con- shut down, final decoratto start earning income ditions to be met before ing, detailing and cleaning from the 23-storey pile of final closing, when it will of 2,500 long vacant bedsteel and concrete that has repay the CEXIM Bank rooms and public spaces loomed over Cable Beach, mortgage loan and acquire will be a labour-intensive empty but nearly finished, title to the property. As task. A sales programme from its first aborted inauMr Davis explained to me, that is just getting started guration in March, 2015. the main condition is that must be amplified, with the He also holds the title of the Chinese construction imminent appointment of a President, CTF BM Opcompany known as CCA principal marketing/public erations Ltd, the Bahamian subsidiary of Chow Tai cleanly complete all the relations firm and arrangeFook Enterprises (CTFE), finishing touches to the pro- ment of welcome tours for the business conglomerate ject. His satisfaction with travel agencies. The former controlled by the Cheng the contractor’s progress curator of our National Art family from their Hong to date assures no repeat of Gallery, artist John Cox, Kong base with multi-na- the publicised controversy has been retained again to of 2015. CEXIM also has organise displays of Bahational investstrong motiva- mian art throughout the ments.

Many “At long last the tion to get the buildings.

Bahamians deal completed.

Mr Davis and his adminworry that the China ExportChinese gov- Import Bank will At long last istrative staff will have their they will be able hands full co-ordinating the ernment will to see this trou- activities of four separate be dominating be able to see $2.5 hotels that will be renting our economy - this troublesome blesome and who wants $2.5 billion loan billion loan re- from Baha Mar and operpaid without ating under its banner. The to be subject suffering too separate Melia has been to the whims repaid without much flak from in full business for several of an authori- suffering too their image- years, but the towering tarian foreign much flak from conscious po- Hyatt, with 1,800 rooms, mega-state? But litico bosses. and the smaller Rosewood CTFE is a dif- their imageAnd CCA will (owned by CTFE) and SLS ferent animal conscious from the public politico bosses.” be free to nur- will be coming on stream ture its own for the first time. Although enterprises dinew baby, The physically linked, each will rected by the Beijing regime. Created by Pointe project downtown - want to publicise its own one of the capitalist billion- a separate story still to be unique brand, possibly under a rubric like “Roseaires typical of Hong Kong, told.

Neither Mr Davis nor wood at Baha Mar”. The it operates on hard-headed commercial principles Senior Vice President Rob- casino will be managed by a requiring all its far-flung ert “Sandy” Sands, an ex- CTFE specialist company, businesses to show a profit, perienced hold-over from once our authorities grant from hotels to jewellery to the prior owner, expresses the expected licence. Only transportation to real-es- any doubts about success- 99 acres of the Jack Nicktate development and mi- ful completion, although laus golf course are leased they will be hard-pressed Crown Land; the remainder nority positions in casinos.

Our press has been re- to meet the deadline. Ten of the 992-acre total project porting heated debate thousand applicants for the acreage, including the 335about whether CTFE will 1,500 initial jobs must be acre footprint of the central truly “own” Baha Mar by screened and the success- complex, will be held in fee

ownership acquired from the bank mortgagee.

Sophisticated accounting systems will be installed so that a guest in any hotel can bill just one account for all the 40 bars, restaurants and nightclubs scattered through the resort.

Locations and concession terms must be arranged for a score of locally-owned retailers who will demand high customer visibility. Spas and watersports must be planned, as well as amenities for the Long Cay private island. Eventually, a sales programme will cover the 300 condominium units in the various hotels, as well as houses or apartments on adjacent land that stretches back to Lake Cunningham.

Reaching Mr Davis’s second-floor executive suite with its glorious view of Goodman’s Bay gave me eerie memories as I trudged through the silent halls of the once vibrant casino, premises now scheduled for demolition. Over two years ago I took the same gloomy path to visit Tom Dunlap, Baha Mar President under chairman/owner Sarkis Izmirlian. An experienced construction executive previously with the Disney group, he cited his five years with Baha Mar as “the most painful in my career” but looked forward to a successful future, which was not to be.

Whether well-liked Izmirlian was unfairly ejected from ownership by the Christie administration and whether the project would have prospered after emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy supervised by US courts are issues that

still arouse strong feelings and vigorous dissent. The original concept continues; these issues should now be relegated to history and the new owners encouraged towards their projected benefits for our country.

Even the published lower estimates put direct new employment at 5,750 to 6,760 persons with payroll of $98-$115 million, with substantially higher figures if related suppliers and other affected business are included. Total economic impact is put at $915 million annually, a notable stimulus for our Gross Domestic Product, although we still need more diversity away from tourism.

From the very beginning, Baha Mar has drawn doubters and nay-sayers who predict that it is too grandiose ever to be profitable; that it will simply divide a static tourist supply with the proven appeal of Atlantis, to the detriment of both; and that our airlift is inadequate. The history of Miami Beach and other tropics resorts tells another lesson: build and they will

come, the more the merrier.

Certainly the sandy dunes of Collins Avenue became a thriving thoroughfare as every foot of beach frontage was filled by the glittering creations serving as a magnet for mass tourism.

Airline and terminal capacity always manage to catch up with growing passenger demand, and the same will happen here.

Some would prefer Cable Beach to revert to a replica of Family Islands charm and tranquility - an unworkable illusion. Fortunately, we are an amazing archipelago that can give us both the dynamic, hustling growth of Nassau and the lonely beaches of cays and islands stretching some 700 miles into the Trade Winds.

No other Caribbean nation enjoys the same blessing of geography.

• Richard Coulson is a retired lawyer and investment banker born in Nassau and from a long line of Bahamians. He is a financial consultant and author of A Corkscrew Life - adventures of a travelling financier.

US NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR RESIGNS OVER RUSSIA CONTACT WASHINGTON Associated Press

PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s embattled national security advisor Michael Flynn resigned late Monday night, following reports that he had misled Vice President Mike Pence and other officials about his contacts with Russia. His departure upends Trump’s senior team after less than one month in office.

In a resignation letter, Flynn said he held numerous calls with the Russian ambassador to the US during the transition and gave “incomplete information” about those discussions to Vice President Mike Pence.

The vice president, apparently relying on information from Flynn, initially said the national security advisor had not discussed sanctions with the Russian envoy, though Flynn later conceded the issue may have come up.

The revelations were another destabilising blow to an administration that has already suffered a major legal defeat, botched the implementation of a signature policy and stumbled through a string of embarrassing public relations missteps.

NATIONAL Security Adviser Michael Flynn, who resigned as Trump’s national security advisor last night.

Trump on Monday named retired Lt Gen Keith Kellogg as the acting national security advisor. Kellogg had previously been appointed the National Security Council chief of staff and advised Trump on national security issues during the campaign.

Trump is also considering former CIA Director David Petraeus and Vice Admiral Robert Harward, a US Navy SEAL, for the post,

according to a senior administration official.

The Trump team’s account of Flynn’s discussions with the Russian envoy changed repeatedly over several weeks, including the number of contacts, the dates of those contacts and, ultimately, the content of the conversations.

Last month, the Justice Department warned the Trump administration that Flynn could be in a compromised position as a result of the contradictions between the public depictions of the calls and what intelligence officials knew to be true based on recordings of the conversations, which were picked up as part of routine monitoring of foreign officials communications in the US. An administration official and two people with knowledge of the situation confirmed the Justice Department warnings on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly. It was unclear when Trump and Pence learned about the Justice Department outreach.

The Washington Post was the first to report the communication between former

acting attorney general Sally Yates, a holdover from the Obama administration, and the Trump White House.

Even before the Post report, the White House was signaling that Flynn’s future was in doubt. White House spokesman Sean Spicer said Trump was “evaluating the situation” and consulting with Pence on Monday about his conversations with the national security advisor.

Asked whether the president had been aware that Flynn might have discussed sanctions with the Russian envoy, Spicer said, “No, absolutely not.”

Trump, who comments on a steady stream of issues on his Twitter feed, had been conspicuously silent about the matter since The Washington Post reported last week that Flynn had discussed sanctions with the Russian envoy. A US official told The Associated Press that Flynn was in frequent contact with Ambassador Sergey Kislyak on the day the Obama administration slapped sanctions on Russia for election-related hacking, as well as at other times during the transition.

Flynn’s discussions with

the Russian raised questions about whether Flynn offered assurances about the incoming administration’s new approach. Such conversations would breach diplomatic protocol and possibly violate the Logan Act, a law aimed at keeping citizens from conducting diplomacy.

Earlier Monday, White House counselor Kellyanne Conway said Trump had “full confidence” in Flynn, though her assertions were not backed up by other senior Trump aides.

Flynn was spotted near the Oval Office just after 10pm Monday. Amid the uncertainty over Flynn’s future, several of the president’s top advisors, including chief of staff Reince Priebus and counsel Don McGahn, ducked in and out of late-night meetings in the West Wing.

Several House Democrats called on Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, to launch an investigation into Flynn’s ties to Russia.

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi called for Flynn to be fired, saying he “cannot be trusted not to put Putin before America”.

Republican Sen Susan

Collins of Maine said that if Pence were misled, “I can’t imagine he would have trust in Gen Flynn going forward.” She said it would also be “troubling” if Flynn had been negotiating with a foreign government before taking office.

It’s illegal for private citizens to conduct US diplomacy. Flynn’s conversations also raise questions about Trump’s friendly posture toward Russia after US intelligence agencies concluded that Moscow hacked Democratic emails during the election.

Flynn’s resignation comes as Trump and his top advisors seek to steady the White House after a rocky start. The president, who seeks input from a wide range of business associates, friends and colleagues, has been asking people their opinions on his senior team, including Spicer and Priebus.

Advisors have privately conceded that the White House spit out too many disparate messages in the first few weeks, though they also note that the president’s own tweets sometimes muddy the day’s plans before most of the White House staff has arrived for work.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, February 14, 2017, PAGE 11

‘The Bahamas’ own street philosopher’

CYRIL JERVIS, President of the Bahamas Association of Chicago (second right), and members of association’s leadership team - Jeffrey Crittenden, Esmaralda Crittenden, Dianna Walkine and Donna Johnson - with Michael Fountain, Bahamas Honorary Consul to Chicago (right), following a “meet and greet” with Bahamian basketball star Buddy Hield after the New Orleans Pelicans NBA game with the Chicago Bulls on January 14.

BAHAMIANS IN THE DIASPORA

By OSWALD T BROWN

WASHINGTON, DC - When Buddy Hield and the New Orleans Pelicans visited Chicago on January 14 for an NBA game against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center, the Bahamian basketball star received a warm welcome from a group of his fellow countrymen living in the Chicago area during a post-game “meet and greet” organised

by Michael C Fountain, Bahamas Honorary Consul to Chicago, and members of the Bahamas Association of Chicago.

The association has been a networking organisation for Bahamians living in the Midwest United States for a number of years, but it has enjoyed a renaissance in recent years under a dynamic executive board that includes Cyril G Jervis (President), Dianna Walkine (Vice President;) Jeff Crittenden (Treasurer), and Esmeralda (Ford) Crittenden (Secretary).

Founding member Donna Johnson is Board Advisor and Mavis (Simpson) Cargill and Wayne “Saldo” Saunders are honorary past presidents.

The association receives strong support from Mr Fountain, who attended its first meeting for the new year on January 28 and presented highlights of consular activities for 2016. He discussed the collaborative opportunities available to the association and the Bahamas Consulate to engage Bahamians throughout the Midwest Jurisdiction in 2017.

It is not surprising that Mr Jervis is providing the association with sterling leadership. His background and upbringing in a large, closely-knit family thoroughly prepared him to be an effective leader. Born in Nassau on June 18, 1960, he is the son of the late Hubert Jervis, of Nassau, and the late Evangeline (Major) Jervis, of Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera, who had 11 children - six boys and five girls.

“My father moved us all from Nassau to Freeport, Grand Bahama, in 1965,” Mr Jervis said. “My parents are deceased, but nine of my siblings still live in Free-

port and one in Bermuda.

In my early years I attended Hawksbill School but I was very fortunate to go back to Nassau and graduated from St Augustine’s College with the best class ever, Class of ’78.

“I had a great familystructured upbringing. We were blessed with a hardworking father and an unbelievable mother who nurtured all of us into fine citizens of The Bahamas.

They did a wonderful job preparing us for the future.

I give a great deal of credit to my aunts and uncles in Nassau who helped raise me while in Nassau and a special recognition to special men who imparted so much into me at SAC, like Leviticus ‘Uncle Lou’ Adderley, Martin Lundy and Sharon ‘The General’ Storr.”

Mr Jervis left The Bahamas at 18 to attend Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, from where he graduated in 1982 with degrees in Business/Marketing and Black Studies. While at Luther College, he was Vice President of the Black Student Union (BSU) and excelled in athletics. He was inducted into the college’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1988 and still holds the school’s record in the triple jump.

“The day before graduation I married to the love of my life, Julie, and we have been blessed with three beautiful children - Jeremy, Jerome and Chantel - and we are now grandparents of six,” he said. “I visit The Bahamas as least two or three times a year.

I believe strongly in family and my Bahamian people. I made sure my children and grandchildren know who their people are and about the Bahamian culture.”

Mr Jervis previously worked in mortgage banking for over 15 years but is currently a Case Manager at the Waukegan Township, where he helps men - through a Transitional Home, a facility for homeless men - get their lives back on track from incarceration, drug and alcohol addiction.

“It is a personally rewarding career for me,” he said. “I also volunteer at another programme for homeless men, The Rope House,

and conduct a Bible study with the men there every two weeks. I attend the Sign of the Dove Church, under Apostle Harry and Deborah Stackhouse, and I serve in the capacity of Deacon and leader of the Men’s Ministry.”

Oswald T Brown is the Press, Cultural Affairs and Information Manager with the Bahamas Embassy in Washington, DC. He writes ‘Bahamians in the diaspora’ each month.

PAGE 12, Tuesday, February 14, 2017

PRIME Minister Perry Christie with employees at the One&Only Ocean Club during a tour yesterday.

THE TRIBUNE

Photos: Peter Ramsay/BIS

One&Only staff ‘pretty supportive’, says manager

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net ONE&ONLY Ocean Club employees were yesterday said to be “pretty supportive” of the changes at the Paradise Islandbased property, as the luxury hotel’s general manager dismissed talk of low employee morale ahead of the hotel’s anticipated reopening after four and half months.

One&Only General Manager John Conway said “morale is everything” in the hospital industry, and as such charged that One&Only’s management team has worked “very hard” to ensure that the employees are afforded the opportunity to function in a conducive work environment leading up to today’s opening.

Mr Conway also praised the hotel’s 430 employees for having “doubled down” in excelling in the hotel’s training courses, adding that hotel officials are “really excited” that its “major investment in training” paid off.

Mr Conway’s statements came a week after The Tribune was told by employees that they reportedly have a “low morale” because of certain changes taking place at the resort.

On February 6, Ocean Club employees told this newspaper that they had “mixed feelings” over the changes being made regarding the day-to-day running of the luxury hotel, which reportedly includes a change in shift rostering as well as changes and additions to the employees’ responsibilities.

The same was confirmed

by Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union (BCHAWU) Secretary General Darrin Woods, who said the “morale is low” amongst One&Only

employees, and that the union was still aggressively seeking to meet with hotel officials to resolve the issues. When asked by The Tribune if this was the case, however, Mr Conway denied the assertions.

“They’ve actually been outspoken about the training they went through, how they’re treated, the environment we create here, and I think they’re pretty supportive,” Mr Conway said. “And by the way, morale is everything in a business like ours. And without it you can’t exist, not at the level of expectation we have, and the level of expectation the customer has. So an employee can’t fake being happy. You’ve got to be able to feel good about where you work, and we work very hard to make sure that happens.”

He added: “It’s a very exciting time for us, especially after the major investment in training. And that’s where we’re really excited.

The hardware is one thing, the software is something that we’re pleased with.

And all the colleagues really doubled down. It’s very difficult to make the grade if you will. There was testing involved and more food and beverage knowledge that I had, because I tried the test as well.

“But they’ve done very well and we’re very excited about that.”

One&Only temporarily closed its doors in October 2016 to repair damage inflicted on the property by Hurricane Matthew. The resort lost a number of roof shingles from the Crescent Wing and the Villas during the category four storm and the Dune restaurant sustained serious damage. The luxury hotel was initially expected to re-open at the beginning of December, but later confirmed that it had delayed its re-opening

A LOOK inside the kitchens at the One&Only Ocean Club yesterday.

PRIME Minister Perry Christie giving a speech yesterday during his tour of the One&Only Ocean Club.

“So we’ve started that to 90 per cent (full). And themselves in such a way date to Valentine’s Day of over the last several weeks we open with those kinds that they say I have to come this year.

Yesterday, Mr Conway and done reopening parties of numbers. So we’re into back,” Mr Christie said. confirmed that the cost of if you will in New York and full pace which is where “When your leadership tells repairs to the luxury hotel Toronto. And we think that we should be at this time of you that you are the be all that with all the electronic year, and that is because of and end all of this resort, was “almost $30m”.

He also said that despite direct mail and all the dif- the work I described before. when they dedicate the rethe closure, he and other ferent direct mailings we So February will end up sources to engage in the hotel officials are optimis- are doing, our customer like that, March will be very training that they did, they tic that they will make up base is fully aware that strong, April very strong, were doing that not only for lost time, pointing to we’re reopening tomorrow. May looks good, and as I said to empower you, because encouraging first quarter The Bahamian legend will the full second quarter looks whatever you end up in life good. Looking at working on it is the training that you projections that he said will return (today).

“That said we think the third and fourth now.” likely continue throughout have gotten that will stay first quarter is shaping up Mr Conway made his with you. the year.

“We’ve been working quite well. We open (today) statements during a ribbon “And I’m hoping that through all the time we’ve so we have a half a month in cutting ceremony to com- when I come here in five One&Only’s years time, just taking a been closed,” he said. “Our February, all of March, that memorate sales effort has been vigor- is peak season. And we roll reopening. On hand was period in the future, those ous, in fact more vigorous right into April, May and Prime Minister Perry Chris- of you who smiled with me than ever. For us when you June with pretty good num- tie, who encouraged hotel today, will be continuing have a closure like this, to bers. So right now we’re employees to do their best with your employment here make sure you’re on the very optimistic, working to ensure that One&Only and will be able to say, ‘Mr normal pace when you reo- hard on the third and fourth continues to be “historical- Christie you were so right pen, you almost have to … quarter, but we could have a ly the magnificent small re- that our service made all sort in the Commonwealth the difference because we when people hear that a re- very good year.”

Regarding occupancy, Mr of The Bahamas.” sort is closed, you have to were so good that our own“The magic to any des- ers decided to give us a bowork twice as hard to get Conway said: “Typically in season we’d be running 85 tination is people enjoying nus last year and this year.’” the message out.

PRIME Minister Perry Christie speaking yesterday.