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The Tribune

Volume:117 No.58, FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

Established 1903

Weekend

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1

WEEKEND: SECRETS OF ‘BLACK FOOD’ FOR THE SOUL

Nygard hit with new US sex lawsuit

A CLASS action lawsuit was filed against Peter Nygard in New York yesterday

THE ALLEGATIONS

‘Bribed Bahamian politicians & police for protection’ ‘Trafficked girls to US from Nassau’

‘Engaged in disgusting sex acts with underage girls’ ‘Had secret file of 7,500 potential victims’

RASHAD ROLLE REPORTS - PAGES 2&3

ANDROS EVICTION THREAT FOR 1,800

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

RESIDENTS living in structures illegally erected on government land in North Andros have been issued eviction notices, a move that could possibly displace an estimated 1,800 people.

“In all cases we are going to follow the law,” Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister Michael Pintard said yesterday.

MINISTER Michael Pintard He confirmed that teams under his purview and on the advice of the Attorney

General’s Office issued the notices that gave the residents 30 days to move out.

Officials began posting the notices on the shanty town structures and handing them out about one week ago.

Joseph Ferguson, North Andros administrator, told The Tribune it was estimated that about 1,800 people live in two shanty towns in that portion of the island, adding it was time the “law took its course”.

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SEE PAGE FIVE

A COMIC’S VIEW THE DAY OF LOVE WILL GO BETTER WITH HUMOUR

SEE PAGE EIGHT

PAGE 2, Friday, February 14, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

THE NEW YORK FILES THE NYGARD Cay property where Peter Nygard allegedly held his “pamper parties”.

WHAT THE COURT PAPERS ALLEGE HAPPENED PETER Nygard is accused of a series of sex offences in the lawsuit filed in the Southern District of New York.

Ten women were allegedly victims of various offences committed by Mr Nygard, often at “pamper parties” at his home at Nygard Cay. In the court papers filed yesterday they detailed the acts which they say they endured. They were as follows: • A 14-year old Bahamian from Nassau who was reportedly lured to his bedroom with promises of a modelling contract before being shown pornography

by Mr Nygard and raped as he pinned her hands against a headboard. She was then driven home by a Nygard employee.

• Another 14-year-old Bahamian from Nassau was reportedly given several glasses of wine before being instructed to take three pills given to her by Mr Nygard.

She said Mr Nygard used a

sex toy on her despite her asking him to stop, before she blacked out. She says she did not know what Mr Nygard did to her while she was unconscious but awoke to find blood on the sheets. She said she was made to touch him sexually on another occasion and was raped a second time.

Mr Nygard then reportedly paid her to be a Nygard model and to recruit other young girls for him to sleep with.

• A 15-year-old Bahamian from Nassau says she was given wine at a “pamper party” before he forced her to have sex despite her saying “stop” and “no”.

• A 14-year-old Bahamian from Nassau, the younger cousin of the above girl, was reportedly given alcohol before being escorted to Mr Nygard’s bedroom and being shown pornography before Mr Nygard undressed her and forced her to have vaginal and oral sex. Afterwards,

she said he gave her an envelope with more than $5,000 inside.

• A 17-year-old Bahamian from Nassau reportedly went to a party at Nygard Cay with a friend and drank multiple alcoholic beverages before Mr Nygard gestured to her friend to come with him.

Her friend did not want to go alone so motioned to her to go with her. They were taken to Mr Nygard’s bedroom and given more to drink before he instructed them to touch one another sexually, which they did.

After several minutes, Mr Nygard reportedly joined in and sodomised the 17-yearold before making other sexual requests. He then reportedly gave the girl $200 and gave permission for the pair to leave.

• The sixth victim was 15, a Bahamian from Nassau, when she was invited to Nygard Cay where she was reportedly invited upstairs

by Mr Nygard to smoke marijuana. Mr Nygard

is said to have taken her to his bedroom where he undressed and got into a Jacuzzi but the victim declined to join him. He is said to have got out of the Jacuzzi and began to undress her before making sexual demands of her. He began fondling her and she tried to fight him off and told him to stop but he became more aggressive and raped her, it is alleged.

He is said to have told her to take a wad of US cash, but she refused.

• The seventh victim is a Bahamian who was 18 at the time of the alleged attack. She is said to have had several drinks before being led by Mr Nygard to his bedroom. He invited her into a Jacuzzi and made sexual advances which she resisted. He then reportedly made her a drink which she became nauseated and sleepy after drinking.

He made sexual demands of her but she does not recall what happened next as she was in and out of

consciousness. When she awoke, however, there was blood in the back of her underwear and she felt pain in her anus. Mr Nygard reportedly gave her $550 in US currency and sent her away.

• The eighth victim was a Bahamian woman aged 29 who was an employee at Nygard Cay for several years. She said she accepted a glass of wine before being summoned to Mr Nygard’s room. Shortly after arriving, she fell unconscious. She says when she became alert again, Mr Nygard was in the act of having sex with her.

He later demanded that she have sex with him regularly as a requirement of keeping her job, it is alleged, and was fired when she refused.

It is alleged that in 2017 she was abducted and taken to Toronto and Fort Lauderdale for four days by employees of Mr Nygard.

• Another adult, the ninth victim is a US citizen who was an employee of Mr Nygard and reports

that over the years, she was sexually assaulted by Mr Nygard on numerous occasions. This includes an allegation that in 2015 she was raped at Mr Nygard’s California residence when he overrode the lock to her bedroom and she awoke to find him raping her, despite her attempts to resist and to tell him “no”.

• The final victim in the lawsuit is a Bahamian from Nassau who was 15 when she attended a party at Nygard Cay. She says she began to feel dizzy and nauseous after eating food and was taken to Mr Nygard’s bedroom where he made sexual advances toward her. She says she told him she was 15 and that she was feeling unwell, whereupon he gave her a pill he said would make her feel better. He then reportedly raped her and made sexual demands of her. Afterwards, she sought medical treatment and received two stitches to stop bleeding.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, February 14, 2020, PAGE 3

THE NEW YORK FILES

Nygard accused Papers also describe in graphic detail how Nygard’s alleged underaged victims were selected by him or his groomers, encouraged to drink wine laced with drugs at his “pamper parties” and then lured to his bedroom

Lawsuit claims he evaded exposure by bribing police and PLP politicians, making regular payments of tens of thousands of dollars to law enforcement, government officials, regulators, and even to a former Cabinet minister

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net PETER Nygard has been accused of raping ten women, including nine Bahamians, in a wide-ranging criminal enterprise that involved intimidating victims and offering them hush money for over more than a decade.

A class action lawsuit filed in New York yesterday further claims he evaded exposure by bribing local police and Progressive Liberal Party politicians.

It says he bought police protection and political cover by “making regular payments of tens of thousands of dollars to law enforcement, government officials, regulators, and even to a former Cabinet minister…”

Eight of Mr Nygard’s Bahamian victims were between 14 and 18 when he allegedly raped them, according to the lawsuit.

Six of the alleged incidents happened between 2008 and 2011 when the PLP was out of office––the other three incidents happened in 2014 and 2015.

The lawsuit describes how Mr Nygard’s power and influence helped him conceal his alleged crimes.

He contributed $10 million to get the PLP elected in 2012 and paid $300 to people who would vote for the party during the time, it claims.

“He has also spent significant money to bribe Bahamian officials including, without limitation, law enforcement, and to gain political influence and power on the island through political contributions. Nygard also provided PLP party members…and corrupt police officers, with children and young women to engage in commercial sex acts with. Nygard did so to gain influence with these politicians and law enforcement officials, as well as to gain compromising information about them in order to exert his influence over them,” the lawsuit alleges.

“Nygard used his political connections and bribes to successfully gain building permits and to receive other favourable treatment including, without limitation, overlooking his illegal activities. Nygard had Bahamian police officers on his ‘payroll’. He used them to help ‘bury’ any reports of sexual abuse and intimidate, threaten to arrest, and otherwise harass his victims to ensure that they would not come forward.

“Nygard often alludes to the fact, in front of his ‘girlfriends,’ that he is powerful enough in The Bahamas to have people killed without being investigated. Indeed, when Nygard learned of the investigation of his illegal sex trafficking, he engaged lawyers to facilitate bribery payments to top Bahamian police officials to get more information that would enable him to attempt to bribe victims or intimidate them into silence.

“Nygard also regularly bribes Bahamian officials with US currency from the Nygard Companies to prevent customs from searching his plane, prevent customs from checking the passports of the young women onboard, and to prevent customs from inspecting the passengers’ luggage. This allows Nygard to traffic his victims to and from the Bahamas, transport drugs intended for his victims, and transport other supplies for ‘pamper parties’ in the Nygard Companies’ plane to avoid paying customs.”

The lawsuit claims political and government corruption are “rooted in the fabric of Bahamian society,” citing such statistics as how many Bahamians have been forced to pay bribes in a particular time-frame.

Mr Nygard’s victims, the lawsuit claims, are typically young, vulnerable and impoverished Bahamian girls whom he knows won’t report his crimes to police.

He allegedly kept a database of potential victims

that was maintained by the IT department of his company and, by the mid-2000s, featured information on over 7,500 underage girls and women.

“The Nygard Companies and Nygard employed people to work at what Nygard referred to as Nygard’s Corporate Communications Coordinators (ComCor).

Among other duties, ComCor employees were used to ensure that Nygard’s potential victims attended the ‘pamper parties’ by contacting them and arranging for their transportation to the parties. Thereafter, Nygard seduced, coerced, incited, paid, and promised these victims modelling careers to cause them to engage in commercial sex acts. All ComCor employees were paid by the Nygard Companies,” the lawsuit says.

“Upon arrival at the gated Nygard Cay property, most of Nygard’s victims were required to ‘register’ with ComCor, which was in charge of planning and coordinating corporate events, by providing their personal information, such as their names, telephone numbers, email addresses, and the identities of the persons who invited them.

They were also required to pose for headshots and full-body photographs.

The pictures and registration forms, filled out by the Nygard employees, were scanned and emailed directly to Nygard, so that he could review who was in attendance, while sitting upstairs in his bedroom.

Nygard would then use this information to select his potential victims for the night, by meeting his selfavowed standard of: ‘an eight in the face, and a nice toilet.’

“The information was then entered into a company database, so that Nygard had a ready list of ‘prospective recruits’ who were potential victims to pursue at any given time.

The database contained information and pictures of over 7,500 underage girls and women dating back to 1987. The database was hosted on a corporate server and was maintained by the Nygard Companies’ IT department.”

The defendants in the lawsuit are Mr Nygard and his companies.

The lawsuit describes in graphic detail how Mr Nygard’s alleged underaged victims were selected by him or his “groomers”, encouraged to drink wine laced with drugs at his Nygard Cay “pamper parties” and then lured to his bedroom where they were forced to engage in depraved sexual acts.

The women were sometimes allegedly lured under false promises of future modelling contracts and their hush money payments often ranged in the thousands, according to the lawsuit.

“Nygard used his considerable influence in the fashion industry, his power through corruption of officials, and a network of company employees under his direction to groom and entice underage girls

and women,” the lawsuit alleges. “Defendants knew that Nygard would use means of alcohol, drugs, force, fraud and/or other forms of coercion to engage in commercial sex acts with these children and women, and in many cases, with knowledge that they were less than 18-years-old.

“Defendants destruction of innocent lives is immeasurable.

When Nygard became aware of the investigation into his sex trafficking ring, he resorted to tactics of violence, intimidation, bribery and payoffs to attempt to silence the victims and to continue his scheme.”

According to the lawsuit, there is no corporate distinction between or among Mr Nygard’s companies and he has exclusive control over them all as their sole owner and executive. Those companies allegedly financed, facilitated and covered up the abuses.

“The Nygard Companies funded Nygard’s ‘pamper parties’ under the Nygard brand by transferring cash from its bank account in Canada, routing it through

New York, and depositing it in a Bahamian bank account that belongs to a Bahamian holding company called Nygard Holdings. The Nygard Companies used corporate accounts to pay for drugs, alcohol, entertainment, and food for the ‘pamper parties,’ and also provided the cash that Nygard delivered to accomplices and victims to facilitate Nygard’s commercial sex acts with children and young women.

The Nygard Companies also paid all employees and staff, including accomplices who recruited and groomed children and women to engage in commercial sex acts, who worked the ‘pamper parties,’ according to the lawsuit.

Lawyers for the alleged victims say Nygard and his companies have violated the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. The statue of limitations under that law is ten years and they want that tolled for all of his alleged victims, saying the extraordinary circumstances of this case requires that.

Editorial View - Page 4

PAGE 4, Friday, February 14, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

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Nygard lawsuit shows our failings as a nation THE allegations against Peter Nygard are horrendous.

Page after page of allegations including the rape of ten women, a number of them underage, and even the alleged kidnap of one of those women by his staff.

The allegations go back years – and while the accusations of what he is alleged to have done to the women are vile, they are by no means the limit of what he is accused of in the lawsuit filed in New York yesterday.

He is alleged to have paid sizeable amounts of money to police officers who, it is claimed, would help him bury any reports of sexual abuse, and threaten to arrest and otherwise harass his victims to ensure their silence. Who could the victims turn to if police officers were showing up at the door warning them of the consequences of coming forward?

Beyond that, the lawsuit details allegations of bribery of Bahamian officials, including some of the highest PLP politicians in the land. It is even alleged that he provided PLP party members and corrupt police officers with children and young women to have sex with. “Commercial sex acts” they are called. Money for sex, in other words.

It is alleged that he did this to gain influence as well as to gain compromising information about them in order to exert his influence over them.

Mr Nygard allegedly kept a database of potential victims with information on more than 7,500 underage girls and women in it.

He would allegedly have staff photograph attendees at his “pamper parties” and then point out from the photographs which women he wanted. He would reportedly sit in his bedroom, looking through photographs of who was in attendance, selecting his potential victims for the night. 7,500 women – how many of us know someone who was or could have been a victim?

The detail is shocking, but the fact of allegations swirling around Peter Nygard is unsurprising. Year after year, he has been surrounded with claims of abhorrent behaviour – from ignoring the laws of the land to build up his Nygard Cay beaches to court documents alleging he had hired hitmen, claims put forward by criminals who went by the names of Toogie and Bobo and who were recorded on tape talking to Mr Nygard.

Public accusations have also been made over payments to politicians previously – Shane Gibson admitted receiving $94,131.10 from Peter Nygard after being shown documents by The Tribune, paid to a US account held by Mr Gibson, but said it was a campaign contribution for the 2012 general election and money for scholarships in Mr Gibson’s constituency. In 2017, Mr Gibson told The Tribune that he thought it was “sad and unfortunate that those who oppose me would seek to tarnish something that has benefited so many people in my constituency simply to grab headlines and win a seat”.

Mr Gibson and many other PLP MPs were seen in a video with Mr Nygard after the 2012 election during a visit to Nygard Cay, at a time when Mr Nygard posted a

celebratory video about the PLP’s victory, boasting of taking The Bahamas back. To where? From whom?

Mr Nygard has also been involved in lengthy court battles over his property in The Bahamas – with court date after court date as the case stretched out over years.

This latest round of allegations in court papers raise many questions – not just over his own actions but of those employees who helped to facilitate his allegedly predatory actions and also the actions of those he is alleged to have bribed. If true, what did they do for the money they received? Who were they serving?

Peter Nygard? Or The Bahamas?

The simple truth about this lawsuit is that these accusations should not only be tested in far-off New York.

The claims, if true, detail a pattern of bribery by a man who does what he wants and pays to cover the consequences, no matter how extreme his actions are. If the claims in this lawsuit are true, this is a cesspit of corruption that must be cleared up. With claims of bribery against police, politicians and payments to victims and allegations of staff helping to lure in young women and tidy up after the crime, there are dozens if not hundreds of witnesses to his actions. There should be a criminal investigation launched here in The Bahamas today.

And what of the six rape allegations made against Mr Nygard here in The Bahamas last year? In November, we reported that police were investigating claims of six women who said Mr Nygard raped them when they were all under 16.

What is the status of those investigations? We must ask ourselves why these allegations raised in The Bahamas have not progressed further – and whether this lawsuit in the US suggests a lack of faith on the part of the victims in finding justice on our shores.

In fact, beyond the individual criminal investigations, given the extent of the alleged bribery, a full Commission of Inquiry should be called in order to publicly sift through the allegations. Clear the names of those who are innocent of accusations, but hold to account those who are complicit in taking money to look the other way. Find those police officers alleged to have acted as enforcers for him and haul them before the courts if there is evidence. Demand of politicians what they did for money they were given – with full receipts.

The FNM are not spared either – one of the reasons that payments can be made is that there are no campaign finance laws. The FNM promised those on the campaign trail but have failed to deliver so far.

That needs to change, and the claims against Peter Nygard show just how urgently that needs to change. What is to stop him paying more people in an attempt to give him a better outcome in the courts under the next government?

Peter Nygard’s story – if proved to be true– is one that will shock and appall with the nature of the alleged offences, but it will be even worse if we allow these claims to play out in New York while sitting here doing nothing, pretending it’s nothing to do with us.

It’s time to act.

DANIEL Jean walks the runway at Ryan’s Secret, a different kind of show at New York Fashion Week that featured plus size men proudly baring skin. The show aimed at shining a light on male body shaming issues and the importance of the male body positivity movement.

No shame in being a ‘darkie’ EDITOR, The Tribune AFTER reflecting on the racist gaffe committed by a Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) official at a recent rally at Columbus Primary School, I began to reflect on the PLP’s history on race relations. Founded in 1953 by Sir Henry Milton Taylor, Cyril Stevenson and William “Bill” Cartwright - three Conchy Joes - the PLP did a masterful job at utilising the racist rhetoric of the Black Panther Party and traditional Civil Rights Movement leaders such as Malcolm X during the 1960s in its struggle against the United Bahamian Party (UBP) and the Bay Street oligarchs.

In Sir Randol Fawkes’ The Faith that Moved the Mountain, the “Father of Labour” made reference to Sir Lynden Pindling’s dark complexion, which underscores the reality of colour consciousness in The Bahamas during the 1950s and 1960s, where Bahamian mulattoes and Conchy Joes were viewed more favorably than their dark skinned counterparts. This sociological phenomenon has been defined as “internalised racism” by sociologists, and has led to the widespread use of skin enhancing products, such as Ambi. Indeed,

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net dark skinned Bahamian women are conscious of the fact that many men prefer light skinned women with nice curly hair. In most instances, picky head has become taboo among Bahamians and their African American counterparts.

I have witnessed Bahamian women drooling over persons with curly hair and good skin colour.

Like Sir Lynden, current PLP Leader Philip Brave Davis’ skin colour is also rich in melanin pigments.

The demeaning comments were also inadvertently directed at Davis, who is a dark skinned Bahamian, like tens of thousands of Bahamians his party has traditionally identified itself with. Nearly 93 percent of the population is black.

It’s anyone’s guess as to how many within this lopsided demographic is dark skinned.

Be that as it may, the PLP has always been known as the party of the “black masses.” In this regard, the official does not appear to share the same ideals of Sir Lynden and the other PLP pioneers who fought

against racism in the 1960s.

Granted, she did offer an apology. But I think she did so due to the backlash that came pouring in. By referring to us dark skinned Bahamians as “darkies” in her moment of candour, she was revealing what is in her heart. Had there been no negative feedbacks, I don’t believe she would’ve apologised to the nation.

Interestingly, had a white Bahamian politician like Brent Symonette uttered those racist comments, his political career would have been finished in this country. As much as UBP stalwarts Sir Roland Symonette and Sir Stafford Sands are vilified by race-baiters, I don’t believe any of them would’ve been brazen enough to use such racially inflammatory comments on a public platform.

But it seems as if this official will be getting a pass just because she happens to be black, although not a “darkie.” As a dark skinned Bahamian, let me say to the official that I am not the least bit ashamed of being a “darkie.” I would have it no other way, my purported sister in Christ.

KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama February 12, 2020.

Where’s the emergency?

EDITOR, The Tribune WHEN may a Police or Fire truck or Ambulance use a siren? I ask because over the past months there has been a serious misuse I suggest of that blaring noisy siren without any emergency whatsoever – Why? The Minister coming from the south-west rushing as he is late for Cabinet – the Commodore, previous one, leaving a State funeral for some reason his outrider had to have the siren blasting.

Today, Rawson Square viewing of the late Bobby Glinton – Police Headquarters is within easy walking distance of the House of Assembly, but, no, the spanking new white car came with outrider siren blasting in midday traffic to view the body.

Not to be outdone leaving - Bay Street jammed with traffic the outrider turns on his siren gets out of the way!

Not discrediting the good Commissioner, but please let’s use some

discretion –was the use of siren necessary – you were heading back to your office less than half a mile away!

I am deeply grateful to the Prime Minister that he is rarely late, so unlike his predecessor, no need for sirens…What a blessing.

No comment on the continued stupidity of the Prison bus…

K HUDSON Nassau February 13, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, February 14, 2020, PAGE 5

from page one

Andros eviction threat for 1,800

He said Andros residents were concerned that if not dealt with, the situation could mirror that of Abaco, which has several unregulated communities spread across the island. Many of those communities were destroyed by Hurricane Dorian last year.

Yesterday, Mr Pintard said his ministry was keen on handling the matter carefully, lawfully and intentionally.

“We said that we were going to make a determination if on our evaluation of our lease agreements whether or not any of the government land had persons on it that should not have been there,” Mr Pintard told The Tribune.

“Once the team did an evaluation and got back to me, they indicated that there were in fact persons on government land.

We then reached out to all those persons who we were under the impression they had lease arrangements and where it was determined that they were not honouring the lease or they themselves had concerns that the parcel of land that they were associated with – that others were also on that parcel of land, we immediately then moved upon the advice of the Attorney General’s Office.

We moved to issue eviction notices which was within our right under the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources.”

He also said: “These notices were placed on all structures that are on government land. When I directed the land unit to travel to Andros, their remit was simply to look at the land under our care and where persons were occupying it unlawfully to follow the legal guidelines in terms of requesting that there aren’t any illegal structures and that they are removed.”

Asked whether it was found that leases for these parcels of land had been issued for farming purposes, the minister said there were several cases where people had no form of documentation at all for farming.

“In fact there are some who had never applied but they commenced with structures,” he said. “In some cases there were some who actually thought that the lease arrangement of their parents or grandparents or some other relative had been duly executed and we are satisfied in a few cases that they were not duly executed.

“So what you will find is a mixed bag of scenarios that capture different groups of people on government land, but in all cases we are going to follow the law.”

In other cases where there are Bahamians who have been using the land for farming. Mr Pintard said discussions will take place to remedy the situation.

“Naturally for those Bahamians who have been doing farming, but did not

We’re close to finalising plans to bury storm victims, says Russell

By FARRAH JOHNSON fjohnson@tribunemedia.net NATIONAL Emergency Management Agency Director Captain Stephen Russell yesterday said officials are in the process of finalising a plan that would allow them to bury storm victims who are currently being held in a refrigerated trailer.

Captain Russell made the statement while giving an update on the conditions in Abaco and Grand Bahama after Hurricane Dorian, in a presentation at the Rotary Club of West Nassau. “In addition to the repair programme, some 40 remains still remain in the trailer. Again we had a meeting with health officials just two days ago and some of the family members out of Abaco and Grand Bahama and we’re trying to finalise a programme now to bury those persons with some dignity,” he said.

“Again, the challenge has been identifying persons (because) even though we’re talking about DNA analysis, again we learn that that can take up to six to nine months.”

Captain Russell said the plan was to find a property and place each body in a “properly marked grave,” so that when persons come forward they can “remove their loved ones from the proposed site and take them elsewhere,” if they choose to do so.

“That is well on the way and so we had a meeting on Monday past and that is a plan of action moving forward shortly to give them some decency and closure to a certain extent,” he explained.

Captain Russell also spoke about the programme the Disaster Reconstruction Authority has launched to assist storm victims with rebuilding. “Again, the government has advised even after Hurricane Irma in 2017, (that) the government is not in the habit of

have an appropriate lease and presumed that their relatives had a lease, we will no doubt enter into discussions with them to see if there is a remedy to that situation.

“However our first course of action is to draw to their attention that any documentation that has ever been exchanged between them and my predecessors reveals that they do not have a legitimate lease,” Mr Pintard said.

Mr Ferguson, for his part, said he sympathised with those who call shanty towns in North Andros “home”, but the law should apply to all.

“We are supposed to do this without fear or favour,” he said, “I don’t know why we are skirting around this issue.

“Either we going to do it

or we are not going to do it, but ultimately we should let the law take its course. “. . .We have to act before something serious happens. We have already had the e-coli outbreak here because of unhygienic conditions, so who is to say it won’t get worse? Those who applied for work permits they should be able to build proper structures for their workers, but we just don’t want Andros to have the same kind of issue as Abaco.”

Last month, Mr Pintard said government was looking into whether the E. coli contamination of groundwater in North Andros was due to nearby unregulated communities. These investigations continue.

This comes amid an ongoing judicial review centred on shanty town demolition,

STEPHEN Russell at the Rotary Club of West Nassau yesterday.

rebuilding homes. They have posed plans to give out grants (and) this case homes have been placed into four categories: minor damage; moderately damaged; severely damaged or destroyed. “…So that is going very well and the (Disaster Reconstruction) Authority wants to get the application forms, follow up assessments will be conducted and the idea is to find out exactly what your home requires.”

Captain Russell added that in the midst of their

current recovery programme, plans are also “underway” for the 2020 hurricane season.

He said over the next few months, the authority will be focused on “providing further relief and repair assistance to storm victims, further identifying the deceased and assisting with their burials, and reevaluating the current shelter programme.”

“We have always relied on churches and schools to serve as our shelters throughout the Bahamas and over the course of

that on its last hearing in the Supreme Court, stalled on arguments between Crown lawyers and attorneys representing Respect Our Homes Limited over document disclosures.

ROHL wants the court to grant a request for numerous documents to be submitted, including those that could expose sensitive Cabinet discussions.

This would involve full disclosure of notes memoranda, discussions papers, press releases, consultations and other documents that would form the basis of government’s apparent policy to eradicate shanty towns in The Bahamas.

ROHL represents 177 residents and/or occupants of shanty towns. The matter is back in court later this month.

Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

last year we probably had as much as 140 such structures that served as shelters. But over the years many of them have been bombarded by these intensive storms so we now have to revise our sheltering programme. It now calls for building purposeful shelters in strategic locations throughout the Bahamas that can serve as shelters.”

Captain Russell also said that evacuation protocol is a “must moving forward” to ensure that all of the country’s “sectors, ministries and departments have

a continuity of business plan,” that would allow each establishment to have a core team on hand to carry out their operations in the “immediate aftermath of a storm.”

“Again one key thing this year we’re going to have a major national simulation exercise to be conducted in April of this year where we hope to get all ministries and departments involved in such an exercise so that we make sure that all sectors of the Bahamas are better prepared to respond to disasters moving forward.”

Death Notice for CARVRON EDWARD BAIN, 41

of Bailey Town, Bimini, died at his residence on Monday, February 3rd, 2020.

Predeceased by his mother: Carmen Francis Dean; father: Drexel Bain and nephew: Shirvoughnte.

He is survived by grandmother: Nathelee Francis Thompson; four brothers: Cecil (C.C.) and Carvin Dames, Lamont Mchee and Trevor Romer; two sisters: Shirlene Bain-Pinder and Tonell DamesValdez; stepfather: Cecil Dames; two aunts: Gloria Stuart and Ann Ambrose; one uncle: Sidney Francis; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends including: Julian Valdez and Troy Ambrose.

PAGE 6, Friday, February 14, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

ARMED ROBBERIES SPARK INCREASE IN POLICE MANPOWER

By LEANDRA ROLLE lrolle@tribunemedia.net

FOLLOWING a string of recent armed robberies and home invasions in New Providence, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday police officers will be beefing up manpower in an effort to get the matter under control.

“We’ve heard of and we recognise that there’s (been) an increase in armed robbery, even in my own constituency in the Westridge area and other areas in the Killarney constituency, our residents have been complaining,” he said.

“I’ve spoken with both the minister of national security and all

of the relevant authorities and they will beef up the manpower and beef up the security in not only my constituency, but within the entire Bahamas to ensure the safety of Bahamians.

“So, we’re going to put more manpower and what relevant materials and equipment are necessary to decrease this but we will get a handle on it and we will control it.”

His comments came days after a police office shot a suspected armed robber at a Carmichael Road plaza, moments after he and another man held up two people in a photo studio. Police said before 8.15am on Tuesday, two men entered Portraits-a-La Sawyers photo studio dressed in white

jumpsuits, claiming to be window cleaners. They held up the proprietor and a worker and duct taped both of them.

When officers arrived at the scene, the suspected thieves attempted to shoot at the officers and flee the scene, prompting police to open fire. One suspect was wounded and taken to hospital. A police officer was also injured during the arrest.

Asked yesterday if the spate of armed robberies was a concern for the government, Dr Minnis replied: “One crime is a concern to me.”

Earlier this month, this newspaper reported that police were investigating after several breakin complaints were reported by

residents in Palm Cay and Treasure Cove. There were also reports of break-ins in affluent communities in western New Providence.

The prime minister was also asked about marital rape legislation and whether the government had any plans to table new legislation concerning the issue.

“That’s a matter I’ll have to discuss with Cabinet colleagues because we have a lot of items and agenda items that we must deal with, and one has to prioritise certain things. So, we’re looking at the whole scope, the whole landscape,” Dr Minnis responded.

Marital rape has been a widely discussed topic over the years, but recently resurfaced after House Speaker Halson Moultrie

told a local daily that he was conflicted on the issue. He said he leaned toward the spiritual view that a husband cannot rape his wife.

While Dr Minnis could not commit to tabling legislation on marital rape, he did say, however, that his government was committed to fully enacting the Freedom of Information Act this year.

“We are committed to it and we will do all that we possibly can, but in spite of that you have access to all information,” he said when asked about the issue.

Attorney General Carl Bethel has previously said that the government was hoping to have the FOI Act fully enacted by early May this year.

By LEANDRA ROLLE lrolle@tribunemedia.net A HEADS of Agreement was officially signed yesterday between the government and Tyrsoz Family Holdings Ltd for a $300 million residential resort and marina in South Abaco, which will allow for the creation of 600 construction jobs on the island.

Noting yesterday’s signing as an “extraordinary day” for the people of Abaco, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said the move will play an essential role in the post-Dorian rebuilding efforts on the storm-impacted island.

“Among the best ways to help the Bahamas postDorian is for tourists to visit our islands, for second home-owners to rebuild and for Bahamian and international investors to invest in our economy,” he said during a ceremony on the island. “...Abaco and the Abaco cays enjoy extraordinary potential, some of which has been set back by Hurricane Dorian, but which will be revived in order to realise the extraordinary potential of the people and the possibilities of the Abaco archipelago.

“To realise this potential and to restore Abaco, boutique properties such as this development are essential.

This development represents one of the largest ever in Abaco, the country’s third largest economy.”

According to Dr Minnis, the development will include a marina, golf course, club house, upmarket resort and a number of other amenities and will also allow for an expansion and upgrade to the Sandy Port airport.

“The project will be developed over two properties: the Lantern Head property and the South West property. Lantern Head is designed to be a private community inclusive of a hotel and golf course,” Dr Minnis continued. “It is anticipated that the Lantern Head property will encompass a boutique 50-room hotel with beachfront access, restaurants and guest amenities; 76 residential lots, inclusive of 66 beachfront lots and 10 hilltop lots, and an 18-hole full-size golf course with a driving range, full service club house, pro shop and other amenities.”

As it relates to the South West property, Dr Minnis added that contractors will develop the area into a “super-yacht marina”, encompassing two boutique hotels and a marina village.

“This portion of the development is expected to

THE DEVELOPMENT will play an essential role in the post-Dorian rebuilding efforts on the stormimpacted island, said Hubert Minnis Photo: OPM Communications

600 jobs expected as Minnis signs HoA for $300m Abaco project include: a 136-slip marina with slips up to 660 feet and all the necessary amenities; a marina village that will provide services to marina and hotel guests and residential homeowners, and offer shopping, dining experiences, bars and entertainment,” he said yesterday. “This development will also include: a 75-room luxury hotel located behind the marina; a small European style casino with approximately 5,000 square feet of gaming space, and; 90 lots, inclusive of 44 marina canal lots, 26 waterfront residential lots and 13 hill-top lots.”

Dr Minnis said the developer has also agreed to invest up to $1 million dollars for the restoration of the exterior and of the historical Hole-in-the-Wall Lighthouse and the surrounding area.

“This will include the restoration of the out-buildings, in cooperation with the Bahamas National Trust

(BNT) and the Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation (AMMC) to provide a small museum of the area and a shop featuring local artisans and craftspeople.”

“The restoration and operation of the lighthouse will be undertaken in partnership with the government of the Bahamas, the AMMC and the BNT.” With 600 workers expected to be employed during the project’s construction phase, Dr Minnis said the ratio of Bahamian workers to foreign labourers will strive to be “no less” than 80 percent to 20 percent respectively.

“Tyrsoz has agreed to aim for a ratio no less than 80 percent Bahamian workers to 20 percent non-Bahamians workers,” he said.

“Tyrosz has also agreed to maximise the hiring of Bahamians for additional operational employment and promote entrepreneurial opportunities for

Bahamians in the commercial aspects of the development.”

In an effort to assist Bahamian entrepreneurs on the island, the prime minister added that a business development fund will also be implemented in South Abaco.

“Seven million dollars will be made exclusively available for Bahamians entrepreneurs who are seeking to establish businesses in the project,” he said.

“The fund will assist Bahamian entrepreneurs in training and business development opportunities and will provide direct financial subsidies to support the businesses during the initial operational phase of the project.”

Speaking to reporters at yesterday’s signing, Tyrosz Development Manager Ra’anan “Ronnie” BenZur said he could not give a definite timeline as to when the project will be

completed. However, he noted it was possible that the resort will be opened in the next four to five years.

“I don’t have a fixed timeline. I’m working as fast as I can. We have to go through a long process and we still have (things) that we need to finalise, and we need to do a local town planning.

So, it’s a lot of parameters that we still need to get,” he said. “We’re going to do everything by the book.

This is going to be the best in class project and everything’s going to be done properly and by the book so whatever time it will take, it will take.

“I think we might be open within maybe four to five years…we’ve committed to the government for a minimum of $300 million.

Our budget is much higher than that, so our plans goes way beyond that.”

While noting that he’s “eager” for the project to begin, Central and South Abaco MP MP James

Albury said he looks forward to welcoming other investors who want to make Abaco “bigger, better and stronger” following Dorian.

“Even if it was not for the hurricane, this will be a significant development, but I think it’s even more so after the hurricane because it shows that investor confidence in Abaco is still there,” Mr Albury said.

“Despite the mass of tragedy, there’s still people who love our island and are investing a lot of money and capital to it and who want to support it and be a part of it,” he said.

“So, I think that will inspire others as well to highlight that we may have taken a blow, but Abaco is not going anywhere. We still have a lot to offer and I look forward to seeing in the future, other developers and other investors who are going to want to participate in the economy with us to make Abaco bigger, better and stronger.”

PM PREDICTS JOBLESS RATE WILL FALL TO 6% BY END OF 2021

By LEANDRA ROLLE lrolle@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday predicted the national unemployment rate will drop to six percent or less by the end of 2021.

Dr Minnis made the prediction while speaking to reporters about the reactions he received from residents in Abaco and Grand Bahama on his recent announcements concerning projects for the two islands.

“I think both Grand Bahama and Abaco and the Bahamas at large are very happy with the announcements,” he said when asked about the responses he’s received thus far. “…Of course, you know the devastation we have

experienced and any type of ventures or developments (that) will help to redevelop those areas that have been devastated and to create employment with what we see on the ground in both Abaco and Grand Bahama and what is happening in terms of rebuilding, I think our unemployment rate would come down dramatically.

“No politicians like to make such statements, but I can make a bold statement and state that I think by the end of 2021, unemployment rate, I’m certain will be around six percent if not less.”

Last August, labour force officials revealed that the national unemployment had decreased from 10.7 percent in November 2018

to 9.5 percent, showing an overall improvement.

The statistics were gathered from 3,500 people in New Providence, Grand Bahama and Abaco.

At the time of the survey, the rate in New Providence was 9.4 percent and Grand Bahama was 10.9 percent. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate for Abaco was 9.3, a 1.6 increase from 7.7 percent in 2018.

Despite Abaco’s unemployment increase, both New Providence and Grand Bahama showed unemployment decreases down from the previous 11 percent and 11.9 percent respectively.

However, after Hurricane Dorian ravaged Abaco and Grand Bahama in early September 2019, destroying many homes

and businesses, thousands of the residents have been forced to relocate elsewhere in search of working opportunities.

In December, while refuting an international report that suggested unemployment on Grand Bahama was nearly 50 percent in the aftermath of the deadly storm, the Ministry of Finance said it was advised by the National Insurance Board (NIB) that between September and November of 2019, it received 888 applications for unemployment benefits from Grand Bahama.

The statement noted while the 888 applications for unemployment benefits did indicate an upward move in unemployment given the devastation of Dorian, it did not signal

a spike in unemployment equal to 16,000 persons – which would represent an unemployment rate of 50 percent in Grand Bahama.

In December, Department of Statistics officials said they would not conduct its annual Labour Force Survey on Abaco and Grand Bahama in 2010 due to Hurricane Dorian. The survey was set for November 2019, but was delayed due to the storm.

Since the passage of Dorian, the government has paid out nearly $2m in unemployment benefits to hurricane victims in Grand Bahama.

“Unemployment assistance, through the National Insurance Board, provided help to those employees, affected by the temporary

closure of businesses after the storm,” Dr Minnis said in his first national address for 2020 earlier this week.

“Over $1.7m in these benefits, has been paid to Grand Bahamians.”

It is still not clear how much unemployment benefits have been paid to storm victims in Abaco.

However, speaking at yesterday’s heads of agreement signing for a $300 million marina in Abaco, Dr Minnis said the new project will allow for 600 jobs to be created on the island during and post-construction.

“It is anticipated that 600 workers will be employed during the construction phase of the project. … during the projects operational phase, the development expects to employ 600 workers.”

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, February 14, 2020, PAGE 7

THIRD TOP COP MOVED ON AFTER FORCED VACATION

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

ASSISTANT Commissioner of Police Leamond Deleveaux is now the third senior police officer appointed to a government ministry following his forced vacation leave, with Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson directing him to report to the Ministry of Education.

Commissioner Ferguson signed a letter saying the senior officer is to be deployed on a special assignment “to assist with

the overall security concerns” of that ministry for an initial period of 12 months.

The appointment was to begin yesterday. ACP Deleveaux is awaiting details about the ministry’s concerns, according to his lawyer Wayne Munroe.

ACP Kendal Strachan and ACP Clayton Fernander have been directed to head security teams at juvenile schools and the Ministry of Health respectively. The officers see their appointments as demotions.

ACP Strachan has sued the government.

ACP Fernander has declined to physically report to the ministry, saying the post would not require him to leave his desk. He is also awaiting a full report about the precise security problems at the Ministry of Health.

Mr Munroe hopes that by demanding such details, he can show the officers are not so much responding to pressing needs but being sidelined and made to do jobs that have traditionally been the responsibility of much lower ranked officers.

“ACP Deleveaux called the minister to find out

what is the calamity at the ministry that they have not been reporting as crimes and that they need him to address,” he said yesterday. “If they say there is a special assignment because there is a calamity of crimes that aren’t a part of the police statistics, I’ve instructed the officers to go find out what they are talking about so he contacted the ministry to arrange a meeting with the minister and guess what, the minister wasn’t available to meet with him (yesterday) and may not be available to meet with him (today).

ACP Leamond Deleveaux

“If the minister of education says, ‘look, I believe somebody is out to kill me, I believe raping and robbing are taking place rampantly throughout the ministry and every school,’ then you may find he tells the commissioner that to get a grasp of this problem he needs to be embedded in this ministry and take certain amount of officers with him. But nothing I can see rises to the level of calamity that requires the work of these high-ranking fellas when the country faces so many other crime issues.”

Wife was in US when husband killed in Fox Hill shootings

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net A WOMAN yesterday testified how she had left her husband in The Bahamas to go on a trip with her children out of the country, only to find out later that he was one of four people killed in the 2013 Fox Hill mass shooting.

Helen Davis, taking the witness stand before Justice Deborah Fraser, said she was in the United States when her husband Claudezino Davis was killed during the drive by shooting. “At first I was in shock, and then I cried,” she said, remembering when she first heard the news.

Mrs Davis ended up returning to The Bahamas the very next day with her children, and two days later on December 30 she went to the morgue with her mother-in-law and

identified her husband’s body. She buried her husband some two weeks later.

While being cross-examined by defence attorney Geoffrey Farquharson, Mrs Davis said due to her being out of the country, she had no first-hand knowledge of what happened, much less who may have been the perpetrators.

In particular, and in response to a question from Mr Farquharson, Mrs Davis said she couldn’t say whether Mr Farquharson’s client, Justin Williams, was involved in the shooting, or whether there was even a vehicle. “I don’t know anything,” she said.

The assertions were made during Mr Farquharson’s cross-examination during the second week of trial before Justice Deborah Fraser.

Williams, Peter Rolle, and Jermaine Curry are

the accused. It is alleged that the trio murdered four people – Claudezino Davis, Shaquille Demeritte, Eric Morrison and Shenique Sands. They are also charged with the attempted murder of Chino Davis, Janet Davis, John Davis, Samuel Ferguson, Jermaine Pratt and Leroy Taylor.

According to initial reports, around 6pm on December 27, 2013 occupants of a small, dark vehicle opened fire in the area just behind the basketball court near Fox Hill park where several people were gathered awaiting Junkanoo results.

Davis was pronounced dead at the scene while ten others were taken to hospital in private vehicles and an ambulance. Demeritte, Morrison and Sands later died in hospital of their injuries.

The case continues today.

MAN ADMITS STABBING ALLEGED SEX OFFENDER TO DEATH IN BAR

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A MAN admitted yesterday to stabbing an alleged sex offender at a bar following an altercation nearly two years ago.

Dino Pinto denied murdering Jeremy Petit-Frere on September 8, 2018, but instead pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter. Almost a year before his death, the 22-year-old Petit-Frere was charged with raping an 11-year-old girl.

Pinto’s attorneys, Ian Cargill and Anthony Delaney, are seeking an eight-year sentence for their client, as they are claiming he acted in self-defence.

Meanwhile, the crown, lead by prosecutor Kristan Stubbs, is seeking 18 years for the crime.

Justice Renea McKay adjourned the matter to March 10.

According to initial police reports, shortly after 1am on September 8, PetitFrere was at the Pressure Point Bar on Tonique Williams Darling Highway when he was approached by Pinto who was armed with a knife.

Petit-Frere was ultimately stabbed about the body by the assailant, who fled into a nearby residential area after the attack, police said.

Paramedics were called to the scene to assist PetitFrere, however he died at the scene.

At the time of the incident, Pinto, who is said to

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

be an electrician/technician by trade, was playing music at the bar, where PetitFrere was also socialising.

Petit-Frere was said to have taken some of Pinto’s equipment, namely his laptop and his cellphone, leading to an altercation that saw Petit-Frere slap Pinto. Pinto subsequently left the bar and went outside in the parking lot.

At some point, Pinto reentered the establishment and encountered PetitFrere a second time in what would end up being the altercation that would claim the latter’s life.

However, the defence

In Memory Of

Rev. Dr. Charles C. Smith II

former Pastor of Zion Baptist Church, East and Shirley Streets

October 1st, 1939 - February 16th, 1999

claims that Pinto acted to protect himself. The assertion is that when Pinto encountered PetitFrere the second time, the man’s posture led him to believe he was going to be attacked.

As a result, Pinto attacked first and ended up killing Petit-Frere.

After the incident, Pinto voluntarily turned himself into police custody and cooperated with the officers during the investigation.

He further maintained that he did not intend to kill Petit-Frere and only found out the other man had died after the fact.

21st Anniversary

of his passing from Death to Eternity Sadly missed by his wife: Jacqueline; five sons: Clifford, Joseph, Benjamin, Makarios and David Smith and relatives and friends.

Book Published In His Honour

“Charles C. Smith II, Life and Legacy” Copies can be obtained from: Bible Books & Gift Centre, Palmdale, Nassau-1-242-322-7483 Bethel Superstore #11 West Mall Drive, Freeport, Grand Bahama-1-242-352-2665; Chapter One Bookstore, JFK Drive, Oakes Field, Nassau-1-242-397-2650 or Jacqueline Smith 1-242-364-2040, Cell 1-242-465-5348

PAGE 8, Friday, February 14, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

I once fell in love with someone who only knew four vowels ...

They didn’t know I existed CUPID’S COMEDY

“Why didn’t the skeleton want to send any Valentine’s Day cards?” “His heart wasn’t in it.”

Happy Valentine’s Day to each and every one of you. Seeing how, oftentimes love is accompanied by laughter, I think it only fitting to offer up some Valentine’s humour on the day of love, for all of the lovers, in love, in The Bahamas.

“Why did the sheriff lock up their valentine?” “She stole their heart.”

“What do you call two birds in love?”

“Tweethearts!”

PUN INTENDED: Any professional comedian who’s worth their salt, knows that a ‘pun’ is a vital necessity, and potentially lethal weapon in their arsenal of jokes.

If you don’t know what a pun is, keep reading, and you soon will.

PUN (noun) A joke exploiting the different possible meanings of a word or the fact that there are words which sound alike but have different meanings.

The Railway Society reception was an informal party of people of all stations (excuse the pun) in life.

PUN (verb) “Freeth adopted the nickname Free in punning allusion to his beliefs”.

So exclusively for the ‘mandom’ based on some of the ladies favourite foods, here are a few ‘puns’ to use all day long on the one you love, especially if your going to a lavish, romantic Valentine’s dinner.

Use them well my brothers: I simply donut know what I’d do without you.

I only have fries for you.

Brie mine.

You got a pizza my heart.

Olive you so much.

You melt me.

My heart beets for you.

Love you so matcha.

I think you’re grate.

I love you s’more and s’more.

You’re simply my jam.

Love you from my head tomatoes.

We’re mint to be.

You make miso happy.

Words can’t espresso how much I love you.

You are one in a melon.

Will you peas be mine?

We make a great pear.

Happy Valentine’s Day, cute-tea!

I have a whole latte love for you.

Let’s canoodle.

You’ve got me tongue-tied.

I love you a waffle lot.

You are the loaf of my life.

To my butter half on this Valentine’s Day. FOR THE OFFICE COMEDIAN: For all if you who entertain your co workers, on break in the lunch room, restroom or at the water cooler, here’s a few to add to your routine.

Don’t blame me if you get laughed at, instead of with.

What do you write in a slug’s Valentine’s Day card? “Be my Valen-slime!”

“What did the paper clip say to the magnet?” “I find you very attractive.”

“What did the stamp say to the envelope on Valentine’s Day?” “I’m stuck on you!”

“How can you tell when a squirrel is in love?” “It goes nuts!”

“I thought I won the argument with my wife as to how to arrange the dining room furniture. But when I got home the tables were turned.”

“I once fell in love with someone who only knew four vowels. They didn’t know I existed.”

“What did the calculator say to the pencil?” “You can count on me.”

“How did the telephone propose to his girlfriend?” “He gave her a ring!”

“What did one oar tell the other oar?”

“This is so row-mantic!”

“What did the light bulb say to the other light bulb?” “You light my world up.”

“How can you get arrested on Valentine’s Day?” “For stealing someone’s heart.”

In closing for all of you young ‘Romeos’ our there, in the spirit of young love, ‘Uncle’ ‘Naughty’ will bless you with a fail proof, pick up line.....happy trails.

“I want to be the reason you look down at your phone and smile. Then walk straight into a pole.”

Live, love and laugh!

RICK FOX HOSTS WEEKEND CHARITY FUNDRAISER BAHAMAS Relief Foundation President Rick Fox will host the ‘Champions for Charity’ livestream fundraiser from the NBA Crossover at Navy Pier in Chicago starting today. Streaming from Twitch, the fundraiser will take place today, Saturday, and Sunday during All-Star Weekend. Created by Mr

Fox, Bahamas Relief Foundation (BRF) is purposed to #CreateHOPE for Bahamians affected by Hurricane Dorian. BRF’s mission is to repair 1,000 homes and rebuild schools and facilities.

The stream can be watched at www. twitch.tv/rickfox.

THE TRIBUNE

N

EWS alert.

Today is Valentine’s Day. That is, it’s a news alert for anyone who drove to work today with blindfolds on and did not see pop-up florist stands proffering roses for those to whom planning ahead was something that could be procrastinated.

It’s a news alert for anyone who has been married long enough to believe his wife will forgive him if he forgot to buy her chocolates this one time, just like she did last year when he forgot to buy her chocolates that time and she promised to forgive him this once.

Everywhere you look, there are symbols of Valentine’s Day. In stores, ads in the paper, all over the internet with the things you can buy. In grocery stores, heart-shaped boxes bulging with promise and calories dominate space normally reserved for products with less urgent threat – buy me now or forever pay the price for not.

On West Hill Street where Graycliff never ceases to amaze with its colourful overhead display, this week’s splash is kisses and hugs.

If the trappings of Valentine’s Day are everywhere, the underlying question is where is the love? And is Valentine’s Day a real holiday or an economic boost powered by Hallmark and hope? When you think about the real meaning of affection and respect, picture the innocence of a young child and dog running on the beach, hair and fur equally wild and

Friday, February 14, 2020, PAGE 9

What’s love got to do with it anyway? wind-blown, waves lapping.

Or imagine the feeling of a weak and wrinkled, elderly hand grasping that of a grown daughter, pouring all the strength the old man can summon to thank his daughter for looking after him. Imagine the look in her eyes when she smiles back at him, saying I will never stop caring for you, Dad. No bouquet of flowers or box of candy can warm the heart more than that smile or squeeze of a hand.

That doesn’t mean that soppy cuts it for everyone.

Celebs, for instance, are far more likely to indulge, because they can, in gifts that are as attention-seeking as they are. Take the case of Jay-Z, for instance, who gave his wife Beyonce a platinum-coated cell phone that cost $25,000.

Hopefully it came with

TAKING HEART MONTH SERIOUSLY WILL HELP IMPROVE OUR HEALTH

MINISTER of Health Dr Duane Sands gets a reading of his blood pressure during a lecture on heart health and obesity. The Bahamas is the most obese nation in the region and heart disease, known as the silent killer, is the number one cause of death in the country.

VALENTINE’S Day does remind us of one thing we all have in common. A heart. While the promise of love might make it beat a little faster, a whole lot of what we eat is sure to slow it down, harden our arteries, possibly give us sleep apnea and for one in every seven of us in The Bahamas, cause diabetes. Pretty scary stuff.

February is not just the month of Valentine’s Day; it’s Heart Month. The World Population Review pegs The Bahamas as the most obese country in the Caribbean region and 21st in the world. It’s no wonder heart disease and related conditions – hypertension, stroke – rank as the number one killer in the country.

And the interesting thing about heart disease, just like prostate cancer – it’s totally preventable.

Our high consumption of processed foods, fast foods, fried foods, overconsumption of carbohydrates, our increasingly sedentary lifestyles are all contributing factors. We know these things. We have heard them over and over. Put down the fried chicken, turn down the Biggie drink and grab a ball or bike and get out there and play, ride, exercise. Whether we act on our knowledge and change

our habits is another thing.

But what we don’t necessarily know and what is new in the war against obesity and heart disease is the increasing interest in intermittent fasting.

That’s according to information shared at a fascinating session held last Wednesday at Rosewood.

Sponsored by Cleveland Clinic Florida, the heart talk drew nearly 150 people who cared enough to forsake the cocktail hour for conversation with leading doctors, including the Minister of Heath Dr Duane Sands, local experts Dr Jerome Lightbourne and Dr Graham Cates and Chairman of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Florida Dr Gabriel Gavrilescu.

It’s interesting that we think three meals a day or six small meals a day or some combination of the two is the optimum eating habit schedule. Historically, when man was a hunter and gatherer he ate when he pounced and did not eat again until he was hungry -- and then only if the hunt was successful. Intermittent fasting, an old way that may be making a surprising comeback. If you try it, let me know how it goes. Some ideas are harder to digest quickly than others.

minutes. Not all gifts have such happy endings. Actress Angelina Jolie reportedly gave her partner Brad Pitt an island in the shape of a heart with a house designed

by Frank Lloyd Wright.

That, of course, was before he was no longer her partner. Actor and Scientologist Tom Cruise gave his fiancé Katie Holmes a $20 million jet. She married him but that did not work out too well, either. As I recall, they divorced in 2012. Maybe she used the jet for a speedier getaway. Then there are the gifts that are truly out of this world, like the trip on a Virgin Galactic spaceship that Katy Perry bought Russell Brand for his 35th birthday. And how did that work out for them? If Virgin makes it, Brand will be flying solo.

News alert. It’s Valentine’s Day and if you have

not figured out what to get that someone special in your life, how about popping a bag of popcorn and watching the classic Ike and Tina Turner movie,

What’s Love Got to Do with It, Anyway? Then try to get the music out of your head. And by the way, do remember to tell those you care about what they mean

to you. OK, you can say it with flowers if you insist.

Long-stem red roses with the thorns carefully pruned placed in my arms as we walk along the shore…

PAGE 10, Friday, February 14, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Water strike to go ahead

By EARYEL BOWLEG ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

HITTING THE RIGHT NOTE THE MINISTRY of Youth, Sports and Culture launched the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival yesterday at the National Art Gallery.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

MEMBERS of the Bahamas Utilities Services and Allied Workers Union (BUSAWU) will continue their strike despite being notified by Labour Minister Dion Foulkes that he has referred the matter to the Industrial Tribunal.

WSC officials said workers participating in the “illegal strike” will have their pay docked.

According to the Industrial Relations Act, workers must cease participation in a strike or lock-out within 24 hours of being notified of a referral to the tribunal in writing. If not, they can be guilty of an offence and face penalties such as a $200 fine or three months in jail time.

BUSAWU president Dwayne Woods said his members, along with the Water and Sewage Management Union (WSMU), are “appalled” at Mr Foulkes’ behaviour and viewed the action as a “blatant attack” on their civic rights as workers. BUSAWU sought after legal advice from attorney and trade unionist Obie Ferguson to deal with the matter.

Mr Ferguson referenced Section 77 of the IRA, which notes that strikes should not happen or be called by unions in consequence of a trade dispute while proceedings taken in relation to that dispute are pending before the Industrial Tribunal. As there is no action in front of the tribunal presently, the attorney insisted the union was acting properly.

“Dion is just like me or anybody else,” Mr

BUSAWU president Dwayne Woods Ferguson said. “He don’t have the capacity. Not the capacity to tell you must go back to work tomorrow.

Only the court can do that.

He has no jurisdiction. He has no legal authority.

“I told the director of labour the other day, he said ‘Well, I’m the director of labour.’ I said, ‘But your job is administrative.

You can’t be ordering these unions to do all these things because you make them up.’”

Mr Ferguson encouraged the union members to “stand firm” and to support their president. He advised them not to listen to WSC Executive Chairman Adrian Gibson and called for the support of all unions. Bishop Simeon Hall was also present, calling both sides to meet and “find a way to ameliorate this problem”.

Mr Woods once again called for Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis to step in. “We beg the prime minister once again to deal with these callous

statements that are being made because they have grave concerns to workers,” Mr Woods said. “When you make these type of accusations, that you gone do this and do that to the people, we regard that as an abuse to workers.”

Across the street, the corporation held its own press conference where Mr Gibson noted the union’s strike was considered illegal. He said workers who participated - some 40 of them - will have their pay docked as a result.

Mr Gibson said WSC will move to the tribunal to settle the dispute. WSC also awaits a determination of the Supreme Court on the issue of who is the legitimate WSMU president.

Mr Woods has called for Mr Gibson’s removal, as he questioned his ability to manage the corporation.

Yesterday Mr Gibson said he is doing his best to advance and reform the corporation, but added he serves at the pleasure of the prime minister.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, February 14, 2020, PAGE 11

PAYING RESPECTS ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel and Minister of National Security Marvin Dames were among those who paid their respects to the late parliamentarian and trade unionist Edward ‘Bobby’ Glinton at the House of Assembly yesterday. A State-Recognized Funeral will take place today at 11.0am at Christ Church Cathedral, with interment following at St Mary the Virgin Cemetery, Virginia Street.

Photos: Letisha Henderson/BIS

Work permit problems hit Chinese

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net THE discontinuance of work permits to people from China amid coronavirus fears creates “an inconvenience for the people-to-people exchange” between that country and The Bahamas, Chinese Ambassador Huang Qinguo said yesterday.

“Some of the (local Chinese-related) projects have been impacted,” he said, adding officials are assessing the extent of the impact.

“Especially the ongoing project of The Pointe is being affected,” he said at a press conference. “Some

workers and technicians have not returned to The Bahamas because of the travel ban. We hope these measures can be lifted at an early date to ensure the normal economic trade and cooperation of the two sides.”

His comments echoed similar sentiments made by an embassy spokesman a day earlier.

Up to press time yesterday, there were 1,370 reported deaths from the flu-like virus and over 60,000 confirmed cases around the world.

New ways of diagnosing the novel coronavirus prompted reports of the number of cases to soar in recent days, diminishing

hope that new cases were beginning to fall.

Nonetheless, Ambassador Qinguo said the health of all Bahamians in China remains “good.” He said officials sent a workforce into Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak, to make sure foreigners there have the daily necessities.

Ambassador Qinguo hosted yesterday’s press conference to assure people of his government’s effort to stem spread of the disease.

He said the government has taken comprehensive and strict measures, including quarantining Wuhan and checking railways, airports and transportation vehicles.

He noted medical professionals are finding

increasing success treating people with the disease “using Western medicines and Chinese traditional medicines.”

The number of people cured and discharged has been increasing and the disease has a notably lower fatality rate than other outbreaks of serious diseases this century, including the SARS and Ebola epidemics.

“The recent data have shown that the relevant measures taken by the Chinese government are effective. Also, the data have shown the epidemic is preventable, containable and curable. So don’t worry too much and panic,” said the ambassador.

AMBASSADOR Huang Qinguo In late January, health officials announced that non-residents who have visited China in the last 20 days will be denied entry to this country regardless

of their nationality and returning residents will be quarantined and monitored for symptoms during an incubation period of 14 days.

On Tuesday, Immigration Minister Elsworth Johnson said in view of the deadly virus, work permits will not be granted to anyone coming from China as one person could “wreak havoc” in the Bahamas. He did not say how long this policy will remain in place.

Mr Johnson said: “We have 100,000 square miles to protect. Tourism represents more than 50 percent of our gross domestic product, not only that, we have to protect the inhabitants of the Bahamas.”

PAGE 12, Friday, February 14, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Tweets make my job impossible, says Barr

TRUMP TO STOP OTHERS LISTENING TO HIS CALLS

WASHINGTON Associated Press

PRESIDENT Donald Trump yesterday said he might end the long-running practice of letting other administration officials listen in on presidential calls with foreign leaders. That’s after Trump’s impeachment was triggered by his July phone call with the president of Ukraine.

“I may end the practice entirely,” Trump said in a radio interview.

Trump also offered new insights into his feelings about being impeached, saying it made him think about the “dark” days when Richard Nixon resigned over the Watergate scandal before his own likely impeachment.

“Well, it’s a terrible thing and, you know, I think of Nixon more than anybody else and what that dark period was in our country and the whole thing with the tapes and the horror show,” Trump said. “It was dark and went on for a long time, and I watched it.”

ATTORNEY General William Barr yesterday took a public swipe at President Donald Trump, declaring the president’s tweets about Justice Department prosecutors and open cases “make it impossible for me to do my job.”

Barr made the comment just days after his Justice Department overruled its own prosecutors — who had recommended in a court filing that Trump’s longtime ally and confidant Roger Stone be sentenced to 7 to 9 years in prison — and took the extraordinary step of lowering the amount of prison time it would seek. The department didn’t offer an amended number.

Barr himself has been under fire for the reversal, and yesterday’s comment served as a defence of his own integrity. He is a Trump loyalist who shares the president’s views on expansive executive powers.

The remarks, made so quickly after the decision to back away from the sentencing, suggested Barr was aware the reversal had chipped away at the department’s historic reputation for independence from

ATTORNEY General William Barr, left, and President Donald Trump political sway. But he stopped short of acknowledging wrongdoing by anyone.

White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said Trump “wasn’t bothered by the comments at all and he has the right, just like any American citizen, to publicly offer his opinions.” She added, “The President has full faith and confidence in Attorney General Barr to do his job and uphold the law.”

Barr said Trump’s tweets created perception problems for the department that called into question its independence, but he denied there was any order from Trump and said Trump’s tweets did not factor into the decision.

Barr joined a roster of high level aides who have publicly criticised Trump, with the key difference that he is still in his job. Former National Security Adviser John

Bolton is to publish a book next month detailing his time in the White House including criticism of Trump actions such as his decision to withhold military assistance while seeking a political favor from Ukraine. Former Chief of Staff John Kelly, who has largely kept a low profile since leaving the White House, has grown more open about his unflattering assessments of the president.

Earlier this week, Trump applauded Barr on Twitter for the decision to reverse the sentencing recommendation, writing: “Congratulations to Attorney General Bill Barr for taking charge of a case that was totally out of control and perhaps should not have even been brought.”

The department insisted the decision to undo the sentencing recommendation was made Monday night — before Trump blasted the recommendation on Twitter as “very horrible and unfair”— and prosecutors had not spoken to the White House about it. The aboutface prompted the four attorneys who prosecuted Stone to quit the case. One left the Justice Department altogether.

WASHINGTON Associated Press

MICROSOFT LOSES $17BN IN VALUE IN JUST FIVE MINUTES NEW YORK Associated Press

MICROSOFT shares yesterday plummeted losing $17billion in value just five minutes after a federal judge ordered a temporary injunction on the company’s JEDI contract with the Pentagon.

The technology company’s shares dropped from $185.40 at 2.11pm EST to an intraday low of $183.16 by 2.16pm and closed around that price.

The temporary injunction was issued after Amazon claimed that President Trump’s bias against Jeff Bezos prevented the company’s efforts to win the $10billion Pentagon cloud contract that Microsoft won.

Amazon’s lawsuit, filed in November, alleged that President Donald Trump’s bias against the company hurt its chances to win the project. Amazon and Microsoft were finalists for the lucrative contract, for which Amazon was considered an early front-runner.

The project, known as Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure, or JEDI, will store and process vast amounts of classified data.

It’s intended to improve the Pentagon’s communications with soldiers on the battlefield and would use artificial intelligence to speed up its war planning and fighting capabilities.

Pentagon officials have

said the work would be important to advancing the US military’s technological advantage over adversaries.

Pentagon spokesman Lt. Col. Robert Carver said in a statement that the department was disappointed in the ruling that delayed changes “and deprived our warfighters of a set of capabilities they urgently need.”

But he said the Pentagon remained sure of its decision to choose Microsoft.

Microsoft echoed the disappointment in a statement, but said it believes that it will ultimately be allowed to move forward with the project. Amazon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Charles Tiefer, a government contracting law professor at the University of Baltimore, called the order to stop work on the project “striking,” noting that judges typically halt work on contracts when they see some merit in the case.

Earlier this week, Amazon asked to question Trump for its case. In July, Trump publicly stated that other companies told him the contract “wasn’t competitively bid,” and he said the administration would “take a very long look” at it. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos has long been a target of Trump; the president calls the Bezos-owned Washington Post “fake news” whenever it publishes unfavourable stories about him.

CHANCELLOR QUITS AS UK PM TIGHTENS GRIP LONDON Associated Press

BRITISH Prime Minister Boris Johnson yesterday tightened his grip on the government with a Cabinet shake-up that triggered the unexpected resignation of his Treasury chief, the second-most powerful figure in the administration.

Sajid Javid’s resignation was the most dramatic moment in a shuffle that saw Johnson fire a handful of Cabinet members and promote loyal lawmakers to senior jobs.

Javid smiled as he entered the prime minister’s 10 Downing St office to meet Johnson along with other ministers who were being promoted or kept in place. But a spokesman confirmed soon after that Javid had quit.

Speaking later, Javid said Johnson had asked him to

fire all his aides and replace them with staff approved by the prime minister’s office.

“I don’t believe any selfrespecting minister would accept such conditions,” Javid said. “I felt that I was left with no option other than to resign.”

Johnson quickly replaced him with Rishi Sunak, who had previously been a deputy to Javid at the Treasury and is widely regarded as a dependable loyalist to the prime minister .

Johnson’s office confirmed it was creating a new team of advisers covering both the prime minister’s office and the Treasury.

Javid’s resignation followed reports he had clashed with Johnson’s powerful adviser, Dominic Cummings, a self-styled political disruptor who is mistrusted by many lawmakers and officials.