02212017 news

TUESDAY i’m lovin’ it!

HIGH 90ºF LOW 82ºF

The Tribune Established 1903

24/7 BREAKING NEWS ON TRIBUNE242.COM

VOLUME:114 No.63, FEBRUARY, 21ST, 2017

Biggest And Best!

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1

KING BUDDY: HIELD MAKES MOVE IN SACRAMENTO TRADE - SEE SPORTS

Baha Mar chief’s fear over crime Davis concern over effect on nation’s tourism

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

ON THE heels of a murder spree in the capital, Graeme Davis, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE) Bahamas president, yesterday suggested that if the Christie administration is unable to control crime, the country’s tourism product could be headed in a negative direction.

The Baha Mar executive said it is his hope that by getting Bahamians back to work, the resort would have done its part in helping to curb escalating violent crime.

Mr Davis also said he and other businessmen in New

Providence are concerned about the inability of the government to properly remediate the city’s landfill.

Frequent fires have been a vexing issue at the dump for years, with the site sometimes emitting thick, toxic black smoke extending for miles outside of its perimeter.

He made the comments as a guest on radio talk show “The Revolution” with host Juan McCartney.

“I think crime impacts every touristic destination and I think we should all be very, very mindful of how crime can have an impact to really turn an economy in a negative direction,” Mr Davis said.

SEE PAGE SIX

BEACH SOCCER KICKS INTO HIGH GEAR

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis has joined the chorus of those criticising the Interception of Communications Bill, saying the timing of the introduction of the legislation so close to the next general election raises questions about the government’s motives.

Dr Minnis said the legis-

lation is being “rushed and rammed down the throats” of the Bahamian people.

“On Wednesday in Parliament, the government intends to push through their Interception of Communications Bill 2017,” Dr Minnis said. “This piece of legislation, which has been rushed and rammed down the throats of the Bahamian people should not be allowed to stand.”

SEE PAGE THREE

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

POLICE have launched an island wide manhunt for five people they believe were involved in a shooting incident that injured one woman and left one man dead off Tonique Williams Darling Highway on Sunday night.

Chief Superintendent Clayton Fernander, officer in charge of the Central Detective Unit, told The Tribune yesterday that currently police have no concrete leads as he appealed to members of the public to assist with solving this latest case.

It marks the 29th murder for the year and the 15th killing recorded in February, according to The Tribune’s records.

SEE PAGE SIX

BAZARD AND SMITH VIE FOR PLP SEAT IN ST BARNABAS

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net TWO Progressive Liberal Party lawyers are vying for the newly created St Barnabas seat: former Senator Cheryl Bazard and former Mount Moriah MP Keod Smith.

PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts yesterday confirmed the party will hold its final ratification rally on Friday night, at which time all remaining candidates will be named.

SEE PAGE SIX

MINNIS WARNS INTERCEPT BILL IS BEING RUSHED

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

POLICE HUNT FIVE AFTER MAN SHOT AND KILLED

BAHAMAS player Gavin Christie does an overhead kick during the game against Guyana in the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship at the Malcolm Park West beach soccer facility last night. The Bahamas won 4-1. See Sports for the full story and more photographs.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

FITZGERALD SLAMS ROLLINS AS ‘A POLITICAL PROSTITUTE’

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

FORT Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins’ pronouncement that he is prepared to swim in his “own vomit” in order to make things right with the FNM to ensure a general election win over the governing PLP, veri-

fies that he is nothing more than a “political prostitute,” according to Marathon MP Jerome Fitzgerald.

In a strong critique of his former PLP colleague yesterday on the sidelines of the grand opening of the new Sandilands Primary School library and technical lab, Mr Fitzgerald said Dr Rollins would do what-

ever it takes to salvage his short political career.

The minister of education said Dr Rollins has done a great job distinguishing himself as a “political prostitute extraordinaire,” one that is sure to go down in the annals of history as “someone who jumped from pillar SEE PAGE THREE

ACCUSED ‘SAID HE KILLED MAN OVER SEXUAL ADVANCES’

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net A JURY heard yesterday that a man allegedly confessed to his relatives that he fatally stabbed a banker who hired him to do maintenance work at his apartment for an upcoming holiday gathering when the victim allegedly made a sexual advance at him.

Lamar Albury, 26, maintained his “not guilty” plea to the murder charge he faces before Senior Justice Vera Watkins concerning the December 2015 death of Devince Smith.

SEE PAGE SIX

SO GOOD FOR YOU...

GRILLED CHICKEN TOASTED TWISTER

®

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

GRILLED CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD

PAGE 2, Tuesday, February 21, 2017

SANDILANDS Primary School children at the official opening of their new library named the Tsavoussis Family Library and Technology Lab donated by Aetos Holdings Limited in partnership with Berkeley Preparatory School and Mission Educate Bahamas.

New computers to help school hit by burglars

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net NEARLY five months after a burglary left the Sandilands Primary School without computers, Mission: Educate Bahamas in conjunction with Aetos Holdings Limited, yesterday commissioned a brand new, state-of-the-art library and technology centre at the school’s Fox Hill campus.

The new facility - which is outfitted with 40 laptop computers, individual computer stations, a reading centre and over 4,300 catalogued library books - was constructed and furnished

in just under 50 days.

Mission: Educate Bahamas, pioneered by Alexis Tsavoussis, said the donation is in line with its mission to help every child in the country excel in academics and reach their true potential.

The initiative was founded in 2011, and since its inception, has reached more than 1,200 students in four government schools.

Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald said the construction of the facility represented the true nature of public/private partnerships, as he applauded both Aetos Holdings and Mission: Educate Bahamas for their commitment to not only Sandilands Primary,

but also the Department of Education.

The group crafted the “Tune into Reading” literacy programme, which has been used in several education environments in the Bahamas and South Florida since 2011.

The programme - an award winning, internetbased teaching resource that uses musical exercises to improve literacy skills was equipped in each computer terminal commissioned Monday.

In addition to Mr Fitzgerald, thlose attending Monday’s ceremony included Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling, Fox Hill MP and Minister of

Foreign Affairs and Immigration Fred Mitchell, Director of Education Lionel Sands and President of Aetos Holding Limited Chris Tsavoussis.

Mr Mitchell cheered the donation as a positive step for the Fox Hill community, one of many planned for the area over the next few months.

According to Mr Mitchell, the area’s long-touted community centre is nearing completion.

Aetos is the parent company for Wendy’s Bahamas, Marcos Pizza and Popeye’s Bahamas.

Sandilands Primary was robbed last October, during the passage of Hurricane Matthew.

THE TRIBUNE

PICTURED from left for the ribbon cutting of the Tsavoussis Family Library and Technology Lab are Lionel Sands, director of education; Alexis Tsavoussis; Chris Tsavoussis, president of Aetos Holdings Limited; Jerome Fitzgerald, Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Dame Marguerite Pindling, Governor General of The Bahamas, Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Esther Cartwright, Sandilands Primary School principal.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, February 21, 2017, PAGE 3

Fitzgerald ‘disappointed’ at Chipman complaint over boundaries report

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net MARATHON MP Jerome Fitzgerald said he is “disappointed” in St Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman’s claims that the boundaries report he signed as the Official Opposition’s representative on the Constituencies Commission was different from the one Prime Minister Perry Christie presented to Parliament.

In an attempt yesterday to make sense of what he categorised as a “surprising” ordeal, the Marathon MP suggested that he is shocked that Mr Chipman, whom he called a lifelong friend, would put his personal credibility on the line for what he sees as a baseless legal challenge that ultimately serves no purpose.

Mr Chipman made the claims in a letter to House of Assembly Speaker Dr Kendal Major last week. The letter has been used by Official Opposition MPs Richard Lightbourn and Dr Andre Rollins as part of a court challenge against the legality of the boundaries report.

MINISTER of Education, Science and Technology Jerome Fitzgerald pictured as he received the Jones Communications Network (JCN) Person of The Year award.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff Mr Fitzgerald, com- Mr Chipman was under to menting in response to Mr sign that letter; what level of Chipman telling The Nas- duress he was under because sau Guardian on Sunday I have known Mr Chipman that the letter was “misin- almost all of my life and I terpreted,” said he firmly have always known him to believes that the St Anne’s be a straight forward perMP initially mounted this son,” said the Marathon MP. He added: “I said I was campaign under some form very disappointed that he of political duress.

Mr Fitzgerald is also a would put his signature to member of the Constituen- such a letter which, in and of itself, did not reflect the truth cies Commission.

“Well if you listen to what of what happened during I said in Parliament, I was our deliberations and in fact, very careful in what I said, I know personally because I made it quite clear that I of conversations he and I am not sure what pressure had throughout the process

with regards to questions he raised and every question he raised was answered to his satisfaction.”

The Constituencies Commission was comprised of Dr Major; Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs, vice-chair; government members, Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis and Mr Fitzgerald; Mr Chipman; and House clerks Maurice Tynes and David Forbes.

Mr Fitzgerald claimed that at no point during the commission’s deliberation was Mr Chipman urged to sign off on the report, instead being instructed in several instances to question everything he wanted until he was satisfied with the answers offered by those accompanying him on the commission.

Mr Fitzgerald added that it was in one of these instances that Mr Davis informed Mr Chipman personally that again, he didn’t have to sign off on the report before it was presented to Parliament. “(Mr Davis) didn’t sign the last report in 2011 (when he was a member of the commission),” stated Mr Fitzgerald. “And so, at the end of the day (Mr

Chipman) was fully aware of what his constitutional rights were and again I am disappointed... that someone who is so well respected, particularly by me, would succumb to whatever pressure, and there is no doubt in my mind whatsoever for someone to make a 180 (degree) turn the way he did, that he must have been under tremendous pressure to sign a letter like that.”

Last Friday, Prime Minister Christie also criticised Mr Chipman for his claims.

“The report that he signed came to Parliament as is,” Mr Christie said last week at the JCN Person of the Year awards. “I made a communication indicating that whenever a debate is finished, as prime minister under the constitutional powers that I have, I was going to recommend one change that was agreed to when we did the resolution, and that was a name change from Montagu to Freetown.”

Dr Rollins and Mr Lightbourn, who are represented in court by attorney Michael Scott, in documents filed are arguing that the draft order was tabled too late to

be legal, that it represents egregious gerrymandering and that it seeks to add an additional constituency despite a nationwide pace of voter registration that is well below that of 2012.

When asked directly about the efforts of the two MPs, Mr Fitzgerald said he was surprised that an Official Opposition so eager to get to an election would attempt to slow the process, adding that silliness of an election cycle can bring with it all sorts of surprises and unplanned moves.

He said: “The reasons that they gave for challenging, when you look at the three reasons, none of them are really valid or to me have any legal merit whatsoever.”

He continued: “I don’t know how the courts are going to rule . . . I am just saying that the arguments they put forward don’t see any legal merit in any of their arguments whatsoever.”

Justice Ian Winder is expected to deliver his ruling on the matter today.

The government is represented by attorney Loren Klein.

Dr Rollins entered the political scene as leader of the now defunct National Development Party. He ran unsuccessfully as the fringe party’s standard-bearer in the 2010 Elizabeth by-election.

He joined the PLP before the 2012 general election and won the Ft Charlotte seat on the party’s ticket. He quit the PLP in 2015, after months of publicly criticising Prime Minister Perry Christie, and joined the FNM later that year.

However, he soon began lambasting FNM Leader Dr

public sees him as far as which seat he can run in, he can’t even run in his own seat that he has supposedly represented for the last five years.”

Mr Fitzgerald continued: “(Dr Rollins) has had five years and he has squandered his opportunity as a member of Parliament and I think at the end of the day he will go down in the annals of political history as someone who has jumped from pillar to post.

“And so when I call him a political prostitute, I did that based on his

history and he has been true to form, he has not changed.”

Last Wednesday, while making his contribution during the boundaries debate in the House of Assembly, Dr Rollins said despite all that has happened, he still views himself as a member of the FNM and remains dedicated to ensuring the party becomes the next government.

Dr Rollins said that if all the opposition members put their egos aside, the “FNM will have the ability to put this country on the right path.”

“My objective is to make sure in this next election the FNM becomes the next government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas,” Dr Rollins said.

This was a turnaround from what he had said last December, when he said Dr Minnis “would be an absolute failure as prime minister.”

After the seven MPs’ actions last December, a disciplinary tribunal was convened. The MPs face suspension, expulsion from the party or a fine. Dr Minnis has also called on them to quit the FNM.

FITZGERALD SLAMS ROLLINS AS ‘A POLITICAL PROSTITUTE’ from page one

to post” to no avail.

“Well I have said before, he is a political prostitute. He has now to me, distinguished himself as a political prostitute extraordinaire, there is no doubt about it,” the Marathon MP said.

Mr Fitzgerald added: “I won’t be surprised that late one night you are driving along Dowdeswell Street and you see him on the side of the road waiting to be picked up by the next political party, whoever that is.”

Hubert Minnis and was one of seven MPs who signed a letter of no confidence in the Killarney MP, which led to him being removed as leader of the Official Opposition in Parliament.

He has not been given a nomination for 2017 by the FNM and it is unclear if he will run as an independent candidate.

Mr Fitzgerald said Dr Rollins has wasted the political opportunities he was given.

“I think at the end of the day, I think that is a reflection on how the public sees him (and) how he feels the

MINNIS WARNS INTERCEPT BILL IS BEING RUSHED

from page one

“It is a breach of the privacy of the public at large, and it is our fear that this bill has more to do with blocking any opposition to this corrupt government, than being a useful crimefighting tool.

“The government can say all it wants, but the simple fact of the matter is that we do not trust them. The Bahamian people do not trust this PLP government.

To have this piece of legislation, with the dangers it poses to the country at large, being rushed at this late stage before a general election raises more questions about the true motive of this bill. It is unacceptable for an administration that took five years to bring forth a Freedom of Information Act to attempt to rush a bill of this magnitude without any form of consultation with the Bahamian people,” Dr Minnis added.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald yesterday dismissed the efforts of those civic groups pushing for a protest against the proposed bill this week as just another attempt by groups being propped up by the Save the Bays organisation to “destabilise” the government.

We March Bahamas is planning a protest on Wednesday against the legislation.

Mr Fitzgerald, who has ministerial responsibility for the Freedom of Information Act, said the planned protest is just another step in an unrelenting strategy mounted by Save

the Bays and its subsidiary groups to destroy the PLP. “I am not surprised,” stated Mr Fitzgerald. “This is just another step and again these are people who supposedly asked for accountability and freedom of information; but as I said in the House, everybody wants freedom of information until you ask them to revel their sources or what their motives are and whatever plans they have.”

He added: “I look at those who are behind it, and Save the Bays is behind it. Once Save the Bays is behind anything in this country I understand what their intentions are, solely to destabilise the government of the Bahamas, the Progressive Liberal Party.

“Unfortunately, they have used funding to do that from outside sources.

It is unfortunate when you see non-Bahamians getting directly involved to the extent that they have during the course of the present government’s administration where they would fund unrest.

“Again, once Save the Bays is behind it and they are behind it, they have been behind the scenes and I have indicated publicly in the House and outside the House what my views are and information that I have received with regard to the level of commitment of their funding and what they are prepared to do.”

We March is one of several organisations that have endorsed the “Kill the Bill - The Interception of Communications Bills 2017” petition, created with a target goal of 5,000 signatories, demanding that the govern-

ment shelve the legislation until such time as there has been sufficient public consultation.

Asked about the calls for public consultation, Mr Fitzgerald said: “At the end of the day there is a process for consultation and we have been consulting on various bills that we have brought to Parliament.

But it doesn’t matter to me at the end of the day, once Save the Bays is behind it, it has political overtures and their main purpose as a group is to destabilise and unseat the Progressive Liberal Party.

“And if they would come

out and say that and be honest, then everyone would understand the basis behind all of this unrest and the level of funding that they are putting behind it.

“It is unfortunate, it is unprecedented in our country, unprecedented that a foreign group or a group of individuals would put this amount of money and resources into destabilizing a government and overthrowing a government before an election.

He added: “I’ve said it in Parliament and I am looking forward to the day when I am able to show the Bahamian people the truth of

what I am saying.”

Last March, Mr Fitzgerald accused STB of being a political organisation seeking to “overthrow” the government under the guise of an environmental group.

In the House of Assembly, Mr Fitzgerald read private emails from STB members and others, which he said bolstered his claims.

Last August, in a landmark ruling, Supreme Court Justice Indra Charles declared that Mr Fitzgerald was not legally justified when he tabled those emails and therefore could not be protected by parliamentary privilege, as he claimed at

that time.

The Marathon MP was ordered to pay $150,000 in damages for the breach. He has appealed this ruling.

The Interception of Communications Bill, as constituted, will provide for the “interception of all communications networks regardless of whether they are licensed as public or not.”

The bill says this will include telecommunications operators, internet providers and postal services.

Critics have said the bill can impede civil liberties if passed and enacted without public consultation.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, February 21, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

The Tribune Limited NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI “Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,

jrolle@tribunemedia.net

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914 Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,

C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B. Publisher/Editor 1972-

Published daily Monday to Friday

Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207 TELEPHONES

News & General Information Advertising Manager Circulation Department Nassau fax Freeport, Grand Bahama Freeport fax

(242) 322-1986 (242) 502-2394 (242) 502-2386 (242) 328-2398 (242)-352-6608 (242) 352-9348

WEBSITE, TWITTER & FACEBOOK www.tribune242.com

@tribune242

tribune news network

Dangerous ‘spy bill’ lumps innocent with terrorists THE GOVERNMENT is considering the Interception of Communications Bill, commonly and accurately nicknamed the ‘Spying Bill’.

Government argues that it is necessary because other countries are doing it and those countries have issued instructions that the Bahamas must follow suit, fall in line and comply.

We strongly disagree. In fact, we go so far as to say this is one of the most dangerous bills we have ever seen proposed in the history of this country, either before Majority Rule or after Independence.

The right-to-spy bill violates every human’s right to privacy and has the potential to invade, disrupt and even destroy the lives of the most innocent among us, lumping the law-abiding with the terrorist.

If enacted as proposed, the spy bill would give almost unlimited powers to law enforcement to monitor every sentence, every account, every spoken or electronically delivered word of every citizen or resident or visitor who speaks with a citizen or resident, every business in The Bahamas. That includes listening in on journalists, including their important conversations with sources they agree to protect in order to gain important information that the public has a right to know.

The attorney-client privilege would vanish. The privacy between a medical professional and his or her patient would evaporate. Fewer people who may fear they are ill or are carrying a disease would be likely to seek medical or laboratory testing if they knew their conversations could be monitored, recorded and end up in bulk data storage whether on the cloud or on a server or on some imbalanced person’s laptop.

The potential danger of the spying bill is so vast that, at its best, it could erode trust and, at its worst, lead to autocracy and even dictatorship. That is not an exaggeration. Dictators get away with what they get away with for one reason and one reason only - silence. When no one has the courage to stand up to authority, authority has no need to curtail its power.

Thus, the power, like bacteria in darkness and moisture, grows. The galloping greed for greater power races ahead and the greater the power, the more fearful the people become.

When the United Kingdom enacted

similar legislation almost without notice, shockwaves followed. Journalists, You Tubers, others took to social media decrying the contents. One critic noted that information is power and anyone who has it can get plenty of it.

We urge The Bahamas not to make the same mistake. We fully understand the increasing importance of learning what terrorists are planning before an attack that could wipe out a whole city takes place. But enacting legislation that blankets everyone in a society and threatens their privacy in order to find a terror cell is comparable to giving everyone in the nation chemotherapy to wipe out cancer in those who will someday get it. And there is no evidence that monitoring every individual, every conversation between a doctor and patient, a lawyer and client, a journalist and source, will stop that lone wolf terrorist who is lurking the bush.

What it will do is cause all of us to live in fear and retreat even further from human contact. It will make us more insular at a time when this nation, more than any other time in our history, needs to be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. If we are to solve our real problems - crime, establishing economic stability, full employment and fiscal responsibility, better education for all - we need to take steps that bind us, not divide us.

We need to encourage trust, not plant the seeds of distrust.

If the bill were to pass in its current form, it could make each of us fearful to attend a forum in which new or politically unpopular ideas are discussed. It could make us fearful to gather.

We appreciate that steps have to be taken to curb and someday wipe out terrorism, but spying on every single person and every business is not the right step.

For those of us who grew up in an age when privacy was so respected we would not have dreamed of opening a letter addressed to someone else in the family, the right-to-spy bill sends shivers down our spine. To pass such legislation without knowing how bulk data collection with be protected is a thought so horrific as to render the entire bill worthy of File 13.

But we are also practical enough to know that some measures have to be taken. We urge government to open the spy bill to public consultation before moving forward. It is surprising how smart the public can be.

Nottage speaks EDITOR, The Tribune.

FINALLY, the Minister of National Security, the Hon. Dr Bernard Nottage has broken his silence on the recent crime spree in New Providence. But will his rant in the House of Assembly cause a crime solution to be effected?

Dr Nottage suggested the police would employ the same old crime fighting strategies. He said that the police will increase saturation patrols in crime hotspot areas and there will be more road blocks.

Of particular note, he said that they will initiate a gang unit in the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF). Now this is astonishing. The fact that a gang unit does not exist in the RBPF in 2017 is an incredible development and I am inclined to believe that the Minister misspoke.

What have our gate keepers been doing the last few years? This is truly indicative of how backward some of our crime fighting strategies are given that gang violence has been making major headlines at least for the last decade.

Additionally, Dr Nottage said that members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) will be ordered to assist the police as it relates to fighting crime on the streets.

This is a big mistake and will not net the results the Minister is looking for. Defence Force Officers assisting the police will only amount to extra bodies on the streets who are not trained to act as peace officers.

Furthermore, RBDF officers will be limited in what they can do because they will be in reactionary mode. They will respond to acts of violence for the most part after a crime has been committed. This is what the police are doing now.

The only way I can see the government employing RBDF officers on the streets is if criminals are outright targeting victims indiscriminately and then you would deploy Defence Force Officers to hunt and shoot vigilantes on the spot.

We have not reached this stage as yet.

In my view, the high command of the police force and the Minister of National Security possess the intelligence today to effectively deal with crime. However, our crime problem will not improve because the political will does not exist to fight crime and most of the time, this leaves the police literally holding the bag.

One example of the lack of political will is seen in the 2011 Privy Council’s ruling which states that only

the worst of the worst murderers can face the death penalty. Six years later, our legislators have been lazy and they have not defined what the worst of the worst means. As a result, it is literally impossible for courts to effectively enforce the death penalty.

Additionally, the Attorney General’s office is issuing nolle prosequi like the Greater Harvest Commission is giving out hot meals.

There have been several high profile cases that the AG’s office has failed to prosecute, even though the police did their due diligence and collected the proper evidence.

Our gatekeepers seemingly are using technology in the crime fight as this is evident by amount of drug arrests made on a continual basis. But they should also maximise the use of technology when it comes to gathering evidence on other criminal activities, specifically murder and other serious crime.

The days when we believe we can just swarm an area with police officers to fight crime are over and this just shows how out of touch our gatekeepers really are.

DEHAVILLAND MOSS Nassau, February 20, 2017.

Stop the rowdiness in Montagu EDITOR, The Tribune.

Kindly publish this open letter to Commissioner of Police Mr. Ellison Greenslade.

DEAR Commissioner Greenslade, The public nuisance of loud music and drunken revelry emanating from Montague Park nearly every weekend continues.

Having tried every other avenue of approach to this problem, including directly contacting event organizers, in this last instance Mr. Eleazor Johnson, the local police, my MP and even letters to the newspapers, I have been thwarted at every turn.

I am a thirty-five year homeowner of the nearby residential community and I am again sitting in my bedroom at 8.30PM on a Sunday night with the windows closed but shaking in their frames with the air conditioning running because of the noise emanating from Montague Park.

At this moment I’m lis-

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net tening to what sounds like a pack of wild animals howling and screaming accompanied by drums. Add to this cacophony the sound of numerous motorcycle engines, car horns and sirens the result is bedlam.

I am quite certain that if an event of this kind were held in as close proximity to the homes of Messrs. Christie or Davis on a Sunday night, or at any other time for that matter, it would be shut down in a heartbeat.

But we are merely common folk in Montague, or should that be Freetown, perhaps symbolic of the almost every weekend free for all’s held here, and of course we common people understand that some people are more equal than others.

I had occasion to write to you previously on April 8th 2013 concerning this very matter. I suggested at the time a possible solution by having people wishing to hold events in public spaces apply for and pay for per-

mits. These permits would not only stipulate the hours of operation allowed but establish the conditions and rules for the use of musical apparatus, etc. On the spot fines for violation issued by police officers stationed for that purpose would see order properly kept; alas my suggestions were studiously ignored.

I should therefore be eternally grateful if you and your staff would condescend to provide a permanent solution to not only the extremely vexing problem of Montague but noise nuisance violations island wide as it would appear that we less equal or common folk have neither rights nor the protection of the law.

IAN MABON Nassau, February 19, 2017.

Ps. This evening they did turn the music off shortly after 9PM which is unusually early for these events, but I hasten to add that this is the exception rather than the rule and 9PM is not acceptable on a Sunday night in any event.

Minnis fails to inspire party EDITOR, The Tribune.

IF the future of the country was not at stake the drama of Bahamian politics would be comical.

Consider that recently, Dr Hubert Minnis accused the government of being unethical and immoral over the boundaries report that was tabled in the House of Assembly.

The evidence would show that he is at least as dubious in character as those he is accusing.

If he is such an honourable gentleman who can always be trusted to do what is right, why is he still the Leader of the Opposition?

Shouldn’t he, by virtue of his impeccable character have resigned when he lost the support of the majority of the FNM MP’s in the

House?

Is he not in the same company as Perry Christie who refused to resign after two failed referendums?

I won’t mention Toogie and Bobo and the other scandals in which he was embroiled.

I disagreed with David Cameron on many things, but at least he demonstrated how the Westminster system is supposed to work!

It is unfortunate that those who aspire to lead us only have morals when convenient. The desire for power for power’s sake is sickening. It seems that in order for anything to be accomplished for the electorate we should have general elections every six months instead of every five years.

Hubert Minnis, in my

opinion, seems to be cut from the same cloth as the leader of the governing party that many Bahamians are desirous to rid themselves of.

Dr Minnis’s continued presence as leader of the Opposition ensures that many who have registered to vote may simply not show up to do so.

He fails to inspire others to follow him, indeed, he cannot even inspire all FNMs to follow him. By any definition that is what a leader should be able to do.

Dr Minnis should remove himself as party leader and allow nature to take its course. Both he and the country would be better off.

JB Nassau, February 18, 2017.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, February 21, 2017, PAGE 5

Chipman letter given to court in judicial review bid

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net A JUDGE has been supplied with a copy of a letter that would support the request from members of the Official Opposition for leave to begin judicial review proceedings of a parliamentary order on constituency boundaries for the upcoming general election.

Justice Ian Winder is set to rule today on an exparte application brought

by Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn and Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins and their attorney Michael Scott, who was given time to file two documents, an affidavit indicating the number of people so far registered to vote in the next general election and a letter House Speaker Dr Kendal Major read and tabled in Parliament last Wednesday that was written by St Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman.

The latter document was supplied to the court yesterday accompanied by a letter from Mr Scott who stressed that the court ought not to accept the authority case (Russel v the Attorney General for the State of St Vincent and the Grenadines et al) given by Crown lawyer Loren Klein during the hearing of the ex-parte application last Thursday.

“I would wish to point out to his lordship that the reference to this case is completely misconceived as it concerns the failure by the relevant government to appoint a commission at all which is not the point here” Mr Scott stressed in his let-

ter to Justice Winder yesterday.

“The point here is that a commission was appointed and it failed to report on time, thus, the principle is not the same. Ultimately, it is a point of statutory interpretation and the well known canon of construction, which virtually requires no authority, is that if at all possible courts should try and give meaning and effect to all words in a statutory provision.”

“So in this case, the only meaning and effect to the time provision could be that if not complex with the report is invalid, that it is not a statutory report at all.

Moreover, the time requirement cannot be directory because its breach carries no penalty or sanction.”

“There is an alternative answer to the dilemma which is perfectly rational, namely, that the boundaries report in existence (2012) continues in full force and effect. Further, this is the Constitution the supreme law of the Commonwealth to which Parliament and all derivative organs are subordinate in law,” Mr Scott concluded.

Mr Chipman alleged in the letter that the boundaries report he signed as the Official Opposition’s representative on the Constituencies Commission differed from the one Prime Minister Perry Christie tabled in the House of Assembly.

Mr Chipman’s letter, dated February 13, expressed the St Anne’s MP’s “extreme displeasure at the complete and utter variance between the contents of the documents shown to me

MICHAEL Scott at Ansbacher House. and the document tabled in Parliament.”

“The document I signed is not the same document tabled in parliament on Wednesday, February 8, 2017. In particular as mentioned during our telephone conversation of Friday, February 10, (2017), I had no prior knowledge of the changes relating to Montagu as announced by the prime minister when the draft report was tabled in the House of Assembly on February 8, 2017.”

The MP said there is “no objective criteria so far as we can see to support the recalibration of the boundaries for those constituencies described in schedule 1

or first schedule to the draft order.”

Mr Chipman’s letter also stressed that “there can be no justification for an increase in the number of seats, particularly where voter registration has been alarmingly abysmal in 2016 and in 2017.”

Mr Chipman further stressed that the draft report “does not comply with the requirements of Article 70 (1) of the Constitution and is probably void, with the result that the position to be applied is that which prevailed in the 2012 elections so that there will be 38 constituencies with the boundary configurations referable thereto as were extant in the

2012 elections.”

Mr Chipman’s letter is relevant to the ex-parte application because otherwise the applicants must contend with the fact that the Constituencies Commission report was unanimously approved by the commission, despite the claims of bias and gerrymandering that the Official Opposition has since made.

The applicants argue that leave for a judicial review should be granted because the draft order on constituency boundaries was tabled too late, represents gross gerrymandering and is wrong to feature an additional seat even though the pace of voter registration is

slower than that of 2012.

However, Mr Klein argued at the ex-parte hearing that leave for the judicial review should not be granted because the applicants failed to establish an arguable case based on the categories of wrongs that typically determine such a course of action: illegality, irrationality or procedural impropriety.

The applicants’ complaints of gerrymandering “may be political points,” Mr Klein said, but they don’t “rise to the level of showing there has been an illegality, irrationality, procedural impropriety or some other breach of the Constitution.”

RUFA DENIED ENTRY TO COUNTRY TO ATTEND COURT MATTERS

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FRED Smith, QC, yesterday criticised the Bahamas Immigration Department for refusing to allow his client, Canadian Bruno Rufa, entry to The Bahamas to attend scheduled legal matters in Nassau and Freeport.

“This is disgraceful behaviour (of the Immigation Department) and it brings the reputation of The Bahamas into international disrepute,” said Mr Smith.

“A person is entitled to attend court for his trial and hearings, and Mr Rufa is being denied his constitutional right to a fair hearing because the government is refusing to allow him into the country.”

Mr Rufa was scheduled

BRUNO RUFA to appear on Monday in the Court of Appeal for his appeal against the decision of Justice Petra Hanna Weekes in relation to the judicial review case Rufa had won against the Director of Immigration. Because he was not present in court for his hearing, the case was adjourned to May.

“Unfortunately, Mr Rufa was not in court today because although we have written to the Director of immigration asking for Mr Rufa to enter The Bahamas, they have previously refused,” Mr Smith said.

According to Mr Smith, attempts were made in Freeport by attorney Carey Leonard, of Callenders and Co, who went to the Immigration Department and had also made several calls to try to get permission for Mr Rufa.

Mr Smith said: “Up to the time of the hearing Monday morning we had received no answer from Immigration.”

The QC has accused Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell and the Immigration Department of making “a mockery of the rule of law in The Bahamas” by government’s denying Rufa

his constitutional rights to a fair hearing by refusing to allow him into the country.

“Today’s appeal has been adjourned up to May, and the government’s counsel Mr Loren Klein undertook to attempt to persuade his client to permit Mr Rufa to be able to enter for his cases,” he said.

Mr Rufa , who is a second homeowner in Freeport, is also scheduled to appear in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court on Thursday for continuation of his criminal trial in connection with charges brought by the Department of Immigration.

In January, 2015, the Canadian was arrested by Immigration officers and charged for allegedly working in The Bahamas without a work permit. Mr Rufa owns a unit at Coral Beach Condominiums and has re-

MISTRIAL IN SEX ATTACK CASE AFTER JUROR ‘APPROACHED’

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MISTRIAL was declared yesterday in the case of a man accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl after it was revealed that a juror in the case was allegedly approached by a man on the accused’s behalf.

Jamal Daniels, 27, was standing trial before Acting Justice Renae McKay on the charge of unlawful sexual intercourse concerning an incident that occurred with a 14-year-old girl on September 22, 2014.

He denied the charge when formally arraigned in January 2015 and maintained his plea when the case began on February 8.

Justice McKay was expected to summarise the evidence in the case yesterday. However, it was revealed that Daniels allegedly got someone to approach a juror in order to facilitate a telephone conversation between the accused and the juror.

The judge said she had no choice but to declare a mistrial and subsequently revoked Daniels’ bail and remanded him to the Department of Correctional Services to await retrial.

It was the prosecution’s case that Daniels lured the girl to his home on Carmichael Road through a fake Facebook profile.

The complainant’s Facebook friend “Quetell” suggested that they both get

tattoos at a parlour on Carmichael Road.

The complainant, now 17, took a bus to the parlour and as she was on her way, a man who spoke with an American accent called her phone from a private number and asked if she was still coming.

The victim said when she arrived she asked Daniels for “Quetell” and was told that she was in another room.

It was revealed in court that Daniels started a tattoo on the girl’s stomach but did not complete it. He allegedly held her down and raped her.

Police photographed the incomplete tattoo.

Although the girl did not report the matter im-

mediately, she told a social worker what happened two days later.

In closing addresses last Friday, defence attorney Allan Emmanuel invited the jury to acquit his client on the basis that the girl’s claim was not supported by forensic evidence. Prosecutor Koschina Marshall, in response, stressed that the victim’s hesitation to report the matter was consistent with most cases of sexual abuse, which often go unreported.

Ms Marshall also said that there was corroboration of the victim’s account as she was able to describe Daniels’ bedroom before she was shown photographs that police had taken of the scene, and she directed police to his home.

ARMED ROBBERY CHARGE DROPPED IN SUPREME COURT

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MAN awaiting trial for armed robbery had the charge withdrawn against him in the Supreme Court yesterday.

Antonio Destamar Jr, 21, was to stand trial before Senior Justice Vera Wat-

kins concerning the March 13, 2012, gunpoint robbery of Marvin Gibson, who was accosted by an assailant with an imitation gun for his BlackBerry cellular phone, a gold chain, $50 cash and a pack of Rothmans cigarettes.

However, Crown prosecutor Cordell Frazier presented the judge yesterday

with a nolle prosequi signed by the Attorney General asking that the charge be discontinued.

David Cash, lawyer for the accused, was also served with the document, which was dated February 11.

The Office of the Attorney General could bring the case against Destamar again at any time in the Supreme

Court, but it is unlikely.

Destamar pleaded not guilty to armed robbery, receiving and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence during a formal Supreme Court arraignment on January 17, 2014.

A person convicted of armed robbery could face life imprisonment.

sided in The Bahamas for the past 20 years.

“What makes this absolutely perverse is that the Immigration Department has actually charged Mr Rufa criminally with working without a work permit.

He is on bail and has appeared several times in the Magistrate’s Court, and the trial is supposed to continue on February 23.

“Again, we have written for permission and they have not given permission

for him to come in. This again makes a mockery of the presumption of innocence. And it is so perverse they charged him with an offence and won’t allow him to come into country for the trial.

“We do hope a clear message will go to Minister Mitchell and the Immigration Department to let Rufa in so that he can attend court for his Court of Appeal case and the criminal trial,” Mr Smith said.

PAGE 6, Tuesday, February 21, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Baha Mar chief’s fear over crime from page one “I’ve worked in some very sensitive environments whether it be the Virgin Islands, whether it be Puerto Rico (or) Mexico where I have lived and worked.

Crime and those types of actions can certainly have a negative impact on our industry. I think all of us in the community should do all that we can in every initiative we have to make sure that crime decreases and we do take the actions.

“However we can help, certainly putting people back to work and creating a couple thousand jobs and then growing to that 5,000 jobs, I think it will have a positive impact. I think that will help in some way. I think education and certainly working with the private and public sector together we’ll do our part, but it does take a community to make sure we are heading in the right direction.”

Asked if he was worried about the frequent fires at the city dump in western New Providence, Mr Davis said: “I just noticed it recently and it’s a concern and it should be a concern for all of us to make sure that those responsible for finding a solution do that very quickly because I think that impacts all of us.

“It’s not just Baha Mar, but it impacts other resorts that are in the area. There are other developments that are in the area and as that wind blows it has a negative

PRIME Minister Perry Christie pictured during a previous tour of Baha Mar property.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff impact on all of us and it nalists regarding the sale of tics, I try not to and I cer- you close it’s a phased proneeds to be addressed. the $3.5bn West Bay Street tainly don’t get involved in cess and that’s what we are “I mentioned it as well project earlier this month. politics. Certainly I think going through right now. and I think it is in all of At the time he said that what’s most important to “All of that is the natuour interests to make sure Baha Mar will open without understand is the transac- ral course of the closing of that we find a permanent its sale being completed. tion is in process, defini- a project. For us, as I said solution to the issues of the “Well it’s a great conver- tive agreements have been before, we are investing dump when it comes to the sation and certainly an in- signed. We are the new now over $200m. Through toxic fumes that are coming teresting topic and let me owners, but through that the pre-opening initiatives out of it. There is a com- clarify,” he said. there is a phased process we’re taking on the ownermittee being put in place “We (CTFE) are the just like when you buy a ship role. We are working and we all expect action as owners of Baha Mar. We new house. You put down hand in hand with EXIM good business owners and are going through a, as your deposits in the middle Bank and certainly with the residents we demand it,” he with any large transaction of a construction, you’re government to make sure said. of this magnitude, there the owner, but you know that we open in a phased Mr Davis also moved to are phases to that trans- before that final certificate manner.” clarify recent comments he action. I don’t want to get of occupancy and all the He continued: “That’s made to international jour- involved or listen to poli- final details are done when important to us because

it’s not political because if we wait until the very end when all the final details are done. Then we are that far behind in getting ourselves launched and ready for the next season, which is 2017/2018.

“So for us it’s really very important that we get in now and get open in a very thoughtful way which we are doing and that is to open on April 21, have our show links up and running and certainly get the casino opened. The golf course will be ready before that and we’ll have rooms ready in the Grand Hyatt. We’ll have the pools ready, restaurants ready, shops will be opened and then we are going to thoughtfully progress.”

He went on to reject that Baha Mar’s soft opening date was aligned with the upcoming general election, which is expected to be shortly after the resort’s April opening. He said this was agreed upon by all major parties involved.

Mr Davis said in the lead up the Baha Mar’s opening, executives remain excited as there has been a tremendous amount of outpouring of interest to come back and be a part of Baha Mar not only from Bahamians interested in the resort, but from visitors who want to experience the resort’s amenities.

Prime Minister Perry Christie announced Baha Mar’s sale to Hong Kongbased conglomerate Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Ltd (CTFE) last December.

BAZARD AND SMITH VIE FOR PLP SEAT IN ST BARNABAS from page one

The Tribune contacted Mr Roberts after posters of Mr Smith were seen on lamp poles in the area; however, Mr Roberts made it clear that Mr Smith was only a candidate-hopeful.

“He’s just vying for candidacy,” Mr Roberts said.

“Friday night is the last night for ratification for all PLP candidates. We’re going to have a big showdown on Friday night.”

Mr Smith did not return calls placed yesterday. He has been involved most re-

cently as legal counsel to Lyford Cay billionaire Peter Nygard. Both men are also named in an alleged murder-for-hire lawsuit brought by Save The Bays members and Rev C B Moss in the Supreme Court last year.

For her part, Mrs Bazard noted that the candidacy face-off was an internal party matter, but spoke broadly of her commitment to putting heart back into governance for the empowerment and upward mobility of the inner city.

If chosen by the party,

Mrs Bazard said her first move would be to canvass constituents before launching a platform.

St Barnabas will not be an unfamiliar area, she said, pointing to her early childhood as a former student of Mabel Walker Primary School.

“I know what it is to come from nothing and make your way up,” Mrs Bazard said, “and so that will be my message really anywhere that I go - that you are able to do it regardless of circumstances. I don’t come with the same politics, I really come with a heart for

the people. As a mother of three sons, I understand what it’s like to have boys growing up in this environment.

“My focus isn’t on anybody challenging me.”

She added: “As for being a viable candidate in an election, my history speaks for me. I have been in the Senate and I’m sure if you watch it, you know that I come ready for debate and to inform the public on how the laws impact them. “When you look at rights, being one of the co-executive chairpersons, my whole thing

for national service is that I’m a Bahamian by heart and I give it my 100 per cent.

“I think it’s time for women to come to the forefront, there is a dearth of women in frontline politics.”

Mrs Bazard was an executive director of the YES Bahamas campaign, which advocated for the gender equality referendum.

Referring to the application for judicial review submitted by Official Opposition MPs over the boundaries report, Mrs Bazard suggested that it would be premature to

begin campaigning in the area.

“It’s sub judice,” she said, “we have to teach young people about order and decorum, protocol, if we act in a certain way they will see it. At the end of the day I will come out and fight for the need for community and growth in a very historic constituency in the Bahamas.”

“I want to get to the heart of the people,” Mrs Bazard added, “meet their needs and be an example. You live your life so that when they look back they can say hey, no baggage.”

ACCUSED ‘SAID HE KILLED MAN OVER SEXUAL ADVANCES’ from page one

Smith’s partially decomposed body was found shortly after 2.30pm on December 21, 2015 at his St Alban’s Drive apartment.

Police were alerted to the apartment after relatives, who had not heard from the victim, went to his home and found him dead in the living room.

Smith was a sports coach and was employed at Pictet Bank & Trust Ltd. He was also a former president of the New Providence Volleyball Association.

It is alleged that Albury murdered Smith sometime between December 19 and 21, of 2015.

He has retained attorney Michael Hanna to represent

him against the allegation while Cordell Frazier and Anya Allen are prosecuting the case for the Crown.

In yesterday’s opening address to the jury, Ms Frazier told the 12-member panel: “You’re not here to judge anyone’s personal lifestyle.”

“Your task is to determine whether or not the offence of murder occurred,” she stressed.

The prosecutor proceeded to call the accused’s brother, Leroy Albury Jr, to the witness stand.

“Do you know Lamar Albury?” the prosecutor asked.

“That’s my brother,” the witness said.

“What if anything happened on Wednesday, December 30, 2015?” Ms Frazier then asked.

“I was at work. I received a phone call from my brother. He told me he’d gotten himself in a jam and that he needed to see me,” the witness said.

The witness also said he picked his brother up from the Chippingham area and they proceeded to have a conversation.

“He told me a few days prior that Devince Smith was having a get-together for Christmas and wanted him to do some work to fixup the place,” Leroy Albury recalled.

The witness said his brother claimed that while at the victim’s residence, Smith sent him downstairs to get a beer and when he returned, Smith allegedly “was laying on the bed watching something on his laptop.”

“My brother said Smith showed him what he was

watching and he (Lamar) said he was shocked,” the court heard.

The witness said his brother alleged that Smith “reached out to grab his privates” and his brother’s resistance led to a fight.

“He said during the fight, he stabbed him a few times.

The fight started in the bedroom, (then) into the hallway and down the stairs,” the witness claimed.

Mr Hanna asked the witness if he knew his brother well. The witness said he did.

“Do you know him to be a homosexual?” the attorney asked.

“No, sir,” the witness said, adding that his brother has a child.

“Can you tell the court how your brother appeared to you when you saw him?”

Mr Hanna asked.

“He was spaced out. I’ve

never seen him like that before,” the witness said.

“Did he appear frightened or confused?” Mr Hanna asked. The witness said his brother seemed “disoriented.”

Their father, Leroy Albury Sr, was called to the witness stand next and the Ministry of Works employee said that on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 he had a conversation with Lamar Albury who came and knocked on his room door.

“He said ‘Daddy, I killed a man,’” the accused’s father said.

“He said he went to do a job for a gentleman who explained what he wanted him to do,” the witness claimed.

“He went downstairs to get the beer for the gentleman and when he came back up, he saw the gentleman in the sheet looking at porn. The gentleman tried

to reach for his privates.

They ended up scuffling and he stabbed him,” the father added.

“I told him ‘you need to turn yourself in,’” the jury heard.

Mr Hanna asked the accused’s father if he knew his son well.

“I’d like to believe I do.

He has a child. He’s a hardworking young man,” the witness answered.

“You teach him the way of the Bible?” the defence lawyer asked. The witness said he did.

“Are you disappointed that you just had to tell the court what you did?” Hanna asked. The witness said yes.

“Do you know your son to be a sissy or gay?” the accused lawyer asked.

“No, sir,” the jury heard.

The trial resumes today at 2pm.

POLICE HUNT FIVE AFTER MAN SHOT AND KILLED from page one

“We don’t have any leads, but our officers are on the ground canvassing and trying to gather information,” Chief Superintendent Fernander said Monday. “So we want to put out an appeal to the public to come in to the police if they know anything or if they saw anything. We also want to remind the public that it is a criminal offence to harbour criminals.”

Shortly after 11pm Sunday, police said a man and a woman had just left a party and were walking on Knowles Drive off Tonique Williams-Darling Highway when five masked men armed with handguns in a small white vehicle pulled up and shot them before speeding off.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene and the woman was taken to hospital where she is detained in stable condition.

This comes after a shooting incident in an innercity community on Sunday, which left three people in hospital.

Three others, including a woman, were also shot in separate incidents on Saturday.

According to initial police reports, Sunday’s earlier victims were shot during an argument with a man around 11am at Windsor Lane east. They had to be taken to hospital for treatment where their conditions were listed as stable up to press time.

Police are looking for two men they want to speak with in reference to Sunday morning’s shooting. Offic-

ers believe Rolie Anthony “Babloo” Henfield, 20, and Tony Austin “Fats” Maycock, 44, both of Windsor Lane, can help in their investigation.

On Saturday, police were also called to the scene of three separate shootings throughout the capital.

Shortly after midnight on Saturday, a man was standing in front of a home on Laird Street, when another man with a handgun approached and shot him before fleeing on foot. The victim was taken to hospital where he is detained with non-life threatening injuries.

In the other incident that occurred shortly after 7pm, a man was walking on Second Street, Coconut Grove, when an armed gunman approached and shot him before fleeing on foot. The

victim was taken to hospital where he is detained in stable condition.

Then shortly after 10pm Saturday, a woman was leaving a social event in her vehicle on Polhemus Street, when the occupants of a dark coloured twodoor Honda car pulled up and shot her before speeding off. The victim was taken to hospital where she is detained in stable condition.

Police later arrested three men, two women and a teenage girl in connection with that incident.

Investigations into all of these shooting incidents are continuing and anyone with information is asked to contact police at 911 or 919, the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 328-TIPS.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, February 21, 2017, PAGE 7

Ceremony to mark arrival of Privy Council ahead of appeals

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net THE country’s highest court, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, is in the capital to hear a number of appeals at the request of the government.

In a special sitting ceremony to mark the fourth working visit of the JCPC held in a Court of Appeal courtroom at Claughton House, five judges who have travelled from London to sit as a board were welcomed by Court of Appeal President Dame Anita Allen and scores of legal officers from the judiciary.

Though the JCPC occasionally sits outside London when invited to do so by the jurisdictions it serves, this is the fourth occasion that the JCPC has sat in The Bahamas, more than any other jurisdiction.

Dame Anita yesterday

said a citizen’s ability to be able to appeal to the Privy Council “affords them an opportunity to have their decisions reviewed and any errors corrected by a third level of experienced judges”.

“This maintains the trust and confidence of the public in the justice system and meets the demand of the rule of law for a fair just result,” the appellate president said.

“My lords, The Bahamas continues to benefit from your fair, rational, and erudite judgments which have provided consistent and valuable guidance on a myriad of important legal issues such as citizenship, thirdparty insurance claims, the interpretation and application of our Constitution, the Quieting Titles Act, the Listening Devices Act, the Acquisition of Land Act, and proper practices and procedure in extradition

matters to name just a few.”

“Undoubtedly in your role as our final appellate court, you have made a significant contribution to the Bahamas development and its preservation as an independent and just society,” Dame Anita added.

The appellate president said Bahamians support “and accept your committee’s decisions even as they clamour, as did Lord Kerr in Maxo Tido and the Queen, for clarification of the elusive meaning of worst of the worst and rarest of the rare.”

She was referring to the Privy Council’s decision that the death penalty for murder should not be mandatory, but confined to the “worst of the worst” cases.

Attorney General Allyson-Maynard-Gibson, QC, also expressed the “honour and a great privilege to welcome you to the Bahamas where this week you sit for

the fourth time.”

“Thanks to the vision and diligence of the president of the Court of Appeal the facilities in which you sit are much different than when you sat last – in 2009,” Mrs Maynard-Gibson added.

“We have been blessed in our country with learned, strong, and accomplished judges, whose capabilities and independence are well-established.

In today’s world, we know better than to take the separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary for granted. Indeed, these cornerstones of freedom and democracy must be continually supported and strengthened” Mrs Maynard-Gibson stressed.

Alfred Sears, QC, in his remarks on behalf of the Inner-Bar, said the JCPC provides “both stability and changes in the law for an increasingly globalized Bahamian society.”

THE DEMOCRATIC National Alliance announced four new candidates yesterday. DNA leader Branville McCartney is pictured.

“Stability is provided, through the doctrine of stare decisis, which is essential for ensuring an ordered society, protecting fundamental rights and maintaining investors’ confidence.

At the same time, the Privy Council has helped reframe Bahamian society from its colonial past where the imperial sovereign was supreme, to a sovereign nation state, based on the supremacy of the Constitution, separation of powers, fundamental rights, limited government, the evolving global bill of rights and the norm of respect for fundamental rights.”

Mr Sears, in quoting Rhodes Scholar the late Professor Rex Nettleford on the contribution of the JCPC to jurisprudence, went on to say that “whether, ultimately we adopt the Caribbean Court of Justice as our final appellate court, establish a final national appellate

court or maintain the status quo, the jurisprudence produced by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, to date, is one that we all proudly claim.”

“We’re of course delighted to be here at first hand,” Lord Mance said in his remarks.

“It gives us a wonderful opportunity to witness the Bahamian Constitution and legal system in action, to hear, first-sight about the current thinking and developments and to understand how the Privy Council may best contribute,” the head of the five judge delegation added.

Lords Mance, Kerr, Sumption, Reed and Hughes are set to hear five appeals.

The sessions are being live streamed on the Court of Appeal’s website at http://www.courtofappeal. org.bs/ for persons who are unable to physically attend the open court hearings.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

DNA ‘WILL RATIFY MORE WOMEN CANDIDATES THAN ANY PARTY’

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

STEPHANIE LIGHTBOURNE, DNA candidate for Englerston.

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Deputy Leader Chris Mortimer boasted yesterday that the party will ratify more female candidates for the next general election than any of the other political parties.

He said this is a testimony to the organisation’s commitment to equality.

By the time the ratification process is complete, the DNA intends to nominate ten women for the next general election.

“It’s important that women take their rightful place as part owners of The Bahamas,” Mr Mortimer said

during an event announcing four of its candidates for the election.

The party’s latest female candidate is Stephanie Lightbourne who will run in the Englerston constituency, a PLP stronghold.

The DNA also ratified Gerrino Saunders, a former journalist and director of sports for JCN, for the newly created St Barnabas constituency yesterday.

Mr Saunders said he wanted to serve his country rather than leave it.

“I decided to come and step to the front lines before leaving the country; you know Canada is advertising everyday,” he said. “Before I even let that thought sink deeply into my

heart, I said there’s no way I could leave the Bahamas behind. I belong here. My children belong here. My grandchildren belong here.

The country has been going down the wrong path for quite some time due to lack of proper governance.

“I’m ready to work and take any blows that comes with it,” Mr Saunders said.

Samuel Kemp, a former police officer, was ratified for the North Andros constituency while Samuel Strachan, said to be an expert in computer repair, systems and network engineering, was ratified in the Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador constituency.

For her part, Mrs Lightbourne spoke of a country

failing to meet the expectations forged years ago when Majority Rule and Independence were achieved.

“I was born during the time of Majority Rule in this country,” she said. “I remember the Independence celebrations in 1973 quite vividly; a witness to proud and patriotic Bahamians rising to prominence and prestige. I watched the leaders of yesterday fight for persons born in this country to become first class citizens, to own land, to become educated and to obtain the jobs they dreamed of a few years prior to independence. Today, that Bahamas no longer exits. Our country is used as a game of monopoly played by two parties.”

MEMBERS of the leadership team of the DNA recently traveled to Haiti for the inauguration of the country’s new president, Jovenel Moïse, who was elected after a prolonged electoral process.

PAGE 8, Tuesday, February 21, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

A president of conflict will not make America great again

By NICOLE BURROWS

T

HE newly-mint- Billy Bush got fired from ed American the network. And Donald president, Don- Trump got inaugurated to ald Trump, said the presidency. this over a hot mic (Access What a mad world we Hollywood) while heading live in. Thankfully, there’s to a soap opera taping in no statute of limitations on 2005, to Billy Bush, co-host identifying classless, unof the Today show on NBC couth behaviour. until he was made to resign Trump is now the man from the network in Octo- who, for all intents and purber, 2016: poses, runs the world. And “You know I’m automati- he’s still performing ... as cally attracted to beautiful though he were a ‘star’ and - I just start kissing them. the presidency is his stage.

It’s like a magnet. Just kiss. It really is hard to resist I don’t even wait. And when calling Mr Trump by the you’re a star, they let you same slang word he used to do it. You can do anything. refer to the female’s special Grab them by the pussy. part he could feel so moved You can do anything.” to freely and uninvitingly Trump supporters - and grab at. even some who don’t supFor the past month of beport him - say it doesn’t ing the electoral college’s matter that he said this ... it leader of the American was 12 years ago ... and be- people, instead of leading sides, that’s how men talk to them in united opposition, each other about women. against America’s adversarI say it matters because it ies and anything inherently speaks to the core character un-American, Trump is of a man, one who believes causing Americans to behe has a certain come adversarentitlement to a ‘What does ies of their own woman’s body leadership - and - or anything, Trump really of one another. for that matter think the United This is division, - because he’s States has to not unity. a ‘star’. It’s an Making affliction of all gain by blocking America great power-mongers; Syrian refugees again can’t haplook closely at from entering pen by spitting the ones you the people into know, too, America, other a multiplicity though you may than a pathway of factions and also be guilty of to war?’ doing almost indulging them. everything that So Billy Bush makes them laughed and egged Trump enraged. But maybe ‘divide on, which is morally rep- and conquer’ is the goal. rehensible, but Trump was Whenever in history obviously the perpetrator, has this occurred? When flexing his ‘big man’ mus- was the last time you saw/ cles in front of the boys. heard such mass and shockThen, over a decade later, ingly global protest against

PRESIDENT Donald Trump smiles as he prepares to speak at his “Make America Great Again Rally” at Orlando-Melbourne International Airport in Melbourne, Florida, on Saturday.

Photo: Susan Walsh/AP a president of the United citizens could all be mis- how else can America as- strikes with many more citisist Syrian civilians? There zens as collateral damage.

States? The United States taken?

Why ban Syrian refugees are no allies for America to of America ... the biggest, Ultimately, if America baddest, and best of, at, and to America? The Trump fight with in Syria on behalf gets involved in a war in/ administration’s new Syr- of the Syrian people. The with Syria, and Russia is in everything?

What will be the long ian refugee ban ... pause Syrian rebels are not a for- backing Syria, providing term effects of Trump’s di- ... timeout ... or whatever midable army. ground weapons and carryThe Syrian government ing out air attacks that are visive leadership on Amer- name the Trump camp ica, when a majority of very wants to use today, cannot is no longer fighting only its killing civilians, it could demonstrative people did be believed to be about pro- citizens, but also, primarily, easily draw America into not want him as president? tecting America; there is the Islamic State (IS) ... with a secondary war with RusWill he be allowed to re- nothing America is being the help of Russia. Russia sia. With Iran also backing main in place for the next protected against with such supplies Syria with arms Syria, America could get four years? What will go a ban, if no refugee from for ground combat and has pulled into a fight with Iran, wrong versus right over that Syria is a terrorist in Amer- sent aircraft to conduct air too (note Trump’s recent ica. By all accounts, Syrian raids on IS on behalf of the provocation of Iran). time?

A majority is not only refugees have no record of Syrian government, supposCould that be the endever always right, but look being terrorists on Ameri- edly accidentally killing ci- game? vilians. at the content of the pro- can soil.

Since I wrote the first Either Trump and his adSyria’s leader Bashar al- notes for this piece, there tests. I suppose it only stands to reason that if visors are very misinformed Assad and Russia’s leader has been an announcement Donald Trump did not win about ‘refugee terrorists’, Vladimir Putin have a simi- that some consideration the popular vote last No- or they are up to something lar ideology about civilian is now being given to putvember then the majority sinister. If it’s the latter: is opposition - neither of them ting American boots on the would be against him, as it a racially motivated or- will tolerate it. With ground ground in Syria, death trap seen in these mass and on- der? Keep Syrians in their battle and air strikes, ul- though it will be. going protests against him. country because they don’t timately civilians die ...

Putin and Trump both But can we honestly say that look like they belong here casualties of war, with no want to revive the nuclear remorse by the Syrian gov- arms race. Is this why Ruswe believe all these people in America?

Is it motivated by reli- ernment. representing such a diverse sia - as evidence indicates The only possible con- got involved in hacking the cross section of American gion? Christians are more appropriate to America cern the Trump administra- Democratic National Comthan Muslims, so unless the tion could have that would mittee ... to sway public senSyrians are Christians leave lead it to the idea of a ban timent in favour of Trump them in Syria ... never mind of Syrian refugees is that IS at the 11th hour, just to lead that Christian extremists soldiers will blend in with or to an opportunity to reare very real in America? pose as Syrian refugees and engage America in political Is it militarily motivated? come to the United States hostilities?

Give the American army a via that refugee channel What does Trump really reason to be physically pre- to attack America. It has think the United States has sent in Syria? not been the reality thus to gain by blocking SyrWhatever it is, it has far. Refugees are known to ian refugees from entering more characteristics of be intensely vetted before America, other than a path100% FLEXIBLE 100% ONLINE 100% RELEVANT something discriminatory, their arrival into America, way to war? Is he deliberor something reckless, than a process more stringent ately setting America on a Top 10 UK University (Graduate Employability) anything else. than visa issuance. collision course to another Syria is a war-torn counThe real concern of the world war? try and civilians there die Trump administration What will the American every day because a war should be IS-radicalised people do, as the fate of the was waged by the Syrian Americans in America, world rests on their shoulgovernment against dissent- or, otherwise normal visa ders? Will they wait until a ing opinions, and led direct- holders or everyday citizens war breaks out, nationally ly to the torture of teenag- whom no one would suspect or internationally, before ers and the death of a child, of terrorist affiliation. The they declare Trump unfit after which the people re- latter has proven thus far for the office he doesn’t volted. Since then, the war to be where the real threat seem to realise is about has drawn in many factions, lies. more than him and his ratExceptional value — earn an accredited UK MBA or MBM for under US$10,000 • Can be but the primary cause still So what else could be ings? completed in 18 months • Specialisations: Banking, Entrepreneurship, Events, Finance, exists - the Syrian govern- Trump’s reason for blockDespite appearances and ment will not accept dissent ing the flow of refugees diplomacy (which Trump Health Management, Hospitality & Tourism, HRM, Leadership & Innovation, Logistics &

by Syrian citizens. from Syria? falls way short of), Putin is The Syrian people flee to Well, if America is to nobody’s friend. Trump Supply Chain Management, Marketing & Sales, Media, Project Management • Option to save their own lives. Stop- help Syria, in a way other and the whole of America earn both an MBA and MBM in under 24 months ping their entry into Amer- than permitting Syrians to (and its remaining allies, ica gives one less place for enter into America for safe post-Syrian ban) - would be them to seek shelter from a haven, the only other option wise to remember that.

(SHRM Recognised) The Edinburgh MSc HRM war they did not start and is for America to deploy cannot finish. If the United troops to Syria to fight IS Comments and responses Doctorate in Business MSc Data Science States maintains a ban on and Assad’s army in ground to nburrows@tribunemeAdministration (DBA) MSc Construction Project their asylum in America, battle, or to make more air dia.net

APPLY NOW FOR MAY 2017 INTAKE

MBA/MBM

Regional workshops conducted

by Edinburgh Faculty

Management (RICS and ICE accredited)

• BA Business Management (Top-up) • BA Business & Enterprise (Top-up) • BA Sales Management (Top-up) NEW

FREE ini 2 iPad M ply) le p p Ap ions a it d n (Co

Final Year Entry to holders of Associate Degree and/or Diploma Specialisms: Marketing, Finance and HRM

INFORMATION SESSION Wednesday 22nd March, 6.30-8pm Exuma Room British Colonial Hotel, Nassau

email info@SEIdegrees.com for reservation

www.seidegrees.com

Regional Office: 27499 Riverview Center Blvd., Suite 223, Bonita Springs, Florida 34134, USA • Tel +1 239 444 4399 • Fax +1 239 444 4398

info@SEIdegrees.com

READERS RESPOND TO WE MARCH AND REPORTS OF UNREST IN SPANISH WELLS WITH We March Bahamas urging residents to protest against the proposed Interception of Communications Bill, readers took to tribune242.com to give their views.

DDK asked: “How can you even THINK about saying ‘we stand in the streets one last time’? The PEOPLE must NOT give in to oppression!”

Lkalikl questioned the short notice of the protest: “Do not call for demonstrations on short notice and without proper planning. You will only get low attendance and then the government will say, ‘See? They don’t have any support. Get wise We March.

You are in the big league now, act like it.”

Proudloudandfnm said: “BAHAMIANS NEED TO START CALLING THEIR MP’S AND DE-

MAND ACTION!” The news of unrest in Spanish Wells, Eleuthera, with the island’s Chief Councillor Robert Roberts saying conditions there have deteriorated to a degree never seen before, prompted Happyfly to say: “I seriously don’t know why every island outside of Nassau (especially GB) hasn’t turned their back on Nassau long time.”

Clamshell had a suggestion - but not much hope: “In a sane political environment, the members of Parliament from the Out Islands would form a cross-

party political block to lobby for fair support for their islands. But we know this won’t happen. Example: Central Eleuthera is represented by a Nassau PLP lawyer who does not live on Eleuthera, is not from the island, seldom visits, and shows virtually no concern for Eleuthera or its people.

And we wonder why the Out Islands are struggling?

And there was this from Norman_t: “Think of all the man hours wasted by having to continually cry for what is due us. I see The Bahamas as a failed state.

It becomes clearer every day. A Prime Minister who manages to hold his head up high and ask for re-election while this country is in such a sorry state defies belief.”

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

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, February 21, 2017, PAGE 9

Nottage: Crime rates affecting perception of countries in region

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net IN marking the opening of a regional drug enforcement conference, National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage lamented the impact that murder and crime rates are having on global perceptions of countries in the region.

“As you are all aware, our region continues to attract the attention of the world as a place where murder and crime rates

are high,” he told those attending the 23rd Annual Caribbean Regional Conference on International Drug Enforcement. “These crime rates are fuelled by the trade in illegal drugs, illegal firearms, psychotropic substances, and precursor chemicals. Of critical concern is the flow of illegal firearms into our region and the propensity with which prolific offenders in our countries use them to cause serious harm and to purvey death.”

Drugs and illegal fire-

arms “go hand in hand,” Dr Nottage said, noting that in 2016, 85 per cent of murders in The Bahamas were committed with the aid of an illegal firearm.

“While these were predominantly cases of ‘prolific offenders attacking each other’ we cannot ignore the fact that the victims are human beings with a right to life,” he said.

“Further, these news stories send a very bad signal to the world about us as a people.”

Previous meetings of this

kind have been helpful in the past, Dr Nottage said.

Noting that there was an increase in the amount of cocaine passing through Bahamian waters in 2016, he said Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) officers seized 3,539.46 pounds of cocaine, 4,077 pounds of marijuana, 40 illegal firearms of various descriptions, and 289 rounds of assorted ammunition. The cocaine seized in 2016 was a 56 per cent increase from over 2015.

In addition, 847 drug cas-

es were placed before the Magistrate’s Court along with 1,191 defendants.

“We are pleased with the significant seizures, we recognise the implications of these increases,” Dr Nottage said. “We are therefore mindful that the increase trafficking in illegal drugs might be an indication that international drug cartels are again seeking to infiltrate our region because of pressures upon them on the USA and Mexico borders.

Further, we are patently aware that due to econom-

ic pressures in the United States of America, resources to our region might be reduced in our ongoing fight against drug trafficking organisations and transnational organised crime groups. This is not good for our region and not good for America.”

Dr Nottage challenged conference participants to find ways to choke off the flow of illegal drugs to the region and consider ways to discourage young people and adults from dealing with drugs.

THE SPECIAL education honour roll awardees receive their certificates at the Carlton Francis Primary School honours ceremony on Monday

THE GRADE 2 Principal List awardees receive their certificates at the Carlton Francis Primary School honours ceremony on Monday.

Honouring the best at

Carlton Francis CARLTON Francis Primary School principal Kendal Burrows sits between vice-principal Brenda Cooper (left) and guest speaker Lovinia McDiarmid at the school’s honours ceremony on Monday.

THE GRADE 5 Principal List awardees receive their certificates at the Carlton Francis Primary School honours ceremony on Monday.

THE GRADE 3 Principal List awardees receive their certificates at the Carlton Francis Primary School honours ceremony on Monday.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, February 21, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

SORORITY HELPS BRING SOME SIZZLE TO SENIOR CITIZENS AS a part of its community service initiatives, the Nassau Alumnae Chapter (NBAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority hosted about 30 seniors at its annual Senior Sizzle on Saturday at Pat’s Senior Citizens Nursing Home.

A Valentine’s Day weekend tradition that was started some seven years ago, the chapter’s Senior Sizzle is an initiative that was born from the desire to give back to Bahamians that have given so much to their families and the wider community. Residents at Pat’s Senior Citizens Home include bankers, accountants, teachers and leaders in their field.

This past weekend, the sorority members sang, fellowshipped over lunch and played games with the seniors, including a lively game of Bingo, for which winners received prizes.

NBAC President Tara Johnson said spending time and sharing love to those that have sacrificed and given of themselves to their families, loved ones and so-

ciety has and will always be a special event for the chapter.

“With February being the month of love, we’ve made it a NBAC tradition to stop by and spend time with our favourite seniors.

They’re certainly young at heart and very competitive when it comes to a game of Bingo, so it’s always a fun time at Pat’s Seniors’ Home - it’s the highlight of our year,” she said.

Patricia Moxey, the home’s director, thanked the sorority members for “showing love” to the residents, describing the event as “the best fun we’ve had all year”.

Mrs Moxey also noted the home’s needs, including beds and linen, bathroom fixtures and a bus that would allow the residents to attend various community events, including church services.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is a public service, notfor-profit organisation that was founded to promote academic excellence, social change and community development.

MEMBERS of the Nassau Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority with senior citizens playing bingo.

Darville stands by report as residents raise their concerns

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net GRAND Bahama Minister Dr Michael Darville continues to stand behind a report which downplayed pollution concerns on the island, despite strong rejection expressed by the Pinder’s Point/Lewis Yard Environmental Committee, which is still calling for the relocation of residents in communities surrounding the industrial plants.

The PPLYEC - which has held a series of protests against the government, industrial plants, and the Grand Bahama Port Authority - does not accept the report’s findings that there is no environmental or health risks to persons living near the industrial plants.

The report was prepared by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) World Health Organisation (WHO).

“I stand by those reports until someone else can

bring scientific evidence to refute (it),” Dr Darville told The Tribune.

He stressed that personal opinions or statements, and accusations are just not enough.

“Once you bring the information, then the government will be compelled to review the information you bring; not just say it, but bring scientific proof that goes in contrary to what we have done in Pinder’s Point and Lewis Yard by the Pan American Health Organisation and World Health Organisation - these are not guys off the street, these are reputable organisations.”

Dr Darville said that he wanted to make sure that the study was conducted independently, with no influence by the government or industrial plants.

“No one can say industry or government has had any influence - what you see is what they gave us,” he said.

Concerns over industrial pollution have been a sore issue for more than 30

years for the residents of Pinder’s Point, Lewis Yard, Seaco Town, Hunters/Mack Town, and Hawksbill.

In addition to the ongoing alleged exposure to chemical emissions and oil spills, residents also complained of various health issues, including respiratory problems, as well as skin, nose, and eye irritations. They believe that the high incidents of cancer among residents are linked to the industrial emissions.

Last week, the PPLYEC claimed that the results of an epidemiological study, undertaken almost 28 years ago in relation to the effects of the industrial plants on residents, was never made public.

The group has tried to get a hold of the report without much success, has called for the results to be made public.

When asked about “the missing” epidemiological report, Dr Darville explained that the report was turned over, with oth-

ers, to the PAHO/WHO team brought over in 20142015 to conduct an environmental and health risk assessment study of communities near the industrial park.

The 1989 report was the first major study conducted to looking into the health complaints of the residents, as well as teachers and students at nearby schools.

Dr Darville indicated that all reports that were done by the government, including that first report, was passed on as knowledge to the PAHO/WHO team to review, along with them doing their research.

“That (first report) was part of the final completion of the PAHO/WHO report to my knowledge. Reports and investigations were done all the way back when Dr Norman Gay was the minister of health. We had all that information compiled, and it was reviewed and forwarded to directly to those consultants who used it as part of the final conclusion of the report that was

BEACH WARDEN PLAN TO CLEAN UP LITTER

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

BEACH litter is a big concern in Grand Bahama and efforts are underway to monitor and protect one of the country’s most valued assets.

Jeffrey Pinder, senior executive of Sustainable Tourism Unit at the Ministry of Tourism, reported that plans are being discussed about re-introducing beach wardens.

During a visit at Taino Beach last week, rubbish

and garbage bags full of trash were strewn about around beach park grounds.

Trash receptacles were overflowing and the children’s playground was filthy and littered with trash.

Walking along the beach barefoot must be done with great care due to the many pieces of broken alcoholic beverage bottles embedded the sand.

Mr Pinder said that the Ministry of Tourism is committed to ensuring that beaches are clean and welcoming to visitors.

“We had some wardens

here a few years ago, and so discussions are ongoing internally as we speak about that,” he said. “This is really important to us. It is like walking in someone’s house and the doors are open, and the floor is dirty - it is not inviting. So, this is just as important us as investing $5m into a new product - our environment must be first.”

He noted that the ministry has partnered with the Keep Grand Bahama Clean (KGBC) Committee to monitor and manage the beaches. “We understand the value and the im-

portance of ensuring that beaches are clean, and we are working together,” Mr Pinder said.

The Sustainable Tourism Unit has also established a Sustainable Tourism Committee comprised of concerned residents, tour operators and members of the KGBC committee who have volunteered to monitor certain beach areas of Grand Bahama.

During International Coastal Cleanup in September, 2016, Mr Pinder said they encourage groups to adopt a beach.

Olethea Gardiner, of the KGBC Committee, said the committee has been working on the island for past 10 years, with private and nongovernment organisations.

“What we try to do is not be a clean-up committee, but one that engages persons and organisations to assist in cleaning up because it is everyone’s responsibility to keep Grand Bahama clean,” she said.

Ms Gardiner said that they continue to urge persons going to the beach to take garbage bags with them and noted that the committee has had meetings with the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and Royal Bahamas Police Force in establishing beach wardens.

“That has been put forth to the necessary bodies and we are hopefully getting some resolve on that matter. But we would like to continue to stress the message that it is everyone’s responsibility. If you see something please let us know, but also feel free to assist us in keeping our community clean, she said.

published by us,” he said.

Dr Darville shared the findings of the PAHO/ WHO report in Parliament in June 2016 during his contribution to the 2016/2017 Budget Debate.

Dr Darville stressed that accusations that are being made about him are not true.

“I can understand them saying, ‘I do not accept the content of the report,’ but to say that I am callous and I am not concerned, I think is going a bit far and it is completely far from the truth,” he pointed out.

“My concern is the people of Grand Bahama and their safety which includes me and my family. I take it very personally because it is personal attack against me, and it has nothing to do with the facts.

“I am concerned. If I was not concerned I would not put the weight of government resources behind the research. Secondly, I am very concerned because I live in Grand Bahama; and thirdly, I practice medi-

cine in this community for many years. This is the reason I wanted to have an evidence-based report that had scientific parameters in place, and try to listen carefully to the concerns of the community, but at the same time take a scientific approach to analysing the entire issue as it relates to safety and environmental concerns.”

The PAHO/WHO report also included two recommendations: ongoing air quality monitoring, and to undertake a safety assessment study in the communities, with respect to their proximity to the industrial park.

An E-nose system has already been implemented in the communities and the industrial park sector to monitor air quality.

And on Friday, the government contracted the Antea Group of the Netherlands to undertake a 10-13 week safety assessment of the Pinder’s Point, Lewis Yard and Hawksbill communities.

FLORIDA STUDENTS BRING THEIR CLASSROOM TO GRAND BAHAMA

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net TEACHERS and students from Fleming Island High School in Jacksonville, Florida visited Grand Bahama as part of a travelling classroom experience.

The group of 36 travelled onboard the Carnival Elation and arrived in Freeport on Friday. They attended a presentation held by the Ministry of Tourism and were taken on a city tour.

The students experienced a Junkanoo rush-out, and also got the opportunity to meet Junior Minister of Tourism Gabriel Josephs, who won the regional title last year.

Laura Kirk, hospitality and tourism teacher at Fleming High School, said the group has cruised for the last four years. She said they try to teach the class with hands on experiences.

Tourism in the Bahamas was the topic of focus for the students. This was their first visit to Grand Bahama.

Ms Kirk believes that it is important to learn about different tourism sectors outside of the United States. She said that it is very beneficial to the stu-

dents’ learning process in terms of selecting possible career fields.

The students learned about the history of the islands; how to travel, where to stay, and about all the fun-filled activities that the island has to offer.

Karenda Swain, the Ministry of Tourism’s assistant manager of training and education for Grand Bahama, said that the visit was important for the group and helped the students to see and experience the different aspects of tourism offered outside of their country.

Mr Josephs also weighed in on the trip.

“The students had the unique opportunity to see, and to walk around, and to know that every person that they meet is deeply affected by our tourism industry, and that’s a unique proposition,” he said.

The group ended the day with a tour of the island, visiting the candle and perfume factories, and the Port Lucaya Market Place to experience authentic Bahamian cuisine.

Fleming Island High School went on to New Providence on Saturday as part their second day of adventures in the country.

THE TRIBUNE

Paid advertisement

Tuesday, February 21, 2017, PAGE 11