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TheWeekend Tribune Established 1903

Volume:114 No.66, February 24th, 2017

WEEKEND: FROM HIGH SCHOOL FRIENDSHIP TO LESSONS IN LOVE

Sparks fly at PLP meeting

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1

Friday, February 24, 2017 charity animals theatr e film fashion entertainme nt food

Weekend

Pages 20&21

Love blooms at last

From classmates to soulmate s

Smith and Munroe supporters at odds in Freetown

Weddings, pages 14&15

ONE-YEAR-OLD GIRL INJURED AND MAN KILLED IN SHOOTING A MAN is dead and a one-year-old girl and two men are in hospital after a shooting at Scott Street, off Hospital Lane, police said last night.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean said the shooting occurred shortly after 7.30pm but had limited information about the incident.

“We just know that this group of people were outside a residence on Scott Street when people shot them and they were rushed to hospital,” ACP Dean said.

He said two men with handguns approached and fired several shots at the group standing in front of the home before fleeing the area on foot.

SEE PAGE NINE

POLICE UNEASY AT MOVE TO CALL IN RBDF IN CRIME FIGHT

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net TENSIONS ran high last night in the newly renamed Freetown constituency, as supporters for the candidacy of Public Hospitals Authority Chairman Frank Smith clashed with supporters of attorney Wayne Munroe over who should be selected as the Progressive Liberal Party’s standard bearer for the area.

According to unconfirmed reports, Mr Munroe, QC, is expected to be named as the PLP’s candidate when the party ratifies more hopefuls tonight, however party officials last night said a decision had not been made.

belles oF the ball

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

RAISED voices inside the Progressive Liberal Party meeting at Pilgrim Baptist church in Kemp Road last night, above, and Senator Frank Smith, right.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff In a meeting filled with bombarded by claims from verbal altercations, pleas each side about why their for community improve- candidate of choice would ments and even arguments best serve the party’s interwith reporters, members of est in the upcoming general the PLP’s Candidates Com- election. mittee, led by party ChairSEE PAGE SIX man Bradley Roberts, were

MINNIS: INTERCEPTION BILL WAS A POWER GRAB BY GOVT

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

THE attempt to debate and pass the recently delayed Interception of Communications Bill by the Christie administration was yesterday branded as the government’s latest effort to “seize and wield more ill-gotten power” by Free National

Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Killarney MP insisted that if advanced, the bill would have acted as yet another weapon in the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) campaign arsenal.

“There should be no doubt that this government’s effort to introduce their ‘Spy Bill’ under the cov-

er of night was another effort of the desperate PLP to seize and wield more ill-gotten power,” Dr Minnis said.

“Bahamians everywhere have been subjected to nearly five years of their schemes, their empty rhetoric and series of broken promises.

“This is nothing new for the PLP; it was this government that illegally

operated the National Intelligence Agency without introducing a bill to legalise it.

“And while the people’s voices were heard and together we were able to derail their latest power play, we must stand vigilant as the election nears and the PLP becomes more and more desperate.”

SEE PAGE THREE

TOUR PULLOUT BLOW FOR GRAND BAHAMA

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahama’s already-reeling tourism economy has been dealt a new blow after its “largest supplier of room nights” and stopover visitors announced it was cancelling all services to the island for this summer.

Vacation Express’s withdrawal from the Grand Bahama market was said to have been

sparked by a lack of available guest accommodation due to the closures of the Memories and Grand Lucayan properties, which has taken 1,500 rooms out of the hotel sector’s inventory.

The Vacation Express pull-out is the second ‘abandonment’ of Grand Bahama within a month by its immediate owner, the Sunwing Travel Group, which also controls the Blue Diamond Resorts brand that operated the

Memories resort.

Vacation Express was Sunwing’s tour operator arm, providing visitors with Grand Bahama vacation packages and flying them in on charter flights, including its owner’s Sunwing Airlines.

Three weeks ago, Sunwing said that it remained fully committed to supporting Grand Bahama’s tourism economy through the continuation of airlift.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

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SOME Royal Bahamas Police Force officers are uneasy with the Christie administration’s decision to call in the Royal Bahamas Defence Force to assist them with policing, Police Staff Association Chairman Inspector Dwight Smith said yesterday.

“If we are in charge of doing something as police in this country and you hear other people are coming in from the military, how is that going to make you feel?” he questioned.

SEE PAGE NINE

BUTLER-TURNER FEARS HALL UNPREPARED FOR ELECTION

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

OFFICIAL Opposition Leader Loretta Butler-Turner is concerned that the Parliamentary Registration Department and Parliamentary Commissioner Sherlyn Hall are not prepared to handle “something as important” as a general election.

“My concern obviously goes to the fact that this is late in the game and we have had issues with the (June 2016) referendum and the returns with regards to those,” Mrs Butler-Turner told reporters this week.

SEE PAGE NINE

PAGE 2, Friday, February 24, 2017

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Praying for The Grove to overcome effects of crime

SENIOR Pastor at the Church of God of Prophecy Bishop Anthony Roker and his church members held a prayer drive along with Sam Williams, president of The Bahamas Love and Care Association, in the Grove.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

A LOCAL prayer network yesterday held the second of a series of prayer drives geared toward “bettering our communities and saving lives”, with organisers stressing that the connection between crime and inner-city communities has more to do with the failure of the Church and respective homes, rather than the shortcomings of the government.

Led by Bishop Anthony Roker, pastor of Church of God of Prophecy on Second Street and Palm Tree Avenue in The Grove, and area resident Sam Williams, the group took to the St Cecilia community to interact with nearby residents and passers by.

The church sits yards from a property where a

were boys that I watched grow up.

“I can’t blame the politicians when I see these children take steps every day. It is on me and the people, the praying people of this community, to do all we could to save our kids before they become the problems in our neighbourhood. We need to start now to save the next generation. We need to strengthen our families, like they were. We need to strengthen our churches, like they were. We need to put God back in our hearts and actions like we once did,” added Bishop Roker.

Mr Williams encouraged former residents of communities like St Cecilia, The Grove, Yellow Elder and Englerston that have “taken a step forward in life” to

triple shooting occurred two weeks ago, resulting in three men being transported to hospital. Additionally, according to Bishop Roker, the area has been a hotspot for serious gun crimes throughout its history.

“Today needed to happen,” the minister said.

“We have seen the death and the violence on these streets; the bloodshed continues day after day. We had to stand today to save our community before it is lost. We have kids here, mothers, families. It is easy to blame the government, but until we in the Church do do all we can to serve these people, we can’t point the finger. I have seen these men, the ones that die and the ones that are labelled killers; these

return to their former communities and lend a helping hand to those that are still struggling.

Mr Williams, who identified himself as a former associate of former Deputy Prime Minister Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt, implored people like her to again walk the streets with him, “praying together, worshipping together, rebuilding our communities together”.

In mid-January the pair held a similar vigil in The Grove, at that time calling on residents in the community to “reach out more to one another” and “see what we can do” to curb crime in the community. At the time Bishop Roker claimed the group’s main objective was to help the young men in the community.

SAM WILLIAMS, president of The Bahamas Love and Care Association, speaking to The Tribune following the prayer drive yesterday.

Commonwealth Bank Donates $25,000 to BNT for National Parks The Greening of The Bahamas – Commonwealth Bank this week presented a cheque for $25,000 to the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) to boost support for park management. The bank has partnered with the BNT for decades, helping to take a lead in historic and park preservation.

Pictured L-R, Eric Carey, BNT Executive Director, Lynn Gape, BNT Deputy Executive Director, Denise Turnquest, Senior Vice President, Credit Risk, Commonwealth Bank, Janet Johnson, BNT Deputy President, Simon Townend, BNT Honorary Treasurer.

With more than two million acres of parks, wetlands and biodiversity to manage and a constant need to staff and monitor green spaces in 32 parks, the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) this week got a much-needed $25,000 boost from one of its longest-running supporters, Commonwealth Bank.

“We are extremely grateful to Commonwealth Bank for its support,” said BNT Executive Director Eric Carey. “Commonwealth Bank has always been there when we needed them and they are a leading corporate citizen when it comes to partnerships that make lives better whether indoor in a classroom or outside in one of our many national parks.”

For the bank, the donation was an extension of a relationship that dates back decades.

In the 1980s, Commonwealth Bank funded a series of videos reporting on and recording the historic sites and buildings of The Bahamas. That series which aired on TV and was shown in classrooms still stands today as the hallmark visual of historic landmarks, said Carey.

“The technology has changed, but the bank’s support has not,” he noted.

In 2011, the bank donated funds specifically for Harrold and Wilson Pond, enabling the Trust to complete infrastructure and build a structure so students could study

abundant bird and wildlife of the area that lies in the heart of Nassau but was largely inaccessible to the public.

According to Denise Turnquest, Commonwealth Bank Senior Vice President, Credit Risk, supporting the BNT was an easy decision.

“The Bahamas National Trust fulfills a role in this country that no other organization does, managing the entire network of 32 national parks across a 500-mile long archipelago,” said Turnquest. “Whether you are snorkeling in the Exuma Land and Sea Park or walking the boardwalk at Harrold and Wilson Pond, you have the National Trust to thank for keeping the parks healthy and open and we all know that green spaces help to create healthier and happier residents, especially in cities like Nassau with high density populations. We congratulate the Trust and applaud the work they do and we encourage the public to continue their support of the Bahamas National Trust.”

Commonwealth Bank also partnered with groups making a difference following Hurricane Matthew in October, contributing nearly $500,000 to relief organizations, lending payment deferrals and assistance to staff and customers. Throughout the year, the bank with $1.5 billion in assets and some 6,000 shareholders supports dozens of causes, none more so than education in which it has poured more than $1 million in a decade partnering with the Ministry of Education. The bank has branches in New Providence, Grand Bahama and Abaco.

Errata In Commonwealth Bank’s commitment to support and celebrate Nature and the Environment, including publication of the bank’s annual calendar, we inadvertently misidentified the photographer of the Inagua Green Turtle that is featured on the September 2017 page. The photo was taken by Olga Stokes, not Melissa Maura. We apologize for the mistake and continue to take pride in this nation for its 2009 enactment of legislation banning the slaughter of sea turtles.

Photo left by Olga Stokes and photo right by Melissa Maura.

| “Leader in Personal Banking Services”

www.combankltd.com

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, February 24, 2017, PAGE 3

$35,000 awarded in lawsuit over policeman assault

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net A LAWYER who refused to submit to measures at the Magistrate’s Court complex requiring body searches for contraband was yesterday awarded $35,000 in a civil suit against Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade and the Office of the Attorney General, concerning an assault on him by a senior policeman at the facility five years ago.

Calvin Seymour alleged that Superintendent Oscar Sands, now deceased, assaulted him on March 29, 2012 and on April 3, 2012.

On the initial occasion, Sands allegedly poked Mr Seymour in the side with his cane in front of his clients and members of the public and threatened to arrest him if he refused to submit to a personal search. On the second occasion, Sands allegedly forcefully tried to prevent Mr Seymour from entering court nine.

Mr Seymour had sought general damages, exemplary damages, interest, further or other relief and costs as a result of the incidents.

On April 3, 2012, Mr Seymour entered the court and Sands allegedly pulled him away and told him he was under arrest. Asked the reason for his arrest, Sands allegedly told Mr Seymour that he suspected him of “carrying stuff”. Mr Seymour, a former assistant superintendent of police, said that no other attorney was subjected to the same treatment.

Attorney Michael Kemp, also deceased, and Maria Zancolla who witnessed the alleged incident testified on

OSCAR SANDS Mr Seymour’s behalf in the civil action.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Leon Bethell and former Deputy Commissioner Quinn McCartney were called as defence witnesses.

The latter pair said they were at the court complex on March 23 and they saw Mr Seymour bypass the walk through metal detectors and refuse to have his bag searched. Mr McCartney said that Mr Seymour’s conduct stood out to him because he did not submit to the security protocols as other persons.

In his ruling yesterday, Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs said that based on the evidence: “I find on a balance of probabilities that the evidence of the plaintiff is to be preferred.

“The minute (report) by Sands does not carry much weight given the other evidence. There does not appear anywhere in the evidence presented by the defendants any suspicion that the plaintiff was committing a crime worthy of being searched or arrested.

“The evidence of McCartney and Bethel on behalf of the defendants did not add any weight to the minute of Sands as neither

was an eye witness to the alleged assault and neither were in earshot of the plaintiff and Sands when words were exchanged. I accept that the actions of Sands towards the plaintiff took place among members of the public and naturally caused the plaintiff embarrassment given his role as counsel,” the judge noted.

The judge in a ruling handed down yesterday found that “what the plaintiff prays for is open to interpretation.”

“I can only assume that the plaintiff is seeking general damages for assault, battery, unlawful arrest, unlawful search and false imprisonment even though the prayer does not spell it out,” the judge noted.

“Reliance on Merson v Cartwright [1994] BHS J number 54 does not assist the plaintiff. The facts in Person were far more extreme than in the instant case. Merson, a female, was locked in a cell with men and treated with contempt.

Her gender and medical condition exacerbated the circumstances,” the judge added.

“The circumstances in the present case come nowhere close to that level of seriousness. In any event the prayer in the instant case for general damages in a generic sense cannot yield as a result, as it is not specified which of the five complaints listed above is the plaintiff relying on to secure damages.”

Senior Justice Isaacs noted: “The claim for exemplary damages is more clear from the facts as the plaintiff is an officer of the court and was humiliated by the actions of Sands.”

“The case of Tynes v Barr [199] 45 WLR7 demonstrates that counsel, by weight of his profession, ought to be given exemplary damages to discourage this kind of conduct exhibited

by Sands from being meted out to any other counsel,” the judge stressed.

“Given the limited amount of contact and the brevity of the incidents described by the plaintiff, an award of $35,000 is made to the plaintiff representing exemplary damages,” the judge ruled, adding that interest “is to run from the date of judgment until payment at six percent.”

Senior Justice Isaacs also awarded legal costs to Mr Seymour “to be taxed if not agreed.”

Days after the second incident, when informed of the civil suit being lodged, Supt Sands told The Tribune that he did nothing wrong and was only being professional.

“If he feels like I assaulted him and wants to take it to court, then that’s his right. I try to be professional in my duties and my conduct so I don’t know about that,” Supt Sands told The Tribune in 2012.

At the time, Supt Sands said he was going to “continue to make people coming to the court feel safe” by carrying out his duties to the fullest as the officer responsible for the new facility.

He said: “If someone gets hurt coming into this building because we the police didn’t do our jobs properly, then that will be on us.”

Mr Seymour was represented by Gia Moxey while David Higgins appeared for the defendants in the civil action.

DR HUBERT MINNIS, Leader of The Free National Movement.

MINNIS: INTERCEPTION BILL WAS A POWER GRAB BY GOVT

from page one

“Let’s call their ‘Spy Bill’ for what it is – an effort to gain a political advantage for an oppressive government to use the power of government to intimidate and spy on Bahamians who would stand up to them.”

He added: “There is an election around the corner so it’s no coincidence of the timing. This is an election where the PLP will be called to answer for their disastrous record in office.

“We can expect more efforts to tip the scales in their favour, and we have seen that they are willing to go to any length to hold onto power.”

Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson, QC, on Tuesday night defended the need for the bill but announced that her office will lead a “period of public consultation” on the legislation.

Mrs Maynard-Gibson said this decision was made because of concerns that the public was being “misled very substantially” about the content of the proposed legislation and that much of the debate over the issue has been partisan.

Despite this, however, Leader of Government Business Dr Bernard Not-

tage said Mrs MaynardGibson’s statement did not mean the bill had been “delayed”.

Dr Nottage, minister of national security, said the bill had been tabled and the government was responding to the perception being adopted by members of the public.

He stated: “It’s clear to us that the purpose of the bill is being misrepresented by those who are commenting on it, and like we have done with many bills in the past, we have determined that we will have a public education exercise so that the public will know exactly what the bills are about rather than listening to hearsay which is inaccurate.”

“So it’s not a delay, we don’t have a time-frame before or after that the bill must be done.”

The bill was tabled in the House of Assembly earlier this month.

It aims to create a “single legal framework” that would allow the commissioner of police, or someone acting on his behalf, to obtain a warrant from a judge to intercept and examine a person’s communications from telecommunications operators, internet providers and postal services for a period of three months.

The legislation would repeal the Listening Devices Act.

LEGAL DISCUSSIONS CONTINUE IN BANKER MURDER TRIAL

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

THURSDAY marked a second day that the jury hearing evidence in the trial concerning the murder of a banker was excused from the proceedings for another 24 hours.

The 12-member jury for the trial of 26-year-old Lamar Albury had been told to return to the Supreme Court yesterday at 10.30am having been excused for Wednesday’s court session due to a legal issue that arose requiring discussions between Crown and defence counsel in their absence.

However, when they entered Senior Justice Vera Watkins’ courtroom, they found that their presence would not be needed for another day as the judge said that the issue was still not

resolved from the previous day.

“Your presence here is not yet required until tomorrow (Friday) at 10.30am,” the judge added.

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

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.

Albury maintained his “not guilty” plea to the murder charge he faces

when the trial began on Monday.

The jury heard on the first day of trial from Albury’s father and brother that he allegedly confessed to his relatives that he fatally stabbed the 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.

On Tuesday, Smith’s housekeeper testified that in the three months she’d known Albury, the accused had been to Smith’s apartment on three occasions and on the other two occasions, they were seen in Smith’s Jeep drinking.

Detective Const Leonardo Dean also took the witness stand and said that on December 21, 2015 around 3.30pm, he went to the scene of an alleged homicide on St Albans Drive.

MAN DIES AFTER TRAFFIC ACCIDENT A MALE driver who was involved in a traffic accident that occurred on Charles Saunders Highway on February 6 died in hospital yesterday, police said.

The accident also killed a 32-year-old North Andros woman earlier this month during the head-on collision, which happened shortly after midnight.

Speaking earlier this month, officer-in-charge of the Traffic Division, Assistant Superintendent Craig Stubbs said firefighters had to use “the Jaws of Life” to extract the woman, who was a front seat passenger.

He also said previously that police believe the accident occurred while one of the vehicles was attempting to “overtake” another travelling in the same direction.

The dead woman was earlier identified as Yosheakan Yolette Vivido, of North Andros. ASP Stubbs said Vivido had arrived in New

Providence for a job interview the next day.

“EMS personnel were called to the scene, just east of Sadie Curtis Primary School, after police received reports of a traffic accident,” ASP Stubbs said earlier this month.

“Information is that two vehicles, a 1999 Nissan Primera driven by an man with a woman passenger and an adult male passenger collided with a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu driven by a male.

“One of the vehicles was attempting to overtake when the collision occurred. Both vehicles received extensive frontend damage. EMS services responded and firefighters used the Jaws of Life to remove the woman front seat passenger and the male driver of the Nissan. The female was pronounced dead on the scene.”

The male victim, who died yesterday, was being treated in hospital.

He was given information and instructions from a superior officer and when he went into unit six of the complex, he observed a deceased male clad in black shirt and blue jeans that were pulled down to his ankles.

The investigator said he also observed shoe impressions with suspected blood, blood on the walls leading upstairs, broken glass on the floor, items scattered across the master bedroom floor and a computer note-

book covered in blood.

The detective said he photographed all of his observations and areas pointed out to him throughout the scene.

Cpl Davon Frazier testified that on December 23, 2015, he went to the Rand Laboratory and spoke with forensic pathologist Dr Caryn Sands who conducted an autopsy of a man with multiple injuries to the head, neck, shoulder and extremities.

Cpl Frazier said he photo-

graphed the injuries of the deceased male and that the pathologist also collected a tube of blood, a container of muscle tissue, liver and bone, an anal swab, a penile swab and oral swab that she handed to him in a biohazard bag.

The bag was handed over to the police forensics lab for analysis, the jury heard.

Michael Hanna represents Albury while Cordell Frazier and Anya Allen are prosecuting the case.

PAGE 4, Friday, February 24, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

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Britain’s new Commonwealth relationship FOLLOWING last year’s referendum on Britain’s relationship with the European Union (EU) and the momentous decision to leave, ‘Brexit’ has remained top of the international news agenda because the likely effects will be far-reaching beyond Europe itself.

But the emphasis of the domestic debate has been on the nature of ‘Brexit’ and how it will be implemented within the two-year period provided for in Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty.

Inevitably, at this early stage, there has been less public attention given to Britain’s future international role post’Brexit’, though more indications are emerging of the potential for enhanced co-operation with the rest of the world, not least with the 52 members of the Commonwealth.

Prime Minister Theresa May has made it clear that the United Kingdom (UK), freed from the shackles of the EU, will seek to re-engage with the rest of the world as a newly self-governing and independent global trading nation; and this means, in the words of Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, bringing to bear not only commercial but also diplomatic, military and cultural influence.

It seems that such an approach will provide an opportunity for Britain to reestablish and re-invigorate her longstanding - though in some cases neglected - relationships with her former colonies in the Commonwealth which have a shared history and language as well as common values and principles together with close cultural links and similar legal and parliamentary systems. Not least among these are the 15 Realms, including the Bahamas, with whom there is a special bond because The Queen is their head of state.

When Britain joined the European Economic Community, known as the Common Market, in 1973, all powers over trade relations were transferred to the European Commission in Brussels.

But, after disentangling herself from the EU, she will be able, as a major trading nation, to agree new commercial deals and partnerships with the Commonwealth and worldwide. In parallel, there is likely to be renewed collaboration in the fields of investment and aid together with more technical, educational and cultural co-operation.

Against this background, we were

intrigued to note in the UK press last week publication of a letter from 45 British members of Parliament to the Home Secretary (the minister responsible for internal affairs and immigration) asking that citizens of Commonwealth countries should have their UK visas fast-tracked and that there should be a new visa regime making it easier, in particular, for young people to enter the country for purposes of study. In addition, the MPs proposed that there should be dedicated border control lines at airports for Commonwealth visitors, not only as a gesture of welcome and friendship in the new circumstances of a post-’Brexit’ UK but also as part of the rebuilding of relationships with those countries.

This letter follows a call in 2015 for separate immigration channels for visitors from the Realms. Reportedly, the issue is due to be debated in Parliament next week in advance of a meeting in London of Commonwealth trade ministers in March. So the focus is already on the development of closer co-operation in the future.

Meanwhile, with the House of Lords currently debating ‘Brexit’, and despite former Prime Minister Tony Blair’s heavily criticised attempt to persuade people that their decision to leave the EU was made in ignorance of the facts and should be reversed, it is now likely that the ‘Brexit’ negotiations will be launched before too long. We believe, therefore, that in order to be ahead of the game it is not too early for policymakers in the Caribbean to take the initiative and start exploring both the substance and practicalities of a potential new relationship with Britain.

The effect of a weaker pound sterling may result in fewer tourists coming to our shores in the immediate future.

But, in the longer term, countries like the Bahamas should take advantage of our likely special position post-’Brexit’ and determine how we might be able to benefit from Britain’s renewed interest in her former colonies. This should mean the development of stronger ties with the former ‘mother country’ - most importantly in relation to trade and investment but, equally, in so many other areas which link us through our history of wide association, common interests and longstanding friendship.

PM speech full of cliché EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE PM’s speech to the SIDS UN Conference at Melia yesterday.

I discovered that ZNS TV was covering it live so I stayed and watched.

Cliché after cliché - but what was interesting his heavy emphasis on the proposed National Plan and the potentials of global climate warming and the probable devastating affects it would have on our islands.

As usual the speech was inspiring but so contradictory....let’s not take it from him he can speak but has shown over and over his words do not convert into economic op-

portunities and actions.

Did the PM actually accept his Government had failed in improving the status quo of our economy and us?

There is tantamount to zero chance for more than 1-2% of the National Plan to ever come to pass in the next 6-10 years for the same admission of the Prime Minister - funding. Airports $125 million to upgrade good example.

The initial Report needs to be satisfied first - as that identified so clearly the incompetents and inadequacies of the governance of our country.

Solve those issues first that will start us on a posi-

tive road, finally - conservatively that will take six-eight years.

The PLP has been in office over the past 20 years - at least 10 of them - our primary bread earner Tourism has made no progress - stay-over visitors are still the same as they were back 10 years ago.

Imagine the Minister responsible for BP&L takes credit for the drop in fuel surcharge - sir, the sole reason surcharge came down was because of the drop in global fuel costs. Going up soon ... be warned.

T HUDSON Nassau, February 22, 2017.

Rebel 7 in political abyss EDITOR, The Tribune.

ON December 7th, 2016, Loretta Butler-Turner and six other Free National Movement Members of Parliament submitted a letter to the Governor General, expressing no confidence in opposition and FNM leader, Dr Hubert Minnis. They were referred to as the Rebel 7. This essentially caused Minnis to be fired from his job as Her Majesty’s Leader of the Opposition.

History tells us that in 1970, the dissident 8 broke off from the PLP and formed a group called the Free Progressive Liberal Party (FPLP).

These dissident members of parliament comprised of legendary Bahamians like Cecil Wallace Whitfield, Arthur Foulkes and Maurice Moore who had a conviction to change the course of politics in this country and they eventually succeeded.

Led by Wallace-Whitfield, the FNM was eventually formed. But where will the Rebel 7 of today end up?

Their leader ButlerTurner made history when she became the first female leader of the official opposition. She came out with guns blazing and made some noteworthy Senate appointments. She appointed Democratic National Alliance (DNA) leader Branville McCartney, Monique Gomez and Jude Knowles.

She also appointed controversial community activist Mr Rodney Moncur. This was a group that she said represented a microcosm of

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net society.

She seemed poised as the new opposition leader to make some big inroads on the weakened political scene. But this fairy tale did not last long and the harsh reality started to set in.

Immediately after the new Senators were sworn in, trouble began as Senator Moncur made a controversial statement to a Tribune reporter about marital rape.

Butler-Turner apologized for Moncur’s comments the following day. Then a public pronouncement by McCartney that there was no coalition with Butler-Turner and the DNA, left her with essentially no foot to stand on. This was in contradiction to an earlier statement that she had made which led the public to believe that a coalition with the DNA and the rebel 7 was imminent.

And then Edison Key announced at the PLP convention that he had joined the PLP. He had essentially been led by Butler-Turner for less than two months before he jumped ship again. Additionally, the self-proclaimed leader of the women dem and beach movement Senator Moncur continues his rants on his popular talk show Freedom March. He has made many personal attacks on well know figures in society and while he has a loyal following, some believe that his actions are not becoming of a Senator.

Dr Andre Rollins re-

cently admitted that in hind sight Butler-Turner made a mistake by appointing Moncur and McCartney to the Senate. Rollins also suggested recently that he would welcome the idea of running as a candidate under the FNM, which is led

by Dr Minnis, the same leader who he recently had no confidence in.

Furthermore, McCartney has told Butler-Turner that she should fire him if she believed he misled her on coalition talks with the DNA that were supposedly at its height after she had become leader of the official opposition.

So is Butler-Turner also a leader in wanting as some persons suggest Dr Minnis is? Is she also an ineffective leader given the way things have turned out for her in less than three months as opposition leader? What are the plans of the Rebel 7 who are now the Rebel 6 and could soon be the Rebel 5 if Dr Rollins becomes an FNM candidate? Will they form their own political party or will they form a coalition with another political party? If the PLP follows the constitution, general elections will be called in approximately 10 weeks so the Rebel MPs time to mobilise an effective team and campaign seems an almost impossible feat.

What is certain though is that the now Rebel 6 are in complete disarray and could very soon be reduced to the political abyss.

DEHAVILLAND MOSS Nassau, February 23, 2017.

NHI - what precisely is it going to cost us?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

WE now see and hear the roll-out what NHI is going to offer and clearly there should be an immediate Customer Beware insertion as what we see that NHI is going to provide behind the flam are hidden costs if you need surgical services or services outside of the

minimum which is basically what NHI is going to provide.

Can the NHI Secretariat confirm these points?

(1) I am thinking of getting pregnant - when baby is due is delivery at PMH free or what is going to be the cost?

(2) My child plays sports. apt to injury - so he breaks

his arm - how much will that cost to have set and if necessary surgery to correct the break?

(3) My child, like so many, suffers from acute Asthma - unfortunately many children do so when he/she has an attack will I have to pay at PMH for treatment – even just receiving oxygen?

(4) People over 65 Pensioners - surely Government is not taking from them what they receive today? Medical services are free. whatever the complaint and whatever medical service they require?

(5) Can NHI publish a schedule of what the costs of medical treatment not

covered under NHI will be?

The PLP campaign in 2012 promised a lot - they did not carry out what they promised – I smell a rat - this NHI as now planned is yet another broken promise.

PM Christie said this was to stop the loss of 700 lives - where and how, Mr PM?

Folks when the PLP candidate in your area comes knocking demand from him or her to know precisely what NHI will not be providing to you and what will be the costs.

W THOMPSON Nassau, February 22, 2017.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, February 24, 2017, PAGE 5

Waiting game to see if rebels are serious about working with FNM

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net FREE National Movement Chairman Sidney Collie said yesterday he will “wait and see” if Long Island MP Loretta ButlerTurner or Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins are “serious” about wanting to work with the FNM to ensure the Progressive Liberal Party does not win the next election before he comments on their “public utterances”.

Mr Collie told The Tribune that despite a disciplinary tribunal convened to investigate them, both Mrs Butler-Turner and Dr Rollins are still members of the FNM. Mr Collie also said there have been no proceedings to expel them.

When asked if he believes the dissident MPs were genuine in their statements about possibly working with the FNM, Mr Collie said: “It’s political season and people are posturing and saying what sounds good.”

He added: “We will wait and see if they make an attempt, the party has always been here.

“There isn’t really anything I can say about their comments, this is the political environment, political season so people are posturing and saying what they think people want to hear.

I don’t want to be drawn into those discussions. I am chairman of a major political

party and we are positioning ourselves to win the election.

“Show me your banana, show me your skin. Both of these persons are members of the FNM as of today.

There have been no proceedings to expel them. I have not received any letter of resignation and to date there has not been any of them that named against an FNM (candidate). Our constitution says you are an FNM in good standings unless you are expelled or you resign or you nominate against another FNM.” On Wednesday, Mrs Butler-Turner said it was “very likely” the PLP will be returned as the government unless splintered opposition forces can put the future of the country before their own egos.

She said that the path to achieving a unified opposition is “very straightforward” but was blocked largely by the leadership desires of all persons involved.

She maintained that, despite the protestations of other groupings, the only team that she has not had formal talks with was the FNM. Last week, while making his contribution in the House of Assembly, Dr Rollins said despite all that has happened, he is a member of the FNM. He suggested he would be prepared to work with the FNM if it meant the PLP would not win the next general election.

FNM chairman Sidney Collie.

Seven “rebel” FNM MPs ousted Dr Minnis as leader of the Official Opposition in the House of Assembly, and appointed Mrs ButlerTurner in December last year. The FNM has ap-

pointed a three-person tribunal to decide the fate of Mrs Butler-Turner and the six other members of Parliament, and that process is continuing.

Out of that group, Mrs

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff Butler-Turner was the only named attorney Adrian MP who had received a Gibson as her replacement. nomination from the FNM Mrs Butler-Turner has for the upcoming general since indicated plans to run election. After her move, as an independent candithe Long Island ratification date for Long Island in the was rescinded and the party next election.

CHRISTIE HIGHLIGHTS ROLE OF ENVIRONMENT IN EDUCATION

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Perry Christie met an unemployed 34-year-old woman with eight children two weeks ago, he told teachers yesterday, pondering whether the country’s education system is equipped to help children who grow up with significant disadvantages.

“What are we concluding as to the environment that the child is hostage to or captured by and logically what do we expect given the hostility of the environment that those children are brought up in?” he asked.

Mr Christie, who himself was expelled from high school before being given a second chance, emphasised the need to not give up on students who fail to reach

DRIVE-BY SHOOTING VICTIM IN HOSPITAL A MAN is in hospital after he was shot during a drive-by shooting on Wednesday morning, police said.

According to initial reports from police, two men were driving in a vehicle on Cowpen Road shortly before 9am Wednesday when two men inside a white Honda Fit pulled up and shot one of them.

The assailants then sped off.

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

Police also reported that officers from the southwestern division arrested two men after seizing a handgun on Tuesday.

According to police, around 4pm, officers were on routine patrol in Sunset Park where they saw two men walking who aroused their suspicion. The two, on seeing the officers, fled on foot and threw a handgun under a parked vehicle, police said.

The officers gave chase and caught both of them.

A pistol with eight live rounds of ammunition was retrieved from under the parked vehicle. The two suspects were subsequently taken into custody.

Investigations into both incidents are ongoing.

academic heights.

His remarks came during the opening ceremony of an inaugural education conference hosted by the Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) at the British Colonial Hilton Hotel yesterday morning.

“My concern is our educational system quite rightly focuses on advancing the kids who do well in school, but has the fundamental flaw of not being able to design a system to lift up and elevate those who were in my category who were deemed incapable of matching the smarts of those who were doing well in the class,” he said.

Mr Christie highlighted the plights of two other people with whom he recently in-

teracted, people who excelled in school but did not further their educational experiences.

“A young lady was brought to my office looking for a job recently,” he said.

“She had eight BGCSEs with good grades. And I asked her why were you not in the University of The Bahamas and she was finding it difficult to explain and ultimately she said, she got pregnant and her mother said she had to go to work.

“This is a child. I employed her because I wanted to give myself thinking time as to how to get this young lady, that had a similar experience to what I had, back into the mainstream and give her the opportunity to

do the best I can.”

He continued: “I was dealing with applications with customs and there was a young man whose application I saw who had eight As, all the sciences As and was applying for a job with customs. So I looked at the form and called his phone number after 8pm in my office and said ‘this is the prime minister and I would like to speak to (the young man).’ He came on the phone and said, ‘this really the prime minister?’ I said ‘yes and what I would like

to ask you is, why are you not at university?’ He said, ‘my mommy said I had to go to work.’ I said ‘is your mommy home?’ He said no.

He said ‘my sister is home.’

I said ‘are they working?’

He said no and started to explain (his situation) to me.

“He went to one of the government schools but here we are in our country with kids who excelled in school but circumstances, be they economic or be it simply that the parents are not understanding or ap-

preciating what educational opportunities exist and are available (are hindering them from going further); because they couldn’t get a full scholarship.”

Mr Christie implored teachers to recognise that “some of our gifted children are not getting the opportunities they should”.

“That’s where we have to put some focus,” he said.

“Find a way for me please to recognise that there are many Perry Christies in that bottom tier of students.”

PAGE 6, Friday, February 24, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

ATTORNEY GENERAL THANKS CIVIC GROUPS AFTER INTERCEPT BILL DELAY ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard-Gibson said she is happy that the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Federation, the Organisation for Responsible Government and other civil society organisations have recognised the government’s commitment to public consultation on the controversial Interception of Communications Bill.

“Initial consultations with BCCEF, ORG and

others led to the decision that further consultation, led by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), was necessary to inform the public about this important piece of legislation,” she said in a statement released last night. “I publicly thank them for their agreement to collaborate with OAG. “The Interception of Communications Bill is a very important crimefighting tool in the arsenal of the Royal Bahamas

Police Force. It recognises that the means of communication have changed significantly since 1972.

And it protects citizens by placing the decision as to whether the police may intercept a communication solely in the hands of the independent judiciary.

“Further protections are that a time limit is set for the interception and any extension must be agreed by the court and the court dictates how re-

cords of those communications should be destroyed.

These protections do not exist under the Listening Devices Act. “In the 2014 Maycock Case the Privy Council said ‘…in the light of the Board’s view that the LDA would not meet current constitutional standards had it been appropriate to apply them, the Bahamian legislature would wish to consider whether the scheme provided by the

LDA should now be revisited and revised.’

“From the conversations we have already had it has become clear that the more people learn about the legislation, the more they support it. Moving forward, and in partnership with civil society, we will work to answer the questions and address the concerns of the Bahamian people. It is in the spirit of this very same partnership that we ask all fair-minded civil society

organizations to discourage the overheated and irresponsible accusations and misinformation that have unfortunately become part of the public discourse,” Mrs Maynard-Gibson said.

Debate on the bill was expected to start on Wednesday, however, considerable push back from members of the opposition as well as civil society prompted Mrs Maynard-Gibson to announce a delay for consultation.

Sparks fly at PLP meeting from page one As scores of party supporters flocked to the Pilgrim Baptist Church Hall on St James Road shortly after 7pm Thursday, the level of agitation between the two sides became clear, with campaign organisers associated with Mr Smith telling persons dressed in Wayne Munroe paraphernalia that they were not welcome inside the “private meeting between the Smith camp and the party.”

This did not go over well, as those turned away became angered by what many of them called “a failing attempt to change the party’s decision.”

Some even accused Mr Smith of busing in people from other areas to give the appearance that he had more support than his rival.

The unrest and the late arrival of many people who supported Mr Smith delayed the official start of the meeting by nearly 45 minutes, which ultimately got under way with a strong decree for peace and order among “strong PLPs”.

This plea by Mr Roberts, at times interrupted by irate supporters of Mr Munroe seated at the back of the hall, ended with the party chairman asking members of the press to vacate the “private” gathering to avoid the ordeal “playing out in the press like those other guys,” referring to infighting in the Free National Movement.

The remainder of the ordeal played out primarily in the foyer and exterior porch of the church’s hall.

Frustration Ormanique Bowe, a senior member of Mr Munroe’s team, told reporters that she made it a point to attend last evening’s meeting despite being informed ahead of time that anyone opposed to the selection of Mr Smith should not attend.

When asked her issue with the meeting she said: “Team Frank (Smith) called this meeting to show that he has the majority of the votes is the constituency; actually he does not. The crowd that you see here is a bought crowd that he went into different constituencies and picked up tonight.

“Wayne Munroe is already the nominated candidate for constituency and will be ratified (Friday night) at Gambier House,” she claimed.

Pointing at the interior of the church hall she added: “What you see in there is a lot of disgruntled PLPs who don’t know what they are going to do.”

Ms Bowe spoke to The Tribune moments after she addressed the Candidates Committee.

When asked about her comments to that group, she said: “I told them that I was a part of Frank Smith’s team and last year when he had his branch elections what they did was (instruct voters on) who they wanted to be elected. When persons went up to the podium, they told them all on top and they told them to vote what was (written) in their hands.”

She added: “That turned me off because I am a woman of fairness and thought it should have been done in

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decency and order without the candidate there because the candidate has nothing to do with the branch.”

According to Ms Bowe, under the watch of Mr Smith, the Freetown constituency, particularly the Kemp Road and Anne’s Town areas, have remained stagnant and povertystricken.

She said while she understands that he didn’t officially represent the area as a member of Parliament over the course of the last five years, his inaction and absence in the area turned voters away.

The area is currently represented by FNM MP Richard Lightbourn.

“The people that make up the heart of this community are tired of Mr Smith.

They know who he is and what he represents. They know he abandoned us as soon as he lost,” she added.

Mr Smith was MP of the St Thomas More constituency from 2002 -2012. That constituency was eliminated in 2012; that year Mr Smith lost the Montagu constituency to Mr Lightbourn.

“Kemp Road knows the PLP, we were always loyal to them. Yes we were folded into an area with a lot of FNM voters, but Kemp Road stood with Frank, and he left us when he didn’t get what he wanted,” Ms Bowe added.

Those that supported Mr Munroe were dressed in ‘Montagu for Monroe’ shirts, implying that candidate has been in and around that community for some time.

This group, consisting of a few dozen people, occupied an open parking area just opposite the church’s hall for much of the evening.

Many of them chatted openly about their reasons for not supporting Mr

THE PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party meeting at Pilgrim Baptist church in Kemp Road last night.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff Smith. Most branded him as “tainted goods,” while all insisted that Mr Munroe stood the best chance to win the area.

On the other end of the spectrum, John Johnson, the loudest advocate for the Public Hospital Authority’s chairman during last night’s meeting, argued that those who opposed Mr Smith stood blind to the obvious - that there was “no way in the world Wayne Munroe could win.”

He also got into a verbal confrontation with members of the press.

When questioned by reporters in the church’s foyer, Mr Johnson said: “I don’t really want to give any information right now. Like the chairman (Mr Roberts) said, this is an internal matter.”

He added: “This is a PLP matter and I really can’t give any information at this time. Now you could come look for me again if the party just so happens to not ratify Frank Smith.”

Mr Johnson took offence

to The Tribune’s line of questioning over the level of support on display for Mr Munroe.

He went on to suggest that The Tribune should “count the shirts,” implying that those present in support of Mr Smith outnumbered those who stood in favour of Mr Munroe.

When asked why supporters of Mr Munroe were turned away from the meeting, he shifted the focus back to the work and effort of Mr Smith in the area in the past.

‘Democracy’ At the conclusion of the nearly two-hour long meeting, PLP trustee Valentine Grimes called Thursday’s ordeal a good indication that the PLP was all about democracy.

He said while some reports had suggested that the selection process for the area was already concluded, the party was still working its way through “all the facts”.

“We haven’t made any decisions,” Mr Grimes said. “This is still open and up for discussions. We will meet tomorrow (Friday) as a committee and at that time, if we come to a decision, then the press would be informed. And if we don’t, you will have to wait

until we do.”

Mr Roberts added: “The decision would be made by the hierarchy of the party.

Everyone who wanted to speak, spoke. The next move will be determined by the hierarchy of the party.”

For his part, Mr Smith, who sat through the entire meeting, said it was nothing new in politics.

“In every constituency, you have persons opposed to anybody who offers as a candidate, no matter what side of the divide you are on and I am no exception.

You would have (vitriol) in any community that you go in. Expectations are very high,” he stated.

“For the last four and half years I did not serve as the sitting member of Parliament. But people hold me in a certain light in this constituency. The resources that are allocated to a member of Parliament to do certain things, those are not in my control. But there is still that huge expectation.”

Mr Smith went on to deny busing in supporters for last night’s meeting and down played the suggestion by many in attendance that he was not capable of winning the Freetown constituency if selected as the PLP’s official candidate.

THREE HELD AFTER DRUGS FIND POLICE in New Providence have two men and a woman in custody after seizing a large amount of drugs in the Soldier Road area yesterday morning.

According to reports, shortly after 9am, Drug Enforcement Unit offic-

ers searched a premises in Calvin Street, off Soldier Road, and found 34lbs of marijuana in a number of small containers and bags.

Two adult males and an adult female were arrested and taken into custody in connection with the seizure.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, February 24, 2017, PAGE 7

Canadian’s anger over poor treatment at Rand Memorial

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A CANADIAN visitor is claiming that the bad patient experience and inadequacies at the Rand Memorial Hospital in Freeport has changed her perception about retiring to Grand Bahama.

The woman, who spoke to The Tribune on the condition of anonymity, has been visiting the island for the past 20 years and was hospitalised on February 1 due to a severe allergic reaction after being bitten by fire ants.

It was her first time at the local public hospital. She claimed that the doctors and nurses were unprofessional and displayed an uncaring attitude towards her and other patients; that the Emergency Room (ER) and restroom facilities were in filthy condition; and that she was billed for medical services that had not been administered.

Hospital administrator

Sharon Williams said yesterday that the hospital is looking into the alleged claims. “As tourist ambassadors and healthcare providers, such complaints are of grave concern to management. The entire patient experience as noted is under full and active review, as management takes seriously our responsibility to the patient, whom we are privileged to serve,” she said.

The Canadian was told by a doctor that her condition was life-threatening and that she would have died had she not got to the hospital in time. Though she is grateful to the doctor who saved her life, she said that her experience in hospital was “terrible”.

She first went to a local clinic but was told to go to the hospital instead. “I was in and out of unconsciousness and I could not swallow any more, or open my eyes.

I was in really bad shape. I did not think I would make it,” she said.

When she arrived at the

hospital, she said she had trouble breathing, and her face, tongue and throat were severely swollen. She claims that she sat in a wheelchair for four hours in the Trauma Unit, waiting to be seen by a doctor because there was no bed available in the ER. The visitor said that, around 6pm, she was taken to a bed in the Emergency Room. She was detained in hospital until 10.30pm.

“There was one lady doctor and a nurse on their cellular phones laughing and texting when patients are in the back crying for help, and they tell them to wait and be patient. I thought that was terrible,” she said.

“There was a woman in a bed beside me who had two strokes and she was hooked up to the machine, and the doctor is there listening to music with the headset on their ears, and I thought if the machine beeps they are not going to hear it.”

The Canadian visitor

said the stroke patient was left unattended with a pressure cuff on her arm. “The cuff around her arm was getting bigger and bigger and the machine was not stopping. When I went to tell the nurse that something is wrong, they were on their cell phones,” she claimed.

The woman, a retired police officer and detective who is trained in CPR and First Aid, said that cellular phone use is not allowed in hospital emergency rooms.

She also claimed that doctors had difficulty drawing blood and inserting IV lines in patients. “They missed my vein three or four times,” she said.

She was also very disturbed by the lack of compassion and care for patients. “I ended up taking care of the woman beside me. She was crying and wanted to know if her sister was there, and when I told the nurse she was worried about that, the nurse told me that is not their priority,” she claimed. “They did

not care … that the woman had been there for 21 hours and not seen anybody.”

The Canadian patient was also concerned about the cleanliness of the ER. “The bars of the beds were stained with dry blood and I saw needles on the floor and blood on cloths in the Emergency Room. I felt like I was in a hospital in World War II – it was filthy.

What I saw … I think someone has to know what is happening,” she said.

The visitor also complained that the cost of care was very high. “I had to pay $250 before they would see me, and then after being treated I was told that I owed an additional $200,” she said. The woman said that the hospital refused to take her travel insurance and requested that she pay cash. She claimed that she was charged for oxygen when she hadn’t received any at the hospital, and that she was subjected to a blood sugar test even though she told the nurse she was not a diabetic.

Although the visitor had travel insurance, she claimed that the hospital would not accept it. “It is a well known insurance company and they want me to pay cash. What if I did not have the money. It was a terrible experience,” she said.

In a statement, administrator Williams said: “We are to take into that some measures for patient monitoring in a busy Accident & Emergency Department may be expected protocol for patient care of which a casual observer may not be aware. However, there is zero tolerance for unprofessionalism and uncaring attitudes.

“Where indicated the requisite disciplinary action is applied and we put in action corrective measures, so as to avoid any recurrence,” she added.

Ms Williams said the hospital welcomes all constructive comments that their internal and external customers may have regarding their services.

HEARING ADJOURNED AS RUFA CONTINUES TO BE DENIED ENTRY TO COUNTRY

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE attorney for Bruno Rufa on Thursday made a request for his criminal trial to be dismissed in the Magistrate’s Court because of the continued refusal by government to allow his client entry to The Bahamas for his trial in Grand Bahama.

Despite repeated requests made last year to the Bahamas Department of Immigration, no permission has been granted to the Canadian, who is unable to travel to the Bahamas without the authorisation of Director of Immigration William Pratt.

Mr Rufa – a longtime condominium owner and winter resident in Freeport - is facing charges of allegedly engaging in gainful occupation without a work permit. He was arrested by immigration officials and charged in January 2015. He was released on $2,500 bail.

During the continuation hearing on Thursday, Carey Leonard, of Callenders & Co law firm which represents Mr Rufa, informed Deputy Chief Magistrate Debbye Ferguson that Rufa was not in court because he had not received permission from the Immigration Department for his entry to The Bahamas.

He said that requests were made in October and November 2016, for Rufa to be permitted in the country to attend his trial, and to deal with hurricane repairs at his unit at the Coral Beach Condominiums. Mr Leonard said the law firm

has not received a response from the Department of Immigration and asked for a dismissal.

He said that Mr Rufa had attended all court dates that were set since the trial started in 2015 before being denied entry into the country.

The attorneys for Rufa have also filed a motion for a constitutional hearing in the Supreme Court concerning a refusal by the Immigration Department to a request to view the criminal file against the Canadian.

The hearing is set for June 14 and 15.

Erica Kemp of the Office of the Attorney General in Freeport, appearing on behalf of the Department of Immigration, felt that the request for a dismissal was premature because the matter has now been referred for a constitutional hearing in the Supreme Court.

“We know that (Rufa) has appeared for trial, however today’s court hearing in the Magistrate’s Court is merely an update for this court because the matter cannot proceed unless counsel for Rufa withdraws the (constitutional) application from the Supreme Court and have the matter set back here. That procedure must be done, but the matter is now before Justice Petra Hanna-Weekes,” she said.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Ferguson said that she has been advised that two dates have been confirmed for the constitutional hearing.

“Even though I know it seems to be thorn in the side of counsel for Mr Rufa - I am

talking about the conduct of the Immigration Department based on what I am hearing - I would hope that the director of immigration does what is necessary for Mr Rufa to attend court to have his matters dealt with, be it in the Magistrate’s Court, Supreme Court, and the Court of Appeal. He has a right to appear,” said the magistrate.

“At this stage…since the dates have been confirmed for the constitutional hearing, I think it is a bit premature to ask for a dismissal, and so I will allow the matter to run its course until the Supreme Court makes its decision or renders a decision in the matter.

“I am sure counsel will bring to the attention of the upper courts if they face further difficulties (with immigration) to what is not being done in reference to Mr Rufa in his personal appearance for his trial in this country.”

When asked about bail extension for Rufa, she said: “I will extend bail for the defendant, I see no reason to issue a warrant or go behind to investigate what is happening. You (Mr Leonard) have been forthright with the court. And so again, I advise the (Office of the Attorney General) if they can find out if there is a difficulty, what the difficult is, or give proper advice to the Department of Immigration in terms of their conduct, if it is suspicious about your client, to exercise caution.”

Magistrate Ferguson adjourned the trial to July 13.

requesting permission for Mr Rufa’s return to Grand Bahama for a period of two weeks for the purpose of dealing with insurance matters and the initial repairs for Coral Beach.

He informed the director that Mr Rufa is the president of the Condominium Association and is the officer responsible for the insurance on the property.

“It is his duty to handle any claims with insurance adjusters, and to get repairs going as soon as possible,” Mr Leonard said.

He explained that the insurance claims and repairs dealt with are of considerable importance to the approximately 200 home owners at Coral Beach. The Immigration Department responded in a letter dated November 16, acknowledging receipt of Mr Leonard’s letter.

Assistant Director of Immigration Hubert Ferguson advised Mr Leonard that their request for permission

for Mr Rufa enter the Bahamas for a period of two weeks was considered, but not approved.

In a second letter dated November 16, Mr Leonard told the Director of Immigration that the situation at Coral Beach was now quite desperate, and that because of all the hurricane damage caused by Hurricane Matthew, the condominium complex was not open.

“The result is that the hundreds plus winter residents that usually arrive at this time of the year have not been able to come. This naturally has a knock-on effect on the economy of Grand Bahama at a time when it most needs economic stimulation,” Mr Leonard said.

“It is now even more critical for Bruno Rufa to come down and deal with the adjusters, and the hurricane reconstruction needed to get Coral Beach back on its feet.”

CONDO COMPLEX SHUT WITH REPAIRS ON HOLD

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Coral Beach Condominiums in Freeeport remain closed due to hurricane damage and hundreds of winter residents have not been able to come to Grand Bahama this season.

Repairs at the 200-unit complex are on hold until Condominium Association President Bruno Rufa receives permission from the Immigration Department to come and deal with the repairs.

In October and November, Mr Rufa’s attorney requested permission from the Director of Immigration William Pratt for him to be allowed entry to the country to deal with repairs at the condominiums following the passage of Hurricane Matthew.

Carey Leonard, of Callenders and Co, wrote to the director on October 14

BRUNO Rufa at an earlier hearing.

Photo: Denise Maycock/Tribune Staff

PAGE 8, Friday, February 24, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Spot the difference with the Bahamas Intercept Bill A Comic’s View

By INIGO ‘NAUGHTY’ ZENICAZELAYA

A

NOTHER week, another weak performance by politicians who should know better. Let’s begin.

It took about three minutes of intense Google research to find that our “hardworking” government officials appear to have copied a good chunk of the language for this Bill from our neighbours to the north.

That’s right folks - this bill looks a lot like 18 United States Code 2518 that deals with wiretapping and comAccording to Attorney munications interception.

General Allyson MaynardIn my estimation, it must Gibson, the already-tabled have taken our “diligent” “Interception of Commu- lawmakers at least ten minnications Bill” will now utes to slavishly copy a law (now?!) go through a pro- already on the books in cess of public consultation. the US in a way that would As much as I’m tempted make a straw vendor selling to spend the next few para- Gucci knockoffs proud. graphs focused on how So, obvious plagiarism backwards our government aside, and knowing how operates or how short-sight- the American system works ed some politicos are for with respect to privacy basing their opposition to laws, I was the Bill subintrigued by stantially on ‘It must have where our the timing of taken our ‘diligent’ transparent its introduclegislators action (which, lawmakers at tually made I’ll admit, is least 10 minutes changes to as suspect to slavishly copy that law since as it gets) I they weren’t a law already on won’t. bound by Believe it the books in the that antiquator not, I aced American US in a way that tually found Constitutime between would make a straw tion or that my ten jobs vendor selling Gucci pesky Bill to read the of Rights. knockoffs proud.’ proposed legAnd this, my islation. So, friends, is instead of just regurgitating where our PLP government how poor the timing is to put in the most work makrush through such an im- ing changes. portant piece of law, I will To start, before getting an instead turn my attention “interception warrant” in to some of the big questions the US, the State has to proand comments I have after vide a “full and complete reading the Bill because, as statement as to whether or they say in Christie’s Wild not other investigative proWest, there’s gold in them cedures have been tried”. there mines.

ALLYSON BACK IN WONDERLAND

Last Rites For

George Morley, 51

of Nassau and formerly of Georgetown, Exuma will be held on Tuesday, February 28th, 2017, 10 A.M. at Christ The Anglican Church, Ridgeland Park West.

Archdeacon James Palacious will officiate Cremation will follow.

He is survived by one son: George Morley Sands; his father: Centurion Fredrick Morley of Cottage, Exuma; siblings: Althea Morley, Carolyn Morley Brice, Fredrick Morley Jr., and Beatrice Morley; Grand daughter: Sanaya Sands; In-laws: Edna, Angeline, Turkessa, Debra, Arnette, Winnifred, David, Kevin, Darrell, Dwight, Keith, Monique, Bridgette, Terrance, Mark, Craig, Kendrick, Latoya, Coramae, Ingrid, Craig, Samantha, Nikia, Nado, Theodore, Pearline, Kendrick, Ivan, Tamika, Petra, Casindy and Latoya Morley; Cousins: John, Freddie, Douglas, Caswell, Cyril and Rev. Daniel Morley, Eleanor Morley, Althea Sweeting, Andrew, Robert and Agatha Musgrove, Melvin, Charles, Japeth, Basil, Alfred and Sydney Bodie, Caroline Collie, Beatrice Bodie and Elva Musgrove; Friends: of the Potters Cay Dock and of Grand Bahama, Lineages from the Hermitage, Moss Town and George Town clan and so many too numerous to mention.

The Body will repose at Curtis Memorial Mortuary Robinson Road and Fifth Street on Monday from 10 A M to 6 P.M. and at the church from 9 am to service time on Tuesday.

ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard-Gibson.

Here at home, the same clause is couched in the language “if applicable”.

In the US, the “period of time” the wiretapping warrant remains legal without being renewed is 30 days.

The “relevant time” is three months here.

More telling of our government’s sneaky “1984” Big Brother lean is a clause that makes it mandatory for “a person” to “assist” the authorities in getting information if directed to.

Does that mean wives can be forced to help the government spy? Because I’m pretty sure quite a few of them spy on their suspected cheating husbands now for free. And before you tell me that’s not the kind of information some politicians may be after, our government also proposed that in addition to “national security” and “public safety” reasons they may need to spy on us, they are apparently also foaming to do so in the “interest of public morality”.

PUBLIC MORALITY? The last time I checked, we are supposed to be a nation of laws. If a law will be broken, by, say, someone plotting to burn down Parliament, then okay. Sure.

But what is this ‘interest of public morality’ that is not covered by a specific law?

Could it be evidence of a rival politician ‘rapping’ to his sweetheart on WhatsApp? An outspoken activist organising a protest in a secret Facebook group?

Anyone donating obscene amounts of money to the opposition?

I bet enough morally questionable things happen in cyberspace (that are not actually illegal) to fill a virtual political garbage can.

Another quick Google search of “morality laws” brought up a slew of references to pornography as something usually opposed on these grounds. I hate to say it, but according to the website traffic tracker Alexa, the only websites Bahamians visit more than the “adult” ones are the online gambling sites. A subjective “public morality” wiretap

could catch a lot of people with their pants down.

More than the general invasive nature of the Interception of Communication Bill, which allows authorised officers to tiptoe into your home, plant a listening device and tiptoe back out, why doesn’t our proposed law stipulate that such a warrant would only be issued if a person is suspected of committing or planning to commit a felony like the US law? Why is it mandatory to turn over information gleaned from spying to a defence attorney at least ten days before a trial in the US but that part was noticeably deleted from our Bill?

I could go on and on about the botched job Allyson in Wonderland has done on this Bill in the name of keeping us safe, but I won’t. Suffice it to say I don’t want the government in my house or smartphone “on slack”. Yes, I want the police to catch the criminals. No, you don’t need to snoop through my Instragam or emails to do it.

And catch those socalled white collar criminals the old-fashioned way - by raiding their offices and confiscating their files and computers. In the light of day. Where constitutional rights still exist.

This PLP government wants Bahamians to believe that they can be trusted with our most intimate information. Fat chance. This is the same group which has allegedly been spying on citizens through the National Intelligence Agency without proper oversight for years. The same group who, according to Edward Snowden and WikiLeaks, has allegedly allowed the United States to spy on us by listening to and recording every cellphone call we have made for years.

Maynard-Gibson is right to “wheel and come again”.

It was Benjamin Franklin who said, “Those who would sacrifice freedom for security deserves neither.”

With record murder counts these past few years it’s safe to say security is practically out the window. At least leave me the freedom to privately browse the internet, talk in my home or

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff on the phone and send my wife, er, “personal texts” in peace without worrying about which “public morality” law I’ll be accused of breaking based on a spy’s fishing expedition.

POTS AND KETTLES Before I get into this, let’s get something absolutely clear; in no way, shape or form am I defending Dr Andre Rollins.

Get it? Got it? Good!

Now let me proceed.

From my vantage point, sitting squarely on the fence, once again I am astounded by the hypocrisy in our democracy.

Marathon MP and Minister of Education Science and Technology, Jerome Fitzgerald, is shooting off at the mouth again. This time he’s got Fort Charlotte MP Rollins in his crosshairs.

After Rollins’ “vomit” announcement that he is unwilling but nevertheless prepared to make things right with the Free National Movement and ensure a general election win over the governing PLP, Fitzgerald came out guns blazing, claiming Rollins’ remarks was further proof the Fort Charlotte MP was nothing more than a “political prostitute”.

Mr Fitzgerald reiterated that 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 to post” to no avail.

Say what? Are there no mirrors in the Fitzgerald residence? Which role is Fitzgerald playing, the “pot” or the “kettle”?

Again sitting objectively on the fence, I can’t help but wonder if Fitzgerald suffers from temporary amnesia.

It’s obvious Fitzgerald possesses a selective memory, considering his past antics, that have placed him side-by-side, street walking on the “political strip”, cursing the “red light” district of politics, with Dr Rollins, in the world of “political prostitution”.

In all actuality, Rollins and Fitzgerald can both be considered “political pros-

titutes”, but consider the work Fitzgerald put in on the following: 1 The infamous “Nolle”.

2 Dumpster diving into “political garbage cans”.

3 Alleged blatant “cronyism” in regards to a certain (Fitzgerald) “campaign general”.

4 His defence of Adelaide MP and Junior Minister of Finance, Michael Halkitis’ recent rambling, erroneous, statements regarding the location and usages of the VAT money.

5 Blindly following our current Prime Minister, the right honourable Perry G Christie, and catering to all of the PM’s idiosyncrasies.

With such an extensive body of work, Mr Fitzgerald is clearly the “Xaviera Hollander” on the local political scene. In fact Ms Hollander’s memoir, “The Happy Hooker”, was an international phenomenon.

In my opinion, Fitzgerald is in a totally different pay grade than that of Dr Rollins, and more in set with Hollander, seemingly glad and willing to perform his tasks as dictated by his “political pimps”.

So I strongly suggest that Mr Fitzgerald cease and desist from taking “hypocritical” potshots at Dr Rollins - and any other politicos in the country for that matter and get to dealing with violence in the public schools, not to mention the lingering national “D” average academically.

I will leave you with a great quote from fellow comedian Tina Faye in regard to the above: “Politics and prostitution are the only jobs wherein experience is considered a virtue”.

• Inigo ‘Naughty’ Zenicazelaya is the resident stand-up comic at Jokers Wild Comedy Club at the Atlantis, Paradise Island, resort and presents ‘Mischief and Mayhem in da AM’ from 6am to 10am, Monday to Friday, and ‘The Press Box’ sports talk show on Sunday from 10am to 1pm on KISS FM 96.1. He also writes a sports column in The Tribune on Tuesday. Comments and questions to naughty@ tribunemedia.net

READERS RESPOND TO BUTLER-TURNER’S COMMENTS ON EGO READERS on tribune242.com were not impressed by Official Opposition Leader Loretta Butler-Turner’s forecast that it was “very likely” the PLP would win the election unless opposition forces can put the country before their own egos.

Sp1nks said: “Ohhh...

NOW she wants to put country before party.”

Alex_Charles voiced a similar sentiment: “Oh that’s real rich coming from LBT.” Honestman offered some advice: “A bit late for this now Loretta!! You need

to take time out of politics and reflect. Stop trying to cling to the coat tails of the FNM. You have shown by your actions that you value self above party. The FNM needs team players and you are most certainly not a team player. This is all about you finally realising that no-one wants to be in your gang after all. You are

behaving like a ten-yearold in the playground!”

There was this from Sheeprunner12: “Now after all the political fires she has created over the past three years, she wants to put egos to rest?”

After FNM Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest said Andre Rollins could still have a future in the party, ThisIsOurs said: “I don’t know if he can be trusted.

But I like him. He needs a strong leader to guide him, Minnis isn’t it, he needs someone that Minnis trusts to work with him, to be a buffer and a political men-

tor. If they could find that it could work.”

To which Sp1nks responded with: “Rollins is passionate and really loves The Bahamas. He is young and just needs to get his political instincts in check. I agree that he needs strong mentoring (Not the LBT variety!) Papa Ingraham maybe?”

And Truetruebahamian said: “I like and trust Rollins, I know that he will be good for the party.”

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

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, February 24, 2017, PAGE 9

ONE-YEAR-OLD GIRL INJURED AND MAN KILLED IN SHOOTING from page one

The victims were rushed by private vehicle to hospital, where one of the men died. The infant and other two men were described as being in stable condition.

When asked how the infant was injured, ACP Dean could not say. “The baby could have been in the company of them. It could have been an indiscriminate shooting, we don’t know,” he said.

The Tribune understands the shooting took place close to where another

shooting occurred earlier this month.

This latest killing pushed the country’s murder count to 30 for the year and is the 16th this month, according to The Tribune’s records.

The number of killings for the first 54 days of the year has dwarfed the number of murders police recorded in the first two months of 2016.

According to police statistics, there were 18 killings in the first two months of last year - eight in January and 10 in February.

Thursday’s shooting came four days after police in New Providence

launched an island-wide manhunt and public appeal for five suspects responsible for a shooting incident on Sunday night that left a man dead and a woman detained in hospital.

According to reports, shortly after 11pm Sunday, 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 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 was last said to be in stable condition.

The increase in murders this year prompted Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage to unveil additional crime fighting methods last week.

Speaking in the House of Assembly, Dr Nottage said with immediate effect “lockdowns” in certain areas, mobile police vans and an armed forces partnership among other things would be implemented.

He further admitted that people connected to “gangs, drugs and guns” are linked

to the frequent killings.

Dr Nottage also said intelligence has suggested that there are connections between many violent incidents on the streets of New Providence and inmates at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services and recently released prisoners.

He announced nearly a dozen measures to combat crime. Among these were increased foot patrols in inner cities and crime hot spots; the activation and placement of specially designed mobile police vans to serve as manned police

stations in communities where crime is a challenge for police; aggressive stop and search of suspicious persons and suspicious vehicles throughout all policing divisions; periodic road checks at various intersections; purposeful lock downs of communities and crime hot spots where large teams of law enforcement officers execute search warrants, arrest warrants and search for illegal drugs, firearms and stolen vehicles.

Several other mediumterm strategies are also being implemented, Dr Nottage said.

Butler-Turner fears Hall unprepared for election from page one “I’m just hoping that the Parliamentary Registration Department is fully prepared to do all the corrective measures that are needed to ensure we have free, fair elections and that no Bahamian is disenfranchised.

“I can tell you from the past two exercises that we’ve had to go on under this particular commissioner, I feel that we have had a lot of questions and I would be very concerned that those questions are properly addressed as we move forward into something as important as the general election.”

Last year, several opposition members called for the resignation of Mr Hall after he was accused of doing a poor job in his department’s handling of the constitutional referendum.

In the hours following the June 2016 vote, the Parliamentary Registration Department released results for only six of 38 constituencies.

The department pointed to electrical failures, technical issues and procedural breaches for its inability to report totals for polling stations throughout the country.

In a break from custom, Mr Hall decided not to release polling division results as they came in, instead opting to wait for all

the votes from an entire constituency before issuing them.

National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage, who has responsibility for elections, told the media that he was not certain what went wrong.

Meanwhile, Mrs ButlerTurner also said she fully supports Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn and Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins’ legal action against the government over the boundaries report and vowed to do whatever it takes to ensure a “free and fair” general election.

Mrs Butler-Turner expressed disappointment that parliamentarians continued to debate the report and approve the boundary changes in the House of Assembly last week before the matter had been heard in court.

She said the move shows that the government is prepared to do “whatever it wants, whenever its wants”.

Supreme Court Justice Ian Winder on Tuesday refused an application by Official Opposition members seeking to start judicial review proceedings over the Constituencies Commission’s report on constituency boundaries, ruling that the applicants had poor prospects for success and failed to provide sufficient evidence to show they had an arguable case.

However, Justice Winder said it was “regrettable and unfortunate” that the Constituencies Commission failed to produce its report in the time laid out by the Constitution.

Michael Scott, the attorney representing the MPs, said he will appeal Justice Winder’s ruling within a week, adding that they will take the matter to the Privy Council in London if necessary.

“Of course I support my team,” Mrs Butler-Turner said.

“I believe that they certainly represented themselves with concerns to the late boundary commission report and I believe that there are precedents that have been set in other jurisdictions that observe the same protocols as ours and I think they have every right to continue the appeals process.

“Obviously the government was not minded last week, when I was out of town, to even give the courtesy of the fact that this action had been filed and they continued with the debate and went through with it totally and passed it.

“This shows me that clearly the government is prepared to do whatever it wants to do but the (Official) Opposition will also try and ensure that it upholds its rights to free and fair elections.”

POLICE UNEASY AT MOVE TO CALL IN RBDF IN CRIME FIGHT from page one

“It’s going to make you feel that you aren’t doing your job or that you failed, right? That is a concern.

And it’s not sitting too well with all the officers, especially since it wasn’t planned out and officers were not a part of the planning for it.”

It is unclear if RBDF officers have started joint operations with police as part of efforts National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage announced in the House of Assembly last week to fight crime following an alarming spate of murders to start 2017.

In fact, Insp Smith said police officers are themselves in the dark about their collaboration with RBDF officers.

“What is the role of the defence force persons in this?” he asked, weeks after he was re-elected chairman of the PSA for the seventh time.

“I don’t know how the collaboration is supposed to work and I’m not sure if it’s even started yet. Everything is quiet. I’m not sure if it’s being done from a managerial perspective or not. We don’t know much about it even though we are the police association. You would think that they would call to encourage us to go ahead and help them pursue what they are trying to

do since that’s what we are here for but not even that has happened. Everyone is guessing and we haven’t seen anything in policy or anything in writing to understand how this will be done.”

Insp Smith said the police force does not have a shortage of manpower that would make additional assistance necessary.

“I don’t think it’s a manpower issue because I remember the police commissioner saying we are well-manned and we have the resources and there’s just a small group of persons in the country who are taking the limelight because of their crime. The police commissioner knows what his manpower total is and I haven’t heard him say we are short.

“A joint collaboration with the defence force is not included in the policing plan or the force’s policies which comes directly from the police commissioner with the power the Constitution gives him and I’ve never heard him speak to it,” Insp Smith said.

However, Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade’s policing plan for 2017 calls for close collaboration with the country’s other law enforcement agencies, including the Departments of Customs and Immigration, Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, the

RBDF, Port Department, Airport Authority, and the Road Traffic Department “to ensure that intelligence on crime and criminals is shared, evaluated and disseminated for operational purposes.”

Nonetheless, Insp Smith said: “We are trained to treat people as customers, even the criminals. The defence force has completely different training.”

During an event in 2015, Prime Minister Perry Christie said he was “subjected to walking on eggshells” when it came to crime fighting, despite wanting “the madness on our streets to end,” as he spoke of a “division” between police and the RBDF. “Philosophically my terms of reference as an elected representative is to solve the problem,” Mr Christie had said earlier.

“The eggshells is a reference to the division that exists between the military establishment and the police establishment…”

Meanwhile, Insp Smith also told The Tribune that he won’t seek re-election as PSA chairman again.

“I’ve been under the gun ever since being elected as chairman and you have to make a decision,” he said. “I definitely think the time is now for me to hand over the baton so my family doesn’t have to worry whether people are coming after me.”

LORETTA BUTLER-TURNER, Leader of the Opposition.

PAGE 10, Friday, February 24, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

How teletherapy can improve life for Bahamians with disability

Your Say

By CHARLIS ROBINS THE Democratic National Alliance has been, from day one, a vital and important champion for the rights and care for those that are less fortunate and disabled.

We believe that without caring for the least among us, society is not only weaker as a whole, but one that is void of the human compassion necessary for governing effectively and sensitively.

Successive governments have, beyond a shadow of a doubt, failed Bahamians.

Not only have they been unsuccessful in combatting crime, creating a sustainable economy and designing an educational system that works but they have been consistently unsuccessful in providing proper intervention for the marginalised populations, particularly interventions for those that are disabled and need professional care and services Fifteen per cent of the population of the Bahamas are considered disabled.

Under the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities) Act, this population has a right to equal access

CHARLIS ROBINS, Democratic National Alliance candidate for Yamacraw. to opportunities for suitable it that our current decision employment, as well as ac- makers do not know or is it cess to training, education that they do not care? and health care services.

We in the DNA believe Access to intervention is in providing persons with a right that many families a wide range of treatment, of children with disabilities care and therapeutic servichave been denied. Some es that money can buy. Serof the barriers to interven- vices like improving care tion include waiting lists, services, increasing fundfinances and unavailable ing for distance learning personnel. In 2017, where for persons with disabilities there is international fo- and using the latest techcus on online/teletherapy, nology for making people’s why is there no consistent lives better. It is imperative therapeutic intervention in that we bring along the least the educational system? Is of us at their weakest hour.

The DNA proposes that we can now, and most certainly will as a government, focus on online/teletherapy as one of those solutions that would make life better.

The implementation of this cost effective medium within the classroom will ensure that children across the length and breadth of the Bahamas receive the therapeutic intervention needed to ensure successful matriculation.

This tool can also be used for training paraprofessionals in non-skilled techniques that can be utilised during everyday interaction with a student. Beyond the provision of school-based intervention, teletherapy can be provided within homes. The use of technology can empower families to become more active in their loved ones journey toward maximising functional independence.

We, as a people, have suffered at the hands of an aloof, inconsistent, uncaring administration for long enough. We say thank you for researching, writing, recalling, reviewing and finally realising legislation that, in theory, was put in place to protect the rights of all persons living in the

Bahamas. With all due respect, however, the time for action is long overdue. The DNA is comprised of urban visionaries, ready for action on the first day we become the government. With an overall view to improve the delivery of healthcare services within the Bahamas, The DNA will usher in a long overdue era of internet-based technologies.

The use of technologies facilitates the fundamental redesign of healthcare and care-based services based on the principle of achieving the best possible care for the individual patient at the lowest possible cost for the entire Bahamas.

Under a DNA government, a child from Cat Island who suffered complications from sickle cell anemia causing left sided paralysis will no longer be required to uproot to New Providence for therapy sessions that can last three to six months.

A ten-year-old, diagnosed with autism whose family resides in Bimini would, at the click of a button, benefit from therapies for which they would historically have to relocate to New Providence.

A non-verbal child in New Providence would be

able to access direct Speech and Language Pathology for more than 15 minutes per week.

Access is more than legislation. It is ensuring that all barriers to receiving optimum care are removed.

Under a DNA government regardless of ability, every child will receive the tools that he/she needs to succeed. The creation of inclusive classrooms and playgrounds, accessible bathrooms, adapted physical education, school-based intervention and individualised educational plans rank high on our to do list.

Within the DNA resides the professional knowledge, technical skills, care, compassion and drive to ensure that children are treated like the precious resources that they are.

Our DNA team stands committed to serve, ready on day one, for both the weak and the strong; both the marginalised and those that are beyond the threshold; and especially for those that have little and those that have a great deal. The DNA is focused on governing for any and all people.

• Charlis Robins is the Democatric National Alliance candidate for Yamacraw

MEMBERS of the St Anne’s Interact Club in action. on my board. She brings a Rotary Clubs lot to the table and I’m sure will be a big help over the concert next couple of years”.

The Antique Auto Rotary Club of East Club of The Bahamas was formed in 1987 by six men Nassau with Rotary Club interested in the restora- of Old Fort. - The Rotary tion and preservation of Club of East Nassau, in colvintage automobiles. The laboration with the Rotary Club is celebrating its 30th Club of Old Fort and with Anniversary this year with members of the Bahamian a membership of 70 men & community, will host the women. The 30th Anniver- “Fusion of Melodies: An sary Antique Auto Show Evening with Bahamian & Cook-out will be held at Musicians.”

The featured performers Arawak Cay on Saturday, are pianist Dion CunningMarch 18. ham playing pieces ranging from favorite classical St Anne’s works to “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and vocalists Interact Club Keri Sherman and Joann Fritz-Creary singing melodies ranging from “Ave MaSt Anne’s Interact Club. ria” to “Wouldn’t It Be Lov- St Anne’s Interact Club erly” from My Fair Lady. members collected sev- Also, as a special treat, a eral large garbage bags of guest artist will sing a medtrash along the beach from ley of Bahamian songs from Arawak Cay to Junkanoo the 60s and 70s.

Come and join us on SatBeach recently.

Cruise ship tourists com- urday, March 11, at 7pm for plimented students on a viewing for an 8pm perforjob well done which helped mance at the University of boost their moral. The ca- the Bahamas’ Performing maraderie was awesome to Arts Centre. By purchasing tickets, you will be helpsee. ing to support Bahamian students at universities all across the world. In addition, you will hear some wonderful music performed OUR Clubs and Socie-

by Bahamians for Bahamians. You will also have an opportunity to participate in an extensive silent auction that will feature items ranging from fruit cake, jewelry, and custom-made wood furniture, to vacations at Abaco and Harbour Island. Tickets are available at $35 for general admission, or $50 for VIP seating.

Wine is included with the purchase of each ticket.

There will be an additional performance on March 12th at St. Paul’s Church, Lyford Cay, starting at 6pm.

Tickets for that concert are $30 each for adults, and $10 each for students with IDs. Tickets for both concerts will be available for purchase at Custom Computers in Cable Beach and Old Fort Bay Town Centre, as well as at Logos Bookstore in Harbour Bay. All net proceeds will go directly to the Rotary Club of East Nassau’s Charitable Trust that distributes partial scholarships to deserving Bahamians and the Rotary Club of Old Fort’s efforts at the community garden in Mason’s Addition For more information, visit https:// www.facebook.com/ events/1606045506300697/ or email mayurideka@yahoo.co.in.

HOLES IN THE ROOF IN UNIVERSITY CLASSROOMS ACCORDING to photographs obtained by The Tribune, several classrooms at the University of The Bahamas suffered mid-level roof damage as a result of torrential downpours across the capital this week.

Sections of the S-block on campus sustained major plaster damage, resulting in several sections of the ceiling collapsing. Work to resolve the issues was under-

taken during its mid-term break yesterday and today.

A statement from UB last night read: “As a result of rain that occurred on Wednesday 22nd February, 2017, the ceiling in one of the classrooms of the S block sustained damage.

Repairs have been initiated and are expected to be completed by the resumption of classes on Monday 27th February, 2017.”

Antique Auto Club Antique Auto Club. Shawn Thomas was elected Assistant Secretary in the Club’s recent election.

Shawn joined the Club in September, 2010, shortly after attending the Kiwanis Club’s Antique Auto Show and Cook-out, where she met some of the members of the Antique Auto Club.

Since joining she has been active in all facets of the Club and very supportive when asked to assist with anything.

When asked how she felt about it, she responded ““I

SHAWN THOMAS, first woman elected to the board of the Antique Auto Club of The Bahamas. am delighted to serve on enjoy being part of the posithe board of The Antique tive role models promoting Auto Club of The Baha- traditional values in fun mas. We are sharing a love and creative ways.” of vintage cars, offering President Adrian Hanna meaningful assistance to very simply stated “I am children’s charities and I most happy to have Shawn

JOIN THE CLUB ties page is a chance for you to share your group’s activities with our readers.

To feature on our Clubs and Societies page, submit your report to clubs@ tribunemedia.net, with “Clubs Page” written in the subject line.

For more information about the page, contact Stephen Hunt on 5022373 or 447-3565.

INTERACT members during the clean-up.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, February 24, 2017, PAGE 11

KEITH O MajorJr with the Chief Justice of Jamaica, Zaila McCalla (left), and Keva Hylton.

KEITH O Major Jr with the Chief Justice of Jamaica, Zaila McCalla, and Michael Hylton, former Solicitor General of Jamaica.

Attorney admitted to the Bar in Jamaica ATTORNEY Keith O Major Jr has become the latest of many Bahamians over the years to be admitted to the Jamaica Bar at a presentation in Kingston yesterday.

Mr Major’s application for admission to the Jamaica Bar was presented before Mr Justice Courtney Daye by the Hon B St Michael Hylton. Mr Hylton, QC, served as Jamaica’s Solicitor General between 2001 to 2007 and is married to Bahamian attorney, Keva Hylton (nee Major), who served as the Bahamas’ former Honorary Consul in Jamaica. Mr Major is the nephew of the Hyltons.

Shortly after Mr Major’s call to the Jamaica Bar, the Chief Justice Zaila McCalla congratulated the newly admitted lawyer during a brief courtesy call in her chambers.

The practice of Bahamians being called to the Jamaica Bar is not novel. However, it has in recent times become largely infrequent due to the establishment of the Bahamas’ Eugene Dupuch Law School (EDLS), which qualifies holders of a LL.B. or Juris Doctor degree for practice in The Bahamas. The admissions of other Bahamians also called to both bars, for the most part, predate EDLS and represent a time when scores of Bahamians qualified for admission to the Bahamas Bar by way of the Norman Manley Law School (NMLS) in Kingston.

Aside from his marriage to a Bahamian, Mr Hylton is no stranger to The Bahamas, as he has been afforded special admission to the Bahamas Bar to conduct several matters. However, The Bahamas, unlike Jamaica, reserves general admission to its legal bar for its citizens only.

Mr Major’s recent ad-

mission brings to the fore matters such as the lack of reciprocity between the legal bars of the two nations.

This remains a part of discussions between the sister countries that enjoy and maintain friendly relations

and is a part of the larger debate between Bahamian attorneys as to whether it is time for an open Bar.

Mr Major was admitted to practice in The Bahamas on October 30, 2014, before Chief Justice Sir Michael

Barnett, his petition for admission presented by Janet G Bostwick, the former Attorney General.