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VOLUME:115 No.66, FEBRUARY 26TH, 2018
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INSIGHT: DEALING WITH THE DEVIL - SEE PAGE 12 PAGES
‘Pay $3,000 and you can go free’ Affidavit alleges SIR DURWARD - PRIDE OF A NATION price of release from Immigration By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net IMMIGRATION officers have been accused of soliciting thousands of dollars in bribes from migrants, according to allegations in a court filed affidavit which were echoed by a prominent religious leader yesterday. In a sermon at Berean Evangelical Baptist Church, Bishop Simeon Hall advised members of the Haitian community against feeding on “the
corruption sometimes found in the Department of Immigration.” In written opening remarks sent to the media, Bishop Hall made the claim that officials are paid between $3,000 and $4,000. The claim echoes the affidavit of Kediesha BentJohn, a Jamaican who was arrested along with her 11-year-old child and had been detained since December 8, 2017, at an immigration safe house for women and child migrants. SEE PAGE FIVE
TWO high-level executives at Baha Mar were fired last week on “suspicion of impropriety” after an internal investigation was launched at the resort. The dismissals came in the same week two suspected prostitutes appeared in court following an undercover operation by police at the hotel. The two Colombian
LONE KILLER SHOOTS DEAD VICTIM, 26 By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
A 26-YEAR-OLD man became the country’s latest murder victim when he was shot early Saturday morning at an intersection. The shooting took place shortly after 2am on the corner of Joe Farrington Road near Integrity Road and brought the country’s murder count to 17 for the year, according to The Tribune’s records. According to reports, the victim was approached by a male armed with a firearm, who shot him before fleeing on foot. The victim was taken to hospital by paramedics, but later died from his injuries. SEE PAGE 11
BTC LOSE 60,000 TO RIVAL ALIV
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company has lost over 60,000 mobile customers, almost 20 per cent of its market, in just over one year as a result of competition. Data released by BTC’s ultimate parent, Liberty Latin America (LiLAC), reveals that at end-2017 its Bahamian subsidiary had 228,100 pre-paid subscribers and 26,800 post-paid customers, giving it a total base of 254,900 persons. This compared to the 282,000 pre-paid and 33,000 post-paid subscribers that Liberty’s 2016 accounts showed, which was just after Aliv launched in November 2016.
TWO SACKED IN BAHA MAR PROBE By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
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women, 31-year-old Joe Milan and 32-year-old Lady Johnna Mira, were charged on February 20 before Assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain with overstaying their visas, and were fined $1,500 after pleading guilty. However, the court prosecutor said their arrest came as a result of a surveillance operation set up by Cable Beach police officers on Tuesday, February 17. SEE PAGE THREE
FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS OLYMPIC champion and Bahamian legend Sir Durward Knowles died on Saturday at the age of 100. See pages 7-10 for more.
Wreckage IS from crash plane By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net CRASH investigators yesterday confirmed a debris field recently discovered by fishermen in waters off Andros is that of the illfated flight which crashed last month. In a statement to the press last evening, the Air Accident Investigation Department’s chief accident
investigator, Delvin Major, identified the debris as parts associated with aircraft N62769 which crashed on January 17. Six people, including the pilot, died in the crash. The statement read: “The Air Accident Investigation Department can now confirm the aircraft located by fishermen on February 14, 2018, and posted to social media on February 16 is indeed the ill-fated aircraft N62769.”
It continued: “The aircraft was on a flight from San Andros Airport to the Lynden Pindling International Airport, killing all six souls on board. “The aircraft was recovered from waters adjacent to the previous search location by a salvage team with assistance from specialist divers of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.” SEE PAGE 13
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
ISLANDS’ POWER SUPPLY WAY OFF WHAT IS NEEDED By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
BAHAMAS Power & Light (BPL) is “nowhere close to where we want to be on any island”, its chief executive has admitted, as it seeks to avoid a repeat of last summer’s outages in Nassau and three other markets. Whitney Heastie told Tribune Business that BPL has three to four months to accomplish numerous upgrades, and get itself “in a lot better shape” for summer 2018. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
PAGE 2, Monday, February 26, 2018
SEATED from left, front row: Dr Alvery Hanna, NEMS director; Michele Moodie, VP Ports International; Julian Rolle, chairman PHA; Catherine Weech, PHA managing director, Ollie Dupuch Ferguson, COO Tribune. Standing back row: NEMS Staff.
THE TRIBUNE
Donation to emergency teams will help save lives THE Public Hospi- business development at marks the latest significant tals Authority’s National Ports International, were contribution by the Aidan Emergency Medical also present. Roger Carron Foundation Services received a donaMr Ferguson spoke of the to the PHA as part of the tion of 15 fully equipped inspiration for the dona- ongoing public/private parttrauma bags donated by tion saying, “We found out nership (PPP) between the the Aidan Roger Carron about a need here at NEMS PHA, the foundation and Foundation. through a conversation The Tribune Media Group. The presentation was with staff member Adrian The PPP was launched in made on February 19 Archer, an emergency January 2017 with an event during a brief ceremony at medical technician basic that included the release of the NEMS Base at 1st Ter- (EMTb), who let us know Aidan Roger Carron’s conrace, Centreville. PHA that this kind of equipment fidential medical records, Chairman Julian Rolle is needed and would be making them available to accepted the donation. used very quickly for the doctors, medical research“These bags, stocked good of all.” ers and clinical staff here with in The Bahaessential lifemas and saving and around the resuscitative world. The equipment, release of represent these records some of the will help to emergency advance the medical techbattle against nician’s and the deadly paramedic’s auto-immune most effecdisease, tive tools in H e a l i n g L i t t l e W a r r i o r s hemophagothe field. They cytic will help our lymphohisdedicated tiocytosis NEMS staff (HLH). to continue to provide a Ms Moodie noted the Other features of the PPP high standard of pre-hos- long standing and close include a focus on paedipital care to those facing relationship Ports shares atric and maternal health, medical emergencies,” Mr with The Tribune Media and the Unsung Hero iniRolle said. Group adding, “Ports Inter- tiative designed to bring PHA acting manag- national and Tribune have public recognition to staff ing director Catherine E worked together on many who go above and beyond Weech, and Dr Alvery initiatives raising funds for the call of duty in providHanna, NEMS director, as much needed equipment ing care. Since the inception well as staff members from for The Bahamas, the PHA of the programme, 11 outthe NEMS, were on hand and Princess Margaret standing members of the for the presentation. Ollie Hospital. So we are very public health system have Dupuch Ferguson, Trib- happy to assist in providing been recognised for going une chief operating officer trauma bags for EMS.” the extra mile in delivering and Michele Moodie, vice The donation of emer- quality care and compaspresident of marketing and gency medical equipment sionate service.
Aidan Roger Carron
Children’s
Foundation
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, February 26, 2018, PAGE 3
Two sacked in Baha Mar probe
THE BAHA MAR RESORT from page one Officers reportedly turned the women over to Department of Immigration officials after there was insufficient evidence to support their suspicions of solicitation. The women entered the country legally on January 9 with permission to stay for just nine days. Neither subsequently applied for permission to stay longer. The Tribune understands the women’s arrests came as the Gaming Board made inquiries about at least one member of the
hotel’s senior management team. One source said one of the men fired last week had been under investigation in Las Vegas for allegedly mishandling client funds, and that the Gaming Board’s investigation had started under the previous administration. It is not clear if the suspected activities of the Colombian women had any direct bearing on the men let go by Baha Mar. The Tribune understands at least two suites at the hotel may have been used to “entertain” high-roller guests.
When contacted for comment, Robert Sands, the resort’s senior vice president of administration and external relations, told The Tribune the two workers were let go after the resort became aware of “potential misconduct.” “We became aware of potential misconduct and immediately launched an internal investigation,” Mr Sands said in a statement to The Tribune. “As a result, two employees were terminated on suspicion of impropriety. “The Royal (Bahamas) Police (Force) concurrently arrested
two women, who were charged with overstaying their visas. Baha Mar is committed to meeting the highest standards in all facets of our operations and requires all employees to meet these standards,” Mr Sands said. According to sources close to the matter, Baha Mar wrote to the Gaming Board last week informing the body of the dismissals for “failure to fully disclose”. Attempts to contact Kenyatta Gibson, chairman of the Gaming Board, were unsuccessful up to press time.
TWO ACCUSED OF ATTEMPTED MURDER By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net TWO Eight Mile Rock men were charged with attempted murder and causing grievous harm in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court on Friday. Theodore Tanis, 26, of Russell Town, and Antonio Joseph, of Pinedale,
appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Debbye Ferguson on one count of attempted murder and two counts of causing grievous harm. The pair is accused of stabbing several men during an altercation last week when five men were taken to hospital with injuries. During their arraignment
on Friday afternoon, the men pleaded not guilty to the charges of causing grievous harm and were not required to enter a plea to the attempted murder charge. They were denied bail and remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. The matter was adjourned to June 13 for trial.
HUNT FOR ARMED ROBBERS POLICE are asking members of the public to come forth with any information they may have in solving three armed robberies which occurred between Thursday and Friday. Police said shortly after 7pm on Friday, a man was walking through a track road in the vicinity of BPL on Soldier Road, when he was approached by a gunman who robbed him of cash and a cell phone before fleeing on foot. About an hour later, a man was walking on Baillou Hill Road near Cordeaux Avenue, when he was approached by two men, one armed with a firearm, who robbed him of cash and a cell phone, before running away. On Thursday night, shortly after 11pm, a man’s car was stolen. Police said the victim was sitting in his Nissan Volk at Lincoln Boulevard when he was approached by two gunmen. They ordered him from the car, robbed him of cash, before getting into his vehicle and speeding off.
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In a separate matter, a 41-year-old man was charged with assault with a deadly instrument on Friday. Wisler Guerrier of Holmes Rock, who pleaded not guilty to the charge, was denied bail. He was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until June 13 for trial.
PAGE 4, Monday, February 26, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
The Tribune Limited NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI “Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
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RIP SIR DURWARD KNOWLES
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Broadcasting sector on verge of collapse DESPITE the warnings on August 4, 2004, of then Cabinet Minister Obie Wilchcombe that “while government had 50 applications for additional broadcast licences for New Providence, it would have to proceed very carefully, if at all, as the market is overcrowded.” That was 14 years ago, URCA — created to protect that market — today seems intent on destroying it by trying to figure out ways and means to squeeze in another newcomer — with not one, but two licences. Intent on accommodating certain new applicants, URCA complains that “its current data collection practice is not fit for the purpose and is inadequate in light of experience, best regulatory practices and changing market realities in The Bahamas”. This probably justifies URCA’s disregard of the financial risks being put on the existing market by its reckless decision; refusal to adhere to its legislative procedural requirements or failure to fulfil its ‘Duty to Consult’ with those already in the market and the irreparable harm it has done to existing licensees. There is a current dispute going on between URCA and the licence holders of radio station 103.5 FM. Apparently, a licence issued by URCA in 2010 to 103.5 FM’s owners is — according to URCA — “defective and void”. As a result, URCA “approved” the majority takeover of station 103.5FM by another entity, which admits that in fact it had never filed a written application for approval for a change of control as prescribed under Section 70 (4) of the Communications Act.9. Deciding that the current rules are not adequate for today’s market, URCA has announced — without any consultation with licensees, already established in business for many years – that it intends to “fast track” its authority under section 30 of the Communications (Amendment) Act, 2011 to open up more radio spectrum bands, by forcibly removing current broadcasters from their assigned frequencies within 90 days — and reduce their transmitting power by 80 percent to make room for new entrants into the broadcast market. Not only does URCA arbitrarily plan to do this, but it is going to dust off its 2015 consultation document whereby incumbent broadcasters would pay for
URCA’s spacing mismanagement. Even the “numbers boys” understand the crisis of proliferation. In November 2016, a year after the Christie administration issued a provisional licence to eight web shop companies, Craig Flowers, a pioneer in the gaming industry, complained about the “proliferation” of numbers houses. He wanted to know when the Christie government would further clamp down on the proliferation of web shops. We ask the same question about the proliferation of radio licences into a market that has almost been choked to death. We understand that one of the numbers’ group is now anxious to get into the FM radio business, hence the hurried and unfair shove being given to 103.5 to make room. Between 1993 and 2009 - 16 years – ten licences were issued by the then Prime Minister and the Public Utilities Commission. Within four years after URCA’s creation in 2009 it had issued 37 licences, almost collapsing the market. In 2015, when we compared the various markets we discovered that The Bahamas with a population of 377,374 had 47 broadcast licences. It was rated as “unsustainable”. However, Barbados, for example, with a population of 287,562 and five licences was regarded as “highly competitive”. London, with a population of 8,430,000 and 33 licences was also “highly competitive”. On a list of nine countries, which included Barbados Trinidad, Jamaica, all were considered to have a highly competitive broadcast climate because they had a responsible number of licences. The Bahamas stuck out as a sore thumb quickly heading for collapse. Under the Communications (Amendment) Act, 2011 the Minister is “responsible for deciding the method of allocating frequencies in the premium spectrum band of the spectrum plan”. In addition to other responsibilities of this minister it is provided that “no premium spectrum licence shall be issued by URCA before the Minister has decided the method of allocation frequencies in the premium spectrum band of the spectrum plan”. We would suggest that whoever is the Minister — we understand that the Attorney General has oversight — he should quickly inspect URCA before an “unsustainable” industry collapses.
Secretary should not be signing EDITOR, The Tribune. IS there no one in the Office of the Prime Minister or the Attorney General’s Office who can advise that the Cabinet Secretary has no signing authority on behalf of Government and all documents - MOU’s - Heads of Agreement she may sign are worthless as are all those in the past from Kerzner forward. Only Cabinet Ministers can delegate through their Permanent Secretary any MOU’s Heads of Agreement - Concessions and simplest approvals. Read the Constitution, please.
This press conference confirmed what most thought - the Principals double talked throughout a good example was their comment that they had financing and had spent a lot of money already then double take and confirmed they will only be able to do so with this Heads of Agreement and approval from their financing people to draw down so what did they say? Nothing really. 2000 local vendors - what do they mean 70 ban have retained 2000 local Cos? 80% of employees will be Bahamian - for a refinery impossible totally impossible.
Where is this development to be located? Still a secret - why? I think I know why they fear the public outcry. East of Riding Rock/Statoil obviously on pristine development land for tourism - remember that mega Resort ex-FNM Minister Russell wanted to develop? Oh well we will wait to see if anything comes of this – regrettably with all the double talk I for one doubt it. No Bahamian attorneys present - interesting. W THOMPSON Nassau, February 19, 2018.
Clean-up praised EDITOR, The Tribune. I DROVE by Clifton Heritage Park yesterday and was pleasantly surprised to find a cleanup of the Sacred Space underway. This was highlighted this morning by features in both dailies; kudos to the
volunteers from SUEZ, General Electric and Water and Sewerage Corporation for their time and efforts and to the Clifton Heritage Authority for taking matters in hand. I do hope that the cleanup will extend to the piles of debris and garbage
at the roadside opposite the Sacred Space and eventually to some of the piles of trash illegally dumped in the Heritage Park environs themselves. IAN MABON. Nassau, February, 23, 2018
Sir Durward humanitarian par excellence EDITOR, The Tribune. SIR Durward Knowles, the last “pure example” of what a real Bahamian should be like, has sailed his last race, which he won “going away”. His successes in sailing internationally as an Olympian are well documented with a Gold Medal in the Star class at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, together with Cecil Cooke. He won the bronze medal in1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne. He had previously competed for the United Kingdom in the 1948 Olympics finishing in 4th place in the Star class. He also won gold in the 1959 Pan American Games. He was many things to many people, but his greatest humanitarian feat was his contrition in apologising for the wrong committed by the white UBP merchant class on the masses. This humanitarian gesture alone is what distinguished him from the many who, to this day disagreed with him. He, along with Algernon Allen, Sir Orville Turnquest and others in their collective wisdom and passion, sought fit to “bridge
He was the best of us. He epitomised what “love thy neighbour as thyself” really means. He lived it, with a letters@tribunemedia.net smile. There are few if any who the divide that obviously existed creating a “One can say anything negative about him. He alone was in Bahamas”. Sir Durward, gave from this category. Not even in the church his heart, freely and often. In fact no superlatives can we find a warm, selfless would not do him justice. human. Sir Durward would He crossed the colour line and touched all with his phi- be unanimously known lanthropy. There has never by every Bahamian as been or will be another the “hero of heroes, par Bahamian who has helped excellence”. He loved us and we loved more, especially ordinary him too. What a glorious people than Sir Durward. Let me reiterate, he life he lived. He cannot be crossed every boundary replaced. An era has ended. with his generosity, racially, The sun has set. politically, socially. There Sail on, sail on in the was a profound respect for great beyond! Farewell my him by everyone from all brother, you will be missed walks of life. The small man by everyone. I thank God that he from “over the hill” welcomed him, more than any allowed a man like you to live here. I trust that we other. We in The Bahamas would use your life as a have been searching for a measuring stick to fashion hero under every nook and our lives after, where all cranny, we even created men are created equal and reasons why some should be treated as such. I am comforted that your be known as heroes, but few can say that he was not soul is already resting in peace. a hero by all the people. Well done! We respected and revered him. I certainly did! IVOINE INGRAHAM I can find no other BahaNassau, mian who has represented February 25, 2018 what we all should be like.
LETTERS
Fear of Walmart EDITOR, The Tribune.
Open letter to Mike Maura, Chairman of BCCEC Dear Mike, You have expressed grave fears that Bahamas might accept Walmart, who would shutter local businesses, shrink employment and later close down and walk out. Let me point out what happened in one developing country. Walmart took interest in Mexico many years ago by setting up a venture with a local company that became the giant Wal-Mex.
Using Walmart’s commercial expertise, they created what now includes stores in some 630 locations throughout Mexico and five Central American countries, with some 237,000 employees and obviously serving millions of customers. I have often seen lowerincome Mexicans busily buying foodstuffs in bulk at their many bare-bones warehouses, and more affluent ones shopping at the up-market outlets. Wal-Mex shares are listed on the Mexico Stock Exchange, where they trade actively to give Mexicans a stake in the economy.
Clearly, Walmart does not intend to abandon Mexico. It is the rare Bahamian retailer or wholesaler who has offered to share the wealth by selling shares to Bahamians. Instead of excluding them, why not welcome Walmart to set up a joint venture operating both here and throughout the Caribbean? There would be plenty of customers and, if a few old-fashioned Bahamian enterprises fell by the wayside, that’s natural in an expanding economy. DICK COULSON Nassau February 25, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, February 26, 2018, PAGE 5
‘Pay $3,000 and you can go free’ from page one She is married to a Bahamian man and had been actively trying to submit an application for a spousal permit, according to her affidavit. Mrs Bent-John and her daughter were released last month after filing a habeas corpus application contesting the legality of her detention. Supreme Court Justice Gregory Hilton is expected to deliver his ruling on the matter later this month. In her affidavit filed last month, Mrs Bent-John alleged that while in detention at the immigration safe house on December 11 she was visited by two men who said they were asked to collect $3,000 from her to secure her and her daughter’s release. “Just after 8pm I was called upstairs and told I had a visitor,” her supporting affidavit, filed on January 22 said. “There was a private car
parked outside the safe house. Two men were in the vehicle and I could see them through the door as they left it open while I was waiting. One of the men came inside and asked for me. I have never see him before,” the affidavit continued. Mrs Bent-John alleges she was asked by one of the men to call her husband for the money, but did not know whether he was an immigration officer as he was dressed in plain clothes. She said the man was irritable and aggressive in his demand for the sum. “However, he must be familiar to them for them to allow him to come to see me when my husband could not visit us there,” the affidavit continued. “I got really nervous as I couldn’t understand what was happening. I started to feel like we were kidnapped. I tried to keep calm so they would not sense how fearful I was. I was concerned that they
would try to harm my husband.” Mrs Bent-John’s application is among some 15 separate cases in which the government has been asked to prove the lawfulness of the applicants’ arrest and further detention at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre. Of those cases, several applicants have been unconditionally released; however, the Crown has objected to costs being awarded due to its position that all the arrests and subsequent detention were lawful. The Immigration Department has come under heavy scrutiny following the landmark case of Bahamasborn deportee Jean Rony Jean-Charles, which officials note has highlighted the need for widespread reforms. When contacted by The Tribune yesterday, Bishop Hall said: “I work with several Haitian churches, some pastors I have helped them to get regularised and on
the other hand I have some Haitians who come and tell me how they paid officers up to $3,000 and they were ripped off.” He continued: “I try for them to give me a name but they’re afraid, because they know if they give me a name I will report it. There are corrupt officers in immigration who are exploiting their office and literally milking members of the Haitian community and that is wrong. “It’s a two-pronged approach,” he added, “I say to them don’t break the laws, if you do you will face the penalty at the same time, we are saying immigration should act justly and fairly and humanely with all persons as we are all made in the image of God.” • Mrs Bent-John’s affidavit also detailed alleged conditions at the immigration safe house. See Tuesday’s Tribune for her account of her detention experience.
BISHOP SIMEON HALL, pastor of New Covenant Baptist Church.
JAMAICAN AND IRISHMAN ARE CHARGED WITH OVERSTAYING IN THE BAHAMAS By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
TWO foreign nationals - a Jamaican and an Irishman - have been charged in Freeport Magistrate’s Court with overstaying their time in the Bahamas. Douglas Barrington Douglas, 54, of Jamaica, was charged last week with working without a permit and overstaying his time in the country. He appeared in court three before Magistrate Rengin Johnson, pleaded guilty to the charges and was ordered to pay a $6,000 fine. Douglas had been discovered working on a construction site on Hawaii Avenue in Grand Bahama doing masonry work and was questioned by immigration officers about his legal status. He presented his Jamaican passport which revealed he initially arrived in the country on November 14, 2013, and received a one-month extension which expired on December 27, 2013. He remained in the country, overstaying his visitor’s status by more than four years. Magistrate Johnson ordered him to pay a $3,000 fine for each offence - overstaying and working without a permit. He was ordered to
be deported to Jamaica on payment of the fine. If he does not pay the fine, he is to serve nine months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services to run concurrently. Irish national Breandan O’Maolchraoibhe, 44, appeared before Magistrate Johnson charged with overstaying. He pleaded guilty to the charge and was ordered to pay $3,000 fine or in default serve nine months in prison. O’Maolchraoibhe was discovered at an apartment in the Lucaya area on Wednesday. He arrived in Freeport on August 28, 2017, and was admitted for an initial period of three weeks. He did not seek to obtain a further extension. The accused made a request of the court for some time to wind up his affairs before being sent out of the country. He told the court that he had a year lease on an apartment and some matters to deal with. Magistrate Johnson granted the Irishman 14 days to wind up his affairs and to report to the Immigration Department daily during business hours of 9am and 5pm. At the end of the 14 days, O’Maolchraoibhe is expected to be seen out of the country.
DOUGLAS Barrington and Breandan O’Maolchraoibhe entering court in Freeport.
PAGE 6, Monday, February 26, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, left, presents a gift to Haitian President Jovenel Moise in Haiti yesterday. Dr Minnis and a delegation of Cabinet ministers are in Haiti for CARICOM meetings. Photos: Yontalay Bowe/OPM Media Services
Talks in Haiti on tackling migration
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, left, during a press conference in Haiti with Haitian President Jovenel Moise. Photos: Yontalay Bowe/OPM Media Services
A HIGH-LEVEL meeting was held at Haiti’s National Palace between Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and Haitian President Jovenel Moise yesterday, where both leaders committed to undertake joint initiatives that could contribute to reducing the flow of migration to The Bahamas. According to a joint communique, Dr Minnis and Mr Moise also expressed their determination to find effective solutions to resolve the identification problem of Haitian nationals in The Bahamas; to this end, the government of Haiti has decided to establish a centre of delivery and collection of identification of documents at the Embassy of Haiti in Nassau. The two men spoke ahead of the 29th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of State and Government of the Caribbean Community, being held in Port-au-Prince.
The discussions were focused on the implementation of the three agreements between The Bahamas and Haiti signed in Nassau on July 29, 2014, namely: a framework for bilateral co-operation; an agreement on trade and technical cooperation in the area of quality control for agricultural products and exportable fisheries; and an agreement on the promotion and protection of investments. According to the communique, during the meeting both men underscored the need for the creation of economic, commercial and investment opportunities between the private sectors in Haiti and The Bahamas, particularly in the northern and northwest region of Haiti. They also expressed their desire to strengthen trade links for the purchase and sale of agricultural products and seafood and exportable fisheries between the two countries, through accepted
international quality control standards and emphasised the need to develop a maritime agreement between the two countries for maritime border control and to encourage closer collaboration between national, regional and international law enforcement institutions, including information sharing for greater effectiveness in combating illegal immigration, illicit trafficking in narcotics, the smuggling of migrants, and transnational organised crime. Speaking specifically about agriculture and trade, Dr Minnis said by December 31, the government hopes to see fruits and vegetables from Haiti on store shelves in The Bahamas, once the products meet Bahamian guidelines. The CARICOM meetings continue today and tomorrow. Dr Minnis was accompanied to Haiti by his wife, Patricia, and a delegation of Cabinet ministers.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, February 26, 2018, PAGE 7
REMEMBERING SIR DURWARD KNOWLES By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net BAHAMIAN Olympic icon Sir Durward Knowles died Saturday afternoon, three months after the country and global sailing community commemorated his life and legacy in the celebration of his 100th birthday. Sir Durward became he Bahamas’ first Olympic medalist when he won a bronze medal in sailing with Sloane Farrington in Melbourne in 1956. Then, with Cecil Cooke, he brought home a gold medal from the 1964 Games in Tokyo. In an interview with The Tribune yesterday, Charlotte Albury, Sir Durward’s daughter, said her father lived his waning months “overjoyed and content” by the love and admiration he received from Bahamians in the build-up to his most recent birthday on November 2. Mrs Albury, recalling that period, said: “He was so happy to see 100 and to be able to enjoy it and enjoy the Bahamian people. You know, he loved his country. I think it was big for him to see the love, particularly over the last year or so, to see that this country loved him back.” She added: “He always said he did what he did out of the love he had for The Bahamas and I think the embrace the country gave him, it gave him a true sense
of accomplishment. He was, more than anything else, a proud Bahamian boy. “Everything he did throughout his life, he did with the thought that it was moving his county forward. “That’s why, whether here or abroad, the moment you mentioned The Bahamas or Bahamians, you knew he was going to give it everything he had. “That was evident coming down to the end.” Last year, the One Bahamas Foundation organised a 100-day countdown to Sir Durward’s 100th birthday. As part of the celebrations, in November a blockbuster regatta was put on for the icon, who was the oldest living Olympic gold medalist at the time. Sir Durward was honoured with The Bahamian Icon Award in 2014. That same year, the Christie administration honoured the sporting icon with the commissioning of a Royal Bahamas Defence Force vessel in his name. In addition to his sporting legacy, Sir Durward was also a noted philanthropist and humanitarian. He was knighted in 1996. Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, who is in Haiti for a CARICOM meeting, released a statement recognising Sir Durward as a “true Bahamian patriot” whose gold medal feat established The Bahamas as a “sporting nation.”
“Sir Durward was an active and vibrant presence in the community, in sports and in business,” Dr Minnis’ statement noted. “He made great contributions to the maritime sector and as a maritime pilot mentored and empowered numerous maritime pilots of both the past and the current generation. “A successful businessman, he was one of the driving forces behind One Bahamas that strived to unite all Bahamians.” Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham also issued a statement, saying he was saddened to learn Sir Durward died so soon after the country celebrated his 100th birthday. “I am pleased to pay tribute to Sir Durward upon whose shoulders many of us have been pleased to stand,” Mr Ingraham said in a statement. “Sir Durward was a committed Bahamian patriot and a man of great character. His love of our country transcended all barriers. “He loved life and lived it to the fullest. It is our good SEE PAGE 8 for many generations of Bahamians SEE PAGE EIGHT
SIR Durward his teammate during their sailing days.
SIR Durward after 1964 Tokyo win.
PAGE 8, Monday, February 26, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
REMEMBERING SIR DURWARD KNOWLES FROM PAGE SEVEN “He loved life and lived it to the fullest. It is our good fortune that his longevity provided the opportunity for many generations of Bahamians to witness and draw inspiration from his life be it in sport, in business, in religion or in his great civic mindfulness. For this we are all grateful. “I am especially pleased that Sir Durward lived to see his life work recognised, acknowledged and applauded by Bahamians of all walks of life, by civil society and by the government. He was truly a giant of a man and his life work and his personality are forever etched in the annals of our history. Sir Durward was also a loyal husband and nurturing father to his children and to all the young people whose lives he touched. “On my own behalf on behalf of my wife Delores and all our family, I extend sincere condolences to Holly, Lady Knowles, and to Jill, Charlotte, and Randy in their bereavement. We share in your loss,” Mr Ingraham said. Meanwhile, Progressive Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis applauded the Olympian’s social legacy.
“He parlayed his work as an Olympian into that of a tireless promoter of the sport of sailing, the training of young people, and a life full of participation in civic advocacy,” Mr Davis said in a statement. “He was a good business man.” The Cat Island MP added: “Sir Durward was unique in his time and in his class and social demographic when he uttered the following words reported in 2011: ‘Boys and girls, you are living in a great country. I was brought up when white people were in charge of these lands and they treated the black people very badly. I’m here to apologise on our behalf. Today, we’re living in a great society.’” Mr Davis said the comment, in the minds of ordinary Bahamians, raised Sir Durward head and shoulders above the rest. Free National Movement Chairman Carl Culmer also applauded the legacy of Sir Durward in a statement of his own, calling the philanthropist a man for all seasons. Sir Durward was admitted to hospital last week. He was surrounded by family and his minister as he passed.
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THE TRIBUNE
Monday, February 26, 2018, PAGE 9
DURWARD RANDOLPH KNOWLES Born 2 November 1917 1956 - Bronze Medal Recipent / Summer Olympics - Melbourne.
1959 Won Gold Medal - Star Class / Pan American Games
Making of A Legend 1964 - Won Gold Medal - Star Class / Summer Olmypics Tokyo
1996 Knighted to become SIR Durward Knowles
1997 - Received The Bahamas’ Order of Merit 2014 - Second Legendclass RBDF patrol boat commissioned as HMBS Durward Knowles
2016 - Became the oldest living Olympic champion
2014 - Lifetime Achievement Award Receipient Bahamian Icon Awards
2017 Celebrates 100th Birthday on Nov. 2nd SIR DURWARD “SEAWOLF” KNOWLES
Died 24 February 2018
PAGE 10, Monday, February 26, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
The man who sailed to gold By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
FROM the beginning to the end of his life, Sir Durward Randolph Knowles lived his philosophy, “fish or cut bait – either you will choose to be a part or be one way or another, whichever one it is, a decision has to be made.” Sir Durward was raised along with eight siblings by his father, Captain Harry Knowles and his stepmother Erma Pinder, for whom he held great affection. According to those that knew him best, he was born with the sea in his veins and lived to emulate his father. In fact, it was that connection to his father that pushed him to the sea. “Papa” as Sir Durward and his siblings called him, was everything Sir Durward wanted to be - a pilot, sea captain, yachtsman and fisherman - and over the succeeding years, his dreams all came true. After graduating from Queen’s College in 1934, Sir Durward apprenticed with his father. In 1936, Sir Durward crewed for his father in his first Star Class race and a love of sailing was born. After several futile efforts, through the help of Sir Roland Symonette, Sir Durward was offered his first job as mate on a tug and tow barge, which plied between Nassau and Miami; on board, he honed his skills and became a topnotch navigator. But the days of the tug and tow ended when the first airport at Windsor Field was opened. Out of a job, Sir Durward found his way back to the sea. The Bahamian government owned a 150-foot tug tender, the Lady Cordeaux and he was offered the job as the tug’s captain. He was Captain Knowles, at last. Sir Durward sailed the
SIR Durward Knowles with his wife, Lady Holly, the girl next door who married him. Lady Cordeaux, carrying dynamite to Nassau from Miami, for several voyages until he decided he was off island too long and it was very dangerous work, so he looked for jobs in Nassau. Next up, there was the Marcidee, an 85-foot freighter, hauling bananas from Haiti to Miami, with a stop in Nassau on the way. Marcidee was a converted houseboat, with a tendency to roll in heavy seas. Not lost on love and the family values he was raised with, Sir Durward eventually met and married the ‘girl next door’. His soon to be wife, Lady Holly came to The Bahamas from England on an extended holiday with her parents, little did she know then that it would extend for over 70 years. They were married in Nassau and honeymooned in Eleuthera, where, true to form, Sir Durward cut the stay short to rush off and compete in a sailing championship - he always kept the sea a priority. Sir Durward’s love of the Star Class boats continued throughout his lifetime. His first was named Margie B, which he raced
in local events. He soon realised that she was not fast enough and sought out the owner of GEM, Bert Kelly, the fastest boat in the fleet. He bought her for five hundred pounds – his life savings. He promptly signed up for the Star World Championships in Cuba. They sailed a great race, thee young boys from Nassau who were competing against the best in the world. They ended in third place – an amazing accomplishment. Sir Durward’s taste for competition began. In 1947, the Bahamas boys decided to enter the Star World Championships in California, but they had a few problems, namely – no trailer, no car, no funds. Never deterred by anything when he set his mind to it, Sir Durward and Sloane Farrington built a trailer, borrowed a car and friends fundraised for them. They set off to conquer the Championships, together with his new wife, Holly. After a gruelling series of races in Los Angeles, the island boys won the Championships. Regatta crowds went crazy with delight and racing history began
for The Bahamas. Back in Nassau, Sir Durward and Mr Farrington were greeted as heroes. 1948 was Olympic year, this time to be held in England. Sir Durward decided to enter. Unfortunately there were problems – as a colony, he had to sail under the flag of England, not The Bahamas and he had to enter the qualifiers. Strings were pulled, a passage was booked on the Queen Mary leaving New York for England. They just had to get the boat there in time. After wrong turns, a broken axle and great stress, the crossed into New York and realised that they would not arrive in time before the boat sailed. Never giving up, Durward pulled over and got on the phone to the Queen Mary. A miracle – she waited for them. The British Olympics were the most frustrating experience for them. They were in the lead to win gold, when GEM’s mast snapped, and it was all over. Sir Durward returned to Nassau and began work in Symonette’s Shipyard, forging a long-lasting bond with Bobby Symonette. Together they built the Nassau Yacht Haven. To enable Sir Durward to compete in the 1952 Olympics under the Bahamas flag, Gerald Cash drafted a constitution and the Bahamas Olympic Association was formed. An application was made to recognise the Bahamas Yachting Association. Teams were entered in the Olympics that year as The Bahamas. No medals were won but the road to gold was paved. The 1956 Olympics in
Melbourne, Australia saw him win a bronze medal, the very first Olympic medal for The Bahamas. Again, the country rejoiced along with him. Sir Durward, despite his enthusiasm, knew more was possible. Over the next few years, Sir Durward won medals in all the major Star races all over the world, establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in Star sailing. He had his eyes on 1964 - the Tokyo Olympics, but grief struck in the build-up to what would become a dream year. Sir Durward’s father Captain Harry, died in 1963. Later in life, Sir Durward admitted that the loss of his parents troubled him. He recognised the circumstance as one of his biggest regrets. Advancing closer to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Sir Durward encountered another setback. His longtime friend and crew Sloane Farrington was unable to compete but a great sailor, Cecil Cooke, was selected to replace him. There were seven races that year. GEM sailed well early on, then they had a halyard lock break. The battle for gold was tough, against great competitors. They held a slight lead into the final race and received a telegram from Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh, wishing them luck – the whole of The Bahamas held its breath. Boat by boat, they worked their way to the front of the fleet. When the gun cracked for the finish, they didn’t know if they had won or not. They won. Sir Durward’s words were “There is nothing to compare with that point in my life.” The boy who was so eager to follow in his father’s footsteps had accomplished greatness. Back home, the islands exploded with celebration. Thousands welcomed their plane when they touched down in Nassau. Floats, band and decorated cars gave them a hero’s welcome. Sir Durward had won everything the Star class had to offer – blue, bronze, silver, gold Stars and then Olympic gold. Sir Durward joined the Rotary Club of East Nassau on March 6, 1967. He has been a member there for 50 years. He made huge changes in the club, motivating members to become more active and
instigating several projects. In the words of current President-Elect of Rotary International, Barry Rassin, “Sir Durward changed the face and operations of Rotary in The Bahamas.” He became president of the club in 1975-76 and drove the club to become the major community force it is today. He was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship by the club and Rotary International’s ‘Service Above Self’ award. The purpose of this award is to recognise those individual Rotarians who have demonstrated exemplary humanitarian service, in any form and at any level, with emphasis on personal volunteer efforts and active involvement in helping others through Rotary. This is Rotary International’s highest honour for individual Rotarians. A maximum of 150 recipients worldwide may be selected each year. Sir Durward also played prominent roles in the Bahamas Association for the Physically Disabled (BAPD) and the Bahamas Air and Sea Rescue Auxiliary (BASRA). Additionally, Sir Durward aided in the development of the Sea Scouts, Cheshire Home programme, several sailing, junior sailing and regatta organisations. Another philanthropic organisation tied to Sir Durward was the One Bahamas organisation, initiated by Algernon Allen in 1992, with the object of creating a greater sense of identity, pride and community in the nation’s youth. Sir Durward saw the organisation as a vehicle to promote his hope that the nation would be united as one, regardless of race, or creed. Together with then Governor General Sir Orville Turnquest, he toured the islands, visiting schools and community centres to promote the concept of One Bahamas. After a few years of hiatus, One Bahamas was recognised by the government and a ‘One Bahamas Day’ was declared in 2003. Sir Durward has been showered with accolades over the years. Notable amongst them are the Bahamian Icon Award, which he received in 2014. Sir Durward received a standing ovation from the assembled audience. He was officially knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in 1996.
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THE TRIBUNE
Monday, February 26, 2018, PAGE 11
Residents ‘united’ against cemetery By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net A PROPOSAL to create a cemetery on Bernard Road is being met with more backlash from residents of the surrounding communities. On February 15, The Tribune published a public notice from the Department of Physical Planning announcing the proposal. The notice said: “This proposed tract of land contains 13.504 acres and is situated on the northern side of Bernard Road, immediately east of Sands Addition and approximately 450 feet west of Adderley Street. “The applicant (James R Bain) wishes to develop a cemetery, construct a chapel and a mausoleum with related facilities on the property.” The Johnson Road Community Association held a meeting on February 21 to discuss the matter. Attorney Bjorn Ferguson
told The Tribune on Friday that the meeting was well attended by residents of the surrounding areas. He said disapproval for the proposal was “unanimous”. On February 22, Johnson Road Estates resident Tiffany Eldon created an online petition against the proposal. The petition is entitled: “Stop Proposal of Cemetery on Bernard Road” and is hosted on change.org. Up to press time, the petition had more than 500 signatures. “I was inspired to start this petition because I was concerned about the health of persons living in the surrounding areas due to the likelihood of the water table being contaminated,” Ms Eldon told The Tribune on Friday. “The majority of people in this community use private wells. Secondly, during the week traffic is already congested from school traffic. “Putting the cemetery
there will also (cause) congested traffic on the weekend, seeing that Bernard Road is already a narrow thoroughfare. (A cemetery) will open up a window for more criminal activity for the area in which I live. “The majority of (residents) living in my community (are) 100 per cent against this proposal,” she added. Ms Eldon and Mr Ferguson also shared a letter with The Tribune written by Mr Ferguson and addressed to Director of Physical Planning Charles Zonicle on February 23. The letter also addresses concerns regarding traffic, property devaluation, potential water pollution, and the need for public spaces in the area. Minister of Works Desmond Bannister also spoke to The Tribune on Friday about the proposal and petition. “An application has been made for the designation of certain land as a
LONE KILLER SHOOTS DEAD VICTIM, 26 from page one Police have not identified the victim, but The Tribune understands he is Keyon Knowles. Friends inundated his Facebook page on the weekend expressing shock at his death. The murder came just days after a man was shot dead as he visited a relative in the Wilson Tract area, and a week after two men died and four others were taken to hospital after two separate shootings in Pinewood Gardens on Friday and Saturday nights. Last week, National Security Minister Marvin Dames said that homicides are still “down more than 50 percent” compared
with last year. According to The Tribune’s records, there were 30 homicides by this time last year, representing a decrease of about 43 percent. Speaking with The Tribune outside of the House of Assembly, Mr Dames discussed initiatives the Royal Bahamas Police Force is using to combat crime, the upcoming scientific manpower study of the RBPF, and the recent shooting incidents in Pinewood Gardens. When asked specifically about the incidents in Pinewood Gardens, Mr Dames said: “We recognise that we do have a problem with some of our young men, a number of whom have resorted to a lifestyle of gangs and
drugs and other criminal activities. “And this is the world that they’re living in, unfortunately. Not all of them, but a goodly number of them. So we’re working as a government to find some kind of solution to these problems. “One of the things that we’re doing certainly is providing that increase in police visibility in a number of these communities that are plagued with such problems.” He said law enforcement has seen tremendous success in the crime fight. Anyone with information on any of these homicides is asked to contact police at 911 or 919, the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 328-TIPS.
cemetery,” he said. “The process is simple. The application is published and concerned persons have 21 days to lodge their objections. “No application has been approved, nor does the government have any interest in whether or not one is approved. It is up to concerned residents to follow the process that is provided by law. “Accordingly, anyone who is concerned would more productively utilise their time by lodging their opposition and the reasons thereof with the Department of Physical Planning in accordance with the law so that their voices may be heard and they may participate in the process,” Mr Bannister said. Mr Ferguson said the association intends to hold another meeting, tentatively scheduled for this week.
MEMBER of Parliament Desmond Bannister. Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff
PAGE 12 MONDAY, FEBRAURY 26, 2018
INSIGHT
EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net
Dealing with the devil
By MALCOLM STRACHAN
some mistakes. However, some mistakes when playing in the big leagues, which a $5.5bn oil refinery project certainly indicates, simply cannot be afforded. Moreover, they should have raised red flags all around for the Bahamas Investment Authority (BIA) and the last administration. Naturally, it begs the question: how tight is our vetting process and what warrants a proposal being flagged, if not the prospective investor’s business reputation? This information was not
Google search; a mere tap to send a call to a reference on a mobile phone to see if these investors truly cut the mustard. Regardless of what the government is saying, there is no possible way due diligence could have been executed in this process. Furthermore, if the BIA insists there was, then that process is greatly flawed. Quite honestly, it is absolutely embarrassing, and yet again, the desperation by our governments to achieve political points supersedes good governance on behalf
the Oban deal depicted a man who was impatient and defensive, while he insisted we wait on the Heads of Agreement. Unfortunately, what the prime minister is missing is that we’re infuriated the deal has even gotten this far under the circumstances. Albeit surprising, Prime Minister Minnis far too often seems to forget what led him to his recent good fortune of becoming the nation’s leader. Perhaps, we should remind him again it was due to a few distinct variables.
for is a government that succeeds the former with promises of transparency, accountability and being a “people’s government” continually making decisions that are met with outrage by guess who – the people - for not adhering to its promises. We simply do not understand the line of thinking that it would be okay to present a deal to the Bahamian people with an individual with such a stained past on the face of it. For the prime minister not to be concerned about the optics
wants to welcome in the country? Particularly, given LOCAL media exploded his assault on the former last week upon the government when he was startling revelations surthe Opposition leader, his rounding Oban Energies’ antennas should have been non-executive chairman, the first to go up. Peter Krieger. The governIt is blatant hypocrisy on ment’s initial announcement his part and that of those of a $5.5bn oil refinery in government who, along project in Grand Bahama with the prime minister, initially seemed like a prostand by this deal. We live active step towards getting in a country with laws that Bahamians back to work. will tarnish a young man’s However, as last week record for as little as a joint unfolded, the citizenry has – no opportunity to get a become widely sceptical job, much less approach and Prime Minister Minnis, another country as the face who seems to can’t win for of an energy company to losing and is yet again lookspearhead a project ing as though he is out with major implicaof his depth. tions on the people Truly, it is sign of and the environment. how desperate the Yet, the prime ministimes are in this counter can stand in front try. When we have to of reporters and tell set the bar lower and the nation this is a lower to obtain foreign good deal simply investment and create because it provides employment opportujobs. nities, we are playing a The dangers of dangerous game. This making deals with the time, thanks to exceldevil are high stakes lent investigative and announcing this journalism at the local deal to the people of dailies, the cards are The Bahamas – parlaid out on the table. ticularly the people of However, what’s more Grand Bahama - has troubling is that with all now placed the govof the blemishes plasernment on the hook tering Krieger’s record, to deliver the jobs one must wonder: how promised by the end could any government of 2018 and beginning take him seriously? of 2019. Further, how can any In the grand scheme investor choose him to of things, nobody will serve as “an ambassaremember the Peter dor” and signatory for Kriegers of the world their company, as he if this deal falls apart. called it? They will only rememTalk about public ber the man next to relations suicide! him – Prime Minister Then, once we Dr Hubert Minnis. learned more about It would be benefithe web of lies weaved cial for him to become PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, left, with Peter Krieger, executive director of Oban Energies. Photo: Yontalay Bowe/OPM Media Services by the principals of cognizant of that realthe company listed on of an image with him plac- ity and ensure each step he Chief among them was ing his signature on a Heads makes, each signature he Oban Energies’ website, locked away in a time cap- of the Bahamian people. What’s more disconcert- the fact the electorate grew of Agreement with Krieger writes, each interview he the saying that the prime sule that was just dug up. minister’s mother told him Nor was it hidden away in ing is the attitude by some tired of a government that after knowing of his past is gives - is perhaps one that comes to mind: “Birds of a an Egyptian pyramid to be in government when the felt that it could run the absolutely baffling, to say can either build or destroy stumbled upon by treas- media asks fair-minded country as if it was their the least. feather, flock together.” his legacy. Of course, when asked ure hunters. Rather, it was questions. The prime min- own, and not the Bahamian Then again, only in The Those who have the about it, Krieger sought to easily accessible through ister’s response to reporters people’s. Conversely, what Bahamas (and perhaps prime minister’s ear do admit that the website had the click of a button on a when questioned about we do not have the patience other Third World coun- him no favours by mastries) would our politicians saging his ego. He needs seek to justify our penchant critical thinking individuals for lowering the bar. who are unafraid to chalOne must wonder, if lenge him and let him know a known sex offender, when he is going off course or rather an individual before the ship he pledged accused of child molesta- to steer sinks permanently tion was sent on behalf of into an abyss of failure and a foreign company wanting ineptitude. to invest in an institution Much more than myopic to teach toddlers sign lan- deals that create jobs in guage, would there really the short-term, we need be a discussion here? a prime minister with an Doubtful. Yet, here we articulable vision that are. Krieger, though admit- is sustainable for future tedly a victim of his own generations. immaturity and with a difTo be fair, we can ferent yet clearly catalogued applaud the prime minisset of flaws, may be able ter’s efforts to encourage to secure the funding for investment in The Bahathis project and all is well mas. However, we still want pertaining to the environ- a high standard to be set. mental impact assessment, Quality over quantity is this really the calibre of always produces the more investor the prime minister sustainable outcome.
THE TRIBUNE
ZNS TALK SHOW HOST CLAIMS VICTIMISATION AND PLANS TO SUE By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
AFTER his ZNS radio talk show was cancelled last week, host Adrian Francis said he intends to file a lawsuit against the station for the manner in which he was handled, insisting this could affect future employment prospects. The radio show “National Access” abruptly ended Wednesday after ten months on air, Mr Francis claimed, alleging a ZNS executive attempted to “censor” his commentary.
“I have spoken to a top attorney,” Mr Francis told The Tribune on Friday, “so I do believe that it is a type of victimisation. I believe that the way they handled my termination could affect future employment for me and as a result of it I decided to file a lawsuit against them.” Mr Francis said he believes the show had not only started to take root in the community, but that various current affairs topics – immigration and natural resources – were beginning to make the station “panic”.
While he admitted that some of what he said on the show may have rubbed certain people the wrong way, Mr Francis maintained he never said anything scurrilous. Mr Francis said he believed his show ended due to a combination of victimisation, disdain over his choice of subject matter and discussions with certain officials. He was previously a talk show host on Guardian Radio. Attempts to reach an official at ZNS for comment were unsuccessful.
Monday, February 26, 2018, PAGE 13
ADRIAN FRANCIS
WRECKAGE seen in a video that circulated on social media.
WRECKAGE IS FROM CRASH PLANE
from page one
According to Mr Major, the wreckage will be taken to the United States where additional analysis will be conducted by the Department of Civil Aviation’s Air Accident Investigation Department with assistance from specialists provided by the aircraft and engine manufacturers and the National Transportation
Safety Board. He also noted that all the aircraft’s major components and parts were recovered. The video referred to by Mr Major showed the outline of some kind of craft in the water, as onlookers observed. The user who posted the video to Facebook said: “They said only five per cent of the plane that went down in North Andros was found, but
yesterday locals went to site and found the whole plane and the engines. They also found human bones. If one of y’all family members was on this plane, this plane would have been up out of the water.” Since the crash, it has been revealed that the pilot lacked the required licences to charter flights. Investigators also believe weather may have played a role in the crash.
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THE TRIBUNE
PASSENGER KILLED AS CAR IN COLLISION WITH SUV IN ABACO CRASH By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
A MAN died early Saturday morning after he was ejected from the passenger seat of car that collided with a SUV. The incident was one of two traffic fatalities that occurred over the weekend, the other taking place Friday night in Abaco, where a passenger’s remains were found in a firedamaged car. According to reports, shortly before 4am on Saturday, traffic police were called to an accident involving a blue Honda Accord and a 2003 Cadillac Escalade, near Lake View Cemetery in New Providence. Police said during
the collision, the deceased was ejected from the vehicle. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were called to the scene, but were unable to revive him. He was pronounced dead. Police said the drivers of both vehicles were taken to hospital and are listed in stable condition. Meanwhile police in Abaco are investigating a traffic accident that occurred in Treasure Cay. Shortly after 8pm on Friday, police received a report of two vehicles on fire as a result of a traffic accident. It was also reported that a passenger was trapped in one of the vehicles. On arrival, the officers, with the assistance of the Treasure Cay Fire Department, were able to
extinguish the fire to both vehicles, and while making checks, found human remains burnt beyond recognition in one of them. Several passengers were taken to the Marsh Harbour Medical Centre where they were treated. Police are actively investigating this matter. Earlier this year, police reported that 54 people died as a result of traffic accidents in 2017, an increase when compared with 2016 figures. In 2016, there were 44 recorded traffic related deaths. In 2015, there were 55 traffic-related deaths — the most in a year since 2009, when 56 people were killed. Investigations into the most recent traffic deaths continue.
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