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The Tribune Established 1903

Volume:115 No.75, MARCH 9TH, 2018

Weekend

A COMIC’S VIEW: DUCKING AND DODGING OBAN QUESTIONS

‘We need to deal with FNM cronies’ Auditors reveal political favours rife at water board

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net AUDITOR EY’s report into the Water & Sewerage Corporation highlights how intertwined politics has been in the operations of the institution, revealing obscene rows with a political slant, calls for victimisation of Free National Movement “cronies” and apparent political patronage for Progressive Liberal Party supporters.

In correspondence revealed in the audit, WSC deputy chairman Audley Hanna forwarded a dispute between a worker and a

supervisor, saying “we need to deal with these FNM ‘cronies’.”

According to supporting exhibits in the audit, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works Philip “Brave” Davis is seen directing WSC’s management to employ people even though it is not often clear a need for their services exists.

WSC’s periodic reports usually highlight its failure to reduce its “employees per active water connection” rate, with its 2015 report noting that staffing levels had remained SEE PAGES SIX & SEVEN

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED KNOWS JUST WHERE TO GO

HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands yesterday accused the former administration of going forward with the $6.6m upgrade to the Smith’s Bay Clinic in Cat Island despite a nearly 40 per cent decline in visits to clinics on that island in the past decade.

Dr Sands insisted the decision did not follow the advice of the ministry’s technical team, and projections show the expensive

CRIME FALLS DESPITE COPS’ CARS CRISIS

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

OVERALL crime is down 14 percent, National Security Minister Marvin Dames said yesterday, adding Bahamians can rest assured criminal activity in the country will continue at reduced levels, lessening fear among citizens.

He said the reduction accounts for crimes against the person and property.

The minister said this was achieved despite an audit of the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s fleet of vehicles finding only 126 cars of 538 operable. Of the remaining 412, he said 273 vehicles were inoperable and 139 experienced chronic repairs. The majority of the fleet, he said, was used in New Providence, thereby exposing the Family Islands to vulnerable and substandard police performance.

SEE PAGE FIVE

MILLER’S TEN-YEAR LEASE ‘HANDCUFF’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE ten-year lease of Leslie Miller’s Summerwinds Plaza is among the deals the Minnis administration is blaming for “handcuffing” its financial plans, Tribune Business can reveal.

Government contacts, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed to this newspaper that the former Cabinet Minister’s Tonique Williams Highway complex was one of the arrangements slammed by the Deputy Prime Minister in his mid-year Budget presentation.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

SANDS: $6.6M FOR CLINIC TO SEE FIVE PATIENTS A DAY

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1

build-out of the clinic would have served an average five patients per day.

“I want you to imagine the build out of a clinic at a cost to the Bahamian people of $6.6m to see five patients a day,” he said.

“Now Cat Island, my ministry is prepared to ensure that all people in The Bahamas have access to excellent health care but it doesn’t mean we should build out expensive edifices that we can ill afford to maintain.”

SEE PAGE THREE

POTCAKE NEEDS YA HELP, FOLKS

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

SPORTS Illustrated magazine came to The Bahamas for its Swimsuit Edition photo shoot - see today’s Weekend section for more, including the homecoming for Bahamian model Chase Carter.

Photo: Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

Insight OBAN’S ‘POWERHOUSE’ PARTNER A PARTNER in the Grand Bahama refinery project vowed last night he would not support the project going ahead without it passing stringent environmental tests.

But at the same time as the head of Dutch firm TECS made this promise new issues surfaced which once again add to

TECS CEO Gert van Meijeren.

the storm surrounding the $5.5bn project led by Oban Energies.

On Tuesday this week Oban’s president Satpal Dhunna placed full page adverts in the The Tribune and The Guardian to try and reassure the public all was well with the planned refinery.

SEE PAGE FIVE

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

AFTER his home caught fire last week Thursday, local street philosopher “Potcake” is appealing to the public for assistance.

The 65-year-old, whose real name is Locksley Thompson, says the incident has left him sleeping on cardboard.

The cost to rebuild a smaller structure on the same lot could be as much as $28,000.

“Last week Thursday (at) two in the afternoon I was sitting right here on this wall and one of my neighbours in Balls Alley…drive here and say: ‘Potcake ya house on fire,’” Mr Thompson told The Tribune.

SEE PAGE THREE

PAGE 2, Friday, March 9, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

US EMBASSY HONOURS ENVIRONMENT ACTIVIST

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Z THIS YEAR’S 100 JAM IS D UN SO ET SECR H A PARTNERSHIP WIT K AC SH THE BEAUTY

ON March 8, recognised globally as International Women’s Day, the US Embassy hosted a reception at Liberty Overlook in honour of Fotini “Sam” Tsavousis-Duncombe, the embassy 2018 nominee for the Secretary of State’s Award for the International Women of Courage.

A cross-section of key contacts attended the event, including the wife of Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, Patricia Minnis, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development Lanisha Rolle, President of the Senate Katherine Forbes-Smith and other government officials.

The Secretary’s Award for International Women of Courage was established in 2007 to honour women around the globe who exemplify exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for human rights, women’s equality, and social progress. The US Embassy in Nassau has traditionally hosted a breakfast in March in honour of its local nominee and Women’s History Month.

Mrs Tsavousis-Duncombe was nominated for the 2018 International Women of Courage Award in recognition of her dedication to addressing environmental problems in The Bahamas over the past 27 years.

Mrs Duncombe began from real estate developANNE MARIE BAIN, political specialist, US Embassy; Marva Jervis and Dr Sandra Dean-Patterson, former Woman of Courage (WOC) honorees; Fotini “Sam” Tsavousis-Duncombe, US Embassy Nassau’s 2018 WOC honouree; Douglas Sun, chief political and economic section, US Embassy Nassau along with Rosa Mae Bain, Janet Bostwick and Andrea Archer, past WOC award recipients. her life-long mission to champion the call for environmental awareness, education, and protection in The Bahamas in 1990.

She, along with her husband Tony Duncombe and Catherine Brisson, established reEarth, an environmental watchdog group. reEarth through campaigns, protests and education has increased public awareness of environmental issues among the Bahamian public. It played a key role in the development of the Clifton Heritage Park and the Clifton Heritage Authority in order to protect the area of New Providence Island

ment and environmental ruin.

In January 2012, Mrs Duncombe created a blueprint for the government’s National Environmental Plan for The Bahamas, “A Living Future”. This document outlines a plan for environmental laws intended to protect, preserve, conserve and sustain the Bahama Islands into the future. She is a part of the Save the Bays environmental group, and continues the work she began at Clifton Heritage Park. She remains steadfast in her efforts to preserve the unique marine environment throughout The Bahamas.

SERVICE CELEBRATES ARTHUR D HANNA

GOVERNOR General Dame Marguerite Pindling attended the 90th Birthday Celebration Church Service for former Governor General Arthur D Hanna at St Matthews Church on Wednesday evening.

During the service, pictured, the Governor General is pictured greeting Mr Hanna.

Photos: Raymond A. Bethel, Sr/BIS

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THE TRIBUNE

Friday, March 9, 2018, PAGE 3

Potcake needs ya help, folks from page one “I took my trolley and I park it in the back of (a) parish and I catch a jitney up home.

“When I reach there, I met two fire engines and a crowd in the road. They was extinguishing the fire.”

Mr Thompson said this was not the first house fire he has experienced.

He said: “That fire (must have been) about three years ago I think. In that fire, I lost plenty of my clothes. I like radio, so some of my radios got burn up.

“My lil’ portable stove… my lil’ furniture, my lil’ bed and stuff… all of them get destroyed in that first fire in (2015).”

Mr Thompson also experienced significant losses in last week’s fire.

He told The Tribune: “Everything – the whole roof, completely gone. All the bathroom, all the face bowl, the bathroom sink, all that down to rock.

“I lose my bed, my warm comfortable bed.

“It’s a big house, an eightroom house… Only thing left in the house is a little portion in the back.”

Mr Thompson said he

now has to sleep on cardboard in a room as “small as a lil’ toilet”.

“It’s a small lil’ room in the back, way in the back.

And last night… I put cardboard on the floor to sleep.

“And by the windows them that the fire blow out, I have cardboard over them and some curtains to keep the draught out.”

Mr Thompson continued: “And I sleeping on the cardboard because some of my family members brought me blankets and a pillow.

“So, I (have) everything just with cardboard all around it, just one room (that’s) just as small as a lil’ toilet. That’s how the room is.”

He added: “I just married my daughter last year November, (I lost) my new coat suit and other clothes I had, my new tennis, my bureau with all my underwear.

“On my bureau, I had just buy a lucky teddy bear for good luck. All that burn.

I had two Bibles, the two Bibles burn up.”

Despite the tragedies, Mr Thompson is determined to rebuild on the same lot, citing familial connection to the land.

He said: “I have to

rebuild it because that’s generation property. My great-grandfather, Nathan Thompson from Deep Creek, Eleuthera (built that house).”

The estimated cost to rebuild is approximately $28,000, according to Mr Thompson’s brother.

“My brother is a contractor,” Mr Thompson said.

“He wants to build a small… one bedroom (structure), with a lil’ kitchen and bathroom. Just a small lil’ efficiency. This his intention in case I get some donations.

“He gone break down the rest of the house and just build something where I could sleep out of the rain and out of the hurricane.

“You know the hurricane come every November… and then all the cold. Then the rainy season start ‘round June and July.

“And then where I sleeping now I just gin get drown in the rain.

“So my sister and brother (are trying to) help me, because I’m (one of the elder) siblings.”

When asked if there is anything he wishes to say to the public, Mr Thompson said: “Yes, I really need help man. I really need (it).”

STREET PHILOSOPHER POTCAKE, whose real name is Locksley Thompson, pictured during his interview with The Tribune about the recent fire at his home in Balls Alley.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

LODGE COMES TO THE AID OF MOTHER AND CHILDREN WHOSE HOME WAS HIT BY BLAZE

VELERIE Johnson-Brown (centre) and her children were left without their home after a fire - but to her assistance came the Freemasons, and OES lodge aided her by donating goods and clearing debris from the property. she is pictured alongside Worshipful Master Bro Gregory Miller at the clear-up session yesterday.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

SANDS: $6.6M FOR CLINIC TO SEE FIVE PATIENTS A DAY from page one

Cat Island MP Philip Davis countered that the former minister would have been advised by the same technical team as Dr Sands, and at the time those recommendations were based not just on current data but the projected use given proposals for the island like the PGA tour. Mr Davis added that the utilisation and attendance numbers may be different if clinics were upgraded, noting that many persons do not visit clinics but instead travel to Nassau to seek care.

Dr Sands yesterday presented a stark account of the nation’s cash-strapped health system that has created an “untenable situation” in the distribution of services, particularly at public clinics.

He said the government had to seek $10m “emergency” funding from the National Health Insurance fund in order to pay

for services made available by the Public Hospitals Authority, which he noted had been given the task of managing a number of capital projects unrelated to its remit and mandate.

He outlined millions of dollars worth of unpaid debts owed by the PHA for numerous facility projects across the islands.

Turning his attention to Eleuthera, Dr Sands called the previous administration’s decision to put a $27m clinic in Palmetto Point “the greatest of travesties”. The Palmetto Point clinic project was not managed by the PHA, he noted.

He said the cost of renovations to the mammography centre at the clinic would have cost less than $100,000, and because there was no facility the community had lost an opportunity to receive a donation of a mammogram machine from the American government.

“We are not in the slightest bit interested,” Dr

Sands said, “when we look at these commitments to the Bahamian people, of disenfranchising any human being. What we do say is that the expenditure of the Bahamian people should make some sense, particularly when we realise that the total debt of every single Bahamian as of December 2017 was $20,000, owed by every man woman and child. So if we gonna be spending money…but yet we do need to provide the best service that we can afford.”

Dr Sands presented a portion of his mid-year budget contribution before the evening session was suspended.

He said his ministry has received 11.5 per cent of its budget for the 20172018 fiscal period, which amounted to some $207.6m.

Of this amount, Dr Sands said $48.7m went to the Ministry of Health, $5m went to the department of Public Health, $41.6m for the PHA and $40m set aside for the first time by any government for NHI.

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He said for the first six months, the Department of Public Health has spent 84 per cent of funds released,

the PHA has spent 96 per cent of funds released, and the NHI administration has committed $14.15m.

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PAGE 4, Friday, March 9, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

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Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

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Free trade and WTO membership IT is said economists rarely agree about either the theory or practice of their chosen subject. Two of them studying the same data may come up with vastly different judgments, since their fundamental philosophy and approach may vary. Some will favour government intervention in monetary and fiscal policy while others will believe in freemarket economics.

After the Second World War, the groundwork was laid for a global multilateral system that favoured free trade by establishment of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), an international organisation designed to formulate and implement agreed rules of international trade and reduce tariffs and other trade barriers. Increasing globalisation and interdependence of countries gradually followed. This resulted in growing integration of trade, finance, people and ideas in one global market place, with free trade, in particular, helping to make globalisation happen. GATT was replaced in 1995 by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) as a permanent international body.

The purpose of free trade is to achieve economic efficiency by lowering or removing tariffs, quotas and other trade barriers. By providing access to higher quality lower priced imported goods, costs to consumers are reduced.

Moreover, given that usually a high proportion of imports is for use by a country’s own producers, this stimulates economic activity and, through competition, improves domestic innovation and efficiency. The overall effect, therefore, is higher growth, reduced inflation and greater incentives for foreign investors, while the only beneficiaries of trade restrictions are inefficient and uncompetitive enterprises.

Against this background, President Trump’s much publicised decision to impose tariffs across-the-board on imported steel and aluminium represents a win in the White House for what might be termed economic nationalism.

This is hardly in keeping with Republican orthodoxy in favour of free trade as part of capitalism. However, protection of the local steel industry was a centrepiece of his campaign for the presidency; and, more generally, since many countries want access to the huge US market, there is a continuing debate about whether free trade or protectionism is in America’s best interest.

Previous US presidents have applied tariffs and quotas as protection against dumping or subsidised products from specific countries. But Mr Trump’s tariffs are broader and are claimed to be for reasons of national security which makes it harder for other countries to mount a challenge in the WTO. Critics say that not only will his action fail to revitalise domestic production but it will result in increasing costs of the

manufacture of a range of products using steel and aluminium and therefore higher prices for consumers. It will also start a trade war involving retaliatory action that will undermine the global trading system.

As the controversy rages and serious conflict looms between the US and its major trading partners, the subject is of interest to us here in The Bahamas, not least because the issue of our nation’s pending membership of the WTO is in the news again, with the government’s target of 2019 for our accession just over the horizon.

We have recently in these columns congratulated the new FNM government on its strategy to overhaul the nation’s economic model through liberalisation, deregulation and making it easier to do business by means of increased government efficiency and accountability. We need to grow and diversify our economy and the Commercial Enterprises Act is a good start. We have also welcomed the Government’s declared intention to make an “aggressive” push to join other CARICOM countries as a member of the WTO. It seems now to be broadly accepted that to join is in the nation’s interest because in today’s globalised economy smaller countries need to interact internationally to the fullest degree possible. But we agree the Government should consult more widely with the private sector before establishing its negotiating position. In particular, it must determine the extent to which The Bahamas will be required to open up its economy to foreign goods and services, given there is provision to negotiate concessions and exemptions. There is also the question of tax reform since customs duties are not normally compatible with WTO membership.

The Chamber of Commerce and the Organisation for Responsible Governance have expressed concerns publicly in relation to our WTO accession, mainly because of a lack of information and clarity about the government’s negotiating stance as well as doubts about the time available for domestic businesses to adapt in the face of foreign competition. We urge Ministers to take heed of their comments and address the issues they have raised.

With relatively little time to go, we hope the Bahamas Trade Commission will enter into closer dialogue with the private sector in addition to conducting public meetings.

All concerned need to know how the Government is preparing for WTO membership and be reassured the economic interests of the nation will be protected. So it must be more proactive in keeping people informed – greater transparency and improved consultation should be the name of the game.

Can’t afford Carifta event EDITOR, The Tribune.

CARIFTA - $19m costs and seemingly we don’t have that?

One has to congratulate Ministry of Youth & Sports for their curtailment of funding the carnival March event because they cannot rationalise the expense.

The BAAA’s commitment to CARIFTA clearly shows the irresponsibility of such organisations to commit to such a large amount of money to pay for such an event - $1.9m and do not have the guts to say to the Regional Organisation - sorry we cannot raise this sort of funds.

We must have

rationalisation or these events be it sports or tourism if there is no way we will get a reasonable return forget it.

I thought the buildings that were used to accommodate the workers at Baha Mar were supposed to have been saved and used to create suitable accommodations at the Sports Centre as a Village? No, it seems that bulldozer flattened them.

I don’t care about the rivalry between Jamaica and The Bahamas if we can’t afford the Games and are unable to raise the sponsorship money then we refuse to organise the event. If the BAAA’s can’t

fund the event, the bills end back where? The Public Treasury, yet again.

The Tommy Robinson Stadium the Sports Authority is not looking after this facility - the concrete pillars are cracking, re-bar is visible and lord it needs an urgent paint.

Stadia have to be worked, they are not monuments - when last was the Beach Soccer stadium used for any event it sits there a monument to stupid thinking - one event at a time who cares we don’t have to maintain it!

W THOMPSON Nassau, March 1, 2018.

Red-tinted spectacles EDITOR, The Tribune.

I WRITE in response to this week’s intemperate attack on human rights attorney Fred Smith, QC, by regular contributor, The Graduate. In that letter, Smith was warned to beware the dangers of hubris by a writer who seems oblivious to the fact that his own words drip with an unthinking arrogance typical of those whose party has recently returned to power.

The Graduate advises Smith not to embarrass The Bahamas on the international stage over immigration issues. This from a writer who was extremely active during the last Christie Administration, commentating on almost every aspect of the Bahamian political scene.

During that time, Fred Smith regularly sounded the alarm over abuses by the Immigration Department to human rights groups around the world; he convened a very public hearing on the same issues before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) in Washington, DC; and had The Bahamas officially sanctioned by that same body over its treatment of activists.

Yet through all of this, there was not a peep from The Graduate about Smith’s “antics”. Back then, for FNM and its mouthpieces, the controversial attorney was an ally who was merely speaking truth to power; now that the shoe is on the other foot, he is somehow shaming the country. Yet Smith’s message has not changed at all. Apparently, it is OK to embarrass The Bahamas on the world stage so long as the FNM is not the government.

Fred Smith is an odd character, I will admit, and somewhat given to hyperbole, but when it comes to immigration law, he is clearly much more knowledgeable than anyone in this current government, as his repeated victories in court demonstrate. Sadly, the letter writer to whom I am responding seems similarly clueless.

Let’s look at The Graduate’s reasons for warning Smith that he is “skating on thin ice”. What seems to have angered the writer is the suggestion that Haiti should stop accepting Bahamian-born deportees.

Yet it is hard to see why this statement is so controversial. Both Minister of Immigration Brent Symonette and Attorney General Carl Bethel have acknowledged that the Immigration department should not be detaining and deporting Bahamian-born individuals. The Supreme Court has repeatedly and resoundingly upheld this position as well.

The Graduate contends that this category of persons are Haitian citizens,

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net unless and until they are granted Bahamian citizenship, and also claims that this is a position recognised by the United Nations.

First of all, the children of Haitian parents born outside of Haiti can be registered as citizens of Haiti only if and when they are able to prove who their parents are or were, and also prove that the parents themselves are or were citizens of Haiti. Many Bahamian-born individuals face considerable obstacles in fulfilling these conditions – from being unable to afford travel to Haiti to secure the relevant documents, to an inability to find the documents in light of the notoriously backward record keeping in that country, particularly in rural areas. It is unrealistic to think that their parents fled the country of their birth with all of their paperwork in hand.

The result is that many are unable to prove their heritage and thereby gain Haitian citizenship, leaving them effectively stateless if deported. Far from agreeing with the government on this point, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has told The Bahamas repeatedly, since at least 2013 that Bahamian nationality should be granted at birth if the child would otherwise be stateless.

The UNCHR has indeed lent its sanction to repatriation exercises from The Bahamas to Haiti, but not when individuals who are at risk of statelessness are among the deportees. This is exactly the group Smith is asking Haiti to stop accepting. There is no controversy here.

In agreeing not to accept Bahamian-born children, the government of Haiti would actually be adhering to the requirements of the UNCHR that countries not take actions which may increase the likelihood of rendering individuals stateless, as well as the advice of the IACHR, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the Americas Network on Statelessness and numerous other international watchdog groups.

Indeed, the real embarrassment to the country on the international stage is this stubborn government which refuses to rein in a rogue Immigration Department.

The Graduate goes on to defend the Minnis immigration deadline, suggesting that people born here to foreign parents were given ample time to get their affairs in order before January 1, 2018. The Prime Minister announced his purge in October 2017; anyone who thinks that three months is sufficient time for unregulated individuals to apply for and be

granted status displays a woeful ignorance, deliberate or otherwise, about the enormous backlog that has seen thousands of applicants wait for years on end with no word from the Immigration Department.

In addition, applications are routinely and far too casually lost, forcing applicants to once again go through the arduous process of collecting the various documents and gathering the considerable funds necessary to reapply.

To some, this has happened more than once.

In any case, following the Prime Minister’s announcement, Immigration aggressively detained individuals who had actually complied with Minnis’ orders and could show receipts for pending work permits, spousal permits, etc. As several of Fred Smith’s successful cases have shown, enforcement officers were uninterested in even seeing their receipts, preferring rather to deprive people of their liberty arbitrarily.

Finally, my friend The Graduate, in the ultimate show of hubris, warns Smith that he “runs the risk of alienating an important constituency…. a community of influential Bahamians who hold no state office or rank in any civil society organisation but who are a part of a whispering army that holds tremendous sway with politicians in shaping national policy” – a group the writer no doubt belongs to: affiliation does tend to artificially inflate importance.

Well, anyone who knows Fred Smith knows that right now he is probably laughing at this thinly veiled and toothless threat. Smith fights his fight in the courts and in the public square.

He fought with great success against the Christie administration, without the help of any army of earwhisperers or backroom consigliere types.

He was probably singlehandedly more instrumental to the PLP’s downfall than Minnis and all of his Cabinet combined, and the FNM had best believe he can do it again if he is pushed that far. The powers that be should not underestimate this QC’s following in this county, nor the great respect in which he is held in the international human rights community.

Smith’s disappointment in the FNM’s performance so far is shared by thousands of voters. Perhaps those shadowy “influencers” and self-styled social commentators like The Graduate should take off their red tinted spectacles for a minute, and actually stop and listen to what Smith has to say. It is not the good QC who is skating on thin ice.

SYLVAN MARSHAL Nassau, March 8, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, March 9, 2018, PAGE 5

Oban’s ‘powerhouse’ partner from page one

In the advert he wrote: “For your engineer you get powerhouses like TECS...”

TECS is in fact a startup company established in Holland in September last year.

It’s CEO is Gert van Meijeren who has a life-time’s experience in the tank terminal industry.

In fact, Mr van Meijeren was previously head of another company called CTS Middle East which fell foul of the US authorities for breaking its trade embargo with Iran for which the company was fined $48,000.

In court documents obtained by The Tribune Mr van Meijeren signed on behalf of CTS admitting their guilt in a case heard in the US District Court in Houston in September 2013.

The court was told agents of US Homeland Security had been tipped off that CTS had placed an order for $539,000 worth of US-made engineering equipment to be shipped from Houston to its base in Bahrain without informing the US suppliers that the final destination for the order was actually Iran.

“Gert van Meijeren was determined to be the Managing Director of CTS,” the court heard. “...On June 10, 2008, Agents met with Meijeren in the lobby of the Hilton Hotel (in) Houston. Meijeren stated that he was aware that the CTS office in Bahrain had placed an order ... for materials that were destined for Iran.

“Meijeren stated that he THE WEBSITE of Dutch company TECS, described by Oban Energies president Satpal Dhunna as a powerhouse, but which only started up last September.

“The wording in the knew that it was illegal for addressed the US convic- operate around the world, emissions, and in no way unable to say who any of United States companies to tion and his new company’s imposing it’s own laws in did involve arms-related these companies are, saying Heads of Agreement about the international arena. transactions or nuclear he would need Oban’s per- the Bahamian governdo business with Iran, and role in the Oban deal.

“I am fine with the scru- CTS, he said, was a very industry materials. None of mission to do so. ment working with Oban in to attempt to export items Regarding the Heads remediating any concerns from the United States tiny,” he said. “My history successful company which the materials exported were companies and to attempt is in building a company he’d personally built up and included in the European of Agreement signed with raised are understood from to export items from the which has an excellent rep- now had an excellent repu- Union list of sanctioned Oban, Mr van Meijeren us as an obligation of the tation in the industry. materials or technologies, said no-one should be trou- government to be clear, United States to Iran. He utation around the world.”

As regards breaking US “As a person, I still feel as prohibited from being bled that this took place precise and complete objecalso stated that BBB (the law, he said CTS CTS and staff involved did exported to Iran by a com- before an Environmental tions raised preventing the suppliers) had not been advised ‘Powerhouse had basically no not violate any applicable pany with registered offices Impact Assessment (EIA) successful completion of an option but to laws, as CTS was subject to in the European Union. being carried out.

EIA or EMP.” that the shipment plead guilty or face European Union laws, BahTurning to the Grand “This is extremely Mr van Meijeren conwas destined for is probably restricted raini laws (for CTS Middle Bahama project, Mr van common within our indus- cluded: “The Bahamian Iran in order to not a correct being from trading with East) and laws in The Neth- Meijeren conceded this try,” he said. “It is just a audience has every right to protect BBB from reflection the US. erlands,” he said. week’s advert placed by pity that people are raising raise concerns but they can legal liabilities. of our “CTS Middle “However, the US justice Oban had oversold the stat- a lot of concerns, but we rest assured we are against “Meijeren East was con- considers their legislation ure of his company. are not addressing the real anything that negatively stated that he company’s victed, not me,” to have extraterritorial “Powerhouse is probably concerns which are environ- impacts the environment or understood that stature.’ said Mr van reach, and as a company we not a correct reflection of mental impact and safety. safety and I will not comhis corporations Meijeren. had no alternative than to our company’s stature,” he “Rest assured that as promise on that.” were in violation “What they did, they plead guilty on the offences said.

TECS we will not support • In its advertisement of United States law and “It is correct that TECS a project without a cred- this week Oban’s presihe would adjust his corpo- told us we were going to be brought forward as any other approach would is a new company but we ible and completed EIA dent Satpal Dhunna also ration’s practices to bring blacklisted in the US. “We had nowhere to go. have had a very significant are an experienced enter- and a credible and com- referred to the project them into compliance.”

Environmental drawing on architects of the In a plea agreement, Mei- That’s the way it works in impact on our international prise with people who have pleted worked in this industry for Management Plan. Com- calibre of Philip Stark. The jeren admitted CTS’ guilt this world. As a company, market position.

“It should also be noted three decades.” pleting these studies on an Tribune presumes he was for which the company was we had no alternative but to work with them and we that the products involved “The companies we have adequate and transparent referring to internationallyfined $48,000.

The Tribune spoke to accepted the sentence in as exported to Iran were teamed up with are are basis is a responsibility of renowned designer Philippe merely systems to reduce among the best and biggest the applicant and support- Starck.

Mr van Meijeren yesterday the court.”

He added it was difficult tank storage VOC (vola- in the world.” ing companies, and is not a • Additional reporting: while he was on a busiUnfortunately, he was government responsibility.

Richard Coulson ness trip in Asia where he to accept how America can tile organic compound)

CRIME FALLS - DESPITE COPS’ CARS CRISIS

from page one

The electronic ankle monitoring system also offered very little help in the fight against crime, Mr Dames revealed, telling parliamentarians in some instances criminals who were being monitored removed the device and placed it on their pets to evade police and commit crimes. In other situations, he said, offenders disabled the monitoring bracelet.

And while most of the challenges with the RBPF’s Closed Circuit Television have now been resolved, Mr Dames said the former Christie administration spent $659,981 to purchase and install the analytics system, but no one sought to follow-up as to why it was never installed.

The video analytics software was to perform real-time analysis of video stream, identify and generate alerts for a variety of user defined events relating to people, and monitor vehicles and static objects.

However, the Bahamian vendor stated the US vendor has closed its operations and was unable to provide the necessary support for the software.

In addition, a manpower audit of the RBPF, now complete, identified an oversaturation within

the senior ranks, a lack of transparent and suitable protocols during the last two promotional exercises, the lack of a strategic recruitment and professional development plan to increase productivity.

The force also lacked proper collection and use of statistical data to better inform crime fighting initiatives, the audit found.

Faced with these challenges, Mr Dames said the government is prepared to rebrand the police force and infuse the organisation with civilians into specialised areas of law enforcement.

It is also the RBPF’s intention to recruit 100 additional officers. This process, the minister said, will not be driven by politics, sexism or nepotism.

He said: “Unlike our predecessors, who interfered incessantly in the recruitment process of the RBPF, our government has committed itself to be different.

The recruitment process will not be driven by politics, sexism or nepotism.

Unlike years past, 21st century candidates will have to meet a higher standard for eligibility and will have to successfully complete a battery of tests to be considered.

“These tests will include physical fitness assessment, medical examination,

mental health screening, drug testing, written assessment and other vetting criterion.

“To build a RBPF that is capable of dealing with the complexities of the 21st century, it is imperative that the agency place value on the educational achievements, physical fitness and socialisation skills when making hiring decisions.”

He also tabled the commissioner’s policing plan for 2018, which comes three months into the New Year.

The plan was not saturated with details, but listed six priorities of the RBPF. These included crime prevention and reduction, public and road safety, interaction with youth and young adults, optimisation of technology, professionalisation of services and effective management.

The commissioner plans to focus on crime hotspots and repeat offenders, disrupt organised crime groups involved in drugs, firearms fraud and other relation criminal activity, increased police patrols and pay special attention to at risk youth.

Using technology, the RBPF is expected to expand the CCTV programme in other high crime areas, expand the DNA laboratory and continue testing body cameras among other things.

is seeking hardworking men the following positions: Store Merchandiser/Driver: • Must ensure all items are properly stock on the shelf • Must be able to ensure all orders are correct and out in a timely

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Please send full resume via email to: vacancy@milobutler.com Only serious persons need to apply.

PAGE 6, Friday, March 9, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

‘We need to deal with FNM cronies’ from page one

stagnant despite the corporation’s goal of reducing it.

Politicians using the corporation as a way to extend favours may help explain the corporation’s struggle to decrease its labour force.

And in one shocking email, Monique Adderley, identified as a WSC worker in Eleuthera, attacked her supervisor Michelle Pickstock, who the former claimed had accused her of engaging in sexual activity with the WSC chairman at the time – a matter that rose up the chain because of politics.

She wrote in a 2012 email to Ms Pickstock: “Mr Marcus Collins, myself and Walter Weech were returning from the wellness seminar in Governor’s Harbour, we stopped to North Eleuthera shopping centre where Mr Weech and I proceeded to purchase some groceries before returning to Spanish Wells, upon exiting the store I was approached by Mr Burchie who said to me that Miss Michelle Pickstock told him that I said he will not make any money in his store because he is a certain political party supporter. I advised him that I never had no such conversation with Miss Michelle Pickstock. I telephoned you several times to ask you to desist from using my name during your political escapade. On Thursday, 3rd May, 2012, you telephoned my cell phone and I asked you why would you tell a resident of Eleuthera that I said he will not make

WATER and Sewerage Corporation chairman Adrian Gibson tabling the audit report in the House of Assembly. any money because of his political affiliation, you responded yes, you did tell him that. I advised you to please discontinue using my name as I have been living in Eleuthera for two years and several months and no one can tell you that Monique Adderley bothers with anyone on this island,

I stay in my one bedroom one bath quarters with my five children and my one husband. After hanging the cell phone on you, you returned another call and blurted out in my ears ‘Yes, that is why you suck the Chairman C**K’ my, my such behaviour from a supervisor (sic).”

She later added: “I am logging this report so all can know how dirty and nasty you truly are and what staff have to put up with from the likes of someone like you.”

Ms Adderley forwarded the email to Audley Hanna, the then deputy chairman of WSC who gained infamy in 2015 for being the contractor behind the uninsured male dorm at the Bahamas Agricultural & Marine Science Institute that burned down.

In an email to former Prime Minister Perry Christie and Mr Davis, Mr Hanna forwarded Ms Adderley’s correspondence, highlighting it as reason to rid the corporation of Free National Movement “cronies.”

“Monique Adderley is the daughter of Stalwart Councillor Gwendolyn Moncur,” Mr Hanna wrote.

“In a previous email from me I said that we need to deal with these FNM ‘cronies’ in Water & Sewerage.”

In another instance EY identified, Centina Sawyer, writing from a BTC email address, wrote Progressive Liberal Party Trustee Valentine Grimes and another person, Terah Swain, to solicit a job for her son, emphasising their support for the PLP as a qualification. She wrote: “…As we had discussed, my son’s name is Raj E Sawyer. He’s 20-years-old, working on the 52 weeks programme with Water & Sewerage.

He is enjoying working with the corporation but his time expires the end of October and I really need for him to be on a full-time job to sustain himself. I have been lifetime supporter of the PLP along with my mother Caroline Kemp, who is a stalwart of the party. I have three sure votes in my household, but my husband who is pretty much on the fence, has assured me that he will support me and the children, if Raj gets on permanently.”

Ms Swain sent the email to Mr Davis, writing: “Please find attached a note from one of our supporters, requesting assistance with having her son confirmed at the WSC. He is a first-time voter that we need to keep engaged with the party.”

Mr Davis then sent a message to General Manager Glen Laville, saying: “Some time ago — I requested that we seek to re-engage Mr Sawyer — is there any matter that (may) deter same.”

In another instance, Mr Davis was emailed in 2015 by someone seeking help related to account charges.

The person wrote: “Hello Uncle Phil, please find metre accounts nos: 490-0160, 490-0190, 4900220 & 490-0250 that I have mentioned to you on numerous occasions.

Please see what you can do. See you for Thanksgiving Dinner at Francine &

Photo: Yontalay Bowe Joseph. Thanks.”

Mr Davis forwarded the message to Mr Laville, saying: “Need you to look into why the Adderleys are being charged — when they don’t have any metres nor have they ever had use of water supplied by the corp.”

Mr Laville responded: “Based on reports received, this was a matter in the courts and judgment was awarded to WSC but payments were never made.

However, it is now statute barred and we will have the meters removed and the accounts written off.”

In another instance Mr Davis directed Mr Laville to employ a person named Philip Beneby.

Mr Davis wrote in the email: “You may have seen the contact between us on Friday — he indicated he spoke to PM which I have now confirmed and on humanitarian grounds he (PM) has persuaded that we re-engage.”

Yesterday, Mr Laville responded to the revelations of hiring for political purposes.

“Any government administration or political party that indicates they have never sent people to be employed, that’s not accurate and that’s a reality,” he said. “Very often we are instructed or advised to follow instructions and the next set comes in and says ‘why did you do that’ while telling you follow everything they said to do.”

‘NOSEDIVE’ IN MORALE

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

MORALE at the Water & Sewerage Corporation has taken a nosedive after EY’s critical audit report, the latest sore point for an institution that was able to resist controversy until recently, General Manager Glen Laville said yesterday.

The report, which exposed irregularities, political interference and wastage of millions, comes as some employees of the corporation have faced criminal charges in the last year even as the cloud of another police investigation hangs over the corporation.

Speaking to The Tribune, Mr Laville disagreed with several of the issues raised in the EY report that concerned him.

Investigators had

revealed that Mario Bastian, a “close friend” of Mr Laville, secured a lucrative $3.2m contract with the corporation despite being fired twice. EY concluded that the tendering process for the contract gave the appearance of bid manipulation.

EY noted that the company, ACO JV, was awarded the contract despite displaying characteristics that had disqualified other potential vendors.

Mr Laville, nonetheless, insisted yesterday that he lacks the power to ensure anyone is awarded such a contract, noting such decisions are made by Cabinet after input by WSC’s board.

He said the contract was approved by the Caribbean Development Bank as well, although EY’s report shows in several instances that the CDB rarely dissents when government officials

recommend someone to receive a contract.

Mr Laville also questioned the relevance of a communication highlighted in the report between him and Dave Taylor, a surveyor who performs services for WSC as a subcontractor.

In the correspondence, Mr Taylor wrote to Mr Laville: “Can I stop in to drop off the cash to you now?”

Mr Laville told investigators the message referred to membership dues for the Bahamas Association of Land Surveyors, for which he is treasurer.

EY, however, said Mr Laville provided no documentation supporting that the money was deposited in BALS’ bank account.

Mr Laville said: “I advised that going to the bank to deposit $100 doesn’t make any sense.

I don’t go to the bank and deposit it every time I get a

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, March 9, 2018, PAGE 7

OPPOSITION Leader Philip ‘Brave’ Davis.

‘GUARDIAN ANGEL’ DAVIS BRANDS AUDIT A WITCH HUNT

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

ADMITTING to being a guardian angel to many people over the years, Official Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis branded the EY audit into operations at the Water and Sewerage Corporation as nothing more than a “witch hunt” that has wasted taxpayers’ money.

On Wednesday evening, before tabling EY’s damning report of the water provider, its Chairman Long Island MP Adrian Gibson repeatedly suggested there was an “angel” in high places who ensured a company called Nassau Island Development not only received a hefty contract for work with WSC, but saw to it that certain rules were relaxed.

The report also uncovered that a woman by the same name as the secretary in Mr Davis’ law firm, Merlene Poitier, was a nominee shareholder of NID. Mr Davis was at the time deputy prime minister and works minister.

Responding to these matters and others related to the audit yesterday, Mr Davis told reporters he only learned on Wednesday night that Mrs Poitier was a nominee shareholder of NID after the report was tabled in the House of Assembly.

Further, Mr Davis said he did not remember giving an order for WSC’s General Manager Glen Laville to authorise NID to receive an advance payment of $1.2m for work on the Gladstone Road Waste Water Treatment Plant, as outlined in the EY audit.

Apart from this, he said the report was biased and seemed to suggest that there was something wrong

with a minister, member of Parliament or otherwise making a recommendation for a company to receive state contracts. He went on to question the timing of the report’s tabling.

Despite the document’s completion months ago, it was just tabled this week as public concern for the $5.5bn Oban Energies deal proposed for Grand Bahama has spiked.

“I have been a guardian angel for many people and I can say I have been a guardian angel for many of those who sit right opposite me now. I’ve been their guardian angel,” Mr Davis said in the Minority Room of the House of Assembly.

Regarding his secretary being a registered shareholder of NID, the Cat Island Rum Cay and San Salvador MP said: “That was something new to me.

I spoke with her last night and she indicated that she was a nominee shareholder in the company. You will note the company is a 5,000-share capital company; 4,999 being owned by Anthony L Ferguson and one share in her name, that she said she is a nominee as the corporate laws require that there be at least two named shareholders on a corporation to maintain the company.

“A nominee shareholder, most law firms in incorporating a company would use persons in the office to hold the shares on behalf of the beneficial owners,” he said. “It does not inure any benefit. No financial benefit. They just hold it as a trustee as it were on behalf of the beneficiary and it’s unfortunate.

“From reading the report, it would appear that my firm had nothing to do with this corporation. It was formed by another law firm and then it moved from that

law firm (to another).

“Now what would have been done had it come to my attention? I would have had to take that under advisement at that time.”

In an email, included in EY’s audit report, former WSC chairman Lester Cox ordered the WSC to “make an advance payment” of $1.2m to NID. Mr Cox, in various emails, appeared irritated that senior officials questioned the requests.

In one email to Mr Laville, he said: “We sat in the meeting at 10am with the JV and I am amazed that we are still discussing while the project is at a standstill. Maybe I did not make the minister’s request clear so I repeat. FACILITATE THE PAYMENT so that this project can come to a completion.”

But EY said: “WSC management resisted and explained the amount the contractor had been paid to date was substantially more than what was reflected in the construction progress and that making the advance payment would negatively impact WSC’s ability to manage the project.”

Regarding this, Mr Davis told The Tribune: “My only recollection of a $1.2m advance was that at some stage during the course of the challenges between management and the contractor, management was suggesting the contractor had received payments that amounted to $1.2m and that they were not seeing the $1.2m on the ground. They consider that an advance on the contract.”

This newspaper then read a portion of the email to Mr Davis, however he maintained he did not remember, adding that there was no way he could know context of the email.

Mr Davis spoke to reporters after he raised

AFTER WSC AUDIT membership due. Furthermore, it was just $100, to even raise it as an issue…

“I admonished the auditors not to make conclusions and seek information to support it. By the inference that somehow this was an improper activity or whatever, in this small country, it would call into question anytime anyone anywhere brought me membership dues.”

For Mr Laville, the report had a sobering impact.

“One of the things it has taught me more than anything is I usually tell all of my workers to persevere, do what you have to do, stay on the straight and narrow path and things will work out, but this proves that is not always the case,” he said. “It doesn’t matter how professional and how much integrity you possess while doing your duties, someone can come along

and make you look like you are the greatest criminal in the world.”

He said: “It has already impacted morale. It started early last year where morale was affected by a number of things that were going on particularly when myself and the chief financial officer (Robert Deal) were put on administration leave and not given a specific reason as to why. This is a blow to staff because people who work diligently trying to carry out their work have to have these kinds of things said.

We had stayed away from major controversies over the years.”

Mr Laville said WSC’s annual reports have showed the corporation’s improving performances.

Its 2015 report, prepared

by Baker Tilly Gomez, showed improvement in reducing non-revenue water produced in New

Providence, ensuring substantial savings.

Mr Laville said he nor anyone else in the corporation saw EY’s report before yesterday. The report was tabled in Parliament by WSC chairman Adrian Gibson on Wednesday.

“Of course, that troubles me,” he said. “Some issues supposedly resolved during interviews still appear to be highlighted.”

He said he met the permanent secretary and Mr Gibson on Monday to discuss the audit.

He said officials spoke “in general terms but when I asked for details they were not specific”.

He said he does not know if his job as general manager is secure.

“As I tell successive governments,” he said, “I serve at the pleasure of the government. This is an appointed position and not one with tenure.”

the matter in the House of Assembly in the morning session.

He specifically took issue with his mother’s obituary being used as evidence in the audit report’s appendix to establish a relationship between himself and Mrs Poitier.

“Mr Speaker, the intervention by the member for Long Island highlights the concern of which I spoke

yesterday and the egregious and faulty efficiency of the report because this is what they have done. This is what they did, disinterred the bones of my mother to make a point that’s what they did. And it is said that they did to connect Merlene Poitier to me. They didn’t need to do that. They didn’t need to disinter the bones of my mother to confirm that.

“All it required was a talk with me. That’s what makes the whole report support the supposition it’s all about a witch hunt to smear and discredit without the input of others. This was not necessary.”

Earlier in the sitting, Mr Gibson told parliamentarians that he would not have included the obituary in the appendix of the audit report.

ST. AUGUSTINE’S COLLEGE is accepting applications for teachers in the following areas for the 2018 – 2019 school year

ENGLISH LANGUAGE / LITERATURE

English Language / Literature teacher required for the junior and senior high section of the school.

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Experience in preparing students for external examinations (BJC, BGCSE, AP & SAT) is a requirement.

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BUSINESS STUDIES

To teach Commerce / Economics / Accounting to Grades 10 to 12.

Experience in preparing students for external examinations (BGCSE) is a requirement.

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To teach Library Science to all grade levels with the responsibility for information management.

COMPUTER STUDIES

To teach Computer Keyboarding, Basic Personal Computer Applications and Computer Science to grades seven through twelve. The applicant must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Web Page Design

SCIENCE

To teach General Science and Chemistry to all grade levels. The applicant must have experience in preparing students for external examinations.

To teach General Science and Physics to all grade levels. The applicant must have experience in preparing students for external examinations To teach General Science and Biology to all grade levels. The applicant must have experience in preparing students for external examinations

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To teach Religion to all grade levels. The applicant must have a degree in Religious Education (not the same as R. K.) All applicants must hold a degree from an accredited University and a Teacher’s Certificate or must have some teaching experience. Two letters of reference, copies of all degrees and certificates, proof of teaching experience and two passport size photos should be submitted. A commitment to the values of Catholic, Benedictine education is expected of our teachers. Only those persons who have no difficulty with Roman Catholic beliefs and teaching need apply.

Please submit applications and required documents by hand addressed to: THE PRINCIPAL ST. AUGUSTINE’S COLLEGE P.O. BOX N-3940 NASSAU, BAHAMAS Applications should be submitted by March 26, 2018

PAGE 8, Friday, March 9, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Ducking and dodging questions on Oban THIS week, we watched as our “newish” government continued to duck and dodge questions surrounding their proposed dubious deal with Oban, and learned that the last Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) government was exactly who we thought they were.

FISH STINKS FROM THE HEAD

will become the burden of (you guessed it!) Bahamian taxpayers.

Now if that’s not enough to convince you this deal with Oban Energies stinks, keep reading, there’s more.

After initially defending their deal with Oban Energies, it seems that most of the members of the Free National Movement (FNM) I’ll be honest, the fact wish to now “play crazy” as more questions emerge that the Oban deal hasn’t surrounding the heads of already been declared dead agreement (HOA) that was is, to quote Churchill, “a signed between this govern- riddle, wrapped in a mysment and the “ambassador” tery, inside an enigma”.

As bad as Bahamians to that company, Peter want something - anythingKrieger.

By now, most Bahami- to help boost the economic ans have a pretty good idea conditions on the ground who the “front” men are for in Grand Bahama, are we so desperate that we are Oban Energies.

What is shocking is that willing to sign a proverthis FNM government has bial “deal with the devil” agreed to move forward to “claim” we are getting without an environmen- something done?

According to this new tal impact assessment (EIA) because, based on crew we have in office, yes!

I was amazed the agreement, to watch a video it really doesn’t Bahamians matter. are no longer on the Nassau Guardian’s FaceOur governbook page that ment (in their content to showed Oban’s infinite wisdom) sit back and “non-executive actually allowed watch our chairman”, Peter into the HOA Krieger, sit next a clause that country to our Prime reads: “The par- be sold to Minister and sign ties agree that ‘investors’ a so-called certhe government emonial HOA. shall not have the coming here My amazeright to terminate with a whistle ment was these heads of and a dream. centered on the agreement based fact that this upon any EIA report, but instead shall person, Krieger, didn’t sign work with the developer to his own name to the document but rather that of mitigate any concerns.”

‘Satpal Dhunna”, who was Got that?

So it doesn’t matter how listed as the president of many Bahamians may be Oban before they wiped information from affected health wise, or how that much our natural resources what looked to be their $2 may be disturbed, damaged GoDaddy website.

On February 19, Krieger or depleted, there is nothing our government can do sat in plain sight of the to stop Oban Energies from country, the PM and half the Cabinet, and put pen to “carrying on dumbly”.

And since the HOA caps paper to scribble another Oban’s liability to the low person’s signature without millions, a major catastro- batting an eye. phe that rises in cost to the And he did so with practens or hundreds of millions ticed flourish, the kind

FORGING AHEAD

every teen develops when they’ve perfected forging their parent’s signature on school forms.

Frankly, it’s the kind of thing you would expect to see when someone has the confidence of... well, a confidence man.

Now perhaps Mr Krieger had Dhunna’s permission to “reproduce” his signature, as unusual as that may be for an agreement of this magnitude.

Yet the fact that no one in the room said a word, or asked him what he was doing, for clarification, is both galling and telling.

It galls me that it happened, and tells me our government “een ready”.

Still, the bigger question is why Krieger had to sign for Dhunna in the first place.

According to the tabled HOA, Dhunna also signed that document on February 19. Was it before or after Krieger signed for him at that shambolic “heads” ceremony that was filmed?

And what was so important that Mr Dhunna could not make himself available to the Prime Minister of the Bahamas (and his Cabinet) to sign the HOA at the designated place at the designated time?

Trying to downplay Mr Krieger’s role at Oban Energies (after all the felonies and dirt comes out via the press) is not going to cut it for Bahamians.

Mr. Krieger is just the first person whose history Bahamians have begun to “dig up”. But make no mistake, the full list of persons representing the various entities at that HOA ceremony has been circulating on social media for the past few days.

From where I’m sitting, there’s tons more questions (and shovels)to come.

I think it’s time the government starts providing a few answers before this Oban hole gets any deeper.

FISHMONGERS I was also surprised to read the “bumptious” full

Funeral Service For Jessie Emmanuel Forbes Sr., 60 a resident of Treasure Cay, Abaco, will be held in the Chapel at Demeritte’s Funeral Home, Market Street, on Saturday, March 10, 2018. Officiating will be Pastor Ryan Forbes.

Interment follows in Southern Cemetery, Cowpen & Spikenard Roads.

He is survived by his 3 Sons: Michael E. Forbes Sr., Oliver E. Forbes & Jessie E. Forbes Jr.; 2 daughters: Victoria Forbes & Roseline Forbes-Pierre; 6 Grandchildren: Michael Emmanuel Forbes Jr., Juliette A. Forbes, Brittney J. Pierre, Makayla J. Pierre, Joshua E. Forbes, Princess Alina R. Forbes; 5 Sisters: Francina, Patrice, Mary, Marjorie and Ernestine Forbes; 2 Brothers: Aubrey Junior and Joseph Forbes; 1 Son-in-law: Johnny Pierre; 1 Daughter-in-law: Ginette Jeune Forbes; Cousins: Rev. Stafford Symonette, Clarita Forbes, Roselyn Lawless, Islyn McIntosh, Gabriel Symonette and Sister Lucy Symonette; numerous nieces & nephews & a host of other relatives & friends.

Friends may pay their last respects at Demeritte’s Funeral Home, Market Street, from 3-6:00 p.m. on Friday & on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until service time.

OBAN Energies non-executive chairman Peter Krieger - but what’s he signing? page ad that Oban Energies Bahamas, it becomes the children and grand children took out in this daily. subject of great scrutiny in and great grandchildren.

Otherwise, to use another First of all, the tone was the public domain...” all wrong.

To which this born Baha- “good Bahamian term”, In other words, don’t mian says, “ya gat dat CYC - carry your carcasses.

As things stand, your fish “come on to” Bahamians right!” as if we are know-nothing Bahamians are no longer seem rotten, and rotten fish fools. content to sit back and stinks.

We know a lot. watch our country be sold After years of practice to “investors” coming here and suffering at the hands with a whistle and a dream. many, many incompeOn the flip side, you will tent politicians, we now find that this country is know well how to identify most accommodating to fraudsters.

For example, they say legitimate investors who do Speaking of malodorthings like, “don’t mind the right by us. ous, the recently tabled So we will “mind the noise in the market”, when report from Earnest and noise in the market”, you call them out for shady because right now no one Young regarding the Water dealings. and Sewerage Corporation So when those words cares about the price of reads like a government were printed in the Oban your fish. crime novel.

Show us the money. advertisement, our eyes and There’s all the tropes you Show us the beneficial would find in that kind of ears really became focused.

According to Oban, owners of Oban Energies. book yet no one has actuShow us how your devel- ally been booked yet. “anytime something new and big comes along in The opment will impact our A word to the FNM, get on with it.

Parliamentarians keep standing on their soapboxes in the House of Assembly to tell Bahamians what we already suspected transpired during the last PLP administration.

It all looks bad, and we knew it would.

That’s why we got rid of the PLP and put the FNM in power.

It’s now your job to claw back any ill gotten gains, charge whomever needs to be charged and cancel any shady contracts forthwith.

But please, get on with “The People’s Time”.

There’s only so much we an stand listening to you “wax politic” about the PLP without telling us what corrections have been made.

And isn’t it ironic, you can see clear as day what the PLP did wrong but can’t see what this current government is doing wrong right now?

What’s that Biblical expression about beams and motes and eyes again?

WATER AND (PLENTY) SEWERAGE

PAGE 10, Friday, March 9, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

WORLD KIDNEY DAY PUTS THE SPOTLIGHT ON WOMEN’S HEALTH

By DR ADRIAN SAWYER

WORLD Kidney Day was celebrated globally on Thursday.

The Theme this year was “Kidneys & Women’s Health”. Since 2006, March has been designated as kidney month annually and World Kidney Day is fixed as the second Thursday in March. The campaign is designed to globally raise awareness of the importance of kidney disease and is supported by the International Federation of Kidney Foundation Members, The International Society of Nephrology, affiliated societies worldwide and other external endorsing organisations.

The stated mission objective is to raise awareness of the importance of kidneys to overall health and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems worldwide.

Approximately 10 per cent of the world’s population is affected by chronic kidney disease; in 2010 it was 18th in the list of causes of total number of deaths worldwide by the 2010 Global Burden of Disease Study. Only 2,000,000 people worldwide receive dialysis or kidney transplantation as treatment for kidney failure and most of these are treated in only affluent industrialised countries. In middle- income countries treatment of kidney failure with dialysis or transplantation is a huge financial burden for patients and in more than 112 less developed countries, people who cannot afford treatment die; approximately 1,000,000 persons annually.

The

DR ADRIAN SAWYER 2,000,000 patients receiving treatment worldwide represent approximately 10 per cent of the world population that need treatment.

Definition and classification of chronic kidney disease A patient is diagnosed with chronic kidney disease if they have abnormalities in kidney structure or function present for more than three months; markers of kidney damage include a measurement or calculated estimation of a level of kidney function called glomerular filtration rate. There are validated equations in use from which this measure can be calculated as the e-GFR (estimated GFR) by measurement of the blood level of a chemical breakdown product of lean body muscle mass called creatinine; patient age, gender

and race/ethnicity are the other variables required for the measurement of e-GFR. There are five stages of e-GFR used to classify chronic kidney disease usually denoted by the symbols G -1 through G-5, with G-5 representing a level at which patients require dialysis or transplantation; Stage G-3 is the critical level used to define chronic kidney disease (CKD)e-GFR of less than 60.0 ml/ min/1.73 m2.

The other established marker of kidney damage is the presence and level of protein, specifically albumin in the urine.

The major clinical consequences of having chronic kidney disease are those of multiplied risks of progression and death from cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, heart failure,

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sudden cardiac death, strokes, pre-mature death and infections, because CKD is associated with impairment of the immune system function. Impairment in quality of life and productivity are non-clinical sequelae. Most people with CKD die from the above noted complications before reaching stage G-5, requiring dialysis treatment or kidney transplantation. Of 100 stage three CKD patients, perhaps 10 will live to require kidney replacement treatment. The major causes of CKD/ end stage renal disease (ESRD) that require kidney replacement treatment are: 1. Diabetes which in the United States accounts for approximately 45 per cent of causes 2. Hypertension (high blood pressure)- accounts for some 30 per cent of causes 3. Inflammatory kidney diseases with glomerular and interstitial damage causing kidney failure account for approximately 10 per cent 4. Cystic and hereditary kidney diseases account for approximately 7-9 per cent According to the United States Renal Data System 2017 report, which is most relevant to the Bahamian population, people of African ancestry/ethnicity have an almost fourfold greater prevalence (current total number of cases per million population) and incidence (number of new cases per year per million population) of kidney failure compare to Caucasians, with diabetes and more severe hypertension being the principal drivers.

Unadjusted comparable figures estimated for the current population of The Bahamas would be in absolute numbers which are most relevant for health planning efforts, would amount to approximately 2,000 prevalent patients on dialysis and approximately 150-250 new patients per year with end stage kidney failure.

With the direct cost of providing dialysis treatment to one patient ranging from $75,000 -$88,000 per year, the financial implications of undertaking care of these patients are

staggering, especially within the projected context of proposed National Health Insurance projections. Like other jurisdictions, it will be clear that these patients utilise a disproportionate share of health care dollars, and worse still, with the anticipated increase in the incidence and prevalence of diabetes in an increasingly overweight/obese population, the figures are bound to increase.

Women and kidney disease Clinical data indicates that women have a higher prevalence of pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease than men (16 per cent vs 13 per cent). Progression to dialysis occurs faster in men and the decline in function is more severe. Mortality is higher in men at all levels of pre-dialysis CKD. There are several contributing factors related to unbalanced risks in women, some are gender/sex related and others not. Clinical conditions and diseases that pose special risks to the health of women’s kidneys are: obesity; high blood pressure; autoimmune diseases; and pregnancy.

Women with established CKD have reduced fertility rates, increased risk for pre-eclampsia, hypertensive crises in pregnancy, higher delivery rates of small for date babies and increased post delivery rates for hypertension and more advanced chronic kidney disease.

Pregnancy is a crucial factor affecting immunologic access to receiving a kidney from a deceased or living donor for women.

Pregnancy is a state in which the mother is exposed to the fetus which has paternal proteins/antigens which are foreign to the mother’s immune system and consequently the maternal immune system mounts an antibody response, which is not destructive during the pregnancy; these antibodies can persist after the pregnancy, or re-emerge later on exposure to similar proteins/ antigen and due to the presence of special “memory Cells” that can recall previous antigen exposure and mount an enhanced, vigorous antibody response; the presence of these

antibodies lead to rejection of a transplanted kidney, therefore pre-transplantation tests that detect these antibodies, make it less likely that these women will be considered for kidney transplantation due to the high immunologic risk of rejection.

Other factors are: HIV infection and urinary infections in women.

All of the above noted areas are particular to kidneys and women’s health and represent a significant, expanding burden of population at risk of the consequences of chronic kidney disease: pre-mature death from heart-related disease such as heart attacks, sudden cardiac death, heart failure, strokes and all-cause death. It is imperative for medicine, patients and governments to undertake appropriate population screening, identification of risk groups and specific programmes for treatment to prevent or slow disease progression.

This can only be accomplished by education of patients, physicians and health policy officials to the extent of the risks and implement screening policies that identify persons at risk, namely persons with hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, increased body mass indices, family history of premature cardiac disease, kidney disease, pregnancy hypertensive diseases and recurrent kidney infections. Annual measurements of blood pressure, urine testing for the presence of protein or blood in the urine and screening for diabetes along with measurement of the renal function panel that includes the blood creatinine, from which the e-GFR can be calculated, are steps that are easily implemented with minimal disruption to the health care system. The awareness and identification of individuals with chronic kidney disease will significantly impact treatment to prevent progression to end stage kidney disease requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation.

• Dr Adrian Sawyer is director of The Dialysis Centre Bahamas

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, March 9, 2018, PAGE 11

Limousine driver fears being locked out from Sandals travel

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

A BAHAMIAN limousine driver has accused a local luxury resort of operating a car service to high-end guests which deprives registered industry drivers of a large percentage of revenue.

Kendal Culmer told The Tribune that limousine drivers are being “shelved daily” by the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort, which has opted to service highend clients with a luxury car service operated inhouse for much of the past decade.

Mr Culmer said he has raised his concerns with the Road Traffic Department, successive governments and the resort itself. He thinks local limousine drivers should be hired to carry out

SANDALS ROYAL BAHAMIAN RESORT the service in accordance with the Road Traffic Act. Section 64.1.B of the act states: “No motor vehicle shall be driven or used for the carriage of passengers for hire or reward unless it is a motor vehicle - which is licenced under this act as a taxi-cab or livery car or is driven by or by a person

employed by the holder of a franchise.”

Section 64.2.B states: “No motor vehicle other than a motor vehicle licenced as a taxi-cab under this act shall stand for hire in any place designated by the controller or by any regulations made under this act as a taxi-stand.”

Mr Culmer believes Sandals’ service is unfair to limousine drivers and thinks the resort should not be allowed to operate a luxury car service of its own.

“This isn’t right, nor is it fair,” he told The Tribune. “...Atlantis for example, they sub-contract their

luxury car services to companies permitted to operate in the industry or drivers already in it. All of the other resorts do the same.

“Sandals, as far as I know, they have sub-contracts with services for the transportation of regular guests.

It’s their high-end guests.

They have several luxury vehicles registered to the resort that they send out for their high-end guests.”

When contacted by The Tribune for clarification about the complaint, Road Traffic Controller Ross Smith said he has heard concerns regarding the issue for years, but insisted the resort was protected by its heads of agreement with the government.

Mr Smith said the resort is within its rights to carry out the service.

In a statement to The Tribune this week, Sandals

General Manager Gary Williams said: “Having reviewed the facts, the law and the manner in which we have executed our services, we firmly believe that Sandals has operated and continues to operate its luxury car service within the boundaries of the law.

“Sandals has the necessary permission from the relevant statutorily mandated authorities to render the services it offers.”

Mr Culmer, who has operated in the industry for more than 12 years, said he will continue to raise the matter.

He said: “Today it may just be me, but I am sure other drivers hear what I am saying and are becoming aware of this. My goal is to make this issue known.

I will not be silenced and I will continue to press the matter.”

RENTAL CAR FRAUDSTERS ORDERED TO PAY COMPANY BACK

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

THREE men who admitted fraudulently obtaining Hyundai vehicles from a local car rental company last month have been ordered to reimburse the company the amount of funds they swindled.

Akeem Storr, Sean Bain and Sean Roberts stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt

expecting to be sentenced for fraudulently obtaining various Hyundai models from Avis Rent-A-Car between February 15 and 24.

However, in response to a question by the chief magistrate, the Crown indicated the complainant was prepared to accept compensation in light of the incident.

The chief magistrate noted the new revelation, though she stressed she

would not release any of them until Avis Rent-ACar was fully reimbursed.

Ian Cargill, attorney for the three men, requested an adjournment to Monday at noon in order to deal with the issue of repayment, which was granted.

Before the close of yesterday’s matter however, Storr apologised for appearing before the court in connection with the offences in question, and also intimated he was the

one responsible and that his two co-accused were unaware of exactly what was taking place.

After noting his submissions, the chief magistrate adjourned the matter, and told the three men: “Monday I’ll deal with you.

Find the money or stay in jail.”

Earlier this week, Roberts and Storr admitted they fraudulently obtained a Hyundai Accent worth $400 from Avis Rent-A-Car

near the British Colonial Hilton on February 15, and again fraudulently obtained another Hyundai Accent worth $900 from the same agency on February 27.

Roberts also pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining a Hyundai Accent worth $850 from Avis RentA-Car on February 17, and another Hyundai Accent worth $1,200 on February 25.

Bain and Storr also pleaded guilty to

fraudulently obtaining both a Hyundai Accent worth $500 and a Hyundai Tucson worth $600 from Avis Rent-A-Car on February 17, and also admitted to fraudulently obtaining both a Hyundai Accent worth $900 and a Hyundai Tucson worth the same amount on the 20th of that month.

Bain and Storr also admitted to fraudulently obtaining a Hyundai Elantra worth $1,000 from Avis Rent-A-Car.

PAGE 12, Friday, March 9, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

$232m Sandy Bottom Project delays blamed on previous government NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames yesterday blamed extensive delays in the $232m Sandy Bottom Project on the complacent and poor governance of the former Christie administration.

Mr Dames, in his mid-year budget communication in Parliament, indicated that in addition to being an estimated three years behind schedule, some remaining aspects of the project would have to be “paid out” from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force’s capital development budget over the next two fiscal cycles.

The Mount Moriah MP insisted the Christie administration’s lack of strategic plans stalled a project designed to help the decentralisation of the defence force’s operations, an effort he said the country desperately needs.

Mr Dames told the House of Assembly: “This project represents another failed attempt by the previous government to strategically plan. As the old saying goes, ‘when you fail to plan, then you plan to fail.’

“The expected cost of the project was approximately $232m and it represented the single

largest capital investment that the government of the Bahamas has ever made in the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.”

Mr Dames said consequently, a project which should have already been completed is still in the pipeline because the government had to revisit all contractual agreements and plans so as to set it on a course for success.

He continued: “Approximately nine patrol crafts were purchased from Damen Shipbuilders, who was responsible for the completion of the refit and/ or outstanding warrantyrelated repairs for two Bahamas Class vessels; the dredging of harbours and channels at the Coral Harbour Base in New Providence, Matthew Town in Inagua, and Gun Point in Ragged Island; and the construction of quay walls and revetments at the aforementioned three harbours.”

Mr Dames said to date, a total of $219,182,712.48 has been spent on the project with a balance of $5,460,836 remaining.

Looking to draw a clear connection between the remaining balance and

the scope of work yet to be done, Mr Dames added: “Being cognisant of good business acumen, the decision to remove the building contracts from the Van Oord scope was made by the Ministry of National Security, after reviewing the cost impact to the government.

“Van Oord from the Netherlands was the primary sub-contractor hired

by Damen Shipyard.

Van Oord hired Heavy Marine Foundation from the Bahamas to undertake the installation of the quay walls and the aprons at Coral Harbour and they began the tendering process for the nominated sub-contractors for the seven buildings needed by the RBDF.” Mr Dames said the former government failed to monitor the Sandy Bottom Project effectively, and as such, the original completion date of March 2016 had to be extended and the remaining cost was unjustifiable.

“Hence, the cost of the remaining six buildings will now be paid out of the defence force’s capital development budget over the next two budget cycles,”

Mr Dames noted.

“Mr Speaker, other problems surrounding the project included the scope of work at Coral Harbour had changed. The government agreed upon an option for the reclamation areas in the vicinity of the old hotel that increased the RBDF property footprint by some two and a half acres.

“This change in scope required the import of additional rocks from the Netherlands, which required additional time and money. Simultaneously, the then government had to decide a way forward for the transplanting of a number of mature cluster of brain corals in the channel, which also impacted the completion deadline,” he said.

“Second, Mr Speaker, the scope of the work also changed on the island of Inagua. Following a town meeting with the community leaders, the then government decided to extend the footprint of the harbour at Inagua.

“This change in scope required the ordering of additional construction materials from the Netherlands, which resulted in an extension of time for the

contractor.

“Further, with the advent of Hurricane Joaquin, extensive damage had been sustained in the southern quay wall at Inagua, which resulted in a total re-construction of the quay wall at this location as opposed to a refurbishment of the same structure, as mandated in the contract document, which also resulted in delays for the Sandy Bottom Project.

“On Ragged Island, the then-government sought to increase the project scope.

Under the original scope, the contractor was mandated to dredge the channel entrance and install the channel markers.”

However, Mr Dames said due to the incomplete state of the existing Gunpoint Harbour, the then-government extended the scope which included the construction of the break water system.

“This involved the importation of more rocks from Norway via bulk carrier, the completion of the northern quay wall with the furnishing installed, and the construction of the southern quay wall with roll on/ roll off and slipway system, and the installation of all

Antique Auto Club of The Bahamas Antique Auto Club. The Antique Auto Club of The Bahamas is very pleased to receive a generous donation from Bay Street Garage and Castrol Oils as sponsor of the People’s Choice Awards at the Club’s Antique Auto Show and Cook-Out to be held at the Cultural Centre at Arawak Cay on Saturday, March 17.

The People’s Choice is a popular feature of the show whereby those attending determine the winners by casting votes for their own personal favourite vehicle that they see on display.

A cash prize of $1,000 is divided among the top three voted on along with trophies. Fourth and fifth places also receive a trophy.

Peter Armstrong, club secretary, urged Bahamian residents: “Please come out and see our beautiful cars and trucks and help us help Master Ephraim Williams to have urgently

JOIN THE CLUB OUR Clubs and Societies 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

CLUB vice-president and show committee chairman Freeman Deveaux, left, accepting a cheque from Wilfred Jack, Castrol brand manager, centre, and Elliott Albury, manager of Bay Street Garage, right. needed heart surgery by purchasing dinner tickets, which include the voting ballots - still only $15 and for a very good cause. A good day’s outing for the family. Children will be well catered for, as usual, with the bouncing castle and pedal car track and the art competition for children of all ages.”

Rotaract Club of East Nassau Rotaract Club of East Nassau. - On February 24, the Rotaract Club of East

Nassau, along with Friends of The Blood Bank and Doctors Hospital held the Are You My Type blood drive at the Mall at Marathon where we had 34 pints of blood donated, equating to 102 lives saved.

This event was a great success and will become an annual service event for the Rotaract Club of East Nassau.

Blood donations are a huge part of President Brock North’s passion of community service through saving as many lives as possible by keeping the blood banks filled with blood.

THE BLOOD drive at the Mall at Marathon.

furnishing and drainage system,” he added.

“Mr Speaker, such lack of proper planning will not occur under our government for we are stewards of effective and efficient governance,” he contended.

Mr Dames said since coming to office in May of last year, his ministry has sought to ensure the finger jetty for the 150-ton travel lift was completed at Coral Harbour.

He told the House his office has also ensured the remaining works at Ragged Island and Mathew Town, Inagua were completed.

The Sandy Bottom Project was announced in mid-2014.

A loan with Deutsche Bank facilitated $149m to build each of the ships and an additional $75m to cover civil works for a total of $224m.

The remaining $8m accommodated any changes that might have arisen during the scope of the project.

The Christie administration, while in office, touted the project as a key step in transitioning the RBDF into the modern age.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, March 9, 2018, PAGE 13

TOO MANY APPEALS, POLICE KILLER TOLD BY COURT

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A CONVICT’S legal bid to contest his life sentence for murdering a police officer on a Family Island two decades ago has been dismissed because he tried to appeal his sentence too many times before the appellate court, whose judges this week said amounted to an abuse of process.

Robert Greene appeared before Court of Appeal Justices Stella Crane-Scott, Roy Jones and Milton Evans concerning a notice of appeal he filed in 2017 concerning his intent to challenge his sentence for murdering Police Constable Perry McKellan Munroe in Andros on October 16, 1997.

However, Justice Stella Crane-Scott noted that Greene has a number of files before the court, and that he has previously sought to appeal his sentence for the crime in question.

Justice Crane-Scott said on one occasion in 2009, then-appellate President Dame Joan Sawyer dismissed Greene’s purported appeal after ruling she could not entertain another one of his applications, and suggested at the time he take the matter up with the London-based Privy Council.

Notwithstanding that directive, Justice CraneScott noted yesterday Greene filed “yet another notice” on February 9,

2017 concerning his sentence, which she said is tantamount to an abuse of process as the mater had previously been dealt with by the appellate court.

Greene, in pleading his case, said he had been writing to the Privy Council and/or various lawyers in London for some eight years in a bid to have his appeal heard, but to no avail.

He said he eventually went before Supreme Court Justice Cheryl GrantThompson in a bid to file a constitutional motion concerning his sentence.

However, that judge said she had no jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

The appellate judges yesterday also addressed the futility of Greene going before the lower Supreme Court despite the Court of Appeal already stating on more than one occasion it would not deal with the matter.

Despite continued submissions from Greene, Justice Crane-Scott told the man there was nothing the appellate court could do concerning the appeal of his life sentence, and told him he needs to find the proper way to reach the Privy Council and do so.

Justice Evans then intervened by suggesting that Greene submit a letter to the Bahamas Bar Association, whose president Khalil Parker was in the court room yesterday, to see if the association can offer any legal advice and/ or assistance.

Greene said he would do so, and the appellate judges consequently dismissed his February 2017 notice of appeal.

According to court documents, at the time of Munroe’s killing Greene was in his early 20s, and living in a house in Nassau along with older his cousin Ronald Simmons, who was also accused of the crime.

On October 16, 1997, they flew together from Nassau to Mangrove Cay, Andros where their uncle Kelly Greene owned a restaurant named the Fisherman’s Club at Little Harbour. Kelly Greene was away at the time in Nassau.

Upon arrival in Mangrove Cay, Greene and Simmons were recognised by several people who knew them, including one of only two police officers on the island at the time.

Greene was seen collecting a large black bag measuring three or four feet from the airport baggage cart. Both men then walked off in the direction of Little Harbour.

Around 7.45pm that night, the lights in the Fisherman’s Club were seen to be on and, as Mr Greene was known to be off the island, the police were alerted. Constable Munroe, Constable Rolle and a number of civilians went to the club. Constable Munroe went to the front, while the other constable went to the rear of the building.

Constable Munroe told whoever was inside to

come out as they were surrounded. However, three shots were then fired from a 12-bore Maverick pump action shotgun, two of which struck Constable Munroe in the head and killed him.

The shotgun was licenced to Simmons. No other gun was fired that night.

Greene, who was wearing white gloves, was apprehended at the club by Constable Rolle but ran off when the shots were fired and the officer went to look for Constable Munroe.

A short time later Greene was seen in the Pinder’s Bay area by another prosecution witness he knew, Floyd Rolle. Greene said he had lost his mobile phone and Floyd Rolle said he would help him look for it. As they walked together Greene said he “hope that Munroe isn’t dead, you know,” and when asked what he meant, replied, “me and my partner gone to rob Kelly and Munroe get shot.”

They continued along the path until another person, in dark clothing with a mask over his face and white gloves, appeared. Greene called out to him “Spar, hands up.” Floyd Rolle saw this person put something down and move towards them. Floyd Rolle was frightened so he ran away.

Later that night a small boat went missing from its mooring at Little Harbour; it was found two days later at South Beach canal in Nassau, not far from Simmons’ and Greene’s home.

Also found after the killing was a black duffle-type bag near the beach at Little Harbour. On October 17, 1997, in bushes near the house of the two convicts, Simmons’ Maverick shotgun was found with its barrel missing.

By then however, the two had already fled the Bahamas, flying via Miami to Omaha, Nebraska where they stayed for over three years.

According to an international report on the matter dated February 27, 2001, the two reportedly entered the United States via Miami as visitors, overstayed their visas and took on false identities. An extradition warrant was reportedly issued for the pair in New York state in 1998.

Since the men assumed false identities, authorities were unable to find them until Greene was arrested for an assault in Rising City, Nebraska. He had been living under the name of Antwan Bobby Dames and claimed he was a citizen of Jamaica. The Platte County Sheriff’s Department notified the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (INS) and investigators determined his identity.

The information officials subsequently obtained from Greene eventually led them to Simmons, who was arrested outside his apartment in Kearney, Nebraska, which is approximately two hours away from Rising City.

Simmons had been living under the name Daniel Musa Cox and had been previously

convicted in Texas in November 1999 for marijuana trafficking charges.

Greene was reportedly held at the Madison County Jail in Madison, Nebraska, while Simmons was held at the Pottawattamie County Jail in Bluffs, Iowa.

Finally, on March 27, 2001, the two cousins were deported from Nebraska and, accompanied on the flight by US law enforcement officers and a senior Bahamian police officer, they arrived in Nassau. Once there, at about 3pm, they were arrested by local police, cautioned and told of their rights to obtain legal advice.

On April 5, 2002, Greene and his cousin Simmons were convicted of Munroe’s murder and of housebreaking and were sentenced to death. On April 13, 2004, the Court of Appeal dismissed their appeals against conviction; they had not appealed against sentence.

However, they subsequently appealed to the Privy Council by special leave granted to Simmons on November 17, 2004 and Greene on December 12, 2005 against their convictions and against the mandatory death sentence.

Their appeal was granted, and the Privy Council ordered that their convictions and sentences be quashed and the case remitted to the Supreme Court for consideration of the appropriate sentences.

Greene was later re-sentenced to life in prison.

MAGISTRATE HITS OUT AFTER YET ANOTHER ADJOURNMENT BID

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

THE chief magistrate yesterday hit out at the Crown’s “sense of entitlement” after it requested yet another adjournment to serve voluntary bills of indictment on one man and another individual accused of attempting to murder two police officers during the course of a highspeed chase throughout New Providence last year.

Dwight Lloyd, and another individual who cannot be named because he was charged as a minor, stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson Pratt following what was to be the final adjournment for the Crown to serve the VBIs on the two for allegedly attempting to murder Corporal 535 Rolle and Constable 3896 Newbold on July 5, 2017.

However, at the start of the hearing, the prosecution said it needed more time, as much as three weeks to produce the VBIs, stating it was still awaiting a pathologist’s report in connection with the matter. Though it was noted the matter has seen six adjournments to date, the Crown charged that attempted murder is a very serious offence, and it would be in the interest of justice to have the matter go to trial.

However, the chief

magistrate countered by saying the liberty of the two accused, one of whom has been in custody since his initial arraignment in July of last year, is also a very serious matter. She continued by railing against the “sense of entitlement” the Crown has with adjournments, and stated the Crown is of the impression that once it requests an adjournment, its request will be granted automatically.

Attorney Ian Cargill, who represents Lloyd, interjected and stated that with the Crown knowing full well the last adjournment was the final one, prosecutors could have produced the VBIs and then file a notice of additional evidence pertaining to the report.

The chief magistrate ultimately noted she is due to travel out of the jurisdiction soon, but will return to the country on March 21.

She told the prosecutors present to let the director of public prosecutions and “all and sundry” know that she expects the VBIs to be served on the two accused at that time.

On July 12, 2017, Lloyd and his co-accused, who was 17-years-old at the time, were arraigned before the chief magistrate on two counts of attempted murder, two counts of possession of a firearm with

intent to endanger life and one count each of attempted armed robbery and possession of an unlicenced firearm.

It is alleged the pair, being concerned together on the day in question, attempted to kill Cpl Rolle and Const Newbold.

They were also accused of allegedly using a 9mm Taurus pistol to put the lives of the police officers in danger.

It is also alleged the pair attempted to rob Antonio Denor of a 2007 Honda Accord valued at $8,000 on the same day. They were also accused of being in possession of the 9mm pistol without holding a license to possess the weapon.

According to initial reports from, on the day in question, officers received reports of two armed males in a white Camry in the Carmichael Road area.

An all-points bulletin was immediately issued.

A few minutes later, Mobile Division officers spotted the vehicle in the Carmichael area and signalled to the driver to stop. He refused and sped off however, resulting in a high-speed chase that ended when the Camry crashed near the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge on East Bay Street.

The two occupants then left the vehicle and began

shooting at the police, according to initial police

reports, who returned fire and shot one of the suspects.

However, both suspects were eventually arrested.