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Okay, Darnell where’s the proof?
FORMER Bahamas Power & Light chairwoman Darnell Osborne.
Govt lodges robust defence to claims by former BPL chief By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net WORKS Minister Desmond Bannister wants former Bahamas Power & Light chairwoman Darnell Osborne to provide “strict proof” that he acted with malicious intent when he discussed her departure from BPL’s board in 2018, according to a defence filed in the Supreme Court last month. The defence represents one of the government’s first substantive filings in the matter after attorney Alfred Sears brought lawsuits on behalf of Mrs Osborne, Nicola
Thompson and Nick Dean, the three former BPL board members who controversially left their posts in 2018. The lawsuits involve claims of wrongful dismissal, defamation and misfeasance in public office. A defence of Mr Bannister was filed on February 15, 2021, nearly two weeks after Mr Sears filed a reamended statement of claim on January 28. Days after Mrs Osborne’s faction left BPL’s board in 2018, Mr Bannister made comments to reporters about Mrs Osborne that are at the centre of her defamation claims. Some of those comments were SEE PAGE THREE
MINIMUM WAGE RAISE PARENTS NEED TO TAKE IS ‘ECONOMIC SUICIDE’ KEY ROLE IN EDUCATION By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) plan to increase the minimum wage by $40 per week was yesterday branded “economic suicide” by the private sector’s top labour specialist. Peter Goudie, the Bahamas Chamber
of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) labour division head, told Tribune Business that the Opposition’s proposal would deter hiring by businesses “who are barely holding on” and may even result in fresh terminations due to the associated increase in labour costs. SEE BUSINESS SECTION
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
SOME public schools have seen student participation drop to “less than 50 percent,” Education Minister Jeff Lloyd revealed yesterday as he urged parents to take their children’s education more seriously. Giving his mid-year budget contribution in the House of Assembly, Mr Lloyd explained that reduced class
participation in the virtual learning platform continues to be a challenge for some institutions. This comes despite the fact that “over 90 percent” of public school students have already received learning devices in support of the ministry’s virtual learning platform. According to Mr Lloyd, some 3,800 public students are still without the device, but he said officials are currently working to SEE PAGE FIVE
PM PROMISES MORE WOMEN IN CABINET
PRIME Minister Dr the shock resignation of Hubert Minnis said the former Minister of Youth, Free National Movement Sports and Culture Laniis recruiting more women sha Rolle last month. to run on the party’s While heralding the ticket in the next general achievements women election, as he lamented have made in politics the “historic low” of over the years, Dr Minnis women representation in said the country must his Cabinet. acknowledge the “relucHis comments came at tance” many women have the swearing-in ceremony PAKESIA PARKER-EDGECOMBE, who was about entering the politifor new Minister of State sworn in as Minister of State for Disaster cal area. He revealed for Disaster Prepared- Preparedness, Management and Reconhis party had challenges ness, Management and struction, with Governor General Sir C A recruiting more women Smith. (BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson) Reconstruction Paketo vie for public office in sia Parker Edgecombe, the last general election. which also coincided with International Still, he said, if elected for a second term, Women’s Day. Mrs Parker Edgecombe is a Minnis administration would ensure more the only woman in Dr Minnis’ Cabinet after SEE PAGE TWO
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PAGE 2, Tuesday, March 9, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
MINISTRY RECOGNISES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs recognised Commonwealth Day and International Women’s Day yesterday. The ministry highlighted Bahamian women who are excelling in several arenas. “In recognition of International Women’s Day, The Bahamas can celebrate numerous examples of women in leadership positions. “These include, but are not limited to, the appointment of Mrs Patricia Minnis as chair (2021) of the Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Association Network (SCLAN), Ms Marion Bethel serving a second term (2021-2024) as an expert on the Committee for the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), Ambassador Keva Bain as president of the 73rd Session of the World Health Assembly and Vice-Chair of the Human Rights Council (2021), Ambassador Maria O’Brien as chair of the Caribbean Group (2018) of the-then African, Caribbean and Pacific Group (ACP) in Brussels and leading The Bahamas team during the negotiations towards the successor agreement to the Cotonou Agreement, Mrs Nicole Campbell as secretary to the Cabinet and leader of the Bahamian public service, Ambassador Denise Lewis-Johnson as chair of The Bahamas Maritime Authority and many other women in leading positions both in the public, private and civil society sectors. “There is no question that The Bahamas is playing its part in the global arena and at home towards the advancement of women,” the ministry said. “As we celebrate both Commonwealth Day and International Women’s Day, let us continue to promote positive changes in both gender equality with the goal of a common future.”
PAKESIA Parker-Edgecombe is sworn in as Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction by Governor General Sir C A Smith at the Office of the Governor General on Monday. (BIS Photos/Letisha Henderson)
PM PROMISES MORE WOMEN IN CABINET
FROM PAGE ONE
women in Cabinet. “Currently, of the 16 members of the Senate, there are seven women serving,” Dr Minnis said. “I am pleased to lead the political party which was the first party in the country to successfully offer a woman for election to the House of Assembly in the person of Dame Janet Bostwick. “Women have served in a number of Cabinet posts and Mrs Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt served as Deputy Prime Minister. “Government ministries and departments have been led by women for decades, with a succession of women serving as secretary to the Cabinet. “Unfortunately, today, the representation of women in the Cabinet is at an historic low given the previous number of women serving at that level. “This is not good for our
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis speaks at the swearing in ceremony. democracy or our society. In keeping with the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, I challenge myself, my party, other parties, the nation, and the women
of the nation, in our collective determination to ensure that more women serve in Parliament and in the Cabinet. “Only by constantly challenging ourselves and each other, can we make progress and lasting change. Because of our recruitment efforts, I am pleased that my party will be running more women in the upcoming general election, including a number of women who have served as leaders in other areas. “While there have been historic breakthroughs in the number of women who have served in the Cabinet, we must work harder to ensure more women serving in the Cabinet on a sustainable basis,” he said. Dr Minnis said the country must “honestly acknowledge the reluctance of women offering themselves for elected office” including the reasons for this hesitation. “If you will permit, as a party
leader at the last election, I must admit my frustration that a number of women who my party asked to run, declined to do so for various reasons which I respect,” he said. “In the upcoming general election, I am pleased that more women are being successfully recruited to run. “If my party is granted the privilege of another term in office, the nation may be assured that there will be more women in the Cabinet of The Bahamas,” he said. Dr Minnis has previously said he looks forward to the day the country elects its first woman prime minister. In recent weeks, his government has received criticism for the small number of women at the parliamentary level and Cabinet rank. The FNM has four women MPs only one of whom, Mrs Parker Edgecombe, has a seat at the Cabinet table.
THE TRIBUNE
FNM CLAIMS PLP MAKING PROMISES IT DOES NOT INTEND TO KEEP THE Free National Movement has accused the Progressive Liberal Party of making election promises it does not intend to keep. In a statement accusing the PLP of being known for “rampant corruption” the FNM also said the opposition party has a reputation for “broken promises and empty rhetoric”. “Bahamians remember the lofty ideas and policies they failed to live up to during their last term in office,” the FNM said. “Their record is clear: crime spiralled out of control; they failed to meet the electricity generation problems; they wildly missed their intended target in education spending; they imposed VAT; they left our economy in dire fiscal straights with four consecutive credit downgrades, and five years of zero to negative economic growth. The PLP’s incompetence and ineptitude left its mark on The Bahamas. “After that failure, Philip Brave Davis and Chester Cooper want us to ‘trust’ them because they have ‘a plan’. This socalled PLP plan re-hashes their old broken promises and commitments. It has no basis in reality in terms of cost. “Davis should realise after serving at the side of Perry Christie that lip service and pie-in-the-sky suggestions do not amount to a realistic plan for the challenges facing our country after twin historic crises.” The FNM said it continues to work towards creating a better Bahamas. “This includes efforts to graduate more Bahamians with a quality education; resolving decades-old problems at Bahamas Power and Light (BPL); and increased transparency and fiscal responsibility. We are working to create new opportunities for all Bahamians, not just the chosen few. “The PLP is making pledges it does not intend to keep. The Minnis administration will stay focused on saving lives and getting the country’s economy up and running again in order to reach that better future for The Bahamas.” On Sunday, the PLP released its economic plan. PLP leaders said if successful in the next general election they will reduce value added tax to ten percent for one year as part of an economic plan that involves supporting a minimum wage increase, significantly expanding social assistance in the country and reducing the cost of energy by 30 percent.
MAN AND WOMAN INJURED IN SEPARATE SHOOTINGS A MAN and a woman are in hospital after they were shot in separate incidents on Sunday. Police said shortly after 8pm, a group of men were at a residence on Chenille Avenue in Garden Hills when a small black vehicle approached them. An occupant in the rear seat discharged a firearm in the direction of the group, hitting a man in the abdomen and right leg. The victim was taken to hospital in a private vehicle. His condition is not known at this time. In the second incident, police were told that shortly before 9pm a man and a woman arrived at a residence located on Old Cedar Way, Yellow Elder Gardens, when two men emerged from the eastern side of the house discharging firearms in their direction. The woman was shot in her neck and on the right side of her body. Both suspects escaped. The victim was taken to the hospital and is listed in serious condition. Investigations into both matters continue.
Tuesday, March 9, 2021, PAGE 3
Rupert Roberts backs minimum wage increase By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net SUPER Value owner Rupert Roberts said while he supports the Progressive Liberal Party’s preelection proposal to increase the minimum wage, he was left confused by the party’s value added tax plans. Mr Roberts told The Tribune yesterday he already pays his workers above the current minimum wage of $210. He believes all business owners should support an increase to $250, insisting this would lead to increased spending in the economy. However, he said the PLP needs to clarify its VAT plans, saying its announcement is “frightening the hell out of voters”. PLP leaders said Sunday if successful in the next general election they will reduce value added tax to ten percent for one year after which the rate would be reassessed. The move is part of an economic plan that involves supporting a minimum wage increase, significantly expanding social assistance in the country and reducing the cost of energy by 30 percent.
SUPER Value owner Rupert Roberts. Although PLP Deputy Leader Chester Cooper said VAT will be reduced to 10 percent “across the board,” it is not clear if the party plans to remove VAT exemptions from breadbasket and other items. The party has traditionally advocated for maintaining as few exemptions as possible so as to
keep the rate low and broad. “What do they intend to do with VAT?” asked Mr Roberts. “Do they intend to leave VAT as it relates to breadbasket items the same way it is, or are they going to put 10 percent on all groceries? It’s frightening the hell out of the voters.” Mr Roberts said he supports minimum wage workers receiving more money. “I don’t have a problem with that because that’s what ours is now, so we don’t have a problem with that. The higher the minimum wage, the more they get the more (and) they have to spend on food,” he said. “So, that will increase our sales and the business community wherever they can, they should support because that will increase everybody’s sales and, of course, nobody could live on less than $250. Very few people make $250. They can’t live.” Asked if he thought the minimum wage increase should be more than the PLP’s proposed $250, Mr Roberts said: “No, I think that should be left up to the private sector to pay for what they’re worth.” On Sunday, Mr Cooper said the PLP would recommend to the
National Tripartite Council that the minimum wage be increased to $250 per week in the private sector. “Our goal is to phase in a liveable wage,” he said at the time, “so that everyone who works is able to live with dignity and in a way that is acceptable in a modern Bahamas.” Asked about the consequences of increasing the minimum wage at a time when businesses are reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr Cooper said PLP officials have analysed the matter. “We looked at what happened when the previous PLP administration increased the minimum wage by 40 percent,” he said. “We are comfortable that what will happen as a result is small businesses will have more money, the economy will grow, there is more money in circulation, the government will in fact receive some taxes back as a result of more money in circulation, (and there will be) more money in spending by the persons with $250. We are committed to a liveable wage because we believe that every Bahamian ought to be able to live in dignity. “We don’t just believe that it is good financial modelling, we believe it’s the right thing to do.”
OKAY, DARNELL WHERE’S THE PROOF? FROM PAGE ONE made outside Cabinet. However, Mrs Osborne, according to the defence filed, will be asked to provide strict proof that Mr Bannister said what was reported in the media and that he intended for the comments to be published through various media platforms. “…(Mr Bannister) and (the Attorney General) will aver that (Mr Bannister) attended Cabinet for a Cabinet meeting in his capacity as the Minister of Public Works and that on leaving Cabinet he was approached by reporters and questioned on matters concerning the operation of the boards of the (BEC) and (BPL). (Mr Bannister) will aver that he responded to the specific questions put to him. (Mr Bannister) denies that he authorised the publications of any such words and puts the plaintiff to the strict proof of any such allegation,” the defence says. “(Mr Bannister) and (the Attorney General) deny the plaintiff’s allegation of malice as alleged against (Mr Bannister) in paragraph 17 of the plaintiff’s re-amended statement of claim or at all and puts the plaintiff to the strict proof of such malice and/or alleged malicious intent.” Mrs Osborne’s statement of claim says that the “natural, ordinary or inferential” meanings of Mr Bannister’s comments about her is that she was dishonest, disruptive, incompetent, “impaired the success of BPL’s board,” “compromised the public’s interests,” and misappropriated “BPL funds for her own personal use”. The comments, according to the statement of claim, also mean that she “deliberately or recklessly failed to authorise the purchase of turbocharges,” “thereby causing economic loss to BPL, ““increasing load shedding” and “compromising the delivery of electricity to customers”. While the defendants deny this claim, the defence says: “If and insofar as the precise words spoken by (Mr Bannister) on the said occasion are proven by the plaintiff and insofar as the said proven spoken words bear the natural, ordinary or inferential meanings alleged or any meaning which is defamatory of the plaintiff, (Mr Bannister and the Attorney General) will aver that the said questions posed by reporters on the said occasion and (Mr Bannister’s) said resultant responses thereto were fair comments upon a matter of public interest, namely the operation and performance of the boards of (BEC and BPL) and the conduct of the members of the board.” The defence provides context for the controversy, saying the country had
WORKS Minister Desmond Bannister.
been experiencing “unprecedented power outages which resulted in significant consumer discontent and public outcry,” information about the problems concerning the functioning of the BEC and BPL boards had been placed in the public domain, and the issues concerning the functioning of the boards was a matter of public interest. “Further or alternatively,” the defence then says, “if and insofar as the
precise words spoken by (Mr Bannister) on the said occasion are proven by the plaintiff, and insofar as the said proven spoken words bear the natural, ordinary or inferential meanings alleged or any meaning which is defamatory of the plaintiff, they are true in substance and in fact.” According to the defence, the defendants want Mrs Osborne to show strict proof that she has suffered the “injury, public
scandal, contempt, distress and embarrassment” that is alleged in her statement of claim. They deny she suffered special damages and want her to prove that she did. Mrs Osborne, according to the statement of claim, is seeking special damages of $588,8000. The defendants deny entering into an agreement or contract with Mrs Osborne. Instead, the defence says
Mr Bannister appointed Mrs Osborne to the board of BEC by a letter dated July 7, 2017 and she was subsequently appointed executive chairperson of BPL by a letter dated January 5, 2018. “(Mr Bannister and the Attorney General) at the trial of this action will rely on the said letter and the provisions of the Electricity Act for their full terms and effect,” the defence says.
PAGE 4, Tuesday, March 9, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
AG ADVISES PLP AGAINST VOTERS’ DRIVE By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel said he has advised the Progressive Liberal Party against hosting an unlawful voter registration drive that would have allowed a firsttime voter to win a car. Mr Bethel said yesterday: “They were going to hold a voters’ registration drive in Grand Bahama and draw the winning raffle card to win a new car, I was informed. “All private events and charitable lotteries must first be approved by the minister responsible for gaming, in writing,” he said, adding that the PLP’s plan was not approved. The PLP launched its voter registration drive on February 12 at its headquarters in Grand Bahama. It was one of several initiatives the party’s men’s branch planned to get more young voters to register and vote in the next general election. First-time registrants would have been eligible to win a Nissan Cube on April 5. The registrants would have been required to present their voter’s registration card to the PLP headquarters, a copy of which would have been entered to draw eligible entrants. Nevar Smith, a member of the PLP’s men’s branch, told The Tribune last month that people who participated in the drive would not be told how to vote. “I want to stress that we are not telling people how to vote; this is not that type of situation,” he said. “But, instead, our primary objective is to encourage people to register to vote and let their voice be heard on Election Day.”
ARCHBISHOP Patrick Pinder.
‘THOSE WHO ARE ELIGIBLE AND ABLE TO RECEIVE VACCINE SHOULD DO SO WILLINGLY’ By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net ARCHBISHOP Patrick Pinder, Catholic archbishop of Nassau, yesterday said people should follow the Roman Catholic Church’s position on COVID-19 vaccines that those “who are eligible and able to receive the vaccine should do so willingly”. Archbishop Pinder said taking the vaccine will protect the health of both recipients and individuals who come in contact with them. He noted Pope Francis has already been vaccinated and said he too intends to receive the vaccine when it becomes available to him. His statement read: “I wish to take this opportunity to assure you that the position of the Roman Catholic Church as to the vaccines against COVID19 is that, in our present circumstances, persons who are eligible and able to receive the vaccine should do so willingly. “This is to protect the health of the recipient, the health of all those with whom the recipient comes into contact and especially to protect the most vulnerable for whom infection with this virus could mean
serious illness, hospitalisation or worse. “In this regard, receiving the vaccine promotes the common good by protecting an individual’s health, promoting public health and saving lives.” Meanwhile, the Bahamas Christian Council (BCC) has commissioned a committee to bring a position on the vaccine. Pastor Mario Moxey, who chairs the group’s COVID Vaccine Investigative Committee, said they are still in the process of gathering interviews at this point. “We have interviews scheduled this week and next week and once they’re done we’ll have a better idea in terms of when we’ll be able to have that report for you,” he said. “Once we have completed our report we’ll be able to present that to the Christian Council and then the council will be able to provide that information to their congregation. So up until this point and time, there’s really no comment from the Christian Council.” The government has said 20,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine should arrive in the country tomorrow. These vaccines are a gift from India.
COVID-19 DEATH TOLL RISES BY ONE TO 183
THE country’s COVID19 death toll rose by one to 183 on Sunday after the death of an 80year-old man was reclassified. According to the Ministry of Health, the Abaco man died on March 6.
Fifteen other deaths are currently under investigation. The Ministry of Health also said 12 new COVID19 cases were recorded on Sunday. Seven of those cases are in Grand Bahama, three
are in New Providence and two are in the Berry Islands. This brings the nation’s COVID-19 toll to 8,641. At last report, 22 people are in hospital with COVID-19, one of which is in intensive care.
GRAND BAHAMA POLICE WARN OVER MARIJUANA PACKAGING By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
Thanksgiving Service For ALVIN KELLY SR., 77
Of Ridgeland Park, will be held at Berea Seventh Day Adventist Church, Baillou Hill Road on Tuesday, March 9th at 11:00am. Officiating will Pastor Lynden Williams. Cremation will follow. He is predeceased by his Parents. Left to cherish his memories are 1 Son: Alvin Kelly Jr.; 2 Daughter: Gail Kelly McKinney and Kendra Kelly; Godchild: Farah Flowers; Adopted: Dericka Kemp; Grand Children: Gianna, Algernon, Alexis and Jamal Kelly Greta; Grandchild: Arrielle Kelly; Brothers: Freeman Leonard Sr., (Amanda) and Basil Kelly Sr.; Sisters: Maria Roberts, Cynthia Taylor, Eloise Cooper, Ena (Ormand) Rolle, Virginia Thompson, Donna Leadon (Elli) Thompson. Numerous Other Relatives and Friends.
GRAND Bahama police are warning the public to be aware of “the deceptive and illegal” distribution of marijuana in packaging similar to legitimate snack product brands. This comes following a drug seizure and the arrest of a couple in the Lucaya area on Sunday. Superintendent of Police Michael Thurston, the officer in charge of the island’s Drug Enforcement Unit, reported that officers executed a search warrant at a residence at Fortune Bay Drive, where a quantity of suspected cocaine, marijuana, and THC and CBD products were discovered. Some $2,000 in cash was also seized at that residence. A man and a woman are assisting police with their investigation. Supt Thurston stressed that the incident is of serious concern because of the deceptive method in which the THC and CBD items were packaged and labelled. “It was 126 packages with nine different brands they used,” he said, explaining that they are similar to legitimate snack brands that can be found in food stores. “I wish to advise members of the public to be very careful and observant when purchasing snacks for yourself and your kids. “I would venture as far as to say the brand names and labels on the food items are very common and could be mistaken for legitimate brand products,” the senior police officer warned. “So, we are sending out an alert to members of the public to be observant and educate your kids and make sure they don’t make a mistake of purchasing (these illegitimate) snacks. “We want… to prevent them from mistaking these illegitimate items for legitimate items. “And so, this matter is of very serious concern to us, and we want members of the public to be aware of it and to pay attention to these items.” Supt Thruston said that
SUPT Michael Thurston and DEU officers in Grand Bahama brief the media about a drug haul. PHOTOS: Vandyke Hepburn THC is the main ingredient found in the cannabis plant – it is the actual ingredient that makes someone high. Until the law is changed, he said that it is illegal to sell or distribute such items. “If we come in contact with any individual or persons who are involved in the distribution and supply of these items, they will be dealt with to the full extent of the law,” he warned. Supt Thurston noted that it is hard to tell the difference between the legitimate products and the drug laced ones. He said people should look at the package very carefully before purchasing and consuming them. “You may want to look at the packaging very carefully because on some packages you will see THC and CBD on them which would not be found on the legitimate product, and so that is one indicator you have to look out for,” he said. He also noted that illegitimate products are priced much higher at $15 or $30 compared to 50 cents and $1 in the stores for legitimate snack products. “If you have someone on the streets selling you an item that would cost $1 for $15 or $30, something is wrong and that is an
indicator that the product is illegal,” he said. Mr Thurston could not say whether the products are widespread in the community. “We have seen some in the past that we came across that were maybe similar, but this particular seizure really raised awareness,” he said. “The persons involved in the sale of these illegal items I would think have a targeted market. But the danger is the possibility of some of them slipping into vendors’ stock, and them not knowing because of how similar they look compared to the legitimate product. That is the concern. There is the possibility that it could happen,” Supt Thurston said. He stated that the packaging of the products in question is labelled as having 600mg of THC with a marijuana leaf on it. The drugs take effect within an hour of consumption, he said.
“We have to be on the lookout for this. When you buy a product look at the label and make sure that what you are buying is a legitimate product. It is very deceptive and similar in appearances,” he warned. “This type of deceptive method in which persons are trying to get persons to take marijuana will not be tolerated. This deceptive way of doing it is just terrible, and we will do everything we can to discourage it and bring those to justice we find involved in this activity. “The supermarket should know their products and examine their products to make sure they are legitimate products. My advice would be to purchase snacks from legitimate food stores, not from the streets,” he said. People are asked to contact police at 911 or DEU at 242-350-3125 if they should come in contact with any illegitimate items.
THE TRIBUNE
RBDF HANDS OVER DEBRIS FOUND IN PLANE SEARCH
Tuesday, March 9, 2021, PAGE 5
MINISTRY LIFTS MORATORIUM ON NEW SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
EDUCATION Minister Jeff Lloyd speaks in the House of Assembly. Photo: Donavan McIntosh
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force handed over debris found in the ocean to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority, suspected to be from a plane that crashed in waters near Acklins on Friday. Two Bahamian men were said to be on board. They have yet to be found. The RBDF said the debris was handed over yesterday morning to the AAIA, which is investigating the accident involving a Piper PA28 aircraft with United States registration N2932Y. The aircraft left Nassau en route to Inagua, but crashed near Salina Point.
Acklins The RBDF said after reports of a downed aircraft in the vicinity of Acklins, their operations command centre was notified of the incident shortly before noon and immediately informed RBDF to assist in the search efforts. “Her Majesty’s Bahamian Ship Lignum Vitae, which was in the area, joined in the search along with a USCG cutter, a USCG fixed-wing, and helo. Debris from the waters was retrieved by the USCG cutter and handed over to HMBS Lignum Vitae on Saturday, March 6, 2021,” the RBDF noted in a release. “HMBS Kamalamee arrived on the scene Sunday, 7 March, to continue with the search efforts, conducting search patterns between the Mira Por Vos, the western side of Castle Island, and the Hog Sty Reef area. The search has since expanded to the northern and western areas of surrounding cays and inlets and the shoreline of the southernmost part of Acklins. “HMBS Lignum Vitae returned to Coral Harbour Monday morning with debris onboard to be handed over to the Aircraft Accident Investigation (Authority).”
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
THE Ministry of Education has lifted its moratorium on new scholarships for international studies for the 2021/2022 school year, according to Education Minister Jeff Lloyd. The move comes after the programme was suspended last July due to budget constraints brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. “One of COVID-19’s unfortunate effects was that the ministry was forced to make a tough decision to place a moratorium on all new international scholarships for the 2020/2021 scholarship cycle,” Mr Lloyd told the House of Assembly. “That moratorium has now been lifted for the 2021/22 school year. I am pleased to report that approval was granted by Cabinet to award funding for new awards to local tertiary institutions and as a result, some 65 students qualified for tuition assistance to attend those local tertiary institutions. “With regard to existing students, scholarship funding is fixed and determined based on the contracts of the students. All students who met the requirements for renewal received funding for the continuation of their studies. To date,112 students have been processed totaling $9,009,551.54.” Yesterday, Mr Lloyd also gave an update on Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute, where he noted enrolment at the institution
“That moratorium has now been lifted for the 2021/22 school year. I am pleased to report that approval was granted by Cabinet to award funding for new awards to local tertiary institutions and as a result, some 65 students qualified for tuition assistance to attend those local tertiary institutions.” Minister of Education Jeff Lloyd jumped from some 4,500 students to over 6,000. Meanwhile, as it relates to University of the Bahamas, Mr Lloyd said there was a decline in student enrolment for the fall semester by two percent. However, he said: “Unique enrolled students increased by 3 percent to 5,254.” “We did not retain this number because there were two major deregistration cycles. “The university’s yield rate for new admitted students rose to 62 percent from 61 percent last year. Pre-deregistration, this figure stood at 72 percent. “There were 2,252 new student applicants of which 1,598 were admitted. “The government grant last semester was 3,520 students and for this semester meaning 2021 (it is) 3,590 students.”
PARENTS NEED TO TAKE KEY ROLE IN EDUCATION FROM PAGE ONE address the matter. Still, Mr Lloyd said there are some students who still refuse to participate in their classes. He said while about 90 percent of registered students in most schools are regularly participating in virtual classes, there are other schools where student participation is below 50 percent – a situation he described as “dangerous” for Bahamian society. “I have found that there are as many as 90 percent of the students online every day getting their own instructions,” he told Parliament. “Sadly, some other schools’ participation is less than 50 percent. This is not only dangerous for the child. Of course, it is, but it is also dangerous for society. “We don’t understand and appreciate that education is critical… this is nothing to trifle (about). We (as parents) have to take it seriously. We cannot be investing in name
brand clothes and things, $2,000 iPhone and claim you don’t have money to buy devices or to purchase uniforms or to provide lunch. We see this in our schools on a daily basis as do the teachers – misplaced priorities, primarily by parents.” Mr Lloyd also said while education is “everyone’s business,” a child’s success hinges mostly on how invested a parent is in his or her education. “I have to call out those parents who don’t seem to be taking this seriously. The ministry is doing its part. The government is doing its part. The society is doing its part. The corporate (sector) and NGOs are doing their part. The home must do its part. Parents must do their part. There is no other way.” Yesterday, Mr Lloyd also revealed his ministry’s plan to implement a newly revised curriculum that will facilitate changes in several key subjects both at the primary and secondary level.
“We are pleased to report that by July this year, 2021, we anticipate a newly revised curriculum in more than 10 disciplines in the public educational system in The Bahamas, including language arts, social studies, science and computer studies at the primary level. “At the secondary level, business studies, general science, biology, chemistry, computer studies, carpentry, construction and the performing arts – as we realise that the curriculum has to be relevant in a 21st century in which we live.” Meanwhile, given the late return of some students back to the classrooms, Mr Lloyd also said it is likely that this year’s national examinations may be “adjusted” to accommodate those individuals – something he has said previously. However, he said more details will be provided at a later date and urged both parents and students to be on the look-out for future announcements. “As announced, the exams are
scheduled to start April 13,” he said. “But with most students just returning to face-to-face on February 23, it is possible that that schedule may be adjusted to give our students more time, if we find it necessary, to prepare. “Therefore, the ministry asks parents and students to remain alert for future announcements about the start of exams. “In the meantime, students, please take this time to prepare as earnestly as you can. The exams are coming, barring any unforeseen circumstances.” Schools closed last March as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in institutions switching to a virtual platform. Public schools reopened after the summer break last October, however schools in New Providence, Abaco, Eleuthera and Exuma were teaching virtually until given the go ahead to begin phased face-to-face learning in February.
PAGE 6, Tuesday, March 9, 2021
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Most US states don’t have a filibuster – nor do many democratic countries As the U.S. Senate proceeds with its business, split 50-50 between Republicans on one side and Democrats and independents on the other, lawmakers and the public at large are concerned about the future of the filibuster. Under the rules of the U.S. Senate, if just one lawmaker doesn’t want a bill to progress, they can attempt to delay its passage indefinitely by giving a principled speech, or even just reading “Green Eggs and Ham,” as Ted Cruz did in 2013. A supermajority of three-fifths of the senators, or 60 of the 100, is required to stop the filibuster – or signal that one would not succeed – and proceed to a vote. As a result of the current Senate split, the majority party – the 48 Democrats and two independents who generally caucus with them, plus Vice President Kamala Harris – cannot unilaterally decide to block filibusters and end debate on a bill. This effectively prevents most bills from ever being voted on without a sizable number of Republicans also agreeing to end debate. Many critics have called for the filibuster’s elimination. Its continued use was briefly in question during negotiations between the parties over how to run an evenly split Senate. But the filibuster has survived, and it will likely continue to be a major obstacle to passing legislation. As a comparative politics scholar, I have come to the conclusion that because many democratic constitutions already include so many other checks and balances, giving the minority party veto power over widely supported legislation is unnecessary, which is why most U.S. states and most democratic countries do not allow their legislators to filibuster. Plenty of checks and balances According to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, the filibuster ensures “that slim majorities can’t ram through half-baked ideas.” But even without the filibuster, it’s actually quite hard to pass legislation in the U.S., thanks to the Constitution’s robust separation of powers. Bills need to pass both chambers of Congress with majority support, which can be a huge hurdle. Founder James Madison argued that having two chambers was beneficial, as it prevents the passage of “improper acts of legislation.” Not every government has two legislative chambers, however. There is only one chamber in Nebraska’s legislature – just like the national legislatures of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Luxembourg, New Zealand and Norway. Even if the bill has the support of the majority in both the Senate and the House, it still faces a potential presidential veto, which can be overridden only by a two-thirds supermajority in both congressional chambers. Yet, at the state level, many legislatures can override vetoes by their governor with a simple majority, which is the same threshold needed to override presidential vetoes in Estonia, France and Italy. Other democracies, such as Austria and Germany, don’t even have a presidential veto. If a bill somehow gets passed by Congress and is signed by the president, the Supreme Court can still declare it unconstitutional and strike the law off the books. Not all democracies give their highest court this power: The Constitution of the Netherlands, for instance, explicitly prohibits this. In Switzerland, the highest court can strike down laws passed by the cantons, which are similar to U.S. states, but cannot overturn federal legislation.
The creation and weakening of the filibuster McConnell argues that the filibuster plays a crucial role in our constitutional order. Yet, it’s important to point out that the founders did not include the filibuster in the U.S. Constitution, and the filibuster became part of the Senate’s rules only by mistake when then-Vice President Aaron Burr recommended that the Senate clean up its rulebook by removing redundant language. One of the rules that was axed in 1806 at Burr’s behest empowered a simple majority to cut off debate. Eventually, this mistake was realised and exploited when the Senate endured its first filibuster in 1837. Since that time, there have been many efforts to restrict the use of the filibuster. A frustrated Woodrow Wilson – the only U.S. president to have earned a Ph.D. in political science – once noted that the “Senate of the United States is the only legislative body in the world which cannot act when its majority is ready for action.” In 1917, he successfully curbed the use of the filibuster by pressuring the Senate to adopt a rule that allowed for a two-thirds supermajority to end debate. In 1974, the Senate further limited the use of the filibuster by agreeing that when using a process called “reconciliation” to pass a budget-related bill, debate in the Senate is limited to 20 hours. Effectively this means that reconciliation bills cannot be filibustered, as debate cannot continue in perpetuity. After the maximum allotted time for debate has elapsed, reconciliation bills require only the approval of a simple majority. This process was used in 2017 to pass Donald Trump’s tax cuts with only 51 votes. This same process is being used to try and pass President Joe Biden’s coronavirus relief package. In 1975, senators reduced the two-thirds supermajority required to end debate to the present three-fifths, thereby creating the current 60-vote threshold. In 2013, the filibuster was again weakened when Democrats, then in the majority, eliminated its use on all presidential nominees except those to the Supreme Court, in response to the repeated Republican obstruction of Barack Obama’s nominees. In 2017, Republicans, having retaken the Senate, went one step farther by eliminating the use of the filibuster on Supreme Court nominees. All three of Trump’s nominees to the nation’s highest court – Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett – were confirmed with fewer than 60 votes. The obstruction of progress In recent years, the filibuster has not hurt Republicans as much as Democrats because the GOP has focused on cutting taxes and confirming judges, both of which can now bypass the filibuster thanks to Senate rule modifications. Democrats, on the other hand, are going to have a hard time making major health care changes or enacting immigration reform, as both would be vulnerable to a Republican filibuster. The U.S. system has been designed with more checks and balances than many other successful democracies. Eliminating the filibuster would bring the federal government in line with the majority of U.S. states and democratic countries around the world. (This article is by Joshua Holzer, Westminster College, for THE CONVERSATION)
We need new leadership EDITOR, The Tribune. It is relatively clear that politicians think that in order to become prime minister, one only has to remain leader of the Opposition long enough for a real or contrived scandal to hit the governing party. Just like clock work, they hope, the pendulum will swing and the other party will be elected. After all, that’s how we got our current PM. It is this phenomenon that causes some who would do their party (and the nation) a service by stepping aside to make way for “new blood” to desperately cling to power within their parties. For obvious reasons, it is unwise to select a leader in such a fashion. If nothing else, the past two years should have shown Bahamians that we actually need leaders with problem solving skills, who care about the people of this country and are able to rise to the challenges that come with the job. In my opinion, those attributes are not exemplified in any leader of a political party in this country at this time. We have seen all manner of persons either jostling for or trying to consolidate power, seemingly for powers sake, while their token contributions to national life are unimpressive at best. As politicians begin running ads in an effort to influence the deeply ingrained perceptions the general public may have formed about them after years of observation, one gets the feeling that
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net
an impending election is around the corner. These disingenuous political ads reveal the Achilles heel each party leader knows they have and this makes the ads that much more distasteful. As an independent voter, I have already made up my mind that several categories of persons cannot get my vote. I refuse to vote for any politician who may have been in office at least one term, was booted by the electorate and is seeking re-election. If a constituency did not seek to retain the former office holder, what new skills do they have to offer now that they did not have before? I am tired of people who have no shame and believe they have earned the right to keep on running! I will not vote for bloviating career politicians who seem to find their identity in holding political office and who, like barnacles on a ship, impede progress, are just along for the ride and add nothing substantive to their constituencies or national life. I cannot vote for a politician who has demonstrated that they lack problem solving and organisational skills which are critical for those assuming leadership positions. The days of just presenting any “Johnny come lately” or calling failure success is not enough to get my vote, sorry!
I will not vote for any politician who had all the answers to every problem that assailed the nation while they were in the opposition, but then failed to deliver tangible results while in office. To re-elect such a person is to do the nation a disservice. While this list is not complete, this summary serves the purpose of showing that we cannot allow emotions to make decisions in what will be a crucial election. The days of electing smooth talking, nonproductive politicians must be put behind us. We need new leadership to help recover ground lost over the past two years specifically and four decades generally. It also shows that if I could have my way, most of the offerings of the PLP would be rejected and the MPs for Killarney, South Beach, Freetown, Mt Moriah, Marathon, Elizabeth and Bamboo Town, at a minimum would have to seek jobs in the private sector. The Opposition would in all likelihood have to seek a new leader, they would have a more robust voice in the House and democracy would be strengthened. A new leader has to be forced to emerge within the FNM by the choices of the electorate, maybe the shift in political dynamics can cause someone to rise to the occasion and only then will the curse of being burdened with a “pendulum” leader be broken! JB Nassau, March 7, 2021.
Thou shalt love thy Chinese neighbour as thyself EDITOR, The Tribune. I would like to commend the Chinese Community Association of The Bahamas for the generous food donations to the Red Cross, which will undoubtedly go a long way toward feeding many hungry Bahamian families in Nassau. It was a kind gesture. Unfortunately for the Chinese community in Nassau and Freeport, some of its members have been subjected to negative racial stereotyping by suspicious Bahamians,
subsequent to the outbreak of the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, China. One reason for this discrimination is due to long held beliefs among Bahamians regarding the dietary culture of the Chinese people. With our ancestral roots being from Africa, it might be a source of shock to most Bahamians to learn that African countries such as Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon and South Africa practice entomophagy. Insects such as termites,
crickets, caterpillars and palm weevils are delicacies in these African jurisdictions. Notwithstanding the claim by the government of the People’s Republic of China that 90 percent of the over 1.4 billion Chinese population is either non-religious or atheist, I am inclined to believe the United States based human rights group Freedom House’s estimates of there being close to 100 million Christians in China is closer to the truth. Between 1966 and 1979, religion was
banned in China by Chinese Communist Party Chairman Mao Zedong, who ruled China with an iron fist between 1949 and 1976 - the year he died. Built on the foundation of Marxism, which is atheistic at its core, it was inevitable that Zedong would’ve viewed evangelical Christianity as an arch rival to his Marxist ideology. With the Chinese government relaxing its hands on religious activities in 1979, China has witnessed the reemergence of Protestant and Catholic
Christianity, Islam, Taoism and Confucianism – the latter two being philosophies with religious elements, albeit pagan in nature. With over 95 percent of Bahamians subscribing to the JudeoChristian tradition – albeit the overwhelming majority from a cultural standpoint – Bahamians should demonstrate solidarity with the beleaguered Chinese underground Christian community by showing kindness to their ethnic counterparts in this jurisdiction.
One way to do this is by treating them with dignity. As Leviticus 19:18 says in the Authorised Version, thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. With the Chinese community living among us as Bahamians who claim to know the God of the Bible, we must love our Chinese neighbours as ourselves! KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama. February 18, 2021.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, March 9, 2021, PAGE 7
SIX MONTHS IN PRISON FOR FORMER BANK SUPERVISOR
MICHAEL Turnquest outside court. Photo: Racardo Thomas
MAN DENIES IMPORTING MARIJUANA
By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
A 35-YEAR-OLD man who denied importing marijuana into the country was yesterday granted bail ahead of his trial. Michael Turnquest appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes after police alleged he was found with a quantity of Indian hemp on March 4. He was also accused of conspiring to possess and import the drugs into the country that same day. According to initial police reports,
shortly after 7am, officers from the Drug Enforcement Unit went to a home in the western district of New Providence. Upon their arrival, they executed a search warrant and found a suitcase containing a quantity of suspected marijuana brownies, marijuana gummy candies and suspected Indian hemp oil. During the hearing, Turnquest denied the allegations and his matter was adjourned to June 23 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). In the meantime, he was granted $7,000 bail.
TAXI DRIVER APPEALS CONVICTION FOR ASSAULT By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
A TAXI driver who was fined $1,000 for assaulting a road traffic supervisor with her vehicle is appealing her conviction. Bianca Munnings was charged with assault with a dangerous instrument after she was accused of trying to run over a road traffic supervisor at Lynden Pindling International Airport when the woman attempted to stop her from picking up a fare out of turn. During her trial, a magistrate found Munnings guilty of the offence and fined her $1,000, which she later paid. Yesterday, her attorney Alexander Maillis II appealed the conviction after arguing the verdict was unreasonable and could not be supported having regard to the evidence. During a virtual hearing before Justices Milton Evans, Carolita Bethel and Roy Jones, Mr Maillis asserted that based on the evidence of the prosecution’s witnesses, “at no point in time” was there “any chance” the supervisor could have been struck by his client’s vehicle. He noted Munnings and the prosecution’s witnesses all testified that the supervisor knocked on the appellant’s window, which suggested she was standing on the side of the vehicle. He said this fact was “crucial evidence of the positioning” of the supervisor. Mr Maillis said it was never Munnings’ intention to put the complainant in fear of being struck by her vehicle and insisted no “reasonable tribunal” that was “properly seized” with the facts would have made the decision the magistrate did.
Insisting Munnings’ verdict was unsafe, Mr Maillis also alleged the magistrate wrongly restated his client’s evidence. Mr Maillis said based on the complainant’s own testimony, she could have never been hit by Munnings’ vehicle because she was standing on the side of it. He added that he also found it strange that no security footage of the incident was ever accessed, despite the fact that LPIA is one of the most surveilled areas on the island. He said in view of these facts, he was suggesting the investigation was lacking and the interpretation of evidence was wrong. In his submissions, Crown attorney Neil Brathwaite stated that “the whole concept of assault involved not the actual battery, but the apprehension of battery”. He added the fact that the supervisor was not in front of the vehicle did not mean she was “incapable” of being assaulted with it at the time. He said based on those facts alone, it was “entirely open to the learned magistrate” to find that an assault had been committed. Mr Brathwaite said the complainant was operating as a peace officer under the Road Traffic Act, so it could not be said that her attempt to flag down Munnings was unlawful interference. He said the fact the officer was “engaged in appropriate conduct” which was a part of her duties proved the magistrate did not err in rejecting the no case submission. After listening to submissions from both sides, the panel said they would reserve their decision and notify the respective parties in “due course”.
By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net A FORMER bank supervisor who last week admitted stealing over $35,000 from customer accounts to help pay her own bills was yesterday sentenced to six months in prison. Angel Hudson, 25, of Eleuthera, appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt faced with several counts of fraud related offences linked to stealing by reason of employment, falsification of accounts, forgery and money laundering. During her initial appearances, Hudson owned up to stealing $36,650 from Commonwealth Bank’s Spanish Wells branch while employed there between June 2020 and February 2021. Officers said Hudson made numerous false entries into the savings accounts of several customers “by posting a fraudulent debit” to purport a decrease in funds in the customers’ respective accounts. Hudson also forged several withdrawal receipts in the name of bank clients to remove funds from their accounts and deposit the money onto her own bank book and the accounts of people she allegedly owed. After taking a week to review the mitigating and aggravating factors of Hudson’s case, Magistrate Ferguson-Pratt convicted the accused and sentenced her to six months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. Hudson was also ordered to pay back the money she stole.
ANGEL Hudson at an earlier court appearance. Magistrate Ferguson-Pratt said if she didn’t, she could risk spending an additional 15 months behind bars. She told the accused while she considered her age and the fact that she was the mother of a young child, she still had to send a “clear message” to every bank teller in the country that stealing by reason of employment was “unacceptable”. “You cannot have sticky fingers when you are entrusted to deal with people’s money,” she said.
PAGE 8, Tuesday, March 9, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
Never work with your partner? Here’s the perfect proof that you can During the week of Valentine’s when love was high in the air, I came across an unexpected love story. It was not told with the intention of being a love story. But the evidence of what love and full commitment as a couple can produce was so obvious, that it turned out to be one of the best examples for other couples to follow. Basil and Margot Barnett are more than just husband and wife - they are business partners. Sometimes we are told this is a formula for failure. However, the Barnetts stand as proof that not only can it be done, it can be done so successfully that they become leaders in the nation and the region. The Barnetts have proved a couple can achieve success together with a thriving business - one that is growing from strength to strength and standing as a beacon in the community. In February, Bahamas Medical & Surgical Supplies celebrated its 20th year in business by officially opening a brand new corporate complex on 5th Terrace, Centerville, Nassau. It is a remarkable edifice consisting of a 7,850 square foot warehouse including an office, staff room and three segregated temperature storage rooms for pharmaceuticals and high-value specialty products. The site is also home to a modern and
ABOVE AND RIGHT: Basil and Margot Barnet.
expanded 3,750 square foot retail store and a 750 square foot service department. It is a milestone befitting a company which has been successful at delivering top quality medical and surgical supplies to a plethora of public and private medical facilities in The Bahamas, as well as the hospitals, dentists, and veterinary facilities. Not only does Bahamas Medical and Surgical Supplies (BMSS) service The Bahamas, the company also services hospitals in Bermuda and the Turks and Caicos Islands. During the opening ceremony, Basil took the time to share the story of the company’s journey and in the process, he revealed a lot more. Basil proved that believing in one another, giving each other full support and encouragement and helping each other succeed are the keys to a successful marriage and business relationship. They were married before the dream of BMSS
began (31 years ago). They started BMSS 20 years ago and today, their business and their union are stronger than ever. Basil shared a beautiful story of the highs and lows that brought them to their current success: “I need to take you back to put things in a better perspective. Michaela Virgill-Storr had recently transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) as Chief Hospital Administrator. She was a transformational leader who understood that in order to make big changes, it is necessary to implement those small changes that signify a change in leadership, a change in approach and a change in mindset. She was already charged with creating a structure that would separate the hospitals from the Ministry of Health. “Mrs Storr shared her goal, her vision, and her mandate. Margot was excited to be a part of this transformation and decided that she needed
FROM LEFT: Fr Glen Nixon, Basil, Margot and Morgan. to better qualify herself as an administrator in healthcare. As a result, she made a difficult decision - she would make the sacrifice to leave our two young children in my care while she attended the University of Manchester in England to pursue a Masters Degree in Health Services Administration. “This was not easy. There were no cell phones, no FaceTime… no WhatsApp. A one minute call to the UK was $2 and telephone lines were often filled with static. On one of those weekly calls, Margot confessed that she could no longer do this. The work was hard and she missed her family. I reminded her that it was not easy for us either, despite the tremendous support we had from both families. “I had already made plans to visit Margot during the Easter break to return her passport. “You see, after she got to Manchester, she instructed me to take her passport with me; otherwise, she would be on the next flight to Nassau. So we agreed to make the decision about her continuing during that Easter break visit. I surprised her by bringing our two young children with me. The time she spent with our two kids gave her renewed strength and energy, and she completed the programme. “Upon her return, Margot was made Deputy Hospital Administrator at PMH with responsibilities for some of the major clinical areas including Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Dialysis and Theatre. In her position, Margot experienced first hand the challenges with inconsistency in the quality of supplies and equipment. In response to this challenge, Margot was instrumental in establishing the SAVE committee which was formed to assess and improve the quality of supplies and implement
a standardization process. “Fast forward to 1999. Margot is gifted with a relentless drive, an unquestionable passion and a resourceful spirit. Despite her passion for healthcare, Margot saw her ability to positively impact patient care being diminished as her responsibilities had changed. She would often talk about leaving and starting a medical supply company, to which I would say, if you are serious, put it in writing! Her response would be, I am telling you. Why do I need to write it down, you’re the financial genius! I would gently suggest to her that when you put things in writing, it makes the idea just a little bit clearer and it helps to put meat on the idea. God sometimes puts people in your life for a single purpose. “In November of 1999, Margot and I attended a Les Brown motivational speech. At one point, he talked about how people would often feel that they needed to have all the answers before they acted. Then he said, ‘Sometimes you just have to jump and grow your wings on the way down’. The very next evening, Margot sat down and put her idea in writing on a single sheet of paper. We discussed the idea further and a few days later, we created a business plan - a road map. “In December 1999, Margot decided to leave PMH and started Bahamas Medical and Surgical Supplies Bahamas, Ltd. Few people would understand or appreciate that Margot would have to get up to catch a 6am flight to Miami and return on the last flight the same day. Most days, she came home after midnight. The kids would be both sleeping when she left and when she returned. She would hold meetings with distributors in South Florida to discuss our business plan, and after a very long day, she would always find something positive to talk about concerning those meetings or the trip. “We next learned that when God has a new assignment for you, he sometimes gives you a test to prepare you and to strengthen you for that assignment. Before we could get Bahamas Medical and Surgical Supplies up and running, Margot discovered that she was suffering from a critical condition. After a series of events that could only be described as miracles, she had a successful surgery. Ironically, an essential tool required for the surgery was an electronic microscope that was the last piece of equipment Margot authorized to be acquired before she left PMH. The illness and the recovery gave Margot a new outlook on life. A perspective about what was important and what was not. And a fearless approach to life with the knowledge that we are only here for a period of time and must live it authentically. “After recovering, Margot operated the company from our home. With only a computer, a fax machine and now we had a cellphone. In September 2000, the company moved into rented space in the East Bay Shopping Centre that served as both an office and a warehouse. In those early days, Margot and her assistant would spend what seemed like hours walking by or standing over the fax machine waiting for a request for supplies to come through. It was very, very slow. “Margot understood that she needed to do more and to do things differently to break into the industry and to succeed in this business. And so, she would go out into the field and speak to users directly to find out what were
FROM LEFT: Morgan, Minister of Health Renward Wells, Margot, Rev Patrick Pinder and Basil. some of their needs and challenges so that the company could find solutions. “Bahamas Medical quickly developed a reputation for being able to do the difficult things. While we knew as a company that it was important to be better than our competition, our focus was never on our competition. We focused on how we could best serve the needs of our customers and focus on the needs of the healthcare industry. That often meant doing things very differently or doing things that have not been done before. “Despite our relatively short time in business, the company was selected to be the representative for GE Healthcare and later, Johnson and Johnson Medical. In sharing their decision for the selection, we were told that we stood out. Our approach was different, we were professional, we did our homework, we understood them as a company, we knew our market and we presented a roadmap to how we would accomplish their goals for this market. We continued to develop a relationship with leading companies in the global healthcare industry with a focus on companies that are innovators with modern, cutting edge technology.“ “The company outgrew the East Bay Shopping Centre space and in 2007, acquired the building at 159 Shirley Street. I became a full member of staff and the staff’s total complement had increased to seven. Shortly after relocating, the company opened its retail store to cater to the home care market focused on persons with home care needs, chronic illnesses, and end of life situations. During this period, the company hired a full time pharmacist to expand our presence in the industry to include pharmaceuticals. The Shirley Street location provided high visibility but had limited warehouse space.” “In 2017, Bahamas Medical acquired the old PW Albury building on this site with a vision to create this corporate office complex. Bahamas Medical and Surgical Supplies Ltd is the realization of that idea written on a single sheet of paper. “Today, BMSS is a full service provider to the healthcare industry operating a medical specialty retail store. The company is a supplier of medical equipment with local service support.
The company is also the leading distributor of medical, dental, and veterinary supplies. The company caters to the full healthcare industry including pharmaceuticals and orthopaedics. The company operates in the Bahamas, Bermuda and the Turks and Caicos Islands. We have a total staff complement of 21 including three service engineers, two registered pharmacists, two healthcare specialists and three highly knowledgeable retail sales associates.” “There are some who look at the success of Bahamas Medical and say that we are lucky, or fortunate, or blessed. And it’s true. We are very lucky, we are extremely fortunate, and we are truly blessed. But that’s not the whole story… and that’s not the end of the story, because it overlooks the sacrifice, long hours, hard work, commitment, tenacity, and perseverance required to take an idea written on a single sheet of paper to what is here today.” The large complex stands like a physical symbol of the Barnetts’ love, not only for each other, but for what they do - helping those who are in need of medical care. Basil thanked his children, Morgan and Basil Jr, for their patience and understanding, letting them know that they have been the source of their joy and inspiration. He also thanked their daughter-in-law; Sabina and their grandson Basil III. The complex is dedicated to the memory of Margot’s parents David and Cynthia Rolle, showing that love and commitment can be a generational blessing. Basil thanked both of their families for their love and support over the years, whose help made their dreams possible. Although Margot received the praise for making the business a reality, she used her speech to pay the homage back to her husband: “I want to thank my business partner and husband for taking us through this journey that I enjoyed and had an opportunity to reflect upon. The idea written on a single sheet of paper that’s now Bahamas Medical and Surgical Supplies Ltd. I know that you are proud of me. I hope you are proud of what we have achieved together - with our family and our business.” I needed no additional words to tell this love story I let the characters speak for themselves. I wish for them, a happily ever after.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, March 9, 2021, PAGE 9
Papal courage and vision in a land shattered by conflict P
EOPLE around the world watching the media coverage over the weekend of Pope Francis’ historic first-ever papal visit to Iraq must surely have been both surprised and impressed that such a visit was really happening. Many will marvel at the bravery and energy of the 84-year-old Pontiff in making what must amount to his riskiest journey yet. Not only did he make this his first overseas trip since the onset of the COVID19 pandemic – to a country with an increasing number of infections and the perils associated with large crowds turning out to see him – but he faced real security hazards despite the safety assurances given by his hosts. However, he was quoted as saying in advance that he felt “duty-bound” to make the “emblematic” four-day trip and officials ensured he himself was vaccinated beforehand. Notwithstanding the television images of what appeared to be well organised events with good order and decorum amid all the pomp and ceremony, reports show the nation remains divided and partly lawless after two decades of war and continuing sectarian conflict arising from both ideological and religious differences involving violence against minorities and between Shia and Sunni Muslims. Thus, observers have admired his strength, resolve and courage in undertaking such a journey in the face of undoubted danger. What is also interesting is the renewed focus the papal visit has given to the US’ illegal invasion of Iraq in 2003.
Some commentators are already saying the symbolism of the Pope’s visit has been more important than the substance. That is one view, but the fact it took place at all seems to me to be of huge significance. Pope Francis is known to like to reach out to other faiths. His efforts to do this while in Iraq and his message of hope and support for the diminishing population of Christians in the country during the last two decades - as well as his call to those who fled overseas in the wake of persecution to return home - should surely not be underestimated. Over the last two decades, these numbers have plummeted from some 1.4 million to about 250,000 (less than one percent of the population) after violence at the hands of both Sunni and Shia extremists and persecution and mass displacement after the Islamic State (ISIS) overran northern Iraq in 2014 and destroyed historic churches.
The Pope has condemned extremism in the name of religion; and, during his visit, he told an inter-faith prayer meeting that hostility and violence are “betrayals of religion” and that the “light of heaven should not be overshadowed by clouds of hatred”. On arrival, he said Iraq’s Christian community should have a more permanent role as citizens with full rights, freedoms and responsibilities - and at the weekend he prayed in the ruins of churches in northern Iraq desecrated by ISIS from its stronghold in Mosul. But some say his most significant encounter was when he was received by the reclusive Grand Ayatollah Ali alSistani, the spiritual leader of millions of Shia Muslims. This meeting between the leader of the Catholic Church and the most powerful figure in Shia Islam was said to be years in the making, and the Pope acknowledged that the Shia leader’s message that Christians should be able to live in peace and security like all other Iraqis “affirmed the sacredness of human life and the importance of the unity of the Iraqi people”. All this looks to be more than symbolic if the powerful message to bring an end to sectarian violence and conflict and to respect the Christian community produces a long-term effect. This - together with the actions of the Pope in bringing hope and comfort to the Christian minority as part of the rebuilding of Iraq - undoubtedly brought substance to this historic visit. Nonetheless, what is still of deep concern for those involved is that the violent persecution of Christians in
WHAT A STRANGE WAY TO STEP BACK FROM CENTRE STAGE
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ith the allpervading and hysterical media frenzy about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s deeply personal, “tell-all” interview with Oprah Winfrey, some will think there is nothing more to say. But it is hard to resist offering comment following the airing of the much-anticipated interview on US TV on Sunday evening - and which is not due to be shown in the UK until 24 hours later. Reaction to it has dominated Monday’s UK press, with blanket coverage and one well known commentator stating bluntly that the interview was a whole lot of “destructive selfserving nonsense”. By way of extreme contrast, a BBC TV programme was shown earlier the same day carrying The Queen’s Commonwealth Day message. The comparison between this act of duty and service and the Oprah interview was all too evident to everybody. Since The Queen is, of course, Head of State of The Bahamas as one of the 16 Realms within the Commonwealth, Bahamians will doubtless wish to see the text of this message from Windsor Castle which is published in full on this page. The Oprah interview, which from tantalising trailers was expected to be something of a bombshell, lived up to its billing insofar as it was full of dramatic and damaging revelations, claims and accusations - including alleged racism in respect of baby Archie, Meghan’s admission of thoughts of suicide amid the isolation of her new life and lack of support after hostile treatment by the UK media, and Harry’s suggestion he felt trapped within an institution that offered the couple little help while relationships within his family were deteriorating. But, despite all this, some are already commenting that the interview was selfabsorption at its worst with little thought of obligation and responsibility or respect for family and others. The Royal Family has a reputation for taking criticism
THIS image provided by Harpo Productions shows Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, speaking about expecting their second child during an interview with Oprah Winfrey. (Joe Pugliese/Harpo Productions via AP) in its stride and is unlikely to become involved in a war of words and any detailed rebuttal. But it will undoubtedly take note of any matters of substance and may well wish to emphasize that officials sought to accommodate the wishes of the Duchess as a new member of the family. Thus, given the worldwide publicity after the interview rights were reportedly sold to about 70 countries, some sort of measured response may be required in order to protect the reputation of those concerned. Any response will also probably take account of public reaction to last evening’s airing of the interview in the UK. For what it is worth, my own take on this is that the whole saga of Harry and Meghan’s withdrawal from royal life is basically all about an American marrying into the Royal Family without fully realizing the extent of the obligations, responsibilities and duties involved in being the spouse of the sixthin-line to the throne. Unable to accept the constraints and limitations of royal life, she and her new husband opted to step back and move to America to pursue a different path away from a critical UK press which had been hounding them. But the continuing publicity - much of it selfinduced - has kept them in the world spotlight. Many are now questioning why the couple agreed to the Oprah interview. They claimed they had to fight back against the “perpetuating of falsehoods” against them
but such an airing of their grievances can only lead to further acrimony, bitterness and misunderstanding that may damage the monarchy as well as their own reputations. It has also opened a can of worms with accusations of dictatorial, autocratic and overly demanding behaviour by Meghan including bullying of staff. Moreover, they have always had an antagonistic relationship with the UK press and the interview is only likely to make this worse. Meanwhile, in the midst of this furore, what a pleasure it must have been for many to watch Sunday’s BBC TV progamme when The Queen, as Head of the Commonwealth, delivered what has been described as a real public service message to mark Commonwealth Day this year. Supported by senior Royals, including the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge, she focused on the global impact of the coronavirus pandemic and praised the “courage, commitment and selfless dedication to duty” seen across the 54 Commonwealth countries as people worked together in a spirit of friendship and unity in the fight against the virus – and in delivering this message about her beloved Commonwealth, The Queen showed yet again her own selfless and constant dedication to duty and service. Who knows how the story of Harry and Meghan will play out? But, after that fairy tale wedding in 2018, how could it all have gone so wrong - and so quickly.
POPE Francis waves as he arrives for an open air Mass at a stadium in Irbil, Iraq, Sunday. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban) Iraq was precipitated indirectly by President George Bush’s decision to invade and occupy the country in 2003, in defiance of international law and in the face of widespread condemnation. A majority of Americans at the time supported going to war because the Bush administration told them it was an act of self-preservation - meaning that failure to stop the murderous Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in his aggressive tracks would result in an attack on the US and other Western countries with his fearsome arsenal of weapons of mass destruction. But this turned out to be a false prospectus and
non-existent threat because weapons inspectors could not find such an arsenal of WMD. The casualty figures were horrifying, with more than 4,500 US military personnel killed and over 30,000 wounded, while in Iraq itself - according to reliable statistics - some 650,000 people (civilians and fighters) lost their lives. The country was thrown into chaos and the whole region was seriously destabilized, one result of which was the rise of the Islamic State. The brutal regime of Saddam Hussein, who persecuted and gassed his own people, may have been ended
but at what a terrible human cost. Some historians call this the worst foreign policy disaster in American history, and yet no one was ever held accountable and some of the architects of such a disastrous and deadly policy even now still seek to justify it. Against such a dark and shameful background, efforts to rebuild Iraq - together with the courage of the Pope in visiting the country and supporting Christians while helping to bring together different faiths - appear all the more remarkable. His contribution will surely go down in history as an act of noble resolution and heroism.
THE QUEEN’S COMMONWEALTH DAY MESSAGE
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THE TRIBUNE
US OFFERS RESIDENCY TO VENEZUELANS AND WILL REVIEW SANCTIONS By BEN FOX Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration said Monday it is offering temporary legal residency to several hundred thousand Venezuelans who fled their country’s economic collapse and will review U.S. sanctions intended to isolate the South American nation. Both measures mark a shift from U.S. policy toward Venezuela under President Donald Trump. President Joe Biden’s administration announced it would grant temporary protected status to Venezuelans already in the United States, allowing an estimated 320,000 people to apply to legally live and work in the country for 18 months. Trump resisted repeated calls from Republican and Democratic lawmakers, primarily from South Florida, to grant temporary protected status to Venezuelans though he issued an order deferring deportation for a smaller number on his final day in office. The Trump administration also significantly tightened U.S. economic sanctions on Venezuela, most notably on its crucial oil sector, to try and force President Nicolas Maduro to give up power after an election in 2018 that the United States and other countries believe was fraudulent. A senior Biden administration official portrayed that as a failed strategy. “The United States is in no rush to lift sanctions,” the official said, speaking to reporters on condition of anonymity to discuss the policy. “But we need to recognise here that unilateral sanctions over the last four years have not succeeded in achieving an electoral outcome in the country.” U.S. sanctions, which began under President Barack Obama, have increased economic pressure on the once prosperous country. Its economy was already suffering from mismanagement and the deterioration of its all-important oil industry. In the last few years, the Venezuelan economy has been in free fall, with widespread shortages of food and medicine and frequent power outages. An estimated five million people have fled, mostly to neighbouring countries such as Colombia, but many have settled in South Florida. The Biden official said the Maduro government has “adapted” to the most punishing of the sanctions, against transactions with Venezuela’s state-owned oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela SA, and the U.S. needs to work with its allies on new strategies. “Oil markets long ago have adapted to oil sanctions and that they are able to sustain themselves through illicit flows,” the official said. “So, really we could keep on with unilateral sanctions and stay in this situation for who knows how long or we actually could start sitting down with the international community to see how we can actually exert coordinated pressure and set clear expectations for the way forward.” Any easing of sanctions would likely face opposition in Congress, but the granting of temporary protected status for Venezuelans has bipartisan support. Republicans in recent days had urged the Biden administration to formalise Trump’s last-minute executive order that deferred deportation for 18 months for more than 145,000 Venezuelans who were at risk of being sent back to their homeland. Temporary protected status is a more formal status that cannot be as easily reversed. “By using the law to lift the threat of deportation and grant employment authorisation, the Biden administration helps hundreds of thousands of families stay safe and earn a living without fear of being returned to Maduro’s dangerous and cruel regime,” said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Democrat whose South Florida district is home to one of the largest Venezuelan communities in the U.S. “Donald Trump had four years to do this, but the Republican Party’s xenophobia got in the way of doing what is right.”
NEWSPAPERS are displayed for sale outside a shop in London, Monday. Britain’s royal family is absorbing the tremors from a sensational television interview by Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex, in which the couple said they encountered racist attitudes and a lack of support that drove Meghan to thoughts of suicide. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
EXPLOSIVE HARRY, MEGHAN INTERVIEW REVERBERATES ACROSS THE GLOBE By DANICA KIRKA and JILL LAWLESS Associated Press
LONDON (AP) — Prince Harry and Meghan’s explosive TV interview divided people around the world on Monday, rocking an institution that is struggling to modernise with claims of racism and callousness toward a woman struggling with suicidal thoughts. During the two-hour appearance with Oprah Winfrey, Harry also revealed the problems had ruptured relations with his father, Prince Charles, and brother, Prince William, illuminating the depth of the family divisions that led the couple to step away from royal duties and move to California last year. The palace has not yet responded to the interview, in which Meghan described feeling so isolated and miserable inside the royal family that she had suicidal thoughts and said a member of the family had “concerns” about the colour of her unborn child’s skin. The family member was not Queen Elizabeth II or Prince Philip, according to Harry, sparking a flurry of speculation about who it could be. Leaders around the world were asked about the interview, and citizens of many countries had an opinion. In Accra, Ghana, Devinia Cudjoe said that hearing that a member of the royal family was worried about the colour of the skin of an unborn child was insulting to people of the Commonwealth, the grouping of Britain and its former colonies that is headed by the queen. “That is pure racism,’’ Cudjoe said. “(The) Commonwealth is supposed to foster unity, oneness amongst black people, amongst white people. But if we are hearing things like this … I think that is below the belt.” In Nairobi, Kenya, Rebecca Wangare called Meghan “a 21st- century icon of a strong woman. She has faced racism head-on.” Asma Sultan, a journalist in Karachi, Pakistan, said the interview “is going to tarnish the image of the royal family.” “There is so much controversy ever since Diana’s death, so it is new Pandora box which is opened up,” she said. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson refused to comment on the interview, praising the queen but saying that “when it comes to matters to do with the royal family the right thing for a prime minister to say is nothing.” Asked whether U.S. President Joe Biden and his wife Jill had any reaction to the interview, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Meghan’s decision to speak about her struggles with mental health “takes courage” and “that’s certainly something the president believes in.” But she said she wouldn’t offer additional comment on the situation “given these are private citizens, sharing their own story and their own struggles.” The allegations are especially damaging because many observers hoped Harry and Meghan, who is biracial, would help the tradition-bound monarchy relate to an increasingly multicultural nation. In the early days of their marriage, Harry and Meghan joined William and his wife, Catherine, in projecting a glamorous, energetic image for the young royals. That partnership was severed when Harry and Meghan left the country, saying they wanted to earn their own living and escape what they called intrusive, racist coverage by the British media. But the interview brought that
THIS image provided by Harpo Productions shows Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, in conversation with Oprah Winfrey. (Joe Pugliese/Harpo Productions via AP) criticism into the palace itself, with employee, Meghan said. Meghan, dictated the timing of the the couple directing allegations of The implications for the inter- broadcast. racism at an unidentified member of view — which was broadcast Sunday In the United States, sympathy for the royal family. evening in the United States and will the couple poured in. Meghan said that when she was air in Britain on Monday night — Tennis star Serena Williams, a pregnant with her son, Archie, are only beginning to be understood. friend who attended Harry and Harry told her that the royal family Emily Nash, royal editor at Hello! Meghan’s wedding, said on Twithad had “concerns and conversa- Magazine, said the revelations had ter that the duchess’s words tions about how dark his skin might left her and many other viewers “illustrate the pain and cruelty she’s be when he’s born.” “shell-shocked.” experienced.” Harry confirmed the conversation, “I don’t see how the palace can “The mental health consequences saying: “I was a bit shocked.” ignore these allegations, they’re of systemic oppression and victimiHe said he wouldn’t reveal who incredibly serious,” she said. sation are devastating, isolating and made the comment. “You have the racism allegations. all too often lethal,” Williams added. Winfrey later said Harry told Then you also have the claim that Britain could be less forgiving her the comment didn’t come from Meghan was not supported, and she once the full interview is broadcast, Queen Elizabeth II or Prince Philip, sought help even from the HR team since some see the pair as putting his grandparents. within the household and was told personal happiness ahead of public Meghan, 39, acknowledged she that she couldn’t seek help.” duty. Meghan — then known as Meghan Markle, who had starred on the American TV legal drama “Suits” — married Harry at Windsor Castle in May 2018. But even that was not what it seemed: The couple revealed in the interview that they exchanged vows in front of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby three days before their spectacular wedding ceremony at the castle. Archie was born the following year and in a rare positive moment in the interview, the couple revealed their second child, due in the summer, would be a girl. Harry said he had lived in fear of a repeat of the fate of his mother, Princess Diana, who was covered constantly by the press and died in a car crash in Paris in 1997 while being pursued by paparazzi. “What I was seeing was history BUCKINGHAM PALACE, the official London residence of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II is seen through the rails of its fence in central London, Sunday. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) repeating itself, but definitely far more dangerous — because then you add race in, and you add social was naive at the start of her relationThe younger royals have made media in,” Harry said. ship with Harry and unprepared for campaigning for support and awareBoth Meghan and Harry praised the strictures of royal life. A success- ness around mental health one of the support they had received from ful actress before her marriage, she their priorities. But Harry said the the monarch. said she bridled at the controlling royal family was completely unable “The queen has always been wonnature of being royal, squirming at to offer that support to its own derful to me,” Meghan said. the idea that she had to live on terms members. But Harry revealed he currently set by palace staff. This was com“For the family, they very much has a poor relationship with Wilpounded by the fact that the staff have this mentality of ‘This is just liam and said things got so bad with refused to help her when she faced how it is, this is how it’s meant to be, his father that at one point Prince racist attacks from the media and you can’t change it, we’ve all been Charles stopped taking his calls. internet trolls, she said. through it,’” Harry said. “There is a lot to work through The situation became so difficult The couple had faced severe criti- there,” Harry said of his father. “I that at one point, “I just didn’t want cism in the United Kingdom before feel really let down. to be alive anymore,” Meghan told the interview. Prince Philip, 99, is in “He’s been through something Winfrey. a London hospital recovering from similar. He knows what pain feels But when she sought help through a heart procedure, and critics saw like. the palace’s human resources depart- the decision to go forward as being “And Archie is his grandson. I will ment, she was told there was nothing a burden on the queen — even always love him, but there is a lot of it could do because she wasn’t an though CBS, rather than Harry and hurt that has happened.”