03132017 news

MONDAY i’m lovin’ it!

HIGH 87ºF LOW 71ºF

The Tribune Established 1903

24/7 BREAKING NEWS ON TRIBUNE242.COM

Biggest And Best!

HOUSE &HOME SPORTS: PROFESSIONAL SOCCER FRANCHISE PLAN FOR THE BAHAMAS VOLUME:114 No.77, MARCH 13th, 2017

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1

16-page g uide

FNM pledge on Baha Mar sale Minnis vows to complete ‘real’ deal for resort

By TANEKA THOMPSON Tribune News Editor tmthompson@tribunemedia.net FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis has pledged that his party will “engage and execute a real sale” of the Baha Mar resort “to a qualified and respectable purchaser who believes in Bahamians,” should the opposition party win the next general election.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Sunday, Dr Minnis also said this buyer would use only Bahamian labour to complete the beleaguered resort, while again promising that his party would make

By KHRISNA VIRGIL and DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Staff Reporters

POLICE are investigating two homicides - the fatal shooting of a man by a relative in Bimini and the killing of another man who died in hospital after he was shot in the capital on Friday - pushing the country’s murder toll to 34 for the year, according to The Tribune’s records.

SEE PAGE SIX

MARCHING TOGETHER AGAINST VIOLENCE

public the details relating to the Baha Mar deal and any other government dealings with Chinese investors.

This position was welcomed by a source with intimate knowledge of the property.

The source, who did not want to be named, called Dr Minnis’ pledge a “game changer for the property” that if followed through with, would likely start a “bidding war where the Chinese would no doubt be out”.

The insider added that Baha Mar developer Sarkis Izmirlian would “be able to beat any bidder”.

SEE PAGE 11

CONTAINERS STOLEN FROM OUTSIDE AREA NEXT TO PORT

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

SECURITY concerns have been raised about the surrounding areas of the Nassau Container Port with claims that several containers have reportedly gone “missing,” pointing to an alleged container theft ring, The Tribune has been reliably informed.

TWO MEN SHOT DEAD IN WEEKEND VIOLENCE

According to sources, at least three well known local companies and two smaller businesses have been victims of this alleged ring and possibly face hefty fees and/or payment of between $16,000 to $25,000 to replace the missing equipment, which was last registered as leaving the port under their respective companies’ names.

SEE PAGE 12

AN International Women’s Day “LIfe in Leggings” march was held yesterday to highlight the problem of gender-based violence. The march was from Potter’s Cay to The Dundas Centre. See page two for more photographs.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

MORE THAN TWO DOZEN RESIDENTS TREATED AT CLINIC AFTER DUMP FIRE

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

OVER 27 Jubilee Gardens residents were treated at the Flamingo Gardens clinic on March 5 for issues stemming from the most recent fire at the New Providence Landfill, with four of those persons needing to be admitted for emergency care at the Princess Margaret Hospital.

Most of the symptoms residents in that community complained of were headaches, dizziness, and coughing, while others complained of having chest pains, according to Judith Scavella, senior nursing officer at the Department of Public Health (DPH).

Meanwhile, Lillian Quant-Forbes, assistant director of the Department of Social Services (DSS), said that 290 heads of house-

holds applied for assistance at the department’s command centre at the Kendal G L Isaacs Gymnasium, out of the estimated 600 homes located in Jubilee Gardens.

Of the 290 heads of households, Mrs QuantForbes said the department at “various establishments” throughout New Providence accommodated 41 families consisting of 162 persons.

SEE PAGE FIVE

FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE BLAZE WITHOUT BREATHING GEAR

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

AS toxic smoke continues to billow from the New Providence Landfill, Bahamians have been shocked by the sight of firefighters confronting the unruly

blaze without the aid of protective gear.

Pictures of the men without masks battling through the conditions as ash settled on their bare heads were published by The Tribune last week.

The men carried fire hoses and other tools as

they spent hours trying to contain and extinguish the fire that disrupted the lives of Jubilee Gardens residents, damaged properties and renewed questions about the state of the landfill.

SEE PAGE SIX

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

PLP BRANCH WRITES TO PM TO BACK SMITH FOR FREE TOWN

By TANEKA THOMPSON Tribune News Editor tmthompson@tribunemedia.net

THE Progressive Liberal Party’s Montagu Branch has written to Prime Minister Perry Christie asking for a meeting with the party’s National General Council in a last ditch attempt to have Senator Frank Smith ratified as the Free Town candidate instead of attorney Wayne Munroe.

The National General Council (NGC) is scheduled to meet tonight. Last week, sources told The Tribune that it is expected that Mr Munroe, QC, will be ratified as the area’s standard-bearer.

SEE PAGE 11

PAGE 2, Monday, March 13, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

violence

Standing up against gender-based

A MARCH was held yesterday to mark International Women’s Day and to focus attention on gender-based violence. The march route ran from Potter’s Cay to The Dundas Centre, and there was also an expo and a number of speakers, including Marion Bethel speaking on the Bahamian Women’s Suffrage Movement, and Kevanya Simmons of Bahamas Girl Guides giving a presentation about the Stop The Violence curriculum. The Bahamas Judo Federation also offered self-defence demonstrations.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

OPPORTUNITIES

BREWIN’ • Seeking applications for STORE MANAGERS • Min. 2 yrs. management experience in food service/hospitality • Superior communication skills • Inventory management experience • Computer literate

Email résumés to: humanresources@dunkinbahamas.com

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, March 13, 2017, PAGE 3

Ground broken at phase two of The Pointe development

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

SENIOR Vice President of China Construction America (CCA) and President of The Pointe Daniel Liu said CCA has committed to the development of downtown Nassau for the “long haul” as executives of the company broke ground on phase two of the $250m Bay Street project on Saturday.

The government, added Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis, was very appreciative of not only this commitment, but that of CCA’s role as general contractor of the stalled $3.5bn West Bay Street Baha Mar resort. He further commended CCA on creating 200 construction jobs during the second phase of development at The Pointe.

Mr Lui and Mr Davis were a part of a contingent of dignitaries from New World One Bay Street, a subsidiary of CCA and the Bahamas government, including Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson, that gathered at the site of phase two of The Pointe to break ground in celebration

FROM left, CCA Bahamas senior VP Daniel Liu; CCA president and chairman Ning Yuan; attorney general Allyson Maynard-Gibson; China State Construction Engineering Corporation vice-president Xeuxuan Zheng; deputy prime minister Philip Davis; Chinese Embassy of The Bahamas first secretary Ying Qu; senior advisor in the Office of The Prime Minister Sir Baltron Bethel; CCA Bahamas VP Tiger Wu; and attorney Candia Ferguson.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff ject has been carefully of reaching the milestone. a condo tower, among other It comes five months af- crafted to create a com- things. ter the completion of phase munity based destination “As we have illustrated one - Park Avenue - The where tourists, citizens and with our preservation efPointe’s 900 space parking any visitor can find some- forts for Park Avenue in thing to do and to enjoy. We preserving the well and garage.

Mr Liu said: “Please tried to contribute a prod- arch, we are keen propoknow that what you are uct that will not take any- nents of maintaining and witnessing today is the cul- thing away from what Nas- celebrating the rich history mination of years of hard sau already offers – we are of this site. This country has work. And in the months adding to our tourism and such a tremendous culturahead that hard work will entertainment product that ally rich heritage, that we be matched with the same already exists.” wish to celebrate. As such, The project will feature a we will be introducing varicommitment and dedication we have held from the creative new entertainment ous surprises, which you beginning, to transforming hotel concept with various will see as the project takes new enjoyable bars and out- shape,” Mr Liu continued. downtown Nassau.

“This phase of our pro- lets; a waterpark with lazy “As we prepare to move river, slides and pools; and

AG CONCERNED AT PEOPLE UNDERMINING JUDICIARY IN CALLING FOR BAHA MAR DETAILS

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

FOLLOWING Dame Joan Sawyer’s suggestion that there were no grounds present to seal in court the new deal to open Baha Mar, Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson said she is “deeply concerned” about people “who know better” undermining the integrity of the judiciary and called on right-thinking people to “cease and desist” these public pronouncements.

Asked to speak to what people could expect once the deal is made public, Mrs Maynard-Gibson shied away from revealing any intimate details and instead pointed to “reverend gentlemen” and women who have reminded her that there are detractors who try to distract those doing the work of the people.

She said despite this, Bahamians know the reality that 650 people were already hired at Baha Mar, that the amount projected to be spent is now likely to register at more than $250m and that casino equipment was this weekend unloaded from the dock to be installed at the resort.

The senator was responding to questions fielded from The Tribune regarding the government’s position

on Dame Joan’s criticism of the handling of Baha Mar. Last week, Dame Joan, the former president of the Court of Appeal, said there is much confusion over how the judgment of a publiclyheard civil case could be sealed so that no one, outside of the judge who heard the case, Mrs MaynardGibson and lawyers for the parties involved, would know the contents.

She said clearly where there was no matter of defence, public safety or public order in effect to cause the decision not to be made public.

“I would just ask you to recall that when I spoke some time ago I indicated that by the time the project opens in April, we will be attending to that and I think it’s March right now.

Nothing has changed,” Mrs Maynard-Gibson said when she was asked whether the government still intended to ask the court to unseal the Baha Mar documents.

However she would not go into detail of the status of these efforts.

She spoke to The Tribune on the sidelines of The Pointe’s phase two groundbreaking on Saturday.

Questioned further in relation to the position put forward by Dame Joan, the attorney general said: “Well we know that the Bahamas

courts, the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal are comprised of very smart, independent and hard working judges. This is very important for every Bahamian and everybody within our borders to recognise and treasure and protect.

“We have every confidence that the judge (Justice Raymond Winder) in making his decision had evidence before him and he made up his mind based upon the evidence of the law.

“If any party or interested parties in the proceeding disagreed with that, thank God we live in a country where we have appellate courts.

“I am deeply concerned about persons who know better undermining the integrity of the judiciary and I call upon right-thinking people to cease and desist.

The institution of the judiciary is extremely important to law and order and democracy.”

“I’ll say that persons like Sir Baltron (Bethel) who is a reverend gentlemen and other reverend gentlemen and ladies, have called me to read the book of Nehemiah and to remind me that there are detractors who try to distract persons who are working for the people from their task at hand and Bahamians know the reality,” Mrs Maynard-Gibson

continued.

“The reality is that there are already 650 people employed at Baha Mar. The reality is that the amount that is going to be spent is increased to $250m and is likely to be more than that.

The reality is that this very weekend casino workers are going to be called in for training and casino equipment unloaded from the dock to be installed in the casino,” she said on Saturday.

“On April 21, we expect the first phase to be opened and that is the reality and that is what Bahamians are interested in.”

Mr Christie announced the official sale of Baha Mar to CTF BM Holdings, a subsidiary of CTFE last December, at the time stating the resort was set for a phased opening beginning in April, and a full completion by this fall.

However, Mr Christie did not disclose the sale price of Baha Mar, adding that details of the deal are still sealed by the Supreme Court at the request of the Export-Import Bank of China. This has called into question possible concessions, sparking heated public debate.

The government has since announced plans to table the sealed Baha Mar documents ahead of the April soft opening.

into the next phase of our development, we are resolute in our commitment to providing a world class destination resort and residences. As we have previously stated we are here for the long haul as we continue progressing towards our goal of redefining downtown Nassau.”

During his remarks, Mr Davis, who is also minister of works and development, said the Christie administration was happy to have principles of New World One Bay Street investing in The Bahamas.

He said: “Phase two of The Pointe will encompass development of a 100-room, eight story condominium complex with oceanfront residences, which is slated to open in September 2018.

The 150-room branded resort and spa with business centre, dining and retail amenities will open shortly thereafter in November 2018.

“On its completion, The Pointe will include a marina and yacht club, 50,000 square feet of retail and office space,

restaurants, upscale shopping and exciting entertainment venues such as a performing arts centre, state of the art movie theatre, nightclub and roof top bar.

“In addition to the 277 employees at the existing hotel and Commerce Centre, 200 Bahamian construction employees will be engaged by the developer during this phase of development. On completion, an additional 500 permanent employees will be hired at the resort.”

Mr Davis said CCA has also agreed to partner with the government to enhance Lighthouse Beach, which is just west of The Pointe and to ensure that an attractive pathway will connect access along the promenade to Arawak Cay. “The Bahamas government is very appreciative of the commitment, resolve and cooperation demonstrated by CCA. In its role as general contractor for the completion of construction at Baha Mar added to this development,” Mr Davis said.

PAGE 4, Monday, March 13, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

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

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,

jrolle@tribunemedia.net

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

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,

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

Published daily Monday to Friday

Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207 TELEPHONES

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

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

WEBSITE, TWITTER & FACEBOOK www.tribune242.com

@tribune242

tribune news network

Brent Symonette will serve for sake of country MR ROBERT Myers told Tribune Business on Friday that the same reason the city dump is burning “is the same reason the country is broke.”

Mr Myers, a former Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation chairman, said poor governance by successive administrations, coupled with a lack of accountability and transparency, and poor management and execution, was now directly affecting the lives of thousands of Bahamians.

“All of these issues have led to this place,” Mr Myers told Tribune Business Editor Neil Hartnell. “The same reason the dump is burning is the same reason the country is broke.

“It’s the same reason why crime is where it is, the same reason Bank of The Bahamas failed, the same reason Bahamasair is broke, the same reason ZNS is losing money; there’s no accountability, no efficiency, we don’t have the right people in management; and there’s too much meddling from the politicians.”

This in a nutshell is the problem with The Bahamas, a small but beautiful string of islands, inhabited by short-sighted citizens who have failed in their civic duty of putting country before self. Now just days away from a general election that will determine whether we continue on our downward path or find a capable government to pick up the pieces and put humpty-dumpty together again, opposition forces remain in senseless confusion.

Even the Christie government is keeping a tight lid on its internal divisions, hoping that the Opposition will self destruct, thus giving it a clear run to capture another five years to complete its destruction.

The picture is indeed bleak, no wonder the banks are folding their tents and quietly tip-toeing out. The Bahamas is no longer a place where it is easy to do business. It is no longer a place where confidentiality is respected. The Bahamas, on all levels, has priced itself out of the market – and in vital areas is quietly closing down.

At this stage in its history, Bahamians have to decide whether to let their country fall over the cliff or put on the brakes and pull it back to sanity. The man in the street does no understand just how serious the situation is. When he does, it will be too late. He will suddenly realise that Bahamians, who could have made a difference, are busy making a difference elsewhere. The average Bahamian will find that he has been left alone to struggle with five more years of incompetence. It is now up to him to make a decision about his own future. It is he who holds his future in his hands and with a pen will mark his deciding X. Whatever government is elected, the majority must not only be persons of integrity, but must have experience to govern. They can no longer be a backscratching friendly society of wannabees.

The electorate has three choices - the PLP, which, in a second five-year term, has proven to be hopelessly incompetent, and the FNM and DNA, with their leaders tripping over their egos.

Now let’s look at the choices. We can discount the PLP, which has successfully proven after five years that there is no future with them. There is then the Democratic National Alliance (DNA), led by Mr Branville McCartney, who it would seem has let his ambition run away with him. As far as we know, although the DNA has many competent candidates, none of them, with the exception of Mr McCartney, has had any government experience. This is what will be badly needed in the next government.

Mr McCartney, seemed to be the up-

and-coming bright boy in the FNM when he became the MP for Bamboo Town in the 2007 election. He was appointed Minister of State in the Ingraham Government in his first year and then Minister of State for Immigration in the office of Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette the following year. In 2011 he resigned from the FNM, returned to his law practice, but remained Bamboo Town MP.

By May, 2011 he had formed the DNA. And so he has had minimal experience in government. There is no question that although his DNA won no seats in parliament in the 2012 election, it was his party as spoiler that gave the government to the PLP. In that election although the FNM won the popular vote, the PLP won the majority of seats in the House.

If for next month’s election Mr McCartney remains in the contest without working out some agreement with the FNM, history will repeat itself.

He seems incredulous at the announcement by former Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette that after being in retirement for five years — for the sake of his country he was now willing to return to politics and serve under FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis.

It is “not realistic”, said Mr McCartney, to believe that the former St Anne’s MP, “a man who has acted as prime minister on many an occasion” and “one who has been in the political arena for many years” would “take a back seat” to Dr Minnis.

Although, Mr Symonette, and several others in his party did not believe that Dr Minnis was the best leader for the party, at least Mr Symonette realises the gravity of the situation and has come to the table with “no strings” attached. He has said he is ready to work closely with Dr Minnis “after much consideration” — and for Mr Symonette that consideration means “country first”.

However, this was Mr McCartny’s reaction: “Because in some form or fashion I find it strange that the former deputy prime minister of this country, a man who has acted as prime minister on many an occasion, one who has been in the political arena for many years, will take a back seat. That’s not realistic, and let’s not be fooled by that. I think we ought to keep on listening and see what’s happening with the FNM and the leadership thereof when it comes to Dr Minnis and Mr Symonette. “I can tell you that Mr Symonette, who I’ve had the good honour and privilege of working with and under when I was in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and responsible for immigration, he thinks things out and he makes calculated decisions. This decision to run at this stage and to have gone about it the way he did was calculating and for a reason, and that reason I’m quite sure we will see in short order.”

Yes, Mr McCartney, if Dr Minnis can also rise to the occasion and leave his ego at the door and accept Mr Symonette’s magnanimous offer, the opposition will have an opportunity to enter this election united.

We have known Mr Symonette from the time he was a young boy in short pants going off to school in England. He was born into politics. He has lived politics.

He has been successful in both business and politics. He has a successful family.

He has arrived at the time of his life when he can put his country first. If only for his children and his future grandchildren he can and will serve under Dr Minnis.

Obviously Mr McCartney is still chasing his ambition. We hope that he will now stop and also think of his country’s future. His leadership turn will come.

The Walking Dead Pigs EDITOR, The Tribune Re: Gray: Tests on BAIC feed after livestock deaths (The Tribune, March 8) MR GRAY cleared up a lot of confusion when he reportedly said “The swimming pigs are in the main all alive except for (seven) of them that died”.

Apparently, it was concluded that the deaths may

have been due to the “indigestion of sand”.

The fact that all of the pigs (except those that are dead) are in the main alive, suggests that a few are neither dead nor alive. This is scary.

Although it looks as if we may have a case of walking dead pigs here, they could be promoted as a unique tourist attraction.

The remarkably well

co-ordinated deaths due to indigestion could also be of scientific interest.

Perhaps the makers of an antacid, such as Tums, could be persuaded to research this very peculiar mystery and even donate Tums for the pigs’ indigestion.

KEN W KNOWLES MD Nassau, March 12, 2017

Improve decision making EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE Bahamas continues to be a third world country in spite of the many blessings God has bestowed on it. In part, it is because far too many Bahamians have caused these blessings to be squandered by failing to bring their intellect into the decision making process.

In social, vocational, emotional, financial and political situations, far too many people use their emotions as the organ of decision making. A cursory glance at the lives of people in our communities reveals a great deal of potential,ravaged by poor decision making.

There are many reasons why a person might arrive at the wrong conclusion when making decisions, but I believe that most people make poor choices because they do what they feel in the moment.

While no one is immune from this flaw in our humanity, we must still ask, for example, how many children are growing up in abusive homes, unloved and uncared for because of the primal instincts of their parents?

This destructive decision making mindset has wreaked irreparable havoc

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net on this nation at a societal level and has destroyed the once-coveted Bahamian way of life. Unfortunately this reckless way of living is not only confined to the romantic domain.

We bring this same flawed decision making process to our politics as well. People, seem to have great difficulty understanding what a government is supposed to do for the country and then assess for themselves whether or not a party should be elected or re-elected to power based on their performance.

Instead, as election day approaches, emotions ride high. One political party in particular has become a cult of personality in which the leader can do no wrong in the eyes of his followers.

The mindless minions chant and cheer for him to remain in power while some of them tote water from a public pump to their homes twice daily to meet their basic hygienic and cooking needs.

It is beyond me how any person could show up to support a government that has reduced the citizenry to second or third class status,

while breaking promise after promise and drowning the country in debt to boot, amongst many other treacherous acts.

Furthermore can people support an aspiring leader who has shown conclusively that he cannot lead? Bahamians need to learn how to think again, we must learn how to do what is best based on the evidence available to us in spite of what our emotions might push us to do.

Then and only then will we experience the kind of societal reform this country so badly needs without looking for the ‘guvment’ to do everything for us.

Only then will we have a more decent pool of politicians to choose from instead of the abysmal choices we now have offering themselves for public service.

It is the unstable habit of choosing politicians that tickle the fancy, that allows incompetent smooth talkers to guard the purse of the public treasury while squandering the futures of children yet unborn.

As a people we must learn to think first then act, both we and our country will be the better for it.

JB Nassau, March 10, 2017.

Why copy rather than take the lead?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

WHAT is all this emphasis and psyche on copying Singapore?

I would suggest if The Bahamas tried that all of us would have to return into our mother’s womb and be born-again as to change the mindset of today is beyond being impossible.

Take Government - the IMF has told them you have to reduce the footprint of government. You have to reduce and make governance more efficient. What happened?

In general, we are oh so

contented to say the clichés - you know, It’s better ... the best country in the world ... it’s internationally world famous then we say ... we have to copy Singapore!

Successive governments have gone down the same road and by the end of their five-year term we have the same results ... massive deficits and a frightening number of signed cheques sitting in every ministry.

Why is it so difficult to get anything licensed? The process should be totally transparent and so efficient that in a couple of hours you are ready to go.

We have the so-called National Economic Council– has zero legal standing alike The Best Commission but wheels all kinds of power and in fact much is contrary to The Constitution – there is no laws that limited participation by anyone, Bahamian or not in all sectors of the economy – it is time government refutes this stupidity ... Policy is not law... no sector is reserved for Bahamians only, except MPs. K HORTON Nassau, March 10, 2017.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, March 13, 2017, PAGE 5

Doctor: God knows what residents are breathing in from dump smoke

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net A physician on Friday called for an “urgent” resolution to the recurrent fires that have plagued the New Providence Landfill, claiming that residents inhaling “God knows what” on a consistent basis can “gravely” affect their susceptibility to developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders in the long-term.

Dr Arlington Lightbourne, owner of The Nassau Wellness Clinic, told The Tribune that he is “very concerned” about the effects the recurrent dump fires can have and in some cases has had on residents in the nearby communities, claiming that air pollution of this kind is “a huge risk factor” for cancer and other chronic disorders.

He noted that the recurrent fires pose a “particular” risk to children and the elderly, as he said those individuals have “diminished lung functions.”

Dr Lightbourne also expressed concerns over the various carcinogens that may be contained in the smoke emanating from the site during a fire, adding that because “we don’t know what’s burning” there is no real way “to say what’s going to happen in 10 to 15 years and what happens when somebody is diagnosed with some cancer that is likely linked to the recurrent exposure” to the fires.

SMOKE rising from the landfill yesterday, and staff from the National Emergency Management Agency assessing Jubilee Gardens on Saturday.

He called for government local senior physicians, be- being exposed to God me it’s one of the biggest isWhen asked to give a officials to either move resi- cause all manner of waste knows what in that time. sues affecting this country list of some illnesses and/ dents from communities is deposited on the dump And who’s to say what’s right now.” or ailments persons may affected the most by the - medical, agricultural, in- going to happen in 10 to Dr Lightbourne also told begin to experience as a fires, relocate the dump, or dustrial, domestic and oth- 15 years and what happens The Tribune that he has result of continue smoke “change the way we manage ers - residents are likely to when somebody is diag- seen patients expressing inhalation, Dr Lightbourne the dump.” have no idea exactly what nosed with some cancer health concerns due to the said: “The main ones there On Sunday, March 5, a they are inhaling when the that is likely linked to the dump fires, adding to his are things like adult onset massive blaze broke out at dump begins to burn. recurrent exposure to the apprehension to the affects asthma, chronic obstructive the Harold Road site, blan“I’ve been saying there carcinogens in that dump, of the recurrent blazes. pulmonary disorders like keting nearby communities are obviously short-term because it’s not like its a “Of course, people are emphysema and chronic such as Jubilee Gardens implications associated one-time thing.” concerned about their bronchitis and cancers. in thick, black hazardous with increased risk of resHe added: “This is a re- health, and we do get pa- “Cancers of the throat and smoke and forcing residents piratory conditions and current problem. And chil- tients who present with the lung. Something called in that community to evacu- aggravation of respiratory dren and the elderly and symptoms related to smoke pulmonary fibrosis, which ate their homes. conditions such as asth- anybody in that nearby vi- inhalation and toxic inha- is essentially scarring of the Officials said the fire, ma,” Dr Lightbourne said. cinity are going to be grave- lation and people who are lung tissue because of exwhich is not yet extin- “There is obviously the risk ly affected by it. Not every- just generally concerned posure to something that’s guished, did not start at the of developing chronic ob- body in the same way but about the long term impli- causing inflammation to the city dump, but spread from structive disorders. there’s no doubt indoor air cations of these issues on lungs, like smoke, like heat. a nearby fire on Fire Trail “But there’s a particular pollution, air pollution in their health, especially on “These are all possible Road. risk to children and the el- general is a huge risk factor their children,” he said. evidenced-based complicaAside from the imme- derly who have diminished for cancers amongst other “We’ve had a few patients tions that can be linked to diate threat Sunday’s fire lung functions, people who things. So it’s something that have come and said these fires.” posed to residents, how- are sick in general who ob- that the community needs some things and expressed Last Wednesday, Enviever, Dr Lightbourne was viously have diminished to be very concerned about. that they were ill again. ronment Minister Kenred concerned by the affects the lung functions.

“We either need to move Not a very large number, Dorsett said there is no deftoxic makeup of the smoke “My greatest concerns the people from the com- but we’ve had some people. inite date set for when Jubiemanating from the dump though are the long-term munity, we need to move And again my concern is lee Gardens residents will site could have on those in- implications because we the dump or we need to for the immediate effect but be able to return to their haling it, particularly for an don’t know what’s burning. change the way we manage mostly for long term effects, homes. Initially, officials extended period of time.

We take 25,000 breaths in a the dump. But something and that’s what concerns said people would have to As previously noted by 24-hour period and you’re has to be done urgently. To me as a physician.” wait five to seven days.

MORE THAN TWO DOZEN RESIDENTS TREATED AT CLINIC AFTER DUMP FIRE from page one She said the department utilised hotels and motels, as well as a facility owned by the Church of God of Prophecy for their efforts.

The comments by both women came following an assessment of the Jubilee Gardens community by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Department of Environmental Health (DEH) and DSS on Saturday morning, almost one week after last Sunday’s massive fire.

Officials from the Ministry of Works and Urban Development, as well as the Department of Housing (DOH) were also present for the assessment exercise.

Anthony Ryan, public analyst at the DEH, said based on initial assessments, there was an “absence” of “soot material,” which he said gives smoke its blackish hue.

The absence of soot material, he said, was either because “folks have cleaned up a lot” or that “a lot of soot material was not carried in the smoke,” which he said is “a very good sign.”

“The soot will tell us exactly what was in the smoke,” he explained.

“When you see smoke and it’s very black, that’s the soot material right there.

That deposits in various areas. That’s what we’re hoping to collect some of and send to a certified laboratory in the United States for analysis.

“Once we would have gotten that information it will help to guide us in the proper cleanup methodologies.”

Mr Ryan went said that the DEH, as part of phase two of its assessments, will seek to analyse the air quality inside of homes in Jubilee Gardens, and will also begin looking for “volatile organic compounds and other possible contaminants that may impact residents.”

He also said there is a proposal at the DEH for the acquisition of ambient air monitoring equipment, which will be placed around the dump site to give accurate readings on the kinds of contaminants that would be emanating from the dump site in the event another fire breaks out.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Works Buildings Control Officer Craig Delancy said based on his initial assessment, there was no major

structural damage on any of the houses in that community.

Jerry Moxey, acting chief housing officer at the DOH, echoed Mr Delancy’s sentiments.

However, Mr Moxey said he and other DOH officials will need to return to the subdivision to perform further analyses on the roofs of homes in the area, particularly those situated to the far east of the community.

“In a nutshell from what we have seen, mostly smoke, ash is in the houses, smoke damage; you walk on the floor in white socks and you can actually pick up all of that smoke residue,” Mr Moxey said. “But this is good news in that the homes were not damaged by the fire. “…We just have damage

that may have been cost to the exterior where some of the homes may have some paint flaking.”

The inspection took place as smoke hung over much of New Providence on a hot and windless morning.

Residents in many communities awoke to smell smoke and in some parts reduced visibility before a breeze sprung up to disperse it.

On March 5, a massive blaze broke out at the Harold Road landfill site, blanketing nearby communities, and in particular Jubilee Gardens, in thick, black hazardous smoke and forcing residents in that community to evacuate their homes.

On Wednesday, Environment Minister Kenred Dorsett said there is no definite date set for when Jubilee

Gardens residents will be able to return to their homes. Initially, officials said residents would have to wait five to seven days.

When questioned on Saturday morning on when the “all clear” might be given, NEMA Director

Captain Stephen Russell said: “We’re probably hoping that between now and midday I’ll make contact with (a senior official) from fire services and his superior from the (DEH), again in terms of the air quality in the area and the status

of the dump site whether we can expect something to reignite or whether it’s clear to say that the fire has died down and we have no further concerns with any major smoke billowing in the area during the course of this weekend.”

PAGE 6, Monday, March 13, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

FIREFIGHTERS working in the smoke to tackle a forest fire near the landfill last week. People have raised concerns that firefighters are having to deal with fires without the right breathing equipment.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

Firefighters battle blaze without breathing gear from page one

Heather Carey, the spokeswoman for Raising Awareness about the Bahamas Landfill (RABL), said on Friday that such working conditions are nothing new for the firefighters.

“I’ve been seeing it for years,” she said. “I go out every year to cover these and I’ve seen pictures and commented that the drivers (of firefighting trucks) don’t have any gear. I’ve addressed it. I was more disappointed this time and upset because I watched them go into the fire, not standing behind the fire line.

“They were in there for two hours and there was no way to communicate with them. I cried and I went through the whole range of emotions. To later realise from the pictures that none of them had anything in terms of appropriate facial gear was so concerning.

“People are irate and upset about the fact that they are fighting without any gear.”

The problem has angered some in the policing community, according to Police Staff Association (PSA) Chairman Inspector Dwight Smith, who spoke to The Tribune about the matter last week.

Concerned officers have contacted Insp Smith to express their frustrations.

“Someone help please,” one officer said to him via messenger service WhatsApp. “Our firefighters have no mask or safety equipment in Jubilee Gardens at this moment.”

Said another: “Police officers’ lives matter! No mask! No safety equipment for police officers! Thank God Royal Bahamas marines offered meals to their comrades in arms and showed them camaraderie.

(But) shame on our police leaders - Signed, disgusted officer.”

Royal Bahamas Defence

Force (RBDF) officers in the Jubilee Gardens area appear to have been better equipped with protective gear than the police firefighters.

Sanigest Internacional, a leading healthcare consultancy and management company in Costa Rica, donated 20 facemasks to the firefighters, delivering them to the men late last week.

“The (masks aren’t) perfect but the community wanted them to have something,” Ms Carey said. “The firefighters said they also need eye protection gear.

They were really happy for what they got and were glad that people were thinking about them and were ap-

preciative.”

RABL wants to do more for the firefighters and is examining costing associated with this.

“If we can come up with a plan that enough people are passionate about, the question is, can we move fast enough in the next few weeks to help them? If it takes three months to get what we want, then at that point we’ll reassess our plan. If election happens and there is a new party in place that’s more receptive to budgeting for this then that will influence our plans as well,” Ms Carey said.

When contacted, head of Police Fire Services Su-

perintendent Walter Evans countered the concerns.

“Officers from the Fire Services, they have masks,” Supt Evans said on Sunday.

“Their masks are of the higher quality tech, which is used for smoke for the environment.

“The department has masks for the staff members who work in smoke for the environment,” he added.

The landfill fire, which began a week ago, is still burning, however last Thursday Prime Minister Perry Christie said the blaze was close to being extinguished. However smoke emanated again from the dump over the weekend.

TWO MEN SHOT DEAD IN WEEKEND VIOLENCE from page one

According to reports, a 21-year-old man was fatally shot during a domestic dispute with a relative on Saturday in South Bimini.

He has not been officially named by police, but The

Tribune understands he is Seyon Williams.

Authorities said shortly before noon they were called to a residence in South Bimini where two male relatives were reportedly involved in an argument. One of the men was shot and taken to a

local clinic where he was seen by a doctor, but later died.

Police recovered two firearms from the scene. The other male relative was taken into custody and is assisting police in their investigation into the matter.

This is the first killing this

year for Bimini.

On Friday, shortly after 10pm in New Providence, a man driving his Nissan vehicle on Walnut Street, Pinewood Gardens, accompanied by two women passengers were approached by a Honda Odyssey whose passengers opened fire on

them before speeding off.

Police said the three victims were taken to hospital where the man was detained in serious condition and the two women treated and discharged.

The man died in hospital shortly before 3pm on Saturday, police said. The

victim, The Tribune understands, is Delance Cartwright.

Anyone with information about any crime is urged to anonymously contact police at 919, Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS in New Providence or 242-300-8476 in the Family Islands.

the stories behind the news

insight@tribunemedia.net

MONDAY, MARCH 13, 2017

It’s time to ring the bell For this failing PLP government its five years is up. Don’t string it out any longer, call the election Malcolm J Strachan says

T

he 2017 general elections are almost upon us.

By all reasoned expectations, they will be held in May as the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) pushes its term in office to the absolute limit to ensure some final pieces of its “swing the electorate” machine are in place.

National Health Insurance still needs to be implemented and God knows what will happen with Baha Mar on April 21, so the less said about that the better.

Therefore, for the PLP, time is its true enemy right now. It needs time to sign as many heads of agreements, as many memorandums of understanding, and drag the media to as many “ground breaking ceremonies” as they can stomach in the next 30 to 60 days. It must be done, you see, to give the PLP something ... anything ... to campaign on in the weeks ahead.

This current government knows it has no record on which to run.

You ask a random PLP supporter (if you can find one so bold enough to still identify as such) why they are voting for the PLP and you get a cacophony of stammering and coached answers, if any response at all. You may get instead the angry stare and hushed curses of someone who is as equally frustrated with their party as the average person is with this government.

You do not have to look far to understand their frustration.

Crime has been abysmally high under this administration, which is no small feat considering the number of murders seen under the Ingraham administration from 2007 to 2012 (600 and counting against 490-plus in their respective five-year terms).

Still, the PLP was the party that campaigned on crime in 2012, promising to have solutions on day one to this scourge that had gripped the nation. A vote for the

PLP in 2012 was a vote to end the bloodshed on our streets. But alas, this, like so many other promises, turned out to be nothing more than hot air.

Then you have the economy.

Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and his then cabinet were described on the campaign trail by the PLP as being fiscally irresponsible, with the PLP leadership describing them as having spent the public funds like they were “drunken sailors”.

It was a cute quote that played well during the rallies. After all, the PLP pointed to the infamous Jose Cartallone $100m roadworks overrun as all the proof they needed that the Free National Movement (FNM) had to go.

It would be funny if it were not so sad to look back on that single project overrun and think of the billions lost by the PLP since coming to office. One hundred million dollars is nothing in comparison to the king’s fortune that has either been squandered, lost, stolen, misappropriated or unaccounted for under this PLP during the last five years.

At least the Bahamas got a new network of improved roads and water mains from the cost overruns on that project whereas with Christie and Co, we can’t even get a proper accounting of over $1.3bn in VAT collected since it was implemented in 2015.

You could be forgiven a moment to laugh if it were not so serious.

Our nation has been downgraded four times by the credit ratings agencies in the last five years.

We have lost hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes and National Insurance Board fees and salaries due to the shuttering of Baha Mar. We have lost over 600 lives due to the government’s inability to provide any real impact on crime and the rise of a new and more violent gang culture.

We have lost cruise lines and hotels and dropped in

the ease of doing business reports.

We have had crime warning after crime warning issued by both the United States and Canada.

We have had politicians interfering with the judiciary.

We have had politicians reading the emails of private citizens in the halls of Parliament and accuse them of attempting to “destabilise” the government.

We have had a Prime Minister ‘flip the bird’ to the nation.

We have had more than any civilised country should take.

The only comparison we could find to our current state of affairs would be the legacy of Robert Mugabe, an aged leader who doesn’t know when his time has come and gone to exit public life and be grateful of the leniency his citizens have given him. For a country such as the Bahamas, so rich with resources and natural beauty, there is no excuse why our national debt is over $7bn.

There’s little wonder why civil society organisations are rising up. We March and other pressure groups have been popping up, demanding change and accountability from their government. The government has naturally not appreciated such groupings, labelling their motives as “political” or in some cases even calling them “enemies” of the state.

There’s little doubt that, if the FNM were in office, the PLP would be right out there marching with them, demanding transparency and accountability. But now that the shoe is on the other foot, such lofty ideals

must be put on the back burner.

That’s why the public is fed up. They are tired of the forked tongues and double-speak. They want an administration that listens to them and responds to their needs and concerns. Case in point: this most recent fire at the city dump that has impacted the entire island of New Providence. It was a problem that could have been resolved years ago but the constant dragging of the government’s feet has allowed a problem to get worse and worse. We are at the stage now where the government simply throws their hands in the air and proclaims there’s nothing to be done now - so fly in the American experts to tell us what we should have done all those years ago.

Once again, no accountability or apology for failing to do their job - only finger pointing and political spin.

That is why the public has had enough.

They want to know when the bell will be rung so they can get on with firing this PLP government.

They have more than enough reasons to see the backs of the PLP. So the antics of announcing “soon to come” projects or “around the corner” deals won’t do this administration any good. You have had five years to prove your worth, and you have been found wanting at every turn.

It’s now time to stop stalling and give the people a chance to show them how they feel about you.

So let’s ring the bell already and get on with it.

• Comments and responses to insight@tribunemedia.net

“A vote for the PLP in 2012 was a vote to end the bloodshed on our streets. But alas, this, like so many other promises, turned out to be nothing more than hot air.”

PAGE 8 MONDAY, March 13, 2017

Email: insight@tribunemedia.net

How BTVI helps lay the foundations for a career Technical vocational education training can help everyone, from fashion designers to plumbers

F

ashion designer Myrlande Julien credits the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) with laying the foundation for the success she is enjoying currently.

On February 10, she opened JuJu Season, a store in which everything is 100 per cent designed and made

by Bahamians. And in December, she had the opportunity to design an outfit for Miss World Bahamas, Ashley Hamilton, to wear while at the Miss World pageant in Washington DC. The opportunity came after winning the Miss Bahamas Organisation’s Designer Showcase which was exclusively for BTVI students and graduates.

“The foundation at BTVI is very good,” Ms Julien, a 2010 graduate, said. In the Fashion Design programme, they teach you how to sew, the different techniques and the quality must be at a certain

standard.”

When the Lyford Cay Foundations Scholar matriculated to The Academy of Design at the RCC Institute of Technology in Canada to study Fashion Marketing, she recognised that what she learned at BTVI placed her above classmates.

“BTVI was heaven sent. A lot of students in the Fashion Marketing programme didn’t have that Fashion Design background, that technical background. I was able to help some of them,” said Ms Julien, who was also one of 12 designers for the 2016 AIDS Foundation’s Red Dress Soiree along with BTVI instructor, Kathy Pinder.

BTVI’s Fashion Design programme is one of a multiplicity of programmes to choose from when considering a career in technical vocational education and training (TVET). From Plumbing to Electrical Installation and Information

BTVI’s Career Resource Officer, Michael Smith, chats with students about their prospective careers.

Technology (IT) to Business Office Technology, BTVI continues to be the local pacesetter in TVET. At a Recode conference last month, LinkedIn Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jeff Weiner discussed the need for such skilled workers. “Historically here (United States), there’s been a tremendous amount of weight that’s been given to four-year university degrees and not nearly enough weight in my opinion is given to vocational training facilities and vocational training certi-

fications,” he said. “The fact that many people don’t know how or don’t want to repair or install anything means a big payday for those that do.”

Meanwhile, some BTVI graduates go on to become entrepreneurs, while others work for reputable companies including, but not limited to, the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC), Bahamas Power and Light, Friendly Ford, Bahamas Bus & Truck, Atlantis, Sandals, the National Insurance Board and the Royal Baha-

Myrlande Julien has achieved much since graduating from BTVI in 2010, including opening JuJu Season.

mas Defence Force.

The role of BTVI’s Career Resource Officer, Michael Smith, is important as he helps students with their career trajectory, encouraging them to do what they are passionate about.

He said there are personnel from companies who call, requesting students and graduates, with the most requested areas being the technical and beauty trades.

“For example, barbers, hair stylists, carpenters, construction workers, IT students, heating ventilation and air conditioning

“Not nearly enough weight is given to vocational training facilities and vocational training certifications.

The fact that many people don’t know how or don’t want to repair or install anything means a big payday for those that do.”

- Jeff Weiner, LinkedIn CEO

THIS WEEK IN THE TRIBUNE Tuesday Woman and Health - weekly advice on taking care of your mind and body and women making waves in the Bahamas Plus comment from Nicole Burrows and sporting mischief and mayhem with Inigo “Naughty” Zenicazelaya

Wednesday Consumers and the digital word a free Consumer Voice guide Tribune Tech - a weekly look at what’s new in the world of technology

Plus Larry Smith’s forthright Tough Call column

(HVAC), auto mechanics, welders, plumbers and the like. We also get requests for office workers, clerks and junior accountants,” said Mr Smith, adding that career training at BTVI is a solid foundation.

“The benefit of a BTVI education is, in my humble opinion, second to none.

When our students leave and go into industry, they are job ready from day one, having been exposed to hard and soft skills to successfully perform,” he said.

“There was an auto student who was retained immediately after his 160hour internship period. He was sent to Puerto Rico for further training. We even had a student who finished his programme at BTVI, went off to school and was hired by a European carmaker during his final semester in college. It speaks volumes for the foundation they received at BTVI.” NEXT WEEK: careers supported by a University of The Bahamas education • “Gain An Edge” is a weekly collaboration of the Lyford Cay Foundations, Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute and University of The Bahamas aimed at promoting a national dialogue on higher education. To share your thoughts, email gainanedge@tribunemedia.net.

at the local sports scene, by Brent Stubbs Plus A Comic’s View - Naughty’s unique take on the week in the Bahamas

Thursday

Saturday

Obituaries and Religion, a weekly review

The Tribune’s Top 5: a special video review of the week’s top stories by Khrisna Virgil on www. tribune242.com

‘On da Hook’, a weekly look at fishing in the Bahamas

Friday Weekend - a 28-page section devoted to the best in arts, music, fashion, food, books, entertainment, gardening, animal matters, fitness, history and interviews Sports - The Finish Line, a look

Every day in The Tribune, news, business, sports, weather and Classifieds Trader - the best guide to cars for sale, real estate, help wanted and more.

Plus breaking news and updates on your mobile-friendly tribune242.com

MONDAY, MARCH 13, 2016 PAGE 9

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

A unique group working for the common good Peter Young puts the modern significance of the Commonwealth in context on its day of celebration

A

LTHOUGH the Commonwealth hits the headlines as a news item from time to time, few people are familiar with the workings of this historic association of 52 sovereign states which, with a few exceptions, are former British colonies.

Commonwealth Day is celebrated annually on the second Monday of March and is marked in London by a multi-faith service in Westminster Abbey attended by The Queen as Head of the Commonwealth.

So today, it is appropriate to re-examine the association’s role and significance FORMER British High Commissioner Peter Young at the Nassau War Cemetery on Friday, with Joseph Siphos, a representative of Comand, in particular, its likely monwealth War Graves Commission and Heather Bain, of the Sign Man, who maintain the graveyard. Photo: Terrel Carey/Tribune Staff new relevance in world af- wealth of Nations. This be- report on the situation in English-speaking countries In practice, this should fairs in light of Britain’s came simply the Common- South Africa.

- often with similar busi- mean using existing inforfresh interest in it as the wealth as Britain’s colonies The nation was also made ness practices and common mal contacts and links to former ‘mother country’ (including the 16 realms a member of the High Level legal systems and institu- develop new inter-governembarks on the momentous which, rather than declar- Appraisal Group, which tional frameworks - had a mental co-ordination with task of formally withdraw- ing a republic, retain their was appointed at the 1989 special kind of ‘economic the aim of unlocking the ing from her membership of allegiance to the Crown CHOGM in Kuala Lumpur relevance’. trading potential within the European Union (EU). through having The Queen to report on the role of It seems that this, com- the Commonwealth. This Traditionally, British as head of state) progres- the Commonwealth in the bined with a new set of cir- sounds like a lofty ideal, High Commissioners use sively achieved independ- 1990s and beyond. Another cumstances and potential but it should be judged Commonwealth Day as an ence in the following years plus, in 1998, was the stag- opportunities arising from against the UK’s well pubopportunity to promote lo- and became part of what ing in Nassau of a United the UK’s vote in its referen- licised intention to broadcally the shared Fo- dum to leave the EU, pro- en and intensify, posthas been de- Kingdom/Caribbean values of de- ‘All eyes should scribed as a rum to discuss mutual in- vided the impetus for last ’Brexit’, its trade links mocracy, ‘family of na- terests. This arose from a week’s inaugural meeting with its former colonial equality and now be on tions’ held to- separate Commonwealth of Commonwealth Trade territories. good gov- the potential Ministers in London. The Prime Minister Theresa gether by the initiative. ernance and The contemporary Com- objective of this gathering May has made it clear that special bonds advantages of to celebrate of long-stand- monwealth is unique inso- was to reaffirm the commit- Britain, freed from the conthe Com- a revitalised ing friendship, far as its members continue ment of its member states straints of EU membership, monwealth’s Commonwealth shared experi- to work together for their to a free and fair multilat- is already seeking, as a newstrength and ence and co- mutual benefit in practical eral trading system and to ly self-governing and indediversity as a leading to greater operation. ways through its inter-gov- define an ambitious Com- pendent global trading nagroup of na- prosperity for all As the pace ernmental organisations as monwealth-led ‘Agenda for tion, to re-engage with the tions bound its citizens across of decolonisa- well as via voluntary, phil- Growth’ to promote trade, rest of the world. This will together by a tion quickened, anthropic and professional investment, enterprise and include re-invigorating her common his- its many and long-standing relationships this association non-official groups - the so- job creation. tory and lan- varied countries.’ developed into called People’s Commonguage and by a multicultural wealth. close cultural links.

Bodies like the Commonand multiracial organisaOne way of doing this is tion whose strength derived wealth Development Corto publicise The Queen’s in large measure from the poration and the Commonannual Commonwealth diversity of its members. wealth Fund for Technical message and to give talks All this was summed up in Co-operation were created in schools. I recall doing the 1971 Singapore Decla- to foster aid and technical the latter here in the Baha- ration, which formally de- assistance, and a business mas with varying success, scribed the Commonwealth culture has gradually deand on one occasion being as a voluntary association veloped since the CHOGM brought down to earth by of independent sovereign in Edinburgh in 1997. The a young pupil who, despite states, each responsible for main theme of this meetwhat I fondly thought was its own policies, consult- ing was trade and investmy careful and informed ing and co-operating in the ment, and a Caribbean explanation, turned to me common interests of their Business Forum (CBF) was and posed the fundamental peoples and in the promo- established with a remit to question “but what is the tion of international under- strengthen intra-CommonCommonwealth?” wealth trade. standing and world peace.

Despite being an asAt the hub of all this As far as the Bahamas sociation of the largest, is concerned, membership activity around the world smallest, richest and poor- of the Commonwealth has is the Commonwealth est countries covering a provided over the years a Secretariat in London, third of the globe and with range of funding, techni- which dates back to 1965 a combined population of cal co-operation and prac- and is presided over by a some 2.3 billion, the Com- tical assistance through a Secretary-General. Unmonwealth over the years host of inter-governmental fortunately, controversy has not captured public im- and non-official bodies - has surrounded the curagination generally and its just one current example rent incumbent, Baroness role, purpose and function is the Commonwealth War Scotland, and this needs are little understood. It is Graves Commission which to be resolved in order relatively unknown apart owns and maintains the to ensure the credibility from the quadrennial Com- Nassau War Cemetery. of the Secretariat, whose monwealth Games, which should be On the political front, leadership attract enormous interest a significant development above reproach. and publicity, and the bi- was the choice of Nassau The Commonwealth’s ennial Heads of Govern- as the venue for the 1985 new emphasis on trade ment meetings (known as CHOGM when The Queen and investment was boostCHOGMs), which make visited the Bahamas. It was ed by a ground breaking headlines when sometimes a success even though it was CBF conference in Malta they become embroiled in marred, to some extent, by in 2015, at which it was political controversy. controversy about impos- recognised that, in an inLooking at its history, ing economic sanctions on creasingly competitive and a small group - Australia, South Africa. The upshot globalised economy, reCanada, New Zealand and was the appointment of gional ties were becoming South Africa - with Brit- a small Eminent Persons more important and that ain at its helm made up the Group, on which the Ba- the Commonwealth with original British Common- hamas was represented, to its ready-made network of

THE QUEEN’S COMMONWEALTH DAY SPEECH

THIS Commonwealth Day, a baton will set out from Buckingham Palace and begin a long and extraordinary journey.

Over the next 12 months, the Baton will visit people living in the nations and territories of our Commonwealth family in every continent and ocean.

Carried on its way by thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds, by the time it reaches its final destination, The Queen’s Baton will have brought together through its route and symbolism, almost 2.5 billion people who share the special connection of being Commonwealth citizens.

Contained within the Baton will be a writ-

ten message that will be opened and read at the Commonwealth Games in Australia next year.

However, there is an even more powerful message to be seen and experienced as the Baton passes from hand to hand, from seashore to mountaintop, through cities, towns, and villages. It is the message of a peace-building Commonwealth.

The cornerstones on which peace is founded are, quite simply, respect and understanding for one another. Working together, we build peace by defending the dignity of every individual and community.

By upholding justice and the rule of law, and by

striving for societies that are fair and offer opportunities for all, we overcome division and find reconciliation, so that the benefits of progress and prosperity may be multiplied and shared.

As members of the Commonwealth family we can find much to be thankful for in the inheritances we have received from those who came before us.

Through consensus and cooperation great things have been achieved.

We can find further reward and fulfilment by continuing to collaborate with others in a spirit of goodwill to build a peaceful and abundant future for all Commonwealth citizens.

with Commonwealth countries, not only the larger and richer ones like Canada, Australia, India and South Africa but also smaller nations in, for example, the Caribbean, which in some cases Britain has neglected in recent times.

While some of the smaller developing countries are concerned about losing both EU aid and trade preferences and that they will no longer have a champion within the EU to protect their interests, they should not underestimate the likely beneficial effects of the UK’s renewed interest in the Commonwealth, including improved co-operation over a range of issues in addition to trade and investment - for example, security and policing, information sharing, training and education, immigration, technological exchanges and climate change.

All eyes should now be on the potential advantages of a revitalised Commonwealth leading to greater prosperity for all its citizens across its many and varied countries. It behoves those countries themselves to consider how they might benefit from greater cooperation across the board, both within the association and with a post-’Brexit’ ‘Global Britain’. If managed properly, the outcome will surely be good for the Commonwealth.

So, it would be fair to say that in all its countries this year people should be wishing one another a particularly happy Commonwealth Day! • Peter Young is a retired British diplomat living in Nassau. From 1996 to 2000 he was British High Commissioner to The Bahamas.

PAGE 10 MONDAY, MARCH 13, 2016

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

Alternative facts and undisclosed sources abound over CIPs World View

THE Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP), operated by many countries in the world, including the United States, Spain, Switzerland, Malta and Portugal to name a few, is particularly misrepresented in relation to the By SIR RONALD SANDERS small countries in the eastern Caribbean.

At the outset, I make it cross-border networks for from making unsubstanticlear that this is not a de- crime and terrorism, coun- ated allegations, such as the fence or apology for any tries that offer CIPs have Citizenship by Investment governments in the eastern a compelling obligation to Unit “does not maintain Caribbean - past or present ensure that no recipient of adequate autonomy from - that have not administered their citizenship and pass- politicians to prevent politiand operated the CIPs at a port could pose a threat to cal interference in its decihigh international standard. the security and welfare of sions”. In fact, in Antigua and Barbuda, the system of Citizenship of any coun- other countries.

If any country fails to deciding acceptability for try is a most precious entitlement; its value should be implement a rigorous and citizenship is ring-fenced safeguarded in the interest comprehensive system of by the current government vetting, it will eventually from political decisionof the state and fall on its own making. Strict vetting also all its people sword, extin- does not deter other allegato whom their ‘It is precisely guishing any tions such as, “the CIP renationality is because an important detractors purvey possibility of mains among the most lax benefitting in the world”. element in But truth often gets in the their self-iden- false information from the CIP as other na- way of lie and is cast aside tification. It is designed to tions shut out to serve an unworthy purnot a commod- destroy CIPs its passports pose. What is interesting is ity, like credit cards, which that even greater except through that those who make these onerous visa unsubstantiated claims should be avail- scrutiny has to requirements. never come forward to offer able to anyone be applied by the Antigua and evidence; they simply make with the financial means to governments that Barbuda is the them from the shadows, not newest of the even bothering to attribute purchase it and operate them. eastern Carib- their ‘alternative facts’ to it should be acThe best defence bean countries “sources”. However, it is corded only to to establish precisely because detracthose who pass is fact, truth a CIP. This tors purvey false informastrict examina- and scrupulous recent entry tion designed to destroy tions of their gave the gov- CIPs that even greater scrucriminal re- transparency.’ ernment an tiny has to be applied by the cords and their opportunity to governments that operate readiness to respect the sanctity of the citizenship assess the history in other them. The best defence is and passports that they ac- countries; to learn from the fact, truth and scrupulous mistakes of others; and to transparency. quire.

In the discourse that has In this regard, as I have put in place a system that is written time and again, the meticulous and free of po- taken place in the internaintense vetting of persons litical interference in terms tional media recently, the who apply for Citizenship of who qualifies or not for matter of passports proby Investment, must be an citizenship. Important to vided under CIPs has been the Antigua and Barbuda conflated with diplomatic absolute requirement.

An integral and vital part system is the vetting of ap- passports. The two matters of such vetting must also be plicants by external law en- are very different. Small respect for other nations, forcement agencies such as countries do not have the capacity for diplomatic particularly those that al- Interpol.

Of course, none of this outreach that large or even low visa-free travel to their countries shores. In today’s world of stops detractors of the CIP medium-sized

GASTON BROWNE, left, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, alongside Prime Minister Perry Christie at the 35th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community.

Photo: Peter Ramsay/BIS do. That is why, for the they have special skills. most part, small countries Many countries, includseverely limit the number ing industrialised nations, of overseas diplomatic mis- employ the tools of special sions that they operate. envoys or goodwill AmbasNonetheless, they have sadors. as much need, if not more, The issue arises as to for wide international con- whether such appointees tact, particularly in pursuit should be accorded diploof economic development. matic passports. There is no Therefore, they employ the justification for such passtools of appointing non- ports in relation to Honornational Ambassadors-at- ary Consuls. In Antigua Large, Special Envoys and and Barbuda’s recently anHonorary Consuls. For nounced policy, Honorary the most part, persons ap- Consuls are excluded from pointed to the role of Hon- receiving diplomatic passorary Consul would be well ports. And, while diplomatknown in the countries or ic passports may be issued areas to which they are as- to Ambassadors-at-large signed tasks. They are also and Special Envoys, they not a charge on the national will be subject to annual Treasury since a condition reviews and their passports of the appointment is nor- could be extended or termimally that they cover all nated dependent on their expenses. With regard to performance. In any event, Ambassadors-at-Large or the most important considSpecial Envoys, their ap- eration is that non-national pointments should ideally Ambassadors-at-Large or be for limited periods to Special Envoys, who are apcarry out particular assign- pointed, would be subject ments on behalf of the gov- to the same intense vetting ernment. applied to Citizenship by In some special cases of Investment, with the furwell-connected internation- ther requirement that their al figures, goodwill Ambas- names, titles and passport sadors-at-Large could be numbers will be shared with appointed for longer times all countries with which to seek investment or ne- Antigua and Barbuda has gotiate a project for which diplomatic relations.

The passports are not issued for their convenience but for the conduct of the nation’s business in keeping with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. That system, including publication of the names of diplomatic passport holders, will come into effect when Antigua and Barbuda switches to fully biometric passports in a few weeks - an undertaking given by the country’s Prime Minister, Gaston Browne.

Finally, the point of the CIP is to raise funds for economic development and social improvement. That is why every country, including the US, has similar programmes. Governments of small countries, many of whose economies are undiversified and in some cases dependent on only one or two economic activities, have turned to the CIPs because of necessity.

The terms of trade they experience are unfair (for instance in the World Trade Organisation, they are not accorded special treatment; they are regarded like the US, Canada or Japan); their attempts at new industries such as financial services are crippled by the agencies of industrialised nations that they rival; the playing field on which they operate in the international community is anything but level.

Without the revenues from the CIPs, the countries of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union would have been gravely destabilised.

• Sir Ronald Sanders is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organisation of American States. He is also Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto.

The views expressed are his own. Responses and previous commentaries: www. sironaldsanders.com

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, March 13, 2017, PAGE 11

Minister counters US advisory over risk from jet ski operators

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net TRANSPORT and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna Martin yesterday hit back at the most recent US State Department’s advisory against jet ski operators, charging that if left unchecked, it could overshadow the “significant progress” her ministry has made to address the issues within the industry.

Mrs Hanna Martin, in an interview with The Tribune, said while she is “very concerned” about the advisory regarding the local water sports industry, there must be a “focused attention” on the “groundwork” that has been “covered to seek to enhance the environment” for visitors.

She also charged that there is currently a “very strong collaboration” between the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF), the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF), and the Port Authority in bringing about a “more expansive surveillance” of the areas in which jet ski operators work.

The Englerston MP was responding to a recent warning by the US Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), cautioning US citizens travelling to The Bahamas for spring break to “avoid jet ski operators” because these individuals “continue to commit sexual assaults and other crimes

GLENYS HANNA-MARTIN against tourists, including US citizens”.

The OSAC also cau-

tioned US Embassy personnel not to use jet ski rentals on New Providence and

Paradise Island, including Cabbage Beach and Cable Beach. The department also “strongly” recommended they “avoid patronising jet ski rental operations.”

The department also warned against visitors travelling alone with water sports, taxi and scooter operators.

The advisory has gained traction internationally, having been cited in a Miami New Times article published on Friday.

However, there have been no local or official police reports of late that would coincide with the US State Department’s warning.

“It’s a viewpoint of the American embassy in the Bahamas, so, of course I’m concerned when a viewpoint is expressed in that way and put out internationally,” Mrs Hanna Martin said when contacted on Sunday. “I’m very concerned about that. However though, I have to bring a focused attention in my own country to our efforts that are underway to enhance the industry.”

Mrs Hanna Martin further charged that over the past year and a half or more, significant progress has been made regarding the oversight of the beaches from which Jet ski operators operate, such as increased signage to direct visitors where to go to patronise legitimate jet ski operators and not “random” ones, and “centralised transactions” that are overseen by

the Port Authority.

She also said uniforms for jet ski operators have been implemented, and that these operators must go through an “enhanced” vetting process from the Security Intelligence Branch (SIB) of the RBPF before receiving a license to operate.

“Every license holder is subject to vetting by the Security Intelligence Branch of the Royal Bahamas Police Force,” she said. “That’s everyone. You cannot be licensed unless you have clearance through SIB. We’ve gone with we think the highest form of vetting that’s available which is the Security Intelligence Branch of the police.

They do vetting throughout The Bahamas in sensitive areas and they also assist us in this industry.”

Mrs Hanna Martin also said water sports operators are “on board” with the government’s attempts to better manage the industry.

“The operators assigned or elected from amongst their body of owners and operators leadership that would bring about the sort of leadership and the self regulation,” she said. “So on that level, you have those individuals who have been elected from their body who will seek to from that level, ensure compliance.

They meet from time to time with the port leadership.

“Then you have the port controller and the port en-

forcement officers which enforce the water sports legislation. You have the (RBPF) which carries out law enforcement in general and the (RBDF) which deals with on the seaside.

So the operators are on board. There have been multiple meetings at seeking to arrive at a consensus on what should happen out there.

“And it was out of that collaboration that we saw things like signage, like uniforms, like designated identification badges.”

Last year, 29-year-old Kevin Romer, a jet ski operator, was remanded to prison without bail after being charged with the alleged sexual assault of a 24-yearold woman on Athol Island sometime on Saturday, January 2, 2016.

As a result of that incident, the United States Embassy in Nassau “prohibited” its employees from using Jet Ski rentals in Nassau, saying the industry is “minimally regulated”.

In December 2015, police arrested a jet ski operator in connection with an alleged sexual assault of a female visitor. That incident allegedly took place at Cabbage Beach.

Last January, US Charge d’Affaires Lisa Johnson regretted how, despite persistent complaints from American officials over the past few years, the watersports industry in The Bahamas has not been properly regulated.

cret Baha Mar deal from the Bahamian people we are witnessing the great length to which career politicians will go as they desperately try to hold onto power,” the Killarney MP said.

A source close to the property believes the court documents relating to the sale have been sealed to “hide” a drop in the resort’s sale price.

Prime Minister Perry Christie announced the official sale of Baha Mar to CTF BM Holdings, a subsidiary of CTFE last December, at the time stating the resort was set for a phased opening beginning in April 2017, and a

full completion by this fall.

It has since been revealed that the sale has not been finalised and that the opening date for the Rosewood hotel brand, owned by the Baha Mar buyer, has seemingly been delayed to Spring 2018.

Last December, Mr Christie did not disclose the sale price of Baha Mar, adding that details of the deal are still sealed by the Supreme Court at the request of the Export-Import Bank of China.

The government has since announced plans to table the sealed Baha Mar documents ahead of the April soft opening.

FNM PLEDGE ON BAHA MAR SALE from page one

For his part, Dr Minnis said despite pronouncements from the Christie administration, the $3.5bn resort is not open and it is uncertain when this will occur.

“The reality my dear friends is that the resort, sadly remains unsold, despite the many, many pronouncements by our delusional prime minister to the contrary,” Dr Minnis said.

“Yet, the government, in the lead up to the general election continues in its charade. This week it was revealed that the new ‘alleged purchaser’ of the resort had only hired 650 of their promised 1,500 Bahamian employees, with little over a month to go before its ‘soft opening’ on April 21. We remind the public that there has been no marketing of this resort or room inventory being brought online for this ‘soft opening,’ which only confirms the true political motives behind this open-

ing date, just weeks ahead of what will be our general election.

“The PLP should be ashamed of themselves; but they have no shame. This is a government that proclaimed they believed in Bahamians, but operates in secret, and counter to the best interests of this country,” Dr Minnis said.

“That is why your Free National Movement makes the following pledge to you: when your Free National Movement comes to office, we will make public all deals by this government with the Chinese with respect to this and any other secret deal this administration may have entered into.

“Your Free National Movement government will engage and execute a real sale of Baha Mar to a qualified and respectable purchaser who believes in Bahamians; a purchaser who will utilise only Bahamian labour to complete the resort, and will put Bahamians back to work with real jobs as quickly as possible.

“All applicable taxes

must be paid to the Treasury on this sale, including any VAT, stamp tax, casino license fees, etc. In keeping with our mandate of accountability and transparency, your Free National Movement government will also make public all negotiations in this regard and have them tabled in Parliament.

“Due to the national interest of this asset, the Bahamian people deserve no less from their government.

They deserve a government that works on their behalf and not an administration that is more focused on their own self-interest. The Bahamian people deserve a government that works for them,” Dr Minnis said.

On Friday, Dr Minnis also agreed with Dame Joan Sawyer, who last week suggested that there were no legal grounds to seal the new deal to open the resort.

Dame Joan, the former president of the Court of Appeal, said there is much confusion over how the judgment of a publicly heard civil case could be

sealed.

Dr Minnis said this was why the sealing of the documents was “all the more outrageous.”

“The embattled prime minister and his attorney general of all people should know, our Constitution requires that civil proceedings must be public, except in matters of defence, public safety or public order,” Dr Minnis said in a press statement. “So their efforts to shield their secret Baha Mar deal with their Chinese allies from the public is all the more outrageous.

It’s no wonder that the Bahamian people have lost all trust and confidence in this government.

“Even the former president of the Court of Appeal is questioning Prime Minister Christie and the attorney general’s control over the courts. Elected officials are meant to uphold the law, not twist it to fit their own political and personal agendas.

“Yet with all their twisted and contorted efforts to hide the details of their se-

PLP BRANCH WRITES TO PM TO BACK SMITH FOR FREE TOWN from page one

This comes despite the fact that several weeks ago the executive team of the PLP’s Montagu Branch met with members of the party’s Candidates Committee and “unanimously recommended” Senator Smith be selected to represent the newly renamed constituency of Free Town.

“As there is a conflict between the selection of the Candidates Committee and the recommendation of the branch, we request your indulgence in permitting the executives of the branch to address the NGC at its next sitting,” the letter, dated March 8 and addressed to Mr Christie, said.

It was signed by Montagu Branch Chairman Ruby Saunders and Vice-Chairman Philip McKenzie. Mr Christie is head of the Candidates Committee.

“This request is clearly precursory to the constitutional duty of the national chairman to address any conflict between the branch’s recommendation and the NGC’s decision pursuant to article 17.6 of the party’s constitution,” the letter noted. “Addition-

ally, we request that the next sitting of the NGC be conducted in (a) very formal environment conducive to discussion of this conflict.”

The letter also said the PLP’s constitution and established practice requires the party’s chairman to convene a joint meeting of a branch and the NGC if the candidate approved by the latter is different from one recommended by the former.

“If the branch is to function efficiently in the performance of its constitutional roles, in particular, winning elections, it is imperative that the various standing committees of the party treat the branch as a respected and equal part of the family,” the letter continued.

“We have more than 15 years of political experience in Free Town, from Village Road in the east to Armstrong Street in the west.

“We have been told that certain members of the party purported to conduct a survey in Free Town (recently). They were very selective and subjective of the houses and persons they visited. In fact, two of the pollsters have been trying

to get Frank Smith out of Montagu for more than five years.

“We can assure you that we can deliver successfully the only poll that really matters, the Election Day poll,” the letter added.

When contacted by The Tribune on Sunday, PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts, who was carbon copied on

the letter, said the NGC will accede to the branch’s request for a meeting, adding that a decision on the Free Town candidate will be made tonight. About 400500 members of the NGC are expected to attend the meeting.

“The NGC will make a decision tomorrow night (Monday),” Mr Roberts

told The Tribune. “They will have the right to vote on the matter like they did with every other candidate.”

In late February, sparks flew at a special PLP meeting as supporters of Senator Smith clashed with those who are behind Mr Munroe.

The raucous meeting

prompted the PLP to postpone the selection of a Free Town candidate.

When asked yesterday if he thought the situation would be resolved without contention given the anger expressed at last month’s meeting, Mr Roberts said: “We are a democratic organisation, when the vote is taken - that’s it.”

PAGE 12, Monday, March 13, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

UNIVERSITY SEEKS TO HOLD TOWN HALL DEBATES

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

EFFORTS are underway by officials at the University of The Bahamas to secure representatives from every political party with a view to hosting a series of town hall meetings centred on national debate, political polling and scientific research.

Dr Christopher Curry, chair of the School of Social Sciences at UB, said the concept is a step in the right direction for the country and its political climate, adding that the inclusion of the public and media at this level of the election process should translate into a more involved electorate.

Dr Curry added that,

as a country, The Bahamas has never approached its electoral process from this standpoint, stressing that the move could lead to a systematic shift from a “party-like concept” of electoral discussions to one of “rational discourse.”

The proposed series which will start on Wednesday - is expected to continue over the course of several weeks in the lead up to the election; featuring discussions on ‘Small Island Sustainability’; ‘Economy and National Development; Local Government and the Family Islands’; and ‘Governance: Democracy or Dictatorship’.

Organisers said they remain hopeful that the series could climax with a leadership debate featuring Prime

Minister Perry Christie, Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis and Democratic National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney among others.

However, Dr Curry said that the final elements of that “finale” are still “a ways off,” with several elements still having to come together.

“This is unprecedented for The Bahamas, but as I say that, I have to note that it is something that moves us in the right direction,” Dr Curry said.

“Never before have we had political procedures approached from this standpoint; debate, rational discourse or reasoning on how best to move the country forward. It has often been centred on a party like con-

cept where rallies take on the form of celebrations.

“Now we are talking about scientific processes, data analysis, formatted questions that lend to a resolution in certain cases. We want to generate polling, statistics and community involvement.”

According to Dr Curry, Wednesday’s town meeting will be constructed around the topic, ‘Is the Justice System just?’ and feature presentations for crime and justice spokespersons from respective parties.

Senator Keith Bell, Progressive Liberal Party candidate for Carmichael; Marvin Dames, FNM candidate for Mt Moriah; Stephen Greenslade, DNA candidate for Carmichael; Gregory Moss, leader of the

ARAWAK CAY PORT, pictured yesterday. Concerns have been raised after containers went missing from an area outside the port.

United Democratic Party and MP for Marco City; Andrew Stewart, leader of the Bahamas National Coalition Party: Sharell Ali McIntosh, founder of the Bahamas Constitution Party; and Alex Morley, leader of the African Peoples Socialist Party are expected to participate.

In 2015, Mr Christie challenged Dr Minnis and Mr McCartney to debate, stating: “Bring Minnis here, bring Branville here, Christie here and say ‘tell us what you believe in,’ and make your judgment. Ask questions, see who has a command of the country, who understands where the country ought to be going and who could speak to those issues.”

Mr Christie’s comments

came during a speech at the College of the Bahamas’ - now UB - School of Journalism.

Subsequently, only Mr McCartney formally accepted the prime minister’s invitation. The DNA leader went as far as to offer to cover all of the expenses associated with the event.

In 2016, Dr Minnis said he is “not afraid” to publicly debate Mr Christie, but only after a general election is called.

His acceptance of this challenge is a turn around from his position in 2015.

“I am not afraid of Christie and a debate,” Dr Minnis said when he was contacted by The Tribune last July. “Call a general election and let’s rock and roll.

He knows that there are procedures to follow.”

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

Containers stolen from outside area next to port from page one Among these are a reputable customs brokerage company, two trucking and heavy equipment companies and two local grocers.

Seven containers are now missing among them, The Tribune understands.

There is a booming black market for stolen containers and chassis, where the equipment is sold for less than half of its value, sources told this newspaper.

The stolen equipment was said to be moved from a designated area just outside the port’s main gates.

Just In Time Trucking is one of the companies hit by the alleged container thieves.

Company owner Justin Knowles, who has been in the industry for the last 11 years, told The Tribune yesterday that his business has been adversely affected and the thefts have presented challenges.

“Over the Christmas I had three containers gone missing,” he said. “This year we’ve had one disappear and show up recently.

This has happened twice so far for the year. But over the Christmas I had three units disappear.

“One of these units showed up and we have carried that one back to the port, but two of them are still missing. With us we have a paper trail. So far we have been lucky enough to prove ourselves in regards to these. (We have) paper-

work stating that it’s been delivered or what not. But luckily I haven’t had to pay for anything yet, but right now I have two units that are pending. It’s not only the units I have to pay for, but it’s also the storage that has to be dealt with,” Mr Knowles said.

“I have had people move units for storage and return them days later and then all of a sudden I get these bills for fees and then I’m trying to figure out why we getting these bills. Come to find out it wasn’t my guys who in-gated it and it was somebody else. Unfortunately they don’t have any surveillance on that road in the front there.”

He added: “So even though it is practice for my guys to place locks and stuff

Funeral Service BERNARD J. MORTIMER, J.P., 85 of Palmetto Village, will be held on Thursday, 16th March, 2017, 9:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Anglican Church, Highbury Park. Canon Norman Lightbourne will officiate.

Bernard is survived by his children: Averell (Paula) Mortimer. Olivia (L. Sydney) Saunders, Kenneth Mortimer, and Claire Mortimer; Grandchildren: Leslie Davis (aka fifth child), K. M. Jason Mortimer, Llewellen Saunders, Shayna Wood, Kenna Mortimer, Llereva (Eugene) Roker, Tré (Shoshanna) Barry; Great Grandchildren: Zadoc Jones, Deanna Brennen, Kaydence Davis, Christian Smith, and Ethan Roker; Sisters: Ayres Mortimer-Neely, Esther (Edward) Williams, Joan Mortimer, Ann (Tracy) Whitehead; Brothers: Weston (Elaine), Lowell, and Phillip (Linda) Mortimer; Sister-in-law: Hazel Pritchard; Nieces: Cheryl Neely, Denise Mortimer, Gina (Jim) Storr, Charisse (Orson) Mortimer, Ulrica (Doddridge) Missick, Celeste Williams, Karen Bartlett, Tanya Knowles, Theresa Mortimer, Terrsi Whitehead, Christina Padilla, Jackie Newton, Julie (Stony) Duncanson, Kim Smith, Tangy Cartwright, Jannell Mortimer. Nephews: Kendal (Sonia) Mortimer, Cornell (Beverly) Mortimer, Lester Jr. (Paulette) Mortimer, Kelsey (Monica) Mortimer, Kevin Mortimer, Samuel Mortimer, Ulric III (Allison) Mortimer), Sean (Ronique) Mortimer, Ronnie (Rhonda) Mortimer, Dwayne (Daphne) Mortimer, Patrick Williams, Neil (Liz) Williams, Weston JJ Mortimer, Tracy Whitehead II, Philip Jason Mortimer, Weston Jason, Javier, Jared, and Keith Mortimer, and Raymond (Jackie) Carroll. The family of the late Amos Ferguson Sr.; Special friends: The Holy Cross Church Family, Tony ‘Bookie’ Johnson, Bishop Donald Dorsette, Clint Gardiner, David Barnett, Patsy Petty and family, Caronie Arisma, the Palmetto Village family: Eliza Smith and Family, the Taylors, the Turnquests, Dave Hamilton, Ray Murray, Carlos Lamm, and Ma. The family of Bernard Jason Mortimer expresses heartfelt appreciation to all who provided comfort during this difficult period. We are grateful to those who enriched his life by way of love, respect, and friendship. Thanks for joining with us to show appreciation for the time he spent with us. Blessings to all.

Friends may pay their last respects at Bethel Brothers Morticians #34 Nassau Street, on Tuesday from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. THERE WILL BE NO VIEWING AT THE CHURCH; PRE-CREMATION.

on these containers, there are guys who go and cut the locks off and carry the units.”

Anonymous sources added yesterday that when they returned for a container and the attached chassis, which were placed on the designated area just outside the port’s gates, the units were gone.

Upon inquiry with Nassau port officials, the sources said they were informed that port surveillance does not extend to the designated area or on the main causeway frequented by truck drivers multiple times daily.

One of them told The Tribune: “I went one day to in-gate a 40ft foot container, but the gate was already closed. So I placed it on the designated area that everyone uses in instances like this and returned for it the next day.

“Well the next day came and the container was not there and this was back in

January. However, I didn’t pay this too much attention because it is common practice around here to put a container down and return for it, but someone else takes it to use it and that person would in turn in-gate the container.

“Then recently I learned that this never happened and the container had racked up a fee of thousands of dollars because it has been gone since January.

This has not only caused me a great inconvenience, but the client who is the consignee of the container was not allowed to clear a recent shipment of goods because of the bill attached to the container.

“No one seems to know where the container is or who moved it.”

This source told The Tribune that the matter has been turned over to local authorities.

Another source said his company was victim this year to the theft of a 20ft

container.

“We don’t know where it’s gone to,” he said.

“If I put a container out at the Container Port I would like to know that it’s safe. This one went missing between December and January. The thing about it is we can say that we can protect our containers outside the port but we put them out there because we feel it should be safe.

“Now the port could say we don’t manage or we don’t watch containers outside, we watch it inside, but you paying all this money and are told it’s okay to place containers on the area just opposite the old Harry’s Hut and the containers are going missing. So it’s a real concern.

“You put the containers there and the locks are being cut off and the containers are being stolen,” he said.

Officials could not be reached for comment yesterday.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, March 13, 2017, PAGE 13

‘The Bahamas’ own street philosopher’

STATUS HEARING IN MURDER TRIAL

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MAN awaiting trial on a murder charge appeared in the Supreme Court for a status hearing on Friday morning.

Dennis Basden, 36, is scheduled to be tried before Senior Justice Stephen

Isaacs concerning the killing of Taraz Hanna on June 30, 2015, outside a home at Wilson Tract.

Basden denied the allegation when he was formally arraigned in Supreme Court on January 22, 2016.

Friday’s status hearing before Senior Justice Isaacs concerned whether the Crown was ready to pro-

ceed with the trial on September 25. Bjorn Ferguson, of the Office of The Attorney General, indicated that the prosecution is ready to proceed.

David Cash, associate of attorney Ian Cargill, appeared for Basden who is on remand at the Department of Correctional Services.

TEENAGER AIRLIFTED TO FLORIDA AFTER CAR CRASH

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A GRAND Bahama teen was airlifted to a Florida hospital in critical condition over the weekend following a traffic accident

in Freeport, The Tribune understands.

Details were sketchy up to press time, however The Tribune was told that the victim, who is 18, sustained serious injuries in an early morning car crash in the Freeport area.

The young man, who is in hospital in Florida with broken bones, is said to be recovering.

His injuries are reportedly not life-threatening.

When contacted, a police spokesperson on the island could not provide details.

PAGE 14, Monday, March 13, 2017

WHERE TO GET YOUR VOTER’S CARD

THE Parliamentary Registration Department will begin the distribution of voter’s cards to registered voters today.

The listed distribution centres will be open as of March 13 from 10am to 8pm, Monday to Friday.

The centres will remain open until Friday, March 31.

THE TRIBUNE

PM says no plans to relocate residents of Pinder’s Point

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

has been engaged in such studies and he has communicated the results of those studies to the people who are subjected to conditions they were complaining about.”

Residents of Pinder’s Point, however, have rejected the findings of the health and environmental risk assessment conducted in 2015

by PAHO/WHO that there are no health risks to residents in communities near the industrial plants.

In the PAHO report, however, two recommendations were made: the installation of E-noses to monitor air quality and emissions in the affected area and a safety assessment of communities in close proximity to the plants. E-noses have already been installed and government has contracted Antea Group, a Dutch company, to conduct a safety assessment.

The Pinder’s Point Lewis Yard Environmental Committee (PPLYEC) has called on government to relocate the residents from communities of Pinder’s Point, Lewis Yard, Hawksbill, Seaco Town, Hunters and Mack Town.

The first epidemiology study undertaken by government in the 1980s had indicated that eye, gastrointestinal and skin disorders were associated with the industrial pollution, but the report was never publicly released by the government.

Shuffel Hepburn, of the PPLYEC, said that he is not surprised by the prime minister’s “insensitivity” to the plight of the residents of the industrial basin.

“When the odours were very strong recently he and his entourage sped through the communities with his windows up, never stopping. The fact that he and his government have kept the truth from the residents for 28 years prevented many from taking proper measures to safeguard their health,” he claimed.

“Twenty-eight years ago his government did not care and his recent comments demonstrate that he still does not care. Prime Minister Perry Christie will regret those remarks and they will be a stumbling stone for him until he comes and makes amends to the poor, disfranchised residents of these communities.

“Let him say to little fiveyear-old Salathiel, who has lived all of his short life on Buckeye fence and cannot see well enough to attend class, that there is no health risk. Let him say that to Salathiel’s cousin who has been on kidney dialysis since the age of 18. There are many, many others that I could reference. I am fired up by these remarks from the man with the middle finger salute. I will not stop until the residents are relocated by the grace of God,” Mr Hepburn said.

William Thompson Auditorium on Jean Street: Marathon Seabreeze Nassau Village

PRIME Minister Perry Christie said that relocating residents in Pinder’s Point is not something that government will consider as no such recommendation has been made to it.

He said studies were undertaken in relation to the industrial pollution in Grand Bahama many years ago and more recently by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2015.

“The assessments to date have all indicated that people were not in harm’s way,” Mr Christie told reporters while in Grand Bahama last week. “(A) recommendation would have to come for relocation. Clearly, when you begin to make an assessment where people are in harm’s way the implication is that you may have to relocate them. But if the results say there is no need for that because the incidences of diseases … are not related to the presence of the industrial concern, then we have to take it in consideration.”

Mr Christie said the government is concerned about industrial pollution and has brought in the best scientists it can find to conduct studies.

“We have to rely on their assessment and share that with the people concerned

Epiphany Church Hall: Yamacraw Elizabeth

NEW CRUISE PORT ANNOUNCED IN EAST GRAND BAHAMA

Distribution Centres Thomas A Robinson National Stadium: Mount Moriah Killarney Carmichael Garden Hills Fort Charlotte Remnant Tabernacle Church Hall on Carmichael Road: Southern Shores Tall Pines Golden Gates Golden Isles St George’s Anglican Church Hall on Montrose Avenue: Centreville Freetown St Barnabas Parish on Blue Hill Road and Wulff Road: St Barnabas Englerston Wesley Methodist Church (Grants Town) on Blue Hill Road and Chapel Street: Bains Town Grants Town

Anglican

St Anne’s Church in Fox Hill: St Anne’s Fox Hill Faith United Baptist Church on Blue Hill Road: Bamboo Town Pinewood South Beach

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net A NEW cruise port in East Grand Bahama will be constructed on the north shore west of Stat Oil in an area that has been determined to suffer the least devastating environmental effects.

SHUFFEL HEPBURN with the hope that they would appreciate that we have been able to study this thing carefully,” he added.

He recalled that when he was minister of health from 1977 to 1982, PAHO conducted ground and air pollution studies. He said whenever there were concerns, the government investigated them.

“And we continue to do

While speaking at the Grand Bahama Business Outlook in Freeport this week, Prime Minister Perry Christie revealed that the cruise port will take two years to build and will significantly benefit the island.

“We shall shortly conclude a heads of agreement with Carnival (Cruise Lines). We have finished

so because people must be satisfied when it comes to their health, and we do not ever want to second change or second guess anyone,” he added.

“If you come with a complaint we have to investigate that complaint and be able to satisfy you we have done a thorough investigation. I think Dr Darville, the minister for Grand Bahama,

our end for some time now for a major cruise port in East Grand Bahama,” he said on Thursday.

While an exact location was not disclosed, Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville shared some details of a site two and a half miles west of Stat Oil on the north shore.

“The exact location I can-

not give … but it is an excellent piece of land and it was selected because of the environmental impact assessment (EIA). It was proven it would have the least devastating affects to the water aquifers in East Grand Bahama, which is essential for water supply for the entire island of Grand Bahama,” he said.

The $200m cruise port was given the green light by the National Economic Council for conclusion of a heads of agreement after lengthy negotiations between the government and Carnival Cruise Lines.

Environmental groups have raised concerns about a cruise port being built in East Grand Bahama, citing the area as “one of the most fragile and important ecological wonders of the Bahamas.”

Mr Christie assured them that, in talks with Carnival Cruise Lines, government officials discussed at length the environment of Grand Bahama.

“We don’t make any decision with respect of a development that has the potential impact on the environment without making it subject to environmental approval,” he explained when asked about consultation regarding the EIA. “After an EIA is done and assuming it is satisfactory, then we make it also subject to environmental management planning,” he said. “And so, in the process in talking to Carnival Cruise Line we discussed at length the environment of Grand Bahama.”

Mr Christie said the government has negotiated that concessions with the cruise company would be for Bahamians in terms of entrepreneurial opportunities. “We are so close to doing some big things in Grand Bahama. I hope most of it can happen before the election. But in our country, it will continue regardless to who wins after the election.

“And you have a stake in ensuring that progress is not delayed by foolish political decisions. And if those things come about, we are talking about a new Freeport and a new Grand Bahama,” said Mr Christie.

David Jones, the Grand Bahama Taxi Union president, told the nation’s leader that the common man and ordinary Bahamians like taxi drivers benefit very little when new developments come to the island.

He reminded Mr Christie

of a promise that he made publicly in Grand Bahama in December 2015, concerning a 50-50 arrangement between taxi drivers and tour operators concerning movement of cruise passengers on the Grand Celebration, which has still not happened.

Mr Jones said: “I paid $150 today just to talk to my prime minister and to come here (at the Business Outlook). The ordinary man can’t do that. You made a statement publicly that the business was not just for tour operators and it would be shared 50-50. That is not happening and I ask you to look into the matter because we feel that what is happening is totally unfair,” he said.

Taxi drivers move only 400 of the 1,500 Grand Celebration passengers that come to Freeport. Mr Jones indicated that bigger buses are coming in and taking business away from cab drivers. The laws governing the transporting of passengers at the harbour are not being adhered to, stressed Mr Jones. He also felt that tax exemptions by the government should have been granted to taxi drivers and small businesses following the devastation caused

by Hurricane Matthew in Grand Bahama.

Mr Christie said that he is “sympathetic” to the taxi drivers.

“If there is something the taxi drivers deserve; if there is one person who would listen to you, it is me because I come out of a taxi driver home. It is a role my family played and I am sympathetic and even sometimes partial.

“So, if the minister of tourism and the minister of Grand Bahama are not giving you satisfaction, before you say anything, I expect you to find your way to my office because you want progress, and I would like for you to have progress.

And I say that to all unions, if you think there is something we have not done,” he said.

In response to concerns about the 50-50 arrangement, Mr Christie said, “Obviously, I have to be brought up to date on progress of what you are concerned about. I have a listening ear for you because in my father’s time as a taxi driver you were able to make a living, and he was able to have his children go to college and university.

I do understand that you have a livelihood you like to protect, and so, we need to have a conversation … to bring a resolution to that.”

PAGE 20, Monday, March 13, 2017

THE TRIBUNE