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VOLUME:115 No.79, MARCH 15TH, 2018

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Fast track justice sends illegals home

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis confirmed yesterday that he sent a magistrate to Inagua on Tuesday to convict and facilitate the deportation more than 200 Haitian migrants who were caught illegally trying to enter the country.

The unprecedented act will now become standard practice, he said, adding: “There’s no reason for them to come to Nassau. Wherever they land, they’ll get a fair hearing and back to Haiti they will go.”

Dr Minnis, as the acting minister of immigration, told The Tribune he “ordered” the vessels the Haitians used to be sunk.

He said: “A magistrate and all necessary tools and equipment was dispatched to Inagua yesterday (Tuesday) and they had a hearing and all 230 pleaded guilty, so they were sent back to Haiti for illegal landing in The Bahamas.”

He added: “A few were complaining that they were sick so I sent a doctor down and the doctor knows through medical practice that if an individual is sick, if they need to be hospitalised, you take them to the nearest health facility. Haiti’s health facility is nearer to Inagua than Nassau’s so they need to be hospitalised in Haiti. Nassau is too far.

“I ordered the vessel be sunk so the vessel was sunk.”

SEE PAGE SIX

God, I hope he signs the right name...

ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel yesterday called the absence of two police officers in court proceedings related to the Cabbage Beach access case “difficult to accept but not unusual”.

Mr Bethel said while the issue needed to be “looked into and documented”, there was no “great cause for concern” as police officers often find themselves having to choose between “their actual jobs” and court appearances.

He noted that the current government in particular has strived to ensure officers are rarely placed in such a dilemma, but said this has been hard to achieve.

On Monday, two officers expected to testify were no-shows during a hearing before Magistrate Ambrose Armbrister. One of the officers had previously testified in the matter.

The police prosecutor in the case subsequently made an application to withdraw the charges against the ten people who faced charges in connection SEE PAGE THREE

L SOUR CE

WSC BOARD UNANIMOUSLY SACKS LAVILLE

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Water & Sewerage Corporation yesterday sacked Glen Laville as its general manager in the wake of the EY forensic audit’s findings.

Tribune Business sources said the move came following Board meetings at the Corporation on Tuesday night and yesterday morning, with at least one attended by Mr Laville.

Adrian Gibson, the corporation’s executive chairman, confirmed the termination when contacted by this newspaper late yesterday.

“The Board of the Water & Sewerage Corporation has unanimously decided to terminate the services of Glen Laville as general manager with immediate effect,” he said.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

TURNQUEST: WE MUST REVIEW TAX SYSTEM

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Deputy Prime Minister yesterday said The Bahamas’ tax system must be reviewed following the European Union (EU) “blacklisting”, with the Government “praying” for a swift removal.

KP Turnquest told Tribune Business he was hopeful that The Bahamas may be removed from the nine-strong list of noncooperative jurisdictions “in a very short period of time”, following what he described as “positive” talks with EU officials yesterday.

AG - ABSENT OFFICERS ‘NO GREAT CONCERN’

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

$1

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and investor Michael Wiener participating in a heads of agreement signing at Cabinet Office yesterday. See page seven for the full story.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

FAMILY CHALLENGES FATAL POLICE SHOOTING

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

A RELATIVE of a man shot dead by police on February 11 has defended his character, adding family members want justice for his death.

Sylvester McKenzie was killed by police off Cedar Way, near Carmichael Road.

Officers said the deceased was suspected of carrying out a drug deal and shot at

SYLVESTER McKenzie was shot dead by police last month. Officers said he engaged police in gunfire before being fatally wounded.

police before they returned fire.

However, a relative, who did not want to be named, has disputed this narrative.

On the morning in question, Assistant Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander said officers noticed the deceased allegedly carrying out a drug deal. He said it was at this time, upon noticing police, the suspect engaged officers in gunfire.

SEE PAGE FIVE

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

GOVT SEEKS $100M LOAN CONTINGENCY

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Government is seeking a $100m “contingent” loan facility that will finance “extraordinary spending” in the wake of hurricanes and other natural disasters.

Its “emergency financing”’ plans are revealed in a just-published Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) document, which details the proposal to provide the nine-figure credit line through its Contingent Credit Facility for Natural Disaster Emergencies.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

PAGE 2, Thursday, March 15, 2018

IAN MITCHELL, left, Shuffel Hepburn, centre, and Antoine Thompson, right.

Photo: Vandyke Hepburn

THE TRIBUNE

HEPBURN AND ATTORNEYS ACCUSED OF TRESPASSING

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A Grand Bahama businessman and two Nassau-based attorneys accused of trespassing at

a sewage treatment plant in the Lucaya area were arraigned in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Shuffel Hepburn, 53, of Freeport, and lawyers Ian Mitchell and Antoine Thompson, 46, appeared in Court Two before Magistrate Charlton Smith.

Lawyer Harvey Tynes represented the trio.

It is alleged that on Friday, March 9, the men intentionally and unlawfully trespassed on the property of the Chesapeake Waste Treatment Plant at Midshipman Road, Lucaya.

They all pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Hepburn and the two attorneys were released on police bail following their arrest on Friday.

The police prosecutor had no objection to bail.

Mr Tynes asked the court

to allow the bail conditions to stand as they are, but the magistrate said the police bail would have to be replaced with court bail, which would have to be signed by the three accused.

Magistrate Smith adjourned the matter to June 5 in Court Two. Mr Hepburn, who is also an environmental activist, has been embroiled in a bitter feud with the wastewater sewage treatment plant over alleged foul odours in the Chesapeake Subdivision where he owns a residence.

The facility is operated by the Grand Bahama Utility Company, a subsidiary of the Grand Bahama Port Authority.

He believes the facility should not have been built in the residential subdivision.

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THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, March 15, 2018, PAGE 3

Bahamas National Trust anger at ‘lenient’ turtle killing sentence

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas National Trust has joined the chorus of conservationists expressing disappointment over the “lenient” sentencing of three people charged in connection with the possession and killing of an endangered loggerhead turtle.

The non-governmental organisation said the situation “missed an opportunity” to send a clear message that the actions constituted a serious offence.

“Many citizens felt that the conditional discharge

of 500 hours of community service was too lenient,” the BNT said in a statement issued yesterday.

“Fisheries regulations allow for a much stronger penalty to have been issued.

“Offenders could have received a fine of $3,000, one year imprisonment or both. Perhaps, at the very least, the perpetrators of this egregious act should have been made to spend the time, in service to the environment.”

Three people were given a conditional discharge on Monday for violating the Fisheries Act, and ordered to perform 500 hours of

ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel

community service and attend a voluntary intervention programme.

The BNT condemned the loggerhead turtle’s killing and stated while the organisation respects the court’s discretion, it was “disappointed with the decision”.

“Despite public outcry,” the BNT release read, “it is evident that we still need to do more education on the importance of sea turtles.”

It continued: “All around the world, humans have driven sea turtle populations to the brink of extinction.

“Unintended catch, or ‘bycatch’ of sea turtles

in commercial fisheries, poaching of sea turtles and their eggs, coastal development, trade of sea turtles and their parts and poor enforcement of conservation laws all have contributed to the worldwide decline of their populations.

“The recent public outrage by citizens shows the importance of an informed citizenry in the enforcement of our fisheries regulations.

“The BNT encourages members of the public to learn the fisheries regulations, and to continue reporting offences to the Department of Marine Resources.”

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

AG - ABSENT OFFICERS ‘NO GREAT CONCERN’ from page one with the destruction of a fence blocking access to Cabbage Beach during a protest in 2016.

Magistrate Armbrister ultimately opted to not acquit the group for legal reasons, but discharged them instead. He said while only two indictable charges against one or more in the group can be brought back against them, it is unlikely that will happen based on the fact the virtual complainant in the matter never showed up to court.

When contacted for comment yesterday, Mr Bethel said: “The belief may be that someone caused for these officers not to be there, when in reality these officers may have very well been on duty on an assignment or in court working some other matter.

“It is usually because of duty. Far too many cases are thrown out from want of prosecution because we have far too little officers.

We have situations where we can’t sustain losing officers to their roles in court on the days in question. It is sad, but it is the reality.”

On Tuesday, former Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Thompson called on the senior command of the Royal Bahamas Police Force to give an account of why the pair failed to appear in court.

Mr Thompson called the officers’ absence a tragedy.

He said in his day, a tribunal would be formed to investigate the officers in question.

He told The Tribune: “A tribunal would be called by the commissioner of police... It was that simple.

You would face a disciplinary board to explain why you didn’t attend.”

Mr Thompson said there were cases in which officers have been punished with fines and even the loss of days off.

He also recalled a case in

which an officer was punished by a judge for not showing up to court. He said in that case, the officer was made to sit in on court proceedings for an entire day.

The group of ten discharged Monday are expected to seek “substantial damages” from the government for being “maliciously prosecuted” in the case, according one of their lawyers, Branville McCartney.

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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 .

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EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,

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

Published daily Monday to Friday

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When the going gets tough, run for the hills WHEN Dr Hubert A Minnis, the novice prime minister, appointed a press secretary, the news was met with a strong positive reaction from media.

Reporters who had been following Dr Minnis during the campaign knew he was a lone wolf, cunning but better alone than in a crowd. Young reporters and veterans alike also knew the dearth of information coming from the leader of the country had caused a problem for every administration and predicted it would be even worse under this government given the leader was, at the core, a medical professional who would rather prescribe than converse.

Here was a prime minister who was swept into power with a moral compass set to a fixed destination - rid the country of corruption and cronyism.

But he was not really a people person in stark contrast to all three previous Prime Ministers Lynden Pindling, Hubert Ingraham and Perry Christie who, despite disparate politics, shared one common trait - they loved a crowd.

They knew how to work it and milk it as well as a farmer knows how to get a cow to produce. They were masters at their political trade.

So when flesh-pumping reticent Dr Hubert Minnis took office and announced he would appoint ZNS-TV newscaster Anthony “Ace” Newbold as Press Secretary, there was a belief Mr. Newbold would honour journalists’ requests for information. He was, after all, also President of the Bahamas Press Club and had recently been appointed vice-president of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Press Clubs Federation which the Press Club made sure had a lot of coverage.

With a media population far larger than a country with such a small population would appear to command, competition is fierce and the thirst for news is never satiated. There was a widespread feeling among journalists in print, radio, TV and social media that at last they had someone to turn to get the latest when you needed information pertaining to the Bahamian equivalent of 10 Downing Street or the Oval Office.

But what started out with such promise has slipped into an unmitigated disjointed disaster. Initially, the plan called for a regularly scheduled meeting with the Press Secretary every Tuesday at 2:30 pm. Since the end of January through this past Tuesday, March 13, seven scheduled press briefings were scheduled. All but two have been cancelled, most with little notice.

The pattern is unmistakable and undeniable. Without fail, every cancelled press briefing was during a week when the administration was embroiled in controversial issues. When headlines shouted trouble, the Press Secretary was nowhere to be found.

We do not know whether the failure to meet the press five times out of seven was his call or the Prime Minister’s. We do know it was the wrong call and only served to further distance the media from the administration and create a wedge where the trust could have been built.

We traced the downturn of a good idea gone bad from mid-November when the Press Secretary presided over a press conference, smiling, proud to announce the creation of a Deliverables Unit in the Office of

the Prime Minister. By mid-January, as immigration abuses surfaced, beginning with the detention and mysterious disappearance of Bahamian-born Jean-Romy Jean Charles and proper enforcement seemed to take a back seat to corruption, the press secretary’s tone changed. Instead of dealing with the issues head-on, Mr Newbold told the press to “just stay tuned”.

By late January, there was a cornucopia of trouble – dump on fire again, shortage of beds at Princess Margaret Hospital, and the outrageous behaviour of the Speaker of the House who berated the wife of the Leader of the Official Opposition for her birthplace.

The answer to all that hot news: cancel the press briefing. The following week more than 100 residents of Jubilee Gardens filed a class action suit claiming they were “sickened to near death” by the toxic fumes of the burning landfill. Again, answer: cancel the press briefing.

By February 13, Jean-Romy Jean Charles was again in the headlines and again the answer: cancel the press briefing.

February 20 followed a slower news week and the press briefing went on as planned.

February 27, a different story, headlines revealed a dark secret that had been circulating for years, “Pay $3000 and you can go free.” For the first time a price on freedom was public. The answer: cancel the press briefing.

Now with the $5.5bn Oban Energies deal to build a crude oil refinery, storage and distribution facility in Grand Bahama arousing so much opposition it is hard to see any way it can proceed - despite government’s insistence that it will no matter what the public says this Tuesday’s press briefing was again cancelled.

Mr Newbold has attempted to explain away his absences by saying he is only authorised to talk to reporters when specifically directed by the Prime Minister and on decisions made by Cabinet.

If that’s the case, then both he and Dr Minnis would do well to widen the brief - and quickly.

This government needs to put itself centre stage in all debates.

Governing should be seen exactly like the campaign trail. What’s the message we want to get across today, agree the position and articulate it.

In this way, the government can to some degree set the agenda, feeding a media hungry for news to fill newspaper columns, radio and air time.

When the Press is left to fend for itself, they go hunting for stories. Just look what happened with Oban when Newbold and Dr Minnis adopted the ostrich position - journalists, for want of any government statement, just kept digging into Oban’s background and we all now know what they found.

Mr Press Secretary, you were not appointed to grin and be the bearer of good news only. Your job is not to feed serious media looking for answers a Hallmark card decorated with pretty flowers. Whatever the news, it is your task and your responsibility to deal with it honestly and not duck it lest you risk reducing the value of the post and earning the name Press Secretary of Ducking.

No airport hotel EDITOR, The Tribune.

VANTAGE-LPIA or NAD, a wholly owned Corporation of the Government of The Bahamas is calling for interested parties with a minimum of ten years in hotel development to indicate their interest in developing an hotel at LPIA for transit passengers and the like.

Sorry, Prime Minister - sorry Minister for Aviation… an absolute no to

this. This is not a necessity, Nassau will be well served by various levels of hotels B&Bs close to LPIA. May I suggest LPIA if you want to improve LPIA - smarten up the exit from Customs out to the taxi ramps etc…that is the dullest first impression one could have. Add some water fountains - some colour and plantings.

I am honestly amazed that LPIA incredibly gets such a high rating in the.

Airport surveys - have always said very badly designed totally unpassenger sensitive. I would be shocked to know the BP&L bills of LPIA… it is so badly designed.

We don’t need an Airport Hotel period. We need to sell NAD possibly retaining a small equity - the French are selling Paris airports.

ABRAHAM MOSS Nassau, March 9, 2018.

Oban are on a fishing expedition EDITOR, The Tribune.

MAY I give the Prime Minister and his cabinet some free advice on trying to get a refinery built.

You must find someone today unlike the past, who has an economic commitment to developing a refinery (they are not cheap).

You must also find someone with the assured funding, cash, no working over that.

You must also have a party who has a reason to refine their oil in that refinery.

Prime Minister, at the moment you have none of

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net the above but believe me there are potentials who could bring to the table.

No reputable oil party would ask for the concessions you have to Oban, who have zero experience in the business.

Your operatives speak about the big boys hiding - sorry to them if the big boys were interested they would have no problem being out front – open and transparent and no shadows. Oban has gone on a fishing trip!

Does the Prime Minister understand that once a story like the Oban one is on the internet it totally exposes The Bahamas and the government.

The signing might have been a PR stunt, but lord look at all the bad publicity that stupid stunt has given The. Bahamas and the conception that anything has changed - remember the FNM has constantly told us this is the most corrupt country (still unproven).

The idiot who proposed that should be fired.

W THOMPSON Nassau, March 8, 2018.

Attention needed at Cable Beach EDITOR, The Tribune.

CABLE Beach - walk with me and agree with me this area needs urgent attention.

(1) Goodman Bay roundabout south across to the Baha Mar builders waste yard - surely Baha Mar cab cover that ugliness? Is that approved as a Construction Yard anyway?

(2) The landscape workers - who gave them the authority to place red cones over half the road daily - I thought only the police may do that legally?

(3) ATV vehicles so many

of them obviously belonging to Baha Mar drive up and down unlicensed - why Road Traffic?

(4) Police bicycle riders - the sidewalk is for people not for you to ride on!

(5) We witnessed the massacre of some of the casuarina trees coming west of the last Baha Mar roundabout and the cutters stopped. Suspect whoever was doing it did not have permission. As ugly as they created it will actually look better, more attractive if you finish the massacre … eight nine more trees!

(6) Runners on Cable

Beach - let me be clear we all are very sad for the. Persons involved in the. Hit and run incident and her dying on the scene however runners should not be running in the road - runners as the Police advise must where highly visible deglo garments. The road is for vehicles.

(7) Paint directional signs on the road surface to assist in guiding drivers turning on the roundabout - no on seems to know the correct usage.

JENNIFER MILLER Nassau, March 1, 2018.

Police shootings EDITOR, The Tribune.

I WONDER why the choice of the Ministry of National Security to learn and be trained to counter police shootings should be somewhere seemingly in the US where so regularly

we hear of numerous reports of police shootings certainly with some involving innocent young people.

I do not read of police killings-shootings in Canada - certainly hardly any in England so I have to ask why is the Ministry

closing a place that needed to be. Trained themselves as the frequencies of police shootings is high? I hope the Ministry will advise us?

P K SMITH Nassau, March 14, 2018.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, March 15, 2018, PAGE 5

FAMILY CHALLENGES FATAL POLICE SHOOTING from page one

McKenzie was subsequently fatally shot by police.

ACP Fernander added that a weapon was found in the vehicle and a kilo of suspected cocaine was recovered from the scene.

McKenzie’s family says differently.

One of his relatives described McKenzie, 35, as a kind, hard-working man and father to a nine-yearold son.

In a letter to The Tribune, the relative claimed: “Sylvester was not troublesome, nor did he have any previous run-ins with the law.

“He was never arrested for any grievous crimes, nor was he one to indulge in any criminal activity to bring about harm to others.”

The relative criticised what she perceived as a smearing of McKenzie’s character by the media.

“We the family have sat back and watched for weeks, during our

bereavement, whilst the media tarnished and tried to destroy the reputation of a hard-working gentleman, whose only goal and mission in life was to provide for his loved ones.”

When asked her perspective of what happened that morning, the relative told The Tribune yesterday: “Well he lives through there (Cedar Way) actually.

He was shot one lamp pole away from his house.

“What happened was someone had come to pick him up. He grabbed his

plate of food, went outside into the car, and from what I heard there were gunshots.

“Somebody screamed, ‘Call the police, they’re shooting.’

“And someone else in the yard said, ‘Well that’s the police that’s shooting.’

“And by the time we got out there, police vehicles were out there and we couldn’t see anything. And I guess by that time he was already dead.”

The relative said the matter was sent to the

Coroner’s Court, but the family has “no idea” when it will come up.

She added: “He had a plate of food in his hand… it wasn’t like they were just outside, either parked in the car or even standing outside. He hopped inside the car and they were proceeding to drive off.”

The relative does not believe that a drug deal was taking place.

“Where the drug deal comes in, everybody is lost with this. Because there was no money found, they said

a gun was found and some drugs. But my thing is a deal, if it’s a drug deal, then what was the exchange?”

When contacted for comment by The Tribune yesterday, ACP Fernander said the police cannot comment beyond what was said at the scene.

He reiterated that the matter is before the Coroner’s Court, as the police “can’t investigate ourselves”.

Six people have been fatally shot by police so far, this year.

RETRIAL FOR MAN JAILED FOR SEX ATTACK ON GIRL

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

THE Court of Appeal yesterday ordered a retrial for the son of former Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes, who was previously sentenced to ten years in prison for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl entrusted to his wife’s care six years ago.

Appellate Justices Stella Crane-Scott, Roy Jones, and Milton Evans, quashed Joseph Foulkes’ conviction and sentence and allowed his appeal, before consequently remitting the matter to the Supreme Court for him to be retried at an “early” date.

Prior to that decision, Foulkes’ attorneys Christina Galanos and B’Jorn Ferguson relied on nine grounds of appeal in a bid to satisfy the court as to why their client’s extension of time application to appeal his sentence concerning the alleged 2012 incident should succeed.

However, the factors that proved crucial to the success of Foulkes’ application were two of his nine grounds, as well as an admission by Crown prosecutor Vernal Collie that Foulkes’ matter should have effectively been declared a mistrial based on the evidence given at trial.

On March 11, 2015, a Supreme Court jury returned a 7-2 guilty verdict against Foulkes for unlawful sexual intercourse concerning an incident that allegedly took place sometime between January 1, 2012 and June 30, 2012, but was not reported to the police until February in the following year.

He was sentenced to ten years in prison to run from the date of conviction.

A notice to appeal against conviction and sentence was filed on his behalf on June

JOSEPH Foulkes at a previous court appearance.

2, 2015. However, pursuant near the dresser. He then to Section 17 of the Court of proceeded to have sex with Appeal Act, Foulkes had 21 her for five to ten minutes. days in which to give notice “I told him I was hurting of appeal or of his application and he told me to shut up,” for leave to appeal – by April the girl said while testifying 1, 2015, therefore, he was previously, adding that after some 61 days late in doing so. he was done, the man finally Prior to the verdict, let her go to clean up.

Foulkes pleaded not guilty She said her abdominal to the single count of area and genitals were in unlawful sexual intercourse pain when she urinated and with which he was charged. upon wiping herself, she At trial, the virtual com- saw blood. Moments later, plainant testified that on a the man entered the bathSunday morning during the room and tossed her clothes period in question, she was at her to get dressed. at Foulkes’ wife’s house, a The girl said she declined to normal practice for her on immediately report the sexual weekends. The accused had assault because she was taken his wife to work before threatened and did not want returning to the house to to ruin her good relationship inform his son that he was with the wife of her attacker. going to take him to church.

The virtual complainant When he returned from said Foulkes had never been taking the child to church, inappropriate with her on he came into the bedroom previous occasions when she where the victim was watch- was alone with him. ing television and sat on the Yesterday, Ms Galanos, in bed before putting his hand acknowledging the four facon her chest and telling her to tors the court considers in get out of the bed. She hesi- deliberating on extension of tated, but once she was out of time applications, proffered the bed, he told her to take nine grounds of appeal puroff her clothes, which she did. suant to the satisfaction of He then told her to look the second factor. him in his eye, and when Those grounds included, she looked into his eyes as but were not limited to, that instructed, he told her he the trial judge erred when would choke her and kill her he permitted the Crown to if she told anyone about his ask a witness for the prosactions. She told the court ecution about an allegation she was asked to disrobe levied against Foulkes of a and that her alleged attacker similar nature, and that the instructed her to bend over judge erred when he did not

declare a mistrial after conceding that he did not believe that any foundation was laid for the Crown to go as far as it did in questioning a witness for the prosecution about allegations of a similar nature levied against Foulkes.

Regarding the former, Ms Galanos charged that before the Crown commenced its re-examination of the virtual complainant’s aunt in the absence of the jury, it made an application pursuant to Section 29 of the Evidence Act to enter evidence of Foulkes’ bad character on the basis that defence counsel asked their witness whether she was aware of Foulkes being accused of anything similar to the charge of unlawful sexual intercourse (to which the aunt’s reply was no), and that they were aware that the Department of Social Services had to remove Foulkes’ son from the home for a similar allegation.

Initially, the trial judge told the Crown he would not be prepared to allow prosecutors to embark on the line of questioning until he saw a report from the DSS. The Crown conceded that it did not have the report in its possession but intended to obtain it. However, the judge told the Crown he didn’t understand why the prosecution would make such an

application without being in possession of the report.

The trial judge took the position that as defence counsel opened the door on the issue, the Crown would be permitted to pursue the line of questioning in re-examination.

Ms Galanos thus submitted that the trial judge erred in allowing that line of questioning because the Crown was relying on allegations and not a conviction, and should have not been allowed to proceed; there was no evidence before the Court at that time that Foulkes was present to refute the allegation, thus making it “hearsay”; and that it was more prejudicial than probative.

Regarding the latter ground, which Ms Galanos submitted was an extension of the former ground, it was contended that the trial judge ought to have declared a mistrial after the “extremely damaging and inadmissible evidence was canvassed before the jury by the Crown.” She noted that the trial judge attempted during his summation to warn the jury not to consider the evidence in deliberating on a verdict.

However, Ms Galanos submitted that the damage had already been done and the trial judge was unreasonably “expecting the jury

to perform a nearly impossible task”.

Mr Collie, in response to Ms Galanos, noted that upon the Crown’s perusal of the evidence and the trial judge’s summing up of the facts of the case, the Crown had some concerns relative to the lack of direction pertaining to the bad character reference, as well as the admissibility of hearsay evidence.

“Perhaps it might have been better for the judge to discharge the jury at that stage,” he told the court.

Mr Collie then suggested that there was a good chance that some of Foulkes’ grounds would have a good prospect of success, but he needed more time to properly file submissions in response to same, which would mean an adjournment in the matter.

However, Justice CraneScott questioned Mr Collie for intimating that he would need an adjournment, stating that although he did not properly file submissions concerning the substantive appeal, because he already conceded that a mistrial ought to have been declared, there would be no reason to delay the inevitable.

The court then moved to allow Foulkes’ extension of time application to succeed, quash his conviction and sentence and allow his appeal.

PAGE 6, Thursday, March 15, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Davis: Minnis should get out of Oban deal

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

OFFICIAL Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis said yesterday there are sufficient incidents of “misrepresentation” concerning the proposed Oban Energies oil refinery for Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis to “extract” himself from the situation, adding given the current “cloudiness” of the project the Progressive Liberal Party could not support it.

Noting immeasurable reputation damage to The Bahamas as a result of the deal, Mr Davis said constituents were embarrassed by the government’s actions, which, he said, has eroded much of the public’s confidence in the Minnis administration.

This created doubts that this administration could govern honestly, openly and in the best interests of the people, he said.

The PLP leader further questioned who the “mystery man or woman” was who brought the project to the prime minister’s attention.

It was recently revealed Peter Krieger, Oban’s nonexecutive chairman, did not sign his own name at the heads of agreement signing at the Office of the Prime Minister on February 19, but that of Satpal Dhunna, the company’s president.

Government officials have since said the event was “ceremonial” but that was not disclosed at the time.

PHILIP “Brave” Davis in the House of Assembly yesterday. Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff Mr Davis also wanted to know whether the Cabinet ministers present at the signing were aware the event was only ceremonial.

Following the morning sitting of the House yesterday, the prime minister had no response to questions from The Tribune, except to say he would address the matter when he closed out the mid-year budget debate. He was specifically asked how the government planned to move forward with the project in view of the Bahamas National Trust declaring it does not see any scenario where it could support the construction of the oil refinery and storage facility.

“Under the current cloud of suspicious circumstances, the PLP could not support this agreement. There

could be little doubt that there could be no rational explanation for the conduct of the government on this issue,” the Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador MP said during his contribution to the mid-year budget.

“Cogent evidence is that the whole deal is fraught with flaws and if you are had, Mr Prime Minister, or if you were taken, Mr Prime Minister, there is sufficient instances of misrepresentations for you to extract yourself from this debacle.

“Otherwise I have the question to ask, who is the mystery man or mystery woman to bring this project to your attention to cause you to act in such shoddy a manner? Are they from Freeport or Nassau?”

He continued: “Let me tell you why. They cause

you, this mystery person or whoever, cause you on the 19th February to represent that the document they signed by the secretary of the Cabinet and Peter Krieger was in fact the heads of agreement. You didn’t say then that this was a ceremonial event for the cameras.

“Now the press has indicated that the man signing the document, Peter Krieger, did not sign his own name but he signed that of Satpal Dhunna, the president. What’s interesting, there’s a letter written by this Satpal Dhunna, (saying) ‘I authorised him to sign my name and you could do that.’ I could authorise you to sign my name and that’s perfectly okay. But you know, when I look at the signature

on the letter and the signature on the document that was laid, that raises further questions.

“There are enough instances for you to extricate yourself from this. You and your Cabinet were witnesses to the signing. None of you disclosed that this was not the real signing, but only ceremonial; I wonder if the persons who were witnesses who were Cabinet ministers knew they were participating in a ceremonial signing event. On the 1st March you tabled a document which is called the heads of agreement. When we saw it we all expected to see Krieger’s signature.

We saw Dhunna’s signature instead.

“But when you look at that signature and the signature on the letter, it raises questions again.

And it was never disclosed that the signing was a ceremony. That’s what causes the problem. When people raise matters and everyone starts running for cover.

This concept of ceremonial signing came up. All that was an afterthought so questions have to be asked.”

Mr Davis asked whether there was more than one document and whether the document signed by Mr Krieger with Mr Dhunna’s name, was the document tabled in the House.

He also said: “Was the document tabled in the House then a true and valid agreement? Whatever the answers to these searching questions, it is very difficult to have

a rational explanation for all these instances of misrepresentations.

“And that’s why I said if, Mr Prime Minister, you’ve been had or taken it’s important for you to extricate yourself from these matters. At the end of the day the country should be able to rely on the word of the prime minister. The prime minister has an ethical responsibility always to tell the truth. In fact, you have a legal responsibility not to deceive them.”

Dr Minnis has previously said he plans to “enumerate a lot of things” regarding Oban Energies when he speaks again in Parliament, and government sources this week told The Tribune that the prime minister was fully aware of the public backlash in response to the deal.

Since controversy surrounding the project reared its head last month, Mr Dhunna has responded to critics twice – first by way of a paid advertisement, and second by way of the release of his letter to the Office of the Prime Minister explaining his absence at the ceremonial signing.

On Monday, the Bahamas National Trust said it was “greatly concerned” about the location of the proposed facility in Grand Bahama, saying it cannot “envisage any scenario” where it could support the controversial project.

The organisation also suggested it has been kept in the dark about the deal, while noting the high risk oil refineries pose of air,

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from page one

The Immigration Act empowers the government to impose a fine of not more than $300 and/or a prison sentence of 12 months on anyone found guilty of landing in the country illegally.

The act also empowers the director of immigration to order the removal of such people from the country before their sentence expires.

In a statement yesterday, Attorney General Carl Bethel said the 230 people were deported from the country yesterday after what he called an historic exercise.

Forty-three of the deportees were already “awaiting deportation pursuant to a

deportation order executed by the substantive Minister of Immigration Brent Symonette,” he said.

“The deportation order made by the prime minister followed the finding

by Chief Magistrate Mrs Joyann Ferguson-Pratt, who held court in Mathew Town, that the migrants had illegally landed after they all pleaded guilty. The migrants were conditionally discharged on the condition that they should never enter the Bahamas illegally again.

“This is an historic first in the history of the Immigration Department where judicial oversight and evaluation of the circumstances of each individual immigrant was effectively implemented in the context of a mass

immigration event; and sends a clear signal to any intended illegal entrants to the Bahamas, the lawful authorities will move expeditiously in the future in accordance with law to enforce the immigration laws and thereby defend the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.”

The migrants apprehended Sunday came from three separate operations by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBPF).

The government’s handling of this recent wave of migrants comes against the backdrop of pressure the government has faced from immigration activists who have challenged in court longstanding immigration practices.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, March 15, 2018, PAGE 7

$45m deal signed for Harbour Island resort

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE government signed a heads of agreement yesterday with Michael Wiener, principal of 4M Harbour Island Limited, to develop a $45m world class tourism resort on Harbour Island.

Mr Wiener is an American who, Dr Minnis said, has a proven track record in real estate development, having developed projects in Hawaii and Texas, among others.

Up to 150 people will be employed during the construction stage of the project, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said, adding 72 permanent positions are expected to be available when construction is complete.

The developer has committed to ensuring a Bahamian work force of at least 70 per cent on the project, Dr Minnis said.

He stressed that the signing of the agreement at Cabinet Office yesterday was “the real thing,” not a “ceremony”, alluding to the controversial agreement signing involving Oban Energies that has dominated headlines in recent weeks.

Dr Minnis rebuffed questions about that oil storage and refinery project yesterday, insisting he will address it comprehensively during his mid-year budget communication, which is expected to take place next week.

He expressed confidence that due diligence has been performed on the proposed Harbour Island development.

“This project has been completed in its totality,” he said, referring to due

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and investor Michael Wiener at the heads of agreement signing at Cabinet Office yesterday.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff diligence efforts. “I spent in our Family Islands,” he “Mr Wiener’s vision for loyalist style design reflectthe entire last night making said. “This is part of our the transformation and ing the historic roots of the sure I went over every line desire to provide greater revitalisation of the vintage Dunmore Town settlement myself...but don’t twist opportunities in the Family property will bring a unique and will enhance the prodthat to say I didn’t go over Islands. It will serve to appeal to the southwest uct offering on Harbour Oban. I know how you will encourage Family Island coast of Harbour Island. Island,” Dr Minnis said. have headline tomorrow, residents to remain on the The marina property will “I am advised that the ‘PM did not read Oban.’” island of their birth, enjoy a be redesigned into a world project, in particular the It is not clear when con- sustainable future and pro- class, state of the art luxury marina component, has struction is expected to vide for the needs of their mega yacht based resort received the approval of begin on the project, but families. community with a wide the relevant government Dr Minnis said it will take “The $45m Harbour array of amenities consisting agencies, inclusive of the two and a half years to Island resort and marina of a marina, club house, res- Ministry of Transport and complete. development, due to be taurants, a retail and a resort Local Government and the “Today confirms my gov- completed in two and half residential community to Ministry of the environernment’s commitment to years, will enhance the include single and two-story ment. I am happy to say that accelerate the growth of natural attributes of Har- town homes with a total of Mr Wiener has committed the economy of the Baha- bour Island, invigorate and 28 guest rooms, ten villas to a 70 per cent Bahamian mas and in so doing uplift stimulate the economy of and a swimming pool. work force on this project the living standards of the Harbour Island and the “The 55-slip marina and for both construction works people of the Bahamas, surrounding Eleuthera resort will be distinctly dif- and business operations. It particularly those living communities. ferent with an architectural is expected that 150 persons

will be employed in construction positions and 72 permanent positions will be made available for business operations. The employment will be enhanced by on the job employee training.”

Dr Minnis added: “Entrepreneurial opportunities for local residents of Harbour Island are expected to flourish through tender bids which will be offered to Bahamian contractors.

Mr Wiener will over the course of the development work closely with local government and resident government offices to ensure maximisation of Bahamian employment and training. From a cultural perspective, entrepreneurial opportunities in the marina village will be made available to Bahamian entertainers, musicians, artists and artisans.”

Dr Minnis said some Harbour Island residents have already been consulted on the project.

“I am pleased to say,” he said, “that the Harbour island residents have voiced their overwhelming resort for the 4M project at a public consultation meeting held in Harbour Island on the 16th of November 2017. The residents are enthusiastically receptive to the development and eagerly await the potential economic developments.”

An environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the project has already been performed. Dr Minnis said the Bahamas Environment Science and Technology Commission (BEST) has reviewed the project. He said the heads of agreement for the project will be tabled in Parliament when he speaks.

PAGE 8, Thursday, March 15, 2018

How did the future get here so fast?

THE TRIBUNE

THERE is a phobia for just about everything. Fear of heights, fear of open spaces, fear of looking ridiculous, no just made that up. But the fear I find most relevant to all of us in The Bahamas is something I just learned the name of. It’s called Chronophobia and it is a fear of the future.

Because life here was once so amazing, the stories we hear about conch so plentiful you were annoyed at stubbing your toes on the mollusc in shallow grassy areas, because the storms largely hit elsewhere,

‘Bahamians are a resistant people. Not just resilient, resistant.

Resistant to change.’ because people were gentle and kind and there were no gangs, because life was just plain wonderful, we are caught in the conundrum of wanting to hold on to what was while knowing we have to go with what will be.

Or, in other words, for every one of us who is fascinated by space travel and believes there is a chance our son or daughter will one day visit Mars and say, with great nonchalance, ‘What’s next?’ I have to ask: so what ever happened to putting our pennies in a piggy bank?

It is not just that piggy

THE FUTURE may be bright for many in the world but for some the pace of life changes too quickly.

banks are giving way to digital wallets, mobile payments and, in some places, crypto currency - all of which I fully and eagerly embrace - but the penny

itself is fast becoming a relic of the past. One small example of the past bumping smack dab into the face of the future.

I don’t know about you,

but I for one would not regret the passing of the penny and assume The Bahamas will follow countries like Canada where the last penny was minted in May 2012. Canada is not alone. Britain, Israel and Spain have also stopped producing their smallest currency. In Britain, it was the half penny (pronounced hay penny, who knows why?)

Canada’s explanation for why it stopped producing pennies was simple. It cost the country 1.6 cents to make a one-cent piece.

Who can argue with that logic?

Maybe we should invite whoever had the courage to suggest the end was near for the penny come to The Bahamas where we have an innate will to overspend not to mention sticking with doing things the way we always did them no matter what, just because we always did them that way.

Take paying bills in person, for instance.

There are people who still believe the only way you can be sure your utility bill is paid and the company which provided the service accepted the payment and has no right to cut you off or you have every right to call them down for it, is to either stand in line and miss lunch or send someone to stand in line while you go to lunch. The longer the wait in line for either you or the poor soul you sent, the greater the sense of satisfaction that the deed was done and now you have the supreme comfort of knowing you and BPL or BTC or WSC or Cable are on even ground. This activity continues on a daily basis despite the ability to pay every bill online faster with greater safety and security than standing in line, forgoing lunch and carrying cash.

Bahamians are a resistant people. Not just resilient, resistant. Resistant to change. Putting a name, Chronophobia, to our fear doesn’t make it any less of a fear or a conflict. We want the latest cell phone on the market, but will hold that device while standing in line to pay a bill. We will wear a Fitbit to

track the number of steps we did in a day while we line up for our favourite snack at Bamboo Shack. We will take our flashy smartphone, our Fitbit and our playlist with our earphones and still stand in line to buy tickets for Junkanoo or the movie.

We are so convoluted when it comes to the present and the future that I worry if we are not concerned the future is barreling towards us at a pace we want to meet but are scared to confront.

I worry, are we on a collision course with ourselves?

Think of all that we have trashed. Like the piggy bank that we kept in our room and dropped our pennies in, saving for a bike, skateboard or roller blades, and the lessons we learned while saving. Like the stereo equipment that took up half a room and produced less sound than a fine set of speakers projecting the sound from our smartphone.

Life was not better in the old days in all ways.

Try spending a day without your cell phone now and see if you are not calling an ambulance for mental recovery. I am referring to piggy banks because I am fundamentally interested in

‘I worry if we are not concerned the future is barreling towards us at a pace we want to meet but are scared to confront.’

how fast things change and why we in the present are trying so hard to keep up lest we fall behind and everyone moves on while we are still tripping over our own slow shoes.

As for the fate of the Canadian penny, it is headed for recycling. Under a new business contract, armoured cars will collect all the pennies from banks and collectors willing to

‘Life was not better in the old days in all ways. Try spending a day without your cell phone now and see if you are not calling an ambulance for mental recovery.’ give them up and other vendors and take them to a location where they will be sorted by the metal content with those produced before 1997 and containing the most copper – between 95 percent and 98 percent bringing the greatest value.

At various times, the now defunct Canadian penny was mostly steel or zinc, but unlike ours, one side contained the picture of the Queen. The Bahamian penny with the coat of arms on one side and starfish on the other was first minted in 1966 when British currency gave way to Bahamian.

Between 1971 and 1985 it was actually made of brass so if you come across those, you may want to hold on to a piece of the past that will one day in the future pay off in a different way.

Wonder what we will offer for your thoughts if the penny goes the way of vinyl.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, March 15, 2018, PAGE 9

AUTO SHOW PROCEEDS TO AID TODDLER’S OPEN HEART SURGERY

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

ALTHOUGH he is only four years old, Ephraim Williams has already braved two open-heart surgeries and three catheterisations.

He still faces one more surgery to correct his condition, pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum.

“Pulmonary atresia is like a blockage,” Ephraim’s mother, Andrea Moxey, told The Tribune. “His right ventricle did not grow. The heart has four chambers, he basically has only three functioning.”

Ms Moxey detailed her son’s health struggles and expressed gratitude to the Antique Auto Club of The Bahamas. Proceeds from the organisation’s 31st annual antique auto show and cookout this Saturday will contribute to her son’s next surgery.

Ephraim was born on March 22, 2013, at the Princess Margaret Hospital.

According to his mother, he “started to lose oxygen (approximately) eight hours after birth”.

Fortunately, she said, “the (staff at PMH) acted very quickly, they were very good”.

“They realised something was wrong and they rushed him to the (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). And they said that he was very ill,” his mother said.

“They couldn’t detect it at the time because they were not specialists, but they said they believe it’s something with his heart.”

The next day, Ephraim’s doctor, Jerome Lightbourne, performed an echocardiogram (echo

ANDREA MOXEY and son Ephraim Williams. test) on the infant.

Four days later, Ephraim was airlifted to Miami Children’s Hospital. At three weeks old, he had his first catheterisation and his first

open heart surgery.

These procedures required that he stay in the hospital for a total of six weeks.

When Ephraim was

three months old, he had to undergo a second catheterisation. This was when the family realised that his US insurance coverage had been maxed out.

However, Ephraim still needed to have a second surgery after his first birthday.

This, Ms Moxey added, is when the Sir Victor Sassoon Heart Foundation stepped in.

She said: “(The Heart Foundation) paid for his second surgery. They paid for everything — the housing for us and the surgery.”

The surgery was completed at the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Florida.

Ephraim is now a happy four-year-old, but he still has one more major surgery on the horizon.

According to Ms Moxey: “This should give him complete oxygen, at least up to 97 percent, close to 100.

“Because right now he is just like between 75 and 85 (percent). We’re all supposed to be on 100 percent, he’s actually on like 85 percent oxygen. He cannot go further in life with that amount of oxygen to have a healthy life.”

Ms Moxey estimates that the cost of this surgery will be in the $70,000 range.

Through the Heart Foundation, Ephraim has been selected as one of the beneficiaries of the proceeds of the Antique Auto Show and Cookout.

Antique Auto Club director Murray Forde said the group was affected by Ephraim’s story.

Mr Forde said: “I was quite impressed with Ms Moxey and the story she told about the child’s illness and how knowledgeable she was about the various surgeries he had had to undergo.

“The main part of the event is the auto show. Our definition of ‘antique’ is 25

years old, although we often get some that we call ‘special interest’ that may not be 25 years old that are also welcome to be there.

“And anyone is welcome to display a car. If it doesn’t meet one of our classifications it may not be able to be judged but they’re quite able to display it.”

Mr Forde continued: “The cookout is the fundraising part, because every year we choose a charity involving needy children.

“Whatever we make on the show, every dime goes back to the community, to a charity to help the selected recipient.

“We also last year introduced a scholarship at (Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute), for $1,000 for a student involved in auto mechanics, and specially body works.”

This scholarship was created in memory of a founding member, Charles Johnson, who owned a successful body shop.

Mr Forde said every two years; the Heart Foundation is the charity the Antique Auto Club supports.

Despite his challenges, Ephraim is a happy little boy, his mother said.

“He’s grown happy and well. He’s progressed very well. We go every six months for echoes,” she said.

“The biggest side effect is he gets tired very easily.

He plays well just like every child. He’s learning, he’s talking, and he’s walking.”

• Tickets for the cookout can be purchased through Mr Forde (393-1892); Freeman Deveaux, Auto Club vice president & show chairman (424-9022); or Peter Armstrong, secretary (676-5760).

PAGE 10, Thursday, March 15, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

BRINGING LITERATURE TO LIFE SOME of those taking part in Carlton E Francis school’s literacy week displays and events.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/ Tribune Staff

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, March 15, 2018, PAGE 11

Gaming operators give $7.1m to help good causes in The Bahamas GERSHAN Major, CEO of The Bahamas Gaming Operators Association, announced yesterday that the association will allocate $7.1m this year to civic and corporate philanthropy, as part of its statutory requirement.

In a statement, Mr Major said the association has completed its 2018 budget and annual operating plan.

It is estimated that a total of $4.1m will derive from the statutory requirement from the industry for its civic and corporate responsibility. The association has committed to inject an additional $3m, bringing its total commitment to $7.1m for 2018.

This increase will assist the association in executing its planned social and philanthropic initiatives for the calendar year.

“I am so pleased that the board of directors have agreed to increase the association’s commitment for 2018, to ensure we are able to effectively fulfil our broader community building mandate in meeting our civic and corporate responsibility,” Mr Major said.

“The BGOA set out very early in this year, to focus on the areas of education, culture, sports, wellness, innovation in technology and entrepreneurship,” the association said.

“We recognise the tremendous need to continue to build a civil and functional society, where our people are afforded the opportunity to add value to the process with their gifts, talents and skills.

The local gaming industry continues to show its commitment to The Bahamas and its people in areas, which need the type and form of support we seek to provide. Additionally, the BGOA will

GERSHAN MAJOR significantly promote the awareness and education of gaming responsibly.”

The association it will soon launch an adopt-aschool programme, issue scholarships and create

community centres, among other plans.

The BGOA is a nonprofit organisation that represents the approved licensees of the domestic gaming industry.

PAGE 12, Thursday, March 15, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

NEW AIRPORTS COULD COST $70M

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

TWO multi-million dollar airports are in the works for Exuma and North Eleuthera, Tourism and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar announced yesterday, adding the new facilities could cost as much as $35m per project.

A new terminal and upgrades to the airport in Long Island are also proposed, the minister told Parliament yesterday.

While he did not give a ballpark figure for this undertaking, the Freetown MP said to expect the Public Treasury to pay for the airports is “unrealistic” and the government will look to public private partnerships (PPPs) to fund their construction.

He also warned “hackers” or pilots engaged in selling seats on planes without the appropriate licences for commercial activity to get properly certified and licenced, saying “no more” will they be allowed to carry out this practice.

“Everyone knows who the hackers are and I want to warn them, no more,” the minister said during his presentation to the mid-year budget debate yesterday. “Come into the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA) and get yourself and your aircraft properly certified and licensed.

“We want to be able to make an honest living (and) not operate in the shadows with a business that is endangering the lives of the flying public. Please come through the front door instead of hanging out at the back door.”

He said the BCAA has implemented a number of new measures to do away with “hacking”.

These include: evaluating the single pilot air operator requirements with the goal of streamlining the process to encourage illegal operators to become compliant; the institution of a more structured on the job training programme for inspectors; conducting various enforcement investigations in conjunction

with the legal council of the director general and capturing the new Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority logo to be displayed on approved operator aircraft among other things.

Regarding airports in the country, Mr D’Aguilar said the Airport Authority, although charged with managing 28 airports, receives a “pitiful” $6m.

With this budget insufficient to care for the needs of every airport, he said the authority has been asked to find new revenue streams.

“Every Family Island airport should have adequate seating, a roof that does not leak, air conditioning that works and a bathroom that is clean and functions,” he also said. “On the air side the bushes should be kept low, the runway lights should work and the perimeter should be kept secure. These are basic requirements.

“I am happy to announce the plans for the construction of a new airport in Exuma are well on the way and the plans for a new airport in North

Eleuthera are about to commence.

“These two airports are experiencing significant growth in passenger volumes and are therefore slated to receive completely new airport infrastructure in this upcoming FNM term.

“I want to educate the public that these airports are extremely expensive. I estimate ball park, back of the envelope calculation that each of these airports will cost at least $30m to $35m to build. To expect the state to fund the construct of these airports from the treasury is simply unrealistic. The government will look to enter into public private partnerships to assists in the funding.”

He explained that in entering into this agreement, the investor will expect to be paid by the introduction of a passenger facility charge for every passenger that uses these new airports. This will be new for Family Island airports, Mr D’Aguilar said.

DEATH IN WULFF ROAD WAS NOT MURDER

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net POLICE yesterday denied reports spread on social media which erroneously claimed a

man found dead outside of a Wulff Road bar Monday was murdered.

Police called social media reports of the claim “misinformation”.

Assistant Superintendent Shanta Knowles told The Tribune the deceased was a patron of the establishment who simply “died unexpectedly” as he left the building.

Shortly after the patron was declared dead

at the scene, pictures and reports of the incident were widely circulated on social media.

Those reports suggested he was killed just outside of the establishment.

Responding to those claims yesterday, Supt Knowles said while the death was unfortunate, the circumstances surrounding the discovery needed to be corrected urgently.

She said: “No. It was not a murder. He was someone who was at the bar, having a drink. When he was done, he exited the bar and he died. He collapsed to the ground and he died.”

Police continue to urge members of the public to always seek information from the police and trusted news agencies so as to avoid the spread and circulation of misinformation.

VACANCY NOTICE NEWS EDITOR Cable Bahamas Limited is seeking to employ an experienced News Editor. The successful candidate must have experience in Media and Editing and the ability to collaborate effectively with the Media team.

JOB SUMMARY The News Editor will be responsible for providing technical assistance with all aspects of the internal and external operations of OurTV -The Community Channel and all OurTV in-house productions with specific responsibility as a News Editor.

JOB DESCRIPTION • • • • • •

• • •

Responsible for the day to day editing requirements relative to OurTV news process; Providing technical support to OurTV news process; Assisting with the production and editing of materials needed for the community channel as deemed by supervisor; Assisting with camera operations where required; Providing production assistance on in-studio and field productions; Providing assistance with the general operation and maintenance of OurTV’ s production studios, edit suites and field equipment; Providing technical support for OurTV personnel including assisting with the Cable Cares Foundation and Corporate Media; Assisting with any and all aspects of the production process as related to the production original OurTV programming; Performing all other related tasks of OurTV operations (including directing, producing, editing, shooting, writing, lighting and audio) as assigned by Management.

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED • •

• • • • • • • • • • •

Post-secondary degree or certification in video production or related field; Computer literacy, with a good working knowledge of MAC Environments, Final Cut Pro 7 and 10, Adobe After Effects, Photoshop and Word, Excel and PowerPoint essential; Experience in ENG and or an EFP Production Environment; Strong Interpersonal skills to effectively work with team members within the departments and throughout the company; Reliability, punctuality and good interpersonal skills are essential; Ability to work independently with limited supervision; Ability to manage deadlines and high stress situations; Accuracy, neatness and efficiency; Effective communication skills, both oral and written; Excellent leadership skills; Physical dexterity required; Must be flexible to work in a dynamic environment to meet the needs of the organization; Demonstrate a high level of integrity and commitment to service.

Qualified applicants should submit Resumes on or before Wednesday, March 28, 2018, to the Director of Human Resources, PO BOX CB-13050, Nassau, Bahamas or send electronically with Ref: News Editor to humanresources@cablebahamas.com.

www.ub.edu.bs

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply for the position of:Executive Assistant to the President, responsible for providing comprehensive executive level support to ensure the overall efficiency of the President’s Office and manage the President’s administrative needs to advance the priorities of the office. Duties and responsibilities include: maintaining the calendar of the President by scheduling meetings with internal and external stakeholders; planning and coordinating meetings, in collaboration with the Chief of Staff, and other engagements for the President including reserving space, compiling agendas and materials, attending to any catering and set-up needs, and arranging travel and accommodations; preparing internal and external correspondence; assisting in the processing of purchase orders, vendor contracts, and other routine financial transactions, in accordance with university policy; and prioritizing items requiring the President’s immediate attention, re-routing matters to the appropriate Vice President, with notation to the President of action taken.

A minimum of a master’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college/ university and a minimum of 3-5 years of administrative experience, preferably in higher education or executive setting, are required.

Applicants should deliver a completed application package, by hand, to the attention of Maelynn Seymour-Major, Chief of Staff, Office of the President

by Friday, 30th March, 2018.

Dean of Students, Oakes Field Campus, with primary responsibility for creating and maintaining a safe, healthy, and supportive environment and culture that blend the intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual development of University of The Bahamas students. Duties and responsibilities include: providing operational direction and coordination for Health Services, Residence Life, Campus Life, Intramural Sporting activities, and Student Leadership; serving as advisor for Student Government; managing student complaints, facilitating the resolution of disagreements and coordinating the disciplinary process; developing and coordinating policies and procedures relative to all student activities; and preparing all required administrative and student affairs reports, including annual and other reports, operational plans and analyses.

A Doctorate or Master’s degree from an accredited university in Student Affairs Administration, Student Development, Education or other directly related field; experience in Student Affairs Administration; and excellent leadership and managerial skills with evidence of programme development, budget management, evaluation and supervision in Student Affairs are required.

Persons interested these positions should submit the following documents via email to hrapply@ub.edu.bs and the attention of the Assistant Vice President, Human Resources, by Friday, 6th April, 2018: • A completed University of The Bahamas Application for Employment (www.ub.edu.bs/wpcontent/uploads/2017/01/Application-for-Employment-Staff.pdf);

• A cover letter of interest highlighting work experience and accomplishments relevant to the position; • Current Curriculum Vitae or Resume; • Copies of Relevant Qualifications and Certificates; • Copy of the relevant pages of a valid passport showing passport number, photo identification and expiration date; • Copy of N.I.B Card; • One passport photo; • Copy of official transcript; • At least three, written professional references.

For more information on each position announcement visit: https://www.ub.edu.bs/about-us/career-opportunities/ .

THE TRIBUNE

AFTER UK SLAPS PENALTIES ON RUSSIA ATTENTION TURNS TO TRUMP WASHINGTON Associated Press

AFTER the brazen poisoning of a former spy, British Prime Minister Theresa May quickly pinned the blame on Russia. So did US secretary of state Rex Tillerson, in what ultimately became one of his last public statements before being fired.

But at the White House, President Donald Trump’s initial response was more circumspect, with his spokeswoman pointedly avoiding naming Russia as the likely perpetrator of the attack. Tougher rhetoric came only on Wednesday evening, when White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders put out a statement saying the US “stands in solidarity with

RUSSIAN Ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia, left, and British Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations Jonathan Allen, right. its closest ally” and shares Britain’s assessment that “Russia is responsible for the reckless nerve agent attack”.

For US allies and some congressional lawmakers, it was another befuddling example of the president appearing to soft-pedal in the face of Moscow’s

provocations. Some Russia watchers said the fact that the US had to play catch-up to align itself with the British was glaring, particularly at a time of uncertainty over the trajectory of American foreign policy.

“It’s striking the contrast between what the Brits have done and what

Happy BIRTHday MINISTER SaNdS “Great and Good are Seldom in the same Man” WINSTON CHURCHILL

We hope the avalanche of birthday wishes is a welcome respite from pesky reporters, the usual political posts; requests from your Cabinet colleagues; other fellow doctors, Ministry of health and Public Hospitals Authority ENJOY YOUR DAY !

the US has not done,” said Angela Stent, director of Georgetown University’s Center for Eurasian, Russian, and East European Studies. Stent said that while it’s unlikely the US would levy new sanctions on Russia over an incident on British soil, “you would still expect solidarity” from Washington.

The pressure on Trump to forcefully respond to the poisoning of Sergei Skripal, a former Russian agent convicted of spying for Britain, and his daughter Yulia escalated Wednesday when May announced the expulsion of 23 Russian diplomats and severed high-level contacts with Moscow. May also vowed both open and covert action against Russia, which denies being behind the nerve agent attack.

Thursday, March 15, 2018, PAGE 13

PAGE 14, Thursday, March 15, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

15 YEARS EXTRA PRISON TIME FOR ATTEMPTED KILLERS

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

TWO men, previously sentenced to a decade in prison for attempting to murder another man in 2012, yesterday had their prison time increased by 15 years after the Crown successfully appealed their “unduly lenient” sentences.

Appellate Justices Stella Crane-Scott, Roy Jones and Milton Evans substituted a sentence of 25 years for Vilner Desir and Delano Taylor after allowing the Crown’s appeal of a Supreme Court judge’s

ruling concerning the attempted murder of Jefferson Pierre Louis on March 22, 2012.

According to the facts, Louis was standing at the front of Tom’s Bar, Quakoo Street on the date in question when three men walked past him.

After doing so, however, the three men then turned in his direction and started shooting at him.

After realising that he had been struck in his neck, Louis ran towards East Street. As he was running he noticed that the other men were following him and that they all had

handguns. He also noticed they were firing at him.

Louis “blacked out” on East Street, and woke up in hospital. He was treated for gunshot injuries to the right shoulder and neck. On June 15, 2012, Louis identified Desir and Taylor as two of the men who shot at him.

Desir and Taylor were convicted on November 3, 2014 by a Supreme Court jury, and consequently sentenced to 10 years in prison on January 21, 2015, with 18 months to be deducted for the time spent on remand.

Yesterday, Crown prosecutor Kendra Kelly submitted that the trial

judge, Senior Justice Vera Watkins, failed to attach sufficient weight to the facts of the case and consequently passed an unduly lenient sentence on the two.

Another issue raised was whether the trial judge went outside the normal sentencing range for such an offence, which Ms Kelly submitted is between 30 to 60 years. Thus, Ms Kelly asked for a sentence of at least 25 years to be substituted.

Desir’s attorney Christina Galanos submitted in response that while the Crown outlined what it felt was an appropriate sentence in the appellate

court, it did not mention any sentencing range when the opportunity arose for it do so in response to Desir’s plea in mitigation in the lower court.

Ms Galanos also outlined several cases where Supreme Court judges did not sentence the respective convicts within the 30-60 year range, and the Crown did not appeal the sentence.

Nonetheless, Justice Crane-Scott noted, in concurrence with the Crown’s submissions, that nowhere in the trial judge’s ruling is an assessment of the seriousness of the offence, which she said was an “unprovoked attack” by

three men, who were all wielding guns.

Justice Crane-Scott also said the trial judge seemed “overpowered” by the personal circumstances of the accused outlined in their respective probation reports, but stated that consideration of those circumstances comes after an appreciation of the facts of the case and the seriousness of the offence.

The appellate court thus allowed the Crown’s appeal against the sentences of both men, and imposed a 25-year sentence set to run from the date of conviction and minus the time spent on remand.

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

VACANCY NOTICE PRODUCTION ASSOCIATE Cable Bahamas Limited is seeking to employ an experienced Production Associate. The successful candidate must have experience in Media and Camera work and the ability to collaborate effectively with the Media team.

JOB SUMMARY The Production Associate will be responsible for assisting with all aspects of work related to the internal and external technical operations of OurTV. JOB DESCRIPTION • • • • • • • •

• •

Responsible for the electronic news gathering function as it relates to OurTV, inclusive of but not limited to Primary Camerawork, ENG Field producing and Editing; Liaising with our strategic news partner for the purposes of gathering news and the technical production of the same; Studio and field camera operation; General IT Support for the OurTV Department. This includes troubleshooting and software support where necessary; Maintenance of the quality standards for broadcast on internal and external productions; Liaising with the Technical Manager on all technical aspects as related to the operation of the Community Channel; Liaising with the Administrative Producer and Executive Producer as related to the production needs of the Community Channel; Operation of OurTV programming which includes directing, producing, editing, shooting, writing, lighting and audio as deemed by your immediate supervisor; Submission of daily production reports to your supervisor; Perform allother media related task as assigned by management.

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED •

•

• • • • • • • • • • •

Post-secondary degree or certification in video production or related field; Computer literacy, with a good working knowledge of MAC Environments, Final Cut Pro 7 and 10, Adobe After Effects, Photoshop and Word, Excel and PowerPoint essential; Experience in ENG and or an EFP Production Environment; Strong Interpersonal skills to effectively work with team members within the departments and throughout the company; Reliability, punctuality and good interpersonal skills are essential; Ability to work independently with limited supervision; Ability to manage deadlines and high stress situations; Accuracy, neatness and efficiency; Effective communication skills, both oral and written; Excellent leadership skills; Physical dexterity required; Must be flexible to work in a dynamic environment to meet the needs of the organization; Demonstrate a high level of integrity and commitment to service.

Qualified applicants should submit Resumes on or before Wednesday, March 28, 2018, to the Director of Human Resources, P.O. BOX CB-13050, Nassau, Bahamas or send electronically with Ref: Production Associate to humanresources@cablebahamas.com.

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