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VOLUME:114 No.84, MARCH 22ND, 2017

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SPORTS: UNITY FOR BASEBALL ORGANISATIONS AFTER YEARS OF TALKS

Baha Mar is ‘handed over’ Questions still remain despite ceremony

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net IN THE absence of a casino operator licence and no definite answers on when guest reservations will be accepted, China Construction America officially “transferred” mega resort Baha Mar to Hong Kong-based Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Ltd yesterday.

The transfer was executed by CCA handing over to CTFE its Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO), which now allows visitors to occupy rooms and utilise other resort amenities.

Describing himself as feeling an “incredible degree of pleasure”, Prime Minister Perry Christie adopted a celebratory tone but chastised critics, saying those who are rooting for the project to fail for po-

THE FIRE at the city dump is about 90 to 95 per cent extinguished, Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller said yesterday, adding that 95 per cent of Jubilee Gardens

By SANCHESKA BROWN Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THROUGH a stream of tears and uncontrollable sobs, Nakesha Williams yesterday said she cannot understand how someone could have shot her 13-yearold son and 15-year-old nephew multiple times and then leave “her babies” on the side of the road “to die like dogs”.

In an exclusive interview with The Tribune, Ms Williams said her heart is broken into “a million pieces” as she pleaded with the public to provide any information they might have to the Royal Bahamas Police Force about the murder of the young boys.

Keishon Williams, 13, and Davante Lindsey, 15, of Knowles Drive, Bozine Town, were discovered shot to death early on Sunday morning on a dirt road off Graham Drive, Yellow Elder Gardens.

SEE PAGE FIVE

INGRAHAM COMPLAINTS DISMISSED BY DEPUTY PM PRIME Minister Perry Christie and Graeme Davis, CTFE president, pictured outside the Baha Mar casino yesterday.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff litical purposes should feel terrible about doing so.

During comments that were seemingly directed at Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr Hubert Minnis, Mr Christie added that he could not imag-

ine how anyone who cares about people would continue to “distort” the truth about the “real” West Bay Street development.

Asked when the resort would begin taking guest reservations, Graeme Da-

vis, CTFE Bahamas president, said this would commence “very, very soon” with the launch of Baha Mar’s advertising campaign.

He went on to suggest that non-paying guests would “fill” the resort on

its first day of operation, explaining that guests were “invited” for Baha Mar’s celebration and ribbon cutting to commemorate its opening.

SEE PAGE TWO

FIRE MOSTLY EXTINGUISHED, MILLER TELLS JUBILEE GARDEN RESIDENTS

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

‘WHO COULD LEAVE MY BABIES TO DIE LIKE DOGS?

residents are back in their homes.

“The smoke is billowing from the belly of the fire from down below because it’s like 60 feet underground. There’s nothing you could do about it. It has to burn itself out and people are still using the fire re-

tardant from the airplanes to deal with the issue. It’s an expensive exercise but we got to do it,” he told The Tribune.

Mr Miller also participated in a town hall meeting in the area last night concerning the fire problem. Tensions were high.

When Mr Miller called the fire situation “untenable”, a man repeatedly shouted: “What y’all gon do about it?”

Mr Miller said in response: “You stay there and listen okay?”

When the man kept voicing his objections, Mr Mill-

er responded: “Brother, stop making noise out here man.”

At the meeting, papers were disseminated appealing to people who want to bring a lawsuit against the government.

SEE PAGE SIX

UNION LEADER SUPPORTS GOVERNMENT OVER CHANGES TO NATION’S LABOUR LAWS

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Electrical Workers Union President Paul Maynard yesterday backed the government’s proposed amendments to the country’s labour laws, calling the gripes expressed by business owners an over reaction to necessary change.

In an interview with The

Tribune, the outspoken unionist applauded the efforts of the government to “protect Bahamians”, insisting that those opposing the moves are simply, “childish and stupid”.

Employers across the country have expressed opposition to the proposed changes since the amendments were tabled in the House of Assembly last Wednesday.

Tribune Business on

Monday reported that the nation’s biggest employers, including some of the largest hotels, are mulling whether to impose a wages and hiring freeze in retaliation for the government’s decision to force the amendments “down our throats”.

This followed reports that The Bahamas Hotel and Restaurant SEE PAGE SIX

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net IN DEFENCE of the government’s fiscal performance this term, Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis yesterday dismissed criticisms levelled by former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham as complaints from an “alternative universe”.

Mr Davis claimed that Mr Ingraham was “missing the spotlight”, suggesting that the former leader’s comments were motivated by the pain of watching his successor - Dr Hubert Minnis - “wander around in a fog of incoherence”.

SEE PAGE SIX

PROCESSED MEAT FROM BRAZIL BANNED

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net THE MINISTRY of Agriculture and Marine Resources yesterday announced a ban on all processed meat imports from Brazil for the next two months as a precaution following the shocking bribery scandal unfolding in the South American country.

SEE PAGE SIX

PAGE 2, Wednesday, March 22, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Baha Mar is ‘handed over’ Officials plan to launch the stalled resort in phases beginning with a soft opening on April 21.

At this time the golf course, the Grand Hyatt, the Convention Centre and other amenities will be opened.

Mr Davis said there is a very short term booking window with an “incredible amount of pent up demand”, adding that there are no concerns in this regard.

“Today Baha Mar is being transferred to a world class company, one that successfully manages prestigious hotels across the world, including three successful resorts in the Caribbean one in Antigua, one in Bermuda and one in the British Virgin Islands,” Mr Christie said as he was flanked by Cabinet ministers and Baha Mar officials at the entrance to the resort’s casino.

“This new owner has actually increased their capital marketing and preopening investment from $200m to $250m. We are grateful for such a strong level of experience and investment to usher in new opportunities for the Bahamian people.

“This weekend I remarked on the exciting progress leading up to the April 21st opening of the Baha Mar resort. I said I would be here this week because this is real. Everyone who is here today can feel the excitement and the activity. I for myself have seen new employees who are coming in for training and moving forward all on

THE HANDING over of Baha Mar yesterday in front of the resort’s casino. course to make this project rooms ready (and) they are ties are going to be a meangoing to start cooking in the ingful change for a lot of Baa big success.”

Mr Christie continued: kitchen this evening again hamian families and that’s “Baha Mar like Atlantis as a practical demonstra- what it’s all about and that’s why we worked so hard to will then open in phases tion of getting ready.

“They are probably going make sure that Baha Mar with more job opportunity at every phase and ... I was to have employees sleep in was delivered to successful told as we were walking a couple rooms. They’ll be and to safe hands.

“My final words are here ... that the guest rooms able to practice the profiare being made ready, the ciency that will be required to those who are rooting soap and other accoutre- and so it is all go and it is all against the success of this project for political purments are being put into the go right now. It is real.

“Ladies and gentlemen, poses. They would be best rooms, the rooms are being made ready, the house- no one knows better than I advised not to do so and to keepers are up there now how these jobs will change feel terrible about doing so.

“If they could actually working and getting those lives. These new opportuni-

MINISTER of Tourism Obie WIlchcombe yesterday.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff see the hope and excite“That is the intention and ment and anticipation on I can’t imagine anyone who the faces of the people who cares about people who are being employed here. would continue to distort These are new employees, the truth about this wonmany of them working for derful edifice. the first time in this kind “It’s going to have an of environment. It is a de- enormous economic imfining life experience for pact on people, it’s going them and they will take up to give people a new lease ownership of this particu- on life and I’m going to lar hotel resort complex be so happy driving up and they are going to make and down here and watchit one of the finest resort ing people come back and complexes in the entire forth to work,” Mr Chrisworld. tie added.

GRAEME DAVIS, CTFE president, speaking to the media yesterday.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, March 22, 2017, PAGE 3

SENIOR PLPs including Prime Minister Perry Christie toured the Baha Mar casino yesterday as it was announced that the resort was being handed over to Chow Tai Fook Enterprises. takes time, but we want to Ready for business During his remarks yes- get it right. So we are being terday, Mr Davis said execu- thoughtful. We’re making tives have already employed sure that we take the right 1,000 Bahamians, who will actions and the right steps face additional training to so whatever you read in the better serve guests. Reser- papers it is real and we are vations will not be accepted opening and we are excited until Baha Mar’s advertis- to have our guests come ing campaign is launched, here very, very soon and join us.” he said.

Mr Davis added that he No funny business was thrilled to receive the Addressing concerns TCO, now allowing guests to sleep in rooms, cook in about casino equipment beBaha Mar’s kitchens and ing delivered to the resort have staff trained for the in the absence of a casino licence and rooms being next 30 days.

“It’s a huge process for us filled by invited non-paying to be open. We’re excited guests, Tourism Minister (and) we’re ready,” Mr Da- Obie Wilchcombe said there was nothing extraorvis said.

Asked to comment on the dinary about either of these status of the casino licence, developments.

“If you remember Baha Mr Davis said it was in the Mar had equipment in process of completion.

“The casino licence is the place and some of the well underway. We have equipment had to go out,” been given the approvals to Mr Wilchcombe said. “The order the machines as the company was saying they prior developer had the ma- wanted their equipment chines in place (and) train- because Baha Mar was not ing underway before their proceeding and so it’s not unusual because it’s part licence was received.

“We are in the same pro- of the installation and a cess as they were. We re- part of what we have to do ally need to make sure that in gaming is approve the we’re ready, but that process equipment. So that’s a part is moving along smoothly of the process and the trainand we don’t expect any ing takes place.

“At a particular point in concerns. We have a public hearing coming up and we the due diligence they’ll get permission for them are ready to present.”

He continued: “We are to bring the equipment in PRIME Minister Perry Christie and Graeme Davis, CTFE president touring the casino yesterday.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff already full for our first day, and that has been done and so we have invited guests so now we’re going to the going on, you tweak based and so it’s a part of the ment and external affairs, Mar resort “to a qualified told Tribune Business that and respectable purchaser that are already invited and next step, which will be the on what you get from the preparation progress.”

Prime Minister Perry CTFE had agreed “to take who believes in Bahamiare coming for our celebra- public hearing and soon guest. So you’ll be seeing tion ribbon cutting. But it’s after expect the recom- that over the next couple of Christie announced Baha possession and operate por- ans,” should the Opposition open to the public here to mendation to come from weeks because, right now, I Mar’s sale to CTFE last tions of the resort” until its party win the next general deal with the China Export- election. come and enjoy the beauti- the Gaming Board. But expect some of the employ- December.

Since then, the matter has Import Bank could close. ful fountain shows. Our res- the gaming board works ees to be spending nights In a statement posted been one of contention and Mr Sands’ comments on his Facebook page, Dr taurants, our bars, of course in isolation away from our here. our casino will be fully op- offices and then they make “This is really to get into its April 21 opening brand- came after Mr Davis trig- Minnis also said this buyer erational, our golf course the recommendation,” he the proficiency to ensure ed “an election gimmick” gered a renewed onslaught would use only Bahamian will be fully operational, said. that we can, in fact, run this after it was confirmed that from Opposition politicians labour to complete the Regarding the resort be- property because look at the acquisition by CTFE by confirming that Baha beleaguered resort, while our convention centre will be fully operational as well. ing filled with invited guests the brands that you have? will not close until all con- Mar will open without its again promising that his “Again we are launching on its first day, Mr Wilch- You have to remember now struction work is complet- sale being completed. party would make public Earlier this month Dr the details relating to the our marketing campaign,” combe said it was “nor- that the standards are so ed.

Last month, Robert Minnis pledged that his Baha Mar deal and any mal”. “They want you to be high. They have to get to a Mr Davis said.

“We’re just doing the fi- the test so you come in, you particular level. You only Sands, Baha Mar’s senior party will “engage and exe- other government dealings nal touches there. Again it look at everything that is get there through practice vice-president of govern- cute a real sale” of the Baha with Chinese investors.

FITZGERALD: MINNIS MUST RESIGN WHEN BAHA MAR OPENS

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

WHEN the $3.5bn mega resort Baha Mar opens on April 21, Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis must resign because of his continued negative pronouncements - particularly that the West Bay Street project would not open, Marathon MP Jerome Fitzgerald said yesterday.

Speaking to reporters following the morning session of Cabinet, the Education Minister said previous comments attributed to Dr Minnis regarding Baha Mar were “unfortunate” and had a negative impact on the progress of the development and its employees.

PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts echoed similar sentiments, questioning whether Dr Minnis would issue a statement of congratulations to the government and the new owner of Baha Mar. Mr Roberts said failing to do so would affirm that former developer Sarkis Izmirilian still has Dr Minnis “on the leash”.

“At the end of the day, I understand Dr Minnis and the FNM has been really pulling and rooting against the Bahamian people although they say it’s the people’s time,” Mr Fitzgerald told reporters.

“If they do believe it’s the people’s time then they will be supporting this opening and, at the end of the day, I hope now after all Dr Minnis has said when this property does open on April 21st that he will resign because he should resign if he is that positive that the resort will not open.

“It’s unfortunate the things that he has said. It has really had a negative impact on the development and on the employees who are going to be working there.

Many of them who are supporters I’m sure of the Free National Movement and are wondering why he is making these ridiculous statements. Obviously, he has no appreciation of the work and the co-ordination that went into ensuring that this day came about or he absolutely does not care and is saying what he says strictly for political reasons.”

He said as far as the

government is concerned, everything regarding Baha Mar was exactly the way it was put to the public over the last several months.

“There has been no deviation and, if there was, we would have been the first to come forward and say ‘listen something has happened that gives us concern with regard to what we’ve said earlier with the scheduled roll out and what we said’, but as it is now everything has worked exactly the way we have said it.”

For his part, Mr Roberts said to have reached the transfer of Baha Mar from China Construction America to Chow Tai Fook Enterprises is expected to send “naysayers’ tongues wagging”.

He said: “In life, while they ‘march,’ you work.

While they talk, you act.

Two powerful lessons taught and things I’ve grown to love about our Prime Minister (Perry Christie) is that, everyone doesn’t deserve a response and the best leaders are the ones who speak through action (one of the many reasons for my reduction in political commentary this year).

“When Chapter 11 was filed, they criticised, he stayed silent. When the winding up petition was filed, they criticised, he stayed silent. When receivership was filed, they criticised, he stayed silent. The media demanded he speak, they criticised, and he stayed silent. However, his silence wasn’t because he didn’t have anything to say, but rather, because he and his government were hard at work, getting the job done.”

He added: “Today, the construction company handed over the keys to the operator, paving the way for Baha Mar to finally open.

In one single act, the PM has now silenced his critics, and spoke louder than any press conference or release ever could. To achieve your life’s goals, avoid distractions, and stay focused; while humbly and quietly making moves. Your work and results will speak for you.”

Earlier this month Dr Minnis pledged that his party will “engage and execute a real sale” of Baha Mar “to a qualified and respectable purchaser who believes in Bahamians,” should the

Opposition party win the next general election.

Dr Minnis also said this buyer would use only Bahamian labour to complete the beleaguered resort, while again promising that his party would make public the details relating to the Baha Mar deal and any other government dealings with Chinese investors.

He 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 at the time.

“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 opening date, just weeks ahead of what will be our general election,” Dr Minnis said.

PAGE 4, Wednesday, March 22, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

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Brazil’s president: Meat scandal is ‘economic embarrassment’ SAO PAULO (AP) — President Michel Temer called Brazil’s scandal over the sale of expired meat an embarrassment Tuesday as more countries suspended some meat imports from the South American nation.

On Tuesday, Hong Kong, Japan and Mexico announced that they were halting at least some Brazilian meat imports.

They joined the European Union, China and Chile, dealing a major blow to the struggling economy of a country that is among the world’s largest exporters of meat.

Temer sought to play down the scandal, calling it a “fuss” and noting that only three of the more than 4,000 meatpacking plants in Brazil had been forced to close. But he acknowledged the case has caused “an economic embarrassment for the country”.

Brazilian investigators charge that health inspectors were bribed to overlook the sale of expired meats. Police also allege that the appearance and smell of expired meats was improved by using chemicals and cheaper products like water and manioc flour.

Brazil’s trade associations for beef, pork and poultry producers warned that the scandal could have a big effect on employment and the economy because the sector’s exports represent 15 percent of total exports. Beyond that, cattle-raising is an integral part of Brazil’s culture, Sunday barbecues are a weekly rite, and country music from the grasslands is popular throughout Brazil.

Gilberto Braga, a finance professor at Ibmec University in Rio de Janeiro, said the news might also feed an image of Brazil as a country where corruption is rampant. Separate from the meat scandal, police and prosecutors are currently investigating massive corruption at the state oil company that has implicated dozens of executives and politicians.

“First there is an impact on the image and credibility, which affects not only the protein producing sector, and that refers to beef, chicken, but is also a blow to the country’s image, as an organized and serious country,” said Braga. “It is a country that has in the last few years lived through matters of corruption involving

authorities and state companies, and now the inspection is being suspected (of corruption).”

So far, Brazil’s government has barred the exports of meats from 21 plants being investigated, but that has not fully allayed concerns of the countries it exports to.

Sales for internal consumption in Brazil are not affected.

On Tuesday, there was a new cascade of new suspensions. Japan said it would halt the import of Brazilian poultry as well as all other products from the meatpacking companies under investigation, according to a statement on the Japanese Embassy’s website. Hong Kong’s Center for Food Safety said that it would temporarily suspend imports of frozen and chilled meat and poultry.

Finally, Mexico’s Food Health Board announced it was suspending imports of Brazilian chicken and turkey meat. It said Mexico doesn’t buy beef or pork from Brazil.

Meanwhile, the US Department of Agriculture said in a statement that it had instituted testing of all Brazilian shipments of raw beef and ready-to-eat products for pathogens and had increased the examination of those imports.

Brazil did get a small reprieve on Tuesday, when South Korea decided to lift a ban it had put in place on chicken products from BRF, one of the companies involved in the scandal. It said it will continue to strengthen inspections on Brazilian imports, however.

Despite the about-face, supermarket chains in South Korea were pulling Brazilian chicken products from the shelves Tuesday.

Previously, the European Union had temporarily barred the companies involved in the scandal from shipping to the EU, and Chile had announced a temporary suspension of Brazilian meat imports. China is preventing Brazilian meat from being unloaded in its ports.

On Friday, police issued 38 arrest warrants related to the probe, naming several companies including giant meatpackers JBS and BRF. Both have denied wrongdoing.

By Sarah DiLorenzo, Associated Press

We March on the wrong track EDITOR, The Tribune.

IN order to express their displeasure at the persistent problems caused by the fire at the dump, the WeMarch group is planning another protest march in April 2017.

To what end I ask? Multiple groups and individual Bahamians have already expressed their frustration with the incompetent, but predictable way the government has handled this situation. Bahamians are frustrated to no end with the way this government has mismanaged all aspects of governance. It is my opinion that Bahamians do not need to walk in the hot sun again and again to simply express their frustrations, Bahamians want change.

The WeMarch ‘movement’ is the first organisa-

tion that has connected with grass root Bahamians in a palpable way for decades.

They have accomplished something that fledgling political parties in this country have failed to do, unite Bahamians around the shared reality of poor, inept, corrupt governance. This organisation, in my opinion, would be much better served if that energy was harnessed to bring real change at the polls.

A properly articulated manifesto with proposed solutions to common problems plaguing this country, while building upon the strong grass root support that they already have could make them a dark horse, if they decide to become serious. Voters like me cannot vote for the PLP and will not vote or FNM (with Hubert Minnis as leader).

I believe the level of support the FNM can attract would increase substantially, should he rightfully resign, but ego won’t allow him. The DNA (Don’t know Anything) deserves no consideration at all for people serious about the future of this country.

Bahamians have seen what career politicians have to offer and are not impressed. Many who have registered to vote may not because they loathe the choices now available. If WeMarch wants to be serious and really wants their voice to be heard, don’t get sweaty screaming in the hot sun, offer Bahamians another choice on election day.

JB Nassau, March 21, 2017

Methane and the dump EDITOR, The Tribune.

duced is such that it is sold as a commercial product.

WHY does the dump If the gas produced under burn? Is it old cars or just the landfill is not being rubbish going up in smoke? managed properly, MethA study needs to be done ane gas explosions can reon Methane gas and how it sult. is produced. It is the accuThe Minister of the Envimulation of Methane that ronment may have to take has to be addressed. Most a closer looks at this baby landfills have an extraction he has been doing diaper process for the Methane changes on for the past gas and the amount pro- couple years; something

else may break loose that diapers will not be able to handle.

Hopefully he has gone onto Google Images and typed in “Methane gas explosions and Landfills”. Serious possibilities here.

EDWARD HUTCHESON Nassau, March 20, 2017.

Destruction of family in The Bahamas EDITOR, The Tribune.

ALMOST everyone, inclusive of yours truly, have an opinion as to how and why the traditional Bahamian society and culture are under assault, if not already destroyed.

There used to be a time, eons ago, when the family structure was paramount to societal stability and national development.

These, today, are traits which are not seen too often and where you do see them, participants are viewed as odd balls or worse.

Studies throughout the course of time have shown, time and time again, that where there is the family structure, legitimate or otherwise, that long-term or committed relationships, especially where children are involved, are ‘best’ for holding the nation together and producing productive citizens.

The support structure offered by such a traditional unit meant that the central government or the state did not have to get up in everyone’s personal business and development.

When our relatives got ‘old’ the family was there to care for them without becoming, as many of them are today, ‘wards’ of the state.

Our senior citizens’ facilities are filled to the brim with older relatives who have been ‘abandoned’ by their children and other relatives. The state has evolved to the extent where it is now ‘expected’ to take

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net care of these people, at taxpayer’s expense.

Many of our children are being born out of wedlock and outside of what was once considered ‘the norm’.

In fact, statistics show that more than 65% of live births at our health centres are to ‘single’ parents, meaning females. In 85% of our households here in New Providence and over in Grand Bahama are headed by ‘single’ females with multiple children and the putative fathers are nowhere in sight. The children are reared without the benefit of focused; responsible and sensible male influence.

The question is: what are results of this? Our prisons are filled with mostly antisocialized younger men.

They go in for relatively minor offences but come back out with Doctorate Degrees and more in criminal behaviour and evolve into permanent menaces to society. Crime becomes an accepted way of life and even as a badge of honour, believe it or not.

Thousands of our younger people from ‘single’ parent homes have fallen through the cracks and we now witness, daily, the consequences. The destruction of the family, either by passage of time or by the ever expansion of bureaucratic structures has resulted in the state stepping in to take care of you all from the cra-

dle straight to the grave.

Who pays for this and perceived entitlements such as: old age pension; medical care; subsidised housing; minimum wages; free education for mediocre students; social services and the list goes on and on, ad nauseam.

I am not suggesting that the traditional nuclear family is the panacea for the majority of our societal problems but its destruction has not helped in nation building or even individual achievements. It is a tragedy of epic proportions that no administration, so far, has seen fit to conceptualize and develop any real and sustainable initiatives, not a single one, to arrest this phenomenon.

This electoral term, basically, is at an end and the politicians must now go back or come back, whichever one is appropriate, to the people. The PLP will be badly mauled, politically and the FNM, led by a man ‘without a clue’ will be vanquished.

The DNA that we see today will be seen no more.

Our collective focus, after the electoral dust would have settled, must be on the rebuilding of solid family structures and personal development. The so-called ‘church’ has been playing church for so long that it is time for it to come in from the cold. To God then, in all of these mundane things, be the glory.

ORTLAND H BODIE Jr Nassau, March 19, 2017.

Flipping the bird for five years EDITOR, The Tribune.

THERE has been much ado recently about the rude gesture of our Prime Minister at a recent rally.

Except for the fact that they were finally able to take a picture of him “flippin’ the bird I ask the question Why Now? He has been “giving us the finger’ for the past five years.

1) It is claimed that mil-

lions of dollars was taken from our pension fund to try to “bailout” the Bank of the Bahamas’.

2) He put us through the ordeal of a referendum re the gambling issue and then totally ignored the wish of the people who voted a resounding “NO”.

3) For five years his Government has been putting off the Freedom of Information Act. 4) He has refused infor-

mation on the sale of Bah Mar “because the Chinese told him to seal the documents” (excuse me! the Chinese TOLD him).

5) We were told that they will explain what the VAT was used for. Would we have that explanation before they increase it to 15 per cent?

STS Nassau, March 20, 2017.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, March 22, 2017, PAGE 5

‘Who could leave my babies to die like dogs?’ from page one

The Tribune understands that the pair were found side-by-side and appear to have been shot execution style. Their bodies were found around 9am by people walking in the area.

The teens became the country’s 35th and 36th murders of the year, according to The Tribune’s records.

Ms Williams said her family has still not come to grips with the fact that Keishon and Davante “will never, ever come home”.

She descirbed her son as a “boy whose smile would light up the room”.

“He was my baby, my sweet innocent baby. Keishon was an honour roll student. He was respectful and loving and no one could say a bad word about him,” Ms Williams said.

“He was really into his school work and electronics. He loved computers and cell phones and was excited about taking his BJCs. He used to go by my aunt all the time to use the computer just so he could learn because he wanted to get A’s.

“He also loved food,” she continued, “boy could he eat! My nephew was sweet, but he was mischievous. I mean he had his ways, but no one should have to die like that. Why would you do that to anyone?

“I have no idea why someone would kill them.

I don’t know why they were on that road but this is extremely difficult for me and my sister. My other two

children are coping and my daughter, she is eight, she keeps saying ‘It’s going to be okay, mommy’. My sister (Davante’s mother) isn’t taking it well; she does not want to talk to anyone. She is just quiet and numb.”

Ms Williams said: “We just want anyone with information to please come forward. Please, please my babies do not deserve this, if you know something please come forward. Any information you have is appreciated.”

Kieshon was a ninth grade student at A F Adderley Junior School. A memorial will be held in his honour on Friday morning.

The school’s principal, Theophilus Claridge, told The Tribune yesterday that the students and teachers are devastated by the loss.

He said several students were so “emotional” they had to be sent home.

“He was mannerly and good academically,” Mr Claridge said. “He never had any behavioural issues so it was a shock when we got word that he died.

“The guidance counsellors have been working with everyone and we will have an assembly on Friday to allow the students to have a voice and talk about how they remember him,” he said.

“He was very close with some of the students so we had smaller sessions to deal with individuals. One of his friends, who he went to primary school with, was in shock and we had to send him home.

“His teacher was in tears,” Mr Claridge added.

KEISHON WILLIAMS, 13, who was found shot dead alongside Davante Lindsey, 15, on a dirt road off Graham Drive, Yellow Elder Gardens.

“It is just really, really hard as you can imagine.”

Up to press time police

had no one is custody in connection with the murders. Anyone with infor-

mation is asked to contact police at 911 or 919, the Central Detective Unit at

502-9991 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 328TIPS.

MINNIS BLASTS CHRISTIE’S ‘ABSENT LEADERSHIP’ AFTER 600 MURDERS UNDER PLP

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday criticised Prime Minister Perry Christie for his “new found empathy” for the public’s fear of crime, reminding the prime minister that he was elected five years ago to “fix the problem, not just comment on it”.

In a statement, Dr Minnis criticised Mr Christie for his “absent leadership” on crime, adding that the prime minister’s recent denunciation of the latest homicides have reduced him to the role of a “spectator”.

Dr Minnis said Mr Christie’s “lack of action” in meaningfully addressing the country’s crime problems is “tragically startling

in its ineffectiveness,” given that his administration spent “five years castigating anyone that questioned their failed efforts.”

Dr Minnis’ statement was in reference to comments made by Mr Christie hours after the bodies of two young teens were found with gunshot wounds to the head, and a day before a construction worker was shot to death while working at a jobsite on Tonique Williams-Darling Highway.

At the time, Mr Christie reflected on the efficacy of his government’s anti-crime efforts as he restated his administration’s commitment to stopping the “madness that has seemed to grip our country.”

Mr Christie told The Tribune the increase in homicides is bigger than the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), the FNM, and the

Democratic National Alliance (DNA).

He said everyone must come together to save the reputation and integrity of the Bahamas.

“Five long years ago, Perry Christie and the PLP ran on a pledge to get crime under control,” Dr Minnis said.

“But regardless of their campaign promise the record shows they have made little to no progress in addressing our crime problem, in fact it has only grown worse with each passing year.

“Even with 600 murders under their watch and attempted murders, robberies and sexual assaults on the rise, they still use code words to downplay the growing threat they have failed to address.

He continued: “Instead, they have spent five years

OFFICIALS DETAIN 22 IMMIGRANTS

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

TWENTY-two illegal immigrants were taken into custody by immigration officials in separate arrests on Grand Bahama, officials in Freeport have reported.

The latest arrest occurred on Monday night when officers discovered 11 undocumented Haitians in Freeport.

Immigration officer Napthali Cooper reported that 10 Haitian men and one woman, along with an infant, were taken into custody. During investigations, Mr Cooper said it was discovered that some of the

Haitians had arrived in The Bahamas illegally by boat from Haiti, while others had refused to leave after their permits had been denied.

Mr Cooper said they were processed in Freeport on Monday and flown yesterday to New Providence, where they were put on an 11am charter flight with 140 other Haitians, for repatriation to Haiti.

Mr Cooper also reported that 11 immigrants were apprehended on March 16, including two Brazilians, one Jamaican and eight Haitians.

He said that two Brazilian men were arrested in West End. It was discovered that the men had been

legally admitted, but had overstayed their time in the country.

In a separate matter, a Jamaican woman who had overstayed her visitor’s status by four weeks was taken into custody. Seven Haitian men and one woman were also taken into custody following routine patrols in Freeport and Eight Mile Rock.

Mr Cooper reported that none of the Haitians possessed any documents regarding their legal status in The Bahamas. “They had entered The Bahamas illegally by boat from Haiti and remained in the country without legal status,” he said.

CONSTRUCTION WORKER WHO WAS MURDERED IS IDENTIFIED POLICE yesterday identified the construction worker who was shot to death at a worksite on Tonique Williams-Darling Highway on Monday as 40-year-old Anthony Neely.

Mr Neely, of Pinewood Gardens, was shot by a gunman at the old City Market site where he was working on the construction of the new Post Office.

At the scene, Chief Supt Clayton Fernander confirmed that Mr Neely was

known to police and had been “in and out of the system” prior to his death.

However, he noted that police have no motive for the killing, which marked the 36th for the year, according to The Tribune’s records.

According to police, Mr Neely was with a number of other employees in the westernmost portion of the plaza shortly after 2pm, when a gunman entered the area, shot him and then fled

on foot.

On Monday, Supt Fernander said: “We appeal to members of the public who may have been passing in this area, we have some business establishments just behind this construction site, also a residential area. So we’re appealing to anybody who would have been in this area, or saw or heard anything to please come forth to assist in advancing this investigation.”

castigating anyone that questioned their failed efforts even as foreign countries like Canada and the United States recognized the severity of the issue, and issued travel advisories warning their citizens of the wave crime in our country.”

Ahead of the 2012 general election, the PLP posted billboards throughout New Providence –in areas heavily trafficked by tourists and locals –which said there had been more than 490 killings under the five-year Ingraham administration.

The PLP, then in opposition, campaigned that it had the answer to violent crime while the Ingraham administration did not. It promised that if elected it would get crime under control.

However, more than 600 people have been killed since the PLP took office in May, 2012, with this year’s murder count currently at 36, according to The Tribune’s records.

“Even more sadly, as the prime minister has come around to acknowledge the public’s growing concerns

and fears of late he has only taken on the role of spectator--seemingly surprised at how bad this epidemic has gotten. While we all applaud his new found empathy, he must understand he was elected five years ago to fix the problem, not just comment on it.

“His lack of action is tragically startling in its effectiveness and begs the question as to why anyone would risk another five years under his absent leadership on this critical issue.”

PAGE 6, Wednesday, March 22, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Fire mostly extinguished, Miller tells Jubilee Garden residents from page one “Well, everybody has the right to bring a lawsuit against anyone else, including the government of the Bahamas,” Mr Miller said.

“We just have to decide in our own minds, what I always do, what is in the best interest of my constituents.”

Some people arrived at the event clothed in political party paraphernalia, causing friction between themselves and those who did not want the meeting to turn into a political event.

Representatives from the Free National Movement, Democratic National Alliance, the Progressive Liberal Party, and the Ba-

hamas Constitution Party, were given an opportunity to speak.

One resident, Samone Williams, suggested that locals will seek to hold someone liable for financial loss associated with the fire. “We need to document every aspect of this last situation,” she said.

“Take pictures when we go to the doctor regarding our situation. We need to keep our receipts. We are not going away. Some people feel like if the smoke go away, we will go away. We will not.

“We still have mortgages to pay, light bills to pay and doctor bills to pay. The effects of the smoke is longstanding. I’ve heard doctor

reports that this could possibly affect us for the next ten years with respiratory issues.”

“I have an asthmatic daughter and for three weeks she hasn’t been able to come home and sleep in her bed,” another woman said. “We need this situation resolved.”

Jubilee Gardens residents were evacuated after a “massive” blaze erupted at the city dump on March 5. It sent plumes of choking smoke billowing over parts of New Providence for many days.

Walter Evans, the Fire Chief, did not respond to The Tribune when contacted for a progress report yesterday.

AN angry resident yells “what are you going to do about it?” as Leslie Miller MP talks about the fire.

GLEMIS FERNANDER, a resident of Jubliee Gardens.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

UNION LEADER SUPPORTS GOVERNMENT OVER CHANGES TO NATION’S LABOUR LAWS from page one

Employers Association (BHREA) planned to meet to form a workable strategy and way forward, declaring this issue is a must-win battle.

In response, Mr Maynard said yesterday: “This is a redundancy situation to make it better for when you are leaving. This is does not affect the bottom line unless you lay people off. How will this affect? How will it have a crippling impact?”

“They crying wolf? The sky is not falling?”

He continued: “They complained about minimum wage being raised too.

What are they crying for?

They are only thinking of themselves, no one else.”

Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller referred to The Tribune Business article during the evening session of the House on Monday.

Mr Miller cautioned the government over the proposed amendments, seeming to side with employers, suggesting that “serious repercussions” could occur if the Christie administration could not find a middle ground between the proposed amendments and current laws.

“I am not trying to take sides in this, I want to be fair,” Mr Miller said.

“I want us to realise what could happen tomorrow. I am just simply saying don’t go beyond the (point) of

PAUL MAYNARD no return. The road is not they should pay people fairgood, and don’t think that ly. The point is if people are these people don’t have made redundant you must power. Don’t fool yourself. pay the price.”

He continued: “We can “The unions are not undo anything in here and reasonable; I am reasonable they may say ‘you are shov- there is nothing wrong with ing it down my throat’ and this bill you have to protect they make you pay a cost.”

Bahamians, you cannot just Of Mr Miller’s plea, Mr get rid of people and not Maynard said: “Leslie Mill- pay them. er, he is a goddamn liar, he is “Properly evaluate your childish, he messed up BEC staff every year,” he said, and he needs to get over it “and if they fall short deal and stop wearing panties with them. But do not just and put on underpants. He fire a bunch of people beis childish and stupid.” cause you don’t like them Said Mr Maynard: “This and make them redundant.” is just for protection for The amendments to the people if they are made re- Employment Act seek to addundant, so it’s not going to dress redundancy pay to emharm the business, tell them ployees; options for rehiring stop lying, unless they plan in times of redundancies; on making someone redun- and the implementation of dant and if they do it then provisions that protect em-

ployees in the event of being made redundant.

Additionally, the government aims to implement a new 32-week cap for line staff employed up to 12 years with an employer.

Line staff are currently entitled to a maximum 24 weeks or six months redundancy pay under the Employment Act, gaining two weeks for each year they have been employed up to the 12-year ‘cap’.

However, the amendment requires the ‘cap’ to be increased to 32 weeks (16 years) immediately upon enactment of the reforms.

And, ultimately, the ‘cap’ for line staff redundancy pay is to be increased to 40 weeks some two years after the amendments are passed.

As for managerial staff, redundancy pay would go from the existing 48 weeks/12 months entitlement to 60 weeks, effective immediately, and then to 80 weeks two years after enactment.

Meanwhile, as it relates to the Industrial Relations Act, the government is looking to improve issues related to industrial agreements, union relations and matters dealing with the resolution of disputes between unions and employers.

Many of the issues addressed in these amendments are issues contested by unionists for much of the last decade.

In 2015, Trades Union Congress (TUC) president Obie Ferguson called for a “complete revamp” of key labour legislation because employers were now insisting on the “letter of the law” with respect to union and industrial agreement registration.

At that time Mr Ferguson contended that outdated and passive wording in laws allowed employers to mistreat employees and work around major labour best practices.

Roughly one year later, Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort terminated more than 600 employees by making their posts redundant.

Sandals’ actions prompted Director of Labour Robert Farquharson to urge the National Tripartite Council (NTC), which he co-chairs, to agree to his department’s recommendations seeking to change the country’s laws by making it illegal for an employer to terminate more than ten employees without notifying and consulting the government at least 60 days before its proposed action takes effect.

The Department of Labour also wanted the NTC to agree to recommendations that would lift the cap on how many years severance pay employees will be entitled to from 12 to 30.

The move is likely to have set in motion the amendments presented to Parliament last week.

PROCESSED MEAT FROM BRAZIL BANNED from page one

The government of Brazil has suspended exports from 21 meat-processing units due to food inspectors taking bribes to allow sales of rotten and salmonellatainted meats.

“To safeguard public health and food safety in the Bahamas,” a ministry press statement read, “the Minister for Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon V Alfred Gray, has announced a precautionary ban of meat imports from Brazil.

“Until further notice, no permits for the importation of processed meat products from Brazil will be issued.

This includes corned beef as well as other beef products and beef by-products.

“The Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources will continue to monitor this issue over the next 60 days and should we be satisfied that imports from Brazil be resumed, it would be with the following proviso: beef must be slaughtered and processed at an approved Government abattoir and processing facility; a Sanitary certificate should accompany all imports from Brazil; inspection of all batch containers be done at the Port of Entry; an Import Permit must be sought by all importers from the relevant Government agency; and a registry must be compiled of all importers of beef and beef products from Brazil.”

INGRAHAM COMPLAINTS DISMISSED BY DEPUTY PM from page one

Latching onto Mr Ingraham’s admission that the country was still grappling with the effects of the Great Recession when his party left office, Mr Davis questioned how the former Free National Movement (FNM) leader could find “the nerve to complain about how it was rescued?”

“The reality is quite simple,” Mr Davis said, “the FNM left the economy on an unsustainable path. In 2012, the government was spending over $500m more than it was collecting.

“Without the implementation of VAT, billions

would have been added to the national debt - an unmanageable amount, which would have left our country unstable and vulnerable to requiring IMF bailouts and restructuring, like Jamaica.

“Ingraham knows this better than anyone,” Mr Davis continued, “it was his Cabinet who was told so by the IMF.” Mr Davis added that it was left to the Progressive Liberal Party to clean up the mess, insisting that only his party had the courage, maturity, and capacity to execute the roll-out of Value-Added Tax. He stressed that the VAT roll-out was “one of the smoothest on

record”.

He pointed out that the government’s plan reduced the deficit by 80 per cent by the 2016/2017 fiscal year and attributed the current fiscal setback “mainly to expenses associated with two devastating hurricanes, Joaquin and Matthew”.

Mr Davis explained that the storms cost the government hundreds of millions of dollars in post-hurricane repairs, financial assistance to those affected and temporary suspension in taxes, including VAT, on a number of items.

Mr Ingraham criticised government’s lack of transparency over the economy this term during an inter-

view on Bahamas at Sunrise, which aired on ZNS on Monday.

The former Prime Minister said that public concerns over the national debt and VAT would be eased by greater transparency. Mr Ingraham said while VAT was “sold to the public” as a means of paying down the government’s debt, it was just a revenue raising measure.

Yesterday, Mr Davis said the country’s finances were “a matter of law and fact real facts, not FNM alternative facts”.

“The Constitution of the Bahamas requires that all revenue sources, whether from VAT or other taxes or

duties or fees, must go into a general fund called a Consolidated Fund,” he said.

“Every year the government holds a budget debate that is televised live, and then puts the budget online. The process is open and transparent.”

He added: “The stability from VAT has put the Bahamas in a position to borrow when we need to, so we can help people after disasters like hurricanes.

“And VAT has allowed the Bahamas to do new things that couldn’t be done before, like add hundreds of new officers to our police and defence forces.”

Mr Davis said: “This government has always ad-

ministered public finances according to settled law. If anyone in the FNM knows of any violation of any law governing the administration of public finances, they should stop talking to the press and start talking to the police.”

“They won’t, of course, because there’s been no wrongdoing,” he added.

“It cannot be that the Central Bank was transparent up until December, 2014, and for some mysterious reason, it ceased to be transparent on or after January, 2015, when VAT was implemented.

“That is an illogical and deceitful proposition of the worst kind.”

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, March 22, 2017, PAGE 7

Permit for dredging ‘a sign of PLPNygard link’ THE granting of a permit to dredge the sea bed near Nygard Cay in contravention of numerous court orders reveals the extent of the incestuous relationship between controversial developer Peter Nygard and the Progressive Liberal Party government, the Supreme Court was told yesterday.

Fred Smith, QC, attorney for environmental advocacy group Save The Bays (STB), noted that the permit in question, granted in October, 2014, violated one injunction preventing dredging in the area and two others barring such a permit from even being considered.

Nevertheless, he noted, Director of Physical Planning (DPP) Michael Major acquiesced to a request for a permit to dredge, breaching these court orders and contravening the Conservation and Protection of the Physical Landscape of The Bahamas Act (CPPLBA) by doing so without notifying and consulting with STB. “The DPP effectively broke the law” and revealed the “unseemly and incestuous relationship between the government and Mr Nygard in acquiescing to the request to grant the permit,” Mr Smith said.

He said the authorities went even further to accommodate Nygard’s wishes, agreeing to allow him to wave the conditions of the illegal permit and place the sand excavated by dredging on his own property instead of on the nearby public beach as originally required.

The government also failed to take action when Nygard violated the revised permit, by using the dredged material to engage in unauthorised landfill and reclamation activities, instead of stockpiling the sand as he had been ordered to, the STB attorney said.

“Mr Nygard has since 1984 carried out extensive land reclamation works at the northern ocean shoreline and at the east-

ern and southern Clifton Bay shoreline of his property at Simms Point (aka Nygard Cay). These works have involved constructing groynes, breakwaters and other structures on the seabed, dredging the seabed and pumping the sand to create and maintain an artificial beach adjacent to Nygard Cay. “The result is that Mr Nygard’s property has nearly doubled in size from 3.25 acres in 1984 to 6.1 acres today,” Mr Smith said. “The new land reclaimed from the seabed belongs to the Crown.”

He told the court that the first of four Judicial Review cases launched by STB against the construction at Nygard Cay (JR1) contends that this reclamation has taken place without the requisite permits, coastal protection approval or proper consent of the Prime Minister as minister for Crown Land.

“Further, structures have been built on the illegally reclaimed land also without site plan approval, building permits or landowner consent,” he said.

“Against this backdrop, in February, 2014, Mr Nygard renewed his failed application for a Crown lease of the reclaimed land. In June, 2014, the respondents in JR2 (which includes the DPP) embarked on a flawed and expedited consultation process with a view to considering whether to grant the Building Permit, the crown lease and other anticipated future applications,” Mr Smith said.

He noted that the government was duty-bound to obey the injunctions preventing a permit from being granted or even considered, yet failed to do so because of the “incestuous relationship with Mr Nygard”.

Mr Smith said: “Any decision-maker acting rationally would have rejected the application for a Dredging Permit given the existence of the JR1 Injunction expressly prohibiting Mr Nygard directly or by his employees or agents, doing

just that.

“In deciding to vary the Dredging Permit to allow dredged material to be deposited on the property at Simms Point, the Respondent was acting irrationally in failing to have any or any adequate regard to the fact that JR1 was concerned with the expansion of the beach at Simms Point/ Nygard Cay by Mr Nygard’s unauthorised reclamation of land from the Crown seabed.”

STB is seeking to have the court quash the decisions granting the permit and variance; require the DPP to require Nygard to remove the sand deposited on the beach at Simms Point as a result of his dredging; and prohibit the granting of any further dredging or landfill permits to Nygard and or his agents in respect of the seabed surrounding Nygard until the resolution of the four relevant Judicial Reviews.

In response, attorney for the government, Wayne Munroe, QC, argued that the evidence contained in two affidavits relied on by STB to make their case was inadmissible because it was based on hearsay. This includes an extensive environmental report into the accretion of land at Nygard Cay over a number of years and the related environmental consequences.

Mr Munroe further argued that the remedies being sought should not be granted because both the DPP and Nygard have already been found to be in contempt of court in relation to matters in question in this case, and there is no greater remedy available for the court to grant.

He also pointed out that there would be no point in the court ordering the DPP to require Nygard to remove the sand deposited on his beach, as he has already been ordered to as part of the court’s contempt ruling.

There is no power under the CPPLBA to force the DPP to take the actions requested by Save The Bays, he added.

WOMAN IN TEARS AS SHE TELLS HOW BOYFRIEND WAS SHOT DEAD

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A WOMAN fought back tears yesterday as she recalled for a jury how an evening, after leaving work with her boyfriend, degenerated into them being held up by a masked gunman and him being shot dead.

Tonika Laroda testified in Supreme Court that on March 4, 2014, she left work at 6pm after receiving a call from her boyfriend, Darius Adderley, who said he would pick her up.

“I had something for his cousin,” the jury was told.

“Once I arrived home, he parked in the opposite lot across from my house on Roseland Street. We didn’t come out of the vehicle right away even though I was supposed to go to my neighbour’s birthday party,” Ms Laroda said.

“After 40 minutes or so, I heard Darius say ‘hold on, hold on’ and I heard a knock on the glass. I turned and noticed a chrome-looking gun. Darius’ window was screwed all the way down.

The person came around to his side and asked if we had anything. He had the gun to Darius’ head.

“I decided to give him my cellphone that was on the dashboard and Darius’ own was playing music so he gave it to him. The person continued to asked if we had any money. I was in shock,” she said.

As the witness was giving her evidence, 29-year-old Henley Claridge sat behind his lawyer, Jiaram Mangra, listening.

Claridge is accused of robbing Ms Laroda and Mr Adderley of two Samsung cellphones, together valued at $600. He is also accused of intentionally killing Mr Adderley by means of unlawful harm.

According to police reports at the time, shortly before 9pm, Mr Adderley was sitting in his 2003 Dodge Town and Country Van on Roseland Street with his girlfriend when a man armed with a handgun robbed them.

As he was leaving, the suspect shot at the vehicle, hitting Mr Adderley in the back. He was taken to hospital by ambulance, but died of his injuries shortly after his arrival. The woman was unharmed during the robbery.

Claridge, when formally arraigned in Supreme Court on July 4, 2014, pleaded not guilty to all three charges.

He maintained that plea on Monday.

Desiree Ferguson and Cassie Bethel represent the Crown.

Ferguson asked the witness what, if anything, happened next.

“I saw Darius try to disarm the guy while he was still in the car. There was a struggle and then I heard a gunshot. The person stood in front of the vehi-

cle then proceeded toward the graveyard,” the witness said.

“I asked Darius if he got shot, but he didn’t say anything,” the jury was told.

Ms Laroda said her father called the police and it was then that she learned that her boyfriend had been shot in the back.

“What was the lighting like?” Ms Ferguson asked.

“There was a light post on the opposite side of where Darius was parked, but the graveyard had no lighting,” the witness said.

“You said the person approached your window first?” the prosecutor asked.

The witness said “yes”.

She was then asked to describe the attacker. “The person had on a mask, a sweater, long jeans and gloves,” she said.

When asked the colour of the sweater, she said navy blue.

“From the mask, sweater, and gloves, were you able to see his skin colour?” the prosecutor asked. The witness said no.

Ms Laroda said Mr Adderley was moving around a lot despite being told not to by police and that the ambulance took a long time to arrive to take him to the hospital.

“At the hospital, they pronounced him dead,” Ms Laroda said as she fought back tears.

The case continues today before Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs.

FROM left, Richard Smith, of Bailey Town, Bimini; Shelrey Roland Swain, of Port Royal, South Bimini, and Romeris William Stuart, of Bailey Town, Bimini, who were charged with possession of dangerous drugs.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

THREE MEN FACE COURT OVER DRUG POSSESSION OFFENCES

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

THREE men were remanded to prison without bail yesterday after being arraigned in connection with the recent seizures of more than $420,000 worth of drugs in Bimini.

Romeris Stuart and Richard Smith, 44-year-old residents of Bailey Town, Bimini, stood before Magistrate Andrew Forbes facing two counts of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply stemming from the March 19 raid.

In North Bimini, officers stopped a vessel and discovered 20lbs of suspected cocaine with a street value of $225,000 along with 10lbs

of marijuana worth $10,000.

Two men were arrested and taken into custody following the discovery.

Stuart and Smith denied the allegations against them when called to answer to the charges and will stand trial on May 31. They were remanded to the Department of Correctional Services, formerly Her Majesty’s Prison, until the completion of trial.

The magistrate informed them of their right to apply for bail to the Supreme Court as his court did not have the jurisdiction to consider a bond.

They have retained Simone Brown to defend them.

In the second arraignment, 54-year-old Sher-

ley Swain, of Port Royal, South Bimini, stood before the magistrate facing a single count of possession of dangerous drugs on Sunday morning following the execution of a search warrant at a house in South Bimini.

When police entered the residence shortly after 8am, according to reports they discovered 191.5lbs of marijuana with a street value of over $191,000.

Swain will stand trial on May 16 having pleaded not guilty to the charge. He too, was remanded to prison to await trial but has the right to apply for bail in the Supreme Court.

Carlson Shurland is defending Swain against the charge.

PAGE 8, Wednesday, March 22, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

People power and the true functions of democracy A

Culture Clash

S the general election of 2017 - date still unknown - draws near, conversations about democracy are being ignited, but largely limited to one of its functions.

The low rate of voter reg- By ALICIA WALLACE istration has led the Bahamian people to frame the nises the sovereignty of the act of voting as the only people as government auform of participation in thority is subject to the peodemocracy available to citi- ple’s consent. Political powzens. er is only temporary while While it is a direct action the power of the people is and right afforded to us lasting and flows to their through democracy, voting representatives at their will. is not the only benefit of deFor this reason, those mocracy. Additionally, the elected are to consult with creation and maintenance their constituents to ascerof the political system is not tain their needs and opinthe only function of democ- ions to enable accurate repracy. resentation. Through the Democracy is a concept, democratic system, voters system, and practice that have the right to observe we, as citizens of The Ba- the conduct of government hamas, need to understand. business, criticise elected Many believe it to be lim- representatives, launch and ited to elections support camand voting, but ‘Voting is not, paigns, vote it reaches far however, the secretly and be beyond such free of intimionly way to events. dation as they Democracy participate. participate in has four main our democracy, functions, three 2.

Active of which are and to suggest participation often ignored such is both Like its benwhile it is reefits, the demodishonest and duced to the cratic burden first. While it disempowering does not fall is important to to the Bahamian solely on govunderstand the ernments and theory of de- people.’ political leadmocracy, it is at ers to maintain, least as critical to recognise strengthen, and exercise it. all of its functions and put it The onus is on citizens to into practice more fully and be informed of national isintentionally. sues, observe the behaviour of elected and appointed of1. Political system ficials, voice their concerns A democratic political and challenge decisions imsystem allows people to posed upon and ideas put to choose their leaders in reg- them. ular, free elections.

While voting is an imFree, fair elections re- portant exercise and a right quire a neutral adminis- afforded to citizens by the trating body to ensure fair democratic political systreatment of all parties tem, citizens are called to and candidates, allowance participate in public disfor individuals to monitor cussions. The voice of the voting and the counting of people must be heard, and votes and independent tri- serve as a guide for politibunals to hear disputes. cal representatives who are Beyond that, it allows the to act in the interest of their people to hold representa- constituents. tives accountable for their Participation is not synactions and inaction while onymous with spectatorin office. Democracy recog- ship. To fully participate in

public life, citizens must be informed - and this often requires personal effort.

Politically-driven narratives seldom give a full picture, and the media is not always capable, for many reasons, of delivering balanced reports. It is necessary to look at multiple news sources, ask questions and engage in conversations with people of varied persuasions. Democracy enables the people to actively participate through: • Questions. Accept nothing as fact without evidence. Investigate claims and try to find multiple sources.

• Discussion. Share your thoughts and ideas with other people. Engage with people who do not look like you, have the same background as you, or think the same way as you. The purpose is not to win, or be on the side of popular opinion.

Enter conversations with gaining new perspective as your goal.

• Challenges. Do not settle for less than you deserve.

Make demands of your representatives. Hold them accountable for their actions, demand transparency and insist upon regular reporting to and consultation with the people.

• Mobilisation. Be prepared to work together, as citizens, to find common ground, make a plan and take action. Your power is strengthened with activated along with that of your fellow Bahamians.

Participation includes joining political campaigns, protesting, petitioning, organising within communities and running for political office. Involvement in civil society organisations is another way to be an active citizen, and can allow for informal education and mo-

VOTING at Golden Gates - but is the ballot box your only way to influence democracy? bilisation around specific interests and causes.

3. Human rights protection Human rights are inherent to all people, regardless of gender, race, sex, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, language or any other identity marker.

They are interdependent, indivisible and interrelated.

Human rights are promoted and protected by international law, and the standard has been set by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, the UDHR protects against discrimination, slavery, torture, and unfair detainment, and affirms the right to life, freedom of movement, equality before the law, right to trial, right to privacy and right to nationality.

International law grants every citizen human rights that cannot be denied.

Citizens are free to speak, practice their religions, associate with people and organisations, assemble, travel and engage in a number

of other acts. In a democracy, citizens have these basic rights that cannot be denied.

4. Rule of Law Democracy is subject to a set of laws. These laws exist for the protection of citizens’ rights, to maintain order in the country and to limit the power of the people’s representatives.

This function exists to ensure that rule is not subject to the whims of an individual or group of individuals.

Because of the rule of law, all citizens are equal, none being above the law, regardless of position. It allows for fair and impartial decisionmaking by independent courts, separate from the government, which is meant to limit the power of representatives.

The people of The Bahamas can only benefit when democracy functions properly, being exercised by the citizens to whom it extends specific rights.

One right afforded to us through democracy is the casting of a ballot in the next general election. To

exercise that right, we must take proof of Bahamian citizenship to register to vote. This is an important exercise that enables us to choose our constituency representatives and, by extension, the leadership of the country. It is not, however, the only way to participate in our democracy, and to suggest such is both dishonest and disempowering to the Bahamian people.

Let us encourage one another to exercise the right to vote, but include the other functions of democracy and methods of participation in our conversations for balance, comprehensiveness and strengthening of people power.

• Alicia Wallace is a women’s rights activist and public educator. She produces The Culture RUSH - a monthly newsletter fusing pop culture, social justice and personal reflection - and tweets as @_ AliciaAudrey. Contact her at culturerush@aliciaawallace. com. She will be writing fortnightly in The Tribune on Wednesdays.

READERS RESPOND TO WE MARCH PLANS AFTER Prime Minister Perry Christie warned that We March Bahamas’ plans to make stops at his home and office on its next protest showed “poor judgment” could “ignite something that they least expect to happen”, readers gave their views on tribune242. com.

Publius said: “The organisers of We March said the last march was to present the ‘people’s manifesto’ to the Parliament. Where is it?

It never materialized and this was supposed to be a

cornerstone of the movement.”

Banker had a suggestion for the Prime Minister: “You know, if he had any guts and if he were a true leader, he would come out of his house and address the crowd and engage in

dialogue.”

We March Bahamas was also in the news when Carnival Band Owners Association president Dario Tirelli blasted the organisation’s call for Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival to be postponed.

Birdiestrachan had this to say: “We March is promoted up by their own self importance. Somehow they believe they run the whole Bahamas. I do believe some people benefit financially, and many seem to enjoy the festivities – the Government receives criticism because of it. They are between many rocks and a hard place . . . but they have to make up their minds. The critics probably never voted for them.”

Prime Minister Perry Christie and Deputy Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis dismissed FNM claims that the government is using “tax payer money” to fund its 2017 electoral campaign as “fake news”.

Justthefactsplease hit back with this: “I believe nothing the PLP says . . . show us the receipt for the ads then I will believe you.

Other than that I don’t want to hear it.”

Sp1nks said: “This is very disheartening. It is sad to see Bahamian politicians so willing to channel American political discourse.

Even worse is that said discourse was inspired by one who is likely to become the least liked American president in two generations.”

• Don’t miss your chance to join the debate on tribune242.com.

THETRIBUNE TRIBUNE THE

Wednesday, MarchMarch 22nd,22, 2017, PAGE A99 Wednesday, 2017, PAGE

APPLE CUTS iPAD PRICES

TECHTALK

RED iPHONES ON THE WAY APPLE is cutting prices on two iPad models and introducing red iPhones, but the company held back on updating its higher-end iPad Pro tablets.

A much-speculated 10.5inch iPad Pro didn’t materialise, nor did new versions of existing sizes in the Pro lineup, which is aimed at businesses and creative professionals. The new devices are mostly refreshes of existing models. Apple unveiled them through press releases Tuesday rather than a staged event, as it typically does for bigger product releases.

The iPad updates come as the tablet market continues to decline, after a few years of rapid growth. According to IDC, tablet shipments fell 20 percent to 53 million worldwide in the final three months of 2016, compared with the same period in 2015.

THE NEW LINEUP The iPad Air 2 is replaced by a new model simply called the iPad. It retains a 9.7-inch screen, but gains a little weight and thickness.

The display is brighter and the processor faster. Its price starts at $329 for 32 gigabytes of storage, down from $399. The standard-size iPad is now cheaper than the smaller Mini model.

The 7.9-inch iPad Mini 4 now comes with 128 gigabytes of storage starting at $399, rather than $499 before. Apple is eliminating the 32-gigabyte model, which used to sell for $399.

Nothing else is changing.

Apple is also releasing a red edition of the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus; for each phone sold, Apple is donating an

THE family of iPads, from left, the iPad mini 4, the new iPad, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro and the 12.9-inch one, along with the Apple Pencil. Apple has cut prices on two iPad models and introduced red iPhones, but the company held back on updating its higher-end iPad Pro tablets. (Apple via AP) unspecified amount to HIV and AIDS programmes.

And Apple is doubling the storage on the smaller iPhone SE while keeping the $399 starting price.

The new iPad Mini 4 is available right away, while the standard-size iPad comes out next week, with orders to begin Friday. The new iPhone SE comes out Friday, while the red iPhones are expected by the end of the month, with advance orders beginning Friday.

THE MISSING DEVICE IDC analyst Jorge Vela had high hopes for a 10.5inch iPad. He said such a size might have offered room for a better keyboard, compared with the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, and it wouldn’t have been as bulky as the 12.9-inch version.

And Apple typically sparks consumer interest when it has new sizes and designs, Vela said, as seen by a jump in sales following the introduction of larger

iPhones in 2014 (iPhone sales have since dropped.)

Vela said a 10.5-inch version might have been enough for existing iPad owners to upgrade. A 10.5-inch version may still come this year, closer to the holiday shopping season, along with updates to existing Pro sizes.

Jackdaw Research analyst Jan Dawson said Tuesday’s announcement makes it “even clearer that there are two very distinct iPad tiers now — the iPad Pro and the basic iPads. The iPad Pros will likely continue to get all the best new features, while the basic iPad will get occasional updates and new features a little later than the Pros, lagging a generation or two behind.”

The processor in the new standard-size iPad, for instance, is akin to what’s in the iPhone 6S from 2015.

The Mini’s processor is even older.

DOWN BUT NOT OUT In the last three months of 2016, iPhones generated 10 times the revenue as iP-

ads. Unit sales of iPads fell 19 percent from the previous year. Yet Apple CEO Tim Cook has expressed optimism because many people were buying iPads for the first time, indicating that the market had yet to reach saturation, the point at which everyone who wants a particular product already has one.

Dawson agrees that the number of tablet owners is still growing, even if overall sales are declining because people aren’t upgrading often. He said the new $329 price for the 9.7-inch iPad should help spur sales. New 9.7-inch models have previously cost at least $499.

Far from holding a clearance sale, Vela said Apple is merely taking advantage of lower prices for older components. And Apple might be able to preserve higher profit margins by pushing people into a model with four times the storage, or 128 gigabytes; the extra storage costs Apple far less than the extra $100 that model sells for, Vela said.

JAMES JOYCE’S ‘ULYSSES’ BEING TURNED INTO A VIRTUAL REALITY GAME STUDENTS are developing a virtual reality game based on James Joyce’s “Ulysses” as part of a class at Boston College.

The goal of “Joycestick” is to expose new audiences to the works of one of Ireland’s most celebrated authors, as well as to give a glimpse of how virtual reality can be used to enhance literature, said Joseph Nugent, the Boston College English professor who is coordinating the project.

“This is a new way to experience the power of a novel,” he said. “We’re really at the edge of VR. There’s no guidance for this. What we have produced has been purely out of our imagination.”

Nugent and his students hope to release a version of the game on June 16 in Dublin during Bloomsday, the city’s annual celebration of the author and novel. They’ve already showcased their progress at an academic conference in Rome last month.

“Joycestick,” in many ways, fills in the blanks of the novel, as many of the places key to the story have been lost to time as Dublin has evolved, said Enda Duffy, chairman of the English Department at the University of California, Santa Barbara, who has tried a prototype of the game.

“The VR version in this way completes the book,” she said. “It makes it real. ‘Ulysses’ is an ideal book to be turned into a VR experience, since Dublin is, you might say, the book’s major character.”

NEPAL TO STRAP SOME EVEREST CLIMBERS WITH GPS DEVICE

JOSEPH NUGENT, a professor of English at Boston College, wears virtual reality goggles at the school’s virtual reality lab in Boston. (AP) There have been a number of efforts to bring works of literature into the gaming world over the years, including a computer game of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” that became a viral hit in 2011 as it mimicked the look and feel of a classic, 1980s-era Nintendo game.

But the Boston College project is unique for trying to incorporate virtual reality technology, says D. Fox Harrell, a digital media professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

He is impressed that the students are taking on such a complex text.

“It requires multiple entry points and modes of interpretation, so it will be fascinating to see how their VR system addresses these aspects of the work,” said Harrell, who hasn’t tried the game out yet.

Considered the epitome of the 1920s-era modernist literature, “Ulysses” traces a day in the life of an ordinary Dubliner named Leopold Bloom. The title reflects how the novel draws parallels between Bloom’s day and “The Odyssey,” the ancient Greek

CHALLENGERS Apple remains the market leader, accounting for about a quarter of all tablets shipped in the fourth quarter, according to IDC. Samsung beat Apple to a tablet announcement by nearly a month, though Samsung’s Android-based Galaxy Tab S3 doesn’t actually start selling until this Friday, for $600.

Vela doesn’t consider it a serious threat to Apple.

Even though the Tab S3 is more in line with iPad Pros in quality, Vela said people tend to buy Samsung tablets as media-consumption devices, something they can do with the cheaper iPads.

Samsung also has two Windows 10 tablets coming.

Called the Galaxy Book, the Windows devices are more likely to challenge Microsoft’s Surface than iPads.

Microsoft is due for a refresh of its Surface Pro tablet, last updated in October 2015.

ANICK JESDANUN, AP Technology Writer

epic. “Joycestick” isn’t meant to be a straight re-telling of “Ulysses,” which in some versions runs nearly 650 pages long, acknowledged Evan Otero, a Boston College junior majoring in computer science who is helping to develop the game.

Instead, the game lets users explore a handful of key environments described in the book, from a military tower where the novel opens to a cafe in Paris that is significant to the protagonist’s past.

It’s also not a typical video game in the sense of having tasks to complete, enemies to defeat or points to rack up, said Jan van Merkensteijn, a junior studying philosophy and medical humanities who is also involved in the project.

For now, users can simply explore the virtual environments at their leisure. Touching certain objects triggers readings from the novel. into a virtual reality game PHILIP MARCELO, Associated Press

SOME climbers attempting to scale Mount Everest during the upcoming spring climbing season will be strapped with a GPS device to locate them in case they are in trouble and to prevent false claims of reaching the summit, officials said Monday.

Hundreds of climbers are expected to attempt to climb the world’s highest peak in April and May, but only a few will be fitted with the devices as an experiment.

The chief of Nepal’s tourism department, Durga Dutta Dhakal, said the devices, costing about $300 apiece, would help locate climbers who are in trouble on the mountain so rescuers can be sent.

The devices will also track the movement of the climbers while they are on Everest.

The data will be checked after they get back from the mountain to determine whether they reached the summit and should be issued a climber’s certificate.

Associated Press

• GOOGLE wants to make it easier for you to find answers and recommendations on smartphones without having to think about what to ask its search engine.

Its new feature, called “shortcuts ,” will appear as a row of icons below the Google search box. Instead of having to ponder and then speak or type a request, the shortcuts will let you tap the icons to get the latest weather, movie showtimes, sports scores, restaurant recommendations and other common requests.

The shortcuts will begin appearing Tuesday in updates to Google’s app for iPhones, Android phones and its mobile website. The Android app will also include various tools such as a currency converter, a language translator and an ATM locator, which you can also summon with a tap. Those tools may eventually make it to the iPhone as well, although Google says it doesn’t know when.

• A SPACEX capsule is back on Earth with a full load of space station science samples.

The Dragon cargo ship parachuted into the Pacific on Sunday off the Southern California coast. Astronauts set it free from the International Space Station 5½ hours earlier.

The Dragon flew to the space station a month ago from the same Florida launch pad used for NASA’s Apollo moon shots. It took up more than 5,000 pounds of supplies and brought back just as much in completed experiments and used equipment.

NASA’s other supplier, Orbital ATK, plans to launch its own supply ship Friday, also from Cape Canaveral, Florida. That one, however, burns up on re-entry.

The space station is home to one Frenchman, two Americans and three Russians.

• A FEDERAL wildlife agency studying the Steller sea lion decline in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands is looking for help from citizen scientists. Volunteers don’t need raincoats or rubber boots to pitch in, just eyeballs and a computer screen.

Fisheries researchers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration want them to sort through 500,000 images captured by 20 cameras at six remote sites.

The job is simple: Flag photos that show sea lions.

NOAA Fisheries biologist Katie Sweeney is specifically looking for 256 Steller sea lions captured starting in 2011 that were permanently marked by branding, allowing them to track movement patterns. The image sorting tells researchers which photos are most important to review.

“If we see these animals over time, we can estimate their survival,” Sweeney said from her office at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center in Seattle.

Steller sea lions are the largest members of the eared seal family.

Adult males in the Aleutians can grow to 2,400 pounds and females to 800 pounds, Sweeney said.

They are found in the North Pacific from Japan and Russia to Alaska and as far south as the Channel Islands off the coast of Southern California.

PAGE 12, Wednesday, March 22, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

DARVILLE-JOHNSON RETIRES AFTER 47-YEAR CAREER FOLLOWING a decorated 47-year career of combined military, public and civilian federal service in the United States, Bahamian Hazel Lenora DarvilleJohnson has retired.

Born and raised in Mount Royal Avenue, Nassau, Mrs Johnson-Darville retired on January 21 from the US Defence Department (DOD) after a life in nursing and development training in which she received many awards and much recognition.

Mrs Johnson was raised by her maternal uncle Willard R Darville and his wife, Kathleen, formerly of Deadman’s Cay, Long Island. For many years the Darvilles owned and operated Darville’s Food Store on Shirley Street. They instilled in their niece the importance of a religious and educational upbringing.

In 1955, she began her education at St George’s Church Kindergarten School, at the time headed

by Father Lambert. A year later she attended the Eastern Preparatory School Number 2 on Shirley Street and credits Ms Wilkerson with teaching her not only the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic, but through her example, the art of expressing kindness, compassion and empathy for others. She was graduated to Eastern Junior School on Mackey Street.

In 1964, Mrs Johnson gained admission to the Seventh-Day Adventist Bahamas Academy on Wulff Road, where she credited Pastor H A Roach’s encour-

HAZEL Darville-Johnson has retired after 47 years in the US military, medical and public service agement for her successes throughout her educational and professional careers.

In 1967, she gained admission to the Princess Margaret Hospital School of Nursing and a year later left for the United States to complete her nursing studies. She joined the US Army in 1969 and went on to enjoy an extraordinary and highly successful career in the US Army’s Medical Department.

In 1970, following the completion of the Army’s Nurses training at Fort Gordon, Augusta, Georgia, Mrs Johnson was assigned as a renal failure, dialysis and renal transplant ward nurse at Walter Reed Army Medical Centre (WRAMC), in Washington DC. She was assigned to the US Army’s 130th Station Hospital in Heidelberg, Germany, from 1972 to 1980, in a variety of nursing positions.

In 1980, Mrs Johnson returned to the US for assignment to the US Army’s Fort Meade Army Hospital in Severn, Maryland. Upon completion of a Coronary

Care Course at the Naval Medical Centre in Bethesda, she was assigned as the Coronary Care and Surgical Unit Administrative Nurse.

Mrs Johnson’s extensive nursing background and knowledge of the US Army’s Medical Department led to her selection in 1981 as the Career Advisor and Assignment Manager with the Headquarters for the US Army Personnel Command in Alexandria, Virginia. She was responsible for managing careers through advanced medical training and assignments for all US Army Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and Radiology Technicians.

In 1984, Mrs Johnson was assigned to the Deputy Administrator for the US Army’s 10th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) at Fort Meade, where she was responsible for the tactical and medical proficiency training and for ensuring all assigned personnel were deployment ready for overseas medical contingencies, medical humanitarian responses and emergency medical support missions within the US and overseas areas.

In 1986, Mrs Johnson deployed to the US Army’s 121st Evacuation Hospital in Seoul, South Korea, and the following year was assigned to the 85th Medical Evacuation Battalion on Yongsan Army Garrison Base. In both positions, she served as the Deputy Administrator and was responsible for ensuring tactical and medical proficiency

training and readiness for deployment throughout South Korea and to the Demilitarised Zone between South and North Korea.

In 1990, she attended a six-month Army Senior Leader School at Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas. She was one of eight women in a graduating class of 636 male students. On graduation, Mrs Johnson was assigned as the Deputy Hospital Administrator for the Fort Eustis Army Hospital in Newport News, Virginia.

She was given an honorable retirement at the rank of Sergeant Major in 1994, and as a result of injuries received during her career, Mrs Johnson also retired as a disabled veteran.

During her US Army career, Mrs Johnson’s contributions and accomplishments were recognised with numerous awards, most notably the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, The Order of Military Medical Merit Award Medal and the Legion of Merit Medal.

In 1994, Mrs Johnson began her public service in the Virginia Public School System, joining the teaching staff of Denbigh High School in Newport News, where she taught Military Science and Leadership in the Army Junior Reserve Office Corp (JROTC) programme. She then moved to teach as a Special Education Resource Teacher for Emotionally Disabled students. While teaching full time, she completed a bach-

elors degree in Psychology with Saint Leo University on the Fort Eustis Army Base Distance Campus.

Following her graduation, she enrolled and simultaneously attended and completed two Masters degrees.

In May 1997, she was graduated cum laude from Regent University, Virginia Beach, with a Master’s in Education with emphasis in Cross-Categorical Special Education and a month later, was graduated from The George Washington University, Hampton Roads Campus, with a Masters in Education Administration and Leadership. She taught for three more years at Denbigh High.

In 2000, Mrs Johnson rejoined the DOD as a Federal Government Civilian. For four years, she served as the Cadet Professional Development Training (CPDT) Programme Manager in the Education and Training Directorate for the US Army’s Cadet Command at Fort Monore in Buckroe, Virginia. She selected and assigned qualified students attending colleges and universities throughout the US and participating in the US Army’s Senior Army Reserve Office Corps (SROTC) programme to DOD training and internship programmes worldwide.

In 2004, she returned to Seoul and joined the staff of United States Forces Korea (USFK), Personnel and Manpower Directorate as the Chief of Policy and Programme Development and Implementation and Direc-

tor of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Programme. In 2008, Mrs Johnson was selected to serve as the Deputy Inspector General for both the 8th US Army and USFK, Offices of the Inspectors General. She provided leadership and oversight of investigations into fraud, waste and abuse of DOD resources, whistleblower reprisal and the conduct of organisational regulatory and process compliance inspections.

In 2012, she returned to the US as a Hotline Investigator in the DOD Office of the Inspector General in Alexandria, Virginia, where she analysed and investigated complaints from all DOD personnel and non-DOD personnel worldwide involving fraud, waste and abuse of resources.

During her 16 and a half years as a DOD Federal Government Civilian to her recent retirement she was awarded the Department of the Army Achievement Medal for Civilian Service, the Superior Civilian Service Award, and the Meritorious Civilian Service Award.

Mrs Johnson is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc and is married to Ronald L Johnson, of New Bern, North Carolina, who has also retired from the US Army and DOD Federal Government. They have one son, Anthony, a daughter, Dawne Stanton, and one granddaughter, Chloe Johnson. The Johnsons plan to reside in Jacksonville, Florida.

TURNQUEST REJECTS ‘BAY STREET BOYS’ CLAIM FROM DEPUTY PM

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest yesterday dismissed recent suggestions

by Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis that the FNM is appealing to the interests of the “Bay Street Boys”.

Mr Turnquest also dismissed Mr Davis’ suggestions that former deputy prime minister Brent Symonette’s return to frontline politics was motivated by an opportunity for him to seize the reins from FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis.

The deputy leader said “there is no reason for anyone to believe that there is going to be any change in the leadership of the party.”

Mr Turnquest, in an interview with The Tribune, further insisted that the FNM is a “united party” that is “solely focused on

PETER TURNQUEST removing this failed, corrupt government” and that will not be “distracted” by “wishful thinking and naysayers.”

Mr Turnquest noted that Mr Davis is “obviously concerned”, adding that Mr Symonette’s return to politics is a reality that the Cat Island MP “is going to have to face” on his own.

Mr Turnquest also hit back at Mr Davis for his scathing criticisms of Dr Minnis, charging that they merely demonstrate that “they’re afraid of the change that (Dr Minnis) represents.”

“I think again the fact that they’re focused on Dr Minnis means that they’re afraid of what he represents, the change that he represents,” he said.

“You can tell Mr Davis that he can’t hold back the tide of change. Change will come, change must come to this country.

Mr Turnquest said: “If he wants to talk about failures he really ought to talk about the failures of his government to fulfil the promises that they had put

forth in 2012, they should talk about their failure to maintain our economy at a stable level, they should talk about their failure to contain the (national) debt, they should talk about their failure to double the investment in education.”

Mr Turnquest was responding to statements made by Mr Davis while speaking to a crowd of supporters at a town hall meeting at the CV Bethel High School on Monday night.

During his remarks, Mr Davis cautioned voters to be wary of voting for the FNM, claiming that Mr Symonette’s return to frontline politics is proof that the party is representing the interests of the “Bay Street Boys” as opposed to “ordinary people.”

Mr Symonette is the son of Roland T. Symonette, the leader of the United Bahamian Party (UBP), which represented the interests

of the Bay Street Boys oligarchy during the country’s pre-Majority Rule years.

Mr Symonette announced his intention to run on the FNM’s ticket for the St Anne’s constituency last month, five years after announcing his retirement from frontline politics.

As such, Mr Davis hit out at the FNM’s slogan “It’s the People’s Time,” suggesting that even though the Hubert Minnis-led party is trying to “present themselves different this time,” the return of Mr Symonette is proof that the FNM “ain’t got no love for our people.”

Mr Davis also surmised that Mr Symonette’s return was due to the latter sensing a “weak leader” in Dr Minnis, and that Mr Symonette consequently “thinks it’s his time to get in.”

“Dr Hubert Minnis is the leader of our party, Peter Turnquest is the deputy leader of the party,” Mr Turnquest said in response.

“There is no reason for anyone to believe that there is going to be any change in the leadership of the party.

That happens at a convention and we will not have another convention until certainly after elections.

“Mr Davis is obviously concerned, afraid of Mr Symonette’s return to politics, and that is something that he’s going to have to, a reality he’s going to have to face. He should concentrate on his race and getting his policies out in the public, because right now they’re running away from their record. And that should be more of a concern to him than what’s happening or what is going to happen in respect to the next government of the Bahamas.

“At the end of the day, the (FNM) is a united party, solely focused on removing this failed, corrupt government, and we will not be distracted by wishful thinking and naysayers.”

A letter to Minister Gray on fishing licences EDITOR, The Tribune A LETTER to Minister of Agriculture,and Marine Resources, V Alfred Gray: I am writing to give you my view on the recently enacted fisheries resource regulation, Jurisdiction and Conservation (Flats Fishing) Regulations, 2017.

First, let me congratulate you on taking steps to insure the future of the flats fisheries of The Bahamas.

Licensing fishing is a long overdue Act needed to fund law enforcement, education and research of the fishery.

I don’t know of a country that doesn’t require a fishing licence, and I have fished in a lot of countries.

This is a good thing.

I listened to the arguments by the guide associations and the individual guides prior to the passing of this regulation. I also wrote in hopes of being heard. I wrote because I wanted to show our respect and value to the Bahamians and their fisheries and to secure my own enjoyment of the fiats fishing here.

We have been mislabelled as a “mother ship” that only takes and never gives to the fishery and people of the Bahamas. Let me convince

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net you of our worth.

I captain a motor yacht owned by an avid flats fisherman who has fished the flats for decades. We fish on average 70 days a year on Bahamian flats.

We hire Bahamian guides whenever possible. We fish with guides in Andros, like Andy Smith, Marvin Miller, “Shine” Greene, and Crooked Island’s Jeffery Moss and “Shakey”, Elton McKinney, The Berry Islands, Ramone and David Lightbourne, Percy Darville, The Abacos, Colin Hield, “Bonefish” Town and others that have long retired, Grand Bahamas with the Pinders going back to David Pinder and his sons William and David Jr. As you can see we contribute a lot to the local guides. You have, by passing this regulation, taken away their clients. Seventy paying days gone, and that’s if we only hire one guide a day. Many days we hire two or three because of the number of guests we carry, guests that would never have bought a licence if

they were not with us. We have no desire to fish out of lodges or nearby hotels.

We also contribute to the Bahamian economy in other ways. On an average year, over the last 13 years, we purchase 7,500 gallons of fuel per year, 150 days dockage, 30 meals at area restaurants, 50 trips in local taxis, $1,200 in local marine supply and hardware stores, $3,000 per month in local grocery stores, not to mention purchases in local galleries, straw market, fresh conch, fish and lobster from local fishermen.

Make no mistake: we fish the reefs and offshore waters as well and consume our harvest with gusto. But we, occasionally, buy from local fishermen as well.

That is a conservative estimate of our economic impact. But we contribute more than that in humanitarian value. We have sponsored local children’s causes, we have given to hurricane ravaged victims, we have helped local guides obtain boats and machinery for their businesses. We have given sports equipment to schools as well.

I cannot speak for other large yachts that carry skiffs and fish the way we do, but

because I know most of the captains on those vessels I can safely say they, too, use guides and give generously and respect the fishery; with very few exceptions.

I have 31 years fishing these waters, I have never seen a “mother ship” flats fishing anywhere in the Bahamas that was here illegally, as argued by some of the lodges and guides, and I have anchored and fished in every group of islands of The Bahamas. The law you have requiring all vessels to clear customs and obtain a Cruising Permit and Fishing Permit (Regulation 47(4)) is all you need to prosecute those that would fish in the manner mentioned by the lodges and guides.

It is hard for me to fathom how you can sell me a fishing licence and then tell me I can only fish alone or with a guide. Ref Reg 4 paragraph 4(a)(b).

Reg. 3 paragraph 2 forbids me from using my own boat. This is of great concern for me because of the safety of my boss and his guest. Whereas most of the boats used by local guides are of good quality, they don’t equip or can’t equip them for the handicapped.

We spend extraordinary

money customising our skiffs. What possible good is this regulation? Surely any boat brought in for someone’s own use is good enough for that individual.

If a guide is using one of our skiffs he is still making money. If I have paid for a genuine fishing licence, why does it matter where the boat is registered?

Fishing is a very social activity. We all like to fish with friends. Most often we like to do it on our own boats for a myriad of reasons.

I am a captain on a larger motor yacht equipped to fish remote areas of The Bahamas, Caribbean and Pacific waters. We have customised our yacht and two skiffs specifically for the shallow flats of the Bahamas. Our skiffs incorporate special safety devices to help older anglers succeed in their quest for bonefish and other flats species, devices Bahamian vessels don’t have and would not be cost effective to install.

But I also am a fishermen, guide and friend to many Bahamians. I get a vicarious pleasure “guiding” other anglers. I have poled from the platform of many skiffs seeking bonefish, tarpon and permit for

anglers that cruise with us.

Your regulation has taken away that form of fishing from me.

How is any of Regulation 2017, other than the issuance of a fishing licence, going to help the guides, lodges and the flats fishery of The Bahamas? Those anglers that don’t have a boat in The Bahamas will use the local lodges and guides regardless of any provision of the regulation.

Those anglers who wade on their own are not affected one way or the other.

What if, I want to fish with one of my crew members?

We can’t afford to hire a guide. The only people it affects are the lawfully visiting boats that want nothing more than to fish for a quarry that is a catch and release fishery.

I fully support a fishing licence. It is a great way to fund needed enforcement, research and education.

The Bahamas has needed this for a long time. But please reconsider the ramifications of the rest of the regulation.

CAPTAIN MATTHEW BRITTAIN ROBINSON Hubert, North Carolina January 24, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Donny sets the example for Sandals staff FIVE years after its launch, the Sandals Corporate University (SCU) is continuing to develop its hard-working employees, offering opportunities to team members across the Caribbean to further their education through high school equivalency, professional certification and degree programmes as well as on the job training.

One recent shining example is Donathan ‘Donny’ Johnson, Assistant Food and Beverage Manager at Sandals Royal Bahamian.

The SCU was launched in March, 2012, with the endorsement of seven Caribbean Heads of Government, and to date over US$11m has been spent on human resource development programmes with nearly US$1m being allocated directly to scholarships.

Donny, as his personal and work family call him, took full advantage of the opportunity to engage the educational arm of Sandals Resorts International and better himself. “I have been working with Sandals for more than 16 years. I started as a pool deck attendant and while being excited and eager I was also a bit nervous. This was because up to this point I had only held part time positions in hospitality and had never worked in departments where I had contact with guests,” he said.

“I was, however, hungry for knowledge and very quickly learned tasks that were considered tasks for senior staff. Shortly thereafter I was moved to the beach as a beach attendant.

After that move I began training to drive the boats,

DONATHAN ‘DONNY’ JOHNSON teaching sailing/windsurfing lessons and also learnt to repair beach equipment. Soon thereafter, I set my sights on becoming a boat captain and later on becoming a diver. The journey to become a diver proved to be challenging as I would always get seasick but I was determined that I would not give up and, one by one, I received all the required certifications moving from Open Water Diver to Advanced Diver and Rescue Diver along with a host of other specialty courses.

“I continued with more courses, jumping into every programme offered by the SCU in order to further my development - from the Train the Trainer Course to a variety of technical courses for the Watersports Department. This elevated me to senior instructor, which was not a promotion but again came with more responsibilities and furthered my development.

“After about 12 years in Watersports, I was offered

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the post of Environmental Health and Safety Manager and in January, 2016, I became the Assistant Food and Beverage Manager. I really enjoy this department and I’m happy that I’m not able to make an impact on young team members who are in the position I once was.”

Mr Johnson now holds a degree in International Tourism Business Management and is one of the pillars of the Food and Beverage Department at Sandals.

All team members, from line staff to executive management, are eligible and encouraged to seek out programmes of interest at the SCU. Gary Williams, General Manager, commented, “We have some very dedicated, hardworking team members, both new and long-serving like Donny. It makes us happy as a team to be able to watch the growth and development of our team members and Donny is a shining example of what a great education and determination can create.”

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Wednesday, March 22, 2017, PAGE 13

‘The Bahamas’ own street philosopher’

PAGE 14, Wednesday, March 22, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Carrying a cross on the highway

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

LEROY CLEMENGER, of Florida, carrying a large wooden cross along the East Sunrise Highway in Freeport.

A MAN carrying a large wooden cross along the busiest highway in Freeport yesterday drew stares from many curious passersby, but Leroy Clemenger, of Fort Myers, Florida, said his mission is to spread the message about Jesus.

The Tribune spotted Mr Clemenger walking with the cross inscribed with ‘Jesus Saves’ heading west along East Sunrise Highway around 3.30pm near the Masonic Lodge. He had already walked many miles from Silver Point Beach but could not say how far he was going to travel.

“I am not doing this for myself, I don’t want to lift up Leroy’s name, I want to lift up the name of Jesus – it’s

about Him,” he said. “It is not about how far I’ve walked, it’s about how far He went to save us; we are just servants of the Lord - he did it all.”

Mr Clemenger told The Tribune he is a minister and has carried his cross in many places in the United States. “I figured since I come over here a lot, I would start carrying it here too,” he said.

When asked if had received any surprised and strange looks from people in Grand Bahama, he said: “I have gotten lots of looks, but it does not bother me.

I had people run my cross over and do stuff like that, but not over here (in The Bahamas). People who don’t like what you doing, they don’t want to hear it, they don’t want to see it, but all you can do is pray for them,” he said.

$800,000 DEAL SIGNED TO RENOVATE TWO CLINICS

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE Christie Administration has awarded nearly $800,000 in contracts to two companies to renovate the South Beach Health Centre and the Flamingo Gardens Clinic.

Pineridge MP Dr Michael Darville, who has been made responsible for National Health Insurance, announced the contract awards during a press conference at the South Beach Health Centre.

He said: “The execution of two contracts for the renovation, refurbishment and in some cases, the expansion of public clinicians in our nation, represents a unique synergy of the public and pirate sectors, through the continuing efforts of the ministry of health, the public hospitals authority, the ministry of works and various private contractors working together to achieve

the greatest results and greatest value for the Bahamian people.”

Dr Darville said the renovation of the clinics is important to the development of NHI, the first phase of which officials say will be rolled out in the first week of April.

The contracts awarded yesterday will allow for repairs to the roofs of both clinics.

Exam rooms, bathrooms and the clinics’ interiors also will be upgraded.

The lighting in the South Beach Health Centre that was damaged by Hurricane Matthew will be restored and both clinics will have their exterior and boundary walls repaired and refurbished.

A contract worth $497,000 was awarded to Builders Construction Company for the renovation of the South Beach Health Centre while a contract worth $298,884 has been awarded to Ralph Hanna II

Construction Company to renovate the Flamingo Gardens Clinic.

Dr Darville said similar announcements of contracts awards for the renovation of other clinics in the country should follow soon.

Dr Darville did not take questions about NHI more broadly yesterday.

As the timeline for the rolling out of NHI’s primary care phase nears, there remains a lack of clarity about the status of many essential elements of the scheme.

The registration of medical providers is ongoing and will end at the end of this month.

It’s unclear, however, when a public insurer will be selected or when the NHI’s regulations will be finalized.

It’s also unclear whether an information management system will be up and running with the capacity to handle data connected with the scheme.

PHA Managing Director Herbert Brown is pictured giving remarks at the contract singing for renovations of South Beach Clinic and Flamingo Gardens Clinic with Dr Michael Darville and local contractors Ralph Hanna, of Ralph Hanna II Construction, and Lionel Glinton, of LG Builders Construction.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

HALKITIS: CHINESE INVESTMENT IS JUST LIKE OTHER FOREIGN FINANCE

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

MINISTER of State for Finance Michael Halkitis has defended the government’s decision to enter

into several deals “with the Chinese government”, explaining that The Bahamas, like many countries, is just “taking advantage of opportunities” created by Chinese investment.

At a Progressive Liberal

Party Town Hall meeting at the University of The Bahamas on Sunday, Mr Halkitis said it is unfortunate that the narrative associated with the word Chinese is so negative in The Bahamas and that many of the mis-

conceptions the public have about Chinese investment is driven by politics.

The government has been highly criticised by members of the Opposition for making “a number of secret deals” with the Chinese.

Last year, Prime Minister Perry Christie criticised the Free National Movement for “emotionally exploiting” Bahamian’s anxiety over Chinese investment after party leader Dr Hubert Minnis put the government

of China “on notice” that if elected, his party would review and reverse any “secret deals” between China and the government.

“It is unfortunate that the narrative, and it is driven largely by politics, seems to seek to demonise the word Chinese,” Mr Halkitis said on Sunday.

“China has one of the largest savings rates in the world, they have a lot of money to invest and they invest money all over the world. They loan money to countries all over the world, including the United States, and they make significant investments in the United States.

“So what we need to do is look at the involvement by investors for what it is. It is investors looking for someone to get a return on their money and the Bahamas is an attractive place to do that. So it creates opportunity for us and them so now it is on us to make sure we maximise what we extract from these investments.”

In November, FNM candidate for Free Town, Dionisio D’Aguilar, said the Christie administration is “selling souls to the Chinese”.

Mr D’Aguilar said: “I have to believe that the Bahamas government is selling our souls to the Chinese. They purchased the Hilton, they have Baha Mar, the Chinese country controls the Container Port in Freeport ... the Chinese government is beginning to exert undue control over our government.”

Mr D’Aguilar has emerged as a strong critic of the government’s partnership with China. A former director of Baha Mar, he has been especially critical of the government’s handling of the beleaguered Cable Beach resort.