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VOLUME:115 No.87, MARCH 27TH, 2018

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1

WOMAN: SHOWING TEENS A WAY OUT OF ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIPS

PM: I was right to sack Chipman

But Minnis won’t actually say why he swung the axe By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net WHILE telling reporters he will not reveal some of the details surrounding Centreville MP Reece Chipman’s firing as chairman from a government corporation, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said he did what he believed was “right”. This decision he said will not hurt his relationship with Mr Chipman, who was on Saturday fired by the prime minister as chairman of the Antiquities Monuments and Museums Corporation. “I do what I think is right,” Dr Minnis said

yesterday. “You voted for me to do a job. I told the Bahamian people that if there is any undoing or what I consider against our policies in either party be it the Progressive Liberal Party or Free National Movement, then we would deal with it appropriately. We (are) just dealing with society. “I don’t think some details I will give to you, but the records will always be there so that whichever government comes behind, the records will always be there,” he said in response to a question on whether he would explain to Bahamians what led to Mr Chipman being fired.

RANFURLY’S GENERATION GAME

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis says he was “upright” and “honest” in publicly addressing concerns about the Oban Energies oil refinery and storage project planned for Grand Bahama. In the face of calls for his resignation from

REGISTERING a company in The Bahamas is “four times’ costlier” than in developed countries, with less than three per cent of government procedures able to be completed online. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), unveiling a $30m project to transform the Government’s digital/IT infrastructure, revealed the nation has an enormous amount of ground to make up over the “ease of doing business”. The paper added that the Ministry of Public Service’s $150,000 training budget enabled it to assist just a fraction of the 20,000 civil servants per year. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

LADY Caroline Simmonds (far right) poses on top of the corner stone she laid at the Ranfurly Home for Children. She paid a return visit - and spoke to The Tribune on the history behind the home. See page eight for the full story.

GALLERIA TOLD: TIME TO FACE THE MUSIC By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net ATTORNEYS for Galleria Cinemas yesterday said the Court of Appeal had “shockingly misunderstood” copyright law in a ruling that revives a longrunning claim against the movie operator. Greg Moss told Tribune Business that Galleria, whose principal is Democratic National Alliance

(DNA) leader Chris Mortimer, planned to appeal the verdict to the Privy Council, adding that “we have to get this right” if the creative economy is to flourish. Mr Moss, the former MP, was speaking after the Court of Appeal unanimously overturned a previous Supreme Court verdict that found the owners of musical copyright relinquished such rights when their work was incorporated into movie soundtracks.

A 34-YEAR-OLD man was found shot to death in his car shortly before 3am yesterday, police said. The incident took place in the area of Dignity Gardens off Carmichael Road and came 24 hours after a woman was fatally shot by her husband who later killed himself. Monday’s killing pushed the homicide count to 23 for the year, according to The Tribune’s records. Police said they were alerted early yesterday morning to a report of gunshots in this area and found an unresponsive man in a vehicle. He was suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. SEE PAGE THREE

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

SEE PAGE FIVE

Progressive Liberal Party Deputy Leader Chester Cooper, who over the weekend alleged the prime minister misled Parliament on the matter, Dr Minnis maintained he told the truth, adding that the only element he did not reveal was that the heads of agreement signing for the project at his office was ceremonial. SEE PAGE SIX

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

$150K BUDGET TO TRAIN 20,000 WORKERS

...AND I WAS ‘HONEST’ ON OBAN DEAL TOO By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

VICTIM SHOT DEAD SITTING IN HIS CAR

But acting Justice Milton Evans, in a ruling supported by his two fellow Appeal judges, found that there was nothing in the Copyright Act 1998 to support Galleria Cinemas’ contention that the authors of music give up their ownership rights when their works are used in film sound recordings. The outcome of the case has critical implications for singers, musicians and songwriters. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

HIV DRUGS SECURED TO AVERT CRISIS

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands yesterday moved to temper alarm over HIV/AIDS drug shortages at facilities in New Providence reported over the weekend. Dr Sands said levels were still critically low, but additional stock has been sourced until main supplies were restored. “Nobody is going without their mediation who need it,” Dr Sands said yesterday. SEE PAGE SEVEN

PAGE 2, Tuesday, March 27, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

OFFICIAL unveiling of the plaque for Queen’s Park by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and Minister of Environment and Housing Romauld Ferreira yesterday. Photo: Derek Smith/BIS

Five new homes in Queen’s Park development By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis addressed a ceremony yesterday for the opening of the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation’s Queen’s Park Urban Redevelopment Project. Five homes were built under the initiative headed by the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation. The homes, which are being offered at a cost of $120,000 to new homeowners, feature an exterior construction of a wall panel system with acrylic stucco finish, an energy sufficient building

process with insulated walls and ceilings, hurricane impact windows and wood cabinetry with granite counter tops. This is just one aspect of housing initiatives proposed under the Minnis administration. Environment and Housing Minister Romauld Ferreira told reporters yesterday the other aspect – low cost lots for first time homeowners at less than $30,000 – will be offered in May. He said 20 lots would be up for sale in the Sunset Close extension just behind the Carmichael Road Post Office, at Carmichael Village – Carmichael Road

West and in the Lionel Davis Development at Fox Hill. The project unveiled yesterday, located Christopher Street just off Farrington Road, will serve as a model for future developments, particularly in the inner city of New Providence and in Freeport, Grand Bahama, officials said. “BMC understands the need for urban redevelopment, especially in New Providence, as a result, the corporation extended its construction into the Queen’s Park Subdivision, resulting in the Queen’s Park Urban Redevelopment Project,” Dr Minnis said.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, March 27, 2018, PAGE 3

Managing director leaves her role at Bank of The Bahamas By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

“The organisation has got to demonstrate the ability to innovate,” he said. “The minister of finance has been in the newspaper importantly talking about the need for innovation as a number of the legacy Canadian banks have left a number of Family Islands and scaled down services in some of our communities. It would go a very long way if the new leadership of the BOB can demonstrate new ways of serving those in under served markets. Furthermore, the leadership team within the bank has a lot of work to do in terms of building morale among the employees. The bank has been plagued by poor leadership that has

been detrimental to morale.” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest has said a forensic audit will be performed into BOB. Toxic loans transferred off the bank’s balance sheet in recent years and credit that has been written off will be probed, he said, arguing political interference and shoddy lending practices were key factors in the decline of an institution that has struggled to be profitable. For all the bank’s problems, successive administrations have scoffed at the idea of letting it fail, with Mr Turnquest arguing that doing so would be more costly than propping it up.

HOMICIDES DOWN - BUT ‘ONE MURDER IS TOO MUCH’

VICTIM SHOT DEAD SITTING IN HIS CAR

RENEE Davis’ tenure as acting managing director of the Bank of the Bahamas ended yesterday. An email to BOB staff portrayed her departure as an amicable decision between her and the bank’s board. She leaves nearly two years after she was appointed acting managing director, having served in several roles since her arrival in 2005. Her departure comes not long after BOB’s former Acting Managing Director Hubert Edwards also left his role.

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

WHILE lamenting the fact that “one murder is too much,” Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday said homicides are down considerably compared with this time last year. Still he stressed his administration will do what it can to counter the problem. He spoke to reporters on the sidelines of a Mortgage Corporation event yesterday when asked about a reported murder-suicide on Sunday and what the government would do to stem domestic violence as well as general crime. “We have spoken to that extensively in Parliament,” Dr Minnis said. “I pointed out that murder has been decreased by 45 percent. You know, one murder is too much. And we’ll do everything we can to try and minimise it as much as possible. We’ll do everything possible that we can do.” There have been 23 murders recorded thus far for

RENEE DAVIS BOB’s board released no official statement on the change yesterday and it is not clear when a replacement may be made. However, the board’s decision to refresh its leadership won praise from Darron Cash, former Free National Movement

the year, while 38 were recorded in the same period this time last year, according to The Tribune’s records. While Dr Minnis noted a decrease of 45 percent, The Tribune’s figures show murders have dropped by 39 percent compared with this time last year. Earlier this month, National Security Minister Marvin Dames reported that overall crime is down 14 percent. On Sunday, Nicola Bethel was murdered by her husband, Ashondi Bethel, in an apparent murder-suicide. Mr Bethel reportedly shot his wife in their Yellow Elder Gardens home before turning the gun on himself. The couple shared three children who were reported to have been home at the time of the incident. Yesterday, police found Cammaron Lewis, 34, dead in a vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds. The incident took place in the area of Dignity Gardens, off Carmichael Road. Police are appealing to the public for any assistance in these investigations or any other case.

chairman, BOB shareholder and critic of the bank, who said the decision is among a number of “positive” steps the board has taken since its appointment last year. “It is the right decision and I commend the board for having the courage to go ahead and make the change,” he said when contacted. “This is a matter I addressed at the annual general meeting in suggesting that meaningful progress in the bank would not happen until there is substantial change in the leadership. I wish it would have happened sooner but I applaud them for being deliberate in their decision making process.

“Unfortunately the reality is over the past several years the organisation has been losing significant talent; very good people have gone because of poor leadership at the top and those outstanding people have left at a time when the organisation needed strength. I hope and pray that in selecting a new managing director the board would be equally as deliberate in the selection process and choose someone who would inspire confidence not just within shareholders but within the business community; someone who could inspire trust and integrity which are paramount for a bank that has been losing depositors for a long time.

from page one

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis speaking yesterday.

Photo: Derek Smith/BIS

INTERPOL HELPS TO TRAIN LAW ENFORCERS By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

IN the worldwide fight against the illicit smuggling of radiological and nuclear material, some 40 law enforcement officials are participating in a fourday training conference in Grand Bahama organised by the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Interpol. Project STONE (Stop Trafficking of Nuclear Elements) opened at the Gerald Bartlett Police Headquarters in Freeport on Monday for customs, immigration and police officers, as well as officers from the Container Control Programme in Jamaica. John Buchanan, a specialist officer in the radiological and nuclear terrorism prevention unit with Interpol, the world’s largest international police organisation, said one of the project’s primary goals is building relationships with all law enforcement stakeholders to fight the illicit smuggling of radiological and nuclear materials. He also stressed that it is essential that all law enforcement stakeholders are kept abreast of

emerging trends. “I think I hear a lot of people say to me all over the world, ‘what is the concern about radiological and nuclear trafficking we don’t see a lot of it…’ It is happening in certain places in the world, and we need to look at emerging trends, we need to be ahead of ourselves in terms of what the terrorists are going to do,” Mr Buchanan told conference participants. The expert stated that 15 years ago officials never dreamt that a terrorist would drive a truck into a busy street and kill people. “We never would have thought that at all,” he said. “We need to keep ahead of what the emerging trends are, and in doing this and introducing the radiological and nuclear smuggling element to this course – we are looking at emerging trends.” Mr Buchanan stated that combating smuggling is everyone’s responsibility. “Everyone in the room at this moment in time has responsibility for smuggling, whether that’s the illicit smuggling of firearms, drugs, people, goods, and cigarettes; we are all here because we have a

SUSPECTED DROWNING AT VENICE BAY POLICE are investigating an apparent drowning incident involving an adult man. The man was found floating in waters at Venice

Bay off Bacardi Road yesterday. Police were still investigating the incident up to press time and provided no further details.

responsibility for that… “I hope that through building relationships and making the connection and getting contact numbers of the people you need to speak to in case something like this happens such as scientists, medical people, physicists, customs, and police – it’s all about making connections,” he said. Mr Buchanan stressed

that Interpol’s vision is connecting police across the world to make it a safe place. Chief Supt Telinda Missick of New Providence explained that participants would be acquiring skills and knowledge to help in the detection and prevention of the smuggling of radiological and nuclear materials in the Bahamas. “We have already

conducted training in New Providence, and we are here now to conduct training in Grand Bahama,” she said, adding that participants will go into the field for hands-on training at the container port. “We believe this will promote information sharing and strengthen our capacity to detect and prevent the smuggling of radiological material,” she said.

Despite the efforts of Emergency Medical Services personnel, the victim died on the scene. Police confirmed the victim was Cammaron Lewis, 34. Officers are “unclear” as to the motives for this latest homicide and are appealing to the public for assistance in the investigation. A day earlier, a man reportedly shot and killed his wife before fatally turning the weapon on himself in an apparent murder suicide in the home they shared at Yellow Elder Gardens. While police did not release their identities on Sunday, The Tribune can confirm they are Ashondi and Nicola Bethel. They were both government employees and the parents of three children. On Friday, a man was shot while standing on the porch of a home on Fleming Street. According to police, the shooting occurred shortly before 11pm. The victim and another man were standing on the home’s porch when they were approached by three men, one of whom was armed. The armed man shot at the men, hitting one of them before he and his accomplices ran from the area. The victim was taken to hospital where at last report he was in stable condition, police said. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 919 or Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, March 27, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

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Bolton’s spectre an unwelcome surprise AMERICAN president Donald Trump continues to surprise us. Just not in a good way. After Trump’s recent dismissal by twitter of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and the naming of hard-line sycophant CIA Director Mike Pompeo as his replacement, some US foreign policy observers thought perhaps the worst was over. While Tillerson hollowed out the State Department’s senior professional leadership and pushed for potentially crippling department budget cuts, his policy positions were generally sensible. He had seemed to be a counterweight to this president’s worst instincts in foreign policy. But even though Tillerson’s reasonable voice was now gone, optimists were heartened that steady Jim Mattis remained as Secretary of Defence, and HR McMaster was still at the helm of the National Security Council. While there were rumours of a possible change in this key White House position, Trump had recently expressed his support for McMaster. But over the weekend, one of the scariest figures in recent US history returned. Trump announced he had dismissed McMaster and would install in his place John Bolton. Amid all the chaos, scandal, incompetence and carelessness of this Trump administration, Bolton has not occupied a prominent position in the public discourse. But even as Pompeo seems likely to play to Trump’s ignorant, impulsive instincts in international affairs, Bolton will probably be much more dangerous for the world. The US national security adviser is the head of the National Security Council, a White House office charged with synthesising diverse perspectives from the many American foreign affairs bureaucracies and presenting to the president a list of cogent policy alternatives. The NSC director is expected to offer his thoughts as well, and these have often proven to be decisive as the American president makes his choices. Generally, however, the NSC directors have maintained relatively low-key public postures, in keeping with their great behind the scenes influence as policy arbiters. While the NSC had existed long before his arrival as director under President Richard Nixon, Henry Kissinger was the NSC chief who has had the most visibility and direct personal influence. Quickly mastering the levers of bureaucratic power and influence in the Nixon

White House, Harvard diplomatic historian Kissinger ingratiated himself with the embattled Nixon and became a trusted confidante who helped craft Nixon’s famous opening to China policy. Now, John Bolton returns as a national security adviser very likely to achieve a public posture and position of influence to rival Kissinger’s. But while Kissinger was a widely respected diplomatic historian of prodigious output and acknowledged erudition, Bolton is a hard-line ideologue and documented bully. His appointment represents a dangerous turn for US foreign policy and further threatens America’s post-war position as the most likely curator of international peace and prosperity. Sounding the first of what will be a cacophony of criticism of Trump’s latest personnel mistake, The Washington Post said of Bolton that “his record is that of rigid, bombastic ideologue with a history of bullying colleagues and twisting intelligence. His advocacy of extreme policies, including preventive war against North Korea and Iran, could lead (America) to catastrophe.” Bolton first ingratiated himself with President George W Bush by visibly and volubly overseeing the vote recount in Palm Beach County, Florida after the 2000 presidential election. After a controversial and contentious stint in two State Department appointed positions on arms control and the UN, Bolton was rewarded with a nomination in 2005 as the American permanent representative to the United Nations. Faced with reports of Bolton’s tempestuous and erratic behaviour and extreme foreign policy views, even the then Republican-controlled Senate refused to confirm Bolton’s nomination and he only received a recess appointment for a short time. Bolton nonetheless managed to offend and anger numerous colleagues. He remains one of the most vociferously passionate advocates for the American misadventure in the Iraq War. Perhaps even worse, Bolton once tried to pressure intelligence colleagues to support a spurious contention that Cuba possessed biological weapons, presumably to justify aggression. Despite his public intemperance, Bolton is dangerous because he is a bright Yale Law School graduate who ably manipulates bureaucratic power. And there is no chance the US Senate can again block his appointment. The national security adviser is not subject to Senate confirmation. For the moment, he’s here to stay.

The Darkest Hour of EU relations EDITOR, The Tribune. IT seems apropos that the recently released movie “Darkest Hour” should come out simultaneously with the European Union’s latest bullying tactic, on weak jurisdictions, particularly in the Atlantic Caribbean arena. Between 1933–1945, the then bogeymen of the German Third Reich were the Jewish People who were seen to have accumulated far too much money in Europe, and I suppose were seen then as a similar type problem (BEPS) and were exterminated. Today in the Fourth Reich, under the leadership of Angela Merkel, it is the peoples of the Atlantic Caribbean, who were left here by many of the European Colonialists, as either slaves or masters, or more recently in the 1940’s, in the British Colonies as British Armed Forces, to eke out a living

from the rugged limestone rock that most are made of. Not unlike the Jews in the first half of the twentieth century, all of these Atlantic Caribbean Financial Centers eagerly walk to the doors of the new gas chambers, believing, as the EU have told them, that “you are only going in to be showered and given fresh clothes to put on”. We are making it better for you – don’t worry. One has to wonder if these EU Member States appreciate, or are even aware, that these little islands, as small and insignificant as they were, gave their treasure, their sweat, and even their lives, to save them from Hitler’s gory boot just seventy some years ago. We should invite them to visit Nassau on Remembrance Sunday to see the wreathes that so many of our people lay in memory of loved ones who never made it home

from either European initiated Wars. Is it really the EU or OECD’s business how we run our country? If they have citizens that are not paying taxes, by all means bring them to justice in the EU. I have never understood how Apple, a USA corporation could pile up enormous profits in the Republic of Ireland, an EU country, and not have to pay taxes in America. I think that we have done enough now, to appease the USA, OECD, EU, and every other Big Bully that wants to put their boot on our necks. I imagine we pay to be a Member of the OAS which in theory should be an organization that should be fighting these battles on our behalf. An appropriate phrase from our election jargon for the EU “Sit Small and Shut Up”! BRUCE G. RAINE Nassau, March 23, 2018.

Questions from an FNM voter EDITOR, The Tribune. I AM writing because I have concerns with how things are going in this land as a Bahamian who voted FNM. Firstly, most of the FNM ministers I see on TV seem to give off an arrogant attitude. The minister of education who before he became minister and spoke at schools used to say that he was for teachers. Now that he is minister he will not allow teachers to meet with their union on the school campus. In addition, I am sure that he is aware of the need for discipline in our schools, but he says that corporal punishment should be a last resort. He once led the YEAST school so why hasn’t he presented a plan for better discipline in the schools and why has he not held a meeting with all teachers to hear their concerns? The minister of National Security has yet to condemn the abuse of prisoners in police custody. I understand that some force may be needed to apprehend a suspect but why are suspects being abused by so-called detectives and being forced to confess to crimes. This has been going on for years and I have yet to hear one minister condemn it. Is it ok to batter an individual because he or she is known to police and has been charged with a crime before? How do you know that the person is guilty of the present crime without evidence? Are there no strategies that they can use to solve a crime without beating people and putting bags over their head? Does the minister of National Security or Prime Minister see nothing wrong with this? Why is it that the minister of finance is constantly borrowing money when before he became minister he spoke against the borrowing of the PLP? Why isn’t a portion of the VAT being used to pay down our debt every year? Wasn’t VAT introduced to help pay down debt? So we are spending all of the VAT

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net money and still borrowing more money so how will the debt be reduced? Why is the minister of finance or the FNM government happy to lay off civil servants in the name of reducing expenditure, but still borrowing a lot of money? Why are calls to 916 being answered in Jamaica? Is it the people’s time? Couldn’t those jobs been given to Bahamians? Why is the government allowing this? Why did the Prime Minster allow this OBAN deal without first investigating its effects on our precious waters? Does he not care? So many Bahamians make their living from the water. Why would he allow drilling in an area that environmentalists say will endanger our waters and eco system? Is the Prime Minister seeking advice from former Prime Minister The Honourable Hubert Ingraham because he is a very wise man and can help him make better decisions. Is the Prime Minister remaining humble enough to seek advice or has he become arrogant? Why hasn’t the minister of immigration totally changed our laws so that Haitians no longer have the right to apply for citizenship at 18? It is for this reason they keep coming here and having a bunch of children so that they can apply at 18. This must be stopped! Why is the cost of living so high in The Bahamas? The present government is doing nothing about it. In our food stores items that have “Export Only” on them are being sold for the price of organic quality food. Why isn’t the government meeting with the owners of these food stores and demanding that they offer better prices to the Bahamian people? We are right next to Florida so why is it so expensive to import the food which we cannot produce ourselves?

This must change! The government must understand how expensive it is for the average Bahamian to buy basic food items. How are things better? Why are six lamb chops being sold for $17.00 in the food store? Why are store owners being allowed to bring in low quality “Export Only” food so that they can make a killing at the cost of the health of the Bahamian people? Why hasn’t an unannounced inspection been made on all Chinese restaurants to see if they are really selling dog and cat meat to Bahamians? Why are Chinese nationals being allowed to open up stores all over this island when Bahamians should be first? Why are so many Chinese being given citizenship? Why have animal cruelty laws not been upheld and strengthened in The Bahamas? In Florida and the US in general people are thoroughly investigated and given jail time for abusing any animal. Police officers and firemen often go to help animals in distress. Why isn’t animal cruelty taken seriously in The Bahamas? We all know that serial killers start off by abusing animals and we all know that animals have feelings too. Does ANY one in the FNM government care about this? Finally why wasn’t a decision made to cancel carnival. This is not our culture. It is degrading and nasty and unnecessary. Let’s build up and invest in Junkanoo which is our own and cancel this foolishness. God allowed the FNM to win. He is watching and so are the FNM voters. The above mentioned concerns must be addressed intentionally. These things matter. We the people need concrete evidence that this government is working on issues that matter to the Bahamian people and not just talking about the wrong the PLP did in parliament. The question is what is the FNM doing? CONCERNED VOTER Nassau, March 24, 2018.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, March 27, 2018, PAGE 5

PM: I was right to sack Chipman from page one Dr Minnis made the decision after giving the MP an ultimatum to either tender his resignation or be terminated. However, Dr Minnis said he could not divulge details because he had not yet informed his Cabinet. It is unclear what the prime minister meant as the Cabinet Office issued a brief statement on the firing on Saturday. In an interview with The Tribune on Sunday night, Mr Chipman said he had high expectations of the Office of the Prime Minister, which were not met, but added he regretted that things had escalated to this point. He also said the civil service is filled with “political prostitutes” which will hinder forward movement unless this problem is weeded out. Asked if he had concerns about this, Dr Minnis said yesterday: “I don’t know what that means. I don’t use the word prostitute so I would need that broken down.” He also said: “No (I am not concerned). I always say whatever I do, I put God first and I am led by my conscience and once my conscience is cleared, I’m happy. The FNM made a commitment. We said we would govern in a certain manner in a certain way. “We said we would root out corruption and bring honesty and integrity into governance and that we will do, we will stay the course, nothing will change us.” On Friday, Dr Minnis gave the first time MP until noon Saturday to resign. However, Mr Chipman refused, stating in a letter sent to the prime minister and parliamentary colleagues ahead of his axing that he would only do so if Permanent Secretary Jack Thompson and several other high-ranking government employees at the AMMC also submitted resignations. He further claimed the AMMC was operating outside of the law and also suggested the government

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and Reece Chipman, Centreville MP. was following the status quo of the previous Christie administration. When asked if there was any bad blood between him and the prime minister, Mr Chipman said on Sunday: “I don’t know where he is with it. I just know from my perspective I just had higher expectation of not him in particular, but of the Office of the Prime Minister and I think that’s where the line is for me, my expectations were not met. It’s a difference in expectation. I wish him all the best with his role and, of course, I wish

my administration the best moving forward but there is a level of expectation one would expect when we look at public service and higher office and in that regard, I think there is a lot of work to be done. “It’s always regrettable when any organisation or administration gets to the point where obviously whether there is a lack of communication or just a lack of attention is given to certain areas,” he said when he was asked if he had regrets. He continued: “I think

that the letter (sent to the prime minister) spoke to campaigning against a system and when a system of governance is filled with what I term political prostitutes it’s going to be difficult for us to move forward unless we rid ourselves of that type of injection in the public service. “I think it’s important for the constituents of Centreville to know my take on it. And it’s also important for you to, in terms of the fairness of reporting, to understand both sides. Because the prime minister

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff will have to say his interpretation of what transpired, I don’t know whether he will or won’t and then I guess we’ll have an opportunity to clear the air at some point. “But it is important for us to acknowledge that we have a tough job. I do understand that the prime minister has a tough job. I do understand our administration has a tough job, however, there are some little things that are important. Like respect, like adequate relevant communication, clarity with regard to the law and with regard

to corporate governance principles. Otherwise what will trickle down is a bunch of foolishness and that is not something I am going to be good at tolerating,” Mr Chipman said. In his letter to Dr Minnis, dated March 23, Mr Chipman said his request for the resignations of Mr Thompson, Deputy Permanent Secretary Carol Johnson and Director of AMMC Dr Keith Tinker were based on several concerns, which he claimed were brought to the attention of AMMC’s board of directors.

THOMPSON SILENT OVER ANTIQUITIES CORPORATION AUDIT By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

PERMANENT Secretary Jack Thompson was tightlipped yesterday over Auditor General Terrance Bastian’s probe into the Antiquities Monuments & Museums Corporation. Mr Bastian confirmed to The Tribune that he had turned over his findings to Mr Thompson; however, he stressed it was not a

full audit. The Tribune understands the order for an independent audit of the AMMC came from Cabinet after it was discovered the AMMC received a double subvention of $206,000 that was not returned to the Public Treasury as is required by law. The revelation was outlined in a letter sent to Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis by Centreville MP Reece Chipman over

the weekend, in which he refused to resign his post. Mr Chipman was fired on Saturday. Yesterday, Mr Bastian did not reveal the nature of his findings, and referred this newspaper to Mr Thompson, whom he said had carriage of the matter. Mr Thompson declined comment on the matter, telling The Tribune yesterday he did not want to “get involved”. He advised the information would

be released through the “proper channels”, underscoring audit information was typically tabled in Parliament. The House of Assembly resumes on April 11. Mr Chipman’s firing – which comes a mere ten months into the Minnis administration’s term in office – is allegedly related to his handling of the AAMC, The Tribune was told. On Friday, Dr Minnis

gave the first time MP until noon Saturday to resign. In his letter, Mr Chipman told the prime minister and parliamentary colleagues that he would only resign if Mr Thompson and several other high-ranking government employees at the AMMC also submitted resignations. Mr Chipman further claimed the AMMC was operating outside of the law and also suggested the government was following the

status quo of the previous Christie administration. Yesterday, an AMMC board member who spoke on the condition of anonymity, defended Mr Chipman’s character. The board member said Mr Chipman had always conducted himself in an “above board” manner, and suggested the matter was highly political in nature. However, the board member would not go into further details for fear of reprisal.

FOGGING FOR MOSQUITOES TO BEGIN TOMORROW By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

ANSWERING the call of frustrated residents in eastern and western New Providence, the Department of Environmental Health is slated to begin fogging for pest mosquitoes tomorrow. Andrew Thompson, DEHS assistant director, said the decision was triggered by the volume of complaints from residents in those areas, which he described as prolific breeding areas due to the natural land formation. “We plan to start on Wednesday. There are a couple of things we use to indicate if we should do fogging or not,” he said. “First, the number of complaints, there was some rain in recent weeks, and so we have been getting a number of complaints and that was one thing that triggered it. In addition to that we have to approach from other angles as well, we go out into areas and look where breeding is actually occurring and if we have access to it we will also do some aquatic stage vector control, where there is living

organism in the water and we do treatment there as well, we started that already.” Mr Thompson continued: “In New Providence, it’s really the east, as well as the west, and that’s in sync with geographical features like ponding, bodies of water as a result of natural land formation, marsh land, these areas are prolific breeding sites for pest mosquitos.” Mr Thompson made the distinction between pest mosquitoes and those that carry vector diseases like the aedes aegypti mosquito. To prevent against

the spread of illness like dengue fever and chikungunya, Mr Thompson advised residents to be vigilant in managing the collection of water around their homes

and yards. “It’s also important for individuals and communities to continue to check yards to see if there are any water holding containers,”

he added, “because those are the problem with disease vectors that can spread dengue, etc. Pay attention to their yards. Do inspection every week.

Manage your containers you have in your premises, that is the significant control measure of source reduction for disease vectors.”

PAGE 6, Tuesday, March 27, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Minnis was ‘honest’ on Oban deal from page one And as push back continues to mount over the proposed project, Dr Minnis also told reporters yesterday he does not know when the environmental impact assessment for the development will begin. The Bahamas Environmental Science and Technology Commission (BEST), which provides guidelines for EIAs for developments in the Bahamas, is under Dr Minnis’ portfolio. Asked by The Tribune why he did not reveal the deal involved 690 acres of Crown land leased from the government to build Oban’s refinery, the prime minister said: “I was very specific when I addressed the Bahamian people and I was upright and honest with

SATPAL DHUNNA them and now the envi- of agreement speaks for ronmentalists are dealing itself.” with the issue. The heads Oban Energies

President Satpal Dhunna revealed last week the company will lease 690 acres of Crown land from the government to build the facility. Until that point, the acreage promised to the company under a lease agreement was an unknown detail. After the prime minister’s much-awaited mid-year budget speech last week, critics said key questions about the oil refinery and storage project remain unanswered. Dr Minnis at the time said the beneficial owner of Oban Energies LLC is the K Family Irrevocable Trust. However, he gave no details about the people behind this trust. In addition, although funding concerns were cited as the chief reason the project went nowhere under the

last Ingraham administration, Dr Minnis provided no proof of this. Centreville MP Reece Chipman, who was recently fired as chairman of the Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation, has also expressed concerns that the area where the project is slated to be built is a cultural site. To this, Dr Minnis said: “I spoke to the Oban issue in Parliament. I was very, very thorough with what I said and every now and again the PLP throw lil’ daggers at me. I would only say to them be careful. Be careful, don’t throw. “I tell him be careful too,” he said specifically in response to Mr Cooper. Yesterday evening, Mr Cooper responded to Dr Minnis, questioning if the prime minister’s words were

a threat. “I hope the prime minister’s words do not constitute any threat,” Mr Cooper said in a statement. “However, out of an abundance of caution, I feel compelled to report this matter to the police.” The Nassau Guardian reported yesterday that more than a month after Peter Krieger, Oban’s then non-executive chairman, said an environmental impact assessment would begin in 45 days, the BEST Commission has still not started work on the EIA. Responding on this issue, Dr Minnis seemed to dodge the question by saying: “The environmental entity, the EIA, that’s all spelled out in the heads of agreement, when it starts and different things I don’t know.”

GOVT ‘TO ADDRESS LICENSING FOR TAXIS AND BUSES’ By BETTY VEDRINE Bahamas Information Services

AN area of concern that has plagued successive governments in the country has been the leasing of government licences and franchises for taxis, tour buses, limousines and omnibuses by persons not engaged in the public transport sector. Minister of Transport and Local Government Frankie

Campbell recently said that some of these persons have no interest in being in the sector and have leased their licences or franchises to third parties who require them to operate. Mr Campbell was speaking in the House of Assembly during his contribution to the midyear budget debate. “This is a vexing problem, which has resulted in often astronomical fees being paid by persons who are leasing from franchises

and license holder, and who often find themselves caught in a vicious cycle and at the mercy of unscrupulous individuals who often have no compunction about charging exorbitant fees for the continued use of the licence or franchises,” said Mr Campbell. He said that the government intends to address this issue. He said that during the period July to December 2017 and up to the current period, the Road Traffic

VACANCY NOTICE PRODUCTION ASSOCIATE Cable Bahamas Limited is seeking to employ an experienced Production Associate. The successful candidate must have experience in Media and Camera work and the ability to collaborate effectively with the Media team. JOB SUMMARY The Production Associate will be responsible for assisting with all aspects of work related to the internal and external technical operations of OurTV. JOB DESCRIPTION • • • • • • • •

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

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

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

Department and the Ministry of Transport and Local Government have compiled the necessary records for addressing this issue in a “comprehensive fashion”. He said that the ministry will shortly be seeking the advice of the Cabinet with respect to “right sizing” the public transport sector. “These efforts are designed to establish an equitable, fair system for all Bahamians who have demonstrated a commitment to participate properly in the sector,” Mr Campbell said. He said that in addition to the leasing of plates, another vexing problem confronting the sector is the behaviour of jitney drivers – behaviour often dangerous and which diminishes the quality of the experience of persons who choose to or have to take public transportation. “Many persons have expressed concerns about the reckless behaviour exhibited by some omni or jitney operators in this

regard, there have been any number of accidents and improper activities involving jitney operators and both the Road Traffic Department and the police are challenged in their capacity to regulate the driving habits of many of these drivers,” said Mr Campbell. He said that while the development of a unified system has been touted as the means of reforming the current busing system, bringing all stakeholders together has been a “challenge.” The minister said that after negotiations and consultations, his ministry is “poised” to enter into an agreement with the public transport representatives for the provision of bus services on a single revised route, for a period of six months. The pilot project initiative is being funded by a $500,000 grant from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). “Mr Speaker, $350,000 of this funding was set aside

for the engagement of a consulting transportation specialist, and a Canadian company was retained and provided services for the development of the pilot, much of which were delivered during the six-month budgetary period now under review, allowing for the expenditure of the greater portion of this funding during the mid-term budgetary period,” said Mr Campbell. He said this represented the first component of the project; and the second component, which provides for the general administration and supervision of the pilot programme, is slated to commence soon. “It is intended that the implementation of the pilot will identify all issues which require correction before the unified system is considered for introduction on an island-wide basis throughout New Providence,” he said. “There will be a review of bus routes to ensure all areas are serviced.”

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, March 27, 2018, PAGE 7

HIV drugs secured to avert crisis from page one “We are at a critically low level. We managed to get additional stock until such time as main supply is restored. “Having made good on payment to the vendor, it’s just a matter of when we get stocks back up to par level. “By no means do I wish to give the view that we’re happy with the level of stock but on a case by case basis what we’re doing is managing the patients. “If someone goes to a Family Island, ordinarily we give three months supply; we can’t do that now, we give them one-month supply. So you don’t have the flexibility that you would ordinarily have or we can substitute certain medications.” The cash-strapped public health

sector has endured several major issues in recent months, namely the announcement and later delay of fee hikes at Princess Margaret Hospital’s Morgue Department after intense public push back in December; the suspension of elective surgeries at PMH due to bed shortages in January and the ongoing nurse shortage which came to a head last month after the departure of 70 nurses to more lucrative posts in the American market. #Throughout the ordeals, Dr Sands has insisted the public healthcare sector had to find ways to manage despite its limited resources. Yesterday, he added: “I’ve taken the view, unlike in past times where everything is a secret, that people have a DR DUANE SANDS, Minister of Health. right to know.”

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

FORMER PRISON OFFICER’S DRUG APPEAL DISMISSED By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

THE Court of Appeal has dismissed a former prison officer’s attempts at contesting his conviction for drug offences after ruling that it has “no jurisdiction” to overturn a conviction stemming from a plea of guilty. Appellate Justices Jon Isaacs, Stella CraneScott and Roy Jones said Brandario Miller’s guilty plea to two counts of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply rendered the court powerless to entertain his appeal in accordance to Section 233 of the Criminal Procedure Code. And regarding Miller’s appeal against his sentence — six months or a $1,000 fine on each count – the appellate judges said the prospects of success of Miller’s grounds against his sentence were “nil”. Miller had applied to the Court of Appeal for an extension of time within which to apply for leave to appeal his convictions and sentences for two counts of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply, handed down by

then-deputy chief magistrate Andrew Forbes in 2017. According to the ruling, on July 5, 2017, Miller appeared before thenDeputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes along with his attorney Sonia Timothy, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges read to him. Miller was subsequently denied bail and remanded into custody. On September 12, 2017, he returned before the same judge, now an acting Supreme Court judge, along with his new attorney Jomo Campbell. The charges were read over to Miller and he pleaded guilty to both. A summary of the facts of the matter were subsequently read to the court. According to those facts, Miller, a then-serving prison officer at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, was approached and searched at his place of work. During the search two packets of drugs fell out of his pocket. Miller’s home was later searched and more drugs were found. He was arrested and cautioned for those drugs also. Miller agreed to the facts

as read by the prosecution. The magistrate then heard a plea in mitigation and convicted Miller. He then sentenced him to six months’ imprisonment on each count and fined him $1000 on each offence. Failure to pay the fine would result in a further three months behind bars. According to the ruling, Miller did not appeal within the seven days mandated for doing so. And as the appellate judges noted, he ought to have done so by September 20, 2017, at the latest. Miller instead launched his application for leave to appeal on November 20, 2017, making for a delay of approximately eight weeks and four days. In an affidavit filed on November 22, 2017, in support of his extension of time application, Miller claimed that upon his conviction and sentence, he immediately sought the assistance of the prison authorities in order to receive the necessary documents to file an appeal. However, he claimed the prison authorities told him that because he pleaded guilty it was pointless to appeal and the documents were consequently denied to him.

Miller claimed it wasn’t until about November 16, 2017, that he discovered from his current attorney that, albeit limited, there were circumstances in which conviction and sentence after a guilty plea could be successfully appealed. According to the ruling, no evidence was adduced by the Crown, the intended respondent in the matter, to counter Miller’s submissions, and the appellate judges thus found them to be a “reasonable explanation for the delay in filing his appeal”. The appellate judges said Miller’s attorney, Geoffrey Farquharson, consequently faced the “Herculean task” of convincing them that in the face of the “very clear words” of section 233 of the Criminal Procedure Code, they had the jurisdiction to hear Miller’s appeal. “It is unknown in the courts of this jurisdiction for defendants on being asked how did they plead, to answer, ‘guilty, with explanation,’” the ruling said. “Faced with such a ‘plea’ the tribunal would go on to enquire of the defendant to expound on the plea.

“If the explanation provided reveals a defence, the court has to enter a not guilty plea for the defendant. “Inexorably, where a defendant does not make any comment which may suggest he is not guilty and has a defence, we may be satisfied that the guilty plea is unequivocal; and in those circumstances, has properly pleaded guilty to the charges. “We do not propose to enter into a consideration of the merits or otherwise of the factors in relation to (Miller’s) convictions because we are satisfied that (Miller) has pleaded guilty and been convicted by (then-Magistrate Forbes) and section 233 of the CPC is ‘pellucidly clear,’” the ruling added. “The jurisdiction of this court to hear appeals is entirely by statute. “We do not have the jurisdiction to entertain an appeal against (Miller’s) conviction. Thus, we may only consider the application for an extension of time in relation to the sentences imposed by (then-Magistrate Forbes).” Concerning the appeal

against sentence, the appellate judges noted that Miller faced a maximum penalty of a $250,000 fine or five years’ imprisonment, or both a fine and imprisonment. They also noted that the judge, in sentencing Miller, noted that the former prison officer had no previous convictions, co-operated with the police, and that the drugs involved were a “relatively small” quantity. The appellate judges said the trial judge found that those factors weighed in Miller’s favour. The appellate judges further noted that the trial judge also considered the aggravating factors of the case, that Miller was an employee at the BDCS; the prevalence of the offence committed by others similarly employed and the need to not condone such behaviour. Thus, the appellate judges ultimately said they found nothing wrong with the sentencing approach as the judge was “enjoined to consider both the circumstances of the case and the circumstances of the offender.”

PAGE 8, Tuesday, March 27, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

TREADING IN HER MOTHER’S FOOTSTEPS

SOME people come to The Bahamas and get sand in their shoes and they never seem to get shake it out; returning to these islands again and again to be kissed by the Bahamian sun. That’s exactly what happened to Lady Caroline Simmonds. This past weekend, she returned to visit her “family” – the children and the administrators of the Ranfurly Home for Children. Her mother started the institution and she laid the cornerstone for the building when she was eight-years-old. During her most recent visit, Lady Caroline brought her two daughters and three grandsons to visit the home and meet the children with the hope of inspiring her offspring to follow in her footsteps. Lady Caroline was just four-years-old when she made her debut in New Providence. Her father Daniel Knox, the Earl of Ranfurly, once served as Governor of The Bahamas. The earldom of Ranfurly is the last earldom created in the Peerage of Ireland that is still extant. Dan Ranfurly, as he was called, became well-known for his exploits in the Second World War as a British army officer. He was sent to Nassau to serve as Governor in 1953. Little as she was, Caroline was old enough to appreciate this country for

its beautiful ocean and its warm climate. She was glad to be far removed from the harsh winters that sometimes haunt the English landscape. “I remember my time here very well; it was a wonderful age to be here in The Bahamas,” she said. “I came from England where there were cold winters – no beautiful blue water and sand and sea. I learned to swim here.” Lady Caroline spent her formative years here, growing up in Government House atop Mount Fitzwilliam with her father and mother, Lady Hermione, the Countess of Ranfurly. Caroline attended Xavier’s College and recalls making “lots of friends” in the four years she spent here. During Lord Ranfurly’s tenure, Nassau the city had been struck by a major fire. “The whole of Nassau was thought to have burned down, and my mother and father went down into the town as everyone had come together to man the hoses to try to put the fire out and save Nassau,” said Lady

Caroline. “My mother was on Bay Street and all of these children came running out of the side streets running away from the fire. When the fire was put out and Nassau was saved, she asked someone where all these children had come from in the middle of the night running away from the fire. She found out that they were all living in cardboard boxes down on the side streets.” She added: “There was no orphanage, no refuge for these children who had nothing and nowhere to go; so she started to raise the money to build the home, and that is how it all started.” Last weekend, she toured the Ranfurly home and met most of the 29 children who live there. assistant administrator Princess Burrows took Lady Caroline along with her daughters and grandsons on the tour. Her daughters Zara Osztreicher and Rose Tomalin were impressed with the neatness of the rooms of the boys and girl’s quarters,

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

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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

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

THE OFFICIAL opening of the Ranfurly home for children with some of its first occupants. Pictured is Lady Hermione holding a bouquet of flowers and Caroline holding the ribbon from the opening ceremony at age eight. and commended the chil- Some of the residents one of the most delightful dren on their works of are able to attend the memoirs of recent times, art – sketches and paint- University of The Baha- To War With Whitaker ings that adorn the walls. mas. Others are enrolled (1994)”. They enjoyed the brightly- at the Bahamas Tech“Exuberant, witty and and Vocational vigorously outspoken, the coloured recreation room, nical donated by CIBC bank, Institute (BTVI) courtesy book, based on her wartime which has video games and of a scholarship agreement diaries, told how as a bride board games for the kids, as with the Presbyterian of eight months she had well as inspirational, mes- church. broken every rule in the The government pro- Army to be near her hussages on the walls and very comfortable furniture for vides just over $100,000 in band,” said The Telegraph. subsidies for the home, but lounging. While travelling throughLouis, Nikolai and even Mrs Burrows said it takes out the Family Islands, baby Arthur, her grand- about $500,000 annually to Lady Hermione noticed sons, were fond of the run the home properly for that there wasn’t enough chickens in the coop, which the children. reading material for chilwere over a hundred in dren in the out islands – in number. Fresh eggs are fact, some of them had no always on sale at the books at all. She set out Ranfurly home. collecting used books The vegetable from persons in patch is being Nassau and cirrevamped culated them after Hurthrough the ricane islands utiMatthew lising the did much mail boats. damage In this to the way, she area. helped Rose to fill the and libraries Zara throughpointed out the out that islands. the garden This prowould be gramme extremely proved so important in useful that LADY teaching the when she CAROLINE, far right, along kids important returned to Englife lessons by with (l-r) Ranfurly Home asland, she continued growing their own sistant administrator Princess to collect used books Burrows, and her daughters vegetables. and deliver them to chilThe family Rose Tomlin (holding her son dren without because she A toured the laundry Arthur) and Zara Osztreicher believed that “education is (with her two sons Louis few room, kitchen and key”. The program turned and Nikolai). years sporting areas before into the successful charity ago, Lady Book Aid, with Prince Philreturning to the dining Caroline room to talk with the chillip as the patron. Book worked with Mrs Aid has sent more than 86 dren. They were impressed by quite a few of the Ran- Morley, owner of Cole’s million books worldwide furly home’s residents, of Nassau, to host a fash- to under developed and including one of the eldest ion show that successfully developing countries. children who is about to raised funds towards the Lady Caroline lives in graduate from high school purchase of a much-needed the historic family home with aspirations of becom- bus for transporting the Pednor in Buckinghamchildren to and from school shire, built in the year ing a chef. “It’s been wonderful,” and to their extra-curricu- 1500. The beautiful homeLady Caroline said of the lar activities. She plans on stead is about an hour out working towards another of London on the way to tour “All of the artwork, the fundraising event, but is Oxford. During the winflowers, the animals – eve- also calling on corporate ters, she and her husband rything! The children have Bahamas and private citi- return to The Bahamas two a wonderful computer zens to help the home raise to three times. They honeyroom as well. As you know, the money it needs for ren- mooned in Exuma, which is with 30 odd children, there ovating the girls’ bathroom one of the family’s favorite is a lot of wear and tear on and the construction of the places to visit. She said it the building and it’s always transitional home. “pleases her greatly” that Lady Caroline is follow- her daughters and their in need of renovations. Right now, the current ing squarely in the footsteps families are now coming to needs are the renovation of her mother, whom she The Bahamas on their own. of the girls’ bathroom and called “a fantastic woman Lady Caroline wanted the need for a transitional with boundless energy the children of the Ranfurly who put everyone ahead home to know she considhome.” Mrs Burrows pointed of herself” and “worked ers them as family and will out that it would cost very hard all her life to help continue returning to The about $40,000 to renovate other people”. Bahamas to visit, encourLady Hermione was age, and help raise funds the girls’ bathroom. She showed Lady Caroline the described by The Telegraph for them as long as she can. portion of land allotted for newspaper as “the author She brought her daughters the construction of a tran- of and grandsons along with sitional home. The home the hopes that “they would would allow for young take it over when I adults who have graduated can’t do it anymore”. from high school and hence For that, assistant out of the Ranfurly home administrator to have a place to stay “if Burrows said, even for a year the children are or two” “ever grateful”. before FRIDAY, Februtransiary 21, 1956 - The tioning to living Tribune carries the A GIFT showcase story on its front on their in the foyer displays page. own. items for sale to raise funds for the home. Eggs are also always on sale.

LADY Hermione during one of her last visits before she died in 2001.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, March 27, 2018, PAGE 9

The People’s Paper & Radio Stations! Ever thought you could have it all? Well, very soon you will. Print, Radio, Digital, Mobile, Social Media & Broadcast THE latest allegations of state-sponsored doping in Russia could lead to suspension of entire national federations, heavy fines and lifetime Olympic bans, IOC President Thomas Bach said yesterday. Bach declined to say whether the IOC would consider banning Russia entirely from this year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, maintaining such a move hinges on a choice between “collective responsibility” and “individual justice.” “We are waiting for the facts,” Bach said. “We need a fair procedure for everybody. Should the allegations be proven true, we will apply our zero tolerance policy, not only with the athletes, but also with regards to everyone implicated within our reach.” Bach also said the final results of retests of doping samples from the 2008 and 2012 Games — which have caught 31 athletes so far — will be known early next month, in time for drug cheats to be barred from going to the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in August. Bach said allegations that Russian officials sub-

verted the drug-testing system at the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi “represent a shocking new dimension in doping” and an “unimaginable level of criminality.” Grigory Rodchenkov, the former head of the Russian lab now living in Los Angeles, told The New York Times last week that he ran an organised doping programme for Russian athletes and helped switch tainted samples for clean ones. Rodchenkov said he was helped by people he believed to be Russian security officers. The IOC has asked the World Anti-Doping Agency to carry out a full-fledged investigation and plans to retest Sochi samples stored at the lab in Lausanne, Switzerland. Bach urged anyone with information about the allegations to come forward immediately to WADA and the IOC. “If these allegations are

true, we will hold everybody responsible who is implicated,” Bach said in a conference call with reporters. He said sanctions could include lifetime Olympic bans on individuals, financial penalties on organisations and “suspensions or exclusion of entire national federations” — in line with the IAAF’s current suspension of the Russia’s track and field body. The IAAF suspended Russia from global competition following an investigation by an independent WADA panel that detailed state-sponsored doping, corruption and cover-ups in the country’s track and field programme. The IAAF is scheduled to decide on June 17 whether to maintain or lift the ban on the Russians for the Rio Games. Bach was asked whether, in light

of the Sochi allegations, the entire Russian Olympic Committee could be banned from Rio. “I will not speculate on the result because there comes a decision we have to make between collective responsibility and individual justice,” he said. The IOC would have to consider “whether in such contaminated federations the presumption of innocence for athletes could still be applied, whether the burden of proof could be reversed,” he added. Bach said decisions also have to be made taking into account “the clean athletes around the globe.” “Whatever the results will be, we will do everything to provide a level playing field for all the athletes around the globe and in this way to protect the integrity of the competition of the Olympic Games in Rio,” he said. The Russian sports ministry said Wednesday it supports banning drug cheats but claimed it would be unfair to keep a blanket ban on all track athletes for the games. “We strongly believe that clean athletes, who have spent years of their lives training for the games, should not be deprived of the right to participate,” the ministry

said. Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko told the state news agency Tass that Russia was prepared to appoint a foreigner to head its anti-doping agency. Bach said he had no knowledge of a reported investigation by US federal prosecutors into allegations of state-sponsored doping of Russian athletes. The probe was launched by the US Attorney’s office for the Eastern District of New York, The New York Times reported. “We have no information on this,” Bach said. “I don’t even know what it is. I don’t know about any legal grounds for this. I don’t know about the scope. I cannot comment on something I do not know.” Mutko said Russia was surprised by the reported US investigation and suggested the United States should investigate its own national team, because “things are not so rosy there either.” Bach spoke a day after the IOC announced that 31 unidentified athletes in six sports could be barred from Rio after their Beijing doping samples tested positive. The IOC stores samples for 10 years to allow for retesting with improved techniques. IOC medical director Dr Richard Budgett said the athletes’ “B’’ samples will be analysed in early June and the results available a few days later. The IOC has also re-

tested 250 samples from the 2012 London Olympics. Budgett said provisional results from those tests will be available within a week, with testing of the “B’’ samples to take place “a couple of weeks later.” Budgett said athletes will be invited to be present for the testing of the “B’’ samples. If those tests also come back positive, the IOC can issue provisional suspensions. That would be followed by a disciplinary procedure that could bar athletes from Rio and strip them of their previous Olympic results, including any medals. Budgett declined to say which substances were detected in the retests, but said the process involved improved methods for detecting steroids and EPO. Budgett added that a test for gene doping developed by Australian scientists was in the final stages of approval and could be ready for use at the Rio Games. “Hopefully, we can take steps forward in making the sports better and in the upcoming years we won’t have these problems,” Bolt said. “But, I think it’s a process, and I think over time we will get better because they’re doing such a good job.” In track, Russia is banned from competing because of a WADA panel report detailing state-sponsored doping. The IAAF has yet to decide if the Russian track team will be allowed to compete in Rio. “I don’t really think about it,” Bolt said. “For me, rules are rules. I really don’t make the rules, so, all I do is follow the rules. I can’t really do anything about it.” Friday’s race will be his second 100 after clocking 10.05 seconds in the Cayman Islands on Saturday. After that, he needed a treatment in Germany on the way to

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Being Bound To Swear To The Dogmas Of No Master

PAGE 10, Tuesday, March 27, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

THE OBAN SAGA: NOT ALL BLACK LIGHT is beginning to appear dimly at the end of the tunnel – the dark and murky place we entered a little over a month ago. On February 19, Prime Minister Minnis used the full panoply of his office to celebrate the “ceremonial” signing of a heads of agreement (or something) calling for a $5.5bn refinery project on Grand Bahama to be created by an unknown Florida company incorporated less than two years ago as Oban Energies LLC. That inept ceremony, performed hastily to satisfy the PM’s hero hubris, soon unravelled into public catastrophe. Our vigilant press discovered the Oban signatory, the rotund

chairman Peter Krieger, had many legal blackballs in his past. He promptly denied his importance: he was nothing more than Oban’s non-executive “ambassador”. His name was scrubbed from the company website, with resignation shortly following. A week later, the PM’s office released a 41-page document said to be the

“real” HOA, bearing the signature of President Satpal Dhunna. Real or not, it was denounced by every reader as a slipshod effort that left many questions floating and put our environment at risk. The Bahamas National Trust, guardian of our national parks and natural beauty, emphasised that it had not been informed of the

PRIME Minister Hubert Minnis.

project’s exact location and “could not envisage a scenario” under which it would be acceptable. Nevertheless, Mr Dhunna took a full page defensive ad in both our periodicals citing all his own efforts and unnamed “oil industry titans” as backers, and making extravagant claims of technical and financial support. One Bahamian reader called it an “insult to our intelligence”. Mr Dhunna’s own background came under sharp scrutiny, showing an employment record of only five years in a midlevel job that his own PR inflates to “managing director”, with ambiguous other ventures until he surfaced in 2016 on Florida state

records as a manager of Oban, jointly with Krieger. Finally, on March 21 during the House budget debates, Dr Minnis admitted his initial “missteps” in announcing the project prematurely without due diligence, but blaming much of the fault on the former PLP government. His only answer to the many open questions was the disclosure that Oban is owned by the “K Family Irrevocable Trust” — which of course tells us nothing Last week, new light began to glimmer. Mr Dhunna faced a contentious Freeport town-hall meeting to give the hard news that Oban had leased 690 acres of Crown Land two miles east of the Statoil Terminal, with the refinery well inland to avoid marine pollution. The crowd’s reaction was a mixture of positive and negative. Also, a new Florida company, Oban Energy Management LLC, was unveiled to run the project. The updated Oban website reveals the important changes: Mr Dhunna continues as President, but for the first time executives of impeccable credentials are identified as senior advisory directors: John J Lipinski, recently retired CEO of CVR Energy, owned by prominent US investor Carl Icahn together with a NYSE-listed refiner; and George Matelich, a managing director and senior partner of Kelso & Company, a major New York private investment firm that has committed billions to business ventures over its 40-year life. With men like this in charge, Oban’s eventual success is feasible. But it will require meetings with our Government that will be long and difficult. The most shocking omission in the present HOA is the total absence of any Government share in the refinery’s operations. A refinery is simply a throughput deal for buying crude petroleum and selling refined products. As a new company, Oban must find both its own suppliers and customers, and make a profit on the intermediate refining process. Our country, like any sovereign host, is entitled to participate. We must have either equity ownership or better, a percentage royalty on revenues which could far exceed the piddling $1.2m annual Crown Land rent. Dr Minnis should recuse himself from all negotiations about royalties and the other complex issues that are sure to arise under the HOA. Although wellintentioned and an expert physician, he has shown himself as incompetent in this field. The Cabinet should turn over the responsibility to a new Sovereign Wealth Authority, chaired by Minister of Trade & Industry Brent Symonette, with Deputy Mike Maura of the Arawak Cay Port and members including a senior lawyer, accountant, merchant and civil engineer, whose careers have trained them in state-related business affairs.

From day one, I have wondered why this project is named “Oban”. Research shows the word only attaches to the Scottish resort town where once I took a ferry to the Hebrides and where the incomparable Oban Single Malt Whisky is distilled. Is there a quiet group of Scots investors, canny and secretive as ever, who will appear as the ultimate backers? If I get the chance I will ask Mr Dhunna if, as expected, he visits Nassau this week. There could be plenty of worse outcomes.

WHO IS BEING JOB-HUNTED Surprising features about our economy can be learned from reading help wanted ads. We don’t employ just bankers, check-out clerks and hotel staffers. A recent ad by Grand Bahama Shipyard listed 13 positions that needed filling, describing jobs that I had never heard of—not cushy management slots but tough, demanding tasks like Marine Scaffolders (“no fear of heights”), Steel Plate Fitters (“must be able to lift 50 lb. – night shift will be required”), and Diesel Engine Specialist (“technical diploma in Mechanical Engineering”). Although so-called bluecollar jobs, these are not for dummies; reading of plans or blueprints is required, or operation of specialised equipment like welding arcs or acetylene torches. And many demand five to ten years’ experience. I imagine a fair portion of these needs cannot be filled locally. For the necessary foreigners, is management blocked by six months of bureaucratic paperwork to get work permits, while vessels wait for desperately needed repairs? I hope that a modus operandi has been arranged with the Immigration Department so that we can match the efficiency of Rotterdam or Newport News. As our shipyard seems to be booming by serving the ever-growing fleets of monster cruise ships, can it encourage spin-off businesses to bolster the Grand Bahama economy? Could our technicians repair the myriad delicate electronics that infest every modern ship, or even manufacture replacement items? Could we mix the special paints applied to acres of bottom and topsides? Stock the spacious freezers with produce from our supermarkets rather than wait for return to Miami or Port Everglades? Maybe Bahamian art reproductions could be adapted for staterooms and public spaces. Or Bahamian designs used for curtains, bedding, towelling and upholstery. We should be able to capitalise on these huge floating hotels sitting immobile in our dry docks for month-long periods. We have plenty of smart young entrepreneurs willing to take a risk for a reward.

“CEREMONIAL” signing of Oban Energies heads of agreement this past February.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, March 27, 2018, PAGE 11

MINNIS PLEDGES $20,000 DONATION TO GAMBIER COMMUNITY BAND Passport office says apply early THE Passport Office is encouraging people to apply early for new passports this year. Peak periods for application are Easter, summer, the American Thanksgiving holiday and Christmas. Officials said passports may be collected from the Passport Office’s Issuance

Section on University Drive, formerly Thompson Blvd, from 8.30am to 4.30pm on week days. Applications for new passports are received from 8.30am to 3.45pm weekdays but may be subject to an earlier cut off based on the volume of customers on a given day,

officials said. The public has also been reminded that a validity period of six months prior to the passport’s expiration date is required for international travel. Passport application forms will be available at all New Providence public libraries at the end of May.

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis pledged $20,000 on Sunday towards uniforms and extra instruments for the Gambier Community Marching Band. Dr Minnis made the announcement while he was a guest speaker at the commissioning service of the Church of God of Prophecy in Gambier Village, which is a part of Dr Minnis’ constituency in Killarney.

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, centre, with his wife Patricia Minnis, at the Church of God of Prophecy in Gambier Village. PHOTOS: Yontalay Bowe

PAGE 12, Tuesday, March 27, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

BPL fraud case delayed by magistrate recusal By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net THE trial of five men charged in connection with a multi-million dollar theft scheme at Bahamas Power & Light was yesterday adjourned for two weeks after the deputy chief magistrate declared she was unable to proceed in the matter on the grounds of perception of bias. At the start of yesterday’s hearing, Deputy Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain told

Reno Bethel, Che Campbell Chase, James Rueben Dean, Anthony Strachan and Orvano Symonette that she was unable to proceed with the matter due to a possible conflict, and transferred the matter to the chief magistrate. The case was adjourned to April 9. In August last year, Bethel, a former employee of FirstCaribbean International Bank, was arraigned on 47 fraud-related charges stemming from a BPL investigation. He faced 23 counts of fraud by false

pretences, 23 counts of receiving and one count of conspiracy to commit fraud by false pretences. Approximately two months later, Bethel was arraigned over nearly 100 additional fraudrelated charges. It is alleged that between February 27 and May 5, 2017, Bethel obtained a total of $1,062,330.05 from BPL’s bank account held at Scotiabank while at Royal Bank of Canada on John F Kennedy Drive. It is also alleged that on May 4, 2017, Bethel attempted to defraud BPL

of a total of $109,147.80 from its Scotiabank account while at FCIB on JFK Drive. It is further alleged that between March 30 and April 7, 2017, Bethel converted $200,000 of Bahamian currency to US currency, and transferred it to an account in the Imperial Bank of Canada. He also allegedly converted $6,500 of Bahamian currency to Canadian currency and transferred it to an account held at TD Canada Trust in Ontario. It is further alleged that between February 8 and April 20, 2017, Bethel uttered numerous forged Scotiabank cheques totalling $1,496,005.09 from the Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s account and made them payable to various entities including Bahamas Crane and Concrete Pumps, KS Civil Engineers, HRT Rentals, Bahamas Industrial Equip Sales and Re, Bahamas Heavy Machinery and Trucking, the Bobcat Specialist, Enviro Tank, and Scuderia Electrical via either RBC or FCIB.

It is also alleged that Bethel was in possession of multiple forged Scotiabank cheques totaling $1,496,005.09, drawn from BEC’s account and made payable to the aforementioned entities. Bethel pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. Shortly after that, Dean, a former BPL employee, and Chase, an attorney, were arraigned over allegations they collectively defrauded the electricity provider of close to $2m over a fourmonth span last year. Dean, a former fixed assets officer at BPL, was charged before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt with 42 counts of fraud by false pretences, 11 counts of falsification of accounts, and one count of conspiracy to commit fraud. Chase was charged with seven counts of fraud by false pretences and one count of conspiracy to commit fraud. It is alleged that between both Dean and Chase collectively obtained $1,966,163.85 from BPL’s Scotiabank account while at either FCIB

or Royal Bank of Canada on John F Kennedy Drive. Dean was accused of solely defrauding BPL of $1,752,077.6, while Chase was accused of defrauding BPL of $214,086.25. It is further alleged that Dean falsified numerous work order codes totalling $670,056.19. Both Dean and Chase pleaded not guilty. Strachan was charged with seven counts of fraud by false pretences and one count of conspiracy to commit fraud by false pretences. It is alleged he defrauded BPL of $214,086.25. Symonette was charged with defrauding the company of $317,652.50. It is also alleged he attempted to fraudulently obtain $109,147.40 from FCIB on May 4, 2017. Symonette also faced four counts of possession of forged cheques drawn on BEC’s bank account and made payable to Bahamas Industrial Equip Sales and Re, BN Backhoe Trucking and Island Site Development and presenting those forged cheques.

PHA NAMES NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR THE Public Hospitals Authority has announced the appointment of Catherine Weech as managing director effective March 1. “Ms Weech brings a wealth of experience to the position, having served more than 30 years across various institutions and agencies in the nation’s health sector,” a press release noted. Ms Weech entered the public service in 1981 as a physiotherapist at the Princess Margaret Hospital. She is a graduate of California State University and Texas Woman’s University, in Dallas, Texas, where she earned a MSc in health services ddministration in 1984. She was promoted to senior assistant hospital administrator at PMH, and served in that position for six years. In 1990, she accepted the position of administrator in

CATHERINE WEECH the Department of Public Health where she spearheaded the establishment of the Department of Public Health, an independent construct of the Ministry of Health with all requisite administrative departments. During her seven years as DPH administrator, Ms Weech implemented regional healthcare offices in several Family Islands. She also served as hospital administrator at the Grand

Bahama Health Services/ Rand Memorial Hospital during the period 1997-1998, and began her tenure as hospital administrator at the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre in 1998, successfully managing operations at the country’s only public geriatric and psychiatric hospital institution until 2010. She then returned to the Grand Bahama Health Services/ Rand Memorial Hospital as hospital administrator and served in that position for four years. In 2014, she put her experience and skills to work on behalf of the Bahamian people as health systems designee and health systems strengthening consultant, with the National Health Insurance project. Ms Weech follows Michaela Virgil-Storr and Herbert Brown as the authority’s third managing director since its establishment in 1999.