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VOLUME:115 No.91, APRIL 4TH, 2018

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CELEBRATING ROTARY INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT-ELECT BARRY RASSIN

Knife killer shot dead at party

Officer held after two die at beach event

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net TWO men on Grand Bahama are dead and a senior immigration officer, a relative of one of the victims, is in custody assisting police with their investigation.

Police said one of the killings is classified as a murder, an unlawful killing, while the other is considered a homicide at this point.

Monday’s murder pushed the country’s murder count to 24 for the year, according

Nassau • The Bahamas

SURGEONS: WE CAN’T SAVE ANTHONIQUE’S SIGHT

to The Tribune’s records.

Rasheid Gibson, 31, of Freeport, and Nicolaus John, 44, of Pinder’s Point, were both taken to hospital following a violent stabbing and shooting incident at Xanadu Beach on the evening of the Easter Monday holiday.

According to reports, Gibson was celebrating his birthday at a private beach party with family and friends. John, who was not an invited guest at the party, was confronted by Gibson and other partygoers.

SEE PAGE THREE

HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands yesterday expressed his full confidence in Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ leadership, dismissing social media and tabloid rumours of a budding FNM coup d’état.

“No truth at all,” he said, “no truth at all, idle hands clearly is the devil’s work.”

Dr Sands responded to claims he was leading or a

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net THE assertion in a recent report that cooperation between law enforcement agencies in the country and the United States “waned” under the former government is baseless, Official Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis said yesterday, adding he intends to write to the US Embassy questioning the allegation.

According to the Progressive Liberal Party leader, under the previous Christie administration there were “regular” meetings between US officials and then-Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell, but no concerns regarding cooperation were raised. Mr Davis said the same could be said for him as the then-Deputy Prime Minister.

The International Narcotics Strategy Report, which covers January 1 to December 31, 2017, was released last month.

SEE PAGE SIX

ST MAARTEN’S TRIP REVEALS HOW FAR WE LAG BEHIND

COUP RUMOURS ‘DEVIL’S WORK’

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

‘US RAISED NO ISSUES OVER CRIME COOPERATION’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE Tourism Minister yesterday pledged to “get cracking” on Prince George Wharf’s overhaul, revealing that cruise ship crew spend more in St Maarten than their passengers do in Nassau.

Dionisio D’Aguilar told Tribune Business that “the time has come to put pen to paper” on the transformation of Nassau’s cruise port, and its outsourcing to private sector management, with St Maarten illustrating just how much The Bahamas needs to improve.

part of a break-away faction to unseat Dr Minnis as he fielded questions from reporters outside the Cabinet Office yesterday morning.

“I certainly have great confidence in the prime minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. I hope that he has confidence in me but I can say categorically that Duane Sands is not involved in any imaginary coup and I am not aware of any coup at all.”

SEE PAGE FIVE ANTHONIQUE Munroe with her mother, Abbie. The family have received bad news from surgeons - having been told that there is no way to save the sight of the two-month-old baby. Both of Anthonique’s parents are also blind. See the full story on page 11.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

GOT HIM - PIT BULL OWNER ARRESTED HOME INSURANCE

AUTO INSURANCE

LIFE INSURANCE

MARINE INSURANCE

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

A MAN has been taken into custody in connection with a dog killing incident that went viral over the holidays.

The Bahamas Humane Society had previously offered a $3,000 reward for information leading to

the arrest of the man who filmed and encouraged a canine, which appeared to be a pit bull, to kill a smaller dog.

The police said yesterday: “You may have seen a video circulating on social media of a white pit bull dog that killed another dog.

Thanks for your assistance, the assistance of Animal Control, Bahamas Humane

Society and members of the public, police have taken an adult male, the owner of that pit bull, into custody.”

Kim Aranha, president of the BHS, told The Tribune yesterday many people contacted the group with tips.

The person who got it right will anonymously reap the reward.

SEE PAGE THREE

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LET’S AGREE WE NEED TO DISAGREE BETTER

SEE PAGE EIGHT

PAGE 2, Wednesday, April 4, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Weeks of work on Eastern Road ahead DAYS after paving and milling work began at the busy thoroughfare of Eastern Road, the Ministry of Public Works/Bahamix released an announcement to motorists to be aware of traffic delays and diversions.

According to a statement from the ministry, the work is scheduled for Eastern Road between Montagu Circle and Johnson Road and began Wednesday, March 28. Work will take place Mondays through Fridays, between 9.30am and 2.30pm each day. Completion of the work is anticipated for April 17.

Some motorists have complained to The Tribune that portions of the road were closed during the Easter holiday weekend while little to no work appeared to have been done, causing driving delays and frustration.

The ministry said there will be east and west bound lane closures implemented at various times for the duration of the work.

During eastbound lane closures, motorists traveling east will be detoured south on Village Road, east on Bernard Road and north on Johnson Road.

During westbound lane closures, motorists traveling west will be detoured south on Johnson Road, west on Bernard Road and north on Village Road.

Provision for access will be made for residents on the Eastern Road between Montagu Circle and Johnson Road as necessary.

“Motorists are asked to avoid the area if possible,” the ministry said. “You are asked to be aware of and obey the posted traffic paving signs in the area.”

Anyone with questions or concerns is asked to call 361-3886 or 341-3886.

Bahamix apologised for any inconvenience caused.

THE EASTERN ROAD

POTHOLES along the Eastern Road.

POTHOLES along the Eastern Road.

THE TRIBUNE

Knife killer shot dead at party

Wednesday, April 4, 2018, PAGE 3

from page one Police said the uninvited guest was an “aggressor” in the matter and produced a sharp instrument. An altercation followed and Gibson was fatally stabbed.

One of Gibson’s male relatives then allegedly pulled out a gun and shot John in the head. Both men were taken to the Rand Memorial Hospital.

Gibson was pronounced dead on arrival, and John, who was seen by doctors, died a short time later.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Samuel Butler confirmed that “a person of interest” is in custody assisting with the investigation, and that police are in possession of the gun, which is a legally licenced and registered firearm.

The victims’ families are said to be devastated over the tragic events that unfolded at the popular holiday beach venue. John’s sister told The Tribune that her brother was shot in front of his 11-year-old son.

According to ACP Butler, police received a call sometime around 7.35pm about an incident at Xanadu Beach.

On arrival, he said officers found an individual with a gunshot wound.

“We understand that there was a private family party celebrating a birthday for a family member, along with friends,” he said.

“Some uninvited guests arrived at the scene and wanted to participate in social activity there; an argument ensued and one of the aggressors, the uninvited party, later produced an instrument and began to use it against the party host and friends. Unfortunately, the aggressor was shot and taken to hospital where he

RASHEID GIBSON, left, and Nicolaus John, who both died in the incident. Mr Gibson was reportedly stabbed then one of his relatives pulled out a gun and shot Mr John in the head. was treated, but he did not make it.”

He also reported that three other young men who sustained multiple stab wounds were also taken to hospital in a private vehicle, but that a 31-year-old male was pronounced dead on arrival.

When asked if the gun was a government service firearm, ACP Butler said that police are withholding certain information as investigations are continuing into the matter.

“We have one person of interest in our custody and are (questioning) multiple witnesses,” he said. “The classification is a homicide and murder that we are now investigating.

“The difference in the classification is that a homicide is investigating a killing of a human by another human being, and the murder classification is when we recognise at all state it has no level of authority or direction to cause it to happen,” ACP

Butler explained.

“In terms of classification, we are still early in our investigations, but we have four murders (in Grand Bahama this year) and we will classify one of the incidents last night as a homicide – five persons would have died in instances (here) to date,” he said.

Although police described John as an “agressor,” Celiann JohnGrant, John’s sister, said she and her sisters are very

saddened over her brother’s death, however she admitted he was not a saint.

She received a call around 8pm on Monday from her sister about her brother’s death.

“She told me that (John) had just gotten shot and had died, but I found out he did not die on the spot,” said Ms John-Grant. “We are very disheartened.”

Ms John-Grant identified her brother’s body on Tuesday morning. She said that he had been stabbed about

the body and was shot in the head.

Ms John-Grant said that her brother was a fisherman all his life.

“My sisters are not dealing with this too well because we know the life ‘Nacca’ lived, but this situation was far from it. He never done this and he don’t hang with young boys.

He goes to his job and so this sort of thing is a first.

God knows everything and all we can say to him is take your rest,” she said.

GOT HIM - PIT BULL OWNER ARRESTED from page one

Despite the public’s reaction to the incident, the long-time BHS president said she is not pleased with the state of animal rights in the country.

“We have laws at work but people are not taking animal cruelty seriously,” she said.

“We want to form a large

animal cruelty group to sensitise the nation to the fact that animals do suffer, do feel pain, do experience most of the emotions that we do and probably the thing people will respond to the most is the fact that invariably animal cruelty is a stepping stone to spousal abuse, child abuse and other kinds of abuse. Once people start enjoying cruelty to small

animals, after a while they will want to move on and go to somebody else. If people don’t want to take it seriously on the animal side they should take it seriously on the human side. It’s a symptom of a larger problem.”

The dog killing video went viral on social media late last week. The threeminute, two-second-long clip shows the larger dog

MINISTRY FRAUD TRIAL DELAY

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A FORMER Ministry of Finance employee’s trial over allegations he defrauded the ministry out of more than a half a million dollars over a five month period has been adjourned to the end of next month after the lead Crown attorney was unavailable to proceed in the matter yesterday.

James Anwar Johnson appeared before Magistrate Ambrose Armbrister yesterday for the expected start of his trial concerning some $530,377.67 he allegedly defrauded the ministry out of between December 2016 and April 2017.

However, Crown prosecutor Destiny McKinney informed Magistrate Armbrister that her senior colleague, Terry Archer, would not be able to attend the proceedings – that were set for yesterday and today – as he had matters before the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal on those dates.

Maintaining that Mr Archer has official carriage of the matter for the Crown, Ms McKinney thus requested an adjournment in the matter.

However, Johnson’s attorney Bjorn Ferguson

said the Crown’s application for an adjournment in the matter is “unacceptable,” given the dates were agreed to by counsel on a previous occasion.

Additionally, Mr Ferguson brought the magistrate’s attention to the absence of a stenographer to chronicle the proceedings, despite the defence’s previous application for one to be present.

Magistrate Armbrister then questioned Ms McKinney on the basis of her adjournment application, stating though Mr Archer is the lead attorney, he is not the only attorney in the matter, and that she should be prepared to proceed in his absence.

Nonetheless, the magistrate ultimately acceded to the Crown’s adjournment request, but on the basis that there was no stenographer present.

He adjourned the matter

to May 28 and 30, at which time he said the matter will proceed “whether the (Crown’s) lead counsel appears or not.”

In August of last year, Johnson stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt facing 11 counts of falsification of accounts for his alleged actions.

It is alleged Johnson, being an accounts clerk at the Ministry of Finance, falsified the payment records of VMMS Business Service from December 15, 2016, to April 5, 2017, purporting to show the company was entitled to receive payments totaling $530,377.67.

Johnson was also charged with 10 counts of stealing by reason of employment for allegedly attempting to steal $41,115 from the ministry on April 5, 2017.

Johnson pleaded not guilty to all of the charges.

He remains on bail.

viciously attacking and biting the neck of the smaller, brown dog and dragging it into the sea while the smaller dog screams and yelps.

The man filming the video praises the attack and claims that this is not the first dogfight the pit bull has won.

The footage begins with the man appearing to call the dog “Shawn.”

“Kill Shawn, kill boy,” he says.

The attacking dog methodically attacks his victim and every 30 seconds or so the man can be heard encouraging him on.

“Kill boy, kill. Kill boy,” he says. Eventually: “Kill, kill, kill, kill, kill.”

At the end, the dog stands over the lifeless body of his victim which he has dragged out of the sea to

lay on a rock.

The dog can clearly be seen wearing a black collar with silver studs.

“Good boy, good boy.

He kill that one, he kill that one,” says the man off camera. “That’s four under the belt. ‘Cause yesterday that was the third one, yeah.

And today a fourth one.”

Dog fighting is illegal under the Animal Protection Act.

PAGE 4, Wednesday, April 4, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

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

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Fragile beaches, cays not suited for mass market cruise ship revenue streams THE concept of cruise ports of call being extended to outposts of Family Islands has been viewed as either a welcome blessing or an unmitigated disaster since Norwegian Cruise Lines created the world’s first private island cruise experience at Great Stirrup Cay in the Berry Islands in 1977. More than 40 years later, as more and more private island experiences lure ever greater numbers of cruise passengers and become an increasingly valuable attraction and revenue stream for cruise business, the practice come under new scrutiny as cruise lines target more precious and fragile beaches.

It is easy to see why cruise lines like private island experiences. A cruise ship can offer just about anything, an array of dining options, pools, fitness centres, shopping, casinos, entertainment, art, spas, lectures and cabins that these days rival fine hotel suites.

The one thing they cannot offer is a natural beach.

From their perspective, finding the perfect beach and transforming it into a private fantasy island experience makes good sense. Who can blame them for wanting to provide the best all-round guest experience for their passengers?

The better the experience, the more likely the passenger is to return and the more likely the ship is to attract new passengers who can spend more when they get to that private island.

The problem is that in their drive to provide the one experience they cannot provide onboard, they are threatening to destroy some of the most pristine beaches in The Bahamas and, indeed, in the world. And while they do so, they provide relatively limited economic benefit to the local economy. Most of the concessions on the beach and revenue generators including food and excursions belong to the cruise line which wants to maintain control, ensuring consistency of excellence in service delivery.

The passenger who has come to expect a certain quality of food or a spa experience aboard should not be relegated to a poorer hamburger or massage provided by a local Bahamian entrepreneur who the cruise line has no control over.

The fact that cruise lines believe Bahamians cannot live up to their standards is an insult that should evoke revolt in and of itself. Bahamians cannot prove themselves capable of providing that perfect burger or massage if they are not allowed to provide the service. Government after government continues to allow the cruise line waving the almighty dollar for every passenger head tax that

no administration seems to be able to do without. By blaming it on the lack of certainty of consistency of service, the cruise line escapes having to say they want the revenue every bit as badly as they want the passenger to enjoy the experience.

Very clever, indeed.

So no one can blame the cruise lines.

What they are doing is carrying out a business plan with a vision that works for them. But in addition to little local economic benefit, the enterprises on once pristine islands are ratcheting up to mammoth proportions.

Royal Caribbean’s plans to create a $200m attraction at CocoCay in the Berry Islands has beach preservationists up in arms and rightly so. Each of the three ships that would call at Coco Cay weighs more than 225,000 tons, carries more than 6,000 passengers and is 30 percent larger than their competitors. That is a burden too great for a beach in the Berry Islands to bear. Trash, garbage and grey waste disposal alone are so daunting as to be incomprehensible.

In South Eleuthera, there is fear that Disney, having been rebuked and doing the right thing by dropping a plan to develop a private island elsewhere in Eleuthera, is now eyeing Lighthouse Beach. This is one of the most historic sites in The Bahamas and one of Eleuthera’s most enchanting beaches. This should never be allowed to be developed as a private island for thousands of cruise passengers whose allegiance to the history and sanctity of The Bahamas is as fleeting as their few hours of fun in the sun.

Carnival is reportedly negotiating for an area of Grand Bahama that conservationists urge be left natural and not turned into a quasi theme park for thousands to trample on.

MSC has purchased Ocean Cay and is converting that into a massive island experience that includes a resort-like component.

Cruise lines are big business and we are not suggesting they be snubbed or disrespected. But The Bahamas is not for sale and protecting our islands and our fragile beaches is one way to show we care about what makes this country so attractive.

If ever there was an even greater than normal incentive to rejuvenate Nassau and Port Lucaya, Grand Bahama to make those city areas capable of handling large crowds desirable ports of call, leaving our fragile Family Island beaches in their natural state is it.

Alternatives to Customs duty EDITOR, The Tribune.

IF Customs duty revenue goes, some ideas where we can make up.

1) Web Shops…13% is far too low…20% that adds $14million.

2) Winners at Web Shops…all winnings over $100 taxed may be 10%… millions to be collected.

3) Returning residents exemption - kill that 100% collect $140 million.

4) A limited capital gains

tax on “unimproved property” -none on improved ie: a standing property. Sell undeveloped land for $6m collect 6 per cent of value.

5) Hybrid cars…go back to previous duty level the purchasers can afford paying.

6) Collect real property-$300 million.

7) Collect NIB…millions to collect.

8) Collect BP&L…millions there, especially government.

9) Collect Education Scholarship debt…millions there.

My #10 proposals would be an incentive to anyone, including a company that is fully paid up and owes nothing some real tax cut which will be felt.

If we don’t get real the clock is ticking fast… bankruptcy!

ABRAHAM MOSS Nassau, March 20, 2018.

Bridge striping EDITOR, The Tribune.

PARADISE Bridge the Sir Sidney Poitier side… stripping.

Can The Bridge Authority show proof that there was an Open call for

Tender for striping the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge which is getting a lot of publicity?

I watch tenders — ain’t seen one for that and obviously the job was given with a lot of

fanfare.

Bahamas Stripping — who really owns that Company?

L HIGGINS Nassau, March 25, 2018.

DNAs should join the PLP EDITOR, The Tribune.

AFTER two flops at back-to-back elections it is obvious the DNA is done. The party can’t win seats. It won’t ever form a government.

The party’s former leader Branville McCartney has stepped away. Chris Mortimer, the interim leader, and Arinthia Komolafe, the deputy, are still, however, fighting the fight.

McCartney, Mortimer and Komolafe have something to contribute to the country. I think they care

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net about the Bahamas.

There is always more opportunity to rise on the opposition side. Bahamians think well of McCartney, Mortimer and Komolafe.

They should join the PLP and help build back up that organisation. The PLP needs good people who could be candidates next time.

Staying in the DNA is a waste of time for Mortimer

and Komolafe. At least McCartney figured that out.

The sooner the three of them join the PLP the better. They could start working in constituencies and get to know the people.

Third parties are a waste of time. If you’re talented and want to make a difference you have to be with one of the main parties.

McCartney, Mortimer and Komolafe would make good PLPs. MARTHA S GREENE Nassau, March 20, 2018.

Gladstone Rd post office move RE: LOCATING GENERAL POST OFFICE ON GLADSTONE ROAD

EDITOR, The Tribune.

BOY now that has to be totally crazy.

Was the public consulted?

Who leases post boxes at

The General Post Office?

Sorry, this is stupid - crash as once moved to Gladstone Road, that’s it.

Why not build a new building on the Victoria Hotel site…that will take about six-eight months put people to work and be so convenient to all.

Everything the FNM

talked pre-election has gone out the window …it is so obvious - the arrogance level grows every week.

Prime Minister - where will your friends in Grants and Bain Town get their mail?

W THOMPSON Nassau, March 28, 2018.

Student protest EDITOR, The Tribune.

AS a former student protester (ban the Bomb, anti -Apartheid, etc) I have always been disappointed that tertiary students in The Bahamas did not protest.

Consequently I was

overjoyed to hear that there was a protest by the UB students. That is until I heard what they were protesting about.

With the Oban matter, violence against women, Crown lands by the hundreds of acres being given

to foreigners and Bahamians longing for a 50 by 100 lot we are protesting about “signage “ on mortar boards and scarfs? Really!

JEANNE THOMPSON Nassau, March 24, 2018.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, April 4, 2018, PAGE 5

Post office building to be imploded

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net THE government will demolish the General Post Office at East Hill Street as part of efforts to modernise the downtown area, Transport and Local Government Minister Frankie Campbell said yesterday.

However, he could not say how much it will cost to renovate the new post office location on Gladstone Road or how long the work would take to finish.

He said he was satisfied costs would be reasonable, adding the property was a compulsory acquisition.

“The government is in the process of acquiring

the Phil’s building on Gladstone Road to be the new post office,” he said, reiterating comments made by Press Secretary Anthony Newbold last week.

“The government had prior to that agreed that we will implode…blow up the present building that houses the post office. The plan is to design buildings that are modern 21st century so we have an opportunity to modernise the downtown area by building something on the property that is purpose-built.”

Mr Campbell again referred the media to Works Minister Desmond Bannister. Mr Bannister did not respond to calls placed up to press time.

The Minnis administration halted plans left by the previous administration to convert the Independence Drive Shopping Centre off Tonique Williams Darling Highway as a temporary location while the East Hill location was restored, last year.

Mr Bannister said the project received the green light without approved plans or a building permit for construction, adding environmental and social assessments like traffic impact were also not conducted.

Yesterday, Official Opposition leader Philip Davis also questioned what will become of that “binding” private public partnership.

“We note with interest that the government intends to purchase a new post office,” Mr Davis said.

“What are the details of this new arrangement, how much will it cost taxpayers to cancel existing arrangements on a Tonique Williams-Darling Highway structure, what is the cost of building and furnishing it?

“Is Gladstone Road the right location, what will happen to the old post office building? This decision to acquire a new building seems to fly in the face of a government who loves to complain about public waste on the one hand, then, by their

actions, waste public funds usually without justifiable explanations.”

Mr Davis said the former administration conducted several studies that determined the East Hill Street building was salvageable with remediation and restoration works. He explained the Christie-led government entered into a binding private public partnership agreement to convert the Independence Drive Shopping Centre off Tonique Williams Darling as a temporary location.

“I think it was in the neighbourhood of $5m or $6m,” Mr Davis said of the PPP agreement.

“The government was

committed to the deal,” Mr Davis continued, “what this government has done we’re not sure. If they cancelled (the agreement), that will come with some cost to the Bahamian people, we know that they stopped the work, we don’t know whether they’re going to continue or not.

Whether they have completed their review of the work is another matter, whether they are going to cancel it is another matter.”

Mr Campbell did not provide a timeline for works to be completed, but said yesterday the Bahamian public could be assured the project would be finished as soon as possible.

COUP RUMOURS ‘DEVIL’S WORK’ from page one

Outside Cabinet, Dr Sands also provided an update on HIV/AIDS drug shortages at facilities in New Providence last month.

He told The Tribune last week levels were still

critically low, but additional stock has been sourced until main supplies were restored.

“We are expecting the definitive order, which was some $260,000 worth of HIV medication, as well as the reagents to test for the CD4 levels and viral loads, that would

have been paid for,” he said yesterday.

“That would have been, all totalled, almost $320,000 of outlay in order to maintain the capacity to both treat and test for HIV.” Dr Sands added: “With the new initiative, the 90-90-90 initiative, there is

going to be an escalating demand for testing ability, lab reagents and lab equipment.

“So what budget might apply last year is not going to do this year.

“What we would like to do is get to the point where we know that 90 percent of the people who are HIV

READERS REACT TO ISSUES OF THE DAY READERS have been reacting to the stories making the news on tribune242.com.

With Bahamian auto dealers adopting an “if you can’t beat them, join them” approach after new vehicle sales declined by almost 25 per cent for the first two months in 2018, John said: “The fact is the entire Bahamian market has slowed since the middle of last year and even worse since December. And if people are hardly buying food and clothing at home imagine higher priced automobiles.

And remember too, the IMF’s revelations are for the future performance of the economy and may not

be felt until late summer.

But you cannot fault consumers for attempting to get the biggest bang for their bucks and at this juncture it means purchasing the ‘almost disposable‘ fuel efficient ‘lil gremlins‘ from Japan.”

Attorney Fred Smith, QC, is backing the introduction of corporate and personal income taxes as a way to reduce “the gulf

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

between rich and poor” in the Bahamas.

Sickened had this to say on the subject: “Not sure how an income tax here would help level the playing field when it doesn’t do it in most other countries.

Actually I can’t think of one country where Income/Corporate taxes alone does the trick.”

And Avidreader offered this: “All over the world the

YOUR

rich hide their true income and worth behind a vast variety of smokescreens created by their very expensive attorneys specialising in such matters. The truth is that the rich do not wish to contribute based upon their actual income which is seldom – if ever – declared in writing.”

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

CHOICE FOR THE FAMILY WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/JOYFM1019

positive are on therapy and that 90 percent of them have effective viral suppression,” he continued.

“We are nowhere near that yet.

“We believe that we may be as high a 60 plus percent in terms of suppression of those people on therapy.

“But if we are going to

convert HIV to the equivalent of a chronic disease and get to the point where HIV can be eradicated in The Bahamas, then we have to increase our efforts.

“And that means much more of an investment by the government and by the people of The Bahamas.”

PAGE 6, Wednesday, April 4, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

‘US raised no issues over crime cooperation’ from page one Regarding The Bahamas, the report noted: “The new government has increased cooperation and information sharing between Bahamian and US law enforcement agencies, which had waned under the previous government.”

However, Mr Davis took issue with this during a press conference at the PLP’s headquarters.

“We wish the US Embassy to point out where there was no cooperation during our term,” the Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador MP said.

“Bahamians will recall the public allegation that was never refuted in which the US government used the lawful authority to track drug traffickers to violate the privacy of mobile phone users in The Bahamas.”

In May 2014, The Intercept, an international publication, revealed the US National Security Agency was secretly intercepting, recording, and archiving the audio of virtually every cell phone conversation in The Bahamas and storing the data

OPPOSITION Leader Philip ‘Brave’ Davis. for 30 days. This came from documents provided by NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden.

“A responsible and sovereign government must stand up for the rights of Bahamians,” Mr Davis continued.

“The facts are the former foreign minister, Senator Mitchell, he held regular meetings with the US Embassy and I am advised that no such concerns about cooperation

were ever raised by the charge d’affaires during the course of any of these meetings. In fact, we draw attention to the report of 2017 wherein they discussed the cooperation between our two countries.

No concerns were raised in the 2017 report. In fact, it was commendable in that report.

“I served as Deputy Prime Minister and I have had regular meetings on matters of national concern

with the US Embassy as well and never have such concerns about cooperation been advanced to me. Interestingly, as I pointed out in the report for 2017, there is no complaint about cooperation or lack thereof.

“As leader of the opposition I made note of these comments and have taken leave to write to the US Embassy to have the matter clarified.”

Earlier in his presentation to reporters he said:

“I point out that when we came to office in May 2012 The Bahamas was designated the status of a tier two country in the TIPS - trafficking in persons category. The Bahamas was teetering on a tier three categorical designation if immediate actions were not taken with tangible results.

“Our proactive work and bilateral cooperation with the US government elevated The Bahamas to a tier one status on TIPS. We rescued us from the teetering state that we were in and improved that status to a tier one. In fact a Bahamian official was honoured by the US government for her work so we are constrained to ask, what is the basis of this allegation?”

The Bahamas is identified in the report as one of 22 countries designated by US President Donald Trump as a major illicit drug producing and/or drug-transit country.

The country is also listed as a major money laundering country, this defined as a country “whose financial institutions engage in currency transactions involving significant amounts of proceeds from international

narcotics trafficking.”

The report said a “country’s presence on the foregoing lists is not a reflection of its government’s counter narcotic efforts or level of cooperation with the United States.”

The US report went on to note the new administration “has prioritised addressing public corruption as part of its national agenda.”

It was also noted three prison officers were arrested and charged with possession with intent to supply following investigations last year by prison management and the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

The report further revealed cooperation between Bahamian law enforcement agencies and Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos led to the confiscation of 772 kilograms of cocaine, 8.32 metric tons of marijuana, $410,219 in currency and other assets valued at $935,5000 between January 1 and October 25 last year.

A marijuana field and 1,501 marijuana plants were also eradicated.

It concluded illicit trafficking through the country “remains high”.

DAVIS: CANCEL ‘BAD DEAL’ WITH OBAN

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

Funeral Service For WILLARD DONALD FOX, 41 of Yellow Elder Gardens and formerly of Freeport, Grand Bahama, will be held on Thursday, April 5th, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Johns Native Baptist Cathedral, Meeting Street. Officiating will be Bishop Carrington S. Pinder, assisted by Other Ministers of the Gospel. Interment will follow in Lakeview Memorial Gardens and Mausoleums, Gladstone Road North.

He was predeceased by his Nephew: Kahli Foxx Jr; Left to mourn and cherish his life Loving and Devoted wife: Sharon Fox; Children: Jaylisa and Willard Fox. Jr.; Mother: Marina Bethel; Father: Willard Bain; Mother-in-Law: Daisy Lea Watkins. Sisters: Krysta Fox, Rowena Sutherland, Kenya Bethel, Briana Evans Step Mother: Marsha Bain; Brothers: Kahli Fox, Charles Fox, Timothy Johnson; Grandmother: Elizabeth Russell; Sisters in-law: Sherise Clarke, Sherelle and Naurel Watkins, Shavonne Moss, Shaniqua Bodie (née Higgs) and Najwa Knowles; Brothers inlaw: Anthony Watkins, Terrell Clarke, Christopher Bodie, Allison Moss, Eddie Sands; Best friends/Brothers: Gary, Francis Richardson, Dario Outten, Hank Knowles, Anthony Rolle, Dwayne; Uncles: Donnie, Joseph, Charles, Destry Fox, Eddison, Leslie and Rudolph Bethel; Aunts: Mervie Knowles, Vernae Lizerre, Cleare McIntosh, Donna, Nelda Fox, Annette Poitier, Valencia Brown, Colyn Moss; Aunts in-law: Zelma Roberts and family, Janet Sands and family, Rosemarie, Pamela, Patricia, Prescola Nicholls and family; Uncles in-law: Philip, Perry, Pervical Nichols and family; Nieces and Nephews: Clintnesha Munnings, Brinton Bain, Tamiya Thomas, Terron and Tershae Clarke, Teynarae Watkins, J’Nell Dean, Lance Albury; Michael DoSantos, Michaela Dorsette, Stephen Hall, Alex Lewis, Ellie Farrington and Cameron, Krishanna and Kentrel Higgs, Raven Fox, Ashley Bethel, Harrision Jr. and Gerade Petty, Justin and Jahronte Knowles, Ayden Sands, Timothy Johnson Jr.; Grandnieces and Grandnephews: Akeem McIntosh, Kenaj McBride, Kemora Wright, Ellie Fitzgerald, Adrianna, Adrael Cooper; Grand Aunts and Grand Uncles: Grace White and family of Detroit, Michigan, Bateman Bain and family of Brooksville, Florida; Godchildren: Kaniel Rolle, (Dwayne son), Denia Davis, Jameka Gordon, Darian Smith, (Pinky daughter), Shawn Jr, Danyelle and Dorelle, Mackey, Barber daughter, Drew Outten, Dakario Outten, Cousins including: Shayann, Sharlisa, Emmanuel, Michael Roberts, Randolph; Ruth, Arial, Gemma, Jamar Fox, Kevin Fox, Latoya Pintard, Fabian Fox, Khius Russell, Bateman Smith, Sharon Johnson and family, Roselyn Rohs and family, Emmanuel Munroe aka “Boy” and family, Lisa, Wayne, John and Bianca Bethel, Natasha, Olivia, Amanda, Ian, Janine, Jamillah and Inigo, Jessica, Jarad, Justin, Geletha, Rudolph Jr., Rashad, Tanisha, Tanya, Anishka, Tamika, Brendon, Joey, Kevin, Linda, Talia, Adene, Eugenia, Rhonda Curry, Shawn, Dara. Other Relatives and Friends: Cordianne Higgs and family, Anthony Rolle and family R.M. Bailey High School Class of 1993; The Graduating of Class 2012 of Zion Christian School, Charles Grant, (Lewis) Kimbly and Richard Gibson, Morten and Kirstie Fromberg Dahl Feathers, Bridgette Deloris, Brigita and Thomas Hog Sorensen, Florence Mackey and family, Bennie, Reuben Lucien, Augustin Gustave, AyJay “Snow” Gibson, Douglas Thompson and family, Bishop Deanza Cunningham and family, Reverend Reginald Ferguson and family, Kenneth Rolle and family, Keith Pintard, Valerie Darville and family, Marcia Hope and family, Gloria Greenslade and family, Dianne Kemp and family, The Strachan family, Davis family, and Sweeting family, Everette Poitier and Family, Nassau Yatch Club Family, The Management and Staff of Mahogany House, The Management and Staff at Sandals. Family and friend from Crossing Rock, Abaco. We are truly grateful.

Viewing will be held in the Celestial Suite at Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium Ltd., Robinson and Soldier Roads on Wednesday (TODAY) from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until service time.

AS he accused the Minnis administration of “deceiving” Bahamians regarding the $5.5bn Oban Energies oil refinery and storage facility proposed for Grand Bahama, Progressive Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis called for the “bad deal” to be cancelled.

He further accused Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis of misleading Parliament and Bahamians when he announced on February 14 that he was to sign the heads of agreement with Oban’s former non-executive chairman Peter Krieger.

Confronted with questions about the deal last week, Dr Minnis insisted he was “upright” and “honest” in publicly addressing concerns about the project, which has faced immense push back.

Speaking to reporters yesterday, Mr Davis said: “The PM’s actions rank of political payback to his FNM cronies and special interest groups. We believe that the PM misled Parliament and the Bahamian people.

“We already know the FNM lied during the campaign and it seems that they are lying now during

governing. We are asking for the deal to be cancelled.

We are asking for the PM to come clean on the details surrounding this bad deal because one thing we know we know this, that no lie lasts forever and the truth with eventually surface because truth will always trump a lie.”

Mr Davis said concerns still linger about the project as the prime minister continues to “duck” questions.

“The financing arrangements, the environmental impact assessment, the economic feasibility of such a project given the glut of refineries in the market (are issues that remain). The prime minister also claimed that the Oban principal signed the heads of agreement – get this now on Saturday, February 10, such a significant project being signed on a Saturday morning or on a Saturday?

“You know, the prime minister clearly misled Parliament when he announced on February 14 that he was to sign a heads of agreement on February 19. Or did he mislead Parliament again when he announced knowing full well as he said that Satpal Dhunna (Oban president) had already signed the heads of agreement on February 10, but laid a heads of agreement on the table of Parliament

for the records of the House - a heads of agreement that is dated February 19 not February 10.

“And when he is talking about this document being signed on February 10 explaining away and indicated that Peter Krieger may have stepped away from the company, he, during the course of that communication, asserted that there were missteps.

Clearly to me these are not missteps. In fact if he is able to identify the steps that he said he missed, then we might be able to more intelligently speak to it. But on the face of what we know it is clearly not missteps, not only $5.5bn investment and the future of Grand Bahama’s ecosystem being at stake in my view these are deliberate actions taken to deceive the Bahamian people.”

Amid backlash over the project, there have been calls for Dr Minnis’ resignation from Progressive Liberal Party Deputy Leader Chester Cooper, who also alleged the prime minister misled Parliament on the matter.

However, Dr Minnis has 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.

The prime minister has also been harshly criticised for telling reporters last week he did 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.

During an event last week, The Tribune also asked Dr Minnis why he did not not reveal the deal involved 690 acres of Crown land, which would be leased from the government to build Oban’s refinery. This element of the deal was revealed by Mr Dhunna to the media two weeks ago.

“I was very specific when I addressed the Bahamian people and I was upright and honest with them and now the environmentalists are dealing with the issue. The heads of agreement speaks for itself,” Dr Minnis said recently.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, April 4, 2018, PAGE 7

One dead, four hurt in crash

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

A TRAFFIC accident on Monday on Abaco left one person dead and four injured.

According to police, the incident occurred sometime after 3pm on Earnest Dean Highway near Cherokee Road. A silver 2004 Kia Rio and a black Dodge Caliber were involved in the accident, which resulted in all five occupants experiencing injuries.

Two of the victims received medical attention at the Marsh Harbour Medical Clinic and were later discharged. The other three were airlifted to New Providence.

At approximately 7am

yesterday, one of the airlifted victims was confirmed dead. The other two are listed in serious condition.

This incident occurred oneday after a woman was killed in a traffic accident on Gladstone Road in New Providence.

Shortly after midnight on Sunday, a black Honda Fit driven by a woman and a white Nissan Tida driven by a man were involved in an accident.

The woman was later pronounced dead. The man was taken to the hospital and listed in serious condition.

Transport and Local Government Minister Frankie Campbell spoke with The Tribune yesterday regarding the recent spate of traffic fatalities.

BUS DRIVER INJURED

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A PUBLIC bus driver is in the Intensive Care Unit at the Rand Memorial Hospital with serious injuries as a result of a traffic accident in Freeport on Saturday.

Supt Jeremy Henderson, officer in charge of Traffic Division, reported that the accident occurred at Drumfish Street in the

Caravel Beach Subdivision on March 31.

He said a public bus and private vehicle collided and three persons were injured, including a bus driver who was seriously hurt after being ejected on impact.

“We take this opportunity to admonish the public to continue to drive with caution and care, and to pay attention to street signs,” he said.

Supt Henderson said the motoring public should be careful when travelling

PHOTOGRAPHS of the aftermath of the crash which circulated on social media.

Reiterating his position that “road safety is everybody’s business, all the time,” Mr Campbell appealed to motorists, pedestrians, and the general public to exercise caution on the roads.

“This is the first time in a long time that fatality numbers seem to be attempting to keep pace with homicide numbers.

And that is frightening,” he said.

According to The Tribune’s records, Monday’s accident marked the 21st traffic fatality for the year.

Offering condolences to the bereaved families of these traffic fatality victims, Mr Campbell said his ministry has launched a programme to combat not just traffic fatalities but all

road traffic accidents.

This will be a continuation of a similar initiative launched in December 2017.

“We hear a lot about the fatalities because they are the ones that make the front line, but we have a number of families that are (suffering) because persons would have been hurt in accidents and now their entire lives are changed and they need care 24/7,” he said.

When asked if there needs to be stricter penalties for reckless drivers, Mr Campbell agreed.

“I believe that people don’t do what is expected as much as they do what is inspected,” he said.

“So yes, I think we need to look at our penalties, but we also need to

look at our enforcement arm.

“We need to create in the mindset of our drivers that not only is it in their safety interest to obey the rules, but it is also in the interest of their pockets and in the interest of them continuing to be allowed to drive on our streets that they obey the traffic rules.”

Mr Campbell said a portion of his ministry’s remaining budget will be used to have a public relations campaign speaking out on behalf of road safety.

He added they are seeking the assistance of corporate Bahamas to help fund this “expensive exercise”.

Nearly two weeks ago, the Ministry of Transport and Local Government

launched a junior road safety programme for fourth and fifth graders from all public primary schools in New Providence.

Mr Campbell noted it was geared to teaching the students rules of the streets that they can share with their families and peers.

“I ask for persons to obey traffic rules and regulations.

I ask persons to buckle up, I ask persons to drink responsibly,” Mr Campbell said.

“I ask persons to consider that while they are on the street, we have a number of guests who may not necessarily be familiar with the usage of our streets, and so they need to look out for the way they are driving and the way other people are driving.”

CROWN ‘WRONG’ TO DETAIN MAN WHILE IT SOUGHT EVIDENCE

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

IT was “not fair or just” for Crown authorities to have detained a man for over a year while it “sought to put its house in order” and obtain the necessary evidence linking him to an alleged murder plot which was executed two years ago, the Court of Appeal has ruled.

Appellate Justices Jon Isaacs, Stella Crane-Scott and Milton Evans said it would be unfair for the Crown to keep Daran Neely in custody while it tries to “obtain the evidence which they say they “hope to get” against him concerning Kenyari Lightbourne’s murder in 2016.

Additionally, the appellate judges said Acting Chief Justice Stephen Isaacs’ previous decision to deny Neely bail, despite finding that there was no reason to believe the accused would interfere with witnesses or fail to appear for trial, was an “unreasonable exercise of his discretion” as vested by the Bail Act. These reasons were outlined in a ruling outlining the court’s decision last month to grant Neely $15,000 bail ahead of his trial for Lightbourne’s murder scheduled for October of this year.

According to the written ruling, prior to the appellate court’s March 19 decision, Neely had spent one year and four months in custody awaiting trial, having been initially arraigned in in October 2016 in connection with Lightbourne’s death.

On June 21, 2016, Lightbourne was shot multiple times while walking through his Woods Alley neighbourhood off Market Street. He died at the scene.

Neely and the alleged gunman, Jahamaro Edgecombe, were arraigned within months of each other in 2016 in connection with Lightbourne’s death; Edgecombe in August of that year on a single count of murder, and Neely on October 18 on a conspiracy to commit murder charge.

Both Neely and Edgecombe are now charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder. A third individual, Sean Brown, is charged with accessory after the fact.

Neely previously made an application for bail that was heard and dismissed by Justice Bernard Turner on November 9, 2016. Since then, the evidence of an anonymous witness was

ruled inadmissible on October 31, 2017.

The Crown appealed that ruling but withdrew the appeal on the day of the hearing.

Neely made a second application for bail before Acting Chief Justice Isaacs, however, that application was also denied. At the time, the judge ruled “it is obvious” that what Neely is charged with is “most serious,” and that he is entitled to trial within a reasonable time as guaranteed by Article 20(1) of the Constitution.

However, he said given the “prevailing circumstances” in the Bahamas concerning the “extremely high incidence of murder and the corresponding time it takes to get an accused person to trial,” there has been no delay.

He further stated Parliament, although not binding on the Supreme Court, has fixed by statute a period of three years as a reasonable time.

Additionally, the acting chief justice ruled as Neely has no antecedents, there is “no evidence to support the submissions that he may abscond or interfere with witnesses.”

However, he said in considering the “nature of the offence,” the impending trial date in October 2018, and Neely’s own safety given the kind of evidence the Crown will rely upon, bail would be denied.

Neely subsequently appealed this decision, basing his appeal on multiple grounds.

Neely’s attorneys Wayne Munroe, QC, and Jomo Campbell, submitted that that Acting Chief Justice Isaacs was wrong to not find Neely’s period on remand unreasonable.

Secondly, they submitted that the judge should have found that there was no cogent evidence against their client.

Conversely, they claimed it was the “weakness” of the Crown’s case that made his incarceration unfair.

Neely’s attorneys further submitted the judge erred by failing to give any or sufficient weight to the fact Neely had been in custody for one year and four months awaiting trial up to that point.

They further submitted it was unfair for any accused man to be held in custody in situations where there is no evidence, or “inherently weak evidence” to substantiate the charges against him.

In response, Crown attorney Al-Leecia Delancey submitted the acting chief justice did not fail in giving

any or sufficient weight to Neely’s one year and four months in custody, stressing the matter was “fully traversed” by that judge in his ruling.

She further contended that notwithstanding Neely’s submissions, Parliament has already determined three years from the date of arrest to trial is deemed a reasonable time, something she noted was also considered by the acting chief justice in his ruling.

The ruling said Ms Delancy “sought valiantly” to satisfy the appellate court that there was cogent evidence against Neely, and that the Crown still intended to get the trial judge to reconsider the decision not to allow the evidence of the anonymous witness as there are other steps being taken to bolster the evidence.

And concerning Mr Munroe’s submissions concerning the acting chief justice not requiring the Crown the substantiate its claim concerning Neely’s welfare, Ms Delancy argued that the court can take judicial note that since the date of the offence on June 21, 2016, Neely had two brothers that were murdered one month apart: Anton Neely on March 20, 2017 and Hans Neely on April 20, 2017.

She further charged that Neely’s third brother, Aaron Neely, was shot at on February 16, 2018, near the former’s home.

However, the appellate judges, Justice Evans in particular, found that Section 4 of the Bail Act “does not provide the authorities with a blanket right to detain an accused person for three years.”

Conversely, they said the three-year period is for the protection of the accused and not a “trump card” for the Crown.

Additionally, the ruling said the court, in each case, must “consider what has been called the “tension between the right of the accused to his freedom and the need to protect society.”

Justice Evans further noted that the “seriousness of an offence” is not a “free standing ground for the refusal of a bail application,” but rather is a “consideration in determining whether the accused is likely to appear for trial.”

“I am aware that it is not the purpose of a bail hearing to determine the guilty or innocence of an accused,” he said. “However, in a case where the appellant’s submission is primarily that the case against him was very weak and not at all cogent as was

asserted by the (Crown) it is important that a court hearing the application review the evidence available at the hearing.

“It is a well-accepted principle that the serious nature of a charge and the cogency of the evidence is a material consideration when determining the proper exercise of the discretion to grant bail.

“In reviewing the evidence proposed to be led by the Crown in this case I was satisfied that it was far from cogent and as tacitly accepted by Ms Delancy non-existent,” he added.

“I could not accept that it was fair or just to retain the appellant in custody while the Crown sought to put its house in order and obtain the evidence which they say

they hope to get.”

Thus, as ordered on March 19, Neely was granted $15,000 bail with two sureties. He is now required to report to the East Street Police Station every Monday, Wednesday and Friday no later than 6pm.

He is also to be fitted with an electronic monitoring device.

PAGE 8, Wednesday, April 4, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Let’s agree - we need to disagree better P

HYSICAL violence is an undeniable issue in The Bahamas.

Reported events bring shock, fear and disappointment, filling us with questions, self-righteous proclamations and rebuke.

In disbelief and grief, we look at the world around us, shaking heads and shrugging shoulders. We see physical violence as separate from us, and completely unrelated to the way we speak with one another.

We do not want to make that connection, and that is unfortunate. It exists whether or not we acknowledge or choose to address it.

While it is exciting to finally have platforms — like social media and talk radio — allowing various levels of control, monitoring and contribution, they reveal a societal problem that presents an opportunity. We do not know how to disagree well, and we need to learn.

Disagreement is not inherently bad. It does not need to be rude, unproductive, or life-threatening. It is unreasonable to expect complete consensus on any issue. Even when we agree on the what, we are bound to butt heads on the how.

Again, this is not an insurmountable problem. It only requires that we have conversations about points of disagreement and find courses of action to cure the disease we have already diagnosed.

Over the past few days, I have observed activity on a few Facebook threads.

I considered the amount of time and energy wasted on arguments that really had nothing to do with the matter raised, and almost seemed to intentionally detract from the valid points being made. This happens every day, multiple times per day, but for what reason? Do people just love to argue? Do we like to make each other feel stupid? Is it a game for some of us, trying to see how quickly and easily we can derail a conversation?

Have you ever witnessed a conversation involving people who are in agreement, but they don’t know

it? One person says the sun is hot, and the other says they are hot because of the sun. They make the same point in different terms and somehow come to the conclusion they are on opposing sides. They argue about the importance of vitamin D, while you stand there wondering why

this happened. You want to explain to them they are saying the same thing, but it is too far gone now. One of them is google searching alternate sources of vitamin D to prove it may be worthwhile to get sunburn because vitamin tablets are too expensive. You have to walk away.

SOMETIMES people get into deOn Saturof these day, someone valid fence mode because they are posted about argumosquito feel attacked, even when ments. fogging.

SomeWhat chemtimes icals are they their names have not been get people using? Are into they harmdefence called.

They feel the ful to people? mode Is there a because need to set the record they feel schedule so we can close attacked, our windows and straight. even when plan to be indoors or out of the area?

She explained the reasons for her concern and many people agreed. It was not long, of course, before people showed up to suggest we are all either ungrateful or confused.

Here’s a typical example: “I saw at least 20 posts last week complaining about mosquitoes. Now they doing something and there’s complaining about that. Can we ever please Bahamians?”

Some people on the thread figured we all just hate the government, and nothing they do will be right in our eyes. “It’s six of one and half dozen the other. Mosquito-borne illness or chemicals. Can’t win for losing.”

The original poster did not explicitly state she was against fogging. Her post made it quite clear she was not a fan of chemicals, but especially unknown chemicals. How is it that people decided she was completely opposed to fogging? Maybe she would like to be free of mosquitoes and be sure she is not being poisoned at the same time. Too much to ask?

As a person who does not like mosquitoes and would rather not be poisoned, I find her position quite reasonable. As someone who generally keeps the windows open and goes running, I agree a schedule would be helpful and the government should not have to be asked for it. This is not the same as ingratitude.

If no one asks the questions, clearly no individual, department, or ministry of the government will make this information available.

They can please this Bahamian — and probably the one who asked the question on Facebook — by doing something about the mosquitoes and telling us what that is and how we will be affected. That is really not

something to argue about, but if there is disagreement, it should be about that central point. Someone wants to know what is being used and, subsequently, inhaled by human beings.

In recent weeks, Paul Ratner’s article on Paul Graham’s “How to disagree” essay has been circulating on social media.

It includes a pyramid that ranks the ways people engage when in disagreement. At the highest level is refuting the central point. Toward the middle are counterargument and contradiction, and namecalling is at the bottom.

Also included, near the bottom, is tone policing.

This is a frequent practice, particularly when a member of a marginalised community speaks on an issue affecting them and their community. Dominant groups are quick to say they are angry or using the wrong approach. Suggesting the central point is of no import or consequence does not even make the cut.

Graham says, though it may feel like it, we are not actually getting angrier.

Disagreement just gives us more room to talk and, quite obviously, we all want to be heard. Even if we truly disagree, it is important we do it well. If you have a different point of view, make sure you can refute the central point of the person’s argument.

Unless you have a problem with the government informing citizens of the chemicals used for mosquito fogging and have a counterargument, it does not make sense to post in disagreement. You may not like the tone of the post or the person posting. You may think the topic is silly.

You may think something else matter more. None

their names have not been called.

They feel the need to set the record straight.

On Tuesday morning, I read a horrifying story by a woman who was given the run-around on the day she gave birth to her second child at Princess Margaret Hospital. PMH wrongfully forced her to go to the public ward when she told them she had already paid for private. This resulted in her private doctor not being able to deliver her baby, and her husband not being allowed in the room.

In addition, she was not given anything for pain, so almost nothing went according to her birthing plan.

In her post, she pointed out the issues with PMH administrative practices and encounters with rude, uncaring nurses. While most people sympathised and encouraged her to take further action, a number of nurses felt the need to defend themselves and their profession. They said all nurses are not like that, most nurses are kind and caring but that a few bad nurses make everyone look bad. That may be the case, but is that what the original poster needed to read in response to her story? No. Could it completely derail the important conversation? Yes. Everything does not have to be an argument. We do not always have to disagree, but when we do, let’s do it well. Let your argument stand on its own. Do not disrespect other participants in the conversation, or distract them from the central point. Focus on that central point, and take it down with supporting material. Communication does not have to be a problem, and disagreement does not have to end in violence.

We have to argue better.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, April 4, 2018, PAGE 9

Italy’s robot concierge a novelty on the way to better AI PESCHIERA DEL GARDA Associated Press

ROBBY Pepper can answer questions in Italian, English and German. Billed as Italy’s first robot concierge, the humanoid will be deployed all season at a hotel on the popular Lake Garda to help relieve the desk staff of simple, repetitive questions.

During one of Robby’s first shifts, Mihail Slanina, a guest from Moldova, congratulated the robot on his skills.

“He’s like a real person, he’s really good,” she enthused. “He talks, he shook my hand.”

Developed by Japan’s Softbank Robotics, Robby, as he has been christened by the hotel where he’s resident, has been taught a list of questions such as the locations of the spa, restaurants and opening hours, programmed by the Italian digital services company Jampaa. The summer tourist season will provide Robby with a crash course in unanticipated questions, not to mention accents, which will help improve his knowledge, vocabulary and ability to answer.

The use of such robots

A GUEST asks robot Robby Pepper for information at the front desk of hotel.

ROBOT Robby Pepper stands at the front desk of hotel in Peschiera del Garda, northern Italy. Billed as Italy’s first robot concierge, Robby has been programed to answer simple guest questions in Italian, English and German. The humanoid, speaking robot will be deployed all season at a hotel on the popular Garda Lake to help relieve the desk staff of simple, repetitive questions. is growing in services sectors like tourism, where the scale of business can overwhelm staff with menial tasks. Most of the automatons serve mainly as novelties — humanoid versions of an Alexa or Siri meant to marvel customers.

They represent an expansion in automation, but one that’s likely to be scaled up only when better artificial intelligence is developed.

The International Federation of Robotics, based in Frankfurt, Germany, forecasts sales of professional service robots will grow

between 20 percent and 25 percent a year through 2020, from about 79,000 last year. That includes such diverse categories as defence robots, cleaning robots, medical robots and logistics systems robots.

In 2016, 7,200 public relations robots like Softbank’s Pepper, used for mobile guidance and information, were sold — a full 135 percent increase over the previous year.

“Beyond the techy novelty to engage customers, the current use of robots for customer services is

completely impractical, very simply because artificial intelligence digital agents are way too stupid to be practical beyond what the time is and what the weather is,” said Richard Windsor, a technology analyst based in London. Their current limitations are best illustrated by the fact that the two best artificial intelligence systems, Google Assist and the Chinese company DuerOS by the Chinese company Baidu, do not currently make such robots, he said.

Windsor predicts that

such robots will fall off once their current novelty wears off, only to reappear when the technology has improved, something he sees off in the long-term.

“In order to make these things better, you need to gather data, so have you have to be out there,” he said.

Giorgio Metta, deputy scientific director at the government-funded Italian Technological Institute, said the real utility will come into play when the service robots can pick up and move objects autonomously, delivering small items to rooms, or documents from office to office.

Robots also are being used for security in say, shopping malls, to pick up on anomalies like forgotten bags, or to monitor where customers are congregating.

Public acceptance is an important factor. Robots seem to be catching on in mall and customer service settings more readily in the United States and Japan, than in Europe, according to experts.

Customers at a grocery store in Scotland got one robot, a Softbank Pepper unit named Fabio, fired because they were not willing to interact with it. And a security robot patrolling an office complex in Washington last year drew unwanted attention when it rolled into a fountain.

On the money: Robots predict how you’ll spend your points NEW YORK Associated Press YOU’RE going to use those credit card points on that trip to Tahiti this year; you just don’t know it yet.

A growing number of credit card companies are using artificial intelligence software to convince customers to use their credit card points in a certain way, be it redeeming their points for travel, dining, shopping or gift cards, with the goal of keeping those customers spending more and loyal to their cards.

Companies have used your past purchases to market you items for years.

If you buy a tennis racket from Amazon, soon you’ll get ads from Amazon trying to sell you tennis balls.

What credit card companies are doing differently is using other measurements that would typically not be associated with a particular type of consumer behaviour as predictors. Banks and other credit card companies have some of the most intimate details on an average person’s spending; knowing how much a person typically spends a month on

particular categories and what merchants they shop at, and in some very limited cases, information on what exactly they purchased, such as a hotel room or airline tickets.

“It used to be ‘we saw you shop at Apple, so we are going to send you ads for Apple.’ Now, you may not have spent a dollar at Apple previously, but because you spend at other retailers or fit the profile of an Apple customer we can A GROWING target you,” said Jesse number of credit card Wolfersberger, senior companies are using artidirector of decision ficial intelligence software to sciences at Maritz convince customers to use their Motivation Solucredit card points in a certain way, tions, a company be it redeeming their points for that recently parttravel, dining, shopping or gift nered with British cards, with the goal of keeping bank HSBC on its those customers spending credit card rewards more and loyal to their programme. cards.

In the case of Maritz, — while HSBC sent marketrest ing emails to 75,000 the customers using Maritz’s received standard maralgorithms. A portion of keting emails. Roughly customers received an AI- 70 percent of the targeted recommended particular customers who ended up category of credit card redeeming their points reward — travel, merchan- chose the recommendation dise, gift cards or cash back generated by the computer,

Wolfersberger said.

“What we see is when people are more engaged with a rewards programme they tend to spend more,” said Marcos Meneguzzi, head of cards at HSBC. Other credit card companies have been using big data, or artificial intelligence to predict where a customer will spend their money or market items to customers for a few years. American Express has a programme known as Amex Offers, which could be a coupon or additional reward points when a customer spends money at a particular merchant. Which American Express customer gets targeted for a particular offer depends on their spending behaviour, a company spokeswoman said.

Customers can use this to their advantage as well.

The more money you spent in a particular category of merchant, the more offers you’re likely to get. (In the case of this dog-owning reporter, he gets Amex Offers for pet supplies on a near constant basis, whereas a fashion-minded friend gets offers for Italian label Bottega Veneta.)

By creating programmes that get customers to spend money on the card, or use their reward points, the credit card companies keep customers more closely tied to the company’s card and less likely to switch to a new one. Also it’s in the company’s best interest to get the customer to redeem points as cheaply as possible, so marketing that encourages a customer to use their points in a particular way could be beneficial to the company as well.

Right now companies are only able to adjust and market opportunities for customers to redeem their points in broad categories. Wolfersberger expects credit card companies, using AI, will be able to market specific gift cards to customers or even specific products.

• SOFTBANK Group Corp. chief executive Masayoshi Son announced last week a $200bn solar power project in Saudi Arabia, which he described as “the world’s biggest solar power generation”.

The project is in co-operation with the kingdom’s young and powerful crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, a partner in the SoftBank Vision Fund, set up in 2016. The fund has already invested in companies in the US, India and Europe.

The deal is the first major investment by the fund in Saudi Arabia. It was announced in New York after a Saudi-US CEO forum held on the sidelines of the crown prince’s multiday tour across the US. The ample sunshine and land and Saudi Arabia’s pool of engineers and skilled workers make the foray into solar there lucrative, Son said.

He said the project will create 100,000 jobs, reduce Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil for its electricity, which it can sell internationally instead, and will generate 200 gigawatts of electricity by 2030.

The kingdom, which is one of the world’s largest oil producers, estimates its local energy consumption will increase three-fold by 2030. To build up its renewable energy sector, the crown prince has outlined an initial target of generating 9.5 gigawatts of renewable energy in his “Vision 2030” plan, which is a blueprint of mostly economic targets aimed at creating more jobs for the country’s majority young population enteriwng the workforce in the coming years and diversifying the economy away from its reliance on oil exports for revenue.

The solar panels for the project will be imported at first, but will later include a panel manufacturing and assembly site, according to Son. Construction on the project begins immediately, and electricity generation will start next year, he told reporters.

• SPACEX has launched a used supply ship on a used rocket to the International Space Station.

The Falcon rocket blasted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Monday, hoisting a Dragon capsule full of food, experiments and other station goods for NASA. The Dragon and its 6,000pound shipment should reach the space station on Wednesday. The station astronauts will use a robot arm to grab it.

It’s the second trip to the orbiting lab for this particular Dragon, recycled following a visit two years ago. The Falcon’s first-stage booster also flew before — last summer.

SpaceX has combined a recycled Dragon and a recycled Falcon once before. The company aims to reduce launch costs by reusing rocket parts. The space station is currently home to astronauts from the US, Russia and Japan.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, April 4, 2018, PAGE 11

SURGEONS: WE CAN’T SAVE ANTHONIQUE’S SIGHT

By FELICITY INGRAHAM TWO-MONTH-OLD Anthonique Munroe is back home in Nassau after her visit to the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Florida where she underwent exploratory surgery to see what a cornea and retina specialist could do to help her to be able to see.

Unfortunately, that surgery revealed that the retina detachment and cornea issues in the right eye, and the underdeveloped left eye, were both worse that experts expected. She was given anaesthetics to put her to sleep in order to discover exactly what was going on in the back of her eyes. They gave her mother Abbie Munroe the devastating news that her baby’s condition was not reconcilable.

Her father Anton Munroe sat down in a Face to Face with Felicity interview and made a passionate appeal for the public to assist in having the surgeries done that were necessary to give his daughter a chance

of sight. But once the first exploratory operation was complete, doctors said there was nothing they could do.

A Tribune reader became Anthonique’s guardian angel and offered to cover the costs at Bascom Palmer. It meant a lot to the Munroes, who were desperate to give their daughter any chance possible for her to be able to see.

Bahamasair provided the airline tickets, and Abbie’s coworkers at the Attorney General’s office put together and came up with a donation for little Antonique. The Salvation Army also gave a donation, as well as friends and family.

“It’s such an unfortunate thing,” said Anton.

“It makes our work a lot more harder and expensive in terms of her upbringing - her training, development and care. That’s why we were hoping that doctors at Bascom Palmer would have been able to do something to ensure she has sight.”

The doctors have now advised the Munroes to take Antonique to see a

cosmetic doctor to ensure that “her facial features would not change”.

“The back of her left eye was underdeveloped,” said Anton, “so that one may have to be replaced with a prosthetic eyeball and that will cost about $10,000.”

As she grows, the eyeball would have to be changed from time to time until Anthonique is about ten years-old. Her right eye opens well, but has cataract formation over the ball.

Some work can be done to give her as normal looking an appearance as possible, Anton explained.

He was hoping that his daughter could have sight and live as normal a life as possible, but he is hopeful that his daughter will be exemplary in her efforts throughout her childhood, as so many children with disabilities are. He is inspired by the likes of Hellen Keller and feels confident that his daughter could make the best of her situation.

Anton is making an appeal to the government to

ANTON and Abbie Munroe with their daughter, Anthonique. regularise his employment the benefits that governstatus in light of the fact that ment employees have.

“I applied to the Ministry he will have to incur so many additional expenses to give of Education three times his daughter the best child- through our former princihood he possibly could. For pal at Erin H Gilmore for the past nearly seven years, a teacher’s aide position Anton has been working as through their ministry,” he a teacher’s aide at the Erin said.

“They have yet to respond.

H Gilmore School for the Blind and Visually Impaired All I want for government to through a work assistance do is give me a recognisable program with the Depart- job. I am not trying to beg. I ment of Social Services. am just trying to ensure that While he is happy for this I provide the best possible opportunity, the pay is not sense of a normal life for my in line with other teacher’s child and to be a better proaides and he is not privy to vider for my wife.”

His work assistance program status does not make him a pensionable or permanent government employee.

“I don’t think I could make a really better future for Anthonique with this status,” he said, concerned.

“If I could find a way to get the attention of the powers that be to secure me in my job environment, that would be a good assistance for me to take better care of my daughter. I am thankful that our family helps us also.”

‘THREE MONTHS AFTER IMMIGRATION DEADLINE, NOTHING’S CHANGED’

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

DESPITE Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ demand last year that illegal immigrants leave the country by December 31 or face consequences, nothing about this country’s immigration posture and policy has changed more than three months since the deadline passed, opposition leader Philip “Brave” Davis said yesterday.

Last October, Dr Minnis announced his hardline approach to illegal immigration, though he gave scant details about how the

country’s approach to the issue would change if illegal immigrants ignored his warning.

“Since the December 31 deadline for all illegal immigrants to leave the country and a meeting with the Haitian president (during a CARICOM session), nothing seems to have changed,” Mr Davis told reporters yesterday.

“Irregular migration seems to have continued unabated (as has) the expenditure of hundreds of thousands in public funds on repatriation efforts, draining our resources that can be used to provide other

essential services to our people.”

Mr Davis also took aim at recent immigration related judicial rulings, some of which he believes constitutes overreach.

He said: “Our principle concern on immigration is the protection of our territorial waters, our sovereignty and preservation of our national identity. We believe that recent court rulings and in particular the Jean Charles and Bruno Rufa rulings were wrong in law as the decision to permit or deny entry in The Bahamas rests with the executive and not the judiciary.

“The role of the judiciary is to ensure the decision making process of the executive is always fair and rational to all involved, not to make the decision as to who could or should be (given status) in The Bahamas.”

In 2015, Mr Rufa was given just seven days to wrap up his affairs in Grand Bahama and leave the country – despite having earlier being given a 150-day visa to stay in the country.

The seven–day order came at the end of a longrunning dispute with the Immigration Department which had seen protracted

court appearances over a number of years.

Former Appellate President Dame Anita Allen, along with appellate Justices Stella Crane-Scott and Roy Jones, in a written ruling released last week, said the director of immigration’s actions on December 23, 2015, against Mr Rufa were beyond his powers under the Immigration Act and thus not supported by law.

The case of Jean-Rony Jean Charles grabbed headlines after he was deported late last year. Mr Jean Charles was born in The Bahamas to Haitian

parents, but did not apply for citizenship between 18-19 years old, as outlined in the Constitution, or any time thereafter. After he was deported, his lawyer filed court action.

A judge later ruled ordered that Mr JeanCharles, 32, be returned to the country and issued status to permit him to remain in The Bahamas within 60 days of him applying.

He further ordered Mr Jean Charles be paid costs and compensation for breaches to his fundamental rights and liberties.

The government has since appealed this ruling.

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THE TRIBUNE

California proposal would limit when officers can open fire SACRAMENTO Associated Press SEVERAL lawmakers and the family of a 22-yearold unarmed black man who was fatally shot by police proposed Tuesday that California become the first state to significantly restrict when officers can open fire.

The legislation would change the standard from using “reasonable force” to “necessary force”.

That means officers would be allowed to shoot only if “there were no other reasonable alternatives to the use of deadly force” to prevent imminent serious injury or death, said Lizzie Buchen, legislative advocate for the American Civil Liberties Union, which is among the groups behind the measure.

“We need to ensure that our state policy governing the use of deadly force stresses the sanctity of human life and is only used when necessary,” said Assemblywoman Shirley Weber, a San Diego Democrat who introduced the bill. “Deadly force can be used, but only when it is completely necessary.”

The goal is to encourage officers to try to defuse confrontations or use less deadly weapons, said Democratic Assemblyman Kevin McCarty of Sacramento, who is co-authoring the legislation.

“We should no longer be the target practice or victims of a shoot first, ask questions later police force,” said Assemblyman Chris Holden, chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus.

But some in law

Associated Press

PROTESTORS block an intersection in downtown Sacramento, Califorinia, after the funeral for police shooting victim Stephon Clark.

Sacramento police chief Daniel Hahn, the city’s first black police chief, is an unlikely officer, growing up in a tough neighborhood of California’s capital city and having his own early run-ins with police. He is struggling to find the right balance of reforms after the fatal shooting of Clark by his officers. enforcement called the proposal irresponsible and unworkable.

Officers already use deadly force only when necessary and are taught to try to defuse dangerous situations first when possible, said Ed Obayashi, a Plumas County sheriff’s deputy and special prosecutor who trains officers and testifies in court on police use of force.

Tinkering with legal protections for police could make it more difficult to hire officers and be dangerous because they may hesitate when confronting an armed suspect,

threatening themselves and bystanders, Obayashi said.

Spokesmen for the California Police Chiefs Association and California State Sheriffs’ Association said they had not seen the proposal and could not comment.

Weber, who heads a public safety oversight committee, said she hopes the recent heavily publicised string of police shootings of minority suspects and mass protests over last month’s death of Stephon Clark will be enough to overcome any law enforcement resistance.

Two Sacramento officers chased Clark, who

was suspected of breaking into cars, into his grandparents’ darkened backyard and opened fire within seconds and without identifying themselves as police because they said they thought he had a gun.

Investigators found only a cellphone.

Changing the legal standard might mean that more people confronted by police “could go home. They may be able to wake up” the next day, said Clark’s uncle, family spokesman Curtis Gordon.

“A life may be saved in that blink” of time before officers open fire, he said.

“If you feel some sort of repercussion, you may act a little more cautiously.”

Several black community leaders at the news conference called the proposal “a good first step”.

Sacramento police chief Daniel Hahn told The Associated Press last week that he is open to examining the department’s policies on pursuing suspects and other practices but warned that changes could carry consequences.

California’s current standard makes it rare for officers to be charged after a shooting and rarer still for them to be convicted.

ALTAR-BOUND MEGHAN MARKLE TO LEAVE TV SHOW WITH A WEDDING NEW YORK Associated Press

REAL life will imitate art this spring at the USA series “Suits” when series regular Meghan Markle bids farewell to the legal drama in a wedding — and then goes off to marry her prince in real life.

Show creator and show runner Aaron Korsh has written an on-screen wedding for Markle’s paralegal-turned-lawyer Rachel Zane, who will finally exchange vows during the April 25 season seven finale with her longtime love Mike Ross, played by Patrick Adams.

The two have been lovebirds for years and had one previous wedding

FIRST PERSON SENTENCED IN RUSSIA PROBE DRAWS 30 DAYS, FINE

MEGHAN MARKLE date collapse.

Both actors will then exit the show, which starts filming season eight this month.

The wedding will be a sort of dress rehearsal for Markle’s real one to Prince Harry at Britain’s Windsor Castle on May 19.

“I think we had to do this,” said Korsch. “It’s

something that we owed and had to do. Obviously, I’m so happy for Meghan in her personal life and that it landed sort of similarly. It just happens.”

Korsh said he was thankfully given enough warning that Markle’s reallife romance might trigger changes in her character’s plotline and he didn’t have to scramble to undo anything.

“When you start a show, they definitely don’t tell you to anticipate that one of your actors is going to marry a prince. That’s just not in the handbook,” he said. “But a lot of time, these things kind of force you to open up the box and get creative and invite new

characters into your world and explore them.”

One new character who joins in season eight will be Katherine Heigl, a veteran of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “State of Affairs”. She’ll star alongside regulars Rick Hoffman, Gabriel Macht and Sarah Rafferty.

Dule Hill will also become a series regular. There’s also a “Suits” spinoff planned starring Gina Torres, a former series regular.

Macht, who plays Harvey Specter on the show, has already texted and emailed Heigl to welcome her. “I think she’s going to fuel a lot of fire for a lot of the characters in the show and there’s going to be a lot of

conflict going on,” he said.

Macht said it was a bittersweet time for the show with the arrival of a film star to the cast but also the loss of Markle and Adams, two actors from the core ensemble.

“Their intelligence and their humor and just the weight that they bring onto set will be sorely missed.

It’ll be a new space. It’ll be a new rhythm that we’ll all have to find,” he said. “That brings opportunity for us but it also brings a sense of loss.”

Korsh said at least he could give the long-engaged couple a happily-ever-after “in a climactic way, which is very satisfying”.

STATES, CITIES SUE US OVER CENSUS CITIZENSHIP QUESTION

NEW YORK Associated Press

SEVENTEEN states, the District of Columbia and six cities sued the US government Tuesday, saying the addition of a citizenship question to the census form is unconstitutional.

The Trump administration’s decision to ask people about their citizenship has set off worries among Democrats that immigrants will dodge the survey altogether, diluting political representation for states that tend to vote Democratic and robbing many communities of federal dollars.

Supporters of the plan for the 2020 census argue that obtaining more data on the voting-age population of citizens than current surveys are providing will help the Justice Department enforce the Voting Rights Act, which protects minority voting rights. It would be the first time in 70 years that the government used the census form to ask people to specify whether they are US citizens.

New York attorney general Eric Schneiderman, a democrat who announced the new lawsuit in Manhattan federal court, said the plans would have a

“devastating effect on New York, where we have millions of immigrants”.

The lawsuit, also brought by the bipartisan US Conference of Mayors, said adding the citizenship question was arbitrary and would “fatally undermine the accuracy of the population count”. It asked for a ruling that the citizenship demand is unauthorised and unconstitutional.

The Justice Department has said it “looks forward to defending the reinstatement of the citizenship question.” The Commerce Department has said the benefits of obtaining citizenship information “outweighed the limited potential adverse impacts”.

The defendants in the lawsuit are the US Department of Commerce and the Bureau of the Census.

Plaintiffs include New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, the District of Columbia, New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Rhode Island, San Francisco, Seattle and Providence, Rhode Island.

A DUTCH attorney who lied to federal agents investigating former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort was sentenced on Tuesday to 30 days in prison in the first punishment handed down in the special counsel’s Russia investigation. He was also ordered to pay a $20,000 fine.

Alex van der Zwaan’s sentence could set a guidepost for what other defendants charged with lying in special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation may receive when their cases are resolved. Among them are a former White House national security adviser and a Trump campaign foreign policy aide.

Van der Zwaan had faced zero to six months in prison under federal sentencing guidelines, and his attorneys had pushed for him to pay a fine and leave the country.

But US District Judge Amy Berman Jackson, citing the need to deter others from lying in an investigation of international importance, said incarceration was necessary.

“These were not mistakes. These were lies,” Jackson told van der Zwaan as he stood before her. Being able to “write a check and walk away”, she added later, would not fit the seriousness of the crime or send the right message.

The criminal case against van der Zwaan is not directly related to Russian election interference, the main focus of Mueller’s probe. But it has revealed new details about the government’s case against Manafort and opened a window into the intersecting universes of international law, foreign consulting work and politics.

PREMIUMS SHOOT UP, BUT MANY ARE PAYING LESS FOR ‘OBAMACARE’ Associated Press

CONSUMERS getting financial assistance under former President Barack Obama’s health care law will pay lower premiums this year, even though the “list price” for their health insurance shot up.

That odd result is reflected in a report issued Tuesday by the Trump administration.

After federal aid, the average monthly premium paid by subsidised customers on HealthCare.gov is dropping to $89 from last year’s $106. That’s a 16 percent savings even though the “list price” premium went up about 30 percent, now averaging $639 for those subsidised customers.

The bottom line is counterintuitive, but it shows how “Obamacare” subsidies cushion consumers from rising premiums.

Seema Verma, head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, says more affordable health care options are needed for people who aren’t eligible for the Affordable Care Act’s income-based financial assistance.

But independent analysts say a big part of this year’s premium increases is due to actions by the Trump administration, including the cancellation of major payments to insurers.

Insurers jacked up premiums to make up for the loss of federal dollars to cover discounted copays and deductibles that the companies were required to provide to low-income customers. Congressional authorisation of the payments was under a legal cloud, and President Donald Trump pulled the plug.