04052018 news

THURSDAY i’m lovin’ it!

The Tribune Established 1903

24/7 BREAKING NEWS ON TRIBUNE242.COM

HIGH 83ºF LOW 68ºF

Biggest And Best!

OBITS

VOLUME:115 No.92, APRIL 5TH, 2018

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER:$1

OFFICIA

CLASSIFIED TRADER: CARS, CARS, CARS & MORE CARS

INSIDE

Chief Justice? I’m off to make stew Minnis jokes as appointment row simmers on

EYES ON GOLD

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

Senior Supreme Court Justice Stephen Isaacs as acting chief justice last December. Critics have PRIME Minsaid it is unusual to ister Dr Hubert appoint someone Minnis was silent acting chief justice yesterday when while the substanfaced with questive position is tions about why he PRIME Minister unfilled. has not appointed Dr Hubert Minnis.

The prime mina substantive chief ister was asked justice even as one of his about the issue outside own Cabinet ministers has the Free National Movecriticised him over his fail- ment headquarters, where ure to assign someone to a memorial was held for that role.

SEE PAGE FIVE Dr Minnis appointed

MEMBERS of the Cabbage Beach Business Owners Association claimed they are subject to “Apartheid”-like treatment that is hindering their operations, as they called on the Minnis administration to intervene.

At a press conference yesterday, CBBOA President Monique Taylor listed major grievances

the vendors have with the government, the resorts on Paradise Island and the area police station.

“We need the government’s speedy intervention to make it clear in the House of Assembly… to the foreign investors that the three access (points) to Cabbage Beach (are) for the public use and not only for the foreign investors’ use,” Ms Taylor said.

According to Ms Taylor, SEE PAGE FIVE

1

$ 99

WWW.BURGERKING.BS

PLASTIC BAG BAN TAKES FIRST STEP

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net ENVIRONMENT and Housing Minister Romauld Ferreira received the green light from Cabinet to put his plan to ban plastic bags in the Bahamas by 2020 into action.

Mr Ferreira confirmed a newly formed task-force met yesterday to plot the way forward with the first phase largely comprised of public consultation.

“I think this is a great move for the Bahamas,” said environmental officer Kendra Ferguson, part of the task force inclusive of environment and industry stakeholders.

“Especially the tourism sector, but in the wake of many issues we’ve been SEE PAGE NINE

TRUST BOSS ATTACKS SILENCE ON OBAN STUDY

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

CABBAGE BEACH VENDORS: ‘HELP US’

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

L SOUR CE

BAHAMIAN athletes Anthonique Strachan, Cameron Roach and Shaunae Miller-Uibo are all smiles during the opening ceremony of the XXI Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia on Wednesday night. The event – held every four years – will run for the next 10 days.

• SEE SPORTS SECTION

HARAJCHI RESURFACES TO CLAIM MORTGAGE ON $20M PROPERTY

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

The principal of a defunct Bahamian bank, who claimed to have financed the PLP’s 2002 election win, has been accused of using a sham mortgage “to defeat legitimate creditors”.

Raymond Winder, Deloitte & Touche (Bahamas) managing partner, is alleging that Mohammed Harajchi has “contrived a paper transaction” with his wife in a bid to sell his $20 million-plus Paradise Island mansion and exit the country without

returning depositors’ funds.

Mr Winder, the court-appointed liquidator for Mr Harajchi’s Suisse Security Bank & Trust, said he has “made strong and detailed representations” to the Government’s Investment Board in an effort to block the Harajchis’ alleged scheme.

However, Tribune Business sources have confirmed that his position has weakened, and that Mr Harajchi’s wife has made progress towards obtaining a Certificate of Validation for two mortgage loans - allegedly made to her husband - which are SEE BUSINESS SECTION

/BURGERKINGNASSAU

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

BAHAMAS National Trust Executive Director Eric Carey is “disappointed” with the lack of transparency into Oban Energies LLC’s proposed project for Grand Bahama, particularly the silence and lack of details from officials on the environmental impact assessment, which should have already begun by now.

In an interview with The Tribune yesterday, Mr Carey added that the BNT has also written a letter inquiring about the EIA to Oban executives and the Bahamas Environment Science and Technology Commission, but no answers have been forthcoming.

On February 19, and during the controversial ceremonial signing of the heads of agreement, Peter Krieger, Oban’s former SEE PAGE SIX

LOOK ME IN THE EYE – IT’S BETTER

SEE PAGE EIGHT

PAGE 2, Thursday, April 5, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

FOR THE STORIES THAT MATTER

INSIGHT IN THE TRIBUNE EVERY MONDAY

LISTEN TO WIN, Z M A J 0 0 1 N O Y L N O R CLUES AND LOOK FO NE U IB R T E H T IN Y L N O

E B L IL W D N U O S T E R THE SEC IFT H S R E P E C N O D E Y A L P ILY A D M P 0 1 – M A 6 N E BETWE THIS YEAR’S 100 JAMZ SECRET SOUND IS A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE BEAUTY SHACK

MP DONATES $2,000 TO GRAND BAHAMA CHILDREN’S HOME

PINERIDGE MP already responded Rev Frederick from corporate McAlpine made Bahamas.” a $2,000 conShelia Johnson tribution to the Smith, executive Grand Bahama director of the Grand Children’s Home Bahama Children’s on Wednesday Home, was very and appealed to DONATION: grateful for the conothers to help the Pineridge MP tribution made by local orphanage. Rev Frederick Rev McAlpine.

“We are aware McAlpine.

“This is not the first that the GB Chiltime that Rev McAlpdren’s Home, that is in the ine has come to the aid of Pineridge constituency, the GB Children’s Home. has been going through a He has done it several hard time at this time; we times, and people don’t wanted to make sure those know about it. less fortunate are considHe is giving us $2,000, ered and remembered,” he and it means so much,” she said. said.

Rev McAlpine, who “The Bible talks about was accompanied by wife, orphans and widows, and Tracey, appealed to people we are here taking care of in the Pineridge constitu- orphans, and he is on board ency and to corporate with us, and we are grateful Bahamas to assist the facil- to him, and we are asking ity, which caters to more the corporate community than 20 children. and individuals to come “They are trying to do all and help us,” she said. they can to remain open,” The Grand Bahama said Rev McAlpine, who Children’s Home was suggested that persons can founded to help care for also help by just dropping children removed from off a bag of groceries. their families for reasons “A bag of rice and sugar, of abandonment, abuse or and a can of cream - every neglect. little counts,” he said.

The home cares for chil“We are here to make dren up to 12-years-old. this contribution on behalf The orphanage is jointly of the good people of Pin- funded by the Bahamas eridge, and I want to urge government, the Grand people to do what they Bahama Port Authority can to help the home, and and contributions from the I thank those that have local community.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, April 5, 2018, PAGE 3

283 POUNDS OF MARIJUANA SEIZED IN STOP AND SEARCH

POLICE seized 283 pounds of marijuana yesterday morning after a vehicle stop and search.

Shortly before 4am Drug Enforcement Unit officers assisted by Mobile Division officers stopped and searched a Nissan March with two men inside at, Tonique WilliamsDarling Highway and Baillou

Hill Road.

Police said they recovered a large quantity of marijuana with a street value of $283,000.

The suspects were taken into custody and are expected to be formally charged later this week.

Police also said quick response led to the arrest of a man shortly after an armed robbery that

occurred Wednesday.

A gunman entered a convenience store on Bacardi Road, held an employee at bay and robbed her of cash and other items before speeding off in a while Chevy truck.

A short time later, Mobile Division officers spotted and stopped the truck on McKinney Drive off Fire Trail Road and

arrested a man.

Police are also looking for the suspects behind two other armed robberies that occurred Tuesday.

Shortly before 1pm, a woman was in the parking lot of a clinic on Prince Charles Drive when she was approached by a male armed with a firearm, who robbed her of her handbag

containing cash and other items, before fleeing on foot.

In the second incident, shortly after 9pm, two men were at Tonique Williams-Darling Highway when they were approached by a man armed with a firearm, who robbed them of cell phones before speeding off on a bicycle.

Investigations continue.

PAYING TRIBUTE TO THERESA-MOXEY INGRAHAM A MEMORIAL service was held yesterday for former Cabinet minister, senator and parliamentarian Theresa Moxey-Ingraham, who died last month. Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis was among those paying tribute to Mrs Moxey-Ingraham at the event held at the FNM headquarters on Mackey Street.

Galleria Cinemas

Galleria Cinemas The Mall-at-Marathon BOX OFFICE OPENS AT 10:00 AM DAILY The Mall-at-Marathon

BOX OFFICE OPENS AT 10:00 AM DAILY

EFFECTIVE APRIL 6TH, 2018 BLOCKERS A QUITE PLACE READY PLAYER ONE TYLER PERRY'S ACRIMONY SHERLOCK GNOMES PACIFIC RIM UPRISING BLACK PANTHER

NEW NEW T C A T T

1:10 1:15 1:00 1:00 1:15 1:05 1:00

3:35 3:45 3:55 3:25 3:45 3:25 3:45

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

380-FLIX

6:15 6:15 6:55 6:00 6:15 6:05 6:45

8:30 8:45 N/A 8:20 8:30 8:30 N/A

10:45 10:50 10:00 10:45 10:25 10:45 10:00

Use your e-card to reserve tickets at 380-3549 or visit us at www.bahamaslocal.com

PAGE 4, Thursday, April 5, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

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

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,

Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,

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

Published daily Monday to Friday

Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207 TELEPHONES

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

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

WEBSITE, TWITTER & FACEBOOK www.tribune242.com

@tribune242

tribune news network

Asian Geopolitics - A Sign of Things to Come?

As April unfolds in Washington the American foreign policy apparatus is about to undergo a profound change in personnel, tone and substance. Most notable among the departures are former Exxon executive Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State and general H.R. McMaster as National Security Adviser.

In their place, president Donald Trump has named current CIA director Mike Pompeo for State and scary but smart ideologue John Bolton for the NSC top job.

The current conventional political wisdom in the American capital is that both men, well-known foreign policy hawks, will offer little resistance to Trump’s bombastic bellicosity toward much of the rest of the world. Many suspect Bolton in particular will relish to ability to goad Trump into unwise decisions that could bring the U.S. closer to the gateway of yet another overseas war.

To all appearances, the first big test for this new foreign policy team will arrive shortly and focus on the Korean peninsula and East Asia in general.

Paramount in all such issues is the rising economic, political and military might of the world’s most populous nation.

China has recently hosted a visit by North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, and Chinese leader Xi Jinping allowed photographs of the two men in a fraternal handshake. The visit was widely regarded as a precursor to Kim’s coming summit meeting with Trump, an invitation to which the U.S. president shocked the world - and his outgoing senior foreign policy advisers - by accepting.

Kim will also be meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in as a prelude to meeting with Trump. The American president would likely also huddle with Moon before sitting down with Kim. The U.S. – North Korean summit, by the way, has not been definitively scheduled. It will not be a complete surprise if it never happens.

All this activity is being played out in the context of what many believe to be the major international issue for decades to come.

That issue is the competition between the U.S. and China. These top two world economies may not be on a military collision course, but their commercial, socio-economic and political rivalry is obvious.

While American influence has been felt throughout the world since the end of the Second World War, China’s rise has been much more recent, and certainly more visible, after the collapse of the Soviet Union nearly 30 years ago.

And while the U.S. vacillates under the uncertain direction of a president without apparent bedrock foreign affairs principles, China has continued to move clearly and resolutely to broaden and deepen its footprint in the world.

Chinese advances have mostly been in the form of such socio-economic assistance as is readily apparent in The Bahamas. But in China’s own backyard of South and Southeast Asia, their posture has at times been militarily aggressive.

While Chinese belligerence in the South China Sea has faded from recent headlines, their colossal regional importance has compelled neighbouring nations to carefully assess their policy options. After the U.S. abdicated its free trade leadership under the current administration, 11 Pacific nations led by Japan nonetheless recently signed the Trans-Pacific Partnership, an economic agreement aimed at least partly at countering the relentless Chinese commercial advance.

A recent analysis by The New York Times, citing data from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, reveals that every Asian country now trades more with China than with the U.S., often by twice as much.

Only one Cold War-era trade stalwart continues to bolster the American position in the region.

U.S. arms sales dwarf those of China, far outpacing them in all strategically significant regional countries except Pakistan. But even there, there are mitigating circumstances. The Chinese have long been an important counterweight to giant, neighbouring India, so Pakistan has for decades maintained a relatively cozy relationship with Beijing.

It can certainly be argued that Japanese occupation atrocities during World War II helped create conditions in China that led to the Communist takeover and ultimately, the current situation.

Now, Japan is taking the lead in building a coalition to counter China. Geopolitically, two encirclements are emerging.

One, including Japan, India, Australia, Vietnam and South Korea, seeks to counteract China.

Another, however, including China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka, roughly encircles India. Other nations like the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia, seek a middle path by balancing American military with Chinese economic influence.

Does such regional jostling provide a glimpse of the future in other areas?

Time will tell.

Could Reece Chipman be manoeuvring to be a PLP? EDITOR, The Tribune.

I read in the newspapers that Reece Chipman was fired by the Prime Minister. Dr Hubert Minnis did not say why he fired him. Mature leaders want young people to be able to move on from failure. Dr Minnis has made the right decision to let Mr. Chipman go unharmed.

However, in my opinion, Mr Chipman has been ungracious in his exit.

He has said things about public servants. I understand he is threatening to sue the Prime Minister.

We, the regular citizens don’t know why he was fired, but on the one hand we see Dr Minnis acting with discipline and restraint with his words.

On the other, there is Mr Chipman being emotional and as I see it lashing out irrationally. By my calculation the FNM should now consider Mr Chipman a PLP. He couldn’t

get his way in the FNM so he is probably going to try to damage the party before making his way over to dress in gold.

Mr Chipman’s political loyalty is to his political ambitions.

Maybe he wants to be a Cabinet minister. Maybe he wants to be Prime Minister. Things have not gone right with the FNM, so he’ll try the other side.

That’s sad. But that’s politics.

What Mr Chipman should know is that you show your true nature when you turn on your own side so quickly. It’s only been 10 months in power and he’s already attacking his leader like he’s a PLP. Loyal party members stay with their team through the good and the bad times. He’s clearly not cut of that cloth.

When Mr Chipman joins the PLP he won’t last

long there too. He will be just like Dr Andre Rollins, a restless political drifter who causes problems in whatever party he is part of.

FNMs must stay focused with the mission. Bahamians sent the party to power to rescue the country from a dangerous PLP government.

The PLP has not changed. If that party wins, expect to see the old crew back again to cut deals and spend all of the country’s money. This time they would take even more and even faster.

Reece “Gold Rush” Chipman is showing his true colours. He may even shuffle for us on the way out like Perry Christie in honour of his soon-to-be affiliation.

DARWIN R LUTHER Nassau, March 29, 2018.

Remembering Winnie Mandela EDITOR, The Tribune.

WINNIE MANDELA Statement by Shridath Ramphal

AS South Africa marks the passing of Winnie Mandela with a State Funeral, I the Commonwealth and the Caribbean must let South Africans know that we are there in spirit.

In the days before Nelson Mandela was released, Winnie was his symbol to whom we all related, and she was the embodiment of the struggle for which he suffered.

When the Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group sent Dame Nita Barrow (the

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net former Governor-General of Barbados) into Soweto with Winnie in 1986 unknown to P W Botha, the Apartheid President of South Africa – it was a Commonwealth and Caribbean expression of alliance with the struggle.

When my official home, as Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral, in London was the first Winnie visited with Nelson on his release – to meet his ‘anti-apartheid’ friends – it was a statement from her of love and

gratitude to us all – as she wrote in our visitor’s book.

On the occasion of her State Funeral we must be there with her in spirit - and in remembrance of our privilege to have been by her side when it mattered most.

Sir Shridath Ramphal is the Guyana-born former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth (1975-1990) who was in the forefront of the struggle against Apartheid in South Africa and for the release from prison of Nelson Mandela.

SIR SHRIDATH RAMPHAL April 3, 2018.

The web shops and the ‘Absence of Data’ EDITOR, The Tribune.

“OUR lives begin to end the day we remain silent on things that matter.” Martin Luther King Jr. For this reason, I must respond to Mr Sebas Bastian’s statements as reported in The Tribune on March 28.

First off, I must ask The Tribune for an honest and balanced follow up, perhaps interviews of the employers, families and churches of the many, many Bahamians whose lives have been destroyed by this epidemic of gambling that ravages our country. The language used to describe this addiction must never be called “gaming”. Only for a mere handful of people in this country, the handful who have too much money for their own good, could this ever be considered gaming. This is precisely the point made by Dr Myles Munroe in his sermons.

But to the matter of Sebas Bastian’s pompous and misleading statements, I must say that the day is upon us that we must do the important work of telling the truth, of reporting honestly on the descent of our nation into the hands of unscrupulous money changers.

There can be no intellectually legitimate, socially palatable, or marginally Christian acceptance of the web shops in our nation.

Ever.

For any decent, rational and caring person to discount the wholesale destructive effects of the web shops upon our people is to be as traitorous as is possible to the citizens of this beautiful country, and to the truth. “...but I can say that the industry is working to mitigate any vices that gaming may cause, and we have the data.” To allow such drivel by Mr Bastian to remain unchallenged is to allow the country to descend further into the depths of hell, and “to remain silent on things that matter.”.

The data that Mr Bastian has at his disposal is the data required to enslave our population, to keep us in chains. This data is used to further enrich those who produce nothing but misery, materialism and the celebration of unbridled greed. In my opinion, Mr Bastian mocks all considerations of decency, honesty and concern for the welfare of the Bahamian people.

Mr Bastian is surrounded by those who I would label as “ prostitutes. From my perspective those who accept his tainted money deserve as much criticism and discredit as he

himself. Those on the gaming board, those politicians who kiss his ___, those in the media who are cowed by his millions. I am sick of the destruction of the Bahamas by those who call themselves Bahamian.

Hubert Minnis should hang his head in shame that he has allowed this scourge to continue, without so much as a peep. Shame on all of you!

This data Mr Bastian touts is the data that is used to manipulate the behaviours of those who have abandoned all hope.

It is the data that Mr Bastian uses, just as a drug dealer does, to make the addicted believe they are doing the right thing. That they have a chance in hell of ever prospering. It is the data, along with the allure of the money, always the money, that he uses to manipulate the politicians, the pastors, the unthinking masses to accept that the way he makes his living is not the absolute expression of evil.

I find no comfort in speaking these words. I find no joy in speaking the truth about a matter such as this which has such far reaching and important considerations for this country. I find no solace in saying what must be said. I write these words because I was raised to believe that we MUST speak out on things which are oppressing the poor and downtrodden. I write these words because listening to the likes of Mr Bastian makinge excuses for this evil rubs me the worst way possible.

I want nothing more than to see this mentality that allows Mr Bastian to maintain prominence, and to gain a listening ear from this country to be banished for all time. For Mr Bastian, Craig Flowers, and the likes of them I can only say, for the sake of The Bahamas, “Go, go, go, go, go”.

I care not where you were born or what citizenship you claim. The best thing for this country would be for you to leave these shores and never to return. Mr Bastian, it is my opinion, that there is no room for the likes of you and your thinking anywhere in the world where a sliver of decency still exists.

These are strong words. I speak them freely with the knowledge that they are what must be said in the interest of The Bahamas and the Bahamian people.

PORCUPINE Nassau, March 30, 2018.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, April 5, 2018, PAGE 5

CHIEF JUSTICE? I’M OFF TO MAKE STEW FROM PAGE ONE

former Cabinet minister Theresa Moxey-Ingraham.

“Only thing I plan on doing right now is getting home and go do my stew fish,” he joked as he left the area. He has never publicly addressed the issue.

Earlier, he said the memorial was not the appropriate setting to discuss political issues.

Yesterday, his Press Secretary Anthony Newbold told The Tribune Dr Minnis “is not going to make any further statements on the appointment at this time.”

Among those who have been critical of Dr Minnis are several Queen’s Counsel, including Wayne Munroe, Maurice Glinton and Alfred Sears. The Tribune understands some justices of the Supreme Court have also grumbled about the matter.

Attorney General Carl Bethel, however, has said appointing an acting chief justice while the substantive position is not filled is not unprecedented.

Under a Progressive Liberal Party administration, Sir Philip

ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel.

Telford Georges was appointed acting chief justice initially, later serving in that role from 1984 to 1989, he added.

Multiple sources have said Dr Minnis wants to appoint Mr Bethel as chief justice, although some in the Minnis administration have dismissed this as “speculation.” Among those who believe it is true is former Free National Movement Chairman Darron Cash who yesterday urged the prime minister to address the matter.

“I have tremendous confidence in Carl Bethel,” Mr Cash said yesterday. “I think he is one

of the nation’s finest and the extent to which the prime minister wants to appoint him is even further grounds for him to speak publicly to this matter.

“I’m concerned that we are in such a highly charged political environment that it is imperative for the prime minister to speak and make a strong case if he wants to appoint a sitting member of the executive to the post.”

Mr Cash had mixed views on critical comments State Minister for Legal Affairs Elsworth Johnson gave The Nassau Guardian about the prime minister’s delay in making the appointment.

“In our system of government, a prime minister selects his Cabinet and each minister serves at his pleasure,” he said yesterday. “As PM, he is entitled to have ‎his ministers share their advice in private rather than publicly. When a minister chooses to advise the prime minister publicly – directly or indirectly – he is committing a breach of protocol, an act for which he should be prepared to bear some price.”

PRIME Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis.

However, he added: “Elsworth Johnson is a serious person and it seems very clear to me that when he speaks on matters of national importance, as a matter of routine his statements are well considered. I was always impressed that when he served as president of the Bar Association before he entered front-line politics, he was an extremely strong advocate for the independence of the judiciary and for the government of the day to conduct its affairs and its relations with the judiciary in such a way as not to impugn the character or cross the line in terms of recognising the separation of powers. It also seems to

CABBAGE BEACH VENDORS: ‘HELP US’

FROM PAGE ONE

the vendors’ problems date back to 2012.

That year, gates were erected at the three access points to Cabbage Beach: one adjacent to the Riu Paradise Island Resort, one west of Sunrise Vilas, and a third east of Paradise Island Beach Club.

Ownership of Cabbage Beach was transferred from Atlantis (Brookfield) to a subsidiary of Access Industries in 2014.

In late November 2015, vendors were given written notice stating that an access point would be closed at the end of December.

However, according to Ms Taylor, it wasn’t until 2016 that the gates were removed and fences were erected to keep the vendors out.

This led to a protest in March 2016, when dozens of irate vendors blocked the traffic flow to the Sidney Poitier Bridge.

Last month, Magistrate Ambrose Armbrister discharged ten protesters from the matter concerning the destruction of a fence blocking an entry point of Cabbage Beach in March 2016 after officers failed to appear in court to testify

and multiple adjournments in the case.

Today, two access points are currently blocked off to vendors— the ones near Sunrise Villas and PIBC. “The one next to the Riu is open,” Ms Taylor added.

“But for how long?”

The vendors have called for the government to ensure the fences are removed.

The vendors also alleged they experience harassment by hotel officials and the police on Paradise Island.

Those present attributed their poor treatment to racism and classism.

Ms Taylor said: “Right now as it stands I feel singled out along with some other persons and victimised by this apartheid system they have in place to oppress the black Bahamians and especially those persons who take a stand and speak up against the ill practices that the white elite is using the government to execute on its citizens.”

In December 2017, Ms Taylor had an injunction filed against her by Atlantis Holding Bahamas Limited.

The injunction prevents her from conducting business on Cabbage Beach and its access pathways.

“My business on Cabbage Beach is the way I

earn a living to take care of my children and my family,” she said, adding that she has worked on the beach for more than 20 years.

However, due to this injunction, Ms Taylor has not been able to operate her business for nearly four months.

She added the judge did not set a date for when her ruling will be ready.

The vendors also called for Attorney General Carl Bethel to take on their case in the Supreme Court.

“As it stands no one individual is supposed to bear the burden of defending the access and Cabbage Beach in the Supreme Court by themselves,” Ms Taylor said.

“This is a matter for the attorney general to defend on behalf of the vendors and Bahamian people in general because Dr Minnis, while in opposition, supported the position of the vendors and taxi drivers that Cabbage Beach is public and Bahamians would have access to Cabbage Beach.

“Because if Cabbage Beach and the access is private for (vendors), it’s precedent for every…

Bahamian in general.”

CABBAGE Beach on Paradise Island.

me that for him as a minister (of state) for legal affairs no less, to speak publicly about this matter must suggest that it is a matter that has weighed heavily on his consciousness and it is a matter that warrants him breaking rank with his ministerial colleagues. I do believe that it is unacceptable and inexcusable that a substantive chief justice has not been appointed and clearly the (junior) minister for legal affairs feels the same way.

In my view this is a matter for which someone who believes in the Constitution, in the actual and appearance of judicial independence ought to speak out on the vacancy.”

PAGE 6, Thursday, April 5, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

TRUST BOSS ATTACKS SILENCE ON OBAN STUDY

FROM PAGE ONE

non-executive chairman, said it was hoped the EIA would be completed in 45 days. At the time he said Oban was “ahead of the curve” when it came to the assessment.

Today marks 45 days since his statement. There is also an apparent non-disclosure agreement preventing some stakeholders from commenting on the EIA, one source told The Tribune yesterday.

Outside of this category, but still unwilling to shed light on the EIA is BEST Commission Director Philip Weech, a government official paid by taxpayer dollars who the BNT said should answer queries from the public on the project.

When questions about the EIA were put to him yesterday, he refused to offer any comment, even on the basic issue as to whether or not the EIA had started. His only response was the commission would do its part.

This drew the ire of Mr Carey who was adamant that Bahamians have a right to know what is happening in their country. These concerns, especially those put forward by the press, he said, deserves answers.

Islands by Design and its chief Keith Bishop, with offices in New Providence and Abaco, were engaged by Oban since April 2017 to carry out the EIA, sources also said. But it is unclear whether any

CENTRAL Grand Bahama MP Iram Lewis.

work in this regard has been carried out.

On its website, Islands by Design confirmed it was retained by Oban “to conduct an EIA for a proposed refined petroleum and storage facilities to be located on the island of Grand Bahama.”

Strategic “The terminal and refinery,” the company continued, “are to play a key strategic role as one of only two facilities close to the US Gulf and East Coasts for deep water marine terminal servicing of crude and other products. With a location just 90 miles (145 kilometers) from the US Eastern Seaboard, this complex is ideally suited as a merchant facility for storing and blending liquid products, transshipping and terminal operations.”

Mr Carey said: “Bahamians have a right to know what is happening in their country. This should not be secretive.

“If you called the director of the BEST Commission, as a Bahamian or as a member of the media, I would think he’d be inclined to answer and very frankly should answer. I am disappointed that he was uncooperative.

“Our public officials whether elected or not should be

DISAPPOINTED: Bahamas National Trust Executive Director Eric Carey. accountable. No one is accusing them, we are just questioning.”

He continued: “The prime minister said the environmentalist will know. The minister for the environment has already said it is not in his portfolio, so then who else should then give the public the information?

“I would think that would be the BEST Commission and its director. He would know the timelines. I think he should explain. The prime minister has referred people to the environmental people.”

Asked whether he was surprised by the lack of transparency from the government, Mr Carey said: “I am disappointed for a number of reasons. There is any number of public officials in opposition supporting the Freedom of Information Act

and this is what the citizenry uses as its right to information, which should be guaranteed by law. I am disappointed but not surprised that they aren’t because FOIA hasn’t been (fully) enacted.”

Guidelines Despite having the BEST Commission in his portfolio, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said last week he did not know when the EIA would begin. BEST provides guidelines for EIAs for developments in the Bahamas.

Apart from the EIA, critics have said key questions about the oil refinery and storage project remain unanswered.

During his much-awaited midyear budget speech in March, Dr Minnis said the beneficial owner of Oban Energies is the K Family Irrevocable Trust. However, he gave no details about the people behind this trust. In addition, although funding concerns were cited as the chief reason the project went nowhere under the last Ingraham administration, Dr Minnis provided no proof of this.

Centreville MP Reece Chipman, who was recently fired as chairman of the Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation (AMMC), has also expressed concerns that the area where the project is slated to be built is a cultural site.

The Tribune was told yesterday that the AMMC is now actively involved in the process.

CENTRAL GRAND BAHAMA MP ‘SATISFIED’ WITH LEVEL OF ENGAGEMENT OVER OBAN

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net DESPITE heavy politicisation and “emotional outbursts,” Central Grand Bahama MP Iram Lewis yesterday said he is satisfied with the current level of engagement over the $5.5bn Oban Energies oil refinery and storage facility.

Mr Lewis stressed the government would be monitoring the project and would “do the right thing” if it was discovered there was a threat of disrupting

Grand Bahama’s natural ecosystem.

He urged Bahamians to “give the developers a chance” as he responded to reporters on the sidelines of the Bahamas Contractor’s Association monthly luncheon.

Meanwhile, an online petition for the cancellation of the project has nearly achieved its target of 1,500 signatures after just a month.

The change.org petition “Stop the Oban Energies Refinery project: It will destroy the Beautiful Bahamas” was created by user Kishon Turner and had over 1,450 signatures up to press time.

“So far yeah (I’m satisfied),” Mr Lewis said, “there has been a lot of emotional outburst, it has been politicised to an

“At the end of the day I want the Bahamian people to be reassured that it is being done in their best interest and if we see any danger that is gonna disrupt the Grand Bahama natural ecosystem, if it’s not going to be properly contained, properly managed, my government is responsible and we will do the right thing.” extent, a bit over the top.

I’m patient, watching it unfold.

“We tend to draw back a bit, correct those missteps and move forward. At the end of the day I want the Bahamian people to be reassured that it is being done in their best interest and if we see any danger that is gonna disrupt the Grand Bahama natural ecosystem, if it’s not going to be properly contained, properly managed, my government is responsible and we will do the right thing.

“But we have to give it a chance and give the developers a chance in light of the fact we’ve already signed the heads of agreement to produce what we asked them to produce, and if they don’t do it to our satisfaction then we have recourse.”

The project has been fraught with backlash, with concerns over its handling from its botched ceremonial signing to controversial clauses in its heads of agreement.

The Official Opposition has repeatedly accused the Minnis administration of deceiving Bahamians over the deal, and calling for the agreement to be cancelled.

However, Prime Minister Dr Hubert 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 revelation that the deal also involved 690 acres of Crown land, which would be leased from the government to build Oban’s refinery, has also brought increased scrutiny. This element of the deal was revealed by Satpal Dhunna, Oban’s president, to the media two weeks ago.

Attorney Wayne Munroe, QC, this week told The Tribune a clause in the Oban Energies Heads of Agreement frees the developer from any obligation to build the $5.5 billion-dollar oil refinery and storage plant.

However government officials have countered his interpretation, insisting the agreement is a contract to lease Crown land only to construct the terminal and refinery.

At a town hall meeting in Grand Bahama last month, residents appeared split over the project with some expressing concern about the environmental impact of the $5.5 billion project and bitterness that consultation was not engaged with them before the agreement was signed.

Yesterday, Mr Lewis said: “It was a very good very lively crowd who would have gotten firsthand information, not all the details but I guess as the process go on more information will be revealed. I encourage persons to do their own research; the heads of agreement has been tabled, ask the hard questions so that you can get the necessary answers.

“There will be full disclosure,” Mr Lewis continued.

“At the end of the day I will not panic until I see it comes to the point where hard questions are asked, with respect to potential environmental disasters, and they’re not answered.

So I’m hopeful that more positive will be realised from this, all of the necessary groundwork will be done.

“And the government have in place if they are not satisfied, if the developer doesn’t produce what the government is asking for, the government have all rights to pull out and the land will be back in the inventory of the Bahamian people.”

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, April 5, 2018, PAGE 7

MAN ACCUSED OF EUGENE WOODSIDE MURDER GRANTED $50,000 BAIL

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

THE man accused of murdering eight-year-old Eugene Woodside during the course of a doubleshooting last year has been granted $50,000 bail ahead of his 2020 trial by a Supreme Court judge.

Justice Cheryl GrantThompson granted Lloyd Minnis bail in that amount with two sureties last week; however, he actually made bail on Tuesday, according to one of his attorneys.

He is required to surrender himself into custody at the Central Police Station by 6pm on September 7, 2020 for trial.

Until then, Minnis is required to report to the Nassau Street Police Station every week day before 6pm. Minnis is also placed on a curfew and is expected to be at his residence between the hours of 10pm to 6am daily.

Minnis is further ordered not to interfere with the prosecution witnesses in the matter.

Neither is he to commit any offences while on bail.

Failure to adhere to his bail conditions will

EUGENE Woodside was in his home doing homework when he was shot by a stray bullet. render Minnis liable to Rosebud Street area off further remand.

Farrington Road.

In October, Minnis, Eugene was in his of Coral Harbour, was home doing homework arraigned before the when he was shot by a chief magistrate on a stray bullet that entered single count of murder the structure, according in connection with the to initial reports from deaths of Eugene and police, while Moss was Dennis Moss. pursued in the street by According to initial a gunman. Both victims reports from police, were taken to hospital officers received a where they later died. report that a man and a Minnis is represented child had been shot in the by attorney Ian Cargill.

LLOYD Minnis pictured at an earlier court appearance.

PAGE 8, Thursday, March 29, 2018 PAGE 8, Thursday, April 5, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

What when the familiar Why we’ll takewe thefeel human touch every time over anyaway, other even form of communication when you weren’t a

“H

i, Joe on time for the call here. Anybody there?” Guess I’m a minute early, Joe thinks silently, hoping no one else remembers and it will all be over before it starts.

Jeanie joining the call.

“Jeanie here. On the call. Anyone else on?”

“Hey, Jeanie. Joe here.

On the call.”

“Hey, Joe, how’s it going? Oh, think someone else is joining.”

“George here, who else is on the call?”

“Hey, George, Jeanie here and Joe’s on.”

“How ya’ doin’?”

“Who, George? Jeanie or Joe? Hold on, think John just got on the call.”

If you have never had the pleasure of the carefully scheduled, equally dreaded conference call, that’s how it starts. And it does not get much better later on. The conference call is a modern process by which a few or a whole lot of people connect at one time even though they may be across the world or across the hall.

Conference call etiquette demands that everybody plays nice in the sand box by telephone standards until they get to the crux of the matter, the reason for the call. Then it either goes smoothly, that is, everyone works out what they came to the call to work out, or the conflicts bare themselves. And here is the rub.

It is far more difficult to work things out when you can’t touch someone and look them in the eyes.

So while we applaud the many remarkable advances that allow Jeanie in the next office to talk to Joe in Japan with George

By Diane Phillips

?

O

from Georgia in, NE chiming day after a crowd there is something sadly of called 800,000 lacking. It’s the descended on human touch and unlikely Washington the March as it seems,in particularly for Our demanding given theLives fact that I am in stricter gun control inbusithe the communications wake the Parkland ness, of there has neverschool been

what it was,Abeing non-fan outcome? chataover the of guns with and TV never having phone and kids given Remington a thought blaring in the background prior to its threat to take and attention diverted by itself out things of theunrelated picture. a dozen Before I analysed felt to sacrificing timewhy or Ieyesomething aboutand a company ball to eyeball a light Itouch had no in whatsooninterest the arm?

I Googled to what shooting that killed 17 stu- ever, The human seetouch most interesting thing dents, another the “Whenwounding is the last trumps all.

Wanting to see 17, Remington Outdoor about Remington might be. how that could be veritime you tried to Company, America’s oldest It was the shockingly masfied Inumber went to of myrifles favourite and persuade someone manufacturer of arms and sive ‘Substantiate This’ source, shotguns and semi-automunition, announced it was to give for a Google, plugged matic andwhere single I shot and filing for bankruptcy. voluntary that automatic in a few questions attemptand pump action A gun cause manufacturer ing to get Google sources shotguns and filing involvedforhis or her to prove that handguns human interWhether in the bankruptcy time?

Did you do it action was more they effective had should not expected behaviour over evoked the phone with than anythingproduced technology have standards ofproduce. over a 202could anything but and a lot of small talk year history, leaders or in the aor sense of did you sit with a good porcelebration names and brands them someor take them tion of which in are probably one likechildren’s me that make up the to the still on floating everyday world, whose only I was counting them home or the feeding around sympathy to tell me there was ina we are far less centre have or the church better way than reasonable would them. I adaptable to change enough conbeen with hall that needed tried to soften the blow dition to those who than we pride just in case harm Googlesomehad their help?

What do might lose ourselves on being. feelings. Like,one if you were you jobs think if used in their as a was the human as well as We like stability. such a way.the If result. better outcome?” information source of eveyou stretched I have rything would or bemore ecstatic five Imillion of never owned a gun and the to meet and look you of itsyou products, a Model couldn’t tell a Derringer one anything to .45. equal it. INothin thestock eye and touch you. to barrel, they from a Colt But have 700, ing that even comes close would It must havethe worked. span Atlantic been surrounded by people to human touch.and appre- Ocean Google came from Newback Yorkwith to who are hunters When the last time all sorts of great informaciate theirisRemington and London.

So at while there is which nothingI you tried partners to persuade no charge, Winchester in the tion binds Remington to sport that to does the that someone giverespect for a volstill find amazing. psyche fact, any natural habitat obvi- myBy untary cause thatfor involved the and, way, inGoogle if of gun ammunition ous because a sort his orpurposes, her time?

Did you you ever door send me a bill, my avoidprotected environment do it over the phone with a manufacturer we don’t haveto postal delivwimpish provides thetalk cover for you the conflict-at-all-costs lot of small or did ery here, so please just downfall seasonal waterfowl they personality, sit with them or take them e-mail which,the as you know oneeasiest of America’s pursue. to the children’s home or of is the form ofoldest cominstitutions did have for an Oddly enough, I did feel the feeding centre or the munication - except Truth be told, it will achurch small hall something about impact. that needed whatsapp the world has the possible end of an era probably be sold and reaptheir help? What do ever known. for Remington, not sure pear under a slightly revised

Feelings

you think was the better

FAMILIAR names in our world - from the Remington gun maker that is filing for bankruptcy to Melania Trump - much in the news of late herself. branding, but that is not the point.

The takeaway is So here are a few here of the that thingswhenever Google something churned that was part of our world, out from various studies. even a the subconscious part One, obvious reason we never paid much attenwe like to look people tion or any attention to at in the can our see all, we eye feel is as we though the emotion that hearworld has changed. Even theirchange voice can maymake not aingslight let stop us inand on. think.

It is far easier us What is to conceal anger, resentnext, we wonder? ment, distrust, like bitterness We humans things or even condescending or the way they are. We say we patronizing over want change attitudes and we mean theWhat phonewe than in person. it. really mean is we can wantsee the annoyance, change we You want, the change are impatience or we disgust

Imagine if Jeanie and Joe and John and George all gathered in a room with a fireplace and steaming hot chocolate or brandy Alexanders, how much more they would get done.)

Anyway, getting together and reaching out to touch someone is seen as a sign of respect with the first one to touch having the calling We don’t higher for. status.

Wantwanta the change we did not ask favour?

to get a larger tip, according to one source. My theory on this one is that it works better if the guest has been drinking heavily. While I am happy to be greeted by a restaurant owner or maitre’d, I do not particularly care for the gentleman who has just served me oysters to wipe his hand on my arm. was Just doing a littlewhatever quirk. it was heThe was doing with Monica one time touchLewinsky, the work country ing does not sosided well with the hard doneinbysome wife, – man to man Hillary, uniting Americans societies.

Personally, in their holier-than-thou again, I think shroud of disdain.real men are not afraid a good Whether in theofexpected hug from another man. A behaviour and standards father/son pair know in of leaders or in Ithe names Nassau, boththat of whom and brands make are up veryeveryday accomplished, the world, always we are hugless when they to seechange each far adaptable otherweand confess than pridethey ourselves on their love. being.

We like stability. We drive where Thatby isa place a very gooda building thing. stood just the day before and cannot rememIt’s almost as good as ber what it looked like seeing a grown man with before demolished a tear it in was his eye though overnight, for not a second he vowed but he did want we missthat it. chick flick and to see are a only few forThere sure, it’s wholea heap things I can think of that better than a conferenceI don’t miss. One is carbon call. paper. Clearly, it was an

for.

Like learning that baby in someone’s eyes, you powder is bad for you, that cannot always hear it in the sweet-smelling talc you dusted liberally on their voice. Aside from theDon’t justyou look the indibabies loved after the obvious, about what their vidualbaths in the mayeye. haveTouch been you can or cannot see ahis or her arm or hand carcinogenic.

A change in or hear, there is just that knowledge lightly. Thewe favour is more had to swalhuman connection that low likely be granted if buttowouldn’t life have looking into another one’s been you touch requested better the if it weren’t eyes makes. whileOrasking the favour. true? that cleaning prodMore surprising than ucts Maybe is just harmful to get mayit contain the impact of eye-to-eye chemicals you to remove your to hand, hazardous our when all were contact when asking for a health but whatever thewe reason, before we knew favour is what touch does. doing touching increases your trying to keep The human touch is far better chanceswas of success. surroundings clean for more than a warm saluta- ourOne of the more interhealth. tion indicating “I’m glad our esting facts linking touch We can label that uncomto see you,” or “Thanks and success is tipping. or that for coming by.” (Touch fortable Waiters reality and waitresses thattheir the guests presiis as far different from a learning who touch United conference call as it gets. dent ever of so the lightly are States likely of America very likely had an affair with a porn invention by someone who star shortly after Wife #3 worked in an office, hated and wanted Minister to Melania Trump gave birth office workPRIME everyone who Dr Hubert Minnis. to their son, Barron. Who make sure names a child Barron, did it would be as miserable anyway, but that is beside as they were. The price of the point, the point being making a copy was walking the fact Melania has been away looking like you had been fingerprinted. silent as if in denial.

Another thing I don’t At a time when the public wants outrage or pity or miss is the facsimile. Sorry, some type of reaction to all you fax manufactursignal there has been no ers out there still hoping seismic change in the expec- for a comeback or distations of morals for the tributors dreaming that leader of the Free World, worries about online prithe temporarily scorned vacy breaches will drive but beautifully coiffed wife people back to the spamhas let them down, neither free zone of fax life, we declaring she is standing by hope not. The fax machine her man nor dumping him was like the office gambling desk. Sometimes it would in the nearest tweeter bin.

That is uncomfortable come through for you and change because it invites sometimes the numbers fear that going forward this just would not work and will be acceptable behav- when you had the single iour if there is no familial most important document hubris about it now. At of the year to transmit that exactly when it wouldn’t. least Sands when Bill Clinton After Health Minister Dr Duane . . there are nois entitled leaders and elite

Favour

READERS GIVE THEIR RESPONSE TO ‘FULL CONFIDENCE IN PM’ STORY

expressed his full confidence in Prime families who believe that they must rule Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ leader- forever.” ship, dismissing social media and tabloid To which Well_mudda_take_sic rumours of a budding FNM coup d’état responded with: “Symonette, Bethel - readers gave their reaction on trib- and D’Aguilar are breathing heavily and une242.com.

Minnis no doubt senses the sharp knives Proudloudandfnm got straight to the unsheathed at his back and ready to slash point: “Minnis has to go. He is as bad as his political career . . . and rightfully perry. Just do it. The country needs it.” so.

But Bogart offered this: “THE Right “Minnis has now proven himself to be Honourable current Prime Minister totally incompetent and we, the people, ROC wid DOC is not the same as former had the wool too easily pulled over our Prime Minister Right Honourable Perry eyes only because Christie and McCartChristie. 35 to 4. Both have strengths and ney were not viable alternatives in the faults. It is refreshing to have Roc wid last general election. Minnis has clearly Doc who can admit his mistakes, correct demonstrated that he is simply not leadthem and steadfastly drive the bus.” ership material, period!”

Only for proudloudandfnm to reply TheMadHatter had this to say: “So with: “Um . . . the bus broke down on the far his performance is alright. I wish side of the road. Ain’t no one has been they would publish online ACTUAL driving it now for 6 years. We need a income and expense figures monthly on driver . . . bad . . .” an accrual basis. Even if they are running Sheeprunner12 said: “This is what 3 months behind - at least we would see makes the FNM so much more relevant, real file figures if silly pie-in-the-sky IN this April 30, 1943, photo,instead Mae Zelisnky shoots as Betty O’Be an the ammunition at Remington Arms Company. dynamic and progressive than PLP . test budgets.”

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, April 5, 2018, PAGE 9

PLASTIC BAG BAN TAKES FIRST STEP FROM PAGE ONE having with the landfill, this is the first step for implementing a waste management strategy. I’m so proud to be a part of this as a young Bahamian.”

In January, Press Secretary Anthony Newbold confirmed Mr Ferreira was set to make a presentation to Cabinet on the issue of banning plastic bags.

The Free National Movement vowed a “FNM government will phase out the use of plastic bags by 2020” in its election campaign manifesto.

The proposed ban was recently brought into focus through the efforts of the Bahamas Plastic Movement, an environmental non-governmental organisation.

Youth representatives from BPM travelled from Eleuthera to Nassau earlier this year to advocate for the ban and highlight the detrimental effects plastic has on the environment.

Representatives from BPM have said if the rate of plastic pollution on beaches increases, it could cause up to US $8.5 million in tourism losses annually for the country.

MINISTER of Environment Romauld Ferreira.

NEW MOTHERS MAKE THE GRADE AT GRADUATION CEREMONY THE Department of Public Health held a Breastfeeding and Parent Craft Graduation Ceremony at South Beach Clinic recently, congratulating new mothers and family members who have benefited from classes at South Beach Clinic, Adolescent Health Clinic, and Elizabeth Estates Clinic.

The programme is ongoing and, after completion of eight classes, students are eligible for graduation. Pictured below on the podium addressing the graduation ceremony are: (right) Breastfeeding and Parent Craft Coordinator Nursing Officer II Trineka Hall; (centre) Maternal and Child Health Coordinator for The Bahamas Senior Nursing Officer Gina Dean; and (left) Nurse Tamica Gibson.

(BIS Photos/Derek Smith)

FARRUKO ACCUSED OF HIDING $52K IN HIS SHOES, LUGGAGE

By DANICA COTO, Associated Press

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Puerto Rican singer Farruko was accused Wednesday of hiding nearly $52,000 in undeclared cash in his luggage and his shoes when he arrived in the U.S. territory via helicopter from a trip to the Dominican Republic.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said the singer, whose name is Carlos Efren Reyes, was arrested on charges of failing to declare transportation of monetary instruments in excess of $10,000 and bulk cash smuggling into the United States.

Farruko was initially detained Monday at the Isla Grande airport when agents searched his bags and found the money after he declared he was not carrying more than $10,000, U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodriguez said. A judge issued an arrest warrant Tuesday and he was detained that evening at his parents’ house in the northern city of Bayamon, Ivan Ortiz, a spokesman for U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement, told The Associated Press.

Farruko was released on $100,000 bond following a court hearing Wednesday afternoon and will be placed under house arrest with an ankle monitor at his home in Miami. He can ask the court for permission to travel if needed.

Farruko spoke briefly to reporters when he left court and said he was singing in the Dominican Republic and forgot to report the money upon arriving in Puerto Rico.

“There’s nothing to hide here,” he said. “I was tired.”

FARRUKO poses for photos with the trophies he won at the Premio Lo Nuestro awards show in Miami. Federal agents have arrested the Puerto Rican singer, whose name is Carlos Efren Reyes shortly after he arrived in the U.S. territory from a trip to the Dominican Republic on Tuesday.

Another hearing is scheduled for later this month. If found guilty, he could face a maximum fine of $250,000 or up to five years in prison, or both.

Officials at Carbon Fiber Music, an entertainment company that represents the singer, did not return messages for comment. Neither did his

spokeswoman, Sujeylee Sola.

Farruko is a well-known reggaeton and trap singer who in 2012 was nominated for the Latin Grammy Award for Best Urban Music Album. He has an upcoming international tour that starts April 19 in Mexico City and ends in Los Angeles on June 30.

Cruise Control The GLC Class.

The new GLEgo hand Coupé.

Safety and comfort in hand.

Make ofofE-Class. every ground.

Maketo the thenewbest best every Welcome the Mercedes Fromterrain. the moment you get in, its elaborate interior smart and finishes provide anAn atmosphere of comfort that knows Sleek, and sensuous self-confident: Mercedes-AMG coupe is not justno a body bounds.

The E-Class’ superior machinery is designed to give you the most but a soul. From its aggressive stance to its muscular shape, an unmatched compelling experience and itsdepth directof control suspension helps breadth ofdriving capabilities reveals the character promised by you the glide Star in serenely over the road.

Take comfort in a vehicle that delivers what it promises. its grille.

The E-Class. Feel at home on the road.

Tyreflex Star Motors, Wulff Road, P.O. BOX N-9123, T: (242) 325-4961, Fax: (242) 323-4667 sales@TyreFlexStarMotors.com, www.tyreflexstarmotors.com

PAGE 10, Thursday, April 5, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

PRIME MINISTER, Dr Hubert Minnis, giving remarks.

PAULA HOSPEDALES, secretary at REACH.

RAWSON SQUARE ‘LIGHTS IT UP’ FOR AUTISM AWARENESS Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

ATTENDEES at the Light It Up Ceremony.

THE Department of Lands and Surveys has been directed to give urgent attention to REACH Bahamas’ request for a parcel of land exclusively for the organisation’s operations.

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis made the announcement while delivering the keynote address at the 6th annual Light It Up Blue ceremony held Tuesday in Rawson Square in recognition of Autism Awareness Month.

Dr Minnis said the Minnis administration will continue to give support to those public schools where autism classes are incorporated into the educational programme. These include schools such as Willard Patton, Garvin Tynes and Anatol Rodgers.

“Be assured of my support and that of my government in helping to address autism in The Bahamas,” Dr Minnis said.

He said he is aware of the need for additional speech therapists, occupational therapists and other specialists to assist

in the government school system.

“My government will do all in its power to provide specialists necessary to provide the professional help so critically needed.

We fully support and endorse the agreement to have the organisation, AUTISM Speaks, in The Bahamas. We also support the efforts of REACH to solicit expert researchers to enhance the programme.

“Additionally, the Department of Lands and Surveys has been directed to give urgent attention to your request for a parcel of land exclusively for REACH operations.”

Dr Minnis said Tuesday’s ceremony provided “more public awareness about autism”.

“It is also a time for those affected by autism to rally as a community to promote the important work needed to address autism in The Bahamas.

Be assured of my support and that of my government in helping to address autism in The Bahamas.”

REACH kids in front of a blue lit Parliament.

THE BAHAMAS All Star Band during their performance.

JULIEN BELIEVE performing live.

FROM Left: Paula Hospedales, REACH secretary; Pierre Dupuch, REACH honouree; Dr Hubert Minnis, Prime Minister; Dwayne Gibson, REACH chairman and Michael Wilson, REACH board member.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, April 5, 2018, PAGE 11

200 scholarships for Bain and Grants Town BAIN and Grants Town MP Travis Robinson launched a partnership yesterday with Cyber Tech Career College to provide 200 scholarships to constituency residents.

He also announced the launch of the Bains and Grants Town Centre for Academic Development and Enrichment which will be facilitated by Cyber Tech Career College.

Mr Robinson, the youngest MP elected to Parliament, said a 2010 census revealed less than one per cent of Bains and Grants Town residents have three years or more of a college education while more than 50 per cent of residents are unemployed.

“The assessments of the great needs and challenges of this community continues to be my top priority,” Mr Robinson

MP for Bain and Grants Town, Travis Robinson, hosted a press conference yesterday to announce 200 scholarships to Cyber Tech Career College for residents of the area. From left: Lionel Evans, executive director at Cyber Tech Career College; Philip Curry, president/director at Cyber Tech Career College; Travis Robinson, MP for Bain and Grants Town and Maria Minnis, chairman for Bain and Grants Town Association.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

said. “I wish to draw attention to a major area that has long been a challenge and an impediment for many of our people.

Education.

“A census report conducted in 2010 for Bains and Grants Town notes the following: 0.8 per cent of residents have three or more years of college education.

“Five per cent have least than an associate’s degree, and 11 per cent only have a kindergarten or elementary education, 23.5 per cent attended school up to the ninth grade, and 55.6 per cent of the total community populous went beyond the ninth grade.

“Today, there are approximately 15,000 constituents in Bains and Grants Town of which over 54 per cent are unemployed, the majority of those who are unemployed

have high school education above the ninth grade. Two thirds have no training or a specific trade and about four per cent are professionals.”

He said through the partnership, 200 hundred scholarships will be available for residents of the Bains and Grants Town constituency at Cyber Tech. The age of eligibility is from age 16-49.

Scholarship applications are available at Mr Robinson’s constituency office.

Successful applicants will matriculate through a ten week certificate course in any one of the following courses: entrepreneurship and small business development; computer studies; e-commerce and internet marketing; and customer service.

Classes are set to begin April 23.

MAN FOUND NOT GUILTY OF SEX WITH UNDERAGE BOY

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A SUPREME Court jury has acquitted a man previously accused of having sex with an underage teenage boy three years ago.

The jury found David John McKenzie not guilty by a vote of 6 to 3 of the single count of sexual intercourse with a minor of the same sex.

The Crown had previously alleged that McKenzie, aka “Bushman”, had sex with a 15-year-old boy in April 2015.

The virtual complainant, now 17, testified during trial before Senior Justice Vera Watkins how on one day during the period in question, either a Saturday or a Sunday, he woke up and headed through “the back road” where he ultimately ended up encountering and speaking with McKenzie’s brother for roughly ten minutes.

Afterwards, the teenager said he started speaking with McKenzie. By this time, the boy said, McKenzie’s brother had already left to go to church.

The teenager said he spoke with McKenzie for 10 to 15 minutes. He said after that, McKenzie was “putting some bush tea up” before he ultimately walked into his house.

After that, the teenager said McKenzie started calling his name and telling him to “come for this”.

The teenager said he went inside McKenzie’s house, and once there, he said McKenzie

gave him $25.

The teenager said McKenzie then locked the door, then told him that he wanted “some of that hip”. The teenager said he pretended like he didn’t hear McKenzie and responded, “what”?

However, the accuser said McKenzie repeated what he said, leading the teenager to call McKenzie a “sissy” and repeatedly called him gay.

Afterwards, he claimed McKenzie allegedly forced him onto his bed and pulled his pants down, however, he said he wasn’t “even thinking to scream or call nobody”.

The teenager said because McKenzie started to overpower him, he tried kicking and punching him. However, he said the man turned him over and put a pillow over his head. He said McKenzie held him down and proceeded to have sexual intercourse with him for about 15 minutes before climaxing.

The teenager claimed he was in McKenzie’s house for approximately 35 minutes.

The teen said he eventually left McKenzie’s house, made a brief stop at his home to get some clothes, before running all the way to his father’s house on Miami Street, where he said he stayed for a week.

The teen said he did not tell anyone, not even his parents, about what McKenzie allegedly did to him.

Later, after he returned home, the teen said he was walking on a particular street when he saw McKenzie again. The boy claimed

McKenzie said: “Come here.

I have something for you”.

However, the teen said he took two more steps before running up the hill to his mother’s house.

After he went to his mother, he went by someone named “Finny”. As a result of him thinking about what happened to him, the teenager said he “had to talk about it”, and started to tell Finny about his experience.

Afterwards the two got into a vehicle and drove to where his mother was. After a conversation between his mother and Finny, they all went to the Central Detective Unit, where they were questioned on the matter.

Police The teenager also said the police told them to show them where McKenzie lived, which they did. He said McKenzie was arrested that night. Afterwards, the teenager said they all returned to CDU, where McKenzie was questioned in front of them.

After that ordeal, the teenager said he went to the hospital to be tested before returning home with his mother.

Dr Timothy Providence, a physician stationed at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, also gave testimony during the trial.

Dr Providence stated that during May of 2015 he was employed at the Flamingo Gardens Clinic, and that on

the 6th of that month, he saw the complainant as a patient.

In a report of his medical examination of the teenager, Dr Providence noted there was an abrasion at the teen’s anus, more specifically, a tear that was 0.3 millimetres.

However, Dr Providence’s report noted that the teen’s anal sphincter was “normal” and there were no lacerations noted.

Dr Providence’s report also noted that there were no contusions, bruising, tenderness, bleeding, discharge, semen, bite marks, scratches, nor foreign material identified in that region.

Dr Providence also noted that the emotional state as well as the appearance of the teenager were “normal”.

When questioned by Crown prosecutor Linda Evans, Dr Providence said the tear noted on the teen’s anus could have been caused by the insertion of a penis.

However, during crossexamination by McKenzie’s attorney, Stanley Rolle, from the Public Defender’s Office, Dr Providence stated that an abrasion like the one found on the teen’s anus could have been caused by other means, such as scratching, or the use of coarse toilet paper or an abrasive bath towel.

However, Dr Providence stressed that in such a situation where an abrasion of the anus is caused by scratching, the lesion that would occur would be more of a “perianal lesion”.

When questioned by Mr Rolle if bleeding is likely to

occur when a man McKenzie’s age forcibly inserted himself into the anus of someone three times younger without lubrication, Dr Providence agreed.

However, when asked if scarring is likely to occur as a result of such a scenario, Dr Providence said scarring is possible but not entirely guaranteed.

Experience Dr Providence further noted that based on his professional experience, he would still expect to see a normal sphincter tone after just one incident. Conversely, he said a “relaxing” of the sphincter muscle would be noted if there is “chronic sexual intercourse”.

At the close of the Crown’s case, McKenzie opted to remain silent and called no witnesses on his behalf. He instead relied on the record of interview that was exhibited before the court.

In that record of interview, dated May 4, 2015, McKenzie acknowledged that he knew of the teenager, but denied knowing him personally, claiming that he would see the boy walking “through the yard” to his brother’s children.

McKenzie also said he never invited the boy to his house, and “never got that close to him” to have sexual intercourse as alleged.

Concerning the $25 in question, McKenzie stated that he gave the teenager the

money because he had asked for a pair of shoes. McKenzie further said he told the teenager’s mother that her son had asked for shoes and that he gave him the $25 towards that end.

McKenzie said the teenager ultimately bought a pair of grey and white tennis shoes.

McKenzie also denied that he ever gave the teenager money in exchange for sex.

However, he acknowledged that one time, he gave the teenager $20 and told him to give his nephew $10 so that they could get something to eat from Burger King.

When asked by the officer if he offered/offers the other boys in the neighbourhood money, McKenzie replied by saying it depends on if they do something for him.

For example, he said if they retrieve bottles for him he would give them a dollar, and if they have nothing for lunch he would give their respective mothers money on their behalf.

The teenager, during his testimony, also said he would receive money from McKenzie, $10 or so, because he “used to help him with (his) bush tea, pouring it in the jug.” The boy also said that another person who helped him pour the tea in the jug would also be paid by McKenzie in his presence.

And when questioned by the Crown how often he would help McKenzie with the bush tea, the teenager said it would occur “like every time I come around”.

PAGE 12, Thursday, April 5, 2018

CARIBBEAN NEWS

PUERTO RICO SUES PURDUE PHARMA OVER OPIOID CRISIS SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Puerto Rico’s Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Purdue Pharma accusing the drugmaker of causing an opioid crisis in the U.S. territory.

Officials said Wednesday that they are seeking to hold the company responsible for all government costs incurred as a result of the damage opioids have caused.

The suit also accuses the company of misrepresenting the risk of abuse and addiction, among other things.

The lawsuit says that opioid distribution more than doubled in Puerto Rico from 1999 to 2013 and that 1,661 fatal overdoses were reported from January 2007 to March 2016.

A Purdue Pharma spokesman denies the allegations and says the company is collaborating to solve the abuse crisis.

Dozens of states, cities and counties in the U.S. mainland have filed similar lawsuits.

VISA DIFFICULTIES FORCE CUBAN SYMPHONY TO CANCEL US TOUR

CHICAGO (AP) — The difficulties that Cubans are having getting visas to travel to the United States has forced the national orchestra to cancel a planned U.S. tour that included an appearance in Chicago.

In a news release, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra announced that the February 2019 U.S. tour of the National Symphony of Cuba with vocalist and bassist Esperanza Spalding was scrapped because it has become harder for the performers to obtain visas.

Last month, the United States announced that it was making permanent its withdrawal of 60 percent of its diplomats from Cuba because of mysterious “health attacks” in Havana. With fewer employees, the U.S. Embassy in Havana halted visa processing, forcing Cubans hoping to travel to the United States to seek visas through U.S embassies in other countries.

THE TRIBUNE

CLOUDY WATER SURFACES AGAIN AFTER PINDER’S POINT DRILLING

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net A PINDER’s Point resident doing some underground drilling in his yard made a smelly discovery after reaching the fresh water table – rising out of the ground was cloudy water with a pungent odour.

The drilling exercise was conducted by Lowell Pinder and the Grand Bahama Environmental Association, which documented the incident last Thursday.

This is the second such reported incident in less than a month by residents in that area. On March 8, Pastor Michael Pinder also reported that while drilling a soakaway – a pit for waste water – black water had surfaced in his yard.

Shuffel Hepburn, an executive of GBEA, claimed this could prove what residents had feared all along – possible contamination of their freshwater lens.

However, The Tribune contacted the Department of Environmental Health Services on Wednesday and spoke with Public Analyst Anthony Ryan about concerns over possible water contamination in Pinder’s Point.

Test Mr Ryan said that assumptions could not be made by just looking at the colour of the water. He said that residents should have contacted the department immediately to report the incident so that someone could come out at the site and test the liquid.

Meanwhile Mr Hepburn claimed it has been rumoured for years that oil is underground in Pinder’s Point and the western side of Lewis Yard. He fears the murky substance residents claim they found has spread beyond the borders of a nearby plant and has affected the fresh water table in the community.

Lowell Pinder lives just south of the Buckeye, formerly BORCO, plant.

While drilling last Thursday morning, Mr Hepburn said that no clean, clear water surfaced after reaching the water table.

“Only cloudy and creamcoloured water surfaced,” he said. “The water became very smelly as the drilling

PHOTOS sent to The Tribune showing a substance that a resident of Pinder’s Point, Grand Bahama, claims he discovered while drilling to create a waste water pit in his yard last month. progressed, with an unmistakable oily scent.”

Last month, Pastor Pinder contacted the GBEA after he claimed he observed black water surfacing in his yard while drilling a soakaway.

Mr Hepburn said last Thursday’s drilling exercise was undertaken because of the earlier incident.

Mr Hepburn claimed in that incident, “the black oily water was coming up for as long as an half hour or more, with globs of thick oil in the water.”

“Residents believe the oil is mixed with other chemicals from other nearby plants as well and fear this may be the cause of the cloudy, smelly water. Residents are very concerned and need a remedy for this problem,” he said.

The government official The Tribune spoke with said in cases like this, there is a remedy once a breach is proven.

“We have to be there to qualify and quantify whether there is a problem and once we can confirm the problem, the next step is to look at some of the nearby entities to determine who is responsible,” Mr Ryan explained.

He said that there is a polluter-pay policy where

if an entity is found to be responsible after a lengthy investigation process, it will have to pay for the clean-up.

Mr Ryan, who is a public analyst from New Providence, travels back and forth between Nassau and Grand Bahama as there is no permanent staff in Freeport.

He said that water and air testing is conducted in Grand Bahama.

But Mr Hepburn claims residents did not contact DEHS about the drilling in Pinder’s Point because they have never got any satisfactory response from officials in the past concerning other complaints regarding alleged raw sewage spills in the Chesapeake Subdivision.

“So why should we bother?

The residents of Pinder’s Point have been receiving rusty and cloudy water for quite some time in those communities, and there has been no attention given to their complaint,” he claimed.

The GBEA has been agitating for the relocation of residents from Pinder’s Point, Lewis Yard, Seaco Town, Hunters, Mack Town, and Hawksbill communities, which are in close proximity to the industrial plants. The communities have also been plagued with chemical emissions for many years, which resulted in the relocation of three schools in the past three decades.

Opponent Mr Hepburn, a staunch opponent of the proposed $5.5 billion Oban oil refinery project in East Grand Bahama, believes that such a development could threaten the entire island’s remaining freshwater lens.

During a recent town meeting in East End organised

by Oban President Satpal Dhunna, Mr Hepburn said

that the Pinder’s Point community had been severely affected by the former BORCO oil refinery, saying that fish and marine life have significantly declined in the area.

“Refineries come packing heavy blows to the environment,” he warned East End residents. Mr Hepburn said that Pinder’s Point residents should be relocated and that the Oban project should go in the industrial park where there is already environmental damage, and not in East End where there is none.

Mr Dhunna said the company looked at the Grand Bahama Industrial Park in Freeport, but it did not have the available space needed for its proposed oil refinery project.

Over 600 acres of undeveloped, pristine Crown land in East Grand Bahama has been identified for the project on a lease basis.

PAGE 14, Thursday, April 5, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

POLICE: YOUTUBE SHOOTER WAS CALM IN INTERVIEW BEFORE ATTACK

By MICHAEL BALSAMO AND RYAN NAKASHIMA, Associated Press SAN BRUNO, Calif. (AP) — Just hours before she shot and wounded three people at YouTube headquarters, Nasim Aghdam calmly told police who found her sleeping in her car that she was having family problems and had left her home.

During the 20-minute interview with officers early Tuesday, she did not mention being angry with YouTube or having accused the company of suppressing her video posts.

She gave no indication she was a threat to herself or others.

“It was a very normal conversation. There was nothing in her behavior that suggested anything unusual,” said Mountain View Police Chief Max Bosel.

Later that day, she went to a gun range before walking through a parking garage into a courtyard at YouTube’s campus south of San Francisco, where she opened fire with a handgun and wounded three people. She then killed herself.

The sequence of Aghdam’s activities emerged Wednesday as police continued gathering information about the attacker and her motives.

Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives searched two Southern California homes where Aghdam had lived.

Spokeswoman Ginger Colbrun would not confirm the locations but reporters saw agents entering homes in the communities of Menifee, southeast of Los Angeles, and 4S Ranch, north of San Diego.

Aghdam was a “really good person” and had no history of mental illness, said a woman named Leila who identified herself as an aunt as she entered the family home in Menifee.

She did not provide a last name.

Investigators do not believe Aghdam, who was in her late 30s, targeted anyone in particular, and there is no reason to believe she illegally obtained the semi-automatic 9mm pistol used in the shooting, San Bruno Police Chief Ed Barberini said.

Authorities are still trying to determine whether she got past security measures to enter YouTube headquarters, he said.

Two women wounded in the shooting were released Wednesday from a San Francisco hospital.

The third victim, a 36-yearold man, was upgraded from critical to serious condition.

The day before the attack, the shooter’s father, Ismail Aghdam, said he warned police that his daughter was upset with how YouTube handled her videos and might be planning to go to its offices.

Aghdam “hated” YouTube and was angry that the company stopped paying her for videos she posted, Ismail Aghdam told the Bay Area News Group.

Her video posts included segments about veganism, animal cruelty and exercise, along with glamour shots of herself.

PEOPLE take part in a march commemorating the anniversary of the assassination of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Wednesday in Memphis, Tennessee. King was assassinated April 4, 1968, while in Memphis supporting striking sanitation workers. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

MLK HONOURED:

A PORTRAIT of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. is held during events commemorating the 50th anniversary of his assassination.

THOUSANDS MARCH TO ‘KEEP THE DREAM GOING’

By ERRIN HAINES WHACK, ADRIAN SAINZ AND KATE BRUMBACK, Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — With thoughts on the past and eyes to the future, thousands marched and sang civil rights songs Wednesday to honour the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., the “apostle of nonviolence” silenced by an assassin 50 years ago.

At events ranging from a jubilant concert to a solemn wreath-laying, admirers around the country took time to both reflect on King’s legacy and discuss how his example can apply to racial and economic divides still plaguing society.

Among the largest gatherings was a march through the Mississippi River city where the civil rights leader was shot dead on a motel balcony in 1968. Memphis Police estimated a crowd of around 10,000.

The Rev. James Lawson, who invited King to Memphis 50 years ago to assist with a strike by underpaid sanitation workers, helped lead the march and said more progress is needed toward King’s goal of equality for all.

“I’m still anxious and frustrated,” said Lawson, his black hair turned gray. “The task is unfinished.”

Speaking in King’s hometown of Atlanta, the Rev.

RAPPER and actor Common performs yesterday.

Bernice King recalled her father as a great orator whose message of peaceful protest was still vital decades later.

“We decided to start this day remembering the apostle of nonviolence,” she said during a ceremony to award a prize named for her father.

As painful as losing her father was, she said she wouldn’t change history.

Sacrifice “Actually, I’m glad that everything happened the way that it happened because I can’t imagine the world that we live in without the contributions of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King and the sacrifice that they made,” she said.

Before the Memphis march, the rapper Common and pop singer Sheila E had

the crowd dancing and bobbing their heads. Then, as the march began, people locked arms or held signs as they chanted and sang songs such as “We Shall Overcome.”

“We know what he worked hard for, we know what he died for, so we just want to keep the dream going,” said Dixie Spencer, who came to the march from nearby Hardeman County, where she’s an NAACP leader. “We just want to make sure that we don’t lose the gains that we have made.”

Martin Luther King III addressed marchers at the end of their route, focusing on the triple evils of poverty, racism and war. “There’s something wrong in our nation where a minimum of 48 million people are living in poverty. That’s unacceptable. We must do better.

America should be embarrassed about having people living in poverty.”

In the evening, the Atlanta events were set to end with a bell-ringing and wreath-laying at King’s crypt to mark the moment when he was gunned down on the balcony of the old Lorraine Motel on April 4, 1968. He was 39.

Small-time criminal James Earl Ray pleaded guilty to the killing and quickly recanted, claiming he was set up.

The conviction stood, and Ray died in prison in 1998.

Marking the anniversary of the assassination, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation in honour of the slain leader, saying: “In remembrance of his profound and inspirational virtues, we look to do as Dr. King did while this world was privileged enough to still have him.”

The president has been the target of veiled criticism by some speakers at King commemorations in recent days as they complained of fraught race relations and

other divisions since he was elected.

Observances marking King’s death were planned coast-to-coast.

In New York, the Dance Theatre of Harlem planned an evening performance in his honor. Another march was scheduled in Yakima, Washington.

In Montgomery, Alabama, where King first gained notice leading a boycott against segregated city buses, a commemorative event brought a symbol of transformation: The daughter of King’s onetime nemesis, segregationist Gov. George C. Wallace, paid tribute to the slain civil rights leader.

Shirley Mason was a young woman living in Detroit when King was killed. Now 70, she said she came to Memphis not only to honour King’s legacy but to call for his work to be continued. “(King) went through the struggle and gave up his life,” she said. “Why not get out ourselves and do some sacrificing?”

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, April 5, 2018, PAGE 15

CARIBBEAN NEWS

US COURT GRANTS RIGHTS TO TRANSGENDER PEOPLE IN PUERTO RICO SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — A federal court in Puerto Rico has ruled that transgender people in the U.S. territory should be allowed to change the gender on their birth certificate if they wish.

Lambda Legal said Wednesday that a judge this week found a previous ban on making such a change was unconstitutional.

The New York-based civil rights

organization had filed a lawsuit against Puerto Rico’s government a year ago seeking to eliminate the ban in the first federal lawsuit of its kind.

It was filed on behalf of two transgender women, one transgender man and a local human rights group.

Mariana Cobian, a spokeswoman for the island’s Justice Department, told The Associated Press that the government does not plan to appeal the ruling.

DELICIOUS BY THE DOZEN. A Dozen Donuts Starting at 14 $

(Incl. VAT)

www.dunkinbahamas.com @dunkinbahamas

YOU WON’T BELIEVE THE SAVINGS!

CHEVY’S SENSATIONAL SAVINGS

over $10,000 on select Chevy Models!

SPARK

CRUZE

TAHOE On-the-spot financing & insurance available. A three-year/100,000 kilometre factory warranty, plus Chevrolet’s advanced design and engineering mean you CAN’T GO WRONG!

SONIC

TRAX

SILVERADO www.chevroletcaribbean.com Shirley Street Tel: 302-0130 Fax: 323-7272 info@nassaumotor.com www.nassaumotor.com

Where Standards are Higher