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Volume:115 No.93, APRIL 6TH, 2018
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WEEKEND: One family’s generations of talent
IN a bid to strengthen the fight against non-communicable diseases, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands revealed last night the adjustments that will likely be made to the price-controlled breadbasket list in the next fiscal year. The shift would impact the cost of current items
AFTER facing calls for him to resign or be fired for his public criticism over Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ delay in appointing a substantive chief justice, State Legal Affairs Minister Elsworth Johnson apologised for making the comments, telling reporters it was the “wrong” forum to have done so. The former Bahamas Bar Association president
By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
POLICE have released the owner of the pit bull at the centre of a viral dog killing incident due to insufficient evidence. Assistant Superintendent Bernard K Bonamy Jr, in charge of the Cable Beach police station, told The SEE PAGE THREE
By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net THE government has been ordered to pay a man more than $120,000 in damages because police failed to release his car from custody after charges against him were dropped. Anthony Deveaux’s 1990 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham was confiscated
SEE PAGE FIVE
SEE PAGE SIX
PIT BULL SUSPECTS RELEASED
$120K FOR REFUSING TO RETURN CAR
on the list like corned beef and canned soups and new items like almond milk and oatmeal, however the changes await final approval from Cabinet. In addition, the Ministry of Health, following recommendations from experts, will separately recommend to Cabinet that a consumption tax be imposed on the
further revealed he met with the prime minister where he also apologised in private. Mr Johnson also said he “totally” supported Dr Minnis and the work of his administration. The apology came after critics, particularly Damian Gomez – former state legal affairs minister in an interview with The Nassau Guardian - said Mr Johnson should either resign or be fired for publicly calling
Pg 8 & 9
beauty
DWIGHT MAJOR: HEAD DOWN, IN CUFFS POLICE ‘FINED’
SEE PAGE THREE
JOHNSON APOLOGISES AS PM STAYS SILENT By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
Art across generations
Minnis family paints natu ral
Prices overhaul in diet offensive By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
Page 12
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Sands’ advisers also push for fast food tax
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TURNQUEST DEFENDS OBAN DEAL
DWIGHT Major pictured outside Magistrate’s Court yesterday where he and another man were charged with being found with over $280,000 worth of marijuana with plans to distribute the drugs to others. See page three. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune staff
DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest yesterday urged Bahamians not to be fooled by the “noise” surrounding the proposed $5.5 billion Oban Energies oil refinery and storage facility, stressing the government would not allow any project that is not environmentally sound. He also shot down as “nonsense” speculation the SEE PAGE FIVE
‘HURRICANE HOLE’ REVAMP UNVEILED By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
other high-end resort assets through a mixeduse development featuring retail, HURRICANE office, residenHole will become tial and restaurant “the downtown of facilities. Paradise Island” via Unveiling the its $250 million transcompany’s initial formation, its principal masterplan, Mr developer yesterday PLANS for the $250m development on Paradise Island. Kosoy said Sterrevealing 50 per cent ling aimed to create a “village community” of retail space is already pre-leased. feel at the heart of Paradise Island where David Kosoy, Sterling Global Finan- all residents, workers and retail operators cial’s chairman, told Tribune Business the knew each other. 13-acre site will become a “first world” SEE BUSINESS SECTION location that complements Atlantis and
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
WHY THE DELAY IN APPOINTING A CHIEF JUSTICE?
SEE PAGE EIGHT
PAGE 2, Friday, April 6, 2018
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JAMAICAN OFFICIALS SLAM TREATMENT AT CARIFTA By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
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JAMAICAN officials have blasted the Bahamas’ hosting of the Carifta Games, claiming their team was treated unprofessionally. This was reported Wednesday by Television Jamaica, a media company in that country. Specific allegations were not mentioned, but Machel Woolery, head coach of
Jamaica’s track and field team, said: “It was difficult for us to really overcome the officials and the way how they operate. We don’t use to officials operate in that unprofessional manner but such is life (sic).” Organisers reportedly ran out of medals to give topthree finishers. Christopher Taylor, Jamaica’s team captain and under-20 200m gold medalist, said: “The only disappointment is I did not get a medal
for the 4x4 because they’re saying that they ran out of medals. And it’s Carifta, why would they run out of medals? And it’s my last Carifta, so I was hoping to come back to Jamaica with three gold medals.” Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Michael Pintard and The Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations did not respond to The Tribune’s requests for comment before press time.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, April 6, 2018, PAGE 3
PIT BULL SUSPECTS ARE RELEASED FROM PAGE ONE
Tribune there were two men being held in connection with the incident, and both have been released as investigations into the matter continue. “We had two persons in custody,” he said, “they were released pending investigation. We’re looking for one or two more persons.” When asked why no charges were brought, ASP Bonamy
said: “No sufficient evidence at this time.” 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 dog killing video went viral on social media late last week. The three-minute, two-second-long clip shows the larger dog 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. Dog fighting is illegal under the Animal Protection Act. Despite the public’s reaction to the incident, long-time BHS President Kim Arahna has cried foul over the state of
animal rights in the country. She lamented animal cruelty was not taken seriously despite legislation against it. The incident closely follows another video recording of animal cruelty that went viral last month, which depicted the killing of an endangered loggerhead turtle. Three people were given a conditional discharge for violating the Fisheries Act, and ordered to perform 500 hours of
community service and attend a voluntary intervention programme in connection with that incident. Bahamas National Trust and other conservationists expressed disappointment over the “lenient” sentencing. The non-governmental organisation said the situation “missed an opportunity” to send a clear message that the actions constituted a serious offence.
POLICE ‘FINED’ $120K FOR REFUSING TO RETURN CAR FROM PAGE ONE
A CADILLAC Fleetwood Brougham – similar to this one – was confiscated during an alleged traffic stop in 2005.
during an alleged traffic stop in 2005. The car was held as evidence after Mr Deveaux was charged but never returned after the case against him was dismissed. He appealed the court and got an order from Magistrate Gwendolyn Claude for it to be returned in 2011, but it was never done. Mr Deveaux later launched civil action to recover his vehicle, and was represented by Dawson Malone of Callenders & Co.
In her ruling on assessment of damages, Acting Deputy Registrar Eurika Wilkinson Coccia flagged a “flagrant abuse of power” that called for both punitive and exemplary damages. Mr Deveaux was awarded $40,737.28 in damages for replacement of his vehicle; $10,000 for the use of a rental for one year; $34,652.32 for loss of use; $25,000 in exemplary damages; and $10,000 in aggravated damages. Total damages amount to $120,389.60, not inclusive of interest from the date the issue arose in 2005, and up to the entry of the consent in 2012. Friday, 6th Apriljudgment 2018
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FOR THE STORIES THAT MATTER DWIGHT Major (above) and Romell Virgil Rolle (below) outside court yesterday. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune staff
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DWIGHT MAJOR CHARGED WITH ANOTHER MAN OVER $280K OF MARIJUANA By NICO SCAVELL A Tribu ne Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net
DWIGHT Major and another man were arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday charged with being found with over $280,000 worth of marijuana earlier this week with plans to distribute the drugs to others. Major, 50, and 47-year-old Romell Virgil Rolle, stood before Magistrate Samuel McKinney facing one count each of conspiracy to possess dangerous drugs with intent to supply and possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply stemming from the April 4 incident. It is alleged that on the date in question, they conspired to and were subsequently found in possession of some $283,000 worth of marijuana with intent to supply.
According to initial reports from police, shortly before 4am on Wednesday, DEU officers assisted by Mobile Division officers, while at Tonique Williams-Darling Highway and Baillou Hill Road, stopped and searched a Nissan March with two male occupants and discovered 283 pounds of marijuana. The two men were taken into custody. Both men pleaded not guilty to the charges as they were read by Magistrate McKinney yesterday. The case was adjourned to June 11 and 12 for trial. Bail was denied and the two men were remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until that date. However that depends on whether they exercise their rights to apply for bail to the Supreme Court. Ian Cargill represents Major while Nathan Smith represents Rolle.
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FNM needs to raise its game as anniversary approaches THIS time last year in the run-up to the General Election in May the Progressive Liberal Party government was being roundly criticised for its corruption, scandals, dishonesty and basic ineptitude in managing the country. The people wanted change and the result was an overwhelming election victory for the Free National Movement under the leadership of Dr Hubert Minnis. The new Prime Minister promised reform, transparency and accountability in a more open style of governance that would be more efficient and effective in meeting the needs of the nation – “It’s the people’s time” was the new slogan with a pledge to listen and learn. In the wake of widespread dissatisfaction with the Christie government, there was a collective public sigh of relief and genuine expectation of a new beginning. Sadly, however, the optimism of a year ago has dissipated as the new FNM government has faltered along the way. Next month’s anniversary of its electoral victory will be an opportunity for a detailed assessment of the FNM’s performance during the ensuing months. But today we look at a few reasons for the sense of disappointment and disillusion that has crept in after a promising start as it now seems to be drifting from one ‘misstep’ to another while failing to live up to its declared undertakings. The result is more and more people are already wondering - what has really changed from the previous administration? There have been various cases of poor judgment and bad decision-making together with a lack of co-ordination within the government, and this has called in to question the effectiveness of the FNM’s leadership. Most recently, the Oban Energy project to build an oil refinery in Grand Bahama, which is causing endless controversy, is perhaps the most striking example since the Prime Minister himself has been directly responsible for it. There is general agreement that the negotiations in respect of this project have been poorly handled. Dr Minnis has admitted to so-called missteps and has conceded there should have been more extensive due diligence as well as wider environmental consultation. With serious doubts now being voiced about the need for a refinery, its operational viability and economic benefit, as well as about the backgrounds of the individuals involved in Oban, it beggars belief that the Government should give away Crown Land and proceed blithely in secretive fashion to a “Heads of Agreement” without adequate consultation – all the more so because it has done this without first conducting an environmental impact assessment. Given our country’s dependence on tourists and other visitors attracted by our unique environment, this is sheer folly. From what we have heard, the best outcome would be to scrap this dubious project
and look urgently at other ways of boosting the fortunes of Grand Bahama. Another major concern is the state of the economy. The private sector is describing as slightly premature the International Monetary Fund’s latest assessment that it has “turned the corner”. But, while there is growing optimism about the domestic economy, our blacklisting by the European Union for being a non-compliant tax jurisdiction is a serious setback. As a country dependent, in a globalised economy, on earning foreign exchange for our daily needs mainly from tourism, financial services and foreign direct investment and as we prepare for membership of the World Trade Organisation - we cannot afford to allow ourselves to be frozen out of the international financial world. As a result, however reluctantly, we have to go along with the demands from larger nations which seek to prevent multinational companies from using corporate structures overseas for tax avoidance. We are simply too small on our own to challenge the EU and the OECD head-on and we need anyway to recognise finally that it is in our longterm interest to move away from being regarded by the rest of the world as a tax haven. The Government’s commitment to reform and liberalise the economy, including tackling tax reform, is welcome and we hope that it will adhere to its undertaking to listen to the views of the private sector about how this should be achieved. Perhaps a consultative document similar to the government White and Green Paper system in Britain would be the way forward. Other issues causing irritation or discontent include the lack of action about Freedom of Information legislation, delay in appointing a new Chief Justice, and, in recent weeks, the clumsy handling of the removal of the Chairman of the Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation when the Prime Minister’s authority was challenged in an unbecoming manner. We believe, in order to restore the public’s faith in the FNM’s capacity to govern, Dr Minnis must be more open and consult more readily – both within his own government and publicly – before embarking on major reforms and projects or new laws. He should be seen as a leader who keeps above the fray of everyday problems so that he can concentrate on overall strategy and broad policy issues while at the same time ensuring the component parts of his government are functioning properly. But, above all, if the FNM government is to succeed in the longer term, it needs to deliver on its mandate and election promise to put the people first. A week, it’s said, is a long time in politics. Dr Minnis
THE TRIBUNE
PM must act quickly to revisit the Oban deal EDITOR, The Tribune. It is incredulous that the Cabinet would sign on to a deal for the eye-popping sum of $5.5 billion (with a B) representing 50% of GDP, and then think that it was going to go down with a drum-roll and a ticker-tape parade. At first whiff, Oban doesn’t pass the smell test. As the public heat was turned up the Prime Minister went to the House of Assembly to offer a mea culpa. Missteps were made, he said. Oban is a start-up company in Florida that wants to become a player in the global oil business with a hefty leg-up from the Bahamas. As a medical doctor the PM knows that the first rule of a trauma unit is to stop the bleeding. He must act quickly to revisit this deal. On the surface Oban and their band of merry men might not be reliable partners for the resurrection of the economy of Grand Bahama. The public can be forgiven for thinking that Oban has probably bitten off more than they can chew. If nothing else the government ought to have learned an economic lesson from the Baha Mar give-away which despite free beach-front real estate and the economic muscle of the Chinese government bankrolling it still managed to screw it up. Investors who had no experience operating a mega hotel/gambling resort were given the unfettered right to go and raise money from a sovereign lender who lacked building experience in this part of the world. The result was the original investor lost his shirt; the lender suffered a black-eye and after a brief dash to the bankruptcy court in the United States we the people ended up with a white elephant that took millions in tax waivers and favours to fix. Luckily last year’s hurricanes in Puerto Rico and other competing destinations conspired to make Baha Mar a popular resort this winter. Their rooms filled up fast, although reportedly at rock-bottom prices. Because we are still suffering from our Baha Mar hangover we can ill afford gambling on the likelihood of Oban turning sour. We need to know if the civil servants charged with vetting foreign investment projects missed obvious warning signs or if they were pressured by the political directorate to approve this half-baked scheme to build a crude oil refinery and storage facility on Grand Bahama.
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net
For starters, the due diligence report on the chairman of Oban should have triggered church bells ringing in the foreign investment office. The Chairman had run afoul of US investment regulations that deal with raising money from investors. To avoid a criminal sanction, he accepted a plea deal. One of the terms of that deal is that he was barred from having any association with a broker, dealer or investment advisor. Yet when he knocked on the Cabinet door he was the chairman of Oban which is seeking to raise $5.5 billion from brokers, dealers and investment advisors. His excuse supposedly is that he is the non-executive chairman and has no management position in Oban. He couldn’t see how duplicitous it appeared when he signed somebody else’s name to a contract in the public domain, despite the protestations from the Prime Minister that this was a dummy document put up supposedly to bamboozle Bahamian citizens naïve enough to fall for it. The criminal statues could be referenced to view his action as forgery although a charge would probably fail because even this bumbling chairman probably had no intent to deceive when he impersonated the CEO of his company. Forgery itself is classified as fraud, something that the chairman has already had to defend before the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States. The Bahamas Investment Authority has a duty to satisfy themselves that the projects presented to them actually make economic sense. The world is awash in oil at this time. There is over 6 billion barrels of oil in strategic and other reserves around the world. One billion barrels sits in the belly of super tankers floating at sea. It is true that China and other rich countries are looking for oil storage and are willing to pay around $1.00 per barrel per month to store oil. Who wouldn’t want to buy cheap oil now, hold it and then unload it at a profit when the prices go up? Our proximity to the US gives rise to this plan for a 50-million-barrel oil storage facility that could earn up to $50 million per month at full capacity.
Government must say Animal no to LNG at Clifton cruelty EDITOR, The Tribune. I read this week that the government is considering plans to locate a Liquefied Natural Gas facility in New Providence to aid in power generation. This is a great idea. LNG is far safer, cleaner and less expensive than the outdated and wasteful system we have been using for generations. LNG is non-toxic, non-corrosive, does not adversely affect either earth or water and dissipates into the air quickly if spilled. If is far less likely to explode than other fuels, and in the rare cases when accidents may occur, it burns far more slowly than the fuels we are using to generate power at the moment.
Such a terminal is really a long time coming and would be a great step in the right direction towards fully renewable energy at some point in the future. However the government simply must reject any and all plans that call for LNG at Clifton Pier. That site is so contaminated by decades of spills and regular pollution that it is destroying the land and marine environment for miles around. Anyone who has worked there or has an intimate knowledge of the site knows that it is a serious health hazard and the best thing that can be done is to close it down, cordon it off and undertake an urgent remediation project.
Back in the day, the current Minister of the Environment used to work there himself, so he knows how bad things are. Surely this government must insist that any serious bidder for an LNG terminal in New Providence must propose another location. If they cannot buy the land, government should consider making a Crown Land lease or grant. LNG is the future of electricity in the Bahamas, the toxic, dirty facility at Clifton is the past that is best forgotten. I pray that this time, we learn from our mistakes. FORMER BEC EMPLOYEE Nassau, April 5, 2018.
EDITOR, The Tribune. Re: GOT HIM -- PIT BULL OWNER QUESTIONED The Tribune, April 4, 2018 THE moronic macho ‘men’ who indulge in animal cruelty sometimes deserve our understanding. It is generally accepted that they may have been abused as children and have frustrating sexual inadequacies as adults. They frequently exhibit significant psychosocial issues that result in animal cruelty, and even domestic violence, or worse. We seldom punish or treat them, but perhaps these jackasses merit our pity. KEN W KNOWLES, MD Nassau, April 4, 2018.
But if US access is the goal then why not build the refinery in Oban’s own back yard in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida just 70 miles west. Florida jealously guards its environment. Tellingly, the National Trust, which stands guard over ours in not enamoured with Oban. The FNM came to power on a platform that said that the environment matters. As for the actual refinery, there is the question of where the crude oil would come from given the fact that the US has the capacity to refine approximately 19 million barrels of crude per day. Oban is looking at producing 50,000 barrels per day, a drop in the ocean. There are oil refineries throughout the Caribbean that are struggling today. Refineries in Cuba, Jamaica, the US Virgin Islands, Aruba, Curaçao, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago would scoff at a 50,000 barrel a day refinery in Grand Bahama. PetroTrin, owned by the Trinidad government, is refining just 50,000 barrels a day despite an output capacity as high as 175,000 barrels a day. The Isla Refinery in Curaçao is owned by Venezuela and can go up to 330,000 barrels of crude per day but they haven’t seen that production level in years. Despite this Oban thinks they can raise $5.5 billion to challenge the titans, and we fell for it. It is past time for the Prime Minister to reboot his strategy and take control of the optics of debacle. There is still work to be done to reduce the deficit, tackle crime, create jobs and make sure nobody puts their hands in the cookie-jar. The bumbling Oban chairman is out although questions remain if he has any interest in the K Family Trust that controls the company. And the project appears to have been sent back to the civil servants for further vetting. The opposition PLP must not gloat because their finger-prints are all over this Oban deal. Our leaders, PLP and FNM, love foreign investors and give them an easy pass in most instances while giving native investors the run-around. The Prime Minister must shape the narrative surrounding Oban otherwise the narrative will define him. The people’s time, like their patience, is running out. THE GRADUATE Nassau, April 4, 2018.
CORRECTION A report in The Tribune yesterday, under the headline ‘Chief Justice? I’m off to make stew,’ incorrectly identified Philip Telford Georges as a former acting chief justice of the Bahamas before he became the substantive chief justice on January 1 1984. He served in that role until September 30, 1989. Before Mr Georges’ appointment, Sir Denis Eustace Gilbert Malone was acting chief justice from September 10, 1983 to December 31, 1983. The Tribune understands Sir Denis served in that role only because Mr Georges had yet to arrive in the Bahamas after serving as a Supreme Court judge in Zimbabwe.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, April 6, 2018, PAGE 5
PRICES OVERHAUL IN DIET OFFENSIVE FROM PAGE ONE fast-food industry, although Dr Sands stressed in an interview with The Tribune that this is a very long way from becoming policy. “It is a bit of of a push for the Ministry of Health to be dictating fiscal policy to the Ministry of Finance,” he said. “It is a suggestion at this point.” Taxing the fast-food industry was recommended by experts who participated in a government-organised breadbasket forum last year.
Tax Dr Sands previously told reporters his ministry will recommend to Cabinet that a “sin” tax be levied to pay for National Health Insurance (NHI). He discussed the likely new breadbasket list yesterday evening during a town-hall at the TG Glover Primary School. The national breadbasket became law in 1971; it became illegal to sell the featured items above a maximum allowed price. It is illegal for wholesalers to increase prices on the items more than 18 percent and for retailers to markup prices more than 23 percent, according to Dr Sands.
Breaking the law carries a fine of no more than $5,000 or imprisonment for not more than a year. Some experts believe the initiative made staple foods affordable but placed too much focus on food energy supply rather than nutritional value. The items likely to be removed from the breadbasket list are margarine, mayonnaise, corned beef, canned meats, canned soups, broths, condensed milk and sugar. The items likely to be included are beans and peas, raw almonds, raw cashews, fresh oranges, fresh apples, root crops, oatmeal, as well as tuna, sardine and mackerel canned in water. Some of the items that will remain on the list will be subject to greater specification, allowing affordable purchases of only certain kinds of staple products. These will likely include no fat, low fat and two per cent fat evaporated milk options as well as organic and non-organic fresh eggs; it will likely include trans fat free, low fat, olive oil, unsalted and vegan butters and one percent, two percent soy and almond fresh milk. Whole grain and brown rice are also on the list Dr Sands revealed yesterday as well as whole grain
MINISTER of Health Dr Duane Sands. and whole-wheat bread options. The list also contains unbleached white, gluten-free, whole-wheat, spelt, quinoa, coconut and rice flours and options for monounsaturated cooking oils such as canola, coconut and extra virgin olive oils. Dr Sands said the Price Control Commission has evaluated the practical impact the shift could have on the diet of Bahamians.
Breakfast “Price Control Commission has done some real world evaluations on the breadbasket items and they have priced breakfast items, lunch menus and dinner menus on current breadbasket items,” he said. “A current breakfast might be steamed tuna with scrambled eggs, yellow grits and white toast; lunch could be vegetable soup in a can, dinner could be corn-beef and white rice. A comparative menu on the new breadbasket at the same price could be for breakfast a western
omelette, onion, green peppers, tomatoes with whole grain toast or yellow grits, an orange or an apple and fever-grass; lunch could be homemade vegetable soup
“Price Control Commission has done some real world evaluations on the breadbasket items and they have priced breakfast items, lunch menus and dinner menus on current breadbasket items.” with apple or orange and infused water; dinner could be stir-fried salmon in water with a choice of oil, cassava, sweet potato, brown rice or cabbage or garlic roasted potatoes. “There is no question about the difference in nutritional value of the second set of meals. Those have been compared in terms of price and
structure. We’ve costed out meal options and this is before the elimination of value-added tax. “The idea is we have acknowledged there are many people struggling to pay their food bill and it is in part because of this and price control is on some of the most deadly items that exist that we feel this is a timely initiative.” The Minnis administration intends to remove VAT from breadbasket items in the next fiscal year, which begins July 1, fulfilling a long-held promise of Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis. Dr Sands acknowledged the strong preference Bahamians may have for some items on the current breadbasket list but, aside from slight variations that may be made to the final list, affirmed the government’s commitment to making the adjustments. He said: “How you could tell me price control off of corn beef, (some might ask). “I mean this is an antiBahamian initiative hey? It is not that corn beef will
PETER TURNQUEST DEFENDS OBAN DEAL FROM PAGE ONE
government was “locked” into the project because a heads of agreement with the developer has been signed. He said as a sovereign nation, the Bahamas has the right to terminate any agreement, adding just because a heads of agreement has been signed it does not automatically mean a licence to operate will be issued. He said the negative talk about the project has overshadowed the positive impact the project could have on Grand Bahama. The East Grand Bahama MP added while industrial projects bring environmental risk, modern technology has reduced these factors.
Focus “Recent discussions of Oban have brought this into sharp focus,” said Mr Turnquest, during his keynote address at the University of The Bahamas’ ‘Sustainable Grand Bahama’ conference at Grand Lucayan on Thursday morning. “As is outlined in the heads of agreement, the environmental protection and mitigation protocols are at the forefront of any discussion, any decision, that the government of the Bahamas will make in regards to this project. “From an economic point of view, we
absolutely see value from the industrial sector and we believe that it is a sustainable model,” Mr Turnquest added. “We appreciate the environmental risk that industrial enterprises bring to a community, but we also appreciate that modern technology has substantially reduced those risks.” According to a statement from Bahamas Information Services, Mr
“We appreciate the environmental risk that industrial enterprises bring to a community, but we also appreciate that modern technology has substantially reduced those risks.” Turnquest advised Bahamians not to be “fooled by the noise” and to listen to every conversation coming out of public discussion about the Oban project. “I’ve heard people say that the government of the Bahamas can’t cancel this agreement, that we’ve signed this heads of agreement without any environmental study and as a result we’re locked into this project… nonsense,” added Mr Turnquest. “The fact of the matter is we’re a sovereign government and we have the
ability to stop any project at any time. The fact that we signed a heads of agreement does not mean that we are obligated to issue a licence to operate. The heads of agreement is exactly that… an agreement. “It says you agree to do X, and if you do X, we agree to do Y. “Any of the conditions in that heads of agreement that are not completed to our satisfaction renders the agreement null and void.” According to BIS, Mr Turnquest pointed out that at the end of the day a project does not become concrete and licenced to operate until the government has satisfied itself that all of the prerequisites are in play, that they are sound and they are satisfied that the project would bring benefit to the community. “All of the noise in the market has drowned out the good news of the potential for this development,” added Minister Turnquest. “I only ask again for us to be open-minded and patient and let the process work. “While we understand the risks that are involved, inasmuch as we can from a non-scientific point of view, we also understand the development potential of our industrial sector and what that can mean to the lives of ordinary Bahamians, who would not otherwise have an opportunity.”
DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest.
not be available, it’s just that we don’t believe it should be price protected. The right to make choices is enshrined in who we are as a free nation and a democracy. “The idea is that we should not provide a financial incentive to eat poorly but that is the type of incentive that exists now.
Beverages “Many of the things that are on the breadbasket are encouraging people to drink sugar-sweetened beverages which in many instances are less expensive than water. The idea is that you cannot entirely eliminate choice but you have to make the responsible choice easier and less expensive.” Dr Sands said the government is considering banning sugar-sweetened beverages from schools and adjusting the school lunch programme, though it is not clear when a final decision will be made on these issues.
PAGE 6, Friday, April 6, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
JOHNSON APOLOGISES AS PM STAYS SILENT FROM PAGE ONE
on the prime minister to appoint someone to the post of chief justice, as opposed for speaking to him privately. He said the comments were “ill advised.” Former Court of Appeal President Dame Joan Sawyer has also chastised Mr Johnson, calling his comments “inappropriate” as a member of Cabinet. However, Progressive Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis took a different tone. While he said he would not get into the issue of Mr Johnson’s apology or whether he was out of line, the Official Opposition leader said the Yamacraw MP had been “courageous” enough to speak publicly to a lingering issue. Earlier this week, Mr Davis said his party agreed with Mr Johnson’s position on the matter.
Questions
STATE Legal Affairs Minister Elsworth Johnson.
Asked about this issue again yesterday, Dr Minnis did not respond to any questions fielded by reporters. “My mantra on coming into politics has always been to fear God with a holy fear, to maintain my integrity and obviously as I serve my country to have the confidence of my prime minister,” Mr Johnson told reporters outside the House of Assembly, where the body of former parliamentarian Theresa Moxey-Ingraham was laying in state. “I do realise that the forum used to express my sentiments were totally wrong. “I have met with the prime minister. I have apologised to him and so in that vein I am a man so I apologise to my colleagues and to the country. It’s a learning experience but in this you
can’t make too many mistakes and so for that I want to say that I do apologise to the prime minister. “The forum was inappropriate and may God continue to bless the Bahamas.” Asked to how he felt about the leadership of Dr Minnis, Mr Johnson said: “Only to say I totally support him and that’s my comment.”
“I have met with the prime minister. I have apologised to him and so in that vein I am a man so I apologise to my colleagues and to the country. It’s a learning experience but in this you can’t make too many mistakes and so for that I want to say that I do apologise to the prime minister.” On Tuesday, the Nassau Guardian published an interview with Mr Johnson where he said the right, transparent and accountable thing to do is for the prime minister to exercise his constitutional authority and appoint a chief justice. He said the converse would be to allow to allow the office, which is not above reasonable criticism, to be subjected to observations and sentiments that may not be in the best interest of the administration of justice. “I bet you if a foreign person was brought in to fill the office that, that individual would be given a full substantive appointment and provided
with all of the benefits that the office carries,” Mr Johnson said earlier this week. “We must work to remove this selfloathing and nihilistic mind-set that undermine our creativity and enterprise as a people. “The right, transparent and accountable thing to do is for the PM to exercise his constitutional authority and appoint a chief justice.” He went on to assert that in dealing with the administration of justice there should be absolutely nothing done directly or indirectly to undermine it. He said the right and just thing to do is to fill the vacancy especially when there is “street” talk surrounding the appointment. Late last month, current BBA President Khalil Parker suggested the constant undermining of democracy has pushed the country to an existential and constitutional crisis. In an article titled “Our Judiciary Must Be Unfettered,” Mr Parker detailed a longstanding “insidious process” underpinned by sweeping abuses of power by the government, a sleeping legislature, and what he defined as “slow and steady” attempts to create a compromised and impotent judiciary. Stephen Isaacs was sworn in as acting chief justice last December. The lack of a substantive chief justice has also rankled some lawyers. In February, Senior Magistrate Derence Rolle Davis urged his colleagues to meet at the Supreme Court, abandoning their schedules for the day to show solidarity against the “ongoing disregard for justice, fairness and integrity.” Magistrate Rolle-Davis was later joined by a handful of attorneys as well as another magistrate in protest.
BRAVE HITS OUT AT ‘HYPOCRITICAL’ PM By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ joke about going home to prepare stew fish when he was faced with questions on appointing a substantive chief justice drew criticism from Official Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis who called it hypocritical yesterday. On Wednesday, Dr Minnis remained silent when he was faced with questions about why he has not appointed anyone to the post. However, as he made his exit following a Free National Movement memorial in honour of former parliamentarian Theresa Moxey-Ingraham, Dr Minnis joked: “Only thing I plan on doing right now is getting home and go do my stew fish.” He has never spoken publicly about the appointment. Yesterday, for a second time, he remained silent on the issue. Outside of the House of Assembly yesterday, Mr
Davis called into question Dr Minnis’ transparency of the chief justice appointment process. “It just characterises the whole hypocrisy of the prime minister,” Mr Davis said in response to the prime minister’s remark. “At the end of the day he campaigned on the twin pillars of transparency and accountability, but yet still he shuns being accountable.
Goals “At the end of the day when you are in government there are things that you have to keep close to your chest. There are things that are not made public in the interest of having to achieve certain goals, but he didn’t know that. “Now he’s now recognising that yes, we have to be transparent, yes we have to be accountable, but there are limits in transparency in governance and there’s limits in accountability in government.” Dr Minnis appointed Senior Supreme Court
Justice Stephen Isaacs as acting chief justice last December. Critics have said it is unusual to appoint someone acting chief justice while the substantive position is unfilled. Among those who have been critical of Dr Minnis are several Queen’s Counsels, 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 Denis Eustace Gilbert Malone was acting chief justice from September 10, 1983 to December 31, 1983. 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.”
OPPOSITION Leader Philip ‘Brave’ Davis.
20 YEARS OF ATLANTIC MEDICAL’S FUN RUN WALK LAST RITES FOR Matriarch Marion King, 91 of Little Harbour, Mangrove Cay, Andros will be held on Sunday, April 8th, 2018 at Pilgrim Baptist Church, Little Harbor, Mangrove Cay, Andros at 11:00a.m. Officiating will be Pastor Brianard King, assisted by Pastor Brian Moxey. Interment will follow in Mangrove Cay Public Cemetery. The body will repose at Curtis Memorial Mortuary, on Friday, from 10:00a.m.until 5:00p.m. and at the church on Sunday from 9:00a.m. until service time.
ON SATURDAY, April 21, Atlantic Medical Insurance marks 20 years of hosting its annual Fun Run Walk in Nassau. This year’s event will be held in honour of the late Alan Peacock, CEO of The Colonial Group of Companies, an avid sportsman who also shared a passion for the Atlantic Medical Fun Run Walk. In the promotion of healthy lifestyles, the Atlantic Medical Fun Run Walk is top of mind for all who look for an exciting way to practice good fitness habits with the entire family. The event is also good fun for an excellent cause. Over the past 20 years, the Cancer Society of the Bahamas and The Diabetic Association have benefitted from all of the proceeds of the event and this year we will be no different. “This year’s Fun Run Walk promises to be the best ever,” said Annastasia Francis, director, Atlantic Medical Insurance Co Ltd. “To mark
THE car to be raffled at Atlantic Medical’s upcoming Fun Run Walk event. this significant milestone and in honour of our late CEO, a brand new 2018 car has been added to the list of already impressive prizes offered at the event.” All participants that register for the event will be eligible for a chance to win a car which has been generously donated by Atlantic Medical Insurance and its
sister companies, Colonial Pensions and Security & General Insurance. This special prize drawing will take place on the day of the Fun Run Walk and participants must be present in order to win. The event will also feature a new competition involving Instagram.
“This feature is targeted towards our younger participants,” an official said. “We encourage everyone between the ages of 12 – 19 to rise and shine. “Come out to the event, participate and compete for a special prize. You will be required to upload photos to Instagram of you and your family participating in the 20th annual Atlantic Medical Fun Run Walk 2018. “The photograph most liked on Instagram, will win a special prize.” The event will be held simultaneously in Nassau and Freeport on April 21. The event will begin at 6.30am starting at Montagu Beach in Nassau and starting at the Jasmine Corporate Centre in Freeport. Register now at Atlantic Medical locations in Nassau and Freeport or email AMINassau.FunWalk@atlantichouse.com.bs or AMIFreeport.FunWalk@ atlantichouse.com.bs.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, April 6, 2018, PAGE 7
MAN CONVICTED OF AIDING KILLER TELLS COURT HE IS INNOCENT By NICO SCAVELL A Tribu ne Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net A MAN sentenced to almost 20 years in prison for aiding the person responsible for killing the teenage son of convicted drug traffickers Dwight and Keva Major yesterday said he feels like “giving up” for being imprisoned for a crime he insist he had no involvement in. Kervin Neely had appeared before appellate Justices Jon Isaacs, Roy Jones and acting Justice Milton Evans seeking more time in which to appeal his 18-year sentence for the role he played in aiding the man responsible for the June 1, 2014 killing of 17-year-old Enrico Major. However, after the matter was adjourned due to his attorney Stanley Rolle not being fully prepared to proceed on the extension of time application, Neely told the court he is an “innocent” person sitting in prison for some four years
to date for a crime he has “no knowledge” of or “no dealings with”. Neely also said it is “hard” living life as an inmate at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, stressing he has been made to endure threats while incarcerated and, based on that, he presently feels like giving up.
Counsel However, Justice Evans told Neely the court can only hear the matter if and when counsel is ready to proceed. Justice Isaacs, meanwhile, admonished Neely not to give up, though he may be strongly tempted to do so. The matter was subsequently adjourned to June 6. Major was killed weeks before his high school graduation. He was walking south on Baillou Hill Road near SC McPherson Junior High
School when he was confronted and stabbed. Dr Caryn Sands, a pathologist, testified during the trial that Major died of blood loss from the almost three-inch deep stab wound through his rib cage, which had severed an artery in his heart. She said that in her experience with such wounds, a person receiving that kind of injury would lose blood quickly because of a faster heartbeat as a result of activity and/or anxiety. The Crown’s case was that on the date in question, Neely and Dwayne Peter Lockhart chased Major and Ken Johnson down Blue Hill Road South where Lockhart exited the vehicle being driven by Neely and gave further chase to Major behind a building. It was there that Lockhart stabbed Major in the back which resulted in his death. The evidence of Johnson, who managed to escape, was that when Lockhart
exited the vehicle, Neely also left the vehicle and went to the area where Lockhart and Major went. Johnson also said he saw both Neely and Lockhart leave that area together and leave in Neely’s vehicle. Lockhart, prior to the commencement of his trial, pleaded guilty to murdering Major and is currently serving a 24-year sentence after a deduction of 1/3 for his early plea.
Car Neely, meanwhile, denied any involvement in Major’s stabbing death. He insisted the only thing he did on the day in question was give Lockhart a ride to dead end corner near Lockhart’s home, and that he never left his car. Nonetheless, Neely maintained in the process of giving Lockhart a ride, the latter jumped out of the vehicle and ran after some boys who had chased him
KERVIN Neely pictured outside court in 2015. earlier, and that he returned with a knife in hand. Nonetheless, on March 30, 2015, a Supreme Court jury unanimously found Neely guilty of the single charge of abetment to murder he was charged with in connection with
Major’s death. Justice Bernard Turner subsequently sentenced him to 18 years in prison for the crime, finding that such a sentence was an appropriate one when taking all of the circumstances of Neely’s case into consideration.
POLITICIANS REMEMBER THERESA MOXEY-INGRAHAM
NORTH Abaco MP Darren Henfield pays his respects to Theresa Moxey-Ingraham. PHOTOS: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
THERESA Moxey-Ingraham By KHRISNA RUSSELL Dep ty u Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net THERESA MoxeyIngraham was remembered yesterday as a politician who did not allow political affiliation to influence her work and advocacy for Bahamians. Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham was among those who paid respects to the deceased Cabinet minister and parliamentarian as her body lay in state at the House of Assembly ahead of a state funeral today at St Agnes Anglican Church on Baillou Hill Road at 11am. “I got to know Theresa Moxey (Ingraham) early in her political career when I was the chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party in 1976 and she had joined the Free National Movement,” Mr Ingraham said. “Subsequently when I became the leader of the FNM in 1990, she was a teacher. She was a very passionate person and a very fiery speaker at FNM rallies. “I am sad that she is no longer with us.” Official Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis recalled Mrs Moxey-Ingraham was not “straightjacketed” by her ardent support of the FNM. He said: “Her political life, though not as lengthy as one would have thought, she nevertheless spent most of her whole life promoting things that helped to build up the common good of the Bahamas. “Even though she was a very strong and ardent supporter of the FNM, she did not allow herself to be straightjacketed by her involvement in and membership of the FNM party. “I have always taken my hat off to her. “I remember her passionate debates in Parliament when we were in there together and despite that passionate debate that some times is the thrust the political divide may engender she never lost focus of what it was that she was elected for.” Elsworth Johnson, state legal affairs minister, added the former senator mentored him, offering sound advice when he entered the political arena.
SOUTHERN Shores MP Frankie Campbell was among those who paid their respects yesterday.
ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel at the House of Assembly yesterday.
Doubts and Why is the PMquestions taking so long to appoint a Chief Justice? over Oban Energies deal PAGE 8, Friday, April 6, 2018
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PRIME Minister HIS Minnis week, Prime Dr Hubert has Dr. remained Minister eerily silent, Minnis regardingHubert his failure to finally (sort of) addressed appoint a Chief Justice. his government’s with Despite “missteps” public critirespect to the Oban deal, and cism, from the citizenry our Deputy PM, K Peter and even members of his Turnquest assured Bahamiownthe Cabinet, Minnisbehas ans country would off failed to install an official the European Union’s blackChief Justice, list by May “at theinstead latest.” of the “acting” title, presently carried by Steps Senior Missteps and False Supreme Court Justice The dictionary actually Stephen Isaacs. defines as “an Press a misstepSecretary unwise, or Anthony miscalculated, Newbold told blundering actthat or decision.” The Tribune Blunder sounds bad,going mis“Dr Minnis is not step sounds better. to make any further stateIt’s no wonder our Prime ments on the Chief Justice Minister chose the more appointment at this time.” benign sounding word to It is rumoured judidescribe the colossalthe mess up ciary, their that gavels of a dealhave with Oban has raised,out wigs twisted and played in the media these theirfew robes in a knot. past weeks. I’mparliament talking numerous In this week, Supreme Justices Dr. Minnis Court promised Bahamians thatashisseveral administration as well QC’s, “will do a Wayne more comprehenincluding Munroe, sive review ofGlinton this matter.” Maurice and We also learned that the Alfred Sears. beneficial of Oban Quite owners the formidaEnergies is one ‘K Family ble trio, they’re poised Irrevocable Trust,’ though to carry Minnis and his the PM didn’t give details on administration to task the individuals behind the over the feet dragging and trust. political meandering in He claimed that Oban’s this regard. now resigned non-executive Quick Peter to defend chairman, Krieger, the has PM’s position and inaction no beneficial interest in the K on the Irrevocable matter, theTrust. alleged Family Still, The Tribune reported Chief Justice in waiting, that Krieger is the husband AG Carl Bethel. of Bethel the granddaughter stated, of one of the beneficialanowners of “appointing acting Oban chief Energies. justice while the So where does this leave The Oban deal? I wish I knew. CARIBBEAN NEWS There are still doubts and many questions surrounding the other “characters” in Oban Energies. Plus, Dr. Minnis still did not address proof of funding.
Don’t get me wrong, Mr. Turnquest is playing the hand he was dealt. The Minister of Finance portfolio was dumped on him by the PM, Dr. Hubert Minnis, (who unlike his predecessors Mr. Pindling, Mr. Ingraham and Mr. Christie) wanted no part of it. Another dubious first by our PM and this administration. Nonetheless, Turnquest also said he and Brent Symonette, the Minister of Financial Services, left Brussels last week understanding they met all necessary requirements to demonstrate The Bahamas’ compliance with the EU’s anti-tax avoidance drive. Seriously? You “trust,” they will delist the Bahamas? That’s all you came back with? Promises? Nothing concrete, no A company which, based closings because of the fumes assurances of delisting the on numerous accounts, and “odours” they emitted Bahamas by the EU in writcouldn’t dare dream of put it this way; “Let’s hope ing, with dates and time? “setting up shop” in our the FNM comes to its senses Again, don’t hold your before it’s too late.” neighbours to the north. breath. As the saying goes, Let’s hope. But luckily for them, they “dis ga be long.” have the Minnis administraThere’s no official, time What Had Happened Was tion to fall back on. table for delisting the BahaAnd what do Bahamians mas, so we are at the EU’s In a story in yesterday’s have? A “promise” of jobs Tribune, by Tribune Busi- mercy, until they decide to in Grand Bahama with ness Editor Neil Hartnell, act. No matter how the DPM, PrimeGeneral Minister no thought PRIME noticeable Minister Dr Hubert Minnis Deputy and Attorney CarlPeter Bethel. to that island’s “pristine Turnquest said the Govern- tries to sugar coat it. Also, another set of EU ment “trusts” the European environment.” government in to New Sadly(EU) notwill one dish the on failure and double talk. to requirements, that need remove I’m tempted getProviBibli- Union be completed by December dence, tax free zones in the FNM menu has hit the Where’s Gordon cal and talk about Jacob and Bahamas from its ‘blacklist’ 2018 looms. the inner city and the by table yet. Ramsey when you need May 2018 at “the latest”. Esau and selling of one’s I strongly suggest that Mr. establishment of infamous an antiNot one, justIthe “Loon jokes,” say. nation him? birthright for that that if Thea “grumbling DPM’s statement bowl of soup. commission with corruption belly” Turnquest There’s ensures definitely a this is the direction we are equates to, asking that person Instead, I’ll just ponder inclusive of a ‘Corruption left to “stew” over yet nightmare in the FNM’s hadserving “dat lil what Tzar.’ my children (and all who’s another of ting” FNMfor “forced” kitchen. to go, all requireBahamian children) will you, since the old millennium ments are complete, with all for the aforementioned ‘lil the I’s dotted and T’s crossed. inherit 45 years from now. (And proper signatures, of Silicon Valley sounded ting’ and they give you a line good, old dead dinosaur like this: “Yeah General, you course.) Bahamian taxpayers can’t straight. As soon as I get paid soup...not so much. My wife, a born and bred at the end of the month, I got afford another expensive trip to Brussels, for you to explain Grand Bahamian who grew you.” Don’t hold your breath. up in the era of BORCO “what had happened,” next Trust in God, not man! and Syntex and many school time. PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis speaks in the House of Assembly.
substantive And we position still haveis not not filled is not received anunprecedented. Environmental Under a Progressive Impact Assessment. Liberal Partywhen administraSometimes we find tion, Sirin Philip Telford ourselves places we don’t Georges appointed want to be,was consorting with people don’tjustice want toinibe acting we chief around, it’s good to go back to where we started.
“It is rumoured the judiciary, have their “Yesterday I found gavels raised, wigs myself glancing over twisted and their my copy of the Free robes in a knot.” National Movement’s 2017 Manifesto to remind tially, latermyself serving of in that role from 1984 to 1989, what promises the he added.” now governing Thanks for the lesparty sons in made history back and ‘finger pointing’ Mr. Bethel. when they were Now can on youdoors give us knocking some insight into the and ‘begging’ matter? forWhy ‘a chance.’” is the PM taking
so inordinately long to appoint an official Chief Yesterday I found myself Justice? glancing copy in of the Does over the my delay an Free National Movement’s official appointment have 2017 Manifesto to remind anything to do with you myself of what promises the beinggoverning tipped to getmade the now party position? back when they were knockfor aand country... ingAsking on doors ‘begging’ for ‘a chance.’ Among the many pledges the FNM made concerning Grand Bahama were the following: Focus on the development of Freeport as an offshore technology hub similar to Silicon Valley.
Hopefully wea might get Establish marine some sortfacility of answer out research in Grand of Mr. Bethel, since it’s “a Bahama. Promote Grandat Bahama loss” expecting least a as an eco-tourism sanctuary. coherent response form and facilitheEncourage PM. tate development of Thethe prime minister was renewable energy on Grand asked recently about the Bahama. controversy, and offered Concerning energy in up this nugget: general, the FNM Mani“Only thing“Recognizing I plan on festo states, doing right nowofisagetting the importance robust home and go to dothe myfuture stew Energy Sector development of our economy fish.” and pristine environment, Seriously? theThe FNM will ignite gall a comunmitigated of prehensive the PM. energy revolution designed ensure reliability What to I find comical, is and reduce costs to the conthat the PM is still talking sumer, while simultaneously about “fish.” preserving our environment.” Seeing how thegoes previous The Manifesto on to mentions “fish” read, “The of goal is to landed reduce him dependence straight outonof fossil the our fuels aggressively utilizing fryingbypan into the fire. renewable includI wonderenergy if “Toogie” ing wind, once wave, again LNG, andsolar, “Bobo” Methane, waste-to-energy provided the “fish” for the and bio-diesel.” PM’s stew dish? Sounds good, right? One thing for sure, It really sounded like the the PM’s kitchen boasts a pheFNM recognized that the nomenal menu: towards a world is moving FOIA, fixed election cleaner, greener future. dates, campaign It really sounded reform, like the FNM wanted two term limittheforcountry PM’s, -recalls low-lying, for climate MP’s, change estabaffected and alllocal - to lishmentislands of effective move toward that global future that focuses less on fossil fuels and more on renewables. Yet, here we are, being “hold in da dance” with a 45-year lease on another fossil fuel project. With Oban Energies.
PUERTO RICO TO CLOSE 283 SCHOOLS AMID SHARP ENROLMENT DROP
By DANICA COTO, Associated Press SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Puerto Rico’s Department of Education announced Thursday that it will close 283 schools this summer following a sharp drop in enrolment amid the island’s long economic slump and the continued departure of families after Hurricane Maria. Education Secretary Julia Keleher said there would be no layoffs, with teachers and other employees being reassigned to other schools as part of a fiscal plan that aims to save the department some $150 million. The U.S. territory currently has more than 1,100 public schools that serve 319,000 students. “We know it’s a difficult and painful process,” Keleher said. “Our children deserve the best education that we are capable of giving them taking into account Puerto Rico’s fiscal reality.” Keleher said that enrolment has dropped by more than 38,700 students
since just last May and that nearly half of the schools are using only 60 percent of their capacity. After the closures, 828 public schools will remain operational. Keleher said she has invited mayors in the island’s 78 municipalities to propose new uses for the shuttered schools. The announcement of closures came two weeks after Gov. Ricardo Rossello signed a bill for implementing a charter schools pilot programme in 10 percent of public schools and offering private school vouchers to three percent of students starting in 2019-2020 as part of an education overhaul. Aida Diaz, president of a union that represents some 30,000 teachers, said she and others would fight the closures. “The damage that the Secretary of Education is doing to children, youth and their parents is immeasurable,” Diaz said in a statement sent to The Associated Press. Yolanda Rosaly, an Education Department spokeswoman, did not immediately return a message for comment.
BIA DONATES TO HANDS FOR HUNGER
MEMBERS of the Bahamas Insurance Association recently hosted a food drive during the month of February, which was Insurance Month. The proceeds of the drive were donated to Hands for Hunger, the leading food collection agency in the Bahamas. Emmanuel Komolafe, BIA chairman, said: “Hands for Hunger has been providing a most valuable service to our community for 10 years and
we are proud to contribute to their ongoing work.” Pictured from left: Latoya Collie Smith, Generali; Marsha Bullard-Cooper, JS Johnson; Dr Rhonda Chipman-Johnson, coordinator, BIA; Michael Cooper, Insurance Management; Zeleka Knowles, executive director, Hands for Hunger; Emmanuel Komolafe, cbusinhairman, BIA; Shanay Hamilton, New Providence Life; Charlyne Sealy, Summit Insurance.
UNIVERSITY OF THE BAHAMAS APPOINTS CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST THE University of the Bahamas has announced the appointment of Dr Michelle Bettin as university clinical psychologist. In this capacity, Dr Bettin has primary responsibility for providing clinical services including assessment, diagnosis, individual and group therapy, testing, consultation, and referrals. She will manage clinical crisis situations and work with a wide range of issues in individual and group counselling with students, faculty, and staff. She will also coordinate the assessment of programme needs and processes, manage clinical outreach and education, and coordinate clinical psychological policies and procedures, as well as serve on committees and task forces for strategic and operational planning related to clinical psychology. Dr Bettin brings to UB nearly 20 years of licenced, post master’s degree experience in clinical services, supervision, consultation, programme development and training. She earned her master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Minnesota and her doctorate degree in clinical psychology from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology. Dr Bettin is licenced as a psychologist and an independent clinical social
DR Michelle Bettin worker. She is also a certified EMDR therapist. She completed her doctoral internship at Johns Hopkins University Counseling Centre and has provided services at the University of Idaho Counseling Centre, the Argosy University Counseling Centre and in community mental health, hospital, and private practice settings.
Hey Mr Bully, When you need a shoulder look at the boyon, nowthere’s Kelly to lean
below, and w
THE TRIBUNE
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Friday, April 6, 2018, PAGE 9 Cleophas Adderl
at the Icon Award
Face to Face
here are so many single parent homes in The Bahamas that it has become commonplace. Most of them are run by mothers. Often the absent fathers would be condemned for By FELICITY INGRAHAM their neglect of the home and especially the children. DDIS Huyler is a as a 41-year-old man, when I But Kelly Bullard, a minissuccessful, dynamic take photographs and people ter of the gospel and a nail and confident respond positively, I still see that technician by profession, Bahamian man on awkward, insecure little boy. It’s wants people to stop bash- a mission to ensure his fellow difficult for me to connect to that man ing men and make the best Bahamians are recognised and - it’s a constant struggle.” in th of their circumstances. She honoured for the work they arts “They see Addis Huyler the in th wants people to take their do to help make this country Icon founder. I still see that little He has country, gaze off of what is missing a better one. He is the master- boy who is struggling every day this advice especially a from the home and instead, mind behind the Bahamian Icon to define himself.” for everyone director of th He was never physically but especially focus on what is there and awards, now in its sixth year, Bahamas Nationa how to create the best envi- celebrating the dedication and abused, but he wants to point young BahaYouth Choir. success of Bahamians in areas out the strong impact verbal mian men: ronment for children, even such as sports, entrepreneurship, Upon learning of th abuse can have on a child. His a if their fathers are not in the commerce, media, entertain- sister, Jessica Martin is ten years “Find honour, Mr Adderley decide way to worked he had to be there in person. H home. She feels so passion- ment, health, tourism and fine younger than him. As a result, bring your as project was hospitalised at the time an ately about this that over art. He is also the CEO of the he grew up mostly by himself talent manager and doctors allowed him only ha the Easter weekend, she SIDDA Communications group, and found school to be his main forth to marketing an hour to attend the ceremon launched her own founda- a successful marketing and public source of socialisation. Because serve the consultant for Therefore, Addis had to shift th relations consultancy. With all of the constant teasing and tion to help women and give world. It’s BusinessLore programme around to accom only them the support they need this going for him, you would ostracising he experienced, he the Group and modate this cultural giant fo have no idea Addis found it difficult to job we have Gelignite Com- whatever time he showed up. to be all they can be to their KELL wasn’t the develop into him- here. It’s not wasYonce a rgawky, and he brother,‘IAnreally munications in families. drew. When Mr. Adderley came an tall, lumbering kid cool kid. self. Like countless about I was graduatAtlanta, was wheeled on to the stag Kelly (Calvina Teral who dealt with bul- into my classwork other kids, bully- ing and settling into Georgia. KELLY Bullard giving the opening address at the launch of her he gestured for Addis to com Bullard) is the product lying throughout his ing affects one’s a secure career to There, he closer. He whispered, “I want t foundation. and nerdy stuff of a single parent home. school years. self worth. Even have that security served as stand.” Mr Adderley was helpe She is the eldest of five Today, Addis like speech his unique name, as The Bahamas Deputy to his feet and stood to receiv wants to share his competitions and which is Amharic is so famous for siblings and tragically, her National the award, beaming with pride. story of being bulfor “new” was once encouraging that mother Terry Lee McDonPress Just two weeks later, he passe lied and how he doing well in a source of discom- cookie-cutter ald died when Kelly was Secreaway, leaving an indelible mar pushed through class, so it made fort; as kids with lifestyle in our Bahatary for on the lives of all he touched. 24-years-old. Terry Lee it to find a way to it difficult for me. different names mian children. Don’t the 100 was at this point that Addis rea had suffered a brain aneudefine himself and are often teased focus on just what Black ised the importance of makin rysm and her sudden death you want to do, but set himself on a I was picked on because of it. Men of his mark on the world, being left her children in shock. path for success. as I grew up.’ It wasn’t until his what kind of man, husAmerica man, standing for somethin Kelly was then left with Behind his big, latter high school band, father, employee Inc. and is the and putting his all into each an the responsibility of being bright smile, Addis years when he or employer you want to be. founding editor of every goal he aspires to. is a man still learning to accept began to participate in track and Think of how you want to affect the Classic Insider magazine, an a mother to her own young “We leave ourselves open t the world and the people around compliments and embrace his field that people defined him by son as well as her three sisevent publication still in circula- be used by a power greater tha you. That is the key to living a good looks because of the teas- anything other than the way he tion today. ters and brother (Tiffany, ourselves,” he said, “And i complete and meaningful ing he endured during his years looked. It was the first time He holds a Bachelor of Arts that moment, I felt it; I felt th Sandy McPhee, Andrea life. Focus on being a degree in Interpersonal and presence of God and I unde of schooling. The experience “set he felt recognised for and Andrew Stubbs). It was good person and Organisational the framework” for how he was his gifts and talents Communica- stood that everything we ha a situation that could have being the best tions from the University of been doing in six years was fo able to approach other difficult and he found broken her, but she found a you can be to situations in his life. people started North Carolina at Chapel Hill. moments like these.” the people He is a former professional track way to rise above it and set “I was bullied for years; I was to relate to Despite the bullying he expe around you and field athlete and Bahamas rienced, Addis still holds dearl an example and provide a kid who was always taller than him. He felt a. Andre and and those national team member. Cur- to memories of spending ever everyone else, really skinny, big track and for her siblings. KELLY and her sisters – Tiffany, Sandy you love.” lips, big ears that stuck out from field helped rently, he is a member of the summer during his school year “It affected us so much Addis is United States National Associa- in Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera. H the side of my head and at one him with mentally - not being doing just point I had really bad acne,” self-discovtion ofTERRY Black Journalists. LEE MCDONALD, Kelly’s mother, Vernice Smith, woul mother. prepared to lose her so that. He Addis recalls, adding that in pri- ery, finding His love, the Bahamian Icon send him to the island along wit young and physically specialises Start taking Faustin, mary school they used to sing validation and Sergio andfo Awardspassion. (www.bahamianiconaher littleShanto, sister, Ginger Dames knowing that we can not in providing wards.com), steps continues in doing to what the “Dumbo” theme song at him understanding grow Carmello. weeks of endless enjoyment. H low-cost, high in popularity touch, see, or feel her because of his extra large ears. the world through you love do.honoured recalls andtohas freeoftoall explore As a being mother boys,th impact market- some of the most outstanding beach hands or her warm hugs,” “I really wasn’t the cool kid. his own gifts. the bush, spending lon “When you are she stilland found a way to coning programmes for Kelly shared. I was into my classwork and “You could become achievers in the and country. One nect summer days roasting corn, pick inspired conwith women and girls small to medium-sized of the turning points in his life ing native fruit and “doing all th nerdy stuff like speech competi- stunted in growth and give nected to your happy sewthat seeds of the hope into tions and doing well in class, so in to the negativity and allow companies. Six years ago, he was occurred when the Icon Awards and things kids on island do” self, then inspiration their the sole employee. Today, he has it made it difficult for me. I was it to shape your psyche and the It’slives. a part of the reason Th named Cleophas Adderley built a large and talented team of will begin to flood choices you make, or you can picked on as I grew up.” as recipient of the Lifetime Bahamas kept tugging at h your heart andMr soul. He added: “It was difficult use it to go to the light and dis- designers, writers, project coor- Achievement Award. Adder- heart to return from the bi dinators and production staff. “It’s a void that only lead even as I grew older and started cover who we were born to be,” ley was “When a nation you builder who city and come home to make Prior to forming SIDDA, he paved from God could fill. It has yourand heart, you so difference. to grow into myself. Even now Addis shared. the way inspired moulded me tremenare naturally more She confided: “I discovdously. I was exposed to joyful and motivated ered my purpose when I working from the age of to explore. You then gave my life to the Lord; I 17 so I now understand have to ask yourself started to see the pieces of that God was actuwho is in need of my life coming together. I ally preparing me to be that which I love? In discovered what I love to do By NICO SCAVELLA John Demeritte, of is also accused of robbing He also robbed Suana February 12. bill of indictment. mature and responsible. this way you discover and what brings the best Tribune Staff Reporter Beforeout being esco Golden Gates #2, stood that individual of the same Windross of 10 GSM phone Demeritte is also accused What we would expect your purpose.” in me, also what touches and nscavella@tribunemedia.net out of the courtro before Chief Magistrate amount belonging to the cards worth $50; 10 Talk of robbing Lashawn to make us weak some Pastor Maxheart.” attorney, Demeritte’s Joyann Ferguson Pratt same enterprise on January It Up cards worth $50 and Rolle at gunpoint ofmoves $300 my times builds us to be well cash is belonging Kelly’s to KenA 34-YEAR-OLD charged with 12 counts of 3. $350 in cash, the property Glory Cargill, House claimed nail spahis on c more tough than we childhood man was arraigned in a armed robbery for allegedly punched in histhe stom It is also alleged he of Monty’s Beauty Supplies tuckyfriend Fried and Chicken in was Balfour Avenue near could ever be.” Magistrate’s Court yester- being the perpetrator of robbed Cleopatra Rolle at Store. she commended back and forced to Oakes Fieldheron Marathon Janu- andMall will have day charged with robbing a multiple incidents involving gunpoint of $200 belonging Even before she documents whil It is also alleged thatfor on “walking ary 13, and Chan certain in robbing her inspirational books, gifts and number of persons at gun- over $7,581.33 belonging to to Super Wash on Nassau May 20, 2017 and Janustarted working straight Sheung at gunpoint of police custody. Mr Ca purpose”. KELLY working in her busin memorabilia claimed on sale to raise theenterprises. Glory House nail spa.Street on May 19, 2017. It is ary 10, while armed with a $300 belonging to Peardale a plastic dozen out of high school, Kelly point of more than $7,000 aess, Kelly’s husband, funds foralso yourself theplaced foundation. and other items that was over his clie It is alleged that on May also alleged that on May 28, firearm, Demeritte robbed Supermarket on January turning was in her early teens work- in cash Alvin Bullard is a “tower of items then aska yourself what Dorsette Contact kellybullardfounbelonged to various phar- 14, 2017, while being armed 2017, while and armed with both Dianette and 17. face. Gloryrestaurants House into a place ing a full shift after school macies, humility and strength” for to assist the women, such as your Onette reason for existing. and a with a firearm, he robbed shotgun, heisrobbed dation@gmail.comor Corrine Scott of an undeHe also allegedly robbed Mr Cargill alsocall clai of station solace. Eventually, at Burger King, which was service herofand is an Jeffernique excellent father clothing, shoesthe and Dean books in New Prov- Jyles Carter Yourinheart to access of $655, of $3,000 cash, is thea tool termined amount cash Ferguson at his client requested m 448-1842. Mrs. between Bullard’s at the foot of the Paradise idence their boys: Nathan Maycounselling 2017 property to help a difference in of Bet of make Polhemus property belongingand to theto Rubis Ser-fourgunpoint of $1,500, which cal attention on nume yourVegas. true purpose hours, Drugs as their Island Bridge at the time. andextended February ofafter this year. lives. on Boyd Road. He It is further alleged that vice Station on Carmichael belonged to a pharmacy on occasions, but was denie She helped her mother with patrons would even call her on January 3, and armed Road. He also allegedly Carmichael Road. The chief ma The launch took place at her siblings and took care through the night when they her home church, with a firearm, Demeritte robbed Kenva Huyler of Demeritte was not trate noted Mr Car Emmaconsid- nuel Tabernacle robbed of herself while maintaining were in what theyNOTICE BaptistCepetra Demeritte an undetermined amount required to enter a plea to claims before rem of $621.33 ered an emergency situation. her schoolwork. Church on Jean Street. Spe- in cash, the prop- of cash belonging to the the charges and the matter ing Demeritte to POSITION AVAILABLE erty of BJ’s Convenience Six and Four Restaurant was adjourned to April 24 Bahamas Department What was a natural incli- cial invited guests included Looking back, Kelly feels Store on Carmichael Road. on Carmichael Road on for service of a voluntary Correctional Services. to give a listening Pastor if she and her siblings made nation Cashier/Junior Clerk Don & Lady Janiece it through such tough cir- ear and be a source of com- Clarke of Emmanuel Tabturned intoexperience the Kellywithernacle; cumstances, others could fort Minister Deidre • Ability and/or cashier duties Foundation: “This too, and may only need a Bullard Clarke; Minister Shawnell • Knowledge of Microsoft excel for daily reports March 26 - April 7, 2018 birthed out of shoulder to cry or lean on, a was • Ability to work on my ownpain initiativeAnderson; Apostle Janet compassion; I found Archer from Feeding the listening ear, and an uplift- and • Ability to work in a “fast-paced” environment ing word to help them get myself ministering to people Whole Man Ministries; • Interpersonal skills (a people’s person) NICO SCAVELLA their actions between obtaining a Hyundai Accent the 20th of that month. even when I felt I couldn’t Evangelist Monica By through. Stuart Staff Reporter Tribune Bain and Storr February 15 and 24 con- worth $850 from Avis Rent• Excellent benefits I was goingoffered through from the Lord’s Temple “She was a very loving because of nscavella@tribunemedia.net cerning vehicles from Avis A-Car on February 17, and admitted to fraudule free giving hardworking my own situations.” Praise; Sister Theus LightRent-A-Car. another Hyundai Accent obtaining a Hyundai E THREE men between email: bourne; Prophetess Caress “There is noPlease perfect mother,” Kelly recalled. Regarding Roberts and worth $1,200 on February 25. tra worth $1,000 from ages of 22 and 25 yes- Storr, both men admitted could be going Williams; Author the “She always believed in time. You Bain and Storr also Rent-A-Car. mmajor@confidence-insurance.com Latrell terday pleaded guilty to they fraudulently obtained pleaded guilty to frauduThe matter was and high water unity, sticking together and through hellor Kemp; Miss Nicole Collins; hand deliver resume fraudulently obtaining a a Hyundai Accent worth lently obtaining both a mately adjourned helping each other. She did and God will birth a minis- the NVI Praise Team and number of Hyundai vehi- $400 from Avis Rent-A-Car Hyundai Accent worth Thursday, at which time include photo if possible) to: of you. Most of us whatever she could to make try out(and the guest speaker, cles Pastor from a local rental near the British Colonial $500 and a Hyundai Tucson Crown will read of the s sure her kids had what they want to wait until we have Samantha Maxwell of during the latter Hilton on February 15, and worth $600 from Avis mary of the facts and company Confidence Insurance Brokers & Agents needed, even working two everything together, until Impact Kingdom Christian part of last month. again fraudulently obtained Rent-A-Car on February pleas in mitigation f Ltd. and Centre. jobs to make it happen. My everything is lined up Sean Roberts, Akeem another Hyundai Accent 17, and also admitted to their attorney Ian Cargi P.O. Box SS-6253 Storr, and Sean Bain all worth $900 from the same fraudulently obtaining both most fond, cherished our life isn’t on a roller They were remanded admitted to committing agency on February 27. Shirley Street, a Hyundai Accent worth the Bahamas Departm memory is when she would coaster. multiple fraud related Roberts also pleaded $900 and a Hyundai Tucson of Correctional Service Nassau Bahamas “My life isn’t perfect; I dress us alike when we were offences stemming from guilty to fraudulently worth the same amount on the interim. kids. Helping people was struggle daily. But my life something she did all the has purpose. I can’t tell God Pastor Maxwell delivtime, sometimes leaving her- I can’t do it because I have ered a riveting sermon on self undone. It didn’t take a struggles. That’s not accept- “finding your purpose”, lot of money for her to help able. Just as many people encouraging all in attendpeople - just a willing heart.” in the Bible had something ance to make a commitment The same could be said they were struggling with, to discovering their purpose of Kelly. People flock to her but God had a call on their now, for without it, life is nail salon, Glory House, not life and they were able to unfulfilled. only for nail service, but to carry out their assignment.” “Your purpose is someThe Kelly Bullard thing unique locked inside interact with a woman who always wears a beautiful Foundation is for women of you; something that God smile and is in high spirits. throughout The Bahamas to has planted inside of you Her energy is infectious and have a source of hope and that someone else will benthe sense of trustworthi- inspiration through trying efit from,” she said. ness that patrons get from times. It is designed to pro“Something that will help her has resulted in many vide support to women of all someone else in their life women from all walks of life ages who are going through experience – men, women, confiding in her. She is so trials in life and may need children teenagers, abused DURING good at it that sitting down encouragement, support or women, gangsters, the law, for a nail appointment is guidance to help them to the community, your family, like attending a counsel- get through their difficulties. and the nation. God has ling or motivational session. The foundation is not only placed a seed of provision Patrons also began to share a support group, but also to his vision on the inside Mackey St 393-8165 • 393-3723 and support one another, plans to provide tangible of you. You must define
A
Mature
Purpose
MAN ACCUSED OF STEALING $7,500 IN ARMED RAIDS
THREE ADMIT RENTAL CAR FRAUD
Sermon
NASSAU GLASS COMPANY’S PRE-INVENTORY SALE
PAGE 10, Friday, April 6, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
PULLS Police plan lengthy investigation PANAMA AMBASSADOR FROM of YouTube shooter’s past VENEZUELA AMID SAN FRANCISCO Associated Press
AUTHORITIES on Thursday promised a deeper investigation into the YouTube shooter’s past and her anger with the online video website, identified as her motive for attacking the company’s headquarters in California. “This will be a long and very methodical investigation,” said Geoff Caldwell, a police commander in San Bruno, a city just south of San Francisco where YouTube is located. Investigators will likely scrutinise Nasim Aghdam’s movements during the nearly nine-hour drive from her family’s home near San Diego to the YouTube campus, examine the bizarre videos she posted online and look for any messages she may have sent to company officials. Aghdam, an Iranian native in her late 30s, walked through a parking garage into a courtyard at the campus Tuesday and opened fire, police said. She wounded three people before killing herself. She had legally bought the 9mm handgun from a dealer in San Diego in January, and it was registered in her name, Caldwell said. He declined to say where she purchased the weapon. Police have previously said Aghdam went to a gun range before arriving at YouTube. Caldwell declined to identify the range but said employees
POLICE tape is shown outside of a YouTube office building in San Bruno, Calif., Wednesday, April 4, 2018. A woman suspected of shooting three people at YouTube headquarters before killing herself was furious with the company because it had stopped paying her for videos she posted on the platform, her father said on Tuesday. Photo: Jeff Chiu/AP contacted police after the at producing videos and shooting to report she had posting them online. She practiced there. exercised, proOfficers spent moted animal nearly two hours rights and Wednesday at explained the the Jackson vegan diet, often Arms Shooting in bizarre proRange in South ductions with San Francisco, elaborate cosa few miles tumes or carrying from YouTube a rabbit. headquarters. She posted The most serithe videos under ously wounded the online name NASIM AGHDAM victim, a Nasime Sabz, 36-year-old man and a website in initially classified as criti- that name decried Youcally injured, was upgraded Tube’s policies, saying to fair condition Thurs- the company was trying day. Two women who to “suppress” content were wounded have been creators. released from hospitals. “Youtube filtered my Aghdam was prolific channels to keep them from
getting views!” one of the messages said. YouTube had no comment about any actions related to Aghdam’s videos. Her father, Ismail Aghdam, told the Bay Area News Group that he warned police the day before the attack that his daughter was upset with how YouTube handled her videos and might be planning to go to its offices. San Diego sheriff’s Lt Karen Stubkjaer said Thursday that the father never told deputies that she was a danger to herself or others when he reported her missing. Police in the San Francisco Bay Area city of Mountain View said they
spoke to Ismail Aghdam twice after contacting the family to report finding his daughter sleeping in her car early Tuesday. Police say he also never told them she could become violent or pose a threat to YouTube employees. Federal and state investigators have searched two homes associated with the family, collecting evidence. Nasim Aghdam also ran a Farsi-language public channel on the messaging app Telegram, which had 6,000 followers. One video was a tutorial about how to massage buttocks, and another featured a song praising Bahaism, a religion that originated in Iran but is heavily suppressed by the Islamic Republic. People in Iran expressed pity and shock that Aghdam would shoot others in a country that allows more social media freedom. State TV briefly reported the shooting based on international reports. Hossein Naderi, a 23-year-old art student in Tehran, questioned why Aghdam chose to live in America, adding, “I wish I was there to use YouTube freely”. Kimia Shobeiri, 18, suggested the shooting was a ploy to get attention. “She was insane and just wanted to make herself famous,” she said. “With this act she damaged the reputation of Iranians.”
VIRGIN GALACTIC CONDUCTS 1ST POWERED FLIGHT OF NEW SPACESHIP
MOJAVE Associated Press
VIRGIN Galactic’s new spaceship climbed at supersonic speed over California’s Mojave Desert on Thursday in the company’s first powered flight since the fatal crash of its original rocketship in 2014. The flight of VSS Unity was a major step forward, said the company, which plans to carry tourists on suborbital hops into the lower reaches of space where they can see the Earth far below and the stars beyond.
Virgin Galactic said the milestone marked the start of the final portion of Unity’s flight test program, which began after a 2014 test-flight crash of its predecessor, VSS Enterprise, that killed one of its two pilots and set back the project. “Back on track... space feels tantalisingly close now,” Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson tweeted. In previous test flights, Unity either remained attached to Virgin Mother Ship Eve, the specially designed jet that carries it aloft, or was released to glide back to the ground without lighting its engine.
Pilots Mark “Forger” Stucky and Dave Mackay were in the cockpit of Unity as it took off from Mojave Air & Space Port at 8:02 a.m. attached to VMS Eve and climbed to an altitude of 46,500 feet (14,173 meters) over the Sierra Nevada. Unity was released and a few seconds later its engine ignited. The spaceship climbed steeply and went supersonic — Mach 1.87 — during the 30-second rocket burn. With the engine shut down, Unity coasted upward to an apogee of 84,271 feet (25,686 meters).
The pilots raised the craft’s unique twin tail booms to a 60-degree angle to the fuselage to slow and stabilize Unity during the initial stages of descent, and then lowered them back to the conventional configuration lower in the atmosphere. The runway landing was described as smooth. The tail booms are known as “feathers” because their function is likened to the feathers of a badminton shuttlecock. The Enterprise accident occurred when the co-pilot prematurely unlocked the “feathers” and the ship broke apart.
Virgin Galactic noted that Unity has safety mechanisms resulting from the accident. The “feathers” concept was developed by maverick aerospace designer Burt Rutan and demonstrated during the 2004 suborbital flights of the experimental SpaceShipOne, which was funded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and won the $10 million Ansari X Prize as the first privately developed, manned rocket to reach space. Unity is a follow-on production model called SpaceShipTwo, built by The Spaceship Company.
RISING TENSIONS
PANAMA pulled its ambassador from Venezuela on Thursday, retaliating after the South American nation banned key Panamanian businesses from operating within its borders. Tension between the two countries began escalating in recent days when Panama put President Nicolas Maduro on a list of Venezuelan officials as being at “high risk” for laundering money. Venezuela on Thursday announced a temporary ban for a group of Panamanian businesses and leaders. That included President Juan Carlos Varela and Copa, one of the few airlines still operating within Venezuela. In announcing the withdrawal of its envoy, Panama’s government described the Venezuelan move as being “a political reaction lacking substance”. Panama also asked Venezuela to call home its ambassador from Panama, officials said. The dispute comes as Venezuela is mired in economic and political crisis and finds itself increasingly isolated from the global community. The 90-day ban restricts commercial activities within Venezuela by 22 business leaders and 46 companies in Panama. Caracas justified the suspension by saying it adds a “measure of protection of the financial, economic and commercial system”. Panama has named 16 Venezuelan companies and 55 individuals suspected of money laundering. The list also includes Venezuela’s vice president, socialist party leader Diosdado Cabello and attorney general Tarek William Saab. The United States has sanctioned Maduro and dozens of top officials, accusing the country of human rights abuses and sliding into a dictatorship. The European Union has also imposed economic and travel sanctions on seven senior Venezuelan officials accused of breaching the rule of law.
Arrest warrant is issued for former Brazilian president ‘Lula’ SAO PAULO Assoiated Press
A BRAZILIAN judge issued an arrest warrant on Thursday for former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, dealing a major blow to the once wildly popular leader who was trying to mount a political comeback ahead of October’s elections. The warrant came several hours after the country’s top body, the Supreme Federal Tribunal, voted six to five to deny a request by da Silva to stay out of prison while he appealed a corruption conviction that he contends was simply a way to keep him off the ballot. Federal judge Sergio Moro gave Brazil’s former president 24 hours to present himself to police in the southern city of Curitiba. In a statement, Moro said he was giving da Silva the opportunity to come in of his own accord because he had been president of the nation. Last year, Moro convicted da Silva of trading favors with a construction company in exchange for the promise of a beachfront apartment. That conviction was upheld by an appeals court in January. The speed with which Moro issued the warrant surprised many, as legal observers said there were technicalities from da Silva’s upheld appeal that would not be sorted out until next week. Such technicalities “were
BRAZIL’s former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, left, and his lawyer Cristiano Zanin leave the Lula Institute building in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Thursday. Federal judge Sergio Moro on Thursday issued an arrest warrant for da Silva, a major blow for the once wildly popular leader who was trying to mount a political comeback ahead of October’s elections. Photo: Marcelo Chello/AP simply a pathology that should be eliminated from the judicial world,” Moro said in his statement. Minutes after Moro’s issue the warrant, a fight broke out in front of the Lula Institute in Sao Paulo between hecklers and supporters of the former president universally known here as “Lula”. One heckler was punched in
the face and subsequently got hit by a passing vehicle as he was falling. He was taken to nearby hospital and police arrived. “I’ve never seen this kind of hatred before,” said Mariella Sanches, who was selling ice-cream where the fight broke out. “Why can’t people get along?” Da Silva’s upcoming arrest will mark a colossal
fall from grace for the man who led Latin America’s most populous nation between 2003 and 2010, and left office with approval ratings over 80 percent. Former US President Barack Obama once called da Silva the “most popular politician on Earth”. Since leaving office, things have steadily gotten worse for da Silva, who has been charged in several corruption cases. He has always maintained his innocence while continuing to campaign across the country the past year. Despite his legal troubles, he still leads preference polls to return to office — if by some chance he is allowed to run. Earlier Thursday, the head of Brazil’s Workers’ Party warned that jailing da Silva would turn Latin America’s largest nation into a “banana republic”. His lawyers put out several statements saying they were filing injunctions in hopes of keeping him out of prison. “We consider this to be a political imprisonment, an imprisonment that will expose Brazil before the world,” said Gleisi Hoffmann, chairwoman of the Workers’ Party. “We will become a banana republic.” Hoffmann also insisted that da Silva, 72, would be the party’s candidate in October. The ex-president has not spoken since the ruling. Like so much in a nation that has become deeply
polarized, the reality that the once popular leader would be jailed was being interpreted differently by supporters and detractors. “Brazil scored a goal against impunity and corruption,” said Congressman Jair Bolsonaro, a right-leaning former army captain who is second in the polls after da Silva. Mariana Setra, a da Silva supporter in Sao Paulo, called the top court’s decision “ridiculous”. “It was applied to only one person,” she said. “As if Lula were the only thief in this country.” Da Silva is the latest of many high-profile people to be ensnared in possibly the largest corruption scandal in Latin American history. Over the last four years, Brazilians have experienced near weekly police operations and arrests of elite, from top politicians to businessmen like former Odebrecht CEO Marcelo Odebrecht. Investigators uncovered a major scheme in which construction companies essentially formed a cartel that doled out inflated contracts from state oil company Petrobras, paying billions in kickbacks to politicians and businessmen. Moro, who oversees cases in the so-Called “Operation Car Wash”, is hailed as a hero by many Brazilians. Others, particularly on the left, see him as a partisan hit man out to get da Silva and the Workers’ Party. Still, the list of targets in
the scandal include people across the spectrum, including President Michel Temer. Temer took power in 2016 after da Silva’s successor and protege, Dilma Rousseff, was impeached and ousted from office. Last year, Temer was twice charged with corruption but remained in office because in both cases Congress, which must vote on criminal cases involving a sitting president, decided to spare him prosecution. Many members of Congress have been charged with corruption or are being investigated. Da Silva was convicted in July of helping a construction company get sweetheart contracts in exchange for the promise of the apartment. He denies any wrongdoing in that case or in several other corruption cases that have yet to be tried. An appeals court upheld the conviction in January, and the three reviewing magistrates even lengthened the sentence to 12 years and one month. Technically, the Supreme Federal Tribunal’s decision doesn’t keep da Silva off the ballot. In August, the country’s top electoral court makes final decisions about candidacies. It was expected to deny da Silva’s candidacy under Brazil’s “clean slate” law, which disqualifies people who have had criminal convictions upheld.