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Parents of unlawful killing victim demand STUDENTS
Give us justice
By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
THE parents of a man unlawfully killed by police in 2016 say their quest for justice won’t be complete until the officer responsible for their son’s death is criminally prosecuted. Constable Kendrick Brown shot Osworth Rolle, 22, on November 30, 2016. Jurors ruled on Tuesday that the killing was unjustified. Rolle’s parents, Kendal Rolle, 57, and Christina Rolle, 51, are likely to pursue a civil suit against the government, their lawyer says, but the family is primarily focused on whether Director of Public Prosecutions Garvin Gaskin brings criminal charges against Officer Brown. “I want the officer to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Mr Rolle said yesterday, moments
after expressing joy and relief that his son was “vindicated”. “If this man takes my son’s life unlawfully . . . why should he just be able to say he was in the line of duty and should not be held accountable for what happened?” Officer Brown remains on active duty –– much to Mr Rolle’s displeasure. Officers are not placed on modified duty in cases of police-involved shootings, unlike in some jurisdictions. This can put the Royal Bahamas Police Force in an uncomfortable predicament: last year, one officer received two unlawful killing rulings stemming from shooting incidents that occurred two months apart. “In a lot of situations,” Mr Rolle said, “you hear about officers being put on leave or when politics is involved people are sent on
AMID opposition claims of political collusion, Auditor General Terrence Bastian yesterday told The Tribune he only wrote the facts in his report on the National Sports Authority. Mr Bastian did not directly address accusations levelled by the Progressive Liberal Party and former Sports Minister Dr Danny Johnson, but expressed full confidence in the work conducted by his department. Acknowledging it was not
the first time an audit report has faced criticism in recent years, Mr Bastian said he longs for a time when the work of his department would be viewed impartially as the law intended. “I try not to make statements that will create issues and tensions,” Mr Bastian said. “That’s why I write the facts. I don’t go no further than that. It’s always when you write it, someone may think it’s a political statement but if it’s a fact then it can’t be political. I write what we find and if we are wrong then I’d be the first SEE PAGE SIX
By MORGAN ADDERLEY & RIEL MAJOR Tribune Staff Reporters
STUDENTS have called for increased mentorship for at-risk youngsters in schools as they expressed fears about the rising tide of gang violence plaguing both their educational institutions and communities. The Tribune canvassed junior and senior high schools across New Providence, speaking to students about their views and feelings regarding violence in schools in the wake of a recent stabbing death of a 15-year-old boy allegedly at the hands of another teenager. Some 15 students, aged between 13-18, were interviewed — all of whom have been impacted by gangs and gang violence. One 15-year-old boy told The Tribune that the “majority” of students at his school are involved in gangs, surmising this SEE PAGE FIVE
MIGRANTS HELD AFTER SLOOP RAN AGROUND
SEE PAGE THREE
SPORTS AUDITOR - NO POLITICS, JUST FACTS By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
OPEN UP ON FEAR OF GANGS
By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
OSWORTH Rolle’s mother Christina Rolle is likely to pursue a civil suit against the government.
THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) apprehended 40 Haitian migrants after discovering a sloop near Little Inagua on Tuesday morning. In a statement yesterday, the RBDF indicated that officers on board HMBS Durward Knowles, acting on information received, located and apprehended a 35-ft Haitian sloop off the southern coast of Little Inagua. SEE PAGE 15
‘FREE THE DOLPHINS, DON’T BREED THEM’ BY RIEL MAJOR
THE birth announcement of a bottlenose dolphin in captivity at Blue Lagoon Island signals that animal tourism continues to be dark chapter for The Bahamas, according to one environmental activist. Sam Duncombe, reEarth’s president, told The Tribune yesterday it is unconscionable that such facilities continue to operate in 2019 given all the scientific research regarding
DUCHESS and her mother the beloved mammal. She reiterated her organisation’s call to “empty the tanks”.
“Dolphins are sentient they recognise themselves as individuals. They call each other by name. They give birth to live young and nurse them for up to three years. They swim 50-plus miles a day and feed on a variety of live seafood,” said Mrs Duncombe. “They teach their young, they play, they grieve, they love. They form lifelong bonds and live in family groups. It is interesting that
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RICHARD COULSON OUR ECONOMY NEEDS FOREIGNERS - THOUSANDS
SEE PAGE EIGHT
PAGE 2, Thursday, April 11, 2019
THE TRIBUNE
BERRY ISLANDS TO GET ITS COMMUNITY CENTRE AT LAST FIFTEEN years after Members of Parliament before him attempted to build a community centre to serve Great Harbour Cay and Bullock’s Harbour, the current MP for North Eleuthera and the Berry Islands Carlton Bowleg got
the nod this week that the long-delayed dream will come true. Royal Caribbean International president & CEO Michael Bayley delivered the news personally. The world’s largest cruise line will build the centre, equip
it with kitchen, showers, oversized generator and ensure that it is built to withstand Category 5 hurricanes so that it can also serve as a shelter for the community. “At last, our people will have a safe place to come,”
said Mr Bowleg as he met recently with cruise line executives including Mr Bayley and Vice President of Government Relations for the Americas Russell Benford. “This project started 15 years ago and now it will
MICHAEL BAYLEY, left, reviews plans for Bullock’s Harbour Community Centre with MP Carlton Bowleg really materialise. Our people will have a safe place after being tested by a lot of strong hurricanes,” said Mr Bowleg. “Royal Caribbean has been part of the community with so many of our people working on Coco Cay and here you are, giving back. This is truly a gift coming from the people who care about the island.” Local contractor Bradley Knowles Construction has been awarded the construction contract. The announcement that Royal Caribbean would undertake to fund, expand and complete the community centre project came just two months before the cruise line is slated to open its transformation of that island destination, a highlyanticipated new attraction, a record-setting chill and thrill destination experience called “Perfect Day on Coco Cay.” The $250 million investment will create a massive, vibrantly-coloured water park with America’s tallest water slide and the Caribbean’s largest fresh water wave pool. It will feature zip lining, a variety of dining options, dancing, bars and kiddie sections with full time recreation counsellors. There will also be areas of tranquility where the most energy
required is dedicated to choosing whether to relax in a chaise lounge or lie on a beach towel in the sand. “Our guests want experiences,” said Mr Bayley. “We can provide the best accommodations, brilliant dining options and fabulous entertainment onboard but our guests select destinations because they want to experience that port of call so experiences are very important to us because they are important to our guests. We believe that what we will be offering at Perfect Day at Coco Cay will be unmatched. We are very excited about it.” With the island’s expansion which Royal Caribbean defines as its re-imagination, Mr Bayley said the cruise line was eager to hire hundreds of Bahamians, both for island and shipboard jobs. The cruise line has conducted numerous job fairs in recent months and hired more than 200, including some who have already qualified and shipped out for onboard positions. Royal Caribbean is working with the National Training Agency (NTA) and the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation to spread the word about the intensive hiring plan.
Give us justice
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, April 11, 2019, PAGE 3
Parents of unlawful killing victim demand action
OSWORTH ROLLE, the fourth of his parents’ five sons, is pictured standing directly behind his mother in this family photograph. Right: His father, Kendal Rolle
from page one leave. If that could happen, why should this man be allowed to remain on duty, perhaps carrying a gun? This is one of the things that has me angry. I’m angry with a system that allows this man to go about carrying out his duties like nothing happened.” Osworth Rolle was the fourth of his parents’ five sons and he was their most affectionate child, Mrs Rolle said. The last conversation she had with him was about food. The morning he died, he wanted a hot plate of white rice and mackerel for breakfast and a grape-flavoured soda, she said. The plan was that he would leave home after eating and return at midday to accompany her to the bank to deposit
some money. Around midday his body was delivered to the morgue instead. He died about five minutes away from his home on Alexandria Boulevard, Nassau Village. By the time his mother reached the scene of the incident, his body had already been removed. She said she overheard an officer telling bystanders a “prolific offender” long sought by police had been killed. Her son, she said yesterday, did not have a criminal record. “The picture that was painted is not the character of him and I really wanted justice because I wasn’t satisfied with what they were saying about him,” she said. Police were targeting Nathaniel Miller, who they wanted to question in connection to
open investigations, when they shot Rolle. Officers alleged he pointed a gun in their direction during a chase on foot. They said they recovered a loaded gun from the scene, but Romona Farquharson Seymour, the lawyer for the family, said the gun was never tested for fingerprints. Officer Brown’s lawyer, Bjorn Ferguson, is determining whether he will appeal the ruling. Once rare, unlawful killing rulings against police have become more frequent and Mr Ferguson believes rising anti-police sentiments because of high-profile allegations of police misconduct have contributed to this. “The evidence as it stands in my humble opinion is that the officer acted lawfully and exercised his
lawful discretion in firing his weapon that day,” he said, “but as of late there have been a lot of issues that have surfaced in relation to the police and I think that contributed to the verdict. The jury is only supposed to consider the evidence before the court, but at the end of the day we live in this society and social media is available to everybody.” Mr Ferguson believes jurors were uncomfortable with the fact that police investigate police shootings, a point Mrs Farquharson Seymour stressed during the inquest. “I think the time has come when we may have to consider this whole notion of police investigating the police,” Mr Ferguson said. “We have to look at appointing
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independent parties to oversee matters involving police shootings. Other jurisdictions have already moved there. I think the jury had a discomfort with that and unfortunately my client suffered from that discomfort.” In her summation during the inquest, Coroner Jeanine Weech-Gomez emphasised the limited role her office plays in
investigations. “We have no special task force to investigate an officer in a police-involved shooting,” she said. “In this jurisdiction, if there is a fatal police shooting, it is the police who will investigate the police.” In the last year, several police-involved killings have been ruled lawful by jurors at the Coroner’s Court.
PAGE 4, Thursday, April 11, 2019
THE TRIBUNE
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A knife has no place in a schoolbag WHEN our children walk out of our doors to go to school on a morning, we want their bags to be packed with the things they need for school. Pens, pencils, rulers, their completed homework from the night before. What we do not want is for those bags to be carrying weapons to school. Listen to the children themselves, though, and that’s exactly what they say is happening. One 16-year-old CC Sweeting student we spoke to yesterday said students “definitely” carry weapons to school – and he along with other students we talked to all highlighted the problems of violence and gang culture in school. Another student, aged 15, said that “everyone just riding with gangs” and that students felt afraid to walk home from school. A number of students talked about the pressure to be part of gangs to avoid bullying. We should be shocked – but the truth is we have known this to be the case for some time. Psychiatrist Dr David Allen shared the sentiments of the students when speaking earlier this month following the fatal stabbing of ninth-grade student Perry Rolle Jr. “We can’t have a country where children can’t walk home safely,” he said. “Kids should be allowed to go to school safely and walk home safely.” He continued: “Kids are in gangs whether they want to be or not… and when travelling home there are certain streets they’re allowed to walk on and other streets they can’t.” Former gang leader Carlos Reid agreed that the country has a gang problem – and that it is organised. He said: “Now we have in this country where we have moved from youth gangs to organised gangs and here is the problem, once money is involved, you’re in trouble. These brothers are now being funded by the drug trade
and not just the drug trade but the gun trade.” Fortunately, both the students themselves and Dr Allen are united in one approach to deal with the problem: mentorship. Students called for teachers and administrators and others to do more to reach out to those children pressured to be in gangs – and earlier this month, Dr Allen also suggested a plan where ex-gang leaders are paid to escort children to and from school safely. This is not a new problem, but it is one that it is past time to address. If we do not, we risk losing another generation of youngsters to crime. The words of one particular student yesterday were heartbreaking, one who admitted to being a gang member. He talked about “being pushed to do things that I don’t want to do actually makes me think about what is going to happen to me if I continue on this route I’m taking”. Some of these children who are joining gangs are doing so for self-preservation, or through peer pressure. At this age, they are as much victims themselves as anyone, and every day we fail to give them an alternative path is a day closer to their losing their chances for more in life. We need innovative solutions – starting with mentorship to give those children another voice to listen to, another ear they can share their problems with. We need improvements in security to make it more difficult for children to have weapons at school. We need safe ways for children to get home. And we need ways to encourage parents to be more engaged too, to help youngsters as much as possible. Somewhere, tomorrow morning, one of those children walking out of our doors to go to school will be putting a knife in their schoolbag. The time to act to find ways to stop that is now.
The elected become more like overlords EDITOR, The Tribune IN ORDER for good governance, transparency, accountability and goodwill to be the order of the day in The Bahamas it is a moral imperative that this constitutional democracy have a fitting constitution which is not the present situation. A governing document must be true and continuous reflecting the will, the dreams and aspirations of the people it serves. The current dichotomous constitution is not purely a decree by the Collective-the democratic and sovereign citizens. As a document the current constitution lends itself to obtuseness. The Office of the Governor General, an unelected post, is afforded broad powers and can, unhindered, interfere directly with the People’s affairs. The Office of the Prime Minister is vested with almost unrestrained powers and controls
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net directly or indirectly: the Senate (and hence in the future to avoid all appearances of impropriety Senators must be elected by the electorate whom it serves and by right hold to account); the Ministry of Finance and the consolidated fund (which remains in obscurity from its creators – the people); the Judiciary and other societal attributers simply by the ability to appoint and disappoint. Many Parliamentary practices are a stumbling block to the people’s voice and progress impeding elected officials and the free press. For about five years the elected become more like overlords with little input by the masses resulting in unaligned decisions that are both below expectation and create
wide spread apathy – truly the people’s voice stops at the ballot box. An appropriate constitution provides a curative measure allowing for deliberate and binding debate, judicial review and other oversight measures. Constitutional change requires a referendum. Previous appalling experiences with referendums are in fact lessons not lost. Indeed, Bahamians know what to do to ensure a wilful outcome. Armed with almost fifty years of relative independence, a wealth of experience, extensive knowledge (in all areas including civil, religious, financial, legal, academic, etc) desire and purpose, it is time to set the country on a better path for succeeding generations establishing a better system of checks and balances through a more befitting constitution. WYNTON SMITH Nassau March 21, 2019
RBPF continues to be Nassau’s finest EDITOR, The Tribune THE Royal Bahamas Police Force, Nassau’s finest nation builder and protector of this great nation and its inhabitants. In 1951, an English Commissioner, who had the most trained British Police Army Officers in command of its divisions and units, as well as 200 Bahamian Officers who maintained them and kept order in these islands. Conditions of service were not on par with other public service departments and resources were below par. It was the most disciplined, efficient and effective department in the Public Service. In or about 1951, Major Edward Sears emerged to be the first Bahamian Police Chief. His deputy was Major Edward Spencer Harty, a tall handsome former Olympian. Sears, through his friendly but disciplined approach, maintained the status quo. In the early fifties Lt. EJH ColchesterWemyss was appointed our new Commissioner of Police. The nation was growing rapidly and growth in the public service was immediately needed. Colchester-Wemyss, known to us as the “Lion”, began a massive improvement programme that included: women, police Dogs, improved Police College, improvement in working conditions and wages, sports and social activities, inclusive of the general public, and most importantly overseas training. He recruited
several senior Police Officers from Great Britain to his executive team. Our Force in a short period had emerged to being among the best in this region. The Force and its police band travelled widely in the U.S.A and Canada on promotion tours, which were arranged by Sir Stafford Sands. Police Officers in uniform were used as models for billboards overseas advertising the country. The trend of appointing British Commissioners and Senior Officers to command the force continued until Independence in 1973. Prior to Independence, a number of local personnel were promoted to the senior ranks after undergoing U.K training. Names of a few were, Mr. Wenzel Grainger, Mr. Augustus “Gussie” Roberts, Mr. Bernard Nottage, and Sir Albert Miller. After Independence, just a few of the British Officers were retained and several of the senior personnel were promoted to the gazetted ranks. The Force at this time had changed immensely, from the two divisions in the 50’s to multiple divisions and units in the 70’s. Mr. Salathiel Thompson was appointed Commissioner of Police. He was the first Bahamian to come through the ranks to be Commissioner. He was an outstanding police officer, the best court prosecutor we ever had, and for me an excellent teacher. He was a strong supporter of Sir Lynden.
The Royal Bahamas Police Force over the decades has been able to provide Commissioners from within its ranks. Those of us who emerged from the British training here and overseas committed ourselves to the fact that no longer our police service will have to go overseas for its leader. On the job training and a handing over process prevails. The Criminal Investigation Department was always the premier unit of the Force. All of our Commissioners had been attached there at some point in time. The late Stanley Moir stands out as one of the unit’s best leaders. The banking public and even Policemen even called us “Moirs’ Team”. Immediately upon his arrival, he had implemented intense training for detectives and a system of monitoring investigations from the crime to the arrest and even the trial. He took a bunch of young men and made us efficient and effective investigators. In a short time, due to transfers and resignations of senior personnel, I was privileged to become his deputy in the C.I.S. I was his favourite student, thus I benefited from his teachings, his experience, and exemplary manner. Most of Stan Moirs’ Team members made it to the upper ranks of the Force. They consisted of Courtney Strachan, Wilton Strachan, Basil Dean, Ormond Briggs, Douglas Hanna, Kemeul Hepburn, and B.K Bonaby. They all reached the rank of Assistant Commissioner
of Police, with Bonaby becoming the Force’s Commissioner of Police. The C.I.D under Moir was a breeding ground for outstanding Police Officers. among whom, included; Chief Superintendent Anthony Fields and Superintendents Garth Johnson, Louis Hemmings, Milan Gittens, Allardyce Strachan and, of course, A.S.P Dorothy Davis; currently a training officer at the Police College. Moir ensured that fingerprint experts and our photographers received the overseas training to qualify and we had found some there, namely, Sergeants Clarke, Coleby, Francis and Newton led by Superintendent Chase, whom the F.B.I considered to be among the best in the Caribbean. The Force in its Nation Building Role provided the country with parliamentarians: Spurgeon Bethel, M.P, Errington Watkins, C.M, Keith Bell. C.M. would have been a good Commissioner, the Hon. Marvin Dames, the Hon. Frankie Campbell. Public Service: Magistrate Mckenzie; we look forward to him becoming a judge of the Supreme Court in the future. Director Russell of Bahamas Immigration. He was previously a Passport Officer, where he excelled. Director Sands of the Road Traffic Department, who has already proven to be an excellent choice. Consular Corp. Patrick Hanlan of Jamaica, Carlton Jones (ret) of Barbados.
Public Sector: Mr. Henry Wemyss, the only Policeman from the region to pass with first class honours in the U.K Police Training College. He has provided the country with Wemco Security & Collections Ltd; providing security and investigational services. The resignations of the Deputy Commissioner and eight Assistant Commissioners will be a loss as it relates to efficiency and experience. It is indeed sad, but the problem emanates from the excessive promotions to the higher ranks just prior to the general elections when there was a complete disregard for the Force’s establishment and strength over the decades in the affected ranks – FIVE ACPS. The Force will survive the loss as we always had on the job training which includes: The Officer in Charge ensuring that his deputy in command is well trained and can fill the vacancy at any time. This policy was left with us by the U.K Officers and continued throughout the decades all through the ranks. There was never any problem finding replacements. The Royal Bahamas Police Force continues to be Nassau’s finest. We served with Honour. We remember with Pride. PAUL THOMPSON, ACP ret. Nassau April 2, 2019
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, April 11, 2019, PAGE 5
Students open up on fear of gangs from page one is due to boys not having father figures in their lives or falling into the “wrong crowds”. A second 11th grade CC Sweeting student told The Tribune he believes another fatal stabbing could occur. “Yea,” the 16-year-old said. “(Because) people don’t know how to talk it out.” He added students “definitely” carry weapons to school. A 12th grade RM Bailey Senior High School student said she does fear gang violence as she has been a victim of it herself. “Worried? Most definitely,” the 17-year-old girl said. “Scared? More like terrified. Being a victim of bullying, many gang members have either abused me verbally or physically. I’m scared that my little brothers would fall into the arms of gang violence because they aren’t too strong or tough. “It scares me because anyone can be targeted. Many crazy initiations are taking place in our schools and communities. I’m scared that my innocent little sister can be either hurt or even verbally attacked by a boy in a gang to earn brownie points. “I’m praying that things change, so that my worrying spirit and terrified mind can be at ease.” Another RM Bailey student, a tenth-grade boy, admitted to being a gang member. He referenced the value he perceives gang affiliation brings to his manhood while also acknowledging its price. “I am 15-years-old, a gang member but I’m more worried and scared than the average student in school,” he said. “Because being pushed to do things that I don’t want to do actually makes me think about what is going to happen to me if I continue on this route I’m taking. “Gang violence makes me feel strong, macho and even in charge. My experiences with fighting and robbing innocent people make me feel like my karma is going to come back. But gang violence needs to be stopped in schools, or our lives will all be in jeopardy.” Gang violence affects even the youngest in our society. An 8thgrade TA Thompson student said that even at the tender age of 13, she fears accidentally getting caught up in the crossfire. When asked if she fears violence at school, the young girl replied: “I feel like I don’t bother with no one, so them and they gang violence I does stay far from them. “But like when they doing stuff at school I just don’t want me get caught up in nothing. So I stay far away from the gangs.” An 11th-grade CC Sweeting student described gang violence as getting “out of control” in schools. “Everyone just riding with gangs,” the 15-year-old said. “Everyone involved. And just because kids getting bullied, they wan’ join gangs. “You got some parents and all who involved. The children get in their lil’ vibes in school and then they call their parents and people
Gang violence makes me feel strong, macho even in charge ... But it needs to be stopped in schools or our lives will all The Tribune be in jeopardy. A1MAIN
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them so after school they could be there.” When asked whether students feel afraid to walk home from school, the young man said yes. “Because then you got some people from other areas, different schools, coming down there. Throwing rock at the children, trying (to) jook them up.” A 12th-grade Doris Johnson student told The Tribune she believes the prevalence of gang violence is “due to the fact that there is no one to really take time out and talk to the young males in our society without criticising them.” In a similar vein, an 11th-grade
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Knifed to death outside school Juvenile held after boy, 15, fatally stabbed By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net
A NINTH-grade student was fatally stabbed yesterday following an incident outside a school with another teenage boy. The Tribune understands the victim is Perry Louis, a 15-year-old TA Thompson Junior High School student. The perpetrator is said to be a 16-year-old student from another school. According to police, Louis and the other boy
were involved in an argument in the Pitt Road area when “one of the males produced a knife and stabbed the other”. While the fight did not occur at either of the boys’ schools, the violent scene unfurled outside the premises of TG Glover Primary School. Education Minister Jeff Lloyd yesterday told The Tribune he is “deeply saddened by this tragic occurrence” and “grieves heartily with his family and school community”. SEE PAGE THREE
IN light of Canon Warren Rolle marking his 50th year as an ordained minister, an endowment fund has been established to assist one or two students who want to attend the University of the Bahamas. At a press conference this week, Henry Dean, endowment committee chairman, said the group is hoping to make an annual endowment of no less than $2,000. Mr Dean said: “It is still a work in progress, we may end up doing two a year at a $1,000 each or one person gets $2,000 but we are committed to beginning that process in September. The intent is to provide some assistance for persons enrolled in the University of the Bahamas. “This endowment is not limited to (students in Nassau) but emphasis will be made to make accommodations for those from the family of islands who seemly may have more challenges accepting scholarship grants. “The Anglican church has been involved in
education for about 60 years. I’m told that many professionals (owe) their success to the Anglican church’s support of education. The world is closing in and we must ensure our people are exposed to the higher levels of academics that we can find our rightful place around the world.” He added: “Father Rolle has 23 years before he hits 100 but we want to peg his 50 years as a priest with our attempt to raise funds, $1,000 per year, and so we are seeking to raise $50,000 to create this endowment and hopefully it will be perpetual, it will last beyond his 100th year of birth. “An account will be opened at Scotiabank where donations will be received. At the service, we will have envelopes to receive funds but, we appeal to the general community the business people, the students he has touched, the churches where he has served to consider the worthiness of what we are doing and to help to perpetuate this wonderful example of a man.” The chairman said Father Rolle is a wonderful man and highlighted his character.
“He is a priest and I say BY RIEL MAJOR Street. Police said the male driver of a black Honda this without fear there is no coupe lost control of his THE second person vehicle and crashed into a involved I in Sunday’s fatal wall. priest alive that celebrate traffic accident has died, The driver died on scene Leonardo Bur- and a male passenger was as much as Inspector I do him. rows confirmed yesterday. I’ve taken to hospital, where According to a police he was initially listed in a report, occasion shortly after 11pm stable never had an to condition. However, on Sunday, officers were he died yesterday. called to negative the scene of a traf- or hear him speak SEE PAGE 11 fic accident on East Bay to hear anyone speak negative of him. I’ve never seen him (act) harsh or offensive, he is always welcoming and humble,” he said. Janet Munnings, UB representative, said students eligible for the grant will have to meet the entry level requirements of the university. She said: “There is going to be a committee specifically to determine who will get the grant. We have already started talks with the Office of Development at the University of the Bahamas. We will have persons from the back office working with persons from the committee who would then make the selection. We must still uphold standards.” Canon Rolle thanked everyone on the committee, saying the goal is about trying to help someone. He said: “I was helped greatly during my years. I would like to be able to give whatever help I can to students who may want to attend the University of the Bahamas.”
MANAGERS ‘JUST WANT CC Sweeting student called for JUSTICE’teachers and administrators to do
more. “I think they could talk to the people who are pressured to be in gangs or who are in gangs like teach them how they could solve it in a positive way instead of solving it in a negative way and reward them for each trial they pass,” he said. “That’s what I think they should do.”
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
A UNION executive at the Bahamas Hotel Managerial Association says that managers at the Grand Lucayan resort are not being unreasonable and are only asking for “fairness and justice” in the negotiations of their voluntary separation packages. The lawyer represeting Lucayan Renewal Holdings said they will not be participating in any further proceedings in the matter set at the Industrial Tribunal in Freeport. Following last week’s proceedings, Kirk Russell, vice president of BHMA, said he was not concerned by their withdrawal from the process as he believes that justice will prevail in the matter. SEE PAGE 11
SUSPECT SHOT DEAD FOR FIRING AT OFFICERS
CHURCH LAUNCHES ENDOWMENT CRASH CLAIMS FUND TO ASSIST UB STUDENTS SECOND VICTIM By RIEL MAJOR Tribune Staff Reporter rmajor@tribunemedia.net
LEFT: How The Tribune reported the LUCAYANdeath of 15-year-old Perry Rolle Jr.
POLICE shot and killed a man who allegedly fired a gun at them on Monday night. The incident took place before 10pm when officers responded to reports of an armed man on Graham Drive, Yellow Elder Gardens. They encountered a man fitting the description and as officers approached the suspect, he produced a firearm, pointed it in the direction of the officers and discharged it, police said. “Officers being in fear for their life, fired their service weapon at the suspect, injuring him,” a police report noted. “Paramedics were called to the scene SEE PAGE FIVE
THE VICTIM: Perry Louis, a 15-year-old from TA Thompson Junior High School.
‘WE CAN’T AFFORD NURSES’ OVERTIME’ By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
AS the Public Hospitals Authority has found itself saddled with high overtime bills - at one time climbing to $750,000 in just one month - Health Minister Dr Duane Sands said the controversial shift system for nurses has been a vexing issue. Giving nurses what they want is not easy, he said yesterday, as paying money
DR DUANE SANDS owed to them is tied to the civil service which has restrictions on how much
the government can offer or how quickly this happens. However, he said officials have been looking at how they could possibly change the compensation for nurses. While stressing yesterday another strike would not serve the interests of Bahamians, the minister said the government was committed to finding a real solution to the issues raised by the Bahamas Nurses Union.
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
SEE PAGE FIVE
TECHNOLOGY
SCHOOL TEACHES STUDENTS WITH VIDEO GAMES
SEE PAGE NINE
Editorial View - Page 4
PAGE 6, Thursday, April 11, 2019
STORR TURNS TABLES ON FERREIRA By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net FORMER Bahamas Mortgage Corporation chairman Alex Storr has suggested turnkey homes provided under the former Christie administration were “undervalued,” pushing back against claims the former government sold homes for more than they were worth. Current Environment and Housing Minister Romauld Ferreira earlier this week insisted new housing initiatives introduced by the Minnis administration rescued Bahamians from the “raw” deals offered
under its predecessor. Mr Ferreira suggested that under the former Christie administration, Bahamians were in many cases being overcharged between $20,000 to $40,000 for government homes. He asserted people were being made to buy homes valued at $140,000 to $150,000, for $170,000 to $180,000. He said this reality served as motivation for the Minnis administration’s decision to discontinue offering turnkey homes, but instead serviced lots. In a statement yesterday, Mr Storr pointed out the BMC has never
been responsible for pricing housing properties, but rather in association with banking institutions, financed the purchases. Mr Storr said pricing under the Christie administration was handled by the Ministry of Housing, of which he contended he had “every confidence” was being responsible. “As everyone knows, lending institutions will not lend you a dime more than a house is worth, and this was never an issue with any of the commercial banks,” he said. “Their survival depends on this.” Mr Storr continued: “As a matter of fact, many of
these houses were actually undervalued as many times infrastructure cost, actual land value, and other incidentals were not considered in the final price. “Rather than making nonsensical, erroneous, and baseless accusations, I humbly suggest the AWOL minister get a handle on his ministry and tackle pertinent issues within such as the houses in Queen’s Park Subdivision that lay vacant after being completed more than a year ago, his failure to comment publicly on the firing of several experienced executives at BMC, or the millions of dollars in revenue shortfall BMC will
be facing because of the shift in the government’s housing policy. “In my opinion, the last issue will severely hamper their ability to service their upcoming due bonds without help from an already overburdened treasury and will most likely mean more government borrowing to add to the billions we already owe,” he added. Mr Storr said the Minnis administration’s various policies have only created grief and hardship for Bahamians, failing to deliver on its many promises of relief. In line with that, he implored the government to focus on improving its own
THE TRIBUNE
ALEX STORR record, rather than blaming the Progressive Liberal Party for its failures. The Minnis administration is seeking to provide 360 lots in its first phase of its current housing initiative.
No politics in report just facts, says sports auditor from page one person to admit that we were wrong.” He continued: “Hopefully the day will come when whether its the FNM, or the PLP, or the DNA, that these reports will not be taken as political. My job is not to make any political statement. We don’t do that, my job is to be a public trust and let the public know our findings. I don’t write my opinion, I write the facts simple.” The NSA audit tabled last week covered the operations of the authority from July 2011 to December 2017 and revealed the authority’s financial allocation increased by more than $3.3m during the election fiscal year. It found that one company received more than $1m in taxpayer funds, but did not complete any of ten deliverables promised to the NSA. Mr Bastian further highlighted irregularities in the payment of employees, an “unusual” handling of petty cash, and stated the organisation’s accounting practices had apparent weaknesses and did not fully comply with regulations. In its wake, Dr Johnson suggested the department did not do a good job, insisting that “every penny” could be accounted for, and further made reference to a “petty, jaundiced, unprincipled, evil and destructive” agenda. For his part, Progressive Liberal Party chairman and Senator Fred Mitchell said the Office of the Auditor General’s reports commissioned by the FNM were
MAIN picture: former Sports Minister Dr Danny Johnson. Above: Auditor General Terrance Bastian
“never what it seems”. In 2015, Mr Bastian’s reports into the Freeport Passport Office and the Marsh Harbour Road Traffic Department sparked police probes into missing funds. In his report for the 2012-2013 fiscal year, the previous Christie
administration’s first year in office, Mr Bastian stated efforts to scrutinise the government’s spending had been “impeded”. He accused unnamed civil servants of “a lack of co-operation” with his office’s audit efforts — actions that amount to breaking
the law — but also resulted in civil servants escaping accountability for “loss or wastage” of taxpayer monies. That report also reveals that the Office of the Auditor General is under-staffed by some 43 percent - with just 45 staff. The sum
is almost 50 percent below the 78 workers Mr Bastian deemed necessary. According to Tribune Business, Mr Bastian suggested the government implement a real-time, integrated financial management system — covering the entire public sector —as a way to boost accountability in the way it manages the people’s money. Yesterday, Mr Bastian said: “We are definitely understaffed, we could triple our staff today and get more done. But I don’t know if I want to use the word lack of confidence, maybe certain people may have a lack of confidence but my workers don’t have a lack of confidence. We are confident in the work that we do. “I believe my report speaks for itself. I’m not defending the facts, the facts speak for itself.”
S0 WHERE IS THE VAT MONEY GOING?
FORMER Attorney General Alfred Sears’ recent assertion that the Bahamas’ has an “upside down” economic model is still drawing comments from readers on tribune242. com. Giordano posted this: “If we dollarised the Bahamian economy, there are no changes of anything
internally for any local and we still don’t know where the VAT MONEY is going because, while this administration is in power,
they have failed to provide TRANSPARENCY as they said would do when they were in opposition. The fact of the matter is that they are collecting HUGE amounts of money from local ‘taxpayers’ and, from Mr Sear’s standpoint, it’s not clear if they are charging foreigners equally like locals. The most important
thing, right now, is transparency. Where is the VAT MONEY is going?” Sickened said: “Needless to say our whole system of government needs to be overhauled and modernised. It is broken but yet these politicians stay with it, because they are the only ones who truly know how it works and how they can benefit from it.”
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, April 11, 2019, PAGE 7
A crime against nature A2MAIN
PAGE 2, Wednesday, April 10, 2019
THE TRIBUNE
Death of boy, 15, highlights need for more ambulances from page one
Dr Sands added the ambulance arrived on scene 12 minutes after it was dispatched. Wilna Joseph, Robert’s mother, told The Tribune she made the 2.10 pm call, but was shocked to learn from both the dispatcher and others on the scene at Dairy Queen that previous calls had been made. “That call that came in at 2.10, that was me who called,” Ms Joseph said. “And when I spoke to the lady (the dispatcher), she told me, ‘I already (got) couple calls, couple calls already came in. I’m trying to get an ambulance straight for him right now’ because at that time there was no ambulance available.” These sentiments were echoed by Robert Valcom Sr, the boy’s father. “People who was there say they call
from page one these animal prisons never disclose when one of their ‘inmates’ die. Empty the tanks! Empty the cages!” The environmental activist said dolphins should be placed in sanctuaries to live the rest of their days in peace rather than harassed daily for profit. “These captive bred animals are now a subspecies of dolphins - most will never be able to return to the wild because they’ve not learned to hunt or to protect themselves in the wild. They are fed dead fish which they literally beg for… In the wild they’d be underwater catching fish. “All over the world facilities are beginning to close and homes — sanctuaries — will be needed to house them. Baltimore Aquarium has retired their dolphins and are working on a sanctuary for theirs. “It’s a crime against nature.” said Mrs Duncombe. According to the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), dolphins are intelligent and social creatures that, in the wild, interact with hundreds of pod-mates, hunt communally and have entire coastlines as their playground. In captivity, all of this is denied them. The WSPA says: “Captive dolphins are fed dead fish (wild dolphins only catch and eat live fish) and they face a profound reduction in space and stimulation. “Dolphins in the wild may swim up to 40 or 50 miles in a day and can dive to depths of hundreds of feet. Even in the largest captive facilities, dolphins have access to less than 1/10,000 of one percent of the space available to them in their natural environment. Because of this,
the ambulance for like an hour,” Mr Valcom told The Tribune. “The gentleman who did CPR on him said he was there an hour, trying to bring him (Robert) through. And the ambulance did not arrive.” Mr Valcom added he called both Doctors Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital on his way to his son and was informed by both that no ambulances were available. When asked if more ambulances should be brought in, Ms Joseph said: “I think they should, because this is ridiculous… How many more people are going to die because of this? “If there was an ambulance, I probably would have been going to the hospital every single day. That I’d rather do, but now I’m on the road making arrangements for funeral. And this could have been
AN Atlantic bottlenose dolphin calf named Duchess is the “newest member of the family” at Blue Lagoon Island. Her mother, Princess, at age 52 is one of the oldest known dolphins in captivity around the world. Duchess’ father is Stormy. According to a press release, Duchess was born in the allnatural habitat on Blue Lagoon Island on November 21, 2018. The marine mammal team was able to confirm her gender a few weeks after her birth and has been monitoring her health and progress daily. “She’s a very pretty little dolphin,” said George Rodgers, Blue Lagoon Island’s zoological director. “As with people, they all look different, believe it or not. And she’s a very good looking little dolphin. Perfectly formed. Weight distributed exactly where it should be. Very active, energetic, all the signs are good. She will continue to nurse from her mother for quite some time yet.” Dolphin calves are similar to human babies in that that they are not born with survival skills to fend for themselves and rely on their mothers who teach them everything they need to know, starting with the first lesson immediately after birth, which is how to swim to the surface to breathe, Blue Lagoon said. Mr Rodgers says Princess, who has now had four boys and two girls, is a great mom. “She’s never happier than when she’s got a calf. She really is an excellent, excellent mother and Duchess is coming along really quickly as a result of her mother’s experience,” he explained. Already the young calf is mimicking her mother and the other dolphins she lives with and is flipping – and sometimes flopping – out of the water, playing with any fish thrown her way, and in general exploring her world. Mr Rodgers explained that at birth, a dolphin calf’s flippers and fins are extremely soft, “but they begin to get strength, they begin to learn to swim, to become more
avoided. They really need to do better.” Ms Joseph heartbreakingly told The Tribune she will be turning 35-years-old tomorrow. “What a birthday present,” the distraught mother said. She described her son as easy to get along with and a caring brother to her 19, 11, and five-month old children. She added he was a lover of math and science. Mr Valcom added they were unaware of their son having any pre-existing conditions. He noted this is the second child he’s lost, as his 12-year-old daughter died during a back surgery about five years ago. He last surviving child is 19-years-old. When asked for a response to the parents’ calls for more ambulances, Dr Sands told The Tribune yesterday: “We would like to get to as many as one ambulance per 20,000 population on the road at any given
ROBERT Sean Valcom Jr, a student at SC McPherson. time. That requires a huge investment in EMS – vehicles, equipment and staff. “Such investments cannot be made in isolation but has to be reflective of investments in health and the
general economy, education, national security, etc. “We empathise with the grieving family,” Dr Sands continued. “As reported, all five EMS vehicles were out on
other calls, as were Doctors Hospital vehicles. We usually have five to six teams and vehicles on each shift. Now, with injuries, we run a maximum of five per shift. “EMS Nassau does 18,000 runs per year. As many as 3,000 are for runs that do not need an ambulance. “Careful consideration when calling an ambulance can reduce the likelihood that an ambulance is not available when needed. “Further, ambulance services are not free. For the 18,000 EMS runs we collect less than $40,000 total...or only about $2.50 per run... two dollars and fifty cents.” When asked, Dr Sands could not provide an official timeline for when more ambulances will be brought in, he noted the priority would be Grand Bahama, Abaco, and other islands; noting the Bahamas “is more than just Nassau”.
Duchess the dolphin BLUE LAGOON WELCOMES ITS YOUNGEST MEMBER
DUCHESS swims around with here mother, Princess. At 52, she is one of the oldest known dolphins in captivity around the world. Duchess’ father is Stormy.
independent and then they begin to experiment like children when they begin to walk. They’re clumsy at first. They flip around. But they enjoy it. So they start jumping more and more and as I say, they have the adults as an example to copy from. It doesn’t take long before they perfect the technique.” Duchess and Princess will remain a close pair for at least another year and a half as Duchess is nursing, Blue Lagoon said. Atlantic bottlenose dolphins do not experience menopause, so as long as they are healthy, well cared for and living in pristine conditions, they can give birth and rear calves at an advanced age, the marine park noted.
The dolphins at Blue Lagoon Island have a preventative medicine programme, veterinary care onsite, high quality food and diets that are analysed and modified for their individual needs and tastes, as well as vitamin supplements and a highly qualified team to care for them, the press release said. To ensure that the marine mammal programme at Blue Lagoon Island continues to provide the highest level of care and conditions for its dolphins, sea lions and stingrays, the company maintains a number of key international accreditations including the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums and
the International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association, it was noted. In 2018, Dolphin Encounters at Blue Lagoon Island became the first facility in the Bahamas to achieve certification by the American Humane Conservation programme. “They inspect us. And we have to satisfy them that our animals have the best possible care... that they come first in everything we do. They’re completely independent and non-profit. They are only interested in animals’ welfare. And yes, we were the first in the Bahamas and we’re amongst the handful of zoological facilities at the moment worldwide that
do have this accreditation,” Mr Rodgers explained. Duchess is the 21st of the 25 dolphins at Blue Lagoon Island to be born under the care of the marine mammal team. According to the company, Dolphin Encounters got its start in 1989 as an “act of compassion” when the company’s founder learned that there were two dolphins living at an aquarium in Nassau that had gone out of business. He decided to buy them and give them a better home at his property in Abaco. A few years later they relocated to their current all natural habitat on Blue Lagoon Island. Princess is one of those founder dolphins.
LEFT: Duchess and her mother Princess: Above: How The Tribune reported the story yesterday. Below: Sam Duncombe, reEarth’s president.
FREE THE DOLPHINS, DON’T BREED THEM, SAYS ACTIVIST SAM DUNCOMBE AFTER DUCHESS BORN dolphins in captivity are often restricted to swimming in circles. In many dolphins, this behaviour is a sign that the dolphin is suffering psychologically; it is engaging in what is known as a stereotypical behaviour. “For an inquisitive, intelligent creature like the dolphin, a barren tank offers no exploratory stimuli compared to the vast, complex ocean.” The WSPA further states
that captive dolphins are reduced to “little more than beggars” due to the use of food as a training tool. “Dolphins in captivity are not given the option to end interactions or performances when they would like to. They are trained to perform through ‘operant conditioning,’” the WSPA says. “For many animals, this means that satisfaction of hunger is dependent on performing tricks; for others,
hunger is deliberately induced so the training will be effective.” Blue Lagoon released a press statement earlier this week introducing an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin calf named Duchess as the “newest member of the family” on its island. Her mother Princess, at age 52, is one of the oldest known dolphins in captivity around the world. Duchess was born in the all-natural habitat on Blue
Lagoon Island on November 21, 2018. In 2018, Dolphin Encounters at Blue Lagoon Island became the first facility in The Bahamas to achieve certification by the American Humane Conservation programme, the company said. “They inspect us. And we have to satisfy them that our animals have the best possible care... that they come first in everything we do. They’re completely independent
and non-profit. They are only interested in animals’ welfare. And yes, we were the first in the Bahamas and we’re amongst the handful of zoological facilities at the moment worldwide that do have this accreditation,” George Rodgers, Blue Lagoon’s zoological director, explained. Duchess is the 21st of the 25 dolphins at Blue Lagoon Island to be born under the care of Blue Lagoon’s marine mammal team.
PAGE 8, Thursday, April 11, 2019
THE TRIBUNE
To really grow our W economy we need foreigners - tens of thousands of them
HENEVER I look at a map of the Caribbean I am astonished at the size of our country: an archipelago 760 miles long, matching the arc stretching from the Virgin Islands down to Trinidad, giving us sovereignty over the 150,000 square miles of earth and water known as the Lucayan Sea. With a land mass of 5,500 square miles comprising our 700 island and cays, we dwarf most of fellow Caricom members like Barbados, Antigua and Grenada, flyspeck island nations of lovely scenes and vigorous people but not blessed with the God-given geography that makes us unique. There’s no other Caribbean nation that comes close to all our advantages: · Two distinct government, commercial, financial and tourist centres, with the sophisticated facilities of established Nassau and steadily improving Freeport. · The industrial zone of Grand Bahama with its container trans-shipment terminal, ship-repair yard and manufacturing and technology zones. · Higher education like the dynamic young University of the Bahamas. · Agricultural potential provided by the sweeping fields of Andros. · The Western Hemisphere’s two largest resort hotel complexes in Atlantis and Baha Mar. · The mini-archipelago of the Abacos, a yachting paradise.. · The unmatched marine and undersea resources of the Exuma chain. · The barely tapped potential of skinny islands like Eleuthera and Long, Cat and Ragged, where choice realty abuts incomparable beaches or shorelines. · All the above just across the Gulf Stream from the US market, served by nearly a dozen airports with direct flights to American terminals.
THE BAHAMAS has the Western Hemisphere’s two largest resort hotel complexes in Atlantis and Baha Mar, pictured.
Until about 50 years ago our dispersion across many islands was a hindrance, not a help, to development. Limited telecommunications and movement only by sail-driven mail-boats, served to keep our citizens apart not bring them together. All that has changed. The Internet and its many digital cousins, plus ever improving air and marine transport, are demolishing the problems of geographical distance. Eventually bridges and causeways may do more. Our continuing problem is simply – people. We have plenty of bright Bahamians and the shortcomings of our public primary and secondary education are being addressed. But our present 400,000 population — actuarially predicted soon to level off and decline — is too small to provide the human resources for a growing economy. We need radical re-thinking of our immigration policy, to double
our numbers to at least 800,000. No growing country can move forward with stagnant population. The United States did not fulfil its destiny by stopping with the Mayflower Party and its Anglo-Saxon descendants from the British Isles. They were followed by successive immigrant waves from Nordic countries, Ireland, Italy, Poles and Slavs, later Latins and Orientals, all of whom entered the melting pot and became proud American citizens. Black Africans, imported disgracefully as slaves, went though the transformation process and joined the national consensus. The same must happen with The Bahamas. With millions of educated, qualified foreigners eager to move and work here, our Government can surely pick and choose a few hundred thousand who would soon become proud, contributing, Bahamian citizens. Their race and colour
would be immaterial, so our traditional ratio of roughly 90 percent black citizenship would inevitably decline, as we too became a more diverse melting pot. Fears of congestion from rising numbers are unrealistic, particularly when spread across many islands. New Providence itself has a density of only about 3,400 people per square mile, compared with Singapore with over 20,000. Many observers point to that compact island nation
of 5.6 million as successfully combining a nexus of office towers and hi-rise condos with ample preserved acres of parks and green space. With proper planning, New Providence can develop in the same way, with downtown Nassau accepting the busy citified features of a Miami or Panama while surrounding areas remain residential or suburban. Charles Town’s colonial character can be strengthened. Only nostalgia for past
ways can hold us back from essential change. And nostalgia is a sentiment for the old; the younger generation ignore it. Blind Blake and The Cat and the Fiddle that I enjoyed can be remembered and revered. But today’s tourists and locals packing Baha Mar’s Blue Note are blown away by our Vice Versa trio, whose “sheet music” now consists of digital I-pads carrying infinite tunes. Yes, times do change.
It’s time the Grand Bahama Port Authority called it a day WHEN the Hawksbill Creek Agreement was signed in 1955, creating the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) and the free-trade zone based in Freeport, The Bahamas was still an impoverished Crown Colony. Mass tourism and international banking had barely begun, and the mother country
could provide minimal financial support. Development could only come from risk-taking foreign entrepreneurs like American Wallace Groves, and later the British St. George and Hayward families. In return for cash and business expertise, HM Government had no choice but to sign away virtually sovereign rights
of governance over a 230 square mile swath of Bahamian territory in Grand Bahama. Again, times have changed. The entire GBPA structure only survives as a colonial anachronism. After the death of the brilliant Edward St. George in 2004, its role in major new investment sharply
declined, as Freeport and GB sank into recession due to family disputes, backto-back hurricanes and the fading cooperation of major GBPA partner, Hong Kong-based HutchisonWhampoa . Not the GBPA, but our Ministers of Finance and Tourism, together with Minister for Grand Bahama
Kwasi Thompson, and Hotel Corporation chairman Mike Scott, took the lead in announcing and negotiating the purchase and planned resale of the Grand Lucaya Resort, as part of a new tourist centre initiated by Royal Caribbean together with Mexican ITM hotel group, in addition to the separate cruise port being undertaken by Carnival Cruises in another part of the island. These ventures clearly represent the wave of the future in Grand Bahama’s renaissance. The St. George and Hayward family heirs remain owners and directors of GBPA but are rarely visible in creating new business. The GBPA remains active with many administrative functions, licensing businesses and providing municipal services throughout Freeport. These responsibilities, and its experienced staff, could be transferred to Government. We already have an active Minister of State for Grand Bahama. His office could be expanded to assume all the responsibilities of the GBPA. This would terminate the peculiar status where most of the island is run by the State with a big chunk in the middle carved out under separate GBPA jurisdiction. Combining them would
THE BRILLIANT Edward St. George, who died in 2004.
eliminate numerous turf battles between different regulators each claiming rights of supervision. It would also simplify the continuing financial negotiations wrangling about who collects and spends taxes and duties. Of course any such combination or merger would require acquisition of the two families’ controlling equity interests in the GBPA, in effect for years. This should not suggest any form of forced nationalization, but rather a negotiated transaction recognizing fair valuation. Any arrangement must reflect the nation holding sovereign control of its territory, but in partnership with private investors seeking a longterm capital return from financing a major position in Grand Bahama’s growth potential. The concept has already been followed with our Nassau’s airport and container port, and it’s expected that our massive new cruise port will follow the same pattern. Acquiring the GBPA would be a larger deal, which must include Hutchison-Whampoa’s under-performing realty holdings and highcost airport. But our Ministry of Finance, with growing expertise carefully run by Minister Turnquest, should be able to handle the challenge.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, April 11, 2019, PAGE 9
PLP TO HAVE ITS SAY ON IMMIGRATION BILL
By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
THE Official Opposition is planning to make recommendations to the government’s Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill 2018 now out for public consultation. Philip “Brave” Davis, official opposition leader, noted that following a briefing with Dame Anita Allen, Law Reform and Revision Commission chairwoman, it was confirmed that the version of the bill in the public domain is not set in stone, leaving room for changes.
He said the party will consult and decide on the aspects it believes should be revised. “We were briefed today (yesterday) by Dame Allen who indicated that the proposed document being circulated is being circulated without regard to what the commission would have gathered from conversations reviewing issues that impact the immigration, asylum and nationality, particularly having regard to the constitutional provisions,” Mr Davis said yesterday. “The document that has been produced and is in circulation would have been produced from the law commissioner’s office
without any input as yet from the government and it is not carved in stone. “I would perhaps call it a consultative paper they put out to get the views of all stakeholders including the government, the opposition and the wider public. Then thereafter a final document will be produced that will reflect the views and philosophy of the present government. We have been invited to make some recommendations to it, which we hope to be able to do in due course.” The Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill 2018 features expanded grounds for the refusal of citizenship under the
constitution, and registration and naturalisation under the law to include terrorism, human and drug trafficking, as well as gangrelated activities. Activities that are against the interests of national security and public policy are also included as proposed grounds for refusal. While existing clauses concerning the renunciation and deprivation of citizenship are re-enacted, it is now required to notify people who are being deprived, and mandates an inquiry be held before the decision is carried out. The bill specifies that deprivation of
citizenship applies to people who have been naturalised under articles 7, 9 and 10 of the constitution. This includes people who were born in The Bahamas and applied to get citizenship because their parents were non-Bahamians; people who were born outside The Bahamas to a Bahamian woman and applied to get citizenship; and foreigners who marry a Bahamian citizen and got citizenship through application. The new bill also proposes to establish a new regime of appeals for the Immigration Department.
‘Show us the deal for Town Centre Mall’ By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
WHILE doubting the government will meet its latest General Post Office relocation date, Opposition leader Philip “Brave” Davis yesterday urged the government to lay on the table of the House of Assembly the lease agreement for the Town Centre Mall. Mr Davis said he did not believe Transport and Aviation Minister Renward Wells’ assertion that the facility is now 99 percent complete or that the move would happen during the third week in May. The Progressive Liberal Party made an impromptu visit to the mall about three weeks ago. At that point, the new Post Office site appeared far from complete.
“It was always a smokescreen to hide the wish of the government to do something for one of their members,” said Mr Davis. “So they created this expectation that the Post Office would have been ready in December. It wasn’t ready December (so) they gave another date. “I doubt that they will be able to keep this date given the state of the repairs now. We don’t believe them and we don’t trust their word. We will wait to see.” He continued: “While we are on the question, we want them to lay the lease. “What are the lease arrangements that governs the occupancy of the Post Office at that site? There was a promise from them to lay it on the table. Why has it not been laid? “We want them to disclose it.”
Trade, Financial Services and Immigration Minister Brent Symonette is coowner of the mall. Mr Davis also questioned the specifications of the new location being a turnkey operation. This was revealed on Tuesday by Mr Wells who told reporters the government’s out of pocket expense so far was $70,000 for furniture and $130,000 for necessary electrical work. “Well that don’t sound like a turnkey to me if they had to come up with any sums to make the place occupancy ready for the services that are going to be occupied in that building,” said Mr Davis. “Another thing is what does ‘turnkey’ mean? Are there any hidden recuperative costs in the arrangement? “That’s why the lease
THE PLP on its surprise tour of the Town Centre Mall post office in March. document needs to be laid. I need to see what is in writing between them.” On Tuesday, the minister described the new General Post Office location as “state of the art”. He told reporters that the Post Office Bank and the cafeteria were finished before Christmas 2018, but the move was not approved because he did not want a piecemeal move. Specifically regarding the delay, Mr Wells said several factors played a role in not being able to meet deadlines.
He said it all came down to different aspects of the facility’s drawings needing to be redone, issues with mailboxes and problems with some parts of the building’s power supply for equipment like CCTV. Last October, an initial deadline of December 15, 2018 was set for the move. However, by November the government said the relocation was set for between Christmas and the end of 2018. But when December came, that deadline was extended to January 1 and when that
date had passed, Mr Wells said the new relocation date would be moved to the middle of February. Overall, issues at the run down East Hill Street location have impacted the revenue generation capability of the Post Office, now reducing its contribution to the consolidated fund to around $2m from about $6m in 2012, Mr Wells said. He said it is the government’s intention to restore the essential service to its former efficiency will be aided by additional staff to ensure mail is handled properly.
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PAGE 10, Thursday, April 11, 2019
F
LORIDA: The Sunshine State. Now widely estimated to be the third most populous state in America, right behind California and Texas and, pending the results of the 2020 census, formally overtaking New York. The Bahamas’ favourite shopping centre. Home to a city (Miami) often called the most important city in South America. Winter playground for northeast American millionaires and common folk who can afford it. For lots of Canadians, too. And because of its diversity and rising population, Florida is seen as the pivotal state in American presidential politics: It’s become really difficult to capture the White House without taking Florida. The title of national bellwether used to belong to Ohio, but not anymore. It’s Florida. Politics and sex are at the heart of two recent Florida scandals. Both touch on issues that seem to be rising not only in America but in many of the world’s democracies in this age of blurred ethical and legal lines and ever starker distinctions between the very rich and everyone else. We’re not going to the barricades here, but just pausing for a moment of reflection on what these two Florida cases might mean for the administration of justice in the US. The more recent scandal is likely quite familiar by now. It involves Robert Kraft, the billionaire owner of the mighty New England Patriots, winners of 16 NFL division championships and six Super Bowls since 2001 under the leadership of coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady. Kraft is known to be pretty friendly with US President Trump. Brady, reputedly Republican-leaning politically, may actually be someone Trump envies a little bit. None of that is likely related to the fact Kraft was caught
THE TRIBUNE
Sunshine and Scandals POLITICS and sex are at the heart of two recent Florida scandals. Left, Jeffrey Epstein and, right, Robert Kraft
up in a federal and local law enforcement counter human trafficking operation that snagged several South Florida massage parlours and health spas that may have also served as brothels. Kraft was allegedly revealed on tape accepting the services of a prostitute. But will his social and political connections influence how the Kraft case is legally disposed? Jeffrey Epstein is not a highly visible sports team owner. He is a hedge fund multimillionaire who lives in Palm Beach and was
STATESIDE with Charlie Harper investigated by local law enforcement and ultimately the FBI for running a sex trafficking ring of mostly underage girls for his and his friends’ pleasure. Some of those friends reportedly included Bill Clinton and Donald Trump. Another
influential acquaintance may turn out to be Alex Acosta, who was serving as the top federal law enforcement officer in South Florida when Trump nominated him as Secretary of Labour. Acosta seems to have been effective and
successful as US Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. He went after money laundering banks, drug cartels and corrupt local officials, securing convictions in many highprofile cases, starting in 2005.
CUBAN SHUTOUT LIKELY TO BE THE NEXT PLAY HANLEY Ramirez, who once starred for the Florida Marlins, and Carlos Santana are now two Cleveland Indians teammates who were born in the Dominican Republic and were granted American citizenship recently. That’s not too unusual for foreign-born baseball stars, many of them from the Caribbean, who enter the US on work permits and often have long and successful careers. That course may not be possible for Cuban baseball stars anymore, however. As part of a general toughening in approach toward the Cuban
regime, the US administration has just terminated an Obama-era agreement whereby Cuban baseball stars could enter the US legally on work permits to play professional baseball. That agreement resembled the pact between Major League Baseball and the top Japanese leagues under which just-retired surefire Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki, pictured right, entered the US and broke all sorts of records for the Seattle Mariners.
While on baseball, Seattle and Tampa Bay have raced to unexpected early leads in their divisions. While the Rays are a good team that won 90 games last year and just missed the playoffs, Seattle dumped several of its biggest stars in the offseason and faced a dismal forecast. But starting with two wins over Oakland in regular season games played in Japan, the Mariners have swept aside defending World Series champion Boston and own the most wins in MLB.
But during 2007-08, Acosta approved what is called a federal nonprosecution agreement on Epstein. Under its terms, Epstein was granted immunity from all related federal charges. He served 13 months in a private wing at the Palm Beach County jail, with work release from jail for up to 12 hours a day, six days a week. He was also permitted to travel to New York and the U.S. Virgin Islands on his private jet. This is not exactly the same as serving 13 months at Fox Hill Prison. Last November, a dogged Miami Herald reporter prized the lid off this dust-gathering Pandora’s Box and reported the stories of many of Epstein’s alleged victims. The resulting controversy ended the reported possibility of Acosta replacing Jeff Sessions as Attorney General. But while liberals and other Trump foes are attempting to fan the embers of public outrage back to a full blaze, Epstein and Acosta continue with their lives. As Secretary of Labour, Acosta retains his key role in combatting sex trafficking. Meanwhile, Kraft’s attorneys are launching a legal blitz aimed at keeping out of sight as much as possible of his tawdry alleged activity. There is open speculation that they are hoping to delay any release of videotaped or other evidence that might further sully Kraft’s reputation or by extension, that of the NFL where he remains a very influential owner. The delay, it is hoped, will last until the public tires of the issue. While these cases certainly appear to differ by orders of magnitude, they do have some elements in common. It will be worth watching what further public shaming or legal jeopardy Epstein, Acosta or Kraft may suffer. If their penalties are moderate or even trivial, will it be due to political connections?
Sporting contrasts THE BAYLOR team surrounds the NCAA championship trophy after defeating Notre Dame 82-81, at the NCAA women’s college basketball tournament.
THE recently-completed US men’s and women’s collegiate basketball championships offered some real contrasts. On the men’s side, the Final Four featured some unexpected participants and only one team that had previously won a title. That team, Michigan State, was bounced by much less heralded Texas Tech in the semi-finals. The Red Raiders then advanced to face regional top seed Virginia, which had squeaked by several opponents in the tournament including Final Four foe Auburn. Virginia won the championship in overtime in a contest that
probably exceeded the pre-game hype. For many observers, the absence on the final weekend of perennial powerhouses like Kentucky, Duke, North Carolina and Kansas was actually refreshing. The women’s draw, as is very often the case, was chalk almost all the way. Many had predicted the final match-up of Baylor and defending champion Notre Dame. Baylor dethroned the Irish to win the crown. Baylor really burst on the national scene with superstar Brittney Griner nine years ago and has been at least a regional power ever since. The 6’
8” Griner led Baylor to a 40-0 record and its first national title in 2012, also defeating Notre Dame. The women’s game is sometimes criticised for its seemingly stratified hierarchy of dominant teams, and this year proved to be no exception. But the sport’s first prominent major power, Tennessee, has faltered since legendary Pat Summitt retired, and the school fired its coach this month. UConn, which took the mantle from Tennessee and racked up record winning streaks, lost in the semi-finals to Notre Dame last week and might also be fading a bit.
Why it’s got to be a dog AT LONG last, there is an answer to a question that has intrigued pet owners since people started having dogs and cats as household pets. What does your preference for one or the other say about you? Last year, the American General Social Survey, a respected organization, tried to find out. Their survey revealed that six out of every ten US.households has a pet. In terms of reported happiness, there was little difference between pet owners and non-pet owners. But hear this: Dog owners say they are happy more than twice as often as do
cat owners. The survey showed also dog owners are much more likely to be married than cat owners, and are also more likely to own their own homes. Of course, if you walk your dog, you get some exercise yourself, get out of the house into the fresh air, meet neighbours in their yards and other dog walkers. So there are plenty of ancillary benefits to dog ownership, all of which could contribute to a sense of well-being and happiness. The survey also said dog owners were much more likely to consider their pet to be a full member of the family.
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Thursday, April 11, 2019, PAGE 11
‘Conviction will be condoning police brutality’ By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net THE attorney for a man accused of murdering a gang member as part of a murder plot three years ago yesterday warned jurors that convicting his client would be akin to condoning police brutality as an appropriate method of investigation. David Cash, Jahmaro Edgecombe’s attorney, told jurors that accepting the Crown’s claims that his client admitted to killing Kenyari Lightbourne would be like putting a “stamp of approval” on police savagery. And without Edgecombe’s confession to police, which he asserted is “tainted with brutality and torture”, Mr Cash said the Crown’s evidence against his client consequently amounts to “nothing”. Meanwhile, Nathan Smith, the attorney for Sean “Fire” Brown, submitted that the Crown’s evidence against his client is “pathetic” and that a “plethora of doubt” surrounds his alleged involvement in the matter. Mr Smith said the evidence against his client is a “mere allegation” that a police officer said that when he arrested Brown, the accused confessed his involvement in the matter. But besides that officer’s claims, which Mr Smith stressed the officer made no formal note of, no “independent evidence” exists that actually links Brown to the crime. However, lead Crown prosecutor Racquel Whymms encouraged jurors to analyse the evidence as a whole and use their “common sense” to find Edgecombe and Brown guilty of their respective crimes. She also asserted that a guilty verdict could be the only verdict
the jury could return with, as what the officer said Brown confessed to him was corroborated by what Edgecombe said in his confession to police. Ms Whymms said that notwithstanding the allegations of police brutality, “no proof whatsoever” of those claims has been adduced in court. The submissions were made during Edgecombe’s and Brown’s trial before Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson concerning Lightbourne’s death. On June 21, 2016, Lightbourne was shot multiple times while walking through his neighbourhood off Market Street. He died at the scene. Daran Neely and Edgecombe aka “Bingy”, the alleged gunman, were arraigned within months of each other in 2016 in connection with Lightbourne’s death. Brown was charged with being an accessory after the fact. Evidence was previously led that Edgecombe killed Lightbourne not only in furtherance of a murder plot the Crown claimed was hatched by Neely, but because he and the deceased were gang rivals. The jury watched a video in which Edgecombe admitted to killing Lightbourne because of his affiliation with the Mad Ass gang when initially interviewed by then Detective Constable Raphael Miller just three weeks after the incident in question. During that interview, Edgecombe said he was after Lightbourne and several other affiliates of the Mad Ass gang, namely “Spider”, “Eyes”, and “Kadi”, with the promise that he could be paid $8,000 for killing any of them. Lightbourne ended up being the one he shot and killed that day. Edgecombe also told the
officer that Neely was the one who authorised the hit on Lightbourne’s life some days before the actual murder, and that it was Neely who sent Brown to pay him the $6,000 for successfully executing the crime. Last week, however, Justice Grant-Thompson instructed the jury to acquit Neely following submissions by his attorneys that he had no case to answer. Subsequent to that, Edgecombe, taking the witness stand in his own defence, said officers squeezed his testicles and suffocated him with a plastic bag to get him to confess to killing Lightbourne. However, Edgecombe said the officers who threatened and manhandled him told him they didn’t really want him; they were more interested in him implicating the “big fish”, namely Sean “Fire” Brown and Daran Neely. And for that reason, he said officers forcibly instructed him on what to say during his record of interview, and also instructed him on what to do and say when they would ultimately record a video of him showing them exactly where and how he allegedly committed the crime. Edgecombe also said officers tried to use allegations that he shot at the police prior to Lightbourne’s death as leverage in the situation by saying they would drop those charges against him if he cooperated with their scheme. However, Ms Whymms encouraged jurors not to “buy into” Edgecombe’s “performance”, suggesting that it was likely a by-product of his experience in prison, which she asserted is an institution of higher learning for criminality in which accused persons discuss ways and tactics to get off criminal charges. The case continues.
MURPHY STEPS UP AS NEW COMMISSIONER NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames has announced the appointment of Charles Murphy as commissioner of the Bahamas Department Correctional Services. The appointment took effect on January 29. Mr Murphy previously served as acting commissioner. He was identified as the successful candidate out of nine applicants after the post of commissioner of correctional services was advertised both locally and abroad last year. He succeeds former Commissioner of Correctional Services Patrick Wright who officially retired on August 29, 2018. An official handing over ceremony at BDCS will take place on Monday. “I am pleased to appoint Mr Murphy as commissioner of correctional services,” said Mr Dames. “He has an
impressive professional record having served for nearly four decades and will lead the process of transformation at the institution.” A native of Mayaguana, Mr Murphy began his career at then Her Majesty’s Prison on August 11,1980 as a prison officer and was awarded the coveted baton of honour as the most outstanding recruit in his squad. His career steadily progressed over 38 years from corporal in 1993 to acting commissioner in 2018. Mr Murphy earned a Master of Arts Degree in Public Administration from McHari’s International College, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Administration from the University of the Bahamas and an Associate of Arts Degree in Law and Criminal Justice from the University of the Bahamas.
PAGE 12, Thursday, April 11, 2019
PROTECTED AREAS CAN AID CONCH research study brings hope for how to save the imperiled marine snail’s future,” Monday’s press release noted. “The study … shows that conch within a wellenforced marine protected area (MPA), an area where fishing is banned, reproduced and replenished populations of queen conch within fishing grounds. “The results highlight the importance of MPAs beyond their borders, and the study suggests where to expand a network of protected areas within the Bahamas to benefit queen conch populations across the island nation.”
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A NEW study has confirmed that marine protected areas such as the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park can help save The Bahamas’ queen conch stocks, as they help replenish nearby populations. The study calls for the creation of a “network of MPAs” that will facilitate the exchange of queen conch larvae “for a sustainable future”. It also suggests locations for future MPAs, such as between the ECLSP and Great Guana Cay, Abaco.
The study, “Ecological spillover from a marine protected area replenishes an over-exploited population across an island chain”, was published by the Chicagobased Shedd Aquarium last month. The findings were revealed in a press release issued on Monday. Shedd Aquarium was the same group which found in October 2018 that the Bahamas’ queen conch supply could be wiped out in 10-15 years unless significant measures are taken to cut fishing pressure. “After a 2018 review of queen conch populations in The Bahamas indicated rapid declines, a new
WINTON MEADOWS SUBDIVISION NO.1 LOT NO: 115 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: Single Family Residence PROPERTY SIZE: 8,000 sq. ft. ACCOMMODATION: Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, powder, foyer, living room, dining room, family room, kitchen, laundry room and a single carport. LOCATION: Traveling east along Prince Charles Drive from Culberts Hill, take the first corner on the right Jasmine Drive. Heading south, take the second corner on the right, Violet Drive. The subject properties the fourth house on the left. APPRAISED VALUE: $266,000
INTERESTED PARTIES SHOULD CONTACT: SHERRY THURSTON: 397-6510 OR 376-1343 / IAN SYMONETTE: 397-6513 OR 397-6940
Shedd Aquarium research biologist and and the study’s lead author Dr Andy Kough notes the research “unequivocally demonstrated that conch protected within a no-take park replenished nearby populations as they reproduced and their babies, called veliger larvae, spilled over into non-protected areas.” “If some areas where adults are abundant enough to breed are protected, they can help ensure a healthy environment and thriving fishery with conch for years to come,” Dr Kough said. To confirm these findings, the research team studied both adults and larvae by using SCUBA surveys to collect information on the age, size, and abundance of
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By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net
adult conch and a computer programme to estimate where larvae are dispersed, according to the press release. One study area was the ECLSP, and there were three key research findings: there are three times as many adult conch within the MPA; effective MPA enforcement by Bahamian officials resulted in conch that were bigger and older; and larvae that originated from the MPA settled in unprotected areas outside of its borders, including fished sites with densities currently too low for reproduction. BNT marine science officer and study co-author Agnes Lundy said during their conversations with fishers and communities,
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it was acknowledged that conchs are getting harder to find and that people want to help them rebound. “Based on the noted success of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park and the desire of Bahamians to help conch bounce back, the study suggests locations for future MPAs, such as between the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park and Great Guana Cay.”
BLACKBEARD’S TOWER SUBDIVISION LOT NO. 14 & 15 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: Single family residential PROPERTY SIZE: 47,343 sq. ft. ACCOMMODATION: Ground floor comprises guest bedroom with ensuite bathroom, one bedroom, one bath, powder room, foyer, living room, family room, sitting room, kitchen, breakfast nook, laundry room, two car garage. First floor comprises the master bedroom suite, upper living room, two additional bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom and walk in closets. The lower level comprises one bedroom, one bath, storage room and recreation room. LOCATION: Traveling east along the Eastern Road from Fox Hill Road, take the 2nd corner on the right, Blackbeard’s Terrace. Follow the road until it turns right and the subject property is on the immediate right building number 18. APPRAISED VALUE: $1,971,000
FOR SALE
INTERESTED PARTIES SHOULD CONTACT: SHERRY THURSTON: 397-6510 OR 376-1343 / IAN SYMONETTE: 397-6513 OR 397-6940
STAR ESTATES SUBDIVISION LOT NO. 67 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: Four Units Apt. PROPERTY SIZE: 7,000 sq. ft. ACCOMMODATION: Two bedrooms each with one bathroom living/dining room, laundry room, kitchen and balcony. LOCATION: Traveling east along Prince Charles Dr. after passing Colony Village, take the 1st corner on the right, next to Sea Grapes Shopping Plaza on to Jupiter Way. Follow Jupiter Way around the bend to the right and then take a left at the T-junction or 3rd corner to the left, continuing on Jupiter Way. The subject property is the 3rd lot on the left, next to the subdivision park. APPRAISED VALUE: $626,000
FOR SALE
INTERESTED PARTIES SHOULD CONTACT: SHERRY THURSTON: 397-6510 OR 376-1343 / IAN SYMONETTE: 397-6513 OR 397-6940
TOWERS OF CABLE BEACH APARTMENTS LOT NO. 1B PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: Multi family Residence PROPERTY SIZE: 888 sq. ft. ACCOMMODATION: Two bedrooms with closet, one bathroom, bedroom corridor, foyer, living/dining area and kitchen. LOCATION: Traveling west on West Bay Street, two properties after Sandals on the right hand side. APPRAISED VALUE: $260,000
INTERESTED PARTIES SHOULD CONTACT: SHERRY THURSTON: 397-6510 OR 376-1343 / IAN SYMONETTE: 397-6513 OR 397-6940
THE TRIBUNE A BAHAMIAN is among 21 short story writers selected by an international judging panel to be in the running for a global literature prize. The writers – 15 women and six men – come from 16 countries, including, for the first time, Tanzania, Zambia, Malaysia, Cyprus, and Barbados. The youngest is 20, the oldest 80. Bahamian writer Alexia Tolas’ short story “Granma’s Porch” earned her a spot on the Commonwealth
Thursday, April 11, 2019, PAGE 13
ALEXIA TOLAS SHORTLISTED FOR TOP LITERATURE PRIZE
Short Story Prize shortlist. Her story tells the tale of Helana who was abandoned by her father on her grandmother’s porch and later fumbles along the delicate border between adolescence and adulthood, guided by the past traumas of her friends and family and her troubled first love. Ms Tolas was born and raised in The Bahamas.
Her writing explores the intricacies of small-island life, particularly from the female perspective. She draws heavily on local folktales and mythologies in order to convey realities silenced by tradition and trauma. She is a graduate of the former College of the Bahamas and currently teaches Literature. The Commonwealth
Short Story Prize is awarded annually for the best piece of unpublished short fiction from the Commonwealth. It is the only prize in the world where entries can be submitted in Bengali, Chinese, English, Greek, Malay, Portuguese, Samoan, Swahili, Tamil, and Turkish. The shortlist was chosen from 5,081 entries from 50
WRITER Alexia Tolas
Commonwealth countries, and includes two translations into English, one from Greek and one from Malay. Chair of the judges, British novelist Caryl Phillips, said: “These authors have dared to imagine into the lives of an amazingly wide range of characters and their stories explore situations that are both regional and universal.”
TEACHER NEGOTIATIONS TO BEGIN THIS MONTH By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
BUT president Belinda Wilson another reason why teachers needed a raise. Back then, Mr Lloyd also said the ministry was working on a counter-proposal. However, he said, BUT’s demands had to be contextualised with the requests of other unions, adding that for too long issues like these have been one-sided. He said the country needed to move to a point where accountability is also factored into union negotiations. Nonetheless, he said, the raise could only be considered as far as the country’s finances allowed.
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as the union prepared to present the government with a letter demanding a response within seven days. In January, The Tribune reported that the union’s proposed industrial agreement featured a 20 percent pay increase over three years among other demands. Teachers, Mrs Wilson insisted at the time, deserved this raise as they serve in a profession that requires a bachelor’s degree prior to permanent employment at the entry level. The union leader said a higher cost of living is
WEST WINDS ESTATES LOT NO. 3 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: Single Family Residential PROPERTY SIZE: 6,047 sq. ft. ACCOMMODATION: Split level house consisting of three bedrooms with walk-in closets, three bath, living room, dining room, family room, laundry, kitchen with custom wooden cabinetry and granite counter tops, front entrance porch and two car garage. LOCATION: Traveling west on West Bay Street, turn left into main entrance of West Winds (gated community) then traveling south turn 1st corner right, traveling west subject property is the 2nd on the right. APPRAISED VALUE: $548,000
INTERESTED PARTIES SHOULD CONTACT: SHERRY THURSTON: 397-6510 OR 376-1343 / IAN SYMONETTE: 397-6513 OR 397-6940
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BAHAMAS Union of Teachers is expected to begin negotiations over a new industrial agreement with the Ministry of Education in two weeks, according to BUT president Belinda Wilson. After what seemed to be a lengthy delay, the union received a counter proposal from the ministry last week, Mrs Wilson told The Tribune. Negotiations in this regard will begin April 25. Mrs Wilson said yesterday the counter proposal did not deviate much from the proposal submitted by the BUT. She said teachers across the country are anxiously awaiting the start of the discussions and hoping for a favourable outcome. If the negotiations do start on April 25, it would mark nearly one year since the BUT presented its version of a new agreement to the ministry. This happened on June 20, 2018. Late last month, Education Minister Jeff Lloyd said the formal talks with the union would begin in days. He made the comment
MARKET STREET PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: Two Storey Commercial Building PROPERTY SIZE: 4,600 sq. ft. ACCOMMODATION: The ground floor comprises of upholstery and furniture making store with reception area, one office, display area, manufacturing area and restroom (currently being occupied by a church). The 1st (first) floor comprises of two, two bedroom apartments, and one bathroom apartment, each with one bathroom, living/dining room and kitchen. LOCATION: Traveling north along Market Street from Wulff Road, come to the 5th corner on the left (Brougham Street). The subject is the 2nd lot on the left. A two storey building painted white. Building #156 APPRAISED VALUE: 278,000.00
INTERESTED PARTIES SHOULD CONTACT: SHERRY THURSTON: 397-6510 OR 376-1343 / IAN SYMONETTE: 397-6513 OR 397-6940
PAGE 14, Thursday, April 11, 2019
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NETANYAHU SET FOR FIFTH TERM AS RIVAL CONCEDES
FIRST IMAGE OF A BLACK HOLE IS REVEALED WASHINGTON Associated Press IN A breakthrough that thrilled the world of astrophysics and stirred talk of a Nobel Prize, scientists released the first image ever made of a black hole, revealing a fiery doughnut-shaped object in a galaxy 53 million light-years from Earth. The image shows light and gas swirling around the lip of a supermassive black hole, a monster of the universe theorised by Einstein more than a century ago and confirmed by observations over the decades. Supermassive black holes are situated at the centre of most galaxies, including ours, and are so dense that nothing, not even light, can escape their gravitational pull.
JERUSALEM Associated Press
THIS image, released yesterday from data gathered by a network of radio telescopes around the world, shows a black hole.
Disaster averted as EU agrees to Brexit delay BRUSSELS Associated Press AS IF Brexit hadn’t spooked Britain and the European Union enough over the past three years, the two sides agreed early today to extend the deadline until October 31. The new cutoff date averts a precipitous and potentially calamitous Brexit that had been scheduled for tomorrow. “Please, do not waste this time,” European Council President Donald Tusk pleaded. He said the EU was giving Britain six more months “to find the best possible solution” to its Brexit impasse. Like many things related to Brexit, the extension was a messy compromise. May came to an emergency summit in Brussels seeking to postpone Britain’s
departure from the EU until June 30. Some European leaders favored a longer extension, while French President Emmanuel Macron was wary of anything but a very short delay. Leaders of the 27 remaining EU member states met for more than six hours over a dinner of scallop and cod before settling on the end of October, with the possibility of an earlier Brexit if Britain ratifies a withdrawal agreement. May said the possibility of leaving before the deadline was a key request of hers. “I continue to believe we need to leave the EU, with a deal, as soon as possible,” she told reporters. She noted that if UK lawmakers back her Brexit deal, Britain could still leave by June 30 — the Brexit deadline she had
FRENCH President Emmanuel Macron,left, greets British Prime Minister Theresa May. requested from the bloc — and possibly as soon as May 22, which would release Britain from having to participate in elections for the European Parliament. Afterward, the French president said he was satisfied with the outcome. “We did the best possible compromise to preserve
the unity of the 27 (other EU members) because we have left the United Kingdom more time to deliver a deal,” Macron said. Tusk said that during the extension Britain “will continue its sincere cooperation as a full member state, with all its rights, and as a close friend and
trusted ally in the future.” Economists and business leaders have warned that a no-deal Brexit would lead to huge disruptions in trade and travel, with tariffs and customs checks causing gridlock at British ports and possible shortages of goods. A disorderly Brexit would hurt EU nations, as well as Britain, and all want to avoid it — but there’s little agreement about how. Now, the battle begins in Britain over what to do with the extra time. All options from a no-deal Brexit to a general election to no Brexit at all remain on the table. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said the time had come for Britain to decide what it wants. “We’re giving them a very long time to take a decision,” he said. “You know, the European Union is not a prison. Nobody has to stay but it is also a home and we are not going to kick anyone out.” For more on Brexit - see Business
PRIME Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s main rival conceded defeat yesterday, promising to wage a robust battle from the opposition after the ruling Likud party and its nationalist allies won a solid majority in parliamentary elections. Netanyahu appeared poised for a historic fifth term as prime minister with nearly all the ballots counted from Tuesday’s vote. With 97.4% of the vote counted, Netanyahu’s Likud and the rival Blue and White were deadlocked with a projected 35 seats apiece in the 120-seat parliament. But Likud and its traditional political allies were in command of a 65-55 majority in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. A couple of small parties were still teetering on the electoral threshold and fighting for survival, so the final makeup of the next parliament could still change slightly. Blue and White, led by former military chief of staff Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid, a former Netanyahu Cabinet minister, got about 26% of the vote — a shade less than Netanyahu’s Likud.
SHORTAGES ON WAY, CASTRO WARNS CUBANS HAVANA Associated Press COMMUNIST Party leader Raúl Castro warned Cubans yesterday that they should brace for worsening shortages due to Trump administration policies, but said the island won’t return to the extreme deprivation of the post-Soviet period. In his first speech to the nation in more than three months, Castro said that US pressure on Venezuela and Cuba could lead to serious shortages increasing sharply in coming months. It has become hard to find basic goods such as chicken, cooking oil, eggs and flour in Cuba this year, due largely to a lack of hard currency to buy imported goods or equipment to process domestic products.
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Thursday, April 11, 2019, PAGE 15
40 HAITIANS HELD AFTER SLOOP RUNS AGROUND from page one
A subsequent statement from the Department of Immigration noted officials were told a vessel had ran aground near Little Inagua with possible people on board. Officials also noted that a further search of the island and surrounding area led to the apprehension of the migrants — 32 males, seven females and one minor — all of whom appeared to be in good health. The migrants were taken into custody and transported to Mathew Town, Inagua where they were
turned over to Department of Immigration officials for further processing. With this latest apprehension, over 300 Haitian migrants have been apprehended by the RBDF across several separate incidents, according to the force’s records. To close out last year, the RBDF apprehended 124 Haitian migrants after a 40-ft sloop was discovered roughly eight miles south of New Providence. Just days later, the RBDF opened 2019 with the apprehension of 54 Haitian migrants after stopping and searching a
conventional sailing yacht near the entrance of Man O War Cay, Marsh Harbour, Abaco on January 3. Those apprehension were followed by a third incident where 108 Haitian migrants were found on Saturday, January 5, and another 64 in the Exuma chain on Saturday, February 16. These numbers do not reflect apprehensions by other law enforcement agencies this year. Conversely, the Department of Immigration has processed, prosecuted and deported of hundreds of Haitian nationals in recent months.
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